Wicked Good Travel Tips

1,2, Free! Stay Two Nights, Get One Free Hotel Deals

Susan — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 13:30:05 +0000

Major hotels are jumping on the Buy Two, Get One Free bandwagon. Rather than reducing their rates in general, hotels are offering customers a free night’s stay instead. Stay for two consecutive nights and get one free equals a 33 1/3% price reduction for your overall stay. For instance if you stay two nights at $150 per night and then get one night free, you’ve actually spent $100.50 per night – a bargain! Here’s a list of properties offering the 2+1 specials:

Four Seasons Hotels want you to ’stay longer’. They’re offering a 3rd night free in many of their locations including Chicago, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Palm Beach, Miami, Atlanta, Austin, Alexandria and Philadelphia to name a few. There are several international destinations included as well – Whistler, Prague, Dublin and more. Check the website for hotels that are participating in the “Stay Longer” program, it may just make staying at the top luxury properties within your budget!

Trump International Beach Resort in Sunny Isles Beach Florida, offers “Free Fridays”. Book a minimum of a 3 night stay that includes a Friday night, and you’ll receive Friday for free along with a full American breakfast. Book by March 16th for stays through March 31, 2010

Lake Tahoe – March in the Mountains at Heavenly Now this is a deal! Stay at the Big Pine Mountain House, Lakeside Inn or Blue Lake Inn and ski at Heavenly Ski Resort for two days and you’ll receive the third night at the hotel and third day of skiing free. The promotion is valid weekdays or weekends through April 18th and starts at $75 per person per night!

St. Martin Radisson Resort & Marina wants you to recharge this summer – when you stay for 3 nights you’ll only pay for two. Your stay will include complimentary breakfast for two, (kids stay and eat free), and you’ll get a 10% discount on Le Spa services.

Half Moon Bay California – Located on a beautiful stretch of vibrant coastline a bit south of San Francisco, this community wants you to stay a few days to discover their many attractions. There’s top tier golfing, biking and hiking; surfing, whale watching and horseback riding on the beach. Fifteen lovely lodgings are offering the 3rd night free through April 15th.

Loews Hotels are promoting Loews Long Weekends. Stay Thursday through Saturday night and take 30% off your bill at participating properties.

Choice Hotels International has a great twist on this offer – stay two seperate nights by April 30th and you’ll receive enough Choice Privilege points for a free night stay. Be sure you sign up for the Choice Priviledge program prior to your stay.

And don’t miss the spring sale from Expedia. They have a promotion featuring 3rd, 4th or 5th nights free throughout major vacation destinations around the globe. Book by 3/18/10 to get the promotional rates.

Phantom Of The Opera Sequel Lights Up The Night In London

Susan — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 18:03:15 +0000

Attention theater lovers – The Phantom is back! Andrew Lloyd Webber’s much anticipated sequel production, Love Never Dies, opened in London this week to glowing reviews. The plot picks up 10 years after the mysterious disappearance of the Phantom in the basement of the Paris Opera House at the end of the play. We find that the Phantom has followed his love (Christine) to New York where she has been offered an opportunity to perform at the newly opened Coney Island amusement pavilion. In the excitement of traveling to glamorous New York with her husband Raoul and young son, Christine is unaware of the true identity of her benefactor who has lured her to New York. “LOVE NEVER DIES is a rollercoaster ride of obsession and intrigue in which music and memory can play cruel tricks and The Phantom sets out to prove that, indeed, LOVE NEVER DIES “.

Well respected theater ticket/travel company Keith Prowse is the exclusive ticket agent for Love Never Dies performances at the Adelphi Theatre. They have put together London theater packages that include performance tickets and hotel stay starting at $129.59 per person (remarkable). Click over to Keith Prowse/Love Never Dies for all the details – you’ll find a calendar displaying dates when tickets are available.

How Many Skiers Does It Take To Rock The Mountain?

Susan — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 13:30:04 +0000

If you’re anywhere near the Rockies this spring you may just find out as Colorado ski resorts throw huge spring festivals to celebrate the end of the ski season! Ski die-hards and Boarder fanatics looking for the last powder runs of the winter should head to the Colorado Rocky Mountains where beer bashes and outdoor concerts promise to give you a mile high buzz to go with your ski tan. Don’t miss the spring powder runs (while it will be ice skating on the mountains in the east) the Rockies are still getting fresh snow. Here’s a list of where the best spring ski parties are!

