Dutch Wonderland is a family amusement park that advertises to be one of the top 5 children's parks in the world. It is located only about an hour from where I live, yet despite that fact, yesterday was the first time I have ever been there. I wasn't sure what to expect, but I must admit that my family and I were pleasantly surprised.
The cost. Like all amusement parks, the tickets were pricey. It cost upwards of 100 dollars for my husband and I and our two young children to get into the park. I looked online beforehand and couldn't find any discount coupons. Still, the $110.00 that it cost us for tickets pales in comparison to the fees for other parks, so I was okay with that. Of course there were other items that added to the cost-- additional fees for things like pony rides and the monorail. There is also the option of a seasonal pass, if you plan to visit the park multiple times during the year.
The ambience. Dutch Wonderland had a pleasant, country feel to it. Not as slick and glossy as Sesame Place, but still very pretty. There were touches of Amish country life throughout, like little pens that housed baby chicks and rabbits and a display of animated Amish dolls. There were also castles and little houses throughout the park. Beautiful flower beds throughout made it very pretty.
The rides. My kids are young so they aren't used to "big kid" rides yet. Luckily, Dutch Wonderland had tons of rides that were perfect for my preschoolers. Of course we went on the Merry Go Round right off the bat. Next we drove some motorized cars on "Turnpike". My 5 year old daughter and my husband rode the Double Log Flume four times (my 3 year old went along once and he didn't like getting splashed at the end). There was a jumbo slide that my daughter loved (she went on it at least a half dozen times), and for my little guy there was a mini bull dozer ride. We all went on a paddle boat ride, which was a very slow--- but relaxing -- boat ride. There was also a train ride that took us completely around the park (and it was my son's favorite). We topped off a day in the sun by stopping by the Lagoon, which was a mini water park-- there were a bunch of sprinklers and fountains and then a water filled climbing gym. My daughter slid down the water-filled slide about 50 times. All in all there were over 30 rides, and most of them were suitable for my young children.
Other attractions. There are a couple of little amphitheaters throughout the park. We witnessed a princess story time and a live action showing of the "Danger Rangers" (based on a PBS series that my daughter loves). Both were enjoyable and a nice break from walking around the park.
Food. As with most parks, food and beverages are not permitted inside the park. There is a picnic pavilion located outside the park if you choose to bring a picnic lunch. We opted to leave the park and go to local restaurant for lunch (all you do is get your hand stamped for re-admittance to the park). But there are several eateries inside the park, with typical park foods like hotdogs, burgers and pizza. We did buy a pretzel and a large bottled water, and later my daughter asked for cotton candy.
Souvenirs. There's a large souvenir shop, which you actually walk through as you enter and exit the pa. My kids were so exhausted by the time we left, they didn't even ask to look around the gift shop. Still, if you're looking for t-shirts, toys or trinkets there is a ton of stuff to choose from. We did end up buying some photos that were taken of us on some of the rides (many of the rides have computer screens displaying photos that are taken on the rides-- and they are for sale starting at 10 dollars each).
All in all, Dutch Wonderland is a great family outing if you're in the Lancaster, PA area. If you're planning a trip to Lancaster, Dutch Wonderland is located on Route 30 and it is right across from the Lancaster shopping outlets (between the Rockvale and Tanger outlets). After a day of family fun, you can stop by the outlets for some shopping-- which is what we planned to do-- except our kids were so tired that we just headed home. Maybe next time!
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
Making A Checklist to Find That Perfect Hotel
There are two kinds of people when it comes to making reservations for an overnight stay; the "I'll wait until I get there and see what's available" group and the "I have to have reservations made weeks or months before I actually arrive" group. No matter what which group you belong to, you should have a checklist ready and thoroughly go over the information you've found about each hotel. After all, there are very few things worse than assuming a hotel with a beautiful name like "Breath of Heaven Inn" is actually a tiny, seedy dive that is more like "Whiff of Landfill." (And yes, this has actually happened to me).
