http://www.articletrader.com/ Articles at ArticleTrader en-us http://www.articletrader.com/travel/vacations/excellent-travel-deals-in-todays-economy.html http://www.articletrader.com/travel/vacations/excellent-travel-deals-in-todays-economy.html Fri, 08 May 2009 15:36:39 -0500
The travel industry has been hurting for a while and prices are being slashed to attract travelers. Places like Hawaii, Mexico and the Caribbean are offering heavily discounted travel packages and many new resorts have come on line. New resorts have sprung up in Jamaica, Dominican Republic, Cancun and the Mayan Riviera. Occupancy rates have been low with a large supply of hotel rooms.

If these resorts can cover their cost of having a guest stay in an otherwise empty room, the resort will profit from the money you spend at the bar, the restaurants, the spa and other activities. Last-minute travel deals are a win-win situation. The resort fills an empty room and makes money, and you the traveler get a great deal.

Peter B. Diaz, President and CEO of VoyageMonkey.com Online Travel says "Not only are we seeing deep discounted last-minute travel deals but longer term reservations booked well in advanced are seeing magnificent savings. The cruise industry is offering some of the best value vacation bargains we have seen in a long time. In recent years you have had many mega-cruise ships built. The law of supply and demand coupled with the recent economy has forced the cruise lines to compete heavily on price. It's very easy in today's market to cruise for under $100 per day per person."

Look at places like Maui Hawaii that rely heavily on tourism, occupancy rates have been low and their local economy has felt the pinch. Not only are the Maui resorts offering great deals, but the local businesses are competing for your dollars with benefits such as two for one drinks, early bird dinner specials and dining coupons. Starwood Resorts has regular specials on some of their Ka'anapali Maui properties which include The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, The Sheraton Resort at Black Rock and the Westin Ka'anapali Ocean Resort Villas. These are all four star resorts of the beach offering luxury accommodations and plenty of amenities.

Cabo San Lucas Mexico is also seeing some deep discounted travel specials. Suffering from bad press about Mexico drug gang crimes and the swine flu, Cabo is desperately trying to fill vacancies. Remember that Cabo is very isolated from mainland Mexico and what goes on there. Peak season luxury beach resort hotel rooms are easily available from between $100 to $200 per night. There are regular daily flights to Cabo from many major US cities. There have also been some heavily discounted travel deals to Cancun Mexico & the Mayan Riviera as well as many other Mexican resort destinations. Bad media press about Mexico is often good news for the fearless traveler.

You may not see a better time to take a luxury vacation and go someplace special. If you can afford it, make the commitment and take time off to travel like a king. You may not see an opportunity like this in a long time. It's time to search your favorite travel website or call your travel agent. Find out more about cheap travel deals at VoyageMonkey.com Online Travel




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Peter B. Diaz is President and CEO of VoyageMonkey.com Online Travel. VoyageMonkey.com provides discounted travel on hotels, flights, cruises, vacation packages and more.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/travel/vacations/unique-uk-accommodation.html http://www.articletrader.com/travel/vacations/unique-uk-accommodation.html Thu, 07 May 2009 09:09:09 -0500
Staying in a castle is one way to ensure that you have memories you won't soon forget. Castles remind people of days of knights and maidens and kings, and they conjure up ideas of dragons and conquerors and Medieval times, much to the excitement and wonder of young and old alike. Cottages are much quainter than the average hotel and whether they are catered like a hotel or self catering so that you have more freedom, they are good choices for having memories that are different from what one might expect on holiday. Lighthouses and stately homes are also great places to find holiday accommodations. They are very creative places, often times, and they can have views that are just breathtaking because of their placement and their proximity to natural features. When it comes to staying on a boat some people are worried about seasickness, but the natural rocking motion is generally very cosy and comforting, not something that you would feel uncomfortable with. No matter where you choose to stay, if you want something unique and different for your holiday accommodations, these are great places to consider, since you likely won't find anything like them in your standard hotel.



