Traveling in popular tourist destinations has always been an expensive proposition. Now, the worst crisis since the Great Depression has put added pressure on the hospitality industry to keep prices down and promote affordable lodging. Traditional hotels are offering steep discounts to lure travelers with affordable lodging. The hospitality industry came up with new concepts [...] [...more]
Traveling in popular tourist destinations has always been an expensive proposition. Now, the worst crisis since the Great Depression has put added pressure on the hospitality industry to keep prices down and promote affordable lodging. Traditional hotels are offering steep discounts to lure travelers with affordable lodging. The hospitality industry came up with new concepts for affordable lodging aimed at attracting travelers on a budget:
* Micro-hotels
* Pod hotels
* Hostels
* Holiday rentals
Those above 4 new categories are flourishing with budget constrained travelers. The four categories are similar in that they are affordable lodging options. Affordable lodging is made possible by either cutting down on size, services, or cramming more people into the same room.
Micro-hotels and Pod hotels are basically tiny hotel rooms that are trendy and quite well equipped. Service and amenities are kept to a minimum to keep costs down. Micro-hotels and pod hotel operators can offer more rooms in the same buildings and can therefore charge less per night. These kinds of hotels are found mostly in large cities where there is a lack of space and where real estate prices are high.
Hostels are going through a modernization in which they can offer better quality lodging and amenities. Up to 8 people can sleep in a 1 bedroom. The prices of the rooms are then divided by 8 (or the number of renters) making it affordable for people to travel. This cheap way to travel has a price: the notion of comfort disappears. Hostels are mostly found in Europe and in the larger cities of the US.
Holiday rentals have become the strongest trend in the hospitality industry with spacious accommodations and full amenities for a fraction of the price of a hotel room. Of course, holiday rentals come in different shapes and sizes. They may be located in large cities, seaside resorts or country sides. Travelers may choose between affordable lodging holiday rentals or luxury holiday rentals that offer a much greater value than hotels. Holiday rentals are found all over the planet and in trendy places such as Miami, New York, Paris,London, Vail, Aspen and more.
Everyday our planet seems to be getting smaller as we make advances in technology. We are globalizing, which means that tourism is becoming increasingly important. Tourism is not only defined as recreational or for leisure purposes but business purposes are also accounted for. People have many reasons and motivations to move around, that’s where travel [...] [...more]
Everyday our planet seems to be getting smaller as we make advances in technology. We are globalizing, which means that tourism is becoming increasingly important. Tourism is not only defined as recreational or for leisure purposes but business purposes are also accounted for. People have many reasons and motivations to move around, that’s where travel tips and vacation rentals come in handy.
The actual definition of a tourist from the World Tourism Organization is persons who “travel to and stay in places outside their usual environment for more than twenty-four (24) hours and not more than one consecutive year for leisure, business and other purposes not related to the exercise of an activity remunerated from within the place visited.”
So what are the latest tourism trends?
Well, 2008 provided for 922 million international tourist arrivals (growth of 1.9% compared to 2007). Also in 2008, International tourism receipts grew to US$ 944 billion at about the same rate (1.8% from 2007). Those signs of growth have not been strong enough, however, to counteract the effects of the global recession.
The first four months of 2009 saw a decrease of international tourist arrivals of 8%. The outbreak of the Swine flu has also has some effect on slowing down tourism. Despite some bumps in the road, the World tourism organization is predicting growth at an average annual rate of 4%. In 25 years, who knows, maybe space tourism will start becoming a reality.
There is a fascination with Paris that is shared by so many people from all corners of the world. Paris is the essence of many dreams and dream vacations. All this allure about the French capital, the city of lights and the romance capital, translates into great success where people love getting vacation rentals.
Paris (Paris [...] [...more]
There is a fascination with Paris that is shared by so many people from all corners of the world. Paris is the essence of many dreams and dream vacations. All this allure about the French capital, the city of lights and the romance capital, translates into great success where people love getting vacation rentals.
Paris (Paris vacation rentals) is the most visited city on the planet, closely followed by London (London vacation rentals). People dig out guides and as much travel tips as possible before embarking on their visits. Most people decide to explore the cities featured on this list while getting vacation rentals, for example.
History is made in all of these great cities every day and the more people visit, the more the destinations become mythic. Whether it is The Big Apple (Manhattan vacation rentals) itself, or Dubai where the tallest and most impressive structures are being build every day, these cities are world wonders in themselves.
