Three Cheap Travel Tips

Cheap travel means you get to go more often, go on longer trips or just save some of your money for other things. Fortunately, it doesn’t mean low-quality travel. If you find a way to get a cheaper plane ticket, for example, you might be flying on the same plane as with the more expensive tickets.

Of course sometimes you can save money by traveling differently, and that’s okay too. Why pay an extra $40 for a hotel if you like the idea of staying in a hostel with visitors from around the world? Why rent a car in countries where good bus and train systems make for cheaper and more interesting trips?

Essentially you can travel cheap in two ways. First, you can find cheaper ways to get the same thing. The other, perhaps more powerful way, is to alter your expectations and plans to create a more interesting trip that is also inexpensive. The tips that follow will help you do both.

1. See if you can book two flights cheaper than one

My wife and I are thinking about going to Ecuador this year (2007). Checking for our approximate dates, I found that it would cost $950 each round trip from Colorado Springs, or $1,900 total. Then I checked from Colorado Springs to Miami. It would be $215 round trip. From Miami to Guayaquil, Ecuador costs $350 round trip. That makes it just $565 to Ecuador, or $1,130 total – a savings of $770.

Of course, if you are going to do this, you have to find flights that have enough time in-between them. You probably won’t get e refund if you miss the second flight because of a delay on the first. In our case, we have friends near Miami, so we’ll just arrange the flights to be a day or two apart, and go visiting. Even after the cost of renting a car for a couple days we’ll still be hundreds of dollars ahead.

2. Live in a new place for a while

One way to make a vacation less rushed, cheaper, and in many ways more interesting, is to stop going from hotel to hotel. Why not stay in a place, and even rent a condo or apartment? We did this a few years back in Tucson, Arizona. It was nice to escape winter for a couple months, and it was fun to explore and get to know a new city. Often you can save hundreds of dollars this way, versus paying by the night for hotel rooms.

3. Be an opportunistic traveler

This is the most valuable of these cheap travel tips. There are so many things to do out there and so many places to see, so why get stuck on just the ones you have already thought of? With a little luck, you might find a more interesting place to go for half the price. With little shopping, you might find a bed and breakfast in whatever country you visit, and pay less for a more interesting experience.

First look for all the possible alternatives that are less expensive. This isn’t about doing something you don’t want to do. But among those cheaper choices there might be a perfect trip for you. Why not find out? To start with, do any of your friends live in interesting places? Visiting friends is a great way to save on travel costs and have a load of fun (with the right friends).

Here’s a good example of being an opportunist. We were in the mountain resort town of Banos, Ecuador, and asked about the cost of taxi ride to some waterfall. It was $15. It was apparently a popular attraction with tourists. We kept that in mind as we wandered around. Then we saw a chiva (an open-sided bus with seating on the roof) go by playing music. We asked about that.

The chiva took us on a tour of the city (I rode on the roof), then up into the mountains for a view of the city from above. Then we watched the volcano Tungurahua erupt and spit out a bit of lava. They served us hot rum drinks (included in the price), and there were fire-juggling entertainers. Passengers had to push the chiva to get it started for the trip back to town. The cost of all this? $3 each. Cheap travel does not mean uninteresting travel.

Top 5 Important Tips For a Long Vacation

So, you’re finally going on a long vacation! There are some things you should do before you go; planning ahead will ensure a safe and memorable trip. Some questions you should ask yourself are: how far are you going to drive every night, how are you going to keep the kids occupied, does your destination hotel accept pets, is the car ready, etc. Now that you’re thinking ahead, here are five important tips for a long vacation.

First, have your vehicle checked. Ask your mechanic for an oil change, tire rotate & balance and a mechanical inspection. The mechanic should check: oil & filter, transmission fluid, antifreeze, CV joints (on 4×4’s), spare tire, wrench and jack. Check your owner’s manual for any information you may need as to tire pressure, how to change a headlight etc.