Here are some tips on how to make sure you have found the perfect hotel for your needs, whether you plan reservations far ahead or choose a hotel after your arrival (and keep in mind you can compile your own relevant tips, depending on where you plan to be visiting).
(1) Don't just choose a name. If you rely on the Internet for most of your travel plans, as many more people are now doing, put in the name of a hotel in question and research all you possibly can about it. Preferably the site will have room photos, rates, how to make reservations, and other information you may want to store away in a binder. Some websites have virtual slideshows that take you around a room, lobby, or the hotel's exterior.
(2) If you're traveling with pets, it is imperative to know before arrival which hotels in the area of your destination will host your "furry children." Unfortunately for pet-owners, some hotels will impose a ridiculous fee even if they *do* allow animals on the premises. It is always good to have a detachable vacuum or lint roller to get loose fur off hotel floors and furniture before the end of your stay; this way, if the staff has nothing to complain about with your pet, they may think twice before imposing a additional fee.
(3) Location *is* very important. If you're staying at Disney World and one hotel is twenty miles away while another is five, and each has the same rates and amenities, you will naturally want to choose the hotel that is closer to the destination. Small hotels located off unfamiliar exits can be hard to find. If you've made reservations and then find the hotel to be less than you were expecting, it's too late to cancel, but if you see it before you've done so, you'll think twice before spending the night there.
(4) If you are able to choose the floor on which you wish to stay, consider your physical abilities and amount of luggage. Not many people would choose a fourth-floor room if they have an entire car full of luggage to drag up the stairs if there is no elevator. Unfortunately, it is often not possible to choose a rooms, so it's always good to be prepared.
(5) If your room (which you assumed was at least in a nice and clean condition) is completely dirty, bug-infested, or unsafe, *don't* be afraid to tell management; you have a right to the sort of room you were promised. Many hotels thrive on the good reviews they receive, so if you let staff know that the room is not up to speed, they will probably be eager to help so they will maintain good customer communications. Sometimes they will even offer a transfer to a better room; but don't always be expecting things to happen this quickly or easily.
(6) It is important to understand lodging terms. For instance, if you want an oceanfront balcony and choose a hotel or motel known as "oceanside," it may only be a few rooms that actually overlook the water. You will want the room to actually say "oceanfront," and if you are allowed to choose the floor you will be occupying, take a look around the hotel perimeter and see which rooms will give you the view you desire.
(7) Safety issues are important. If you have a small child or a pet, it might not be a good idea to choose a hotel with an open balcony. Children can easily toddle out and put themselves in danger, and pets, being naturally curious, are in the same danger.
(8) Keep a notebook with all the information you have gleaned from various pamphlets, web pages, or other sources. Print out photos, online booking receipts, contacts to call at the hotels, and anything else you choose to keep until you make your decision. When you've chosen your lodging, all there is to do is sit back and enjoy the trip. After all, the stress of making reservations is minimal compared to the joys of a worry-free vacation.
By Lacie R. Schaeffer
Here are some tips on how to make sure you have found the perfect hotel for your needs, whether you plan reservations far ahead or choose a hotel after your arrival (and keep in mind you can compile your own relevant tips, depending on where you plan to be visiting).
(1) Don't just choose a name. If you rely on the Internet for most of your travel plans, as many more people are now doing, put in the name of a hotel in question and research all you possibly can about it. Preferably the site will have room photos, rates, how to make reservations, and other information you may want to store away in a binder. Some websites have virtual slideshows that take you around a room, lobby, or the hotel's exterior.
(2) If you're traveling with pets, it is imperative to know before arrival which hotels in the area of your destination will host your "furry children." Unfortunately for pet-owners, some hotels will impose a ridiculous fee even if they *do* allow animals on the premises. It is always good to have a detachable vacuum or lint roller to get loose fur off hotel floors and furniture before the end of your stay; this way, if the staff has nothing to complain about with your pet, they may think twice before imposing a additional fee.
(3) Location *is* very important. If you're staying at Disney World and one hotel is twenty miles away while another is five, and each has the same rates and amenities, you will naturally want to choose the hotel that is closer to the destination. Small hotels located off unfamiliar exits can be hard to find. If you've made reservations and then find the hotel to be less than you were expecting, it's too late to cancel, but if you see it before you've done so, you'll think twice before spending the night there.
