Archive for the Category »General Travel «

Three Thrilling Treetop-Traversing Destinations
Wednesday, February 01st, 2012 /

One of the most innovative trends in outdoor entertainment is participation in zip line tours. These Eco-friendly adventures allow guests to experience nature at its finest. In addition to securely flying through the air at awe-inspiring heights and speeds, these experiences offer great opportunities to learn a bit about a particular region’s geology, natural features, and wildlife.

Rocking the Lines in Rockbridge, Ohio

Travelers will not want to miss their chance to explore the natural beauty of Ohio by experiencing an extensive zip line excursion with Hocking Hills Canopy Tours. One of the most popular packages they offer lasts around three hours and begins with a short nature walk. Guides will discuss some of the region’s unusual flora and fauna, while pointing out some of their more interesting characteristics. This tour is suitable for adventure-seekers of most ages and experience levels.

Hocking Hills Canopy Tours

For those with some experience within this hobby, this facility’s Super Zip line will afford riders the chance to fly splayed flat, in superhero style, at speeds that reach up to 50 miles per hour. Not for the faint at heart, this line traverses several canopy sections and flies along a segment of the Hocking River. Thrill seekers should inquire about the company’s amazing night flight package, which is the ultimate in zip lining.

Experience the Beauty of Vail Valley from the Air

The family owned and operated enterprise, Zip Adventures, is conveniently located just outside of Vail in the vibrant community of Wolcott, Colorado. The facility features six amazing zip lines that cross rushing river waters at thrilling speeds. Visitors that desire a birds-eye view of the majestic scenery need look no further. Designed with adventure in mind, the canopy tour lines are arranged to allow races between friends and rivals alike.

Tours reach heights of 200 feet, and some lines boast more than 1000 feet of free-flight distance. The guides bring along snacks and bottled water for the clients. Be ready to make a short hike up the terrain for almost a quarter mile before the tour begins.

View the Texas Hill Country from Above

Near Lake LBJ and just west of the capital city of Austin, a dynamic zip line experience awaits guests at Cypress Valley Canopy Tours. This provider offers canopy tours on a standard six-line course, and the boldest participants can take a stab at the Canopy Challenge with faster runs and longer lines. Reasonable prices and extremely nice owners make this place special.

Birding enthusiasts are invited to come in the wee hours of dawn to hike through the property with intent to lay eyes on some fascinating species that frequent the area. The golden-cheeked warbler and the turkey vulture are often spotted, as well as dozens of others. Guests may stay on the property to enjoy lunch or swim in the private lake and take turns on the zip line that runs into the cooling water.

Lynn lives near Lake LBJ, and she’s a bit of an adventure junky.  She likes to write about the fun things to do around the Highland Lakes in Central Texas.

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Gap Years on a Budget
Wednesday, December 21st, 2011 /

Taking a gap year is very common practice for people who are leaving their school days behind them and about to embark on another few years of university. A gap year allows you to venture into the great unknown and experience more of the world and gain some independence before going back into education and staying put. Of course people in this situation very rarely have any money and so they need to find ways to make money and finance their gap year of travelling and experience. By definition gap years are always on a budget, but there are many ways in which you can achieve financial freedom and have a brilliant gap year for a very cheap price.

The infamous Khao Sahn Road where all backpackers in Bangkok end up...

Plan Ahead – The first thing you need to do when planning your gap year is to sit down and work out how much the entire trip is going to cost. Start with the more expensive purchases first such as flights and accommodation, then try and work out how much you will need to have each day and how much money you will want for fun and shopping. If you have a set target amount that you need to reach then you can start working and saving for this target total well in advance.

Start Saving – Once you have a plan of how much money you will be needing then you can start to save up and work out how you are going to get the money together. As long as you plan well in advance then you should be able to put money aside every month from work or pocket money which can be put towards your gap year. You can also try and do some money raising activities and get people to sponsor you for achieving goals. There are many ways in which you can start saving up money for your trip and the sooner the better.

Earn As You Go – Depending on what kind of gap year you opt to go on, there are many potential opportunities for you to earn while you are away. Some people like to spend the first few months of their year off working full time and saving up enough money to simply travel, while others like to get off immediately and work their way around different locations. Travelling to some countries you will find that there are seasonal and art time jobs that you can do to earn room and board, even earn some extra money on your way.

