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: $799.00 for All-Inclusive Jamaican Resort with Private Beach ($2,064.00 value)
Adults-Only Caribbean Resort with Private Beach
Along the northern coast of Jamaica, the famous Dunn's River Falls flows down 600 feet of tiered ledges before spilling into the Caribbean Sea. A few minutes west, Jewel Dunn's River Beach Resort & Spa pays homage to its namesake with its own terraced waterfall that empties into a massive pool. It's one of many luxurious features at the adults-only, all-inclusive resort, which occupies a prime spot along the coastline.
At The Falls Pool, one of two onsite pools, concierges will wade in waist-deep to deliver fruit kebabs, cocktails, or a voodoo doll of your boss. Complimentary kayak rentals are available for those who'd like to explore the Caribbean. Afterwards, you can head down to the Radiant Spa for relaxing body treatments that incorporate Jamaican ingredients such as sugar cane, Blue Mountain coffee, and crushed coral.
Throughout the day, the resort's casual and formal restaurants serve an eclectic range of international cuisine. At The Jade Samurai teppanyaki chefs twirl knives tableside, while the cooks at Platinum craft jerk-chicken spring rolls and other Caribbean-inspired dishes. At night, retire to a colonial-themed room, where you’ll find a four-poster mahogany bed and tiled floors. Sapphire rooms have nice views of the surrounding mountains, and Diamond ocean-view units include complimentary concierge services to help you book special-seating dinner reservations and local excursions.
Ocho Rios, Jamaica: Famed Waterfall and World-Class Shopping
When inaugural Bond girl Ursula Andress emerged from the waves off the shores of Ocho Rios, she helped capture the appeal of Jamaica’s north coast in just a few frames. That iconic scene from Dr. No showed off the region’s green landscapes, rolling hills, and palm-studded beaches. The picturesque scenery hasn’t changed much since the movie was shot here in the 1960s. Visitors today can even visit some of the film locations, including James Bond Beach and Dunn's River Falls—a famous waterfall made up of huge natural stairs. On a guided tour, you can scale the 600-foot falls and splash in cool mountain water. There’s also a beach at the base of the falls where you can bask in the sun.
Other outdoor adventures can be found in the colorful world underwater. Dive sites such as Devil's Reef contain eels, corals, nurse sharks, and barracuda. For a look at Jamaica’s rainforest, head south to Fern Gully. The scenic drive goes through a canyon shaded by a canopy of ferns, trees, and lianas.
Ocho Rios is also known for its shopping centers, starting with Island Village, a theme-park-like entertainment complex with restaurants, duty-free shops, and retail stores brimming with souvenirs. Several local vendors sell handcrafted goods—but be prepared to haggle.
Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.
Online: $529.00 for All-Inclusive Resort Along Jamaican Beachfront ($1,560.00 value)
Sprawling, Family-Friendly, All-Inclusive Resort on White-Sand Beach
During Sunset Jamaica Grande’s weekly Pirates & Wenches party, guests dress in their best swashbuckling attire and head toward the beach to enjoy a Jamaican buffet. It’s one of several themed parties that the family-friendly resort hosts for its guests. But the fun doesn’t stop here—the resort also has an onsite casino, water trampolines, and a late-night disco. These activities complement the all-inclusive resort’s stunning setting along a sprawling white-sand beach.
Five pools anchor the complex, featuring waterfalls, jacuzzis, swim-up bars, and two water slides that start at the top of a lighthouse and twist and turn for 330 feet before emptying into the pools below. All the while, the resort's musicians sing from a rope bridge, serenading swimmers as they paddle past. On the private 1,300-foot white-sand beach, you can rent kayaks and paddleboats, join a volleyball game, or criticize children’s sand castles. As the sun goes down, Sunset Jamaica Grande heats up with a variety of nightly entertainment that includes Caribbean floor shows and fashion shows.
There are four restaurants and two grills onsite, including an open-air buffet overlooking the resort’s pools. For a more romantic meal, head to the upscale Ginger Lily, where chefs fuse Asian favorites with Caribbean flavors.
