Budget Hotels: Check Out Newer and Better options

microtel_innsMost chain budget hotels offer travelers with great amenities as well as are located in the main suburbs, often close to the major chain hotels in the area offering you the best value for each dime spent on booking. In order to pull more travelers budget hotel brands such as Microtel Inns & Suites, Red Roof Inn, Days Inn etc. are offering travelers with better amenities and rewarding policies to make their stay more pleasurable!

Microtel Inns & Suites for example has come up with a chain-wide policy to “surprise and delight” those who check in. Other budget hotels too are offering guests with updated rooms and increased emphasis on personalized service. At a growing number of economy lodgings, free Wi-Fi and breakfast are also being offered. Budget hotel brands like Motel 6 and Red Roof Inn, also are renovating, giving a ’boutique approach to budget lodging,’ says Red Roof CEO Joe Wheeling.

Read out what’s new at chain budget hotels…

Disney World to Open The American Idol Experience

american_idol_experience_at_disneyWanna feel like a star? American Idol fans can have the real American Idol Experience at Walt Disney world’s newest, soon to opened attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. The attraction will officially opens at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on Feb. 14. Walt Disney World guests can register to audition in front of a Disney casting director for a chance to take part in the theme park show. Contestants selected by the producers will perform in front of an onstage panel of judges and an audience of park guests, who will then for their favorite.

Contestants with highest votes will compete in a grand finale show at the attraction. And the winner making it through all, will get a guaranteed reservation for a future regional audition for the real American Idol TV show, that too without waiting in long queues!

For more details visit ‘The American Idol Experience’ site.

Budget Friendly Travel Tips

pocket_friendly_travelBudget travel may not be your cup of tea, but, with economy giving everyone a rough time, travelers are looking for more pocket-friendly means of travel. Here are some tips and tricks on planning as well as taking your next trip:

1. Grab hotel deals

In an effort to increase their bookings, many popular hotel chains are offering travelers significant deals. Fairmont hotels, for example, has slashed rates as much as 20 percent at more than 50 of its properties through April 15. Other hotels are also offering discounts such as free nights and savings packages. You’ll find the greatest values in destinations such as Las Vegas, Hawaii, Florida, the Caribbean, and Mexico—places where tourism plays a vital role and rooms need filling.

2. Earn rewards for being a loyal customer

Most loyalty programs, including those of Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott and Wyndham have eliminated blackout dates for points redemption, so you can get free nights even during peak season.

3. Choose an all-inclusive package

Whether its hotels or cruises, choosing an all-inclusive package can mean significant savings. And there are some great bargains to be had out on the water right now. Crystal Cruises, for example is offering perks, such as stateroom upgrades and discounts as much as $2,000 on penthouse rooms on some Asian sailings.

4. Stay at rented house or apartment

For significant savings—and more square footage for your dollar—consider staying in a privately owned apartment or house on your next trip. Rental apartments and homes gives you that extra privacy and space that you don’t get a typical hotel room that too at lower rates.

5. Use your Flyer miles

This is the year to make use of your miles that you have accumulated over the past. With fewer people taking to the skies, your chances for redeeming miles could potentially increase. Most airlines start selling flights 330 days out, so using your miles as far in advance as possible increases the likelihood of getting an award seat. And if a flight isn’t full approximately two weeks before departure, the carrier will turn to frequent-flier customers to help fill the plane.

‘Travel + Leisure’ announces World’s Top Hotels

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Travel + Leisure announced its annual list of the world’s top 500 hotel properties chosen by the readers. And the top 25 in amongst these are undoubtedly the familiar names that include: Four Seasons, Ritz-Carlton, Oberoi, and Taj. There are also other familiar places: former maharajah’s palaces in India, chic hotels in the U.S., and the game reserves in South Africa all making it to the top.

Along with these familiar hotels, the list also includes a couple newcomers: the luxury log-cabin retreat of Triple Creek Ranch, in Darby, Montana; and the rustic-yet-posh Treetops Lodge and Estate, set on the volcanic plateau of Rotorua, New Zealand. Others appearing in the list include; Singita Sabi Sand resort in Kruger National Park Area, South Africa; Domaine des Hauts de Loire, Loire Valley, France and Alvear Palace Hotel, Buenos Aires, Argentina.

