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business newsNine Ways to Do Luxury Travel on the Cheap
Tough times can make traveling like a rock star a bargain.
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After a few summers highlighted by trips to the kiddie pool, my in-laws last year offered to look after our children so my husband and I could spend some time together.
We chose the luxurious Ojai Valley Inn & Spa in Ventura County, CA. Set in a stunningly picturesque valley that doubled as Shangri-La in the 1937 classic Lost Horizon, we were busily booking spa appointments and tee times when our family sitters had to cancel.
Rather than see our trip dissolve into its own lost horizon, we confirmed our reservations, took a few deep breaths, and brought the kids.
That 2008 vacation was such a success -- the children enjoyed the pool, the driving range, a kids’ club and more -- that we returned to Ojai this summer, despite the dismal economy.
In the past, you wouldn’t associate bargains with a AAA Five Diamond resort like Ojai, but there are plenty of deals to be found this summer at every level of the sector. If you have the time and the wherewithal, it’s a great time to travel.
Hotel industry tracker STR Global estimates that year-to-year summer occupancy rates will fall 8.4% and revenue per available room will drop 18.4%. As occupancy rates fall, so do room rates, although in the luxury sector the discounts often come hidden as credits and extra-night add-ons.
1. Look for package deals.
In New York City, in packages assembled by the convention and visitors bureau, 8 luxury properties, including the Waldorf Towers (HLT) and The Plaza, are running a promotion more akin to a Holiday Inn (IHG). They’re offering a third night free, along with freebies at Saks Fifth Avenue (SKS), since luxury retail is hurting, too.
2. Check your Tweets.
Some of the best deals are found on Twitter. Subscribers to JetBlue Cheeps (JBLU) on Twitter recently were pushed $9 fares between New York City and Nantucket. The travel industry has flocked to Twitter to drum up business and talk up their offerings. The Four Seasons is tweeting about 75 euro food and beverage credits at its Milan and Florence properties, and the website PerfectEscapes.com feeds news and deals on everything from luxury chains to small, select destinations.
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