Ocho Rios, Jamaica: Famed Waterfall and World-Class Shopping
When inaugural Bond girl Ursula Andress emerged from the waves off the shores of Ocho Rios, she helped capture the appeal of Jamaica’s north coast in just a few frames. That iconic scene from Dr. No showed off the region’s green landscapes, rolling hills, and palm-studded beaches. The picturesque scenery hasn’t changed much since the movie was shot here in the 1960s. Visitors today can even visit some of the film locations, including James Bond Beach and Dunn's River Falls—a famous waterfall made up of huge natural stairs. On a guided tour, you can scale the 600-foot falls and splash its spray of cool mountain water. There’s also a beach at the base of the falls where you can bask in the sun.
Other outdoor adventures can be found in the colorful world beneath the ocean. Dive sites such as Devil's Reef contain eels, corals, nurse sharks, and barracuda. For a look at Jamaica’s rainforest, drive south of Ocho Rios to Fern Gully, a scenic drive through a canyon shaded by a canopy of ferns, trees, and lianas. Ocho Rios is also known for its shopping centers, starting with Island Village, a theme-park-like entertainment complex with restaurants, duty-free shops, and retail stores brimming with souvenirs. Ocho Rios also has several local vendors with handcrafted goods—but expect to have to haggle a little bit.
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: $1,849.00 for Greek Vacation in Athens and Mykonos ($0.00 value)
Seven-Day Greek Vacation in Athens and Mykonos
The trip includes:
Round-trip airfare from New York (JFK)
Two one-night stays at the Herodion Hotel or similar location in Athens
A three-night stay at Myconian Imperial or similar location in Mykonos
A hop-on, hop-off tour in Athens
Round-trip ferry transport from Athens to Mykonos
This seven-day Greek vacation splits time between Athens and Mykonos, giving you a chance to see the country’s historic capital city and one of its most popular island getaways. The package includes a hop-on, hop-off tour in Athens and hotel accommodations in both locales.
We’ve listed some of our favorite highlights below. Click here to see the full itinerary and trip details.
Athens
After an overnight flight from the U.S., you can explore Athens at your leisure on a hop-on, hop-off tour that operates 24 hours a day. Perched high above the city, the Acropolis has been an icon here for thousands of years. The ancient monument features a collection of sacred temples and Doric limestone buildings adorned with altars and elaborate friezes. The most famous temple of them all is, of course, the Parthenon, which was built for the goddess Athena in the 5th century BC.
Other highlights:
See gold masks, jewelry, and sculptures at the National Archeological Museum.
A hidden gem: the Diomidis Botanical Garden bursts with more than 2,500 species of flora.
Head to the Thission area at night for drinking and dancing.
Mykonos
As your ferry approaches the Mediterranean island of Mykonos, you’ll be mesmerized by the landscape. Whitewashed villages and churches cling to sheer cliffs, and 16th-century windmills dot the waterfront. For all of its natural beauty, the island is perhaps best known for its legendary party scene—drinking and dancing starts on beaches in the late morning, and continues in booming nightclubs until sunrise. During your stay, you can take an optional cruise to the island of Delos, where you can walk through acres of marble ruins.
Other highlights:
The 15th century church of Paraportiani is one of the most photographed sites on the island.
The soft sands and calm waters of Ornos beach offer a quieter alternative to the party scene.
On the morning of your sixth day in Greece, you’ll board the ferry back to the mainland, where you’ll have another full day in Athens. The following morning, you’ll travel to the airport for your return flight home.
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?
Please contact Key Tours directly at 800-576-1784 ext. 3 or info@keytours.com for a free quote that includes departures from airports not listed as part of this deal.
2. Can we extend our trip before or after the promotional dates for the deal?
Yes, any applicable supplements, based on this request, would be paid directly to Key Tours at the time of booking.
3. How do I find out if the dates I want to travel are available?
Please contact Key Tours directly at 800-576-1784 ext. 3 or info@keytours.com with all your availability questions.
