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2010 Medicare Supplement Changes
1 week ago
12/2/09
Train Travel - Things to Take
Pack as lightly as possible, especially the bags you carry on board. You may find it useful to take a pair of binoculars, a good book, a deck of cards, maps (preferably showing rail lines), a light blanket, a pillow or large pillow case, earplugs or an eyeshade if you are a light sleeper, bathing and grooming items, a pocket torch, sunglasses, a cheap digital watch with an alarm, a small first-aid kit, bottled mineral or spring water (which will probably taste better than that provided at the drinking fountain), fresh fruit, nuts and other snacks. Wear comfortable clothes, especially shoes. There are no places on board to get cash, except by cashing a traveler's cheque, and so take enough money to last the journey.
Train Travel - Time to Unwind
The atmosphere on board most trains tends to be relaxed so it's a great way to "meet the natives" and make new friends. Americans like to talk and will sometimes tell you their life story in hair-raising detail. Train speeds are perfect for sightseeing, making this is an ideal way to explore the landscape. Between the many small towns and big cities you can come to understand America's sheer size and variety, getting a feel for what this land must have been like before the days of McDonalds and Coca Cola.
There's room to stretch out or walk around and instead of racing above the clouds you watch an entire continent unroll outside the wraparound windows. There are high-speed Acela trains in the Northeast (Boston-New York-Washington) and frequent services out of big cities such as Chicago and Los Angeles but some long-distance routes only have one train per day. It's a good idea to book your ticket well in advance during summer and at other holiday periods. There's a toll-free number to make reservations and you can collect your tickets at any station or have them sent to you by mail.
There's room to stretch out or walk around and instead of racing above the clouds you watch an entire continent unroll outside the wraparound windows. There are high-speed Acela trains in the Northeast (Boston-New York-Washington) and frequent services out of big cities such as Chicago and Los Angeles but some long-distance routes only have one train per day. It's a good idea to book your ticket well in advance during summer and at other holiday periods. There's a toll-free number to make reservations and you can collect your tickets at any station or have them sent to you by mail.
Train Travel - Hotels on Wheels
Amtrak's network takes in most states, giving a choice of 500 destinations and access to such essentials as the Rocky Mountains and Grand Canyon. The trains themselves are like mobile hotels, with gleaming twin-decked coaches, air-conditioning and uniformed attendants who make you feel you have stepped back in time into a 1930s Hollywood movie. The reclining seats are thick and soft, with comfortable leg-rests so you can snooze after a meal or sleep through the night (a good way to save on hotel bills).
There are also traditional sleeping cars with cozy bedrooms that range from single 'roomettes' to family size affairs for those traveling with children. Accommodation here includes breakfast, lunch and dinner in the dining car, as well as complimentary tea or coffee and a newspaper delivered each morning. It's a wonderful feeling to be so pampered on your journey.
There are also traditional sleeping cars with cozy bedrooms that range from single 'roomettes' to family size affairs for those traveling with children. Accommodation here includes breakfast, lunch and dinner in the dining car, as well as complimentary tea or coffee and a newspaper delivered each morning. It's a wonderful feeling to be so pampered on your journey.
Train Travel
For many people Florida is the new Spain and weekend trips to New York are scarcely unusual, but the USA has much more to offer than guaranteed sunshine and bargain shopping. Most people travel by car or plane but if you have a couple of weeks or more to travel you should certainly investigate America's trains - the last means of luxury transport available to everyone. Reduced rates are available for students and seniors (people over 62) and visitors from overseas benefit from a range of passes that must be among the world's great travel bargains.
11/1/09
Medical Tourism - Singapore
If the first consideration of a medical holiday isn’t a stringent budget, Singapore is about as good as it gets. While some countries draw patients in with their cut-rate fees, Singapore’s appeal lies in its world-class medical facilities, fluent English staff and familiar infrastructure to westerners. Medical, dental and alternative therapies are all available on the island, and the levels of quality are high no matter what you choose to have done.
Singapore is a state deserving of its reputation for cleanliness, order and its ultra-high standard of private medical care. While it is by no means as cheap as say, India or Thailand, medical staff here invariably speak a high standard of English and the healthcare infrastructure is easily comparable with that of western countries.
