Couponsforfun Offers Savings on Attractions, Activities

Couponsforfun.com has savings at all sorts of attractions, from over-the-top theme and water parks, cave adventures and outdoor activities to fine arts, science, technology, railway, sports, western, and  museums. There are savings at historic homes, presidential libraries,state parks, dinner theaters, riverboat cruises, skydecks and aerial tramways.  Save from A-quariums to Z-oos in 19 states.

There are savings for sports lovers too — surf lessons, whitewater rafting trips, whale watching and sport fishing excursions. And for film fans, there are Hollywood theme parks, studio tours and star-themed museums.

Couponsforfun.com offers over 200 savings coupons for attractions in California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Jersey,New York, North Carolina, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin and Washington DC.

No registration, or prepayment, is required. Simply choose by destination or theme, then print out coupons—from home or your hotel. The participating family and cultural attractions do not pay to participate, but are encouraged to supply good offers.

You can see participating attractions’ descriptions and offers at couponsforfun.com.

Southwest Airlines Offers Savings up to $120, Plus Free Nights or Reduced Rates on St. Petersburg/Clearwater Packages

Seeing dolphin is just one of the many appeals of visiting Clearwater Beach of Florida's Gulf Coast © 2011 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

Southwest Airlines is offering a deal on travel to St. Petersburg/Clearwater: book a flight plus hotel vacation package at any hotel Southwest Airlines Vacations offers in St. Petersburg or Clearwater, and save up to $120 per reservation when using promotion code SUN120 at the time of booking

• SAVE $40 on a total package price between $500 – $999.
• SAVE $80 on a total package price between $1,000 – $1,999.
• SAVE $120 on a total package price of $2,000 or more.

Plus, enjoy these great offers when you book a flight + hotel package at the participating hotels!¹

• Sheraton Sand Key Resort – Save 40 Percent!
• Doubletree Beach Resort Tampa Bay North Redington Beach - Fifth Night FREE!
• Don CeSar Beach Resort, A Loews Hotel – Fourth Night FREE!
• Alden Beach Resort – Save up to 40 Percent!
• Sirata Beach Resort – Save 40 Percent!

Packages must be booked between July 8, 2011 and August 4, 2011 by 6 p.m. Central Time for travel August 1, 2011 through December 24, 2011. Blackout dates apply. One-day advance purchase is required.

Customized Vacation Packages Include:

• Roundtrip flight via Southwest Airlines^® to St. Petersburg/Clearwater via Tampa
• Hotel accommodations (including taxes)
• Rapid Rewards^® points on the flight portion
• 24-hour traveler assistance

First and second checked bags fly free (weight and size limits apply); even golf bags fly free, which represents a savings up to $120 per person.

For complete details on this offer, visit:
http://www.southwestvacations.com/Deals/Deal.aspx?deal=232

See also:

CLEARWATER BEACH AND SOOOOO MUCH MORE
Back-to-Nature Experiences Are Not Your Typical Day at the Beach

 NEWLY OPENED CHIHULY COLELCTION ENRICHES ST PETERSBURG’S RICH CULTURAL OFFERINGS

For more travel features, visit

www.travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate

www.examiner.com/eclectic-travel-in-national/karen-rubin

 

Wintergreen Resort in Virginia Blue Ridge Mountains Gives 3rd Nite Free, Free Junior Golf

Whether it’s free golf for juniors or the incredible array of activities available for the entire family to enjoy vacation, the Wintergreen Resort “Buy 2 Nights, Get the 3^rd Night Free” package is enticing at the popular summer getaway atop Virginia’s magnificent Blue Ridge Mountains.

When guests spend two nights at Wintergreen, they will receive the third night free, plus two free Wintergreen Passports unlocking the key to an unlimited amount of family activities and adventures at the resort.

And since July is PGA Family Golf Month at Wintergreen Resort, children under the age of 16 can play either of Wintergreen Resort’s two courses – Stoney Creek or Devils Knob – free for the entire month when accompanied by a paying adult.

When not on the course, there is no shortage of other activities, including:

• Treehouse Programs – features the Kids in Action summer childcare program with a variety of activities and fun each day.
• Discovery Ridge Adventure Center – here kids will find video games, air hockey, pool tables, foosball tables, rock climbing wall, miniature golf course and bungee trampoline.
• Summer Tubing – the tubing park extends the length of more than three football fields and has the feel of being on top of a 10-story building.
• The Zip at Wintergreen – imagine soaring down 900 feet in under 30 seconds with speeds approaching 40 miles per hour!
• Ridgely’s Fun Park – with water balloon volleyball, water gun tag, giant bowling and broomball, the park delivers hours of family fun

There’s also the lure of Lake Monacan, a 20-acre park and park that features paddleboats, canoes, kayaks, fishing equipment and much more, as well as the resort’s swimming pools and hiking trails.

