Not Your Average Travel Guide

Monday, August 17, 2009

Booking All Inclusive Holidays Can Save You Money

Everyone deserves a nice holiday - that is no lie. However, we all know that the hassle of booking flights, hotels, taxis to and from airports, and restaurants can be a bit of an annoyance when the main purpose of a holiday is to find relaxation and peace. Fortunately, there is a way that you can avoid all of that stress by booking an all inclusive holiday, which leaves you more free time to plan your daily activities and budget whilst on holiday.

No matter what holiday destination you choose or what you plan to do there, you always have the option to save a little money by choosing an all inclusive package. Basically, an all inclusive holiday is a package deal that lumps the cost of flights, hotel, transfers, and board into one price - a price that is usually considerably lower than it would be if you chose to pay for all of these things separately. These holidays provide accommodation at resorts and hotels that offer luxurious amenities at competitive prices.

When booking an all inclusive holiday, there are three main options to choose from. Your first choice in booking is to visit a high street travel agency in your home town. A travel agent will have the ability to show you a wide variety of destinations if you are unsure of the perfect holiday destination, but they will also have a plethora of all inclusive holiday packages that meet your wants and needs. Once your decision has been made, the travel agent handles all of the booking and simply forwards the travel information on to you before you set off. Be aware that travel agents have to make money somehow, and their fees are usually hidden in the cost of booking. With that being said, you might save more by making your holiday plans online yourself. By going online and searching for all inclusive holidays, you will find many websites that give you more than enough information to choose your holiday package. All bookings can be made online, which means the entire holiday can be planned from the comforts of your own home. Finally, if you have a particular resort or hotel in mind, you can simply telephone their front desk and ask if they offer all inclusive deals. If so, you can then request information to be sent to your home. Any of these options are a fool proof way to obtain the necessary information required to book your perfect all inclusive holiday.

What are the pros and cons of all inclusive holidays? To begin with, an all inclusive holiday implies that meals and drinks including alcohol are provided by the hotel or resort in which you are staying. For a restaurant lover, this might not be the best idea and perhaps a drinks inclusive holiday would be a better choice. That means that the flights, accommodation and drinks only are covered in the same price, but meals are not. However, for a family holiday, all inclusive takes the stress and expense out of finding a restaurant two or three times a day.

Meals are not the only way that money is saved by booking an all inclusive holiday. Flights and hotels can be very expensive when booked separately, but by choosing all inclusive, you are sure to get the biggest discount by sacrificing a few minor details. For example, if everything were booked separately, this would provide more options for flight times and dates but would definitely end up costing more. This issue comes into great consideration during peak travel times, such as the summer tourist season and winter holidays. At this time, flight prices go up considerably but that is also the best time to find package holiday deals all around the world.

In short, choosing this type of holiday is a great way to remove some of the stress from your travels. All inclusive holiday packages are very common, and you will find that it is extremely simple to select a package that matches up to your travel dates and financial limitations. After all, the point of a holiday is to relax and not have to worry! By choosing a package of this nature, you will have more time and money to spend really enjoying yourself.


Saturday, August 15, 2009

Cheap Vacation Packages - Only Pay Room Tax!

For those who would want to take a vacation or relax, getting cheap vacation packages, are definitely on top of their to-do list. With the introduction and proliferation of the internet however, finding budget tour packages have become easier. But then your expenses may still depend on the time of the year, the ability of the chosen hotel to provide certain special prices or discounts and the package that you want to enjoy. Therefore there are still several things to be considered before one can avail of freebies or a price cut. Also, most of the time hotels that provide cheap vacation packages are those that are not rated.

However, for those who are members of certain travel websites that cater cheap vacation packages, finding a great deal for each and every vacation and travel that you prefer only costs less than 100 USD yearly and they can already avail of awesome vacation deals. How does paying only the amount of your chosen room's tax sound? Perhaps it is one of the most unbelievable offers that travelers or vacationers can take advantage of. For example, if an accommodation in the hotel of your choice costs $89 per room per night and you stayed there for 2 nights, your stay plus tax would have caused you $194.86. But for being a member, you only pay the room tax which is $15.06. Another example, if you opted to reserve a villa with 2 bedrooms, full kitchen, 2 bathrooms, and is fully air-conditioned, with TV, telephone, VCR, Safe and whirlpool for a family trip costing $460 per night and you stayed there for 7 nights you will be charged a total of $3220. But if you're a member and you used your vacation voucher and certificate, all you need to pay for this amazing accommodation is $466.54. Your total savings will be $2753.46, compare that with the amount you have to pay yearly as membership fee.