As standards of medical treatment go, Singapore is on a par with Thailand and India. Singapore’s ultra clean and structured environment contrasts sharply with the chaos and pollution of Bangkok or the abject poverty and underdevelopment of Chennai, making it a good choice for visitor’s who don’t adjust well to culture shock. For many, this gives Singapore the edge over its two biggest competitors despite the higher prices of treatment.
Since Singapore’s prices are still around half of what US clinics charge for the same procedures, it’s understandable that some 200,000 visitors flock here every year in search of medical, cosmetic and dental treatment. A reputation for state-of-the-art equipment and the finest surgeons, many of which are trained in the US, is also a major draw card for many would-be patients.
English is one of the country’s four official languages and the official language of business; this has significant appeal to those visitors with very specific needs.
Those visitors looking to make their trip both a medical tourist excursion and a regular vacation will find Singapore a fascinating country with modern amenities and entertainment, scenic beaches, great food and a rich and eclectic culture.
Pros: Singapore’s reputation for spotlessness extends to its medical facilities and standards of hygiene are as high as they can go on this small south Asian island. Though treatment in Singapore can be more expensive than in Thailand or India, the procedures themselves still cost little more than half of what they would in the United States.
It’s easy to see why Singapore is one of the most preferred medical tourism destinations in the world. The city itself is easy to get around and very clean. English is one of the country’s official languages and most Singaporeans are fluent. These advantages exist in the hospitals as well, which can be a comfort for people with specific problems or needs.
Cons: While prices of surgeries in Singapore are still significantly cheaper than in the west, they are more expensive than in other Asian countries with reputations as medical tourism destinations; prices in India and Thailand are comparably cheaper. Singapore’s location at the end of the Malay peninsula means it’s close to the equator, and temperatures can be high and the air in summer is quite humid. Temperature won’t be a factor in the air-conditioned clinic, but if a post-procedure holiday is planned, the climate may be unpleasant for some.
Singapore is a state deserving of its reputation for cleanliness, order and its ultra-high standard of private medical care. While it is by no means as cheap as say, India or Thailand, medical staff here invariably speak a high standard of English and the healthcare infrastructure is easily comparable with that of western countries.
As standards of medical treatment go, Singapore is on a par with Thailand and India. Singapore’s ultra clean and structured environment contrasts sharply with the chaos and pollution of Bangkok or the abject poverty and underdevelopment of Chennai, making it a good choice for visitor’s who don’t adjust well to culture shock. For many, this gives Singapore the edge over its two biggest competitors despite the higher prices of treatment.
Since Singapore’s prices are still around half of what US clinics charge for the same procedures, it’s understandable that some 200,000 visitors flock here every year in search of medical, cosmetic and dental treatment. A reputation for state-of-the-art equipment and the finest surgeons, many of which are trained in the US, is also a major draw card for many would-be patients.
English is one of the country’s four official languages and the official language of business; this has significant appeal to those visitors with very specific needs.
Those visitors looking to make their trip both a medical tourist excursion and a regular vacation will find Singapore a fascinating country with modern amenities and entertainment, scenic beaches, great food and a rich and eclectic culture.
Pros: Singapore’s reputation for spotlessness extends to its medical facilities and standards of hygiene are as high as they can go on this small south Asian island. Though treatment in Singapore can be more expensive than in Thailand or India, the procedures themselves still cost little more than half of what they would in the United States.
It’s easy to see why Singapore is one of the most preferred medical tourism destinations in the world. The city itself is easy to get around and very clean. English is one of the country’s official languages and most Singaporeans are fluent. These advantages exist in the hospitals as well, which can be a comfort for people with specific problems or needs.
Cons: While prices of surgeries in Singapore are still significantly cheaper than in the west, they are more expensive than in other Asian countries with reputations as medical tourism destinations; prices in India and Thailand are comparably cheaper. Singapore’s location at the end of the Malay peninsula means it’s close to the equator, and temperatures can be high and the air in summer is quite humid. Temperature won’t be a factor in the air-conditioned clinic, but if a post-procedure holiday is planned, the climate may be unpleasant for some.
