Sponsor links

Archive for June, 2006

June 22nd, 2006

Guide to Choosing the Right Disney Vacation Accommodations for Your Family

The secret treasure of Davenport’s and Kissimmee’s townhouses.

Though usually Orlando is thought of as being a big city with bright lights and lots of hotels, Walt Disney World and Universal, and more tourists than you can count, most people don’t know about the secret treasure of Davenport’s and Kissimmee’s townhouses.

Away from the usual loud noises and big crowds are resorts clustered off the beaten path that is usually trod by tourists who want to experience the world of Orlando. Though these tourists certainly experience it’s many hotels, restaurants, and trinket shops, they fail to experience the relaxation for which Florida is so well known.

Getting caught up in the hype of a fast-paced mentality to see-all and do-all every moment of every day on vacation can be easy, especially when in an environment that supports it full force.

That’s why townhouses are the best choice when it comes to a vacation in Orlando. Not only do you steer clear of all the hype and hubbub of the tourist traps, you can enjoy Central Florida at your own pace, making your own decisions, and not giving in to anything being shoved down your throat.

How about a Townhouses?

Though it seems that Orlando would not be the setting for such townhouses, it certainly is. With so much do in Orlando such as seeing Mickey and Minnie at Disneyworld, riding rides at Universal, or seeing the splash of a whale at Sea World, people are always looking for a place to stay when they come for a visit.

Though hotels and motels are a popular choice, most people do not know about the other options that are available to them in the same price range, with even better quality than most hotels.

Not only that, but hotels offer one room, townhouses offer two or more, a kitchen, living area and some even have their own washer and dryer.

The key here is where do you want to spend your vacation?

Cramped in a hotel room on a crowded hallway in a small hotel across the street from trinket shops and fast food chains?

1. Or do you want to spend your vacation in a place that is off the main tourist drag in a beautiful townhouse where everyone in your family can have their own room.

2. Their own space, where you can cook the meals instead of going out to eat every night

3. Where you can watch a rented movie or have a family game night without feeling cramped in close corridors.

4. Where you can actually unpack your clothes and things from your suitcase.

5. Where you can feel at home away from home for however long you are staying in the Central Florida area?

These are the choices you must make, these are the comparisons you have to choose between.

The townhouses offered have many deals and discounts waiting for you to jump on that will make your stay in Orlando, Kissimmee, or Davenport a nice and comfortable one that will be affordable as well.

Close to Disney parks and not far from Orlando attractions, these townhouses area available to rent and are your cheap ticket to a stay in Central Florida that you will never forget.

Imagine a long day at an amusement park. Though it was wonderful, the kids are tired and hungry, you are exhausted and ready for a nap, and all you have to look forward to is getting back to your single hotel room where everyone will want some space and quiet.

How much better does a townhouse sound?

Townhouses will allow your tired kids to grab a snack from the kitchen and relax with a movie or go for a swim in the pool while you go to your own room to relax with a book or to take a nap.

Booking a townhouse to rent will allow your vacation to be a lot more relaxing and a lot more enjoyable.

Available however you desire, the townhouses in Davenport or Kissimmee (both right near Disney) are built with two bedrooms or more. The beautiful townhouses are a treat to stay in and nice to make into your home for the entire time that you are in Florida.

With the ability to make it your home away from home, it allows you to feel more comfortable and more settled. The beautiful setting is an added bonus to the townhouses with the lush green landscaping signature to Florida as palm trees dot wherever you look. Not bad when considering the other option is a room in a hotel with a window view of a parking lot or a neon restaurant sign across the street.

Request your desired townhouse size and find out the cheap renting prices that go along with the resort that has built them.

Find out about the specials that are being offered.

And don’t forget to ask if any discounts are given for specific memberships or cards.

Booking townhouses is not a difficult thing, in fact it is quite easy. Pick up the phone and call the resorts in Kissimmee or Davenport, ask them for details and information and then make your final decision.

Or log onto their websites and find out all you need to know from prices and sizes of townhouses to pools and restaurants.

Read Florida magazines and look for townhouse resorts in Central Florida. You can even call Orlando Visitor’s Bureau and quiz them about which townhouse resorts are the best in the area. Don’t be afraid to ask for information to be sent to you, most resorts that feature townhouses will be happy to send you information on their property.

DO your research, however, don’t wait until the last minute to make your decision. Though these are quite the secret among Florida tourists, more know about the townhouses that you think and you want to make sure to book your reservations before they are sold out during your vacation time.

Once you get to the townhouses, you will find out that there are many other things to do in Central Florida besides the highly publicized attractions.

