Vacation and Travel Information

The 10 Commandments of travel

2009-02-21T14:13:00.001-05:00

OK, so I am not a religion scholar and I have no idea how long it took God to come up with the Ten Commandments for us mortals to live a good and moral life. (I do know that travelers the world over have been squawking for a Passenger’s Bill of Rights for many years.) But over the years, I have learned a thing or two about travel, and — believe me — the airlines, cruise lines, car rental agencies, and the hotel industry are not always the devils in the travel realm. The devils are often the travelers themselves.

So, with many thanks to my clients and my colleagues, I offer you the Ten Commandments of Travel.

Find more Vacation information at http://www.thevacationzone.net

Mixing tourism and philanthropy

2009-02-21T14:06:00.001-05:00

AHMEDABAD: No, this wasn't slum tourism. With recession and terror lowering spirits, US-based Erica and her father Dick were glad to take a break in Gujarat. And, they're going back after a special vacation in the state.

Not only with experiences of exotic rural India, but also the feeling that they have done something good. The duo was part of a unique tourism plan that's not only about giving privileged from developed nations a dekko at the real India. Relief Worker's International (RWI), which organised the tour, is a humanitarian adventure travel company that mixes pleasure with philanthropy.

Incredible India tours

2009-02-21T14:01:00.002-05:00

THERE ARE millions of people around the world who choose to spend and implement their vacations in India each year. People take a lot of time to plan for their tours or holidays in India. Many times, an India tour is considered a tradition in these families. However, there are also millions of families that choose not to take a tour to India. One of the top reasons that many families do not integrate an India tour package into their schedule is the high cost that is associated with these types of trips in India. Other families may not be able to implement an Indian holidays due to the fact that everyone has a relatively busy schedule.

When considering the cost of a family tour to India, please keep in mind that it does not have to end up being expensive. There are numerous places that a family can go to take a vacation that does not cost much, at all. Perhaps there are many resorts and small Three star category hotels in India. When you take a family to India tour, it is not really about the place that you decide to visit, it is about the quality time that you can enjoy while together as a family in Incredible India.

Travel deals

2009-02-21T13:40:00.001-05:00

$100 beach-side stimulus. Book a vacation at any one of nine Marriott and Renaissance Caribbean & Mexican Resorts and get $100 off. It's a "download now, travel later" deal: Print out the travel stimulus voucher before March 31; you can put it toward a winter or spring trip or save it to use any time before Dec. 21, even on trips that are already discounted. Three-night minimum required, and you must present the voucher when checking in.
Download voucher at ParadisebyMarriott.com; book trips at (888) 236-2427 or www.marriott.com.

Hawaii for $299. Pleasant Holidays has extended its Hawaiian Islands Getaway Sale to travel through June 4. Vacations, including round-trip airfare on United from San Francisco, start at $299 per person, based on double occupancy; included are three nights' hotel

The ups and downs of vacation rentals

2009-02-21T13:37:00.002-05:00

After years of staying in hotels for family vacations, Jen Beauman took the plunge. Using a vacation rental Web site, she booked a private, four-bedroom home on Pine Island off Florida's Gulf Coast. "It was fantastic," she said. "The house had a pool, hot tub and a dock with a boat lift for only $1,000 a week."

By renting a home instead of a hotel room, Beauman, a Florida resident, tapped into a travel trend fueled by the Internet. Now people can easily search for vacation spots worldwide and property owners can target a global audience for little money.

It's time to find the world's best vacation spots

2009-02-21T13:35:00.000-05:00

It's almost spring, which means it's time we all start planning our vacations for 2009. To do so, we need sites to help us research new places, decide where we want to go, and figure out what we can still afford.

I've picked five sites that try to do just that. Each site offers outstanding resources to help you find the right destination. And thanks to their user communities that often discuss affordability, you can make a better-informed decision about the price tag.

DriftrLike other services in this roundup, Driftr relies on the intelligence of the traveling community to provide information about where to go around the world and how to get there. And although much of the information is useful, Driftr isn't a well-trafficked site, so you won't see as many reviews from tourists as you would on TripAdvisor.

Top 10 tips for saving on airfares in 2009

2009-02-20T12:54:00.000-05:00

No one really knows where airfares are headed this year (beware anyone who claims they do; they're probably just trying to grab headlines). But here are 10 tips that will point you in the right direction next time you're looking for an airfare bargain.

1. Look for promo codes.
Airlines are increasingly resorting to promotion codes in order to bypass online travel agencies and meta search engines, driving traffic to their own sites, which are, after all, valuable properties selling everything from credit cards to hotel rooms. (Of course, this strategy also eliminates the need to pay commissions to other sites, but Airfarewatchdog suspects that this is only part of the story.)

