Vacation Packages

What would qualify for a romantic escape? A week on a hidden island in the Caribbean? Or maybe hiding on one of the romantic Greek islands , while sipping a red wine in the dim candlelight.

If you are like me, the idea of a romantic escape will have to combine the hustle and bustle of large cities such as Athens, Rome, London, or New York with the laid back atmosphere of a forgotten paradise island. There is ... [read more]

You don’t have to be a huge fan of soccer to know that World Cup 2010 is right around the corner. And you don’t even have to have tickets to any of the games to think that a trip to South Africa during the tournament would be interesting. It’s the world’s most popular sporting event, and draws hundreds of thousands of spectators from all over the world – so travelers get to visit another country and experience several other cultures at the same ... [read more]

Staying in an apartment during a vacation is not only a great way to save some money, but it’s also a good choice for families with children or for groups. There’s something nice when we have the liberty to eat our meals whenever you want or to be able to enjoy more space while on vacation. Thomson Apartments Accommodation Deals

The best part about these deals is that during the low season, the rates per night start at £6. Head to Furteventura (Spain) in January 2010 and you’ll pay just ... [read more]

Take a look outside. Is it snowing? Is it cold? If so, I bet you dream of a warm holiday destination, where you can sip a cocktail while sitting by the pool. Right? And I bet you also think that you probably need to break a bank to afford that vacation. Wrong! The high season might have just started in Mexico, but that doesn’t mean you cannot find excellent deals. $499 — Cabo All-Inclusive 5-Night Vacation w/Air, Save $300 — As seen on Travelzoo’s Top 20

You can now save up ... [read more]

The majority of travelers take their time to look for the perfect deal and perfect location to spend a planned vacation. And then, there are those travelers who have no idea where they’d be heading to and plan to take advantage of the late deals available. Of course it takes a degree of courage (or should I say madness?) for such endeavors but you are guaranteed to have fun. And to end up in a place you probably never planned to visit. Thomson Late Deals

While the rest of your ... [read more]

After the holiday rush, it’s time to spend some relaxing time together with your significant other. And why not, pamper yourself with a luxury holiday? Lanzarote is a perfect destination for the Europeans. It might not be warm enough to swim, but you definitely don’t need to wear too many clothes either. Plus, Thomson Luxury Holidays are actually very affordable.

You can spend 7 nights in a 4-star resort in Lanzarote for prices starting at £474 per person, RT flight from London Gatwick included. Departure is on January 7, 2010.

The alternative: ... [read more]

When it comes to skiing, France has a particular charm known to many ski enthusiasts. While it might not be the cheapest ski destination on the planet, it definitely has a lot to offer and if you book in advance, chances are you’ll be able to find some excellent deals¦such as excellent rates for apartments at Arc 1950 Village”.

There’s a new addition to the Arch 1950 ski area and they want to start big and with excellent prices. A week in an apartment capable of housing up to 4 ... [read more]

Ireland is famous for the lush landscapes and incredible castles. How many of you, sincerely, thought of spending a vacation in such a romantic place but never had the financial means to do so? Now it’s possible to enjoy such a vacation without breaking your budget. $499 — Ireland: 6 Nights in Private Villa w/Car & Air — As seen on Travelzoo’s Top 20

The deal: what’s included?

The package includes round trip airfare to Shannon from New York City (Boston or Chicago also available), 6-night accommodation at Adare Manor, near ... [read more]

Fall is the time when most of us are making the plans for Christmas and New Year’s Eve or day-dreaming about the next summer’s vacation. Sounds kind of boring, right? If your travel feet are itching and your wallet is screaming, then it’s time to look into this offer. SAVE BIG with United Vacations! Book a complete travel package including air, hotel, rental car and attraction tickets today!

Why vacation packages?

In short, vacation packages are convenient. Whether you look for a Europe vacation package or you already have ... [read more]

It’s already mid-October and the holiday season is just around the corner. Before you start making plans for Christmas and New Year’s Eve, it’s time to plan a vacation in France. Why? Because France is beautiful at this time of the year and because the deals are just amazing! At least 22% off All Dates, All Resorts. Up to 45% off!

Where should I go?

Last minute holidays have something special about them no matter if you plan a Europe vacation or choose a New York vacation because ... [read more]

Do you feel like doing something adventurous and impulsive? And no, we are not talking about packing your bags and heading to Las Vegas and trying your luck at gambling. We are talking about a real adventure. A vacation in an exciting place! If so, have we got good news for you.25% Off Top Adventure Vacation Deals!

What exactly are adventure vacations?

Adventure travel packages are aimed at those travelers who wouldn’t settle with staying by the pool or taking a nice stroll in the historic center. These packages are created ... [read more]

The fall is finally setting in (very comfortably, may I add) in the Northern Hemisphere and if you are like me, you are probably starting to moan about the cold nights and the soon-to-come nasty weather. Forget about the hot chocolate or tea, it’s time to take drastic measures! And what better way to do that than pack your bags and head to a warmer climate. If you are worried about the budget, then here’s the trick! Last Minute Caribbean Deals!