Second tip, do you have an emergency kit? Some things that should be in it are: jumper cables, a can of tire inflator, flashlight (with good working batteries of course!), gloves, a simple tool kit with screwdrivers, pliers, sockets & driver, spare headlight, fuses & windshield wipers, can of motor oil and some extra antifreeze. If you will be traveling in the winter you should also have a large empty metal coffee can with a candle, chocolate or power bar, tea or coffee bags, and matches (in a zip-lock baggie) in it and a space-age blanket, wool socks and non-clumping kitty litter for traction.

Third tip is to pack appropriately for the weather; is it hotter or colder where you are going on your long vacation? If it’s hotter, add to your suit case: sunscreen, lotion, sandals, bathing suit, kids’ floaters, and beach towels. If it’s colder, add boots & boot socks, mittens & gloves, and hats & scarves.

Fourth tip is a first aid kit. You can buy traveler or vehicle first aid kits. The difference is mostly in their size and container. Traveler kits weigh less, have fewer supplies and are in a compact pouch and vehicle kits weigh more, have a few more supplies and the pouch folds up to fit in the glove compartment or under the seat.

The fifth tip is for if you’re travelling with children on a long vacation don’t forget to pack some of their favorite things; pillow, blanket, stuffed animal, quiet toys, crayons, coloring books, and pajamas. You’ll need some car-friendly snacks; trail mix, honey nut cheerios, raisins, banana chips, pretzels, granola bars etc.

Ten Tips on Traveling with Babies

Pick a good place for the whole family

The first thing is to make sure the whole family can have fun. Now is not the time to re-do fun trips you had when you were single or newly married. That will only bring disappointment for everyone. Pick places that are family-friendly, even if they are not quintessential family resorts. While perhaps not on your top list of vacation spots, a trip near grandma’s house might be just the ticket so that you actually get a break during your vacation.

Plan age-appropriate activities and plan your day so that everyone is relaxed

Babies are easily over-stimulated by too many sights and sounds. They also get bored on long sight-seeing bus tours or when they are stuck in one place for too long. Limit your plans to one activity a day and plan to spend a lot of time around a wading pool, which you might find is the best activity for little kids no matter where you’ve traveled to.

Try to plan your trip overnight

If you have a very small baby, you may want to take a very short overnight getaway just so you know what you’re getting into. In many ways, traveling with a small baby is easier than traveling with a 2-year old. This will also give you a better idea on what to pack.

Keep safety in the back of your mind

If you’re planning a trip to a hotel or house with a pool, make sure you’ve thought of how you will monitor your child 100% of the time. A leisurely vacation can be spoiled if you’re worried all the time about losing a child to a pool accident, the second largest cause of death in small children. Also, make sure to adequately plan for the sun, with lots of sunscreen, hats, and clothing that covers all the body or shades the baby. Now is a good time to double check your car seat if you’re planning a long trip.

Plan for the unforeseen

Pack at least twice as many diapers for the plane as you think you might need. If you’re traveling overseas, plan to bring extra formula since most countries will not have brands you recognize or it may be very difficult to find it at all.

Plan lots of rest stops

If you plan for a lot, you won’t go crazy thinking that you’re stopping all the time. Try to minimize stress by keeping driving hours to a minimum.

Stay at Kid-friendly hotels

Almost all hotels allow kids to stay in rooms for free, but some also give free meals or buffet access to young children.

Pack a surprise toy bag

Kids love surprises and you can stop any tantrum by pulling out some new distractions. Look for light weight and easy to carry items, including some that might be thrown away along the way. Take lightweight paper books rather than hard backs. Little cars rather than one big item. Get an early start on this by throwing a few things into a bag a few weeks before your trip.

Bring plenty or snacks and drinks

Don’t skimp when packing water, juice and, especially breast milk or formula. Bring plenty of baby food if your child is eating solid food. You can never tell when you might have a lengthy delay and won’t be able to get drinks and food on the plane.

Most importantly, be flexible

Traveling with kids is a great time – they will show you the world as you’ve never seen it before – it’s up to you be relaxed and enjoy the ride.

More information on kids activities. Plan summer activities for kids like making a toy together, photo books, juggling balls, skiing, camping with kids and traveling with babies.

