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Save up to 40% on Last Minute Summer Travel Packages at Barceló Hotels & Resorts

Celebrate back-to-school season at Barceló Beach Resorts with these two last minute summer packages offering savings of up to 40 percent off. 

 At Barceló Maya Beach Resort (Mexico), currently in the final stages of a $50 million renovation, families can score a deal on a last blast of fun with a dedicated U-Spa for kids, mocktail menus and more.

Adults looking for a summer-end travel deal can head to Barceló Bávaro Beach Resort (Dominican Republic), offering adults-only accommodations and a PGA-rated championship golf course.

Families can score a deal on a last blast of fun at Barcelo Maya Beach Resort, Mexico.

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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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LAST MINUTE TRAVEL: Winter Packages and Deals in Estes Park, Colorado

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:

Snowcat Overnight Package 

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.

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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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SWISS BLISS: 5 Last Minute Ways to Save in Switzerland this Summer

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.

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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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National Park Trips On Sale At Holiday River Expeditions

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.

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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 Up to 66% Off Sailing Adventures in Costa Rica & the Caribbean

I was telling a friend recently how much fun Star Clippers’ tall ship sailing adventures are. Then I spotted this great travel deal and had to share…

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. 

 

Bookings must be made by Nov. 15, 2012, to take advantage of these savings, so don’t wait until the snow starts to fall to reserve your cabin. 

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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 Booking Travel Credit Offered on American Safari Cruises’ Yacht Adventures in Hawaiian Islands and Mexico’s Sea of Cortés

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.

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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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FAMILY TRAVEL: Kids Fly, Stay & Eat for Free in Costa Rica

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.

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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 On Flights Across The U.S.

Whether you’re planning a family trip or a romantic getaway, American Airlines and American Eagle are offering some great deals with airfares as low as $87*, but you must purchase your tickets by May 31, 2012, to save. 

 
• Take off to cities across the U.S.
• Travel June 9 through October 30, 2012
• Purchase your ticket by Thursday, May 31, 2012
*Prices are each way, based on round-trip purchase.
Taxes included; conditions apply.

 

Learn more at AA.com

Source: American Airlines.

 

 

About Ellen Barone: Consumer travel expert Ellen Barone is the founder and publisher of TravelUpdatesbyEllenBarone.com and YourLifeIsATrip.com. Learn more here and connect on Twitter at,FacebookGoogle+ and LinkedIn.

 

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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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Celebrate National Park Week With Summer Savings On Bike Raft Adventures

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/

 

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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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Spring Special at Lake Yellowstone Hotel Cabins

Spring in Yellowstone National Park means the arrival of newborn wildlife and colorful wildflowers and a discounted price on Frontier Cabins at the Lake Yellowstone Hotel and Cabins. Concessioner Xanterra Parks & Resorts has reduced the rate on Frontier Cabins to $99 through May 24. The Lake Yellowstone Hotel opens for the summer season May 11.

Built in the 1920s, all of the Frontier Cabins have been renovated within the last few years. All cabins – some freestanding and others duplex-style units – include two double beds and a private bathroom with a shower. The cabins, normally priced at $135 per night, are just a short walk from the main hotel building.

The cabin discount occurs in advance of the park’s busiest months of June, July and August and is a good choice for travelers who prefer to visit the park when there are fewer visitors. 

Springtime in Yellowstone is also a popular time for wildlife viewing because it is when newborn elk and bison calves, wolf pups, bear cubs and other animals make their debuts.

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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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SAINT LUCIA: Spring Savings Just In Time for Easter & Mother's Day

Looking to relax and unwind with a Caribbean escape this Spring that won’t break the bank? Take advantage of value-packed specials at Bay Gardens Resorts this Spring for Easter, Mother’s Day and Saint Lucia Jazz at two of its three Saint Lucia properties - The Bay Gardens Hotel and Bay Gardens Inn.

Nestled in the heart of Saint Lucia’s entertainment capital, Rodney Bay Village, both properties offer superior accommodations, traditional Caribbean cuisine, and the finest in service and hospitality. Within walking distance of the world famous Reduit Beach, dozens of restaurants, entertainment, shopping, and the recently opened Treasure Bay Casino, Bay Gardens is perfectly situated to offer the best of what Saint Lucia has to offer.

