Gadling http://www.gadling.com Gadling http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/media/feedlogo.gif Gadling http://www.gadling.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Celebrate 50 years of skiing Breckenridge with great deals on lodging]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/11/celebrate-50-years-of-skiing-breckenridge-with-great-deals-on-lo/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/11/celebrate-50-years-of-skiing-breckenridge-with-great-deals-on-lo/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/11/celebrate-50-years-of-skiing-breckenridge-with-great-deals-on-lo/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Skiing Breckenridge is easy with good deals on lodgingBreckenridge is celebrating its 50th anniversary this winter, by offering a number of great deals on lift tickets and lodging alike. Now that winter has finally arrived in Colorado, bringing plenty of powder along with it, it is a perfect time to hit the slopes at last.

As we mentioned last week, ski resorts across the western United States have finally been receiving healthy doses of snow, and Breckenridge is no exception. So far this season, the area has had more than 150 inches of powder dumped on it, and currently Breckenridge has a base of about 51 inches. That means that all of the lifts, and nearly all of the runs, are currently open for business.

To entice visitors to come ski or ride some of the best snow in North America, several of the lodges there are currently running some great specials. For instance, the Village at Breckenridge, which is a ski-in/ski-out resort, is offering up to a 30% discount on double occupancy rooms through April 15. Similarly, the near by Mountain Thunder Lodge has a great weekday rate that allows travelers to book two nights and get a third one free, which also runs through the 15th of April. Even the Doubletree by Hilton is getting in on the action by offering bonus points for their HHonors members who stay there through the end of April. For a complete rundown of these deals, and others, click here.

The snow may have been late in coming this year, but there is still plenty of time left to enjoy the ski season. Breckenridge is truly one of the best destinations around for doing just that, and in its 50th year of operation, there are some good discounts to help skiers and snowboarders enjoy the mountain.

Celebrate 50 years of skiing Breckenridge with great deals on lodging originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 11 Feb 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventure-travelbreckenridgebreckenridge skiingBreckenridgeSkiingcoloradoski resortsskiingskiing breckenridgeSkiingBreckenridgeSkiResortssnowboardingSat, 11 Feb 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Chile's Valle Nevado ski resort rolls out early-bird special]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/01/chiles-valle-nevado-ski-resort-rolls-out-early-bird-special/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/01/chiles-valle-nevado-ski-resort-rolls-out-early-bird-special/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/01/chiles-valle-nevado-ski-resort-rolls-out-early-bird-special/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

chile skiingDedicated pow hounds tend to hightail it to the Southern Hemisphere once summer rears its sunny head. Chile is justly famous for its snow, as well as its lack of crowds, above-timberline terrain, and epic backcountry and vertical accessible via heli-skiing.

Valle Nevado, located 20 miles east of Santiago, is already the largest ski resort in the Southern Hemisphere. This year, during its June 22-October 2nd winter season, it has even more enticements to offer.

North American and UK guests who book and pay before March 31st, 2012, will receive up to 50% off a season-long package that includes a seven-night stay at any of Valle Nevado's three hotels (which range from high-end to budget), and two interconnect tickets for the neighboring resorts of La Parva and El Colorado, which opens 7,400 acres of skiable terrain (that's more than Vail, for you ski and snowboard die-hards).

The promotion also includes 25% off equipment rental, a complimentary 30-minute massage, and free attendance at the weekly Thursday Wine Festival. Look for forthcoming announcements on heli-skiing packages, as well. To book, call 1-800-669-0554 from the U.S., or email reservas@vallenevado.com.

Tips for Powder Skiing

Chile's Valle Nevado ski resort rolls out early-bird special originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 01 Feb 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>best ski resortsBestSkiResortsChilean wine regionsChileanWineRegionsColoradoheliskingPortilloSantiagoski dealsski packagesski rentalsski resortsski southern hemisphereSkiDealsSkiPackagesSkiRentalsSkiResortsSkiSouthernHemispheresnowboardingsouth american wineSouthAmericanWineSouthern HemisphereSouthernHemisphereVailValle NevadoValleNevadowinewine festivalsWineFestivalswinter sportsWinterSportsWed, 01 Feb 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Vacation deprivation study says beach vacations rule]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/26/vacation-deprivation-study-says-beach-vacations-rule/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/26/vacation-deprivation-study-says-beach-vacations-rule/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/26/vacation-deprivation-study-says-beach-vacations-rule/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

vacation deprivationExpedia's Vacation Deprivation study is an annual analysis of vacation habits across multiple countries and continents. Taken from the results of a survey by Harris Interactive, 7,083 respondents were surveyed in total across 20 countries with some surprising results.

