A winter vacation to the Grand Canyon is pure magic. Think mist and snow, sky and rock, silence and solitude, and the warmth of a crackling fire. Check out these reduced rates from Xanterra South Rim L.L.C.*, operator of lodges, restaurants and activities in Grand Canyon National Park, and leave the crowds and costs to the Canyon’s summertime masses.
The Winter Value Rate is $85 per night plus tax at Maswik South and Yavapai West, and $110 per night plus tax at Maswik North and Yavapai East. The Winter Value Rate is available from Nov. 10, 2010 through March 10, 2011, excluding Nov. 24-27, 2010, Dec. 24, 2010 through Jan. 1, 2011 and Feb. 19-Feb. 21, 2011. The rates are valid for single or double occupancy. The cost for each additional person in the room is $9. Children 16 and under stay at no extra charge. Lodge and room type are subject to availability and seasonal closures. Summer rates at these hotels range from $90 to $170 per night.
The El Tovar Romance Package at the elegant and historic El Tovar includes one night in a standard queen room, a bottle of California sparkling wine and fruit basket in the room and dinner for two with a bottle of Grand Canyon label wine in the El Tovar Dining Room. The base package cost is $375 plus tax subject to availability. Guests may upgrade to a deluxe room or suite, based upon availability, for an additional charge. The Romance Package is available Nov. 28, 2010 through Feb. 14, 2011, excluding Dec. 11, 2010, Dec. 24, 2010 through Jan. 1, 2011 and Jan. 12, 2011. When booking the Romance Package online, guests must enter the promo code “ROMANCE.”
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".
Rail Europe is discounting Britrail Passes by 20 percent for travel Nov. 1-Feb. 28.
Book by February 14, 2011 and save a royal mint with new BritRail Low Season Pass. The BritRail Low Season pass offers a 20% discount off the cost of a regular pass for travel in Britain from November 1, 2010 to February 28, 2011. Prices vary by product. Details: 888-382-7245, www.raileurope.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".
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".
Interested in a free, fun-filled trip to explore the Maya temples and snorkel in pristine Belizean waters?
The Lodge at Chaa Creek, BelizeThe Lodge at Chaa Creek, Belize’s award-winning luxury eco-lodge in the jungles of Central America is offering all inclusive vacation packages to the lucky winners of its “Rainforest & Reef Vacation Sweepstakes.”
From September 1, 2010, through October 2, 2010, the Lodge at Chaa Creek is inviting interested travelers to submit a 300 word essay, explaining: “Why you want to vacation in Belize at the Lodge at Chaa Creek.” To be eligible, participants must follow the Lodge at Chaa Creek on Twitter or Facebook, and submit the essay via email to marketing@chaacreek.com.
The winning essay will be published anonymously on the Chaa Creek Travel Blog. All other qualified entries will be placed in a drawing and four prizes are to be given away including one complimentary stay ($3,479 value), and one trip each at a 50-percent, 40-percent and 30-percent discount.
For more information about the sweepstakes, visit the Chaa Creek Travel Blog.
Source: Belize Tourism Board (http://www.travelbelize.org/)
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".
This Just In:
Cunard’s Queen Victoria Begins Debut Americas Season with Transit Through the Historic Panama Canal in Early 2011 with 11, 15, and 17-day Voyage Savings of up to $1,600*
Coming off the heels of Cunard Line’s historic Royal Rendezvous on 13 January 2011, when all three Queens – Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and the newly launched Queen Elizabeth – will sail into New York harbour on the same day, Queen Victoria debuts her Americas Season for sailings through the Panama Canal, visiting ports between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, including Aruba, Mexico and Los Angeles. This season’s 11-, 15- and 17-day voyages begin in New York, Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and Los Angeles, respectively, with each voyage making a transit through the famous locks of the Panama Canal. A special offer is available on early bookings for these voyages, with savings of up to $1,600 per balcony stateroom.*
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".
Don’t let summer pass you by. There’s still time for a family adventure …
image courtesy of Maine Huts & Trails
Kids Stay Free this summer at Maine Huts & Trails. Your kids will thank you and so will your wallet.
Valid Sun – Fri. Limit one child per paying adult. Book by Aug 6 for stays by Nov 7, 2010.
