Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Travel Weekly Ranks YTB; Plus Mystery Cruises and Travel Specials

Travel Weekly’s 2008 Power List is out and YTB is ranked #26 overall, and tied for the LARGEST GAIN of everyone on the power list with $414.5 Million in travel sales. YTB is a REAL Travel Company! Check out the listing at Travel Weekly.
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Cruise Spotlight: Whodunit Mystery Cruises
Carnival Cruise Lines has partnered with Whodunit Productions to offer you a series of Whodunit Mystery Cruises aboard the Carnival Paradise. Eight different three-day Mystery Cruises will be offered in 2008 and throughout 2009.

The Whodunit Cruises will feature a variety of activities throughout the various public rooms - all with the objective of solving the mystery by the end of the voyage. When participants arrive on board they are given their own role to play and are encouraged to utilize the traits of their character to solve the mystery. Participants can also interact with professional actors hired specifically to set the tone for the mystery by creating an atmosphere of suspense and intrigue.

A variety of top-secret clues, from notes slipped discreetly under stateroom doors to instructions for clandestine missions, are provided throughout the cruise. At the end of the cruise, participants can enjoy a special Super Sleuth cocktail party.

3 Night Baja Mexico -
Carnival Paradise
Departing from Long Beach, California
Ports of Call: Long Beach, California; Ensenada, Mexico

Contact me for more details and sailing dates.
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Here are some specials only available at VastVoyages.com:

Divi Carina Bay Beach Resort and Casino, USVI - 5th Night Free
Book by July 31, 2008
Travel by Aug. 15, 2008

Occidental Grand Xcaret, Cancun - Early Booking Bonus '08
Receive a 20% Discount
Book by July 31, 2008
Travel by Dec. 22, 2008

Coco Palm, St. Lucia - 35% Off Super Sale
Receive up to 35% off
Book by July 31, 2008
Travel by Dec. 21, 2008

3 Nights at the ResortQuest Waikiki Sunset: From: $1043.00pp
Departing from Kennedy Airport on Delta Airlines.
One-Bedroom Suite; includes reduced rate, 2-for-1 luau, Aloha Book value coupons and kids 12 & younger stay, play and eat FREE
Valid for travel: From 09/06/2008 to 12/12/2008

5 Nights at the Hotel Paris (in Florence): From: $1411.00pp
Departing from Kennedy Airport on Alitalia.
Standard View Room; includes daily buffet breakfast
Valid for travel: From 10/01/2008 to 10/25/2008

Visit
VastVoyages.com to book these and other fabulous getaways! Also don’t forget to sign up on our homepage to receive our Travel Deals and Steals sent to your inbox every week.

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Stretching Your Dollar; Plus a Princess' Romance

In my May 27th blog, “More “Bang” for Your Buck,” I posted a link on where to find information about traveling to inexpensive destinations. Well, Money magazines’ May issue also lists seven destinations around the world where the American dollar is really worth the trip. From Buenos Aires to Vietnam, visit The Best Places to Vacation.

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Cruise Spotlight: Princess Cruise Lines

Remember “The Love Boat?” The show, set aboard the Pacific Princess (formerly a Princess ship) featured passengers and crew having romantic and funny adventures every week. Suffice it to say, Princess is known as a leader in all things related to love. So Princess has added another notch by creating an online home for its Department of Romance. Here, relationship experts, such as Dr. Ruth Westheimer, Lisa Light - founder of DestinationBride.com, and even Gavin “Captain Stubing” MacLeod offer advice, trends and tips on how to add a little spark to your relationship. One of my favorite tips, provided by Trish McDermott, romance and dating expert for engage.com and formerly of match.com, is tip number 4: Flirt with each other at a party just as if you were single. It shows your partner you’re still attracted to them as you did when you first met. So check out Princess’ Department of Romance to help plan your wedding, a special getaway at sea or just an intimate evening at home.

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Here are some specials only available at VastVoyages.com:

El Dorado Seaside Suites, Cancun, Mexico - 4 Diamonds Promotion
Free guaranteed upgrade; $50 Chichen Itza Tour Credit; $50 Spa Credit; $50 Romance Credit towards beachfront gourmet dinner; bottle of champagne on arrival; minimum 4-nt. stay required
Book by July 9, 2008
Travel by Aug. 31, 2008

Comfort Suites, Turks & Caicos - Summer Sale
Rates start at $45.00 pp/nt; Children 16 & under stay Free; Also 7th Night Free + more!
Book by July 15, 2008
Travel by Sept. 30, 2008

Sunshine Suites Resort, Cayman Islands - Summer Package Special
Rates start at $84.38 pp/nt; Children 17 & under stay Free
Book by July 28, 2008
Travel by July 31, 2008

Visit
VastVoyages.com to book these and other fabulous getaways! Also don’t forget to sign up on our homepage to receive our Travel Deals and Steals sent to your inbox every week.

