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January 24, 2013
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Travelzoo Experience: Aloha Maui One of the most coveted perks at Travelzoo is the Travelzoo Experience, in which Deal Experts and other employees take advantage of the same travel, entertainment and local deals we publish to our subscribers and report back on their experience. Island life was beckoning, and a Maui hotel shone in the Top 20 in time to escape the mainland for a week and to attend a dear friend’s wedding ceremony.Visitors are immediately treated to Maui’s temperate climate and mountains upon exiting the gate at Kahulai International airport, where the terminals are in open air. The beach resort town of Ka’anapali is about a 45-minute drive away, and easily navigable with only a few routes on the island — the ocean waves crash on one side, and rocky terrain on the other.The sprawling resort had several pools and restaurants, and a long stretch of beach that was never crowded. Stock up on snacks and water to bring down to the shore, and for more budget-friendly dining options, venture off the resort and try the Hawaiian mixed plate – served with two scoops of rice, macaroni salad and your choice of meat (try kalua pork, my personal fave).The resort offered shuttle service into downtown Lahaina, the historic whaler town, now filled with shops, restaurants and galleries along the coast. But I highly recommend renting a car – not only for convenience, but for two adventurous drives on the island: the drive up to Mount Haleakala, and the acclaimed drive to Hana.Each marvel deserves its own dedicated day, but we admittedly packed both into one long day. Pack snacks and plenty of water, even a little picnic lunch for the drive to Hana. Bring some cash for the fruit stands that pop up on the road selling mangoes, papayas and freshly baked banana bread. A local barista at the base of the volcano even recommended packing Heinekens – with any car trouble, locals are apt to help with a flash of the green bottle. There are many CD audio guides sold before the highway to Hana that are helpful in locating the spots for waterfalls, pools and scenic points.Guides recommend a very early start on the road to reach the volcano’s summit in time for sunrise. Just at the base, stop for some coffee and muffins at Crater Coffee — the only coffee available on the way up the mountain and to fuel your steep drive. Many leave just as the sun rises — don’t. Stay a few minutes longer and the colors are unbelievable.After shifting into low gear down the mountain, we started our trek to Hana: 52 miles, 59 bridges over deep ravines, and 620 curves cut into the coast. Drive slow and pull over often. Let down all the windows — ginger and guava permeate the air, and you can better see the sights: bamboo forests, jagged cliffs and the foamy waves.If there’s an optimal time in Maui, it’s early morning. It’s when the sun rises above the clouds hanging below Mount Haleakala’s summit, and the water is at its clearest and calmest to view the rainbow of fish and coral when snorkeling above the reefs at Molokini Island. But there was no better time or place than sunset on the Kapalua coast for my friend’s intimate wedding ceremony, where the horizon blazed in oranges and purples as glasses clinked in celebration.


Travelzoo Experience: Aloha Maui

One of the most coveted perks at Travelzoo is the Travelzoo Experience, in which Deal Experts and other employees take advantage of the same travel, entertainment and local deals we publish to our subscribers and report back on their experience.

Island life was beckoning, and a Maui hotel shone in the Top 20 in time to escape the mainland for a week and to attend a dear friend’s wedding ceremony.

Visitors are immediately treated to Maui’s temperate climate and mountains upon exiting the gate at Kahulai International airport, where the terminals are in open air. The beach resort town of Ka’anapali is about a 45-minute drive away, and easily navigable with only a few routes on the island — the ocean waves crash on one side, and rocky terrain on the other.

The sprawling resort had several pools and restaurants, and a long stretch of beach that was never crowded. Stock up on snacks and water to bring down to the shore, and for more budget-friendly dining options, venture off the resort and try the Hawaiian mixed plate – served with two scoops of rice, macaroni salad and your choice of meat (try kalua pork, my personal fave).

The resort offered shuttle service into downtown Lahaina, the historic whaler town, now filled with shops, restaurants and galleries along the coast. But I highly recommend renting a car – not only for convenience, but for two adventurous drives on the island: the drive up to Mount Haleakala, and the acclaimed drive to Hana.

