Where do you go for information on budget travel?  Well, there's always this site, where, from time to time we offer inexpensive vacation ideas or links to last-minute travel bargains. 

There's also Frommer's Budget Travel magazine, where 10 times a year you get an issue full of ideas for cheap vacations and budget travel.  If you buy it at the newstands you would be paying $45 per year for all 10 issues.  But, if you subscribe, you can get a full year for only $11.97 a year for 10 issues. 

The hot new thing is how to live frugally.  But, being frugal doesn't mean you have to cut out travel from your life.  You just have to learn to do it within your budget. Anyway, for $11.97 per year you may find some bargains which mean you don't have to cancel your next vacation.  Take a look (clicking on the "buy" button doesn't mean you're buying it now; it takes you to a description, so you can decide if you want to buy it):

Arthur Frommer's Budget Travel Arthur Frommer's Budget Travel magazine offers a wealth of credible advice and practical wisdom about all aspects of affordable leisure travel. Each issue is jam-packed with travel information, including the latest bargains, hot tips and useful facts. Arthur Frommer's Budget Travel addresses all the real-life concerns of value-minded travelers!

        

The Chicago Tourism Board has included information on its website (choosechicago.com) about the favorite haunts of President-Elect Barack Obama and his family.  For example: 

The Obama Family's Favorite Restaurants:

Topolobampo
445 North Clark Street
Chicago, IL

Described as "elegant regional Mexican cuisine," owned by chef Rick Bayless. 
 

R.J. Grunts
2056 N Lincoln Park W
Chicago, IL

Described as a place to go for a casual bite. 

Sepia
123 N Jefferson St
Chicago, IL

Described as "inventive American cuisine; said to be Michelle Obama's favorites.

MacArthur's
5412 W Madison St
Chicago, IL

Serving fine Southern Cuisine; said to be one of Barack Obama's favorite Chicago restaurants. 

Favorite Shopping Spots of the Obama Family:

57th Street Books
1301 E 57th St
Chicago, IL

Maria Pinto Boutique
2211 N Elston Ave
Chicago, IL

Sells dresses by Chicago designer Maria Pinto, a favorite designer of Michelle Obama.

So, on your next getaway to Chicago, you might want to check these places out. And, what better way to experience Chicago, the home of future president Barack Obama than a stay at one of the Presidential Suites the city has to offer?  Just know they're not cheap.  Most of the times you can't even find the rates of the presidential suites on the websites.  You know, if you have to ask, you can't afford it anyway.  Oh, well, here are a select few:

Four Season's Hotel Chicago
120 East Delaware Place
Chicago, Ill

The 2,315 square-foot Presidential Suite at the Four Season's Hotel Chicago occupies a corner position on the 46th floor, with a sweeping view of Lake Michigan.  The suite also has two private bars.

Also included:   two king beds, and two rollaway beds (by request).  And, two full marble bathrooms, with a guest powder room.  Is it me, or does a "rollaway bed" in a presidential suite seem weird? 

Sheraton Chicago
301 East North Water Street
Chicago, IL

The Presidential Suites of the Sheraton Chicago include a Contemporary, Oriental and Southwestern Presidential Suites which all feature themed decor and fabulous views of the city skyline and Lake Michigan.  You also get a full pantry and a complete entertainment center. 

Conrad Chicago
521 North Rush Street
Chicago, IL

The Conrad Chicago is located on the Magnificent Mile, just off Michigan Avenue.  Its 2,000 square-feet Presidential Suite features a 336-square-foot secluded terrace space overlooking the Magnificent Mile. The bathroom features a deep-soaking bathtub and separate shower.

Hyatt Regency Chicago
151 East Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL

I've read the Obama's were celebrating their victory Election night at a Presidential Suite in the Hyatt Regency Chicago.  Don't know if this is true, but if you're looking for an awesome Presidential Suite, this one's a winner.  1,045-square-foot of luxury, with views of the city, river, lake and Navy Pier. You get an extra large parlor with a large plasma screen TV, cable and in-room pay movies, a surround sound system and an iHome Alarm Clock. You can also welcome your guests in the separate living area, then entertain them in the dining area, which can accommodate up to 75 people for a party. 

