Travel Tips

Travel Deals: Groupon, Golf & Going Green

Locations in this article:  San Francisco, CA

Fairmont Hotels LogoSummer is finally here, and for a lot of people, that means it’s time to travel. But despite the busy season and its attendant high prices, that doesn’t mean you have to spend a lot to indulge your urge to vacation. Our roundup of top travel deals can help you save money while still getting great travel experiences. And don’t forget Father’s Day is coming up. If you’re looking for the perfect Father’s Day gift for your golf-obsessed Dad, you’ll really appreciate one of this week’s deals….

Groupon Goes Traveling with Expedia

You can finally stop asking, “Is there a Groupon for travel?” Starting in late June, Groupon Getaways with Expedia will feature discounted travel deals from more than 135,000 hotels worldwide. Discounts are expected to hover around 50 percent off retail rates in the form of a voucher, which can be redeemed within a limited period for future travel. Plans are in the works to expand these offerings to packaged deals, airfare, car rentals, cruises, and activities. For more information, visit www.expedia.com and www.groupon.com/getaways. Learn more about Groupon and how it can help you save money with Groupon, LivingSocial, Yipit And More: Group Buying Sites For Travel.

Treat Dad to an All-Inclusive Golf Getaway at Velas Resorts

Looking for a Father’s Day gift he won’t soon forget? Treat him to a Mexico vacation with golf getaway packages at the all-inclusive Velas Resorts in Puerto Vallarta, Riviera Maya and Riviera Nayarit. Per person rates start from $225 at Velas Vallarta, $260 at Casa Velas, $346 at Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit, and $623 at Grand Velas Riviera Maya, with a three-night minimum stay required. Rates include suite accommodations, airport/hotel transfers, spa treatments, meals and drinks, gratuities, and more. Golf amenities include access to championship golf courses, green fees, and weekly tournaments. Rates and minimum-stay requirements vary by property. These Golf Getaway packages are valid through December 18, 2011. For more information, call 1-888-323-2776 or visit www.velasresorts.com.

Go Green this Summer at Fairmont Hotels & Resorts

It’s easy to be green with Fairmont Hotels & Resorts’ Take Root at Fairmont brand-wide promotion. In honor of UNESCO’s 2011 International Year of the Forest designation, the hotel chain is offering nature-related experiences and volunteer opportunities at its properties worldwide. Sample deals include:

  • The Green in Golden Gate package at the Fairmont San Francisco, which includes a volunteer experience at the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy, a picnic lunch, and a bottle of organic wine, from $299 a night.
  • The Fairmont Chateau Whistler’s Treetop Eco Walk package includes passes to trek Whistler’s treetop canopy walkway, a picnic lunch from Portobello, and more, available from $235 a night.
  • Fairmont Mayakoba is offering a full-day kayaking trip to Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, a bird-watching tour, boat tour, and daily breakfast, from $279 a night.

All packages subject to availability, and minimum-night stays vary by property. For more information, visit www.fairmont.com.

By Sarika Chawla for PeterGreenberg.com