Travel Bloggers - Travel Blog

Finding a Las Vegas Hotel Deal

2008-09-03T13:08:00.000-07:00

There are currently some great Deals on Las Vegas Hotels. The slow economy means Vegas is having a hard time filling it's rooms. Check out some of the great deals currently being offered at the Luxor. They are offering midweek rates around $59 a night. They are also offering 2-for-1 tickets to Luxor shows and free dining credits.

Another hotel offering great deals is the MGM grand. Vegas Hotel Guide does a great job of keeping you up to date with the specials offered at many major Las Vegas Casinos. It's a good site to visit if you are planning a trip to Vegas and are looking for MGM Grand Deals or other information about Vegas Hotels.

How To Find Good Accommodation in Tuscany

2008-01-08T02:36:00.000-08:00

A friend of mine has recently purchased a holiday home in Tuscany. She made various trips to the region to look at properties before she made her purchase.

When she first arrived in Tuscany she struggled to find somewhere to stay. Apart from the big hotels who charge a fortune, she had a probelm finding good accommodation in Tuscany at a fair price.

After doing various searches on Google she finally found what she was after, a beautiful litte bed and breakfast run by a lovely Italian couple. They made her very welcome and helped her with some good local knowledge, which made her property purchase a lot smoother.

So her advice for finding good accommodation is do your research on the internet before you go, and you should find something to suit your budget and your taste.

How to advertise my holiday home

2007-11-09T04:41:00.000-08:00

I recently purchased a holiday home in Spain, and I was searching the web for ways to advertise my holiday home for rent.

There are numerous free sites on which you can advertise, but lots of them are of very low quality to be honest. I doubt that a listing on some sites would be worth the effort.

I went for one of the paid rentals sites in the end, and I was surprised when i started getting enquiries within a few days. I have not secured a booking yet but its early days.

With just one booking I would have easily covered the fee to list my rental property so I gathered that it was a gamble worth taking.

Create A Free Travel Blog And Travel The World

2007-06-18T03:57:00.000-07:00

It seems as though Travel Blogs are popping up all over the place. This is probably because for lots of people who travel, taking pictures of your trip is just not enough.

With an internet cafe in almost every town, its becoming increasingly popular for travellers to create a travel blog.

Its so easy to do, just log into your blog, upload your pictures, and tell everyone about your day. Its great for keeping friends and family informed on what you are up to. Instead of expensive phone calls - they can just view your blog.

Travel blogs are also a great way to protect your memories. You can keep a diary, or have photos, but if they get lost or stolen, then you have nothing left to remind you of your trip. The great thing about uploading your photos, and diary to an internet server, is that its protected.

It's so easy to get a travel blog for free. So what do you have to lose. Get your free travel blog today, and keep those travel memories alive forever.

About Travel Bloggers

2007-05-20T01:48:00.000-07:00

We have created this blog as a resource for information and tips on travel to anywhere in the world. If you have a travel story or travel tip that you would like to see listed on Travel Bloggers please email travelbloggers@yahoo.com If your Article is accepted by us you will recive a link back to your site.

Cheap Hotels, Hostels, Bed and Breakfasts, Apartments.

2007-05-08T02:22:00.000-07:00

Industry insiders are predicting that this year more people will be jetting off on city breaks, inter-railing round Europe, and generally traveling in greater numbers than ever before. And they really are spoilt for choice when it comes to late deals and the range of excellent accommodation options available to them.

Hostels

The number of backpackers hostels and independent youth hostels has surged in response to increased demand for cheap accommodation, as a result of a radical overhaul from the travel industry in the last five years, or so.

Package holidays for so long a staple of summer holidays has become chronically unfashionable, as people increasingly looked to move away from the uniformity that they promoted. And the conventional high street travel agent is feeling the pinch, as people increasingly found they could cut out the middle man and make their own arrangements online.

