golf-getaway to South Carolina? Then look no further than ideeli.com, the United States’ fastest growing, members-only online shopping site, who recently announced an addition of a dedicated travel category to its growing e-commerce platform. Couple that with two high profile travel executives in the way of Peter Manice and Andrew Bradick to spearhead the initiative, and you’ve got a match made in heaven for ideeli’s “Travel Tuesdays.”

“Travel is an essential component of our members’ ‘ideel’ lifestyle,” says Paul Hurley, CEO and founder of ideeli. “We are excited to now offer such carefully vetted and editorially-driven travel experiences on a regular basis. “

Those travel experiences will bring ideeli’s nearly three million members a selection of curated weekly travel offers at privileged prices of between 30% and 60% off. Not a bad deal at all. With a focus on exclusive pricing at luxury and boutique properties worldwide, ideeli will augment these travel experiences by including members-only perks such as complimentary room upgrades, spa and restaurant credits, and other amenity packages. New travel offers will be featured every Tuesday, and each sale will run for up to six days or until sold out, so you have to be one of the early birds if you want to get in on some these great deals ideeli is offering.

For example, they’ve already had a group-buy deal on ideelACCESS which included $50 for a $100 credit toward any of the 600+ properties in the Mr. and Mrs. Smith luxury hotel network, exclusive packages to Lake Austin Spa (Texas), The Venetian (Las Vegas) and Cabo Azul (Mexico), and a giveaway to a 4-night stay at the Banyan Tree Mayakoba, a 5-star star property in Playa del Carmen valued at up to $4500.

To celebrate the new Travel Tuesdays, ideeli is hosting a “Putter’s Paradise Giveaway” that includes a two-night stay at The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort, a 5-star oceanfront hotel and spa in South Carolina.

“We’ve developed travel products that not only offer value and excitement for our members, but also a series of effective solutions for the travel industry,” says Peter Manice. “By utilizing our many tools for member engagement – from flash sales to giveaways to group buy events – travel suppliers can deliver brand-friendly content and drive traffic to their core channels, all while generating incremental booking activity from our audience of nearly three million engaged and affluent members.”

Known as the largest People’s Fair in the world, Oktoberfest, in Munich attracts six to seven million people a year, who consume over one million gallons of beer! Munich has been celebrating Oktoberfest since 1810 when Prince Ludwig married Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildurghausen. This year is the 200th anniversary of Oktoberfest in Munich and is expected to be the largest (and the craziest) to date.

These are 5 things you can’t miss in Munich during Oktoberfest:

5. Explore Marienplatz

Known as the heart of Munich, Marienplatz is a large open square and a great place to sight-see, shop, eat and of course relax and drink beer in one of the endless outdoor venues. You can find the Glockenspiel in the New Town Hall, and Peterskirche, the oldest church, in the area here.
Rent a cruiser bike and this is a great spot to start your exploration of the rest of Munich’s city centre.

4. Visit the famous Neuschwanstein Castle

Located near Hohenschwangau and Füssen in southwest Bavaria, outside Munich, Neuschwanstein Castle is a great place to view the Bavarian countryside and gawk at the Disney-like wonder. Crowds are drawn to the amazing views, majestic architecture (it is the most photographed building in Munich), mysterious death of the commissioner “Mad King Ludwig” and the following created by the 60 million people who have visited it since 1886.

3. Check out the English Garden

Even bigger then NYC’s Central Park, the English Garden provides an oasis away from the none-stop activity of Oktoberfest. But don’t worry, you can still get a beer! Stop at the Chinese Tower and enjoy live outdoor music and a cold brew at this favorite outdoor beer garden. Make sure to check out the river surfers on your way back to the Oktoberfest grounds.

2. Eat at a traditional Bavarian restaurant

A favorite is the half chicken from one of the beertents. Maybe anything taste good after two liters of beer… but this is the juiciest chicken you will ever eat! Also, make sure not to miss the giant pretzels, Schneiders Aventinusbierbtratl (Schneider’s Beer Roast), Portion Schweinshaxe (Port Knuckle) and of course Wiener Schnitzel.

