Planning a Budget Hotel Break
Everyone’s in the same boat at the moment when it comes to planning a holiday. Because of the recession everyone has been looking for cheaper alternatives when they are looking to get away. The cost of travel has also increased in recent years which also makes it difficult to find an affordable solution, however if you are looking to get away for the weekend then there are ways of finding cheap hotel rates that will help you to make some big savings.
If you know that you have booked some time to go on holiday at some point in the year then it pays to start your search early. Giving yourself plenty of time to find a hotel will also allow you to a variety of choice without any of the problems that arise when trying to find somewhere at the last minute. The last thing you would want is to have to make a rushed decision – it is much more sensible to shop around to find the right balance of acceptable price and quality. Although there are websites which will help you to find hotel rooms at the last minute, you will still find it cheaper to book in advance.
If you can find out when particular hotels have lower attendance then this will also help you to save money as they will off lower prices around this time. Things to be wary of are large events taking place in towns where you are looking to go as these will inevitably attract large crowds and in turn, high hotel prices. Alternatively you may find a hotel which is focused more on business stays, which may mean that their prices will be lower at weekends. During lulls in business hotels will commonly lower their rates in order to attract potential customers.
You may also want to try performing some sort of combination search in order to find the best deal. There are several options available to you on this front whether it be an online search or via a telephone directory to call various hotels’ service desk. Either of these methods will enable you to find the cheapest rate for your stay and shouldn’t take up too much of your time. You may find that some hotels will offer a cheaper rate to those who use their own online booking or call in.
It is also worth trying to take advantage of any offers that hotels may have on group booking or extended stays. If there is a large group of you going or if you plan on staying longer than 3 nights then quite often hotels will be able to reduce their rates for you. Some hotels may also have a membership scheme you can sign up to that will offer lower prices. This will be especially useful if you are the sort of person who travels frequently and could be likely to use the hotel repeatedly.
So you see it is not actually that difficult to find a bargain at all!
Dave Matthews is writing on behalf of Kettering Park Hotel, a leading luxury hotel in Kettering.
Lapland is the Hot Destination For Winter Activity Holidays
In recent years, many people have discovered the magic and wonder that is Lapland, situated roughly 230kms north of the Arctic Circle and the perfect destination for a wonderful Christmas you’ll certainly never forget. The beauty of this snowy gem is that it looks beautiful all year round, but Lapland has the ability to really throw you into that winter wonder like no other destination on earth.
A fantastic destination for kids over 10, Lapland has an amazing array of activities that will suit everybody, young and old. The growing trend among families now, is to take a 7-night stay in one of Lapland’s wonderful hotels and resorts offering a plan for families ensuring that no day is ever the same.
The beauty of this destination has to be the fact that it is nothing like anywhere else, especially during the winter months, it’s a location that allows you to be in a true wilderness, yet surrounded by all the home comforts you need to feel completely comfortable and relaxed.
Most hotels and resorts now are offering out a unique plan for families with children that allow all holiday makers to get the most out of their holiday by seeing everything that Lapland has to offer you and your family from the moment you touch down in this stunning place.
Upon your arrival, your week long adventure will begin with a warm and friendly welcome, allowing you to settle in completely for the week, along with a dinner of traditional, family friendly foods, and a meeting with the guides who will be with you over the coming week. They can introduce you to the surrounding region, and give you a quick brief on the week ahead before you head off for a good nights rest before your week begins.
On your first day in Lapland, families are invited to a Reindeer farm and safari, where you can meet the farmers and learn about reindeer and where they live, as well as their importance within the culture of Lapland. The herders there can also teach you how to lasso a reindeer, and once all harnessed up, you can set off into the forest on a wintery safari the whole family will love.
The next day will hold another unique safari, this time on snowmobiles! If you’ve ever been to Lapland before, you will know that snowmobiles are definitely the preferred method of transport throughout the region, so it’s only natural you enjoy a thrilling day travelling through the snow, and you’ll soon see why this mode of transport is loved by everybody, you’ll take a trip over frozen lakes and through winding forest tracks, encountering a wide variety of all the wildlife Lapland offers up to tourists. The guides will show you how to drive a snowmobile too, allowing for a really unique ride that will have you coming back for more.
An overnight husky safari is a definite must, also part of the plan; you will have the opportunity to actually drive your own husky dog team through the wilderness that surrounds your resort. The morning of the trip, you will meet your guide, as well as the dogs you’ll be spending the journey with, as well as a lesson in how to handle the sled before you depart. You will lunch before an open fire before heading off into a wilderness cabin where you can relax in a sauna before dinner and bed.
But of course you don’t have to stick to the plan; other activities are available to those who want to soak in more of the sights and culture of this wonderful location. You could try cross-country skiing, downhill skiing, go ice-fishing or take a snowshoe tour, Lapland is full of different places to see and activities to do in order to provide you and your family with a winter wonderland you will never forget.
Mark Scriven is a marketing professional and has written many articles on business, travel and the internet. To find out more about Lapland holidays check out Activities Abroad, a leading specialist in winter activity holidays for families, groups and singles.
Florida Spring Break Destinations
When people think of a premier spring break location their mind often ventures to the beaches of Florida, and with good reason. The climate provides a perfect break from colder conditions experienced throughout the United States. The getaway provides a much-needed break from college studies or a family work schedule.
Daytona Beach
This destination is not just for NASCAR fans. Twenty-three miles of beach provide the neutral zone between the ocean and the city. This zone is perfect for guests to meet others while enjoying hotel pricing designed to accommodate the college student’s budget.
Dancing, swimming, sun bathing and nightlife draw the crowds and develop the memories at Daytona Beach.
Orlando
Premier attractions await guests in Orlando. From Universal Studios to Disneyworld – from Wet’n Wild to Sea World this town provides the beach and then some.
Orlando has proven to be a great spring break destination for one of the greatest choices in activity during your college holiday. This city is also popular with families who want the most opportunity during a spring holiday.
Clearwater
Located on the ‘Gulf’ side of Florida this city boasts some of the most pristine and spectacular beaches in Florida. While they may not have as many overall people visiting as other larger cities this may actually be the primary draw of a spring break in Clearwater. The location of attractions in nearby Tampa may allow this to be a destination that actually offers more relaxation when needed while still providing an exceptional spring break atmosphere and experience.
Multiple nearby islands make this as much an adventure as a break from your regular schedule.
Sarasota
This smaller Florida city offers the perfect destination for family spring breaks. Expressing less tolerance for “college students behaving badly” this destination provides its greatest welcome for families. While there are college students who travel to Sarasota the atmosphere is more family oriented and relaxing than other spring break destinations in Florida. That being said we realize the above description will provide the positive tipping point for booking time on the coast in Sarasota for many.
Miami
This city provides a bold welcome to college students who want to visit the beaches of Florida for spring break vacation. Thousands of college students from across the U.S. make their way to South Beach in Miami for entertainment, nightlife and the ability to meet new people.
If you want to tour the Everglades or other natural destinations this is also available during spring break with lodging accommodations designed to fit almost any budget.
On a Budget?
These premier Florida destinations understand the desire to enjoy the dawning of spring – and they understand the financial pressures of both families and students. Most of the above cities will provide an all-inclusive package designed to allow you to plan for your trip while covering all of your primary needs.
A spring break vacation allows you the opportunity to enjoy Florida at a special time of the year with the potential of meeting others who are also determined to make the break a positive next step in finishing the school year.
Come for the sun – stay for the surprises. Return for the experience known as “Florida’s Spring Break”.