Up to $3,000 in Resort Credits at Barceló Maya Palace Deluxe in Riviera Maya

The crystalline turquoise blue sea is the star attraction at the Barceló Maya Palace Deluxe 5-Star hotel. Located right in front of one of the most beautiful beaches in the world on the Mayan Riviera, its architectural design was inspired by the area's colonial culture.  For travel between now and December 31st of 2013, you can enjoy all-inclusive luxury PLUS resort credits up to $3,000!  Here's how it breaks down:

• Stay up to 4 nights - $1,200 in resort credits
• Stay from 5-11 nights - $2,000 in resort credits
• Stay 12 nights or more - $3,000 in resort credits

Resort credits can be used for room upgrades, private romantic dinners, shopping, spa treatments, and more.  This resort credit offer is also good at the following properties:

Barceló Maya Beach & Caribe - All Inclusive, Riviera Maya

Barceló Maya Tropical & Colonial - All Inclusive, Riviera Maya

Barceló Bavaro Beach - All Inclusive, Punta Cana

Barceló Bavaro Palace Deluxe - All Inclusive, Punta Cana

Barceló properties are known for luxury.  All of the rooms at the Maya Palace Deluxe are junior suites or suites. It also boasts 2 master suites. Each room is furnished with everything you need to make your stay unique. 

With the Barceló Maya Palace Deluxe All Inclusive program, you can enjoy dining at 6 restaurants, all with sea views; 2 of them offer exquisite buffets – El Mirador offers international cuisine and the buffet restaurant, La Hacienda, typical Mexican food. There are also 3 specialty restaurants, with Brazilian food on offer at Rodizzio restaurant, French food at Le Brasserie, plus a typical Caribbean restaurant, Caribe. In addition, the hotel has 5 bars and complete resort facilities: nightclub, chapel, U-Spa, 4 swimming pools with a jacuzzi and an area for children, a pool for children to play in and a theater with live shows put on by the entertainment team.

For the sports lover, along with water activities such as sailing, scuba diving, windsurfing, the hotel has 2 tennis courts, a fitness center, a miniature golf course, 2 basketball courts, water aerobics, beach volley ball, table tennis, and many more activities.

Plan a getaway with travel dates between November 1, 2012 and December 31, 2013, to take advantage of this value-added promotion!  Click here to see a panoramic view of the grounds:  barcelo_flash.asp

Last-Minute Thanksgiving Travel Savings

sweetadditions.net

Haven’t booked your Thanksgiving holiday flight yet?  You still might be able to surprise mom and show up for Thanksgiving dinner, but you need to take action right away.  Last-minute holiday travel can be very expensive, but there are ways to get around those higher costs.  Consider flying in on Thanksgiving Day, when seat demand is low and prices are usually cheaper.  Or, consider flights with with one stop or more, which are sometimes cheaper.  If you don’t want to miss turkey dinner, consider flying in on the “red-eye” (overnight flight) the night before.

Keep in mind that flights out of major airports are typically cheaper and have more schedule options.  If you live in a rural area, it might be worth it to drive a couple of hours to a bigger airport.  Travel tip:  When comparing prices, watch out for baggage fees and pack light.  Many airlines charge $20 or more for the first checked bag (each way) and Spirit Airlines even charges for your carry-on (fee ranges from $35 to $100 per carry-on, depending on how early or late you pay the baggage fee).  On Southwest Airlines, bags fly free.

What Travelocity Won't Tell You

 
Not every trip requires the services of a travel agent.  Travelers who have experience with reputable online booking engines (like Travelocity) know that by booking early enough and being somewhat flexible on their travel dates, they can snag a cheap flight from New York to Miami.  The emphasis here is “reputable” booking engines.  I have heard horror stories about travelers experiencing booking or credit card issues and getting no relief after exhausting all of the “contact us” options.  The main thing to watch for in comparing online prices for airfare are the fees for baggage.  This information is not found on third-party websites, so you need to check each airline's policy.   Most charge for at least the first checked bag -- about $20 each way. One airline in particular currently charges for checked baggage AND carry-on bags.  If there's only a $40 difference between fares, check the baggage fees before you book, to make sure you're getting the best price overall.

