Dunnan's Daily Travel Tip

London: Best In August & September

Harley Nott, who runs Coach House Rentals (a London apartment rental company that many TravelSmart readers have used), recommends heading for London in August or September.

Why then? These are the only months when Buckingham Palace (www.royalcollection.org.uk) and the Houses of Parliament (www.parliament.uk/visiting/summer_opening.cfm) are open to the public. And, coincidentally, the weather is generally just right – not too hot and not too cold.

For information on renting a flat – which is a whole lot cheaper than most hotel rooms as well as more spacious – go to www.rentals.chslondon.com.

July 25, 2006

Save $200/Couple On Italian Vacations

Book one of Trafalgar’s 9-day or longer air-inclusive Winter Italy Vacations by September 1 and save $200 per couple. In addition, winter rates are up to 25% off summer prices.

Our Four Favorites:

(Note: Air from the US is not included)

• Italy & Sicily - 10 days from 1,299 per person, double visiting Rome, Sorrento, Taormina and Agrigento.
• Jewels of Italy - 14 days from $1,799 per person, double visiting Rome, Sorrento, Assisi, Venice and Florence.
• Real Italy - 11 days from 1,425 per person, double visiting Rome, Venice, Florence and Amalfi Coast.
• Italian Experience - 10 days from $1,150 per person, double visiting Milan, Verona, Venice and Florence.
• Trafalgar's winter vacations include: first class accommodation; many meals including breakfast daily; sightseeing; touring by luxury coach; the services of a professional tour director and tour driver and airport transfers.

July 24, 2006

Colonial Williamsburg: $89/Night

Now through September 4, you can stay at the Governor’s Inn for just $89/room and $129 at the Woodlands.

These are starting rates and are based upon a maximum of two adults and two children per room.

The Package:

The special summer rate includes:

• Colonial Williamsburg admission passes for children
• Continental breakfast at the hotel
• Bicycle rental
• Miniature golf
• Golf for kids when accompanied by a paying adult
• Parking at the Visitor Center
• Shuttle bus to the Historic Area.

Colonial Williamsburg, the restored 18th century Revolutionary capital of Virginia, is located 150 miles south of Washington (DC), just off Interstate 64.

The Particulars: Call 1-800-HISTORY or visit www.colonialwilliamsburg.com/visit.

July 21, 2006

Special Fitness Cruises & Trips

We want you to know about the popular and unique Fun & Fitness Travel Club which caters to active adults over age 30.

The club offers specially arranged cruises and land trips during which you participate in daily exercises with certified fitness instructors from your hometown and with the Club’s staff –- water and land aerobics, yoga, ballroom dance, tai chi, etc.

For example, an October trip to Nashville is only $659 while the Club’s one-week Royal Caribbean Alaskan Cruise starts at just $829.

Particulars: Call the Club’s founder, Cynthia Neu, at: 800-955-9942 and mention that you’re a TravelSmart reader. She will tell you all about the fitness programs, dining options, sightseeing and discounts.

And, to learn more go to www.fun-fitness.com.

July 20, 2006

Anguilla: Pay For 3 Nights & 4th Is Free!

The award-winning Cap Juluca in Anguilla is offering an excellent Dog Days of Summer promotion, now through August 31.

Guests staying four nights pay only for three in the Superior, Luxury or Junior Suite category.

Also free during August:

• Four weekly culinary demonstrations and wine pairings.
• 20% off all items purchased in the hotel gift shop.
• Continental breakfast on your private terrace or full breakfast in the dining room.
• All water sports, day/night tennis, croquet, putting green, fitness center
• Afternoon tea
• Horticultural tours

Tip: When booking, mention the Dog Days Promotion.

About the resort: Cap Juluca is a secluded, 179 acre retreat with 58 spacious luxury rooms and junior suites, seven suites and six pool villas located in 18 very private white Moorish style two story beachfront villas. All rooms have ocean views and are air-conditioned. There is a junior Olympic sized swimming pool and a choice of two white sand beaches - the one-mile stretch of Maundays Bay and Cove Bay, which is 1.5 miles long. Cap Juluca is a member of Leading Small Hotels of the World.

Particulars: 1-888-858-5822 or www.capjuluca.com.

July 19, 2006

Ancient Peruvian City Open To The Public

The Sacred City of Caral, the oldest city in the Americas, is now open as a prime destination and archeological treasure for tourists who visit Lima.

Location: Built over 5,000 years ago, this historical treasure, located in the Supe Valley, is just two hours north of Lima and easily accessible by the Pan-American Highway. Although Machu Picchu, located in Cusco, has gained considerably more attention around the world as the capital of the Inca Empire, many do not know that the Sacred City of Caral was the first political state formed in Peru 4,400 years prior to the Incas.

The Caral Civilization: The Caral civilization was ruled by a hierarchical system with differences in rank and position in society; this is evidenced in the unequal distribution of wealth and occupational roles. Tourists who visit the area will be able to see how this system influenced the Caral way of life when they tour the residential and public housing areas, pyramids, sunken circular plazas, temples, altars, and more.

Due to the civilization's organizational structure, they were able to flourish in specialties such as astronomy, medicine, engineering, trade, music, textiles and basket weaving. Agricultural cultivations were also an important part of the Caral daily life. Colored cotton was the Caral product of choice for trade especially when it came to anchovies and shellfish arriving from Aspero, the first fishing town in the Americas, one of 19 contemporary settlements of this civilization.

Particulars: Call 1-866-661-PERU or visit www.peru.info.

July 18, 2006

London's Connaught Hotel: Reduced Summer Rates

One of London's grand hotels, The Connaught, located in the heart of the fashionable Mayfair area, is offering a classic combination: a luxurious stay at the quintessentially English hotel along with appealing summer savings.

"Classically Connaught" rates start at just £129 (approximately $236) for a Queen Single and £179 (approximately $327) for a Superior King. These reduced rates are available from July 21 through September 3. 2006.

Full rack rates for the same rooms are £279 (approximately $510) and £369 (approximately $675 respectively).

Particulars: Call 1-800-637-2869 or book on-line at www.the-connaught.co.uk.

July 17, 2006

Amtrak On Sale For Floridians

Those who are residents of the Sunshine State can get discounted rail fares and avoid high gasoline prices this summer. Now through August 31, the Florida Rail Pass is only $199 -– a $50 savings over the regular pass.

Note: The pass is good for unlimited coach travel for one year from the date of purchase. And, it takes you to 28 destinations within the state aboard the Silver Meteor, Silver Star and most (but not all) Thruway motorcoaches.

As Dennis Lyons, Amtrak's Florida Market Manager, told us: "These passes are a perfect way to beat the busy summer traffic for a weekend getaway to the beach or an outing to a baseball game or theme park."

You'll need a Photo ID showing that you are a Florida resident. And, the pass may be upgraded to include sleeping accommodations.

Caution: On September 1, the price will return to $249.

Particulars: 1-800-USA-RAIL or www.amtrak.com.

July 14, 2006

Prague, Vienna & Budapest: $999

This 10-day "Imperial City Steal Package" combines three consecutive nights each in Prague, Vienna and Budapest plus round-trip air from New York or Washington (DC) to Prague, 2nd class train from Prague to Vienna and 2nd class train to Budapest for the last three nights. The package, from Austrian Airlines Vacation Center, also comes with breakfast daily and hotel service charges & taxes.

The Hotels... The 3- and 4-star centrally located hotels are: Victoria (Prague), Beim Theresianum or Atlantis (Vienna) and Grand Hotel Hungaria (Budapest). Extra nights and hotel upgrades are available.

Dates... November 1 through December 14 and again January 4 through March 31.

Particulars: www.austrianair-vacations.com.

July 13, 2006

Thanksgiving In Mexico: $1,250

Book now as this trip, organized by Tierra del Sol, sells out qickly.

Spend Thanksgiving in Cuernavaca. Visit crafts markets in Tepoztlan. Shop for silver in Taxco. Enjoy the spa at Cocoyoc. Spend a "Day with Diego and Frida," touring the homes of these famous artists and the many museums featuring their works.

The price includes airport/hotel transfers in Mexico City, seven hotel nights, all meals, sightseeing and admission fees. (Air to Mexico is extra.)

The dates are November 18-25.

Particulars: Tierra del Sol, T 800-693-5416, www.mexicoprograms.com.

Note: A seven-night trip to Oaxaca, departing October 28, is priced at $1,315.

July 12, 2006

Hurricane Safety Information -- Florida Keys

The Florida Keys Tourism Council has a great deal of online information designed to help visitors to the Keys in case the region is threatened by a hurricane during their stay.

There's a helpful downloadable brochure in the "Visitor Safety" section. You'll also find phone numbers and links to law enforcement, medical facilities and an exclusive toll-free multilingual visitor assistance line sponsored by the council.

The special "Hurricane Info" section provides details on how the Keys tourism industry interfaces with local emergency management officials in the event a tropical cyclone threatens the island chain.

Hopefully you'll never need to use the information! "According to the Key West National Weather Service office, for an average week during hurricane season, the probability of a Keys visitor's vacation being interrupted by a hurricane is less than 2%," tourism director Harold Wheeler told us.

Particulars: www.fla-keys.com. Click on "Hurricane Info" and "Visitor Safety Tips."

July 11, 2006

Long Island (NY) Wine Tasting Cruise

New York State is fast becoming known as the east coast's wine country with the Finger Lakes and Long Island regions leading the way.

Late this summer, the sleek Arabella, a yacht known for her luxurious New England, Chesapeake Bay and Caribbean excursions, will take her first Long Island Wine Tasting Cruise. The dates: September 14 - 19.

Guests will enjoy five days of sailing combined with stops at renowned wineries. Wine expert David Hamburger will be on board to host special tastings and seminars. Mr. Hamburger is the director of special events at Acker Merrall & Condit, the oldest wine retailer in New York City.

Rates for the cruise range from $999 to $1,699 per person based on double occupancy.

The Itinerary:

Day 1: Guests will board he Arabella in Newport, RI, where a local wine expert will be present to host an informal wine tasting.

Day 2: Arabella sets sail in the morning for the first port of call, Block Island. Guests will have the afternoon and evening to explore this New England paradise before sailing to eastern Long Island.

Days 3 & 4: Arabella will set sail for ports of call in Long Island, including Sag Harbor and Greenport. While in Sag Harbor, guests will enjoy wine tastings and tours at Wölffer Estate Vineyard and Duck Walk Vineyards, both on the South Fork. Upon arrival in Greenport, guests will enjoy lunch at Fisher Island and wine tastings and tours at Pindar Vineyards and Peconic Bay Winery, both on the North Fork.

Day 5: Arabella will head towards her home port with an overnight stop in Stonington, CT. This evening, guests will enjoy an authentic New England Lobster bake. The following morning Arabella will arrive back in Newport where guests disembark.

Particulars: Call 1-800-395-1343 or visit www.cruisearabella.com.

July 10, 2006

New Orleans B&B: The Chimes, From $72

Diantha Dow Schull, president of Americans For Libraries Council (ALC) (with whom we have partnered), was recently in New Orleans for the American Library Association Convention. She stayed at the charming, antique-filled The Chimes B&B.

Located in the historic Garden District at 1100 Block of Constantinople St, the family-owned inn is just 3 blocks from the streetcar (which takes you downtown in less than 15 minutes) and the free bus on St. Charles Ave. Magazine St, lined with antique shops, restaurants and vernacular architecture, is within walking distance.

The 5 tastefully decorated spacious rooms have private entrances with French doors opening onto a shaded brick courtyard. Banana trees, exotic plants and the gentle sound of chimes add to its charm. A gourmet breakfast (wonderful peaches and pastry), served in the dining room, is included in the price ($72-$155/night). Rooms have ceiling fans and coffee makers; there's a community refrigerator and free parking.

Owners Jill and Charles Abbyad stayed open during Katrina in order to provide accommodations for Reuters staff and other journalists covering the hurricane. (He's the head maitre d' at Arnaud's.) Both are full of tips on how to explore the city's history, culture and cuisine.

Particulars: Call 504-899-2621 or visit www.chimesneworleans.com.

$Tip: If you stay at The Chimes, send us a copy of your receipt (TravelSmart, PO Box 397, Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522) and we will make a donation to ALC which is helping New Orleans rebuild its public libraries.

July 7, 2006

Southern California City Pass Expanded

The popular CityPass has added more sites to its Southern California City Pass.

It now includes: Universal Studios, Disneyland Park, SeaWorld and the San Diego Zoo.

The pass is valid for 14 days from its first use and costs $199 for adults (a $291 value) and $159 for kids ages 3-9 (a $229 value).

Particulars: Call 1-888-330-5008 or visit www.citypass.com.

(Source: Tom Bross)

July 6, 2006

Yosemite Hiking Tour For Singles

For single adults of all ages...

This all-inclusive four-day package from American Singles, scheduled for September 6-10, is priced at $1,150. It includes:

• Four nights accommodations in the Yosemite Valley
• All equipment, including day packs and hiking poles
• Four breakfasts
• Four trailside lunches (carried & served by guides)
• Three dinners at local restaurants
• Final dinner at the historic Ahwahnee Hotel
• Transportation to/from each activity and meal

Particulars: Call 1-888-286-8687 or visit www.SinglesTravelCompany.com.

July 5, 2006

Catalina Island Family Package

One of California's great vacation spots...

The Santa Catalina Island Company is offering a mid-week Family Adventure Package with savings from 15% to35% off regular rates.

The package includes:

• Your hotel room
• Round trip boat transportation on the Catalina Express
• One-hour kayak trip
• A round of miniature golf
• A Glass Bottom Boat Tour
• Tax

Particulars: 800-626-1496, www.VisitCatalinaIsland.com.

July 3, 2006

The Third Night Is Free In New York City

If you use your American Express card before Sept 4 at the following hotels. Note: You must call the hotel directly to book this summer special.

• St Regis: 800-759-75500
• NY Palace: 800-NY-PALACE
• Regency: 800-233-2356
• Pierre: 800-PIERRE-H
• Sherry-Netherland: 877-743-7710
• Mandarin Oriental: 888-801-8880
• RIHGA Royal: 800-937-5454
• The Carlyle: 212-744-1600
• Plaza Athenee: 212-734-9100
• Trump International Hotel & Tower: 888-44-TRUMP

June 30, 2006

Stormy Weather & Travel

The government has an excellent web site that provides storm forecasts so you can plan your travels.

It also has useful information about what to do before and after a hurricane, how to protect your children and pets and more. You can also download free brochures.

Particulars: www.weather.gov/os/hurricane.

June 29, 2006

Australia, New Zealand & Fiji: Save $800/Couple

Grand Circle Travel, which provides unique international vacations for thoses over age 50, is offering an $800 per couple ($400 per person) discount on all September through November departures of its popular Australia, New Zealand, & Fiji Package.

Beginning at $3,495 per person double occupancy (or $167 a day), the 21-day escorted tour features stays in Cairns, Sydney, Christchurch, Queenstown, Auckland and Fiji. The price includes:

• Roundtrip airfare from Los Angeles
• All internal flights
• All accommodations (16 nights)
• 27 meals
• All educational & cultural activities
• Sightseeing

Note: You must mention discount code TAAA116.

Starting prices from 130 other US cities include:

San Francisco, $3,645
Seattle, $3,695
Boston, Chicago, NY, Newark, $3,745
Baltimore, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Philly, Washington, $3,795
Detroit, Minneapolis, $3,845
Atlanta, Miami, Orlando, Tampa, $3,895

Particulars: 1-800-248-3737, www.gct.com.

June 28, 2006

New York City: Restaurant Week

From July 10 to 14 and again from July 17 to 21, nearly 200 notable New York City restaurants will be offering prix-fixe, three-course lunch menus for $24.07 and/or dinners for $35.

Pariticulars: www.nycvisit.com/restaurantweek.

June 27, 2006

Vacation For Honeymooners With Kids

According to the Stepfamily Association of America, 65% of all remarriages involve children from previous marriages. As a result, many couples who are tying the knot again must consider ways to unite their two families.

The TradeWinds Island Grand Resort on St. Pete Beach in Florida has created a solution -- its new Familymoon Package.

The three-night vacation ranges from $1,246 to $1,418, depending upon the size of the newly combined family. It includes:

• A two-bedroom suite for 3 nights
• A keepsake beach bag cooler
• Picnic lunch
• Sunset sail
• Dinner for two at the Bermudas Restaurant
• One $50 pass per child, which can be used for activities, crafts and fun at the resort.

Tip: For a romantic evening, newlyweds can drop kids off at the KONK (Kids Only, No Kidding) Club, the resort's supervised kid's program that entertains children ages 4-11 during the day or in the evening.

The package is available until December 24 but not July 4. There is a $35 surcharge/night for gulf front rooms.

Set directly on the white beaches of the Gulf of Mexico, the TradeWinds Island Grand Resort is just 30 minutes from Tampa International Airport.

Particulars: 800-360-4016, www.tradewindsresort.com.

June 26, 2006

Two Sources For Checking Price Of Gasoline

Looking to trim the cost of gas this summer? Check out:

www.GasBuddy.com: Type in a ZIP code for prices at specific stations. Updated every 48 hours.

www.fuelgaugereport.com: Gives the daily average of gas prices, state by state.

June 23, 2006

Free Airport Massage Chairs

You can reset and rejuvenate for free in massage chairs at Brookstone stores. You'll find them in major U.S. airports around the country, including Chicago and Atlanta.

Particulars: For a complete list of locations visit www.brookstone.com.

June 22, 2006

Renew Your Passport

Avoid the forthcoming rush for passports.

Passports will be required for all air and sea travel outside of the United States for people returning to the U.S. after January 1, 2007.

This includes travel to Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, Bermuda and other popular cruise ship destinations.

The Cruise Lines International Association estimates only 35% of cruisers used passports as identification on cruises during the past year.

With more than 10 million Americans enjoying cruise vacations each year, this means a lot of people still need to get new passports or renew lost or expired ones.

Tip: Passport forms also can be downloaded through the U.S. State Department's website, www.travel.state.gov/passport.

June 21, 2006

Edinburgh Festival Tickets & Hotel Rooms

Rooms are always at a premium in Edinburgh during August when the Scottish capital hosts the Edinburgh International Festival, the largest event of its kind in Europe, which this year is celebrating its 60th anniversary.

To solve the dilemma of finding somewhere to stay and getting tickets for the festival's wide range of opera, dance, theatre, concerts and talks, a UK-based company, Theatre Breaks Ltd., is offering a choice of packages which combine hotel stays with tickets for performances and events during the festival, which takes place from August 13 to September 3.

Packages are priced from 119 UK pounds (about $215) per person based on double occupancy and include a ticket for any performance or event and one night's accommodations in a centrally-located hotel within walking distance of the main venues, as well as breakfast, service charges and tax. Longer stay packages are also available.

As an alternative to hotel accommodations, the company has packages which allow festival visitors to travel between London and Edinburgh in overnight rail sleeping cars. These packages, which may include tickets for several day and evening events, are priced from 149 UK pounds (about $268) per person.

Festival Highlights

Highlights of the 60th anniversary festival include Shakespeare's "Troilus and Cressida" directed by Peter Stein, Suzanne Farrell's staging of Balanchine's full length ballet "Don Quixote", the world premiere of a play by Anthony Neilson with the new National Theatre of Scotland, a concert performance of Wagner's "Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg", the world premiere of a new opera by Stuart MacRae, and the American Repertory Theatre's production of Chekhov's "The Three Sisters".

Particulars: Call: 011 44-1727-834422; e-mail res@theatrebreaks.com or visit www.edinburghfestivalbreaks.com.

Note: Theatre Breaks Ltd. has been in business for more than 25 years and also offers packages to London, Stratford-upon-Avon and continental European cities such as Paris, Lille, Budapest and Vienna. For more information on the company's programs visit www.theatrebreaks.com.

June 20, 2006

Amtrak's Student Discount

Students who hold an International Student Identity Card (ISIC) get 10% off on most Amtrak trains. Students must present their card and a valid student card from their school to the Amtrak ticket agent.

The ISIC discount fares are not available on weekday Acela Express, Metroliner or the Canadian portion of joint Amtrak/VIA rail trains. The discount is only available for the rail fare on the Auto Train to/from Florida. Tickets may be upgraded to business class or sleeping accommodations for an additional charge.

Particulars: The card, priced at $22, is available at 850+ issuing locations including universities, book stores, travel agencies and study abroad organizations across the US or online at www.MyISIC.com.

June 19, 2006

Finding A Golf Course

Traveling to Cleveland and hoping to get in a little golf but you don't know if there is a course near your hotel? Killing time at a the Denver airport?

www.GolfBuzz.com to the rescue. Just type in the U.S. city you're traveling to (or the airport) and up pops a list of the local courses, complete with driving directions, prices, course reviews and a weather report.

Great for golf buddies planning a spontaneous weekend away or for mom and dad who want to play a quick nine for while the kids are at the beach. The service is free.

June 16, 2006

Five Nights In Rome: $755

We've found a five-night Rome City Break that costs only $755 on two departures: October 28 and November 4. Departures on Saturdays during September and on October 28 and November 4 are slightly higher -- $1,055.

The package includes roundtrip transatlantic air, a room at the centrally located three-star Hotel Brasile with breakfast daily and hotel services charges and taxes.

Particulars: 1-800-482-5995, www.tourcrafters.com.

June 14, 2006

Not All Travel Insurance Covers Hurricanes

Before buying a policy, be certain it covers losses if your travel destination becomes inaccessible due to hurricane damage.

Travel insurance must be purchased before the storm or hurricane is officially given a name by the government.

In 2005, there were 27 named storms; previous record: 21 in 1933.

Particulars: www.travelinsurancecenter.com.

June 12, 2006

Florida -- Summer Yachting Specials

Southwest Florida Yachts is running a "Summer Special" for families or friends that gives charterers two free cruising days on cruises of three days or longer. This unique program is available from August 1 through October 31.

The two free cruising days offer is in addition to the already reduced "low season" rate. That means a five-day cruise aboard a 36-foot Grand Banks with two large cabins costs only $1,875 instead of $2,376. (In the "high" season you would be paying $2,970.)

Particulars: 1-800-262-7939 or www.swfyachts.com.

June 9, 2006

Finding E85 Fuel

If you've taken up driving a car that uses E85 (or you wish to), you need to find gas stations that sell this mixture –- 85% ethanol or grain alcohol and 15% gasoline.

Some models from Daimler Chrysler, Ford, General Motors, Isuzu, Mazda, Mercedes, Mercury and Nissan can use this cleaner-than-gasoline fuel.

For a list of E85 friendly cars and fuel stations in the U.S. and Canada, go to www.e85vehicles.com.

June 8, 2006

Paris Museum Pass

The Paris Museum Pass is the best value for visiting over 60 museums and monuments in and around Paris, including the Louvre, Musee d'Orsay and the Chateau Versailles. You can now purchase it online, prior to arriving in Paris.

The Louvre, as the opening crime scene in "The Da Vinci Code" has become the place to see while in Paris -- not that it was exactly an unknown before Dan Brown's novel!

Various tours and passes are also available for London and Rome.

Particulars: www.museumpass.com.

June 6, 2006

Get To The Airport Way Ahead Of Time

Airlines are no longer treating loyal customers with special care.

Many are now selling premium (business & first class) seats for a flat charge at the airport counter to a first-time customer rather than holding them back so they can be used as upgrades to returning customers and/or members of their frequent flyer club.

June 5, 2006

Labels May Save Your Luggage

Put a clearly printed label on both the outside and inside of each bag. On the outside label, for protective reasons, incl only your name plus cell, home and destination phone numbers. Anyone might have an opportunity to quickly read your outside label.

On the inside print or write on letter size paper your full contact details including address, phone and email for your home and final destination and put it on top -- this much increases your chances of being reunited with your luggage if it is lost and the outside label is torn off or becomes unreadable. Inside labels are generally read only by airport, bus or train personnel. (Peter Cascio)

May 31, 2006

Turn On The Radio Or TV When Leaving Your Hotel Room

Make it loud enough to be heard by someone at your door. Then, hang the DO NOT DISTURB sign on the doorknob. Thieves will think you're sleeping late. Never put your dirty breakfast dishes outside your door –- they announce that you've left for the day.

May 26, 2006

North Carolina's State Parks

North Carolina has 32 state parks and recreation areas –- and most do not charge admission and the fees for camping, renting canoes or stabling a horse are extremely reasonable. The parks stretch from the mountains to the sea.

Our two picks:

Fort Macon State Park, Atlantic Beach: 252-726-3775

Built between 1826 and 1834 to guard the entrance to Beaufort Harbor, this five-sided fort was seized by Confederate troops in 1861 at the outbreak of the Civil War. Today, Fort Macon is the state's most popular park, offering sandy beaches and one of the finest surviving examples of 19th century military architecture and fortification. Civil War reenactments occur during summer months—call for the dates. After touring the fort, go for hikes, picnic, swim, and fish. And be sure to visit the nearby Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores (www.ncaquariums.com). It's newly re-opened after a $24-million expansion.

