Find Cheap Airfares

Even though the price of airline tickets is rising and the extra fees that are being added onto air travel make the experience of flying even more expensive, seniors are still able to find discounts on many airlines. In general, plane tickets for seniors are less expensive and even though some are moderately less so, every little bit of savings can help.

Southwest Airlines – Southwest offers some of the most competitive fares in the business already, and their senior plane tickets are no exception. Their discounts vary, but long distance flights for seniors are not supposed to be more than $129 each way. Southwest typically has good deals when tickets are bought in advance so it might pay to check out their regular fares first to make sure that they aren’t having any web promotions.

United Airlines – For those over the age of 65, lower fares are offered on a regular basis. The fares must be booked on United’s own website and the markets are limited, but do exist. Travelers over the age of 55 can also find savings on travel with some of the partner hotel and resorts by joining Silver Wings Plus.

Air Canada – For guests aged 60 and over, a 10% discount is given to those flying within Canada. However, the discount is void on seats that are already on special promotion. Sometimes, the promotions are better than the discounted seats anyway.

Alaska Airlines – Seniors aged 62 and over receive a 10% discount on their fare. They also receive a discount for any companion flying with them as well. The fares are non-refundable but can be changed for a fee of $50.

America West – A Senior Saver Pack which contains 4 coupon books for those passengers over the age of 62 costs $750. The coupons are good for a one way ticket between any America West destination.

American Airlines – A 10% discount applies for seniors on some of their published fares.

Continental Airlines – Most domestic flights offer seniors over the age of 65 a 10% discount.

Delta Shuttle – Delta Shuttle offers senior fares for travelers age 62 and over. They operate 16 flights between New York and Boston, and 15 flights between New York and Washington, D.C. on a daily basis.

Don’t forget that other senior savings on plane tickets can sometimes be found by joining non-profit organizations such as the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP). If you’re over the age of 50 then you might be able to receive special airline, cruise, and hotel discounts that are only offered to members. Another organization that often offers discounts to its members when it comes to plane tickets and other traveling incentives is AAA.

When using discounts on airfare, it’s important to look at the promotions and specials that are going on as well. Sometimes, the specials that the airlines are having might actually be cheaper than the plane tickets offered to seniors, even at discounted rates. In order to assure that you are getting the best price possible on your flight, explore all avenues before you purchase your ticket.

Pigeon Forge – How to Stay for Less than $50 per Night

Gabe — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 16:22:11 +0000

Pigeon Forge is a great destination, whether you’re visiting with your family, your friends, or your partner. With all of the fantastic activities and attractions, however, you don’t want to blow your entire budget on your accommodations. Well, you don’t have to! In fact, it is possible to stay in Pigeon Forge for less than $50 per night. Here’s how you can do it…

1. Go in the off season. There are a couple of peak times when hotels in Pigeon Forge are at their highest. During the early summer months, during the fall foliage, the week that Dollywood opens, and right before Christmas are their most expensive times of the year. Any time other than that and you can find most of their hotels at a steal.

Recently, a search of accommodations in early February yielded $49 rates for hotels with indoor pools, fitness centers, and free continental breakfast. If you didn’t require a pool or any extra amenities, then the rates dropped down to as low as $21 per night, believe it or not.

2. Take some friends. For the most part, the rooms charge for 3 people. Anything over that and you will have to pay around $20 per person. However, some of the suites are designed for more people and even with the $20 extra for the 4th or 5th person, you are still coming out ahead. Going in the high season, getting a moderately priced room at around $110 per night, and splitting it with 3 other people can bring you down to $32.50 per night per person.

3. Stay in a condo. There are some new developments up, too, that are made for visiting families or groups of friends. These condos feature kitchenettes, maid service, 2 or more bedrooms and bathrooms, DVD players, and even fireplaces. If you stay in a condo in Pigeon Forge for $150 per night and you take 5 friends with you to split the cost, you’re spending $25 per night. Some of the new condo developments even have small indoor water parks in them.

