Amtrak Boston and New England routes, discount codes and specials in 2009

Photo: AP

Amtrak served close to 3 million travellers in Massachusetts in 2008 fiscal year, an increase of 25 percent from 2007, in part attributed to the summer spike in fuel prices. Amtrak operates 56 daily trains in the area, including Acela Express serving Boston - New York - Washington and local and regional trains of the Northeast Corridor.

The Downeaster features five daily roundtrip trains between Portland and Boston’s North Station, with eight intermediate stops — Woburn, Haverhill, Exeter, Durham-UNH, Dover, Wells, Saco, and in season, Old Orchard Beach.

The Vermonter connects Washington DC, Philadelphia, New York and St. Albans, Vermont. You can catch this train from Springfield by switching from The Lake Shore Limited.

The Lake Shore Limited connects Boston, Springfield and Albany, NY. From Albany you can continue on to Buffalo NY, Cleveland OH and Chicago. Or you can go on to Niagara Falls by switching to Empire State train from New York. Adrionack train coming from New York will take you from Albany to Montreal, Canada.

The Northeast Regional will take you from Boston to Newport News, Virginia past Providence, New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington.

From Washington you can switch to the Auto Train connecting to Orlando area. Yes, you can bring your car along! The train runs daily in both directions. You can take a car, a van, an SUV, a truck or a motorcycle on the Auto Train, as long as they meet certain dimension requirements.

The trip lasts 17 hours. A sample round trip fare for two adults, two kids and one car with return in seven days costs $1385.50 from Washington DC. Your amenities include a full-service dining car with three hot meals a day, included in the ticket price, a lounge and on-board entertainment.

There are a number of spaces available for small enclosed trailers, trailers for transporting boats, jet-skis, etc. Please call us at 1-877-SKIP-I-95 (1-877-754-7495) for more information.

Acela Express is the fastest Amtrack train at speeds reaching 150 miles an hour. It will take you from Boston to New York to Washington DC in 7 hours. It caters to business travelers and provides superior comfort, upscale amenities and polished professional service, including:

- A faster trip with fewer stops
- Reserved First Class and Business Class seating
- At-seat electrical outlets for your laptop or DVD player
- Adjustable lighting and large tray tables
- Conference tables
- Quiet Car
- Cafe Car
- At Seat Cart Service on select trains
Plus in First Class:
- At-seat meal and beverage service (hot breakfast, lunch and dinner selections)
- Newspaper
- Access to ClubAcela lounges

Amtrak offers many types of discounts for travellers. Children under age 2 travel free, limited to one child per paying adult. A child is supposed to travel on lap, but can occupy a free seat if available.

Kids under 15 years old can travel at a 50% discount off the regular adult fare, with a limit of two per one paying adult. The discount is not available on weekly Acela express or on upgrades to business and first class. In addition there are various military, student and senior discounts available.

Amtrack offers many seasonal discounts, which can be found in the Hot Deals section on the Amtrak website. Currently they are offering discounts from Boston on same-day Saturday round-trip travel, also available on trips leaving Saturday and returning Sunday before 10:59 am. These are sample one-way per person fares based on round-trip reservation, to or from Boston:

Bridgeport, CT - $40
West Kingston, RI - $16
Metropark, NJ - $49
Mystic, CT - $22
New Haven, CT - $36
New Rochelle, NY - $48
Newark, NJ - $49
New York, NY - $49
New London, CT - $25
Old Saybrook, CT - $29
Stamford, CT - $44
Westerly, RI - $20

Before making a reservation, check the weekly specials page. It is used by Amtrak to get rid of unsold inventory of seats for last-minute travel at the lowest prices. You can receive a discount of up to 90%.

Another great way to save money on Amtrak tickets is to use discount codes. They usually require a 3-day advance purchase, are not available on high-speed Acela trains and during holiday periods (January 16-23, February 13 and 16, April 10 and 13, September 4 and 7, November 24-25 and 28-30).


Amtrak Downeaster Portland-Boston Discounts

The following promotions are from Amtrack Downeaster . Check their website for the latest discounts. The discounts are on travel from Portland to Boston and back. You may be able to use these codes online on travel from Boston to Portland.

For a limited time take advantage of Train to Maine promotions. Buy one adult full fare ticket, get the second for FREE. Offer is valid on Trains 681, 683, 686, 688, 691, 693, 694, 696, and 698 only. Use code V773.

Sports fans and theatre goers from Portland can enjoy even more savings when traveling to Boston for evening events. If you're traveling on trains 684, 686, 694 or 696 and are returning on train 689 or 699 the same day, you can save 25% when you make your reservations at least 3 days in advance of travel. Reference promotion code V687. Valid for sale 9/2/08 to 6/27/09.

Kids are half fare every day on the Downeaster, but can ride FREE on Sundays between 9/2/08 and 6/25/09. Up to two kids, age 2-15, can ride the Downeaster free with every full fare paying adult. Use code V581.

Seniors can save 50% on travel Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays now through June 2009. To receive this discount, you must be at least 62 years of age. Use code V543. Valid for sale 8/29/08 to 6/22/09.

Patients traveling to medical appointments save 25% now through June 2009. Use code V279.

Omni Parker House Amtrack Package from Portland

Hop on the Amtrak Downeaster train and stay in the heart of Boston at the historical and luxurious Omni Parker House. The Amtrak Downeaster package includes deluxe accommodations, breakfast buffet in a famous Parker's Restaurant, and 2 one-day GO Boston cards providing access to Boston's top attractions. Packages start at $249 per night. For reservations call 1-617-227-8600 or 1-800-THE-OMNI. Certain rate restrictions and blackout date may apply.


