Blog.HotelBookingPro.com: March 2010

Travel Insurance: What It Won't Cover

5:10 PM | Posted by HotelBookingPro

You may have heard there's a major increase in travel insurance sales because of all the terrorism scares, environmental disasters occurring, and outbreaks of disease. But there is a caveat. If you become worried about something happening and decide you need to cancel your trip, your policy may not cover it.

Say you're afraid of a bombing in the subway or something like that, it may not be covered. The possibility of a hurricane a thousand miles away that MIGHT hit the beach you plan to visit most likely isn't covered as well. Know ahead of time you'll get no help for any of these situations by purchasing travel insurance.

The guarantee of travel insurance is the promise to pay for any part of your trip that won't be reimbursed otherwise. Those non refundable costs might be plane fare and good faith payments on motel rooms. It only applies to those situations where a policy holder HAS to cancel or delay a trip, or in the event the insured gets stranded it will help cover extra costs.

Medical services are also covered by insurance should you become ill overseas and need medical evaluations. This can be crucial since there are times when your insurance may not cover overseas medical care. Be aware that a number of insurance policies contain various exclusions.

A lot of the potential disasters that increase the insurance sales, end up not being covered. A lot of programs don't cover terrorist acts at all. So, you must select your travel insurance wisely.

Even so, many policies that do include coverage in case of terrorism will only reimburse you for canceling your trip should there be a terrorist attack in one of the cities you would be traveling to, within 30 days of your departure. So if there is a terrorist act in Paris, and your trip was planned for London, your insurance will not cover the costs if you cancel. Basically, there's no available coverage for being afraid.

However, people buy travel policies because they are concerned and afraid. Most travel insurance will not cover those circumstances even though they were the prompting factor for their purchase. When purchasing travel insurance the buyer should beware of exclusions such as time frames as some policies will not cover teroristic acts if the policy has not been in effect for a certain period prior to travel.

In 2006 London, after a terrorist plan to attack planes was uncovered, the majority of insurers did pay for hotel rooms and meals for their insureds who were delayed due to fears that the terrorists would be able to follow through with their plans. Since no attack took place, people didn't get their money back if they decided to cancel.

The cost of protection for traveling is just like every other insurance policy because it depends on where the person is going, how thorough they want their coverage to be and other risk factors. There are policies you can get that can take care of costs incurred while you are stranded, cancellations of the trip, any medical coverage, flight accidents, or lost luggage that are called comprehensive policies. You can just pick what you want covered as well.

Now insurance companies are starting to feature "cancel for any reason," which is essentially a catch all. These policies will offer the holder up to 74% of the cost of the trip if you cancel. Because this policy offers more leniency, it costs much more than regular travel insurance.

In the United States, there are about seventeen million travel insurance policies sold annually. Since the terror attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, the yearly sales of travel insurance have practically doubled. This rise is expected to continue, due to the recent outbreaks of disease and various environmental disasters that are impacting the travel industry.

The thing to remember when there's a major disruption that affects your travel plans, most cruise lines, airlines, and hotels will waive their fees and restrictions for re-booking. Many times you can get relief for your foiled travel plans without the benefit of insurance

By: elvish ummer
Visit this site for further information on travel insurance quotes. When you would like to get more information on personal travel insurance check out this site.

Taking A Family Trip To Disney World

5:35 PM | Posted by HotelBookingPro

Taking the family to Disney can be one of the happiest times you spend with your children but it can also be the hardest. The same fun which creates smiles also provokes over stimulation, exhaustion and general crankiness in both child and parent. And as with many things, big fun can also mean a big price tag. Admission into the Magic Kingdom for a family of four costs almost $200 for one day without any discounts or special rates. Add on sodas, snacks, souvenirs, hotel and travel to and from Orlando and your Disney World vacation can leave you wishing upon a star.

Seasoned parents will tell you that there are secrets to maximizing the magic of your Disney World vacation.

Here are just a few.
Stay at one of the Disney hotels located on the Monorail
Although the transportation system within Disney is easy to navigate, accommodations located on the monorail system allow you to get back to your room quickly and with few stops. Nap time is easy to fit into the schedule when you are only one monorail stop away. For family with older children, the close proximity of your room provides a level of comfort when the family decides to split up or when a teenager wants to stay in the park long after you've gone back to shower. Disney offers three properties with direct access to the monorail: Contemporary Hotels, The Polynesian Hotel and The Floridian.

Gain early access to the park by staying at a Disney hotel
Staying at a Disney hotel comes with Guest privileges. Each day, Disney offers early admission into Guests who stay at a Disney property. This privilege allows you to get the most popular rides out of the way prior to the park opening to the public. For early risers, try booking a breakfast with the Characters in the park at The Crystal Palace or Cinderella's Castle.

Begin at the back of the park
It's a known fact that people will stop at the first attraction they reach so start at the back and work forward. For parents with young children it's wise to ride Dumbo's ride as early as possible. The line is always long later in the day. Leave the shows and indoor attractions for the hottest part of the day when you'll appreciate the cool air conditioning.

Discover Disney fun outside of the park
This is easiest to do with younger children. There are plenty of fun things to do outside of the parks. Take the bus over to Fort Wilderness Campground for some free fun. There is a general store, over-sized petting zoo and several well designed playgrounds. In the evening, try the Mickey character dinner at the Contemporary hotel. Book your reservations so that dinner will be over at 8:45pm and then take a walk outside to the parking lot. From the Valet stand you will have the best and least crowded view of the Magic Kingdom's Fireworks. (Make sure to confirm the days and times of fireworks.)

Take a break
A full day at Epcot, The Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom or MGM Studios can take a great deal of energy. You'll find that the day will be more enjoyable if you leave the park at midday to recharge your batteries with a short nap or dip in the hotel pool. Re-enter the park late afternoon when others are leaving or having dinner. You'll find the lines will be shorter and you'll be more tolerant too.
Purchase multiple day passes
Disney admission passes never expire and it's always cheaper to purchase multiple day park passes. Use what you need on this visit and save the card for future trips. Florida residents have the opportunity to save on tickets in the off-seasons.

How To Entertain On A Budget

8:40 AM | Posted by HotelBookingPro

It is a simple fact: children are bored quite easily, especially if they are on a break from school, like in the summer or around the holidays. Too often, trying to entertain them can cost a lot of money, so finding things to do that cost less will save your budget as well as provide meaningful family time. After all, this is the time of their little young lives that they need you to be there more than ever. You’ll also be creating lasting memories that you and your children will cherish for years to come. Below is a list of free or low cost activities that you can do with your children to have a good time, especially during those long school breaks.

A Day at the Park

Most likely you have a few parks withing your neighborhood, so make a list of all of the parks that are withing a reasonable amount of driving distance and plan to visit one each week. Your children will love the adventure of discovering a new place each week and their interest will be kept high. During your visit to the park you can plan to have the children play on the jungle gym, have a picnic, or just play some games. You can also bring a camera with you to take meaningful pictures and have the kids help you put together a book about the parks.

The Local Library

The library is probably the best place to go if you are trying to stick to a budget, because it is FREE! Upon obtaining a library card, you and your children can check out as many books as you’d like, plus they have a movie section, perfect for those family movie nights. Movie rentals are also free. Especially when your children are younger, they will have so much fun picking out different books and discovering what the library is all about.

Play Restaurant

Every moment of every day can be a learning experience for children, this is especially true at dinner time. A great way to involve your children in dinner preparation is to have them help you plan and prepare the menu. The menu should include the main dish, sides, desserts, and drinks. When dinner approaches help the children prepare to be waiters and waitresses. They can ask for guests orders, which they will think is really fun, and they can help prepare the food. This can eventually turn into a game, a game that has some great learning value.

Go On A Nature Walk

There is so much to discover when out in nature, and your children will certainly discover those little things that we often overlook. A great way to spend an afternoon is to take your children on a nature walk, letting your kids collect leaves and other specimen to take home and analyze. If taking these items home is a little wary for you, bring along a camera to take pictures of the items, then pull up the pictures at home for the kids to look at. This is a great way for kids to learn to identify what is in nature and what surrounds them each and every day.

Family Fun Night

Most of us have games and movies that may be stashed away, so why not get them out and make it a family night? The agenda could be as follows: play a couple of games, make a snack, then watch a movie. Make sure to involve the kids in the planning and preparation of it all, like choosing the games, what snack to make, and what movie to watch. They will love that you all are spending time together as a family, and memories will be made.

