Trip Addiction Travel Blog

Britrail Pass sale starts March 15, 2010.

2010-03-02T09:03:14Z

If you’re traveling to Great Britain this summer, a Britrail pass can save you a lot of time and money. The British Rail system goes virtually everywhere in the British Isles, the trains are modern and comfortable, and traveling by train is an enjoyable, hassle-free way to see the country.

There are several kinds of Britrail Passes to choose from, and you can buy passes for England, Scotland, or Wales. Flexipasses give you a fixed number of travel days -- four, eight, or twelve -- during a one-month period. Consecutive passes give you a number of consecutive days over a one- or two-month period.

Starting March 15, when you buy a Britrail FlexiPass or Britrail Consecutive Pass, you will get an extra day of travel free. The passes aren’t available in Britain, so you’ll need to buy one before you leave home. And to receive the free extra day, you’ll need to purchase before April 30, 2010.

The passes are good for six months, so you can travel through October.

Learn more about Britrail Passes here . Or read our guide to British travel travel here.

Special offers from Starwood for California residents.

2010-02-24T09:02:12Z

These days, the best things about living in California are the weather and the scenery. And a special offer from Starwood makes it easier for California residents to take advantage of both.

Through May 31, Californians who stay two nights at a participating Starwood hotel or resort get the third night free. For those who can’t stay three nights, discounted rates are available.

The Luxury Collection, Westin, Sheraton, St. Regis, and W Hotels are included, in destinations from Mammoth Lakes to San Diego. Enjoy a Wine Country weekend at the Westin Verasa in Napa, play some golf at the Westin Mission Hills Resort, or enjoy the spectacular California Coast at the St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort.

Rates start as low as $99 a night. For reservations or more information, visit http://starwoodpromos.com/californiaweekends.

And find great things to do in California here.

St. Regis Monarch Beach Image Flickr: woolennium

Palace Hotel, San Francisco Image Flickr: adactio

Seabourn announces up to 70% off springs cruises.

2010-02-12T04:02:25Z

Experienced cruisers know that Seabourn is one of the most luxurious cruise lines at sea. Although their five “yachts” carry as few as 208 passengers, they have every amenity you could want.

All the staterooms are suites, their cuisine is overseen by chef Charlie Palmer, and the open bar and no-tipping policy let you enjoy a truly all-inclusive experience.

Travelers who book right away can save as much as 70% on a nice selection of voyages this spring.

Cruisers who want to see Asia can board Seabourn Pride in Singapore on April 10, 2010. The two-week cruise includes overnights in Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and port calls in Ko Kood, Thailand and Da Nang. Passengers disembark in Hong Kong on April 24. Fares for this voyage start at $5,499.

If you love sea days, the repositioning cruise aboard the Seabourn Spirit has ten of them. She sails from Fort Lauderdale on March 19, 2010, and arrives in Lisbon on March 30. Her only port call is at Funchal, Madeira. Fares start at just $2,799.

Those who love the Mediterranean will enjoy the May 22, 2010 departure of the Seabourn Sprit. She sails from Istanbul to Rome, calling at Itea, Olympia, Taormina, and Sorrento en route. Passengers leave the ship in Rome on May 29. Fares for this cruise also start $2,799.

Seabourn Legend has some great deals in the Caribbean. On March 20, she leaves St. Thomas and calls at Jost Van Dyke, Antigua, Gustavia, and St. Martin before returning to St. Thomas on March 25. Sail for as little as $1,799.

Or board in St. Thomas on March 25 and visit Gustavia, St. Martin, Prickly Pear Island, and Grand Turk before arriving in Fort Lauderdale on April 1. Fares for this one-week voyage start at $2,199.

You can also depart on April 1, and go roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale. You’ll overnight In Cozumel, and call at Merida and Key West before disembarking on April 8. Fares for this cruise start at $1,999.

A second repositioning cruise sails from Fort Lauderdale on April 8 and arrives in Lisbon on April 21, after calling at Funchal. Fares for this transatlantic crossing start at $3,199.

