Great Group Getaway Ideas

So maybe you can't do an "all girl getaway" this year, but you still want to travel with a group. Here are a few ideas of great group getaways that you may want to check out:

Surf Camp
I have always wanted to learn to surf, so a surf camp sounds like a fantastic group getaway. Many camps cater to your group, whether you are adults, women-only, families, or looking for a team building adventure. In addition, some camps also teach about ecology, the environment and ocean safety, so I say “surf’s up.” Places to check out include Costa Rica, Panama, California and North Carolina.

Safari
Some friends went to Africa last year for a hunting and sightseeing safari. The two couples reported on an amazing trip and have some spectacular photos to share. Truly a trip of a lifetime for many of us, an African safari makes for a terrific group getaway because you can split many of the shared costs. Don’t overlook this as a group getaway.

Dude Ranch
We all remember the fun Billy Crystal and his friends had in the movie “City Slickers”, and a great group getaway is vacation to a dude ranch. Not just riding horses and rounding up cattle, dude ranches also provide other outdoor activities, such as hay rides, whitewater rafting, fishing and birding.

Sportfishing
Not just for men anymore, sportfishing is gathering quite a following with women. In Florida, there are several all-women fishing tournaments, which mean this is quickly becoming a more popular getaway for mixed groups. You’ll find fabulous sportfishing in the Bahamas, Belize, Costa Rica, Panama, and, of course, Florida.

Gambling/Casinos
Most people think of Vegas when they think gambling, but there are many other great getaway destinations that include casinos. Places like Atlantic City, Lake Tahoe, Puerto Rico, Hard Rock Casinos (Tampa and Ft. Lauderdale), the Bahamas, and of course, Vegas. So, if your group is “feeling lucky,” chances are you may want to roll the dice and consider a gambling-themed getaway.

Cruise
Last but certainly not least is a group cruise getaway. Cruises are a terrific way for a group of people to vacation together, but still have the space and opportunity to do their own things with site excursions and on-board activities galore. It is also a great way to see some wonderful places, such as Alaska, Europe and the Caribbean.

Music Getaways
There are so many great places to enjoy music, and it is fun to sightseeing while you enjoy some fabulous tunes. Examples include Jazz in Chicago, Blues in Memphis, Classical in Boston, Latin in Miami, Broadway shows in NYC, Live music in Austin and country in Nashville. Combine your love of music and any of these wonderful cities and your group will have a blast!

Spectacular Spa Vacation Deals

Looking for an amazing spa vacation deal to help you getaway and Leave Your Baggage at Home®? Check out these fantastic deals we found!

Twice As Nice, Half the Price in Austin, TX
Voted the #1 Destination Spa in North America by Conde Nast Traveler, the Lake Austin Spa Resort in Austin, TX is offering an amazing spa vacation deal. Book a two-night stay for two and the second person pays half! Offer must be booked by May 31, but is valid for travel through December 31, 2009 on Resort or Spa Refresher packages in premier accommodations. Don’t miss this opportunity to check out this renowned resort and spa nestled on 19 lakefront acres and offering 40 lakeside guest rooms. Now is a great time to visit for relaxation, fitness and discovery programs. For more information, please visit http://www.lakeaustin.com/.

Reduce Your Stress in Arizona
Miraval is a luxury destination spa and resort located on 400 acres at the base of the Santa Catalina Mountains in Arizona. The property is designed to create an intimate environment that nurtures every guest. More than 110 signature experiences are available and include activities such as the Aqua Zen massage, 25-foot Quantum Leap and a desert photography class. Private casita-style rooms and suites are filled with premier amenities for the ultimate in comfort and relaxation. Miraval currently offers their “Authentic Remedy Vacation Package,” which (for $399/night) includes:
*Three gourmet meals per day
*Complimentary spa treatment (or a round of golf)
*Full use of resort activities
*Complimentary transportation to and from Tucson Int’l Airport
For more details, visit http://www.miravalarizonaresort.com/.


