Going to Walt Disney World? Don’t Forget These 5 Magic Kingdom Tips!

Is planning your trip to the Happiest Place on Earth stressing you out?

Unless you’re one of the lucky few Annual Pass holders who just so happen to live right down the street, taking a trip to the Magic Kingdom can feel like a pretty big deal. So, you want to make sure you do everything you can to suck as much Disney magic out of your vacation as possible.

Are you ready to start planning your next trip to Disney World but aren’t sure where to start? We’ve got you covered! Here are five must-have Magic Kingdom tips you need to know to get the most out of your next Disney vacation.

1. Map Out Your Adventure

Any seasoned Disney veteran will tell you, the key to getting the most out of a day in the Magic Kingdom is to go in with a game plan.

Whether you’re planning a fun day out with your partner, or a big family vacation, creating an itinerary ahead of time will help cut back on guesswork and indecisiveness once you’re in the park. So, you can spend more time enjoying the magic of a Disney World vacation and less time trying to figure out what to ride next.

Before you set foot in the park, you should try to take some time to sit down with a map and chart out the course you want to take.

Some Disney pros recommend taking the counterclockwise route around the park to avoid crowds and excessively long wait times. While this method can be beneficial, if there is a particular ride you want to go on, you should make that your priority and plan your route around it.

While planning your path around the Magic Kingdom, remember to give yourself plenty of extra time between stops to sightsee and enjoy any unexpected magic moments that may pop up.

2. Book Your Fastpasses Carefully

Fastpasses are the lifeblood of every successful Walt Disney World vacation. Without them, you could wind up spending a large chunk of your time in the Happiest Place on Earth waiting in lines. And while Disney is famous for its delightfully detailed queues, they’re not the reasons people flock to the parks from all over the world.

You can schedule Fastpasses in the Magic Kingdom for any ride pretty much at any time of the day. That said, you’re only allowed three at a time. So, you need to plan carefully and try to book your Fastpasses to match the schedule you created ahead of time. You may also want to consider only getting them for the high-demand rides, like the Haunted Mansion.

After you use up your Fastpasses, you’re allowed to book three more. So, if you plan things right, you can work your way around the park three rides at a time and spend as little time appreciating Disney’s creative queues as possible.

3. Be Their Guest!

While it can be tempting to rush around the park fast as possible if you don’t take a moment to stop and smell the roses, can you say you enjoyed your Walt Disney World vacation?

If you’re worried about finding enough time to sit back and enjoy your trip to the Magic Kingdom, you can easily add a break or two to your schedule by booking a reservation at one of the park’s many magical sit-down restaurants.

Whether you’re craving some future food or would like to be a guest at Beast’s castle, booking a meal at a restaurant in the Magic Kingdom is an excellent way to carve out a little time to sit down and cool off, all while enjoying some top-notch cuisine and maybe even a show!

If you’re planning on eating at one of Disney’s sit-down restaurants, make sure you book a reservation ahead of time and leave plenty of wiggle-room in your schedule, so you can take your time and savor the experience.

4. Check the Show Schedule

If you’re traveling to Walt Disney World from out of state, there’s a good chance there’s going to be a little wait time before your next trip to the Magic Kingdom. So, while the main attractions may be the rides, you want to make sure you don’t miss out on any other fun things Disney World has to offer — including the shows.

Between tracking DVC rental prices and nailing down your travel plans, a lot of work goes into planning out a Disney Vacation, so it makes sense that a few things may slip through the cracks.

That said, you’ll be kicking yourself from Frontierland to Tomorrowland if you miss out on the Magic Kingdom Parade — and that’s not the only can’t-miss show the park has to offer! So, when planning out your Disney vacation, make sure you take a little time to look up the show schedules.

5. Book Breakfast

Of all of the Walt Disney World vacation tips out there, the most important one is: get to the park early.

The only way to ensure you have time to check out all of your must-sees is by giving yourself as much time as possible and arriving at the park as soon as it opens. And, while the ribbon-cutting can be fun, the rush and the crowds aren’t for everybody. Fortunately, there’s another, much more enjoyable way to get into the park early.

Many of the Magic Kingdoms restaurants open for breakfast well before the parks do. So, by booking a reservation for breakfast, you can ensure you’re one of the first people to set foot inside the park once it’s open for the day.