Discounts range from $10 to 50% off published fares. Southwest, American, Allegiant, Spirit, Air Canada, JetBlue, Virgin America and others used this strategy in 2008 and we expect to see more of this in 2009. To get the codes, sign up for the airlines' frequent flyer programs and emailed newsletters. These fares are never listed on Travelocity, Kayak, etc. (Airfarewatchdog lists promo codes in its blog postings as soon as they become available.)

Find more Vacation information at http://www.thevacationzone.net

Top Five Off-Peak Destinations for Spring 2009

2009-02-18T12:11:00.001-05:00

Let's face it: Americans are dealing with some hard economic times, and travel may not be at the top of your list of priorities. But, if you can't bear to part with your annual vacation, you should consider traveling to a destination within its off-peak travel season. During low and shoulder seasons, prices for airfare and accommodations cost less than during peak times, and you'll often find fewer tourists to boot.

Here are five great money-saving destinations experiencing an off-peak season this spring.

Orange County, California:
This spring is the perfect time to visit "the O.C." This Southern California county is home to Disneyland (in Anaheim), as well as picturesque beach towns like Newport Beach and Laguna Beach (both became household names due to the popular television shows The O.C. and Laguna Beach.)

Budget Travel Tips to Save Your Family Vacation this Year

2009-02-16T12:53:00.001-05:00

Giving up your $3 cup of designer coffee in favor of making your morning joe at home may seem like a small sacrifice in light of the uncertain economy. But if you’re not yet ready to give up your vacation plans, you’re not alone. Several surveys indicate many Americans still intend to take vacations in 2009 -- they’ll just be smarter about planning the trip and how they spend their money.

Online travel planning, in particular, is growing rapidly, largely due to the fast -- and often exclusive -- access to discounts and deals that hotels, airlines, rental car companies and other tourism groups offer through their Web sites. Online travel planning expert Tom Parsons, founder of Bestfares.com, offers a few simple tips on how families can make the most of their travel budget this year.

A lot of happy trails for you on vacation

2009-02-16T12:51:00.000-05:00

Approaching this vacation, the outlook was good. We had a little warm weather this past week, but the ski areas had laid down enough man-made snow to go with the abundant natural snow to still offer plenty of skiing.

When the holiday period got under way Friday night, every area was offering skiing on all trails and lifts in operation. Some may wonder why man-made snow with all the snow we have had this season. Ski areas need to have a solid base and man-made snow holds up better through a thaw than natural snow, which can shrink rapidly. That's why we have seen snow guns going even with several feet of natural snow. It's insurance and the fact that the recent warm up had little effect on the skiing terrain available tells us it.

Family vacations in Orlando during Speed Week

2009-02-13T14:33:00.000-05:00

For those of you who don’t know, it is an annual rite of passage every year in Central Florida to have what is known as Speed Week. This culminates in the running of what has been coined, by some, as the Great American Race, the Daytona 500. For those families who have the misfortune of visiting the area during this time unaware of the NASCAR schedule, there are some things to keep in mind.

The Daytona 500 is absolutely the most well attended, single-day sporting event in the state the entire year.

6 Sites for Planning a Disney Vacation

2009-02-13T14:31:00.001-05:00

Planning your Disney vacation can be a fun way to bond with your family, or build anticipation for your vacation. The six sites we’ve linked to below tell you what you need to know before you embark on a Disney vacation, and offer advice for having fun and staying organized while planning your trip.
Every type of Disney vacation is thoroughly detailed online, including visits to theme parks around the globe and voyages on Disney cruises. The Disney.com travel homepage is an excellent starting point for exploration, featuring links to every international Disney destination, from Hong Kong to Anaheim. You’ll also find inside information on Disney cruise ships, and discover special Disney travel offers. Check out its section on pre-trip planning tips.

Taking a family cruise - how safe are kids on cruise ships?

2009-02-13T14:30:00.000-05:00

My family’s loves cruising, our cruises have been wonderful experiences and have allowed us to visit amazing ports of calls. I will admit, the first time we took a toddler on board, I was beyond nervous - she was a little monkey!

Even though we had been on cruises before, we still kept her on an arm leash the entire first day! Hard to imagine that down the road we would be taking 5 kids cruising, up to 14 days at a time!

Retreat Myrtle Beach Celebrates 20 Years Of Pet-Friendly Vacation ...

2009-02-13T14:29:00.000-05:00

Retreat Myrtle Beach, the leader in pet-friendly vacations for the Myrtle Beach, South Carolina area, has announced that it is celebrating their 20th anniversary in 2009.