To secure the “Buy 2 Nights, Get the 3^rd Night Free” package, visit www.wintergreenresort.com or call (800) 266-2444.

For more travel features, visit

www.travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate

www.examiner.com/eclectic-travel-in-national/karen-rubin

 

 

Adventure travel leader Gap Adventures offers discounts on tours exploring SE Asia, West Africa, Ecuador, Morocco & Costa Rica

Adventure travel leader Gap Adventures is offering discounts on tours exploring South East Asia, West Africa, Ecuador, Morocco & Costa Rica, but you need to book soon:

South East Asia (ATBH, AVRL, ATCM, ATPC): Book by July 12 and receive 15% off a variety of South East Asia 12 to 15-day excursions, exploring Vietnam, Thailand, Laos and Cambodia. Experience contrasting landscapes and cultures, visiting temples, caves, waterfalls, markets, and more, with opportunities to enjoy homestays in Mekong or Don Khong. (Promo Code: SEASIA15A, Travel by December 31, 2011)

West Africa (DGGU, DGWA, DVVT): Book by July 12 and receive 15% off a selection of 13 to 29-day tours exploring the captivating region of West Africa. Get really off the beaten track as you witness authentic voodoo ceremonies, come face-to-face with witches, and experience the Tonga Oracle. The Ghana Untouched tour was recently selected as one of National Geographic Traveler’s Top Tours of a Lifetime (Promo Code: WESTAFRICA15A, Travel by December 31, 2011).

Costa Rica Quest (CRQ): Book by July 12 and receive 10% off this best-selling Gap Adventures trip. Soak in the warm waters of local hot springs surrounded by a tropical canopy, search for the elusive quetzal bird in the cloud forest, and watch the sun set over the Pacific during this action-packed, nine-day tour of Costa Rica’s highlights. This 9-day trip is perfect for adventurers with limited time who want to explore active volcanoes, follow a trail to the base of a waterfall, melt away in thermal springs or bliss out on a beach (Promo code: CRQ10A, Travel by December 31, 2011).

Highlights of Morocco (DCHM): Book by July 12 and receive 20% off this amazing 14-day journey from Casablanca to Marrakech. Hit Morocco’s highlights even if time’s a little tight. Wander through kasbahs, ancient medinas, spice markets, and cities pulsing with energy on this comprehensive trip. Climb onto a camel and explore the edge of the Sahara before admiring the views from the heights of the Atlas Mountains. Experience the energy of Imperial cities as you explore souks stuffed with exotic wares. Then take a moment to appreciate this amazing adventure as you camp under the stars among some of the world’s biggest sand dunes (Promo code: DCHM20A, Travel by December 31, 2011)

The Ecuador Experience (REE): Book by July 12 and receive 15% off Gap Adventures’ Ecuador Experience. For travelers who want to sample the region’s highlights without sacrificing some of its lesser-known gems, this adventure offers a great combination of must-see highlights and free time to explore. Travel from the Avenue of the Volcanoes to relaxing Pacific beaches and mountain hot springs in Ecuador. Visit the Amazon and a shaman for an incredible introduction to indigenous culture and witness lush jungles and exotic wildlife on this 18-day adventure in nature. Feel like a local during an Amazon homestay, and relax on Ecuador’s sun-kissed beaches (Promo code: REE15A, Travel by December 31, 2011).

About Gap Adventures

Gap Adventures is a world leader in the adventure travel industry offering small group adventures on all seven continents and beyond to more than 100,000 global travelers annually. The award-winning trips, which focus on culture, nature and active travel, are ideal for those with a sense of adventure – people who want to leave the beaten path and authentically immerse themselves in a local culture or environment to experience the real world in a sustainable manner. Demonstrating its ongoing cultural, social and economic commitment to responsible tourism, Gap Adventures established the Planeterra Foundation, as a way the company and its travelers can give back to the communities visited. For more information, visit www.gapadventures.com and www.planeterra.org.

