Looking for the perfect honeymoon package? With so many thrilling options, from tropical destinations to secluded villas or ritzy resorts, finding the trip that’s perfect for you can be an overwhelming task at times. There are many locations to choose from, whether you are an adventure seeker or are just ready to relax in peace with your new spouse. It’s an exciting time in your life, so check out some of the top vacation spots preferred by newlyweds so that you can decide on a trip that is everything you hoped for.Experience TahitiBook your stay at Le Meridien Tahiti for an unforgettable honeymoon you’ll wish would last forever. You’ll be amazed by the sparkling turquoise waters of the South Pacific along with the volcanic mountain peaks and exotic vegetation. You won’t want to wait to explore the beautiful coral reefs, white sandy beaches or breathtaking lagoons that feature a natural allure you won’t be able to resist. When you’re not relaxing on the incredible beaches, you’ll be visiting the local spas, night clubs, restaurants, and shops that give Tahiti such a spark of life. Offering rustic over-water bungalows and activities like snorkeling or aqua aerobics, Le Meridien has a full and complete package that appeals to many different honeymooners.Unwind in HawaiiWhen most people imagine the perfect tropical vacation, they envision the clear waters and long beaches of Hawaii. Paradise is yours for the week when you explore the active volcanoes, blue lagoons, lush rain forests, cascading waterfalls, and dramatic valleys that these islands have to offer. At the Fairmont Orchid, you’ll enjoy an ocean or garden room view along with a diverse and delicious menu, including Portuguese sweet bread. You won’t run out of things to do with such a vast array of activities, from attending luaus and snorkeling with sea turtles to canoeing or relaxing in the spa, Without Walls, that holds sessions amid tropical waterfalls. Whether you’d prefer to take the day off and relax while sipping cocktails or get out and take a tour of the botanical gardens, Hawaii offers something for every traveler.Party in ParisJet off to France once the ceremony is over and experience the romance and culture found in Paris. With attractions like the Eiffel Tower, Versailles, Notre Dame, and the Louvre, you’ll find plenty of things to do during your stay. Stroll along the river Seine to encounter the daily street life of the city, watching artists at work or shopping at local vendors. Tantalizing, seductive cuisine awaits you, from crepes and tartes to foie gras and croque monsieur. Stay at the Hotel Lutetia with its plush furniture and comfortable accommodations. Its art deco style has been preferred by celebrities and artists alike and its location in St. Germain de Pres, the Parisian center of fashion, has a lot of appeal for the casual or serious shopper. Live it up in Paris for your honeymoon and indulge in this once in a lifetime opportunity.Have Adventures in Deep in the Caribbean, with white sandy beaches and an almost rain-free climate, Aruba is an excellent choice for any honeymoon. Experience the secluded feel of an island that’s only 20 miles long and six miles wide, with towering palm trees and powder-soft sand. Aruba offers all the exotic appeal of the Caribbean while still retaining some of its Dutch influence.
There’s no shortage of things to do in Aruba with its bird sanctuary, water sports, forts, casinos, and spas. Give the Bucuti Beach Resort a try with its breathtaking views and mouth-watering culinary treats. This resort has earned Green Globe certification due to its environmentally-friendly operations, while each room features a large balcony or terrace. Designed to be a romantic escape for couples, the Bucuti Beach Resort provides a fun and relaxing retreat that will be what you make of it.Come to Carefree CancunFor the ultimate getaway, travel to Cancun, Mexico—the former fishing village that has turned into a glamorous hotspot for tourists. The hotel zone is reminiscent of a Caribbean paradise with its clear waters and white sandy beaches. One of the most famous archaeological sites on the Yucatan Peninsula, Chichen Itza will provide you with some insight on the ancient Mayans. Noted for its adult-only minimalist style, Le Blanc Spa Resort aims to achieve the perfect combination of indulgence and elegance. The spa features a mix of European and Asian holistic rituals in serene bamboo gardens, offering massages and facials, hydrotherapy and more. Land and water sports, air-conditioned shopping malls, the sauna and fitness center—you’re never in danger of running out of things to do at Le Blanc Spa Resort. Start your marriage and your trip off right with the perfect romantic destination and book the cruise of a lifetime today!
