While you have to admit the recession sucks, there are some positive results. One is that travel, if you can afford it, can be relatively cheap, depending where you go. Either airfares are down, or the local currency is sagging so everything once you arrive is discounted. Here are a few locations you should think about taking advantage of before the recession ends:
Check out WatchMojo’s travel profile on the #1 cheap recession destination, Hungary:
The gloom and doom of the economy makes us want nothing more than to get away from it all, but unfortunately we can’t afford it! Exotic travel doesn’t have to be expensive if you’re willing to enjoy the cheaper version of the real thing. Instead of Paris visit a much more affordable Quebec City, if you want to visit the world, see it all at Las Vegas.
Continue for more ideas.
The travel industry took a hit in 2008, but that’s nothing compared to what’s happening now. However, that translates to sweet deals for the traveler - which is good; but also volatility in terms of canceled flights and bankrupt companies. Here are a few tips to keep in mind if you are planning to travel in 2009:
New York, NY (PRWEB) May 20, 2008 — Lots and lots of people are traveling to and from Manhattan on a daily basis from tourists to shoppers to business people, by plane, taxi, bus or by train. But if they schlep a luggage in their hands they better hold on to it since there is no luggage storage, coat check, lockers or a place where one could pre-ship luggage in the entire NYC area.
Well, now there is, its called Schwartz Travel Services www.schwartztravel.com located in Midtown Manhattan.
It’s as simple as a Coat Check procedure
“When it comes to the word Luggage or Baggage for all we know it, it almost became a bad word” says Mr. Joe Schwartz, President and Founder of Schwartz Travel Services. “First, the airlines are losing more luggage than ever, the baggage check-in lines at airports are getting bigger and bigger, airlines are imposing strict annoying regulations, and most recently the airlines decided to charge big for an extra bag”.
“Secondly, due to security reasons, there is no longer a place to leave luggage for a while in any big city and especially Manhattan. So instead of enjoying sightseeing, or whatever, the poor guy is stuck with some large bags for hours trying to Rent-A-Locker in Manhattan”. Finally there is help: Schwartz Travel Services (STS) www.schwartztravel.com is here to help schlep and store luggage.
Here is how they operate: Anyone looking for luggage storage in Manhattan and has a state issued photo ID can walk into STS to store their bags for a day, week or month. “It’s as simple as a Coat Check procedure”.
The same goes for luggage shipping. luggage could be sent via USPS, UPS or FedEx etc. directly to STS to be safely stored at their “SKY Luggage Storage” Department, and retrieved as soon as the traveler gets to Manhattan or have the luggage delivered to their hotel / office for a small fee. “We treat all baggage as our guests” says Mr. Schwartz.
Business people who fly back and forth from Manhattan who had previously thought of Luggage Shipping as too expensive are now reconsidering the service “it became as simple as shipping and receiving any other package and the benefits are unbelievable”.
Located in Midtown Manhattan between Penn Station and the NY Port Authority bus terminal, “the place is welcome news to all kind of Manhattan travelers and the facility is safe and secure 24 hours a day” he emphasizes.
For more information, please visit www.schwartztravel.com or contact:
ST. JOHN’S, Antigua, May 16 /PRNewswire/ — Galley Bay Resort & Spa — Antigua’s award-winning, adults-only Caribbean romantic hideaway — announces an incredible airfare promotion featuring complimentary tickets from all major East Coast gateways that serve Antigua via American Airlines and Delta Air Lines. Couples who book seven-night all-inclusive stays in the resort’s Premium Beachfront Suites from June through November 2008 qualify. The all-inclusive nightly rate is $520 per person, based on double occupancy, and includes all meals, top-shelf liquor, non-motorized water sports, entertainment, tax and service charges.
Couples can fly Delta Air Line’s new twice-weekly non-stop service from New York’s JFK International Airport, beginning June 12, 2008; Delta’s non-stop flights from Atlanta, as well as other major Delta East Coast gateways; and American Airlines’ daily connecting service from the East Coast through San Juan to Antigua.