Jockey's Ridge State Park, Nags Head: 252-441-7132

Rising 110 feet, Jockey's Ridge is the tallest active sand dune on the East Coast. Here, private instructors teach hang gliding lessons and rent gear to first-timers and experienced gliders alike. Kite flying, sail-boarding, sand-boarding and wind-surfing are activities you won't find in other state parks.

Note: Bring your kite or buy one from a store across the street. Kitty Hawk Kites sponsors Kids' Day every Wednesday starting June 15 through the summer months. Also, visit the Wright Brothers National Memorial nearby to see the site of Orville and Wilbur's famed first flight.

Particulars: www.visitnc.com.

 
May 25, 2006

NYC Hotel: From $160/Night

In celebration of 100 years in business, Manhattan's Wolcott Hotel has special rates of $160 or $180 per night through December 28. This "Centennial Savings Promotion" also includes a free express breakfast.

However, you must book your room by August 31 in order to get the $160/night rate (Sunday through Wednesday) or $180/night (Thursday through Saturday). For just another $10 you can sleep in a junior suite.

The 200-room, 14-story hotel is located at 4 West 31st Street, three blocks from the Empire State Building and within walking of the recently reopened Morgan Library.

Particulars: Call 1-212-268-9000 and ask for code #2274 or visit www.wolcott.com.

May 25, 2006

Florida Summer Sailing School For Families

The well-known Florida Sailing & Cruising School just introduced a special family vacation –- for the cost of three students, four family members can learn how to operate a trawler or a sailing vessel.

For example, the Powerboat 101 course for a family of four (could also be two couples or four singles) costs $3,885 instead of $5,180 aboard a 36-ft Grand Banks trawler with 2 cabins.

This special package runs from June 1 through September 30.

Ask about other programs, including low season rates from August 1 through October 31.

Particulars: Call 1-800-262-7939 or visit www.flsailandcruiseschool.com.

May 23, 2006

Donate Unused Timeshares & Get A Tax Deduction

Give them to the National Foundation for Cancer Research. The nonprofit will sell them with the proceeds going to research and you'll get a deduction for the value of your gift.

Note: Shares must be free and clear of outstanding mortgages and located in the US, Mexico, Canada or the Caribbean.

A typical gift provides a deduction of $3,000-$5,000 per timeshare week.

Particulars: 1-800-321-2873, www.nfcr.org/timeshare.

May 22, 2006

Discount For Drivers Of "Green Cars"

The two Kimpton Hotels in the Boston area are offering the "Green Road Warrier Package" to guests who arrive in hybrid vehicles.

It includes $20 off the room rate with proof of vehicle registration or rental car contract at check-in.

It is available at the Onyx Hotel at 155 Portland Street in Boston (617-557-9955, www.onyxhotel.com) and at the Hotel Marlowe at 25 Edwin H. Land Blvd in Cambridge (617-868-8000 or 800-825-7040, www.hotelmarlowe.com).

The package is available through September 30.

Particulars: 1-800-KIMPTON, www.kimptonhotels.com.

May 19, 2006

Jackson Hole (WY) June Specials

During the month of June, the Jackson Hole Resort Lodging Company is offering some terrific deals with many condos spacious enough for families. From June 1 to the 30th, the following are available:

• Racquet Club: One Bedrooms - $99/night
• Racquet Club: Two Bedrooms - $169/night
• Moose Creek: Three Bedrooms - $395+/night
• Granite Ridge: Four Bedrooms - $495+/night

For reservations, call 1-800-443-8613 or visit www.jhrl.com.

May 18, 2006

Improve Your Hotel Room: Ask For Something Extra

When checking into a hotel, motel or B&B, always ask for something specific. This signals the staff that you are unwilling to get stuck with an undesirable room.

Request options:

• A room with a view
• A room overlooking the pool
• A room on the back of the building, away from street noise
• A room away from the elevator, ice-making machine, meeting rooms
• A room close to the elevator or exit stairway
• A room on the seond or third floor
• A room on the top floor
• A mini-refrig for your medications or baby's formula
• A room with grab bars in the bathroom
• A non-smoking room
• A corner room

May 17, 2006

The Trail Of Da Vinci

This 15-day tour, offered by Trafalgar, visits sites across Rome, Florence, Milan, Geneva, Paris, London and Edinburgh featured in Dan Brown's book and the about-to-be released movie with Tom Hanks. Departures are in mid-September and then the first week of October, November and December.

It includes a tour of the Chateau de Villette near Paris -- fictional home of Leigh Teabing -- followed by a gourmet dinner at the chateau.

Rome: To set the scene for TheTrail of Da Vinci, the tour begins with an exploration of the sights and monuments of Rome followed by a visit to the imposing Castel Sant Angelo, which was the meeting point of the Illuminati. While in Rome travelers will see the great Forum, the Colosseum and take a walking tour of Piazza Navona and Bernini's Four Rivers Fountain in front of the Church of St. Agnes in Agony.

Florence, Milan & Geneva: The continues to Florence for one night and then on to Milan for a visit to Santa Maria delle Grazie, where Da Vinci's Last Supper is displayed. The Trail of Da Vinci then continues to Geneva, where the Jet d'Eau, United Nations Building and the Reformation Monument are all highlighted in an orientation tour of the city.

Paris: During a four-night stay visitors will see the Hotel Ritz, the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel, the Church of St. Sulpice and the Louvre.

London: The tour then follows Robert Langdon to London in his quest to solve the Da Vinci code. A tour of London includes a visit to Temple Church, situated in Inner Temple, where the search began for the Holy Grail. Other sightseeing includes Fleet Street, Westminster Abbey, Trafalgar Square, Whitehall and Kings College, as well as the opportunity to spend free time exploring the other sites of London.

Edinburgh: The tour's final destination is a three night stay with time to see the Castle, Holyrood House and the Royal Mile. Travelers then leave Edinburgh to visit Rosslyn Chapel.

The tour is priced from $3,299 per person (air extra), staying in first-class hotels with sightseeng by motorcoach. Breakfast daily and many other meals included.

Particulars: www.trafalgar.com.

May 16, 2006

Chicago: Hyatt Regency Package $175

During the Chicago Summer Festival the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place will offer a special package -- guests will receive deluxe accommodations for two, a $25 full American breakfast coupon for two and free shuttle service to Grant Park where festivals are located. The package starts at $175/night and runs from June 2 through September 17.

Particulars: Call 1-312.567.1234, and ask for the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place "Summer Festival Package."

About the hotel...

The 800-room Hyatt Regency McCormick Place has a full service Business Center with Wireless High Speed Internet, an indoor pool and health club facility. It is next to McCormick Place Convention Center, minutes from U.S Cellular Field and near downtown Chicago's many attractions including Lake Michigan, the Field Museum and the Magnificent Mile. Check out www.hyatt.com.

 
May 12, 2006

Hybrid Cars Now Available At EV Rental Desks

Jeff Pink, the chairman of EV Rental Cars tell us that during the next year the company will add up to 500 hybrid vehicles to its fleet in Las Vegas, one of the top three highest volume rental car cities in the U.S.

In addition to Las Vegas, you can rent hybrid cars at EV Rental airport sites in Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose and Phoenix.

EV Rental Cars also has the largest fleet of used hybrids available for sale to the public. Models include the Toyota Prius, Toyota Highlander and the Honda Civic Hybrid.

Benefits of renting a hybrid car:

• Up to 50 miles-per-gallon, 600 miles per tank
• California drivers qualify for the carpool lane, even if driving alone
• Seats up to five passengers
• Runs on electric and uses no gas when driving at slow speeds

May 11, 2006

Peru: $1,695

That averages out to about $155 per day on this 11-day "Real Affordable Peru" trip from Overseas Adventure Travel.

It includes roundtrip air from Miami, three nights in Lima, two in Sacred Valley, three in Cuzco and one in Machu Picchu.

Highlights: dinner at the home of a local family, a float trip down the Urubamba River and visiting Machu Picchu early in the morning when the ruins are not full of tourists.

Particulars: 1-800-248-3737, www.oattravel.com.

May 10, 2006

Iceland For Singles: $1,199

Singles of all ages can visit Iceland, May 27 - June 1, for just $1,199. That includes:

• Roundtrip, non-stop air to/from Reykjavik from Baltimore, Boston or San Francisco
• Airport/hotel/airport transfers
• Four nights at the Nordica Hotel
• Hotel tips and taxes
• Buffet breakfast each morning
• Sightseeing in and around the city
• Visit to the famous Blue Lagoon Hot Springs

Particulars: The trip is sponsored by Singles Education, Inc. For further information, call Ann Thomas at 888-286-8687 or visit www.SinglesTravelCompany.com.

May 9, 2006

Design Your Own Brokeback Mountain Tour

See Fort Macleod and the surrounding prairie towns and mountains where the Oscar-winning movie was filmed. (Although the short story on which the movie is based was set in the Wyoming, Ang Lee actually filmed much of in in Alberta, Canada.)

Use the detailed itinerary and movie map at www.travelalberta.com. It includes filming sites, recommended accommodations and restaurants plus driving directions and more.

May 8, 2006

Charter A Yacht In Vietnam

Go bareboat cruising along Vietnam's stunning 60-mile coastline! It's possible with Sunsail which has opened a new yacht charter base at the Nha Trang Sailing Club in central Vietnam. The season runs from May 21 through September 10.

Sunsail's charter yachts in Vietnam include Jeanneau and Beneteau monohulls ranging from 37-ft to 46-ft. Prices start at $370 per day (plus food, provisions and fuel) for a 37-ft. Sun Odyssey sailboat that sleeps 6-8 people and has one head. The yachts can be sailed by experienced sailors on a bareboat basis; less experienced vacationers can hire a Sunsail skipper to accompany them for an additional fee of $130/day.

You can then explore the Khanh Hoa Province, which stretches from the Cam Ranh up to Van Ninh, comprising approximately 60 miles of spectacular coastline with scenic beaches, islands and deep bays.

This cruising area has a choice of restaurants and resorts on many of the islands and the locals are renowned for their warm hospitality.

The coastal city of Nha Trang in the central Vietnamese province of Khanh Hoa is located just a short flight from Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). A range of major airlines offer services to Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi from all over the world.

About Sunsail

Based in Annapolis (MD), Sunsail is the world's largest sailing vacation company with nearly 1,000 yachts based at 30+ locations worldwide. The company was founded in 1974 and is owned by First Choice Holidays PLC.

Particulars: Call 1-800-281-8350 or visit www.sunsail.com.

May 5, 2006

Companion Flies Free To Sandals Resorts

Now through December 15th, your companion flies for free to Sandals Resorts located in Jamaica. That represents a savings of up to $400. (It does not include the days between November 20-28.)

You must use these codes when booking:

• SANDALSFLY for direct travel out of Washington, D.C. Dulles Airport or Chicago O'Hare
• SANDALSCFF for travel from connecting cities through Washington, D.C.
• SANDALSCF2 for travel from connecting cities through Chicago O'Hare

Particulars: Call 1-888-328-6877 or visit www.unitedvacations.com.

May 4, 2006

Miami Hotel Summer Rate: Only $89

Located on South Beach, the 61-room Indian Creek Hotel has reduced its starting rates to $89/night for standard rooms and $159 for suites.

This newly renovated Art Deco gem in the historic district was voted "Best Boutique Hotel in Miami Beach" by the Miami Sun Post. Built in 1936, the Indian Creek has a lush private garden and palm-fringed pool.

The hotel's critically acclaimed restaurant, Creek 28, is known for its eclectic Mediterranean-inspired menu that blends Moroccan, Greek, Turkish and Spanish specialties.

The low rates run from June 1 through October 31.

Particulars: Call 1-800-491-2772 or visit www.indiancreekhotel.com.

May 3, 2006

$500 Off Per Couple On French River Cruise

Book and pay for the Connoisseur's Provence River Cruise by May 31 and you'll save $500/couple or $250 per person. This discount applies to all June, July and August departures.

The 9-day voyage through France, offered by Trafalgar, takes you to wonderful vineyards, historic villages and famous sites. You'll visit Châlon, Mâcon, Lyon, Tournon, Viviers, Avignon, Provence and Arles.

The starting price is $2,298 per person; air extra.

Particulars: Call 1-866-544-4434 or visit www.trafalgar.com.

May 2, 2006

Amtrak's New "Route Atlas"

Amtrak's new interactive Route Atlas makes it easy to explore all the various places its trains travel. You can search the the map by station or route and then see all the travel paths between any two stations.

The interactive map is easy to use Barbara Richardson, Amtrak's VP tells us. You simply click the Route Atlas icon on the Amtrak.com home page. The stations and routes may be searched alphabetically as well as by state or region. Each of the stations opens a pop-up page with relevant information, such as the address and hours for that particular location. Amtrak provides intercity passenger rail services to more than 500 destinations in 46 states on a 22,000-mile route system.

Particulars: 1-800-USA-RAIL, www.amtrak.com.

May 1, 2006

Rockefeller Center (NY) Hotel Opens In May

And, a special introductory rate of $225 will be available until July 5. The Rockefeller Center Hotel at 25 West 51st Street, has 80 rooms, ranging from standard to two-room suites with kitchenettes.

Hotel guests will get discounts at nearby attractions, including the Museum of Modern Art, NBC Studios, Rockefeller Center tours, the Observation Lounge at Top of the Rock and on day passes at The Sports Club/LA -- just across the street.

For a nominal fee, hotel guests may purchase temporary membership in the new Terrace Club at Rockefeller Plaza, a private executive club on the seventh floor with a spectacular terrace overlooking the skating rink and St. Patrick's Cathedral. The Terrace Club at Rockefeller Plaza serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner – indoors and out, year-round – at tables well-spaced for privacy, and also has a convivial bar for "cocktails with a view".

About Rockefeller Center

Rockefeller Center is an art deco complex of 19 buildings on 11 acres between 48th and 51st Streets in the center of Midtown Manhattan. In 1929, John D. Rockefeller leased the site from Columbia University with plans to build a new home for the Metropolitan Opera. After the stock market crash, he changed his mind about the opera house but continued to develop the area as a commercial center.

Today, Rockefeller Center combines the glamorous Art Deco buildings from the 1930s with a set of four International-style towers built during the 1960s and 1970s. On the lower level, there is an ever-changing shopping and dining concourse. The ice-skating rink, surrounded by 200 flags, is open late fall to early spring and is used for dining al fresco the rest of the year. Live broadcasts of the Today Show attract huge crowds daily and there is always something interesting to see from the wonderful art in the public spaces and on building facades, to year round floral and sculpture displays in the Channel Gardens. Particulars: 1-888-660-0212, or www.rockefellercenterhotel.com.

April 28, 2006

Rent An Apartment On Italy's Amalfi Coast: $837/Week

There are few places as beautiful as Italy's scenic Amalfi Coast where the famed Amalfi Drive winds around the mountains, past such celebrated resort towns as Positano, Praiano, Amalfi and Ravello -- all of which have enticing shops and open-air restaurants overlooking the sea.

Hotels are expensive but Barclay International Group has 100+ villas and apartments in the area -- ranging from a one-bedroom apartment in Sorrento with a view of the Gulf of Naples and Mt. Vesuvius to a villa in a lemon grove in Maiori. Other choices include an apartment in an old palazzo, a villa in a seaside olive grove, an apartment overlooking Positano, an air-conditioned villa with pool and garden high in the hills of the Sorrentine Peninsula and one with a pool, garden and maid service on the island of Ischia.

Prices run from just $837 per week for a one-bedroom house that sleeps four and has a terrace with a view of the sea — to $16,815 for a fabulous villa that has 8 bedrooms, sleeps 16 and features terraces and a pool clinging to a seaside cliff.

In between are such charmers as Villa Chiurli in the village of Positano, which costs $4,357 a week, sleeps 8 and has a terrace with a panoramic view of the Gulf of Positano.

All rentals start on Saturday and are for a minimum of one week.

Particulars: 1-800-845-6636 or www.barclayweb.com.

April 27, 2006

"Ballroom Fever" At New York's Hotel Giraffe

If you watched "Dancing with the Stars," "Mad Hot Ballroom" or "Take the Lead" you may wonder if you have what it takes to do ballroom dancing. Well, the Hotel Giraffe in New York City has come up with the perfect package that combine a fabulous weekend getaway in the Big Apple with a mini-initiation into the world of dance. It all comes together in the hotel's Ballroom Fever Weekend Package.

The package includes:

• A deluxe room or suite.
• European style breakfast daily.
• Wine and hors d'oeuvres each evening.
• Two 55-minute private dance lessons at either the Pierre Dulaine Dancenter or Stepping Out Studios. One lesson can be scheduled on Friday and a second on Saturday. A third lesson may be arranged for Sunday for guests who choose to add a Sunday night to their package. All lessons are based upon availability.
• Free DVD rentals from the hotel's Ballroom Dance Collection which includes such hits as Mad Hot Ballroom, Shall We Dance, and Strictly Ballroom.
• A complimentary pitcher of sangria and tapas at the hotel's Barna Restaurant.
• Passes to Essential Therapy, a day spa dedicated to the healing power of massage, Pilates and Yoga -- for a steam, sauna and Jacuzzi session to help couples relax their muscles before or after class.
• An instructional dance DVD so couples can continue to work on their skills when they return home.

The hotel is located on Park Avenue South at 26th Street.

Tip: For those who know a Ballroom Dancing fanatic, gift certificates are available for Mother's Day, Father's Day, birthdays, weddings, anniversaries or any occasion.

Particulars: Call 1-877-296-0009 or visit www.hotelgiraffe.com.

April 26, 2006

Kids Sleep, Eat & Play For Free At Viva Wyndham Resorts

From June 1 through July 31, kids 17 and under will eat, sleep and play for free while staying with one paying adult at any of the eight Viva Wyndham all-inclusive resorts in the Bahamas, Dominican Republic and Mexico.

Free Activities

While on property, free popular family activities include snorkeling, kayaking, dance classes and pool-side games, along with Viva Wyndham's celebrated nightly shows, which blend dancing, singing and acting with guest participation.

In addition, kids can take advantage of the renowned Viva Wyndham Kid's and Junior's Club, which offer daily scheduled activities such as archery, beach volleyball, sandcastle building, face painting, pool games, windsurfing and tennis. All activities are divided into age-appropriate groups. Babysitting services are also available for a nominal fee.

The All-Inclusive Rates

Rates begin at $75 per person per night and include:

• Guestroom accommodations
• Unlimited meals, snacks, beverages, cocktails and wine
• All non-motorized sports, activities and collective lessons
• Complimentary enrollment in the Kid's and Junior's Club
• Live nightly entertainment
• All taxes, surcharges and gratuities

• Viva Wyndham Fortuna Beach (Grand Bahama Island, Bahamas)
• Viva Wyndham Tangerine (Cabarete, Dominican Republic)
• Viva Wyndham Playa Dorada (Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic)
• Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach (La Romana, Dominican Republic)
• Viva Wyndham Dominicus Palace (La Romana, Dominican Republic)
• Viva Wyndham Samaná (Las Terrenas, Dominican Republic)
• Viva Wyndham Maya (Playacar, Mexico)
• Viva Wyndham Azteca (Playacar, Mexico)

April 25, 2006

Spain: $799 With Airfare!

With Spain celebrating the 125th anniversary of Picasso's birth and being hailed as the "food capital of Europe," not to mention exciting new architecture and a vibrant museum scene, there's never been a better time to visit.

TravelSmart recommends that you take one of TourCrafters' excellent packages. A terrific bargain, they run through May 30.

• Barcelona Springtime Special, which starts at $799, includes four nights at the centrally located 3-star Hotel Covadonga or the Hotel Open, round-trip air from New York, Boston, Chicago, Washington or Miami; breakfast daily and hotel service charges and taxes.

• Madrid Deluxe Special, which starts at $809, includes mid-week round-trip air from New York or Boston to Madrid, accommodations at the 5-star Hotel Occidental Miguel Angel, breakfast daily and hotel service charges and taxes. The deluxe hotel, located on the Paseo de la Castellana, offers easy access to the city's most famous museums.

Note: All prices are per person, double occupancy and do not include airport taxes or fuel surcharges. Reservations must be paid for within 72 hours.

Particulars: Call 1-800-482-5995 or visit www.tourcrafters.com.

April 24, 2006

The Da Vinci Code Tour For Women

The movie with Tom Hanks premieres May 19th... shortly after that you can take the 9-day On The Trail Of The Da Vinci Code Journey through London, Paris and Edinburgh.

The tour manager for this program is Andrea Mikana-Pinkham, a Lady Templar Knight of the Order of Scottish Knight Templars and a Co-Director of The International Order of Gnostic Templars. The package is arranged by Gutsy Women Travel.

Tour Highlights:

• City tours of Paris, London and Edinburgh
• Visit to the Grand Gallery in the Louvre and the Rose Line in Paris
• Travel to the Chateau Villette and the Palace of Versailles in France
• Visit the Royal Observatory, Westminster Abbey and the Temple Church in London
• Experience the mysterious Rosslyn Chapel in Edinburgh
• Join discussions and hear theories from "The Da Vinci Code" and beyond

Priced from $3,599 per person double occupancy, the package includes air from New York to Paris and Edinburgh and back to New York (other departure cities available), 3 nights at the Opera Cadet Hotel in Paris, 2 nights at the Grange Strathmore in London, 2 nights at the Royal Terrace Hotel in Edinburgh, 7 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 4 dinners.

Particulars: For departure dates and full itinerary call 1-866-IM-GUTSY or visit www.gutsywomentravel.com.

April 21, 2006

Travel Gift For Mother's Day

What better present for Mother's Day than the gift of travel?

ResorTime.com, a luxury condo rental service site, allows the general public access to condo resorts at discounted rates with no strings attached (no tours, no minimum stay).

And the company is now offering gift certificates for resorts all over North America -- it has 300+ properties in the U.S., Mexico, the Bahamas and the Dominican Republic.

Each luxury condo resort features spacious living areas, private bedrooms, kitchens and special amenities such as fireplaces, Jacuzzis, spas and organized yoga/exercise and kids programs.

Particulars: www.resortime.com.

April 20, 2006

Washington (DC) & Alexandria (VA): Biking & Brunch

The Mount Vernonr Trail. Located just across the river from Washington, D.C., is a great multi-use recreation path. Nearly 18 miles long, the trail follows the Potomac's Virginia shoreline from Theodore Roosevelt Island to George Washington's estate and is easily accessed from other main routes, including the Custis Trail and the WO&D Trail, a 45-mile long rail trail through Northern Virginia.

The Trail offers wonderful views of the Potomac and DC monuments. There are also several great sights along the way, including George Washington's home at Mount Vernon, Old Town Alexandria and Arlington National Cemetery.

Brunch At Indigo Landing. With sweeping water views, an indoor/outdoor bar with seating for 100 outdoors during temperate weather, Indigo Landing is a culinary sanctuary unlike any other in the Washington, D.C. area. Located at 1 Marina Drive on historic Dangerfield Island, it's midway on the trail between Washington and Old Town Alexandria. The dining room at Indigo Landing is open Monday through Thursday, 11.30am - 10pm, Friday and Saturday from 11.30am - 11.30pm and Sunday for brunch from 10am - 3pm and dinner from 4pm - 9pm.

Indigo Landing's brunch designed for bike riders of all ages and priced at $30 plus tax and gratuity for adults and $15 for children under 12.

The restaurant has free bike stands and biking trail maps. And, you can rent bikes at the nearby Washington Sailing Marina, 703-548-9027.

Particulars: Call 1-703-548-0001 or visit www.starrestaurantgroup.com.

April 19, 2006

Ireland's Northern Route: $1,195

Some of Irelands best kept secrets are the hidden gems located in the North and Sceptre Tours is offering eight-night Northern Route itineraries, incorporating the natural beauty of 'the road less traveled.' It includes two nights in each of the following properties: Knockranny House Hotel, County Mayo; Sand House Hotel, County Donegal; Beach Hill House Hotel, County Derry; and Burlington Hotel, Dublin City.

County Mayo is full of picturesque small towns and fishing villages and the famous coastal town of Westport.

County Donegal is known for its ruggedness and natural beauty, including the Cliffs of Slieve League, the highest marine cliffs in Europe.

The historic walled city of Derry is one of the longest continuously inhabited places in Ireland, dating back to 546 A.D. The Derry City Walls, located on the west bank of the River Foyle, have been perfectly preserved.

Dublin is an energetic, cosmopolitan city with much to offer including the "Book Of Kells" at Trinity College, the Guinness Storehouse, wonderful museums and libraries and plenty of shopping at designer shops along Grafton Street in the heart of Dublin's pedestrian area. Dublin is also famous for its many Irish restaurants and pubs.

Note: The starting price of $1,195 per person double occupancy is for departures May through September. Air, which is extra, can be booked through Sceptre.

Particulars: 1-800-221-0924 or www.sceptretours.com.

April 18, 2006

Sleep In A Lighthouse: Only $20/Night

It costs just $20 per night at the historic (c1875) Hi-Point Montara Lighthouse.

Located in Montara, California, 25 miles south of San Francisco, the lighthouse has great views all year long and between November and April you can watch the annual migration of gray whales.

P.S. You will have to share sleeping space! There is one male and one female dorm, each with six beds.

Particulars: 888-HI-USA, extension 153 or: www.norcalhostels.org/montara.

