Archive for the 'Motel Tips' Category

 

Practical Travel Tips to Save Money on the Road

Jan 20, 2009 in Motel Tips

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You being on the road equates to you spending money. Of course, you can always hitchhike but that can be downright dangerous; you can paw through trash for food but that is uber unhealthy; you can bed down on any available bench but that can lead to vagrancy. There are other imaginative ways to save money on the road short of begging and stealing. Hold on to your leather money clip!

Beware of Gourmet

True gourmet food is usually expensive, not just because of the ingredients but also because of the care of preparation, not to mention the ambience you pay for. But on the road, gourmet can mean a totally different experience.

Often, you will be served frozen TV dinner that has been nuked in the microwave. It is then placed on porcelain plates, served on your table with complete dinner settings, and a glass of house wine and voila! You have “gourmet” food taxing your humble leather money clip.

It is to your best interest, both your digestive system and your leather money clip, to order take out and eat inside your car or your motel room. You will save money.

Room Security

When stuck in a dubious motel, you can turn on the TV on a respectable volume, place a “Do not disturb” sign outside your door, lock the door and take your dinner outside (if you can find a restaurant with no “gourmet” on it). Hopefully, the maid and her boyfriend will take the hint and keep away from stealing your suit and the leather money clip hidden in its front pocket. And hurry back!

Be Specific with Your Food Orders

You have to specify your order to the waitress. Your failure to do so would result in wasted food, and consequently wasted money. Let her repeat your order and correct her if necessary, but ever politely so.

When paying, do not brandish your wallet about. Just discreetly get your leather money clip out (yes, the one with money just enough for a meal) and pay the bill from it. This way, you will not be tempted to tip your waitress more than you wanted to.

Stock up on Quarters

The modern saying about a traveler setting out in America without a pocketful of quarters is like a soldier with ammunition is very, very true. You have to pay with coins at toll booths, newspaper boxes, and vending machines, among other quarter-hungry contraptions.

Always pay in paper money as much as possible. If the cashier is friendly enough, you can request him to trade your paper money into quarters. Obviously, you will need a coin purse since your leather money clip is useless in this area.

How can this save you money? Well, when you eat your food from vending machines you usually only settle for chips and a soda, mainly because you are presented with very little choice. If you compare that to shopping at a goodies-laden grocery store where you will be tempted to splurge, you will get a better idea of how this method can save you money.

These tips are meant to help you save money. In the end, your miserly ways will save you from arriving at your destination as poor as the church rat.

By: Bradlley Mckoy

About the Author:

On your travels, be sure to bring your business card holder for those unexpected windfall of new clients, your engraved Zippos for emergency fire needs, and your leather money clip to keep your paper money safe. Find all of these at ExecutiveGiftShoppe.com!

Articles

Vacation in Comfort With your Children

Jan 19, 2009 in Motel Tips

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It takes a special person to travel with kids – a parent. Children have their own needs. Their idea of a vacation is more “adventurous” than a parent’s. They need constant stimulation and they can get as tired as they are tiring.

There are many top ten type lists of tips for traveling with children: how to ensure they eat well and drink enough, how to dress them for the weather forecasts, how to provide the stimulation they need, how to make sure they don’t drive off with the family car and leave you stranded in the Mojave Desert, etc.

This list is how to travel in comfort – without tying the children to the roof rack — which hopefully will reduce your stress.

Make sure you have plenty of room while traveling.

This is easier said than done. On a plane, everybody is cramped. On a train, everybody is cramped, although a little less so. On a bicycle… don’t even try it.

If you are driving, get a mini-van. Sure, you might be more of a “car” type, and you might have resisted buying a mini-van so far. But pick up a rental van for the vacation just to give the kids a little more room for fighting. (Make sure it has a roof rack, just in case.)

Reality check: Cram enough people into a tiny space and watch everybody get stressed and enraged. See my humorous but true article on hippo rage.

Accommodations along the way can be tricky. Usually it involves a cramped motel for just long enough to sleep, then back in the cramped car (or somewhat cramped mini-van). This is not anybody’s idea of a home away from home.

