THE REAL THING AT THE MERRION
The Merrion in Dublin is the perfect backdrop for all things romantic in the heart of a city where none other than St. Valentine found his final resting place. Created within four Georgian townhouses, one of which was the birthplace of the Duke of Wellington, The Merrion has intimate drawing rooms, working fireplaces, a very private 18th-century style garden, an extensive art collection and a two-Michelin star restaurant. Three weekend escapes lead the way to romance:
Real Love: Looking to rekindle that flame? The Merrion has partnered with The Gate Theatre to offer guests the best seats in the house for the forthcoming production The Real Thing - “a play which reminds you why you go to the theater and why you fall in love, and why, just sometimes, it is all worth the effort.” The Real Thing was written by Tom Stoppard, one of the giants of modern playwriting. His razor-sharp wit burns with passion in this tender and poignant semi-autobiographical play of marital manoeuvring and the mysteries of love, commitment and authenticity. Real Love at The Merrion includes two tickets to see the production, overnight accommodation, full Irish breakfast in bed, a bottle of chilled rosé champagne, Valentine’s chocolates and a Champagne Afternoon Tea served in one of The Merrion’s log fired, cozy Drawing Rooms. Available from February 13 to 15, 2009 and priced at €515 (approximately $714), per couple, per night.
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 warmer weather quickly approaching, The Fairmont Washington, D.C. is ushering in spring with its signature Cherry Blossom Package.
Available from March 25 through April 30, 2009, the Cherry Blossom Package offers overnight accommodations for two in a luxurious guestroom, complimentary valet parking and a box of assorted note cards featuring scenes of the capital’s monuments and Cherry Blossoms by celebrated Washington, D.C. photographer Jake McGuire.
A remarkable piece of D.C. history, the National Cherry Blossom Festival®, highlights the annual blooming of the thousands of cherry trees along the Tidal Basin and elsewhere in the Nation’s capital. The 2009 Festival will celebrate the 97th anniversary of 3,000 Yoshino cherry trees presented by the Mayor of Tokyo to the City of Washington as a “memorial of national friendship between the United States and Japan.” This year’s National Cherry Blossom Festival® will be held Saturday, March 28 through Sunday, April 12, 2009.
Rates for the Cherry Blossom Package start at $189 per night based on double occupancy and availability. This package is not applicable to group bookings of ten or more, nor able to be combined with other promotions or special rates. Rates do not include tax or gratuities. For reservations, please call 202-429-2400 or toll free at 1-800-441-1414 or visit www.Fairmont.com/washington
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".
And The Winners Are…
American Historic Inns, Inc. (AHI), publisher of more than 2.7 million guidebooks and parent company to iLoveInns.com, an award-winning Web site, has announced the 2009 Top 10 Romantic Inns.
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".
Vacations always seem better when there’s a ‘deal’ involved; four nights for the price of three, buy one ticket and a companion flies free, etc. These days especially, a little time, effort, and careful research can earn you a lot more trip for a little less money. But without travel insurance, even a bargain vacation can quickly go bust.
Shop Around:
The best way to ‘save’ money with travel insurance is to consider what it is you most want to protect against and purchase the policy that best meets your needs. Start by shopping around. Everyone’s travel needs are different, but InsureMyTrip.com offers all the leading U.S. travel insurance companies on one site so you can do side-by-side comparisons of policies and prices quickly and easily. Policy prices and coverage vary greatly and it’s important to know that you don’t always have to pay more to get more.
Protect Your Trip Investment:
If you want to protect your trip investment then a Trip Cancellation Package Policy is your best choice. Policy premiums range from 4 to 8 percent of your total trip cost, which is a reflection of the breadth of coverage and plan choices available. This wide variety enables you to select the plan that best fits your budget and travel needs. “Travel insurance is your best defense against many of the most common risks affecting travel today,” advises Jim Grace, President and CEO of InsureMyTrip.com. Factors that determine the cost of travel insurance include the type of insurance coverage you choose, the cost of your trip, your age, the number of travelers in your party, and the length of your trip.
To learn more about the protection plans that best suit your travel needs, call (800) 487-4722 or visit www.insuremytrip.com today.
Source: InsureMyTrip.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".
Here’s a budget-friendly tip for families traveling to New Mexico this January…
KOAT TV-7 in cooperation with Ski New Mexico and nine (9) of its resorts ( Angel Fire Resort, Pajarito Mountain, Red River Ski Areas, Ski Santa Fe, Sandia Peak, Ski Apache, Sipapu Ski Resort, Taos Ski Valley, and Nordic areas- Enchanted Forest ) have joined the nationwide efforts of “Learn a winter sports month” this January 2009 .
For a price of $30.00 per day a youth 6-12 may contact any one of the eight cooperating alpine ski resorts and make a reservation for the program. The program starts on January 5, 2009 and runs through January 31, 2009. *Please note: The program is space available by reservation only.
For reservations - Alpine
Angel Fire Resort 575-377- 4383
Pajarito Mt.. 505-662-5725
Red River Ski Area: 575-754-2223
Sandia Peak: 505-242-9052
Sipapu Ski Resort: 800-587-2240 or 505-414-1550
Ski Apache: -575-464-3600
Ski Santa Fe: 505-992-5084
Taos Ski Valley: 575-776-2291
For reservations- Nordic:
Enchanted Forest: 800-966-9381
For nationwide information on discounts and promotions related to Learn a Snow Sport Month, visit www.winterfeelsgood.com
Source: Ski New Mexico
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".
LOVE IS IN THE AIR AND ALL AROUND AT PAN PACIFIC HOTEL SEATTLE
Cupid draws back his bow with two romantic overnight package options this Valentine’s Day at the luxurious Pan Pacific Hotel Seattle. Treat your sweetheart to the Love is in the Air or the Take Your Love to New Heights packages, both include accommodations for two along with many other amenities sure to set hearts afire this February.
The Love is in the Air package includes overnight accommodations in a Premiere guestroom with rose petals strewn on the bed, a welcome amenity of a bottle of Champagne and the sumptuous Aphrodisiac Collection by Theo Chocolates, a couples massage in Vida Spa’s private room with a complimentary candle to take home as a keepsake, overnight valet parking and of course, breakfast in bed for two to end a blissful night of romance. Package rates begin at $399 and are based on availability.
The Take Your Love to New Heights package takes love to a new level as the couple is whisked off in a Kenmore Air plane from South Lake Union for a scenic tour of the city. The return to the hotel lands the couple in the ultimate Denny Suite with panoramic views of the city and the iconic Space Needle, a King-size bed strewn with rose petals, overnight valet parking and breakfast for two in bed the following morning. This ultimate package would not be complete without the definitive piece of jewelry that says “I love you,” from Cartier, the signature platinum Love® bracelet for her. Package rates begin at $5,599 and are based on availability.
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".