“Galley Bay Resort & Spa has consistently been ranked among the world’s most romantic resorts, and it just keeps getting better. Now we’re making romantic getaways and destination weddings more affordable by providing complimentary flights to couples,” said Steven E. Heydt, Elite Island Resorts’ president. “And, according to the Travel Industry Association (TIA), 42 million+ Americans travel for romantic purposes annually. This promotion plus our complimentary destination wedding program, gives them an even greater incentive to do so.”
Premium Beachfront Suites feature a sunken living room with wet bar, floor-to-ceiling windows, a private furnished terrace or balcony and an expansive bathroom with his-and-hers showers and deep-soaking tubs along with the latest high-tech amenities such as 32-inch, flat-screen wall-mounted TVs, iPod docking stations, DVD players and wireless Internet access. Raising the bar on luxury, the resort’s recently opened Indulge spa was designed as a posh tree house overlooking a tropical bird sanctuary. Also new are a wedding gazebo and a third romantic dining option, Ismay’s — a Caribbean fusion restaurant set along a three-quarter-mile stretch of stunning white-sand beach. Both are sure to be popular for weddings.
An intimate, casually elegant retreat, Galley Bay Resort & Spa consistently earns prestigious awards including top honors from Conde Nast Traveler and TripAdvisor.com, and was recently certified green in accordance with international standards. For reservations, call (800) 345-0356 or visit www.galleybayresort.com or www.eliteislands.com.
NEW YORK, May 12 /PRNewswire/ — The Flatotel is welcoming visiting families from London to Los Angeles this summer with great rates, spacious accommodations and action packed activities for kids at every age. The modern, midtown Manhattan luxury property is making it easy to plan an affordable getaway in one of the world’s most exciting destinations.
Families who book by June 30th can enjoy a spacious stay in one of the Flatotel’s newly refurbished deluxe one-bedroom suites; featuring a pull-out couch; fully equipped eat-in kitchen and one-and-a-half baths from $385 and up per night. The suite accommodates up to two adults and two children. Reservations and rates subject to availability and apply to travel beginning at the end of June, and through July and August.
The Flatotel has discovered how to make an adult environment work for kids and embraces family members with its cozy atmosphere and more personalized services. Upon arrival, families receive a list of kid-friendly stores close by such as American Girl Place, Build-A-Bear Workshop, FAO Schwarz, and the NBA Store, among others; along with shopping discounts and vouchers to Top of the Rock, Museum of Modern Art, and a tour of NBC Studios.
If its culture they want to explore, families can also take advantage of the legendary cultural attractions and landmarks that are steps away from the Flatotel’s front door: Rockefeller Center, Broadway, Carnegie Hall, and Central Park.
All Flatotel suites boast modern amenities that ensure comfort and convenience including custom beds with goose down duvets and Egyptian cotton sheets; Internet access; a Sony Wega flat screen TV featuring DIRECTTV and premium cable; CD player and other features. Among the other attractive amenities on property are concierge service, a business center and complimentary use of the Flatotel’s Sky Gym Fitness Center and access to The Athletic & Swim Club and Olympic-size swimming pool.
Flatotel’s onsite eatery, MODA and MODA Lounge, offers guests an inventive menu featuring Italian cuisine with a Mediterranean flair. In addition to 24-hour room service, MODA serves breakfast, lunch, and light fare during Happy Hour and evening hours. Jazz is featured weekly during Happy Hour and at Sunday brunch.
With a bold name and concept that originates from the English word “flat” for apartment and “hotel” for flexible length of stay, the Flatotel is a four-star rated, stylish alternative to a big midtown hotel. To inquire about the special family summer rates, or for additional travel information, please contact (800) 352-8683, or book directly on www.flatotel.com.
