Family Trip Deals

If you haven’t been to Luxury Link before, then get on over there already! It is really one of my favorite travel deal websites. You can get great luxury packages at awesome pricing.

The best deals are in the travel auctions. They have three types of auctions:

* Single Auctions have just one package for sale
* Dutch Auctions feature multiple packages for sale
* Best Shotâ„¢ Auctions feature multiple packages, but you have only one chance to win

Click here to visit the auction page and learn more about the different types. My opinion is the best deals are within the “single” auction category, but it varies from package to package.

For those who are uncomfortable with auctions, Luxury Link has packages available to purchase. (Click here for “Buy Now” options) Although these can be good deals, too, it is worth your time to familiarize yourself with the auction system. The savings you can get from that far outweigh the “buy now” savings.

In addition, buy and package before December 15, and get a $150 gift certificate! Click here for details. Happy Bargain Hunting!

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A great deal is in store for you from CheapCaribbean.com.

Travel by February 9th, and stay at the luxurious AAA 4-Diamond Fairmont Southampton. Here’s your chance to experience it at 70% OFF. For just $399 per person, you can spend 3 nights including air, transfers and travel insurance. (Gratuities and resort fee are not included.) You get all this for just a little more than the regular price of a one-night stay at this resort!

Travel is valid Dec. 2-Feb. 9. from New York

Add $50 from: Albany, Atlanta, Boston
Add $100 from: Baltimore, Buffalo, Burlington, Charlotte, Columbus, Portland (ME), Raleigh, Richmond, Rochester, Syracuse, Washington D.C.
Add $150 & up from: Over 50 additional departure cities; See Web site below for details

If you book by Nov. 26, CheapCaribbean throw in a $100 gift card per booking. The gift card is valid for savings off your next booking with CheapCaribbean.com.

Book by Nov. 28: Click here for more information or to book online through CheapCaribbean.com.

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Have a love for skiing and want to get your children in on the action? (or want a ski resort with childcare so you can enjoy the slopes while your children play?) Check out Smugglers’ Notch in Vermont.

Click here for some accomodation options and take advantage of some of the deals below!

Enhance your ski vacation with the FamilyFest Package. The FamilyFest Package Includes:

• All-Day Ski or Snowboard Camp with lunch. Adventure Rangers or Notch Squad (Discovery Dynamos all-day camp already included with Club Smugglers’ Advantage Package).
• Equipment Rental - Your choice of Skis, Boots & Poles or Snowboard & Boots
• Children’s FunFeast - Every Tuesday evening Mogul Mouse & Billy Bob Bear host a fun pizza party with make-your-own ice cream sundaes plus entertainment and fun!
• Framed, Color Photo with Mogul Mouse & Billy Bob Bear at FunFeast
• FREE Helmet Rental
• FREE Discovery Coloring Book (ages 3-5)
• FREE Adventure Trail Map (ages 6-15)
• FREE Mountain Adventure Children’s Trail Map
• FREE FamilyFest Fun Races by age group

FamilyFest Package Rates:

Only $29 per day for Discovery Dynamos (ages 3-5) when added to a paid Club Smugglers’ Advantage Package; just $79 per day for Adventure Rangers (ages 6-10) and Notch Squad(ages 11-15) when added to a paid Club Smugglers’ Advantage Package. Regular Daily Rate - $112

FamilyFest Packages available December 8, 2006 - April 8, 2007.

AND/OR Get 50% OFF Child Care at TREASURES!
December 8-22, 2006 & January 2-27, 2007!
Ages 6 weeks - 3 years. Offer valid when added to a paid Club Smugglers’ Advantage Package.

Over the years, Smugglers’ has been single-minded in its approach to providing exceptional family vacations. That’s why they built a million-dollar, slopeside, state-of-the-art child care center - TREASURES. This Winter Wonderland for infants and toddlers is more accessible and more convenient for parents who may, or may not, be out enjoying the slopes. And, while your children frolic in this fully certified center, you can rest easy knowing they are in the care of our dedicated and professional staff.

To book or for more information, visit the Smugglers’ Notch Website.

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Are you a big Disney fan or expect to take a trip soon? This next year is sure to be great as they launch the Year of A Million Dreams.

From BudgetTravel:

The folks at Disney recently hosted a razzle-dazzle press event at New York’s Palace Theater to launch their Year of a Million Dreams, actually a 15-month bonanza of new attractions and giveaways. Actors took the stage hoisting giant puppets from Finding Nemo–the Musical, premiering in Orlando this January. Puppeteer Michael Curry (The Lion King) and Tony Award-winning composer Robert Lopez (Avenue Q) are among the show’s all-star team.