On top of that, certain restaurants include character meet-ups and even entertainment. So, instead of sweating it out in a crowd under the Florida sun waiting for them to cut the ribbon, you can sit back, relax and enjoy some coffee with Tigger.

The Best Magic Kingdom Tips

Walt Disney World is the most popular theme park in the world for a reason! So, it makes sense that you’d want to do everything you can to ensure your trip is as magical as possible. By following a few of these Magic Kingdom tips, you’ll be able to plan out your next Disney vacation like a seasoned pro and make sure that your trip is one for the books.

Are you looking for more advice on how to plan your next big vacation? We’re here to help. Check out the rest of our blog for more helpful tips, tricks, and hacks today!

Hilton Head Island Travel Guide

If you are looking for a rental property in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, get the greatest variety and best rates to suit all needs at Find Rentals.  

Hilton Head Island is located in South Carolina Low country well known for its beauty and historical significance. Hilton Head has a vast selection of rental properties for your next vacation, business trip, wedding venue or any other important meeting or celebration you are planning.  Hilton Head is located at the southern Tip of the Island in a coastal paradise. This region has long been associated with beautiful beaches and spectacular views of the Atlantic. There are lighthouses, museums and rich cultural history in this fascinating little town.   

You could spend an entire day at the Coastal Discovery Museum and get a closer look at the heritage buildings or take a walk through the themed gardens where a terrific variety of plants and animals can be seen. There is also the Pinckney Nature Refuge where you can view a wide array of seabirds and alligators. In short, you are sure to find plenty of beautiful engaging locations to spend many precious moments on your vacation in Hilton Head.   

Harbour Town Lighthouse 

In 1969, when the construction of Harbor Town Lighthouse commenced, the plans were rejected by the local community because it was a privately owned building. But as it turned out, the owners of the lighthouse knew exactly what they were doing and this lighthouse became an important beacon in these nautical times.  Today, the Harbor Town Lighthouse is being renovated but it can still be visited for a small visitation fee. 

Like a perfectly preserved time capsule, you will find tasty food at a variety of restaurants, gift shops, and extensive fascinating exhibits at the museum. Throughout your visitation you will be able to appreciate the tale of this lighthouse and the significance of the location. Best of all, you should know that this attractive lighthouse is available for weddings and other special events. If you have ever dreamed of having a special occasion in the settings of a lighthouse, this is your chance.  

Harbor Town Golf Links 

If you play golf or would like to practice your techniques, Harbor Town Golf Links could be the perfect spot for your event. This location is open all year and you will be happy to know that the RBC Heritage PGA Tour has played here as well.  Harbor Town Golf Links is open to all and a great choice for anyone who will be celebrating a special occasion in the Eastern United States or around the Hilton Head area. As one of the highest-ranking golf courses in Golf Magazine and Golf Digest, the attention-to-detail and quality of this course is something to be enjoyed.  

Coligny Beach Park 

Coligny Park Beach is among the top 5 beaches in the US. This beautiful beach is on South Beach Drive and Pope Avenue. This location has all the amenities you will find splash pads for the kids, Hobie Cats, changing rooms, 52 parking spaces (and a take area), showers, changing areas, umbrellas, water fountains, lounge areas, Volleyball nets and free parking as well. There is also an outdoor beach bar where you can enjoy refreshing drinks. A tiki hut offers another selection of beachside beverages.  

Coligny Beach also offers a full shopping and dining experience.  There is also plenty of entertainment to suit every need. If you are looking for a location to bring the entire family, this is the perfect spot. You will also find everything you need for your trip in the many shopping centers, this includes fresh produce and special gifts for the ones that couldn’t make it.  

Coastal Discovery Museum 

People of all ages will have a good time at the fun-filled Coastal Discovery Museum. You will find a wealth of knowledge and fascinating exhibits as you explore the wonder of South Carolina Lowcountry history and significance. Then you can take a leisurely stroll through the 63 acres of lush gardens on the museum grounds. As you walk on the boardwalks, you can also enjoy a good view of the salt marshes and the beautiful flora and fauna that thrives there. 

Take time to marvel at the Spanish Moss that hangs over the oaks across the property. You can even take a moment to step back and imagine what your life would have been like if you had lived in another time and this pristine location. You will be able to picture yourself in proper period attire as you walk through the picturesque town. Then you can imagine yourself conversing with the other founding fathers of this town a long time ago.   

