5 reasons to take a Caribbean vacation in 2016

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

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.

The best travel discounts: Paying less, and getting more

““Since the new rate parity laws was introduced, Travel membership clubs are the only genuine way to find the best travel discounts and most affordable hotels or vacation packages online.””

Most people associate a higher quality product or service with a higher price, and sometimes this is true, but not always. In fact, for more than two decades the travel membership club Hotels Etc have been providing the simple solution which allows their members to find the highest quality vacations at affordable prices, and the best hotel deals, along with discounts for many more non travel related products or services.

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Why join a travel membership club?

When you consider the question of why you should join a travel club, you may as well be asking as to why you should want to pay less for a product or service?

It really is that simple; the the click of a button, a travel club allows you to find the best hotel deals, the best vacation offers, and the widest range of online travel discounts. These offers are exclusive, you will not find them on the average booking engine, there is no added cost after the initial minimal membership fee, and you can fully trust a source such as Hotels Etc.

With more than 4 million members, the highest trust rating available, and more than 20 years of experience, Hotels Etc are the leading travel membership club with the widest range of online travel discounts.

What usually happens when a customer books online?

Unfortunately, it can be difficult assessing the best options in the online world with so much going on. Booking engines and “special offers” are as common as Facebook, and then there is no end of suppliers who promise the best price or best hotel offers.

In reality, these booking engines no longer offer the same value as before the inception of rate parity legislation, which is a new law that enforces companies to advertise the same price across different distribution channels. It may seem unimportant to the average consumer as there has been little news broadcasted about this new law, but then you must consider the reason why – nobody wants the consumer to know.

Hence, when a customer makes a booking online, they usually do so with the assistance of a booking engine while completely unaware that they are no longer getting the best price.

How can a customer make a booking and ensure the best travel discounts?

There is a link at the bottom of this article which allows for a free trial with Hotels Etc and in order to find the best price, the biggest hotel discounts and most affordable vacations, all you need to do is sign up, and see these amazing offers for yourself.

Hotels Etc negotiates anywhere between 60 -– 80% off for their members and offers a straight forward booking process to ensure you get the deal you want. There is no catch, and there should be no confusion: Since the new rate parity laws was introduced, a travel membership club is the only genuine way to find the best travel discounts and most affordable hotels or vacation packages online.

For the best online travel discounts, hotel deals and vacation packages, start paying less, and getting more by signing up now for a free trial with Hotels Etc.

5 Slightly more affordable hotels in New York

Everyone knows how New York is one of the most expensive cities in the world for accommodation but with a little bit of research and some hotel discounts from Hotels Etc, it is possible to find more affordable hotels in New York and turn the idea of visiting the Big Apple from being a once in a lifetime trip, into a bi-annual occasion. Hotels Etc are a travel club who have been negotiating incredible deals for their customers on anything from golf course membership and movie theater tickets, to cruise vacations and Hotel deals for New York.

While it will never be as low cost as a weekend vacation in Phoenix, the following hotels are some of the best located hotels in New York which are more affordable when using the hotel discounts mentioned above.

5 More affordable hotels in New york

Washington Jefferson Hotel

The Washington is hotel with an excellent location near Times Square which ensures that from the moment you arrive, the streets are right outside waiting to be explored. That being said, the hotel is located on a quieter side of the street and is a favorite for budget minded people who want to be slightly away from the hustle of the Square but then still close to Central Park, the Empire State Building and all the main shopping areas.

The interior is simple but quaint, and there is an excellent Japanese restaurant on location which offers fine sushi and teriyaki.

The rooms in the Washington Jefferson Hotel are small but they have a very respectable reputation for being clean and pleasant at the same time, with comfortable beds, cable television and free Wi-Fi.

Rooms in the Washington Jefferson Hotel start from $180.

 

The Jane Hotel

The Jane, 113 Jane Street, West Village

The Jane Hotel is quite unique in a sense that the rooms are designed, decorated and set out in a similar way to the cabins on an antique sailing ship. There are economy bunk bed cabins, along with the more luxurious “Captain’s” cabin with each room having the standard cable television, air conditioning and free Wi-Fi.

A rich history provides the backdrop for all the character this hotel has to offer and this, combined with the resident restaurant and café, make it a charming place to stay but once more, the location shines through as the major highlight for most guests.

Close to the Hudson River and in the center of the West Village in the Meatpacking district, The Jane Hotel is surrounded by shopping, restaurants and many nightlife options.

Rooms at The Jane Hotel start from $140 with private bathroom.

 

Yotel

570 10th Ave, New York

Not only is this a centrally located hotel in New York without the enormous price tag of many other hotels in the area, Yotel is specifically targeted toward a youthful clientele with inclinations toward places or attractions which are hipster orientated. There are also communal areas in the hotel for guests to hang out which make this a great place to meet people, for those who prefer to stay somewhere a little more luxurious than a youth hostel.

It is of Japanese design and the rooms appear to have more in common with an aircraft, than it does a hotel, but it works beautifully and all rooms have bright interiors with comfortable beds, flat screen televisions and free Wi-Fi.

Yotel has one of the most sought after locations in New York situated just a short walk from the Port Authority and less than a mile from Times Square.

Rooms at Yotel start from $180.

 

The Leo House

332 West 23rd Street New York, NY 10011

Few hotels can claim as central a location in Manhattan, with the price being offered by that of the Leo House. The Leo House will not be for everyone but for anyone hoping to save some serious cash on their next trip to New York, this hotel which is run by the extremely friendly Catholic Sisters of St Agnes and offers simple rooms for the budget traveler who wishes to be stay in a centrally located New York hotel.

The hotel has a basic restaurant, some peaceful gardens and all rooms include cable television and excellent Wi-Fi. As mentioned above, this budget hotel in New York is a great option for anyone who does not mind staying in a more modest setting, and with Broadway just a few minute walk from the front door, it’s unlikely you will be spending very much time in the hotel anyway.

Rooms in the Leo House start from $115 (without private bathroom)

Nu Hotel

85 Smith St, Brooklyn, NY

Nu hotel was the very first boutique hotel in the heart of Brooklyn, a place where many visitors choose to stay over the more touristy and packed central area around Times Square.

Staying in Brooklyn can be a much more rewarding experience for the traveler, given it is an authentic borough and living quarters for many of the average people whom work in the big city. The presence of arts and melting pot of culture also ensure a stay here provides a genuine New York experience.

Thankfully, the center of Manhattan is only a short ride away and so the variety  in terms of being able to “stay local” but then also be within easy reach of the city, can be very appealing for many tourists.

Nu Hotel has a beautifully decorated interior with spacious rooms, comfortable beds and all the other amenities you would expect in a large hotel, but rather than proximity to Manhattan being the benefit of staying here, it is the vibe and offerings of the local neighborhood which make it a great options for affordable hotels in New York.

Rooms at Nu Hotel start from $152 Queen.

As outlined above, traveling to New York does not have to be the overly expensive trip which most people decide to take, and with some research, planning and hotel discounts, there are many incredible hotel deals in new York to take advantage of when booking the adventure.

The best way to find these hotel discounts is by signing up for a travel membership with Hotels Etc, and start making huge savings today.

 

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