Travelore Tips: 14 Deals for Fall Vacations In Myrtle Beach At The Guaranteed Lowest Cost

 Vacation Myrtle Beach, a group of 14

oceanfront resorts in the Myrtle Beach area, recently released a list of the top 14 fall hotel deals at the beach.

Featuring deals aimed at families, couples and friends traveling, there is a deal for pretty much anyone looking

 to take a vacation this fall.

With average October highs sitting in the mid-70s, fall is the perfect time for a Myrtle Beach vacation, said

 Vacation Myrtle Beach spokesman Matt Klugman.

"The weather is perfect, the beaches are less crowded and many attractions are still open well into the fall 

season," he said. "It's really one of the best times of the year to visit, whether you come for the weekend or 

stay for a whole week."

Specials are being offered for an array of Myrtle Beach resorts including Landmark Resort, Crown Reef Resort,

 Beach Cove Resort and hotel BLUE. A variety of amenities are available at these resorts including indoor pools,

 hot tubs, oceanfront pools, lazy rivers, waterparks, putt-putt, on-site dining and more.

Offers vary based on each resort and include such deals as:

• Beach Colony Resort: Book a suite for October and receive breakfast for two for 60 cents a day.
• Captain's Quarters Resort: October Angle Oceanfront Suites from just $60 a night, which includes a
•  $60 Food and Beverage Credit if you stay two nights or longer.
• Carolina Winds Resort: Book select fall dates from just $45 a night into November.

"If you missed taking a vacation this summer or just want to spend some time at the beach this fall, we hope

 you will take advantage of one of these deals," Klugman said. "You won't regret it."

For a full list of available offers and participating resorts, click here.

About Vacation Myrtle Beach

Vacation Myrtle Beach features the lowest rates guaranteed at 14 oceanfront resorts that range from the south

 end of Myrtle Beach to North Myrtle Beach. Amenities include putt-putt, indoor and outdoor pools, lazy rivers,

 spas, dining, seasonal children's activities, mascot appearances and more. Accommodations range in size from rooms to five-bedroom condos. For more information or to make a reservation visit VacationMyrtleBeach.com or call (855) 923-7994.

Myrtle Beach Seaside Resorts Announces ‘Prepay and Save’ Booking Incentive

 

Myrtle Beach Seaside Resorts (MBSR) – operator of the area’s premier oceanfront condo-hotel and vacation rental properties – announces the “Prepay and Save” booking incentive featuring up to 25% off rack rates on advance purchases.

With warm air and water temperatures through October and a temperate winter climate, Myrtle Beach is a favorite vacation destination year-round. Guests who prepay their beach getaway 14 days or further in advance are eligible for the special discounts.

“Myrtle Beach Seaside Resorts has experienced a robust summer season with visitors from all over the country enjoying our beautiful beaches,” says Jim Eggen, General Manager of MBSR. “This promotion offers unprecedented savings for guests who are ready to book their fall or winter vacation with us.”

The incentive is available at all six MBSR properties: Avista Resort, Prince Resort, Horizon at 77^th, Grande Shores, Seaside and the Towers at North Myrtle Beach. Ideal for families, golfers or a romantic getaway, MBSR has packages and options for everyone.

Myrtle Beach is within a half-day’s drive of population centers like Washington D.C., Raleigh, Charlotte and Atlanta. Myrtle Beach International Airport is conveniently located to all Seaside properties and is serviced by Delta, Continental, Northwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines and US Airways offering daily, nonstop flights to over 25 destinations including Philadelphia, Baltimore, Newark and Chicago.

All lodging options provide easy access to dining, shopping, sugar sand beaches and other area attractions on the world-famous Grand Strand.

To book or for more information, visit myrtlebeachseasideresorts.com or call (888) 571.4104.

About Myrtle Beach Seaside Resorts

Myrtle Beach Seaside Resorts is a collection of six oceanfront and ocean view condo-hotels in North Myrtle Beach and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Avista Resort, Prince Resort, Horizon at 77^th, Grande Shores, Seaside and the Towers at North Myrtle Beach all provide the comforts of full-service resort hotels with the space and luxury of condominiums.

Each property features modern décor that reflects a coastal lifestyle and breathtaking views of the pristine northern region of the world-famous Grand Strand. Elegant yet affordable, units are spacious one to three bedrooms with fully-equipped kitchens, washer / dryer, and private balconies. Most hotels have fitness centers, an array of indoor and outdoor pools, on-site dining and access to world-class beaches.