Celebrate Easter, Mother’s Day and Saint Lucia Jazz on a Budget at Bay Gardens Hotel and Inn.

Easter Savings

Easter is a great time for a family escape. Bay Gardens Hotel and Bay Gardens Inn doubles the fun for parents and children with their Easter Savings package where children under 16 stay for free. Mom and dad can receive a Couples Massage at La Mer Spa or a romantic three-course dinner at the Trios Caribbean Fusion Restaurant, both located at Bay Gardens Beach Resort & Spa, including complimentary babysitting service. Children can take part in a day of fun with an Easter egg hunt, special Easter Sunday Brunch at the Beach Resort, and a visit from the Easter Bunny himself. Rates for a five night package start at US$689 for a family of four in a Superior room including daily Caribbean buffet breakfast – a savings of 60 percent.

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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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King Pacific Lodge Offers 50% Rate for Canadians

King Pacific Lodge, a floating luxury wilderness lodge located on the central coast of British Columbia deep in the Great Bear Rainforest, wants Canadians to make themselves at home this summer. And with half price lodging for the month of June 2012 for Canadian guests, a visit to the eco-friendly seventeen room lodge just got a whole lot more inviting. 

King Pacific Lodge, A Rosewood Resort, is offering the experience of a lifetime. During the month of June 2012, Canadians will pay 50% less for a visit to King Pacific Lodge, or $5,100 CAD, for a fully inclusive seven-night stay.

The fully inclusive package features:

• Scenic round-trip chartered flights from Vancouver to the lodge

• Champagne welcome reception and orientation

• Gourmet meals featuring British Columbia’s finest organic and seasonal ingredients

• All beverages including award-winning British Columbia wines

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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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Antarctica in 2012 Just Got A Whole Lot More Affordable

For years, Antarctica - the “blue continent” at the bottom of the world - has topped my travel wish list.

With ten departures, and savings up to $8,200, these Antarctic cruise deals from Quark Expeditions, the leader in Polar adventures, might be just the ticket to getting there in 2012. 

Save up to 40% on this 12-day Antarctic adventure that begins and ends in Ushuaia, Argentina. Like adventurers of old, the voyage crosses the Drake Passage to explore the breathtaking Antarctic Peninsula and the mysterious South Shetland Islands. Passengers meet up with at least four different species of penguin, countless seals and “big ice” in all its Antarctic splendour.There’s also a full slate of adventure activities, including kayaking, camping, mountaineering and cross-country skiing. February 10-21, 2012, from $6,354 per person.

Quark Expeditions (888) 892 0334.

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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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PACK YOUR WOOLIES: Winter Deals From 4 Top North American Ski Resorts

Tis’ the season for a winter adventure. Hit the slopes and save with these package deals from resorts in some of North America’s top ski destinations.

1. Sign up for the The Best of Winter in Four Days Flat package at Moonlight Basin in Big Sky, Montana, and get three nights lodging, two days of resort skiing, one day of self-guided snowshoeing with free snowshoe rentals, a day of dog sledding, and a round of happy hour drinks, for up to four people. Offering a vast amount of terrain and an escape from long lift lines, this ski resort in Montana’s Rocky Mountains combines luxury with affordable rates and features an exceptional spa, dining options & a variety of lodging, along with the Biggest Skiing in America.

2.  At the Four Seasons Resort Jackson Hole in Wyoming, their five-day and five-night skiing/snowboarding Ultimate Untracked Trio includes resort skiing at Jackson Hole Mountain, snowcat skiing, back-country skiing, and heli-skiing. The luxurious ski-in/ski-out 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.

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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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FAMILY GETAWAY: Enjoy Up To $100 Daily Resort Credit With The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa Love Your Family Package

Families who plan their next family escape with The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa through December 31, 2011 will enjoy:

  • Guaranteed connecting rooms or suite where available
  • Up to a $100 daily resort credit
  • Rates from $289 per night

Book online, or call 866-716-8147 and reference rate code FAM50 or FAM100.

