Ten (almost) free travel deals
— -- You know that saying—the best things in life are free. Well, it's especially true when it comes to travel. Indulge your inner cheapskate with this list we've compiled that includes everything from free companion airfare to the South Pacific and lift tickets out west to entrance to U.S. national parks. There's certainly something for everybody.
Free nights for pink sands in Bermuda
Depending on which hotel you book, you get a third, fourth, or fifth night free in Bermuda through March 15, 2012 (minimum three-night stay required). Rooms begin at $195 per night in beachfront resorts and boutique hotels, including Elbow Beach, Rosewood Tucker's Point, and The Royal Palms. The " Compliments of Bermuda" promotion also includes special discounts for restaurants, shops, and island activities. Bonus: You'll also find free things to do, such as Hamilton walking tours or Gombey dances with the " Bermuda Rendezvous" promotion through March 31, 2012.
Fly free to Crested Butte, Colo.
Buy two airline tickets to Crested Butte ski resort, and the third one is free. The " Friends and Family Fly Free" program is valid for travel between December 15, 2011, and April 8, 2012. There are no blackout dates during the Christmas or New Year's holiday period, but there are blackouts in January for the three-day Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend and in February for the Presidents' Day weekend. Crested Butte is an old-fashioned cowboy town surrounded by cattle ranches. The ski terrain ranges from gentle enough for kids and beginners in the aptly named Paradise Bowl to slopes that will challenge accomplished experts. Stay on the mountain at The Grand Lodge and ski in and out, or stay in town. Crested Butte is served by American, United, and Continental via Denver, Dallas, and Houston.
Take a hike in a national park
The U.S. National Park Service operates more than 32 million acres of picture-postcard views and educational experiences in nearly 1,000 national parks, historic sites, and heritage areas. You can visit them all for cheap with an $80 annual pass for a carload or with a $10 lifetime pass for seniors. Or, just go for free on one of the 17 fee-free days in 2012: January 14 to 16 (Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend), April 21 to 29 (National Park Week), June 9 (Get Outdoors Day), September 29 (National Public Lands Day), and November 10 to 12 (Veterans Day weekend). Many park-related hotels, restaurants, gift shops, and tour operators offer special discounts on fee-free days, too.
Fly free to the Bahamas
Book a four-night air-inclusive package from Nassau before June 30, 2012, at any participating Out Islands resort and receive two free plane tickets, good for travel through October 31, 2012. Or, get one free plane ticket with a three-night package (double occupancy is required). Blackout dates are March 4 through April 14, 2012. The Bahamas Out Islands include Abaco, Bimini, Eleuthera, and the Exumas. Some are close enough to take a ferry from Nassau; others are better served with interisland flights. Participating resorts include Sandals Emerald Bay and Bimini Big Game Club, which is favored by sport fishermen.
Two-for-one in the Swiss Alps
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