Tag: vacation tips

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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.
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The 10 best things to do In a Caribbean Port.

A cruise to the Caribbean gives you the chance to partake in many fun and diverse shore excursions. Whether you want something action-packed or laidback, you can find your ideal activities ashore. Consider these:

  • Ziplining – While in port in St. Martin/St. Maarten, visit Loterie Farm at Pic Paradis, where you’ll find not only ziplining but also an obstacle course high up above the trees.
  • Rainforest Hike – Lush & green St. Lucia is a prime Caribbean port for this activity. See the island’s  exotic flora and fauna, and learn about the rainforest’s history and ecology — and its effects on the island — from your tour guide.
  • City Tours – A city tour through San Juan, Puerto Rico is ideal due to the many historic places located right in the city center.
  • Shopping – In St. Thomas, an island especially known for its duty-free shopping, partake in an excursion that takes you to some of the best shopping spots on the island.
  • Snorkeling – The Antilla Shipwreck in Aruba is a favorite spot, as it’s shallow enough for snorkelers (not just scuba divers) to get a good look at the wreck.
  • Waterfalls & Swimming Holes – In Jamaica, visit Dunn’s River Falls and swim in the water at its base. In Aruba, visit the Natural Pool, which is formed in the middle of large rocks in a scenic location by the island’s coastline.
  • Play With Animal/Sea Life – If you’re an animal lover, the Caribbean is going to make love them even more, with the opportunity to see dolphins, monkeys, lizards and ride horses along the beach. At Stingray City in Grand Cayman, you can swim with hundreds of stingrays, who make their home in the bay and are used to human touch.
  • White Water Rafting – A popular place to do this is in Jamaica, down the Rio Bueno River, which takes you through fast rapids and tropical scenery.
  • Local Drinks – A distillery or brewery tour is a tasty way to get in touch with the local side of an island. In the Dominican Republic, try some sips of its famous rum while visiting a local distillery. While in San Juan, you can take a tour and sample many versions of rum from their famous Bacardi Rum Factory.
  • Ancient Sites – Many Caribbean cruises make stops along the eastern coast of Mexico near Cancun. While there, visit the ruins of Tulum to see remnants of the way ancient Mayan civilizations lived.

Bargain Travel specializes in cruise packages to the Caribbean with all the major cruise lines. Please contact us at 1-800-820-4567 or send us a cruise quote request so we can plan and book your next exotic cruise vacation!

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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!!

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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!!

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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.

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How To Get Hotel and Airline Upgrades

Get Upgrades When Traveling

Get Upgrades When Traveling

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.