April 17, 2006

Book Now: India, $2,995 With Airfare

This 17-day The Heart of India trip includes air from New York, 4-star hotels, most meals, great sightseeing and some delightfully unusual activities. The package, organized by Overseas Adventure Travel, has regular departures August through December.

Highlights: Stay in a private lakeside camp near the Rajasthani village of Kalakho, ride a camel, have dinner with a local family, visit various types of schools, take a sunrise cruise on the Ganges, see the Taj Mahal, spend time in Jaipur and Agra.

Note: Low cost add-on air is available from 150+ U.S. cities.

Particulars: 800-248-3737 or www.oattravel.com.

April 13, 2006

Ryder Cup Irish Vacation: $500 Off

This five-night Ryder Cup Vacation Package includes accommodations at Bewley's Ballsbridge Hotel in Dublin with breakfast daily, a cocktail reception upon arrival, tickets to the 2006 Ryder Cup for four days, hotel/Ryder Cup transfers, a Ryder Cup Celebration Evening with entertainment and buffet dinner and a unique Ryder Cup gift.

It is priced at $3,589 per person for travel Sept. 20–25.

$Tip: Book by April 30 and get a $500 early bird discount!

Note: A seven night version includes all of the above -- but you will stay at the Hilton Hotel and enjoy an additional two practice days at the Ryder Cup with a full season (six-day) pass. It is priced at $4,920 per person for travel Sept. 18–25. (The $500 discount is not available with the seven-night package.)

Air is extra and can be purchased from Sceptre Tours. This 25-year-old family owned and operated company specializes in travel to Ireland.

Particulars: 1-800-221-0924, www.sceptretours.com.

April 12, 2006

A Hop-On, Hop-Off Cruise

We've found a cruise line that let's you hop-on and hop-off for free.

EasyCruise allows passengers to embark (and permanently depart if they wish) at any port along its routes. However, you must stay onboard at least two days and for no more than 14.

Unlike traditional cruises, EasyCruise's ships stay in port every night.

Itineraries: The Caribbean and the French & Italian Rivieras.

Particulars: www.easycruise.com.

April 11, 2006

New York City Hotel Offers A Free Lunch

With airline food practically non-existent or non-edible or costly, flying hungry is not uncommon. But fear not, the famous Manhattan Carnegie Deli and the nearby Buckingham Hotel have paired up to provide visitors a box lunch so they don't have to go home on an empty stomach.

With the NYC To Go Package, hotel guests will be able to relax in one of the Buckingham's spacious suites and, upon check-out, receive a box lunch of traditional New York lunchtime fare: a Carnegie Deli legendary (and gigantic) corned beef on rye sandwich, pickles and a Dr. Browns Crème Soda. The picnic will be hand-delivered directly to one's suite.

The NYC To Go special is available through May 31 for $285 per night (double occupancy).

Particulars: Call 888-511-1900 and use the promotional code "DELI" or visit www.buckinghamhotel.com.

About the Buckingham: Now celebrating its 75th Anniversary, the Buckingham is perfectly located on 57th Street and 6th Avenue in Manhattan.

Within steps of Carnegie Hall, the Buckingham has been host to the world's top classical musicians and other celebrities for generations.

Amenities at the Buckingham include in-room high-speed anywhere-Internet connection and a 24-hour state-of-the-art fitness center with private shower and sauna.

The Patrons' Lounge offers a flat-panel television that screens CNBC by day and Carnegie Hall-themed movies by night. The Buckingham also offers a lending library of live Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center music and performance on CD and DVD.

You can also walk to Central Park, David Letterman's Ed Sullivan Theatre, the Museum of Modern Art, Bergdorf Goodman, Tiffany, Prada, Gucci, Burberry and Barneys.

April 7, 2006

Amtrak Best Picture Contest

Calling all shutterbugs! Amtrak's fourth annual "Picture Our Train" photo contest is underway. Train and photography enthusiasts are invited to submit their best work with the winning image to be featured on Amtrak's 2007 wall calendar.

Amtrak is encouraging passengers and rail fans to enter their best shot of Amtrak equipment. This includes the livery (paint scheme) on Amtrak Cascades, Amtrak California and Pacific Surfliner trains.

A panel of judges will review each entry and select one to be featured on the railroad's 2007 wall calendar, available for purchase later this year at Amtrak.com.

In addition to this honor, the first-place winner will receive a photo credit on the calendar and an Amtrak travel voucher for travel of $1,000. Four runners-up will receive travel vouchers of lesser amounts.

To enter, mail an original 8"x10" color photograph featuring an Amtrak train with the current Amtrak logo and livery (paint scheme) clearly visible to: Amtrak 2007 Wall Calendar Contest, 60 Massachusetts Ave. NE, Suite 4E-315, Washington, D.C. 20002. Digital photographs will be considered, provided the resolution permits enlargement to poster size. All entries must be postmarked no later than June 9, 2006.

The contest is open to U.S. residents, 18 years of age or older, including most Amtrak employees. Full entry rules are available on Amtrak's Web site: www.amtrak.com/photocontest.

April 6, 2006

5 Nights In Rome: $879 With Airfare

To take advantage of Eurofly's low fares from New York, TourCrafters has designed some excellent Italian packages for the month of May.

The 6-day/5 night Rome City Break package costs $879 and includes round-trip air from New York to Rome, accommodations at the conveniently-located 3-star Hotel Brasile, daily breakfast and hotel service charges and taxes. Departures are on Saturdays, May 13, 20 and 27.

TourCrafters is also repeating the popular 8-day/7-night Amalfi package, which costs $1,275 and includes round-trip air from New York to Naples, accommodations at the charming, family-owned 4-star Hotel Villa Romana in scenic Minori, 8 days car rental, daily breakfast and dinner, hotel service charges and taxes. Departures are on Fridays, May 12, 19, 26.

And foodies will be especially glad to know about the 4-day/3-night Taste of Bologna package to Italy's famed gastronomic center. This incredible deal costs $929, including round-trip trip New York to Bologna air; airport transfers, accommodations in one of the 4-star Bologna Ars Hotels; daily buffet breakfast; an aperitif at the Duca d'Amalfi; dinner and a jazz show at Cantine Bentivoglio; complimentary tours, museum entrance and bikes; hotel service charges and taxes. Departures are on Thursdays, May 11, 18, 25.

Note: All package prices are per person, double occupancy. Departures in April and from other gateways are also available.

Particulars: 1-800-482-5995, www.tourcrafters.com.

April 5, 2006

Terrific European & UK Apartment Rentals

We've come upon an excellent deal! As you know, a double room these days in a 3-star London hotel costs $295 -- that translates into $147 p/p.

However, Barclay International, a 40+ year-old company, has a 3-star, 2-bedroom apartment that includes a living room, small kitchen and bath for only $220. Translation: $55 p/p. A sofa bed in the living room drops the p/p price even lower.

As president Harry D.J. Barclay told TravelSmart, "With our apartments you pay half the price and get twice the value."

Among Barclay's excellent selection of budget to luxury properties:

• London: Upper Woburn Place, $220/night for 4 people in a 2-bedroom apt in an elevator building; near the British Museum ($55 p/p).

• Venice: Bricola, $213/night for 4 people in bright first floor apt in Cannaregio, near the quays where vaporetti leave for Murano, Burano and Torcello islands ($54 p/p).

• Paris: Rue Descartes, $273/night for 4 people in a 2-bedroom sunny Left Bank apt with beamed ceilings, an elevator and view of a Latin Quarter park ($68 p/p).

April 4, 2006

Save $200 On Summer Travel To Hawaii

United Vacations is offering $200 off summer travel to Hawaii. You must book your vacation by April 15 for travel between June 15 and August 20 and use the promotional code 200SUMMER.

Vacations to the Big Island with accommodations at the Outrigger Fairway Villas in a two-bedroom golfview suite begin at $1,114 from Los Angeles and San Francisco; $1,274 from Denver; $1,429 from Boston and New York City; $1,434 from Chicago; and $1,484 from Washington, D.C.

Vacations to O'ahu with accommodations at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort & Spa in a partial oceanview room begin at $1,229 from Los Angeles and San Francisco; $1,389 from Denver; $1,544 from Boston and New York City; $1,549 from Chicago; and $1,599 from Washington, D.C.

Vacations to Maui with accommodations at the ResortQuest Ka'anapali Shores in a one bedroom gardenview suite begin at $1,344 from Los Angeles and San Francisco; $1,504 from Denver; $1,659 from Boston and New York City; $1,664 from Chicago; and $1,714 from Washington, D.C.

Vacations to Kaua'i with accommodations at the Princeville Resort in a mountain/garden room begin at $1,819 from Los Angeles and San Francisco; $1,979 from Denver; $2,134 from Boston and New York City; $2,139 from Chicago; and $2,189 from Washington, D.C.

Particulars: Call 1-888-328-6877 or visit www.unitedvacations.com.

April 3, 2006

Greek Island Cruises

The best way to cruise the Greek islands is on a small ship and you can do so without breaking the bank with Viking Yacht Cruises.

The company, founded by three Greek brothers in 1974, organizes its value-conscious cruises for a highly educated clientele. You'll see all the important sites, learn about the area's history and enjoy the best beaches.

Our favorite is the Discovery Cruise to Mykonos, Santorini & The Cyclades.

This informal 7-day cruise, designed for up to 40 people, is priced at only $1,395 per person. It takes place aboard a 145 ft yacht. The average daily cruising time is 4 to 5 hours per day. The rest of the days and evenings are spent exploring the islands, shopping, going to the beaches, swimming or enjoying the nightlife.

It includes roundtrip Athens/yacht transfers, breakfast daily, one other meal per day and a dinner/dance. The crew is English speaking and all cabins have private bathrooms and are air-conditioned.

Note: A 14-day version, priced at $2,495 per person, called Magnificent Greece, combines 7 days aboard a yacht and 3 nights in Athens, along with a 4-day coach tour to the classical sites.

$Tip: There are discounts on certain departures -- $150 per person off (or $300/couple) on the 7-day cruise and $250 per person (or $500/couple) on the 14-day cruise/tour.

Particulars: www.vikings.gr.

March 31, 2006

Alta (WY) Spring Ski Package

Thus far this season, the Grand Targhee Resort has had 442 inches of snow. And it continues to fall! So the resort is offering a special spring B&B package, priced at $297. It's available between April 2-4 and includes for two:

• 3 nights lodging at Teewinot Lodge
• 3 days of breakfast
• 3 days of lift tickets for 2 people

Particulars: 1-800-TARGHEE; mention discount code BT33.

About Grand Targhee: Grand Targhee is just 60 minutes from the airport in Jackson Hole, which has daily non-stop flights from seven major cities via Continental, Delta, United, American and Northwest.

The family-oriented resort has the charm and feel of a small resort, yet boasts has 2,000+ acres of skiable terrain, with another 1,000 acres accessible by snowcat. It also offers skiing and boarding schools, two terrain parks, Nordic skiing, and snow-tubing. For more information go to www.grandtarghee.com.

March 30, 2006

London On Sale This Spring

Book your London Spring Spectacular Vacation by May 15th with United Vacations and you'll wind up with substantial savings. This special offer is available to London from numerous U.S. cities for travel between April 1st and May 25th.

For example:

• The package using Craven Gardens with the fourth-night free, starts at $599 from New York, $624 from Boston, $674 from Washington (DC), $744 from Chicago, $769 from Los Angeles, San Francisco and Portland (OR), $794 from Seattle and $814 from Denver.

• Upgrade to the Jolly St. Ermin and rates start at $749 from New York, $774 from Boston, $824 from Washington (DC), $894 from Chicago, $919 from Los Angeles, San Francisco and Portland (OR), $944 from Seattle and $964 from Denver.

Particulars: Call 1-888-328-6877 or visit www.unitedvacations.com.

March 29, 2006

Emirates Airline: Onboard Health Monitoring System

All Emirates' non-stop flights between New York and Dubai now have a high-tech health monitoring system that communicates a passenger's vital signs, high resolution visual images and other information directly to medical personnel -- in the unlikely event that it should be required.

Developed by UK-based Remote Diagnostic Technologies Ltd., Tempus, as the system is known, can record a passenger's blood pressure, pulse rate, temperature, electrocardiogram, blood oxygen and carbon dioxide levels. The data is then sent to emergency medical specialists at the Medlink Response Center in Phoenix, who diagnose the problem and advise the crew on the best course of action.

Emirates' pursers and senior flight stewards, fully trained in use of the monitoring system, then contact the medical team on the ground by satellite telephone from either the flight deck or a seat phone.

Note: Emirates' monitoring system is also installed in its Airbus serving Osaka, Sydney, Melbourne, Auckland and Christchurch.

Particulars: 800-777-3999, www.emirates.com.

March 28, 2006

Picasso's Bargain Mediterranean Cruises

We want you to know about a new division of Picasso Travel called Picasso Cruises. It is offering the best prices we've seen on many of its cruises.

Our picks:

1. For $77 a day, per person, double occupancy, you can take an eight day/seven night cruise on the 510 cabin m/s Oceanic from Barcelona to Monte Carlo, Florence, Rome, Naples and Tunis. The price includes all meals (6/day), unlimited beverages (excluding specified premium brands), access to the ship's facilities and plenty of entertainment. Built in 1966, the eight-deck ship was completely refurbished in 2005.

2. Sailings of the 660 cabin m/s Sky Wonder from Venice, Dubrovnik, the Greek Isles and Athens begin at $120 a day, per person double occupancy. Also an eight-deck ship, it has a spa, gym, jogging trail, children's play room, two swimming pools and one kiddy pool, jacuzzi, video games room, library, internet room, duty free shop, nursery, beauty salon, casino, disco club, movie theater and a cabaret.

Particulars: Call 1-800-995-7997 or visit www.picassotours.com.

March 27, 2006

Puerto Vallarta: 3 Nights With Air, $535

This land and air package to Sheraton Buganvilias Resort is available from April 24 through June 21.

It includes three nights at the recently renovated beachfront resort, midweek air on Aeromexico, from Phoenix, airport/resort transfers and hotel tax and service charges.

Sample starting prices from select gateways:

• Los Angeles -- $555
• Miami -- $589
• Atlanta -- $645
• New York -- $685

Particulars: 1-800-245-8585, www.aeromexicovacations.com.

March 24, 2006

Orlando Universal Package

Book a complete Southwest Airlines Vacations' air/hotel package to Orlando and stay four nights or longer at a Universal Orlando on-site hotel and you'll receive two free adult and two free child (ages 3-9) Universal tickets per room.

The tickets are valid for seven consecutive days of unlimited park-to-park admission to Universal Studios and Universal's Islands of Adventure plus all-night admission to the clubs at Universal City Walk.

You must book the package by April 17 for travel between April 23 and July 31.

Particulars: 1-800-423-5683 or www.swavacations.com.

March 23, 2006

Washington (DC) Hotel Baseball Package

The Fairmont Hotel has a terrific package called Take Me Out To The Ballgame.

It includes an overnight stay in a luxurious guestroom, two complimentary round-trip Metro tickets to RFK Stadium and a baseball welcome kit with a Washington Nationals' poster and a Nationals' baseball cap. You'll also get complimentary valet parking.

Rates for this package, available from April 11 to October 31, start at $269 per night.

The 415-room hotel, at 2401 M Street, NW, is close to two Metro stations, the Kennedy Center and many restaurants.

Particulars:

• Information about the team's schedule is available at www.nationals.com.

• Information about the hotel package is available at 1-800-441-1414 or www.fairmont.com.

March 22, 2006

Free Travel Insurance

Book a room online with Americas Best Value Inn and you will be entitled to register for complimentary trip insurance. Coverage includes $2,000 for emergency medical and dental care and $200 for lost and damaged luggage.

You need to be a member of the group's Value Club to sign on. Membership is free and also entitles you to a 15% discount on rooms at participating inns. (Insurance is not available in Nevada and New York.)

Americas Best Value Inn has 600 family-friendly properties throughout North America with many serving a free continental breakfast.

Particulars: Call 888-315-BEST or visit www.americasbestvalueinn.com.

March 21, 2006

Travel Kit For Kids

Love the idea of a family road trip, but dread the inevitable "are we there yet?" question from the back seat? The Vermont-based resort, The Basin Harbor Club, in has come up with a solution -- its Travel Time Kit for Kids.

The resort will send its kit to children in advance of their trip. Each comes in a small keepsake suitcase personalized with the child's initial. Inside children will find snacks, water, word games, an on the road scavenger hunt, paper for doodling, and crayons. The games and puzzles all tie back to facts about Vermont and the Resort, helping to build excitement and anticipation while keeping the kids occupied.

The kits can be ordered in advance by contacting Basin Harbor reservation staff at 1-800-622-4000. They cost is $24.95. There's a photo of the kit at www.basinharbor.com/traveltimekit.

About Basin Harbor Club

The resort was established in 1886 by Ardelia Beach and has remained family owned for 120 years. Today, guests are greeted by fourth generation hosts, Pennie Beach and Robert H. Beach, Jr.

Originally a 225-acre working farm catering to summer boarders, the resort has expanded to cover 700 acres of Vermont's most pristine land along the shores of Lake Champlain, encompassing the main lodge, cottages, a private golf course, spectacular gardens, a 3,200 foot grass airstrip, and the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum -- an organization dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of Lake Champlain.

Particulars: 1-800-622-4000 or www.basinharbor.com.

March 20, 2006

Colorado's New Historic Landmarks

Colorado has two new National Historic Landmarks – Colorado Chautauqua Park (www.chautauqua.com) and the Granada Relocation Center (www.colorado.gov/dpa/ doit/archives/wwcod/granada.htm), a World War II internment camp.

• Located at the base of the Flatirons in Boulder, the Colorado Chautauqua Park was founded in 1898 and is part of the Chautauqua movement, one of the first mass movements to educate and enlighten citizens through cultural and educational experiences. At that time, orators, performers and educators traveled a national Chautauqua circuit of more than 12,000 sites bringing lectures, performances, concerts, classes, and exhibitions to thousands of people in small towns and cities.

  Colorado's Chautauqua Park is one of only three remaining Chautauqua's in the United States and the only site west of the Mississippi River in continuous operation with its original structures intact. Today, it is open year-round with an outdoor auditorium featuring a summer concert series, a dining hall with food-oriented programs, as well as a variety of hiking trails and nature tours.

• Located in SE Colorado, the Granada Relocation Center was the smallest of 10 camps that housed Japanese-Americans forced from the West Coast in the 1940s by the War Relocation Authority. There were 7,620 inhabitants of whom two-thirds were American citizens. At one time the relocation camp contained 30 blocks of residential barracks, each with its own mess hall, laundry and shower rooms. Children attended school while adults worked on a farm growing crops such as alfalfa and corn.

  The camp closed in January 1946 when the evacuees were released after the war. Today, historic roadways, barracks foundations and a cemetery remain on the site.

This designation is the highest such recognition accorded by the Federal Government to historic properties. These special places embody the actual sites where significant historical events occurred, or where prominent Americans worked or lived, and represent the ideas that shaped the nation. Fewer than 2,500 historic places carry the title of National Historic Landmark.

Particulars: www.cr.nps.gov/nhl.

March 17, 2006

Dashiell Hammett's Favorite San Francisco Hotel

Stay in Dashiell Hammett's favorite San Francisco hotel.

The 131-room, boutique style Hotel Union Square was originally the Golden West Hotel, built in 1913 for the 1915 Panama Pacific International Exposition. In the 1950s, the hotel was renamed the Golden State Hotel. Personality Hotels purchased the building in 1980 and opened it two years later as the Hotel Union Square.

The hotel has just completed the spacious Dashiell Hammett Suite, dedicated to the author best known for his 1930 novel, "The Maltese Falcon." Hammett loved the hotel so much that he booked a suite there for his bride-to-be, Josephine Dolan, on the night before their 1921 wedding.

The hotel is currently offering a standard double for $175/night. That includes two drink coupons and keepsake glasses at John's Grill, directly across the street from the hotel. (Hammett often dined at John's Grill.)

The centrally located hotel, at 114 Powell Street, is on the Cable Car line.

Particulars: 1-800-553-1900, www.personalityhotels.com.

March 16, 2006

Washington (DC) Hotel Package

Starting on June 16, Jurys Washington Hotel will offer its "Summer On The Circle Package." It includes an executive room, free parking, a full breakfast for two in the sunlit Dupont Grill and DC Circulator bus tickets worth $5 per person, purchased upon your arrival.

The package, which runs through September 4, is priced at $250 based on double occupancy and represents a savings of over 15%.

Jurys' executive level rooms all feature free high-speed Internet access as well as modem lines, voicemail and work desks with lamps.

The hotel is located on Dupon Circle at 1500 New Hampshire Avenue, NW.

About The DC Circulator Bus...

The new bus, which runs every 5-10 minutes from 7am to 9pm seven days a week, links Dupont Circle with all of DC's major destinations, including Georgetown, the National Mall and the Southwest Waterfront.

Particulars: Call 202-483-6000 or visit www.jurys.com/usa/washington_ hotel.htm.

March 15, 2006

Sleep In A Lighthouse

The rates are certainly reasonable -- only $20/night. You will, however have to share as accommodations consist of six-bed male and female dorms.

It all takes place at the Hi-Point Montara Lighthouse in Montara, California, just 25 miles south of San Francisco.

Established in 1875, the historic lighthouse and turn-of-the-century buildings have been preserved and restored by HI-AYH and the California Department of Parks and Recreation, in cooperation with the U.S. Coast Guard.

Tip: The hostel has great views of the annual migration of gray whales between November and April.

Particulars: www.hostelworld.com.

March 14, 2006

Airfare To Bermuda: $49

And that's roundtrip! Now through April 30th, TNT Vacations has a 189-passenger charter flight that flies from Boston's Logan and New York's JFK on Sundays and Thursdays.

To book the low fare, you must also book a Bermuda package that includes hotel accommodations, airport/hotel/airport transfers and hotel tax and service charges.

Packages start at $399 for three nights.

Packages are available at a dozen or so resorts, including:

• Ariel Sands
• Cambridge Beaches
• Elbow Beach
• Fairmont
• Grotto Bay
• Harmony Club
• Pompano Beach Club
• Wyndham

Particulars: Call 888-GO-TNT-GO or visit www.tntvacations.com.

March 13, 2006

Chicago Hotel & Museum Package

Beginning May 26, the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place will run a special package in conjunction with the "Tutankhamen and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs" exhibit at the Field Museum.

Guests will receive a Friday or Saturday night stay in a luxurious guestroom for two for $229. Also included in the package -- a $25 credit towards breakfast for two, 1,000 Gold Passport Bonus Points and two tickets to the exhibit. There's also a free shuttle from the hotel to the museum and to downtown Chicago.

The 800-room hotel, next to McCormick Place Convention Center, has a health club and indoor pool.

Particulars: Call 312-567-1234 and ask for the "Tut Package" or visit www.hyatt.com.

March 10, 2006

London For Mum: $599

You can give Mum the royal treatment this Mother's Day thanks to British Airways.

The carrier's Mother's Day Package starts at just $599 from New York and in addition to airfare includes three nights at the three-star Royal National Hotel,continental breakfast daily, a pass to Kensington Palace and afternoon tea at Fortnum and Mason.

Tip: The package is available from these British Airways' North American gateways in addition to JFK:

• Newark: $611
• Boston/Philadelphia: $634
• Washington DC/Baltimore: $675
• Atlanta: $716
• Dallas/Ft/ Worth/Houston: $728
• Miami/Orlando/Tampa/Chicago: $738
• Los Angeles/San Francisco: $759
• Seattle/Phoenix: $780
• Denver: $801
• Toronto: $789CAD
• Montreal: $808CAD
• Vancouver: $1,062CAD

Note: Prices vary and may be higher for different dates, hotels and type of room. Additional nights and room upgrades are available at various participating three- and four-star London hotels.

Particulars: Call your travel agent or British Airways Holidays at: 1-877-428-2228.

March 9, 2006

Ride Twice For A Free Ticket On Amtrak's Metroliner Or Acela

Riders who are member of the Amtrak Guest Rewards Program can earn one free roundtrip on Acela Express or Metroliner trains for every two roundtrips or four one-way trips they purchase.

In order to earn the free travel, Guest Rewards members must first register at www.amtrakguestrewards.com/31306 or call 1-800-USA-RAIL and choosing option 2.

Travel must take place between March 13 and June 17.

The offer includes travel in both First and Business classes. To qualify for a free First Class trip, the qualifying trips must be made on First Class service. A maximum of eight free trips per member may be earned.

March 8, 2006

New York - Casablanca Airfare: $499

This special fare ($499 r/t) must be booked by May 1 for departures May 17 through June 12. You'll depart from JFK's Terminal One for Casablanca.

It's available from Royal Air Maroc which offers the only non-stop service between the U.S. and Morocco. Flight time is just under 7 hours. All flights will be on the extended range Boeing 767-300 ER.

Particulars: Call 1-800-344-6726 or visit www.royalairmaroc.com/eng/.

