Saturday, January 12, 2008

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Trends: Eco-hotels, cruises, Croatia await in '08

  • Saturday, January 12, 2008
  • Wtmm
  • From hotels to cruising, adventure travel to destinations, USA TODAY asks travel industry insiders to predict the hottest trends for the new year. Here's what in the air — and on land and sea — for intrepid travelers.
    Hotels
    •Walking the eco-talk. "Probably the No. 1 trend is the greening of the hotel industry," American Hotel & Lodging Association president Joe McInerney says. But there's confusion over what green means, and which lodgings are truly eco-friendly. "Every hotel company has an environmental specialist, and we're working with them to develop a certification program in the next 90 days," he says. It will involve "an inspection, not just trusting" self-reported eco-programs. Inspection results may be tied to AAA ratings, he says.
    •Viva Las Vegas! Vegas hotels are on a roll, with 2007 occupancy above 90%, the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority says. More luxury Strip joints are on the way — The Palazzo, sister hotel to The Venetian, opens next week. Donald Trump is moving in with a condo hotel due later this year. Vegas "has a wonderful market in the USA and China, and they're raising the level of amenities," says Dick Johnson, editor of the Hotel-Online.com newsletter.
    • No break on rates. The average rate at U.S. hotels broke the $100 barrier for the first time in 2007, Smith Travel Research says. Rates are projected to rise 5% this year, says Smith's Jan Freitag. Despite recession fears, "I don't think you're going to see much discounting," McInerney says. Hoteliers did that after 9/11, and it took years for rates to creep back. Hotels magazine editor in chief Jeff Weinstein thinks business "will be flat," and if rooms go begging, expect discounting.

