Hotel prices and airline and cruise fares usually go up as the peak summer vacation months approach. But there are plenty of travel deals to book now to help you stretch your family travel budget for now through fall 2011.
Cruise deals —
Kids sail free on Norwegian Cruise Lines cruises through September 2011. The catch — you have to book by Saturday, May 7th. Norwegian also is offering 10% discounts to AARP members. So make it a 3G vacation — three generations.
Crystal Cruises now offers a ‘standby’ program, for travelers with flexible schedule to grab last-minute cabins for sailings in May and June at up to 75% off brochure prices. The standby deal is for sailings to Alaska, the Baltic and North Cape, and rates are as low as $2995 for a 12-day cruise.
Hotel deals —
Marriott and Rennaissance hotels and resorts in Florida have launched a “Get It While It’s Hot” promotion, for up to 25% off rates on stays from May 15th through September 30th, if you book by May 13th. There’s a special website — Marriott Florida Summer Deals. To book, select the hotel of choice and use the exclusive rate code F9L. Participating hotels and resorts include locations in Orlando, home of Disney theme parks.
Club Med is back with with a special semi-annual sale for families and another for couples. Seven night all-inclusive family escapes are starting from just $599 per person, and couples getaways from $849 per person, if you book by July 11, 2011. The rates are good for travel through December 23rd, when higher Christmas season rates kick in. The two family-friendly Club Med destinations are Sandpiper Bay in Florida and Ixtapa Pacific in Mexico. Kid’s activities include everything from petit tennis, golf and sailing to circus school and cooking classes.
posted by Evelyn Kanter
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