(4) If you are able to choose the floor on which you wish to stay, consider your physical abilities and amount of luggage. Not many people would choose a fourth-floor room if they have an entire car full of luggage to drag up the stairs if there is no elevator. Unfortunately, it is often not possible to choose a rooms, so it's always good to be prepared.
(5) If your room (which you assumed was at least in a nice and clean condition) is completely dirty, bug-infested, or unsafe, *don't* be afraid to tell management; you have a right to the sort of room you were promised. Many hotels thrive on the good reviews they receive, so if you let staff know that the room is not up to speed, they will probably be eager to help so they will maintain good customer communications. Sometimes they will even offer a transfer to a better room; but don't always be expecting things to happen this quickly or easily.
(6) It is important to understand lodging terms. For instance, if you want an oceanfront balcony and choose a hotel or motel known as "oceanside," it may only be a few rooms that actually overlook the water. You will want the room to actually say "oceanfront," and if you are allowed to choose the floor you will be occupying, take a look around the hotel perimeter and see which rooms will give you the view you desire.
(7) Safety issues are important. If you have a small child or a pet, it might not be a good idea to choose a hotel with an open balcony. Children can easily toddle out and put themselves in danger, and pets, being naturally curious, are in the same danger.
(8) Keep a notebook with all the information you have gleaned from various pamphlets, web pages, or other sources. Print out photos, online booking receipts, contacts to call at the hotels, and anything else you choose to keep until you make your decision. When you've chosen your lodging, all there is to do is sit back and enjoy the trip. After all, the stress of making reservations is minimal compared to the joys of a worry-free vacation.
By Lacie R. Schaeffer
Thursday, May 25, 2006
Planning for Vacation the Wise Way
One thing that is definitely a trend for me over the years has been excitement over an upcoming vacation. It doesn't matter if it will be a long major vacation or a short weekender, if traveling is in the future, I am happy.
The actual planning for vacations is one of the best parts of the whole process. I usually start some planning, even if just a little bit, as early as the destination is decided. I should say at this point that it has been just since the birth of the internet that I have enjoyed the process so much. Before I was able to get online and research as much as I wanted to, I seem to remember that not much planning could go into a vacation at all. If one knew how to find vacation packets from various places, it was a huge help, but such things were not always available.
It is rather comical now because I am sitting here wondering just how people made vacation plans before internet and I can't come up with much of anything! Did we call the information operator and ask for the chamber of commerce in our destination area? And then ask them to send us brochures? I really can't imagine how it was done.
To take that thought a step further, if we got the brochures, did we have to make reservations at the one or two hotels that paid to advertise there, or did we never make reservations at all? I'm not sure I can imagine myself calling an operator and saying "Hi, could you tell me if there are any Hampton Inns within 5 miles of Seattle?" It just doesn't sound practical. I guess I would have gone to Seattle and hoped there would be an empty hotel room somewhere!
Things are so much easier now. I can start planning for any given vacation as soon as I know it will be happening. I research the place on the World Wide Web. I pull up information about the place's history and hot spots, hotels and restaurants. I usually know before I leave the house where I will be sleeping and eating, and whether there will be plenty of things to do or if boredom might set in.
Sure, it takes time to compare hotels or print out menus from the best restaurants, but it has saved an incredible amount of time that would have been spent after arriving.
One thing that is very important to do online is to search for coupons. Many restaurants and attractions offer discount coupons that are to be printed out directly from your computer. It may not seem like a lot, but if you have discounts for many of the eateries and attractions you will be visiting, it adds up rather quickly. Some hotels offer a discount (generally 10% is what I have seen) if you book your room online.
There are many online places where you will be able to see reviews of any given vacation spots. This is better than looking up the individual websites because the reviews come from other travelers. I have had many good experiences with this type of web site. If other people have complained about a certain hotel, for instance, chances are that I wouldn't have been very comfortable there either.
