Beach

Expedia.com recently launched the largest sale in its 10-year history to help kick-off the busy summer travel season. More than 200 destinations are on sale and rental cars, hotels, cruises and activities are discounted as much as 30% off with many deals exclusive to Expedia.

As part of the sale, families will save an average $400 for a beach vacation (based on a family of four booking a flight plus 4-night hotel package with rental car.) To take advantage of the sale, travelers must book by July 10 for travel now through September 4 and can go to www.expedia.com/summersale for more information. Here are a few sample packages: Read more

With a nearly non-stop slate of festivals from April through September, Miami promises to be one of the coolest places on the planet to visit this summer. Making the destination even more attractive are the great deals that hotels, resorts, attractions and even restaurants are offering. Here are some of the ways to live it up in Miami this summer at a fraction of the cost:

Acqualina: ESPA, the leader in luxury spas, has opened its first U.S. branded spa at Acqualina, a Rosewood Resort in Sunny Isles Beach. The hotel is offering 20% off for Florida residents. The ultimate treatment is ESPA Time, which requires no decision-making upon booking. Simply set aside two hours or more and through a one-on-one consultation, the therapist establishes the guest's needs to fit the moment of the day. The result is tailored treatments and completely individualized experiences. Couple an ESPA treatment with a stay in a luxurious Intracoastal or oceanfront suite and receive 20-35% off, along with a complimentary continental breakfast for two adults and up to two children (12 and under). Both packages are available from June 1-September 30. Room rates start at $275 (prices vary based on the number of nights booked). For room discounts, please ask for the Family Package. For ESPA, please ask for the ESPA Florida resident discount. For more information, call 305-918-8000 or visit www.Acqualina.com. Read more

Resorts and hotels throughout South Florida and the Caribbean are offering special ways for families to show mom just how much they care.

Give mom the keys to relaxation at Cheeca Lodge - This Mother's Day, treat mom to a weekend stay at Cheeca Lodge in the beautiful Florida Keys . Top it all off with a special Mother's Day brunch, island-style, on Sunday, May 13 from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Cheeca's award-winning culinary team, led by Executive Chef Barry Walling, will prepare an exquisite hot and cold buffet, complete with local delicacies. Celebrating this special day, each mother will receive a single long-stem rose.

The Mother's Day Brunch is $42.00 for adults and $19.50 for children 6-12 years old. Tax and gratuity are extra. (Children aged five and under dining with their parents are free.) Reservations should be made well in advance as this special Mother's Day Brunch is sure to be sold-out. For more information and reservations, please contact the concierge at (305) 517-4411. Deluxe resort view rooms start at $369 a night and a deluxe one-bedroom suite starts at $579. Tax and a daily resort fee of $39 are extra. For room reservations, call 800-327-2888 or visit www.cheeca.com. Read more

Sivory Punta Cana's exclusive "Caribbean Romance" package is designed for newlyweds and "oldyweds" who want to celebrate their love with a passionate and intimate getaway.

This three-night exclusive package includes special guest services and amenities for both to enjoy.

• Three nights in an ocean view Deluxe Jr. Suite
  
• Complimentary use of "Love Concierge" to help personalize the experience for any occasion including proposals, anniversaries and vow renewals
• Complimentary private helicopter arrival transfer from Punta Cana International Airport
  
• Private beach check-in with chilled towel service and Champagne
  
• Private ground transport for departure to Punta Cana International Airport
  
• Daily American breakfast
  
• Caviar hors d'oeuvres and a bottle of Champagne upon arrival
  
• One couple treatment per stay at Aquarea Spa & Wellness Center, which includes a choice of the following treatments: Use of Jacuzzi, Exfoliating salts and body wrap, Anti-Stress Hydrotherapy for him, Sea salt exfoliation and body wrap at the Vichy Shower for her, A relaxing 55-minute massage for her, A 55-minute deep muscle tissue massage for him, Manicure for her, Pedicure for him
• One candlelit dinner on the beach for two, with selected premium wine
  
• Daily bed turn down with chocolate dipped fruits
  

COCOWALK CELEBRATES ITS GRAND RE-OPENING: The popular outdoor entertainment and lifestyle center in the heart of Coconut Grove, will be transformed into a family-friendly version of Bourbon Street in celebration of its grand re-opening on the weekend of April 20th. The two-day party, open to the public without charge, begins Friday evening, with a series of Mardi Gras-themed events, hours of live music with legendary rockers of the 1960s and 1970s, colored beads, confetti blasts, fireworks, store prizes and giveaways, and appearances by the Marlins Mermaids. The weekend festivities is a coming out party hosted by CocoWalk's new owners, who purchased the 200,000 square foot property six months ago and immediately embarked on a meticulous restoration. The $6 million make-over, which included a complete repainting, replacement of tile flooring with tumbled marble, refurbishing of the garage, a new tile roof, upgraded outdoor lighting, and new landscaping, heralds the arrival of a chic and upscale hub of activity for South Floridians. For more information visit www.Cocowalk.net. Read more

