Europe: Know Before You Go

Whether you are traveling to London for the 2012 Summer Olympics or you’re jetting off on an Italian holiday while the kids are out of school, it’s wise to do some research first. After all, it doesn’t pay to perpetuate the “dumb American” stereotype when you are traveling overseas. While smartphones are helpful and very convenient, they don’t provide you with the same organized information featured in guidebooks. Many people shy away from purchasing the highly informative books because they feel they can obtain the same information via the Internet. On the contrary, guidebooks are priceless, especially if you are … Continue reading

European Adventures

If you haven’t already booked your summer flight to London to witness sports history unfold before your eyes, you may be out of luck. According to travel experts, despite fares increasing nearly 20 percent over last year, flights to England are being snatched up by travelers attending the 2012 Summer Olympic Games, which run July 27 to August 12. The U.S. Commerce Department’s Office of Travel and Tourism Industries’ website notes that nearly 13 million Americans visited Europe in 2009. That number is estimated to increase by at least 35 percent in 2012 thanks to the Olympics and the Diamond … Continue reading

Find the Best Price on All-Inclusive Trips

In a previous blog I discussed the advantages and disadvantages of all-inclusive vacations. They can be money savers provided you choose the right one. So, how do you book an all-inclusive trip of a lifetime without breaking the bank? My suggestion: Visit ResortCompete.com. The new website features a complete list of all-inclusive vacations from more than 630 resorts around the world. Getting results is very simple—just fill out an online form listing your preferences for dates, location, number of adults and children in your group, and how many rooms you want, and the computer does the rest. In the end … Continue reading

Cruise Europe on a Dime

Okay, it might not be that cheap, but the following deals do reflect savings of up to 65% off regular rates. (Avid as well as first time cruisers can appreciate that.) As far as the destination goes, it’s true, the dollar isn’t at optimal levels in Europe, but at least you are saving money getting there. Another bonus: Instead of fussing with having to pay separately for your room, meals and transportation these cruises allow you to pay one flat fee. CARNIVAL CruisesOnly is currently offering an outstanding deal on an early-bird fall voyage to the Mediterranean. The 12-night odyssey … Continue reading

Affordable All-Inclusive Packages to Europe

If you truly want to take a vacation–especially one that gives you a break from dealing with the logistics of booking your own airline tickets, finding a hotel, coordinating ground transportation, etc.—-then you might want to consider the following discounted package deals to popular cities in Eastern Europe. All of them offer stress-free travel options for a flat fee. PRAGUE For just $1,229 per person Virgin Vacations is selling an outstanding trip to Prague. The six-night escape includes roundtrip air from New York; lodging at a conveniently located hotel; and daily continental breakfast. You will spend a week exploring this … Continue reading

Free Vacations for Teachers

  It’s said that teaching is among the most underpaid and underappreciated careers in the world.  The men and women who help shape our children’s futures are often overworked, and in a time when the economy is incredibly dismal, the idea of an educator spending precious cash on a luxury vacation is almost laughable. Well, if you are a creative leader in the classroom, who has always dreamed of traveling to the ends of the earth, get ready to smile. Thanks to Hilton HHonors, you can jet-off on a vacation to remember for FREE.  This year, the company is giving … Continue reading

Stretch Your Travel Dollar Abroad

Fall is one of the cheapest seasons to travel abroad. If you have always dreamed of exploring London, Paris or Rome, but were afraid booking a trip would drain your bank account, now is the time to act. Vacations to European destinations drop substantially once kids head back to school. According to Expedia.com, round-trip airfare to London during October and November is running about $80 cheaper than just a month ago. Meanwhile, perennial fan favorites, Paris and Rome can be visited for rock-bottom prices starting the second week in November. However, the cheapest destinations of Europe remain in Germany, Ireland … Continue reading

Post-Olympic Travel Deals

Now that Ryan Lochte is back on American soil looking for his next one-night stand, London is looking for someone to take his place. Actually, the city doesn’t care how you pick your friends (with benefits); it just wants you to fill the vacancies left behind by the throngs of sports fans that departed when the Olympic flame was extinguished. And London tourism officials aren’t the only ones hoping you’ll travel to the United Kingdom this fall. Several major airlines are slashing prices by as much as 25% in order to lure travelers to Europe. Fall is traditionally a super … Continue reading

Save on Back-to-School Travel

Whether your child is jetting back to college or boarding school this month, you’ll want to snag the best rate before it’s too late. Fortunately, being a student can yield major travel savings. For as much as they are despised for their insane baggage fees and other crazy expenses, some commercial airlines also offer student discounts that can really help out in a pinch. For example, since 1998, AirTran Airways has featured a discount airfare program for travelers 18 to 22 years old. The reduced rates let young people fly standby for $69 on short segment flights and $99 on … Continue reading

Save on Vacation Stays

Many travelers believe the best way to save on vacation accommodations is to bid online for the cheapest price. Turns out there are a slew of ways you can book a vacation stay without worrying about someone else’s low-ball price proposal. Farmstay: You’ve heard of housestays, where you can crash in someone’s spare bedroom during your travels, but what about farmstays? This alternative to expensive hotel rooms is one of the cheapest lodging options out there right now. Don’t let the name fool you; prior farm experience is not needed to take advantage of the affordable accommodations. In other words, … Continue reading