Columbia Gorge Astronomy Night- September 30

So how is this for a romantic fall getaway?

Head to the Columbia Gorge and catch Columbia Gorge Astronomy Night at the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center and Museum in The Dalles, Oregon. The event runs from 6-9pm on Friday, September 30th, 2011. Astronomer Dan Gerhards will lecture on the sky and space and show a slideshow. Participants can view the night sky through the museum telescope. For info go here.

Then stay at beautiful Skamania Lodge across the Columbia in Stevenson, Washington. Catch this special: for $169 you get a one-night stay, $25 resort credit, $30 breakfast credit and a bottle of wine. To learn more or to buy, go here.

Recession Blues: Lodging

Just like flying and renting vehicles, hotel rates are going up. But unlike airfare, where prices have gone up and less is included (food, beverages, baggage), hotels are doing a better job of offering amenities that can save you money.

More and more budget chains are offering free wireless internet and a complimentary breakfast. And the savvy leisure traveler can take advantage of special deals from Groupon and other pre-purchase sites that include amenities like free spa treatments and dining credits.

When you book matters too. In Manhattan, rates for bookings 61-90 days out are up 18% over a year ago. But for last minute travelers who book 0-6 days out, rates are up only 2% over a year ago. If you can handle the suspense, you can get a great last minute deal from sites like Priceline and Hotwire or Hotel Tonight.

So while lodging isn't getting cheaper, it isn't all bad news. You can still get a great deal if you are flexible and patient. 


Sources: Expedia's Average Hotel Rate Climbing Fastest This Year, USA Today.
HRG: Global Corp. Hotel Rates on the Rise, Business Travel News

20% Off a Mini-Vacation at the Oregon Coast

The beautiful Oregon Coast, Photo: M. Reitz

If the recession has done a number on your finances as it has on mine, a full vacation may not be in the cards this year. You are not alone. In years past, it was hard to come by a vacation house rental that didn't require a minimum of a week-long stay. But with rentals down, savvy Bella Beach and Olivia Beach vacation rentals on the Oregon Coast are offering a gap-stay deal. Submit this form with dates you are available, what you are looking for, and they will let you know of 1, 2, or 3-day stays available. And at 20% off, you might just get a beach getaway this year after all.

Last Minute Fourth of July Weekend Deals on Oregon Coast Vacation Rentals

The high price of fuel has many staying home this Independence Day holiday weekend. (Source: USA Today) The result: A lot of open vacation rentals.

Oregon vacation home communities Bella Beach and Olivia Beach are offering 10% off with only a 2-night minimum. To take advantage of this offer, you must call 855-238-0184.

Other last minute vacation rentals can be found on Lickety Trip where you can find homes in a particular area that are available in the next two weeks. Then contact the owner and make a deal. And maybe you won't be home for the 4th after all.

Western Washington Wine Country Deal

Wine-tasters, check out these great specials for lodging and tasting in western Washington wine country. For as little as $60/night you can stay in one of Bothell's fine hotels and enjoy complimentary wine tasting and a dining value.