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".
Good news budget travelers…
Delta Air Lines has just lowered its fares to most US cities. The reductions offer significant savings on advance-purchase leisure fares to some of the airline’s most popular summer travel destinations. Sale ends May 18th.
Sample reductions, effective immediately, include:
From To One-way fare* (based on round-trip purchase)
- Atlanta Detroit $69
- Salt Lake City Portland, Ore. $71
- Boston Myrtle Beach, S.C. $87
- New York (LGA) New Orleans $89
- Detroit Philadelphia $89
- Minneapolis Tampa, Fla. $99
- Atlanta Phoenix $109
- New York (JFK) San Francisco $109
- Minneapolis St. Louis $109
- Boston Indianapolis $112
*Additional taxes/fees/restrictions/baggage charges may apply.
Click here to learn more
Source: Delta Air Lines
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".
Cruise line extends Mother’s Day gift to include the entire month
Discovery Cruise Line, which offers cruise service between South Florida and Grand Bahama Island every day of the week except Wednesdays, announced that during the month of May, Mothers and Mothers-in-Law will sail free on a Fun Day cruise when accompanied by a full fare paying adult. The offer is good for new bookings from Fort Lauderdale only.
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 WAYFARERS CHARTS AN EVOCATIVE COURSE ALONG THE COASTLINES OF CORNWALL AND CROATIA, AND INLAND TO FRANCE AND THE CZECH REPUBLICValue Added Discount of $800 per Couple
Whether walking the trails that line the Cornish coast or climbing terraced stone walls overlooking the Adriatic Sea, Wayfarers walkers will experience four of the world’s most historic landscapes – and deepen their knowledge of these storied settings – on The Wayfarers’ Cornwall’s Creeks, Coves & Coastal Trails; Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast; the Czech Republic’s Vienna to Prague and France’s Historic Dordogne walking tours. This year, in addition to crafting genuinely immersive walking experiences in 15 countries around the world, The Wayfarers introduces thought-provoking reading lists to accompany each of its 39 diverse walks, ensuring Walks are as intellectually stimulating as they are physically challenging. Prices begin at $3795 per person and include all Walks, activities, meals and accommodations; book now and receive an $800 per couple discount.
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".
Life Change: It’s A Buy 
Photo: Credit to Chris McClellanWhat’s transformation worth? With Air New Zealand’s “Travel to NZ and Get Your Life Back” fare, wayfarers will jet Los Angeles to Auckland for only $798 roundtrip that must be booked by April 29. Or you can head to life-altering experiences via the airline’s regular economy roundtrip fare as well: under $900 including taxes and fees. Compared to soaring economy fares of up to $3,000 roundtrip in pre-recession peak season, these airfares will lift both body and soul.
And travel to New Zealand will bring another option on June 10, when Qantas introduces new daily service from New York City to Auckland. Because these flights feature conveniently timed connections in Los Angeles, East Coasters will no longer need to fly via alternate carriers before connecting to Qantas aircraft at LAX.
Once on the ground in New Zealand, exchange rates are compelling with the U.S. dollar packing a punch against the Kiwi dollar (USD$1 = Kiwi$1.71), stretching the purchasing power of American travelers in New Zealand. Plus, hotel and tour deals in abundance make New Zealand a “buy.”
Source: Tourism New Zealand
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".
EARLY BIRDS SAVE UP TO 50% OFF AIR TAHITI NUI AUGUST – DECEMBER FARES, FROM JUST $858“One Week” Packages in Tahiti, Moorea and Bora Bora Also Available From $1,198
It pays to plan ahead. Air Tahiti Nui’s unprecedented “Early Bird” fares are up to 50% off regular prices, starting at only $858 per person including taxes and fees. Savvy travelers can reap even greater savings when they bundle their roundtrip Moana (economy) class flights from Los Angeles to Tahiti with a six-night hotel stay in Tahiti, Moorea or Bora Bora; packages start from just $1,198 per person including breakfast daily. To lock in these special offers on travel August 12 – December 10, 2009, bookings must be made by May 11.
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".
Table Rock Jungle, a jungle lodge immersed in Belize’s rainforest right outside of the town of San Ignacio, is announcing a special three-night, all-inclusive vacation package for just $700 per person.
The package includes all meals; accommodations; tours of the ATM Caves, the Caracol Maya site and canoeing; tubing and swimming at Big Rock Falls, as well as ground transfers to and from the Belize International Airport.
