Vacation Planning Tips - 10 Tips for Hotel Holiday Travel

Great fun! Here are 10 vacation planning and hotel travel tips to make the most of your next hotel visit.Staying in a hotel is great. Who doesn't love the luxury of knowing you can make a mess and someone else will clean it up, make your bed, pick up your towels, etc.

1. When choosing your hotel, be sure to check how far away it is from such places as the beach, shops, and the areas you plan to explore. Sometimes you will find misleading phrases such as "near the beach" or "within walking distance of shops and restaurants."

2. I like to pick a hotel that has a nice restaurant attached or as part of the hotel itself. They are usually open pretty early and stay open fairly late so that if you happen to get in late from your day, you can grab a coffee or a bite to eat. The ones that are open 24 hours are the best! If you are staying at one of the hotel resorts in Vegas, all the big ones have a 24-hour restaurant. I love that!

3. Go online and check for reviews of the hotel you plan to stay at. Make sure there are not a great number of negative reviews or unhappy customers. Also check travel guidebooks and see if there is a rating.

4. If you know someone who has visited the same place, ask them what hotel they stayed at and see what they recommend. Personal recommendations are always great.

5. Make your reservations early so that you can get all the amenities you desire such as a room with a view, a non-smoking room, and the size and number of beds you need.

6. If you are going to need a rollaway bed, check on this in advance, as there are usually a limited number available. If possible, try to get a room that has a sleeper sofa instead.

7. Saving money is nice but let's face it, the higher quality hotel, the higher the price normally. The better hotels have better construction, and thereby not so much noise or interruptions during the night, allowing for a good night's sleep. But even the high-priced hotels have deals and specials, and you can also get better rates during the off season.

8. Avoid rooms near the noisiest areas such as right by the elevators, the ice machine, or the swimming pool.

9. If you have a pillow that you can't sleep without, don't forget to bring it. If you are flying, you can use it as a travel pillow and just take it onto the plane with you as carry-on. I personally always travel with my Tempurpedic pillow.

10. The first thing I would do when arriving at the hotel is to fold up the comforter or bedspread that is on the bed and put it in a corner somewhere, then call down for extra blankets. The reason? The sheets are laundered daily but the bedspreads are not.

Use these vacation planning tips to make your next hotel stay much more enjoyable.

For fun vacation ideas and tips for the lowest airline fares visit the-cheap-traveler.com

Source: http://EzineArticles.com/1118574

Auckland Travel Guide - Highlights Culture & Much More‎

Unlike in Melbourne and Sydney, which has fed off a rich Mediterranean immigrant heritage, Asian cuisines here are plentiful. Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Indian, and to a lesser extent, Thai, flavors are common. And some have worked their way into New Zealand’s contemporary, seasonally driven cuisine.

Regularly rated as one of the world’s most livable cities, Auckland—also called Tamaki Makaurau—has grown into a beauty of a destination. The sparkling harbor is sprinkled with gleaming white sails and ferries commuting to waterside suburbs and outlying islands. The largest Polynesian city in the world, Auckland has also become hugely multicultural, which is reflected in the dynamic dining scene.

You’ll find all of this and more in the Central Business District, or CBD, and the inner-city suburbs. In the CBD, historic High Street and Vulcan Lane have always drawn people in with their small-town charm, but the new kid on the block is recently rejuvenated Britomart, which brims with boutiques, alfresco cafes and restaurants.

Inner-city Ponsonby is a rambling residential neighborhood teeming with beautiful people and Victorian-era houses; it’s Auckland’s answer to New York City’s West Village. Ponsonby Road and nearby Jervois Road in Herne Bay are both lined with bars, cafés, and restaurants. Across the bridge, Takapuna—the moneyed northern suburb about a 15-minute drive from downtown—has long been known for its white-sand beach but is now gaining attention for its retail and culinary scenes.

Stick around for summer when the pohutukawa tree puts the coast into dramatic red relief – perched on cliffs and hanging from hilltops, this tenacious and gnarly New Zealand native has a sensational display of red flowers. It’s a special sight when the stamens fall to the ground and turn the white beaches and sidewalks a pinky-red.

While there is tons of entertainment in the city, there’s much more to this sub-tropical destination, including the harbor, Hauraki Gulf and its outlying islands, beautiful bush walks in the Waitakere Ranges, and the wild west-coast beaches of Piha, Karekare, and Bethells, to explore.

