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Queen Elizabeth II is set to visit New York on July 6th and it is giving us all a little Royal fever. If her visit to the States doesn't quite satisfy your Royal cravings, fans of Her Majesty can now live like the Queen for a day on their next visit to Britain.

VisitBritain, the national tourist board, has composed a list of the Queen's favorite places to visit, eat and shop to help us all experience the Royal treatment. This summer is an especially good time to visit: it's 30% cheaper than summer 2008.  So, it's easy to zip across the pond and live like a Queen for a few days.

Dine like a queen

The Goring Hotel, London

In London, stop by The Goring for a dinner fit for the Queen. A favorite of the Queen Mother, who was partial to the Eggs Drumkilbo, The Goring has many Royal connections. The Archive Room played a part in Prince Charles' 60th Birthday celebrations and of course the hotel is situated around the corner from Buckingham Palace. Enjoy dinner as the Royals have, and there's always the chance the Queen may be sitting across the room. www.thegoring.com

Fortnum & Mason, Piccadilly Circus, London

For a more casual dining experience, stop by Fortnum & Mason, official grocery suppliers to Her Majesty and enjoy a picnic in Green Park - one of London's Royal Gardens. Some Cadbury chocolate, another favorite of the Queen, would be the perfect finish to your Royal picnic. www.fortnumandmason.com

Dress like a queen

Best British brands, Britain-wide

To live like Her Majesty, your wardrobe would of course have to be fit for a Queen. Some of the queen's favorite - and widely available - British brands include Burberry, Pringle of Scotland, Hunter Boots and Austin Reed - all of which hold Royal Warrants as official suppliers to the Queen.

Rigby and Peller, London

For any woman, what you wear underneath is just as important as what you wear on top. At Rigby and Peller - one of Britain's most exclusive lingerie shops - you can be sure to receive service fit for a Queen. What else would you expect from a company who has held a Royal Warrant as official Corsetieres to H.M. Queen Elizabeth since 1960?

Live like a queen

Castle Hotels, Britain-wide

What could make you feel more regal than staying in a castle? Visitors to Britain will be spoilt for choice and can stay overnight in a variety of castles across the country. Check out www.visitbritain.com for more information.

Royal Yacht Britannia, Edinburgh Scotland

This magnificent ship helped make H.M. The Queen the most traveled monarch the world has ever known. Decommissioned in 1997 and now permanently moored in Edinburgh, Scotland, each room onboard Britannia is furnished to her own personal taste, filled with photographs of her children, treasured family heirlooms and gifts from across the globe. The Queen named Britannia as the one place where she could truly relax.  Britannia was also host to four royal honeymoons, including Prince Charles and Princess Diana as well as Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York. www.royalyachtbritannia.co.uk

Windsor Castle, Windsor, England

Just a short jaunt by train from London, Windsor Castle is one of the Queen's official residences and where she spends most weekends. Open year-round, your chances for spotting the Queen go up around Easter time, when she takes up residence for a month. www.royalcollection.org.uk

Buckingham Palace, London, England

From the end of July until the beginning of October each year, you can cross the gates of Buckingham Palace and see one of Britain's most famous landmarks for yourself. This year, you won't want to miss the special exhibition, The Queen's Year, which recreates a year in the life of Her Majesty and also includes a collection of ceremonial dress with day and evening wear to reflect the range of events in the royal calendar.  Visits to the Royal Staterooms, garden and the Queen's Gallery are also possible at this time of year. http://www.royalcollection.org.uk/microsites/thequeensyear/

About VisitBritain

• Americans made three million visits to the UK in 2008 and spent US $3.3 billion (GBP 2.2 billion pounds Sterling) - placing them in the UK's top three most important markets for visitors. Britain remains Americans' favorite long-haul destination.
• VisitBritain, the national tourism agency, is responsible for inspiring the world to explore Britain and for developing the UK's visitor economy. With representatives in 35 countries around the world, we are the international tourism promotional arm for Britain and the nations and regions of Britain.
• Every year 17 million visits are made by international consumers to the 57 websites that make up VisitBritain's global family of websites, www.visitbritain.com, which together provide information in 21 different languages.
• Visitors traveling to Britain can purchase money and time saving local transport, sightseeing, attraction, theatre and tour tickets from www.visitbritainshop.us