Each marvel deserves its own dedicated day, but we admittedly packed both into one long day. Pack snacks and plenty of water, even a little picnic lunch for the drive to Hana. Bring some cash for the fruit stands that pop up on the road selling mangoes, papayas and freshly baked banana bread. A local barista at the base of the volcano even recommended packing Heinekens – with any car trouble, locals are apt to help with a flash of the green bottle. There are many CD audio guides sold before the highway to Hana that are helpful in locating the spots for waterfalls, pools and scenic points.

Guides recommend a very early start on the road to reach the volcano’s summit in time for sunrise. Just at the base, stop for some coffee and muffins at Crater Coffee — the only coffee available on the way up the mountain and to fuel your steep drive. Many leave just as the sun rises — don’t. Stay a few minutes longer and the colors are unbelievable.

After shifting into low gear down the mountain, we started our trek to Hana: 52 miles, 59 bridges over deep ravines, and 620 curves cut into the coast. Drive slow and pull over often. Let down all the windows — ginger and guava permeate the air, and you can better see the sights: bamboo forests, jagged cliffs and the foamy waves.

If there’s an optimal time in Maui, it’s early morning. It’s when the sun rises above the clouds hanging below Mount Haleakala’s summit, and the water is at its clearest and calmest to view the rainbow of fish and coral when snorkeling above the reefs at Molokini Island. But there was no better time or place than sunset on the Kapalua coast for my friend’s intimate wedding ceremony, where the horizon blazed in oranges and purples as glasses clinked in celebration.

Tags: travel airfare deals summer travelzoo hawaii

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June 04, 2012
9 Tips to Save on Summer Vacation Summer is here! Yes, we’re still a few weeks away from the solstice. But with the arrival of the Memorial Day holiday, thoughts turn to beaches, grilling savory meats, knocking back a frozen drink or two and summer vacation. With that in mind, here’s a few tips to get the best deals on a summer vacation. 1. Look at the weeks surrounding the holiday for the best deals. For example, while deals were elusive for Memorial Day weekend in many popular destinations, the week after Memorial Day and the following weekend (May 28 - June 3) were soft spots for many hotels, cruise lines and vacation packagers — even airlines. Prices are often $100 or more cheaper if you travel the week before or after a holiday. 2. We expect a similar scenario to occur around July 4th this year. With the holiday falling on a Wednesday, there isn’t a natural long weekend attached. As a result, the entire first week of July should be ripe for deals — even in major vacation spots. 3. While prices do start to climb after Memorial Day in popular summer destinations such as Myrtle Beach, Mackinac Island and Monterey, you can still find the best prices if you stay over midweek dates instead of weekends. Leave the weekend warriors to battle traffic and crowds and spend a random Wednesday relaxing. (Just keep your mobile phone ready for your Top 20.) 4. There’s no way around it — it’s expensive to fly in July. Most domestic carriers have been posting airfare sales that offer discounts through June and then start again in mid-August. Consider taking a road trip instead of flying cross-country, or snag a getaway or Local Deal for a fun experience closer to home. 5. If you need to fly, check our Today’s Best Fares section for the best dates to fly on hundreds of routes. Changing your travel dates by a few days either way could save you significant coin. 6. Some like it hot. The summer heat turns off a lot of travelers to Arizona, Las Vegas and Florida. That means that resorts offer up phenomenal deals to lure travelers back. You can stay at 4- and 5-star resorts for 75% less than you would during the peak winter months. Get your golf in early and spend the day’s hottest hours in the spa. Keep an eye out for Local Deals in these locations, as restaurants, spas and activities are also looking for business. And if you’re in Vegas, remember that it’s always 65 degrees in the casino. 7. For trips to popular family destinations such as Orlando or Hawaii, the best summer months for deals are early June or late August. School lets out at different times in different parts of the United States, while you’re hanging with Mickey in late August, some poor kids have started the next school year already. 8. Summer is the beginning of hurricane season in the Caribbean, and prices tend to get very aggressive on vacations and beach resorts as a result. Pack some travel insurance with your swimsuit, sunscreen and trashy beach novel, and you’ll get a sweet deal. Not a gambler? Aruba is outside the hurricane belt and offers up great deals (and great weather) year-round. 9. Finally, don’t forget about fall for bucket-list vacations — Europe, Asia, Australia, etc. September and October offer up great weather across much of the globe — and travel prices that can save as much as 50% on summer travel. So break out the watermelon and bocce balls — and enjoy the summer, with a little savings to go with your potato salad.