There's no need to consult a travel agent before you strike out on a road trip to visit family and friends.  There are usually plenty of affordable hotels en route that offer a comfortable place for an overnight stop.  If you decide to book ahead, the two main things to be aware of on booking hotels are the hotel reviews and the cancellation policy.  Some of the online reviews are not reliable, and many travelers have found out the hard way that some of those “pre-paid” $57/night deals are non-refundable and non-cancelable once you enter your credit card information and click on the "Submit" button.  A travel professional may have inside knowledge about current hotel renovations and other issues that might prevent you from getting a good night's rest, and they can help you decipher the hotel room types as they relate to cancelation policies. Travel agents can also help you with other details specific to your situation, such as finding a pet-friendly hotel, a subway station close to the hotel, or an affordable hotel close to a convention center.
Although it's a fairly uncomplicated process to book a 4-day cruise to the Bahamas online, there’s really no such thing as a $199 cruise.  The rates that are advertised online are per person, double (or triple) occupancy, and most do not include taxes and fees (including things like fuel surcharges). The lower advertised rates generally apply to off-season dates -- not a June honeymoon.  Don’t get me wrong -- cruises are still an exceptional value, even during peak-season, considering that the price of the cruise includes accommodations, meals, snacks, beverages, entertainment, activities, 24-hour room service and beautiful sights along the way.  A travel agent can help you find the best value overall, and can help you with pre-/post-cruise hotel stays and transfers to and from the cruise port.

If you’re planning a special getaway or event that involves any combination of the following elements, a good travel agent should be consulted:

• A complicated itinerary
• Airfare plus hotel accommodations 
• A special occasion or event
• Group travel
• Corporate travel
• Rail service
• International travel
• Escorted tours
• Complex airline routing
• Premium cruise tours (cruises with land tours)
• Affinity groups (such as escorted wine and culinary tours)
• Travel to hot spots during peak season (example: New Orleans during Mardi Gras)
• Trips involving local guides, drivers

       A good travel agent can save you time and money, by establishing a relationship with you and getting to know your needs and wants.  Using their connections and the clout of having access to agent-only deals, they can get you the best value for your money, with added benefits like upgrades and bonuses. Travel professionals can negotiate special rates for business travelers and groups. If you’re not sure where you want to go, a travel agent can offer recommendations based on your lifestyle and budget.  They can also provide inside information about your destination, such as climate, local attractions, dining dress codes, travel alerts, currency exchange rates, and passport/vaccination requirements.  A good travel agent will prepare you for any “hidden charges” before you commit.  Case in point:  I recently ran across an online deal for a one-bedroom villa in Puerto Rico for $54/night, which for 5 nights totaled $270.   But, there were additional fees of $182 for housekeeping ($34.60 per night for housekeeping?). With taxes and other fees, the total was well over $600 for a 5-night stay.  For those same dates, I could stay 5 nights in a beachfront room at the Courtyard by Marriott for under $600.  A travel agent can sort through all the fine print for you and give you the bottom line.

       The most important reason to use a travel agent is peace of mind.  If your flight is canceled or there is an issue with your hotel stay, your travel agent will contact the supplier on your behalf and will be with you throughout the process.   Since   travel agents can offer the same discounts as online booking engines, and most do not charge the traveler a booking fee, it just makes sense to go with a live person that can take care of all the details for you.