"226 million vacation days will go unused this year resulting in some 50 million Americans becoming vacation deprived," travel company Monograms reports on TravelBlackboard.

The 2011 study spans North America, Europe, Asia, South America and Australia. It reveals who gets - and takes - the most vacation time, as well as attitudes toward vacation. Common themes impacting how and where respondents vacation include money, romance and disapproving bosses.

When asked, "How many vacation days, if any, do you receive from your employer each year?", Germany, France, Spain, Denmark and Brazil all tied for first place with 30 days. UK workers came in a bit less with 25, Canada 16 and the U.S. 14 but in last place was Japan with 11 days. Of those 11 they only used 6 on the average too.











Continue reading Vacation deprivation study says beach vacations rule

Vacation deprivation study says beach vacations rule originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 26 Jan 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DenmarkExpediaFinanceFlickrHarris InteractiveHealthNorth AmericaSouth AmericaU.S. Route 14Vacation deprivationVacationDeprivationThu, 26 Jan 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[For best airfare deals, shop six weeks before your trip]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/23/for-best-airfare-deals-shop-six-weeks-before-your-trip/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/23/for-best-airfare-deals-shop-six-weeks-before-your-trip/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/23/for-best-airfare-deals-shop-six-weeks-before-your-trip/#commentsFiled under: , ,

best airfare dealsA recent study of U.S. airline ticket transactions revealed that passengers get the best airfare deals if they make their purchase six weeks before their scheduled departure.

On average, prices at the six-week mark are nearly 6% below the overall average fare, reported the study, run by Airlines Reporting Corp., a technology company that handles transactions between airlines and air travel agents. Airfares begin to rise dramatically one week before the flight, peaking on the departure date.

The study factored in four years of data from almost 144 million flight ticketing transactions with origins and destinations in the United States, making its findings pretty reputable. For more budget travel tricks, this vintage Gadling post shares five things you can do right now to score cheaper plane tickets. The video below share some helpful tips too.




[via Los Angeles Times, Flickr image via Tim Snell]

For best airfare deals, shop six weeks before your trip originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 23 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airlines reporting corpAirlinesReportingCorpbest airfare dealsBestAirfareDealsbudget travelbudget-travelBudgetTravelcheap airfarecheap ticketscheap travelCheapAirfareCheapTicketsCheapTraveltravel dealsTravelDealsMon, 23 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Upscale dining made affordable during New York's Winter Restaurant Week 2012]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/16/upscale-dining-made-affordable-during-new-yorks-winter-restaura/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/16/upscale-dining-made-affordable-during-new-yorks-winter-restaura/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/16/upscale-dining-made-affordable-during-new-yorks-winter-restaura/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

new york restaurant week It's that time of year again; when top restaurants from all over the city offer affordable prix-fixe menus for Restaurant Week. This winter, however, diners have 20 days to take advantage of the special.

On weekdays from January 16-February 10, patrons will be able to order a 3-course lunch for $24.07 or a 3-course dinner for $35 from some of their favorite restaurants. While this may sound too good to be true, it isn't, with eateries of all different cuisine styles and star ratings participating.

No matter what type of food you're craving, there is a restaurant for you. Here are some of the more upscale venues to take advantage of during the event:

Upscale dining made affordable during New York's Winter Restaurant Week 2012 originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 16 Jan 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>best restaurants in new yorkBestRestaurantsInNewYorkbudget travelBudgetTravelnew yorkNewYorknyc restaurant weekNycRestaurantWeekrestaurant weekRestaurantWeekwhere to eat in new yorkWhereToEatInNewYorkMon, 16 Jan 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Travel contest season is in full swing]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/11/travel-contest-season-is-in-full-swing/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/11/travel-contest-season-is-in-full-swing/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/11/travel-contest-season-is-in-full-swing/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

travel contest seasonJanuary brings cold weather, post-holiday blues, dreams of travel and travel contest season every year. With few exceptions, sellers of travel roll out some of their best promotions during this time too. Aimed to make those dreams reality and have us focus on whatever travel product they are selling, travel companies want to bring our attention to their options over another.

Amble Resorts' Life-Changing Travel Contest has travelers looking at their new travel blog, The Ambler, for a chance to win a free flight anywhere in the world. Launched in mid-December, the contest is quickly gaining momentum as globetrotters from around the world share their most life-changing travel moments in the hopes of fulfilling resolutions to travel in 2012.

