Travel Deals: Las Vegas – New Zealand – LEGOLAND

Here are some interesting travel deals to cross our desks in the past week:

EXPLORE NEW ZEALAND BY AIR
Air New Zealand launches its Explorer Pass this month which is designed to encourage visitors to explore more of the region by making travel within New Zealand and around the South Pacific easier and more flexible.

The pass is available exclusively to residents of the USA and Canada travelling on Air New Zealand fares to New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific Islands and allows travellers to purchase between three and ten flights using zone fares. Date and routing changes or additions can be made for a nominal fee, even if the passenger is already on vacation.

Passengers can choose from 27 destinations within New Zealand, seven Australian gateways, and nine South Pacific island destinations including Tahiti, The Cook Islands and Fiji.

Each destination sits within four price zones. Zone pricing is set from $79, $109, $199 and $269, excluding any government/airport taxes/surcharges applicable to Tasman and Pacific Island sectors.

For Canadian travllers, Air New Zealand is increasing capacity on the Vancouver-Auckland route from three return services per week to six over the peak January travel period.

Passengers can purchase the Air New Zealand Explorer Pass before departure from the USA or Canada through their travel agent or by calling Air New Zealand Sales Support. To purchase after arrival into Australia, New Zealand or the Pacific islands, passengers should visit an Air New Zealand Holidays store or call Air New Zealand.

For more information visit http://www.airnewzealand.ca/explorer-pass.

STARWOOD HOTELS LAUNCHES CANADA DAY SALE
In honour of Canada Day, Starwood Hotels Resorts is offering savings of up to 30 percent at 50 participating Westin, Sheraton, Four Points, W, Le Méridien and Aloft hotels across Canada. This is a limited time offer on summer stays taken by August 5, 2013.

The Canada Day sale begins June 17, 2013 and must be booked by 11:59 P.M. EST daylight savings time on July 1.  Rates vary by property, with rates starting at $79 per room, per night, based on single/double occupancy and availability. A limited number of rooms are available at each property and blackout dates may apply.

Rates require full advance pre-payment, rates are non-refundable and are plus taxe. Children 17 years of age and under stay free in parental room using existing bedding.  These rates are not applicable to groups.

For more information, full terms and conditions and to make a booking please visit www.starwoodoffers.com/canada-day.

HOTEL PACKAGE AIMED AT VISITORS TO LEGOLAND
Hilton Garden Inn Carlsbad Beach has introduced a new summer package offering five-day family access to LEGOLAND California Resort.

Created in celebration of the Park’s new LEGO Star Wars X-wing starfighter display, the five-night LEGOLAND Resort Hopper package is available from June 14 until September 15, 2013 and offers deluxe accommodations and four LEGOLAND Resort Hopper tickets valid for five days of unlimited admission, from the day of first visit, to LEGOLAND California, LEGOLAND Water Park and SEA LIFE Aquarium.

The package, which is priced from $234 U.S. per night, also provides complimentary transportation between Hilton Garden Inn and LEGOLAND California Resort, located five minutes from the hotel.

The Hilton Garden Inn Carlsbad Beach is one of the top-ranked coastal hotels in California, offering complimentary parking, in-room high-speed Internet access and local transportation.

For more information, visit http://www.hiltongardeninncarlsbad.com.

LAS VEGAS HOTELS TEAM UP TO OFFER SUMMER PACKAGE
From now through September 30, 2013, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay, The Mirage, Monte Carlo, New York-New York, Luxor, Excalibur and Circus Circus are teaming up to host the ultimate summer block party with specially priced rooms.