Keep Your Accounts in Order – While you are away it is vitally important to make sure that you keep tabs on your spending and manage your budget as you go. Be careful with your cash flow and always make sure that you have enough money set aside for emergencies and phone calls. Try to budget for the future and keep in mind any expenses that you will need money for later on.

As long as you budget effectively and keep and eye on your finances you will find that there are great experiences and opportunities for you to encounter on a gap year. This type of journey is a real chance to explore the world and expand your horizons.

About the Author: Naomi Chamberlain writes for Discounts.ca. Current travel related discounts include a range of Expedia Coupons.

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Where Will You Spend Christmas This Year?
Wednesday, December 07th, 2011 /

With the great coupons and travel deals available right now, it’s the perfect time to make your holidays more exciting. Forget the traditional trip to Grandma’s house, head to the birthplace of Jesus Christ or visit one of the most spectacular living nativities in the world. Visiting any one of these five vacations is sure to change how you spend the holidays forever.

Bethlehem

The purported birthplace of Christ, Bethlehem truly shines at Christmas time. Different sects of the church celebrate Christ’s birth on different dates making the entire season one of merriment. In no other country in the world will you find a more traditional Christmas than in Bethlehem. Visit Manger Square and the Church of the Nativity, paying close attention to the Grotto of the Nativity. It is here where the faithful believe Jesus lay his head.

Bethlehem

Spain

In a variety of cities and towns across the country, citizens reenact the nativity quite elaborately. It is not uncommon to see townspeople recreating the birth of the baby Jesus while dressed in splendorous costumes. The Nativity is so special to the Spanish that many will decorate their homes and workplaces with it in lieu of a Christmas tree.

Finland

Heading to Santa Claus Village in Finland will earn you a meeting with the man himself. It is said that Santa Claus claimed Rovaniemi as his home several years ago and has been spreading joy among children and adults since. While Santa’s village is in full operation every day of the year, there is no more special time to visit than during the Christmas season.

New York City

NYC is a remarkable city no matter the time of year but it really comes to life during the holiday season. From ice skating in Central Park to visiting the Christmas tree outside of Rockefeller Centre, there is no shortage of Christmas inspired sights to behold. It’s near impossible to run out of things to do in the city, but if you find yourself looking for an activity, simply take a stroll down the main strip and gawk at the amazing Christmas displays in the windows of the finest shops in the world.

Rockefeller Centre

London

If you’ve ever dreamt of a holiday in the UK, there’s no better time than Christmas. London is breathtaking during the holidays with bright lights, shows and plentiful shopping opportunity. Be sure to stop by Covent Garden and Trafalgar Square to see the best Christmas light displays in the city. Not sure what to get that special someone? Stop by Harrods, one of the most famous department stores in the world, to find a truly perfect gift.

London

The best holiday traditions are those that you create as a family. There’s no rule that says you have to remain at home for Christmas. Vacation in one of these beautiful cities and see how Christmas is celebrated around the world. It’s a tradition you’re sure to keep!

Ever heard of couponcroc.co.uk? Neither had Tom Blanchard until a friend referred him to the site. Now Tom is an avid user, and he enjoys sharing his advice and tips on couponing. Experts agree that Coupon Croc is an excellent place to find great deals for the family.

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7 Alternative Tourist Destinations That You Must Visit
Friday, November 04th, 2011 /

Sure, going to Rome or Amsterdam in the summertime is nice – but it’s awfully crowded. Most people don’t enjoy standing in huge lines or being pushed around in big groups of people when they travel – after all, traveling is supposed to be about soaking up good cultural experiences, not sweating for six hours just to see one piece of art. So, here are some alternative tourist destinations – some off-the-beaten path places that you would be absolutely crazy to miss:

  1. West Bali National Park. Bali in itself is wonderful, but this park has an enormous amount to offer. Whether it’s snorkeling you want (this is the number one snorkel spot in Bali), camping or hiking, fishing, or canoeing – West Bali National Park has it all. You’ll be able to see some amazing wildlife, including some of the rarest birds in the world, and if you’re lucky, dolphins. This is one seriously great park to visit if you like eco-friendly, non-touristy, gorgeously scenic places.  Pulau Menjangan, Bali West National Park.
  2. Berlin. Skip Munich and head straight for Berlin, the capital city of Germany and one of the coolest places in Europe. Berlin has one of the most lauded underground art and music scenes, and there is so much to see and do here. For a bit of history, check out the Berlin Wall Memorial or the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe. Berlin isn’t short on culture – there’s a plethora of museums to check out, as well.
  3. Croatia. Beautiful coastlines, the sea, beaches ringed with pine trees, ancient ruins, a pulsing nightlife – what’s not to love? This country has an identity all its own, that is completely unlike any other place in the world.
  4. Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This Tennessee park is one of the most underrated spots of natural beauty in the United States. The park is home to glorious waterfalls, over 900 miles of hiking trails, tons of different tree species, and of course, the lovely Smoky Mountains. Seriously, this place is an outdoor-lover’s dream. Great Smoky Mountain National Park
  5. Brittany. Paris isn’t France – visit Brittany, a northwestern region of France that is steeped in Celtic culture and history. There are rugged old castles to be seen, a pink granite-studded coast to be walked along, and many other things to see and do. Try some locally-distilled whiskey or a kir Breton (the regional drink), and sample some of the finest cuisine France has to offer.
  6. Patara. A gorgeous sandy beach in Turkey, Patara is twelve miles of completely unspoiled beauty. You’ll see giant turtles and ancient sites – it’s a truly wonderful undiscovered little slice of utopia. Most guidebooks will list Olu Deniz as the beach to visit in Turkey, but do yourself a favor and head to Patara instead.
  7. Barbados. Granted, Bermuda is the more popular choice – but it’s not the better one. Barbados is a reggae and rum-soaked paradise, with non-touristy fishing villages in the east, great surfing, and beautiful beaches.

This is a post by Barry Norman, a guest editor for Berlin City Guide, helping you find the best things to do in Berlin.

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Off The Beaten Track: 4 Unlikely Adventure Holidays Destinations
Wednesday, September 21st, 2011 /

When people think of adventure travel their minds are normally drawn towards the same destinations. But while the likes of Australia, New Zealand and Thailand all offer fantastic adrenalin-filled experiences, there are so many other great adventure holiday locations that are routinely forgotten for all sorts of reasons.

Sometimes, countries are discounted due to previous periods of social unrest, uprisings or war that have made them unsafe for travellers in the past. In other cases, travellers may simply be unaware of the possibilities that exist for amazing adventure opportunities in lesser-known countries. Either way, if you really fancy yourself as a thrill-seeking adventurer, there really is no excuse for not researching all the options when it comes to your next trip.

With this in mind, here are four great adventure travel opportunities you may not have thought of. Who knows, it may just inspire you to take a trip that really is off the beaten track!

White Water Rafting, Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe has faced allegations of corruption and vote-rigging for over a decade as the country’s economy slumped disastrously in the late 2000’s. Questions still remain over the legitimacy of the coalition created in 2008 that shared power between Robert Mugabe and Morgan Tsvangirai, but one positive result has been the partial stabilisation of the country’s economy. It is hoped that this upturn, combined with an increase in tourism will help improve the lives of ordinary Zimbabweans, and the country isn’t short of incredible sights and experiences to attract visitors.

There are some fantastic options for those looking for adventure, from viewing some of the world’s most dangerous animals in one of Zimbabwe’s many game reserves, to rafting or bungee-jumping in the Zambezi River. However, if you want a real thrill, it’s worth checking out Victoria Falls, and in particular the Devil’s Pool – a naturally occurring swimming hole that allows you to peer over the edge of the falls as water cascades down over 100m below. For those wondering, it looks like this.

White Water Rafting, Zimbabwe

Mountain Gorilla Tracking, Rwanda

It’s a sad fact that the African country of Rwanda, is still mainly associated with the horrific war and genocide that took place there in 1994. Certainly the mass murder of 800,000 people and the brutality of the violence that shook the country to its foundations should never be forgotten, but Rwanda is a much changed country since the mid-90s and is generally considered to be safe for tourists.

Rwanda is a country of supreme natural beauty with a diverse population of wildlife including zebras, hippos, black rhinos and mountain gorillas. Gorilla tracking is one of the most popular tourist activities in the country, and is a unique experience that allows travellers to see these huge yet generally docile creatures in their own environment. The trekking can sometimes by hard work, but for those looking for an adventure holiday with a difference, the reward is an emotional and unforgettable experience with some of the most amazing creatures on Earth.