Mind, Body, & Spirit Nourishment in North Carolina
Not just for golf, Pinehurst Resort has “teed” up an amazing spa vacation package. For just $335 per person per night, Pinehurst Resort is offering the Pinehurst Spa Summer Escape, which includes:
·Overnight accommodations at Pinehurst Resort in North Carolina
·Two, 50-minute spa treatments of choice (i.e. Magnolia Luxury Facial, Mint Julep Wrap, Holly Berry Back and Foot Treatment, or Carolina Peach Nourisher)
·Breakfast
·Dinner
·All day tranquility area access to the Spa at Pinehurst – including steam, sauna, whirlpool, lap pool and cascade whirlpool areas.
The resort is located between Charlotte and Raleigh. Visit http://www.pinehurst.com/ for more details. Offer valid May 31 – Sep. 8, 2009.

Lodge Luxury in Pennsylvania’s Lake Region
Located just 90-minutes outside of NYC, The Lodge at Woodloch was voted one of the “10 Most Luxurious Spas in the U.S.” by Forbes.com. The Lodge features a 40,000-square-foot spa with 27 treatment rooms, and hosts over 120 weekly programs spanning fitness, creative discovery, culinary, outdoor adventure and inspirational guest lectures.
The Lodge has recently introduced the following Credit Bonus:
·Through May 31, The Lodge is offering a booking bonus of $50 per person per night for mid-week stays, to be used for spa treatments, alcoholic beverages, boutique purchases, personal training sessions and more.
In addition, The Lodge is currently offering a few special promotions—these all-inclusive rates include luxury room accommodations, three gourmet meals per day, all fitness classes and outdoor excursions, kayaking and instruction, cooking demonstrations, and evening programs:
· Mid-week Magic—Guests can stay mid-week in the Veranda Deluxe accommodations through July 9, 2009 with rates starting from $299 per person, double occupancy and $399 per person, single occupancy.
·Weekend Renewal—Weekend rates now start at $380 per person, double occupancy and $480 per person, single occupancy.
For more information, visit http://www.thelodgeatwoodloch.com/.

Girls Getaway to St Petersburg Beach

Ali and I took a quick getaway to St Petersburg Beach over the Memorial Day weekend. We ended up in Pass-A-Grille, a small beachside community in the area. We arrived on Saturday in time for lunch at The Brass Monkey. With a view of the ocean, we dined upstairs on the outdoor deck. After my delicious entree of Monkey Balls (crab cakes), we made our way to the beach to soak up some sun.
Once we retuned to downtown St Pete, we ate dinner at Red Mesa Cantina. With a pitcher of white sangria, we tried the assortment of tacos. I loved the Ahi Tuna Taco! We then hung out upstairs at Push, which has three levels (one hang out bar, one nightclub and one rooftop bar area).
Sunday was another beach day. After some more R&R, we grabbed a late lunch at The Wharf where I inhaled my one dozen raw oysters and some much-needed water. With our energy drained from the sun, we said our goodbyes and headed home.
It just goes to show that even a quick girls getaway is often just what we need to "Leave Your Baggage at Home® and help us unwind.

AirTran Airways Announces Wi-Fi Service on Every Flight

Orlando-based AirTran Airways recently announced its plans to be the first major airline to offer wireless, broadband Internet service to passengers on every flight by mid-summer.

AirTran is hoping the service will enhance productivity for business travelers and will entice leisure travelers who can check e-mail, shop online and surf the Web.

In a written release announcing the new service, Bob Fornaro, the airline's chairman, president and chief executive officer, said he expects having Wi-Fi on every flight will give AirTran "a distinct competitive advantage over other airlines."

Source: Sara K. Clarke, Orlando Sentinel

United Airlines Hikes Luggage Fees

United Airlines is adding an extra $5 charge for travellers who pay their baggage fee at the airport instead of online. The move matches a change announced by US Airways last month.
Travellers have generally paid $15 to check their first bag on United and $25 for the second bag. But for tickets bought after Thursday for travel beginning June 10, they’ll pay $5 more to settle those charges at the airport rather than on United’s Web site.

