Do an online research

Take the time to research your destination so you won't make impulse buys. Heavy travelers can log on to Wotif.com and Orbitz.com to research for luxurious hotel and travel packages at attractive rates. Otherwise, why not join online community bazaars such as "coupon Connection" on Flyertalk.com - where travel aficionados exchange gift cards, memberships or anything imaginable to provide each other better travel experiences.

Think out of the box to get extras

Who wouldn't love a room with a view and VIP treatment? It doesn't hurt as ask for it. Having a good personal relationship with the staff is key. So when you make your reservation, tell the reservationist that you want to make this trip special (maybe it's your anniversary, hubby's birthday, etc), and that you're hoping for a nice room as part of the celebration. Follow it up with a fax - they are more likely to comply with your request. The timing is also crucial. If you check in very late, you'll have a better change of snagging a better room. More often than not, hotels would rather fill up a suite with a guest not paying the full rate, that not filling it at all.

Opt for travel packages

It's cheaper to choose an airline or hotel chain package for a new exotic destination. Apart from not burning a hole in your pocket, you also get to visit many new city in just a few days. Another option is to go during low-peak season. You might be able to get a further discount on the low-season rate, if you ask nicely.

I enjoyed dinner at the Flamingo hotel and casino. The food was good and the view was better. I sat by the window that looked into a small pond/garden oasis filled with you guessed it FLAMINGOS. The whole seen was very relaxing. If you want to eat, drink and be merry this is the spot. Not a gamer don't despair, you could purchase tickets to several shows being hosted directly in the casino area.

If you want to avoid the casinos altogether then hop on over to the numerous clubs and open air sports bars along the strip. You will not get bored with the variety of events available for you to do.

The night time is the right time to enjoy the city light of Vegas, so get out of that hotel room, the Strip is calling you.

Remember what happens in Vegas, doesn't have to stay in Vegas, lol.

So eat well and be happy.

Until next time eat well and be happy.

This one is for all especially my military travelers looking for the perfect vacation spot. Imagine a walk on the beach, cool breeze blowing through your hair, and off in the distance you encounter the most beautiful sunset you could ever imagine. May sound like a dream but on the shores of Waikiki on the island of Oahu, Hawaii it is all too real.

I was lucky enough to get a room with a partial view of the ocean at the Hale Koa military resort. Step out the back entrance of this gracious resort and land on a piece of "Paradise". This resort has two restaurants, two pools (one has a bar and nightly music, the other is the perfect setting for those moments when you need some alone time), a lounge, a salon and a snack shack. Enjoy a luau right on the grounds of the hotel. It has the largest section of Waikiki beach and is within walking distance to the other hotels and downtown Oahu where you can pick your own pearl in the outdoor market.

My advice for your dining pleasure is eat. Whether you choose to eat at the resort or in town you will not be disappointed. Make sure to visit Pearl Harbor, or if you want to be more adventurous then try surfing or snorkeling. Visit the north end of the island where the sites are just as beautiful.

Don't be disappointed if you can't get a room at this resort, there are several other civilian and military resorts on the island. Enjoy your vacation, the culture, and the sites. Until next time eat well and be happy.

Travel Eve

The on-site restaurant has great food and you can still smoke at the bar. Unlike most hotels, this hotel has an indoor pool plus a tanning area right outside the pool area. If you decide to dine out they have a Ruby Tuesday's across the parking lot or if you're into seafood, do yourself the favor of visiting the Oyster Bar on Owen Drive. Fayetteville has grown over the years so enjoy the nightlife, eat well and be happy.

P.S. If you’re not a priority club member and you travel, you may want to consider taking advantage of their free membership.

Although I don't claim to be an expert on flying I have flown enough to know what to carry on with me to make my flight more relaxing, rewarding, enjoyable, fun and less boring. Was that enough adjectives for you?

Here are my “anti-boring” must haves when I go on a flight.

MP3 Player

Regardless of which brand of product you own an MP3 player is a must have. I am just not sold on the music some flights provide. With my own MP3 I am guaranteed to get music that I enjoy. They are very cheap these days with some as low as $10. You can put hundreds of songs on there and listen to them in a random order so that the routine never sounds the same.