Retreat Myrtle Beach professionally manages over sixty privately owned vacation homes and condos between Cherry Grove and Crescent Beach, SC ranging from one to eight bedrooms, which are all pet friendly vacation rentals - a rarity in the Myrtle Beach area.

Beach Vacation Rentals Can Save the Family's Florida Vacation in a Down Economy

2009-02-13T14:24:00.001-05:00

In today’s down economy when everyone is cutting back, the family vacation does not have to go on the chopping block. More and more families are discovering value-packed alternatives to traditional vacation plans by turning to vacation rentals.

The Rose family from New Jersey takes a Florida vacation every year. They used to fly down to Fort Lauderdale and stay in a standard hotel. The average cost for a one-week beach vacation for this family of four including airfare, lodging, meals, rental car and extras was about $ 6,850. But this year they ditched the hotel for a vacation rental apartment in nearby Pompano Beach, a safe, family-oriented oceanfront community on the North side of Fort Lauderdale, and they saved a bundle.

How to survive a family vacation

2009-02-13T14:21:00.001-05:00

Different interests, same old roles sometimes clash when parents travel with their grown children, but that doesn't mean it can't still be a rewarding experience ... as long as everybody behaves like adults...

While Mom and Dad's idea of a family vacation may not have changed, the kids they were bringing with them sure had. According to Dennis Thoy at the Adventure Travel Company in Toronto, bookings for adult children and their parents are increasing. He sees bookings for parents and their adult children to everywhere from Costa Rica to the Arctic and Vietnam. While the destinations may be exotic, the issues these travel partners encounter are familiar ones.
"The families that travel with me fall into the same roles they had growing up," says freelance tour guide Jessica Schang.

Top 10 Spring Vacation Deals for Under $1000

2009-02-13T13:29:00.001-05:00

Top 10 Spring Vacation Deals for Under $1,000

You can't turn on a TV or read a newspaper these days without hearing about the sad state of the economy. Bad news is everywhere, right?

Wrong! Here at Deal Detective World Headquarters, we're all about the good news, and that means deals, deals, and more deals. That's why I've decided to change things up this week. Rather than answering just one question, I'm here to point out 10 great deals for travel all around the globe! Let me know what you think, and as always keep those questions coming—I'll be back to solving your travel quandaries again next week.

My Top 10 Deals of the Month...

Consider these alternative spring break spots

2009-02-13T13:10:00.001-05:00

Spring break plans are ready to be made and party reputations are set to be preserved — now is that time of year to book your flight and hotel accommodations for the week you won’t remember. If for any reason you are having trouble getting into the third-world country of your choice, then you should consider some alternatives.

While many of these destinations are off the beaten-path or even banned for civilian travel by the federal government, nothing screams about how provocative and interesting of a human being you are more than an unusual experience in an exotic locale.

Find more Spring Break Vacation information at http://www.thevacationzone.net

Caribbean Cruises, Vegas and New York Getaways, More

2009-02-13T13:03:00.001-05:00

Misty writes, "I'm 19 and I have a good friend who's in her 50s who just lost her husband in death. This is the first time in her life that she can go somewhere and not have to ask anyone if she can. So now she really wants to go somewhere fun and relaxing and new. Where can I bring her? I was thinking a cruise or an all-inclusive hotel in Mexico or an island or New York. But whatever we do it has to be under $500 (including food, hotel, and airfare) per person. We live in NW Arkansas, so Houston, where the cruises [depart], is driving distance from us. Sometime in December (not Christmas time) and January. I know it sounds picky but I just don't have very much money and I really want to bring her somewhere. Two other people have already canceled trips on her, so if you have time can you tell me what to do?"

I am sorry about your friend's loss, but I commend you for being there for her during her time of need. So, let's come up with something fantastic that the two of you can enjoy and remember for years to come.

VRDirectory.Net: Travel on a Budget at a Vacation Rental

2009-02-13T12:52:00.001-05:00

Destin, FL (PRWEB) February 4, 2009 -- Despite severe winter weather, steadily rising gas prices and weak U.S. economy, Americans are still finding time to travel to their favorite destinations - with a few changes. A new online vacation rental directory is helping people find value prices on accommodations.

Many making their summer vacation plans are opting for more economical options. Instead of an expensive European vacation, for instance, they are choosing a more affordable drive to a closer destination. And instead of booking a hotel for a few nights, families are finding vacation rentals as a more flexible and cost-effective alternative.