Best Time To Go

For the best weather, travel between November and April.

Transportation

The city and its inner suburbs are easily explored on foot, but you can also take the Inner Link bus ($2.50), which does loops around the city to Parnell, K Road, Ponsonby, and Victoria Park.

Weather

January and February are the hottest months, with an average temperature of 71ºF (21ºC). July and August are the coldest months, with an average temperature of 55ºF (13ºC).

Know Before You Go

Auckland’s public transportation can be a hassle, so book a car in advance if you’d like to see the entire city.

Language: English

Electric: Local voltage is 240AC, or 50 hertz. Power outlets take two-pin and three-pin plugs (Type I).

http://www.travelandleisure.com/travel-guide/auckland

Atlanta Travel Guide - Highlights Culture & Much More‎

Originally a railroad town that served as a gateway to more remote corners of the Southeast, the vibrant city is now the largest in Georgia and remains a crucial transportation hub. Home to world-renowned chefs, entrepreneurs, and media moguls, Atlanta’s magnetic charisma is grounded in its historic roots, but enhanced by its present-day charm and amenities.The beating heart of the American South, Atlanta is a bustling financial and commercial center that also boasts a thriving cultural community.

Known for having a diverse population, progressive views, and rolling hills, the Peach City also boasts consistently nice weather for much of the year. The best times to travel to Atlanta are in the spring, when the azaleas and dogwoods are in full bloom, and the fall, when the Appalachian foothill foliage is at its best. Atlanta winters are usually mild, and fewer hotels and restaurants are booked. (During the summer, however, average temperatures often exceed 90 degrees, and rain is frequent.)

The city was a touchpoint during the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s, and visitors can learn about this era at the Center for Civil and Human Rights and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change, which includes access to the house in which the civil rights leader grew up and the church at which he was a pastor. Other popular attractions include the High Museum of Art, Georgia Aquarium (the largest in the hemisphere).

Piedmont Park, and the College Football Hall of Fame. Atlanta also has a burgeoning restaurant scene, with famous culinary talents bringing new interest to already dynamic neighborhoods, like chef Kevin Gillespie’s creative, genre-defying new Glenwood Park spot, Gunsmoke, or Angus Brown and Nhan Le’s ambitious Asian cooking at Octopus Bar in South Buckhead. A mix of big-name hotels and antique-adorned bed and breakfasts; sports bars and craft cocktail dens; and well-curated boutiques and artisanal shops provide locals and visitors endless options for entertainment. To help narrow down the choices, T+L’s Atlanta travel guide highlights the best places to eat, stay, shop, and visit in Georgia’s state capital and the surrounding area.

Best Time To Visit

In spring, when the azaleas and dogwoods are in full bloom, or fall, when the crisp and cool climate and orange-hued trees beckon you outdoors for concerts and festivals.

Atlanta Transportation

Despite its legendary traffic, Atlanta is a city best navigated by car, so rent one or have the number of a car service handy. The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) is a system of buses and trains that offer access to major attractions and destinations in the city, including the airport. Each ride is $2.50 and there are discounts for multiple rides.

Atlanta Weather

July is on average the hottest month, with an average high of 89°F (32°C). January is the coldest month, with an average high of 52°F (11°C).

Know Before Visiting

Atlanta might be an urban metropolis, but it’s only about 90 miles from the Blue Ridge Mountains, so pack some hiking gear and comfortable walking shoes so you can explore the surrounding natural attractions. The city itself also boasts several scenic parks and walking trails. The developing BeltLine (a historic 22-mile railroad corridor that is being transformed into a network of green spaces) is one outdoor jaunt every visitor should experience.

http://www.travelandleisure.com/travel-guide/atlanta

Amsterdam Travel Guide - Highlights Culture & Much More‎

Yet it’s no mere museum piece: T+L’s Amsterdam travel guide shows that, alongside the historic monuments and Old Masters, the city is a modern capital with all the trappings a traveler could want, including a wide range of hotels, innovative restaurants, and stylish shopping.With 60 miles of canals and nearly 7,000 buildings dating from the 18th century or earlier, Amsterdam is one of Europe’s best preserved cities—the center has barely changed since Rembrandt’s time.

