Tag: travel discounts

The Midwestern state of Ohio is nothing short of the all-American experience for travel, business or pleasure. Ohio is the center of milestones in United States history, from space flight and presidents to rock and roll and football. Finding your ideal airfare to Ohio from anywhere in the world is always convenient by choosing among Ohio’s six international airports: Cincinnati, Dayton, Port Columbus, Akron-Fulton, Cleveland-Hopkins and Rickenbacker.

Outdoors in Ohio

With its varying borders and waterways, Ohio is both easily accessible and fantastically diverse. Ohio is bordered by Pennsylvania, Michigan, Kentucky, Indiana, West Virginia, and Ontario, Canada across Lake Erie. Ohio also enjoys the natural borders of Lake Erie to the north and the Ohio River to the south, providing for a bustling and lucrative trade industry. In the north, Ohio is particularly flat due to glacial activity in the past. The Glaciated Allegheny Plateaus in the northeast, famous for their coal mining legacy, give way to busy waters of the Erie. Moving further south, Ohio is graced with rolling hills and the foothills of the Appalachians, home to many local wineries and booming agribusiness.

The Lake Erie Islands belong to Ohio and are a wonderfully festive and picturesque escape from the seaside hustle and bustle of Cleveland. Private vacation homes, public beaches, amusement parks, and even wineries grace the many different islands. Back on the mainland, the Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a splendid destination for adventurers and nature lovers. The park is conveniently close to urban centers, but its cascading waterfalls, winding rivers and abundant flora and fauna make this 5th most visited U.S. National Park worlds away. Another popular escape is Wayne National Forest in the southeast.

Ohio’s Opulent Legacies

With major urban centers like Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus and Akron, Ohio has blessed the rest of the United States with constant innovation and culture. Just outside of Akron in Canton is the birthplace of professional American football, as well as the Pro Football Hall of Fame. On the banks of Lake Erie, the world-class metropolis of Cleveland is known as the Rock and Roll capital of the world and home to one of the best collections of art and culture in the United States.

Ohio is also famous as the birthplace of eight U.S. Presidents, Neil Armstrong, John Glenn, and the fathers of aviation, the Wright Brothers. Ohio also pioneers the space science and flight industry with the NASA Research Center and the National Museum of the United States Air Force.  Travel to Ohio for a diverse jaunt through modern American culture, Native American History and the condemnation of slavery where the Underground Railroad terminated.

Located throughout the Caribbean, all-inclusive resorts lure visitors with affordable vacation packages. Encompassing airfare, lodging and onsite activities, these Caribbean beach resorts are enjoyed by families and couples hoping to relax in the sunshine. Yet, many visitors have left such all-inclusive resorts with a bitter taste in their mouths. If you – like many of the travelers disappointed by the inflexibility of all-inclusive resorts – want to establish your own itinerary, sample traditional Caribbean dining options and explore many different activities, these Caribbean beach resorts are simply not for you. Here’s why.

First, plenty of travelers have realized that many all-inclusive vacations come with certain strings attached. When examining all-inclusive packages on the internet, the fine print may reveal a startling number of contracts and other binding difficulties. Some all-inclusive resorts entice travelers with low-priced vacation packages, only to bombard their customers with sales pitches for timeshares.

It is often difficult to determine where an all-inclusive resort is located if you are unfamiliar with the area. While it may suit your fancy to spend your vacation outside of the Caribbean hotel zones, many travelers have been disappointed by the lack of activities available at many all-inclusive resorts. If you choose to leave your all-inclusive resort, you will have to pay for additional activities. When staying at smaller all-inclusive resorts with limited access to other tourist opportunities, your additional costs could very quickly surpass the money you saved upfront. 

Many travelers have also complained about the lack of payment flexibility that comes with a stay at an all-inclusive resort. In addition to requiring large upfront payments, many all-inclusive resorts have tricky refund policies, making it difficult to change plans when necessary. This difficulty also applies to the charter flights that often accompany all-inclusive packages. For many, these troubles are compounded by the fact that travel days may be limited, forcing you to alter your desired timeframe for your Caribbean vacation. 

