Month: July 2024

Travelers can take advantage of record-low fares this September thanks to a new sale from low-cost Breeze Airways.

“$30 fares? Game on,” the airline wrote in an email about the promotion. “Go for the Golden Hour.”

The airline’s sale, which ends on Thursday, Aug. 1, at 11:59 p.m. PT, is available for travel between Sept. 3 and 17. No promo code is needed to access these discounted fares, which include government taxes and fees. Travelers can find the eligible routes on sale to book on Breeze’s website or app.

Travel + Leisure found these one-way deals ranging from $30 to $39:

• Canton-Akron (CAK) to/from Orlando (MCO) and Myrtle Beach (MYR)
• Charleston (CHS) to/from Cincinnati (CVG) and Louisville (SDF)
• Orlando (MCO) to/from New Orleans (MSY) and Mobile (BFM)
• Provo (PVU) to/from Phoenix (PHX), Dallas (DFW), and San Francisco (SFO)
• Pittsburgh (PIT) to/from Raleigh-Durham (RDU)
• Hartford (BDL) to/from Myrtle Beach (MYR), Norfolk (ORF), Pittsburgh (PIT), and Richmond (RIC)
• Tampa (TPA) to/from Charleston (CHS)
• San Francisco (SFO) to/from San Bernadino (SBD)

Even cross-country routes are on sale at a significantly discounted rate. For example, passengers can book $89 one-way flights between Raleigh-Durham and San Diego or Richmond and Los Angeles as part of this promotion.

That said, these promotional fares are available in Breeze’s “No Flex Fare,” similar to a basic economy ticket on other carriers. Travelers are only allowed to bring a personal item and will pay extra to pick a seat and to bring carry-on bags onboard. For more flexibility, passengers should book “Nice” fares, which allow them to change or cancel their flights with no added fee.

Breeze Airways is still a relatively new carrier, having launched its inaugural service from Tampa to Charleston just over three years ago. Created by former JetBlue founder David Neeleman, the airline offers direct service to bring travelers from smaller airports to larger destinations with low-cost fares.

As a Chicagoland-based local and a seasoned travel writer, Deer Path Inn has long been on my radar. My first staycation at this impressive countryside-style guesthouse was with my youngest child in tow. We enjoyed a special mother-son overnight, which included eating intricate finger sandwiches, sweets, and scones and sipping flavorful brewed teas in the lovely English Room, snapping photos in front of the titan stag sculpture in the verdant courtyard garden, and wandering to the nearby town square on foot to see the fountain and marvel at the vegetables and flowers neatly displayed in tight rows down a brick alleyway. Later, we snuggled under blankets and watched a movie, eschewing an alarm for the following day.

I brought my husband to dine with me this time, but he didn’t stay long — someone needed to watch our brood at home. It’s a tough job to spend a night lounging in a king-sized bed with luxurious linens all to myself, but as a mom of three teenage boys, I was chomping at the bit for the most indulgent and pleasure-seeking escape of all: time alone.

The experience went just as well as you’d expect, and I promise you, the attentiveness and care of the hospitable staff were not lost on me. Stepping into my reserved elevator, I was delivered to the Cornwall Suite. A flawless spot to lounge with a novel, the light-filled living room had a marble fireplace and wine bottles lining the shelves. Still, it was the deluxe bathroom with a deep jetted infinity tub, which fills from a fixture on the ceiling, that caused me to gasp audibly. Oh, yes, this was the setting for me and that novel.

I’d later dine in The English Room and White Hart Pub and practice my mixology skills during a cocktail class in The Bar with the creative and joyful Jorge Centeno, the chief spirits officer. All of it would feel like a dream that was over too soon. This inimitable inn sets the bar high for unforgettable stays in the Midwest and around the globe.

For 95 years, Deer Path Inn, with its Tudor-style façade, nostalgic wood paneling, original artwork, and cozy interior, has been an indispensable landmark on Chicago’s North Shore. From the moment you step through the manor house doors and spot the wellies lining the wall, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported back in time to an English countryside estate. Included on The National Register of Historic Places and the Historic Hotels of America lists, this boutique hotel, recently renovated in 2016, consistently earns a top spot for our World’s Best Awards. It’s easy to see why.

