In response to the shaky economy, many hotels and destinations are offering worldwide deals to make travel more affordable than ever. The best way to get the global economy back on its feet is to start spending again, and here are a few great travel companies doing their part to help travelers. From Caribbean resorts and Amazon adventures to barging bargains in France and South African safaris, the deals abound.
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".
Nestled on a quiet stretch of sand and the glittering waters of the Gulf of Thailand, Anantara’s Koh Samui resort offers an experience that combines island magic, Thai charm and Anantara style. From now until July 15, 2009, guests can stay four nights for the price of three, starting at $177 (about $132.75 per night) http://samui.anantara.com
Source: Tourism Thailand
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".
Some of the best hotels in Thailand—including the Peninsula and the Banyan Tree in Bangkok; the Four Seasons and the Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi in Chiang Mai; the Rayavadee in Krabi; the Sarojin in Khao Lak; the Library in Koh Samui; and the Zeavola Resort on Phi Phi Island—are currently offering some of the most unbeatable deals on the planet. From amazing discounted rates to free room nights to complimentary value add-ons such as yoga classes and deluxe breakfasts, getting around Thailand this year is more affordable than ever. For more information, visit www.asiaworld-travel.com.
Source: Tourism Thailand
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 now until the end of April, guests can stay at the hot and happening Metropolitan Hotel Bangkok for a special room rate of $99 per night for a City Room (a savings of 62% off the regular rate). The Metropolitan combines a holistic East-West aesthetic with an upbeat, cool atmosphere in the heart of Bangkok. For more info, visit: www.metropolitan.como.bz/bangkok
Source: Tourism Thailand
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".
United Airlines is helping customers spring away this season to cities around the world with special fares and additional deals at participating Marriott(R) properties.
Sample domestic fares on United are each way for travel based on required roundtrip purchase by April 5, 2009 on Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday with travel complete by June 17, 2009. See below or visit united.com for complete terms and conditions.***
Domestic Fares:****
- $89 - Chicago-Seattle
- $49 - Denver-Los Angeles
- $49 - Los Angeles-San Francisco
- $196 - San Francisco-Honolulu
- $159 - Washington Dulles-Los Angeles
Sample international fares on United are each way for travel based on required roundtrip purchase. Purchase and travel completion dates, as well as travel days, vary by region; see below or visit united.com for complete terms and conditions.
International Fares:
- $379 - Chicago-Frankfurt
- $326 - Denver-Hong Kong
- $321 - Los Angeles-London
- $275 - San Francisco-Sydney
- $312 - Washington Dulles-Sao Paulo
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".
- Get Back Into the “Swing” of Things with Fares as Low as $39* -
AirTran Airways today launched a sale for travel to all the airline’s destinations 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 April 9, 2009 and are good for travel through October 30, 2009. Off-peak travel sale fares are valid for travel on Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday. Peak day 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 require a 10-day advance purchase and are valid in either direction:
Sample Fares: Off-Peak Peak
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".
Beachfront Resorts Reward Guests with $75- $250 Credit
Whether seeking an island escape or an eco-adventure, travelers can save on their next getaway with resort credits between $75 and $250 at Hilton Barbados and Hilton Papagayo Costa Rica Resort & Spa. Now through Dec. 31, 2009, the beachfront Hilton Barbados and Hilton Papagayo Costa Rica Resort & Spa are offering special resort credits* for guests staying at least two nights.
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".
Surf’s up in the Aloha State! Hawaii is on sale like never before.
Here are just a few Hawaii deals I’ve found that are available now…
- Hotel Deals from $120
from Travelocity
- Save up to $325 on Hawaiian Packages, from $275 pp
at Priceline.
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".
Ready for a beach vacation this spring? From white sand beaches in Barbados to Mayan ruins in Mexico, Orbitz is offering some hot deals in top Caribbean and Mexico beach destinations.
Sample offers:
Save big during Best of Barbados
Save up to $600 on select 5+ night vacation package bookings through 04/10
$600 OFF
Save up to $200 on Grand Bahama Island vacations
Save $200 off 4+ night vacation packages with promotion code
200GBI through 04/06
$200 OFF
Curacao Now! Save $200 Instantly
Save $200 off 7+ night vacation packages with promotion code CURACAONOW through 05/23
$200 OFF
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".
TOP 10 DEALS — WEEK OF MARCH 23, 2009
Are you experiencing an unexplained urge to save? Each week the experts at Orbitz.com compile the ten best travel deals from their site to help put you on the path to travel wellbeing. Enjoy.
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".
Hey there budget-travelers…
Priceline.com follows Orbitz’s Price Assurance lead in helping travelers get the best possible deals on travel. Starting today Priceline.com is backing up every Flight AND Vacation Package purchase with Free Pricedrop Protection. Book by June 1st and you’ll be automatically covered if prices drop before the trip.
Here’s the deal:
Up to $300 Cash Back if Flight Prices Drop:
If another priceline customer books the same flight for a lower price, they’ll automatically refund the difference in cash…up to $300.
Up to $600 Cash Back if Vacation Package Prices Drop:
If another priceline customer books the same vacation package for a lower price, they’ll automatically refund the difference in cash…up to $600
Source: Priceline.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".
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".
SwellWomen Announces a 2-Day Surf Retreat Pass
I’ve been dreaming of a surf retreat with SwellWomen for years. And, now, with travel to Hawaii such a bargain, this great offer might just tip the travel scales to Maui…
SwellWomen, the original surf and yoga 7- Day retreat exclusively for women located in Maui, Hawaii, announces an all new 2-day Surf Pass that allows women to sample a surf camp without the full week commitment.