4. Stay in a no-frills hotel. Mostly, even the basic hotels have outdoor pools. If you’re not picky about having an indoor pool and fitness center, or if matters little to you whether or not your hotel offers free breakfast, then staying in one of the cheaper motels on the strip in Pigeon Forge can save you a lot of money. In the summertime when rates are high, you can stay in one of these basic establishments for sometimes as little as $35 per night, which can be a huge savings.

5. Stay in neighboring Sevierville. Just a couple of miles away, you can sometimes save money by staying in Sevierville. Their hotels are just as nice and you can be to Pigeon Forge in as little as 5 minutes. Since you need a car to maneuver the area anyway, staying an extra few minutes away might not matter. Hotels with multiple amenities in Sevierville in the off season start at $30 per night.

With the multitude of hotels available in the Pigeon Forge area, it shouldn’t be difficult to find one that matches your budget. Following these tips can help you not only score cheap rooms, but in doing so, you will have plenty of cash left over for the shows and shopping.

Phoenix Hotels – How to Find a Great Hotel on a Budget

Gabe — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 16:22:11 +0000

The good news about Phoenix is that, in general, Phoenix hotels are not as outrageously expensive in comparison to other hotels in other large cities. Therefore, even if you are on a tight budget, you should still be able to stay in a nice area in a hotel with a variety of amenities without having to sacrifice most of your money.

So how can you find these great hotels?

There are many great budget friendly options located right in downtown Phoenix itself. The Spring Hill Suites is just one of these options. For less than $100 per night, this 3 star hotel offers free high-speed internet, free shuttle service to the airport, a swimming pool, a separate dining area with refrigerator, and a free breakfast buffet. It is only a few blocks from the Convention Center.

The Hampton Inn Phoenix Midtown is also located in the downtown area. It is one mile from downtown and offers an outdoor pool, breakfast buffet, fitness center, and easy access to some of Phoenix’s most popular sites. Best of all, its rats are around $50 per night.

The Doubletree Guest Suites are another budget friendly option. You can usually find rooms at this hotel for less than $75 per night. Located conveniently between the airport and downtown, it provides a free breakfast buffet, a pool, an onsite restaurant, and a fitness center.

The Hilton Suites Phoenix Hotel is less than $80 per night and located right next to the Thomas/Central Metro Light Rail station. There is a business center, fitness center, sauna, pool, and restaurant onsite.

For a little bit more money, you can even stay in one of the resorts that the Phoenix area has to offer. They might not be as expensive as you think! The Royal Palms Resort and Spa, for instance, starts at $120 per night. It features a spa, a fitness center, a swimming pool, and a full service salon.

The Legacy Golf Resort is even cheaper at $101 per night. Here, guests will find a golf course, health spa, and swimming pool. The 2 bedrooms condos offer a washer and dryer, 2 DVD players, and 3 televisions.

With just a little bit of research on your end, you can stay in one of the great Phoenix hotels without spending a ton of money. Planning your trip in advance and researching some of the budget friendly options that the city has to offer will help make your stay more affordable in the long run.

Don’t forget that booking Phoenix hotels through Priceline or Hotwire can save as much as 50% off the price of the rates that you might have quoted to you on Expedia and Travelocity. Although you have less flexibility when using these sites, since you won’t know the hotel’s name until you book it, with a little bit of maneuvering you can end up with a 4 star hotel for a 2 star price.

Pattaya – How to Stay for Less than $75 per Night

Gabe — Mon, 24 May 2010 21:53:46 +0000

photo credit: Swami Stream

Pattaya has become a popular destination in Thailand to visit for a variety of reasons. Compared to Phuket or Bangkok, there are still some great budget-friendly accommodations to be found in Pattaya, too. Although there are, of course, expensive options, even a traveler on a budget shouldn’t have too much trouble finding a place to stay for a night-or for a week.

Whether you want to stay in the town itself, on the beach, in a resort, or in an upscale hotel, you can be assured that there is a hotel for you-and for less than $75 per night.

Take the Ambassador City Jomtien hotel, for instance. It is located on the beach and has a swimming pool, a private beach, a health club, a bar, and a business center. Rates in February were only $62 per night. That is not a per person rate, either.

