Comment on Gerry Frank's picks: Riverside Restaurant in Hood River offers panoramic views of Columbia River Gorge

By Patrick Clarke, TravelPulse (TNS) If it seems like the Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales start earlier and earlier every year it’s because they do. Or at least it feels that way. But that doesn’t mean these awesome discounts and special perks on travel are to be ignored. Timing is everything. Sure, a flooded inbox can be a turnoff but don’t let a minor annoyance cost you big-time savings this holiday season. Airlines, cruise lines, hotels and resorts, tour operators and other travel suppliers are already offering up notable deals on travel whether you’re looking for one last getaway in 2024 or lining up your dream vacation for the New Year. In many cases, travelers will have to be patient and book during special Black Friday and Cyber Monday windows that start just ahead of Thanksgiving and wrap up in early December. Black Friday is November 29 and Cyber Monday is December 2 but oftentimes these offers extend beyond these dates. Nonetheless, having a plan could net you some major deals, including an additional $1,055 in resort credits at Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts in the Caribbean and Mexico (November 21 to December 3), for example. Related Articles Travel | How to enjoy hotel pools and spas without an overnight stay Travel | Colorado’s winter huts blend adventure, luxury, and scenic beauty Travel | 30 Denver restaurants that are essential to the Mile High food scene Travel | Try a flight simulator at this new hotel next to the Air Force Academy Travel | What’s new in Buena Vista: Hot springs, hotels, bars Airlines like Southwest are even extending their bookable flight schedules so that fast-acting travelers can book a getaway well in advance. It’s true that some offers require travelers to leave home by the end of the year but there’s a sea of savings for those who want to have something to look forward to in 2025 while keeping their budget intact. Working with an experienced travel adviser could score you even more special savings and perks, as these professionals have access to additional discounts and connections that will only enhance your trip while saving you headaches this holiday season. ©2024 Northstar Travel Media, LLC.

The holidays are a time of coming together with family and friends, embracing traditions … and spending more than usual on travel. But what if you’re staying home? An online marketplace called ResortPass allows hotels and resorts to lay out their day-pass offerings so that locals (and travelers staying elsewhere) can enjoy pools, hot tubs, spas and other amenities during certain hours instead of booking a room for the night.

As snow blankets the Colorado mountains, outdoor enthusiasts have a unique opportunity: the winter hut trip. Whether you’re a skier or a snowshoer, a hut trip offers an excellent opportunity to connect with nature while exploring the rugged beauty of the state’s wilderness and enjoying the warmth and camaraderie of a cozy mountain hut. From the towering peaks of the San Juan Mountains to the snow-covered trails in Summit County, Colorado’s winter hut trips provide an unforgettable experience for adventurers of all levels. Huts fill up fast, so check each property’s for pricing and availability. Opus Hutu Located between Telluride and Silverton near the top of Ophir Pass in the San Juan Mountains, the Opus Hut was built for backcountry skiers, mountaineers, hikers and mountain bikers. At 11,700 feet, the hut sits at treeline with low-angle glades below and open slopes above.

How does one measure the quality of a restaurant? Is age a factor? What about the style of its cuisine or the number of awards it has won? Does it capture the moment, or is it timeless? And what makes it essential to the people who live nearby? For this list of Denver’s 30 required restaurants, we considered all of those variables and more.

If you’ve ever dreamed of being a pilot or are an aviation lover, staying at the new Hotel Polaris, located at the North Gate of the U. S. Air Force Academy, could fulfill that wish. The resort, scheduled to open this month, is part of a mixed-use development project that includes the Academy’s new 32,000-foot Hossmer Visitor Center, which is set to open in 2025. “There has always been a vision to have a hotel built right outside of the Air Force Academy,” said Visit Colorado Springs President Doug Price at a sneak preview of the hotel. “The Air Force has three core values: integrity first, service before self and excellence in all we do.

Just a two-hour drive from Denver, Buena Vista has become a popular weekend getaway for people on the Front Range. Once known primarily for the summer commercial rafting season along the Arkansas River, this town of about 3,000 souls is growing in appeal year-round. With a new hot springs, new hotel options and some new bars, there are more reasons than ever to check out Buena Vista. The Shorehouse Hotel has an eclectic style in comfortable rooms.