Promotion codes from Frommers.com

Click on the link for more information about discounts all across the US. If you are going for a weekend day trip heading south from Portland area from any station on the first train of the day, and then return north on any evening train, the round-trip will cost you $25 with code X188.

If you're heading from anywhere in the Northeast to any city in Massachusetts, make a reservation by phone and ask for discount code V221. That will give you 20% off each ticket, though December 15, 2009.

For 20% off trips from New York City to Rhode Island, book online and use code V174 through December 16, 2009. This code can be used on northbound trips to New London or Old Saybrook, CT. You can buy a ticket to Westerly, RI but get off early without a penalty. For example, a ticket from New York City to New London cost $43, but a ticket to Westerly with the code cost $36.80. Similarly, if you need to get of at an intermediate station, it can be cheaper to purchase a ticket to a further station with a code.

For two Boston-New Ark tickets you can get 40% off your second ticket until December 16, 2009 using code V558 online. You can save on trips to New York by booking two tickets to New Ark, and getting of early. Example: two Boston-NYC tickets cost $124, but two discounted Boston-Newark tickets cost only $100.80.


For even more latest offers and discount codes to special events across New England go to Arrive Magazine website. Arrive is the official magazine of Amtrak and provides the most up-to-date information and the best discount offers to entice people to travel aboard Amtrak.

For more information go to Amtrak website or call 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245).

Sunday River announces the opening of New England's first and only Chondola

Ever since Boyne Resorts had acquired Sunday River in August, 2007 for it's portfolio of ski resorts across the US, the company has vowed to provide long-term investment for Sunday River to improve and expand it's operations.

At the time, already a fourth largest ski resort in New England, with half a million yearly visitors, Sunday River had been consistently ranked in the top 10 across the US by SKI magazine.

In 2008/2009 season skiers can reap the benefits of $14 million in capital spending, largest in the last 10 years. Among the improvements is a $7.2 million Chondola - a fusion of a gondola and a chairlift, which gets you to the peaks faster than ever.

Founded in 1957, today Sunday River offers 131 trails, 668 acres and 8 interconnected mountains. Each peak offers a unique experience. From the steeps and bumps of White Cap to the tree skiing of Oz, to the cruising on North Peak and Jordan Bowl - there is plenty to satisfy the most demanding ski enthusiast. A network of 18 updated lifts covers the peaks, with four high-speed quads. In 2007/2008 season Sunday River welcomed an addition of a new state-of-the-art magic carpet surface lift.

Covering 92% of the slopes is a legendary snow making system, blanketing trail after trail with the most dependable snow in New England. A fleet of 12 snowcats makes sure that snow is in great shape every day of the season. As a result, you are guaranteed top notch skiing experience, no matter the weather, anytime.

One of the best features of Sunday River is its convenient mountainside lodging options. At the resort you can choose from over 700 condominiums, two full-service Grand Resort Hotels, or the cozy Snow Cap Inn, all slopeside. Be the fist at the lift in the morning, and the first to be home in the afternoon. Save money by having lunch at home, and quickly get back on the mountain. No parking, no packing, no worries.

The full capacity of Sunday River is 6,000 pillows, consisting of:
- The Grand Summit Resort Hotel (230 rooms)
- The Jordan Grand Resort Hotel (186 rooms)
- The Snow Cap Inn (67 rooms)
- Slopeside Condominiums (26 buildings

If your children need daycare, but are ready to get on the skis, you can choose from several learn-to-ski programs for kids, depending on their needs. Tiny Turns is a program for three year olds offering daycare and one hour private clinic of on-mountain instruction. Mogul Munchkins is a program designed for children with prior skiing experience, who are ready for group classes, but still need to stay at the daycare for part of the day.

Daycare is offered at three on-mountain locations, convenient to each lodging area. Children 6 weeks to 6 years old are welcome to stay half or full day. Reservations are recommended, although walk-ins may be accepted, depending on availability. Daycare rates are $45 for half day and $70 for full day. Evening daycare is available at a half day rate.

Sunday River offers many activity options for families. White Cap Fun Center is your convenient stop for day or night fun. The Fun Center is easily accessible by complimentary on-mountain trolley, as well as Bethel's free Mountain Explorer shuttles. White Cap Base Lodge is home to the Shipyard Brew Haus and an arcade. It offers a family friendly atmosphere and nightly Bonfires.

At the Fun Center families can enjoy ice-skating at the lighted rink. It is free and stays open all day and night. Or you can head to the tubing park behind the lodge, which is fully lit and provides a surface lift.

Dogsledding is available off-site in the western mountains of Maine. Day trips start at 9 am and end around 4 pm. Cost is $250 per person including a hot lunch midday. Overnight trips start at $525 per person, and include all food and gear.

The Sunday River Inn & Cross-Country Center offers 40k of groomed trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Snowmobile rentals and guided tours are also available through Sun Valley Sports.

What better way to reward yourself for your skiing accomplishments, then heading to the Jordan Spa and Summit Health Club for a milk and honey body polish, an aroma body wrap or a massage with essential oils. The spa offers everything from manicures and pedicures to maple sugar body scrubs and hands and feet paraffin treatments. It is recommended to reserve your treatments at least two weeks in advance to ensure availability.