Cheeca Lodge in the Florida Keys is bringing back the days of fishing off a pier, exploring on nature hikes and forging long-lasting friendships at the new Camp Cheeca. With a brand new building, surrounded by lush landscaping, and a spacious Tiki hut, campers will be begging their parents to stay just a little bit longer.

The belief behind the program is that a sound camp experience begins with strong values and a caring commitment to the environment and those around us. The importance of good manners, sharing with others and cooperation is constantly being reinforced. Campers are empowered to make decisions about their daily activities and provided with options whenever possible. The Camp Cheeca counselors believe that campers will take ownership of their successes if they are given some choices to make along the way. Read more

Spring is in the air and the sun-drenched days of summer are right around the corner, which means now is the perfect time to plan ahead for an unforgettable vacation at the Southeast's premier family fun destination – Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort.

New hot deals for Summer (May 25 through Aug. 4, 2007) include the Bayside Inn from $169 per night; the new Luau beachside tower hotel rooms from $229 per night; as well as one-bedroom units from $259; and two-bedrooms from $349.

Convenient travel packages are also available with the added bonus of a 20 percent savings off Sandestin's rack rates. Choose from the Sandestin Family Fun Package, Village Rise & Shine Package, Family Golf Package and Stay & Play Golf Package. Read more

“Don’t Lose Your Keys” is this year’s slogan for the annual Earth Day celebration to be held on the beachfront at Cheeca Lodge on April 14. The worldwide festivities honoring Mother Earth are marked by a very special family-fun holiday at Cheeca for visitors and local residents alike. Since 1994, guests at the hotel and residents of the “Sport Fishing Capital of the World” have met at the resort to enjoy a full day of beachfront activities, family barbecue, musical entertainment and environmental education.

Proceeds of this year’s event will go to the Florida Keys Wild Bird Center, which provides emergency and recuperative care for injured birds and is evolving into a significant collection and distribution point for information about our environment. For more information visit www.fkwbc.org or call 305.852.4486. Read more

As the chilly winter weather carries on across the U.S., the Dominican Republic (DR) is heating-up with an array of resorts offering alluring spring break deals to fit families, friends and romantics. While the style of these resorts ranges from lavish boutique to expansive all-inclusive, each property promises comfort, relaxation and good value (not to mention tropical conditions) with specials starting at $80.00 per person, per night. Read more

East Coast

• Casa de Campo (La Romana) Guests booking four-night stays (minimum) now through April 8 receive a 25 percent discount on guestrooms with an *inclusive supplement. (*Includes meals, unlimited drinks, unlimited horseback riding and one round of trap shooting.) www.casadecampo.com.do.
  
• Puntacana Resort & Club (Punta Cana) Now through April 30 the resort features reduced room rates that include breakfast and dinner at select restaurants and two hours of complimentary nanny service. In addition, bookings of a 90-minute treatment at Six Senses Spa on day-of-arrival receive a complimentary 30-minute scalp massage.www.puntacana.com.
• Tortuga Bay (Punta Cana) Now through April 30, guests receive a discounted rate at the Oscar de la Renta-designed Ocean View Junior Suite. Guests staying in the suite receive a tour of the Puntacana Ecological Foundation, 90-minute Thai treatment at Six Senses Spa, private dinner for two, daily breakfast and VIP lounge access at Punta Cana Airport.www.puntacana.com.
  

Old Bahama Bay Resort & Yacht Harbour invites guests to escape to the sunny skies and gracious smiles of West End, Grand Bahama Island this spring for rates beginning at $330 per night with the “Spring Fourth Night Free” package. This package invites guest who are traveling between now and April 30, 2007 to book three nights for the standard rate and stay in this luxurious resort on the fourth night for free. This special rate must be booked before March 31, 2007, and guests should mention this package when making reservations. The “Spring Fourth Night Free” package is available through the Old BahamaBay website or by calling (800) 572-5711. Rates vary depending on the room choice. Visit www.oldbahamabay.com for complete room descriptions and rates. Read more