Wednesday, August 1, 2012

End of Summer Grand Canyon Special

The savings will make you jump for joy.
See the South Rim of the Grand Canyon at end of summer prices.

When: Aug. 26-Sept. 6, 2012
What: Accommodations at Maswik Lodge or Yavapai Lodge, cafeteria breakfast for two, one in-park motorcoach tour for two and discounts in Xanterra gift shops of up to 20 percent. Rates are based upon double occupancy. Additional guests can share the room at $9 plus tax each. Breakfast and tour may be purchased separately.

How Much: The rate at Maswik Lodge is $169 per night plus tax and features accommodations in a “Maswik North” room,  breakfast coupons, choice of a Hermits Rest motorcoach tour in the morning or Sunset motorcoach tour in the afternoon and a one-time gift shop discount good for 10 percent off purchases of $50-149.99 and 20 percent off purchases $150 and above.

The rate at Yavapai Lodge is $154 plus tax and features accommodations in a “Yavapai East” room, breakfast coupons, choice of a Hermits Rest motorcoach tour in the morning or Sunset motorcoach tour in the afternoon and a one-time gift shop discount good for 10 percent off purchases of $50-149.99 and 20 percent off purchases $150 and above.

Such a deal? Rack rates for rooms alone are normally $176 per night at Maswik North and $166 at Yavapai East. Rates do not include taxes.

To book: Use the promo code SUMMER online at www.grandcanyonlodges.com or call toll-free 1-888-297-2757 or 1-303-297-2757 from outside the United States

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

WellsWorld on the Radio:

The Lodge, luxury living at Turning Stone Resort, Casino and Spa.
Oneida Success: Surprising Turning Stone Resort and Casino

Stunned and delighted with the success of a simple bingo parlor, the Oneida leaders set out to create a first-rate resort that could secure future priorities for their people, better education, health and housing. The Oneida, known as the "people of the standing stone," named it Turning Stone for the effect it would have on their lives.


I recently spent two nights there as their guests and was most impressed with the service, quality, amenities and attitudes, not to mention the improved lives of those living in Oneida territory. Casino buffs will be pleased, gourmets will be more than satisfied and golfers will love it.

Turning Stone is located 30 minutes east of Syracuse, NY, near the town of Oneida and the Finger Lakes region. 


Here is a sample of their specials.


Be Our Next Champion Package
Starting at $635 for The Lodge, $540 for the Tower and $520 for the Hotel, per person based on double occupancy, available May 1 through September 30, 2012.
• Two nights accommodations at The Lodge, Tower or Hotel
• One round each at Atunyote®, Shenendoah and Kaluhyat courses
• $100 replays same day at Atunyote®
• Unlimited replays same day at Shenendoah or Kaluhyat
• Complimentary golf at Sandstone Hollow

Putt & Pamper Package
Starting at $380 per person based on double occupancy, available May 1 through October 31, 2012.
• Luxury overnight accommodations at The Lodge
• One round per person at Shenendoah or Kaluhyat
• One 50 minute Sk7:n8: Spa service per person
• $50 meal credit per person

Lodge Golfer's Getaway
Starting at $303 per person based on double occupancy, available May 1 through October 31, 2012.
• Overnight accommodations at The Lodge
• Unlimited golf after 3 p.m. at Shenendoah or Kaluhyat on arrival afternoon
• 18 holes of golf at Shenendoah or Kaluhyat next morning
• Lunch on the Turn and a drink at the 19th hole
• Complimentary access to the Lodge Fitness Center
• Guaranteed 3 p.m. Check-in
Please call to make a reservation.


Details: www.turningstone.com Reservations: 800-771-7711


Summer in Virginia.
Boar's Head Inn Summer Specials
What: Summer rates from $160 per night per room.
Stay and Play package, $270 per room per night:
•  one night's accommodation
• 1 18-hole round of golf for two at Birdwood
• use of driving range and practice green
• range balls
• cart.
When: Through Nov. 12, 2012.
Where: The Boar's Head Inn, Charlottesville, VA.
Fine Print: Resort fees, taxes and gratuities extra.
www.boarsheadinn.com

Discounts for Amelia's Great Southern Tailgate Cook-off

What: Six hotels offer discounted rooms for the Kansas City Barbecue Society-sanctioned Great Southern Tailgate Cook-off which has 50 professional and backyard teams vying for Best Barbecue cash awards and bragging rights plus free live entertainment from Little River Band and Rockit Fly.