1. Paris, France: 15.6 million visitors
2. London, United Kingdom: 14.8 million visitors
3. Bangkok, Thailand: 10.84 million visitors
4. Singapore, Singapore: 10.3 million visitors
5. New York City, USA: 9.5 million visitors
6. Hong Kong, China: 7.94 million visitors
7. Dubai, United Arab Emirates: 6.9 million visitors
Tourists who embark on vacations know that they are going to be spending their money. There are some who constantly look for bargains and the most travel tips, while others care a little less about the financial aspects.
Germans and Americans are the two of the biggest spenders according to the World Tourism Organization. Tourists opting [...] [...more]
Tourists who embark on vacations know that they are going to be spending their money. There are some who constantly look for bargains and the most travel tips, while others care a little less about the financial aspects.
Germans and Americans are the two of the biggest spenders according to the World Tourism Organization. Tourists opting for vacation rentals in the destinations of their choice often find the experience rewarding and the money well-spent. Here is a list of the top 10 biggest spenders by nationality, as provided by the World Tourism Organization. It should not come as a surprise that Americans are among the top 5; the number “$76.2 billion” does seem pretty high.
The World Tourism Organization is in charge of following travels around the globe. According to the WTO, a tourist is simply someone staying outside of their usual location for a period of more than 24 hours. Boundaries between countries are becoming easier to travel through. Certain countries, like France (France vacation rentals) and Spain [...] [...more]
The World Tourism Organization is in charge of following travels around the globe. According to the WTO, a tourist is simply someone staying outside of their usual location for a period of more than 24 hours. Boundaries between countries are becoming easier to travel through. Certain countries, like France (France vacation rentals) and Spain (Spain vacation rentals) , are the main beneficiaries as their cultures are very appealing to visitors.
People love travelling, staying in vacation rentals or hotels, and exploring new boundaries. The Unification of the European Union has made Europe a great continent for traveling since European citizens no longer need visas.
Countries like France, Spain, Italy (Italy vacation rentals) and Germany (Germany vacation rentals) are among the most visited in Europe and in the world. Travel tips are numerous on the internet and tourists can get as much information to find the destinations they enjoy.
Can you guess what the 10 most visited countries are?
Air France is selling business class from New York (New York vacation rentals) to Paris for $ 1911 each way with round trip purchase. This great offer has currently no expiration date. There is no minimum stay and tickets need to be purchased 14 days in advance. There is no blackout date even during holidays. [...] [...more]
Air France is selling business class from New York (New York vacation rentals) to Paris for $ 1911 each way with round trip purchase. This great offer has currently no expiration date. There is no minimum stay and tickets need to be purchased 14 days in advance. There is no blackout date even during holidays. Visit the Air France website when you are ready to book.
If you decide to visit Paris or New York and plan to get there in Business Class you will probably decide to book a luxury accommodation as well: either a luxury hotel room or a luxury holiday rental. Paris and New York are expensive cities and getting a great deal is always highly appreciated.
Homeland security expanded its global entry program to an additional thirteen airports. The program lets trusted travelers who provide information in advance to pass immigration more rapidly. As of now, Global Entry has enrolled a total 16 000 members. Most importantly, the fact that US international airports are now covered makes it easier for travelers [...] [...more]
Homeland security expanded its global entry program to an additional thirteen airports. The program lets trusted travelers who provide information in advance to pass immigration more rapidly. As of now, Global Entry has enrolled a total 16 000 members. Most importantly, the fact that US international airports are now covered makes it easier for travelers to visit the Unites States.
British Airways has just been added to the of American Express partners to the membership rewards program.
This simply means that by the end of this year, US American express card members will be able to transfer Membership reward points to British Airways frequent flyer program. Travelling in style is always appreciated, especially in our trying [...] [...more]
British Airways has just been added to the of American Express partners to the membership rewards program.
This simply means that by the end of this year, US American express card members will be able to transfer Membership reward points to British Airways frequent flyer program. Travelling in style is always appreciated, especially in our trying economic environment.
People visiting the United States from other countries love to take advantage of all the great shopping deals in the US. According to surveys, the most popular retail items for tourists include children’s clothing, fashion jeans, American whiskey, fine bed linen and plush bath towels. If you want to get the best deals, it is [...] [...more]
People visiting the United States from other countries love to take advantage of all the great shopping deals in the US. According to surveys, the most popular retail items for tourists include children’s clothing, fashion jeans, American whiskey, fine bed linen and plush bath towels. If you want to get the best deals, it is important that you know where to shop for the best bargains. Below are a few tips to finding the best places for US shopping bargains.
