WHAT WILL THE NEIGHBORS THINK?

~ “Trading down” to get out of town.  A sampling of the best guilt-free escapes this summer~

NEW YORK April 15, 2009 - To go or not to go?  That is the question.  In the midst of the worst economic climate since the Great Depression, even travelers who can still afford to take a vacation are reconsidering where they will go, what they will spend, and what their travel plans will mean in social circles.  A March 2009 study by Ypartnership revealed that 71 percent of active travel households are still planning a trip during the next six months, but 76 percent booked a travel package to save money.

“We’re going, but not as extravagantly this year,” said Linda Rondinelli of suburban East Brunswick, NJ.  “There was a time when keeping up with the Jones’ felt like national sport, but with so many neighbors facing hard times, it seems in bad taste to spend lavishly right now.  We’ve been fortunate, are still planning to travel, but like all of our purchases these days, we’re looking for a value we can talk about.”

Below is a one-stop resource to some of the summer’s best “guilt-free” getaways:

Comfort Suites Paradise Island www.comfortsuitespi.com - Guests can have their cake and eat it too on Paradise Island in the Bahamas with the incredible value-added offerings from Comfort Suites Paradise Island. Not only will they have plenty of room to relax and unwind in a newly renovated suite, but they have full access to all of the excitement at neighboring Atlantis. 

o  Rates at Comfort Suites Paradise Island start at only $119.59 per person through December 23, 2009 and includes breakfast daily, as well as access and signing privileges to Atlantis and its 10 pools; beaches; Lazy River Rides; Dolphin Cay; Aquaventure water park; Mandara Spa; golf; tennis; restaurants; Aura nightclub; and Atlantis casino.

Grand Pineapple Beach Resorts, www.grandpineapple.com - Sandals Resorts’ new value-oriented brand, Grand Pineapple Beach Resorts is offering Grand Deals at its two locations on the beaches of Negril, Jamaica and Antigua’s famed Long Bay. In addition to fun in the sun, every Grand Pineapple Beach vacation experience includes gourmet meals, unlimited premium brand beverages, water sports, nightly entertainment and all taxes and gratuities for one value price.

o  Travelers seeking the hottest deals in the Caribbean throughout 2009 can save up to 50 percent off at Grand Pineapple Antigua when they book a minimum three-night stay by April 30, 2009. Rates start at $177.50.

o  For guests planning vacations in 2010, both Grand Pineapple Antigua and Grand Pineapple Negril are offering up to 25 percent off rack rates until December 22, 2010 for three-night stays booked by April 30, 2009.  Rates start at $104.25.

Delray Beach Marriot, www.marriottdelraybeach.com - Located on Florida's Gold Coast, the Delray Beach Marriot overlooks the pristine beaches on Ocean Boulevard, and is midway between the excitement of Fort Lauderdale and the glamour of Palm Beach.  This summer it’s making it easy for guests to spoil themselves.

o  The Spoil Yourself Spa Package is available for travel booked by December 31st, 2009 with rates starting at $309. Guests booking this package receive a $100 credit at the resort’s beautiful N Spa where they can indulge with an exquisite facial, body treatment, massage or manicure.

Radisson Aruba Resort Casino & Spa, www.radisson.com/aruba - This resort on Aruba’s famed Palm Beach has been a landmark property for the past 50 years.  This summer it is rolling out special room rates and incredible value-added offerings at its award-winning Larimar Spa.

o   The resort’s Summer Five-O Sale provides vacationers a savings of up to $100 per night and a variety of 50-themed discounts for stays April 19 through September 30, 2009, including $50 off signature treatments at Larimar Spa. Rates start at $175.

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