Archive for the ‘Travel Ideas’ Category
Off the Beaten Path Honeymoon Travel Ideas
Monday, September 6th, 2010Money Saving Travel Tips to Remember
Sunday, August 22nd, 2010Tourism and travel all over the world results in huge spending for consumers who love to visit all types of destinations. Did you know that in 2006 alone the travel industry received more than $725 Billion from international traveling consumers? That figure equates to about $2 Billion being spent each day.
Indeed, even though the price of fuel for automobiles and jets has risen in recent years, it seems as though the travel industry is not suffering all that much. If you plan on traveling to another country or a popular travel destination resort then you are one of the millions of consumers that will enjoy their vacation and have a relaxing time while doing it. There are many things to remember when traveling overseas, or domestically for that matter, that will keep you safe and also give you the best value for your money.
Travel Light When Flying: Even though you may be traveling abroad for several weeks to a month’s time, it’s always best to travel light if going through multiple airports just to get to your vacation destination. Tight security in United States’ airports and international airports as well makes for some long waiting times and even frustrates many consumers, especially if they are traveling with multiple items.
Furthermore, airline companies claim that they’re not making enough profit, which contributes to the fact why they’re charging even more money these days for single or extra bags that you may need to fly! This travel tip to remember is: watch out for those hidden flying costs, such as for multiple bags you’re traveling with, and travel light when possible!
Look for Package Deals!: Chances are that if you are traveling overseas or going to a vacation resort in a different country then you’ll also be staying in a nice hotel and possibly even need to rent an automobile. In addition, many people spend plenty of extra money by taking special trips to amusement parks, theme-land parks, zoos, aquariums, and plenty of other places that charge ticket fees or prices for admission. If you are set on doing this, though, one tip to remember is to look for the package deals that will save you the most money.
Some travel industry companies, such as AAA, will often educate consumers and offer these types of deals to consumers. Some package deals may include a whole resort and activity package, while other packages may include a specific number of nights at a hotel in exchange for deep savings at area restaurants, amusement parks, and even automobile rentals!
Another important idea that one may want to keep in mind when traveling is that staying farther away from a major metropolitan or activity area may yield terrific savings as well! For example, many people usually want to stay at the closest hotel that’s nearest their destination or amusement park they’re visiting. However, huge savings on hotel costs can result from simply booking a hotel that’s either five or ten miles down the road. This will result in very little increased gasoline expenditures, but will possibly save you one hundred dollars or more in accommodation costs.
All of these travel ideas are definitely great ways to save money on your next vacation. Whether you decide to travel abroad or stay somewhere not far from home, looking for some ways to make your money stretch further will allow you to enjoy more vacation activities in the end or allow you to simply put away the extra savings.
Travel Pre and Post Internet
Tuesday, August 17th, 2010Title: Travel: Pre and Post Internet.
By: The Nomad
Travel Pre Internet:
I’ve been travelling for over 40 years – by thumb in my early days, by boots in the Scouts, a Lambretta came next and then my first old banger followed by newer old bangers to the beaches of the Costa Brava.
My thumb, boots, bikes and bangers took me all over Europe and the UK before finding that a charter flight to Spain on an old ‘Connie’ could get me to the beaches and bars a lot quicker and allow more time to enjoy the local travel opportunities by horse and cart and the occasional bus and train.
‘Go West and Prosper’ seemed to be a good idea so instead of taking an 8 hour flight I took an 8 day transatlantic crossing from Tilbury to Montreal on the Stephan Batory of Polish Ocean Lines ensuring that jet lag did not trouble my travel plans. Some years later I crossed the pond again on a ship but this time it was 5 times bigger and I travelled in style on the QE2 and dined in the Queen’s Grill somewhat removed from my earlier experience. I highly recommend ocean voyages but cannot see myself on one of the modern cruise ships going from port to port with constant line-ups to get on and off to buy t-shirts. However, I have done 10 Windjammers and a Star Clipper cruise in the Caribbean which were all memorable (let’s hope Windjammer Barefoot Cruises recover from their woes). But I digress.
