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.
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".
While summer is always the big travel season in the United States, Americans are changing the way they take vacations.
For example, look at the new partnership between Groupon and Expedia. They’re following the increasingly popular deal-of-the-day model and offering significant discounts on travel packages that can include airfare, hotels, activities, car rentals and more.
That’s not the only way to get to your destination for less, though. Try using these 9 thrifty travel tips from consumer savings expert, Andrea Woroch, to save some money on your next vacation.
1. Discover Off-Peak Destinations
With nearly four-million square miles of land area, the U.S. is a big country. This means there are nearly unlimited places to travel. Destinations in California, like Los Angeles and San Francisco, are some of the most popular spots, but they’re also the most expensive. If you think outside the box, you’ll find some really cool locations to have a unique vacation without the crowds.
2. Shop at Auctions
Is your heart set on luxurious accommodations, but your bank account doesn’t match up? The auctions at travel sites like LuxuryLink.com can help you find accommodations, spa credits, meal vouchers and free drinks for as much as 65 percent below the typical retail price. Auction king eBay also offers a variety of discount vacation packages in their travel section.
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".
Enter to win an Albuquerque Culinary Quest to discover the flavors of New Mexico
The flavors of New Mexican cuisine are one of the most memorable parts of a visit to Albuquerque, and they keep people coming back time and again. Restaurant dining, wine tasting, beer making, farmers markets, cooking classes, tequila sampling and more come together to create a distinctive New Mexican cuisine. The flavors of the red and green chile permeate all types of dishes from traditional enchiladas and tamales to non-traditional pizza, chocolate and even beer!
You have a chance to win a trip to indulge in all of these tastes for yourself. Enter to win a four-day, three-night culinary getaway at www.ItsATrip.org/foodtrip.
Enjoy a three-night stay at Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Cultural Center, a quaint inn with an organic farm, formal gardens, lavender farm, art gallery and cultural center. The winner will also receive Los Poblanos recipe cards, a cookbook, culinary lavender and a private tour.
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".
Wouldn’t it be nice to getaway to Europe this summer without worrying about the airfare? Here’s a deal that can help…
Adventure travel company, Mountain Travel Sobek, is offering to cover the cost of your airfare up to $1,000*, when you book one of their Top 5 European Summer Adventures (see below) by June 24, 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".
This summer and fall, leave work and life stresses at home and round up your favorite gal-pal for a Central American girlfriend getaway.
Finca Rosa BlancaFrom now through November 15, 2011, Cayuga Sustainable Hospitality is offering new Girlfriend Getaway Packages at five of its Costa Rican and Nicaraguan properties. Known around the world for their highly sustainable and Earth-friendly ways, the hotels and lodges offer a range of outdoor activities for girls on-the-go with on-site amenities for ladies in need of relaxation including: surf lessons, ziplining over a rainforest canopy, rebalancing the sprit with private yoga, learning to make authentic tortillas, and more.
Perks of the Girlfriend Getaway Packages vary at each of the Cayuga Sustainable Hospitality properties:
Lapa Rios Ecolodge
Costa Rica’s Lapa Rios Ecolodge is set on a private nature reserve spread over 1,000-acres of Central America’s last remaining lowland tropical rainforest. This property’s Girlfriend Getaway Package includes five nights accommodation for the price of four, three gourmet meals per day, transfers to and from the Puerto Jimenez airport, a sustainability tour of the Lapa Rios property (includes participating in your own Plant a Tree program) and an on-site, guided tour (choices include bird watching at sunrise, a local medicine walk and exploring the rainforest). The five-night Girlfriend Getaway Package starts at $2,175 US. For more information or to book, visit www.laparios.com.
Finca Rosa Blanca Coffee Plantation & Inn
Come stay at the first certified sustainable hotel in Costa Rica, and the only property to achieve a perfect score on the Sustainable Tourism Certification program. This property’s Girlfriend Getaway Package includes three nights accommodation, three gourmet meals per day, transfers to and from the airport, a tour of the inn’s organic coffee plantation, a rainforest massage and a head-to-toe massage. The three-night Girlfriend Getaway Package starts at $1,843 US.
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".