SOURCE VisitBritain

Everyone has a travel dream, whether it be cruising down the Nile River in Egypt or visiting Emperor penguins in Antarctica. iExplore is bringing a wide array of dream destinations to life with the re-launch of their website through stunning photography, compelling content and an extensive portfolio of privately guided and small group trips.

Visitors to the new iExplore site will see a clean, fresh design with expanded navigation, new trip search functionality and updated travel guides.  A brand new section will be introduced: iExplore Experiences. The Experiences section provides in-depth content about a particular destination or activity and includes custom articles from leading travel writers, interviews with expedition leaders, top 10 lists and photo galleries. At launch, the Experiences section will feature the following:

• Antarctica
• Peru
• Egypt
• Safaris
• Culinary
• Cruising
• Summer Family Vacations
• America's Best Kept Vacation Secrets

"iExplore's new website is the next step in our evolution as the #1 ranked adventure travel website. We are expanding our product portfolio to include more small group trips--based on feedback from our customers--as well as adding a significant amount of new and unique travel content to our already extensive library," said Dallyce Macas, President and CEO of TUI North American Distribution--iExplore's parent company.

The new website furthers iExplore's position as the essential travel destination website for travelers, or armchair travelers, at every point in their journey.  iExplore's advertising partners will also benefit from increased sponsorship opportunities, custom integration solutions and new media placements.

Founded in 1999, Chicago-based iExplore is the No. 1 ranked website for adventure and experiential travel, with more than 1 million visitors per month.  It is Google's "authority site" in the adventure travel category, and powers adventure tours behind many trusted brands like Expedia, Travelocity, Travel Channel, Fodors, Frommers and Lonely Planet, to name a few.

iExplore is an independently-operated division of TUI TRAVEL PLC, a multi billion plus-dollar international leisure travel business based in the United Kingdom. TUI (TT.L) is a FTSE 100 Company, traded on the London Stock Exchange. TUI's strong financial position and global reach assure safety and security with every holiday planned through its companies.

WEB: www.iexplore.com

SOURCE iExplore

Think spring and "get out and go" to The Bernards Inn where a host of new Go! Getaway Packages (http://www.gourmetgetawaynj.com) allows guests to experience outdoor adventures, world-class dining and shopping, the ultimate in romance, and more - all close to home.

Already well-known for its gourmet getaways, the historic Bernards Inn is offering additional escapes for the sophisticated traveler that combine luxury accommodations and acclaimed dining with all that the Somerset Hills has to offer, including hiking, biking, fishing, shopping, spas and more. The Inn also enables travelers to design their own getaway with the assistance of personalized concierge services.

The AAA Four-Diamond property is located just a short car or train ride from New York City, Philadelphia, and all areas of NJ. A Somerset Hills landmark, The Bernards Inn welcomes guests with the style and elegance of a small European luxury hotel, while preserving the charm of a historic American country inn. The Inn recently underwent a multi-million dollar redesign as part of its centennial celebration.

New Go! Getaways for two include:

Go To The Country! Go Take A Train - $259

Leave the city bustle behind for a tranquil retreat in the Somerset Hills that is near yet feels far away.

• Overnight luxury accommodations in a Deluxe Guest Room
• Reimbursement of round-trip NJ transit train ticket or free parking
• Complimentary cocktail in the Library Piano Bar

Go Out! Go Hike, Go Bike, or Go Fish! - $269 - $285

Outdoor Adventures abound in the stunning countryside of the Somerset Hills. Go hiking, biking fishing, bird watching and more.