I had read that Canada is a spectacular country, from sea to shining sea, and my entrance into the St. Lawrence River to Montreal and then heading west in an old Econoline van from the Great Lakes, across the Prairies to the Rocky Mountains before ending up whale watching off of the Pacific Coast of Vancouver Island was a trip of wonder to a bloke from London. Today the scenery is still spectacular and the best way to go is still by road so rent or buy a car, motorhome or motorbike, take the train or tour bus but remember the maps, a fly rod, good boots and take your time.
My favorite part of Canada / USA for adventure travel has to be Northern BC / Alaska, to hike the Chilkoot Trail in the steps of the goldseekers of 1898. The Northwest Territories to canoe the Nahannie River and the Yukon to drive from Dawson City to Chicken, Alaska. If you like the outdoors and can put up with a few bugs, cast a fly and scale a few hills or drive on endless dirt roads sharing the space with moose, caribou, elk, bears and eagles, then these are the places to put on your list. The pleasures and experiences in driving to Inuvik on the Dempster Highway or to Prudhoe Bay on the Dalton Highway or even the Canol Road can only be felt by doing them. I would have mentioned the Alaska Highway but now it is an easy drive unlike the aforementioned.
Today the costs of driving these distances may mean that sharing the journey with others is required, but RVing or simply vanning and camping is a great way to see beyond the horizon. Some enroute adventures now need to be booked in advance whereas when I hiked Denali and the Chilkoot Pass it was just a case of turning up, registering with the local ranger office and heading on out. A little more forward planning is needed for today’s traveller and cost considerations of lengthy flights or drives have to somehow be countered with more careful planning. In the days of reasonable gas prices I would not even consider the driving or flying costs and have driven to Key West from the northwest coast, down the west coast to the Baja and to the west coast from New York. I once even flew my 1946 Fleet taildragger from the Pacific to the Atlantic and back using around 5 gallons an hour of avgas. Before the oil and credit crisis I drove from Rio de Janeiro to Lima, down to Tierra del Fuego and back to Rio covering over 15,000 miles of spectacular scenery and with no consideration about the cost of gas. South America should be on your itinerary too! Some other memorable drives that may now require a mortgage with the gas companies include London to The Nordkapp, Norway, Skippers Canyon in New Zealand and the loneliness of the far north of Australia and the amazing coast of Western Australia stopping by at Monkey Mia and Wave Rock.
We tend to forget that the real cost of travelling is often less today than over the 40 years of my travels. In 1977 my round-trip airfare from Canada to Australia cost over $1700 in 1977 dollars so today it is far cheaper to fly, even with the airlines gouging for fuel, extra baggage, no service and no pleasure. The ‘Big Mac’ method of price comparison as developed by The Economist newspaper gives us a good gauge for most expenditures of today compared to yesterday but my $1500 cost to get a private pilots licence in the 1970’s seems cheap by comparison to today, but obviously not when using this Big Mac principle. Other travel costs are also far cheaper today but this should not mean that travellers should disregard the many methods of saving costs that can then be put to extended or improved travel experiences
Travel Post-Internet:
In my 40 years of travel I have had to use travel agents to make even the simplest of reservations and buy tickets, not even thinking to ask them if they had “been there, done that?” It was just a case of there being no other options to buying travel. Now we have unlimited choices and can seek out better travel agents, better prices, better selections and information about anywhere in the world for our travels – without even leaving home.