There are outlet malls, numerous golf courses, beaches, theatres, museums, and activities for the kids that are too many to mention.

Orlando is a place that attracts visitors and tourists — families, singles, couples, grandparents – people of all generations want to have at least one vacation in the Central Florida area to experience the sights and sounds of Disney World, Orlando, and all the shopping, eating, and swimming that they can handle.

It’s not only a fun place to visit once, it’s a great place to come back to year after year, time and time again.

The way that you will make great memories to want to experience another time is by having enough room to enjoy all the fun and laughter together. This is why townhomes are perfect for any family, couple, or group traveling and visiting Orlando.

You can enjoy all the same wonderful aspects of the city and get a break from the rush and crowds at the same time.

Come visit Central Florida in a fashion that will bring you back and in a way that will make you not want to say goodbye.

Spend as much as you would in a hotel, but treat yourself to some space and beautiful surroundings instead of a one-room box. What more could you want? Spend your vacation in townhouses.

June 22nd, 2006

Is a Vacation Rental Near Disney World the BEST Choice?

Orlando is calling to you and your family to come and visit! You have been putting it off long enough, finally it is time to give into the urge to come to the sunshine state and enjoy the many attractions that Orlando has to offer! Orlando houses Disney World of course, one of the main attractions that makes you want to come. So where should you stay and how close to the huge theme park do you really want to be?

Here are a few tips in finding lodging and how far you should go to make your family vacation one that you will remember forever.

Where to stay:

* Trade in the old hotel rooms that are too cramped without enough room for you and your kids to have some breathing room. Instead, rent a villa that is so close to the park you’ll feel like you know your way around in no time.

* Only a few miles from the Disney attractions, vacation villas are perfect for families big or small, with any size villa available for the perfect lodging amount for your family!

* You think hotels are the way to go because they have pools and housekeeping? Welcome to the world of villa resorts – where you basically live in a house for your stay, have the accommodations of a hotel with housekeeping, restaurants, pools, sports activities and more. No need to fuss, and the best part is that in a villa, you have as much space as you would at home! What more could you want?

Why is it good to be close to Disney?

* You won’t be the only one frequenting the Disney attractions, everyone else visiting Orlando will be on their way to the theme park at the same time as you are. This means traffic and anxious kids in the car ready to get to their destination. The solution? Stay somewhere that is close to the Disney attractions, but still comfortable. The vacation villas will allow you to get Disney easily and quickly without having to go through as much traffic as others who will stay in hotels and motels on a tourist strip of restaurants and fast food chains.

* Disney is close to many other main roads that are essential when traveling to other parts of Florida. If you have a day planned for the beach, want to explore the Kennedy Space Center, or experience the Florida Everglades, being close to Disney World also makes you close to convenient roads that will get you where you want to go with no confusion and hassle.

* Many times, when you stay close to Disney, the deals, discounts, and special prices are a lot easier to get and are offered more frequently. When you stay at an Orlando villa, a Kissimmee villa, or a Davenport villa you can easily hope for a good deal to come your way whether it be on prices of lodging or prices of attraction tickets.

* It’s fun! Usually Disney is the main reason why you and your family want to be here, so why not treat yourself and stay close to the hot spot?! Enjoy being in a place that is close to the action so when you get home late at night, you aren’t more exhausted from the long drive, but can make it back to your villa quickly and easily.

Other tips to know when staying in a villa close to Disney World:

* Be careful of the tourist traps (and this is for anywhere you go in Orlando). Trinket shops, grocery stores, gas stations, and even restaurants can easily hike up the prices when they know you are coming to spend money on vacation. Though you cannot avoid this completely, you can be aware and not spend your money all in one place. Make sure souvenirs you buy are not just cheap look-a-likes of the real thing and avoid the many gift shops lining the strips leading up to Disney World. Be aware of your spending!

* See Disney fireworks from your villa! If you decide not to stay until the parks close to see the fireworks, you can see them from many places outside the parks. Depending on the level of your villa and the place where it is located, you can see the bight fireworks in the distance. Sometimes it is just as fun to sit and watch from a far in the comfort away from crowds as it is actually being there. Ask the information desk at the villa resort for advice on where to see the fireworks and when they usually begin.

* Ask around for short cuts! Many Floridians know shortcuts that get them around the traffic that builds up as you enter the parks, so these shortcuts do exist! Don’t be afraid to ask the informational desk at your vacation villa resort and they most likely will be able to tell you an easier way that is less traveled, but be willing to experiment and be open to having to find your own way!

