Where travel is a celebration of life and love

Itching to take a vacation yet the recession still hitting you hard? We totally understand because unless there’s a future trip on our horizon, we start feeling very antsy. So, how do you reconcile the realities of a limited budget with the need (yes, need) to vacation?

With that in mind, here are our best travel bargains for 2010 to help you satisfy the need to unwind, reconnect with family and friends, explore the great beyond, put your daily problems in perspective, and recharge your spirit:

1. Mexico—always a great value and now even more so for 2010. The dollar is strong against the peso, and with travel down to Mexico, we’re seeing unprecedented bargains in even the luxury category. And Mexico’s luxury resorts rival those of any country with impeccable service, gracious locals, high quality standards for dining and accommodations, a rich culture, archeological ruins, jungles, white sand beaches…the list goes on. Whether you’re looking for some fun nightlife or a quiet cultural immersion in a pampered setting, we’re betting on the Riviera Maya or Los Cabos areas to deliver just what you need;
2. Tahiti. Yes, historically pricey Tahiti is on sale. We’re not talking cheap or free, mind you, but if you’ve ever wanted to visit French Polynesia, make 2010 your year. The best resorts are offering unheard of promotions like 20%-30%-40% off, free nights, add-on extras, putting that dream Tahiti vacation within reach. So, if you need an exotic destination, ultimate relaxation and pampering, and some romance, then consider Tahiti;
3. Hawaiian Islands—surprise surprise— Hawaii is on sale. Hawaii’s hotel occupancy is down considerably which makes hoteliers skittish. Even the luxury resorts are throwing in free nights, discounted rates, add-on extras like breakfast or luaus or sails, and subsidized airfares or car rentals, making Hawaii an excellent value. Airlines, however, have reduced their flights to Hawaii, which has the effect of propping up airfares. In order not to have higher airfares wipe out the hotels’ savings, best to plan ahead. For those willing to plan ahead and avoid the typically higher-priced holiday travel, then you’ll find your Hawaii vacation laden with more values than ever before. Take advantage of Hawaii’s tourism downturn by getting more for less in 2010;
4. Europe river cruising—by far the most economical, most relaxing way to visit Europe—at least those countries with navigable rivers, like Germany, Holland, Switzerland, France, Austria, even Portugal and Spain. These boutique, elegant river ships only hold about 120 passengers, creating an intimate experience into local culture of the respective countries. Because all meals, snacks, even wine with dinner, and daily walking tours of the visited villages are all included, this is one of the best travel values going. Paying in US dollars, not euro, makes it even a better bargain, although the exchange rate is pretty favorable right now for the dollar against the euro. All things considered—value for benefits--this is one of the best ways to travel, and I only wish every country could accommodate a river cruise. Read my daily blog on my recent river cruise through Germany. Once you try a Europe river cruise, you’re going to be hooked like everyone else, I promise;
5. Italy has been ranked the #1 tourist destination for several years running, and the main cities of Venice, Florence, and Rome all reflect that popularity in their pricing. But there is an economical and authentic Italy outside of those three cities. I’m talking Sicily and Puglia. Neither is on most tourists’ radar just yet, so I predict that once these regions are discovered by the multitudes, you can kiss the current bargains goodbye. Sicily has a rich culture mingling Roman, Greek, and Etruscan histories. Lots of countryside, incredible cuisine, friendly people who are eager to share their island with you, and abounding archeological ruins—all this wrapped up in bargain prices so your dollar goes far. Puglia, on the Adriatic coast near Italy’s heel, has yet to be discovered by the American masses. Their loss and your gain. It has everything Tuscany has—rolling hills, ancient vineyards and olive groves, delectable cuisine, gracious locals intent on customer service—and has things that Tuscany doesn’t have, like gorgeous beaches and low prices! So, if you’ve always dreamed of Tuscany, do one better and go to Puglia. Read my blog about Sicily and Puglia.
6. Costa Rica—lush jungles, volcanoes, incredible white sand beaches, diversity of landscape and species, lovely resorts, fun activities, and delectable cuisine, Costa Rica is a tropical paradise. Add in a safe and stable democracy, a thriving tourist infrastructure, and service-driven Ticos, and you have an amazing travel destination at any price. But the wow factor is how far your budget dollar travels in Costa Rica. If you thought you couldn’t afford a vacation this year, think again and think Costa Rica!

Notes:

1. I’m talking about great values, not necessarily cheap. Nothing is free. You know me by now and know that I will not book you in an inferior resort that will give you an inferior vacation, just to ‘save’ a few dollars that ends up costing you much more in wasted money and vacation time and missed opportunities. To me a great value is getting something desirable for less than what you would usually pay—like a Mercedes at a Geo price, not a Geo at a Geo price!
2. Plan ahead. Hoteliers usually reserve their best promotions the furthest from your travel date, and then as those promotions work to bring in guests, they start retracting some of their promotions. Planning ahead also helps me to snag you the best airfares; it would not help you to grab a last-minute hotel stay that saves you $500 but costs you $1,000 more in airfares!
3. Recognize that holiday travel brings you the fewest promotions because you have many people all vying for a limited number of flights and hotel rooms. If you’re intent on traveling during holidays (Christmas, Easter and spring break, for example), realize that the bargains will be fewer, and that planning ahead is a necessity.

Check out my travel blogs on http://www.twitter.com/travelannerose for my latest travel adventures. And of course, call or email me to discuss your 2010 travel dreams, and I’ll find how to make your budget stretch the farthest.

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