Test your knowledge by taking the following travel trivia quiz:

1. What are (generally) the two cheapest days of the week to fly?
2. What day of the week is best for booking a flight?
3. What does “European Plan” room mean?
4. How much (on average) are cruise ship gratuities?
5. Name an all-inclusive resort that offers free weddings.
6. Name a Caribbean island that does not require a US passport.
7. What island in the Caribbean does not have car rentals?
8. Which airline has great rates, but charges for checked bags AND carry-on bags?
9. What terminology do you look for, to make sure your hotel rate is cancelable?
10. Name a resort which caters to adults-only.
11. Name a Caribbean island that has “au naturel” sun bathing beaches.
12. Which island in the Caribbean has 365 beaches?
13. What is the best mode of transportation for sightseeing in DC?
14. Is it cheaper to fly, rent a car, or take the rail service between Charlottesville, VA and Washington, DC?
15. Name a pet-friendly hotel chain.
16. Name a possible downside to an upgrade on a cruise ship.

Find the answers to our travel trivia quiz on our FAQs page.

National Cruise Vacation Week Deals

National Cruise Vacation Week is October 21-27.  During this time, you'll find great deals across all cruise categories on all cruise lines.  Picture yourself sailing through a sunny tropical setting in the Caribbean, or through the Denali National Park in Alaska in May.  For the international wayfarer, there are ports of call in Egypt, Spain, Denmark, London, Paris and more.

Here is a partial listing of some of the special offers for cruise week:

Carnival's National Cruise Vacation Week offer features Fun Select Rates, up to $300 cash back per stateroom and 50% reduced deposits for new cruisers on select sailings through December 2013. You can receive $100 cash back per person (up to $200 per stateroom) for 3 to 5 day cruises and $150 cash back per person (up to $300 per stateroom) for cruises 6 days or longer. You can use the cash anywhere onboard…photos, shore excursions, shops and more!  To sweeten the deal for past guests, Carnival has exclusive Past Guest Rates, 50% reduced deposits AND 2 category upgrades on select sailings through December 2013. Want something even sweeter? Book your  Europe or Alaska cruise from February 4 through November 12, 2013 for $0 down! That's a $0 deposit for the first 60 days of the booking...how awesome is that? 

Royal Caribbean:  Book any 2013 European or Transatlantic sailing of 7 nights or longer and receive $50 onboard credit for inside or outside rooms and $100 onboard credit for balcony or suites.

Royal Caribbean:  Book any stateroom category between October 19th - October 26th and receive Pre-Paid Gratuities for the 1st/2nd guests. 

Princess Cruises:  Book a cruise between 10/15/2012 and 10/22/2012 and receive a coupon booklet and reduced deposit of $100 per person.

Celebrity Cruises: A special Onboard Credit offer valid from $50USD to $100USD per stateroom Plus 50% Reduced Deposit.

Viking River Cruises:  Book with Viking before October 31, 2012 and Take advantage of 2013 EARLY BOOKING DISCOUNT 2-FOR-1 cruise plus up to 2-FOR-1 air.

Holland America Line: Book a cruise between 10/8/2012 - 10/22/2012 and receive a reduced deposit and Onboard Value Booklet valued at $450.

Beauty in Your Own Backyard

There he is, the weathered Swiss farmer with his cotton pants and suspenders, taking a break at the side of the road, using his sickle handle as a resting prop.  He is daydreaming as he watches a tour bus full of foreigners pressed up against the tour bus windows, marveling at the natural beauty of the Alps.  After his chores, he shuffles in to his little farm house, wiping the sweat from his brow.  His wife is cooking fried polenta and lentils.  He leans over and softly tells her, "Some day I'm going to take you to see America."

Maybe the farmer has not explored the beauty in his own backyard, like fun-loving Munich and the jewels of the Bavarian Alps.  From a glorious cruise through the Wachau Valley to the enthralling Glacier Express, there is an Alpine world of enchantment and unrivaled beauty like no other.  Lucerne, Switzerland is one of Europe's most popular cities.  There you can see the sorrowful sculpture of the dying lion, hewn out of a limestone cliff to commemorate those Swiss Guards who died at the Battle of the Tuileries.  The flavor of the 14th century is all around you with covered wooden bridges, painted gables, and old walls and watch towers of medieval fortifications.  A stroll across the Chapel Bridge takes you to the Jesuit Church.

