American Airlines Brings Kids to Telluride for Free
Telluride Ski Resort and American Airlines are back with the ever popular Kids Fly Free Program this winter. American, Continental, Delta and United Airlines are also offering some of the most aggressive First Class fares in recent history, with rates as low as $632 to get to the slopes of Telluride.
Telluride boasts some of the best non-stop access of any destination ski resort, with daily direct flights from Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Phoenix, Denver, and now Atlanta, as well as direct flights from Newark and Los Angeles on the weekends.
From January 5 - February 16 and February 27 - March 10, 2011, kids ages 2-12 will fly free with an accompanying adult ticket on American Airlines flights into Telluride’s Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ).
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".
Located on the western slopes of the Tetons, Grand Targhee Ski Resort is regionally known as the Rocky Mountain’s best kept secret. Their abundance of champagne powder snow, coupled with Teton Springs luxury accommodations, makes this affordable lodging, lift and breakfast package a perfect romantic getaway or family winter vacation.
- Luxury Accommodations in a Deluxe Lodge Room
- Daily Deluxe Continental Breakfast
- 1 Day Lift Ticket at Grand Targhee Resort
No Minimum Stay Required. Upgrades Available. Price based on double occupancy and does not include resort fee, taxes, or gratuities. Based on availability and not valid with any other promotion. 11/25/2010 - 4/17/2011. From $135 per person per night.
All packages can be modified to better suit your needs. Options include additional days of heli-skiing, snow cat skiing, or lift tickets at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort.
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".
Airline Offering Special Sale Fares During First 12 Days of December -
Airtran Airways Offering Special Sale Fares During First 12 Days of December -
AirTran Airways today launched a special 12-day “Festivus For the Rest of Us” sale. Over the next 11 days, the sale will feature new and exciting destinations each day with special fares valid for one day only. New sale fares posted daily.
Today’s feature kicks off with special fares to a Caribbean getaway – Montego Bay, Jamaica – providing rest and relaxation to those who may have just completed a Festivus Feat of Strength.
Similar to the humble beginnings of Festivus that eventually gained legendary status, the sale will grow into something larger each day. Special fares will be posted daily at www.airtran.com/festivus and the number of destinations on sale will correspond with the day of the sale (i.e. seven destinations on sale on day seven, etc.). A final surprise will be unveiled on the 12th day, December 12.
Travelers can purchase these Festivus fares online at www.airtran.com, from their local travel agent or via AirTran Airways’ reservations system at 1-800-AIR-TRAN. For Spanish, call 1-877-581-9842.
These special Festivus fares are available for purchase daily through Dec. 12, 2010, and are good for travel from Jan. 5, 2011, through Feb. 16, 2011. Sale fares are valid for travel daily
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".
Grand Canyon Railway package rates have dropped for the winter and will drop again on Jan. 1, 2011. The rates for packages – which include train travel, accommodations and more – will be as much as 36 percent lower during the winter season.
All Grand Canyon Railway packages feature roundtrip train travel to Grand Canyon National Park and accommodations at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel in Williams, Ariz. Several packages include meals, and some also include accommodations and/or narrated motorcoach tours at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. The Grand Canyon Railway also offers reduced winter rates for RV packages that include stays at the Grand Canyon Railway RV Park.
The following rate examples are per person based on double occupancy in a standard hotel room and for coach-class train travel. Upgrades are available. Rates for children ages two to 15 and single occupancy vary. Taxes and gratuities are not included.
The Railway Express features roundtrip train travel and one night of lodging at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel. The rate is $119.50 per person through Dec. 31, 2010 and $89.50 per person Jan. 1 through March 14, 2011.
The Railway Getaway features roundtrip train travel, one night of lodging at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel and one breakfast and one dinner per person in the Grand Depot Café. The rate is $148.50 per person through Dec. 31, 2010 and $118.50 per person Jan. 1 through March 14, 2011.
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".
Luxury cruise ship operator Paul Gauguin Cruises is offering some exceptional deals on several upcoming sailings in Tahiti, French Polynesia and the South Pacific.