Great Travel Destinations in USA

The US is a great country to visit. There is something for everyone in the family. Consider adequate insurance for tourists along with this list for the most popular places for visitors.

California: A wide variety of attractions are available in California. Los Angeles is the entertainment capital of the world and home to Hollywood. Theme parks like Disneyland and Universal Studios are visited by millions of tourists each year. San Diego which is an hour away is famous for Sea World, Lego Land and a world famous zoo. San Francisco is famous for historic buildings and the majestic Golden Gate Bridge.

Hawaii: A cluster of islands in the Pacific make up Hawaii. Each island has something different to offer, from vibrant night life to an active volcano. If you are looking for exotic and pristine beaches, Hawaii is the place to be. The food and culture are very unique with a lot of Polynesian influences.

Las Vegas: Las Vegas is a happening place known for gambling and opulent casinos. You can find many casinos which are replicas of famous building around the world. If you are a connoisseur of good food you can try one of the many celebrity chef owned restaurants. Catch an act of your famous musical performer.

New York: New York is the city that never sleeps. Several iconic buildings and structures like the Statue of Liberty, Chrysler building can be visited. Catch a musical or a play in the renowned Broadway theater area. Sample cuisines from all over the world in an amazing melting pot that is New York. Niagara Falls is a short drive from here.

Plan your trip so that you are not very rushed travelling from one place to the next. The US is a country of great distances. State rules can vary widely. Check to make sure your travel insurance is accepted in the states you plan to visit.

Cheap hotel deals

Are you trying to plan your next vacation, but are overwhelmed and discouraged by how much it is going to cost? Join the club, most of us who are used to a nice vacation every year or two are suddenly finding it very hard to afford to go anywhere except locally. It really doesn’t have to be that way though, as long as you can spend some time searching for the best cheap hotel deals.

Start With Quality

Start With High End Hotels

Whether you are travelling for business or pleasure, the time you take to find a great hotel room will yield results that will save you many dollars. Start with high end hotels and work your way down, you may surprise yourself by finding a great deal at a hotel that is normally way outside your normal affordability.

The first thing you need to do is to decide where you are going, and approximately which area you plan to stay. Then make a list of hotels you like in the area. You may want to start by checking out the hotel’s website first to see if they offer any deals by booking online. If that doesn’t yield results then try calling the hotel’s reservation desk directly. With a small amount of polite inquiry, you may be able to unearth unadvertised deals, or even find a friendly reservation clerk who can find you a staff or company special.

Start your search on the Internet by checking out the hotel websites. Many will offer big savings by booking for certain lengths of time or just by booking online. Some offer savings if you have an affiliation with CAA or other memberships. If you don’t find a great deal online, then prepare to call the hotel and butter up the reservation desk. They have the inside track to deals that aren’t advertised and should be able to find something to fit your budget.

If you would rather a one-stop shop for travel deals then check one of the online travel booking websites. Once you enter when you are planning to travel, along with the destination and number of people travelling with you, it will return all hotels in the area that they use and list them by number of stars, cost per night, or even proximity to a local attraction like the beach. You can sort through these hotels and look at pictures and even customer reviews to find one that fits your budget.

No matter what your destination is or what your budget may be, take a little extra time to research some cheap hotel deals. You may end up with a wonderful hotel and extra cash for spending.

If You’re Traveling You Can Be Notified Of Specials

Today, more than ever, humans travel with their pets. They expect their little furry or feathered beings to be accommodated. No matter what the reason, either business, pleasure, or a holiday, as a country we’re on the move. Due to the requirement for travel services, numerous businesses can assist in the planning of your trip. Their goal is to make your trip with your pet more comfortable. This article focuses on the car rental business specifically, and how the rental businesses may offer greater rental bargains than ever.

