Sun Kissed and Loving It - Staying in San Diego Can be Just Like Heaven

San Diego is one of the most incredible cities in the United States if not the world. It's renowned for it's incredible year long weather, endless sun, scenic beaches and views of the pacific. To make haste our goal is to offer a few choices for hotels if you are planning a trip to San Diego.

One of the most beautiful places or areas in all of San Diego is actually the Downtown area. Downtown for many cities connotates big business and commercial. No doubt this is evident in San Diego's downtown area, but being located near the marina area is all the difference. The Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego is the perfect hotel to stay. The view will say it all. Located at One Market Place in San Diego luxury awaits you.

Our next suggestion is the Comfort Suites San Diego. This is a step down in quality from the world class offering provided by the Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego, but with the Comfort Suites brand you get quality. Located at 631 Camino Del Rio South you'll find yourself away from the beauty of the San Diego beaches, but you'll get a great stay in a quality hotel nonetheless.

Finally, the Pacific Shores Inn San Diego is a good choice if budget is a real issues. Located at 4802 Mission Boulevard in San Diego the Pacific Shores Inn San Diego is bare bones but clean and safe.

So we hope these few suggestions offer a little insight into places to stay if you're heading to San Diego. We'll be offering more and more with new posts.

San Diego at a Discount - Travel to this Magnificent California Town

San Diego is well known as one of the most beautiful places in the world. First it is on the Pacific Ocean so visitors as well as travelers are within a stones throw to the beautiful blue passages of this oceanic waterway. Second, the area is sun drenched the entire year with only moderate changes in temperature. When the winter hits the temperatures get down maybe to the high 50's at night, but your days are almost always in the low 70's. Further, the summer months do not bring the balmy weather that many sun drenched areas experience. Last, the humidity is never an issue even though the weather is superb. 

So what else is there to really enjoy in San Diego. We've done some digging and found lots of lists but here are a few more defenses to getting to San Diego.

The San Diego Zoo is probably the most famous and greatest of the Zoo's in the United States. Workers at the facility are often found as guests on talk shows and other event. The area is about 30 minutes north of the Escondido area and takes up over 1500 acres. You'll find the lions tigers and bears but also rhinos, elephants and other great animals of interest. Take the San Diego Zoo Photo Canopy Covered truck tour for a great experience.

The beaches in and around the San Diego area are legendary. Like I said above, sun drenched doesn't do it any justice. If you're interested in a private experience of the San Diego Beach scene try the La Jolla beach area.  In 1931, a new concrete barrier in La Jolla created a wave-free area for kids. These days, Children's Pool is the exclusive domain of seals. Humans, while discouraged from swimming, can picnic in the adjacent park. 

Last the entire area of San Diego is full of great fishing charters and other great excursions to enjoy. Why not take in all that the San Diego area has to offer.

Visit Asia Today and Enjoy Japan

We've done very little in these blog posts to promote the travel and vacations to the Far East. Hong Kong, Japan, and a lot of the other great destinations in that area of the world offer some great possibilities.  Here we are today venturing to the Far East. So young gross hopper prepare for a little bit of information about a trip to Japan.

First and foremost here's a little bit of information we've found about Japan, namely Tokyo. This Tokyo Travel Guide is an excellent place to start and learn about what you may want to see if you do decide to take a trip to this wonderful Far East destination. If you'd like some information from the official Tokyo Travel Commission check out this site. 

After a little bit of investigation here are some great deals for travel packages to the city of Tokyo. The first one we've found is being offered by Pacific Delight Tours and has deals of up to $250 a night.  Yes I said it $250 a night and the various packages offer travel, accommodations and some food. So check it out. Another great deal is being offered S'poreans Travel Group is offering equally incredible deals that range from $99 to $350 a night with a full range of great add ons or premiums.

So getting to the Far East and enjoying a great destination like Tokyo isn't that crazy. Check out the sites and other information we have provided above and see how a trip there can fit into your schedule. 

SouthWest Airlines - Deals to Definitely Move About the Country

I've been sitting on my couch as of late trying to catch up on some much needed rest and television. Fortunately for me the NCAA Mens' Basketball Tournament and the National Invitiational Tournament are in full gear and I just so happen to love basketball. Needless to say I have seen many, many, many commercials. One such commerical has struck my fancy more than others mainly because I'm a stingy bastard when it comes to travel. It's the SouthWest Airlines special deal on flights.

As far as I could tell from the commericals it appears that the offer is this. Between now and April 4th SouthWest is offering rates on one way flights between $49 and $99. The flight has to be taken before April 14th. Ok there are restrictions as there should be. I mean it is a business and they are trying to induce demand with this kind of deal.The other thing is that the reservations need to be made 14 days in advance. Here's the link for the Wanna Get a Way Promotion and Sale.

