If you’re looking for a cheap vacation, check out this week’s Groupon Getaways. And remember, you can always click on our Cheap Vacations page to see the latest deals.
Online: $59.00 for Hotel with Water Park in Downtown Albuquerque ($105.00 value)
Hotel at a Glance: Hotel Cascada
New Mexico’s only indoor water park is tucked inside Hotel Cascada, right in the heart of downtown Albuquerque. The 175,000-gallon park boasts twisting water slides, a lazy river, and a two-person FlowRider that simulates the experience of surfing. A shallow play area is ideal for younger children, with sprayers and a giant tipping bucket.
Longest water slide: 300 feet
Water-park activities: Limbo contests, scavenger hunts, and build-your-own-boat races
Best place to unwind: Altitude Sports Grill, where you can nosh on spicy cayenne-habanero wings and play interactive sports trivia displayed on a dozen wall-mounted TVs
Must-see nearby: Founded in 1706, Historic Old Town encompasses the Albuquerque Museum of Art and History and numerous art galleries, antique shops, and outdoor vendors selling locally made handicrafts.
A view from the top: Ride the Sandia Peak Tramway to a 10,000-foot observation deck for breathtaking views of the Rio Grande Valley.
Albuquerque: Multicultural City with Long, Storied Past
Not only is Albuquerque New Mexico's largest city, it's also one of the state's most culturally diverse. Since its official founding in 1706, Spanish, Mexican, and Native American influences have shaped the local culture, reflected in the city’s distinctive Pueblo Revival–style architecture.
The bulk of Albuquerque's cultural offerings center on Old Town, where you'll find art galleries and restaurants housed within historical adobe buildings. About a mile northeast of Old Town, the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center has an impressive collection of artifacts dating back to pre-Columbian settlers. The museum building is inspired by the Pueblo Bonito ruins of Chaco Canyon.
To see a real pueblo, head to Acoma Pueblo, about 65 miles west of Albuquerque. Set atop a mesa, this dusty village—one of the oldest in the country—consists of centuries-old adobes where native artisans craft pottery with distinctive black-and-white designs.
Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.
Online: $99.00 for Family Condos in the Rocky Mountains ($209.00 value)
Mountain-Lodge-Style Retreats with Homey Ambiance
Summit County is home to some of Colorado's most popular ski resorts. But before the snow falls, you can get a whole new perspective on the landscape. Hiking and mountain-biking trails open up at Keystone Ski Resort, winding through the protected forests that surround Summit County. Within an hour’s drive are five whitewater-rafting rivers, which are also primed for trout fishing. And with the summer come several festivals, including the Keystone Wine and Jazz Festival (July 13–14), the Bluegrass and Beer Festival (August 2–4), and Cirque du Wheels (August 31–September 1).
As part of this deal, you’ll have the choice to stay in either a one- or two-bedroom condo located within or near Keystone’s River Run Village (customers will be placed in a lodge by the company after indicating their preference for a one- or two-bedroom unit). Each one gives you the space to stretch out after a day out hiking through the forests, and most have views of the mountains or pine, aspen, and fir trees. Amenities vary from unit to unit—some have jacuzzis, while others feature heated underground parking. Each condo provides many comforts of home, like full kitchens stocked with dishes, cookware, and exceptional report cards on the fridge.
The two-bedroom condo at Arapahoe Lodge has a spacious living room and a balcony overlooking River Run Village. Within the resort below, there's an eight-person hot tub set alongside a heated outdoor pool. Or you and your family might settle into a recently remodeled one-bedroom condo at Silver Mill, which has three hot tubs, a sauna, and a fitness center on its property.
See the Fine Print for a full list of valid room types. Each condo is subject to a cleaning fee; see the Fine Print for the fee structure.
Keystone, Colorado: Upscale Resort Town near Mountains and Alpine Lakes
Located about 75 miles west of Denver, the resort town of Keystone is lined with four-star restaurants and high-end shops, but Keystone Mountain is town’s focal point. Two gondolas are among the 20 lifts that scale up Keystone Mountain, which transforms into a scenic park for biking, horseback riding, and guided hikes once the summer begins. Take the gondola to Adventure Point at top of the mountain to tube-slide down a snowy hill that stays slushy well into the summer. The area also features two championship golf courses that stretch past pristine lakes, meadows, and the Snake River.
Less than 10 miles west of town lies the Dillon Reservoir, a lake spanning more than 3,000 acres that now covers the original site of the town of Dillon. Here, you can spend a day canoeing, windsurfing, or fly-fishing on the Blue River, which flows into the lake. To the north, the Arapaho National Forest stretches across 1.5 million acres of protected mountains and grassland laced with hiking trails.
Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.
Online: $99.00 for Spacious Cabins near Utah Mountains & Canyons ($220.00 value)
Hotel at a Glance: River’s Edge Resort and Campground
Set amid the Rockies just south of Park City, Utah’s Heber Valley is home to stunning mountain scenery and several natural wonders, including Timpanogos Cave National Monument and Provo Canyon. Located in the heart of this wilderness, River’s Edge Resort and Campgrounds gives guests access to several outdoor opportunities. The setting supports makes for unforgettable hiking and mountain biking in the Wasatch Range, as well as world-class fly-fishing in the Provo River, located just across the street. There you can fish at one of the country’s top blue ribbon trout fisheries—some parts of the river contain more than 3,000 trout per mile—after stocking up on tackle and bait at the resort’s country store.
Nifty In-Room Amenities: Rustic Park Avenue Cabins include a full kitchen and two bedrooms, one of which has an adjacent deck overlooking the Wasatch Range.
Tee Off: The area’s five award-winning golf courses include the Jack Nicklaus-designed Red Ledges Golf Course, which was named Utah’s fifth-best course by Golf Digest in 2013.
Take a Hike: You can spot moose, sand hill cranes, and other wildlife along the resort’s trail system, which runs through a wetland nature preserve.
Nearby State Park: The resort is right on the edge of Jordanelle State Park, home to the Jordanelle Reservoir, a popular spot for boating, fishing, and other water activities.
Must-See Attraction: About 6 miles south, Heber Valley Railroad is home to a 100-year-old excursion train that takes passengers past the glacier-carved Provo Canyon and Deer Creek Reservoir’s majestic wildlife.
Warm Up: At night, guests gather by a cluster of crackling campfires to roast s’mores.
Hot Tip: The resort doesn’t provide cooking supplies and eating utensils, although a basic kitchen set-up is available for rent. Be sure to bring your own if you plan on eating at home.
Heber Valley, UT: World-Class Fly-Fishing and Mountain Golf Courses Near Utah’s Ski Country
Set amid the Wasatch Mountain Range, Utah’s Ski Country is home to premier recreation resorts including Deer Valley, the Canyons, and Park City Mountain Resort. About 20 miles south of here is the lesser-known Heber Valley, a hidden gem nestled between the mountains’ windswept canyons. The area sees some traffic due to its high-profile neighbors, but with three state parks, five mountain golf courses, and some of the country’s best fly-fishing, this backcountry is a premier destination in its own right. For an introduction to the area, board the Heber Valley Railroad—which dates back to 1899—for a scenic ride through Provo Valley and past the Wasatch Mountains aboard steam and vintage diesel trains.
Anglers flock to Heber Valley’s Provo River year-round to catch brown, rainbow, and cutthroat trout. Part of the river has been designated a “Blue Ribbon Fishery” by the United States, a status reserved for the country’s highest quality fisheries. During the summer, a handful of world-class golf courses attract visitors. The 18-hole lake course at Wasatch Mountain State Park sits at an elevation of 6,000 feet, surrounded by hiking trails and alpine forests filled with bison, deer, and osprey. Summertime also means free concerts in Heber City Park, and sailing and windsurfing at Deer Creek State Park.
Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.
Online: $329.00 for Family-Friendly Resorts near Orlando Theme Parks ($739.00 value)
Family-Friendly Resorts near Orlando Theme Parks
This seven-night stay in the Orlando area includes condo-style accommodations at one of eight centrally located resorts. Though features at each property vary, they all have outdoor swimming pools and are situated near Walt Disney World® Theme Parks. One resort boasts five waterslides, a wave pool, and an erupting in-water volcano. Another property sits on 65 lakefront acres dotted with Mediterranean-style villas and on onsite spa. You’ll find mini-golf courses and tennis courts at some locations, and all are within short driving distance of the area’s top shopping and dining spots.
Studio and one-bedroom condos can accommodate up to four guests, while two-bedroom units are big enough for eight. Most feature homelike amenities such as full kitchens and living rooms; some provide access to onsite clubhouses.
Orlando, Florida: World-Famous Theme Parks and Cultural Surprises
Located in the center of Florida, Orlando may be forever associated with the Walt Disney World® Theme Parks. It spans roughly 30,000 acres, encompassing four theme parks, two water parks, five golf courses, and the Downtown Disney® Marketplace. There’s no shortage of things to do here: begin your day by boarding a rocket-shaped three-seater that climbs to 180 feet before entering a deep black tunnel and racing past stars, satellites, and constellations. Walk across the park to sample Moroccan cuisine for lunch, or ride a dune buggy through a haunted 18th-century mansion. Before heading back to the hotel, take in the nightly fireworks, laser, and water show. As one of the most popular family destinations in the world, sunny Orlando is home to other theme parks including Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld, and Gatorland.