This contest asks visitors to reflect on their own life-changing travel experiences and draw inspiration from the stories of others, encouraging people to broaden their travel horizons and explore the world in 2012. The contest will reward one commenter with a trip to the destination of their dreams, in the form of a $1,500 travel voucher (OK, maybe not anywhere in the world) on the airline of the winner's choice, valid any time in 2012.

Continue reading Travel contest season is in full swing

Travel contest season is in full swing originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 11 Jan 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Carnival Cruise LineCarnivalCruiseLineCelebrity CruisesCelebrityCruisesDream of a lifetimeDreamOfALifetimeFree cruisefree travelFreeCruiseFreeTravelTravel + LeisureTravel Contesttravel contest seasonTravel OnionTravel+LeisureTravelContestTravelContestSeasonTravelOnionTripFilmsWatch and win contestWatchAndWinContestWed, 11 Jan 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PUBLIC Hotel in Chicago plans $1 sale]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/10/public-chicago-plans-1-sale/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/10/public-chicago-plans-1-sale/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/10/public-chicago-plans-1-sale/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

public chicagoIan Schrager may already be the hotel world's darling, but he's going to capture even more fans when his hotel, PUBLIC Chicago, launches their $1 sale soon. We've seen a few of these before for special promotions, and they're usually hellishly hard to score. That won't stop us from trying, however.

Here's how to snag a deal on this one:
  • For a 90-day period commencing on a secret date soon to be announced, PUBLIC will offer three special guest rooms per night, each with a rate of only $1.
  • Participants must sign up to receive a priority email detailing when the sale goes live
  • Once the sale goes live, participants will have 48 hours to book a room at the $1.00 rate - first come, first served.
PUBLIC's One Dollar Sale will be announced through social media, email, PUBLIC Chicago's website, and the hotel's partners.

"PUBLIC is a brand that stands for outstanding value - not to mention sophisticated, authentic style and spot-on service. We thought this would be a really fun thing to offer our guests to expose them to how special the hotel is," said Schrager.

Of course, we'll let you know when we see the deal live - be sure to let us know if you scored a room!

PUBLIC Hotel in Chicago plans $1 sale originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 10 Jan 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1 sale1Saleian schragerIanSchragerpublic chicagoPublicChicagoTue, 10 Jan 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Budget Vacation Guide 2012: Siem Reap, Cambodia]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/10/budget-vacation-guide-2012-siem-reap-cambodia/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/10/budget-vacation-guide-2012-siem-reap-cambodia/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/10/budget-vacation-guide-2012-siem-reap-cambodia/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,



Not only is Cambodia still one of the poorest countries in Asia, but it is also one of the cheapest. Much of this has to do with the fact that seeing as it has only been 12 years since the country officially ended what was nearly 25 years of a brutally armed struggle against various forces, the infrastructure is still recovering and the economy is rapidly trying to play catch up.

That being said, although the value of most foreign currencies still goes a really long way in Cambodia ($.50 beer, $2 tuk-tuk ride across town, $3 entree, $5 hour-long massage), it doesn't mean the quality of the goods necessarily suffers. Of all the cities in Cambodia currently set to make major moves in the international tourism market, none is more poised to do so than the northwestern city of Siem Reap, a city better known as the gateway to Angkor Wat.

Proof that Siem Reap is set to (or already is) blowing up? Over 2.5 million tourists visited the city in 2010, which puts the visitor numbers directly on par with the popular island of Maui. So why is Siem Reap featured here if so many people already know about it? Because on Maui a "cheap" room will run you about $100/night; in Siem Reap, it's $10.

Though the entry fee to the Angkor Wat temple complex is somewhat steep at $20 for a one day pass, you can still get a personal driver to shuttle you around for the entire day for as low as $12. Grab a $3 plate of fish amok and a $.50 Angkor beer back in town on Pub Street, and enjoy the rejuvenated energy of the ancient Angkor Kingdom without making a temple-sized dent in your wallet.



[flickr image via Chi King]

Budget Vacation Guide 2012: Siem Reap, Cambodia originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 10 Jan 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventure-travelAngkor WatAngkor Wat entrance feeAngkorWatAngkorWatEntranceFeeannual visitors to Siem ReapAnnualVisitorsToSiemReapbudget-travelBudgetGuide2012cheapest countries in AsiaCheapestCountriesInAsiapoorest countries in AsiaPoorestCountriesInAsiaPub Street Siem ReapPubStreetSiemReaptravel CambodiaTravelCambodiaTue, 10 Jan 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Win the trip of a lifetime from Lonely Planet and Bing]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/12/27/win-the-trip-of-a-lifetime-from-lonely-planet-and-bing/http://www.gadling.com/2011/12/27/win-the-trip-of-a-lifetime-from-lonely-planet-and-bing/http://www.gadling.com/2011/12/27/win-the-trip-of-a-lifetime-from-lonely-planet-and-bing/#commentsFiled under:

bing lonely planet sweepstakesYour dream vacation could become a reality through a new holiday sweepstakes hosted by Bing and sponsored by Lonely Planet.