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This article was written on behalf of Northumbria Cottages who offer great Northumbrian Short Breaks

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/travel/vacations/taking-advantage-of-last-minute-travel-deals.html http://www.articletrader.com/travel/vacations/taking-advantage-of-last-minute-travel-deals.html Wed, 06 May 2009 17:40:27 -0500
When a hotel's near-term occupancy rates are low, or that flight taking off in a few days has empty seats, these businesses will lose potential money if that vacancy is never filed. The business will marginally make more money by filling the occupancies at deep discounts rather than having a vacant room or empty seat. These last minute deals generally occur from 3 weeks to 3 hours before the intended travel.

Hotels, flights and rental cars are often packages together in some combination at the last-minute to make the deal sweeter. If the hotel, airline and the car rental companies partner together and offer you a better package, those empty cars and hotel rooms fill and the flight gets fully booked. Everybody benefits. Package prices generally include all applicable taxes and fees but do not include gratuities, hotel parking fees, telephone fees, room service and other typical resort charges.

Last minute travel deals are generally paperless. Airline E-tickets are generated and the hotels are notified electronically with the reservation information. It is up to you to keep all your confirmation numbers and bring them with you when you travel. Last-minute deals that include flights are generally eligible for earning frequent flyer mile credit but can't be purchased by redeeming existing miles. Also your seat assignment is usually not reserved at the time of purchase. It is up to you to contact the airline with your confirmation information and reserve a seat through them. Same with special airline meal requests.

Many of the deals offered are for weekend getaways or longer weekend trips and may require a Saturday night stay over. Week-long travel may often be from a Wednesday to a Wednesday. Las Vegas is one of the exceptions with daily travel and generally no Saturday night stay over.

These deals sell out fast and availability changes all the time. You need to move quickly and book something you like when you first see it. Also, all purchases are generally final. You can't change your travel itinerary after the package is purchased. Many of these travel deals must be purchased online.

If you are interested in taking advantage of last-minute travel deals find a good travel website that offers last-minute travel packages and visit it regularly or get on their deals alert mailers if they offer them. If you know where you want to go, search by destination. Peter Diaz, President and CEO of VoyageMonkey.com Online Travel says "These deals are excellent for the person our couple that has a flexible schedule and knows exactly where they want to go but the exact date or time is not crucial to their travel plans. On the flip side, somebody with exact desired travel dates but no particular destination in mind could do a search by date and departure city and see what last-minute travel packages are available. By staying flexible you can save up to 70% or more. The cruise industry often puts together last-minute travel deals offering savings of up to 80% on unsold staterooms."

If you are a true bargain hunter and want to take advantage of last-minute travel opportunities, then stay flexible, monitor your favorite last-minute travel website, and get on the websites travel deals email list. You will be taking exotic vacations at a fraction of the cost. Learn more about booking last-minute travel deals at VoyageMonkey.com


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Peter B. Diaz is President and CEO of VoyageMonkey.com Online Travel - VoyageMonkey provides unique travel articles and online travel booking for cruises, hotels, flights, vacation packages and more.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/travel/vacations/top-tips-for-your-hotel-holiday.html http://www.articletrader.com/travel/vacations/top-tips-for-your-hotel-holiday.html Wed, 06 May 2009 03:40:01 -0500
Asking in advance is the best choice for these kinds of things because the places you'll be going will be ready for you, know you're coming, and already be expecting to accommodate you. Children and those with disabilities are those that you have to be most concerned with, but others might have special requests, too, and there's no reason not to see if they can be accommodated. It's like asking for a discount on the price - you may not get it, but you won't know if you can until you ask about it. Paying attention to where everyone is, what luggage they have, and that they all have tickets, passports, and anything else that they need is also a vital step, since one missing ticket or passport could spell disaster for a trip. Missed flights, ships, or trains could occur, and if you're taking connecting transportation from one place to another you might miss all of it. Be sure you have everything that you need before leaving on your hotel holiday but remember to also pack light.


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This article was written by Tom Sangers on behalf of Flackley Ash Country House Hotel Sussex

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/travel/vacations/tips-on-camping-in-texas.html http://www.articletrader.com/travel/vacations/tips-on-camping-in-texas.html Sat, 02 May 2009 18:12:56 -0500 Camping can be the time of your life, or it can be a nightmare; especially in the Texas heat.

