Cheap Hotels - Travel Deals

I like to think that if you can make it in New York you can make it anywhere. Not sure how I cam up with that notion but maybe some day I will write a song or poem or something about it.

I don’t think you need to tell me how great of a place New York City is to visit. If you gave me 4 days and told me I could spend them in any large city in the world I would choose New York. Anything beyond four days and it simply becomes too much. Too much noise, too much traffic, too much sensory overload.

But for four days it is fabulous. There are all of the world class museums to visit, there is the very real possibility that you will spend $25 on a hamburger, there is unrivaled shopping, there is Central Park, there is the theater, there is the endless opportunities to people watch and to possibly see a celebrity, there is a visit to the David Letterman show, there are the jazz clubs, there is the reality of getting ripped off by a taxi driver, and there is much, much more.

One thing that you won’t find too often in New York is an affordable hotel room. The city is expensive and that applies to hotels as well, which is why it would behoove you to take advantage of Expedia’s sale on hotel rooms. If those rates don’t fit your budget, you can shop around and try to find an even better deal.

Las Vegas might be located in Nevada but it clearly is part of some kind of alternative universe. The place has a Paris hotel, a hotel dedicated to New York, a taste of Venice and a whole lot of cheesiness. That is what makes Las Vegas, Las Vegas. Some people love it, others would rather spend a vacation as a prisoner of war. Very few people are completely indifferent about it.

One of the destination-based hotels that is worth visiting while in Vegas is the Monte Carlo, which is described in the following fashion:

Designed after Monte Carlo’s famous Place du Casino, the Las Vegas Monte Carlo Resort & Casino combines European elegance with true Las Vegas style. Sculptured fountains, crystal chandeliers, and Italian marble greet you as you enter the impressive lobby. You’ll find a vast array of gaming here, and when you’re ready to take a break, float down the lazy stream at the Monte Carlo Beach Club.

Sounds delightful, eh? Well, for a limited time Alaska Airlines is offering a deal on stays at the Monte Carlo. Upon arrival, guests will receive a $25 food and beverage credit, two complimentary Spa admissions, $25 Casino Slot Free Play. Restrictions may apply. Valid for arrivals Sunday-Thursday with a minimum 2 night stay. Book by 12/18/2006 and travel between 12/10/2006 and 12/21/2006.

The Canadian Rockies are a jewel that a lot of people in the United States don’t even know about. Picture unbelievable mountains, tons of wildlife and quaint towns that aren’t constantly overflowing with tourists and you’ll have an idea of what parts of British Columbia and Alberta are like. Through in some world class skiing and winter outdoor activities and you can imagine why I am so bullish on the place.

One spot that is a must-see for anyone traveling in the Canadian Rockies is Lake Louise. Situated about an hour away from Banff, the crystal clear aquamarine lake is surrounded by mountains and breathtaking scenery. Of course, the lake is frozen during the winter months and it often doesn’t thaw until June, but that doesn’t make it any less beautiful.

Lake Louise also happens to be located right near a ski resort and one of those quaint towns with activities for the whole family. This winter if you stay at The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise for three nights, you’ll get a fourth night for free. With the US dollar not as strong against the Canadian dollar as it used to be, every bit of savings can help.

For more accommodations in the Canadian Rockies, search the BootsnAll hotel tool.

China is one of the most fascinating places you’ll ever go. On any given day you might get a glimpse of villages picking rice barefooted in the fields, while construction workers pound away on modern, sleek high rise buildings right next to the fields. The country is growing like crazy and the mix of old world living with fast paced modern life is something that will stick with you.

Of all the cities in China, Shanghai might be the one that has changed the most in the past twenty years. Seemingly every day, a new building is added to the skyline and thousands of new residents move there from other parts of China with the promise of better paying jobs and an exciting future. There is an energy in the city that you don’t feel in other Chinese cities or in many players around the world.

At the same time, Shanghai is not for everyone. It is loud, it is polluted and it might leave you dizzy with the need to seek out solitude. Even if that is the case, it is well worth a visit, especially if you can find an affordable deal on hotels.

Head to Shanghai today. Ten years from now you probably won’t even recognize the place.

As I sit here staring out the window at the 1,234th straight day of gray clouds, I can’t help but wonder if the sun has disappeared for good. I also can’t help but feel a bit on envy towards those of you who are wearing sunglasses and sitting by the pool while you are reading this blog. Your golden tan skin is the essence of good health. Your carefree attitude the sign of relaxation. There are no bags under your eyes. You are not tired. You will live forever.

While that fantasy is playing on continuous loop in my mind, allow me to present a sunny deal for those who are not so fortunate to live in warm weather climes. From now until December 10, 2006, Priceline is offering steep discounts on flights and hotels vacation packages to warm, delightfully sunny locations. We’re talking mega bucks off of trips to Hawaii, Florida, Central America and the Caribbean. Whether you are in the mood for a short little weekend getaway or a full on vacation, this is a great opportunity to reintroduce yourself to the sun.

With the money you’ll save, you could even invest in a home tanning lamp so that you get enough Vitamin E (or is it Vitamin D?) all year long.

Chances are that when you think of Aruba you probably think of blue waters and golden sands. There is a good reason those images come to mind. Aruba is one of those islands that some people like to call paradise. It is also one of those places that would be ideal to visit during the dark days that some people like to call winter. Cheap Tickets has a nice selection of all-inclusive packages to Aruba this winter. Everything is included in the price, including hours of laziness on the beach.

A year ago at this time the people in New Orleans were in no mood to party. Their lives had been forever upturned by the forces of Mother Nature. There is no denying that the city still has a long ways to go to recover and one of the chief ways we can all help is to go there and to spend our vacation money. The French Quarter is back in action and my friends who recently spent some time there report that the party scene is still a lot of fun.

New Years in New Orleans has always been a blast and this year should be no exception. Cheap Tickets has a promotion where you can save $75 off your vacation in New Orleans. Save some money so that you can spend it while you are there. You’ll have fun and you’ll do your part to help the Big Easy get back on her glorious feet.