The US dollar is worth what? $1.44 to £1.00 (as of April 1, 2009) What a bargain! Last month, we saw the exchange rate reach an incredible $1.38 to the pound and we haven’t seen numbers like that since the fall of 1985! What does this all mean? Now is definitely the time to visit Britain.
A Prison for a Pound
Malmaison Oxford, a converted prison, is offering a night’s stay for just £1. Travelers that spend at least £75 on dinner at the hotel’s restaurant on a Sunday evening will get a night for a pound. The room must be taken on the same day as the evening meal and is only available on Sundays. The offer is valid now until April 30.
For more information, log on to http://www.malmaison-oxford.com/.
Source: British Tourist Authority (www.VisitBritain.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 offer, from one of my favorite adventure travel companies on the planet, Mountain Travel Sobek, just might be the deal of the year!
In celebration of its 40th anniversary, Mountain Travel Sobek is offering 40 free adventures. Travelers who book a trip by Apr. 17 and depart by December 21, 2009 can bring a friend for free. Destinations include: Alaska, Costa Rica, the Galapagos Islands, Machu Picchu, Nepal, Bhutan and my personal favorite, Morocco.
I traveled with MTS a few years back on their awesome 14-day Morocco Camel Trek (a trip included in this offer) and loved it. You can read about my experiences online at DivineCaroline.com.
A little background: Mountain Travel began in 1969 with the belief that there is a little bit of adventure in everyone. The early days were fueled by the passions of outdoor enthusiasts who loved exploring wild places. 40 years later, they offer almost 200 adventures to destinations worldwide. Then in 1992, Mountain Travel merged with Sobek Expeditions, becoming Mountain Travel Sobek and continued discovering new destinations and ways to get you there. For more information call 888-682-6337 or visit www.mtsobek.com.
Let’s go!
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".
HILTON HOTELS & RESORTS IN THE CARIBBEAN & LATIN AMERICA HEAT UP THIS SUMMER WITH HOT DEALS
This summer, travelers save big at Hilton hotels and resorts in the Caribbean and Latin America with Hilton Advance Purchase rates offering savings of up to 30 percent.
With Hilton Advance Purchase, guests who plan ahead and reserve three weeks before their stay are rewarded with a deeply discounted rate. Now through August 31, 2009, Hilton hotels in the Caribbean and Latin America feature the starting double occupancy rates* below: 
Caribbean:
- Hilton Santo Domingo - from $129
- Hilton Ponce Golf & Casino Resort - from $144
- Hilton Trinidad & Conference Centre - from $169
- Hilton Kingston Jamaica - from $119
- British Colonial Hilton Nassau - from $164
- Hilton Curaçao - from $161
- Caribe Hilton, San Juan - from $174
- Hilton Barbados - from $219
Latin America:
- Hilton Papagayo Costa Rica Resort & Spa - from $129
- Hilton Cartagena - from $135
- Hilton Buenos Aires - from $169
- Hilton São Paulo Morumbi - from $202
For reservations, guests should visit www.hilton.com or call 1-800-HILTONS and request booking code SO.
*Rates are per room per night based on double occupancy and do not include taxes, service charges and/or resort fees. Subject to availability and seasonal variations. Lowest rate is available with a 21 day advanced purchase. Certain length of stay requirements, day of week restrictions and blackout dates may apply and vary. Advance purchase rates are nonrefundable and full payment in advance is required. Other restrictions apply.
Source: YPartnership
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".
Go ahead, lose yourself in this tropical paradise! With fares as low as $181* each way, based on round-trip purchase, now is the perfect time to see the wonders of Hawaii.
Purchase tickets by April 10, 2009, and travel through May 25, 2009, to save.
Source: American Airlines
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".
In response to the shaky economy, many hotels and destinations are offering worldwide deals to make travel more affordable than ever. The best way to get the global economy back on its feet is to start spending again, and here are a few great travel companies doing their part to help travelers. From Caribbean resorts and Amazon adventures to barging bargains in France and South African safaris, the deals abound. 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".
United Airlines is helping customers spring away this season to cities around the world with special fares and additional deals at participating Marriott(R) properties.
Sample domestic fares on United are each way for travel based on required roundtrip purchase by April 5, 2009 on Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday with travel complete by June 17, 2009. See below or visit united.com for complete terms and conditions.***
Domestic Fares:****
- $89 - Chicago-Seattle
- $49 - Denver-Los Angeles
- $49 - Los Angeles-San Francisco
- $196 - San Francisco-Honolulu
- $159 - Washington Dulles-Los Angeles
Sample international fares on United are each way for travel based on required roundtrip purchase. Purchase and travel completion dates, as well as travel days, vary by region; see below or visit united.com for complete terms and conditions.