Those hoping to shake up the typical theme-park-dominated itinerary can head into downtown Orlando's vibrant arts district. The neighborhood boasts venues such as CityArts Factory, a multifaceted patchwork of gallery spaces, and SAK Comedy Lab, which hosts family-friendly improv shows five nights a week.
About a 10-minute drive north, you’ll find eight cultural institutions at Loch Haven Park, including the Orlando Museum of Art, which houses pieces by Georgia O’Keeffe, Robert Rauschenberg, Ansel Adams, and Andy Warhol. The park is also home to the Orlando Shakespeare Theater, the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Orlando Science Center. Visit the science center to take a rover across a simulation of Mars’s red surface, or race on a 70-foot pinewood derby track.
Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.
Online: $1,299.00 for 8-Day Costa Rica Tour ($2,998.00 value)
Adventure Tours in Costa Rica’s Jungles, Cloud Forests, and Beaches
This tour includes:
Overnight accommodations at four resorts
Zipline tour
Horseback ride
Sky Walk tour
Bird-watching tour
Tubing adventure
Kayak tour to Isla Chora
Canyon and waterfall tour
Airport transfers
Transportation between locations
Bilingual guides
Some meals
On this eight-day, seven-night adventure tour from Costa Rica Monkey Tours, you’ll get to experience the full range of Costa Rica’s biodiversity, from beach to jungle. A string of adventure tours—all led by a bilingual guide—includes kayaking, ziplining, and tubing, as well as more meditative pursuits such as bird watching. This Getaway includes overnight stays at four hotels, along with tours, transportation, and some meals. Airfare is not included.
Explore the full itinerary here.
Day 1:
You’ll arrive at Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR), also known as Liberia International Airport, and take a complimentary shuttle to the first hotel, Hilton Garden Inn Liberia Airport. The rest of the day is open for relaxation.
Day 2:
After breakfast, you’ll check in at the next hotel, Hacienda Guachipelin, and then depart for a full day of adventure tours. Highlights include a waterfall-and-canyon tour, a tubing adventure on the Rio Negro, a horseback ride, and a visit to hot springs.
Day 3:
The day begins with breakfast at Hacienda Guachipelin, and then it’s on to your next stop: El Establo hotel, located on a scenic overlook in the Monteverde cloud forest. Later in the day, you’ll depart for a trip across the suspension bridges that make up Sky Walk and ride the Sky Tram deep into the tropical rainforest. From the open gondola, you’ll be in a great position to spot tropical birds, and, if you’re lucky, jaguars and ocelots.
Day 4:
Midmorning, you’ll set sail on a river tour through Palo Verde National Park, where you can expect to see crocodiles and howler monkeys. This remote network of mangrove swamps is a haven for birds, including storks, egrets, and spoonbills. Then you’ll visit Guaitil, a small town where residents have been making pottery using the same techniques for more than 5,000 years.
You’ll spend the night (and the remainder of the trip) at Hotel Villas Playa Samara, located just steps from a gorgeous white-sand beach.
Days 5–8:
The hotel’s whitewashed cottages hug a horseshoe-shaped bay renowned for its calm waters, ideal for swimming and snorkeling. You’ll have plenty of time to explore the area, including its discotheque and many restaurants. About a mile offshore lies a deserted wooded island called Isla Chora. You can explore the island on the included kayak tour. Expect to find crystal-clear water and a pink beach full of hermit crabs and iguanas.
Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.
Online: $1,199.00 for 11-Day, Guided Tour of India ($2,457.00 value)
A Festival of Colors
Held every year in late February or early March, Holi Festival was inspired by an ancient Hindu legend celebrating the triumph of good over evil. The two-day festival also marks the beginning of spring, a season of rebirth and vivid colors. The revelries begin with a bonfire on Holi eve and then erupt in a flurry of bright hues as festivalgoers toss colorful powders at each other. You’ll have a chance to participate in the festivities during this 11-day tour of India from Bohemian Tours. You’ll also visit a number of iconic sites, including the Taj Mahal and the Jain temples of Ranakpur.