For more travel features, visit

www.travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate

www.examiner.com/eclectic-travel-in-national/karen-rubin

Resort in Riviera Maya, Named ‘Wow Destination’ for 2011, Offers Last-Minute Travel Deals

Dancers re-create the ceremonies of ancient times at Xcaret, an eco-archeological park © 2010 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

The Riviera Maya was recently named a ‘wow deal destination’ for 2011, prompting airlines and resorts in Mexico to offer great vacation packages for next year. With this in mind, the Riviera Maya all inclusive, Hacienda Tres Rios, has launched a Last-Minute 2011 Sale which offers 30% off the resort’s Unrestricted Rate.

The Last-Minute 2011 Vacation sale also includes “kids stay free” accommodations for up to 2 children under the age of 12 for the ideal family vacation. As an added plus, the vacation deal includes a complimentary 30-minute massage per adult.

The offer is available ONLY from December 13, 2010 to December 17, 2010 when calling 1.800.494.9173 to travel in 2011.

The promotion also applies when reserving online at the Hacienda Tres Rios Specials and Packages page and clicking on the Last-Minute 2011 Vacation link. The vacation offer cannot be combined with other promotions.

The one-of-a-kind, endless luxury, all-inclusive package includes unlimited gourmet food and alcoholic beverages, taxes and tips, private beach, various recreational activities, free in-room Internet access, and luxurious accommodations.

Located 45 minutes from Cancun International Airport, the Riviera Maya all-inclusive resort features a diverse range of world-class cuisine in all nine restaurants and bars on the property.
Guests also have exclusive access to the Tres Rios Nature Park, which offers unique opportunities for guests to explore the region’s unspoiled nature all on the resort’s grounds.

What distinguishes Hacienda Tres Rios from other resorts is its successful combination of strict sustainable tourism practices and quality services that exceed guests’ expectations of a Riviera Maya luxury resort and spa.

To plan your 2011′s Riviera Maya vacation, call 800-494-9173 (US & Canada) or visit the Hacienda Tres Rios website, www.haciendatresrios.com/riviera-maya/. Some restrictions may apply.

Nestled in a 326-acre pristine nature park in Mexico’s Riviera Maya, Hacienda Tres Rios is an endless luxury, all-inclusive resort in the Mexican Caribbean only 45 minutes south of Cancun International Airport. Opened in November 2008, Hacienda Tres Rios is the first of five resorts at Tres Rios Nature Park. The resort boasts 273 suites constructed using natural materials. At the forefront of sustainable tourism development, Hacienda Tres Rios creates amazing guest experiences while continuing to protect the region’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. The Tres Rios Nature Park is open exclusively to resort guests, and offers guided nature tours through mangrove forests, snorkeling in cenotes and rivers, and daily activities for children. For more information, visit www.haciendatresrios.com

See: ‘AUTHENTIC’: MEXICO’S RIVIERA MAYA IS BEACH DESTINATION WITH CHARACTER

See: SACRED MAYAN JOURNEY BRIDGES TIME ON MEXICO’S RIVIERA MAYA

WARWICK HOTELS OFFERS LUXURY ROOMS TO SENIORS STARTING AT $55

The Warwick New York is in close proximity to important cultural sights, like the Metropolitan Museum of Art, here at night © 2010 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

Warwick International Hotels U.S. have polished-up their senior discount for those making travel plans, announcing rates starting from $55 for luxury accommodations in a major American city. Significant senior discounts are also available at 12 international hotels in the Warwick collection, meaning that amazing destinations from Fiji to France are on sale all year round.

The senior discount is available now and will continue to be in effect throughout 2011.

Participating locations are:

• U.S.: Warwick New York, Warwick Melrose Dallas, Warwick Denver, Warwick San Francisco and Warwick Seattle
• Europe: Barcelona (Gallery Hotel), Brussels (Royal Windsor Hotel Grand Place and Warwick Barsey Hotel), Geneva (Hotel Warwick Geneva), London (Leonard Hotel & Residence), Lyon (La Reine Astrid), Malaga (Hotel Molina Lario), Nice (Splendid Hotel & Spa), Paris (Warwick Champs-Elysées and Hotel Westminster), Zurich (Central Plaza Hotel)
• South Pacific: Fiji (Naviti Resort)

Warwick Denver Hotel is offering the promise of a Classic King room at $55 during December 2010 and January-February 2011. For the remainder of the year, Denver will offer a significant discount off of its best available rates for guests 65 years of age and older.