Addison on Amelia offers a free night on reservations of four nights or more during the Great Southern Tailgate Cook-off weekend.  AddisonOnAmelia.com

• Amelia Island Hampton Inn at the Beach is offering a $99 rate for a double room, plus tax, during the cook-off. AmeliaIslandHamptonInn.com

Amelia Hotel at the Beach is offering standard rooms (king or double) for $79 per night for visitors attending the cook-off. The rate is only available through phone reservations and includes free parking, free Hot & Healthy breakfast daily, an afternoon warm cookie service and the new “Lobby Lounge” featuring a variety of beverages. Make sure to use rate code COOK when booking the deal.  AmeliaHotel.com

Beachside Motel will offer a third night free during the Great Southern Tailgate Cook-off. For visitors who can only stay for two nights, the property is offering a 20 percent discount. Only one discount is allowed per room.  The offers are valid August 22-27, 2012. Must call (877) 261-4236 to receive discount. BeachsideMotel.com

Elizabeth Pointe Lodge is walking distance from the event and offers a Third Annual Great Southern Tailgate Cook-off Package starting at $578.  The package includes a king bed, sunset guest room for two nights, bike rental for two, hors d’oeuvres reception each evening, complete breakfast each morning, newspaper, Wi-Fi, beach equipment and parking. ElizabethPointeLodge.com

Fairbanks House is offering a bottle of Roasted Raspberry Chipotle Sauce and a bag of Southern Slush Mix to guests staying three or more nights for the Cook-off.  Guests will also be treated to gourmet breakfasts and evening social hours with adult beverages and hors d'oeuvres.  This offer is available for new bookings only, and one offer per room.  Mention code STC12 when making your reservation. FairbanksHouse.com

Omni Amelia Island Plantation is offering their “Beach and Breakfast” package during the Great Southern Tailgate Cook-off. The package includes accommodations, breakfast for each registered guest, and use of the health and fitness center. Prices start at $179 per night. Must use code LEISBF when booking. OmniAmeliaIslandPlantation.com

Residence Inn, Amelia Island is the official host hotel of the Great Southern Tailgate Cook-off and recently received the Diamond designation, Marriott’s Highest Level of Distinction. The property offers rates starting at $109 per night, which includes free hot full breakfast, evening social, and shuttle service to the cook-off. Mention Tailgate Cook-off to get the rate.  ResidenceInnAmeliaIsland.com

The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island is offering the “Comfort You” package during the Great Southern Tailgate Cook-off weekend. The package includes accommodations, breakfast for two and a $75 resort credit. The package starts at $379 per night. Ritzcarlton.com/AmeliaIsland
 
Where: Amelia Island, FL.

When: 3 p.m. Aug. 24, 10 a.m. Aug. 25, 2012.

More on the cook-off:  www.gstailgatecookoff.com.

Paddling from the Sea Voyager.
SOLO Travelers Alert
What: Book any 2012-2013 Sea Voyager Expeditions cruise by Oct. 31, 2012 and pay no single supplement! Rates for these all-inclusive 8-12-night cruises aboard the ship M/V Sea Voyager range from $3,950 to $7,450, vs. the usual single rates of $6,350 to $8,950.Cruises concentrate on Colombia, Panama, Costa Rica and Ecuador and most transit the Panama Canal.

Where:
Eight-night "Caribbean Parks & Islands of Colombia & Panamá" which focuses on the Panamá Canal transit, the San Blas Islands, and the rainforests, clear waters and exotic wildlife of Columbia's rarely visited coast;

12-night "Pacific Wilds of Ecuador, Colombia & Panama" and its similar reverse sailing, "Last Frontier of Panama Colombia & Ecuador " visiting Colombia's Malaga Bay and Gorgona Island NP and giving guests the chance to hike Panama's Darien Jungle and Ecuador's Cayapas-Mataje Ecological Reserve;

Eight-night "Unspoiled Pacific of Panama & Costa Rica" where highlights include Las Perlas Islands, Coiba Island - the world's third largest marine park -- and Osa Peninsula, named by National Geographic as "the most biologically intense place on Earth";

Eight-night "Treasures of Costa Rica & Panama," where guests explore the Secas Islands with hikes, by Zodiac and kayak, and snorkel the secluded bays, Marenco Biological Reserve with its monkeys, toucans, parrots, manta rays, dolphins and other exotic wildlife, and Panama's Darien Jungle with a visit to the local Emberá village.

