Celebrate back-to-school season at Barceló Beach Resorts with these two last minute summer packages offering savings of up to 40 percent off.
At Barceló Maya Beach Resort (Mexico), currently in the final stages of a $50 million renovation, families can score a deal on a last blast of fun with a dedicated U-Spa for kids, mocktail menus and more.
Adults looking for a summer-end travel deal can head to Barceló Bávaro Beach Resort (Dominican Republic), offering adults-only accommodations and a PGA-rated championship golf course.
Families can score a deal on a last blast of fun at Barcelo Maya Beach Resort, Mexico.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
Are you looking for an excuse to take your yoga practice to a white sand beach this fall? Check out this 4-day luxury yoga retreat at The Somerset on Grace Bay in the Turks & Caicos Islands from October 11-14, 2014.
From October 11 to 14, 2014, The Somerset on Grace Bay is offering a 4-day luxury yoga retreat for only $250 (valued at $650) for guests staying at the resort.
Why go
The convenience of this yoga retreat add-on is that it can be enjoyed by one or more guests in your travel party, but not all guests are required to participate. And when your done practicing your poses, you can go relax in the oceanfront infinity pool or new on-site spa, or stay active with complimentary pedal bicycles to cruise around Grace Bay, fitness center with steam room, snorkeling equipment, kayaks, Hobie Cat sailboats, croquet and more.
The Deal
For $250 (valued at $650) guests staying at the resort can join yoga instructor, Christina Wypijewska, for a series of themed yoga sessions with a holistic approach to health and wellness. Set along the world-famous Grace Bay beach, the yoga retreat add-on includes:
- 4 days of yoga and meditation including a paddleboard yoga session (complimentary; $400 value)
- Retreat-exclusive spa treatment (30 minutes)
- Healthy Cooking Seminar with Chef Justin Currie of Pavilion
- Daily Continental breakfast
- Daily lunch featuring special yoga retreat nutritious menu selections
- Tuesday night beach BBQ
Ideal for all skill levels, each day the retreat will focus on a different yoga philosophy and include sunrise meditation on the beach, an energizing morning flow yoga practice and a more gentle sunset yoga practice. In addition, there will be special sessions for paddleboard yoga, exploring energy-body awareness and ayurvedic healing practice.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
DID YOU KNOW that May 23rd is World Turtle Day, a global observance to help celebrate and protect turtles and tortoises and their disappearing habitats?
On the island of Dominica, the annual sea turtle season is under way in an ancient ritual that dates back to the time of dinosaur and hundreds of endangered sea turtles travel thousands of miles to lay eggs on the protected beach at Rosalie Bay.
During this special time, guests at eco-boutique Rosalie Bay Resort can participate in conservation efforts and save 33% on 4 or more night stays.
Among the conservation activities offered, you can:
Join resort turtle expert for a guided educational walk along the beach.
Help patrol the beach to protect nesting turtles.
Assist researchers in collecting data or watching as they relocate nests that are too close to the ocean to the turtle hatchery.
Or, be “on call” for when baby sea turtles hatch and begin their journey.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
I’m not a fan of consumer holidays. I am a fan of affordable travel, however. So, if a Colorado ski break, an Italian hiking holiday, or an all-inclusive Mexico beach escape is on your travel wish list, here are four Cyber Monday travel deals to help you save big.
COLORADO SKI BREAK
The deal: Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort and Spa, located in the heart of Beaver Creek at the base of one of Colorado’s most celebrated mountain resorts, is offering Cyber Monday savvy-shoppers a free night stay and a free day of skiing! Those who book the Ski Free, Stay Free offer can enjoy an extra night as well as an extra day on the slopes. In addition, those who book on December 2 will receive a slope side view upgrade based on availability. This deal represents a 20% savings on accommodations and savings of $200 for skiing.
