Coupon & Deal Blog

A very good friend of mine, from my days living in Chicago got married this past month. I know Danica, his now-wife too. In fact I was with him the night that he met her. It was a long time coming and they are a great match, I’m really happy for him.

So the point is, he invited me to the wedding months ago and I initially demurred. When I asked him what the date was going to be, and he told me in mid July, I told him I couldn’t make it because my pregnant wife was due to deliver at the very end of July. Well as the time drew closer to Addison and Danica’s wedding date, and I noticed the dialogue about the upcoming nuptials among my Chicago friends on Facebook, I started to get a little bummed. The wedding looked like it was going to be over the top, and there were going to be so many people I wanted to see there. Yet I knew my attendance was an impossibility so I tried to put the whole thing out of my mind. Then a string of events started…

First off, recent doctors visits practically assured us that our son was not going to be delivered early (in fact, he was born over two weeks late). Secondly my wife decided to go visit her family (about two hours away from our house in Los Angeles) the very weekend of this wedding in Chicago. After hearing recently a friend of mine had gotten a very nice rate on her flight to Hawaii I checked out Expedia.

I was heartened by an Expedia Coupon I found that offered $200 off a qualifying flight, plus a 3 night at a participating Holiday Inn, Intercontinental or Crowne Plaza hotel. All I had to do was enter code 200IHG at checkout. I also noticed that Expedia does not charge booking fees on any of their flights. I ran the numbers and a got a really, really good price. I mean ridiculously good. I don’t want to necessarily quote the exact price because I don’t want to get your hopes up, but let me assure you it was very nice. So after a discussion with my wife and hearing her assurances that she would feel comfortable with my absence I made that mad weekend dash to Chicago. I’m glad I did, it was a party not to be missed.

From my understanding the two of them are still on their extended honeymoon in southern Europe. I hope they used Expedia to book that flight!

JetBlue Airways Corp. is offering an “all-you-can-fly” pass where passengers can book an unlimited amount of flights over a month for $599.

Summer travels, a good chunk of my friends are gearing up for, just returning from, or in the middle of their own. I’m looking upon them with a bit of jealousy. I would like to go somewhere, but I can’t…this being “new baby summer”. Ah well, I do believe I have the more exciting adventure on my plate.

While observing everyone running hither and yon the past several weeks I’ve noticed that people seem really into roadtripping and bare bones travel this year. It seems to be a fairly prevalent phenomenon. Prevalent enough to acquire it’s own marketing term. “Flashpacking”. Traveling with more flash than cash. This little buzzword is on the lips of all the travel writers this summer.

The first question on many travelers’ lips may well be: What is flashpacking? Who are these mysterious flashpackers? Many flashpackers are actually just the growing number of ‘techno-travelers’ out there. They’ve got iPods and digital cameras. They’re traveling with their laptops. They want to blog and broadcast live video streams of their travel experiences, so they need free WiFi at their hostel.

While technology is a key element of flashpacking, though, it’s not the whole picture, by any means. A flashpacker is essentially just the usual backpacker or independent traveler, looking for something a bit more upmarket from their digs. They want all the flexibility of the independent traveler – the unfixed itinerary which allows you to think on your feet and go wherever the fancy takes you – yet they also want (just a little!) of the look and feel of a boutique hotel.

Yet they don’t want your standard budget hotel: rather, they’re after the advantages of a good, old-fashioned cheap hostel, with just a bit more, well, luxury. Even the most hardcore backpackers among us can do with a bit of luxury from time to time. It’s okay we won’t judge you for not wanting to spend a month eating bugs in the Outback. I’ll even help you out to find those nice but affordable digs…I’ve got some Orbitz coupons with your name on them right here.

I have been one to always place a premium on travel. I usually find a way to make, at the very least, one major excursion a year. However this summer I will not get the opportunity. It’s ok, I’ve accepted it. Rather than making my own plans I can shoot all of you some helpful ideas however. While checking out our summer travel coupons, I noticed Orbitz is offering savings of up to 40% on Canadian vacations. Oh Canada. I’ve been wanting to travel up to Canada for a couple of years now, so decided to get some ideas together on where to travel if The Great White North was in one’s future (hey it’s not snowy and white during the summer, no parkas required!).