1. Check out the Beertents

The beertents on the Oktoberest grounds are the number one thing that cannot be missed in Munich during Oktobferfest! Check out this site for a description of the 15 beertents:
http://www.oktoberfesttours.com/beer_tents.html. Among the best and most well known, these are recommend: Hippodrum seating over 4000 people and it has some of the best entertainment on the Oktoberfest grounds, Hofbräu Festzelt, sister tent to the famous Hofbräuhaus in Marienplatz is pure craziness, and the only beer tent at Oktoberfest that will serve you a cold beer without being seated, and of course Schottenhamel which seats over 10, 000 people and is the location of the Official Tapping of the Keg on Opening Day.

To get the most out of the beer tents, be sure to learn the words to Ein Prosit. When everyone in the beertent stands on their bench and belts out the words to Ein Prosit, you will want to sing along! Ein Prosit ein Prosit gemüdlichkeit, Ein Prosit ein Prosit gemütlichkeit… einz, zwei, drei, suffa! It means: A toast, a toast, that cosy feeling… A toast, a toast, good vibes…one, two, three chug it down!

Be sure to dress like a local! While Dirnlds and Leferhosen can be expensive, there are discount and second stores all over Munich! Surprisingly the airport stand (outside arrivals in terminal 2) has great deals (Dirndls for 49 Euro). Also check out the street across from the Hauptbahnhof (Central Station) for more discount shops.

Wondering how to fit it all in? Can’t imagine planning it all? Ludus Tours, STA travel and a ton of other companies offer trips that include everything mentioned above in their Oktoberfest tours!

Arrive in Munich on Friday, explore Marienplatz, the City Centre, and English Garden by bike, enjoy authentic German food at a local restaurant, visit Neuschwanstein Castle, and enjoy the craziness of a beertent all in time to head home Monday!
The tours are great for individuals, families, and corporate groups. 24-7 Ludus Guide assistance is included! For an unforgettable experience check out Ludus Tours!

Ludus Guides at a Traditional Bavarian Restaurant

(Post Via Victoria Whyte: For more information e-mail Victoria)

While there are over 100 destinations to choose from — ranging all across the Americas (North and South) — all of which offer excellent deals, we here at the Adventure Worthy offices feel we’d be remiss if we didn’t recommend at least one hotel for our readers. So, here’s what caught our eye: a warm, tropical stay at the all-inclusive Allegro Cozumel in, well, Cozumel, Mexico. Regular price? $221. Special Hotels.com Labor Day weekend price? $106. And it’s on the beach! Not bad.

To qualify all you need to do is book your stay through Hotels.com by September 6. Pretty simple. For a full list of participating hotels, simply click on through.

Today’s Deal of the Day is actually from Delta, but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t catch wind of it from the fine folks at TravelZoo. Delta is presently offering some great airfare deals on domestic and International flights. With Delta you know you’re going to score a great airline to fly with–jets that have been furbished and refurbished with modern amenities, entertainment options and a solid safety record.

I can yap about jets and stuff, but let’s get to the deal. These deals are starting at $44 each way, and travel is good between August 17 – November 17. There are even some great International flights that are beginning at $229 each way. A flight at that rate? New York (JFK) to Dublin. Anyone up for Ireland?

The deal on this deal is that travel needs to be booked by July 29th. That gives you a few days to peruse your fall calendar, and then you can click here to work your mojo for the Delta Fall Flight Sale. You can punch in your desired departure and destination information, regardless of the examples listed at TravelZoo, and see where Delta might be able to transport you at a discounted price.

(Image via: Geek Zone)

Today’s Deal of the Day is for a 4-star Vegas hotel upgrade at a whopping $38/night. If you’re familiar with coming into Vegas from the south…the north…or from the air, it’s a place you can’t miss. It’s shaped like a pyramid, because it is a pyramid. It goes by the name of the Luxor Las Vegas. Steeped in Egyptian garb and theme, this joint is a Vegas classic.

In order to score this deal, you need to be a TravelZoo Top 20 Subscriber, and that comes as easy as entering your email address for a weekly, Top 20 update. This is worthwhile. This will allow you to snag some of these deals that I toss out on a daily basis, before the deals are sold out.

Not only will this deal save you about $150/night, it will also score you Reserved Pool Seating, late check-out, express line passes and preferred seating at three different restaurants–for THIRTY-EIGHT BUCKS per night. Can you go to Applebee’s for $38? I can’t do In-N-Out for less than $10, so I think this is a completely valid Deal of the Day.