Summer Escape packages provide guests with access to all of the deals and offers across the eight participating resorts including live entertainment, happy hour specials and a scavenger hunt, among other exclusive experiences:

MGM Grand

• Rooms starting at $65
• 20% off services at Grand Spa at MGM Grand and Cristophe Salon
• Complimentary admission to WET REPUBLIC (Monday and Thursday only)

Mandalay Bay

• Rooms starting at $75
• $50 cabana credit for Mandalay Bay Beach (Sunday – Thursday only)
• $10 off any 18” pizza at Slice of Vegas
• Complimentary dessert with purchase of two entrées at Hussong’s Cantina

The Mirage

• Rooms starting at $75
• 25% off Cravings Buffet
• $3 off admission to Siegfried Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat
• 2-for-1 entry into Private Oasis at The Mirage Pool (Sunday – Wednesday only)

Monte Carlo

• Rooms starting at $55
• 2-for-1 frozen cocktails at Big Chill
• 2-for-1 raft rentals at the pool
• 2-for-1 entrées at The Café

New York-New York

• Rooms starting at $53
• 2-for-1 raft rentals at The Pool
• 2-for-1 breakfast at Il Fornaio
• $1 JELL-O shots at Big Chill and Lobby Bar with purchase of any beer

Luxor

• Rooms starting at $42
• 15% off Glow and Bronze Spray Tan Package at Nurture – Spa and Salon at Luxor
• 15% off purchase at Rice Company
• Complimentary admission for two to LAX Nightclub (excludes special events)

Excalibur

• Rooms starting at $30
• 10% off retail items at The Spa at Excalibur
• 2-for-1 drafts and tequila shots at Dick’s Last Resort
• 25% off one purchase at Kids of the Kingdom or Dragon’s Lair

Circus Circus

• Rooms starting at $22
• Resort passport with more than $150 in savings
• One complimentary premium ride pass at The Adventuredome
• Buy one, get one drink free at select bars

Packages are based on availability and subject to blackout dates. Guests must be 21 or older to reserve these offers. Packages must be booked by September 29, are non-transferable and may not be used in conjunction with any other offers or promotions including those from other MGM Resorts International destinations. For a complete calendar of events and venues, or to book your package, visit mgmresorts.com/vegassummer/.

Article source: http://o.canada.com/2013/06/18/travel-deals-las-vegas-new-zealand-legoland/

Travel websites offer best deals

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It’s time to begin thinking about summer, and along with lining up an internship and planning that Hawaiian vacation, students have to consider how they are getting home. For those that live far enough away to preclude driving, this means scouring the Internet for airline tickets.

With the plethora of sites that promise the lowest fares and largest discounts, just buying a ticket can turn into a major research undertaking.

For example, for a student who wants to travel from Boston to Los Angeles, the cost of finding the ticket is inversely proportional to the flexibility put into finding it. Good deals await those who are willing to search through the maze of travel offers.

Several travel websites cater specifically to the student population, offering basement price airline tickets, hostel memberships and railpasses. While these offer some amazing international deals and the occasional domestic steal, most require a large amount of flexibility from the traveler.

Tickets with a long time span between the departing and returning flight, such as a round-trip ticket home for the summer, are not readily available.

Airlines also often place limits on the number of tickets that may be sold at student rates, which means popular routes or days may frequently be unavailable if purchases are made far in advance.

This explains those mystifying occasions when a previously discovered itinerary doesn’t turn up in subsequent searches on these websites: all the student tickets for that flight have been sold.

STA Travel, a student travel website, currently offers very competitive tickets to London. Boston to Heathrow is going for $333, but there is a catch – one must travel before June 15.

For Boston to Los Angeles, no round-trip tickets were available. A one-way search, though, yielded a departing and returning ticket for $196 and $204 respectively, on Delta and Continental airlines.

Even so, buying from student websites was consistently cheaper than buying directly from the airlines. Delta’s lowest price, $580, was significantly higher than the STA Travel quote. Continental’s price was double that of the student website, at an astronomical $850.

For these airlines, it was clearly cheaper to purchase through STA Travel. The website didn’t list tickets on other airlines that fly from Boston to L.A.

Student Universe, another student website, also did not have a round-trip option between the two cities. Instead they offered one-way tickets for the same price found at STA Travel, $196, this time on American Airlines. Attempting to buy a round-trip ticket on American for the same dates ended with a price tag over $1000, and one-way tickets, while cheaper, were still $450 each.