Oberammergau, Bavaria, has been home since 1634 of the Passion Play, which involves over 2000 actors, singers, instrumentalists and technicians, all residents of the village.  Perhaps a scenic cruise along the River Danube through stately Vienna,  or a delightful drive through 'undiscovered' Austria -- through the pine forests and sleepy towns of Styria and Carinthia -- might rekindle some romance.  If all else fails, a two-night getaway in the chic Alpine resort of  St. Moritz and a horse-drawn carriage ride to the foot of a nearby glacier might stir up some magic.  If not, a trip to the wine country in California, and a ride on the Napa Valley wine train might be in order!  

Go Ape for a Day!

On September 22, 2012, London will host The Great Gorilla Run, where you'll find hundreds of people, all dressed as gorillas, cheered on by crowds of people who gather to witness the madness. The city route is about 7 km (4.3 miles).

  

Proceeds from this annual fun run, which started in 2003, benefit biodiversity conservation and poverty reduction projects in central Africa.   Participants play a crucial role in helping save the remaining mountain gorillas left in the wild.  

http://www.greatgorillarun.org/

All I want for Christmas…..

Now is the time to book your holiday travel.  If you're looking for a sunny spot for your winter-time travels, consider the Caribbean.  The lure of the Caribbean is powerful, with its pristine beaches, turquoise waters and palm trees swaying in the breeze, but choosing a particular island can turn into a major research project.  Here are some highlights of some of the most popular destinations:

Aruba: 

Lying just of the northern coast of South America, Aruba  is one of the best islands for night life and casinos.  It is a leading resort island (all-inclusives), and offers plenty of water sports,  off-road tours, beach parties, and steel-drum music.  Shopping is the big attraction in Oranjestad, Aruba's capital.

Bahamas: 

The Bahamas has many islands and something for everyone. It is just 55 miles east of Miami, which makes it easy to reach from the US.  The Out Islands are serene, with a colonial charm; Ecotourists and scuba divers will appreciate the unspoiled beaches of Eleuthera. Nassau and Freeport are known for entertainment and gambling.  A popular spot for families is Paradise Island/Nassau.

Bermuda:

Bermuda is actually in the Atlantic ocean, much further north than the other islands to the east of the US, but is often thought of as a Caribbean destination.  If you're looking for a tropical getaway during the winter, keep in mind that Bermuda is much cooler in the winter time than the other islands.  Bermuda is famous for its pink sand beaches and golf facilities, and  rates on the higher end of the price scale.  

Bonaire:

Bonaire is a top dive spot in the Caribbean.  It is located just north of Venezuela. If you prefer upscale accommodations,  stay on one of its neighboring islands (Curacao or Aruba).

Dominica (pronounced domin-EE-ca):

Not to be confused with Dominican Republic, Dominica is a haven for ecotourists, with hiking trails that lead to waterfalls and natural hot springs.  This is a popular spot for scuba divers.

Grenada:

Grenada is referred to as the "Spice Island," because of its production of spices, including cloves, cinnamon, vanilla, nutmeg and cocoa.  History buffs will appreciate the old plantations and Market Square in the capital city of St. George.

Jamaica:

Jamaica has everything from beaches to mountains and a variety of accommodations, including all-inclusive resorts.  Music, religion and people make up a diverse culture.  Travelers can find great beaches, golf, diving, and river rafting.  Nature lovers will enjoy the Blue Mountains sprinkled with coffee fields and the Green Gotto Caves.  Negril (pronounced neh GRIHL) is known for its "clothing optional" beaches.  Montego Bay is alive with restaurants, nightlife, beaches, shops and sports facilities and is close to Sangster airport. Ocho Rios is known for its lush scenery, including Dunn's River Falls.

Cancun:

 The Mexican Yucatan offers a variety of resorts, ranging from budget hotels in the city to deluxe all-inclusives along the beach.  A few remnants of the Mayan ruins lie between hotel sites and there are a number of day trips by boat or ferry.  Isla Mujeres is a popular day trip for snorkeling, swimming and beachcoming.  Cancun is dedicated to entertainment and nightlife.

