Month: February 2016

5 Quick and easy ways to save on travel in 2016

by hotelsetc, posted in travel

Taking a vacation doesn’t have to be an expensive affair. In fact, a little research and smart decisions can go a long way to making your dream vacation happen, for a fraction of the usual cost. Here are 5 quick and easy ways to help you save on travel in 2016:

Check out travel credit cards

A certain stigma attaches itself to the idea of having a credit card, and rightly so, for spending money you don’t have, or buying something you cannot afford, is always a bad idea. However, while they can have the same pitfalls, there is also a risk-free strategy with travel credit cards which can help you make huge savings on future travels.

Providing you do a little research and read the fine print on each one, a travel credit card with free air miles can be obtained with no upfront costs. In fact, there are travel cards which offer free air miles with absolutely no obligation for a minimum spend amount. Furthermore, this bonus will remain even if you decide to cancel the card at a later date and there is no limit to the number of travel credit cards you can obtain.

How to find the best travel credit card: A quick google search will bring up a dozen options for you to consider.

Get Hotel discounts and more

Since the introduction of rate parity laws, there is really no way to find genuine hotel discounts, other than joining a travel membership club.

In recent years, a mass number of booking engines and travel companies have saturated the online market, but what many people have not yet realized, is how the above mentioned law now restricts these businesses from providing the best hotel discounts, vacation packages or travel offers. Essentially, this means you will now find the same price for products or services across all channels of distribution and the end result; no real discount or value.

Thankfully, there is still a way to find the best hotel discounts or special offers, and it’s a very simple process which involves signing up for a travel membership club such as Hotels Etc and getting easy access to huge savings.

Hotels Etc is a reputable company with more than 20 years experience, and over 4 million members.

Invest in an unlocked cellphone, or don’t take one at all

With so much Wi-Fi access in travel destinations, there really is no need to be spending dollars on roaming charges; Facebook, WhatsApp and Skype all have a facility to make calls.

However, an even smarter move when it comes to traveling abroad is to take an unlocked cell phone and purchase a local SIM card on arrival. Most airports will sell a temporary SIM card at very low prices, and the rates for which you are charged while using it, is always a fraction of the costs incurred through data roaming.

Eat local, and eat cheap

Cost is not always a true reflection of the value, and this is most certainly the case when it comes to food. When you think about it; why not have food in the hotel room for an evening? or make some lunch using ingredients from the local supermarket?

Eating at a restaurant for every meal can be a sure fire way to use up the entire budget for a vacation, and choosing to prepare your own lunch every afternoon, can leave you a lot more disposable spending money for other activities. Another alternative is to choose local restaurants away from the main tourist hub; meals are often just as good, and half the price.

Get your timing right, and travel for half the price

Shoulder months are always the most affordable time to travel on vacation, the weather is generally still just as good in this period, and everything cost less. People with children may not have the luxury to plan a trip outside of school holidays, and then sometimes it is difficult to agree on the best time, if there is a group decision involved, but ultimately, it will lead to large savings.

In fact, recent travel deals have allowed Hotels Etc members to travel with up to 60 – 80% off a large variety of hotels and vacation packages. These were not last minute deals, but rather an example of the amazing hotel discounts which are provided through travel membership clubs.

Whatever happens, and whatever the weather, think smart, pay less and have just as much fun.

You can sign up for a free trial with Hotels Etc today and check out all the latest offers.

The best travel discounts: Paying less, and getting more

by hotelsetc, posted in travel, travel discounts

““Since the new rate parity laws was introduced, Travel membership clubs are the only genuine way to find the best travel discounts and most affordable hotels or vacation packages online.””

Most people associate a higher quality product or service with a higher price, and sometimes this is true, but not always. In fact, for more than two decades the travel membership club Hotels Etc have been providing the simple solution which allows their members to find the highest quality vacations at affordable prices, and the best hotel deals, along with discounts for many more non travel related products or services.

travel discounts

Why join a travel membership club?

When you consider the question of why you should join a travel club, you may as well be asking as to why you should want to pay less for a product or service?

It really is that simple; the the click of a button, a travel club allows you to find the best hotel deals, the best vacation offers, and the widest range of online travel discounts. These offers are exclusive, you will not find them on the average booking engine, there is no added cost after the initial minimal membership fee, and you can fully trust a source such as Hotels Etc.

With more than 4 million members, the highest trust rating available, and more than 20 years of experience, Hotels Etc are the leading travel membership club with the widest range of online travel discounts.

What usually happens when a customer books online?

Unfortunately, it can be difficult assessing the best options in the online world with so much going on. Booking engines and “special offers” are as common as Facebook, and then there is no end of suppliers who promise the best price or best hotel offers.

In reality, these booking engines no longer offer the same value as before the inception of rate parity legislation, which is a new law that enforces companies to advertise the same price across different distribution channels. It may seem unimportant to the average consumer as there has been little news broadcasted about this new law, but then you must consider the reason why – nobody wants the consumer to know.

Hence, when a customer makes a booking online, they usually do so with the assistance of a booking engine while completely unaware that they are no longer getting the best price.

How can a customer make a booking and ensure the best travel discounts?

There is a link at the bottom of this article which allows for a free trial with Hotels Etc and in order to find the best price, the biggest hotel discounts and most affordable vacations, all you need to do is sign up, and see these amazing offers for yourself.

Hotels Etc negotiates anywhere between 60 -– 80% off for their members and offers a straight forward booking process to ensure you get the deal you want. There is no catch, and there should be no confusion: Since the new rate parity laws was introduced, a travel membership club is the only genuine way to find the best travel discounts and most affordable hotels or vacation packages online.

For the best online travel discounts, hotel deals and vacation packages, start paying less, and getting more by signing up now for a free trial with Hotels Etc.

luxury hotel deals

5 Best luxury hotel deals in the US

by hotelsetc, posted in travel

Rooftop infinity pools, high tech rooms, prime locations and superior customer service. There are many five star luxury hotels across the country who provide all of these services, but here are five of the best luxury hotel deals in the US, and the easiest way to find hotel discounts to make huge savings on your next reservation.

luxury hotel deals

The St Regis, New York
A personal 24 hour butler, an incredible variety of five star food, and a central location in the heart of New York City, the St Regis has plenty of competition in the “Big Apple” but it really is in a league of it’s own, even when it comes to the most luxurious alternatives.

Located on 5th avenue in Manhattan, the St Regis pulls out all of the stops by providing every possible service, with the greatest amount of detail, and this also goes for the room decoration. Spacious, sleek, stylish and elegant, you can expect nothing but an exceptional experiences on all levels, when you stay here on your next trip to the city that never sleeps.
Location: 2 E 55th St, New York, NY 10022, United States

Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows, Santa Monica, California

The Garden Villas, and the hotel suites provide two alternate options when it comes to staying in the stylish Fairmont Miramar Hotel. Both are incredible places to stay, both elegant, and both as prestigious as the other.

Located in close proximity to the nearby shopping areas, the Fairmont is the perfect base for a weekend of splurging, but it is also central to the stunning beaches, and coastline scenery in Santa Monica. Another highlight is the Gourmet Dining and nearby nightlife which attracts the crowds, but the real draw of this opulent hotel, is the secluded experience it provides with peaceful gardens to explore on foot, and the option of the Garden villas for extra privacy.
Location: 101 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401

XPABV05EQ9

Waldorf Astoria, Chicago

Another hotel which excels when it comes to focusing on the fine details, id the Waldorf Astoria in Chicago. The exterior is an eye catching sight with an old fashioned motor court which appears more like something you expect to see on mainland Europe, while the interior is a designers paradise with sparkling chandeliers in the lobby, and Coco Chanel drapes adorning the walls.

Interestingly, the staff at the Astoria do not have a designated role within the hotel, but rather each member is committed to assisting with every aspect of the hotel. It certainly helps not having to look far for somebody to help with an inquiry, but the theory is smart, and it helps customer service at the Waldorf Astoria stand out from competition.

The romantic fireplaces in each room are a nice touch which add a very personal feel to the hotel, and this atmosphere, combined with the ultimate level of service, has long ensured that clients return to the Waldorf Astoria year after year.
Location: 11 E Walton St, Chicago, IL 60611

Hotel Beaux Arts Miami

The Hotel Beaux Arts is a small hotel in comparison with the reputation it holds. Naturally any hotel in Miami can boast an alluring location with easy access to fine dining, and some of the best nightlife in the country, but the hotel itself does not rely on any of these factors to maintain this image.

Every room is equipped with the most modern high tech gadgets, from ipads to large flat screen televisions while the wooden floors, unrivaled views, and endless facilities make the Hotel Beaux Arts one of the most prestigious in the country.

A rooftop infinity pool, yoga studio and ultra modern fitness room are icing to the cake in this fine establishment, and the slightly less “flash” appearance of Hotel Beaux Arts, make it an ideal place to stay prior to a cruise, or for business professionals staying overnight in Miami.
Location: 255 Biscayne Blvd Way, Miami, FL 33131

The Hay Adams, Washington

The most prestigious location in the country, the Hay Adams Hotel is situated directly across from the White House and has a historical relevance which only adds to the chard of a stay in the Nations Capital.

Although all the modern facilities exist in the Hay Adams, the refined nature of the interior design st it apart from the competition. Local designer Thomas Pheasant has ensured the history of the building is maintained by designing it with a very residential feel. The lobby is akin to a natural museum, the cocktail bar is famous throughout the city, and the roof terrace is one of the most peaceful places you could possibly imagine.

When you consider the high profile location, the history, and charming nature of the interior; the Hay Adams Hotel in Washington is arguably one of the most alluring hotels in the United States.
Location: 800 16th St NW, Washington, DC 20006

All the best hotel discounts, and luxury hotel deals can be found exclusively on Hotels Etc, the number one travel membership club in the US, and easiest way to make huge savings on all your travel needs.

Finding cheap hotels, and the best hotel discounts

by hotelsetc, posted in travel, travel club

DC0D6EDB2B

With Spring break on the horizon, and most people searching for an easy escape to the warm weather of the South, finding cheap hotels, and the best hotel discounts is an idea worth prioritizing.

Anyone with a huge amount of disposable income may not be interested in learning about the new “Rate parity laws” which were introduced to the travel market, but for the average person on the street, knowing how this new law affects the online travel industry can save you a lot of money.

Rate parity and the increase of hotel rates online

It is not simply a case of the major booking engines increasing their rates, but rather that this new law has enforced a regulation which disallows a fluctuation of pricing across different distribution channels. Essentially the big brands, Expedia for example, are unable to offer lesser rates through their smaller, “sister companies” such as Orbitz or Booking.com.

Most often this will mean higher hotel rates when you check through the different options available because the booking engines/businesses are now required to offer a standard rate but more importantly, for you the consumer, it means the best hotel rates are to be found away from these particular websites.

DC0D6EDB2B

Reintroduction of Travel club memberships and finding cheap hotels

For some readers, it may sound strange to “introduce” a travel membership club as during the 1970’s these were a powerful source for vacation deals and the only genuine way of finding cheap hotels or the best hotel discounts.

However, it would seem that history is now repeating itself with the Travel club membership now being back at the very top of the list in terms of “the best hotel discount providers”. Travel clubs are exempt to the new rate parity law and this has allowed them to take one step ahead of the major travel brands by offering their customers the one thing, they cannot – genuine hotel discounts.

Membership clubs, such as Hotels Etc, have a long standing history in the travel industry for finding the best hotel discounts and negotiating the best vacation packages for their members. Hotels Etc also have an impeccable trust rating and with more than 4 million members, are arguably the largest travel membership club in the market at this moment. It really is simple, by signing up to such a club, you will have access to the biggest online travel discounts and an opportunity to pay less, and receive more.

Considering you are already reading this article, chances are you wish to find the best hotel discounts, the best vacation packages or travel membership club and in Hotels Etc you already have the best way to find all the most affordable offers in the online travel industry.

With Spring break just around the corner, and the new rate parity laws restricting the major travel brands from providing genuine value, there really is only one way to find the best hotel discounts online right now, and with Hotels Etc offering a free trial, there really is no reason not to sign up now.

7 ways to save money when you travel

by hotelsetc, posted in travel, vacation

Affordable vacation packages, cheap flights, amazing hotel discounts, free activities – everybody wants to find as much value as possible on vacation, and to help you do that, here are 7 ways to save money when you travel:

Consider an “open jaw” flight itinerary

“Open Jaw” is a term given to a flight schedule which arrives in a particular city, but then departs from an airport in another location. For anyone traveling to Cancun for a one week each vacation this will not be as relevant, but for anyone planning to see Europe, South America, Asia etc and hoping to do some overland travel, flying back from an alternative city is a great option.

Not only is the airfare less expensive, but an open jaw ticket also saves you the extra cost of returning to your trip starting point, never mind the inconvenience it causes to get back there.

Avoid traveling during peak season

Spring break, Christmas and school holidays are always more expensive and in order to ensure the lowest possible cost of a vacation, it is always a good idea to avoid travel at peak season.

Many of the best vacation packages to the Caribbean, or anywhere for that matter, will have more availability outside of this time meaning the rates for hotels, flights and anything tourism related, will be much more affordable. When you consider some of the best hotel discounts which can be found during these times, it is quite often the case that a vacation at this time will provide much more value, with less crowds, cheap hotel rooms and low airfare.

Best Hotel discounts

Save money when you travel by turning off your cellphone data

Have you ever arrived home from vacation to an insanely big phone bill? It happens. Availing of international roaming, checking your emails and even sending a few text messages can prove to be a large unnecessary cost on your vacation.

With every resort and hotel being fully equipped with free Wi-Fi, there is really no reason to be wasting money on expensive tariffs while on vacation. Skype, Facebook, and email are all capable of calling and sending instant messages from the local Wi-Fi which is entirely free.

Avoid renting a car when staying in the city

Renting a car can be a wonderful idea which can make travel outside of a destination convenient and highly enjoyable. However, if you are visiting a destination with plans of exploring the city, there really is no need for the added expense of having a car at your disposal, .

Even a train or bus ride around the city can make a family trip seem like more of an adventure, not to mention the fact that not having to worry about a car parked out on the street can reduce stress. Leave the car at home, discover the city on foot, and live adventurously on your next vacation.

Be careful with tipping

It’s good to tip, it’s only right, and everybody appreciates it. However, North Americans are the only people’s around the world who are generally known to tip more than 10 – 15 %.

Tipping extravagant amounts every time on vacation can be an enormous cost in itself. For example, if you have 3 meals a day and tip 25% each time, you are not far off paying for a fourth, non existent meal on every day of the vacation.

By all means tip, but within reason, you need to have some money left when the vacation is over.

Use Hotel discounts

In this modern age of technology, there s no excuse for not knowing about the huge hotel discounts being offered by travel membership clubs. Recent laws may have prevented Expedia, Orbitz and other travel brands from providing discounted cruises, packages or hotel rooms, but where they have lost their value, Travel clubs have taken their place.

Stop wasting time, and money by getting signed up for a travel membership with Hotels Etc and start saving up to 60-80% on hotels rooms, packages and much more.

Research free things to do at your destination

Not everything costs money once on location, in fact many of the best activities are free. A quick search online for travel blogs, reviews or trip reports will often result in a number of fun and completely free activities to help you save money on vacation.

A secret beach, a nearby mountain hike, a free walking tour or visit to some local landmarks. Even a trip around a lesser known part of town can result in cheap eateries, hidden attractions, and the free excitement that comes with not knowing where you are going.

All of the above are simple ways to ensure your vacation provides enough value, without leaving you in debt on the return back home and a great way to get started with saving money for future travels, is by signing up for Hotels Etc here.