4. What happens if I buy the Groupon and my travel dates are not available?
Key Tours will suggest alternative travel dates or Groupon will process a refund for your voucher.
5. Does my child need a Groupon, and can they stay in my room?
Please contact Key Tours directly at 800-576-1784 ext. 3 or info@keytours.com for information on child rates and reductions.
Online: $109.00 for Wine-Country Getaway in Sonoma Valley ($184.00 value)
Top Reasons to Visit Jack London Lodge
The onsite restaurant, The Saloon at Jack London Lodge, serves lunch and dinner.
As part of this deal, you’ll get wine passes at two local wineries.
The hotel is located in the village of Glen Ellen, just an hour north of San Francisco in the heart of Sonoma Valley. It’s surrounded by vineyards and top-notch restaurants.
You can relax in the pool area or heated spa, which has a view of Sonoma Creek.
The Call of the Wild author Jack London once called Glen Ellen home.
This Groupon includes one car pass to the Jack London State Historic Park. Founded in 1960, the 39-acre property encompasses a museum, the author’s gravesite, and hiking trails.
Sonoma Valley, California: Relaxed Wine Country and Majestic Redwoods
Located about an hour north of San Francisco, the Sonoma Valley is best known for its wine. The mild climate here produces cool-weather varietals such as pinot noir and chardonnay. But thanks to the valley’s unusually varied landscape, some areas are suited for growing hot-weather vines as well.
Follow the 17 miles of country roads that connect the sleepy hamlet of Kenwood to the Carneros Appellation and you'll find more than 40 boutique wineries, most of them small and family-owned. Many are tucked amid oak forests and wildflower meadows. Compared to neighboring Napa Valley (about 15 miles away), Sonoma feels relaxed and remote—vineyards are more secluded from one another than those in Napa, and tasting rooms tend to be less crowded, even on the weekends.
Even if you aren't interested in wine, Sonoma Valley's gentle climate and dynamic natural landscape make it worth a visit. Hiking trails wind past redwood trees as high as skyscrapers, and the Russian River offers excellent canoeing opportunities. The craggy Pacific coastline is lined with miles of unspoiled beaches.
Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.
Online: $135.00 for 4-Star Golf Resort Along Oregon Coast ($257.00 value)
Four-Star Pacific Northwest Lodge with Spa and Acclaimed Restaurant
When the four-star Salishan Spa and Golf Resort was about to be built in 1965, original owner John D. Gray wanted the new property to match the beauty of the natural scenery, where surrounding forests meet the Pacific beaches on the Oregon coast. The result is a hotel interior that incorporates native stone, intricate woodwork, hand-blown glass, and contemporary artwork from more than 100 regional artists.
Vaulted ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows give guest rooms a spacious feel. Private balconies overlook Siletz Bay, the forest, or the resort’s spectacular 18-hole golf course, which was redesigned by renowned architect and PGA pro Peter Jacobsen. You can use your dining credit at any of five restaurants, ranging from the onsite deli to the newly renovated Dining Room, which Frommer’s says “is one of the most upscale restaurants on the entire coast and has a superb wine collection.”
Salishan's spa is also a destination in its own right. Ranked No. 13 on the list of the Top 250 Spas by Condé Nast Traveler readers, the full-service facility offers facials, massages, and professional hair, nail, and waxing treatments. Even if you come for only a quick sweat in the sauna, be sure to stop by the spa's alfresco lounge area for the incredible bay views.
Gleneden Beach, Oregon: Small Coastal Community Set amid Beachfront State Parks
Located on the central stretch of Oregon's 363-mile coastline, Gleneden Beach is only slightly larger than the resort itself. The town is situated between two larger coastal cities, Newport and Lincoln City, both ideal spots for beachcombing, whale watching, and browsing in boutiques and bookstores.
At Newport’s Oregon Coast Aquarium, you can see where harbor seals, otter, and sea lions frolic in their natural habitats. A 200-foot underwater tunnel at the aquarium provides near 360-degree views of sharks, giant octopuses, and other creatures of the deep.
Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.
Online: $54.00 for Rocky Mountain Hotel near Popular Idaho Lake ($90.00 value)
Top Reasons to Stay at Days Inn Sandpoint
Days Inn Sandpoint is just a short walk from Lake Pend Oreille, a glacier-fed lake where you can standup paddleboard, water ski, or fish for rainbow or brook trout.
Hiking and biking are popular pastimes here, too; take a chairlift ride up Schweitzer Mountain to access miles of alpine trails.
When you head back to the hotel at the end of the day, you can unwind in the indoor hot tub and sauna.
The inn resembles a rustic lodge, with exposed wooden beams and natural stone throughout.
One Getaway option includes two passes to Silverwood Theme Park, which features more than 65 attractions, including four roller coasters, a water park, and a steam-engine train.
You’ll get a free continental breakfast each morning with bagels, instant oatmeal, and fresh fruit.
Sandpoint, Idaho: Lakeside Town in the Foothills of the Rockies
In 2011, USA Today named Sandpoint as the most beautiful small town in America. The northern Idaho town sits right on the sparkling waters of Lake Pend Oreille and near the rugged peaks of Schweitzer Mountain. You can take a scenic chairlift ride to the summit for panoramic views that extend all the way to Canada. The chairlift also takes you to high-altitude hiking and mountain biking trails, and you can rent a bike right onsite.
Lake Pend Oreille is the largest in Idaho. Visitors and locals flock here each summer to go stand-up paddleboarding and jet skiing. Fishing is a big draw, too—kokanee salmon and rainbow trout make their homes in the glacier-fed waters. If you head back into town, you’ll find streets lined with turn-of-the-century buildings, including Panida Theater, a historic movie theater from the 1920s.
Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.
Online: $99.00 for Spacious Suites in Chicago Suburbs ($239.00 value)
Suburban Chicago Suites Minutes from Woodfield Mall
Located just outside of Chicago, the Woodfield Mall is home to about 300 stores and restaurants. It’s one of the country’s 10 largest malls, occupying more than two million square feet of retail space in suburban Schaumburg. The mall’s anchor attractions include Macy’s and JCPenney, and there are also fashion-forward boutiques such as Coach and Tumi. Just five minutes away, Comfort Suites Schaumburg puts guests in perfect position for a suburban shopping spree.
The all-suite hotel houses comfortable and spacious suites, each with a 32-inch TV, a mini fridge, and a wet bar. An indoor heated pool and hot tub can be found idling in a sunlight-filled room downstairs. Each morning, you can pay a visit to the hot breakfast buffet, which has a make-your-own-waffle station.
If you choose the romance package, you’ll stay in a deluxe suite or jacuzzi suite and enjoy a heart-shaped pizza, wine, and rose petals. The family-friendly option includes four passes to the nearby Legoland Discovery Center and a gift card for pizza at Lou Malnati’s.
Schaumburg, Illinois: Family-Friendly Northwestern Suburb Home to Woodfield Mall and Nature Preserve
Schaumburg is conveniently close to Chicago—it’s 28 miles northwest of downtown and minutes from the intersection of I-90 and I-290—but it still has its own identity as well as a variety of family-friendly attractions. Schaumburg is best known as the home of the Woodfield Mall, the nation’s ninth-largest shopping center. Among roughly 300 stores and restaurants, Woodfield’s anchor attractions include an Apple Store, Macy’s, and Nordstrom.
Just around the corner, The Streets of Woodfield offers an outdoor, pedestrian-friendly experience with a movie theater, coffee shops, clothing stores, and the Legoland Discovery Center. Here, kids can tour an interactive Lego “factory,” catch a 3-D flick, and build their own Lego creations such as miniature cars that can be put to the test on a racetrack. Come evening, journey back to the Middle Ages at Medieval Times, a restaurant that stages nightly jousting tournaments with horseback-riding knights and falconry demonstrations.
