Category: vacation

Why you should go to Varadero for Spring Break

by hotelsetc, posted in travel, vacation

Varadero has some of the most affordable hotel deals, the most popular day excursions and some of the best beaches in Cuba. Why would anyone not want to go there?
Every year, North American’s travel south with the sun for their Spring break vacation and 2016 will be no different.
It has everything a tourist could want for their vacation with a large number of quality resorts, each of them offering something different but what else makes Varadero so great?

The Beach
Naturally, most resorts in the Caribbean, or around that area, are suitable for swimming and leisurely strolls along the sand, but Varadero is right up there with the best of them. The waters are warm but it’s the crystallized blue color of the ocean which is most striking and the moment you see this beach, is the last time you will fantasize about any beach, anywhere else.
Excursions
Most people enjoy relaxing for the entirety of their vacation, but not everyone. Luckily for such people, there are a number of great day tours from Varadero and the best of these is arguably, Ambrosio Cave where there are many ancient paintings inside the cave. As mentioned above, you can take a day trip to Havana and possible spend the rest of that da admiring the immense character of this most interesting town which is full of 1970’s American cars and then full to the brim with Character.
The Cost
It is affordable and you can find some great hotel or vacation package discounts for Varadero on Hotels Etc. Remember, these are high quality resorts with all the top amenities you will find elsewhere, not to mention the fact that it also has the sun, sand and beaches we talked about before. If you take a little time choosing the right resort, finding it at the best price on Hotels Etc is a simple process after the two minutes it takes to sign up.
The Resorts
The Ibersotar Varadero has a more traditional interior and very much a Caribbean feel about the place. It is ideal for kids due to the great childrens club and also has many watersports on the beach for adults. Meanwhile, the sister hotel Iberostar Laguna Azul is an ideal place for anyone looking for a bit more entertainment and nightlife; there are many restaurant or bars on location and the nightclub also means there is always something lively going on at the resort.
Regardless as to where you stay or what you see, Varadero is an excellent choice for a Spring break vacation, be it with the family, a partner or even if you are just looking for something in between relaxing, and lively. The beaches are sensational, the resorts of the highest standard and some really enjoyable options for day excursions. There is really every reason to go to Varadero on vacation this year and if you avail of the best hotel discounts, it won’t break the bank either.

Where To Party: Spring Break For Students 2016

by hotelsetc, posted in travel, travel discounts, vacation

Taking a Spring break vacation is almost part of going to college. Every year thousands of students leave home in search of sun, sand and an endless amount of fun times but it’s not always easy to know where to go for the best Spring break party resorts or where the most happening hotels in the Caribbean are located.

Here are four of the most popular resorts for partying and best places to be for students in Spring break 2016:

Puerta Vallarta, Mexico

Not everyone enjoys spending every day sleeping off the hangover or resting by the pool. In Puerta Vallarta you can expect a busy day and lots of activities to while away the afternoon. If it’s the tiring heat that concerns you, don’t worry, most of these activities are water based with windsurfing, parasailing, snorkeling and scuba diving on offer.

There are also many day trips which can be taken in the local area so there really is no reason to feel bored at any point. That being said, the all inclusive resorts provide every opportunity to recharge the batteries and if lying by the pool really is what you like to do best, then the resorts are well equipped to cater for these needs too.

After dark the party begins and the town in Puerta Vallarta has long being known as a party lover’s late night paradise. There are many salsa clubs, noisy bars and beer vending places at which to dance the night away.

All the late night action in Puerta Vallarta is downtown but the only options for all inclusive hotels in this area are the Buenaventura and Villa Premiere but fear not, these are both nice places to stay. The Villa Premiere is the most suitable option for anyone looking to be close to the party and it’s also a nice place to escape when you want some peace and quiet.
Cancun, Mexico

Cancun is one of the most popular resorts in Cancun with more than 3 million visitors arriving for some sun and relaxation every year. However, not everyone goes there to relax and when it comes to Spring Break, there are few places as notorious as Cancun for having a party.

Most of the resorts offer the great value of all inclusive and there are just as many whom offer 5 star amenities on site but the best part of visiting Cancun for Spring break is undoubtedly the huge numbers of party’s which happen around the resorts and the countless bars, nightclubs and entertainment on the nearby strips.

