Howie Holben has traveled throughout the world for more than 30 years. He owns and runs Spirit Journeys, a spiritual gay travel organization. Spirit Journeys has offered unique gay holidays with a difference since 1992. You can learn more at www.spiritjourneys.com.
Gay Travel to Hawaii
Hawaii is a Pacific paradise that has long held a distinct allure for travelers from around the world. With a warm, welcoming native population and a well-balanced, culturally-rich blend of Asian, Polynesian and white European cultures, Hawaii is a popular destination for straight and gay vacations alike. While the LGBT community may seem a bit quiet and low-key on the islands, those taking part in gay travel to Hawaii will find a high level of acceptance, due in part to generations of different cultures growing accustomed to living together with no one overriding cultural or religious influence. Oahu is the third largest island in size, but is home to 70% of the state’s population, as well as the state capitol, Honolulu, and the popular tourist area, Waikiki. When visiting Oahu on gay holidays, travelers will not want to miss the LGBT-friendly La Cucaracha where authentic Mexican food, great music and delicious margaritas are always on the menu. Those who want to check out Oahu’s scene should check out 80% Straight Inc., a community clothing, book and novelty store located in the Waikiki Grand, and the handful of bars and clubs on the island, including Angles Waikiki, Fusion Waikiki, In-Between and Hula’s Bar & Lei Stand. Beach goers will find a warm welcome at Queen’s Surf beach and near the lighthouse at Diamond Head. Those who make their gay tour on Maui will not find much of a scene other than an area of Little Beach in Makena, but watching the sunrise from the top of Mount Haleakala, exploring waterfalls and shopping in quaint villages make Maui an enticing gay vacation spot in its own right. If you wish to explore what most consider the most scenic and tropical island in the chain, Kauai is a must-see stop. With a few LGBT-friendly places, including a clothing optional bed and breakfast and an LGBT-owned Japanese-style villa with a clothing optional lagoon pool, Kauai is the island for exploring waterfalls, canyons and imposing cliffs. The Big Island also has a number of friendly lodging options, one LGBT bar and several friendly restaurants and businesses. Gay vacations on the Big Island can include exploring an active volcano, walking on black sand beaches, trekking through a rain forest or standing in awe of the snow on Mauna Kea. There are many reasons to travel to Hawaii, which is the most remote island chain in the world and a must-see paradise. In a single trip to the islands you can scuba dive or snorkel among coral reefs, explore a volcano, visit a pineapple farm, ride horses on black sand beaches, learn the hula and attend an authentic luau. To make sure you do not miss anything that Hawaii has to offer, consider traveling to Hawaii as part of a gay travel tour, or enlist the assistance of a travel agency well-versed in planning gay vacations.
How to Travel Safely
Experts all seem to agree that travel safety planning is the best way to take charge of your safety and avoid potentially dangerous situations. Criminals seldom put much thought into assault and other crimes, usually the violence is not "person specific."
Criminals look for vulnerable subjects and people that is not paying attention to their surroundings. Some tips to remove yourself and family from a target list are provided.
1.Always keep your vehicle in good running condition. Performing routine maintenance and replacing worn parts, when needed, significantly decrease breakdowns when you may be out on the road and alone.
2.Installing a CB radio or fixed cellular phone in your vehicle can be the quickest and safest ways to alert police and emergency services that you need assistance.
3.When travel plans require an overnight stay or long distance driving, be sure to leave your trip itinerary with friends, family or co-workers. Let them know where you will be staying. Lodging information, such as phone number and address, in addition to the routes you will traveling on can be useful if someone needs to locate or contact you.
4.Plan road trips carefully. Weather and driving conditions in relation to the condition of your vehicle must be considered. Carry maps and familiarize yourself with the route(s) you plan to use to get to your destination.
5.Always carry an emergency kit, including a working flashlight and jumper cables, in your vehicle. Other important items might be a first-aid kit and emergency blankets.
6.If your vehicle should become disabled along a highway or Interstate, sometimes a "Send Help" or "Please Call Police" can be beneficial. Be sure the sign fits the windshield and back window of your vehicle, and is printed with large bold lettering.
Traveling alone can increase the risks of threatening situations. Always keep your vehicle doors locked while traveling, and remember to lock your vehicle when you're not in the vehicle.
Don't let others see shopping bags, or wrapped presents in your car. Always keep shopping bags, suitcases and other valuables in the trunk of your vehicle.
Don't become distracted by scenery, architecture or other tourist attractions. Becoming complacent and letting your guard down only invites and advertises that you might be an easy target, and unaware of your surroundings. Always be aware of who and what is near you.
If you must park your vehicle some distance from the your destination, be aware of who and what is around and in between you and the entrance to the building. Avoid walking between vans or other modes of transportation that prohibit your view of what's or who's inside the vehicles. Never struggle or be preoccupied with suitcases or business necessities - leave them at the desk when you arrive. Or, use the hotel parking valet service to avoid having to walk back to the establishment alone.
Criminals look for vulnerable subjects and people that is not paying attention to their surroundings. Some tips to remove yourself and family from a target list are provided.
1.Always keep your vehicle in good running condition. Performing routine maintenance and replacing worn parts, when needed, significantly decrease breakdowns when you may be out on the road and alone.
2.Installing a CB radio or fixed cellular phone in your vehicle can be the quickest and safest ways to alert police and emergency services that you need assistance.
3.When travel plans require an overnight stay or long distance driving, be sure to leave your trip itinerary with friends, family or co-workers. Let them know where you will be staying. Lodging information, such as phone number and address, in addition to the routes you will traveling on can be useful if someone needs to locate or contact you.
4.Plan road trips carefully. Weather and driving conditions in relation to the condition of your vehicle must be considered. Carry maps and familiarize yourself with the route(s) you plan to use to get to your destination.
5.Always carry an emergency kit, including a working flashlight and jumper cables, in your vehicle. Other important items might be a first-aid kit and emergency blankets.
6.If your vehicle should become disabled along a highway or Interstate, sometimes a "Send Help" or "Please Call Police" can be beneficial. Be sure the sign fits the windshield and back window of your vehicle, and is printed with large bold lettering.
Traveling alone can increase the risks of threatening situations. Always keep your vehicle doors locked while traveling, and remember to lock your vehicle when you're not in the vehicle.
Don't let others see shopping bags, or wrapped presents in your car. Always keep shopping bags, suitcases and other valuables in the trunk of your vehicle.
Don't become distracted by scenery, architecture or other tourist attractions. Becoming complacent and letting your guard down only invites and advertises that you might be an easy target, and unaware of your surroundings. Always be aware of who and what is near you.
If you must park your vehicle some distance from the your destination, be aware of who and what is around and in between you and the entrance to the building. Avoid walking between vans or other modes of transportation that prohibit your view of what's or who's inside the vehicles. Never struggle or be preoccupied with suitcases or business necessities - leave them at the desk when you arrive. Or, use the hotel parking valet service to avoid having to walk back to the establishment alone.
You can add a level of protection when traveling. Learn how the new personal security devices can offer protection for you and your family. Get free information at http://personalsecuritydevices.walkinsarewelcome.com. Never worry about how you can get medical or emergency help again. A personal security device can save lives.
Slash Thousands From Your Business Travel
When it comes to your business travel we all know that this comes write out of your bottom line, but in order to keep good customer relations this is something that you must do. One of the most common things to do is to hire a business travel manager to handle all your business travel arrangements.
Did you realize that the median salary for a business travel manager is $73,000.00 per year? (FACT) Where's the savings?
The best way to slash thousands from your travel expenses is to out source. You can have a travel agency do the same things as a business travel manager without spending thousands doing it. By having a travel agency handle your travel arrangements, you can save anywhere from 80 to 90% depending on how many traveler's you have. By doing this makes your bottom line more profitable.
Let me ask you, would you rather spend 73,000 or 10,000?
The responsibilities of a travel manager are to choose transportation and lodging for company employees, advise about passport and visa requirements, rates of currency exchange, all things that a travel agent is already doing. Additional perks of hiring a travel agent is they can handle convention planning and group vacation organization for employees.
One of the best benefits from hiring a travel agent over a business travel manager is that a travel agent is offered reduced travel rates from preferred vendors as to where a business travel manager is not.
By out sourcing and hiring a travel agent over a travel manager, you are not only saving from paying a large salary, but you also save by not having to provide benefits such as health care and retirement. These could easily bring the cost of hiring a business travel manager to well over $100,000.00 a year. That's Insane!!!
There are so many more benefits from hiring a travel agent over a business travel manager because they are so much more knowledgeable in the travel industry. How, when, and where travel is booked whether online or offline is very important when it comes to saving money on your business travel. These are techniques that only travel agents will know because they deal directly with travel vendors. Nine times out of ten a business travel manager will either call a travel agent or go to a travel agent's web site for their information.(FACT)
Haven't we learned in the past couple of years that foolish spending is not the way to go? Look at what it has done to big business. It's time we get smart and trim the wasted fat. Wouldn't you rather spend the money growing your business than hiring someone that's probably looking out for them self rather the company?
When looking for a travel service for your company make sure that they have incentive and rewards programs. Look for a service that has the customer's best interest at heart.
I understand that customer service must come first in order to have long standing business relations. I want to help you to accomplish this same goal.
Did you realize that the median salary for a business travel manager is $73,000.00 per year? (FACT) Where's the savings?
The best way to slash thousands from your travel expenses is to out source. You can have a travel agency do the same things as a business travel manager without spending thousands doing it. By having a travel agency handle your travel arrangements, you can save anywhere from 80 to 90% depending on how many traveler's you have. By doing this makes your bottom line more profitable.
Let me ask you, would you rather spend 73,000 or 10,000?
The responsibilities of a travel manager are to choose transportation and lodging for company employees, advise about passport and visa requirements, rates of currency exchange, all things that a travel agent is already doing. Additional perks of hiring a travel agent is they can handle convention planning and group vacation organization for employees.
One of the best benefits from hiring a travel agent over a business travel manager is that a travel agent is offered reduced travel rates from preferred vendors as to where a business travel manager is not.
By out sourcing and hiring a travel agent over a travel manager, you are not only saving from paying a large salary, but you also save by not having to provide benefits such as health care and retirement. These could easily bring the cost of hiring a business travel manager to well over $100,000.00 a year. That's Insane!!!
There are so many more benefits from hiring a travel agent over a business travel manager because they are so much more knowledgeable in the travel industry. How, when, and where travel is booked whether online or offline is very important when it comes to saving money on your business travel. These are techniques that only travel agents will know because they deal directly with travel vendors. Nine times out of ten a business travel manager will either call a travel agent or go to a travel agent's web site for their information.(FACT)
Haven't we learned in the past couple of years that foolish spending is not the way to go? Look at what it has done to big business. It's time we get smart and trim the wasted fat. Wouldn't you rather spend the money growing your business than hiring someone that's probably looking out for them self rather the company?
When looking for a travel service for your company make sure that they have incentive and rewards programs. Look for a service that has the customer's best interest at heart.
I understand that customer service must come first in order to have long standing business relations. I want to help you to accomplish this same goal.
For more information on my incentive and reward programs email me at john@grimmerstravel.com
Please put "Incentive" in the subject line. Thank You
Gay Travel to England
England has long been a destination for both straight and gay travel, but when it comes to choosing a location for a gay vacation, England is about as welcoming and inviting as they come. An active, visible LGBT community, abundant gay events and establishments, and gay rights that far outshine what has been granted in the United States, England is an ideal setting for gay vacations. With the lively London nightlife, beautiful Brighton beaches and the picturesque countryside that gives way to sprawling urban skylines, England has much to offer for any kind of gay travel tourist. Old Compton Street and the Soho district of London is the center of gay and lesbian life and is a must-see for any gay or lesbian traveler on a gay vacation to England. With a multitude of gay bars, businesses, restaurants and clubs, Soho has the most active, visible gay community in England. Soho is also centrally located near many of London’s landmarks and world-famous neighborhoods, such as Chelsea, Kensington, Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square and Covent Garden. Plus, thanks to an expansive public transportation system, all of London’s offerings are easily accessible from this gay neighborhood. For travelers heading north, Manchester has another large gay and lesbian community, including a gay village around Canal Street that offers numerous gay bars, pubs and clubs. For a gay vacation on the seashore, gay men and lesbians should head south to Brighton, often called Soho by the Sea, to stroll through quaint pathways in search of extraordinary shops and boutiques, or along the pier and pebble beach. Home to the second largest gay and lesbian community, Brighton is a popular gay vacation destination where gay and lesbian travelers enjoy relaxing at cafés, dining, or going out on the town in Kempton, Brighton’s center for gay life. Another gay vacation option in England is Newcastle Gateshead, which is home to a fashionable gay village with gay pubs, cafés, clubs and bars. Gay travelers will find gay-owned and gay-friendly accommodations in all of England’s regions, including establishments that exclusively serve the gay travel community or specifically gay men. Gay and lesbian travelers who choose to work with a travel agency well-versed in planning gay vacations in England will benefit from working with a travel agent who can suggest the gay-friendly or gay-owned hotel, bed and breakfast or other lodgings option that will best meet your needs. If camping is on the agenda for your England gay vacation, gay-owned and gay-friendly campgrounds are available, including Out in the Open, a gay-owned campsite in Cornwall, and Brighthouse Farm, offering a six-acre campground, bed and breakfast and self-catering lodgings in Suffolk. Planning gay vacations with the help of a travel agency that provides professional gay travel planning services will help to ensure that your gay vacation to England is a memorable, fun-filled experience.
Howie Holben has traveled throughout the world for more than 30 years. He owns and runs Spirit Journeys, a spiritual gay travel organization. Spirit Journeys has offered unique gay tours with a difference since 1992. You can learn more at www.spiritjourneys.com.
TRIPSwithPETS.com Provides Pet-Friendly Lodging & Disaster Plan Assistance During Hurricane Season
South Portland, ME September 4, 2004 -- It can be difficult, if not impossible, to find shelter for a pet in the middle of a disaster. The best protection from a hurricane is to be prepared and have a plan. This plan should include the entire family - even pets. Approximately sixty-five American households have at least one pet and consider their pets as family members. Many pet owners find themselves scrambling to find a safe harbor for their pet in the event of evacuation from their homes.
The most important part of a disaster plan is to prepare for an evacuation. American Red Cross and local shelters do not accept pets. Further, most kennels, veterinarians, and animal shelters are usually filled beyond capacity. Compiling a list of pet-friendly lodging located inland or on evacuation routes is extremely important.
TRIPSwithPETS.com is responding to this need for safe, pet-friendly lodging for pets and their owners. They offer a directory of over 15,000 pet-friendly lodgings across the United States. They also provide maps and driving directions to each pet friendly accommodation to assist those traveling with their pets to quickly locate the property.
To further ensure your pet's safety, create a pet disaster kit. Assemble a kit of essential supplies in sturdy and easily transportable containers. A recommended list of items to be included are medications and copies of medical records; carriers or transports for the pet; current photos in case the pet is lost; a sturdy collar with blank identification tags to put evacuation contact information; food, portable water, manual can opener, cat litter/pan; name and contact information of veterinarian; and pet toys or beds.
Last, make sure pets have identification tags attached to a sturdy harness or collar and leash. Include up-to-date contact and immunization information. If an evacuation order has been issued, either replace the collar with the one in the disaster kit, or secure the evacuation address and phone number on the back of the identification tag.
It is extremely important to keep proper identification tags on pets. Many pets get unintentionally abandoned or separated during disasters, and proper identification helps ensure the pets return home safely.
Even if an evacuation order has not been given, pets may be stressed or upset during a disaster and need extra attention.
To keep loved ones and pets safe, create a disaster plan now.
For more information on pet-friendly lodging visit http://www.tripswithpets.com
TRIPSwithPETS.com is the premiere online source for pet friendly travel, offering resources for pet travelers to ensure they are welcome, happy, and safe when traveling.
Contact: Tiffany Roe
tiffany@tripswithpets.com
207-767-1613
The most important part of a disaster plan is to prepare for an evacuation. American Red Cross and local shelters do not accept pets. Further, most kennels, veterinarians, and animal shelters are usually filled beyond capacity. Compiling a list of pet-friendly lodging located inland or on evacuation routes is extremely important.
TRIPSwithPETS.com is responding to this need for safe, pet-friendly lodging for pets and their owners. They offer a directory of over 15,000 pet-friendly lodgings across the United States. They also provide maps and driving directions to each pet friendly accommodation to assist those traveling with their pets to quickly locate the property.
To further ensure your pet's safety, create a pet disaster kit. Assemble a kit of essential supplies in sturdy and easily transportable containers. A recommended list of items to be included are medications and copies of medical records; carriers or transports for the pet; current photos in case the pet is lost; a sturdy collar with blank identification tags to put evacuation contact information; food, portable water, manual can opener, cat litter/pan; name and contact information of veterinarian; and pet toys or beds.
Last, make sure pets have identification tags attached to a sturdy harness or collar and leash. Include up-to-date contact and immunization information. If an evacuation order has been issued, either replace the collar with the one in the disaster kit, or secure the evacuation address and phone number on the back of the identification tag.
It is extremely important to keep proper identification tags on pets. Many pets get unintentionally abandoned or separated during disasters, and proper identification helps ensure the pets return home safely.
Even if an evacuation order has not been given, pets may be stressed or upset during a disaster and need extra attention.
To keep loved ones and pets safe, create a disaster plan now.
