Category: vacation

things to do in LA

5 Things to do in Los Angeles

by hotelsetc, posted in vacation

Los Angeles is where the rich and powerful dance the night away, where celebrities fill the sidewalks and trendy cafe’s line up next to fine dining restaurants (don’t forget your restaurant discounts)  but with a little digging beneath the surface, L.A has an abundance of hidden charm and still has a lot to offer the frugal traveler.

Here are 5 things to do in Los Angeles that you can certainly afford:

Visit the Museums
The Getty Center is a must go in terms of museums in Los Angeles, considered one of the greatest collections of art in the US with masterpieces from  Ruben to Van Gogh and a particularly interesting display of French decorative art and photography.  Another highlight for museums in LA, is the Museum of Jurassic Technology, where the institute seemlessly blends fact and fiction to create a collage of a most mysterious nature. An then there is the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, a 20 acre complex of buildings filled with fascinating modern works of art.

Hit the beaches in Los Angeles
Who could resist the beaches in Los Angeles? Santa Monica offers one of the most legendary beaches in the United States, while Malibu promises the wealthiest and Zuma beach is a collection of everything and everyone else.  Venice beach is beautifully designed with skateboarders adorning every pavement and hipsters hanging out next to models a family picnics.

Take a trip to the Hollywood Walk of Fame

You never  know who you might meet on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and if that happens to be none apart from other tourists, you can at least get a photograph with one of their stars on the pavement, for movie stars come here to leave their hand-prints and signatures on sidewalk. It is also possible to take a tour of the nearby TCL Chinese Theater where you can learn the history of theater and take an interesting insight into the most memorable premieres over the years.

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Explore the film industry

Paramount Pictures Studio is one of the great things to do in LA for movie fanatics. Since the early twentieth century, it has displayed the finest talents and mega movie stars in the industry. The studio will give you a glimpse of stardom and an opportunity to look behind the scenes at how the film industry works. Universal Studios Hollywood is another of the most visited and popular places in LA and where children can meet their famous cartoon characters – perfect for a family day out in LA.

Go day-tripping to Greystone mansion and park
An affordable and easy thing to do in LA, Greystone mansion and park is a historic place in Beverly Hills and marks an important period in the American history. Originally built by a rich Los Angeles local, Edward L, Doheny in 1927 as a present to his son represents the memorable times in American cinema. Many movies have been shot and inspired by this gothic ground. Although the interior of the mansion is not open to the public, visitors are free to walk around the property. A visit here will make you want to take your movie theater discounts and take in the latest picture.

Don’t forget to sign up to Hotels Etc for all the best restaurant discounts, hotel discounts and more before you visit Los Angeles.

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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.

5 Incredible luxury hotels in Bali

by hotelsetc, posted in hotels, vacation

Bali is the ultimate tropical island, a beach paradise surrounded by jungle and overflowing with amazing accommodation, most especially luxury hotels with dramatic infinity pools and the highest standard of living.

Here are 5 of the most incredible luxury hotels in Bali:

The Hanging Gardens

Located in the heart of the rainforest in Ubud, the Hanging Gardens is a 5 star luxury hotel in Bali which has the added bonus of being close enough to Ubud town center to pay a visit, yet far enough away that you need not worry about the crowds. The resort has its very own spa, restaurant and bar and the accommodation itself is separated into a variety of different villas, each with their own view of either the rainforest, the temple or river.

Staff in the Hanging Gardens are particularly friendly and take care with the service provided, right down to the fine details of a rather simple cocktail. Boasting a stunning infinity pool and very private residence, the villas make it easy to avoid meeting other guests if you wish and naturally, you have room service to help make this possible. With excellent food and sensational interior for the rooms, The Hanging Gardens is an incredible luxury hotel in Bali.

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Matahari Beach Resort and Spa

Situated on the west coast of Bali, the Matahari Beach Resort is right on top of a beautiful sand lava beach and consists of 32 bungalows, each of which is just a stones throw from the water itself. Again, service is of the highest standard with this five star resort and it all begins at the airport, where you will either be picked up by a limo, or with all joking aside, a helicopter. Yes, if you wish to really splash out, you can easily rent a helicopter to take you in style to the hotel.