Take a moment to learn about the specific details and names of the various shells you see at the beach. Have you ever wondered about the intricacies of basket weaving? Stop by at the Family Friendly Farmer’s Market, the Art Festival or one of the many other community celebrations. It would be a good idea to call ahead and see what types of celebrations are being held or check out the schedule on their website. If you take time to schedule your visit for your favorite time of year, you will be able to see what this town has to offer you at this time.  

You can also select from a wide variety of tours and walks through the local areas, there are many cruises as well. There is something for everyone in this exciting destination and you are sure to create many happy memories of your time here. There are hands-on exhibits and discussion groups that add depth and scope to the experience and you are sure to be enlightened by this educational experience. 

Hilton Head Island SC Vacation Rentals 

The pristine surroundings and high-adventure of Hilton Head are an exciting destination for all looking for fun and entertainment. If you will be coming to this area and need a condo, house, private retreat or any other type of rental, you are sure to find all you need at Find Rentals. There are countless options here and you are sure to find whatever you need in terms of space, location and competitive rates. This is your one stop shop for all your vacation home rental needs for your time in Hilton Head South Carolina. There is fun to be had and experiences to be made in the museums, beaches and diverse settings of this amazing location.  

In addition to our extensive selection and competitive rates, you will find package deals that can help you plan a perfect vacation for your entire family. Whether you will be traveling with the family, planning a business meeting or even enjoying your honeymoon, you are sure to have a good time exploring and relaxing in Hilton Head Island South Carolina.  

There are just so many things to do here that you are sure to come back time and again and bring the entire family with you. Be sure to use Find Rentals in all of your visits to make finding a good place to stay an easy affair.   

We work with many different management companies so you can be sure that you will find all the details you need in a comfortable location for your stay. Just let us know what you are looking for and we will provide you with extensive options that fit the expectations you have for your rental property in Hilton Head South Carolina. Call us today and let us be your partners for your next trip to South Carolina.

Sustainable Tourism: How to become a Good Tourist

Travelling is a rare golden opportunity; not everyone has. Becoming a tourist means you have a mindset of meeting with different cultures and traversing through vast terrains to meet different people.

If you endeavour to become a tourist, it is fundamental to learn how to be a good tourist and align your dreams and goals to sustainable tourism. You will mingle with people of different religions; hence you need to be responsible and a good ambassador. As a tourist, you should be open to new experiences, have cultural sensitivity, and have vast knowledge about the places you visit before the actual dates.

The steps below shall help you become a better tourist with a flair for sustainability.

Do research beforehand

Before you tour a place or a country, do thorough research to catch heads-up with culture, religion, language and general know-how about the people living in those places. If possible, use tour guides for a better experience in your adventure. Check reviews sites like UK reviews bird to find the right tour guide. Go the extra mile to understand people’s cultures and religions living in places you anticipate to tour. Learn the common key phrases for the language used by the locals. Please don’t assume they speak English even when most people worldwide speak English; the locals will appreciate the gesture of you getting some interest in speaking their native language.

Check the weather and dress appropriately.

Some countries experience a wide variety of climates, carry on your backpack apparel for every type of weather so that you can change your clothing on the go. A country or state can experience extreme weather within a short span.

Make sure you get all the vaccines required before visiting a country.

Different countries have infectious diseases, and you need vaccines to protect you from contacting them. Visit the CDCP website to determine what type of vaccines are mandatory to get for each country you tour. It is mandatory to have a typhoid vaccine when visiting Thailand, for example.

Rely on a tour guide to answer all the questions you may have

A guide is a resourceful person who can answer all the questions you may have about a city or a country. You will get more info than when you rely on online research or read tour guides. Your tour guide will keep you heads-up about local businesses and services you may need while visiting. Your tour guide is mostly likely to be a resident of the place you are visiting, and they will recommend restaurants, bars and joints they prefer.

Respect the wildlife and don’t feed them

There is a chance that your home country’s local wildlife is different from what you find in the regions you are visiting. You do not need to feed or interact with them. Otherwise, you could endanger the ecosystem.

Don’t litter around anyhow

Keep your trash until you find the perfect opportunity to dispose of your litter. Littering anyhow is a sign of disrespect and the locals, or the authorities won’t take it lightly.

