Rates through spring at this 5 diamond resort start at just $139.99 per night .  The resort which is located within the World Golf  Village and within walking distance of the World Golf Hall of Fame, offers play on two championship golf courses and an 18 hole putting course.  The resort also offers guests a complimentary shuttle to the Serenata Beach Club at Ponte Verda Beach where guests can enjoy it’s magnificent coastal setting.  For a bit of shopping there is also a complimentary guest shuttle to downtown St. Augustine.

Sounds like a great chance to get it all on your next Florida vacation!

Namale Resort & Spa, Fiji
The sensual Namale Resort in Fiji that was recently featured on The Bachelorette TV series, has announced a promotion that offers 2 free nights when you book a 5 night stay (7 nights for the price of 5).

This resort is known for tropical  seclusion and a  dramatic setting on a volcanic cliff overlooking the Koko Sea.  The 5-star Namale Resort was recently voted the “Best Hotel for Romance in the Pacific” by Trip Advisor readers.  It has just unique 19 bures and villas – each one designed with romance in mind.  The Holiday Romance Package includes two free nights in the accommodation category of your choice, all meals and beverages, round trip airport transfers, fully stocked min-bar, daily laundry service, access to the Namale Spa Hydrotherapy Room, and complimentary activities including horseback riding, golf, snorkeling, kayaking and waterfall hikes.  The promotion is in effect from now until February 28, 2012 – so it’s a perfect choice for Valentine’s Day!  Rates at the resort start at approximately $975 per night.

Beginning on December 21st, Skype is providing travelers with one hour of free WiFi connectivity  through hotspots in 50 airports across the country.  The free WiFi promotion will continue through December 27th.  Airports included in the promotion include JFK, Newark, San Francisco, Chicago O’Hare, Boston and many more.  Here’s a map of participating airports:

To access the free WiFi, be sure that you have downloaded the latest version of Skype onto your PC, Mac or iOS device.  Sign in and check for the availability of a supported Hot Spot.  If you don’t see an airport you’ll be traveling through on the map – all is not lost.  There’s a possibility that the airport already offers free WiFi to travelers.

Check out all the details of the free WiFi offer.

New York
The managers of New York HI love Christmas and New Years, they say it’s the best time of the year to enjoy the city. They put on three festive activities a day for guests from mid-December to early January, including guided tours of the New York illuminations, trips to enjoy the Christmas carols at the Harlem Gospel Church and welcome parties with free cocktails. They’ll also help you on your mission to spend New Year in Times Square or in a nightclub with your fellow travellers.

Prague
Sir Toby’s Hostel invites all guests to cook and eat a great Christmas dinner together for free. Their large kitchen is perfect for communal dining and you’ll get to meet some great people around the Christmas turkey who are sure to have some interesting travel stories to tell. Whoever is so inclined is then encouraged to enjoy Midnight Mass in English at the nearby Anglican Church.

Sydney
Blue Parrot is the best place to spend a social Christmas in Sydney. The inn is run by two sisters who know how to create a warm, family atmosphere. They’ll be giving out little Christmas presents to everyone staying on December 25, and they’ll also be the opportunity to join in the “Secret Santa” by offering a small gift to another traveller. Customers can also enjoy a tradition Christmas dinner menu, which includes turkey, pudding and also a barbecue with grilled kangaroo. At New Year the sisters will bring their guests to watch the Sydney Harbour fireworks from the comfort of a small park known only to the locals after a day of picnic relaxing under the sun of the Australian summer.

Rome
The B & B Smart in Rome has got some exciting things planned for Christmas and New Year including traditional Italian Christmas decorations, champagne and delicious lunches and dinners cooked especially for the occasion. Afterwards you can enjoy the evening fireworks held in the city or, for anyone wishing to attend the Christmas Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, it’s within walking distance.

Amsterdam
Cocomama Youth Hostel is offering a delicious hearty dinner on Christmas Eve with games and films to be played afterwards. On New Year’s Eve customers can join the employees on foot to the nearby Museum Square where the concerts and NYE activities takes place.

London
The Generator Hostel celebrates Christmas in true English tradition from 24 December 26. During the day, Christmas films will be broadcast and in the evening they’ll be holding a lottery where you can win bottles of champagne. A free cocktail is offered to anyone in Christmas-themed dress. On New Year’s Eve the Generator is holding its own party featuring a DJ and karaoke and with many prizes and a glass of champagne for each customer.

Get Christmas dinner at the Clink Hostel in London on Christmas Eve with lollipops and wine. Then on Christmas morning guests can come to a pyjama party where you can get breakfast until noon and then play billiards, quizzes and games and on Boxing Day, you can join in with a fun game of bingo.

