traveling tips
Tips For Stress-Free Holiday Travel
Along with seeing friends & family, the holidays mean crowded airports and packed roads. The American Automobile Association (AAA) predicts that 43.4 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from their homes to celebrate this Thanksgiving. Millions more will be flying and driving over the Christmas break. Lessen the aggrevation by maintaining your sense of humor, allowing extra time for everything, and by following these stress-busting strategies.
Strategic Planning:
- Travel On Less Busy Days
- Consider A Smaller (Regional) Airport
- Lighten Your Load (Luggage)
- Bring The Correct Travel Documents (Especially When Traveling Abroad)
- Pack Insurance Cards & Insurance Forms
- Battle Germs (Bring Sanitized Wipes)
- Make “What If” Plans When Meeting Up With Family/Friends (Just In Case Your Cell Phone Battery Dies or When Cell Service Is Not Available)
- Keep The Essentials Handy (Extra Battery Packs for Phones & Video Games, Diapers & Bottles for Babies)
At The Destination:
- Do a Safety Check (Escpecially When Traveling With Children)
- Know The House Rules
- Bring Or Buy Special Needs Foods (Especially If Some Family Members Are On A Specific Diet or Only Eat Certain Foods)
Packing Must-Haves: What To Bring On A Cruise
The key to packing for a cruise is bringing a variety of comfortable, casual clothes you can mix and match and a few items that you can dress up more at night. Shorts or even a bathing suit and cover-up will do during the day, but on most ships you’ll need to put on long pants for dinner. If you’re a gym rat, you’ll want to bring workout clothes. If you’re a nature lover, don’t forget your binoculars and/or a camera with a good lens. Readers will want to bring books or an e-reader (don’t count on the ship’s library having much of a selectiosn). Whether going tropical, arctic or somewhere in between, you won’t want to leave home without these other items:
- A Lightweight Rain Jacket and/or Umbrella
- Shampoo, Conditioner & Soap
- A Power Strip
- A Spare Pair Of Glasses/Contacts
- Gallon-Size Sealable Plastic Bags
- Dramamine, Acupunture Wristbands, Ginger Tablets and/or Meclizine
- Hangers
- Sun & Bug Protection
- Comfortable Shoes
Be sure to to call Bargain Travel at 1-800-820-4567 or send us a cruise quote request so we can begin planning your next well-deserved cruise vacation!!
10 Incredible World Landmarks You Haven’t Seen — Yet.
These instant classics — including record-breaking towers, 35-story-tall sculptures and external building climbs — are worth traveling to see.
- SkyPoint Climb & Observatory Deck – Gold Coast, Australia
- LeMay America’s Car Museum – Tacoma, WA
- ArcelorMittal Orbit – London, United Kingdom
- Sea Life Aquarium – Kansas City, MO
- Kamppi Chapel Of Silence – Helsinki, Finland
- National Museum Of Organized Crime & Law Enforcement – Las Vegas, NV
- Tokyo Sky Tree – Tokyo, Japan
- Brooklyn Bridge Park Pool – Brooklyn, NY
- The Arch Cultural Center – Mandal, Norway
- Aizhai Suspension Bridge – Hunan Province, China
For more information on visiting any of these incredible landmarks, please contact Bargain Travel at 1-800-820-4567 or send us a land quote request and we will be more than happy to help you plan your next adventurous vacation!!
Seven Travel Rules To Live By
Apply these traveler’s mantras to the ordinary life beyond your trip, and watch every day become a freeing vacation of its own.
- Pack Light – When traveling, you want your suitcase to be small so you’ll have freedom to be active and explore. Same with your house — clear it of all that excess clutter for a freer, more active mind.
- Savor The Moment – Travel is about enjoying this instant and not worrying about the problems that lie beyond it. Imagine what would happen if you did the same in your workplace or home.
- Try New Things – Trips are full of precious memories because they force you to do or see or try something you haven’t before. Make similar memories in your hometown every day by braving an art class or making an ethnic dinner you’ve never tried.
- Focus On Those Around You – On an open beach or in an airplane seat, you’ve got no choice but to engage in quality conversation with your sidekick. Take time every day to drop distractions and talk like you’re the only two people in the world.
