The Travellers Warehouse

Some people like a little more adventure when they travel. Hotels may not be for everyone on the travel circuit. A lot of people like going off the beaten path by renting an apartment, condo or B&B (Bed and Breakfast). This often saves money and allows the globetrotter to spend more time among local populations. Holiday rentals can be the perfect solution. Vacation Home Rentals

It really depends upon what type of vacation is wanted. Someone might want to learn more about the people living in an area especially when traveling abroad. They like the idea of eating at local restaurants and outside cafes rather than calling room service for every meal. Many rentals have their own kitchen so someone can go to the local market and find their own food. This might be especially important for people on restricted diets. Some rentals also have laundry facilities, and the traveler does not have to pay extra to clothes washed, or waste time looking for a public laundry.

If someone wants something a little fancier there are villas that can be rented. This is especially when traveling in Europe. For example, let’s take a look at villa possibilities in Spain. May, June and September are the best months to travel in Spain. Eurail Spain Rail Pass It is one of the most beautiful countries in the world and should not been seen in a hurry. Renting a villa for a few weeks might be a wiser option than staying in an upscale hotel. Look for one that has weekly or monthly rates would be a wiser choice. Keep in mind that landlords tend to give large discounts to tenants who stay longer. Some of the best villas in Spain are near the famous vineyards that thrive there. From that vantage point travelers can afford to move around and see the real Spain.

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Shopping for a good hotel can be a little time consuming, but worth the effort. Where does one start? Hotels.com

We all want to be comfortable on a trip, but we don’t want to use up all the money on expensive accommodations. How does the traveler find the best hotel deals? Here are a few tips that will be helpful in your search.

1. First of all plan in advance. Trying to do things at the last minute is not only frustrating but can turn out to be very costly. By working way ahead of schedule you are more likely to find better accommodations at a fraction of the cost. This means planning your trip at least six months to a year ahead of time, so that you can get great deals on everything. A lot of hotels offer substantial discounts to travelers who book in advance, and will many give additional discounts to those who book more than one room. This is good to keep in mind when traveling with families. Top Family Fun Destinations! Sometimes hotels will furnish one of the rooms free for advance customers.

2. Off- season travel is always a good time to plan a vacation. Empty hotels are the norm when travel seasons end, and it actually costs the hotel money so they are more than happy to offer the traveler a better than average deal. The traveler is able to find hotels willing to give substantial discounts because they want to keep their hotels full.

There are two ways to search for a good hotel. The first one is just by calling yourself or by going through the Internet. Personal calls can be fruitful. By calling a hotel manager you might receive benefits that would not otherwise be available. It doesn’t hurt to try! There are special sites that you can access on-line. You simply put in the amount you want to pay and then the site will search hotels willing to let you have a room for that amount. These sites are known as hotel finders. The advantage to using such a site is that you often find cheaper rates, and they offer cancellation insurance which could come in handy in case of emergencies.

Another thing you can do is start clipping coupons or you can do what so many others are doing, and that is joining on-line coupon clubs. They do all the research for you and periodically send updated information about new discounts being offered from hotels, motels and resorts all over the country, and even in some other parts of the world. The customer does have to pay a membership fee, but if you travel a lot the amount of money saved would more than pay for it.

Technorati Tags: Shopping for a good hotel, Off- season travel, hotel finders, cancellation insurance, on-line coupon clubs

Sometimes one wants a vacation but needs to figure out where to go an a trip. Here are several points to consider when deciding where to travel.

1. How Long Can You Travel For? Often you have so much time for vacation and you want to get the most out of it. If you only have a three day weekend, you will most likely want to go somewhere that takes less than 5 hours of travel. While this is only a rule of thumb, consider that you want to have time to enjoy the place you are going as well as have enough time to really get your money’s worth. If you spend too much time actually getting there and back, your 3 day weekend ends up being a 1 day weekend. If you find you want to go somewhere further, consider extending your holiday if possible.