“Last year, senior citizens accounted for over 21 percent of all U.S. travelers, and we want to make their travel more affordable and enjoyable than ever,” said G. Paul LeBlanc, vice president of sales and marketing for Warwick International Hotels. “The Warwick collection has much that appeals to this audience, from historic properties that have been elegantly modernized to gracious personal service.”

Warwick hotels in other cities will offer up to 30 percent off their best available rates for seniors throughout the year. A special feature of the Warwick senior rate is that it can be used for up to two rooms. Since statistics show that one third of U.S. travelers are joined by either children or grandchildren, this means “close” family can come along – without being too close!

All Warwick hotels and resorts offer ideal locations for exploring the cultural and entertainment offerings of the different cities. For instance, Warwick New York is across the street from the Museum of Modern Art and within four blocks to iconic attractions like Central Park, Carnegie Hall, Radio City Music Hall and Fifth Avenue Shopping. Warwick Denver is within two and one-half miles of Denver’s Botanic Gardens or Elitch Gardens family amusement park. A Rockies game at Coors Field is only one mile away, or catch the Denver Broncos at Invesco Field, just over three miles from Warwick Denver Hotel. In London, the Leonard Hotel & Residence is only a two minute walk to the shops of Oxford Street and Bond Street and a short stroll to Hyde Park & Madame Tussauds. And in Fiji, the beckoning beaches and waters of the South Pacific are just outside your door.

These rates can be secured either through a professional travel agent or at Warwick’s Web site (the booking code is WKSNR), www.warwickhotels.com.

About Warwick International Hotels

Warwick International Hotels (WIH) was launched in 1980 with the purchase of Warwick New York, a hotel originally built by William Randolph Hearst for his Hollywood friends. Celebrating its 30^th anniversary of hospitality excellence, the WIH Group now includes more than 40 prestigious Hotels, Resorts & Spas worldwide located in city centres and resort destinations in the United States, Europe, Asia, Bali, the South Pacific, and Africa. Further details can be found at www.warwickhotels.com.

For more detailed features on destinations, hotels and resorts and senior travel, visit http://www.travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate.

Ascend Collection from Choice Hotels Spreads Holiday Cheer With Winter Packages

Members of Ascend Collection from Choice Hotels International, Inc. have come up with eclectic packages to make holiday/winter travel affordable and fun: Ski with the Rocky Mountains as your backdrop, spend a day at the spa in California Wine Country, or take a bite out of the Big Apple with special rates to fill your holidays with cheer. Wherever you stay, Ascend Collection indie hotels offer a true taste of the local culture. For holiday and winter packages to delight, try one of these offerings from this elite network of historic, boutique and unique hotels in top destinations throughout the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean. (Package rates below do not include tax.)

GEM HOTELS, New York, N.Y.
The Cool Yule Package from GEM Hotels offers holiday rates from a joyful $150 per night. These boutique properties are located in three iconic New York City neighborhoods: SoHo, Chelsea and Midtown West. Cool Yule is valid Nov. 21 – 30 and Dec. 16 – 27.

Looking to save even more? Complete GEM’S Holiday-Themed Scavenger Hunt and receive a 25 percent discount on a return stay between Jan. 1 – March 31, 2011. The scavenger hunt invites guests to get into the holiday spirit with fun activities. Take a picture of a holiday-themed NYC department store window or sing a Christmas carol for the front desk team as part of the hunt to earn more savings.

GEM Hotels have a neighborhood feel, with the properties’ energy and colors reflecting the surrounding chic art galleries, boutique shops, restaurants, nightlife and treasured historic attractions. The hotels have free Wi-Fi and guestrooms with flat-panel LCD televisions, iPod docks and Gilchrist & Soames bath amenities, among other amenities.

THE WOODLANDS INN, Wilkes-Barre, Penn.
Ring in 2011 with the New Years Eve Package at The Woodlands Inn nestled in the foothills of Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains. This two-night package includes lodging, breakfast buffet, $10 worth of free slot play per person at the Mohegan Sun Casino just one mile away, and discounts at the inn’s restaurant and spa. Priced at $439.00 per couple, the New Years Eve 2011 Package is valid Thurs. and Fri., Dec. 30 – 31, or Fri. and Sat., Dec. 31 – Jan. 1.