ABOUT MAINE HUTS & TRAILS
Maine Huts & Trails is Maine’s newest, year-round outdoor adventure destination. Located in the beautiful and wild, western mountains region of Maine, their system of backcountry eco-lodges connected by people-powered trails consists of two huts and more than 25 miles of trails for hiking, cross-country skiing and much more.
Source: Maine Huts & Trails
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".
Fares As Low As $39* Each Way - Book by July 29, 2010.
Whether it’s visiting friends or family or just a new city you want to explore, there’s still time to save on fall travel with American Airlines starting as low as $39 each way, based on round-trip purchase, to destinations across the country. Purchase your flight by July 29, 2010, for travel through November 17, 2010, and save!.
Read more at AA.com
*Fares are each way based on round-trip purchase. Terms and conditions apply.
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".
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".
CEIBA DEL MAR: STRETCH YOUR SUMMER STAY UP TO THREE EXTRA NIGHTS, AT NO EXTRA COST.
Ceiba del Mar Beach & Spa Resort, a luxury Mexico boutique hotel with a coveted Riviera Maya oceanfront address and an ideal location on the beautiful white-sand shores of peaceful Puerto Morelos, has announced its “Twice As Nice” offer exclusively to the resort’s Facebook friends: Book a one- to three-night stay between August 10-23 and double the length of the reservation at no additional cost. A $100 spa credit (per couple, per stay), valid through December 19, 2010, completes this limited-time offer, promo codes for which are only available online at Facebook.com/CeibadelMar.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".
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".
This just in… 7 to 14 Day Caribbean Cruises Starting at $399
Princess Cruises has launched a new “Caribbean Super Sale” offering significant savings on select 2010 and 2011 voyages through the sparkling waters of the Caribbean. Travelers can choose to sail among the sun-swept islands for seven to 14 days, with fares starting at just $399.
Tropical itinerary options and pricing (per person, based on double occupancy) available in the Caribbean Super Sale include:
- Seven-day Classic Southern Caribbean on Caribbean Princess – starting at $399
- Seven-day Western Caribbean on Crown Princess – starting at $449
- Seven-day Eastern Caribbean on Ruby Princess – starting at $449
- Seven-day Southern Caribbean Explorer on Caribbean Princess – starting at $449
- Eight-day Bermuda & Eastern Caribbean on Caribbean Princess – starting at $549
- 10-day Eastern Caribbean Voyager or Southern Caribbean Medley on Emerald Princess or Star Princess – starting at $749
- 14-day Caribbean Collection on Grand Princess – starting at $999
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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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".
With the dollar getting stronger against the euro, this tour of Ireland might be just the ticket for budget-conscious travelers…
CIE Tours International is offering an 8-day “Irish Spirit” tour, priced from $898 plus airfare, or from $1,353 including round-trip airfare from NY. Everything is included – hotels, meals, transportation, sightseeing, entertainment, and more. Departures are on Thursdays and Saturdays from now through December 4th.
Focusing on the main highlights of Ireland, this tour visits Dublin, Cashel, Blarney, Killarney, Dingle, Cliffs of Moher, The Burren, Galway and Connemara.
Activities include a tour of Dublin with a local guide and a catamaran cruise on Killary Fjord. Admission fees to leading attractions are also included – from Dublinia & The Viking World, to the Rock of Cashel, Blarney Woollen Mills, Blasket Centre, Foynes Flying Boat Museum, Cliffs of Moher, Connemara Celtic Crystal Factory, and Clonmacnoise.
The price provides first class hotel accommodations with private bath for 6 nights; welcome get-together drink; full Irish breakfast daily; five dinners including the Abbey Tavern dinner/entertainment in Dublin; and a fully escorted sightseeing program via luxury motorcoach with a professional Irish driver/guide; all local taxes, hotel service charges, and baggage handling; deluxe flight bag, ticket wallet, luggage tags and luggage strap.
For travelers with more time, a 9-day version of this itinerary is available, with an extra day/night in Dublin including a Dublin open-top bus tour with complimentary visit/drink at Guinness Storehouse or Old Jameson Distillery, priced from $1,025 land-only.
For more information, contact a travel agent or CIE Tours International at 1-800-CIE-TOUR or online at www.cietours.com.
Source: CIE Tours/Harrison Leifer DiMarco PR
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".
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".