Here’s the deal on the deal. You need to book your travel within the next week, and the special is good for specific dates in July, August, November and even December. The $38 price is good for Sundays-Thursdays–weekend rates jump to a discounted $72/night.

(Image via: Exterior Building Consultants)

The site was established by tourism boards of Hong Kong, India, Japan, China, Korea, Macau, Philippines, Thailand and Singapore. I’m going to venture a guess that you’d like to vacation or explore one of the aforementioned. The site presents several deals to these destinations including airfare, hotel, adventures and a plethora of activities. Yeah. Plethora.

For true adventure seekers, you’ll even find a quick pull down menu displaying adventure in each of these countries.

This site gets me really excited. It’s easy to use, and some of these deals are pretty impressive. 11 days of exploration in ancient China–just over $1,100 per person. That includes airfare, all the “safety in numbers” touring activities, as well as accommodations in three different Chinese destinations.

Want to relax on one of the beautiful Thailand beaches? DiscoverAsiaNow.com has a few great hook ups, as well as information about the various destinations in Thailand. They even toss in a few key phrases that can be used while visiting.

For Japan? I love the fact that the Top 10 list for visiting Japan includes climbing Mt. Fuji. You know…for a leisurely stroll while visiting Japan, just have a quick climb of Mt. Fuji. I think my first 48 hours in Japan would consist of eating–that’s it. Digressing…

The site is somewhat of a baby. It’ll be interesting to see it grow, and fingers crossed, it will become the place to score great deals for Asian travel!

(Image via: Let’s Buy Property In…)

Topics covered include:

• Equipment and accessories
• Planning your trip
• Conditions on the road
• The right place at the right time
• Image composition
• Where to stay and daily routine
• The light in East Africa
• Migrations and mating seasons
• Habitats and animal behavior
• River crossings
• The big cats, rhinos, giraffes, etc.

The book covers everything from equipment (camera and lenses), techniques (autofocus, exposure, etc) logistics for “on the road” workflow and tips on image editing. Skrzypczak has a true passion for wildlife and the book is also designed to showcase the beauty of East Africa, specifically the unique habitat of the Serengeti National Park.

If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to shoot an animal portrait or capture the speed of a fast-moving beast, Wildlife Photography will help you become a better photographer.

Here are a few ways to enter:

1)      Leave a comment telling us what you love about photography

2)      Follow us on Twitter: @adventureworthy

3)      Tweet this giveaway on your own Twitter

4)      Link back to this giveaway on your blog

5)      “Like” us on Facebook

Note: Please use a valid email address. US and Canada residents only.

One lucky winner will be chosen randomly. Giveaway ends July 20, 2010.

Winners will be reached by email on July 27, 2010.

Good Luck!

(Image via Uwe Skrzypczak)

I was having a chat about these “Deals of the Day” over the weekend, and it spurred a thought that I should throw in more options when available. That’s precisely what this is. Most often, I suggest a singular vacation option–I try and lock you into a box. “Go to the Bahamas!” “Go to Lake Powell!” “Go to Jamaica!” But not today.

It’s Monday. Sometimes Monday’s suck. As Prince wrote, and the Bangles also suggested, they have a tendency to be Manic. So peruse. See where you might go–what kind of getaway you might score. You might be interested in some of the All-Inclusive vacations that Funjet is pushing, beginning at $85/night. I know I am.

Here’s an example, and if you’re so inclined to read it as a suggestion, that’s fine, too. Hawaii: 5 nights with air for $789 per person. There are comparable prices to all of the islands, including airfare, at some of the finest hotels and resorts along the isolated archipelago.

Funjet offers some great deals to some of the world’s best travel destinations, and while you’ll have some amazing fun once you arrive at your destination, there’s no guarantee that the jet you’re traveling on will actually be a “fun jet.” It’s unfortunate that it needs to be mentioned, but a quick read of some of the travel reviews on TripAdvisor and it’s easy to see why it must.

Ah, TripAdvisor, I think we need to do a post on TripAdvisor. Nothing like combining a travel review site with Farrelly Brothers comedy.

In the meantime, get out, get away, enjoy one of these great deals from our Funjet Deal of the Day.

(Image via: Hiren & Pankaj’s Home)

Named after famed, western explorer, John Wesley Powell, Lake Powell is one of the most incredible man-made formations in the world.

