Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Winter Sports Destinations You Must Try

http://westhillconsulting.info/blog/winter-sports-destinations-you-must-try/

Winter snow sports have become a hot tourist attraction in the growing popularity of adventure tourism in India. The country has one of the finest snow-clad peaks where you can enjoy these thrilling adventures. We provided a list of the country’s top five winter adventure destinations for all those seeking a dose of adrenaline.

• Auli

In the Himalayan region of Uttarakhand ther lies Auli. It is one of the uncharted ski destinations. According to many foreign tourists, Auli can be compare with the best ski resorts in the world. Garhwal and Kumaon offer another exciting sport – ski touring amongst the glaciers together with their wide open spaces above the snowline. For the avid skier, cross-country runs of 10-20 km are now available, with the added advantage of fresh powder snow. You can also enjoy thrilling white water rafting aside from skiing.

• Rohtang Pass

The majestic Rohtang Pass is situated at the altitude of 3,978 metres in Himachal a 50 km drive from Manali. This year-round snowy pass is mostly visited for its adventure snow sports activities such as snow skiing, paragliding, zorbing and trekking. This place is a favorite for the extreme sports enthusiasts throughout winters when the temperatures drop to freezing point which makes.

• Solang Valley

Another round the year favorite is the fun-filled place at Manali where adventure sports are popular and fun never stops. A perfect spot for skiing, the natural slope during winters and the locals have an alternative for all the summer i.e zorbing. An extremely well-liked destination where there is adventure sports for all walks of life and ages. Paragliding, parashooting, skiing, zorbing are some of the popular sports. People who are not so adventurous can take a nice yak ride.

• Gulmarg

Gulmarg is one of the best skiing destinations as many are describing it, not only in India but around the world. From the month of December and the fun continues till late March it is the season for adventure snow sports kicks off in. This vastly visited tourist spot is famous for skiing, snowboarding, sledging, skibobbing, heliskiing. The adventure admirers can go both uphill and downhill and enjoy the thrill of skiing with the new ski lift introduced early this year, the adventure admirers can go both uphill and downhill and enjoy the thrill of skiing.

• Gangtok

Indulge in adventure activities like trekking, white-water rafting, hang gliding and mountain biking at Gangtok. The place offers interesting treks to the Pemayangtse, Khechopalri, Yuksam, Tsokha, Dzongri, Thangshing, Zemathang, Chaurigang, Tashiding, Varsey, Yangang, Rabongla, Sang and Sikip.

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Winter Holiday Budgets Up Forty Eight PCT This Year

http://westhillconsulting.info/blog/winter-holiday-budgets-up-forty-eight-pct-this-year/

According to the report, high inflation is not coming in the way of holiday spends as more and more travelers are booking longer and expensive holiday packages this winter compared with last year.

"The average holiday budgets per person per night have increased to Rs 2,325 this winter from Rs 1,564 in 2012, indicating a 48 per cent rise.

"Trips have become longer by 36.3 per cent with travelers taking an average trip of 3.8 nights this year," says holiday information portal HolidayIQ.com's report 'Insights: Winter Holidays Prediction Report 2013'.

In the middle of November 2013 and January 2014, it analyses the patterns.

People are preparing trips in smaller groups with group size decreasing 16 per cent even though not being thrifty on the budget.

Beach and hill station destinations are most popular this winter, accounting for almost 78 per cent of the holidays planned, according to the report.

Families form a significant part of tourist traffic because of the winter holidays in schools.   This is 26 per cent of planned trips.

The report says traditionally, travelers prefer to travel within the region they reside in. However, this winter there is a marked increase in travelers choosing holiday destinations outside their region.

In the previous year merely forty one per cent of winter trips were intended outside the traveler’s region of residence whereas in the current year the said trips account for sixty six per cent of all trips planned.

People from east and north-east travel outside more while majority of south Indian travelers have a preference travelling within the region.

Couple travelers plan longer and more expensive holidays allocating the highest average budget of Rs 2,611 per person per night, followed by family travelers at Rs 2,137, group travelers at Rs 1,974 and single travelers at Rs 1,693, it said.

Holidays planned by women have 8 per cent higher budgets than those planned by men, it added.

Tuesday, October 15, 2013

First images of the New Great House on Necker Island

http://westhillconsulting.info/blog/first-images-of-the-new-great-house-on-necker-island/

The Great House on Necker Island now complete and ready to welcome its first guests.  It is the private home of Sir Richard Branson and part of the Virgin Limited Edition collection.

Following a two-year project the exterior and interior layout of the new Great House has been remodeled on the original design, with the addition of some innovative design twists.

The inspiration is from the beautiful features and Balinese style of the original structure, the new Great House offers breath-taking panoramic views of the Caribbean, the Atlantic and neighboring islands.  Each one of the eight guest rooms has a balcony, and all come with king-size beds and spacious en-suite bathrooms.  The Master Suite is on the upper level, which is a whopping 1,500 square feet and has been designed for panoramic views from virtually every angle and includes a two-person Jacuzzi, a stand-alone outdoor bath and a kitchenette area with a fully-stocked fridge.

The Great House is the located where people get together and has an open outdoor terrace with hammocks and sofas and a large dining table for everyone to gather round to enjoy their meal.  There’s a fully-stocked bar for favorite cocktails and up on the roof the crow’s nest has stunning views where you’ll find a Jacuzzi - perfect for sipping champagne as you watch the sun set.  And if you feel like a quick dip in the sea before lunch, then hop on the zip-line that quickly transports you from the Great House terrace all the way down to the sandy white beaches.

Sir Richard Branson commented: “Necker Island has been my home for more than 30 years and for me it is the most beautiful place in the world. The brand new Great House is the heart of the island and I’m thrilled with the results. This signals a new dawn for Necker, which I’m very excited about.”

For exclusive use bookings, accommodation on Necker Island includes nine bedrooms in the Great House including the stunning Master Suite and six individual Bali Houses dotted around the island.  There is also a bunkroom in the Great House that sleeps up to six children.  In totality, the number of guests that can be accommodated on Necker Island is 30 plus six children at a nightly rate of USD $60,000 until the 31st December 2013.

Apart from being the ultimate relaxing paradise, the island can also be your perfect setting for a wedding or a celebration with family and friends that you’ll will forever cherish.

There is also an option if you do not want to hire the entire island but you want to enjoy the full Necker experience, you can try ‘Celebration Weeks’ provide the opportunity to book an individual room ‘hotel-style’ for seven nights.

