The experts agree: Of a recent list of ten travel trends for 2009 by American Express Travel, five were related to an uptick in value versus dollar. It’s also expected that travelers themselves will get creative to take the vacation they deserve, including utilizing rewards points such as Membership Rewards, a trend recognized by more than 80% of travel agents polled.
You deserve a deal. You deserve a break. You deserve a Yay-cation – and here are ten ways to do it.
With the Pound Down, Time for Luxury in London Guoman Hotels, a new luxury hotel chain with four hotels in central London , invites travelers to cash in on the falling exchange rate by enjoying special packages. Guoman Hotels include the newly renovated five-star Royal Horseguards Hotel; the intimate Charing Cross Hotel; the modern Cumberland Hotel; and The Tower hotel located in the financial district. Visit Guoman
Baltimore ’s “Deal Driver” Baltimore Area Convention and Visitors Associationis helping visitors stretch vacation dollars and encourage regional visitors to consider a “nearcation” with the new “Deal Driver” online program, which offers destination-wide discounts. Regional visitors to Baltimore simply enter the zip code of their hometown; the “Deal Driver” then calculates the gas cost of driving to Baltimore and provides exclusive offers for attractions, restaurants, hotels, parking and shopping in a value equal to the gas cost, offsetting the expense of driving to Baltimore .
Traveling with a Senior? Ride the Rails FOR FREE with VIA Rail Canada VIA Rail Canada offers efficient, quality train services from coast to coast. And for passengers traveling with an adult age 60 or over, travel is free with the purchase of a full-fare economy class ticket. Those traveling with a senior in Sleeper Car service – which offers regional cuisine, rooms with duvet bedding and domed viewing car access – enjoy a full 75% off. Visit Via Rail
New Boutique Hotels “Embrace Their Place” with Local Experiences
AVIA Hotels, a new boutique hotel collection from LodgeWorks L.P. is opening in four locations this year. Each will offer a local experience with a distinct, welcoming ambiance and spirit of personal discovery. AVIA Hotels will open in Savannah , Napa , Long Beach and The Woodlands, with a goal of making these destinations come alive for guests. Visit Avia Hotels
Luxury for Less in Greater Fort Lauderdale
An easy-access sun and fun destination, Greater Fort Lauderdalehas several hotels and resorts offering spectacular winter packages, allowing travelers to get more for less at the destination’s premier properties. Not only will travelers be able to receive resort credits, spa treatments, complimentary meals or discounted room rates, but they can also enjoy all Greater Fort Lauderdale has to offer. For details and specific offers visit Fort Lauderdale
Another fresh travel idea for 2009: Stay PURE. PURE Solutions offers up to 98% allergy-free hotel rooms worldwide. The new technology is ideal for travelers with allergies or asthma. Ask about PURE room availability in hotels wherever your travels may take you next year – the list of participating hotels is sure to expand throughout the year. Visit Aruba
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