Archive for January, 2012
Planning for real savings on vacation travel
Part of the planning that goes into a trip involves transportation. Transportation to your destination, while you’re at your destination and transportation back home again. There are only a handful of choices if you’re traveling to far away destinations, but more often than not once you get there your choices for getting from point A to point B are basically taxi, bus, rental car or walking. Let’s take a look at these and see how the frugal traveler does it.
Fly the ‘friendly’ skies
Really? How friendly is it to charge extra for baggage? Meals? Drinks? What have you? Is that how you treat your friends? Not me. Southwest Airlines is still one of the few airlines not charging for baggage. They’ve got decent prices, in accordance with their competition, and polite, friendly personnel. Check out their website for specials to save even more.
Bookthroughus.com
Or whatever ‘discount’ travel service you’re using always brag that they have sensational bargains on low air fares, on hotel stays and more. Some of these sites actually do offer reasonable deals; but buyers beware. Check out complaints online before booking with one of these services so that you know what to watch out for. Some of these sites promise you a four star hotel, but won’t tell you the name of the hotel. And I don’t know about you, but I want to know where I’m going to be staying. Watch for hidden fees, cancellation fees and charges for changes in plans. And by all means don’t be shy about informing a site with whom you are planning your vacation that the exact same package is cheaper at another site.
Sometimes booking through an online site may be a disadvantage, although you may save money. This actually happened to me with Expedia. I booked with Expedia, got even more discount with their expedia coupon code, but the problem started when I was late for my flight. I could NOT get the next airline because I had booked through expedia. The lady at the counter told me that I could not switch to the next flight and I had to contact expedia. I was unable to contact expedia, and kept getting their hold music. Needless to say, I missed my flight and therefore missed my hotel reservations as well.
A frequent (or not) flyer
So you say you don’t have a frequent flyer membership because you don’t really travel all that often. Don’t let that stop you. Frequent flyer memberships not only give you the credits for flying (which if you’re going to be flying, you might as well get credit for) but offer additional perks as well. Car rentals, hotel discounts and other deals and bargains can be obtained through frequent flyer memberships. And who knows; those credits may build up faster than you thought; allowing you a free flight. And what’s better than free?
Once you arrive…
As I mentioned at the beginning of this article, the bus is one way of getting around town that is far cheaper than a taxi. Though the ride on a bus maybe longer, the money you’re saving can go toward something else… like a spa treatment perhaps. All day passes are a great way to get around town without having to shell out money every time you step on the bus. The airport probably has a station at which you can purchase bus passes. Actual travel by bus, rather than by air, tacks additional hours onto your travel time; but if you have the time to spare, passes are available for greyhound and other cross country bus services. The services frequently offer discounts for booking your trip over the Internet, students, veterans, children and seniors. And just like with frequent flyer memberships, these bus service often offer road rewards.
Have you seen the price of gas?
If you’re taking the family car on vacation, consider what kind of mileage you can expect with that family car. If it’s a gas guzzler, you may be better off renting the appropriate car for the trip. If friends are traveling with you, splitting the cost of gas will make it a little easier on everyone’s pocketbook. There are gas stations that, in order to entice you to obtain one of their gas credit cards, will offer discounts on gasoline for the first few months. That can last you all summer! You can probably find out which gas stations offer these credit card awards by surfing the web for specific gas station’s sites.
In fact, the Internet is where you’re going to find any number of ways to save on vacations. Blogs, coupons and other discounts are all over the Internet, so take advantage of them. Even if you choose not to fly with Southwest Airlines, watch for specials on airfares by checking the various airlines’ web sites. Getting there may be half the fun, but it’s probably 75% of the cost involved!
Top 5 Surf Reefs in Fiji
For those who grew up watching Endless Summer and Laird Hamilton highlight reels, just the word Fiji conjures images of perfect breaks and beautiful beaches. This fantasy is not far from the truth. Fiji is home to some of the most beautiful, and rideable, breaks in the world. Cheap flights to Fiji are easy to book, and the cost of living is low. So, what are you waiting for? Below we will list the top five surf breaks to check out once you land.
Wilkes Passage
This break is listed first because it is suitable for surfers of all skill levels. From rank amateurs to tour pros, all will find something to love about Wilkes passage. It is about 40 minutes by boat from the mainland and features a long, strong, fast right-hand wave.
Frigates Passage
Everyone wants to say he has surfed Frigates, and now, you can too. This break is known for its long rides and beautiful barrels. It is also known as the “Fijian Pipeline.” The break itself is about an hour boat ride from the mainland.