• Overnight luxury accommodations in a Deluxe Guest Room
• Hiking, biking or fishing excursion that includes guided hike, bike rental or fishing license
• Healthy snack pak and bottled water

You Go Girl! Getaways - $259

Relax or rejuvenate with a spa visit or world-class shopping and reconnect with the essential women in your life. Perfect for girlfriends, sisters, and mothers and daughters.

• Overnight luxury accommodations in a Deluxe Guest Room
• Shopping package includes Short Hills Mall VIP welcome amenity, including shopping discounts
• Spa package includes special rates with nearby spas

Go for the Romance! The Ultimate Indulgence - $695 including gratuities

Plan the perfect proposal or rekindle a romance in splendid surroundings acclaimed for romance.

• Overnight luxury accommodations in a Deluxe Guest Room
• Ultimate Indulgence Couples Massage in the comfort and privacy of your own room
• Sparkling wine and decadent chocolate-covered strawberries in your room
• A la carte breakfast

Go Gourmet! Sumptuous Spring - $475 including gratuities

Award-winning food and wine take center stage during this epicurean escape. Feast on the freshest seasonal ingredients straight from the Inn's garden.  

• Overnight luxury accommodations in a Deluxe Guest Room
• Pitcher of Chilled Blood Orange Iced Tea and platter of seasonal fruit and artisanal cheeses
• Four-Course Tasting Dinner from the spring menu paired with wines
• A la carte breakfast

Certain restrictions apply. All prices based on double occupancy. Rooms based on availability. State and local taxes not included. For more packages and amenities, call 908-766-0002 or visit http://www.gourmetgetawaynj.com.

Established in 1907, The Bernards Inn is an award-winning restaurant and inn located in the heart of downtown Bernardsville, New Jersey. Under the new ownership of Hampshire Destination Properties, The Bernards Inn recently marked its 100-year anniversary with a multimillion-dollar renovation and redesign. The Inn offers fine dining, wedding and banquet services, conference rooms, as well as 20 well-appointed guestrooms. For more information about The Bernards Inn, call 908-766-0002 or visit http://www.bernardsinn.com.

Springtime is a period of renewal and rejuvenation, and it is the perfect season for all ages to celebrate at sandestination. This popular vacation destination is located on Northwest Florida's Beaches, recently named one of the top 12 international destinations by Frommer's. Sandestination visitors will discover a unique combination of beach and bay front activities, shopping, dining, recreation, events, spas and a variety of accommodations ranging from national brand hotels to expertly-designed estates for families, leisure travelers, business travelers and groups. This destination offers guests everything they need, so visitors can enjoy their stay without needing to leave sandestination.

Accommodations

Cooperatively, sandestination offers nearly 2,500 accommodations, including Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort and Spa, Courtyard by Marriott Sandestin at Grand Boulevard and Residence Inn Sandestin at Grand Boulevard, with a variety of comfortable suites, condominiums, villas and townhomes that will suit every person's preference and budget. A variety of accommodation atmospheres are available such as beach front, bay front, poolside, and golf course views. Visit www.sandestination.com for descriptions, contact information and Web sites of all sandestination properties to discover the perfect place to enjoy this spring.

Activities

Activities in sandestination are plentiful in the spring as the warm weather returns, such as the exhilarating water sports of parasailing, boogie boarding, sailing, surfing, Yolo boarding and swimming in the Gulf of Mexico or the beautiful Choctawhatchee Bay. The pristine sugar-white beaches and emerald green waters of sandestination delight guests, and the beach service staff is prepared to enhance a visitor's stay. Golf courses and tennis courts are available for athletic options, and bicycles are accessible to explore sandestination's beautiful landscape. Fitness Center facilities at the accommodations offer a great way stay in shape while experiencing the premier destination.

Since sandestination welcomes families, junior programs are available for recreation and daily activities. Boondocks Family Arcade and Baytowne Adventure Zone in the Village of Baytowne Wharf have exciting activities such as the miniature remote-control rowboats, Zipline, a Ropes Course, a Coconut Climb and the EuroBungy. Also, for some creative fun, sandestination offers watercolor workshops at the Donna Burgess Art Gallery and glass art demonstrations at Fusion Art Glass Gallery in Grand Boulevard, as well as pottery and jewelry workshops at Paint'n Place and magic shows at Rick Moore's Magic Shop in the Village of Baytowne Wharf.