In light of this, people had to find some form of affordable accommodation on their holidays. And the answer came increasingly from the ranks of the independent youth hostels and backpackers hostels.

Hardly a new concept – youth hostels have been around for years now – the necessary tweaks really started to be made back in the late 90s. In retrospect, it's hard to see which came first, the great accommodation or the booking sites that drive them. It goes without saying that one could not exist without the other.

But with the internet, and a series of sites who allowed their customers to 'rate' hostels came a greater awareness of what travelers actually wanted and needed. Now well-stocked kitchens or cool communal areas boasting libraries filled with travel guides and DVDs, prove the rule rather than the exception.

And just as the hostels have gained in popularity (and quality), so too has the rest of the budget accommodation sector begun to take notice of the numbers of people, and offering an ever-improving service for less than you'd think.

Cheap hotels

The cheap hotel market, so long, seemingly, a slightly complacent force reluctant to really compete on price and relying on their hotel status, has started to really square up to its competitors. Increasingly, owners of small hotels are setting aside a quota of rooms online for the budget traveler, safe in the knowledge that they will be snapped up.

What's more many small hotels have realized that they can turn their size into a significant advantage. Global travelers are increasingly looking for a sense of uniqueness, of individuality. It's this desire that has inspired the rise of the boutique hotel, a concept which the cheaper end of the hotel market has embraced.

And there are times when even the most ardent backpacker or roving student traveler wants freshly pressed sheets, a hot shower to themselves and a good night's sleep. Oh, and perhaps a mini bar…

Bed & Breakfasts

Bed & breakfasts and guesthouses have also experienced a real resurgence in popularity in recent years. Both generally define themselves as 'homey' and comfortable with an emphasis on personal service rather than luxury. And their renewed popularity has come as a result of these values being increasingly in demand by footsore travelers.

Like the cheap hotels market they have responded well to a shift in the market, and the recent rise of >boutique hotels by radically improving their service.

Self Catering Apartments

Hovering somewhere between the service provided by a backpackers hostel (with a kitchen and lounge area as a general rule) and a hotel (you don't have to share your accommodation with anyone else) renting an apartment has become a viable alternative to the usual cheap hotel/B&B/hostel options. The hotels sector has even responded to the demand for apartment-style accommodation with the growth of aparthotels.

The self catering apartments concept can be a winning one, particularly for those traveling in groups or those looking to stay in a town or city for more than a few days. Groups can really fill out an apartment and make it somewhere that they'll genuinely look forward to coming back to at the end of a long day's sightseeing, whilst long-stayers can settle in and spread out more than they could in a cheap hotel or hostel.

All in all, things have rarely looked as rosy for travellers with a budget.

Agios Nikolaos a Picturesque Greek Island Retreat

2007-04-17T01:04:00.000-07:00

Just up the coast from Zakynthos, lies a picturesque cove near the Blue Caves named Agios Nikoloas. This beautiful little port location is sure to relax you with it’s magnificent sea views.

Visit Agios Nikolaos and travel back in time to ancient civilizations. You will find friendly people, along with fine cuisine and many nice accommodations to choose from.

Accommodations here allow you to unwind in a tranquil location, without the hustle and bustle of a big city. Hotels are available only 300 meters from the sea and if you can get one with a veranda, you are sure to spend all of your time there. Luxury suites along with balcony hotels are also available for short stays.

If you are thinking of visiting Agios Nikolaos for an extended period of time, a private cottage apartment or villa may be a better choice for you.

No matter what your travel accommodation choices will be, you are sure to find smiling faces and memories to last a lifetime.

Make sure that you put the Island of Zakynthos and the small port of Agios Nikolaos on your list of places to visit while in Greece.

Tips On How To Avoid Getting Sun Stroke

2007-04-05T03:45:00.000-07:00

Frequent tourists love traveling to new countries on a summer vacation. Some of these places, especially in Africa and Asia, can be really warm, and if you end up there when summer is at its peak, your body can suffer.