?Seabourn Odyssey has three exotic itineraries on sale. Travelers can board her in Sydney on February 25 and visit Cairns, Darwin, Padang, Brunei, and Malaysia before disembarking in Hong Kong on March 16. Prices for this 20-day sailing start at $10,572.

You can also board her in Hong Kong that same day and spend 23 days en route to Dubai. You’ll overnight in Ho Chi Minh City and Bangkok, and visit Da Nang, Cambodia, Singapore, Thailand, and India before leaving the ship on April 8. Fares start at $12,378.

Those who want to explore the middle east can board in Dubai on April 8 and visit Oman, overnight in Luxor, and visit Petra, Egypt, and Nazareth before reaching Athens, where they’ll end their voyage on April 24. Fares for this 16-day cruise start at $9,054.

Certain terms and conditions apply and this offer is subject to availability. See you travel agent or Seabourn for more information.

Find out more about Seabourn repositioning cruises here.

Save nearly 40% at Seattle’s Inn at the Market.

2010-02-10T09:02:01Z

The Inn at the Market is one of our favorite hotels in Seattle. The lively Pike Place Market is at your doorstep. And Seattle’s best dining and shopping is a short stroll away. But you don’t have to leave the hotel to eat well. The Inn’s three restaurants -- Campagne, Café Campagne, and Bacco -- are all excellent.

Rooms have luxury amenities like Tempur-Pedic mattresses, plush bathrobes, in-room safes, and mini fridges. And the Elliott Bay-view rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows.

Water-view rooms are ordinarily $255 a night. But from now until March 31, 2010 Luxury Link is selling a four-night package for $795. In addition to four nights accommodations, it also includes:

* A bouquet of fresh flowers in your room
* Valet parking with unlimited in and out privileges
* Taxes
* Free WiFi Internet access

If purchased separately, the price would be $1,294. The $795 package price is for one of Luxury Link’s Buy Now packages. If you’re lucky, you may get it for even less at auction.

Go here for the details.

And read more reviews of hotels in Seattle here.

Great deals on Australia vacations.

2010-02-05T04:02:52Z

If you’ve always wanted to travel to Australia, now may be the time. Because V Australia has partnered with two Australia tour operators to offer some terrific deals on Australia vacation packages. Fares start at just $1,299 per person, and include airfare, hotels, and lots of nice extras.

To take advantage of the low rates, you must book before March 31, 2010, and travel between April 13, 2010 and June 15, 2010. Of course, space is limited and other restrictions apply, so don’t wait.

Choose from any of these special vacation packages:

Perfect Vacation, from $1,299 per person includes:

·      Roundtrip economy airfare from Los Angeles to Sydney (ask about other cities)
·      Three nights Sydney Hotel
·      Sydney Opera House tour
·      Roundtrip airfare from Sydney to Cairns
·      Three nights Cairns Hotel
·      Great Barrier Reef tour

Perfect Family Vacation, from $2,299 per person includes:

·      Roundtrip economy airfare from Los Angeles to Sydney (ask about other cities)
·      Roundtrip airport transfers in Sydney
·      Four nights family accommodations in Sydney apartment
·      Sydney Aquarium, ½-day tour including Manly Beach, Captain Cook Cruise, and Opera House tour
·      Roundtrip airfare from Sydney to Cairns
·      Roundtrip airport transfers in Cairns
·      Four nights family accommodations in Cairns apartment
·      Great Barrier Reef tour, Cairns night tour with barbecue dinner

Perfect Adventure Vacation, from $2,599 per person includes:

·      Roundtrip economy airfare from Los Angeles to Sydney (ask about other cities)
·      Four nights in Sydney
·      Sydney Opera House tour, Blue Mountain 4WD tour with lunch, Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb
·      Roundtrip airfare from Sydney to Hamilton Island
·      Four nights on Hamilton Island
·      Half-day Fantaseas Adventure Cruise

Perfect Luxury Vacation, from $2,829 per person includes:

·      Roundtrip airfare from Los Angeles to Sydney (upgrade to Premium Economy for $1,099 per person)
·      Private roundtrip airport transfers
·      Four nights at 5-star Shangri-La Hotel in Sydney in a deluxe room
·      Sydney Opera House tour
·      Roundtrip airfare from Sydney to Hamilton Island
·      Roundtrip launch transfer from Hamilton Island to Hayman Island
·      Four nights Hayman Island in a Retreat Room.