March 7, 2006

Save $500 On Russia River Cruises

That's $500/couple or $250/person. The savings is available on two different itineraries -- Imperial Russia and Waterways of Czars. Your cruise must be booked by March 31st for travel on May and June departures. These trips are available only from Trafalgar.

• Imperial Russia is a spectacular 16-day voyage through Russia along its colorful and historic waterways including the Volga, the Svir, the Volga-Baltic Canal and Europe's largest lakes, Onega and Ladoga with stops along the way in Mandrogi, Kizhi, Goritsy, Yaroslav, Kostroma, and Uglich.

  The special savings is available on May 25 and June 20 departures and is priced at $2,448 per person, land only.

• Waterways of the Czars is a 14-day voyage that starts in Moscow and stops along the way at Uglich, Yaroslavl, Goritsy, Kizhi and ends in St. Petersburg.

  The special savings is available on May 13 and June 8 departures and is priced at $2,298 per person, land only.

March 6, 2006

New Chicago Hotel: $149/Night

The elegant 162-room Hotel Blake, has rooms for only $149/night during the month March according to Andrea Mayer, General Manager.

The hotel, in historic Printer's Row and on the Register of National Historic Sites, occupies the former 19th century headquarters of the Morton Salt Company. It is within walking distance of the Loop, the Chicago Board of Trade, Grant Park, the newly designed Millennium Park, the Theater District, The Art Institute and Lake Michigan.

Particulars: Call 312-986-1234 or visit www.hotelblake.com.

March 3, 2006

Camps For Grandparents & Grandchildren

The camping age in this country has steadily been increasing -- stretching from age 8 to 80. In fact, "Grand Camps" are places that strengthen relationships across generations while having fun, learning something new, perfecting a skill.

More baby boom grandparents are donning hiking boots and heading for summer camp with their grandkids. For example:

• At Indiana's Camp Tecumseh, that means surviving the Black Hole slide or learning the art of grinding corn for "Johnny cakes."
• At Washington state's Lazy F Camp & Retreat Center, it's "catching the big one" in a glistening, well-stocked pond.
• At Oregon's Camp Magruder it involves sand sculpturing.

March 2, 2006

Free Entry To Museums With Swiss Travel Passes

Starting this year the popular Swiss travel passes add free entry to over 400 museums as well as a 50% discount on cog-wheel and cable car mountain rides to their benefits.

Both the Swiss Pass and Swiss Flexipass provide unlimited travel in either first or second class on Switzerland's trains, lake steamers and city transit systems. The Swiss Pass is available for 4, 6, 15 or 22 consecutive days and one month of unlimited travel. The Swiss Flexipass is available for any 3, 4, 5, 6, and 8 days unlimited travel in a 1 month period.

Second class passes start at $185 for the four day Swiss Pass and $176 for the three day Swiss Flexipass. There are also separate passes for young people, families and those staying predominantly in one part of the country.

Particulars: 1-877-257-2887 or visit http://myswitzerland.raileurope.com. Info on the museums is at www.museumspass.ch.

February 28, 2006

NYC To Boston Limo: $79

With LimoLiner you can travel in a 28-passenger luxury limo between Boston and New York for just $79 each way. The trip takes just 4 hours and the first-class vehicle has an incredible number of amenities, given the price. It is obviously giving Amtrak, the airline shuttles and the bus companies a run for their money.

LimoLiner enables you to bypass many of the typical hassles of mass travel -- security and schedule delays, high prices, restrictive fares and crowded terminals.

It also has special rates with the Hilton New York near Rockefeller Center -- which is where you board and de-board. In Boston the departure point is the Hilton Back Bay; that means you can wait in comfort in the hotel lobbies.

Getting On Board:

In New York, the "station" is the New York Hilton at West 53rd Street and Sixth Avenue.

In Boston, there are two "stations." There is an upon request stop in the Sheraton Framingham (Exit 12 off the Mass Turnpike) and the regular "station" at the Back Bay Hilton, 40 Dalton Street.

The Features:

• On-board attendant
• Unlimited wireless Internet access
• Clear cell phone reception
• Income faxes
• Free beverages & snacks
• Two TV channels
• Recently released DVD movie
• Five audio stations
• Leather reclining seats
• A 10-seat area with work tables
• Reserved seats -- you pick your own
• Fresh flowers in the restroom
• Free newspapers and magazines
• Luggage loaded & unloaded for you

February 27, 2006

Visit 19 Cities In Asia: Only $1,299

Fly to Hong Kong and then spend 21 days traveling to any (or all!) of 18 Asian cities, including Singapore, Bali, Bangkok and Tokyo.

If you can't decide which cities to visit, you can select one of four popular itineraries.

This excellent deal, called the All Asia Pass, is for Monday - Wednesday departures and does not include taxes, fees or surcharges. This special deal is for members of the Cathay Pacific CyberTraveler program which you will need to join for free.

Note: Optional add-ons include extending the validity of the pass up to 90 days as well as adding further destinations in Australia, China, India, Sri Lanka and Vietnam.

Particulars: www.cathayusa.com/AllAsiaPass.

February 24, 2006

For Lovers Of Modern Art: New York's Salisbury Hotel Just $189

We've just learned that the Salisbury Hotel (very popular with TravelSmart readers), has extended its special museum getaway through October 1.

Called the MoMA MUSEUM LOVERS PACKAGE, it is priced at just $189/night for Sunday through Wednesday and includes:

• Two tickets to the Museum of Modern Art that guarantee no waiting in line

• A copy of "Highlights," a keepsake book depicting some of MoMA's most famous paintings and sculpture.

Note: MoMA (www.moma.org), which houses one of the most renowned collections of modern and contemporary art in the world, is located at 11 West 53rd -- that's just four blocks south of the Salisbury and between 5th and 6th avenues. The museum is open every day except Tuesday.

About The Salisbury: The Salisbury, at 123 West 57th Street, is also between 5th and 6th avenues and is across the street from Carnegie Hall. Nearby: Central Park, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, Fifth Avenue shops and dozens of fine restaurants.

The hotel has a mix of king and double bedrooms and suites, decorated in traditional American style. Standard rooms are much larger than typical hotel rooms since the Salisbury was originally designed as a suite hotel. Guests have the choice of room service from five nearby restaurants: American (kosher), Chinese, deli, Italian or Japanese.

Particulars: Call 1-888-NYC-5757 or visit www.nycsalisbury.com.

February 23, 2006

Santa Fe Hotel: $145/Night

Spring is an ideal time to visit historic Santa Fe.

And, the Eldorado Hotel & Spa is running a special Springtime Retreat of $145 per night. That's about 30% off regular rates.

The discount is valid from March 1 to April 30.

Particulars: 1-800-955-4455, www.eldoradohotel.com.

February 22, 2006

Hudson Bay Whale Watch: $1,529

This 5-night Beluga Whale Tour departs from Winnipeg, Canada where you board VIA Rail for a 650 mile journey to Churchill. Private sleeping accommodations are provided.

Highlights of the trip include a boat tour to view the pods of the whales, time at the historic Fort Prince of Wales, a visit to The Eskimo Museum (with the world's largest collection of Inuit artifacts), a heated tundra buggy ride with a naturalist guide, a 1-hour Zodiac whale tour and the flight back to Winnipeg.

Put together by the Great Canadian Travel Company, specialists in northern vacations, there are departures in July and August. Book now as this is a very popular package.

Particulars: 1-800-661-3830, www.greatcanadiantravel.com.

February 21, 2006

Spring Break: Rome & Umbria, $639

Take advantage of the early spring weather with this delightful "Rome and Umbria Countryside Break."

It's from TourCrafters, a favorite with TravelSmart readers, and is priced at just $639 per person, double occupancy. It includes round-trip air from New York, three nights at the 4-star Hotel Millenium in Rome, three nights at the 4-star Villa Valentini in San Venanzo (near Todi), and a rental car for three days -- so you can explore the beautiful countryside and villages of Umbria.

Also covered in the cost -- breakfast each morning and all hotel service charges and taxes.

Available through the month of March. Reservations must be paid for within 72 hours.

Particulars: 1-800-482-5995 or www.tourcrafters.com.

February 17, 2006

Cruise Europe's Great Rivers

Grand Circle Travel has designed a 16-day "Great Rivers of Europe Package" for those age 50 and older. Priced from $3,395 per person double occupancy, it includes airfare from Boston or New York and 14 nights in an outside cabin on a private river ship.

Departures are in July and August.

A number of sightseeing excursions are also covered in the price, including Amsterdam, Cologne, Koblenz, Mainz, Wertheim, Wurzburg, Bamberg, Nurnberg, Regensburg (Germany's largest medieval city), Passau and the 900-year-old Melk Abbey.

Grand Circle is also offering a 4-night Brussels & Bruges extension starting at $495 or a 3-night stay in Vienna, also starting at $495.

Particulars: www.gct.com.

February 16, 2006

Get A Flu Shot

If you're going to China. Flu season there runs throughout the year, reaching its worst between April and November.

Check with your doctor regarding a flu shot.

Source: www.passporthealthusa.com.

February 15, 2006

Great London Package: $398

British Airways has a package starting at $398 with roundtrip air from New York that also includes three nights at the deluxe Thistle Lancaster Gate Hotel or the Thistle Kinsington Gardens along with continental breakfast each morning.

Called the London Four-Star Package, it's on sale through Friday, March 24 and is valid for travel from February 20 to April 15.

Note: All outbound travel must be completed by March 31, 2006 and travel must be purchased seven days in advance of departure. The minimum stay is three nights.

Other departure cities:

Comparable starting rates also are available from all 22 British Airways North American gateways. For example:

• Newark: $418
  
• Boston: $439
  
• Philadelphia/Baltimore/Washington: $449
  
• Miami/Orlando/Tampa/Atlanta/Detroit: $449
  
• Dallas-Fort Worth/Houston: $449
  
• Chicago: $465
  
• Los Angeles/San Francisco/Seattle: $481
  
• Phoenix/Denver: $481
  
• Toronto: $499CAD
  
• Montreal: $509CAD
  
• Vancouver: $562CAD

February 14, 2006

Galway: 4 Nights From $359, Air Extra

Prices start at $359 per person double occupancy for the four-night First-Class Galway Package. It includes accommodations at the elegant Forster Court Hotel, full Irish breakfast each morning and a car rental with unlimited mileage. (Upgrades to an automatic rental car are an additional $50.)

$TIP: A deluxe version starts at $549.

Packages are available for travel now through March 31.

Particulars: Sceptre Tours www.sceptretours.com.

February 13, 2006

Fly From Oxford To Cambridge

If your time is limited and you want to see both Oxford and Cambridge universities, Sky Commuter Airline now has a 25-minute flight Monday through Friday between the two cities. It leave at 8.45am and 5.45 pm (Cambridge to Oxford) and 8am and 5pm (Oxford to Cambridge).

The one-way fare is approximately $80.

Particulars: www.skycommuter.com.

February 10, 2006

Last Minute Deals To Europe

United Vacations has several well-priced packages for February and March:

• Packages to London with accommodations at the Craven Gardens, including the fourth-night free, start at $479 from New York, $519 from Washington, D.C., $534 from Boston, $539 from Chicago and $589 from Los Angeles.

• Packages to Paris with accommodations at the Royal Medoc start at $549 from New York, $584 from Boston, $599 from Washington, D.C., $684 from Chicago, and $759 from Los Angeles.

• Packages to Rome with accommodations at the Olympic start at $729 from New York, $779 from Boston, $784 from Denver, $794 from Washington, D.C., $799 from Chicago and $899 from Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Particulars: 888-328-6877, www.unitedvacations.com.

February 9, 2006

Fly New York To Portugal: $530

You can fly into one of three cities: Lisbon, Faro or Porto.

This winter roundtrip rate from TAP Portugal Air does not include tax.

Note: TAP Portugal is the largest Portuguese carrier and a member of the Star Alliance. It's world network includes 43 destinations in 25 different countries The company operates, in average, 160-180 daily flights and has a modern 41 aircraft fleet.

Particulars: www.flytap.com.

February 7, 2006

Save 20% At Elegant New York City Hotel

The four-star Iroquois New York has a special winter package with rooms 20% less than usual. Priced at $270/night, it includes a superior double room, continental breakfast for two, Le Belge Chocolates on your pillow, an overnight shoe shine and the New York Times delivered to your room. The hotel is ideally located for theater goers and shoppers -- at 49 West 44th Street between Fifth and Sixth avenues.

Renovation

The Iroquois New York has just completed a renovation of its 114 rooms. You'll enjoy Frette Robes and bed linen. Anichini Towels and Molton Brown bath products. There's complimentary wireless Internet, high definition LG flat screen televisions and the latest Lodgenet -DirectTV packages, 24-hour room service, an on-site fitness center and Finnish Sauna. It is now a member of the prestigious Small Luxury Hotels of the World group.

The hotel's top-rated restaurant, Triomphe, has been getting rave reviews from locals as well as from visitors to Manhattan.

Particulars: 1-800-332-7220 or www.iroquoisny.com.

February 6, 2006

Fashion Week In London Package

From February 23rd to 26th, the cream of British designers -- Philip Treacy, Orla Kiely, Temperley, Ronit Zilkha, Betty Jackson, Lulu Guinness, Tashia, Ben de Lisi and Boyd to name a few -- will be selling their creations at reduced prices in London.

In that connection, the Red Carnation Hotels have come up with a special "Spring Into Fashion Package." It includes:

• A Luxurious double room
• Full English breakfast daily
• Refreshing drink on arrival freshly made from your preferred fruit (and a dash of your favourite spirit if required)
• A £50 shopping voucher for Selfridges, Harvey Nichols or Harrods
• Free taxi ride to the Natural History Museum where London Fashion Weekend is held. This is adjacent to the V&A Museum, the Mecca of fashion history should you have time to combine past and present
• Two admission tickets to view the 100 designers selling their collections

This offer is available at all three RCH five-star London properties, The Milestone Hotel in Kensington; "41" opposite Buckingham Palace and the Egerton House Hotel in Knightsbridge.

A one-night stay at The Milestone or "41" costs £369 per room double occupancy and at Egerton House, £329. Rates are reduced for a second night stay.

Particulars: Call: + 44 20 7958 7741 or visit: www.redcarnation.com.

February 3, 2006

In-Room Water Is Not Always Free

Some chain hotels now placing bottled water in guest rooms and charging up to $3.50/bottle.

A hang tag on the bottle invites you to enjoy the water (which has a label with the hotel's name).

Trap: You start drinking the water before you spot the smaller print stating how much will be added to your bill. Intensifying the confusion: the bottle is placed near the ice bucket and coffee maker, which are complimentary.

(Marcy Ross, TravelSmart researcher)

February 2, 2006

Seattle Hotel Package: $159

Now through March 31, the Mayflower Park Hotel is running a special "All In The Family Winter Warmer Package."

No need to bundle up for shopping -- Macy's is across the street while the Westlake Center and it's 80 boutique specialty shops is connected to the Mayflower Park Hotel. Within two blocks you'll find Nordstrom's flagship store and adjoining Pacific Place with its high-end specialty shops like Williams Sonoma, Tiffany, Cartier and Coach.

The package includes:

• A deluxe guestroom with two queen beds
• Valet parking
• Room service martinis for two adults
• Kid's hot chocolate and cookies
• One hour of free Nintendo.

Particulars: Call 1-800-426-5100 or visit: www.mayflowerpark.com.

February 1, 2006

Cruise The River Thames

The luxury barge, Magna Carta now cruises from Henley-on-Thames to Hampton Court Palace, visiting villages, museums and other places of historical interest along the way.

With two decks and four luxurious staterooms (200 sq ft), it carryies a maximum of eight passengers. Each en suite stateroom has beautiful hardwood floors, under floor heating, oversized showers and basins, fully tiled walls and floors, heated towel rails and other fine guest amenities.

The saloon has picture windows, a fully stocked bar, a library, a selection of games and a comprehensive CD collection. Meals are served in the adjacent fine dining area. There's also a split-level sun deck and Jacuzzi.

Prices begin at $3,590 per person, based on two passengers sharing a suite for a 7-day cruise. The Magna Carta also has themed cruises, focusing on golf, family fun, mystery weekends, anitques and shopping.

Particulars: www.magna-carta.co.uk.

January 31, 2006

Win A Vacation In A Scottish Castle

The nonprofit Landmark Trust in the UK, among its many missions, rescues and fixes up historic buildings, then renting them as vacation homes or flats to the public.

It's the Trust's 40th birthday this year and it has organized a raffle with a first prize of $5,250 to spend on a wonderful vacation in a Scottish castle.

And at only $1.75 a ticket, it could be a steal!

Particulars: www.landmarktrust.org.uk/raffle.

January 30, 2006

Romantic Weekends In Westchester, NY

Throughout the month of February, Westchester County, the gateway to the Hudson River Valley, just minutes north of New York City, is running a number of Romantic Weekends, The Westchester Way packages.

Five first class hotels will offer packages on double-occupancy accommodations with a variety of romantic "extras," such as dinner by candlelight, champagne and chocolates, in-room breakfast, late check-out and more. The hotels are:

• Castle on the Hudson, Tarrytown, 914-631-1980, www.castleonthehudson.com

• Doral Arrowwood Resort, Rye Brook, 914-935-6689, www.doralarrowwood.com

• Marriott Westchester, Tarrytown, 914-333-1220, www.westchestermarriott.com

• Radisson Hotel, New Rochelle, 914-576-3700, www.radisson.com/newrochelleny

• Tarrytown House Estate, Tarrytown, 914-591-8200, www.tarrytownhouseestate.com

January 27, 2006

Irish Golf Vacations

Ireland has long been a premier golf destination and Sceptre Tours, a family-owned company which specializes in Ireland, has several flexible golf vacations that can be tailor-made to fit your needs.

Chris Accomando, president of Sceptre, notes that "with over 400 courses throughout and more than one-third of the world's true links courses, Ireland offers the ultimate experience for both avid and amateur golfers."

Two popular packages:

• The luxury Treasures Golf Tour, priced from $2,279 per person, includes seven nights in four- and five-star hotels and castles (such as the Woodstock Hotel in Ennis and Adare Manor in Limerick) plus six complete rounds of golf at six courses, a rental car or chauffer and full Irish breakfast daily.

• The budget-oriented Legends Golf Tour, priced from $1,139 per person, includes six nights in quaint Irish farmhouse B&Bs, four rounds of golf at four courses (such as Ballybunion Old Course and Dooks Golf Club, as well as a rental car and full Irish breakfast daily.

TIP: You can customize both packages, substituting or adding additional rounds or courses.

Particulars: www.sceptretours.com.

January 26, 2006

Bargain Packages To Italy's Amalfi Coast

This beautiful area is blessed with a pleasantly sunny year-round climate. So we're delighted that TourCrafters, the leading Italian packager, has organized two bargain-priced breaks through March 30.

One, the 5-day/4-night package is priced at $658 per person double occupancy and two, the 8-day/7-night package is just $729.

$Tip: Four people traveling together and sharing a car will pay only $569 each for the 4-night package.

Both packages include round-trip air from New York to Naples' Capodichino Airport where a rental car awaits, 5 or 8 days car rental, accommodations at the family-run Hotel Villa Romana in the charming village of Minori on the Amalfi Coast, daily breakfast and dinner and hotel service charges and taxes. (The 7-night break includes a special farewell dinner, as well).

Departures from other cities mean slightly higher air fares: Boston, $42; Washington, $66; Atlanta, $48; Miami, $128; and Chicago, $72.

A delightful picture of terraced lemon groves, old churches and antique manor houses, Minori is also a convenient base for sightseeing. The postcard-pretty towns of Amalfi, Ravello and Positano, with their enticing shops and restaurants, perch along the scenic Amalfi Drive. The ancient Roman ruins at Pompei and Herculaneum are only a fifty-minute drive inland and the legendary island of Capri is a pleasant boat ride offshore.

Particulars: Call 1-800-482-5995 or visit www.tourcrafters.com.

January 24, 2006

Stay In Miami Beach For $1/Night

To celebrate the 18th anniversary of the restoration of the famed Park Central Hotel, management is offering room rates rolled back to $1.00 per night, reflecting rates in 1937, the year the hotel originally opened.

Designed by master architect Henry Hohauser, the hotel during its heyday was a favorite Miami Beach destination for Hollywood royalty including Clark Gable, Carol Lombard and Rita Hayworth.

In 1985, urban developer and preservationist Tony Goldman, of Goldman Properties, fresh from reinventing Manhattan's Soho, discovered Miami Beach's Art Deco District, recognized its potential as America's Riviera and acquired 18 properties, adding one property per month to his portfolio. Though he went on to develop much of the Art Deco District's fashionable infrastructure, he chose this beachfront gem as his first Miami Beach renovation project. Honoring its original grace and style and respecting its unique history, he opened the doors to the faithfully restored Park Central in 1987.

Particulars: Monthly winners of the roll back rate will be selected through December 2006, via a drawing. Download the form at www.theparkcentral.com. For more information, call 305-538-1611.

January 23, 2006

Valentine's Day In Morocco: $1,999

Spend 11 days on this romantic, escorted Moroccan Treasures Package. The price includes:

• Round-trip air from New York
• Nine hotel nights
• Buffet breakfast daily
• Seven dinners & one lunch
• Extensive sightseeing
• Hotel taxes & service charges
• Roundtrip airport/hotel transfers

About Club ABC Tours: The Club, with 300,000+ members, has been operating since 1966. Most packages include airfare and feature either first class or deluxe accommodations (4- and 5-star only).

January 20, 2006

Ireland: $399 With Air, Hotel, Rental Car

DooleyVacations.com is offering its lowest rate ever on the value-added Classic Ireland Journey, but you must book by January 31st for travel through Marhc 31st.

Starting at $399, the package includes roundtrip airfare from New York (JFK) or Boston, accommodations for the first night at the Clare Inn, the final night's accommodations at the five-star Glenlo Abbey and accommodations for the remaining number of nights in between (which vary depending on the length of stay chosen) at your choice from more than 450 quaint Irish Farmhouse Bed & Breakfasts sprinkled throughout the country.

Also included is a standard economy car rental with unlimited mileage, full Irish breakfast daily and one dinner at Glenlo Abbey's award-winning Pullman Restaurant.

As an added value, you'll also receive admission to the world-famous Waterford Crystal factory with a 10% discount on all purchases.

Prices: The "Classic Ireland Journey" starts at $399, $479, $539 or $599 for a three-, four-, five- or six-night air-inclusive vacation, respectively.

Tip: Airfare to Ireland alone generally exceeds the cost of this package.

Particulars: Call 1-877-331-9301 or visit www.dooleyvacations.com.

January 19, 2006

Save $200 On Canadian Rail Vacations

Rocky Mountaineer Vacations is launching its 2006 season with the return of its popular "Vacation Plus" credit.

Book a 7-night Canadian rail trip by March 31 for travel during the summer 2006 season and you'll receive a $200 per person credit. The credit doubles to $400 per person for those booking a package tour featuring the Rocky Mountaineer's new Fraser Discovery Route, which premieres May 2, 2006.

The "Vacation Plus" offer applies to 22 different Canadian packages ranging from the popular Western Explorer, which features the spectacular Rocky Mountaineer train journey between the coastal city of Vancouver and the Rocky Mountain destinations of Jasper, Banff or Calgary, to the new Grand Rail Circle package, which features the highly anticipated Fraser Discovery Route, a two-day, all daylight rail journey between Whistler, B.C. and Jasper, Alberta.

Particulars: Call Rocky Mountaineer Vacations at 1-800-665-7245, or visit www.rockymountaineer.com.

January 18, 2006

Colorado Ski Festival For Ages 50+

The annual Crested Butte Senior Winter Festival will be held in this historic mountain town February 26 - 28.

The event will feature ski tours on groomed trails and in backcountry areas, various races, non-competitive snow play events, a barbeque, an appearance in the local Mardi Gras parade and other social things.

The Senior Winter Festival is organized by the Gray Hares, a group of friendly outdoor enthusiasts, ages 50 and older, who are known for their interest in staying in shape, love of Nordic skiing and desire to meet other people and have fun.

The cost for the Senior Winter Festival is $45, which includes two days of trail fees, race entry fees, the special barbecue and cocktail party, parade participation and other events.

Pre-registration must be completed by February 19.

Particulars: Call the Crested Butte Nordic Center at 1-970-349-1707 or visit www.cbnordic.org.

To find out more about Gunnison-Crested Butte or to book personalized vacation packages, call the Gunnison-Crested Butte Tourism Association's reservations center at 1-800-814-8893 or visit www.gunnisoncrestedbutte.com.

Note: The Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport is served year-round by United Airlines and during the winter season by American Airlines.

January 17, 2006

Business Class To Europe: $1,290 R/T

Special rate for readers of TravelSmart... our travel agent, Travel333 has a terrific business class fare.

You can depart from Baltimore, Boston, New York or Orlando -- but you must do so by February 28th.

You'll fly Icelandair via Reykjavik to any one of these cities: Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Frankfurt, Glasgow, London, Oslo, Paris or Stockholm for $1,290 r/t.

You may stay a year if you like!

Particulars: Call Travel333 at 800-771-4833 or email TravelSmart@Travel333.com.

Note:You must mention TravelSmart to get this low rate.

