Family Travel Girl

Last Minute Travel Deals Website

Grand Ole Opry - Great Last Minute Travel:  Travel websites . . . sure, everyone's heard of Travelocity and Expedia.  But, if you're looking for a new and exciting place to hunt for last minute budget travel (or even last second travel deals), pay attention!  Lastminute.com offers awesome package deals on U.S. destinations.  You can search for low prices on hotels, car rentals, and airfare at this site.  I've used their service in the past to take my family on a quick weekend getaway to Nashville and found the process to be smooth sailing.  So, step out of your safety zone and check out lastminute.com for some great deals.

P.S.  Don't miss a show at the Grand Ole Opry or a stay at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center (take an indoor boat ride) if you're planning to head over to Nashville.  Lots of fun to be had for the whole family!

Photo by jdtornow via Flickr (Creative Commons)

Travel Deals: Expedia Summer of Adventure Sale - Biggest Sale of The Year

Summer Vacation Deals:  I've just been e-mailed the details of Expedia's "biggest sale of the year."  Book by June 30 and travel by September 5, 2008, for summer adventure travel deals up to 30% off.  The sale includes participating hotels in featured destinations.  According to their travel website, travelers should look for the green tags that say "Summer Vacation Sale."  So, if you're planning a trip this summer, now might be a good time to start looking and booking! 

Photo by Gaetan Lee via Flickr (Creative Commons)

Broadmoor in Colorado Springs Package Deal

Golf Vacation at The Broadmoor!  Have a yearning for some cool, crisp Colorado mountain air?  Would you like to visit a beautiful mountain resort that has first-rate tennis and golf facilities (and a travel deal to boot)?  Maybe you should consider a few days at the beautiful Broadmoor Resort in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

As a matter of fact, The Broadmoor is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year and is offering a special commemorative package.  Guests can stay at the hotel from May 1through October 31, 2008, at package prices which start at $302 per person, based on double occupancy.  The package includes accommodations, incidental service fee, a bottle of wine, a Broadmoor history CD, and dinner for two at one of their exquisite restaurants.  Check out the Broadmoor's website for offer details. 

There's nothing like a Colorado family vacation!

Photo by Hasslefree Clip Art   

Luxury on Sale - Romantic Getaways: Trip Planning Tips

Romantic Getaways:  Who hasn't dreamt of a quick romantic getaway with their significant other?  But, when was the last time you actually took a couples only vacation?  Use our Romantic Getaways Travel Planning Worksheet to plan your next (or first) romantic weekend getaway!  Answer the five easy questions below.  Then we'll help you put your answers to work!

Step One:  How Many Nights

1. One Night
2. Two Nights
3. Three Nights
4. Four Nights

Step Two:  Identify Your Budget                                                                      

1. Small Budget - < $500
2. Moderate Budget - $500 - $1,000
3. Larger Budget - > $1,000

Step Three:  Decide Whether You'll Drive or Fly                                                                      

1. Drive
2. Fly

Step Four:  Choose Your Scenery

1. Buzz of the City
2. Solitude of a Country Inn
3. Beach Baby
4. Dry Warmth of the Desert
5. Cool Crisp Mountain Air

Step Five:  How Will You Spend Your Time

1. Water Sports
2. Golf
3. Spa
4. Theatre / Live Entertainment
5. Fine Dining
6. Shopping
7. Time together is all we need

Let's Put It All Together

Since your travel budget will be a primary driver of the type of vacation you'll take, let's start there.

Small Budget - < $500

• Consider a driveable destination - save the airfare!
• Now's the time to redeem frequent flier miles for airline tickets (book online & save on the customer service fee), and use those hotel program awards for free nights!
• Ask to use a friend or relative's second home:  lake house, ski or golf condo, beach place
• Use the internet travel booking sites like Expedia or Orbitz to find great deals on hotels located in a major city.  Some of these hotels are primarily used by business travelers, so they offer great weekend rates!
• Bring your own romantic picnic food and drinks to save on dining expenses.

Moderate Budget - $500 - $1,000

• This budget opens up the option of buying airfare.  Use a site like Orbitz to compare airfares, but before you buy, take a few minutes to compare their best fare to the airline's website.
• If you're fortunate to live near a cruise port (or you've got frequent flier tickets), check out a 1-3 night cruise deal.  (Be careful of add-on costs like alcohol and shore excursions, though.)
• A Las Vegas weekend getaway is also a great option in this price range.  The sheer number of hotel rooms in this city make for great opportunities to find low-priced rooms or air/room package deals.  If you have a favorite hotel, it may be worth your while to phone the hotel directly and ask about current specials (now's the time to mention any travel discounts that you may have including AAA).
• Don't forget to consider the budget-saving tips listed for the small budget travelers - why spend more than you have to!