So how can one sign-up or register and begin enjoying cheap vacation packages? Just look for special websites that offer this kind of service. After joining, you are then able to access the site and choose from different types of vouchers as well as various accredited hotels, resorts, inns, etc. in your preferred location. Order a voucher and pay for shipping and handling. Once the vouchers or coupons are delivered, you can book a hotel room. Arrive at the welcome center in your destination of choice and redeem your certificate. Check-in at the hotel. Enjoy your vacation. Keep yourself away from thinking about the expenses; because once you are a member, upon check-out you only pay your room's tax. That's 100 percent guaranteed. On top of that, travelers are entitled to full customer service and perks enjoyed by regular paying customers. The vouchers are transferable and can be used within one year. There's also a wide array of 3 stars or 3 diamond-rated hotel, condominium, resort or villa that they can choose from.

There are certainly no other cheap vacation packages that could match the aforementioned offer. So for those who love to travel, vacation, or simply relax maybe it's high time to decide and sign-up.

Are you looking for the secrets to only paying room tax when you vacation? Visit http://www.onlypayroomtax.com today to find out just how to do it!

Six Flags America Discount Tickets - You Can Fly, Swim, Go on Adventures, & More For Cheap!

Six Flags America in Maryland has dozens of fun rides that everyone can enjoy. And, with Six Flags America discount tickets, you can also experience all the fun rides and slides at Hurricane Harbor. Altogether, there are fun rides, pools, play areas for kids, etc. Both the amusement park and water park offer a great deal of excitement and thrills that can't be found anywhere else!

Whether you want to go on roller coasters at America or go experience adventure with the Buccaneer Battle at Hurricane Harbor, you need to make sure you bring your entire family along for the fun! Perhaps some of the most exciting rides are the "flying" coasters. Imagine being launched through the air and flying across treetops!

The Batwing and is definitely a ride you should check out. While not particularly the fastest roller coaster in the world, it is still a very amazing one! You will ascend up the lift hill backwards, where the track will then invert and send you flying forward! You will fly every which way! At one point, you will go down so low and get upside down that it will seem as if you could reach out and touch the ground!

If you think this might be a bit too much for your kids (there's a height requirement anyway), you can always take them to have brunch with their favorite Looney Tunes characters, or to meet the Justice League. Be sure to get your Six Flags America discount tickets online, since the official site usually gives online consumers a "buy one, get one free" offer!

Find out about all the fun you can have and all the $$ you can save with Six Flags America discount tickets & coupons! Take your family along on an adventure of a lifetime at this fun amusement park!

About the author:

Nadav Snir operates a website which includes tickets to the best amusement parks in the world - Six Flags parks. To get the best ticket prices, visit: http://Great-Info-Products.com/Tickets/six-flags-tickets.html

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Tips For Budget and Free Travel - How to Enjoy Traveling in Third World Countries

Budget travelers will often choose third world countries as their destinations because of the radically different experiences they offer and the lower costs involved. It will be useful for the new traveler to take these suggestions into consideration:

1. Don't always try to spend the least amount of money

Even if you are traveling on a low budget, it can be quite aggravating to obsess about saving every dime and penny. Not only is it a perfect way to take the fun out of your travel experience it also is a great way to demean the locals.

We're not suggesting that you fall prey to tourist price traps or never negotiate for deals. Instead, recognize that arguing over a price difference that means little in your home currency is not often worth it. You can hold your own in good humor when faced with unscrupulous behaviors from vendors.

It feels good to pay the full price in appropriate circumstances (such as encouraging a local economy not run by multinationals).

2. Don't show off your fortunes

Clothes and bags tell a lot about a traveler. In third world countries where large segments of the population are poor or very poor, even your less than best clothes may make you appear rich.

Lessen the gap between you and others by wearing modest clothes and carrying average bags. It will make you less intimidating to locals, less of a target for robbers and you will feel much less ridiculous.

3. Learn how to deal constructively with the poor

While it may be appropriate in some circumstances to not give so much as a glance to swarms of begging people it will significantly improve the quality of your travel if you do offer yourself the chance to connect to people in need.