After a long fun day on the slopes you can enjoy fireworks, offered twice a week on Saturdays and Mondays. During February vacation week, you can also watch The Glowlight Parade on Monday, February 16, and The Torchlight Parade on Monday, February 24.

Each week there are different activities and events in store for the families. During the Presidents day week 2/15-2/21 parents and kids can participate in game and movie nights or enjoy Black Diamond Family Entertainment Series. Free for kids under 5, $4 and $6 for kids over 5 and adults in advance, these shows offer affordable and fun option to spend a night with your family. The shows are performed at the Grand Summit Resort Hotel Grand Ballroom several times a week. You can watch comedians, magicians, bubble-makers, dancers and more.

Or you can leave the kids at the daycare at night, and head to several apre-ski hotspots around the mountain. The Budlight Concert Series is another entertainment option for adults and the younger crowd.

Sunday River is located 3 hours north of Boston or 1 1/2 hours north of Portland, Maine, in the town of Bethel. It is a classic New England community without a single traffic light or a fast-food joint. The town offers shopping, an indoor climbing wall, a laser tag arena, ice skating, a movie theater, and many dining and options. Along Route 2, on the way to Sunday River, you will find many inns, motels and quaint B&B's.

Serving Bethel and Sunday River area is the Mountain Explorer shuttle, offering free transportation between the town and the resort with stops at the lodging properties and dining and entertainment venues.

Lift Tickets:
Adult Value Season $74
Young Adult $63
Juniors and Seniors $51

The Sunday River website offers discounts of up to 20% on lift tickets for online purchases and many specials and discounts on ski and stay packages.

January special offer: $69 ski and stay midweek

Sunday River
15 South Ridge Road
Newry, ME 04261
(207) 824-3000

Boyne USA Resorts is the largest family owned four-season resort company in North America; founded by Everett Kircher in 1947. A Michigan-based corporation, Boyne USA Resorts owns and/or operates award-winning mountain and golf resorts and attractions throughout the United States and Canada including Cypress Mountain near Vancouver, British Columbia, a host venue of the 2010 Winter Olympic Games, Big Sky Resort in Montana, Boyne Mountain, Boyne Highlands, The Inn at Bay Harbor - A Renaissance Golf Resort and Avalanche Bay Indoor Waterpark in Michigan, Brighton in Utah, Crystal Mountain in Washington, Sugarloaf/USA and Sunday River Resort in Maine and Gatlinburg Sky Lift in Tennessee. For more information on Boyne USA Resorts, please visit www.boyneusaresorts.com.

Vacation Outlet Vacation Expo

Go to VacationOutlet.com for more info!

Vacation at Richard Branson's private Necker Island during 'Family Fun Weeks' or 'Celebration Weeks' for couples or singles

If you can't afford the $50,000 a night tab for Virgin Atlantic's and Virgin Record's CEO Richard's Branson's entire private island, you could stay there during special 'Celebration Weeks' and 'Family Fun Weeks', when you share the island with others.
Necker island is located in the British Virgin Islands, and is the most expensive listing on LuxuryRetreats.com, the elite travel broker, offering near 2,000 of the most luxurious villa rentals across the world. Richard Branson aquired his dream island early in his career after he achieved first success with his record business for 180 thousand British pounds.
With the five night minimum requirement, an exclusive stay at Necker Island would top a quarter million dollars. And don't forget to throw in a few thousand for the 2.5% service charge. So what would a quarter million buy you these days?
Necker Island sits on 74 acres surrounded by coral reefs and fringed with unspoiled white sandy beaches. You can bring up to 27 friends along, to stay in the nine available bedrooms in the Great House and five private Balinese Houses, build on a cliff to maximize the breezes and the views.
You will be greeted by 31 staff members (if I am correct, that's 1.1 staff per guest ratio) at your adjacent heli pad. Upon arrival, you can hop on a golf buggie for a tour of the estate. Stop by your private beach with a sailboat and water skis, swing in a hammock under the palm trees, or climb the aqua-trampoline for a refreshing dive. Or choose between the fresh water pool and the infinity pool with a swim up bar and a waterfall.
Take a walk around the island and gaze at the lush tropical greenery and exotic creatures.
Sip some exotic cocktails in your fully stocked bar before joining your guests for a dinner banquet prepared by your private chef, with unlimited food and drinks included. Order lobster or caviar, or any special and rare treat at no extra charge.
After the dinner head to the outdoor wrap-around terrace with hammocks and sofas to enjoy the sunset and some more exotic cocktails.
Sleep under mosquito net in your master suite on the upper level with an outdoor jacuzzi and bath.
Luckily, you don't have to be a movie star or a CEO to get the taste of Richard Branson's life. 'Celebration Weeks' are held on select weeks throughout the year for couples or singles. You can book one of the rooms in the main house or the private villas individually, and share the island with others.
Weddings, birthdays and anniversaries can be arranged with all the props - fireworks, hundreds of balloons and a non-stop feast.
Richard Branson designed Necker Island to serve as his family’s vacation home. His own children spent most of their vacations there since they were born. Your family can visit Necker Island for ‘Family Fun Weeks’, when your kids can have the time of their lives – compete in boat races around the island, grand slam tennis tournaments, Beach Olympics with egg and spoon races or somersault competitions from the aqua trampoline into the sea. All activities are led by a team of expert instructors.
In the evenings, little kids are whisked away for their own evening adventures, complete with Pirate of the Caribbean treasure hunts, while the big kids can pillage their own chest of buried treasure during a beach BBQ’s feast.