I have utilized some really great restaurant tips from those kinds of sites as well. I concentrate on the places where people say they have great meals rather than the places they didn't like. I make note of the places that were not enjoyed, but I often print a few menus out from the places that were highly reviewed. I keep things like that in a binder and it is a great time saver. It allows travelers to decide before leaving the hotel where they will be having lunch or dinner and it is much better (at least in my own case!) than driving around a strange city trying to find dinner.
When it comes to attractions, coupons are usually for a certain percentage discount, but sometimes they offer an admission free or at half price for every paid admission. The money saved with this little bit of research can be quite significant. If you did not have an opportunity to research online, try to find the chamber of commerce or a visitor center when you arrive at your destination. Even the "smaller" tourist destinations often offer coupon booklets.
The actual planning for vacations is one of the best parts of the whole process. I usually start some planning, even if just a little bit, as early as the destination is decided. I should say at this point that it has been just since the birth of the internet that I have enjoyed the process so much. Before I was able to get online and research as much as I wanted to, I seem to remember that not much planning could go into a vacation at all. If one knew how to find vacation packets from various places, it was a huge help, but such things were not always available.
It is rather comical now because I am sitting here wondering just how people made vacation plans before internet and I can't come up with much of anything! Did we call the information operator and ask for the chamber of commerce in our destination area? And then ask them to send us brochures? I really can't imagine how it was done.
To take that thought a step further, if we got the brochures, did we have to make reservations at the one or two hotels that paid to advertise there, or did we never make reservations at all? I'm not sure I can imagine myself calling an operator and saying "Hi, could you tell me if there are any Hampton Inns within 5 miles of Seattle?" It just doesn't sound practical. I guess I would have gone to Seattle and hoped there would be an empty hotel room somewhere!
Things are so much easier now. I can start planning for any given vacation as soon as I know it will be happening. I research the place on the World Wide Web. I pull up information about the place's history and hot spots, hotels and restaurants. I usually know before I leave the house where I will be sleeping and eating, and whether there will be plenty of things to do or if boredom might set in.
Sure, it takes time to compare hotels or print out menus from the best restaurants, but it has saved an incredible amount of time that would have been spent after arriving.
One thing that is very important to do online is to search for coupons. Many restaurants and attractions offer discount coupons that are to be printed out directly from your computer. It may not seem like a lot, but if you have discounts for many of the eateries and attractions you will be visiting, it adds up rather quickly. Some hotels offer a discount (generally 10% is what I have seen) if you book your room online.
There are many online places where you will be able to see reviews of any given vacation spots. This is better than looking up the individual websites because the reviews come from other travelers. I have had many good experiences with this type of web site. If other people have complained about a certain hotel, for instance, chances are that I wouldn't have been very comfortable there either.
I have utilized some really great restaurant tips from those kinds of sites as well. I concentrate on the places where people say they have great meals rather than the places they didn't like. I make note of the places that were not enjoyed, but I often print a few menus out from the places that were highly reviewed. I keep things like that in a binder and it is a great time saver. It allows travelers to decide before leaving the hotel where they will be having lunch or dinner and it is much better (at least in my own case!) than driving around a strange city trying to find dinner.
When it comes to attractions, coupons are usually for a certain percentage discount, but sometimes they offer an admission free or at half price for every paid admission. The money saved with this little bit of research can be quite significant. If you did not have an opportunity to research online, try to find the chamber of commerce or a visitor center when you arrive at your destination. Even the "smaller" tourist destinations often offer coupon booklets.
Bored in Orlando? Visit Two Great Historical Museums
Do some people seem to raise an eyebrow when you mention historical attractions in metropolitan Orlando, Florida? You can't blame them, really, considering the abundance of souvenirs, Mickey Mouse memorabilia, and theme parks that make Orlando "famous." It's a refreshing change of pace to learn that, if you like history more than thrill rides and huge crowds, you actually will find some places to satisfy your interests.
