Cities lure tourists with savings on lodging, dining and attractions

Convention and visitors bureaus across the nation are rolling out deals for travelers, from hotel discounts to restaurant savings to cheaper activities.

Convention and visitors bureaus across the nation are rolling out deals for travelers, from hotel discounts to restaurant savings to cheaper activities.

Before you head out on your next trip, check with the bureau at your destination to see what offers are available. Along with special promotions, these bureaus offer lots of information, including tips on what to see and do, and area maps.

If you’re going to Orlando to take advantage of one-way car-rental deals, or for any other reason, you can save with the Orlando Magicard. The free card is available through the Orlando/Orange County Convention and Visitors Bureau. It offers discounts on lodging, restaurants, attractions, shopping and more. Most offers are valid through May 2010. The discounts can be used for up to six people, except for lodging offers. Contact: 1-800-972-3304, www.orlando info.com/magicard. The Orlando CVB also has an Orlando Smiles Card that offers discounts for travel through June 30. Visit www.orlandoinfo.com/smile.

A number of properties in Palm Beach, Fla., are offering room rates of $19.09 per night when you stay two or more nights. The rate is valid for your second, third or fourth consecutive night’s stay, depending on property. This 1909 Founders Package Rate is available for stays through December. Rooms are limited. Contact: Palm Beach County CVB, 1-800-554-7256; www.palmbeachfl.com/founders package.

The bureau in Santa Monica, Calif., is offering a Sun, Sea, Save promotion for travelers. Enjoy your third night free at 25 area hotels and save on attractions and transportation with vouchers for two guests for rides on the historic carousel and solar-powered Ferris wheel, free beach-bike rentals and free Big Blue Bus day passes. The last day to travel varies by hotel. The CVB Web site also has a Santa Monica Happy Hour guide that lists food and drink specials around town. Contact: 1-800-544-5319; www.santamonica.com.

The Denver 5280 promotion offers deals on lodging, dining attractions and more. A number of hotels in the Mile High City are offering a second consecutive weekend night for $52.80 when you pay the regular rate for the first night. Sample savings on attractions and dining include two free tickets to a Colorado Rapids soccer home game when you stay at selected hotels through Labor Day, four-course dinner for two at Randolph’s for $52.80 and a Family Pack at the Downtown Aquarium for $52.80, including tickets for two adults and two children to the aquarium. Contact: 1-800- 233-6837; www.denver.org/ what-to-do/ denver5280deals.

Families can save up to $1,000 off lodging, attractions and restaurants with the St. Louis Family Attractions Card. Sample savings include two-for-one admission to the Missouri Botanical Garden, 30 percent off cottages at Jellystone Park and half-price fares for up to two children on Amtrak when traveling with a full-fare adult. Most offers are valid through Jan. 31. Contact: 1-866-386-6687; www.familyattractionscard.com.

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Linda Hohnholz

Editor in chief for eTurboNews based in the eTN HQ.

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