For some much needed relaxation, guests will enjoy the high quality spa treatments of massages and facials, salon services and more at Sandestin Day Spa & Salon at Sandestin(R) Golf and Beach Resort, Serenity by the sea at Hilton Sandestin(R) Beach Golf Resort and Spa and Fusion Spa Salon AVEDA in Grand Boulevard at Sandestin(R).

Shopping

The shopping venues at sandestination offer great diversity and value. Visitors may power shop this spring at Silver Sands Factory Stores, the nation's largest designer outlet center, and enjoy over 100 retailers that will satisfy all shopping needs, including Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH, Coach Factory, Lacoste and Polo Ralph Lauren, just to name a few. Guests will enjoy eclectic stores with unique gifts, clothing, décor and home furnishings in The Market Shops at Sandestin(R) and in the charming atmosphere of the Village of Baytowne Wharf. Grand Boulevard at Sandestin(R) is a pedestrian-friendly Town Center with a unique mix of nationally recognized retailers including Chico's, J. Crew-at-the-beach, Billabong, The Orvis Company, J. Jill, Coldwater Creek and more.

Restaurants

From casual to fine dining, sandestination offers ample restaurants and eateries to satisfy every guest's craving. The variety of dining options include P.F. Chang's China Bistro, Carrabba's Italian Grill, Tommy Bahama's Restaurant & Bar, Marlin Grill, Bistro Bijoux, Smoke House BBQ, Another Broken Egg, Seagar's Prime Steaks and Seafood, Finz Beachside Grille, Mitchell's Fish Market and Cheeseburger in Paradise. From Caribbean flair, retro-style diners, a Greek taverna, Mexican gourmet, seafood delicacies, bakeries, and ice cream and candy shops, sandestination is sure to delight all visitors.

Visit www.sandestination.com for complete details.

sandestination is located on Northwest Florida's Beaches near Destin, Florida and is a 3 1/2 mile stretch along Emerald Coast Parkway. Sandestination is a four-season destination for people of all ages and all occasions and offers the most complete and memorable resort experience in North America. Visitors will discover a unique combination of beach and bay front activities, shopping, dining, recreation, events, spas and a variety of Destin accommodations ranging from national brand hotels to expertly-designed estates.

SOURCE Sandestination

For a limited time turn SeaWorld's 2010 music festival into a weekend getaway

Fairfield Inn & Suites Orlando at SeaWorld and SpringHill Suites Orlando at SeaWorld are both excited to invite guests to Orlando during the final days of SeaWorld Orlando's Bands, Brew & BBQ 2010 Music Festival.

Simply stay at one of these two family-friendly hotels near SeaWorld in Orlando, Florida and enjoy close proximity to SeaWorld, Aquatica and minutes from Universal Studios.

Enjoy this rockin', smokin', saucy and sweet music festival that also features an all-you-care-to-eat picnic from 11:30-4:00 p.m. Live concerts then begin at 4:00 p.m.

For only $15.95 for adults and $8.95 for children ages three to nine, guests are invited to book online or call 888-800-5447. Park admission is required but not included. For more information about the SeaWorld Orlando Bands, Brew & BBQ Music Festival 2010, visit http://seaworld.com.

Then, after indulging in BBQ and ice-cold beer until bellies are full, retreat back to deluxe accommodations on International Drive and enjoy a family getaway that lets you relax and unwind surrounded by all the comforts of home.

About Fairfield Inn & Suites Orlando at SeaWorld

Featuring complimentary shuttle service to attractions, this Orlando hotel near SeaWorld represents a premier Orlando family destination. Start the day off right with a complimentary continental breakfast before exploring exciting attractions surrounding this Orlando hotel near SeaWorld. For those looking to soak up some sun, look no further than the one-of-a-kind Shamu Pool and splash zone, an iconic feature of this family friendly hotel near SeaWorld in Orlando. For more information or to make a reservation, call 407-354-1139 or visit www.fairfieldinnandsuitesseaworld.com.

