Destinations hope to reduce your stress
Keeping up with current events, the Myrtle Beach area of South Carolina is offering Vacation Bailout Packages designed to be affordable and stress-relieving. An example: Arrive at the Breakers Resort on a Friday or Saturday for two nights in an ocean-view room and get complimentary breakfast for two. Two-night packages begin at $79, and the offer is valid through Dec. 23, excepting Nov. 26-29.
Visit www.breakers.com and click on $79 Weekend Sale or call 800-390-4433. For more offers and information on the area, go to www.myrtlebeachinfo.com or call 888-697-8531.
Double feature in NYC
You could save two ways with the Off Broadway package at The Muse New York, a Kimpton hotel in Midtown. For starters you get 20 percent off the best available rate. Other goodies include 20 percent off dinner at District restaurant, a CD of Broadway show tunes, and a choice of two cocktails upon arrival. Then, steps from the hotel at the newly reopened TKTS booth, Broadway tickets are available for as much as half off. Rates start at $359 a night.
Visit www.themusehotel.com or call 800-546-7866.
Let's don't go there
Some tourist boards will no doubt be unhappy with Peter Greenberg's new book, "Don't Go There!: The Travel Detective's Essential Guide to the Must-Miss Places of the World" (Rodale Books, 2008). Greenberg, a travel authority and radio personality, zeroes in on the cities and countries with the most pollution, the highest crime rates, and the worst disease rates. Greenberg also writes about highways with high accident rates, hotels that are consistently cited for bedbugs, Legionnaires' disease, and just plain filth; and airports to avoid.
Thanksgiving in Cambridge
For those looking for somewhere to put up their Thanksgiving guests, the Charles Hotel in Cambridge offers a Trimmings & Thanks package.
With their accommodations, guests get an apple, pumpkin, or pecan pie to bring to Thanksgiving dinner. They also get breakfast for two and a signed copy of chef Peter Davis's brand-new cookbook, "Fresh & Honest: Food from the Farms of New England and the Kitchen of Henrietta's Table."
Additionally, the hotel will give 10 percent off each booked package price to assist Haitian hurricane victims. Prices start at $279 a room.
Visit www.charleshotel.com and click on Packages and Specials, then Select a Room Inclusive Package, or call 617-864-1200.
RICHARD P. CARPENTER
Most prices quoted are for double occupancy, minus taxes and fees. Offers are subject to availability. Richard P. Carpenter can be reached at carpenter@globe.com. 