Medical Tourism - Mexico
For many years medical tourists have traveled to Mexico for treatment, and recent years have seen an even greater influx of patients from all parts of the world. Mexico’s physicians and dentists are well-qualified, with many having trained in the US. The country’s proximity to the US has lead to it become a top destination for Americans in search of quality, affordable medical, cosmetic and dental treatments.
Pros: In a number of Mexican cities, clinics and hospitals are very modern and feature state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment. Many facilities are staffed with English-speaking physicians and medical personnel that are US board certified. Patient rooms typically are quite large and many are private. Many medical tourists comment that their Mexican specialists and staff relate to them much more personally than health professionals in their own countries.
The cost of medical procedures in Mexico averages at 30 to 50 percent of US costs. There are excellent savings in dental procedures as well. Mexico’s well-trained dentists provide high-quality treatment at fees that run approximately one-half of what the same treatment would cost in the US. A root canal procedure combined with a porcelain crown, for example, costs approximately US$400 in Mexico.
Cons: Visitors are advised to exercise caution when traveling to Mexico, where indiscriminate terrorist attacks do occur. In Mexico City in particular muggings and robberies can be all too common. Tourists are advised to be watchful when visiting popular attractions and transportation centers and when on public transportation, as these are favorites with pick pockets. It’s also strongly advised that only authorized taxis should be used. Women travelers need to exercise extra caution as incidents of sexual assaults have been on the rise at some coastal resorts.
Pros: In a number of Mexican cities, clinics and hospitals are very modern and feature state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment. Many facilities are staffed with English-speaking physicians and medical personnel that are US board certified. Patient rooms typically are quite large and many are private. Many medical tourists comment that their Mexican specialists and staff relate to them much more personally than health professionals in their own countries.
The cost of medical procedures in Mexico averages at 30 to 50 percent of US costs. There are excellent savings in dental procedures as well. Mexico’s well-trained dentists provide high-quality treatment at fees that run approximately one-half of what the same treatment would cost in the US. A root canal procedure combined with a porcelain crown, for example, costs approximately US$400 in Mexico.
Cons: Visitors are advised to exercise caution when traveling to Mexico, where indiscriminate terrorist attacks do occur. In Mexico City in particular muggings and robberies can be all too common. Tourists are advised to be watchful when visiting popular attractions and transportation centers and when on public transportation, as these are favorites with pick pockets. It’s also strongly advised that only authorized taxis should be used. Women travelers need to exercise extra caution as incidents of sexual assaults have been on the rise at some coastal resorts.
Medical Tourism - Brazil
Brazil’s health system is one of the world’s largest, comprising an estimated 16,000 facilities, including clinics, hospitals and local health centers that are staffed by more than 200,000 qualified physicians. The country provides some of the most advanced medical care that you’ll find globally, and treatment is among the cheapest.
In recent years, the devaluation of Brazil’s currency against the US dollar has made the country an excellent choice for low-cost, high-quality medical treatment for foreigners. As a result, Brazil’s international reputation in the medical tourism sphere is growing.
In particular, Brazil has become world-famous for its cosmetic and plastic surgery procedures. The well-to-do have been visiting Brazil for procedures for years in order to maintain their youthful appearance and their anonymity while recuperating on Rio’s fabulous beaches. With the devaluation of the currency, these procedures are now within the means of many more people.
More hospitals in Brazil have received accreditation by the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Hospitals than in any country other than the US, and rates are among the best in Latin America. In addition to the excellent medical facilities, the country boasts many attractions that appeal to medical tourists who are interested in experiencing the culture, recuperating on a beach or taking in the many natural wonders.
In recent years, the devaluation of Brazil’s currency against the US dollar has made the country an excellent choice for low-cost, high-quality medical treatment for foreigners. As a result, Brazil’s international reputation in the medical tourism sphere is growing.
In particular, Brazil has become world-famous for its cosmetic and plastic surgery procedures. The well-to-do have been visiting Brazil for procedures for years in order to maintain their youthful appearance and their anonymity while recuperating on Rio’s fabulous beaches. With the devaluation of the currency, these procedures are now within the means of many more people.