New York, NY (PRWEB) April 29, 2008 — New York’s best ships and itineraries for 2008/09 were named by the editorial staff of Cruising From New York, a web site devoted to passenger shipping from the three ports, Manhattan, Brooklyn and Cape Liberty (Bayonne), NJ.
According to Anne Campbell, editor of Cruising From New York, “Today every major cruise line has several ships that home port in New York for extended seasons of voyages ranging from a one-day party cruise to a 100-plus-day circumnavigation of the globe.”
Today every major cruise line has several ships that home port in New York for extended seasons of voyages ranging from a one-day party cruise to a 100-plus-day circumnavigation of the globe.
Over one million people sailed from New York’s three ports in 2007 and that number is expected to increase in 2008. Since 9/11, the number of ships and passengers has increased to the point that additional berthing facilities were opened in Red Hook, Brooklyn and Cape Liberty (Bayonne), New Jersey.
BEST CRUISE LINES AND SHIPS
New York’s Biggest Star: Queen Mary 2. Ballroom dancing to a live orchestra, high tea perfectly served, scholarly guest lecturers, a dog kennel and the ultimate in creature comforts keep the British maritime heritage alive and well.
Best Ship for Families: Royal Caribbean’s Explorer of the Seas. A big kid pleaser due to her rock climbing wall, roller blading, ice-skating and private teen club, Explorer of the Seas is hugely popular with cruisers of all ages.
Biggest Bang For The Buck: Carnival Cruise Lines’ ships boast large cabins, the best entertainment and exceptionally good food.
Best Onboard Dining Program: Princess Cruises’ ships. Princess offers the choice of single open seating dining or traditional two seating dining plus a Lido Restaurant that serves great food 24 hours per day.
Best New York Itineraries: Princess Cruises’ Caribbean, Europe and Canada/New England cruises from Brooklyn.
Best Ships For Laid-back Cruisers: Norwegian Cruise Line’s vessels. NCL’s popular “Freestyle Cruising” program means you may dine when and with whom you please in numerous restaurants. And, formal attire isn’t required.
BEST ITINERARIES OF 2008/09
Caribbean: (Princess) Caribbean Princess sails on nine-day Eastern Caribbean voyages round-trip from Brooklyn to Bermuda, Grand Turk, San Juan and St. Thomas
Bermuda: (Royal Caribbean & NCL) RCI’s Explorer of the Seas sails on six-day Bermuda cruises from Cape Liberty and Norwegian Cruise Line’ Norwegian Dawn makes seven-day Bermuda voyages from Manhattan
Canada/New England: (Princess) Sea Princess’ ten-night cruises between Brooklyn and Quebec City calling in Newport, Boston, Bar Harbor, Saint John, Halifax, Sydney, Charlottetown
Europe: Six-night transatlantic crossings between New York and Southampton aboard Queen Mary 2
Short Cruise: Aug. 29, 2008 three-night cruise to nowhere aboard Holland America’s brand new Eurodam sailing from Manhattan.
Best Long Cruise: Sea Princess’ 14-day Iceland & Greenland voyage from Southampton, UK to Brooklyn departing Aug. 30, 2008. Ports of call: Bergen, Norway; Shetland Islands, Scotland; Faroe Islands, Denmark; Iceland; Nanortalik, Greenland; St. Johns, Nova Scotia.
NEW YORK (Business Wire EON/PRWEB ) April 14, 2008 — IgoUgo.com: “2008 ‘The Summer of the Train’”
* The editors of IgoUgo (http://www.igougo.com), one of the most popular online travel communities in the world, believe the summer of 2008 may be the summer for train travel for Americans.
* Tapping into its community of savvy travelers, IgoUgo’s editors have pulled together tips, advice and itineraries for travelers looking for something other than the traditional fly-in summer vacation.
* This information can also be found by visiting the IgoUgo blog: http://www.igougo.com/travel_blog
Best Travel Site in the U.S.