    • "Lifestyle" lodgings. A wave of affordable, design-centric, tech-friendly hotels with lobbies as social hubs will wash over the landscape. Hyatt Place, Aloft, NYLO and other chains will expand or arrive. Appealing to multi-tasking Gen-X and Y guests, "they're the new generation of W hotels, more for the mass market," McInerney says.
    • Gizmos and gadgets. "Completely wired rooms" (plug laptops or music players into TVs and speakers, for instance) and free WiFi will proliferate, Weinstein says. A sub trend: "Technology gone wrong," Johnson says. He is seeing 32- and 42-inch digital flat-screen TVs with bad reception, because "the cable system is charging too much" for high-definition TV or hotel service is not available. "Sometimes the picture is worse than if you had the old analog TV."
    — Kitty Bean Yancey
    Cruises
    • The ship within a ship. Until recently, "it really was just Cunard that promoted a class system," but the concept is spreading, says Carolyn Spencer Brown, editor of Cruisecritic.com. On Norwegian's newest vessels, including the month-old Norwegian Gem, "people who buy courtyard villa cabins are in a sense residing in a boutique hotel (separate from the rest of the ship) with an edgier ambience, more pampered services, and dedicated pool and sundeck areas." Costa, Celebrity and Carnival, meanwhile, are rolling out premium "spa cabins," where cruisers dine in an exclusive spa restaurant away from others.
    •More ships in Europe. "It's huge and just getting more popular," says Spencer Brown, noting that lines will send a record number of vessels there to meet demand. "It means lots more choice for travelers — not just in ship styles but also in seasons." The downside? "The ports will be more congested, and the quality of the onshore experience could well be compromised."
    • Fewer ships in the Caribbean. In part due to the rush to Europe, "for the first time since the advent of modern-day cruising, capacity is down year-over-year in the Caribbean," says Mike Driscoll, editor of industry newsletter Cruise Week. "It's one reason why prices are up slightly for Caribbean sailings in 2008 vs. 2007."
    •More extra charges. Cruisers are paying extra for more and more things, and the trend will continue in 2008 as lines add more à la carte options such as alternative restaurants, says Spencer Brown. "All of these special additions have to get paid for somehow," she notes. "It's important for travelers to look at the cruise fare as the base price — and budget for the extras."
    •People are booking earlier — and later. It's a conundrum, says Driscoll, but "agents report that clients are booking both closer to sailing and earlier than ever. Strangely, the continuing decline is people booking two to five months prior to departure."
    — Gene Sloan
    Dining
    • Gastro-tourism. "Increasingly, (travelers) are seeking out places where they can learn about food and participate in food culture," says Michael Whiteman, restaurant consultant with Joseph Baum & Michael Whiteman Co. "They're building their vacations around it. Smart hotels are putting together culinary packages."
    •Korean cuisine. "I have a sense it's the next breakout ethnic cuisine," Whiteman says. "The heat, the garlic, the kimchee, the participatory nature of the cuisine with its small-plate garniture — all are appealing."
    • Speed. "The growth in text-messaging already is a very big thing with pizza chains," Whiteman says. "An increasing number of people are ordering food from their cars, either to pick it up on the way home or to have it ready to eat at the restaurant when they arrive."
    •Tequila. "When the dollar is very weak and the euro very strong, it affects how much wine costs," says Ann Mack, director of trend-spotting at JWT ad agency. "Tequila, served not as a shooter with salt and lemon but as a sipping drink, is becoming a more popular alternative. We see ones flavored with herbs, honey and coffee … and restaurants and bars are concocting their own mixes to use with tequila."
    •Dining dollars dominate. In 2008, "restaurant sales are forecast to reach a record $558 billion," says Hudson Riehle of the National Restaurant Association. "The reason is that consumers are allocating a greater portion of their food dollar to restaurants. Now, almost half of food dollars are spent in restaurants, double the portion from 50 years ago."
    •Handcrafted beer. "I think it will have the same importance as wine," says Andrew Freeman, restaurant consultant with Andrew Freeman & Co. "We're seeing house-made drafts, custom glassware, beer flights and beer-food pairings. It goes back to the idea of local food products. Customers want to know where their beer is coming from."
    — Jerry Shriver
    Adventure travel
    •"See it before it's gone" trips. "I'm hearing more people say, 'I want to climb (Tanzania's) Kilimanjaro now, while it still has glaciers,' " says Marian Marbury of the women-only tour outfit Adventures in Good Company. "There's a sense that many places and wildlife we've taken for granted are disappearing, and the changes are happening now, within our lifetimes."
    • High-value, low-volume destinations. In the face of growing demand, more countries with fragile and limited resources are deciding that "the best way to preserve what they have is to charge high admission prices," says John Rasmus, editor of National Geographic Adventure. "In Botswana, you get to see African wildlife in its most protected, pristine state, but it helps to be a Google billionaire to afford it. In Bhutan, perhaps the most unspoiled, beautiful mountain country on Earth, you pay what amounts to a daily admission fee of about $200 per person. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, because otherwise these places would certainly be trampled in a few years. But it's not very idealistic or democratic sounding, either."
    •Do-good travel. "Voluntourism" that combines adventure trips with short-term, on-the-ground philanthropy is growing worldwide, says Leslie Weeden, travel director of Outside magazine. But adventure travel is also "at the nexus of environmental and cultural sustainability," with more companies launching "leave no trace" policies and using local tour operators that give back to their communities, says Adventures in Good Company's Marbury.
    • Luxury treks. "Trekking without a sleeping bag or a tent but spending nights in comfortable first-class lodges is the latest rage, from Nepal to Peru to Zambia and Argentina," says consultant Leo Le Bon, co-founder of Mountain Travel-Sobek. Opened last year, Le Bon's client Mountain Lodges of Peru lets hikers trek the ancient Salcantay Route to Machu Picchu and recuperate with down bedding, hot tubs and a wine list.
    — Laura Bly
    Destinations
    • Hot destinations. The high cost of gas will spark more visits to state and national parks near large urban populations, says Pauline Frommer, creator of the Pauline Frommer guidebook series and travel expert at MSN.com. Argentina's popularity will continue to rise because "it's incredibly sophisticated and affordable," says Todd Sotkiewicz, president of Lonely Planet guidebook's U.S. office. And Carlson Wagonlit Travel's annual forecast of hot spots once again ranks perennial domestic front-runner Las Vegas No. 1 in early bookings for 2008. "It's the city that just keeps reinventing itself," says agency spokesman Steve Loucks. "Every time you turn around, there's a new hot casino or resort."
    • Value destinations. With the Olympic Games looming, China is an obvious draw, and thanks to a favorable currency exchange, it's also a bargain. All-inclusive deals start in the $1,000 range, Frommer says. Sotkiewicz likes Vietnam's affordability, particularly at southern beach resorts. Mexico remains a solid choice for closer-to-home seaside deals. Loucks notes that Mediterranean cruises are more popular because travelers can pay one price in U.S. dollars.
    • Emerging destinations. Carlson Wagonlit's Eastern European bookings are heating up, and Croatia, in particular, is "on fire," says Loucks, thanks in part to the relative strength of the dollar in European countries that don't use the euro. Similarly, lesser-known Latin American destinations such as Nicaragua, where the dollar still has some clout, are drawing more interest among Americans, some of whom are looking for retirement homes, Frommer says.
    — Jayne Clark

    Source: Usa Today
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    Tuesday, January 8, 2008

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    Making the Most Out of Adventure Travel

  • Tuesday, January 8, 2008
  • Wtmm
  • Some people enjoy a vacation break from the daily rigors of life while others simply live for their vacations, and not just to get away for a traditional break. They use their vacation time to to recharge their souls, get a much needed break from work, and also to enrich their lives and explore the not-so-beaten path of the world. These are the people who live for adventure travel.

