Gilt Groupe, a members-only site hocking the latest designer fashions at up to 70% off retail prices, is bringing its bargains to the world of luxury travel. Known for daily “flash-sales” on limited quantities of inventory ranging from coveted Marc Jacobs bags to gorgeous Oscar de la Renta gowns, Gilt is applying its successful fashion model to new sister site, Jetsetter. Launched September 30 in Beta form, Jetsetter features a swank layout of drool-worthy deals on high-end hotels, cruises, and tours at values not available to the mass market (typically 30-40% lower than standard rates). Read the rest of this post »

The final post in a three-part series on “glamping” (glamorous camping).

It’s 11pm on the Sunshine Coast of British Columbia, Canada. As I soak in a hydrotherapy tub facing a glass-surface front overlooking the water, the light is slowly disappearing on the horizon beyond the Straight of Georgia. I’ve just had a superb dinner of locally sourced Pacific Northwest fare. After my luxurious soak, I’ll take a rainforest shower and then proceed to my king-size bed for a night of sweet sleep. Can life get any better, I wonder? I’m staying in one of the luxurious tenthouse suites at Rockwater Secret Cove Resort, located on a scenic stretch of the Pacific Coast. Read the rest of this post »

Part one in a three-part series on “glamping” (glamorous camping).

As I wait at Vancouver Airport to board the seaplane that will take me to the remote Clayoquot Wilderness Resort (a 2008 Smart Luxury Winner) on the rugged west coast of Vancouver Island, I waver between being nervous and excited. The adventurer in me is thinking of all the fun things that await me out there in the wild and all the stories I’ll bring back home to New York to tell at dinner parties. The cushy comfort-seeker is wondering what possessed me to go camping to boondocks where cougars and bears roam around freely. Then I remind myself that I’m in fact going “glamping” (glamorous camping) in the heart of UNESCO-protected Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Reserve. Not the same thing as setting up camp in the middle of nowhere! Read the rest of this post »

Chalk it up to lingering Obamania: A visit to Washington, D.C. is an increasingly popular pilgrimage, especially for those looking for a vacation that packs a punch without pinching their wallet. Excellent public transport cuts on car rentals, most museums are free (you could spend a week in the Smithsonian alone), and thanks to government power brokers, dining options are superb and plentiful . . . and cocktail culture is thriving.

Now, thanks to a new promotion offered by Destination D.C. (the official D.C. tourism site) and Travel + Leisure, summertime in the nation’s capital is an even smarter choice. Book three or more nights with their Staying Power promotion and receive a free Flip Mino digital camcorder in addition to a 30% savings off the entire stay. Read the rest of this post »

City Parks Foundation is presenting its annual performing arts festival at Central Park’s SummerStage. The concerts are held directly in Central Park and offer a wide variety of performances, including music, comedy, dance, film, and spoken word. All performances are free, with the exception of four benefit shows priced between $25-$55. This year’s lineup includes 311, The Indigo Girls, Q-Tip, and the Metropolitan Opera. The Buckingham Hotel (888-511-1900), a 100-suite boutique property located just minutes from Central Park, is offering a special package for SummerStage attendees. Starting at just $219, the hotel is offering accommodations for four coupled with VIP entrance and special seating to all Summerstage performances. The package is available through August 17 and can be booked at www.buckinghamhotel.com/summerstage. Read the rest of this post »

Remember the time you planned a well-deserved vacation in the sun and it ended up pouring rain the entire time? Surely not an experience you want to repeat. So, here’s the perfect holiday solution: Head to the sun-soaked island of Barbados and you’ll be guaranteed perfect weather or your money back. Yes, you heard it right. The Barbados Tourism Authority is willing to put money on the line to vouch for your sunny escape on this eastern Caribbean island. In fact, you’ll get $100 for every day the temperature falls below an average of 78°F and daily rainfall is more than a quarter-inch. If the rain does fall and the sun is shining at the same time, an old-time Bajan saying describes it as “The devil and he wife fighting for the cou-cou stick”. If the fight over the cou-cou stick does take place, at least you’ll know you’re not paying for it! Note that you must book your holiday by June 7; it’s valid for travel through December 18. For more information, click here, or call 1-866-566-0956.

Flying to and from Hong Kong in Cathay Pacific’s plush Business Class pods was a dream, mostly because the seats go completely flat, allowing for true horizontal slumber (check out the new seats here). From now until April 30, you can sleep in these Biz Class seats for 15-percent off (or in First Class for 5-percent off) published roundtrip fares from the U.S. to Hong Kong. You can also sleep soundly once you arrive in Hong Kong, with two free nights at either the Four Seasons or the Intercontinental Hotel. The lower fares are only available for outbound travel from March 1 to April 30, 2009 on Cathay Pacific’s Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York JFK flights. Tickets can be purchased by calling Cathay Pacific’s reservation line at 1-877-707-2742 and requesting the “Hotel Offer.” Hotel stays must occur between March 1 and April 30, 2009. Visit www.cathaypacific.com/us for complete terms and conditions.

See Cathay Pacific’s business class TV commercial after the jump. Read the rest of this post »

The Deal: This coming year will see low-cost carrier JetBlue traveling to many new and exotic locations. What makes this news even sweeter is the rock-bottom price tag and nonstop service that accompanies these new routes. Destinations include Bogota, Colombia (service starts January 29) and San José, Costa Rica (service starts March 26). This announcement marks JetBlue’s first venture into Central America, and expands its presence in South America. Read the rest of this post »