Written by BrevardCounty.com | 04 February 2010

A romantic Valentine’s Day getaway or Spring Break travel may never be easier thanks to US Airways’ fares to more than 70 domestic destinations from Melbourne International Airport starting at just $79* .   The discount promotion kicks off US Airway’s new service to Melbourne and includes major destinations along the East Coast, Midwest and South, including Washington, D.C., Houston, New York City, Dallas, Chicago and Boston. In addition, $99 one-way fares are being offered to nine Western destinations including Denver, Phoenix, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Las Vegas.

The locally popular airline, which returns to Melbourne after a 12-year hiatus, will offer three daily flights to its Charlotte hub from Melbourne beginning Feb. 11.

“US Airways now has non-stop service from its hub to exotic locations such as Hawaii, Buenos Aires, London, Paris – so it’s literally one-stop to the world from our backyard,” said airport Executive Director Richard Ennis, CPFO.  “In addition to great services and low fares, US Airways is bringing tremendous energy to the Space Coast.”

Ray Nau, a former airline marketing executive and consultant to Melbourne International Airport, said people booking flights always should look closely at restrictions, black-out dates and additional fees.  Online booking via www.USAirways.com will be even easier, he said, if you follow the terms and conditions.  His two key tips for landing a great fare:

·         Book travel that includes a Saturday night stay;

·         Be willing to be flexible with travel dates.

“People may find limited inventory of the cheapest seats in the closest-in dates and Spring Break periods,” he said.  To qualify for the “as low as $79” fares, he said to be sure to book your travel by March 2 and complete your trip on or before May 26.    “Online booking is gaining in popularity and the great flights sell-out fast, especially if you play by their very clear rules,” said Nau.

For reservations and more information, go to www.USAirways.com.

About Melbourne International Airport

Melbourne International Airport serves east Central Florida, including Brevard, Indian River and St. Lucie counties, and is responsible for generating more than $1 billion per year in economic activity. The airport, which has three runways and a 200,000-square-foot terminal, currently serves Delta Air Lines, Delta Connection, Baer Air and AirGate Aviation with service by US Airways and Direct Air starting soon. For more information, visit www.mlbair.com.

Written by BrevardCounty.com | 11 January 2010

In this era of less time off and more difficulty in getting away, the “staycation” has become the thing to do . . . so much so that last year, Merriam-Webster added the term to the long list of definitions in its collegiate dictionary. It is a “blend of stay and vacation . . . a vacation spent at home or nearby.”

That suits local hoteliers like Wendell Mazelow, owner of Seashell Suites, a new resort in Melbourne Beach, just fine. He says, “There’s so much to do here.”

Seashell Suites defines itself as an “eco-resort,” a boutique hotel that not only offers amenities of the highest quality -- granite countertops, king-sized, pillow-topped beds, stainless steel appliances, high-definition televisions, saunas, etc. – but is an environmentalist’s delight. Suites were constructed using sustainable materials, only natural cleaning products are used and smoking is not permitted. Activity-wise, the emphasis again is on the natural: exploring the oceanfront and Indian River Lagoon; surfing; fishing; enjoying the sunshine and water.