Among other amenities:
Movies and music collection, kite surfing, fishing equipment, snorkeling equipment, sea kayaks, windsurfer, two tennis courts (come with a resident professional tennis coach), meditation rooms, gym, full-service spa, business facilities and more.

You can find out more about Necker Island or find other villas starting at $250 per night on LuxuryRetreats.com or by calling Luxury Retreats at (877)993-0100.

Read more about Richard Branson:
The Virgin Knight from Cigar Aficionado

Go on vacation for FREE anywhere in the world by house swapping!

Image of a house rental from caribbeanvilla.com

Home exchange is a worldwide phenomenon, that the travel industry doesn't want you to know about. Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet showed everyone from the big screen how easy and convenient it can be to house swap in their movie 'The Holiday'. The Internet made house swapping available to the masses at the click of a mouse. As fewer people can afford to spend thousands of dollars on a week vacation, more of them are turning to house swapping as an alternative.
You can swap for a week, a month, a year or even permanently! If you prefer not to swap, you can also rent any of the properties. Some home exchange websites charge membership fees, and others are completely free.
Of course, if you are used to certain amenities, like clean sheets every day, housekeeping and room service, house swapping may not be for you. But for the rest of us those little luxuries could be forgone in exchange for some other extra benefits.

1. Staying in a place, similar in size and quality to your own.

2. A lot more room than a hotel room for FREE!

If your family lives in a house with four bedrooms, why should you try to cramp everyone into a one bedroom hotel suite? With house swapping you can have all the extra space, and bedrooms that you need, by swapping for a place comparable to yours.

3. Enjoy all the things not found in a hotel room - toys, games, gear, books, video library and more.

4. Experiencing a new city, country and culture from the locals perspective, forgoing the beaten paths crowded with tourists.

Your swap family can provide you with insider information on the best places to go, best local restaurants, and other deals only a local would know.

5. Fostering a relationship with a swapping family, allowing for more repeat swapping in the future.

If no furniture is broken, and the house is still intact, both of your families may enjoy their vacations enough to come back again.

6. Allowing you to go to countries and places you could never otherwise afford.

Now that I've got you thinking about house swapping, check out some of these websites for more information:

www.HomeForExchange.com

www.HomeXchangeVacation.com

www.homeexchange.com

GoSwap.org

www.U-Exchange.com


house swapping, home exchange

New Year's Eve special events at Massachusetts ski resorts

Photo courtesy of skinashoba.com

Wachusett Mountain, Princeton

Starts at 4pm

Mountain Package - $52
- Ski or ride until Midnight
- Fireworks Display
- Balloon Drop at Midnight
- Magician Eddie Raymond
- Live Music by Bruce Jacques
- Kids Karaoke & Guitar Hero
Snow Tubing 6-10PM ($5 additional)
Century Passholders - your passes are valid all night
$10 COW Card 1/2 night refund available for people who only ski until 10 PM

Champagne Package - $95
- Hor' Deouvres in the Black Diamond
- All of Mountain Package listed above
- Gourmet Buffet in the Spruce Room
- Champagne toast at Midnight
- Party Favors
- Dessert
- Complimentary Lift Ticket for Season Pass Holders
Snow Tubing (6-10PM) also available- $5 additional
Reservations REQUIRED for Champagne Package, space is limited 978-464-2300 ext. 3705

Jiminy Peak, Hancock

- The annual torchlight parade down the mountain
- Spectacular fireworks display
(413) 738-5500

Nashoba Valley, Westford

- Ski or ride until 11.30, tube until 11pm
- Atlas fireworks display at midnight
- Torchlight parade

New Years Eve dinner at 'The Outlook' restaurant

- $60: 'Early Bird - Family' seating from 5pm to 6:30pm
- Includes a 5 course meal of choice from the New Years Eve Menu

- $90: 'Ring in the New Year' seating from 9pm - 9:30pm
- Dine and stay for the party
- Five course meal of choice from the New Years Menu
- Champagne toast
- Deluxe table setting with white linen and party favors
- Live entertainment untill 1am
- Great view of the torchlight parade and fireworks display

First come first serve for each seating
Bar seating is available with no reservation on a first come first served basis with ala carte availability from the New Years Eve menu
(978)692-5700

The list of Massachusetts ski resorts offering special New Years events is much shorter than that of New Hampshire or Vermont. Hopefully, in the future, the smaller family oriented resorts will realize the growing demand for family entertainment and the benefits of organizing family holiday events, and will delight local families with night skiing, tubing, fireworks and more!

Starwood Hotels and Resorts offer family vacationers a special 'Love Your Family' fun package

Who said something good can't come out of the bad economic situation today? The travel industry, including hotels and resorts, is fighting tooth and nail for each customer. Starwood Hotels and Resorts has come up with a creative and exciting way to attract family vacationers by rolling out their special 'Love Your Family' program in North America, Hawaii and the Caribbean across 29 properties including Sheraton, Westin, St. Regis and Luxury Collection. Their international properties are expected to follow shortly.

Family Fun Package

- $100 resort credit, or $35 villa credit
- Kids 5 and under eat free from the kids menu
- Kids ages 6-12 receive 50% off items on the regular menu
- Age appropriate amenity for each child in the room
- Souvenir cup with unlimited soft drinks, juices and milk
- Complimentary crib in room upon arrival, as needed
- Single guaranteed connecting rooms or suite
- Orientation with a member of the fun team
- Each resort has a special evening ritual

Signature Experiences

Each resort will provide a unique family travel experience indigenous to its location. Common signature evening experiences will be found at each participating 'Love Your Family' resort. These will include fireside storytelling, stargazing and dive-in movies.

