I’ve often used the Net for planning my personal and business trips. Trips to Australia, Hawaii, Seattle and Las Vegas, to name a few, are a cinch to plan on the Net… If you know how to go about it. The main problem with the Internet these days is that people often are overwhelmed by information overload.

Many destinations have many sites covering details on vacationing there and Hawaii is no exception. In fact, Hawaii, as a travel destination, is covered by numerous websites covering everything from activities to mountain biking, and snorkeling to luaus. So many sites and so little time.

Thought there are many activities, hotels and ways to get to Hawaii, they are limited and after a while you’ll discover that many sites on the various topics cover the same ground. This is both good and bad: Good, in that you have numerous choices to choose from for look and feel and price. Let’s face it, some sites are easier to navigate than others, while some also have better privacy statements and ease of contact. Also, competition generally keeps prices lower. The bad: Well, there’s just so many choices and one can easily become overwhelmed.

My suggestion here is not to try and visit every Hawaii travel website on the planet, but to check out a few and stick with those you feel at ease with regarding navigation, product, pricing and privacy. There are many excellent
Hawaii travel sites out there, so the first thing to do is to target how you want to get there, where you want to stay and what you actually plan to do once you are there. If you’re like most visitors to the Islands these days, you’ll arrive by air.

If you have frequent flyer accounts, you’ll likely choose one of those airlines, otherwise, leave this open until you have completed some rudimentary pricing. The quickest, but not always the cheapest, is to book a non-stop flight. Cruises from the Mainland are available, but are quite expensive and are generally round trip, round-island cruises, with little time actually on the Islands.

As for your planned activities, once your list is made, I would highly recommend checking out activity agents and when satisfied, book your day tours, dinner cruises and submarine tours, etc. in advance. Why? Well, depending on the season–high or low–some of the more popular activities can book out quickly, leaving you high and dry looking for alternatives. This leads me to: Do you really want to be spending your valuable vacation time calling around to book activities to fill your days with fun, culture and adventure. Also, reserving your activities allows for better insight on itinerary and what your trip to paradise is going to cost. Valuable, if you’re on a tight timetable or budget.

Where to stay… Well many areas have many styles of accommodation, from hotels to cozy bed and breakfasts, to condos to luxury resorts. Oahu’s noted for its tourist hotels and condos in Waikiki to luxury spa resorts. Maui, Kauai and Hawaii have their fair share of luxury resorts and bed and breakfasts.

Once you have your rough general itinerary, it’s now time to search using appropriate terms, such as “hawaii vacation,” “fun things to do in hawaii” and “hawaii airfare,” etc. Line up 3 to 5 good sites for each topic–some sites will cover them all–and then start clicking. Explore each site to sort out the better from the good and keep your eyes open for any travel, accommodation or activity options you may have missed when composing your itinerary. Add these items to your list and keep clicking.

After spending “quality” time with your long list, it’s now time to decide which one(s) you feel most at ease with. These are the ones you should use for planning and booking your vacation necessities. If unsure about a few, send off a question by email or phone. You can tell a lot about a company on how they respond, if they respond. Obviously, if some don’t respond or respond inappropriately, drop them from your list… You don’t need the aggravation.

Now, get serious about planning and booking your itinerary. If you have a problem offering your credit card via the Net, many agents can accept same via telephone. Personally, given the pre-planning above, I, have never had a problem and I’ve ordered thousands of dollars of stuff via the Internet with no problems whatsoever. Given my life in general, I doubt that this has anything to do with luck. Once done, you’ll have a great sense of accomplishment and very likely, a fantastic vacation in paradise. So, get clicking and planning and before you know it, you will have followed all your favorite links to Hawaii… Aloha!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dave Davis is a long-time freelance writer and editor who
loves to travel and learn about new destinations. His
favorite: Hawaii. Go to
http://www.TraveltoHawaiiReviewed.com to check out more
resources and information of vacationing in Hawaii.
Copyright 2005 D3 Communications, Inc. All rights
reserved.

When most people think about accommodating people with disabilities in their business they get a scared feeling in their gut and their mind scrambles to search for that all-important date when the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) went into effect. It doesnt have to be that way! When business owners open their eyes and start to realize that there are literally billions of dollars to be made in the accessible travel market, I believe we will start to remove the fear associated with the ADA.

There are currently more than 50 million people with disabilities in the United States and 180 million worldwide, representing the single largest untapped tourist market in the world. According to a recent Harris Poll conducted in conjunction with the Open Doors Organization and the Travel Industry Association of America, the 50 million people with disabilities in our country have a combined income of more than $175 billion. In 2002, these people took 32 million trips and spent more than $13.6 billion on travel ($4.2 billion on hotels, $3.3 billion on airfare, $2.7 billion on food and beverage, and $3.4 billion on retail, transportation, and other activities). This study suggested that these travelers would double their spending if some minor amenities were made available. Meet and greet programs at airports, preferred seating on airplanes, hotel rooms closer to amenities, and employees who go out of their way to accommodate guests with disabilities topped the list.

