Weekend Getaways

Earn a free night at an upscale New England B&B


Family at the beach
Sarah Pascarella

    The

    Select Registry

    (one of my favorite upscale lodging associations) is sponsoring a new promotion for its New England inns. The

    Passport to New England

    program grants a free night's accommodations at a member inn to those who spend a total of 10 nights at participating inns over the course of three years. Twelve inns are participating throughout Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Beyond the 10-night requirement, you must stay at a minimum of three of the 12 participating inns over the three-year period.

    In addition to the free night, the program offers

    complimentary concierge services

    to help travelers with dinner reservations, activity planning, and even booking flights. There are also

    getaway packages

    ranging from fly-fishing to culinary excursions.

    What I like about this promotion is that travelers have three years to fill the requirements. It provides a lot of flexibility, whether you want to take a week here and there, several long-weekend getaways, or a two-week excursion at a few of the inns all at once. Additionally, unlike other promotions that tend to lure travelers during low or off-peak periods, this one doesn't restrict you by times or dates—all times of the year are valid.

    If I hadn't used most of my vacation days already this year, I'd consider signing up and taking a foliage getaway myself.