Wanderlust usually strikes when the sun comes out, and if you haven’t planned a summer vacation yet, don’t worry, you still have time. We’ve rounded up the best travel deals, at the hottest locations, to ensure that you’ll save a penny or two while romping around with your family in tow. Shave off some of the costly expenses, as well as find useful travel tricks and tips so you can enjoy quality time with your brood—all without the usual planning stress. Keep reading to discover the best last minute travel deals for summer below.
Mile High City: The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa - Denver, CO
From the Denver Museum of Nature and Science to the Denver Botanic Gardens to The Children’s Museum of Denver—fun for kids reigns supreme in this mountain-laden city. Adults won’t go bored either—there are loads of great restaurants and lovely hotels to pique interests. Book online and enjoy the Stay and Park Package, which includes overnight valet parking, at the iconic The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa, Autograph Collection. Or book the Bed & Breakfast on The Go package, which includes one-night accommodations and a $10 credit in The Brown Palace Coffee & Tea Co. Marriott members also receive discounted rates.
Online: marriott.com/hotels/denak-the-brown-palace-hotel-and-spa-autograph-collection
SummerFest at Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center - Nashville, TN
Who doesn’t like the little blue Smurfs? Visit this Nashville resort for fun in the sun at Gaylord Opryland’s SummerFest featuring The Smurfs. Your kids will love the pool parties, scavenger hunts, live music, Smurf-themed events and activities and SoundWaves, the newly rolled out water attraction. Two summer packages are available. The first, SummerFest featuring The Smurfs, includes a one night stay, four self-guided hotel tour tickets, four Delta Riverboat Cruise tickets, and two The Smurfs’ Way Home Scavenger Hunt books. The second package, SummerFest featuring The Smurfs Including SoundWaves, includes everything above as well as entrance into the SoundWaves attraction for four plus complimentary baggage storage and daily hotel shuttle transportation to and from downtown Nashville. Use the promotional code ARN when booking online. Prices vary depending on room category and dates.
Online: marriott.com/bnago-gaylord-opryland-resort-and-convention-center
Freebie Daily Perks & Special Savings at The Breakers Palm Beach, FL
Indulge in complimentary buffet breakfast and extra deals on Camp Breakers fun, daytime bungalow rentals, select spa treatments, tennis lessons and golf outings at the luxurious The Breakers Palm Beach hotel, located in the heart of Palm Beach. The Ocean Course on the property has been recently renovated and, per usual, everything is fresh and upscale. You’ll have access to the lovely private beach, four swimming pools, multiple restaurants, a well-known spa, boutique shopping, and a huge list of family programs and offerings. Bonus: there’s no resort fee. All you have to do is relax and soak up some vitamin D.
Online: thebreakers.com
Family-Owned Hospitality: Mexico Grand Hotels
Visit sunny and dry Los Cabos and stay at Hacienda Encantada Resort & Residences or Marina Fiesta. Both properties have a different flair and ambiance. Hacienda Encantada is larger and more private, with many amenities, while Marina Fiesta is located in the heart of the action in the Marina Golden Zone. Multi-generational families will love a visit at either property. Enjoy a 60% discount on a three-night minimum stay from March through June 19. Additionally, guests receive a credit of $100 to divide for food and drinks, in the spa and on activities.
Online: haciendaencantada.com
Verdant Oasis at the Westin Kaanapali Ocean Resort Villas, HI
Near the Pacific Ocean, on 26 green acres, sits the Westin Kaanapali Ocean Resort Villas in Lahaina, Hawaii. Kids can hang out in the Westin Discovery Center for an active afternoon of discovery through arts and crafts. You’ll also want to visit the nearby whaling town of Lahaina and have lunch or dinner and explore the art galleries and boutique shops. Rent a two bedroom ocean view villa for $4,200 (versus $7,448.49) and enjoy the family pool and sandy beach.
Online: redweek.com/resort/the-westin-kaanapali-ocean-resort-villas
Family Fun Package at Hilton Head Island - SC
Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island, located 45 miles from Savannah, has some of the best views, overlooking verdant semitropical gardens, with a stunning lagoon-style pool. Complimentary transportation is offered to guests to and from the golf and tennis within Hilton Head’s Shipyard complex. The Family Fun Package, which starts at $279 per night for a two-night minimum stay, includes a $50 food and beverage credit and a $50 activity credit—for bike rentals and more—for use during your stay. Kids will love the zero-entry pool and the heated shade pool and parents can relax in the hot tub or indulge in a treatment at Arum Spa.
Two Hotels Two Deals: St. Maarten
Divi Little Bay Beach Resort has been offering deals to families for many summers, usually including a 30% off on bookings discount. Other savings include the Kids Stay and Eat Free program. For families that want something all-inclusive, kids five and under may stay and eat at the resort for free while kids 6—12 can enjoy the resort’s amenities for $63 per night, per child. The private beach will provide hours of fun.