An accommodation alternative is to camp. When not sleeping, you have all the space in the world (unless you have to huddle under the tarp while the storm passes through). I love camping, but not everyone enjoys a good early morning wake-up wrestle with a grizzly as much as I do, so a motel might be required.

Make sure you have plenty of room when you “get there”.

My childhood vacations, often involved wandering around lost. Assuming you are actually heading for a destination, make sure to have lots of room when you get there. This part is easy. But it requires thinking outside the box. Forget hotels, motels, and inns. Look for private rental homes.

Probably the biggest destination for families is Walt Disney World in Florida. Good news – Orlando, Kissimmee and the surrounding area is just teeming with private vacation homes for rent. In Florida they call them vacation villas, and they offer all the space of home (without having to fix a leaky sink or oil the door hinges or mow the lawn.)

Sharon Baillie is a private villa owner in the Kissimmee area outside Orlando, just a few miles from Disney World, whose property is listed at Orlando Villa Owners. “Our guests enjoy the spaciousness of our 6-bedroom home. They love the private pool and the private yard in which they can relax,” she says. “Parents love the space for children to run around outside, and we leave a box of toys in the garage. So while the parents rest, the children play – and let their parents rest!”

Be prepared for “children being children” events.

Sometimes, stress hits you from behind when the unexpected happens. Like a cut or a scrape … or a child getting sick. Sharon Baillie told me that is why she tells all her villa rental guests where the first aid kit can be found, and exactly where to go for medical attention. This is particularly helpful for her many guests from abroad, who are unfamiliar with the US healthcare system.

She also makes sure her guests are informed about local pollen and viruses in Florida, so that parents can be prepared. Stress is so much more enjoyable when you are prepared for it, don’t you think?

Booking tickets to theme parks and making reservations for just about everything in advance makes the trip less stressful. There is little more difficult than managing young children while trying to get into a theme park or show that requires prior booking.

And to prevent wandering around lost, pick up a AAA Triptik in advance – not that it ever helped us.

Try having your children baby-sat. This might mean bringing along a nanny, such as a grand parent (It’s a tough job, but somebody has to do it.). The car might be more crowded, but if you’ve rented a spacious home for the week, it could just be doable. The other option is to hire a local baby-sitter once or twice. Vacation Home owners can set this up for you, and some hotels might be willing to, too.

When you are single, you can go on adventure vacations. When you are a parent, you get little vacation adventures.

So there you have it. Three ways to reduce the stress of traveling with kids, so you can actually relax on vacation. After all, isn’t that what vacations are supposed to be about?

By: David Leonhardt

About the Author:

It’s About Cash

Tips for a Pocket Friendly Vacation

Jan 18, 2009 in Motel Tips

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Don’t be disheartened if you have not planned any vacations yet because of budget constraints. You could still go to fabulous places, have the time of your life and come back without having burnt a deep hole in your pocket.

Lets take a place like San Diego for example. Isn’t it possible to have a wonderful family vacation along the white, sandy sun-kissed beaches there? Oh yes, very much so.

If you are wondering, “A budget vacation at as costly a place as San Diego? Naah, not possible”, think again. Yes it is possible to have an absolutely stupendous family vacation in San Diego, something you can come back and brag to your friends about, if you follow a definite plan chalked out to suit your budget.

If you hunt for an affordable family vacation package, there are a number of San Diego motels and hotels which offer some really smart ones. Plus, even if it is San Diego, vacation rentals are available within budget too.

Here are some tips to help you say “Bon Voyage,” without breaking the bank.

1. Spend time on Internet; sit down with your travel agent to find you a family vacation package which suits your budget.

2. Before you go, decide a budget as to how much you would be willing to spend for a family vacation package and stick to it. Work out a daily budget to make it easier to keep track of what you’ve spent, and how much extra you have left over for side trips and souvenirs.

3. Be flexible so far as your travel dates are concerned. Look for last minute deals at places like San Diego. Motels, hotels and resorts often offer lower vacation rentals to fill empty. Picking on off-peak days, like Tuesdays and Thursdays to travel might get you lower airfare.

