Orbitz Blog

Articles for August, 2011

Independent airport lounges provide cheap travel relief

Wednesday, August 31st, 2011

Peace and quiet: Raleigh-Durham's Club at RDU.

By Mark Chesnut

Variations in travel habits and budget concerns can make it difficult for many travelers to justify the cost of an annual membership with an airline club lounge. But the recent growth of independent airport VIP lounges has resulted in a variety of less-expensive options for harried travelers looking for peace, quiet and amenities during that next long layover. All of the lounges mentioned here offer free Wi-Fi as well as other features that vary by location. (more…)

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Feast in Saint City: New Orleans Seafood Festival

Monday, August 29th, 2011

The Big Easy: Send your taste buds on a mission through downtown New Orleans. Credit: vxls.

By Vince Font

People with a passion for seafood are usually willing to travel far to get it. And if your destination is New Orleans, you’ll probably put yourself up in any available New Orleans hotel just to be within easy reach. Whet your appetite: The weekend of Sept. 9-11 marks the fifth annual New Orleans Seafood Festival — a culinary extravaganza in a city already renowned for its taste-bud appeal. Here’s a sampling from the virtual platter. (more…)

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Meet me in St. Louis: Gateway to budget vacations

Friday, August 26th, 2011

By Angie Fratto

If you’re like me, you savor the good things in life but have a limited budget. So when it comes to family vacations, you look for competitive price tags that don’t shortchange on style. St. Louis is a prime Midwest vacation spot with a menagerie of to-dos, both fantastic and free. Consider these money-saving tips on St. Louis hotels and activities.

Catch the (free) spirit of St. Louis from the Arch to the zoo. Credit: Boy27wonder.

Saint Louis Zoo
I’ve seen all kinds of animal exhibits on my travels, but this one is overloaded with cuteness. Waddle among puffins and penguins, and watch your tykes go wide-eyed petting stingrays in Caribbean Cove. And if your kids love trains like mine do, the zoo’s train is free for tots 2 and under.

Tip: While admission is free, some attractions are extra. Arrive when the zoo opens — many are free during the first hour.

Where to stay: Hyatt Regency St Louis at The Arch
For postcard-perfect views of The Arch and an unbeatable downtown location, check out this 4-star hotel near the St. Louis Riverfront. (more…)

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Ways to commemorate the 10th anniversary of 9/11

Wednesday, August 24th, 2011

The National September 11 Memorial & Museum marks the sites of the Twin Towers with 2 reflective pools.

By Erik Torkells

To commemorate the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, the Lower Manhattan site will be closed on September 11 for a remembrance with elected officials — including President Obama and former President George W. Bush — and family members of people who died in the attacks. The National September 11 Memorial, meanwhile, opens to the public on Sept. 12 (you have to reserve a pass); with the museum to follow at a later date. Leading up to September 11, however, many institutions around town will be marking the anniversary. (more…)

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Posted in Holidays & Events, New York Vacation, Travel News | No Comments »

The Real Orange County: Fun, cheap and easy

Tuesday, August 23rd, 2011

All-American island: A visit to Balboa Island, Newport Beach, can feel like a trip to the Eisenhower era.

By Erik Torkells

Thanks to TV shows like “The O.C.,” “Laguna Beach,” and “The Real Housewives of Orange County,” many people have a distorted– or should I say surgically enhanced?– idea of the California county. Parts of it can be as depicted, but most of it isn’t, even in the relatively glitzy towns along the coast, such as Newport Beach and Laguna Beach. In fact, the best way to enjoy life there is do the kind of activities people have been doing for decades. (more…)

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Orbitz 50 Faves: 50 vacations, 50 lucky winners

Monday, August 22nd, 2011

Play Orbitz 50 Faves on Facebook for the chance to win one of 50 luxury vacations worth up to $15,000.

By Valerie Moloney

It’s time to play for a stay.

Today through Sept. 18, play Orbitz 50 Faves on Facebook for a chance to win one of 50 drool-worthy vacations to luxury resorts around the world worth up to $15,000. Like Orbitz on Facebook to enter the game, and invite your friends to play. The more friends you invite, the sweeter your chances. (more…)

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Posted in Cruise, International Vacations, Romance, Travel News | No Comments »

Top tech items for business meetings and conventions

Friday, August 19th, 2011

On-site assistance: the mobile version of Basecamp.

By Mark Chesnut

In August, Orbitz for Business — the corporate travel brand of Orbitz Worldwide — introduced Orbitz for Business Meetings, a new booking channel developed in conjunction with StarCite, a leading provider of Web-based solutions to manage corporate meetings and events.

But, as good as it feels to tout the latest business-oriented developments fresh from the Orbitz umbrella, there are lots of other great tech devices — including apps, programs and gizmos — that can also help make that next meeting go more smoothly. Here are a few of the best. (more…)

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Posted in Business Travel, Gadgets & Gizmos, On the Road, Travel Tips | No Comments »

2 ways to beat the heat during a Disney vacation

Wednesday, August 17th, 2011

When the mercury rises, escape to the Hoop-De-Doo Revue, a down-home, air-conditioned dinner theater.

By Deborah Bowen

Even to the most dedicated “Disneyphile” in the Happiest Place on Earth, the hot Florida sun can be taxing on the body and the spirit. Fortunately, Disney Imagineers took the weather into consideration and created a wonderland of opportunities for some super-cool fun outside the parks. Two classic indoor experiences that leave everyone smiling are High Tea at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa and the Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue. (more…)

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Summer send-offs: Top 10 Labor Day destinations

Tuesday, August 16th, 2011

Las Vegas is the second most popular destination in the Orbitz Labor Day 2011 Index. Credit: http2007.

By Valerie Moloney

When it comes to travelers’ preferences for Labor Day, it’s a big-city trifecta in the top spots. The Orbitz Labor Day 2011 Index reveals Las Vegas, New York City and Chicago holding the first 3 positions for the last long weekend of the summer vacation season. (more…)

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American as apple pie: Summer vacations in Michigan

Tuesday, August 16th, 2011

Cameras required: Surreal sands of Sleeping Bear Dunes. Credit: Harry Dillon

By Kristin Dillon

With its Great Lakes, Motor City and world’s longest suspension bridge (talk to the mitten, Golden Gate) there’s plenty of pixel-perfect scenery on a summer vacation in Michigan. Cherry pick your way through Traverse City, indulge your sweet tooth on Mackinac Island, and cruise Woodward Avenue in downtown Detroit. And here’s even more incentive for booking your Michigan vacation by Aug. 21: (more…)

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