Disneyland® special: Everyone Plays for the Kids’ Price

From January 6 through April 30, 2009, when you purchase a 3-Day or longer Disneyland® Resort Park Hopper® souvenir ticket, you’ll pay the kid’s price—even if you’re only a kid at heart! So bring your whole family and celebrate in both Theme Parks—Disneyland® Park and Disney’s California Adventure® Park.

And to make your celebration even more magical, make your ticket part of a Walt Disney Travel Company vacation package, starting at only $68* per person, per day.

Package includes:

• 2-Night Hotel accommodations and a 3-Day Disneyland® Resort Park Hopper® souvenir ticket‡ (Adults pay the kids’ price)

• Mickey’s Toontown Morning Madness‡‡—Enjoy some fun and games with Mickey and his friends one hour before Toontown opens to the rest of their Guests

• Preferred seating at select attractions in Disney’s California Adventure® Park, and more
  - Good Neighbor Hotel Vacations Start At: $68 per person, per day at Quality Inn & Suites during Value Season
  - Resort Hotel Vacations Start At: $95 per person, per day at Disney’s Paradise Pier® Hotel

Please call 1-800-942-3301 for more information or to book !

*Price is per person per day, quad occupancy, 2 adults (18 and over), 1 junior (ages 10-17) and 1 child (ages 3-9), standard room at Quality Inn & Suites. **Price is per person per day, quad occupancy, 2 adults (18 and over), 1 junior (ages 10-17) and 1 child (ages 3-9), standard room at the Disney’s Paradise Pier® Hotel. Valid for arrivals from 1/6/09 through 4/28/09. Travel must be booked by 4/26/09 and completed by 4/30/09. ‡Qualifying packages include a 3-Day Disneyland® Resort Park Hopper® souvenir ticket. Adults pay the same rate as children for a Disneyland® Resort Park Hopper® souvenir ticket of 3 days or longer. First day of use must occur on or before 4/30/09. Tickets expire thirteen (13) days after first use or 5/13/09, whichever occurs first, and each day of use of a ticket constitutes one full day of use. Tickets may not be sold or transferred for commercial use. All offers, events, tickets, age ranges, services, attractions and entertainment may be seasonal and are subject to change without notice. Offer, including package elements and prices, is subject to availability, advance reservations required. ‡‡Entitlement available for one morning throughout the length of your ticket on Monday, Wednesday, Friday or Saturday, and days and times are subject to change without notice. Blockout Dates and other restrictions apply. Not valid with any other discounts or promotions. ©Disney

Buy Four, Get Three Free with Non-Disney Accommodations till March 29

You can travel in 2009 with a Walt Disney World® Resort vacation at a rate so incredible, you won’t want to pass it up. With this offer, you can book a “Buy Four, Get Three Free” package with accommodations at the Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin, participating Downtown Disney® Resort Hotels, and participating Walt Disney World Good Neighbor® Hotels.

Offer Details: When you purchase a 4-night, 4-day non-discounted package that includes accommodations at the Walt Disney World Swan, Walt Disney World Dolphin, participating Downtown Disney Resort hotels, or Walt Disney World Good Neighbor Hotels, they’ll get three additional nights and days (with tickets) free.

Booking Window: Now – March 29, 2009

Travel Dates: Now – August 15, 2009 (subject to availability and block-out dates). Please call 1-800-942-3301 for more details.

Sail Into Savings This Fall with Disney Cruise Line

Spread the word! You can set sail on a fun-filled weekend getaway or embark on an extended vacation in the heart of paradise with a Bahamian or Caribbean vacation with Disney Cruise Line®. If you sail during the dates below, you’ll discover great rates too good to pass up:

• 7-Night Caribbean Cruises from US $849* per person, double occupancy for most sail dates commencing Sept. 19 – Oct. 3, 2009 for Category 11

• 4-Night Bahamian Cruises from US $349* per person, double occupancy for most sail dates commencing Sept. 6-27, 2009 for Category 12

• 3-Night Bahamian Cruises from US $299* per person, double occupancy for most sail dates commencing Sept. 3-24, 2009 for Category 12

*Government Taxes and Fees and excursions are not included. Subject to availability. See Disney Cruise Line brochure for applicable terms and conditions.