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".
Fly Round-Trip From $808+
Now you can fly down under and keep your budget on track too. Qantas is having a spring flight sale to top destinations in Australia and New Zealand. Book today and take off for as low as $808+ round-trip. Dive the Great Barrier Reef, learn to shred the surf, or step off the beaten path in Auckland. Save today.
- Tickets must be purchased by March 16, 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".
Some of the best things in life truly are free, particularly in our national parks. And even those things that aren’t free are still an incredible value, in part because every item with a price tag in every U.S. national park has the approval of the National Park Service.
Here’s a few budget-friendly ideas from National Park concessioner Xanterra Parks & Resorts:
Free experiences:
Spot an owl. Or a bear, elk, wolf, otter, bighorn sheep, pronghorn, coyote, bison or trumpeter swan. The Lamar Valley in the northern part of Yellowstone National Park is often called the “American Serengeti” because of its abundant wildlife. Some good binoculars and a little patience are all you need to observe the wonders of the park’s wildlife. Xanterra also offers a variety of guided wildlife-watching experiences.
Go low. At 282 feet below sea level, Badwater Basin in California’s Death Valley National Park is one of the lowest places in the world. The vast salt flats are typically bone-dry but can turn into a ready-made lake after a big rainstorm. Look up at mountainside sign marking sea level posted well above the Badwater Basin viewpoint. No, up a little higher. Feeling small yet?
Walk in the footsteps of presidents. Six presidents – and Three Stooges – have stayed at Yellowstone’s Old Faithful Inn. It was built for $140,000 in 1904 and is one of the most famous buildings in any national park. A Xanterra historian tells travelers about the inn’s colorful history during free walking tours offered several times a day throughout the summer.
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".
Rosen Hotels & Resorts in Orlando announces today the extension of their special offer for active duty military. In honor of their continued service and commitment to our nation, active, guard and reserve military can enjoy half-price accommodations and half-price food and beverages at Rosen Hotels & Resorts’ four Orlando leisure properties through the end of 2009. The four hotels include Quality Inn International, Rodeway Inn International, Quality Inn Plaza (all three ideally located along International Drive, in the tourist corridor) and Comfort Inn Lake Buena Vista near Walt Disney World.
Rooms at the four Rosen Hotels & Resorts’ leisure properties start from $59.95 (rate is prior to the discount and does not include applicable taxes). This special military rate can be booked online at: www.orlandohotels4less.com\military or by calling 1-877-224-5377. Participants must present a valid military ID and should be active, guard or reserve military. The package is based on availability and is subject to black-out dates. Not valid for groups or conventions. Rates are subject to change.
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 US dollar is worth what? - $1.43 : £ 1.00
More British deals & discounts…
2 for1 special from England’s largest vineyard
Denbies Wine Estate in Surrey is offering 2 for 1 on adult ticket purchases for its Indoor Wine Experience Tour. This deal is valid until June 2009. Said to be the first wine estate in the world to give visitors a look into all aspects of the wine making process, Denbies has a four-diamond rated guesthouse and a Kitchen Garden Centre. For more on this special offer visit http://www.denbiesvineyard.co.uk/.
Source: VisitBritain.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".
Boutique Printer’s Row Property’s Romance Package is Easy on the Wallet, Big On Atmosphere, Luxury and Relaxation
All you need is love – and the charming and elegant atmosphere at Chicago’s Hotel Blake – for a perfect couples’ getaway that’s easy on the wallet. Located in the heart of Chicago’s Printer’s Row close to museums, shops, restaurants and theater, this luxury boutique hotel is offering a Romance Package for just $159/night through February 28, 2009 that includes luxury accommodations for two as well as a box of Vosges chocolates to share.
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 is just around the corner and many Utah ski resorts are offering great savings for savvy spring snowriders. Enjoy impeccable snow conditions, sunny skies and entertaining après with the following package deals and events:
THE ALTA LODGE
-Kids ages 18 and under stay free April 12-19, 2009 at the Alta Lodge. With a reservation for a minimum of four nights, two kids stay in their parents’ room at no additional charge. Full breakfast and four-course dinner are also included daily at no charge. With two kids, this is a savings of over $200 per night. In addition to this value for families, Alta Lodge offers a free supervised Kids’ Program with activities after skiing, a special kids’ dinner, after dinner activities and shuttle service to and from the Alta Ski Area Children’s Ski School, which also has a full-time day care service for non-skiing children. For more information, visit www.altalodge.com, or call 800-707-2582 for reservations.
BRIGHTON SKI RESORT
-Brighton has a new deal with Maverik convenience stores. Pick up a Maverik Adventure Card, bring it to the Brighton ticket window any Thursday and receive a HALF PRICE Twilight ticket (12:30 p.m.-9 p.m.). That’s eight hours of skiing for just $29! Limit one Maverik card per ticket. Valid for Twilight tickets only. Brighton is open for night skiing mid December through the end of March. Call (801) 532-4731 for details.
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 Through the End of March and Two Can Fly For the Price of One On Your Next Getaway
American Airlines has extended a special offer that rewards customers who fly round trip from the United States to the United Kingdom with a free* companion ticket for future travel to the UK or to select destinations in the Caribbean.
Now through March 31, simply fly American Airlines round trip in First Class or Business Class, or on select Economy Class fares from the United States to the United Kingdom, and earn the free companion ticket for future travel.
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".