Water Fun

During those hot summer months, what could be more soothing than a big giant water balloon smashed into your back. Or maybe enjoying the cool sensation of running through the sprinklers is more up your ally, either way, your kids will love seeing you act like a big kid and joining in the fun. There are so many water activities that you can do, just use your imagination. Your grass needs to be watered anyway during this time of year, why not help it out a little bit by having a little fun? So, grab your bathing suits and plenty of water gear and head on out to the back yard!

Gardening

Children love to help and feel like they are doing a good job, so try to involve them in the gardening this planting season. You may think that the kids will just get in the way of your plan, but actually, they can be a big help. Have them help you pull weeds, or teach them how to plant a seed, and make sure that you designate a plant that is all theirs to take care of. Children feel a great sense of satisfaction when they have something of their that they know they have to take care of.

With all of these great ideas, your bound to have a great time with the children. Why not take advantage of this unique time that you get to spend together to bond as a family? You definitely won’t regret the time spent, and may even find that you are enjoying the activities just as much as the kids. The best way to make the most of a break is to prepare and plan ahead of time, then jump right in, full force. Make it a goal to make this break the most memorable of them all.

How to Get Rid of Holiday Stress

8:39 AM | Posted by HotelBookingPro

As we are in the middle of the holiday season, many parents are wondering how to make the most of this time with family. Sometimes the experience falls flat and our expectations aren’t met, which may lead to frustration and more stress. Many of us are dreaming of the perfect Christmas that we experienced as children, but in reality those days are long gone, and the holidays and celebrations are just different. Often, when our celebrations don’t meet our expectations, we tend to become stressed and frustrated. Even if it means changing a few traditions just so that you can maintain your sanity, it may be worth it in the long run. To avoid this downfall, here are a few tips to help every member of the family enjoy this wonderful time of the year.

Reassess and Prioritize

Most often is the case that holiday stress sets in when we try to do too much during this already busy time of the year. The main reason that we feel this stress is because we are feeling out of control and we react emotionally to it. It is at this moment of break down that it is important to take a minute to reassess the situation and figure out what exactly is stressing you out. Try to think of alternative ways of doing things. You may just find that there is an easier way of celebrating that doesn’t cause so much stress.

Delegate

As parents, and especially as mothers, we try to do everything ourselves without letting anyone help. The motto is: “If I do it, then I know that it is done right.” On the down side of this motto is that we take on too much and burn ourselves out when we could have easily received help by delegating. Maybe the house needs cleaning or the decorations need to be hung, well, get each member of the family to help with these things. It is important to assign a job to the kids and to your spouse so that they feel like they are helping and so that you do not have to do it all. The job to be done may not be done to your standards, but this is a time where it is important to lower your expectations, especially for the children. First, make the expectations clear, then when the job falls a little from your expectations, realize that it is okay.

Know When to Say “No”

Throughout the holiday season, we as parents tend to hear the phrase, “I want, I want!” quite a bit. It is normal for children to behave this way, because after all they know that they are going to be receiving presents. However, this repeated phrase can wear down parents, and so eventually you may give into your children’s requests. It is important to not give into everything because essentially it may cause financial distress. If your children are old enough to understand, tell them that you just can’t afford to buy them everything that they want and that even Santa Clause has somewhat limited funds.

Another way to distract your children from all of the commercial commotion of the holidays is to find and develop new traditions that don’t cost any extra money. There are many ways to enjoy the holiday season without spending any money, for example, baking cookies for family and friends, going caroling around the neighborhood, giving to needy families and volunteering around the community. When children are young it is important to stress the idea that other families may not have as much as they do and that it feels good to give back. You may even want to ask your kids to pick out a few older toys to donate to the less fortunate, this way they are taking an active part in giving service to others.

Be Realistic About Relatives

When the in-laws and other family members visit during the holidays it is important to understand the situation for the short term. The reality is that they are there to enjoy the holidays with people that they love, and your cordiality is a gift to them. If there have been past issues with certain family members, try not to bring up these issues during the holidays. This will undoubtedly bring up bad feelings and may ruin the season for you and many others.

Also, if going to a certain relatives house every year seems to cause more stress than is needed, arrange with your family that you will only visit every other year. You’ll find that this will drastically cut down on the stress that you feel during this time of year.

When everything is said and done, it is important to take it easy on yourself during the holidays. After all, this is a time to celebrate with our families and friends and reconnect with each other. This is not the time of year to try and impress everyone who steps foot inside your front door. Yes, do a little decorating, but don’t feel like you have to over-do it. In reality, visitors won’t even notice every decoration that you’ve set out. Do what you can to have things organized and ready to go, but in the end just sit back and enjoy this time of year.

Entertain Your Family For Less

8:37 AM | Posted by HotelBookingPro

Throughout the year, there are many times when we as parents wonder how we will keep our kids entertained, whether they are on a school break, or in the summer, or during the holidays. Coming up with ideas that are fun but that don’t cost a lot of money can be quite challenging, especially if your family is experiencing a financial hardship or trying to cut costs to survive the current state of the economy. The good news is that if you are willing to do a little extra work and research, there are plenty of ways to entertain your family without paying a huge price tag in the process. By combining imagination and creativity, you’ll be able to put together some fun family activities without breaking the bank. Below, I will cover some great ideas that you can easily implement into your family nights, so take some time to read over them so that you are familiar with many ideas.

Board Games

Currently there is a push in the retail world for families to implement “family game nights”. This is a great way for children of all ages to come together one night out of the week with their families and enjoy a night full of laughs and memories. It seems like when families get together to play a game, many laughs are shared and memories are created that children will remember for years to come. Board games are also great because they can be enjoyed throughout the year. They can be played during the cold months or during the hot months. Whether your family gathers around the dining table to play a game of checkers, dominoes, or even play with a deck of cards, this is a great and inexpensive way to stay connected with family members, while allowing some time to discuss each others interests and day to day activities.

Movie Night

These days going out to a movie theatre can be quite expensive for an entire family. First, there’s the tickets, then the popcorn, then the drinks, and so on and so forth. By the time you get out of the movie, a family of four can easily have spent about $75! Imagine how much fun you could have had with $75 and you wouldn’t have been sitting for the entire time. A great way to enjoy a family movie night is to check out the local library or the local video store. While it is still expensive to rent a movie, it is still cheaper than going out to one. By going this route, you will have plenty of money left over to pop some popcorn at home, and buy a 2-liter of soda at the grocery store. Besides, it’s much more comfortable to gather around the TV all cuddled in a blanket, maybe around the fireplace while you enjoy a show.

Local Events

For the most part, many people are simply unaware of the many activities that are happening within their own communities. Some of these activities cost and some don’t, and this is where your good eye and wisdom will come into play. Often, there is a section in the local newspaper that describes what is happening in the community that week, and they will list prices or give you a phone number to call to find out the cost. Other places that you can check is online and local community boards at the city offices. Even, ask other parents for ideas on places to go or what is going on.

Volunteer

Creating memories together as a family doesn’t always have to involve games, balloons, and treats. Families can create more meaningful memories together as they are volunteering around the community. It is a good idea to contact your local city offices for ideas that are going on around the city. A great way to volunteer is to contact the local homeless shelter to serve a meal, or pick up trash around the local park or pond. You can even contact a senior citizens home and have a game night with the residents. Residents would love the company and a chance to laugh and have fun. Volunteering is a great way to give back to the community and recognize how blessed your family is to have each other.

Store Sponsored Events

Check with local stores to see if they sponsor activities for kids during the month. Stores like Home Depot, Lowe’s, Toy’s R’ Us, Barnes and Noble, and many craft stores often have days like on Saturdays where children can come enjoy a fun activity for free! This is a great way for kids to learn new skills, even social skills as they interact with other children. Even if the activity isn’t free, often times it is quite cheap. This is a great way to spend an otherwise boring afternoon.

Get back to Nature

During the Winter months, we try to keep our kids inside as much as we can, because of the extreme temperatures that occur. So, after months of being couped inside, it will do every member of the family to get a little fresh air. It might take a little planning, but going on a weekend camping trip would be loads of fun for your children and for you. You can also find a cheap community swimming pool, some great hiking and biking trails, or just enjoy a fun game of baseball at the park. All of these activities are great ways to burn off excess energy that your kids are likely to have., plus you’ll be spending valuable time together as a family.