Experience the outdoors at the Ned Brown Forest Preserve—popularly known as Busse Woods—a 3,700-acre expanse on the border of Schaumburg and Elk Grove Village. Bikers and joggers can take advantage of an 8-mile paved loop as fishers post up around Busse Lake in pursuit of channel catfish, largemouth bass, and northern pike. Be sure to swing by the elk pasture, where the preserve’s resident herd of elk lives.
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: $1,299.00 for See Ancient & Modern China on Trip with Airfare ($0.00 value)
9-Day Tour of Beijing and Shanghai
All trips include:
Round-trip airfare on Air China
Accommodations at 4-star Broadway Mansions Hotel Shanghai and the 4-star Beijing International Hotel
All intra-China flights and ground transportation
Seven breakfast buffets and one lunch
Guided tour of Tian Zi Fang in Shanghai
Guided city tour of Beijing
Full-day trip to Great Wall of China with lunch
English-speaking tour director and local guides
Click here to view the full itinerary.
Days 1–4: Shanghai
After landing in Shanghai, you’ll take a panoramic tour of the Tian Zi Fang neighborhood en route to your hotel. The area is known for its boutiques and charming eateries. Over the course of the next two days, the city is yours to explore independently.
You can sign up for optional excursions for an additional fee, which range from a dinner and an acrobatics show to a city tour of Shanghai. The tour starts by visiting the Shanghai Museum of Chinese Art and its 120,000 artifacts, including Chinese bronze, ceramics, paintings, and calligraphy. Another optional tour takes you to the village of Suzhou, known as the “City of Gardens,” where you’ll explore the streets by rickshaw and the picturesque canals by boat.
Hotel: Broadway Mansions Hotel Shanghai
Days 5–9: Beijing
On the morning of the fifth day, the group boards a flight bound for Beijing, China’s capital city. An introductory tour takes you to historic Tiananmen Square. The following day, you’ll head to the Great Wall of China. On the way there, the guided tour will swing past the venues from the 2008 Summer Olympics and stop at a jade factory. The full-day excursion will be spent exploring the Great Wall, which dates back to the 7th century BC.
In Beijing, you’ll also have the opportunity to participate in optional activities, such as a traditional Chinese foot massage, Peking Duck dinner and the Legend of Kung Fu show, or a visit to the Forbidden City, which served as the Imperial Palace in the Ming and Qing dynasties. Another optional trip includes a tai chi lesson, then takes you to the Summer Palace—home to a classic Chinese Garden— as well as the Temple of Heaven and the Panda Zoo.
Hotel: Beijing International Hotel
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?
This deal is only available from the gateways included.
2. Can we extend our trip before or after the promotional dates for the deal?
Late returns are possible at a cost of $100 per person, plus any difference in airfare and additional services required, and are subject to availability. To book a late return, let Friendly Planet know and they’ll do their best to accommodate your request.
3. How do I find out if the dates I want to travel are available?
If your requested date is available for purchase on Groupon’s site, it should still be available.
4. What happens if I buy the Groupon and my travel dates are not available?
Technically, you should not be able to buy a Groupon for a sold out date or departure city.
5. Does my child need a Groupon, and can they stay in my room?
Every passenger traveling is required to have one. Triple rooms are subject to availability.
Online: $99.00 for Chic Resort in Palm Springs ($263.00 value)
Posh Digs near San Jacinto Mountains
When naturalist John Muir climbed San Jacinto Peak, he called the view "the most sublime spectacle to be found anywhere on this earth." Nowadays, it's much easier to reach the summit and take in the panorama Muir raved about. Every day, the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway ferries tourists up the steep escarpment where trendy Palm Springs looks like a quiet desert mirage. You can also reach the peak via a series of scenic trails. Located less than 10 minutes from the tramway, Marquis Villas Resort has dramatic mountain views of its own. The property puts visitors within reach of the area's natural attractions and the city's hip resort scene.