Larger Budget - > $1,000

• With a budget of this size, you can consider some add-ons, like (discounted) theater tickets, a spa service, a night of fine dining, or a cruise excursion.  Whichever add on you decide on, just be sure to call ahead for pricing and reservations!

Larger Budget Alert:  Our post wouldn't be complete without mentioning some of the most romantic getaway destinations in the world, so here they are:

• The Caribbean - Jamaica, St. Lucia, U.S. Virgin Islands, Aruba, Bermuda
• The Hawaiian Islands
• Italy - Venice, Rome, Florence
• Paris

No matter where your travel planning takes you, relax and enjoy!

Beach Clipart courtesy of www.free-clipart-pictures.net

Airfare Deals: Business Class Travel Savings

Business Class Seats at 50% Off!  Here's a great travel tip!  According to a recent article in the New York Times, demand is waning for the front part of the aircraft.  You know the part I'm talking about, right?  Business Class!  The big, cushy leather seats that make you envious as you stumble to the back of the plane to your own cramped, much-less cushy seat.  This condition appears to be good news for the traveler.  Companies like Air France are now discounting business class seats that are booked well in advance.  It appears that they are discounting them close to 50%.  Even though this sounds like a great deal, I have never personally paid for a business class seat (50% discount on an $8,000 seat is still $4,000, people!) and don't think I will any time soon.  But, if you're thinking of splurging -- maybe for a honeymoon or special anniversary trip -- book ahead and save!

Photo by caribb via Flickr (Creative Commons)

Free Airport Wi-Fi Hot Spots: What a Travel Deal!

Free Wi-Fi at Airports!  Airplane fuel surcharges, first checked bag charge, airplane snack box charges . . . Enough of the "what-are-they-charging us for now."  It's getting depressing!  So, let's try to think about the things that we can still get for free.  For those of us who blog, what could be better than free Wi-Fi at the airport?  According to an upbeat article from USA Today, certain airports are providing their customers with free Wi-Fi.  Which airports have free hotspots, you might ask . . . Well, it seems as if DIA (Gosh, I love Denver!), Portland International, Pittsburgh International, Phoenix Sky Harbor, Orlando International, and at certain times & spots Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky and Philadelphia International.  Are you aware of any other airports, possibly international airports, that are offering free wi-fi?  Please do tell!

Photo by Alecim via Flickr (Creative Commons)

Miraval Resort & Spa Tucson Travel Deal

Top Spa Vacation Destination - Miraval Resort and Spa Tucson:  Ahhhhh . . . a spa vacation!  I know that I haven't posted in detail about Miraval Resort & Spa Tucson yet, but I will!  In the meantime, all you need to know is that this is one aweseome spa destination with a spa getaway travel deal.  The super nice staff will feed your mind, body and soul.  On a recent visit, a girlfriend and I enjoyed spa amenities such as fitness classes (yoga, pilates, and water aerobics), manicutes, pedicures, and massages.  Miraval Resort and Spa also has a unique equine experience where I (a horse novice) actually groomed my own horse -- and enjoyed it very much!  The chefs prepare three healthy (and delicious) meals every day that are included in your package price.  So for those of you looking to chill out at a spa and "live in the present" for a week, here's their latest deal.

Guests can save up to $1,000 with The Miraval Seven Night Experience package.  The code to mention when you call them at 1-800-232-3969 is 7ALL2.

If you've visited Miraval Resort and Spa before (maybe with Oprah??) please do share details and leave a comment below!

Travel Deal: Pack Your Weekend Bags With This Offer!

Just ran across this money saving weekend deal, so I'm passing it on to all those who need a travel idea!  Participating Marriott, JW Marriott & Courtyard locations are offering weekend stays for $99 - $149 per night - with breakfast included for up to 2 adults & kids 12 and younger.  The offer is good for stays through April 27, 2008.  Mention code S4B if reserving by phone, or click on their link above.  Enjoy your weekend!

Travel Tip: 20% Off Summer Travel Clothes at TravelSmith

Get ready for another money saving travel tip!  I just received a TravelSmith catalog in the mail today.  For those of you who aren't familiar with TravelSmith, it's a great place to find stylish wrinkle-resistant and stain-resistant travel clothes.  They also have a nice selection of walking shoes.  Right now, they're offering 20% off orders over $150 until April 11, 2008.  Just enter the key code JL501M when checking out and receive your discount.  Happy travels!

Walt Disney World Vacation Package Offer

Heading to the land of Mickey this Spring?  Disney announced a package that gives you FREE Park Hopper & Water Park Fun & More ticket upgrades.  Purchase a 5-night / 6-day Magic Your Way Vacation package by March 21, 2008, to get these awesome upgrades.  You must stay 3/30/08 - 5/21/08 (valid most Sun. - Thurs. nights).  Before you know it, you'll be riding Space Mountain and humming It's a Small World (over and over and over).