Diana: You're listening to the Savvy Traveler, and I'm Diana
Nyad. It's time to check in with our Travel Expert-In-Residence,
Rudy Maxa, for his Deal of the Week. What's up, Rudy?
Rudy: Hi, Diana. Well, this week's Deal is a reprise of a similar deal
I featured this time last year, and it's targeted at one out of
every three Americans.
Diana: How do you figure that?
Rudy: It's the second annual Weekend of Hope cancer event in the mountain
resort town of Stowe, Vermont. And I say it has meaning for one
out of every three Americans because that's how many people in the
U.S. have been affected by cancer in one way or another. Last year,
The Savvy Traveler helped fill Stowe for this event, which is billed
as "a celebration of life and learning for cancer survivors and
their families."
Diana: It's definitely a good a cause. What's the deal part?
Rudy: Hotel, lodge and motel owners in Stowe have donated hundreds of
free hotel rooms for Friday and Saturday nights, May 3rd and 4th.
And if you live in the Northeast, Amtrak is running a free train
that departs for Vermont on Friday, May 3rd.
Diana: What kinds of activities are planned?
Rudy: The weekend will be very upbeat, bringing together medical experts,
cancer patients, survivors and their loved ones. There will be seminars
on the latest research and clinical trials. Nutrition, insurance,
and coping with cancer are other topics on the agenda. On Saturday,
there'll be a candlelight ceremony. Closing ceremonies on Sunday
will be held at the Trapp Family Lodge concert meadow -- as in,
"The hills are aliiiiiive with the sound of muuuuuusic." Plus, guests
will be able to celebrate spring in a gorgeous setting.
Diana: Sounds like a wonderful weekend. The free lodging is the frosting
on the cake. How do we get details?
Rudy: By calling 800-24-STOWE. Free accommodations are given out on
a first-come-, first-served-basis, so I'd dial right now.
Diana: That's 800-24-S-T-O-W-E, yes?
Rudy: Right.
Diana: Thanks, Rudy. See you next week.