Important Safety Tips for People Traveling with Kids

Traveling with kids or family travel is not the same with individual travel and should therefore be handled with care. It will demand that you take special cautionary measures at ensuring the safety of the kids.

Customer experiences as seen on ukcollectedreviews reveals that most people are actually afraid of traveling with kids and would prefer traveling alone. However, under holiday company reviews, it has been revealed that there are many reasons people decide to travel with kids, and traveling with kids isn’t such a bad idea, especially when one is equipped with the necessary safety tips to observe while traveling.

We have gathered some important safety tips you should observe when with kids to ensure safety on your travels.

1. Know your kids

Before you take your kid along with you on a trip, ensure you understand the child – whether it is a long or short trip. Every child is different. Some children have more needs that the others; and you need to understand this before setting out. Before, you embark on the trip, ensure you observe your child well and identify particulars about the child.

2. Travel with an equipped medical kit

As a matter of precaution, it is advised you take an equipped medical kit along with you when traveling with kids. Your travel medical box definitely needs a shake-up now. You do not want to be without children’s medicines in a foreign country when your kid is running a fever in the dead of night.

3. Take along something familiar to the child

If you’re traveling some distance away from home and everything tends to look, smell, and sound different. A little familiar item or object can brighten up the child. Have your child’s favorite book, toy, or blanket along for comfort. If you regularly play music at home, take your soundtrack along on your MP3 player and some travel speakers. Look around and find things that are familiar and comforting to your child and be prepared to recreate that feeling on your trip.

4. Go easy on the schedule

Children need time to adjust to the new environment and they can’t process things as quickly as an adult can. A packed schedule with little wiggle room is going to leave you and your kid too tired and cranky with each other to be any fun at all. Try for one or two sites per day with a break in the middle and a good lunch and you’ll both be far happier in the end. You may not see as many things, but the ones you do you’ll see more completely.

5. Have travel insurance

Traveling within or outside the country can come with unexpected events. Hence, insurance is crucial. The last thing any parent wants to think about is their child in need of help and no-one to be found. Many travel insurance plans offer free coverage for kids traveling with their parents and every parent needs that kind of security for the kids.

Conclusion

Traveling with kids demands one takes special measures in ensuring safety as some unexpected occurrences can result from not being meticulous enough. Some safety tips to observe while traveling with kids have been discussed above.

5 Things to Consider Before Choosing Your Next Traveling Destination

Planning on your next destination and don’t know where to start? Worry less. You are not the only one. We’ve had itchy feet too, but couldn’t decide where to go. But we were able to solve the puzzle. If we could, you would.

Like the sacrificial lamb, certain things must have to be parted with. Your time and research? No, we have covered that for you through the opinions of travelers shared on Collected Reviews. Your consideration? Yes. While we bring to you this list of 5 things you must consider, you should go through them and be sure to consider them.

1. Assess your Financial Capacity

 

Pretty much everything you need for your travel is money. Is it even a consideration if money is not involved? A look at travel companies reviews is enough to show that your next traveling destination does not exclude lodging, airfare, food, and other activities that require money. Therefore, if you must begin, start by assessing your financial capacity or what is called a budget.

2. Check Your Purpose

Base your finances on the expenses you would incur on your next destination and see if it would work. Also, consider the purpose of the trip — if casual or sightseeing. If casual, you could save on a tight budget by staying with friends. But if you would be seeing a few places, you would need to keep extra cash so you don’t get stranded or change the destination for another with fewer expenses.

3. Check the Weather and Season

Timing, as much as budget, is also another important factor. You need to be conscious of the weather and season of your next destination. We think timing is even more important if you are vacationing. Certain weather could be too sunny and too cold for your health and other leisure activities you plan to set out. Again, they affect your expenses. High tourist season, for example, makes you spend more on lodging and food due to inflation, and it’s usually during summer, from June to August.

4. Reevaluate Your Travel Style

We know you must have evaluated your travel style before setting to choose the next destination. But how about you reevaluate, this time about your expenses, weather, and season. If after reevaluating, a destination still does not favor your vacation due to either your budget or the timing, you should consider a change.

5. Decide on Your Travel Party

Are you traveling with friends, families, or you are going alone? If you are traveling alone, the choice of your next traveling destination is pretty easy and independent. But if you are traveling with others, the choice would have to be jointly made and it could drag on without a reasonable conclusion.