These ideas are just a few of the many that are out there. Take some time to compile a list of great ideas, then use that list to refer to often. These activities are great because they are either free or quite cheap and are a great way to encourage family connections. During this time when money is the subject of so much attention, you may find it to be a welcome relief to forget about how materialistic our society has become and get back to the basics when it comes to family fun.

Tips For Easy Holiday Entertaining

10:25 AM | Posted by HotelBookingPro

The fact that they call it the most wonderful time of the year is no accident. The season is filled with family gatherings and parties with old friends and people magically transform into generous individuals, willing to give of their time and means to help out the less fortunate. However, if you are the one who is planning these get togethers for family and friends, the pressure to be the perfect host can take the fun our of the festivities, especially for you. So, to keep those wonderful visions of happy turkey feasts and cocktail parties dancing around in your head, I’ve compiled a list of some tips and techniques that you can follow to make this holiday season one that you will actually remember, because you’ll be right in the middle of it rather than spending your time in the kitchen.

Fake It

The number one way to host a perfect party is to fake it. Fake that you know exactly what you are doing and that you are having a great time. After all, the party just needs to hold up for one night, maybe about three hours. Some of the top party planners in the country suggest that you avoid a pre-party cleaning frenzy. Do not waste your time immaculately cleaning the entire house, just create clean surfaces and add a special ambiance with some decorations, but don’t worry about the dust bunnies hiding beneath the couch. The best place to spend your time cleaning is the bathroom, however, because this is the room that mostly all of your guests will visit. to create an extra special mood, maybe light a candle or plug in a festive scent diffuser and set out a special hand lotion to pamper your guests.

Decorate Simply

Do not spend your money on elaborate flower arrangements, instead buy one kind of flower, in the same color, in bulk and make your own kind of arrangements with items that you already have at your house. If you plan on adding a few candles to the decorations, make sure to cluster the candles into groups. Another great way to add charm and character to your decorations is to give it some varied height. Do not just group together one height in different places around your home, instead mix them up. By doing this, it gives the eye something to follow, and your guests will notice. Also, if you are decorating on a kitchen table, make sure the decorations aren’t too tall. You want to make it comfortable for your guests to communicate while eating, without having to strain their necks to see one another.

Involve Your Guests

Too often when we host parties, we as the host/hostess are in the kitchen preparing the food, or in another room doing something else for the party while the guests are in the main gathering room. If you are in one room, and your guests are in another, something is just not right. One way to involve your guests in the party preparations, especially if it is a smaller size get together, is to include the guests in the meal preparation. For example, you can have your guests make their own dumplings or individual pizzas, decorate cookies, or you can try something totally adventurous and plan a “stone soup” party. This type of party is where each guest brings an ingredient for a soup or a stew without telling other guests what it is beforehand. This is fun and really helps to make your guests feel like they are really involved and part of the planning of the party.

Don’t Over-Do the Menu

To maintain your sanity as the host, keep the menu simple. A good way to do this is to prepare food ahead of time and maybe mix ready-made food with homemade food. Also, this isn’t the time to try out that new recipe that you’ve been dying to try. It just may flop, so stick to recipes that you know are good and are easy to prepare. Finger foods are fairly easy and make the party more fun for your guests. This also cuts down on dishes used because you will just have to provide napkins for your guests to use.

The Grocery List

There is a unique strategy to follow when shopping for food items for your party. To cut down on last minute shopping stress, buy as much as you can ahead of time, like a couple weeks, so that you don’t have to worry about it a few days before the party. For example, dry goods and shelf-stable stuff like canned items and flour can be bought up to a month in advance. When it comes closer to your party, plan to shop two to three days before for the other items that are perishable. By following this simple technique, your fridge doesn’t fill up as fast and you can spread the cost of it all over a couple of paychecks.

Prep As Much As You Can In Advance

Food, decorations, utensils, plates, cups, etc. can all be prepared in advance, like a day or two, thus cutting down on the last-minute dash to get things completed. For example, if you are cooking a turkey and stuffing, make the stuffing a day in advance, pop it into the refrigerator, then the next day you can just pop it into the oven to cook. If you plan on putting the stuffing inside the bird, you can still prepare it ahead of time, but only put it in the bird right before you cook it. You can also use the day before the party to wash, shop, and trim the veggies so that when it comes time to cook them, all you have to do is throw them in the pot.

Entertaining year-round, and most especially around the holidays can be a stressful situation, but it doesn’t have to be that way. After all, you are inviting people over to have a good time and to catch up, not spend the entire night being the “perfect” hostess. Do all that you can ahead of time to prepare so that come party night, you can do what you wanted to do in the first place, visit with family and friends and enjoy the evening.

Holiday Travel Tips

7:30 PM | Posted by HotelBookingPro

Holiday traveling can be a hectic time for families and travelers of every kind. First, you have to make all the plans for the airport, the rental car, and lodging, then you have to worry about getting to your destination on time. However, by following these following tips, you’ll find that holiday traveling is a breeze and something that you actually look forward to.

Airfare Deals

It’s a good idea to research your flight schedule ahead of time to see what prices have done in the past ninety days. On search engines like www.SuperTravelMate.com, you can serach your destination and dates with a chart that shows how prices have risen and fallen on your chosen route over the past ninety days. Other search engines and websites let you plug in the price point that you are looking for and the website will search and alert you when the price has been found. However, with holiday traveling coming up, it’s probably best to book whatever price sounds reasonable. Usually flight fill up quickly around this time of year so take the chance while you still have it.

Travel Date Flexibility

Recently travel websites have given their customer the option to auickly check fares over range of dates. This feature will allow you to choose which dates best suit your needs and budget. Sometimes just changing your date by a day or two can prove to save you substantial amounts of money. For example, it’s not a good idea to fly on Mondays or on Fridays, because this is when most business professionals fly and the airlines usually charge a higher fare because of this. Arrange your travel dates to happen mid-week whether you are coming or going to allow for savings on flight fare.

Air and Hotel Packages

The first goal is to just find a flight that is reasonably prices, but if after a few tries searching for low fares you still don’t have any results, consider booking your air and hotel together at sites like expedia.com or lastminute.com. These sites have buil-in features that allow travelers to bundle together their airfare and hotel costs at one low price. Sometimes the package that you book will be about the same price as just booking the airfare with the flight company. This is a great way at looking at savings. This way you are practically getting your hotel stay for free!

Choose Flight Times Wisely

There are essentially three ways to help avoid delays and help save you money when you are flying. First, Try to fly first thing in the morning or late at night. Most travelers aren’t willing to travel so early or so late and flights are less busy at this time. You will also see a drop in price because airlines are trying to fill up these flights. Second, try to book a non-stop flight. This won’t necessarily save you money, but it will definitely save you wait time and the chance of being delayed. This option is suited more towards the traveler that has a time limit on traveling. This option also leaves you less likely that things will get lost, like luggage. Third, try to book your flight to fly in and out of less crowded airports. For example, if you are flying to California and flying into LAX, your flight will cost more and be more of a time hassle than if you were to fly into Burbank airport, which is only a few minutes away. This is a smaller airport, but it still accepts most flights around the country, so it’s a great option.

Travel Against the Grain

When making your travel plans, it’s a good idea to think about where most people are not traveling to. For example, you’ll want to avoid traveling to or booking a hotel near a crowded beach or a ski resort, as many people will be at these places. Instead, consider traveling to places like New Orleans where there isn’t so much hassle around the holidays. Also, consider booking a room at a hotel that specializes in business guests. Most likely there will not be many business people booking hotel rooms around the holidays, so these hotels will offer rooms at well below the original cost. You may even find a bargain when you stay in Las Vegas around Christmas, but be sure to be gone by New Year’s, when the town really lights up.

Travel with a Group

When you are traveling with a large group, usually ten or more, it is a good idea to take advantage of the groups’ size by playing the numbers game. Often, you’ll be able to negotiate for discounts and special perks wherever you are going. For example. on many cruise lines you get a free cabin with ten other paid rooms. If you are on land, it might be to your advantage to book a villa, condo, or a house rental instead of a room for each traveler. It may seem pricey at first, but you’ll find that it will be cheaper than booking all of those separate rooms. Some airlines will also offer special perks and discounts for large groups. However, even if they don’t offer a discount, they will most likely be able to coordinate itineraries for each member of your party.

