Does everybody share the same priorities when it comes to booking vacations? From theme parks and beaches to history, culture, wine and dine, adventure and outdoors, we have a gazillion options to choose from. Even within the super set of adventure, there are hundreds of tempting activities: ski and snowshoe, sailing, canoeing and kayaking, hiking, water sports like sucba and snorkeling, jet skiing, surfing...it's just endless.
So, where do you want to go, if the kids insist on ski? Scour the web, browse the map, check out the seasons. How about a ski-vacation in Utah? Withing 40 miles from the Salt Lake City airport, and just west of Colorado, there are seven different mountains and some fantastic ski resorts. What more can we ask for??
Utah brags the 'Great Snow', and nine different ski resorts offering diverse experiences, with two 'only-ski' resorts. Plus you'll find quite affordable hotels in SLC. And the BIG bonus?? Boy, most ski resorts offer "Free Ski for Kids", yay!! That is, if your kids are six years of age or younger, they can have a FREE ride!! For those in teh age group of 7-10, it's just $10 for each. Can it get any cheaper?? All we need to do is grab cheap airfare, book in advance and jet set to the la la land!!
to be continued...
Friday, March 23, 2007
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Top Family Vacation Destinations II
Alright!! We're good to go with Paris. We know that off-season saves us plenty of $$$$$, plus it remains free form the tourist hordes. It's easier to book hotels and we find plenty of cheap airfares. Most online travel sites offer airfare discounts, but I found some great travel deals at Cheapoair. They have top travel deals year round. I bet these are incredible!!
So what lies next in the line? Something domestic? Maybe! How about a family break in Orlando?? America's beloved Orlando is a BIG hit for family vacationers around the world. Who can resist Disneyland!! Mickey Mouse & Co are household names, no? But it can really burn a hole down the pocket, especially with theme parks charging adult fees for kids who have just turned 10!! The expenses might leave you with eyes popping out, but there are tricks to save the big money.
Yes, you don't really have to be a high roller for your kids to have a slice of Orlando. There are several ways of doing this on a budget.
The first thing is to save as much as you can on airfare. Book in advance, do it off season, go for the lowest fares, be flexible with dates, fly on off-peak days and hours...do whatever it takes!!
The next big savings is going to be on hotels and car rentals. All inclusive vacations packages really help a lot here. But remember to compare prices all inclusive vis a vis cheap airfare, hotels, car rentals and food taken seperately. See what fits you best and book accordingly.
While you're in Orlando, always grab the Seasons Passes available for entry into Theme Parks. All theme parks offer seasons' passes, which give you the edge. The cost for such passes is almost equal to the price of two days' admission. But the advantage of these passes is that they offer unbelievable discounts on food, shopping, free parking, early entrance and plenty of other benefits. Without a pass, you have to pay 100 percent for every lip smacking cuisine which you may want to gorge on, you don't get discounts when you go shopping...So, next time when you're doing a theme park, always go for Seasons passes. You'll save a fortune!!
To be contuinued...
So what lies next in the line? Something domestic? Maybe! How about a family break in Orlando?? America's beloved Orlando is a BIG hit for family vacationers around the world. Who can resist Disneyland!! Mickey Mouse & Co are household names, no? But it can really burn a hole down the pocket, especially with theme parks charging adult fees for kids who have just turned 10!! The expenses might leave you with eyes popping out, but there are tricks to save the big money.
Yes, you don't really have to be a high roller for your kids to have a slice of Orlando. There are several ways of doing this on a budget.
The first thing is to save as much as you can on airfare. Book in advance, do it off season, go for the lowest fares, be flexible with dates, fly on off-peak days and hours...do whatever it takes!!
The next big savings is going to be on hotels and car rentals. All inclusive vacations packages really help a lot here. But remember to compare prices all inclusive vis a vis cheap airfare, hotels, car rentals and food taken seperately. See what fits you best and book accordingly.