Student Universe, offering slightly cheaper tickets to LA, also won out in the international fares department. A ticket from Boston to London was just $267, and travel is not limited to this season only.Both student websites offered tickets on major airlines for drastically lower prices than could be found buying the tickets directly from the airlines. But even though the “members only” style of student travel websites would suggest that they offer fares lower than those available to non-students, this isn’t always the case.CheapTickets.com is a discount site open to buyers of all ages, and unlike either of the student websites, it offered a round-trip fare that would accommodate the spread-out travel dates a student needs for a flight home over the summer.

Their cheapest fare from Boston to Los Angeles was on American Airlines for $367, with a connection through Phoenix. This price is slightly cheaper than the individual tickets on the student websites, though those who dislike connections might prefer the nonstop one-way flights.

Travelocity offered the cheapest Boston to Los Angeles fare of any website — $330 round trip, on Continental and United Airlines, but with two connections each way. This well-designed site yielded a cheaper fare by allowing the user to choose nonstop or connecting flights and showing all available airlines.

For those on a serious budget who don’t mind sacrificing convenience, Priceline.com is a good option. This site has a novel approach — name your price. The buyer quotes a ticket price and if it is accepted by an airline, Priceline locks in the ticket for the buyer to purchase.

The obvious flaw is that once a quote is submitted the traveler must buy the ticket if the quote is accepted by an airline. Those who submit a quote agree to travel anytime between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. on the selected dates, and make one connection.

There is no way to specify certain times or airlines, though, so this is not a good idea for the choosy traveler.

Overall, the prices offered by the discount travel websites were fairly comparable, all within the $300 range. The options offered by each website differed widely, though.

The key to finding a cheap ticket lies in the ability to search all available airlines and flight times on a given day. However, sites that have preferred partners often restrict the shopper to airlines that might not provide the lowest price for a particular itinerary.

The student websites were fun to browse, and when looking for vacation fares or a ticket on a nonspecific day, they might offer a great price. The larger Travelocity and CheapTickets, though, display the greatest number of airlines and flight options, which allows more choice in flight time and overall lower ticket price.

Article source: http://thedartmouth.com/2002/04/24/news/travel

Top travel deals for summer 2013

W San Diego, California: Spend bright summer days and hot summer nights relaxing on the newly renovated, ultra chic rooftop lounge of the W San Diego. The hotel’s Summer Solstice RAEN package, available through Sept. 1, 2013, includes accommodations, parking and a complimentary pair of RAEN Squire Sunglasses in your choice of colour. Double occupants will recieve two pairs of sunglasses. Rates start at $259 per night. See thewsandiegohotel.com. (Courtesy W San Diego)

Article source: http://www.stcatharinesstandard.ca/2013/06/13/top-travel-deals-for-summer-2013

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Hooray for Mom’s worldly ways

Regarding Myanmar ["Hoofing It Through the Mountains" by Lindsay Hawdon, June 9]: I want to congratulate her for exposing her sons to such wonderful worldly adventures. This is more than they would learn in a classroom. I have traveled to 75 countries, and those experiences are who I am today. Hooray for Lindsay.

Rhoda Lurie

Santa Monica

Hotelier’s best bet? Silence

Regarding “Hotelier Wants to Be Helpful But Not Rude” [On the Spot by Catharine Hamm, June 9]: I’m writing regarding the hotelier’s inquiry about the “proper” way to offer a nonstandard room to a person appearing to have special needs. My fellow attorneys are indeed correct that to make any such offer would not be in violation of the American With Disabilities Act, but all seem to miss a basic point. Having had family members and clients who were or are disabled, I can tell you that the one thing they want most is to be treated equally and not singled out because of the disability.

Those in service businesses must assume and acknowledge that people with disabilities are wise and practical enough to know that if they need something other than a standard room, they will request it. No matter the tone or how the question is phrased, the guest is still being made aware of the disability.