The nation’s car rental companies each have their own web site. Their customers may browse the rental agencies inventory, make an online car reservation, or they can even buy a used rental car! Some of the greatest rental bargains for the traveling public are located on the Internet. This time period has been held up as the Information Age, and the Internet has been called an exceptional resource for locating ingenuity, such as, shopping, connecting with others, and among a million other things up to and including, making travel arrangements. On your first visit to any travel web site such as this, you will be asked to register. If you’re traveling you can be notified of specials and upcoming bargains. There are incentives such as discounts, points, and other perks, and even members only cues at airports in order to expedite your rental.

Automobile rental corporations promote as well as contract with these Internet web sites so that customers can handily make their hotel, flight, train, or cruise reservations, and as well, reserve their rental car. Along with this convenience, they receive a discount rate. Even last-minute flights and cancellations might have discount rates and incentives for the frequent traveler. You might receive news of discounted arrangements when you register with the Internet web site.

Are Car Rental Deals Really “Deals”
There is a high necessity for travel assistance, including for rental cars. But, the bigger rental chains still have to go along way to present genuine bargains before the traveling customer. One good way to make certain that you are getting a discounted rate is to arrange your reservations as far in the future as possible. In spite of what I said earlier last minutes reservations often have no bargains.

Although the ’spartans’ may not seem to like deals, the national rental companies give out numerous incentives all the time, like coupons to frequent customers, alerting members about specials in advance, and making available weekend rates up to 50% and weekly discounts. You can find great bargains anywhere from the Alicante airport to Yosemite Park.

The largest of the car rental companies offer bargains and inconvenience with their on-site locations at airports, together with roadside assistance and car insurance, as well as services like as shuttle service to and from the airports to rental car locations. These are all super rental bargains. In addition, the biggest rental companies give out memberships and discounts as well as further discounts and accommodation to state and government employees, and military personnel.

Want To Relocate To Almeria, Spain With A Job Included

If you are thinking of moving to Spain, then think of Almeria if you are looking to work as well as enjoy a new way of life. I came across a local company www.almeria-villas-spain.com offering a work contract when you purchase a new property from them. On the face of it, it is an ideal way of getting to know the area and pick up the language at the same time.So if you are too young to settle down and are looking for some regular fixed legal work such as pool cleaning, gardening or general housing maintenance, then check them out today.

Nestled in the coastline of Spain is the beautiful country of Almeria. Days here are filled with sunshine and nights are consumed with eclectic activity of vibrant sights and sounds. It is the perfect place to take a holiday. So much so that many who come for holiday end up relocating and making a A A Permanent Home in Almeria, Spain Together With A Work Contract Included.

In the last ten years Almeria, Spain has seen an increase in their property values, helping to sustain their economy. The investors and tourists have been able to find the secrets of Spain in this city. Holiday travellers from the United Kingdom and other parts of Europe have now placed Almeria at the top of the holiday list.

There is much to love about Almeria. For starters, it gives holiday travelers a sense of what authentic Spanish living is all about. Just a short distance from the busy coastline resorts is quaint little towns that have yet to be influenced by modern living. Life in these parts is slower paced and reflects the cultural and heritage values that are important to many Almeria residents.

Making the decision to relocate to Almeria on a permanent basis is a sound financial decision. Property values are fairly priced for the amount of return on investment by young families and other potential residents looking to make a move to this area. A wide range of property types are available as well. There is something that can make even the pickiest potential resident feel at home.

Almeria property selections include rural farmhouses, luxury villas, town apartments and beachfront townhomes. There is an increasing number of land parcels available as well. With this option, potential buyers can custom build the perfect vision of an Almeria dream home for a fraction of the price in other parts of the globe.

Property ranges in 50,000 pounds to 200,000 pounds on average. The price will depend on the property type you are interested in and your budget. The location you have chosen may increase or decrease the value as well. Almeria has a few transfer fees and other costs associated with the purchase. It is a good idea to have a local lawyer or real estate person help you with the process.

The professionals are familiar with Almeria as well as the purchase transactions required. The added benefit of speaking the language can help you speak with the sellers and other individuals involved in order to make the process less of a problem. The skills of the professionals allow for them to seek out information for you that is in your interests rather than others.