What does that mean? Let’s see: 3 nights starting ... [read more]

I don’t like paying for much at full-price. As a result, I have become pretty good at discount shopping and bargain hunting on everything from clothing to a block of cheese. My bargain hunting also applies to travel, which has been made a little easier with Cheap Caribbean great sale search option. The search feature allows you to browse all of the site’s best specials easily, making it super easy to find rock bottom prices and big discounts on many fabulous vacation packages. “SALE SEARCH Find your PERFECT vacation at ... [read more]

Labor Day has come and gone, kids across the country have returned to school and changing leaves have signaled that summer is officially over and fall has arrived. While you may still be scrambling to book a last-minute vacation before the weather turns totally sour, fall is actually a great time to take advantage of a host of shoulder season deals.

If you couldn’t get away this summer because of tightened budgets and higher travel costs, fall actually could be an ideal time for a shorter family vacation. ... [read more]

When I recently read about a new string of murders in the Mexican border city of Juarez and then saw an article about how new murders break the 2008 record in Mexico, I couldn’t help but think about all the bad press our neighbors to the south have been getting lately. Between failed plane high-jackings, drug wars in the border towns and Swine Flu, Mexico has certainly had it’s fair share of negative news this year. In an already suffering travel year, it’s not hard to imagine that all this ... [read more]

Fall is in the air, and with changing foliage and crisper temperatures also comes the famed Oktoberfest celebration in Munich Germany. While I have never had the opportunity to attend this giant 16-day beer festival that manages to attract about 6 million people annuallymaking it one of the largest fairs in the world. My father often recounts stories of his time at Oktoberfest, much of which was spent swinging from the rafters in the giant tents and drinking enough beer to make him ill for days afterwards. For those who are ... [read more]

Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past 18 months, you are probably aware that the economy sucks right now. As it turns out, people defaulting on mortgages, cutting back on spending, losing retirements, getting laid of and generally suffering economically, it’s not hard to imagine that a lot fewer people have been taking vacations this year. However, for those of us shunning the dreaded staycation  this year, there are plenty of bargains in the travel world to take advantage of. With airfares down and hotels offering plenty ... [read more]

Vegas is one of those places I definitely love to hate. While I am extremely fond of the city’s lack of open container laws and social acceptance of day-light drinking, I hate the plethora of fountains, green lawns and lakes in the middle of desert and kind of hate the over-the-top excess and tackiness synonymous with the city. That being said, from great shows to highly rated restaurants, along with some stunning deals on Vegas vacations, a little trip to Sin City has been on my radar recently. [read more]

With Labor Day come and gone, kids across the country have returned to school and the end of summer is official. While you may still be scrambling to book a last-minute vacation before the weather turns sour, fall is actually a great time to take advantage of a host of shoulder season deals. If you couldn’t get away this summer because of tightened budgets and higher travel costs, fall actually could be an ideal time for a shorter family vacation. Sure, you may have to pull the kids ... [read more]

As I prepare to kiss sun dresses, big sunglasses and sweaty nights goodbye, I am also welcoming a whole host of spectacular fall travel deals. While the season of long, hot days, festivals, river floating and sunshine may be over, the best shoulder season travel deals are just starting to be rolled out. With the traditional end-of-summer holiday weekend behind us and the droves returning to school and work until the holidays, fall is actually an ideal time to plan getaways and keep some extra cash in your pocket at the same ... [read more]

As more of an independent, backpacker type of traveler, I have to admit that I have never actually been on an all-inclusive vacation. They just never really had all that much appeal. That being said, as a bargain hunter and lover of cheap travel and good deals, even I have been tempted by some of the outrageously low prices on all-inclusive vacations lately. Apparently hurricane season and a bad economy make for some awesome opportunities for huge savings, and with some all-inclusive deals as low as $629 in Aruba, I am hard ... [read more]

Last week, I most accidentally found myself looking at horribly cheesy photos of Heidi and Spencer Pratt of MTV Hills fame hamming it up for the paparazzi while vacationing in the Caribbean. Seeing these photos did little other than to induce my gag reflex and make me vow to avoid the Caribbean until they were no longer there. Well, according to gossip sites, Heidi and Spencer have returned to L.A., which means that the Caribbean is now Speidi-free and once again a possible vacation destination. It also means that now is ... [read more]

With the end of summer just around the corner, you may already be looking for a great fall or winter getaway to the sunshine. If you’re like me and you have trouble making it through the winter without at least a brief reprieve to warm temperatures and sunny skies, you are probably thinking a trip to the beach this winter sounds pret-ty niceespecially with you see deals on beach vacation packages for under $500 including air. “ Best Beaches from $399 w/ Air Up to 70% Off, Pick your Favorite ... [read more]

This past weekend I found a great dress for a wedding that just happened to be 50%. I celebrated my luck of finding a dress I probably would have paid full price for at half the cost with an afternoon cocktail. Now that the dress is taken care of, all I need to do is find the same sort of sale for my next vacationa great vacation I’d probably be willing to pay full price for at a fraction of the cost. This was made a little easier with Cheap Caribbean gret ... [read more]

A destination known as a great place to get in trouble (it does, after all, have the nickname of Sin City), not everyone immediately thinks of great restaurants when they think of Las Vegas. However, in a city that was built around entertainment, hotels, resorts, nightclubs and keeping visitors busy, there are also some of the country’s best restaurants featuring some of the best chefs in the industry.