For more information on pet-friendly lodging visit http://www.tripswithpets.com
TRIPSwithPETS.com is the premiere online source for pet friendly travel, offering resources for pet travelers to ensure they are welcome, happy, and safe when traveling.
Contact: Tiffany Roe
tiffany@tripswithpets.com
207-767-1613
Disney World Lodging Options in Orlando Florida and Nearby Cities
At the heart of Central Florida lies one of the most beloved family vacation spots, Walt Disney World. Walt Disney World is not only a theme park with legendary rides and characters, but it is a family vacation experience from the wonderful restaurants and exhausting, yet exciting theme parks to the breathtaking scenery and fabulous lodging. Walt Disney World operates over twenty hotels, ranging from low cost and budget oriented to luxury. Also, the surrounding area of Lake Buena Vista offers plenty of choice hotels to accommodate you and yours.
If you are wanting to stay close to the theme parks during your stay at Walt Disney World, you have many Disney Resort hotels to choose from. These resorts can be broken up into three basic categories; luxury, moderate and value/discount hotels.
Resort/Luxury Lodging
Walt Disney World offers some of the best lodging you will come across in your lifetime. Disney World lodging is, not only, characterized by its desire to meet your needs and accommodate you in any way possible, but you will find a unique theme, exquisite landscaping and friendly, down home Orlando hospitality. A couple of the most popular and renowned resorts are Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge and Disney's Contemporary Resort. Both are priced from $199.
Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge features an African theme set on thirty-three acres of lush, tropical grounds. You will come across wildlife in its natural habitat amidst a backdrop of African artwork and music. Some features of this luxury resort include: Room Service, Guest Services, Health Club/Spa, Babysitting and Child Services, Pak-N-Play Cribs, Convenient Self-Parking, Valet Parking, Amenities for Guests with Disabilities and Laundry Facilities. Also, there are four resort restaurants to choose from with a wide range of cuisine. Standard guest rooms will accommodate up to four guests or family members and are decorated with an African theme. Prices are as follows:
• Savannah View from $275
• Water/Pool View from $260
• Standard View from $199
Deluxe guest rooms and Suites are available, also. The lodge's deluxe guest rooms accommodate up to five guests, while the suites accommodate six to eight guests. Prices are as follows:
• Deluxe Guest Room - Savannah View from $350
• Deluxe Guest Room - Water/Pool View from $340
• Suite - One Bedroom from $635
• Suite - Two Bedroom from $1,135
• Suite - Vice Presidential from $1,690
• Suite - Presidential from $1, 945
Walt Disney World's Contemporary Resort offers the ultimate convenience if you are wanting to stay as close to the theme parks as possible. The Walt Disney World monorail runs right through this luxury hotel, leaving you only minutes away from the Magic Kingdom and Epcot. You can enjoy an exciting day at either park and know that the comfort of your hotel is right around the corner. Some features of this luxury hotel include: Room Service, Guest Services, Health Club, Babysitting and Child Services, Pak-N-Play Cribs, Convenient Self-Parking, Valet Parking, Amenities for Guests with Disabilities, Barbershop and Beauty Salon and Wireless Internet Access. Walt Disney World's Contemporary Resort features four dining choices including Chef Mickey's, a buffet featuring table side visits by Disney characters, California Grill, which features American flavor, Concourse Steakhouse, which sits in a 90-foot high atrium and the Food and Fun Center, which offers cold sandwiches, salads and desserts by counter service. Standard guest rooms will accommodate up to five guests. The rooms are decorated with bright colors and bold patterns. Prices are as follows:
• Standard Guest Room - Garden/Lake View from $275
• Standard Guest Room - Standard View from $239
Tower guest rooms will accommodate up to five guests, while suites will accommodate three to eight guests. Prices are as follows:
• Tower Guest Room - With Concierge from $395
• Tower Guest Room - Without Concierge from $335
• Suite - One Bedroom from $1,025
• Suite - Two Bedroom from $1, 510
• Suite - Vice Presidential from $1, 670
• Suite - Presidential from $1, 750
Resort/Moderate Lodging
No matter what type of budget you have for your stay in Central Florida, the Walt Disney World resort has a hotel to accommodate your needs. If you are looking for a hotel that still offers the luxury living at a price that better suits your needs, perhaps you would be interested in Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort or Disney's Port Orleans French Quarter Resort.
Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort offers room starting at $133. The resort has a very tropical atmosphere and transforms even the most weary traveler into a relaxed beach bum, taking strolls along the sand. Some features of this moderate resort include: Limited Room Service, Guest Services, Babysitting and Child Services, Pak-N-Play Cribs, Amenities for Guest with Disabilities, Laundry Facilities and Convenient Self Parking. For dining, choose between Shutter's at Old Port Royale, which features chicken wings, smoked prime rib and oven-roasted chicken. Standard guest rooms are available with a variety of views to choose from. Room rates are as follows:
• Standard Guest Room - Preferred Locations (Non-Smoking Only) from $148
• Standard Guest Room - Water View from $148
• Standard Guest Room - Standard View from $133
Disney's Port Orleans French Quarter Resort features cobblestone paths, beautiful architecture and engaging landscaping that is reminiscent of downtown New Orleans. The features of this moderate, yet captivating, resort include: Limited Room Service, Guest Services, Babysitting and Child Services, Pak-N-Play Cribs, Amenities for Guests with Disabilities, Laundry Facilities and Convenient Self-Parking. You can choose between home-style dining or a convenient food court for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Rooms are standard guest rooms with a variety of views. Room rates are as follows:
• Standard Guest Room - Water View from $148
• Standard Guest Room - Standard View from $133
Resort/Value Lodging
Walt Disney World offers some of the best lodging you will ever come across, whether you stay at a finer, luxury resort or at a discounted, value resort. The reason is the service, cleanliness and hospitality you receive no matter where you go. Disney offers three "All Star" resorts, featuring movies, music and sports.
Disney's All Star Movie Resort, Disney's All Star Music Resort and Disney's All Star Sports Resort all feature the following amenities: In Room Pizza Delivery, Guest Services, Babysitting and Child Service, Pak-N-Play Cribs, Amenities for Guests with Disabilities, Laundry Facilities and Convenient Self-Parking. Room rates are as follows:
• Standard Guest Room - Preferred Location from $87
• Standard Guest Room - Standard View from $77
Area Lodging
The Lake Buena Vista and Kissimmee areas offer a wide variety of lodging options ranging from luxury to discount resorts and time shares. These choices offer you the convenience of being within walking distance of area shopping, restaurants and nightlife. Luxury choices include the Wyndham Palace Resort & Spa, an upscale resort on the waterfront, Sheraton's Vistana Resort, which caters to families by providing a wide array of daily activities, the Hilton in the Walt Disney World resort, which provides exclusive early access to Disney theme parks and the Gaylord Palms Resort & Spa, which features a huge glass atrium and beautiful architecture.
Some of the more discount resorts in the Lake Buena Vista area include the Comfort Inn, with rates starting at only $56 per night, the Days Inn at Lake Buena Vista, which is only two miles from the Walt Disney World resort and four miles from SeaWorld and Discovery Cove and the Hampton Inn, which boasts rates starting at only $52 per night. Please visit http://www.expedia.com for more information on these area resorts.
Best Lodging
It is no secret that Orlando, Florida and its surrounding areas offer guests the best variety in lodging and lodging specials. Whether you are visiting for business or for pleasure, you will surely find a resort to suit your needs. All Walt Disney World lodging caters to you and your family and offers complete guest service. No need to worry if you are making last minute travel arrangements! Visit http://www.expedia.com or http://disneyworld.disney.go.com for more information on accommodations and reservations. Booking your lodging will be fast and easy.
Art McCarty
Orlando Florida Lodging Expert
http://www.islandhideaway.net
If you are wanting to stay close to the theme parks during your stay at Walt Disney World, you have many Disney Resort hotels to choose from. These resorts can be broken up into three basic categories; luxury, moderate and value/discount hotels.
Resort/Luxury Lodging
Walt Disney World offers some of the best lodging you will come across in your lifetime. Disney World lodging is, not only, characterized by its desire to meet your needs and accommodate you in any way possible, but you will find a unique theme, exquisite landscaping and friendly, down home Orlando hospitality. A couple of the most popular and renowned resorts are Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge and Disney's Contemporary Resort. Both are priced from $199.
Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge features an African theme set on thirty-three acres of lush, tropical grounds. You will come across wildlife in its natural habitat amidst a backdrop of African artwork and music. Some features of this luxury resort include: Room Service, Guest Services, Health Club/Spa, Babysitting and Child Services, Pak-N-Play Cribs, Convenient Self-Parking, Valet Parking, Amenities for Guests with Disabilities and Laundry Facilities. Also, there are four resort restaurants to choose from with a wide range of cuisine. Standard guest rooms will accommodate up to four guests or family members and are decorated with an African theme. Prices are as follows:
• Savannah View from $275
• Water/Pool View from $260
• Standard View from $199
Deluxe guest rooms and Suites are available, also. The lodge's deluxe guest rooms accommodate up to five guests, while the suites accommodate six to eight guests. Prices are as follows:
• Deluxe Guest Room - Savannah View from $350
• Deluxe Guest Room - Water/Pool View from $340
• Suite - One Bedroom from $635
• Suite - Two Bedroom from $1,135
• Suite - Vice Presidential from $1,690
• Suite - Presidential from $1, 945
Walt Disney World's Contemporary Resort offers the ultimate convenience if you are wanting to stay as close to the theme parks as possible. The Walt Disney World monorail runs right through this luxury hotel, leaving you only minutes away from the Magic Kingdom and Epcot. You can enjoy an exciting day at either park and know that the comfort of your hotel is right around the corner. Some features of this luxury hotel include: Room Service, Guest Services, Health Club, Babysitting and Child Services, Pak-N-Play Cribs, Convenient Self-Parking, Valet Parking, Amenities for Guests with Disabilities, Barbershop and Beauty Salon and Wireless Internet Access. Walt Disney World's Contemporary Resort features four dining choices including Chef Mickey's, a buffet featuring table side visits by Disney characters, California Grill, which features American flavor, Concourse Steakhouse, which sits in a 90-foot high atrium and the Food and Fun Center, which offers cold sandwiches, salads and desserts by counter service. Standard guest rooms will accommodate up to five guests. The rooms are decorated with bright colors and bold patterns. Prices are as follows:
• Standard Guest Room - Garden/Lake View from $275
• Standard Guest Room - Standard View from $239
Tower guest rooms will accommodate up to five guests, while suites will accommodate three to eight guests. Prices are as follows:
• Tower Guest Room - With Concierge from $395
• Tower Guest Room - Without Concierge from $335
• Suite - One Bedroom from $1,025
• Suite - Two Bedroom from $1, 510
• Suite - Vice Presidential from $1, 670
• Suite - Presidential from $1, 750
Resort/Moderate Lodging
No matter what type of budget you have for your stay in Central Florida, the Walt Disney World resort has a hotel to accommodate your needs. If you are looking for a hotel that still offers the luxury living at a price that better suits your needs, perhaps you would be interested in Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort or Disney's Port Orleans French Quarter Resort.
Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort offers room starting at $133. The resort has a very tropical atmosphere and transforms even the most weary traveler into a relaxed beach bum, taking strolls along the sand. Some features of this moderate resort include: Limited Room Service, Guest Services, Babysitting and Child Services, Pak-N-Play Cribs, Amenities for Guest with Disabilities, Laundry Facilities and Convenient Self Parking. For dining, choose between Shutter's at Old Port Royale, which features chicken wings, smoked prime rib and oven-roasted chicken. Standard guest rooms are available with a variety of views to choose from. Room rates are as follows:
• Standard Guest Room - Preferred Locations (Non-Smoking Only) from $148
• Standard Guest Room - Water View from $148
• Standard Guest Room - Standard View from $133
Disney's Port Orleans French Quarter Resort features cobblestone paths, beautiful architecture and engaging landscaping that is reminiscent of downtown New Orleans. The features of this moderate, yet captivating, resort include: Limited Room Service, Guest Services, Babysitting and Child Services, Pak-N-Play Cribs, Amenities for Guests with Disabilities, Laundry Facilities and Convenient Self-Parking. You can choose between home-style dining or a convenient food court for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Rooms are standard guest rooms with a variety of views. Room rates are as follows:
• Standard Guest Room - Water View from $148
• Standard Guest Room - Standard View from $133
Resort/Value Lodging
Walt Disney World offers some of the best lodging you will ever come across, whether you stay at a finer, luxury resort or at a discounted, value resort. The reason is the service, cleanliness and hospitality you receive no matter where you go. Disney offers three "All Star" resorts, featuring movies, music and sports.
Disney's All Star Movie Resort, Disney's All Star Music Resort and Disney's All Star Sports Resort all feature the following amenities: In Room Pizza Delivery, Guest Services, Babysitting and Child Service, Pak-N-Play Cribs, Amenities for Guests with Disabilities, Laundry Facilities and Convenient Self-Parking. Room rates are as follows:
• Standard Guest Room - Preferred Location from $87
• Standard Guest Room - Standard View from $77
Area Lodging
The Lake Buena Vista and Kissimmee areas offer a wide variety of lodging options ranging from luxury to discount resorts and time shares. These choices offer you the convenience of being within walking distance of area shopping, restaurants and nightlife. Luxury choices include the Wyndham Palace Resort & Spa, an upscale resort on the waterfront, Sheraton's Vistana Resort, which caters to families by providing a wide array of daily activities, the Hilton in the Walt Disney World resort, which provides exclusive early access to Disney theme parks and the Gaylord Palms Resort & Spa, which features a huge glass atrium and beautiful architecture.
Some of the more discount resorts in the Lake Buena Vista area include the Comfort Inn, with rates starting at only $56 per night, the Days Inn at Lake Buena Vista, which is only two miles from the Walt Disney World resort and four miles from SeaWorld and Discovery Cove and the Hampton Inn, which boasts rates starting at only $52 per night. Please visit http://www.expedia.com for more information on these area resorts.
Best Lodging
It is no secret that Orlando, Florida and its surrounding areas offer guests the best variety in lodging and lodging specials. Whether you are visiting for business or for pleasure, you will surely find a resort to suit your needs. All Walt Disney World lodging caters to you and your family and offers complete guest service. No need to worry if you are making last minute travel arrangements! Visit http://www.expedia.com or http://disneyworld.disney.go.com for more information on accommodations and reservations. Booking your lodging will be fast and easy.
Art McCarty
Orlando Florida Lodging Expert
http://www.islandhideaway.net
Adventure Girl, Stefanie Michaels, to Adventure in Santa Fe at Bishop's Lodge Resort.
For Immediate release- September 17, 2003
Adventure Girlยฎ, Stefanie Michaels, will be joining the ranks of other celebrity guests at the Bishop's Lodge in Santa Fe.
The Bishop's Lodge Resort and Spa will host Adventure Girlยฎ, and share with her the unique appeal of Santa Fe. The 450-acre resort and spa nestled in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristos, offers sunset horseback rides, spa treatments such as Ayurvedic Treatments- a 5000-year-old Science of Life established in India, nature hikes, and customized adventures.
"I am looking forward to explore and report on the Bishop's Lodge for all of my travel partners out there", states Michaels, "I am anxious to learn about the diversities of the area and the background of it's Native American heritage".
Michaels will be correspondent for various media outlets, and will be sharing her adventure highlights at Adventuregirl.com.
http://www.adventuregirl.com
More about Adventure Girlยฎ, Stefanie Michaels:
Stefanie Michaels, known to millions of fans as โ€œAdventure Girlยฎโ€, has carved a unique niche for in the world of travel and entertainment, as the host of her own travel show and grantor of travel wishes. Stefanie and AdventureGirl.com's camera team, take contest winners on trips and fulfill their travel fantasies. Whether someone wants to swim with Dolphins at Paradise Island or trek to a Mayan Ruin in Belize, Adventure Girlยฎ is up to the challenge to make their wishes come true!
Stefanie and her tips have been seen on various networks for television, such as CNN, UPN, ABC and NBC. A respected travel expert, Stefanie has been quoted in various books and publications such as The New York Times, as well as writes articles about her adventures for national and international magazines.
Contact:
Lisa Elia PR
(310) 393-9547
Adventure Girlยฎ, Stefanie Michaels, will be joining the ranks of other celebrity guests at the Bishop's Lodge in Santa Fe.
The Bishop's Lodge Resort and Spa will host Adventure Girlยฎ, and share with her the unique appeal of Santa Fe. The 450-acre resort and spa nestled in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristos, offers sunset horseback rides, spa treatments such as Ayurvedic Treatments- a 5000-year-old Science of Life established in India, nature hikes, and customized adventures.
"I am looking forward to explore and report on the Bishop's Lodge for all of my travel partners out there", states Michaels, "I am anxious to learn about the diversities of the area and the background of it's Native American heritage".
Michaels will be correspondent for various media outlets, and will be sharing her adventure highlights at Adventuregirl.com.
http://www.adventuregirl.com
More about Adventure Girlยฎ, Stefanie Michaels:
Stefanie Michaels, known to millions of fans as โ€œAdventure Girlยฎโ€, has carved a unique niche for in the world of travel and entertainment, as the host of her own travel show and grantor of travel wishes. Stefanie and AdventureGirl.com's camera team, take contest winners on trips and fulfill their travel fantasies. Whether someone wants to swim with Dolphins at Paradise Island or trek to a Mayan Ruin in Belize, Adventure Girlยฎ is up to the challenge to make their wishes come true!