The tour includes:
Two nights at Hotel Gulnar or Hotel Clark Surya in Delhi
One night at Rajmahal Hotel or Hotel Crystal Inn in Agra
Two nights at Hotel Mahal Khandela or Hotel Vimal Heritage in Jaipur
One night at Hotel Master Paradise or somewhere similar in Pushkar
Three nights at Jaiwana Haveli, Mewar Haveli, or Hotel Aashiya Haveli in Udaipur
An overnight train ride from Udaipur to Delhi
Private, air-conditioned car or bus transport for the entire tour
An experienced, English-speaking guide for the entire tour
Airport transfers included
Daily breakfast
Note: This tour does not include airfare. Travelers are responsible for booking their own flights into Delhi, arriving March 13, 2014.
See the full itinerary.
March 14–15: Agra
In Agra, you’ll visit the 16th-century Agra Fort and the Taj Mahal, considered by many to be one of the seven wonders of the world.
Travel time: 4-hour drive from Delhi
March 15–16: Jaipur
The Palace of Winds, a pink sandstone structure with hundreds of ornate windows designed to circulate cool air while allowing royal women to observe the street below without being seen, is one of the highlights in Jaipur. Be sure to catch the Elephant Festival on the evening of March 16—the annual event features a parade of pachyderms painted with traditional motifs and wearing embroidered velvet rugs, silver and gold rings, and fanny packs crammed with peanuts.
Travel time: 5-hour drive from Agra
March 17: Pushkar
Toss colorful powders at passersby and wish everyone a happy Holi—“Bura na mano, Holi hai!”—during the annual Holi Festival.
Travel time: 3-hour drive from Jaipur
March 18–21: Udaipur
Visit the lakefront City Palace and pay your respects to a bronze statue of legendary warrior-king Maharana Pratap on a guided sightseeing tour around Udaipur. Next up are the Jain temples of Ranakpur, which feature intricate engravings on white marble.
Travel time: 7-hour drive from Pushkar
March 22–23: Delhi
A half-day city tour stops at the Parliament House and Lodhi Gardens, which are dotted with green shrubbery and domed mausoleums built for Sayyid and Lodhi rulers.
Travel time: 12-hour overnight train ride from Udaipur with an option to fly for an additional $187, which includes an extra night of accommodations and all airport transfers.
Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much would it cost to fly from an airport not listed as part of this deal?
Airfare is not included in this feature.
2. Can we extend our trip before or after the promotional dates for the deal?
Since this tour is centered around the Holi Colorfest in India there is only one tour date, which is from March 13–23.
3. How do I find out if the dates I want to travel are available?
There is only one tour date (March 13–23). Limited inventory is available.
4. What happens if I buy the Groupon and my travel dates are not available?
Your Groupon will be refunded.
5. Does my child need a Groupon, and can they stay in my room?
Any child over 6 years old requires a groupon. If you wish to bring a child between 2–6 years old please send a message to info@bohemiantours.com to confirm the arrangements.
Online: $699.00 for Caribbean Cruise with Stops in Jamaica & Cozumel ($899.00 value)
Multi-City Caribbean Cruise with Stops in Jamaica, Cozumel, and Panama
The trip includes:
11 nights of accommodations
All meals
On this 11-night, five-city cruise, you’ll set out from Miami aboard the MSC Divina and travel south through the Caribbean Sea. At each port of call, you'll have free time to check out the local attractions or embark on a planned excursion (additional fees apply). Click here for the full, day-by-day itinerary.
Day 3: Falmouth
The first stop is Falmouth, a Jamaican town overlooking the azure waters of Montego Bay. You'll have the whole day to lounge on the beach or check out the area's impressive Georgian architecture. Walking tours along Market Street venture past historic chapels, homes, and courthouses. Consider making the trip about an hour east to Dunn's River Falls, where water tumbles down 600 feet of rocks resembling stair steps.
Day 5: Oranjestad
In Aruba’s charming capital city, candy-colored buildings line a waterfront boardwalk where you’ll find cafes and boutiques selling handcrafted souvenirs. Be sure to visit Queen Wilhelmina Park, where cobblestone paths wend past sculptures and beautifully landscaped plants and trees.
Day 6: Willemstad
The next stop is Willemstad, a colorful port city that’s one of only six UNESCO World Heritage sites in the Caribbean, thanks to its hundreds of well-preserved buildings dating back to the 18th century. Some of the city’s interesting features include the Queen Emma Bridge, a pedestrian walkway floating atop 16 pontoon boats, and a floating market where vendors in boats sell fresh papaya, seafood, and spices.
Day 8: Cristobal
Cristobal borders the Atlantic Ocean on the northern shore of Panama. While you’re here, you can take an optional boat ride along the world-famous Panama Canal between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans.