Almeria, Spain has much to offer all who decide to make a new home here. Whether it is a young family looking to move abroad or an older couple wanting to spend their retirement days under the warm sunshine, this is the perfect place to make dreams a reality.

Great Courses In Las Vegas

Las Vegas has become a popular tourist destination and it has been used in all kinds of media backdrops. It is known for the famous Vegas Strip filled with gambling halls and Broadway shows. However there is more to offer in the lush green grasses of the nearby golf courses.

Las Vegas has hosted professional golf tournaments for years, notably the Las Vegas Invitational at the Tournament Players Club Summerlin which just so happens to be the site of Tiger Woods’ first PGA TOUR victory in 1996. Musician Justin Timberlake now finds his name attached to the event titled the Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open scheduled to take place this October during the Tour’s fall series. All three major professional tours visit Vegas annually for the Wendy’s 3-Tour challenge.

The golf boom in Las Vegas has left the area ripe with choices for a round. Southern Nevada is now home to 64 public or semi-private golf courses and 14 private courses. Thanks to world-class designers like Jack Nicklaus, Tom Weiskopf, Billy Casper, Arnold Palmer, Pete Dye, Tom Fazio, Rees Jones and Robert Trent Jones, Jr. the quality of the Las Vegas layouts cannot be disputed. While these courses may no longer fit into the category of the best-kept secrets in the game, they certain qualify for most unique and unpredictable.

Bali Hai Golf Club is located at the southern end of the Las Vegas strip and delivers an island feel with towering trees and sparkling green fairways accented by white crushed granite. Only in Vegas will your approach shot require blocking out the images of the shimmering Mandalay Bay and famous MGM Grand off in the distance. The Legacy Golf Club is certainly one of a kind. The Arthur Hills-designed facility features tee boxes on the 10th hole that are in the shape of every suit in a deck of cards: spades, clubs, diamonds and hearts.

Another great course is located at the Reflection Bay Golf Club. This course’s most notable characteristic is that it was designed by a golfing legend himself, Jack Nicklaus. This is the course where everything begins at the Wendy’s 3-Tour Challenge which is televised nationwide. Bear’s Best is another course designed by the legend that attracts golfers as well.

Las Vegas is home to some of the best landscaped golf courses that you only imagine or see on television. They have a combination of cliffs, desert canyons, palm tress, and the great southwest sun to make everything glisten. You will really feel like you are in a dreamland paradise when you step on to a Las Vegas golf course.

Although the courses are one of kind, they come with a price to pay. Golfing in Las Vegas can be very expensive with greens fees often exceeding one hundred dollars. Therefore it is best to book a packaged vacation that includes golfing, a stay at a hotel, and sometimes even airfare. Also, go when there is less people in Vegas. The typical off season is from November to February.

So now that you have the basics to enjoying a desert oasis both on the strip and the golf courses, don’t hesitate to look into packages and make your dream a reality. The golf courses of Sin City will not let you down. Have patience and research the courses you are interested in to find the best one for you.

Italian Hilltop Town of Cortona is Worth Seeing

Once a sleepy little Italian hilltop town, Cortona is enjoying a rebirth as a tourist mecca. The book “Under the Tuscan Sun” and its sequels, along with the hit film based on this book, people have discovered Tuscany’s Cortona is a delight.

Conveniently located between Rome and Florence, this town of 30,000 people is located on a lovely hill. You can find whatever you want to do here, from museums to biking to restaurants.

Cortona has a long and interesting history, longer than many people realize: The Etruscans built the city’s walls 2,600 years ago. You can still see Etruscan stone work at Porta Guelfa and at Porta Montanina. If the Etruscans fascinate you, you can see more at the Museo dell’Academia Etrusca, which has artifacts from the Etruscans and the Egyptians as well as many historic artworks, books and other items.

Don’t just look at the city walls, interesting as they are. Go inside to the Piazza Garibaldi. From there you can see beautiful Lake Trasimeno. There is also a beautiful church and a park, at the center of which is a fountain decorated with two playful dolphins of bronze. Take a break, sit down and enjoy the view.