Details: www.seavoyagerexpeditions.com

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Save $ on 2013 Viking River Cruises

What: Reserve a 2013 Viking River Cruise through Europe or Asia by July 30, 2012 and get $1,000 per couple off airfare. That's in addition to two-for-one fares on selected cruises!

Where: Viking River Cruises offers excursions throughout Europe as well as Vietnam and China along the Elbe, Seine, Saone, Rhine, Many, Moselle, Danube, Rhone and Mekong Rivers.

Fine Print: Applies to new bookings only, airfares subject to change until full payment of air received.

To Book: Contact your travel agent or call 1-800-707-8697 and ask for 2013EBD.

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Last minute opportunity - recipe contest

What: Relish Magazine contest for recipes based on summer foods.

Deadline: June 30, 2012

Details: Entry forms at   http://www.relish.com/articles/summer-recipe-contest/
 
Winner receives: Prize valued at $1,700
• three nights in an oceanfront room with balcony at The King and Prince Beach and Golf Resort, St. Simons island, GA.
• daily buffet breakfast, Sunday brunch for two, Friday night seafood buffet for two
• 60-minute side-by-side massage in the Royal /treatment cottage
• 2-hour cruise on a working shrimp boat
• umbrella and two beach chairs
• one day bicycle rental for two

Friday, June 22, 2012

WellsWorld on the Radio - Disney, summer and golf dealsFirst Coast Connect

Who needs parks with a pool like this?
Find Nemo and fun at Disney World's latest value resort
Where: Walt Disney World Art of Animation Resort Finding Nemo wing, Orlando, FL.

What: The latest Disney World value resort to open comes with a ginormous pool complete with underwater sound and characters from the movie, a tempting arcade with Wi-Fi-equipped sitting area for non-gamers, good and good-for-you meal choices in the design-your-own meal-style restaurant and unique family suites all in neon colors. 
Arcade
 Guest services include
 Complimentary transportation within the park
 Self-parking
 Self-service laundry facility
 Concierge desk

Cost: Family Suites priced at $249 a night mid-week come with
Queen-bedded en suite room.
Sleeper sofa in the living room.
Three separate sleeping areas - Queen-size bed, Double-size Inova TableBed,
Double-size sleeper sofa
Living room
2 bathrooms
Mini-kitchen
Reading chair
Table and chairs
Flat-panel TV
In-room wall safe
Voice mail
Complimentary WiFi
Microwave
Cable TV with Disney programming
Compact refrigerator
Coffeemaker
Hairdryer
Iron and ironing board
Crib is available upon request
All rooms are non-smoking
Wheelchair-accessible rooms are available
Views of the parking lot, courtyard or pool

To book: www.disneyworld.disney.go.com/resorts/art-of-animation-resort/

Coming:
• Cars Family Suites—Opening June 18, 2012Cars Family Suites—Opening June 18, 2012
• The Lion King Family Suites—Opening August 10, 2012
• The Little Mermaid Standard Rooms—Opening September 15, 2012


 




Free summer nights on Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key

Where: Anna Maria Island, Longboat Key and the Bradenton area. Located between St. Petersburg and Sarasota on Florida’s west coast, Anna Maria Island & Longboat Key, and their coastal companions, Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch, are known for Old Florida charm, breath-taking scenery, funky dining and shopping districts and 16 miles of sugar-white sands.

What: FREE nights at 10 properties.  As part of this new “Your Summer, Your Way” program,  other island and mainland accommodations are also offering a variety of discounts, including 25 percent off weekly rentals, Florida resident rates and even cash discounts. Free fun continues with several summer events and activities for the entire family, including a monthly ArtWalk in Bradenton’s Village
of the Arts and Snooty’s™ 64th birthday party at the South Florida Museum.

Third Night Free
Bridgewalk, A Landmark Resort
Silver Surf Gulf Beach Resort
Wingate by Wyndham

Fourth Night Free
Tradewinds Resort
Tortuga Inn Beach Resort
Hilton Longboat Key Beachfront Resort

 Fifth Night Free
An Island Getaway at Palm Tree Villas

Sixth and Seventh Nights Free
Florida Vacation Connection
A Tropical Breeze Beach Club On Anna Maria Island

Seventh Night Free
A Paradise Vacation Rentals

To Book: www.AMILBK.com/Deals




BOGOs at Amelia Island, FL

What: Free Monday Night at Five Island Hotels.
Guests who book a Sunday night stay will receive a Monday night stay for free at these  participating properties.