Read on for my full review of Deer Path Inn, an illustrious favorite that you just have to experience to believe.

The Rooms

The storybook rooms, ranging from 350 to 800 square feet, are graciously sized and designed with a gentle palette of pastels and neutrals. The décor is plush and classy yet understated, giving it a timeless style. From the upholstered and comfy furnishings to the luxurious drapery to the Frette linens, rich texture and home-like touches make you want to linger in bed longer than you perhaps should.

Deer Path Inn is known for its personalized care. “If someone tells us it’s their anniversary, we put a bottle of Champagne in their room at no charge,” says James Barnett, a global hospitality star and the new General Manager at the inn. “It’s purely for service.”

I stayed in the Cornwall Suite, which has a lovely open living and dining room floor plan with separate sleeping quarters. Fresh orchids brighten up each space, including the capacious bathroom stocked with Molton Brown toiletries. Everything is on brand, of course, including not only the bath products that are made in England, but also, the in-room Garrett popcorn, which as any Chicagoan knows, is a definitive Windy City staple.

“The housekeeping team is incredible. The level of detail and consistency is impressive,” says Barnett. I concur: I was instantly won over by the hand-delivered lemony madeleine cookies dusted with powdered sugar.

Food and Drink

With three award-winning dining options, you certainly won’t go hungry while staying here. The executive chef, Jeff Vucko, formerly chef de cuisine at Langham, Chicago, and executive chef at Pendry, is another bright and relatively new addition to the team.

“With people’s memories of a place, there are certain dishes they don’t want to see leave the menu,” says Barnett. “We are cautious about that and will update the menu where we can.”

The English Room is the beating heart of the culinary experience at Deer Path Inn. You’ll likely witness a pair clinking wine glasses while celebrating a special occasion—I saw a couple shake the hand of my server, George while gushing, “Thank you for remembering!”

Adjacent to the main dining space is the light-filled Garden Room, where many enjoy afternoon tea, and if the weather is favorable, you can relish alfresco tea service on the splendid Courtyard Patio. A group of ladies with lacy multi-hued fascinators brightened up a long table next to where I was sipping cheery fig tea. “We do this every year,” one chic woman gushed.

The Bar is where you can enjoy a tipple, casual bites, or a full-on dinner. Ahi tuna nachos, burrata, cottage pie, wild mushroom risotto, and Scottish Salmon are on the menu. The wood-paneled setting is so relaxing and serene that it’s easy to whittle away the hours in this cozy, low-lit enclave.

Casual and traditional, White Hart Pub is a real treat. Try the bangers and mash, shepherd’s pie, or fish ‘n chips. It’s like a vacation to the Old World.

However, for guests who want to unwind in the comfort of their own chamber, the in-room dining menu is available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Surprisingly, sushi is also available (on select days between 4 p.m. and 10 p.m.). My breakfast of avocado toast and fresh berries was delivered promptly and was delicious.

Activities and Experiences

While there is no swimming pool on site, guests may enjoy easy access to Lake Forest’s private beach, situated just over one mile from the property. If you’d prefer not to walk, complimentary bicycles are available, or car parking passes are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

There’s a small fitness center, which is open at all hours if you need to work out. The neighborhood is gorgeous, so I suggest going for an outdoor jog if you’re a runner. The concierge can help you plan a route, but I recommend heading toward Market Square or the beach.

Be sure to take advantage of the special packages offered throughout the year. For example, you can enjoy the wellness and sleep-inspired package called “A Good Book & A Spot of Tea,” which includes tea service at bedtime, English snacks, a lavender mocktail, and a special “Sleepy Sips” curated playlist. Partnering with the Lake Forest Book Store, guests will receive a hand-selected book. The inn’s Chief Spirits Officer also presents a cocktail trinity inspired by English authors: The Charles Dickens, The Jane Austen, and The William Shakespeare.