This is one instance where sensitivity and caring can best be achieved by remaining silent.

Barry S. Rubin

Beverly Hills

Life-changing time in Italy

Thanks to Phil Marty and his story on Italy’s Dolomites ["Sheer Spectacle," June 2] , I was reminded of that beautiful part of the world where I spent months with the 88th Infantry Division in 1945. I was only 17. I had left high school to enlist and help win the war.

Being in Cortina d’Ampezzo changed my life. I’d never had on a pair of skis, but our division learned to ski, and I spent the next 70 years enjoying the sport all over the Western states.

I was really disappointed way back then that the war ended and that I never had a chance to actually fight.

William O’Connell

Dana Point

A different view of Bora Bora

Reading about An Amlotte’s version of Bora Bora was confusing because I was in Bora Bora and did not have the same experience ["So Into It," May 26].

Motus are flat, while the main island’s cragged peaks and flora-smothered slopes are dramatic and contrast with pristine beaches. Further, the two main cruise lines that moor in Bora Bora are not considered massive with either 332 or 680 passengers, and the ships do not overwhelm the bay.

She described Vaitape as undesirable and the road potholed, which made me think she mixed it up with Papeete. I drove all around Bora Bora and found the road in good condition as well as nice shops in Vaitape. She is mistaken when she concludes that cruise passengers see only Vaitape. They probably see more of Bora Bora than Amlotte because they explore the island: They snorkel among the coral gardens with colorful fish, scuba dive, circle the island by boat or jet ski, swim with black-tip reef sharks, pet the sting rays, kayak, picnic on a motu, visit a black pearl farm, meet locals at Bloody Mary’s, take a 4×4 into the interior and to elevated knolls where the views are the most scenic in Tahiti.

Most excursions in Bora Bora have fewer than 12 participants regardless of whether you are a cruise passenger or a hotel guest, so cruise passengers don’t overcrowd the island. Further, there are over-the-water bungalows on the main island that are just as scenic as those on the motus, which some people find too isolating.

Amlotte mentioned in one paragraph that the main island is less scenic, yet while waiting on the motu and looking back at the main island she was enchanted by the view.

Joyce Hughes

Woodland Hills

Article source: http://www.latimes.com/travel/

Find deals on travel by knowing where to look for them – ABC15.com (KNXV

Thanks to baggage fees, food, blankets, and even a window seat, flying can be nearly impossible to afford these days. But don’t give up, just get smarter.

I have some tools to help you save on your next trip. Whether it’s Hawaii, Miami, or New York City, I’d take a vacation every month if my wallet would allow it. Well, don’t just fantasize about taking a dream vacation because I’ve done the research to make it a reality.

The first step is to figure out the average cost to get to your destination. You can’t get the best price if you don’t know what’s considered good.

Bing.com/travel and Hotwire.com/Trip-Watcher will help you figure out when to buy your airline tickets. Once you have established that, now it’s time to actually search for the deals. I use Kayak.com to find the deals and set price alerts to get notified when those deals happen.

Kayak.com is an excellent tool in helping find deals on flights and hotels, too. You can set your alerts by price point and have Kayak email or text you on your smartphone when the rates change or meet your price point. You can set Kayak.com to notify you daily or weekly. Remember, the more flexible your dates, the better your chance of finding a screaming deal.

Now head over to coupon code sites like Retailmenot.com and do a search on the airline you are traveling on. I actually found a coupon code from Hawaiian Airlines for 5-percent off the fare that I used on one of my round trip tickets to Hawaii last year.

My next step to saving is to check out smaller airlines like Allegiant and Jet Blue. Also check out Southwest Airlines’ website, Kayak.com does not have them as a listed airline, so you could be missing out on a great deal.

If you have credit cards, you may as well reap the benefits. A few years ago I received 35,000 reward points and 25-percent off two tickets just for signing up for the Bank of America Hawaiian Visa.

