Vacation Packages

School’s almost out for the summer—which means you are going to have to figure out something to entertain your kids for 3 months (perhaps while harboring secret resentment towards their summer full of uninterrupted bliss and free time). While I have discovered that no martini buzz can quite recapture the feeling of that last day of school, booking a family vacation this summer is probably the best way to pretend like you are on vacation with your kids. (Well, maybe not, but a summer vacation could still be totally great). [read more]

I could easily sit down and make a list about all the reasons I would want to go to Hawaii. Discounted flights and hotel rooms would top the list, but the active volcanoes, fresh pineapple, beautiful beaches and aloha spirit certainly would also make the list. Add on top of that a great promotion over at United for savings of $200 and it looks like I’ll be packing up my favorite swimsuit and getting ready to get my tan on. Save up to $200 to Hawai‘i’s Big Island! Book a flight ... [read more]

I am one of those gals that is reluctant to buy much of anything that’s not on sale right now. We’re buried up to our necks in recession, which for me translates into bigger sales and better sales. This certainly also applies to travel—and with the travel industry hurting in the economy there are plenty of great deals out there to be had. From free nights to free dining and big coupon codes, there is no reason you shouldn’t be able to save good money on your summer travel this year. [read more]

I like to spend almost all of my disposable income on plane tickets and travel adventures, which is why ever since I got my tax refund in the mail it has been burning a hole in my pocket and I have been waiting to stimulate the economy with the money the government kindly returned to me and buy some plane tickets. Tax Refund = A Much Needed Vacation! Browse our many money saving deals to take that affordable getaway. Book by 4/15. Especially with such great deals on [read more]

They aren’t publicizing this too much, but the reality is that Las Vegas is really hurting lately, and they are offering excellent deals to help fill up some of their empty rooms: Las Vegas Vacation Packages and Deals Here’s the thing. About half of the business in Las Vegas is from people driving in from Southern California, and when gas prices shot way up many of those people decided this was an expense they could do without. And airfares also shot up for the ... [read more]

I hesitate to even post this link because I have a feeling this will completely crash their computer system, but here goes anyway: Southwest Airlines Vacations. Affordable vacation packages to destinations from coast to coast. Okay, so the link text doesn’t do a great job of selling you on clicking, but once you do see the page this will take you to you’ll thank me. Everyone knows Southwest Airlines is consistently a low-price leader among US airlines, and in case you hadn’t heard, their packaged ... [read more]

If you are American you know that you are not allowed to travel to Cuba unless you get special permission for something like an educational tour or a Michael Moore documentary. If you are an American traveler, you know that plenty of people flaunt this law. They make their way to Cuba via a couple of undisclosed locations (cough* Mexico * cough * Canada).

Knowing full well that you are not intent on breaking any laws and that this is purely aimed at people who can legally travel to Cuba, BootsnAll does ... [read more]

In my vision of paradise cars don’t exist. I think my vision is not one shared by NASCAR drivers or those who like to get around by some other means than bike riding. Cars or no cars, Hawaii has been described on many an occasion as paradise on earth. It is hard to argue with a place that has beautiful white beaches, lush tropical forests, stunning mountains, and, yes, cars.

Some people choose to spend their Hawaiian vacation moving no further than the lounge chair by the swimming pool. Others ... [read more]

Among the many reasons why you shouldn’t move to Florida: alligators, mosquitos, sink holes, hurricanes, people who drive with their left turn signal constantly on, the preponderance of blue hair, OJ Simpson lives there, Don Johnson, the 2000 presidential election and drive-in liquor stores.

The argument in favor of moving to Florida: sunshine.

If you are someone who can live with the unpleasant other things, but can’t live without sunshine then Florida has your name written all over it. Perhaps you aren’t thinking about moving there, but a visit is what you have in ... [read more]

Traveling by yourself can be a unique and rewarding experience. It challenges you to figure out where you are going and how to get there. It can also inspire you to make new friends. Everyone loves a solo traveler. Group travelers, not so much.

While an individual trip can be special, sometimes an experience is best when you have someone else around. Someone else to help navigate through the airport customs. Someone else to be sympathetic when you stomach doesn’t appreciate the food it just ate. Someone ... [read more]

As far as countries go, Costa Rica has always marched to the beat of a different drum. Instead of spending the 1980s engaged in war like many parts of Central America, it abolished its military. Instead of chopping down all of its trees and wilderness, it protected it. More than a quarter of the country’s land has been set aside for protection. Indeed, Costa Rica is the exception to the rule and that is one reason why it is an exceptional place to visit.

With one of a kind rainforests, ... [read more]

Some people like to call Reno, Nevada a poor man’s Las Vegas. That isn’t exactly the label one wants to read when they are going to a city that is known for its gambling establishments. Perhaps a better endorsement would be to call Reno a luck man’s Las Vegas.

Poor or lucky, Reno is what it is, which is primarily a city of casinos. That means lots of large rooms with gaming tables where you never can tell what time of day it is. That means hotels that are ... [read more]

Did you know that this is The Year of a Million Dreams? If you have been paying attention to all the Disney commercials recently you couldn’t help but know this. Disney and dreams apparently go together like chocolate, graham crackers and marshmallows. One person’s dream can be another person’s nightmare, however. Disneyland and the other assorted properties are the happiest place on earth as long as you have enough money to pay through the nose.