Books and Magazines

I love mystery novels, specifically Agatha Christie books. The thought of trying to figure out “whodunit” is a neat feeling. I also like to read various magazines. Flying gives me a chance to catch up on both. Usually I bring one book and one magazine with me. Regardless of whether you read a book or a magazine, flying will give you a chance to get some much needed reading done.

Portable DVD Player

I usually only bring this on flights three hours or longer. Normally the movie on the plane, if there is one, stinks, but with this electronic gadget I am guaranteed to get a movie I like 100% of the time. I can also bring TV shows with me and with the rental possibilities at today's airports I can pretty much pick up anything of interest.

Laptop

My laptop is my faithful companion on both business and personal trips. It gives me the opportunity to get ahead of my writing assignments, read the tons of email (most of which is spam) that I have received, or simply play some games. Unless I am going on business my laptop never leaves the country. I just feel odd bringing it to places where laptops really shouldn't be. Call me crazy.

So there you have it four items that I never go on a flight without. I don't always bring all of them on with me, but I can guarantee you that I have at least two of them at all times.

These are locations that will provide an experienced or modest traveler with a one of a kind stay. Enjoy!

Gamirasu Cave Hotel

Gamirasu Troglodyte Hotel is located in the heart of Cappadocia, Turkey near Urgup. The hotel boasts 18 rooms that have been completely restored and reopened in 1999. The hotel is situated in a retreat that has been there for over thousands of years. This hotel is a perfect honeymoon and wedding destination.

Marqués De Riscal

This luxury hotel located in Elciego, Spain is nestled in the "City of Wine". There are 43 guest rooms, including 11 suites that overlook the spectacular views of the country. There are fantastic restaurants, an indoor swimming pool, indoor Jacuzzi, and 14 spa rooms specializing in "wine therapy" treatments.

Blue Lagoon in Iceland

This lagoon is one of Iceland's most inimitable attractions. The lagoon uses geothermal seawater that is scientifically known to clear the complexion and aid in healthy skin. The trip will be a purely spiritual one filled with nature, scenery, and air that is clean and fresh.

Daintree Ecolodge

Located in Queens land, Australia, this resort is nestled in one the oldest living rain forests boasting 15 lovely villas in a tree house setting. It perfectly secluded for romantic honeymoons and secret rendezvous'.

Magic Mountain Hotel

Located in Panguipulli, Chile this lovely secluded hotel contains 13 rooms, and 11 cabins that can easily accommodate 4-6 guests. The name of the hotel was derived from Commander Pepe who called this hotel his home in the 70's and 80's.

Machu Pichu Sanctuary

This ancient hotel boasts some of the most spectacular views of this historical Inca settlement in Cusco, Peru. The lodge is the only hotel located within the sanctuary of the Manchu Picchu Ruins. It has 29 rooms and 2 suites which have the most spectacular views of this sacred place.

Woodland Park: The Hobbit Motel

Located in Otorohanga, New Zealand, Woodland Park is more like a motel for the more modest traveler. Woodland Park has 3 amazing options for sleeping quarters that include a "1950's Bristol Freighter Plane fully refurbished into 2 beautiful self contained motel units." A 1950's Rail Carriage spectacularly redesigned into a completely self enclosed unit. The last sleeping quarter is an underground motel known as the "First Hobbit Underground Motel" with spherical glass windows.

Quinta Real Zacatecas

A part of history is reborn in Zacatecas, Mexico where the 17th Century San Pedro bullring has been converted into a luxurious hotel. The hotel faces the city's primeval vaulted suspension bridge.

Hotel Puerta América

Located in Madrid, Spain this hotel boasts a different design on every floor depending on the taste of the guest. There are 12 floors and each and every room was created by a different designer so make sure you do your research before visiting. The front desk will provide a list of different floor plans when you check-in if you are unsatisfied with the room you were assigned to.

Kakslauttanen Hotel and Igloo Village

Located in Lapland, Finland these glass globes are offered for guests that would prefer a cold or warm night sleep. There are 31 cabins that are situated quite close to the Arctic Ocean and the Urho Kekkonen National Park

Propeller Island City Lodge

Located in Berlin, Germany this hotel is packed full of amazingly designed architectural rooms. There are 30 rooms that are all instinctively unique. Depending on your idiosyncratic and adventurous taste, you will choose your ability to have a one of kind stay.

