DID YOU KNOW that May 23rd is World Turtle Day, a global observance to help celebrate and protect turtles and tortoises and their disappearing habitats?
On the island of Dominica, the annual sea turtle season is under way in an ancient ritual that dates back to the time of dinosaur and hundreds of endangered sea turtles travel thousands of miles to lay eggs on the protected beach at Rosalie Bay.
During this special time, guests at eco-boutique Rosalie Bay Resort can participate in conservation efforts and save 33% on 4 or more night stays.
Among the conservation activities offered, you can:
Join resort turtle expert for a guided educational walk along the beach.
Help patrol the beach to protect nesting turtles.
Assist researchers in collecting data or watching as they relocate nests that are too close to the ocean to the turtle hatchery.
Or, be “on call” for when baby sea turtles hatch and begin their journey.
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".
River rafting. Sun salutations. Mother Nature. Wallet-friendly savings. Women looking for a restorative summer adventure will appreciate this women-only, yoga-focused rafting trip down the Green River through Utah’s Desolation Canyon with Holiday River Expeditions.
Whether you are new to rafting, new to yoga, new to the outdoors or looking for a new girlfriend getaway, this June 2 - 6, 2014 trip welcomes women of all abilities and ages.
The deal:
Book by April 30, 2014 and receive $150 off.
Why go
Not your standard yoga retreat for the uber-fit, this wellness vacation is designed for ALL women including those who struggle with weight, arthritis, chronic pain, sports injuries, MS, aging or mobility related issues. Leading the yoga will be Deanna English, a registered nurse, yoga therapist, and integrative health coach.
What to expect
Rafting splashy rapids that build in intensity each day. Big beach camps with plenty of room for yoga. Excellent inflatable kayaking opportunities. Dramatic canyon scenery. Great hiking. Plenty of down time. Fresh delicious meals. Scenic flight.
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".
Spring may be right around the corner, but in Estes Park, CO., located adjacent to Rocky Mountain National Park, winter is far from over. And unlike pricey, hard to access ski towns, in Estes Park, an easy 90-minute drive from Denver, off-peak prices make for some of the best winter deals in the Rocky Mountains.
Here are 4 discounted winter sport packages still available for a last minute winter getaway:
Estes Park Outfitters offers private, customizable snowcat adventures with accommodations at the exclusive, luxurious High Mountain Cabin – inaccessible outside of the package.
Snowcat Overnight Package, Estes Park, CO
DEAL (Save $350): A private two-hour snowcat adventure, a chef-prepared dinner, a one night stay and breakfast. Adventures can be customized to include private cross-country or back-country skiing.The package is available while weather permits. Rates start at $695 a night for up to four people.
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".
Here’s a new small ship Alaska cruise with wallet-friendly savings from one of my favorite travel companies…
Book a 2014 Alaska voyage with Un-Cruise Adventures aboard their new 88-guest S.S. Legacy by February 28, 2014 and receive adventure savings up to $600 per couple.
S.S. Legacy, Un-Cruise Adventures.
Un-Cruise Adventures’ new replica coastal steamer S.S. Legacy sails back through history bringing alive the stories and characters from Alaska’s Gold Rush. The S.S. Legacy sails with crew in period costume and a team of Heritage guides charged with bringing characters and events from history alive through skits, impromptu vignettes, presentations and strolls on deck. Shoreside tours to points of historical interest are included. On board, guests enjoy the ambiance of an elegant coastal steamer with modern conveniences. Public spaces include an elegant Klondike Dining Room, Grand Salon with dance floor, wine bar and rollicking Pesky Barnacle Saloon. Wellness amenities include two hot tubs, sauna, massage room, fitness equipment and yoga on deck.
From June 15 through August 17, 2014 ten departures of a new Alaska’s Golden History cruise bring the Klondike Gold Rush alive. The weeklong cruise visits Wrangell, Petersburg, Sitka, Glacier Bay National Park, Haines and Skagway; Frederick Sound and Icy Strait are prime whale watching territory. An 11-night Gold Rush Legacy cruise between Seattle and Juneau (and reverse) will be offered in June and August.