The Internet now gives travellers ideas and options of Where to go, When to go, Why to go, What to do, Who to book with and How to save money and offset costs. We can search and find experts for every travel option. If we are comfortable with the Internet we no longer have to go to a travel agent to make reservations and buy tickets except to book with some of the larger travel companies that still produce glossy brochures and offer all inclusive packages or tours that only sell through the agency system. The Internet also allows those of us who are smart enough to know when to seek out a top travel agent with knowledge, experience and expertise (KEE skills) of destinations and activities about where to find them. There is no longer any need to only use our local agents when we can find one somewhere else in the world. When we do not need ‘the knowledge’ and can do it ourselves we simply surf the web so that we can book directly with tour and travel operators wherever we have decided to go.
Some travel agents operate their own tours, some are both wholesale and retail, some limit consumer selection by only selling their ‘preferred’ suppliers and some have professional consultants with years of experience invested in gaining knowledge, experience and expertise and are worth their weight in gold to the savvy traveller. Beware though, as some are also called destination specialists and some of these designations merely require the agent to take a rudimentary test offered by tourism offices, destination marketing groups or even tour operators and in my opinion can harm the reputation of the travel industry. A specialist is not necessarily an expert.
Travel is probably the most used commercial aspect of the Internet and if retail agents want to harness this exciting medium to offer ‘the knowledge’ and their ‘kee’ skills to a global audience, not just their local community, they must embrace the changes that are happening. Travellers now have the ability to seek answers to the 5 W’s of travel and the important ‘How to’ save money and offset costs by having information just a click away.
And then it occurred to me that even internet travel prices often include a commission element even when sold directly to the consumer. If we book directly with operators we should not have to pay full retail prices as we are doing for ourselves what a retail agent would normally do for us. A dilemma for the operator is that to show a both a retail and a cost price option could deter many agents from selling the services as travellers could use an agent for free advice and book directly with the operator to get a ‘net of commission’ price. Obviously this two tier pricing is not often available but travellers who do not need advice should also not be penalized by retail pricing. A new way had to be found and I think I have found it!
The need for fairer fare prices is why I developed the Top Travel Voucher program at The Top Travel Club and I even found a dot com for it. All travel selections on the site are at ‘net of commission’ prices for members who handle there own travel arrangements directly with the operators linked on the club website using our voucher program.
I am inviting travel operators from around the world to join this program, from B&B’s, Motels, Hotels, Luxury Lodges, Eco Resorts, Beach Resorts and Tour and Adventure Operators who want to promote their products and services to travellers who are comfortable with direct bookings and reservations.
I am also inviting Travel Agents with knowledge, experience and expertise of destinations and activities to showcase their skills to a global audience of travellers and to the members of this new travel club. I am leery of ’specialist agents’ and only want experts to showcase their services.
This opportunity is available to the travel trade at no cost except for them to offer net, wholesale or outlet prices to club members and visitors to the website using top travel vouchers. I believe this program offers fairer fare prices to direct-booking travellers. The operator would normally be paying commission anyway but now travellers get the savings because they make their own arrangements.
The Top Travel Club opened in mid-April 2008 offering thousands of top travel vouchers for travel in over 70 countries with around 150 travel operators onboard. Every week we add more travel operators with more choices for members. Currently you can get savings on accommodations, adventure travel, boat charters, culinary tours, hike, bike and dive tours, auto and RV rentals fishing lodges and guides, safaris, vacation rentals, single travel, women only and dude ranches. Members get the vouchers free of charge by paying an annual membership fee and non-members can buy the vouchers on the internet at Top Travel Sites at deeply discounted prices to the face-value. The future growth will include restaurants, travel clothing, travel insurance and the opportunity to access air ticket consolidators who want to deal directly with consumers.
The way I have travelled and the way I see travel is that consumers should have unlimited access to every travel opportunity with the ability to do their own due diligence or to find a professional who can offer quality advice and services at fair prices, and to find all of this without needing endless hours of searching.
To find out more about the new way of cost offsets for travel please go to The Top Travel Club and my apologies for some of the spelling (traveller / traveler) but that is what I was taught. As long as we all understand the meaning, vive le difference!