Now I've looked into this deal a little more. It seems that the coverage of cities and flights is excellent, but of course here comes the information on the rates. Almost every flight, from going to Albuquerque or if you're going to West Palm Beach, the rates are almost exclusively $99. You know what though that's still an incredible rate.

So if you're really looking to Get Away, as the commercial goes, SouthWest Airlines can get you there on the cheap.

Free Deals on Vacations - It's a Reality Believe it or Not

The promise of a free vacation used to be such a predictable come-on from a shady timeshare salesman or a questionable travel club, that all but the most gullible travelers ignored it.

Free isn't just a legitimate goal for your next trip. It might be a realistic one, too.

The travel industry knows it. The major American destinations didn't wait for the National Bureau of Economic Research to declare the U.S. economy in a recession before releasing their lists of free things to do around town. Did you know, for example, that the Port of Houston Authority offers a free 90-minute cruise along the Houston Ship Channel? Or that The Indianapolis Museum of Art, one of the top art museums in the country, always offers free admission?

Can travel companies do better? They're trying. It all depends what your definition of "free" is. There's an abundance of two-for-one offers, but they require that you spend money. 

So where are the best places to go and find these deals. TravelApe.com, companion site offers very interesting deals day in and day out. They also offer a great blog for information about these deals too so it's worth checking out. Another Great Site we saw offers information on free traveling so check this out. 

The time to tighten the buckle on expenses is here and now check out all there is to be had. 

Get to Washington DC - Budget District of Columbia Vacations are Here

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Hawaii Vacation for $391 - Visit the Island of Oahu on the Cheap

The lagging economy has more bad points than good, but those that are good are worth mentioning. Hawaii, or better stated, the Hawaiian Islands is a mega destination. When the average joe is asked to envision their perfect vacation getaway, more times than not, Hawaii is mentioned. The beaches, the blue waters, the dewey air the laid back spirit. Hawaii is paradise. That being said Hawaii has been hard hit by the bad economy. Recent survey polls for the industry reported that Hotel occupancy for January was at only 66%. The result, property owners scrambling to maintain some semblance of business in the face of very hard times.  

To that end we here at the Discount Traveler have been keeping our eye out for deals to Hawaii and we think the following is a home run. We don't formally acknowledge one vacation or tour operator over another, but when we find specific deals and do our homework, we have no problem promoting a good deal to you our users. 

Tour operator Pleasant Holidays is offering a Hawaii Vacation Package for $391 that includes round trip flight from LAX via United Airlines and a three night/four day stay at the Ohana Waikiki Beachcomber Resort located on the island of Oahu. 

Of course with a deal this sweet a few things in the fine print are important to note.  First, the rate is based on double occupancy, so you need to get a travel buddy. Second, the offer is only valid for select dates and stays during the time period of April 6th 2009 to June 1st 2009. 

Don't let the absurd low rate fool you either. The Ohana Waikiki Beachcomber Resort is a quality property and positioned in an excellent location. You'll be steps away from the beach or if you want a day away from the sun and sand enjoy local attractions such as the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center. Or take plan c and just sit back and enjoy the property itself as it includes a private swimming pool and sundeck. 

Don't hesitate if you are interested because there is no doubt that availability will dry up fast on this deal. 

St Patty's Day Celebrations Around the US

Ok, I need to keep some of this information quick and to the point so I don't lose you. I've been receiving a lot of emails from people that want to know about deals on vacation packages for various cities for the up and coming St Patrick's Day Celebrations. Well here they are from the best we have gathered.

Boston - One of the best places to see and participate in a St. Patty's Day Parade is Boston Mass. The Holiday Boston Woburn is offering special rates just today and tomorrow for hotel rooms at about $120 per night though the weekend. The hotel is located near the parade route.

Chicago- Another great city with an incredible St. Patrick's Day Parade celebration is the Windy City. They dying of the river, the big parade and incredible rates in several Chicago Hotels. Check these rates today.

Atlantic City - This is another great parade that takes the celebration of the patron Saint to a great level. Several deals are still available at the Borgata and Trump Marina. Enjoy the parade on the Boardwalk and hey while you're in town why not take in the Atlantic 10 Men's Basketball College Championship at Boardwalk Hall.

There are many places beyond these three cities to enjoy St. Patrick's Day so check out what is available.

