From Jane:
There are two schools of thought on whether Beirut is a good vacation destination, especially for those of us traveling alone. On the one hand, it’s not unjustly billed itself as the Paris of the Middle East and who doesn’t like the sound of that? On the other, it feels as if it’s always on the verge of becoming a war zone. At least that’s what the mainstream media, and its startlingly recent history of military conflicts, would suggest.
And, well, that's just as scary as all get out, if you ask me.
That said, if you can put your fears aside and keep a positive attitude about the place, you’ll find the truth to be somewhere in the middle - which is exactly what makes Beirut a thrilling, relaxing, vibrant, peaceful and just all-around mind-bending getaway. Oh, and it’s sunny 300 days out of the year and has beautiful beaches, so, um, no duh...
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Exceptions you make when you travel: One, I will revel in my abject laziness on trips. I can do one activity a day and feel no regret. I need a lot of time to nap and to go jogging and to read and to think about what I want for dinner. Two, I will drink before noon, preferably with breakfast. And three, I will break rules. Not the kinds that will leave you in prison, Brokedown Palace-style, but I will most definitely sneak into pools at fancy hotels where I'm not a guest.
Dream getaway: My friend Shayla and I have been talking about going to the
Festival au Desert in Mali for years. It's a music festival so deep in the Sahara Desert that you have to do part of the trek by camel. At least, that's what I hear. The recession has been working against our plans, but I know we'll go in the next year or two.
Last vacation you really loved: I spent three months in
Paris last fall. It wasn't strictly a vacation because I did a lot of work while I was there, but I gave myself ample time to hang out at cafes, ride bikes, eat goat cheese, go to museums, and buy a zillion pairs of patterned tights (the hosiery in Paris is really A+). I would have liked to do more shopping but I felt abused by the terrible exchange rate...
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As jauntsetter Editor Dorothy is on holiday in Tulum - and far from consistent Wi-Fi - this week we're bringing you a quick roundup of travel deals published in recent issues that are still valid. Take a look below for an overview, or click on through for details on how to purchase each special.
Thanks for your patience, and we'll return to our regular roundup next week!
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Too Good To Be Missed - Recently Published Deals That Are Still Valid!
- Honeymoon Alert: Travel + Leisure's readers' choice for the #1 hotel in the world is in South Africa, and it's offering guests a serious deal for a luxury package stay. Get 4 nights accommodations for the price of 3, plus extras - like 20% off spa treatments, all meals, lodge activities, and daily excursions. The price? $1,032 per person, representing a savings of 25%. Good for stays till October 31st, with some blackout dates.
- Fancy hotels at super discounted prices: Private sales at this exclusive site happens every week, and our invite link for membership is still valid. Click through to find out how to join for access to stupendous savings on luxury hotels around the globe.
- Palm Springs Spa Getaway: Nothing sounds more lovely than hanging out in the dry, hot desert sun on this chilly New York day. And with this Perfect Escapes package, you can not only stay at at one of our favorite hotels for less, but you can save up to 55% on meals, spa treatments and more. You'll receive early check-in, late checkout and a complimentary room upgrade. The cost? As little as $128/night.
- Parisian Apartment for Rent: A gorgeous Parisian apartment is rents for just 100 euro a night with a 4 night minimum, or 650 Euro a week. A serious steal. Available March 2nd and after.