January 16, 2006

Get Third Manhattan Hotel Night For Free!

During the annual Paint the Town season, which runs through February 28th, you can get a third night free at several luxury hotels -- but you must pay with your American Express card.

The third night free is available at:

The Carlyle, The New York Palace, The Plaza Athénée, The Mandarin Oriental New York, The Regency, A Loews Hotel, The St. Regis and The Trump International Hotel and Plaza.

Particulars: For a list off all offers, including reduced prices at many restaurants, call 1-800-NYC-GUIDE or visit www.nycvisit.com/paintthetown.

If you're in town, stop at one of the Visitor Information Centers to pick up free brochure, listing all the current deals. They are located at:

• 810 Seventh Avenue & 53rd Street (Midtown)
• City Hall Park at the intersection of Park Row & Broadway (Downtown)
• State Office Building Plaza at 163 West 125th Street at Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd (Harlem)
• The triangle of Canal, Walker & Baxter Streets (Chinatown).

January 13, 2006

Amish Country Quilt Show Package

If you're going to the Amish Country for the Annual Amish Country Quilt Show, you can get a great deal with a special weekend package that includes:

• Lodging at Hannah's House Bed & Breakfast or Amish Country Inn

• Dinner at Dutch Harvest Restaurant

• Breakfast each morning

• Choice of massage, manicure or pedicure for both guests

• Admission to Amish Country Quilt Show

• An exclusive keepsake "Hannah's Quilt" pattern.

The Amish Country Inn Package is $209 for two for one night and $349 for three nights.

The Show

The 6th Annual Amish Country Quilt Show, featuring more than 150 quilts on display and a long list of quilting classes and lectures, will run March 22-25, 2006, at the Berlin Christian Fellowship, one mile west of Berlin, Ohio at Rt. 39 and County Rd. 201.

Particulars: Call: 1-800-329-9434 or visit www.RealAmishExperiences.com.

January 12, 2006

St. Valentine's Weekend For Singles In Ireland

Cross Country International's division for singles, Singles in the Saddle, has organized a horseback riding vacation for February 11-16.

Called The Blind Date Ball, it includes riding Irish Sport Horses (for beginners and more experienced riders) at the renowned Clonshire Equestrian Center. Clonshire has a wide variety of horses to choose from, a large indoor arena, an outdoor sand arena and one of Ireland's best cross-country courses. You'll stay at the nearby lucurious Dunraven Arms Hotel in Adare, one of Ireland's prettiest villages. Other activities include hiking, biking, golfing, shopping, sightseeing.

On Tuesday evening, February 14, singles take part in the main event of the getaway — the St. Valentine's Blind Date Ball. The ball features a cocktail party and a festive banquet, complete with music and dancing, as well as eligible Irish men and women. Special care is taken to ensure an even ratio of men and women. All guests are guaranteed to have an Irish escort.

Note: If you meet and marry someone from the ball, Dunraven Arms will host your reception free of charge.

Available for singles of all ages, the weekend is $1,695 per person and includes five hotel nights, four days of horseback riding (approximately three hours per day), horse, tack, breakfast and dinner each day and the St. Valentine's Blind Date Ball.

Particulars: 1-800-828-8768, www.equestrianvacations.com. Click on: "Blind Date Ball."

January 11, 2006

Six Nights In Asia: $1,199 With Airfare

These four Asia In A Week Packages, with prices starting at $1,199 per person based on double occupancy, combine the magical city of Hong Kong with visits to Bangkok, Singapore, Hanoi or Hochiminh City.

The Hong Kong + Bangkok Package, for example, includes roundtrip air from Los Angeles or San Francisco, airport/hotel transfers, six nights in a 5-star hotel with breakfast daily, sightseeing in both cities in air-conditioned motorcoaches and services of a tour guide.

Similar itineraries are available for Hong Kong + Singapore, Hong Kong + Hanoi and Hong Kong + Hochiminh City.

From April 1 through November 30, prices begin as low as $1,199. Single supplements range from $450 to $600 per person depending on departure date. Departures are on weekdays, Monday through Thursday. There's an additional weekend surcharge of $50 each way.

Add-on airfares are available from various U.S. and Canadian cities including, but not limited to, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Miami, New York, Philadelphia and Toronto.

Particulars: Call 1-800-900-2446 or visit www.ritztours.com.

January 10, 2006

Fly To Iraq: New Scheduled Service

Austrian Airlines will be will be the first European airline to operate scheduled commercial flight services into Iraq.

Service to the to the city of Erbil in Kurdistan (Northern Iraq) will begin on March 9. It will operate twice a week during March and April and three times weekly from May onwards.

Austrian Airlines will use an Airbus A319 on this new route to Erbil.

Erbil in Kurdistan is considered a safe gateway into Iraq. With a population approaching one million people, Erbil is the fourth-largest city and the fastest-growing in the country, with the United Nations Organization planning to set up a support point for Iraq there.

Furthermore, a number of renowned companies are currently involved in developing and expanding the regional economy of Kurdistan.

Particulars: Call 800 843 0002 or visit www.austrianair.com.

January 6, 2006

Girls Only Weekend: Newark, Ohio

The Cherry Valley Lodge is offering its popular "Girls Only Weekend" again this year. It will run March 10-12.

Priced at $345 per person double occupancy, it includes two hotel nights, breakfast both mornings, Friday wine tasting and dinner, Saturday dinner and a themed party, massage, manicure, snacks, gifts and use of all facilities.

The Cherry Valley Lodge has a number of other packages -- for families, golfers and couples as well as mystery and wine tasting weekends. Its various seasonal packages focus on Mother's Day, Autumn Leaves, Thanksgiving, Christmas and others.

Located on 18 acres in the rolling countryside of Granville, the 200-room Lodge is a short drive from Columbus. It has both indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a spa, volleyball, shuffleboard, biking and jogging trails, and nearby golf.

Particulars: 800-788-8008 or www.cherryvalleylodge.com.

January 5, 2006

St. Louis Hotels On Sale

Now through April 30th, a number of hotels in St. Louis are offering special packages. While there you might want to take in the "Titanic: The Artifact Exhibit" at the Saint Louis Science Center and the "Creative Spirit of Eero Saarinen" at the Museum of Westward Expansion.

Among the packages:

• Girlfriends & Housewives on Hiatus at the Omni Majestic, from $139. Includes gift bag, slippers, wine, games.

• Winter Wonderland Family at the Hampton Inn Gateway Arch, $119. Includes 4 tickets to the Steinberg Skating Rink, two pizzas, hot breakfast, overnight parking. (Hotel has an indoor swimming pool.)

• Sports Fans: Blues for Two at the Westin St. Louis, $199. Includes seats for the St. Louis Blues hockey game, hotel parking.

• Harrah's Casino at Courtyard by Marriott Westport, from $84. Includes breakfast, $30 in chips for $25, playing cards, transportation to Harrah's on Friday or Saturday night.

January 4, 2006

London & Paris For Singles: $1,798

This trip, arranged by American Singles, takes place April 26 to May 4 and includes:

• Roundtrip air from Newark
• Roundtrip airport/hotel transfers in London & Paris
• Four nights in a 3-star London hotel with breakfast daily
• Three nights in a 3-star Paris hotel with breakfast daily
• All local taxes and service charges
• Eurochannel train from London to Paris
• Orientation tours in both cities

$TIP: If you wish to avoid the single supplement ($475), you will be matched with a roommate.

Particulars: 888-286-8687 or www.singlestravelcompany.com.

January 3, 2006

New York/Philadelphia: Rail Savings

Going to Philadelphia from New York? Or vice versa?

If you take New Jersey Transit to/from Penn Station instead of Amtrak, you'll pay just $18.50 one-way rather than $56 to $74 during off-peak hours. Although the ride is about 2 hours and 20 minutes instead of Amtrak's 1 hour and 20 minutes, and although you must change to a SEPTA train in Trenton, you'll save enough to have a great lunch or dinner in either city.

Check similar savings for other popular Garden State destinations such as Metropark, Princeton Junction and Trenton.

New Jersey Transit: 800-777-2222, www.njtransit.com

Amtrak: T 800-USA-RAIL, www.amtrak.com.

(Barbara Gillam, New York City)

December 26, 2005

Tax-Free Shopping In NYC

If you're thinking of shopping for clothing in New York City, wait until tax-free week. This year it's January 30 to February 5.

During that week, retailers throughout the city will waive the standard sales tax on clothing and footwear items under $110.

Particulars: www.nycvisit.com.

December 26, 2005

Paris Hotel: Guaranteed U.S. Dollar Package

The new, Left Bank boutique Hotel Esprit St-Germain is guaranteeing rates in U.S. dollars through December 31, 2006. The special package starts at $1,666/room and includes:

• A three night stay
• Round-trip chauffeur driven sedan airport/hotel transfers
• American breakfast daily
• Open bar in the lobby
• Use of the Wellness Centre
• Use of the Business Centre
• High-speed Internet access
• All taxes and service charges

Particulars: Call 011-33-1-53-10-55-55 or visit www.espritsaintgermain.com.

December 23, 2005

Send Your Luggage Ahead

Tired of lugging your luggage through airports and train stations? These three companies will pick up and ship your bags, golf clubs and skis in advance of your trip. Pickup and deliveries are made at homes, offices, hotels, resorts.

www.skycapinternational.com

www.sportsexpress.com

www.virtualbellhop.com

December 22, 2005

Florida's Naples Beach Package

The Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club, a favorite with T/S readers, is running a special Winter Value Rate starting at $319 per room now through April 16.

The hotel is Southwest Florida's only beachfront resort with an on-site champtionship golf course. It also has a world-class spa, a large beachfront swimming pool, six Har-Tru tennis courts and an Orchid House, home to 5,000 tropical plants.

The package includes complimentary reserved beach chairs, unlimited tennis, access to the resort's spa and fitness center, valet parking, afternoon tea and cookies at 4 p.m. daily, and admission for children ages five to 12 in the Beach Klub 4 Kids supervised child activity program.

Dining options include HB's On The Gulf, Naples' only beachfront restaurant, featuring fresh regional seafood and beautiful views of the sunset as well as Broadwell's, overlooking the resort's golf course.

Particulars: Call 1-800-237-7600 or visit www.naplesbeachhotel.com.

December 21, 2005

Holiday Perk For Military Personnel From Delta

The Delta Air Lines Military Lounge, for active and retired military and their families, is now operational at Atlanta Hartsfield Jackson International Airport.

The Military Lounge provides a comfortable area in which military personnel and their families can relax between flights during the holidays by offering food, soft drinks and a welcoming atmosphere. The lounge is located in the California Room across from B-33 and is open now through January 6.

In addition, Delta has opened up its 40+ Crown Room Clubs throughout the world to active members of the U.S. military. They will be open to military personnel on leave during the holidays.

There are Crown Room Clubs in:

Atlanta, Boston, Chicago O'Hare, Cincinnati, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Denver, Frankfurt, Fort Lauderdale, Honolulu, Jacksonville (FL), Kansas City, London Gatwick, Los Angeles, Miami, Munich, Nashville, New York (JFK & LaGuardia), New Orleans, Newark, Orlando, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Raleigh Durham, San Diego, Seattle, San Francisco, Salt Lake City, San Juan, Tampa, Santiago, Washington (Reagan Nat'l) and West Palm Beach.

December 20, 2005

Get Free Gas

The Fuel Rewards Program offered by supermarket chains that have gas stations in their parking lots, gives shoppers vouchers for free gas when they purchase certain items.

Among The Participants:

• City Market
• Kroger
• Meijer
• Raley's
• Tom Thumb

Particulars: To find participating merchants, call 1-800-281-7188 or visit www.fuelrewards.com.

December 16, 2005

No Smoking On Many European Trains

Switzerland became the latest European country to implement a smoking ban on its national rail network, joining Italy, Belgium, Netherlands, Norway and Sweden.

"In addition to protecting non-smoking passengers and staff from passive smoke, the ban will also free up more seats, as smoking compartments -- typically underutilized -- are currently being converted into non-smoking ones," Fabrice Morel, President and CEO of the Rail Europe Group told us.

Smoking is prohibited in Swiss rail stations except in designated areas and on the outdoor platforms.

Other countries are approaching a complete smoking ban: French TGVs became smoke-free in 2004 and in 2006 all French trains will follow suite. Finland and Spain only allow smoking on long-distance trains and the UK's Great North Eastern Railway (up the east coast of England and Scotland) banned smoking this past August. Germany and Austria have made local and regional trains smoke-free, as well as reducing the number of smoking seats on long-distance trains.

Particulars: For more information on rail travel or to book tickets and passes for trains throughout Europe and the UK, call 1-888-382-7242 or visit www.raileurope.com.

December 15, 2005

Lima, Machu Picchu & Iquitos: $1,799

This 9-night package, which explores Peru's most famous sites, includes roundtrip air on LAN Airlines, all internal flights, 3 nights in Cusco, 1 in Machu Picchu with a train tour, 2-night all-inclusive hotel accommodations at the Posada Amazonas and 3 nights in Lima.

Prices start at $1,799 out of Miami between January 4 and March 31.

Add-on fares from other cities:

Atlanta or Orlando: $125
Dallas, Denver, San Diego or San Francisco: $175
Los Angeles: $200
Baltimore, Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Seattle, Washington (DC): $225
Chicago: $300

Particulars: 1-800-435-3593 or www.lanvacations.com.

December 14, 2005

A 2006 Canadian Vacation With 2005 Prices

Book a Maxxim self-drive or escorted 2006 Canadian trip by December 22nd and you will get 2005 prices.

This travel company, a favorite of TravelSmart's specializes in packaged tours of Quebec, Whistler and Mont Trembant....all great places to go skiing.

Particulars: www.maxximvacations.com.

December 13, 2005

Free Rental Car In Hawaii During 2006

United Vacations is providing a free five-day rental car from Alamo with their Hawiian vacation package throughout 2006.

To quality, your vacation must include air and five or more consecutive hotel nights on one island. Upgrades and additional days are available at various prices.

Note: The free car offer is not available for travel between June 15 to August 19 or December 16 to 31.

Particulars: Call 1-888-328-6877 or visit www.unitedvacations.com.

December 12, 2005

Woody Allen Movie Map For London

Now you can visit the highlights in Woody Allen's new move, Match Point thanks to Visit London.

Key scenes in this film about love, passion and betrayal take place at Tate Modern, Royal Opera House and New Bond Street as well as the hidden sanctuary of Mount Street Gardens, Belgravia, Marylebone, Notting Hill, Chelsea and Seven Dials in Covent Garden.

Allen directs an all-star American and British cast (Scarlett Johansson, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Emily Mortimer, and Matthew Goode) in a story about a young man's rise in society and the terrible consequences of his ambition.

Woody Allen traveled to London in the summer of 2004 and filming took place over seven weeks. The director appreciated London's legendary weather saying "the beautiful gray skies…give a color saturation to everything that's very rich and very beautiful for photography."

James Bidwell, Chief Executive of Visit London said, "London is a city of endless possibilities and movie maps are a great way of showcasing its diversity and of enticing film lovers from around the world to experience both well-known and lesser-known areas and attractions."

The Match Point Movie Map is part of a series to promote London as an ideal film location. Other maps have been produced for Closer, Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason, Thunderbirds, Love Actually, and The Mother.

Particulars: For a free copy, call 1-800-462-2748 or go to www.visitlondon.com.

December 9, 2005

Learn French In France & Before Valentine's Day

If you've ever wished you could speak French, here's your chance to learn -- while luxuriating in the five-star Le Mas Candille on the French Riviera, from February 26 to March 4, 2006. One of the newest Relais & Châteaux members, the charming hotel also boasts a Michelin-starred restaurant -- all of which sounds a lot more enjoyable than your local Berlitz.

The one-week Learn French course will be taught by Christine Gloppe, a Sorbonne graduate who has 22 years experience teaching French to English-speaking adults and executives. She will gear the course toward beginners and intermediates, concentrating on conversational French, with some attention to grammar and punctuation.

There's no more idyllic setting in which to learn "the language of love" than Le Mas Candille. Set on the terraced hills above Cannes, just outside the medieval village of Mougins, the luxurious hotel was transformed from an 18th-century mas or farmhouse. It is set in acres of parkland, surrounded by cypress trees and ancient olive groves, with spectacular views across the Grasse Valley to the foothills of the Alps.

When the the daily three-and-a-half hour language class is over, you can show off your newly-acquired language skills in the Candille Restaurant, which serves the finest French cuisine. Or you can relax in the hotel's heated swimming pool and the award-winning Shiseido Spa, which provides a selection of face and body treatments. Or you can go sightseeing and shopping in Nice.

The "Learn French" package costs $1,685 per person, double occupancy, and includes six nights accommodation, three meals daily, three-and-a-half hours of French lessons each day, one 30-minute spa treatment and private transfers to and from the Nice airport.

Particulars: www.lemascandille.com.

December 8, 2005

A Valentine's Day Gift For The Holidays

Just in time for gift giving, France Vacations has come up with a romantic "Valentine's Day In Paris" package. It starts at just $789 per person, double occupancy for departures from Philadelphia or Pittsburgh on Air France.

It includes round trip air, 6 hotel nights, private transfer from the airport to the hotel, 1/2 bottle of Champagne in your room, a Seine River cruise, a 5-day Metro Pass, dinner and dancing at Les Copins d'Abord on Valentine's Day and daily breakfast.

Your three hotels choices are:

Roma Sacre Coeur (18th) $789
Duquesne Eiffel (7th) $1,009
Observatoire Luxembourg (5th) $1,089

Starting prices from other cities:

• Cleveland: $779
  
• Boston, Los Angeles and New York: $799
  
• Baltimore and Washington: $819
  
• Detroit: $849
  
• Chicago: $859
  
• Miami, Orlando and Minneapolis/St. Paul: $869
  
• Dallas, Denver, Seattle and St. Louis: $899
  
• Cincinnati, Houston and New Orleans: $919
  
• Las Vegas, Phoenix, Portland, San Diego: $949
  
• San Francisco: $1,009

December 7, 2005

Aurora Borealis: A Canadian Adventure

Heartland International Travel and Tours, in conjunction with the Manitoba Museum, Bakers Narrows Lodge and Bearskin Air, is offering an all-inclusive weekend tour to experience one of nature's most exciting displays ... the Aurora Borealis. It is priced at $1,749 CDN per person, double occupancy. The dates: March 24-27.

In addition to observing the spectacular Northern Lights from the deck of the largest winter lodge in Manitoba, the tour also includes ice fishing, a unique lake excursion aboard an enclosed Bombadier ice tractor, a tour to the Flin Flon Mining Museum, a visit to an Aboriginal art gallery, a slide presentation by a local historian as well as cultural art demonstrations such as caribou tufting and willow furniture making.

You'll also see the Planetarium's presentation of "Fire in the Sky." This will be followed by a private workshop conducted by the resident astronomy expert who will provide tips on how to best capture the Aurora on film.

Non-stop Winnipeg - Flin Flon - Winnipeg flights, all meals and activities and three nights in a private cabin at Bakers Narrows Lodge round out the package.

Particulars: 1-866-890-3377, www.heartlandtravel.ca/northern_lights.htm.

December 6, 2005

Ski For Free With United Vacations

Book a four (or more) day ski vacation from United Vacations and get one free day of skiing per adult. This sale is valid at 25 ski resorts in the mountains of Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, and Canada, including Lake Tahoe and Jackson Hole.

Note: Free lift tickets are not valid for travel Dec. 15 - Jan. 10.

Particulars: 1-888-328-6877, www.unitedvacations.com.

December 5, 2005

Budapest: $579 With Airfare

With plenty of of wild gypsy music and good red wine in its taverns, Budapest is one of those European cities that's really fun to visit in winter.

One of our favorite companies, TourCrafters, has made the Hungarian capital affordable and easy with their 5-day/4-night "Budapest Hot Deal," which starts at $579 and includes round-trip transatlantic air, four overnights at the Hotel Ibis Emke, daily breakfast, hotel service charges and taxes.

About the city... This two-part city on the banks of the Danube (Buda is the hilly side, Pest the flat side) is full of cozy restaurants that welcome visitors with hearty goulash soup and veal paprikas and legendary coffee houses that dispense delicious pastries.

In addition to normal castle/church/museum sightseeing, there's always an opera, operetta or concert on for music lovers. Shoppers will enjoy checking out the paprika and foie gras in the Central Market Hall and Herend china on Váci Utca. And fitness buffs can even take a swim in one of the capital's famous thermal baths.

About the hotel... The modern, recently renovated Hotel Ibis Emke is located in the heart of Pest and boasts shuttle bus service to and from the airport. All of its rooms feature minibars, satellite television and hairdryers; non-smoking rooms are available on request.

Prices from other cities... The $579 price is for Boston departures. The New York price is $639, Washington is $677, Miami is $704, Chicago is $664, Houston is $744 and Los Angeles and San Francisco are $804.

Package prices are valid until December 15 and then again from January 3 to March 31, 2006. All prices are per person, double occupancy, are subject to availability and do not include airport taxes or fuel surcharge.

Particulars: Call 1-800-482-5995 or visit www.tourcrafters.com.

December 2, 2005

European Cruises: $998 & Free Airfare

The new Grand Value Cruising Program comes with free airfare and rates starting at just $798. It's available on 16 of Uniworld's Dutch and German itineraries this spring.

Scott Franey, vice president of Uniworld explains that guests can explore on their own or join optional shore excursions. "As a result, we are able to offer these cruises at extremely attractive prices that include stateroom upgrades and free airfare from select cities."

The nine-day cruises are through either Holland or Germany, with various departure dates from late March through early May.

Fares incl roundtrip from Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Dulles, New York, Newark or Philadelphia plus an outside stateroom, all meals and select guided shore excursions.

Note: Reservations must be booked by Jan. 31, 2006.

Particulars: 1-800.733.7820, or www.uniworld.com.

December 1, 2005

New York Hotel: $169/Night

The special "B&B Package" at Manhattan's Hotel Pennsylvania now starts at just $169/night.

Steve Leonard, marketing director, tells us that the package includes a Penn 5000 Club Room with access to the Club Lounge. The Lounge offers continental breakfast, newspapers, free use of computers with high speed Internet access and other ammenities.

$Tip: Book on the hotel's web site and get Shopper's Coupons good at many of New York's most popular stores.

Note: Rates vary according to the time of year.

The hotel, which recently renovated its 1,700 rooms, is on 7th Avenue at 33rd Street and is convenient to Penn Station, the Jacob Javits Convention Center and the Empire State Building.

Around since 1919, it is known for having the longest-running telephone number in New York City, immortalized in Glenn Miller's famous song, "Pennsylvania 6-5000."

Particulars: 1-212-736-5000, 1-800-223-8585, www.hotelpenn.com.

November 30, 2005

Chicago Hotel: $98/Night

Need an extra room for the relatives this holiday season? Or a retreat for yourself?

The Hotel Monaco Chicago has a special "Ho-Ho-Ho-liday Rate" of $98. The hotel, at 225 North Wabash, overlooks the Chicago River and is close to shopping on both Michigan Avenue and State Street.

Every evening, there's a complimentary wine hour.

The special rate, based on single or double occupancy, runs through January 2, with New Year's Eve subject to a higher rate. If you wish to upgrade to a suite, it's another $100.

Note: The Monaco Chicago is a member of the Kimpton Hotel Group, a long-time favorite with TravelSmart readers.

Particulars: 1-866-610-0081 or www.monaco-chicago.com. You must ask for Rate Code HHH.

November 29, 2005

Irish Tour: $1,159 For 7 Nights

On this escorted tour you'll spend seven nights at 4- and 5-star hotels and castles and enjoy five hotel dinners and full Irish bkfst each morning. A luxury motorcoach will take you to all the key sites -- Ring of Kerry, Waterford Crystal Factory, Cliffs of Moher, Dublin, etc.

The hotels: Bunratty Castle Hotel, Killarney Towers, Faithlegg House, Jury's Ballsbridge, Dromoland.

Air is extra. The low price runs from February 22 to November 16, 2006. Ask for the "Treasures Tour."

Particulars: Sceptre Tours, 800-221-0924, www.sceptretours.com.

November 28, 2005

Charter Your Own Yacht

For those who like cruises but don't enjoy being on a ship with hundreds of cabins, dining with total strangers, and being surrounded by video arcades, TravelSmart has the perfect solution -- charter your own yacht. Ideal for getting away with family and friends, for a reunion or an anniversary celebration.

And, there's no need for a passport or visa if you head for Florida's Intracoastal Waterway (ICW), a placid channel just inside the Gulf of Mexico. Cruising this area takes you past Sanibel, Captiva, the lovely Useppa Islands, historic Gasparilla Island (named for Jose Gaspar, the Spanish pirate and an early settler) and more. It's an area known for its exotic birds -- there are 278 species, some in permanent residence, others migratory. And, of course the fishing, swimming and waterfront restaurants are great.

We recommend going with the North Fort Myers-based Southwest Florida Yachts, founded in 1984 by Barb Hansen and her husband. Among their many choices -- 5 days on a 36' Grand Banks Trawler runs about $3,000, including an experienced captain. For 4 people that's approximately $150/day plus fuel and food.