Cozumel:

Divers love Cozumel. Many cruises anchor off the coast of Playa del Carmen and passengers visit the Yucatan coast and then the ships proceed to Cozumel.

Puerto Rico:

The bustling capital of San Juan is a Caribbean air and cruise hub.    Americans entering Puerto Rico do not need any passports or documents.  Fashionable beaches, high-rise resorts, glittering casinos, and world-class golf courses give Puerto Rico a Vegas atmosphere.  The Museum of Puerto Rican Art has a five-acre sculpture garden and 130,000 square feet of facilities.  Boats carry sightseers to Bioluminescent Bay, to observe millions of microscopic luminescent dinoflagellates.  These "fireflies of the sea" light up when they are disturbed, putting on a display of light.

St. Lucia:

St. Lucia is easily recognizable with its dramatic twin peaks, The Pitons.  Few islands can match St. Lucia's lush greenery. Dark, volcanic sands create unusual seascapes.   Interior mountains are covered by forest, surrounded by banana plantations and coastal fishing villages.  There's a volcanic crater that you can drive right into. Accommodations range from all-inclusive resorts to great hideaways, inns and guesthouses, making it a popular honeymoon destination.  For travelers interested in snorkeling, diving or deep-sea fishing, there are still areas in St. Lucia that are relatively uncrowded.   

U.S. Virgin Islands:

The U.S. Virgin Islands offer an architectural charm, and great shopping (especially in St. Thomas and St. Croix). Campers are welcome on St. John.  The islands are easily reached by cruise ships out of Florida and Puerto Rico.  The U.S. and British Virgin Islands constitute one of the prime sailing and yachting destinations in the Caribbean.  Honeymooners, snorkelers, divers, and national park lovers enjoy these islands.

Cheap Airfare - and how to find it faster!

Have you spent hours online, setting up airfare deal alerts, and entering search information in online booking engines, only to find out that the airline with the best airfare price doesn't even have flights to the destination airport you need?  Sure, you can call your local travel agent and have them research flights for you, but it's 9 p.m. on Saturday, and you want to check the prices now.


Here's the solution:  To find out what low-cost carriers fly between any two given cities, check out AirNinja. They let you enter your starting airport, and show which low-cost airlines have departures from that airport and where they go, complete with links out to the airline's own site for booking.  If you prefer, you can enter a departure AND arrival airport.


My favorite part?  It's free!

Summer Road Trip - Free US sites and exhibits!

Check out these fabulous, free places to travel in the United States:

The Getty Center - Los Angeles, CA

The National Mall - Washington, DC

Independence National Historic Park,  Philadelphia, PA

Lincoln Park Zoo - Chicago, IL

The Freedom Trail - Boston

The California Science Center - Los Angeles, CA

The Federal Reserve Bank - New York

Announcing Newly-Opened and Newly-Remodeled Resorts

There is nothing like soaking up some sun and enjoying the amenities of a brand new resort! Here is some information on two resorts that just opened in December of 2011:

Secrets Huatulco Resort and Spa is located on the golden sands of Huatulco on Mexico's Pacific Coast. It's a 4.5-Star, adults-only, all-inclusive resort with several bars and lounges, 8 restaurants, and a cafe with coffee and pastries. Evening entertainment includes theme parties, live shows and movies on the beach. All rooms face the ocean, and some have private Jacuzzis on the terrace or swim-out access to the resort's pool.

Hotel Riu Palace Bavaro is Riu's 34th all-inclusive property in the Caribbean and Latin America, and its fifth hotel in Punta Cana. It is a 5.5-star resort with a variety of restaurants and bars, as well as outdoor activities including: tennis, volleyball, windsurfing, body-boarding and snorkeling. Enjoy a massage or facial in the spa, or relax in the sauna. Jacuzzi suites and junior suites have free Wi-Fi, and access to a separate pool, sun terrace and bar.