Monday, June 9, 2008

Deals, Deals and MORE Deals! Part 2

Still haven’t planned your summer vacation? Here’s a low-down on more travel promotions to get you on your way to more fun in the sun:

Great Deals on Tropical Getaways: Save big on land-only packages to the Caribbean. 3-nights land-only stays including all taxes and airport transfers from:

Puerto Rico
InterContinental San Juan Resort & Casino $419 - Up to 25% off
Wyndham Rio Mar Beach Resort $419 - 20% off, VIP Value Card & Daily Breakfast Buffet in Marbell
El San Juan Hotel & Casino $439 - 20% off on Sunday - Wednesday stays
Condado Plaza Hotel & Casino $469
El Conquistador Resort & Golden Door Spa $589

St. Lucia
The Village Inn & Spa $489 - One or Two Nights Free depending on length of stay
Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort, All-Inclusive $1049

St. Maarten
Divi Little Bay Beach Resort $399 - Up to 2 Nights Free, $50 or $100 in St. Maarten Bucks and Kids Eat and Stay Free
Sonesta Maho Beach Resort & Casino, All-Inclusive $599 - Up to 2 Nights Free, plus $50 or $100 in St. Maarten Bucks

La Romana, Dominican Republic
Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach, All-Inclusive $289 - 15% off
Viva Wyndham Dominicus Palace, All-Inclusive $279 - 15% off
Casa De Campo $409 - 4th Night Free

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Riu Bambu, All-Inclusive $279 - 19% off
Riu Palace Punta Cana, All-Inclusive $369 - 22% off

General Conditions: Rates shown are per person, based on double occupancy. Rates and offers may be restricted to specific dates, days of travel, hotel and room categories. Valid for bookings made thru 6/30/08, for travel 6/15/08 – 8/30/08. Availability is Limited.

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Big Deals in the Big Easy: Enjoy incredible food & entertainment while saving on stays in New Orleans. 3-nights land-only stays including all taxes from:

Holiday Inn French Quarter $169
Hotel Provincial $189
Ramada Plaza Hotel The Inn on Bourbon $169
Chateau LeMoyne $189
New Orleans Marriott $179
Hotel Monteleone $209
JW Marriott $219
InterContinental New Orleans $309
Staybridge Suites $259
Hilton New Orleans Riverside $359
Windsor Court Hotel $379

Packages also include 1-day street-car pass!

Upcoming events not to be missed:
2nd Annual New Orleans Seafood Festival, June 7 - 10
French Market Creole Tomato Festival, June 13 - 15
Louisiana Cajun-Zydeco Festival, June 13 - 15
Essence Festival, July 3 – 5

General Conditions: Rates shown are per person, based on double occupancy. Rates may be restricted to specific dates, days of travel, hotel and room categories. Valid for bookings made thru 6/30/08, for travel 6/22/08 – 8/30/08. Availability is Limited.

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Cruise Spotlight: Disney Cruise Lines

Full Steam Ahead to Summer: Guests can discover the wonders of Nassau and Disney’s private island paradise, Castaway Cay, on this wonder-filled long weekend – perfect for first-time cruisers and anyone who wants a magical getaway. On a Disney Cruise, everyone of every age finds a special kind of magic created just for them.

Be one of the first to enjoy the new stage show, “Toy Story – The Musical.” Disney Cruise Line transforms one of the most beloved animated features of all time into a stage spectacular at the Walt Disney Theatre aboard the Disney Wonder®.

Take advantage of rates from $669* per person, double occupancy on 3-night cruises for sailings commencing July 10 – August 7, 2008. Plus, book online and you will receive a $25 onboard credit (one per stateroom).

*Rate valid for Category 12 stateroom (standard inside stateroom). Children’s rates are available for Guests ages 3-12 traveling with 2 full-fare Guests in the same stateroom. Fuel Charges, Government Taxes and Fees and excursions are not included. See Disney Cruise Line Terms and Conditions for details. Rates in U.S. dollars.

Also available are Disney’s Magical Rates, updated weekly to identify early booking savings on selected cruises. Contact me for more info.