Be Organized

Traveling during the holidays is bound to be a bit chaotic, especially when each member of your traveling party is rummaging through their baggage while in line at the check-in counter just to find their ID or other items of need. Even though this may just happen, there are a few things that you can do beforehand to better prepare yourself for traveling. For example, many airlines offer the chance to check-in a day early and print your boarding pass from home. These actions alone, will save you valuable time.

Also, it is a good idea to pack light enough that all the baggage that you have to worry about is your carry-on. Now this may just not be an option for some people, but consider the time that would be save if you could skip the baggage check line. When you are checking bage, make sure that they are under fifty pounds each, or you will be charged extra fees.

Reserve Parking in Advance

At most airports, there are services that allow you, both on and off grounds, to reserve a parking spot, often for less money. To check if the airport that you are using offers these services, just check the website and you will find the information you need. Also, if you book parking in advance, you won’t have to worry about the hassle of getting to the parking lot or where to park because a shuttle from the airport will take you directly to your parking lot.

It is an age-old issue, but traveling during the holidays can be a joyful time, if you take the time before to plan for a successful trip. After all, you are most likely traveling to visit family, so cutting down on the stress is a great way to get into the holiday mood. Consider traveling early or late, just to avoid the hassles, but most importantly, enjoy the time spent more than worrying about getting there or coming home.

Unusual Hotels

7:19 PM | Posted by HotelBookingPro

Going on a vacation is truly an adventure, but what if you stayed in a unique hotel while you were away. Perhaps you find yourself riding an elevator up 60 feet, stepping into your room, only to find that you have an entire panoramic view of Holland’s Wadden Sea. Inside the room, you are met with a touch-screen lighting system, a shower for two, and an outdoor terrace, but what truly makes this room unique lies in the corner of the room. Here, there are controls that let you turn the room in any direction you like. Who would have guessed that you would be staying in a 143,000 pound steel crane!

Sometimes we get bored of the same old hotel, furnished with a rectangular bed, a stocked mini-bar, and a courteous staff. Sometimes we want something different, and some of us want something very different. Fortunately for us adventurers, hotels around the world are really stepping up their game to provide a unique experience for each of its guests.

For a long time, hotels have tried to attract guests with unique themes like tepees and train cars. One hotel in particular has even gone to the extreme of providing you a night’s stay in a real jail cell. In Latvia at Karostas Cietums, which is an infamous Soviet-era military jail, for $10 a night, you can receive the full experience of staying in an old cell on a threadbare mattress.

Fortunately, not all of these unique hotels offer such great amenities as this old jail, but you will experience a once in a lifetime stay at one of these hotels.

Harlingen Harbour Crane, Netherlands

At this former timber hauling derrick you will find a repurposed bi-level room that is 60 feet high in the sky. Located along the banks of the Wadden Sea off of the Dutch coast, you can enjoy the panoramic aquatic view from inside your luxuriously equipped room. You’ll be surrounded by electronical advances like touch lighting and you can rotate which way your room faces just by a touch of a button.

Click here to browse our Netherlands hotels

Giraffe Manor, Kenya

In Kenya, you can stay on land owned by the Langata Giraffe Centre, which is a wildlife conservancy, sanctuary, and reserve. Girafffe Manor is an estate decorated with 19th century furnishings. The rooms themselves are not necessarily done up in any unusual way, but it’s what’s outside that will really catch your eye. Why not go for an afternoon stroll around the grounds while you interact with giant giraffe’s nearby? Guests even get the opportunity to interact with these animals during meal time as well. Sometimes giraffe’s will poke their heads through the windows and eat right out of your hand. Where else can you interact with wild animals like this in such close quarters? Click here to browse our Kenya hotels

Dasparkhotel, Austria

Who would have ever thought that a concrete drainpipe would one day be a hotel room? Along the banks of the Danube in Ottensheim, Austria you’ll find concrete drainpipes used as hotel rooms that have an electronically secured entrance. You will be surrounded by a leafy green park with nature surrounding you. If you are claustrophobic, however, this may not be the place for you. Each drainpipe is furnished with a comfortable mattress, a lamp, and one tiny skylight. This is truly for those who want an extreme vacation. Click here to browse our Austria hotels

Kokopelli’s Cave Bed & Breakfast, New Mexico

At Kokopelli’s you’ll have the opportunity to experience life as a mountain man might have years ago. This wonderful setting is accesed by a cliff-face trail cut into the side of a 65 million year old sandstone formation. Once you are inside the cave you’ll have amenities like a cascading waterafall shower, a flagstone hot tub, 1,650 square feet of living, southwestern-style furnishings, a full kitchen, and washer and dryer. Probably the best amenity that the cave has to offer is the beautiful sunsets and stargazing opportunities you’ll be able to view while you are on the balcony or on the cliff tops. Click here to browse our Mexico hotels

The Kakslauttanen Hotel, Finland

When you visit Finland and find yourself lodging at the Kakslauttanen Hotel, the indoor space isn’t what you will be necessarily attracted to, it will be the outdoor space. Each dome is just 161 square feet and has one small toilet. But, because of the panoramic thermoglass casing that acts as a roof, you’ll be able to take in the night sky’s right from the comfortable adjustable double beds. These domes especially become popular during the Northern Lights. Imagine yourself and your travel companion enjoying the spectacular show that the Northern Lights puts on as you lay in your bed. This is definitely a must-see experience. Click here to browse our Finland hotels

Marmara Antalya, Turkey

The marmar Antalya is a hotel that rotates. It is aided by six enormous electric motors and makes a complete revolution every seven hours. The great Mediterranean views can be enjoyed from every angle as you stay in this ultra modern hotel. The hotel features 24 rooms that all offer great views of the surrounding landscape, and you’ll be able to see all of it because your view will change. As part of the hotel, there is another building behind it that offers lodging for guests, but if you want the experience of revolution, you’ll want to book a room in the first building, as this one doesn’t move. Click here to browse our Turkey hotels

Jules’ Undersea Lodge, Florida

Located 21 feet below the water’s surface is an old 70’s era research lab that has been turned into a two bedroom capsule in Key Largo that can accommodate six guests. To get to the capsule, guests have to scuba dive down to the entrance. The capsule is 600 square feet and includes all the regular amenities that you would find inside a hotel room. The amenities include a spacious living area with a TV ans stereo along with a furnished dining room. In each bedroom, the lodge makes full use of its unique location with its 42 inch circular windows that offer a view of passing sea life. Who knows, you just might see a shark or a sea turtle swim by.

It seems that wherever you travel to there will be something unique to see and experience. In this case, hotels are not an exception. It’s amazing to see how far advanced our world has become and how creative people are getting. There’s even been talk about hotels in space by 2012! Our knowledge of how hotels are run is definitely changing. There will certainly be more unusual hotels to add to this list in the future, but for now these top the list. Click here to browse our Florida hotels

Gas-Saving Tips for Your Next Road Trip

7:07 PM | Posted by HotelBookingPro

All around us we are hearing that people are opting to stay close to home for their yearly vacations because of ever-rising gas prices. In some areas it has even reached up to $4 per gallon! Despite the high gas prices, this doesn’t mean that you need to give up your family tradition to take a road trip. There are plenty of Americans that are still packing up their mini-vans to travel across country and they are able to do it because they are following these gas-saving road trip tips.

Check With Your Hotel

Many hotels are now offering gas incentives when you stay at their place. Some are offering these incentives in the form of gift cards for services at and around the hotel, gas certificates, or money off of your stay. For example, in Vermont at the newly opened Stowe Mountain Lodge, until the end of the year when guests stay two nights they get a $25 credit towards their bill. When they stay three nights, a $50 credit is given, and a stay of four or more nights receives $100 credit. These credits can be used for things such as spa services, dining options, or just towards your bill.

In Chicago at the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place, you can purchase a Gas Saver Package that gets you a $25 gas gift certificate at your checkout. Following these lines, in California at the Broughton’s Hospitality Group’s boutique hotels, they offer a “Cruise the Coast” package. This package allows you to receive a $25 gas rebate at checkout, along with a bottle of wine at check-in and free continental breakfast during your stay.

