By Yolanda Edwards | Cookie Travel & Lifestyle Editor

Since my daughter Clara is 5 now, we have graduated from our favorite Eddie Bauer black diaper bag. Our new favorite travel bag is the Mr. B Trooper Tote...which, happens to be on sale right now at MrBNYC.com! Normally these are over $60, and now they are just $25!  They are so fantastic, because they can stand up on their own, they have insulated side pockets, and I manage to put all of Clara's things, from books to the dvd player, to art materials, plus my sweater and reading material, with room to boot.  Plus, it fits under the seat in front of us on the airplane!

One of the most appealing aspects of a trip to Washington is that attractions like the National Zoo, most museums, the Botanic Garden, and more are absolutely free. Even better, some of the city's top hotels are offering special offers for families.

Hotel Palomar: Drive to D.C. for the Park and Play package and get valet parking for one car, a walking map of the District and Arlington, Virginia, and help from the concierge planning your sightseeing and transportation arrangements.

Omni Shoreham: With the weekend-only American Express Family Package, cardholders get 20 percent off regular room rates plus milk and cookies at bedtime and a special activity bag for kids. Valid through December 31.

Park Hyatt: Book the Family Plan and get half off a second room for kids 12 and under. Families who reserve the Awaken package also get breakfasts included. The offer runs through December 30.

Ritz-Carlton, Georgetown: With the Ritz Kids Power Package, families will receive an evening walking tour of the monuments, a mule-driven boat ride on the C&O Canal, a treasure hunt for kids, valet parking, and more. Available through December 30.

For more a detailed list of more accommodations, check out our D.C. hotels guide.

Get 25 percent off of all travel bags at Flight 001 now through October 15  when you use the promotional code "FALLBAGS."

We're loving Orla Kiely's Giant Stem print sling bag, knocked down from $178 to $134.

Check out more of our favorite online deals and our special Cookie Dough promotions.

Now that airlines keep jumping on the charge-for-the-first-bag bandwagon, why don't you invest in some new carry-ons instead of throwing away your money in extra fees? From now through Sunday, save an extra 10 percent on select items at Luggage Online, like this  bold printed weekender by Toss Designs, which is marked down to $139. Little ones can tote coloring books, stuffed animals, and other travel essentials in Samsonite's Sammies turtle-print backapack, now just $36. Also, there's little chance you'll have a luggage mix up with this sturdy polka dot wheeled bag International Traveller for $100.

Cookie featured the stunning Ballyvolane House in our May issue, so when we saw that they were offering a Half Term Break deal in late October, we had the urge to book a flight and a stay. Nestled along the lush hills of Ireland's East County Cork, the regal 1728 family estate offers a luxurious countryside escape. Plan your trip for Oct. 28 through Oct. 31 and adults are only $570 a person for three nights accommodation, with breakfast, two dinners, and high tea. Children sharing with their parents are half-price and those under three sharing with parents are free.

Check out more of our favorite unique vacations and more pictures from our trip to Ballyvolane.
 

Families can get the complete San Francisco experience with the Neptune's Adventure package at the Argonaut Hotel on Fisherman's Wharf. The package includes passes for Hyde Street Pier and Pier 39, plus one-day of cable car passes. There's also a special maritime gift for kids and breakfast for four daily at the Blue Mermaid Chowder House. The eco-conscious and family-friendly hotel also provides baby gear like cribs and high chairs, plus the staff will make arrangements for you to rent strollers or anything else you need. Pets are welcome, too, so no need to leave Spot at home. From $289 per night for up to four people.

Stave off a serious case of summer withdrawal with a weekend jaunt to warmer climes. Right now the Eldorado Hotel & Spa in Santa Fe is offering a third night at no charge when you stay two nights. Lounge around the rooftop pool, indulge in a treatment at the Nidah spa, and have an incredible meal at the Zagat favorite Old House restaurant.Rates starting at $199 per room, based on a three night stay, and kids under 16 stay free.

Today ebags is knocking 20 percent off of selected backpacks, rolling luggage, lunch bags, purses and more during its Back to School Sale. Snag funky plaid Dakine backpacks for the kids and replace your summer travel-beaten luggage with a sleek metallic Diane von Furstenberg carry-on. Or, go the green route and check out the Patagonia MLC (Maximum Legal Carry-On)--it can be converted from a shoulder bag to a backpack and can be used to brave both school hallways and airport security lines. Plus, the outer material is 100 percent recycled. What's your bag?

Check out more backpack and lunch box options.

Before a stay in the not-so-posh maternity ward, get some much-needed pampering (and couple time) at the Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch with the Babymoon Spa Experience. The package includes a 30-minute prenatal yoga session for the mom-to-be and a personal training session for Dad. Next comes a couple's massage session (the Mellow Mama Maternity Massage for her, the Bachelor Gulch Signature Massage for him) and then a romantic picnic on the skier bridge with views of the mountain and the Vail Valley. Available through October. To make a reservation, call (800) 241-3333.

Check out Cookie's other babymoon getaways.

The beloved L.L. Bean Boat and Tote, arguably one of the toughest bags around (seriously, it was designed to haul ice) is now 20 percent off during the Customer Favorites sale. The 64-year-old canvas tote comes in four sizes, with long or regular handles, and with or without a zipper. We suggest the open-top medium-sized bag with regular handles for the beach or running errands, while the extra-large zippered version with long handles is just the right size for a weekend trip. During the sale, the open-top totes start at $13.60 and the zippered bags start at $19.20. Plus, you can get your bag monogrammed for an extra $6. And then just try to wear this bag out. We dare you.