The Grand Prize winner and a guest will work with Lonely Planet staff and authors to devise a customized 15 day/14 night itinerary exploring up to four destinations around the world, up to a value of $30,000.

The sweepstakes kicks off on December 29th at midnight PT/3 am ET and lasts for 24 hours. To enter, just log onto Bing's Magical Holiday Calendar, which is offering sweepstakes and giveaways throughout the month of December.

Continue reading Win the trip of a lifetime from Lonely Planet and Bing

Win the trip of a lifetime from Lonely Planet and Bing originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 27 Dec 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bingdream tripdream vacationDreamTripDreamVacationitineraryLiverpoollonely planetLonelyPlanettravel contesttravel sweepstakesTravelContestTravelSweepstakestrip of a lifetimeTripOfALifetimeTue, 27 Dec 2011 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Want to win a flight anywhere in the world?]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/12/23/want-to-win-a-flight-anywhere-in-the-world/http://www.gadling.com/2011/12/23/want-to-win-a-flight-anywhere-in-the-world/http://www.gadling.com/2011/12/23/want-to-win-a-flight-anywhere-in-the-world/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Yes. Anywhere in the world. Provided the ticket is under $1,500 (no business class to Cape Town, in other words).

If you're in need of a travel fix for 2012, this seriously couldn't be easier. To celebrate the launch of their new site, The Ambler, a site that focuses on Central American travel and culture, the creators of the site are offering readers the chance to win a $1500 travel voucher to the airline of their choice.

All that's needed for entry is to leave a comment on a life-changing travel experience in order to be entered into the grand drawing. Vote for your favorite travel stories left by fellow users, and, as online contests usually go, the person with the most votes at the end of the contest period will be the winner of a spanking new ticket to a destination of their dreams.

So what are you waiting for? 15 seconds of your life could put you 15,000 miles around the globe, with $1,500 to get you there. When it comes to global travel, I'll hop at any opportunity for a way to get back out on the road.

For more information or to enter the contest, visit the contest site and start thinking how travel has made you who you are today.

Want to win a flight anywhere in the world? originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 23 Dec 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airline ticket contestsAirlineTicketContestsContestswin a 1500 airline ticketwin a ticket anywhere in the worldWinA1500AirlineTicketWinATicketAnywhereInTheWorldFri, 23 Dec 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Would you get married in the nude?]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/12/18/would-you-get-married-in-the-nude/http://www.gadling.com/2011/12/18/would-you-get-married-in-the-nude/http://www.gadling.com/2011/12/18/would-you-get-married-in-the-nude/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

hedonism How would you like to win a free wedding in Jamaica and be on national television? Well, now you can. The only catch is you have to exchange vows in the nude.

Hedonism II, a resort that is well-known for "shattering inhibitions and provoking the kind of behavior people don't talk about in polite circles", is currently looking for 10 couples to get married in the buff for a major network documentary on Valentine's Day, 2012 (don't worry, your parts will be blurred on air).

Not only will couples receive a complimentary 4-night stay at the all-inclusive resort, but also a "Dream Wedding". Funny, every time I've pictured my dream wedding I'm wearing a dress. The resort does have a lot of perks for couples, like the on-site Blue Mahoe Spa, beach and garden view rooms, en suite Jacuzzis, private terraces, 5 bars, and onsite entertainment and dining.

If you'd like to be considered as a contestant, fill out of the form here and submit. The deadline for applications is January 6, 2012.

Would you get married in the nude? originally appeared on Gadling on Sun, 18 Dec 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>budget travelBudgetTravelcontestcontestsfree weddingFreeWeddingget married in the buffget married in the nudeGetMarriedInTheBuffGetMarriedInTheNudehedonismjamaicanaked weddingNakedWeddingnude weddingNudeWeddingtravel contestTravelContestSun, 18 Dec 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gusta: your online community for food events, worldwide]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/12/09/gusta-your-online-community-for-food-events-worldwide/http://www.gadling.com/2011/12/09/gusta-your-online-community-for-food-events-worldwide/http://www.gadling.com/2011/12/09/gusta-your-online-community-for-food-events-worldwide/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

food eventsWhat happens when two former food-loving Airbnb.com employees get together and create a company? You get Gusta, an online global community of chefs, venues, food enthusiasts, and events.