Southwest Vacations to the rescue. The little airline that could is doing its ... [read more]

Fireworks, family and fun. Those are the things that many of us associate with the Fourth of July holiday. It was so very kind of the founders of the United States to choose to do the whole independence thing during the summer months. The extra day off during the summer is always a welcomed thing.

There is no shortage of choices available to those who are looking to get away for Independence Day. Heading to the beach is always a popular option, camping out in the woods usually doesn’t disappoint, ... [read more]

If you have read any travel magazines over the years or visited any number of Web sites, you know by now that Negril, Jamaica has been named one of the top ten beaches in the world. Located in the westernmost part of Jamaica, Negril has grown from a sleepy isolated town into a thriving tourist destination replete with the high quality resorts you’d expect to find where there are beautiful sand and clear blue waters.

What makes Negril different than a lot of popular beach resort destinations is that it hasn’t been entirely ... [read more]

Everyone knows the legend of New York City. It is a great place to travel but it is expensive as heck. Everywhere you look there are hamburgers that cost $30 and beers that will run you $20. It is a place to go only if you share the same tax bracket as Donald Trump or if you have a couch to crash on in one of his apartment towers. You’ll need to cash in your 401K plan just so you can spend a night out on the town.

This is ... [read more]

Sometimes the best of travel is the planning. It is easy to spend hours looking for interesting sights to visit, scouting out the best restaurants in a foreign city, choosing which hotel you want to stay at, and figuring out how to get from point A to point B without getting stuck in point C. Indeed, vacation planning can often be more fun than the vacation itself.

Vacation planning also takes time and time is something we don’t often in have in abundance in our busy lives. Planning can also be ... [read more]

Nothing in life is free and technically neither is this offer. You do have to spend money to fly to either Hawaii’s Big Island or to Maui. You do have to spend money on a new bathing suit because frankly you should be embarrassed to be seen in that old one. You also have to spend money on a hotel room for at least four nights. If you manage to do all of that, the free reward is within your reach.

Funjet Vacations and Prince Resorts have come together ... [read more]

Perhaps it will be the indelible legacy of the 21st Century. No, not the Internet or artificial sugar made from real sugar. What I am talking about is our modern custom of combing two disparate words into one. For example, did you know that you can combine crud and nuts to come up with “crust”? You can also do it with spiffy and terrific so that it is “spifirific”. But did you know that there is something now known as a “mancation’? Tis true. If you ... [read more]

Many a baseball fan has made a summer pilgrimage to Boston over the years. The city is, of course, home to Fenway Park, one of the true jewels of the American sporting world. You can’t call yourself a baseball fan or even a sports fan until you have watched a game from the historic stadium. Just be forewarned that it is home to something called the Green Monster. Kind of scary sounding, don’t you think?

If baseball is not your thing, there are myriad reasons to visit Boston in the ... [read more]

There is something indescribable about Italy that sucks you in and makes you one of her own. There is the beautiful countryside, of course, with its quaint towns, rolling hills and relaxed way of life. There are the cities, as well, with their hustle and bustle. There is the Riviera with its stunning cliffs that overhang deep blue waters. There are also the mountains. The Alps and the Dolemites redefine the reaches of land.

Some or all of these components of Italy will likely leave you enchanted, but ... [read more]

Why did they decide to call it New Mexico? It is not like they came up with a newer, better formula like New Coke. Why not just call it North Mexico instead? And while we are at it, why did they have to name the biggest city in the state Albuquerque? Didn’t they realize that name is very difficult for those of us who are spelling impaired?

Thos are the only complaints I have about New Mexico and its biggest city. It is a lovely state with awesome scenery. ... [read more]

One minute you rarely hear about a country, the next it is the darling of the travel world. If your take a bit of time looking at the various travel deals floating around the Web, the odds are good that you will quickly come across something to do with Belize. The Central American country is a hot travel destination this year and it is easy to understand why.

Just a two-hour flight from the continental United States, Belize is an easy-to-reach beach destination. It doesn’t hurt that the country has a ... [read more]

There are many places in this big old world that you can go and very few of them are more beautiful than British Columbia, Canada. With its stunning coastline, glorious mountains and relaxed way of life, British Columbia is an oft forgotten North American jewel. That won’t be the case after 2010 when Vancouver hosts the Winter Olympics. Once the world sees how amazing it is you can bet that people will flock to B.C.

Now is the optimal time to visit. The summer months in British Columbia cannot be ... [read more]

When you ask most Americans what their favorite holiday is there is a slim likelihood that anyone would choose Memorial Day. It doesn’t have the gifts of Christmas or the food of Thanksgiving or even the costumes of Halloween. It is a holiday after all to remind us of those who have died for the country. Hardly a reason to celebrate but it does have one thing that all of us can enjoy: the title of being the unofficial start of summer.

The summer months are, of course, the time when ... [read more]

If you are looking for a quick and easy escape, consider taking a holiday in Montego Bay, Jamaica. With its sheltered Doctor’s Cave beach, clear turquoise waters and pretty surrounding mountains, it is a beautiful place to relax for a few days, especially when you can get an outstanding deal on a flight and hotel vacation package.