A great place to start is the museum known as Titanic Ship of Dreams. Years ago when I first visited, I loved anything about the doomed pleasure ship that disappeared under the ocean over 90 years ago. I had books, movies, and even a Titanic t-shirt in my little "collection." I hoped that I wouldn't be disappointed with the museum because I had been looking forward to it for a long time; after all, this *was* Orlando; wouldn't it just be cheesy? How wrong I was! From beginning to end, the museum was beautifully furnished and turned out to be a great experience overall.
Not only were authentic items like chairs, clothing, and menus found at the wreck on display, but each room had a different atmosphere that made you feel as if you were truly on the Titanic. The outside deck, where you could stargaze and hear the terrified voices as the iceberg wreaked its havoc, was strangely cold and very dark, as it must have been that April night when passengers actually walked the deck. The rooms built to resemble the downstairs cargo holds and hallways were especially creepy; the lights kept faltering, blinking on and off the entire time. What a way to get into the story!
Perhaps the best part of the Titanic Ship of Dreams museum is the card you are given when you first pay admission. On it is a name of a real Titanic passenger or crew member; you temporarily "become" this person for the length of the tour. Near the end, you see a huge wall filled with names of those who were aboard Titanic. The chore is to scout the wall for "your" name and see whether or not "you" survived the sinking!
You can find the Titanic Museum at 8445 International Drive in Orlando. Be warned that this is a road notorious for its traffic, so the drive will not be as pleasant as the experience you are about to embark upon. (Actually, of all the roads I've ever traveled, this was without a doubt one of the most stressful). It's well worth the effort, however. The museum is located within a shopping area known as "The Mercado."
After you've "braved" the Titanic, you might want to stop by Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament for an unforgettable meal. This place has it all; a menu from ancient times, great seats and exciting show. And how many times can you actually watch knights jousting while you eat? The costumes alone are enough to visit. After enjoying your meal at the dinner theater, you might want to stop by the attached Medieval Life Village, a recreated medieval village museum. The museum is not very big, but there is plenty to see.
There are rooms made to resemble homes of both the rich and the poor; spacious canopy beds for nobility, and small cots for those less fortunate. The loom exhibition shows two weaving looms that are hundreds of years old, and the indoor kitchen as also beautifully reconstructed. Outside you will find a stable, the well, duck pen, and the restrooms - one for "Lords," and one for "Ladies."
Be on the lookout for dressed guides who will be working inside the museum. This is a great way to spend an evening after spending the day at the theme parks. I saw a man making chain mail, and it was very interesting to learn what intricate work it was and how tiring for the craftsman.
There are "rustic" gifts in the gift shop, as well as more whimsical items like authentic flower circlets (think of them as ancient headbands) but I found the prices to be a little unreasonable for such small items. Don't forget to snap a few photos of the magnificent "castle" nearby that houses the theater complex.
The biggest "problem" I have found about traveling to Orlando is that there is never enough time to see everything that is available to see!
By Lacie R. Schaeffer
A great place to start is the museum known as Titanic Ship of Dreams. Years ago when I first visited, I loved anything about the doomed pleasure ship that disappeared under the ocean over 90 years ago. I had books, movies, and even a Titanic t-shirt in my little "collection." I hoped that I wouldn't be disappointed with the museum because I had been looking forward to it for a long time; after all, this *was* Orlando; wouldn't it just be cheesy? How wrong I was! From beginning to end, the museum was beautifully furnished and turned out to be a great experience overall.
Not only were authentic items like chairs, clothing, and menus found at the wreck on display, but each room had a different atmosphere that made you feel as if you were truly on the Titanic. The outside deck, where you could stargaze and hear the terrified voices as the iceberg wreaked its havoc, was strangely cold and very dark, as it must have been that April night when passengers actually walked the deck. The rooms built to resemble the downstairs cargo holds and hallways were especially creepy; the lights kept faltering, blinking on and off the entire time. What a way to get into the story!
Perhaps the best part of the Titanic Ship of Dreams museum is the card you are given when you first pay admission. On it is a name of a real Titanic passenger or crew member; you temporarily "become" this person for the length of the tour. Near the end, you see a huge wall filled with names of those who were aboard Titanic. The chore is to scout the wall for "your" name and see whether or not "you" survived the sinking!