Hot Destinations And Top Travel Trends

Contributed by Emily Fisher 

As we wrap up another eventful year in travel, it’s a great time to sneak a peek at what’s ahead.

The rise of the super airline

For travelers in the U.S., one of the biggest stories of the past year is the rise of the super airline. With the merger of American Airlines and US Airways, United Airlines’ rule as the largest airline ended less than a year into its new life. Last March, Continental Airlines was fully integrated into United – the fruit of two years’ worth of work.

It will take American and US Airways time to combine their resources too, but consumers can expect changes to start early in 2014. Most notable will be when US Airways drops its membership in the Star Alliance to join oneworld. This shift in the international airline partner base will leave heavy mileage accumulators and frequent overseas travelers with some homework and head scratching to do — and maybe some tough decisions to make. It might also encourage folks who have been planning to cash in for a big trip to get moving. The switch over happens on March 31/April 1, 2014.

The new American (Image: American Airlines)

With United, Delta and the new American all truly super sized, these large airlines are sure to be very busy competing with one another with a lot of focus on international travel and amenities like lay flat beds in first class (even on domestic flights). For the price-conscious traveler, there may be less to love on those major airlines as nickel and diming for basics — like a few more inches of leg room — becomes even more prevalent.

However, this battle among the power airlines will likely leave room for newer and smaller players competing on base price to emerge, for established “budget” airlines like Southwest and JetBlue to gain even more ground and for regional airlines like Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines to expand the number of markets they serve.

Travel hot spots

In 2013, a number of new travel hot spots began to emerge (or reemerge). Domestic travel is still by far the most popular in the United States, but we did find that people are increasingly including the U.S. territories in their vacation plans. Searches to St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, jumped 40 percent while those to St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, where up 34 percent. Puerto Rico also saw a 10 percent spike in popularity.

Good budget airline service can also deliver a boost to the popularity of a destination. Two prime examples: Denver, Colo., and Myrtle Beach, S.C. Denver is not only a great city and jumping off point for a mountain getaway but also a strategic low-cost carrier hub. Southwest, Frontier, JetBlue and Spirit all serve Denver International and the competition works in the traveler’s favor. So it’s no surprise that Denver saw a 17 percent increase in travel searches for the year. Likewise, Myrtle Beach’s small but growing airport now offers non-stop flights to 25 different cities – the majority offered by low-cost carriers Spirit Airlines and Allegiant Airlines. That has served as pricing pressure on the flights US Airways, United and Delta offer into Myrtle Beach, which led to a 20 percent increase in travelers looking to visit this southern beach town.

All year we’ve been tracking Los Cabos’ continued appeal as a year-round beach destination with something to offer at pretty much any price point. Despite the troubles that have plagued many parts of Mexico, Los Cabos has been a relative safe haven for tourists. Now, as Mexico tourism begins to bounce back for many parts of the country, Los Cabos is leading the pack. In 2013, we saw a 4 percent increase in travel searches to Los Cabos.

For 2014, we see signs U.S. travelers will continue to chase warm weather and sunshine, look for new bargain destinations and travel for events. Here are some destination trends to watch for:

The year of Brazil

With the Olympics on the horizon and the World Cup coming this summer (June 12 to July 13), Brazil is working hard to be a welcoming host country to sports fans and tourists in general. Already a popular destination, especially during Carnival, Brazil is building out infrastructure for its major upcoming events. Even so, capacity is tight. If you’re planning to visit during the World Cup, act now. Even during the offseason, it’s advisable to book four months in advance.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (Image: pedrokirilos)

Paying homage in Europe

2014 is the 100th anniversary of the start of World War I so this may be a year for history buffs and family members to visit the battlefields to reconnect with and remember loved ones who sacrificed across Europe in the “war to end all wars.”

Caribbean distinction

Images of crystal blue water and white sandy beaches are the ubiquitous daydream of the Caribbean. However the islands have a mix of cultures, climates and currencies that make it worthwhile to do your homework before you book. Some recent changes, especially in the Dutch Antilles, mean some key island countries have new-found autonomy. As a result, they have – and will – continue to ramp up how they market themselves.

Be prepared to see an increase in other parts of the Caribbean pushing what makes them stand out. Price will be one point but so will ease of access (for example, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands with no passport requirements for Americans), travel style (nightlife versus beach views, family versus adventure, chic versus laid back) and activities (diving and bare boating – or cruise ships and shops).

