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Budget travel tips: Save on New Year’s Eve hotels

Tuesday, December 16th, 2008

Las vegas hotels
Even if you’re on a budget, you can make travel plans to celebrate New Year’s Eve in style. CheapTickets has unveiled the top five cities for New Year’s Eve celebrations and nearby destination alternatives for cheap New Year’s Eve hotels.

From big cities to the beach, you can join the party and save big on your travel budget by staying just a little bit further from the action. The top New Year’s Eve destinations and cheap hotel alternatives are based on hotel bookings on CheapTickets for arrivals December 27-31, 2008. Check out the average daily rates for the big cities versus the alternatives.

TOP NEW YEAR’S EVE DESTINATIONS AND ALTERNATIVES FOR CHEAP HOTELS

  1. Las Vegas Strip $154.50 / Las Vegas off-Strip $137.42
  2. New York City $256.53 / Newark, NJ $80.95
  3. Orlando, FL $93.43 / Kissimmee $75.32
  4. Cancun, Mexico $289.74 / Cozumel $165.71
  5. Miami Beach $197.22 / Ft. Lauderdale $91.81

LAS VEGAS STRIP/OFF-STRIP: If you’re planning to ring in 2009 in Las Vegas, booking one of the Las Vegas hotels off the Strip can save you up to 11 percent. Just take a quick cab ride downtown to partake in the New Year’s fireworks and live music on the Strip and at the Fremont Experience.

NEW YORK CITY/NEWARK: Newark is just a short train ride from Times Square, so you can take the train to see the ball drop and save an average of 68 percent on your hotel room.

MIAMI/FT. LAUDERDALE: Miami’s New Year’s Eve celebration is better than ever with Bayfront
Park’s free fireworks show, the annual Big Orange Festival — which
drops a 35-foot orange ball to a laser show and fireworks. Stay in one of the Fort Lauderdale hotels just 30 minutes away and celebrate average hotel savings of 53 percent.

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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.

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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.

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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

(more…)

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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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More free holiday events to celebrate the season

Friday, November 28th, 2008

Philadelphiahotels
Even with cheap flights and cheap hotels, your wallet could probably use a break this time of year. So here’s our second roundup of free holiday events to help you celebrate the season on the cheap.

BOSTON — From strolling with historic characters to performances of the Nutcracker, Boston has lots of events to celebrate the season. We’ve listed a few of the free ones below. You can see all the events online.

  • Sparklefest Holiday Parade: Santa and others parade from the Inn at Harvard down Massachusetts Avenue. Sunday, December 21, 12-1 p.m.
  • Skating rink at the Charles Hotel: Free skating and skate rentals during the grand opening Sunday, December 7, 12-8 p.m.
  • Tree lighting ceremony: Local and national performers and carolers join Santa for holiday entertainment and the lighting of Boston’s official non-denominational holiday shrub. December 4 at 6:30 p.m. Boston Common.

PHILADELPHIA – Light displays, children’s programs and events celebrating Chanukah and Kwanzaa are part of Philly’s holiday celebration. Learn more.

  • Holiday Light Show: 100,000 LED lights illuminate to create holiday images, accompanied by music from the Wanamaker Grand Organ. November 28-January 1 at Macy’s Center City.
  • Sharing the Heritage Holiday and Pre-Kwanzaa Celebration: If you bring an unwrapped gift to donate, you’ll get free admission to this event featuring discussions, films and performances about Kwanzaa. The African American Museum in Philadelphia. December 20
  • Holiday Railroad: More than a dozen model trains traverse snow-covered mountains and wind through miniature towns at this display at Reading Terminal Market. November 28-December 31.

DENVER – The Mile-High City has plenty of holiday happenings. See them all online.

  • City & County Building Holiday Lights: 600,000 lights illuminate the building and the bell tower plays carols. Nightly November 23 – January at 6 p.m.
  • Parade of Lights: Eight marching bands, giant balloons and brightly lit holiday floats wind through downtown Denver. December 5 at 8 p.m. and December 6 at 6 p.m.
  • Denver Christkindl Market: Vendors from Germany and throughout Europe offer traditional handcrafted items and food. At 16th Street Mall and Arapahoe Street through December 23. Note: It’s free to enter the market and browse, but if you want to shop, bring your wallet.