If you are not used to this amount of heat, there is a good chance that you might get dehydrated. Without enough water replenishment, dehydration could lead to health issues like cramps and dizziness, and sometimes even sun stroke, (if you spend a long time under the sun, walking and exploring, without drinking enough water). But, with little bit of preparation, you could prevent such instances from happening.

Keep in mind, sun stroke is mostly caused due to negligence from one's own part rather than the sun rays itself.

So, as a first step, do some research on the destination you are planning to spend time in this summer. Study the general climatic conditions, average temperatures, humidity etc in advance, and that will give you a good idea of what it will be like when you visit. If it is a hot place, preferably stay indoors from 12 PM to 4 PM, when the sun will be at its peak.

Now, as mentioned already, make it a point to drink lots of water. A person loses lots of water during activities like walking, running, and hiking, and a hot sun accelerates the process. So, make sure that you replenish the water loses promptly. In order to beat the sun, while going outdoors, it is also advisable to use a hat, sun glass, and wearing a coat of a high SPF sun block, to protect the skin. If you fear that you may indulge in lot of out door activities that require tremendous effort, take some salt tablets as well. But, ensure that you follow the instructions on the packet as too much salt actually could aid dehydration.

Finally, if possible, stay in a hotel with a swimming pool.
Staying in the water after a tiring sight seeing trip could cool things off a bit.
These are just a few tips to follow to avoid getting sun stroke.

To find out more about sun stroke / dehydration and its side effects, consult a doctor or search similar resources in the web.

Travel To California And Enjoy The Beautiful Outdoors

2007-04-05T02:25:00.000-07:00

California is an excellent destination to visit since it extends along the majority of the Pacific coastline of the United States. There are a number of national parks and outdoor activities to keep travellers occupied. There is the Sequoia National Parks, the High Sierras, the beauty of Lake Tahoe and the big cities of San Francisco and Los Angeles. In southern California there is no shortage of wonderful beach options if you prefer to spend your vacation relaxing on the beach.

The fifth largest city in California is Long Beach and it is one of the busiest seaports in the entire world. With many attractions, Long Beach has become a premier seaside resort for travellers. For those who like to shop on their vacation there is the Queen’s Market Place which is designed to look like an open English Village. For the animal lovers among you, there is the Aquarium of the Pacific, which has over ten thousand different animals to view.

In central California there is Napa which offers an excellent choice of accommodations, restaurants and shops. Many travellers choose to come to the Napa Valley region of California to enjoy the scenic views it has to offer. There are plenty of outdoor activities in Napa including biking trails, and a wide selection of parks.

Perhaps the most popular of all California cities is San Francisco. There are numerous attractions to choose from here, and it is a destination known throughout the world. Some of the more popular attractions include the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and Fisherman’s Wharf. For the movie buff there is the San Francisco International Film Festival in April, that features over two hundred top films from around the world.

If you are travelling to Lake Tahoe then an excellent accommodation option is the River Ranch Lodge. It is a beautiful rustic mountain lodge with a large outdoor deck that overlooks the river. It is also one of the cheaper accommodation options in the Lake Tahoe area.

If Yosemite is more of your outdoor experience, then you should try the Evergreen Lodge. This is located right at the entrance to the Yosemite National Park and offers a variety of rustic cabins, and access to many outdoor activities. The Evergreen Lodge is an excellent choice for those who want the ultimate outdoor experience and easy access to it.

For a true bed and breakfast experience, there is St.Orres in Gualala. This is a Russian style hotel that offers excellent secluded accommodations that has river, meadow and forest options. Located on California’s North Coast this is an excellent option to choose.

And last but not least you have the world famous Disneyland California. I dont think I need to go into too much detail about what you can find there. But its safe to say that whatever you look for on a vacation, im sure you will find it in California.