The Golden Cliff Hotel, on the other hand, is near the beach and the Tropical Gardens and has an onsite restaurant, free parking, and free breakfast. All of the rooms have air conditioning, minibars, televisions, and refrigerators. Rates in February were $39 per night.

If you’re traveling with your family, then you might be interested in the Citin Loft Pattaya hotel. It is located near the beach and offers separate bathtubs and showers, televisions in the rooms, refrigerators, views of the sea, and an outdoor pool. For a 2 bedroom family suite, the rate is only $74 per night. If you only require a traditional hotel room with one bed, the rate drops to a staggering $32 per night.

The Nova Platinum Hotel offers rooms with DVD players, refrigerators, bathrobes, and CD players for $42 per night in February on Expedia. The property has an outdoor pool, bar, restaurant, fitness center, and a lounge. It is a 4 star property.

You can even stay in Pattaya for cheaper rates. There are a variety of guest houses and hostels that cost less than $10 per night. The Cassaviva Inn Hostel, for example, has rats starting at $8.88 per night on Hostelworld’s website. The Bacione Bar hostel, on the other hand, starts their rates at $7.41 per night.

Guesthouses are a step above a hostel and start at around $18 per night. You won’t find many amenities in a guesthouse, but you should be able to find private, clean rooms that might offer breakfast. The valentine’s Guest House, for instance, comes with private bathrooms, onsite laundry facilities, free breakfast, desks, afternoon refreshments, Internet, and a television lounge. The rates begin at $19 per night.

Your biggest expensive in Pattaya might very well just be in getting there. Once you arrive, you could potentially stay a week at a resort for only $280, or at a small guesthouse for $140. Food should cost you even less. That leaves you plenty of money to shop, see the sights, and generally kick back and relax without worrying about blowing your budget.

Paris Hotels – Best Budget Accommodations in Paris

Gabe — Mon, 24 May 2010 21:50:35 +0000

Paris hotels might be some of the most expensive in the world, but that doesn’t mean that budget hotels can’t be found in the city, too. Although there are some fantastic luxurious places to stay here, a less expensive option when it comes to accommodations means that you will have more money when it comes to visiting the Louvre, going up to the top of the Eiffel Tower, and dining in one of the fine restaurants.

Here are some Paris hotels that are still located in good areas with decent amenities, but that won’t blow your entire budget in the process.

1. Hotel Chopin

the Metro station is located a few steps away from this charming and quaint older hotel. It is around $100 per night and the rooms are clean.

2. Hotel Langlois

This hotel was originally built in the 1800s but was recently renovated. It is a favorite of budget travelers and is one of Paris’ most popular hotels when it comes to visiting the city on a budget. It is located next to the metro and rates are less than $100 per night.

3. Hotel de Notre Dame

Close to the Latin Quarter and across the river from the Louvre, the Hotel de Notre Dame is very centrally located. The rooms are small, but the location and character of the hotel make up for it.

4. Hotel Britannique

This used to be a stopover for jazz singers. Today, it is an inexpensive hotel within easy access of the Le Marais neighborhood, the Louvre, Notre Dame, the Swine, and the Place du Châtelet. The rooms are small, but they are also atmospheric.

5. Hotel des Arts Montmartre

If you want to be close to the Moulin Rouge and Sacre Couer then this is the place for you. For less than $65 per night, you can get WiFi service, an excellent location, and a hotel with character.

6. Abotel Prince Albert Louvre

For a single room, prices start at $70 per night. The staff is helpful, and the rooms are clean, if not a little old. It is a good bargain for the city, considering its close proximity to shopping, the metro, and the Louvre.

7. Hotel de la Tour Eiffel

Located near the Eiffel Tower, if you want to be in this area, then you’re not going to find many things less than this hotel’s advertised rates of $89 per night.

8. Hôtel Saint-Dominique

Doubles start at $101 per night at this 2 star hotel. It is within walking distance of the Eiffel Tower and housed in a former convent from the 17th century.

9. Ideal Hotel

The rooms are small and dated, but clean and within walking distance to the Metro and the Louvre. The best thing about this hotel is the fact that the rooms start at only $50 per night.

