ML Interest Tag: vacation

Hitting the Road for Memorial Day? AAA Predicts Record Travel for the Holiday Weekend

by Shahrzad Warkentin

If you’re planning a road trip for Memorial Day weekend, plan on having plenty of company. The American Automobile Association is predicting millions will be traveling over the holiday weekend.

According to AAA, nearly 43 million Americans will be taking a vacation over Memorial Day weekend this year. This is a big bump over last year with an increase of 3.6 percent, or about 1.5 million people. Of those going on a getaway, AAA estimates 3.25 million people will be traveling by airplane, 1.9 million passengers will be traveling by bus, train or cruise ship and 37.6 million will be traveling by car. So what does that mean for you?

photo: Courtesy of AAA

The AAA report states that INRIX, a global transportation analytics company, expects travel delays on major roads could be more than three times longer than normal during evening commutes. INRIX and AAA suggest avoiding travel on Thursday, May 23 and Friday, May 24 in the late afternoon in major U.S. metros like Atlanta, New York, Chicago, Detroit, and Los Angeles. For travelers in San Francisco and Houston, the most congestion is expected on Saturday and Sunday, while Monday will likely be the worst time to travel for people in Boston, Seattle, and Washington D.C.

The top Memorial Day destinations, according to the reports, include:

  • Orlando, Florida
  • New York, New York
  • Las Vegas, Nevada
  • Honolulu, Hawaii
  • Anaheim, California
  • Seattle, Washington
  • Phoenix, Arizona
  • Anchorage, Alaska
  • Tampa, Florida
  • San Francisco, California

—Shahrzad Warkentin

Featured photo: Pixabay 

 

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Can’t Afford a Summer Vacay? This Deal Lets You Pay What You Can

by Shahrzad Warkentin

A recent study found that many Americans will forgo summer vacation because their budget doesn’t have room for the expense in addition to regular bills. One company wants to help vacationers enjoy a getaway with a pay what you can campaign.

Under Canvas is an adventure-hospitality company which offers luxurious “glamping” accommodations at some of the country’s most iconic national parks and monuments. The company has just launched a new campaign to help families enjoy a summer vacation without breaking the bank.

From now until Jun. 4 you can submit your application into the #paywhatyoucan campaign for the chance to earn a vacation for “which you’ll pay no more than you can afford”at one of Under Canvas’ eight campsites including  Zion, Yellowstone, Great Smoky Mountains and Mt. Rushmore. The application includes questions like the number of members of your family and annual household income. Winners will be announced on Jun. 7.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

Featured photo: Courtesy of Amelia Anne Photography/ Under Canvas

 

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Harry Potter Fans Can Now Spend the Night in Hagrid’s Hut

by Shahrzad Warkentin

Have you always dreamed of sipping tea and munching rock cakes in Hagrid’s Hut? Your wish is granted.

Now Harry Potter fans have the chance to spend a cozy night inside Hagrid’s rustic Hut––or rather, a replica of his magical home. The Groundskeeper’s Cottage, which is made to look like the moss-covered stone hut where Hagrid resides, is now open for booking in North Yorkshire, England.

Inside the hut things are a little different than Hagrid’s home, but you probably won’t mind when you’re soaking in the copper tub at the center of the emerald-tiled bathroom. In addition to the bathroom the cottage features a bedroom and cozy living room with a fireplace.

The cottage is part of North Shire, which is a vacation destination inspired by several film settings, including The Lord of the Rings and The Greatest Showman. The Groundskeeper’s Cottage rents for $250 per night and can accommodate up to six guests. You can book your stay here.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

All photos: Courtesy of North Shire

 

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This Might Be Our Favorite Costco Perk of Them All

by Erica Loop

We love Costco for many reasons: bulk foods at great prices and a surprising array of non-food goods among them (who knew jeggings could be so comfy?). But one of our favorite Costco perks? Costco vacation deals! Here’s the skinny on how to take advantage of this fantastic perk.