Highlights include guided tours in port, whale watching, viewing glaciers in Glacier Bay, discovering native Tlingit culture and exploring scenic waterways by coastal steamer.
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".
I’m not a fan of consumer holidays. I am a fan of affordable travel, however. So, if a Colorado ski break, an Italian hiking holiday, or an all-inclusive Mexico beach escape is on your travel wish list, here are four Cyber Monday travel deals to help you save big.
COLORADO SKI BREAK
The deal: Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort and Spa, located in the heart of Beaver Creek at the base of one of Colorado’s most celebrated mountain resorts, is offering Cyber Monday savvy-shoppers a free night stay and a free day of skiing! Those who book the Ski Free, Stay Free offer can enjoy an extra night as well as an extra day on the slopes. In addition, those who book on December 2 will receive a slope side view upgrade based on availability. This deal represents a 20% savings on accommodations and savings of $200 for skiing.
How to save: To make reservations for this four-night stay, visit http://beavercreek.hyatt.com/en/hotel/offers/offer-detail.html?offerId=52910544 and use promo code CYBER. Offer is valid for stays between December 3-20 and throughout select dates in 2014. Please check the terms and conditions for availability.
To make reservations for this four-night stay, please visit http://beavercreek.hyatt.com/en/hotel/offers/offer-detail.html?offerId=52910544 and use promo code CYBER. Offer is valid for stays between December 3-20 and throughout select dates in 2014. Please check the terms and conditions for availability.
ITALIAN HIKING HOLIDAY
The deal: REI Adventures, a leading adventure tour company, is offering a Cyber Monday deal on its classic Cinque Terre Hiking trip in Italy. Guests who book this trip on December 2, 2013 will receive $700 off any 2014 departure of the trip, a 20% discount. The trip is a stunning tour by foot through the five picturesque fishing villages dotting the Mediterranean Coast of Italy. Guests will hike along dramatic views of the coastline, through chestnut and pine forests and past a 16th century naval fortress – all the while enjoying the region’s renowned wines, gastronomy and relaxed seaside culture.
How to save: Trips can be booked at www.rei.com/adventures (FYI the last time REI Adventures offered a discount was for their 25th anniversary, which was in April 2012.)
MEXICO ALL-INCLUSIVE BEACH ESCAPE
Barceló Hotels & Resorts
The deal: Barceló Hotels & Resorts specializes in all-inclusive resort experiences found in the world’s most desirable locales. The brand’s two multi-resort mega complexes, Barceló Bávaro and Barceló Maya, are characteristic of Barceló’s high quality service and endless entertainment options. Catering to online travel consumers, the brand is offering a 40% discount on stays with a three-night minimum.
How to save: Reservations must be made on Monday, December 2 though the savings is valid for travel throughout 2014, blackout dates may apply. To book, visit http://www.barcelo.com/BarceloHotels/en_GB/offers/cybermonday-deals.aspx.
Sandos Hotels & Resorts
The deal: Sandos Hotels & Resorts is offering up to 50% off at one of Sandos’ four all-inclusive Mexico resorts. The brand’s Mexico collection includes: Sandos Caracol Eco Experience Resort and Sandos Playacar Beach Experience Resort, both in Riviera Maya; and Sandos Cancun Luxury Experience Resort in Cancun. Sandos Finisterra Los Cabos is the fourth and newest Mexico property in the collection, which opened May 2013. Only available for booking on Cyber Monday, December 2, 2013. Valid for travel in 2014; blackout dates may apply.
How to save: To book, visit www.sandos.com, select the Sandos Mexico hotel of choice and then click on the special offers tab at the top of the hotel landing page.
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".
If you’re like me, always on the lookout for last minute travel savings, this 30% off deal in Chilean Patagonia might be just the ticket for an October adventure.
Why go:
With high season officially beginning in November, the month of October is an ideal time to travel to Patagonia in order to avoid the crowds, but take advantage of the improving weather.
Trip highlights include hiking along the world famous W Route in Torres del Paine National Park, witnessing the birth of icebergs as they calve away from the Grey Glacier, encountering guanacos, pink flamingos, and condors in their natural habitat, and sleeping in tented domes at a luxury eco-camp.
photo courtesy BikeHike Adventures.