3-Day/2-Night Disneyland® Resort Vacations on Sale!

From a sixth birthday to a sixtieth wedding anniversary, there’s so much in life worth celebrating. This year, make your special moment even more memorable with a Disneyland® Resort vacation! And, if you visit on your birthday in 2009, you may be in for an extra special treat! So gather all the people who make you the happiest and come celebrate!

Walt Disney Travel Company vacations include:

• 2-Night accommodations at one of the Hotels of the Disneyland® Resort or a conveniently located Disneyland® Resort Good Neighbor Hotel

• 3-Day Disneyland® Resort Park Hopper® souvenir ticket‡

Enjoy these Special Benefits:

1. Mickey’s Toontown Morning Madness***—Enjoy some fun and games with Mickey and his friends one hour before Toontown opens to the public
2. Preferred seating at select attractions in Disney’s California Adventure® Park
3. Downtown Disney® District Fun Card—add more fun to your shopping, dining, and entertainment experiences with special offers (one per package)
4. Walt Disney Travel Company collectible pin, lanyard, and luggage tag (one per person)
   - Good Neighbor Hotel Vacations Start At: $76* per person, per day at Quality Inn & Suites, and includes 3-Day Theme Park tickets
   - Resort Hotel Vacations Start At: $103** per person, per day at Disney’s Paradise Pier® Hotel, and includes 3-Day Theme Park tickets

Call 1-800-942-3301 for more booking details !

*Price per person, per day, based on quad occupancy, 2 Adults (18 and over), 1 Junior (ages 10-17), 1 Child (ages 3-9), standard room at Quality Inn & Suites during the 2009 Value Season. **Price per person, per day, based on quad occupancy, 2 Adults (18 and over), 1 Junior (ages 10-17), 1 Child (ages 3-9), standard room at Disney’s Paradise Pier® Hotel during the 2009 Value Season. Advance reservations required. Subject to Blockout Dates and availability. Restrictions apply. ‡Includes a 3-Day Disneyland® Resort Park Hopper® souvenir ticket. These tickets expire 13 days after first use or 1/17/10, whichever occurs first, and each day of use of a ticket constitutes one full day of use. Tickets may not be sold or transferred for commercial use. Not valid with any other offer or discount. All tickets, offers, events, age ranges, services, attractions and entertainment may be seasonal and are subject to change without notice. ***Entitlement available for one morning throughout the length of your ticket on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, or Saturday, and days and times are subject to change without notice. Restrictions apply. Total package price starting from $912. © Disney

Atlantis Super Spring Break Special: Stay 4 nights for the price of 3

Atlantis Super Spring Break Special: Stay 4 nights for the price of 3. Prices starting from $499 and kids stay free ! Call 1-800-942-3301 for details!

Call 1-800-942-3301 for details!

TERMS AND CONDITIONS
*Rates is pp, dbl occ., based on Sun. or Mon. arrival, eff. for travel through 5/31/09 in The Beach Towers in a Terrace promo. Valid for new bookings only and must be booked by 4/30/09. Add up to $179pp for mandatory taxes, mandatory housekeeping grats., & utility svc. fees. Other Towers, categories and dates available upon request. Weekend, holiday & peak period surcharges apply. All rates, availability and offers are subj. to chg w/o notice. Not app. to groups & restrictions apply. Rate is based on hotel only and cost of transfers is additional. **Complimentary 4th night offer is valid on new bookings only, for stays of 4 nights or longer to qualify, must be booked by 4/30/09 and is only available in the Super Spring Break package. Complimentary 4th night offer is based on prevailing rate. +$200 air credit is based on qualifying air-inclusive packages of 3 nights or longer, valid one per booking and is redeemable upon completion of the trip. Rebate offer is valid for bookings made 1/10/09-04/06/09 for travel 1/17/09-12/15/09. Certain blackout dates apply. ++Dining plans are per person, per day and include breakfast and dinner at all restaurants on the Super Spring Break Gourmet Dining Plan, and must be purchased at least 3 days prior to arrival date. Children 6 and under eat free with accompanied adult dining plan. You must be 18 years of age or older to enter Aura. Kids 11 years and under stay free with paying adult in room.

