Archive for August 2011
Steps For Getting A Great Price On The Perfect Accommodation
Hotel prices are a true haggler’s game. The rules are sneaky and confusing. Following are a few bargaining tactics for attaining the best hotel rates:
Call the hotel you’re interested in and ask for a lower rate. This trick doesn’t always work, but sometimes it does and is worth a try. Ask if the hotel has any marketing or special rates and packages for the dates you’re interested in. If you have a travel service membership, are a senior, have a family, have frequent flier miles, or are a government employee, feel free to mention this when you call. Perhaps the hotel has special rates for certain members. A small secret is sometimes hotels have fallback rates. Fallback rates are special rates for travelers who refuse to pay the requested rate.
Shop on the internet. Check discounted hotel deals daily on the web on your favorite sites. Sometimes hotels run exclusive promotions for on the web bookings. Keep in mind that some online sites charge booking fees. Therefore, once you have found a great hotel deal online, call the hotel directly to ask if the hotel can match the rate found in order to avoid an on the web booking fee.
Call the hotel directly instead of booking through the 800 number reservation system. The reason for this is sometimes agents do not have the authority to negotiate. Hotels may perhaps be more flexible with their rates if they have a low number of bookings and want to discount the rooms.
Be flexible. Hotel rates vary greatly depending on the date. If you are interested in a hotel that serves mostly business travelers, then a great weekend rate might be found. Whereas, if the interest is in a B&B, leisure property or family-type hotel, rooms on the weekdays will be the cheapest. Peak seasons also have a great impact on hotel room prices. If a trip is scheduled for off-peak season, a room can be found at a cheaper rate.
Take advantage of Last-minute specials. They are advertised frequently. If travel plans are flexible, booking a hotel room at the last minute works well because hotel managers lower the rates to fill the remaining rooms.
Look for vouchers and coupons for hotel room on the internet. Do a web search for hotel coupons.
After booking a hotel room for the future, follow the hotel rates for chosen dates. If rates drop and there is no penalty for cancellation, cancel and rebook the same room.
Use hotel reward points to lower room rates.
Best Cruise Vacations
Cruise vacations have recently become very popular. With the rising airfare prices, cruises are able to provide passengers a more affordable trip all over the world. Having a hard time narrowing down places in which you should travel? I have compiled a list of a few of the top destinations. Keep in mind each location has various locations to choose from, you just have to pick the region.
Mexico. Mexico is quick and it’s easy. With ports all along the southern coast this makes this one of the easiest cruise destinations. You can go to the Mexican Rivera, Cancun, Cozumel, and many more. The possibilities are endless. My advice would be to travel during the winter months and avoid June through November if you can. You never know what hurricane season will bring
The Caribbean. With its crystal blue waters and multiple stops, the Caribbean is a personal favorite of mine. There are different regions that you can visit. It all depends on where you are able to travel from. Just like a cruise to Mexico, I would avoid hurricane season. Most cruise lines travel here because of its popularity so you can find a ship that fits your own personal style.
Alaska. A popular United States destination spot, Alaska allows travels to embark on a different style cruise. Instead of beaches and sand, passengers are able to bask in the beauty of mountains, wildlife, and all the nature has to offer. Typically drawing an older crowd, this cruise is great if you want a nice relaxing vacation. The Alaskan cruise season is usually from May to mid September.
Europe. If you have never been to Europe, I suggest that you go. On a European cruise you get the best of both worlds. Not only are you stopping at different ports but every day you are able to wake up in a different country. Like the other cruises, there are different cruise packages available based on the ports that you would most like to see. What a great way to take a cruise and see Europe. Look to travel between April and November so that you have the most options to choose from.
Now that I have helped you narrow down just a few regions, it is up to you to figure out where you want to travel. Make sure you read all packing restrictions and that you are aware about what is acceptable and not. Of course with any trip it is also important to find some cheap travel insurance and protect yourself just in case. Bon Voyage!
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