Last but not least, if you find an airline ticket that is a good price before purchasing it see what the baggage fees are. Often those fees can turn a deal into a dud.

Either way, using technology and the apps or websites I mentioned really help me to find the best deals.

 

Copyright 2013 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Article source: http://www.abc15.com/dpp/money/consumer/smart_shopper/find-deals-on-travel-by-knowing-where-to-look-for-them

4 Tips for the Best July 4th Travel Deals

Summer’s here, it’s time to celebrate your independence this Fourth of July — without paying through the nose.

We’ve compiled our annual list of great deals for the July Fourth holiday weekend. Here are four tips for stretching your dollar as far as it will go this year:

1. Go early: With the holiday falling on a Thursday this year, deals are a bit harder to come by on hotels and vacations for the long weekend (July 4-7). But, even those that have hiked their rates for the days following the Fourth are offering deals for the days preceding the holiday (June 30 – July 3). Make your travel plans for the days before the Fourth, and you’ll save a lot of coin.

2. Be flexible: If you are flying over the Fourth — and don’t have your tickets yet — you will need to be flexible on the dates you’re traveling to find the best deals. But even during high-demand periods, there are soft spots for airlines. This year, our research is showing that those soft spots fall on June 29, July 2, 4, 6 or 9. Check our Today’s Best Fares tool and Fly.com Fare Calendars for deals on the route you want to fly, and plan accordingly.

3. Hit the city: As counterintuitive as it would seem, many of the country’s biggest cities are hot spots for deals over the long holiday weekend. Even with the parades and festivities in places such as New York City, Chicago, Miami and San Francisco, deals are there for the taking. The holiday cuts business and convention travel significantly, and upscale hotels discount to fill rooms. And with many locals also getting out of town for favorite weekend spots, it’s also a great time to take advantage of Local Deals on gourmet dining, spa days, events and top-rated activities. Download our free app so you have these deals at your fingertips wherever you end up.

4. Extend the fun: Nothing takes the shine off of long holiday weekend more than sitting in traffic or a crowded airport at the end of your trip as seemingly the whole world returns home on Sunday evening. Staying over on the Sunday (this year, it’s the July 7) will score you lower rates in many popular destinations, such as Las Vegas. And, if you can wait until the weekend to start your holiday, you’ll be coming just when the crowds are going. The week following a major holiday often has much lower occupancy, and much better deals.

It’s not too late to head out of town this holiday. Check out our July Fourth travel deals for last-minute inspiration.

– Andrew Young is Travelzoo’s U.S. Web Editor and is based in New York. Travelzoo has 250 deal experts from around the world who rigorously research, evaluate and test thousands of deals to find those with true value

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Article source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/travelzoo/4-tips-for-the-best-july_b_3455522.html

Grand Teton National Park, Australia and more travel deals

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Originally published: June 12, 2013 11:35 AM
Updated: June 16, 2013 10:24 PM

By THE WASHINGTON POST

Photo credit: Pete Saloutos | The Snake River at Sunset in Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming.

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GRAND TETON AND YELLOWSTONE

The Teton Mountain Lodge Spa, near Wyoming’s Grand Teton National Park and an hour south of Yellowstone, is offering a perks-filled package through Sept. 30. The National Park Explorer deal includes accommodations at the four-diamond property; seven-day park pass to Grand Teton and Yellowstone (typically $25 per car); $30 daily breakfast credit at Spur Restaurant Bar; $50 gas voucher; and parks guidebook. Three-night stay required. Prices vary. For example, through June 28, the package starts at $977 for three nights, including taxes and fees; in late September, the rate is $1,062. Blackout dates apply. Use promo code PARK.

INFO 800-631-6271, tetonlodge.com

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EDUCATIONAL TRIPS

The National Peace Corps Association is taking $700 to $1,000 off select Next Step Travel programs. Save $1,000 on a 14-day trip to Guatemala, and $700 on a 10-day trip to the same destination. With the deal, the longer trip is $1,999 for the Aug. 24 departure; the shorter trip leaves the same day and costs $1,499. The all-inclusive small-group adventures (up to 20; good for families) feature hands-on service projects, and educational and cultural programs; prices include lodging and meals but not international air.