For alcohol-free offerings, the Zero-Proof Experiences are tailor-made for sober-curious holidaymakers. Reserve a “Zero-Proof” hotel package featuring an in-suite DIY mocktail mixology kit and a private mocktail mixology lesson with the Chief Spirits Officer. If you’d like to visit The Bar at the Inn, you can also indulge in a rotating menu of alcohol-free cocktails — be sure to take a peek at the Inn’s Instagram page to see the bartenders in action.

Family-friendly Offerings

As someone who travels frequently with her family, I greatly appreciate amenities like complimentary valet service, especially when a lot of luggage needs tending. Also, as Fido is a household member, small dogs are welcome at the inn.

Evening milk and cookies, presented in the hotel lobby, are an amenity that kids — and, let’s be honest, adults too — adore.

It’s also worth noting that Deer Path Inn is ideal for a multigenerational experience. It’s not uncommon to see grandparents who want to spend quality time with grandchildren enjoy afternoon tea together.

Accessibility and Sustainability

Deer Path Inn is known for its exceptional service and attentive care, and this ethos extends to guests with mobility challenges. From three different guestroom categories that offer accommodating functionality to valet or accessible self-parking to wheelchair ramps to an elevator with braille, this hotel has thought of everything.

“We’re adapting to be more eco-friendly, moving toward aluminum tubes or bulk dispensers for toiletries,” says Barnett. “It’s a conscious choice.”

Location

Just 33 miles north of the Windy City, Lake Forest is a charming village on Chicago’s North Shore, with an abundance of activities and marvels to experience. Within walking distance from the hotel, you can easily reach the historic Market Square, full of boutique shops, eateries, and local happenings. Gorton Community Center is also nearby — visit here to experience live musical events, cultural arts, and community fun.

The Lake Forest Train Station, which services Chicago, is within a half-mile of the inn, and Deerpath Golf Course and Lake Forest Beach are both just over one mile away.

How to Get the Most Value Out of Your Stay

For the best value, book ahead, especially since the inn tends to fill up fast during the peak seasons. “It’s a great place to visit in summer — we have all the amenities like the lake — but winter, January and February, is our slower period, which would be reflected in the rates.”

Another way to maximize your stay is to delight in the cozy nooks throughout the hotel’s public spaces. Bring a book, read the provided newspapers, or play a game of chess with your family — the Deer Path Inn is meant to be savored with loved ones. “It’s a flexible place where you can relax and tone it down, or you can plan your North Shore visit and go to the Botanic Gardens, take the train to the city, take a bike ride, or go down to the beach. You can fit all that in one stay or just slow down a little bit,” says Barnett.

Home to some of the greatest theme parks in the country, there’s no shortage of things to do in the City Beautiful. Unfortunately, all this fun can rack up a high bill pretty quickly. While vacation costs can easily soar higher than fireworks, there are some ways to save money and make your dream trip a reality. Here’s what you need to know to plan a trip to Orlando on a budget.

How to Save Money on Flights

One benefit of Orlando being one of the most visited cities in the country is that many airports have direct flights to Orlando International Airport (MCO). If your home airport is a hub for an airline, consider opening up an airline-specific or travel-friendly credit card with a sign-up bonus to earn more miles or offset the cost of flights.

Utilizing Google Flights and other similar travel planning websites is another way to best decipher what airline, time of day, or even time of year is the most cost-effective to visit. You can utilize price prediction graphs and even set alerts for when fares change.

Affordable Places to Stay

You can stay on property at Walt Disney World or Universal Orlando without breaking the bank. At Walt Disney World, opt for a Value resort, such as Pop Century or Art of Animation, for helpful perks (like free transportation to the parks) at a much lower price point. While they are a more expensive option, booking Disney Villas can end up saving money as they provide guests with kitchenettes so that you can prepare meals yourself (rather than spending money dining out for every meal). Staying at a Deluxe Disney property will also give you exclusive after-hours entry to select parks on certain evenings. During these events, expect little to no wait times on even the most popular attractions. Neighboring properties Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin and The Swan Reserve are just a stone’s throw away from the parks and offer many of the same Deluxe resort benefits, but they are actually Marriott hotels, so you can use Bonvoy points and even free bonus nights toward a stay, rather than paying cash.