When Christopher Columbus first visited the island in 1494 he named the bay Golfo de Buen Tiempo (Fair Weather Gulf). The weather nor the fairness haven’t changed since. Make no bones about it, ... [read more]

There are many advantages to choosing to travel to Puerto Rico. For one thing it is super close to the mainland United States and relatively easy to travel to. For another thing it is a super interesting island with a unique history and culture. For another it is a place that is used to hosting English speakers from the US. For another it has beautiful beaches and stunning waters. And best of all it is a slice of the Caribbean that doesn’t necessarily come with the Caribbean prices.

Puerto ... [read more]

The only thing more foolish than paying full price for a Las Vegas vacation is paying full price for a Las Vegas vacation and losing your mortgage while playing craps. As my grandfather used to tell me when I was a little boy, fly wisely and gamble even wiser. Or something like that. I don’t gamble. I hate making casinos go broke.

With all the Vegas offers out there how does one possibly choose which to take advantage of? That is an excellent question. You should take a ... [read more]

As a bargain airfare shopper you are undoubtedly aware of Southwest Airlines. They invented the cattle drive boarding process and essentially made it affordable for just about everyone to fly. They also have those nifty free drinks coupons. After you use a few of them you will really enjoy being herded onto their planes.

While their flights are a proven entity, you may not be aware of the fact that they also offer vacation packages. Southwest Airline Vacation is what you would expect from the nation’s leading discount ... [read more]

We’re diving head first into the travel season when it becomes expensive to travel to Europe. Everyone and their mother’s mother want to visit the Old Continent during the summer season and that means that the airlines can bend you over their knees and spank you until all of the money falls out of your pockets.

There is hope, however, if you are able to travel between now and the start of the summer crunch (late May). This is kind of the in between period where prices creep up but aren’t quite ... [read more]

Do you remember the months after Crocodile Dundee came out? Every person and their mother wanted to go to Australia. And then they looked at a map and realized that is was slightly further away than Alabama and slightly more expensive to travel to. Ah, the sound of travel plans shattered by money and distance. It is one that brings sadness to my ears. We’ve all experienced it.

The good news is that even without the Croc man on the big screen Australia is still a desirable place to ... [read more]

SE Asia is a culture that must be experienced at its own pace. While the cities are busy and frantic, the countryside is tranquil and decidedly slower. You will have plenty of time to experience this firsthand during an 18-day adventure trip that follows the Trail of the Khmer through Thailand, Cambodia and Laos.

The trip begins and ends in Bangkok, Thailand’s bustling and unforgettable capital. From there you go off the beaten path and onto the Khmer Trail by visiting some of Cambodia’s most amazing spots. You’ll also ... [read more]

Is there a community in this world that does not have music? It would seem that music is one of the few common threads that bind humanity. We may not all like the Spice Girls, for example, but we all like something. This has always been the case. Even in ancient times people felt the need to make noise beyond the grunts and groans that come out of our mouths. Music is a universal phenomenon and it isn’t going anywhere soon.

Many people travel to listen to music in ... [read more]

It is hard to imagine that 42,807 people choose to live in the desert. That is the population of Palm Springs, California, a town with an average daytime high of 108 degrees in the summer. That is the population of a place that averages 354 days of sunshine per year and on average receives less than 6 inches of rain annually. How is a town that size able to sustain itself in a place that dry? Do the residents take their buckets and fill them up at the local ... [read more]

Children are an expensive proposition. Between feeding them, putting clothes on their backs and bribing them to behave in public places it costs more than a pretty penny to raise kids. It is amazing that any of us have any money left over to go on family vacations.

Not all family vacations are created equally, of course. You can put the young ones in the backseat and travel to a campground where you can live off of franks and beans and hardly spend a cent. Ahhh, my childhood memories. ... [read more]

I’d like to take credit for being the one who first said that golf is a good walk spoiled, but alas Mark Twain beat me to the punch. Twain sure did know what he was talking about. You can play golf on a beautiful day in a beautiful location with beautiful people around you and still think that the day was the ugliest day in the history of ugly days.

A few hooks here, a few shots into the water there and the next thing you know you are out a couple ... [read more]

If you do a Google search for Rome the first thing that comes up is a television series on HBO by that very name. How did a show that has only been around for a couple of years beat out a city that has been inhabited since around the 8th Century BC? The whole thing about Rome not being built in a day doesn’t apply to the Internet apparently. A couple of years is equal to a day when you are talking about development over centuries.

The deal for today has ... [read more]

Forget love and a lifetime of happiness. The real reason to get married is so that you can have a bachelor or bacherlorette party. You can gather all your friends in one place, do things that you would normally never dream of doing and party one last time before you settle into a lifetime of marital bliss.

Ok, so the marital bliss stuff does trump a weekend of fun, but nevertheless a bachelor or bachelorette party is a rite of passage in many parts. What better way to celebrate than to ... [read more]

As a cheap travel type of guy, I generally have very little loyalty. I don’t care which airline I fly as long as it saves me money. I don’t care how fancy the accommodations are as long as they are within my price range. I don’t care who rents me my rental car as long as it runs and doesn’t have a used baby diaper in the backseat when I pick it up (long story, best told at a later date). In short, I am the type of person ... [read more]

There might be lovelier places in spring than Paris but I can’t think of many. After the winter gloom departs and the flowers remember that they are supposed to be colorful, Paris comes alive in a way that doesn’t exist the rest of the year. Indeed, springtime is the time for Parisians to enjoy Paris. The tourists aren’t out in big numbers and the city’s many charms are on full display.