* Take a day off! Just because you are staying close to Disney World doesn’t mean you have to go there everyday of your vacation. Take a couple days in between long days at the attractions to enjoy relaxing by the pool, playing sports, or hanging out in your villa. Though the kids will have a ball at the theme parks and never forget their experience, sometimes they can enjoy themselves just as much by playing in the pool for the day. Many times this relieves you of the responsibility of trying to make sure everyone has a great time.

* Take a shuttle! You may have rented a car and assume that because you are so close the theme parks, that you should drive, but many of the vacation villa resorts have a shuttle to Disney World for you. Though some days you may want more of an option to go around where you want, other days taking the shuttle allows you to be more relaxed and puts the pressure on someone else! You are close to the park and it shouldn’t take long to get there and back. Check with the driver about return times and places.

Since you are going to be visiting the Disney World theme parks so often and will be so close by for a convenient stay, make sure to use this checklist when packing for your vacation villa in Orlando, Kissimmee, or Davenport, Florida! Checklist for your Orlando villa vacation:

* Lots of sunscreen! Even when the sky gets cloudy you can get burned!

* An umbrella or ponchos for Orlando’s tendency to rain for an hour or so in the afternoons.

* Water! Bring water bottles in a bag with you to Disney or make sure to buy some there so as not to get dehydrated while walking around in the Florida sun.

* A small pad of paper or a signature book for the autographs of Disney characters.

* Snacks for when you are leaving for or returning from the theme parks to either keep with you in the car for hungry kids or in the kitchen at your villa.

* A good attitude to have a total blast in Orlando! With a villa as your “home away from home” who couldn’t have the attitude of an angel? Enjoy!

June 22nd, 2006

Hotels And Other Cheap Accommodations

Hostels have been around in one form or another for a long time. They are oriented towards young travelers and anyone else seeking cheap accommodations. The United States version was originally more complicated, with guests helping with chores, etc. It is much simpler now: you rent a bed instead of a room, sharing the bathroom, living room and kitchen. You have less privacy, but cheaper accomodations, and you get to socialize.

My first time in Quito, Ecuador I stayed at Centro Del Mundo, a hostel near the center of town. $4 per night included breakfast. I shared a room and bathroom with 4 others, and a T.V. room with guests from 14 countries, and channels in three languages. 80 cents got me a rum-and-coke to drink while I played chess with a flower-buyer from Holland. The manager could arrange anything from tours of the snow-covered volcano Cotapaxi, to $2/hour Spanish lessons.

Is A Hostel For You?

I love hostels, but most of you won’t. I like mingling with travelers from around the world. You’re more isolated in a hotel. “Mingling,” of course, could mean sleeping next to a snorer. I’m sure the idea of sharing a room is too much for some people, as is waiting to use the shower. It’s a different experience from staying in a hotel.

Are Hostels Cheap Accomodations?

Even if they were the same price, I’d prefer a hostel to a hotel, but one of the biggest reasons people stay in hostels is to save money. For this, they’re a good option when you’re traveling alone. Since my wife and I travel together now, we don’t stay in hostels often. You pay for two beds, after all, which makes hotels more competitve.

Hostels are not as common in the U.S. as in other countries, unless you include “bed-and-breakfast” places. Theses are, after all, somewhat like high-priced hostels. There are still cheap hostels in almost every state, though. Search Google for hostels, and you’ll find all the information you need.

Other Cheap Accommdations

For cheap accomodations other than hostels, you can try websites, such as Cheap Tickets.com. Remember though, that they only give you rates for the hotels and motels in their system. I just did a search for Tucson, Arizona. Cheap Tickets.com was the easiest to use, and found the best rates. However, I could show you several nice motels here in Tucson that are $15 cheaper than the cheapest rate they found.

Try picking up those coupon books at gas stations along the highways. We’ve almost always found good deals using these. It’s rare that a manager won’t honor the coupon. Generally, only if they’re absolutely full will they refuse. Read the fine print, though, since they often charge more for certain dates, weekends, or for two people.

Another way to get a cheap room is by negotiating. Unfortunately, for some reason, most owners here in the U.S. would rather watch you drive away than knock five bucks off the room rate. This isn’t true in most other countries. My wife and I were in Banos, Ecuador recently, and were told the room would be $12. The room was clean, with cable T.V. and lots of hot water. We paid just $6 per night, paying four nights in advance. The owner understood we were ready to walk away.