4. Avoid eating out as much as possible as this is quite expensive and can mar your budget. So choose hotels that have refrigerators and microwaves in the room and offer free continental breakfasts. Always bring along a cooler so you can stop for picnics on travel days.

5. Do enquire about any specials from your booking agent and don’t forget to mention any memberships you may have, as they may get you a better rate.

6. If you are traveling with large family, ask if the hotel has a family suite available. These cost less than two rooms and have more bed space. Another option is to consider renting a weekly apartment or condo for the length of your stay.

7. If you are traveling with a baby, bring your own travel crib as hotels often charge extra for the crib, and you may arrive to find that all available cribs are already in use.

8. On vacations make lunch your big meal out. Restaurants usually offer the same food as on the dinner menu, but at lower prices. Look for restaurants that offer a free kid’s meal with the purchase of an adult entrée.

9. Avoid unnecessary expenses such as fountain drinks and desserts when eating out, instead carry along a good supply of special drinks and small sweets to dole out as treats during the day.

Going on vacations minus well planned family vacation package can be hard on your wallets and even leave your pockets empty if you are not careful. Most vacations happen only once or twice a year for the practical reason that going into one is expensive and can cause you to lose a chunk of your hard-earned cash.

With a dose of common sense and these saving tips, you may be well on your way into keeping your vacation expenses within your pocket’s reach.

By: David Miller

About the Author:

David Miller is a travel journalist. His interesting articles on san diego vacation rentals and accommodations have been published in various magazines and websites.

My Survival Net

Tips For Traveling With Your Dog

Jan 17, 2009 in Motel Tips

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If you prefer traveling with your dog, or you are thinking about doing so for the first time and are a little wary of how he or she will handle it. Today, many hotels, motels and other traveling accommodations welcome pets into their facilities and the following tips can help to make the trip safer and more comfortable for you and your dog.

First of all, you should take your dog to the vet to have him checked out to make sure he is in good condition before attempting to take him on the road. If your pet is sick, taking him in a car or a plane into a new environment will just stress him or her out even more. Also, make sure all vaccinations are up to date so your dog is safe from diseases such as rabies and distemper. If your pet gets lost, having him tagged and his vaccinations up to date will also help you get him out of the pound quicker. While you are at the vet, you should also make sure you have enough medication to last your entire trip if your pooch is on any meds. It is also wise to ask the vet to write you another prescription in case the medicine you are carrying gets lost or damaged in some way.

Before packing your dog along with your suitcase, you will also want to consider what type of traveling method you are using. Most people prefer to take their pets along when they are driving, because dogs tend to handle driving better than flying. However, if you must fly, make sure you contact your airlines well in advance to make good flying arrangements for your friend.

You should also pack a doggy suit case for your trip along with your own. Pack all his medication, prescription information, extra ID tag, health records, some toys he or she enjoys playing with, and of course his food and any treats he enjoys.

Most importantly, you will want to consider your dogs personality before taking him on a vacation with you. If your dog is a social animal and enjoys being around other dogs as well as people, he or she should be fine to take along. On the other hand, if he is anti-social, meaning prefers to be just with you and your family, you might want to think about leaving Fido with a friend. When you bring along an anti social animal, they are going to be unhappy, and consequently make you unhappy in the process because you will be constantly worrying about their well being.

By following these few tips, your trip with your dog should be a happy one – enjoy!

By: Barney Garcia

About the Author:

Author Barney Garcia is a proud contributing author and enjoys writing about many different topics. Please visit my web sites @ www.number1-vacations.info and www.vacation-station.info

earthquakie

Travel Savings Tips

Jan 16, 2009 in Motel Tips

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Travel, as exciting and interesting as it is, is also one of the most expensive things we choose to do. But if you keep a few things in mind, your holiday can be fun without breaking the budget. A small amount of research and effort can yield significant travel savings, and careful planning can be the best tool for travel savings. There are some tried and true tips for saving money while traveling, and several are presented below.

Car rentals are still a good way to stretch the travel dollar. Even though it seems expensive, remember the airport shuttle often costs around $50 per person, much more than the cost of an economy car rental. This will allow you affordable transportation for sightseeing and trips to the countryside, another money saver. Also, coupons and discounts are often offered by car rental companies and credit cards companies as incentives and promotions. Your airline may offer a great price on a car rental from a partner company. Take advantage of these deals to save or to upgrade to a more comfortable, vehicle.