It is technically a freshwater reservoir, the result of damming the Colorado River and flooding Glen Canyon. If you’re unfamiliar with Lake Powell, imagine Arches National Park and Monument Valley submerged. That’s basically what you’re getting with this amazing desert locale. It is the second largest man made freshwater reservoir in all of the United States, second to only Lake Mead in southwest Nevada.

Today’s Deal of the Day is a hook up to one of the Lake’s most prestigious resorts, the Lake Powell Resort, just off the Wahweap Marina. This resort is on the lake, and will present you with easy access to watercraft rental or water activities. You only need to venture out the front door to enjoy the spectacular view and landscape.

This deal is offered through Kayak, and will hook you up with a room and all resort amenities for $139/night. Use the Promo Code: LPKAYAK

This travel is available through the year’s end, and if you’d like to getaway to the perfection of the high desert in the fall, average high temperatures in September are in the upper 80s, and in October, the upper 70s. These off-peak dates will also ensure you can score a nice piece of the lake for yourself, as well as some potential deals on watercraft.

(Image via: Wikimedia)

The adventurer inside of you cries out for attention, yearning for an end to the 9-5 shifts, the incessant toiling and nagging, the consistent barrage of emails, texts, twitters, and god knows what else. Well now life has offered you a second chance to satisfy that wanderlust – and you don’t need an inheritance from a dying oil sheik to afford it.

Enter WWOOF.

The Program

World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms is a program that has been around for nearly 40 years, though it is still relatively unknown to the general populous. Even better for you. They provide the option to volunteer at a number of organic farms and gardens around the world in exchange for free housing and food. Basically you get the chance to experience life in another country with virtually no expenses other than the flight itself. Programs are currently operating in nearly every region, ranging from Turkey to Argentina to Kenya to Japan. Even the Bahamas! For a full list of all possible international opportunities click Here.

The work you do varies depending on the country and the particular farm you select, but the focus of the program is on sustainable life and agriculture. You will assist with a local family or co-op performing tasks like harvesting, planting, infrastructure, even plant and animal restoration. . I even once found a position working beach side at a tropical fruit plantation in Thailand. The task – to assist in training monkeys to gather coconuts. Oh how I wish I took the job.

Details

To WWOOF internationally, you must first decide on the country you wish to volunteer at and send in an application form along with a small membership fee to join their national program. (When I say small fee I really mean small – the cost to volunteer in Bulgaria for example is a whopping 5 Euros.)They will then offer you a comprehensive list of all opportunities available and let you select one that is right for you. When it has been decided, they will arrange for the specific host to contact you directly and finalize the details.

You will be provided with three meals a day and a place to sleep in exchange for your services, and you are typically given a couple of days off each week with which to travel the region. All in all, it is a fairly short and effortless process and the national organization helps to ensure that things run smoothly and safely.

You can typically stay as long as you like – anywhere from a few weeks to a year at a time (depending also on the needs of the host). Likewise, the demands of the job itself also vary. You can work at 10 hour shifts in the sun performing intense physical work, or you can relax on a beach learning about ecology or saving marine life. (I currently have my eye on an opportunity working in a national wildlife preservation – an almost deserted tropical island working 2-6 hours a day as a caretaker of an Eco-Lodge.)

(Image via MatadorChange)

It is not necessary to have any particular background or experience, just a passion for adventure and a willingness to learn about ecology or sustainable farming. It only makes your travel time that much more rewarding to be able to help communities in need rather than spending all your free time drinking margaritas under an umbrella. Besides, WWOOF is not without benefits of its own. I mean who wants to live the bulk of their life utterly dependent on a supermarket to survive?

There is a limitless amount of opportunities available and it is constantly changing. Browse the international program to preview some of the positions being offered. You will be pleasantly surprised. WWOOF is an entirely unique approach to see the world and promises an unforgettable adventure.

Video Introduction to the Program

Click here to see a WWOOF Intro Video

Joanne Schultz!

Here is her winning comment:

“I “Like” you on Facebook-Joanne Schultz.”

Congrats Joanne!

Make sure to enter this week’s Travel Tuesday Giveaway for your chance to win a $25 Amazon.com Gift Card.

Digressing, deals like this are tooooooo flippin’ good to pass up. Your DEAL OF THE DAY!

The Mets are playing good ball this year, and they come to town next week. How would you like to sit right behind the dish (that’s home plate, Dodger fans), and take in some action for $45? For real.