The Offer:
All October 2013 departures for BikeHike Adventures’ On the Trail of Chile’s Patagonia are discounted to $1,799 USD, a savings of up to 30%. The 7-day itinerary offers travelers the chance to hike the famous W Route in Chile’s Torres del Paine National Park. Highlights include the Grey Glacier, the French Valley, the Italian Valley, and the Torres del Paine themselves. Accommodations are in an Eco-Camp with comfortable dome tents that have solar showers and flush toilets as well as in cozy mountain refuges.
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".
Explore Four Islands by Yacht with Un-Cruise Adventures.
My husband and I have sailed with Un-Cruise Adventures (formerly American Safari Cruises) in Alaska and Baja California and we are huge fans of their laid-back style of luxury adventure. With the addition of this new Hawaiian Island itinerary and early-booking savings (read on), I’m very tempted to set sail again. What about you?
What’s New:
Moloka’i takes center stage as the start or end point of Un-Cruise Adventures’ new Hawaii itinerary. A quieter, less-visited island, exclusive cultural activities are included for guests on Moloka’i with the vessel spending an evening at dock to allow for a full day of activities and cultural immersion.
“Moloka’i is like stepping back in time to the Hawaii of yesteryear,” said Dan Blanchard, CEO and principal for Un-Cruise Adventures. “It’s incredibly scenic and values its culture and heritage which we’re proud to be able to share with our guests.”
From November 2013 to April 2014, Un-Cruise Adventures’ 36-guest yacht Safari Explorer explores the Hawaiian islands on a new itinerary sailing one-way between Moloka’i and Hawaii, the Big Island or reverse. Weeklong Luxury Adventure cruises in Hawaii include activities and tours while exploring four islands—Moloka’i, Lana’i, Maui and Hawaii, the Big Island.
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".
Switzerland ranks as one of the prettiest places on the planet. It’s also one of the most expensive. But that doesn’t mean budget travelers have to steer clear. Here are five wallet-friendly summer deals to help you stretch your dollars and expand your fun.
Alpine Summer Switzerland
Better still, discover how you can win a free one-week Swiss summer holiday.
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".
In Celebration of National Parks Week 2013 adventure travel outfitter, Holiday River Expeditions, is offering great deals on several of their National Park biking and rafting trips.
Holiday River Expeditions/Canyonlands National Park.
Book space on select Cataract Canyon Rafting or Combo Cataract Rafting & White Rim Trail Mountain Biking trips by April 26, 2013 and save $200 OFF the Adult Fare.
Or, for the ultimate mountain biking adventure, save $100 OFF the Adult Rate on their White Rim Trail Mountain Biking trip.
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 scent of roasted cumin seeds floating through a Delhi bazaar … a young girl’s bracelets jangling on her arm as she prepares for a festival … Hindu pilgrims descending ghats into the holy Ganges.” Sound tempting?
Overseas Adventure Travel (OAT) invites travelers to discover India for less this year, reducing prices on its popular Heart of India adventure by up to $1100 per person for all August, September and December 2013 departures. In addition, there are no book-by dates and single supplements are 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".
Finally! Savings for Solo Travelers…
Anyone who enjoys traveling alone, or has little choice but to do so, knows that the decision often carries a costly penalty—the dreaded ‘single supplement’, a hefty fee that hotels and travel providers add to trip rates for solo travelers.
I travel solo a lot and know that single supplements, or lack thereof, can make or break my vacation choices. So, I was thrilled to find this Spring getaway at Vancouver Islands’ Long Beach Lodge Resort offering 40% off savings for solo travelers.
The deal: From now until May 31, 2013, Long Beach Lodge Resort, in Tofino, British Columbia, is offering solo travelers 40% off room rates in the Lodge. “Solo Rates” start at $119 Cdn per night plus taxes.
The place: Famous for its iconic Great Room, where guests are welcome to relax and enjoy the incredible views, Long Beach Lodge Resort is home to one of the best surfing beaches in the area. Having celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2012, Long Beach Lodge Resort is set right on the ocean in Cox Bay, Tofino, BC, and provides beautifully appointed accommodations in a private, wild Pacific West Coast setting. The resort offers 41 lodge rooms, 20 two-bedroom cottages and a full service dining room, the Surf Club and Adventure Centre, fitness room, outdoor hot tub, as well as meeting space and instant beach access. For more information, visit www.longbeachlodgeresort.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".