As per the information available, United, a unit of Chicago-based UAL Corp., collected $259 million in add-on fees like baggage charges during the first quarter. Phoenix-based US Airways, a code-share partner of United's and a fellow member in the Star Alliance, plans to roll out the higher fees from July 9.

The 21 largest U.S. carriers generated $1.2 billion in baggage fees in 2008, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics.

Source: Eye for Travel

Memorial Day Travel Deals

This year, more than 32 million people are expected to travel for Memorial Day weekend. Are you one of them? If you don't have travel plans yet, it is not too late. In fact, here are some amazing deals for anyone looking for a special Memorial Day getaway!

Stay & Play at The Broadmoor
Colorado Springs, CO
May 21 - 29, 2009

Includes:
·Accommodations for one night
·One hour bicycle & paddle boat rental each day for each person on the package
·Complimentary access to The Broadmoor movie theater
·50% discount off of the adult ticket price at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
·Kids stay and eat free
·30% discounts off of published Suite rates

Package prices starting at $115 per person, based on double occupancy. Limited availability for select dates May 21 - 29, 2009. Not applicable to groups. Rates do not include applicable taxes and fees. Kids 10 & under stay and eat free from the children's menu when accompanied by a paying adult (excludes Sunday brunch). For more details, visit http://www.thebroadmoor.com/.

Take It Easy in the Big Easy
New Orleans, LA
Through Sept. 30

Includes:
·50% off travel through Sept. 30
·Only blackout dates are July 3-4
·Enjoy hotel options near the French Quarter:
oThe Ambassador Hotel ($55/night)
§ http://www.ambassadrohotelneworleans.com/
o Queen & Crescent Hotel ($49/night)
§ http://www.neworleansboutiquehotels.com/
o Royal St. Charles Hotel (25% off regular rates)
§ http://www.royalstcharles.com/


Hilton Papagayo Costa Rica Resort & Spa
Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Through June 7

Includes:
· Stay in a 4-star beachfront resort for $99/night
· Offer available for a Bungalow Tropical Room; upgrade to oceanview room for $30 more

Located beachfront on a private bay in Guanacaste, the resort features 2 restaurants/bars, 2 swimming pools, on-site spa, fitness center & tennis court. Advance purchase rates are non-refundable; 2-night minimum stay required. For more details, visit http://www.hilton.com/en/hi/promotions/hi_papagayoresort/index.jhtml.

Balloons & Beyond Took Us Up, Up & Away!

Sunday morning was an early one. We woke up at 5:30 a.m. to meet the hot air ballooners at 6:00 a.m. (not an easy thing to do after staying up until 1:00 a.m.). Leah, Heather N., Colleen L. and I all woke up before the sun and met with Bob Carlton with Balloons and Beyond (http://www.balloons-and-beyond.com/) for our morning hot air balloon ride. We were lucky enough to launch from the ranch after finding a pasture that had “less cow patties than the others.” We were so excited to watch the balloon unroll across the field and then begin to fill with air. After a quick “crash course,” Bob told us to jump in and up, up, up and away we went! We soared over cows, lakes, neighborhoods and orange groves for about an hour. Bob even dipped us into the trees for some “leaf identification.” Heather preferred we stay above the trees and jokingly asked if we could go through the Starbucks drive through in the balloon. It was amazing to see the alligators, turtles and fish in the lake we flew over. As we safely landed a few miles away, we were now fully awake and ready for our celebratory feast of mimosas, fresh fruit, cheese and pastry. Many thanks to Bob Carlton, Steve Roberts and “Super Dave” for make our flight unforgettable!

After our hot air balloon ride, we returned to the lodge to eat breakfast and pack up. Everyone agreed it was a fantastic weekend and cannot wait for our 2nd Annual Girls Ranch Getaway next year.