9 Tips to Save on Summer Vacation

Summer is here!

Yes, we’re still a few weeks away from the solstice. But with the arrival of the Memorial Day holiday, thoughts turn to beaches, grilling savory meats, knocking back a frozen drink or two and summer vacation.

With that in mind, here’s a few tips to get the best deals on a summer vacation.

1. Look at the weeks surrounding the holiday for the best deals. For example, while deals were elusive for Memorial Day weekend in many popular destinations, the week after Memorial Day and the following weekend (May 28 - June 3) were soft spots for many hotels, cruise lines and vacation packagers — even airlines. Prices are often $100 or more cheaper if you travel the week before or after a holiday.

2. We expect a similar scenario to occur around July 4th this year. With the holiday falling on a Wednesday, there isn’t a natural long weekend attached. As a result, the entire first week of July should be ripe for deals — even in major vacation spots.

3. While prices do start to climb after Memorial Day in popular summer destinations such as Myrtle Beach, Mackinac Island and Monterey, you can still find the best prices if you stay over midweek dates instead of weekends. Leave the weekend warriors to battle traffic and crowds and spend a random Wednesday relaxing. (Just keep your mobile phone ready for your Top 20.)

4. There’s no way around it — it’s expensive to fly in July. Most domestic carriers have been posting airfare sales that offer discounts through June and then start again in mid-August. Consider taking a road trip instead of flying cross-country, or snag a getaway or Local Deal for a fun experience closer to home.

5. If you need to fly, check our Today’s Best Fares section for the best dates to fly on hundreds of routes. Changing your travel dates by a few days either way could save you significant coin.

6. Some like it hot. The summer heat turns off a lot of travelers to Arizona, Las Vegas and Florida. That means that resorts offer up phenomenal deals to lure travelers back. You can stay at 4- and 5-star resorts for 75% less than you would during the peak winter months. Get your golf in early and spend the day’s hottest hours in the spa. Keep an eye out for Local Deals in these locations, as restaurants, spas and activities are also looking for business. And if you’re in Vegas, remember that it’s always 65 degrees in the casino.

7. For trips to popular family destinations such as Orlando or Hawaii, the best summer months for deals are early June or late August. School lets out at different times in different parts of the United States, while you’re hanging with Mickey in late August, some poor kids have started the next school year already.

8. Summer is the beginning of hurricane season in the Caribbean, and prices tend to get very aggressive on vacations and beach resorts as a result. Pack some travel insurance with your swimsuit, sunscreen and trashy beach novel, and you’ll get a sweet deal. Not a gambler? Aruba is outside the hurricane belt and offers up great deals (and great weather) year-round.

9. Finally, don’t forget about fall for bucket-list vacations — Europe, Asia, Australia, etc. September and October offer up great weather across much of the globe — and travel prices that can save as much as 50% on summer travel.

So break out the watermelon and bocce balls — and enjoy the summer, with a little savings to go with your potato salad.

Tags: travel deals Caribbean summer beach Europe London Paris

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May 31, 2012
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An Offbeat Day in Paris

If you are one of the millions of tourists who has helped my hometown of Paris top the lists of most visited cities in the world, you may think that by getting an eyeful of the Eiffel and sipping Champagne by the Seine, you know all the delights of the city of light.

Yet even though the French invented the word blasé, there’s plenty more fun to be had after you’ve done all the touristy stuff. Here are three of my top tips for an offbeat day out in the world’s greatest city.

