The overland industry in Africa was pioneered by a few brave souls who in the late 1970s regularly transected the continent from Europe to the Cape in army surplus troop carriers. These were commercial trips, but at the time they were astonishingly adventurous, and blazed the trail for what in the ensuing years has become an established and highly organized travel option. Nowadays, as conditions have generally improved, you rarely see the brutish German M.A.N. 630 L2 six wheelers that at one time carved a deep channel from Marrakesh to Nairobi, but a fairly late model Scania tending to rugged appeal rather than heavy, off road capacity. The routes these days are fairly standard, the support en-route predictable, and the itineraries reasonably tight. Despite this the overland experience is without doubt adventure travel, and if you choose your carrier carefully, you will more than likely travel in a compatible group with broadly similar objectives. (more…)

Popularity: 2% [?]

Costa Rica is a destination for nature lovers, sun worshippers, and those who appreciate Latin American culture. Seven-night airfare-and-hotel vacation packages start at $467 with departures from Chicago.

I compared several providers’ offerings for this spring, testing departures from Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York. All vacations include round-trip airfare and seven nights’ accommodations. Sample vacations include all additional taxes and fees for both airfare and hotel.

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Popularity: 1% [?]

Branson’s Still Waters Resort offers spring savings for families: Rates start at $39 per night for standard rooms through March 31. The property is also offering 50 percent off its lakefront condos, with rates starting at $55 per night. The sale is available through March 13 any day of the week, and thereafter on weekdays only through April 3. A two-night minimum stay is required to get the discount. Additionally, guests also can use paddleboats, kayaks, and bicycles free of charge. The property also has three swimming pools, a water slide, and poolside hot tubs.

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Popularity: 7% [?]

I compared several providers’ offerings for spring vacations in Cancun, testing departures from Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York. Packages include airfare and four nights’ accommodations. All packages include additional taxes and fees for airfare.

Sample prices are:

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Popularity: 1% [?]

With more than 50 miles of beaches to explore, Pensacola offers outdoor opportunities for vacationers who want to relax, be active, or both.

I’ve tracked down several properties that offer a good value for your weekend getaway, each with reasonable prices and/or a little something extra to make your stay memorable.

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Popularity: unranked [?]

The Hilton Family Boston group has put together a new School Vacation Package that includes overnight accommodations; admission for two adults and two children to both the New England Aquarium and IMAX Theatre; two coloring books with crayons; candy, popcorn, juice, and soda; and an in-room movie.

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Popularity: 1% [?]

Princess has long been at the forefront of Alaska cruising, but that doesn’t mean a voyage on this premium line isn’t affordable. You can find 2008 and 2009 sailings to America’s last frontier from $419 per person. With prices this low, you may want to start planning your upcoming vacation now.

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Popularity: 1% [?]

Several online providers are offering discounted hotel-and-air packages to Las Vegas this winter.

All of the below mentioned packages include airfare, two-nights’ accommodations and hotel taxes. Expedia, Travelocity, and United Vacations packages also include additional taxes and fees for airfare.

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Popularity: 1% [?]

Four-night packages to Orlando in winter start at $229 from select cities, making a little escape to visit Mickey and friends more affordable.

I compared several providers’ offerings for Orlando vacations, testing departures from Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York. Packages include airfare, four nights’ accommodations, and hotel taxes. All packages include additional taxes and fees for airfare.

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Popularity: 1% [?]

I compared several providers’ offerings for vacations in late winter to San Diego. Packages include airfare, four nights’ accommodations and hotel taxes. With the exception of the Southwest deals, sample vacations include additional taxes and fees for airfare.

Sample prices for March are:

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Popularity: 2% [?]