The resort manages to meld arid mountain surroundings with a distinctly vintage vibe. Native palm trees encircle the outdoor pool and jacuzzi, and the "San Jac" Peak—as it's known to locals—makes a breathtaking backdrop. One-bedroom condos feature a terra-cotta exterior that harks back to the old Southwest, as well as modern architectural details such as sleek, angular lines. Inside each one you’ll find a full kitchen, a dining room, and a fireplace.
To explore Palm Springs, you can take a short drive to visit celebrity homes, family-friendly museums, and international restaurants. With this Getaway, you get a $25 credit to Matchbox Restaurant, a pizza bistro.
Palm Springs, California: Desert City with Outdoor Recreation and Hollywood History
Nestled in the Coachella Valley in southern California, Palm Springs has fallen in and out of fashion throughout the past two centuries. The desert city, which boasts a strong Native American influence, remained relatively unknown up until the 20th century, when Hollywood A-listers flocked there for its temperate weather and tucked-away feel. Word spread quickly, and by the 1950s and 1960s, the landscape was dotted with tennis courts, swimming pools, and flashy modern homes owned by the likes of Elvis and Frank Sinatra.
Though it experienced a lull at the turn of the century, Palm Springs has emerged once again as a vacation hotspot. The sun shines there roughly 350 days a year, which makes it easy to hike nearby or play on one of its designer golf courses in any season. Luxury spas and boutique shops cover the glitzy downtown area of Palm Springs. There's an old, kitschy feel that still survives in the city, which is now surrounded by retro midcentury hotels and classic Mediterranean-inspired villas.
Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.
Online: $309.00 for Family-Friendly Beachfront Resort in Costa Rica ($520.00 value)
Eco-Adventures and Late-Night Casino Steps from Playa Flamingo
Despite its name, you'd be hard pressed to find a flamingo on Costa Rica's Flamingo Beach. Instead, the stretch of sand and its surrounding mangrove forests are home to exotic toucans, egrets, howler monkeys, and sloths. The setting actually takes its name from Flamingo Beach Resort, one of the area's first hotels of its kind, which rests just a frisbee toss away from the beach's Pacific shore. By day, guests can take in the tropical surroundings on deep-sea-fishing trips and eco-tours, and by night, the fun continues at the onsite casino.
Air-conditioned rooms have modern interiors decorated with a palette of warm earth tones. Ocean breezes pass through the balconies available with some rooms, which may offer panoramic views of the sunset and tall coconut palms.
At dinner, Arenas Restaurant serves an array of fresh seafood infused with local flavors and ingredients, including yellowfin tuna with soy-ginger sauce. For après meal entertainment, the Flamingo Casino entertains guests with video slots, video poker, and video roulette.
If you're looking for laid-back recreation, stop by the onsite spa to melt away stress with aromatherapy massages and volcanic-mud treatments.
Playa Flamingo, Costa Rica: "Gold Coast" Rich with Gorgeous Shorelines and Mountains
From its idyllic setting on northwest Costa Rica's Pacific Coast, the province of Guanacaste welcomes tourists year-round with sparkling beaches ideal for windsurfing or snorkeling. The area's beaches and lush forests are home to several national parks protecting exotic plants and wildlife. You can get up close to sea turtles in the Las Baulas National Park or survey seabirds at Ostional Wildlife Refuge.
The region's vibrant cultural heritage is on display in the cities of Guaitil de Santa Cruz and San Vicente de Nicoya, where artisans sell pottery typically made with local clays, natural dyes, and wood-burning Easy-Bake ovens. The picturesque capital of Guanacaste, Liberia, is often referred to as the "White City" for its whitewashed colonial architecture.
Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.
Online: $135.00 for B & B Stays in Texas ($258.00 value)
Fredericksburg: Romantic Lodgings near German-Influenced Town
German immigrants settled in Fredericksburg in 1846, and it’s still common for locals to greet one another with “Guten Tag.” Many staff members at First Class Bed & Breakfast Reservation Service, which populates the area with romantic, B & B–style accommodations, were born and raised here.
