Month: January 2016

5 Best Cities for spring break Staycation 2016

by hotelsetc, posted in travel, travel club, vacation

San Francisco

Named after the Italian migrants who fished there in the mid 1800’s, Fisherman’s Wharf encapsulates everything that makes San Francisco so enticing and one of the best cities in the US to spend either a weekend or even a week long Spring Break vacation in 2016.

It was renovated and reconstructed of course to make it a little more “desirable” in appearance but with market stalls and amusements such as the Wax museum or “Ripley’s Believe it or not” lining the pier, there is enough going on at Fisherman’s Wharf alone to keep you entertained for an entire day.

The weather is considered balmy for much of the year so it may not be the ideal choice for sun worshippers but the huge number of things to do in San Francisco more than makes up for the lack of extreme heat.

When you have finished exploring the many attractions along the famous pier above, the nearby Chinatown offers up a wonderful opportunity to indulge yourself in the finest Asian cuisine, bustling street markets and one of the most genuinely fascinating cornerstones of the city. There are many “Chinatown’s” in many cities around the world but San Fran’s is definitely the most well known example and truly is a microcosm of the many years of Chinese influx into the United States.

A vibrant nightlife is always on offer in various districts around the city and there are an endless number of great food options to choose between but once more, the activities and attractions are truly what make this one of the best Spring Break destinations in 2016. In this respect, the day tour to Alcatraz is undoubtedly one of the most interesting, famous and uniquely rewarding experiences you are likely to find anywhere. Steeped in history and situated on a rock off the coast, the notorious prison offers a very unique insight into one of the most legendary places in the US.

The Best place to stay in San Francisco:

Both the Hyatt and Holiday in on Fisherman’s Wharf provide great accommodations with easy access to anything activity based but if you would prefer to be somewhere more centrally located then the Marriott on Union Square is at the heart of the shopping district and SOMA is a superb location for anyone looking to make the most of the many eatery options near the Mission district.

Chicago

Don’t let the city nickname put you off, the weather in Chicago for Spring Break is just fine and the “Windy City” derives from the reputation of past politicians in the area as opposed to any gusts which might appear from time to time.

The population of Chicago is growing at 2.8 Million which is testament to everything this great American city has to offer. It lies at the top end of the ratings in terms of the restaurants on offer, not to mention attractions to see and things to do.

Joe’s Seafood and Gibsons Steakhouse are among many of the restaurants which offer localized experienced of the highest caliber but really, there are options of all kinds at every turn on a short walk around the City. The famous Chicago pizza is not to be missed, Trattoria No. 10 covers the Italian influence and anyone with a sweet-tooth should go right out of their way to spend an afternoon at the centrally located Cheesecake factory.

Of course before arriving at any of these food options, there is no shortage of activities to entertain and help you work up a hunger. The Sears tower, at one point the worlds tallest building, is a short skip from the centre of town which has an interactive experience at the top and world class views but if you wanted to make an afternoon of the occasion, a meal at the top of the Hancock tower might be a more enticing option.

All of the usual sightseeing tours will take you around the city although, Chicago has the added benefit of having a major river running through it which allows for river cruises and a different perspective to view the buildings towering overhead.

Then you have the dark side of Chicago’s past which was overrun by gangsters and local mafia. This city was a focal point for the notorious years of prohibition involving many infamous gangsters such as Al Capone and sure enough, there is a world class tour which will explain everything you need to know about this turbulent time.

All being said, there is a small “beach” on the edge of Lake Michigan but Chicago is another city to be visited specifically for an urban adventures as opposed to relaxing by the pool and it offers enough variety to cater for most interests whether it be foodies, history fans or sightseeing enthusiasts.

Where to stay in Chicago?

As a rule, anywhere centrally located in Chicago is best. It may not be the cheapest option but nothing can beat the value of being able to walk out the front door and have everything you need at your disposal. The Wyndham Grand Chicago has some great offers if you combine it with Travel club membership’s hotel discounts while the Hard Rock is another high quality choice in a central location.