This ravishing Necker Island is located in the British Virgin Islands, a spectacular and unspoilt area of the Caribbean and is surrounded by turquoise waters and coral reefs and fringed with beautiful white sandy beaches.

Sunday, September 1, 2013

Tips For Smooth Trips

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Pack with purpose



• Bring Your Own Everything. 1. A small (inflatable) pillow 2. Ziploc bags (useful in so many ways) 3. Entertainment (include one non-electronic thing for when you have to power down) 4. Snacks, and a reusable water bottle.



• Pack light. Try to take only one suitcase, preferably a roller carry-on.  This will be very convenient in any way.



• If flying, check out the current rules and restrictions at tsa.gov.  You are only allowed one carry-on that must fit in the overhead compartment and one that must fit underneath the seat in front of you; this means you are only allowed to have two carry-ons.  Some airlines charge you extra to check a bag.



Plan like a pro



• Get a passport now, everyone must have one.  Get one now even if you don’t have immediate travel plans because getting one can take as long as 90 days.  Photo copy your passport and travel plans such as confirmation numbers, etc.  Always bring the copies with you and even email a copy to your family and yourself.  There are instances that the rental agencies or hotels will ask for your passport.  It will be safer if you will just give them a copy Instead. Treat your passport like gold.



• Try not to overbook. Allow for travel delays. If you have a strict schedule, like a cruise or tour, consider arriving a day early.



• Read traveler reviews, but read between the lines when searching for hotels or excursions and remember to look for reviews that are recent, specific and have photos.



Make air travel easy



Arrive early, security waits can be very long and some airports are huge.  Think about an hour or so earlier.



Take off jackets and shoes and empty your pockets before hand and make security smooth sailing.  Liquids bag or laptop should be taken out of your luggage and must be put it in a separate bin. Be ready to answer even the strangest questions from TSA agents politely, especially if you are overseas.



Make sure you double check that you have picked up all of your belongings from the conveyor.  Apply for TSA Pre-check so that you can get through security faster, this goes for a frequent traveler





Stay safe, comfy



To improve your immune system, four weeks or so, start taking probiotics before you leave.  Bring a small bag with stomach soothers, motion sickness pills, ibuprofen, decongestants and basic first-aid necessities.  Drink plenty of water.  It will help if you will keep moving, perhaps take periodic stops during road trips and get up and stretch your legs during flights.



Take its business card with you whenever you leave your hotel.  Because if you find yourself lost, this can become a lifesaver.



Tourists that are distracted and excited are often the target of pickpockets.  Here’s how to avoid them, ladies, make sure your purse is closed and consider an over-the-shoulder style.  Guys, keep your wallet in your front pocket.



If you have food allergies, write down (in the local language) what you can’t eat.  Contact the airlines ahead of time so that they will not serve food that contains ingredients that will trigger your allergies.



Be a good guest



Thank your hostess, bringing her a small gift that is special to your home town is a great way to show your appreciation.



“Please” and “thank you”, at least learn the two in their native language and make sure you understand the tipping policy.



Find simple mementos



Take a reliable camera with you.  Take a picture of everything you love and don’t forget little things like your hotel room, the front of the hotel, your tour guide, and the best gelato you have ever tasted.  Don’t forget the chargers and extra memory cards.  Tourist maps, pretty reusable shopping bags, quality postcards and flattened pennies are small, easy to take home, and almost free!



Save some money



• Be certain you budget everything; little things like checked baggage fees, taxis and tipping add up fast.



• Know the cancellation and price-matching policy of all hotels and tours you book.



• Local delis and grocery stores often offer fun foods without restaurant prices or when you do eat out, it’s usually cheaper to make lunch your biggest meal.



• Prior to leaving, check for online deals like Citypass or Groupon.  Throughout the summer months, many museums offer free admission days, so check if that works with your schedule.  When flying, always check the price of one-way fare versus round-trip prices, check airline web sites on Mondays, and reserve your seats as soon as possible.

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Tips on Independent Travel vs. Organized Group Tour in Russia

http://westhillconsulting.info/blog/tips-on-independent-travel-vs-organized-group-tour-in-russia/ 

It is actually very easy to plan an independent trip.  The most known routes to Russia are St Petersburg to Moscow that is why it has a good provision of services.  The best way to get around this enormous country are the Russia’s trains as they are comfortable, relatively inexpensive and services between the two major cities are frequent and efficient.


The good choice is the trains depart St Petersburg’s Moskovsky station and the first class sleeper carriages for an approximately eight-hour journey.  They are comfortable and clean with two adult berths.  It will cost around £200 per person for a one-way first class sleeper ticket.


But if you choose a daytime service and sit in second class, you may do so if you do not need a sleeping car because this will be cheaper and the high speed Sapsan trains only take four hours.  You can book in advance with agencies such as Real Russia as they also arrange your visa for you.  But the cheapest way to book tickets is at the station reservation office.


A tour isn’t needed because the journey is relatively straightforward aside from it is too expensive too.  Although its advantage would be that you can concentrate on enjoying the trip rather than the logistics.  For £1250, the Cox and Kings have a good Moscow and St Petersburg tour for seven nights; it also includes flights, a high standard of accommodation and some meals.

Thursday, August 15, 2013

Travel Tips

http://westhillconsulting.info/blog/travel-tips/

BEFORE LEAVING

1. It is necessary that you know basic information about your destination.  Make a research about the place before anything else.
2. A copy of your itinerary must be left with a trusted family member or friend, in case of any emergency.
3. List down significant emergency information
4. Make yourself familiar with basic safety information, rules, and procedures, like what to do if you get lost or sick

WHEN GETTING READY WITH WHAT TO PACK

1. Remember to travel light
2. Put important stuff in your hand carry bag
3. If travelling with babies, bring childproofing supplies, like electrical outlet covers and baby gates
4. Basic first aid kit is a must
5. It will save you your time, from shame and effort if you will remember the rules for what you can carry on and what needs to be checked when flying. These rules also apply to liquids such as milk or formula.