One of the newest perks, Costco members can get up to a 30 percent discount on select luxury hotels. And these aren’t just hotels in the U.S. Stay at a Hilton, Hyatt, Fairmount, Raffles or Swissotel luxury hotel/resort to take advantage of Costco’s discounts. Along with hotel discounts, members can also get reduced rates on cruises and rental cars.

How do the Costco vacation discounts work? You’ll need an active Costco membership, then visit Costco Travel website. From there, select your destination, region, size of your travel party, departure and return dates and Costco works its magic to show you a list of available, discounted accommodations to meet your criteria.

Along with luxe hotels, you can also book a totally family-friendly vacation package at the House of Mouse: Costco members can get featured deals on Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort packages. While individual deals can vary and change depending on availability, members can score a variety of package deals, such as a double room upgrade (with free eats for the kiddos) with the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort Package (complete with park tickets) to up to a $245 Disney gift card with the Disneyland Resort Hotels Package.

You can also get members-only deals from Adventures by Disney Vacations and Universal Orlando Resort. Check out the Orlando: Universal’s Family Suites at Cabana Bay Beach Resort with Universal Tickets deal—it comes with a Costco cash card and early park admission!

https://www.instagram.com/p/BBCEehILMz7/

Keep in mind, the prices are subject to change and different deals may pop up and then go away. Snag these deals while they’re good, and book your family’s next amazingly awesome—and wallet-friendlier—vacation while you can.

—Erica Loop & Keiko Zoll

featured image: iStock 

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This Is the Reason Fewer Families Are Planning Summer Vacations & Here’s How to Change It

by Shahrzad Warkentin

Beyond the memories and snapshots, traveling with kids has some tremendous benefits. But between the plane tickets and accommodations, going on vacation can become a budget-breaking decision.

According to a recent survey conducted by Bankrate, nearly 40 million Americans are not planning to go on a vacation this summer. Luckily there are some ways you can enjoy a vacation and pay your bills too.

photo: Pexels via Pixabay

According to the survey, the cost of daily bills was the reason for the lack of money to pay for a vacation for 44 percent of respondents. The survey also found that families expected to pay about $2,000 on average for a vacation.

The truth is, you don’t have to go on an extravagant trip to enjoy the benefits of travel with kids! Between last minute travel deals, discounts and a little creative planning, there are plenty of ways you can have a summer family vacation without breaking the bank. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Plan a Staycation

Skip the airfare and hotels and plan a vacation in your own neighborhood. Here are some staycation ideas to try.

Book on a Budget

With a little research, you can find travel spots that are much more affordable than others. We’ve compiled a list of budget vacations to get you started.

Choose a Winter Vacation In the Summer

Many popular winter destinations transform into family-friendly adventures that are much more affordable in the summer. Check out Greek Peak Mountain Resort which is not only a state-of-the-art ski resort but also an Outdoor Adventure Center featuring a Mountain Coaster, a eurobungy and ziplining.

Book Early

Look for theme parks that offer discounts on annual passes via presale options. For example, LEGOLAND New York Resort just launched its limited 1st to Play passes. Set to open in spring 2020, those that opt to purchase now will receive a preview day of the park, a year of admission, and discounts at the onsite themed hotel.

Get a Bundle

Many hotels that are local to theme parks, like Disney and Universal offer bundled packages that include accommodations, entry into theme parks and transportation at a discounted rate. For example, the offsite Hilton Orlando offers a Universal Orlando package that is complete with early park admission to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and a $20 Uber credit toward daily transportation.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

 

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This Hotel Chain Wants to Give Airbnb a Serious Run for Their Money

by Erica Loop

With growing popularity of home-sharing vaycay options, one hotel giant has found a new way to complete. Marriott is throwing their hat in the ring and it looks like it’s going to be awesome for all of us.

After a successful home-sharing test in 200 London properties last year, Marriott expanded into several cities across Europe. But don’t stress if you aren’t all-in for an overseas vacation: Marriott recently announced that it will start taking reservations state-side.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bvo0RRngned/

The hotel company’s home-sharing expansion now includes 2,000 properties in the United States, Europe and Latin America. Marriott’s rentals feature luxe options—ranging from $200 to a whopping $10,000 a night (for a full Scottish castle!).