Similarly, at California’s Disneyland, visitors will be chosen at random to spend the night in the new Mickey Mouse Penthouse. The park is putting the finishing touches on an underwater ride, the Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage, and has whipped up a rock and roll soundtrack for its California Screamin’ attraction. For 16 weeks this spring, the classic Space Mountain rides at both parks will be rockin’, too.

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Fly between Chicago and 25 cities on United Airlines starting at $39 each way between Nov. 23 and Dec. 19. Hurry, these fares won’t last long.

Here are some great each-way fares to Chicago:

* Pittsburgh … $39
* Baltimore … $44
* Buffalo … $44
* Cleveland … $44
* Columbus … $44
* Detroit … $44
* Indianapolis … $44
* Louisville … $44
* Omaha … $44
* New York City … $49 (only between Jan. 4 and Feb. 13)
* Nashville … $49
* St. Louis … $49
* Kansas City … $49
* Hartford … $54
* Providence … $59
* Philadelphia … $69
* Denver … $69

Click here to book these fares or for more information. Enter your destination and departure cities and ideal travel dates and click search. You can search flexible dates by clicking on the “More Search Options” link.

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Ready for a European adventure with the kids? Click here for some helpful tips on traveling abroad with children.

After reading that article, check out the following bargains to visit Europe soon!

Rome, Florence and Venice for $839–air, hotel, transportation, breakfast. Click here for offer and to see itinerary from European Destinations.

Paris from $499 including air, hotel and breakfast. Click here for more information from go-travel.

Go to Prague for $614 per person, airfare and hotel. Click here to see this offer from Orbitz.

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If you live in Georgia, Alabama, Florida, South Carolina or North Carolina, you can take advantage of a $99 per night/per person special resident rates at ClubMed Sandpiper.

Club Med Sandpiper, located on the picturesque St. Lucie Waterway. Here, at America’s only warm-weather Total All-Inclusiveâ„¢ family vacation spot, an ATP/Club Med Tennis Camp, onsite golf course, four pools, countless water sports and a circus school complete with trampoline and trapeze lessons provide the perfect adventure for parents and kids alike. One price with everything included.

To read more details about Sandpiper, click here for my previous post on the resort.

Contact Ask About Travel for more details on this special.

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Atlantis, Paradise Island, Bahamas just announced an amazing special of $99 per night — per room, not per person! That’s one of the hottest deals ever seen for this world-famous resort. Typically, rooms go for well over $200 per night during this time.

The $99 special applies to midweek travel (Sunday-Wednesday nights) in the Beach Tower. Upgrade to the centrally located Coral Towers for an additional $30 per night. Upgrade to the Royal Towers, the resort’s most luxurious accommodations, for an additional $50 per night. To take advantage of the offer, you must book by November 27.

If you’ve never experienced Atlantis, you are in for a treat. This megaresort has some of the most exciting amenities you’ll ever find in one place:

* Ranked “Caribbean’s Leading Casino Resort” 2006 World Travel Awards
* Vast array of restaurants, bars and lounges
* World’s largest open-air marine habitat
* 11 pools, 5 water slides, 7-acre snorkeling lagoon
* Full-service spa
* 18-hole, par 72 championship golf course overlooking the ocean

Blackout Date: November 22-24

For reservations and more information:
Click here to book online on the Atlantis web site. Or, call 800-ATLANTIS (800-285-2684) and mention rate code TZND.

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Starfish Trelawny, an all inclusive resort, (part of SuperClubs) in Jamaica is offering a wonderful deal! Book by November 30 and travel between April 9-June 20 to take advantage of the very popular “Ultimate Upgrade” sale! This means you pay one low rate of (only) $99 and choose ANY room category for travel this spring! Maybe you could snag the Presidential Suite?

Picture three miles of shimmering beach and azure waters stretching crystal clear to the horizon. Nearby, a bewitching “illuminated lagoon,� four freshwater pools and six bars plus a well-stocked mini-bar in every room, and when it’s time to dine – what’s your fancy? Scotch Bonnet Jamaican fare in a casual poolside setting or snacks at the Seashell Bar and Grill on the Beach. Feeling more formal, eat at Giuseppi’s Italian dining room or at Munasan, serving Japanese cuisine

Starfish is a wonderland for family fun, with a kid’s program to ensure that youngsters enjoy the full flavor of a tropical vacation, well supervised. But the whole family will want to join in the extensive sports program; sunfish sailing, windsurfing, aerobic classes in the well-equipped gym, and much, much more. Four tennis courts are lit for night play and add to the list basketball, volleyball, bicycles, an l8-hole championship golf course (green fees included) and other options to choose as you please.