- For 2010 Sailings: Save up to 45% plus FREE or 2-For-1 Airfare from Los Angeles. Savings vary by itinerary for the following sailings: Tahiti & the Society Islands (7 nights), Society Islands & Tuamotus (10 nights), Cook Islands & Society Islands (11 nights), and Marquesas, Tuamotus & Society Islands (14 nights), President’s Cruise - New Zealand, Tonga, Cook & Society Islands (14 nights), Society Islands & Tuamotus Holiday (9 nights).
- Book a suite or stateroom in category B or above by December 15, 2010, to enjoy a FREE overwater villa at the luxurious InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa – a $1,775 value**. This offer to experience the island’s dramatic ambience in lavish accommodations is available on only four sailings, available at http://www.pgcruises.com/free-bungalow.
- Book by November 30, 2010, to receive Guest Privileges Credit of up to $1,000 per couple†. For January through June 2011 departures to the Marquesas, Tuamotus & Society Islands, guests receive Guest Privileges Credit of $500 per person, which can be used for shore excursions, spa treatments, and more. All other January through June 2011 bookings will receive Guest Privileges Credit of $250 per person. Visit http://www.pgcruises.com/guest-privileges for additional 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".
LAN Airlines announces two new routes to South America’s wonders with roundtrip fares to Iguazu Falls and Easter Island starting at $899 + taxes*
LAN invites travelers to discover the breathtaking sights of Chile’s Easter Island and Argentina’s Iguazu Falls at an equally captivating price.
Purchase a round trip ticket on or before November 30th, 2010 from any of their US gateways (Miami, New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco) starting at only US$ 899 round trip + tax. Or, fly from other US cities (Chicago, Washington DC, Boston, Orlando, Seattle and Denver) from US$ 1,049 round trip + tax.
Take advantage of these special offers to visit the Wonders of South America and travel to Iguazu Falls* starting January 16, 2011 (flights on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday) or fly to Easter Island starting January 5, 2011 (flights on Wednesday and Sunday) with a return date on/before April 15, 2011.
For more information and reservations, contact LAN airlines at 1-866- I FLY LAN (1-866-435-8526) or visit www.LAN.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".
The cozy and intimate surroundings of Olympic National Park set the stage for a relaxing winter getaway, and this year it’s more affordable than ever. With the End 2010 with $20.10 Deal, visitors can stay one night at Lake Quinault Lodge or Kalaloch Lodge for $99 and get the second night for ONLY $20.10 for November and December travel! Rates like this won’t last long, and visitors must book the deal by Nov. 30.
Although it’s one of the wettest regions in the Northwest, there are plenty of indoor and outdoor activities available to complement an Olympic Peninsula winter escape, rain or shine. Included below are a few highlights…
- Storm watching from a cozy cabin at Kalaloch Lodge, as wild Pacific waves crash against boulders.
- Taking a rain forest tour at Lake Quinault Lodge, when fall and winter downpours create the most vibrant setting of the year.
- Watching for the region’s diverse bird species including crossbills, dippers, warrbleers, chichadees, nuthatches and thrusthes.
- Indulging in the culinary delights of Chef Patrick Norris at Lake Quinault Lodge’s Roosevelt Room, featuring contemporary twists on Northwest fare.
- Relaxing fireside in both lodge’s fireplace rooms or the grand fireplace in Lake Quinault Lodge’s lobby.
The package is valid for visits from Nov. 1 to Dec. 30, 2010 and blackout dates include Nov. 23-26 and Dec. 22-26. Reservations for both lodges can be made by visiting www.olympicnationalparks.com or by calling (866) 297-7367.
Source: ARAMARK Parks and Destinations
Photo: Lake Quinault Lodge, courtesy of ARAMARK Parks and Destinations.
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 honor of veterans, National parks waive entrance fees for all on November 11, 2010.
Visit one of America’s almost 400 national parks FREE on Veterans Day. In recognition of current and former servicemen and -women, all national parks are waiving entrance fees on November 11, 2010.
“From everyone in the National Park Service, I extend gratitude to all who have served in the U.S. armed forces and defended the people, freedoms, and resources of this country,” said NPS Director Jon Jarvis.
