Archive for July, 2011

If you can’t stand the heat, get out of the city. Bypass a New York City vacation for value stays within driving — or train — distance to the metropolis.

Back-to-school shopping may be in full swing, but don’t despair, summer’s not over yet! And there are great late-season deals to give you the nudge you need for one last trip to the beach. Orbitz took a look at beach destinations offering some of the best value for the month of August. From family-friendly beaches on the East Coast to a snorkeler’s paradise in the Caribbean, for under $150/night* you can ride the tide into these beautiful beaches:

Not all free hotel breakfasts are created equal. Here’s what to expect at several of the biggest hotel chains.

New hotel apps. Automated check-in. Cell-phone key cards. And maybe even a robot bellhop. Here’s what you can expect from hotel technology today.

There’s still time to enjoy a summer vacation, and it doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Consider these 4 affordable ways to squeeze the fun out of the season.

So why not support a destination that supports you? Now’s the time to plan a romantic weekend for you and your honey in the gay-welcoming Big Apple. The long days of late summer and early fall are one of the best times to get to the Big Apple before things turn cold and icy. Here are some of some hot picks for gay-friendly New York hotels:

Whether it’s seasoned road warriors, groups of conventioneers or vacationing families with children, the cities of Phoenix and Scottsdale are well versed in serving the diverse needs of a variety of people. And this summer, new options abound for anyone looking to mix family travel with business travel.

Sure, the Caribbean, Bermuda, and the Bahamas are all fabulous choices for a cruise getaway, but sometimes you’re in the mood to try something out of the ordinary. And what better way to indulge that interest than by setting out on a one-of-a-kind exotic cruise through Asia, India or Africa? Ports that are off of the beaten path and generally longer itineraries make for an unforgettable experience you’ll be able to savor long after you return home.

There are few cities in the United States that can lay claim to all of the things that Atlantic City can. Vegas is a killer gambling town, but there’s no beach. You can take gorgeous summer vacations in southern California, but good luck finding any casinos. And the nightlife up in San Francisco may be top notch, but I dare you to dip your foot into the bay on even the hottest day of the year. For all intents and purposes, A.C. is one of the best summer vacation spots in the country — and it’s not just great prices on Atlantic City hotels that keep people coming back in droves.

For as much as people await the arrival of summer with bated breath, it sure has a way of sneaking up on us. And if you’re not careful and if you don’t act fast, it’ll pass you by the way it’s done in years past. With that in mind, here’s a rundown of three of the best last-minute beach vacations: east coast, west coast and in-between (the Gulf Coast, in case you didn’t catch it).

JetBlue Airways is adding more services and routes for business travelers and passengers looking for more comfort. Here’s what’s in store.

The memorial part of the National September 11 Memorial & Museum is opening to the public on Sept.12, and it looks like visiting it will be a powerful experience — it includes two mammoth pools with waterfalls (on the footprints of where the Twin Towers were), a plaza of trees and the names of the nearly 3,000 victims. But only 1,500 people will be allowed at a time, so if you want to pay your respects firsthand, you’ll have to reserve a pass for a specific date and time. Passes were made available starting July 11.

Whether you’re looking to manage air travel or reservations for rental cars and hotels — or just searching for the ideal place to entertain clients — the advent of the smartphone has brought much needed assistance, in the form of a countless array of mobile apps designed to smooth the travel process. Here are some of the best ways that apps are making the world of business travel easier to negotiate.

Set sail with fabulous cruise deals that are only available from Orbitz. Escape the heat, forget the commute or getaway with your girlfriends for 3, 4 or even 14 nights. These amazing low cruise prices start at just $45 per night, have so many bonus offers and are only good until July 31st.

By Valerie Moloney Whether you’re a Lollapalooza virgin or fifth-timer, you’ll want a cushy place to rest your head after sets by the Arctic Monkeys, The Kills, Eminem and a jillion other indie and mainstream artists. Between the hipster hangs and celebrity haunts, Chicago has established itself as the country’s premier music festival for the [read more…]

Hampton Hotels is growing throughout the United States and Mexico, bringing more value-priced hotel options to travelers.

With scenic beaches and gourmet restaurants, San Juan hotels allow business travelers to stay productive while they enjoy the best of Puerto Rico’s most sophisticated city.

Coming home from Walt Disney World without a photo with Mickey is like returning from Paris without the requisite shot of you in front of the Eiffel Tower. So, what’s the best way to get that picture with the mouse that started it all? Let Mickey Mouse come to you while you experience a sumptuous meal on the fourth floor of Disney’s Contemporary Resort.

Will and Kate – because we like to keep it casual in California – are coming to the Golden State. While their July 8-10 itinerary is no doubt squeezed by royal engagements, we took it upon ourselves to offer up the top 5 things to do during a Los Angeles vacation, from shopping in stilettos on iconic Rodeo Drive to offbeat haunt Muscle Beach.

There’s no reason not to bring the family along to these five great destinations, where work and play are easily combined.