Check out 10 Spectacular Resorts around the Globe for some more Travel destinations.

Welcome to the tour, enjoy.

"Cocoa Island, in the Maldives, is home to a 23-room hotel owned and designed by Christina Ong, with architecture by Cheong Yew Kuan. The suites, which resemble local dhoni fishing boats, rest on pine poles set into the ocean floor. Steps lead from each suite right into the water." This location is perfectly private for recent honeymooners.

Udaivilas

Located along Lake Pichole in Udaipur, India, Udaivilas occupies 30 acres and offers 90 rooms, including some very luxurious guest suites. The pool, featured in this picture, borders the guest's rooms and measures more than 800 feet in length.

"It's a juxtaposition of old and new," Peter Silling says of Schloss Velden, the historic castle on Lake Wörth in Velden, Austria, and its new addition, whose interiors he designed. The modern, U-shaped wing, by the Viennese architectural firm Jabornegg & Pálffy, wraps around the rear of the castle, which was originally built by Bartholomäus Khevenhüller. Above: Black marble, custom-ordered for the suite, adds a mirrorlike reflection to the bath.

St. Regis Resort

St. Regis Resort Bora Bora, set on a motu, or islet, on island's coral reef, was created as "a kind of village," says the architect, Pierre Lacombe. Villas, secluded by palm groves, wind along the beaches. On its own island in the lagoon is the Royal Estate, a 13,000-square-foot villa. (April 2008)

Otahuna Lodge

A Queen Anne style house designed by architect Frederick Strouts in 1895, near Christchurch, New Zealand, is now an exclusive seven-suite hotel. Otahuna Lodge's owners, Hall Cannon and Miles Refo, recently renovated the property. They worked with a team of gardeners and consultants to revive the grounds.

Hôtel de la Paix

"I wanted to build on the history of the place," designer Bill Bensley says of the Hôtel de la Paix, in Siem Reap, Cambodia, which was reconstructed in the Art Déco style on the site of the 1950s original. A porte cochere frames the entrance. The hotels amenities trump its competitors by providing guests with a once in a lifetime spiritual visit. I don't know what that means but, it sounds amazing.

Gran Hotel Son Julia

Located in Mallorca Spain this beautifully constructed countryside hotel has 25 lovely
guest rooms and suites , 2 Turkish baths, 3 pools, a gym, 2 restaurants, 2 tennis courts, and an 18 hole golf course just minutes away.

Peninsula Palace Beijing

Modern architecture meets luxury at this 5-star hotel providing every amenity your heart desires. "The hotel also features the most prestigious shopping arcade in Beijing; the Peninsula Arcade includes 50 exclusive designer boutiques." The hotel was designed by Chhada, Siembieda & Associates

Ice Hotel

The Ice Hotel is located in Quebec Canada. This featured theme suite called "Quebec
400"features animal skins for blankets. The ice hotel is built differently every year but, something does remain the same. Each year, the hotel is built with "5oo tons of ice and 15,000 tons of snow" carved into one of the most fascinating hotels on earth. They keep it pretty cozy at 23° to 28° Fahrenheit. However, when you're not freezing your behind off, you can enjoy the many amenities featuring a chapel, a movie theater, an outdoor hot tub, and a bar. You're going to need a bunch of hot chocolate to get through this, I assure you.

Blue Palace

Blue Palace is situated just 3 km away from the village of Elounda and within a few hundred meters of the fishing village of Plaka. The hotel is surrounded by the blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea and sits opposite the isle of Spinalonga.

"Spinalonga's story dates back to the Venetians and Turks, conquerors of Crete, and is nowadays a unique historical attraction protected by the Greek Society of Byzantine Antiquities."

 

 

Unless you are not from this planet, at some point in time you are going to have to eat breakfast, lunch or dinner, or a combination of all three. Eating out for all three meals over the course of a seven day vacation with a family of four can be a huge cost and eat into your “fun” budget.

