Sport Vacation Packages - Travel Deals

Package Tours for Kentucky Derby: Are they really deals?

derby3Vacation packages seem like the perfect solution to the busy person who still wants to have a holiday – and when they center around an event that you really want to see, all the better. Or is it?

It won’t take much searching online to find Kentucky Derby vacation packages, each one claiming they offer the best deals and lowest prices. There’s no doubt that they offer convenience – they are, after all, letting you book everything you’ll need for your trip with one click. But the question of whether they actually save you money is one that’s a little harder to answer.

Unless you’re rolling in money, you really need to do some research to figure out whether those Kentucky Derby vacation package trips are the great deal they say they are. And if they’re not, you may have a little more work ahead of you in order to book everything separately – but you’ll be saving money, so it’s worth it.

Here are the things you need to keep in mind when you’re looking at Kentucky Derby vacation packages.

>> The 2012 Kentucky Derby is on May 5

Kentucky Derby Travel Tips

derby2The Kentucky Derby may be known as the “most exciting two minutes in sports,” but thankfully there’s much more to a trip to see the Kentucky Derby than just those two minutes.

Organizers of the Kentucky Derby have thoughtfully put together a whole raft of things that you can do to fill the rest of a trip to the Louisville region before and after the big race.

In this article, we’ll talk about some of the other things to do in Kentucky around the Kentucky Derby, and we’ll also cover the travel tips you’ll want to keep in mind for attending the Kentucky Derby itself.

>> The 2012 Kentucky Derby is on May 5

How to Find Cheap Airfare to the Kentucky Derby

derby1Since 1875, people have been converging on Louisville, Kentucky for an annual event pitting some of the fastest horses anywhere against each other in what’s become known as the “most exciting two minutes in sports.” The Kentucky Derby is a Louisville institution, and today it serves as something of a throw-back to days gone by – complete with overly fancy hats and drinks.

While you may not attend the event every year, if you’re a horse-racing fan it’s definitely something to see at least once in your life. If this is your year, then we’re here to help make sure you don’t spend a fortune on your airfare. You’ll need all the extra cash you can come up with for the anachronistic attire you’ll be wearing just to stand out from the hoi polloi.

Some of the tips in this article are good things to know to help you find cheap airfare no matter when or where you’re traveling – but in particular when you’re traveling for a specific holiday or going to a major event (like the Kentucky Derby) it’s even more important to exhaust all options for finding cheap tickets because the airlines will have been more likely to raise prices on those flights to begin with.

So, here are our tips on how to find cheap airfare to the Kentucky Derby.

>> The Kentucky Derby falls on May 5, 2012.

Should you buy World Cup package travel deals or not?

worldcup3Budget travelers are always looking for ways to save money when they venture out into the world – and smart budget travelers know that sometimes booking a vacation package is the best way to do just that. Anytime there’s a big event – in this case, I’m talking about the World Cup – the travel industry comes out in force to provide more vacation package options than you can shake a stick at, and many of them look really tempting. But are they really the great deal the ads say they are?

Vacation packages make travel shopping easy, it’s true – you get everything booked for your trip in one fell swoop. Vacation prep, done and dusted. But they’re counting on you thinking like that instead of stepping back for a moment to compare package prices with what it would cost to book each piece of the deal individually. Unfortunately, as boring as this might sound, it’s exactly what you need to do to make sure you’re actually going to save money by booking the package.

In the end, if the convenience factor means more to you than the budget factor, then a package might still be the way to go regardless of the savings (or lack thereof) – but this is definitely something to be aware of when you’re shopping around.

>> The next World Cup events are: Women’s World Cup in 2011, Men’s World Cup in 2014

Save on Trips to Great Football Destinations with Orbitz: New Orleans, Louisana

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Week Five: New Orleans, Louisiana

The historic French Quarter, the renowned restaurants, the colorful nightlife, the rich culture, the jazz, the zydeco music and, yes, the warm, sugary beignets. They’re all waiting for you in magical New Orleans.

Hotel St. Marie – New Orleans – 4 Stars – $342 per person based on double occupancy (flights + 3 nights)
The Hotel St. Marie is located in the heart of the French Quarter. Surrounded by 18th century architecture, this hotel is only half a block from infamous Bourbon Street nightlife. Experience authentic New Orleans grace and charm in our lovely guest rooms – most feature balconies overlooking the street or the tropical, private courtyard and pool.

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Save on Trips to Great Football Destinations with Orbitz: Cincinnati, Ohio

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Week Four: Cincinnati, Ohio

Stroll along the riverfront, where views inspired the name for Cincy’s culinary contribution, Skyline Chili. Cheer for the Reds, or visit the zoo. Meander through various neighborhoods, such as trendy Mt. Adams or German-influenced Over-the-Rhine.

Millennium Hotel Cincinnati – Cincinnati – 4 Stars – $499 per person based on double occupancy (flights + 3 nights)
The award winning Millennium Hotel Cincinnati is the perfect choice for any traveler who enjoys the convenience of a prime downtown location, outstanding quality and superior service. Shopping, sporting venues and dining can be found around every corner.

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Save on Trips to Great Football Destinations with Orbitz: Indianapolis, Indiana

Indianapolis, Indiana
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Week Three: Indianapolis, Indiana

This revitalized downtown has an array of sightseeing, entertainment, sports and shopping options, including White River State Park, the Children’s Museum, Conseco Fieldhouse and Circle Center Mall.

Crowne Plaza Hotel, Union Station – Indianapolis – 4 Stars – $424 per person based on double occupancy (flights + 3 nights)
The Crowne Plaza at Historic Union Station – Downtown Indianapolis Hotel is housed within “America’s first union station” and listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The hotel features truly unique & spacious guestrooms and is best known for its 26 authentic Pullman TrainCar guestrooms named and decorated after famous personalities from the early 1900′s.

Save on Trips to Great Football Destinations with Orbitz: Minneapolis, Minnesota

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Week Two: Minneapolis, Minnesota

Downtown Minneapolis offers all-weather climate-controlled walkways, scores of fine stores and theater galore – you’ll find more than 30 to choose from. With two world-class art museums and miles of public biking and hiking trails, culture-seekers and nature-lovers will both be inspired.

Radisson University Hotel – Minneapolis – 3 Stars – $315 per person based on double occupancy (flights + 3 nights)
With a prime location on the University of Minnesota campus in Minneapolis and just a mile from downtown Minneapolis, the Radisson University Hotel – Minneapolis offers the kind of warm hospitality, inviting atmosphere and topnotch services sure to please business and leisure travelers alike.

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Save on Trips to Great Football Destinations with Orbitz: Dallas, Texas

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Whether you have a passion for professional or college football, Orbitz has got you covered with getaway packages to outstanding football cities. From tailgating to cheering on your favorite team, dont miss out on great travel deals that put you in the middle of gridiron action. Getaways can be booked between August 14 and August 27, 2006 for travel between August 14 and December 15, 2006.

Week One: Dallas, Texas

Get a Texas-sized welcome in this cow town turned cultural center. Enjoy nature at the Dallas Arboretum, or take a canoe trip to White Rock Lake. Listen to the symphony. Visit the art museum. It’s not just culture that makes Dallas soar–how about that football team!

Stoneleigh Hotel – Dallas – 4 Stars – from $508 per person based on double occupancy (flights + 3 nights)
Located in the highly desirable uptown Dallas neighborhood, this hotel is within walking distance to art galleries, museums, shopping and the downtown business district. Massive stone lions stand guard at the entrance of the hotel greeting business travelers and weekenders looking for a romantic getaway.

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