• Fireside storytelling allows families to gather around a campfire, roast marshmallows and make S’mores while enjoying stories told by professional and locally relevant storytellers.

• Stargazing invites families to join together, use telescopes and observe the night sky constellations and learn about the stars and the galaxy.

• Dive-In Movies lets families go for a swim while simultaneously enjoying favorite family films on the pool’s big screen, paired with theme nights and coordinated activities.

Parents Night Out

While 'Love Your Family' focuses on a true family vacation, Starwood also recognizes that parents need some 'alone time' every now and then. To deliver on this experience, a core component of the program offers parents a guilt-free night off while their children enjoy their own big night out, dining with other kids and enjoying fun and festive counselor-led activities.

List of participating properties

Sheraton Hotels and Resorts

Sheraton Broadway Plantation (Myrtle Beach, SC)
Sheraton Cable Beach Resort (Nassau, Bahamas)
Sheraton Desert Oasis (Scottsdale, AZ)
Sheraton Kauai Resort (Koloa, Kauai, HI)
Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa (Kailua-Kona, HI)
Sheraton Princess Kaiulani (Honolulu, HI)
Sheraton Maui Resort (Maui, HI)
Sheraton Vistana Resort/Sheraton Vistana Villages (Orlando, FL)
Sheraton Waikiki (Honolulu, HI)
Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa (Phoenix, AZ)
The Royal Hawaiian (Honolulu, HI)

Westin Hotels and Resorts

The Westin Aruba Resort (Palm Beach, Aruba)
The Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa (Hollywood, FL)
The Westin Ka’anapali Ocean Resort Villas (Maui, HI)
The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa (Scottsdale, AZ)
The Westin Kierland Villas (Scottsdale, AZ)
The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa (Tucson, AZ)
The Westin Maui Resort & Spa (Maui, HI)
The Westin Mission Hills Resort & Spa (Rancho Mirage, CA)
The Westin Mission Hills Resort & Villas (Rancho Mirage, CA)
The Westin Mona Surfrider (Honolulu, HI)
The Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort (Savannah, GA)
The Westin St. John Resort (St. John, USVI)
The Westin St. John Villas (St. John, USVI)
The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas (Kauai, HI)
The Westin Resort & Spa (Cancun, Mexico)
The Westin Whistler Resort and Spa (Whistler, Canada)

Luxury Collection

The Phoenician (Scottsdale, AZ)
The Wigwam Golf Resort & Spa (Phoenix, AZ)

St. Regis

St. Regis Resort Monarch Beach (Dana Point, CA)

To learn more and make a reservation go to www.familyfunspecials.com

New Year's Eve family events at First Night Boston, special hotel deals and Boston Harbour Cruises

Boston has so much to offer this New Year's Eve, that before you decide to go away, read this article from Boston Family Life about all the fun stuff going on in Boston!

Special deals and events for New Year's at Vermont Ski Resorts

This is a second article about New Year's specials at New England ski resorts. You can read about New Hampshire here.
The resorts are listed in the order of their distance from Boston (from South to North Vermont).

Mount Snow, West Dover
Grand Summit Resort Hotel Ballroom Family Celebration
- DJ, games, balloon twisting, storytelling, music
- Adult buffet
- Children's buffet
- Hats and noisemakers
- Champagne toast
- Cash bar
Call 800-866-8634 to reserve space before 12/28
$76 ages 12 & over
$39 children 5-11 years old
Free children 4 years and under

Magic Mountain, Londonderry
New Years Eve Party
When: 9pm
- Live music with Wyld Nyghtz
Where: Upper Level of the Base Lodge
Cost: $5 per person

Okemo, Ludlow
- Savings up to 25% off lodging for Christmas and New Years
Call 1-800-78-OKEMO.
- Free: enjoy a cold organic brew from Wolaver’s while listening to live acoustic music by Wayne Surrell
- Coleman Brook Tavern offers a Gala Celebration
Call (802) 228-1435
- Wagon Rides at Jackson Gore Inn

Suicide Six at Woodstock Inn and Resort
December 31st schedule:
10am-4pm Christmas at the Farm
11am-3pm Bake and Take cooking class
1-3pm Ice Skating
6-9pm Children's New Years Eve - bingo, arts and crafts, buffet dinner
8-9pm New Year's Eve dinner

Killington
New Year’s Eve
- Happy Hour with Rich Meyer & the Wobbly’s Free Nacho Bar
New Year's First Tracks Ski and Stay
- Arrive January 1 for 3 nights and depart Sunday January 4, 2009 or later
- Includes 3-day lift ticket
- Start at $134 per person per night
- Rates are based on 4 people in a 1-bedroom condominium
Call 1-800-621-MTNS (6867)

Sugarbush, Warren
New Years Eve Fireworks and Torchlight Parade
Location: Lincoln Peak
Details were not yet available

Bolton Valley
New Year's Eve Fireworks

Stowe
- New Year's Fireworks
When: 7pm Launch
Where: West Slope
View from the patio of the new Spruce Camp, Base-lodge
- Spruce Peak Live Music
Live music is from 2-6pm in the new Spruce Camp Base Lodge
- Preview Center fire pit with hot cocoa and smores
Also available every weekend and holidays