New York

New York was always going to be in our 5 places for Spring Break vacation but obviously this is for all the right reasons. It is expensive yes, it is crowded and often noisy but the “City that never sleeps” is as full of entertainment and dining options, as it is with people.

Firstly, nowhere in the US can claim to have the variety and scale of activities or things to do as in New York. Times Square is an obvious sight with Central park just up the road but it really is the little details which make a visit here so memorable. How about visiting the spot where famous Beatle John Lennon was assassinated? Climbing to the top of the iconic Empire State building? Mixing it with the suits of America’s financial capital Wallstreet or taking a walking tour of the more humble beginnings in Brooklyn?

Little Italy, the Bronx and Tribecca; there are simply too many parts of the city which offer something different while the Statue of Liberty and Ellis island offer the perfect escape from the hustle of Manhattan with an unbeatable view of the city skyline to match.

There is really no need to list the best restaurants in New York as this is not something you will have any trouble in locating and in a similar way, a short walk to the outer reaches of Times Square will inevitably lead to a long line of great bars. However, something not to be missed when you visit New York is a short trip to Ground zero and the memorial of 9/11; the museum is easy to miss unless you search it out an it provides a great sense of the community and togetherness that exists at the heart of this great city.

Finally, no trip to New York is complete without taking in a show on Broadway. There are always a long line of great shows being advertised with many famous names being part of their cast. Whether you have been to a show like this before or not, Broadway is the most famous place in the world for Theatrical performances and after a visit to one of the shows, you will know exactly the reason why.

As with any of the destinations on this list, the best way to afford your vacation or get the most out of your spending money is to join a Travel club such as Hotels etc who provide not only hotel discounts but also restaurant discounts along with many other attractions or entertainment options.

Where to stay in New York?

Arguably one of the most expensive places in the world for accommodation, the trick to finding the best place to stay in New York is by choosing somewhere relatively central with a decent rating for reviews. Check out the Hampton Inn on Times Square for a more affordable hotel in New York or the slightly more expensive Waldorf Astoria.

As mentioned above, sign up for the best hotel discounts on Hotels etc which will help keep your costs down for any of the above.

Orlando (Family option)

Florida is the perfect option for the best family vacation in Spring Break. Any parent will attest to the fact that a family vacation is all about keeping the kids entertained and Orlando in particularly has been doing this effortlessly for decades.

If you want to include a little bit of warmer climate into your next family vacation for Spring Break then you could do a lot worse than making the journey down South to Florida. The climate is hot this time of year but with swimming pools and waterparks at such easy access, you are guaranteed a relaxing atmosphere to kick back at the end of a days busy activities.

It’s no secret that much of a trip to the Sunshine State revolves around a visit to Disneyworld and a Park Hopper ticket can be purchased in advance to help you plan your multiday trip which the kids will never forget. As soon as Mickey Mouse has made his introduction and all the sunscreen has been applied, there are many parks to be explored including the Magic Kingdom, the Animal Kingdom and two separate Water parks.

Walt Disney aside, there are so many other things to do with kids in Orlando such as a trip to Legoland, an encounter with the alligators in Gatorland or a swim with dolphins in discovery cove. As the list goes on, it gets better with many activities being geared toward adults just as much as they are to children. The AMC Disney movie theater is great for some evening entertainment and then the Orlando science museum is a fascinating educational trip which will leave the whole family wanting more.

Where to stay in Orlando?

There are many options in Orlando which cater toward family vacations by offering apartment style rooms complete with kitchenette. That being said, the best place to stay with the family is close to Disney World itself and so the Radisson hotel or Wyndham Grand Orlando are two fantastic options.

Las Vegas

There is literally no time of year in which Las Vegas is not an option and if you are looking for a reasonably affordable place to spend your Spring Break vacation, the famous strip will inevitably offer spring break vacation offers and hotel discounts to suit all budgets.

Las Vegas is known as the entertainment capital of the world for good reason, no matter what time of day or night it is, there is something to do or somewhere to go. Casino’s may dominate the scene but really, the city has so much more to offer than a quick flutter with your hard earned cash and in recent years, the variety of attractions has increased tenfold.