Travel Through Aug. 15 with Walt Disney World® Resort Buy Four, Get Three Free Offer

Through March 29, 2009, when you purchase a 4-night, 4-day non-discounted Walt Disney Travel Company Magic Your Way Package, you’ll get three additional nights (with tickets) free. This offer is now valid for stays most nights April 27 – May 18, May 23 – June 06 and June 22 – Aug. 15, 2009.

And, if you take advantage of this offer at Disney’s Old Key West Resort or Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa will receive a $100 Disney Gift Card**, available for arrivals beginning March 30 – April 1 and April 19 – Aug. 15, 2009.

Booking Details: NOW through March 29, 2009

Sample Pricing:
$1375* for a family of four, staying in a standard room at a select Disney Value Resort for stays most nights April 27 – May 18, 2009. That’s like paying $50 per person, per day for this 7-night package!

$1421* for a family of four, staying in a standard room at a select Disney Value Resort for stays most nights May 23 – June 06, June 22 – August 8, 2009. That’s like paying $51 per person, per day for this 7-night package!

$2228* for a family of four, staying in a studio accommodation at a select Disney Deluxe Villa Resort for stays most nights July 19 – August 15, 2009.  That’s like paying $80 per person, per day for this 7-night package.

*Price based on two adults, one junior and one child. The number of packages available at these rates is limited. Magic Your Way Base Tickets are for one Theme Park per day and must be used within 14 days of first use. No group rates or other discounts apply. Advance reservations required.

Lucky Ducks. . . Kids 50% Off Disney Cruises!

Kids 12 and under get 50% off prevailing cruise fare at time of booking

Available for 3-, 4- and 7-Night sailings on most dates March 26, 2009 through May 14, 2009 with two full-fare Guests in the same stateroom.  Government Taxes and Fees not included.

Onboard, you’ll discover something magical for every member of your crew with separate areas for kids, teens, adults and families.  There’s even a day at Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island paradise.

Offer applies to new bookings only.  The number of staterooms allocated for this offer is limited.  Other offers, discounts or onboard credits do not apply.  See Disney Cruise Line® brochure for details and applicable terms and conditions. Call 1-800-942-3301 for more details and to book !

Cosmos Tours

Cosmos tours has offered budget vacations for more than 40 years. Traveling with Cosmos is far easier than going it alone, but you still get plenty of free time to do what you want. Cosmos has refined their itineraries over the years to combine the must-see sights with significant time on your own. They now offer more choice of activities, and longer stays in key cities for more flexibility. You can book a complete package including airfare, accommodations, transportation and the services of a knowledgeable Tour Director for much less than if you booked them individually on your own. You can also choose to book your packages land only if you are planning to use mileage points of find a better air quote online.

Why Cosmos tours?

Great value: complete travel packages including hotel, transportation, sightseeing, and a professional Tour Director for as low as $75 a day.

Visits to major and must-see sights included in the vacation price.

Expert Tour Directors share their unique stories and knowledge of destinations.

Well chosen, pre-selected hotels so you can relax in a comfortable, clean, and attractive environment.

Optional excursions at an unbeatable value—diverse enough for unique interests, and all reasonably priced.

A dynamic blend of transportation including first-class motorcoach, rail, air, and cruise—we make getting there part of the fun.

Many meals included in the package price for a great value, plus the freedom to experience the local fare as you wish.

Plenty of leisure time to explore on your own or sit back and take it all in.

More than 45 years experience showing people the world.

Portage included—not handling your own bag really makes you feel like you are on vacation.

Cosmos vacations are recommended by Budget Travel from renowned travel expert Arthur Frommer.

Cosmos budget travel packages receive a 93 percent satisfaction rating on our customers’ post-vacation surveys.

Here is a wonderful blog and review from one of our clients who recently experienced a Cosmos tour.

Don’t Overspend on a Cruise

Cruises are an excellent value. Food, entertainment and many onboard activities are included in the price of the trip. Still, it is easy to overspend if you’re not careful.

