Nov 22, 2009 by Andrew Skwarek - comment
Andrew Skwarek scours the web for the best deals on hotels, flights, cruises, packages, and more.
After you have your fill of Thanksgiving turkey this season, let the celebration continue with cabaret shows, a little roulette, and a spa treatment or two on a last-minute transatlantic odyssey. The latest steal from Celebrity Cruises will have you sailing in style for 14 nights from as little as $399. That’s less than $29/night! The price is particularly jaw-dropping for a vessel, such as Millennium-class Century, famous for its personal touches and exclusive service.
I must admit, when I flew LAN Airlines from New York to Lima this past summer, I was paying more attention to the new full-recline seats in business class (i.e. sleeping very soundly) than I was to the rundown of newly offered comforts in neighboring economy class: more on-demand entertainment choices, increased seat pitch, power outlets, oversized overheads, tasty new meals, and complimentary booze. What really awakened me, though, were the surprisingly affordable fares on these retrofitted economy-class seats. Even heading into winter high season, flying LAN remains one of the most affordable ways to get from the U.S. (non-stop from New York, Los Angeles, and Miami) to South America and the Caribbean. See sample fares after the jump. Read the rest of this post »
Spending time with family this Thanksgiving doesn’t have to mean visiting that wacky aunt’s house again for some of her homemade pumpkin pie. Instead, start a new holiday tradition by rounding up the troops and spending Turkey Day in the Southwest. Forever Houseboats is offering an amazing deal on boat rentals at numerous locations including Lake Mead, a scenic man-made reservoir located just 45 minutes from Las Vegas. The Thanksgiving Bird and Boat Package includes a houseboat rental for five days for the price of three – that’s a total of savings of 40 percent!
From gorgeous limestone cliffs to dense tropical forests and undiscovered bays, the spectacular island of Phuket is a must-see destination off Thailand’s southern shores. This affordable package covers five nights’ accommodation at the oceanfront Evason Phuket resort, with facilities that include a full-service spa and spacious balcony guestrooms. Guests of this 64-acre tropical resort enjoy stunning views of the Andaman Sea, and free activities like bike tours, scuba diving clinics and a supervised kids’ program. From now through December 25, this 5-night package costs just $1,321, including round-trip airfare from Los Angeles.
Autumn is a great time to slip away on a tropical vacation without dipping into the kids’ college funds. There are some amazing cruise deals to be had − like this 8-night Royal Caribbean voyage that brings passengers to exotic ports of call in Colombia, Costa Rica, Panama, and the Caribbean. With interior cabins priced from just $299, you’ll be paying as little as $37 a night for a killer itinerary to ports filled with beaches, rainforests, and ancient cities.
Whether you’re going for a romantic getaway, surfing, hiking adventures, or just some fun in the sun, the Hawaiian Islands offer a far-off retreat without ever leaving the country. Although traveling to this tropical island chain can often come with a high price tag, Alaska Airlines is offering some incredible fall fares from cities like Seattle, Boise, Billings, and more, starting from as little as $148 each way. Even after taxes are factored in, you can still snag a round-trip flight for around $320. This offer includes flights to Maui, Oahu, Kona, and Kauai for travel valid through November 17, but tickets must be purchased by September 3.
Surrounded by gorgeous white-sand beaches and beautiful bays, the resort town of Naples is an ideal mini-vacation destination on Florida’s southwestern coast. At La Playa Beach and Golf Resort, guests enjoy elegant beachfront accommodations with amenities like an award-winning seafood restaurant, a lavish 4,500-square-foot Asian-themed spa, and an 18-hole championship golf course set amid tropical mangroves and exotic wildflowers. Extend your Labor Day weekend with the resort’s holiday special and receive your fourth night free. Plus, travel anytime through November 14 to save up to 55 percent off the cost of your stay. All guestrooms have wrought-iron furnishings, goose-down pillows, and four-poster canopied beds. Rates are now available from just $193/night.
Perched atop rocky bluffs along Central California’s stunning coastline, the recently renovated Cliffs Resort boasts a spectacular seaside spa, heated oceanfront pool, and laid-back Latin-themed restaurant with sweeping views of the Pacific. Wind down the summer hours by visiting over 80 nearby wineries of the Paso Robles, Templeton, and Arroyo Grande regions, or spend the long weekend stretching out on the sand at one of the area’s pristine beaches. The Labor Day Summer Finale package covers three nights’ accommodation for a family of four. Package rates start at $659, and include breakfast, barbeque lunches, and nightly wine tastings.
Finding an affordable area hotel in the capital of cool isn’t always easy, but the historic 1930s-era Clay Hotel offers reasonable rates for comfortable accommodations just two blocks from the beach. Guestrooms inside this Spanish-style art deco building offer satellite TV, refrigerators, and private baths. Rates start from just $58/night. To save even more, reserve a stay here for both Friday and Saturday nights and get 50% off on your Sunday night stay.
Just two short hours from New York City, Long Island’s scenic wine region encompasses 3,000 acres of vines and is home to over 30 wineries producing world-class vintages. For a classic escape on the island’s North Fork, try the Vine Time weekend tour package. Starting at $659 per person, the offer includes three nights at a bed and breakfast of your choice (Acorn Hollow, The Morning Glory, The Sterling House, or Homeport B&B), dinner for two at a local restaurant, and a full day vineyard tour. Plus, enjoy gourmet lunches, wine and cheese tastings, and more. Various departures are available through August, but try to book several weeks in advance for the best availability.