Don't get discouraged, or let the Texas heat keep you and your family from enjoying the great wilderness. If you play it smart, you can keep cool, even in Texas.

The first thing you should do is choose the right campsite. You should try to find a site that has trees that can provide shade in the day light. If your tent is cooler during the day, then the nights won't be so miserable. Also try to choose a site that is near water and is out of the path of high winds.

Once you have selected your site, try covering your tent, picnic area, ECT. with a tarp. Basically all you are doing is covering the entire site with additional shade. Not only will it help keep your site cooler, it will also protect your site from rain.

A tent can get very hot and humid inside. If possible, try to avoid staying inside the tent during the day time hours. Try leaving the windows unzipped during the day. This will allow air flow through the tent helping it to stay cool.

Drink plenty of water. It is important to stay hydrated no matter where you are, whether it is in Texas camping or in Alaska skiing. Water is the best option. Alcohol and caffeine will actually dehydrate your body, so stay away from them as much as possible. It is also important to drink lots of water during the day, not just when you are thirsty or hot. Keeping your body hydrated will help you stay cooler when it is hot.

When out in the Texas climate, it is important to dress properly. Try wearing cotton and always wear light colored clothing. Cotton breathes and lighter clothing reflects the light.

Try to avoid strenuous exercise or activity during the hottest part of the day, usually between 12:00 pm and 3:00 pm. If you have a hike planned, try to start early in the morning so you can be finished earlier. Be sure to take plenty of breaks and enjoy the beautiful Texas scenery.

Always carry a towel or bandana with you. You can wet down the towel or bandana and wrap it around your head or your wrist if you get over heated.

Don't let the Texas temperatures scare you and your family away from a fun camping trip. Use common sense and follow the rules at the site you choose and you're sure to have a memorable camping trip.

There are many state parks in and around the Austin area. Many have public restrooms with showers available, just in case you don't like to rough it too much. Take the time and research and find the park that fits your family.


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Ki wants to help buyers find Austin real estate. He maintains a searchable Austin MLS directory on his website. He has worked in real estate for almost a decade. His site also provides information about Westlake Hills.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/travel/vacations/why-timeshare-ownership-resale-offers-a-practical-vacation-alternative-in-these-recessionary-times.html http://www.articletrader.com/travel/vacations/why-timeshare-ownership-resale-offers-a-practical-vacation-alternative-in-these-recessionary-times.html Wed, 29 Apr 2009 18:31:28 -0500
Timesharing, also known as or interval or vacation ownership, is a world-wide multi-billion dollar industry. A timeshare investment, unlike fractional ownership, is an investment in vacation lifestyle as opposed to real estate investment. Timeshare buyers receive all of the advantages of a luxury vacation home in most sought after locations, at resorts that generally offer superior facilities at the price of a standard resort hotel accommodation. The average timeshare unit is typically a generous sized condo that is completely equipped with a full kitchen and with one, two or more bedrooms thus providing a home away from home to young families in a safe environment. Timeshare properties are very well maintained and are rated 3 to 5 stars according to their many desirable recreational amenities such as pools, tennis courts and fitness centres. They are generally situated in prime areas of popular beachfront, golf course and ski resort destinations. As well, timeshare owners have the option of exchanging, banking or renting their timeshare weeks, allowing a greater flexibility.

Before making a timeshare purchase there are a number of things to consider. The first and most important decision should be deciding not only where you would like to spend your vacation every year, but whether or not you want to vacation every year. Once you have found a vacation destination that you really love and would be happy to return to regularly, your next step is to find the right timeshare property in that location. Before you buy, take some time to research the property and, if possible, talk to other timeshare owners. Seriously considering the secondary timeshare market can help you find tremendous value. The fact that resale timeshares can often be purchased from their current owners for much less than a comparable new timeshare is generally due to the fact that most owners who purchased several years ago are willing to sell for the initial amount invested, therefore offering it at yesterday's prices. At this point, using the services of a timeshare professional can be of tremendous benefit, especially for the first time buyer. With so many different types of timeshare available and so many timeshare resort clubs to choose from, a timeshare consultant can help to steer you in the right direction while considering your vacation needs and budget.