The savings continue through the New Year. The Woodlands’ Ski 2010 – 2011 Package invites skiers to immerse themselves in the area’s natural beauty with nightly rates from $119 (weekdays) and $139 (weekends). This package includes hot breakfast buffet; $10.00 voucher for Mohegan Sun Casino; complimentary shuttle to the Mohegan Sun; and discounts for the hotel, casino and lift tickets. Valid Dec. 1, 2010, – March 31, 2011.

Located in historic Wilkes Barre, The Woodlands Resort provides a scenic base from which to explore the region’s renowned ski trails, sports arenas, shopping and dining. This 150-room lodging houses two restaurants, a spa, bar and lounge, nightclub, business center, ballroom and conference rooms, all set on manicured grounds next to the picturesque Laurel Run Stream.

BAECHTEL CREEK INN & SPA, Willits, Calif.
Pamper yourself in California Wine Country at this charming, 43-room lodging. Baechtel Creek Inn beckons with the Spa Sleepover Break Package, which includes a one- or two-night stay in a Superior Room with a complimentary bottle of Mendocino County Wine and a signature 60-minute spa treatment for two guests at the onsite Spa at Baechtel Creek. This offer is available through Dec. 31, 2010. Packages start at $280 for one night and $385 for a two-night stay, based on double occupancy.

Baechtel Creek Inn & Spa is set amidst the wineries and Redwood Forests in the historic town of Willits on California’s spectacular Mendocino Coast. Situated beside a tranquil creek, this property has free Wi-Fi and stylish guestrooms with luxurious bedding and robes. The Spa at Baechtel Creek offers the finest organic skin and body care treatments. Guests also enjoy complimentary continental breakfast. Award-winning wineries, hiking trails, golf courses, art galleries, boutique shops and the stunning Mendocino Coast are all within easy reach.

THE GOLDEN HOTEL, Golden, Colo.,
For a gift your avid traveler will love, give a romantic getaway to The Golden Hotel in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. The Golden Romance Package includes deluxe accommodations for two, a bottle of wine, box of decadently delicious chocolates, $30 voucher for breakfast at the hotel’s Bridgewater Grill and late checkout. Rates start at $189 per night.

Located in the heart of historic downtown Golden, the Golden Hotel overlooks picturesque Clear Creek and the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. This 62-room, pet-friendly lodge welcomes with a lively bar, fitness center, meeting space, business center and the casual full-service Bridgewater Grill. Guestrooms and suites have complimentary high-speed Internet access, large flat-panel televisions and ultra-comfy robes and bedding. Downtown Denver attractions are 12 miles away, and ski trails are nearby too. Minutes away are art galleries, boutique shops and cultural attractions.

For more information on these and other Ascend Collection properties or to make reservations, call 800.4CHOICE or visit http://www.ascendcollection.com.

About Ascend Collection
Ascend Collection made its debut in late 2008 and now has 37 hotels throughout the United States, Canada and the Caribbean. Members include The GEM Hotels with three properties in New York City; Inn of Chicago, one-half block from The Magnificent Mile; O’Brien Historic Hotel in Texas, one block from the lively San Antonio River Walk; the historic Hotel Bothwell, Sedalia, Mo.; Le Consulat, within walking distance from Condado Beach, San Juan, P.R.; and Inn on the Lake, just outside Halifax, N.S. For more information on this collection of Historic, Boutique and Unique and hotels, visit http://www.ascendcollection.com.

For more holiday specials and hotel/resort features, go to www.travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate

ROCKRESORTS OFFERS ‘THREE FOR FREE’ PACKAGE

RockResorts' '3 for Free' offer is valid at Vail Resorts in Colorado, including the Keystone Lodge, with a beautiful view of the ice skating rink © 2010 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

For the third consecutive year, RockResorts and Legendary Lodging, A Vail Resorts Company are offering a “Three for Free” package, featuring one free night of lodging, a $50 gift card and new this year, a complimentary hydration backpack. Guests can travel to their favorite destination from Colorado to the Caribbean to the Southwest and more, saving all the way!

Available for travel now through April 24, 2011, the “Three for Free” package includes:

·               One free night accommodation. Guests can stay two nights get the third night free to stay seven nights and get the eighth night free.*

·               $50 RockResorts gift card, on-mountain cash OR dining card

·               One free REI hydration backpack

In addition to the nine participating RockResort properties, this package is available at all Vail Resorts property locations in Colorado, including Vail, Breckenridge, Beaver Creek and Keystone.

Rates start from $147 per night. Package must be booked by January 31, 2011 and is based on availability. Blackout dates apply. Minimum length-of-stay restrictions apply and vary per property.