Day 10: Cozumel
During the final leg of the trip, the ship veers north to Cozumel, a breathtaking Mexican island surrounded by brilliant coral reefs. Unsurprisingly, scuba diving is a favorite pastime here—you can see colorful fish and explore underwater caves. For an additional fee, an optional excursion lets participants swim and interact with dolphins in their natural environment.
Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.
Online: $849.00 for All-Inclusive Dominican Republic Vacation ($0.00 value)
All-Inclusive Punta Cana Vacation with Airfare
This vacation includes:
Round-trip airfare from your choice of eight cities
Six- or seven-night all-inclusive stay at Be Live Grand Punta Cana
All meals and snacks, including à la carte and buffet options
Unlimited domestic alcoholic beverages
Nonmotorized watersports, including an introductory scuba lesson
Complimentary scuba diving lesson
Use of fitness center, tennis courts, and bicycles
Nightly entertainment
Be Live Grand Punta Cana
With miles of white-sand beaches, the Bavaro Coast is hailed as one of the Dominican Republic’s most desirable stretches. The Be Live Grand Punta Cana complex opens up onto a private section of this Caribbean oceanfront, giving guests access to renowned snorkeling and diving opportunities. You’ll have access to all the facilities of the larger complex, too, including windsurfing, sailing, tennis, and other recreational activities. And as part of the all-inclusive package, you’ll also enjoy unlimited meals, an open bar, and a complimentary scuba-diving lesson.
Strewn with lounge chairs and palapa umbrellas, the resort’s private beach fills up quickly. You can fetch canoes, kayaks, and snorkeling gear at the watersports hut, or ask one of the staff to organize a windsurfing trip. For extra fees, the resort can also organize golf outings and fishing trips. Or you can simply relax at one of the four pool areas. At the main pool deck, guests can order frozen cocktails and snacks from the swim-up bar. A quieter scene can be found at the adults-only pool or at Be Live Grand Bavaro’s recently renovated spa.
The Colonial-style resort houses several restaurants and bars, and guests can dine for free at nearly all locations. It’s not hard to find a beachside spot where you can dine amid serene ocean views. Nighttime entertainment includes karaoke and movie screenings on the beach, and you can also party until the wee hours at the resort’s onsite casino and disco.
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic: Miles of White-Sand Beaches
When Christopher Columbus landed on the Dominican Republic more than five centuries ago, he described it as "a beautiful island paradise." Punta Cana, located on the island's easternmost tip, lays legitimate claim to that description. The coast stretches for more than 20 miles and is dotted with coconut palms, chaise lounges, and laid-back bars. Glitzy resorts feature prominently along the shoreline, but Playa El Cortecito, a short drive up the coast, harks back to earlier times. Brightly colored, thatched-roof shacks line the beach, and local fishermen bring their boats to shore each afternoon with the day's catch.
Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.
Online: $599.00 for All-Inclusive Beachfront Resort in Cozumel ($1,427.00 value)
Resort at a Glance: El Cid La Ceiba Beach
El Cid La Ceiba Beach is an all-inclusive resort with sweeping views of the Caribbean and an onsite spa and dive center. While here, you’ll be right on the beach, a few minutes’ drive from the Playa del Carmen mainland ferry, and 3 miles from the shops and restaurants of downtown San Miguel.
Onsite dining: Meals are served at the waterfront La Chopa Restaurant and at the à la carte Trattoria Da Salvatore. A swim-up bar serves poolside snacks and unlimited domestic beverages.
Go swimming: Along with a stretch of private beach steps away, this resort has two swimming pools—one a tidal pool with waterfalls and rock formations.
Underwater views: Head to the onsite dive center to take lessons from dive masters and snorkel around the Paradise and Las Palmas reefs.
Special perks: This deal includes passes to the resort’s Fly High Adventures Eco-Park, where you can zipline through the jungle on six trails and catch glimpses of Cozumel’s greenery and animal life from above.
Cozumel, Mexico: Relaxed Tropical Island with World-Class Diving
Cozumel, Mexico’s largest Caribbean island, lies just off the eastern coast of the Yucatán peninsula. Compared to Cancún—Mexico's spring-break capital, located 50 miles north—Cozumel is decidedly laid-back. Formerly a fishing settlement, the island remains blissfully free of high-rise resorts and other signs of overdevelopment. Visitors here tend to focus more on exploring the wilderness than on late-night beach parties. Adventure-tour companies arrange expeditions by land or by sea, including trips to ancient Mayan ruins and the island’s jungles, marshes, and dive sites known for deep canyons and tunnels.
