Sherman's Travel

When you think of “Gay Travel” certainly gay cruises, circuit parties, or clothing-optional guesthouses come to mind. But what about the ancient city of Varanasi? The Zambezi or Victoria Falls in the heart of Africa? Or a spiritual retreat high in the mountains of Tibet? Newly launched Wilde Travels is set out to change that – and offer a 10 percent savings to first-time customers through August 31, 2012.

Following the Miami-based company’s soft-launch in April, owner Jacob Marek – a former marketing manager for the Kenya Tourist board and a Patagonian tour company – officially pressed the “Go” button on the luxury tour operations with an emphasis on gay and gay-friendly guides, boutique accommodations, and above all customization. No gay group tours here (for now).

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As dependable as the swallows of Capistrano, and quite possibly as majestic, there’s no surer sign that Spring has sprung (as well as your libido) than the annual invasion of our Men in White. For those of in you New York City – or fans of Sex in the City re-runs – you know what I’m talking about, and for those of you watching from afar, here’s two simple words you’ll remember forever once you experience it: Fleet! Week!

Since 1984 a small armada of vessels dock in NYC harbor to honor the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. over Memorial Day Weekend – this year May 26 to June 2 – releasing their uniformed crew the to carouse with the locals, titillate the tourists, and all around impress with their starched sculptedness. And of course, feature military demonstrations, tours of boats, musical performances, yada yada . . . Did we mention there are sailor balls?! This year, you can also get in on the action with some exclusive hotel deals. Read more

How’s this for some V-Day love: Gay tour operator Out Adventures is releasing spots on five of its top exotic group trips for a ridiculous discount. If you’re a couple traveling together, it’s BOGO, baby (Buy One, Get One Free), and if you’re a single, it’s 40% off — all told about $1700 in savings! That’s a lot of extra spending money once you get to India, Morocco, Peru, and Turkey. And all you have to do to qualify to buy is show a little social media amour in return. Read more

There’s never a bad time to visit New Orleans, but springtime, with Mardi Gras’ 40-day hangover almost over and summer’s heat not yet entrenched, is particularly splendid in the Crescent City. The magnolias are in bloom, Easter bonnets are being madly sewn, and the joie de vivre is coming back into play – especially when there’s money to be saved.

Now through May 31, the Bienville House is offering 20 percent savings on select mid-week dates. As one of the French Quarter’s grand dames and sister property of gay-managed Hotel Montelone, I found the hotel to be perfectly situated for whatever type of trip you were looking for: Culinary, party, culture, or, as is what makes NOLA truly great, a combo of the three. The offer isn’t valid for city-wide events – like Jazz Fest, from May 5 to 8 – but it’s those regular times when the ebb and flow is more manageable that the true soul of the city shines.

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British Airways is back with what it dubs “the most generous enrollment offer of the year” : New cardholders who sign up for its Chase Visa by May 6 earn a whopping 100,000 miles – enough for two round-trip transatlantic coach tickets, one business class flight to the Far East, or an economy jaunt to Central Africa.

Even without the lavish signing bonus, the British Airways Visa claims plenty of travel perks: Foreign transaction fees don’t apply to card purchases abroad, each dollar spent earns 1.25 miles (compared to one mile in most other programs), and points only expire if your account has had zero activity for three years. Anyone who charges $30,000 on the card within a calendar year also gets a free companion ticket, eligible for use with a reward ticket.

Still skeptical? Here’s what you need to know before swiping that plastic:

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Before prices rise for spring and summer travel, take advantage of this off-peak sale on nationwide one-way flights starting from just $53 on AirTran Airways. This sale offers flights to destinations across the country as well as the Caribbean, Bermuda, and Mexico. Travel to most locations is available through June 22. Travel to and from Las Vegas, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Seattle is available through May 18. Book your flight now, this sale ends March 24!

Sample One-Way Fares:
•    Baltimore–Boston: $53
•    Atlanta–Charlotte: $64
•    Jacksonville–Atlanta: $74
•    San Juan–Tampa: $84
•    Kansas City–Orlando: $99
•    Chicago–Nassau: $109
•    Orlando–Aruba: $129
•    and more!

THE VALUE: This sale can save you more than 35% on flights to the Caribbean.

THE CATCH: Some blackout dates apply: April 21-25; May 1, 26-28, and 30.

THE DETAILS: Click here to book your flight today!

WE’VE GOT MORE: Visit our Hotel Deals pages to book a room at your destination.

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The end of winter and early spring can be a perfect time to snag a flight deal to Europe and tour its legendary cities without all the crowds. Lufthansa is offering a sale on flights to Dublin, London, Budapest, Paris, Munich, and beyond from $198 each way. This promotion brings prices down to $492 round-trip after taxes for the New York to Dublin route. This offer expires February 15, and travel is valid through April 12 (for departures) and April 30 for returns.