How to save: To make reservations for this four-night stay, visit http://beavercreek.hyatt.com/en/hotel/offers/offer-detail.html?offerId=52910544 and use promo code CYBER. Offer is valid for stays between December 3-20 and throughout select dates in 2014. Please check the terms and conditions for availability.
To make reservations for this four-night stay, please visit http://beavercreek.hyatt.com/en/hotel/offers/offer-detail.html?offerId=52910544 and use promo code CYBER. Offer is valid for stays between December 3-20 and throughout select dates in 2014. Please check the terms and conditions for availability.
ITALIAN HIKING HOLIDAY
The deal: REI Adventures, a leading adventure tour company, is offering a Cyber Monday deal on its classic Cinque Terre Hiking trip in Italy. Guests who book this trip on December 2, 2013 will receive $700 off any 2014 departure of the trip, a 20% discount. The trip is a stunning tour by foot through the five picturesque fishing villages dotting the Mediterranean Coast of Italy. Guests will hike along dramatic views of the coastline, through chestnut and pine forests and past a 16th century naval fortress – all the while enjoying the region’s renowned wines, gastronomy and relaxed seaside culture.
How to save: Trips can be booked at www.rei.com/adventures (FYI the last time REI Adventures offered a discount was for their 25th anniversary, which was in April 2012.)
MEXICO ALL-INCLUSIVE BEACH ESCAPE
Barceló Hotels & Resorts
The deal: Barceló Hotels & Resorts specializes in all-inclusive resort experiences found in the world’s most desirable locales. The brand’s two multi-resort mega complexes, Barceló Bávaro and Barceló Maya, are characteristic of Barceló’s high quality service and endless entertainment options. Catering to online travel consumers, the brand is offering a 40% discount on stays with a three-night minimum.
How to save: Reservations must be made on Monday, December 2 though the savings is valid for travel throughout 2014, blackout dates may apply. To book, visit http://www.barcelo.com/BarceloHotels/en_GB/offers/cybermonday-deals.aspx.
Sandos Hotels & Resorts
The deal: Sandos Hotels & Resorts is offering up to 50% off at one of Sandos’ four all-inclusive Mexico resorts. The brand’s Mexico collection includes: Sandos Caracol Eco Experience Resort and Sandos Playacar Beach Experience Resort, both in Riviera Maya; and Sandos Cancun Luxury Experience Resort in Cancun. Sandos Finisterra Los Cabos is the fourth and newest Mexico property in the collection, which opened May 2013. Only available for booking on Cyber Monday, December 2, 2013. Valid for travel in 2014; blackout dates may apply.
How to save: To book, visit www.sandos.com, select the Sandos Mexico hotel of choice and then click on the special offers tab at the top of the hotel landing page.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
Does the end of summer have you yearning for one last beach fling before the chill of autumn settles in?
I’m in the midst of writing about the Dominican Republic and Mexico this week and have stumbled upon some amazing last-minute travel deals in the process.
Here are three affordable hotel deals in Punta Cana and the Riviera Maya offering exceptional last-minute savings that just might tempt you to hop a flight.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
Make the most of your tax refund dollars with St Maarten’s Sonesta Resorts’ new, “Tax Back? You Bet!” promotion, a 46% savings on any all-inclusive vacation booked during the entire month for travel the entire year.
Sonesta Maho Beach Resort & Casino, St. Maarten. Photo: Peter Wesley Brown
The resort is offering an additional 21% off (symbolizing the amount of tax & service) on Sonesta’s already low “advance purchase rate” - for a total of 46% savings off published rates.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
Keep it all in the family this summer with Nature Air and Cayuga Sustainable Hospitality Family Travel Package.
From young eco-minded adventurers to more senior explorers who like a little pampering, Costa Rica has what it takes to cater to multi-generational families looking for more bang for their buck. During the Green Season (May to December) kids 12 years and under fly for free on any of Nature Air’s 74 daily flights to 15 destinations across the country, AND stay and eat for free at some of the top eco-luxury accommodations in Central America.