Particulars: 800-262-7939, www.swfyachts.com.

November 23, 2005

Beijing: $777 With Airfare

Off-season rates for the Beijing In a Week Package, start at just $777 per person double occupancy and include roundtrip air from San Francisco or Los Angeles, five nights at the 5-star New Otani Hotel, sightseeing in an AC motor coach, most meals and entertainment. The single supplement is $300.

Note: These low rates run through March 25.

You'll visit the historic Ming Tomb Museum, Temple of Heaven, Forbidden City, Summer Palace, Great Wall and more.

Departing from other cities...

If you depart from New York, the package is $1,027. Add-on fares from Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Miami, Washington (DC) and Toronto start at $100.

Particulars: Contact Ritz Tours at 1-800-900-2446 or visit www.ritztours.com.

November 22, 2005

Spain's Costa Del Sol: $569

This incredible 6-night is just $569 from Boston; add-on fares are $35 from New York, $80 from Washington (DC), $90 from Chicago and $120 frm Atlanta.

The package includes roundtrip air to Malaga, 6 nights in the 4-star Gran Hotel Costa del Sol, daily breakfast and hotel service charges and taxes.

$Tip: For only $60 more you can add on 6 dinners; or 3 meals per day is $180 additional.

The modern, beachfront hotel, just outside the picturesque village of Mijas, has a swimming pool, bar and restaurant; rooms have terraces and satellite TV; golf nearby.

The dates are January 2 to March 25.

Particulars: TourCrafters, 1-800-482-5995, or www.tourcrafters.com.

November 21, 2005

San Francisco's Carlton Hotel: $109

Now through March 31, rooms at the Carlton Hotel, 1075 Sutter Street, start at just $109 per night -- that's a savings of up to 30%.

If you book two to six nights, you can choose a unique cultural experience for each day of your stay. A "Local's Tip Sheet" will be provided for each cultural destination, with suggestions of where to go and what to see, along with a gift certificate for two to a special spot in each neighborhood. You can choose from these six experiences:

• JAPANESE: Tranquil Communal Baths at Kabuki Springs & Spa in Japantown

• LATIN: Peruvian & Latino Nuevo Fusion Cuisine at Limon in The Mission

• IRISH: Live Celtic Music & Libations at the Star & Plough in The Richmond

• CHINESE: Traditional Tea Service at Chinatown's Imperial Tea Court

• GAY: Feature Movie Package at the Historic Castro Theater in The Castro

• ITALIAN: Espresso and Delectables at Steps of Rome in North Beach's Little Italy

Particulars: Call: 1-800-922-7586 or visit www.hotelcarltonsf.com.

November 18, 2005

Save $200 On Ireland Tour

The Essence of Ireland Tour is an easy-paced motor-coach tour escorted by a friendly and knowledgeable Irish guide. With the perfect balance of exciting sightseeing activities and leisure time, the 7-night itinerary includes stops in Shannon, Adare, Killarney, Blarney, Waterford, Kilkenny, Dublin and Clare. Scheduled sites include: the Cliffs of Moher, The Ring of Kerry, Blarney Castle and The Blarney Woollen Mills, Waterford Crystal Factory, St. Patrick's Cathedral and more. Rounding off the trip is an overnight stay and Gala Farewell Dinner at the 5-star Dromoland Castle.

An Early Bird Discount is valid on bookings made by Dec. 31 for all 2006 dates. You must use the promotional code: EBB.

Rates start at $1,054 per person, land-only. Full Irish breakfast daily and 4 Irish dinners are included in addition to the final Gala Farewell Dinner. Accommodations are at 4- and 5-star properties including Bunratty Castle and Dromoland Castle.

Low airfare can be arranged from most U.S. gateways.

Particulars: Call 1-877-331-9301 or visit www.DooleyVacations.com. Don't forget to mention code: EBB.

November 17, 2005

Discounts On Windstar Cruises

Rich Worldwide Travel Agency is offering special savings on Windstar Cruises' St. Thomas and Barbados journeys through the end of 2005. Happily, the discounts apply to holiday voyages, with prices starting at just $1,495 per person.

Sailing in luxury aboard the Wind Surf or Wind Spirit, ports of call may include St. Thomas, St. John, Puerto Rico, St. Martin, St. Lucia, St. Barthelemy, Saba, Grenada, Barbados, Dominica, Anguilla, Tobago, Guadeloupe and the British Virgin Islands. The ships carry up to only 300 passengers.

Available sailings:

• 7-day St. Thomas to Barbados: Nov. 27 departure – priced from $1,495 per person
• 7-day Barbados Roundtrip: Dec. 4 & 11 departures – priced from $1,495 per person
• 7-day St. Thomas Roundtrip: Dec. 3 & 10 departures – priced from $1,795 per person
• 10-day St. Thomas Roundtrip: Dec. 17 departure – priced from $2,595 per person*
• 10-day Barbados Roundtrip: Dec. 18 departure – priced from $2,595 per person*
• 11-day Barbados Roundtrip: Dec. 28 departure – priced from $3,095 per person*
• 11-day St. Thomas Roundtrip: Dec. 27 departure – priced from $3,295 per person*

Particulars: Call 1-877-RICHTRAVEL, ext 145 or visit www.richtravel.com.

November 16, 2005

Holiday Gift Of Travel: Vienna, Prague Or Budapest

This winter, Austrian Airlines Vacation Center, operated by IMTC, offers three outstanding luxury packages, each priced at an incredible $759 per person, double occupancy. They make the ideal gift for someone on your holiday list.

Each package includes roundtrip transportation on Austrian Airlines with three nights at the InterContinental Hotel in Vienna, Prague or Budapest. Travel is valid from either New York (JFK) or Washington (IAD) between January 5 and March 31, 2006.

The Luxury City Steal consists of three nights hotel accommodation at the InterContinental Hotel in the city you select, daily buffet breakfast, hotel service charges and hotel taxes, as well as roundtrip economy class airfare from JFK or IAD to that same city.

You may stay in Europe up to 30 days, and you can use the package's hotel accommodations at the beginning or at the end of your trip, as long as you take all three nights consecutively.

Furthermore, one optional stopover in Vienna is allowed, so if you select this package beyond Vienna, you may add some extra days on your way to or from your final destination – though of course, additional hotel accommodations are extra. Extension nights at the InterContinental Hotel in each city are available @ $139 per person in a double room, or $249 in a single, while the single supplement is $249, to be added to the basic package price.

Particulars: Call 1-800-790-4682, www.austrianair-vacations.com.

November 15, 2005

A Week In Hong Kong: $999 With Airfare!

Now through December 23, the Hong Kong in a Week package is priced from $999 per person, double occupancy. That's 25% off regular rates. From Ritz Tours, it includes:

• Roundtrip air from Los Angeles or San Francisco (add $150 for NY)
• Five nights at the Kowloon Hotel, Hyatt Regency or the Sheraton
• Daily American buffet breakfast
• Roundtrip airport/hotel transfers
• Half-day sightseeing tour with stops at majestic Victoria Peak for panoramic views of Hong Kong and its harbor, Repulse Bay and Aberdeen's Floating Community.

Particulars: 1-800-900-2446, www.ritztours.com.

November 14, 2005

Loews Annapolis: $115/Night

Loews "Winter White Sale" in America's Sailing Capital, is priced at just $115/night from December 1 through March 17. That's 28% off regular rates for this time period.

Loews Annapolis, at 126 West Street, is in the heart of the historic district. Nearby: Chesapeake Bay, City Dock, the State Capitol, the US Naval Academy and antique shops.

The recently renovated 217-room luxury hotel, is home to Breeze Restaurant, known for its imaginative seafood dishes.

Particulars: Call 410-263-7777 or visit: www.loewshotels.com.

November 11, 2005

Israel: 7 Nights With Airfare, $1,499

This low rate of $1,499 includes roundtrip, nonstop air from New York, 7 nights in a first class hotel, breakfast daily and a choice of lunch or dinner daily.

Daily tours will take you to leading historical and religious sites including Jerusalem, Nazareth, the Jordan River, Masada, the Sea of Galilee, Capernaum and Bethlehem, with stops at popular attractions in Tel Aviv, the Dead Sea and along the Mediterranean.

The winter package is available only from El Al Airlines now through March 31, with the exception of December 16-24.

Particulars: Call 1-800-El-AL-SUN.

November 10, 2005

Boston Brunch: Only $5

Located on Boylston Street in Boston's Back Bay, the Pour House is justifiably extremely popular. But be prepared for loud music, a quirky decor and big crowds with DJs spinning songs upon request. The kitchen stays open until 1.30am.

The two biggest draws of The Pour House are its weekend brunch for less than $5 and its half-price specials on certain nights. Wednesdays, for example, boasts half-price grilled chicken sandwiches. On Thursdays Mexican dishes are half price. Saturday rounds out the week with half-price burgers.

You can dine at a table or at the bar. Servers are friendly and always quick when it comes to refilling your glass. (A 22 ounce mug of draft beer, of which there are many to choose from, costs only $3.75 - $5.)

$Tip: On weekend nights, representatives from various liquor companies often show up to promote their product through drink specials and t-shirt giveaways.

Particulars: The Pour House, 907 Boylston St, 617-236-1767, www.BostonPourHouse.com.

(Emily Bender & C. Paul Luongo)

November 9, 2005

Manchester (VT) Inn: 50% Off On Fall Rates

As autumn leaves fall, so do lodging rates at the Wilburton Inn in Manchester (VT).

From now until Nov. 22, the "Harvest Value Rates" which include accommodation, daily breakfast, afternoon tea and a coupon discount book for local shopping, range from $125 to $195 nightly. That's 50% less than in the high season.

These low rates are available again from Nov. 26 to Dec. 23.

On Thanksgiving weekend (Nov. 23-26), rates range from $150 to $240. Thanksgiving dinner, served from 3-7pm, will be $45 for adults, $25 for children and $7 for tots. $Tip: Stay a third Thanksgiving weekend night and pay only $125; $150 for a fireplace room.

About the Wilburton Inn

The Wilburton Inn is a 39-room, gabled, turn-of-century (20th) country estate with wrap-around terraces with an elevated, hard-to-beat views southern Vermont.

Full country breakfasts are served in a former billiard room and afternoon refreshments in a lodge-like grand room with blazing fire.

The 20-acre estate that commands the best views in the region was at one time the largest private estate in Manchester. On premise are the mansion, five villas, tennis courts, a swimming pool, sculpture gardens and, in season, vibrant flower beds. Golfing and skiing are minutes from the estate, as is this southern Vermont town's famous shopping area.

The resident owner-hosts are Georgette and Albert Levis.

Particulars: 1-800-648-4944 or www.wilburtoninn.com.

November 8, 2005

London: Portobello Road Antiquing & Lunch

The Antique Market

London abounds with antique markets, but the biggest and still far and away the best is one of the oldest, the Saturday market on Portobello Road. There has been a market on this narrow street in the middle of Notting Hill since the late 1860s when much of the road was built.

Today it features 2,000 vendors selling antiques, jewelry, paintings, coins, silver and all manner of collectibles. Chances are you'll find something irresistible, whether your budget is $25 or $25,000.

To get to Portobello Market, take the Circle, Central or District tube lines to Notting Hill Gate. The action begins gradually at 5.30am even though the 'official' opening time is 8am. It continues all day. Come early for the best selection and smallest crowds.

$TIP: To be sure that descriptions of antiques are accurate, buy only from a member of the Portobello Antiques Dealers Association (look for the PADA logo on stalls and shops). This year marks the 20th anniversary of the group whose members must meet a high standard guaranteeing authenticity of their wares. For a list of members: www.portobelloroad.co.uk.

Nearby Lunch

When you've found your prize, T/S writer Eleanor Berman recommends celebrating with lunch at the Notting Hill Brasserie. This recently opened stylish restaurant in three converted Victorian town houses is tastefully decorated with African and Aboriginal art and features a modern Mediterranean menu by a much lauded young chef, Mark Jankel.

A two-course lunch for $25 might include ravioli of freshwater prawns with a shellfish veloute and a moist roasted sea bream fillet with olive-crushed potatoes and cherry tomatoes. Among the great desserts -- warm berry compote or a banana parfait with chocolate and peanut praline ice cream.

Three courses, only slightly more.

Or, opt for a lighter lunch of salad, dessert and a glass of champagne for $29. Come back for the more expensive dinner or the popular Sunday lunch with live jazz.

Particulars: 92 Kensington Park Rd (one street over, parallel to Portobello), Tel: 020 7229 4481.

November 7, 2005

Low-Cost Airport Parking

Airport parking is tough at holiday time. Hardly surprising since no new airport parking lots have been built since 9/11. The perfect solution: LongTermParking.com.

Each month, a quarter million travelers visit this company's web site which offers free parking reservations and discount coupons for off-site parking at 95 U.S. airports.

Prices at these safe, secured locations -- just minutes from the airports -- are often up to 70% less than on-site airport parking. For instance, on-site parking at LAX can run $30 a day yet through LongTermParking.com, off-site parking can be as little as $7.33 a day. At New York's Kennedy, the off-site price is often only $13 a day while it's even less at Chicago's O'Hare.

All locations offer free shuttle service to and from the airport terminals plus free tire inflations and battery boosts. Some will wash your car for free (with a minimum stay). Others give customers free newspapers, bottled water, coffee or cocoa. SkyPark at the San Francisco Airport hands out free coffee and donuts in the morning while at the Park N Fly facility in Atlanta there's free Delta check-in.

Particulars: At www.LongTermParking.com click the state where your departure airport is located. The locations at which discounted parking is available will pop up. You can also compare the discounts at each airport as well as print out coupon offers. Each site comes with a map and driving directions.

November 4, 2005

Florence & Tuscany: $659 With Airfare

For only $50 more than the normal round-trip air fare from New York to Florence ($609), TourCrafters' "Florence & Tuscany Countryside" package provides not only round-trip air, but also a hotel room in Florence for three nights, a hotel room in Cortona for three nights, a rental car for three days, daily breakfast and hotel service charges and taxes -- all for only $659.

The Hotels

Staying at the 4-star Fenice Palace for three days, travelers can enjoy Florence's art treasures -- Michelangelo's famous David, the Duomo and the Uffizi Gallery for starters -- as well as its wonderful restaurants. Then, while staying at the 4-star Villa Aurea in Cortona, you'll have three more days to explore the countryside of Tuscany in a self-drive car. Tuscan highlights include Cortona (home of Under the Tuscan Sun author, Frances Mayes); Siena, known for the Palio; wine towns like Montalcino; the Chianti vineyards, and dozens of charming little medieval villages.

The "Florence & Tuscany Countryside" package is available from November 15 to December 15 and again from January 2 to March 10.

Add-on air fares are $40 from Boston, $60 from Washington and Chicago and $120 from Miami. Fares from other cities available.

Particulars: 1-800-482-5995 or www.tourcrafters.com.

November 3, 2005

Discounts In New York's Chinatown

Lawrence Reuter, president of the NY City Transist System, tells us that the MetroCard, good on all city subways and buses, will include special deals and discounts in Chinatown through February 15th. (The card costs $2 per ride.)

Riders will receive 10% off at select Chinatown restaurants and shops as well as two-for-one admission to the Museum of the Chinese in the Americas by simply presenting their MetroCard.

Brochures with details about Chinatown discounts are available at subway stations and the Chinatown Information Kiosk located at Canal, Baxter and Walker streets.

Tip: Keep in mind that the Lunar New Year, one of the most exciting times to be in Chinatown, will be on January 29th.

Particulars: www.MTA.info or www.ExploreChinatown.com.

November 2, 2005

Shop Tax Free In Mexico

Starting July 1, 2006, thanks to a law recently passed by Mexico's Congress with overwhelming support, tourists will be reimbursed for taxes paid on purchases made in Mexico.

Spearheaded by Rodolfo Elizondo Torres, Mexico's Secretary of Tourism, the law will grant international visitors a full refund of the tax added to purchases if the buyer follows these two steps:

1. The merchandise acquired must be purchased in Mexico and verified by airport or seaport customs.

2. The value of the purchase made by the visitor must be verified with a receipt presented at time of departure to be worth at least 1,200 Mexican pesos (approximately US$110).

November 1, 2005

Millennium Hotels: $119 - $149/Night Sale

Millennium Hotels has special rates at four of its properties that include a $100 credit that can be used for meals or drinks at the hotel.

Individual hotel rates per night:

• Buffalo: $100 through January 31
• Cincinnati: $100 through December 30
• Nashville: $100 through December 30
• Scottsdale: $129 - $149 November 16 - January 11

October 31, 2005

Toronto 'Lord Of The Rings Package': Two Hotel Nights & Airfare: $599

This inexpensive Lord of the Rings package includes round-trip airfare from New York via Air Canada, two nights at the Delta Chelsea Hotel and orchestra level tickets to the musical version of J.R.R. Tolkien's "Lord of the Rings."

Prices from other U.S. gateways include: Boston and Chicago $619, Atlanta $649, Miami $689 and Los Angeles $789.

The package, from Maxxim Vacations, runs from February 2 to April 30, 2006. Extra hotel nights available.

Venue for this musical is the 2,000-seat Princess of Wales Theatre, opened in 1993 by Princess Diana and home of the long running "The Lion King."

Particulars: 1-800-567-6666, www.maxximvacations.com.

October 28, 2005

Special Teachers' Rate: $399 For Irish Package

Dooley Vacations is offering teachers a special rate on its four night Irish Pub Tour this winter. The price, $399 per person double occupancy, includes a professional guide, excellent hotels and most meals.

You'll stay two nights at the lovely Imperial Hotel in Galway and two in Dublin's popular Jurys Inn Custom House. Meals include two Irish dinners and a full Irish breakfast each morning.

Among the sites on the tour: the Guinness Storehouse, the majestic Cliffs of Moher (which stand 700 feet above the Atlantic Ocean and extend for more than five miles) and the charming seaside village of Doolin. Time is also set aside to study the priceless Book of Kells and visit St. Patrick's Cathedral.

"We feel that teachers are far too underappreciated and as strong believers in the importance of education, we would like to extend this tour to our educators at the special low price of $399," Claire Haughney, brand manager for DooleyVacations told us.

The $399 rate is valid for February 4, 11 and 18 departures. Caution: It must be booked by December 31 and you must use the promotional code TBD. Low-priced airfare (not included) can be arranged.

Particulars: Call 1-877-331-9301 or www.DooleyVacations.com.

October 27, 2005

Sleep In An Irish Castle: $89/Night

Cross Country International is offering this terrific bargain. Stay for two nights or as long as you please. Special airfares are available from Aer Lingus for travel from New York, Boston, Chicago and Los Angeles starting at just $228 roundtrip.

If you like horseback riding, daily trail rides through forests and valleys on lovely Irish sport horses are also available for an additional $99 per day.

Kinnitty Castle, a lavish 37-bedroom hotel with first-class amenities and traditional Irish entertainment, has tennis courts, modern health facility, and two cozy pubs. There are also plenty of opportunities for golfing, hiking, biking, shooting, falconry, fishing, sightseeing and shopping.

You can also travel along the Shannon River or visit the nearby ruins of the 9th century Saint Kieran's Abbey and the spooky Leap Castle, "the most haunted castle in Ireland."

Particulars: Call: 1-800-828-8768 or visit www.equestrianvacations.com/ horseback_riding/kinnitty.php.

October 26, 2005

Save $200 On French River Cruise

You can save $200 per couple on the popular Paris to Normandy (or vice versa) cruise this spring if you book by November 30th.

Offered by France Vacations, it's priced at $2,599 per person. On the April 12, 19 and 26 departures that includes an onboard cooking school.

Also included:

• Round trip air from the U.S.
• Airport/hotel transfers airport/hotel
• Five nights in Paris at the 3-star Duquesne Eiffel -- two upon arrival & three upon on return from the ship
• Daily hotel breakfast and city tax
• Round trip hotel/barge transfers
• Six nights on the Espirit d'Europe
• All meals including wine and all sightseeing while on the ship
• Cooking School classes

This modern vessel is tastefully decorated and fully air-conditioned. It has a spacious salon, dining area, bar and roomy sundeck. All 19 cabins are outside with portholes or windows and have private shower/bathrooms. There is one crewmember for every three passengers.

You'll visit Chateau de Malmaison (the favorite home of Napoleon and Josephine), the house and gardens of Claude Monet in Giverny, the cathedrals of Rouen and the charming seaport of Honfleur. An air-conditioned coach takes you on each excursion in comfort.

Prices...

From New York, Boston, Los Angeles, Chicago, Charlotte, Detroit, Miami, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh or Washington: $2,499

From Cleveland, Cincinnati, Denver, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Houston, Indianapolis, Memphis, New Orleans, Orlando, Salt Lake City, St. Louis, Tampa: $2,599

From Las Vegas, Portland, Phoenix, Seattle and San Francisco: $2,699

Particulars: 1-800-332-5332 or www.francevacations.net.

October 25, 2005

The Algarve: $599 With Air & Hotel

Just a little over six hours from New York, the Algarve has mild temperatures and a sunny fall and winter season. This part of Southern Portugal is famous for its white washed seaside villages, picturesque fishing towns and great food.

Visit Spain has a six night package priced at just $599 per person, double occupancy that runs from November 1 to December 14 and again from January 7 to March 31. The single supplement ranges from $100 to $140, depending upon the date.

The package includes:

• Roundtrip air fare from New York
• Six nights at the 4-star resort, Tivoli Arade
• Full buffet breakfast daily
• All hotel service taxes.

Particulars: 1-866-878-4604 or www.visitspaintours.com.

October 24, 2005

New York Apartments: $109/Night

Metro-Home, provider of guest apartments throughout Manhattan, has just announced an early holiday gift for everyone awaiting the January department store sales.

During January, studios will start at just $109 per night and 1-bedroom apartments start at $179 per night, based on availability. These rate include a "Welcome to New York" breakfast of orange juice, muffins, bagels with cream cheese & lox, coffee and tea -- in the apartment the first morning.

$Tip: Metro-Home's accommodations, on average, are 25% less than hotel rooms.

About the apartments

Metro-Home has a variety of professionally decorated apartments in Greenwich Village, SoHo, Midtown, the Upper West Side and beyond -- all convenient to major attractions.

The furnished apartments include fully equipped kitchens for those guests who wish to order up or cook & eat in, fresh linens, cable TV, telephone & data port for Internet access, as well as an answering machine, access to laundry facilities and more.

Hotel services are available -- doormen, concierge, maid, and fitness center. If you wish, the refrigerator can be stocked prior to arrival and dinner (from a local chef) can be waiting on the table -- piping hot and ready to serve.

Particulars: Call: 1.800.987.1235, or visit www.Metro-Home.com.

October 20, 2005

New Packages At Toronto's Soho Met Hotel

These three packages are available until December 30th.

The Boys Will Be Boys package invites old friends to reconnect, catch a Blue Jays game at Toronto's Rogers Centre and let loose on top of the city in Toronto's most lavish two-bedroom, three-story penthouse suite, which comes complete with six-person hot tub and man-sized grill on the expansive rooftop terrace.

This package is based on double occupancy and for $1,887 US and includes:

• One night in the Penthouse Suite
• 2 tickets to a Toronto Blue Jay's game
• One 'beer and nuts' amenity
• Gourmet pizza, ribs and buffalo wings prepared by renowned Senses Bakery & Restaurant for in-suite dining
• Complimentary playing cards and poker chips

It includes:

• Deluxe overnight accommodations
• One in-room aromatherapy massage
• A Molton Brown bubble bath
• In-room dining prepared by the award-winning Senses Bakery & Restaurant
• A complimentary movie selection from the hotel's DVD library
• One 'hot chocolate and cookies' amenity

About The SoHo Metropolitan... The SoHo Metropolitan, which opened in 2003, has some of the largest hotel rooms in Toronto with floor-to-ceiling windows that provide panoramic views of downtown from its prime location at the corner of Blue Jays Way and Wellington Street, as well as a sleek contemporary lobby graced by a Dale Chihuly glass-art installation. It has a state-of-the-art fitness centre, steam room and lap pool and spa.

Particulars: 1-800-668-6600 or www.soho.metropolitan.com.

October 18, 2005

Hockey Hall Of Fame Tour, With Tickets

Calling all puck fans!

Roadtrips, a travel company that specializes in sports-related trips, now has a wide variety of hockey tours including trips to the Winter Games in Turin, the Stanley Cup and "Getaway" packages to all 30 NHL arenas.

One of the company's most popular packages, the fully escorted Hockey Hall of Fame Tour, gives travelers the opportunity to visit four national hockey league arenas and the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto. The five day Hall of Fame tour runs from April 4-8 and includes a behind-the-scenes tour of the Bell Centre in Montreal, a visit to Niagara Falls and games in Montreal, Toronto, Buffalo and Ottawa.

Travel between cities is by deluxe private coach and hotels include the Westin Harbour Castle in Toronto.

Prices: Land cost, including all game tickets, accommodations, deluxe coach transportation, tour souvenir, Bell Centre tour and Hockey Hall of Fame admission is $1,295 for double or triple occupancy and $1,595 for singles. Options for extra nights and extra games are available.

