Balitang America Travels: Spring Break Packages

Right about now college students across the country are gearing up for Spring Break, and they're not letting the sluggish economy rain on their travel plans. In fact, students are probably finding deals like never before as providers desperately try to get people to travel. If you haven't made any plans yet, there are still lots of deals to be had.

International Destinations:

Student City - Deals include $399 Bahamas Cruise Party or 4-5 nights & flight packages at the Nassau Palm Hotel in the Bahamas starting at $659

Sun Splash Tours - All-inclusive vacation package to Jamaica starting at $699

Mango Tours - Philippine packages to Boracay/Manila ranging from $1820 from the West Coast and $1950 from the East Coast. These include roundtrip airfare, transportation, 7 nights at two 5-star hotels, daily breakfast and more.

U.S. Destinations:

Paradise Parties - 5 nights at Panama City Beach's Paradise Palm Resort starting at $384 and 5 nights at the Saida/Royal Towers in South Padre Island (Texas) for $399

Pleasant Holidays - Hawaiian vacations for 3 nights with air from $299

US Airways Vacations - Vegas air and 2 nights packages starting at $108

Spring Break for Families:

CNN, Deep Discounts for Spring Break Travel

Away.com, Top 10 Spring Break Destinations for Families

Other Articles with Spring Break Deals:

USA Today, Top 5 Bargain Destinations for Spring 2009

Frommers, Spring Break Deals: Where to Snag a Last-Minute Bargain

L. A. Times, Bargains for Spring Break

There are actually loads of deals for trips to Mexico, but with the recent State Department and ATF advisories about the increase in violence, I decided not to list them. I'm not big on fear mongering, but from the looks of the reports coming out of Mexico, my message to students is to err on the side of caution. Still, I imagine many students are going to flock to Mexico regardless, and I realize there are parts that have seen more violence than others. To find out more about what's going on in Mexico, visit the U.S. State Department's website or check out some of the recent news stories.

If you're interested in seeing the actual Travels segment from Balitang Ameria, which focused on specific deals to the Philippines, you can see it here.

Travels is a weekly TV segment written and produced by Christi Morales. It airs every Monday during Balitang America's (News in America) 5:30pm PST newcast on ABS-CBN Global's The Filipino Channel (TFC). Balitang America can also be seen on KTSF Channel 26 at 6:45pm PST in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Balitang America Travels: Last Minute Valentine's Day Deals

Uh-oh! Haven't made Valentine's Day plans yet? Well, have no fear because as I mentioned in my Balitang America Travels segment yesterday, there are still some reasonably priced hotel packages out there for under $300. Notice I didn't use the word "cheap" hotel packages. Number one, cheap is relative because what one may consider cheap might not be for others. But mostly, "cheap" in the context of making Valentine's Day plans, isn't going to earn you brownie points with the ladies.

Remember V-Day falls on a Saturday this year and Monday is President's Day, so what do you get - a long, romantic weekend. Unless of course your company is lame and they don't give you Monday off. ;-)

I know you don't need to go away for the weekend to have a great Valentine's Day, but with hotel occupany rates the lowest they've been in 30 years, properties are slashing prices left and right. Believe it or not, even five-star hotels have been brought to their knees, offering deals unheard of during good economic times. If you can, take advantage!

Here are just some of the romantic getaways mentioned on Balitang America and others you can still get your hands on from all over.

Hotel Packages Under $300 (per night per couple)

Apple Core Hotels (New York)

Art & Love Package $199:

* Accommodations in the heart of New York City

* Two priority-entrance guest passes to The Metropolitan Museum of Art

* Complimentary bottle of champagne

* Free breakfast and in-room coffee

Affinia Hotels
New York $289
Chicago $209
Washington, D.C. $189

Naughty and Nice Package:
* Accomodations and room customizable by you through My Afffina
* Rose petal turn-down service
* Champagne
* Box of Jacques Torres hand-made chocolates
* Agent Provocateur Strip Poker Set
* Romantic in-room movie
* 4pm late check-out

Intercontinental Hotel (Chicago)
Rates start at $249 (one-day advance booking required)

* Accommodations
* Welcome amenity of premium Champagne and strawberries upon arrival
* 30-minute in-room Swedish massage for two
* Decadent wine, cheese and chocolate tasting for two
($50 credit will be provided by ENO loung on lobby level)

JW Marriott Las Vegas Resort & Spa
Rates start at $279

Romance Package includes:

* Deluxe Guestroom
* Champagne and Strawberries delivered upon arrival
* Buffet Breakfast for two at Ceres
* One, 50-minute European Facial or Swedish Massage for that special someone

Personality Hotels San Francisco
Rates start at $139

XOXO Package:
* Deluxe accommodations
* "The Best Places to Kiss in Northern California" book
* $25 gift certificate to the Farallon Restaraunt
* Late checkout upon availability

The Campton Hotel (San Francisco)
Rates start at $275

Leave Your Heart in SF Package:
* Deluxe room accommodations
* Champagne and strawberries upon your arrival
* Daily special breakfast in bed for two
* Special bath amenities
* Wine tasting and a special dinner prepared by the chef
at the Campton Place Restaurant once during your stay

Tampa Bay Online
Links to article with hotel packages and romantic getaways in Florida


Links to Nationwide Deals & Packages

Hotels.com
Valentine's Day Promotions

Budget Travel Magazine
U. S. Valentine's Getaways, From $140

Away.com: Where Next?
Article about Valentine's deals around the web

Travels is a weekly TV segment written and produced by Christi Morales. It airs every Monday during Balitang America's (News in America) 5:30pm PST newcast on ABS-CBN Global's The Filipino Channel (TFC). Balitang America can also be seen on KTSF Channel 26 at 6:45pm PST in the San Francisco Bay Area.