Rock The Boat in Steamboat – Saturdays from March 13 – April 11, 2010
Bud Light sponsors the “Rock The Boat” live concert series at the base of the ski area every Saturday afternoon from mid-March until closing day on April 11th. There will be live entertainment including reggae, bluegrass, New Orleans R&B and toe tapping Irish jigs. For a particularly hilarious time, don’t miss the 3rd Annual Splashdown Pond Skim competition on 4/11, when contestants go for distance across an ice-cold pond. Contestants are judged on the distance of their splash landing, crowd response and craziness of their outfit (no kidding on the crazy part!).

10th Annual Bud Light Spring Jam at Aspen/Snowmass – March 19-21 and 26-28, 2010. Aspen isn’t considered the darling of the ski resorts for nothing! They really ramp it up in spring with nonstop events rolling out each weekend including downtown concerts and parties, Big Air Fridays, Terrain Park Boot Camp, KickAspen Big Air, and the Hi-Fi Concert Series. Like Steamboat, they just can’t resist a big splash in a little pond… Don’t miss the Schnee Tag (sch-nee-tog) competition where teams put together a ‘craft’ to carry then down the mountain, off the jump, and across (hopefully) the pond. There’s also the Helly Hansen “Battle in the Bowls” and Snow Angels International female snowboarders competition. Plenty of excitement for everyone!

Spring Massive Festival at Breckenridge – April 1-18, 2010
Breckenridge busts out a “massive” multi-faceted event that includes live outdoor concerts, the ‘Bite of Breckenridge’ (meals for $10, $20 & $30), the Massive Beer Festival on April 3rd where 20 breweries bring out their finest suds, and the Massive Competition Weekend on April 9-11 where skiers and boarders compete to show off their ‘massive’ air and style.

Soak In The Sun at Copper Mountain’s Sunsation Celebration, April 10-18, 2010 There are three big elements to Copper’s spring celebration. For 10 years Copper has been bringing top music performers to headline at their mountainside concerts. This year will see Los Lonely Boys, Pepper and Pato Banton to name a few. Then there’s the CBS Collegiate Alt Games ski and board competition on April 10th, and the Red Bull 1976 Games on April 16-18 when everything turns retro! Schuss on man…

And no ski party can be complete without the king of the mountain – Vail!

Spring Back to Vail – April 12-18, 2010
The street parties begin on April 12th and continue right through to the 18th – has anyone seen our favorite party host Captain Morgan??? There will be free concerts, on-snow events and promotions galore. And you won’t want to miss the “Rockstar World Pond Skimming Championships”. You guessed it, there will be lots of skiers dressed in wild attire (or unattired), attempting to lauch themselves off a snow ramp and cross a 100 foot pond successfully on two skis to attain the coveted title of “The Golden Skimmer”. And I thought that was a designation reserved for senior citizens trying to skim the fattening foam off their latte.. Everyone, rockstars, skimmers or spectators are all invited to a free mountainside BBQ from 2-4pm on March 15th followed by a free concert with Guster at Check Point Charlie’s.

Click on over to HotDealsColorado or VailOnSale to find some super deals on hotels and lift tickets!

Nationwide Spa Deal Days Starts on March 8th

Susan — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 19:26:26 +0000

SpaFinder.com announces $50 spa treatments at premier spas across the country from March 8 – 14, 2010. Just when we need a some revitalization to get us through the rest of winter and tide us over until spring weather raises our spirits, the good folks at SpaFinder have launched a nationwide Deal Days promotion. Spas you’ve only dreamed of visiting are offering facials, massages, pedicures and manicures for only $50. Notable luxury spa destinations include:

- Miraval (Tucson)
- Red Mountain Spa (Ivins, Utah)
- Caudalie Vinotherapie Spa at The Plaza Hotel (New York City)
- Canyon Ranch Spa Club (Las Vegas)
- Mandara Spa (resorts nationwide)
- Safety Harbor Resort & Spa (Safety Harbor, Florida)
- Spa Aquazul at Hilton San Diego BayFront (San Diego)
- Cordillera Lodge (Edwards, CO)

And without a doubt at a number of posh spas near you. Visit SpaFinders.com to search for spas near you and to make reservations online right now. Don’t forget to check out the spa recipe page while you’re at it!