Celebrity chefs work out of most hotels providing a neverending line of places for fine dining but the all American barbeque is still on offer and there are also just as many affordable restaurants to eat. By the time you have finished eating, the roulette wheel is still turning and the bars are still open but a trip down to the “original Las Vegas” is also a must do.

It may often be overlooked by many visitors to the strip with so many big name distractions but for those who take time to venture down there, Fremont Street offers a genuine, up close and personal experience with everything that makes Vegas so interesting. Old school casino’s, street performers, drunks and strangers come together to form a melting pot which seems so far removed from the expensive hotels around the corner. It is well worth visiting and provides an entirely different view of Sin city.

Ultimately, everyone is familiar with how much fun they can expect to have but cost is the real factor that provides so much value on a trip to Vegas. Airfare is usually quite a reasonable expense at cost times during the year but great hotel discounts are available for those signed up for a Travel club membership which make this arguably the most affordable destination on this list of places for your Spring break vacation in 2016.

Where to stay in Las Vegas?

You really can’t go wrong with either the Rio or the newly renovated Flamingo hotel but for those wishing to splash out on a little more comfort, Paris Las Vegas has some great offers providing you utilize some hotel discounts.

Hotel Discounts: For all the best hotel discounts mentioned above and more, sign up for a travel membership with Hotelsetc.com to make huge savings on your Spring break vacation.

Best value resorts and spring break destinations 2016

by hotelsetc, posted in Home, hotels, resorts, travel, vacations

With a record number of holidaymakers lat year, the Caribbean is still without doubt the leading tourist hotspot for North Americans. Initially Mexico was the destination of choice for most travelers but a huge increase in commercial flight itineraries in recent years has made just about anywhere down South accessible for a similar cost.

There are now close to 350 all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean but while this certainly provides more options for your upcoming vacation, it can also make it more difficult in terms of choosing between them.

To help you make this decision we have compiled a breakdown with where you should be able to find some of the best vacation deals this Spring Break and also the best value for money destinations in 2016.

Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic has emerged as a clear favorite and leader in terms of being able to offer value for money. The introduction of so many direct flights from Europe (nevermind North America) are a sign of the tropical island’s rise in popularity and until now this airfare has continued to stay at a very reasonable cost which inevitably allows for lower priced packages.

Punta cana, Dominican Republic

Punta Cana has by far the largest concentration of resorts in the Caribbean and is located in the very East of the island. As a rule, the majority of resorts of 3 star or above offer a huge amount of value with high quality service, great food and very comfortable rooms.

Beach lovers will find themselves in heaven arriving to almost any beach front resort in Punta Cana and there are also a couple of nice excursions in the local area. Both the Excellence and Hard Rock resorts will feature on the higher end of the costing scale but there are still some excellent deals to be had for slightly lesser luxurious resorts the Gran Bahia Principe and the Iberostar.

Tip: Steer clear of resorts at the very low end of the price range as they tend to have a very poor reputation.

Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic

This lesser known destination in the Dominican is so lesser known that most people have in fact, never heard of it. Unfortunately the beaches in this Northern part of the island are nothing to drool over like those in Punta Cana but for anyone in search of an all inclusive which is good value and nice surroundings to relax, Puerto Plata is a great choice.

In low season the prices for many of these resorts can hit rock bottom but great hotel discounts can still be found during Spring break and other busy periods. Clubhotel Riu Merengue and the Iberostar Costa Dorada are a very high quality all inclusive resorts while Blubay Villas and BeLive are not far behind in terms of the value for money the offer.

Tip; If you do not travel to Puerto Plata during Spring Break, check out some of the prices for the same resorts in the low season. You will not believe the hotel offers in this period.

Jamaica

Jamaica will continue to prosper over the coming years when it comes to tourism but it is still relatively new with catering to the all inclusive loving tourist. You will find just about everything you need for a relaxing vacation in Jamaica whether it be Montego Bay or the nearby beaches of Negril but do expect a primitive experience if you want to venture much further from than the local beach or the resort itself.

Negril, Jamaica

As they say, the west is the best and just a little bit further on from the popular Montego Bay you will reach the much smaller Negril which many believe to be a nicer alternative. There are less than 20 resorts along the strip but if you wish to stay on a 7 mile strip of white sandy beach, then Negril could very well be the best option for your Spring Break vacation.

There are some spectacular options here such as the Rockhouse hotel of the SPA retreat boutique hotel but if you are really looking for something low cost and don’t mind it being “low key”, you can find some real bargains along this strip. Sometimes the best option here is to avoid the high end all inclusive resorts and choose accommodation only which allows you to pay for food or drinks separately and both of these are very cheap in Negril.

Tip: Check out White Sands Negril for accommodation only or Riu Palace which often has excellent offers.

Aruba

Aruba has a dry climate for the entire year round and while it can be a windy place to spend a couple of weeks, the island offers some excellent value all inclusive resorts. That being said, these resorts are aimed at the slightly more upmarket clientele than the other destinations above

Once again, the reasonable price of airfare is a contributing factor for why Aruba offers a huge amount of value for a spring Break vacation.

If you grow tired of relaxing around the pool all day and sampling the five star food on offer in most resorts, there is always the easy option of renting a car and heading off to explore the different parts of the island. Aruba is so small in fact, you can drive from one end to the other in little more than an hour.
While the Hilton Aruba and Riu Palace may not be the lowest priced resorts in the Caribbean, they most certainly offer some great hotel discounts and fantastic value to those who prefer expense a little more luxury or extra class on their vacation.

Mexico

While usually one of the most popular choices for vacation, Mexico is obviously not an island like the other destinations on this list. This is largely down to the beautiful stretches of beaches along the Cancun and Riviera coastline but also because, Mexico will still offer some of the best vacation packages for Spring Break 2016.

Cancun, Mexico

This seemingly low cost of resorts is largely down to the large number of flights which service Cancun but then the huge number of resorts in the area has also meant for more competitive pricing than most other places. If you have visited this part of Mexico in the past then it might be worth checking out somewhere new for package offers first but for everyone else, Cancun still offers some very comfortable resorts on gorgeous stretches of beach and with many day tours to local attractions in the area, there is plenty to do.

As with anywhere, you will find accommodation at the very high and low end of the price point but a very important factor to keep in mind is that the lower end resorts will most often have a reputation for partygoers especially at this time of year. A couple of very nice resorts which offer a happy medium in this respect are Krystal Cancun and The Royal Caribbean.

Riviera Maya, Mexico

The sky blue waters along the Riviera Maya may not seem as perfect as those in Cancun but the area can offer a slightly more relaxed and sometimes upscale experience. The beaches can also seem less crowded and the area less busy but it won’t be for everyone, especially those who prefer to be in the heart of all the action and/or nightlife.

As with it’s popular neighbor, the Riviera Maya can provide some great vacation deals even at Spring Break but the best offers will be found later in the year or in the shoulder months of the summer. The Iberostar and Barcelo resorts are both very reliable choices for accommodation while the Excellence and Dreams Riviera Cancun are known for their slightly more luxurious setting.

Huge hotel discounts and all the best vacation packages above can be found on Hotels etc.

Tips for choosing the Best Spring Break vacation package

by hotelsetc, posted in Home, travel, vacation

Tired of the cold weather, the daily grind and lackluster weeks spent indoors? Luckily, one of the best times of year for a vacation is coming up but is your dream trip this year possible?

Winter can have a stifling effect on just about anybody and it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to work out as to why most people are left scrambling to get away from it all as soon as the New Year arrives. Although better known for wild escapades and college trips, Spring Break provides the perfect opportunity for families, couples or mature travelers to escape the daily routine and replenish the soul in a beautiful setting.

However, with the Easter holidays just a few short months away, it’s important to stop procrastinating or thinking about the reasons why you should go such as the cost and instead start planning your trip with the means or budget you have available.

The following travel tips for choosing the Best Spring Break vacation package 2016;

1. Do yourself a favor, Book now

Okay, we get it – you obviously need to know where you want to go first but the point is; the best vacation packages to Cancun, Punta Cana or wherever else you have in mind are always cheaper when you book in advance.
Don’t be enticed by “last minute deals” and don’t keep waiting for “something better to come along”, the chances are if you are reading this post with a month or more to spare, the vacation you want should be available at the price you want, right now. (More on that, later.).

Be spontaneous, save yourself some headache decisions and book now rather than later.

2. Pick the right destination, but not the same one

We all know that couple of family who return to the same resort, the same holiday home or destination each year. Don’t do it or if this sounds like you, stop doing it. Go somewhere new.

The very essence of adventure or life itself is to go new places and enjoy new experiences but we can’t honestly expect anything to be different by going to the same places every year. There are now an endless number of destinations accessible to North Americans regardless of location and there are now also specific websites which allow travelers to avail of hotel discounts or spring break package deals for even the lowest of budgets.

By all means if you enjoy swimming, choose Punta Cana or a destination with suitable surroundings and likewise if you are more interested in history, maybe a trip to Cancun might suit with the Mayan ruins just a short trip away.
Either way, pick the right destination but try not to go to the same place.

3. Go all Inclusive

Whether you are on a tight budget or not, the best value will always come from an all inclusive package which includes your food, beverages and possibly some cocktails.

Almost every resort of any kind will have options to take day trips in the area or at the very least some local amenities and attractions. Having an all inclusive package will make it easier to decide what else you would like to do once on the vacation itself and then also make it much more affordable to experience these options without worrying about having enough spending money leftover.

However, the main advantage with regard to an all inclusive vacation, as touched on above, is convenience. An all inclusive option takes away all the little needless concerns or decisions that can crop up on a vacation and it ensure for the duration of the trip, you will be provided with the bare necessities to make for a memorable time away.

4. Travel smart and use Spring break vacation discounts

The reasons you should use huge hotel discounts for your next vacation doesn’t really need to be explained but maybe you do need to understand the way in which to find such discounts.

You may have noticed how most websites nowadays seem to advertise the same vacation packages as each other and at the same cost. You are not imagining anything, the reason for this is because of a new law which was introduced to the travel industry recently called “rate parity” which effectively means the most well known sites (think Expedia, Orbitz etc) can no longer offer the best prices for your next hotel stay or vacation abroad.

Hotels etc is a travel membership club which is currently enjoying a huge revival in light of this news as they are exempt to the rate parity laws affecting the major travel brands. Essentially this means, they are now the first and really, the only place you need to look for the biggest travel discounts or packages for your vacation.
With a 20 year reputation, an impeccable rating, 4 million subscribers and the widest range of discounts for travel related products or services, Hotels etc are the first step you should take toward making your dream vacation happen.

Choose wisely & Have a great vacation

Choosing the best package for your vacation this coming Spring break won’t be the easiest decision you will make all year but by simply choosing the destination which appeals to you the most and then going with an all inclusive option, you have already decided what it is exactly that you want.

After that, it’s just a matter of getting the trip booked as soon as possible to avoid paying a higher cost later and by using discounts with a travel membership club you are sure to find the best price anywhere online.

Saving on the cost of your vacation will either free up more spending money for extra activities or even just allow for you to take the trip in the first place but the main point in all of this is that whatever vacation you want this year, it is possible and for those who are well enough informed, this year promises an adventure in search of sandy beaches, crystal blue waters and afternoons spent sipping cocktails beneath a palm tree.

So get signed up for Hotelsetc.com and start organizing your best Spring break vacation yet.

Planning your 2016 Vacation? Want the best travel deals? We have the solution – Hotels Etc.

by hotelsetc, posted in travel

If you are like I am then you are already planning your first vacation of 2016 and you want to get the best deals possible. We have the solution for you!

Source: Planning your 2016 Vacation? Want the best travel deals? We have the solution – Hotels Etc.

How to afford a vacation (even when you can’t) – Hotels Etc.

by hotelsetc, posted in travel, vacation

If you are like most families taking a vacation can take a deep hit on your back account and you need to learn how to afford a vacation even when you can’t.

Source: How to afford a vacation (even when you can’t) – Hotels Etc.