“I’d love a vacation, but I just can’t afford it.”
I hear this often. I’ve said it myself. But even as the words are rolling off my lips, I know it’s a lie.
Do I really need $4 lattes? 700 TV channels? Another pair of shoes?
Could I pay my monthly bills with an airline credit card and use points to fly free?
Are there off-season deals, vacation packages, or wallet-friendly destinations I’m not considering?
Talk to travelers - wealthy and not, employed and unemployed, boomers and backpackers - and more than likely they’ll tell you that saving for travel is easier than you think.
Think you can’t afford to travel? Think again. Check out these insider tips in my recent article: 5 Ways to Save For Your Next Vacation.
Better yet, how do you save for travel? Share your advice below.
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".
Beach Destinations On Sale Now!
Dozens of picture perfect destinations are on sale right now. Book airfare for your beach retreat on American Airlines and turn up the heat this fall!
Hurry, these sale fares must be purchased by September 15, 2009.
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".
Do you slave away 50-weeks-a-year dreaming about the 2-week ski vacation, cruise, beach holiday, or trip to the islands you’re going to take only to discover that getting out of town isn’t really affordable? Well maybe it is more affordable than you think!
I recently discovered this ebook jammed packed this book with 150 pages of in-depth information about making your dream trips a reality by teaching you how to make any trip affordable, and how to plan so that you can travel more than you ever thought possible.
Divided into three sections, the first part of the book uncovers the secrets to affordable travel; the second part teaches you how to be your own travel planner; and part three shows you how to find the best deals on airfares, cruises, car rentals, trains, buses, hotels, hostels and more. It even gives you a section on how you can stay all over the world for free!
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".
DIVE THE DEPTHS OF ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES WITHOUT GIVING BUDGETS THE BENDS
photo courtesy Dive St. Vincent
Dive St. Vincent and Mariners Hotel Launch “Summer/Fall Dive Special” With More Dives and a Bonus Hotel Night for Less
Dive St. Vincent and Mariners Hotel in St. Vincent beckon cost-conscious travelers to explore this diver’s mecca with their enhanced “7 Nights/10 Dives” package featuring special savings of US$106 per diver. The best value “Summer/Fall Dive Special” package is only US$999 per person and includes two extra dives at no cost, plus the 8th night free. Offer valid for travel through November 30.
Dive St. Vincent is the only dive shop in St. Vincent and the Grenadines that specializes in critters. In fact, the owner and PADI & NAUI certified instructor, Bill Tewes, is the very person who put St. Vincent on the critter diving map of the world. Joining Bill at the dive shop is another PADI instructor and two NAUI certified dive masters who offer full certification courses for ages eight and up, advanced open water excursions for diving connoisseurs, and the introductory “learn to scuba dive” lesson for novices. For more information, visit www.DiveStVincent.com or call 1 (784) 457-4928.
Mariners Hotel is a beachfront boutique property, situated on the pristine Villa Beach. Its 21 guest rooms that are decorated in vibrant Caribbean colors all feature private balconies and air-conditioning. Following a strenuous day of diving, the French Verandah Restaurant, conveniently located on the property of Mariners Hotel, serves superb French cuisine with Caribbean flair. For more information, visit www.marinershotel.com or call 1 (800) 223-1108.
Dive St. Vincent and Mariners Hotel’s “Summer/Fall Dive Special” is US$999 per person, for travel through November 30, and includes: 12 dives with Dive St. Vincent; 8 nights at Mariners Hotel, including daily full breakfast; and roundtrip airport transfers. For more information or bookings, please e-mail bill2s@DiveStVincent.com or call 1 (784) 457-4928.
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".
Travel to Various Destinations with Fares as Low as $39*
AirTran Airways has launched another great sale for travel to all of the airline’s destinations with fares starting as low as $39*.
