Singles Holidays

Travelling when you’re single doesn’t have to be about boredom, think of it as a way to re-invent yourself, spending some quality time with you, doing what you have always wanted to do.

Get ready to book cheap flights and explore some great neighborhoods, handpicked for some ideal singles getaways.

Santa Fe

Santa Fe is a world-renowned travel destination, well known for its history, heritage, arts and culture, and it happens to be an ideal destination for a singles getaway.

• Relax at The Spa at Loretto: The spa offers specialized spa treatments that incorporate a blend of ancient spa traditions once reserved for royalty.
• Take a Day Trip: There are various specialized trips to choose from and Santa Fe has lots to see when it comes to trip. Consider rock climbing to see unbelievable, natural rock formations, rugged terrain and ancient Native Ameican ruins.
• Shopping at the Flea Market: A unique opportunity to explore for vintage treasures, jewelry, clothing and local art vendors. This market offers incredible bargains, as well as the chance to taste great local food.

Miami Beach

There is much more to Miami than just sun, surf and sand. It has a rich history, great architecture and renowned nightclubs.

• Hit the Beach: Of course, it’s a no-brainer when you’re visiting Miami that spending a few days on the beach is a top priority. While you are the beach, don’t miss out on the various water sports also offered,  jet skis, surfing and sailing, to name a few.
• Know the History: A must see is The Wolfsonian Museum, which offers the most fascinating and weird collection of objects from the modern area.

Denver

Denver was voted the best city for singles. The reason is its booming job market, relatively low cost of living and large university population.  The Mile High City has lots to offer for single travelers.

• Day trip to the Rockies: Denver offers quick, easy access to the state’s biggest attraction, the Rocky Mountains
• Shop till you Drop: Downtown and the surrounding neighborhoods offer an array of retail excursions ranging from tree-lined streets filled with independent boutiques to convenient malls and outlet centers.

Being single is an adventure. Regardless of age, getting a good travel deal to explore the most beautiful locations is what’s important.

Airlines Want You to Fly with Them!

Airlines are now pulling all stops to get your business. They are coming up with creative marketing campaigns to get your business and create some buzz.

A few weeks ago we had Ryanair announce that they were considering charging passengers for using restrooms on their planes. It definitely got people talking. In the end it turned out that it was a ‘joke’ and Ryanair launched a competition via their website offering people 1000 euros for the most creative ‘extra charge.’ So far people have suggested charging for toilet paper and charging people for the luxury of reading safety cards.

Another Irish airline Aer Lingus created some buzz about it’s no hidden extras by offering 999 people two free flights if they were willing to bare all. Another sign of the times they promoted this via Twitter and Facebook on a first come, first served basis. Over 2000 people registered.

Asian carrier AirAsia have launched So You Wanna be a Pilot? campaign. They are offering a wannabe pilot the chance to work for them. All you have to do is log onto their blog and write about why you should be given the opportunity to work for them.  The aim of these campaigns is to get people talking and this is what it is doing! Check out this blog entry! that talks about the Air Asia campaign.

Well it certainly got us talking! Mission accomplished airlines! I wonder what they will come up with next. Better keep my eye on the latest airline news!

Five Places to Meet the Presidents

With President’s Day coming up this weekend, many people may find it interesting to learn more about our former Presidents. For those interested in the life and history of the former presidents, visiting their former homes and libraries will offer an inside look into the lives of those who served as the nation’s leader.

According to CNN Travel, from simple log cabins to expansive estates, the presidential homes and the associated historic sites are open to the public. So, what are you waiting for? Visit these historic homes this President Day Weekend for an insight into lives of these former U.S. presidents.

Lincoln Birthplace in Hodgenville, Kentucky

1. Lincoln Birthplace

The Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historic Site in Hodgenville, Kentucky features a replica of the log cabin where Lincoln was born.

2. Reagan library

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum in Simi Valley, California, houses all Reagan’s official presidential papers, records along with personal objects such as his sweater, movie memorabilia from his film career and even a glass jelly bean jar.

3. Mount Vernon

Visitors to Mount Vernon, Virginia can tour the carefully restored mansion, hike the nature trail or explore personal artifacts in a vast state-of-the-art museum on the grounds.

4. Jackson’s Hermitage

Visitors touring Jackson’s Hermitage can tour the mansion, stroll the formal gardens and see the original log cabin where the Jacksons lived for a time.