San Diego - A Great Place to Visit without Breaking the Bank

San Diego is one of the most beautiful areas in the world. First it's sun drenched almost 12 months of the year. The air is almost never too hot like it is in cities in Florida or Nevada or Texas and it lays on the crystal blue waters of the never ending Pacific Ocean. Second, it has the ease and quality of being in the United States. Yep I said it and I stand by it. In a time where Americans are getting warnings about not traveling to certain countries because of things like violence, kidnapping, theft, etc are being perpurtrated against, maybe just staying within the borders and enjoying "our" world makes sense. 

So what else is so good about San Diego, and more importantly, are there trips to this place of wonder that won't break the proverbial bank? Well first there's the famous SeaWorld San Diego. As far as theme parks go this place is quality and won't break the bank. Check out their official web site to see the family discount packages they offer. They also offer individual vacation packages that are just awesome. How about the famed San Diego Zoo? Come on now another home run, because this is one of the places where the staff make regular appearances on Talk shows and the Animal Planet. 

Say, let's not forget what we mentioned in the beginning though. San Diego is a natural place of beauty. Whether it be a leisurely walk on the beaches, or a ferry ride to beautiful Coronado, or going out on a chartered fishing line to see the beauty of the pacific or do some angling this is a place you should not miss.

For more information check out this featured San Diego Travel Guide. It has all kinds of great information about local San Diego attractions, landmarks, dining and restaurants and nightlife. Check it out. 

Three Great Hotels in Miami - With Great Savings and Discounts

For most of the Northeast and into the Midwest, which means Chicago for some reason, the past week has just been awful in terms of the winter crush. Snow, whipping winds with cold that could zap the tail off of a horse and cloudy skies set in for several days and sapped the souls of even the strongest and most happy people. Today was a little different, but seeing that during this time of the year its a wild card as to how the weather is going to be we took some time to look at deals on hotels in the great American Riviera...Miami Florida. 

We reviewed several Miami hotels and here are a few of the great deals we found. Oh did I mention these are for top quality hotels too? If I didn't, yeah, there for top quality hotels. All right enough of the tongue and cheek humor. 

Our first is the Colonnade Hotel Miami. This is a Four Star property located at 180 Aragon Avenue in Miami. The Colonnade Hotel allows pets so if you're interested in bringing your little friend on vacation they will accommodate. Also, the property has on onsite restaurant and bar. Rates for the upcoming wee are about $279 a night. 

Second on our list is the Fairmont Turnberry Isle Hotel Miami. Top of the line is all we can say about this hotel. Again, this hotel is pet friendly, offers an exquisite pool, well appointed rooms and is right in the center of all the action of Miami. Average rates for a night stay are approximately $240 to $360 a night. 

Our last suggestion for Miami hotels is the Palms Hotel and Resort Miami. The hotel is located at 3025 Collins Avenue in Miami Beach. The best thing this hotel has to offer is it's upscale Spa.  Rates vary from $250 to $400 a night. 

As you see there are many options available for a great vacation in Miami. Check the featured hotels we offered or use the link above for the total listing of Miami hotels to see all the other options.  

Enjoy Life Today - Take a Trip or Vacation

I'm far from a person who likes to dwell on the bad and the negative things the world, and life for that matter, have to offer. The fact of the matter is, no matter how you slice it, that life, with all the ups and downs that come with it, ultimately comes to an end that is far from story book. You know what that's ok, because in the grand scheme of things, at least in this writers opinion, while we're here making the most of it, life that is, should be the only mission any of us have. So in my opinion, during these hard times, there may be no better time to take stock and enjoy what we have and share it with those we have while we can.

I had the unfortunate task of attending a funeral for a close friend's father within the last few days. No doubt this isn't the first such event like this I've attended in my life, but each and every time the reality of life and our short tenure in this world becomes that much more clear in my head.

So sure this blog is about travel and to that degree, discount or budget travel, but I think overall it provides a genuine forum for such a discussion. Don't let life pass you by. Take time to enjoy small things in life and the people you have in your life today. Life is not forever and for that matter, our connections with those we know are far from perpetual. Family, friends, whoever, come in and out of our lives and have significant effects on us.

So this post today is actually about hope and reflection. The world will always go through ebbs and flows and life will go on well past the days we spend here. Take a second to really understand that.

Take that vacation or trip today. Don't wait. See a long lost family member of friend. Plan it today. Life keeps coming at you. There are no time outs in life so don't waste time fretting about things that are bad. 

Travel to the District of Columbia on the Cheap

History is happening right now !!! There is know waiting. Today's generations that live and breath are privy to one of the most dynamic climates the world or this country has ever seen. The first ever african american President was elected and now is serving as the Chief Executive to the greatest country to ever grace this earth. The economic crisis that has gripped the globe is unprecedented in its effect and force. The world is waiting for the center point of all that society stands upon, Washington DC, the District of Columbia to stand for something.

