Traveling tips, trends and deals for summer | ABC7 Chicago

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By ABC7

Monday, May 23, 2011

May 23, 2011 (CHICAGO)

Saglie has uncovered hundreds of valuable travel deals and has become an authority on topics such as tips for finding great travel deals, family travel, golf getaways, culinary vacations, cruises, island adventures, gaming vacations and ski getaways. Travelzoo works with over 900 travel companies to find deals and deliver them to subscribers via its newsletters and its websites.

For more information, visit www.travelzoo.com/tv/chicago

Don't follow the crowds. Think "off-peak" for biggest savings. Consider spots that have recently dealt with negative PR.
You'll find deals in spots that see heat and potentially storm weather during the summer months like the Southwest US and Florida.
Book airfare and hotel together. "Bundling" can pack a big value punch. Packages are often sweetened with extras, like upgrades, meals and entertainment discounts. Follow through and contact each company that's part of your package individually.
The connected consumer gets the best deals. Consider following your favorite travel companies on social media and sign up for alerts.
Book early. For the most part, airfare is expected to continue to rise as we approach summer. Fly on cheaper days like on holidays (ie., Memorial Day or Labor Day) or on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Saturday.
Consider driving. Despite rising gas prices, the drivable vacation could be a major money saver.

THE DEALS

Regional

Osthoff Resort
Elkhart Lake, WI
Luxury AAA 4-Diamond resort
Property features a full-service spa, indoor and outdoor pools, private lakefront, mountain bike trails and 2 restaurants
Resort is home to L'Ecole de la Maison, a popular cooking school specializing in French cuisine
Gooey s'mores await at the resort's beachfront bonfire, held every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday evening, Memorial Day through Labor Day

$240/night (45 percent off)
Deal features accommodations in a 675-sq.ft. Woodland Suite (w/kitchenette, fireplace and private balcony)
Deal kicks in w/3rd night free
Travel through Sep. 1

Chateau on the Lake Resort & Spa
Branson, MO
Luxury AAA 4-Diamond resort hotel on the shores of Table Rock Lake and w/spectacular views of the Ozarks Property features a full-service spa, a fitness center, an award-winning restaurant, indoor and outdoor pools and nature trails.
Resort is just minutes from the live music and entertainment that make Branson famous, Silver Dollar City amusement park and Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede.

$106/night (45 percent off)
Deal kicks in w/3rd night FREE (reg. Rates $159-$199)
Travel through Sep. 1

Locals Only:
Balance Spa at the Palmer House Hilton Hotel
Chicago
Brand new luxury spa at popular 4-Star Palmer House Hilton

50-minute massage (choose from Swedish, deep tissue or Traveler's Tonic, which combines both)
Facial (choose from signature Essentials facial, men's facial or customized facial based on your skin type)
Spa access (inc. Jacuzzi, steam room and sauna)
$99 (Reg. $220)
Valid through Nov. 29; purchase by May 30

"Packaged" Escapes

Sin City Vacation
Las Vegas

Roundtrip airfare from Chicago to Las Vegas (on Delta)
4 days, 3 nights at the Vdara Las Vegas Resort
New 5-Star resort inside the recently-launched City Center
All-suite property features fully-equipped gourmet kitchens, spacious bathrooms and expansive views
Resort is connected by pedestrian walkway to the Ballagio ans is adjacent to the ARIA
Bonus: Deal includes FREE breakfast or lunch buffet daily at Vdara or any other MGM Resorts property (the MGM Grand, ARIA Resort or Mandalay Bay)
$399/night
Travel select dates June-August; dates tested June 13-16; Taxes/fees add $71

Tropical Vacation
Dominican Republic

Roundtrip airfare from Chicago to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
6 days, 5 nights at the Lifestyle Tropical Beach Resort
Upscale Mediterranean-style resort stretched along 1.5 miles of famed Cofresi Beach on the Amber Coast
Property features 9 restaurants/bars, nightly entertainment and a kids' club
Bonus: guests get access to VIP beach and several private parties throughout the week
All-inclusive: all meals, cocktails/drinks, activities and tipping included
VIP Status included: inc. access to a private beach area with sun beds,admission to exclusive parties on Sunday and Thursday nights (w/live music and fireworks)
SCUBA lesson included
Travel insurance (covering weather interruptions) included
$799/pp ($330 savings over piecing individually)
Travel June 5-20 and July 21-Aug. 21

Eco-Adventure
Costa Rica

Roundtrip airfare from Chicago to San Jose, Costa Rica
8 days, 7 nights' accomodations
3 nights at the Arenal Paraiso Resort & Spa
Daily breakfast and unlimited access to onsite hot springs included
3 nights at the Allegro Papagayo Resort in Guanacaste
All-inclusive and uspcale resort
1 night at the Aurola Holiday Inn in the capital of San Jose
Breakfast included
Rainforest canopy tour at the Arenal Volcano included
Car rental w/unlimited mileage for duration of trip included
$798/pp ($540 savings over piecing individually)
Travel through June 30 and Sep. 1-Oct. 30

Off-Peak Hot Spots
Destinations offering extra value this summer

Fairmont Turnberry Isle Resort & Club
Miami

Luxury AAA 4-Diamond resort set on 300 acres (located between Miami and Ft. Lauderdale)
Property features 2 18-hole championship golf courses, 2 pools and FREE shuttle service to resort's exclusive oceanfront beach club 10 minutes away (w/pool, restaurant and private cabanas)
Resort has received the AAA 4-Diamond rating 25 consecutive years
$99/night (75 percent off)
Deal includes FREE unlimited golf daily
Travel May 27-Aug. 31, inc. Memorial Day and Labor Day weekend

Hyatt Regency Maui
Maui, HI

Popular beachfront resort that's earned the AAA 4-Diamond rating for 17 consecutive years
All rooms feature private lanais w/sweeping views
Hotel is famous for its expansive pool area, featuring a 150-foot water slide (made from lava tubes), a swinging rope bridge and a grotto bar in a cave nestled between two waterfalls.
$199/night (40 percent off)
Deal includes full breakfast for 2 daily ($60 value)
Travel through Sep. 18

Ritz-Carlton Pentagon City
Washington DC

Super luxurious 4.5-Star hotel in Arlington, about 10 min. from downtown DC
Hotel has an indoor entrance to the Metro, so guests can easily access the best historical sites and world-class shopping in the nation's capital
On-site amenities include a fitness center with indoor pool and an upscale Mediterranean-themed restaurant, and rooms feature Frette Egyptian cotton linens, wireless Internet and flat-panel, high-def TVs
$159/night (Reg. $429)
Travel select dates through September, inc. Memorial Day weekend