Once you arrive at your Caribbean location, you might also be responsible for your own luggage and transportation to the resort. For the resorts that do offer shuttle service, the included transportation will most likely be limited to airport pickup and drop-off. For instance, if the resort is located in a secluded area, transportation to other locations will not be included in your package. Furthermore, consider the fact that many all-inclusive resorts are located much farther away from popular sites than average hotels and resorts. So, unless you care to spend your entire Caribbean vacation basking beside the same swimming pool, a nightly rental resort will put you much closer to the action. 

While many criticize all-inclusive resorts for not contributing to local Caribbean economies – due in part to their distance from major cities and tourist areas – it can also be said that such packages prevent you from experiencing the unique culture of your destination. Since you decided to take a Caribbean vacation, you probably want to get out of the hotel and see what the Caribbean has to offer. Yet, all-inclusive resorts anticipate their guests spending most of their time at the resorts, locations that are often devoid of any local cuisine or custom. 

Another important thing to consider regarding all-inclusive resorts is that tipping is usually expected, even at some resorts that advertise tipping as unnecessary. Many travelers have found themselves in uncomfortable positions, receiving sub-par service at all-inclusive resorts as a result of such misunderstandings.

When planning your Caribbean vacation, think about what kind of traveler you are and what you want to accomplish. Do you want to set your own agenda, enjoy diverse Caribbean dining options and engage in truly unique activities? Or would you rather relax at a resort, forget your troubles and soak up the sun? While families and couples on strict budgets might enjoy all-inclusive resorts, any adventurous traveler will relish the freedom of planning their own Caribbean vacation.

For the best all-inclusive travel Caribbean resort, look for a few things beyond the ordinary. Of course, you want sun, sea and sand, but you can ask for so much more.

For a truly all-inclusive travel Caribbean vacation, look for a beach to lounge on by day, a dining room that lets you bask in soft tropical breezes by night, plenty of opportunity for water sports and other activities, a lounge deck within easy access of the Caribbean's beautiful waters for your lounging pleasure and last but not least, a comfortable room with an equally comfortable bed to relax and have a peaceful slumber in after a long day in the sun.

Caribbean vacationers these days are looking to pamper themselves at all-inclusive travel Caribbean resorts with everything at their beck and call. In addition, many of these all-inclusive resorts are beachfront properties or are near lakes or other bodies of water. About 79% of them fit this bill, and the views are simply astonishing. Whatever your price range, this is the best place to relax for your vacation, at an all-inclusive travel Caribbean resort. Let someone else wait on you, for once.

Here are some choices you might want to consider:

Breezes Bahamas

Breezes Bahamas is located on the eastern end of Cable Beach. It has the proverbial warm breezes and deep blue sea. Like every all-inclusive travel Caribbean resort, it offers everything for your vacation pleasure. It used to be the old Ambassador Beach Hotel. In 1995, the SuperClubs assumed management and performed major renovations on the already beautiful resort.

Breezes' all-inclusive travel Caribbean resort truly means all-inclusive. At Breezes, just about everything is included with price. You get room accommodations, all meals, all snacks and unlimited wine or beer with lunch and dinner. If you so choose, you can have alcoholic drinks mixed with premium brand liquors at each of the four bars. In addition, the all-inclusive travel Caribbean resort also provides most of your sporting activities, both on water and land. It also includes airport transfers, activity fees, and airport transfers, taxes and gratuities. Everything is included in one package price.

Club Med Turkoise

Club Med Turkoise is an all-inclusive travel Caribbean resort located on Providenciales Island, in the Turks and Caicos, Caribbean. Its white sand beaches offset the incredible beauty and surrounding view of the sea.

Although the land is dry and flat, like the rest of the Caribbean, its beauty is unsurpassed. Its breathtakingly clear deep blue waters make it the place to go for those who love water sports, and of course the water's clarity make it the ideal spot for scuba divers and snorkelers.

The resort boasts 298 rooms, appointed for travelers' comfort. The price also includes three meals a day, unlimited beer, wine and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, most sporting activities, and nightly entertainment.