Partnering with Cayuga Sustainable Hospitality, a company that manages a number of Earth-friendly lodges, hotels and inns in the Central American region, carbon-neutral Nature Air allows families to economically combine city stays with rainforest adventures, mountain and beach getaways for this summer’s vacation in one of the most popular eco-tourism destinations in the world.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
Looking to relax and unwind with a Caribbean escape this Spring that won’t break the bank? Take advantage of value-packed specials at Bay Gardens Resorts this Spring for Easter, Mother’s Day and Saint Lucia Jazz at two of its three Saint Lucia properties - The Bay Gardens Hotel and Bay Gardens Inn.
Nestled in the heart of Saint Lucia’s entertainment capital, Rodney Bay Village, both properties offer superior accommodations, traditional Caribbean cuisine, and the finest in service and hospitality. Within walking distance of the world famous Reduit Beach, dozens of restaurants, entertainment, shopping, and the recently opened Treasure Bay Casino, Bay Gardens is perfectly situated to offer the best of what Saint Lucia has to offer.
Celebrate Easter, Mother’s Day and Saint Lucia Jazz on a Budget at Bay Gardens Hotel and Inn.
Easter Savings
Easter is a great time for a family escape. Bay Gardens Hotel and Bay Gardens Inn doubles the fun for parents and children with their Easter Savings package where children under 16 stay for free. Mom and dad can receive a Couples Massage at La Mer Spa or a romantic three-course dinner at the Trios Caribbean Fusion Restaurant, both located at Bay Gardens Beach Resort & Spa, including complimentary babysitting service. Children can take part in a day of fun with an Easter egg hunt, special Easter Sunday Brunch at the Beach Resort, and a visit from the Easter Bunny himself. Rates for a five night package start at US$689 for a family of four in a Superior room including daily Caribbean buffet breakfast – a savings of 60 percent.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
Fiji is in the Air this Spring.
Air Pacific, Fiji’s International Airline, announced its new all inclusive friendly fare as low as $1078.00 per person for round trip flights from Los Angeles to Nadi, Fiji. This is over a 20% savings on Air Pacific’s normal published fare of $1357.00.
“Fiji is in the Air” Offer: Air Pacific round trip flights from Los Angeles (LAX) to Nadi (NAN) start as low as 1078.00 per person including taxes and fees. Flights are valid for booking from March 1, 2012 through May 31, 2012 and travel is valid December 14, 2012. Black out dates: June 15, 2012- August 31, 2012.
Complete details and booking information can be found on fijifriendly.com and airpacific.com.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
Families who plan their next family escape with The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa through December 31, 2011 will enjoy:
Guaranteed connecting rooms or suite where available- Up to a $100 daily resort credit
- Rates from $289 per night
Book online, or call 866-716-8147 and reference rate code FAM50 or FAM100.
Now kids 12 and under can enjoy food and drink on an all-inclusive basis during your stay. learn more
click here to learn about the family activities at the westin hilton head island resort & spa
click here for more special offers.
Source: Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
Here’s a budget-friendly last-minute travel deal perfect for anyone looking to get away, get in shape, and get a great deal.
As part of the launch of a new line of luxury, all-inclusive wellness retreats offered by Purescapes at Nisbet Plantation Beach Club, guests can save 25 percent on the first week-long retreat held November 5 – 12, 2011.
The week-long retreats are tailored to each individual and combine cardio and strength training, yoga, organic cuisine and cultural exploration on the island of Nevis.
Read on for details…
Far away from everyday stresses on a tranquil white sand beach on the unspoiled island of Nevis, the acclaimed Caribbean resort is an ideal setting for the first Purescapes Caribbean wellness retreat. Amid this paradise, guests can reconnect with nature and revitalize their well-being.
