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The Secret Way To Score Cheap Airfare
Travel Today
March 26, 2024
Happy Travel Tuesday, here are some the top trends in travel right now:
After a record year of travel, the focus is now becoming more on the price. 84% of travelers have shifted their plans/planning behaviors to become more budget conscious, according to a new survey from Vacasa.
Today’s newsletter starts off with some of the deals and promotions throughout the travel industry:
One of the biggest ways to save on airfare is by taking time to visit airlines’ indvidual deal & promotion pages which are often overlooked during the booking process. Because people usually plan their vacation around the days they are available, versus the days that are actually the cheapest to fly travelers miss out on deals. Here’s the deal pages you’ll want to bookmark: United, Delta, American, and Southwest.
Amtrak’s Auto Train is rolling out a sale that's too good to pass up, especially for those seeking to avoid the hustle of I-95. Until March 28, 2024, travelers can snag Coach Class seats starting at an incredibly low $34, or opt for the luxury of a First Class private room from just $235, plus the cost of bringing your vehicle along for the ride.
Avelo Airlines recently announced the expansion of service from Southern Connecticut’s most convenient airport — Tweed-New Haven Airport (HVN) — to three new nonstop destinations: Houston, Texas; St. Louis, Missouri; and Traverse City, Michigan. The airline is celebrating with $62 tickets!
For travelers looking to explore the outdoors, Hipcamp, the world's leading campsite booking company with over 100,000 private land campsites, and REI have officially launched the "Summer of Magic". This new campaign is focused on getting thousands of people outside and making camping more accessible by providing free stays in the most sought-out locations, on the most popular camping dates at amazing campgrounds all summer long.
Rail ticket sales in France just opened for summer travel and historic booking data from Trainline’s seven most booked long-distance high-speed journeys of 2023 revealed that travelers were able to save an average of 40% by beating the crowds and booking their tickets when sales opened vs. on the day of departure.
Finally, a dose of happiness! Aruba is releasing its first-ever educational video outlining five simple lessons for everyone to become fluent in happiness
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The Travel Top 10
Hotel of the Week 🏨: 🇮🇹 Violino D'Oro Venice, Italy 🇮🇹
Destination of the Week 🌍: 🗺️ Big Cedar Lodge - Dogwood Canyon Nature Park🗺️
Restaurant of the Week 🍴: 🍽️ Koloman in NYC 🍽️
Experience of the Week 🎭: 🌷 Tulip Experience Amsterdam 🌷
Tour of the Week 🚶♀️: 🗿 Machu Picchu, Peru 🗿
Travel App Of The Week : ItsEasy.com (The best Passport & Visa Service)
Airline of the Week : ✈️ AirAsia✈️
Cruise of the Week 🚢: 🌅 Virgin Voyages 🌅
Spa of the Week 💆♀️: 🧖♀️ Amangiri Spa 🧖♀️
Resort of the Week 🏡: 🌅 Atlantis Bahamas 🌅
(Atlantis Bahamas is running several promotions for spring break - including $300 in resort credits!)
LOYALTY NEWS
Marriott Bonvoy and BetMGM Unlock a New World of “Play, Earn, Stay” with New Rewards Connection
Marriott Bonvoy and BetMGM are teaming up to offer a game-changing "Play, Earn, Stay" rewards program, blending the worlds of sports betting, iGaming, and travel like never before. This innovative partnership allows players in licensed states to earn BetMGM Rewards points for wagering or playing online, which can then be converted into Marriott Bonvoy points for use across Marriott’s vast global network of hotels and experiences. To celebrate, they're launching a VIP Los Angeles vacation sweepstakes curated by basketball legend Blake Griffin. This collaboration not only opens up new avenues for rewards but also marks a significant step forward in merging the hospitality and online gaming industries, offering unparalleled experiences and benefits to members of both programs. More details are available here.
THE SUITE LIFE
Hotels Create New Experiences For March Madness Fans
As college basketball tournament season starts, Burger Joint at Thompson Central Park is rolling out the red carpet with the ultimate VIP viewing experience for fans. Midtown’s favorite burger spot is hidden behind a dramatic red curtain within the sleek, upscale Thompson Central Park hotel. Surrounded by graffiti-covered walls, fans can reserve spots for in-venue screenings that include plush armchairs – perfect for Instagram posing – and endless beer, burgers, fries and milkshakes for the essential gametime feast. This over-the-top experience is priced at $600 for 4 chairs.