Hideaway Beach
This is a beach break. There is no need to board a boat and ride for hours. You can paddle out right from the beach. This is a hide tide break. So, make sure you are paddling out within a few hours of the high tide. Otherwise, it will be too shallow to surf, and you will be left lying on a towel on the beach.
Natadola Beach
This is another beach break. Suitable for beginners and intermediate surfers, this break feature hollow, powerful, left hand waves. The beach area itself is beautiful. It is impossible to have a lousy day here, even if it is flat.
Sigatoka Sand Dunes
This another beach break that is suitable for beginner and intermediate surfers. It is a low-tide break. Get there around low tide, or you will be surfing in choppy mush. Try to surf around the river mouth. It typically generates the most rideable waves.
Great surfing breaks are not always the biggest and the baddest breaks in the world. They are the breaks you can surf. Fiji offers breaks for every skill level. In fact, beginning surfers find that, for some reason, it is easier to surf in Fiji than anywhere else in the world. So, grab one of the many flights to Fiji and get out there. You could be one of those people who get to talk about how much better it is in Fiji.
Top 5 party destinations in New York
You won’t find a better party city than New York. It’s known as the city that never sleeps for a reason. While you might not see anything more than taxis and a few people walking around in the wee hours of the night, there are always insane parties taking place behind closed doors. These aren’t private parties you’re more than welcomed to join. You just need to know where to go. Therefore, after you have settled upon a New York accommodation for your visit, consider one of these Top 5 Party Destinations in New York.
Club Shelter – 37 Vandam Street
If you want high energy, an enormous dance floor and a fully stocked bar, then this is the place to go. The dress is casual, the people are friendly and everyone is dancing. The house music they play tends to put people in a trance as they become possessed by the music – in a good way.
Clover Club – 210 Smith Street
This is more of a relaxing atmosphere. It’s the place to go if you want to drink a cocktail while listening to live jazz. The drinks are creative, the wait staff is superb and there is also a food menu to enjoy. Many people who go here say it makes them feel like gangsters hanging out in their own private club.
Le Bain – 848 Washington Street
This place is all about the views. A long bar has the New York City skyline as a backdrop. It’s an incredible sight. There is a large dance floor, but the biggest selling point is the rooftop bar, which features a Jacuzzi and plush pillows. As far as the Jacuzzi goes, sometimes people’s clothes stay on and sometimes they don’t.
Bembe – 81 S 6th St.
This is a somewhat secret location that offers Afro-pop and reggae more than anything else. The mood is more like a house party than a nightclub. If you choose to visit, be sure to try the mojitos. Another interesting note is that the entire interior is made out of recycled materials.
The Village Underground – 130 W 3rd Street
Here you can find a DJ upstairs and a live band downstairs. This place only hires people if they’re amazing so the music will always be quality. For open mic night, go on Sunday. Regardless of when you visit, take advantage of one of the couches or tables. Just keep in mind that there is a two-drink minimum at the tables.
If one of these clubs piques your interest, then choose a New York accommodation close to that location. This way you can walk and won’t have to pay for a taxi.
Four Things to DO in London
Being a tourist is about experiencing the different cultures and attractions of a foreign place. Activities usually revolve around visiting sites that are old hat to the natives. There is little doubt that London houses some of the most exquisite art and the most architecturally interesting buildings in Europe. Nevertheless, for a truer picture of the culture and people of London, you need to get out and be among them.
So, rather than point you at four things to SEE in London, here are four things to actually DO in London. All are located near central of town and should be close to your London accommodation.
Ride the London Eye
There is a gargantuan Ferris wheel in the middle of downtown London. Who knows? Doctor Who may be just around the corner. Unlike any major theme park in the States, standing in line is an experience to treasure. Buskers, artists and assorted other players make their way through the crowd but don’t worry, the English will watch out for you.
Run the River
This marvel of technology has the wherewithal to challenge the greatest of Olympic athletes as is was built for just that purpose. You, on the other hand, can dial down the churning action to an acceptably exciting level. Everyone in the family can experience the thrill of white water rafting without any worries.
Experience Art at the National Gallery
Don’t just view art, create it. Every weekend, this national treasure plays host to families interested in art workshops. Children from five to twelve are encouraged to participate with or without their parents.
Ride the Hovercraft
More of an experience than an activity, a ride on the hovercraft to Calais is truly remarkable ride. The waves crash and the ride jostles. Just go to France and come back. It’s worth trip though, it is said, that some people choose to stop in Paris for the day.
London is home to innumerable artistic and architectural treasures but none rival the value of its inhabitants. Visit, enjoy a London accommodation and feel the warm hospitality of our friends from across the pond.