How to Take a Nearly-Free Vacation

2009-02-13T12:50:00.000-05:00

I love traveling for almost nothing. There's something about knowing I'm getting 10 times the value it costs me... I truly love that feeling. It's like the first blindfolded wine tasting I conducted in 1978, when we all discovered a $15 wine can taste as good as the stuff French wine snobs were selling for $95.

What a joy. This past fall, I got that same feeling when I rented a luxury RV and drove the Grand Canyon and the Painted Desert of northern Arizona. I did it for almost nothing. It normally costs $200 a day to rent a high-quality RV. But I found a secret way to take an RV trip for just $22 a day...

How does this secret work?

Find more Vacation information at http://www.thevacationzone.net

GOLF & TRAVEL...

2009-02-13T12:41:00.001-05:00

The Northwest Florida Coastline features some of the best beach and natural wetlands areas in the U.S. In the Santa Rosa Beach area, the Gulf of Mexico pours onto shimmering, white sandy dunes, which guard inland waterways and lagoons. This beautiful, tranquil stretch of coastline is home to the WaterColor Inn & Resort, which includes the famed Camp Creek Golf Club.

The golf...
To stand out in the Florida golf course community, you have to have something special. Camp Creek is more than special. Famed architect Tom Fazio was given hundreds of acres of unspoiled wetlands just a par 4 away from the Gulf. This golf course combines coastal dunes with pine forests. This rare combination on the seaside makes for a day reminiscent of Scotland, Pinehurst and Cypress Point all at once.

Women-Only Hotels Heat Up

2009-02-13T08:39:00.001-05:00

Increasingly, hotels and getaways are all about the x factor

Women only vacations have fought long and hard to be included in the boardrooms and backrooms of an oft male-dominated society, but let's face it, sometimes they just want things men probably don't--like a curling iron or a copy of O, the Oprah magazine.

Luxury hotels have begun meeting the demand. The Premier Hotel in Times Square wasn't getting too many requests from female solo travelers looking for protection from male guests, but they were getting requests for better makeup lighting and more diet-friendly cuisine. "It wasn't about women asking to not be around men," says General Manager Patrick Davidson of the hotel's decision last year to reserve one entire floor for women guests. "It was so they wouldn't have to worry about packing every little additional thing."

Kissimmee Family Vacation Hotel - Seralago Hotel & Suites - Makes ...

2009-02-04T10:36:00.001-05:00

Kissimee, FL (PRWEB) January 30, 2009 -- Birthdays happen just once a year, so make them magical. Seralago Hotel & Suites, the affordable family hotel in Kissimmee close to Disney World, is offering an exclusive birthday package experience that includes the fourth night free when booking three, a birthday party at the hotel's Vineyard Café complete with cake and balloons, and other celebratory perks. Seralago is a kid friendly Walt Disney World Good Neighbor® Hotel located near four Disney theme parks and numerous other Orlando family attractions.

Seralago's 'Birthday Celebration' package includes:
Special Seralago birthday card
Free night birthday stay (stay three nights and the fourth is free) and much more...

LOOKING FOR SOMEWHERE NEW TO GO ON YOUR VACATION? WE'VE GOT 10 ...

2009-02-04T10:32:00.001-05:00

We did the legwork in 2008, so you could get a leg up on picking a place to vacation this year.

Starting at the top of the world, here are 10 great places to stay, from cozy cabins to lofty towers, with a sharecropper's shack thrown in for good measure.

1. Spitsbergen Hotel, Longyearbyen, Norway
Longyearbyen -- on the island of Spitsbergen, which is part of Norway -- is the closest permanent settlement to the North Pole. The hotel was spartan, but cozy, especially during my visit in March, which is the coldest month of the year with an average temperature of 7 degrees. The drink of the day at the bar was a Bahama Mama, and the restaurant served seal, whale and reindeer.

All-season vacation? Head for the Hills

2009-02-04T10:31:00.000-05:00

What do you do when it's bitter cold, when snow falls thick, the hunting seasons are mostly over, and there's little to do?

You visit an expo, of course, and spend hours looking at places to go and things to enjoy now or later. Which is what I did recently, heading for Columbus, roaming the AAA Great Vacations Expo at Veterans Memorial. There were more than 150 exhibitors there, along with events and appearances, and one of those was a booth run by the Hocking Hills folk.

I've long had a weakness for visiting Hocking Hills in southeastern Ohio. In fact I've made at least 15 trips to this picturesque, rugged hill country through the years and seen it in all seasons. Those seasons all are made for an outdoorsman and his family with plenty to see and do at all times of the year, but I do have a particular soft spot for winter.

Family vacations are good

2009-02-04T10:30:00.000-05:00

Family vacations are good in various ways. They allow a family to get a closer bond between one another. They also give you a break from everyday life. We sometimes don't see all the qualities of our families. We get caught up with the hustle and bustle of each day.