2. What Activities Do You Like Doing? Whether you are going to a golf resort or a beach in the tropics, you want your trip to have all the activities you desire. Taking the time to list what you are hoping for in advance may help your vacation be that much more enjoyable. By doing this, you can research possibilities in advance. Sandals Beaches and Resorts have all the activities any traveler could desire.Save 50% off Sandals Luxury Resorts, Click Here!

3. What Is Your Budget? Vacations can be expensive or inexpensive, depending on your planning and desires. However, when you know how much you want to spend, you can often make your decisions easier.

4. What is Your Preferred Weather Though you can not control the weather, knowing what normal conditions are helps. Additionally, you may choose a different destination if you find that the weather is too hot or too cold during the time period you want to travel.

5. What Do You Like to See Do you want a get away in the country or in a big city? Do you like to explore beaches, historical sites, mountain hikes or museums? Depending on what you want to see will further narrow your destinations. Alternatively, if you want some of everything, you may want to consider a tour or cruise.

6. Do You want to Visit Friends or Family? If you are going to visit family or friends, your destination will often be determined by their location unless you plan to do a multi-stop trip. One way around this can be doing a trip together. THis can be exciting but takes additional coordination.

7. Night Time Activities? Many people think of daytime activities and then are disappointed when their idea of nightlife and their destinations nightlife availability differ. Be sure that where you are going has the activities you desire.

8. Peak or Off-Peak? Off-Peak seasons are often much cheaper and less crowded - but sometimes you will find that many estbalishments are closed. Do your homework first so you don’t go to a beach town to find everything closed when you get there.

9. Events, Festivals, Shows, Exhibits Whether you are traveling to see the Superbowl or a movie festival, timing is everything. Know that during the even itself housing is often in short supply, so booking early is key. If you are staying extra time, you can stay in a different hotel to get a totally different feel of the city and the surrounding area if desired.

10. Stuff for the Kids, Adults, Seniors and Pets Of course when traveling, make sure there are activities for everyone in your group. If you are taking your pet, trip planning is essential. Often hotels will have activities for children, be certain to ask in advance.

Technorati Tags: where to go an a trip, deciding where to travel, trip planning

Shopping for bargain cruises is when all the fun really begins, and it is a good idea to continuously shop especially if you are avid traveler. Travelers need to keep a sharp lookout out for really good deals. More and more people will be seeking out other ways to take trip besides using air travel. Cruises are a lot more fun, and if the right company is used the service might be a lot better. Cruise lines could be entering a whole new phase of business navigating the high seas.

Cruise travel has been a luxury option for travelers in the past, but now it is becoming a more reasonable option. With a little time and effort, you can find yourself on bargain cruises that have all the amenities of a luxury cruise, but at a fraction of the cost. One cruise broker we can recommend is cruisedirect.com

To find a bargain cruise the traveler needs to spend some time learning just what a “bargain cruise” means. What should always be included in the definition of bargain cruises is the value you get for every dollar you spend. Surfing the internet is a good place to start, but good information can be found in travel magazines and publications. Taking small local cruises can also be helpful because of connections made with other travelers. Who knows who one might meet on a daily cruise between Los Angeles and Catalina Island. The idea is to focus and spend a while really researching your trip. These types of cruises are ideal for family outings so consider Family Cruises

Cruise Bargain Hunting Tips

1. Look for cruise specialists. They are really interested in finding the best deal, and help get the best value for the money. Use an agent that specializes in various types of cruises, for example: someone who does nothing but Mediterranean cruises, and then start narrowing the search down to those agents who are willing to help find bargain prices. They know exactly where to look.

2. A good agent will keep their eyes open for ships that have a lot of empty cabins, and often can get substantial discounts because the company wants to leave port with a full load of passengers.

3. A lot of times travelers can find space at the last minute if the ship is not filled to capacity, and either the traveler or the agent can barter a very good trip. Look at favorite internet sites on a regular basis to keep abreast of new developments.

Travelers who do not mind some inconvenience, freighter ships can certainly be considered bargain cruises. These types of cruises are definitely not luxury trips but are a lot cheaper, and might stop in ports that are skirted by more expensive cruise lines.