Now that the kids are heading back to school (insert sighs and cheers here), the responsible parent thing to do is to plan educational vacations, right? Sneak in some learning without sacrificing the fun with Colonial Williamsburg's Autumn Splendor package. The package, which is available August 31 through November 25, starts at $50 per person, per night and includes nightly accommodations, daily breakfast, and a Colonial Williamsburg admission pass valid for the entire stay. After the kids get tired of playing in the stocks, check out nearby Busch Gardens for a taste of Europe and some thoroughly modern rollercoasting thrills. Plus, parents can kick back with Williamsburg's many golf and spa packages. Ahh...

From now until October 15, extend your weekend escape to Montreal and get a third night for half price when you stay at one of 26 participating hotels, like the chic boutique Hotel Nelligan in Old Montreal. When you take advantage of the Tourisme Montreal's "Sweet Deals" package, you also get discounts for local attractions and restaurants, two coupons from Casino de Montreal (Hotel Nelligan provides babysitting, by the way), and more--including maple tea (sweet!).

With travel expenses soaring and new add-in fees cropping up constantly (seriously, pillows and blankets?), it's tough to catch a break. Fortunately, Flight 001, known for its impressive selection of modern, design-savvy travel products, is offering an additional 30 percent off items already on sale. So, stock up on essentials like the Cellboost Motorola emergency cell phone battery or the activity-packed Plane Pals Kids Kit, and treat yourself to a pair of luxe pink cashmere travel slippers or a graphic silk train case. (Use promocode FBCSUMMER30.)

From now until August 14, Beaches is offering a free night when you book a five- or six-night stay at its all-inclusive Turks & Caicos resort, or two free nights when you book a trip for seven nights or longer. In addition to the huge water slides, kids will be psyched about Beaches' Caribbean Adventure with Sesame Street program, featuring stage shows, workshops, and more with crowd faves like Elmo and Cookie Monster. This offer is also available at Beaches' three Jamaica resorts: Boscobel, Negril, and Sandy Bay. Travel dates are September 1 though November 4, 2008.

We might be in the midst of the dog days of summer, but it's time to start planning a tropical getaway for this fall (and cashing in on amazing deals). Head to the white sandy beaches of the Occidental Grand Aruba for an all-inclusive getaway that features free sailing, kayaking, and SCUBA clinics, plus beach soccer, horseback riding, and a kids' club for rates starting at $192 per person per night. Book by August 31, 2008 for travel between September 1 and October 31, 2008. Or, at the all-inclusive (yes, that includes frosty cocktails of the umbrella variety)  Allegro Nuevo Vallarta in Mexico, kids up to age 12 stay free and rates start at $71 per adult per night now through December 19. For more properties and deals, go to occidentalhotels.com.

Being an early bird won't get you a worm (well, unless we're talking about tequila), but it will get you a big discount at Karisma's soon-to-open hotels in  Riviera Maya. Book your family vacation by September 31 and take advantage of the 20 percent off grand opening special Azul Sensatori Hotel for travel between October 1 and December 22, 2008. Family-friendly features  include clubs for kids and teens, swim-up cantinas, and rooms that accommodate a family of five. You can also get 20 percent off at Azul Fives Hotel -- set to open in December -- for travel December 1-22, 2008. Type A super planners will appreciate this Azul deal -- book by September 31 and get 15 percent off accommodations for either hotel from January 3 to December 22, 2009.

Email us with your travel stories and tips!

Have an aspiring pro golfer, veterinarian, or artists in the family? Sawgrass Golf Resort & Spa, a Marriott resort in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla., is offering a "When I Grow Up" family vacation package that includes a round of mini gold, shark tooth searches plus a welcome package that includes a beach gear, a journal, and a camera for kids to record their activities. Families also get the choice of tickets to the Jacksonville Zoo, the fountain of youth in St. Augustine or the Jacksonville Museum of Modern Art. Plus, while the kids are exploring their career options, parents can check out the golf course, which was ranked as one of the best by Travel + Leisure Golf. The "When I Grow Up" package starts at $199 per night and runs through Oct. 31. To make reservations, visit www.sawgrassmarriott.com and book under code U29.

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Instead of battling crowds at the Colosseum and waiting hours for a quick glimpse of the David, take in Italy's culture, cuisine, and countryside with an off-the-beaten-path driving tour (and that means you do the driving!) through two of its emerging destinations: Le Marche and Puglia. TourCrafters' Eastern Coast driving package includes four nights at Casa Oliva - a medieval fortified village and palace that has been turned into a hotel - and four nights in Puglia's Corte Altavilla. The package - which includes nine days car rental, daily buffet breakfast, and discounts for children - starts at $469 per person for nine days and eight nights and is valid until December 15.

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Stay at the new Hilton Papagayo Resort in Guanacaste, Costa Rica, for rates starting from $149 per person for an all-inclusive package. The resort re-opened in January with new features like a luxe spa, kids club, and upgraded guestrooms and restaurants. Now through October 31.

Check out more recommendations for summer fun in Costa Rica.

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This summer the Four Seasons is making a stay even more tempting with three new offers at select properties, which include:
* Stay Longer: a complimentary night with one or more paid nights;
* Experience More: extras like a hotel credit for reduced rates or a wave-riding session with the surf concierge - yes, there is such a thing; and
* Bed and Breakfast: daily breakfast for two.
Go to the website for details and a complete list of participating properties. Then try to decide between gratis nights and a harmonizing bamboo massage...

See this and all of the Four Seasons packages available right now.

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