Travel Tips

Travel Deals: Warm-Weather Breaks & Family Getaways

Locations in this article:  Chicago, IL Havana, Cuba Las Vegas, NV Miami, FL Minneapolis, MN Orlando, FL Philadelphia, PA

Spring travel season is here and there are savings all over the country. According to data from Orbitz and Kayak, travelers are opting for warm destinations, from Las Vegas to Orlando. Plus, we’ve got family-friendly deals on the water  and a bucket-list Caribbean adventure.

March Madness in Las Vegas

Looking for a cool way to experience March Madness? Check out the Aria in Las Vegas, which has a March Hoops package that lets you watch the NCAA tournament at the Aria’s newly renovated Race & Sports Book. The March Hoops package includes a two-night stay in Aria’s deluxe king, two complimentary entries for The Buffet at Aria with bottomless drinks, reduced admission to Haze Nightclub (Thursday & Friday only), VIP entry to Liquid Pool Lounge plus open champagne bar, two-for-one drinks at Boutique Nightclub Lounge and The Deuce Lounge. Book by April 12 for stays through April 13, 2013. Rates start at $258 (weekdays) and $358 (weekends) and can be booked online or by calling 866-359-7757. Weekday promotion code: ARMM13WD. Weekend promotion code: ARMM13WE. Blackout dates March 10 and 26 and April 6 and  7, 2013.

Spring into Savings 

Spring means four nights for the price of three at select Sofitel properties. Between now and May 20, 2013, the Spring Collection promotion includes a fourth night of savings, an in-room welcome gift and late check out. Sample rates include: Sofitel Chicago Water Tower: $165; Sofitel Philadelphia: $180; Sofitel Miami: $176; Sofitel Minneapolis: $100; Sofitel Montreal Golden Mile: $157. Visit Sofitel online for more information about the Spring Collection.

Inside Cuba

There’s a new way to get to Cuba this spring. Backroads just received its People-to-People license from the Office of Foreign Assets Control and is taking reservations for travel in May and June. Trips are one week long and include educational tours and discussions in Havana and Santa Clara, with visits to sustainable farms, art communities, and other local experiences. Rates are from $5,198 per person (double occupancy) plus $550 internal airfare. Backroads is also taking $600 deposits to secure spots in pending trips this winter. Tours depart from Miami. For more information, visit Backroads.com.

Want more info on travel to Cuba? Get your copy Michelin’s Like a Local guide to Cuba for 50 percent off through the end of March.

Cruising with the Kids

Crystal Cruises is adding17 voyages to its “Kids Sail Free” program. Kids age 17 and under can sail for free when sharing a third berth stateroom with two adults. Chooe from seven- to 15-day voyages in the Mediterranean, Western Europe, North Cape, Baltic, British Isles, Canary Islands, and across the Atlantic from May-December aboard Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony. The cruises feature the new Magic Castle at Sea and other all-ages shows, digital filmmaking classes, and dedicated teen spaces. Fares start at $2,495 per adult if booked by April 30. For more information, call 888-799-4625, or visit www.crystalcruises.com

Orlando Spring Deals

Celebrate spring at Orlando World Center Marriott with 15 percent three-night stays or 20 percent four-night getaways.  Rates start from $155 per night, for travel through May 15, 2013. You must book by May 1, 2013 to take advantage of this deal. The resort features falls pool, a championship golf course, Bill Madonna Golf Academy at Hawk’s Landing Golf Club, and 10 restaurants and lounges, including a food court. The resort is just 1.5 miles from Walt Disney World and within easy access of Orlando’s other theme parks. For more information, visit www.marriottworldcenter.com.

Festival Season on Nantucket

Nantucket’s two retro chic boutique hotels, Veranda House and Chapman House, are offering special rates just in time for a series of events. The Countdown to Summer 3-2-1 promotion includes two round-trip passes on the Steamship Authority’s service from Hyannis (valued at $158) for a two-night stay and one free pass for a two-night stay. Rates during May and June start at $199 midweek and $249 on the weekends at the Veranda House and $169 midweek and $209 weekends at Chapman House. Special events include the Nantucket Wine Festival (Mah 15-19), Figawi Race Weekend (May 25-27),  Nantucket Restaurant Week (June 3-9), and Nantucket Film Festival (June 26-30).  For more information call 877-228-0695, or visit www.theverandahouse.com