7 Tips For Couples Before Travelling

by hotelsetc, posted in Home

In a life that is dictated by routines, vacations and traveling is a thing that helps keep us sane. The idea of taking annual leaves regularly makes a lot of sense. The last thing any of us want, on his or her travel, is a non-compatible travel partner. If you are on your own, traveling with a friend or looking for a travel companion, a few tips might help you from having a trip to hell. Here are seven tips for traveling as a couple:

• Decide up front why you are going and what you want to get out of the trip.

• Money has the potential of destroying the best of friendships, let alone create problems if your travel companion is a mere acquaintance. It is best to decide what, where, and how much you will be spending on mutual expenses.

• Prepare a tentative itinerary; places you want to visit, things to do, and time to be spent at each location.

• Travelling with someone has benefits, but even then, you should get some time to yourself. Make allowance for the time that each will be spending on their own.

• Every one enjoys different aspects of travel. It’s good to figure out each other’s preferences before getting stuck together on a rather costly trip. Some of us are night people while others can’t keep their eyes open after dark. Some like everything decided and planned, others are more spontaneous. Some like to indulge in the culture while others prefer to immerse themselves in the sights only. Make sure you and your companion share some views, if not all, regarding traveling.

• Unless you are 100% sure about the person you are traveling with, pack some earplugs, they can be a lifeline during an otherwise sleepless night.

• Have an open mind & a generous heart. Give the other person some space & make the most of your solo time as well. Have fun and keep it enjoyable for both.

Camping – The Ultimate Budget Vacation

by hotelsetc, posted in Home

When it comes to enjoying a vacation on a limited budget, it is difficult to beat the appeal of the good old camping trip. After all, it costs next to nothing to pitch your tent in the backcountry wilderness of your favorite state or national park. A week-long camping trip can often cost less than a day or two in a big city or tourist hot spot while giving the entire family time to bond and enjoy being together.

As a matter of fact, camping is one of the most popular family activities, and many families enjoy camping together, sharing stories around a roaring fire, roasting marshmallows, swimming, fishing, and all the other great things that come with a camping trip.

For many, camping brings back memories from childhood, and many parents want to give their children a taste of what their own childhood was like, back when things were so much simpler.

Another great thing about camping is that once the initial expenses are paid, there is little in the way of ongoing expenses. Unlike a traditional vacation, in which the money you spend on that great hotel is gone for good, with camping you buy your hotel room (also known as your tent) outright, and you own it forever.

After you have bought all the essential items, like the tent, a couple of good camping lanterns, a good camp stove, sleeping bags, and the like, your only expenses may be the food for the trip and the gas it takes to get there.

And camping provides plenty for all members of the family to do. Dad may enjoy fishing in his favorite spot, or boating around the lake, while mom and the kids may enjoy a beautiful hike and bird watching trip. There are even campgrounds that feature movies, swimming pools, and other amenities for those who prefer a level of comfort to their journey.

As a matter of fact, there are many ways to camp, from rough camping in the backcountry to cabins at campgrounds to even RV camping. The level is entirely up to you, and that is one thing that makes camping so attractive to budget travelers and families alike.

There is nothing quite like vacationing in the great outdoors to get back in touch with nature. From watching the wildlife to watching the stars, there is plenty to do on the average camping trip. Stargazing is particularly popular with city dwellers, who may never have seen the Milky Way in all its glory before. Getting away from the glare of city lights and see nature as it truly is.

We know that camping is one of the least expensive of all vacations, but lets take a quick look at the expenses associated with this type of budget travel. The centerpiece of the camping trip, of course, is the tent. Unless you plan to camp in an RV or rent a cabin, which is more expensive, you will need a sturdy, high-quality tent. It is important that the tent be waterproof and that it closes easily. Be sure the tent features a high-quality zipper or other closure that is easy for every member of the family to operate. Test the zipper several times, and be sure you know how to set up the tent before you get to the woods.

Most campers will also want to invest in a few high-quality sleeping bags. It is a good idea to choose a sleeping bag that is insulated and to pick one that will be good for several seasons. Many sleeping bags are designed with removable liners and insulation. These are a good choice since they can be used in cold weather and warm.

It is also a good idea to buy a couple of camp lanterns. These portable lights are great for lighting your way around in the dark. A cooler for drinks and food is a good idea as well, as is a portable charcoal grill or a camp stove. If you are camping at a campground, however, you may be able to leave the camp stove and grill at home, since many campgrounds provide grills for their guests to use free of charge. It is important to find out what amenities each campground offers before you head out.