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Here are some specials only available at VastVoyages.com:

ME Cancun - Early Bird Special '08
Rates start at $86.25 pp/nt
Children 12 & under stay free
Book by July 7, 2008
Travel by Dec. 22, 2008

Catalonia Hotels, Dominican Republic - Summer Specials 2008
Up to 25% discount off All Inclusive Rates
Book by July 15, 2008
Travel by Oct. 31, 2008

Dreams Los Cabos Suites Golf Resort & Spa, Mexico - Best Deal of the Year
All Inclusive Rates start at $142.00 per person per night
Kids 3-12 pay $25.00 per night
$80 Resort credit per room per stay
Book by July 15, 2008
Travel by Dec. 24, 2008

Visit VastVoyages.com to book these and other fabulous getaways! Also don’t forget to sign up on our homepage to receive our Travel Deals and Steals sent to your inbox every week.

Monday, June 2, 2008

Deals, Deals and MORE Deals!

Jump-start your summer travel and check out these promotions going on RIGHT NOW:

EXPLORE CANADA:
Canada is a country filled with natural wonder, and one of the most diverse vacation spots in the world. Here you can watch whales breaching from in the deep blue waters of the Pacific, kayak amidst amazing rock formations or walk through a thriving multicultural city like Quebec.

Some properties offered in this Canada program include:

The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge - 3rd or 4th night FREE
The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise - 3rd or 4th night FREE
The Fairmont Queen Elizabeth, Montreal
Marriott Residence Inn, Mont Tremblant
The Delta Chelsea Hotel, Toronto - Save 10%
The Fairmont Royal York, Toronto - 3rd night FREE
Listel Whistler Hotel, Vancouver

Contact me for a complete list of participating hotels.

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USVI’S SIZZLIN’ SUMMER SAMPLER- HOT SAVINGS! NO PASSPORT REQUIRED!
Book by July 31st, for travel through August 15th, 2008 and be eligible to receive
- 5th night Free
- $50 VISA Gift Card - Provided upon arrival at the hotel
- Entry Coupons for activities and attractions for up to two persons per booking. Coupons provided upon arrival at the hotel, Plus Resort Credits at participating hotels!

Divi Carina Bay Resort & Casino, St. Croix - $50 Resort Credit
The Buccaneer Hotel, St. Croix - $50 Resort Credit
Carambola Beach Resort, St. Croix - $100 Resort Credit
The Westin St. John Resort & Villas - $100 Resort Credit
Bolongo Bay Beach Club, St. Thomas - $50 Resort Credit
Holiday Inn Windward Passage, St. Thomas - $50 Resort Credit
Marriott Frenchman's Reef, St. Thomas - $100 Food & Beverage Credit
Wyndham Sugar Bay Resort & Spa, St. Thomas - $100 Resort Credit

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Cruise Spotlight: Carnival Splendor

BRAND NEW and waiting for you! Beginning in July 2008, Carnival’s newest, largest and most innovative ship ever, CARNIVAL SPLENDOR will dazzle all cruisers with a host of new features, including: staterooms with flat screen TVs, a spectacular 21,000 sq foot, two-level spa and gym facility, 5,500-square-foot children's playroom and a mid-ship pool covered with a two-deck-high Sliding Sky Dome. Experience a variety of itineraries including Europe, South America and the Exotic Eastern Caribbean.

Celebrate now but joining their Inaugural 7-day “Fun Ship” cruises to the Exotic Eastern Caribbean. Departing from Ft. Lauderdale, the ship will be making stops at San Juan, St. Thomas, La Romana and Nassau. Sail from November 29, 2008 through January 24, 2009 and enjoy these low prices:

Interior from $599
Oceanview from $849
Balcony from $1029
Restrictions apply. Contact me for more details.

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Here are some specials only available at VastVoyages.com:

Real Playa del Carmen, Cancun - Special Rates
All Inclusive Rates start at $61.25 per person per night; special rates for children
Book by June 30, 2008
Travel by Dec. 23, 2008

Oasis Hotels, Dominican Republic - Summer Sale
All Inclusive Rates start at $66.25 per person per night
Choose from 3 Oasis Resorts
Book by June 30, 2008
Travel by Dec. 21, 2008

Nassau Palm Hotel, Bahamas - Sizzling Spring Summer Fall Sale
Receive up to 35% off
Book by June 30, 2008
Travel by Dec. 19, 2008

Visit VastVoyages.com to book these and other fabulous getaways! Also don’t forget to sign up on our homepage to receive our Travel Deals and Steals sent to your inbox every week.

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