It does not necessarily mean that you should offer money directly to those you encounter. But consider making a donation to a local charity or organism that works with them This money will most likely be used in a more constructive manner than if you give it directly to beggars. If you have no money to spare, volunteering with such organisms can be just as valuable.

To the people you meet directly in the street, you can offer some of your time. Talk to them, ask them questions, exchange words in your respective languages, play with kids, play with your camera, share a meal with them... there are many ways to have a positive exchange.

Tom Pattingson is interested in budget and free travel opportunities. He writes for his travel for free blog.

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

3 Easy Ways to Save Money During Your Disney Trip

FOOD

Food within the theme parks is expensive and can add up quickly, so eat most of your meals outside of the parks. If your rental vacation home/condo has a cooler you can pack it up with your own food and keep it in the trunk of your vehicle for "lunch time". If your accommodations allow, you can fix an easy breakfast before heading out for the day. For your other meals, consider the many fast food chains and chain restaurants that Orlando has to offer. Kid's value meals are fairly inexpensive and can be a great option.

During the times that you will be eating inside the park, it is important to remember that while pricey, the portion sizes are quite large so share an entrée amongst to family members, or let the kids share with the adults. Drinks can really add up, so again two straws to a drink or better yet, bring your own bottled water or juice which can be refilled at the many water fountains in the parks. In addition, lunches are always cheaper than dinner so fill up at lunch time and it will keep you going into the early evening. Make sure to bring along some plastic sealable sandwich bags for the extras your kids don't finish like snacks, fruit or chips. These can be eaten later throughout the day. Always try to bring some nuts, crackers, cookies or other items to keep hungry kiddies happy during the long day.

NECESSITIES

Be sure to buy such necessities as sunscreen, diapers, blank video tapes, batteries, film and other such items at home or near your accommodations. These things are all available in the theme parks, but at premium prices. Plus, you'll save precious vacation time as you won't have to go from shop to shop looking for the needed items.

FUN SOUVENIRS

In terms of souvenirs, hold off on any large purchases until the very last day of your trip. By that time you will know what you want and you won't waste your money on an impulse buy. Similarly, if a souvenir costs more than $15, make sure it serves a practical purpose. Instead of stuffed animals or princess wands, steer the kids toward character-themed slippers, pajamas, backpacks or a beach towel. Think about the size of space you've left for souvenirs in your luggage also to avoid frustrating before heading back to the airport.

Florida Home Staging & Redesign, Inc., is a company that specializes in Vacation Rental and Model Home Property Design. We provide professional services resulting in beautiful and timeless homes spaces. We work within all budgets to provide the results of your dreams.

We service the Disney rental communities including Kissimmee, Davenport, Haines City, Clermont and the surrounding Orlando area. Owner, Karla Davis, is a notable speaker praised for her exciting and informative seminars, and has been interviewed on radio shows nationwide. She was also a Featured Speaker at the Orlando Home Show. Let Florida Home Staging & Redesign, Inc., do all the hard work for you! We have the resources, the designer discounts, and the expertise to make your home spectacular! Staging is the key to getting spectacular photos online, which is the key ingredient in selling any rental home. Our homes are cozy but contemporary and truly allow for that perfect dream Disney Vacation.

Contact Karla:

Karla Davis
Florida Home Staging & Redesign, Inc.
Home Staging Specialist/Designer
Tel. (407) 864-7535
Karla@FloridaHomeStager.com
http://www.FloridaHomeStager.com
http://DisneyVacationRental.blogspot.com

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Simple Tips For Finding Better Travel Deals

It is possible to find better travel deals by better understanding the complex airline industry. Airlines sell tens of thousands of tickets online every day of course. They study the buying habits of their customers, to figure out how to get the maximum price while remaining competitive. The competition created by online travel sites is to our advantage, but we should understand how they operate.

The airlines adjust their ticket prices from one day to the next and even over the course of hours in a day. You are more likely to find the best travel deals when the airline is particularly motivated to grab that purchase. They want to make sure their planes are full, and the sooner they can do that the better. There is motivation to reduce the risk of partially empty planes.

Buying tickets with as much advance notice as possible, many days or weeks before the day of travel for example, reduces the risk to the airline and they will tend to reward you with lower prices. This is not always possible, but worth keeping in mind whenever it is reasonable to do so.