WHEN ON THE ROAD

1. Be certain that your children are in approved child safety seats as mandated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.  See Westhill Consulting Travel and Tours for further details
2. Children that are old enough not to need a child safety seat must wear their seat belt
3. This should be a general knowledge, never leave your children alone in your car

AT THE AIRPORT AND IN THE AIR

1. Explain safety and security procedures, rules and instructions
2. Teach your children to cooperate with airport security officials
3. Inform your children that making jokes or false threats about security issues are illegal and that they may not do so.
4. Your children should be in approved child safety seats if they require them, this applies also to airplanes.
5. Ensure the requirements for strollers, diaper bags, and other baby and child equipment

IN YOUR HOTEL

1. Check your hotel room for possible hazards, such as electrical outlets and furniture with sharp corners
2. Know where the nearest fire exits, fire alarm, fire extinguisher/hose to your room
3. Educate your children basic emergency procedures, like what to do in case of a fire or earthquake
4. Put away from kid’s reach potentially hazardous items, like toiletries, etc.
5. Supervise your kids at all times, do not leave them alone

OUT AND ABOUT

1. Watch out for your children closely, more especially in public restrooms, large crowds, and near swimming pools or bodies of water
2. Make ground rules for curfews and safety issues
3. Be sure your children cross streets with your supervision
4. Instruct your kids to go to an agreed upon safe place and stay there, if ever they get lost
5. A distinctive or brightly colored clothes will be helpful to make children more visible
6. Write down your contact information on an index card and place it in your kids' pockets to make contacting you easier
7. This is old but still very true, do not talk to strangers, instruct children this one.  Tell your children not to take anything from a stranger or go anywhere with a stranger
8. Check play areas for potential hazards, look for sharp edges or openings where your children could get stuck
9. Make sure your kids have and use proper safety equipment, like helmets and life vests, for any activities that require them

Sunday, August 11, 2013

Exchange Foreign Currency at the Best Rates

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Before travelling we have a lot of questions in our mind, one of the most frequent question people ask is, how do I get foreign currency for my next trip?  It is often a challenge to save money on a holiday and the hardest part of it is saving money when exchanging money.  Sometime you don’t realize that banks and other money changers empty your wallets so fast.  Be wise and do not ignore details.

after you arrive better get local money from the ATM in the country because in most places it is always cheaper.  No worries because airports have ATMs where you can do this, (at least almost all airports).  It is also good if it comes handy when you need local money for cab.  If you have no time to do this in the airport because you already have a transport from the airport booked with your hotel then you can just do this a little later in the hotel.  You can walk around and check for ATM close to you.

Getting money d\from the ATM is also safer.   You can just get enough for the following days so you will be safe from thieves and misplacement.  And this is also saves time rather than money exchange that consumes time.


It will also be good if you stick with Visa or Mastercard because both are widely accepted.  Be mindful that all card issuer charges different rates for cash advances in a different country than your own.

Usually a debit card linked to a checking or savings account do not charge cash advance fees so using them will be the cheapest because you are withdrawing  the money you already have therefore you will not be charging money and paying for it later.   If applicable, you will still be charge for using a different bank’s ATM.  You will also be charged with a 2-3% foreign transaction fee.  Using a credit card versus a debit card incurs the foreign transaction fee, but also a cash advance fee which varies greatly.  Often it's 3-5%, but can be a flat rate of $10-15 (USD).

Your bank’s debit card ATM fee of $2-3 (USD) is less than the cash advance fee.  To sum it up, it's cheaper to pay a $2 ATM fee and 3% foreign fee than a 3% cash advance fee plus 3% foreign fee.  To make sure about the card you have because every card is different, call your card issuer and ask for ATM fee, cash advance fee, foreign transaction fee rates.

Another tiny detail that you must keep in mind is to make sure you take crisp bill with no damage or whatsoever.  Money changers will offer less or not accept worn out bills.  $100 bills have the best cash exchange rate bills with lower value are changed at a lower rate.  And be very wary of whom you exchange your money with, there are many scammers out there.  Make sure you know the right exchange rate and if ever there will be someone offering you a higher rate or you see a signage on the street that offers higher rate do not believe it because chances are they are fraud.  They are know to be quick in folding bills over or swapping bills that you may think that he had given you the right amount but in reality you had been deceived.  Always go to the legitimate banks and money changers.

Sunday, August 4, 2013

Tips On How You Can Upgrade Your Stay At Hotels

Your home when you are in vacation, a home away from home.  You want a comfortable room, and this would make a huge difference to your entire vacation.  It isn’t always a guarantee that you will be staying to the most comfortable hotel but you can improve your stay.



Timing



If you desire for a room upgrade, there are some circumstances in which this will likely to happen.  First is during a slow season, on a weekend at a hotel that business travelers visits commonly and only stays for a short while.  Another circumstance, many hotel rooms are empty and ready for upgrades during off-season.  If planning for a short stay only, likewise, room turnover is less of a hassle.  According to an unnamed front desk manager quoted on the MSNBC website, if you arrive late and leave early, for instance, because of an unexpected change in travel plans, a room upgrade is a distinct possibility.  it is because, it will be easier to make changes for someone who is planning to stay for a short while.



Appearance



According to the Recessionwire website, while it's not necessary to arrive dripping in jewels and covered with designer labels, an upscale appearance can be a deciding factor in whether you get an upgrade.  Meaning, if you arrive looking like a backpacker it is more likely that you would not get an update.   According to the MSNBC website, on the other hand, front desk staff are often sympathetic when you arrive looking exhausted.  You may receive an upgrade at least to a higher-quality bed especially when you have a nice character.



Conduct



If you have complaints and are all legitimate, those wont be held against you but show a and obnoxious attitude then expect no upgrade and it could be use against you in future stay.  According to Genevieve Brow, a Travelocity senior editor, quoted on the Mainstreet website, letting the front desk know you're celebrating a special occasion will often score a better room for you.  Travel consultant Daniel Edward Craig recommends having the reservations agent note your special occasion next to your booking so that the front desk staff can see it when you check-in in his writing on the Hotel Online website.  "The front desk reviews special requests on the day of arrival and tends to have a soft spot for special occasions," says Craig.



The Direct Approach



Requesting for an upgrade is not hard or even complicated, you can just ask politely.  There’s nothing wrong with dropping a slight reminder more especially if you are already a regular guest.  According to Recessionwire  be ready to hear "No" and responding. For instance: “No deluxe rooms available? How about free breakfast?” It suggests being persistent but friendly.






Friday, August 2, 2013

Jakarta Travel Tips

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Like any other cities in the world, Jakarta is a noisy and chaotic metropolis.  And same as those cities, there are cautions to be conscious of.  Jakarta is much fun if you know what you are doing so if it is your first time in the city here are some travel tips for you.