Most students have heard of Oasis Cancun and this tends to be the first resort to sell out over Spring break but there are many more hotels who know how to party when the carnival hits town. The Hard Rock Hotel and Krystal Cancun are both as wild as each other when it comes to partying while the Hotel Riu Cancun also attracts a fun lively crowd, albeit in a slightly more chilled setting.

Regardless as to where exactly you end up sleeping, the question in this part of the world is rarely about where to stay in Cancun for Spring break but rather about where to party, and luckily the resorts are close enough together that you will never have an issue finding somewhere to go wild.

Punta Cana, Dominican Replublic

The popularity of vacations to the Dominican Republic seems to be growing by the minute. While there are quieter part to the Dominican such as Bavaro or the Samana Province and while there are also many quieter hotels in the Punta Cana, the latter is still a great choice for Spring break, especially for those who have already visited Mexico and feel like something different.

The weather is sensational in Punta Cana at Spring break, the food is particularly good and again, there is no end to the large all inclusive resorts similar to those found in Cancun. However, as mentioned there are many quieter resorts on the peninsula and so you need to be careful when choosing where to party.

The ClubHotel Riu Bambu is one of the better known places to party in Punta Cana and the onsite entertainment only adds to the atmosphere. The crowd is young, the bartenders are impressive, the hotel may not be the highest quality in all of the Dominicnan but you can expect a good time and plenty of late nights during Spring break.

Overall this is a great chance to travel somewhere different for Spring break which really does have a great party scene if you look in the right place.

Las Vegas

For those looking to stay a little closer to home and take partying to the extreme levels of excess, there was never going to be another award winner in this respect other than Vegas. Whatever you want, whenever you want it: the party never stops in Las Vegas, literally.

Not only is it one of the best places to party but it is also one of the easiest places to find the best hotel deals for Spring break and with hotel discounts from Hotels Etc, you could end up paying next to nothing for your spring break vacation package.

The Hardrock Hotel complete with Vanity nightclub is the epicenter for parties and even for those not staying in the hotel, it’s not unusual to end up there night after night. They often have well known bands come to play, the interior is of the highest quality and the pool parties are notorious even by Las Vegas standards.

Another resort famed for their wild pool parties is The Palms and this is so much the case that just as often you can find yourself mixing by the pool with famous celebrities. Other honorable mentions to party are Hooters Hotel and Caesar Palace Resort but really, you could stay almost anywhere on the strip at this time of year and find a party without a problem.

As mentioned above it doesn’t stop and if you grow restless of partying for the whole week, in Vegas, everyone knows the city has so much more to offer to keep you entertained on a “night off”. Live shows, roulette tables, rollercoaster’s and fine dining – the choice is yours.

Aside from the above places, some other great places to party in Spring Break 2016 are Miami, South Padre Island, San Diego and Montego Bay in Jamaica. You can find hotel discounts for all of the above and even more of the best Spring break vacation offers for this year on Hotels etc.

Don’t lie to yourself, you can afford a vacation

by hotelsetc, posted in travel, travel club, vacation

Spring break is just around the corner, the best hotel deals are selling out fast and you still haven’t booked your own vacation, why?

For a select few, there’s already a home for those vacation days from work but for almost everyone else who thinks they can’t go on vacation this year, it comes down to the same factor of cost. Yes, it would appear that most people feel they cannot go on vacation this year or in the foreseeable future because they are either too expensive or because they simply have too many bills to pay.

Paying Bills vs.. Luxury Items

There’s no question that bills need to be paid. Rent, electricity, bank charges, phone bill, debt; the cost of these all need to be met on a regular basis, nobody denies that. But lets be honest, having covered the cost of these expenses most people will then continue to waste their disposable income on needless possessions, services or product.

In fact research has proven this too often before. Recent studies by the Economic Policy Institute (EPI) have shown that less than 50% of most individuals and families weekly pay check can be attributed to the necessity bills above whereas a much smaller percentage then goes toward the likes of transport and miscellaneous or unexpected costs.

These studies are not much more than speculation of course but it doesn’t take much to realize that most people are wasteful when it comes to disposable income and have a tendency to put it toward “luxury” items as opposed to savings.

The point of the matter being that most people are in a position to save money on a regular basis, they just choose not to.