If you don’t want to rent a car or it will not be useable, try to book a hotel that includes a free airport shuttle service. This can save enough for a good dinner. Many motels at airport locations offer free parking for the length of your travel if you stay one night at either leg of your trip. This can be a travel saver and a super convenience.

If this is a family travel, look for special airline incentives that offer free companion tickets or companion fares at lower rates. Also plan to eat meals where kids eat free and you can split meals. This can result in huge savings for a family of four or larger. Restaurants that are kid friendly usually accommodate requests for extra plates and relaxed places where everyone can feel comfortable after a day of travel and sightseeing.

Don’t eat every meal out. Even if you are not traveling as a family, eating out is often the most expensive part of travel. You’ll be surprised what q nice change from restaurant food a peanut butter sandwich, chips, and fresh fruit makes. Book a hotel that has an in room coffee maker and purchase fresh bagels for breakfast. Or get deli takeout or a pizza for one relaxed night in. Take that much needed break from the crowds at tourist destinations.

Find and use coupons for travel savings. These are often offered for lodging, food, or attractions. You can find them everywhere, online, in local newspapers, and they save money. Also, seek out and take advantage of multi-day passes at amusement parks.

Bring your own water and snacks. People spend nearly $10 per day per person on just water and snacks. Sure, indulge yourself when you see really inviting salt-water taffy or fudge store but for the basics, bring your own.

Making your own reservations can result in travel savings. Many hotels and airlines offer additional discounts and specials for booking online. This also holds true for car rentals.

Doing a bit of work and seeking out promotions shall result in significant travel savings. Remember, the tourist attractions and hotels want you to return as much as you want another vacation.

By: Dana Bradley

About the Author:

earthquakie

Tips for Summer Travel

Jan 15, 2009 in Motel Tips

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The summer is right around the corner, and thousands of Americans are planning vacations and trips. Traveling on a budget can be tricky, but it is not impossible. The key is to plan ahead, and try to the make the most out of what you have. Contact your credit card company beforehand to find out what kind of deals they have to offer. Many have rebate programs for travel expenses. If you are using a rental car, find out if your insurance covers you in case of an accident. You can save quite a bit by forgoing the car rental insurance policy.

The following is a list of tips and tricks to make your summer vacation the best ever.

1.Get a good deal on a hotel. Unless you are staying with friends or family, you will probably be in the market for a good hotel room. Normally, you can spend your entire budget on hotels and motels. I suggest trying a site like priceline.com. You can name your own price, and get some really great deals on rooms and car rentals.

2.Plan your trip out beforehand. Spend some time mapping out your trip, highlighting areas that you plan to visit. There will most likely be a few pit stops along the way. Planning ahead will help ensure that you have enough money to cover all of your activities. Don’t forget to factor in souvenirs and snacks.

3.Keep the kids entertained! Traveling with young ones can be a challenge. You want to have plenty of activities and toys to keep them occupied. Try looking at CouponChief.com for some great coupons for toys and travel gear. Don’t forget books and magazines as well. The trip will go faster, and you won’t have to field as many “are we there yet?” cries.

4.Don’t forget the tunes. Stock up on your families favorite CDs and tapes. Include a few titles for each family member to help keep the peace. Try a discount music store, or look for a coupon on an e-coupon site.

5.Be easy on the gas pedal. If you are driving, you may be concerned about the high gas prices. You can save a significant amount of your gas budget by planning ahead. Make sure that your tires are properly inflated, and that your car is in good working order. Staying at a constant speed will also help you save on your gas bill.

By: sunil sharma

About the Author:

AS For More Free Resources visit www.tours-guide.com

Niagara Rainbow Motel

8 Tips of Moving With your Pet

Jan 14, 2009 in Motel Tips

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Moving with pet is a difficult task, as such the movers are not allowed to transporting pets. If you are planning for self-move and want to move your pet along with your good then you must have to keep your pet habituated with routine work. Normally your pets accompany you during weekend or any short journey so you must have an experience to handle your pet while traveling. In case of long run you must prepare your pet bag or kit. Here are the tips to move your pet along with you.