Stefanie and her tips have been seen on various networks for television, such as CNN, UPN, ABC and NBC. A respected travel expert, Stefanie has been quoted in various books and publications such as The New York Times, as well as writes articles about her adventures for national and international magazines.
Contact:
Lisa Elia PR
(310) 393-9547
Sabah Lodgings in Malaysia
Malaysia is a riot of color, tropics and relaxation. Sabah lodgings offer world travelers a tremendous vacation experience in this beautiful land.
Sabah Lodgings in Malaysia
You may not have heard of Sabah lodgings yet, but once you've seen what they have to offer, you'll want to take an exotic vacation right away! Sabah is located in Malaysia, in an area surrounded by lush rainforests and tropical settings that offer many different types of recreation and adventure. The capital city of the Sabah area is Kota Kinabalu, and here is where you'll land by plane to see the Sabah lodgings area.
If you don't want to travel further into Sabah away from Kota Kinabalu, you can find a great Sabah place to stay within ten miles of the city's center. Shangri-La's Tanjung Aru offers a beautiful seaside retreat. The place has 495 guest rooms, all well-equipped, and it boasts eight restaurants and bars to satisfy vacationers' needs. The Tanjung Aru also offers many different activities, such as water sports, and amenities such as a kids' club and even butler service available in your room! Malaysian cooking demonstrations and traditional rice wine tastings are also held here, so you can be sure to have an authentic Malaysian experience.
Another of the Sabah lodgings located near Kota Kinabalu is Sutera Harbour. Within Sutera Harbour there are two separate hotels: the Magellan Sutera, which houses 456 rooms and is ethnic-themed; and the Pacific Sutera, which has 500 rooms and caters more to the business traveler. Both hotels share access to leisure facilities, such as the golf course and country club, the Mandara spa, and the many different water sport and other sports and fitness areas. This resort is truly complete, and you could spend your entire vacation without leaving its confines. There are even 14 separate bars and restaurants spread throughout, meaning whatever you're in the mood for, you'll be sure to find it somewhere in the area.
While staying at Sutera Harbour, you can also take a ride on the North Borneo Railway, operated by the resort. It features a steam locomotive and six restored railway cars, and you can take a four hour tour of the Sabah main stations, all while taking a trip back to colonial times!
Sabah, Malaysia is a destination that needs to be brought into the forefront. If you are looking for an exotic island getaway and want to travel where adventure is abundant, look no further than Sabah lodgings. Staying in Malaysia is affordable and unique, and you will have some great stories to tell your family and friends.
Richard Rspad is with ResortSpaDestinations.com - reviews and articles on resorts. Visit us to read spa articles as well.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Richard_Rspad
Sabah Lodgings in Malaysia
You may not have heard of Sabah lodgings yet, but once you've seen what they have to offer, you'll want to take an exotic vacation right away! Sabah is located in Malaysia, in an area surrounded by lush rainforests and tropical settings that offer many different types of recreation and adventure. The capital city of the Sabah area is Kota Kinabalu, and here is where you'll land by plane to see the Sabah lodgings area.
If you don't want to travel further into Sabah away from Kota Kinabalu, you can find a great Sabah place to stay within ten miles of the city's center. Shangri-La's Tanjung Aru offers a beautiful seaside retreat. The place has 495 guest rooms, all well-equipped, and it boasts eight restaurants and bars to satisfy vacationers' needs. The Tanjung Aru also offers many different activities, such as water sports, and amenities such as a kids' club and even butler service available in your room! Malaysian cooking demonstrations and traditional rice wine tastings are also held here, so you can be sure to have an authentic Malaysian experience.
Another of the Sabah lodgings located near Kota Kinabalu is Sutera Harbour. Within Sutera Harbour there are two separate hotels: the Magellan Sutera, which houses 456 rooms and is ethnic-themed; and the Pacific Sutera, which has 500 rooms and caters more to the business traveler. Both hotels share access to leisure facilities, such as the golf course and country club, the Mandara spa, and the many different water sport and other sports and fitness areas. This resort is truly complete, and you could spend your entire vacation without leaving its confines. There are even 14 separate bars and restaurants spread throughout, meaning whatever you're in the mood for, you'll be sure to find it somewhere in the area.
While staying at Sutera Harbour, you can also take a ride on the North Borneo Railway, operated by the resort. It features a steam locomotive and six restored railway cars, and you can take a four hour tour of the Sabah main stations, all while taking a trip back to colonial times!
Sabah, Malaysia is a destination that needs to be brought into the forefront. If you are looking for an exotic island getaway and want to travel where adventure is abundant, look no further than Sabah lodgings. Staying in Malaysia is affordable and unique, and you will have some great stories to tell your family and friends.
Richard Rspad is with ResortSpaDestinations.com - reviews and articles on resorts. Visit us to read spa articles as well.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Richard_Rspad
Enjoy A Colorado Ski Lodge
One of the best places in the world to go skiing and snowboarding is the Colorado area. In Colorado you will find ski lodges which offer their visitors an amazing experience while hitting the slopes of the Rockies. You will also be able to come across different ski lodges that offer world-class restaurants while others have world class ski instructors.
Many of these ski resorts in Colorado offer equipment rentals as well. Some of them are specifically designed to be geared towards families and even offer special programs for the children in your life.
One of the best places to begin your search for the perfect Colorado ski lodge is the Internet. You may even be able to find many lodges that are offering discounts in the form of package deals and other great offers. These package deals can include things like lift tickets, rentals, as well as lodging and airline tickets.
Even if you don't find any deals that strike your interest online you can always pick up the phone and call around to different ski lodges in Colorado to see if they are running any special deals. When you call you should also ask for all of the information in travel forums and then contact your travel agent. There are many times where your travel agent will be able to access different information that the public.
There are also times when you will find that several different lodges are offering their own specials, so it will come down to selecting the offer with the features that are most important to you and your family. You need to take into consideration which types of rooms you are interested in, if your family will want to eat at the skiing lodge, if you will need equipment rentals, and many other factors. If you need help planning your Colorado Ski trip then get online to and read travel forums to learn everything you need to know.
Many of these ski resorts in Colorado offer equipment rentals as well. Some of them are specifically designed to be geared towards families and even offer special programs for the children in your life.
One of the best places to begin your search for the perfect Colorado ski lodge is the Internet. You may even be able to find many lodges that are offering discounts in the form of package deals and other great offers. These package deals can include things like lift tickets, rentals, as well as lodging and airline tickets.
Even if you don't find any deals that strike your interest online you can always pick up the phone and call around to different ski lodges in Colorado to see if they are running any special deals. When you call you should also ask for all of the information in travel forums and then contact your travel agent. There are many times where your travel agent will be able to access different information that the public.
There are also times when you will find that several different lodges are offering their own specials, so it will come down to selecting the offer with the features that are most important to you and your family. You need to take into consideration which types of rooms you are interested in, if your family will want to eat at the skiing lodge, if you will need equipment rentals, and many other factors. If you need help planning your Colorado Ski trip then get online to and read travel forums to learn everything you need to know.
Lodging and Entertainment Deals in Orlando Florida
Disney Area Lodging Deals
The Orlando area communities of Lake Buena Vista, Kissimmee and Davenport all leave you very close to the Walt Disney World community, as well as offer you diversity in lodging deals for your vacation. Many times, through the use of booking your lodging in advance using the world wide web, you can find great lodging deals and hotel rates. Some hotels in the Lake Buena Vista area offering specials include Courtyard Lake Buena Vista, Best Western L.B.V. Resort and Comfort Inn Lake Buena Vista.
Courtyard by Marriott conveniently has over 308 guest rooms. Each guest room includes a large desk and wireless, high speed internet access. The hotel, also, offers free transportation to all four Walt Disney World theme parks. Pricing ranges from $59.00 to $148.80 depending on the season. This is a perfect set up for a business traveler to the Lake Buena Vista area.
Best Western L.B.V. Resort, while being conveniently located right in the heart of the Disney action, offers a picturesque view of Florida's lush, green, tropical landscaping and beautiful lakes. This Best Western location recently underwent a $4 million dollar renovation and your guest room is superbly decorated to satisfaction. Not only does the hotel offer lodging deals, but you will have access to discount green fees at breathtaking Disney World golf courses! Room rates start around $63.00 per night based on season and availability.
The Comfort Inn Lake Buena Vista is ideal for families vacationing to Central Florida. The hotels has 640 guest rooms, including family fun suites, a video arcade, children's playground and welcomes pets. The Comfort Inn, also, offers free shuttles to all four Disney theme parks. Semi-Suites feature two double beds, microwave, refrigerator and coffee maker. Family Fun Suites feature a queen bed with three junior bunk beds, microwave, refrigerator and coffee maker. Rates begin around $59.95 per night. Call for pet policy!
You can find these lodging deals and many other discount lodging specials in the Lake Buena Vista area by searching the internet. Also, by using the internet to book your vacation to Central Florida's Lake Buena Vista area, you can receive lodging deals that change, according to season. Check periodically for updated lodging specials.
Attractions and Activities Near Disney Area Lodging Specials
You will never run out of things to do when taking advantage of great lodging deals in the Walt Disney World area. Aside from numerous theme parks to visit, the Disney area offers a wide variety of cuisine, shopping and nightlife. Visit Downtown Disney for shopping, dining or entertainment. Downtown Disney offers the highly acclaimed Cirque De Soleil show.
Kissimmee Lodging Specials
Kissimmee is a haven for visitors to Central Florida by providing a variety of lodging deals, restaurants, activities and shopping. Choosing a lodging special in Kissimmee leaves you close to any attraction you choose to visit, whether it be the Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Studios, Wet N' Wild Water Park or fun packed dinner shows. Kissimmee is home to three dinner shows, Arabian Nights, Capone's Dinner & Show or the famous, Medieval Times. Kissimmee is ideal for a vacationing family because you will never run out of things to do. The possibilities are endless and you will want to stay forever. Lodging Deals are endless, also, and include motels, hotels, resorts, suites, condos, villas, cabins, cottages, bed & breakfast inns and campgrounds.
Check online at http://www.floridakiss.com for information on Kissimmee and the lodging specials it offers. You will find luxury resorts, as well as names you know and trust, such as Best Western at Osceola Heritage Park and Howard Johnson Enchanted Resort.
The Best Western at Osceola Heritage Park is conveniently located on East Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway, which is home to an unimaginable amount of shopping and activity. The hotel has 146 large guest rooms featuring 25" remote control televisions, data port phones and alarm clocks. The hotel, also, offers large executive rooms that include a large desk space, king bed and an extra, sofa bed. The hotel caters to a business traveler and offers over 6,000' of space for your next seminar or business meeting. Reserve your room using the world wide web and you will find frequent lodging deals.
The Howard Johnson Enchanted Resort is located just three miles from the Walt Disney World resort and provides free shuttle service for you and your family to Disney, Universal Studios and Sea World. This resort, also, provides a name everyone can depend on. All guest rooms at the Howard Johnson Enchanted Resort include free cable television, including free HBO, safes, voice mail and coffeemakers. Also offered are accommodating are "Home Office" King Rooms, Deluxe Rooms and Kid Suites, which come standard with a microwave and mini refrigerator. Rooms start around $56 per night, but check the internet for frequent lodging deals and discounts.
Attractions & Activities Near Kissimmee Lodging Specials
Now that you have chosen your choice of lodging special, you can begin planning your activities for your stay. Of course, you will be near all the Orlando area theme parks, including Disney parks, Universal Studios and Sea World, but Kissimmee, itself, offers endless opportunities for fun and lodging deals.
Kissimmee offers dinner shows with nightly entertainment, including Capone's Dinner & Show, Arabian Nights and Medieval Times. Capone's Dinner & Show takes you back to a time of gangsters and flapper girls, while serving up a buffet style Italian feast. There is plenty of crowd interaction for a pleasing dining experience. Arabian Nights brings horses from around the world into an equestrian arena and brings to life a fairytale story featuring Kings and Queens. You will be served your dinner in the arena and interact with the show. Reservations can be made in advance online and Arabian Nights offers special group rates and discounts. Medieval Times is similar, in that it brings horses into an arena environment to showcase their talent for you, while you eat a delicious dinner. You will watch knights battle for the honor of their Kingdom and to win the heart of a certain maiden. Book your tickets online in advance for special rates.
Kissimmee, also, offers many shopping opportunities, such as Belz Factory Outlet World, The Factory Stores at Lake Buena Vista, Orlando Premium Outlets and the Mall at Millenia. Rest assured that your choice of lodging deals will leave you near all the shopping your heart could desire.
Davenport Lodging Deals
Tucked away in a quiet area of Central Florida is Davenport, but don't let that fool you. You will feel relaxed in a place far from the hustle and bustle of the everyday, but the exciting theme parks, shopping, dining and entertainment are just around the corner. Davenport offers laid back relaxation in an array of lodging specials, including Island Club West and Hampton Inn Maingate South.
Island Club West is a villa-style resort and spa offering a range of rooms up to a four bedroom suite. Two bedroom suites and larger offer guests living room and dining areas, fully equipped kitchens, spacious bedrooms, washer/dryer combos and Jacuzzi tubs. Island Club West offers 24hour maintenance and security to accommodate your needs and concerns. The amenities include a bar and grill, billiard room, tennis courts, basketball court, fitness center, video game room and volleyball court. If you and your guests choose to spend a day unwinding, Island Club West is the perfect place to do that. The kids will never get bored! Check http://www.island-club.com for frequent lodging deals.
Hampton Inn Maingate South offers 83 guest rooms with a tropical theme. This hotel is conveniently located in Davenport, offering a relaxing visit to Central Florida, but just around the corner you will find Walt Disney World theme parks, shopping and nightlife. Rates for this hotel start around $59.99. Check the internet for frequent lodging deals and availability.
Attractions Near Davenport Area Lodging Deals
Not only is Davenport a quiet alternative that is only five miles from the Walt Disney World Resort, sixteen miles from Sea World and eighteen miles from Universal theme parks, but the area offers much more! Visit the beautiful botanical gardens at Bok Tower in Lake Wales, walk through the lush, tropical setting and famous ski show at Cypress Gardens in Winter Haven and treat yourself to a relaxing day of golf at Deer Creek Golf Club or Southern Dunes Golf Club. Visit http://www.city-data.com/city/Davenport-Florida.html for more information on Davenport lodging specials and Davenport activities.
Finding Lodging Deals
The ability to find great lodging deals is right at the tip of your fingertips. Using the internet to book your trip in advance is a very smart idea. You will find that many hotels offer discounts for booking in advance. Also, you can view upcoming deals, perhaps based on the season, that hotels will be offering. No matter what time of year you choose to visit Central Florida, the fun never stops. Central Florida is alive with entertainment year round. Visit http://www.flausa.com for Central Florida lodging deals.
Art McCarty
Orlando Florida Lodging Expert
http://www.islandhideaway.net
The Orlando area communities of Lake Buena Vista, Kissimmee and Davenport all leave you very close to the Walt Disney World community, as well as offer you diversity in lodging deals for your vacation. Many times, through the use of booking your lodging in advance using the world wide web, you can find great lodging deals and hotel rates. Some hotels in the Lake Buena Vista area offering specials include Courtyard Lake Buena Vista, Best Western L.B.V. Resort and Comfort Inn Lake Buena Vista.
Courtyard by Marriott conveniently has over 308 guest rooms. Each guest room includes a large desk and wireless, high speed internet access. The hotel, also, offers free transportation to all four Walt Disney World theme parks. Pricing ranges from $59.00 to $148.80 depending on the season. This is a perfect set up for a business traveler to the Lake Buena Vista area.
Best Western L.B.V. Resort, while being conveniently located right in the heart of the Disney action, offers a picturesque view of Florida's lush, green, tropical landscaping and beautiful lakes. This Best Western location recently underwent a $4 million dollar renovation and your guest room is superbly decorated to satisfaction. Not only does the hotel offer lodging deals, but you will have access to discount green fees at breathtaking Disney World golf courses! Room rates start around $63.00 per night based on season and availability.
The Comfort Inn Lake Buena Vista is ideal for families vacationing to Central Florida. The hotels has 640 guest rooms, including family fun suites, a video arcade, children's playground and welcomes pets. The Comfort Inn, also, offers free shuttles to all four Disney theme parks. Semi-Suites feature two double beds, microwave, refrigerator and coffee maker. Family Fun Suites feature a queen bed with three junior bunk beds, microwave, refrigerator and coffee maker. Rates begin around $59.95 per night. Call for pet policy!
You can find these lodging deals and many other discount lodging specials in the Lake Buena Vista area by searching the internet. Also, by using the internet to book your vacation to Central Florida's Lake Buena Vista area, you can receive lodging deals that change, according to season. Check periodically for updated lodging specials.
Attractions and Activities Near Disney Area Lodging Specials
You will never run out of things to do when taking advantage of great lodging deals in the Walt Disney World area. Aside from numerous theme parks to visit, the Disney area offers a wide variety of cuisine, shopping and nightlife. Visit Downtown Disney for shopping, dining or entertainment. Downtown Disney offers the highly acclaimed Cirque De Soleil show.