Time to start planning that summer vaycay!

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Jill111 via Pixabay

 

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These are Your Top Destinations for Summer Vaycay This Year

by Karly Wood

If you’re looking for some inspiration on your upcoming summer vacation, a new survey by Allianz Global Assistance is here to help. The group analyzed travel bookings from May through September and came up with the top summer travel destinations for 2019.

When it comes to international travel, Mexico and the Caribbean took home the top 10 spots for the most popular destinations this summer––pass the umbrella drinks, please! So what are the other can’t-miss hot spots? Keep scrolling to get all the details!

photo: Riccardo Bresciani via Pexels

Despite an overall drop in tourism this year, Cancún, Mexico continues to be a must-see destination. Two other Mexican cities join the top 10 list for this summer, San José del Cabo and Puerto Vallarta. Missing from this year’s list? Surprising European cities like London and France!

Top 10 international summer destinations:

  1. Cancún, Mexico
  2. Aruba Island, Aruba
  3. San José del Cabo, Mexico
  4. Nassau, Bahamas
  5. Higuey, Dominican Republic
  6. Montego Bay, Jamaica
  7. Providenciales, Turks and Caicos
  8. San Juan, Puerto Rico
  9. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
  10. Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands

The Allianz survey interprets the top destinations as a reflection of Americans desires to stay close to home, as opposed to traveling beyond the comforts of our geographic neighbors.

When it comes to domestic travel, cities with large tourist attractions (theme parks, shows) still garner the most summer traffic. Expect to see lots of fellow travelers at the top 10 destinations below.

  1. Orlando
  2. New York City
  3. Seattle
  4. Las Vegas
  5. Boston
  6. Los Angeles
  7. Maui
  8. Honolulu
  9. San Francisco
  10. Portland

Whether you’re planning the vacation of a lifetime or plan on making your staycation the best ever, happy travels!

––Karly Wood

 

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Still Need to Book Your Summer Vacay? These Southwest Deals Are a Steal

by Shahrzad Warkentin

Just in time to book your family’s summer vacation, Southwest is back with a new round of incredible airfare deals, but you better act fast because these won’t last long.

Southwest’s flash sale brings some rock-bottom deals to summer travel hotspots, including $49 one-way deals across the United States and $71 one-way flights to international destinations like the Caribbean. For one day only you can also score inter-island Hawaii airfare for as little as $49.

photo: Julianto Poitier via Pexels

Depending on your departure city and destination you can score one-way domestic tickets as low as $49 when you book now through May 2. Several flights out of Ft. Lauderdale to destinations like the Cayman Islands, the Bahamas and Cancun are under $100.

Of course, some restrictions apply. The deals are available for travel from May 21-Jun. 12 and Aug. 20-Oct. 20 for domestic flights and between Aug. 20-Oct. 30 for international flights and must be purchased before May 2, 1:59 p.m. PT. Hawaii sale prices are good through Apr. 30, 11:59 p.m. PT and valid for travel Apr. 30-Oct. 31, 2019.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

 

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Costco Is Selling 3-Day Universal Passes for the Price of…

by Shahrzad Warkentin

With the arrival of summer vacation and the newly revamped Jurassic World there couldn’t be a better time to visit Universal Studios. If you’re hoping to score a discount on Universal tickets, you’re in luck, this Costco deal is incredible.

The regular cost of admission to Universal Studios Hollywood ranges between $109 and $129, depending on what day you visit, which can quickly become budget-breaking experience when you add your entire family. Costco members are in luck, however, as they can buy a three day pass to the park for just $139. That’s essentially three days for the price of one.

photo: Jennifer O’Brien

Not only is this an amazing deal, but you don’t even have to use all three days at once. The remainder of the three-day pass can be used anytime within 12 months of the first use.

The three-day pass is an e-ticket that can be registered online after purchase. You will choose your first visits date at the time of registration and then book the other two days anytime within the next year. You will need to register for the subsequent dates in advance of visiting and the passes are subject to the following blackout dates: Dec. 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, and 31 in both 2019 and 2020. Even with those limited exclusions, however, this deal is a steal.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

 

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