While you're in Orlando, always grab the Seasons Passes available for entry into Theme Parks. All theme parks offer seasons' passes, which give you the edge. The cost for such passes is almost equal to the price of two days' admission. But the advantage of these passes is that they offer unbelievable discounts on food, shopping, free parking, early entrance and plenty of other benefits. Without a pass, you have to pay 100 percent for every lip smacking cuisine which you may want to gorge on, you don't get discounts when you go shopping...So, next time when you're doing a theme park, always go for Seasons passes. You'll save a fortune!!
To be contuinued...
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Top Family Vacation Destinations
We've heard them blowing the speakers, " the world is shrinking, the world is a global village, et al...''! True, we, as nations, have never come this close. But for the budget vacationer, the world is still too big and wide. With $$$ constraints keeping us rooted to the neighborhood year round, we hardly get a chance to go out and have some fun with the family. And boy, when the moment arrives, we really don't want to take a chance. We must hit the best spot on earth, no? So, here's my top picks in the world of family travel, the top family vacation spots round the world.
In Paris, with the Kids
Paris is not just for lovers! True, the City of Lights is equally fun with the kids. splurge at the French boutiques, wine tours, and delicious French brassieres. If you're teh luck one to save money on cheap international airfare, you can go out and splurge at the French boutiques, wine tours, and delicious French brassieres. Who hasn't heard about Parisian restaurants and the fasion streets!! And do I have to mention the Eiffel Tower.
What you want to be mindful while visiting Paris is that September is the high season, and the city remains packed. So, plan accordingly. If you're doing the high season, book your hotel in advance. Off-peak, you'll enjoy plenty of airfare and hotel discounts, but remember, it would be raining after September. Most visitors complain that even July and August have an average of 8 rainy days, in Paris! If you love the rain, it's going to be a surefire even during the off season!!
In Paris, with the Kids
Paris is not just for lovers! True, the City of Lights is equally fun with the kids. splurge at the French boutiques, wine tours, and delicious French brassieres. If you're teh luck one to save money on cheap international airfare, you can go out and splurge at the French boutiques, wine tours, and delicious French brassieres. Who hasn't heard about Parisian restaurants and the fasion streets!! And do I have to mention the Eiffel Tower.
What you want to be mindful while visiting Paris is that September is the high season, and the city remains packed. So, plan accordingly. If you're doing the high season, book your hotel in advance. Off-peak, you'll enjoy plenty of airfare and hotel discounts, but remember, it would be raining after September. Most visitors complain that even July and August have an average of 8 rainy days, in Paris! If you love the rain, it's going to be a surefire even during the off season!!
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Air Travel Tips for Families and Nervous Flyers...continued
Alright! You've put on a loose and comfy pair of clothes, oiled your nostrils and that of your kids, arrived at airport with an hour and a half still to go, and DECIDED that this time you're NOT indulging in in-flight meals and drinks. Is there anything else that we should consider?? Think hard. What have you found?? Nothing? Maybe you didn't get a good sleep last night and so you think you'll take a nap during the flight, yes? But that's what you should avoid!
Stay Awake, Don't Doze Off!
Most experts warn against sleeping on the plane. It's important that we adjust our sleep cycle from jetlag, not duirng the day, but at night. So, one must avoid sleeping during the flight if it arrives at night. True, you might be tired after landing. But it would a lot easier to hit the sack and wake up afresh, no?
More Oxygen
If you think your cabin is getting stuffy, ask your flight attendant to request the pilot for "less recirculated air, and more fresh air". If it's still stuffy, request an oxygen bottle.
Consider Exercises
We all know that exercise is vital for steady blood circulation. But on board, the importance much higher. You don't have to pump the irons! Just do some easy stuff like contracting and relaxing the muscles, or just get up and walk around the cabin. It's nothing embarrasing.
Goodbye Cocktails!
Never!!?? Oy, it's only for the flight. Yes, Alcohol and coffee dehydrates the body, which in turn prolongs jetlag. So, we gottta avoid alcohol and live on WATER. Besides, cabin air is so dry that it will just put the Sahara and Atacama to shame! Water is the Word!
Happy Flying!!
Fretfire
Stay Awake, Don't Doze Off!
