Travel Tips

Travel Deals: Summer Adventure Travel

Locations in this article:  San Francisco, CA

With summer right around the corner, your first instinct might be to run to the beach. Instead, take the time to explore stunning natural and manmade landmarks all around the world.  From mountain hikes to eco-friendly village adventures, we have some unforgettable outdoor deals for you.

The Big Climb

When it comes to outdoor enthusiasts, it’s all about going big or going home. Nothing says “big” more than a climb up Mt. Kilimanjaro.   REI Adventures is offering fit travelers an exclusive 11-day Mt. Kilimanjaro Climb and Safari at a 20 percent discount from its regular retail price, saving you more than $900. The excursion includes a 6-day trek up the summit of Kilimanjaro followed by a 5-day safari through the Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park guided by expert local guides to ensure a personalized experience.  The trip dates are October 6-19, 2012 and must be booked between May 18-28.  Sale price is subject to availability and can be booked online or by calling 1-800-622-2236.

Explore Yellowstone

Summer is the opportune time to explore wildlife in national parks.  Teton Mountain Lodge & Spa in Jackson Hole, Wyoming is offering the National Explorer Package.  This location proves particularly convenient due to the close proximity to both Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park for optimal enjoyment.  The package includes 3 nights lodging with a 7-day pass to GYNP/Yellowstone, a box lunch picnic for two, guidebook to both park, and a $50 gas voucher to get around in ease.  The package is valid May 15 -September 30, 2012 with rates from $567 based on 3-night stay with two children and adults. Visit their website for more information.

Happy 75th Birthday, Golden Gate

San Francisco is celebrating the 75th anniversary of the distinguished Golden Gate Bridge and is inviting guests to join in on the celebration centered around the Golden Gate Festival on May 27th.  Casa Madrona Hotel & Spa located in downtown Sausalito with a supreme view of the Richardson Bay is offering special deals in May.  With close proximity to Napa wine country, downtown San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge, this hotel will give you the balance of quiet comfort and accessibility to the city.  In celebration of the Golden Gate Bridge 75th Anniversary, guests receive a $75 credit to use at the spa when they stay two nights throughout the entire month of May.  Discounts will be taken at time of check-in. Rates valid for dates throughout May 2012. For more information, visit them online.

Save the Forest, Then Hit the Spa

Eco-friendly Topnotch Resort and Spa in Stowe, Vermont introduces a new Tread Softly Package that will contribute $1 and match for each night of stay to Stowe Land Trust, an organization dedicated to conservation of scenic, recreational and productive farm and forest lands.  The package includes two nights accommodation in a deluxe room, a three-hour Green Mountain group trail hike led by a local naturalist, a $35 donation in your name to a local chapter of the Stowe Land Trust and much more.  The package starts at $629 based on double occupancy.  The package is available May 18 through September 9, 2012.  For more information visit the website.

Island Time

For those looking for family friendly excursions, the historical Nisbet Plantation Beach Club on Nevis in the Caribbean Islands is offering a Family Getaway package.  The package includes a 50 percent discount off a Second Garden Deluxe Suite for a 5-night stay, Nevis island tour with picnic lunch at the Botanical Gardens or Paradise Beach, choice of a rainforest hike or sailing cruise on a catamaran, as well as airport transfers.  The package is $5,035 from June 1- October 31, or $5,533 from now to May 31, 2012 for four people.  For reservations and details call (800) 742 -6008 or visit their website.

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By Collette Torunyan for PeterGreenberg.com