About SpringHill Suites Orlando at SeaWorld

Experience the stylish design of an International Drive hotel offering 25% larger suites than comparably priced Orlando International Drive hotel rooms. Modern yet comfortable accommodations boast innovative design, stylish furnishings and plush bedding, while complimentary hotel perks include breakfast, high speed internet and on-site parking. Splash in the unique Shamu outdoor pool, play in the splash zone, or soak up some sun before enjoying delicious American cuisine at the SpringHill Bar & Grille. For more information or to make a reservation, call 407-354-1176 or visit www.Springhillsuitesseaworld.com.

SOURCE Fairfield Inn & Suites Orlando at SeaWorld

As China enters the depths of winter, travelers are making plans to visit the world renowned Harbin Ice & Snow Festival. The China Guide is currently booking tours to Harbin which include hotel, festival sights and activities, train or flight tickets and the opportunity to ski at China's best mountain resort. Harbin Winter Festival activities will be under way as of December 20th, with the official opening ceremony taking place on January 5th of next year.

Visitors to Harbin can spend time enjoying the massive snow and ice sculptures, strolling the city sights or skating on the Songhua River. In the evening the Snow & Ice World will be lit up, creating a colorful icy landscape. Great for all ages, visitors can walk through giant ice structures and sometimes exit on ice slides. At any time during the day, festival goers can stop to warm up to a cup of hot chocolate or steaming noodles inside an ice cafe. As an added winter bonus, The China Guide is including a skiing option in its Harbin itineraries. The Yabuli Ski Resort is located close to the city and makes a perfect addition to the festival.

Yabuli is the best and most complete ski resort in China, making it popular for locals and tourists. There are 17 cable car lifts, 22 ski runs and the resort boasts a 3800-meter long trail. The resort has areas for recreational skiing, professional alpine training and competitions. Skiers of all ages can find runs suitable for their experience levels. Recently there have been a lot of investment and improvements to the ski resort, making it a great place for a weekend ski trip, complete with a wide selection of hotel options.

"We like to combine the top sights and activities in a destination so that travelers can experience the best of China. The Harbin Ice & Snow Festival is becoming more popular among travelers, but they might not be aware of other activities such as the great skiing opportunities, and it's our job to introduce it," says Judy Huang, Travel Manager of The China Guide. "The Yabuli Ski Resort is a perfect combination with the Harbin Festival sights. The ski resort is about two hours from the city and has beautiful mountain scenery surrounded by pine forests. The best part is you can get everything you need right at the hill including equipment and suit rentals."

The China Guide's Harbin Winter itineraries are available for booking now. Their 4-day itinerary includes two days of Harbin Ice & Snow Festival sights and 2 days at Yabuli with overnight accommodation at the resort. For travelers short on time, there are 2- and 3-day options available.

Visit http://thechinaguide.com/harbin/index.html for destination information, photos and itineraries.

The China Guide

The China Guide, http://www.TheChinaGuide.com , is a Beijing based travel agency, American owned and operated. Specializing in western-style service and quality with hassle free web bookings, they work with clients to customize tours that match their travel style. Operating only in China, they have up to date knowledge and offer exciting experiences for travelers including their famous Sleep on the Great Wall tour. The China Guide avoids the common factory shopping stops that are not reflective of the true China.

SOURCE The China Guide

The Mayor of London Boris Johnson and New York Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg today announced a two-year tourism agreement between New York City and London to boost travel between the two cities.

The cities will provide each other with outdoor media advertising space and NYC & Company and Visit London, their respective tourism arms, will share best practices as a way to maximize travel between the two destinations and will assist each other with at least one publicity event in each city.

