Sherman's Travel

Oh, the difference a month makes. Even at the tail-end of March, most of the contiguous United States were still far too frosty for anyone to utter “spring” without sarcasm in their voice. But now, temperatures are rapidly rising, mountainous towns are finally thawing out, and roadways that have been closed for the winter are opening back up. Here are three of my favorite springtime road trips – they’re certainly worth a spin before summer swoops in, and if you’re looking to avoid the crowds. Read more

I can’t prove it yet, but I’m certain Chicago has figured out how to transmit commands directly into the brains of its visitors so that upon arrival, you feel compelled to visit the Art Institute of Chicago, buy a sausage overladen with toppings, and if it’s springtime, catch a baseball game. Read more

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

It’s not nice to play favorites, and with airberlin’s EuropePass, you don’t have to! Visit four cities in Europe now through September 30, and get all of your European flights for just $249 – that’s just $62 per flight, including taxes! You could start in Barcelona and work your way west, stopping in Nice, Rome, and Vienna, or go north to Oslo, Manchester, or Berlin – the possibilities are endless! This pass is valid for dozens of cities in 13 countries, including Russia, Germany, Spain, and Italy.

THE VALUE: Save over $100 on each flight, for a total savings of over $400.

THE CATCH: You must book your international flight (from the U.S. or Canada to Europe) on airberlin, or an airberlin partner.

THE DETAILS: To book, visit airberlin’s website.

WE’VE GOT MORE: Use our Travel Search price comparison tool to find the best hotel deals in Europe. Can’t decide which city to fly to? Check our Travel Guides for inspiration.

Next week we’re hosting our own little trivia competition via facebook, and the winner will land three free nights at the AAA Five-Diamond Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Resort (www.fairmont.com/scottsdale). The Moorish-style resort features a spa, a water playground, and many dining options. For a chance to win, put on your thinking cap and visit facebook.com/ShermansTravel between April 25 and May 1 and enter the competition. We will choose a winner from the correct responses on May 9.

If you don’t nab the grand prize, you can still score discounted rates at first-rate Southwest resorts this spring. Check out these exclusive hotel offers, specifically created for ShermansTravel.com readers:

Enchantment Resort Sedona, Arizona
Hotel Contessa, San Antonio, Texas
Zion Ponderosa, Zion National Park, Utah
La Posada Resort & Spa, Santa Fe, New Mexico
El Monte Sagrado, Taos, New Mexico
Bishop’s Lodge Ranch Resort & Spa, Santa Fe
Sanctuary on Camelback, Paradise Valley, Arizona

Use our Travel Search price comparison tool to find budget-friendly flights.

Save over 35 percent at Bishop’s Lodge Ranch Resort & Spa in Santa Fe, New Mexico this spring. In the mid-19th century, Bishop’s Lodge Ranch Resort & Spa was the personal getaway of Jean-Baptiste Lamy, Santa Fe’s first bishop (his little chapel remains). Now, the well-appointed mountain resort is done up in Southwestern style with adobe walls, exposed beams, and a mix of Native American patterns. Fine dining, spa options, and pastimes like tennis, skeet shooting, and horseback riding are available on-site.

THE VALUE: Rack up more than 35 percent in savings with a package that includes a bottle of wine, a tour of the historic chapel, and a daily $100 resort credit for use towards dining, spa, or resort activities.

THE CATCH: Hurry and book soon; this offer is valid for travel through May only.

THE DETAILS: Reduced rates start at $199 a night and are valid for stays through May. Call 800-732-2240 or book online using code Smart Luxe. www.bishopslodge.com

WE’VE GOT MORE: Use our Travel Search price comparison tool to find hot hotel deals for your trip.

Itching for a nature getaway this spring? I know we are! Explore the outdoors and shack up in a log cabin in Utah’s Zion National Park. Set just outside of Mount Zion National Park, the Zion Ponderosa in Mount Carmel, Utah, offers simple (but air-conditioned) log-cabin accommodations. The major draw here is the arresting setting among sandstone cliffs and canyons, and the outdoor amenities, from tennis courts and a pool to horseback riding and rock climbing.