Now kids 12 and under can enjoy food and drink on an all-inclusive basis during your stay. learn more

click here to learn about the family activities at the westin hilton head island resort & spa

click here for more special offers.

 

Source: Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.

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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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Groups Save Big On Utah and Idaho River and Bike Trips

Vacationing with friends and family is a great way to spend quality time together. And it doesn’t hurt when the company your clan chooses to travel with says thank you with hard cash savings. 

Wondering where to go next year? For adventurers who plan ahead, here’s a wallet-friendly group deal* that does just that. 

Book 12 people on one of Holiday Expeditions’ 2012 Utah and Idaho River or Bike trips by October 31st and you’ll save 20% off 2011 rates. 

To learn more, call 800-624-6323 or visit their website at www.BikeRaft.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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Hawaii Fall Fare Sale from Alaska Airlines

Low fares starting at $149* from the West Coast

 

Alaska Airlines launched a sale today with low fares to Hawaii from several West Coast cities and Alaska. One-way fares start at $149* from the West Coast and $179* from Alaska.

Tickets must be purchased by Aug. 22 for travel starting Aug. 23 from the state of Alaska and beginning Sept. 12, 2011, from the West Coast. Travel must be completed by Oct. 31 from Alaska and Dec. 13, 2011, from the West Coast.

Sample one-way fares* between:
  • Anchorage, Alaska, and Honolulu $179
  • Bellingham, Wash., and Honolulu $149
  • Oakland, Calif., and Kauai$189
  • Portland, Ore., and Honolulu $179
  • San Diego and Maui $189
  • San Jose, Calif., and Kona $189

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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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The Best Things in Life are Free at The Fairmont Chateau Whistler

Who doesn’t love free stuff? The Fairmont Chateau Whistler in beautiful British Columbia, Canada, is offering guests plenty of ways to stay and play for free this summer.

Check out these fun-filled summer specials…  

PEAK FOR FREE

Soar into the air with The Fairmont Chateau Whistler’s Peak For Free Package. Enjoy luxury Whistler resort accommodations as well as two Peak 2 Peak Gondola Sightseeing tickets per room, per night. Take sightseeing to a new level and travel across the world’s longest unsupported span, at 436 meters above the valley floor. For a bigger thrill, try the glass bottom gondola for unimpeded views straight down. The Fairmont Chateau Whistler’s Peak for Free offer is available until September 25th, 2011, and weekends only until October 9th. Rates for this great family offer start at $229 per night, based on double occupancy. 

GOLF FOR FREE

Spend time bonding in the great outdoors with The Fairmont Chateau Whistler’s Golf For Free Package. Rates start at $230 per night based on double occupancy with a minimum two night stay. This great offer includes luxury accommodation and one round of golf per person. Additionally guests receive complimentary, unlimited use of the Practice Facility and unlimited rounds of play after 1 p.m. following the first round included with the package. Children aged 10 to 16 golf for free during their stay when playing with a paying adult. The Fairmont Chateau Whistler’s Golf For Free Package is available until October 10th, weather permitting. 

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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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Grand Canyon Railway Offers Reduced Rates On Packages

Good news train travelers, the Grand Canyon Railway (GCR) is reducing its rates on select packages July 22 through Aug. 13, 2011.

The Grand Canyon Railway offers a variety of multi-night packages that include train travel to and from Grand Canyon National Park, accommodations and some meals.

The train trip from Williams to Grand Canyon National Park takes approximately two hours and 15 minutes and runs 65 miles through ponderosa pine forests and scenic desert landscapes. The train offers four classes of service – coach, first class, observation dome and luxury parlor.

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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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Kids Ride Free on Amtrak

Amtrak is celebrating its 40th anniversary by letting its youngest fans onboard for free! So if you book a trip now through May 6, 2011 and travel May 1 through June 9, 2011, your family can join in the celebration, and your kids will ride free

For forty days, you can let your kids experience for free how Amtrak has changed the way people travel for the last forty years. And before they go, visit the Amtrak Kids Depot, our new website dedicated to our younger riders.

Visit www.amtrak.com for more details and to book your trip.

 

Source: Amtrak

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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".