Ideal for beginners and athletes, the Purescapes Wellness Retreat at Nisbet Plantation is designed to introduce positive life changes by teaching guests how to eat properly, move effectively and improve their overall health. A well-balanced agenda includes:
· Morning yoga on the resort’s white sand beach
· Outdoor fitness classes with cardio workouts and strength training
· Island excursions such as kayaking, mountain biking and hiking to explore the beauty of Nevis
· One-on-one coaching from fitness and nutrition experts
· Time to relax with a massage or afternoon swim in the oceanfront pool
· Local natural and organic cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
With the official start of autumn behind us and winter on its way, the Caribbean island of St. Kitts is encouraging travelers not to let their vacation planning “fall” through the cracks by offering some wallet-friendly fall and winter deals, plus a “Fall in Love with St. Kitts & Nevis” value-added program designed to help visitors save on their stay.
Here are a few of the offers from individual hotels now available on St. Kitts:
- Bird Rock Beach Hotel – Low season rates begin at just $90 per room, per night based on double occupancy from now through December 19, 2011. Plus, on stays of at least 4 consecutive nights, the 5th night is free.
- Ocean Terrace Inn – From now through November 30, 2011, the property’s “August Specials” provide three low-cost options for accommodations: Room only rate of $89 based on single occupancy; Room only rate of $100 based on double occupancy with up to 2 kids 12 and under able to stay free; or a Bed & Breakfast rate of $118 for a standard room based on double occupancy with up to 2 kids 12 and under able to stay free.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
Head to one of Mexico’s most exclusive beach spa resorts and enjoy the last remaining days of summer with special savings from Ceiba del Mar, an award-winning property in Mexico’s exotic Riviera Maya.
Now through the end of September, spend one night at the boutique Ceiba del Mar and get the second night free. Accommodations include 88 plush and intimate ocean-view rooms and suites, including junior and master suites with private terraces and a penthouse with a plunge pool. Each guest residence at Ceiba del Mar is beautifully decorated with Mexican painted tiles and hardwood furnishings from Guadalajara. Room and suite amenities include:
• A balcony or terrace and hammock.
• Large sitting areas.
• Walk-in showers and separate bathtubs.
• Organic bath products.
• Complimentary wireless Internet.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
Continental Airlines has just introduced reduced airfares for North Americans interested in visiting Palau, Micronesia, anytime from September 1-December 15, 2011.
Roundtrip airfares are as low as $1,305 from Los Angeles or $1,405 from Houston. Other select U.S. airports feature airfares of only $1,505. Additionally, the airline is offering a special add-on rate for stopovers in Yap, for a fee of only $75.
Restrictions apply and airfare is subject to applicable taxes, passenger facility charges and security fees. These special rates require a minimum stay of six days and maximum stay of 30 days. Tickets must be purchased at least seven days prior to departure and no later than August 31, 2011.
For more information and to book these special rates, visit www.continental.com.
About Palau, Micronesia
Located in the westernmost corner of Micronesia, Palau is an archipelago of more than 586 islands with about 20,000 inhabitants. Consistently ranked as one of the world’s best dive destinations, Palau is the ultimate paradise for the adventurous traveler, boasting some of the most spectacular water features and beaches as well as the world famous Rock Islands and Jellyfish Lake. With more than 1,400 species of fish and 500 species of coral, some have called Palau the “8th Natural Wonder of the World”, while others have identified Palau as “One of the Seven Underwater Wonders of the World.” For more information about Palau, please visit www.visit-palau.com.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
This summer and fall, leave work and life stresses at home and round up your favorite gal-pal for a Central American girlfriend getaway.
Finca Rosa BlancaFrom now through November 15, 2011, Cayuga Sustainable Hospitality is offering new Girlfriend Getaway Packages at five of its Costa Rican and Nicaraguan properties. Known around the world for their highly sustainable and Earth-friendly ways, the hotels and lodges offer a range of outdoor activities for girls on-the-go with on-site amenities for ladies in need of relaxation including: surf lessons, ziplining over a rainforest canopy, rebalancing the sprit with private yoga, learning to make authentic tortillas, and more.