It’s another deal through TravelZoo, which has been pumping the deals out this summer like I’ve never seen before. I love them because they’re far more abstract than some of the biggies that only focus on flights, cars, and hotels–don’t they know we want adventure?

These seats going for $45 are normally $130, folks. I ain’t even a’kiddin’. Click on one of the links above and AdventureWorthy will help you connect to the stellar deal. Manny will be back in the line up, for those of you who have never seen a known cheater play baseball, and Jonathan Broxton will be hurling with confidence after his statistical Save in the 2010 MLB All Star Game.

There are other tickets available as well for other dates, so dig in and see which works for you. Field Box, Infield Box, Field Box MVP, Loge Box. You name it, they’re all highly discounted.

THESE TICKETS ARE GOOD FOR THE THURSDAY, JULY 22 GAME vs. THE METS – GAME TIME 7:10 PM/PDT.

(Image via: ViewFromMySeats)

Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey is coming to Southern California, and will remain throughout the month of July. They come to present “Barnum’s FUNundrum.” Put your PETA hat aside, and get in on the action for only $7.50. If ever there has been a true Deal of the Day, this is it!!! Anything less than 10 bucks these days is a deal. I think there are some McDonald’s “Extra Value Meals” that are more than $7.50, aren’t there?

The “Greatest Show on Earth” is coming to the Staples Center in Los Angeles (July 15,16), the Citizen’s Bank Arena in Ontario (July 21-24), and the Honda Center in Anaheim (July 28 – August 8). This deal is offered by the fine folks at TravelZoo, and if you’re looking to book your tickets online, simply go here, and use the promo code: TRAVEL.

Barnum’s Funundrum features performers and animals from nearly every continent–they’re going penguinless, so Antarctica is out of the mix. However, you can see the performers sky-high on the flying trapeze, acrobats, contortionists, high wire walkers, strong men, strong women, tigers, elephants, the spherical miracle…and clowns. How could I forget the clowns. Funny, odd and creepy to all!

The FUNundrum marks the 200th anniversary of the birth of P.T. Barnum, who was, hands down, the greatest showman on earth back in the day. And today? He could still put M. Night Shyamalan to shame.

If you want to get in on this Deal of the Day, you’ll need to act fast. Tickets to the Staples Center are selling fast, and at present, there are only a few left at the discounted price.

(Image via: waxx.tv)

What I love about this Travel + Leisure declaration is the fact that not only was Kaua’i named the best island in Hawaii, but it was also named the 2nd best island in the world. Which island took the top prize? The Galapagos. Of course.

Focusing on Kaua’i, the “Garden Isle,” where you can actually STAY for more than a few days, play some golf, surf, work your tan, take in some entertainment of the western and south pacific varieties, you simply won’t find a more accessible and enjoyable island getaway. Shoot, everyone there speaks English. Unlike those Marine Iguanas and Blue Footed Bubies of the Galapagos–they just hiss and flop around a lot.

If you’re unfamiliar with Hawaii, Kaua’i is the island that Hawaii lovers travel to, to get away from the Hawaii that most are familiar with. Most who travel to Hawaii head for Oahu, Honolulu and all tourist “must sees” that the island has to offer, but if you’re really looking for that tropical vacation to get you away from all things urban, suburban or familiar, Kaua’i will deliver. Hiking, biking, ATV adventures, boating, fishing, camping, golfing: Kaua’i will put you at the door step to some serious rest, recreation and relaxation.

Congrats to Kaua’i, its residents and board of tourism. I’m hopeful to enjoy your hospitality sooner than later!

(Image via: DiscoverAmerica)

I’ve tossed out deals to put you on the doorstep to adventure, but I’ve never really offered any opportunities to gear up for your adventure.

I love Sierra Trading Post. It’s one of the few “corporate” emails that I receive in my Inbox that I don’t loathe. I always need to see what they’re selling, what sales are available in the Bargain Barn and the kinds of deals they’re pushing. At present, they’re sharing their 24th year in the retail business with everyone who visits the site. Thus, today’s Deal of the Day.

Sierra Trading Post always has a load of clearance items to peruse, and while they specialize in outdoor gear and everything you’d need to survive if the Internet stopped working today, they also carry everything from home decor items to kitchen cookware to rare golf clubs.