Plane vs. Train
* The U.S. airline industry received the worst score ever recorded in the most recent Airline Quality Rating (AQR) study. In the same study, consumer complaints were up 60 percent over last year.
* Americans may be increasingly more open to the idea of train travel. In 2007, Amtrak reported more than 25.8 million passengers, representing the fifth straight year of record ridership.
* More than 70,000 people ride on an Amtrak train each day.
* IgoUgo editors believe in many cases, Amtrak is a convenient alternative – with intercity passenger rail services to more than 500 destinations in 46 states.
Train Travel More Energy Efficient
* The US Department of Energy found that Amtrak – on an energy-consumed-per-passenger-mile basis – is 18 percent more energy efficient than commercial airlines.
* IgoUgo editors suggest that while not every train trip is more energy-friendly than flying, it can be an added consideration when planning for a family vacation.
IgoUgo Train Travel Tips
Thinking about a train trip?
* Consider taking the train on long trips when you have kids in tow; it can be much more relaxing than driving and a better opportunity to spend quality time talking or playing cards.
* Check to see if you’re visiting a city with a historic or notable train station; if so, arrive by train. Whether you’re a train enthusiast or a total novice, it’s a special experience to roll into a landmark like Philadelphia’s 30th Street Station or Union Station in Los Angeles.
* If your flight is cancelled, booking a spot on a train may be a good alternative.
* If traveling a long distance, consider an air-rail trip: fly to your destination, then take the rail on the way home (or vice versa).
* If you’re a nature lover, consider a US route participating in Amtrak’s Trails & Rails program, which provides educational opportunities to passengers, and research national parks and scenic areas serviced by trains. One example: Glacier National Park has two Amtrak stops with daily service in summer.
Booking your ticket?
* Plan any train trip ahead of time; prices rise as departure dates near, and deluxe cabins sell out quickly.
* Get a seat high enough to see out of the windows, and consider that choosing your seat’s class might make the difference between an open-air ride and a spot behind sealed windows.
* Consider that different classes may offer vastly different amenities; if a Western-style bathroom is important to you on train trips abroad, learn which class offers that before booking.
* See if your hotel accommodation at your destination will provide train-station transfers; you may be able to avoid renting a car or taking an expensive cab ride upon arrival.
* Travel light. You may not have much storage space or much time to get organized and disembark at your stop.
* Bring a sleeping bag or blanket; trains can get cold at night.
All aboard?
* Make sure you know what time meals are served in the dining car, and arrive early to get a spot. You’ll most likely share a table with other passengers. If you don’t feel like being social or are a picky eater, pack your own food.
* If you become frustrated by delays, remember to think of your train ride as a “trip within a trip” or “just as much a part of the vacation experience as the actual vacation itself,” in IgoUgo members’ words. Relax!
* Do not lose your ticket—some rails will collect them well after you board.
* Listen carefully to station and train announcements, or you might miss learning of delays or departures. Some announcements are made only once.
* If you’re on a stopover or day trip, double-check the departure board when you arrive at the train station so you know at what time you must return.
IgoUgo Train Travel Itineraries
* For some people a train trip is their destination, but for those who need to plan a route, IgoUgo is also a great place to research train travel itineraries.
* Here are some of IgoUgo members’ favorite train travel trips and IgoUgo editor’s “top” list:
* St. Petersburg to Shanghai on the Trans-Siberian and Trans-Mongolian Railways
* Auckland to Wellington on the Tranz Scenic Overlander
* Zurich to Vienna on the OBB
* Kalka to Shimla on the Shivalik Deluxe Express Toy Train
* Tokyo to Nagano on the Shinkansen
* San Francisco to Chicago on the Amtrak California Zephyr
* Fairbanks to Anchorage on the Alaska Railroad Denali Star Train
To celebrate train travel, Amtrak is holding its first annual National Train Day on May 10, 2008. More information can be found at www.nationaltrainday.com.