The Mayors made the announcement during an international conference at Columbia University where the two Mayors met to discuss their financial sectors, the diversification of their economies, building and maintaining their capital plants and expanding housing affordability. Visit London CEO Sally Chatterjee and NYC & Company CEO George Fertitta, and Columbia University President Lee Bollinger joined the Mayors for the announcement.

Mayor Boris Johnson said: "London and New York City share many similarities, including a strong sense of optimism and determination, along with a great appreciation for diversity and innovation. Our common cultural ties, not least absolute dedication to providing world-class services and experiences for both residents and visitors, make the two cities exceptionally well poised to combine knowledge as well as resources to impact the economies and future of the cities."

Mayor Bloomberg said: "Now more than ever, as we work to limit the effects of the ongoing global financial downturn, it is important to find new ways to grow a diverse array of economic sectors, and tourism is among the most important for New York City. New York City and London, both significant sources of travel for each other market, can learn a great deal from one other and we will work together to highlight each other's strengths and remain leading global cities."

Sally Chatterjee said: "As well as being large sources of overseas travel for each market, New York City and London are also big supporters of each other. We look forward to working with NYC & Company and see both our organizations continuing to strive for best practice in our role as world-leading destinations. This is an exciting first step in what we expect to be a very fruitful partnership."

George Fertitta said: "Tourism will undoubtedly be one of the industries that helps aid our local economy through the recovery of the recession and we are working harder than ever to promote it. Through this agreement between NYC & Company and Visit London we are declaring not only a commitment to driving travel between London and NYC but also a vow of the continued friendship between the two cities."

Under the two-year tourism agreement New York City will exchange 71 bus shelters with London that will run in New York City for 4 weeks per year. In return, London will exchange 250 posters for four weeks on the London Underground system twice per year.

The yearly value of each city's media is $178,500. The agreement will be a two-year deal, $357,000 to London and $357,000 back to NYC from London. Also as part of the agreement, NYC & Company and Visit London have agreed to share best practices in their endeavors to boost tourism and to assist each other with at least one publicity event in their respective cities.

Americans made almost 2 million visits to London last year and America remains London's number one market for international visitors. Similarly, last year New York City welcomed a record 1,328,000 visitors from the UK, surpassing the record 1,237,000 visitors in 2007, making it the city's number one source of international visitors. New York City is the number one destination for UK travelers to the U.S.

The Mayor of London is in New York City to spearhead a series of plans promoting leisure and business travel to the British capital from the United States. With the value of the dollar against the British pound strongly in favor of trips by American visitors, the Mayor is driving home the message that there's never been a better time to come to London.

Today Visit London also launched its 1 million Sterling pound "Only in London" marketing campaign, which runs in the U.S. from 15 September to 19 November. The promotion will celebrate the sights, sounds and experiences that are unique to the British capital's history, heritage and culture. The campaign -- partnered by Radisson Edwardian hotels and British Airways -- will run nationally in the United States (New York, Boston, Chicago, Philadelphia, Washington, Miami, Los Angeles, San Francisco) as well as Canada (Toronto). The promotion will highlight value deals as well the chance to win a once-in-a-lifetime trip to spend New Year's Eve in London including a New Year's Eve dinner on the Thames through Bateaux London, a VIP Pass to Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, a champagne flight on the London Eye, a private visit to the Royal Academy of Arts, a day trip on Eurostar and a VIP tour of Wembley Stadium.

The Mayor of London will also meet today with competition winners boarding a British Airways (BA) flight to London at JFK Airport as part of an initiative to stimulate business travel from the United States. The BA "Face to Face" initiative follows research by Harvard Business School which shows that while business travel budgets have tightened during the economic downturn, global business executives say face-to-face meetings remain a crucial part of selling new business and building partnerships.

SOURCE The Office of the Mayor of London

Fall is officially here and hotels.com is celebrating the season of foliage, fairs and football with the largest Fall Sale in the company's history. Nearly 2,000 properties are on sale in more than 100 destinations, helping travelers take advantage of one of the most affordable travel times of the year.

