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All-Inclusive
Spring Africa Deals Help You Finish March on a Warmer Note
They say March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb. This year, March has come in like a lion and gone out like some kind of lion-velociraptor hybrid. With a bunch of late-season storms walloping parts of the U.S. and others shivering through an extended cold spell, it’s easy to forget that spring has officially arrived. While you’re waiting for the weather to catch up with the season, close out March in Africa, where more manageable climates, majestic beasts, arid deserts, and stunning architecture await those with an adventurous spirit.
5 People You’ll Encounter at an All-Inclusive Resort
I just got back from my first trip to an all-inclusive resort, and I actually really enjoyed the experience. Aside from taking in the sun and sand, I also learned a lot about the different people you’ll find at nearly every all-inclusive resort. Here are my researched and field-tested findings. Read more
Smart Family Pick: Bahamas Fowl Cay Resort
Last week, while a few of my fellow travel writers were sharing their favorite family destinations for 2013, my colleague Eileen Ogintz was shepherding her own family through the Bahamas.
That made me a little jealous, but also eager to talk with Ogintz –a syndicated family travel columnist, author, and creator of TakingtheKids.com – as I wanted to pick her brain about the trip. And as soon as she put her bags down, she graciously permitted me to do just that, as well as get some of her picks for 2013 family travel.
Norwegian Cruise Line’s Alcohol Package Lifts Seafarers’ Spirits
Even the most veteran of cruise lovers require some time to get their sea legs. The sea can be an unforgiving mistress to those who have trouble keeping their footing on solid ground. Throwing unlimited liquor into the mix seems like a recipe for disaster for the balance impaired. But for cruisers with steely spines and iron stomachs, Norwegian Cruise Line’s new package is a great way to make any vacation more intoxicating (pun intended).
Norwegian Cruise Line has recently introduced an all-you-can-drink alcohol package, offered on three of their 11 liners – the Norwegian Sun, Norwegian Gem and Norwegian Jade. Packages go for $49 per person per day plus gratuity, though further details of what the package includes have yet to be released. Though the line’s fare price encompasses a number of amenities such as room service, buffet, and fitness facility access (for after you carbo-load), alcoholic beverages cost a separate fee.
Read more
Pool Etiquette: Don’t Make a Splash
After making a splash with our recent flight and hotel etiquette miniseries, we wanted to turn our attention to the pool – an area just barely treading water in the travel manners department. I’m not sure if we should blame chair hogs, the invention of cell phones, waning social graces, or a combination of all three, but over the past few years, pool etiquette – be it at the Ritz or the Holiday Inn – has floated off the edge of the infinity pool. Whether you’re planning on escaping to a palm tree-studded all-inclusive, a romantic retreat, or a family Disney extravaganza this winter, there’s bound to be some serious pool or beach time, so here’s a poolside protocols refresher.
Abercrombie & Kent Introduces Lower-Priced Tour Products
For decades, Abercrombie & Kent has been known as one of the travel industry’s premiere luxury tour operators. The company’s safaris, Antarctic cruises, and adventure tours combine nature, culture, and the pinnacle of comfort. While this made for amazing travel opportunities, it also priced a great many people out of their offerings. Now, however, comes exciting news that A&K will be launching a more affordable line of tours called Connections. Priced 30 percent lower than the standard A&K trips, Connections trips still focus on exotic destinations and luxury. The company has an ambitious plan in place to maintain its brand while making their trips accessible to a greater percentage of travelers. Read more
$199: Arizona: All-Incl. Ranch Stay in Tucson w/$100 Gas Card
Looking for an easy way to escape the hustle and bustle of daily live? Drive on over to the intimate Tanque Verde Ranch in Tucson, Arizona, and receive a $100 gas card if you stay two nights or more. Travel to the working horse ranch, which is located on 60,000 acres of breathtaking desert landscape, is valid through September 15. Rates start at $199 per person, per night, including all meals and activities such as horseback riding lessons, trail rides, hiking, mountain biking, swimming, and fishing.
Nestled between the Rincon Mountains, Saguaro National Park, and the Coronado National Forest, the ranch is perfect for anyone looking to unplug and discover the great outdoors. The traditionally decorated rooms offer spectacular scenic views of the surrounding desert and mountains.
Visit the Tanque Verde Website or call 800-234-3833 to book. Mention the Fill Up Your Tanque offer.
See our Arizona destination guide for more trip-planning information, then use our Travel Search price comparison tool to find the lowest rates on flights to Tucson, packages, and more travel deals.
Compagnie du Ponant Latest Cruise Line to Offer All-Inclusive Pricing
Continuing a trend in upscale cruising, luxury yacht cruise line Compagnie du Ponant has ditched the pay-as-you-go model for onboard amenities in favor of a single price tag for the entire cruise. Effective immediately, pricing for all new bookings will now include meals, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages (both from the in-room mini-bars and onboard restaurants), welcome cocktail party, 24-hour room service, scheduled onboard entertainment, gratuities, port charges, and taxes and fees.
All-inclusive pricing has become the standard on luxury small ship lines like Seabourn, Silversea, and Regent Seven Seas, where the base price also includes shore excursions, round-trip airfare, and ground transfers. Crystal Cruises also began the transition to all-inclusive earlier this year with free alcoholic beverages and pre-paid gratuities.
11 Great Family Getaways for Less (from $87)
With summer — and school break — just around the corner, it’s time to start planning a great getaway for the whole family. These money-saving deals are suitable for a group, whether you’re taking the kids to Orlando for some theme park hopping, planning your next family reunion on a cruise, or hiding out at a Caribbean resort where little ones stay free. We found those deals and more, good for travel throughout summer and fall, starting from just $87. Book soon to lock in the best savings.
$87+ Orlando: Disney-Area Hotel w/Breakfast, Save 50%
$389+ Weeklong Mexico Cruise to Cabo, Save 45%
$599+ 5 Nights at Jamaica All-Inclusive Resort w/Air; Kids Stay Free
Club Med Sandpiper Bay Debuts First L’Occitane Spa in U.S.
Popular bath product and fragrance brand L’Occitane is bringing a sensory slice of Provence, France, to the American consumer in a delightfully more experiential way than its boutique-only outposts previously allowed for. The first and only branch of the L’Occitane Spa concept on U.S. soil debuted in February at the Club Med Sandpiper Bay in Port St. Lucie, Florida, in a seemingly natural partnership between the two French-brand favorites.
Opened on the grounds of Club Med’s only all-inclusive American resort, the new Club Med Spa by L’Occitane serves as the final touch in the resort’s sweeping $28-million renovation, which also saw the implementation of a new family-friendly main pool and an adults-only infinity pool; enhancements to public spaces and guest rooms; and the opening of the Club Med brand’s first golf-, tennis-, and fitness-dedicated academies (helmed by pros like tennis trainer Gabe Jaramillo – mentor to the likes of Andre Agassi and Monica Seles – and golf guru and Arnold Palmer protégé Brad Brewer).