Customs and etiquette are very important anywhere but in Indonesia there are some certain points that you must remember.  Although Indonesians are usually laid-back, there are some dos and don’ts that you must be sensitive just so you won’t offend.  When entering temples, mosques, and even some shops, shoes should always be removed.  Skits and shorts must cover your knees when in town.  Pointing is also prohibited and eating with your left hand is offensive as it is only used for toilet duties.

Smooching or public display of affection with partner or with a local is considered too be very offensive.  Keep it cool and keep your temper in check even in the most tempting circumstances.  Although Jakarta is not tip-heavy at least be a bit generous more especially to a non-service-charging restaurant and the rounding up of a cab bill.

When it comes to money matters, the local currency is the Indonesian rupiah (Rp), with notes ranging from Rp500 to Rp100,000 and coins of up to Rp1,000.  If you you got to change money, you must go directly to the banks instead of having them changed in the hotels because you will have a bad time due to their worst exchange rate!

But good thing about Jakarta is they are a fairly credit card-friendly city with shops, restaurants and hotels all generally accepting Visa and MasterCard.  Be careful of high ATM charges and remember cash is king in the inexpensive markets.

It is hot year round in Jakarta because of it close proximity with the equator with little deviation in the seasonal sense.  During October to February, the monsoon season goes and it is particularly wet while June through September is generally boiling hot and the best time to visit is between March and June.

Jakarta is pretty big and you need to use public transportation.  Jakarta Monorail is a new monorail system in use to the more colorful and touristy parts of town, as well as a fairly recent bus network.  Every district is accommodated by bus with dedicated lines, as minibuses take in localized routes.  And also, trains run to Ancol from downtown Jakarta and motorized rickshaws and there are also plenty of metered taxis.

Hotel shuttles, if your hotel has one, are the most excellent choice for transport from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK).  Taxis are a bit quite hard to negotiate with but there is limousine desk and a desk for ordinary taxis at the airport that you can try to talk to.  What’s more, there is an airport shuttle bus to choose from in downtown destinations and cheaper DAMRI shuttle buses.

Monday, July 29, 2013

Tips on Using Debit Card at Hotels

http://westhillconsulting.info/blog/tips-on-using-debit-card-at-hotels/

What you need
Extra funds for incidental holds
Bank account statement

Before anything else, make sure that the hotel accepts debit cards because some hotels are no longer accepting debit cards this is due to the customer discontent with fund holds, but many do.

Make sure that you know the hotels credit card policy before reserving a room.  For incidentals like the mini-bar, movies and room service, some hotels place a monetary hold so you better ask for this one in particular.  This can very costly too, it can hold you from $50 a night to over $100 at some luxury hotels, and will be assessed even if the room has been prepaid.  In the case that this happens, a $300 three-night hotel stay may increase up to $450 visit in an instant, with the extra $150 tied up until the bank or hotel releases the charge.   But you can avoid his by not asking or reminding it in the first place.

Always make sure that you still have cash on hand if just in case that the hotel slips a hold onto your account, you'll still be able to buy meals and enjoy the trip until the money is released.  This will always ensure that your trip is low on surprises.  And lastly but still as important like any other matter, it is also a good buffer against potential theft.

Notify the other user if you are using a joint card when you will be using the debit card for travel.  Inform the other user about the exact amount of cash paid at the hotel.  Also inform her about expected day of fund release for any hold assessed--especially if this amount will deplete the account, or leave little money in it.  Because if you won’t do this you might get your transactions declined without warning because sometimes joint account holders often find out the hard way that a mate has used the debit card while traveling.

Keep all your receipts and examine all of them.   Then once the trip is over check your bank statement.   Transaction mistakes are more likely to happen in a checking account than on a charge card.  So if you won’t double check it, an accidental overcharge can be a disaster and potentially lead to overdraft charges, bounced checks or insufficient-funds charges.  Because resolving it will take a while and you don’t want that so better read your receipts carefully before leaving your hotel.

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Know How Much You Should Tip at Hotels

In a USA Today interview Cornell University's School of Hotel Administration Professor Michael Lynn said, a third of the country doesn't know to tip 15 to 20 percent at a restaurant.  Vivian Deuschl, a vice president for Ritz-Carlton, says tips are not mandatory payments, nor should hotel employees automatically expect them, but they are greatly appreciated and might help make your stay more pleasant.

·      Always cheek your bill, notice if freebies are included.  There are hotel spas, restaurants and room services automatically include a tip as part of the bill.  If this is the case that the tip is already included, there in no need for an additional tip necessary but a very small extra tip for exceptional service is up to you.  And if in the case that the tip is not included a 15 to 20 percent tip for room service, spa treatments and other services is good enough.

·      Give a tip for the maid everyday.  As of 2010, a $2 to $5 tip is sufficient, with higher tips being left if your room requires more cleanup than usual. "USA Today" recommends that you leave a smaller tip on a daily basis rather than a larger tip at the end of your stay to ensure that the person cleaning your room each day actually gets the tip.

·      Rather than when you drop off the car, tip your valet when he returns your car to you from the lot.  Independent Traveler and "USA Today" recommend a tip of $1 to $5, depending on the weather conditions: the worse the weather, the higher the tip.

·      And basing on the services the concierge provides, you may or may not give her a higher tip.  You are not obligated to tip if the service is simply asking for directions or recommending a place to eat but if the service is something more difficult, such as finding reservations at an elite restaurant or getting tickets to a sold-out show, a tip of $10 to $50 is in order.

·      For the bellhops, base your tip on the number of bags they carry.  And tips are normally ranging from $1 to $2 per bag, with particularly heavy bags garnering higher tips.


Link Source:


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Monday, July 22, 2013

Top Posts | Westhill Consulting, TRAVEL & TOURS, INC.!

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Ramadhan fasting month which started last Wednesday will not affect the general economic activity, including tourism.  It will continue to run as usual in Bali even whil the Ramadhan fasting month is ongoing.

Banda-Aceh-Main-Mosque-in-Indonesia-595x447



Denpasar Tourist Agency head Putu Budiasa told The Jakarta Post that in general, tourism in Bali had remained normal.



Everything is business as usual from street-side food stalls to five-star hotels as well as nightlife venues will continue to host customers per normal operating hours.



“All activities will run as usual. Nothing changes. The only thing that will change, maybe, is when customers stop by. Those who are fasting may go to restaurants when it’s time to break fast,” he said.