The current trends in adaptive travel show most of these travelers taking advantage of destinations that they know are already accessible such as cruise ships, Florida, and Las Vegas. The visitors bureaus and businesses at these destinations that have gone to great lengths to ensure their visitors that there will not be any accessibility issues during their stay. From personal experience and years of traveling in a wheelchair, I can guarantee that these locations have built and will continue to build strong relationships with travelers with disabilities. This group is a very loyal one, who will often return to the same city, hotel, or activity provider year after year if they have a good experience. If everyone were to catch on to this we would see growth in the tourism industry like we have never seen!

With this in mind, it is a wonder that more business owners have not taken steps to make their accommodations more accessible and even start marketing to these travelers. If the staggering numbers listed above arent proof enough, the U.S. Census Bureau recently stated that nearly 16.5% of all people with disabilities in the U.S. leave their home two days per week or less. That constitutes nearly 11 million people that are not traveling at all. Also keep in mind that there are millions of people in their golden years that are looking for accessible travel accommodations. Many of these people use canes or walkers, travel with oxygen tanks, or have other mobility impairments, and are not included in disability statistics.

With millions of people in need of accessible travel options, and with our Baby Boomers (almost 25% of our population) starting to reach retirement age as well now is the time to start thinking about improving marketing efforts to include people with disabilities and about better overall accessibility in general. By educating business owners on the benefits of marketing to people with disabilities and educating travel agents who are fighting a losing battle with the internet, we can begin to focus on this new target market.

If you want to take advantage of the rapidly growing adaptive travel market, get started now! I recommend hiring an expert to get your business rated and start removing barriers to access as soon as possible. Think about accessibility anytime youre planning a remodel or addition. These improvements will benefit everyone, not just people with disabilities. For those of you who have already taken steps to improve accessibility, start bragging about it.

Craig P. Kennedy, Steamboat Springs, Colorado,
CK Consulting: Setting Standards for Accessibility
http://www.CKConsultingonline.com
* Please visit our Web site to take a FREE accessibility quiz to find out if you are on the right track.

About The Author

Craig Kennedy is a published adaptive travel author, accessibility consultant, and motivational speaker with almost ten years of adaptive travel experience and more than 15 years of tourism and service industry expertise. He specializes in resort business growth and customer attraction through better overall accessibility, education, and marketing, and works with businesses who wish to become leaders in accessible travel and accommodation.

craig@accessanything.net

: 11:49 pm: <ADMINNICENAME>Airfare Sites

Airfare Site Web

Today Norm Goldman, Editor SKETCHANDTRAVEL.COM and BOOKPLEASURES.COM is pleased to have as a guest Shelley Jiang, editor of LETS GO CHINA, 6th Edition, one of 57 guidebooks published by the bestselling budget series from LET’S GO PUBLICATIONS.

Good Day Shelley and thank you for accepting our invitation to be interviewed.

NORM:

Please tell our readers something about yourself and your expertise pertaining to China.

SHELLEY:

Born in China, I spent the first six years of my life in Beijing, the city that I will always think of as my first home. Though I moved to America and attended school there, I remain deeply connected with China through books, news, movies, family, and spending summers there every two or three years. During these summer trips, I often travel around the country and have visited many of the places in Lets Go: China.

NORM:

Would you consider China a good choice for a romantic getaway or wedding and honeymoon destination? Why?

SHELLEY:

China is vast enough to offer something for everyone, whether youre looking for a fast-paced weekend in Shanghai, a trip into Chinas gorgeous outdoors, or an immersion in centuries of tradition and history. But dont come expecting Paris or the CaribbeanChina isnt your average romantic getaway, but a destination for the free-spirited and adventurous. No resorts or pampering herepart of the excitement and romance of a vacation in China is experiencing a new culture and taking in the grit as well as the beauty.

For those willing to ditch the conventional and leave the beaten path, breathtaking natural sights and unique cultural experiences await. Otherworldly landscapes familiar from many a martial arts film (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Hero) can serve as the backdrop for your personal love story as well. Ancient palaces, pagodas, and temples invites travelers to step back into a past that stretches more than 5000 years. Cities like Beijing and Shanghai proudly showcase their past alongside their future, with skyscrapers rising one after another and an urban culture to rival those of any American or European city.

NORM:

What is the best time to visit China from the point of view of weather, costs, crowds, and the availability of flights from the USA, Canada and Europe and Australia, etc?

SHELLEY:

Chinas peak travel times are around Chinese New Year (some time in Jan.-Feb., depending on lunar calendar), May 1st, July-August, and the first week of October. The best time to visit would be from late-April through June, when the weather is warm, students are still in school, and many establishments are still on low season pricing. The fall is also a pleasant time to travel without the crowds (but avoid the Oct. 1st holiday week) and see beautiful foliage, especially in the north.

Airfares to China are most expensive between June and September. Even flying on May 31 instead of Jun. 1st will get you a cheaper flight. Flying September-May will get you much cheaper flights. Plan aheadthe cheapest tickets for summer flights to China sell out by early March.