Each bungalow is beautifully decorated in stone or wooden detail, while outside you will find it also has its very own verranda. With a lavish bathroom and ultra comfortable bed, the rooms are literally fit for a king. Although the black sand can take some getting used to on the beach, it really is serenely beautiful and the swimming pool is simply divine. And then there is the food, the “Dewi Ramon” is a fantastic restaurant, while there is an extra special traditional kitchen on the beach itself.

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The Viceroy Bali

Considered one of the best small luxury hotels on the planet, the Viceroy is actually a series of large villas overlooking the spectacular Lembah valley. Owned and operated by an Australian couple, this magical place is precariously perched over the Petanu River valley and each bungalow boasts an impressive view of the other 24 villas with a backdrop of the most luscious kind.

Also located near Ubud (10 minutes drive), the Viceroy is ideally isolated and has one of the most stunning claims in that each bungalow has its very own garden and uniquely beautiful infinity swimming pool. Interior is naturally to the highest standard with all the latest technology and modern accessories provided, while CasCades Restaurant has fantastic food and there is an ultra luxurious spa where you can unwind even further. As far as private villas go, the Viceroy in Bali is one of the most impressive in the world.

Bulgari Resort

Uluwatu on the Southern Coast of Bali is best known for adventure seekers who take to the waves with their surfboards and the imposing temple which hangs precariously over a cliff, in a similar way to the Bulgari Resort.

Thought to be the most expensive hotel in Bali, the Bulgari Resort is so isolated that you need a driver to go anywhere, literally. Japanese, Korean, and Chinese are said to be the most common arrival in the hotel, although may tourists choose to visit this impressive hotel on day trips, such is the amazing standard of the premises.

Nestled in the jungle, each villa has its very own plunge pool and unobstructed ocean view, while the rooms themselves are overflowing with character, from the darkened wood wardrobes and marble top everything else. Bulgari resort also has a gym, yoga classes and spa so there really is no need to leave the resort unless you want to.

Komaneka at Bisma

Komaneka at Bisma

Through the luscious surroundings of rice fields and away from Ubud you will find the Komaneka resort at Bisma.

After arriving in a modern open air reception, the inside of Komaneka can seem very antique and old school, but this does not in any way take from the beautiful furnishings of both the restaurant and the rooms themselves. Everything in the rooms has a function of course, but it must be said that the interior is maybe not the most lavish on this list and Komaneka put most of their focus on the small details such as the branded soap, personalized make-up bags and a private balcony.

However, for a step up – one can rent the private villas where an incredible infinity pool awaits along with an outdoor kitchenette and a sublime stand alone hot tub.

You can find Bali hotel discounts for all the biggest and best hotels in Bali by signing up for a travel club membership with Hotels Etc.

When life gives you lemons, take a vacation

by hotelsetc, posted in travel, vacation

“He was a walking refutation of that dogmatic statement, Mens sana in corpore sano. His was a sound mind in an unsound body. He proved the eternal paradox of things. He cashed in on his disabilities. He picked up the lemons that Fate had sent him and started a lemonade-stand.” Marshall P Wilder.

Mass production, mass consumption, mass disillusion; earning a living is hard, nobody said it would be easy, but nobody said it would be this hard either. We live in a modern world with endless options and decisions, something made increasingly difficult in the past two decades with the arrival of the online world and the increased amount of competition it has created among peers.

Truth is, frightening statistics have already proven that this mass build up is not only happening, but increasing,  and it is also the number one reason for mass disillusion or even depression. It doesn’t take very much to understand how busy life has become either, it seems more people are working more overtime, and less time off is naturally leading to less enjoyment in life. While earning a living, being successful and progressing a career are all admirable, the value and benefit of taking time out from this busy lifestyle, should not be ignored.

On the contrary, statistics are on hand to show that people who take more time off work and travel on more vacations, are more satisfied and less stressed. Even if the past few weeks or months have been hectic, even if you have worked every hour of every given day for eight months, having a vacation to look forward to and then utilize to distress is worth far more than any monetary value placed on the vacation.