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When booking a trip across the country with 7 weeks notice, I found prices were much more than expected. For my preferred flights (non-stop, daytime, etc), it was going to be $660 per person. That was much more than I wanted to spend. Then I found Travelocity Trip Packages! I managed to get BOTH my preferred flights and my 3 night hotel stay for $605 per person. That is a HUGE vacation savings! Here is how I proved I was really getting a deal:

First I compared the price of my desired flight on Travelocity, Orbitz, Cheap Tickets, and the actual airline. All were within $5-10 depending on how they showed booking fees/taxes.

Then, I noticed that Travelocity had a button next to my desired flight saying book with hotel stay for as little as $583/person. I figured that was in addition to my cost — but it wasn’t! I looked at over 125 hotel choices. I found the hotel I was wanting to stay in before booking the flight. So, I chose that hotel. Total cost for flight and hotel was $606 per person.

So if you are needing both airline tickets and a hotel stay, consider this amazing vacation package deal. Know Travelocity SAVES You 20% or MORE on Air Fares and save hundreds of dollars!

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I found this wonderful deal for Hawaii. Save when you book a 6-night or longer vacation package to Hawaii - PROMO CODE: HAW150

Hawaii is one of the most relaxing places in the world. This super Hawaii vacation deal is good through March 31, 2008.

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Peter Greenburg, a contributor for The Today Show related an experience he had  at Chicago’s O’Hare Airport where he found himself stranded.  He invoked the old “Rule 240″ regulation that states that when flights are delayed or cancelled for anything other than weather the airline has to re-book a passenger on the next available flight. That means that flight can be on any airline. The ticket agent may try to get you on one of their flights, but that flight may not leave until the next morning.  By asking nicely about Rule 240 there may be help for a stranded passenger.

Greenburg noticed that while flights were cancelled on his chosen airline other flights on other carriers going to the same destination were leaving on time.  He invoked Rule 240, and it was only then that airline employees began booking flights for stranded passengers.

Most airlines that were around before de-regulation adhere to the rule. Some of the newer airlines never had the rule in their guidelines and they may not follow it.  But it doesn’t hurt to try!

The rule was enacted by the Civil Aeronautics Board which used to regulate airlines. Airlines had to pay tariffs and documentation governing them included all the company rules on delays, baggage and fare conditions.  These documents included the 240 Rule. After deregulation airlines were not required to submit tariffs anymore, however a lot of them reluctantly will still honor the rule, especially if a passenger brings it up.

Also, keep your eyes on the departure boards.  Check and see when your flight is leaving from its’ original destination and when the plane will be arriving at your departure gate.  If the airline says the flight is delayed don’t be afraid to ask why.  If the delay is going to be too long and you will miss connecting flights nicely ask if they can invoke the 240 Rule and get you on another flight.  Sometimes they will do it, and sometimes they won’t.  But, you can try!

Even with gas prices going through the roof people are driving more because airline tickets are also becoming more expensive. Car travel actually is the lesser of two the increasing price evils, unless an individual has to get somewhere quickly. Since families cannot fly reasonably they are opting to drive to areas closer to home. For example, a young couple living in Los Angeles may decide to drive to San Francisco instead of flying there. This most likely means traveling with children may include traveling with a baby. So, let’s look at some car travel tips with baby.

1. 12 months is the usual age that a baby can travel in a car without Child Car Safety Seat, however it is a good idea to have car seats available until a child is at least two or 3 years old. The seat should be buckled to the car with the auto seat belt. Babies should be in a car seat that faces backwards in the rear middle seat of an automobile, if possible. A rear middle seat is a very safe place for your little one no matter how many people are in the car.

2. Other car travel tips with baby suggest that you take extra time in choosing a proper car seat, and take time to learn how to properly install it. Hospitals sometimes have child seat loaner programs and can help you make sure it is properly installed. It wouldn’t hurt to check. At least you would find out exactly what type of seat you need.

3. Don’t place a baby in the front seat of a car if the passenger side has an airbag because while airbags are there for safety reasons they can do real damage to a baby.

