5 Ways to Choose Your Hotel
5 Ways to Choose Your Hotel
By Erica Johnson
You are planning a holiday abroad for your family, and want everyone
to have a good time. You surf the internet for hotel descriptions,
but from the pictures that you see and what you read, all hotels
project a perfect image of themselves. How can you tell which ones
are better? You have never been there and know no one at your
destination. At the same time, you don't want a hotel room that will bust your budget. How do you choose?
Check Independent Hotel Ratings
Well, the first step you can take is to visit hotel search engines
for guest ratings for hotels represented by the search engines. In
addition to pre-negotiated rates with individual hotels, most agents
ask for ratings and comments from previous guests. Reading their
comments will give you a fair idea on what to expect from the hotels
located in your destination. Be sure to read a few comments in order
to get a fair overview. Certain incidences described may only be
rare occurrences that may already have been corrected.
Hotel Chains and Facilities
Are they part of an international hotel chain? Most international
chains have stringent standards that are adhered to as well as a
standard theme across all chains. They may have similar facilities
(health clubs, spas, business centers, etc) which are important to
maintain the hotel's high standards. Other things you can look out for include concierge, shuttle services to the city, airport
transfers as well as good laundry services.
Location
Perhaps one of the most critical things when selecting a hotel is
its location. Hotels that are near to shopping areas, train stations
or the city center charge higher rates as compared to those located
elsewhere. Analyze a map of the area before you book to determine
the nearest shopping areas or access to trains which will give you
much convenience in moving around. Also, check with the hotel if
they have any large tour groups coming in at the same time. Hotels
charge higher rates during high occupancy periods and do not have
the flexibility of late check-outs. These are important aspects
which, if overlooked, may affect your tour schedule as well as your
impression of the hotel's level of hospitality.
Rates and Discounts
Hotel rates are a huge factor when it comes to choosing a hotel.
However, paying more does not necessarily mean that you will receive
an equivalent level of service and standards. One of the ways to
maximize on prices would be check if they are part of an alliance
with flights or car rental companies, which offer discounts to
customers of their allies. Sometimes, credit card companies offer
their cardholders exclusive rates to special hotels which can be
pretty attractive. Additionally, if it's possible to use your
frequent flyer points to redeem hotel discounts, this could help
reduce hotel costs as well.
You may visit Hotels Search EU PTY LTD (http://www.hotels-search-
engine.org) to find the most trusted hotels at top destinations
across the world.
Author Bio
Both Erica Johnson & her husband David love to travel, ski and meet
people from different cultures. They have traveled all continents to
experience hospitality, adventure, sports, exotic foods, learn new
languages and understand history.
Travel Tips: Tips For Safer Flying
Flying can be an adventure, but like everything else in life, there are small risks. Even though flying is the safest way to travel in this modern age, here are some tips to minimize any unfortunate, but unlikely event of an emergency situation.
• Try to only fly nonstop routings
Takeoff, climb, descent, and landing phases of flights have the most occurrences of accidents. To reduce these risks reduce the amount of exposure to these phases of flight by trying only to fly nonstop.
• Choose a larger aircraft
Aircraft under 30 passengers are not required to be designed and certified under strictest regulations. Also statistically, in a larger aircraft, you have a better chance of survival in an unlikely event of a serious accident.
• Pay Attention to the locations of the emergency exits
Preflight instructions have become very repetitious. But the information given regarding the exits are very important to your safety. Pay attention, the locations of the closest emergency exits may be different depending on the aircraft and seat you are in.
• Overhead Storage Bins should be free of heavy articles
Overhead storage bins and their doors are not made to hold very heavy objects during turbulence, so ask if you or another passenger have heavy articles to be stored elsewhere.
• Keep your seat belt fastened while the plane is in the air.
Incase of unexpected turbulence, extra protection is provided by keeping your seat belt fastened.
• Listen to the Flight Attendants
Even though you have flown many times, flight attendants are aware of things that you may not be aware of. If an attendant ask you to do something don't argue just comply. Laws are changing because of the 911 and not complying might end you arrested.
• Don't bring any unauthorized material
Unauthorized materials that are not allowed are a list that seems to grow daily. Common sense should tell you that you shouldn't bring hazardous materials on the aircraft unless they were allowed by the airline and shipped in a proper container. Other items such as sharp objects like knives and other seemingly benign objects have been targeted. Use common sense.
