Travel Articles - Travel & Leisure Magazine  

In spite of the recession hundreds of thousands of tourists will still be flying off for a sunshine break this winter.  Exchanging the cold and gloom of the UK for warmth and beaches in far flung destinations around the world.  But you don’t have to break the bank to join the jetsetters this year.  As some destinations, such as Lanzarote in the Canary Islands are within the reach of all.

Lanzarote has long been a firm favourite with British holidaymakers thanks to a great year round climate and an abundance of excellent golden sand beaches.  Boasting a terrain that is far more arid and dry than the other six islands that makes up the archipelago.  A legacy of low rainfall and the islands volcanic roots.

Flights to Lanzarote have become much cheaper recently – as there is now more competition on this route as the bigger low cost airlines such as Ryanair have started to enter the market.  Dropping ticket prices to as low as £9.99 return.  Cheaper than some London tube train journeys.

Accommodation in Lanzarote is very affordable too.  For example a weeks stay on an apartment complex in the main resort of Puerto del Carmen – home to some fabulous beaches – costs as little as £160 this winter. And that’s the price per room, not per person.

Visitors will find that the temperatures are in the 20´s – making it possible to enjoy long lazy days by the pool or at the beach.  Although during the winter months the mercury can fall quickly after sun down.  Which is never earlier than 18.00.  Giving more sunshine hours than the UK too.

In the unlikely event that the weather refuses to play ball for a day or two there’s still loads to do and see.  And many first time visitors are amazed at the abundance of Lanzarote´s attractions. 

There are a dozen good quality museums – such as the Museum of International and Contemporary Art located in the historic Castillo San Jose in the capital of Arrecife.  Along with a wealth of cultural attractions created by the island born artist Cesar Manrique.  Whose influence on Lanzarote is inescapable.  As his work adorns everything from coffee mugs to roundabouts and much more in-between.

One of the joys of a holiday here is that the island is small.  Making touring and exploring really manageable and easy.  Car hire in Lanzarote is cheap too – starting from as little as €90 per week.

I have been travelling in several countries worldwide with more activity in Europe and central Asia but also some travel in the USA and Middle East, which, guess, is more related to business than leisure or holiday travel.

In my experience a hotel stay from a 4 star hotel and above, say 5 star and 5 star luxury hotels is a pleasant condition for any kind of travel and if possible, at least some times if not always, a luxury hotel stay should be in our plans.

These luxury hotels are quite expensive and it is good to know that, even in this luxury business, discounts and deals can be possible.

Let’s take a very popular city in the USA as New York,a very rich city considering both the tourist and business offer. We can run a search for New York luxury hotels and see if there are discounts available. As an example we run a search for arrival 08 November 2009 and departure 15 November 2009 which makes a one week stay. The following luxury hotels in New York are offering discounted rates:

- The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel, five star hotel in Upper East Side Manhattan proposes this special offer and discount: “Stay 4 nights get the 5th night free,Upgrade to a suite and save”.

- The City Club Hotel, four star hotel in Midtown Manhattan proposal is: “Lastminute special - save 15%”

- Ink48, a Kimpton hotel, four star in similar location is offering a stunning “Save 48%” rate.

In my experience these are all good deals for a luxury hotel in New York City.

But let’s have a look to one entertainment destination and try, for the same period of time, to make a booking for a luxury hotel in Las Vegas.

The offers found in this case range from:

“Book Now and Save $20 Per Night,Get a $100 Wynn Resort Credit” of Wynn Las Vegas to

“$50 Gaming Credit, $25 Dinner Credit, & more” of the Venetian and the Palazzo or

“$50 Spa Credit Included - Also 4pm Checkout” of Trump International Hotel and

a great “Book Now and Save $20 Per Night,Get a $100 Encore Resort Credit” of Encore at Wynn Las Vegas.

Without many doubts it is presently a good time to make an attempt at some luxury travel considering that even the most luxurious hotels are offering discounted rates.

Indeed the mentioned offers are available at the time of writing the blog though at the time of the next search rates could be even better or different hotels may have promotional plans available.