10. Hotel Lyon Bastille

A small hotel with free Wifi access, rooms start at $90 per night for a single. It is a short stroll to the Dare de Lyon station and some of the rooms contain wrought iron balconies.

Even on the tightest of budgets, Paris can be manageable if you are able to find some of the smaller hotels. While they might not be the Ritz, they usually do offer character and atmosphere, and no two hotel rooms will ever be alike.

South Padre Island – 10 Activities to do on a Budget

Gabe — Mon, 24 May 2010 21:37:51 +0000

photo credit: Traveling Fools of America

Even if you are on a small budget, there are several things to do on South Padre Island that either cost very little, or are free altogether. Here are 10 activities that are sure to be easy on your wallet, and fun in the process.

1. Visiting the beach.

Most people go to South Padre Island to visit the beaches. Although the island is only about 30 miles long, most of the coastline is filled with white, soft sand that leads to beautiful warm, blue water. Visiting the beach is free and doesn’t cost any money at all. Even if you are on a completely no-frills budget, you can still spend your day at the beach. Taking a picnic lunch can help cut down on costs.

2. Visit the Confederate Air Force/Rio Grande Wing.

If you love to fly, or just like looking at planes, then you might be interested in the airplane museum at the airport. There are quite a few historic airplanes onsite, including some that were used during the Korean War and even WWII.

3. Go to the zoo.

It might only take up 30 acres, but the Gladys Porter Zoo can be a fun way of spending a few hours if you have children. There are more than 1500 different animals at the zoo and you can see amphibians, sub-tropical mammals, fish, reptiles, and birds.

4. Visit the Laguna Atascosa Wildlife Refuge.

It is the largest protected area in the Lower Rio Grande Valley. Some things that you are able to view here include black bellied whistling ducks, alligators, ocelots, egrets, javelinas, and a variety of flora and fauna.

5. Get to know the turtles at Sea Turtle, Inc.

If you want to get to know more about turtles, then visiting the home of Ila Loetscher can be an eye-opener. She was known to the local residents as the South Padre Turtle Lady. The park now acts as a refuge for the endangered sea turtle.

6. Spend the day at Los Ebanos.

This is an 82 acre, privately owned nature preserve. The plantation house itself, built in the 1930s, is something to see. You can also walk around the beautiful grounds and see an assortment of birds and other forms of wildlife. Don’t forget to visit the butterfly gardens.

7. Go for a hike on the Laguna Madre Nature Trail.

If you need to get away from the beach for awhile, then take a walk on the boardwalk that goes across 4 wetlands. It’s a nice walk and if you’re a devoted bird watcher, then you will be able to see some of the Laguna Madre’s endangered species, too.

8. Spend a day at the Schlitterbahn Beach Waterpark.

Everyone in the family will love this place. There are activities for the little ones, as well as for the bigger kids, too. Wave pools, sand volleyball, water slides, tubes, and a 5 story sandcastle await.

9. Visit the Palo Alto Battlefield National Historic Site.

This is the site of the first battle that took place during the US-Mexican War in 1846.

10. Ramble around the Port Isabel Historical Museum.

The museum is small, but it focuses in preserving the area’s history. You can see exhibits pertaining to the area’s Native Americans as well as artifacts from the US-Mexican War. The building itself dates back to 1899.

All of these things can help make your stay on South Padre Island interesting. Sometimes, you need a break from the beach, and if you have children, then you know that keeping the activities varied is a great way of staving off boredom.

Orange Beach – A Destination that’s Fun for the Entire Family

Gabe — Mon, 24 May 2010 21:33:39 +0000

photo credit: The Pug Father

If you are looking for a fun family destination that will be sure to please everyone in your group, then Orange Beach, Alabama can be a cheap and exciting place to visit. Located on the Gulf Coast beach with crystal clear water and thick, white sand, there is something for everyone.

Although most people visit Orange Beach to just stay on the beach and soak up the sun, there are other things to do there as well. This can be particularly important if you plan on staying in the area for a week or more.

Visiting Adventure Island in nearby Perdido Key is one way to spend an afternoon. Go-carts, bumper cars, rollercoasters, and mini-golf are all available here. For those that don’t want to be that active, there is also an arcade onsite, too.

