I’m very excited for personal reasons about this week’s top three Latin America travel deals and discounts. That’s because I actually played a role in putting together one of them: If you Other findings this week: I’ve been working as a consultant with Great Value Vacations, a leading vacation packager in the USA, to introduce new packages in Panama — and the first one is now available, and it’s an amazingly good deal. Also in this week’s listings: special summer vacation package in Puerto Rico (yep, it’s a summer package, but it’s available through mid-December) that includes $50 nightly resort credits and an LGBT vacation package in Puerto Vallarta that includes a free couple’s massage. Read on for details.
Don’t forget: You can get some of the best rates on airlines, hotels, rental cars and cruises by using LatinFlyer’s own travel booking engine (it’s at the top right-hand side of this page if you’re using a computer or tablet, or at the bottom of each page if you’re on a cell phone), where it says “Save Big on Your Trip.” With one click, you can compare airfares and rates from more than 10 top travel sites, including Expedia, Orbitz and Travelocity. No more wasting time when you travel!
Great Value Vacations
Panama City, Panama
The Deal: Explore Panama City
What Makes It Cool: Not to toot my own horn, but I had a direct role in putting together this great travel deal. I’m a big fan of Panama, and I’ve put my knowledge to work as a destination consultant for Great Value Vacations, one of the best U.S.-based vacation packagers, to introduce value-priced vacation packages in this Central American hotspot. This first deal is priced at just $599 and includes roundtrip airfare and three nights accommodations at the Hampton by Hilton Panama City (which is a great place to stay; read my review of the Hampton by Hilton Panama here). You can also upgrade your stay at the spectacular Hilton Panama, which offers some of the best views of any hotel in Panama City.
Valid for Travel: Get it while you can — this deal is one of the best I’ve ever seen for Panama, and it’s a great way to get an introduction to Central America’s most exciting city.
Info & Reservations: http://www.greatvaluevacations.com/vacation-packages/panama/panama-city/explore-panama-city/PK-GC4P-PANA-PTY
••••••
PANAMA TRAVEL TIPS: Enjoy the Ride: 5 Great Rental Car Road Trips in Panama
••••••
El Conquistador Resort & Las Casitas Village
Puerto Rico
The Deal: Summer Splash package, extended through fall
What Makes It Cool: El Conquistador Resort & Las Casitas Village, Waldorf Astoria Resorts in Puerto Rico, are offering free water park passes and a $50 nightly resort credit as part of a Summer Splash package that’s running through the fall. With the resorts’ Summer Splash package, travelers receive four passes to Coqui Water Park, their seaside aquatic playground, plus a $50 resort credit per night. The resort credit can be used toward any number of resort activities, including rounds of golf on the Arthur Hills designed 18-hole golf course, spa treatments at the Waldorf Astoria Spa, watersports on the resort’s 100-acre private island, and more. Nightly rates start at $229 at El Conquistador and $299 at Las Casitas Village, based on a two-night minimum stay.
Valid for Travel: through December 17, 2015.
Info & Reservations: www.elconresort.com
••••••
PUERTO RICO TRAVEL TIPS: LF Awards: The 18 Best Hotels & Restaurants in Puerto Rico
••••••
Costa Sur Resort & Spa
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
The Deal: Pride Package
What Makes It Cool: This Mexico beach hotel is offering a Pride Package for LGBT travelers that includes four nights in a Premium Ocean Front Suite on the adults-only floor, Mexican snacks and a bottle of wine upon arrival, one 50-minute couple’s massage, daily breakfast, airport-hotel transfers and WiFi, for $499.
Valid for Travel: Through December 19, 2015.
Info & Reservations: www.costasurpuertovallarta.com/lgbt-travel
••••••
MEXICO TRAVEL TIPS: Gay Travel & Business in Focus at LGBT Confex in Mexico
••••••