Here is an idea you can use right away, when you do go out to eat, split the meals with the kids. If you and your husband or wife order a meal and you have two kids, split what you have with one child and your significant other can split what they have with the other child. Yes it is a sacrifice but remember you didn't go on vacation to eat; you went on a vacation to have some fun.

If you are fortunate enough to stay in a hotel that has a small fridge/freezer and/or a microwave then you have everything you need to make breakfast, lunch, & dinner and store food right there. Buy some groceries at a local supermarket and store them in your room. Make sure you get food that you can microwave if you are looking for a hot meal. You can start off by microwaving some eggs for breakfast (yes they are good), and make some lunches for later in the day, and finally come back to the room and microwave some meals. It is not four star dining but it will help you save a load of money.

If you are hitting amusement parks, doing some hiking, maybe walking around town, then the ideal money saving tip is to bring your own refillable water bottle. Bottled water is way too expensive to buy in a vacation resort area. Instead bring a bottle with you and refill it at the water fountains. Each time your family of four refills their bottles that is a savings of over $8.00! Do that four times a day and your daily savings exceeds $32.00! Over a course of seven days that is a grand total savings of $224.00. Now that is some serious savings.

Take one day out of your vacation and stay away from the parks and attractions. Spend time with the family and enjoy what the area you are in has to offer. For example if you go to Disney World and are staying at one of the park hotels, don't go to the parks, enjoy the resorts pools and amenities. Most are included and are just as fun. If you are hitting Vegas, get away from the Casinos and take a ride to the Hoover dam. You get the point.

These are just a few of the many ways you can save money on your next vacation. Just remember to do things a little differently and you can save even more money than I have already mentioned.

So here's my very own version of Boracay Survival Guide:

Transportation

No need to arrange for one. If you are landing in Kalibo, there are a number of vans right outside the airport that will take you directly to the Caticlan Jetty Port. Fare is around P175/pax without boat ride, which I suggest you take because it's a LITTLE cheaper than getting the one that includes the boat ride. And you have to pay some more fees at the port anyway.

I also discourage vacationers from availing of the transfers that most resorts and hotels offer because I think it's unreasonably expensive! If not mistaken, it costs around P650 for a transfer from the Caticlan Jetty Port to hotel when total actual cost is only about P150 or less:

Boat fare = 20.00

Environmental Fees, etc. = 20.00 (or less)

Tricycle Ride from Boracay Is. to hotel = 100.00

There are a lot of tricycles for you to take from the port going to your hotel. There are also multicabs (tiny vans for bigger groups) that go for a higher rate (between P200 and P300).

Do not forget to bring loose change to give to the porters who helped you carry your luggage(s).

Apart from walking, tricycles are the main mode of going around the island, or from one station to the other. Boracay is segmented into three stations:

Station 1 - where most of the bars and clubs are.

Station 2 - the “center” of the island; where most of the restaurants and boutiques are. D'mall is also in Station 2.

Station 3 - where the main market is. D'talipapa (aka flea market) is also in Station 3.

Fare is around P7/pax.

Accommodation

For backpackers or those who are travelling on a budget, Eriko's or Tan's guest house is a good choice. Both guest houses are owned by the same person: Net Sacapaño.

The guest houses are located in station 2, near D'mall. To get there, you may ask the tricycle or multicab driver to drop you off at "Crafts of Boracay", it's a big grocery store that is still part of D'mall. From there, take a one to two minute walk towards the beachfront area. Once you're along the beach walkway…turn left, walk a few steps, and then take another left at Shenna's - there's an alley sandwiched between a small grocery store and a diving shop.

You'll notice a couple of guest houses lining the alley as well, but I've always stayed at Eriko's and Tan's because the price is reasonable - if I remember correctly, I only paid about P1,800/night for an airconditioned unit with kitchen (separated by a sliding glass door). It also comes with cable TV and your own verandah.*

Apart from that, Eriko's/Tan's is very accessible to almost anything. Situated in Station 2, it's in the middle of everything - from flea market to restaurants to bars!