Most experts warn against sleeping on the plane. It's important that we adjust our sleep cycle from jetlag, not duirng the day, but at night. So, one must avoid sleeping during the flight if it arrives at night. True, you might be tired after landing. But it would a lot easier to hit the sack and wake up afresh, no?
More Oxygen
If you think your cabin is getting stuffy, ask your flight attendant to request the pilot for "less recirculated air, and more fresh air". If it's still stuffy, request an oxygen bottle.
Consider Exercises
We all know that exercise is vital for steady blood circulation. But on board, the importance much higher. You don't have to pump the irons! Just do some easy stuff like contracting and relaxing the muscles, or just get up and walk around the cabin. It's nothing embarrasing.
Goodbye Cocktails!
Never!!?? Oy, it's only for the flight. Yes, Alcohol and coffee dehydrates the body, which in turn prolongs jetlag. So, we gottta avoid alcohol and live on WATER. Besides, cabin air is so dry that it will just put the Sahara and Atacama to shame! Water is the Word!
Happy Flying!!
Fretfire
Air Travel Tips for Families and Nervous Flyers
Bang on the Blogspace!! After a brief hiatus, I'm back here again to discuss family travel issues. My neighbor was flying for the nth time, yet she was panicky about air travel issues like health, safety and that coveted peace of mind. This morning, Heidi left for San Francisco on one of her usual duty-assignments. Early morning, honey and I bumped into while we're jogging down the park. She was so nervous about her flight! True, from over-the-top to downright horrible, flying experiences vary across passengers. So, why not jot down a few tips and tricks for a better flying experience. I don't want us to be nervous flyers.
Food is Number One Priority:
With cartloads of snacks, munchies and meals rolling down the aisle, it's hard to resist the temptation of in-flight food, no? But experts suggest that one should load the tummy right at home. That is, before starting for the airport, we eat carbohydrate food and tide over the flight duration. Not to be lured by the looks-so-appetizing in-flight meals. This also helps reduce jetlag, plus saves you from all the chemical preservatives that come free with food on board.
Dress up for the Flight:
So, what does that mean? Do we need to dress up like we do for the party? Of course not! Air travel demands loose clothing. The low-pressure environment inside the aircraft is just like a mountain resort, where our bodies swell up! Tight clothes can block circulation and create a lot of complexities. Belts, girdles, tight bras, tight wedding rings and, tight shoes are STRICT NOs!
Early at the Airport??
Do you mind arriving at the airport a bit early? If yes, you must reconsider. Arriving early is the key to stress-free pre-boarding. You know all those security check and check-in formalities. Plus you have a better seat selection, no?
Keeping Germs at Bay:
Aircraft cabins are perhaps among the most crowded compartments on earth! Add to it the low ceiling and less-of-fresh air aspects. Such an environment is the ideal breeding ground for viruses. What we want to do in this situation is to apply food-grade oil to the nostrils, so that viruses cannot enter our immune system through the tiny cracks in the membranes. Did you forget the kids?? The same things apply for them as well. So, be mindful.
To be continued...
Food is Number One Priority:
With cartloads of snacks, munchies and meals rolling down the aisle, it's hard to resist the temptation of in-flight food, no? But experts suggest that one should load the tummy right at home. That is, before starting for the airport, we eat carbohydrate food and tide over the flight duration. Not to be lured by the looks-so-appetizing in-flight meals. This also helps reduce jetlag, plus saves you from all the chemical preservatives that come free with food on board.
Dress up for the Flight:
So, what does that mean? Do we need to dress up like we do for the party? Of course not! Air travel demands loose clothing. The low-pressure environment inside the aircraft is just like a mountain resort, where our bodies swell up! Tight clothes can block circulation and create a lot of complexities. Belts, girdles, tight bras, tight wedding rings and, tight shoes are STRICT NOs!
Early at the Airport??
Do you mind arriving at the airport a bit early? If yes, you must reconsider. Arriving early is the key to stress-free pre-boarding. You know all those security check and check-in formalities. Plus you have a better seat selection, no?