He, nevertheless, acknowledged that domestic tourist arrivals might see a slight lessening during the fasting month.  During the summer school holiday, from year to year, Bali regularly sees peak domestic visitor arrivals and mostly from Java.



“As most residents in Java are Muslim, many may opt to not to travel during the fasting month. But domestic visitors from other parts of Indonesia are still coming,” he said.



Meanwhile, July to August are the peak months for foreign tourist arrivals. Bali tourism agency head Ida Bagus Kade Subhiksu similarly said that there were no operational hour limitations during Ramadhan this year. “Such limits is the authority of each regency and city. As far as I know, operational hours and services at the airport, hotels, restaurants and tourism destinations, will run as usual,” he said.



The Bali tourism agency last year recorded that there were 1,339 restaurants with a total capacity of 68,468 seats and 582 bars operating throughout Bali.



There are many hotels to choose from to 1,031 non-star hotels with a total 21,114 rooms, 156 star-hotels with 20,269 rooms, and 1,025 villas with 4,642 rooms.  Bali moreover has 345 travel agents, 219 water tourism companies, and 270 tourism destinations.

Head of the Islam education division at the Religious Affairs Ministry’s Bali office, Mustain, said that there was a high level of religious tolerance throughout the island. The majority of Bali itself follows the Hindu faith.



“That’s why there’s a high level of religious tolerance here,” he said. Despite the business-as-usual mode, Mustain said that Muslims in Bali were able to perform tarawih (extra prayer service) peacefully at hundreds of mosques and mushollas (prayer rooms) across the island.

Hotels & Restaurants | Westhill Consulting, TRAVEL & TOURS, INC.!

http://westhillconsulting.info/blog/category/hotels-restaurants/

Deciding on what hotel to stay can be very confusing sometimes with all the travel guides and online discounts sprouting all over.  Take it easy and do not rush, have some time to trim down your search by looking for other and sometimes less familiar or forgotten ways on how to get a cheaper hotel.  Remember that you can save so much more money if you are certain and you prioritize the things that you only need when in search of a hotel.



Look for definite or specific discounts.  Research online trough websites and have a habit of comparing hotel rates, such an example is compare Priceline or Travelocity.  Organize your list of price range from cheapest hotel to the most expensive.


For more potential discounts, visit the hotel’s website.  You look first for online coupons and membership discounts.  Some hotels, aside from their offers of discounts to AAA members or seniors they also allow you to sign up for a free hotel membership that can save you 10 to 20 percent off your daily rate during your next stay.


Know the type of accommodation that you want.  Search for hostels or hospitality online if you are not looking for luxuries but only a place to sleep and stay.  Hostels.com or Hihostel.com, check this two if travelling internationally but if travelling in a group you may consider bed and breakfast.  Check out for these lodging places individually on websites such as Hotels.com, Orbitz or Tripadvisor for the best rates.


You can book travelers package.  Make use of discount traveling websites to get budget-friendly rates on airfare and train fare, car rentals and hotels.  Think about how much will be spending if you book these items separately and see if you can save money with a package deal.  You may have a considerable amount of money to save if you boo a package that offers a 5-star hotel at a 2-star price, good deal right?


Purchase a gift card from an auction website such as eBay.  Hotels or other entities, sometimes, permit travelers to make low bids on special promotions, room rate discounts or extended-stay specials, like “buy one, get an additional night free” pass or certificate.


Be informed always by joining traveling clubs or your favorite hotel’s membership to receive emails on hotel discounts. You also can receive email alerts from AAA or Travelocity for current hotel rates at your favorite destinations.

Destination | Westhill Consulting, TRAVEL & TOURS, INC.!

http://westhillconsulting.info/blog/category/destination/

Hotel Al Codega

hotel-al-codega-venice-italy



Venice hotel close to Rialto Bridge



This hotel made the exclusive Expedia© Insiders’ Select™ list, which includes only the very best hotels and resorts on Expedia, as rated by our hundreds of thousands of customers and our in-house experts.
Guest Reviews

Value
Expedia Hotel Expert input

Near St Mark’s Square

This three-floor residence is situated in the city centre of Venice, 200 metres from St Mark’s Square and 300 metres from Rialto Bridge.



Hotel bar

Guests can tuck into the breakfast buffet, choose from a selection of drinks in the bar, and ask the concierge to make restaurant reservations.



Minibars in rooms

Hotel Al Codega’s guestrooms are decorated in a traditional style with antique furnishings and wooden floors; all include cable TV, minibars and telephones.



Hotel Amenities

General

Hotel Al Codega’s bar offers a wide selection of drinks in a relaxed atmosphere with low-level lighting. Guests can unwind over complimentary newspapers or watch television in the lobby. The concierge can advise on local sightseeing and guests can book tickets to shows and attractions using complimentary wireless Internet access. Hotel Al Codega also offers a 24-hour front desk and room service.



Dining

Guests of Hotel Al Codega enjoy a complimentary buffet breakfast each morning.

The hotel does not have its own restaurant, but there are several dining options within the surrounding area.



Nearby restaurants:

Antico Dolo

Al Giardinetto

Accessibility

To make requests for specific accessibility needs, complete the “Special or Accessibility Requests” section of “Trip Preferences” when you book your hotel.

Accessible path of travel
Roll-in shower
Policies & Fees

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 2 PM



Special check-in instructions:

A tax is imposed by the city and will be collected at the property (check Mandatory Fees and Taxes section for fee details). This tax does not apply to residents of Venice City and children under 10 years of age. Further exemptions may apply, subject to submission of proper documents to the property, to patients, their companions and people staying in the city for specific purposes/duties. 30% reduction applies for 2012: from 1 to 31 December; for 2013: from 1 to 31 January and from 1 to 31 December.

Check-out

Check-out time is noon

Payment Types

Accepted at this hotel: MasterCard, Visa

Pets

Pets allowed

Policies

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on hotel policy.

Government-issued photo identification and a credit card or cash deposit are required at check-in for incidental charges.

Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges. Special requests cannot be guaranteed.

Hide

Fees

Unless otherwise indicated, the charges below are not included in the overall room price. If not included in the overall room price, they will be charged by the property at check-in or check-out. Charges can vary, for example, based on length of stay or the room you book. This property told us they will charge you for the following:



A tax is imposed by the city: EUR 4 per person, per night for adults; EUR 2 per night for guests aged 10-15 years old. This tax does not apply to children under 10 years of age. We have included all charges provided to us by the property. However, charges can vary, for example, based on length of stay or the room you book.