You can find the Titanic Museum at 8445 International Drive in Orlando. Be warned that this is a road notorious for its traffic, so the drive will not be as pleasant as the experience you are about to embark upon. (Actually, of all the roads I've ever traveled, this was without a doubt one of the most stressful). It's well worth the effort, however. The museum is located within a shopping area known as "The Mercado."
After you've "braved" the Titanic, you might want to stop by Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament for an unforgettable meal. This place has it all; a menu from ancient times, great seats and exciting show. And how many times can you actually watch knights jousting while you eat? The costumes alone are enough to visit. After enjoying your meal at the dinner theater, you might want to stop by the attached Medieval Life Village, a recreated medieval village museum. The museum is not very big, but there is plenty to see.
There are rooms made to resemble homes of both the rich and the poor; spacious canopy beds for nobility, and small cots for those less fortunate. The loom exhibition shows two weaving looms that are hundreds of years old, and the indoor kitchen as also beautifully reconstructed. Outside you will find a stable, the well, duck pen, and the restrooms - one for "Lords," and one for "Ladies."
Be on the lookout for dressed guides who will be working inside the museum. This is a great way to spend an evening after spending the day at the theme parks. I saw a man making chain mail, and it was very interesting to learn what intricate work it was and how tiring for the craftsman.
There are "rustic" gifts in the gift shop, as well as more whimsical items like authentic flower circlets (think of them as ancient headbands) but I found the prices to be a little unreasonable for such small items. Don't forget to snap a few photos of the magnificent "castle" nearby that houses the theater complex.
The biggest "problem" I have found about traveling to Orlando is that there is never enough time to see everything that is available to see!
By Lacie R. Schaeffer
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
Vacation Savings in Unexpected Places
By Christina VanGinkel
When it comes to travel these days, nothing is a given anymore. Take for example the cost of a rental vehicle. In the past, economy sized vehicles could be rented for less than an SUV. With the soaring price of gasoline, economy sized vehicles are a hot commodity and can often be found renting for more than the use-to-be expensive to rent SUV models. When consumers add in the price of gasoline, they figure they will come out ahead paying more upfront on the economy car when they figure back in the gasoline costs, especially if they are going to be putting on any amount of miles.
People are concerned about the cost of travel, and yet who wants to give up their vacation just to save a few dollars. Instead, people are trying to save money on the vacation itself, searching out the bargains. Some of the best of the bargains out there are often found through the most incongruous ways imaginable, but they can really add up, making it possible to still go on that vacation of your dreams and enjoy yourself while vacationing, and not worrying constantly about what every little thing is going to cost.
Hotel Savings
Look for hotels offering deals that are not as far off the beaten track as one you might typically choose. Again, with gasoline costs so prominent, the added cost of getting to and from far off destinations and then driving from them to any tourist attractions can quickly add up. For example, if you would normally book your stay at a hotel on the outskirts of a city, but had plans to travel into the city itself to go to a show, maybe a museum, even for dinner each evening, you might have noticeable savings by staying in a hotel downtown and saving on the cost of travel each day.
If you belong to any sort of association, group, or organization, now is as good as time as any, to read the fine print of what benefits might be available to you as a member. It is so easy to overlook deals such as these because we do not often pay attention to them, figuring they take too many hoops to jump though to use them, though most of the time, it is as simple as giving the hotel your membership number to reap savings. Some hotels also offer their own discounts by allowing customers to sign up for membership in their own clubs, favoring repeat stays with deep discounts and even free nights.
Group Travel
If you have always dreamed of traveling to a foreign destination, or even to a popular tourist attraction within the country, but it suddenly seems like the cost will never again be within reach, take a look at what it would cost to go there as part of a group. Group travel has many opportunities for cost savings. Traveling together allows the cost of reaching the destination to be less than if you went solo, as well as the hotel stay itself. Even tickets to go into places of interest and food are often less because of the advantage of the group organizer being able to secure better deals. While group travel is definitely not for everyone, it is worth considering if it means making your dream come true and just letting it be a dream.