Conclusion

Whatever decision or choice you intend to make about your next traveling destination, ensure your budget is well planned, be conscious of the season, underline your purpose, decide on a travel party, and try to modify your style where and when necessary.

Get Ready to Plan for Long-Term Trip Abroad

Traveling for the long term needs a lot of time to plan and organize resources. Setting a long term travel budget is far more challenging; you have to consider it sensibly. There are more aspects to contract with, more thoughts are required in how your journey will come to fulfillment. In my view, focus on planning the forest, not the trees. Have a tip-off of the bigger picture. 

Consider projecting where you want to go and things you will undertake. Don’t let minor details unfold you quickly. There is no way you can cast on what you will do on a specific day or which difficulties can come on your path. Here is how to plan the forest. You can also check out some reviews about holiday services at reviewsbird.com such as reviews about travel insurance.

Plan a visit budget and duration

What is your trip’s budget?

Money dictates everything. And it’s likely the main vital topic to debate together with your travel buddy (if you aren’t traveling solo). Research the quantity of cash you would like for the countries you’re visiting. Are you on target to save lots of a selected amount of money?

How long will you travel?

Typically, your trip duration is decided by the quantity of cash you’ll realistically save. Then, you’ll determine the time of your trip. Does one want to travel for two months? Three months? A year? Does one wish to travel until your money runs out? 

Create a long travel bucket list.

The first step in the way to plan a long-term trip is the “inspiration” phase. The goal isn’t to start planning the logistics — it’s merely to urge inspired. As you encounter cities, sites, and activities that pique your interest, write them down within your phone notes section.

Flip through travel magazines, travel websites, and travel guides with many photos. Skim through travel blogs and articles on Pinterest and screenshot places on Instagram.

Ask yourself: what’s beautiful? That place looks cool? What looks interesting? Where will I learn a lot? Where will I experience something unique or different from home? 

Use tax-free payment methods

Check, your credit/debit cards. It’s worth checking your current cards do not get to expire when you’re away, and if they’re applying for brand fresh ones now. We also used a coffee cost travel MasterCard once you traveled. It gave you additional protection on purchases, and even had no fees for cash withdrawals abroad. Please do some research now to form sure it arrives in time?

Learn their customs 

Brush some language basics. If you’re traveling to a location where there’s one widely speech, then now might be the time to start out learning the basics. Use an app like Duolingo and choose up some simple tips swiftly.

Ensure you have travel insurance

Buy Travel Insurance. Don’t leave yourself vulnerable here. If you’re traveling for an extended period of some time, there are numerous variables! Cashback, and thus the entire travel insurance cost but that. There are many alternatives out there, but you can choose World Nomads. Simple to use, and excellent customer service once we were processing the claim.

History Calls! 3 Historical Sites in Turkey You Won’t Want to Miss

Did you know that over 50 million people visited Turkey in 2019? Turkey has something for everyone. Whether you want good weather, great food, or friendly local people, Turkey has it in abundance.

Did you know that there are many amazing historical sites in Turkey? Turkey is known as the gateway between the east and the west. Records show that many different civilizations have passed through or existed in Turkey over thousands of years.

What historical sites should you look for when planning your trip to Turkey? There are hundreds. However, today we will recommend just three. Why not follow our article to find out.

1. Göreme Open Air Museum

The Göreme area, known as Cappadocia is a unique and stunning landscape has captivated tourists for decades. The landscape is made up of naturally occurring stone pillars. the pillars are composed of naturally soft porous rock. This means that it is easy to dig into them and create man-made caves.

This was discovered thousands of years ago, and so hundreds of dwellings and over 30 churches were carved into the rocks. Much of this development was carried out in the second century by Christian communities. You can visit their churches and still see the original frescoes on the walls.

These historical sites are located on some of the well-developed trekking routes in Cappadocia. Following these trails will bring you to some truly stunning and unique scenery. The best time to visit Turkey and Cappodocia is early or late summer. Midsummer temperatures are very high making trekking to some of these sites would be difficult.

2. Nemrut

Nemrut marks the site of the first-century tomb of King Antiochus I Epiphanes. It is instantly recognizable for its 30-foot high statues of various mythological figures. Over time the head of each figure has fallen to the floor, creating a canvas of fallen mythological heroes.
Nemrut is a UNESCO listed archeological location. It is best visited at sunrise. the first sunrays of the morning make for some dramatic pictures of the stone inhabitants of Nemrut.