Whether it is a quick weekend getaway or a weeklong vacation, the Rivera Maya’s award-winning Ceiba del Mar Beach and Spa Resort is offering special savings this summer so guests can enjoy world class amenities and attractions for less.
Now through August 31, 2011, guests can book a stay for $129 (European Plan) per person per night, which includes breakfast, or for $192 (Luxury Gourmet Plan) per person per night, which includes all a-la-carte meals at the resort’s restaurants, as well as snacks and premium beverages, including wine by the glass and top-shelf liquors. (Offer does not include room service or mini bar purchases.) And for every additional night a guest stays, various amenities are added complimentary, including:
• Second additional night includes airport transfers.
• Third additional night includes a snorkeling visit to the National Reef Park in Puerto Morelos, which is the second largest coral reef 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".
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
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".
Flowers, candy, balloons or singing telegrams. Just a few scant years ago, those were your only options for Mother’s Day gifts. Now that one of my favorite travel clothing companies, SCOTTEVEST, has expanded their Women’s line, you can give the Gift of Pockets! And because those last-minute gas station flowers are so tempting (c’mon guys, let’s step it up a little this year), from April 28, 2011 until early morning Monday May 2, 2011 most women’s products are 30% off! Here’s the deal:
You MUST use the promo code MOM30 to get the savings- This sale runs from right now (Thursday April 28th) through 7:30AM MT Monday May 2nd.
- These items (and only these items) are on sale: Women’s Q-Zip, Women’s Trench, Women’s Lightweight Vest, Go-2 Jacket for Women, Essential Jacket for Women and both styles of Women’s Socks (Walking & Hiking) by Dahlgren
- If you forget which items are on sale, pop over to their Mother’s Day Landing Page
- Important Shipping Notes: Now is NOT the time to procrastinate. If you are in the continental US and order before 11AM MT on Friday with Ground shipping, you will receive your order before Mother’s Day. If you wait until Monday to order, check the shipping map before specifying Ground shipping, since it probably will get to you, but is not guaranteed depending on where you fall on the map. When in doubt, select a faster shipping method.
- And their normal return policy is in effect, just in case you get the wrong size or confuse her most favorite and least favorite color….
And by the way guys, you’re welcome for the reminder! ;-)
Source: ScotteVest
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 eyeball-to-eyeball with the Galapagos marine iguana; witness the feeding frenzy of blue-footed boobies and snorkel with playful sea lion pups…the Galapagos Islands are an amazing adventure.
Check out these Galapagos cruise discounts of up to 30% with Expedition Trips, specialists in small-ship expeditions.
Galapagos Cruise - National Geographic Endeavour - 10 Days
Highlights: 96-passenger expedition ship with excellent naturalist guides and educational program, kayaks, and glass-bottom boat.
Guayaquil, Ecuador and Return - 10 Days
Aboard the National Geographic Endeavour
5/20/2011
Save 30% per person (up to $2,640 off)
Galapagos Cruise - La Pinta - 8 Days
Highlights: Comfortable, bright and modern ship with great guides and ample onboard amenities including pool, sauna, and Jacuzzi.
San Cristóbal Island and Return - 8 Days
Aboard the La Pinta
May - June 2011
Save 25% per person (up to $1,850 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".
With vacation season on the horizon, travelers hunting for a bargain will find wallet-friendly options in Belize as hotels are slashing prices and boosting inclusive packages for the summer months.
Home to the second largest barrier reef in the world, ancient Maya temples, exotic wildlife and more, Belize provides an unforgettable vacation. And with a fixed exchange rate of BZ$2 to US$1, travelers will naturally save even more on their summer trips.
Below is a list of specific offers that begin in the summer and run through Belize’s low season (October 31) and are tailored to fit a range of travelers - from couples seeking romantic escapes to families in search of safe summer destinations. Travelers can also find a full roster of hot summer deals on Belize’s official travel website, TravelBelize.org.
SUMMER ROMANCE FOR A BARGAIN
Featuring remote islands, mesmerizing waterfalls and affordable luxuries, Belize is the ideal getaway for couples in search of rousing romantic destinations. From seaside star-gazing on the white beaches of Placencia to breathtaking sunsets on the Maya temples of Caracol in the Cayo District, Belize’s awe-inspiring attractions are sure to sizzle any couple’s summer. While the country’s romance website, Belize In Love, features romantic packages offered year-round, below are two summer deals perfect for stirring up a little 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".