Kissimmee Lodging Specials
Kissimmee is a haven for visitors to Central Florida by providing a variety of lodging deals, restaurants, activities and shopping. Choosing a lodging special in Kissimmee leaves you close to any attraction you choose to visit, whether it be the Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Studios, Wet N' Wild Water Park or fun packed dinner shows. Kissimmee is home to three dinner shows, Arabian Nights, Capone's Dinner & Show or the famous, Medieval Times. Kissimmee is ideal for a vacationing family because you will never run out of things to do. The possibilities are endless and you will want to stay forever. Lodging Deals are endless, also, and include motels, hotels, resorts, suites, condos, villas, cabins, cottages, bed & breakfast inns and campgrounds.
Check online at http://www.floridakiss.com for information on Kissimmee and the lodging specials it offers. You will find luxury resorts, as well as names you know and trust, such as Best Western at Osceola Heritage Park and Howard Johnson Enchanted Resort.
The Best Western at Osceola Heritage Park is conveniently located on East Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway, which is home to an unimaginable amount of shopping and activity. The hotel has 146 large guest rooms featuring 25" remote control televisions, data port phones and alarm clocks. The hotel, also, offers large executive rooms that include a large desk space, king bed and an extra, sofa bed. The hotel caters to a business traveler and offers over 6,000' of space for your next seminar or business meeting. Reserve your room using the world wide web and you will find frequent lodging deals.
The Howard Johnson Enchanted Resort is located just three miles from the Walt Disney World resort and provides free shuttle service for you and your family to Disney, Universal Studios and Sea World. This resort, also, provides a name everyone can depend on. All guest rooms at the Howard Johnson Enchanted Resort include free cable television, including free HBO, safes, voice mail and coffeemakers. Also offered are accommodating are "Home Office" King Rooms, Deluxe Rooms and Kid Suites, which come standard with a microwave and mini refrigerator. Rooms start around $56 per night, but check the internet for frequent lodging deals and discounts.
Attractions & Activities Near Kissimmee Lodging Specials
Now that you have chosen your choice of lodging special, you can begin planning your activities for your stay. Of course, you will be near all the Orlando area theme parks, including Disney parks, Universal Studios and Sea World, but Kissimmee, itself, offers endless opportunities for fun and lodging deals.
Kissimmee offers dinner shows with nightly entertainment, including Capone's Dinner & Show, Arabian Nights and Medieval Times. Capone's Dinner & Show takes you back to a time of gangsters and flapper girls, while serving up a buffet style Italian feast. There is plenty of crowd interaction for a pleasing dining experience. Arabian Nights brings horses from around the world into an equestrian arena and brings to life a fairytale story featuring Kings and Queens. You will be served your dinner in the arena and interact with the show. Reservations can be made in advance online and Arabian Nights offers special group rates and discounts. Medieval Times is similar, in that it brings horses into an arena environment to showcase their talent for you, while you eat a delicious dinner. You will watch knights battle for the honor of their Kingdom and to win the heart of a certain maiden. Book your tickets online in advance for special rates.
Kissimmee, also, offers many shopping opportunities, such as Belz Factory Outlet World, The Factory Stores at Lake Buena Vista, Orlando Premium Outlets and the Mall at Millenia. Rest assured that your choice of lodging deals will leave you near all the shopping your heart could desire.
Davenport Lodging Deals
Tucked away in a quiet area of Central Florida is Davenport, but don't let that fool you. You will feel relaxed in a place far from the hustle and bustle of the everyday, but the exciting theme parks, shopping, dining and entertainment are just around the corner. Davenport offers laid back relaxation in an array of lodging specials, including Island Club West and Hampton Inn Maingate South.
Island Club West is a villa-style resort and spa offering a range of rooms up to a four bedroom suite. Two bedroom suites and larger offer guests living room and dining areas, fully equipped kitchens, spacious bedrooms, washer/dryer combos and Jacuzzi tubs. Island Club West offers 24hour maintenance and security to accommodate your needs and concerns. The amenities include a bar and grill, billiard room, tennis courts, basketball court, fitness center, video game room and volleyball court. If you and your guests choose to spend a day unwinding, Island Club West is the perfect place to do that. The kids will never get bored! Check http://www.island-club.com for frequent lodging deals.
Hampton Inn Maingate South offers 83 guest rooms with a tropical theme. This hotel is conveniently located in Davenport, offering a relaxing visit to Central Florida, but just around the corner you will find Walt Disney World theme parks, shopping and nightlife. Rates for this hotel start around $59.99. Check the internet for frequent lodging deals and availability.
Attractions Near Davenport Area Lodging Deals
Not only is Davenport a quiet alternative that is only five miles from the Walt Disney World Resort, sixteen miles from Sea World and eighteen miles from Universal theme parks, but the area offers much more! Visit the beautiful botanical gardens at Bok Tower in Lake Wales, walk through the lush, tropical setting and famous ski show at Cypress Gardens in Winter Haven and treat yourself to a relaxing day of golf at Deer Creek Golf Club or Southern Dunes Golf Club. Visit http://www.city-data.com/city/Davenport-Florida.html for more information on Davenport lodging specials and Davenport activities.
Finding Lodging Deals
The ability to find great lodging deals is right at the tip of your fingertips. Using the internet to book your trip in advance is a very smart idea. You will find that many hotels offer discounts for booking in advance. Also, you can view upcoming deals, perhaps based on the season, that hotels will be offering. No matter what time of year you choose to visit Central Florida, the fun never stops. Central Florida is alive with entertainment year round. Visit http://www.flausa.com for Central Florida lodging deals.
Art McCarty
Orlando Florida Lodging Expert
http://www.islandhideaway.net
Pet Friendly Travel - 10 Tips for Hassle-Free Travel with Yo
In the United States alone, over 60 million households have one or more pets. Pet owners in 15 million of those households travel with their pets, and the majority stay in pet-friendly lodging. Fortunately, pet friendly hotels, condos and vacation home rentals do exist.
If you will be traveling with your pet, here are some pet friendly tips to remember for safe and trouble-free travel.
1 - When you make your reservation, double-check that pets are allowed. An important advantage of reserving online is that you can see - in writing - whether or not pets are permitted and any restrictions. Online, you can print out your reservation receipt that includes the "pets allowed" information. Verbal reservations leave more room for misunderstanding and miscommunication. If reserving by telephone, ask the reservation person to mail you a confirmation receipt that includes the "pets allowed" information.
2 - Is your pet an experienced traveler? If not, you should begin getting your pet more accustomed to traveling. Begin by making your car a fun place for your pet. Get in the car with them, play with them, give them a treat - have them enjoy being there with you. Then take a short drive with them. Gradually increase the length of time and distance that you drive with them. Before making a long trip with your pet, the idea is to have them comfortable with being in the car for extended periods of time.
3 - Remember that securing your pet while traveling in the car is crucial for their safety and yours. Consider purchasing a dog safety harness for your pet to use while traveling in the car. If you have a station wagon or SUV, you can purchase a vehicle barrier that keeps your pet confined to the rear area. They are usually sold at pet stores or are available online.
4 - Be sure that your pet has an identification tag and wears it while on the trip. The tag should have your pet's name, your name and phone number. If possible, use your cell phone number, a home number and the number of where you will be staying.
5 - Carry a photograph of your pet with you on your trip. If your pet should ever become lost, you'll be able to show others exactly what your pet looks like instead of just relying on a verbal description.
6 - Check with your vet for any recommended vaccinations appropriate for your trip - exposure to ticks while hiking, exposure to other dogs while boarding or heartworm prevention if your dog will be exposed to mosquitoes are examples of important preventative measures to take before your trip. If your pet is a dog, have an up-to-date rabies tag for your dog's collar. If you decide to day board your dog while on vacation, you may be required to show paperwork proof of the rabies vaccination.
7 - Once you arrive at the pet friendly lodging, inform the check-in person that you have your pet. You can inquire if there are any restricted areas where your pet should not be taken. Pet friendly lodging staff should be very accustomed to answering these kinds of questions and will appreciate your awareness.
8 - In your hotel room, condo, cabin rental or vacation home rental - never let your pet use the furniture or beds to sit, lay or sleep on unless you've covered the furniture or bed with your own cover. Place your pet's food and water containers on a mat or newspaper in the bathroom, where cleanup will be easier. When staying in pet friendly accommodations, you may choose to feed your pet outdoors.
9 - If you'll be leaving your pet alone in the room or vacation rental, make sure the front desk or rental agent knows. Be sure that you leave your pet secured in their travel container or crate if housekeeping staff will be entering the room at any time to clean. You certainly don't want a housekeeper to enter and be surprised or even attacked by your pet! A pet may also run out of the room when housekeeping enters if left unsecured.
10 - Be very careful in warm or hot weather with leaving your pet in the car. Even when the outside temperature is only in the 70's or 80's, the interior of a vehicle can reach 100 degrees and higher, especially when parked in the sun. It doesn't take long at these temperatures to cause serious or even fatal harm to your pet.
Traveling with pets and staying in pet friendly lodging can be lots of fun - after all, your pet is part of your family too. Just using common sense and planning ahead makes for an enjoyable and surprise-free vacation.
If you will be traveling with your pet, here are some pet friendly tips to remember for safe and trouble-free travel.
1 - When you make your reservation, double-check that pets are allowed. An important advantage of reserving online is that you can see - in writing - whether or not pets are permitted and any restrictions. Online, you can print out your reservation receipt that includes the "pets allowed" information. Verbal reservations leave more room for misunderstanding and miscommunication. If reserving by telephone, ask the reservation person to mail you a confirmation receipt that includes the "pets allowed" information.
2 - Is your pet an experienced traveler? If not, you should begin getting your pet more accustomed to traveling. Begin by making your car a fun place for your pet. Get in the car with them, play with them, give them a treat - have them enjoy being there with you. Then take a short drive with them. Gradually increase the length of time and distance that you drive with them. Before making a long trip with your pet, the idea is to have them comfortable with being in the car for extended periods of time.
3 - Remember that securing your pet while traveling in the car is crucial for their safety and yours. Consider purchasing a dog safety harness for your pet to use while traveling in the car. If you have a station wagon or SUV, you can purchase a vehicle barrier that keeps your pet confined to the rear area. They are usually sold at pet stores or are available online.
4 - Be sure that your pet has an identification tag and wears it while on the trip. The tag should have your pet's name, your name and phone number. If possible, use your cell phone number, a home number and the number of where you will be staying.
5 - Carry a photograph of your pet with you on your trip. If your pet should ever become lost, you'll be able to show others exactly what your pet looks like instead of just relying on a verbal description.
6 - Check with your vet for any recommended vaccinations appropriate for your trip - exposure to ticks while hiking, exposure to other dogs while boarding or heartworm prevention if your dog will be exposed to mosquitoes are examples of important preventative measures to take before your trip. If your pet is a dog, have an up-to-date rabies tag for your dog's collar. If you decide to day board your dog while on vacation, you may be required to show paperwork proof of the rabies vaccination.
7 - Once you arrive at the pet friendly lodging, inform the check-in person that you have your pet. You can inquire if there are any restricted areas where your pet should not be taken. Pet friendly lodging staff should be very accustomed to answering these kinds of questions and will appreciate your awareness.
8 - In your hotel room, condo, cabin rental or vacation home rental - never let your pet use the furniture or beds to sit, lay or sleep on unless you've covered the furniture or bed with your own cover. Place your pet's food and water containers on a mat or newspaper in the bathroom, where cleanup will be easier. When staying in pet friendly accommodations, you may choose to feed your pet outdoors.
9 - If you'll be leaving your pet alone in the room or vacation rental, make sure the front desk or rental agent knows. Be sure that you leave your pet secured in their travel container or crate if housekeeping staff will be entering the room at any time to clean. You certainly don't want a housekeeper to enter and be surprised or even attacked by your pet! A pet may also run out of the room when housekeeping enters if left unsecured.
10 - Be very careful in warm or hot weather with leaving your pet in the car. Even when the outside temperature is only in the 70's or 80's, the interior of a vehicle can reach 100 degrees and higher, especially when parked in the sun. It doesn't take long at these temperatures to cause serious or even fatal harm to your pet.
Traveling with pets and staying in pet friendly lodging can be lots of fun - after all, your pet is part of your family too. Just using common sense and planning ahead makes for an enjoyable and surprise-free vacation.
When Visiting Fredericksburg, Lodging Shouldn't Be a Problem
For travelers staying in the Texas Hill County area, Fredericksburg lodging options are not the only way to go. This quaint city is noted for its many bed and breakfasts, but establishments around the city may be of equal, if not higher, quality as well.
There are over two dozen such establishments in Fredericksburg. Each of them caters to a different niche. Weddings, corporate seminars and academic symposia are popular examples of events that are frequently booked in the area. However, places around this popular vacation spot can also offer a short travel distance to the city, so visitors can enjoy the city's attractions as well as neighboring areas' peace, quiet and lack of congestion.
Because it was founded by predominantly German immigrants, there is a distinct look and feel to the whole city and their places of lodging. Many of the buildings in the city are private homes converted to do business. This gives an intimate ambiance, although it also means that bed and breakfast places' guest capacities are not very large. In Fredericksburg, lodging places usually only have a maximum capacity of three to five rooms, with rates from $99 to $225 depending on the chosen room. Travelers are often advised to book ahead of time as many of these venues cannot accommodate sudden arrivals of guests. In this case, travelers may be better suited by finding lodging in places close to, and not in, the city itself
There are a good number of quality bed and breakfast options outside of the city proper of Fredericksburg. Lodging in nearby towns or cities such as Llano can compare favorably, with natural features such as a nearby river to add distinction to the establishment, or such creature comforts like free parking or wireless Internet access to satisfy vacationing city dwellers.
There are over two dozen such establishments in Fredericksburg. Each of them caters to a different niche. Weddings, corporate seminars and academic symposia are popular examples of events that are frequently booked in the area. However, places around this popular vacation spot can also offer a short travel distance to the city, so visitors can enjoy the city's attractions as well as neighboring areas' peace, quiet and lack of congestion.
Because it was founded by predominantly German immigrants, there is a distinct look and feel to the whole city and their places of lodging. Many of the buildings in the city are private homes converted to do business. This gives an intimate ambiance, although it also means that bed and breakfast places' guest capacities are not very large. In Fredericksburg, lodging places usually only have a maximum capacity of three to five rooms, with rates from $99 to $225 depending on the chosen room. Travelers are often advised to book ahead of time as many of these venues cannot accommodate sudden arrivals of guests. In this case, travelers may be better suited by finding lodging in places close to, and not in, the city itself
There are a good number of quality bed and breakfast options outside of the city proper of Fredericksburg. Lodging in nearby towns or cities such as Llano can compare favorably, with natural features such as a nearby river to add distinction to the establishment, or such creature comforts like free parking or wireless Internet access to satisfy vacationing city dwellers.
The Walden Plantation is a 17-acre estate in nearby Llano City, 38 miles north of Fredericksburg. Lodging is ample and comfortable with their 16 rooms made available for guests. Their amenities include a swimming pool, hot tub and a unique amphitheater for events. For inquiries and reservations, log on to http://www.waldenplantation.com or call 1-888-925-3360.
Future looks good for UK online lodging industry
London, UK - January 2003 - Britain is set to see a dramatic increase in the number of hotel reservations made on the Internet during the coming year. Savvy tourists are abandoning traditional shopping channels in favor of the Net when booking hotel rooms, hostels and vacation rentals. 2003 is likely to show a significant rise in online bookings thanks to recent changes in European travel shopping habits and Internet technologies.
Holidaymakers throughout Europe are showing a greater preference for booking travel online. Recent studies have identified budget airlines as being a major cause of this shift in buyer behavior. European budget carriers, which include EasyJet, Ryanair, Buzz, Virgin Express, Bmibaby and MyTravelLite now account for approximately 8 million passengers a year. Nearly all of these airlines use the Internet to minimize overheads. In an effort to reduce distribution costs, passengers are encouraged to book online. Approximately 90% of European budget airline bookings now come from the Internet. This is a boon to online lodging suppliers. A traveler who shops on the Net for his airline ticket has a strong tendency to make a hotel reservation the same way.
The UK lodging industry receives the majority of reservations from neighboring European countries. According to research conducted last year, the overall number of Europeans shopping online has shown a steady increase. During the final quarter of 2002, Europeans spent an estimated $15.77 billion on goods and services online. Research conducted by GartnerG2 states that this figure is 74.7 percent more than the preceding year. The online hotel reservation sector is expected to reap high returns due to this growth in European e-purchases. Travelers are beginning to enjoy the level of flexibility and control offered by the Internet and would rather invest an evening in surfing for the right hotel rather than entrust their holiday plans to traditional travel agents.
London is the best-positioned market within the UK to take advantage of these changes in the hotel reservation marketplace. The city is popular as both a leisure destination and a center for trade and commerce. It attracts a large number of travelers with very diverse lodging needs. This translates into many lucrative niche consumer travel groups.
Many hospitality professionals are setting up niche third-party websites that target each of these customer segments (e.g. budget accommodation for student travelers, long stay apartments, disability-friendly hotels). These niche websites lure customers by offering a good selection of inventory that best suits their target clientele, competitive rates, helpful information and secure online real-time reservation capabilities.
RoomsNet International โ€" Market Research Unit
RoomsNet International is a global network of e-lodging reservation specialists. RoomsNet enables accommodation agents, event managers, hospitality professional, tour operators, hotel reservation call-center agencies and entrepreneurs to setup niche online reservation sites and cater to the growing demands of the online lodging industry.
