Great Travel Freebies!

Copyright Karen Schaler all rights reserved

Let’s face it in this economy you probably need a stress busting trip more than ever but you have to be sure you’re getting the most for your travel dollars! TRAVEL THERAPY comes to the rescue with a list of some great travel freebies that you can’t afford to miss!  

I was just at the Empire Hotel last night on the Upper West Side in Manhattan, pictured here, checking out a fabulous freebie that you can take advantage of even if you’re not a guest at the hotel!

Just starting in May the Empire Hotel is offering Bubbly Thursdays where you can enjoy free live jazz and Moet & Chandon champagne from 7 to 9 in the swank lobby bar, a favorite hangout for hipsters and the sleek and chic! NOW here’s something to celebrate!

I’ve always loved the vibe in this beautifully decorated bar and now with free Bubbly Thursdays the Empire has just upped its game. For a fantastic city view you can also head up to the Empire’s rooftop bar, one of the best roof top bars in New York City, where the signature cocktails will keep you smiling all night!   

Here’s a list of some other top travel free stuff to check out! 

TOP TRAVEL FREEBIES! 

Tahiti: Guests at Le Méridien Tahiti can participate in the new, complimentary L’Atelier du Jardiner program.  Join the resort chef for a guided walk through the kitchen garden, followed by a tasting session and demonstrations on just what to do with the fruits and vegetables. For example  learn the best way to grate a coconut into coconut milk. www.tahiti.lemeridien.com

Florida Keys: At Hawks Cay on Duck Key, guests can participate in a number of different programs for no charge.  Learn to SNUBA, to tie seaworthy knots and to speak like a sailor.  You can also discover constellations or explore the waters of the Florida Keys with nightly presentations each week. www.hawkscay.com

Bora Bora: At Le Méridien Bora Bora children can make use of the complimentary kid-sized windsurf boards and snorkeling equipment to explore the interior lagoon, Turtle Sanctuary and Bora Bora lagoon. Standard-size snorkeling gear, pedal boats and exclusive outrigger canoes from The Kaïnalu Canoe Club are also available for use free of charge. www.borabora.lemeridien.com

St. John, USVI: Down in the Caribbean it’s all about the rum.  At Caneel Bay, guests can sample local hooch on the house during regular rum tasting sessions at the bar and enjoy complimentary bottles of island rum in their guest room mini bar.  www.caneelbay.com

Stowe, VT: If you love to explore the great outdoors, then head to Topnotch Resort and Spa, which offers complimentary guided hikes deep into the Green Mountain wilderness. Follow the leader up to Sterling Pond where stunning views of Mount Mansfield, the tallest peak in Vermont, are sure to impress. www.topnotchresort.com

Denver: The Curtis offers a free in-room game menu with classic pastimes like Sorry!, Uno, Chutes and Ladders, Boggle and Guess Who? Don’t feel like reading the rules? A staffer will be happy to show you how to play and even join in if you’re traveling alone. www.thecurtis.com

Virgin Gorda: Guests of Rosewood Little Dix Bay can take their pick of seven nearby island beaches, free of charge. Get dropped by Boston Whaler at one of seven beautiful beaches around the coast of Virgin Gorda, and they’ll return to pick you up whenever you’re ready. Don’t forget your complimentary snorkel gear! www.littledixbay.com

Cumberland Valley, PA: Omni Bedford Springs Resort & Spa offers complimentary “Cooking with the Chef” sessions twice a week. Learn how to create dishes such as Mushroom Strudel, Spätzle and “The Simple Vinaigrette” and get recipes from Executive Chef Konrad Meier to take home with you. www.omnibedfordsprings.com

Paris: Both Le Meurice and Hôtel Plaza Athénée offer guests complimentary bicycles for easy commuting around the City of Lights.  Borrow “the Meurice touch,” a pistachio-green bicycle, and “the Plaza touch,” a geranium-red bicycle designed to combine luxury and practicality. The bikes are decked out with cheery red satchels, an elegant golden bike lock, and a matching helmet. www.lemeurice.com, www.plaza-athenee-paris.com 

For more great TRAVEL THERAPY be sure to check in every Tuesday for Travel Tuesdays where the top travel bargains are highlighted each week and pick up your copy of TRAVEL THERAPY: Where Do You Need to Go? at any bookstore or from the link on this site where you get more than 30 percent off!