Watch Your Driving Technique

As you are heading out onto the wide open road, paying attention to the way you are driving could end up saving you money on your gas bill. It is a fact that the slower you travel the less gas you use, so when the mileage post says 65 mph, travel the speed limit. You may even consider traveling 5 mph under the speed limit to save a little extra. AAA, which is a reputable car assistance company, has proven that driving slower can boost your mileage by about five percent. In these tough economic times, any help financially that we can get is worth it. This goes to say when you are just driving around town as well. For example, when you are traveling a large stretch of road try to lay your foot off of the gas pedal and cruise as much as you can. You’ll be surprised how much mileage you will gain by just making small improvements.

Break Out the GPS

Having a GPS system in your vehicle can prove to be a time and a gas saver. This is a useful road trip tool that gives you directions to places you are traveling to. As you are shopping around for a GPS device, keep in mind that not all of them are created equal. You are going to want to get the best device that you can with the budget that you have set. There are a couple of points that you want to be sure of when choosing the right GPS. Make sure the one you buy is able to calculate the shortest distance between two points, and be sure that the route you are taking doesn’t involve an unpleasant unfinished road. Sometimes it is a benefit to actually have two GPS systems in your vehicle. Not only do they each have different features, but you can compare the routes that they each give to make sure you are traveling the best one.

Go Online

There are many sites that will offer you great directions and amenities that will help you along the way. One travel website, mapquest.com, is such a site. Here you can receive directions to and from a destination, check a map for your travel needs, browse through the yellow pages, and check gas prices along the way.

Another great website is AAA’s site. Here they offer a Trip Tik, which is a customizable road-trip router. It also shows gas station locations and date-stamped fuel prices along the route. The fuel prices listed aren’t always accurate, especially with prices changing daily, but they are usually withing 2-8 days of the listed price.

Lastly, make sure whatever site you use it is a reputable one. The last thing you want is to use a travel site that routes you miles out of your way, or even leads you to a location just to find out that it doesn’t exist anymore. Even with more accredited sites, it is best to do your homework ahead of time, just to make sure that you are following the right route. After all, these sites were created for a reason, and that is to help you along the way on your wonderful road trip.

Stay On Top of Car Maintenance

It is tempting to skip the car checkup that you know your car needs just to save a little money to put towards gas, groceries, or other travel expenses. However, by taking your vehicle in for a tune-up to replace air and fuel filters and checking the oil will really help to improve engine efficiency and boost mileage. Another step you can take is to make sure the tires are filled to the manufacturer- recommended PSI. This will help to reduce road-drag which is caused by under-inflation. According to the AAA, under-inflated tires can reduce your mileage by up to two percent per pound of pressure.

Check the Calendar

Have you ever wondered why gas prices seem to go up around the holidays and during the summer? Well, it is because this is when most people do their road traveling, and the gas industry knows that this is when they can make the most money. Kind of crooked, I know, but that is how it is. So, if you are planning on traveling to the in-laws house for Thanksgiving this year, don’t wait until the day before to fill up the tank, do it days in advance to get the best price. You may have also noticed that gas prices seem to rise on the weekends as well. To avoid this, try to fill up during the week for your weekend plans.

Pack Light

This tip seems like a no-brainer, but the fact is, we’ve all probably seen that one family that loads up nearly half of their possessions just to travel across state. It is common sense that the less weight the vehicle has to haul the less gas is used. Also, when you are packing, make sure to pack things inside the car, not on the roof where it will cause drag and reduce your mileage.

When followed, these tips are sure to save you precious money when traveling across the country. It is still possible to enjoy a family road trip, and these tips will allow you to do so. There is no need to sacrifice those great family memories just because gas prices have risen a little. So, keep those plans and enjoy the trip of a lifetime!

Family-Oriented Activities in San Diego

7:06 PM | Posted by HotelBookingPro

As you plan your family trip to San Diego, make sure to look below to find the most popular attractions in the area. All of these sites are geared toward families and will provide something interesting and exciting for each member of the family. One of the main reasons that families and tourists come to San Diego is because of its great year-round weather. Hovering in the 70’s and 80’s, you’ll find the perfect weather to either roam the streets or make your way to the beach. When visiting San Diego you won’t have to worry about being bombarded with harsh winters or extreme heat, it’s pleasant all the time, although, sometimes a little overcast.

This is also a great location to plan your trip and what activities you will do because the weather is pretty stable and predictable. You probably won’t be surprised by a torrential rain or freezing temperatures. In southwest San Diego, the weather is not very extreme, so those hurricanes that especially come ashore in the South and seasonal tornadoes that we see in the Mid West are not present. In its ideal location, San Diego is also far enough north so as to avoid the high humidity and heavy seasonal rains that characterize the tropical regions.

A visit to San Diego is one that you will not regret. There are many beaches to visit where surfers and those who want to soak up the sun come to enjoy a relaxing time. As a part of the lifestyle in San Diego, beaches play a major role. Often times you will see locals spending their time roaming the surrounding areas and taking their turn catching a wave. Families will be able to enjoy a relaxing day as they build sand castles, take a nap on a beach towel, or dive into the adventurous waters of the ocean. The beach is definitely the number one tourist attraction.

Besides the beach, there are also many other tourist attractions to visit that will complete your vacation. Below is a list of other attractions.

Outdoors

The outdoor activities is where most of the adventure is to be found here. Whether you find yourself sailing, kayaking, on a harbor cruise, or taking in a little seasonal whale watching. Historically, San Diego was also a major port and naval base with a rich history of war time. Around the beaches, you will find historical sites that capture the unique war history that San Diego was so prominently a part of. You’ll find museums and actually be able to take a tour of some of these historical ships.

Amusement

A trip to San Diego will not be complete without a trip to Sea World and the San Diego Zoo. Sea World is a theme park that plays off the ocean and the life that inhabits it. Here you’ll see many shows and entertainment options, including a killer whale show. You’ll also see many other displays and performances from other fascinating creatures of the sea, including whales, dolphins, and seals.

Continue your exploration of the animal world at the San Diego Zoo. This is an internationally famous zoo known for its very large collection of animals all living in habitats that mimic their natural environments. Here, you’ll also find a special collection of rare pandas, making the zoo especially popular among visitors.

Adjacent to the zoo is the San Diego Wild Animal Park which is a natural setting resembling an African Safari where many different wild animals can be viewed in their habitats. The San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Wild Animal Park are two attractions that top the attractions list in San Diego.

It seems like every major metropolitan area has a park that is known for its diverse population and diverse attractions. In New York, you have Central Park, and in San Diego you have Balboa Park. Balboa Park is referred to as the “jewel” of San Diego because it features beautiful gardens and museums, many restaurants and other attractions, and is a great place to meet up with others and people watch. It’s amazing what you can learn about others just by watching how they interect with their surroundings.

For more family fun, make sure to head on over to Belmont park and Legoland. These are both parks that are sure to get the whole family excited and provide for some much needed adventure.

As you are choosing where to dine while you are in San Diego, make sure you check out both the Gaslamp District and Old Town San Diego. Both places offer cuisine that match the best the world has to offer. The Gaslamp District is the main downtown entertainment and shopping center, mixed with marvelous restaurants. After a long day of shopping and listening to concerts on the town, how relaxing would it be to nestle down into a quaint little restaurant?

In Old Town San Diego, you’ll experience an authentic early southern California time period, but with a bit of a Mexican twist. As you walk along the historic streets, you’ll see historic buildings that have been preserved to help showcase the San Diego of the past. Tourist shops, pioneer shops, and other trinket shops line the streets, as well as delicious unique restaurants. This is truly a place where you’ll feel that you’ve been transported back 100 years.

Lastly, if you are visiting San Diego to take in a little bit of the sports that they offer, you’ll want to take time to see the San Diego Chargers football team and the San Diego Padres baseball team. Make sure to plan in advance if you want to attend one of these professional games, as tickets are a bit pricey and sell out quite frequently. Because San Diego offers such a great outdoor environment, there are many sports to watch or participate in all around the region.

When you are planning your trip and what you are going to do while in San Diego, make sure to look back over this list of things to do. You’re sure to provide a great time for you and your family as you take advantage of all that San Diego has to offer. While you are planning your entertainment, make sure to buy a “Go San Diego Card”, which is a card that will save you money at several attractions, including tours, museums, activities, and sights. You’ll be able to see all of these for one low price when you purchase a card.