Founders Chris Collins and Carly Chamberlain wanted an outlet for world and armchair travelers to find out about food events and dining locales in specific regions, and enable them to purchase tickets or make reservations directly from their site.

How it works: industry peeps go to Gusta and post events for supper clubs, food tours, food trucks, cheese shops, wine bars, cooking classes, pop-up and traditional restaurants, food festivals, event spaces, or any other creative food endeavors. You go to Gusta, create a free account, select your city of choice, and see what's going on when you're in town.

Just looking for a great meal? Use Gusta to find, review, and book dining experiences in your home city and when you travel. Want to automatically receive a $10 coupon for any one event posted on Gusta? Click here. Happy holidays!

Gusta: your online community for food events, worldwide originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 09 Dec 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>barsbeer tastingsBeerTastingscheese shopsCheeseShopscooking classescooking schoolCookingClassesCookingSchoolculinary travelCulinaryTravelfine diningFineDiningfood festivalsfood sitesfood stampsfood trucksFoodFestivalsFoodSitesFoodStampsFoodTruckslocal foodLocalFoodpop up restaurantspopularPopUpRestaurantsrestaurant reservationsRestaurantReservationsrestaurantsstreet foodStreetFoodwine barwine pairingwine shopswine tastingWineBarWinePairingWineShopsWineTastingFri, 09 Dec 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Budget travel: Megabus is giving away 200,000 free tickets]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/12/07/budget-travel-megabus-is-giving-away-200-000-free-tickets/http://www.gadling.com/2011/12/07/budget-travel-megabus-is-giving-away-200-000-free-tickets/http://www.gadling.com/2011/12/07/budget-travel-megabus-is-giving-away-200-000-free-tickets/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

budget travel Because transportation is often one of the most expensive parts about traveling, it's always nice to get a free ride. And for people traveling around the United States and Toronto from January 4 through March 1, 2012, Megabus is giving away 200,000 free seats.

Megabus, which launched in April of 2006, is already known for it's budget-friendly prices and offering rides that start at $1 when booked on the internet. The company services nearly 50 cities through the United States and Canada from five major hubs which include New York, Chicago, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., and Toronto. For those who value comfort, Megabus' single and double decker buses offer panoramic windows, free wi-fi, and at-seat plug ins.

To reserve a free ride, use the promo code GOFREE when booking. The offer is based on availability and if you can travel midweek and/or on some of the more popular routes you shouldn't have a problem taking advantage of the offer.

Budget travel: Megabus is giving away 200,000 free tickets originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 07 Dec 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>budget transportationbudget travelBudgetTransportationBudgetTravelfreefree transporationfree travelFreeTransporationFreeTravelmegabusnorth america travelNorthAmericaTraveltravel dealstravel promotionTravelDealsTravelPromotionunited states travelUnitedStatesTravelWed, 07 Dec 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Eurail to expand into Slovakia]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/12/02/eurail-to-expand-into-slovakia/http://www.gadling.com/2011/12/02/eurail-to-expand-into-slovakia/http://www.gadling.com/2011/12/02/eurail-to-expand-into-slovakia/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Attention college students, rail-lovers, and European travelers with a fear of flying. Eurail has just announced that starting in 2012 the national railway of Slovakia will be included in the oft-purchased Eurail Global Pass, thereby linking Slovakia with 22 other nations in what has historically been many traveler's favorite means of scouring the European continent.

When I last took a train into Slovakia it was before the country was even a member of the European Union, much less part of Eurail. There were guns, and soldiers, and a hailstorm of passports being thrown about the cabin from all angles. It was also New Years Eve, the streets were full of liquored up Germans, and there was a tight-wearing archer shooting flaming arrows across the Danube. That's another story for another time, however.

With the addition of Slovakia into the Eurail network, it's now possible to connect the Slovakian capital of Bratislava with virtually anywhere else in Europe for the low 15-day price of €345, if, of course, you're under 26 years old. The rest of us, per Eurail standard rates, are still forced to shell out considerably more.

Regardless, for those lucky European travelers holding a fancy new 23 country Eurail Global Pass for 2012, you are now stuck with 3,616 more km of rail to further complicate your decision on how to get from Athens-Zurich, all the while attempting to fill in towns that start with the remaining 24 letters of the alphabet while you're at it.