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About The Author:  Shing Mon Chung | Online Marketing Executive | HostelBookers.com Ltd  e: ShingMon.Chung@Hostelbookers.com | t:+44 (0)20 7406 1800 | f:+44 (0)20 7406 1801
a: 52-54 High Holborn, London, WC1V 6RL
Registered Number: 2841908 England
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Photo Credit:  HostelBookers.com

There’s a new hotel booking site that’s worth your attention.   The next time you’re looking for a good hotel rate, give GetARoom.com a try. 

GetARoom.com delivers room rates with a three pronged approach.
#1  Each day flash sales are displayed on the homepage offering deeply discounted room rates in major cities.  These sales are available for a limited time booking window.  Today for instance, the luxury Henry VIII hotel in London can be booked for as low as $64.28 per night!

#2  Search for hotel rooms by specific city and dates.  The rates you will see displayed are extremely competitive and on average are discounted 10-20% off standard room rates.

#3 This is the real winner!  Find the hotel you wish to stay at and then phone GetARoom to book your reservation (800-468-3578 <800-hotels-8>).  The reservation agent will make your reservation and will then query the hotel for an even better (unpublished) rate.  These ‘phone only’ rates often reflect a further discount of 10-20% off published room rates – and at times can reach discounts up to 50% off.  So unlike Priceline and Hotwire where you don’t know the name or exact location of the hotel,  with GetARoom you select the exact hotel you wish to stay in and then get the deeply discounted unpublished room rate!  Pretty great stuff.

I also appreciate being able to speak with a human being (refreshing change) and having someone to pose my questions to.  Also refreshing is the fact that you don’t have to sign up for anything or register to receive rate quotes.

Reservations can be cancelled or changed with no penalty fee for published room rates.  For unpublished rates there is a $25 administrative cancellation fee, unless the rate has otherwise been identified as a non-refundable rate.  Generally speaking, the best room rates can be obtained by calling 14 to 21 days in advance of your stay.  In most cases hotel points programs are honored for your stay.  And GetARoom employes a number of unique accommodations including condos, managed apartment buildings and luxury suites in addition to standard hotels.

All in all, this is a great leap forward in the hotel reservation game.  Give them a try the next time you’re in the market for a great room rate.

Kid Favorites

Disney World, Orlando, FL
Don’t drag the kiddos through long, grueling lines at Disney World during Spring Break or summer. The rides still a go in December (with temperature highs in the 70s), while the crowds aren’t quite as claustrophobic. Plus, there’s no shortage of holiday cheer, from “Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party” to the “Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights.” Book a fully-loaded pool home in nearby Kissimmee for under $100 a night, and enjoy bonus attractions like the Great Meadows Petting Farm and the Kissimmee Air Museum.

San Diego, California
San Diego is a smart idea this time of year because the typical throng of beachgoers gets replaced by fun Christmas events, like the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights. To boot, must-sees like the San Diego Zoo, Legoland, and Pirate Ship Adventures are open year-round.

Branson, Missouri
With loads of loveable, squeaky clean amusements – from the Branson Family Fun Factory to Dolly Parton’s Dixie’s Stampede and Dinner Show – Branson, Missouri is a family magnet. December’s an excellent time for a visit, too, as every inch of town is spruced up for Christmas, and deals on accommodations are easy to find.

Trade Snow for Sun

Drive-to Beach Choices
Skip crowd-packed Florida Keys and Miami for a mellower, cheaper time at beaches like Destin and Madeira Beach. Even better bets are Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, two Gulf Coast favorites oft forgotten by sun seekers headed to Florida.

Exotic Options
If you really want to get away with the family, choose a Caribbean destination with a quieter reputation than the Bahamas or the Virgin Islands – like Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, and Guadeloupe. Meanwhile, although Hawaii is a big draw this time of year, you can save a bundle basing your stay in Honolulu versus Kauai.

Fresh Air
Ski season really ramps up in December, so slope-side deals are few and far between. There are still budget ski rental options in places like Loon Mountain, New Hampshire, but you don’t have to get sporty to spend quality time with Mother Nature this winter.

Arizona weather is comfy enough for outdoor sightseeing, for one. Consider Tucson, featuring family-friendly attractions (the Mini Time Machine Museum is a favorite), stunning desert scenery (check out the Tohono Chul Park), and to top it all off, affordable family rentals for Christmas.

