Monday 24 October 2011

Lots of tips for finding the cheapest flights

Article Summary: If you want to find cheap flights then read this article carefully. It will help you find the best flights on the web.
Finding cheap flights in times of economic crisis



As we all know the world is in an economic crisis while tourism is a bit down. Fees and costs are slashed by airlines, trying to fill empty seats. But flights on the major airlines are still expensive. Costs for oil, personell and other material costs have added to rising fares.



Travelling dirt-cheap is over, and, as the flight can represent a very big part of your trip expenses, finding a hidden deal can be very important. There are still a lot of ways to find a cheap ticket as you can read below. A few tips for finding the best flight deals:





Be flexible



If you're flexible with your dates, you will be able to capture pricing variations. Ticket prices always fluctuate. For example, it's nearly always cheaper to fly mid-week than on a weekend. It's better to fly out after major holidays than before. The week after Christmas? Beautiful! No one ever flies because they are with their families, so prices are low. Early morning or late-night flights are also cheaper most of the times, as fewer people choose those. So, in short, the difference of just one day of hour can be the difference of a couple of hundred dollars.





Fly to less well known airports



Most major cities have a secondary airport. This is the airport most low-cost carriers (LCC) fly into for it is cheaper for them normally regarding landing fees. This ofcourse helps keeping prices down for you. Check out these airlines. For example take JetBlue to Long Beach, close to LA, instead of flying into LA International Airport. In America, there are more than twenty different lowcost carriers. In Europe even more. Competition keeps prices low. In Asia you can take Air Asia which is a great budget airline and has tickets from Bangkok to Kuala Lumpur for only $40 USD. Often you can get tickets without the fare, you just pay taxes. Flying budget airlines is an alternative whenever possible. Making reservations through a website in another country, for example on goedkope vluchten, can also help. You get less "extras," but you can save money, sometimes a lott, in ticket costs.





Try alternative routes



If you are flexible with the route then it is, for example, sometimes cheaper to fly to London and take a lowcost flight to Amsterdam rather than taking a direct flight. There are low-cost carriers enough to take advantage of a good deal to another city and then choose a LCC for getting to your final destination. Nearly allways direct flights are more expensive than connecting flights. Also, make sure you have a Saturday night in your stay and, again, save money. Every bit of money you save is giving you more money to spend at your final destination.





What is your budget?



We always try to get the lowest price, then wait, and often pay too much. We all know airline prices go up and down, but we always miss out on the lowest fare. Be sure that you know what you want to pay. What is your lowest price? Is $190 from NY to Miami what you want? Or $850 to go from LA to Tokyo? Then buy it and do not wait for the perfect fare because you won't get it. Prices are always up and down, but if you are happy with the fare at the time of your purchase, then stay happy! A website like Farecast can help predict when to buy your tickets.





Not all search engines are alike



Do not only search Expedia or Orbitz, because these sites work with or are owned by the airline companies themselves. So they don't offer unbiased prices and they also don't list lowcostcarriers. The best search engines have no affiliation with airlines, make only money through advertising, not reservations. A fine example is Skyscanner, great for lcc's and they search a few of the majors also. Kayak is great for all travellers flying to other places than the USA. Momondo is also a good search engine.





Search on the airline's international site



You might think that prices will be the same across the world, but that's far from the truth. I have found tickets from Tokyo to Los Angeles hundreds of dollars cheaper when searching the New Zealand website of Air New Zealand instead of the US one. I found tickets to and from Europe by searching the Canadian version of the BA website. You can book your tickets on a website in a different country. You will normally just be charged in the local currency. Ofcourse you can also try foreign travel agents like www.goedkopevliegtuigtickets.be





Sign Up for a Frequent Flier Program



A great way to get cheap flights, discounts, upgrades or even free companion tickets. Join now! Even if you do not fly a lot you can probably earn asimple free upgrade. I used to always just go for the lowest fares but if I had stuck to one airline network, I would probably have been a high-tier member, flying first class.