“In honor of veterans, entry to the national parks, which preserve many of our nation’s finest natural and cultural resources, will be free on Veterans Day, November 11. I invite everyone to take advantage of this opportunity and savor places that our veterans have kept safe for us.”
The national parks hold something for everyone—hardcore hikers and campers and people who like to explore history, take a leisurely nature walk, or simply pack a picnic lunch and get away from it all. For a complete list of activities available in national parks, consult the National Park Service’s Events Calendar for 2010.
Veterans Day is the last of 2010’s free entrance days in the national parks.
photo courtesy of the National Park Service
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 72 Hours Only, Airline Celebrates Halloween with Spooktacular Low Fares
Southwest Airlines Halloween Fare SaleSouthwest Airlines announced beginning today (Tuesday October 26,2010) it’s giving Customers early treats, not tricks, for Halloween! Customers can purchase one-way tickets for $30, $60, $90, or $120 to select destinations based on length of travel.
For travel up to 450 miles, fares are $30 one-way. For travel between 451 and 1,000 miles, fares are $60 one-way. For travel between 1,001 and 1,500 miles, fares are $90 one-way. For travel more than 1,501 miles, fares are $120 one-way.
These fares are available for purchase today through 11:59 p.m. PDT Oct. 28, 2010, and are good for travel every day except Sundays between Dec. 1, 2010, and Dec. 15, 2010, and between Jan. 4, 2011, and Feb. 16, 2011. To see the list of markets, prices, and to take advantage of these special fares, visit www.southwest.com.
Examples of these low fares include (see Fare Rules below):
$30 one-way between Boston Logan and Philadelphia
$60 one-way between Denver and San Francisco (SFO)
$90 one-way between Chicago (Midway) and Ft. Lauderdale
$120 one-way between Baltimore/Washington and Los Angeles (LAX)
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".
pool area, Capella Pedregal Los CabosHotels participating in “Luxe for Less” include some of the region’s most luxurious including, Capella Pedregal, Esperanza Resort, Las Ventanas al Paraiso, Marquis Los Cabos, One&Only Palmilla and Zoëtry Casa del Mar, among others. Click here for more information and to view a complete list of the amazing deals currently being offered through the end of 2010 and into 2011. 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".
YAY! The airlines continue to roll out the sales carpet with more post-Labor Day deals. This one from AirTran is good for travel from September 17, 2010, through January 26, 2011. Sale ends September 16, 2010.
Lowest sale fares are valid for travel on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays with additional sale fares available on Fridays and Sundays. 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. These sale fares require a 10 day advance purchase.
You can purchase these sale fares at airtran.com, from your local travel agent or via AirTran Airways’ reservations system at 1-800-AIR-TRAN. For Spanish, call 1-877-581-9842.
Following is a sample of one-way sale fares*. All fares are valid in either direction:
Sample Fares: Off-Peak Peak
Akron/Canton - Orlando $84 $99
Atlanta - Detroit $74 $89
Atlanta - Ft. Myers $74 $84
Atlanta - Indianapolis $64 $79
Atlanta - Pensacola $54 $69
Atlanta - San Juan $119 $144
Atlanta - Tampa $69 $79
Baltimore/Washington (BWI) - Charlotte $59 $74
Baltimore/Washington (BWI) - Ft. Myers $74 $89
Baltimore/Washington (BWI) - Indianapolis $59 $74
Baltimore/Washington (BWI) -Nassau/
Paradise Island $109 $134
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 Just In… British Airways launches its great big sale with thousands of flights in all cabins and hundreds of holidays on offer.
The twenty day British Airways sale offers discounted flights to over 100 destinations worldwide as well as 100’s of holidays for various travel departures from August 26, 2010 right through to June 30, 2011.
For a late summer getaway, hot spots include flights to Dubai, Antigua and Grenada. Those looking for ski breaks head to North America and experience the Rockies with deals on flights to Denver and Vancouver. For short city breaks, British Airways have a wide selection of destinations such as Zurich or Geneva.