See the Slideshow of Top 25

The Greatest New Year’s Celebrations on Earth

2009 is just round the corner and you have yet another excuse to party and dance all night away! Are you one of those fun loving party crazy folks looking forward to have the evening of a lifetime this New Year’s Eve? Make your December 31st a night to remember by taking a trip to the most exciting, lively, and fun places on the planet. Here is just a sampler of what’s going on in the world at the close of the year, from wild concerts to ethereal, moonlit retreats.

Las Vegas

new_year_vegasAny other day Las Vegas would be considered wild for most, but the evening of the 31st is like no other. Whether it’s the strip or downtown, every hotel and nightclub in Vegas is filled with celebration.  Over 400,000 people gather to celebrate, dance, the night away on the strip, including many celebrities. The culmination of the evening is best seen in front of Caesars Palace when a fantastic light and fireworks show explodes across the Nevada sky at the stroke of midnight.

Sydney, Australia

In Sydney, Australia, there really is only one thing to do on New Year’s Eve; watch the fireworks display over Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House. Fortunately, the city plans the event so well, it is one of the most enjoyable times to be had anywhere on earth. People start gathering in the prime waterside viewing spots as early as 9 a.m., but there’s usually plenty of room for everyone. The whole day almost becomes a city-wide festival. When the main event approaches a countdown is projected against the bridge and then an enormously huge fireworks show that simply must be seen to be believed rips across the sky.

new_year_londonLondon, England

The London Parade, held New Year’s Day, attracts visitors from all over Europe. It is a fantastic celebration featuring local heroes, marching bands, clowns and more. Of course, London has a variety of events for you to enjoy the evening as well. Make your way to the London Eye for a spectacular fireworks display.

Bangkok

New Year’s Eve takes place not once, not twice, but three times in Thailand, and its capital Bangkok.  First New Year’s Eve extravaganza takes place alongside the rest of the Western World on Dec. 31. Head to Bangkok’s Central World Plaza, where you can dance the night away alongside watching spectacular fireworks. The second New Year’s Eve is in mid-January when the Chinese New Year is celebrated in Bangkok’s Chinatown. Finally, third New Year’s Eve festivities happen in April with the Songkran festival: celebrate the Thai calendar with more parades, costumes and water balloon-throwing festivities.

new_year_nycNew York City, New York

The epicenter of the jubilant event is the world-famous Times Square, a festival of lights, electric banners, and New York iconography in itself.  The main event, the famous New Year’s Eve Ball dropping from the flagpole on top of Number One, Times Square, is such an iconic heralding of the turning of the year that countries around the world tune in to watch NYC’s event any way they can. The symbolic act has been marking the New Year in New York for over a hundred years, and looks to be strong enough to last hundreds more.

Hopefully you’ll be inspired to seek out bigger and better parties, and welcome in the New Year with a bang. Have a promising and fulfilling New Year!!!

2009 Travel Trends and Predictions

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The year 2008 has not been such a good year for travel. The slows and downs made travelers to rethink or scale down our vacation plans. But, what’s in store for 2009? Will traveling resume its earlier shape or its time for travelers to take an alternate route. What’s going to happen? Nobody really knows.  But, concluding all that what happened in 2008, traveling will be somewhat different next year. Here are some of the predicted travel trends for 2009:

Taking the Road Less Traveled

Visiting smaller, lesser-known destinations can be more affordable, though offering equally enriching, vacation experience. For instance, taking a trip to Birmingham, England instead of London; or vacationing in Calgary, Canada instead of Toronto.

Staying Closer to Home

With rising travel costs more travelers are expected to stay closer to home. This means that travel to domestic destinations is expected to increase in the upcoming year.

Package Travel Likely to Rise

It seems that package travel is undergoing a mini-renaissance, specially the all-inclusive category. More and more travelers want to cut back the risks involved with booking packages with additional taxes and don’t want the uncertainty of a mounting extras bill, not to mention meals and eating out. Cruises are likely to o well in such a situation.

Tried and Trusted Destinations

In the coming year, travelers are expected to return to destinations they had already enjoyed. Not only its risk free but will allow travelers to plan their trip more thoughtfully. In case of hotels too, loyalty will be the trend of the coming year.

Vacation Rentals and House Swaps

Vacation home rentals, villas and house swaps will continue to gain popularity in the coming year. These alternate lodging options offer a good value for money alongside making you feel more at home.

Solo Travel

Due to advantages of Solo travel, it is expected that solo travel will be another travel trend in the coming year.