International Fares:
- $379 - Chicago-Frankfurt
- $326 - Denver-Hong Kong
- $321 - Los Angeles-London
- $275 - San Francisco-Sydney
- $312 - Washington Dulles-Sao Paulo
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".
- Get Back Into the “Swing” of Things with Fares as Low as $39* -
AirTran Airways today launched a sale for travel to all the airline’s destinations with fares starting as low as $39*. Travelers may purchase these sale fares at http://www.airtran.com/ or via AirTran Airways’ reservations system at 1-800-AIR-TRAN. For Spanish, call 1-877-581-9842.
These special fares are available for purchase through April 9, 2009 and are good for travel through October 30, 2009. Off-peak travel sale fares are valid for travel on Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday. Peak day sale fares are valid for travel on Monday, Thursday and Friday. Like all AirTran Airways fares, prices included in this sale are available for one-way travel and do not require a roundtrip purchase or an overnight stay.
Following is a sample of the one-way sale fares. All fares require a 10-day advance purchase and are valid in either direction:
Sample Fares: Off-Peak Peak
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".
Beachfront Resorts Reward Guests with $75- $250 Credit
Whether seeking an island escape or an eco-adventure, travelers can save on their next getaway with resort credits between $75 and $250 at Hilton Barbados and Hilton Papagayo Costa Rica Resort & Spa. Now through Dec. 31, 2009, the beachfront Hilton Barbados and Hilton Papagayo Costa Rica Resort & Spa are offering special resort credits* for guests staying at least two nights.
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".
CASA COLONIAL BEACH & SPA GIVES GUESTS CASH BACK THROUGHOUT 2009
—Luxury five-star resort on the north coast of the Dominican Republic offers travelers 20 percent off room rate and complimentary daily breakfast on stays Sunday through Thursday April through December 23, 2009 -
The 50-room luxury boutique hotel, Casa Colonial Beach & Spa, situated on the Dominican Republic’s north coast, has announced another value-added offer for savvy travelers. Guests who book a stay from Sunday through Thursday in 2009 at the lavish Casa Colonial Beach & Spa will receive 20 percent off their room rate and complimentary daily breakfast.
The discount of 20 percent will be taken off stays Sunday through Thursday on rack rates ranging from $350 - $1,300 in high season (January 4 – April 18, 2009) and $286 - $968 in low season (April 19 through December 23, 2009). The offer cannot be combined with packages or existing offers, is based upon space availability and a two-night minimum stay is required.
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".
Surf’s up in the Aloha State! Hawaii is on sale like never before.
Here are just a few Hawaii deals I’ve found that are available now…
- Hotel Deals from $120
from Travelocity
- Save up to $325 on Hawaiian Packages, from $275 pp
at Priceline.
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".
Ready for a beach vacation this spring? From white sand beaches in Barbados to Mayan ruins in Mexico, Orbitz is offering some hot deals in top Caribbean and Mexico beach destinations.
Sample offers:
Save big during Best of Barbados
Save up to $600 on select 5+ night vacation package bookings through 04/10
$600 OFF
Save up to $200 on Grand Bahama Island vacations
Save $200 off 4+ night vacation packages with promotion code
200GBI through 04/06
$200 OFF
Curacao Now! Save $200 Instantly
Save $200 off 7+ night vacation packages with promotion code CURACAONOW through 05/23
$200 OFF
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".
TOP 10 DEALS — WEEK OF MARCH 23, 2009
Are you experiencing an unexplained urge to save? Each week the experts at Orbitz.com compile the ten best travel deals from their site to help put you on the path to travel wellbeing. Enjoy.
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".
Hey there budget-travelers…
Priceline.com follows Orbitz’s Price Assurance lead in helping travelers get the best possible deals on travel. Starting today Priceline.com is backing up every Flight AND Vacation Package purchase with Free Pricedrop Protection. Book by June 1st and you’ll be automatically covered if prices drop before the trip.
Here’s the deal:
Up to $300 Cash Back if Flight Prices Drop:
If another priceline customer books the same flight for a lower price, they’ll automatically refund the difference in cash…up to $300.
Up to $600 Cash Back if Vacation Package Prices Drop:
If another priceline customer books the same vacation package for a lower price, they’ll automatically refund the difference in cash…up to $600
Source: Priceline.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".
SwellWomen Announces a 2-Day Surf Retreat Pass
I’ve been dreaming of a surf retreat with SwellWomen for years. And, now, with travel to Hawaii such a bargain, this great offer might just tip the travel scales to Maui…
SwellWomen, the original surf and yoga 7- Day retreat exclusively for women located in Maui, Hawaii, announces an all new 2-day Surf Pass that allows women to sample a surf camp without the full week commitment.
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".