Photo: Flickr/Chris Yunker

Eurail to expand into Slovakia originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 02 Dec 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Eurail Global PassEurailGlobalPasshow many countries are in EurailHowManyCountriesAreInEurailSlovakia EurailSLovakia joins the EurailSlovakiaEurailSlovakiaJoinsTheEurailFri, 02 Dec 2011 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Gilt City lets you name your own Virgin America plane and take your friends on a trip - for just $60,000]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/11/28/gilt-city-lets-you-name-your-own-virgin-america-plane-and-take-y/http://www.gadling.com/2011/11/28/gilt-city-lets-you-name-your-own-virgin-america-plane-and-take-y/http://www.gadling.com/2011/11/28/gilt-city-lets-you-name-your-own-virgin-america-plane-and-take-y/#commentsFiled under: ,


gilt city cyber mondayIn search of a luxe holiday gift for someone special? You don't have to shell out for the G5.

For just $60,000 this Cyber Monday, Gilt City has partnered with Virgin America to offer a lucky person the chance to name a Virgin plane (permanently!) and enjoy a round-trip flight for the purchaser and 145 of their closest friends. You can take any roundtrip nonstop domestic flight (Las Vegas, Seattle, San Francisco, Chicago, New York and DC are on the list) on your own schedule, plus enjoy WiFi, a complimentary checked bag each and extra Gilt City amenities during the flight.

It's a pretty sweet deal, coming out to just $411 per person, which is about the price of a roundtrip flight anyway. Even better? You can depart and leave whenever you wish, so long as you abide by the "four months in advance" reservation requirement.

Just one catch - you need to sign up for a free Gilt City membership to buy. But don't worry, we've got an invite code for you.

Gilt City lets you name your own Virgin America plane and take your friends on a trip - for just $60,000 originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 28 Nov 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cyber mondayCyberMondaygilt cityGiltCitytravel dealsTravelDealsvirgin americaVirginAmericaMon, 28 Nov 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Deep discounts on luxury travel from Abercrombie & Kent]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/11/27/deep-discounts-on-luxury-travel-from-abercrombie-and-kent/http://www.gadling.com/2011/11/27/deep-discounts-on-luxury-travel-from-abercrombie-and-kent/http://www.gadling.com/2011/11/27/deep-discounts-on-luxury-travel-from-abercrombie-and-kent/#commentsFiled under:

Deep discounts on luxury travel from Abercrombie & Kent

Have you always wanted to go on safari in Kenya, tour the colorful markets and Mughal palaces of India's Golden Triangle, or explore the mysterious Incan settlements of Peru and do so in style? Beginning on Cyber Monday, Abercrombie & Kent will begin its Six Days of Holiday Savings sale, during which 10 luxury trips of a lifetime will be on sale.

Starting at 9am CST on November 28 and running through 1pm CST on December 3, Abercrombie & Kent is offering substantial mark-downs on trips from Amsterdam to Tanzania. Some A&K luxury travel packages will be on sale at a 50 percent discount. The best deals are an 11-day tour of India priced from $2,455 per person (originally $5,595); a six-day journey to Peru and Machu Picchu from $2,395 (usually $5,095); and an eight-day Thailand temple trip priced from $1,660 (was $4,295). You can also choose from Paris in the spring (from $2,495 for six days), a five-day jaunt to Florence and Chianti (from $1,395), and five other "guided independent journeys" starting from $1,795.

All of the packages included in A&K's six-day sale must be booked by December 3 and take place in spring 2012. So, your chance to become a luxury traveler - or to surprise a loved one with a truly one-of-a-kind gift - is just a click away this Cyber Monday. Visit abercrombiekent.com for details.

Deep discounts on luxury travel from Abercrombie & Kent originally appeared on Gadling on Sun, 27 Nov 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>abercrombie and kentAbercrombieAndKentcyber mondayCyberMondayluxury travelLuxuryTraveltourstravel dealstravel packagesTravelDealsTravelPackagesSun, 27 Nov 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Even more Cyber Monday hotel and travel deals]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/11/26/even-more-cyber-monday-hotel-and-travel-deals/http://www.gadling.com/2011/11/26/even-more-cyber-monday-hotel-and-travel-deals/http://www.gadling.com/2011/11/26/even-more-cyber-monday-hotel-and-travel-deals/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

cyber monday travel dealsBlack Friday and Cyber Monday aren't just for holiday shopping. You can get great deals on holiday travel too. Writer Melanie has already tracked seven great Black Friday travel deals and Chris found some awesome Black Friday cruise and general travel promos but there are more floating in every day. Peruse the list below, and let us know if we're missing any - we'll add it right in!