5. FDR’s home

The Franklin D. Roosevelt complex of sites in Hyde Park, New York features the lifelong home of a president, a museum and official presidential library all within walking distance of each other.

Gotta Fly? Now’s the Best Time to Book

For travelers looking forward to take flight in the coming months now is the time for you to book that flight. Airfares for many routes haven’t been this low for at least a year. Some fares have even dropped less than half as compared to prices last winter. Also, they are far less than they were last summer.

As the airlines are more eager to fill their seats during recession, now is the best time for bargain-hunters to grab the lowest fares they have been looking for. The question, however, is how long the discounts will last or whether cash-strapped consumers have enough money to take advantage of them. According to Aviation consultant Michael Boyd, since airlines are cutting flights, travelers will be able to get best bargains if they “book now and book quick”.

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Economy Won’t Stop You From Taking a Spring Break!

The slow economy hasn’t stopped students from planning a spring vacation to their favorite hotspots. According to travel companies, the spring break bookings are continue to gain momentum as the students plan their once in a lifetime trip. Jason Chute, director of operations for StudentCity.com said, “A lot of times kids will go no matter what.”

Cancun and Jamaica are some of the most popular student spring break destinations, while Acapulco is a top pick for students and sun-downers who love to hang out late till night. Demands for trips to Asia and Australia are on a rise amongst those looking an adventure vacation.  Panama City Beach, Fla. Continues to be a top destination among college crowds and is once again the beach hosts mtvU’s Spring Break party March 8-21.

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Hilton Brings Another Extended-Stay Hotel Brand

Hilton Hotels has recently announced that it’s launching a new brand, Hilton Hotels, especially for the young travelers looking for a budget extended-stay accommodation. According to the Homewood Suites, the new ‘Home2 Suites’ is a more affordable offshoot of Hilton’s existing extended-stay chain, Homewood Suites.

The hotel has been aesthetically designed for today’s younger, more design-conscious travelers. The hotel room rates would be around $100 a night in comparison to $120 at Homewood Suites, whose rooms are about 30% larger.

Chinese New Year Parties: Go Have a Blast!

Are you ready for another New Year’s Eve party? Chinatowns across the globe are gearing up for the New Year festivities to mark beginning of another New Year. The Chinese New Year celebration for the Year of the Ox — which begins on Jan. 26, 2009 is a colorful event full of parades and other events. No matter where the celebration, the decorated dragon trail is something you will find everywhere.

The Chinese New Year is another good reason to spend time watching the festivities with friends and family members. For those who want to join the festivities this year, here is a quick wrap of some of the year’s most popular Chinese New Year celebrations.

New York: New York celebrates it big with firework displays, parade and crowds watching the martial arts performances, traditional dancers from Mexico and Bolivia, and live bands playing from decorated floats.

Honolulu: The Chinatown Parade features festival queens, dancing lions and kung fu artists.

Singapore: Singapore is home to some of the world’s largest, most elaborate and most colorful Chinese New Year festivities: the annual Chingay Parade Singapore.

Hong Kong: New Year festivities in Hong Kong New Year’s Day takes place on a large scale, bringing together the cheerleaders, a brass band and ballerinas from Spain.

Sydney: Festivities at Sydney feature illuminated floats, dancers, martial artists along with musicians, making their way through the Chinatown.

Feast Your Eyes at Hotels with Scenic Views

Stressed out? Looking for break away from the daily doldrums? Yes, you deserve a vacation! Rachel and Stephen Kaplan, professors of psychology at the University of Michigan have found that merely looking at the scenic vistas outside the glass door of the window can relieve you from the stress caused by multiple demands on your attention. By shifting focus on nature can help you restore your capacity to pay attention when effort is required. Keeping this in mind here is a list of some hotels, where you can enjoy some of the most brethtaking views:

Dreams Luxury Suites, Santorini: Sunset lovers can enjoy great views from the suites at this tiny hotel.

Armonia suites, London: The enormous Foivos and two-story Armonia suites in particular offer mesmerizing views of the water from its multiple balconies.

Oberoi Resorts Wildflower Hall near Shimla, India: Perched on a hill 8,350 feet above sea level, The Oberoi Resorts Wildflower Hall is a great vantage point over Himalayas with picturesque natural surroundings.

NamibRand Nature Reserve: The rooms at this 445-acre NamibRand Nature Reserve offer panoramic views of desert dunes, savannahs and vibrant rock-scapes.