Spectacular Holiday Light Displays

christmas_at_disneyHoliday season is the most joyous time of the year. It’s time to celebrate with friends, family and relatives. Some prefer it spending hosting parties at home, while others, the outdoorsy types love to spend holidays away from it all! But, whether its Christmas at home or outside, light displays are one of the most exciting part of holiday celebrations; they’re free, they’re enchanting, and they require nothing of us, other than that we take a few minutes to enjoy them. Here are some of the world’s most dazzling light displays for you to enjoy:

Walt Disney World: Orlando

The annual celebrations at Hollywood Studios—known as “The Osborne Dancing Christmas Lights”- is truly enchanting.

Town Hall Building: Brussels

The 15th-century building on Brussels’ Grand Place turns out to be even more spectacular when illuminated every night during the month of December. The lightings here are accompanied by soft music. The ambiance is intoxicating!

Silver Dollar City: Branson, Missouri

The theme park of Silver Dollar City is already decked out for holidays. But the most enchanting of all is the nightly light-and-music show of its five-story Special Effects Christmas Tree. The tree is lit with thousands of glittering lights making it appear as if a dazzling star in the night sky.

Tivoli Gardens: Copenhagen

Tivoli Gardens is one of the oldest amusement parks in Europe. The entire park is turned into a Christmas village during the holidays.  The rides, concert hall, market stalls and willow trees are all decorated with blinking lights.

Palacio de Comunicaciones: Madrid

Palacio de Comunicaciones is Madrid’s City Hall that hosts a light-show spectacle that rivals the July Fourth celebrations in the New York City.

Harbour City: Kowloon, Hong Kong

Kowloon’s Harbour City is truly one of Asia’s best places to indulge in Christmas celebrations.  A shopper’s paradise with over 700-plus stores, Harbour City gets even more alluring during the Christmas when everything sparkles with thousands of twinkling lights.

Micronesia Mall: Dededo, Guam

The “Holiday Lights Experience” at Micronesia Mall is something that you shouldn’t miss. The show is centered around a 35-foot artificial tree, incorporating thousands of music-synched blinking lights.

Taking Flights this Holiday Season: It’s Good to be Prepared!

holiday_travel_at_airportThe Air Transport Association expects comparatively less number of holiday travelers to take flights this holiday season. But, if you are one of those intrepid holiday travelers, planning to get away from it all, it’s better to be prepared for every worse situation. Holiday travel itself means more rush at the airport and those usual flight delays. And if the weather goes bad, it’ll all get worse in a hurry.

According to FlightStats.com, the airlines’ on-time performance, which had topped 90 percent on Thursday and Friday, plunged to less than 50 percent on Sunday. Even the shrinking air-traffic remains affected by bad weather and those who are still flying this holiday season should be prepared for the worst and take the usual precautions - online check-in, reserving parking in advance, getting to the airport early alongside keeping yourself aware of the latest twists in air travel.  Read On

10 Great Places to Celebrate Christmas

rockefeller_center_christmas_treeChristmas is a busy time of year as many of us hitting the roads and taking to the skies. The holidays can be a time to visit family, but a few people will choose to get AWAY from it all! If you aren’t the sort who wants to spend Christmas Day hosting relatives or hanging out at a friend’s house, here is just a sampler of some of the top Christmas destinations for you to target:

Las Vegas: Vegas is undoubtedly one of the top places to celebrate till the heart’s desire. Will festivities full swing and entertainment attractions galore; you’ll have a blast celebrating here. To top it all, the hotels too offer visually stunning decorations.

Disneyland, Orlando: For families there is no better place than Disney to celebrate Christmas. With fantastic decorations all across the park and the hotels too decorate tastefully, Disney’s charm is truly magical!!!

New York: The Times Square, the spectacular Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center and the amazing Christmas window displays at Macy’s make New York one of the most desirable Christmas travel destinations.

Honolulu, Oahu: The island of Oahu is one of the best visited winter destinations, full of warm and welcoming traditional culture and scenic natural beauty. While festivities at Oahu include Concert, Parades and live performances, Honolulu dazzles with spectacular light displays and Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremonies.

Bay of Islands, New Zealand: The Bay of Islands comprises some of the world’s most breathtaking natural scenery with more than 150 different small islands and secluded beaches, and you can plan your stay at small and cozy villas overlooking the azure blue waters of the ocean.

Meran, Southern Tirol Italy: Meran ranks amongst the world’s most popular ski destinations. Meran’s old town center was built during the 13th century and is offers excellent and shopping and dining experiences over the Christmas break.