        

Discovered this little gem of a special that's perfect for a woman with a special man in her life.  Ste. Anne's Spa in Grafton, Ontario is running a special promotion during the month of December where your man friend can accompany you to Ste. Anne's Spa for an overnighter and receive his room and meals free for one night.  This special, which begins at $525 per couple, per night, includes:

• one night's accommodation in a standard room
• breakfast
• lunch
• afternoon tea
• dinner, one wellness class, $100 worth of spa services
• complete use of the facilities

This offer is valid Sunday-Thursday only from December 1, 2008 - December 23, 2008. Rates are based on double occupancy and cannot be combined with any other promotion or special offer. And, of course, this special is subject to availability.

Now, for all you gay male couples out there - I don't really know how this would work for you.  Is one of you included in this?  Not sure.  But, you can always call them and find out.  Their number for reservations is 1-888-346-6772. 

Ste. Anne's Spa is an Aveda destination spa located in Grafton, Ontario (map at the bottom of this post), on over 500 acres of rolling countryside with an awesome view of Lake Ontario.  Ste. Anne’s Main Inn is a restored 1857 fieldstone castle, which, along with a new wing and outdoor property boasts 15 guest rooms, dining and spa facilities, outdoor hydrotherapy tubs, indoor and outdoor pools, fitness facility, eucalyptus steam room, and walking trails.  Weather permitting, these trails are groomed for cross-country skiing in the winter.

Ste. Anne's Spa offers more than 35 spa treatments, including moor mud bath, Reiki, Thai massage, body polish and hot stone massage.

And, for all you equestrians out there...

Ste. Anne's Spa has a deal for you as well, their Horse-2-Heart package.  Ste. Anne's Spa has teamed up with Valley View Stables to allow you to work with a professional coach and horse to learn more about equine behavior and human relationships.  This package can be booked with any overnight package at Ste. Anne's Spa. 

For more information about these packages, as well as other specials at the Spa, go to SteAnnes.com.  For reservations, call 1-888-346-6772. 

Below is a Google Map showing Grafton, Ontario.   You can move the map around to show upper New York state, which is just south of Grafton.

View Larger Map

        

Just received some special, last-minute deals I can pass along to you. To take advantage of the following deals you have to reserve by November 15, 2008. Take a look at the following; there may be something that sparks your interest:

Race to Ski Savings in Denver: Stay at The Curtis from $104, The Ramada Inn Downtown from $79, or The Grand Hyatt from $78!!

SAVE BIG on Adventures Near and Far with Travelocity. 40% off Thousands of Hotels.

Travelocity's Race to Savings Fall Sale. Up to 40% off Thousands of Hotels.

Race to the Beach! Up to 40% of Thousands of Hotels.

Race to Savings with Perfect Weekend Travel Sales!

        

Cooking vacations make for hot getaways!  While some of the more popular cooking destinations include Italy and France, those in the U.S. can find more affordable cooking getaways closer to home, such as the popular Camden Harbour Inn in Camden, Maine, which offers a cooking class package which combines a stay at the Camden Harbour Inn with a cooking class by Natalie's , a AAA four-diamond restaurant. 

The package includes:

• 2 nights weekend stay in a deluxe guestroom or suite
• Gourmet breakfast each morning
• Friday evening cocktail reception with hors d'oeuvres
• Saturday morning cooking demonstration
• An exclusive Natalie's apron
• 5 course gourmand dinner for 2 on Saturday evening at Natalie's
• A personal binder with recipes and tips by Chef de Cuisine Lawrence Klang

during the following dates:

• November 21/22
• December 19/20
• January 16/17
• January 23/24
• January 30/31
• February 6/7
• February 20/21
• March 6/7
• March 20/21

starting at $295 per person, based on double occupancy.