Highlights of this extraordinary adventure include three nights in the Selous Game Reserve- the largest reserve in Africa - and a stay at the luxury Serena Mivumo Lodge overlooking Steiglers Gorge, with game activities during the day including sundowners along the mighty Ruaha and Rufiji Rivers- where explorer’s caravans were likely to have once camped for the evening.
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".
ESCAPE WINTER CHILL WITH GREEN SEASON BOTSWANA SAFARI
Save up to 30% on this 6-night Green Season safari, with rates starting at $3,400 per person including accommodations, domestic flights, meals, game drives and more
Extraordinary Journeys Africa, specialists in luxury bespoke safaris to Africa, is offering an opportunity to trade in the winter chill for an escape to Botswana from November 2012 to March 2013.
During this 6-night safari, visitors will experience breath-taking green landscapes, thousands of animals in the wild caring for their newborn young and millions of birds migrating. With about an hour of rain each day, this “green season” typically attracts fewer tourists, which means a more intimate experience and warm temperatures all at rates that are 30% lower than their peak.
Pricing for this adventure is $3,400 per person for a 6-night stay in Botswana for travel between November 10, 2012 and March 20, 2013*. To receive a quote for dates between December 20, 2012 and January 10, 2013, please contact Extraordinary Journeys.
A 50% discount is available for children 6 to 14 sharing a family room with parents, making this a great option for a family trip over the upcoming holiday and February school breaks.
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".
Trade your scarves and shovels this fall and winter for balmy breezes and palm-fringed shorelines with a tropical getaway to the Caribbean and Costa Rica aboard a glorious tall ship. On select seven-night sailings from November through March aboard all three Star Clipper ships, guests can take advantage of exceptional savings and book a SetSail cruise-only rate starting at just $1,299 per person, double occupancy. That represents 66 percent off brochure rates.
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".
We cruised the Galapagos with Ecoventura earlier this year and loved it. If the famed islands are on your travel wish list, check out this budget-friendly travel deal…
Book a Galapagos Yacht Cruise by Aug. 31st for Travel in 2012 or 2013 and save.
Sally lightfoot crab, the Galapagos Islands. ©Ellen Barone.
Environmentally friendly Galapagos cruise company, Ecoventura, is offering a special ten percent discount on some seasonal departure dates through mid-December 2012. In addition, guests booking a trip now for 2013 (excluding holiday weeks) can lock in 2012 cruise rates. This promotion can also be combined with a 5 percent Early Bird discount for selected departure dates 180 days out from booking date.
The 2012 seasonal departures that apply are July 29-Aug. 5, Aug 19-26, Sept. 2-9, Sept. 16-23, Sept. 23-30, Sept. 30-Oct. 7, Oct. 21-28, Nov. 4-11, Nov. 18-25, Dec. 2-9 and Dec. 9-16.
Seven-night/eight-day cruise rates start at $3,550 per person, double occupancy before any discounts are applied. Additional discounts are available for children. All cruises run Sunday to Sunday.
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".
Advance planning for a winter escape to warmer climes pays off for travelers booking an un-cruise adventure with American Safari Cruises. The line is offering travel credits of $500 per couple on its yacht in the Hawaiian Islands or $300 per couple in Mexico’s Sea of Cortés aboard the newest addition to the fleet, the Safari Endeavour.
The 86-guest Safari Endeavour will spend its first winter exploring wildlife rich Sea of Cortés on weeklong Baja’s Bounty expeditions roundtrip La Paz, Baja, Mexico. Transfers are included from either Los Cabos or La Paz airports. Highlights include snorkeling with sea lions, water sports activities, and viewing dolphins and whales. Guests making a new reservation by September 30, 2012 receive a $300 travel credit per couple.