Though there are shopping malls everywhere, the big shopping malls and discount stores are usually located in the suburbs.
Department stores offer a large variety of quality items and high fashion
Most of the department stores have seasonal sales which offer generous discounts. Stores have the end-of-summer sales in July and August; November brings Black Friday, the biggest shopping sales of the year; December 26 through mid-January offers big after-Christmas sales; and all the winter stuff goes on sale in February.
If you do not need the latest styles in fashion, high-end name brands or items of the highest quality, you can find plenty affordable items at discount stores such as Walmart, K-Mart and Target.
Shop at outlet malls for discounted quality merchandise. Outlet malls usually offer items that have small manufacturing defects or were left over from the shopping season before.
The US does not add VAT (value-added tax) to merchandise as many other countries do. However, do not be surprised to find states and cities add a sales tax to purchased items. Check specifically with the state or city that you will be in to see what their policy is.
Some of the United States’ most popular shopping areas are the Mall of America in Bloomington Minnesota; Michigan’s Main Street; Arroyo Seco Historic Parkway in Los Angeles, California; and the Venetian Resort in Las Vegas.
So many developments and changes have been made in the availability of free or affordable international calls while traveling. Before, travel tips savvy travelers would buy a local SIM card for about $2 to $25 from whichever country they were visiting. They then insert the SIM card into an unlocked phone and make and receive [...] [...more]
So many developments and changes have been made in the availability of free or affordable international calls while traveling. Before, travel tips savvy travelers would buy a local SIM card for about $2 to $25 from whichever country they were visiting. They then insert the SIM card into an unlocked phone and make and receive local calls.
Popular travel tips were introduced so that travelers may reach people back home by making and receiving affordable international calls via the well-known internet phone software called Skype. Skype works like a phone making calls through the internet. Skype released Skype for the iPhone which is convenient whenever you get access to Wi-Fi abroad. It does not work with 3G or other cellular networks. The call quality is pretty good. eBay bought Skype in 2005 but apparently, it only licensed, and didn’t buy, the software code that Skype runs on. Currently, Skype’s founders, who are no longer with the company but own the code through their new company, Joltid, are trying to terminate the license. The legal battle is supposed to reach British court by June 2010, and if Joltid wins, Skype will be unlikely to continue.
In the meantime, new travel tips and increased competition for Skype is popping up in the market of affordable international calls.
Google Voice
Google recently introduced this system to new subscribers. An invitation is necessary to join but you can request one on the site. Like Skype, Google Voice allows you to make affordable international calls at a low rate but goes about it differently. Google Voice works like a virtual switchboard that connects two parties over landlines, cellular airwaves and the internet. To use this travel tips suggestion, users need to simply log into the website and dial a number.
Disadvantage:
Google Voice works great when you are calling overseas from the United States but it doesn’t work as well in reverse. Google says that changes on this are underway.
Jajah
Users can make affordable international calls through Jajah by first dialing a local access number for the country you’re visiting; then, that number will connect you to the phone number you are trying to call.
Disadvantage:
Jajah only has access numbers in 19 countries (most of which are in Europe). If you’re in a country that is not assigned an access number, you would have to make the call from a computer.
GizmoCall.com
GizmoCall.com is a Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) system that requires a computer or Web-enabled phone to work.
This travel tips suggestion is a device that allows you to turn any internet-connected computer into an Internet telephone using a U.S.B.
OneSIMCard.com
At OneSIMCard, you can purchase an international SIM card that works in over 170 countries. The card goes for $39.99 but is free if you purchase at least $200 worth of credit.
Voxox
Voxox is travel tips suggestion that is similar to Skype and lets you make VoIP calls at similar rates. The system’s best feature is the SMS Callback; the user can send a text to Voxox with a phone number that they want to call. A few seconds later, the text sender’s phone will ring and a few seconds after they pick up the phone, the other person picks up their phone. You do not need a computer, internet access or a special kind of phone to make these international calls. Since it is connecting two phones, it charges two rates but combined, it still is often cheaper than Skype. Truphone and Call2 have similar SMS Callback features
People visiting the