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Top 10 Ways to Save on Luxury With Crystal Cruises in 2009

While a Crystal Cruises vacation is inherently loaded with inclusive value, the luxury line is sweetening the cruise savings for 2009 and beyond. From getting there to being there, Crystal’s significant savings promotions range from upgraded and complimentary air travel to family incentives, extended land programs and dollars off.


“This is the broadest scope of savings opportunities we’ve ever offered,” says Bill Smith, senior vice president, sales and marketing. “Even the most affluent travelers are seeking strong value now. Discerning cruisers also place high importance on brand, reputation and consistency of product delivery, which is continually validated by the unprecedented number of consumer and industry awards Crystal has earned in the past year alone.”

The top 10 ways to save in 2009 include:


1. Save Now, Save Later

Guests booking and sailing on any 2009 Europe, transatlantic or Crystal Symphony Asia cruise can realize significant savings on these sailings, and also save 20% on virtually any 2010 voyage, excluding the World Cruise and its segments.

2. Asia Stateroom Upgrades and Penthouse Savings

Crystal is offering complimentary two-category stateroom upgrades and up to $2,000 per person for Penthouse accommodations with Crystal Symphony’s spring cruises in China & Japan and Southeast Asia. The two cruises between Hong Kong and Beijing also feature an inclusive three-night land stay in Beijing.

3. Free One-Way Air with Panama Canal Cruises

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Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".

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Romance on a Budget: Plan a Quickie

The time is right for an affordable Valentine’s Day getaway


As holiday gifts loom on the credit card and the country’s economic woes persist, consumers are seeking inexpensive options for romance on Valentine’s Day.

Good news: The calendar and recent trends of discount travel have aligned to make Valentine’s Day 2009 especially auspicious for a romantic weekend getaway.


This year, Valentine’s Day falls on the same three-day weekend as President’s Day. By choosing a nearby destination, travelers can plan a long-weekend escape without using additional vacation days.

Low gas prices and travel bargains sweeten the deal to help couples stretch their vacation dollars and keep romance in the budget.

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Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".

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Wimco Dining Card Means Savings at St. Barts Restaurants

WIMCO VILLAS TO UNVEIL NEW DINING CARD ON ST. BARTS PROVIDING PREMIUM SAVINGS ON CULINARY ADVENTURES AT ISLAND’S FINEST RESTAURANTS

Sampling the exceptional restaurants on St. Barts will be easier on the wallet in 2009.

Wimco Villas is launching a dining card, available exclusively to its clients, that peels 10 percent off the cost of a meal at a growing list of island restaurants for guests booking a Wimco Villas vacation (villa or hotel) on St. Barts for travel anytime from Jan. 4, 2009 through Dec. 14, 2009.

Restaurants range from the hip beachside Nikki Beach café to the classic Le Gaiac, the Relais & Chateaux centerpiece of Hotel Le Toiny; and from the traditional Wall House to the cutting edge cuisine of Tamarin.

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Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".

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Book a Present for Yourself with AirTran Airways' New Super Sale

Fly Away with Fares as Low as $39*


AirTran Airways announced today a sale for travel with fares starting as low as $39*. Travelers may purchase these sale fares at http://www.airtran.com/ or via AirTran Airways’ reservations system at 1-800-AIR-TRAN. For Spanish, call 1-877-581-9842.


These special fares are available for purchase through December 11, 2008, and are good for travel through March 11, 2009. The lowest sale fares are valid for travel on Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday. Additional sale fares are valid for travel on Monday, Thursday and Friday. Like all AirTran Airways fares, prices included in this sale are available for one-way travel and do not require a roundtrip purchase or an overnight stay.
Following is a sample of the one-way sale fares. All fares are valid in either direction:

Sample Fares: Off-Peak Peak


Atlanta - Baltimore/Washington (BWI) $64 $84
Atlanta - Charleston, SC $39 $59
Atlanta - Columbus, Ohio $59 $79
Atlanta - Ft. Lauderdale $64 $84
Atlanta - Gulfport/Biloxi $39 $59
Atlanta - Los Angeles $129 $149
Atlanta - Milwaukee $74 $94
Atlanta - New York (LaGuardia) $74 $94
Atlanta - Orlando $59 $79
Atlanta - San Juan $99 $119
Atlanta - West Palm Beach $59 $79
Atlanta - Wichita $64 $84
Baltimore/Washington (BWI) - Boston $59 $79
Baltimore/Washington (BWI) - Orlando $78 $98

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Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".