    Adventure travel can be more exciting than simply heading to the beach for relaxation, but it can also be a little too nerve-wracking for people who don't necessarily have dreams of trekking though rainforests or exploring Siberian mountains. That would include most of us, for sure. But for those with an adventurous heart, an exciting trip is like a salve.

    It is always best to prepare yourself with the most information you can find when planning an adventure travel. That way you will be aware of the overall cost, the details involved in the trip itself, and your daily activities.

    One of the best tips is the simple recommendation to know exactly what you are getting into. If, for example, you are planning a lengthy trip to the rainforest and hate bugs, this may not be your wisest option. Plan your trip around your preferences and dislikes, and learn do some research before making your final reservation. Adventure travel provides an adrenalin rush for some thrill-seekers, but if you don't like action quite so exciting, then you may want to reconsider.

    Choosing your location is also extremely important. Choose a destination based on what you find fulfilling. Are you into scuba diving? Skiing? Learning about nature? Once you pinpoint your dream trip, then narrow down the destinations that fit your personal adventure description. There are travel packages that can accommodate your dream while still keeping you safe, so do your preliminary research and make the plunge.

    Finally, one additional practical tip to preparing for a fabulous adventure vacation is to plan your budget ahead of time. Well ahead of time! There is little worse than landing in some faraway country and not having enough money to do the activities you enjoy. Adventure travel can be more expensive than a more traditional vacation, so planning ahead will afford you the opportunity to save sufficient funds to do the things you enjoy. Shop around and compare prices before making your final reservations.

    Following these basic tips, you can have an extremely fulfilling and gratifying experience that you will remember for a lifetime.


    About the Author

    For practical recommendations to super travel locations such as to Costa Rica, Europe and many more, please visit http://www.travel-vacation-spots.com, a popular site providing great insights concerning vacation travel opportunities!

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    0

    How to Travel Safely in the United States

  • Wtmm
  • If instead of traveling to another country for your vacation you decide to hit the open road and travel throughout the United States, you should know how to do so in a safe manner. Planning your trip in advance will increase the likelihood of your overall vacation enjoyment and security.

    On the other hand, when entering from another country into the United States, you must bring your passport and/or visa. This requirement now applies even if you are simply visiting from Canada. Keep a copy of two of your passport at home so you can obtain its number, even if you lose the passport itself while traveling. Become aware of relevant local laws pertaining to each state you will visit and what you can and cannot do while passing through. Additionally, bear in mind that there may be a difference in voltage for powering your electrical appliances. You may need an adapter for them to work properly in the US.

    The official language in the United States is English, so you should learn at least basic English to be able to get around efficiently. In some states it will be wise to brush up on a little Spanish as well.

    While traveling by either car or plane, never leave your luggage unattended in public areas. And resist the temptation to ask a stranger to watch your belongings - even briefly. Such carelessness or requests could result in the precautionary destruction of your bags (suspicion of explosives).

    As with travel anywhere else, try to look like you fit in. It is important to refrain from wearing a significant amount of jewelry or expensive clothes in an area that is unfamiliar to you because you could be targeted by thieves. Along with this tip, don't walk around with large amounts of cash. By using your debit or credit card, you will be insured by the card's financial institution if they are stolen.

    When you arrive in the state that you plan to visit, pick up a map or turn on your car's GPS system if included. Though you may think you know your way around, it is difficult to navigate a city with which you are unfamiliar. And stay in the areas that are "touristy" for a bit more safety. Going off the beaten path will only lead to increased danger.

    The United States is a wonderful place in which you can learn many cultures and enjoy grand experiences, but safety should nevertheless be your first priority.


    About the Author

    For practical recommendations to super travel locations such as to Costa Rica, Europe and many more, please visit http://www.travel-vacation-spots.com, a popular site providing great insights concerning vacation travel opportunities!

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    1

    Tips For Finding Lowest Airfare Prices

  • Wtmm

  • To kick off this article, it's important to know that you can get a large discount of the airfare price when you are willing to do some more research while you fly domestic or international. Planning to fly at midnight can lower the airfares for you as only very few number of travelers go by midnight. Nearly all of the airline carriers have empty places on their flights at midnight and so offering cheap rates. You can save a lot of bucks on flights tickets costs, if you are flexible in the dates of departure, and arrival, travel times, originating airport, and so on.

    Booking a travel package will save 30 to 50 percent off your airfare. It's usually more profitable to book a travel package deal than booking for the particular components one by one. As an example, Travelocity is one of the large online travel sites that give lowest airfare prices to numerous destinations in and around the United States. When considering to go at nighttime can lower the price of the airline tickets over twenty percent.