• Don't Drink Too Much
The atmosphere in the cabin is pressurized to about the same as Denver altitude. The alcohol you consume will have a more strongly effect than at lower level. Air Rage
• Keep Your Wits About You
An emergency situation is very unlikely, but incases of an emergency evacuation, follow the flight attendants directions. The reason the attendants are there is not just to serve peanuts and beverages. They are required by law with your safety in mind.
About The Author: Seth B http://www.topgun-flightschools.com
Holidays Afloat: Your Guide To The Best Yachting Vacations.
Yachting vacations used to be the sole preserve of the rich or famous; the price being unachievable for most people. Prices have now dropped considerably with the introduction of chartering and many yacht owners now offer other potential seafarers the opportunity to 'rent' their boat for their dream vacation.
Yachting means you aren't confined to any one area, or even any one island; giving you the opportunity to visit various beaches, coves and beautiful coastlines on your travels. Alternatively, you can remain on your boat and watch the sun rises and the sun set over the clear horizon of the sea. Whether you are looking for an action packed vacation in the destinations of your dreams or a tranquil, even romantic getaway for you, your family and loved ones. The possibilities are endless.
Where you can go on your yachting vacation.
Whether you choose to go bareboat, take a captain, or even an entire crew there is bound to be a destination to suit you. Many destinations offer the complete package for your vacation. Spend a couple of days in a secluded cove, exploring the beaches and seeing the beautiful plants and wildlife and then the rest of your vacation in the exotic harbour on the next island. Everything is possible on a yachting vacation.
Greece.
Greece offers a number of popular destinations for mooring your yacht. Each island offering you a new surf washed beach combined with traditional Greek villages and exquisite countryside and mountains. The local restaurants and taverns are friendly and welcoming offering some fantastic Greek cuisine and drink.
A short distance away from the harbours you will be able to find a busy and popular nightlife, if required and historical excavations, museums and hospitable people always more than willing to idle away the time with you. For those not proficient in the local language there is no need to worry, a vast majority of the locals speak very fluent English and are usually only too happy to put it into practise.
Turkey.
The mainland of Turkey offers a combination of quaint and quiet villages with the occasional large town for stocking up on provisions and some fantastic sight seeing. The whole country is awash with ancient ruins from the numerous cultures that have resided there, giving ruins and buildings to visit suiting everyone's needs.
The larger towns have regular bazaars that bring Turkish crafts both ancient and modern and a sea of many different colours. The smells, sights and sounds are an experience you will never forget.
The Turkish people are friendly and outgoing and, while English is not the predominantly spoken language, the hospitality of the people means between you there will always be a way around the language barrier. Again, the local cuisine is exquisite and the fresh fish is a delicacy that everyone should try at least once in a lifetime. There are numerous small or large harbours and even deserted coves where you can moor your yacht.
The Caribbean.
The Caribbean is a very popular destination for many sailors, and is perfect for a romantic break or a honeymoon. The bright blue seas and the clear skies make the Caribbean a picture perfect destination for a tranquil vacation. However, if you are after something a little more exciting the open seas offer an abundance of opportunity for scuba diving, snorkelling and water skiing. There are plenty of beach bars and places to try the local fish dishes and other cuisine and the weather is almost always perfect.
Numerous islands offering many beaches and coves means you will never get bored if you take your next yachting vacation in the Caribbean.
Why a yacht?
Imagine opening your eyes in the morning, pouring yourself a coffee and stepping out onto the deck of your yacht; the sun rising and not a sound to be heard apart from the occasional drift of the waves and the noise of the wildlife. Yachting provides one of the most tranquil vacations you can imagine. You don't have loud neighbours and there is no danger of getting the room next to the toilets. Stock your yacht with enough provisions for the week and you don't need to see a single person for your entire vacation.
Even the novices get a chance too; you can charter not only the vessel but also the crew or just the captain to go with you. There's no need to worry about the invasion of privacy, as the crewmembers are usually very experienced in knowing when to make themselves scarce or when you may need an explanation of some of the surrounding beauty and sites.
Whatever you want to do on your vacation, however tranquil or busy you want to make it, yachting has the answer. It's a unique holiday at your pace. And one you'll always remember.
© 2005 John Thompson
About The Author: John Thompson is webmaster for http://www.holidays-afloat.biz : an online resource for holidays on the water.