Many a person has fallen in love in Paris in the spring and many a couple have rekindled the flames ... [read more]

You can hardly go a click of mouse in your Internet travels these days without coming across some kind of deal on Caribbean vacation packages. In fact, you are likely to come across ads with blinking lights and dancing coconut shells or something equally absurd. I promise never to have blinking anythings on this site. Can’t promise I won’t be absurd though.

Now that the winter holiday rush is over and Spring Break is soon to be a hazy memory, the various resorts in the Caribbean are eager to ... [read more]

When I arrived in Fiji a few years back I had a backpack on my shoulder and a limited amount of money in my pockets. I was traveling by myself and merely had a travel guide to direct me. I had been on the road for weeks and was feeling completely worn down. I was lonely and tired of people. I had lost faith in humanity. All I wanted to do was go home, a sad thought considering I had just landed on an island that is close ... [read more]

Do you ever find it annoying when people use the word “aloha” when they are speaking English? I do. It is a pretty word and in Hawaiian it sounds great but when you sprinkle it in with English conversation it just sounds silly. That is my pet peeve for the week. You are forewarned. If I hear you saying aloha in an inappropriate setting I will scorn you and not share my delicious freshly sliced Hawaiian pineapple with you.

Now, if you are in Hawaii and you feel the ... [read more]

This webcast is geared towards travel writers and journalists but if you are a travel junkie you might learn a thing or three as well.

From the press release:

Vacation packages are no longer just for first-time travelers. More than ever, even experienced travelers are booking their dream trips with the ease of one-stop shopping (airfare, hotel and itinerary for one price). Why the trend?

Join us for an exclusive web event for travel journalists hosted by Rudy Maxa of public televisions’ 65-part “Smart Travels” series as he talks about:

• What makes a good travel package

• Who’s buying travel packages and ... [read more]

Does the thought of wearing cucumbers on your eyes excite you? Does the mere mention of a mud bath get your juices flowing? Do you go to night dreaming about a deep tissue massage?

If you answered yes to those three questions than you are just like me; you are a health spa fiend. It doesn’t matter where the spa is located, I love them. My friend even convinced me to go to one in a strip mall next to a major interstate highway. It was heaven.

I ... [read more]

Here is a way to join the mile-high club without having to sneak off to a cramped airplane restroom while the rest of the cabin is watching a cheesy romantic comedy at 50,000 feet. Simply visit Denver, Colorado and enjoy the company of your significant other in the comfort of a bed, chair, swing, or whatever. After all, Denver is the Mile High City so by my calculations that means you will be in the club. Of course I am not president of the club so I don’t have the ... [read more]

The postcard had to be invented because of Vermont. Many years ago a person must have been traveling through the state without a camera only hoping to share the beauty with her friends and loved ones back home. The spectacular Green Mountains, the charming little villages, the clear blue lakes…mere words could not do the state justice. She must have convinced someone to take a picture for her and to post it in the mail.

That is always how I envision Vermont. Having spent a lot of time there I ... [read more]

It wasn’t long ago that you couldn’t pay people to vacation in the Dominican Republic. Some peaceful times, a few shots of half-clothed celebrities lounging on the beaches there and a plethora of new resorts that are out of this world have changed all of that. The DR is hot, hot, hot as they like to say in the travel industry.

Because it is hot, hot, hot, prices are going up, up, up. Sure you can still fly to the island and find a fleabag hotel that isn’t very expensive, but ... [read more]

With its location on Lake Michigan and nearly constant air movement you would think that Chicago deserves to be called the Windy City. But did you know that there are a number of cities in the United States that have a higher average wind speed than Chicago’s 10.4 miles per hours?

Casper, Wyo. (12.9 m.p.h.), Boston (12.5), Buffalo (12), Milwaukee (11.6), and Honolulu (11.4) are all windier. Incidentally, America’s windiest city is Blue Hill, Mass., with an average velocity of 15.4 m.p.h. Now you know why people in Blue Hill live in ... [read more]

We’re a little over a year away from the 2008 Summer Olympics and by all accounts things are full steam ahead in Beijing, China. You better start training if you have any hope to win the speed walking competition. The Summer Games, along with the booming Chinese economy, is helping to transform Beijing each and every day. Gone are the small little alleys and side streets that were unique to Beijing. In are new, modern buildings, an improved infrastructure and an increasing number of residents living a middle class ... [read more]

It happens every year at this time. It starts out with me watching a cycling race from Europe. I watch the riders going through historic cities, climbing spectacular mountains and pedaling through quaint towns that look like they are straight off of a postcard. I start caring less and less for the race and more and more for the scenery. The next thing you know I am booking a flight to Europe. I need to kill my television.

This week’s race is from Paris to Nice, France. ... [read more]

Forget Mardi Gras. The best party in New Orleans is Jazz Fest. It offers all the thrills and wonders of the other big party without the debauchery and annoyingness. Plus it features the best jazz music in the world. What could be better than that?

