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Online Vacations

June 23, 2008 By

As those lazy days of summer slowly arrive, many people begin thinking about where they’d like to go for their next vacation. Some think big like trekking through the African desert on a 10-day safari. Others can skip the sun and sand, preferring a quiet getaway to a spa in Napa Valley.

Wherever your heart fancies a trip or weekend rendezvous to, there are many online travel agencies that make the planning stages of your vacation that much easier. Sure, you can still visit your traditional travel agency in the neighborhood strip mall. However, Internet agencies offer many more perks in your search for the perfect vacation experience.

Consider these benefits of booking a trip online:

• You can search, compare and book travel destinations right at your desk.

• Many Internet travel agencies offer online specials you cannot find anywhere else.

• Most sites offer discounted travel packages including hotel, rental car and even flight.

• Most travel sites offer 360-degree virtual tours of rooms and resorts.

• You can choose to be billed online and actually print your reservation in seconds.

• Some sites like Orbitz offer low-price-guarantees. This means that if Expedia has a lower deal on the Marriot room in Manhattan you have your eye on, they will match the price or give you difference.

• The extensive database of flights and hotels make traditional trip-booking pale in comparison.

• Many online travel sites subscribe customers up for free special offer email lists

• Depending on where you’re vacationing, most travel sites will help you customize your vacation. Going to Orlando? These sites will offer you tickets for Disney, Universal, water parks and other local attractions.

Nothing beats booking your much-needed vacation from the convenience of your own computer. However, sometimes it’s hard to know where to go or what hotel to stay at for the duration of your visit. 6StarReviews.com is a site that compares online travel agencies to make your reservation-booking-process painless and even, cough, fun.

By the way, if you need any help booking that Caribbean package, most travel sites have 24 hour customer support lines. We don’t think your corner travel agency offers this perk.

Article by: Kelly Liyakasa is a staff writer for 6StarReviews.com. Kelly Staller is site manager at 6StarReviews.com, a site dedicated to giving YOU, the consumer, the best product and service reviews around. If you like saving time and money by having someone else review leading sites and products, then Visit our site.

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10 Ways to Alleviate Vacation Stress

June 9, 2008 By

Arguments about details can put a strain on your travel adventure or leisurely vacation. Whether you’re traveling with a group, or traveling as a couple, answering these simple questions before you take off can help alleviate common personality problems vacationers face.

1. Will the vacation be relaxing or will it be a touring and sightseeing vacation? Knowing whether the agenda will mostly include sleeping on the beach or touring the sites in town can help set each person’s expectations before the plane even takes off.

2. How much money will be spent? Is the trip expected to be expensive or will everyone travel on a tight budget? Stops for meals and plans for entertainment will largely depend on each persons allotted budget.

3. Know the interests of those on the trip. Is one person a beach lover; one a museum explorer? When dealing with differing interests, trade offs can be an option to keep everyone happy – a day at the beach in exchange for a day of exploring museums.

4. If you’ve decided to take in the sights, which ones will you see? Each person on the trip will want to see his or her own favorites. A leisurely stroll in Venice shopping for Venetian masks and exploring the never ending alley ways is a completely different way to spend the day than visiting the churches it has to offer.

5. If you are planning a sightseeing vacation, what is the designated mode of transportation? Will you rent a car, hail a cab, or take the metro? Budget and timing will be affected by your decision. Choosing a mode upfront will help you get the most out of your time and energy.

6. What time will you wake up each day? An early riser coupled with a late sleeper does not make for a peaceful morning. Decide what time will start the day for each person and bring an alarm clock if needed for any sleepy heads on the trip.

7. When traveling with a group, what time will each person shower and for how long will each have the bathroom? If you are traveling with a group of women and sharing a hotel room, designating bathroom time is essential.

8. What time will you leave each day? Designating the start of the day can help plan breakfast times and coordinate the early and late risers so everyone will leave on time.

9. How long will you be out each day? Will you leave early in the morning and stay out through dinner, or will each day run about three hours returning to the hotel after?

10. Will you sit down for meals or is quick snacking expected instead? Those with low tolerances to hunger will need to pack extra snacks if few or no stops for meals will be the norm.

Making these important decision can help avoid potential vacation disasters. Whether there are two, four, six, or eight people on the trip, each person will have their own agenda and their own needs. Deciding what those needs are upfront will ensure a great trip for everyone in the end. Bon Voyage!

Article by: Denise Olesky

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Summer Travel Advice

May 26, 2008 By

The lazy days of summer are here now that Memorial Day has signaled the start of the season. This means you have months to plan exciting getaways and trips out of the country until Labor Day. Whether a water park, spa excursion or a camping trip is your forte, there are necessary steps to take in planning the perfect summer vacation.

Think about the following:

• Plan ahead: There are plenty of online travel deals to be found, but the earlier you search, the cheaper your trip will cost.

• Book seasonally: For example, booking a trip to Disney may offer you lower rates because it’s their busiest season, but consider the crowds you’re sure to face.

• Get “off-hours” flights. If you wake up at 5 a.m. instead of arriving at the airport at noon, you’re sure to get lower airfares and have less wait time in security.

• Consider taking a road trip with friends. Gas prices are skyrocketing and we all feel the burden, so why not rent an RV with friends and chip in on gas charges?

• Check out local attractions. Live near Busch Gardens? Spend a day at the park and book a quaint bed and breakfast nearby for the night. It’ll feel like you went far away.

• Check out airport restrictions. We cannot stress how much time you’ll save in security if you know what you can and cannot bring with you into the cabin.

• Check out last-minute online travel deals. For example, lots of cruise lines offer last-minute-rates for ships about to set sail. You may find yourself hopping on a ship tomorrow for half the original expense!

Book a Trip Online:

If you’re seeking a three-week-long escape to the Greek isles or you just want to go mountain climbing in the Rockies, a must-do is to check out online travel agencies. Some sites offer the best discount travel online and 6StarReviews.com cites Orbitz as a great place to start. Among their features are low-fare promises, constant updates and 24/7 customer support. Summertime equates to a good time and if you plan early and efficiently, you’re sure to enjoy the season.

Article by: Kelly Liyakasa is a staff writer for 6StarReviews.com. Kelly Staller is site manager at 6StarReviews.com, a site dedicated to giving YOU, the consumer, the best product and service reviews around. If you like saving time and money by having someone else review leading sites and products, then Visit our site at 6StarReviews.com.

Filed Under: Travel Tagged With: , , , ,

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