- Don’t Stop Dreaming – During those blissful moments of your vacation, you can’t help but start planning the next one. Don’t lose the momentum at home — make a pin board, start saving, and get your next vacation on the calendar.
- Stay Curious – At a foreign museum or an historic walking tour, you’re deeply interested in learning from other people…probably because you paid to be there with them. Bring that curious, open, willing nature to your relationships at home.
- Smile Big – Life is beautiful on vacation. You’re on a break from the “real world” in a gorgeous place, and your amped-up attitude makes it feel like nothing on the planet could ruffle your happiness. Make that optimistic outlook part of your every-day demeanor.
The Best Way To Carry Money Overseas
Before you leave for your next trip abroad, take a moment to think dollars and cents — or should we say pounds and pesos? Get the most for your money when traveling internationally by doing a little homework first. The most important step is to know your options. In days of yore, traveler’s checks were the most popular way to carry money overseas — but today’s travelers are much more likely to rely on credit cards, and ATM withdrawals, which usually offer better exchange rates and lower fees. What’s the best option for you? And how can you avoid those pesky currency conversion fees when making purchases abroad? Here are some tips.
- Credit Cards – The first thing you should do if you are traveling abroad with a credit card, even if you only plan to use it in case of an emergency, is to call the issuer and ask which fees will apply to your purchases, both in local currency and in dollars. We recommend calling before each trip, as these policies may change without notice.
- Debit & ATM Cards – If the ATM card from your home bank isn’t connected to the worldwide Cirrus or PLUS networks, you may want to look into getting a MasterCard or Visa debit card. While they look and can be used like regular charge cards, they actually debit your checking account the same way your ATM card does.
- Cash – The first 24 hours of your trip — to tide you over until you can find the nearest ATM.
- Traveler’s Checks and Check Cards – Emergency backup if you can’t find a functioning ATM (checks) or a secure alternative to cash (checks and check cards).
- Sending Money Abroad – Best For: Emergencies when you need money sent overseas in a hurry. Pros: If you find yourself stranded overseas without cash, someone at home can wire money to you and you’ll have it within a day — or even a few minutes. Cons: Fees for sending money abroad can run anywhere from 1 ot 10 percent or more; the faster you need the money, the more expensive it will be. What You Need To Know: The best-known companies for sending money are Western Union and Moneygram. Both charge variable fees depending on how much money you’re sending and where you’re sending it. The slower the service you choose, the more economical he price. Other Choices: Bank wire transfers or international postal money orders from the post office. While less expensive, these methods may take more time.
America’s Amazing Luxury Malls
A shopper used to have to travel overseas to purchase the finest in French and Italian designer shoes, handbags and clothing. Now, the best luxury malls in America rival world-class shopping avenues in Paris and Milan. No passports are required and there’s plenty of valet parking. So start experiencing shopping like a VIP at one of these “luxury” malls!!
- The Beverly Center, Los Angeles – Situated in star-studded Los Angeles, expect some Hollywood glamour, diva-type amenities and lots of celebrity-hosted events. Shops Include: Saint Laurent, Burberry, Jimmy Choo, Prada, Fendi, Dolce and Gabbana, Versace Collection, Halston Heritage & Salvatore Ferragamo.
- The Shops At Crystals At Citycenter, Las Vegas – Expect over-the-top style with your shopping in Las Vegas. This luxurious mall looks like a 21st century park with a flower carpet, ice sculptures, a multi-faceted glass canopy and a three-story sculptural Tree House. Everytime you visit, it is a new, interactive experience. Shops Include: Louis Vuitton (the largest one in North America), Van Cleef & Arpels, Harry Winston, H. Stern, Bulgari, Cartier, Tom Ford, Emillo Pucci, Marni & Lanvin and Tourbillon.
- South Coast Plaza, Orange County, California – Located in upscale Orange County, this mall beckons you to relax and shop in style in their Access Lounge. Their elegantly decorated VIP shopping suite — with a Zen room for her and a flat screen TV for him — features complimentary champagne and refreshments. Their dedicated concierge can also make reservations at local restaurants and theaters as well. Shops Include: Calypso St. Barth, Balenciaga, Chanel, Dior, Giorgio Armani, Christian Louboutin, La Perla, Roger Viver, Patek Philippe & Valentino.