Where:


• Amelia Hotel at the Beach
www.ameliahotel.com
(877) 263-5428

• Days Inn & Suites at the Beach
www.ameliaislandbeachhotel.com
(904) 277-2300

• Hampton Inn at Fernandina Beach
www.ameliaislandhamptoninn.com 
(800) 426-7866

• Harbor Front Hampton Inn & Suites
www.hamptoninnameliaisland.com
(800) 426-7866

• Seaside Amelia Inn
www.seasideameliainn.com
(904) 206-5300


When: Through August, 2012

Details: Payment may be due at time of booking with no refunds, changes or cancellations allowed.  Some blackout dates or other restrictions may apply.  Offer may not be combined with any other offer.  Check with individual properties for terms and conditions before booking. Contact individual properties by phone to book this offer.  www.ameliaisland.com/BOGO.

Brasstown Valley Lodge and 18th green.
Golf Your Way at Brasstown Valley Resort

Where: Brasstown Valley Resort and Spa is located in Young Harris, GA, at the foot of Brasstown Bald in the North Georgia mountains.

What: To celebrate new ratings, three sets of tees for women and four for men, to ensure a more enjoyable game for all skill levels at its course, Brasstown has a new golf package:

Sunday through Thursday stays from $264 per night, double occupancy, include a traditional Lodge guestroom, unlimited greens and cart fees and use of driving and practice ranges. On Friday and Saturday, the package includes the room, the practice ranges, cart and one round of golf (additional rounds are $25 each).

Other amenities include spa, pool and stables.

Book:  www.brasstownvalley.com, 706-379-9900.


Me with the Ferrari before the drive.
 Disney Dream Drive

Disney is all about dreams and if your dream is to drive a sports car at top speed, you can fulfill it.
Where: Exotic Driving Experience at Walt Disney World Speedway.

What: Drive or be driven in a $295,000 Ferrari 458 italia, $243,000 Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Superleggera or $220,000 Gallardo LP560-4, $150,000 Audi R8 or $99,900 Porsche 997 S around the road course. 

Costs: Be driven for two laps $99. Drive yourself (there will be a professional driver in the passenger seat) for seven laps for $169 to $419; Porsche's the least expensive, Ferrari the most. Photographs of you with and in the car and/or a tape of the experience (including your comments as you drive) are extra. 

Details: Your session begins with a classroom where the cars are described, tips are given and drivers are warned that they won't remember a thing once they get in the car. You might remember a few but they do tend to disappear with that first "Step on the gas" order. If you aren't among the first on the track you and friends/family will watch from small stands until it's your turn. When your name is called, you return to "pit row" where your head  is covered in a balaclava and helmet and your seat is adjusted for you. The seven laps will be up before you know it.
Tip: If you really want to achieve personal best speeds, be driven first then get in a car and do it yourself.Seeing how far the car could safely be pushed would have made a big difference.

On the track.

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

10 Tips for Booking a Nattional Park Lodge Room at the Minute

Old Faithful at Yellowstone National Park.
Concessioner Xanterra Parks & Resorts operates seven lodges in Grand Canyon National Park, nine lodges in Yellowstone National Park, Zion Lodge in Zion National Park, two lodges in Crater Lake National Park and two lodges in Death Valley National Park. The company also operates Grand Canyon Railway and Grand Canyon Railway Hotel in Williams, Ariz., 65 miles from the entrance to the Grand Canyon.

“Advance bookings for national park lodges are strong this summer, so the key to successfully reserving a room in a park at the last minute is to be both flexible and persistent,” said Dave Hartvigsen, vice president of sales and marketing for Xanterra. "With a little bit of flexibility and some good luck, last-minute travelers can still book rooms at national park lodges.”

Hartvigsen's tips for planning a last-minute national park vacation.

1. Do your homework. Familiarize yourself with web sites and bookmark reservations pages.  Visit Xanterra's web site at www.xanterra.com for general information on the parks operated by Xanterra as well as lodging descriptions, rates and availability. Another good source of information on national parks is the National Park Service website at www.nps.gov.