To get the most out of your vacation dollar, purchasing a resale timeshare is the way to go. Buyers can save thousands of dollars when buying a timeshare at an established vacation club or timeshare resort. With secondary market timeshares, interested buyers can rent from existing owners at established resort properties and witness firsthand how well a prospective timeshare property is run and if it is right for them. Buying used gives purchasers all the benefits of carefree vacation ownership at yesterday's prices.

Timeshare ownership assures an annual vacation at your own resort property or at an exchange property in another sought-after location. Purchasing a resale timeshare is a great way to achieve best value in timeshare ownership. For many it is definitely an investment towards a vacation lifestyle worth owning.

Contact Information:
Dean Floreani
Timesharing Style
Galeries De Monts
75 De La Gare C-4
St-Sauveur Quebec J0R 1R6
Toll free: 1-866-769-5656
Local: 450-2405656
info@timesharingstyle.com
www.timesharingstyle.com


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About Timesharing Style: A bilingual (French and English) timeshare resource centre for timeshare buyers and timeshare sellers, Timesharing Style provides a comprehensive guide on timesharing trends and features interval ownership properties available for sale or for rent in Quebec, Ontario, British Columbia, in countries throughout Europe such as France, Greece, Spain and Italy, and the Caribbean. Timesharing Style's fractional ownership sales and marketing team specializes in timeshare and vacation ownership workshops seminars to help bring sellers and buyers together on the secondary resale market. Visit www.timesharingstyle.com for more information about timeshare ownership.



Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/travel/vacations/top-weekend-breaks-in-the-west-country.html http://www.articletrader.com/travel/vacations/top-weekend-breaks-in-the-west-country.html Mon, 27 Apr 2009 08:37:04 -0500
Torquay is a popular place as well, since it's more relaxed and peaceful than many of the large and bustling metropolitan areas. Devon is good, and there are an abundance of castles to visit along with the natural beauty of the area. There are castles all throughout the West Country, and you can make quite a holiday out of just seeing them. If you really want to check out somewhere great, though, it's wise to take a look at Bath.

Not everyone realizes how beautiful that area is, and if you haven't been there in a while - or if you've never been there at all - it's time that you went there and had a look. It's not that Bath is perfect, but a Bath weekend break can really give you time to relax and enjoy nature as well as have plenty of things to do when you feel like venturing out. There are many festivals and concerts in Bath, so if you like those kinds of things it's a great place to go for a couple of days. Weekends are more popular with tourists than weekdays, though, so if you're going to be travelling to Bath for the weekend you'll want to make sure that you book far enough ahead to get the kind of accommodations that you're looking for. That will help to ensure that you'll have a great time and won't be stuck looking for lodging after you've arrived. If you go in the off season you can generally get better rates, as well, so that's worth looking into. Most people can certainly use a weekend break to Bath, even when it's not the most popular travelling season.


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This article was written on behalf of Bailbrook Lodge providing Bath Accommodation ideal for a Spa Breaks in Bath.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/travel/vacations/great-beaches-on-the-isle-of-wight.html http://www.articletrader.com/travel/vacations/great-beaches-on-the-isle-of-wight.html Mon, 27 Apr 2009 08:31:30 -0500
There are more than one hundred and forty thousand people who call it home, but they will be happy to welcome you on your holiday adventure. The Isle of Wight has many unspoiled areas along with its beaches, and the countryside overall is amazing, so it's something that you shouldn't miss during your stay. Ocean ferries take you between the mainland and the Isle of Wight, so it's easy for you to get there with no work involved.

Once you get there, you can really relax, because Isle of Wight breaks are some of the best that the UK has to offer. The restaurants, the beaches, and the accommodations are not easy to forget, and they keep people coming back to the Isle of Wight again and again, no matter how many times they've already been to a particular area or seen a particular attraction - and that's especially true of the beaches. Many places have nice beaches, but the area near Sandown, with all of that white sand, is really exquisite. People love to come there with their special someone, with their children, or just with their family or friends. Some come alone, just to be part of nature and at peace for a little while. There are so many miles of coastline and beach that you can get the solitude that you crave or you can spend time with others. The choice is really up to you, and the Isle of Wight offers you both options. It's a great way to keep visitors interested in the area and keep them coming back for more of the beauty of the Isle of Wight each time they take a holiday.