More hospitals in Brazil have received accreditation by the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Hospitals than in any country other than the US, and rates are among the best in Latin America. In addition to the excellent medical facilities, the country boasts many attractions that appeal to medical tourists who are interested in experiencing the culture, recuperating on a beach or taking in the many natural wonders.
Medical Tourism - South Korea
South Korea is filled with top-notch private hospitals and clinics, which account for 93% of all medical facilities. There is one hospital that is accredited by the Joint Commission International (JCI) located in the capital city of Seoul, which boasts world class facilities, VIP rooms, and physicians who are fluent in English, Korean, Japanese, French, and Chinese. Also, many private hospitals have international departments that understand and cater to the needs of foreign patients. In order to modernize its healthcare sector, the South Korean government revised its Medical Act to enable the use of electronic order communications and electronic medical records by doctors, therefore increasing the efficiency of hospital information systems.
Popular procedures sought in South Korea are cosmetic, gynecology, stem cell therapy, neurology, endocrinology, otolaryngology (ENT), dental, eye, laser treatments, cardiology, transplants, and medical checkups.
Popular procedures sought in South Korea are cosmetic, gynecology, stem cell therapy, neurology, endocrinology, otolaryngology (ENT), dental, eye, laser treatments, cardiology, transplants, and medical checkups.
10/5/09
Hotels in Las Vegas
Las Vegas encompasses the world when it comes to wonderful places to stay. You can be in New York, New York, Paris, Egypt, or Venice.
The Venetian Resort Hotel Casino was designed to give the visitor a memorable renaissance stay. The world's largest standard suites and the city's most elegant casino allow the visitor to immerse himself in the truly romantic atmosphere of this all-suite hotel.
The Venetian Resort provides a heartwarming atmosphere of canals encompassing nineteen restaurants--six award winning chef's--eighty international boutiques with couture and collectibles. The Canyon Ranch Spa Club allows one to rest and relax with a full-service spa, fitness center, rock-climbing wall, or just total indulgence. Authentic gondola rides along the quarter mile canal make this the ideal romantic vacation for newlyweds or a couple on retreat from family.
For the adventurous family, or couple, Treasure Island is a distinctive and exciting resort destination. Within walking distance are the best shows, shopping, restaurants, and variety entertainment Las Vegas can offer. Currently Cirque de Soleil "Mystere" is playing, a fantastic visionary experience for the family. Lee Ann Rimes appears in October, and Bill Cosby does a one night stand in November.
Treasure Island connects to The Mirage via a tram on the south and has traversable bridges to the Palazzo at The Venetian on the east. The rakiish atmosphere at Treasure Island encourages swash-bucklers to feel right at home. Treasure Island is an entertainment adventure for the family as a whole. Your children will be fascinated by the "pirate" atmosphere.
The Venetian Resort Hotel Casino was designed to give the visitor a memorable renaissance stay. The world's largest standard suites and the city's most elegant casino allow the visitor to immerse himself in the truly romantic atmosphere of this all-suite hotel.
The Venetian Resort provides a heartwarming atmosphere of canals encompassing nineteen restaurants--six award winning chef's--eighty international boutiques with couture and collectibles. The Canyon Ranch Spa Club allows one to rest and relax with a full-service spa, fitness center, rock-climbing wall, or just total indulgence. Authentic gondola rides along the quarter mile canal make this the ideal romantic vacation for newlyweds or a couple on retreat from family.
For the adventurous family, or couple, Treasure Island is a distinctive and exciting resort destination. Within walking distance are the best shows, shopping, restaurants, and variety entertainment Las Vegas can offer. Currently Cirque de Soleil "Mystere" is playing, a fantastic visionary experience for the family. Lee Ann Rimes appears in October, and Bill Cosby does a one night stand in November.
Treasure Island connects to The Mirage via a tram on the south and has traversable bridges to the Palazzo at The Venetian on the east. The rakiish atmosphere at Treasure Island encourages swash-bucklers to feel right at home. Treasure Island is an entertainment adventure for the family as a whole. Your children will be fascinated by the "pirate" atmosphere.