NORM:

Could you give our readers an idea of the costs involved if travel originates from the USA, Canada and Europe and Australia?

SHELLEY:

China is a budget travelers dream come truewith the exception of the airfare, which can cost anywhere from US$600-1500. Its cheaper to fly from September-May. The best places to find low-fares are Chinese-run travel agencies in Chinatowncheck the local Chinese newspaper or ask around to find their listings.

The budget-conscious can often spend anywhere from US$2-10 per night for lodgings in a hostel or basic room, depending on destination. Food can cost as little as US$4 per person per day for meals from street vendors and small family-run restaurants.

Of course, splurges and treats are everywhere. A comfortable hotel room will cost around US$25-50 per night, and lavish suites range from US$60-150 per night. For US$8-25, a couple can dine at fancier restaurants serving distinctive, gourmet cuisines.

The cheapest and most convenient way to get around China is via rail. Short journeys can cost around US$5-12 for a one-way ticket, while longer journeys will cost up to US$50. Expect to pay more than US$100, however, for a private sleeper compartment for two people.

The number of domestic flights in China is on the rise. One-way fares range US$90-200; round-trip fares are always double the one-way fare.

NORM:

If you had to choose 3-5 unequalled venues in China for a romantic getaway, honeymoon or wedding destination, what would they be and why?

SHELLEY:

Jiuzhaigou: Nestled deep in the mountains of northern Sichuan, the Valley of the Nine Tibetan Villages is known for its pristine lakes and waterfalls that sparkle a spectrum of shades under the sunshine. You may remember the impossibly blue lakes from the fight sequence filmed here in Hero. Nature lovers can hike beneath the shadow of snowy peaks, experience local Tibetan culture, and in nearby Songpan, embark upon horse treks into the wild. Convenient tourist services are nearby, offering everything from budget lodgings to five-star hotels.

Hangzhou: Those in love with classical China can head to this graceful city of the south and historic dynastic capital. Willows, gardens, pavilions, and delicately arched bridges dot the shores of the West Lake, the setting for ancient Chinas most famous love stories. Sip fragrant Dragon Well tea while dining at one of Chinas oldest restaurants that once served emperors. The misty waters and city pleasures are enough to captivate anyone; if not nearby Shanghai promises a plunge back into modernity.

Yunnan: This province on the border with Vietnam and Myanmar is the ideal destination for the adventurous, with its 22 colorful ethnic minority cultures and diverse natural scenery. Its capital, Kunming, City of Eternal Spring, enchants travelers with flowers on every street, but the true attractions lie in the countryside. Pack your gear for a trek south into tropical rainforests and rice paddies, dotted by Dai villages and gleaming Buddhist stupas. Northern Yunnan is better known as Shangri-La, where red-robed monks walk the streets of mountain villages and snowy peaks beckon in the distance.

Xinjiang: Xinjiang takes romance and writes it large upon vast expanses of deserts and horizons. Experience the exoticism of a nomadic lifestyle with camel rides across the dunes and nights under the stars upon Chinas last frontier. Or trek up to the legendary Tianshan Mountains overlooking the Heavenly Pool. Friendly Uighur musicians will be happy to play at Uighur-style wedding celebrations, filled with tasty food, fresh grapes and melons, and plenty of singing and dancing.

Hong Kong: Hong Kong offers a vacation as sophisticated and exciting as it is expensive. From luxury malls to teeming street markets, Hong Kong easily combines class and chaos. Dinner cruises on Victoria Harbour, stylish hotels and restaurants, and endless clubs, bars, and entertainment options ensure that youll never run out of things to do. Macau lures travelers away with its many casinos and Portuguese-influenced cuisine and architecture, but youll find yourself back in Hong Kong before long.

NORM:

What should people know about celebrating a wedding in China from the point of view of requirements, experience of the various hotels, etc.

SHELLEY:

Large fancy hotels are readily available, with the best and widest selection obviously being in Beijing and Shanghai. Restaurants make another good venue, and Lets Go: China lists many of the best restaurants in Beijing. Book months in advance for celebrations in June and August, popular wedding months in China.

China also excels in gorgeously done wedding photo shoots, often involving lavish sets and costumes, professional make-up artists, and more. Popular options include traditional Chinese wedding garb, emperor and empress outfits, and turn of the century cheongsam robes. A full set often includes an entire albums worth of photos, the cost of which averages US125-300.

NORM:

How far in advance should a couple prepare themselves for their honeymoon, romantic getaway or wedding in China?

SHELLEY:

For the cheapest airfares, its best to start planning at least four or five months in advance. Unless you are familiar with the country, its best not to leave a trip to China to the last minute.

NORM:

What resources are available on the Internet pertaining to weddings and honeymoon vacations in China?

SHELLEY:

CTRIP offers a great destination guide, often with photographs. Their flight search is helpful for planning, but only those with Chinese credit cards can make reservations.