    If you travel domestically and within your region of the country, it is wise to check the smaller regional airline carriers for low cost tickets. In many cases flights are more inexpensive than the bigger airlines. For college students are affordable fares available from just about every airline. The best way to have cheapest rates as a college student is by getting an International Student Identity Card, also known as ISIC. Having this special card college students can also have numerous savings on a lot more travel related costs such as travel insurance, car hire, hotels etc.

    Occasionally travel is totally depending on getting just the ideal flight deal, often is depending on the time of travel, specially if it is on short notice or on a holiday. If you have to travel at the lastminute it is still possible to get moderate flight discounts. Not on all air fares all places are occupied, and if traveling alone or with another person, opportunities are greater that you will find last-minute tickets on vacant places, they may merely not be together. Always look out for an Oriental airline when you would like to visit Asian destinations, as these airways provide cheaper flight tickets.

    When looking for special promotional or best price fares, look into the airway sites too to compare last minute fares if they are lower than those on the travel sites. In the end, you may get the lowest airfare prices that go best for you this direction, however have in mind you take a few hours to get a line how these sites do work, and after all you will know when is the best time to buy.


    About the Author

    Visit also advice cheap airfare deals, find out lowest airfare prices and tips on lowest airfare prices

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    0

    Tips for Fantastic Weddings Abroad

  • Wtmm
  • Weddings abroad are the perfect way to combine the most special day of your life with the ultimate honeymoon.

    It's a good choice whether you want your wedding to be a private, intimate affair that's just between you, your intended, and the vicar's wife as a witness-- or a grand destination event where you invite all your friends and family. Either way, it will be a romantic occasion you'll remember forever.

    But the first question you need to ask when you plan your distant wedding ceremony is, where will it be? It could be a little overwhelming. After all, there are hundreds of places in the world to choose from.

    You might try a beach wedding in Bermuda, Barbados, St. Lucia, or the Cayman Islands. Or perhaps a Mediterranean dream wedding in France, Spain, Greece, or Italy.

    If you and your fiance share a common ancestry, it would be incredibly romantic to stage your wedding in the land of your forefathers, complete with traditional dress and perhaps even a reception filled with native foods and dancing.

    Weddings abroad can also be fabulous in locations such as Eastern Europe (Croatia or the Czech Republic), Africa (a South African safari), Asia (Cambodia or Sri Lanka), South America (Brazil is another great place for a beach wedding), or New Zealand or Australia.

    Wherever you decide to have your dream wedding, you must decide whether it is to be a simple or elaborate affair. You'll find that destination weddings are the specialty of many wedding planners. There are even companies that focus on weddings in many places in the world. They can help you in so many ways. They can find the right vendors for food, flowers, music, and more. Of course, you must also be aware of the need for passports, visas, and vaccines for both of you and your guests.

    If you plan on inviting all your friends and relatives to your wedding abroad, don't forget to plan a quick escape so you can enjoy a private honeymoon!


    About the Author

    Want to get married somewhere unique?

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    1

    New York Discount Hotels

  • Wtmm

  • New York City one of the major cities of the United State is famous for its working day approach and rocking night life. There are numberless hotels with fabulous locations and services are available.

    New York City Hotels offer many discounts for their guests and tourists, time to time. New York City is among the world's most exciting and most visited travel destinations. It is a center for culture, media, fashion, art and the home of world class museums, luxury hotels and a lot of other tourist attractions.

    New York attracts leisure and business visitors from all over the world. 70 Park Avenue - A Kimpton, Aka-central Park, Best Western President, Comfort Inn & Suites Maspeth, Courtyard by Marriott, Hilton, and La Quinta Inn Queens are a few examples of the good and luxurious hotels in New York City.

    The hotel is not only a place where you go for stay, in actual hotel is more than just an accommodation. In a good hotel you can do party, celebrate your any special day, go for the dinner, or coffee, and shopping. And surprise thing is that you can get a discount in all mentioned categories.

    Yes its true time to time hotels offer a discount in various services like decreases room rents, discount in food, discount in taxes and many others.The major hotels give the major discounts offer especially during festival season like Christmas. Hotels offer varieties of discounts like discount in room rent, discounts in meals, discount in room services etc.

    Some big hotels (five star) in New York City offers a huge discounts during special occasions. Even some time they offers free stay or major discount in stay at there hotels but for that you need to participate in particular competition, which generally organized by the hotel itself.

    You can know about these discounts, in the official site of the respective hotels and according to your budget can choose a hotel for your stay. So next time when ever you will make a program to visit the hotel in New York, get the full information about the available discount.


    About the Author

    WebNewYorkHotels.com indeed is the one stop web address that is fully equipped with all sorts of information on Discount Hotels New York in the American city. It is also popular for providing Cheap Hotels in New york City at affordable prices.

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