If you're a Foodie, you might want to also want to consider some of their other gourmet-related packages:

Thanksgiving Package
James Beard Gourmet Christmas Package (December 22-26)

Overlooking Penobscot Bay, The Camden Harbour Inn is located within walking distance of the harbor and all of downtown Camden's boutiques and galleries.  For more information, or to reserve a special package, you can contact them at 800-236-4266 or email them at dine@camdenharbourinn.com 

For more information on other cooking vacations, go to our webpage at Cooking Vacations

        

What's a zeppelin?  It's a floating airship - looks like a blimp, but has a rigid internal frame covered with a canvas hull.  And, it's the newest way to see the San Francisco Bay area and wine country north of San Francisco. 

Airship Ventures is a new tour company which is offering three air tours: 

1. Leaving from Moffett Field south of San Francisco and heading north, flying over the Golden Gate Bridge
2. Leaving from the Oakland Business Jet Center and flying over San Francisco landmarks, as well as the Golden Gate Bridge
3. Leaving the Charles M. Schulz Sonoma county airport and flying over wineries of the Russian River Valley or the Anderson Valley

Prices for these flights are as follows:

From Moffett Field

One-hour flight - $495
Two-hour flight - $950

From Oakland Business Jet Center

One-hour flight - $495
Two-hour flight - $950

Wine Country Tour

One-hour flight - $525
Two-hour flight - $975

The above prices are per person.  The zeppelin cabin holds 12 passengers and two crew members.  You can also rent a complete cabin for special occasions from $5,750 for a one-hour flight from Moffett Field or Oakland and $6,100 for a one-hour wine country tour.

For more information, you can go to AirshipVentures.com

 

        

The great thing about fall getaways is that the crowds have thinned and so have the room prices!  So, if you've always wanted to check out Cape May in New Jersey, this Fall is the time to do it with some great Fall specials:

The Mason Cottage
625 Columbia Ave.
609-884-3358

The Mason Cottage is offering a great special on all their rooms, including their deluxe suites with 2-person Jacuzzis and fireplaces: $99, plus tax. That's right, only $99 a night.  There is a two-night minimum stay required.

Located one block down from the ocean, and in the heart of Cape May's historic district, The Mason Cottage is a luxury inn operating year round.  A full breakfast is available each morning in their dining room or on the veranda.

The Southern Mansion
720 Washington Street
1-609-884-7171
1-800-381-3888

Built in 1863, The Southern Mansion has graced the covers of such magazines as "Atlantic City" and "Victorian Homes."  They offer travelers a BOGO package - Buy One, Get One Free - for Monday through Thursday stays from November through April.  With this package, you pay the full summer rate for the first night and the second is free.  This special excludes holidays and the last week in December.  You can go to SouthernMansion.com for rates (click on rates).

Upcoming Events in Cape May, New Jersey

Saturday, November 1, 2008 
 
Fall Arts & Crafts Festival
Our Lady Star of the Sea Parish Hall
Ocean & Lafayette St.

Get your Christmas shopping done early!  With more than 40 vendors to choose from.  From 10AM to 5PM; $1 for adults, free for children under 12. 

Friday, November 7 - Sunday, November 9, 2008

30th Cape May Jazz Festival

The Festival kicks off with a Tribute to Maynard Ferguson, featuring a 16-piece big band led by Ed Vezinho and Jim Ward. Other performers include Jackie Ryan, Pamela Williams, Denis DiBlasio, Michael Pedicin, Frank Bey, Edgardo Cintron, Chembo Corniel, Antoinette Montague, David Cole, and Bob Ferguson.  You can get more info at CapeMayJazz.com.

Sherlock Holmes Weekend

A murder-mystery weekend lasting from Friday night (where you are presented the mystery scenario over dessert, coffee and tea (prizes awarded for Victorian costumes), with a "Search for Clues Tour" on Saturday afternoon, and brunch on Sunday with Mr. Holmes, Dr. Watson and the full cast of characters.  You can go to Sherlock Holmes Weekend for more info.

Things to Do in Cape May:

Visit the Cape May Bird Observatory
701 E. Lake Drive
Cape May Point

Go Whale Watching

Visit the Cape May Lighthouse
Cape May Point State Park, Lower Township

Take a Ghost Tour

        

Finally, two of my favorite things are meeting:  chocolates and spa treatments.