Smugglers Notch
Week long New Years celebration
- Family games
- Sliding parties
- Grand New Year's Eve Celebration
- Fireworks
- Late night entertainment
- Party favors
- Optional dining alternatives
- Kids' Night Out is available until 12:30 am
New Years Weekend Special
- 3 Night Getaway
- Lodging
- Lift tickets
- Children's lessons (ages 6-17 years)
- All day camp(ages 3-5 years)
- Entertainment and more
$145 per adult per day
$129 per youth per day

Burke
5-8pm Sledding hill open for kids
New Years Eve Celebration (details n/a)

Jay Peak
New Years Eve Party
- Fireworks at 9pm
- Children's party in the Childcare building with munchies
- Teens Party in the Golden Eagle Lounge with Supersounds DJ
- 21+ party in The IR with Sweet Jayne
Free to resort guests, $5 for off-resort geusts


Photo courtesy of linkvermont.com.

Disneyworld Super Sale with airfare

Stay 4 nights at Disneyworld, get 3 free! Including Theme Park Tickets.

Now's the perfect time to book a vacation package with airfare to Walt Disney World Resort. Buy 4 nights at a Disney Hotel for travel 1/4/09 – 6/27/09 and you'll get 3 nights FREE including Theme Park Tickets! Plus, when you travel 1/4/09 – 3/29/09, you'll also get a FREE $200 Gift Card that can be used almost anywhere on Disney property. Magic Your Way packages also include Disney's Magical Express Service – complimentary airport transfers & luggage delivery.
Offer valid until January 24.

Plus, you can visit any one Disney park for free in 2009 on your birthday!

And, kids under 12 cruise free on any 3-day Disney cruise with a purchase of two adult tickets.

For these deals and more visit disney.com.

Adventure Suites, North Conway, NH

Are you looking for a unique place to stay near skiing, snowtubing, shopping and a variety of restaurants for a weekend getaway? Adventure Suites is not your ordinary hotel. Each room represents a unique theme and took over a year to construct. The hotel is located in the heart of White Mountains, in North Conway, New Hampshire, just 2 1/2 hours from Boston. Close to all your winter activities and Storyland, mini-golf and water slides in the summer. The front of the hotel depicts a 19th century New England village with a bank, a post office, a pub and a train station. Inside families and couples can choose from 16 unique suites.

Each suite includes:
- Two person jacuzzi
- DVD, VCR, library of free movies
- Breakfast
- Internet access and Wi Fi
- Billiards
- Sweeping views of the White Mountains
- Use of outdoor firepit
- Evening snacks

Pet-friendly suites available!

Special add-on's:
- In-room massages
- Helium baloons
- Roses, candles, chocolates, champaigne and a bubble bath
- Robes embroidered with your name
- Fruit Plate
- Rose petals
- Silk sheets
- Breakfast in bed
- Family S'mores Pack for the outdoor fire pit
- Birthday packages


Choose a suite:

The Cave
- Two stories
- Stalactites, waterfall shower, bats & panthers
- Dinosaur bones, tunnel, cavern, den
- Refridgerator, DVD player, 3 TV's with 3 VCR's
- Playstation II
- Gas fireplace
- Master bedroom with a tunnel leading to a den
- The cavern sleeps up to 6 small kids
- Cave drawings

The Tree House
- Swings
- Tree house bedroom
- Playstation, CD stereo
- Mom and dads house
- Nut Hut
- Glass sink
- Childrens furniture
- Bears and cats
- Campfire
- World-wide sticker and license plate collection
- Comfortably sleeps 2 adults and 4 kids

The Log Cabin
- Gas log fireplace
- Cd stereo, 42" Plasma TV
- Wooden sculptures
- Private deck
- Rocking leather love couch
- Marble high top table
- Refrigerator
- Radiant heated floors

Other suites: Roman Spa, Victorian Spa, Jungle Room, NY Penthouse, Love Shack, Show Time, Champaigne Mist, Motorcycle Madness, Drqagons Lair, Sugar Shack, Love Nest, Bed&Breakfast and Deserted Island.

Visit Adventure Suites website for more info and reservations.

Have a green getaway to a New England's earth-friendly hotel

Are you into everything green and earth-friendly? Do you reuse your shopping bag and water bottle? Then why not have a green vacation, too! Visit our friends at AnV Design for this story.

North America's only Ice Hotel in Quebec, Canada - just six hours from Boston

Hotel De Glace in Sainte-Catherine-de-la-Jacques-Cartier, QC, has been built up from scratch every winter since 2001. And every spring it dissapears with the snow. Be one of a half a million people, who had visited it!
The hotel has all the amenities of a regular hotel. It features a Nordic relaxation area with outdoor spas and sauna, the Ice Bar which can accommodate up to 400 people, the Ice Café, the North face exhibit room, one art gallery and an ice slide.

Special: $118 per person based on double occupancy, available Thursday-Sunday, January 4 - March 29

The package includes:

Welcome cocktail in an "ice glass"
Full equipment for the night (arctic sleeping bag, blanket, and pillow)
Access to hot tubs and saunas
1-night's accommodation
Hot beverage in the morning
Full buffet breakfast at L’Auberge Duchesnay

Note: An additional fee of $50 per person will be applied to Friday-night stays and $75 per person for Saturday.

Book by December 19.