Hotel ICON

4.5-star luxury hotel in Kowloon (Yau Tsim Mong) near Hong Kong Coliseum

Westhill Consulting, TRAVEL & TOURS, INC.: Instead Of A Hotel Stay At A College Residence

If you are tight on budget or you are just simply looking for a cheap place to stay, one of the best ways to reduce the cost of your accommodations, aside from camping, is staying in a college dorm. Staying in college dorms would not be a problem because in the first place they are empty during the holidays and summer break. They are often renting out their rooms as a way to continue to bring revenue. This is actually happening in many countries and not just in United States, in fact in Europe they offer their dormitories for rent as well. Rates range between $35 and $70 per night and will normally consist of access to the kitchen, a lounge area and the local public transit.
• Browse the internet and look for websites like Chamber of Commerce or any related sites about the town or city to which you will travel. List all the colleges and universities in the area, including their phone numbers and website addresses.

• If you have found a school that you are interested in staying, visit its website. Usually private small colleges have rooms for rent, so try to searching on them first. The problem is they do not usually post this on their websites so if there is no posting, call the director of housing for the school directly. It might be that the school has never done it before but would like to try it and consider the idea.

• Make sure to ask the rates you will be charged and ask the things they will include. Make certain that you will be having the access to the cooking facility and bathroom. You will have to be certain that you are allowed to cook food for yourself before agreeing to rent the room. And if you are travelling with a companion do not forget to ask if how many beds are there in the room.

• The downside will be, you have to bring linens, a pillow, blankets or a sleeping bag, and possibly your own cutlery, plate and bowl because dorms do not usually provide these for their borders so probably they wont have it for you either. Bring a towel and toiletries with you and also flip-flops to wear in the shower.

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Thursday, July 18, 2013

Tourism Not Affected By Fasting Month | Westhill Consulting, Travel and Tours!

http://westhillconsulting.info/blog/tourism-not-affected-by-fasting-month/

Ramadhan fasting month which started last Wednesday will not affect the general economic activity, including tourism.  It will continue to run as usual in Bali even whil the Ramadhan fasting month is ongoing.



Denpasar Tourist Agency head Putu Budiasa told The Jakarta Post that in general, tourism in Bali had remained normal.



Everything is business as usual from street-side food stalls to five-star hotels as well as nightlife venues will continue to host customers per normal operating hours.



“All activities will run as usual. Nothing changes. The only thing that will change, maybe, is when customers stop by. Those who are fasting may go to restaurants when it’s time to break fast,” he said.



He, nevertheless, acknowledged that domestic tourist arrivals might see a slight lessening during the fasting month.  During the summer school holiday, from year to year, Bali regularly sees peak domestic visitor arrivals and mostly from Java.



“As most residents in Java are Muslim, many may opt to not to travel during the fasting month. But domestic visitors from other parts of Indonesia are still coming,” he said.



Meanwhile, July to August are the peak months for foreign tourist arrivals. Bali tourism agency head Ida Bagus Kade Subhiksu similarly said that there were no operational hour limitations during Ramadhan this year. “Such limits is the authority of each regency and city. As far as I know, operational hours and services at the airport, hotels, restaurants and tourism destinations, will run as usual,” he said.



The Bali tourism agency last year recorded that there were 1,339 restaurants with a total capacity of 68,468 seats and 582 bars operating throughout Bali.



There are many hotels to choose from to 1,031 non-star hotels with a total 21,114 rooms, 156 star-hotels with 20,269 rooms, and 1,025 villas with 4,642 rooms.  Bali moreover has 345 travel agents, 219 water tourism companies, and 270 tourism destinations.

Head of the Islam education division at the Religious Affairs Ministry’s Bali office, Mustain, said that there was a high level of religious tolerance throughout the island. The majority of Bali itself follows the Hindu faith.



“That’s why there’s a high level of religious tolerance here,” he said. Despite the business-as-usual mode, Mustain said that Muslims in Bali were able to perform tarawih (extra prayer service) peacefully at hundreds of mosques and mushollas (prayer rooms) across the island.

Sunday, July 14, 2013

Indonesia Travel Guide

http://westhillconsulting.info/travel.html

Indonesia Travel Guide
Full country name: Republic of Indonesia
Area: 1,904,569 sq km
Population: 242,97 million (July 2010 est.)
Capital City: Jakarta
Language: Bahasa Indonesia (official, modified form of Malay), English, Dutch, local dialects (the most widely spoken of which is Javanese)
Religion: Muslim 86.1%, Protestant 5.7%, Roman Catholic 3%, Hindu 1.8%, other or unspecified 3.4%
Government: Republic
Time Zone: UTC+7
Dialling Code: 62
Electricity: 220V 50 Hz
Weights & measures: Metric
Money & Costs:
Currency: Indonesian rupiah (IDR)
Average Yearly Salary: USD 4,000
Geography: Indonesia, the largest archipelago in the world, is located in Southeast Asia and Oceania. The country comprises 17,508 islands all in all, with 5 (Java, Borneo, Sulawesi, Sumatra and New Guinea) being fundamental. The country shares maritime borders with Singapore, Philippines, Malaysia and Australia. The country's location make it a place of numerous volcanoes and frequent earthquakes.

Climate: Indonesia has a tropical climate, with two distinct seasons: wet and dry. Mountainous region receive the highest rainfall. Humidity averages to about 80%. The average yearly temperature is 26-30 C (79-86 F) throughout the year.

Recommended clothing: Lightweight cotton clothes are recommended throughout the year. Rainwear is essential during the rainy season. Pack warmer clothes if you are planning to travel to upland areas.

Social conventions: Handshaking is the normal form of greeting. If invited to the home, a small souvenir from one's homeland is an acceptable gift, and something for their children is always welcome. Do not give money. Remember that a nod of the head means 'no' and a shake means 'yes'!

Health: There are many health risks associated with traveling to Indonesia, therefore all the necessary immunizations and vaccinations should be taken ahead. Malaria is a risk everywhere, except the larger cities. The dengue fever is present throughout Indonesia, especially during the rainy season. Mosquito repellents and any other possible protection is advised. Travelers' diarrhea is also a major risk; you should only drink bottled water and avoid uncooked meat, salads and unpeeled fruit. Poor sanitation can increase the risk of cholera, typhoid and other diseases. Health care is of a poor quality and very expensive, therefore travel insurance is strongly recommended.