Particulars: 1-800-465-1765 or www.roadtrips.com/hockey-travel-tours.php.

October 17, 2005

Four Nights In Sicily: $635 With Air!

Winter in Sicily is so sunny and mild that even in February, when northern cities are blanketed with mounds of dirty snow, Sicily's landscape is covered with clouds of white almond blossoms. Which makes this winter Sunny Break in the charming and scenic resort of Taormina all the more appealing. It's offered by TourCrafters, a long time favorite with TravelSmart readers.

$TIP: Note that the round-trip Sicily air fare alone normally costs $629!

TourCrafters' 5-day/4-night package costs only $635 and includes not only round-trip air fare from New York to Catania, but also accommodations at the modern hillside Bay Palace Hotel, daily breakfast and hotel service charges and taxes. The package is valid from November 6 to December 15 and again from January 6 to March 15.

A room at the centrally-located Isabella Hotel, right on the Corso Umberto (Taormina's main shopping street) costs just $84 more.

Add-on air fares are $40 from Boston and Washington, $70 from Chicago and $85 from Miami. TourCrafters' reservations agents can provide fares from other cities.

About the area... In addition to golf, tennis, swimming, shopping and sitting around in a cafe, Taormina's rich history provides a wealth of sightseeing: the ancient Greco-Roman theater, the Roman Odeon, several palaces and Italy's most famous volcano, Mount Etna. From Taormina it's also easy to see an opera in Catania's Teatro Massimo, tour the beautiful city of Siracusa or even visit the Greek temples at Agrigento.

Particulars: 1-800-482-5995 or www.tourcrafters.com.

October 14, 2005

Vienna, Prague Or Budapest: $699

This Luxury City Steal Package includes three nights at the InterContinental Hotel in the city you select, daily buffet breakfast, hotel service charges and hotel taxes, as well as roundtrip economy class airfare from New York or Washington (DC) on Austrian Airlines.

Dates: This especially good package is for travel between November 1 and December 15 and again from January 5 to March 31.

You may stay in Europe up to 30 days and use the package's hotel accommodations at the beginning or at the end of your trip, as long as you take all three nights consecutively.

Extension nights at the InterContinental Hotel in each city are available @ $139 per person in a double room or $249 in a single.

Note: These packages must be paid in full within 7 days after reservations are confirmed and no later than 14 days prior to departure. Once confirmed, the packages are non-refundable, non-transferable and cannot be changed.

Particulars: 1-800-790-4682, www.austrianair-vacations.com.

October 13, 2005

Learn How To Operate A Yacht

Near Fort Myers (FL), on a little bayou just off the Caloosahatchee River, portable classrooms glow white in the morning sun. These classrooms are actually yachts used by the Florida Sailing & Cruising School where students study, prepare their own meals and sleep on board.

Course work includes steering, plotting, casting-off, cruising, learning to operate the marine radio, anchoring, maneuvering the vessel in and out of slips, tieing-up. The sessions are limited to four or fewer students, couples or singles in each of the two cabins.

Tuition ranges from $395 (two days) up to $2,795 (12 days).

Particulars: 1-800-262-7939 or: www.flsailandcruiseschool.com.

October 11, 2005

Boston Bruins & Celtics Packages

The Onyx Hotel in downtown Boston is running a special Sports Fanatic Package from December 15 to April 30 with rates starting at $229/night.

It is available to anyone with tickets to a Bruins or Celtics game at the TD BankNorth Garden (formerly the Fleet Center). It includes accommodations in a deluxe guestroom with one king-sized or two double beds; a six-pack of Samuel Adams Boston Lager; a premier bottle opener; a bottomless bowl of pretzels; a current copy of Sports Illustrated magazine and breakfast.

Other amenities include complimentary use of the 24-hour fitness room, evening wine hour, morning coffee and tea service and in room high-speed, Wi-Fi Internet access.

$TIP: The Onyx Hotel also offers special room rates for guests with proof of ticket purchase for any concert events at The Garden.

About The Onyx Hotel

Located at 155 Portland Street, the 12-story hotel has 112 guest rooms with a modern-luxe look and feel. It's steps away from the TD BankNorth Garden, North Station, the North End, the Financial District, Faneuil Hall and the Waterfront.

Particulars: 1-866-ONYX, www.onyxhotel.com.

October 7, 2005

Spend Christmas In Mexico

Casa del Mar Beach, Golf & Spa Resort is running a special Ditch The In-Laws Package for Christmas week. Their thought -- escape the madness and head south of the border to Cabo San Luca.

The package, December 21 - 26, includes:

• Five nights' accommodations
• Daily American breakfast for two
• Christmas Dinner with a bottle of wine for two
• Two $50 gift certificates per room to use at Sueños del Mar Spa
• Roundtrip airport transfers
• Taxes & gratuities
• Welcome margaritas upon arrival
• Complimentary transportation to Cabo San Lucas each morning
• A 25% discount on green fees at Cabo Real Golf Course
• Use of four tennis courts and equipment
• Complimentary access to resort spa which includes sauna, steam room and Jacuzzi (treatments are additional)

Note: On December 22, Casa del Mar enacts the parade of Santos Peregrinos at the entrance of the resort. Once inside, a 'fiesta' begins. Live music; ponche (fruit cocktail with "piquete" tequila) or without tequila; churros; champurrado; mini quesadillas; mini taquitos; mini empanadas round out the festivities and food; and authentic piñatas are available for children to smash for their special gift. It's a traditional celebration that guests return to year after year.

About the resort...

Situated where the desert meets the white sand and turquoise waters of the Sea of Cortez at the tip of Mexico's Baja California, Casa del Mar is an intimate 56-room hacienda-style resort. Graceful arches, cobbled courtyards, tiled fountains and authentic Mexican hacienda architecture, are combined with an infinity pool and lush tropical gardens.

There's a spa, Jacuzzi, sauna, steam room, fully equipped gym. The four tennis courts and a paddle tennis court are lighted for nighttime play. The concierge can arrange sport fishing, water sports, diving and snorkeling, sunset cruises, horseback riding and motorcycle rides in the desert.

All guest rooms have an ocean view and either a terrace or balcony.

Particulars: Call: 1-888-227-9621 or www.CasadelMarMexico.com.

October 5, 2005

Ireland: 6 Nights, $399

DooleyVacations.com has just unveiled a new 6-night Classic Ireland Vacation and it comes with a 40% discount for travel between Nov. 1 and March 31. It includes:

• Six nights accommodations – including two nights at the five-star Glenlo Abbey in County Galway
• Full Irish breakfast each morning
• A standard three-door car rental with unlimited mileage
• Admission to the world-famous Waterford Crystal factory with a 10% discount on all purchases ... and much more.

During the final nights at Glenlo Abbey, there is a complimentary dinner at the five-star property's award-winning Pullman Restaurant.

Note: Airfare is extra.

Particulars: 1-877-331-9301 or www.dooleyvacations.com.

October 4, 2005

Sleep In Basel, Switzerland For $20/Night

That's the rate at the 24-room easyHotel (www.easyHotel.com) for a double room.

Tiny price also means a tiny room -- 97 to 172 square feet.

All rooms have a double bed, private shower and pay-as-you-go TV; 21 of them have a window and those without have AC.

The easyHotel is located at Riehenring 19 in the center of town.

Note: There's also a London easyHotel.

October 3, 2005

Free Heathrow Transfers At London's Draycott Hotel

Free transfers from Heathrow to the lovely 35-room Draycott Hotel are available for anyone booking two nights at the corporate rate. And, transfers from Gatwick are 50% off.

Note: Transfers are usually $120 one way from Heathrow and $245 one way from Gatwick.

Draycott Hotel, London

The deluxe hotel, recommended by TravelSmart and a favorite with the newsletter's readers, occupys three majestic late 19th century houses just off Sloane Street in the fashionable Chelsea area. The hotel also overlooks delightful English gardens in the back.

Rates always include afternoon tea and champagne at 6pm; there's also Wi-Fi connection. Most rooms have fireplaces; all are decorated with beautiful antiques and fabrics.

Particulars: 800-747-4942, www.draycotthotel.com.

September 30, 2005

Palm Beach Hotel Holiday Getaway

The European style Chesterfield Hotel, at 363 Cocoanut Row, with its fine, traditional hospitality, is the ideal place to stay, especially during the winter months. The ocean is a short walk away. So are the shops on world-famous Worth Avenue. The hotel's restaurant is noted for its cuisine; the lounge for its generous drinks. Its 41 rooms and 11 suites are decorated with fine fabrics and antiques.

And, between Dec. 15 and Jan. 15, the Chesterfield's Home for the Holidays package, priced from just $735 is the best value in Florida! It includes:

• Three nights in a Queen Superior Room
• Full American breakfast each morning for two
• One traditional Afternoon Tea for two
• One libation each for two in the Leopard Lounge
• Holiday Surprise Gifts
• Valet service

The hotel has a heated pool and Jacuzzi. Passes to nearby gyms can be arranged.

Particulars: 1-800-243-7871, www.chesterfieldpb.com.

September 29, 2005

NYC Holiday Package For The In-Laws

If you need more living space in Manhattan during the holiday season -- for yourself or your family -- Metro-Home has the perfect solution. Called the "Place for the In-laws Holiday Package," it provides guests with their very own "home away from home."

New Yorkers and travelers to New York can rent a fabulous Metro-Home studio or a one-bedroom apartment saving on average 25% over traditional hotel rooms.

Metro-Home can even decorate the apartment ahead of time with Christmas trees or Menorahs.

Studios are $199 per night during the holiday season (November 15 - January 5) and one-bedroom apartments are $269 per night. The rate includes a "welcome to New York" breakfast the first morning. Thanksgiving, Hanukah and Christmas stays require a five-night minimum.

Particulars: 800-987-1235, or www.Metro-Home.com.

September 28, 2005

Free Tank Of Gas At Ohio Inn

As gas prices continue to hover at record prices, one Ohio innkeeper is helping travelers by offering guests who stay at the inn a tank of gas.

Located in southeast Ohio's beautiful Hocking Hills region, The Inn at Cedar Falls will discount midweek overnights in its inn rooms, cottages and cabins by the cost of a tank of gas from any gas station in Hocking County, which at today's gas prices, could be more than $50.

Innkeeper Ellen Grinsfelder told us: "We don't want the price of gas to keep people from experiencing a getaway, so we're offering to buy them a tank of gas just for visiting the Inn."

This special is available from November 1, 2005 until March 1.

About The Inn...

Crafted from several log cabins that date back to the 1800s, the inn is barren of phones, fax machines and data ports. Guests find only breathtaking scenery and miles and miles of trails for bird watching, hiking, horseback riding and more. The Inn's Chef prepares wonderful meals using produce from the Inn At Cedar Falls garden.

Particulars: 1-800-65-FALLS, www.innatcedarfalls.com.

September 26, 2005

Portland (ME) Fall Hotel Packages: $99

The historic Eastland Park Hotel has three new packages for leisure travelers and shopping enthusiasts. They include hotel accommodations overlooking Portland's renowned waterfront.

1. Eastland Park Gas & Go Package provides a $10 gas card and complimentary parking for each night's stay. The rate is $129 per night through Oct. 31 and $99 per night from Nov. 1 through Dec. 30, based on double occupancy.

2. Fall LL Bean Package rewards guests with a $10 LL Bean gift certificate and complimentary parking for each night's stay. The rate is $129 per night through Oct. 31, 2005.

3. Sparkle Shopping Package includes discount coupons to area outlet stores, a $10 LL Bean gift certificate for each night's stay, complimentary parking and an Eastland Park Hotel canvas tote bag. The price is $99 per night from Nov. 1 through Jan. 31.

Particulars: 1-888-671-8008, www.eastlandparkhotel.com.

September 23, 2005

City Steals Offer Flexibility And Variety From $499

Austrian Airlines offers no less than thirteen Winter 2005 / 2006 City Steal vacation packages, valid for travel between November 1 – December 15, 2005 and again from January 5 – March 31, 2006. Prices range from $499 (basic City Steals to Vienna, Prague or Budapest) to $799 (Mozart Combo City Steals) per person, double occupancy, for travel from either New York (JFK) or Washington (IAD). Vienna, Prague or Budapest are $599 and Salzburg, Innsbruck and Krakow, only $559.

These packages, called City Steals, include three hotel nights in the city you select, daily buffet breakfast and hotel service charges and hotel taxes as well as the roundtrip economy class airfare from JFK or IAD. One of the main advantages of any of these vacation packages is their flexibility: you may stay in Europe 30 days and you can use the packages' hotel accommodations at the beginning or the end of your trip, as long as you take them consecutively.

Single supplements, upgrades, additional combinations and extensions are available upon request.

Note: All City Steals must be paid in full within 7 days after reservations are confirmed, and no later than 14 days prior to departure. Once confirmed, the packages are non-refundable, non-transferable, and cannot be changed. All packages will be booked on Austrian Airlines in economy class and are subject to schedule and space availability.

Your minimum stay is 3 nights or one Saturday overnight, and your maximum stay in Europe is 30 days.

Particulars: Austrian Airlines Vacation Center, 1-800-790-4682 or www.austrianair.com.

September 21, 2005

Portland (ME) Fall Hotel Packages: $99

The historic Eastland Park Hotel has three new packages for leisure travelers and shopping enthusiasts. They include hotel accommodations overlooking Portland's renowned waterfront.

(1) Eastland Park Gas & Go Package provides a $10 gas card and complimentary parking for each night's stay. The rate is $129 per night through Oct. 31 and $99 per night from Nov. 1 through Dec. 30, based on double occupancy.

(2) Fall LL Bean Package rewards guests with a $10 LL Bean gift certificate and complimentary parking for each night's stay. The rate is $129 per night through Oct. 31, 2005.

(3) Sparkle Shopping Package includes discount coupons to area outlet stores, a $10 LL Bean gift certificate for each night's stay, complimentary parking and an Eastland Park Hotel canvas tote bag. The price is $99 per night from Nov. 1 through Jan. 31. The landmark hotel is located at 157 High St. next to the Children's Museum of Maine and the Portland Museum of Art. It is steps from the waterfront and has the city's only rooftop lounge.

Particulars: 1-888-671-8008, www.eastlandparkhotel.com.

September 20, 2005

Cambridge (MA) Star Wars Package: $169

May the force be with you as you experience the Star Wars Exhibit at Boston's Museum of Science. It highlights numerous parallels between technologies in the Star Wars films and real-world technology.

The 236-room Hotel Marlowe is offering a special Star Wars Package that includes deluxe accommodations for one night and two VIP tickets to the exhibition. (No standing in line!)

The Marlowe, located along the banks of the Charles River at 25 Edwin H. Land Blvd, is within walking distance of the museum. Guests also receive complimentary wine in the evening, coffee and tea in the morning, use of the fitness room and outdoor mountain bikes, and a morning newspaper.

The package, available Friday, Saturday or Sunday nights from November 12 to April 4, starts at $169/night. Additional passes to the exhibit can be purchased at the hotel for $16 each.

Particulars: 1-800-825-7040, www.hotelmarlowe.com.

September 16, 2005

Tahiti: 5 Nights, $1,299 With Air From LA

This popular package features a 5-night stay on the enchanting island of Moorea and is offered by France Vacations' newest division, Blue Pacific Vacations.

Starting at $1,299 per person double occupancy, it includes practically everything -- round trip air from Los Angeles on Air Tahiti Nui, 5 nights at the Hotel Kaveka in Cooks Bay, inter-island air transportation, all transfers and baggage handling, local taxes and 10 meals.

Upgrades are available staying in garden bungalows at either the Pearl Beach Resort from $1,499, or the Intercontinental Resort Moorea from $1,899.

The package is available November 1 through March 31, excluding holidays.

Particulars: 1-800-798-0590 or www.bluepacificvacations.com.

September 15, 2005

Sagamore Resort 'Christmas in Narnia Package'

Plan ahead for this special holiday event...

The Sagamore's Christmas in Narnia Package coincides with the release of the new film, "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe." Available December 26 - 29, it is priced at $475 per person, double occupancy and includes three nights in lodge suite and breakfast daily.

Highlights include "Aslan's Feast," a celebratory dinner upon vanquishing the White Witch in the Sagamore Dining Room and at turndown, guests will receive Turkish Delight, one of the oldest known confections in the world and a hard-cover copy of the book.

Children will enjoy magic shows, sleigh rides around the resort, building gingerbread wardrobes and decorating masks of Mr. Tummus, Aslan and other favorite characters.

The Sagamore, a private island resort on Lake George in the Adirondacks, is the perfect base for enjoying winter sports such as ice-skating, sledding and other family-related activities. The resort also features a full-service spa, indoor pool and workout center.

Particulars: 1-800-358-3585 or www.thesagamore.com.

September 14, 2005

A Week On The Azores Islands: $579

Europe's closest point to the US, the mid-Atlantic Azores Islands, is a chain of nine dramatic islands with with volcanic mountains, seaside villages and steaming geysers. The islands are just four hours from Boston. With Azores Express's packages, starting at just $579 per person double occupancy, you can chose from seven hotels on three islands. The price also includes roundtrip airfare between Boston and the islands, six nights lodging and breakfast daily.

Departures are on Tuesdays and Fridays from October until the middle of June (prices are somewhat higher on holidays and after April 18, 2006). For slightly more -- $609 per person -- you can stay at the Art Deco Terra Nostra Hotel in Furnas, the Azores' most famous resort town. The Terra Nostra Hotel is built in a botanical garden next to the spa with 23 different varieties of mineral waters, geyser cooking, and a thermal lake. Nearby are two 18-hole golf courses and the only tea plantations in Europe.

The new seafront Terceira Mar Hotel and Resort on the island of Terceira is $779 per person as is the recently opened Hotel do Canal on the marina of the cosmopolitan town of Horta, on the island of Faial.

Note: Children under 6 pay only airfare. Children under 10 pay just 10% of the hotel rate, plus airfare. And, for just $160 each way, passengers can upgrade from coach to Business-Class.

About The Azores...

The Azores remind visitors of not one place, but of many. The architecture is Portuguese; the landscape is rolling, open, and wild - not unlike Ireland. The geysers, crater lakes and ancient lava flowers remind one of a Pacific island. And the mild year-round climate is always fresh and spring like. Even summer is unique in the Azores, often arriving in July and staying into December.

Here, you will find the only tea plantations in Europe, Portugal's tallest peak, more bullfights than anywhere else in Europe, 6,000 pineapple plantations, and any just about every flower that blooms in the western hemisphere.

Particulars: Call 1-800-762-9995 or visit www.Azores-Express.com.

September 13, 2005

Hertz: Special Discounted Ski Season Rates

A head up... special Hertz Ski Rates will be available at 32 car rental locations throughout North America during the ski season. So plan your getaway now. From November 1 through April 30, you'll save $50 on weekly rentals or up to $20 off weekend rentals of Ford Escapes, Explorers, Expeditions, Excursions or similar SUVs.

Frank Camacho, Vice President of Marketing, told us that, "as with all dollar off promotions, Hertz' Ski Rates are not subject to black out dates and members of Hertz #1 Club and #1 Club Gold are able to enjoy the added convenience of reserving an Explorer or Expedition."

Hertz Ski Rates are available at the following locations.

In the US:

Albany, NY
Albuquerque, NM
Aspen, CO
Bangor, ME
Billings, MT
Boise, ID
Boston, MA
Bozeman, MT
Burlington, VT
Colorado Springs, CO
Denver, CO
Durango, CO
Eagle, CO
Flagstaff, AZ
Gunnison, CO
Hailey/Sun Valley, ID
Hartford, CT
Hayden, CO
Idaho Falls, ID
Jackson, WY
Manchester, NH
Pocatello, ID
Portland, ME
Reno, NV
Sacramento, CA
Salt Lake City, UT
Santa Fe, NM
Spokane, WA

In Canada:

Calgary, Alberta
Montreal, Quebec
Quebec City, Quebec
Toronto, Ontario
Vancouver, British Columbia

Tip: When making reservations, you must ask for Promotion Code (PC#) 971946 for $50 off a weekly rental and Promotion Code (PC#) 973114 for $20 off a weekend rental. Weekly rentals require a five-day minimum keep and a Saturday night stay. Advance reservations of 24 hours are required and vehicles are subject to availability.

Particulars: Call: 1-800-654-SKII (1-800-654-7544) or visit www.hertz.com.

September 9, 2005

London: $36/Night -- Basel: $20/Night

You can now sleep in Basel (Switzerland) starting at just $20/night... and that includes a private bath.

The just-opened easyHotel has 24 rooms, varying in size from 97 square feet to 172 square feet. It's located in the center of town at Riehenring 19. All rooms have a double bed, an en-suite shower as well as pay-as-you-go TV. Twenty-one rooms have a window and those without a window have air conditioning.

The easyHotel in London opened on August 1 and has been full or nearly full for over a month. Prices there start at $36 for an en-suite double room and are currently priced up to about $83 during periods of high demand. The 34 London rooms are 60, 70 or 80 square feet in size.

Particulars: www.easyHotel.com

September 7, 2005

Eaglewood (IL) Resort: Frank Lloyd Wright Weekend Package

Eaglewood Resort's Prairie Passion Package is priced at $439. It includes in deluxe accommodations for two people for Friday and Saturday nights, two tickets for a tour of Frank Lloyd Wright's home and studio in nearby Oak Park where Wright spent the first 20 years of his career, an afternoon cocktail, a copy of the book Frank Loyd Wright's Chicago Architecture and a hot stone massage and a mineral water bath in the spa.

About Oak Park & The Weekend...

Oak Park's Historic District, which includes 25 other Wright buildings, surrounding his home and studio. After taking the 11 am guided tour, guests are free to explore this area at their leisure, which is the world's largest concentration of Wright-designed structures.

Following the tour, guests return to the resort and unwind with a complimentary cocktail served in the lobby overlooking the golf course from 5 to 7 pm.

Guests are responsible for transportation to and from the tour. A map and a suggestion of local attractions will be provided for those who would like to make a day out of the trip.

About The Resort...

The 295 room Eaglewood Resort & Spa is located at 1401 Nordic Road in Itasca (IL). It is located on 106 acres, just 35 minutes from downtown Chicago and 12 miles west of O'Hare International Airport. It has a restaurant, spa, championship golf course, swimming pool, fitness center and a retro cosmic bowling alley.

Particulars: 1-877-285-6150 or www.eaglewoodresort.com.

September 6, 2005

China & Asia: Early Bird Discounts

To encourage advance bookings on 2006 vacations, Ritz Tours is offering an Early Bird Discount of up to $400 off per couple ($200 per person) on all its China, Yangtze River & Hong Kong itineraries.

The Early Bird Discount is available on bookings made by Dec. 31, at least 45 days in advance of the departure date. Deposits (of $200 per person; by check, Visa or MasterCard) must be received within seven days of booking (and by Dec. 31, 2005) in order for the discount to apply.

The Early Bird Discount is valid on numerous trips, including the following. Prices quoted are per person, based on double occupancy, and do not include the Early Bird Discount:

China Discovery (10 days) – Beijing, Xian and Shanghai; prices start at $1,499 ($100 off per person).

Yangtze Essence (12 days)– Beijing, Xian, Chongqing, Yangtze River cruise and Shanghai; prices start at $1,999 ($100 off per person).

Yunnan Adventure (14 days) – Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, Shangrila and Hong Kong; prices start at $2,299 ($150 off per person).

Particulars: 1-800-900-2446, www.ritztours.com.

September 2, 2005

Logan, Ohio Inn: Free Tank Of Gas

Located in southeast Ohio's beautiful Hocking Hills region, the Inn at Cedar Falls will discount midweek overnights in its inn rooms, cottages and cabins by the cost of a tank of gas from any gas station in Hocking County, which at today's gas prices, could be more than $50.

"More than ever, Americans are feeling stressed and are seeking an affordable way to relax and unwind," said Inn at Cedar Falls Innkeeper Ellen Grinsfelder. "We don't want the price of gas to keep them from experiencing a much-needed Inn at Cedar Falls getaway, so we're offering to buy them a tank of gas just for visiting the Inn."

This special is available Sunday through Thursday until September 29 and again November 1 to March 1. Show your gas receipt upon checking in.

About the Inn:

Perched on the edge of a craggy gorge in southeast Ohio's spectacular Hocking Hills, the inn is crafted from several log cabins that date back to the 1800s, There are no phones, fax machines or data ports. Guests find only breathtaking scenery and miles and miles of trails for bird watching, hiking, horseback riding and more.

The Inn's Chef prepares wonderful meals using produce from the Inn At Cedar Falls garden. Even the herbs and flowers that decorate the place are rooted just outside the kitchen door.

Particulars: 1-800-65-FALLS or www.innatcedarfalls.com.

August 30, 2005

Rent A NYC Apartment: $170/Night

You can rent a New York City apartment for a weekend or longer. Starting prices:

• Studio, $170/night or $1,250/week
• One-bedroom, with a sleep sofa in the living room, $225/night or $1,650/week
• Two-bedrooms, $325/night or $2,047/week

Tip: From November 1 until December 31, Metro-Home will have a special Girlfriends Get Ready To Shop Package. It's priced from $329 for the first guest per night (additional girlfriends sharing the apartment are $100 per person for the entire 3-night stay. There's a three night minimum stay. The package includes:

A personal shopper
A private limousine for three hours
A $100 treatment at the Avon Spa

Particulars: 1-800-987-1235 or www.metro-home.com.

