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Articles for December, 2008

San Diego restaurants offer deals

Friday, December 12th, 2008

Sandiegohotels
Book one of your favorite San Diego hotels between January 11-16 to enjoy great deals on fabulous meals.

San Diego Restaurant Week is back, with well over 100 restaurants offering discounted three-course meals for $20, $30 or $40.

Nobu, in the Hard Rock Hotel San Diego, lists Ribeye with wasabi, and Alaskan Black Cod in miso sauce among it’s entree selections. At 1500 Ocean in the Hotel del Coronado, you could start with seared Kobe beef carpaccio, continue with roasted pork tenderloin with polenta and mushrooms, and enjoy warm chocolate chipotle cake for dessert.

Speaking of sweets, dessert lovers will appreciate this new Restaurant Week twist: Select eateries are incorporating Girl Scout cookies in their recipes.

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Cheap Chicago hotels for New Year’s Eve

Thursday, December 11th, 2008

Chicago hotels
By Kate Schwartz

Ring in the New Year in the Windy City with CheapTickets’ cheap Chicago hotels. Known for its breathtaking architecture and delectable cuisine, Chicago has something for everyone. With CheapTickets’ hotel deals, plus tips on cheap New Year’s Eve fun, you’ll be able to start the New Year with some cash in your pocket. Check out CheapTickets cheap guide to New Year’s Eve in Chicago.

Hotel Allegro: Located in Chicago’s Loop, Hotel Allegro is surrounded by the Windy City’s most astounding architecture and steps from the famous Chicago River. CheapTickets is teaming up with Hotel Allegro to offer 20% off your stay between now and February 15, 2009. For a cheap New Year’s Eve celebration, walk across the street for a drink at the Encore Liquid Lounge, or take a short cab ride to see the free fireworks show at Navy Pier.

Hotel Burnham: Pair cheap travel with cheap shopping, and you’ll be bringing in the New Year in style. Hotel Burnham is located across the street from Chicago’s flagship Macy’s store on State Street, so you’ll be in position to take advantage of any New Year’s sales. Hotel Burnham also is offering 20% off your stay through February 15. And for cheap New Year’s Eve options, take a romantic midnight stroll through Millennium Park or catch the lights on Michigan Avenue.

Hotel Monaco: Stay at Hotel Monaco this New Year’s Eve and you’ll be in position no matter how you decide to celebrate. Hotel Monaco is just steps from Michigan Avenue and Millenium Park, in the heart of downtown, so you’re close to great clubs, restaurants and attractions. Book with CheapTickets and save 20% on your stay.

The Windy City is where it’s at, so get the party started for less when you book your cheap Chicago hotel on CheapTickets.

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Kate Schwartz is a marketing coordinator for CheapTickets. When
she’s not searching for the best travel deals, she’s out taking
advantage of them!  From hiking the Rockies to lounging on the beaches
of Barcelona, Kate is always looking for adventure.

Cheap vacations: Best bets for January travel

Wednesday, December 10th, 2008

Santa barbara hotels
If you want to take a cheap vacation in January, here’s a tip: According to the CheapTickets 2009 Value Travel Forecast, the cities where travelers can experience the greatest savings include Hong Kong, Santa Barbara, CA and New York City.

You can save up to 59% on Hong Kong hotels in January. To fully appreciate this modern city, take the tram up to Victoria Peak for a stunning view, (there’s a great walking path around the peak if you really want to take it all in). Or if you’d rather stay close to the ground, hop aboard the Star Ferry and cruise Victoria Harbor.

Santa Barbara, CA, is known as the American Riviera for its palm tree-lined streets, gracious waterfront and elegant shopping and restaurants. Plan a vacation in January and save up to 38% on Santa Barbara hotels. Wine lovers can make the easy 30- to 40-minute drive northeast to the vineyards and wineries featured in "Sideways." Film buffs may want to time their vacation to coincide with the Santa Barbara International Film Festival January 22 – February 1.

If you’re idea of a great vacation includes fabulous food, theater and attractions, head to the Big Apple in January and save up to 37% on New York hotels. Go early in January to enjoy the holiday decorations without the holiday crowds. And get seats to that show you’ve been wanting to see — for less — with our insider’s Five ways to get cheap Broadway tickets.