If you’re not familiar with V Australia, they’re part of Richard Branson’s Virgin group. They started service from Los Angeles to Sydney in February 2009. With unique amenities like two in-flight bars, a ladies only restroom, and USB ports to power laptop devices, they’re a nice alternative to QANTAS and Air New Zealand.

Make your reservations at http://perfectproject.vaustralia.com or by calling 1.800.350.7116.

And find lots of great things to do in Sydney here.

Abercrombie & Kent offers 40% off the initial membership price of its Residence Club.

2010-02-01T08:02:09Z

If a $3.2 million vacation home seems a bit out of your price range this week, maybe $135,000 sounds more attractive. That’s the entry-level price for A&K’s Residence Club. And depending on how you do the math, it can pencil out to be quite a deal.

A&K has a couple dozen luxury homes and villas around the world that are jointly owned by members of the Residence Club. The properties have an average value of over $3.2 million and are over 4,000 square feet with four bedrooms, 4-1/2 baths, and a swimming pool. Inside, you’ll find Pratesi bed linens, Villeroy & Boch china, a Dell computer and printer, and top-of-the-line appliances.

Daily maid service is included, as are the services of a dedicated destination host who knows the area like the back of his hand.

There are homes in Deer Valley, Jackson Hole, Lake Tahoe, Snowmass, and Sun Valley; the Big Island, Los Cabos, Punta Mita, and Punta Cana; and villas in Italy and France.

Ordinarily, the initial membership fee for their 15-night membership is $225,000 with annual dues of $17,000. But if you join before March 31, 2010, you’ll only pay an initial fee of $135,000 – a $90,000 savings.

One of the most respected companies in travel, the Abercrombie & Kent name is synonymous with quality. Learn more here.

If that’s still out of your price range, learn more about vacation rentals here.

Modernism Week in Palm Springs.

2010-01-26T12:01:57Z

Think of Palm Springs, and chances are, you envision a sleek, mid-century house with a sparkling, kidney-shaped pool. It’s only natural. Palm Springs and modern architecture go together like macaroni and cheese.

For the past five years, fans of mid-century architecture have been able to get their fix at Modernism Week. And this year’s get-together -- which takes place from February 12 -21 -- is bigger than ever, with more than 40 events.

Highlights for 2010 include home tours, a film series, parties, a retro fashion show, an exhibition of Airstream trailers, Fabulous Foods of the 1950s and 1960s with Vincent Price, and a tribute to architect Albert Frey. The Convention Center will also host more than 90 modern furniture, decorative- and fine-art dealers from all over the country.

Also new for this year is a free Modernism Week Passport that includes discounts for Palm Springs hotels, restaurants, and attractions. Request yours by emailing passport@modernismweek.com. Tickets for individual events range from $15 to $100 per person and can be purchased at http://www.modernismweek.com/tickets.htm.

Read our recommended hotels in Palm Springs here.

Starwood offering big discounts in Hawaii.

2010-01-23T09:01:09Z

Some of the finest accommodations in Hawaii belong to the Starwood Hotels & Resorts group. And right now, they’re offering Starwood Preferred Guests (SPG) a great deal on 11 of their Hawaii properties.

First off, they’ve discounted their rooms rates by 35%, and they’re giving SPG members double points. When you stay the minimum number of nights -- five or three, depending on the property -- you’ll also get one night free. And to top it all off, you’ll get breakfast for two each day and a free room upgrade. Some of the properties are even offering a double room upgrade.