Hôtel de Glace
Sainte-Catherine-de-la-Jacques-Cartier, Quebec, Canada
Phone: 877-505-0423

Click here to make a reservation.

Courtesy of Travelzoo.

Experience the magic of the holidays at the Newport Mansions

Music, tours, and spectacular decorations highlight the celebration of Christmas at the Newport Mansions. You are invited to make holiday memories with your family by visiting The Breakers, The Elms and Marble House, all decked out for the holidays.

Thousands of poinsettia plants, spectacular evergreens, trees, wreaths and fresh flowers and 19th century style ornaments turn the houses and their grounds into a Yuletide wonderland. Dining tables set with period silver and china and mannequins dressed in authentic costumes complete the elegant setting.

All three houses are decorated and open daily for tours from November 15 through January 4. The Breakers opens daily at 9 a.m., The Elms and Marble House open at 10 a.m. The last tour admission at all three houses is at 4 p.m., and the houses & grounds close at 5 p.m.

Please note, on Christmas Eve, December 24, the last tour admission at all 3 houses will be at 3 p.m. Houses are closed on Christmas Day.

Holiday Evenings at the Newport Mansions

Take a leisurely self-guided tour through opulent Gilded Age mansions as you enjoy continuous live holiday music and sample holiday sweets, eggnog and cider.

The Breakers
Saturdays, November 22 and 29, December 6, 13 & 27, 6 pm to 8 pm

Performance Schedule

December 13: Narragansett Bay Chorus and Coastline Show Chorus, male and female barbershop harmony ensembles; pianist Audrey Kaiser and soloist Maria Tavarozzi
December 27: Dancing River Productions, ballroom dancers;
pianist Audrey Kaiser and soloist Maria Tavarozzi
Holiday Evening Duet: The Elms and Marble House

See 2 houses for the price of one!
Saturday, December 20, 6 pm to 9 pm

Free Parking will be available at The Elms, Marble House and Rosecliff, with free shuttle bus service operating between the three sites from 5:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m.

At The Elms: Enjoy music by The Community Choir of Manchester and Avant Garde, a female barbershop harmony quartet.

At Marble House: Listen to the Voices of Xmas Quartet and Cabaret Elegance, a mixed voice theatrical chorus. The Ocean State Starletts dance troupe will also perform selected dances from The Nutcracker.

Holiday Evenings ticket prices:
General admission: Adults $25 in advance, $30 at the door
Preservation Society members: Adults $20 in advance, $25 at the door
All Youth (6-17) $10

Holiday Shopping

Shopping opportunities and benefits abound at the Newport Mansions Stores this holiday season.
Tour, Shop and Dine: Spend $100 at any Newport Mansions Store and you can treat a friend to lunch at The Mooring Seafood Kitchen and Bar, or at 22 Bowen's Wine Bar & Grille. Buy one lunch at full price, and get the second one free.

Friends Night Out: Get at least 12 friends together for a private, afer-hours shopping spree at the Newport Mansions Store on Bannister's Wharf, and you'll all enjoy wine, cheese and crackers, AND a 25% savings on all your purchases. Available Thursday evenings in November and December. Reservations required. Learn more and make reservations.

Holiday Dinner Dance at The Breakers

Saturday, December 20
The Breakers 7 p.m.
7th annual Holiday Dinner Dance with cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, a seated dinner and dancing
Advance reservations required. Call (401) 847-1000.
Members $250
Non-members $300
Patron $500

Musical Afternoons at The Breakers

On weekend afternoons at The Breakers, local musical groups will provide live holiday music as guests enjoy an open house touring format. This entertainment is included in the regular daytime admission.

Schedule below subject to change.

Performance Schedule:

Saturday, December 6
12 pm to 1 pm: Wheeler School Classical Guitar Ensemble
2 pm to 3 pm: The American Harp Society

Sunday, December 7
12 pm: Ocean State Starletts dance troupe will perform three dances in the Great Hall
2 pm to 3 pm: Holy Cross College Chamber Singers

Saturday, December 13
1 pm to 2 pm: Lynnfield Middle School Pioneer Singers

Sunday, December 14
1 pm to 3 pm: New England Ringers

Visit With Santa Claus

The jolly old elf will visit each of the mansions during December. Bring your children and your camera!

Eggnog and cookies will be served. Included in regular daytime admission.

Sunday, December 7: The Breakers, Noon to 3 pm
Sunday, December 14: Marble House, Noon to 3 pm
Sunday, December 21: The Elms, Noon to 3 pm

www.newportmansions.org

Boston - Bermuda cruise special on the Norwegian 'Spirit'

CruCon is offering a special promotion on 7-night Bermuda cruises from Boston at $569 per person. This offer includes $100 in shipboard credit per cabin. You must book by December 12, but only the first 100 cabins booked will receive the credit.

This offer includes:
- 7-night roundtrip cruise on the Norwegian "Spirit"
- 3 nights in St. George's, Bermuda
- Sailing dates of May 8, 15; $30 more for May 1, 22, 29
- $100 shipboard credit for first 100 cabins booked
- Reduced deposit of $250 per cabin

To book this offer through CruCon, call 800-493-6609, or for more information go to www.crucon.com

New Years Eve getaway specials at New Hampshire ski resorts

You can read about New Years Specials at Vermont Ski Resorts here.