Well why not take a trip to see it all happen for real and live? Sure a humorous break from the serious tone of the paragraph above, but a trip to the nations capital and the surrounding area of the District of Columbia really is something to behold. With that being said please first take a look at this District of Columbia Travel Guide. This is a newly updated guide to the area including reviews about local attractions, dining and restaurants and other landmarks. It truly is a fantastic source of information if you are traveling down to the Washington DC area. 

Attend the Chicago St. Patrick's Day Celebration

The St. Patrick’s Day Parade is almost upon us once more, and the city of Chicago is one of the best places in the world to celebrate this holiday. Some of the most memorable images of St. Patrick’s Day across the entire country come out of the great city of Chicago Illinois. Every year the city sponsors an official dying of the Chicago River a shade of green, and this year is no different. This year the official dying commences at 10:45am on Saturday March 14th, 2009. As a little aside, this dying of the Chicago River is a 40 year tradition that happened by accident when an area plumber was asked how his white coveralls had turned a perfect emerald green. He realized that the dye he, and numerous other plumbers, used to detect leaks into the river was the exact color of the emerald green hills and landscape of Ireland itself. A tradition was born.

Well following the official dying ceremony, the official Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade begins at 12 noon. Scheduled to appear and participate in the parade are area marching bands, civic organizations and numerous other groups and special celebrity appearances.

The Hilton Chicago Hotel has been the overwhelming recommendation for accommodations if and when you were planning on attending this event. The hotel is located at 720 South Michigan Avenue and rates for March 13th to March 15th range from $99 to $179 per night. You won’t beat that anywhere.

So make plans to attend this great event that only happens once a year, especially at prices you may never see again.

Cruise Vacations - Now Affordable for Everyone

There was a time not so long ago that the idea of a cruise seemed out of reach for many. Either people would have visions in their heads of being on steerage from the movie Titanic, or thinking of modern times, they would just be priced out of the market place to purchase such tickets. Well today is a new day and a quality ticket for going on a cruise is within reach for many.

Let’s take a look at some actual offers that the major cruise lines are making right now. How about starting with a seven night cruise for less than $300 a person for double occupancy state rooms? That’s a reality. We’ve also seen incredible deals for price tags of cruises under $400 where you’ll get an ocean cruise and for less than $600 you get all of this and a balcony. No don’t look around, you’re not in the bizzzaro world, you’re in a major economic decline and this is reality.

Let’s take a look a one specific cruise line that has a great brand and name associated with it, Norwegian Cruise Lines. This company is currently offering an eleven-night cruise across the Atlantic Ocean at an average rate of $474 per person, and this includes $100 in shopping credit on the boat !!!You start off in Miami Florida and head across the seas toward Spain and finally end up in Dover England.

There are plenty more of these types of deals out there, just check out the searches for “cruise specials” and “budget cruise travel” and you’ll see many show up.

Spring Break in Mexico - Budget Travel has Never Been More Available

As legions of collegians await the next few weeks to venture off on a right of passage, Spring Break, many are still not sure where they want to go, or better yet, what they can afford. Word on the street is that Mexico and it's many destinations and all-inclusive resorts may be the best value in terms of price and fun. 

We have several cities to choose from where there are great values. Let us begin.

Cancun Mexico is the creme de la creme of spring break destinations. Coined the hottest party place in the world, what could go better than a trip to this magnificent vacation spot. We have a few great hotels to choose from that should maximize your trip and minimize your expenses. First we have the Club Carrousel Cancun which offers an all inclusive package. The average rate for the package is $250 a night and comes with full meals, drinks and equipment to enjoy the entire resort. What does that mean? How about snorkeling, tennis, kayaking and water skiing all included. 

Sometimes it makes sense to avoid the big crowds of a destination resort like Cancun, so why not try an equally fun resort but one that maybe doesn't have all the people to jam it up. Why not try Los Cabos Mexico. We came upon a great site offering terrific deals for spring break to the Los Cabos area and the packages are incredible. One such package offer for $599 a complete package of accommodations, flight to and from the resort, and up to $250 in drinks while you stay there. Not to mention the bevy of planned parties and activities that are organized by the group.

So get your groove on and head south of the border, Mexico way to enjoy a great spring break at incredible discounts. Your generation may be the first to really enjoy a quality spring break with real budget prices. 

Budget Travel - A few Inside Tips

I've surveyed the internet to find out what some other experts have offered up in terms of budget and discount travel solutions. There is certainly no shortage of these types of plans now a days, but I will tell you this, there still are some great little tid bits of valuable advise I've found. I came across advise on when to get the best discount airfare at the airport, how to eat out for less and the best destinations that offer the most value in travel.