"Fall is one of the best times to travel since it lands between two heavy tourism seasons - summer and the holidays. Travelers can find some of the year's deepest hotel discounts with rates often much lower than other months," said Carl Sparks, general manager of hotels.com. "Plus with great weather, beautiful fall scenery, and an abundance of sporting events, fairs and festivals there's plenty to see and do in almost every destination."

This year's Fall Sale features up to 50 percent off select hotels in Chicago, Boston, Las Vegas and Miami, as well as free nights at participating hotels in New York, Dallas and Orlando. In addition to great rates, guests may also receive added perks including resort credits, food and beverage gift certificates, and more.

Guests have five weeks to cash in on the Fall Sale and must book by October 12, 2009 for stays through October 19, 2009. For full promotion details and deals, please visit www.hotels.com/fallsale or see below for a sample of sale properties in favorite fall destinations:

Fall Foliage and Fairs

Autumn leaf aficionados can enjoy the vivid reds, oranges and yellows for less with Fall Sale hotels located from the foothills of New England to the forests of Washington state. And when travelers get their fill of foliage they can kick back at local festivals, from the ubiquitous Oktoberfest to more unusual events like the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.

Boston: The Westin Boston Waterfront

    4 star, 4.3 hotels.com guest rating, 88 percent recommended
    Save up to 30 percent
    Sale rates from $132

Denver: Hotel Monaco Denver - A Kimpton Hotel

    4 star, 4.5 hotels.com guest rating, 94 percent recommended
    Save 20 percent
    Sale rates from $135

Seattle: Fairmont Olympic Hotel

    5 star, 4.7 hotels.com guest rating, 94 percent recommended
    Save 40 percent
    Sale rates from $179

Santa Fe: Villas de Santa Fe

    2.5 star, 4.5 hotels.com guest rating, 95 percent recommended
    Save up to 50 percent
    Sale rates from $100

Football Destinations and City Escapes

Diehard football fans won't have to miss a snap of action this season with Fall Sale hotels in college towns and pro football cities alike. And luckily for less fanatic sports fans, many top football destinations also double as some of the best big city getaways.

Austin: Radisson Hotel Austin - Town Lake

    3.5 star, 4.0 hotels.com guest rating, 81 percent recommended
    Save 40 percent
    Sale rates from $131

Miami: Pelican Hotel

    3.5 star, 4.6 hotels.com guest rating, 100 percent recommended
    Fourth night free
    Sale rates from $120

San Francisco: Hotel Adagio, a Joie de Vivre Boutique Hotel

    3.5 star, 4.4 hotels.com guest rating, 90 percent recommended
    Save up to 30 percent
    Sale rates from $123

New York: On the Ave Hotel

    3.5 star, 4.4 hotels.com guest rating, 92 percent recommended
    Save 20 percent
    Sale rates from $219

A minimum night stay may be required for some Fall Sale rates. More information on the sale is available at www.hotels.com/fallsale.

Source; hotels.com

While the worst of the recent recession may be behind us, many families are still searching for creative ways to stretch their holiday budgets this year.

Whether these expenditures involve gift-giving, travel or dining out, there are a variety of ways AAA can help its more than 51 million members financially this holiday season.

Rather than trying to save money by searching local shopping malls for a bargain, eating at fast food restaurants, and haggling with telephone operators for a decent hotel rate, AAA members can simply reach into their wallets for instant savings. They are also protected in several ways from major automotive-related expenses. And, they can go online to AAA.com to access various tools and products that will aid them this holiday season. If a family member or friend is not already a member of AAA, membership makes a great money-saving gift too. To join, go to AAA.com.