- The Shops At Bravern, Bellevue, Washington – A jewel nestled in Seattle’s wealthy Bellevue section, The Shops at Bravern is the destination for the young, entrepreneurial tech community. Shops Include: Jimmy Choo, Hermes, Neiman Marcus, Wolford, Louis Vuitton & The David Lawrence Botique (who carries labels Viktor & Rolf and Herve Leger).
- Americana Manhasset, Long Island, New York – This luxurious shopper’s paradise is located in the tony North Shore of Long Island, only 20 minutes east of New York City. The modern glass buildings in the open air are surrounded by seasonally landscaped gardens. Shops Include (with an Italian flair): Brunello Cucinelli, Etro, Bottega Veneta, Ermenegildo Zegna, Gucci, Loro Plana & Prada.
- Bal Harbour Shops, Bal Harbour, Florida – The exclusive shops in Florida’s sunny Bal Harbour are famous for their concept stores, one-of-a-kind merchandise and limited edition items. Shops Include: Moncler, Alexander McQueen, Piaget, de Grisogono, Graff, Versace, Miu Miu, Carolina Herrara, Escada, Roberto Cavalli & the new Chanel Botique.
- Santa Monica Place, Santa Monica, California – If you like to shop inhaling fresh sea air, two blocks from the Pacific Ocean, Santa Monica Place is perfect. The third floor open-air rooftop deck features “The Market” a gourmet, artisanal delight of local and organic food offerings. Shops Include: Louis Vuitton, Kitson, Burberry, Ted Baker London, Tiffany and Company, Barney’s CO-OP & All Saints Spitalfields.
The Best Caribbean Islands for Beach Lovers
On virtually every island in the Caribbean, you will find a great beach. However, the beaches located on the following islands, are their biggest selling point.
- Anguilla
- Aruba
- The Bahamas
- Barbados
- Grand Cayman
- Providenciales (Turks & Caicos)
- St. Barths
- St. John (US Virgin Islands)
- Spanish Virgin Islands of Culebra & Vieques (just off Puerto Rico)
Bargain Travel offers packages to these and many other Caribbean islands. Please contact us at 1-800-820-4567 or send us a land quote request so that we can fulfill your dream Caribbean vacation!!
The 20 Best Hotel Breakfasts In America
Breakfast is considered to be the most important meal of the day. Why not make it the GREATEST meal of the day at one of these 20 fine hotel properties, which are considered the best in America:
- The W Austin Hotel (Austin, TX)
- The Pearl Hotel’s Havana Beach Bar & Grill (Rosemary Beach, FL)
- The Little River Inn (Little River, CA)
- The Standard Hotel (New York, NY)
- The Ritz-Carlton Phoenix (Phoenix, AZ)
- The Four Seasons Hotel (Saint Louis, MO)
- The Peninsula Hotel (Chicago, IL)
- The Washington School House Hotel (Park City, UT)
- The Modern Honolulu (Honolulu, HI)
- The Dunhill Hotel (Charlotte, NC)
- The Marriott Courtyard Portland City Center (Portland, OR)
- La Fonda On The Plaza (Santa Fe, NM)
- The Stonewall Jackson Inn (Harrisonburg, VA)
- The Hay-Adams Hotel (Washington, DC)
- The Fairmont Hotel (San Francisco, CA)
- The Paris Las Vegas Hotel & Casino (Las Vegas, NV)
- The Boston Harbor Hotel (Boston, MA)
- The Four Seasons Baltimore (Baltimore, MD)
- The Brown Palace Hotel (Denver, CO)
- The Hermitage Hotel (Nashville, TN)
Call Bargain Travel at 1-800-820-4567 or send us a land quote request so we can satisfy your vacation palate at one of these great hotels!!
New York Hotels – 10 New Hotels from Frugal to Spendy
Trying to find a new hotel in New York City? Here are 10 stylish independent hotel properties that all opened within the last 10 months or to be opened in late 2013/early 2014:
- Hyatt Place New York Midtown South, 185 rooms on West 36th Street, Opened March 2013.