More than 500 species of fish swim among turtles, rays, and countless other aquatic animals inside the coral formations at Palancar Reef, one of the dozens of diving and snorkeling sites encircling Cozumel. Another site, just off the northwestern coast, houses a 40-passenger Convair airliner. Sunk in 1977 for the filming of a Mexican disaster movie, the plane has become overgrown with coral and sea fans and is frequented by schools of colorful parrotfish. Above the surface, you’ll find white-sand beaches frequented by sunbathers.
There's only one city on the island—San Miguel de Cozumel, where street vendors on a waterfront promenade sell everything from jewelry to Cuban cigars. It’s also where you’ll find an assortment of clubs and bars showcasing live reggae-salsa fusion and jazz bands.
Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.
Online: $69.00 for Southwestern Resort in Sonoran Desert ($123.00 value)
AAA Four Diamond Resort near Downtown Scottsdale
About a dozen miles northeast of downtown Scottsdale, private homes gradually give way to thousands of saguaro cacti. It’s in this secluded area that you’ll find the Radisson Fort McDowell Resort—a sprawling, modern-day oasis set against the backdrop of one of North America's largest deserts.
Depending on which side of the building they’re on, the hotel’s standard rooms look out on the McDowell Mountains, the resort's two outdoor pools, or a championship golf course. One of this deal’s options includes a round at the visually stunning We-Ko-Pa Golf Club. Stop by one of the pools for a dip or to kick back in a lounge chair, or head to the Amethyst Spa & Health Club for a stone massage or hydrating facial.
Next door to the hotel is the 24-hour Fort McDowell Casino, where hundreds of slot machines mix with poker tables, keno, and bingo. Five onsite eateries serve everything from burgers and shakes to traditional sushi. For a more upscale dining experience, there’s the Ahnala Mesquite Room, which has a fireplace and views of the mountains.
For guests bringing children, there are a number of options for the younger ones to take advantage of as well. The kids can enjoy movies by the pool on Friday and Saturday nights, a poolside DJ on Saturdays, and a jumbo inflatable slide and free hot dogs for children under 12 on Saturday and Sunday.
Scottsdale, Arizona: Stucco Mansions amid Rocky Desert Landscape
Located just northeast of Phoenix in the Sonoran Desert, Scottsdale once served as ranch land where farmers grew oranges and lemons and cowboys kicked up dust in the fierce, dry heat. That era earned Scottsdale the official nickname of “The West's Most Western Town.” Today, it’s an affluent city filled with lush green spaces and stucco mansions. For a glimpse of the city's roots, head to Old Town Scottsdale, where wooden boardwalks and hitching posts sit in front of rustic specialty shops and a retro ice-cream parlor.
Further out, cacti and tumbleweeds dot the landscape, and dry shrubs cover the McDowell Mountains. To get a closer look at southwestern flora, head to the Desert Botanical Garden. Themed trails wind past huge cacti and other moisture-hoarding succulents, best seen in the cool early morning or twilight hours.
About 12 miles from the hotel is Taliesin West, the winter home and architecture campus of renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Take a guided tour of the grounds to see how Wright's design echoes the landscape, with gently sloped roofs that recall the mountains and a southwestern color palette of oranges, reds, and browns.
Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.
Online: $94.00 for Coastal Washington Condos Minutes from the Beach ($158.00 value)
Hotel at a Glance: Ocean Shores Inn & Suites
Ocean Shores is Washington state’s most popular seaside retreat, and it’s no wonder—it’s set along a 30-mile stretch of beaches on a peninsula dangling in the Pacific Ocean. Ocean Shores Inn & Suites sits just a five-minute walk from the sand. Views at the hotel are of an adjacent championship golf course.
Nifty in-room amenities: Each one-bedroom condo comes with a fully equipped kitchen.
Tee off: Ocean Shores Golf Course is right next door.
Go cruising: Onsite bike rentals make getting around town a breeze.
Take a dip: The outdoor pool stays open all summer long.
Ocean Shores, Washington: Endless Beaches and Links-Style Golf
In July and December, high tide is a dramatic event on Point Brown peninsula, the skinny landmass in coastal Washington home to Ocean Shores. At those times of year, monster waves capable of reaching 12 feet in height pound the surf with a deafening roar. During the winter, bundled-up storm watchers gather to see 100-mile-per-hour winds whip the sea into a frenzy.
Of course, things are usually a lot calmer in this seaside resort town. At Ocean Shores Golf Course, the only furor you’re likely to see is from players who lose golf balls in the thick rough of the links-style back nine. And with some 30 miles of beaches—some of them reachable only on foot—Ocean Shores offers plenty of quiet spots to relax and soak up the gorgeous Pacific Northwest scenery.
Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.