Ok to begin how about getting great airfare discounts? Well you're not going to believe it but the advise is just so simple. After reading several blogs and web sites by authority travel experts each said that the best way to get the biggest discounts is to just take the time to sign up for several of the big third party airfare consolidators alerts. These include sites like AirfareWatch.com and Cheapflights.com. The discounts are sometimes incredible. 

If you're looking for the top destinations to visit but aren't sure which ones offer the best value, how about this for advise. Three top destinations we came across are Ireland, Riviera Nayarit, the United Kingdom and Puerto Rico. Combined for the same reason, Ireland and the United Kingdom are great for Americans due to favorable drop in exchange rates and airfares. Why not get over to one of the British Isles while the prices are so low. Puerto Rico is very US friendly and due to the downturn of the economy many in the tourism and travel industry of Puerto Rico are offering incredible deals never seen before. Last is Riviera Nayarit in Mexico, which is currently suffering from the same ills as Puerto Rico. Rates for hotels are being seen, even on the weekends for under $100 a night !!

We will do much to post more information about other great discount and budget travel suggestions. Just keep coming back to the Discount Traveler Blog Post tomorrow. 

St Patrick's Day Parade - Dallas 2009

When one things of St. Patrick's Day, at least from my leap of logic, cities and destinations that come to mind are Chicago and Boston. You know what? What about celebrating the Holiday of the Patron Saint of Ireland in the State of Texas !! Dallas Texas that is. 

Ok, I know, not probably in the top 10 of cities you'd think about, but Dallas Texas is celebrating it's 30th Anniversary St. Patrick's Day Parade this year. 

The Dallas Texas St. Patrick’s Day Parade takes it’s stoll down Greenville Avenue on Saturday March 14th 2009. This party and event has been dubbed the equivalent of the energy and excitement of Mardi Gras in New Orelans, of course only being one day. This year’s parade is expected to be the largest parade, with over 1500 participants, in the history of the event. Expect to see some great events within the event such as contests with celebrity judges.

Find great discount airfare for getting into dallas for the event go to Orbitz where rates coming into Dallas are around $95 each way from most major hubs and cities. Also, the featured hotel for your stay with arrival and check in for Friday March 15th, 2009 is the wonderful Hotel Polomar Dallas, rates come in for $229 a night. This is an upscale and stylish hotel but also not over the top in extravance. You’ll find rooms with flat screen televisions, great restaurants and an onsite spa.

So make plans to see the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in the Great State of Texas. An event that is big enough to bare the name of the largest state in the Union. 

Jazz Fest 2009 - Enjoy a New Orleans Vacation at a Discount Rate

This year celebrates the 40th annual festival and celebration event held in New Orleans that pays homage to a true American original, jazz. The event is aptly called, Jazz Fest, and each year some of the most famous and greatest musicians you could think of have graced the stages and venues that serve as the pulpit and altar to one of the best musical events to be produced. Jazz Fest 2009 is scheduled to run over two consecutive weekends, beginning the first weekend on April 24th to April 26th and then picking up the following weekend April 30th to May 3rd. 

This year the docket of performers and entertainers slated to include jazz legends such as New Orleans' native son Wynton Marsalis, Tony Bennett, and Doc Johnson. The list of legends doesn't end there though. World class performers such as Neil Young, James Taylor, the Neville Brothers, Earth Wind and Fire and many more are all scheduled to perform on one of the dates during the two weekend festival. For a complete list of tentative entertainers and performers scheduled to perform and the dates they are slated to play check out the Jazz Fest Music Schedule here. 

What's so wonderful about this festival is that many discounts for New Orleans Hotels are available making Jazz Fest 2009 a realistic option for an affordable vacation. There are also several packages available for tickets to the event that are really worth looking into.

If jazz is in your blood, or if you're just interested in checking out something unique and entertaining, the New Orleans Jazz Fest definitely fits the bill. 

Casinos Offer Discount Vacation Packages

This must be the place to discuss these issues, because since I've focused the majority of my posts on really finding deals for travel I've had many, many, many, emails. Of the many, people want to get back to the glitz and fun of the casinos, so as I'm obliged to listen to my public, here's one that I've found.

Let's take Las Vegas for instance. Vegas is about 10% down from 2008 during the same time of the year. We also have to remember that times were getting tight last year this time also, so any more drop and things are starting to look catastrophic. What are the issues that caused this. The main driving force behind casino vacation packages has been to get the people there to gamble, but the bulk of the price came in the form of the exclusive rooms. Now with the economy so frail, or actually better yet, starting over a year ago with a soft market, the price of these packages taking into account the full retail of the rooms, you have many people and potential gamblers being priced out of the market. 