Holidaymakers throughout Europe are showing a greater preference for booking travel online. Recent studies have identified budget airlines as being a major cause of this shift in buyer behavior. European budget carriers, which include EasyJet, Ryanair, Buzz, Virgin Express, Bmibaby and MyTravelLite now account for approximately 8 million passengers a year. Nearly all of these airlines use the Internet to minimize overheads. In an effort to reduce distribution costs, passengers are encouraged to book online. Approximately 90% of European budget airline bookings now come from the Internet. This is a boon to online lodging suppliers. A traveler who shops on the Net for his airline ticket has a strong tendency to make a hotel reservation the same way.
The UK lodging industry receives the majority of reservations from neighboring European countries. According to research conducted last year, the overall number of Europeans shopping online has shown a steady increase. During the final quarter of 2002, Europeans spent an estimated $15.77 billion on goods and services online. Research conducted by GartnerG2 states that this figure is 74.7 percent more than the preceding year. The online hotel reservation sector is expected to reap high returns due to this growth in European e-purchases. Travelers are beginning to enjoy the level of flexibility and control offered by the Internet and would rather invest an evening in surfing for the right hotel rather than entrust their holiday plans to traditional travel agents.
London is the best-positioned market within the UK to take advantage of these changes in the hotel reservation marketplace. The city is popular as both a leisure destination and a center for trade and commerce. It attracts a large number of travelers with very diverse lodging needs. This translates into many lucrative niche consumer travel groups.
Many hospitality professionals are setting up niche third-party websites that target each of these customer segments (e.g. budget accommodation for student travelers, long stay apartments, disability-friendly hotels). These niche websites lure customers by offering a good selection of inventory that best suits their target clientele, competitive rates, helpful information and secure online real-time reservation capabilities.
RoomsNet International โ€" Market Research Unit
RoomsNet International is a global network of e-lodging reservation specialists. RoomsNet enables accommodation agents, event managers, hospitality professional, tour operators, hotel reservation call-center agencies and entrepreneurs to setup niche online reservation sites and cater to the growing demands of the online lodging industry.
Traveling Abroad for Cosmetic Surgery
Traveling abroad for cosmetic surgery has become an increasingly popular activity amongst people in the United States and Europe. Why travel abroad? For one, the cost of having cosmetic surgery done abroad is much less than the cost of having a cosmetic surgery procedure at home, and the quality of the procedure is as good and sometimes better in foreign hospitals that cater specifically to medical tourists. To give an example of the savings, a high-end breast augmentation procedure in, say, Brazil, costs around $3000, while the same procedure in the U.S. would cost around $10,000 or more. Aside from the savings, though, another allure of medical travel is that foreign hospitals that cater to medical tourists offer a high level patient care that is not really seen anywhere in the United States or Europe. Having your cosmetic surgery overseas also gives you privacy and ensures that the whole experience is discrete. You can tell your acquaintances back home that you are simply on vacation, while in you enjoy a pleasant recovery period in an exotic location. ÂThe CountryWhen choosing a country to go to for your cosmetic surgery procedure, consider the cost of travel and lodging in addition to the cost of the procedure itself. Also keep in mind that different countries are known for specializing in different cosmetic procedures. Venezuela, for example, is known for having a lot hospitals and surgeons that specialize buttock augmentation. Whichever country you end up picking, it should be one that you feel comfortable with and that you won’t mind spending a week or more in. Choosing the HospitalMake sure that the hospital you use has a plenty of experience handling the cosmetic procedure that you’ll be receiving. Look for facilities that have English speaking doctors and medical staff members and that are internationally recognized and accredited by legitimate bodies like the Joint Commission International. Keep your Local Doctor in the LoopYour local physician should know about your cosmetic surgery plans abroad. He will be crucial during your recovery period back home and he might even be able to suggest a medical tourist destination for your particular cosmetic surgery treatment. Documents to Keep in HandHave in hand at least one set of copies of your visa, passport, credit cards, medical records, traveler’s checks and driver’s license. You should also keep with you the contact information of your close family members, as well as your local doctor, the U.S. embassy, your insurance providers, your creditors and your bank and your employer back home.
Ryan Frank is a 23 year writer and blogger living in San Diego, CA.
RoomSaver.com Releases Survey Results Profiling Travelers' Reservation Habits
Norfolk, VA February 18, 2004--RoomSaver.com, the Web's most comprehensive source for hotel discounts and a division of Trader Publishing Company, today announced that a recent poll of their Travel Club members concluded that thirty-one percent of travelers prefer to reserve lodging weeks in advance.
Members of RoomSaver.com's exclusive Travel Club responded to the question featured in the January issue of the Traveler's Tribune, โ€œHow far in advance do you typically reserve your lodging arrangements?โ€ Thirty-one percent of respondents prefer to reserve lodging weeks in advance. Rated second, with 26 percent, were those who prefer to โ€œwing itโ€ and make their reservations upon arrival at the hotel, while close behind were 24 percent who choose to reserve months in advance. Members who favored reserving days in advance (17%) and hours before arriving (2%) rounded out the top 5 responses.
โ€œWe are thrilled that our members are taking the time to participate in our interactive polls,โ€ said RoomSaver.com Business Development Manager, Brad Petersen. โ€œNot only are they using RoomSaver.com to find hotel discounts, but they are using the site as a resource to sound off about their travel preferences.โ€
Designed to be the Internet resource for value-conscious travelers, RoomSaver.com provides travelers a user-friendly way to browse over 9,000 listings and easily navigate the detailed results. Additionally, travelers can join over 130,000 members of the Travel Club and receive weekly e-newsletters advising them of the week's lodging specials as well as save coupons to their online coupon book from session to session and throughout their membership.
Headquartered in Norfolk, Va., RoomSaver.com is a leading provider of online hotel coupons. As a division of Trader Publishing Company and part of Trader's family of over 20 Web sites, RoomSaver.com provides a comprehensive hotel coupon database for travelers while serving as a convenient and effective advertising forum for hoteliers and affiliate travel businesses.
For more information about RoomSaver.com, call toll-free 800.766.6728 or visit www.RoomSaver.com.
Members of RoomSaver.com's exclusive Travel Club responded to the question featured in the January issue of the Traveler's Tribune, โ€œHow far in advance do you typically reserve your lodging arrangements?โ€ Thirty-one percent of respondents prefer to reserve lodging weeks in advance. Rated second, with 26 percent, were those who prefer to โ€œwing itโ€ and make their reservations upon arrival at the hotel, while close behind were 24 percent who choose to reserve months in advance. Members who favored reserving days in advance (17%) and hours before arriving (2%) rounded out the top 5 responses.
โ€œWe are thrilled that our members are taking the time to participate in our interactive polls,โ€ said RoomSaver.com Business Development Manager, Brad Petersen. โ€œNot only are they using RoomSaver.com to find hotel discounts, but they are using the site as a resource to sound off about their travel preferences.โ€
Designed to be the Internet resource for value-conscious travelers, RoomSaver.com provides travelers a user-friendly way to browse over 9,000 listings and easily navigate the detailed results. Additionally, travelers can join over 130,000 members of the Travel Club and receive weekly e-newsletters advising them of the week's lodging specials as well as save coupons to their online coupon book from session to session and throughout their membership.
Headquartered in Norfolk, Va., RoomSaver.com is a leading provider of online hotel coupons. As a division of Trader Publishing Company and part of Trader's family of over 20 Web sites, RoomSaver.com provides a comprehensive hotel coupon database for travelers while serving as a convenient and effective advertising forum for hoteliers and affiliate travel businesses.
For more information about RoomSaver.com, call toll-free 800.766.6728 or visit www.RoomSaver.com.
What are the Lodging Options when Visiting Orlando Florida for Our Family Vacation
Lodging Hotels in Davenport, FL
There are numerous choices for lodging hotels in the Kissimmee, FL area. Vacationers most often think of the standard hotel with smaller sized room when booking travel accommodations, but considering a vacation villa could prove much more accommodating for you and your family. Island Club Resort and Spa in Davenport, FL offers villas and suites of all sizes, as well as the amenities you would expect from a five star resort. The two bedroom suites are three times the size of a normal hotel room! You can relax, kick your feet up and feel comfortable knowing you made the right choice for your resort lodging. Think you are sacrificing dining options, maid service or maintenance by choosing a villa option? Island Club Resort and Spa offers 24-hour guest services and security. If you need something at 3:00 a.m., rest assured that Island Club will be there to answer any questions you have. The resort offers on-site check-in so you will never have to drive too far to relax and settle in. Your suite not only comes with kitchenette accommodations for the convenience of cooking in your room, but the resort offers a full service restaurant. Visit http://www.island-club.com today for a virtual tour of this resort lodging option and information for booking your reservation.
Lodging Hotels in Lake Buena Vista, FL
The Sheraton Vistana Resort is only one mile from Disney's gate and minutes from Universal Studios and sits on 135 acres of tropical landscaping with lakes, fountains and waterfalls. This is another villa option that has all the amenities of a full scale resort. This lodging hotel leaves you within walking distance to the shopping, dining and attractions of Lake Buena Vista. Sheraton Vistana Resort offers one and two bedroom floor plans, seven outdoor swimming pools, poolside massages, full activities program and four restaurants to choose from, including Pizza Hut right on the property!
This resort lodging offers several villa layouts to choose from, including one and two bedroom floor plans with lock-off options. The bathrooms have whirlpool tubs and the patios are screened in for extra privacy. The rooms are decorated beautifully with lots of color and special touches for that home away from home feeling. Check online at http://www.sheraton.com for information on this and more Sheraton lodging hotels.
Resort Lodging in the Disney Area
The Disney area isn't just theme parks, but there is an entire area dedicated to shopping, unique restaurant themes, entertainment and nightlife! Downtown Disney in the Lake Buena Vista area has an array of entertainment including Cirque De Soleil's La Nouba show, Pleasure Island, which is a host to numerous nightclubs from country to rock to jazz themes, Rainforest Caf้ and shopping, shopping and more shopping. Finding a lodging hotel in this area with comfortable accommodations is an easy task and you can rest assured that you will never run out of things to do.
The Wyndham Palace Resort and Spa is an upscale resort lodging option in the Downtown Disney area with over 1,000 guest rooms and suites. You will be pampered and catered to 24/7 while staying at this resort. The amenities are top notch and guest service is their number one priority. There are 17 rooms with handicap accommodations, 124 suites and 750 non-smoking guest rooms. The rooms are decorated for a King and come with such amenities as ceiling fans, high speed internet, cordless phones, mini bars, speaker phones and desks to take care of any business you need to do away from home. This lodging hotel offers a salon, seven restaurants for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks and even wedding services complete with wedding coordinator. Book your lodging hotel reservations online in advance and you can find upcoming special rates the Wyndham Palace Resort and Spa may offer or book today with http://www.expedia.com.
Lodging Hotels in Kissimmee, FL
Kissimmee is still in the center of all the action, shopping, restaurants and dinner shows, but you will find that it is a little more tucked away than downtown Orlando or Lake Buena Vista. You can, also, find better deals on lodging hotels in Kissimmee because of its huge draw for vacationers. Book reservations ahead of time online by doing a search on lodging hotels in Kissimmee and you will find special deals and pricing based on the season.
Mainstay Suites in Kissimmee, FL is a nice option that provides apartment style rooms complete with kitchens and fireplaces. Traveling with your pet? Mainstay Suites welcomes every member of your family, including your pets for only $10 more per night! Like hearing the word, free? This lodging hotel offers free shuttle service to Disney World and the Lake Buena Vista Factory Outlet Mall, free continental breakfast, free local calls and free daily newspaper. The hotel, also, boasts a lakefront picnic area with charcoal grills, wave runner rentals, playground, poolside bar, heated pool and Jacuzzi and a kid's movie night. The Studio Executive room is 500 square feet containing a fireplace, two closets, television, king size bed and a pull out sofa. The Family Suite sleeps up to six guests with two queen beds and a pull out sofa. The Family Suite, also, has two closets and a television. The Bi-Level Penthouse Suite is 800 square feet, contains one king size bed, a wall pull-down or Murphy bed, three closets, two televisions and two full bathrooms. If you are traveling alone or with friends or family, Mainstay Suites in Kissimmee, FL is guaranteed to have accommodations that you will find comfortable and affordable.
Resort Lodging near Universal Studios
Universal Studios, Orlando is only minutes away from Walt Disney World, downtown Orlando and International Drive, which contains endless shopping, dining and entertainment. There are many lodging hotels in the area with great deals year round for your stay. The Best Western Plaza on International Drive offers great accommodations starting around $47.95 per night or as low as $27.95 per night if you book with http://www.hotelscorp.com in advance. This lodging hotel has 672 rooms, sits between Universal Studios Orlando and Sea World Orlando and offers free shuttle service to all Orlando theme parks, including Walt Disney World.
Orlando International Resort is another comfortable option for the Universal Studios area, with average rates starting around $43.85 per night or as low as $23.85 per night when you book with http://www.hotelscorp.com in advance. Orlando International Resort offers standard accommodations at a great discount to you.
Choosing Your Lodging Hotel
Choosing your lodging hotel is an easy task, as Orlando and its surrounding communities have an array of lodging choices for you and your family. Many of these resorts, villa communities and hotels allow pets if you do not want to board your other family member. Information can be obtained easily online, so research your options well before booking your reservations. Remember that the standard hotel, although sometimes cheaper, is not always the best choice for space and convenience. Vacation Villas, such as Island Club Resort and Spa in Davenport, can give you a much more relaxed feeling for your vacation. These villa options provide more activities and comfort amenities, such as kitchenettes, so that you can spend a day relaxing away from the theme parks and shopping and the kids will never get bored. Explore your lodging hotel options online and use the virtual tours that resorts provide to get a closer look at the accommodations. Once you do this, you can feel comfortable and relaxed with your decision.
Art McCarty
Orlando Florida Lodging Expert
http://www.islandhideaway.net
There are numerous choices for lodging hotels in the Kissimmee, FL area. Vacationers most often think of the standard hotel with smaller sized room when booking travel accommodations, but considering a vacation villa could prove much more accommodating for you and your family. Island Club Resort and Spa in Davenport, FL offers villas and suites of all sizes, as well as the amenities you would expect from a five star resort. The two bedroom suites are three times the size of a normal hotel room! You can relax, kick your feet up and feel comfortable knowing you made the right choice for your resort lodging. Think you are sacrificing dining options, maid service or maintenance by choosing a villa option? Island Club Resort and Spa offers 24-hour guest services and security. If you need something at 3:00 a.m., rest assured that Island Club will be there to answer any questions you have. The resort offers on-site check-in so you will never have to drive too far to relax and settle in. Your suite not only comes with kitchenette accommodations for the convenience of cooking in your room, but the resort offers a full service restaurant. Visit http://www.island-club.com today for a virtual tour of this resort lodging option and information for booking your reservation.
Lodging Hotels in Lake Buena Vista, FL
The Sheraton Vistana Resort is only one mile from Disney's gate and minutes from Universal Studios and sits on 135 acres of tropical landscaping with lakes, fountains and waterfalls. This is another villa option that has all the amenities of a full scale resort. This lodging hotel leaves you within walking distance to the shopping, dining and attractions of Lake Buena Vista. Sheraton Vistana Resort offers one and two bedroom floor plans, seven outdoor swimming pools, poolside massages, full activities program and four restaurants to choose from, including Pizza Hut right on the property!
This resort lodging offers several villa layouts to choose from, including one and two bedroom floor plans with lock-off options. The bathrooms have whirlpool tubs and the patios are screened in for extra privacy. The rooms are decorated beautifully with lots of color and special touches for that home away from home feeling. Check online at http://www.sheraton.com for information on this and more Sheraton lodging hotels.
Resort Lodging in the Disney Area
The Disney area isn't just theme parks, but there is an entire area dedicated to shopping, unique restaurant themes, entertainment and nightlife! Downtown Disney in the Lake Buena Vista area has an array of entertainment including Cirque De Soleil's La Nouba show, Pleasure Island, which is a host to numerous nightclubs from country to rock to jazz themes, Rainforest Caf้ and shopping, shopping and more shopping. Finding a lodging hotel in this area with comfortable accommodations is an easy task and you can rest assured that you will never run out of things to do.
The Wyndham Palace Resort and Spa is an upscale resort lodging option in the Downtown Disney area with over 1,000 guest rooms and suites. You will be pampered and catered to 24/7 while staying at this resort. The amenities are top notch and guest service is their number one priority. There are 17 rooms with handicap accommodations, 124 suites and 750 non-smoking guest rooms. The rooms are decorated for a King and come with such amenities as ceiling fans, high speed internet, cordless phones, mini bars, speaker phones and desks to take care of any business you need to do away from home. This lodging hotel offers a salon, seven restaurants for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks and even wedding services complete with wedding coordinator. Book your lodging hotel reservations online in advance and you can find upcoming special rates the Wyndham Palace Resort and Spa may offer or book today with http://www.expedia.com.
Lodging Hotels in Kissimmee, FL
Kissimmee is still in the center of all the action, shopping, restaurants and dinner shows, but you will find that it is a little more tucked away than downtown Orlando or Lake Buena Vista. You can, also, find better deals on lodging hotels in Kissimmee because of its huge draw for vacationers. Book reservations ahead of time online by doing a search on lodging hotels in Kissimmee and you will find special deals and pricing based on the season.