CHINA TOUR COM provides a wealth of practical information, from visas to currency to vaccines. They also collect news stories related to travel in China, provide information on organized tours, and offer brief guides on Chinese culture.

TRAVEL CHINA GUIDE is another good resource for destination guides.

TRAVEL INFORMATION GUIDE is a forum for those traveling to China.

Thanks Shelley

About the Author: Norm Goldman is editor of sketchandtravel.com and bookpleasures.com. Norm and his artist wife Lily meld art and words in order to create an unusual travel story, which generates interest, particularly because of the fact that each painting appears to have been custom-made for the story-original story and original art. Combining the watercolors with travel writing provides a softer, more romantic look at the places we visit. Their main focus is on romantic and wedding destinations. As they specialize in web-based content, their articles are featured on their own site, SKETCHANDTRAVEL.COM, where you can find out more about them. They are also regular contributors to some of the most popular Internet Travel Sites: LOVETRIPPER.COM:THETIMESHAREBEAT.COM:TRAVELLADY.COM:BOOTSNALL.COM: Visit Florida Online: Tropical Island Weddings Norm and Lily are always open to suggestions as to romantic and wedding destinations to visit, write and paint about.

Before you head for central Florida, get the lowdown on good vacation planning for that area.
There was a time when a trip to Orlando was a simple matter. Most people planned for a day or two at Disney World and then headed straight for the beaches to the west, south or east. But, all that has changed as Central Florida has become one of the largest vacation centers in the world.

As with Disney in California, the periphery of the Mouse House has quickly became an area of less expensive motels and gator farms. But, seeing what happened in California as the cheap hotel and tourist shop zone landed right across the street from the happiest place on earth, planners created a huge buffer zone around Disney World. That also left plenty of room for expansion and moved the cheap tourist trap zone well away from anything Disney.

Orlando and the surrounding area have become a testing zone for everything that tourists might want. Some things, like Universal Studios, have been a resounding success. Other things like Sea World remain profitable, but are a general disappointment when it comes to what you get for what you pay. The main drag (Highway 192 or Irlo Bronson Highway) in Kissimmee is littered with the remains of good and bad tourist ideas. Every thing from a haunted castle type experience that never really took off, to a maze that was unashamedly geared to the endless flow of British Tourists that visit the area, but always seems empty.

Kissimmee is and has always been both a blessing and a curse for tourists. Those who roll into town having saved just enough for a no frills day at Disney and one at Universal will find cheap places to stay and eat if theyre careful. A buffet style family meal at most any Golden Corral in the area will help free up enough dollars for a Mickey shirt and there are lots of inexpensive, drive up motels to choose from. Those brave enough to deal with all the bug bites can see a real rodeo and enjoy what little local culture remains in post Disney Kissimmee. But, there are also problems with a stay in that area.

Despite a diligent and often over zealous Police presence, more tourists are robbed in Kissimmee then just about anywhere else in Central Florida. Without making a bunch of political judgment calls, suffice it to say that Central Florida is a not a place friendly to the poor and all those dollars that tourists spend never seem to reach below the ownership level of hotels, motels, restaurants and stores. Even with these flaws, one cannot deny that Kissimmee is a convenient place for tourists unwilling to pay the ridiculous prices that Disney demands for their lodging and services.

In the midst of the chaos that reins around Disney, Kissimmee offers a few gems that might be worth your while. Camp Macks Airboat Tours will take you through the natural beauty of the area. Old Town is a great place to stay and play with reasonable rooms on site and nearby, rides and fun for all ages. If you can live without maid service, CondoLodge offers a far more comfortable environment then a cramped hotel room at a much lower price, especially during the off season. An assorted grouping of dinner shows and attractions are all nearby, but Highway 192 is long and just walking is out of the question. Visit the Kissimmee Visitors Bureau for an updated and accurate listing of what to do.

If you have a few more dollars, but still cant afford a week on the Disney property, then International Drive might be your cup of tea. This area is tourist central with lots of hotels, smaller attractions like Titanic and its on the doorstep of Universal Studios. The good news is that this area is (for the most part) compressed and far easier to navigate then Kissimmee. Youll find tourists out walking at Midnight there.

If you are in love with crazy theme bars, wild karaoke and your party does not include children, the nightlife of Church Street Station might be just for you. Terror on Church Street is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. Daytime is for families, but only if shopping and historic sightseeing is your plan. Good bargains can be had by a wise and thrifty tourist. Amtrak still runs right through the Station area that is located in the heart of Downtown Orlando, so keep an eye on the kiddies if you bring any. Dont wonder too far from Church Street. Orlando is a huge area that gets lots of people lost, whether walking or driving. If driving, be very careful where you park. Use a lot with an alert attendant and dont leave anything of value in your vehicle. Do NOT try and travel to Church Street from the theme park areas during rush hours (6AM-9AM and 3PM-6PM).