Toronto - Although not the national capital, Toronto is the Ontario provincial capital and probably the best-known city in Canada, in large part due to the Toronto International Film Festival and its popularity as a theatre destination. Toronto is comparable to Chicago or New York in that all are big, lively, multicultural cities that offer a lot to visitors. This is a city with a rich heritage that is still apparent in its architecture but has also grown to include diverse, ethnic neighborhoods that thrive in the cities center.

Niagra Falls - While in Ontario and on Canada’s east coast I would definitely visit Niagra Falls, one of the great natural wonders of the world. You can find it just a couple hours drive south of Toronto. Niagara Falls, Ontario, in Canada, is home to the Horseshoe Falls, the most powerful waterfall in North America and possibly the best-known in the world - truly a sight to behold. Niagara Falls is probably best known as a honeymoon destination, attracting millions of newlywed or just plain romantic couples each year. Just remember that attempting to go over the falls in a barrel is not only out of fashion, it is strictly forbidden.

Montreal - Oh yes, one must visit Montreal. The city of Montreal has a history dating back to 1642 when settlers from France landed at the edge of St. Lawrence River. Montreal is unique among cities in North America, comparable perhaps only to New Orleans in the depth and the pervasiveness of its European history. Visitors can enjoy a modern city with all its conveniences, outstanding shopping and dining, but also get a taste of Europe and a glimpse back into Canada’s rich French heritage.

Quebec City - Quebec’s provincial capital, Quebec City, is steeped in history and European in flavor. Quebec City offers an experience unlike almost any other in North America. Quebec City’s Old Town itself is a work of art: Cobblestone walkways, well-preserved 17th century architecture, café culture and the only North American fortress walls that still exist north of Mexico — all of which has given it status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Vancouver - On the south west coast of British Columbia, Canada’s most westerly province, Vancouver is one of Canada’s hottest travel destinations. Vancouver is surrounded both by water and mountains and really holds an appeal to lover’s of outdoor adventure. That being said, this is also a cosmopolitan city that also has upscale shopping, fabulous restaurants and a happening nightlife. I’ve been to Vancouver, it is a seriously cool town. I heartily recommend it.

While the chaps from South Park make me laugh, I don’t share their views on Canada! Go enjoy yourselves.

For more discount Summer Vacation Packages - Click here!

My wife Sara and I are going on a trip this month. We are seven months into a pregnancy and we thought it would be cool to get away before facing the months of long work ahead of us. We thought about San Francisco, possibly Santa Cruz, but both those places are very familiar to both of us and we wanted to do something different. It’s been years since I’ve been to the western deserts so I suggested going in that direction. I brought up the idea of heading to the Grand Canyon via Las Vegas. The idea was a contender, but was nixed in favor of a more low key outing to Palm Springs. I did however dig up some great Las Vegas deals (heavily indebted to Anthony Curtis at the Las Vegas Advisor), when we were still thinking in that direction, which I’m glad to share with everyone here…because I’m super giving like that.

1. Golden Gate Hotel  is offering room rates as low as $19 a day (any day). Actually the word is that daily rates all over town are down 25-30% from this time last year. Since lodging is usually the most substantial expense when getting out of town I’d say take heed, it may be a good month to hit Vegas.

2. The complete steak dinner at Ellis Island is the best-value meal deal in a city full of good-value meal deals. It’s a 10-ounce filet-cut sirloin, which comes with salad, garlic green beans, choice of potato, and fresh microbrewed beer, all for $6.95. A note on logistics: Every other Monday, the Ellis Island coffee shop shuts almost all the way down for a thorough cleaning (from 11 pm to 5 am) and the steak shuts down with it. If you’re planning on going to EI for a late-night steak on a Monday, be sure you’ve got the right week to do so.

3. The Shrimp Cocktail at the aforementioned Golden Gate is 99 cents between 11am and 2am. All you have to do is show a players club card to get the shrimp at the old 99-cent price; otherwise, you pay $1.99. Sure, the extra step (if you’re not already a member) is a little inconvenient, but a coupl of sign-up bennies mitigate the five-minute detour. More important, the word is the shrimp are bigger and better than ever.