The staffers use their firsthand knowledge to recommend exhibits at the National Museum of the Pacific War or put together custom tours, from wine-tasting trips to spa days. Sample cuisine at any of seven local restaurants with the $20 dining voucher included in this getaway. Andy's Grille is an old-fashioned diner, and Clear River Pecan Company is a '50s-style diner that loads sandwiches ($6.99) with ingredients such as maple turkey and pepper jelly.
After checking in at the main office, you can head to your chosen abode. Many of First Class’s suites stand near Fredericksburg’s historical Main Street, which also goes by the name "Hauptstrasse." Among the possibilities are 115 Austin Place, suite 2, which has a two-person jacuzzi and a private sun deck, and the vintage Pioneer Haus, which pairs shabby-chic furnishings with original stone walls.
You can also opt for quieter digs outside city limits, where, according to staff member Barney, “on a clear night, you’ll see every star in the sky.” The Appian Way cottages feature full kitchens and porches outfitted with hot tubs overlooking 40 acres of Hill Country scrub.
Fredericksburg, Texas: Historical German Town in Texas Hill Country
In Texas Hill Country, it’s easy to tell when you’re getting close to the town of Fredericksburg: you’ll start spotting ”Willkommen” on the signs pointing toward town. German immigrants settled here in 1846, blending Teutonic traditions with cowboy-style farming and ranching. Nowadays, the farms have blossomed into colorful lavender fields and wineries, making Fredericksburg an attractive side trip from Austin (80 miles east) and San Antonio (70 miles south).
One of Fredericksburg’s main attractions is tied to one of its most historic residents—Fleet Admiral Chester Nimitz, who commanded US Pacific forces in World War II. Nimitz’s father owned a steamboat-shaped hotel that was transformed into the National Museum of the Pacific War in the 1960s. The museum features a Japanese submarine used at Pearl Harbor, an American B-25, and many war artifacts. Continue a history-themed day by visiting the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park, located about 19 miles east in Stonewall. The park is home to the LBJ Ranch and the Texas White House, where the 36th president routinely met with his cabinet and hosted visiting dignitaries.
Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.
Online: $99.00 for Colonial-Themed Resort in Virginia Beach ($159.00 value)
Expansive Georgian Resort with Colonial Period Decor
With its orderly rows of windows and symmetrical chimneys, the stately exterior of The Founders Inn and Spa is an homage to Georgian architecture, a style named after the four Georges who ruled England during the 18th century. But the resort's interior pays tribute to one of the biggest thorns in the side of the third King George—colonial America. Oil paintings of the Founding Fathers peer out from gilded frames, and colonial-era furnishings sit around roaring fireplaces. The hotel is on the grounds of and owned by Regent University, a Christian school founded in 1978.
The historical theme extends to guest accommodations, where you’ll find traditional furnishings and colonial-style bedding and decor. Some rooms overlook the carefully manicured english gardens.
Bacon-wrapped Virginia beef, pork belly with local peaches, and other dishes can be sampled at the award-winning Swan Terrace Restaurant, one of two onsite eateries. In the morning, the same space holds a breakfast smorgasbord on linen-draped tables stretching outside onto the brick-inlay terrace.
Hampton Roads, Virginia: Naval Center near Virginia Beach
The inn is located on the outskirts of Regent University in an area noted for its proud naval history and proximity to the Atlantic. Just north of the inn, the Naval Station Norfolk's piers and aircraft hangars form one of the world’s largest naval complexes. Navy personnel lead guided bus tours and harbor cruises, narrating details of the station's battleships, submarines, and elite squadrons of rubber duckies.
To the east, the 3-mile Virginia Beach boardwalk meanders past public statuary, grassy park areas, and a fishing pier. Throughout the year, visitors take advantage of the boardwalk’s bike lane and walking path.
Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.
Online: $399.00 for Caribbean Cruise—Caymans, Cozumel, and Bahamas ($549.00 value)
Six-Night Caribbean Cruise
For six nights on the high seas, your home will be the MSC Divina, a cruise ship designed to suggest mid-20th-century Mediterranean elegance. Harking back to the golden age of luxury liners, the vessel’s décor includes two Swarovski crystal sta