If it’s some shopping that you want to do, then visiting the Foley Outlet Mall is another way to spend the day. There are a variety of stores here such as Claire’s, Bass, the Children’s Place, Kenneth Cole, Naturalizer, rue 21, BCBG, Kirklands, Ralph Lauren, and more. All of the stores feature popular products at discount prices.

You shouldn’t miss a day on the water, either, while you are visiting Orange Beach. Taking a dolphin cruise through Perdido Bay is a great idea and everyone will enjoy themselves. Not only will get the opportunity to see dolphins in their natural habitats, but you will also get to enjoy some time on a boat, too. Even without seeing the dolphins, the cruise can be fun.

The town itself can be fun to explore, too. There are small shops, restaurants, and cafes that all give the town of Orange Beach the feel of a bustling beach community. When you get tired of lying around the beach, then going for a walk into town, getting some ice cream, or ordering a pizza can be a fun way of taking a break from the heat and glaring sun.

No matter what your budget is, there is an accommodation option for you. From luxury hotels to budget motels and inexpensive vacation rentals, it all depends on how much money you want to spend. The resorts and hotels on the beach are going to be the most expensive properties.

However, some people prefer renting condos or small vacation rentals, splitting the cost with friends or other family members, and saving money that way. While they lack the amenities that resorts and large hotels have, they do provide more space and flexibility.

It doesn’t really matter what time of the year you visit Orange Beach, although the springtime and the autumn can make the risk of hurricanes more probable. It can get hot in the summertime, but that’s the peak season because that’s when kids are out of school and families tend to go on vacation the most.

Still, there are activities available year round in Orange Beach and no matter when you decide to go, you are sure to have an enjoyable time.

Niagara Falls – How to Visit on a Budget

Gabe — Mon, 24 May 2010 21:29:41 +0000

Niagara Falls is a beautiful place, but it can be hard hitting on your wallet. Although you can visit on a budget, it’s going to take some careful planning and research on your part.

There are a variety of hotels to choose from and these range from reasonably priced economical motels to 5 star luxury hotels. If you want to stay at a hotel with a view of the Falls, then expect to pay a lot of money. Not only will you have to pay a high price for the rooms, but you’ll probably have to pay a high parking fee as well.

A more economical choice is to stay at one of the mid-range hotels a couple of blocks from the falls. These are priced anywhere from $75-150 per night, depending on the season, and usually include free breakfast and free parking. You can also stay further away from the falls and save even more money, but the distance can be a disadvantage.

photo credit: Janine Curry

Viewing the falls is free, but you will have to pay for everything else. You can find coupon booklets at most hotels and stores. One of the best things that you can do is to collect some of these booklets when you first arrive and then plan your trip accordingly. There are some combo tickets that can help you save money, too, if you want to visit more than one attraction.

Eating can present challenges because there are few budget-friendly options in Niagara Falls. Even a hot dog can cost as much as $5. In touristy areas, don’t expect to find many restaurants that offer free refills. Buffets offer affordable options, but many people aren’t too keen on eating at them. You might also do well to visit small pizzerias, although they will still set you back more money than they probably would at home.

One option is to visit a grocery store and prepare your own sandwiches for lunch and only dine out for dinner. If you have driven to Niagara Falls, then taking a cooler with you and filling it up with soft drinks and other food items is an option as well.

For souvenir shopping, try to stay away from the Clifton Hill area. On the plus side, though, if you are American then stopping at the duty-free shop on the Canadian side can offer some good discounts. In addition to alcohol and other products, they also offer souvenirs at prices that are considerably lower than what you might find near the falls.

It is definitely worth visiting Niagara Falls, but being wise about where you shop, eat, and stay can save you a lot of money. At the same time, there are some things not to be missed either, such as a ride on the Maid of Mist, which could be a once in a lifetime experience. Save money on your hotel and on your dinner, and instead, use it to create a memory that will last a lifetime.

New York Hotels – 5 Ways to Stay in a Great Hotel without Spending a Lot of Money

Gabe — Mon, 24 May 2010 21:23:52 +0000

photo credit: 416style

New York hotels are among the most expensive hotels in the world. Is it possible to stay in a great hotel in a great area and not spend an arm and a leg doing it?

