Travel Tips

The Best Early Bird Deals for Spring Travel

Locations in this article:  Atlanta, GA New York City, NY Venice, Italy

Lake GardoSummer can be a great time to travel, but it often means not getting the best rates. If you’re ready for a pre-summer break or want to save on a vacation, check out some of these early bird deals. You can save while bicycling along the waterways of Italy, burn some calories in New York City, see the best of spring blooms in the South, or even enjoy the last of the snow.

Bicycle from Lake Garda to Venice

Right now VBT Bicycling and Walking Vacations is offering $300 off one of its 10-day bicycling trips. You can ride from Lake Garda to Venice, taking in the views of three different rivers and stopping for wine tastings. The trip includes a guided tour of Vicenza to see a UNESCO World Heritage Site of Andrea Palladio’s architecture. You will also spend two nights at a historic villa in the Berici Hills and have a chance to try some homemade grappa. Guests can use the custom VBT bicycle and helmet for free, and the trip is led by two bilingual guides. The package includes airfare, as well as a welcome reception with local wine and hors d’oeuvres. Level of difficulty is from easy to moderate, and includes riding for about two to five hours, anywhere between 15-35 miles each day. You will also have the opportunity to add a pre-trip extension in Verona or post-trip extension in Venice. The 10-day trip starts at $3795, including international airfare. You can also get $300 off all departures from April through June and $100 off of select departures in October. For more information, click here.

IMG_6310Spring Spin Classes in NYC

If you still want to go cycling but stay local, check out the “Get Cyc’d for Spring” package at The Gramercy Park Hotel in New York. The hotel has partnered with NYC spinning studio Cyc to create a wellness-focused package. Included in the package are overnight accommodations and complimentary Wi-Fi. Guests will also be able to attend a spin class at Cyc—an indoor cycling studio that combines cardio and strength training—as well as a fresh-pressed juice to enjoy at the hotel afterward. This package is available until May 31, 2014. Rates begin at $399 per night. For more information, click here.

csgak_phototour23See Spring Blooms in the South

The Lodge and Spa at Callaway Gardens in Georgia is offering a “Come and See Our Bloomers” package. This deal is only for the month of May, but lets you take advantage of spring’s revival and gives you a chance to rejuvenate yourself. Set in the Appalachian foothills (80 miles southwest of Atlanta), this 150-room hotel is the only one located in the Callaway Gardens. This package includes access to the Callaway Gardens, where you can see flowers such as daffodils, bell-shaped tulips, Native Azaleas, and Bigleaf Magnolias. You will also be able to visit the Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center, one of the largest glass-enclosed tropical butterfly conservatories in North America. There you will be able to see over 50 species of butterflies at various stages of life, and the plants they rely on for food. Afterward, you can take advantage of the complimentary spa treatment and healthy culinary options. Rates start at $299 per night. For more information or to book, click here.

Lobby-FireplaceS’mores on the Shores of Lake Arrowhead

The Lake Arrowhead Resort & Spa in Lake Arrowhead, California is currently offering a “Drive, Dine, and Dream” package. The lakeside resort is giving a 30 percent discount off of the best available room rate and a $50 resort credit. Guests can enjoy guided hikes and mountain biking adventures with local outfitters. The hotel’s beach on the lake provides opportunities for swimming, relaxing, and s’mores on the beach. The package is available for overnight stays from Sunday to Thursday through April 30, 2014. Package rates are between $168 and $196 per night. For more information, click here.

snowshoesEnjoy the End of Winter in Vermont

The Hotel Vermont in Burlington, Vermont is currently offering a “Spring Skiing” package for those who want to enjoy the last of winter. The package includes two tickets to Sugarbush Mountain, which is located just outside Burlington in the Mad River Valley. Sugarbush covers 4,000 acres and has 111 trails and over 20 wooded areas. Before hitting the slopes, sit down for a hearty breakfast at Juniper, which is considered to be the best-kept brunch secret in town. Dishes include poppyseed raspberry pancakes and poached duck egg with steamed kale. Non-skiers will also have a chance to enjoy the last of the fresh powder. The hotel offers complimentary snowshoes, which are perfect for discovering the areas around Lake Champlain. Rates begin at $299. For more information or to book, click here.

For more travel deals, take a look at:

By Stephanie Ervin for PeterGreenberg.com