Other travel brands are also jumping in the big games. Viator is here to help you make the most of your trip. For example, Viator is the leading experiences marketplace and TripAdvisor company with over 300,000+ bookable experiences and offerings catered to those looking to make the most of their travel. The company has listed new packages and tourism promotions in destinations hosting March Madness games.
SUMMER TRAVEL PLANS
New Hotel Openings & Cruise Trends For 2024
On May 17, 2024, the Maxx Royal Bodrum is set to open its doors, offering a fresh and exciting destination for travelers looking for that perfect blend of luxury, culture, and adventure on the Bodrum peninsula. Tucked away in a tranquil bay, this resort is not just about its stunning location; it's about creating experiences. With its partnership with the iconic Scorpios Mykonos, Maxx Royal Bodrum is bringing a piece of the Aegean's vibrant beach life to Türkiye. This all-suite and villa resort doesn't just promise top-notch gastronomy and wellness but brings together art, culture, and fun for everyone. It’s the brand’s third property in Türkiye, and by the looks of it, perhaps its most ambitious yet. For those planning their next escape, keep an eye on Bodrum’s new luxury retreat.
In other news, Rancho La Puerta in Baja California is adding a dynamic twist to their offerings with a series of unique fitness classes and activities. Known for its immersive wellness experience, The Ranch is elevating its standard week-long and partial-week stays with over 80 fitness classes, advanced hiking trails, and a plethora of spa treatments. This summer, guests can look forward to specialty weeks filled with tailored experiences like Forest Bathing, Yoga Samba, Tai Chi, and even Pickleball, designed to deepen the connection with nature, enhance physical well-being, and introduce guests to new skills and hobbies. Plus, with themed weeks ranging from Meditation to a Folk Festival, there's something for every interest. It's an invitation to dive deep into wellness, surrounded by the serene beauty of Baja California, making Rancho La Puerta the place to be for anyone looking to enrich their travel stories or embark on a personal wellness journey.
Margaritaville at Sea is setting sail into 2025 with seven new itineraries and four exciting new ports of call aboard the revamped Margaritaville at Sea Islander, starting its journey in June from Port Tampa Bay. Expanding to include six- and seven-night voyages to tropical destinations like Belize, Jamaica, and Grand Cayman, the Islander promises more adventures, relaxation, and extended bliss for travelers looking for the ultimate escape. With a total of 13 diverse itineraries and a ship brimming with new entertainment, dining options, and signature Margaritaville amenities, guests are in for an unparalleled cruising experience.
Finally, as the city thaws and blooms into the vibrant colors of spring, there's no better time to explore New York City than in this rejuvenating season. To make this experience even more enticing, The Ned NoMad is rolling out its Spring Escape deal, offering an irresistible reason to immerse yourself in the city's springtime charm. With a generous 15% off the best available rate for stays of two nights or more through June 30, 2024, it's the perfect opportunity to see the Big Apple in all its spring glory. Whether it's strolling through Central Park as the flowers bloom, enjoying the bustling streets of Manhattan, or discovering the hidden gems of the city's neighborhoods, The Ned's Spring Escape offer, available for booking until April 1, 2024, using the promo code SPRING24 or by calling 212.722.0555, promises an unforgettable New York City adventure. This spring, let The Ned NoMad be your gateway to experiencing the vibrancy and renewal that only NYC can offer.
STAYING IN STYLE
Venice’s Newest Boutique Hotel
In the heart of Venice's pulsating cultural epicenter, the Violino D'Oro 5-star luxury Boutique Hotel emerges as a beacon of Venetian elegance and privacy. Recently visited by our editor, this gem, just a stone's throw from the Basilica, Doge's Palace, and the iconic Harry's Bar, offers an immersive experience akin to being welcomed into a Venetian friend's sophisticated abode. Overlooking the serene Rio San Moise, the hotel's commitment to excellence is evident in the meticulous artistry and craftsmanship that adorn its walls and spaces. From historic seminato flooring to contemporary twists in its cozy Piccolo Ristorante and Bar, the hotel flawlessly marries classical Venetian aesthetics with modern luxury. Each of the 32 guest rooms and suites is a testament to the city's rich artistic heritage, offering tranquility amidst the bustling cityscape. For travelers seeking the quintessential Venetian experience with a touch of exclusivity, Violino D'Oro promises not just a stay but a journey through Venice's illustrious past and vibrant present.
