Sherman's Travel

Sure, you could watch March Madness on the big screen in a jam-packed bar, but it pales in comparison to being part of the thunderous, rowdy crowd at a live regional game in Syracuse, N.Y. And, in celebration of Syracuse University’s No. 1 seed in the “Big Dance,” this city, which is also a host site for the tournament’s regional round, is offering hotel rates as low as $1/night (for guests that stay two nights at full price). Plus, restaurants are offering such promotions as $1 cocktails, entrées, and desserts (with some limitations). Local spas and museums are also getting in on the widespread reductions, offering 10 percent discounts to customers.

To view the details and stipulations of this promotion, visit www.visitsyracuse.org, and don’t forget to mention the 1-for-1 Orange Special when booking. Note: $1 price points are dependent upon Syracuse University remaining in the tournament.

Forget hanging your stockings by the chimney with care this Christmas. Instead, haul out the holly down in the tropics. Sunset Resorts in beautiful Jamaica is offering a terrific holiday package priced from $225 per person, per night ($100 for children) at three all-inclusive properties on the island: Sunset Beach Resort & Spa in Montego Bay, Sunset Jamaica Grande Resort & Spa in Ocho Rios, and Sunset at the Palms in Negril.

Read more

The 30th annual Montréal Jazz Festival will feature more than 650 performances by the world’s top jazz, blues, and world music artists from June 30 through July 12. Known as one of the world’s largest jazz festivals, the event will stage headline concerts by musicians like Stevie Wonder, John Pizzarelli, and other legendary performers and has drawn more than two million visitors in past years. For an affordable Montreal stay during the popular festival, consider a stay at the Sofitel Montréal, located within easy walking distance to the festival’s main venues. Jazz aficionados should consider booking the hotel’s low-priced Jazz Survival package which includes a 2-night stay in a deluxe guestroom, daily breakfast, one picnic basket lunch for two, plus two passes to the Montréal Fine Arts Museum. The package is available for the duration of the festival and is priced at $480.

Lasting from March 28 through April 12, the National Cherry Blossom Festival will present an exciting mix of fun family events, parades and performances in an annual celebration honoring the good will between the US and Japan. Anyone heading to the nation’s capital to see the cherry blossoms this spring should not skip a visit to the Tidal Basin, the romantic grove along the Potomac lined with blooming pink and white Yoshino Cherry Trees. To help support the maintenance of these gorgeous trees, try the Cherry Blossom Blooms package available at the well-situated Loews Madison Hotel. Available through April 12, this special offer includes deluxe overnight accommodations and a donation to the National Capital Region Cherry Tree Replacement Fund. Package rates start at $205/night.

The ancient festival of Carnival originated as the last big blowout before Lent, but nowadays it’s an annual no-holds-bar bash. Here in the US, there is no scene quite like the decadent Big Easy during Mardi Gras, when the French Quarter comes alive with the sound of brass bands, colorful parades and costumed party-goers. The biggest celebration of the year takes place on Fat Tuesday (February 24, 2009), so if you’re thinking of heading to New Orleans, now is the time to book ahead for the best rates and availability. Luckily for you, Bookit.com is offering 30% off stays of four nights or longer at the Wyndham Riverfront New Orleans. This conveniently-situated hotel recently underwent a multimillion-dollar renovation and is in topnotch shape. A four-night stay starts at $464/person, with flight included. Or, try these other Carnival travel deals to experience the hottest parties in Trinidad, Rio de Janiero, and more.