INFO 619-202-4114, travel.peacecorpsconnect.org

AUSTRALIA

Goway Travel is offering a 10-night trip to Fiji and Australia starting at $2,369 a person double. The trip includes airfare from Los Angeles to Nadi, Fiji, with return from Sydney; airfare from Nadi to Adelaide, Australia, and from Adelaide to Sydney; hotels in Fiji, Adelaide and Sydney; sightseeing tour in Adelaide; and taxes. Cheapest price is available before June 14, and Sept. 1 through Dec. 11. Rate is $2,499 person double for June 15 through Aug. 31 departuresa savings of more than $850 couple. Book by June 30.

INFO 800-557-2841, goway.com

HOTEL

InterContinental Hotels Group is offering 25 percent discounts, free breakfast buffet and late checkout at 76 properties in Central America, South America and the Caribbean. The Discover Latin America and Caribbean promotion is valid for stays of at least four nights through Sept. 15. Price varies by property, date and room type. Two-day advance purchase required, and full nonrefundable payment is due at booking. Book by Aug. 30.

INFO 877-834-3613, ihg.com/discover-lac

Article source: http://www.newsday.com/travel/grand-teton-national-park-australia-and-more-travel-deals-1.5465924

Hidden cruise deals: how to nab flash sales

(Photo: Holland America Line)

While researching a recent story on summer’s best Alaska cruise bargains, I was dumbfounded to discover jaw-dropping $299 rates for a last-minute 7-night Princess Cruises sailing to Alaska — one of the best-value fares I’ve stumbled upon during my many years of travel deal-hunting. The only problem? They seemingly weren’t available to everybody, with the $299 fares populating on the Princess website for me, but not for my editor, who was located in another region (fares there showed up from $599 for the same sailing).

Intrigued, we decided to dig deeper on these fare discrepancies and uncovered a world of hidden cruise deals and short-lived “flash” sales.

Karen Candy, media relations manager for Princess, revealed that the $299 Alaska fares were likely showing up regionally, since the cruise line sometimes has limited flash sales that are targeted to specific markets. A rarity for any travel provider: They explicitly did not want any publicity on these blink-and-you’ll-miss-them fares. Candy explained, “They are restricted, offered very close in on sailings with space, and are offered in very limited quantities.”

Across the cruise industry, these flash fares are offered primarily to offload excess inventory. They typically aren’t widely publicized and are targeted to niche audiences in markets limited by either geography or other qualifiers (e.g., seniors, local residents, past guests). Alternatively, cruise lines might promote flash fares through preferred partner travel agents.

(Photo: blmiers2 / Flickr)

Erica Silverstein, features editor at online cruise guide Cruise Critic, explained that the limitations on the fares were applied “. . . so cruise lines can target marketing, and also so they don’t have to reduce fares for everyone who has already booked that cruise.” Obviously, reducing cruise fares in a more public arena could upset cruisers who have already booked in at a higher rate.

Of course, these aren’t deals that are going to show up in a Google search or be blatantly advertised; turning them up requires a little finagling. Silverstein said, “You’ll want to access flash sales for cruise lines you like and for travel agencies you trust.”

The easiest way is to sign up for free cruise line e-newsletters to get notifications of their short sales. Popular cruise lines like Holland America Line and Princess are especially known for their flash sales. Paul Motter, editor of popular online cruise resource CruiseMates.com, said, “Norwegian Cruise Line has a sale every two weeks, but when Princess Cruises has a sale, the prices are definite bargains and when the sale is over they will go back up. Celebrity, Royal Caribbean, Carnival…I recommend getting on all of their newsletters.”

