Five Leap Year travel deals worth a look

by Chris Owen on

Travelers taking advantage of Leap Year travel deals might get some of the best bargains, discounts, and special offers available. Travel agents are out in full force this week, and through the end of the month, with special bargains on some of the most popular destinations, properties, and travel options.

“Whether you’re a bona fide ‘leaping’ born on Feb. 29 or just a bargain hunter looking for an excuse to hit the road, plenty of hotels and resorts are trotting out incentives in honor of next Wednesday’s Leap Year Day,” says USA Today.

  1. Frontier Airlines is offering a Leap Year sale with a limited number of seats, a seven-day advance purchase requirement, and a few blackout dates. Sale fares need to be booked by 11:59 p.m. Feb. 29 for travel now through May 9, 2012. Typical deals: $60 from New York to Milwaukee; $101 from Dallas to Denver; and $99 from Los Angeles to Philadelphia.
  2. Florida Marriott properties have Leap Year perks with their “Stay Here, Fly There” promo at participating JW Marriott, Renaissance Hotels, and Marriott Resorts for two nights over February 28 and 29. The Deal: Get $100 in resort credit along with two, free companion airline ticket vouchers when purchasing two tickets. Taxes are extra. Booking deadline is February 27.
  3. Kimpton Hotels in Virginia has a celebration of Leap Year where travelers can get a jump on spring vacation plans with a 29 percent discount at Kimpton’s three Virginia hotels. The 24-hour “Leap into Spring” sale will take place on Wednesday, February 29, 2012.
  4. Mammoth Mountain ski resort in California has Leap Year babies staying free the night of Feb. 29. The promotion is good at the Mammoth Mountain Inn, Juniper Springs Resort, The Village Lodge, and Tamarack Lodge and Resort, and a valid ID showing proof of the Leap Year birthday is required at check-in.
  5. Carnival Cruise Lines has select rates up to $400 cash back per stateroom, and free upgrades on virtually all sailings from March through December 2012. Book between Monday, February 27 and Thursday, March 1. Carnival is also giving up to $400 cash back per stateroom for 12-day European sailings, and up to $300 cash back per stateroom for their 15-day Transatlantic sailing.




Flickr photo by Foxtongue

Leap Year babies stay for free at Mammoth Mountain Lodge

by Kraig Becker on

Leap Year only comes once every four years, and if you happen to be one of those special few whose were born on February 29th, you know how seldom you truly get to celebrate your birthday. This year, Mammoth Mountain Lodge, located in California‘s Sierra Nevada range, is helping to make the 29th especially memorable by offering free lodging to Leap Year babies who visit the resort on their special day.

Leapers have the option of staying at one of four Mammoth lodges – Mammoth Mountain Inn, Juniper Springs Resort, The Village Lodge, and Tamarack Lodge and Resort. The free room offer is good for the night of Wednesday, February 29th only, and a valid ID showing proof of the Leap Year birthday is required at check-in. To take advantage of this deal, simply call 800-MAMMOTH or visit MammothMountain.com.

Of course, the free Leap Year lodging isn’t the only reason to visit Mammoth in February. The mountain continues to get plenty of fresh snow and has a current base of between three and five feet. That means that all 3500 skiable acres, and every chairlift, is open for business. The resort is even offering family discounts on lift tickets throughout the entire month as well, making it more affordable than ever to hit the slopes.

Winter was a bit late in coming this year, but it is definitely in full swing now. Take advantage of it while you can, and hit the slopes for some skiing or snowboarding fun.