Universal Orlando has stellar options for travelers looking to stay on a budget at their Prime Value hotels. The resort offers several tiers of properties: Value, Prime Value, Preferred, and Premier. While the Premier properties will cost the most per night, they do come with some great money-saving perks, like free Universal Express Unlimited, which allows you to skip the regular lines at participating rides and attractions at Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure. The rooms and family suites at both Universal Endless Summer Resorts — Dockside and Surfside — are an incredible deal for the price.

There’s no shortage of vacation rentals in Orlando on websites like Airbnb, Vrbo, and more. However, the newly opened Evermore Resort also offers all of the perks of renting a private home without the risks that accompany rentals, like last-minute owner cancellations or dirty accommodations. They also come with kitchens, allowing you to save money on dining costs if you prepare food at home.

Transportation Options

Orlando is the largest rental car market in the world, so with enough research, you can generally find a good deal on a car. However, some hotels do charge for parking, and those nightly fees can add up. If you’re looking to explore the area, consider renting a car for only a portion of your stay to cut costs. The city does offer public transit via the Lynx bus, as well as the I-Ride Trolley service and Brightline train. Both Universal Orlando and Walt Disney World offer complimentary theme park transportation for guests staying on property, and if you’re spending most of your trip at the parks, it generally makes the most sense to skip the rental and stay on site.

How to Save on Theme Parks and Activities

Theme parks often run promotions throughout the year, whether it’s multi-day ticket-only offers or bundling tickets along with rooms. For example, Walt Disney World currently has a four-day, four-park ticket promotion from $99 per day, and guests can save up to 30 percent off room rates through the holiday season. Universal Orlando also offers promotions throughout the year, like this two days free with a two-park, three-day ticket deal.

Visitors can also purchase Disney gift cards at retailers like Target, Sam’s Club, and Costco at discounted rates throughout the year. Paying for either the entire trip or just designating a certain budget for dining, festival foods, or souvenirs with a gift card allows you to stay on budget more easily. Some websites offer discounts on tickets, like Theme Park Frog, The Orlando Informer, Sam’s Club, and Costco. While these discounts don’t tend to be very large, any money saved can go straight to your Dole Whip budget.

Both Universal and Disney offer shopping, dining, and entertainment destinations that don’t require an admission fee. If you’re visiting Walt Disney World this summer, be sure to catch Disney Dreams That Soar, a new nightly drone show you can watch from Disney Springs. Parking is free at this outdoor entertainment complex, and you can find several top-notch quick-serve destinations for dining on a budget. Universal CityWalk has dozens of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options from mini-golf to a movie theater just steps from the gates of their parks. And for visitors looking to take a break from the theme parks altogether, there are several totally free things to do in Orlando, from birdwatching to botanical gardens. 

Eating on a Budget

While Orlando is home to plenty of upscale restaurants, there are also quick-serve, casual options that are just as good. For fantastic food on a budget, be sure to check out some of the winners of the Bib Gourmand award. New-to-Florida Michelin Guide not only honors fine dining locations, but high-quality food that can be found at a spectacular value. This year’s winners in Orlando include some of my favorites like Domu and Norigami.

Even if you’re staying in a standard hotel room without a kitchen, you can stock up on some basics to save money. There’s no need for a rental car or a trip to the grocery store, as you can utilize services like Shipt or Instacart to order groceries directly to your accommodations. Even without a kitchen, you can order ingredients for easy-to-prep meals like peanut-butter-and-jelly sandwiches, granola bars, snacks for after a long day at the park, and my favorite — bottles of cold brew coffee. Iced coffee is one of my staples, and by ordering large bottles for a trip, I’m able to save some serious cash. Just keep in mind that some hotel mini fridges are technically coolers and don’t reach cold enough temperatures to safely hold items like dairy products.