Gorillas in Rwanda

Cycling, Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka may not be the first place you think of when you’re looking for an activity holiday, but this small tear-shaped island that hangs below India is a fascinating country to explore. Its amazing temples, beautiful beaches and intricately carved caves offer a great range of experiences for travellers, and it is still relatively untouched by mainstream tourism after years of internal conflict.

Thankfully, since the end of the civil war in 2009, tourism in Sri Lanka is spreading to the northern and eastern areas of the island, and the country remains a relatively cheap travelling destination. Due to its size, cycling is a great way to explore the island, and visitors can enjoy the freedom of hitting the open road under their own stream and reaching places that aren’t accessible by car.

Mountain Climbing, Nepal

Mt Everest undoubtedly holds an exalted position amongst adventure travellers. As the highest mountain in the world, Everest has become the Holy Grail as far as climbers are concerned, and a monument to what is possible for those with the dedication, passion and bravery to take on the biggest challenges.

But Everest need not be just for the Edmund Hillarys or Reinhold Messners of this world. Even those with no real climbing training can experience the awesome spectacle of Mt Everest, albeit at lower altitudes, providing they have a good level of fitness and are prepared for some hard trekking. In fact, some of the best views of the area can be had at lower levels, such as the villages of Namche Bazaar and Tengboche where this amazing natural wonder can be seen in all its glory.

Namche Bazaar

Adam is a passionate traveller with a love for finding great adventure travel opportunities

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How to Avoid Airport Expenses
Wednesday, September 14th, 2011 /

With the excitement and stress of planning & packing up for a holiday or a trip, it is no wonder that many fall victim to the airport’s costly traps. It is fact that prices for food and other shopping items at the airport have sky high prices, perhaps largely because of the convenience factor.

And there is no question that you are unlikely to resist grabbing a sandwich or two should you go hungry in case your flight is delayed and you’d have to wait longer than expected. Yet with proper planning, you can avoid finding yourself trapped by this kind of situation.

Airport shopping is in itself not very cost-effective and wouldn’t you rather spend your hard-earned money on something more worthwhile than a pricey bottle of water? Here are some saving ideas that you should consider when you are about to travel by air.

1. Bring Your Own Food

Whenever possible, try to eat a heavy meal prior to going to the airport. As with a full stomach, your appetite is unlikely to be whet by the aroma of the cafes and restaurants inside the airport. Bring your own snacks and coffee when waiting is expected. But since new policies are in place in air travel, you are only allowed to bring limited ounces of liquid at the gates.

Yet you can still hang around at the lobby area with your own drink and opt to delay passing by customs until you had quench your thirst right? And if you are in a place where tap water is safe to drink, then bring an empty water bottle and get your drink for free.

2. Purchase Souvenirs and Presents Ahead

Not only will it be cheaper to buy at markets instead of the airport, it will also be convenient for you as you can pack them properly in your bags.

This will avoid you having to carry extra shopping bags at the airport, which most of the time you may forget and leave accidentally. Airport souvenir shops’ items are very expensive so you should avoid these at all cost.

3. Avoid Logging on the Internet

Surely you can survive a few hours without checking your email or updating yourself with the Facebook status of friends.

These stuff can surely wait so don’t be tempted to pay for wi-fi which is usually crappy anyway in airports. But if for some reasons you just have to keep yourself online, then perhaps you should consider choosing an airport with free wi-fi service to at least help you save on connection costs.

4. Weigh Your Bags

Excess baggage fees are skyrocketing and you certainly want to avoid being fined as much as possible. So make sure you know exactly what your baggage allowance is and call your airline when in doubt.

Weigh your bags prior to heading to the airport, making sure that your weighing scale is working properly of course. Some airlines offer extra baggage allowance to be purchased online for a lower price so check if you can avail of it when you know your bags are indeed over the limit.

5. Plan Your Entertainment

Newspaper and magazine stands are in almost every corner of the airport, taunting anyone who are bored enough from waiting. Resist this temptation and better yet, plan how you want to spend your waiting time in advance. Bring your own magazines and reading materials.

Crossword puzzles and coloring books for the kids. Make sure all your digital gadgets are fully charged, all accessories and video games are packed so you can play to your heart’s desire. And when you are one of the lucky ones with an iPad or a tablet, then go ahead and make sure you have downloaded reading materials and even movies to last your whole travel period.