Just looking at this year’s scheduled artists makes my mouth water. There are not only the finest jazz musicians in the world, but also some great rock, blues and country performers. All of this takes place with the city of New Orleans ... [read more]

I’ve always been a bit curious about the name of Norway’s capital. Oslo rolls off the tongue. It is short, sweet and simple. In other words, it is not like Burkina Faso’s capital. It is no Ouagadougou (try saying that ten times or at least correctly once).

According to Wikipedia, the name Oslo is the subject of much debate. There are some that believe it comes from the name of a large farm during the time of settlement. There are others that say it refers to the ... [read more]

I’ll admit to being a little more than skeptical before I went to Florence, Italy. Everyone I have ever talked to who has been there has said that it is a special city. A place that is loved by so many, I thought, must be teeming with tourists and therefore a city that I won’t enjoy in the least. I was wrong.

I wasn’t wrong about the tourist part. There are more fanny packs per capita in Florence than there are anywhere else in the world. Every third vehicle ... [read more]

Founded by Jesuit missionaries in 1697, Loreto was the first Spanish town on the Baja California Peninsula. With 10,000 residents, it is mainly a town centered around tourism these days. There is a reason why many visitors from the United States and elsewhere travel to Loreto. It is absolutely lovely.

Located on the Sea of Cortes and with the Sierra de la Giganta mountain range nearby, Loreto is an ideal setting for those looking to do some fishing, kayaking golfing, boating and good old fashioned lounging in the sun. ... [read more]

It is almost impossible to believe that at one time Sesame Street was viewed as being a terrible thing. Back when the show first started many parents and educators believed that it was the beginning of the end. They thought it would warp children’s minds and lead to a society full of walking zombies. How wrong they were. The show has helped to teach millions of children to read, count and to believe in a talking giant bird.

If your children are at an age where Sesame Street fills them ... [read more]

For a place that has been called paradise on more than one occasion, Hawaii sure goes to a lot of effort to attract tourists. You would think that the incredible beaches, warm waters, stunning mountains and world-class resorts would do enough to sell the state on its own, but apparently people need even more of an incentive to visit.

Every week I seemingly come across deals on Hawaiian vacations. I have come to the conclusion that the only excuse you should ever have for paying full price for a trip to Hawaii ... [read more]

NASCAR is hot. At least that is what everyone keeps telling me. I don’t see the appeal, but I would never bash another sport. I get that enough from people who hate the sport I love, soccer. If you watch a NASCAR race you can’t help but notice a few things. There is advertising everywhere and there are people packed to the gills in the stands. That tells me the sport of left-turn driving is doing something right and that is all I need to know ... [read more]

The spring season is usually an excellent time to travel to Europe and this year it is proving to be no exception. In addition to not having to deal with the summer crowds that can make even the nicest place not so nice, traveling in the spring offers travelers and opportunity to save money on flights and accommodations.

Case in point is a deal being offered by British Airways for flights before May 27, 2007. If you book one of their reasonably priced flights to London and other destinations around the ... [read more]

What does a city that is defined by its waterways have in common with a city in the desert where water is piped in from hundreds of miles away? Absolutely nothing, but that is the essence of Las Vegas where things are so absurd that no one would ever question why there is a Venice hotel in the city.

As you likely know, The Venetian hotel has a reputation as being one of Las Vegas’ more upscale sleeping quarters. It hosts no less than 19 restaurants, it has the Guggenheim ... [read more]

Are there two more disparate places that are always linked together than Reno and Tahoe? Reno is all about city life. More precisely, it is more about gambling and enjoying the wonderfully wacky world of casinos. You could literally spend an entire weekend in Reno without ever breathing anything other than smoke-filled hotel air.

Tahoe is the exact opposite. It is all about nature and about being outdoors. Lake Tahoe is one of the country’s true treasures, its blue waters unlike any other. The mountains in Tahoe are ... [read more]

If you are looking for a quick little getaway to a destination that offers great history, food and nightlife, than look no further than Boston. Beantown is one of America’s great cities and it is ideal for a four-day weekend escape. Take a tour of where the country’s founders once walked, sit back and enjoy the eclectic scene in Harvard Square, and visit some of the best restaurants on this planet.

If culture is your thing, the city has several ornate theatres, including the Cutler Majestic Theatre, Boston Opera House, The Wang ... [read more]

Here is an adventure for you. BootsnAll has designed an awesome 12-day summer trip to Turkey. Limited to just 12 people, this adventure tour has it all: horseback riding, rafting, trekking, cycling, and a 4-day cruise on an old world sailboat in the Mediterranean Sea, complete with swimming, snorkeling and seafood.

Beginning and ending in the one-of-a-kind city of Istanbul, the tour features a stop at the Goreme Open Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage site which has 1000-year-old cave churches decorated with frescoes. If you have never been ... [read more]

The one thing I have learned while captaining this travel deal blog is that the best deals are often the ones that are more unavailable. For example, you could probably fly from your home to Timbuktu right now for $100 if you could leave this very instant, your name begins and ends in the letter “p” and you don’t mind stopping in 27 places along the way. Is that you? Go ahead and pack your bags.