Look for hundreds of gas saving offers from inns and B&Bs at www.BetterwaytoStay.comGas prices are rising and innkeepers are coming to the rescue with a “kick gas” promotion. To help relieve pain at the pumps for travelers, inns and B&Bs throughout the U.S. and Canada are going the extra mile by offering gas savings of all kinds. Rallied by the Better Way To Stay campaign, a grassroots “experience B&Bs” campaign, hundreds of innkeepers throughout the U.S. and Canada are helping travelers save at the gas pumps under the umbrella of B&Bs Kick Gas!.
Innkeepers have created offers including everything from free gas cards and gas credits (savings on a stay to put into the gas tank), to free tune ups for the car, and rewards for carpooling or driving eco-friendly vehicles. Simply visit www.BetterWayToStay.com where gas or eco-driving offers from almost every state in the United States and many Canadian provinces can be easily searched geographically.
“Innkeepers are pumped to help travelers underwrite the cost of travel this spring and summer,” said Jay Karen, CEO of the Professional Association of Innkeepers International, the organization spearheading the Better Way To Stay campaign. “The B&Bs Kick Gas! campaign, has rallied inns and B&Bs in the US and Canada to encourage those who might be anxious to travel this spring due to rising costs,” finished Karen.
Most B&Bs Kick Gas! offers provide a $25 or greater incentive, complimentary breakfast daily and afternoon refreshments when guests stay for two or more days.
Click here to read more and learn about offers from inns, B&B associations and consortiums.
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".
Gray Whales Return to The Saratoga Passage
Inn at Langley offers special mid-week watch-the-whales rate
Each spring, the Saratoga Passage between Whidbey and Camano islands becomes a temporary home to migrating Gray Whales. The giant mammals are drawn to the Puget Sound’s rich, shallow feeding grounds as they travel north from the Baja coast to the waters of the Arctic. From about mid-March through May, the passage plays host to up to a dozen whales.
The balconies at The Inn at Langley are ideal spots from which to watch the slow-rolling whales gather food and listen to the faint and soothing sounds of their breathing. In celebration of the whales’ return, The Inn is offering special mid-week room rates starting at $225 until May 13, 2011.
“Every year, we are amazed by these majestic creatures as they return to feed and frolic directly off shore from the Inn,” said Inn general manager and chef, Matt Costello. “There’s even a whale bell in downtown Langley about a block from The Inn that people are encouraged to ring when they spot a whale.”
For guests hoping for a look from the water, The Inn is partnering with a local tour boat operator. Guests need only mention they are interested in a charter whale watching tour when making a reservation at The Inn and the Inn staff will make arrangements.
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 divers who want to save money this year on their next dive vacation, there’s still time left to book Bonaire’s destination-wide Bonus Bonanza added value package, offering visitor discounts throughout the entire island.
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".
Travelers exploring America this spring will be able to stretch their travel dollar even farther thanks to Choice Hotels and a new Choice Privileges promotion where members can earn a $50 gas card after just two separate stays. Book a reservation at ChoiceHotels.com or 800-4CHOICE and stay two separate times at any Choice Hotels property between March 3 and May 4, 2011, and receive enough Choice Privileges points to redeem for a $50 gas card to use anytime.*
What’s more, guests who register at ChoiceHotels.com are eligible to earn more than one $50 gas card during the promotion. Also, Choice Privileges Elite Platinum and Elite Diamond members can book their qualifying stays through any channel. Qualifying stays at Choice Hotels economy and extended stay brand properties, including MainStay Suites, Suburban Extended Stay Hotel, Econo Lodge and Rodeway Inn hotels, must be a minimum of two consecutive nights.
For more information about the ChoicePrivileges rewards program, as well as other promotional offers by Choice Hotels, visit choicehotels.com.