1. It is better you can consult veterinarian one week before for complete checkup and status of vecination and also take advise of your veterinarian to give a medical history so that you can consult other veterinarian easily. Also ask your Vet to give Health certificate.

2. Prepare a pet first aid kit and keep with you. In case of immergency it will be helpful.

3. You must have to remember that your pet has wear collar with ID which indicate with the pet’s name and your name, address, and telephone numbers. Never keep your pet in your car alone.

4. Prepare a big size carrier for your pet so that your pet can move easily. Make sure that it is ventilated properly.

5. Please ensure that you can maintain your pet schedule of exercise, feeding, and elimination.

6. Prepare a bag which contains your pet’s regular food, water tin and bowl along with some exercise instruments like rubber ring or bole.

7. Keep newspapers with you to keep your car clean.

8. During the move, if you are planning to stay in a hotel/motel than ask your hotel/motel booking personal they will allow pet on not. Find the hotel/motel, which allow pet.

With all the above preparation you do not feel that you are carrying your pet. It is really enjoyable moment to have your beloved pet accompany you in the move

By: Jason Brunkhorst

About the Author:

Jason Brunkhorst is a retired Moving Companies Agent and a writer for Moving Services , the premier website to find free search for Moving including topics on moving companies search, compare movers, moving insurance, auto transport, moving tips and more.

It’s About Cash

Tips for Successful Travel With Kids

Jan 13, 2009 in Motel Tips

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Family trips can be real enjoyable, especially if you plan ahead. Here are some helpful tips:

1. Don’t torture yourself with cramped quarters by renting a small motel room. Try renting a vacation villa where you can spread the family out. A vacation villa should be equipped with a nice kitchen so that you don’t have to eat out every meal.

2. If you need a car rental, rent a mini-van instead. This will provide you more space for travel items, and luggage and be more comfortable for the family.

3. Don’t forget to bring the important juices, water bottles, and snacks to keep the children quiet during the long plane or car rides.

4. Don’t forget to bring important entertainment aids for the children during down time when you are on the road, or for the night-time after a long tourist day. Such items would include books or magazines, games, cd’s, dvd’s, ipods, etc.

5. If medications are needed on the trip, be sure to take the quantity needed for the whole trip.

Also make sure you have the emergency contact numbers for the area that you are traveling, such as the nearest hospital, doctor, pharmacy, etc. Take along an emergency first aid-kit for things like minor scratches, etc. If you are traveling to an island, don’t forget the bug spray and sunblock.

6. Make sure you take the clothes appropriate for the weather conditions. If it is snowy weather, make sure you take boots, gloves, and caps. If sunny weather, don’t forget the sun hats, sunglasses, swimming suits, and swimming shoes. Bring an umbrella for rainy weather.

7. Make sure you take the recreational equipment that you may need for your trip: kids life jackets, snorkel equipment, fishing poles, etc.

8. If you have babies or toddlers, make sure you have adequate beds, strollers, car seats, playpens, etc. if not available at your rental. Also check your bottles, food & diaper supplies.

9. For a pleasurable trip, make sure your trip activities involve something fun for everyone. For example, you may not want to go hiking a long distance with a couple of small children–their feet would get tired pretty fast! Make sure the activities would interest all in the group–whether young children or teen-agers. Research your vacation spot ahead of time so you can pre-plan some of your activities. If possible, parents should try to enjoy their vacation time with their children, as well as find some adult activities alone if they are able to get a sitter. If a sitter is not an option, perhaps the parents can trade off once or twice watching the children, while the other parent participates in an adult activity.

10. Make sure your children get enough sleep at night so they are not tired for your trip excursions. If your children are young, you may need to plan around nap-times.

11. Remember to bring the cameras to create those long-lasting memories.

Family trips can be a lot of fun, whether it involves a weekend camping trip, a cruise, an island trip, or whereever. However, the important thing to remember is to keep everyone happy and entertained. Planning in advance to bring the right stuff will allow you to relax and enjoy the vacation more.