So go to the web sites of these great Casinos in Las Vegas and check out the great specials below. You may never be able to get deals like these on rooms any time soon.

At the MGM Grand there are rates for rooms at $75.

If you look at the Mandalay Bay room rates are posted for $89.

How about getting real ridiculous? Circus Circus of Las Vegas is offering rooms at rates of $25 !!!

As you can see discounts and rates for a visit to Las Vegas. Check out rates for these casinos in the coming weeks, because as I stated it appears that rates will continue to drop, but who knows for how long. 

Philadelphia Budget Travel

Philadelphia Pennsylvania is the embodiment of history and metropolitan pinache as there could be in any one city. Yeah, sure New York City and Boston have there hats thrown in on this argument, but I'm a Phillies, 76er's and Eagels fan and I'm writing this post. 

Now one great argument for talking about Philadelphia as a great budget travel destination to visit is the fact that unlike NYC and Boston, Philly offers a lot of great free tours. Yep I said it, free tours. Then there's the relatively cheap travel. The transportation system of Philadelphia is called SEPTA and a lot of the traveling is per ride is actually about $2. Again, yes I said it, $2 per ride. You won't find deals like that in other major cities. If we had to offer the best way to do a tour of the city we've found out about a touring bus called Phlash. Again, you pay about $2 per ride, but you also can tour for the entire day for $5. 

Then there's the number of great historic spots that either offer the free tours or something like $10 to $15 a tour. We're talking about Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell and other great places to name a few.

Ok, let's not forget about the great Philadelphia Hotels that are available. If you look for hotel vacancies in other major cities across the United States you'll see rates like $250 to $350 a night. In Philadelphia you'll see some great quality hotels for like $95.00 to $149.00 a night and that's including weekends. 

So don't pass up on the opportunity for a great trip and a a chance to take on a little history during a vacation to the city of Philadelphia.

Portland Oregon Travel

There are some areas of the United States that aren't always thought to be great choices in terms of travel or vacations. Some, however, offer a unique twist of fun and because they may not be the premium places to visit in the eyes of the consumer can offer would be travelers great savings with a great vacation. Portland Oregon is one such city.

Set in the great North West of the United States Portland Oregon is rich in history and really a beautiful part of our great country. If you take a look at a random Portland Travel Guide you can see the many options available should one be so inclined to take a vacation or plan a trip. Portland is Oregon's official metropolis so it offers all of the great things you'd expect to find in the big city. You'll find great arts and culture, fantastic dining, a hip nightlife and of course be privy to things that are just unique to Portland that other big cities just don't have. One such area is the ability to enjoy the great outdoors. 

As is always the case, should we not lose site of our goals on this blog, you can see and enjoy Portland Oregon without great expense. Now showing is the 2009 Portland Jazz Festival. The Festival is being sponsored by Alaskan Airlines and Horizon Air and starts today February 13th and will continue through and up to February 22nd. Tickets to attend the event are $21 per night !! There are also some great hotel rates right now for rooms that are starting at around $70. Call 1-800-950-1363 to inquire about vacancies in any number of hotels. Of course why not try out the local fare with a visit to one of Portland's most acclaimed restaurants by checking out the Portland Spirit. Why is this so unique? The Portland Spirit is a dinner cruise that takes you down the Willamette River. 

So for a great trip consider Portland Oregon.  

US Airways Vacations - Discount Travel to Las Vegas

Every day it seems like one more big time name or brand in the travel industry is doing their “little” thing to respond to the declining economic situation. We've had a few posts in the past few days mentioning some big names like Priceline, Orbitz and Travelocity. US Airways Vacations officially adds their name to the discount travel game with their current promotion for Las Vegas Vacation Packages. The deal, quite simple. US Airways is giving away tickets to shows in Las Vegas when customers book a Las Vegas Vacation Package.

The Las Vegas Vacation Packages are fantastic too. They come with a basic plan that includes a four night stay at any number of top Las Vegas Hotels and include round trip flight to and from Las Vegas to your destination. Obviously not all packages are priced the same based on the fact that so many different types of hotels can be booked. That is, customers to US Airways Vacations can choose from highly rated hotels to moderately rated hotels. Pricing and hotel room rates are relative to the price.

What's the catch? From every thing we've investigated there doesn't seem to be one, and what's more the shows are top headlines. Tickets to shows include Criss Angel's Believe, Love, Zumanity and O. Oh, I'm sorry, there does seem to be one catch, but it's not bad. All Las Vegas vacation packages must be booked by February 20th, 2009 and the trip must take place and be finished by June 1st, 2009. Is that such a catch? I don't think so and from a business perspective deals like this with definitive and tangible time lines seem to be working.