Le Sport

Le Sport at St. Lucia states: “Give us your body for a week and we’ll give you back your mind.” And indeed, this all-inclusive travel Caribbean resort strives to do exactly that. Its focus on personalized rejuvenation and holiday treats, with an emphasis on pleasure, should help the most weary business traveler relax and let go.

Early models of travel humidors were patterned after air-tight cases in which the cigar aficionado placed cigars already maintained in a cellar humidor. This worked well except that when one opened the travel humidor, since the maintained humidity existed as a result of already moist cigars, each time the humidor was opened, humidity would escape and the ambient humidity of the room replaced the humidity that had been inside the travel humidor.

When humidors where first created by Zino Davidoff in the early 20th century, we were large cellar humidors which certainly made for restricted travel. One now had the ability to strive for the perfect cigar, but only from home. Most people would agree that the feasibility of travelling with a large room did not exist, and still does not, even today. A dilemma arose as to how to preserve a moist cigar while travelling.

Today humidors can be found that are battery-powered or can be plugged into any available AC outlet or a combination of both. While these types of humidors are more functional than ostentatious, we can be made of any materials in varying shapes and designs, suited to  the taste of even the most discriminating smoker.

Most travel humidors are made of very durable plastic, designed to withstand the rigors of being moved about and for its lightweight portability.

Travel humidors now meant that a society that is becoming increasingly more mobile as a result of the prevalence of automobiles and air is no longer demanded to choose between having a perfect cigar and being tied to home or having to leave behind one's favorite pastime to travel.

Is it any wonder? Since Hollywood launched New Zealand big time onto the world's cinema screens with epic block busters such as Lord of The Rings, King Kong and The Chronicles of Narnia, everyone wants to visit.  In fact, New Zealand is one of the most popular travel search destinations, with almost two million online searches for information each year, even beating out firm favorites such as Hong Kong and London. 

New Zealand consists of two main islands, North and South about the size of Colorado. With a population of around 4 million and English as the main language, you can expect a warm welcome and a fantastic vacation experience. There is also strong, vibrant Maori culture reflected in the easy going attitude of the people and pride in their heritage. 

From the West Coast of the United States, a direct flight to New Zealand is a bearable 12 hours. Close to the Australian continent, New Zealand shares the Australian love for sport and having a good time. 

Think Hawaii meets Switzerland. 

Where else can you find so many different types of scenery and breathtaking landscapes in one country! From towering mountain peaks and glaciers to volcanoes and bubbling mud springs. And then there's the surprise. It's so very English too. The lush green fields and rolling hills reminiscent of the English countryside and village life never seem that far away. 

Major highlights and attractions. 

The Bay of Islands on the North Island. 

An absolute must-see on your trip. A magnificent natural treasure for anyone who enjoys getting out on the water. Catch a ferry or charter boat and immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere. Paddle a sea kayak in and out of island nooks and inlets. If you have always wanted to swim with dolphins, do it here. Many operators in the region offer excellent trips to spectacular Cape Brett and the 'Hole in the Rock' on Piercy Island. 

The townships of this historical bay are alive with memories of the area's colorful past. Take time out to see the well-preserved relics both Maori and European, in romantic Russell, Paihia, Waitangi or Kerikeri. 

Rotorua. What's bubbling you? 

Known for its amazing geothermal earth forces, this fascinating region offers you more than natural beauty, it's also a very spiritual place. "Manaakitanga" is a deep-rooted concept in Maori culture. It's a local challenge to offer visitors the best experience possible. Voted New Zealand's Most Beautiful City three times, Rotorua's gardens, cobbled streets and diverse mix of Maori and English Tudor architecture, give the city a significant point of difference. Beyond the urban centre, a backdrop of geothermal steam, volcanic mountains and huge crater lakes remind you that this region rests immediately above the Pacific Ring of Fire. 

Incidentally, Rotarua's Hell's Gate Reserve was where the "Black Gate of Morodor" was filmed for The Lord of The Rings Trilogy. Let off some steam. Steam escapes from crevices in the ground, gardens bloom alongside bubbling craters and geysers shoot for the sky. 

Spa therapy. A good wrap. 