Once you’ve rested to Piazza Grande, with its 6th century town hall. On the first Saturday of each month, there is a market where you can find gifts, food and other wares to buy for yourself and others. If shopping is your thing, come to Cortona at the end of August for the National Market of Ancient Furniture at Cortona’s Casali Palace.

Stuck for the time? Look for the Torre del Pulcinella, the town clock that uses cymbals rather than bells to announce the time.

Cortona is full of history, obviously. Nowhere is this more evident than at Cetona Belvedere. This ancient cemetery has caverns, grottoes and other ancient sites.

If exploring is your thing, go to Montepulciano on one of the largest mountain peaks in the area.

If you’re fond of religious history, go to the Great Cloister of the Monastero di Monte Oliveta Maggiore (monastery of the Mount of Olives) to see the frescoes of St. Benedict. Signorelli painted these in the 15th century. Also be sure to see the church of Santa Maria Del Calcinaio, a unique octagonal church. Other religious treasures can be seen at the Museo Diocesano. It houses the Cortona Altarpiece with its six beautiful small paintings that frame the piece.

When visiting Cortona, rest assured that all the usual tourist amenities are available to make your trip easy.

Cortona is deservedly coming into its own. If you get a chance go and see it for yourself. It is a trip you will long remember for its beauty, its heritage and its people. Travelers booking a trip should call their travel agents for more information.

How To Get Flights to Palma

Most flights into La Palma in the Canary Islands are via charter connections. You can book direct charter flights from Manchester and Gatwick airports year-round. If you’d rather, you can choose to connect from Madrid, Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, Tenerife and Amsterdam. The best airlines to shop are Binter Airways, a Canary Island based company, and Iberia. Spain’s national airline.

Known as “Isla Bonita,” the pretty isle, La Palma is often considered the most beautiful and unspoiled of the Canary Islands. Its climate is stable, enjoying pleasant temperatures in all seasons with warm winters and comfortable summers.

You can get around on La Palma by hiring a car, getting a cab or use the airport bus service.

With great weather virtually guaranteed, you can be sure to enjoy the islands lush vegetation, interesting volcano cones and bright blue skies. In addition to all this natural beauty, you can experience a culture full of tradition, cuisine and folklore that has survived from the time of its aboriginal inhabitants.

La Palma is a small place packed with things to see. Santa Cruz, the capital city is no exception. Situated on the slope of a mountain and the edge of the volcanic crater Cala Cadereta, Santa Cruz’ s Calle Real is the commercial and social center of the city. This street leads to Plaza Espana. Here you can visit the Cathedral El Salvador and the Museum of Natural History.

Though the cost of La Palma has steep cliffs of volcanic rock and small coves, La Palma offers a selection of great beaches. On the east coast you’ll find Los Cancajos. Puerto Naos and Puerto de Tazacorte are on the warmer west coast. These beaches have natural black lava sand and clear waters.

In north La Palma near Barlovento are a series of natural rock pools and caves that have been adapted to create sun bathing areas and sea-water swimming pools called Piscinas La Fajana.

Puerto de Tazacorte has the longest beach on the west side sporting a large fishing harbor and deep sea fishing vessels and cruisers. Be sure to sample the local restaurants which are supplied with the catch of the day.

Puerto Naos, a traditional fishing village, also offers a good beach with a local diving base offering viewing trips to see the wealth of marine life this area has to offer. Exotic fish, black coral reefs, volcanic caves and underwater arches are part of the everyday here. Excursions from Puerto Naos or Santa Cruz will give you the opportunity to see dolphins, sea turtles and whales.

La Palma’s version of an amusement park does not include traditional entertainments such as rides and arcades. Instead, these natural theme parks provide great wildlife and tropical vegetation. One of these, Maroparque is home to 300 exotic animal species that live in a diversity of vegetation, rocks and a waterfall.

If you’re a shopper, you will revel in La Palma’s tradition of craftsmanship in skills ranging from silk fabrics, embroidery, tapestry, woodwork, straw weaving, wickerwork and earthenware.

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