Upcoming Travel Calendar
March 26 - In celebration of the upcoming Lunar Eclipse, RVshare is offering All-in-One packages that include a camping spot reservation and a fully equipped RV with full hookups, power, linens, bedding, and towels. The packages also feature additional amenities, both within the RV and across participating campgrounds, and start at $749 a night.
April 8 - 11 Oracle Hospitality Summit, taking place April 8th-11th at Loews Portofino Bay in Orlando
April 8 - The Solar Eclipse will take place, and travelers are on the move to secure lodging before the big event. For travelers seeking a home stay, HomeExchange Collection presents a selection of luxury homes on the eclipse path for travelers who want to take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime event. One of the key perks of traveling with HomeExchange Collection is the opportunity to feel at home anywhere in the world. For travelers seeking a hotel stay, they are encouraged to use trivago’s Hotel Price Index to book a deal and see the incredible sight!
April 18 - New travel series from Conan O’Brien debuts on streaming service MAX. “CONAN O'BRIEN MUST GO” features Conan where he dives deep with listeners from around the world. Making stops in Norway, Thailand, Argentina, and Ireland, O’Brien surprises some of his most memorable fans while also taking in local culture, cuisine, and sights.
May 1 -Auberge du Soleil, Napa Valley’s quintessential adults-only retreat will debut its annual Rosé All May programming this May which will extend throughout the season. The perfect timing for a trip to Napa!
May 2 - Shafer Vineyards (Napa Valley) Launches the Hillside Select Experience - Booking Link
May 3 - W Costa Navarino kicks off the new season on May 3 with an exciting line up of events centered around music, wellness, sports, fashion, and gastronomy, designed to foster guests’ creativity, individuality and freedom of expression. Greece’s first W Escape, located in Costa Navarino, the sustainably driven destination in southwest Peloponnese, will host a series of events as of May, and continue throughout the summer, including celebrated Greek chefs cooking on open fire, exclusive wellness retreats, watersports festivals and renowned DJ sets.
May 19-25 is National Travel and Tourism Week from U.S. Travel Association
May 23 - AirFrance debuts new service between Paris and Phoenix. The airline also announced a new partnership with triple Michelin-Starred French Chef, Dominique Crenn
March 23 - Peak Cherry Blossoms Begin in Washington, D.C. according to the National Parks Service. (Check out our favorite hotels in the area, Viceroy Washington DC and Kimpton Banneker Hotel)
May 24–26 - Cali Roots in Monterey, CA
May 28 - Tony, GRAMMY, and Emmy Award winner Ben Platt will play an exclusive concert residency at Broadway’s recently refurbished Palace Theatre
April 1 - will offer a Spring Sale! 15% savings on the best available rate for two-night stays or more through June 30, 2024. Travelers looking to book online using promo code SPRING24
April 25-30 - San Luis Obispo International Film Festival
June 7, 8, 9 - Governor’s Ball NYC - New for the first time ever this year is the ultra-premium Ultimate Ticket which has had incredible public reception! The ticket includes access to a shared Ultimate guest Cabana with all day snacks, dinner buffet, all-inclusive bar, dedicated restroom, and prime views of Main Stage, exclusive front-of-stage viewing at all stages with complimentary beer & seltzer, golf cart transportation between stages, festival concierge to assist with your festival needs, $100 credit to use at official Festival Merch store, and more.
Summer Olympics - This summer, Paris takes the center stage as host of the Summer Olympics and Paralympics. On Location, the official Hospitality provider for the Games, has special tourism packages to help visitors get in on the action.
Aug 15–17 - Park City Song Summit in Park City, UT
October 28 - The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) and Questex announced today that registration is now open for this year’s The Hospitality Show (The Show), which will be held in San Antonio, Texas, from October 28-30. Attendees can register here. (While in San Antonio, check out one of our favorite hotels - the Hotel Emma!)
Bon Voyage! See you next Travel Tuesday!
Stay in touch during the week
Have a news tip? Send to: [email protected]