Florida - A Fantasic Vacation Destination

2007-04-04T03:06:00.000-07:00

Florida is one of the most popular states for people to visit year round. With its gorgeous warm weather, people can enjoy the white sandy beaches, theme parks and so much more. In this article we will highlight a few of the top areas to visit.

Orlando is one of the top cities for Florida vacationers because it has something for everyone. It has many large theme parks such as Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and Sea World. There is a large assortment of hotels here catering the thrifty vacationers to those who want to indulge and getaway from it all. You will also find many retail and outlet stores, dinner shows and entertainment as well as the Orlando Magic Basketball team. Another popular attraction is the Cirque de Soleil show. Located at Downtown Disney, this theatrical show will thrill and mesmerize audiences.

Tampa, FL has also become a popular destination due to its growing city and attractions. Busch Gardens and Adventure Island are two large Anheiser Busch theme parks that thrill visitors of all ages. The Lowry Park Zoo and the Florida Aquarium both have a focus on animals, but also offer fun family activities so you can play while you are learning about your natural surroundings. Tampa is also surrounded by great water such as the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay. Both are great for watersports, sight seeing adventures and fishing. Charter a boat and collect snook, grouper and many other great fish in these waters. Or you can just relax on one of the beautiful beaches. There are many hotels to choose from with two of the most historic being The Vinoy Resort and Don Cesar on St. Petersburg Beach. Both are world renown and have tantalizing restaurants and all inclusive spa services.

Miami Beach has taken an extremely popular turn in the last few years. This city has grown in popularity with updated renovations that make it more attractive. Celebrities vacation here and enjoy sunning on the white sandy beaches and partying the night away at some of the hottest clubs in South Beach Florida. Salsa music is popular here and you will definitely feel the island vibe while relaxing near this shore.

When some people think of Florida their first thoughts are of the Florida Keys. The water is crystal blue and the fish and lobster are abundant here. Fishing, snorkeling and scuba diving are some of the most popular past times. You can charter a boat or hop on a sight seeing adventure and see some of the most gorgeous fish and coral in all of Florida. For land lovers, the shops, restaurants and night life are enough to keep anyone busy. Each has an island feel and offers great seafood choices that are both fresh and tasty.

There are so many great locations to visit in Florida. As well as enjoying the attractions, beaches and gorgeous weather, many people come here to hunt, fish or just enjoy the great outdoors. No matter which city you choose, you're sure to find wonderful ways to enjoy the glorious Florida sunshine!

Cheap Flights - Top 10 Tips To Save Money On Airfares

2007-04-03T12:31:00.000-07:00

There is nothing worse than discovering that the chap next to you on the beach got here for a fraction of the ticket price that you paid. Here are the 10 top ways to ensure you get the best airfare deal out there, without spending days haggling with travel agents:

1. Book Early.

It is a myth that the cheapest airfares are available to those who book last minute. Rather, the best deals are usually available about 6 months before departure, when the seats are first released for purchase, and these disappear as availability gets more scarce. So if you're thinking of going away at Christmas - book your flights now! (NB hotel rooms are still most likely to have their best deals at the last minute).

2. Be Open-Minded about Airports.

Budget airlines often fly to a minor airport that is farther away from the city center than the main airport - this saves them airport fees, which they can pass on in price savings, and you get to see unusual and exotic regional airports!

3. Be Flexible with Dates.

Depending on the destination, it is often cheaper to travel on a Sunday or mid-week, or if you stay over the weekend. Checking prices for dates a few days before or after you originally wanted to fly can often have a big impact on fares. And if you really want to be away for Christmas or a particular bank holiday weekend, then extending your stay for a few days either before or after the popular dates can save you a lot of money.

4. Once you've been Flexible, be Consistent.

Low cost flights normally come with stringent Ts & Cs, which often include exorbitant cancellation or change fees. Changing your mind once you've booked can be very expensive!