When you do want to eat out, there are plenty of great options that won’t break the bank at Orlando’s top parks. Rather than focus on table-service locations, consider ordering the majority of your meals from quick-serve restaurants to save money. That said, there are some reasonably priced table-service options as well. Some favorites at Walt Disney World are Bar Riva at Disney’s Riviera Resort, Polite Pig at Disney Springs, and Sebastian’s Bistro at Caribbean Beach Resort which offers an all-you-care-to-enjoy pre-fixe menu. For larger (or hungrier!) families, pick up a whole pie at the Boardwalk Pizza window at Disney’s Boardwalk Resort to enjoy either on the Boardwalk or back in your room.

Guests staying at Universal Orlando can find many quick-serve options like Blaze Pizza at CityWalk, the Leaky Cauldron inside The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Diagon Alley, and Illumination’s Minion Cafe. The cafeterias in the value resorts are also impressive, like The Bayliner Diner which cooks up made-to-order food at reasonable prices at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort.

Itinerary Ideas

Breaking up a busy week of theme parks isn’t just good from a budget standpoint — it’s also more relaxing. While there’s nothing like racking up thousands of steps and exploring a park from open to close, sometimes it doesn’t quite feel like a vacation. Most hotel pools in Orlando are truly stellar and deserve a day to enjoy. Additionally, when you kick back and relax, you can enjoy on-site offerings like nightly movies at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort or making s’mores and enjoying the Chip and Dale Singalong at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort.

More Money-saving Tips and Tricks

• When ordering quick-service meals inside the theme parks, consider selecting the kid’s meal. In general, the portion sizes are enough for an adult, and they come with your choice of side and beverage.
• Order groceries so that you can have breakfast outside the parks. As long as your heart isn’t set on a daily Mickey waffle, a box of granola bars can net you some serious savings.
• Don’t underestimate a rest day. While you obviously don’t want to miss a thing on your trip, some of the best memories I’ve had with my family are on our days off from the parks. Take the opportunity to explore the other resorts (and watch the Epcot or Magic Kingdom fireworks from outside the parks), or use a form of transportation you haven’t tried before.
• While it may seem counterintuitive to purchase a ticket for an additional event, sometimes the shorter wait times and included snacks can mean that the extra cost pays off. The Orlando Informer hosts several meetups in Universal Orlando throughout the year, allowing ticket holders after-hours access, unlimited food, and generally shorter waits for all the top attractions in the park.
• If your schedule is flexible, consider the time of year you want to visit and be on the lookout for discounts. “If you’ve got kids in school and don’t want to take them out, the best time to visit might be mid-to-late August. Summer vacation crowds will have left by then, and Disney often offers late-summer hotel discounts,” says Len Testa, co-author of The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World.

Spirit Airlines is moving away from its history of à-la-carte pricing by introducing new ticketing bundles that include options for premium seats, carry-on bags, Wi-Fi, and more.

Starting August 16, travelers can find the new booking options online at checkout. The base-level fare, “Go,” will remain true to Spirit as the most economical ticketing option, and travelers will be able to pay for trip extras after booking. 

With the new update, passengers can upgrade to “Go Savvy,” “Go Comfy,” and “Go Big,” and these bundles will offer more perks than ever before:

• Go Savvy: includes one carry-on or checked bag and a standard seat selection at booking
• Go Comfy: includes a guaranteed blocked middle seat, carry-on and checked bags, priority boarding, one snack, and a non-alcoholic beverage. It is available for travel starting Aug. 27.
• Go Big: includes Spirit’s Big Front seat, free snacks, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, a carry-on and checked bag, priority check-in and boarding, and free Wi-Fi. It is available for travel starting Aug. 27.

As part of a recent policy change by the low-cost airline, all four “Go” ticketing options will include no change or cancellation fees. 

“We’re unveiling a new era in Spirit’s history and taking low-fare travel to new heights with enhanced options that are unlike anything we’ve ever offered before,” said Spirit’s president and CEO, Ted Christie, in a statement shared with T+L. “We listened to our guests and are excited to deliver what they want: choices for an elevated experience that are affordable and provide unparalleled value.”