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About The Author:  Laura Hoot has been writing professionally since 2004, and currently manages content, from vacation ideas to destination guides, for HomeAway Inc. She’s written for USA Today’s travel site, GirlsGetaway.com , Cheaop Air, Travels.com, Trails.com, eFilmCritic.com, The Budget Fashionista, Travellogged.com, and many more sites.
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The Air France Holidays package includes roundtrip airfare, flights from Paris to Rome, plus 6 nights hotel with continental breakfast.  Naturally there will be various terms and conditions and additional misc. taxes and fees.  And if Rome is not your desired destination, there are also $999  packages for Paris plus London, Prague, Amsterdam or Florence.  The sale is valid for travel dates through the end of March.

Faites un bon voyage!

Images: Air France Holidays

1. New York City Kickoff the holiday season and watch the iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in person. Ice skate at Rockefeller Center and start your gift buying on Black Friday in the Big Apple.

3.  Cancun, Mexico Give thanks for Mexico’s most popular vacation destination.  This world-famous destination has been selected as one of the Top 25 Destinations in the Caribbean and Mexico for 2011 as well. All-inclusive deals are a plenty, your wallet will thank you. Bonus: As you work on your tan your friends and family will be feeling the chilling effects of winter!

4. Orlando Orlando is transformed into a ‘Winter Wonderland’ during Thanksgiving minus all of the big crowds.  Families can take advantage of big savings at usually pricey, business convention center resorts.  For one week only top resorts such as The Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center and the Hilton Garden Inn Orlando at Seaworld International Drive slash prices to fill rooms.

Current Deal: Rosen Centre Hotel Orlando (Ends Friday 11/11) An Award-Winning Hotel on International Drive $69 After Rebate THANKSGIVING WEEK! Reg. $269 OVER 70% OFF Nov 19-27, 2011 Near Universal l FREE Parking + FREE Wi-Fi Nightly Rates $69 – $332 Valid Travel Dates for BookIt.com^® Special: November 19 – 27, 2011  Subject to Sell Out.

5. Las Vegas Instead of grandma and grandpa’s house do something really different with loved ones.   Las Vegas offers more than just casinos.  Visit the Stratosphere with the kids or indulge in a spa and upscale shopping day. Vegas has sumptuous  buffets and gourmet restaurants galore – no clean-up required.  Be aware, most shows take a break during the holidays, but there’s still plenty of glitz and glamor to enjoy.

 Current Deals: Venetian Resort Hotel Casino, Up to 50% off + Holiday freebies.  Luxury on the strip plus $150 in season extras, including free skate rentals, spa discounts, 2 eggnog cupcakes, 20% off dining, and 40% off spa treatments.  For travel between 11/21-1/8.   Nightly rates:$134-539

Planet Hollywood-Towers Westgate, Up to 60% off + free show tickets.  1 Bedroom suite upgrade midweek, 2 free show tickets to V-Variety show w/air.  Available now through April 30, 2012.  Weekends from $149 per night.

Check current deals and all terms and conditions at BookIt.com

To celebrate the one-year anniversary of their joint transatlantic partnership, British Airways, American Airlines and Iberia Airlines have launched a terrific winter sale. 

Don’t you just cringe when you see that little * asterisk sign?  It means whatever the ad is saying they are about to introduce so many term, conditions, and fees that you won’t recognize the original offer!  Well this sale while it is a step in the right direction does indeed come with a whole host of restrictions and additional government taxes.    Your final ticket price will likely be hundreds of dollars more by the time all the taxes and fees are added in.  The British Airways sale uses the Fare Basis OKXNAJB.  A travel agent can easily help you identify days that this fare would be available and what the final ticket price will be.

Tickets for the Europe sales must be purchased by November 15, 2011 for travel between November 8th and May 21, 2012.  All travel must be completed by June 15, 2012.  The least expensive days for travel to Continental  Europe are Sunday through Thursday, and Monday to Wednesday are the least expensive travel days to the UK.

Once your tickets are secured, you will no doubt want to look into finding a cheap car hire and good hotel deal.  If you’re like me, it’s been way too long since you’ve roamed cobbled stone streets and sipped an espresso at a chic sidewalk cafe.

photo credit – flickr: Trodel

Book your winter vacation at a participating Rock Resorts property by November 20th, you’ll receive the coveted Epic Ski Pass for free.  The Epic Pass is valid for 7 days of skiing during the 2011/2012 ski season at 7 premier ski resorts including Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone, and Arapahoe Basin in Colorado as well as Heavenly and Northstar at Tahoe in California, and is valued at $519 each.  And while you will find lots of gorgeous Rock Resorts in the mountains, there are also inviting luxury resorts to choose from in the Caribbean.

Plan your beach vacation at the legendary Half Moon Resort in Rose Hall Jamaica.