Keep in mind that your total travel cost including air plane tickets and accommodations need not be compounded by airport shopping. Tell yourself that by planning ahead, you will surely save your dollars to kick start savings for your next trip.

Jessy is a creative and finance blogger for Credit Card Finder, the free tool to compare 0 balance transfer credit cards. Follow the author at Twitter as @JessyTroy

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Last Minute Vacation: Is Travel Insurance Worth it?
Thursday, August 25th, 2011 /

Some of the best vacations and trips can be purchased at the last minute. There are many travel companies and web sites that offer a wide variety of amazing vacation deals and flights exclusively for those of us who like to book our vacations or tickets at the last possible opportunity.

The reason these last minute vacations can often be so economically feasible is due to travel companies booking vacation packages that are often not completely filled by the time they are due to depart. Instead of losing money on a number of empty seats, these companies often offer huge discounts on the remaining places in their packages just to avoid leaving the seats unfilled and losing money because of it. With these discounted, last minute vacation deals, both the travel company and you as the potential traveler gain from the transaction. It’s a win-win situation where everybody is happy and nobody loses.

If you have plenty of spare time available or at least a flexible schedule of spare time, you can usually come out ahead with every vacation you take, filling these types of last minute empty spots and saving money both for yourself as well as for the travel companies, airlines, and hotels. But with a last minute vacation mindset such as this, is it worth it to invest in travel insurance?

Even though travel insurance is usually a good idea due to potential cancellations, possible accidents, and the frail peace of mind of the human condition, is it still a good idea to invest time and money in this extra expense even when you are planning to leave on such short notice?

The Pros of Last Minute Travel Insurance

Here are a few reasons why buying travel insurance for a last minute vacation may still be worth it.

• Medical emergencies

• Lost baggage

• Stolen or damaged property

• Delayed flights

• Missed connections

• Natural disasters

• Other acts of God

All of these horrific suggestions are still just as likely to happen on a last minute vacation as on a pre-planned sortie. If any of them should take place, you will be happy you paid the meager insurance fee in exchange for a guaranteed safe, relaxing, and lossless trip.

Medical Emergencies

Whether the trauma sort of medical emergency should take place or the infection sort, neither germs nor accidents care if you’ve been planning your trip for a while now or if you’re simply traveling on a whim. You can end up in a hospital no matter how spontaneous you or your trips are.

The percentage of travelers that need medical aid, attention, personnel, equipment, or even evacuation while on vacation is relatively high. A medical evacuation can cost as much as $100,000 without batting an eyelash, all of which you will have to pay directly with either paper or plastic if you don’t happen to have travel insurance. And don’t think your personal health insurance company will cover your out of country medical expenses, because unless you specifically have a policy that says so, pretty much all health insurance companies will not fork over the money. Although medical emergencies that arise while vacationing take up the largest percentage of travel insurance claims, they are just one reason out of many to purchase insurance.

Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Property

If you are so lucky as to be spared a horrendous medical emergency, the event of personal property being lost, stolen, or damaged can still land you with quite a headache. As more and more luggage is checked during flights due to stricter TSA carry-on rules, there are more and more cases of lost or delayed suitcases at the wrong end of a long trip.

Ending up in a foreign land with no clothing or toiletries can certainly catch you with your pants down unless you have travel insurance. The right travel insurance will usually be able to spot you some new clothes and other essential items while you wait for the appearance of your prodigal luggage, and this can often make the difference between a small hiccup and a completely ruined vacation.

Travel Delays

Yes, you can still miss a connection, experience a delayed flight, or have to suffer through a long, unforeseen layover even when you take a trip on a dime. It only takes one connecting nightmare to turn your relaxing trip into a monster of chaos. Any extra expenses you incur due to these types of travel delays will have to be covered by your already maxed out wallet or by a Visa card that is already on its knees begging for mercy.

Travel insurance will take the load off your afflicted bank account when these situations should take place. Extra expenses due to travel delays are covered by most policies, and the peace of mind alone is worth the extra percentage paid.

Other Incidents

Although there is a much smaller chance of an earthquake, hurricane, or snowstorm directly hitting the spot that you happened to select for your vacation while you are there, such things are not unheard of. Civil unrest, if you are visiting a foreign country, is another possible interruption that could turn the blue skies of your paradise to grey if you vacation unprepared.