Quote
Attributed to Michelle Doucette, Content Manager at IgoUgo.com
* “Flight delays, schedule changes, cancelled flights, bankruptcies and mishandled baggage are pushing flyers’ frustration to an all-time high.”
* “The summer of ’08 just might be ‘the summer of the train.’ Not only does train travel provide a totally different experience, statistics show it is often better for the environment than flying.”
About IgoUgo
IgoUgo is one of the most popular online travel communities in the world. Its 350,000 members—world-seasoned and passionate travelers—share firsthand travel experiences, advice, and photos, with candid tips and inspiring stories covering more than 5,500 global destinations. Site users can search by keyword to find reviews by like-minded travelers, as well as destination guides and helpful links. Members can easily contact one another to ask questions, exchange information, and build friendships without geographic bounds. In return for writing reviews, IgoUgo members accrue valuable points redeemable for gift certificates and frequent-flyer miles. IgoUgo has garnered top industry honors, including being named one of Forbes’ “Best Travel Sites” in 2006, a Webby Award for “Best Travel Site in the U.S.,” a “Top Travel Site” ranking from USA Today, and “Best Travel Community” and “Top Travel Site” commendations from Yahoo Internet Life.
PALM ISLAND, The Grenadines, March 28 /PRNewswire/ — Palm Island, an exclusive 135-acre private island resort in the Caribbean’s pristine Grenadines island chain, provides vacationers with a special 25 percent summer savings off all-inclusive rack rates when reservations are booked by May 19, 2008 for five night minimum stays. This intimate hideaway is also giving guests a $250 resort credit to be used towards fascinating adventures such as a snorkel trip to the pristine reefs of the Tobago Cays, a Champagne Sunset Cruise, spa treatments, or a island-hopping day cruise-or towards an accommodations upgrade. The credit, along with the 25 percent savings off the all-inclusive rack rates, is valid for travel between June 1 and August 31, 2008.
Low season all-inclusive rack rates start at $690 per room, based on double occupancy; with the Summer Promotion savings, the starting rate drops to $518. The promotional rate cannot be combined with other special offers and applies only to new bookings.
“With only 43 rooms, Palm Island in the Grenadines offers the opportunity to truly escape and unwind. Palm Island features many complimentary activities, however, we hope that our guests will take advantage of the resort’s incredible summer savings and resort credit to experience a private island vacation for themselves that is filled with many exciting experiences like a Sunset Cruise or indulgent spa treatment,” said Steven E. Heydt, president of Elite Island Resorts, a distinctive Caribbean resort collection that includes Palm Island.
Ringed by five glorious beaches and traversed by nature trails, this casually elegant private island resort caters to discerning travelers with superb food, caring service and an unspoiled natural setting. The resort features a freeform freshwater swimming pool with a waterfall surrounded by boulders and sun terraces, as well as a spa, fitness center and tennis. Windsurfing, snorkeling, kayaking, Hobie cat sailing, bicycling and evening entertainment are among the complimentary activities. Spacious accommodations, delightfully free from TVs and telephones, allow guests to revel in the natural sounds of this rare tropical escape.
All-inclusive rates include meals, afternoon tea, weekly managers’ cocktail parties, top-shelf beverages, tips, taxes and service charges. For reservations, call 800-345-0356 or visit www.eliteislandresorts.com or www.palmislandresortgrenadines.com
“In October 1999 National Geographic Traveler showcased 50 of the world’s top destinations, places that every curious traveler should visit in a lifetime. Now we’re expanding our Places of a Lifetime franchise online, with personal essays on top destinations and the addition of a wealth of timely service information, from insiders’ tips on the best places to stay and eat, to great books and music, to recommended walking tours. In our online Places of a Lifetime you’ll find both inspiration and practical travel tips, and we plan to add more great cities on a regular basis.” - National Geographic
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