Colorful, quirky and charming, the old-world city is lined with 17th century building, canals, and the constant sight of bicycles whizzing by. But it also bears the hallmarks of a thriving and downright lenient metropolis. While many young people visit Amsterdam for the marijuana scene—and perhaps to peek at the legal prostitutes in the Red Light District—the city is teeming with high culture, from the world-class art in the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseumn to P.C. Hooftstraat, the shopping street where you can find plenty of the contemporary, cutting-edge design that has become a source of pride in Amsterdam and the Netherlands.

There’s no bad time to go to this Dutch capital, but in general, May through October is the main travel season, when temperatures are warmest. Crowds peak in July and August. The other top time for a trip to Amsterdam is tulip season: The city bursts into bloom as early as March, and the plumage can extend into May. Rain is possible year-round, and winter can bring occasional snow and slush, so pack layers. Overall, it’s generally mild, but often wet, so bring an umbrella and suitable clothing at any time of year.

Best Time To Visit

July and August are popular—and busy. If you want to see the tulips, come mid-April to early May. You’ll find better deals and quieter crowds October to March, with the exception of New Year’s Eve. This is a unique and riotous celebration in Amsterdam, and well worth experiencing.

Amsterdam Transportation

Amsterdam is compact, so walking or renting bikes to make use of the great bike lanes is easy. Yet public transport (trams, metros, and buses) also is excellent. Buy a chip card at a ticket vending machine or counter, or ask the driver for a tourist pass (there are one- to seven-day cards starting at $8).

Amsterdam Weather

August is the hottest month, with an average high of 63°F (17°C), and the coldest is January, with an average high of 37°F (17°C).

Know Before Visiting

Some attractions (especially the Van Gogh Museum and Anne Frank House) get very busy, especially in summer, so booking a ticket and time to visit in advance. The city is generally safe, but pickpockets operate widely; be careful on the tram and at the market.

http://www.travelandleisure.com/travel-guide/amsterdam

Viator VIP: Palace of Versailles Group Tour with Private

See the Palace of Versailles (Château de Versailles) as French kings once did – with this small-group tour that includes a once-in-a-lifetime private viewing of the palace’s Royal Quarters. This exclusive tour gives you priority entrance to Versailles through a reserved door and provides you with unprecedented access to magnificent private rooms – such as Louis XVI’s library – which are normally off-limits to the general public, allowing you to see a side of the UNESCO World-Heritage-listed Palace of Versailles that most never will.

This VIP experience also includes a tour of two rooms in the State Apartments and the famous Hall of Mirrors as soon as the palace opens, before the majority of the crowd arrives. Your priority entrance ticket allows you to go straight inside the palace with your small group (maximum 16 people), beating most of the public to these rooms.

Highlights
Informative, friendly and professional guide
Perfect introduction for first-time visitors
Pickup from a centrally located meeting point
Skip the line
Small-group tour
Your VIP experience begins as you board a luxurious, air-conditioned minivan in central Paris and head west to the Palace of Versailles. When you arrive, meet your knowledgeable guide at the palace’s reserved entrance, and go straight inside with your priority access ticket.

Follow your guide to the State Apartments, where you’ll see two of the 17 rooms – the King’s Chamber and the Council Study. Then head to the fabulous Hall of Mirrors. Your group will be among the first of the general public to arrive at this famous room so you can enjoy the sumptuous setting in all its glory. Walk down the spectacular hall, lined with 357 mirrors that reflect the windows on the opposite wall.

Next, the exclusive part of your tour truly begins as you leave the crowd behind and pass through the velvet ropes into the palace’s restricted area. See the following Royal Quarters of Louis XV and Louis XVI:


The library of Louis XVI, said to be one of his favorite rooms
The dining room where Louis XV held dinners for lords and ladies
The clock room with its clock that has a crystal globe showing the planets revolving around the sun
The ‘corner room,’ which contains a cylinder desk belonging to Louis XV that is considered one of the most outstanding pieces of furniture in the world
You will then visit one of two additional royal sites, depending on daily availability: the Royal Opera House, built in 1770 to celebrate the wedding of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette, or the Royal Chapel, where a series of paintings and sculptures depicts the notion that kings were chosen by God.

The guided portion of your tour now ends, and your friendly guide will answer any questions you have. From here, you have a few options to complete your Versailles experience. You can explore the other 15 rooms that make up the public State Apartments independently. You can enjoy lunch at Angelina’s restaurant located inside the palace (own expense). Or you can head outside and enjoy the beautiful Gardens of Versailles – a 1,977-acre (800-hectare) oasis of groves, sculptures, labyrinths and fountains. Depending on the day of the week that you are at the palace, you may catch one of the summer musical events – either the Musical Gardens or the Musical Fountains Show (known as the Grandes Eaux musicales), both of which bring the gardens to live with classical music; see the Itinerary section below for more details.