Mainstay Suites in Kissimmee, FL is a nice option that provides apartment style rooms complete with kitchens and fireplaces. Traveling with your pet? Mainstay Suites welcomes every member of your family, including your pets for only $10 more per night! Like hearing the word, free? This lodging hotel offers free shuttle service to Disney World and the Lake Buena Vista Factory Outlet Mall, free continental breakfast, free local calls and free daily newspaper. The hotel, also, boasts a lakefront picnic area with charcoal grills, wave runner rentals, playground, poolside bar, heated pool and Jacuzzi and a kid's movie night. The Studio Executive room is 500 square feet containing a fireplace, two closets, television, king size bed and a pull out sofa. The Family Suite sleeps up to six guests with two queen beds and a pull out sofa. The Family Suite, also, has two closets and a television. The Bi-Level Penthouse Suite is 800 square feet, contains one king size bed, a wall pull-down or Murphy bed, three closets, two televisions and two full bathrooms. If you are traveling alone or with friends or family, Mainstay Suites in Kissimmee, FL is guaranteed to have accommodations that you will find comfortable and affordable.
Resort Lodging near Universal Studios
Universal Studios, Orlando is only minutes away from Walt Disney World, downtown Orlando and International Drive, which contains endless shopping, dining and entertainment. There are many lodging hotels in the area with great deals year round for your stay. The Best Western Plaza on International Drive offers great accommodations starting around $47.95 per night or as low as $27.95 per night if you book with http://www.hotelscorp.com in advance. This lodging hotel has 672 rooms, sits between Universal Studios Orlando and Sea World Orlando and offers free shuttle service to all Orlando theme parks, including Walt Disney World.
Orlando International Resort is another comfortable option for the Universal Studios area, with average rates starting around $43.85 per night or as low as $23.85 per night when you book with http://www.hotelscorp.com in advance. Orlando International Resort offers standard accommodations at a great discount to you.
Choosing Your Lodging Hotel
Choosing your lodging hotel is an easy task, as Orlando and its surrounding communities have an array of lodging choices for you and your family. Many of these resorts, villa communities and hotels allow pets if you do not want to board your other family member. Information can be obtained easily online, so research your options well before booking your reservations. Remember that the standard hotel, although sometimes cheaper, is not always the best choice for space and convenience. Vacation Villas, such as Island Club Resort and Spa in Davenport, can give you a much more relaxed feeling for your vacation. These villa options provide more activities and comfort amenities, such as kitchenettes, so that you can spend a day relaxing away from the theme parks and shopping and the kids will never get bored. Explore your lodging hotel options online and use the virtual tours that resorts provide to get a closer look at the accommodations. Once you do this, you can feel comfortable and relaxed with your decision.
Art McCarty
Orlando Florida Lodging Expert
http://www.islandhideaway.net
European Hospitality Professionals Exploit Opportunities in the Online Lodging Industry
The European e-lodging industry is witnessing the birth of a new breed of websites that market hotels, hostels and vacation rentals on the Net. These e-lodging agencies serve selected niche markets and are operated by specialist hospitality professionals who offer an extensive selection of room inventory, rates and support services to online shoppers.
Europe presently distributes less than 3% of its lodging inventory online. When booking a hotel room via the Internet, consumers have either to visit a string of individual hotel websites or a large online discounter. The former does not enable a visitor to comparison-shop and the latter offers only a limited number of lodgings per destination. Niche e-lodging agencies that focus on offering a good selection of accommodation in a given destination are best able to match consumer needs with room supply.
For many European Hospitality professionals, operating a niche e-lodging agency has proved to be a lucrative business opportunity. Hospitality industry executives, who have strong ties with hotels and resorts in a specific area, are able to obtain a good selection of room inventory from local lodging suppliers. They in turn, offer the room allotments through their websites along with other support features such as maps, local info and travel tips. The lodging agency operators earn a profit mark-up or commission on every room night sold online.
E-lodging agencies that focus on a destination or a consumer segment (apartments in London, youth hostels in Amsterdam, beach rentals in Naples etc.) are extremely popular with Net consumers. By concentrating on specific markets, hospitality executives are better able to manage their inventory and rates. It is also more cost-effective for niche agencies to focus their online marketing strategies than large online travel sites that cover many destinations.
With today's user-friendly browser based software, setting up an e-lodging agency is a breeze. The technological support required to operate an e-lodging agency can be obtained from companies who specialize in developing turnkey solutions for the online lodging industry. These solutions are offered in the form of a service with zero set-up cost. Hence, all that is needed is a PC with an Internet connection to get an online agency off the ground.
As European consumers become more comfortable with the Internet and selective in their purchases, specialized e-lodging agencies are expected to grow in both number and quality of service. For hospitality industry executives who are on the look out for new business opportunities, setting up an e-lodging agency is a lucrative prospect.
About RoomsNet
RoomsNet is a global network of e-lodging reservation specialists. We enable accommodation agents, hospitality professionals, online travel directories, tour operators, hotel reservation call-center agencies and entrepreneurs to setup niche online reservation sites and cater to the growing demands of the online lodging industry.
Uthpala Kumara
uthpala@roomsnet.com
RoomsNet International
www.roomsnet.com
Europe presently distributes less than 3% of its lodging inventory online. When booking a hotel room via the Internet, consumers have either to visit a string of individual hotel websites or a large online discounter. The former does not enable a visitor to comparison-shop and the latter offers only a limited number of lodgings per destination. Niche e-lodging agencies that focus on offering a good selection of accommodation in a given destination are best able to match consumer needs with room supply.
For many European Hospitality professionals, operating a niche e-lodging agency has proved to be a lucrative business opportunity. Hospitality industry executives, who have strong ties with hotels and resorts in a specific area, are able to obtain a good selection of room inventory from local lodging suppliers. They in turn, offer the room allotments through their websites along with other support features such as maps, local info and travel tips. The lodging agency operators earn a profit mark-up or commission on every room night sold online.
E-lodging agencies that focus on a destination or a consumer segment (apartments in London, youth hostels in Amsterdam, beach rentals in Naples etc.) are extremely popular with Net consumers. By concentrating on specific markets, hospitality executives are better able to manage their inventory and rates. It is also more cost-effective for niche agencies to focus their online marketing strategies than large online travel sites that cover many destinations.
With today's user-friendly browser based software, setting up an e-lodging agency is a breeze. The technological support required to operate an e-lodging agency can be obtained from companies who specialize in developing turnkey solutions for the online lodging industry. These solutions are offered in the form of a service with zero set-up cost. Hence, all that is needed is a PC with an Internet connection to get an online agency off the ground.
As European consumers become more comfortable with the Internet and selective in their purchases, specialized e-lodging agencies are expected to grow in both number and quality of service. For hospitality industry executives who are on the look out for new business opportunities, setting up an e-lodging agency is a lucrative prospect.
About RoomsNet
RoomsNet is a global network of e-lodging reservation specialists. We enable accommodation agents, hospitality professionals, online travel directories, tour operators, hotel reservation call-center agencies and entrepreneurs to setup niche online reservation sites and cater to the growing demands of the online lodging industry.
Uthpala Kumara
uthpala@roomsnet.com
RoomsNet International
www.roomsnet.com
Five Affordable World Travel Destinations
Five
Affordable World Travel Destinations
Locations
That Offer More But Cost Less
So you want to travel the world but you have a tight budget? Are you tired of reading about everyone else's exotic adventures and ready to have some of your own? Have you always wanted to take an international vacation but thought you couldn't afford it? There are numerous travel destinations across the world that are both exciting and affordable. Five of them are described here to give you ideas and get you started planning your own getaway.
There are two ways to approach affordable vacations to distant destinations. Either you will save money getting there or the savings will occur once you arrive at your selected spot. If you want the trip there to be affordable, many travel consolidators recommend choosing well-known destinations that are served by numerous airlines and receive millions of travelers each year. The competition for customers usually drives costs down for everything from lodging to tour packages. Airfares between major hubs tend to be more affordable and there are often plenty of discounts and last minute travel deals. London
In Europe, London is a top pick for affordable vacation destinations, for these exact reasons. Not only do you have more flights to choose from, they are cheaper than if you flew to a more remote location. On average, staying in London may be a bit more expensive than other European destinations, but the seemingly endless choices in hotels, restaurants, transportation, tours, and other travel essentials gives travels opportunities to mold their vacation to fit their budgets. And you can use London as your home base to set out on day trips to other more exotic locations or buy a Eurorail pass and see those more remote countries without the expense of flying there. Playa del Carmen, Mexico
This theory also works well for traveling in the Caribbean. Belize is an appealing destination, with wonderful Caribbean beaches and a lush tropic setting, but since it has only recently emerged as a popular travel destination, it is more expensive than Cancun, Jamaica or other well-traveled locations along the Mayan Riviera. With fewer flights, getting there is more expensive, and there are few moderate lodging options. Development of larger luxury resorts have begun to boom, but the only real alternative for those on a budget is staying in local facilities that may be hard to locate from home and may be more rustic than most travelers are willing to try.
Although there are many options for affordable vacations in the Caribbean, an excellent pick is Playa del Carmen, Mexico. Accessible via flights to Cancun, which are often some of the cheapest in the region, Playa is just a half hour away. It is filled with a multitude of lodging choices, from expansive luxury resorts on the ocean to quaint but clean hotels downtown. From Playa, travelers can branch out and visit Tulum and other locations on the Mayan Riviera or take the ferry across to the island of Cozumel where snorkeling is prime and the attractions are many.
For Asian destinations, travelers often do better to focus on saving money once they get to their destination. Depending on your country of origin, getting to just about any spot in Asia is going to be a sizable chunk of your travel budget. The difference will come from the cost of lodging, food, entertainment and other travel expenditures once you arrive. By choosing destinations where you get the most for your money, you can save a great deal on your international vacation. A drink or dinner in Tokyo will costs you many times more than what it would in Saigon. The key here is to go where you dollars buy you more and where the local cost of living is low. Tioman Island
An affordable yet exotic choice for Asia is Malaysia and specifically Tioman Island, knows as the mythical 'Bali Hai' from the film 'South Pacific.' Tioman Island is located at the southern end of the east coast of Malaysia on the South China Sea. It's sandy beaches, bordered by lush jungles and stunning mountains make it a relaxing yet intriguing destination, ideal for sun lovers, snorkelers and divers. The island also has many villages for exploring and shopping. English is widely spoken and the rates are amazingly affordable, with a two night lodging package for a suite at a lovely oceanside resort averaging around 100 U.S. dollars. Typically visitors reach the island via the speed ferry from the mainland. Although the trip can take over two hours, it is enjoyable and provides opportunities for dolphin watching along the way. Buenos Aires
South American also has many destinations that are affordable because of the savings once you arrive. Locales like Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, the areas top destination, are coming down in price but are still more expensive than cities such as Buenos Aires in Argentina, where the rates are lower and the U.S. dollar goes further.
A huge metropolis that is more European than South American, the city has much to offer including cultural events, thriving nightlife, shopping, local sports, and a host of tours and excursions. La Boca, with its street performers, shops, and unique architecture is a big tourist draw. The large number of choices for lodging, restaurants, and activities provides opportunities for budget travel and savings. Airfare to the city is relatively reasonable for an international destination, with discount fares from the U.S. averaging around $500 round trip. Buenos Aires might not be one of the most exotic or inspiring destinations in South America, but it is a city that everyone should see at least once, and with some of the most affordable rates and fares around, it makes the list as a top South American destination. Las Vegas
The list would not be complete without a North American destination, and the champ of all affordable locales is Las Vegas. It too is a city that should be seen at least once, and many world travelers return again and again for the gaming, art, shows and people watching that just can't be found anywhere else. Close enough to other top U.S. attractions like the Grand Canyon, Vegas provides other options for those who have had their fill of casinos.
The city has long been known for its cheap vacation packages with hotels and resorts that offer discount rates for rooms, meals and entertainment in hopes of attracting people to their gaming tables. Airfare rates into Vegas are some of the most reasonable in the United States, no matter the origination destination. And with more than 100,000 hotel rooms to choose from, there is sure to be a lodging choice that fits your budget.
The world provides hundreds of affordable travel destinations. With all the options available, there is no excuse to put off that life-long desire to travel to exotic places at the far ends of the earth. Destinations can be researched on the Internet or your travel consolidator can make recommendations and help with locating discount flights and hotel deals that fit your budget. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and explore the world.
About the Author C.J. Gustafson is a freelance writer and photographer who travels extensively for work and family vacations. A cheapskate by nature and necessity, she is always on the lookout for bargain travel deals and affordable vacation destinations. Copyright 2005 1st-Family-Vacations.com
So you want to travel the world but you have a tight budget? Are you tired of reading about everyone else's exotic adventures and ready to have some of your own? Have you always wanted to take an international vacation but thought you couldn't afford it? There are numerous travel destinations across the world that are both exciting and affordable. Five of them are described here to give you ideas and get you started planning your own getaway.
There are two ways to approach affordable vacations to distant destinations. Either you will save money getting there or the savings will occur once you arrive at your selected spot. If you want the trip there to be affordable, many travel consolidators recommend choosing well-known destinations that are served by numerous airlines and receive millions of travelers each year. The competition for customers usually drives costs down for everything from lodging to tour packages. Airfares between major hubs tend to be more affordable and there are often plenty of discounts and last minute travel deals. London
In Europe, London is a top pick for affordable vacation destinations, for these exact reasons. Not only do you have more flights to choose from, they are cheaper than if you flew to a more remote location. On average, staying in London may be a bit more expensive than other European destinations, but the seemingly endless choices in hotels, restaurants, transportation, tours, and other travel essentials gives travels opportunities to mold their vacation to fit their budgets. And you can use London as your home base to set out on day trips to other more exotic locations or buy a Eurorail pass and see those more remote countries without the expense of flying there. Playa del Carmen, Mexico
This theory also works well for traveling in the Caribbean. Belize is an appealing destination, with wonderful Caribbean beaches and a lush tropic setting, but since it has only recently emerged as a popular travel destination, it is more expensive than Cancun, Jamaica or other well-traveled locations along the Mayan Riviera. With fewer flights, getting there is more expensive, and there are few moderate lodging options. Development of larger luxury resorts have begun to boom, but the only real alternative for those on a budget is staying in local facilities that may be hard to locate from home and may be more rustic than most travelers are willing to try.
Although there are many options for affordable vacations in the Caribbean, an excellent pick is Playa del Carmen, Mexico. Accessible via flights to Cancun, which are often some of the cheapest in the region, Playa is just a half hour away. It is filled with a multitude of lodging choices, from expansive luxury resorts on the ocean to quaint but clean hotels downtown. From Playa, travelers can branch out and visit Tulum and other locations on the Mayan Riviera or take the ferry across to the island of Cozumel where snorkeling is prime and the attractions are many.
For Asian destinations, travelers often do better to focus on saving money once they get to their destination. Depending on your country of origin, getting to just about any spot in Asia is going to be a sizable chunk of your travel budget. The difference will come from the cost of lodging, food, entertainment and other travel expenditures once you arrive. By choosing destinations where you get the most for your money, you can save a great deal on your international vacation. A drink or dinner in Tokyo will costs you many times more than what it would in Saigon. The key here is to go where you dollars buy you more and where the local cost of living is low. Tioman Island
An affordable yet exotic choice for Asia is Malaysia and specifically Tioman Island, knows as the mythical 'Bali Hai' from the film 'South Pacific.' Tioman Island is located at the southern end of the east coast of Malaysia on the South China Sea. It's sandy beaches, bordered by lush jungles and stunning mountains make it a relaxing yet intriguing destination, ideal for sun lovers, snorkelers and divers. The island also has many villages for exploring and shopping. English is widely spoken and the rates are amazingly affordable, with a two night lodging package for a suite at a lovely oceanside resort averaging around 100 U.S. dollars. Typically visitors reach the island via the speed ferry from the mainland. Although the trip can take over two hours, it is enjoyable and provides opportunities for dolphin watching along the way. Buenos Aires
South American also has many destinations that are affordable because of the savings once you arrive. Locales like Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, the areas top destination, are coming down in price but are still more expensive than cities such as Buenos Aires in Argentina, where the rates are lower and the U.S. dollar goes further.
A huge metropolis that is more European than South American, the city has much to offer including cultural events, thriving nightlife, shopping, local sports, and a host of tours and excursions. La Boca, with its street performers, shops, and unique architecture is a big tourist draw. The large number of choices for lodging, restaurants, and activities provides opportunities for budget travel and savings. Airfare to the city is relatively reasonable for an international destination, with discount fares from the U.S. averaging around $500 round trip. Buenos Aires might not be one of the most exotic or inspiring destinations in South America, but it is a city that everyone should see at least once, and with some of the most affordable rates and fares around, it makes the list as a top South American destination. Las Vegas
The list would not be complete without a North American destination, and the champ of all affordable locales is Las Vegas. It too is a city that should be seen at least once, and many world travelers return again and again for the gaming, art, shows and people watching that just can't be found anywhere else. Close enough to other top U.S. attractions like the Grand Canyon, Vegas provides other options for those who have had their fill of casinos.
The city has long been known for its cheap vacation packages with hotels and resorts that offer discount rates for rooms, meals and entertainment in hopes of attracting people to their gaming tables. Airfare rates into Vegas are some of the most reasonable in the United States, no matter the origination destination. And with more than 100,000 hotel rooms to choose from, there is sure to be a lodging choice that fits your budget.
The world provides hundreds of affordable travel destinations. With all the options available, there is no excuse to put off that life-long desire to travel to exotic places at the far ends of the earth. Destinations can be researched on the Internet or your travel consolidator can make recommendations and help with locating discount flights and hotel deals that fit your budget. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and explore the world.
