Family Trip Deals

Vegas Summer Sale - 2 Nights on the Strip with Air from $221
Includes FREE extras and offers at select resorts - book by 5/28

Expedia.com     Fly to New Zealand + FREE Island Stop from $798 R/T
Add a stay in Fiji or the Cook Island at no extra charge
Air New Zealand     Hotel Deals in 40 Cities for Less Than $40/Night
Stay in Chicago, Las Vegas, Orange County, more
Priceline     $256 & up - London in Late Summer & Fall
Fly each way from 9 U.S. cities on top-rated airline
Virgin Atlantic Airways     Oceanview on 7-Night Alaska Summer Cruise - $599
Sail on an upscale ship over the Fourth of July holiday
America’s Vacation Center     $39 & up - New York Fares in Summer & Fall
Deals to/from top U.S., Mexico, and Caribbean cities
JetBlue Airways     $100 OFF 5-Night Disney World Vacations, Includes Air
Pick from over a dozen resorts and stay through summer
Orbitz.com     $99 Specials at 4 Upscale Maine Resorts
Up to 50% OFF stays through June - book by 5/25
Maine Spring Vacations     South of France Summer Vacation with Air - $1185
Visit three cities during the peak season - includes rental car
EuropeanDestinations.com     Car Rentals from $8/Day at Airport Locations
Valid at most major U.S. cities across the nation
CarRentals.com     $298* & up - Vail/Eagle, Colorado from 50+ Cities, R/T
Fly for less to this upscale destination through 11/14
American Airlines     $30 Gas Rebate on 2-Night Summer Bookings
Book a hotel stay and get a refund to your credit card
Hotels.com     Hawaii 1-Bedroom Condo Near Waikiki Beach - $139-$149
Includes full kitchen and sleeps up to five people
BookIt.com     $793 & up - Africa & Middle East Flights this Fall, R/T
Includes Cairo, Tel Aviv, Tangier, and Marrakesh
Iberia.com     Last Minute Weekend Hotel Deals from $59/Night
Choose from 4-star properties nationwide
Hotwire.com     Last Minute Summer Travel Deals to Hawaii from $199*
Fly to Honolulu, Kona, and Maui from West Coast cities
Aloha Airlines     Phoenix Resorts & Hotels from $51/Night
Renowned properties heavily discounted this off-season
Travelocity.com     Nagoya, Japan Fares from $370* Each Way
Fly from cities across the U.S. through summer
United Airlines     Memorial Weekend Deals and Getaways from $49
Discounts on hotel, vacation, cruise, packages, and more
SideStep     9-Night “Highlights of Asia” Vacation & Air - $1189
Stay three nights in Hong Kong, Singapore, and Bangkok
Escapes Unlimited    

Didn’t find the deal you were looking for? Visit our travel deals section for hundreds more airline, hotel, vacation, cruise, car rental, and ticket deals that are updated daily by our editors!

When I traveled to California with my parents at about the age of 11, one of my favorite attractions was Sea World. I must say, I even liked it better than Disneyland. As a Montana girl, the main thing California had to offer (other than Sea World) was its weather, which to me was divine! So balmy!

I was looking at travelocity today and found a hotel that I thought might be of interest to some of you California-bound travelers. It isn’t particularly fancy, but let’s face it: When we’re traveling with children we are looking for location, function, and price. With rooms starting around $60, this is the least expensive hotel I’ve found near Sea World. Keep in mind that the Goodnight Inn does not offer a dining room, fitness center, or swimming pool. As for that pool issue…Isn’t that what the ocean is for???

From travelocity.com:

Hotel Description

149 rooms, 3 floors

This Good Nite Inn is located approximately two miles from Sea World and five miles from San Diego International Airport. Within five miles are the San Diego Zoo, San Diego Sports Arena, Mission Bay, and Old Town San Diego.

The property’s amenities include the laundry facilities, passes to a nearby health club, and complimentary morning coffee. The inn also offers free parking.

All rooms feature cable TVs, refrigerators, dataports, wireless Internet access, air-conditioning, and writing desks.