1. Pay a visit to the real “underground” Paris

No visit to a romantic hot spot is complete without seeing a wall made of human skulls, which is what makes the catacombs one of my favorite places to take lovebirds. After entering the “attraction,” a 10-minute walk through some creepy underground tunnels brings you into a collection of galleries filled with tens of thousands of human cadavers brought from overflowing cemeteries in the 18th century. They are lovingly arranged into interesting patterns — while most of us would consider plague and pestilence a nuisance, French forefathers saw the opportunity for some fun bone art. Don’t miss the message carved into a doorway welcoming you to “the empire of death” — it’s a real crowd-pleaser.

2. Check out a really weird museum

No, the Louvre does not count as weird — although it is strange that its most famous painting is of a lady with no eyebrows. But there is no avoiding the fact that Paris is a city of museums; official sources state there are more than 200 of them. Among them are gems such as the Paris Sewer Museum, the Museum of Magic, the Museum of Perfume, the Museum of Automated Toys and even a Museum of Vampires. Please don’t leave without visiting at least one of these places — you may be the only ticket they sell that day. My personal favorite is slightly more conventional: the opulent Musée Jacquemart André, which was once the mansion of an eccentric nobleman and now houses a priceless art collection.

3. End the day with the original Bloody Mary

One of my favorite urban legends of Paris goes something like this: back when Ernest Hemingway was renting a room at the Ritz, he became notorious for his drunken escapades — much to the dismay of his wife, Mary Welsh. In an attempt to stem criticism lest she discover alcohol on his breath, he charged a local barman with inventing a cocktail that would prevent “bloody Mary” from finding out. The resulting libation contained just enough tomato juice and spices to mask the smell of vodka. Don’t let the fact that this is probably a myth prevent you from sampling one at Harry’s New York Bar, which is indeed where the cocktail was invented. As you drink the expensive yet delicious mixture, consider that your seat may have been occupied by Rita Hayworth, Humphrey Bogart or indeed Hemingway himself at some point during the bar’s 100-year existence.

Tags: travel deals Paris

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May 25, 2012

Dubai on a Grand Scale

One of the most coveted perks at Travelzoo is the Travelzoo Experience, in which Deal Experts and other employees take advantage of the same travel, entertainment and local deals we publish to our subscribers and report back on their experience.

I recently had the opportunity to spend a month in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Set along the Persian Gulf, the global business hub has a remarkably international population — fewer than 20% of the residents are UAE nationals.

Dubai is renowned for its larger-than-life attractions, which live up to the hype. Take the elevator to the viewing deck of the tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa, to see skyscrapers dwarfed below you. If you find yourself short on gold, you can purchase a bar from the vending machine at the top. Drive along the outer edge of the manmade Palm Jumeirah islands for distant skyline views, or cool off on the Mall of the Emirates’ indoor ski slopes (bring gloves and a hat, since they’re not part of the provided winter gear).

For a more casual day, I recommend visiting the Dubai Marina and neighboring Jumeirah Beach Walk, where you can browse sidewalk stands and dine alfresco along the waterway, with easy access to one of the few public beaches. Malls here are main draws that go well beyond shopping and are more like entertainment complexes – you’ll find aquariums, ice skating, cinemas and dozens of dining options ranging from regional cuisine to Texas Roadhouse. Alcohol is only served at hotel restaurants, but most other restaurants have a menu of “mocktails.” My favorite was a goji berry, mango and mint concoction at Ping Pong, a dim sum restaurant in the Dubai Mall with outdoor seating featuring views of the spectacular Dubai Fountain show.