3. Ephesus

Ephesus was once the capital of Asia Minor. In truth, Ephesus is a treasure trove of historical sites. It contains the remains of the temple of Artemus, one of the original Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Following this, there is the Roman stadium known to many from the bible account contained in the book of Acts. There is also the Celsus library, the huge facade that is almost 2000 years old.

This city has also been added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites. After 150 years of excavations, it has been confirmed as the most complete Greco-Roman classical city on Earth.

Historic Sites in Turkey and Much More

There are literally hundreds of historical sites in Turkey waiting for you to discover them. If you would like to take a break from your historical travel to swim in crystal-blue seas, you can also do this. If you would like to taste fresh local produce, this is waiting for you too. In truth, Turkey has something for everyone.

If you are interested in traveling to new places but want to learn about them before setting off, we are here to help. We leverage our experience as travelers to bring accurate and help travel advice to our readership. Why not take a look and see how we can help you today? Get ready to be inspired.

How to Save Money on Hotels 9 Simple Tips to Know

Are you planning your next vacation and wondering how to save money on hotels?

Lodging can eat up a big chunk of your vacation budget.

One survey shows that of people who aren’t planning a summer vacation, 60% say the reason is that they can’t afford it.

Finding ways to cut costs on those expensive parts of the trip, such as hotels, can make a trip possible. It can also free up money in your vacation budget for more entertainment and extras.

Check out these nine tips to save on hotels.

1. Choose Dates Wisely

When figuring out how to save on hotels, one of the biggest factors is timing. Rates fluctuate significantly based on when you book.

In some locations, the time of year is a factor. Booking a hotel during the off-season for the location can save you money.

The day of the week can also affect rates. If you’re looking at a hotel that caters to vacationing families or couples, weekends will likely be the most expensive. If you’re considering a hotel that mainly attracts business people, their rates might be cheaper on the weekend when they don’t have as many business travelers.

Being flexible on your dates can reduce your total cost.

2. Consider Location

You likely already have a destination in mind, but expanding your search area for your hotel can save money.

A hotel in the heart of a city’s downtown area will likely cost more than one a few miles away. It’s convenient to be close to everything, but you could save hundreds of dollars by choosing a hotel a little further away.

Consider transportation costs to get to the places you’re going to visit if you choose a different location.

3. Check Multiple Sites

Sometimes booking directly with the hotel is the cheapest option. Other times, you can save money through a third-party site.

Search for hotel rooms through multiple sites to find the cheapest rates. You can get a sense of the average hotel cost in the area for your dates this way.

4. Book Travel Packages

Often times, booking travel packages saves you money on all parts of the trip. You’ll get discounted rates when you bundle your hotel with transportation, rental cars, attractions, and other things you’re booking anyway.

Research the individual costs of each part before you book a travel package. This ensures you’re saving money by using the bundle option over booking each part individually.

5. Join Rewards Programs

Rewards programs through hotels can help you save money on future stays. If you have a particular hotel chain you love, sign up for their loyalty program. You’ll typically earn points toward a future discount or free stay at one of the chain’s locations.

You might get other perks and special discounts for being a part of the program even if you haven’t saved up enough points for a free stay.

The reward programs are typically free, so you don’t have anything to lose by joining. Keep track of when points expire to make sure you use your perks.

6. Use Credit Cards With Rewards

It won’t lower your room rate, but using a credit card with rewards to pay for your hotel stay can benefit you in the future.
You can find cards that earn you airline miles, points for rewards, and other perks based on how much you spend.

A credit card that gives you cash back is a way to cut the costs of the hotel room without spending more money.

When using this method, it’s best to pay off your credit card immediately after the hotel charge hits. Paying interest on that balance will negate the savings you get by using the card.

7. Pay Attention to Fees

You find a great room rate when you search online, but what is the total cost you’ll pay?

When you’re searching, you’ll usually see the nightly room rate. That doesn’t include all of the hotel fees and taxes, which can significantly increase your total.

Before checking out while booking your room, you should see the total charges with a breakdown of the fees. Review this information to see what you’ll actually pay and how those costs break down.

Search through the fine print in the hotel description to find out if the hotel charges other fees.

If you’re staying at a resort with lots of extra amenities and activities, you might pay a resort fee. Hotels in cities often charge parking fees if you’re keeping a car on the premises.