*Note: I was able to negotiate an all-year round 20% discount to readers of this post! Just bring a copy of this article and show it to Net ;-)

Restaurants and Bars

Just some of my recommended establishments:

• Cocomangas - famous for their “still standing after 15” challenge
• Shenna's - cheap tequila shots
• Jonah's - famous for their shakes, located in Station 1
  
• Hey Jude! - best to go here during happy hour as you get a discount on your drinks
  
• Crepes St. Michel's or Crazy Crepes - for dessert
  
• Andok's - known for their roast chicken; cheap but filling meal
  
• Binalot - serves Filipino dishes wrapped in banana leaves; cheap but filling meal
  
• D'Talipapa - you can buy seafood from the wet market and have it cooked in one of the eateries here. Or, simply avail of their meal packages that go for about P100-P150 per head (best for large groups).
  
• Barbecue stands - don't miss the chori (short for chorizo = native sausage) burger!

Water Sports/Activities

Banana boat ride is around P250/pax during peak season. However, you should be able to get it for only P80-P100/pax during low season. Jet Ski rentals are around P2,500 for 30mins during peak and P1,000 during off-peak.

If you want to visit the islets surrounding the island, your best option is to hire a boat. It would set you back by P1,500-P1,800, depending on how many you are. When you do get one, leave early so you have enough time to visit three to four islets. A must-visit is Crystal Cave. It's a huge cave that has a wonderful lagoon inside. It's very hard to get in, as you need to go down some steep slopes and crawl thru a narrow opening. It's slippery and has lots of sharp stones on the ceiling (so watch your head!), but the beauty of the place make it all well worth it! Remember to bring knee pads and helmets if you have any. Otherwise, make sure you have alcohol and band-aid handy…just in case.

As much as I like Puka Beach, because of its very clear and calm water that's best for swimming, I would not recommend for you to include it in this trip. Puka Beach, also a great place to buy pasalubongs from (accessories made out of Puka Shells selling for as low as P10!), is accessible via tricycle. So ask the boatmen to bring you somewhere else instead (e.g. Crocodile Island, Bat Cave, etc.)

Snorkeling is usually included in the itinerary, so bring some biscuits to feed to the fishes. Beware though, boatmen usually charge for the gears separately (around P100 for the goggles and the snorkel). Also, be prepared with some loose change as there's someone going around collecting about P20/pax for “environmental fees”.

Though boatmen usually approach you with flyers (prices included) on hand, always remember to haggle. And make sure that both parties are clear on whatever was agreed upon.

Others

Everything is more expensive in Boracay. If you could, bring staple food like canned goods, instant noodles, and bread. A loaf of Gardenia bread costs around P80 when it's just P35-P40 in Manila.

Toothbrushes are expensive too - I had to learn that the hard way. So do not forget to bring yours (see related article here.)

Anyway, there's a big wet and dry market at D'Talipapa but you would need to catch a tricycle ride going there. So if you don't really need much, you can just walk to the smaller one near Eriko's/Tan's guest house (also one of the reasons why I like to stay here). You can buy staples here like vegetables, meat, poultry and other grocery items. This flea market is in D'mall, near Crafts of Boracay. You would have passed by this one going to Eriko's/Tan's (see item#2 on how to get to the said guest houses).

Water is also very expensive. I suggest you contact Agua Vida (288-3754) to have water delivered to your doorstep. You can use the guest house's landline. What I usually do is rent their 5-gal container with faucet. You pay P500 upfront, but it's actually only P80 per 5-gal water plus P70 for the container rental. So you get P350 back when you return the jug. I really think it's cheaper that way than having to buy a bottle of water (costs P20 minimum) each time.

For pasalubongs (gifts), there are a few establishments in D'Mall where you can get key chains or magnets for P15-P20 a piece. But, I prefer to walk early in the morning along the beach to Station 3. There are a lot of vendors lining up the beach walkway as early as 6AM (i.e. if it's not raining). Women's accessories (earrings, bracelets, etc.) go for as low as P10! Or, you can always take a tricycle ride to D'Talipapa, where you can get native snacks like piyaya or caramelized banana chips with sesame seeds, etc. You can also buy t-shirts here for around P100-P150 a piece.

Just remember to always haggle. If you don't feel that you are getting your money's worth, leave and look in another stall.