The gardens are also home to La Petite Venise, a popular restaurant with a lovely terrace, located in the former stables by the Grand Canal. It is your choice if you’d like to eat here, but you must make your way here to meet your guide for the drive back to Paris.

Dubai Hotel Rates Rise Amid Strong

Dubai hotels performed strongly in September with four and five star hotels posting growth in all key indicators, according to the latest HotStats MENA Chain Hotels Market Review.The report said Dubai's luxury hospitality sector witnessed an 8.5 percent growth in average rates to $235.34 while occupancy rates rose by 3.1 percent to 76 percent. These figures drove a 13.1 percent increase in revenue per available room (RevPAR) to $178.84, the report published by TRI Hospitality Consulting said. Dubai also saw marginal increases in food and beverage revenues which solidified a 10.3 percent growth in total revenue per available room (TRevPAR) to $338.88.The growth in top line performance resulted in significant increases in bottom line results with gross operating profit per available room (GOPPAR) increasing 13.7 percent to $98. Peter Goddard, managing director of TRI Hospitality Consulting in Dubai, said: "Dubai's strong performance in 2013 continued in September with hotels recording an increase in all key performance indicators. Occupancy remained strong during the month at 76 percent, helping drive year to date figures to an impressive 79.5 percent.

"The strong demand has allowed hoteliers to be aggressive on average rates which rose 8.5 percent in September and with the high season almost upon us, we project the continuation of strong growth for the remainder of 2013." Elsewhere in the Gulf's tourism sector, Doha hotels recorded mix results in September with ARR and Occupancy experiencing lower performance levels compared to the same period last year. ARR was down 0.3 percent to $229.49 and continues the trend in 2013 in which rates have fallen 2.1 percent compared to 2012. Occupancy fell 1.1 percent in September to 61.7 percent. The fall in top line performance resulted in RevPAR falling 2.1 percent. Goddard added: "In the past two years Doha has witnessed a sudden influx of new hotels entering the market which put immense pressure on the performance of existing hotels, especially average rate. "The results for 2013 indicate that the market is starting to show signs of recovery in occupancy levels which is attributed to a growing leisure market and continued economic strength of the city. However due to the markets heavy reliance on corporate demand, average rates continue to decline as new hotels penetrate the market with attractive offers, forcing existing hotels to compete on price.

" Riyadh hotels witnessed a marginal decrease in room performance in September with occupancy and ARR falling 0.4 percent and 0.8 percent respectively to 61.3 percent and $240.80. This saw RevPAR performance drop 1.4 percent to $147.60. The Riyadh market continues to experience intensive competition in 2013 as a wave of new hotels enter the city, especially in the midmarket segment. This has put pressure on occupancy and average rate as new supply outweighs demand and new hotels launch aggressive sales and marketing campaigns in order to establish a position in the market, Goddard said. "With a strong future supply pipeline in the Saudi capital, the market is expected to witness a further pressure on performance levels as new hotels penetrate the market with discounted rates," he added.

Flics Dubai ajouter d'autres supercars à la flotte

La police de Dubaï a dévoilé trois nouveaux modèles de supercar dans le cadre de sa nouvelle flotte de voitures de look.

Après dévoilements récents d'une Ferrari FF et une Lamborghini, la force a montré hors de nouvelles voitures de luxe britannique Aston Martin constructeur automobile, Bentley et Mercedes.
L'Aston Martin One-77, Bentley Continental GT et Mercedes SLS ont été lancés à l'Arabian Travel Market.
Le mois dernier, le chef de la police de Dubaï a déclaré qu'un certain nombre de Ferraris d'être présenté à la force sera pilotée par des femmes.

Dahi Khalfan lieutenant-général a tweeté qu'il s'attendait à voir les recrues féminines de la police de Dubaï se mettre derrière les roues de la Ferrari FF supercar, qui coûte environ $ 500,000 et a une vitesse de pointe de 335 kmph.

Plus tôt, la police de Dubaï a également révélé sa nouvelle AED2m (500.000 $) Lamborghini qui peut atteindre des vitesses allant jusqu'à 350 kmph.
La flotte de la police de Dubaï comprend également le Toyota Land Cruiser et la Kia Mohave.