A five-night package is also available with the same inclusions mentioned above, as well as tours of Barton Creek Cave and the Maya sites of Xunantunich and Tikal. The five-night package is offered for $1185 per person.
For more information visit www.tablerockbelize.com.
Source: Belize Tourism Board
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 Blue Crab Beach, a family-friendly adventure hotel located in Placencia, Belize, is launching several different specials, designed to fit a wide range of budgets. Guests booking six nights at the hotel will receive a seventh night free and children under the age of 16 stay for free. A 10 percent discount is also available for returning visitors, on top of the current 20 percent taken off the hotel’s summer rates. And, groups booking three rooms or more will receive an additional 10 percent off their accommodations.
For more information on travel specials offered by Blue Crab Beach, visit www.BlueCrabBeach.com.
Source: Belize Tourism Board
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".
Las Alamandas Resort extends a special relief package for Mothers in desperate need of rest and rejuvenation this Mother’s day- Sunday, May 10, 2009.
Guests booking a stay of three nights or more over Mother’s Day weekend will receive an extra night free! Mothers will also receive a complimentary massage, free manicure/pedicure, complimentary American breakfast each morning, and a gift bag with organic soaps & candles.
For more information please contact Reservations at + (52) 322-285 5500 or via E-mail to info@alamandas.com
Source: Kurtz-Ahlers & Associates
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".
- Take Advantage of Your Tax Return 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 23, 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:
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".
This offer, from one of my favorite adventure travel companies on the planet, Mountain Travel Sobek, just might be the deal of the year!
In celebration of its 40th anniversary, Mountain Travel Sobek is offering 40 free adventures. Travelers who book a trip by Apr. 17 and depart by December 21, 2009 can bring a friend for free. Destinations include: Alaska, Costa Rica, the Galapagos Islands, Machu Picchu, Nepal, Bhutan and my personal favorite, Morocco.
I traveled with MTS a few years back on their awesome 14-day Morocco Camel Trek (a trip included in this offer) and loved it. You can read about my experiences online at DivineCaroline.com.
A little background: Mountain Travel began in 1969 with the belief that there is a little bit of adventure in everyone. The early days were fueled by the passions of outdoor enthusiasts who loved exploring wild places. 40 years later, they offer almost 200 adventures to destinations worldwide. Then in 1992, Mountain Travel merged with Sobek Expeditions, becoming Mountain Travel Sobek and continued discovering new destinations and ways to get you there. For more information call 888-682-6337 or visit www.mtsobek.com.
Let’s go!
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".
HILTON HOTELS & RESORTS IN THE CARIBBEAN & LATIN AMERICA HEAT UP THIS SUMMER WITH HOT DEALS
This summer, travelers save big at Hilton hotels and resorts in the Caribbean and Latin America with Hilton Advance Purchase rates offering savings of up to 30 percent.
With Hilton Advance Purchase, guests who plan ahead and reserve three weeks before their stay are rewarded with a deeply discounted rate. Now through August 31, 2009, Hilton hotels in the Caribbean and Latin America feature the starting double occupancy rates* below: 
Caribbean:
- Hilton Santo Domingo - from $129
- Hilton Ponce Golf & Casino Resort - from $144
- Hilton Trinidad & Conference Centre - from $169
- Hilton Kingston Jamaica - from $119
- British Colonial Hilton Nassau - from $164
- Hilton Curaçao - from $161
- Caribe Hilton, San Juan - from $174
- Hilton Barbados - from $219
Latin America:
- Hilton Papagayo Costa Rica Resort & Spa - from $129
- Hilton Cartagena - from $135
- Hilton Buenos Aires - from $169
- Hilton São Paulo Morumbi - from $202
For reservations, guests should visit www.hilton.com or call 1-800-HILTONS and request booking code SO.
*Rates are per room per night based on double occupancy and do not include taxes, service charges and/or resort fees. Subject to availability and seasonal variations. Lowest rate is available with a 21 day advanced purchase. Certain length of stay requirements, day of week restrictions and blackout dates may apply and vary. Advance purchase rates are nonrefundable and full payment in advance is required. Other restrictions apply.
Source: YPartnership
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".
Go ahead, lose yourself in this tropical paradise! With fares as low as $181* each way, based on round-trip purchase, now is the perfect time to see the wonders of Hawaii.
Purchase tickets by April 10, 2009, and travel through May 25, 2009, to save.
Source: American Airlines
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 deal of the day…
3-Day Sale! Bargain Fares on Frontier Airlines from $78 Round-Trip.
Expires 4/2/09
Source: Travelocity
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 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".
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".