To celebrate their 24th Anniversary, they’re giving 24 percent on an additional 8,000 items in their database, as well as offering a daily giveaway, to the sum total of $15,000 in prizes. Today’s giveaway is $500 in eGift Cards. C’mon. That’s worth visiting. If you’re looking for any hiking shoes, boots or the top brands of outdoor gear that you won’t find outside of a specialty shop, this is the place to buy. You can get geared up for your camping, hiking, climbing adventure without busting your budget.

Finally–and it’s so worth mentioning–for you neo-hippies who only feel comfy in Birkenstock sandals, Sierra Trading Post is the hook up for the best deals on those cork-soled feet coverings that love to love ya, baby.

(Image via: Destination360)

Here are a few ways to enter:

1)      Check out Amazon.com and leave a comment telling us what you’d buy if you won the card.

2)      Follow us on Twitter: @adventureworthy

3)      Tweet this giveaway on your own Twitter

4)      Link back to this giveaway on your blog

5)      “Like” us on Facebook

Note: Please use a valid email address. US and Canada residents only.

One lucky winner will be chosen randomly. Giveaway ends July 13, 2010.

Winners will be reached by email on July 20, 2010.

Good Luck!

It’s through Liberty Travel. It’s the Deal of the Day, and perhaps the deal of your life. I have a flair for the dramatics, so please, pick up what I’m layin’ down.

If you’re travelling from Los Angeles, you can score a round-trip flight and three nights at the luxurious Wynn Las Vegas Hotel and Resort, with a $100 resort credit for only $315. This price is per person, and based on double occupancy. That means you gotta go with someone else. And if you’re thinking about this trip for only yourself, you might have a gambling problem.

If you’re into this deal, but would prefer to depart from a different city, prices will vary. Denver is looking good, coming in at $329. Chicago, $465. Eligible travel dates for this stellar deal of the day are now…today – September 2, 2010.

You’ve got more than enough time to find a sitter, get the pets to the kennel and make sure a neighbor is checking the mail.

If you’ve never done Las Vegas, take it from a dude who has done it more than a few times. If you’re gonna do it, you gotta do it right. The Wynn Las Vegas is one of the finest hotels in all of the United States, and the luxury of The Wynn is enjoyed around every corner of the hotel. Attached to the luxurious Encore Hotel, there is so much to enjoy in these two complexes.

The Wynn Las Vegas is located along the heart of the Las Vegas Strip, walking distance to some of the best hotels, casinos, restaurants, sportsbooks and entertainment that Las Vegas has to offer.

(Image via: BankingDeals)

Top 5 relaxing vacation spots (Isabelle’s Travel Guide)

The world’s best low-cost air carriers (The Lost Girls)

10 reasons to have your wedding reception at a hotel (Gadling)

Top 10 European cities for smart splurges (Shermans Travel)

What not to pack (Independent Traveler)

Hit the links at 10 top golf courses in Salt Lake City with the Golf Salt Lake Super Pass (Visit Salt Lake)

The winner of last week’s Travel Tuesday Giveaway is…..

Tammy!

Here is her winning comment:

“I’d buy a pair of Reebok Womens Ultimate Walk Walking Shoe. I walk on the treadmill everyday, and I could really use a new pair!”

Congratulations Tammy!

There’s still time to enter this week’s giveaway for a chance to win a $25 iTunes Gift Card.

Today’s Deal of the Day comes to the tune of $100 off a first-time purchase through the specialty site, FamilyGetaway.com. You can also take advantage of 10 percent off of a travel purchase through FamilyGetaway.com, and if you can combine the two, leave a comment and let a brother know, will ya?

In order to score this $100 first-time deal, you’ll need to use the coupon code: FG100 at checkout.

For the 10 percent off travel, use: FamilyEmail10

Now, let’s rap family vacations. What equates to a great family vacation? Personally, I think anywhere you go as a family is destined to become an adventure. Through FamilyGetaways.com you can score everything from theme park packages to Caribbean getaways that are full of activities for all ages. Most of these packages are designed to accommodate at least three individuals, and oftentimes more. If you want to make it a larger family gathering, you’ll find several packages for multi-family vacations.

You can shuffle through the site based on desired location, or desired interests. If you like lazy vacations that consist of lounging next to a pool or on a beach, it’s an option. If you love adventure and outdoor activities, you can choose a vacation package based on such. It’s a pretty sweet site that you may wanna bookmark for future reference.