The Inn at Bay Harbor on Northern Michigan's Little Traverse Bay, has put together a fabulous spa package that makes you feel good about eating chocolates.  It's called the "All Things Chocolate - Spa Retreat at The Inn at Bay Harbor," and is billed as a "culinary adventure that will indulge your palette."  My palette's already salivating.

This chocolaty retreat starts at $285 per person for one night's lodging ($398 for two night's lodging), and includes the following:

• six meals
• two cooking classes
• tours of a small local organic farm and local food artisans
• one 50-minute spa service of your choice (does not include "Four Hands Massage")

Prices are per person based on double occupancy.

If you're unfamiliar with Little Traverse Bay in Northern Michigan, it's often referred to as "America's Third Coast", off Lake Michigan. The Inn at Bay Harbor has won many awards, with the most recent ones in 2008 including 2008 being ranked "#1 Hotel in Petoskey" by Tripadvisor.com, and ranking as one of the "Top 500 World's Best Hotels" by Travel+Leisure.

The Inn at Bay Harbor is fortunate to be located between the resort communities of Petoskey and Charlevoix, surrounded by natural beauty, golf courses and ski resorts.  No matter what time of year you visit, you can find much to do:  biking, hiking, golfing, boating, fishing, snowshoeing, skiing and snowmobiling.  And, now, thanks to Inn at Bay Harbor: eating chocolate!

You can call for reservations at Toll-Free: 800-462-6963 or go to InnatBayHarbor.com for more info.

        

Hey, all you train lovers!  Amtrak's USA Rail Pass is now available for purchase in the U.S.!  That's cool, because until recently, the USA Rail Pass could only be bought by travelers who lived outside the country.  Imagine that, now people inside the country can buy a Rail Pass to see the country they live in!

These passes are available for 15, 30 and 45 days of travel, and are spelled out below:

• The 15-day pass offers eight segments of travel for $389
• The 30-day pass offers 12 segments of travel for $579
• The 45-day pass offers 18 segments of travel for $749

Amtrak counts a segment of travel each time a passenger boards a train or connecting Amtrak Thruway bus.

The prices are the same regardless of what time of year you travel, but you must begin your travel within 180 days of purchase.

For those of you not familiar with the pass, it's not a ticket.  You must still have a ticket and reservation for each train you board.

For more details or descriptions you can go to tickets.amtrak.com

        

I have a few special Fall Travel Deals to share with you.

First up is Travelocity's Race to Savings Fall Sale. Up to 40% off Thousands of Hotels.

I went to this page and found the following hotel deals:

50% off (with air):

• Grand Hyatt Seattle
• Hotel Indigo Scottsdale
• JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort and Spa

40% off (with air):

• Grand Oasis Riviera Maya
• Caribe Cove Resort
• Holiday Inn Town Lake

35% off:

• Bahia Resort Hotel
• The Adolphus
• Floridays Resort Orlando

There are more hotels available, so, that link again is: Travelocity's Race to Savings Fall Sale. Up to 40% off Thousands of Hotels.

Paris Hotel Deals

If you've always wanted to travel to Paris and save some cash, here's your chance: Race to Savings in Paris! Stay at Hotel Migny Opera Montmartre from $114, Hotel Magenta from $80, and Au Grand Hotel Francais from $127!

There are many Paris hotels included in this deal from Travelocity, including the budge Grand Hotel Nouvel Opera from $77 a night. This hotel is located near the Bastille and Gare de Lyon station, with direct access via metro to Champs-Elyses. There's also the Notre Dame Maitre Albert Hotel, which is near Notre Dame Cathedral from $154 a night.

Again, that link is Race to Savings in Paris! Stay at Hotel Migny Opera Montmartre from $114, Hotel Magenta from $80, and Au Grand Hotel Francais from $127!

Both of the above specials expire 11/15/2008

Another Paris special is TotalTrip_The Majesty of Europe at a Pauper's Price! Flight + Hotel from $1126! for those of you wanting an all-inclusive deal. This special expires on 11/30/2008.

Car Rental Special

One last special to share with you.

Starting to Save Pennies? Weekend Rentals From $18.99/Day with Hertz!

This deal expires on 12/15/2008.