So why do people not take more vacations? Essentially, this will rarely come down to lack of vacation leave or workload, after all a year is a long time and realistically, everyone can afford to put work on hold for 7 – 10 days to take time out.

The reason most people do not take a vacation is budget, as everyone knows that vacations cost money. However, regardless of whether you are working for minimum wage or a high flying senior investment manager, a vacation is affordable for anyone who looks in the right place. Unfortunately most people still see this “right place” as being a booking engine such as Expedia, Orbitz or another major travel brand when the truth is, these websites no longer offer the value they once did. No, since the arrival of the new rate parity laws, travel brands are no longer able to offer varying prices across different distribution channels which in essence stops them from offering any real discounts or special offers.

The solution? Today the only real way of finding genuine hotel discounts, travel offers, or affordable vacation packages is through a Travel membership club which offer discounts of up to 60-80% to their members in return for a minimal fee. These membership clubs may seem like newcomers to the travel industry but actually, they have been around since the 1970’s and Hotel Etc is one such club who have a five star trust rating, 4 million members and the highest number of repeat customers.

Vacation packages are quite affordable in the modern day but should that be slightly out of the current budget, membership with a travel club is the single best way to find the cheapest hotels or most affordable vacation packages. So next time you feel work gets on top of you or life seems to be moving too fast, for too long; organize your time off, sign up for Hotels Etc, take that vacation  you deserve and leave the phone at home.

It really is true; when life gives you lemons, take a vacation.

Negril: An affordable vacation in the Caribbean

by hotelsetc, posted in travel, vacation

Although an economically poor country, Jamaica has a reputation for fine hospitality and vibrant nightlife, while also offering a comfortable destination with top quality resorts and an affordable vacation in the Caribbean.

Being the main source of income for local businesses and individuals alike, Tourism has helped Negril evolve into one of the most sought after vacation destinations in the Caribbean and this is partly the reason why,  it has a reputation for treating new arrivals and return clients like royalty. Such hospitable terms can be found in the best resorts in Negril, as well as in each of the bars restaurants and attraction in the immediate surroundings.

Unassuming and easy to navigate, the town of Negril offers a nice introduction to culture in Jamaica, where spicy chicken is synonymous in the local cuisine and the constant flow of reggae music on this western point of the island. And then there are the beaches, Negril consists of an incredible 7 mile stretch of white sands along Norman Manley Boulevard with an enormous bird sanctuary on one side, and the Caribbean ocean to the other. Few places in the world can claim such a pristine stretch of beach, and it makes for the most scenic place to catch a sunset, or even as sunrise.

Jerky chicken is arguably the most famous of all Jamaican dishes and while delectable in itself, it is not all there is to the food on offer in Negril. Coco bread is a simple delight, while the sauces are nothing short of unforgettable and on an island where vegetables and fruit are so easy to come by, you can expect only the freshest ingredients infused within every meal. Many chicken shacks line the streets by day, but if you want the ultimate food experience, most of the resorts will have the highest caliber of food, produced and cooked by some of the worlds most capable chef’s.

As with any vacation, the hardest decision will usually come down to choosing a particular resort and this is no different than with Jamaica, as the options are staggering. While many people will seek out a mid range resort at a low cost, the trick to finding the best vacation deal is always by using hotel discounts, and purchasing the best quality resorts, at the same affordable price. Beaches Negril Resort & Spa, Sunset at the Palms, Sandals Negril Beach and the superb Hotel Riu; these are just a few of the best resorts in Negril, and with hotel discounts, you can find them at the lowest price.

Negril as a town is quite primitive and symbolic of the slow economy which still exists in modern day Jamaica, but the resilience of the locals, vibrant atmosphere, fine foods and amazing resorts are all reasons which make this part of the Caribbean such an alluring destination for a vacation in 2016. White sandy beaches, top quality hotels, friendly staff and relaxing surroundings; Negril resorts are notoriously high in standard, but with hotel discounts, they are very much affordable.

Hotel discounts for Negril can be attained on Hotels Etc. Sign up now and start saving on your next vacation.