It is possible, but it will also take some work on your part. Here are 5 ways to stay in a great hotel without spending your entire trip budget on your room.

1. Go in the off season. You might have daydreams about visiting New York City during the Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade or when spring is in full bloom. However, these are also very busy times for the city. Instead, consider visiting during the off season. For the most part, hotel rates drop during the very hot parts of summer and the very cold parts of winter.

2. Go during the weekend. Unlike some cities, hotel rates in New York City can sometimes drop during the weekends. Why? Because most businessmen travel there during the week, therefore, the room rates increase in order to get the most money out of them. You might find that a Friday or Saturday night is significantly cheaper. When booking your hotel on Expedia or your booking site of choice, try starting your trip later in the week and then looking at the night rates on an individual basis, instead of the average that the site gives you. You can ordinarily figure out which night is costing you the most money this way and you might be able to plan your trip accordingly.

3. Try a boutique hotel. Bigger isn’t always better. In fact, sometimes the larger hotels in New York City have a slight disadvantage over the smaller ones-they are less personal. Instead, try one of the “boutique” hotels. Sure, you won’t have in-room dining for the most part or a swimming pool, but you’ll probably get more personalized service and the rooms typically cost less.

4. Use Hotwire. If you’re not picky about the exact hotel that you stay in, but you still want some choice about the location and the amenities that the hotel offers, then try using Hotwire. Like Priceline, you won’t know the hotel until you book it and pay for it. Unlike Priceline, you will be able to see the amenities that it has to offer. A recent look at hotels in New York City on Hotwire, in comparison to Expedia rates, showed nearly a $100 difference when it came to hotels in similar areas with similar amenities.

5. Travel with a friend. Splitting the cost of the room with a friend or two can definitely save you money-especially if you do this and combine it with some of the other tips that have already been mentioned. Most room prices are quoted for 2 people, but adding a 3rd person doesn’t always increase the price. Just make sure that you have more than one bed in the room unless you want to share one.

Some people make the mistake of staying out near the airport as a means of saving money on hotel rooms. You don’t need to do this! Although New York hotels can be expensive, the money that you save will most likely be spent in transportation costs getting to and from the city. You should also make sure that you figure in the time that you will be spending in transit, which could be significant. Unless you are getting a great deal on an airport hotel and saving literally hundreds of dollars, it is probably not worth the hassle.

New York City Hotels – 5 Great Budget-Friendly Places to Stay with Children

Gabe — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 20:42:05 +0000

New York City can be a great place to visit with children. With a variety of museums, galleries, parks, and attractions, there is literally something for all ages. However, finding New York City hotels that are great for families staying with children can be a different matter all together.

Not only can hotels be expensive, but not all of them are kid-friendly. Some hotels are designed with businessmen in mind while others are small, boutique hotels that might lack the room that you require with a rowdy toddler.

Still, family-friendly hotels can be found in New York City. Here are 5 that you might want to consider when planning your trip to the Big Apple.

1. Novotel New York Hotel – Located in Times Square, this hotel is centrally located and lets children under the age of 18 stay for free in their parents’ room. They also get to eat for free at the hotel’s restaurant, Café Nicole.

2. Belvedere Hotel – Located in a central position in Midtown West, this hotel offers in-room kitchenettes, internet access, and Nintendo.

3. The Four Seasons Hotel, located in Midtown East, offers a lot of amenities for children. They are able to stay in their parents’ room for free, but they also get their own bathrobes and shampoo as well. Other amenities include coloring books, DVDs, games, cribs, and complimentary strollers.

4. Hilton Times Square – Located in the center of all the action in Midtown West, the Hilton Times Square is close to dining and entertainment options. Plus, it has an entertainment complex with 25 screens, as well as other activities, including Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum.

5. Le Parker Meridien – In Midtown West, this hotel allows children 12 and under to stay for free. It also has suites that feature kitchenettes, a great swimming pool, and the nearby Jekyll and Hyde Club.