About Choice Hotels
Choice Hotels International, Inc. franchises more than 6,000 hotels, representing more than 495,000 rooms, in the United States and more than 30 other countries and territories. As of December 31, 2010, more than 500 hotels were under construction, awaiting conversion or approved for development in the United States, representing more than 40,000 rooms, and more than 100 hotels, representing approximately 9,000 rooms, are under construction, awaiting conversion or approved for development in 18 other countries and territories.The company’s Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality, Sleep Inn, Clarion, Cambria Suites, MainStay Suites, Suburban Extended Stay Hotel, Econo Lodge and Rodeway Inn brands serve guests worldwide.In addition, via its Ascend Collection membership program, travelers in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean have upscale lodging options at historic, boutique and unique hotels.
Source: Choice Hotels International
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".
Cure the winter blues with these sizzling spring break deals at Mexico.com
The travel specialists at Mexico.com have just announced an unbeatable deal on all Mexico travel packages. It’s time to drop your normal routine and escape reality with a spring break vacation to one of Mexico’s top beach destinations, where the sun is always shining and the ocean water is crystal clear.
Between now and April 30, 2011, travelers that book a flight and hotel package at any Mexico.com resort for travel dates between now and April 30, 2011, will received $100 off orders of $1,000 or more. At checkout, guests simply need to use the promotion code SPRINGBREAK.
Mexico.com not only offers travelers great deals but provides insider know-how on transportation, dining, nightlife and popular attractions. By combining the concept of a travel guide and online booking agent, Mexico.com becomes a one-stop-shop for all spring break needs.
So say goodbye to the winter blues and book your Mexico spring break vacation today. Visit http://www.mexico.com/promotions/springbreak.html for full details.
Source: Mexico.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".
This year for Spring Break let YMCA of the Rockies help customize an affordable Colorado getaway for your family. Their two properties Estes Park Center and Snow Mountain Ranch offer a range of accommodations, dining options, and activities to keep the whole family entertained, while staying on budget.
Here are just a couple of ideas of how to spend Spring Break with YMCA of the Rockies:
- Family Fun Weekends- These themed weekends are available at both properties and include two nights’ accommodation, buffet-style meals, and a huge range of activities. March 4-6th Estes Park Center will be hosting a Family Magic weekend which in addition to showcasing magic demonstrations will prepare families to stage their own magic shows. March 25th-27th Snow Mountain Ranch will have Family Crafts Weekend and also offer free Nordic ski lesson and trail pass with equipment rentals.
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 Fat Tuesday right around the corner, Mardi Gras travelers can still save up to 30% on select hotels with hotels.com. Better yet, savings are available in both the U.S. as well as Canada, to make sure everyone can enjoy the party!
Sample Deals:
New Orleans
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".
Winter may be Santa Fe’s best kept secret, but it won’t be for long with winter deals like these.
The first annual Santa Fe Winter Fiesta takes place February 18 - 27, 2011 throughout Santa Fe’s historic streets and in the nearby Rocky Mountains.
Each day will be a celebration of the season with daily special events focusing on Santa Fe’s bountiful outdoor opportunities, Native American and Spanish cultures, the region’s savory and diverse cuisine, the city’s performing arts, and Santa Fe’s endless fine arts.
Lots of winter events and Santa Fe Specials are available plus hotel packages with value pricing and additional savings opportunities around town, including:
- Stay one night get one free offers are available at Luxx Hotel, Lodge at Santa Fe and Hotel Plaza Real
- Spa and resort packages up to 50% off
- 505 Bar Crawl Friday, February 18th - FREE ADMISSION
- Discounted snowshoe and skiing
- Santa Fe School of Cooking Classes 30% off
- Dining at famous resaturants 20 - 60 % off
- SEE ALL DEALS
A Winter Fiesta Pass lanyard ($20) is the key to savings for many events, venues, classes and programs.
For more Santa Fe information and Winter Fiesta deals visit: www.SantaFeWinterFiesta.com
Source: Santa Fe Conventions and Visitors Bureau
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".
photo courtesy Volcanoes SafarisHaving a close encounter with gorillas in the wild is truly a life-changing, once in a lifetime experience. Staying at one of Volcanoes Safaris’ ecolodges near Africa’s gorilla national parks gives travelers the opportunity to enjoy this awe-inspiring journey at a lower price with these special offers: 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 FINE PRINT: Not applicable to groups, existing business or with any other offer. New reservations are pre-paid, non-refundable at time of booking. Blackout dates may apply.
RESERVATIONS: To book a reservation, call 800.732.2240 or book directly with this link
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".