Vacations are too expensive

It might seem that way on the face of it. Hotel discounts do crop up online from time to time but not often enough and then how often does a person check a particular hotel website directly to see such offers?

Truth is, prices in the online world have leveled out recently and it’s all thanks to a new law called rate parity. This new law states that travel companies must display the same price across all distribution channels and this drastically affects their pricing strategy as it effectively means there are no longer any amazing discounts to be had through the booking engines.

This is one of the main reasons in today’s market as to why vacations, hotels and other travel products seem so expensive all of a sudden. Unfortunately for those large travel brands, the “good old days” have passed and the prices being advertised on such sites is no different to what you will find direct with the hotel or service provider.

So what does one do? How is it possible to find a cheap package deals or hotel discounts?

Join a travel club. Hotels Etc is a travel membership club who are taking the current market by storm in light of the damage being inflicted on the major travel brands. Essentially, they negotiate the best hotel discounts, vacation package offers etc for their clients in return for a small membership fee.

It couldn’t be more simple.

The website has a booking and search engine similar to what you will find elsewhere online but the obvious value being provided here are the big discounts and best vacation packages on the market. It may seem too good to be true but really, there is no catch and Hotels Etc now offer the best possible way to go on that vacation that you didn’t think you could afford.

It’s important to take a break from work, to find some quiet time and relax in the sunshine. So the next time you ask yourself as to why you haven’t booked that vacation yet, don’t lie to yourself. With the above strategy there is a perfect way to find the vacation you want for less and when you consider this with a little bit of careful spending this year, it’s likely you’ll find that you really can afford that vacation after all.

Click this link to start making huge savings on your next vacation.

The best resort in Cancun for Spring break

by hotelsetc, posted in travel, vacation, vacations

Have you been looking around for the best hotel discounts or possibly the best resort in Cancun for Spring break?

Each year we see all the major resorts sell out for this most popular time of year and for this reason it can often be a very expensive time of year to travel to Mexico. However there are still some of the best hotel offers available right now and if you take advantage of some really amazing hotel discounts or packages, you could be traveling down there very soon on a genuinely affordable vacation.

Why stay in Cancun for Spring break?

There are an endless number of options when booking a trip to the sun destinations down South such as Riviera Maya or Playa del Carmen but the one destination which guarantees the most fun place at this time of year is Cancun.

Yes there are great day tours in the region to Chichen Itza or the Coba ruins but really, if you are looking for the best place to party at Spring break with all the right facilities in the area to relax in between then one of the many Cancun resorts have everything you could want to make this the trip of a lifetime.

The best resort in Cancun for Spring break

There are an endless number of resort options but the most popular hotels in Cancun for Spring break are usually the Oasis Cancun or Krystal Grand Punta. Except these are usually the first options to sell out and not only that, the constant “noise” can be a little too much for some with the fact that there are day/pool parties every other day.

An excellent alternative option for Cancun is the Riu Caribe which is a nicely decorated hotel with a quality interior design. It is situated right on the beachfront and boasts a great selection of amenities including 3 separate restaurants and 4 bars. As mentioned above, this is an all inclusive hotel so you can expect the usual complimentary snack, meals, drinks and even scuba diving classes.

The Grand Riu Caribe has at least a 4 star review rating on most websites and is a short distance from all the other resorts meaning you have immediate access to all the parties in the area whenever you want and then the perfect opportunity to go back to your own hotel for a little quiet time.

Finding the best hotel discounts for Spring break

Would it not be better to pay less for your vacation?

Naturally everyone wants to find the best offers for Spring break, the cheap vacation packages or best hotel discounts. Luckily this is a very easy process with the help of one particular website.

Hotels Etc are a travel club who offer huge savings for their clients in return for a small minimal membership fee. They have an impeccable rating, 4 million members and a 20 year reputation for finding the best deals in online travel.

To put it in perspective as to the value provided by this membership club; Despite it being the most popular time of year for vacation, the Gran Caribe in Cancun mentioned above is currently being offered at a 35% discount on Hotels Etc compared to the major booking websites. An incredible offer by any standard.

So whether you are planning on traveling to Mexico for Spring break, there should still be some availability online but Cancun and the above resorts are probably the better of these options.

Regardless of where you decide to go, make sure to sign up for Hotels Etc and pay less for your Spring break vacation.

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.