Book Early



With oil prices steadily going up, airlines are raising fees. The last couple of years the best booking window seemed to be 6 to 8 weeks before the flight. Currently the best advise is to book as soon as you know when you want to fly. This can save you tons of money.

Exploring Limpopo on your Travel to Africa

Article Summary: If you are one of those people who read Rudyard Kipling as a child then the name Limpopo will definitely ring a bell. After all the Limpopo river is where the elephant child got its trunk from. But whoever goes on one of the South Africa holidays will find that Kipling didn't really do justice to the Limpopo river in his description; in fact it is a lot better, bigger and even more wonderful than he made it out to be. Travel to Africa is something you just must not miss if you get an opportunity.
If you are one of those story enthusiasts who read the work of Rudyard Kipling as a child then when you hear Limpopo it will definitely ring a bell. In any case the Limpopo river is where the elephant child obtained its trunk from. But whoever goes on one of these Africa holidays will find that Kipling didn't really do justice to the Limpopo river in his description; in fact it is a lot better, bigger and even more wonderful than he made it out to be. Travel in Africa is something you just must not miss if you get an opportunity. It is a land that will fascinate you with all its beauty, wilderness, legends and myths and all its attractions which we will discuss here.

While on travel to Africa don't miss the Great Baobabs which are huge trees which are said to be some of the oldest in the continent and some of them are said to be even as many as three millenniums old. These astonishing trees are among the sights that will greet you when you go to see Limpopo while on your Africa holidays. A kind of ecosystem in themselves, these trees appear as if they were planted with the roots up and they not only provide food for wildlife but serve as homes too for the likes of baboons, bush babies and fruit bats.

One of the most popular attractions to see when you go on your South Africa holidays is the biggest Baobab Tree situated at Sunland; this has been converted into what is now a railway pub which can accommodate 60 people. In the olden days, the kings, tribal leaders and village elders would meet under the shade of the huge baobab trees, hoping that the spirit of the trees would impart wisdom and guide them in matters that were very important. When you go on your travel to Africa make sure you don't miss the elephant child, the crocodiles and plenty more animals. A major area of the famous Kruger National Park is found in the province of Limpopo. It has over a dozen different ecosystems and has nearly 150 different species of mammals which include lions, leopards, rhinos, buffalo and elephants. Then there are at least 116 species of reptiles including the crocodiles, 34 species of amphibians and 505 bird species. You could opt for the Africa safaris if you so wish.

Besides Kruger, there are as many as 40 other national parks, nature conservancies and game reserves where you can go sighting fauna and flora in Limpopo. So if you have the chance to travel Africa then you can be sure that you will have plenty to see and do on your South Africa holidays.

When you opt for the South Africa holidays you will find that the great sights have some myths associated with them like the Thathe Vondo Forest On your travel to Africa don't miss the Lake Fundudzi close by which is said to be so holy that visitors are forbidden to go to the shore; they have to view it with their backs turned to it from between their legs bending down.

How to book a holiday rental home in Silves, Portugal

Article Summary: Silves is draped in so much history it would take an entire book to scratch the surface. From Roman times, a break in Silves has been one of the most luxurious holidays in the Algarve, Portugal.
Silves is draped in so much history it would take an entire book to scratch the surface. From Roman times, a break in Silves has been one of the most luxurious holidays in the Algarve, Portugal. Self catering accommodation in Silves is set where the lush countryside and orange and almond groves meet the sea. There is a magnificent laid back atmosphere in the Silves region which is perfectly complimented by the ease and freedom of a self catering holiday villa in Silves or the surrounding villages.



In contrast to the bustling vibrancy of many coastal resorts in Central Algarve, holiday cottages and villas in Silves will let you experience the altogether more peaceful atmosphere that envelops this charmingly rural destination, so for anyone seeking the perfect location for a restful holiday, accommodation in Silves will provide a welcome antidote to a hectic urban lifestyle.