This is exactly why a trip to Las Vegas’ restaurant week this year might be well worth your time. Lately Vegas has also ... [read more]

For someone who grew up traveling so much with my family, it sometimes surprises people when I tell them we actually spent very few nights in hotels when I was a kid. My always budget conscious and savvy traveler mother discovered early on that the best way to save when traveling with a family was to opt for renting a house rather than getting a couple of hotel rooms. Especially for more than week-long vacations, our family actually saved money by renting a whole house. That way, not only did we not ... [read more]

Living in the rainy Pacific Northwest, I would love it if there were some sort of no-rain guarantee that would give me money back if it rained during my vacation. Since I get more than enough of the wet stuff right here at home, when I go on vacation I’m usually seeking the sunshine and a much needed escape from the grey. Well, it turns out I’m now in luck if I book a vacation through Cheap Caribbean they are now offering their SPF 100 Protection Plan that guarantees I get ... [read more]

For the past 6 months, we’ve all enjoyed super low airfares and cut-rate hotel rooms thanks to the suffering economy. With a whole lot fewer people hitting the road and traveling, airlines were forced to cut airfaresmaking air travel to just about anywhere pretty damn cheap. However, airfares seem to be on the rise again, which makes now the ideal time to book a great vacation package or flight and get in travel while it’s still super cheap. Especially in certain destinations, there are still some pretty insanely cheap offers out ... [read more]

Back to School Time is just around the corner, which can mean a few different things: either you are scrambling to book a last-minute vacation or you are planning on going on a great vacation sans kids once they are busy and back to school (and can be left with the grandparents. Whatever your reason, it’s still not too late to book a family vacation. Well, maybe not, but a summer vacation could still be totally great). Southwest Airlines Vacations Family Destinations Lucky for those ... [read more]

The home of booze, babes and gambling has been suffering with the downturn of the economy. Big time. As fewer businesses are booking conventions in Las Vegas and fewer travelers seem to have the disposable cash to take a trip to Sin City, the city has been hurting for tourist revenue lately. In fact, according to Bloomberg News, the MGM Grand (the biggest casino owner on the strip) in Vegas posted a $212.6 Million second-quarter loss. So, what does this mean for you? Some absolutely screaming good Las Vegas deals, ... [read more]

I am always a fan of finding great deals, sales and generally saving money. Since I am not a very big fan of giving up the things I love most in life (good food, travel, cute clothes), finding ways to save money on these things means I have more to put away for that next big trip, a new car, ski pass or whatever else my heart may desire down the road. This is exactly why I jumped when I saw that upscale all-inclusive Riu Vacations is now offering 50% off their ... [read more]

Summer may not be when you typically crave a vacation to the Caribbean, but heading to the islands for some sun and beach in the summer months is actually a terrific way to save money. Summer means low travel season in the Caribbean, which also means for some screaming good deals.

To make finding those great travel deals even easier, Cheap Caribbean release a new, great and super cheap deal to the Caribbean every day. Today, for example is for An all-inclusive resort starting at just $49 a night (no, I ... [read more]

While I have recently 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). Southwest Airlines Vacations Family Destinations Lucky for those keeping a tight watch on family budgets this year, travel is actually a whole lot cheaper this summer than it was just last year. As it turns ... [read more]

There is something about Vegas that both totally appalls and intrigues me at the same time. I’m appalled by the blatant excess; the seeming abundance of water in a place that you know doesn’t have any, the tacky billboards, the over-the-top everything. But Vegas is also a place where you can drink on the streets, party til dawn and where it is totally acceptable to drink during the daylight hours, which despite it’s excess, has forever endeared Vegas to me in my heart. Plus, with so many great offers in Vegas right ... [read more]

So far, 2009 has seen some pretty unbelievably low prices on all kinds of travel. From cheap air tickets to discounted hotels, the hurting economy has driven down prices on just about all kinds of travel. Especially for those traveling to destinations that have been particularly hard hit by the suffering economy, there is plenty of opportunity to score some amazing deals on travel and your vacation plans this year. In fact, with some hotels and resorts struggling to fill rooms, it has not been uncommon to see vacation packages under ... [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’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 traveland 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 get away ... [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 ... [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 with joy you might want ... [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]