Earn American AAdvantage Miles At The Mall

Susan — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 17:09:23 +0000

American Airlines has taken a bold step forward to help AAdvantage members earn miles wherever they shop. They have just announced a new program that enables you to register your favorite charge card (any credit or debit card) and earn miles whenever you shop online, by catalog or at a retail store from one of their affiliated merchants (and there are hundreds!). So I’m thinking…. If I purchase our office supplies from Staples at the Aadvantage eshopping page and then charge it to my registered American Express account… I’d earn 3 miles per dollar from American, I’d earn 1 point per dollar from American Express, I’d get a 5% credit back from Staples on my Amex account, AND I’d earn points for having a Staples rewards card. A quadruple dip – I like it!!

Check out all the details from American Aadvantage eShopping and start racking up extra miles.

Lots of Restaurant Weeks In March!

Susan — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 23:24:58 +0000

It’s a great week to go eat out – Restaurant Weeks have blossomed all across the country. Here’s a quick list of where to find restaurant week promotions:

Denver, Colorado – this week until 3/5
Chicago, Illinois – this week until3/6
Orange County, California – this week until 3/7
Savannah, Georgia – this week until 3/7
Maine – this week until 3/10
New York City – this week until 3/20
Santa Fe & Albuquerque New Mexico – this week until 3/13
Atlanta, Georgia – this week until 3/14

Austin Texas – March 8 – 11
Western New York – March 8 – 14
Boston, Massachusetts – March 14-19
Hudson Valley New York – March 15 – 28
Newport, Rhode Island – March 27 – April 4

Happy Dining!!

Passport Fees Going Up (Again!) – Renew Now

Susan — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 17:00:29 +0000

In this era of escalating fees, the State Department has requested an increase in the cost of obtaining a passport. The new proposed rates would be $135 for a first-time passport application, $110 for a renewal and $82 for additional pages (which are currently free). It’s hard to believe that the cost of a passport could more than DOUBLE since 2002 when the fee was $60! The fees can’t go into effect until the end of a 30 day “comment” period. If you’d like to register your feelings about the fee increase, please complete the comment form at Regulations.org. In the meantime, check your passport expiration date and blank pages, better to take care of it now!

Plan A Family Surf Vacation – And Bring Your DOG!

Susan — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 13:36:53 +0000

Ever wonder who could learn to surf faster – you or your frisky pup? Bring the whole family (plus the dog) on vacation to the Loews Coronado Beach Resort in San Diego California and find out! The Loews family of hotels loves pets and has developed imaginative vacation opportunities for travelers who want to bring their beloved dog or cat along on vacation.

The Coronado Beach Resort offers Su’Ruff Camp at Coronado’s Dog Beach where dogie surf instructors treat your favorite pooch to a one hour surfing lesson. But first they’ll need to look the part…. shake on a pair of complementary brightly colored board shorts and a designer surf bandanna – and don’t forget the camera!! VIPs (Very Important Pets) are treated to gourmet room service, including a Surf & Turf dinner for surfer dogs and rawhide bones, catnip and scratch poles for your favorite felines. Loews hotels customarily offer a special room service menu for cats and dogs, specialized bedding, leashes, collars, litter boxes and pooper scoopers. You’ll also find pet-walking trails and pet-sitting services available at many properties as well.

And if your favorite 4 legged champ turns out to be a real surfing superstar, you may want to return in May for the 5th annual Surf Dog Competition that takes place on May 22, 1020. This fun event attracts big crowds with proceeds going to a local charity. Your dog doesn’t like water? – No worries, check out the Pumped Up Pets program and exercise along with your pet instead.

All the amenities are not just for the pets. Your family will find lots of space to play in the sprawling ocean front resort spread over 15 acres. You’ll find 3 swimming pools, an 80 slip marina, tennis courts, whirlpools, bike and rollerblade paths, and paddle boat rentals to name a few of the family friendly offerings. Check out the hotel and all the special packages at LoewsHotels.com.

(Photos are from Loews Hotels’ website)

Bar Hop Like A Local In Key West – 7 Hidden Gems

Susan — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 15:14:37 +0000

Find the best Key West bars and cafes secluded along quiet lanes and tucked into hidden gardens. While throngs of tourists swarm the main thoroughfares of Key West stopping in every garish bar blasting rock music and Buffet tunes, the locals weave their way through quiet side streets arriving at hidden garden cafes, neighborhood bistros and seaside bars that few tourists are lucky enough to discover. These are the establishments full of charm and panache that can turn Key West visitors into Conch Republic devotes. Clint and I went bar hopping with some locals a few weeks back, and I’m happy to share with you a few of the amazing and entertaining spots they introduced us to.

