Life Change: It’s A Buy 
Photo: Credit to Chris McClellanWhat’s transformation worth? With Air New Zealand’s “Travel to NZ and Get Your Life Back” fare, wayfarers will jet Los Angeles to Auckland for only $798 roundtrip that must be booked by April 29. Or you can head to life-altering experiences via the airline’s regular economy roundtrip fare as well: under $900 including taxes and fees. Compared to soaring economy fares of up to $3,000 roundtrip in pre-recession peak season, these airfares will lift both body and soul.
And travel to New Zealand will bring another option on June 10, when Qantas introduces new daily service from New York City to Auckland. Because these flights feature conveniently timed connections in Los Angeles, East Coasters will no longer need to fly via alternate carriers before connecting to Qantas aircraft at LAX.
Once on the ground in New Zealand, exchange rates are compelling with the U.S. dollar packing a punch against the Kiwi dollar (USD$1 = Kiwi$1.71), stretching the purchasing power of American travelers in New Zealand. Plus, hotel and tour deals in abundance make New Zealand a “buy.”
Source: Tourism New Zealand
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".
EARLY BIRDS SAVE UP TO 50% OFF AIR TAHITI NUI AUGUST – DECEMBER FARES, FROM JUST $858“One Week” Packages in Tahiti, Moorea and Bora Bora Also Available From $1,198
It pays to plan ahead. Air Tahiti Nui’s unprecedented “Early Bird” fares are up to 50% off regular prices, starting at only $858 per person including taxes and fees. Savvy travelers can reap even greater savings when they bundle their roundtrip Moana (economy) class flights from Los Angeles to Tahiti with a six-night hotel stay in Tahiti, Moorea or Bora Bora; packages start from just $1,198 per person including breakfast daily. To lock in these special offers on travel August 12 – December 10, 2009, bookings must be made by May 11.
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? $1.44 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".
- Take Advantage of Your Tax Return 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 23, 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:
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".
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".
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".
Check out this new stay-n-shop promotion from Orbitz…
Stay 2 nights at Renaissance Hotels and get a $50 Nordstrom gift card
Reward your sense of style and get a $50 Nordstrom gift card when you book 2+ nights (Thursday – Sunday) at participating Renaissance Hotels and Resorts.
Book and travel by May 25th, 2009.
Learn more
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".
JW Marriott’s luxurious Aquae Sulis Spa Las Vegas wants spa-goers to celebrate their birthdays with a well deserved day of rest and rejuvenation. For 2009, guests will receive $50 off any spa service valued at $100 or more when booked for that special day. And who can forget presents! A special take home gift will be presented upon check-in (valued at $10).
“We want everyone to celebrate their birthday and what better way than with a spa day,” said Nichole Pfeifer, Aquae Sulis spa director.
Also, for guests who register their contact information on their birthday, a complimentary day pass will be given, providing an opportunity to come back and enjoy the spa facilities on another day … a gift that just keeps on giving!
Offer is available any day of the week through to December 31, 2009. No additional discounts can be applied and a valid ID is required.
JW Marriott Las Vegas Resort & Spa features 548 oversized guestrooms set amid 54 acres of lush gardens. Located in Summerlin, 20 minutes northwest of the famous Las Vegas Strip, the resort is close enough to indulge in the city’s amenities, but far enough away to enjoy golfing on one of the courses surrounding the resort or explore beautiful Red Rock Canyon. Indulge yourself at JW Marriott’s luxurious Aquae Sulis Spa or lounge by the grass-edged pool. Plus, the resort features a wide selection of dining and entertainment options, from casual to elegant. All services and amenities synonymous with JW Marriott are at your fingertips when you visit.
JW MARRIOTT LAS VEGAS RESORT & SPA: 221 N. Rampart Blvd., Toll Free: 877-869-8777, www.jwlasvegasresort.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".
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".
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".
Travel Through the End of March and Two Can Fly For the Price of One On Your Next Getaway
American Airlines has extended a special offer that rewards customers who fly round trip from the United States to the United Kingdom with a free* companion ticket for future travel to the UK or to select destinations in the Caribbean.
Now through March 31, simply fly American Airlines round trip in First Class or Business Class, or on select Economy Class fares from the United States to the United Kingdom, and earn the free companion ticket for future travel.
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".
AIR TAHITI NUI’S EXCLUSIVE INTERNET FARE:JUST $789 NONSTOP FROM LOS ANGELES TO PARIS
Book by February 6 for Travel Now Through May 15, 2009
The City of Light has just gotten brighter with Air Tahiti Nui’s limited time Los Angeles to Paris Internet fare, just $789 per person – including all taxes, fees and surcharges. The economy class special is available on select nonstop departures now through May 15, 2009. Bookings must be made by February 6.
An affordable getaway to the fashion capital is in easy reach from the West Coast. Air Tahiti Nui flies nonstop from Los Angeles International Airport to Paris Charles de Gaulle International Airport midday on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, arriving France early the next morning, with same day return flights on Mondays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays.
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 WAYFARERS PASS ALONG BENEFITS OF A STRONGER DOLLAR WITH ATTRACTIVE PRICE ADJUSTMENTS ON UK AND EUROPEAN WALKS
Award-winning walking tour company, The Wayfarers, is making the most of market swing by adjusting prices for its 2009 walking vacations in the United Kingdom and Europe, reflecting the newly increased buying power of the U.S. dollar.
The company is passing along to travelers the benefits of a stronger dollar, now holding its own against the euro and the pound sterling. These attractive new rates represent savings of US$400 per person or $800 per couple. Additionally, the company has leveraged the dollar’s current strength to secure hotel upgrades on some trips, while at the same time maintaining the reduced prices.
The value-added prices are offered to all travelers from the U.S. and Canada who secure reservations in U.S. dollars, with payment in full due by March 31, 2009. The new prices are also being extended to clients holding reservations made previously and paid in USD. The early full payment enables The Wayfarers to purchase the appropriate currency and take immediate advantage of the stronger dollar before any new market swings can occur.
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".