Other fees might be charged for early check-in, late check-out, wi-fi access, additional people in the room, mini bar use, and housekeeping.

8. Consider What’s Included

Hotels often include free breakfast, wi-fi, and other amenities. The grounds might have free entertainment options, such as a workout facility or playroom.

Booking a hotel with these options can save you money on your trip overall. You don’t have to pack your own breakfast foods or go out to restaurants for breakfast if the hotel provides for free. You can squeeze in a free workout or entertainment while you stay.

Some hotels offer entertainment packages that include the hotel stay plus tickets to local attractions. Others might include a romantic package with wine and other items in your room.

Beware of the value of these packages. You might be able to find discount tickets to those attractions that end up being cheaper than the total of your package.

Look at the cost of a hotel room by itself and the cost of admission to those attractions if you bought the tickets separately. Check for possible discounts on the tickets. Total the cost to see if you’re really getting a deal with the package.

9. Look for Promo Codes and Club Discounts

A google search for promo codes to the hotels you’re considering could result in a discount offer. Check social media sites of different hotels for additional discount specials you might not find other places.

If you’re a member of AAA, AARP, or other clubs, check for hotel discounts that you get as a perk of membership. Compare the price with those discounts to the cheapest rate you can find online for the hotel to find the best deal.

Learn How to Save Money on Hotels

When figuring out how to save money on hotels, taking multiple approaches can cut your costs the most. Combine savings and make your vacation even more enjoyable.

Visit our travel section for ideas on where to go and to get more travel tips.

How to Book a Hotel Room the Right Way: A Helpful Guide

Working on future travel plans is a great way to boost your health

So, if you’re rich on time and short on activities right now, you could do yourself some good by starting to work on your next getaway now.

With time on your side, you have ample opportunity to start working on the best vacation ever. Get started by finding out how to book a hotel room to ensure satisfaction and savings.

Old-Style Hotel Bookings

Old-Style Hotel Bookings

If you have a favorite hotel destination in mind, you could call up the hotel and reserve your spot right away.

You’ll have plenty of time to ask any questions you need, and you can ask about current special offers or discounts.

However, we’ve moved way past this old-world in-person type of booking these days. When you’re planning a vacation, chances are you’re going to do it online.
Here’s how to book a hotel room when you don’t have a live operator to guide you through the process or if you’re planning to try somewhere new.

How to Book a Hotel Room Online 101

The first step in making a hotel reservation is always the research. Fortunately, it’s also a lot of fun.

Plenty of research is a vital ingredient in discovering the best out of the way places to explore on your trip.

Searching for Accommodation

Any internet search begins with a search engine, but there are a host of other places to start your quest for the perfect getaway.

Online Travel Platforms like Expedia, Travelocity, and Hotels.com will give you a good idea of what’s available at your chosen destination. You’ll also get a handle on what you can expect to pay by browsing on these sites.

As an added bonus, these sites may offer transfers booking services as well as other handy add-ons you’ll need during your trip.

It’s important to remember that not every accommodation provider features on these OTPs and they’re also not always the cheapest.
So it’s best to use these platforms as a starting point, rather than view them as the final authority on availability.

Check on Cancellation Policies

Check on Cancellation Policies

Whichever site you decide to book on, check the fine print before you make a booking. If your situation changes closer to the time, you want to know that you’ll get a refund, or at least a credit towards your next stay.

Many hotels have scrapped cancellation fees, but some may offer only a partial refund if you cancel a certain number of days before your check-in date.

Read Reviews

Oftentimes, review sites like TripAdvisor can help you choose the vacation of your dreams, but it’s not because of the reasons you think.

Yes, reviews can alert you to possible scams and substandard service. Yet, it’s wise to remember that people are far more likely to complain than post compliments online.

Also, there are still scam artists out there who hire people to write glowing reviews about their properties.

Read between the lines when reviewing the opinions of others. Take note of whether the hotel resolved the issue or ignored it.

You may also find you don’t view some of the issues as serious concerns or that other people have posted information that disagrees with the matter at hand.

Double Check Discounted Rates

Don’t let price be your first criteria when making a hotel reservation. It’s true that you won’t spend much time in your room while on vacation, but very low rates can indicate serious issues.

If a hotel offers rates that are far lower than others at the same destination, there’s a chance it’s in a bad part of town, undergoing renovations, or generally sub-standard.