(Image via: FamilyTravelFiles)

Some days are marked with a painful search for a Deal of the Day worth pushing, but not today. No, my friends. If you’re over 21 years of age, here is an opportunity to take part in a sweepstakes which could only fall into the category of THE best trip ever. EVER.

So, what’s the deal?

Black Star Beer, one of the finest microbrews in the world, has announced their “Maybe the Best Trip Ever” Sweepstakes through their Facebook fanpage. The Whitefish, Montana, born beer is going to award one lucky winner the opportunity to do and see more than any beer company has ever offered a lucky winner in the past.

I mean that. In all sincerity. All those commercials about what beer can do for you, and then it only gives you the runs…Nope. Not Black Star.

Black Star Beer is going to present the lucky winner of the sweepstakes and opportunity to bring FIVE, yes, 1,2,3,4,5 friends on a journey to Whitefish, MT, to learn a little bit about the craft of brewing, where the “brew” will be bottled with a personalized, custom label.

After brewing, there will fly fishing with some pros, white water rafting on the Flathead with some pros and camping in Glacier National Park. By the time it’s all said and done, you’ll be a pro…at something. To continue the madness of this amazing vacation, you’ll hop a private jet to practice with a professional basketball team, then take the jet to Las Vegas, to crash at one of the city’s nicest resorts, complete with a private poolside cabana and suite.

Black Star is also throwing in 6 round trip airfares, in the event that the winner might need a vacation from winning this vacation. Geez.

Hang on. Not done yet. They’re also going to throw in some Black Star swag, and an HD video camera.

Have you become a fan of Black Star on Facebook, yet? Get on it!

Minott Wessinger, founder of Black Star Beer and great, great grandson of master brewer Henry Weinhard stated:

“Facebook is full of beer loving people like you and I. But a beer brand doesn’t have to talk about beer all the time. We think people appreciate all sorts of other things and have many hobbies and interests that in some way are related to the spirit of Black Star. So when you think of it like that – beer, travel, friends, fun, adventure…it makes sense.”

It does make sense.

The contest runs through August 19th!

(Image via: Black Star Beer)

1. What Economic Crisis?  - If you book a room at a season when hotels are less busy, your chances are far greater that you may get upgraded. At such a time, the more affordable rooms are actually in higher demand, and you may be bumped up at little or no extra charge. Try going in an off season or an economic downturn. I guess that’s good news if you planned to travel to Greece.
2. I Like to Try New Things - A hotel that has just opened is often more competitive for your approval, as they want to create positive reviews for themselves and increase their reputation. Play into this.
3. But…It’s My Birthday – If you hype up a special occasion or a celebration, the front desk clerk may be more sympathetic to helping you out. Just don’t be annoying about it.
4. Arrive Fashionably Late – By checking in later on in the day you improve your chances of securing an upgrade. Plenty of people check out late or miss their reservations- opportunities that may just go to you. If the hotel knows a room wont sell later on they’ll have less of a problem handing it out.
5. Trust Me, I Know People – Don’t be afraid to use your connections. In addition to AAA, many airlines offer bonuses as do banks like Merrill Lynch and HSBC.  American Express card holders with a platinum membership or above are automatically eligible for an upgrade at some hotels, so find out before you go.
6. I Get This Comped - By showing loyalty to a specific hotel, they may make a note of it and be more inclined to show gratitude in the future. If visiting a casino, for instance, why not make it the one at a hotel you’d like to return to. Just be careful – you can lose your status too- in a single night. (No further comments)
7. How About Some Help? - Although I hate booking through a travel agent too, it can actually pay off. They can often access deals that are unavailable to the individual. It can be beneficial if traveling in a large group or to multiple destinations.
8. Don’t Mind the Wait- Some hotels like the Hilton and the Hyatt offer a stand-by option when booking. It typically costs an extra $30, but in the event that a better room opens up it is transferred to you.

(Image via LasVegasHotel.com)

I just had to toss that out there.

Tomorrow night, 7/8/2010, you can score some of the best seats in Dodger Stadium for $45 bucks. Yeah, it’s not so “travel” related, but we’re not called TravelWorthy, we’re AdventureWorthy, and this is exactly that. Today’s Deal of the Day is thrust into the hands of baseball fans via TravelZoo, and it is a serious deal-y-o, especially for you fans of the teams which sport a lot of blue.