Hotel fires, tornadoes, and car accidents are all things that you won’t have to worry about if you decide to invest in travel insurance for your last minute vacation. With the astounding number of reasons to get insurance combined with the relatively low insurance prices that you can find, the advantages well outweigh the drawbacks.

How to Get Travel Insurance

While the main reason that last minute travelers don’t get travel insurance is because they don’t have the time to find a good policy, good travel insurance can be found quickly and cheaply. Policies can be found and bought online with very little expenditure of time or effort. You won’t be sorry you made the investment.

Author Bio: Jessica is a freelance writer for a site where you can compare insurance from the top insurance companies in the nation. She loves helping people save money and get the best deal possible. If she is not working she can be found playing with her two girls, Kylie and Amanda.

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What Is Car Rental Insurance And Do You Really Need It?
Monday, August 22nd, 2011 /

If you have ever rented a car, at some point in the process you were offered car rental insurance. It’s an offer that appears a bit unseemly given the nature of the pitch. After all, a salesman is attempting to raise the price of your transaction for protection from a hypothetical danger that will likely never occur. Yet given the nominal nature of the fee and the capricious nature of the road, opting to protect yourself with car rental insurance is highly attractive.

Car Rental

Often times individuals make these decisions based solely on these factors of risk versus reward. In actuality, the value of car rental insurance depends not on how likely an accident is to occur, or whether short term insurance is a good idea, but on the coverage of your existing auto insurance policy.

What is Car Rental Insurance?

In most cases, rental car companies will offer to provide you with a collision damage waiver (CDW). At a price typically between $10 to $20 per day, a Collision Damage Waiver will protect you from any costs brought forth as a result of accident, weather, theft, or vandalism. This includes injuries to third parties, passengers or property as well, and other miscellaneous fees such as towing. In some cases, the renter will still be responsible for a deductible. Other rental insurance policies may institute a ceiling to the amount of damage they will be responsible for. All coverage is waived in the event the renter fails to comply with the terms in the contract, such as using the car for street racing or loaning it to an unauthorized user.

Do You Really Need It?

Car insurance is not only something you need, in some states it is compulsory. The problem with car rental insurance is that much of the coverage it offers is already handled by your existing auto insurance policy. Before you rent a car, it’s a good idea to check with your insurance agent to determine whether rentals are covered in the event of accidents or theft, as well as whether the policy excludes any exotic vehicles such as motorcycles or mobile homes. Those with comprehensive coverage may find rental insurance superfluous. Furthermore, if you are on a business trip, your rental vehicle may be covered by your company’s insurance policy. Check with your human resources department to determine the breadth of your coverage.

For those who plan to rent a car overseas, typically their auto insurance coverage will not apply, especially in countries where the steering wheel and the road are placed opposite of what you’re accustomed to. Nevertheless, a comprehensive travel insurance plan may cover you in this instance.

If you find your existing coverage to be inadequate, then it is probably a good idea to buy supplemental car rental insurance. Even then it is important to be circumspect regarding the type of insurance and whether it applies to you. In addition to CDW, some companies may offer completely unnecessary options such as insurance for personal injury or stolen effects. As is the case with CDW, these are typically covered by an existing policy such as health insurance. By knowing the details of your existing coverage plans and where you are vulnerable, you can better determine whether car rental insurance is an important safety net or a waste of money.

Article by George Simpson from CarHire.org. George writes on a wide range of travel topics including ibiza car hire.

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Top 5 Ways To Honeymoon For Less
Friday, August 19th, 2011 /

If you’re not careful, your honeymoon could end up costing more than your entire wedding. It’s easy to get carried away when planning your first vacation as a married couple. The good news is that this doesn’t have to be the case. By following a few simple tips, you can have a great honeymoon for less.

Register for Your Honeymoon

Most people have heard of baby registries and wedding registries but few are aware that there are honeymoon registries as well. If you already have your own home or don’t mind paying for your own linens, register on one of the many honeymoon sites and have people put their gift money towards your honeymoon instead of your china pattern. Different resorts, like Disney, also let couples create a honeymoon registry so see if this is an option at your destination of choice.

