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Finding the Best Deals in Hotels

When it comes to choosing a hotel for your vacation, it often becomes an issue of low cost and convenient location.  More often than not, particularly when traveling to major tourist areas with popular attractions, the closer the lodging is to the destination or attraction, the more expensive it will be.  That is why the best way to save money on lodging is to stay in an outlying area.

Unfortunately, this might mean that you will spend more time driving to your destinations, which inevitably means more money spent on gasoline.  It is important to asses all of the factors in order to make sure that staying in more distant hotel will really cost you less money. 

There are several ways to save money on lodging without compromising the quality of your accommodations.  For example, paying for a membership in AAA or a similar auto club also provides you with discounts on hotel rooms, as does being a member of the military or being a senior citizen.  When booking a hotel room, make sure you ask about discounts that may be available.

Another tip for finding lower cost lodging is to try shopping early for your hotel room.  Often, hotels will reserve a block of lower-priced rooms, available on a first come, first serve basis.  Getting the best lodging deal is often based on timing and planning ahead.

Saving money on a hotel room means next to nothing if the place is a pigsty, or unsafe.  Shopping for a budget hotel does not mean you have to settle for a hotel that is dirty, poorly run or in a dangerous area. 

Fortunately, the Internet makes it so easy to find great deals on quality budget hotels.  The Internet cuts the time it takes to research lodging down to a fraction of what it used to take.  Most hotels, even budget properties, have websites and feature photos of the property, rooms, and the surrounding area.  It has never been easier to research the lodging that you are considering, especially if you have never stayed there before.

Don’t forget to research the area in which the hotel is located also.  Be sure to check out things like restaurants and attractions within walking distance of the hotel.  Amenities, especially on vacation, are important.

On the Internet there are a number of review sites available where those who have stayed in various hotels can share their experiences and their opinions of the hotels.  These review sites are invaluable for travelers, especially if you are going to a place for the first time.

In addition, the Internet hosts a number of travel web sites where travelers and tourists can locate and compare lodging based on their particular need, such as for their individual dates of stay and destinations.  These web sites provide several ways to search, including distance from an attraction, price, and star level.  The only thing that you need to bear in mind when using such a web site is that comparison web sites only showcase properties that pay a fee, so using a particular site does not necessarily ensure the best price for your trip.  For locating the best deals online, it is best to refer to several web sites in order to get a real idea of the lowest prices available.

January 22nd, 2008 Posted by admin | Travel, activity vacation, family, foreign travel, travel tips, vacation | no comments

Traveling with family? Cover them!

If you are traveling, alone or with your family, it is essential that you get adequate risk cover for everyone. Travel insurance is a must since it covers you for all exigencies during your trip. Having said that, there are some important things that need your attention.

If you are traveling with your family, you should take a family travel insurance plan that covers your spouse and children. In case you have an extended family, you can go for either the extended family plans or the group travel plans. These work out to be far cheaper than individual coverage plans. However, the actual policy that a travel company offers would depend on the number of members traveling with you.

In case you have missed out on an extended plan, do read the offer document carefully and check if your family members are included in the plan. Since the insurance companies look out for ways and means for offering less for more, it is up to you to ensure that you have adequate insurance and that you have seen and checked the fine print in the offer document, something that most of us miss to do. 

To ensure that you are getting value for your money, read the exclusions, restriction clauses carefully. Some of the common exclusions are sporting risks like bungee jumping, mountaineering etc, recurring treatments, particular age groups and specific cases of pregnancies. The standard policies also exclude use of alcohol and drugs, any terminal illness not reported at time of taking the policy, self-inflicted injury, AIDS etc. If you are a sports freak, please have a look at the extreme sports insurance cover. Though the premium will depend on the activities included and the provisos, it will cover you while you enjoy your favorite sport. However, check for the exclusions here also.

If you have read these terms and conditions carefully, it will help you if you need to file a claim. Since the insurance company looks for smallest of the reasons to disqualify your claim, it is in your interest to know what is covered and what is excluded and also the correct procedure for making a claim. Be sure that you send a completed claim form along with all the relevant receipts including medical reports, police reports etc to ensure that your claim is processed in your favor. Since the insurance company will look out specifically for false and misleading information, the exclusions and also the paperwork submitted with the claim, it will help if you have read and understood all the procedures beforehand.

Misfortune can strike anyone. Even a seemingly innocuous activity like camping can turn dangerous since you are staying outdoors and there may be wild creatures in that part of the country! Hence it is better to be safe than to be sorry afterwards. If you are a frequent traveler, you can opt for an annual plan. And if you travel once in a while, you can take the temporary policies that cover you for the duration of your travel. Whatever the case, it is prudent to be insured and wise to know the details of your policy.

January 20th, 2008 Posted by admin | Travel, activity vacation, family, foreign travel, insurance, vacation | no comments

The Best in Safari Vacations

Taking a safari vacation is one of the most exotic options available. Deep in the heart of Africa is Tanzania, with the great Serengeti plains extending into the distance as far as you can see. Herds of animals run free here in an untamed wilderness. Predators still hunt for prey here. The Serengeti name comes from the Maasai word meaning ‘the place where the land runs on forever.’ This flat and grassy plan that makes up about one-third of the park, together with the savannahs, is packed with game.

One of the most famous events that occur on the Serengeti is the wildebeest migration. Every year, about two million animals move around the 14,764-square kilometer ecosystem in a clockwise direction, looking for good grazing land and water. These animals are closely followed by predators.

You can spend your time among lions, elephants, cheetahs, impala, hyena, and warthogs. You’ll sit at a campfire under the African sky, which is home to millions of stars. You can experience the unchanged Africa, exploring historic and exotic places. You will see amazing sunsets and landscape and be hosted by open-hearted people.

When you go to Kenya you can begin your own adventures by traveling as an observer or participating in the many opportunities to see exotic wildlife and natural wonders. You can explore archaeological sites and antiquities. There are also many calm waterways and architectural marvels to be seen and experienced.

Some have described Kenya has including everything that is beautiful in Africa. It has rolling savannahs, icy peaks on Mount Kenya, and the white coral beaches of the Indian Ocean. There are holidays of all types, such as camel safaris in Samburu land. You can participate in walking safaris for bird-watching or go golfing and fishing. You may choose to visit Maasai Mara, where thousands of wildebeest and zebra migrate in July and August. This is an exciting sight for visitors. The coast of Kenya provides many attractions, and Lamu Island has white sand beaches with archaeological sites providing a view into pre-colonial African history. Malindi offers good fishing, surfing, and snorkeling.

Just because you are on safari doesn’t mean you’ll have to stay in canvas tents. There are also numerous hotels, game lodges, tree hotels, and self-catering chalets. All of these venues offer rest rooms, clean beds, and fine dining. There are good modern roads that connect one exciting location to another, and most parks and reserves are easily accessed, so you can see big game.

You can hire cars, motor coaches and luxury minibuses for transportation, as well as air services with sophisticated charter networks. One of the best journeys runs from Nairobi to Mombasa.

East Africa is a great place to visit all year long. Each season has its own charm, and each area offers wonderful moments. Visit your travel agent to design a trip suitable for you and to get the best deals on airfare, accommodations, tour guides, transportation, and more.

January 1st, 2008 Posted by admin | Travel, activity vacation, foreign travel, travel tips, vacation | no comments