Tip: Check the web site regularly for "seasonal sales."

August 26, 2005

Rome: $499 With Air From The US

This fall/winter package from Tour Crafters, one of the most reliable travel companies, includes air from New York, four nights at the 3-star Hotel Brasile (within walking distance of the Via Veneto and main train station), breakfast daily and hotel service charges and taxes.

Dates of travel are: November 16 to December 15 and again from January 4 to March 15.

Particulars: 1-800-482-5995, www.tourcrafters.com

Departure City - Add-on Fare

• Boston - $50
• Washington (DC)- $60
• Chicago - $100
• Dallas - $105
• Miami - $120
• Tampa/Orlando - $130
• Phoenix - $150
• Los Angeles - $160
• San Francisco - $162

August 23, 2005

Rail Europe & Online Foreign Currency Exchange

No more standing in line at a currency exchange booth, bleary-eyed and jet-lagged, to get Euros, pounds, rupees or yen at an unfavorable rate. Rail Europe makes it easier than ever to avoid that unpleasantness by ordering foreign currency for more than 100 countries online before leaving home -- and at favorable exchange rates.

Having enough cash on hand will also save you from paying the 3% surcharge that most credit card companies add to all foreign transactions.

Particulars: Go to www.raileurope.com and click on "How to save when buying foreign currency" under "Specials and Promotions" on the home page.

In addition to railpasses and rail tickets throughout Europe and the UK, the site also has links to international phone cards, short term car leasing, maps, guidebooks and tipping and passport information.

August 19, 2005

Montevideo, Uruguay: $899

LANVACATIONS has special packages starting from only $899 per person (double occupancy) to Montevideo. The cultural center of Uruguay, Montevideo is surrounded by white sandy beaches and has a delightful Old Town, theatres, museums and art galleries. The Montevideo Special includes roundtrip air on LAN Airlines, roundtrip transfers, 5-nights in Montevideo, half-day private car tour, breakfast daily and more.

Package price starts from $899 out of Miami for travel through December 9 and again from January 4 to March 31, 2006.

Other gateways include, but are not limited to -- New York $924; Boston/Washington Dulles $939; Los Angeles $949; Atlanta $999; Chicago $1,049; Denver/Las Vegas/San Jose/San Francisco/San Diego $1,124; and Portland/Seattle $1,174.

Other Montevideo Specials:

• Buenos Aires & Montevideo (6 nights) from $949
  
• Buenos Aires, Montevideo & Santiago (7 nights) from $1,129
  
• Montevideo & Punta del Este (6 nights) from $1,399
  

August 17, 2005

Vienna & Mozart: $799

Next year marks the 250th birthday of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, which will be celebrated throughout Europe.

This Mozart Combo Package, put together by Austrian Airlines Vacations, includes 3 nights in Vienna at the Hotel Capri and then 3 nights in 3-star hotels in either Amsterdam, Berlin, Florence or Venice; buffet breakfast daily and hotel service charges and taxes.

It comes with r/t air from New York or Washington (DC). Low-cost add-on fares available from many other cities. It is available from Nov 1 to Dec 15 and again from Jan 5 to March 31, 2006.

$Tip: You can stay in Europe for up to 30 days; use the package at the beginning or end of your trip.

Particulars: 1-800-790-4682 or www.austrianair-vacations.com.

August 16, 2005

No Hamptons Traffic, No Airline Delays, More Time To Play: NYC Area Weekend Getaway, $179/Night

Located just 45 minutes from midtown Manhattan and only five minutes away from the Westchester County Airport, the luxurious 374-room Doral Arrowwood is the ideal retreat for NYC residents and suburbanites looking to get away for the weekend - without wasting precious travel time at the airport or in traffic jams. Nestled on 114 wooded acres in the fashionable Westchester town of Rye Brook, the Doral Arrowwood is offering a Weekend Getaway Package for families.

Priced at $179 per night (for a family of four), it includes overnight accommodations in a newly remodeled spacious guest room, a lavish buffet breakfast in the Atrium Restaurant and full use of the resort's expansive facilities - including a spectacular indoor-outdoor pool and state-of-the-art fitness center equipped with 60 cardiovascular exercise stations and a strength training circuit.

Family friendly activities feature a different theme each weekend and often includes Build-a-Bear workshops, arts and crafts programs, magicians, family movies, barbecues, pool parties and a calypso band.

The property is surrounded by a Robert Von Hagge 9-hole golf course; there's also a 25-tee driving range, 4 lighted tennis courts, and volleyball, squash and racquetball courts. In additoin to 24-hour room service there are four restaurants on the property.

TIP: If you fly in, transportation to/from all New York area airports can be arranged. If you take the 30 minute train ride from Manhattan's Grand Central Terminal to the Rye station, a taxi to the resort runs $20 while the resort's prearranged limo is $25. If you drive, valet parking is complimentary.

Particulars: Call 1-866-428-9739 or visit www.doralarrowwood.com.

August 15, 2005

Budget-Savvy Airport Parking: Free Advance Reservations

Parking for any extended period right at the airport has two serious drawbacks: high cost and the increasingly prevalent risk of theft or vandalism.

Solution: Parking in a facility that's close to but not part of the airport. It can be easily set up via www.LongTermParking.com.

This service will arrange airport parking in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and, in the United Kingdom, for rental car users flying in from the U.S.

In addition to making free advance reservations at any of its off-airport parking lots, LongTermParking offers various and changing discounts. These range from a car wash or oil change to free valet service or the morning newspaper. There are also handy links to hotels/motels near each airport that guarantee the lowest room rates (for a savings of at least 20%) and free parking while you're traveling.

Note: The Website also has details about each airport including its three-letter code (EWR for Newark, SFO for San Francisco, ORD for Chicago O'Hare, CVG for Cincinnati, etc.). These are the codes that appear on your checked-baggage claim checks.

(Reported by Tom Bross)

August 11, 2005

Savings & Spacious Suites Near New York City: $179/Night

For cost-conscious business and leisure travelers visiting New York City, the new Homewood Suites by Hilton Hotel in nearby Edgewater (NJ) is the best bargain we've seen in a long time. And the hotel is only 20 minutes from midtown Manhattan via water ferry or bus.

Rates start at $179 for a 440-square-foot studio suite, compared to the average rate of $216 in a traditional Manhattan hotel room. All 122 rooms have fully equipped kitchens and many have views of New York City's dramatic skyline.

According to Jim Holthouser, Senior VP, the rate also includes daily complimentary hot breakfast, a light dinner at the hotel's Welcome Home reception Monday through Thursday nights, complimentary grocery shopping service (you pay for the groceries) and free shuttle to the Manhattan water ferry. The property also has a 24-hour convenience store, an exercise room and laundry facilities.

The hotel is located within The Promenade at City Place, an upscale complex with a day spa, a 16-screen Multiplex Cinema, shops (Sharper Image, Banana Republic, Gap) and restaurants.

Particulars: 1-201-941-4700, 1-800-CALL-HOME or visit www.homewoodsuites.com.

July 29, 2005

Packing Tip

When traveling by car, pack "getting there" bags and "there" bags so you don't have to completely unpack your trunk every time you stop.

Place the "there" bags toward the back of your trunk, then put your "getting there" bags in the front where they're easily accessible.

(Fodor's Travel Guides)

 
July 28, 2005

Amtrak Increases Minivan & SUV Capacity On Its 'Auto Train'

The Auto Train, which runs between Northern Virginia and Florida, now accommodates as many as 120 minivans or SUVs on a single train. Previously, the maximum was 29. According to Barbara J. Richardson, vp of marketing for Amtrak, the increased capacity "is the result of the purchase of 80 all-new carriers that are equipped to transport either vans or autos."

The Auto Train offers daily service in both directions between Lorton, VA (about 18 miles south of Washington, D.C.) and Sanford, FL (about 25 miles north of Orlando). The train carries passengers and their automobiles over the approximately 900-mile stretch on an overnight trip along the Eastern Seaboard, eliminating the need to drive on I-95, a heavily-traveled and congested route.

On-board meals are included in the fare and sleeping accommodations are available for an extra charge.

$TIP: This summer Kids Ride Free. Simply use Code H511 when making a reservation. To receive this discount, reservations must be made by August 28 for travel through August 31 and must be made at least three days prior to travel. The Kids Ride Free offer is valid for up to two children ages 2-15, traveling with a regular (full fare) adult.

Particulars: Call 1-800-USA-RAIL or visit www.Amtrak.com

July 27, 2005

Travel Safety: Consult The State Department

The disappearance of an American teenager in Aruba this past spring makes us think more carefully about our safety while away from home, be it for business or pleasure. Even the seemingly safest places can hold surprises.

Before you leave home, consult the State Department. It issues travel warnings for locations it believes are unsafe (202-647-5225, www.travel.state.gov. Click on "International Travel" and then on "Travel Warnings").

Its Consular Information Sheets for all countries cover entry/exit requirements, crime, safety, security and health information are availble at www.travel.state.gov; click on "Consular Information Sheets".

Note: Travel Warnings are issued only when the government recommends the Americans avoid a country while Consular Information Sheets are provided for all countries and are continually updated.

Tip: The equivalent information for Brits is available at www.fco.gov.uk/travel.

July 25, 2005

Amtrak's Florida Rail Pass: Save On Gas

Available only to Florida residents, Amtrak's Florida Rail Pass is now available for just $249.

It gives residents unlimited coach travel, for one year from the date of purchase, to 28 great destinations within the state. Perfect for leisure or business, Floridians can visit the state's most popular cities, attractions and theme parks, including Disney, for a fraction of the cost of individual train tickets.

Pass holders can hop a train to catch a Marlins, Dolphins or Buccaneers game, or a race at Daytona without the hassle of tourist car traffic. For Florida college students, the Pass is a great way to get home and, with no blackout dates, holiday travel is included.

The pass is valid aboard the Silver Meteor, Silver Star and Sunset Limited or Thruway motorcoach.

Note: The pass may be upgraded to include sleeping accommodations, if available, with the payment of the applicable accommodation charge. It is not valid on Thruway motorcoaches between Deland and Daytona Beach or Miami and Key West.

Particulars: Call 1-800-USA-RAIL or visit www.amtrak.com

July 22, 2005

Calculate Your Gasoline Costs

The American Automobile Association will help you estimate how much a driving trip will cost -- in terms of gasoline.

Go to www.fuelcostcalculator.com and fill in the following information:

Starting City
Destination City
Vehicle
Year
Model

For example, the 294-mile trip from Chicago to St. Louis in a 1998 Honda Civic will require 8.65 gallons and cost an estimated $19.72.

Round-trip fuel costs come in at $39.44.

July 18, 2005

New Hampshire's White Mountains: 50% Off

Visitors to New Hampshire's White Mountains can save nearly 50% on admissions to the most popular attractions by purchasing the 2005 White Mountain ValuePass. The Pass admits allows two people to visit each of the 17 White Mountain Attractions, and is valid through the Summer/Fall season with no "black out" dates. The ValuePass is only available through the White Mountain Attraction Association.

The pass offers a range of activities from cultural to adventure; sightseeing to amusement park. It is valid for two admissions to each of the following attractions:

Attitash/Bear Peak, Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway, Clark's Trading Post, Conway Scenic Railroad, The Flume Gorge, Heritage NH, Hobo Railroad, Loon Mountain, Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves, Mount Washington Auto Road, Mount Washington Cog Railway, Polar Caves Park, Santa's Village, Six Gun City, Story Land, Whale's Tale Water Park and Wildcat Mountain Gondola.

The total value of the pass is nearly $600. Each pass costs $295.

Particulars: Call: 1-800-346-3687 or visit: www.visitwhitemountains.com

July 14, 2005

'March Of The Penguins' Cruise

The beautiful, low-budget National Geographic documentary about the life of the penguin is grabbing an unexpected amount of attention. Word of mouth praise for the film is filling theaters across the country. But, Antarctica is not just for under-funded film crews. You can personally experience the grandeur of the unspoiled polar wilderness on a comfortable cruise.

Our pick: Discovery World Cruises. Why? Because passengers actually step onto the shore and waddle with penguins in their rookeries. And unlike the movie, passengers can experience Antarctica in warmth and style aboard MV Discovery, a mid-sized ocean liner with 351 cabins and suites, three restaurants, a well-stocked library, casino, Internet center, health club and spa and two outdoor swimming pools – one beneath a retractable roof.

Ecologists, geologists, anthropologists, historians, artists and other field experts accompany every voyage to offer informative presentations; be on-hand to help passengers understand the many attractions of Antarctica; and to ensure a high standard of ecological preservation. Depending on weather and ice conditions, passenger landings are planned for King Georges Island, Hope Bay, Paradise Harbor and Half Moon Island.

Three Sailings...

• Antarctica & The Falklands, departing January 9, is a 17-night expedition that combines the highlights of Antarctica with visits to the Falkland Islands.

• Antarctica, departing January 21, is a 13-night itinerary that concentrates on the Antarctica Peninsula.

• Antarctica & Chilean Fjords, departing January 29, is a 20-night journey which adds in the scenic splendor of Chile's magnificent fjord-lands.

Particulars: Call 866-623-2689 or visit www.DiscoveryWorldCruises.com.

July 8, 2005

Packages For 2006 Soccer World Cup In Germany

The Football World Cup (Soccer for those of us in America) is set to begin June 9th next year in Munich and end a month later with a World Cup Champion on July 9th in Berlin. Twelve German cities will host 32 qualifying countries, a total of 64 games.

Roadtrips Inc., has travel packages to each of the 48 round robin matches and all of the remaining playoff matches including the World Cup Final. You can choose to see any or all of the games featuring their chosen side (team) and be guaranteed game tickets, first class accommodations and travel services regardless of where their team is seeded or positioned in the tournament.

The Packages...

All Roadtrips' World Cup Getaway packages include guaranteed tickets in guests' choice of seating area, 3 days/ 2 nights first class accommodations, on-site office in Germany and expert travel and concierge services from Roadtrips.

Rates start from $1,275 per person based on double occupancy. Options to add additional hotel nights, extra games and German rail passes are also part of the program.

Particulars: Call 1-800-465-1765 or visit www.roadtrips.com.

July 7, 2005

The Boston Subway: Only $1.25

Introducing Charlie...

Back in 1959, the Kingston Trio sang about Charlie on the MTA, an out-of-towner who got lost deep in the depths of Boston's subway network.

No getting lost anymore. If you're planning a visit to this big, historic New England city and are wise enough not to drive on the narrow traffic-jammed downtown streets, note that a high-tech passsenger-access system has recently been inaugurated.

It entails the purchase of CharlieTickets and multiple-fare CharlieCards at touch-screen vending machines. On-site assistance is provided at all stations on the Green, Red, Orange and Blue subway lines. Normal fare is just $1.25 and 35¢ for seniors.

Particulars: Visit www.mbta.com and click on the Charlie button.

By the way, Boston's subway system dates from 1897 and therefore ranks as the oldest in the US. (Written by Tom Bross, our Boston correspondent)

July 6, 2005

London's "41" Hotel Theatre Package

The "41" Hotel's new package includes tickets to the British musical, Billy Elliot. at the Victoria Palace Theatre. Based upon the Oscar-winning 2000 movie, the play was created by the same team: Elton John (score), Stephen Daldry (director) and Peter Darling (choreography).

The package includes:

• One pair of the hottest tickets in town
• Pre-theatre dinner
• Dessert and coffee afterwards
• Accommodation in a luxurious King Room
• Full continental breakfast

Overlooking the Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace, the elegant "41" is just a short walk from the Victoria Palace Theatre.

Particulars: Call 877-955-1515 or visit www.41hotel.com

June 29, 2005

Pre-Theater Dining In Washington, DC

A handful of top rated Washington, DC area restaurants are offering up tempting three-course tasting menus to give people opportunities for exceptional dining before going to the theater.

TravelSmart's Top Four Picks...

• 1789 Restaurant. Enjoy the refined, eclectic atmosphere in this two-story Federal townhouse located in Georgetown at 1226 36th St, NW. Chef Ris Lacoste's three-course pre-theater menu, available nightly from 6 to 6.45pm, is $35. The restaurant also has an "After Hours" three-course menu for $35, Sun-Thurs after 9pm and Fri and Sat nights after 10pm. Reservations: 202-965-1789.

• CafeAtlantico. If you're in the mood for something more exotic, go south of the border at 405 8th St, NW where Chef Katsuya Fukushima showcases contemporary Nuevo Latino cuisine in his three-course pre-theater tasting menu at $24.95. Available from 5 to 6:30pm. Reservations: 202-393-0812.

• The Oval Room. Located in the heart of the theater district at 800 Connecticut Ave, NW, this is where you'll see many of the power players of Washington. Chef Paul Luna prepares Modern American cuisine with a Mediterranean influence. Mon through Sat from 5:30 to 6:45pm, the pre-theater menu includes a three-course dinner for $28. Reservations: 202-463-8700.

• Zola. Located within the vintage Le Droit building at 800 F St NW, Chef Frank Morales prepares wonderful straightforward American cuisine. His three-course pre-theater menu, priced at $28, is available from 5 to 6:30pm. Reservations: 202-654-0999.

June 23, 2005

A Horseback Riding Vacation In Spain

Cross Country International, the world's largest provider of equestrian vacations, is offering a week in Madrid, with riding and Spanish lessons each day.

Dates: July 17-23, August 21-27 and Sept 11-17.

The program includes:

• Six nights in the comfortable and unique El Molino guesthouse with stunning grounds, working water mill, sumptuous food

• Two hours a day of lessons in dressage, show jumping or cross country

• Two hours a day of trail riding or hack out in surrounding countryside seeing medieval villages and beautiful landscape

• Two hours a day of Spanish lessons both classroom and conversation

• All meals, horses, tack and lessons

• Transfers to and from Madrid airport

Particulars: Call 1-800-828-8768 or visit www.equestrianvacations.com.

June 22, 2005

Paris Packages: Only $549

Air France Holidays has two new, incredibly low priced Paris vacation packages for the winter and early fall. They start at just $469 per person, double occupancy.

Escapade to Paris Sale. This 3-night package includes roundtrip air on Air France, 3 hotel nights with continental breakfast daily, hotel taxes and service charges, a Seine River cruise and a Paris city map.

Departures are from New York's JFK or Newark. Additional gateways are available.

• From September 7 to October 31, the package starts at $549.

• From November 1 to December 12 & again from January 1 to March 28, it starts at $469.

Particulars: Call 1-800-2-FRANCE (800-237-2623) Monday through Friday, 6 am to 5 pm (Pacific Time) or visit www.airfranceholidays.com.

June 21, 2005

Great New England Hotel Packages

Just in time for the family vacation season, participating members of the New England Inns & Resorts Association have created a variety of unique vacation experiences beyond the "same old same old" hotel packages.

Member properties competed for the opportunity to best showcase New England which resulted in more than 10 fun and unusual Best Wrapped Packages.

They range from starring in a DVD of your own vacation to scavenger hunting for items in the community to earn room discounts of up to 50%. One even lets you pay the outside temperature as the room rate!

The "Best Wrapped" packages offer something for every taste, style and budget with prices starting at $199 and ranging to over $3,000.

Particulars: All 14 packages can be viewed on the Association's website www.newenglandinnsandresorts.com.

June 14, 2005

Balloon Safaris: Kenya's Masai Mara

Governors' Camps in Kenya is now offering a hot air balloon safari. The safari takes off daily from Little Governors' Camp just as the sun begins to rise. For one hour, the balloon drifts silently over the plains, forest and the Mara River. Sights and sounds of wildlife abound and the vistas are breathtaking. The effect is elating but at the same time, very peaceful.

The giant hot air balloons are maintained by highly trained pilots who know the Masai Mara well and who are invaluable in pointing out highlights of interest. Upon return to earth, a champagne breakfast is prepared before a game drive back to the camp.

Cost: The Balloon Safari, including the flight, full champagne breakfast and a game drive on return to the camp is $390 per adult and $200 per child under 12 years of age.

Note: Guests at other nearby camps may also participate in a Balloon Safari.

Particulars: E-mail info@governorscamp.com or visit www.governorscamp.com.

April 11, 2005

South Africa: $2,049 With Air From New York, Atlanta, Washington

General Tours has created two terrific trips that highlight the best of South Africa -- from only $2,049 per person, including airfare from New York, Atlanta or Washington, D.C. on South African Airways.

"Travelers from all over consider South Africa one of the greatest wildlife viewing countries in Africa," Bob Drumm, president, told us. "But the country's culture, heritage and history are also very important. 'Our Classic Cape Town' is a 7-day in-depth exploration of one of the world's loveliest cities. And our 9-day 'Journey to South Africa' is a complete experience of all that this amazing nation has to offer -- both at amazing prices."

Each has guaranteed "travel any day" departures from April 2005 through April 2006. The 7-day Classic Cape Town starts at $2,049 while the 9-day Journey to South Africa begins at $3,599 including airfare.

Both trips also incl transfers, a choice of hotels, breakfastdaily, sightseeing and excursions.

Note: General Tours is celebrating their 58th anniversary year.

Particulars: Call 1-800-221-2216 or visit: www.generaltours.com

March 29, 2005

Free Gas At Various B&Bs

Members of BedandBreakfast.com are again offering the popular "TANKS A LOT" program, in which guests enjoy everything from cash on their pillows, to gas cards, to discounted stays.

Visit their Web site to find out who is offering what and when.

March 3, 2005

Five Ways To Save At Six Flags Great Adventures

The New Jersey Six Flags has just released these savings tips.

1. Six Flags Season Pass. When purchased for a family of 4, the current price is just $74.99+ tax per person. It includes admission ALL season, plus admission to ALL Six Flags theme parks across the country (there are 30!). Plus in-park savings and free tickets for family/friends are included in the Season Pass Value Book.

2. Buy One Get One Free On Regular Admission. This comes with marked can of Coca-Cola and is available Monday thru Thursday, May 8 through mid-October. Our regular admission is $47.99+ tax, so you'll save about $50!

3. Bounce Back Ticket With every purchased ticket (regardless of whether you had a coupon, group discount or not) you receive a Bounce Back ticket to return to the park for another day of fun for just $12! Must validate (purchase) the ticket on the original day of your visit. Valid all season through Oct. 10.

4. AAA Discount. Show your card and get $4 off regular admission most days. There's a special TRIPLE discount on Wednesdays - $12 off regular admission.

5. Group Discounts. Groups of 15 or more can call in advance for great savings (discounts vary depending on time of year).

Particulars: Call 732-928-1821 or visit www.sixflags.com/greatadventure

March 2, 2005

Paris Hotel For T/S Readers

The completely renovated Hotel Saint-Louis Bastille is welcoming T/S readers. Present your subscription number (on the mailing label) when making a reservation or show a copy of T/S when checking in, and you will receive a complimentary bottle of French wine and extra special treatment!

The hotel, with its beautiful marble, old terra cotta, fireplaces, wood paneling and fine fabrics has an English speaking staff, trained by T/S subscriber Jim Braude. They will make dinner reservations, arrange city sightseeing and set up excursions beyond Paris and generally hold your hand.

The Facts. There are 27 spotless rooms on 5 floors, an elevator, in-room hair dryers and safes, a business center, WiFi access and 24/7 concierge service. Baby cribs are free as is luggage storage. A cont'l bkfst (with coffee, juice, yogurt and croissants from Miss Manon, the famous local baker) is served from 7 to 11 ($9.50). For a nominal fee, you can arrange airport/hotel shuttle pickup.

The Rates. Incredibly reasonable -- sgl with shower, $104; dbl with shower, $130. Slightly more for rooms with tubs. Extra bed in a room runs $19.50.

The Location. At 114, Blvd Richard Lenoir in the Bastille-Republique quarter, the hotel is near the New Opera House, Cirque d'Hiver, Canal Saint Martin and Place des Vosges. It's also a short walk to the famous Pere Lachaise Cemetery, which you will recall from our Feb issue, is where Colette is buried, along with Callas, Chopin, Proust, Moliere and Jim Morrison.

The Particulars: T +33 (0) 1 43 38 29 29, www.saintlouisbastille.com or email slbastille@noos.fr.

November 8, 2004

FOLLOW IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF "CHE" GUEVARA

The Argentinian who tried to help Bolivia's poor is the inspiration for the movie, Motorcycle Diaries and for the "Che Trail," a self-guided 5-day journey in the SE part of the country.

The trail includes Quebrada del Yuro where Che was captured and La Higuera when he was executed.

PARTICULARS: www.carebolivia.org.

About Che...

After participating with Castro and the Cuban Revolution, the young Che went underground. He eventually arrived in Bolivia where he tried to organize the country's lower class. The legendary guerrilla's dream ended in 1967 when 1,800 members of the Bolivian army, who had branded him as a dangerous Marxist, surrounded Che and his 50 revolutionaries.

When his executor hesitated to pull the trigger, Che allegedly said, "Shoot, man. Don't be afraid." He died in a remote village schoolhouse at the age of 39.