Fly Round-Trip From $808+
Now you can fly down under and keep your budget on track too. Qantas is having a spring flight sale to top destinations in Australia and New Zealand. Book today and take off for as low as $808+ round-trip. Dive the Great Barrier Reef, learn to shred the surf, or step off the beaten path in Auckland. Save today.
- Tickets must be purchased by March 16, 2009.
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 just in from one of my favorite travel providers, American Safari Cruises…
Follow the path of Lewis & Clark and become modern-day explorers aboard the 36-guest Safari Explorer
With the absence of three major sternwheelers plying the Columbia and Snake rivers, American Safari Cruises announces an exciting opportunity to meet the demand with a more comprehensive, luxury and active experience on the rivers. A privileged 36-guests experience a rare opportunity of cruising just onedirection along the Columbia and Snake rivers on a 9-day, 8-night yacht cruise aboard American Safari Cruises flagship, the Safari Explorer. The Safari Explorer is ideally-suited for river cruising due to its manageable size, well- appointed accommodations and public areas such as the unique Wine Library which is a perfect complement to the wineries visited. Guests have a unique opportunity of exploring the rivers completely by jet boat, kayak, inflatable skiff, transiting through eight mammoth dams, tasting wine from the barrel in Washington’s wine country and conversing with local specialists as they relate tales of the epic Lewis and Clark Expedition. No other cruise will take you this far into the breadth and depth of the wilderness, history and culture of the American West. Itinerary Details>
Offer valid on new 2009 8 -night, 9-day Safari Explorer Columbia & rivers yacht cruise bookings that are under deposit by 7/3/09 Details>
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".
Some of the best things in life truly are free, particularly in our national parks. And even those things that aren’t free are still an incredible value, in part because every item with a price tag in every U.S. national park has the approval of the National Park Service.
Here’s a few budget-friendly ideas from National Park concessioner Xanterra Parks & Resorts:
Free experiences:
Spot an owl. Or a bear, elk, wolf, otter, bighorn sheep, pronghorn, coyote, bison or trumpeter swan. The Lamar Valley in the northern part of Yellowstone National Park is often called the “American Serengeti” because of its abundant wildlife. Some good binoculars and a little patience are all you need to observe the wonders of the park’s wildlife. Xanterra also offers a variety of guided wildlife-watching experiences.
Go low. At 282 feet below sea level, Badwater Basin in California’s Death Valley National Park is one of the lowest places in the world. The vast salt flats are typically bone-dry but can turn into a ready-made lake after a big rainstorm. Look up at mountainside sign marking sea level posted well above the Badwater Basin viewpoint. No, up a little higher. Feeling small yet?
Walk in the footsteps of presidents. Six presidents – and Three Stooges – have stayed at Yellowstone’s Old Faithful Inn. It was built for $140,000 in 1904 and is one of the most famous buildings in any national park. A Xanterra historian tells travelers about the inn’s colorful history during free walking tours offered several times a day throughout the summer.
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".
Rosen Hotels & Resorts in Orlando announces today the extension of their special offer for active duty military. In honor of their continued service and commitment to our nation, active, guard and reserve military can enjoy half-price accommodations and half-price food and beverages at Rosen Hotels & Resorts’ four Orlando leisure properties through the end of 2009. The four hotels include Quality Inn International, Rodeway Inn International, Quality Inn Plaza (all three ideally located along International Drive, in the tourist corridor) and Comfort Inn Lake Buena Vista near Walt Disney World.
Rooms at the four Rosen Hotels & Resorts’ leisure properties start from $59.95 (rate is prior to the discount and does not include applicable taxes). This special military rate can be booked online at: www.orlandohotels4less.com\military or by calling 1-877-224-5377. Participants must present a valid military ID and should be active, guard or reserve military. The package is based on availability and is subject to black-out dates. Not valid for groups or conventions. Rates are subject to change.
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 US dollar is worth what? - $1.43 : £ 1.00
More British deals & discounts…
2 for1 special from England’s largest vineyard
Denbies Wine Estate in Surrey is offering 2 for 1 on adult ticket purchases for its Indoor Wine Experience Tour. This deal is valid until June 2009. Said to be the first wine estate in the world to give visitors a look into all aspects of the wine making process, Denbies has a four-diamond rated guesthouse and a Kitchen Garden Centre. For more on this special offer visit http://www.denbiesvineyard.co.uk/.
Source: VisitBritain.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".
Boutique Printer’s Row Property’s Romance Package is Easy on the Wallet, Big On Atmosphere, Luxury and Relaxation
All you need is love – and the charming and elegant atmosphere at Chicago’s Hotel Blake – for a perfect couples’ getaway that’s easy on the wallet. Located in the heart of Chicago’s Printer’s Row close to museums, shops, restaurants and theater, this luxury boutique hotel is offering a Romance Package for just $159/night through February 28, 2009 that includes luxury accommodations for two as well as a box of Vosges chocolates to share.
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".