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Mexico Hotels – Save up to 50%

exploretravel — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 14:12:59 +0000

Celebrate Mexico’s Bicentennial Anniversary with up to 50% Off Hotels & Resorts! Book by 8/31/10; Travel by 12/20/10

Take part in this extraordinary celebration in honor of the 200th anniversary of Mexico’s independence. The Bicentennial celebrations are your invitation to an enormous fiesta of culinary, cultural, and artistic happenings—and fantastic savings on hotels and resorts. Go for the glorious beaches. Go for the vibrant cities. Go for the fascinating historical and World Heritage sites. And while you go, save up to 50% on your stay when you book on Expedia!

How to Save Money on Air Fare

exploretravel — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 14:36:50 +0000

You all know that air fares are climbing as the economy recovers. I regularly see articles about how to save money on air, but they always turn out to be “fluff” with little solid advice. Over at SmarterTravel.com, though, Ed Perkins has posted an article that does what it claims – tells you how the airlines set prices and how that knowledge can save you money – a lot of money! Check it out at Airfare 201: Oh, the Games Airlines Play!.

AirTran Airways blowout sale! One-Way flights starting from $44. Ends Aug. 24.
Scandinavia and Europe on Sale! Fly SAS Round-Trip from $558+ from Scandinavian Airlines. Ends Aug. 30.
Cross the Atlantic for Less! Round-Trip Flights to Europe from $560+ from Iberia. Ends 8/31.

Travelocity On the Spot Deals

exploretravel — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 14:01:44 +0000

“On the Spot Deals ” feature last minute deals that are good for 7 days or less. This week’s deals:

Affordable Escapes to Asia: Fly Round-Trip from $575 on China Airlines! (Expires 12/31/09)
100 Hotels Under $100! Asia Hotel Stays for Less than a Benjamin!
Welcome to the Hotel California Sale! Save up to 40%, Plus Get a Free Night or Upgrade!
Alaska and Beyond Sale: Winter Adventures from $99 Each Way! (Expires 12/20/09)
PRICE DROP: Hit the Slopes, Not Your Savings Account! Round-Trip Flights to Snowy Ski Spots from $114 on United! (Expires 12/18/09)

Car Kit for iPhone

exploretravel — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 15:01:26 +0000

Navigate and call. Safely.

The all-in-one solution for using the iPhone while driving is now available from TomTom for $119.95. It offers:

Secure docking
Enhanced GPS performance
Clear voice instructions
Hands-free calling
Charges iPhone while driving
Rotates for optimal positioning
Line out for music playback

40% Off Marriott Hotels in the Caribbean, Mexico and Costa Rica

exploretravel — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 18:37:12 +0000

40% Off in the Caribbean, Mexico and Costa Rica

Life begins at 40%! Limited time offer at participating Marriott and Renaissance resorts in the Caribbean, Mexico and Costa Rica!

Book between November 1-30, 2009 for stays January 1, 2010 through April 30, 2010 and receive 40% off the leisure rate. Deals this good won’t last so hurry and book your next vacation in paradise today!

Reservations:
Be sure that promotional code LLF appears in the Corporate/Promotional code box when making your online reservation.

Participating Hotels:

Aruba
Cayman Islands
Costa Rica
Mexico
Netherlands Antilles
Puerto Rico
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Virgin Islands (US)

A Celebrity Cruise at a Hostel Price!

exploretravel — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:33:47 +0000

In this morning’s Inbox is one of the best cruise deals I’ve seen in a very long while. It’s a 15 Night Canal & South America cruise from Fort Lauderdale on the Celebrity Infinity. On the December 5th sailing, an oceanview cabin starts at $599! Inside cabins start at $499.

For more information, see this page. For more Celebrity deals on November-December cruises, click here.

40 Travel Scams to Recognize and Avoid

exploretravel — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 15:51:22 +0000

Many of you have no doubt heard about people being robbed after they were distracted by something, or got bumped in a crowded piazza, but this list by the Canadian Institute of Travel Counsellors will probably contain some surprises for even the most traveled among us (it’s a small pdf file, 152Kb in size).

7 Days of Travel with 1 Carry-on Bag

exploretravel — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 15:30:23 +0000

Why Carry-on?

Mishandling of checked luggage is on the rise, with more than six out of every
thousand travelers experiencing problems with delayed, damaged, and lost luggage.
Add to that the time wasted at the luggage carousel, and the hassle of hauling
a large and heavy suitcase and it’s clear why so many seasoned travelers choose
to carry-on.

Smart Packing

Start with your suitcase. Older bags (even soft-sided luggage) can weigh 15
pounds or more empty. New luggage has been developed with light weight in mind,
often coming in at less than half the weight of older bags. These new bags are
made with modern materials that are very light but durable, without giving up
the convenience of wheels and telescoping handles.