Car Rental Cost-Cutting Secrets

7:04 PM | Posted by HotelBookingPro

Around the country, gas prices have been taking us on a rollercoaster ride. For a few months, we are paying top dollar for gas, then it backs off a little and we are reprieved. Before we know it, we are on the same ride over and over again. With such fluctuation, many of us wonder if it’s even worth it to go on vacation, especially when we have to add on the cost of renting a car. Even though cost is weighing heavily on people’s minds right now, this should not be the only factor to consider when choosing a car rental company and model to choose. When you’ve found a successful car rental company they will be a company that brings together, price, model, service, and timing.

Even if you are an experienced car rental renter, meaning you rent several times a year, you still may be in for a surprise when you go to rent. Rental companies and cars vary so much from city to city, it’s no wonder why renting a car can be a frustrating situation.

Next time you find yourself renting a car while away from home, make sure to get a great price, without having to go through a shady company. There’s plenty that you can do to make the rental-car stars align and end up with a lower bill. Here are a few steps to take when booking a rental.

Book Through Travel Websites

When you book your car rental through travel websites like www.Ooglog.com, you are paying up front without necessarily knowing the specific car rental agency you are booking with, but this way you are guaranteed significant discounts. Even though you may not know the specific car rental agency, they are generally an interchangable commodity.

Avoid Airport Rentals

When you find yourself renting your car at an airport kiosk, you are undoubtedly going to pay significantly more for a rental car than if you were to book it in advance somewhere else. It is required by law that airport rental locations add local and state surcharges, where you may not get these charges if you book somewhere else. These fees can hike your rental up by about 25-45 percent.

Rent Locally When Abroad

It may be your first instinct to book a car rental with a local rental company because you are familiar with them and you trust them. But, it may be adventageous to you to look into booking your rental with a foreign company where you are traveling to. Most often they will offer you a better deal and a wider selection of vehicles to choose from.

Top Off the Tank

Fuel policies of rental companies are quite strict, and when you bring back a car without topping off the fuel, they will most often charge you a pretty steep fee, over what the gas station would have charged you for gas. Keep in mind that you will need to fill up the tank at a fuel center close to the rental company station and show them your receipt to prove the action.

Beware of the Conversion Fee

When you are renting in another country, find out in advance whether you can choose between paying in U.S. currency or paying in the foreign currency. Make sure to compare the two rates, and if you choose to pay in the local currency, but use a U.S. credit card, they will charge you a conversion fee.

What Are the Restrictions?

Especially when reserving a car abroad, you’ll want to check out the age requirements and the insurance coverage options. Some credit cards that you reserve with have restrictions that don’t allow purchasing insurance in certain countries, like Jamaica and Italy. Other international rental-car companies sometimes impose restrictions on older rental drivers. Lastly, make sure to check if options available in the United States are also available abroad, like unlimited mileage.

International ID

Most often, you don’t need an international driving permit to drive abroad, but in the case that you were pulled over by police, it provides a familiar and recognizable form of identification. For the low fee of $15, available from the American Automobile Association (AAA), it is well worth the sense of calmness that it will give to you.

There are a number of ways that car rental companies are trying to save you money when you are vacationing. There are more independent companies that are increasing the competition, and there are a lot more deal finding tools online to help find that great deal.

One of the most positive changes that rental car companies are making is increasing their inventory of hybrid vehicles. These vehicles not only minimize the carbon footprint, but they save you considerable amounts of money on fuel. Also, when using a gas or electric vehicle, it’s possible to save as much as one day’s rental fees when you take a week-long trip.

Enterprise Rent-A-Car is planning on doubling its inventory of 5,000 hybrid vehicles by the end of 2009. They began increasing these cars in the more densely populated areas of the country, and now are expanding to more rural areas.

At Avis Car Rentals, sixty-three percent of their vehicles are certified by the EPA’s Smart Way program, and 2,500 of these vehicles are hybrids. The company doesn’t offer these vehicles at all locations yet, so the best way to reserve one is to travel to any of the major West Coast airport locations.

Hertz has also joined the ranks, offering many hybrid vehicles, more than 4,000 to be exact, and can be reserved upon request in many major U.S. cities.

When it comes down to it, renting a car is all about providing you a way to enjoy your vacation, so if you don’t have to worry about how much it’s costing you to rent, your bound to have a more stress-free vacation. If you do your homework in advance and look around for deals, you will pay less for your car rental and have more money to pay for those fun things while vacationing.

Top Romantic Hotels in St. Louis

6:58 PM | Posted by HotelBookingPro

Normally, when one thinks of the perfect place to get away for a romantic vacation, they usually think of the soothing sound of ocean waves or a quiet retreat deep within the mountains, not right in the middle of a big city. However, St. Louis is a city that offers a cozy and romantic atmosphere for you and your loved one to spend an unforgettable romantic vacation. Sure, the night life is quite exciting, but that’s not what you were really looking for when you decided to come to a romantic place like St. Louis. A quiet location for you to spend time with your beloved is exactly what will make this the perfect romantic getaway, and you’ll find this at the Cheshire Lodge, nestled right in the heart of St. Louis.

When you first stumble upon this quaint little hotel, you may not realize that the hotel boasts romance, judging from the outside appearance. Although it is attractive in appearance, it just may not give you the immediate feel of a romantic hideaway. All of your preconceived notions are thrown out the window once you step inside the lobby. You may even feel as though you have been transformed into a new world. The decorations boast romance with old English style and a charming appearance.

The Cheshire has been operated as a family business for the past forty years, and as you will see, has a lot to offer in terms of romance. Once inside the lobby, you’ll be surrounded by lovely antiques and timely decor making it hard to not feel that you’ve been transported to a remote English location.

Adding to the charm of this unique hotel, each room is decorated beautifully adding to the overall feel of romance you’ll feel while in the hotel. Each room is fully equipped with a comfortable king-size bed, nestled in the middle of luxurious furnishings, and the walls are well-insulated to ensure privacy and quiet during your stay. You’ll find that your room is quite clean and the service is first class.

Among the many guest rooms, there are six specially designed themed rooms that will make your romantic getaway even more perfect. The beautiful fantasy rooms boast two room suites, and each carry a different theme. Below is an overview of what each themed room will offer.

The Raj

Imagine being whisked away to India where you’ll be treated like a royal Indian prince and princess. As you enter the room, you are greeted with red carpet that leads directly to the raised king bed. To add to the romance, there is a heart-shaped jacuzzi where you can relax in luxury with your loved one. You may even find yourselves playing make believe in lieu of the royal throne that will carry you away in the moment.

Ultimate Bathe

This suite boasts the elaborate luxury that the hotel is known for along with a specially-lit jacuzzi for two, and enhances the already present romantic atmosphere. The room is also dimly lit with gold studs, giving off the sensation of romance. Finishing off this suite is a king canopy bed, designed especially for lovers who want to get away from the pressures of everyday life.

Treehouse at Sherwood Forest

Finding a remote destination deep within the forest is as romantic as it gets, and you’ll get that when you stay in the Treehouse at Sherwood Forest. The Cheshire has designed this room to give you the distinct feeling of living in the times of Robin Hood and Maid Marian. Along with the other suites in the hotel, this suite is equipped with a jacuzzi, mirrors, and a sheltering of forest trees wrapping you and your loved one up in the moment.

Captain’s Quarters

You’ll feel like you really are on a ship when you step inside this nautical-themed suite. Surrounding the room, you’ll find decor featuring life in the sea, and other decorations that you would typically find on a ship. It also has a jacuzzi and gas fireplace, the only room in the hotel with a fireplace.

Safari Rainforest

When you step foot into the Safari room, you’ll wonder if you really did travel to St. Louis or to Africa. The feeling is fully tangible. Complete with a king-sized bed and a jacuzzi, you’ll be hidden among the rainforest, surrounded by vines and greens. This is a suite that you’ll really feel secluded and private in while you enjoy a night’s stay in the rainforest.

When you arrive at the Cheshire you’ll be given a complimentary bottle of Champagne and treated to the utmost service. Because of the unique experience that you will receive when you visit the hotel, you will need to book your room well in advance. Rooms fill up quite quickly, so plan your special getaway with plenty of time to spare. Of couse, since you are getting more with the fantasy rooms, they will cost a bit more.

If you opt to stay in one of the regular rooms, you will still be getting a great room for a great price. These rooms still offer the romance you are seeking for your wonderful vacation.

Along with the hotel’s old English feeling, you will find a tavern, the Fox and Hound Inn which emits a feeling of being in merry old England. This is a great place to get a late-night drink or to sit and absorb the romantic environment with a bite to eat.