The Cubs are in town, and I can already hear the chants of “1908″ beginning as I write this. The only thing that makes me grin even more is the thought of the year 2038 rolling around, and chanting “1988″ to Dodger fans. Regardless, these seats are selling fast. And when I say fast, I mean flippin’ fast…greased lighting fast…hotcakes fast…

Infield Box Seats, normally $100, are going for $45. Baseline Field Seats, normally $70, are going for $45. Preferred Field Box Seats, normally $70, are going for…AHHHH, $45!!! Never again will you be able to score such great ticket deals for two cursed teams trying to once again reach the pinnacle of the baseball world!

Heck, sitting so close, you might even bump into Frank McCourt. Be sure to ask him how Jamie is doing.

I’m terrible. In truth, I don’t loathe the Dodgers franchise. Loathing some of the fans…eh…yeah, I’m busted. I just wanted to prepare Cubs fans for the abuse they would receive upon entering Tommy Lasorda’s Blue Heaven.

When you get right down to brass tacks, you’re not gonna find a better ticket deal this season–not for these seats. In order to score the discount, simply go here, and enter the Promo Code: TZOO7

(Image via: Wikimedia)

Every major vendor, sponsor, many Hall of Famers and most nutty fans (like myself) will be there. If you don’t go, and you’re with an hour or two from the locale, you’re making a mistake!

I’m biased. I love baseball. I know the game has lost a lot of its “pastime” status in an age of possessing a poor reputation, but the game is better than it has ever been. All great entities have their feet held to the fire, and it seems that MLB received its stress test through performance enhancing drugs. If I were the commissioner, sure, I’d have even stricter testing policies, or at least I’d be fighting for them; however, hen it comes to the bottom line, bottom lines are up and it seems that the league has survived the steroid era.

The 2010 season has signaled the return of the pitcher, and with more fans believing that the game has been cleaned up significantly, purists like myself are excited to see what happens next in the great American game. Before I get carried away talking about how different the game is with an 0-1 count vs. a 2-1 count, let’s rap All-Star Weekend!

Beginning Friday, July 9, 2010 – All Star Tuesday, July 13, 2010, the Major League Baseball Fan Fest will be held at the Anaheim Convention Center. In the past, I know the event has opened at 9:00 a.m. and pushes into the evening, generally 7 or 8 p.m. I had the enjoyment of working the last three Fan Fests, and while it’s bittersweet that I won’t be working the event so close to home, it’ll be really nice to simply attend as a fan!

The Fan Fest is interactive, full of batting cages, fielding drills, base running challenges, opportunities to broadcast some of the biggest moments in the sport of baseball, exhibits, shopping, art, music, cars, auctions, trading, tributes to the Women’s pro league, the Negro Leauge…I simply won’t do it justice in trying to sell it. You must trust–if you’re a baseball fan, you owe it to yourself to be there. It’s a wonderful family environment.

You can score tickets here, through MLB, or you can buy them at the venue. They’re set at $30/adults, $25/kids and seniors. A little hint to AdventureWorthy readers, I’ve noticed several ticket giveaways to Fan Fest onsite the last couple of years, as well as ticket giveaways for some of the All-Star events.

(Image via: LA Times)

Sure, this just happens to be coincidence, but it also happens to be a stellar deal worthy of today’s Deal of the Day! The deal is offered by VacationOutlet, and presents a quick, 4 night cruises that quickly zips from Long Beach, CA, to Catalina Island, then south to Ensenada, MX, before spending a day at sea and returning back to the LBC.

These cruises are perfect to recharge the batteries, and get away from all things familiar without having to get “too far away.”

This cruise takes place on the industry-leader Carnival Cruise Lines on the liner “Carnival Paradise,” and sets sail on August 30, 2010. The $399 price tag is good for interior accommodations, as well as dining and amenities on the ship. “Carnival Paradise” tosses quite a bit of entertainment into the mix–live shows, a casino and a dance club, perfect for tossing a few cares aside for several hours.

Both destinations, Catalina and Ensenada, are close in geographic proximity, but will allow you to feel worlds away from the U.S. mainland. Ensenada is a particularly charming Mexican city, built on a steady dose of tourism. You’ll find some fantastic shopping opportunities, mariachi bands, great restaurants and more than enough individuals who speak English.

If interested in an upgrade, an extra $50/person will score an Ocean view cabin.