Hotel Guidelines
Before choosing a hotel, it is very important ask trusted friends who have been in the hotel, whether they enjoyed their stay in the hotel. Alternatively, you can search the name of the intended hotel on the internet and read the hotel's reviews from other people.
What to look for in a hotel
Make sure the hotel is in a good central location and close to all amenities. A safe neighbourhood is rather important to make sure you enjoy a safe stay. If you are renting a car you might also take into account whether there is free parking available. If it's in summer and it's hot, make sure you check whether the rooms are air-conditioned.
What you must do after arriving your hotel room
Once you check-in, one of the most important factors in a hotel is the cleanliness and safety. Make sure the hotel room's door is safe and that the door closes completely. Regarding cleanliness, the bathroom area is always one of the most important rooms to check. The basin and surfaces should have been cleaned and sprayed with anti bacterial spray, and although often the mirrors are wiped down, it isn't usually a requirement of the cleaners to do so.
Make sure you check the cleanliness and hygiene of the room before unpacking to avoid any unnecessary inconveniences and / or delays while being transferred in another room.
Rating of stars in hotels
The rating star of the hotel can help guests know how good the hotel is. Star ratings symbolise the level of standards a guest can expect and are recognised worldwide. Ranging from 1 up to 5, the quality of service, amenities, size and condition of rooms and building, safety and security, atmosphere, quality of food and drink, hotel presence and efficiency of staff are all taken under consideration and judged.
One star
One star hotels have absolute basics like a shower room down the hall shared with other guests.
Two star
Two star hotels usually have en-suites, a colour tv and a bed.
Three star hotels
These types hotels usually have a private bathroom, colour tv, phone, bed and an optional laundry service.
Four Star
Four star hotels are bigger and more comfortable with a more luxurious touch. These hotels will also have 24-hour room service and optional dry cleaning services.
Five Star
Five star hotels are the best! The rooms will be of the highest standards and with great comfort. A 24-hour room service is also available and these types of hotels have luxurious amenities including spas.
What to look for in a hotel
Make sure the hotel is in a good central location and close to all amenities. A safe neighbourhood is rather important to make sure you enjoy a safe stay. If you are renting a car you might also take into account whether there is free parking available. If it's in summer and it's hot, make sure you check whether the rooms are air-conditioned.
What you must do after arriving your hotel room
Once you check-in, one of the most important factors in a hotel is the cleanliness and safety. Make sure the hotel room's door is safe and that the door closes completely. Regarding cleanliness, the bathroom area is always one of the most important rooms to check. The basin and surfaces should have been cleaned and sprayed with anti bacterial spray, and although often the mirrors are wiped down, it isn't usually a requirement of the cleaners to do so.
Make sure you check the cleanliness and hygiene of the room before unpacking to avoid any unnecessary inconveniences and / or delays while being transferred in another room.
Rating of stars in hotels
The rating star of the hotel can help guests know how good the hotel is. Star ratings symbolise the level of standards a guest can expect and are recognised worldwide. Ranging from 1 up to 5, the quality of service, amenities, size and condition of rooms and building, safety and security, atmosphere, quality of food and drink, hotel presence and efficiency of staff are all taken under consideration and judged.
One star
One star hotels have absolute basics like a shower room down the hall shared with other guests.
Two star
Two star hotels usually have en-suites, a colour tv and a bed.
Three star hotels
These types hotels usually have a private bathroom, colour tv, phone, bed and an optional laundry service.
Four Star
Four star hotels are bigger and more comfortable with a more luxurious touch. These hotels will also have 24-hour room service and optional dry cleaning services.
Five Star
Five star hotels are the best! The rooms will be of the highest standards and with great comfort. A 24-hour room service is also available and these types of hotels have luxurious amenities including spas.
Hostel's - "101"
Travelers with tight finances look to hostels. Originally a European phenomenon catering to students, hostels offer great lodging for those who don't mind tight quarters or spartan furnishings.
Hostels offer adventure and the chance to meet those from different countries and cultures, but is not for everyone. Hostels can be the way to go for singles and small groups of younger travelers. It's probably not for honeymooners or families with young children.