About the Author C.J. Gustafson is a freelance writer and photographer who travels extensively for work and family vacations. A cheapskate by nature and necessity, she is always on the lookout for bargain travel deals and affordable vacation destinations. Copyright 2005 1st-Family-Vacations.com
Rough Creek Lodge Still Shines~Luxury Resort Receives Six New Accolades in Six Months
GLEN ROSE, TX (April 9, 2003) -- After opening its doors five years ago, Texas-based Rough Creek Lodge Executive Retreat & Resort is still a shining star. Rough Creek Lodge Executive Chef Gerard Thompson's recent award as the winner of the Flat Iron Showdown at the Texas Food & Wine Festival is the latest in a series of accolades accumulated over the last six months for outstanding lodging, cuisine and service.
Chef Thompson was the top chef chosen (out of 12) for this event, sponsored by the Texas Beef Council. Chef Thompson prepared Grilled Flat Iron Steak with Grilled Portabello Mushrooms and Sweet Corn Hash.
In addition, Chef Thompson and his culinary team are responsible for bringing national recognition to the resort in recent months. Rough Creek Lodge recently received the top score (29 out of 30) in the Zagat Survey 2003 America's Top Restaurants. The resort also received the 2003 DiRoNA award, sponsored by the Distinguished Restaurants of North America.
The resort's design and luxurious lodging facilities also received top honors. In the Conde Nast Travelers' 15th Annual Readers Choice Awards (November, 2002 issue), Rough Creek Lodge ranked number 26 in North America and number 88 in the world, with a score of 89.4, making it the only Texas hotel to be included in this prestigious list of the Top 100 Best in the World.
The resort made it once again in January 2003 when it was ranked the number one hotel in the United States for design in the Conde Nast Traveler's Gold List.
โ€œThese awards are only achieved by a team effort where all of our staff โ€" from the kitchen to housekeeping โ€" work closely to deliver the finest experience possible,โ€ says General Manager Paul Boccafogli. โ€œWith only 39 rooms and suites, we are a small property with a small staff; however, it's to our advantage because we can work hard to focus on the details that sets us apart. Whether it's preparing a special one-of-a-kind dish to adding those extra touches to a room to greeting our guest by name, it's these details that we work on to set ourselves apart. Now it's paying off, not only with the awards, but with the opportunity to bring acclaimed recognition to our community and to this region of Texas.โ€
About Rough Creek Lodge
Rough Creek Lodge Executive Retreat and Resort, situated on 11,000 acres of rolling Texas Hill Country, is a one-of-a-kind destination for executives, sportsmen and those who just want to be pampered. Opened in January 1998, this luxurious retreat features 39 guest rooms and suites and state-of-the-art boardrooms for executive meetings for 16 to 100. In January 2003, Conde Nast Traveler's Annual Gold List ranked Rough Creek Lodge the Number one hotel in North America for design. In 2002, Conde Nast Traveler ranked Rough Creek Lodge on the list of the World's Top 100 Hotels, Resorts and Cruise lines. The resort has also received national acclaim for its accommodations, dining and hunting program from such publications as Southern Living, American Way and Double Gun Journal. In the Zagat Survey, Rough Creek Lodge was the only restaurant in Dallas/Ft. Worth to receive scores of 29 for food, dรฉcor and service (out of 30). Rough Creek Lodge celebrates five years of unique and memorable experiences in 2003. For more information or to make a reservation, call 800-864-4705 or visit www.roughcreek.com
Chef Thompson was the top chef chosen (out of 12) for this event, sponsored by the Texas Beef Council. Chef Thompson prepared Grilled Flat Iron Steak with Grilled Portabello Mushrooms and Sweet Corn Hash.
In addition, Chef Thompson and his culinary team are responsible for bringing national recognition to the resort in recent months. Rough Creek Lodge recently received the top score (29 out of 30) in the Zagat Survey 2003 America's Top Restaurants. The resort also received the 2003 DiRoNA award, sponsored by the Distinguished Restaurants of North America.
The resort's design and luxurious lodging facilities also received top honors. In the Conde Nast Travelers' 15th Annual Readers Choice Awards (November, 2002 issue), Rough Creek Lodge ranked number 26 in North America and number 88 in the world, with a score of 89.4, making it the only Texas hotel to be included in this prestigious list of the Top 100 Best in the World.
The resort made it once again in January 2003 when it was ranked the number one hotel in the United States for design in the Conde Nast Traveler's Gold List.
โ€œThese awards are only achieved by a team effort where all of our staff โ€" from the kitchen to housekeeping โ€" work closely to deliver the finest experience possible,โ€ says General Manager Paul Boccafogli. โ€œWith only 39 rooms and suites, we are a small property with a small staff; however, it's to our advantage because we can work hard to focus on the details that sets us apart. Whether it's preparing a special one-of-a-kind dish to adding those extra touches to a room to greeting our guest by name, it's these details that we work on to set ourselves apart. Now it's paying off, not only with the awards, but with the opportunity to bring acclaimed recognition to our community and to this region of Texas.โ€
About Rough Creek Lodge
Rough Creek Lodge Executive Retreat and Resort, situated on 11,000 acres of rolling Texas Hill Country, is a one-of-a-kind destination for executives, sportsmen and those who just want to be pampered. Opened in January 1998, this luxurious retreat features 39 guest rooms and suites and state-of-the-art boardrooms for executive meetings for 16 to 100. In January 2003, Conde Nast Traveler's Annual Gold List ranked Rough Creek Lodge the Number one hotel in North America for design. In 2002, Conde Nast Traveler ranked Rough Creek Lodge on the list of the World's Top 100 Hotels, Resorts and Cruise lines. The resort has also received national acclaim for its accommodations, dining and hunting program from such publications as Southern Living, American Way and Double Gun Journal. In the Zagat Survey, Rough Creek Lodge was the only restaurant in Dallas/Ft. Worth to receive scores of 29 for food, dรฉcor and service (out of 30). Rough Creek Lodge celebrates five years of unique and memorable experiences in 2003. For more information or to make a reservation, call 800-864-4705 or visit www.roughcreek.com
Niche Agencies Thrive In The Online Lodging Industry
TORONTO, Canada, 07 May 2002 - Selling hotel rooms, condos, villas and hostels on the Internet is an estimated US$6 billion per annum business and growing very rapidly with many large online travel companies active in this market. So how does a new entrant to this market compete with the big online wholesalers who have well known brands, large advertising budgets, and cover many destinations? WITH A NICHE.
Unlike air travel and car rentals, the online lodging industry is highly fragmented. There are thousands of destinations with each one having many hundred suppliers. New online agencies are thriving in this market. Here is how you do it.
1. DEVELOP A DISTINCTIVE NICHE
Online lodging consumers tend to be very specific in their demands. They have either a particular destination or a leisure activity in mind when they begin their online hunt.
If you can't be the only hotel reservation agent on the Internet (and you can't) develop a specific niche where you can have a competitive edge. Online lodging agents can specialize in offering long stay condos in Florida, "mountain" vacations in the Rockies or casino hotel reservations in Monte Carlo. Price doesn't have to be your only competitive factor if the inventory you offer is unique.
In order to be viable, your chosen market segment must be clearly defined. Targeting "online leisure travel buyers" is not refined enough. What are their interests? Where are they from? What is their budget?
There are many market segments in the online lodging industry that are chronically under supplied. Be careful in choosing the market segment that best fits your business. Your target clientele must have a clear need for what you are selling and must be large enough to be considered a market segment.
Your niche has to be geographically feasible. It is best to concentrate on a locale where you have good contacts with hotels and accommodation suppliers. If you are a localized agent, you will be able to manage your inventory and rates better by maintaining close contacts with local lodging suppliers.
3. FOCUS YOUR ONLINE MARKETING
Niche websites are ideal for online promotion. Online consumers search for accommodations with the help of destination or activity specific keywords (e.g. London apartments, Scotland hunting lodges, Atlantic City casinos). It is more cost-effective for niche sites to focus their online marketing strategies than large online travel sites that cover many destinations.
Select a great domain name. The majority of online consumers find websites through search engines. A good URL that communicates what you are offering will help you obtain high rankings in search engines and draw targeted traffic.
Carefully decide your keyword list and keep refining it continuously. Once you have narrowed down on the keywords that your target audience is likely to type in ( e.g. New Orleans budget hotels), build the content of your website around them and use the list for all your search engine optimization programs.
Your website must be easily accessible to your target clients. Building an affiliate network is a great way to achieve this and is ideally suited for niche markets with very focused needs. This strategy involves identifying highly trafficked websites where potential consumers are likely to "hang out" and building links with those sites in order to direct traffic to your online reservation centre.
3. OFFER A COMPLETE SERVICE
Your website may have the best room inventory in Ft. Lauderdale, attractive photographs of beach front cabanas and a complete narration of all the facilities they offer. However nearly 70% of your online visitors will turn away if they have to e-mail you in order to make a reservation. They want a high level of service and require immediate confirmations. You can't waste their time. Watch out - they won't be back either.
Ensure that your website enables consumers to make quick comparisons of room rates and availability and make bookings online in real-time.
Make the shoppers' experience complete by offering flexible booking capabilities, maps, travel tips and special members offers. Offline or online, customers are always are looking for great service.
Online lodging consumers value in-depth information about a destination they wish to visit. A specialized agent is able to offer expert and up to date information about each property they offer along with activities in the area and handy travel tips. This is the unique advantage that niche "been-there-done-that" agents have over impersonal mega sites. In brief - having a localized presence and knowledge about a destination or activity builds trust and confidence in consumers.
If you are about to venture into online lodging industry, keep in mind that it offers as many challenges as great opportunities. Focus on your niche and be the best in it.
About RoomsNet
RoomsNet is an online technology and marketing services provider to the online lodging industry. RoomsNet provides customized Web based travel reservation software and marketing solutions to accommodation agents and entrepreneurs (such as ex-hotel reservation personnel) who wish to operate their own Internet reservation services and develop their own niche online lodging markets.
www.roomsnet.com
Unlike air travel and car rentals, the online lodging industry is highly fragmented. There are thousands of destinations with each one having many hundred suppliers. New online agencies are thriving in this market. Here is how you do it.
1. DEVELOP A DISTINCTIVE NICHE
Online lodging consumers tend to be very specific in their demands. They have either a particular destination or a leisure activity in mind when they begin their online hunt.
If you can't be the only hotel reservation agent on the Internet (and you can't) develop a specific niche where you can have a competitive edge. Online lodging agents can specialize in offering long stay condos in Florida, "mountain" vacations in the Rockies or casino hotel reservations in Monte Carlo. Price doesn't have to be your only competitive factor if the inventory you offer is unique.
In order to be viable, your chosen market segment must be clearly defined. Targeting "online leisure travel buyers" is not refined enough. What are their interests? Where are they from? What is their budget?
There are many market segments in the online lodging industry that are chronically under supplied. Be careful in choosing the market segment that best fits your business. Your target clientele must have a clear need for what you are selling and must be large enough to be considered a market segment.
Your niche has to be geographically feasible. It is best to concentrate on a locale where you have good contacts with hotels and accommodation suppliers. If you are a localized agent, you will be able to manage your inventory and rates better by maintaining close contacts with local lodging suppliers.
3. FOCUS YOUR ONLINE MARKETING
Niche websites are ideal for online promotion. Online consumers search for accommodations with the help of destination or activity specific keywords (e.g. London apartments, Scotland hunting lodges, Atlantic City casinos). It is more cost-effective for niche sites to focus their online marketing strategies than large online travel sites that cover many destinations.
Select a great domain name. The majority of online consumers find websites through search engines. A good URL that communicates what you are offering will help you obtain high rankings in search engines and draw targeted traffic.
Carefully decide your keyword list and keep refining it continuously. Once you have narrowed down on the keywords that your target audience is likely to type in ( e.g. New Orleans budget hotels), build the content of your website around them and use the list for all your search engine optimization programs.
Your website must be easily accessible to your target clients. Building an affiliate network is a great way to achieve this and is ideally suited for niche markets with very focused needs. This strategy involves identifying highly trafficked websites where potential consumers are likely to "hang out" and building links with those sites in order to direct traffic to your online reservation centre.
3. OFFER A COMPLETE SERVICE
Your website may have the best room inventory in Ft. Lauderdale, attractive photographs of beach front cabanas and a complete narration of all the facilities they offer. However nearly 70% of your online visitors will turn away if they have to e-mail you in order to make a reservation. They want a high level of service and require immediate confirmations. You can't waste their time. Watch out - they won't be back either.
Ensure that your website enables consumers to make quick comparisons of room rates and availability and make bookings online in real-time.
Make the shoppers' experience complete by offering flexible booking capabilities, maps, travel tips and special members offers. Offline or online, customers are always are looking for great service.
Online lodging consumers value in-depth information about a destination they wish to visit. A specialized agent is able to offer expert and up to date information about each property they offer along with activities in the area and handy travel tips. This is the unique advantage that niche "been-there-done-that" agents have over impersonal mega sites. In brief - having a localized presence and knowledge about a destination or activity builds trust and confidence in consumers.
If you are about to venture into online lodging industry, keep in mind that it offers as many challenges as great opportunities. Focus on your niche and be the best in it.
About RoomsNet
RoomsNet is an online technology and marketing services provider to the online lodging industry. RoomsNet provides customized Web based travel reservation software and marketing solutions to accommodation agents and entrepreneurs (such as ex-hotel reservation personnel) who wish to operate their own Internet reservation services and develop their own niche online lodging markets.
www.roomsnet.com
E-Lodging Industry Beckons New Entrepreneurs
The e-lodging industry has moved from its early land-grab phase into an era of decentralization, stability and profitability. And many new entrepreneurs have heard it call their name.
There has never been a more exciting time to start an e-lodging business than now. Many online lodging agencies are springing up daily on the Internet. These provide e-consumers the ability to make online real-time reservations at hotels, resorts, apartments and hostels. The e-lodging agency operators earn a profit mark-up or commission fee on every booking.
Whether these new ventures are initiated by hotel reservation agents, event planners, Web designers, or hospitality industry executives starting home-based businesses, everyone is finding themselves caught up in the entrepreneurial spirit of the e-lodging industry.
What has led to this e-lodging agency boom?
First, there is the crumbling relationship between suppliers and traditional distribution channels. In a survey conducted by Forrester Research last year, only 6% of lodging suppliers stated that conventional Global Distribution Systems were adequately designed to meet their business needs. Many lodging suppliers are actively seeking new intermediaries to market their room inventory to Net consumers
Then, there is the sharp downsizing in the travel industry. In an effort to be leaner and meaner, the hotel and restaurant industries had eliminated nearly 87,000 jobs by December 2001. Career-minded professionals can no longer expect job security the way they could in the past. Hence, it is little wonder that individuals with skills, self-confidence and motivation are setting up their own online lodging businesses.
Who are the new entrepreneurs?
The success rate is high for e-lodging agency startups by accommodation agents. These agents have strong links with the hotel industry. They traditionally market room inventory through their own reservation call centers. Some even operate websites with booking request forms. For many of these accommodation agents, making the whole reservation process online real-time, is a natural business transition.
Event managers and event planning agencies are also gravitating toward the e-lodging industry. The usual story runs like this โ€" an event manager specializes in organizing casino hotel breaks for large corporate clients. He receives a good commission from the hotels for every sizable group booking he makes. He contracts with the same casino hotels to sell room inventory to online consumers through his website andโ€ฆVoila! He's an e-lodging agent with a niche market! He now earns more commissions, incurs minimum overhead costs and has the ability to reach out to millions of e-consumers.
Another segment that has successfully entered the online accommodation arena are Web designers who build websites for hotels and resorts. After creating a series of such websites, the web designers go on to build online travel directories that link all the individual hotel sites together. The next step is to enable visitors to make reservations online in real-time at the hotels and resorts listed in the directory. Apart from the usual site development and hosting fees, the web designers earn a tidy commission for every booking that is generated through the directory.
As the concept of the home office continues to rise in popularity, many hospitality industry executives are launching home-based online lodging ventures. In the new economy, a PC with an Internet connection is all you need to get an e-lodging business off the ground. Armed with good contacts in the hotel industry and a thorough understanding of the local travel market, these entrepreneurs are successful in developing highly profitable lodging agencies on the Internet.
The e-lodging industry, which expands in size as it fragments in distribution, has created many real openings for enterprising individuals. The hardest task is not finding a business opportunity but making the decision to be an entrepreneur. If you have identified a niche e-lodging market that you can successfully serve, now is the best time to get moving!
About RoomsNet
RoomsNet is a global network of e-lodging reservation specialists. We enable accommodation agents, event managers, travel agents, tour operators, hotel reservation call-center agencies and entrepreneurs to setup niche online reservation sites and cater to the growing demands of the online lodging industry.
There has never been a more exciting time to start an e-lodging business than now. Many online lodging agencies are springing up daily on the Internet. These provide e-consumers the ability to make online real-time reservations at hotels, resorts, apartments and hostels. The e-lodging agency operators earn a profit mark-up or commission fee on every booking.
Whether these new ventures are initiated by hotel reservation agents, event planners, Web designers, or hospitality industry executives starting home-based businesses, everyone is finding themselves caught up in the entrepreneurial spirit of the e-lodging industry.
What has led to this e-lodging agency boom?