It's a good way to enjoy yourself and your family. We, as Americans, are always so busy with sporting events, meetings and work that we do not have the time to tell our spouses and kids "I love you" everyday. We really need to spend time and raise our kids well. They are the future. Whether long, short, near or far away, a family vacation is always a good experience!

Find more Vacation information at http://www.thevacationzone.net

Budget Vacation Ideas Make Lasting Memories

2009-02-04T10:26:00.001-05:00

LAKE FAIRLEE, VT─ The snow may still be flying, but in February, thoughts trend towards the upcoming warmer months, and families make decisions about summer vacations and summer camps for their kids. Last year, the ‘staycation’ was in vogue, this year; it may be again, given the uncertain economy. But while a ‘staycation’ might have seemed like a novel idea last year, it’s a ‘non-vacation’ the second year.

And kids that don’t go to summer camps lose a vital opportunity to break away from the Xbox and spend time outdoors being active. Savvy families, however, will find family outdoor vacation opportunities that can be extremely affordable, and replicate that summer-camp experience. For Northeast vacationers, the following three ideas will get the entire family outdoors in spectacular settings at affordable prices, and create a summer vacation experience both you and your kids will remember for years.

Beach vacations to please the entire family

2009-01-27T16:21:00.001-05:00

To find 10 great family-friendly beach destinations, we asked a panel of family-travel experts to name their favorite vacation spots where kids will have a ball and parents can get some much-needed respite and relaxation. But there's even more to it than that when it comes to finding the perfect vacation spot, experts say.

Suzanne Rowan Kelleher, editor of the tell-it-like-it-is family travel Web site WeJustGotBack.com, says so many resorts have gotten into the family act, it's important to "find the resort that's right for your particular family." She therefore shies away from the broad term "family resort" on her Web site because, she says, "what's right for a couple with a baby (great nanny service, for example) may not be right for a family with 'tweens or teens."

Spring Break Bragging Rights: The Ultimate Family Golf Vacation at ...

2009-01-27T16:15:00.001-05:00

"Spring Break is a time for families to forget the economic news and focus on what's really important: their children," said Janis Clapoff, managing director, Ojai Valley Inn & Spa. "And imagine taking your family to a resort which has hosted seven PGA Senior Tour events and where golf legends such as Arnold Palmer, Gary Player and Chi Chi Rodriguez have played. Now that's what we call a memorable spring break! Who knows, perhaps this will be the start for your daughter or son's professional golf career."

The Ultimate Family Golf Vacation package includes a separate room for children (under 18), and unlimited golf. As an added bonus, guests receive a family golf lesson from one of the Resort's PGA Golf Professionals, while Mom (or Dad!) enjoy a spa treatment. Complete details can be found at www.ojairesort.com, with prices starting at $605 per family, per night for a minimum 3-night stay. Ojai Valley Inn & Spa's 220-acre campus includes an incredible golf course, and all the features that make a family vacation perfect. The golf course is one of America's premium championship courses, built by renowned architect George C. Thomas Jr.

What to do during February vacation

2009-01-27T16:12:00.001-05:00

February vacation. It's coming, so you might as well start planning something now so you won't her "I'm bored!" all week.Luckily, there's plenty to do right in our own backyard, so to speak.Buttonwood Park Zoo, 425 Hawthorn St., New Bedford, is hosting Cabin Fever Week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Feb. 16 to 20. There will be entertainment each day at 11 a.m. and a different craft each day from noon to 2 p.m. All activities are free with zoo admission. Call 508-991-6178 or visit www.bpzoo.org.

Roger Williams Park Zoo, 1000 Elmwood Ave., Providence, also has some family fun planned for Feb. 16 to 20, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day with its ZooCamp. Activities and presentations will be held both indoors and out. Registration is required. Call 401-785-3510 or visit www.rogerwilliamsparkzoo.org.Battleship Cove, 5 Water St., Fall River, is planning Family Fun Week from Feb. 16 to 20. Families can spend a day aboard Battleship Cove’s historic vessels, learning to tie knots, fold the American flag, and more. Call 508-676-8226.

The North American Cruise Industry is Well-Positioned for 2009

2009-01-20T11:32:00.001-05:00

With a track record of continued growth, the North American cruise industry is well-positioned to take on the global economic challenges of 2009. Sparked by new ships, ports, and destinations as well as innovative shipboard experiences, and a deep rooted popularity for cruising, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) members will continue to offer incredible value across the entire spectrum of cruise vacations, in all price categories.