Travellers wishing to jet-off in style and experience British Airway’s award-winning Club World beds can check out flights toCairo, Delhi, New York, Bermuda and Calgary. BA also offers flights to Barbados and Houston that allow customers to take advantage of the luxurious first class cabin.
Destinations closer to the UK include Jersey, Dubrovnik and Salzburg as well as Gothenburg in Sweden, which a new BA route takes-off to at the end of November.
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".
August might be the best time to book a last-minute summer travel weekend getaway, and Marriott’s popular Summer in the City hotel deal in four East Coast cities - Boston, New York, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C. - is still available Thursdays-Sundays* through September 6, 2010.
photo by WanderingtheWorld via flickr (commons license)
Packages include free sightseeing passes and breakfast, based on availability, at 33 participating JW Marriott, Marriott Hotel & Resorts, Renaissance Hotels & Resorts, Courtyard and Residence Inn by Marriott properties.
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".
It’s not too late to book your place at the 2010 Edinburgh Military Tattoo (August 6-28, 2010) - prices start at just £149 per person for an unforgettable Edinburgh Festival city break. See details at VisitScotland.com
Against the backdrop of Edinburgh Castle, the world’s most spectacular Tattoo will host a celebration of talent from four continents including pipers, gymnasts, singers, dancers and an amazing motorcycle display team. As always, the exciting programme will include probably its two most popular items - the music of the Massed Pipes and Drums and that of the Massed Military Bands. Among the many bands taking part are those of South African Irish Regiment along with the South Australian Pipes and Drums and the prestigious Military Band of the Coldstream Guards.
Find out more on the Tattoo website.
Source: VisitScotland.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".
One island, two distinct adventures. $400 savings if booked by July 23, 2010.
The largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, Sicily is a melting pot filled with cultural and geographic juxtaposition. For this reason Italy cycling specialists Ciclismo Classico offer two separate tours, Sicily East and Sicily West, to immerse travelers in this amazing island’s breathtaking seascapes, mountains, and ancient archeological wonders. Native Sicilian guide, Paolo Nicolosi, has been sharing his island with Ciclismo guests for 14 years. He knows the island with an intimacy few can rival and will make you feel as welcome as if you were reuniting with distant relatives.
On La Bella Sicilia Ovest, unlock an archeological treasure chest on a spin around the magnificent western half of Paolo’s homeland. Traces of ancient Greek settlements greet you almost continually along the route. Other highlights include riding through a medieval village with gorgeous coastal views and spinning along vineyards and olive groves. A ferry ride to a fishing village and hike on the Egadi Islands round out your Sicilian tour, not to mention the spectacular seafood and friendly locals you will surely meet.
The La Bella Sicilia tour will take you and your bike along the Eastern coast of the Island to the dreamy volcanic Aeolian Islands and Taormina, a magical hilltop town you’ll never forget! You’ll ride through remote local towns and zigzag through medieval and Baroque architecture. Your hike up the beautiful volcanic Mount Etna, and boat ride through the turquoise Mediterranean waters to Salina add to the fantastic cycling, cultural immersion and gorgeous scenery of Sicily!
Save $400 per person on the few remaining spots on the Sicily East or Sicily West tours if you book by next Friday, July 23, 2010.
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Sicily West, Sept 27 - Oct 4
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Sicily East, Oct 21 - Oct 29
For information and reservations visit www.ciclismoclassico.com or call 800-866-731. Limited space available.
You can read about my La Bella Sicilia cycling vacation with Clicismo Classico in ‘Tour de Pasta: A Gastronome’s tour of Sicily’ as published in Epicurean Traveler magazine.
Source: Ciclismo Classico
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".
- Two Night Accommodations
- Two Tickets to the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum
- Free Shuttle Service to the Museum
- ‘Healthy Start’ Breakfast
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".
Families looking for a late summer or fall getaway can indulge in Breezes Curaçao’s wallet-friendly “Curaçao WOW” promotion. Guests visiting the Super-Inclusive resort August 15 through December 15 will enjoy five nights in the Dutch Caribbean and pay for only four, starting at just $580 per person per stay. Trading appointments and carpools for swimming and snorkeling, is even more appealing since children 12 and under stay free with paying adults.