Seven ways AAA helps consumers stretch and protect their holiday budgets

1. Members can start saving immediately for holiday expenses this year and next. They don't need to stash money in a checking or savings account that pays little or no interest. AAA offers better-than-average market rates on money market accounts and certificates of deposit through its relationship with Discover Bank. By using an online financial calculator--such as the ones available for CDs and money market accounts at AAA.com/Deposits-- consumers can see how much interest their deposits will generate. While the holidays may be just around the corner, it is never too late to start a personal savings plan.
2. Before they reach into their wallet for cash or a credit card, millions of AAA members pull out their membership card. AAA's Show Your Card & Save(R) program is available at 164,000 locations in North America. Deals include discounts on meals, hotel rooms, themed attractions, car rentals, movie tickets, apparel and footwear, vision care, prescriptions and auto parts. Members also save online with well-known general merchandise retailers, as well as with many of the Internet's best known and trusted specialty stores on items such as jewelry, floral arrangements, books and other media, and luggage. Visit AAA.com/discounts for a complete list. Last year, members saved an estimated $2.1 billion via the Show Your Card & Save program.
3. When holiday plans include travel, seasoned travelers know to call or visit a AAA travel agent or go online to AAA.com/travel. AAA Travel Agency services are available to members and non-members, although members are entitled to special benefits. AAA, which operates the largest leisure travel agency network in North America, is able to provide access to unmatched travel values via its industry partnerships with leading travel providers, including the best tour and cruise companies, a wide range of hotel operators, numerous themed attractions and special destinations. In the current economy steep discounts, as well as free upgrades and extras are not uncommon, but holiday travelers should seek up-to-the minute information for the best deals.
4. AAA members don't need to search all over town for the best prices on gasoline. Many members and non-members go to www.aaa.com/triptik for information on local gas prices updated as frequently as four times per day. AAA's special relationship with the nation's leading provider of retail fuel price information - Oil Price Information Service - makes this information available on AAA's trip mapping and planning tool. This is also the ideal place to plan your holiday road trip. You can find hotels, restaurants and other points of interest. Plus, you can plot your travels to avoid toll roads if you wish. AAA maps and AAA TourBook(R) guides are also available free to members at their local office.
5. A definite holiday budget buster can be an unexpected breakdown or major car repair. As a free public service, AAA inspects auto repair shops around the country and only approves those that meet and continually maintain high professional standards for equipment, customer service, cleanliness and training. To search for a AAA Approved Auto Repair shop nearby, visit AAA.com/repair. AAA recommends all motorists have their vehicles thoroughly inspected by a qualified technician at least once each year; especially if they are contemplating a long road trip. Regular inspections and maintenance can help consumers avoid major repair expenses, or the frustrating inconvenience of an automotive breakdown.
6. Members can use the AAA Credit Card with WorldPoints(R)( )Rewards to earn points redeemable for cash, travel, merchandise and unique adventures as well as around-the-clock fraud protection, online access to account information, supplemental auto rental collision damage deductible insurance and more. AAA Cash Rewards offers AAA members the ability to earn one percent cash back on all net retail purchases. Member redemption is "On Demand", whereby the member requests a cash-back check in $25 increments. Every time the member spends $2,500, they will be eligible to redeem $25, however, members may accumulate with no ceiling for any cash back amount. AAA pioneered the first affinity credit card in the 1970's. To find out if your AAA club offers these cards and fill out an application visit: AAA.com/creditcard .
7. Should their vehicle fail them during the holiday rush, AAA's legendary emergency road service is just a phone call or email away for members. Basic membership includes free towing from three to five miles (depending on local club policies) to any destination. AAA Plus members are entitled to 100 miles of free towing in any direction. Unlike most road service plans, AAA membership provides coverage for any vehicle they are driving or riding in. Experienced drivers know the expense of a tow alone will frequently pay the full cost of a one year membership in AAA. In addition, the motor club's unique abilities as a roadside problem solver means members are not left alone to find a repair shop, arrange their own towing, secure a rental car or even make hotel arrangements should their holiday trip be disrupted. Last year, AAA responded to more than 29 million calls for roadside assistance.
   

As North America's largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA provides more than 51 million members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services. Since its founding in 1902, the not-for-profit, fully tax-paying AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. AAA clubs can be visited on the Internet at AAA.com.

SOURCE AAA