The 36-guest Safari Explorer embarks on its second season of Hawaiian Islands cruises sailing seven-night inclusive Hawaiian Seascapes adventures between Hawaii, the Big Island and Lana’i with two days of activities on Moloka’i. Flexible yacht itineraries focus on the leeward side of the eastern-most Hawaiian Islands. A $500 travel credit per couple is offered on Hawaii sailings. Both travel credit offers are for new bookings made by September 30, 2012 for travel November 2012- April 2013.
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".
Keep it all in the family this summer with Nature Air and Cayuga Sustainable Hospitality Family Travel Package.
From young eco-minded adventurers to more senior explorers who like a little pampering, Costa Rica has what it takes to cater to multi-generational families looking for more bang for their buck. During the Green Season (May to December) kids 12 years and under fly for free on any of Nature Air’s 74 daily flights to 15 destinations across the country, AND stay and eat for free at some of the top eco-luxury accommodations in Central America.
Partnering with Cayuga Sustainable Hospitality, a company that manages a number of Earth-friendly lodges, hotels and inns in the Central American region, carbon-neutral Nature Air allows families to economically combine city stays with rainforest adventures, mountain and beach getaways for this summer’s vacation in one of the most popular eco-tourism destinations in the world.
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".
I’ve got a serious crush on our National Parks and now, Holiday River Expeditions, for choosing to celebrate National Park Week by making it easier, and cheaper, for travelers to enjoy one of their National Park rafting and biking adventures this summer.
Where Canyonlands National Park and Dinosaur National Monument.
Why go Ultimate access to the hidden treasures of our national parks.
The experience Adventure, exhilaration, natural history, kids activities, delicious meals, impeccable gear and expert guides.
Deal details Book select Cataract Canyon Rafting, Combo Cataract Rafting & White Rim Trail Mt Biking, Yampa River or Combo Yampa Bike & Raft trips and save $200 OFF the Adult Fare. Or if you just want the ultimate mountain biking adventure you can save $100 OFF the Adult Rate on their White Rim Trail Mt Biking trip. National Parks Week Special Ends April 27, 2012.
For booking and information, visit http://www.bikeraft.com/great-deals/
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".
Hit the slopes and save with these late season package deals from resorts in some of North America’s top ski destinations.
Perfect for spring breakers looking to save on lodging and lift tickets.
1. Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort and Spa, Avon, Colorado - With the Sunshine on Sale package, make a reservation before April 15, 2012, at Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort and Spa and get an extra night of luxurious accommodations for FREE at the magnificent chateau-style Vail resort.
2. Four Seasons Resort Jackson Hole, Wyoming – The luxurious ski-in/ski-out Four Seasons Resort in Wyoming’s Teton Mountains features world-class dining, full-service spa retreat, unforgettable service & signature amenities, along with incredible access to epic ski terrain & winter adventures. With their Ski Jackson Hole package, guests booking a minimum of two night stay at the resort will receive daily lift tickets for two
3. Four Seasons Resort Whistler, British Columbia, Canada – With easy access to the slopes at Whistler Blackcomb, featuring exceptional dining experiences, lively après ski scene, a rejuvenating spa & endless outdoor adventures, the Four Seasons Resort Whistler is offering free daily lift tickets for two with their Ski Whistler Package. Minimum of two nights stay at the resort required.
4. Destination® Hotels & Resorts Mountain Collection – Save up to 40% off your stay at select properties within the DH&R mountain collection, including Aspen, Snowmass, Squaw Valley, Stowe Mountain, Tahoe, Telluride and Vail. The sale is exclusive to Destination Delivers loyalty program members, which is free to join.
About Ellen Barone: Consumer travel expert Ellen Barone is the founder and publisher of EllenBarone.com and YourLifeIsATrip.com. Learn more here and connect on Twitter at,Facebook, Google+ and LinkedIn.
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".
Last minute deal for an African Safari? No single supplement? Too good to be true?
Wildland Adventures offers amazing deal for green season safari to Zambia
For travelers who can pack their bags and take advantage of last minute deals, Wildland Adventures is offering a six-night green season safari to Zambia for just US$2995.00 per person with no single supplement for single travelers, a savings of more than $1,000 per person. The one caveat is that travel must take place prior to March 31, 2012.
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".