Another great highlight to this romantic getaway is the enclosed pool inside the atrium, which is open year-round. Although, if you are visiting during the winter months, take note that the pool area may be a little bit cooler than normal, but still fun to take advantage of.

As you are planning your romantic getaway, consider coming here to St. Louis and staying at the Cheshire Lodge. You won’t regret your decision to stay at this romantic place to rekindle your love for each other.

Great Family Water Parks Across America

6:57 PM | Posted by HotelBookingPro

Back in the day, water parks were once just semi-souped up pools that offered a fun way to cool off on a hot day. These days, water parks across America have morphed into the wet counterparts to theme parks-mixing adrenaline-pumping thrills with wet family fun!

What is more exciting than eighty-foot drops and white water rapids- let alone lazy rivers and wave pools? All of these parts find their way into America’s water parks, but some, of course, do it better than others. These plaes have truly earned the crown of kings of wet. So, come on, grab your suncreen, beach towel, and bathing suit and experience the best that America has to offer.

Schlitterbahn Waterpark- New Braunfels, TX

In Texas, ir is a rarity that the thermometer ever reads below 90 degrees in the summer. This one factor is what drives many families to Schlitterbahn Waterpark, outfitted with coolers and bathing suits. This little known wonder has been voted the top waterpark in America for the past three years. The park is a 65 acre Bavarian themed oasisfeaturing tunnel slides, tube chutes, floating areas, and at least four swimming pools. If you want to experience ultimate thrill, you must head on over to the Blastenhoff entrance where the main attraction is a six-story, super-soaker Master Blaster uphill water coaster. Just imagine the fun that awaits you here at Schlitterbahn Waterpark.

Raging Waters- San Dimas, CA

What is California without a world-class water resort? At Raging Waters in San Dimas, CA, die-hard water park fans will want to take on the Wedge, one of only three slides of its kind in the United States. This is a slide that deserves all the praise, boasting over 21,000 pounds of steel and 10,000 pounds of white fiberglass, all the while sending riders on the slide of their lives! All of the standard water park rides find their place here at Raging Waters, including inner tubes to float down the lazy rive, thrilling flumes, and an area just for the kids. Finally, who needs to thrill-seek by skydiving- Drop-Out will surely send your adrenaline rushing when you vertically drop seven stories, reaching up to 40 miles per hour!

Water Country USA- Williamsburg, VA

Along with standard water park rides, you’ll experience cannons, slides and waterfalls, and these are just a few of the fun things to do at Water Country USA. This park is a member of the Anheuser-Busch family, and is located just three miles from the 100-acre Busch Gardens theme park. There are plenty of attractions geared towards the younger crowd, including smaller-scale pools, fountains and waterslides.

Splish Splash- Long Island, NY

Located about one hour from New York City, youmay as well be right in the middle of the Adirondack Mountains, or at least you’ll feel that way as you walk around the park. When park designers were designing the park, they tried to keep as many of the natural trees as they could to make this a truly themed theme park. The park boasts 30 different rides and activities, but the most famous of them all is Cliff Diver, a speed slide that plummets riders 80 feet down at about 55 miles per hour.

Soak City-Buena Park, CA

Yet another one of California’s great water parks is Soak City. This park has been open since June of 200 and has the advantage of being a latecomer in the water park industry. They get the advantage of being able to pick and choose popular rides and attractions that have already been tested at other great water parks. Although it’s just 13 acres, don’t let its size predetermine the fun you will have. They have managed to cram 21 major rides, all offering a mix of experiences from thrill rides to beach-bound adventures. The park has chosen to carry-on a Surfer Theme, patterned after Southern California’s 1950’s beach towns.

Water World- Denver, CO

In the summertime, just because the ski slopes are closed doesn’t mean you can’t have fast fun in Colorado. Water World boasts 64 acres, making it one of the largest water parks in the United States. Great fun awaits as you experience themed rides in addition to traditional water park fare. This water park is borderline to an actual theme park, especially with its ride, Journey to the Center of the Earth. You will experience animatronic dinosaurs as they make their way to the Earth’s core. Of course, this park also offers a thrilling drop slide that reaches heights of 80 feet and will offer you an experience that you won’t soon forget.

Six Flags White Water- Marietta, GA

Beautifully nestled amid Georgia’s great pines,White Water park is home to an assortment of wet rides along with over 5,000 trees, giving you the illusion that you’re walking through a woodsy wonderland. This is a park that leans more towards the conventional water park, offering attractions like the lazy river, a wave pool, and other family-style attractions. This really is a place the whole family can enjoy.

Noah’s Ark- Wisconsin Dells, WI

Boasting more water activities than many other water parks across the country, 60 to be exact, Noah’s Ark is the palce for water in the Midwest. One of the most famous rides is Flash Flood, which is a thrill ride that sends passengers in boats plunging down a 50 foot hill into a 40 foot splash. Even on rides that you are allowed to wear your street clothes, staying dry is just not an option at this park. Another popular ride is called Dark Voyage, and is a 600 foot long tube ride. There’s also plenty of family fun to be had as you try out the Congo Bongo/Kowabunga family slides and Paradise Lagoon. YOU CAN preview the park’s rides and see moving pictures as you visit their website.

There you have it- the top water parks in America. The great thing about water parks is that they are great for everyone- families, couples, kids, teenagers, etc. There is always something to entertain each member of your group. As the weather heats up this summer, make sure you’ve mapped out your destinations. Everything’s ready, you just need to come experience the fun and excitement of America’s water parks.

Experience Chicago for Free

6:56 PM | Posted by HotelBookingPro

For those that are native Chicagoans, it is quite painful to watch naiive tourists shell out big bucks for overpriced entertainment when there’s so much good, free fun happening all around the city. If you are looking to explore Chicago, but want to stay withing a tight budget, read on to find out many fun and cheap things that will keep you entertained.

Music

If you enjoy music and attending free concerts, make sure you book your vacation between mid-May and early October. During this time period there are many free outdoor concerts and weekend music festivals to attend. The first festival of the season is the Chicago Godpel Music Festival, which is held in early June. This festival is the official kick-off for the other bid summer downtown festivals. You’ll be able to wind through the various musical genres, from top acts in blues and country, to jazz and Celtic music. you’ll also be fortunate enough to enjoy various free indoor concerts year-round, many of them taking place at the famous Chicago Cultural Center. There are also plenty of bars and nightclubs that charge nothing for performances to accompany your drinks. Maybe you’ll like to try the late-late night drop-in jazz sessions at the historic Green Mill in uptown, or try Lee’s Unleaded Blues, which is a classic blues club that also hosts R&B and reggae music.

Dancing

If you’d like to learn a new talent, Chicago Summerdance will teach free, one-hour dance lessons followed by free concerts and dancing in a different style each night. You’ll be able to try swing, country line dancing, cajun, salsa, and other dances from around the world. Most sessions are held right in the Spirit of Music Garden, on Michigan Avenue, and offered from mid-June through mid-August. If participating in dance is not your style, you can still check out a number of dance productions for free at the Chicago Cultural Center, and these are held throughout the year.

Theatre

First of all, you must understnad that you’re not going to see Broadway-style productions at downtown venues like Cadillac Palace for free, but you might get the chance to see other small to medium sized productions for free. IF YOU volunteer to be an usher at a production, showing up early to hand out programs, you will get to see the play for free. Many thetres will opely welcome individual volunteers, just contact them directly to organize vonunteer opportunities on your own.

Comedy

Starting in 1967, The Second City brought the world “The Second City”, which is a comedy sketch troupe that has since launched branches in Los Angeles and Toronto. Some popular Second City alumni include, John Belushi, Gilda Radner, Mike Myers, Stephen Colbert, and TIna Fey. All of these alumni have gone on to star in Saturday Night LIve, movies, or TV sitcoms. As part of your trip to Chicago, you can see the lastest up and coming star perform during free improv sets following the last performances of the night, except Friday nights, This is truly one of those little-known secrets that you will benefit from. Occasionally you might actually see almni stop in to join in the fun.

Spoken Word

If you’ve ever met a native Chicagoan, you know first hand that they are known for being talkers, so being the hosts of many poetry reading, monologue, and storytelling events should come as no surprise. Try to visit between February and March because this is when Columbia College Chicago’s annual Story Week Festival takes place. There will be events happening at the college and local libraries, bars, and cafes. Also, the Chicago Humanities Festival puts on spoken word events all throughout the year. These include book readings and performances. This type of activity is for the true literature lovers who want to diversify their genres.