Why not start a new family tradition - getting away for New Years Eve to one of New England's mountainside ski resorts? Or enhance your routine ski trip by visiting your favorite resort on this special holiday. You will see it in a whole new light. Enjoy fireworks and bonfires after a day of skiing. Some places offer free babysitting for the little ones, so you can enjoy all the activities throughout the night. Comedy shows, live music, night tubing are only a few things that you can experience. Unforgettable memories guaranteed, don't forget your camera!
Use this guide to help you get started.

Purity Spring Resort, King Pine Ski Area, East Madison, NH
Two nights lodging (12/30 and 12/31/08 or 12/31 and 1/1/09)
Two full country breakfasts
Two hearty lunches
Two buffet dinners
Lift tickets for New Year’s Eve - 4pm through 10pm
First Night Purity Spring button
Outdoor music and Bonfire at the base of King Pine
Ice skating in our covered and well-lit "Tohko Dome"
Outdoor Hot Tubs at the base of King Pine
Horse-drawn Sleigh Rides (reservations needed: $15 adults, $10 juniors, Kids 3 and under are free)
Torchlight parade at 10pm - families encouraged to participate
Pizza party (by Flatbread Pizza) at 10:30 in Trails-End Tavern
Tavern open till 1AM (watch the ball drop on the big screen)
Snow tubing available through 10pm(complimentary for lodging guests @ 9-10pm New Year's Eve)
Snowshoe tour through the on-site Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary – New Year’s Day @ 2pm
FOR KIDS: All the above… plus
Twisted-10 Big Air Series begins(non-competitive and open to all ages and abilities)
Tykes Night Out @ 7-9pm with face painting, magic, balloon tieing, games and FUN (geared towards 5-10 yr olds)
FOR INFANTS:
Complimentary babysitting services will be available on New Year’s Eve from 4-10pm in the Cub Club nursery in the base lodge. Advanced reservations only.
2-night holiday package starts at:
Choose from 2 dates:
Dec. 30 & 31 or Dec 31 & Jan 1st - Limited space available
$248 for adults
$108 for Children (age 4-12)
Kids 3 and under are FREE

I personally recommend Purity Springs Resort, having stayed there myself. They offer large rooms with a queen bed, a sitting area, bunk beds in the extra bedroom and a deck. It is very family friendly. The Inn is very cozy, and feels like you are visiting extended family. There are several living rooms on the first floor of the Inn. The restaurant has a downstairs playroom. The location is breathtaking, with views of the lake and the mountains.

Mount Washington Resort, Bretton Woods Ski Area, Whitefield, NH
Holiday Party Packages
Dinner Only Package: Indulge in a four-course meal and live music in our award-winning Dining Room at The Mount Washington Hotel for just $65.
Holiday Cheer Package: Celebrate all night and sleep in the next morning with elegant accommodations at The Mount Washington Hotel. You'll also enjoy a four-course dinner, breakfast buffet and keepsake ornament for just $289. Add skiing for only $60 per couple.
Grand Holiday Party Package: December 13th, 6-10pm: Join other groups of all sizes for a festive evening of delectable cuisine and live entertainment. Treat your group of business associates, friends or family to a holiday party worthy of our century-old resort. Just $50 per person. Ask about special overnight rates for party guests.

Cranmore Mountain, North Conway, NH
Cranapalooza New Years Eve Schedule:
2:00 Trivia & Tee-shirt toss at the South Chair
3:30 Cook s'mores with C-More
3:30-5:00 A Kid's Concert with singer Marcus Gale
5:00-5:30 Raffle prizes in Schneider Square
5:30-7:30 Mr. Phil creates balloon animals and Cedar Spitz does face painting for everyone in the Eating House
5:30-7:30 Acoustic Music by Bill Cameron in the Eating House
7:30 FIREWORKS
8:00-12:30am Rock concert in the Eating House with The Chris Fitz Band
10:00 BONFIRE
12:00 Countdown to New Years in Schnieder Square and FIREWORKS!
Contact the resort for all-inclusive tickets.

Pats Peak, Henniker, NH
"New Year’s In Motion"
Skiing, snowboarding, tubing
2-Hour Comedy Show
Monte Carlo for raffles prizes
Dancing to The McMurphy's
Tasting Stations
Party Favors
Champagne Toast
Midnight Fireworks Display
A new event to the night’s festivities is a two-hour Comedy Show from 9pm to 11pm with 3 comedians including headliner, Tom Hayes.
The three tasting stations presented by Pats Peak's own gourmet chef, Guy Pelletier, include “American Bistro”, “Taste of the Sea” and “Chinese New Year’”.
The party begins at 6pm, and the slopes are open until 10pm.
Guest can purchase a “Party & Skiing" ticket that allows access to every activity. “Party Only”, “Skiing Only” and “Tubing Only” tickets are also available.
The party includes an impressive midnight fireworks display set to music, a champagne toast, party favors, dancing, and much more.
Don't miss the "party favors"...the event of the evening that has become known as "the throwing of the beads!"
Live Music by The McMurphys in the Sleigh Room from 8pm to Midnight.
Childcare Available - reservations Recommended.
There is a $20 discount for Adults and a $10 discount for Jrs/Srs for the "Party and Skiing" and "Party Only" tickets if purchased before December 15, 2008.
Party and Skiing
Adult $90
Junior/Senior $50

Other NH ski resorts such as Attitash, Waterville Valey, Loon Mountain and Sunapee will offer some activities, such as midnight buffet, live music and fireworks. The details were not available at the time of this publication.

Where to go snow tubing in Massachusetts and New Hampshire

Read this article on Boston Family Life.