Animal Kingdom

by hotelsetc, posted in amusement park, animals, discount club, discounted travel, discounts, discoutns, Home

Disneyworld’s newest addition, Animal Kingdom is a wonderful place for kids of all ages to learn about animals and the environments in which they live, as well as taking a closer look at the world of dinosaurs – all in the traditional Disney package of feel-good exhibits and varying thrill-level rides.  Upon arrival, check out the visitor’s center for news on any special events happening daily in the park.

In the Boneyard play in a maze filled with fun fossils.  Any would-be paleontologist in your family will love this one!  Then there’s DINOSAUR which will be more entertaining for those who desire more thrills and spills from their visit.  Other areas of interest in this Dinoland section of the Animal Kingdom are the TriceraTop Spin, the Cretaceous Trail and of course, a Disney musical exhibit based around the Finding Nemo movie.  Amidst these various attractions are wildlife such as storks and Asian brown tortoises.

In the Flights of Wonder section, you can learn how to (and how not to!) handle birds and see such beautiful bird as an American Bald Eagle, and magnificent macaws up close – but don’t get too close!

If you’re ready for some more excitement, take a trip down the Kali River Rapids – watch out for the rushing geysers however as you raft down the Chakrandadi River escaping a jungle fire by traveling down a waterfall!   If you’re up for another thrill, the Expedition Everest ride is a roller coaster ride that has your on a refurbished steam train en route to your Mount Everest base camp taking a yeti guarded short cut!

The animals of the Animal Kingdom shouldn’t be forgotten, and a trip through the Maharajah Jungle will take you in the Anandapur Royal Forest of Southeast Asia where you can wander around the ruins of an ancient palace, home to many different animals.

The Animal Kingdom has its share of Disney rides, but with an overall theme of protecting wildlife, it’s a good place to teach kids about wildlife and how to preserve it.

Always be sure to check for Animal Kingdom Discounts which will help your family enjoy more for less.

Win prizes and vacations

by hotelsetc, posted in Home

We will be randomly selecting our blog followers to receive free gifts such as 3 day vacations, 7 day vacations, cruises, gift cards and more. Simply click on the link that says “Follow” and you have automatically entered our giveaways.

Are You Road Trip Ready?

by hotelsetc, posted in business travel, discounted travel, holiday travel, Home, travel, travel club, travel tips, travelclub

When it comes to “getting away from it all,” many Americans are skipping the pricey trips abroad and opting to enjoy the many amazing, closer-to-home sights from the comfort of their own vehicles.

If you’re planning a getaway, remember that road trips can be tough on cars, and few things turn a vacation into a nightmare quicker than breaking down in the middle of nowhere. So, before you load the car and take off, make sure that your vehicle is in tip-top condition.

A pre-trip inspection as part of an overall maintenance program can give you peace of mind and help prevent costly repairs.

Inspect and repair, if needed, the following:

Radiator and cooling system, including the water pump, fan, and thermostat

Brakes, brake pads, and brake linings

Battery and cables

Belts and hoses

Engine oil and oil filter

Wiper blades and washer fluid

Tire pressure and overall tire condition (including the spare).

Most importantly, don’t leave on a long trip with your car’s “Check Engine” light on.

The Check Engine light appears when your vehicle’s On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) computer detects a problem. According to several state Air Pollution Control Districts, the Check Engine light is designed to limit air pollution, as well as alert drivers to a condition that can waste fuel, shorten engine life and result in potentially expensive repairs.

If the light does come on, a quick check of your vehicle’s service manual can often identify the problem and a course of action.

Those who take their car to a mechanic often find that technicians use a diagnostic tool to scan their vehicle and access trouble codes at a cost of $55 to $100.

A new automotive tool, with a Web site, lets consumers run their own diagnosis, enabling them to verify the mechanic’s assessment.

Called CarMD, the tool provides a basic overview of probable problems with the car’s electronic and emissions-related systems. It incorporates the same basic technology as tools used by mechanics but is said to cost less and can be operated by anyone. A green light indicates that all systems are “go,” a yellow light signals a possible problem and a red light mean there is a current problem and service is required.

For more in-depth information, simply plug the tool into your personal computer and turn it on. It will connect to the company’s Web site and provide a comprehensive report on your vehicle’s health, including possible problems, estimated fixes and repair costs.

Enjoy your trip and remember don’t leave without your Hotels Etc. membership in the event you need a hotel at up to 75% off or need automotive discounts, we have you covered.