Best Western
Purchase a $100 Best Western Travel Card online and receive a bonus $20 gift card reward for yourself. Cyber Monday shoppers can choose a $20 Best Western Travel Card, or a $20 gift card from participating retail partners. The Best Western Travel Card can be used like cash to pay for accommodations at more than 4,000 Best Western hotels worldwide. BWR members will be able to take advantage of this special offer now, through Monday, Nov. 28 at 11:59 p.m MST.

Abercrombie & Kent
The luxe tour company is offering independent departures to 10 of their most popular destinations at up to 50% off during the Six Days of Holiday Savings, from November 28 at 9 a.m. to December 3 at 1 p.m. CST.

Cape Resorts Group
Starting Friday and going to midnight Monday, purchase $100 in gift cards and receive a $20 bonus gift card. With every additional $125 purchased received additional $25 on your bonus gift card. The card is valid at all Cape Resorts in Cape May, NJ.

Marriott's Florida Hotels
JW Marriott, Marriott Hotels & Resorts and Renaissance Florida hotels and resorts are joining in on the e-shopping spree with up to 25% savings on Cyber Monday with rates starting from $95 to $186 per night. The one-day only online sale is available for those who book on Monday, Nov. 28, 2011 for stays through Jan. 8, 2012.* For reservations, visit www.marriott.com/floridacybermonday (live on Cyber Monday) or visit www.marriott.com and enter the promotional code DOD.

Omni Hotels & Resorts
The Omni Hotels & Resorts "Holiday Treat" limited time offer is back for a second year, offering travelers exceptional values on wonderful winter destinations. From Black Friday through Cyber Monday, rooms across the brand will range from $79 to $119 in favorite Omni destinations such as Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Fort Worth, New York, San Francisco and more. Plus, in honor of the official kick-off to the holiday shopping season, Omni will give away 100 room nights to 100 followers at Facebook.com/OmniHotels.

InterContinental Hotels Group
IHG's (InterContinental Hotels Group) is offering a Twitter-exclusive travel deal with their "Gotta Get 100" promotion. Followers of @IHG_Deals who uncover the "Gotta Get 100" link and register for the promotion Nov. 1 through Nov. 28 will be eligible for $100 off of any flight on any airline to any destination, when they book two consecutive weekend nights (Friday, Saturday or Sunday) at any IHG hotel throughApril 29, 2012. IHG is also giving away a $100 prepaid gift card for every day of the "Gotta Get 100" promotion. For more details visit www.ihg.com/get100rules.

Continue reading Even more Cyber Monday hotel and travel deals

Even more Cyber Monday hotel and travel deals originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 26 Nov 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black fridayblack friday hotelblack friday travelBlackFridayBlackFridayHotelBlackFridayTravelcyber mondaycyber monday hotelcyber monday travelCyberMondayCyberMondayHotelCyberMondayTravelhotel dealsHotelDealstravel dealsTravelDealsSat, 26 Nov 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Seven Black Friday and Cyber Monday hotel deals for 2011]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/11/25/2011-black-friday-and-cyber-monday-hotel-deals/http://www.gadling.com/2011/11/25/2011-black-friday-and-cyber-monday-hotel-deals/http://www.gadling.com/2011/11/25/2011-black-friday-and-cyber-monday-hotel-deals/#commentsFiled under: ,

2011 Black Friday and Cyber Monday Hotel Deals As a holiday purist, I lament the day that "Black Friday" and its sister "Cyber Monday" supplanted Thanksgiving as November's most anticipated event. But as a shopper, in particular a seeker of travel deals, I always look forward to seeing what kinds of discounts I can gobble up.

This year, quite a number of hotels are offering flash sales on Black Friday (November 25), Cyber Monday (November 28), or both. Here is a sampling of some of the deals that came across the wire at Gadling Labs. Discounts are not limited to U.S.-based hotels; there are also deals in Canada, Mexico, and Costa Rica. All times listed for the deals are Eastern Standard Time (EST) unless otherwise noted.

Charles Hotel, Cambridge, MA
This smart hotel a few steps from Harvard University is offering a one-hour flash sale on Cyber Monday. From 11:28am to 12:28pm on November 28, the Charles will offer a 50% discount off all of its room rates, including suites, good for a stay between December 3, 2011, and March 31, 2012. Booking a room during the flash sale will also net you a $50 gift card at the hotel's new Corbu Spa & Salon. Click here on 11/28 at 11:28am and use the code CYBER11.

