Tag: hotel discounts

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.

5 reasons to take a Caribbean vacation in 2016

by hotelsetc, posted in travel, vacation

At this time of year many people are still putting together their last minute plans for vacation, or planning ahead for later in the year, but the obvious, and difficult decision, is always in terms of where to go. While the US is full of great places to get away for the weekend or take an adventure, let’s face it; nothing beats the excitement of boarding a plane and taking off for some place tropical.

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Here are 5 reasons to take a Caribbean vacation in 2016:

Variety and quality of resorts

Few places in the world can rival the Caribbean when it comes to the variety of resorts; from the budget vacation packages on Aruba, to the high end luxury hotels in Punta Cana, there are options to suit all styles of travel, all budgets and standards.

In fact, it is not just the variety of resorts which is so appealing, but rather the quality. Whether you decide to go all out and book Live Aqua in Cancun, the more modest Barcelo in Punta Cana, or something even half the cost, you can usually expect a high standard in the Caribbean, with spacious rooms and friendly staff.

Affordable Caribbean vacations

As mentioned above, there are many affordable options in the Caribbean and some islands are less popular, and cheaper than others. However, the real advantage when you book a Caribbean vacation online is not just the selection or the number of providers offering to help you out; but rather the re-emergence of travel membership clubs.

Hotels Etc is a travel club which offers their members a simplified process in which you sign up, pick a destination, and make huge savings. Yes, it really is that simple. Hotels Etc provides hotel discounts and vacation packages with between 60 – 80% off. You can sign up for a free trial here.

Things to do in the Caribbean

Another highlight of a vacation to the Caribbean is the wide variety of things to see and do. White sandy beaches are synonymous with every destination, but there are also many options to take adventure tours and participate in local activities.

Volleyball, golf, tennis, scuba diving, snorkeling, and boating are just a few of the activities available from most resorts, while there are usually some excursions to parks, reserves or natural attractions in the nearby area.

The beaches and relaxation

Maybe this should go without saying, but it certainly should not be ignored; the Caribbean is home to many of the finest beaches in the world, where white powdered sands stretch on a far as the eye can see, next to an alluring ocean, with several shades of blue.

The beaches in the Caribbean are the ultimate place to unwind, relax and forget about the stress of modern day living. With no distractions and the soothing sound of the ocean, this truly is the highlight of any Caribbean vacation.

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All Inclusive savings

Hotel discounts and package offers are the best way to get your vacation off to the right start, but all inclusive resorts can also play a big part in the success of a vacation. With so much included in the cost of an all inclusive vacation, planning a trip could not be more convenient; food, drinks, spa treatment, laundry, even tours; an all inclusive vacation in the Caribbean is hands down, the easiest way to save on costs, and the best value for money vacation.

Sign up now for Hotels Etc membership and find out how 4 million members are getting their dream vacations, at affordable prices.

Aruba: One of the best Caribbean vacations 2016

by hotelsetc, posted in travel, vacation

Located just off the northern tip of South America, Aruba is a relatively small island with many beaches, fine cuisine and quality resorts, but it also offers a more adventurous package vacation for anyone opposed to sitting around a glorious pool all week, and feasting on the amazing foods.

An island of great wind

Some might say, Aruba is a slightly “windy” island, but take away this refreshing breeze, and you may be left with a desperate hot and almost unbearable heat. Truth is, the weather in Aruba is almost perfect year round and being situated just shy of the hurricane belt, ensures for a lot of sun and literally no rain, regardless of when you decide to visit.

Naturally, amazing seafood will feature on any trip to Aruba and while the service is sometimes reviewed as being “slow”, one must remember that island life has a tendency to be much more laid back than in the big city, and the food is almost always worth the wait; Aruba was the most recent recipient of the Trip Advisor award for fine dining.

Activity central, while the resorts in Aruba offer a secluded and peaceful setting in which to relax, Arikok  National Park is one of the many areas around the island which offer the opportunity to hike, explore and venture into the outdoors. White sandy beaches are as common as the sun in the sky, while much of this coastline is rugged and untouched, adding an unexpected variety to a road trip or tour outside of the main resorts.

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The budget island

Aruba is often considered a budget vacation, or a budget island and it certainly lives up to this title in terms of the cheap vacation packages, but this most certainly does not mean it lacks in any quality. Close to $100 million has been invested in the Aruba hotel industry over the past few years, and this growth is only expected to continue with the increased popularity of the island. All the big names have arrived, the Riu, the Marriott, the Hilton, to the Holiday Inn; there are budget accommodation n Aruba but the prices are generally quite low so staying in the most popular hotels in Aruba is usually possible for most budgets, most especially if when using hotel discounts.

Scuba diving, snorkeling, fine dining and stunning national parks, Aruba is one of the fastest growing islands in the entire Caribbean, and with an abundance of  affordable hotel options, it is also becoming one of the most popular destinations, a fine statistic considering the competition. May, June and July are the most popular months to visit the island, but given the consistent weather, Aruba is worth a vacation at any time of year.

Hotels Etc is a travel club which offers the best hotel discounts and more for Aruba and you can sign up today, for a free trial with access to all the best vacations in the Caribbean 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.