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Take Advantage of Winter Travel Discounts With Travel-Ticker.com

Remember the days when winter vacation meant flying to NY to go ice skating in Central Park, heading on a guys’ trip to Las Vegas, or taking the week off of work to relax on the beach in the Caribbean? In today’s economy, wonderful trips like these seem far-fetched and a thing of the past. However, Barbara Messing of Travel-Ticker.com, home to some of the best insider deals to the world’s favorite destinations, has come up with five easy ways travelers can experience an amazing and affordable winter trip, as long as they are in the know about discounts and ways to save on travel.


“The silver lining of the economic downturn is that there has never been a better time to find a good travel deal,” said Barbara Messing, vice president at Travel Ticker. “On Travel-Ticker.com, we have incredible discounts and deals that fit every consumer’s wish — whether you’re looking for cheap airfare to spend a traditional holiday season visiting grandma, or long for a spontaneous escape to an exotic locale.”

This year’s w-i-n-t-e-r tips include:

1) W — Win in Vegas with a 4-star Strip hotel for $55 per night

Stay at the 4-star Luxor hotel on the Las Vegas Strip for $55 per
night! Vegas experienced a boom over the last seven years as a
Renaissance destination offering exquisite dining and a buzzing
nightlife, but has been hit hard since the economic downturn. This is a
good thing for travelers because in order to entice customers who may
be skittish of vacationing in these economic times, hotels are betting
on discounts and throwing in ‘extras’ of dining, gaming, spa and show.
Travel Ticker has an exclusive: 4-star Palms Vegas resort for $79 a
night that comes with a $50 dining credit. See: http://www.travel-ticker.com/Destination/Las_Vegas

2) I — Imagine Hawaii Flight/Hotel Packages under $700

Yes you can! Hawaii is no longer out of reach. Since some airlines
stopped flying to Hawaii, more hotel rooms have become available and
are offering great opportunities for travelers. On Travel Ticker
there’s currently a 5-night hotel/flight package to Waikiki for only
$682. Knowing that flights alone to Hawaii normally come to $600, these
packages are a great bargain and allow you to stretch your vacation
budget further. Knowing that all of your travel expenses are covered up
front can allow you to enjoy your vacation even more. Right now,
Travel Ticker has many all-inclusive package deals, especially at
luxury resorts.
See PACKAGES: http://www.travel-ticker.com/Type/Packages
See HAWAII: http://www.travel-ticker.com/Destination/Hawaii

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Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".

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Vacation Values in Tough Times

It was once said that the ultimate optimist is an adventure traveler. Never knowing what might be around the bend of a trail, over that forested hill, through the next river canyon or down a dimly-lit cobblestone alley, the adventure spirit keeps us forging on, ready to be amazed and thrilled. No trip is really a bad trip and there’s no time better than the present to start planning and booking the next escape. At Trusted Adventures we know that times are tough, that’s why we’ve put together these great travel values to help you save some money and fuel that inextinguishable wanderlust!

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Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".

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WILDERNESS TRAVEL OFFERS BIG DISCOUNTS ON ADVENTURES IN EUROPE

TRAVELFLASH—U.S. DOLLAR IN DRAMATIC REBOUND AGAINST EURO—ACT NOW TO LOCK IN SAVINGS!

Recent weeks have seen a dramatic increase in the value of the US dollar against the Euro, and Wilderness Travel is passing the savings along to you. Who knows what wil happen with currency values, but if you act now, you can lock in the current favorable rates for a very big discount off our previously published prices—as much as $400 to $700 per person, depending on the trip. This is a limited time offer as the dollar may not maintain this strength for long.

When you sign up on a Europe trip (as well as several non-Europe trips that we pay in Euros), Wilderness Travel will purchase the Euros for your trip the day you book, thus locking in the currency rate for you—and guaranteeing your savings. For trips booked this way, the first deposit ($500) is non-refundable.

Frequent Wilderness Travelers note: you can combine this discount with your usual Toucan Discount for even more savings.

To find out how much you’ll save call 1-800-368-2794, or email info@wildernesstravel.com.


Wilderness Travel
Extraordinary Cultural, Wildlife, and Hiking Adventures Since 1978.
1102 Ninth Street, Berkeley, CA 94710 • 1-800-368-2794
www.wildernesstravel.com

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Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".

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TOP SEASONAL TRAVEL DEALS

For those of you debating whether to hop on that plane or not, travel and luxury lifestyle expert, AMPR’s President & CEO Andria Mitsakos, has rounded up a few of this season’s best vacations for cultural experiences on realistic budgets. Whether it’s in the Caribbean, Mexico or Europe, each is a chance to make your life rich with the worldly experiences of travel.