The Orlando Science Center and Kennedy Space Center offer those who want to see technology in action a good chance to do so. Both offer state of the art exhibits and interactive things to do. While the science center is close to town, the space center will require a drive and some planning. An early start is the only way to visit the space center. Bus tours through the property sell out fast and many tickets are already lost to tour groups year round. Space Shuttle or Rocket Launches can bring everything to a halt, so check before you go.

The key to a fun Central Florida vacation is planning and sticking to a budget. Almost every ride at Disney or Universal has become a mega-enterprise with lots of stuff to buy before and after. But, unless you are as rich as Michael Eisner or have the arms of Hercules needed to lug around all the stuff you bought, wait until you reach the exit, then think twice before you buy. Did you really need that Sleeping Beauty FM Radio?

When you visit will often determine how long you wait. If can be very frustrating waiting forty-five minutes for a three minute ride! Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter are guaranteed nightmares. An extra three to four million people can be visiting the Orlando Area during those times. A steak that normally costs $5.95 at Sizzler will cost you over $12! Who needs that entire hassle? One way to know when to visit is to check hotel rates. Rates will reflect peak and off peak periods.

Beaches on the West Coast are a comfortable two-hour drive away. While heading there youll pass through Tampa. Stop and enjoy the transplanted Cuban Culture, local history and fabulous restaurants to be found in and near Ybor City (pronounced E-BOR). The warm and shallow Gulf of Mexico beaches between Clearwater Beach, Treasure Island and St Petersburg Beach are a treat. Lodging is affordable year round and there is lots to do. Gulf fishing trips can easily be arranged and golf is everywhere. This area favors those seeking a more restful atmosphere. Quiet walks along Pass A Grille Beach and the historic wonder of Fort Desoto Park near St Pete Beach have much to offer. Make a stop at the nearby Don Cesar Hotel for lunch. Looking like a huge pink palace rising up out of the sand, it was once a favorite haunt of Al Capone (and may still be?). While near Clearwater Beach, make a worthwhile day stop at Tarpon Springs. Its the home of historic Florida sponge diving and a fabulous center for Greek culture.

A short trip east from Orlando brings you to the Daytona Beach area. A boardwalk full of attractions, fabulous golf, NASCAR racing and lots more await you. The town has a tradition of allowing cars to roam up and down the beach, so watch the children. The boardwalk and beach areas are definitely for the younger set. If wild is your plan, visit Daytona Beach (a Spring Break Mecca) and bring lots of bail money. The local police are not amused. Given a choice, heading west to the Gulf would be my plan. Theres more to do and the prices are wallet friendly. Florida is not a good vacation idea for those on an extremely tight budget. If the toll roads, speed traps and tourist rip-offs dont get you, the theme parks will. If youre driving in, remember how big Florida really is. The northern part stretches across two time zones and the length of the State is substantial. Be sure your vehicle is in tiptop shape before you enter a freeway or toll way. Repairs and traffic fines will cost you big in Florida. Local and State Police love speeders so stay a few miles below the limit, make sure everything in your car is legal and buckle up. Travel during the day and avoid all rest stops except those on toll ways. Make your rest stops at modern fuel and food centers with cameras. Lock your vehicle each and every time you stop. Never leave children or pets in the vehicle unaccompanied. Avoid pay phones and outside ATMs.

No matter how you do it, a Florida vacation during these days will cost you more money and take more time for every task then you think. You can take away some of the sting by using services like Discount Hotel Rates and PRICELINE.com for cheap airfares. UK Visitors should visit Expedia UK to get discount airfares. If you drive in, beware of tourist traps in parts of Georgia and Florida that offer free hotel rooms or discount reservations. They can tack a large fee on to your credit card if you use the reservations without visiting a time share resort to view a proposal.

All foreign visitors should pay close attention to any free videos or literature about a Florida Vacation they receive from travel agencies, airlines, car rental companies or visitor bureaus. If flying in, always try and avoid taxis in favor of any free or discount hotel transportation (Orlando Airport is a long way from the tourist area). Most hotels also offer free or discounted bus service to the theme parks that will also get you in faster. Parking your own or rented vehicle will waste a couple of hours of your day. Buying theme park tickets in advance will only save you time during off peak periods, but might save you a few bucks during all periods. Foreign visitors can save on phone calls by purchasing prepaid international phone cards.

Beware time-share ticket deals. The area around Disney is quickly becoming the time share resort capital of America. Every one of these resorts will offer you something free to view their proposal, but read the fine print. Free theme park passes can be had for touring a resort, but that will waste a good two to three hours and many of these ticket deals are only good for that same day. Most require a special stop at Disney Guest Relations to convert the passes into tickets and a fee may be involved anyway.

One way to avoid problems with car rentals, hotel and airlines is to get everything in writing and make sure a human signs their name. Get names, dates, times and phone numbers. Get contact numbers for managers before you arrive. Think this extreme? Wait until you arrive at a hotel with a check in time of three oclock only to find yourself still sitting in the lobby at seven oclock. This is no joke and it happens all the time during peak periods in Central Florida. I suggest you have an alternative hotel ready.