160 years after the first Europeans arrived to 'spa' in Rotorua, today's visitors are still enjoying the therapeutic properties of the geothermal resources. Mineral pools, mud wraps and massage will leave you feeling rejuvenated and ready for more. 

The thrill of chilling out in Glacier Country. 

Nowhere in the world's temperate zones are glaciers so accessible. On the West Coast of The South Island, remnants of the ice age cascade from the vast snowfields of the Southern Alps to valley floors, almost 1,000 feet above sea level. 

You can enjoy guided excursions exploring stunning ice formations. Or take off on a scenic flight and land amidst New Zealand's highest peaks overlooking the glaciers. The two most famous villages are Franz Josef and Fox Glacier, good bases from which to plan your days exploring the glaciers. 

Milford Sound. Your eighth wonder of the world? 

Legendary writer Rudyard Kipling was a well traveled man. He called Milford Sound the "eighth wonder of the world." Still down South, Milford Sound lies at the heart of Fiordland National Park, a World Heritage area. Cruising the clear, still waters of the Fiord you'll encounter magnificent sights, such as the awe-inspiring Mitre Peak and Stirling Falls. 

With the highest rainfall in New Zealand (think feet not inches!) so expect rain when you visit. However, when it pours, the water falls that appear all around are simply amazing. 

Keep a lookout for wildlife such as dolphins, penguins and seals often seen in their natural habitat. Go on a scenic cruise and gasp at the moody majesty of the Fiord in your Milford Sound Red Boat. 

Another worthwhile attraction is the Milford Deep Underwater Observatory Option. Descend 30 feet below the surface and marvel at spectacular marine life, with anemones, sponges, fish and rare red and black coral in their natural habitat. 

Discover Middle Earth. 

According to Oscar winner Peter Jackson, New Zealand was the only landscape on the planet that could have provided the sensational locations for Tolkien's Middle Earth. You can set off on your voyage of discovery and visit the key areas featured in the films such as The Southern Alps and Queenstown. Make sure you stop at Matamata, near Hamilton (a couple of hours drive south of Auckland) and marvel at how the landscape was transformed into the peaceful hobbit village of Hobbiton. 

Auckland. The largest city. 

Wellington is actually the capital, but Auckland is where many visitors first set foot in New Zealand. Imagine an urban environment where everyone lives within half an hour of beautiful beaches, hiking trails and a dozen enchanting holiday islands, that's Auckland. It's located on the North Island and called the City of Sails. Know why? It has more boats per capita than any other city in the world. Almost entirely surrounded by water and covered with volcanic hills, the city boasts a superb harbor and a population of 1.3 million people. Add a background rhythm of Polynesian culture, a passion for outstanding food, wine and shopping - and you'll want to stay. 

Auckland has a pleasant subtropical climate with mild winters (June, July and August) and warm, humid summers (December, January and February). Remember the seasons down here are reversed, so plan your vacation accordingly. 

Accommodation to suit every taste. 

For visitors, Auckland has all types of accommodation. Web sites such as <a href="http://www.hotel.com.au">http://www.hotel.com.au</a> offer a range from backpacker to budget to luxury international hotels. As the North Island attracts more visitors than the South, it pays to check what's out there as you plan your trip. 

Action. Adrenalin. Anticipation. 

Auckland is a top choice if you're interested in wide open spaces and physical activities. Above the ground you can go bungee jumping, parachuting and skydiving. 

On the ground you can go hiking, mountain bike riding, skiing, horse riding, rock climbing, and 'zorbing'. Underground you can go surface caving, cave rafting and hydro sliding; and on the water you can go jet-boarding, white-water sledging, rafting, boogey boarding, canoeing, kayaking, surfing and scuba diving. If there is a difficult and challenging way to get from one point to another you can do it in New Zealand. 

If you're looking for some less exhilarating activities, such as retail therapy, many Auckland stores are open seven days a week. Bars, restaurants and nightclubs welcome patrons well into the night. 

Whether you are stopping for a week, or planning to spend a month exploring everything in The Land of The Long White Cloud, New Zealand will make you feel right at home.