Staying ahead of the crowds

As deal destinations get popular, they lose their unique appeal-of-the-new charm – and their bargain status. The challenge is to spot the next wave of alternatives and beat the growing crowds and climbing prices. This year’s list: instead of Costa Rica, try Nicaragua. Skip Malta and head for Albania. Swap Bulgaria for Estonia. Opt for Laos over Vietnam

The connected passenger

As we flip the calendar, we are in the heyday of a major transition in terms of the individual flier’s travel experience. Gone are the days of simply reading a book or flipping through a magazine to pass the time on a flight. Whether you are watching satellite TV or playing trivia against your cabin mates on the airplane’s infotainment system or, more likely, glued to your tablet, laptop or phone for videos, games or news from the outside world, you are now a “connected passenger.”

Inside a Virgin America plane (Image: Albert Domasin)

The rules and technology will push this trend even further over the next 12 to 36 months. In-flight WiFi is on the verge of blazing new speeds with vendors eyeing satellite technology to deliver more capacity. Meanwhile, the FAA has relaxed the rules about personal electronic device use below 10,000 feet so you will soon find you can keep reading, playing your games and watching your movies right through landing and takeoff.

The real question now is whether you will be able to chat away on your cell phone during flights. The debate is on as the FCC is currently considering lifting a ban on cell phone use on planes. Some members of Congress are already moving to block in-flight calls.

Travelore Tips: How To Find The Best CyberMonday Travel Bargains.

Contributed by Beth J. Harpaz, AP.

FILE - This file photo taken Feb. 2, 2013 shows the Royal Caribbean cruise lines Navigator of the Seas pulls out of New Orleans on the Mississippi River. Royal Caribbean is one of a number of companies in the travel industry participating in CyberMonday this year with a variety of online deals for holiday shoppers. The cruise line is offering onboard credits of $50, $100 and $200 (depending on length of trip) and reduced deposits for sailings beginning Jan. 1 on all ships except Quantum of the Seas. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File)

 The travel industry is offering promotions large and small for CyberMonday. Some companies are participating for the first time, while others are embracing the online holiday sale in a bigger way than in the past.

American Express Travel is launching its first-ever CyberMonday promotion, with substantial hotel discounts and deals throughout the U.S. and Canada for Jan. 13-31. The promotions will be bookable at http://www.amextravel.com beginning Monday (Dec. 2) at 12:01 a.m. and will last 72 hours.

Liberty Travel has participated in CyberMonday before, but the volume of deals and their promotion is bigger this year and offers deeper savings. Liberty has assembled 99 deals with up to 65 percent off, bookable Black Friday through CyberMonday (Nov. 29-Dec. 2), featuring resorts in the Caribbean and Mexico along with cruises and escorted tours.

Liberty is also giving a credit of up to $100 on all new bookings made in Liberty Travel stores Friday-Monday (Nov. 29-Dec. 2). Get a Black Friday code at http://www.LibertyTravel.com , available as of 12 a.m. Friday (Nov. 29), then present it to an agent to take $50, $75 or $100 off (depending on how much you spend) on trips worth $2,500 or more.

Priceline.com is doing a one-day sale beginning at 12:01 a.m. Monday (Dec. 2) promising "50 percent off flights for travel before Dec. 18" on select flights from unsold inventory. Spokeswoman Leslie Cafferty says "there are a lot of options for those who are there first," advising deal-seekers to "start searching early."

George Hobica of AirfareWatchdog.com says "the hipper newer" airlines like Virgin America and JetBlue have participated in CyberMonday airfare sales in the past. But he says they often simply bring out their "usual Tuesday or Wednesday promo code sales wrapped up in a CyberMonday package."

For cruise-lovers, Royal Caribbean will offer onboard credits of $50, $100 and $200 per stateroom (depending on length of cruise) as well as reduced deposits for departures Jan. 1 or later. The offer applies to bookings with paid deposits made Dec. 2-4 at http://www.royalcaribbean.com or via 800-Royal-Caribbean, and it excludes sailings on Quantum of the Seas.

The hotel industry is offering a wide variety of online post-Thanksgiving sales. Anthony Melchiorri, host of the Travel Channel show "Hotel Impossible," says the holiday sales can be "a win-win for hotels and consumers." Hotels push deals for periods when they have capacity, "and consumers can save up to 65 percent." He added that "more and more hotels seems to be joining in" the promotion as the years go by.