Bunk beds in a large open room are usually the sleeping arrangement in hostels, some may have smaller rooms with fewer bunks. Some rooms are arranged with 4 - 8 bunks - offering a bit more privacy for those in a group. Check-in procedures are pretty standard - you're assigned a bed and given an verbal orientation or printed "rules of the house".
Almost all hostels in the United States divide their accommodations according to gender, with the female guests in one block of rooms and the male clientele in another. Males and females may get a floor assigned by sex if the building is multi-story.
Outside the US, males and females may share lodging, make sure you inquire about sleeping arrangements if sharing a room with members of the opposite sex is a problem for you.
Bathroom and shower facilities vary from hostel to hostel. Some smaller rooms may have a semi-private bath. Some hostels have these facilities down the hall. Inquire about bathroom/shower arrangements in advance to avoid unpleasantness when you arrive.
If you're traveling in the summer be sure to make a reservation, so there are no unpleasant surprises. As more people of all ages start to travel the demand for bargain accommodations increases - be sure to make a reservation. Make a reservation - Looking for a room at the last minute is a pain.
Price is the main attraction when staying at a hostel. The cost of a night's stay depends on where you're traveling in the world. An "inquiring mind" can save a $100 by choosing a hostel in the same block as a hotel.
Many hostel staff members are travelers in their own right and are pretty tuned in to needs of clientele. Most hostel staff members live the neighborhood and are knowledgeable about what is going on nearby.
Hostel staffers know why you're staying with them - to save money. They will provide you with good information regarding restaurants, night life and other attractions a you are interested in.. They probably also know how to enjoy the high ticket attractions without paying the high ticket price.
Hostels aren't for everyone - a good thing, otherwise they wouldn't be so cheap! They're in enterprise with the budget traveler - you - in mind. Staying at a hostel will stretch your travel dollar and expand your horizons. Value Traveler? Hostels Are The Way!
Hostels offer adventure and the chance to meet those from different countries and cultures, but is not for everyone. Hostels can be the way to go for singles and small groups of younger travelers. It's probably not for honeymooners or families with young children.
Bunk beds in a large open room are usually the sleeping arrangement in hostels, some may have smaller rooms with fewer bunks. Some rooms are arranged with 4 - 8 bunks - offering a bit more privacy for those in a group. Check-in procedures are pretty standard - you're assigned a bed and given an verbal orientation or printed "rules of the house".
Almost all hostels in the United States divide their accommodations according to gender, with the female guests in one block of rooms and the male clientele in another. Males and females may get a floor assigned by sex if the building is multi-story.
Outside the US, males and females may share lodging, make sure you inquire about sleeping arrangements if sharing a room with members of the opposite sex is a problem for you.
Bathroom and shower facilities vary from hostel to hostel. Some smaller rooms may have a semi-private bath. Some hostels have these facilities down the hall. Inquire about bathroom/shower arrangements in advance to avoid unpleasantness when you arrive.
If you're traveling in the summer be sure to make a reservation, so there are no unpleasant surprises. As more people of all ages start to travel the demand for bargain accommodations increases - be sure to make a reservation. Make a reservation - Looking for a room at the last minute is a pain.
Price is the main attraction when staying at a hostel. The cost of a night's stay depends on where you're traveling in the world. An "inquiring mind" can save a $100 by choosing a hostel in the same block as a hotel.
Many hostel staff members are travelers in their own right and are pretty tuned in to needs of clientele. Most hostel staff members live the neighborhood and are knowledgeable about what is going on nearby.
Hostel staffers know why you're staying with them - to save money. They will provide you with good information regarding restaurants, night life and other attractions a you are interested in.. They probably also know how to enjoy the high ticket attractions without paying the high ticket price.
Hostels aren't for everyone - a good thing, otherwise they wouldn't be so cheap! They're in enterprise with the budget traveler - you - in mind. Staying at a hostel will stretch your travel dollar and expand your horizons. Value Traveler? Hostels Are The Way!
Cheap Hotel Rate Tips
During any tour to any destination, two things make up the bulk of your expenses: travel and accommodations. Therefore to eke out any savings from the trip you will have to invest a lot of time and effort on finding cheap hotel rates to keep your expenses low and your smiles up.
While looking for cheap hotel rates, keep the following tips in mind.