5. Use a Flight Search Engine.

Flight search engines will save you lots of time and money by shopping around for you - you enter your flight details once, and they zip off and search dozens of online travel agents and airlines simultaneously to find you the best deal. Examples of Flight Search Engines include Kayak and SideStep in the US and Foundem in the UK. Sites such as Expedia and Travelocity, are often mistaken for flight search engines, but they are actually online travel agents.

Flight Search Engines make money from referral fees - this means that when you click through to buy your bargain flight, they get a small fee for having pointed you there. Because the budget airlines tend not to pay referral fees, most Flight Search Engines don't include the Budget Airlines such as EasyJet, RyanAir and AerLingus in their search results. Foundem.com is the only Flight Search Engine to include all of these budget airlines and more.

6. Use Hubs

If you're going somewhere a little bit obscure, it is often cheapest to use these tips to find a great deal to the nearest major hub city (such as London or Dallas) and then pick up a hop to your final destination from a low cost airline or commuter service. Make sure you leave plenty of time for the transfer, though, as the hop airline won't be responsible if you miss your connection!

7. Avoid School Holidays

All travel gets more expensive during school holidays, including flights. If you don't have children, this one's a no-brainer. And if you do have children, have you considered leaving them behind?

8. Don't Forget Package Holidays

While its almost always cheapest to de-couple flights and hotels for city breaks and long haul, if you're looking for a week on a beach or on the piste, package holidays can still sometimes be the cheapest option. Package holidays become even more likely to be the best deal if you've ignored tip number 1 and are booking last minute.

9. Look on Wednesday and Saturday Mornings.

The cheapest flights tend to sell out within hours of being released. Airlines play with their fares at any time, but the biggest waves of fresh fare releases tend to be on Wednesday and Saturday mornings.

10. Always check the Round Trip Price, even if you're Flying One-Way

Bizarrely, one-way tickets often cost more than the return equivalent. So if you're either flying one-way, or open-jaw (i.e. flying to one destination, then taking a train or camel and returning home from somewhere else), always check the round trip equivalents for these fares. Make sure that the flights you're planning to use are always the outbound ones, though, because airlines often won't let you board for the return leg of a round-trip if you haven't actually flown the outbound leg.

How To Travel The World For Free

2007-04-03T04:50:00.000-07:00

It sounds like a dream doesn't it? Hopping onto a plane and taking a flight to the destination of your choice. Imagine collecting your flight tickets to New York, London, Goa, or wherever takes your fancy, and not having to pay a cent for them.

For a few people, this dream is actually a reality.

How? Simply put they have discovered a little travel secret, that a lot of companies will actually pay the travel expenses for you to oversee their package or document from one country to another. Now this may bring to mind images of having to smuggle a microfilm past some dodgy russian customs ala James Bond, but the reality is nowhere near as exciting or dangerous, which is great news for the budget traveller. The even better news is that with a little know how, any adult can act as a courier and score free and deeply discounted flight tickets to the destination of their choice. It's completely legal and can save you thousands in saved airfare every year.

Courier companies are continually on the lookout for willing travellers to carry their items overseas. There is nothing sinister about it and nothing is hidden from the authorities the traveller is paid with a deeply discounted (and sometimes free) air ticket.

According to a survey by the Air Courier Association the standard saving that travellers get when they act as a courier is 85% on the normal flight price. There isn't a travel agent in the world that will match such a discount.

So what are your responsibilities as a courier? Well it's as simple as turning up to the airport on time and meeting the courier companys representative at the destination airport. As soon as you walk through the customs area at your destination, your job is over.

What are the drawbacks of this deeply discounted travel? Well for a start you're probably only going to be allowed one carry on bag as your luggage, so learning how to travel light & pack efficiently is essential. It's also important to have some degree of flexibility in terms of when you're able to fly, though usually you can get many flights comfortably in advance. You also need to be at least 18 and obviously have a valid passport.

Assuming you're ok with these drawbacks, you can really fly to just about any destination at incredibly low costs.

Ready to go? The whole world awaits you!