Even smaller cruise companies offer flash sales. River cruise line Avalon Waterways promotes such discounting once or twice a season, using social media outlets like Facebook. An Avalon Waterways representative explained, “We tease the sale to our Facebook friends a day or two before it begins, and we typically run the sale for a limited time, about three to five days, on Facebook only.” From there, customers can use the associated Facebook promotion code to book online, by phone or with a travel agent.

As for special unpublicized rates that only top-selling travel agents can get their hands on, Silverstein said, “Often, the line will let the agent sell that fare to people who come to the agent looking for a cruise but won’t let the agent publicly announce the fare. Whenever you see a price listed as ‘call for price,’ it’s very often a sign that there’s an undisclosed discounted fare, so it’s worth your while to call and inquire about deals.”

(Photo: Dottie Day / Flickr)

Motter suggested establishing a relationship with a cruise-specialist travel agent by reaching out with some of the details of the cruise vacation that you’re looking for and promising business if they can deliver. “Just say ‘Call me when you have a real bargain’ and leave your phone number,” Motter recommends. “He should call you within a couple of weeks with a few options.”

Just what kind of inventory can you expect deals on? “Flash fares will focus on whatever is not selling as well as expected, where cruise lines need to fill open cabins,” Silverstein said.

Motter elaborated, “Cruise pricing is always based upon supply and demand, and when demand is low, fares go lower.”

That typically translates to last-minute sailings (embarking within 60 days), difficult-to-sell cruises (repositioning sailings, or embarkations during off-peak travel periods), or less popular cabin types (like inside cabins). Sometimes, special events can churn out promotions: Holland America Line just posted flash fares in celebration of its 140th ^anniversary.

“This year, I’m seeing lots of discounts on early-season Alaska and Europe,” noted Silverstein. She reported recently seeing week-long Eastern Mediterranean cruises on Royal Caribbean for just $399. Motter seconded her findings. “Right now Mediterranean cruises are bargains for many reasons, like political instability near Syria and Egypt and financial problems in Greece, Italy and Spain.”

Article source: http://travel.yahoo.com/blogs/compass/hidden-cruise-deals-nab-flash-sales-183802736.html

Last minute holiday bargains to Bulgaria, Spain, Italy, France and Cuba

UNDER £150

Camping in Devon from £54: Pitch up at Easewell Farm Holiday Village with your motorhome, caravan or tent, and stay three nights for the price of two, valid for arrivals on June 28, July 5 and 12. Call 0843 208 0368.

Newquay from £114pp: Book before June 21 to take advantage of this three-night, half-board weekend deal at Bay Beresford Hotel, overlooking Tolcarne Beach. Price is based on two sharing for Friday arrivals. Call 0844 811 9404.

UNDER £500

TRAVEL EDITOR’S PICK OF THE WEEK – Bulgaria from £203pp: Snap up this great value break with Balkan Holidays, staying at the popular Golden Sands resort on the Black Sea. Fly from Manchester on June 28 to Varna for seven nights BB at the Hotel Varshava, transfers are also included in the price. Call 0845 130 1114.

Majorca from £359pp: Soak up the sunshine on a seven-night break in Cala Millor staying all-inclusive at the three-star Hotel Blue Sea Don Jaime. Price includes flights leaving Stansted on July 1 with EasyJet Holidays. Call 0843 104 1000.

Lake Garda from £489pp: Lap up the Italian sunshine in the pretty resort of Garda on this seven-night holiday and save up to £240pp. There’s also the chance to see a performance of Aida in Verona’s historical Roman Arena (£22). Staying half-board at the three-star Hotel Palme, the price includes flights departing July 13 from Gatwick and transfers. Regional flights available at a supplement. Call 01483 791 114.

UNDER £600

Menorca from £509pp: Unwind on Menorca with this seven-night break and save up to £201pp. Staying all-inclusive at the four-star Valentin Son Bou, the price is based on a family of four sharing and includes flights departing from Leeds Bradford airport on July 3 and transfers with First Choice. Call 0871 200 7799.