For couples, families and groups of friends, Starfish Resorts has built a solid reputation for all the best that a sunshine vacation can mean! Unlimited food, drinks, entertainment, kids’ center, airport transfers and No Tipping Allowed! There is plenty of enjoyment and fun, and rest and relaxation for everyone!

Click here for more information on Starfish. Use this link to make reservations to take advantage of the sale and get additional information on other SuperClubs that are running the same sale.

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Globotours has a great deal to tour Hong Kong and Singapore. This is an excellent opportunity to visit these Asian cities with the safety of traveling with a tour group.

Escape to sunny Singapore and open your eyes to a bustling city where you will discover a perfect blend of culture, cuisine, arts and architecture. Then, travel to Hong Kong a dynamic city known for its magnificent harbor, excellent shopping and dining. With so much to experience and explore, these destinations make this trip truly a warm getaway. The tour starts at $1199 per person/double occupancy.

Tour Features Include:

* Round trip economy class air transportation on Singapore Airlines from Los Angeles or San Francisco
* $135 per person air fuel surcharge
* 6 nights hotel accommodation (3 nights in Singapore and 3 nights in Hong Kong
* Daily American buffet breakfast
* Round-trip transfers between airport and hotel
* Half day Singapore City Tour
* Half day Hong Kong Island Tour
* Complimentary activities through Hong Kong Tourism Board’s free Cultural Kaleidoscope programs, and Hong Kong Museum of History pass
* Baggage handling, hotel taxes and service charges
* Service of Globotours Local Host for optional tours and shopping suggestions

Highlights:

* Singapore: Little India, Chinatown, Mount Faber, and the famed Botanical Gardens
* Hong Kong: Victoria Peak, the boat community at Aberdeen Typhoon Shelter, the scenic Repulse Bay and Stanley Market, complimentary activities through Hong Kong Tourism Board’s free Cultural Kaleidoscope programs and Hong Kong Museum of History pass

To book, click here and use tour code SINHKGWE. Upgrades to premium hotels are also possible. Call Globotours at (800) 988-4833 for more information.

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From Travelzoo comes this amazing deal for a Boulder, Colorado hotel. This is a great chance to take advantage of all the winter activities in Colorado. (and a little known fact is that my husband and I got to know each other in Boulder…at this very hotel where we were staying on business…so there just HAS to be good juju there, right?)

Boulder, Colorado, named “All-Around Winner: Best Outside Towns” by Outside Magazine and described as “sophisticated and artsy” by Frommer’s, is a popular destination year-round. If those aren’t reasons enough for a visit, here’s another: Stay at the Millennium Harvest House - Boulder for only $100 per night and receive a $100 per night credit for meals and drinks at the hotel. You are practically staying for FREE!

This offer is valid 7 days a week from November 10-January 25, including the holiday periods (you can even stay New Year’s Eve). Blackout Dates: January 11-13.

Set on 16 landscaped acres alongside Boulder Creek, the hotel has a fitness center, indoor and outdoor pools, whirlpools, a basketball court and tennis courts. Bike rentals are also available for the Boulder Creek Path. Use your $100 per night credit at the hotel’s popular restaurants and bars — including Thyme on the Creek, Coaches Corner Sports Bar, Fullers Cigar Bar — or on room service.

Book by Nov. 24: Call the hotel directly at 1-800-545-6285 or Millennium Hotel’s central reservations number at 866-866-8086 and mention promotion code ZOO, or click here to book online. (To find out more about the hotel, click here, but be sure to use the first link when booking online.)

For some ideas of things to do while you are in Boulder, be sure to visit The Colorado Review, getboulder.com for a list of activities to do with kids and teens, and ski central for ideas of places to ski within proximity to Boulder.

Have fun!

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Have you ever been on a cruise? One of the frustrating things about the main cruiselines is that they pack up and sail every evening so you only have a few hours onshore. It makes it impossible to enjoy a full afternoon and evening at the location you are visiting because the ship has to depart. Here is the solution….a ship in which you get to cruise everyday and then have the afternoon and evening offshore with your family!

Additionally, this is quite possibly the lowest cruise fare that I have ever seen. EasyCruise provides cruises to great destinations for not a lot of money. Be sure to check out their site as they have all types of discount cruises.