For more information, visit www.freenightonus.com or call 1-866-513-ROCK (7625). Follow RockResorts and Vail Resorts on Twitter: @RockResorts, @RockResortsNEWS and @VailResortsNEWS or Facebook: www.facebook.com/RockResorts.

More Deals

RockResorts is welcoming its new addition, One Ski Place at Breckenridge witha “Peaks, Pins & Pinot” package which includes three-nights accommodations in a two-bedroom condominium, three full-day lift tickets for four adults, certificates for appetizers and drinks to accompany one lane of bowling in The Mine Shaft at One Ski Hill Place (reservations must be made 24 hours in advance), and $120 credit to The Living Room, the resort’s premier dining venue. Package starts on November 12, 2010 from $2,311 (4 ppl) representing a savings of 15 percent. www.oneskihill.rockresorts.com / 1-888-906-6303.

Stay at The Pines Lodge, A RockResort at Beaver Creek and book the Ski Free, Stay Free winter package. Buy 2 nights of lodging and 2 days of lifts, and get a 3rd night and 3rd lift ticket free! Starting from $748, based on double occupancy. Valid: 11/24/10-12/19/10, 1/3/11-2/17/11, 2/27/11-3/10/11 3/28/11-4/17/11.

This winter, experience both Aspen and Beaver Creek with the “Ski The Rockies” package, which includes seven-nights accommodations, transportation between Hotel Jerome and The Osprey at Beaver Creek, A RockResort, and three-day lift tickets in each locale (six total). Rates start from $4,184 based on double occupancy. Resort fee and taxes not included. www.rockresorts.com / 866-618-ROCK

Snake River Lodge & Spa, A RockResort is offering a “Ski Free, Stay Free” package, which includes accommodations, daily breakfast, and two three-day lift tickets for Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. www.snakeriverlodge.rockresorts.com / 866-513-ROCK

Give the gift of RockResorts!

RockResorts gift cards can be purchased for any amount (up to $2,500), and are valid at all of RockResorts, located in some of the most spectacular destinations in the U.S. The gift cards can be used for everything from RockResorts stays, to RockResorts Spa treatments, to dining at its AAA Four Diamond Award-winning restaurants.

Gift cards are available for use at most RockResorts-managed facilities, including spas, dining outlets, gift shops, and more. View all available locations. Purchase of gift cards does not guarantee outlet availability. A $25 minimum applies to all gift card purchases. Once loaded, cards are like cash; the value cannot be replaced. Cards are not redeemable for cash unless required by law. After 12 months of consecutive non-use, a $2 inactivity fee will be charged per month until the card’s value is depleted (unless prohibited by law).

To purchase, register or add funds to your gift card, visit RockResorts’ online store or call 877-651-ROCK.

RockResorts®, a wholly owned subsidiary of Vail Resorts, owns and operates luxury resorts that offer casually elegant accommodations, lavish RockResorts Spas, renowned golf courses all certified within the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary program, award-winning dining and a variety of exciting outdoor adventures. The RockResorts collection includes Hotel Jerome in Aspen, Colo.; The Osprey at Beaver Creek and The Pines Lodge in Beaver Creek, Colo.; The Arrabelle at Vail Square and The Lodge at Vail in Vail, Colo.; La Posada de Santa Fe Resort & Spa in Santa Fe, N.M.; Snake River Lodge & Spa™ in Jackson Hole, Wyo.; and The Landings St. Lucia, Rodney Bay, St. Lucia.  RockResorts 2010 openings include: One Ski Hill Place in Breckenridge, Colo.; Tempo Miami in Miami, Fla.; Balcones del Atlántico, Las Terrenas, Dominican Republic; and future RockResorts include: The Mansfield Inn at Stowe in Stowe, Vt., Rum Cay Resort Marina, The Bahamas; and the Third Turtle Club & Spa, Turks and Caicos.

–Karen Rubin

See full coverage at www.travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate

Riviera Maya Resort Launches Black Friday Travel Deal for 2011 Vacations

 

Fantastic cultural programs, such as at Xcaret, an eco-tourism park, await in Mexico's Riviera Maya

Black Friday deals are not just for retail shops anymore and the travel industry has jumped on board to offer travelers exceptional deals the day after Thanksgiving.

Hacienda Tres Rios Resort has recently reveled a Black Friday Special Offer for travelers planning their 2011 vacation.