"There is no doubt that 2009 represents an uncertain environment, not only for CLIA members but for all industries and consumers alike. However, CLIA members are confident that they will weather the challenges and emerge stronger than ever, as they have before. This is an industry that plans ahead and invests in the future, as evidenced by the impressive number of new ships on order through 2012, and one that will contribute positively to the country’s economic revival," said Terry L. Dale, CLIA’s president and CEO. "The remarkable diversity and variety of cruises give consumers a unique opportunity to find a vacation that fits their budget even during these economic downturns and we expect that North Americans, Europeans and travelers from all over the world will respond positively."

Find more Vacation information at http://www.thevacationzone.net

Vacation spots may be cheaper given the drop in travel

2009-01-06T09:20:00.000-05:00

The US Travel Association predicts a drop in vacation travel because of the recession, which could make some vacation spots much cheaper than usual. Terri Dowd does not plan to take a trip to Hawaii or Seattle this year to see her family. “I expect the economy to get worse before it gets better,” she said.

The US Travel Association and AAA predict the recession is going to keep a lot people just like Dowd closer to home. In fact, the USTA expects a 1.3 percent drop in vacation travel.

Affordable family vacations ideas

2009-01-06T09:17:00.001-05:00

As it has already been mentioned, the location that makes a family vacation cheap should be adequate for all the family members. Resorts and parks that offer plenty of different activities at all times can solve this problem, but the issue is that this places are usually very expensive. Not only that you have to pay for the entrance in the parks or for the opportunity to take part in different activities, but you also have to support the travel and hotel expenses which are very high in this kind of neighbourhood. The most suitable alternative is therefore to choose a location not far away from your home, so that you can reduce the travel expenses, and in the same time try to find accommodation for writing press releases for instance at you friend or relative’s houses.

This is the best way to make your family vacation cheap, as it ensures minimal costs for transportation and accommodation. Keep in mind that despite the fact that you want to make your family vacation cheap, you should also look to offer plenty of different activities for all members of your family.

January - February Family Vacation Ideas

2009-01-02T16:40:00.001-05:00

January and February are lighter-traffic months between the high-volume Holiday Season and Spring Break: which means you can enjoy some uncrowded getaways if your kids are small or for other reasons aren't tied to a school schedule. And even families with schoolkids can get take advantage of a couple of long-weekend breaks in Jan. and Feb.

January - February family trip ideas include bargain time in London, "Kids Fly Free to Disneyland", Steamboat Family Snow Festival, Black History Month, and Quebec City Winter Carnival-- and more.

Find more Vacation information at http://www.thevacationzone.net

New year brings new hope for travel deals

2009-01-02T16:06:00.001-05:00

Could 2009 be the year of the getaway? Amid the recession and falling oil prices, the cost of a vacation is tumbling as the new year begins. And travel experts are predicting plenty of bargains.

How?
Gas is $1.57, airfares are falling from a summer peak of $352, hotel room rates are down as much as 18 percent, and cruise lines have slashes prices -- all putting the vacation back in some family budgets. "We'll take one or two, mainly by car," said traveler Warren Hadley, hailing free falling gas prices. "Much, much better than $4 a gallon."

At Tampa International Airport, passengers like Ellen Cullun, who just became a grandma, report finding bargains. Cullun said she recently discovered a $59 one-way fare between Tampa and Baltimore, her home.

Go to http://www.thevacationzone.net to find more Vacation information

Travel Bargains to be Found in Economic Tough Times

2009-01-01T14:51:00.000-05:00

DENVER - 2008 has been a rough year for the economy. But if you have a little extra money, there are also some deals to be had. That includes for travel.

Experts say 2009 will be a great year to book a vacation--as long as the economic slowdown continues. At Polk Majestic Travel in Denver, the lessons of economics 101 are pretty clear. "It's supply and demand. And right now, supply is exceeding demand," says owner Robert Polk. The supply are elegant accomodations and breathtaking backdrops around the world.

Find more Europe information at http://www.europe.thevacationzone.net

Why 2009 May be a Great Year to Travel

2009-01-01T14:49:00.001-05:00

Exchange rates are favorable in Canada and Europe and travel experts predict that in a recession, hotels and airlines will be forced to run tons of sales.

The value of the U.S. dollar is on the rise, gas prices are at their lowest levels in four years and hotel rates are softening. If you can afford a vacation, 2009 will be "the year of travel deals," predicts Genevieve Shaw Brown, senior editor of Travelocity. "As long as the economic slowdown continues, deals will abound for people who do have discretionary income to travel."