Mexico City: Mexico City celebrates Christmas in its own way. Christmas customs here are an eclectic mixture of the old and the new, including elements from Europe, others developed in Mexico, and in recent years elements borrowed from the U.S.A.

Goa, India: Goans celebrate the arrival of the Magi with nine days of fireworks and partying. Crowds congregate to watch three boys in glittering costumes chosen as kings make their way to church on white horses. The fun culminates in The Feast of the Three Kings (Jan. 6), which is celebrated enthusiastically by both Christians and Hindus.

Boston USA: Boston’s old world feel with historic architecture and cobblestoned streets make it a real treat celebrating Christmas here!

Edinburgh, Scotland: Edinburgh is one of the best places to watch Christmas festivities in its full swing. Indulge in Christmas shopping and dining and watch spectacular firework displays at night.

Christmas Travel: Gift Ideas for Travelers

christmas-giftAs a traveler you might have gifted your loved ones with something special that you have bought at your last destination. But, it’s time when you need to gift something really special - something that a fellow traveler will cherish forever. So, here are some gift ideas (from budget to little pricey) for all those pondering over, what to give away this Christmas:

GIFTS UNDER $25

Zagat Guide

Zagat guide combines all the valuable inputs, feedbacks and honest opinions on everything from restaurant ambience to quality of food, give travelers a great way to get to know a place before they spend their money there. Now Zagat is also coming up with reviews on hotels, resorts, spas and nightlife. Prices start from $4.95 each.

Space Bag

Space bags are ideal giveaways to those going out with lots of clothes in their luggage. These bags reduce the air between clothes and trim down the volume of sweaters, jeans and other soft objects by 75 percent. Price: $19.95

UNDER $50

Personal UV Germ Finder

This device from TravelSmith helps the hygiene- conscious travelers to detect even tiny traces of bacteria and viruses, allowing its user to “see” germs. Just turn off the lights, point the Germ Finder and then avoid all objects with soiled spots and stains. Price: $49.75.

UNDER $100

Magellan’s Gift Certificate

You can also give a gift certificate from Magellan’s that will a fellow traveler to choose from whatever he thinks is useful. Magellan’s has hundreds of options, from wrinkle-free clothes to language translators and luggage. Price from: $100.

UNDER $500

Track Your Travels Lighted World Map

Let your loved ones display their travel history with this world map. The map comes with 60 colorful pegs that are lit from behind by two 32-watt bulbs; the pegs light up as your recipient places them into each destination! Travelers can highlight where they’ve been or want to be! Price: $250

The ULTIMATE GIFT

What’s the best gift that you can give a traveler? It’s indeed a trip! You can check out the all inclusive deals less than $499 roundtrip at CheapOair and choose from destinations that you friend is planning of visiting. If you’re buying for a picky traveler and are reluctant to choose his or her destination, many airlines and hotels offer flexible gift cards.

Travel Tips: Grab the Lowest Travel Deals This Winter!

Winter Vacation

Winter Vacation

We all need vacation once in a while, a break from all the daily humdrums but with the current economic condition, even thinking of going on a vacation can give a heart attack. But what if we knew a way to get the cheapest flight tickets, the best hotel deals and the lowest car rentals? Though this may sound a bit weird but it is possible. You don’t need to be a travel guru to get the best available travel deals. All you need is some research and some handy tips.

So if you are planning to take a break this winter, here are some tips to help you get the cheapest travel deals online!

Get the Lowest Flight Tickets: To get the cheapest airline ticket, advance booking is the most important of all. But worry not if you could not book your airfares well in advance. Try booking 7 to 8 days prior to your travel dates.

Book the best available hotel rate: There are many ways to get the best available hotel rates. For starter you can check out the many online travel sites like CheapOair, Hotwire, OneTravel, and Orbitz, to name a few. These online travel sites do really offer excellent deals and package. Do not forget to check out the hotel website also. Before booking do compare the prices that the different sites are offering. If you a member of a club or an association like American Automobile Association, ask them whether you can get a special deal or discounts. Walking in without any prior reservation and negotiation the rate with the front desk staff is also another way that you can give it a try.

Rent a Cheap Rental Car: Instead of crowded city transportations, this winter explore the city you are a visiting on a rental car. Even if you are a budget traveler, worry not. Just book your car well in advance. By booking in advance you not only get the cheapest car rental deals but you can also have a wider range to choose from. It is always advisable to book your rental car online as most car rental companies offer more discounts to those booking online.

Spend Winter In Europe: CheapOair has got you the deals!