Online: $99.00 for Four-Star Miami Hotel Overlooking Biscayne Bay ($179.00 value)
Elegant 4-Star Suite Hotel Overlooking Biscayne Bay
Throughout the 1970s and early '80s, The Mutiny Hotel, along with its famous Mutiny Club, was a major player in Miami’s party and disco scene, attracting international jet setters, celebrities, music moguls, and athletes. Even the hit TV show Miami Vice showed its characters partying at the club. Though The Mutiny closed its doors in 1985, it reopened in 1999 after renovating its suites to exhibit a more intimate, laid-back atmosphere. The all-suite, boutique-style hotel is housed in a distinctive, 12-story luxury tower that rises above a yacht-filled part of Biscayne Bay known as Sailboat Bay.
“Service and style are bountiful at the Mutiny,” writes Frommer’s, and that trademark style is on display in each 750-square-foot one-bedroom suite. The suites were designed with an understated, tropical, British-colonial motif in mind, and some kick it up a notch with a private balcony overlooking Biscayne Bay. No matter which one you settle into, you’ll be able to stretch out in a separate living area, cook dinner in a full kitchen, and watch the news on a flat-panel TV.
Executive chef Atchana Capellini crafts contemporary Asian-fusion fare at the onsite Atchana’s East/West Kitchen, where guests can dine indoors or sit outside near the poolside waterfall. To relax, take a dip in the heated pool, which is lined with lush tropical plants and all-white loungers.
Coconut Grove and Coral Gables, Florida: 1920s Magnificence Alongside Cuban Culture
Located just a few miles south of Miami, Coconut Grove is a small seaside town along Biscayne Bay. Here, you can stroll past the sidewalk cafés, art galleries, and tropical gardens that characterize the elegant town. In the neighboring city of Coral Gables, a trolley runs down Ponce de León Boulevard. The trolley is a testament to the throwback feel of Coral Gables, which has numerous boulevards lined with Mediterranean Revival mansions.
Throughout Coral Gables, signs demarcating local and national landmarks pop into view as frequently as brown anole lizards dart across the sidewalk. Walk through avenues such as Coral Way and you'll find fluted columns and terra-cotta tiles on Venetian-inspired villas, including the Merrick House, the former manor of Coral Gables founder George Edgar Merrick. To the south, the Miracle Mile features popular restaurants and independent boutiques.
You can experience an alternate history of the area in the nearby Miami neighborhood of Little Havana. Calle Ocho, or Eighth Street, brims with Spanish-language cafés and restaurants that serve everything from coconut-laden Nicaraguan cuisine to Cuban sandwiches pressed as flat as an elephant's flip-flops. Nestled at the center of Calle Ocho is Domino Park, where domino masters play from dawn until dusk. The area buzzes with live music, gallery openings, and free walking tours led by historian Dr. Paul George during Viernes Culturales—Cultural Fridays—held the last week of every month.
Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.
Online: $1,899.00 for See New Zealand and Hawaii on Trip with Airfare ($2,679.00 value)
12-Day Vacation with Stops in Auckland, Rotorua, and Honolulu
Included in this tour package:
Round-trip airfare on Hawaiian Airlines, from Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), Seattle (SEA), Phoenix (PHX), Sacramento (SMF), Las Vegas (LAS), or New York (JFK)
Three nights at 4-star Copthorne Hotel Auckland City in a Standard Room
Two nights at 4-star Copthorne Hotel Rotorua in a Standard Room
Two nights at 4-star Copthorne Hotel & Resort Bay of Islands
Three nights at either the Shoreline Waikiki Hotel or a similar hotel in Honolulu.
Car rental in New Zealand (4-door sedan, automatic transmission)
One-way transfer from Auckland Airport to Copthorne Hotel Auckland City
Click here to see a detailed trip itinerary. Below is a summary of trip highlights—note that trips from New York have a reverse itinerary (Hawaii first, then New Zealand).
Days 1–3: Auckland, New Zealand
On Day 1, you'll take a morning flight to Honolulu where you'll catch a connection flight to Auckland. You'll arrive in Auckland on Day 2 and transfer to your downtown hotel for a two-night stay. While you’re in Auckland, check out the Auckland Museum, which pays homage to New Zealand’s vibrant history and rich culture with recreated marine exhibits and a collection of taonga, or treasures from the island’s indigenous Maori tribe.
Arguably the best view of Auckland is from 328 meters high atop the Auckland Sky Tower, an observation tower that bears resemblance to Seattle’s Space Needle or Toronto’s CN Tower. The tower—which is the Southern Hemisphere’s tallest freestanding structure—offers panoramic views of Auckland’s glittering harbors, beaches, and skyscrapers.