By: Tamara Camden

About the Author:

Author, Tamara Camden, is owner of the vacation rental website:
http://www.Rentals2Remember.com

Articles

Money Savings Tips for Travelers

Jan 12, 2009 in Motel Tips

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Traveling can be a lot of fun as individuals or as a family. With the rising costs of gas prices, many of us stay close to home rather than traveling long distances to vacation hot spots.

I have been the marketing manager for a resort property for over 11 years. My primary responsibility is to market this establishment to attract new guests to stay with us as well as to entice repeat guests to join us again for another great getaway.

Many of us would love to enjoy a vacation but simply are not able to afford the cost for a room. I have listed a few ways to cut the costs and enjoy a much needed getaway for a fraction of the cost.

Coupons – Many motels participate in programs where you can receive two nights for the price of one night. Ask about these discounts when making your reservation. Check the motel’s website prior to calling to see if there are any specials listed online that must be mentioned prior to receiving the discount.

Corporate Rate – You can often receive an additional 10% off just for presenting your business card at a motel. Of course this depends on whether or not you are arriving during their peak season, but it certainly is worth asking about.

Military Discount – Some establishments will give a considerable price break for those serving in the military. You will need to present proper identification upon check-in so be prepared to do so.

AARP – Are you a senior citizen and a member of AARP? You are eligible for an additional 10% off your room rate at all participating motels.

Group Rates – Motels love groups and it is important to ask if there are any group rates available during the time you intend to arrive. If you are arriving during a time when the establishment does not intend to have occupancy, they may graciously extend a discount for your group. Certain requirements will apply and will vary.

Travel Midweek – It’s typical for motels to be very busy on the weekends and slower during the middle of the week. Try to travel Sunday – Thursday to receive the best deals. The rates are usually lower during the middle of the week. Combine this with a coupon or other discount and you are well on your way to savings.

Off-Season Specials – Check the local newspapers and travel websites for any specials the motel may be offering. Depending upon the location of the motel, you can get a great discount! For instance, take in a winter storm at the beach and you are certain to get a spectacular deal!

Mailing List – If you enjoyed your stay, ask the front desk if they have a mailing list. Perhaps they can mail you unadvertised specials or keep you posted of any savings coupons they may be offering.

Traveling doesn’t always have to break our pocketbook. If you take a moment to do your research prior to making your reservation, you will be well on your way to saving yourself some money.

By: Sabrina Coffin

About the Author:

Sabrina currently resides in the Pacific Northwest and works exclusively from her home with her husband and 4 children. To learn more about her successful home based business you may visit her site at http://www.DeliveringWellnessToYou.com/.

Niagara Rainbow Motel

7 Tips on Selecting Hospitality & Culinary Schools

Jan 11, 2009 in Motel Tips

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There is a good potential in the field of culinary education because hospitality sector grow faster in USA so there is great demand in the hospitality sector.

Looking to this facts there are many new students are searching for good culinary school. There are various criteria for the selection of the culinary schools.

1. First you must select the culinary school from personal reference from your family and friends. Culinary school should be good ranking in terms of education and other activities.

2. You must have to see that the culinary school get accreditation from The American Culinary Federation.

3. If you get the accredition from the noted institution than you will get assurity for good standard.

4. Once you select the school you must have to go through the details about the course details and ask the counselors whether you are fit for the course or not.

5. You should also ask for the faculties who teaches your course.

6. If you want to attend in the part-time course than you need to get details regarding whether culinary college provides online education or not.

7. Training is an important aspects of the culinary education. You must take the attend the training session to complete the education. Because it is essential to operate the equipments used in the culinary education.

Looking for the great opportunities in the hospitality escort it is advisable to take the education in the field of culinary school. In America there are various online schools and ocational schools offer education in the field of culinary education to cater the need of the hospitality industry. If you want to make a carrier in catering school events or business events, cafeteria and restaurants and motels you need to take the education in the culinary sector.

By: Christy Myers

About the Author:

Christy Myers is a writer for Top Culinary Schools, the premier website to find culinary school, culinary arts schools, culinary schools, top culinary schools, culinary school new york, and many more.

It’s About Cash