Vacation Homes are the latest thing. You stay in a house with a pool for the price of a hotel room at Disney, but beware. Homes are often lost in a sea of unfamiliar neighborhoods a good distance from anything. In most cases, there is no maid service and a hefty penalty fee built into your agreement if the owner feels you left without cleaning the dishes, towels and making the beds! There is even an extra charge for turning on pool heaters. Youll also find that robbers target these homes knowing that they are likely to find lots of goodies home alone while you and yours are out for the day.

Planning a vacation is a hassle, but without a plan your Central Florida vacation can easily turn into a nightmare. Buy the maps and study them before you leave. Leave some free time to shop, explore and discover; but set a budget and stick to it. Leave extra time for everything and be aware of extreme temperature changes. It can and does get very cold in Florida during the fall and winter and extremely hot during the summer. Sunburns and bug bites are a part of the experience, so be ready with the appropriate preventive items and cures. Be smart and check every service you plan to use with the online better business bureau, local bureau or appropriate local agency. You would be surprised how many well-known hotel chains, restaurants and transportation companies have unsatisfactory ratings in local areas.

About the Author

A native New Yorker now living in Arizona, Bill Knell is a forty-something guy with a wealth of knowledge and experience. He’s written hundreds of articles on a wide variety of subjects. A popular Speaker, Bill Knell presents seminars on a number of topics that entertain, train and teach. A popular radio and television show Guest, you’ve heard Bill on thousands of top-rated shows in all formats and seen him on local, national and international television programs.

: 11:47 pm: <ADMINNICENAME>Airfare Sites

Cheap Airfare To Australia

How To Have A 5 Star Holiday On A 2 Star Budget

by: Tukshad Engineer

Travel, Holiday & Flight Discounts - Getting The Best Travel Deals Online

Love to travel? The international traveller has never had it so good in terms of being able to afford to see the world at discounted prices. Sometimes there is a huge over-supply in holidays and this leads to a slash in holiday prices. Below you’re going to learn just how to spot cheap holidays as well as the best places to find them, particularly if youre based in the UK.

Companies That Offer Regular Travel Bargains

Let’s start off with some online companies that have been known to offer good travel discounts. It’s best to keep checking these sites regularly as good offers will get snapped up almost immediately.

http://www.travel-travel.co.uk/latedl.htm - If you can travel within 30 days it’s possible to find some incredibly cheap last minute fares including flights and accommodation. I’ve seen 7 nights including flights and hotel to Ibiza at prices of just 99. Of course Ibiza is not everyones cup of tea - which is why you’ll find equally good deals to Edinburgh, Alicante, Palma, Faro and several other desirable locations. I have also seen 7 nights at a 4 star hotel including flights to Majorca and the Belearics at just 130.

http://www.bargainholidays.com - Very similar to Travel Travel but also includes a host of cheap city breaks.

http://www.holiday-net.com - Again, several travel deals. Also includes properties for sale from abroad.

http://www.airparade.co.uk - Just discounted airfares and holidays to several locations.

http://www.teletextholidays.co.uk/Homepage/Home.aspx - Look around for some excellent last minute offers from hundreds of holiday providers. Some real gems available.

http://www.lastminute.com - One of the more well known online providers but these guys really do provide some very good last minute deals.

http://www.france.cottages.co.uk - Good French packages including cottages and ferry crossing at discounts.

http://www.ferry.co.uk &

http://www.seafrance.com- Good for inexpensive channel crossing deals.

Worldwide - For great deals on world wide flights only offers try these:

http://www.instantflights.com

European

http://www.cheapestflights.co.uk

http://www.just-flights.co.uk

Discount Hotels

It’s possible to pickup some good discounts on hotels all over the world. Try the following places for European stays in particular:

http://www.ibishotel.com/ibis/index.html

http://www.hotels-europe.com/france/reims/clarine-form.htm (European Hotels)

Also checkout the Formule 1 series for cheap stays in France.

Saving Money On Travel Insurance

In the UK, you can save money on travel insurance simply by picking up discounted travel insurance from the Post Office.

Some Travel Secrets To Get You The Best Prices

Like most things, there are many tricks available to secure the lowest possible fares for flights, hotel and all forms of world travel. Every year there is a huge surplus in flights and holidays. Holiday companies have to estimate how many holidays will be demanded for any particular location and time - they never get it just right. Every year there is a surplus on certain holidays and flights, and if all places haven’t been filled by the final few days, you can pick up some really dramatic discounts.

Flights and accommodation are priced according to supply and demand - and this supply and demand follows a certain pattern. Once you know the situations where supply exceeds demand, and you know the right time to buy, you can save big time. A good example of this are fly by drives to the States - typically mid-November is when the cheapest fly drives are available and you can pick up deals for under 150 for 14 days (I’ve seen them as low as 99). Keep an eye on teletext holidays if you’re interested in this type of deal. If you do not mind coming back on Christmas day you can also find some stunning deals available. This may not be ideal for family trips but certainly for the lone traveller it’s a worthwhile option to check out.