Announce Your Status

You will be amazed at the discounts you get simply by telling people you’re newlyweds. From discounted (or free!) drinks and meals to room upgrades, simply telling a receptionist or waiter has garnered many a newlywed couple great benefits. It doesn’t mean you have to walk around wearing a sign that says ‘just married’ but do mention your recent nuptials and see what someone offers. You may be pleasantly surprised.

Marry Off Season

If you don’t have a wedding date set yet and you don’t have a special day in mind, consider setting your wedding date for a day during either the off-season or the shoulder season for your travel destination. This works well if you have a must-see destination. Use a travel agent and have them find you the best deals during shoulder season (between peak and off-peak) or off-peak. By planning your honeymoon outside of peak season for your particular destination, you’ll save a ton of cash. A travel agent can go a step further and find you great package deals as well.

Use Credit Card Miles

Plan smart. Pay for the majority of your wedding using credit cards that carry sky miles and then use your sky miles for your honeymoon airfare. Do make sure that you use your credit cards instead of cash, not in lieu of cash. You don’t want to start your married life deep in debt that you can’t pay off.

Stay at an All-Inclusive

Think about staying at an all-inclusive resort. Doing so will help you budget your honeymoon more effectively. Prices at all-inclusive hotels and resorts are laid out up front so you won’t have any surprises once you get there. You can then budget in money for any activities you want to take part in or any meals that you will eat off site.

Heather Johnson writes for Honeymoon Destinations, the best honeymoon planning and research website. Discover some great honeymoon ideas today!

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Top 5 Most Romantic Getaways
Thursday, August 18th, 2011 /

Love is a many splendored thing as the song goes, and there are no better places to enjoy those splendors and the company of the love of your life than the vacation destinations below. From wine gardens to sweet and soft southern charm, there is place to spark and encourage romance for everyone. If you are looking to slowly woo your partner, than perhaps a cruise is in order. If you’ve been toiling away in the city, then give some thought to the southern United States. Do you want to finally set your feet on the ancient soil of the Gauls, then Paris is your destination. Regardless of your interests or needs, you will surely enjoy each of these romantic destinations.

Las Vegas
What better place to express your love than Vegas? Adventure, the nightlife, and a million neon lights are all great. If you go prepared and don’t expect to come away a millionaire, Vegas will take care of you and your partner like no other city. Vegas features excellent dining and everything from sky diving, to one of the world’s most adrenaline-inducing roller coaster. If that kind of excitement isn’t your cup of tea, than take in some of the entertainment options like concerts, and Rat Pack impersonators.

Paris France
The gem of Europe and the world, no one does romance and luxury the way Paris does. Gorgeous vistas and wine gardens, unequaled dining and fantastic infrastructure are all fantastic features. There are charming cafes on nearly every street corner and museums that are the envy of the world. If you go off the beaten path, there are countless shops and restaurants that you won’t find featured on any travel show. Just walking the Parisian streets is enough to evoke romantic feelings, so brush up on your French and get ready for France.

Savannah Georgia
Savannah is the best of old world European elegance combined with the Southern charm of the United States. Walking around the old plantations on a cool spring day is a surreal experience, with the reds and golds of the falling leaves laying a crisp carpet beneath your feet. There are beautiful gardens and shops, and the hanging moss will transport you back to days gone by. Southern charm is a very real thing, and tourists are treated with it as soon as they set foot into Savannah. Bed and breakfasts and dining are all relaxed, slow moving and ideal for city dwellers with a need for something absolutely recharging and different.

St. Lucia Cruise
St. Lucia is a paradise like those you dreamed of and are written about. You can imagine laying in the sand for the rest of your life, with your only cares being when your drink be refilled and what delicious island treat to have for dinner. Volcanic rocks are strewn across the island and the jungles ripple with the call of birds. The best part about St. Lucia may be the journey there. The anticipation that builds while enjoying the amenities of a cruise ship is a wonderful primer of what is to come.

Napa Valley
Napa is somewhat of a stripped down, more modern version of Paris in that it is a wine haven. The temperatures and spas here are ideal for relaxing and washing away the stresses and concerns of daily life. Grapes and wine are the order of the day, and they can be enjoyed at the many fine restaurants in the area. If you want to get out and have a taste for the nightlife, you are very close to many highways and other California locations. About the author:

Diane Johnson writes about a number of things including travel, online classes, finance, and much more.

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