When choosing your hotel, make sure to be on the lookout for amenities such as swimming pools, restaurants, and room service. A hungry child will be satisfied more easily if there is a café onsite, or at least next door, where meals can be arranged in a hurry. Likewise, a swimming pool can be a good way of spending the afternoon or evening if everyone is tired, or if it’s raining.

You should also keep location in mind. You want to stay in an area that is fairly close to the mass transit, or a hotel that at the very least can hail a cab for you. Although it might be fine walking 4 blocks to the subway station if you are alone, dragging a tired 2 year old along with you might be asking too much.

Lastly, make sure that children are able to stay for free. Not every hotel offers this and it can be a surprise to arrive at check-in, only to find that you have to pay extra money for your child. In addition, make sure that a rollaway bed or crib is available before you actually book the room.

New Orleans Hotels – Staying for Less than $100 per Night

Gabe — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 20:35:04 +0000

Is it possible to stay in New Orleans for less than $100 per night? Yes, it is! Well, perhaps not during Mardi Gras, but during the rest of the year there are many low rates that can be found around the city.

One of the great things about New Orleans is that is has a variety of accommodations available. Whether you are looking for a B&B in the Garden District, a small hotel in the French Quarter, or a large luxury hotel on Canal Street, there is something for everyone. If you are traveling to New Orleans on a budget, however, then there are a few hotels that you should be aware of.

1. Queen and Crescent Hotel – Rates at this centrally located hotel start at $59 per night. It is just a short walk to Canal Street and a short street car ride away from the Garden District. The rooms are standard but clean and although it’s not exactly memorable, it’s located in a safe area with easy access to most of what New Orleans has to offer.

2. Chateau Bourbon – In the summertime, rates for this small hotel next to the French Quarter are around $89. It is a Wyndham Hotel with its own restaurant, swimming pool, and mix of antiques and art deco style. The swimming pool can come in handy in the summer heat.

3. Hotel Le Cirque - Located on Lee Circle next to the streetcar stop, this 10 story tall hotel is close to the Warehouse Arts District. The rooms are small, but cheap at around $99 per night.

Hotel Le Cirque

4. Country Inn and Suites New Orleans French Quarter - This hotel opened in 2005 and rates can be found here that are as low as $75 per night. It is 3 blocks from Bourbon Street and only 4 blocks from the Aquarium of the Americas. The hotel features an outdoor pool, fitness center, complimentary breakfast, and pillow top mattresses.

5. Ambassador Hotel new Orleans - Just a block from Harrah’s, this hotel starts at $99 per night, and rates can be found even lower than that in the summertime. It is a 3.5 star hotel that features a fitness center, coffeemakers in the room, wireless internet access, and hairdryers.

There are also a variety of B&Bs available in New Orleans, too, although most of these can be located in the Garden District. Some people prefer staying in the Garden Distinct because it offers a little more tranquility.

During the summer months, starting in late May, many hotels offer incentives to visiting New Orleans. Of course, the heat is a little pronounced during this time, which is one of the reasons why the rates go down. Still, if you don’t mind sweating a little bit then you can almost have your pick of any location for less than $150 per night. In fact, even some of the luxurious hotels have special rates, sometimes cutting their normal rats down by as much as 50%.

Miami Hotels – How to Choose a Hotel on Any Budget

Gabe — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 20:27:55 +0000

Miami hotels can’t be beat. Miami not only has some of the most exciting hotels in the United States, but Miami itself is a premier destination, filled with fun and sun. Regardless of what your budget is, there is something for everyone’s wallet and style.

If you want something nice and affordable and kind of mid-range, then The Standard is one of your best choices. It is located in South Beach and offers spa services and a calm and tranquility that other hotels in the area lack. It might not be for those that are seeking the exciting nightlife that South Beach has to offer after dark, but it is very stylish.

If you’re seeking something that is more family oriented, but still luxurious, then the Ritz Carlton will suit your needs. It is a full service resort that has a tennis center, kids’ programs, gardens, a beach, and a 20,000 square foot spa. For adults, there are also more than 80 types of tequila on hand. On the downside, you might not ever want to leave.

