Budget Travel readers have spoken and we’re happy with what they have to say. Last week (July 29) during NBC’s “The Today Show,” Budget Travel’s Editor in Chief, Nina Willdorf, stopped by to announce winners of the publication’s “Readers Choice Awards.” Drum roll please…

…Dominican Republic captured the Best Value Destination title based on votes cast by more than 160,000 readers and travelers across the globe. DR was recognized as being an easily-accessible and affordable destination for U.S. travelers.

“We are honored to be voted a ‘Best Value Destination’ by Budget Travel readers. The award is so meaningful to us because it comes from savvy travelers who have visited the DR and experienced firsthand our refreshing offerings and lively culture,” said DR Minister of Tourism’s Vice Minister of International Promotion Magaly Toribio. “The DR Ministry of Tourism will continue to exceed expectations so that visitors can enjoy our country’s diverse eco-activities, magnificent nature, world-class beaches and sophisticated accommodations to suit every budget and taste.”

“Budget Travel readers are always looking for affordable, exotic vacation ideas and the DR was the clear front-runner in the category for best value destination,” said Nina Willdorf, Budget Travel editor, “The DR is an easy island escape that’s close to home.”

Earlier in 2010, the Dominican Republic received additional accolades including making CNN’s list of recommended “Affordable and Accessible Vacations in 2010″ and Los Haitises National Park and the DR made Travel + Leisure’s list of “30 Romantic Dream Trips 2010.”

When seeking an incredible tropical getaway that will be easy on your hard-earned dollars, a vacation in the Dominican Republic is the way to go. Getting there is easy, especially since there are eight international airports in the DR serviced by major U.S. airlines. Save even more with affordable Puerto Plata accommodations. We have connections to hook you up with something really sweet. Trust us.

Image Source: Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism

Less than a two-hour drive east of Los Angeles, a Palm Springs vacation is an affordable, desert oasis full of welcoming treasures. Although summer temperatures are pushing the lower 100 degrees (Fahrenheit, and it’s a dry heat), maybe this summer is the time to take advantage of incredible Palm Springs lodging deals. Following are some hot places to keep (and look) cool when visiting Palm Springs this summer.

Chill out at Knott’s Soak City (pictured), the only water park in Palm Springs. The park is a flashback to the 1950s Southern California surf towns offering 18 refreshing water rides and attractions including water slides, wave pool and Pacific Spin – a multi-person raft ride with 132-foot long tunnel that drops 75 feet into a six-story funnel.

Breathe in fresh air at the top of Mount San Jacinto by taking the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. The tram departs from an elevation of 2,643 feet at Valley Station and ascends to 8, 516 feet to Mountain Station.  Those up for some exercise can hike to Round Valley, a 4-mile, roundtrip hike from the Mountain Station.

For additional hiking opportunities, take a morning hike (when temperatures are cooler) in Indian Canyons for one of several hikes. Andreas Canyon is a fairly easy 2 miles hike through a grove of California fan palms and alongside a stream – which can provide refreshment.

Bountiful boutiques, glorious galleries, world-class art collections, and a 24-hour casino are refreshing indoor retreats from Palm Springs’ summer heat.

Dine alfresco under the stars and amidst the vibrant village scene. June 4 – 13, 2010, is Palm Springs Desert Resorts Restaurant Week with more than 100 restaurants offering fixed-priced, three-course dinners at $24 and $36 price points.

Tee it up early in the day at a Palm Springs golf course where incredible summer rates are welcoming visitors.

Chill out during the Palm Springs International Short Film Festival & Film Market, June 22 – 28, 2010. This festival will screen more than 300 movies from 40 different countries. The week includes parties, screenings and seminars.
Additional places to keep cool in Palm Springs this summer can be found on the Palm Springs Visitors Center website.

Photo Credit: Palm Springs Bureau of Tourism

Disney Parks gave Mickey Mouse fans the best birthday gift this year, free park admission on a guest’s birthday. What’s in store for 2010? Free admission for those who volunteer! Last month, Disney Parks announced the “Give a Day, Get a Disney Day.” program to celebrate the spirit of volunteer service.

Here’s the deal:

• American and Puerto Rico guests can visit www.DisneyParks.com and Canadian guests can visit www.DisneyParks.ca beginning January 1, 2010, to search for available volunteer opportunities. Many opportunities will be ideal for the entire family;
• One million people who spend a day volunteering with one of the participating organizations will receive a free one-day admission ticket to a Walt Disney World Resort or Disneyland Resort theme park. Guests must register for opportunities through “Give a Day. Get a Disney Day.” program;
• Disney is working with the nation’s largest volunteer network called HandsOn Network which is part of Points of Light Institute. HandsOn Network has 250 on-the-ground volunteer action centers across the U.S. and connects more than 70,000 nonprofit agencies;
• While the program begins Jan. 1, it ends December 15, 2010, or until tickets have been distributed;
• Volunteer opportunities are in the United States (including Puerto Rico) or Canada and open to U.S., Puerto Rico or Canadian residents;
• Eligible volunteers must be at least 6 years old;
• Tickets distributed under “Give a Day. Get a Disney Day.” are not valid:
  • For Walt Disney World Resort: March 29 – April 8 and July 4, 2010;
  • For Disneyland Resort: February 13 – 14, March 21, June 21 – 22, July 4, November 21, and December 11 – 12, 2010.

Who knew volunteering would not only make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside but would garner free admission to play with the Mouse. Visit www.DisneyParks.com for additional details about “Give a Day. Get a Disney Day.”