The following resorts have undergone multimillion-dollar renovations or expansions between October 2011 and January 2012:

In the Caribbean:

Radisson Aruba -- 5-star resort in Palm Beach, Aruba (Oct 2011)

Frenchman’s Reef & Morning Star Marriott Beach Resort (Nov 2011) -- 5-star resort on St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands

In Central America:

Sheraton Bijao Beach Resort (Nov 2011) -- 4.5-star, all-inclusive resort in Playa Blanca, Panama (formerly Breezes Resort & Spa-Panama)

In Mexico:

Azul Beach Hotel by Karisma (Oct 2011) -- 5-star, all-inclusive resort on Mexico's Riviera Maya

Secrets Marquis Los Cabos (Nov 2011) -- A 5-star, all-inclusive, kids-free property in Los Cabos, Mexico, formerly Marquis Los Cabos Beach Resort & Spa

Viceroy Riviera Maya (Jan 2012) -- A 5.5-star, all-inclusive, kids-free retreat in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, formerly The Tides Riviera Maya

In Hawaii:

Courtyard King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel (Nov 2011) -- 3-star hotel on the Big Island

Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa (Nov 2011) -- 4-star retreat in Honolulu

Types of vaccinations you may need for traveling

Are you aware of which types of vaccinations you or those traveling with you may need?

According to wwwnc.cdc.gov, vaccines for travel are divided into three categories: routine, recommended, and required. While your doctor will tell you which ones you should have, it's best to be aware of them ahead of time.

Routine Vaccinations

Be sure that you and your family are up to date on your routine vaccinations. These vaccines are necessary for protection from diseases that are still common in many parts of the world even though they rarely occur in the United States. If you are not sure which vaccinations are routine, look at the schedules below.

The best advice is to set up an appointment with your doctor 4 to 6 weeks before your trip.

Most vaccines take time to become effective in your body and some vaccines must be given in a series over a period of days or sometimes weeks.

For more information, visit: http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/vaccinations.htm

NEW YEAR SPECIAL: Voyage of the Glaciers - 7-day Alaskan Cruise - Departs July 7th

Sailings between Vancouver, B.C, Canada and Anchorage (Whittier)
Sail the breathtaking Inside Passage and Gulf of Alaska on a Voyage of the Glaciers. You’ll cruise between Vancouver and Whittier, visiting Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway — with spectacular glacier-viewing experiences in Glacier Bay National Park and either College Fjord or Hubbard Glacier. Onboard our glorious ships, you’ll experience everything from full-time naturalists and National Park Rangers to Signature Alaskan Cuisine and special Alaska enrichment programs. Choose to sail on either Diamond Princess,® Sapphire Princess®, Coral Princess® or Island Princess.® Escape completely.

Juneau
For the outdoor adventurer, Juneau is a dream come true. Whether your passion is rafting the Mendenhall River, kayaking areas rich with wildlife, sportfishing, or hiking the scenic trails, this capital city has something for everyone.


Ketchikan
Stroll down historic Creek Street to Dolly’s House. Or venture outside town to see a forest of hand-carved totem poles. Southeast Alaska’s "First City," built out over the water and set amidst the country’s largest national forest, is also your gateway to Misty Fjords National Monument via floatplane.


Glacier Bay National Park (scenic cruising)
Thrill to the overwhelming majesty and power of Alaska’s most dazzling glacial display. Marvels like Margerie Glacier, 40 stories high and over a mile wide, shimmer with the deep blue color of compressed ice. With a National Park Ranger to explain glacial phenomena and point out humpback whales, bald eagles, sea lions and harbor seals, your full day of scenic cruising will astonish and delight.


FARES FROM $1,099*  - Price good through January 31, 2012

 

This promotional piece is created and distributed by an independent travel agency, not by Princess.

Rovia/Putnam Travel - For more information, contact:

Dina Holland
1-888-498-1584
dholland@ita.rovia.com

Tell Dina that Sue Price sent you.