Despite being located inland, you'll never have to travel more than a few miles to the nearest beach from any holiday villa in Silves, and surrounded by far-reaching views of some of the most breathtaking scenery in Central Algarve, holiday rental accommodation in Silves can offer opportunities for recreation, sport and leisure that will appeal to people of all ages and interests - from rambling, cycling and birdwatching in the lush green hills to watersports on the stunning beach at Armacao de Pera, those with a love of the great outdoors will be delighted with such an abundance of outstanding natural environments, and with so many ancient towns and villages scattered around Silves, villa rentals can also make the ideal base for a voyage of historical and cultural discovery.



For a really authentic slice of country life, you couldn't find anything more appropriate than a holiday cottage in Silves - bed and breakfast being a catering-free option and the type of holiday accommodation in Silves that can also guarantee a sun-drenched break of sheer relaxation and pure rustic bliss.



Lagoa is only 8km from Silves accommodation, and being the Algarve's current administrative town, offers many of the best shops, restaurants and everyday facilities.



The beach town of Armacao de Pera lies to the south of Silves, boasting a beautiful long sandy beach and warm waters. This old fishing village has morphed into a cosmopolitan beach town, where swimming, sunbathing and relaxing in cafes is still a priority!



Barrocal is slightly off the beaten track. A beautiful, tranquil region between the mountains and the coast, it is a perfect location for walkers, cyclists, nature lovers or those who want to enjoy the magnificent Algarve coast, but without the hustle of a seaside resort.



Silves benefits from the well documented climate of the Algarve. With summer temperatures averaging over 30°C for July and August, only dropping by 15°C for the coldest months, self catering accommodation in Silves is a delight all year round. Last minute holidays to Silves during the winter make an excellent walking holiday or weekend break.



Faro Airport (FAO) receives all the international flights to the Algarve. It has excellent access links to Silves, and the self catering holiday accommodation Silves has to offer. ThomsonFly and easyJetare probably the easiest places to find great deals on cheap flights to Silves.

How to reserve a self catering in Vale de Parra, Portugal

Article Summary: Set among the grave vines of the Vale de Parra (Valley of the Grape), just west of Albufeira, are a range of stunning villas and houses. The region is blessed with both the glorious climate of the Algarve and the dramatic sandstone coastline, into which delightful cove beaches reside, surrounded by impressive, red natural formations.
Set among the grave vines of the Vale de Parra (Valley of the Grape), just west of Albufeira, are a range of stunning villas and houses. The region is blessed with both the glorious climate of the Algarve and the dramatic sandstone coastline, into which delightful cove beaches reside, surrounded by impressive, red natural formations.



Close to both the Salgados nature reserve and the cosmopolitan resort of Albufeira, holiday rental accommodation in Vale de Parra can promise a vacation of contrasts, variety and diversity that will appeal to people of all ages and interests, particularly when you throw history, culture, watersports and golf into the mix as well, giving such a range of opportunities for recreation and relaxation that an apartment or villa rental in Vale de Parra seems like the only sensible choice of holiday rental accommodation in the Algarve for the different requirements of a big family.



Often found in peacefully secluded situations surrounded by olive groves and fruit orchards, a holiday villa in Vale de Parra makes a haven of tranquility to relax in and the ideal base from where you can plan a busy agenda of outdoor activities in the beautiful countryside, on the spectacular beaches or any one of a number of world-class golf courses that exist in Central Algarve - holiday villas and apartments in Vale de Parra being ideally situated for a thoroughly comprehensive experience of everything that this southern-most region of Portugal has to offer, which is an awful lot to consider when you've only decided to rent holiday accommodation in Vale de Parra for two glorious, sun-drenched weeks!



The best beaches in the Vale de Parra are those of Sao Rafael, Praia de Gale and Castelo, which also have claims as being some of the nicest in the whole of the Algarve. The Vale de Parra has the added luxury of being relatively unknown on the tourist routes, so these stunning beaches are quiet too. Gale is the best known of the beaches and is lined with excellent beach bars, but the secluded coves which flank Gale are very secluded. There area numerous boat trips available from a Vale de Parra holiday rental which explore the caves, blow holes and features of the coastline, as well as taking fishing and water skiing excursions.



