Sherman's Travel

While exploring charming Cartagena, Colombia, a colonial gem of a city fronting the Caribbean, I bumped into a group of New Yorkers who had just flown in on a nonstop 4.5-hour JetBlue flight from NYC. Exciting news! The airline recently launched the only nonstop service between New York’s JFK and Cartagena this fall, making it easier (and cheaper!) than ever before for Northeast-area travelers to make their way to this sexy South American hotspot. Read more

For me, an oasis only comes to mind in the imaginary sense: The kind that movies depict when the protagonist is lost in the desert and sees a lagoon in the distance, but nothing is ever really there. But Huacachina Oasis in Peru is definitely a reality. Though it’s not in the heart of a desert (it’s a few kilometers from downtown Ica, which rests outside the desert), it certainly feels world’s away from anything. Read more

With this edition of our Monday Deal Alert, we’ve compiled some of the best airfare currently in the market, from West Coast escapes to journeys to Eastern Europe. Rates start from as little as $69, so whether you’re looking for a quick weekend getaway or a long vacation, we’ve got plenty of ways for you to fly away this fall.

Virgin America’s current fall sale features amazing one-way rates between West Coast cities, like $69 between San Francisco and Las Vegas, $89 between Los Angeles and Portland, and $109 between Seattle and San Francisco. The sale doesn’t only apply to West Coasters, though: you can also fly one-way to Los Angeles from Chicago, Dallas, and Philadelphia for $139, or from Orlando, New York City, or Boston for $159. Just book your getaway fast – this sale ends at midnight tonight. Read more

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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I’m getting married in less than three weeks [hold for applause]. It’s a destination wedding, which probably merits its own blog post at some point. However, since wedding planning has rendered me unable to put together a string of coherent thoughts, it’s best if I focus on the honeymoon in this post since, well, that’s way less stressful.

Selecting a honeymoon destination requires looking at the trip from several different angles. As you begin to discuss where to decompress after months spent selecting tablecloths and entrée choices, you want to make sure you reach the decision that makes both of you happy. Ultimately, there are only three types of honeymoons. Once you pick which is right for you, the decisions get a lot easier. Read more

Most visitors to Buenos Aires know the Río de la Plata as the widest river in the world, reaching 136 miles across. But by the Dársena Norte in Puerto Madero, it’s only 14 miles – or 75 minutes by Buquebus ferry – to the Uruguayan coast, making it perfect for a day trip or multi-day excursion.

So consider now the ease of visiting the Four Season Resort Carmelo, just two hours by car from the Uruguayan port town of Colonia del Sacramento (you can also condense the trip to less than 25 minutes by flying from Buenos Aires to Carmelo by private plane). Set along the banks of the Río Uruguay in a eucalyptus and pine forest, the 110-acre resort is a haven for weekending Argentinians, who make up three-quarters of its guests. As a result of these particular demographics, you’ll find the lowest rates of any Four Seasons resort in the world, starting at $240 per night, but as low as $180 for three-night stays. Read more

In 2011, follow through with your New Year’s resolution to travel more by making that elusive South America vacation a reality. LAN Airlines has announced a fare sale to South America that includes Chile, Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, and Uruguay, with round-trip rates starting from $399! Best of all, these fares from select U.S. cities are valid between January 1 and December 31, 2011, so whether you’re trying to exchange the winter blues for a dose of summertime in the Southern Hemisphere, or you’re planning a vacation well into next year, these rates will be your best friend. Flights must be booked by December 15, 2010.

Sample Round-Trip Fares to South America (Excluding Taxes):
•    Miami?Quito, Ecuador: $399
•    New York?Guayaquil, Ecuador: $429
•    Los Angeles?Lima, Peru: $599
•    New York?Lima, Peru: $599
•    San Francisco?Sao Paolo, Brazil: $799
•    Miami?Buenos Aires, Argentina: $899
•    And more!

THE VALUE: These fares are an average of $150 off competitor’s rates!

THE CATCH: Blackout dates apply during portions of July, August, and December. Taxes and fees not included.

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

WE’VE GOT MORE: Use our Travel Search price comparison tool to help find a hotel to complete your vacation!

Use our South America Travel Guide to find the perfect destination.

Flights to South America can be lengthy – and often pricey. LAN’s new sale solves both these problems by offering the comfort of business-class seats for as little as $899 (round-trip). That’s less than the cost of most economy rates! Flights are available to Peru, Chile, Ecuador, and Argentina from major U.S. cities like Miami, Boston, New York, Chicago, and more. Plus, to make this offer even sweeter, the airline is tossing in a free domestic flight within South America in economy class – saving hundreds of dollars on your connecting flight. This offer expires September 29.

THE VALUE: An average to ticket to South America will easily set you back around $500 to $1,500 or more in economy class, and $1,200 to $5,000 for business-class tickets (depending on the route). Factor in $100 to $300 for a round-trip flight within South America (which you’ll receive with your business-class purchase) and the savings quickly add up.

THE CATCH: The lowest fares are found from Miami, but you’ll still enjoy significant savings from other cities, too.

THE DETAILS: Visit www.lan.com.

WE’VE GOT MORE: Use our Travel Search price comparison tool to find great rates on airfare.

Check out our South America Travel Guide for ideas and advice when planning your trip.

Sure, Patagonia deserves its reputation as one of the most stunning, adventure-rich spots on the planet. But there are plenty of other places to visit throughout the country for hiking, biking, camping and all sorts of other active pursuits. And with a stellar airfare sale from South American airline LAN extended through August 11, it’s a great time to check them out.

The sale offers direct flights to cities including Mendoza, Cordoba, and Buenos Aires in Argentina; Ecuador’s eco-haven, the Galapagos Islands; and Lima, Peru. Tack on a few extra days to the Labor Day Weekend, and you can wrap up summer with a brag-worthy trip.

Here, a few can’t-miss options: Read more

Just one continent over, South America boasts undiscovered beaches, snow-capped peaks, lush tropics, and exotic cities. Discover eight Latin hotspots in Ecuador, Peru, Argentina, Uruguay, and more with LAN’s summer and fall airfare blowout, starting from just $399 from Miami to Quito, round trip (before taxes). Leaving from the West Coast? Round-trip fares bottom out at $699 from Los Angeles to Buenos Aires. Flights are available from major U.S. hubs, including Atlanta, Boston, Los Angeles, and Denver.

Round-Trip Sample Fares (Without Taxes):
•    Miami–Guayaquil: $399
•    New York–Quito: $409
•    New York–Guayaquil: $460
•    Miami–Lima: $479
•    San Francisco–Lima: $599
•    Los Angeles–Montevideo: $699

THE VALUE: LAN fares are an average $100 lower than non-discounted routes.

THE CATCH: Rates may change without notice, so book soon!

THE DETAILS: Book your flight at LAN Airlines by July 28. Travel from August 16 through December 5.

WE’VE GOT MORE: Check out International Hotels to check into once you arrive.

Read our Adventure Travel blog for other exciting escape ideas.

Use our Travel Search price comparison tool to find other great flight, hotel, cruise, and package deals.