General tips when visiting Dubai:

  • English is prevalent throughout the city, so there’s no need to worry about a language barrier.
  • The metro is affordable and remarkably clean, but since there are only two lines, many tourist destinations still require a lot of walking from the stop. Watch for signs above the doors to make sure you’re not getting on the wrong car — generally the first car is for riders with gold cards (which cost extra) and the second car is women only.
  • Dress modestly while exploring the city. A good rule is to keep shorts and skirts below the knee and shoulders covered. Some areas have more liberal standards, such as on hotel grounds and in Dubai Marina. On the beaches, normal swimwear is acceptable.
  • Dubai has no street addresses, so when taking a cab, it’s helpful to know a major landmark near where you want to go.

Tags: travel deals bucketlist

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May 09, 2012
3 notes
Lovely! Amalfi Coast from Travelzoo subscriber, Danielle Scardine. http://www.travelzoo.com/destinations/italy/ #travel #deals #travelzoo #bookatripnow (Taken with instagram)

Lovely! Amalfi Coast from Travelzoo subscriber, Danielle Scardine. http://www.travelzoo.com/destinations/italy/ #travel #deals #travelzoo #bookatripnow (Taken with instagram)

Tags: deals travelzoo travel bookatripnow

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May 09, 2012
The Outer Banks. From Travelzoo subscriber, Rob Swanson.

The Outer Banks. From Travelzoo subscriber, Rob Swanson.


Tags: animals horse travel OBX

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May 09, 2012

How to Save Money on Summer Airfare

Summer is nearly here, and along with it comes a long list of travel plans. Whether you’re planning a long weekend at the beach, traveling for wedding weekends with friends or finding time to connect with family around the globe, here are a couple tips for making the most of your travel budget and finding the best flight deals this summer.

  1. Think about which days of the week holidays fall on: Long weekends such as Memorial Day and Labor Day generally mean a spike in fares and long lines at the airport. Try extending your trip for a couple extra days after the holiday to avoid the crowds. Fourth of July falls on a Wednesday this year so weekend trips before and after the holiday is likely to bring similar fare increases. Flying on the day of this holiday can often result in significant fare savings.
  2. Be flexible with your travel dates: If you’re traveling this summer, consider midweek flights rather than focusing your search on Friday and Sunday travel days. You can often save up to 50% on fares by traveling on less popular dates.  
  3. Do your research: To find the best price, take the time to compare multiple airlines. While doing this, it’s important to pay attention to blackout dates when researching air sales. Don’t rely only on published sales — search websites yourself to find unadvertised low fares. To get a complete view of what’s out there, check both airline websites such as American and United as well as online travel agents such as Orbitz and Expedia.
  4. Look beyond your home airport: Flying out of a regional airport may help you save money, and it could even be less crowded on your travel dates. Living in the Bay Area, I always check fares departing from both San Francisco and Oakland. It is always best to compare fares if you have two convenient airports in your area.
  5. See a good fare? Jump on it: The best fares are based on availability, so if you find a good one — book quickly.

By doing a little extra research, being flexible, and booking your summer airfare as soon as you’ve nailed down your travel plans you’ll find the best deal for your trip.

Tags: travel airfare deals summer travelzoo

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May 07, 2012
Sink your feet into the sand at the Outer Banks. Thanks for the inspiring photo, Lisa Rucker. http://www.travelzoo.com/destinations/outer_banks_nc/ (Taken with instagram)

Sink your feet into the sand at the Outer Banks. Thanks for the inspiring photo, Lisa Rucker. http://www.travelzoo.com/destinations/outer_banks_nc/ (Taken with instagram)

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May 04, 2012
3 notes
This could be you! The Caribbean is on sale. Thanks for the photo Lena May. It makes me want to #bookatripnow! #travel #deals #travelzoo http://www.travelzoo.com/from-the-deal-experts/affordable-caribbean-escapes/ (Taken with instagram)

This could be you! The Caribbean is on sale. Thanks for the photo Lena May. It makes me want to #bookatripnow! #travel #deals #travelzoo http://www.travelzoo.com/from-the-deal-experts/affordable-caribbean-escapes/ (Taken with instagram)

Tags: deals travelzoo travel bookatripnow

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May 03, 2012

Spring Travel Deals as Seen on WPIX New York (by travelzoo)