Continue reading Seven Black Friday and Cyber Monday hotel deals for 2011

Seven Black Friday and Cyber Monday hotel deals for 2011 originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 25 Nov 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Black FridayBlackFridaycyber mondayCyberMondayHawaiihotel dealsHotelDealshotelstravel dealsTravelDealsFri, 25 Nov 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[LivingSocial launches "room service" in the Washington, DC market]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/11/16/livingsocial-launches-room-service-in-the-washington-dc-marke/http://www.gadling.com/2011/11/16/livingsocial-launches-room-service-in-the-washington-dc-marke/http://www.gadling.com/2011/11/16/livingsocial-launches-room-service-in-the-washington-dc-marke/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


livingsocial room serviceThis week, deal megalith LivingSocial announced their newest food service offering, dubbed "room service" in its hometown market of Washington, DC.

It marks the first time LivingSocial has offered a non discounted product to users, but also greatly expands their market. How does this fit into travel, you ask? It's simple - restaurants in LivingSocial areas are now offering delivery, which makes "ordering in" to your hotel room easier than ever - and eliminates those ridiculous room service taxes and charges. The options are limited so far, as the service is very much in beta, but we can see this being an easy option for restaurants that are already offering delivery and a popular service among LivingSocial's consumer base. Of course, restaurants that want to apply a "deal" to their delivery certainly can, and so we'll likely see great discounts in the future.

Even more interesting is their new "Room Service" option, which pairs LivingSocial with fine dining restaurants to offer a true gourmet service in the privacy of your apartment, home or living room.

According to Living Social: "Along with an elegantly plated meal on ceramic dishware, we'll provide you with everything you need, from a cloth napkin to candles. As for those dirty dishes? We'll take care of those, too. Just place them in a LivingSocial Room Service container, leave them outside your door the next day, and we'll pick them up."

Sounds simple enough to us. The restaurants partnering with the site in its beta test will offer pre-set menus and will likely be around the cost of a menu for two plus tip. Delivery, the fine print says, is only available on Thursday or Friday nights and within a two-mile radius of the restaurant.

If the first restaurant to pilot the program in DC, Kushi, is any indication, the restaurants will be of a rather high quality - this is by far one of our favorite sushi spots in the city. The menu offerings look more like a high-end tasting menu than a standard dinner, and the price, $66 per person with tax, tip and delivery, sounds quite reasonable for the amount of food and quality offered. We only wish they delivered wine and cocktails too!

It's too early to tell what implications, if any, this will have on actual room service at hotels, but we can surely say that we'll be testing the offering at our home in Arlington, Virginia (just outside the DC line) sometime very, very soon
.

LivingSocial launches "room service" in the Washington, DC market originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 16 Nov 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>living socialLivingSocialroom serviceRoomServicewashington dcWashingtonDcWed, 16 Nov 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[In the United States? Catch a free ride with the Kindness Cab]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/11/01/in-the-united-states-catch-a-free-ride-with-the-kindness-cab/http://www.gadling.com/2011/11/01/in-the-united-states-catch-a-free-ride-with-the-kindness-cab/http://www.gadling.com/2011/11/01/in-the-united-states-catch-a-free-ride-with-the-kindness-cab/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

the kindness cabFrom now up until November 13, 2011, anyone located in between Washington D.C. and Los Angeles, California, can catch a free ride in a 1985 London Sterling taxi. CouchSurfer Leon Logothetis started driving the Kindness Cab in a an effort to give back to the community as well as raise money for charity. If you're interested in hitching a ride with him, you can click here to follow his whereabouts and connect.

Years ago, Logothetis hitchhiked from New York to L.A., relying on the kindness of strangers to get around. Now, as he re-traces his original route, he is repaying the favor. On his first day in New York, he drove thirteen hours and picked up thirty passengers. The entire journey will end on November 13, 2011, World Kindness Day.

Here is a list of where and when you can catch the Kindness Cab next:

October 31- Chicago
November 3- St. Louis
November 7- Denver
November 9- Santa Fe
November 10- Phoenix
November 11- Las Vegas
November 13- Los Angeles

In the United States? Catch a free ride with the Kindness Cab originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 01 Nov 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>americabudget travelBudgetTravelcouch surfingcouchsurfingfree cabfree taxifree transportationFreeCabFreeTaxiFreeTransportationhitchhikingkindness cabkindness dayKindnessCabKindnessDayroadtripunited states road tripUnitedStatesRoadTripusaTue, 01 Nov 2011 11:00:00 EST