Good deals exist, they all too often just happen to be inconvenient and implausible, especially ... [read more]

Did you know that Miami is a Spring Break hot spot this year? Neither did I until I received no less than four emails from various travel companies proclaiming it as the place to be during those crazy weeks of beer funnels, bikinis, and debauchery. Sounds thrilling, right?

Even if the college party scene isn’t your cup of tea, Miami is still a killer place to visit. It has easy access to some wonderful beaches, it is the epicenter of Latin culture in the United States, the Cuban restaurants are simply ... [read more]

Contrary to popular belief you need more than a surfboard to get around when you visit Hawaii. Those sharks can be nasty and sometimes you want to get away from the beach and head inland a bit to explore the mountains and to see how hot those volcanoes can really get.

Enter United Airlines vacations. They have a deal on free car rentals in Hawaii that is good for the entire year. All you have to do is book a holiday through them and they’ll give you to keys to ... [read more]

It is amazing what a little break away from home and work can do for the soul. Just when you are starting to feel like you have been punched in the gut by Mike Tyson only to have a piano fall from a third story window onto your back, a quick vacation can help you breathe normally again and it can help lift the weight of the world off of your shoulders.

As far as short little junkets go, this is a pretty tasty one. Priceline has a nifty deal on three-night ... [read more]

The beautiful thing about being an armchair traveler is that I have the opportunity to see and learn about various parts of the world on a daily basis. If my interest is in China one day, I will track down information about the country and travel deals. If my interest is in Manitoba the next day I will do the same. By the end of the week I will have spanned the globe without ever leaving my computer chair. That is pretty cool.

And it sucks. Boy, does it ... [read more]

Even if you live on the West Coast of the United States it is a long way to China, Japan and Vietnam. Modern airplanes have cut the travel time but you’re still looking at a ten-hour plus flight. That is great if you enjoy breathing stale air at 50,000 feet while you are forced to watch a Will Farrell movie (I swear, every plane I have been on for the past three years has shown one), but if you are adverse to flying or don’t have a ton of vacation days ... [read more]

The first sign of spring for many of us in the United States is when we heat the crack of a baseball bat hitting a ball. There is something optimistic about the start of baseball’s spring training. The teams train in the sunny weather of Florida and Arizona, winter snowbird fans flock to see the players hit, catch and tug at their crotches, and every team holds out hope that this will be their year for World Series glory.

The one thing that sets baseball apart from the other major sports in ... [read more]

Why do you suppose that seven is a lucky number? It doesn’t look sexier than any of the other numbers, it doesn’t smell better than the other numbers and it certainly can’t tap dance better than the other numbers. Sure it has a soft drink named after it, but seven is nothing special in my mind. I’ve always been partial to the number four myself, but apparently there are many, many reasons why seven has become a lucky number in our culture. You learn something new every day ... [read more]

I’ll admit that I have always been a bit weirded out by the name Corpus Christi. Why a place in southern Texas would actively choose to call itself the Body of Christ in Latin is beyond me, but I guess the Spanish settlers who helped to found the place that it was appropriate at the time.

I’ll also admit that I have been surprised by how many deals I have seen recently on flights to and hotels in Corpus Christi, Texas. I am sure that it is a lovely place with ... [read more]

If you ask 100 people what they consider to be a travel adventure you’d probably get 100 different answers. For some it might mean scaling Mt. Kilimanjaro. For others it might mean rafting down a category five river. For others an adventure vacation would mean a trek through Nepal. And for others it might mean a trip to the beach with three screaming kids in the backseat and 22 cents in their pockets.

Adventure comes in all shapes and sizes and if you know where to look you can find ... [read more]

Life would be much more enjoyable if we could all name our prices on items we buy. You could go down to your local Porsche dealer, for example, and buy that shiny red one for, oh, say, $3.00 paid out in 100 easy installments of three cents each. Or you could come to this Web site and decide that you would like to spend $1,000 to read each post. Or, well, I like that last idea a lot, but it isn’t going to happen. You have to pay at ... [read more]

When is Valentine’s Day again? Oh yeah, it was yesterday. Opps, looks like you screwed the pooch and forgot that it is mandatory to shower the one you love with caloric filled candies and flowers that will end up shriveled and in the garbage bin a week from now. How ever will you be able to keep the romance in your relationship alive now that February 14 has come and gone?

One way would be to give your significant other those little heart shaped candies with pithy sayings like “Be mine” ... [read more]

You might want to bring along some extra oxygen because Denali National Park in Alaska could very well take your breath away. The signature park of the Last Frontier, Denali is a sight to behold. It is a playground for animals like bears and caribou, while also serving as a playground for animals of a different sort, humans. It is the home of the tallest mountain in North America – Mt. McKinley. It is 6.2 million acres of some of the most unspoiled and spectacular land on this planet.

Even ... [read more]

Have you seen the movie Home Alone? Of course you have. It is mandatory viewing for anyone who has children. It teaches us all a very important lesson about what happens when you leave one of your kids at home while you go away on vacation. Nothing good can come out of it even if your child can make adorable faces while putting on aftershave lotion.

In fact, you will have a much better time if you take the rugrats along with you. They might not always be happy ... [read more]

Attention all aspiring musicians: If you want to make it big in this world you need to record a song about California, pronto. The Golden State has inspired many an artist in her day. Considering the state has close to 35 million residents and the largest population in the United States, it makes great financial sense to write up a few lyrics that at least include the word “California”.