THE VALUE: Save 40 percent on weekday rates in a cabin suite that can sleep up to six. Plus, receive a 30 percent discount when purchasing 10 or more activity vouchers.

THE CATCH: Blackout dates include April 21 to 25.

THE DETAILS: Rates start from $159 a night before the discount through May 21. Call 800-239-5444 and mention code SLTM2011. zionponderosa.com

WE’VE GOT MORE: Use our Travel Search price comparison tool to find hot hotel deals for your trip.

California’s year-round mild climate reaches glorious levels of perfection in springtime. Unfortunately, high demand on travel during spring break and Easter makes a perfect case for airlines to charge markedly more for flights to the West Coast. Luckily, American Airlines’ American Eagle network is celebrating the launch of 10 new routes to and from Los Angeles by slashing fares on a number of West Coast destinations. Fares start at just $54 each way (Los Angeles to Phoenix). Fares are valid for travel April 5 through May 25.

Sample fares (before taxes):

• Los Angeles-Phoenix: $54
• San Jose-San Diego: $57
• Las Vegas-Sacramento: $60
• Monterey-Phoenix: $66
• El Paso-Las Vegas: $72
• Los Angeles-Tucson: $84
• Albuquerque-Reno: $92
• Boise-Los Angeles: $114
• Salt Lake City-Los Angeles: $114

THE VALUE: Not only do you save on springtime fares, but American Eagle (owned by American Airlines) is offering double AAdvantage miles for travel on the new domestic routes.

THE CATCH: Taxes and fees are not included, so expect to pay up to an extra $30 each way.

THE DETAILS: To book your flight, visit American Airlines’ website.

WE’VE GOT MORE: Decide what to see when you get there with our California Travel Guide.

Use our Travel Search price comparison tool for more great deals on airfare, cruises, hotels, and packages worldwide.

Herald the beginning of spring in Washington, D.C. at the Cherry Blossom Festival. Right now, The Normandy Hotel is offering 20% off the best available rate during the festival; that can be as low as $135 per night! Located in the heart of the city, The Normandy Hotel is the ideal spot from which to explore the historical sights of the nation’s capital and enjoy all the free events and performances of the festival.

THE VALUE: The Cherry Blossom Festival runs for two whole weeks from March 26–April 10 and admission is free of charge! The festival includes events such as cultural performances, live music concerts, art shows, fireworks, a parade and more!

THE CATCH: Rates are based on a two-night minimum stay.

THE DETAILS: To book, visit The Normandy Hotel and enter the promotional code: CHERRY.

WE’VE GOT MORE: Use our Travel Search price comparison tool to find low rates on flights to Washington, D.C.

Check out our Washington, D.C. Travel Guide and find out what else you can do while at the capital!

Also known as the “Emerald Isle,” Ireland is most lush in the spring. Unfortunately, airlines take advantage of this peak travel season to hike their fares to well over $600. However, in a fluke airfare price drop, Aer Lingus is offering round-trip flights from just $398 (not including taxes). Book by March 3 and fly from New York City to Dublin or Shannon April 2 through 9 in order to get the best price. Fares are also available out of Chicago and Boston for travel April 13 through May 14 starting from just $19 extra.

THE VALUE: Springtime fares to Ireland rarely clock in under $600. Plus – a recent development in the airline business – Aer Lingus is one of the only carriers that still allows one checked bag free of charge!

THE CATCH: Be sure to budget for up to an extra $125 in fees and taxes.

THE DETAILS: Visit www.aerlingus.com to book by March 3.

WE’VE GOT MORE: Visit our Europe Hotel Deals page to find a place to bed down during your stay, and then check out our Ireland Travel Guide for more trip-planning tips and information.