Where can the spending add up? Watch the beverages, shore excursions, spa treatments and items ship sell onboard. Many are over priced.

Talk to your travel agent about the port you are visiting and read online blogs. In many islands you can just walk off the ship for shopping and beaches, where on others you will want to buy an excursion or take a cab.

Want a relaxing massage or facial? Regular prices are about 20 to 30% higher than you would pay at a local spa. The best time for a Spa treatment is the days you are in port, where they will run $20 to $60 off per treatment. Keep in mind even if you have an excursion planned for the day, the spa is open until 10 p.m. Try to avoid getting your hair & nails done onboard. They are expensive and usually do not offer any specials on these services. Also, they will try to sell you products at the end of your treatment. Ask questions and write the name of the items down but purchase it when you get home. You can usually find cheaper price on the Internet. Elemis for example often offers 10% off on online purchases.

Consider purchasing packages, such as the soda, wine, beer, coffee or ice cream programs. I was recently on a 7 day cruise where it cost $29 per person. When you consider that each soda costs $3, and my husband usually drinks a minimum of 5 per day, he easily would have spent $80 or $90 on soda versus the $29.  Tea, coffee, milk & juice is free onboard, but name brand coffee such as Seattle Best or specialty coffee drinks, there is an additional charge. Ice cream can be ordered each night in the dining room with your choice of topping and whip cream, so perhaps pass on the $3.50 ice cream sundae and wait for dessert. You can always order 2 desserts if something else on the menu interest you. Chocolate cake with a side of vanilla ice cream perhaps? Don’t forget about Internet packages. If you know you want to check emails, buy minutes ahead of time in blocks of 15 minutes or longer. It takes a little longer to log in at sea anyway, so you need to have a little extra time set aside. If you don’t purchase a package, they charge as much as .70 to .80 cents per minute, where packages bring down the cost to .30 to .50 cents per minute depending on the amount of time you purchase and the cruise line.

Specialty dining: In recent years ships have now offer restaurants that have a cover charge.  The food & service in these venues are usually top notch, but if you are on a budget, you can skip it without being cheated. It’s not that $20 or $25 is not worth it for Brazilian Lobster or Kobe beef, but depending on  the ship you are on, there is usually a great selection in the regular dining room without paying additional. The menu’s are posted early each day outside of the dining room, so take a look and see what interests you. If you don’t feel like dressing up, then the buffet usually has the same items being offered in the formal dining room.

Gratuities: Your bar bill include 15% tip each time you order. There is no need to tip additional money, unless you feel the service is “above and beyond.”

Watch the casino! Cruise lines are making it easier for you to spend your money. On many ships, In the slot machines, you just insert your room key and you can deduct the amount you’d like right from your account. It is harder to keep track of how much you are spending versus using cash, since no receipt prints out. Best bet is to have a budget in mind for each night, take cash and walk out when it’s gone.

Last but not least shopping. Although items onboard are duty free, chances are you can purchase the items cheaper in port. You can “negotiate” with local vendors most of the time to get the price down, where on the ship it is a fixed price.  Also be aware of the shopping allowance per person. When visiting the Caribbean, you are eligible for a $800 pp exemption. You may also bring back 1 liter of alcohol, up to 200 cigarettes and up to 100 non-Cuban cigars. You will be asked to complete a form prior to disembarking the ship that explains all of these exemptions.  Keep all of your receipts handy just in case you are questioned by customs.

If you are on a budget, you can spend an entire cruise vacation reading, watching movies, swimming, enjoying shows and eating at at no cost to you. Children can spend hours in the kids club, so you do not have to have a lot of out of pocket expenses unless you want to.

We’d love to hear any other money savings ideas from past cruisers.

Europe Budget Travel

Travel during value season (November through April,) with Trafalgar, and you’ll discover how the savings add up! You’ll beat the heat, beat the crowds and all at unbeatable prices. With your choice of 29 itineraries & hundreds of departures, Trafalgar offer an unsurpassed selection of expertly designed travel experiences during the value season.

Choose from vacations to Italy, France, England, Ireland, Spain, Portugal, Greece and many other European destinations. Choose from escorted trips or independent travel. The choice is yours!