Perks of the Girlfriend Getaway Packages vary at each of the Cayuga Sustainable Hospitality properties:
Lapa Rios Ecolodge
Costa Rica’s Lapa Rios Ecolodge is set on a private nature reserve spread over 1,000-acres of Central America’s last remaining lowland tropical rainforest. This property’s Girlfriend Getaway Package includes five nights accommodation for the price of four, three gourmet meals per day, transfers to and from the Puerto Jimenez airport, a sustainability tour of the Lapa Rios property (includes participating in your own Plant a Tree program) and an on-site, guided tour (choices include bird watching at sunrise, a local medicine walk and exploring the rainforest). The five-night Girlfriend Getaway Package starts at $2,175 US. For more information or to book, visit www.laparios.com.
Finca Rosa Blanca Coffee Plantation & Inn
Come stay at the first certified sustainable hotel in Costa Rica, and the only property to achieve a perfect score on the Sustainable Tourism Certification program. This property’s Girlfriend Getaway Package includes three nights accommodation, three gourmet meals per day, transfers to and from the airport, a tour of the inn’s organic coffee plantation, a rainforest massage and a head-to-toe massage. The three-night Girlfriend Getaway Package starts at $1,843 US.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
Whether it is a quick weekend getaway or a weeklong vacation, the Rivera Maya’s award-winning Ceiba del Mar Beach and Spa Resort is offering special savings this summer so guests can enjoy world class amenities and attractions for less.
Now through August 31, 2011, guests can book a stay for $129 (European Plan) per person per night, which includes breakfast, or for $192 (Luxury Gourmet Plan) per person per night, which includes all a-la-carte meals at the resort’s restaurants, as well as snacks and premium beverages, including wine by the glass and top-shelf liquors. (Offer does not include room service or mini bar purchases.) And for every additional night a guest stays, various amenities are added complimentary, including:
• Second additional night includes airport transfers.
• Third additional night includes a snorkeling visit to the National Reef Park in Puerto Morelos, which is the second largest coral reef in the world
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Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
With vacation season on the horizon, travelers hunting for a bargain will find wallet-friendly options in Belize as hotels are slashing prices and boosting inclusive packages for the summer months.
Home to the second largest barrier reef in the world, ancient Maya temples, exotic wildlife and more, Belize provides an unforgettable vacation. And with a fixed exchange rate of BZ$2 to US$1, travelers will naturally save even more on their summer trips.
Below is a list of specific offers that begin in the summer and run through Belize’s low season (October 31) and are tailored to fit a range of travelers - from couples seeking romantic escapes to families in search of safe summer destinations. Travelers can also find a full roster of hot summer deals on Belize’s official travel website, TravelBelize.org.
SUMMER ROMANCE FOR A BARGAIN
Featuring remote islands, mesmerizing waterfalls and affordable luxuries, Belize is the ideal getaway for couples in search of rousing romantic destinations. From seaside star-gazing on the white beaches of Placencia to breathtaking sunsets on the Maya temples of Caracol in the Cayo District, Belize’s awe-inspiring attractions are sure to sizzle any couple’s summer. While the country’s romance website, Belize In Love, features romantic packages offered year-round, below are two summer deals perfect for stirring up a little romance.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
For divers who want to save money this year on their next dive vacation, there’s still time left to book Bonaire’s destination-wide Bonus Bonanza added value package, offering visitor discounts throughout the entire island.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
The Romance Experience package includes:
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
THE OFFER: Fly roundtrip from Los Angeles to the South Pacific on Air Pacific from only $1050* and take a companion with you for an additional $625*. OR get three of your friends to travel to the South Pacific with you and you will travel for free**!
If you are traveling to any of the destinations beyond Fiji, your stopover in Fiji is Free.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".