Sale fares are available for purchase through July 28, 2009, and are good for travel through December 16, 2009. Lowest fares are valid for travel on Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday and 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:
Check Out These Sample Fares: Off-Peak Peak
Allentown/Bethlehem - Ft. Lauderdale $64 $64
Asheville, NC - Orlando $44 $44
Atlanta - Akron/Canton $59 $89
Atlanta - Cancun $79 $109
Atlanta - Charlotte $39 $59
Atlanta - Houston $69 $99
Atlanta - Los Angeles $119 $159
Atlanta - Minneapolis/St. Paul $74 $104
Atlanta - Orlando $59 $89
Baltimore/Washington (BWI) - Boston $39 $49
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".
With summer fast approaching, many travelers are itching to find the ultimate in entertainment with a theme park vacation. Don’t let a hurting economy and expensive entrance fees stand in the way. Discover 10 of the country’s top theme parks that offer summer fun on a reasonable budget.
Source: SmarterTravel.com
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".
Variety Cruises’ last-minute sales to Greece are perfect for savvy summer vacation shoppers waiting for the best deals to roll out. And airfare finds to Greece make it an enticing season to travel.
Here are three great reasons to set sail and cheer “Opa!”.
CLASSICAL GREECE:
Summer Offer: $750 reduction per person; two free nights at a four-star Athens hotel (room only); free ½ day sightseeing tour of Athens. Starting at $1,540 per person, per week.
Perfect for first-timers to Greece! Discover the best of the Aegean Islands, Crete and Continental Greece with seven nights on the fabulous Harmony V or G mega yachts. Available for select sailings through October 30, 2009.
AEGEAN ODYSSEY:
Summer Offer: $750 reduction per person; two free nights at a four-star Athens hotel (room only); free ½ day sightseeing tour of Athens. Starting at $1,540 per person, per week.
Seven nights on the mega yacht Harmony G or Harmony V in the breathtaking Cycladic Islands, including sites of Kusadasi, Ephessus and the lesser known island gems of Patmos and Samos. Available for select sailing dates through October 16, 2009.
JEWELS OF THE CYCLADES:
Summer Offer: $300 reduction per person on select sailings. Starting at $1,150 per person, per week.
This thrilling cruise heads southeast of mainland Greece on the M/S Galileo through a collection of off-the-beaten-path islands, including Poros, Kimolos, Santorini, Paros, Mykonos, Kea and Sounion. Available for select sailing dates through October 23, 2009.
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".
Check out this new stay-n-shop promotion from Orbitz…
Stay 2 nights at Renaissance Hotels and get a $50 Nordstrom gift card
Reward your sense of style and get a $50 Nordstrom gift card when you book 2+ nights (Thursday – Sunday) at participating Renaissance Hotels and Resorts.
Book and travel by May 25th, 2009.
Learn more
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".
Are you experiencing an unexplained urge to save? Each week the gang at Orbitz.com compile their ten best travel deals from their site to help put you on the path to travel wellbeing. Here’s what’s on tap this week. Enjoy!
Flights for $200 or less round-trip
Actual fares are updated daily and include all taxes and fees
Christmas and Hanukkah flight deals
Secure your seats now for the busy holiday travel season!
American Airlines: Holiday flights on sale!
Hurry and book by Wednesday, 11/26!
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".
The offer is valid for travel from Nov. 17, 2008 to Jan. 31, 2009 at Rosen Hotels & Resorts four Orlando leisure properties - Quality Inn International, Rodeway Inn International, Quality Inn Plaza and Comfort Inn Lake Buena Vista.
Adding to the allure of fall and winter travel to Orlando, the “Orlan-Dough Mega Value Pack” coupon book provides a combined value of more than $3,000 in money-saving offers from the following:
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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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".
From Sedona to one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, Arizona’s scenery is nothing short of spectacular.
Join Austin Adventures - Adventure Travel and climb Red Butte for 360-degree views of Grand Canyon National Park; trek deep into the canyon, descending through 40 million years of geological time; marvel at the rock art of the Wupatki ruins and stop for shopping in Sedona’s Tlaquepaque village. By night, savor festive Southwestern cuisine before slipping off to dreamland in the comfort of your deluxe lodge or luxury campsite.
