Best travel deals delivered in packages

  • By Myscha Theriault McClatchy-Tribune News Service
  • Friday, October 5, 2012 5:17pm
  • Life

If you want the best value for your vacation, it pays to shop for packages as opposed to simply considering the basic room rate.

Many include exceptional complimentary items with seasonal and annual package rates. From happy hour drinks to museum tickets and spa treatments to temple tours, the best package offerings keep things fresh and fun.

Treats: A popular perk in hotel packages is to include additional food and beverage items with the price of the room. While morning meals have come to be expected, some venues are choosing to branch out.

A recent promotion of Four Points by Sheraton included complimentary tokens to use for free appetizers, desserts and specialty coffees.

A Connecticut gaming resort includes cocktail credits with certain room packages, along with extra activities such as golf and tickets to sporting events.

Activities: The Revere Hotel Boston Common offers an urban art package including a $24 drink credit at the venue’s Emerald Lounge and two $15 tickets to the Institute of Contemporary Art.

The JW and CasaMagna Marriott resorts in Cancun, Mexico, have packages starting at $199 per night that include spa treatments and tours of Chichen Itza.

Themes: Germany’s Regent Berlin offers a scenic driving getaway that includes the use of a stylish Mercedes-Benz vehicle stocked with full picnic supplies and fine china. A six-course, candlelight dinner at the hotel’s restaurant is also included in the romantic, two-day package.

The CuisinArt Golf Resort and Spa on the Caribbean island of Anguilla has a gourmet holiday package for couples. The five-night offering includes a cooking class, wine tasting, chef’s table dinner and multiple meals at the resort’s various restaurants along with fully daily breakfasts.

Theriault is the best-selling co-author of the book “10,001 Ways to Live Large on a Small Budget,” and founder of TrekHound.com.

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