There is no doubt that discount traveling and vacations priced like this and offering such incredible premiums can't be permanent or continuous, but at least it shows that companies are responding in a positive way.

Orbitz Price Assurance Guarantee

Another in a long line of major travel web sites that are throwing their hat in, as it were, to the response to the bad economy is Orbitz travel.  The official name of the company is Orbitz Worldwide, that according to a statement on the website the official framing of the company mission is "using innovative technology to enable leisure and business travelers to research, plan and book a broad range of travel products". Ok, that is pretty vague, so why not offer a little more of a laymen's explanation is that the company owns several global consumer brands in travel and aggregates suppliers inventory for hotels and airfare. Originally it was a cooperative between several of the major airlines, but as the travel industry has grown and matured so has the company. 

Well back to Orbitz Price Assurance Guarantee. Orbitz is doing something a little different in response to the economic down turn. Many of the web sites I've posted about offer a nebulous 50% or more discount to regular rates. I've always kind of found that difficult to try and gauge. Orbitz, however, is kind of putting their money where their mouth is. The price assurance is actually very simple concept. Stepping back on their technology, Orbitz tracks the purchases made by their customers. Once a customer makes a purchase Orbitz will track it to see if any other customer of their makes a purchase for a flight or hotel room, and if the subsequent price is less than what the original customer paid a refund for the difference will be made. 

This is some pretty good stuff and I'm banking we'll see some great innovative discounts in the travel industry as we all navigate through these troubled economic times. 

Deep Discounts for Destination Travel.

The economy is swirling down the proverbial toilet and the world of travel is responding with deep discounts. From zoo's, aquariums, museums and theme parks to the marketing of major cities and states, the word is out....Discounts !!!

Recently a report surfaced that not every sector in this bleak economy is doing so terrible. In fact, the sector of retail dedicated to offering wholesale discounts to consumers is doing quite well. In turn, the travel sector, on masse, has seemed to copy this strategy and every day it appears that more and more travel related or industries dependent on travel and tourism are adopting this specific focus. 

How glaringly obvious are some of these trends and how wide spread between type and geography? Well in Orlando you have the World famous Disney World Theme Park offering free night stays. Actually one specific deal is offering  $400 off the price of a seven night stay if the package is booked for dates between February through the end of June 2009. In Pennsylvania Hershey Park is offering coupons for $15 entrance fees at the gate. Finally, at the world's largest aquarium in Atlanta, the Georgia Aquarium has stepped back entrance fees to last years prices, which is $27.  As a matter of fact the Georgia Aquarium is offering an additional incentive, whereby if you visit once they will give you what is called a "bounce pass" which you can come back to the aquarium for the price of $15. 

As you can see drastic times call for drastic measures. The deals keep popping up, and we'll keep our eye out for more and more of them as they develop. 

Discount Ski Vacations in Aspen.

Surprisingly enough it's already February and we haven't done a post for ski vacations yet. The ski season is in high gear across the country, well at least in the destinations where you can ski. I thought it would be novel to do a post on Aspen Colorado and talk about some discount ski vacations that are being offered to this beautiful destination.

I'm not a big time skier so when I went to what I thought is an expert website on the subject, aspen.ski.com. Actually just reading through the site has made me truly consider taking a trip to Aspen. What a beautiful place. Wow !!

So I looked around and found some great deals. Yes, they may be pricey but Aspen is definitely not for the budget minded. The thing is and as this blog's title states we're all about discount traveling. So here we go with a few discount ski vacations to the beautiful area of Aspen.

The deal actually is coming to a close come February 11, 2009, but for a measly $2090 per person you get one hell of a vacation in luxurious accommodations. The package is for Little Nell, where you get 4 nights of lodging in an upscale hotel. Also enjoy 3 days of the best skiing you'll find anywhere on the glob. But wait, as they say on infomercials, there's more. This package offers $250 towards shipped luggage or airline luggage fees, free demo ski or snowboard rental each day and a whole log more. The hotel features an outdoor pool and outdoor hot tub, a steam room spa services, dry cleaning services, the works. Then your room comes with incredible views of the surrounding area and the option of getting an executive suite down to a junior suite. Obviously the price mentioned will take into account these accommodation changes.

Hotel Savings at 50% Discounts.

It seems like everyone these days is reacting to the world wide storm that has fallen upon the economy. The big boys of internet travel are doing the same. 

With hundreds of thousands of employees being laid off or having to deal with major cutbacks that include furloughs or work stoppage money is very tight. How these businesses react NOW will effect the how we all weather through the storm. Not doing so will have a domino effect that can be catastrophic.

So with all the doom and gloom out of the way let's get to the good news. There are some tremendous deals out there being offered by great companies.