1. Location is everything – Hotel rates vary from place to place depending on its location. You will have to ask yourself if where your balance lies: convenience or price. Most convenient locations in any city will have hotels sporting rates in the upwards range in any market.
Some less accessible areas will offer lesser rates. However, you will have to decide for yourself whether the inconvenience is worth the price. If you are pretty familiar with the area you are traveling to, then locations with lesser rates in less accessible or attractive locations will be less of an issue for you.
However, if you are traveling to an area for the first time, you will have to think twice about staying at a location that is a little inconvenient.
2. Schedule is also everything - The basic law of supply and demands states that the more the demand, the more expensive the item will be. The same is true for hotel rates, if demand for a travel destination is high, then you are bound to spend more money.
So if you are planning to stay away from home, try to make your hotel reservations for off-peak seasons. Hotel rates during peak season can be as much as three times more than regular rates. This alone is reason enough to look to reserve during off-peak seasons.
3. Amenities – Some hotels are pricier because they offer amenities that, while great for those looking for extravagance, are useless to some travelers. If you can live without some of these amenities, then you could consider looking for hotels that are cheaper because they do not offer these amenities.
4. Negotiate – Most front desk personnel are personable and can give good advice on getting better rates at their hotels. Negotiate with them to get good discounts for your stay.
If you are staying for more than a week, then you might want to ask if they offer lower rates for longer stays. Also ask if they have special promos during the period of your stay that you can take advantage of.
5. Search online – Comparing rates, amenities, and location is easier nowadays because of the power of the internet. The internet makes searching for good rates on good hotels easy and painless.
The good thing about internet hotel hunting is that most hotel search websites show prices for rooms, amenities, location, and best of all, user reviews of the hotel itself. This will give you a better idea of what to expect when checking in with a hotel for the first time.
6. The power of a Travel Agent – Travel agents have good contacts among hotel chains and can get discounts on reservations thus made. If you choose to have a travel agent help you get a good hotel, then make sure that the service fee you pay them does not make going through an agent more expensive then making the reservation yourself.
While looking for cheap hotel rates, keep the following tips in mind.
1. Location is everything – Hotel rates vary from place to place depending on its location. You will have to ask yourself if where your balance lies: convenience or price. Most convenient locations in any city will have hotels sporting rates in the upwards range in any market.
Some less accessible areas will offer lesser rates. However, you will have to decide for yourself whether the inconvenience is worth the price. If you are pretty familiar with the area you are traveling to, then locations with lesser rates in less accessible or attractive locations will be less of an issue for you.
However, if you are traveling to an area for the first time, you will have to think twice about staying at a location that is a little inconvenient.
2. Schedule is also everything - The basic law of supply and demands states that the more the demand, the more expensive the item will be. The same is true for hotel rates, if demand for a travel destination is high, then you are bound to spend more money.
So if you are planning to stay away from home, try to make your hotel reservations for off-peak seasons. Hotel rates during peak season can be as much as three times more than regular rates. This alone is reason enough to look to reserve during off-peak seasons.
3. Amenities – Some hotels are pricier because they offer amenities that, while great for those looking for extravagance, are useless to some travelers. If you can live without some of these amenities, then you could consider looking for hotels that are cheaper because they do not offer these amenities.
4. Negotiate – Most front desk personnel are personable and can give good advice on getting better rates at their hotels. Negotiate with them to get good discounts for your stay.
If you are staying for more than a week, then you might want to ask if they offer lower rates for longer stays. Also ask if they have special promos during the period of your stay that you can take advantage of.
5. Search online – Comparing rates, amenities, and location is easier nowadays because of the power of the internet. The internet makes searching for good rates on good hotels easy and painless.
The good thing about internet hotel hunting is that most hotel search websites show prices for rooms, amenities, location, and best of all, user reviews of the hotel itself. This will give you a better idea of what to expect when checking in with a hotel for the first time.
6. The power of a Travel Agent – Travel agents have good contacts among hotel chains and can get discounts on reservations thus made. If you choose to have a travel agent help you get a good hotel, then make sure that the service fee you pay them does not make going through an agent more expensive then making the reservation yourself.
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