Days 4–6: Rotorua
On Day 4, you'll pick up your rental car in the downtown depot just a few steps from your hotel. You’ll venture south to Rotorua, a lakeside town with an enchanting landscape of geothermal pools, geysers, and springs. At the region’s Waimangu Volcanic Valley, you can see this geothermal upheaval firsthand, as fumaroles spout amid lush tropical vegetation, sulphuric rocks, and azure lakes.
For an eerie yet magical experience, take a detour and visit the Waitomo Caves and take a boat ride for an additional fee. Here, the boat glides through an underground river, where if you look up, you’ll see hundreds of tiny glowworms glowing from the cavern’s stalactites.
On Day 6, you will depart Rotorua. You’ll head back to Auckland for an overnight stay before visiting the Bay of Islands, located a few hours north of Auckland.
Days 7–8: Bay of Islands
Bay of Islands is a cluster of nearly 150 individual islands that have attracted tourists in search of water recreation. Sea-kayak tours weave around the islands and their rocky shores, including the famous Hole in the Rock. Along the way, you should see dolphins, which thrive in the sub-tropic waters. Some tours stop off to allow passengers to swim with the dolphins at designated sites.
Days 9–12: Honolulu, Hawaii
On Day 9, you'll drive back to Auckland for your late evening flight to Hawaii. A trip to Honolulu brings this vacation to a close. You’ll have three nights to bask in the temperate climate and lush, green surroundings of Oahu. A good place to start is Waikiki Beach, surrounded by tranquil waters that are ideal for first-time surfers.
Further inland, you can hike through Makiki Valley’s rainforest to see massive, sinuous trees alongside rock-filled brooks. It’s worth making the trek to Diamond Head State Monument, a 300,000-year-old saucer formed by a single explosive eruption and arguably Hawaii’s most recognizable landmark. Hikers can walk down a 0.8-mile trail where molten lava once smoldered to ascend to the crater’s 560-foot-tall lip. Before heading home, consider attending an optional luau to watch hula dancers perform the traditional dance by torchlight (additional fee).
Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.
1. How much would it cost to fly from an airport not listed as part of this deal?
This deal is only available from the airport listed in the promotion.
2. Can we extend our trip before or after the promotional dates for the deal?
Your Groupon is for specific dates. We are holding seat and room allocations for those dates and we are using a special airfare that is not valid outside of Groupon dates. We can’t guarantee availability or price for the dates outside specified in Groupon, but we’ll be happy to give you a quote.
3. How do I find out if the dates I want to travel are available?
You buy vouchers for a specific departure date. The availability is guaranteed.
4. What happens if I buy the Groupon and my travel dates are not available?
You buy vouchers for a specific date, so you'll be set.
5. Does my child need a Groupon, and can they stay in my room?
Your child doesn’t need a Groupon. There is a child supplement that will be calculated based on the child’s age and your travel dates. This child supplement is paid directly to pacificislands.com.
Budapest and Prague: $999.00 for See Budapest & Prague on Trip with Airfare ($0.00 value)
Eight-Day Vacation in Budapest and Prague
This trip includes:
Round-trip airfare from New York (EWR, JFK, or LGA) (Flight time: about 9 hours)
Three-night stay in Budapest
Three-night stay in Prague
Daily breakfast
Transportation between Budapest and Prague, via motor coach or rail
Click here to see the full itinerary.
Eastern Europe Vacation with Stops in Budapest and Prague
Three Days in Budapest, Hungary
Accommodations: Either the Mercure Buda or Mercure Budapest Duna
Located on the banks of the Danube—one of Europe’s most-important waterways—Budapest is actually two cities rolled into one: Buda and Pest, united in 1873. The capital of Hungary, Budapest is frequently cited as one of the world’s most-beautiful cities. You’ll have three days to explore the city on your own. In the Castle District, you can roam between centuries-old buildings, including the Matthias Church and the Royal Palace. Be sure to leave enough time for a soak in one of Budapest’s famed thermal baths, and to walk past the neo-Renaissance architecture and quaint cafes on Andrássy Avenue.
For an additional fee, you can sign up for optional tours of the city, Danube Bend, or Budapest by night.
Three Days in Prague, Czech Republic
Accommodations: Either Ibis Heroes Square or PentaHotel Prague
About 325 miles northwest of Budapest is Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic. Fodor’s describes the city as “beautiful in a way that makes even the most jaded traveler stop and snap pictures.” You have three days to wander its charming cobblestone streets and historic quarters. Pop over to the National Marionette Theatre to catch a traditional puppet performance of Don Giovanni, an opera by Mozart. At the circa-880 AD