- Hyatt Union Square New York, 178 Rooms on Fourth Avenue, Opened April 2013.
- The Jade Hotel, 113 Rooms on West 13th Street in Greenwich Village, Opened March 2013.
- Holiday Inn Express Herald Square, 135 Rooms on West 36th Street, Opened January 2013.
- Holiday Inn Express NYC West Side, 177 Rooms on West 48th Street, Opened May 2013.
- Holiday Inn Inn NYC Lower East Side, 132 Rooms on Delancey Street, Opened March 2013.
- The Refinery Hotel, 197 Rooms on West 38th Street, opened May 2013.
- The Viceroy New York, 240 Rooms on West 57th Street, Opened October 9th.
- The Hyatt Times Square, 487 Rooms on West 45th Street, Not opened yet, but is taking reservations for stays beginning December 3rd 2013 and after.
- Holiday Inn Jamaica Queens JFK Airport, 201 Rooms on Brookville Boulevard (about 10 minutes from JFK Airport and 45 minutes from Manhattan), Not opened yet, but is taking reservations for arrivals beginning January 5th 2014 and after.
Additionally, there are two more upscale Manhattan hotels due to open sometime soon: (1) The Quin on West 57th Street and (2) The SLS ” Coming to Park Avenue in 2014″.
On your next trip to New York City, if you would like to stay at one of these great hotels, please contact Bargain Travel at 1-800-820-4567 or send us a land quote request and we will be more than happy to assist you.
How To Get Hotel and Airline Upgrades
Everyone deserves to enjoy VIP treatment on vacation. After being stuck in small, cramped airplanes, bad weather or a terrible hotel room, it’s nice to enjoy the perks of an upgrade. These tips will help you make the most out of your travel, whether it’s for business or leisure, everyone deserves to know how to get hotel and airline upgrades!
Be Nice to Receive an Upgrade
One of the simplest and easiest things you can do to receive a hotel or airline upgrade, is to be polite and friendly to the desk clerk. Even if you just want a bigger bed, better view or to be placed as far away from the ice machine as possible, just ask. Being personable, friendly, polite and courteous will definitely give you a better chance than if you are pushy and unpleasant.
Book Hotels and Airline Tickets Over the Phone
While most of the time people are now using sites like Expedia, Kayak, or Travelocity to book their airline and hotel packages, it’s better to do these things over the phone. Making a personal connection with the hotel staff will allow you to mention any special circumstances you may have that could actually lead to an upgrade. Anniversaries, first time visiting the city, birthdays or romantic vacations are sometimes available for upgrades! If the staff can match an actual human with the reservation name, they’ll be more likely to help you out and give you a few extra perks.
Sign Up for Frequent Traveler or Stay Card
Since you’ve already made a personal connection with the staff from the hotel or airline, ask about frequent traveler or stay cards. Frequent travelers are much more likely to receive upgrades and staff will be more likely to fulfill any special requests. The more you show brand loyalty to a certain hotel or airline chain, the more you’ll benefit. Also, the next time you stay at the hotel you love, ask to talk to the manager and tell him why you like the hotel so much. From there on out, you’ll always have an outstanding relationship and get the best vacation treatment.
Book an Early Flight and Board Late for Possible Upgrades
Since there are generally fewer passengers on early flights, there is less competition for seats. Check in a few hours before your flight and you might be one of the first passengers to put in an upgrade request. If that doesn’t work, try to board your flight as late as you possible can. When you board the plane late, there is a better chance for coach to be oversold. Well-dressed passengers have an advantage when it comes to this kind of upgrade technique, so make sure you dress sharply if want to try and get an upgrade this way.
Book Hotel Rooms on Slow Days
If you travel to a hotel during low-occupancy time, you are more likely to get an upgrade. Unlike on airlines, hotels are more willing to bump you up to a vacant suite or other amenities you might not normally receive. If you’re traveling to a business hotel on the weekend, the staff will be more likely to upgrade you to try to impress you and gain future business.