Participating hotels include the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani, Sheraton Waikiki, Moana Surfrider, and Royal Hawaiian on Oahu; the Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort on the Big Island,;Sheraton Kauai, St. Regis Princeville, and Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas on Kauai; and the Sheraton Maui Resort, Westin Maui Resort, and Westin Kaanapali Ocean Resort Villas on Maui.

The offer applies to bookings through June 30, 2010, but room and upgrade availability is limited and strictly first-come first served. So act fast, or risk being disappointed.

To take advantage of this offer, visit starwoodhawaii.com/morehawaii. Or get more information about Kauai travel here.

Save on Kiahuna Plantation Kauai vacation rentals.

2010-01-21T11:01:01Z

When we visited Kauai last February, we stayed at Kiahuna Plantation and couldn’t have been happier with our choice. Having a kitchen and lanai let us enjoy leisurely breakfasts and pre-dinner drinks “at home.” The broad, golden-sand beach was perfect. And we could walk to shops and restaurants at Poipu Village.

The 330 units are spread out over 35 beach-front acres that were once a plantation.The low-rise buildings are surrounded by tropical foliage and grass lawn, and thereare barbecue grills available for guests’ use. There’s also a lovely restaurant, Plantation Gardens.

Travelers looking for an affordable winter getaway can stay in February, March, or April for as little as $169 a night. The rate is available through Outrigger at http://www.outrigger.com/hotels-resorts/hawaiian-islands/kauai/outrigger-kiahuna-plantation?property=OCC-KPR&CID=RF_Travelzoo.com_KPR

Read everything you need to plan your best vacation ever in Kauai here.

Grilled cheese sandwich calling your name? Here’s where to answer the call.

2010-01-21T10:01:03Z

You’ve probably heard that it’s raining here in California. So much so that we wouldn’t be at all surprised to see a pair of zebras wade by on their way to the Ark.

Anyway, on these icky, rainy days, nothing sounds quite as good as a piping hot grilled cheese. Unless it’s a grilled cheese with a cup of tomato soup.

Next time you get the urge, The Grilled Cheese Truck may be the solution. Their grilled cheese sandwiches are available with American, Cheddar, Mozzarella, or Gruyere cheese. And you can even get tasty additions like barbecue pork, caramelized onions, bacon, or butternut squash. And, of course, tomato soup by the cup or shot.

For dessert, try Nutella, marshmallow, and roasted banana. Yum.

The lunch truck rotates between Westwood, Venice, West L.A., Miracle Mile, Downtown, Beverly Hills, and Hollywood. For exact locations, visit their site and subscribe to their Twitter feed. www.thegrilledcheesetruck.com

Cheap airfares to Europe with British Airways fare sale.

2010-01-20T09:01:19Z

British Airways announced a fare sale yesterday that cuts the cost of international airfare in half. Fares from Los Angeles are as low as $219 each way to Barcelona and Madrid. Non stop service from Los Angeles to London is $249 each way. And Rome and Amsterdam are both $269 each way.

Fares from New York are about $20 less each way.

You can save an extra $20 if you log into the British Airways website before purchasing your tickets. And you can find discounted hotel packages there too.

To take advantage of these 50% savings, you’ll need to book by January 28, 2010, and travel between January 25 and March 28, 2010. And other terms and conditions apply.

The weather’s not the best in Europe this time of year. But there’s plenty of art, culture, and theater to enjoy.

For lots of cool things to do in London here.

Great deals on European River Cruises.

2010-01-19T09:01:43Z

Lately, my email inbox is filled with offers on European River Cruises. And some of them are pretty hard to pass up.

If you’ve never taken a river cruise, you should consider one. You usually spend some time each day exploring one of Europe’s charming towns or villages, and then spend a few hours cruising one of the Continent’s great rivers, like the Rhine or the Danube. The scenery is great – and so close you can almost touch it – the food is first-rate, and since most river boats carry fewer than 200 passengers, the experience is much more intimate than an ocean cruise.