Keeping Germs at Bay:
Aircraft cabins are perhaps among the most crowded compartments on earth! Add to it the low ceiling and less-of-fresh air aspects. Such an environment is the ideal breeding ground for viruses. What we want to do in this situation is to apply food-grade oil to the nostrils, so that viruses cannot enter our immune system through the tiny cracks in the membranes. Did you forget the kids?? The same things apply for them as well. So, be mindful.
To be continued...
Friday, March 9, 2007
Cheapest Fares Guaranteed!!
My wiggly giggly kids are relaxed now. Huh, what a week it had been! It's so hard to please these wacky kiddos. "Snowshoe. No camping. Nah. Disneyland..." Their choices kept changing every day. But I was yet to tell them that we're NOT going anywhere! No family vacation this spring.
My revelation took them by storm. Shell shocked, dejected, and shattered, they'd lock themselves up the attic and won't talk to me. Finally, I bought them a new playstation and yay!!! Tomorrow morning, we're going to the park togther again!!
I've been looking for ways to book the cheapest fares. I found some, I'm convinced, but some do not excite me at all. I thought I'd jot them down a give a whirl this fall. I want to make sure that I'm booking the cheapest fares.
The Latest Buzz is Comparision Shopping
Yes. From industry experts to the hordes of budget travelers, everyone is talking about comparision shopping. What the hell is this? Oy! It's just comparing prices on all the top travel sites, before clicking"book". We shouldn't take everyone's word for it. Judge by ourselves, then plunge into the quagmire. Really. Comparision shopping does help., especially when we're buying travel deals online.
Try a Secondary Airport
I've found that airfares to secondary airports are much cheaper, compared to the hubs. So what I have to rent a cab and drive a few minutes extra? It's really worth the savings, no?
Plan Early
Of course, I'm planning early. I'm talking about booking a vacation in fall. So, I've already started planning. I want to be the first one to book the ticket. The first few tickets are the cheapest of the lot.
Off-season and Off-peak
Yes. Although we're heading out in fall, we're not off from the extravagance of a fall destination. We're going to a place, which is a winter spot. There's a thin line between late fall and early winter. But it's ok. We can save on airfares and splurge on eating out and maybe a tad of shopping. Plus, we'll make sure that we're not traveling on weekends, and the days preceding and succeding a major holiday. We're not taking a mid-day flight either. This is why we have to plan early. There are so many factors inherent. We can hardly take a chance.
My revelation took them by storm. Shell shocked, dejected, and shattered, they'd lock themselves up the attic and won't talk to me. Finally, I bought them a new playstation and yay!!! Tomorrow morning, we're going to the park togther again!!
I've been looking for ways to book the cheapest fares. I found some, I'm convinced, but some do not excite me at all. I thought I'd jot them down a give a whirl this fall. I want to make sure that I'm booking the cheapest fares.
The Latest Buzz is Comparision Shopping
Yes. From industry experts to the hordes of budget travelers, everyone is talking about comparision shopping. What the hell is this? Oy! It's just comparing prices on all the top travel sites, before clicking"book". We shouldn't take everyone's word for it. Judge by ourselves, then plunge into the quagmire. Really. Comparision shopping does help., especially when we're buying travel deals online.
Try a Secondary Airport
I've found that airfares to secondary airports are much cheaper, compared to the hubs. So what I have to rent a cab and drive a few minutes extra? It's really worth the savings, no?
Plan Early
Of course, I'm planning early. I'm talking about booking a vacation in fall. So, I've already started planning. I want to be the first one to book the ticket. The first few tickets are the cheapest of the lot.
Off-season and Off-peak
Yes. Although we're heading out in fall, we're not off from the extravagance of a fall destination. We're going to a place, which is a winter spot. There's a thin line between late fall and early winter. But it's ok. We can save on airfares and splurge on eating out and maybe a tad of shopping. Plus, we'll make sure that we're not traveling on weekends, and the days preceding and succeding a major holiday. We're not taking a mid-day flight either. This is why we have to plan early. There are so many factors inherent. We can hardly take a chance.
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