JetBlue Deals, Noah's Ark and Bourbon, Canadian Lodging Costs Nipped by 50%, The Amalfi Coast for Less, and Hotel Stays for Xmas

Lots of news and deals today, starting with JetBlue's most recent sale (they seem to be having these weekly!), which slashes the fares on flights to a gasp-worthy $19 (Long Beach-Las Vegas, though the $29 fare from Fort Lauderdale to Nassau in the Bahamas is also pretty amazing). In all, there are 40 gateways on sale and the vast majority of flights seem to be going for less than $80 each way (with a good number at just $39 or $49 for pretty long hops). Tickets must be purchased by midnight ET December 8 for travel January 4 through Feb 15. Other restrictions do apply, so read all the fine print at the JetBlue site.

Discounts on Xmas Day Hotel Stays
USA Today is running an interesting column from Barb de Lollis about the fact that hotels across the US may be willing to play "Let's Make a Deal" with travelers for stays on Christmas Day, traditionally a very weak day for hotel occupancy rates (apparently, of the major US cities, occupancy for the holiday is only up in Denver and Houston this year; in the rest of the country, advance bookings are down 16% from last year, and last year was no banner year!). Ms. de Lollis notes that Red Roof is slashing 30% off lodging rates at a good 80% of its properties for the holiday. She also lists a few individual resorts hosting Christmas sales. You can read the entire piece by clicking here.

Delta Hotels Discount
The mid-sized (44 hotels) Canadian hotel chain announced just this a.m. that it would be drastically dropping its rates for those who book well in advance (bookings must be made by December 16 for stays through March 31). At some properties the sale is a full 50% off the published rates, at others the discount is less steep but still and all, the savings are generous. The code "TZC" must be used when booking. Click here to see all the details.

Build It, Fill It With  Animals and They Will Come
That seems to be the strategy behind the Kentucky governor's announcement recently that a Christian ministry would be building a massive Noah's Ark theme park. The project is expected to cost $150 million and employ a staff of 900. Some of the exhibits sound a little, well, disturbing--do we really want to see how Noah might have dealt with "waste management" aboard this floating zoo? And editorials have appeared in some of the top newspapers in the state warning that the project will create only low-wage jobs and hurt the state's image. It will be fascinating to see if the ark ever floats. I, personally, am hoping the food stands at the park take a page from Churchill Downs and serve mint juleps. With one of those in hand, a tour of the park might just be fun. You can read the New York Time's complete article on the project here.

(Positano on the Amalfi Coast, photo by Allerina McLarty)

And About the Amalfi Coast
Finally, Gate1Travel is offering an impressive fly-drive-stay package to the Amalfi Coast of Italy this winter (lowest rates are for departures January 19 and 26 and February 2). Just $899 will purchase hotels for 6 nights, a rental car, airfare from NYC (other gateways available for small upticks in price) and fuel surcharges (but not other taxes). Since this splendid coastline is one of the most expensive areas to visit in Europe usually, the deal's a winner. And what will the weather be like in the depths of winter? It should be temperate, as you'll be fairly far south. The only downside to visiting at this time of year is that a number of restaurants may be closed.