This deal to the Caribbean tops them all, though. Good until April, depending on availability, cruise on the newly renovated easyCruiseOne for $175 per person. This also includes a free upgrade to an ocean view cabin! Click here to go to the details online. A brief description of EasyCruiseOne and the intinerary:

Our great new Caribbean itinerary takes you to the fantastic island paradises of St Maarten, St Barts, Anguilla, St Kitts & Nevis and Antigua. From December 8th until April 2007, easyCruiseOne takes to the seas and with prices starting as low as $175 per person you can explore the Caribbean like never before and enjoy a free upgrade to oceanview cabin. The ship acts like a floating hotel, sailing for just a few hours each morning and docking at a new destination at around lunchtime so you can enjoy the rest of the day and evening (until the early hours) having fun ashore. Book by November 30th!

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From Newsweek, here is a list of fifteen websites to help find travel bargains. Click here to see the article. I have mentioned a few on the list like Trip Advisor and Site 59, but there are a few that may lead you to your dream destination for less money.

Big cities can be expensive, especially this time of year. Yet, many people love the allure of cities like New York around holiday time. For frugal travelers, check out the Newsweek article on exploring New York City on a budget.

I remember traveling as a teenager with my family. Although important, it can be difficult to keep them happy. (and boy do they let you know it!) Families with teens, click here to see an article on hotels with teen concierges that can make your trip go a little smoother by catering to your teen. There is also a link on there for a complete list of hotels with teen concierges.

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Want an exotic vacation for your family for not a lot of money? Punta Cana resort in the Dominican Republic is the luxury retreat for you with big savings if you take advantage of this excellent deal.

Located on 105 acres of lush gardens with 3 miles of white-sandy beaches and turquoise water, this low-density resort is the perfect place to unwind. Whether alone or with your family, enjoy the natural beauty and privacy that Punta Cana has to offer.

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Currently Luxury Link has an auction at $1795 which includes the following package for 4 (the true value of this package is over $3500!):

* 5 nights in a beautiful Two-Bedroom Beach Casita (Click here to go to the Punta Cana website)
Located directly on the beach in a grove of native coconut trees, your air-conditioned casita features two bedrooms
* Roundtrip transfer from the airport to the resort
* Welcome basket for four in your villa upon arrival, with wine, juices and snacks
* Buffet breakfast for four each morning, at La Cana
* Dinner for four each evening, at any of the following restaurants
o La Cana – The resort’s main restaurant, with a grand buffet offering a wide range of entrees, pasta station, and dessert bar
o Mamma Venezia – Romantic candlelight dining accompanied by guitarists, featuring fine Italian cuisine
o Anani – Elegant and romantic, with an innovative international Dominican style menu, accompanied by piano music
* Complimentary activities and amentities
Non-motorized water-sports: kayaks, windsurfing, snorkeling, sailing, and more
o Swimming pool
o Fitness center, tennis & volleyball (including equipment)
o Carrousel Club children’s program
* Nightly entertainment in the amphitheatre
Enjoy a variety of shows each evening at La Tortuga Theater.
* Complimentary shuttle service
o Continuous service throughout the property between 7am and 11pm
o Scheduled service to Punta Cana Plaza, a shopping mall center
* Taxes

Package to be used between January 5, 2007 and April 1, 2007. Click here to go to the auction on Luxury Link. Auction ends 9:00 AM PST on November 14.

Just because this blog is so new, I thought I would write a post summarizing the “best of the best” in deals and ideas.

For some great tips and strategies on how to find hotel deals, read Working the Priceline Strategy, More Hotel Deal Strategies, and Trip Advisor: The One Tool You Need To Find A Great Hotel

If you are looking to get away with the family, but need to save money and want to have space for everyone to spread out, here are some great solutions. Read Grab the Family and Do A Home Exchange and Got $200? I Have A Condo With Your Name On It.

Disney World is a huge attractions for families. Here are some great posts to get you started: Winter Wonderland At Disney World, Disney Cruise Line Vacation Specials, and Disney Deals for December and Spring. Make sure you check out United Airlines Fare Sale for some excellent deals to Orlando right now.

Need a vacation without the kids? Check out these great resorts:

L’Auburge Del Mar near San Diego (offering a half off special)
Vacations with air as low as $599/person to Italy, Amsterdam, or Ireland.
Go to Maui (Hawaii) with air for as low as $449/person!

Finally, these all inclusive family resorts have specials frequently. They exclusively cater to families with children.

ClubMed Sandpiper has programs for kids as young as 6 months.
FDR Resort price includes a nanny to take care of your children during the day!
Beaches has four locations in the Caribbean and has a special Elmo Sesame Street show and Kid’s Club.

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