For fun in the sun, Breezes offers a private white-sand beach and three swimming pools including a misting pool, children’s pool and adult pool with swim up bar. While mom and dad enjoy some peace and quiet, little ones are kept very happy playing with their peers at the resort’s 12,000 sq. ft. “Kids Club,” where hotel staff supervise and lend a helping hand during arts & crafts, sand castle competitions, and rock climbing – for those a bit older and more adventurous. A daily nanny-supervised nursery for infants and toddlers up to 2 years old is also available on a complimentary basis, allowing parents a true mini-vacation of their own. The resort also boasts an arcade and professional Circus Workshop for teenage guests and those young at heart, with flying trapeze and juggling lessons
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".
Summer time, and the living is easier than it’s been for a while – and so is taking a vacation abroad. For anyone hankering for Europe, the good news is that euros are trading at around $1.27, and travel budgets will stretch a little farther than last year. Hotel prices are averaging $142 per night across 38 countries – a little over $5.00 more than in 2009, when a weak travel season spurred heavy discounting, and $26 lower than in 2008 (STR Global, in Hotelnewsnow.com). Best of all, tour operators are offering eminently affordable travel deals that go beyond the usual air/hotel combo to offer in-depth experiences of national cultures.
For those travelers following our SPOTLIGHT ON PORTUGAL this week at our sister site, YourLifeIsATrip.com, here’s a Portugal deal just begging to be seized.
Portugal is smokin’ hot since the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue was shot in Lisbon. Prices haven’t risen to match, however, and Portugal remains one of Europe’s most affordable destinations. Here, even high-end hotels and tours come in at much less than one might think, such as Tours for You’s Elegantly Portugal package. On this eight-day/ seven-night tour, all hotels are Relais & Chateaux, Design Hotels and Small Luxury Hotels of the World properties, each inaugurated or refurbished in 2009 and 2010.
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 these special savings from Biras Creek Resort, one of my favorite Caribbean escapes…
Booking Special: 50% Off the Second Suite 
A bicycle built for two. A double-scoop cone. Diamond Earrings. Some things are just better in pairs. Something else that goes great when there are two: vacations. So what could be more fun than an exotic Caribbean getaway? Bringing a few of your favorite people with you. For a limited time, Biras Creek Resort - a private escape situated on Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands - is offering an amazing deal to bring your friends, kids (Biras allows children ages six and older), even your in-laws, at a significant savings. When you book your stay, your second stay is available at 50% published rates. Based on availability. Not retroactive and cannot be combined with other offers. Valid for travel through December 17, 2010.
7 Nights for the Price of 6!
Biras Creek is tempting visitors with a special Stay 6 Nights and receive 1 Night Complimentary, plus a $100 Resort Credit offer. The offer is good for the luxurious Ocean Suites, each with an ocean view and balcony 20 feet from the ocean; nightly rates are all inclusive of meals, activities, and accommodations for two people. Based on availability. Not retroactive and cannot be combined with other offers. Valid for travel through December 17, 2010.
For more information contact 877.883.0756 or visit biras.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".
Each year over Memorial Day weekend the U.S. Navy docks in and around NYC, and Navy Seals and sailors flock to the streets in their iconic white uniforms.
From May 26th – June 2nd, these sailors get to take in all that New York City has to offer, and CitySights NY, the city’s premier upper-deck only motor coach service, is making sure they do so in style. CitySights NY is welcoming our boys in uniform by offering free tickets to bus tours of their choice, with discounted fares for family members also available.
Tours include:
o The Uptown Treasures Tour and Harlem Tour
o The Downtown Tour
o The Brooklyn Tour
o The Night Tour
o The Multilingual Tour
Free tickets will be given to any military personnel in uniform during fleet week. No reservations are required for CitySights NY tours and tickets are redeemable at the CitySights NY visitor center located at 234 W. 42nd Street in Time Square. Tours are available daily. For more information, visit www.citysightsny.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".