If you’re not too concerned about your trip’s budget, then look into the Mandarin Oriental Hotel. Doubles start at around $650 per night. It is a classy hotel that is easily accessible to downtown. It also has resort-style amenities.

If you are on a budget, however, then the Hotel Chelsea might be more your style. It is in the South Beach area and 2 blocks from the beach. Rooms start at around $150 per night and contain flat screen televisions, 300 thread count sheets, and wine service can be found in the lobby during the evenings.

Hotel Chelsea

For young travelers on a budget, the Kent is a favorite lodging choice. Prices hover around $100 per night and if you don’t care about having too many amenities, then it can be a fun and kind of eclectic place to stay on your Miami vacation.

For something a little closer to the beach, the Beachcomber Hotel is a block away and located in South Beach. Although the rooms are older and in need of renovation, the price at $110 per night can’t be beat.

Remember that at certain times of the year, the Miami hotels increase their rates. This is particularly true around March and April which are peak cruise months. With a lot of cruises departing from Miami, many people require hotel rooms either before or after their departure. For that reason, the rates are higher than normal. You can also find a spring break crowd in Miami during that time, which can also drive rates up.

The good news is that with such a large variety of hotels in the area, you are sure to find something to fit your needs and your budget. Although you might not be able to afford the $800 per night luxury resorts, there are still many smaller hotels, close to the beach, that can be just as much fun to stay in and best of all, they leave you more money to play with!

Luggage – How to Avoid Paying the Expensive Airport Fees

Gabe — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 19:43:35 +0000

photo credit: hoyasmeg

You used to be able to pack several pieces of luggage, check them at the counter, and slowly make your way to your gate. If you had something large, like skis, then you might have to take them somewhere else to check them in, but for the most part you probably didn’t think twice about your bags.

Oh, how times have changed.

Now, not only are you limited to the number of bags that you can take, but there are all sorts of fees associated with checking your luggage in as well. From overweight fees to extra baggage fees to the newest fees-luggage fees. Yes, now on most airlines you have to pay for the first piece of luggage as well, meaning that virtually nobody can get away scot free without paying something.

You might scoff at the idea of baggage being “expensive.” Still, remember that if it costs you $25 to check one suitcase and there are 3 people in your party, then you just paid $75 to check your bags. That’s $75 one way, or $150 round trip. That’s a cheap airline ticket in some cases.

So how can you avoid paying the expensive airport fees when it comes to your luggage?

There are basically only 2 ways of getting around paying the fees all together. One is to pack everything in a carry-on bag. Sound impossible? Well, if you’re only going to be gone for a couple of days, it might not be. Remember that you can take one carry-on bag and one personal item, such as a purse or briefcase.

Some women find that carrying the largest purse they can possibly find and stuffing it with small items works for them. For the carry-on bag, folding clothes well and only packing 1 extra pair of shoes can cut down on space. Another trick that is often used is placing clothing in large Ziploc baggies and squeezing the air out of them in order to make the items lay flat.
You can also avoid paying the fee on most airlines if you are an elite frequent flier or if you booked a business or first class seat.

If you have to check your bags, remember that if it is over 50 pounds you might get charged an additional $50. If it’s over 100 pounds, they might not take it at all. This takes some creativity on your part.

Weighing your bags before you leave your house is one way to ensure that your bags are not over-limit. Make sure that your luggage is not already heavy before you even put anything into it. A lot of suitcases are nice, but weigh 15 pounds before you even pack them.

If you have anything heavy, and this includes on your return trip after you’ve bought souvenirs, then pack them in your carry-on bag. If you need to take boots with you or heavy shoes, or even a heavy coat, then wear them on the plane. You won’t believe how much weight this will save. Also, consider buying travel-sized versions of shampoo, saline, conditioner, and moisturizer or purchase these when you arrive. If more than half of the item has been used on your trip, then toss them before boarding the plane so that the extra weight will not be added.

In addition, if you’re on vacation and you purchase some souvenirs that could bring your weight limit up, then consider mailing them home. The price difference might work in your favor.

Lastly, paying the fees in advance over the internet might not let you get your bags in for free, but it can save you money. Some airlines are charging $5 more if you pay the checked luggage fee at the airport itself.