Marriott: 20 Percent Off Weekend Rates

Marriott is having a sale that knocks 20 percent of its regular weekend rates at hotels across all its brands, Thursday through Sunday nights. The Global Rate Break offer is valid for reservations made before Jan. 22 for stays from Jan. 22 to March 21.

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Third Round Trip Free On Amtrak’s Northeast Regional

Amtrak is offering a free round trip on the Northeast Regional route to members of its rewards program who complete two trips on that route before March 13.

The Northeast Regional runs from Boston through New York to Washington, with a branch running from Springfield, Mass., through Hartford to join the line in New Haven. From Washington it splits toward Lynchburg, Va., and Newport News, Va. There’s a map and more information here.

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Caribbean Cruise From Miami: $324

A sweet little Caribbean cruise bargain caught my eye this morning – $324 per person double occupany for five nights in an inside cabin on the Celebrity Century.

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Third Night Free At Kripalu

The Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health in Stockbridge, Mass., is offering a third night free to guests who book two nights in its R&R pogram, Sunday through Thursday, through Jan. 29.

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Hawaii: Still An Incredible Bargain

For those who are counting, yes, I’m going to Hawaii for the third time in 16 months. The reason is simple — it’s paradise and there are incredible deals available.

My husband and I went on a long-planned Hawaii cruise vacation in September 2008, a rare splurge and celebration. It was our third trip to Hawaii, and this time we got to see all the major islands. It was terrific but it wasn’t cheap.

I returned in May 2008 because I got airfare so low I didn’t think I’d ever see anything like it again: $400 round trip, taxes and fees included, from Bradley to Honolulu. I went to Kauai and spent a blissful week there.

I was wrong about the fare because in June my husband and I found a $256 round-trip fare from Newark to Honolulu, including all taxes and fees. I kid you not. We booked as far out as we could, and next week we’re taking the train to Newark and then flying to Honolulu.

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Big Island Resort: $90

Last week my husband and I booked the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel on the Big Island of Hawaii for $90 a night.

The current best deal on the hotel’s Web site is $300 a night with the third night free, effectively $200 a night. That’s more than twice what we’re paying. The rack rate is even higher.

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New Year, New Direction For Coach Class

Hi, folks. I’ve been giving this blog a lot of thought lately, and I’ve decided to try a new direction in 2010.

In the past couple of years, I’ve drifted more toward commentary on travel news and analysis.

The plan is to focus more on deals and money-saving tips, returning to a focus on the practical aspects of budget leisure travel. I’ll pay special attention to Bradley and the Northeast but I’ll also look for money-saving ideas and opportunities wherever they pop up.

What do you think?