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Save up to 30% on ski vacations

Wednesday, November 26th, 2008

Jackson hole hotels
By Kate Schwartz

It’s already snowing out West, so make sure to book your cheap ski vacation today. This winter, CheapTickets is offering is offering up to 30% off cheap hotels in top ski destinations. Whether you ski, snowboard, snowshoe or prefer to remain fireside, CheapTickets makes all your ski travel needs cheaper. Check out some of CheapTickets’ top cheap ski-town hotel picks:

  • Jackson Hole: After spending a day tackling the steep terrain of the Tetons, you will need a comfortable place to rest your head. The Snake River Lodge & Spa in Teton Village provides high-end luxury without the high-end price tag. Book now through April 6, 2009, and CheapTickets will help you save 25% on four or more nights. Let the Snake River Lodge & Spa show you how luxurious cheap travel can be.
  • Lake Tahoe : Lake Tahoe offers the best of both worlds: world-renowned skiing overlooking one of the most beautiful lakes in the United States. If you travel to Lake Tahoe this winter and book a four-night stay at the Horizon Casino Resort, you can save 30%.
  • Breckenridge : If miles upon miles of groomed terrain overlooking magnificent Summit County isn’t enough, try skiing into Crystal Peak Lodge. A new luxury condominium property at the base of Breckenridge Ski Area’s Peak 7, Crystal Peak Lodge offers unbeatable convenience and luxury for a cheap ski vacation! Book with CheapTickets today and save 20% off your stay.

After a full day of winter activities, CheapTickets wants to make sure you have a great place to rest your head and your wallet. With great travel deals on cheap hotels in some of the hottest ski spots in the nation, your next ski vacation can be fun and 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.

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Deal of the Day: Save on this elegant Anaheim hotel

Tuesday, November 25th, 2008

Anaheim hotels
The CheapTickets Deal of the Day this week is for travel to Anaheim, California, home to Disneyland, and a great home base for a Southern California vacation.

One of the Anaheim hotels we’re highlighting is the Anabella Hotel. Right now this four-star hotel is offering 30% off regular rates. You can find discounted rooms starting at just $97 a night.

What makes the Anabella Hotel our pick among Anaheim hotels? It’s directly across from the Disneyland Resort and on the Anaheim Convention Center campus, making it perfectly situated for both families and business travelers. This Spanish mission-style hotel rates a 4.1 out of 5 from CheapTickets guests who’ve stayed at the property.

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Free events make holiday travel cheaper

Friday, November 21st, 2008

‘Tis the season for holiday travel. And while that may bring visions of flight delays and long security lines, don’t despair. CheapTickets wants to spread some holiday cheer. We’ve compiled a list of free holiday events in a selection of cities across the country, and we’re sharing them here in a two-part series. Consider it our holiday gift to you.

If you’ve got airline tickets and hotel reservations for one of these warm-weather destinations, you’ll have plenty of ways to celebrate:

Los angeles hotels
LOS ANGELES

  • The Light of the Angels: This seven-minute multimedia light display runs nightly December 4-31 at 7, 8, 9 and 10 p.m. at NOKIA Plaza. A key feature of the program is a 37,500-pound tree with 11,000 lights.
  • Marina del Ray Holiday Boat Parade: A fireworks show kicks off the event just before 6 p.m.; then boats decorated with lights circle through the harbor. December 13.
  • DWP Light Festival: From Thanksgiving weekend to the end of December, this mile-long Crystal Springs Drive route in Griffith Park turns into L.A.’s most awesome display of holiday lighting. Open 5 -10 p.m.

SAN DIEGO — San Diego has a ready list of 25 free activities for holiday travelers to enjoy. Here are a few highlights:

  • Coronado Christmas Open House and Parade: Santa arrives by ferry, and a concert follows the parade.
  • Balboa Park: Free organ concerts with holiday music. Sundays at 2 p.m. at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion. And don’t miss the "Whoville" decorations outside the Old Globe Theater in honor of the production "How the Grinch Stole Christmas."
  • La Jolla Christmas Parade and Festival: December 7
  • Mission Bay Christmas Boat Parade of Lights: Over 100 brightly lit boats parade along Mission Bay. December 13
  • Horse-drawn carriage rides: In Escondido. December 1, 8, 15, and 22; 5-9 p.m.

NEW ORLEANS

  • Cathedral Christmas Concerts: Local choirs perform holiday music in the historic St. Louis Cathedral in Jackson Square. Select evenings at 6 p.m. from December 1-22.
  • Cooking Demonstrations: Celebrated local chefs share their secrets for making delicious recipes. Select days at 10 a.m. or 3 p.m. December 2-20.

FORT LAUDERDALE

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Cheap flights for holiday travel

Tuesday, November 18th, 2008

cheap flights
If you’re still looking for cheap flights for the holidays, here’s good news: CheapTickets and American Airlines are teaming up to offer cheap fares this December.

Round-trip fares start at $105 plus tax. Maybe you want to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Times Square. Cheap flights from Orlando to New York start at $185. Or visit your relatives in Florida. CheapTickets and American have cheap fares starting at $205 for flights from New York to Miami.

Holiday travel doesn’t have to cost a lot. With these cheap flights, you’ll have plenty of money left for gifts! Fares are good for travel through January 5, 2009, but you must book your tickets at least 14 days in advance.

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