2. Check room availability and book rooms online. Rooms can be booked online at www.YellowstoneNationalParkLodges.com, www.grandcanyonlodges.com, www.zionlodge.com, , www.craterlakelodges.com and www.furnacecreekresort.com (Death Valley).  Booking online is usually the quickest way to book a lodge room.

3. Be flexible with travel dates. Lodges can be booked up to 13 months in advance of a travel date. Because many people do make their plans far in advance, they will occasionally have to change or cancel existing reservations because of schedule conflicts or for other reasons. Travelers who are flexible with their travel dates stand the best chance of getting a room on short notice.

4. Be flexible with lodge choices. Grand Canyon’s El Tovar and Yellowstone’s Old Faithful Inn are often travelers’ first choice of lodging, so the rooms in those two historic hotels are typically the first to sell out in those parks. More than 70 percent of the lodge rooms at the Grand Canyon are located off-rim in Maswik and Yavapai lodges, however, and both are comfortable locations that are barely a 10-minute walk from the canyon rim. Yellowstone has lodges situated in a variety of locations throughout the park. No matter where in a park travelers stay they can always experience the famous grand dames of the parks by visiting the lobbies or enjoying a meal in their dining rooms.

5. Be strategic. International tour operators reserve blocks of rooms up to two years in advance in anticipation of selling these rooms as part of tour packages to the United States. If all the rooms are not sold, operators must release them for resale 30 days out. Want to travel on July 30? Book first thing on the morning of June 30.

6. Be persistent. Rooms open up - and are often very quickly re-booked - every day. The quickest way to check availability is by going to the web site and following the link for reservations. Bookmark the web site and check it frequently to see if rooms have become available.

7. Travel when families don’t. There is often more room availability during the first two weeks of June, the last two weeks of August or the first two weeks of September. Families with schoolchildren are either winding down after the end of school or gearing up for the beginning of school, so those periods -- although still considered peak season -- are a little slower than the rest of the summer.

8. Just show up. Travelers who arrive between noon and 6 p.m. often find last-minute rooms available. Once in a park, the front desk at any lodge can check availability for all rooms within the park.

9. Make dining and activity reservations too. If you are successful booking a room, take a moment to also reserve activities and make dinner reservations. Dining rooms do fill, so if you want a meal in one of the lodges, plan ahead. Popular activities like the Old West Cookout at Yellowstone's Roosevelt Lodge fill up fast too. Phone numbers for meal and activity reservations can be easily found on all Xanterra web sites.

10. Book a package. Yellowstone offers a variety of packages including multi-day “Adventure” and “Lodging & Learning” packages that include accommodations, some meals and a variety of park experiences. Grand Canyon Railway also features packages that include train travel and accommodations.

Read about Yellowstone and Grand Canyon experiences at my other blog, Travel on the Level: 
travelonthelevel.blogspot.com/.../nature-rules-at-yellowstone-national...
Travel on the Level: blogspot.com/2011/11/grand-canyon.html
travelonthelevel.blogspot.com/.../railroading-into-grand-canyon.html
travelonthelevel.blogspot.com/2011/10/grand-canyon.html

Friday, June 1, 2012

Savannah Summer Girls Getaway

Grab your BFFs and head to the South's Grande Dame Savannah, GA.

What: Check into one of the following historic B & Bs
     
Azalea Inn & Gardens     www.AzaleaInn.com
• Dresser Palmer House    www.DresserPalmerHouse.com
• Green Palm Inn                www.GreenPalmInn.com
• Zeigler House Inn            www.ZeiglerHouseInn.com



and receive this "Savannah Memories" bonus ($70 value):

• Savannah Trolley Tour for Two with OLD SAVANNAH TOURS – bringing Savannah  History to Life for nearly 30 years

• Luscious Ice Cream Banana Split for Two to Share at LEOPOLD’S ICE CREAM (since 1919)

• Admission for Two to JULIETTE GORDON LOW HOUSE – Celebrate the 100th Anniversary of The Girl Scouts

• Personal Tour of the four SAVANNAH INNS – a glimpse into the most romantic bed & breakfasts in the South. Spanning history from 1856 -1897, the Inns grace the City with their genuine warmth and Southern hospitality.



Details: Stay a minimum of two weekday nights (Sunday through Thursday) June 3 - August 23. Mention Girl Scout Cookies when you book and receive an additional special gift.