Tours

You could easily shell out big bucks for a professional touring company to show you around Chicago, but why? THere are many free options to explore Chicago whithout paying the high price. For example, the Chicago Greeter Program of the city’s tourism office pairs you up with local volunteers that are more than eager to show off their favorite sites and spots to you. On these tours, you’ll either walk or ride public transit. If you’d like to really be adventurous and go it alone, you can easily download self-guided tours, including articles and interactive maps, from the Commission on Chicago Landmarks. When you visit their site, you’ll see that tours are organized into themes, like architecture, historical periods, ethnicity, music, art and neighborhoods. You can also download free MP3 tours to use on your player. Sometimes it’s a lot more fun to explore unknown territory by yourself, that way you get to really know Chicago personally.

Museums

Many of Chicago’s major museums used to offer free admission one day a week, but now those free days have all been clustered together during the tourist low season, during January and February. If you can brave the cold, you’ll get a good deal to visit during these months. Throughout the rest of the yar, some corporate donors will sponsor free admission to a handful of venues. For example, the retail chain, Target, provides free entry to the Art Institute of Chicago on Thursdays from 5-8 pm, and also to the Chicago Children’s Museum the first Sunday of every month. The Comapny, Kraft, offers the same deal to the Children’s Museum, but on Thursdays from 5-8 pm. Lastly, if you have friends or family who live in or near Chicago, they are eligible for a limited number of free museum passes from the Chicago Public Library.

City in a Garden

The maor of Chicago, Richard Daley, has set aside a lot of money for developing Chicago’s downtown parks into horticultural sights, rivaling those of Europe. But beccause they are so beautiful, they are often crowded and you may not get to see what you wanted to see. If this is the case, head south to historic Jackson Park, which boasts tranquil lagoons and an Osaka Garden. In Lincoln Park, a little bit more north on the northside of the lakefront, you’ll experience the always-free Lincoln Park Zoo and the sometimes-free Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum. What’s better than getting into a great zoo for free?! Both of these outdoor oases are surrounded by bird sanctuaries, resored prairie habitats and formal gardens. This is the true nature lovers paradise. If you are visiting Chicago during the colder months, the Lincoln Park Conservatory offers a free, tropical escape to warm up your senses.

Sand and Ice

The lakefront of Lake Michigan truly belongs to the people and is nearly free for all visitors. There are a few single exceptions, but for the most part entrance to the beaches and parks that stretch along the city’s easter shore are free to enjoy. As you visit Chicago, your trip will not be complete without some quality time staring at the little stretch of the majestic Lake Michigan. In the wintertime, the Chicago Park District operates ice skating rinks at various parks. The fun of skating is free, but if you need to rent skates, you’ll have to pay between $5 and $6.

Food

It’s no wonder that Chicago has been deemed one of the chubbiest cities in the U.S. with lots of great food surrounding you everywhere you turn. You can try some of this great food at some of the local gourmet grocery stores. Also, if you are planning on visiting some bars, take advantage of free appetizers, barbecue, and even buffets. At the Bostom Blackies near the river in Chicago’s West Loopfinancial district, offers freebies during early-evening happy hours. The Map Room in Bucktown, offers free food and cultural events to liven up your visit.

Chicago has many great things to see and do, but make sure you research enough to try and do these things for free. You spent money to travel here, so why not save money while you enjoy what the city has to offer. A little preparation beforehand will ultimately save you money and make your vacation that much sweeter.

Best Cruise Destinations for Honeymooners

6:55 PM | Posted by HotelBookingPro

One of the best ways to celebrate your new accomplishment of marriage is to sail away on a romantic cruise to a romantic destination. WIth all the chaos of planning a wedding, why not choose a honeymoon destination that is simple to plan and affordable? When you go on a cruise you are embarking on an all-inclusive vacation. You won’t need to plan what to eat, what to do, or how to get around town- all of this is taken care of for you. When choosing a destination to cruise to on your honeymoon, the options are nearly endless, but below you’ll find the top romantic cruise destinations for you and your sweetie.

Disney Honeymoon Cruises

It’s time to unthink the notion that Disney cruises are just for families. These days there are more and more things for couples to do together in a romantic setting. While aboard the ship, you’ll spend a number of days sailing the Caribbean, and enjoy at least a day at Disney World, either at the beginning of your trip or at the end. Choosing Disney to take you for a cruise is even more hassle-free than a standard cruise, because they provide transportation and other special accomodations for you. If you happen to mention that you are celebrating your honeymoon, the cruise director will make sure you enjoy even more fun and romantic options.

European Honeymoon Cruises

It seems like many people go on a cruise to the Caribbean, but this is definitely not the only destination to enjoy. Another wonderful alternative is a European cruise through the Greek Islands and other Mediterranean locations. A European cruise is very romantic, stopping at some of the most beautiful places in the world. You’ll also receive tons of privacy to celebrate your new found love together. If you select the right cruise, you’ll be fortunate enough to be on a cruise that is exclusively for couples. This way you won’t have to deal with the hassle of families and children running around, or singles looking for their next partner. Instead, you can focus on celebrating your love for each other.

Hawaiian Honeymoon Cruises

Hawaii may just be the top honeymoon destination for newlywed couples. Because you don’t need a passport for this exciting trip, this might just be a great option for your honeymoon getaway. On the cruise, you’ll visit islands such as Kauai, Maui, and the big island of Hawaii. You’ll also be able to check out beautiful black sand beaches, explore the wondrous corral reefs, or take a scuba diving trip down to the ocean floor. When you board a Hawaii cruise ship, you’ll also have the chance to experience some traditional Hawaiian cultre. You’ll be able to take part in traditional food and celebrations, like the luaus. By staying within the United States the cost of booking this cruise will be much lower than cruises that go to other parts of the world.

Caribbean Honeymoon Cruises

As stated before, the Caribbean is another quite popular honeymoon destination, particularly for couples who want to spend some time in the sun. Most ships that you’ll travel on either exclusively travel to Eastern destinations of Western destination, however, some longer cruises to the Caribbean may have you traveling all over the islands. The really great thing about booking a Caribbean honeymoon cruise is that you get the chance to see many different islands without having to book a separate vacation to each one of them. Along the way, cruise employees will make sure you are able to enjoy various island activities, food, and much, much more.

Alaskan Honeymoon Cruises

Alaska has been known to be one of the best cruise destinations, especially for those couples who don’t care so much for the tropical weather of other cruise destinations. There are many Alaskan options when booking your honeymoon cruise. While on board, you’ll have the chance to go whale watching, maybe see the Northern Lights, and participate in other romantic activities. Even though you may be traveling to a cooler climate, that doesn’t mean that you won’t be able to take part in traditional cruise activities. You’ll still be able to try unique foods, take various classes, and maybe even check out the pool if it’s warm enough. Another great perk to going on an Alaskan cruise is that you’ll be able to see majestic wildlife. Imagine how romantic it would be to explore the various wildlife together with your spouse.

French Polynesian Cruises

If you’d rather stay tropical, climb on board a French Polynesian cruise. These cruises leave from Hawaii, but don’t travel to the typical destination of the Caribbean; it offers much more excitement. Typical destinations that you will visit include, Tahiti, Bora Bora, Moorea, and Papeete. The Polynesian culture is a unique and romantic culture, allowing you and yours the opportunity to truly induldge in your celebrations for each other. Cruises in this part of the world are also much smaller and less crowded, giving you and your spouse the intimate setting you’ve been waiting for. Traditional activities for this kind of cruise include, diving, fishing, and snorkeling, since the reefs in this area are unlike any others. A romantic dive is just what you need to start off your new marriage.

Your honeymoon is an important time to connect with your new spouse and recover from all the stress and frenzy that was associated with your wedding, so choosing the right destination is imperative. It’s also a good idea to involve each other in the planning of the trip, considering what will provide the most relaxing and romantic setting. First, set your budget, then explore all of these great honeymoon cruise options, you’re sure to be surprised at how affordable these cruises can really be. Finally, when you are booking your cruise, make sure to mention that it is your honeymoon, because many cruise lines will offer special discounts, rates and romantic amentities to make your trip a truly memorable occasion.

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