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Don’t be left out in the cold this winter! Enjoy a long weekend bash in some of the best European hotspots with CheapOair’s cherry picked fares. Whether you are up for a family vacation, going to attend a business meeting or taking your beloved on a romantic trip, CheapOair has got you the lowest European flight deals you have been looking for. For a sneak peek, here are some of the top airline offers; CheapOair has in store for you:

Travel from New York to Paris on US Airways from $397 round trip. Or if you are looking for a flight to Frankfurt, you can check fares starting at $337 round trip.

You can also check out Lufthansa Airlines cheap airfares to European hotspots such as Rome starting $129 Each Way, Brussels $142 Each Way and Amsterdam $155 Each Way.

And if London is your idea of taking a break this winter, you can check out our exclusive Virgin Atlantic Airline deals to London from US cities of Los Angeles and San Francisco. Book by December 17, 2008, to take advantage of fares as low as $298 One Way.

This Winter Enjoy America’s National Parks - Without Crowds

yellowstone-national-park-in-winterMost travelers plan their trip to America’s national parks during summer holidays - when these places are experiencing the peak season. But, think how these places would be with fewer crowds, when hotels too offer lower prices? There are national parks where you can have a great visiting experience even in the winter months because they are located in regions that have mild winter temperatures and ample of sunshine.

You can plan a trip to the Virgin Islands National Park, that sees a lot of tourists even in winter months, or visit the Yellowstone National Park, where five percent of the three million annual guests come during the winter months. On your trip to the park you could be fortunate enough to watch an eruption of Yellowstone’s Old Faithful geyser and that too with few other guests.

In central Kentucky’s Mammoth Cave National Park, you can take a ranger-guided cave tour with less people as compared to taking a tour with 60-70 people during the peak summer season. Adventure enthusiasts shouldn’t miss the heart pumping winter sports at the Yellowstone National Park, where you can ski, snowshoe and snowmobile amid steaming geysers or even take a narrated tour that includes a winter view of the Grand Canyon.

Other good option is visiting the rugged Pacific beach of Olympic National Park, surrounded by the thundering sound of waves crashing ashore. One should consider, there are limited public facilities and lodging options available during the winter months.

Britain’s Queen Elizabeth 2 reaches Final Destination

qe2Britain’s most famous luxury cruise ship, the Queen Elizabeth 2, reached its final destination Dubai on Wednesday. The ship is all set to be turned into a floating hotel moored off an artificial palm-shaped island. The ship was greeted by a police marching band and fireworks, when it arrived at the Persian Gulf.

In its 40 years long journey the ship has sailed 6 million miles, carrying close to 2.5 million passengers. The ship has crossed the Atlantic more than 800 times. According to Manfred Ursprunger, the chief executive of Nakheel’s QE2 Enterprises, it will take two to three years to redesign the ship. The new design would include dozens of rooms, several restaurants, a performance theater and a spa. Some of the cruiser’s famous quarters, like The Queen’s Room, The Captain’s Quarters and The Bridge will be preserved in their original form.

Holiday Cruising: Celebrate Christmas the Unusual Way!

vacation_cruisingThe holiday season is almost upon us. And for those planning out those usual Christmas parties at home, it’s time to get out of the boring routine and try out something more engaging. What about the idea of taking a cruise vacation; singing carols on deck, while overlooking the sea. Cruising during the holidays is something more exciting than the typical week-at-sea experience you might find during less festive times of the year. As the Christmas approaches, many cruise companies come up with lucrative offers for families, even allowing children to travel free.

Many cruise lines make sure that you have a great time sailing with them. Christmas cruises are usually decked with beautiful embellishments including sparkling accessories, dazzling light displays and the symbolic Christmas tree, keeping in tune with the spirit of Christmas. Some cruises even organize holiday parties in the ships’ lounges, where you can enjoy specially prepared holiday drinks, elaborate turkey dinners and New Year’s Eve midnight countdowns.

However, there are few important tips that you should bear in mind before planning out a cruise vacation, especially if you are taking your kids along. When planning out a cruise vacation with family, be sure about your destination and cruise line. Depending on where you want to go, you can choose a destination that has something for your kids too. So, what are you waiting for? Take a cruise vacation this season and experience the difference!

You can always snag a good bargain booking at the last-minute, but with many families cutting back on travel, the coming holiday season will be a little different. Wondering where to get you cruise deals? Check out CheapOair’s amazing cruise deals.