Additional Amenities

Non-Smoking Rooms
Modem / Data Port

Dining Options

24HR RESTAURANT / CAFE WHICH OFFERS SPECIAL
DISCOUNTS TO ALL OUR GUESTS LOCATED NEXT DOOR.
OLD TOWN MEXICAN CAFE- MEXICAN FOOD BRIGANTINE-
SEA FOOD DENNYS- 24 HOUR INCLUDING BREAKFAST
CHILIS- BAR AND GRILL BLACK ANGUS- STEAKS /
SEAFOOD CASA DE PICO- MEXICAN FOOD GREAT WALL OF
CHINA- CHINESE INN / OUT BURGER- FAST FOOD JACK
AND THE BOX - FAST FOOD

DIRECTIONS

Driving Directions

FROM THE 5 FREEWAY SOUTH EXIT ROSECRANS. TURN
RIGHT AT THE FIRST LIGHT, HANCOCK. TURN RIGHT AT
THE FIRST STREET, GREENWOOD. FROM THE 5 FREEWAY
NORTH EXIT PACIFIC HIGHWAY TO ROSECRANS. TURN
RIGHT TO HANCOCK. TURN RIGHT TO GREENWOOD. TURN
RIGHT TO HOTEL ON LEFT. FROM THE 8 FREEWAY WEST
EXIT ROSECRANS TO FIRST LIGHT, HANCOCK. TURN
RIGHT TO FIRST STREET, GREENWOOD. TURN RIGHT TO
PROPERTY ON LEFT.

Transportation Info

TO AND FROM LINBERGH FIELD LOCAL TAXIS, SHUTTLE
AND PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION AVAILABLE. MINUTES FROM
SD TROLLEY,THAT RUNS TO DOWNTOWN SD, THE
INTERNATIONAL BORDER TO TIJUANA, MEXICO.

**Please Note Fees May Apply To Above Transportation**

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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 Shot™ 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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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-Inclusive™ 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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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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Travelzoo has some great deals for Disney!

Stay at Disney Resort hotel! For many dates in January and February, get 5 Day Magic Your Way Package (including 5 day park passes and accomodations in a Disney Value Resort hotel.) Rates are as low as $377 per adult, $221 per junior (10-17) and $182 per child (3-9). Click here for more information and make sure to book by December 16.

Also available for select dates from December to June 2007 is a package at the Grovesnor Hotel in Walt Disney World Village and Airline Tickets for 4 people from select cities to Orlando. This is available for only $1043, including all taxes. Click here for more details on this great vacation.

Finally, get 6 nights hotel at a Disney Resort Property, 7 day Park Hopper ticket, airport transfers and all taxes for as low as $322 per adult in select January, February and March dates. Upgraded hotels are available for a bit more. Click here for more details.

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Want to see a unique place in Europe for a great price right now? Go to Amsterdam. I have only been here once, but I am very much wanting to return. It was a beautiful and fun city.

Just like Italy that I mentioned earlier today, this Amsterdam deal during the off season can’t be beat.

Travel dates: Select departures between November-March

Gate 1 Travel, in conjunction with the Netherlands Tourism Board, just made its popular Amsterdam package a can’t miss deal. For just $599, you can take off on a 4-night vacation, and save close to $300 off the price of similar packages.

Package includes:

* R/T airfare to Amsterdam from New York, Boston or Philadelphia (see more departure cities below)
* 4 nights at the Best Western Lancaster
* Daily breakfast
* Arrival transfer
* Half-day Amsterdam city tour
* Diamond center tour
* Airline fuel surcharges

This $599 price is valid for daily departures between November 30-December 11 and January 2-Febuary 21. Other travel dates are available (prices will be higher).

Departure cities: New York, Boston, Philadelphia … $599; Baltimore, Washington … +$47; Chicago … +$85; Miami … +$77; Houston … +$86; Atlanta … +$112; Dallas … +$120; Denver … +$126; Los Angeles, San Francisco … +$162, Seattle … +$216. Call Gate 1 for other departure cities.

Click here for more information or to book with Gate 1 Travel. Or, call 1-800-682-3333 to make your reservations over the phone. Additional taxes and fees of approximately $123 are not included.

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