Sample fares (each way) include:

• New York-Dublin: $198
• Boston-London: $209
• Philadelphia-London: $209
• Washington-London: $221
• Chicago-London: $246
• Houston-London: $246
• Los Angeles-London: $258
• New York-Warsaw: $268
• San Francisco-London: $271
• Philadelphia-Dusseldorf: $275
• Charlotte-Munich: $277
• Dallas-Madrid: $286
• Dallas-Paris: $288
• Philadelphia-Budapest: $295
• Miami-Brussels: $298
• And more!

THE VALUE: Flying Lufthansa means you won’t have to worry about paying for seat selection, carry-on bags, or snacks. Plus, you can check a bag for free!

THE CATCH: Taxes are not included, and average around $100-$150 (or more, depending on route).

THE DETAILS: To book your flight, visit www.lufthansa.com.

WE’VE GOT MORE: Check out our Europe Travel Guides for the inside scoop.

Snag great hotel deal for after you touch down.

Find low rates on flights, cruises, hotels, and vacation packages with our travel search price comparison tool.

British Airways’ Europe air fare sale is the perfect way to spend that languishing Christmas bonus. Starting from just $397, round-trip flights span the breadth of Western Europe from Paris to Madrid to Frankfurt and more, departing from over 15 major U.S. cities on both coasts, with the lowest rates on routes from the Boston, New York, and Philadelphia heading to London and Edinburgh. Reserve your seat by January 27, and soak in Athens’ mild climate and Carnival celebrations or stroll through Florence’s art galleries and cathedrals unhindered by the crowds of summer, all the while paying half the rate of non-discounted flights.

Sample Round-Trip Fares (Before Taxes):

• New York-London: $397
• Boston-Edinburgh: $397
• Houston-London: $472
• Philadelphia-Madrid: $498
• New York-Rome: $519
• Philadelphia-Munich: $530
• Chicago-Amsterdam: $565
• Boston-Prague: $577
• Miami-Milan: $579
• Orlando-Rome: $579
• Washington, D.C.-Barcelona: $549
• Los Angeles-Milan: $649
• Las Vegas-Paris: $656
• Baltimore-Athens: $676
• And more!

THE VALUE: Save over 50 percent on regular airfare.

THE CATCH: The climate is similar to the States, so don’t expect to get too far away from the chill.

THE DETAILS: Visit www.travelocity.com to book your flight by January 27! Travel January 25 through April 12.

WE’VE GOT MORE: Visit our Savvy Flyer blog before you take off for up-to-date advice and news from the skies.

Pack your bags! JetBlue just launched a near system-wide sale for travel from January 18 through April 6. Rates have been drastically reduced to as little as $29 one-way (or $89 round-trip). In some cases, we even found prices that were lower than the advertised sale rates! Flights are valid to cities in the U.S., Caribbean, and Mexico, including popular vacation getaways like New Orleans, Fort Lauderdale, the Bahamas, Jamaica, Cancun, and more! Tickets must be booked by January 13.

Advertised Sale Rates (One-Way, Excluding Taxes):

* Fort Lauderdale-Nassau, Bahamas: $29
* Washington, D.C.-Boston: $39
* Pittsburgh-New York City: $39
* Boston-Buffalo: $39
* Baltimore-Boston: $39 (we found some for $29!)*
* Charlotte-Boston- $44
* Portland (ME)- New York City: $44
* New York City-Rochester: $44
* Orlando-Montego Bay, Jamaica: $59
* Long Beach-Seattle: $69
* New Orleans-New York: $69
* Fort Lauderdale-Richmond: $69
* Chicago-Boston- $79
* And more!

THE VALUE: On average you’ll save $25-$50 per round-trip flight. Plus, your first checked bag flies for free.

THE DETAILS: Visit www.jetblue.com.

WE’VE GOT MORE: Use our Travel Search price comparison tool to book your flight.

Is the cold weather putting a damper on your spirit? Check out our Top 10 Places to Beat the Winter Blues.

These are the ShermansTravel producers’ favorite Daily Deals from this week. If you’re looking for a luxurious stay on the Las Vegas Strip, check out the 2-year-old Trump International which towers 64 stories above the Strip and bills itself as a sophisticated, nongaming hotel. Through September 2, Sherman’s readers can score a one-bedroom suite for $139/night and receive a $50 credit for use at The Spa at Trump (good for any service costing $150 or more), two cocktails at H2(EAU) each day, and a 4 p.m. checkout.

DirectAir has brought back its Family Ties Sale in which customers can purchase flight certificates (tickets) on any of DirectAir’s routes without passenger names, dates, or destinations for a total cost of $159, taxes, reservation, and convenience fees included! When purchasing the certificates, customers can schedule trips at their convenience, deciding later whether to visit destinations like Myrtle Beach, Niagara Falls, Orlando, New York, and Chicago.

Minutes from South Beach, the sleek, 205-guestroom Sonesta Bayfront Hotel Coconut Grove overlooks tropical Biscayne Bay. Rates start from just $159 per night, featuring a complimentary fourth night, free daily breakfast, and WiFi. All rooms have a 42-inch, wall-mounted LCD television, king-sized bed, and granite vanities and countertops. Taxes and gratuities not included.