Right now, Viking River Cruises is offering 2-for-1 cruise fares, up to 2-for-1 international airfare, plus complimentary wine with dinner on selected sailings. What’s more, they’re offering their 2011 cruises at 2010 prices. Book before March 31, 2010 through your travel agent or Viking River Cruises.

Travelers who act fast can save up to $2,000 per couple on an Avalon Waterways European River Cruise. The offer is available for selected Holland tulip-time cruises, cruises in Burgundy and Provence, Danube cruises, and more. But you must book by January 31, 2010. See your travel agent or visit Avalon’s web site.

Learn more about European River Cruises here .

Repositioning cruises are a terrific value this spring.

2010-01-15T07:01:59Z

For travel companies, 2009 will go down as the most disappointing year in recent memory. But for travelers, 2009 may well be remembered as the year of the deal. Many hotels, vacation packages, and cruises were selling at 50% discounts – and more – all year long.

This year is shaping up to be just as good. And repositioning cruises are especially good value, with fares discounted up to 65%.

If you’re not familiar with repositioning cruises, they’re often some of the biggest cruise bargains. Cruise ships sail in areas where the weather is nice, which changes with the seasons. So a ship that sails in Alaska during the summer, will reposition at the end of the season to spend the winter in the Caribbean.

These cruises, in which the ship does a one-way trip from one part of the world to another, are called repositioning cruises. And because they often have many days at sea, and because you typically have to fly into one port and home from another, they are often less on a per-day basis than round-trip cruises.

Repositioning cruises are a good choice for travelers who enjoy life at sea, like to make the most of all the amenities their ship has to offer, and just want to relax in a deck chair.

Happy New year. And welcome back to the Tripaddiction blog.

2010-01-12T08:01:12Z

We took a little sabbatical this winter, but we were anything but idle. Perhaps you’ve noticed that we redesigned this blog to make it easier for you to find what you’re looking for. But that’s not all.

We also launched two new travel websites that we’re very proud of. The first, tripplanningguide.com, is chock-full of hotel, restaurant, and sightseeing recommendations for destinations all over the world – as well as insider trip planning tips and travel advice.

The second, Kauaihawaiiguide.net, has all the info you need to have the best possible vacation in this fabulous, tropical paradise. You’ll learn everything from where to find the best shrimp truck on the island to how to reach a natural, lava-rock pool that’s a local secret.

Have a great year, and happy travels.

Art Nouveau splendor and a soothing soak at the Hotel Gellert.

2009-09-29T04:09:56Z

With wonderful architecture, vibrant culture, and rich history, Budapest is a wonderful destination. Since joining the European Union in 2004, it has many of the advantages of Western Europe. But it’s managed to maintain most of its Eastern European mystique.

Straddling the Danube, the cities of Buda and Pest offer lots to see and do. And you’ll likely be worn out after a full day of seeing the sights. But there’s a great way to unwind in Budapest when it’s time to kick back. Visit one of the city’s 118 natural thermal springs for a soak.

If you want to multi-task and combine architecture appreciation with your dip, make a bee line to the Gellert Baths. Built in 1918, The Gellert Hotel and Baths is one of the most glorious examples of the Art Nouveau style in Budapest.

Located on the banks of the Danube at the base of Gellert Hill, the Gellert complex has something for everyone. Inside, exquisite tile work, stained glass, and undulating ornamentation surround the swimming pool, ladies’ and gents’ thermal pools, weight baths, saunas, and cold plunge pools. There’s also a wide range of spa treatment, massages, and therapies available.

Outside, there are three pools, including a wave pool that’s one of the most popular places in town on a hot summer day, and lots of chaises for sunbathing.
Basic admission, which includes a locker, is 13 Euros, but there are so many add ons that it’s hard to know what to buy. Ask for someone who speaks English to help you figure it out.

When we were in Budapest, we were lucky enough to have friends living there, so we did lots of things unknown to tourists. But of all our experiences, our afternoon at the Gellert Baths was the most enjoyable.

Read our Budapest itinerary here.

Images Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/oansari/