Avoid Scams
Travel frauds and scams are out there, and if a price on something seems too good to be true, like the saying goes, it probably is. Keep your money in your pocket and do not pay for savings that will most likely never be realized. Deal with reputable companies only, and whenever possible deal directly with whoever or wherever the money is ultimately going to end up. For example, if a travel agency has been in your community for the past ten years, your odds are good that they are legitimate. If a travel agency just hung their shingle, while I realize every new place needs it first customers, it is best to start small and not be booking the vacation of a lifetime with them. I recall one company not far from where I live that opened that supposedly dealt with cruise specials. They booked a couple dozen cruises for people that all were real, then continued to book a large number for a group trip to Greece. By the time, the customers were ready to travel; the company had closed up shop and with the closing went the customers' money. The cruise was a fraud, and many people were out a lot of money.
When it comes to travel these days, nothing is a given anymore. Take for example the cost of a rental vehicle. In the past, economy sized vehicles could be rented for less than an SUV. With the soaring price of gasoline, economy sized vehicles are a hot commodity and can often be found renting for more than the use-to-be expensive to rent SUV models. When consumers add in the price of gasoline, they figure they will come out ahead paying more upfront on the economy car when they figure back in the gasoline costs, especially if they are going to be putting on any amount of miles.
People are concerned about the cost of travel, and yet who wants to give up their vacation just to save a few dollars. Instead, people are trying to save money on the vacation itself, searching out the bargains. Some of the best of the bargains out there are often found through the most incongruous ways imaginable, but they can really add up, making it possible to still go on that vacation of your dreams and enjoy yourself while vacationing, and not worrying constantly about what every little thing is going to cost.
Hotel Savings
Look for hotels offering deals that are not as far off the beaten track as one you might typically choose. Again, with gasoline costs so prominent, the added cost of getting to and from far off destinations and then driving from them to any tourist attractions can quickly add up. For example, if you would normally book your stay at a hotel on the outskirts of a city, but had plans to travel into the city itself to go to a show, maybe a museum, even for dinner each evening, you might have noticeable savings by staying in a hotel downtown and saving on the cost of travel each day.
If you belong to any sort of association, group, or organization, now is as good as time as any, to read the fine print of what benefits might be available to you as a member. It is so easy to overlook deals such as these because we do not often pay attention to them, figuring they take too many hoops to jump though to use them, though most of the time, it is as simple as giving the hotel your membership number to reap savings. Some hotels also offer their own discounts by allowing customers to sign up for membership in their own clubs, favoring repeat stays with deep discounts and even free nights.
Group Travel
If you have always dreamed of traveling to a foreign destination, or even to a popular tourist attraction within the country, but it suddenly seems like the cost will never again be within reach, take a look at what it would cost to go there as part of a group. Group travel has many opportunities for cost savings. Traveling together allows the cost of reaching the destination to be less than if you went solo, as well as the hotel stay itself. Even tickets to go into places of interest and food are often less because of the advantage of the group organizer being able to secure better deals. While group travel is definitely not for everyone, it is worth considering if it means making your dream come true and just letting it be a dream.
Avoid Scams
Travel frauds and scams are out there, and if a price on something seems too good to be true, like the saying goes, it probably is. Keep your money in your pocket and do not pay for savings that will most likely never be realized. Deal with reputable companies only, and whenever possible deal directly with whoever or wherever the money is ultimately going to end up. For example, if a travel agency has been in your community for the past ten years, your odds are good that they are legitimate. If a travel agency just hung their shingle, while I realize every new place needs it first customers, it is best to start small and not be booking the vacation of a lifetime with them. I recall one company not far from where I live that opened that supposedly dealt with cruise specials. They booked a couple dozen cruises for people that all were real, then continued to book a large number for a group trip to Greece. By the time, the customers were ready to travel; the company had closed up shop and with the closing went the customers' money. The cruise was a fraud, and many people were out a lot of money.
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