Archive for December, 2010
Great Tips For Travelling On A Budget
A warm destination is on the minds of most people during the freezing temperatures most of us have seen this winter. We can picture the palm trees swaying in the breeze a tropical drink in our hand without a care in the world as we gaze out at the ocean waves. Wanting to get away but short on cash? Here are some great ideas to stretch your hard earned dollars and still have a great vacation.
1.Keep your focus. Narrow down your destination to one or two places so you can spend your time wisely and you will be familiar with a great sale when you see one. Mexico and the Dominican Republic are popular destinations that give you a lot of bang for your buck.
2.Regularly check discount travel websites. Subscribe to email blasts and spend a few minutes a day and comparing rates. Check out such sites as CheapCarribean Travelocity BookIt and sign up for their newsletters.
3.Compare rates with your warehouse club. Most offer deeply discounted rates for hotels cruises and rental cars. Hold onto the coupons they mail to your home these can usually be used on top of the already great discounted rates.
4.Make a trip to the library. Check out travel books to read and preview rather than buying them at the bookstore. This is a great way to review the books and not waste money on the ones that are not useful.
5.Search for coupons on the internet. There are many great sites that you can just type in the provider and search for coupon codes to use on the travel website. I have a friend who recently saved an extra 300 off the already great price for an upcoming Mexico vacation. Try couponcabin couponmountain and dealcatcher.
6.Do not over pack. Nearly all airline carriers impose extra charges for suitcases weighing more than 50 lbs. or for checking more than one bag. Usually you only need about half of what you think you will need.
7.Stock up on toiletries before you leave. Ever forget something and go to buy it at the gift shop or tourist store? Prices for common toiletry items are ridiculously priced. Make sure to bring plenty of sunscreen bug repellant wipes medication sunglasses etc. Try discount or close out stores at home for great prices.
8.Coordinate with others. If you are travelling with other people on the vacation plan to travel on the same flight in order to reduce the amount of cars you need to leave at the airport better yet have someone drop you off and pick you up. This also helps when taking transfers from the airport to the hotel or cruise ship.
9.Travel in off peak times. Try to be flexible with your travel dates and avoid the holidays. January and February are great times to travel to warm destinations as they are considered holiday hangover times just after the busy Christmas and New Years time but before the spring break craze. Fall is another great time to beat the rush to warm weather spots.
About the writer: Megan Cassidy is the owner of Zippy Tags LLC a provider of unique luggage tags and bag identification products. Visit her website www.zippytags.com and receive FREE SHIPPING on all orders. Contact her via email at meganzippytags.com.
Flights – Madrid An Introduction
Spains capital Madrid is situated in the heart of the Iberian Peninsula some 650 meters above sea level and with a population of 3.2 million it is the 3rd largest city in Europe.
At first glance Madrid may appear somewhat disappointing to the eye especially when compared to the countrys architecturally magnificent cities such as Seville and Barcelona. By scratching the surface though you will find a city alive with art and culture and with a thriving nightlife; which has been noted as being one of the most exhilarating in all of Europe.
Roughly 17 of the citys population are immigrants and this has resulted is an eclectic mixture of regional and intentional cultures. Those visiting the capital are likely to receive a friendly welcome and will find the majority of citys inhabitants very social and approachable.
At 650 meters above sea level Madrid is Europes highest capital making its weather conditions particularly severe. It’s best to visit the capital during the more temperate months as the climate can range from freezing cold during winter to excruciatingly hot throughout summer.
It is estimated that Madrid has the greatest number of bars per capita throughout the whole of Europe and it is undoubtedly a party city. With dinner usually eaten around 10pm expect a night out to easily stretch into the early hours of the next day.
In fact unless you make it past 4am youre generally not considered to have even spent a night on the town known as Salir meaning till the sun comes up.
For those wishing to take the night in little slower there are a countless number of restaurants throughout the city cooking up every dish imaginable. There is also an abundance of cinemas theatres and flamenco venues dotted around.
As mentioned the capital is rich in its vast collection of artwork and cultural expeditions. The capitals finest museums are the Prado the Reina Sofia and the Thyssen which form what is knows as The Golden Triangle.
The Prado is home to more classical works; with its collection totalling over 8500. Reina Sofia houses the more contemporary works and the Thyssen contains one the worlds largest private collections.
About the writer: Madrid hosts some major cultural festivals during the summer and autumn months celebrating film theatre and dance from all spans of the world. Although flights around this time are usually expensive as long as you plan ahead you should be able to secure cheap flights. Flights to Madrid are best sourced online.
Flights – Bermuda An Introduction
What was once considered the devils island due to it comprising one of the three points of the devils triangle or the Bermuda triangle is now a picturesque popular tourist destination.
It attained it’s rather grim name from the number of vessels that where shipwrecked on it’s many coral reefs and islets. Today the area is still one feared by many as it is considered to be a hub of paranormal activity. This however does not bother those that have experienced the countrys unparalleled character and beauty.
Bermuda is an Atlantic archipelago made up of around 200 coral islands and islets situated 650 miles off the east coast of North Carolina America.
The countrys main hub is made up of seven islands linked by a network of causeways and bridges and is a mere 20 miles from one end to the other!
The countrys capital Hamilton is situated in this area and is the countrys focal point both historically and commercially. With its luring amiable atmosphere and perfect blend of American English and native roots its no surprise to hear that it has been dubbed as one of the worlds most popular Caribbean destinations.
The English colonisation and subsequent influence is prevalent throughout the city especially with regards to its neogothic architecture. Venturing a little a farther and you will have the opportunity to experience a world class underwater exploration insinuate showcasing the islands natural beauty.
The Town of St. George is the countrys most north eastern town and was also its first permanent settlement. If you want to experience how Bermuda would have been during times past then St. George is the closest you will get.
Even though closer to the countrys airport than Hamilton the town has remained virtually untouched with the majority of its buildings dating back from the 17th to the 19th century.
Throughout the western region of the country you will find some of Bermudas most beautiful areas with secluded coves sprinkled with the finest sand uniquely infused with tints of pink.
Flights to Bermuda are easily arranged and as the countrys economy has boosted finding cheap flights has never been easier! Sourcing flights online is usually the best method to find the most competitive of deals.
About the writer: Liam is a UK based writer.