Value Promise:
“On this special itinerary you’ll enjoy all the action, surprising luxury, expert care and over-the-top service that we’ve built our reputation upon - at an unprecedented price! By utilizing a deluxe camp near the rim of the Grand Canyon for three nights before moving to a sumptuous lodge high above Sedona for the last two, we’ve created one of our most value-packed offerings yet.” – Dan Austin, Co-Founder and Director
Arizona: Grand Canyon & Sedona High Desert Country Adventure – Click Here for more information
Prices:
All inclusive at $1,798 per adult ($250 single supplement)
2009 6 Day/5 Night Trip Dates:
March 29-April 3, April 26-May 1, October 18-23, October 25-30
Source: Trusted Adventures (http://www.trustedadventures.com)
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".
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
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".
Travelers Can Save up to 70% on Hotel Alternative Accommodation in Major Cities
The new Roomorama.com invites holiday travelers to cozy up with affordable alternatives to pricy hotels in New York City, Boston, Chicago and Toronto. The peer-to-peer Online resource facilitates short-term room/apartment/home rentals with a streamlined, secure booking process. And with up to 70% savings from hotel prices, users have more to spend on holiday gatherings and gifts!
Travelers journeying to New York can join the biggest New Year’s party on the planet in Times Square, or Boston’s Official Tree Lighting Ceremony in the park on December 4. Toronto’s Cavalcade of Lights illuminates the city’s official Christmas tree and its spirits on November 29 and Chicago’s New Year’s Eve Fireworks over Monroe Harbor can’t be missed.
Holiday travel is within reach with Roomorama.com, saving users big bucks in the process. Average savings for users are reflected below:
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".
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
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".
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.
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".
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.
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".
NEW LOWER WINTER FARE TO ISRAEL FROM NEW YORK AND 5 MORE CITIES
Purchase Date Extended for Existing Promotions from all over the USA
EL AL, Israel’s national airline, is announcing a newly reduced roundtrip economy class fare to Israel from New York (JFK/Newark) for travel this December. Special new low fares from Cincinnati, Columbus (Ohio), Houston, Las Vegas and St Louis are also being introduced. In addition, passengers from many other cities in the United States now have more time to purchase existing promotional fares as the date to buy these tickets has been extended. The recently reduced fuel surcharge is included in each fare listed below and all fall/winter promotions must be purchased by October 31st.
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".
Mark your calendars for October 1, 2008. The Leading Hotels of the World commemorates its birth year (1928) and eight decades in hospitality with an 80-minute promotion
Just months after launching one of this year’s most expensive holidays in honor of its 80th anniversary — an epic USD 1 million trip “Around the World” — The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd. turns the tables and embraces its founding year (1928) with an astounding promotion. At 12 noon GMT (8 a.m. EDT/Eastern Daylight Time) on October 1, 2008, the legendary luxury brand will release a limited number of the world’s most-coveted hotel rooms at the unprecedented rate of USD 19.28 per night. For 80 minutes only, consumers will be able to secure the celebratory USD 19.28 rate and experience a myriad of the organization’s iconic members.
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".
The newly renovated Buenaventura Grand Hotel & Spa, located just steps from downtown Puerto Vallarta, debuts its new fall packages with 25% savings off regular rates.
The Fall All-inclusive Package is priced at $100.00 USD per person, per night (based on double occupancy) and includes:
- 4-day/3-night accommodations in a Deluxe Room
- One Gold Star Wrap spa treatment per person
- Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner served at Frutas and Flores buffet restaurant or Rodisso Restaurant an a la carte Brazillian steakhouse.
- Unlimited international and domestic cocktails, beer and wine by the glass
- Mini bar with soft drinks, bottled water and beer (replenished daily)
The Fall European Plan Package is priced at $140.00 USD per room, per night (based on double occupancy) and includes:
- 4-day/3-night accommodations in a Deluxe Room
- One Gold Star Wrap spa treatment per person
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".