Online: diviresorts.com
The Sonesta Maho Beach Resort is currently hosting a re-opening sale to celebrate its new design and refresh. From now through May 31, families can benefit from a 45% off discount on bookings. Don’t miss the resort’s kids club. Larger or multigenerational families will find comfort in the new loft-suites room category, which has stunning island views.
Online: sonesta.com
Joie de Vivre Hotels: San Francisco, New York City, Chicago, Baltimore
Part of the Hyatt family, Joie de Vivre Hotels guarantee that you’ll receive their best rate, which means that if you found a better rate somewhere else, they’ll honor it or beat it by 10%. Book this summer and enjoy 20% off of your stay. Book a room between May 15 and Aug. 27 at one of these boutique neighborhood hotels and stay anytime between May 24 and Sept. 2 to enjoy the discounted rate.
Online: jdvhotels.com
Club Med - Various locations in the U.S. and Caribbean
From 60 all-new oceanfront family rooms at its Cancun resort to the Club Med CREACTIVE by Cirque du Soleil at its Punta Cana location, Club Med has plenty of fun for families. Take advantage of the company’s Semi-Annual Sale, where, if you book before Jun. 18, 2019 (travel dates now-Dec. 20, 2019) you’ll get $1,000 instant savings with rates starting at just $115/night per adult. Other perks include up to $300 air credits, kid 4 & under stay free, kids 15 & under stay for up to 50% off and room upgrade opportunities. Access the sale here.
Online: clubmed.us
Sanderling Resort - Duck, NC
From May to June 11, Sanderling Resort in the Outer Banks is offering a “Buy 2 Nights and get 1 Free” and a “Buy 4 Nights, Get 1 Free” promo for stays Jun-Aug. Spend time on the private beach, play in the resort pool (there’s a poolside snack bar, too) take surfing lessons, rent a paddle board or take a dolphin tour. Which location is the best for families? We suggest booking a room in the North Inn. Steps from the beach, it was renovated in 2015.
Online: sanderling-resort.com
Hawks Cay Resort - Florida Keys, FL
Just in time for a summer family vacation, Hawks Cay Resort has launched the Stay More, Save More package. The Stay More, Save More package offers visitors a 15 percent discount on accommodations for three nights, a 20% discount on a minimum of five nights, and a 25% discount on seven nights or more. Learn more about what you can do in the Florida Keys by checking out our insider’s guide here.
Online: hawkscay.com/special-offers
Destination Hotels - AZ, CA, CO, HI, LA, MO, OR, SC, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA
Can’t decide if you want to do the mountains or the beach this summer? Destination Hotels list of options has both. The boutique hotel company’s summer special runs from May 1-Aug. 31st, 2019. Save 20% when you book a two-or-more night stay can book a stay at luxe properties like Destination Resorts Vail, Suncadia Resort in Cle Elum, WA, or the Wild Dunes Resort Isle Of Palms, SC. Use promotion code: ADVENTURE9, stay dates must be between May 1-Dec. 31, 2019.
Online: destinationhotels.com
Buenaventura Golf & Beach Resort - Riviera Pacifica, Panama
If you want to go big this summer, consider Panama. You'll find history and culture, and the outdoor activities including snorkeling, boating, camping and more. The Endless Luxury Package at Buenaventura Golf & Beach Resort includes complimentary daily breakfast, lunch, dinner, a visit to the resort’s Wildlife Center, use of bicycles, stand-up paddle boards, kayaks, tennis and volleyball court. Kids can hit up the kids’ club for free, and you can swing a few clubs at the driving range.
Rates start at $249 a night.
Reservations can be made by calling 1-833-908-3399 or via email at reservations@buenaventuraresort.com
Online: marriott.com/hotels/the-buenaventura-golf-and-beach-resort-panama-autograph-collection/
Saint Peter’s Bay Luxury Resort & Residences - St. Peter, Barbados
Enjoy the beauty of Barbados at the beachfront resort that has villa-style accommodations perfect for families. The Summer Vibes Family Package allows kids to stay for free and includes all sorts of perks, including 20% off 3 bedroom or penthouse, complimentary non-motorized water sports and complimentary access to Kids Zone. Book your stay (minimum 4 nights) from May 15-Jun.15, 2018, and travel between May 15-Oct. 31st, 2019 to take advantage of the deal.
Booking code: SPBFOF
Chateau on the Lake Resort & Spa - Branson, MO
Considering a Branson vacay this summer? Consider booking a stay at the Chateau on the Lake Resort & Spa. They are offering the Silver Dollar City Vacation Package. For two adults and one child, accommodations for two nights include two-day passes to Silver Dollar City amusement park, a $50 resort food credit, free indoor parking and WiFi. There’s a kids club, indoor and outdoor pools, a video theater and even a Koi pond. Available through Oct. 27, 2019.
Package starts at $249 per night for a Standard Room.
Online: chateauonthelake.com
—Wendy Altschuler
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