So what is it about the state that has led so many people to sing about her? Besides being a place ... [read more]

A trip to Quebec City, Canada will leave you feeling like you have left North America and have returned to a different continent and a different era. The city’s charming walled old town has narrow streets and stylish buildings that are a rarity in most of North America. This is a section of town that was not built with modern automobiles in mind and as a result it can be an absolute delight for pedestrians.

The European influence is felt throughout even the modern sections of the city as you are much ... [read more]

One of the hardest things about being a road warrior business traveler is leaving a loved one behind. Sometimes it feels like you’ve been on the road so many times that you can hardly even remember your significant other’s name. When in doubt just call him or her “sweetie”. It is universally accepted.

Another thing that is widely appreciated is taking your loved one with you on the road whether for business or for pleasure. Spending time on an airplane and in a hotel room can help you remember ... [read more]

Traveling as a family can bring a family closer together and forge lasting memories. Those memories can range from the awful – spending 10 hours in a car while your brother kicks you in the backseat – to the amazing, like spending time with your parents in another country.

Exposing children to the joys and challenges of travel at an early age will pave the path for a lifetime of travel enjoyment. The challenge is finding a vacation that is right for the whole family. A vacation where kids can have ... [read more]

It won’t come as a surprise to anyone who has had to contend with the crowds during one of the city’s festivals to learn that Edinburgh is the second most visited city in the United Kingdom each year. Only London receives more funny speaking guests from around the world carrying maps like they are lost and snapping pictures left and right each year.

There is a reason why Edinburgh is so popular with tourists: the place rocks. It combines old world charm with modern hipness in a way that few other cities ... [read more]

If George Washington were alive today he would likely want you to visit the city has sprouted out of the marshes and that bears his name. If he were alive today he would tell you to pay a visit to the Smithsonian Museum to further your understanding of the history of the country which he helped to found. If George were alive today he would point out Washington DC’s cherry blossoms in bloom and remind you to never chop down an apple tree without telling a lie. If he were ... [read more]

If you are reading this site there is a pretty good likelihood that you will go to great lengths to find a travel bargain. After all, you have to endure my dodgy grammar on a regular basis and for that you deserve a medal, or at least a killer deal on a flight.

Since you have proven your street cred by being here, today I would like to present a crazy and/or fun deal from Funjet Vacations. For those bold enough to play along, they have a Fun for Less Mystery ... [read more]

Who says romance is dead? February is always a month where the concept of romance bubbles to the surface thanks to the greetings card holiday that some call Valentine’s Day. Sure the holiday is pressure inducing, commercially driven and sometimes about as much fun as a root canal, but it can also serve as a reminder that a little bit of romance can go a long ways in a relationship.

By its very nature travel can be a romantic endeavor. The opportunity to spend time with the one you love while ... [read more]

It rains every single day of the year in Seattle, Washington or at least that is what the people who live there would like you to believe. The facts say otherwise. Seattle does get its fair share of rainy days, but the vast majority happens in the winter months. During the summer, the skies are sunny and blue and there are few nicer cities to be than in Seattle.

One of the reasons why people in the Pacific Northwest talk to outsiders so much about the rain is that they know ... [read more]

With its splendid bay, famous bridge, island prison, cable cars, and unreal steep hills, San Francisco is truly a unique American city. On a sunny day it is one of the prettiest cities in the United States. On a foggy day it is still one of the prettiest cities in the United States. On any day it is a great place to visit.

You can stroll along Fisherman’s Wharf, take a drive out to wine country, dine in Chinatown, take in the sights in the Haight Ashbury district and do some ... [read more]

The mere name Aruba sounds exotic. Go ahead and say it out loud. Aruba. It rolls off the tongue even if you are stuffing your face with potato chips while surfing the Internet.

Its name is not the only thing Aruba has going for itself. The place is both exotic and erotic. It is a paradise that will delight the single traveler and kindle passion in couples. The nearly perfect weather offers up year-round sun and a warmth that will make a dip in the crystal ... [read more]

Buying a vacation package is not for everyone. Some people prefer to spend a few nights in one place, a few nights at another, etc. Other people are very selective about where they lay their bed at night and the fact is that vacation packages often involve hotels that fall well short of being five-star. All of that being said, sometimes vacation packages are worth the inconvenience and worth the step down in accommodations, especially if they can help you save money on a vacation.

Priceline currently has some tasty offerings ... [read more]

This is the time of year when the savvy cruise bargain shopper can pick up a real steal. If you shop early, you’ll likely beat all the other cruise wannabes to the best deals of the summer season.

One destination that was hot last season and surely will be even hotter this year is Alaska. More and more cruises are doing the Inside Passage which is great news for travelers looking to see an amazing part of the world without spending a small fortune.

Celebrity Cruises is offering a cruise that is ... [read more]

Orbitz has Deals on Florida Getaways! Exp Aug 13, 2006

Whether you want to treat the family to a trip to Orlando, unwind on the Gulf Coast, or dance ’til dawn in Miami, you’ll find just the right deal to plan your perfect getaway.

Head for Florida now and take advantage of Orbitz’ hotel and vacation deals at top destinations across the Sunshine State.