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This article was written on behalf of Gurnard Pines a Isle of Wight Holiday Parks perfect for taking an Isle of Wight Holiday.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/travel/vacations/why-you-should-spend-extra-on-a-luxury-holiday.html http://www.articletrader.com/travel/vacations/why-you-should-spend-extra-on-a-luxury-holiday.html Mon, 27 Apr 2009 08:29:18 -0500
Among the best ways to take a luxury holiday is to rent a cottage. It sounds simple, but there are cottages in Cornwall and other areas that are the epitome of luxury and class. There are coastal cottages, self catering options that are large and can accommodate many people, and holiday homes. There are also beach houses and castles. Staying in a cottage has mostly become a term for not staying in a hotel, even though many of the options that you'll have for places to stay aren't really 'cottages' in the truest sense of the term. A castle certainly doesn't qualify as a cottage.

No matter where you decide to stay, though, spending a bit more on a luxury holiday should be something you're considering. You don't want to take an incredibly cheap holiday and feel down about it the entire time. You want to go somewhere that you feel is worth the money and that you'll thoroughly enjoy. For a luxury accommodation, Cornwall is difficult to beat. There are so many fabulous options therefore unique and beautiful places to stay. There are great hotels, but there are also all kinds of cottages and homes that you can enjoy. Don't just settle for booking the first place that you find. Ask around. Do some research. Talk to a travel professional. In the end, taking the time to find just the right place will be worth the time and effort that you'll be putting into it because you'll have a great and luxurious holiday that was well worth what you spent. If you book early and/or go on holiday in the off season, you may be able to get some of your luxury for less, too.


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This article was written on behalf of The Valley, providing Luxury Holiday in Cornwall in fantastic
Luxury Holiday Cottages in Cornwall.


Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/travel/vacations/summer-vacation-on-a-budget.html http://www.articletrader.com/travel/vacations/summer-vacation-on-a-budget.html Mon, 27 Apr 2009 03:00:27 -0500
There are many things to do in Texas and around Austin. If you have kids that love history, then the Bob Bullock Texas State Museum is a great place to start. The museum explains Texas' history and has thousands of displays. It also has an IMAX theatre that shows 3-D and 2-D shows. They also host a series of free Friday night concerts. The museum is located downtown at 1800 North Congress Avenue.

The Austin Children's Museum is geared towards younger kids, and offers many hands on projects for the kids to enjoy. This museum is also located downtown at 201 Colorado Street.

Just a few miles south in New Braunfels, is the McKenna Children's Museum. This museum is also a hands on learning museum. Kids can feel, touch and taste many of the exhibits. They can learn about science, medicine and much more. It is perfect for those kids who love to figure out how things work.

If your family loves animals, then try a day at the Austin Zoo. Located at 10807 Rawhide Trail, this zoo is a little off the beaten path. The zoo hosts a variety of animals such as lions, tigers, monkeys and much more. They also have a petting zoo available for those who just can't look!

For Austinites, a day in the park means a day at Zilker Park! The home of Barton Springs Pool, a spring fed pool that stays at a cool 68 degrees year round. There are many fun things for the entire family to do at Zilker Park. The park offers a free summer concert series that show cases local and other bands. The concerts are free and make a wonderful cheap night out, whether you are a teen or an adult.

If your family wants a little more adventure than what Austin has to offer, you can take a short drive to San Antonio and visit Fiesta Texas and Sea World. Sea World has a deal where you can buy a year pass for the price of a one day ticket. It is just one of the ways they are trying make vacation a little easier for Americans this year.

Fiesta Texas also has promotions for visitors. You can discount coupons at several places, and on Coke cans.

Schlitterbahn is just a few miles away in New Braunfels, and is a very popular hot spot for Texans. Take the entire family and spend the day sliding and tubing in America's largest water park. Like Fiesta Texas and Sea World, you can find discount tickets.

The wonderful thing about living in Austin is that there are many things to do and see, just take the time and look.


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Ki has lived in Austin since college. He maintains a website for buyers to search Austin real estate listings. His site has a search of the Austin MLS along with Round Rock real estate listings.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]>