The Black Friday Special Offer includes a 50% off the resort’s best available rate under the Endless Luxury, all-inclusive plan.

The one-of-a-kind, Endless Luxury, all-inclusive package includes unlimited food and drinks (including alcohol), taxes and tips, various recreational activities, free in-room Internet access, and luxurious accommodations for as low as $133 USD per person, per night.*

The vacation special also includes a complimentary 30-minute massage per adult and a one day’s car rental when booking 4 or more nights.

The vacation package applies when calling 800-494-9173 and mentioning the promotional code BLACK011.

The promotion also applies when reserving online at the Hacienda Tres Rios Specials and Packages page and clicking on the Black Friday Special Offer link. The vacation offer cannot be combined with other promotions.

Guests also have exclusive access to unlimited tours and visits at Tres Rios Nature Park, including the SenseAdventure tour. The park offers unique opportunities for guests to explore unspoiled nature and discover the region’s fascinating mangroves, sand dunes, and tropical jungles all on the resort grounds.

What distinguishes Hacienda Tres Rios from other resorts is its successful combination of strict sustainable tourism practices and quality services that exceed guests’ expectations of a Riviera Maya luxury resort and spa.

Hacienda Tres Rios Resort, Spa & Nature Park is located 45 minutes from Cancun International Airport and 15 minutes from Playa del Carmen. This Riviera Maya all-inclusive resort features a diverse range of world-class cuisine in all nine restaurants and bars on the property.

Offer applies to travel from January 1st to April 30th, 2011. The special offer is only available from November 24th to November 28th, 2010. To make your reservation, call 1.800.494.9173
Nestled in a 326-acre pristine nature park in Mexico’s Riviera Maya, Hacienda Tres Rios is an endless luxury, all-inclusive resort in the Mexican Caribbean only 45 minutes south of Cancun International Airport. Opened in November 2008, Hacienda Tres Rios is the first of five resorts at Tres Rios Nature Park. The resort boasts 273 suites constructed using natural materials. At the forefront of sustainable tourism development, Hacienda Tres Rios creates amazing guest experiences while continuing to protect the region’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. The Tres Rios Nature Park is open exclusively to resort guests, and offers guided nature tours through mangrove forests, snorkeling in cenotes and rivers, and daily activities for children. For more information, visit the Hacienda Tres Rios Website .

For more about the Riviera Maya, see

‘AUTHENTIC’: MEXICO’S RIVIERA MAYA IS BEACH DESTINATION WITH CHARACTER

SACRED MAYAN JOURNEY BRIDGES TIME ON MEXICO’S RIVIERA MAYA

BRITRAIL PASSES ARE 20% OFF FOR LOW SEASON TRAVEL

BritRail’s Low Season Passes offer 20% off retail prices and unlimited travel on the national rail network throughout Great Britain – England, Scotland and Wales – for travel during low season, when savvy travelers can also take advantage of low rates on lodgings and no crowds at major sites.

Low Season fares start at approximately $43 USD per day (based on a Low Season 3 Day BritRail England Consecutive Pass in standard class at 2010 prices) and are valid for travel between November 1, 2010 and February 28, 2011.  Take advantage of this great discount by purchasing a BritRail Flexi or Consecutive Pass or BritRail England Flexi or Consecutive Pass anytime before February 15, 2011.

Passengers appreciate the flexibility that only a BritRail Pass can provide, by hopping on and off the trains and enjoying a number of unforgettable scenic routes that roll by outside the window. What is more, BritRail is the most economical and convenient way for independent travelers to explore Britain, thanks to its fast and frequent service and environmentally friendly advantages. (To browse the full range of rail passes and tickets offered by ACP Rail visit http://www.ACPRail.com.)

Traveling during the low season has other benefits, as well, from big savings on flights and hotel accommodations, to fewer crowds at top tourist attractions.  Loads of cultural and historic highlights of Great Britain are along the route: be sure to visit Stonehenge, Edinburgh Castle, the Roman Baths, Leeds Castle, St. Paul’s Cathedral and countless other museums, castles, gardens, and more.

The Great British Heritage Pass is the perfect BritRail Pass companion, offering entry to these sights, plus nearly 600 other UK heritage properties – just another way to realize great savings during the low season!

Interested in reading other exciting travel stories? Visit http://www.acprail.com/blog to browse what’s new in Great Britain and other top rail destinations.

For more travel features, visit www.travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate