Category: travel

Top 5 affordable vacations in the US

by hotelsetc, posted in travel, vacation

Every year a record number of tourists descend upon tropical destinations in the Caribbean or historical cities in Europe, but for an more affordable location, have you ever considered staying here in the United States?

It’s true many of the above mentioned destinations have a certain allure and each of them is undoubtedly a great pace to visit, but the US is also overflowing with natural attractions, excellent accommodation an wonderful opportunities to take a roadtrip.

Here are 5 of the best places to vacation in the US:

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

The oldest part in the United States is certainly one of the most scenic and beautiful, Yellowstone is overflowing with towering peaks, stunning lakes and tranquil streams winding their way to the horizon.

For anyone interested in outdoor activities, Yellowstone is one of the best places to visit with a myriad of hiking trails which run past leafy forests, through enchanting meadows and other enticing geographical features. The Yellowstone Lake and Mammoth Hot Springs are particularly popular for the 3 million visitors who arrive in the park each year, while the best place to stay is Cody, Wyoming where you will find affordable accommodation or at least hotel discounts to make it so.

Yosemite National Park, California

Another famous National Park, Yosemite offers an incredible encounter with towering rock faces, cascading waterfalls and the majestic Sequoia trees which are known for their enormous stature. It is possible to take climbing lessons, guided tours or just stroll along one of the many trails but regardless, each experience is worth the visit.

The Yosemite Valley itself is the most popular part to visit within the park and there are also options to camp there too, but undoubtedly the best way to enjoy what it has to offer, is by exploring the nature trails on foot during the day before retreating to one of the nearby hotels in Mammoth Lake.

afforable vacations in the US

Washington DC

Although a fast paced city and economic hub, Washington is also fast becoming a popular tourist attraction with a large number of things to do including a visit to the front of the iconic White House.

In fact many important landmarks take their place in Washington which also provides a great opportunity to learn more about the origins of the US within the National History Museum. Another highlight are the cafe’s, the restaurants along with the Eastern Market, another favorite for foodies. Yes, the city has grown up and while the hotels in Washington are not the most affordable, you can use hotel discounts to make help ease your travel budget.

New Orleans

Famous for the music scene, New Orleans is a natural favorite for any interested in rhythm and blues, rock and roll, or just music in particular. With a vibrant nightlife, many music venues and an endless variety of bars, you can be sure of some late nights and plenty of song.

However, there is much more to New Orleans than just music as the friendly folk will remind you, and this is no more evidenced than in the amazing food it has to offer. Barbecue ribs, mash potato or a plate of jambalaya, there is fine dining but then there is also the more traditional option too.

Perfect for a weekend and ideal for an extended stay, New Orleans has enough history and culture between to keep even the most active traveler occupied.

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Las Vegas

How can you have a list of affordable vacations without a mention of Vegas? Contrary to popular belief, you do not need to gamble when you visit Vegas and likewise, you do not need a huge amount of money.

Las Vegas is now suitable for a family trip just as much as a girls weekend and when you see the affordable vacations for Vegas, you will understand just why it offers so much value. With the largest selection of hotels of all standards, shapes and sizes, Las Vegas is an ideal option for those who cannot afford the expense of going abroad and are searching for somewhere that wont break the bank.

As with anywhere, it is possible to find an affordable vacation and this is most especially if you use hotel discounts to bring down what is usually the most expensive part of a trip.

Consumer awareness and the return of hotel discounts

by hotelsetc, posted in travel

Although the cost of a flight can be significant, the most expensive part of a vacation budget, a weekend away or long term travel is always accommodation. In fact, while most people will try to stretch their budget by eating in cheap restaurants (instead of using restaurant discounts) or cutting back on activities, when actually, the best way to make the most of a travel budget does not require you to cut back on spending money, but rather to use hotel discounts to greatly reduce the largest expense of your trip.

Consumer awareness, rate parity and the return of hotel discounts

Hotel discounts in particular have not always been the answer, for most booking engines have made cheap hotel rooms readily available for the past decade without needing them.

However, the introduction of a new law called “Rate Parity” has had a major impact on the travel industry in that these booking engines are no longer able to offer a range of prices across different distribution channels.

Most consumers are unaware of the above mentioned law, in fact most consumers are unlikely to realize the huge impact it has had on their travel plans already. Truth is, this is news that most travel brands do not want you to know, as it essentially means they can no longer offer the lowest price.

Although there is one exception to the laws of rate parity which come in the shape of travel membership clubs.
Hotel discounts

Travel clubs and hotel discounts

Travel clubs are now the missing link when it comes to finding the best hotel rates or the biggest hotel discounts. Famous in the 1970’s but deemed obsolete with the arrival of the internet, these clubs have returned to the travel industry with vigor since the arrival of the rate parity law, with the main reason that they are exempt from such restrictions.

Hotels Etc is the leading travel club in the US who negotiates huge discounts with suppliers and passes them on to members who pay a small membership fee for the privilege. Not only is it a simple process in getting signed up, but Hotels Etc also makes it extremely easy for members to simply log on, search for the hotel, vacation or discount needed, and avail of it right away.

With a reputation spanning more than 20 years, a membership base of 4 million and the largest selection of discounts online, Hotels Etc is a the first and only place you should ever need to help make your next trip a most affordable one.

Although the major travel brands are unlikely to disappear any time soon, it is only a matter of time until the consumer will learn of this new law and the huge effect it has with regard to online purchases. From this point the options are clear; you can continue to spend more money on hotel rooms at full price, or you can avail of genuine hotel discounts and pay less for the very same products or service.

You can sign up for a free trial with Hotels Etc today.

Top 5 best restaurants in Palm Springs

by hotelsetc, posted in Home, travel

Palm Springs is one of those rare destinations that feels like feels like a vacation in another exotic country rather than here at home in the US. Diverse and modern, Palm Springs has a wide range of resorts and hotels with high quality comfort, excellent swimming pools and many activities, but a specific attraction of a vacation here, are the endless great food options available around town.

Things is, eating out can be one of the largest parts of a budget when it comes to travel and so choosing the best restaurants in Palm Springs can be difficult when the prices are so high:

In this regard, here are 5 of the best eateries and how to find restaurant discounts for Palm Springs:

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Rooster And The Pig

What may seem like an unlikely choice is actually one of the most quaint and unique dining experiences in Palm Springs. Located close to Palm Canyon and in the unassuming interior of a shopping mall, Rooster and the Pig is a slightly odd yet delightful combination of American-Vietnamese cuisine and the brainchild of a former renowned Hotel director.

Leafy salads, specialized burgers and spicy dishes make up the menu, while the craft beers are predominantly of Vietnamese origin.

356 S Indian Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262

Wilma & Frieda’s Cafe
Home fries and food, Wilma & Frieda’s is a little piece of local heaven for the foodie and located in an upscale neighborhood which contrasts from the humble servings on offer.
Although the surroundings are slightly upscale, the hearty food and simple combinations of potatoes, sauces and barbecue ribs are enough to make this eatery a worthwhile trip.
73575 El Paseo, Palm Desert, CA 92260

Ruby’s Diner
Another home food specialist, Ruby’s has a very inviting terrace on the main drag which draws visitors for morning coffee and people watching just as much as it does for the dinner menu.
Chicken wings, French fries and many variety of burgers including the Turkey Caliente Burger; Ruby’s is a fun place to eat where all the staff are dressed in 1950’s attire and everything else you need is right outside on the doorstep.
155 S Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262

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Elmer’s Restaurant

Where waffles, coffee and syrup is concerned, Elmer’s is the best restaurant in Palm Springs to enjoy breakfast in particular.

In fact, the breakfast is so good that many visitors will return time and time again, although this may be attributed to the hugely friendly staff who operate this finely tuned machine. Family run and again, teeming with home cooked food, Elmer’s is a great option for anyone wanting to escape the glamorous sidewalks of downtown.

1030 E Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264

Sammy G’s Tuscan Grill

Sammy G’s Tuscan Grill receives a large number of repeat clients which is testament to the great atmosphere in the restaurant and the excellent variety of home cooked food.

Although the meat menu will naturally be a favorite in any grill restaurant, Sammy G’s serves up a seriously good pesto amongst many other styles of pasta. That being said, the burgers are to die for and the prices are reasonably low.

265 South Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs

You can avail of restaurant discounts for Palm Springs with a travel club membership, for which Hotels Etc are currently offering a free trial.

Tips for visiting Orlando with kids

by hotelsetc, posted in travel

Incredible theme parks, world class restaurants, sublime weather and endless attractions. More and more Americans are now choosing to stay domestic on their vacations and with an itinerary packed full of the above, who would argue that Orlando, Florida offers the best variety of attractions for kids and one of the best places for vacation in the US.

Here are some theme park, food and hotel tips for visiting Orlando, Florida on your next vacation:

Tips for visiting Disney World with kids

Undoubtedly one of the most famous attractions in the US, a major favorite for the kids and then surrounded by many other attractions; Disney World is a huge draw and with this popularity, it brings huge crowds.

However, why visit when the lines are so long for attractions, when the park is overcrowded and overwhelming? Visit Disney World in the shoulder months of January or September and you will not have to wait in line for hours on end, not to mention how the cost of attractions, accommodation etc are usually much lower, especially if you are using hotel discounts or theme park discounts.

Another great way to save on headaches and confusion is to pick up a Fast Pass which is essentially a reservation system.

Where to eat with kids in Orlando
It doesn’t have to be a celebration, but every visit to Cafe Tu Tu Tango will feel like one for the kids especially. Set up like a giant artistic playground and infused with fun colorful staff, this cafe pulls out all the stops as well as great food to ensure you are having the best experience.
Another great place to eat in Orlando is Press 101 which offers a very healthy option for the family with a range of soups, simple meals and fine gourmet sandwiches. And then there is Dicks Last Resort which is arguably one of the most fun eating experiences anywhere in the world; rude, obnoxious and hilarious, it is not often your server is so amusing. The food is great, the entertainment is even better and the kids will absolutely love it.
As mentioned above, the best way to save on a budget when it comes to eating out is to use restaurant discounts provided by a travel club such as Hotels Etc. These travel membership cards are available to use at most major restaurants and can also be used on hotels, theme parks, golf clubs etc.

Where to find the best hotels in Orlando

International Drive is usually the location for the most affordable accommodation in Orlando, but if you are not on a strict budget, the kids will fall in love with the Disney Properties such as any of the All Star Resorts which can be found at a reasonable price when using hotel discounts.

However, Disney’s Animals Kingdom or Disney’s Boardwalk are two of the absolute crowd favorites with an endless line of attractions on the grounds, along with the finest dining options and world class facilities.

Regardless of where you stay, the hotels in Orlando are generally to a high standard, but where children are concerned, it is always best to cut down on the travel time and stay close to the main attractions. In this sense, it is always best to use hotel discounts, restaurant discounts etc to afford the best hotels and best places to eat.

Hotels Etc is a travel membership club who offer clients hotel discounts and more in return for a minimal membership fee. You can click here to sign up for a free trial with Hotels Etc today.

5 Adventures to take on a vacation in Maui

by hotelsetc, posted in travel

While its usually ideal as part of an itinerary, not everyone wants to sit next to the pool for their entire vacation or sunbathe on the beach until the sun disappears. In fact, tour operators and suppliers have been forced to make major changes in recent years to accommodate the more adventurous travelers, who enjoy getting into the outdoors just as much as they like to sit back and relax.

In terms of variety and things to do, it would be difficult to find a location more suitable than Maui, from the mountain biking, hill climbing, white sandy beaches, rugged coastline, to the bustling towns and more secluded areas on the island.

Here are 5 adventures to take on vacation in Maui:

Visit Hana for the journey

Hana is a town approximately 5 hours drive from Maui, but the attraction of taking this route is the journey itself. Cascading waterfalls and rugged cliff tops, walking trails and sweeping views across the ocean; the route to Hana is a spectacular coastal drive and the perfect opportunity to get away from the resorts, into the outdoors and find a little secluded pocket of the island for yourself.

Naturally, this option will involve having access to a car but thankfully renting is very affordable in Maui and with car rental discounts, it can cost very little at all.

Climb to the top of Haleakala

Rising early is not an easy thing to do on vacation, especially when given the choice, but had you known the extent of watching a sun rise from the summit of Haleakala Crater, it would not even be an option.

Spectacular views surround the crater itself, but on a clear morning you can also see Big Island or even Oahu. However, as with the previous activity, climbing the crater is where the real enjoyment of this adventure will lie and watching the view become more and more dramatic the higher you climb, is an unforgettable experience.

Mountain bike down the volcano

If climbing to the top is not on your list, then taking a wild downhill mountain bike ride on Haleakala certainly should be. More than 10,000 feet of descending over 40 miles, this is ax exhilarating tour which will delight even the most extreme adventure enthusiasts.

Not only will you get to coast the entire way down the volcano, but you will also get to see the sun rise that morning before setting off, without having to climb, or get out of bed as early as before.

Take a Ziplining Adventure

Located on Haleakala and the West Maui Mountains, this Ziplining adventure offers an opportunity to escape the beaches for an afternoon and feel the rush of adrenaline in the mountains. With unrivalled views of luscious landscape and the surrounding island, Ziplining is both fun, scenic and affordable.

There are 8 different ziplines across 4 valleys, all of the guides are highly experienced and the operator has an impeccable safety standard.

Walk the Pipiwai Trail

Aside from the snorkeling, diving, windsurfing and other things to do in Maui, hiking is the ideal way to explore the island and the Pipiwai Trail is a very convenient, yet highly rewarding trail.

Through Taro fields, dense forests and across peaceful cliff top trails overlooking the ocean, the trail itself is worth the hike, but there is also an enormous reward at the end, a 400 foot cascading waterfall. Pipiwai is suitable for all levels and easily accessed, although you do need to carry all food and water for the afternoon or morning.

Vacation discounts for Maui along with car rental discounts and hotel discounts can be found on Hotels Etc.