Spirit anticipates a larger net loss for Q2 2024 due to “lower-than-expected” ancillary revenue. 

However, Spirit is not alone in the industry, as airlines are attempting to upsell premium amenities to make up for losses. Major low-cost competitor Frontier Airlines has introduced an “UpFront Plus” seating option with blocked middle seats, while Southwest recently announced plans to phase out its decades-long open-boarding policy.

From beach getaways to city escapes, JetBlue has marked down dozens of routes for August and September travel.

Dubbed the “See-ya, Summer” sale, the airline shared on its website that, “Summer’s flying by, but there’s still time to make the most of it with August travel on sale.”

The promotion, which ends on Thursday, August 1, at 11:59 p.m. ET, is available for travel on Tuesdays and Wednesdays between Aug. 13 and Sep. 25. There’s no promo code required, and travelers can head over to JetBlue’s dedicated promotion page to find the eligible routes on sale. 

Travel + Leisure found the best one-way deals across the country starting at the lowest $39 price point:

• New York (JFK) to Nashville (BNA): $39
• Los Angeles (LAX) to Salt Lake City (SLC): $39
• Orlando (FLL) to Washington, D.C. (IAD): $39
• Fort Lauderdale (FLL) to Jacksonville (JAX): $44
• Boston (BOS) to Presque Isle (PQI): $49
• Boston (BOS) to Charleston (CHS): $49
• Newark (EWR) to West Palm Beach (PBI): $54
• New York (JFK) to Bermuda (BDA): $59
• Fort Lauderdale (FLL) to San Juan (SJU): $69

These discounted flights are available in Blue Basic, which is JetBlue’s most restrictive fare class available. Recently, the airline announced a favorable change to Blue Basic tickets, allowing travelers flying on or after Sept. 6 to bring a carry-on bag onboard for no fee. However, Blue Basic passengers will still have to pay $65 for their first checked bag and will incur additional fees for modifying their flight, though this ticketing option remains the most economical.

Travelers with TrueBlue points can also take advantage of JetBlue’s latest sale, though award flights can only be booked in the higher Blue fare class. These one-way flights are discounted for as low as 3,600 points and $5.60 in taxes and fees, and Blue tickets even include free modifications and seat selection.

Travelers longing for a Paris getaway have a quick and easy way to experience a version of the “City of Lights” without leaving the United States. 

Paris Las Vegas, the famed French-inspired casino and hotel, recently unveiled a $100 million upgrade to its Versailles Tower, featuring 756 renovated rooms and extra amenities. Best of all, guests can now book rooms with a Las Vegas strip-view balcony overlooking the famed Bellagio fountains. (Having a balcony attached to a Las Vegas Strip hotel room is rare, with only Paris Las Vegas and MGM Resort’s The Cosmopolitan.)

Travel + Leisure spotted availability for the new balcony rooms, with rates for under $249 a night on the Paris website throughout the fall. The balcony rooms span over 445 square feet and offer a king or double-bed configuration. Amenities in the room include a new 55″ television, sofa, and marble bathrooms with French-inspired art pieces. The most stunning amenity may be the views from the balcony of the Las Vegas Strip, and neighboring fountains.

“The rooms are inspired by an elegant Parisian apartment, and the renovation and redesign have transformed every detail – from the color scheme to the layout and furnishings – into a modern and luxurious space, all while still reflecting the resort’s identity,” Sean McBurney, Caesars Entertainment’s regional president of Las Vegas, told T+L.

The Versailles Tower was originally a part of the Horseshoe Las Vegas, which was previously known as Bally’s. After the brand change, the management invested $100 million into an interior and exterior renovation of the tower and merged it into the Paris Las Vegas. 

The casino and hotel are themed as a French capital, complete with a half-sized replica of the Eiffel Tower, and a two-thirds-sized replica of the Arc de Triomphe. Having originally opened in September 1999, the new investment and upgrades may have guests saying, “C’est tres bien.” The hotel also features one of the most unique outdoor recreation areas in Las Vegas, with a two-acre rooftop pool that sits under the replica of the Eiffel Tower.