Educational Vacations Get Boost from Hotel

I have long touted the value of taking family trips to educational destinations. The trend, which began with learning vacations for adults, is now being embraced by teens, who are looking to do more with their downtime than simply work on a gnarly tan. Loews Hotels recently introduced a program they are calling “Edu-cations.” The travel package is tailored to teens and combines a stay with learning a new skill such as cooking, golfing, surfing or getting an inside look at Nashville’s Music Row or New York’s financial markets. Some of the packages include: “Surfin’ Safari.” This package is offered … Continue reading

Affordable Hotels

Affordable… but small. In a previous blog I told you about the new option tired travelers have at some of the world’s busiest airports—-Pod Hotels. This week a brand of pod hotels called Yotels opened in Terminal 4 at London’s Heathrow Airport. The company, which launched its first property in London’s Gatwick Airport this summer, charges about $50 for four hours in a standard single “cabin” and $115 for an overnight stay. Yotel also offers a double cabin for families, which costs about $80 for four hours and $170 for a night. If you are looking for budget accommodations these … Continue reading

Health-Conscious Hotels

In previous blogs I told you about how several major hotel chains including Marriott and Westin have gone nonsmoking. In addition, I’ve discussed how some hotels have implemented more rigorous cleaning procedures to combat germs. Now it seems at least one major hotel chain is taking their guests’ health concerns to a new level. Loews Hotels has just announced that they will be following the lead of a growing number of fast-food chains and the city of New York — it will ban artificial trans fats in food it offers. They make history by becoming the first hotel chain to … Continue reading

Last-Minute Holiday Travel Deals

  Today is considered one of the busiest travel days of the year, along with the day after Christmas and January 2nd.  If you are looking for deals on a holiday getaway, your window of opportunity isn’t completely closed.  According to travel experts, you can still score last-minute savings on flights to some destinations if you travel on Christmas day.  You can also save a little money if you take-off three or four days after December 25th. Another way to save is to book online.  Check the websites of individual budget carriers, as well as travel aggregate sites. Flying on … Continue reading

Super Summer Getaways

If you can’t take yet another summer vacation at the beach with your in-laws or you simply want to escape to a place that is a tad bit (or a lot) more thrilling than your family’s traditional trek to Yogi Bear’s campsite, then consider the following end of the summer travel deals that will have you jetting off to sensational international destinations without breaking the bank: IRELAND You can create your own fairytale by taking advantage of Aer Lingus’ five-night end of the summer vacation package that flies you to Shannon in the beautiful southwestern region of Ireland. The area … Continue reading

There’s Nothing Frugal About Traveling For Christmas

Travel in general is not frugal, but you’ve got to live from time to time. Still we manage to find ways to cut the costs. Read: A Few Tightwad Tips for Road Trips Money Saving Travel Tips for Cash Strapped Flyers Saving Money on Your Next Vacation—Book Early Regardless of how you plan and save over the winter holidays however, it is difficult to control your wallet. One of the biggest reasons that winter travel is so expensive is unpredictability. For example, right now, four days before Christmas, there is a major snowstorm across the country. People are stranded in … Continue reading

Summer Deals for a Steal

With summer fading fast, many hotels and resorts are trying to make the most of last-minute family vacations by offering unbeatable seasonal rates. The following are sample savings found at some of the most popular family-friendly vacation destinations: MEXICO Mexico’s Riviera Maya boasts sparkling white-sand beaches and picturesque ancient ruins. It’s also home to the Maroma Resort and Spa, which features 65 spacious, sunlit guestrooms and suites featuring king-sized beds, handcrafted mahogany furniture, and hand-painted tiles. Right now you can book a 3-night weekend stay for just $395 per night. The Best Deal Days offer includes complimentary inclusions valued at … Continue reading

How to Fly with a Baby: The Stuff

Planning a vacation away can be a very exciting thing, but if you have a baby then chances are that you are concerned about how your baby will take the flight, if your baby will disturb other people on the plane and how to navigate with all of the extra gear. Here are some tips about all of the gear and supplies to make it easier to fly with a baby. Pack for baby Because the process of flying can take hours, you’ll need to bring a carry on bag that will have to get you and your baby all … Continue reading

Take Off for Tahiti

And you thought Hawaii was the only tropical oasis with gentle breezes, endless blue horizons and lush, rugged landscapes. If you have ever visited French Polynesia you know that cobalt blue waters and powder soft sand beaches are just as abundant there and right now (in some cases) it’s cheaper to travel to Tahiti, Moorea and Bora Bora than it is to jet off to the 50th State. If you are looking for a bargain to paradise check out the following deals that combine airfare and lodging to popular Society Island destinations. The catch: To take advantage of the package … Continue reading

Boston Wants Your Business

In these tough economic times some lodgings are pulling out all the stops to fill guest rooms. Some are a bit cleverer than others, but for the most part the offerings are designed to give you more bang for your buck. Hotels in the Boston area have ramped up their promotions in just the last two weeks; perhaps hoping you will spend some of your tax rebates or part of your economic stimulus package on a vacation for the whole clan. If you are looking to getaway to Beantown and want to save some cash on your hotel room check … Continue reading