How to spot cheap deals - With a little know how you can really figure out which flights and holidays are likely to be put on special offer as late deals. It all boils down to supply and demand - A good example of this is the late availability deals on teletext. 7 Nights in Lisbon, flights and self catered all included for 79 IF you waited a few days before departure. This was initially offered at 149 a month or so before. But how is it possible to know that the price would come crashing down to just 79? The secret is to contact the company offering the deal and ask them how many seats are left. In the Lisbon case there were just 14 seats booked 5 days prior to departure - there was no chance of this holiday being booked by departure date and the result? A massive discount offered to those who booked at the last minute. This is how the holiday business works and now that you know this you can make incredible savings just by making a few calls on holidays you’re interested in.

Car Hire & Day Trips should always be booked outside your holiday booking company otherwise you’ll almost certainly pay a premium. Usually there are specialist shops in most town centres that have been setup to provide car hire/day trips and you can save quite a lot of money using them.

London Airport Parking - Parking in London & other UK locations can get very expensive. Try London Airport Parking and Airport Parking UK for inexpensive parking options.

I really hope this helps all of you track down some incredible bargains.

Happy Travelling

Tukshad

About The Author

How I Manage To Fly To Any Destination At 80% Discounts Each And Every Time: http://www.global-ebooks.com/TravelFree.htm - If youd like more details on the best travel bargains available anywhere please email me at tukshad@global-ebooks.com

There are two ways to save money traveling. The first way is to get the best deals on the specific things you want. There is a limitation to this type of approach though. If , for example, you find the lowest price on the best hotel in Honolulu at the height of the season, you will save money, but still have a very expensive vacation. Trying to get exactly what you want, or what you think you want, will generally be an expensive proposition, in travel and in life.

Be A Travel Opportunist

The other approach is to be a true opportunist. This will be difficult for some of you, and entirely unacceptable to others. Nonetheless, the travelers who get to travel the most, go to the widest variety of places, learn the most and do the most, are the opportunists. This will be true until you are so wealthy that you have no monetary limits.

The first time I went to Ecuador, I went there because it was cheap. If it wasn’t, I would have had a great time - somewhere else. The trip lasted a month, and cost $1045, which included airfare and even the $130 fee for a guide to take me to the top of glacier-covered Mount Chimborazo.

I cut the cost by taking a bus from my home in Michigan to Miami, and back again when I returned from Ecuador. The round-trip ticket cost $158. The round-trip flight to Quito from Miami was only $256, because it was a courier flight, which meant I signed for some luggage (car parts), and could only take carry-on luggage.

Never did I feel deprived, or bored. I had a great time, eating wherever it was cheap and clean, doing all sorts of inexpensive, but interesting things, and traveling across the country to climb Chimborazo. I also met and fell in love with my wife Ana.

How To Become An Opportunist Traveler

Can you drink rum at a dollar per bottle, instead of your favorite beer? Can you eat chicken instead of steak? How about visiting the free sights first, and dancing in the street festival instead of the disco?

Being an opportunist means you’ll have just as much variety, and probably almost everything you want - eventually. You just have to stop trying to get exactly what you want exactly when you want it. If the guide that took me up Chimborazo hadn’t dropped his price from $200 to $130, I would have spent $2 for a bus and gone hiking on El Altar, another great Andean mountain. That would have left me with enough money for several other minor adventures.

More Secrets Of Cheap Travel

Plane Tickets: My wife and I were planning a trip to visit family in Ecuador. The cheapest airfare from Traverse City, Michigan to Quito, was $1720. Out of curiosity, I checked Miami to Quito, and it was only $404. Airfare from Traverse City to Miami was $300. Book two separate flights and save more than $2000! The discount sites aren’t set up to search in this way (yet), so you have to do this on your own. By the way, the whole six-week trip, which we took in 2004, cost $2400, including losing $100, and being robbed of $174.

Food: Whether traveling here or in other countries, it is usually cheaper to buy some healthy snacks in a grocery store, rather than eat every meal in a restaurant. When you do eat in restaurants, it can be cheaper to to order individual items on the menu from the list of appetizers or side dishes. You also may get more variety in that way.

Accomodations: For a long trip, you may want to rent an apartment in an interesting city. We did this for two months in Tucson, for about $600 less per month, compared to even the cheaper motels. Watch for hotel coupon-books in gas stations. The coupons will often save you $10 on a room you would have stayed in anyhow. If you have a conversion van or RV, you can camp a couple nights a week, like we do, to save on motels. We love the hotsprings we’ve stayed at, for a $3 fee to the BLM, instead of $40 for the cheapest motel in the area.