First, there is the crumbling relationship between suppliers and traditional distribution channels. In a survey conducted by Forrester Research last year, only 6% of lodging suppliers stated that conventional Global Distribution Systems were adequately designed to meet their business needs. Many lodging suppliers are actively seeking new intermediaries to market their room inventory to Net consumers
Then, there is the sharp downsizing in the travel industry. In an effort to be leaner and meaner, the hotel and restaurant industries had eliminated nearly 87,000 jobs by December 2001. Career-minded professionals can no longer expect job security the way they could in the past. Hence, it is little wonder that individuals with skills, self-confidence and motivation are setting up their own online lodging businesses.
Who are the new entrepreneurs?
The success rate is high for e-lodging agency startups by accommodation agents. These agents have strong links with the hotel industry. They traditionally market room inventory through their own reservation call centers. Some even operate websites with booking request forms. For many of these accommodation agents, making the whole reservation process online real-time, is a natural business transition.
Event managers and event planning agencies are also gravitating toward the e-lodging industry. The usual story runs like this โ€" an event manager specializes in organizing casino hotel breaks for large corporate clients. He receives a good commission from the hotels for every sizable group booking he makes. He contracts with the same casino hotels to sell room inventory to online consumers through his website andโ€ฆVoila! He's an e-lodging agent with a niche market! He now earns more commissions, incurs minimum overhead costs and has the ability to reach out to millions of e-consumers.
Another segment that has successfully entered the online accommodation arena are Web designers who build websites for hotels and resorts. After creating a series of such websites, the web designers go on to build online travel directories that link all the individual hotel sites together. The next step is to enable visitors to make reservations online in real-time at the hotels and resorts listed in the directory. Apart from the usual site development and hosting fees, the web designers earn a tidy commission for every booking that is generated through the directory.
As the concept of the home office continues to rise in popularity, many hospitality industry executives are launching home-based online lodging ventures. In the new economy, a PC with an Internet connection is all you need to get an e-lodging business off the ground. Armed with good contacts in the hotel industry and a thorough understanding of the local travel market, these entrepreneurs are successful in developing highly profitable lodging agencies on the Internet.
The e-lodging industry, which expands in size as it fragments in distribution, has created many real openings for enterprising individuals. The hardest task is not finding a business opportunity but making the decision to be an entrepreneur. If you have identified a niche e-lodging market that you can successfully serve, now is the best time to get moving!
About RoomsNet
RoomsNet is a global network of e-lodging reservation specialists. We enable accommodation agents, event managers, travel agents, tour operators, hotel reservation call-center agencies and entrepreneurs to setup niche online reservation sites and cater to the growing demands of the online lodging industry.
Luxury Travel Deals
Have you ever just wanted to get away from it all? Your idea of the perfect escape destination may be on a rocky cliff in the Aegean Sea. It could also be in a secluded log cabin in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. Or you may envision you and your spouse walking down a private beach in Bali. No matter where your imagination takes you, there is a chance to follow your dreams and indulge in the ultimate luxury travel escape destination. It is also possible to find great luxury travel deals if you know where to look.
The Mediterranean provides you with some of the best discount luxury travel escapes available today. Greek islands, such as Kos, Chios, or Crete are many travelers' dream destinations. Accessible only by boat or private plane, you will not be hampered by large crowds or the pressures of modern living. Instead all you will see is the deep blue sea beneath an azure sky. Resorts and hotels on these islands strive to introduce you to the best of Greek food and culture. Many of them provide excursions to local ruins or may even be built on the ruins themselves. Rooms are light and airy and provide stunning views of the Mediterranean or rocky island landscape. You can even chose to rent a private villa for complete seclusion.
Luxury travel deals are also available in many mountainous locations. Both the Rocky Mountains and the Swiss Alps combine plush luxury and rugged landscape to create an unforgettable combination. The Alps are dotted with spa resorts. Here you can relax all your cares away under the skilled hands of some of the best masseurs and spa personnel in Europe. You can also reinvigorate yourself by breathing the fresh mountain air on your balcony or as you trek through the alpine forest adjacent to the property. In the Rocky Mountains you will find a charming mix of world-class luxury housed in outwardly rustic log cabins. These lodges or individual cabins are equipped with the latest in comfort and technology but still call to the mind the secluded outposts of the first pioneers.
You may want to escape to a more exotic location. South East Asia and the Pacific are full of islands, small and large, that will give you the privacy you desire. Both Bali and Fiji contain luxury beach front resorts that allow you to relax and soak up the sun away from the typical tourist crowd. You will know a luxury resort by its private beach. These resorts also will often offer private scuba and snorkel lessons or rent water sport equipment such as Ski-doos and body boards. Because of the variety of activities available, island beaches are great for family luxury travel. If you are looking for true seclusion, Fiji has many islands that contain a small local population and one or two resorts. You should be able to find a luxury travel deal that allows you to get away from it all.
The Mediterranean provides you with some of the best discount luxury travel escapes available today. Greek islands, such as Kos, Chios, or Crete are many travelers' dream destinations. Accessible only by boat or private plane, you will not be hampered by large crowds or the pressures of modern living. Instead all you will see is the deep blue sea beneath an azure sky. Resorts and hotels on these islands strive to introduce you to the best of Greek food and culture. Many of them provide excursions to local ruins or may even be built on the ruins themselves. Rooms are light and airy and provide stunning views of the Mediterranean or rocky island landscape. You can even chose to rent a private villa for complete seclusion.
Luxury travel deals are also available in many mountainous locations. Both the Rocky Mountains and the Swiss Alps combine plush luxury and rugged landscape to create an unforgettable combination. The Alps are dotted with spa resorts. Here you can relax all your cares away under the skilled hands of some of the best masseurs and spa personnel in Europe. You can also reinvigorate yourself by breathing the fresh mountain air on your balcony or as you trek through the alpine forest adjacent to the property. In the Rocky Mountains you will find a charming mix of world-class luxury housed in outwardly rustic log cabins. These lodges or individual cabins are equipped with the latest in comfort and technology but still call to the mind the secluded outposts of the first pioneers.
You may want to escape to a more exotic location. South East Asia and the Pacific are full of islands, small and large, that will give you the privacy you desire. Both Bali and Fiji contain luxury beach front resorts that allow you to relax and soak up the sun away from the typical tourist crowd. You will know a luxury resort by its private beach. These resorts also will often offer private scuba and snorkel lessons or rent water sport equipment such as Ski-doos and body boards. Because of the variety of activities available, island beaches are great for family luxury travel. If you are looking for true seclusion, Fiji has many islands that contain a small local population and one or two resorts. You should be able to find a luxury travel deal that allows you to get away from it all.
Jacob Krumgalz
It is possible to find great luxury travel deals if you know where to look.
http://www.luxuryresorttravel.org/
Adventure Travel to Mexico
Traveling To Mexico
Mexico has always and will always be America's beach getaway. We have created the Mexico travel guides for you, to get the a basic idea of what to expect in Mexico. Luckily, we have aggregated some of the best online resources in this brief overview, to give you a good picture of Mexico, and it's completely free! One thing is for sure when going to Mexico, you will never run out of things to enjoy.
Inland Mexico is quite a large country that is composed of unique and vibrant regions. The inner sections of Mexico are filled wit mountain cities that have been heavily influenced by Spanish Colonial architecture. These cities can range from large contemporary cities like Monterrey and Mexico City to old-fashioned small towns or villages like San Miguel and San Luis Potosi. Practically all of the inner destinations in Mexico City and in the south offer historical ruins that have been preserved from a once mighty civilization, that opposed the Roman empire more than 2000 years ago.
Beaches The Mexican Riviera provides numerous wonderful destinations that include Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta, Acapulco, Mazatlan, Ixtapa, Manzanillo, Huatulco, and Cancun. Each of these cities boasts different moods and charms that is considered as one of the most amazing beach destinations in North America. The Mayan Riviera also hosts Mexico destinations are also very unique because they're not only beautiful beaches but they also offer easy access to a variety of the Mayan ruins, Cenotes and some of the most diverse and dynamic diving spots in the world.
Mexico Travel Guides Traveling to Mexico on a budget is very easy to do. Some globetrotters can survive on an incredibly low budget of USD 600 to USD 800. Small colonial cities also offer cheap but accommodating hotels. As much as possible, if you really want to stay in Mexico with a low budget, get to know the locals and live like them. This means that you may need to look for "rent" signs that will offer quaint rooms at even lower prices. It will also help you if you can find a local tour guide who will give you a real tour of the city and not something that's boring like most travel companies do. $20 would be a good price to pay them considering that you are getting an exotic look at Mexico. As soon as you have established your lodging, you can then visit the Mercado, the local villages, attractions and beaches that are all very inexpensive.
If you're going to be in Mexico for a short period but still want to explore as much as possible, then it is best to plan your main destination ahead of time. The bus system will offer you and easy and inexpensive mode of transportation. This is probably the best way to travel around in Mexico. Getting around in Mexico is essential. If you cannot travel around, you get the most out of your vacation.
Remember, always travel with trusted people and keep your belongings safe at all times. It's always best to follow these precautions so as not to get into any trouble, after all, a vacation is supposed to be relaxing. So, just follow these guides, and you will have an incredible time.
Mexico has always and will always be America's beach getaway. We have created the Mexico travel guides for you, to get the a basic idea of what to expect in Mexico. Luckily, we have aggregated some of the best online resources in this brief overview, to give you a good picture of Mexico, and it's completely free! One thing is for sure when going to Mexico, you will never run out of things to enjoy.
Inland Mexico is quite a large country that is composed of unique and vibrant regions. The inner sections of Mexico are filled wit mountain cities that have been heavily influenced by Spanish Colonial architecture. These cities can range from large contemporary cities like Monterrey and Mexico City to old-fashioned small towns or villages like San Miguel and San Luis Potosi. Practically all of the inner destinations in Mexico City and in the south offer historical ruins that have been preserved from a once mighty civilization, that opposed the Roman empire more than 2000 years ago.
Beaches The Mexican Riviera provides numerous wonderful destinations that include Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta, Acapulco, Mazatlan, Ixtapa, Manzanillo, Huatulco, and Cancun. Each of these cities boasts different moods and charms that is considered as one of the most amazing beach destinations in North America. The Mayan Riviera also hosts Mexico destinations are also very unique because they're not only beautiful beaches but they also offer easy access to a variety of the Mayan ruins, Cenotes and some of the most diverse and dynamic diving spots in the world.
Mexico Travel Guides Traveling to Mexico on a budget is very easy to do. Some globetrotters can survive on an incredibly low budget of USD 600 to USD 800. Small colonial cities also offer cheap but accommodating hotels. As much as possible, if you really want to stay in Mexico with a low budget, get to know the locals and live like them. This means that you may need to look for "rent" signs that will offer quaint rooms at even lower prices. It will also help you if you can find a local tour guide who will give you a real tour of the city and not something that's boring like most travel companies do. $20 would be a good price to pay them considering that you are getting an exotic look at Mexico. As soon as you have established your lodging, you can then visit the Mercado, the local villages, attractions and beaches that are all very inexpensive.
If you're going to be in Mexico for a short period but still want to explore as much as possible, then it is best to plan your main destination ahead of time. The bus system will offer you and easy and inexpensive mode of transportation. This is probably the best way to travel around in Mexico. Getting around in Mexico is essential. If you cannot travel around, you get the most out of your vacation.
Remember, always travel with trusted people and keep your belongings safe at all times. It's always best to follow these precautions so as not to get into any trouble, after all, a vacation is supposed to be relaxing. So, just follow these guides, and you will have an incredible time.
Learn More about traveling and international travel luggage. Find all the information you need for your destinations.
Vancouver Winter Olympics - Five Tips to Travel to the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games by Amtrak
Vancouver, British Columbia is an ideal location for the Olympic Winter Games. It is a major metropolitan area with significant infrastructure, close to world-class mountains and in a country that loves winter sports. The city's international culture embodies strong elements from both the East and West.
Another feature of this location is its proximity to the United States. Situated approximately 40 miles from the US/Canada border, Vancouver will be easy to reach by land. You may wish to consider rail travel as a relaxing and affordable method to travel to the Games. Given the elevated demand for airline seats into Vancouver around the time of the Olympics, a land alternative may be the most enjoyable way to get to Vancouver.
Here are five tips/hints for effectively traveling to/from the Vancouver Winter Olympics by Amtrak:
One: You must first decide your gateway city. Seattle and Portland, Oregon are the logical choices. Although both cities enjoy great air service, you may wish to take the Empire Builder from Chicago or Minneapolis/St. Paul to either gateway city. You will experience the vast Northern plains and the scenic Rocky Mountains (including Glacier National Park) along the way. Alternatively, you can fly into California and take the Coast Starlight north from Los Angeles or Oakland. Like the Empire Builder, this train has Superliner sleeper accommodations. Finally, there is Amtrak Cascades service five times a day between Portland and Seattle.
Two: Once you reach Seattle, you have multiple means of transportation north to the Olympic Games. You can travel on one of two Amtrak Cascades trains that include a stop in Bellingham, Washington before arriving in Vancouver. Alternatively, you can connect to an Amtrak Thruway Motorcoach that only stops in Surrey and Richmond, British Columbia before its arrival in Vancouver. If you really want to explore numerous modes of transportation, you can take the Victoria Clipper high-speed catamaran from Seattle to Victoria, BC and the Pacific Coast Lines bus service from Victoria to Vancouver.
Three: The next decision is where to stay. Most people will elect to find lodging in Vancouver. The Pacific Central Station, Amtrak's depot in Vancouver, is two blocks from the Main Street - Science World station on TransLink's SkyTrain service. Four TransLink and two Coast Mountain bus lines run close to the train station. You will want your hotel to be close to a transit lines since there will not be any private automobile parking at the Olympic venues. The good news is that your Olympic event ticket gives you unlimited, free access to the TransLink system on the day of that event and the early morning of the next day.
Four: Two alternative bases for the Olympic Games are Bellingham, WA and the Whistler, British Columbia areas. Bellingham is about sixty miles from Vancouver. Both Amtrak Cascades and Greyhound bus service are available to Vancouver many times a day. If mountain sports are the focus of your visit, you may wish to stay in the Whistler area. There is Greyhound Canada Thruway service from Vancouver's Pacific Central Station to the Pemberton/Whistler area.
Five: It will be extremely important to make advanced reservations for transportation and lodging to see the Olympic Winter Games. By buying your transportation tickets and reserving your lodging in advance, you may be able to receive discounted advanced purchase fares or fares for students and seniors. Finally, US citizens should remember that they will need to present their passports to cross back into the United States from Canada.
Another feature of this location is its proximity to the United States. Situated approximately 40 miles from the US/Canada border, Vancouver will be easy to reach by land. You may wish to consider rail travel as a relaxing and affordable method to travel to the Games. Given the elevated demand for airline seats into Vancouver around the time of the Olympics, a land alternative may be the most enjoyable way to get to Vancouver.
Here are five tips/hints for effectively traveling to/from the Vancouver Winter Olympics by Amtrak:
One: You must first decide your gateway city. Seattle and Portland, Oregon are the logical choices. Although both cities enjoy great air service, you may wish to take the Empire Builder from Chicago or Minneapolis/St. Paul to either gateway city. You will experience the vast Northern plains and the scenic Rocky Mountains (including Glacier National Park) along the way. Alternatively, you can fly into California and take the Coast Starlight north from Los Angeles or Oakland. Like the Empire Builder, this train has Superliner sleeper accommodations. Finally, there is Amtrak Cascades service five times a day between Portland and Seattle.
Two: Once you reach Seattle, you have multiple means of transportation north to the Olympic Games. You can travel on one of two Amtrak Cascades trains that include a stop in Bellingham, Washington before arriving in Vancouver. Alternatively, you can connect to an Amtrak Thruway Motorcoach that only stops in Surrey and Richmond, British Columbia before its arrival in Vancouver. If you really want to explore numerous modes of transportation, you can take the Victoria Clipper high-speed catamaran from Seattle to Victoria, BC and the Pacific Coast Lines bus service from Victoria to Vancouver.
Three: The next decision is where to stay. Most people will elect to find lodging in Vancouver. The Pacific Central Station, Amtrak's depot in Vancouver, is two blocks from the Main Street - Science World station on TransLink's SkyTrain service. Four TransLink and two Coast Mountain bus lines run close to the train station. You will want your hotel to be close to a transit lines since there will not be any private automobile parking at the Olympic venues. The good news is that your Olympic event ticket gives you unlimited, free access to the TransLink system on the day of that event and the early morning of the next day.
Four: Two alternative bases for the Olympic Games are Bellingham, WA and the Whistler, British Columbia areas. Bellingham is about sixty miles from Vancouver. Both Amtrak Cascades and Greyhound bus service are available to Vancouver many times a day. If mountain sports are the focus of your visit, you may wish to stay in the Whistler area. There is Greyhound Canada Thruway service from Vancouver's Pacific Central Station to the Pemberton/Whistler area.
Five: It will be extremely important to make advanced reservations for transportation and lodging to see the Olympic Winter Games. By buying your transportation tickets and reserving your lodging in advance, you may be able to receive discounted advanced purchase fares or fares for students and seniors. Finally, US citizens should remember that they will need to present their passports to cross back into the United States from Canada.
Charles Self is the editor of the Amtrak Train Stations Across America website. At http://www.passengertraininfo.com/vancouverwinterolympics.aspx you will find additional information on traveling to the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games and Amtrak train stations.
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