Let's begin with Travelocity's Silver Lining Sale. If you go to their site the promotion offers several featured destinations with hotel rate discounted up to 50%. The deal is only temporary and the promotion actually ends February 16th. The other issue with this promotion is that if you go to the site or other marketing posts about this deal they make a statement that many of the deals may no longer be available. I've come across several people that have found this to be frustrating but a deals a deal and it it definitely worth looking at the deals this company has.

Not to be left behind Priceline, heralded by famous actor, singer and poet James Shaffner, is upping the ante by pushing it's own 50% savings program. The only issue is Priceline has been pushing the fact that they offer 50% savings with their unique pricing program anyway. That being said, as with Travelocity several deals of quality area available.

Another smaller site Reserve Vacations, which recently launched in the fall of 2008, has been offering some unique rates for accommodations that also come with add ons known as premiums. Premiums are the extras provided with a vacation package which may include such things as free tickets to area shows, rounds of golf or restaurants. Now the rates for these packages are ridiculously low. There is a little caveat to these packages also. The low discounts are provided in an effort to get travelers to the properties to hear sales presentations for timeshare opportunities. 

Keep your eye out because there are many deals out there and many more companies are finding new and inventive ways to maintain a share in the current declining market. 

Myrtle Beach - Golfer's Dream Vacation Package.

The cold of winter has definitely gripped most of the nation but there are still some segments and regions that are fairing well this winter. No doubt that Florida and many of the real warm regions are very nice to visit, but how about a vacation to Myrtle Beach South Carolina. 

We've found a great Myrtle Beach Golf Vacation Package that is available in perpetuity, at least for a while.  You'll get a 4 Days and 3 Nights vacation package to stay at the Wild Wing Resort in Myrtle Beach plus two rounds of golf that include a cart, at the property all for $199. 

If you'd like to plan your Myrtle Beach Vacation around any event in the area, here's a link to the official Myrtle Beach Tourism Site that offers a complete calendar of events for the year. 

Myrtle Beach - Golfer's Dream Vacation Package.

You Deserve a Vacation and Some Fun for 2009.

2008 Sucked. Maybe I'm just speaking for myself and/or just speaking in sweeping generalities, but I'm sticking by that statement. Doesn't seem like 2009 has really had a chance to spring into action and take over its official role as the new year and the much needed arbitrary new page in life. Sure, sure there are some with smiles on their faces and to them I actually applaud. Unlike probably the majority of humanity I welcome good fortune to others. Sadly enough though, I still think that sentiment is founded in selfishness. My thought is that the more other people are happy, fortunate, or whatever, that a) they are less likely to bother me and b) that maybe I could get a little help from one of them. Regardless, I digress, and the point of all this is that things aren't just going to get better. It's the responsibility of each and every one of us to fight for a better way in life. Well, just like I'm sure you've been waiting, one way of getting there is living life and getting away. Yep, I backed door all of you on this one, but it's all apprapoe and relevant. Get out and find a vacation. Just so you know the link provided is my gratuitous citing using Wikipedia as a source.  I stand by that Wikipedia is one of the best fair and balanced and non-biased source of information on the net today. 

The one drawback, if that is really even the right way to frame the situation, is that due to the economic downturn, alternative options need to be investigated. Let me tell you many exist. If you've followed this blog for the past few months I've been able to either track down, stumble over or some how serendipitously discover more and more unique ways to travel and get away. What's more, and this is the real beauty, a lot of these hidden gems don't require giving up quality.  The biggest revelation or discovery I think I came across were the minivacs. Minivacs or "mini vacations" have been around for some time, but in recent years, due to a combination of many forces, including the current economic downturn, the offerings and combos of packages have improved. What's more because minivacs are associated with the timeshare industry a more concerted effort has been made to reinvent these products. All signs for me point to this very thing, a better product and a greater level of disclosure to the consuming public.  Also, for better or worse, this shift in reinventing minivacs has actually created a growing market segment in the world of travel. More and more companies are entering the market place. Most of the time greater competition usually equates to for a win to the consumer, but again, with an industry that has a stigma like timeshare problems do occur. I've cited this website several times in the past few months, but once again Reserve Vacations offers unique vacation packages such as these. Each time I revisit the site has expanded the number of destinations it serves and the number of individual packages it offers per destination. On average the price for accommodations plus premiums is about a 75% Discount to that of traditional packages. 

The fun doesn't stop there. Even the big label providers such as Travelocity and Expedia are not only experimenting with discount packaging and unique pricing mechanisms they offer to their members, traditional packages are showing a decline in rates. For example, and I apologize for citing this deal so late because the deadline is tomorrow, but Expedia is offering a great Holiday Travel Coupon if you book.