Camping in France from £542: Take the family to the lakes and mountains of the Jura and save £277 on an eight-night break, arriving on June 29. Camping Village Fayolan has a sandy lakeside beach and swimming pool complex. The price includes a return weekend saver Dover/Calais crossing for car and passengers and self-catering in a three-bedroom mobile home for two adults and up to four children. Call 01233 629950.

UNDER £800

Gran Canaria from £659pp: Book online to save up to £708pp on this all-inclusive stay at the four-star Seaside Sandy Beach Hotel on Playa Del Ingles. Price includes return flights and accommodation for two adults and two children in two twin rooms.

Cuba from £758pp: Chill out on the Caribbean island of Cuba and save up to £148 per booking. The seven-night all-inclusive package at the four-star Sol Cayo Coco Hotel in Cayo Coco includes flights departing Manchester on July 5. Call 0844 412 5970.

Article source: http://www.mirror.co.uk/lifestyle/travel/last-minute-travel-deals-holidays-1953128

Travel Deals and Steals for Sunday, June 16

A BEACH GETAWAY, THEN SO MUCH MORE

Vacation like a VIP at the W Hotel in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Steal: The “Vacation Like a VIP” offer from W Hotel starts at $269 per night. This includes: a complimentary upgrade to an ocean view guest room; $100 resort credit for use at Stephen Starr’s Steak 954, Bliss Spa or Ted Gibson Salon; complimentary valet parking (for one vehicle); a $25 American Express Gift Card; and a savings card that ensures two-for-one offers at more than 20 participating attractions. This offer is valid through Sept. 30.

Experience: Every Sunday this summer, the W Hotel pool deck features “Sublime Sundays.” Expect DJs, specialty cocktails from Bacardi and Grey Goose, cabanas and more.

Book it! Call 1-877-822-0000 and mention rate code VACVIP, or visit wfortlauderdalehotel.com.

ROME AND FLORENCE FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

Take the kids to Europe for half the price — and quadruple the room with TourCrafters.

Deal: Through Oct. 31 and starting at $806 per person, the land-only package includes four nights in Rome at the Hotel Trevi, and four nights in Florence at the Hotel Paris. Included: daily buffet breakfast; a moonlight tour of the Colosseum; a visit to the Emperor Constantine Exhibit; a Rome-Florence train ticket; an electric bike tour; and a Fiat 500 tour of Florence and the Tuscan countryside.

The newly renovated lobby at Liaison Capitol Hill, an Affinia Hotel.

Experience: In Rome, take in the Roman Forum, St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican museums, the Capitoline Hill, the Pantheon and the after-dark Colosseum. Sample the produce at the Campo de’ Fiori market and designer shops on Via Condotti, and enjoy pasta in restaurants that spill out into streets and piazzas. In Florence, soak up the great Renaissance art and architecture.

Book it! Call 1-800-482-5995 or go online to sales.tourcrafters.com/tour.lasso?ID=194.

SPECIAL ‘OPERATION’ FOR AFFINIA HOTELS

Support Operation Smile by booking a stay at an Affinia Hotel.

Deal: The “Stay Awhile, Give a Smile” offer is available for travel through Aug. 31, with rates starting at $149 in Washington, D.C. This deal includes spacious accommodations, a $10 donation to Operation Smile, a “smile kit” equipped with toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, mints and floss, and free WiFi.

Experience: Choose from conveniently located Affinia hotels, including the Liaison Capitol Hill, an Affinia Hotel in D.C. (near Union Station). Each hotel hosts complimentary wine service five nights a week. Guests learn how Operation Smile has changed the lives of more than 200,000 children, and how to get involved.

Book it! This promotion must be booked by June 29, by visiting affinia.com/smile or calling 1-866-246-2203 and using promo code SMILE.

Conway Confidential is a content syndication provider specializing in travel, food and lifestyle.

Article source: http://www.nydailynews.com/life-style/travel-deals-steals-sunday-june-16-article-1.1368317

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