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Deal of the Day: Cheap hotel in Boston

Tuesday, December 9th, 2008

Cheap hotels
The CheapTickets Deal of the Day this week is for a cheap hotel in Boston, known for its historic sites, beautiful waterfront and chowda.

One of the Boston hotels we’re highlighting is the Westin Boston Waterfront. Right now you can save 35% off regular room rates, with rooms starting at just $122 a night.

Comfort and location make this our pick among Boston hotels. The Westin Boston Waterfront is a new AAA Four Diamond hotel less than three miles from Logan Airport and close to restaurants and attractions. CheapTickets guests who’ve stayed at the hotel give it 4.6 out of 5 points and rave about the helpful staff, great views and dual-head showers.

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Airline tickets under $200

Monday, December 8th, 2008

Cheap flights
Dreaming about warm weather? A sunny vacation can be yours this winter with cheap flights from CheapTickets and AirTran Airways.

Check out these sale airfares:

  • Indianapolis to Tampa: $145
  • Chicago to Orlando: $173
  • Orlando to San Juan: $145
  • Buffalo to Atlanta: $125

Cheap flights like these are good for travel Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday through March 11, 2009. Additional sale fares for Monday, Thursday and Friday are available, but fares may be higher. Prices shown are for roundtrip flights, excluding taxes and fees.

With this airfare sale from AirTran, you can travel to that warm and sunny spot you’ve been dreaming of. Just book your tickets by December 11.

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Get away for less: Vacations under $500

Saturday, December 6th, 2008

Washington dc hotels By Kate Schwartz

Tired of the same old weekend routine? Spice things up with cheap vacations from CheapTickets. With dozens of cheap vacation packages under $500, you are sure to find travel deals to fit your needs. Hit the beach, ski the slopes or win big at the slots when you take advantage of cheap vacation packages under $500. Here are some exciting ideas for your next cheap weekend getaway:

  • New Orleans: Take it easy in the Big Easy, when you take a cheap weekend getaway to one of the most charming cities on the Gulf Coast. Cheap flights and cheap hotels let you experience Southern hospitality for less than $500. During your stay in New Orleans you can sample fabulous food, cruise the Mississippi River or explore the French Quarter.
  • Denver: Take a cheap weekend trip to Denver and hit the slopes for less. Some of the best Colorado ski resorts are less than 75 miles from Denver, making it easy to hit the slopes during the day and get back just in time to enjoy the bustling nightlife. With two-night vacation packages under $500, you will have plenty of cash left over for lift tickets, ski rentals, and the ever-important cup of hot chocolate!
  • Washington, D.C.: Experience history with a cheap vacation to Washington, D.C. From tours of the White House to free admission to the Smithsonian museums, you are guaranteed to have an exciting weekend in our nation’s capital.
  • Las Vegas: Even if you don’t win big at the table, you’re still a winner with vacation packages under $500 from CheapTickets! Whether you enjoy lounging at one of the many fabulous see-and-be-seen Las Vegas pools, or sipping Champagne at the high-rollers table, CheapTickets will get you there for less and leave you with plenty of money left to gamble.

CheapTickets knows how to make your money count. This winter add a little spice to your life with a cheap vacation. From the slots to the slopes, cheap travel has never been more fun or affordable.

CheapTickets resources:

Kate Schwartz is a marketing coordinator for CheapTickets. When she’s not searching for the best travel deals, she’s out taking advantage of them!  From hiking the Rockies to lounging on the beaches of Barcelona, Kate is always looking for adventure.

Top cheap vacation destinations for 2009

Wednesday, December 3rd, 2008

The key to cheap travel is knowing the best time to find cheap flights and cheap hotels. So we created the CheapTickets 2009 Value Travel Forecast, a month-by-month guide of top destinations that offer the most savings for travelers.

To help identify the best budget-friendly travel opportunities for next year, we analyzed hotels booked on CheapTickets from December 2007 to November 2008 and calculated the percentage of savings compared to peak rates.

Here are the winners (and honorable mentions) for 2009:

Italy vacationsJANUARY: 37% savings in New York
In addition to a 37 percent savings on New York hotels compared to peak rates, retailers are buzzing with post-holiday sales, and big-city attractions are easily accessible now that the holiday crowds have come and gone. Visitors can also take advantage of New York City’s Restaurant Week in January, giving them access to some of the city’s best restaurants for a fraction of the price.