4.Prime Rib Dinner - $12.95 for the prime rib dinner at South Point. The prime rib deal at South Point is apparently stunner. It’s advertised as 10 ounces, but that’s underestimating it by about half. Plus, it’s served 24 hours a day in the coffee shop, with your choice of soup or salad, potato, and rolls if you ask. If you have a hankerin’ for a prime rib special, it’s worth the trip down to South Point.

5.Pick up the free “Funbook” from Stratospere. The Stratosphere funbook is a great one. The monetary value is $14.70 (and $19.70 if you take advantage of the $5 poker bonus). There are also more goodies in the Strat book than the gambling coupons, including a few decent drink and restaurant discounts, a heap of deals in the stores that you may or may not use, and even a little-known discount you can apply to room bookings. Best of all, you can get one once every week.
6.The $6 charge at the Fontana Lounge at the Bellagio is the cost of a beer to satisfy the one-drink minimum and see the show in Las Vegas’ classiest lounge, which overlooks the dancing fountains and the center Strip, and has live music from 10 pm on weekdays and earlier on weekends.

7. The daily buffet prices at the Mirage are from $13.95-24.95. Early bird dinner price is at $19.95 from 3-5pm.

8.$1 Michelob and $1 margaritas at the Casino Royale served round the clock.

9.Steak and Eggs served 24 hours for $3.99 at Arizona Charlie’s Decatur

10.Free lunch at the Crown & Anchor (locations are at 1350 E. Tropicana and 4775 Spring Mountain), with $20 video poker buy in. If you miss lunch the buy in entitles you to a free appetizer from 3pm to midnight.

Come check out even more free discount travel coupons here!

When you’re on vacation, it’s always nice to stretch your money as far as you can.

And what better way to do that than to get your last night in a hotel for FREE, that is if you stay at one of the over 700 hotels, including cities such as Las Vegas, New York City and Cancun.

This coupon is especially great for you college kids looking to save a dollar on your Spring Break trip!

Here’s what you do:

• Stay 3, 4 or 5 nights at a qualifying hotel and look at the details of their agreement
• You have to book by April 9th, for travel through May 15th

Also, check back on April 9th as new deals will be added for booking by May 31st, for travel by June 15th.

I may go on vacation a few times to just take advantage of the free nights.

To check out more deals for Expedia on Coupon Mountain, click here.

To go Expedia and to check out what hotels this deal applies to, click here.

Motel 6 is proud to announce the opening of their 1000th property!

This occasion is significant for two reasons:

1. Not only is this the 1000th Motel 6/ Studio 6 property but it is also the first corporately-built and owned location to feature the new “Phoenix” room design. Check out the room on the right! That does not look like any of the Motel 6 rooms I have ever stayed at!? Swanky! Showcases the chain’s room of the future, modern, European boutique-style design.
2. This also represents a rebirth for Motel 6 in Biloxi, as the original location was destroyed in Hurricane Katrina in 2005!
Motel 6 in Biloxi is a clean, affordable lodging choice for family travelers, spring breakers, seniors, gaming enthusiasts, or any budget-minded traveler interested in a convenient getaway. In honor of the opening and the 1000th property milestone, the first guest to stay at the new property was charged $6 for the night – the original Motel 6 room rate dating back to 1962, and the reason for the Motel 6 name.

Just wanted to take a moment to Congratulate Motel 6 on their landmark achievement!

If you are interested in more Deals and Special Offers for Motel 6 - Click here!

Book your next hotel stay now at unbeatable rates and get a prepaid MasterCard debit card loaded with $50! Don’t miss out - this offer expires on March 1st!

• Choose from tens of thousands of participating hotels
• Book a 4-night stay or save even more by booking a flight + 4 night stay
• When your card arrives, go shopping anywhere!
• Book by March 1; travel through March 30, 2009.

Expedia Coupons - Get $50 Dollars to Spend on Anything - Hurry, Limited Time Only!

Check out the Expedia Winter Sale - Save up to 30% on Hotels in 90+ North American Destinations

Big cities don’t have to mean big prices. Get amazing deals on hotels in popular travel destinations like New York and Los Angeles. This deal ends on February 26,2009!

Be sure to book by 2/26/09 but you can travel from January 3rd through March 30, 2009.

To check out the Expedia Winter Sale - Click here!