4. One of the best car travel tips with baby is: If your baby is asleep leave him/her that way. When your baby is awake and really behaving nicely interact with them by making the atmosphere pleasant. Quietly sing or hum as you drive, and talk to them. A favorite blanket or stuffed toy is nice to have handy next to the seat. There might be other favorite items that the baby would like to play with. Do everything you can to keep your child occupied.

5. Car travel tips with baby include what to do when a baby starts to yell and scream. As long as you know there is nothing wrong, ignore it, and when calm and quiet returns begin humming, singing or chatting again. The baby will get the message. There is a reward for staying quiet. You should set an example by not yelling or hollering yourself. Maintain a quiet, reserved presence. Don’t take the baby out of the car seat if he/she is just bored or having a tantrum. Try to remove them when they are quiet.

6. Older children need to be taught good behavior when riding in a car especially when a baby is present. Early travel education needs to include instructions on how to always keep their own seat belts fastened.

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In today’s internet world the traveler has a virtual smorgasbord when it comes to booking travel. Travelers have a variety of ways to secure tickets more cheaply. The airlines, cruise lines, car rental companies and hotels all have lower on line fares, and then there are independent websites like Expedia that can offer some trips even cheaper. The travel shopper has a lot of choices.

However, there are times when it is better to use a travel agent even though it might be more costly. A lot of agents today work on line, but there is nothing like talking to a real live person when booking a complicated trip. They can answer all your questions, and they will look for the best deals. For example if I am going to visit family or friends in Denver I might book my reservation on line, but what if I want to book a three week vacation to Las Vegas or Paris. For example, Paris City Sightseeing Tours if you don’t know where to get them. You might need to talk to an agent to get the best deal. It is also probably better to book a cruise through an agent because they know the best cruise ship lines, and can get you the right accommodations, however you can save money by looking on line at cruisedirect.com.

A good agent will go the extra mile to find the best deal, and a lot of agents have contracts with consolidators who do not have their agendas posted publicly. A travel agent will have surcharges for such services, but it might save the traveler money in the long run.

Some airlines sell only through travel agents. Cathay Pacific and Malaysia Airlines are two carriers who sell air passes through travel agents. Also, if the traveler has special needs it is good to work with an agent. Senior citizens who might be traveling to Thailand to get a cheaper medical procedure should consider working with a real live agent.

Working with an agent can also save a lot of time for travelers who are taking a luxury cruise, or being brave enough to go on a safari.

If someone is going on a world tour or an extended vacation an agent can arrange a complete itinerary. They will know whether a hotel has a shuttle service that goes to downtown Paris, or if you have to us the Paris Metro. I was fortunate enough to be meeting up with a friend in Japan who understood how to get around. Getting from the Tokyo airport to a hotel can be a major undertaking. That type of information may not be available on a website. I had a friend in Japan, but an agent would certainly have been the next best selection.

An agent can also help you get a visa if necessary. This is real important in today’s world. Americans are not particularly liked in some parts of the world. An agent can be a big help for the person traveling to “difficult” countries like Russia or China. They will work out a deal where a single payment can be made instead of paying for the trip as you go.

A travel agent will be needed if you are traveling to a remote or unfrequented destination. More than likely they will try to book a charter package. Charter packages can end up being cheaper because hotels and airport transfers are included in the price. If a flight has been canceled, and you find yourself stranded call your agent immediately and they will help book the next available flight for you.

Because of the competition in the travel industry travel agents will do their very best to give good service. That is a rare commodity these days.

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In 2005 I went to Australia and back with intermediate stops in Hawaii. It was a wonderful trip with 6 days in Hawaii and several days in the Brisbane area of Australia. The fireworks really started when I got back and had to call my heart specialist to schedule an appointment I just casually mentioned that I had just come home from Australia. There was immediate alarm on the other end of the line. “Come in right away,” she said. I answered, “I am very busy here at work. Can’t I come in tomorrow?” “No, she commanded, “come in right now!” So, I cleaned up my desk and headed down to the clinic to be examined for blood clots. The condition my cardiologist was concerned about is known as Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), and all travelers need to be educated about it. The condition can cause a heart attack or a stroke.