In these cases, reviews may be helpful in getting to the bottom of the low rates.

Virtual Snooping

Virtual Snooping

Take a virtual visit to your destination before making a hotel reservation. Thanks to the powers of Google Earth’s Streetview tool, you can travel to the outside of most hotels from the comfort of your armchair.

This way, you can gauge the condition and location of the building before you commit. You can also find information on nearby restaurants and attractions as well as calculate the distance between these spots and the closest hotels.

Get in Touch

There’s one last thing to do before reserving a hotel room.

If you’ve completed all the above steps, you’re likely to have compiled a shortlist of the most desirable hotels for your vacation.

The next step is to call them directly. This serves two purposes.

Firstly, you can ask them about any unresolved issues you’re having. In the second place, they can answer any of the nagging questions you have.

For example, issues like whether the beds have feather pillows or the depth of their swimming pool, are snippets of information you won’t find online.

Whenever you have specific queries like this, it’s best to clear them up in advance with the hotel.

Booking With a Travel Agent

Apart from booking online or in-person, there’s one more way to find great hotel bookings for your trip.

Many travelers prefer to let a travel agent do all the work for them.

Thanks to years of experience and industry contacts, these professionals know how to get a hotel room at the best rates and in the best location for your needs.

If you’re undecided about what to do and where to stay, especially in a foreign country, booking via a travel agent can give you the peace of mind you crave.

Find Inspiration for Your Travels

Know that you know how to book a hotel room, there are few limits to the places you can explore.

Keep reading our blog for more travel tips and advice or to find out more about planning the most exciting things in your life.

7 Cheap South American Vacations

Does the mundane day-in-day-out, the constant drudge of your job have you ready to scream??

You’re not alone, half of the population is overworked and in desperate need of a vacation. But where can you go without totally breaking the bank?

Don’t worry we have got you covered!

We have put together a list of 7 cheap South American Vacations that will have you saying ¡Adios! to the grind and ¡Hola! to the adventure!

The 7 Cheap South American Vacations 

These 7 cities will get you the most out of your trip without costing a fortune. With adventures from exploring ancient ruins to daring to hike alongside a volcano, there is something for every traveler. 

Let’s take a look!

1. San Miguel, El Salvador

El Salvador has it all! It might be the smallest country in Central America but it makes up for its size with its beauty.

From sunny beaches to its over 20 active volcanoes this paradise has something for every type of traveler. 

This travel guide has all the information you need for your trip.

2.Patagonia, Argentina

This South American delight is unlike most of the continent. 

It is home to 5 different species of penguins as well as sea lions. You will see beautiful blue lakes, evergreen trees, and even glaciers.

There are several wildlife preserves for the animal lovers such as Punto Tombo and the Penisula Valdes wildlife marina sanctuary.

3. Santiago, Chile

Santiago is a unique blend of old and new. There are skyscrapers and old-world buildings side by side. Many of the cities attractions are either free or very low admission, so you will save on your travels.

You can check out the beautiful architecture of the Metropolitan Cathedral or spend the day at the Chilean Museum of Pre-Colombian Art.

4. Granada, Nicaragua

This old-world colonial town is nestled next to Lake Nicaragua which is the largest lake in all of Central America. 

The town has many hostels which are inexpensive sleeping quarters for budget-savvy travelers. 

The city is also home to world-renowned farm to table cuisine for the foodie travelers. 

5. Cusco, Peru

Rich with Incan heritage, this South American city is excellent for history buffs. 

This popular city is just 50 miles from the famous Machu Picchu ruins in the Andes Mountains.

If exploring isn’t for you, try walking around the main square for shopping and dining.

6. San Jose, Costa Rica

San Jose is the cultural hotspot for Costa Rica. You can find unique shops and restaurants and view local artwork.

Surrounding the city are jungles with diverse wildlife like monkeys and sloths and active volcanoes.

7. Mexico City, Mexico

This city is an artist’s delight—there many galleries and museums for you to explore on your trip. 

You can also visit the historic Zocalo, the main square, for shopping and dining while being immersed in the rich history of the city.  

Pack Your Bags

Now that you have an idea of where you want to go, it’s time to get packing! Make your reservations today and treat yourself to an excellent (budget-friendly) trip.

With these cheap South American vacations, you are bound to have a good time!