Cool Cruise Deals to Paradise

Regular readers of this blog know that I track travel deals to Hawaii very carefully. And with the recent demise of Aloha Airlines and the skyrocketing price of fuel, bargains to paradise are relatively non-existent. So when I was notified of this next cruise deal to the Pearls of the Pacific my jaw dropped. Some of the Aloha State sailings reflect savings of nearly 50%. Take a look: NORWEGIAN This early-bird special offered by Orbitz is a real steal. It takes place aboard Norwegian’s Pride of America and sets sail in December 2009. The seven-night voyage departs round trip from … Continue reading

Paradise Found

This is a follow up to a blog I recently wrote bemoaning the fact that finding affordable airfare to Hawaii is next to impossible these days. A few days ago I received an email informing me of an outstanding package deal to Maui that is being offered for a limited time during Hawaii’s low season. The offer is good from August 18-December 8, 2008, but you must book a spot by July 13, 2008. For $645 per person you can fly round-trip from L.A., San Francisco or Seattle ($1,119 per person from Chicago) to Maui on United Airlines and stay … Continue reading

Tickets to Paradise on the Rise

I have got to stop looking at airline rates to Hawaii. Doing so just depresses me. But I just can’t seem to help myself. I’ve subscribed to several travel sites that automatically send me updates on ticket prices for the dates that I am planning to travel home… and the news is not good. With record-breaking fuel prices and the recent demise of several carriers servicing the islands things are not looking sunny for my trip to the “Aloha State.” What’s more, from now until at least September, airlines have scheduled 14% fewer seats than last year between the mainland … Continue reading

Hawaii—-A Whale of a Travel Deal

Regular readers of this blog know I am constantly on the look out for travel deals to Hawaii, especially now. That’s why this following bargain is so noteworthy. As the busy summer travel season winds down and the slower fall months creep up on us I can only hope that deals like these will become more prevalent. (One can hope.) If you have been holding out for a reasonable package deal to one of the Hawaiian Island’s most incredible spots this is the deal for you. For just $1,039 per person you will receive roundtrip airfare from Los Angeles (add … Continue reading

Hawaii Travel: Good News/Bad News

Let’s start with the bad news… In what will likely come as no surprise to avid travelers, Hawaii’s go! airlines will soon be charging a $10 fee to passengers wanting to check a bag on interisland flights. According to a statement released by Phoenix-based Mesa Air Group Inc., go!’s parent company, it is joining several other carriers by charging for checked bags. The reason: (the standard) “need to find other sources of revenue to deal with a spike in fuel prices.” Is there any other reason these days? The new fee will go into effect August 10th. However, passengers who … Continue reading

Ways to Save While in Hawaii

As I mentioned in a previous blog finding travel deals to Hawaii is a challenge. But it’s not nearly as difficult as finding bargains while you are in the Aloha State, which is why the following deals are so noteworthy. From now through the end of the year (December 31, 2008) you can take advantage of the Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort & Spa’s new Golf & Spa Escape Package. The luxurious beachfront resort sits in the heart of Waikiki (on the Hawaiian Island of Oahu) and is within walking distance of first-rate shops, restaurants, and other popular Honolulu attractions. … Continue reading

There’s Still Time to Snag a Super Summer Travel Deal

It’s true; summer vacation for some folks is rapidly drawing to a close. Wal-Mart already has its back-to-school supplies out and in some states where year-round school is in place classes for the new year begin in a couple of weeks. If your family has yet to escape on a summer getaway the clock is ticking. The good news is that there are still a number of travel deals to be had. Take a look: HAWAII Securing a flight to Hawaii has gotten harder and more expensive in the last few months so this next deal is a rare find. … Continue reading

Summer Travel: Saving Money Down South

Who says you have to jet off to Mexico, Hawaii or the Caribbean to enjoy a sizzling summer vacation? If you want to spend less but get more out of your next family trip consider heading to the Southern portion of the U.S. That’s where you’ll find some hot deals on cool family-friendly events. Take a look: ATHENS, GEORGIA It’s probably best known as the hometown of the mega-popular band R.E.M. and this summer the city of Athens, Georgia is rolling out the red carpet for music-loving families. From June 18-22, 2008, the historic downtown area will host the 12th … Continue reading

Asian Adventures

I have always dreamed of sending my parents on a cruise of Japan and China, but Asian sailings are among the priciest on the market. And with the price of airfare skyrocketing these days I can barely afford tickets to see them in Hawaii so I don’t know how I would be able to round up the money it would take to cover a dream cruise. Still, I’m constantly on the look out for great deals on high sea adventures, with the hope that one day I can gift my mom and dad with the trip they have longed to … Continue reading

Taking an Affordable Holiday to Italy

You know things are awry in the travel world when you can fly to Italy for less than it costs to jet off to Hawaii from New York. I subscribe to several online travel sites and keep in close contact with a number of travel agents and this week both announced amazing air and hotel packages to popular Italian cities such as Florence, Venice and Rome for unbelievably affordable prices. Take a look: FLORENCE For a mere $1,039 you can jet off to fabulous Florence this fall. Virgin Vacations is offering the trip to the picturesque crown of Tuscany, for … Continue reading