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Traveling with a Group? Consider Renting a House

With downsizing economy and rising costs taking vacation with friends of family may seem to be a little too pricey. In such a situation, hotel alternatives such as rental houses and villas can be a good option to help you get a better stay experience. Sites such as vrbo.com, ownerdirect.com can help you find perfect option to fit in your family or the group you are traveling with.

These alternatives offer you more space than the traditional chain hotels. And with amenities such as a full kitchen, you don’t have to compromise with what’s available at your hotel’s restaurant. Everyone gets his or own personal space without being worrying about sharing your bathroom, in case you opted for a hotel.

You can easily hang out with other fellow travelers, anywhere you want; poolside, in the living area or just relax with homemade margaritas on the rooftop terrace. With such flexibility, rental homes are definitely a good option to traditional hotel room. Try renting on your next trip!

Make the Most of the Broadway Discounts

Broadway shows are fun and entertaining. Not only adults, kids love them too. The suburban New Orleans fifth-grader was so taken with the music from the Tony-winning “In the Heights” that he asked his mom to film him performing one of the songs so that he could post it on YouTube. Broadway shows not only amuse kids but these musical are also powerful.

Despite the economy giving everyone a rough time, you and your little fan can enjoy a Broadway show without spending too much. The Broadway League has recently announced a rewarding Kids’ Night on Broadway program.  This program will enable the kids to 6 to 18 to see a participating Broadway show free with an accompanied adult, will now be available year-round  on the first Tuesday and Wednesday of every month. Tickets also include great discounts such as restaurants and special parking rates for ticket holders.

So, if your child is a Broadway show fan, don’t miss the first Kids’ Night on Broadway, premiering February 3 with a pre-theater party at Madame Tussauds in New York.

Budget Hotels: Check Out Newer and Better options

Most chain budget hotels offer travelers with great amenities as well as are located in the main suburbs, often close to the major chain hotels in the area offering you the best value for each dime spent on booking. In order to pull more travelers budget hotel brands such as Microtel Inns & Suites, Red Roof Inn, Days Inn etc. are offering travelers with better amenities and rewarding policies to make their stay more pleasurable!

Microtel Inns & Suites for example has come up with a chain-wide policy to “surprise and delight” those who check in. Other budget hotels too are offering guests with updated rooms and increased emphasis on personalized service. At a growing number of economy lodgings, free Wi-Fi and breakfast are also being offered. Budget hotel brands like Motel 6 and Red Roof Inn, also are renovating, giving a ’boutique approach to budget lodging,’ says Red Roof CEO Joe Wheeling.

Read out what’s new at chain budget hotels…

Budget Friendly Travel Tips

Budget travel may not be your cup of tea, but, with economy giving everyone a rough time, travelers are looking for more pocket-friendly means of travel. Here are some tips and tricks on planning as well as taking your next trip:

1. Grab hotel deals

In an effort to increase their bookings, many popular hotel chains are offering travelers significant deals. Fairmont hotels, for example, has slashed rates as much as 20 percent at more than 50 of its properties through April 15. Other hotels are also offering discounts such as free nights and savings packages. You’ll find the greatest values in destinations such as Las Vegas, Hawaii, Florida, the Caribbean, and Mexico—places where tourism plays a vital role and rooms need filling.

2. Earn rewards for being a loyal customer

Most loyalty programs, including those of Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott and Wyndham have eliminated blackout dates for points redemption, so you can get free nights even during peak season.

3. Choose an all-inclusive package

Whether its hotels or cruises, choosing an all-inclusive package can mean significant savings. And there are some great bargains to be had out on the water right now. Crystal Cruises, for example is offering perks, such as stateroom upgrades and discounts as much as $2,000 on penthouse rooms on some Asian sailings.

4. Stay at rented house or apartment

For significant savings—and more square footage for your dollar—consider staying in a privately owned apartment or house on your next trip. Rental apartments and homes gives you that extra privacy and space that you don’t get a typical hotel room that too at lower rates.

5. Use your Flyer miles

This is the year to make use of your miles that you have accumulated over the past. With fewer people taking to the skies, your chances for redeeming miles could potentially increase. Most airlines start selling flights 330 days out, so using your miles as far in advance as possible increases the likelihood of getting an award seat. And if a flight isn’t full approximately two weeks before departure, the carrier will turn to frequent-flier customers to help fill the plane.