Travel Expenses: Do more and travel less. It is often the traveling part that costs the most, due to the cost of gas, convenient fast food, and expensive hotels you are forced to pay for when you just can’t drive any further. So if you find a place with a reasonable motel, and a lot to do in the area - stay for a while!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Steve Gillman traveled alone across the U. S. and Mexico at 17. Now 40, he travels with his wife Ana, whom he met in Ecuador. His stories, tips and information on travel and backpacking, can be found on his websites, http://www.EverythingAboutTravel.com, and http://www.TheUltralightBackpackingSite.com

: 11:38 pm: <ADMINNICENAME>Airfare Sites

Cheap Domestic Air Fares

Anyone who wants to enjoy a stress-free trip has to start with the basic concern of any traveler - how to effectively handle travel reservations. Below are a number of advice that may help:

- Decide on a travel plan - specific destination, how many days, what activities, routes, and other details. The attention given to this first step will ensure smooth sailing in making the necessary travel arrangements.

- If the destination is a foreign country, make sure all information that would be needed in making reservations are on hand.

How about booking your airline tickets? Below are some airline reservation tips you can use:

- If notification of your reservation is done by e-mail, make sure that the ticket price quoted is the same. Sometimes, some airlines claim the airfare booked earlier is no long available.

- If booking on online, use a reservation site where ticket prices for all airlines are shown so a comparison can be readily seen.

- If booking for more than one person, check also the ticket price for both a single passenger and multiple passengers. Some airlines quote different prices.

When it comes to reserving your hotel rooms, below are some helpful tips:

- Ask if the rate is a flat rate or per person.

- Ask how many beds are in the room and what the size is.

- Make sure to finalize a rate before getting off the phone.

- Ask about tax rates that would be added.

- Will breakfast be included with the price of the room? What time is it served and what is included.

- Are there guarantee and cancellation policies? Most hotels require guarantee for reservation with a credit card. Will they ask a check deposit?

- If this is a standard reservation, make sure there is a confirmation number.

Follow these top tips for a stress-free and enjoyable travel experience!

About the Author: Susan Wong is the owner of New York Hotels Discounts, Discount Singapore Hotels and Heping Hotel Rooms, a chain of hotel & travel related sites.

Reykjavik is the most northerly capital city in the world. Its also the coolest.

Um? Surely thats a no-brainer? Most northerly capital, on the edge of the Arctic circle of course its cold!

Not cold though it is a little I said cool. Reykjavik is as cool as they come. The city has been called the best night out on the planet. Its bars, pubs and clubs stay open all hours, and parts of the city have a constant party atmosphere.

Take, for example, Kaffibarinn on Bergstaarstrt (approximately berg stath ar strite going to Iceland? Take a pronunciation guide!). Its about the trendiest bar in town, visited by celebrities from all over the world who have discovered Iceland. Yet its not so exclusive: the welcome is friendly, and its usually crowded and atmospheric. Drinks are not cheap. But you wont find a cheap drink anywhere in Iceland. Theres a high tax imposed on alcohol served in licensed premises. But the prices are worth it for the atmosphere!

If you feel like soaking up culture rather than vodka, theres lots for you to do. Live music thrives in Reykjavik nearly all the trendy city centre bars have DJs on weekend nights. Theres classical music, too. Although Iceland has a population of only 270,000 smaller than most medium-sized U.S. cities its Symphony Orchestra is world-renowned and plays regular concerts in the capital between June and September.

The literally-named Culture House is also worth a visit. For a smallish island with a tiny population, Iceland has a whole lot of history. You thought Christopher Columbus discovered America? Think again. As the locals will remind you as soon as they hear your U.S. accent, one of their forebears, Leif Ericsson, was the first European to make landfall in what would become the U.S.A.

As well as being cool, Reykjavik is colorful. Literally. Theres not a lot of wood in Iceland. Most of the trees, in fact, are in and around Reykjavik, and have been imported. So what wood they have, the Icelanders make the most of. Many of the old wooden houses are painted in brilliant blues and reds. If you stand on the citys sea front, turn your back on the deep azure of Faxafloi Bay and look back at the town, it looks like the kind of place a kid would build if he had a couple billion colored bricks.

Further afield theres stuff to do, too. The interior of the country is mountainous, and filled with glaciers, volcanoes and geysers. If youre a geologist, its one of the most interesting places in the world. If youre not, go have a look anyway. Its spectacularly beautiful, if, at times, a little eerie. Three-quarters of Icelands population are crammed into the south-western corner of the island, around Reykjavik. The rest of the country, which is about the size of Ohio, is empty and unspoiled.

You can learn how to skidoo, or ride a dog-sled. You can hike in the hills (though not without a guide, please, unless youre an expert) or have a go at some of the very best mountain biking in the world.

But just about the definitive Icelandic experience after weaving unsteadily home from a really good night out in Reykjavik is meeting the whales. Iceland is surrounded by whales of several species, and its easy to get on one of the regular boat trips to see some of these leviathans.

When a minke whale breaks surface right next to your ship, its a humbling experience. But then, so much about Iceland is humbling: the scenery, the friendliness of the people the sheer warmth of such a wonderfully cool place.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

faremax.com is a leading vendor of discounted leisure travel products, offering consumers affordable one-stop shopping for all of their travel needs. The company offers consumers one of the largest collections of discounted airfares, car rentals and hotel accommodations in the industry.
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