Find more Vacation information at http://www.thevacationzone.net

Get a holiday bargain after the December rush

2009-01-01T14:48:00.000-05:00

The December rush to go on holiday is over and a long dry January is here . For those who did not have an opportunity to travel during the festive season because of prices or time, January is a month to consider.

Planning a vacation in January has a number of advantages, with the main one being that it is cheaper as demand is low in some of the destinations. This is the time holidaymakers pack their bags and return home.It is also easier to get hotel bookings and flights as one travels against the traffic. For those who do not like crowds it is also the ideal time to travel as ones favourite destination is likely to have less guests, thus one can enjoy the poolside or sightseeing without the typical tourist crowds that are common in December.

Find more Vacation information at http://www.thevacationzone.net

Obama Family Vacations at Paradise Point Estates

2008-12-31T18:28:00.000-05:00

KAILUA, Hawaii, Dec. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- President-elect Barack Obama and his family conclude their vacation this week at Paradise Point Estates at Kailua Bay, companion luxury beachfront estates that become available for purchase this January. Local legend describes the site -- recognized as one of the top 10 beaches in the world -- as a gathering place of ancient kings and birthplace of the Hawaiian people.

The Estates' developer, Oregon-based Mercury Development president David Zimel, greeted the Obama's upon their arrival and noted that "The Obama family was delighted with the accommodations. They immediately settled in to enjoy an evening barbeque on the lanai, adorned with lavish gardens, a lagoon-style pool and tiki torches flickering in the warm ocean breeze."

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YMCA offers vacation program

2008-12-29T19:18:00.000-05:00

YOUNGSTOWN — Though Christmas is over, kids are still on holiday break, and for those parents who have to go back to work, the YMCA has a quick, fun fix.

The YMCA is offering an Off School Program during the break at the Youngstown Central Branch, 17 N. Champion St., and the Davis Family YMCA, 45 McClurg Road, Boardman.
Parents of children age 6 through 13 can take their children to either location for full days of activities, including crafts, sports, gym games, swimming and special field trips, all supervised by the Y’s staff.

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Great Travel Deals on Airline Tickets, Hotel Rooms, Vacation ...

2008-12-29T19:16:00.000-05:00

Book now and save 20% at the Hotel Cozumel and Resort.

Located near downtown San Miguel, this hotel offers spacious and beautiful accommodations, Cozumel's largest swimming pool, free wireless Internet in the lobby, a huge secluded courtyard, and a small beach area.

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Navigating Rough Waters Of Planning A Family Cruise

2008-12-28T20:24:00.000-05:00

You might, like us, wonder if sailing over the blue horizon as a family group is a good idea.Earlier this year, we weighed the advantages of holding a family gathering at sea vs., say, a week at a land resort or mountain retreat.

There was much to consider, including cost. We are an aging group of four couples — sisters, brothers and their spouses — all sixtysomethings or older, each with diverse interests and physical limitations to consider.It had been years since all of us had spent that much time cheek by jowl. A friend had once tried to assemble a family reunion for as many couples and remarked that the effort nearly turned her hair gray trying to meet everyone's needs.

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Before you go on vacation, take a trip to the doctor

2008-12-28T20:20:00.000-05:00

Borneo or Mount Sinai Hospital? An unfortunate choice -- but an easy decision.
So instead of spending a recent Monday morning as I'd planned, stuffing my suitcase with zip-off hiking pants and leech socks, I snoozed restlessly on a sofa in Mount Sinai's Abess Waiting Room. Soon, a surgeon I'd never met -- The Husband had made the choice -- would deliver the news that would determine much about our future.

The Husband's heart murmur had been discovered a few weeks before in an annual physical by the family doctor he's seen for 25 years. He'd experienced no symptoms except chest congestion that we'd written off as asthma. His weight was trim, cholesterol down, fitness level up. We had no way of knowing that his mitral valve was trashed.

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10 great places to vacation in the New Year

2008-12-28T20:16:00.002-05:00

We did the legwork in 2008, so you could get a leg up on picking a place to vacation in the New Year. Starting at the top of the world, here are 10 great places to stay, from cozy cabins to lofty towers, with a sharecropper's shack thrown in for good measure.SPITSBERGEN HOTEL ongyearbyen, NorwayIn Longyearbyen, on the island of Spitsbergen, which is part of Norway, this town of 2,000 is the closest permanent settlement to the North Pole. The hotel was spartan, but cozy, especially during my visit in March, which is the coldest month of the year with an average temperature of 7 degrees.

The drink of the day at the bar was a Bahama Mama, and the restaurant served seal, whale and reindeer.