Other January cheap vacation destinations: Santa Barbara, CA and Hong Kong

FEBRUARY: 42% savings in Italy
In February, Italy is just starting to come out of its winter cloak, and budget travelers will appreciate the lower airfare and savings of up to 42 percent on Italy hotels when compared to the high season. February visitors can experience one of Italy’s most famous festivals, Carnevale.

Other February cheap vacation destinations: France and Colorado Springs, CO

MARCH: 53% savings in Portland, ME

This historic, seacoast town is filled with galleries, one-of-kind boutiques and incredible restaurants serving everything from creamy clam chowder and lobster rolls to nouvelle New England cuisine.

Other March cheap vacation destinations: Reno, NV and Canada

APRIL: 58% savings in Brazil
In April, the summer surge of tourists in Brazil is complete, which means fewer crowds, but the same great tropical weather.

Other April cheap vacation destinations: Santa Fe, NM and Columbus, GA

Lake tahoe hotels MAY: 38% savings in Lake Tahoe
For those who love the outdoors, Lake Tahoe is the ideal destination in May. The lake is popular for water sports and beach activities, and with 38 percent savings on Lake Tahoe hotels compared to peak winter rates, going during the off-season means affording activities like a guided cruise or dining at the many lake front restaurants.

Other May cheap vacation destinations: Denver, CO and Atlanta, GA


JUNE: 38% savings in Egypt
With 38 percent savings compared to peak rates, June visitors can relax on the wondrous Red Sea or Sinai coasts, take in the high culture of Cairo or even leisurely float down the Egyptian Nile on a river boat.

Other June cheap vacation destinations: Columbia, SC and Dallas, TX

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Cheap flights to Hawaii

Wednesday, December 3rd, 2008

Hawaiihotels
Travel to Hawaii doesn’t have to be just a dream this winter. CheapTickets and Northwest Airlines have teamed up to offer cheap flights to Hawaii.

Travel from Los Angeles to Kona on the Big Island from $405 round trip. Some of the most popular Big Island hotels, including the Hilton Waikoloa Village and the Royal Kona Resort, are just a short drive from the airport along the Kona coast. A cheap car rental is a must during your stay: The Big Island has 11 of the world’s 13 climate zones, and you’ll want to see them all. Another must-do is a visit to one of the world’s most active volcanoes at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Admission is just $10 per car, and it’s good for seven days.

Cheap flights from Seattle to Honolulu start at just $331 roundtrip. You may want to stay at one of the Honolulu hotels along the famous Waikiki Beach. There are plenty of interesting, and cheap ways to enjoy the island of Oahu. A visit to the USS Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor is free, and you can hike (or drive) to the top of Diamond Head Crater for just $1 per person or $5 per car.

Travel from Salt Lake City to Maui from $585 roundtrip and stay at one of the popular Maui hotels along Kaanapali Beach or the Wailea coast. Maui is home to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, and, from November through April, some 3,000 humpback whales. For an unforgettable drive, book a cheap car rental and head to Hana. This is one of those instances (maybe the only one) where your travel really is about the journey, not the destination. While Hana itself doesn’t have much to see, the drive there is famous for its hairpin curves, dramatic coastal views and spectacular waterfalls.

These cheap flights to Hawaii are on sale only through December 16, and tickets are good for travel through February 8, 2009, so book soon, and say Aloha to a Hawaii vacation.

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Deal of the Day: New Myrtle Beach hotel from $44 a night

Tuesday, December 2nd, 2008

Myrtle Beach hotels
This week’s CheapTickets Deal of the Day is for travel to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, a great beach vacation destination voted "Best Family Beach" by the Travel Channel.

One of the Myrtle Beach hotels we’re highlighting is Market Common Suites by ResortQuest. This three-star hotel is offering up to 50% off regular rates, with rooms starting at just $44 a night.

Market Common Suites by ResortQuest is a brand new condo development in a shopping and entertainment district. Location and amenities are what make it our pick among Myrtle Beach hotels.

Guests can walk to fine restaurants including P.F. Chang’s and Tommy Bahama, and upscale shops like Anthropologie and Williams Sonoma are just steps away. In addition, Market Common Suites is minutes from the beach and attractions including the Hard Rock Theme Park. And with kitchens, living areas and separate bedrooms, Market Common Suites by ResortQuest is great for families or anyone who wants more room to relax.

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