2009 Travel Trends and Predictions

The year 2008 has not been such a good year for travel. The slows and downs made travelers to rethink or scale down our vacation plans. But, what’s in store for 2009? Will traveling resume its earlier shape or its time for travelers to take an alternate route. What’s going to happen? Nobody really knows.  But, concluding all that what happened in 2008, traveling will be somewhat different next year. Here are some of the predicted travel trends for 2009:

Taking the Road Less Traveled

Visiting smaller, lesser-known destinations can be more affordable, though offering equally enriching, vacation experience. For instance, taking a trip to Birmingham, England instead of London; or vacationing in Calgary, Canada instead of Toronto.

Staying Closer to Home

With rising travel costs more travelers are expected to stay closer to home. This means that travel to domestic destinations is expected to increase in the upcoming year.

Package Travel Likely to Rise

It seems that package travel is undergoing a mini-renaissance, specially the all-inclusive category. More and more travelers want to cut back the risks involved with booking packages with additional taxes and don’t want the uncertainty of a mounting extras bill, not to mention meals and eating out. Cruises are likely to o well in such a situation.

Tried and Trusted Destinations

In the coming year, travelers are expected to return to destinations they had already enjoyed. Not only its risk free but will allow travelers to plan their trip more thoughtfully. In case of hotels too, loyalty will be the trend of the coming year.

Vacation Rentals and House Swaps

Vacation home rentals, villas and house swaps will continue to gain popularity in the coming year. These alternate lodging options offer a good value for money alongside making you feel more at home.

Solo Travel

Due to advantages of Solo travel, it is expected that solo travel will be another travel trend in the coming year.

Spectacular Holiday Light Displays

Holiday season is the most joyous time of the year. It’s time to celebrate with friends, family and relatives. Some prefer it spending hosting parties at home, while others, the outdoorsy types love to spend holidays away from it all! But, whether its Christmas at home or outside, light displays are one of the most exciting part of holiday celebrations; they’re free, they’re enchanting, and they require nothing of us, other than that we take a few minutes to enjoy them. Here are some of the world’s most dazzling light displays for you to enjoy:

Walt Disney World: Orlando

The annual celebrations at Hollywood Studios—known as “The Osborne Dancing Christmas Lights”- is truly enchanting.

Town Hall Building: Brussels

The 15th-century building on Brussels’ Grand Place turns out to be even more spectacular when illuminated every night during the month of December. The lightings here are accompanied by soft music. The ambiance is intoxicating!

Silver Dollar City: Branson, Missouri

The theme park of Silver Dollar City is already decked out for holidays. But the most enchanting of all is the nightly light-and-music show of its five-story Special Effects Christmas Tree. The tree is lit with thousands of glittering lights making it appear as if a dazzling star in the night sky.

Tivoli Gardens: Copenhagen

Tivoli Gardens is one of the oldest amusement parks in Europe. The entire park is turned into a Christmas village during the holidays.  The rides, concert hall, market stalls and willow trees are all decorated with blinking lights.

Palacio de Comunicaciones: Madrid

Palacio de Comunicaciones is Madrid’s City Hall that hosts a light-show spectacle that rivals the July Fourth celebrations in the New York City.

Harbour City: Kowloon, Hong Kong

Kowloon’s Harbour City is truly one of Asia’s best places to indulge in Christmas celebrations.  A shopper’s paradise with over 700-plus stores, Harbour City gets even more alluring during the Christmas when everything sparkles with thousands of twinkling lights.

Micronesia Mall: Dededo, Guam

The “Holiday Lights Experience” at Micronesia Mall is something that you shouldn’t miss. The show is centered around a 35-foot artificial tree, incorporating thousands of music-synched blinking lights.

Taking Flights this Holiday Season: It’s Good to be Prepared!

The Air Transport Association expects comparatively less number of holiday travelers to take flights this holiday season. But, if you are one of those intrepid holiday travelers, planning to get away from it all, it’s better to be prepared for every worse situation. Holiday travel itself means more rush at the airport and those usual flight delays. And if the weather goes bad, it’ll all get worse in a hurry.

According to FlightStats.com, the airlines’ on-time performance, which had topped 90 percent on Thursday and Friday, plunged to less than 50 percent on Sunday. Even the shrinking air-traffic remains affected by bad weather and those who are still flying this holiday season should be prepared for the worst and take the usual precautions – online check-in, reserving parking in advance, getting to the airport early alongside keeping yourself aware of the latest twists in air travel.  Read On