If you are looking online at a time of day when many others are also searching, the companies may be less motivated to put out a great travel deal, since they are busily filling up planes with all the online business. Why put out the best prices when people are buying anyway? It is a matter of supply and demand to some extent. The prime time to avoid would be from say 8 to 6 during the daytime, especially during the week.

On the one hand, booking early can save money, as discussed above. However, last-minute reservations occasionally can find turn up a great deal. Go ahead and make the early purchase, since it is important to actually get the desired flight. Then shortly before the day of travel, check back with the airline on those flights. If they report lower last-minute travel deals, give them a call. It may be possible to obtain at least some of the difference between the current price and what you paid before.

As part of the online search process, first look for travel deals at the major third-party websites like Priceline or Expedia. As a rule, they will offer very similar pricing for the same ticket on the same day. The key is whether one website or the other can find specials and clever combinations of flights to offer a better price. By the way, Kayak is a good website because it permits the visitor to quickly compare several sites quickly and conveniently. Once you know what the travel websites can offer, you can then move over to the airline website for the flight of interest, and make sure there is not a better price offered on the official site.

Don't give up on using a travel agent for some vacation trips. They likely will not provide the cheapest price for a simple trip. However, a travel agent often can find great travel deals that non-professionals can't dig up. This can be especially useful on a multi-leg vacation with numerous flights and hotels.

The same can be true with international travel. In checking with an experienced travel agent, make sure they know that finding the best possible pricing is a big part of the reason you are using them; put a little bit of pressure on them to earn their fee. They can be very helpful in working out the details of a complex trip and can find money saving travel deals at the same time.

Finally, here are two simple observations that might be helpful. Realize the difference between a direct flight (where there is no change of plane, but there could be intermediate stops before the final destination) and a nonstop flight. Also, whenever possible try and stay over a Saturday night; this is pretty well-known wisdom but it still applies.

J. Michael Key writes on a variety of topics, with an emphasis on travel and vacation opportunities. For more information about saving on your next vacation visit http://www.travel--deals.net

Travel Deals.

Saturday, August 8, 2009

Breaks in the UK Are Great Budget Holiday Options

When planning a short or extended break, many UK residents forget about all of the wonderful travel options available within the UK itself. This sad fact is no surprise considering the amount of advertising and media attention far flung destinations receive, but with so many national treasures right on their doorstep, many people are travelling far afield for no reason.

The hassle and expense of travelling out-with the UK ranges from inoculations and jags to visas and passport updates, but if you choose a holiday in Great Britain you can enjoy fantastic breaks with the minimum of fuss. From the lush dells and glens of the Scottish countryside to the enthralling bustle of London, the UK really does offer something for everyone.

Sports fans are, perhaps surprisingly, well catered to in the UK. Not only are there a plethora of golfing opportunities - with Scotland's Turnberry and Royal Birkdale in England as particular highlights - but there are also numerous destinations ideal for surfing fans. Watergate Bay in Cornwall is a great choice for beginners while Pease Bay in the Scottish borders is spearheading Scotland's burgeoning surf scene.

People hoping to try a new sport or indulge a hobby while on holiday in the UK will find that there are plenty of experience breaks on offer, with traditional options such as horse racing, clay pigeon shooting and archery proving particularly popular.

History enthusiasts and those particularly fond of Britain's heritage will find the perfect holiday in places like York which features national landmarks such as the famous York Minster, the largest gothic cathedral in Northern Europe and museums such as Jorvik Viking Centre and the York Castle Museum.

On the other hand, people who prefer the cut and thrust of city life will also find that there are many UK breaks that will fulfill their holiday aspirations. For example, the UK is home to a number of cultural hot-spots sure to thrill even the most discerning travellers. The Edinburgh International festival is a cultural experience like no other and it draws thousands of performers and visitors to Scotland's capital to enjoy international fare in one friendly city. Meanwhile London is a fantastic choice for anyone who enjoys Broadway shows and musicals, with new shows opening on a weekly basis.

Those seeking relaxation and tranquillity on their holidays won't be disappointed by breaks in the UK either. Not only does the UK boast lots of coastal resorts and peaceful beaches, but there are a large number of spa hotels and facilities dotted around the country - meaning serene surrounding are guaranteed whatever the weather.

The UK truly offers something for everyone when it comes to holidays and all travellers will find it easy to pinpoint their ideal break without travelling far afield - whether they are adrenaline junkies or families searching for a quiet holiday.

Adam Singleton writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.

Great Travel Tips