Mar 20, 2010 by Zach Custer - comment
Andrew Skwarek scours the web for the best deals on hotels, flights, cruises, packages, and more.
Sure, you could watch March Madness on the big screen in a jam-packed bar, but it pales in comparison to being part of the thunderous, rowdy crowd at a live regional game in Syracuse, N.Y. And, in celebration of Syracuse University’s No. 1 seed in the “Big Dance,” this city, which is also a host site for the tournament’s regional round, is offering hotel rates as low as $1/night (for guests that stay two nights at full price). Plus, restaurants are offering such promotions as $1 cocktails, entrées, and desserts (with some limitations). Local spas and museums are also getting in on the widespread reductions, offering 10 percent discounts to customers.
To view the details and stipulations of this promotion, visit www.visitsyracuse.org, and don’t forget to mention the 1-for-1 Orange Special when booking. Note: $1 price points are dependent upon Syracuse University remaining in the tournament.
JetBlue Airways has announced the introduction of a new international destination to the network: Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. To celebrate the addition of the new route, JetBlue is offering a $99 fare sale on all one-way flights to Punta Cana from New York’s JFK International Airport. The sale also applies to flights originating from Boston’s Logan International Airport. Even after taxes, a round-trip flight will only set sun-seekers back $321 – that’s about $100 less than average rates with competitor airlines (that often include a stopover). Flights must be booked by February 1, 2010, for the special $99 rate, and travel must take place between May 8 and June 12, 2010.
If you thought your Thanksgiving break was just a little too short, then you’ll be thrilled to know that JetBlue just launched a terrific one-day nationwide sale with fares starting from $39 each way. Touch down in top domestic destinations like New York City, Los Angeles, Fort Lauderdale, Las Vegas, or catch some rays in Cancun, the Bahamas, and the Dominican Republic. Just be sure to book now because although travel is valid from December 1 through December 17, this deal ends today!
Bora Bora, a tiny island surrounded entirely by lagoons and a barrier reef, awaits you with treasures, pleasures, and leisure. Located on the furthest horizon between New Zealand and Hawaii, Bora Bora offers the ultimate escape. At just $1,899 per person, you can save thousands when you book with Tahiti Tourism. The luxurious 7-night Couples Retreat Package includes:
• Roundtrip economy class airfare from Los Angeles on Air Tahiti Nui
• 1 night at InterContinental Tahiti Resort in a Standard Room
• 6 nights at Le Maitai Polynesia Bora Bora in an Ocean View Room
• Inter-island air transportation, including transfers and baggage handling
• Option to upgrade to a private Beach Bungalow, from $75 per night
• And more!
Summer is quickly slipping away and if you haven’t yet planned a getaway, the clock is ticking. This 4-night package from Aer Lingus stands out in the crowd because these incredibly low rates are valid for peak-season travel this August. Packages include hotel accommodations at the Regency Hotel in Dublin, daily Irish breakfast, and round-trip airfare from Boston or New York starting from $699. Or, you have the option of flying from San Francisco, Chicago, or Washington, D.C. from $769.
Stay: Room Mate Migueletes, another fantastic low-cost, high-design property from Spain’s Room Mate hotel chain, is ideally located in Albayzin, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and housed in a 17th-century mansion-cum-chic boutique with Moorish charms and views of the Alhambra. Deal Details: Receive a 20 percent discount on any room, two passes to the 14th-century Alhambra palace, plus breakfast and Wi-Fi. Rates start from just $143/night in June. Book It: 34-958-210-700 (code Sherman’s Travel); www.room-matehotels.com.
From the April/May 2009 issue of Sherman’s Travel magazine
As we’ve reported, the recent swine flu epidemic has caused a number of cruise lines to cancel port stops in Mexico, and instead many have re-routed ships to the Pacific Northwest. (Many have announced they will be resuming the regular service soon.) Although some passengers feel that they have been short-changed on their vacation, other travelers are jumping at the opportunity to visit ports that are not as heavily trafficked as the destinations in Mexico. What’s even better, is that while sailing the Pacific Northwest can be costly, because cruise operators are desperate to fill cabins prices have dropped drastically, and a 7-night cruise can be had for as little as $459.
Easter is fast approaching but if you act fast, you can still plan a fun-filled family weekend away. Celebrate your long weekend in the sweetest way possible with a special family getaway to Hershey, Pennsylvania. Starting at just $699, a family of four will enjoy a deluxe 2-night stay at the Hershey Lodge resort and one-day admission to all Springtime in the Park rides and attractions. Unwind at the property’s renowned Chocolate Spa, or stay busy with rounds of miniature golf, family bingo, much more. Other package highlights include Hershey Gardens and Museum entry, breakfast on Saturday and a special Easter Sunday breakfast buffet.
The ancient festival of Carnival originated as the last big blowout before Lent, but nowadays it’s an annual no-holds-bar bash. Here in the US, there is no scene quite like the decadent Big Easy during Mardi Gras, when the French Quarter comes alive with the sound of brass bands, colorful parades and costumed party-goers. The biggest celebration of the year takes place on Fat Tuesday (February 24, 2009), so if you’re thinking of heading to New Orleans, now is the time to book ahead for the best rates and availability. Luckily for you, Bookit.com is offering 30% off stays of four nights or longer at the Wyndham Riverfront New Orleans. This conveniently-situated hotel recently underwent a multimillion-dollar renovation and is in topnotch shape. A four-night stay starts at $464/person, with flight included. Or, try these other Carnival travel deals to experience the hottest parties in Trinidad, Rio de Janiero, and more.
Football fans from all over the country are gearing up for the big game in Tampa Bay on February 1st—and area hotels have jacked up their prices to meet the demands. Anyone planning on heading to Florida to support the Steelers or Cardinals will have to book soon if they plan on spending less than a whopping $500/night for a room. The good news is your Tampa Bay stay will be packed with exciting pre- and post-game thrills, and time for the beach. For an affordable hotel stay just twenty minutes from the site of the big game, there’s the Ramada Inn St. Petersburgfrom $195/night. Fans traveling together as a group might also consider a two-room suite stay at the luxury Embassy Suites Tampa Brandon hotel with amenities like a fully equipped kitchen with microwave, high-speed internet, and two TVs (yes, they do offer HBO, CNN and ESPN). Nightly rates start at $519 and the four-night stay is available for $2076. For more suggestions and help on planning your Superbowl escape, consult the official visitor’s guide. And try these other affordable hotel options that willget you close to the center of the action.