Food & Drink: Indonesian cuisine is formed not only by the local cultures and foreign influences as well. The basis of all Indonesian meals is rice, which are mixed with either fish or meat. The food is usually strong in spices and flavor. Goat and lamb are the most widely used meats. Coconut milk and lemon grass is widely used in cooking. The national Indonesian dish is called Nasi Goreng (fried rice with a fried egg). Some other national dishes include: Kari Ikan (fish curry) and Semur Daging (beef in Soya sauce). The most popular Indonesian drinks are teh (tea) and kopi (coffee). Jasmine and green teas are the most popular varieties of teas drunk in Indonesia. Kopi susu (coffee with sweetened condensed milk) is an Indonesian version of Café au lait. There are also various famous brand soft drinks such as Coca Cola or Fanta.

Popular Hotels and Best Hotel

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The Lugger, Cornwall
The setting for this 17th-century inn could not be better. Sandwiched between the cliffs in the tiny fishing village of Portloe – the fiercely sloping landscape of which has spared it from development – this whitewashed hotel looks out across the harbour. But it is not just about the location – the 22 rooms are as bright and welcoming as the amiable staff, while the food (given its seafront position, fish features heavily) is superb. If you plan to push the boat out, opt to stay in the miniature cottage for something a bit special.
Mama Shelter, Paris
Cheap but chic, with quirky decor by Philippe Starck, and a buzzing bar and restaurant attracting cool Parisians. Beds feel luxurious; standard extras include Kiehl's toiletries, free Wi-Fi and iMac televisions. The bedside fancy-dress masks are possibly not for everyone, but the price is.
Hotel Alpenrose, Wengen, Switzerland
This is the best sort of traditional, family-run hotel. You won't find designer furnishings or trappings, but it's a comfortable, well-run three-star set on a plateau at the edge of a pretty Alpine village, with great views over the valley below (opt for a south-facing balcony room). It has a welcoming lounge with log fire, books, games and Wi Fi, friendly owners and staff, and a loyal band of regulars who return year after year to ski or walk in the mountains.
Palazzo Zichy, Budapest
This elegantly refashioned former Hungarian count's palace is an impressive fusion of 19th-century Habsburg-era elegance and 21st-century (Italian designer) style. Beautiful, spacious lobby; sleek contemporary rooms; a funky sitting room area; and a great location in a wonderfully atmospheric part of Pest. A bargain to boot.
The Inn at Narrow Passage, Woodstock, Virginia
In the heart of rural Virginia, this beautifully restored and homely colonial inn served as Stonewall Jackson's headquarters during the American Civil War. Bedrooms are charmingly old-fashioned and filled with period antiques and each has a working fireplace. Breakfasts are the thing here; try the blueberry pancakes and French toast.

Special Packages - Honeymoon, Adventures,Vacation

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Special packages

Honeymoon

Middle East Egypt & Middle East - UAE, Dubai & Oman
The land of myths and legends, the home of iconic pyramids and also a perfect place to shop and dine. The city the flows with rich culture and history Egypt and Arabia is also a perfect destinations for escape and seclusions.

Be amazed in the magnificent shore of Red Sea of Egypt. Experience living like Bedouin in the deserts of the UAE. And escape the world and hide in the coves of Oman's spectacular Musandam Peninsula.

When you say tourist destination, Egypt is one of the first thing tourists have in mind, it has been one of the oldest destination in the world. Today it also has been romantic as Italy for honeymooners choose to spend their lovely first days as married couples to marvel the monuments of the Nile Valley, the souks and mosques, and natural wonders of Red Sea with blue water, white sand, colorful coral and laidback lifestyle.

Abu Dhabi and Dubai on the other hand will offer you the same romantic vibe but with the total opposite from Egypt, from the atmospheric old towns and souks to spectacular skyscrapers and alluring night life. Abu Dhabi's modern architecture and cultural heritage combine magnificently with the beauty of the desert. Dubai blends traditional Arabic hospitality with a modern vibe and pristine sandy beaches.

Arabia's pride, Oman, the jewel on its crown is still a largely undiscovered paradise. The nation's capital Muscat is the center of the strong tradition culture and the core of Oman's extraordinary 5,000-year history.

If you are tired of the hustle and bustle of the city you are welcome in thr remote Musandam Peninsula. It is Arabia's magnificent coastline. The magical honeymoon hideaway awaits, here a landscape of sunburnt ridges and ravines cleaves into the sparkling waters of the Arabian Sea.

Indian Ocean
If you love beach and diving then Indian Ocean is the perfect honeymoon getaway for you. The Indian Ocean is world-famous for its impressive diving opportunities. They also offer spa retreats and wrap of white-sand beach.

There are many choices that you can choose from; the azure ocean is blessed with its many stunning islands which are all ideal for flawless honeymoon destination.

Maldives
Maldives will leave you stunned and speechless. Everybody's all time favorite destination, whether an ordinary tourist or honeymooners. The experience will be so unbelievable it will defy belief. They provide you with secluded individual islands which will make you endow with the best vacation of your life.

This paradise on earth is not surprisingly the top honeymoon destination because in the Maldives you'll find brilliant white sands, sparkling aquamarine lagoons and vibrant coral reefs.

Caribbean
The one-of-a-kind Caribbean is the land of exquisite countries and islands, offering something for every tourist. Caribbean can offer you endless possibilities; you will never run out of activities with the endless sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, atmospheric cities, gastronomical delights, havens for dining, snorkeling and sailing, and a unique laidback way of life. Caribbean honeymoon will give you romance and lavishness intertwined with comfortable accommodation, chic facilities and magnificent service.

Each honeymoon destination is inimitable from Cuba to the magnificent beaches and azure waters of Barbados, Jamaica and Antigua; Grenada's stunning rainforest landscape; or Mexico's Mayan ruins, you can never go wrong with Caribbean.

Italy
Nothing beats the most romantic city in the world, Italy it is. With its enchanting cities, breathtaking coasts, dazzling culture and world-class cuisine Italy is the romantic capital of the world.

It will provide you the most incredible and unforgettable honeymoon destination. Artist or not, no one can deny the joy of the art and culture of Italian cities. Reminders of empirical past are overflowing in the city of Rome. And pack with Renaissance art Venice and Florence are one artistic cities. Milan on the other hand is renowned as one of Europe's financial and fashion centers. And who doesn't know Romeo and Juliet, and who wouldn't want to visit their home Verona the romantic gem.