Walkers will love taking a Vale de Parra property for their holiday. The coastal walks and the trails into the grape and citrus laden valleys are blissfully quiet, and offer stunning views across the unspoilt landscape. Horse riding and cycling are also actively encouraged as ways of discovering the country too.



Family holidays making use of a Vale de Parra holiday rental are great too. The safe, gently sloping beaches are perfect for children, and the local attractions of the Aqualand Waterpark, Splash and Slide and Zoomarine make for exciting days out. There is an excellent golf course just down the road in Salgados too.



With 300 days of sunshine every year and summer average temperatures reaching 30˚C, the beaches near a Vale de Parra property are a huge asset. Even in winter, temperatures average 17˚C.



The unspoilt valley of Vale de Parra is just half an hour from the busy Faro Airport (FAO), which receives a huge number of daily flights from right across the UK, especially during the summer. Due to the popularity of Algarve holidays, there are some very cheap flights to Faro available, which helps keep a holiday in a Vale de P

What Does A Spa Hotel Offer ?

Article Summary: A luxury spa hotel features signature treatments that are unique to that hotel, such as New York City's Trump Solo, where the spa offers a Turkish Hamman, which allows guests to lay over a heated marble belly stone to prepare them for detoxification.
A spa hotel is often located in big cities our tourist destinations, such as New York City, Las Vegas or Maui. International destinations, such as Beijing, China or the United Kingdom also feature spa hotels with both traditional and cultural spa treatments. They include premium facilities featuring a fitness center with personal trainers, a steam room, a sauna, and a swimming pool.



A luxury spa hotel features signature treatments that are unique to that hotel, such as New York City's Trump Solo, where the spa offers a Turkish Hamman, which allows guests to lay over a heated marble belly stone to prepare them for detoxification. Signature treatments cost more money at hotels, and as of 2011, Trump Solo began packages starting at $300 with the option of adding them onto room accommodation. Accommodation in a king suite for two nights costs around $1,300.



Spa hotels set a package price separate from the accommodations because often local residents stop in for treatments before a stressful presentation or a big wedding. Locals may need to inquire if they have access to the fitness center or the swimming pool or pay an extra fee if they wish to use them.



These hotels with Spas often include luxurious accommodations, such as the Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua in Maui, which features a king-sized bed, a deep soaking Jacuzzi and a private balcony. These hotels also offer fine-dining options like Victoria's at Grand Jersey in the United Kingdom. The restaurant seasonal-inspired cuisine in both their Sunday Brunch menu and their nightly dinner fare. Spa hotels differ from destination and health spas because those types focus on engaging guests in healthy cuisine and an exercise regime, while spa hotels merely offer a relaxing vacation with options.



Each hotel offers different signature treatments. The Mandarin Oriental in Las Vegas offers a Oriental Harmony as one of their therapies. During the treatment, two therapists work in unison to create perfect harmony of the senses, beginning with clients soaking their feet in a purifying foot bath. The two therapists apply a scrub that will smooth the skin and then simultaneously apply a full-body massage that will lift your mood and ease your muscles. As of 2011, this treatment lasts one hour and 50 minutes and costs between $340 to $400. The hotel recommends relaxing in the Zen Relaxation room beforehand with one its' signature teas.



At the Ritz-Carlton Spa, Kapalua, the therapists offer treatments derived on Hawaiian healing properties and enhanced with tropical flowers, fresh fruits and potent herbs. With the almond-luscious manicure and pedicure combination, a mixture of refined sugar, jojaba beads and salt is applied to exfoliate women's hands and feet. The hotel also offers a lomilomi massage, massaging the body by using warm river stones. Using both heat and rhythmic pressure helps in releasing tension and fixing balance.



The Aman luxury Hotel Spa at Aman at Summer Palace in Beijing, China features nine spa suite rooms, featuring its own massage and steam room. Therapists practice both traditional Chinese massage and Thai massage therapies. Chinese massage uses acupuncture and deep-tissue, while Thai massage uses relaxing yoga stretches and pressure point massage techniques. The hotel also offers aromatic baths to allow guests to relax or energize tired muscles, as well as having a fitness center with private trainers.