Begin packing a few days early, laying out all of the clothing you think you
might need. Then spend a day or two removing items that aren’t strictly necessary,
are too heavy or bulky, or don’t match the rest of your travel wardrobe.

To avoid wrinkles and airport security delays, pack in easily inspected modules.
Mesh cubes, mesh pockets, and packing folders keep your clothing organized,
neatly folded, and compacted, and can be lifted out individually during inspection
without disturbing your careful packing.

Use a packing compressor bag for soiled clothing. The compressor keeps damp
and dirties extra-compact, and separated from clean clothing. Since the compressor
is transparent, your soiled clothing can be inspected without the need to open
the bag and “air your dirty laundry”.

Pack your liquid and gel toiletries in three ounce bottles to comply with the
TSA rules, and place them in an outer pocket for easy access when you go through
security. Remember, your liquids and gels must fit in a one quart transparent
zip top bag.

How to Get the Most out of Your Travel Wardrobe

Plan for and pack clothes that meet the needs of your itinerary, are appropriate
for the culture and climate of your destination, and allow the most outfits
from the least number of pieces. Here are some easy ways to lighten your load.

Plan around a basic color. Choose a neutral solid color like black,
navy, gray, brown or khaki for your main wardrobe pieces. Matching striped
or print shirts, a scarf or a pin can add a little color without sacrificing
valuable space.
Plan to wear each item several times during the trip. Choose clothing
that is easy to care for — wrinkle resistant, hand washable, and quick drying.
Take a compact laundry kit along to wash as you go.
Take more tops than bottoms. Every top should go with every bottom.
Tops are lighter and take less room than bottoms, and are easier to launder.
Choose lightweight knits, microfibers, cotton and silk over bulky sweaters,
heavy denim and corduroy. For colder climates, pack silk long underwear
that keeps you warm, packs small, and doubles as pajamas.
Wear your jacket or coat and heavier shoes to the airport (worn clothing
is never weighed). While you are at it, stuff the coat pockets, too. Many
travelers choose multi-pocket jackets or travel vests, in effect wearing an
extra carry-on.
Pack for comfort. Chances are good that you will be sleeping in your
clothing on the plane. Choose clothing made of stretchy fabrics, expandable
waistbands, and non-binding collars and cuffs. Make sure these fabrics resist
stains and wrinkles to avoid the slept-in look.

Visit the Magellan’s Web site for more valuable travel tips!

Choice Hotels – Guaranteed Lowest Rates

exploretravel — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 12:31:33 +0000

With Choice Hotels’ Best Internet Rates Guarantee you’re guaranteed to find the best internet rate on choicehotels.com – and there are no booking fees and no cancellation penalties. Your transactions on choicehotels.com are secure and private. As an added bonus, with the Choice Privileges rewards program, you can earn points towards free nights with every stay at most Choice Hotels properties. AND, all mature travelers (60 and older) receive a 10% discount at Choice Hotels!

Comfort Inn – You’ll feel at home

The moment you walk into any of the 2,000 Comfort Inn hotels around the world, you’ll feel welcome. That’s because our inviting atmosphere and great service help you feel at home. You’ll appreciate a good night’s rest in our cozy new bedding. And you’ll enjoy a bright start to each day with our delicious, and complimentary, Comfort Sunshine Breakfast. You’ll even find a swimming pool or exercise facilities, free Internet access, free in-room Comfort Sunshine Roast Coffee, and a copy of USA TODAY or The Wall Street Journal – all at a great value. Book a Comfort Inn now!

Comfort Suites – All the room you need

It isn’t just more space. It’s more quality space – where you can escape the worries of everyday life and enjoy time with friends or family. All U.S. hotels are 100% smoke free and feature in-room refrigerators, microwaves, free high-speed Internet access, soft new bedding and more. You’ll wake up to a complimentary Savory Starts hot breakfast, with a rotating menu so you can choose a different breakfast every day. Plus, you’ll enjoy free in-room Savory Supreme Roast Coffee, an MP3-ready clock radio and a copy of USA TODAY or The Wall Street Journal. Book a Comfort Suites now!

Quality – Service with a smile

Get the most out of your stay with Quality, where you’ll find everything you need, and some of the friendliest service around, at a great value. The atmosphere is always accommodating and the rooms are well maintained. You can rest on our signature Quality Sleeper by Serta mattresses, take a dip in a swimming pool at most locations, free continental breakfast, free local calls, free in-room coffee and lobby coffee service, and a copy of USA TODAY or The Wall Street Journal. Book a Quality hotel now!