AMPR’S SEASONAL TRAVEL DEALS

1. JAMAICA’S FREE NIGHTS

The Offer: Island Outpost beats to new rhythms in Jamaica with a 5th-night free offer and rates as low as $95 per night.
Where: Jakes (Treasure Beach), The Caves (Negril), Geejam (Port Antonio) and Strawberry Hill (Blue Mountains).
Details: Travel dates range throughout November and December, and each hotel includes a distinct experience of pampering extras. Among them: complimentary massages; welcome bottle of wine; complimentary roundtrip flights from Kingston to Portland for stay of 7 nights or more (Geejam only); meals, drinks and more! All this in addition to the distinct, hip ambiance Island Outpost’s hotels convey, uniting guests with the local atmosphere.
Get it: Visit www.islandoutpost.com or call 1-800-OUTPOST.

2. ALL-INCLUSIVE IN PUERTO VALLARTA

The Offer: Nab 25% savings with the Buenaventura Fall All-Inclusive package, where rates are just $100 per person, per night (based on double occupancy).
Where: The newly renovated Buenaventura Grand Hotel & Spa, located just steps from lively downtown Puerto Vallarta.
Details: Valid through December 15th, 2008, package includes four days/three nights’ accommodations in a Deluxe Room, one Gold Star Wrap spa treatment per person, in addition to daily breakfast, lunch and dinner with unlimited cocktails, beer and wine. Enjoy the daily-replenished mini-bar! Hotel taxes are also covered.
Get it: Call 1-888-859-9439 or email ventas@hotelesbuenaventura.com.mx.

3. THE MARLEYS’ ROYAL WELCOME

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Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".

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Hotwire's Three Fall Foliage Getaways Under $75

Before we move into the hectic holiday season, now is a good time to take advantage of autumn in America. Clear cool days and nights of the fall season lead to the radiant spectacle of crimson, gold and orange leaves throughout most of the United States.

Here’s a few colorful and affordable destinations from Hotwire.com’s leading travel expert Clem Bason.

Clem recommends the following three fall foliage destinations from Hotwire that will make travelers “ooh and ah”, not just for the eye-popping colors but also the amazing value of the hotel rooms starting under $75 per room per night:

Philadelphia: $59 / 3-star hotel in Philadelphia, Pa.

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Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".

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Early (snow)birds snap up great deals on Whistler ski vacation packages


Winter’s around the corner and if you’re thinking of a ski and snowboard vacation, Whistler is providing plenty of reasons to make your plans sooner rather than later.


Book Early and Save packages offer the best value of the 2008/09 winter season which, if it’s anything like the past two extremely snowy seasons, will be marked with major snowfall totals and excellent skiing and snowboarding at Whistler, one of the world’s top mountain resorts and the official Host Mountain Resort for the 2010 Winter Games.

Booking early means great value. You save up to 35 per cent on accommodations and lift tickets, plus kids 12 and under ski and rent free if you book before November 15. Five-night lodging and four-day lift packages start from $448 per person and seven-night lodging and six-day lift packages start from $640 per person. And you can choose the hotel you want in Whistler Village, with its great restaurants, unique shops and boutiques, and activities for the whole family.

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Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".

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Fixed Dollar Rates for Capital, London


The Capital in London Offers 2009 Fixed Dollar Rates



The Capital Hotel, situated in the heart of Knightsbridge and just steps away from the renowned shopping at Harrods and Harvey Nichols, is offering travelers to London a chance to enjoy all the delights of the city at more affordable prices by offering their Capital Idea fixed-dollar rate for 2009.

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Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".

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Save with New 2009 Little Dix Packages

FOUR NEW YEAR-LONG PACKAGES FOR 2009 UNVEILED BY ROSEWOOD LITTLE DIX BAY

Luxury, Spa, Romance, and Getaway Packages Offer Savings of up to 15%


Rosewood Little Dix Bay on Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands is offering four luxury packages at special prices available January 3 - December 17, 2009. The four packages - The Best of LDB, 5-Night Spa Sojourn, 7-Night Romance Escape, and Simply Little Dix - are the perfect way to experience the resort’s private half-mile crescent beach; superb water sports; Sense, A Rosewood Spa; multiple dining choices; and a program of excursions including the highly popular boat drop-offs at selected Virgin Gorda beaches. All packages are priced based on double occupancy and include full daily breakfast, airport transfers, government taxes and 10% resort fees.  Packages are based on availability; blackout dates apply.

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Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".

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Save With Great Airfares To Europe

Dreaming of the perfect European vacation? Now is the time to make it a reality. For a limited time, American Airlines is offering great fares to London, Paris, Milan and Rome starting at just $223* each way, based on round-trip purchase. Purchase your ticket by October 15, 2008, for travel October 2 through December 15, 2008.

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Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".