The Afterdeck At Louie’s Backyard
Each evening as hundreds of vacationers jam themselves into Mallory Square to watch the famous Key West sunset, a more discerning group gathers at Louie’s Backyard Restaurant at the Afterdeck Bar which sits right on the beach close to the Southernmost Point. This is a bright and sunny open air spot to begin your evening with a seaside happy hour cocktail, enjoying the last sunny rays of the day. The sun drops dramatically behind an adjacent pier pavilion.

Kelly’s Caribbean Bar, Grill & Brewery
Just up the street and around the corner at the junction of Whitehead Street and Caroline, you’ll find Kelly’s (owned by Kelly McGillis of Top Gun fame). Walk into the deceptively small white bay front cottage and enter the historic former Pan Am sales office – turned chic bar. (If at all possible claim your spot just before happy hour begins at 4:00 pm, as an enthusiastic crowd gathers quickly). The hot wings fly all around cooled by the famed margaritas or one of their renowned home brews. Step out back to take in the impressive garden restaurant lit by twinkling white lights.

The Gardens Hotel
Located just a block off Duval Street, (but a world away), you’ll find the beguiling Gardens Hotel and its sensuous courtyard patio. While this tropical enclave is usually open for hotel guests only, the public is welcomed often for exhibits showcasing local artists. We spent a very entertaining hour viewing a fashion show, sipping aperitifs, while a jazz band played on the porch – enchanting!! The next time we return to Key West, we’ll definitely stay at this property – it’s a knock out!

Santiago’s Bodega
By now you’ll be needing some delicious unfussy food to balance your sojourn – enter Santiago’s Bodega Tapas Restaurant – the perfect interlude in a night of cocktail sampling. Located on Petronia Street, 3 blocks off mid-Duval in the Bahama Village neighborhood, this intimate restaurant has seating inside or outside on the porch. Selections are imaginative, artfully executed and most importantly, yummy. My favorite selection? Without a doubt, the warm prosciutto wrapped dates stuffed with goat cheese – mmmmmm!

The Keys
Time for some entertainment! The Keys on Duval Street is a fun stop for everyone who loves a piano man and can’t keep their foot from tapping out a show tune. Reminiscent of a New York piano bar and attracting a robust range of local talent, The Keys also welcomes visiting artists to it’s nightly open microphone sessions. I felt like we had had front row seats to a Broadway show by the time we left!

Turtle Kraals Tower Bar
While the location of the Turtle Kraal Restaurant is definitely right on the main tourist route (at the old seaport wharf) many folks pass right by and never look up. Perched atop the restaurant is a great bar with some of the best views in Key West. The bar is only open if the weather is warm and clear, but when the gate to the stairway is open…. it’s a climb that shouldn’t be missed! This perch will give you the optimal vantage point for watching the crowds pass by, the boats move in and out of the harbor, and for watching the ebb and flow of the Key West waterfront. They run a great happy hour starting at 4pm, and it’s an optimal location for watching day turn to evening.

Finnegan’s Wake
Would any bar crawl be complete without a stop at an Irish Pub? – Of course not! You’ll find a warm Gaelic welcome on Grinnell Street, a few blocks back from the harbor at Finnegan’s Wake. This pub has everything you need for a great time, loads of brews to select from, generous portions of good food, and live traditional Irish music performances.

These are our favorite choices for local hang outs in Key West, but we’re sure we may have overlooked one or two of your favored stops - so we invite you to share, share, share – where have you found magic in Key West?

Free GSP Rentals In Europe

Susan — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 15:30:57 +0000

Reserve a 7 day rental car (or more) in Europe by March 31, 2010 and recieve a free GPS rental from the good folks at Auto Europe. This will surely ease your jangled driving nerves as you navigate unfamiliar roads and attempt to read confusing road signs. The offer is good for qualifying car rentals in major European capitals for travel through May 31, 2010. For those traveling in the summer high season, rates for a GSP rentals are standardly $70 per week. We’ve always opted for their cellphone rentals as well for $42 per week (as of today’s posting). Auto Europe is well known for terrific specials, so I’d watch for the GPS offer to be extended beyond it’s current offering – but in either case, the availability of a GSP unit and cellphone are key to a stress free drive vacation in Europe. One note of caution…. Due to the challenging enconomic times in Europe, rental car companies have been decreasing the number of vehicles in their fleets. It will be more important than ever to reserve early this year for high season travel. The procrastinator may find rental car availability totally sold out this summer. So… you’ll appreciate Auto Europe’s no cancellation fee policy – reserve sooner than later!!