Sleep Inn – Up-to-date. Down-to-earth. Just right

At Sleep Inn hotels, you know you’re going to get the kind of service and amenities you want in a modern room, without paying more than you need to. The environment is always pleasant, and the bright, fresh atmosphere never fails to elevate your mood. All rooms feature spacious work areas with ergonomic chairs, and you’ll also enjoy oversized Sleep Signature Showers, free high-speed Internet access, a swimming pool and/or exercise facilities, and complimentary Morning Medley continental breakfast. Book a Sleep Inn now!

Clarion – Making business a pleasure

Stay with Clarion and you’ll enjoy all the amenities of a full-service hotel at an affordable cost. Rooms are well appointed with large desks, modern decor, enhanced lighting and free high-speed Internet access. At most locations, you’ll also find a full-service restaurant, room service, a swimming pool and exercise facilities. And you can take advantage of BizNet, our 24-hour onsite business center. Book a Clarion luxury hotel now!

Cambria Suites – Style and Lifestyle

Cambria Suites is designed for the way you live. A stylish all-suites hotel with more spacious rooms, it offers a separate workspace with moveable desk and ergonomic chair. Enjoy luxurious bath amenities and bedding. A DVD/CD player and MediaHub technology that broadcasts on one off two LCD flat-panel screens. Microwave, refrigerator, Wolfgang Puck coffee and room service. Plus a resort-style swimming pool and state-of-the-art fitness center. Contemporary dining with the barista gourmet coffee bar, hot breakfast buffet and dinner menu. A 24/7 convenience store with comfort food as well as healthy and organic snacks. Free high-speed wired and wireless Internet access. 100% smoke-free environment. The Cambria Pledge, a True Unconditional Guest Satisfaction Guarantee, promises your complete satisfaction or your night’s stay is on us. Book a Cambria Suites now!

MainStay Suites – Spacious, stylish suites that feel like home

Because you need to stay longer, MainStay Suites welcomes you to our extended stay hotel, where our residential-style suites and affordable rates let make yourself at home for as long as you’d like. Whether you are traveling for business, taking an extended vacation or relocating, our suites offer plenty of room for a longer stay. Enjoy the convenience of a fully-equipped kitchen, large work area with bright task lighting. Free high speed Internet access. Sleeper sofa, iron and ironing board. Guest laundry and exercise facility. Guests enjoy a fresh breakfast offering. Over 30 locations in the U.S. Book a MainStay Suites now!

Suburban Extended Stay Hotel – A great value for a longer stay

For a great value over a longer stay, Suburban Extended Stay Hotel will make you feel right at home. Choose from our queen-sized guest rooms or rooms with two double beds, all with well-equipped kitchens. Onsite guest laundry and weekly housekeeping service provided. Free cable TV, including premium movie channels such as HBO and ESPN. Free high-speed Internet access. Convenient personal data ports and voicemail. Suburban offers great rates for stays of one week or more. Over 60 locations in the U.S. Book a Suburban Extended Stay Hotel now!

Econo Lodge – A bright spot on the road

Econo Lodge hotels provide a great stay and a great value for business and leisure travelers. Start your day off right with a free continental breakfast and a free USA TODAY newspaper on weekdays. Enjoy your bath experience with Bright Starts bath amenities and upgraded towels. Stay connected with family, friends and the office with free Wi-Fi hotspots at U.S. locations. Make local calls and take advantage of free access to credit-card calls, toll-free numbers and long distance calls. Sit back and relax with free premium TV channels, such as HBO. Book an Econo Lodge now!

Rodeway Inn – An attractive place at an attractive price

You’ll find attractive accommodations at a great price at Rodeway Inn hotels. Enjoy our free Always Fresh Rodeway breakfast. Make free local calls and get free access to credit-card calls, toll-free numbers and long distance calls. Stay informed with a free copy of USA TODAY newspaper on weekdays. Unwind with a free premium TV channel, such as HBO. Book a Rodeway Inn now!

Hotel Safety

exploretravel — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 04:36:56 +0000

These Traveler Safety Tips are from the Americal Hotel & Lodging Association:

Don’t answer the door in a hotel or motel room without verifying who is knocking. If a person claims to be an employee, call the front desk and ask if someone from their staff is suppose to have access to your room and for what purpose.
When returning to your hotel or motel room late in the evening, use the main entrance of the hotel. Be observant and look around before entering parking lots.
Close the door securely whenever you are in your room and use all of the locking devices provided.
Don’t needlessly display guest room keys in public or carelessly leave them on restaurant tables, at the swimming pool, or other places where they can be easily stolen.
Do not draw attention to yourself by displaying large amounts of cash or expensive jewelry.
Don’t invite strangers to your room.
Place all valuables in the hotel or motel’s safe-deposit box.
Do not leave valuables in your vehicle.
Check to see that any sliding glass doors or windows and any connecting room doors are locked.
If you see any suspicious activity, please report your observations to the management.