They’re offering featured hotels from only $60 a night and hotel+flight from $262! Check out their deals to Orlando, Miami, Tampa, Fort Lauderdale, and even the Florida Keys!

Travelocity last minute packages.

It’s Friday morning. You’re gearing up for a weekend filled with DVDs and other homebody happenings. Ho-hum.

Start over. It’s Friday morning. You’re gearing up for a weekend filled with extreme adventure. With Last Minute Deals, get away to your favorite spot for endorphin-inducing, stress-relieving exhilaration. Whether you choose the city or the great outdoors, up the weekend ante by experiencing the extreme activities these destinations have to offer:

San Diego, CA: Surfing Ride the new-age vibe and ocean-size your next weekend escape by trying surf lessons on your SoCal getaway.

Salt Lake City, UT: Mountain Biking How to get to ... [read more]

Find Low Fares on Orbitz!

Head north this summer and visit Canada! Marvel at Niagara Falls, Land of the Thundering Waters and much more. Discover Vancouver where mountains, ocean, rainforests and city life converge. No matter what you enjoy, Canada offers everything you want.

Vancouver – Sutton Place Hotel – 5 Stars – from $226

Situated in the heart of downtown Vancouver, this hotel allows guests to experience exceptional service and all the needed amenities within the cosmopolitan ambience of the city set against a majestic backdrop of mountains and sea.

Whistler – The Westin Resort & ... [read more]

Delta Honolulu Sale from $482 RT

Be the first to fly to paradise onboard Delta’s last minute sale to Honolulu. With flights starting at just $482 round-trip, you’ll have extra money to spend on important things like great Oahu restaurants, island tours, or maybe surf lessons! But hurry, this sale end August 21st.

Purchase by Aug. 21, 2006. Travel between Aug. 7 and Sept. 30, 2006

A 7 day advance purchase required, with Labor Day weekend blackout dates: Sept. 1 - 4, 2006. Fares not valid for travel on Saturdays.

Delta Honolulu Sale from $482 RT! [read more]

Road Trip with Orbitz! Hotels, Cars and Attractions for you. Exp Sept, 6, 2006

With Labor Day fast approaching, it’s one last push to enjoy your summer before the fall weather settles in. Thanks to Orbitz, your great American vacation is right up the road. Orbitz has great deals on hotels that are just a short drive away!

Check out great car rental deals for your trip and don’t forget to purchase tickets to popular attractions and convenient services before you go! They have deals in Chicago, Texas, Milwaukee, St. Louis and Minneapolis…but you must book ... [read more]

Las Palmas Hotel & Suites Fort Lauderdale - 4 nights with air (from STL) $260pp.

Las Palmas Hotel & Suites: The Hilton Ft. Lauderdale/Sunrise boasts 240 renovated guest rooms. All guest room accommodations feature coffee maker and complimentary coffee, cable television with on-command pay per view movies, full-size iron and ironing board, hairdryer, Mini-bar, and a two-line telephone with voice mail and internet data port.

The hotel has Non-Smoking and ADA accessible rooms available upon request. Enjoy a relaxing swim in the heated outdoor swimming pool or relax while reading a book in the beautiful courtyard. The ... [read more]

Find Great Deals to New Mexico on Orbitz!

One of Orbitz’ top five picks for places to go next? The popular package-travel destination of Albuquerque, New Mexico.

With its hot climate and a variety of world class resorts rising in the area, Albuquerque continues to grow in popularity and charm. Ever dream of seeing hundreds of hot air balloons in the sky at the same time? Visit Albuquerque during its International Balloon Fiesta. Held from October 6 through 15, the Balloon Fiesta is the largest event of its kind in the world welcoming around 750 balloons each ... [read more]

Cheap fare to Cancun

Whether you want to lie in the sun, sight see, or just get away from it all, United Airlines has the perfect place for you! Escape to beautiful Cancun and take advantage of these great low fares.

You must purchase by August 4, 2006. Travel outbound from July 5, 2006 through October 28, 2006, with all travel completed by October 31, 2006. A two-night minimum stay is required, and a 30-day maximum stay is permitted.

Search for your cheap fare to Cancun!

Blue Bay Getaway & Spa - All Inclusive Cancun - 3 nights with air (from DEN) $568pp.

The Adults ONLY 21+, Blue Bay Getaway and Spa is the perfect place for couples and singles seeking famed Cancun fun in an Adult environment with great entertainment. Adults only play and sun on a pristine white sand beach with tropical Caribbean waters and bath or socialize topless optional in one of two spectacular pools. Kick back and let go with the infamous Blue Bay entertainment team. The Blue Bay is dedicated to ensuring you have a great time ... [read more]

Find Low Fares to New Orleans on Orbitz!

Orbitz has predicted the top five up-and-coming destinations in the world and party town New Orleans, Louisiana is on the list.

Fans of this Cajun city know there is more to this town than just Mardi Gras. Orbitz continues to cheer on reconstruction efforts post hurricane Katrina. As its levies are rebuilt, we believe the crown jewel of the Gulf Coast will reemerge for all its citizens and celebrate its heritage as a city of ground-breaking music, first-rate food and great people.

Travelers should keep their eye on New Orleans ... [read more]