These two lakes, Lake Garda and Lake Como are racing their natural beauty and breathtaking scenery. The stunning resort and spectacular bay of Portofino epitomizes the glamour of the Ligurian coast in the northwest.

Tuscany's beautiful landscape has the medieval town of Siena set on it with a pretty town square, a handful of shops, restaurants and two fabulous historic villas form the chic resort of Ravello, located high above Amalfi coast.

Adventure

British Columbia and the Canadian Rockies
The natural wonders of Western Canada is no doubt at the top of the natural beauties of nature. Extending from temperate Vancouver Island and the nearby Gulf Islands up the Inside Passage to Prince Rupert and the Alaska border, British Columbia has thousands of miles of coastline. The large majority of British Columbia's interior is wilderness which includes seven national parks and fruit-laden Thompson Okanagan growing region. The dramatic Canadian Rockies rise in eastern B.C. but peak in western Alberta. It is highlighted by Banff National Park and rugged Jasper National Park to the north.

Norway
This travel destination may be the most underrated for outdoor enthusiasts but this is surely no less than any other travel destination. The Norwegian landscape abounds with open spaces and varied wilderness. You can surely enjoy the wild because Norway is only populated by less than 5 million. The world's best system of public huts and trails for hiking in the summer and cross-country skiing in the winter is being maintained by the Norwegian Trekking Association. That's not all, there is so much more to do in Norway, you can surf on white sand beaches above the Arctic Circle, hike the otherworldly Hardangervidda Plateau, and cruise the majestic western fjords for which Norway is most famous.

Bhutan
Money is nothing compare to the experience you will get in visiting the tiny Kingdom of Bhutan. Bhutan only receives a fraction of visitors comparing to its Himalayan mountain scenery rival Nepal not because it is less beautiful but because it is more expensive to got to Bhutan. Bhutan's visa is only about $20 but a pre-requisite is booking with a guide that runs $200 per day and upward (the price includes room, board, and transportation). It may be expensive but certainly is in comparison to neighboring country and for those who can afford it Bhutan truly is a special place: a smaller and quieter version of Nepal preserved from outside influence. And you shouldn't miss its 25-day Snowman Trek. It is considered to be one among the world's most majestic and demanding hikes.

Holy Pilgrimage
Mecca (Muslim Hajj)
Muslim Hajj is an obligation to every able-bodied Muslim. To complete this, they must go to Mecca, Saudi Arabia at least once in their lifetime. Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam and during this annual gathering; Muslim pilgrims converge on Mecca where they participate in series of ritual activities.

The tradition of pilgrimage to Mecca was believed to start date back to 2000BCE and the time of Abraham. Now the modern Hajj is modeled after journey of the Prophet Mohammed and his followers from Medina to Mecca. Taking part of the Muslim's tradition is up to 3 million in the rite each yaer.

Jerusalem
According to tradition, Jews living in ancient Israel were obliged by the Torah to make pilgrimage to Jerusalem on the three holy occasions of Pesach (Passover), Shavuot and Sukkot. The trips were made in union with special rituals performed at the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem. After the destruction of the Temple in the first century, the pilgrimage is no longer compulsory practice for Jews. But hence, despite it, many still choose to travel to Jerusalem. And not only they travel on these occasions but also throughout the year in order to visit sites such as the Western Wall.

St. Peter's Basilica
The Vatican City is no stranger to millions of visitors every year, as the home of the Roman Catholic Church, many visitors choose the city as their travel destination. Adding up to its religious significance for Catholics, marvelous works of art like the Sistine Chapel attract secular tourists in droves.

Westhill Consulting Travel and Tours Info

http://westhillconsulting.info/

Westhill Consulting, TRAVEL & TOURS, INC. was established by a group of people who are travel enthusiasts. They wanted to fulfilla

long time dream of travelling the world and they wanted to fulfill others' dream as well. We carry out the business of tours and travel

intermediation representing major travel suppliers. We also provide services such as booking, tour facilitation, travel documentation

and other related services. We will make sure that you will have the travel experience that is worth of you money and your time. We

hope that this will result to repeat sales from valued customers.

Vision
This company envisions itself to be the most preferred travel agency by providing a high-quality and reliable service thereby fulfilling

one's dream of traveling.

Mission
Through the determined efforts of the associates, the company is passionate in giving our customers the following satisfaction:

Provide the fulfillment of everybody's dream to travel
Provide quality and affordable travel to consumers
Provide the satisfaction of that dream and repeat sale from valued customers

Thursday, July 11, 2013

Find the Cheapest Hotels Online: Know the Secrets

Deciding on what hotel to stay can be very confusing sometimes with all the travel guides and online discounts sprouting all over.  Take it easy and do not rush, have some time to trim down your search by looking for other and sometimes less familiar or forgotten ways on how to get a cheaper hotel.  Remember that you can save so much more money if you are certain and you prioritize the things that you only need when in search of a hotel.



Look for definite or specific discounts.  Research online trough websites and have a habit of comparing hotel rates, such an example is compare Priceline or Travelocity.  Organize your list of price range from cheapest hotel to the most expensive.


For more potential discounts, visit the hotel’s website.  You look first for online coupons and membership discounts.  Some hotels, aside from their offers of discounts to AAA members or seniors they also allow you to sign up for a free hotel membership that can save you 10 to 20 percent off your daily rate during your next stay.


Know the type of accommodation that you want.  Search for hostels or hospitality online if you are not looking for luxuries but only a place to sleep and stay.  Hostels.com or Hihostel.com, check this two if travelling internationally but if travelling in a group you may consider bed and breakfast.  Check out for these lodging places individually on websites such as Hotels.com, Orbitz or Tripadvisor for the best rates.


You can book travelers package.  Make use of discount traveling websites to get budget-friendly rates on airfare and train fare, car rentals and hotels.  Think about how much will be spending if you book these items separately and see if you can save money with a package deal.  You may have a considerable amount of money to save if you boo a package that offers a 5-star hotel at a 2-star price, good deal right?


Purchase a gift card from an auction website such as eBay.  Hotels or other entities, sometimes, permit travelers to make low bids on special promotions, room rate discounts or extended-stay specials, like “buy one, get an additional night free” pass or certificate.


Be informed always by joining traveling clubs or your favorite hotel’s membership to receive emails on hotel discounts. You also can receive email alerts from AAA or Travelocity for current hotel rates at your favorite destinations.