But check websites for details as every offer is different. Some deals go live on Thanksgiving or Black Friday; some are available all weekend; some begin at 12:01 a.m. CyberMonday (Dec. 2). Some are for 24 hours, some last several days. Many have blackout dates for popular travel periods. Some hotel deals are straightforward rate offers, others are 10 percent off, some give triple credit-card points or dollar-amount credits during a stay toward amenities or services. Some require coupon codes.

Among the lodging companies offering some type of online deal are Hotels.com, Starwood hotels, BedandBreakfast.com, Pacifica Hotels, Loews Hotels, Preferred Hotel Group, Omni Hotels and Red Roof Inns. Destinations range from big cities and beaches to spas and ski resorts, including Manhattan's Waldorf Astoria, the Conrad Chicago, Eden Roc and the Fontainebleau in Miami Beach, Vermont's Woodstock Inn, California's Westin Monache Resort at Mammoth Mountain, Vail Resorts in various locations, Divi Vacations and Resorts, Wyndham Vacation Rentals, Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas, Canyon Ranch in three locations, Miraval Resort & Spa in Tucson, Ariz., Wild Dunes Resort near Charleston, S.C., and Omni La Mansion del Rio in San Antonio, Texas.

Myrtle Beach, S.C., has created a destination-wide effort at VisitMyrtleBeach.com/TravelSaturday. The website is housing deals that can be booked on the Saturday after Thanksgiving (Nov. 30), from free rounds of golf with some lodging purchases, to half-off tickets at Ripley's Aquarium.

Other destinations, tour companies and travel entities with some type of deal beginning Thanksgiving or in the days that follow - again, check websites for sale windows, terms and blackout dates - include SeaWorld theme parks, Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia, RailEurope, REI Adventures, GottaPark airport parking and the tour company Gate 1 Travel.

How To Do Myrtle Beach Like A Local

 

1. Myrtle Beach is famous for its 60+ miles of beaches on the world-renowned Grand Strand. For an affordable oceanfront vacation rental, check out Myrtle Beach Seaside Resorts. Each of the six condo-hotels offer the amenities of a full-service resort hotel with the space and comfort of a condominium. Highlights are fully-equipped kitchens, washer / dryer and private balconies.

2. For breakfast by the beach, head to Sea Captain’s House Restaurant. Try their renowned crab cakes benedict or traditional Southern fare like country ham and pecan waffles. This Myrtle Beach staple has been known for its warm southern hospitality, ocean view and fresh seafood since 1930!

3. Hop on a boat (rentals and tour boats available) at Wacca Wache Marina in Murrells Inlet and cruise down the Waccawachee River to see rice plantations, historic landmarks, moss-laden oak trees, alligators, eagles and osprey. Don’t stop until you get to Sandy Island, an approximately 9,000 acre nature preserve open to the public with several boat landings and two nature trails.

4. To experience the slow paced South Carolina life, the Greater Grand Strand is home to one of the oldest and most unique towns in South Carolina, Little River. Known for its fresh seafood, fishing charters and annual blue crab festival, it is truly a quaint coastal fishing village. For those seeking a little adventure, Little River also has two Las-Vegas-style casino gambling boats and Jet Ski rentals.

5. Searching for the best beachfront burger joint? Look no further than River City Café for a fun, rustic atmosphere and one-of-a-kind, juicy, run-down-your-chin, always-made-fresh burger. Guests are encouraged to throw peanut shells on the floor in this establishment, named “one of the best
places in the nation to feed the kids."

6. Escape the typical Myrtle surf and beach stores and shop ‘til you drop at The Market Common. Located in a beautifully-designed village setting, the complex has the nation’s most celebrated names in retail, a movie theater, restaurants and a calendar of events featuring car shows, wine festivals and more.

7. Is there a better combination than waterfront dining and live music? The Hot Fish Club has it all and remains a favorite gathering place for discriminating locals. Open Wednesday-Sunday, stop in for happy hour at the gazebo bar, enjoy fresh seafood on the back porch and wind down the evening with nightly performances by the area’s best rock and country bands.

8. After you have had your share of fun in South Carolina’s most iconic beach town, plan a day trip north to historic Wilmington, N.C. or south to Charleston, S.C. – both only two hours away. A plethora of daily guided tours are available through numerous tour companies or take a road trip and experience it on your own.

For additional information and reservations: Myrtle Beach Seaside Resorts, (888) 571.4104