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A Whale of a Vacation

2008-12-28T09:20:00.001-05:00

HARBOR, WASH.: Our whale-watching cruise was turning up porpoises and dolphins. Bald eagles, too. But no orcas. The black-and-white orcas are the stars of the show in the San Juan Islands, jewels of the Pacific Northwest and a popular tourist destination tucked at the north end of Puget Sound between Seattle and Vancouver.

Three pods or family groups of orcas, also known as killer whales, feed on migrating salmon and summer around the archipelago that is known for sailing, kayaking, bicycling, diving, hiking and just relaxing.

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Low-Cost Options on High-End Tours

2008-12-27T15:52:00.001-05:00

WITH cost-conscious guests increasingly unwilling to pay for premium wine tastings, private eco-hikes and five-star hotels, tour operators are starting to offer cheaper, recession-era versions of popular vacation packages to entice penny-pinching travelers.

Take Classic Journeys, an upscale travel company based in La Jolla, Calif., that normally puts customers up in luxury hotels like the Jasper Park Lodge, a Fairmont resort in the Canadian Rockies. In 2009, for the first time, the company is introducing camping trips for about $700 less than itineraries that include hotel stays.

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Family Vacation Time at the Beach

2008-12-27T15:45:00.001-05:00

Cape Cod:
An extremely popular destination for families wanting to go on a beach vacation in the US is Cape Cod, and one of the best places to stay is the Chatham Bars Inn. Some of the features this child-friendly resort offers include:· Beach Buddy program for 4-6 year olds. Here, your kids will enjoy such activities as learning about wildlife and music, as well as evening safari hunts and pajama parties.

Florida:
An ever-popular choice for family vacations, due to the stretches of glorious beaches and being the home to Disneyland, Florida offers a wide variety of resorts to choose from.

Hawaii:
Waikiki Beach also offers a truly tropical setting, and has everything from the normal water sports to snorkeling in the famous Shark’s Cove, as well as the Honolulu Zoo, ideal for children of all ages.

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Top 5 Travel Destinations For Adventure

2008-12-27T15:36:00.001-05:00

Here are our top 5 suggestions for adventure holidays in 2009 and if you read our January edition you’ll get an in-depth first hand experience of visiting the Galapagos Islands with loads of tips and contact details to get the best out of your adventure vacation.

1. Haleakala National Park, Hawaii
2. Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
3. Great Barrier Reef, Australia
4. Everglades National Park, Florida
5. Bali, Indonesia

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Washington Post Travel Section

2008-12-27T15:33:00.000-05:00

Got a travel-related question, comment, suspicion, warning, gripe, sad tale or happy ending? The Post Travel Section Flight Crew is at your service.

On the itinerary this week: visiting Christmas markets in Europe, celebrating Hanukkah in Israel and ice skating in New York City.

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How to Find Great Vacation Deals

2008-12-26T21:15:00.000-05:00

Deciding that you want to go on a vacation is all too easy. Actually booking the vacation and paying for it, however, is much more difficult. Vacation deals exist to help those who are looking for a cheap vacation to be able to afford to spend some time evading the real world. But how can you find vacation deals? Many people are not sure how they can find and use great vacation deals. Here are a few tips to help you to find vacation deals that will save you tons of money.

Book Sooner Rather Than LaterIf you are going to go on vacation, you will get better vacation deals if you book sooner rather than later. By booking later, you are giving the hotel very little notice, which means that you will have to pay full price. Booking earlier lets them know that they will have your room booked, and they will know that they will have business. In order to thank you, they will often offer vacation deals that you may not have seen before. Whenever possible, book your vacation the soonest that you can.

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San Agostino, Greece Coast, 7 nights, from £595

2008-12-26T21:00:00.001-05:00

Is it too early to book your next summer holiday? If you are after the special offers, it surely isn’t. Plan your vacation for May 2009 and you can benefit form an incredible price on this vacation.

San Agostino is an incredible destination for families with children. Located at only 25 min from Kalamata, the resort sits right on the beach, offering great opportunities for water sports. There are several clubs for children, which means the parents can benefit from well deserved intimacy while the kids can play. The price starts at £595 in early May and includes 7 nights accommodation, RT flight , transfers and all inclusive plan.

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2008-12-26T20:57:00.001-05:00

Iowa has some beautiful places that are wonderful vacation destinations. One of the must see places is Crystal Lake Cave. There is an interesting story behind this location. Back in 1868 lead miners were looking for a lead vein and they drilled 40 feet into the ground. And although they were not successful in finding the lead they had hoped for they did find something else even more amazing. What they found was Crystal Lake Cave.

Although the cave was discovered for many years it was not open to the public until 1932. Bernard Markus, one of the original miners, played a role in getting the cave open to the public and it finally became so after his death.

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