June 22nd, 2006

Choosing the Best Accommodations for Your Orlando Vacation

You’ve finally decided to take the family on the long awaited trip to DisneyWorld. Now you have to decide where to stay while you’re there. The options may seem limited, but there really are more choices than you might think.

Important Points to Consider When Choosing Accommodations

Before you make your final decision regarding your accommodations, there are a few factors that should be taken into consideration. First and formost is your budget. Obviously, the larger your budget the more options that are available to you.

You also need to consider number of people in your party. A family of 4 can usually fit into an average room at one of the many Disney Resort properties or an off-site hotel quite comfortably. However, if your party is larger than 4, or includes several families or a large group travelling together you will need more space and you may want to consider an off-site vacation home or resort condo. Another option for large families is to book 2 or more adjoining rooms at a hotel.

What type of amenities are important to you and your family? Is privacy and seclusion a high priority for you? Or are you more concerned with the type of amenities available to you during your stay? Will you have a car, either your own or a rental? Or will you need transportation to and from the parks? Do you plan on spending the majority of your vacation on Disney property, or are you interested in spending some time away from the theme parks and exploring the many other attractions central Florida has to offer?

The answers to all of these questions will help to make your choice of accommodations much easier.

The Pros and Cons of On-Site Accommodations

Most first time visitors to the Orlando area choose to stay at one of the many Walt Disney World Resort Properties. These properties have long had a reputation for being clean, well maintained, and very family friendly. The excellent service provided by the Disney staff is also a big plus. Other advantages of staying on-site at one of the resort properties is the use of the resort’s transportation system. There is no need to rent a car if you plan on spending your entire stay at the Disney theme parks. There is an extensive transportation system available to guests that will take you anywhere you want to go within the resort. However, if you think you may want to venture off-site to some of the other attractions, restaurants, or shows in the Orlando area then you will need to find your own transportation.

Your vacation budget should also be carefully considered if you are planning on staying on-site. The resort accommodations tend to be more expensive than off-site alternatives, and rooms are limited. It may be difficult to find availability if you are planning your trip at the last minute.

The Pros and Cons of Off-Site Accommodations

Many visitors to the Orlando area, especially first time visitors, are not aware of the many off-site accommodation options available to them. There are hotels, motels, resorts, and privately owned condos and vacation pool homes all within a 10 - 15 minute drive of the parks. All of these are viable alternatives to staying within the Walt Disney World Resort.

Choosing an off-site hotel or motel can be a good alternative to on-site accoommodations. Many offer free shuttles to and from the theme parks and other popular area attractions. This can be very convenient and can also save you from paying daily parking fees. However, shuttle times can be limiting and may not fit your party’s schedule. On the plus side, many guests enjoy being able to “escape” the Disney atmosphere at the end of a long day. On the other hand, the quality of off-site hotels and motels can vary greatly and is often inconsistant, unlike the resort properties with their high standards of excellence.

Another accommodation option that has been growing steadily in popularity, especially among U.S. visitors to the Orlando area are privately owned vacation homes. These homes can be booked through one of the many management companies in the Orlando area, or even through a travel agent.

A vacation home offers guests comfort, convenience, and privacy. Often, large families or groups find it more cost effective to rent a larger vacation home rather than book 2 or more hotels rooms. Vacation homes also offer the opportunity to save money on dining out, as each home comes with a fully equipped kitchen that allows guests to prepare some, or all of their own meals during their stay. Many guests also appreciate the privacy that a vacation home provides.

Some vacation homes are located in resort communities and offer guests the use of all the resort amenities such as swimming pools, fitness centers, tennis courts, and game rooms. If these amenities are important to you, be sure to confirm that the home you are reserving is located in one of these resort communities. If it is not, you will still have the use of your own private swimming pool but will miss out on the other amenities.

June 22nd, 2006

Extended Stay Hotels Guide- Get All About Extended Stay Hotels

ESH, an Extended stay hotel is an advanced feature that is generally not available at standard hotels. It is a type of accommodation that offers home-like facilities. These hotels offer great laundry facilities and some discounts for extended stays. Extended stay hotels have guestrooms with kitchens included sink, refrigerator, microwave oven and a stovetop. Sometimes they offer dishwashers and conventional ovens. Extended stay hotels offer hotel stay for more than seven days.

Extended stay hotels satisfy the needs of temporary housing. Generally these are better options for business travelers. Extended stay hotels are also known as budget hotels because they offer all facilities at reasonable prices. Several hotels and motels offer special concession for extended stay. Extended stay hotels have rapid expansion in extended stay lodging market. ESH is currently offering 670 properties with about 73,000 rooms that serve nearly all US metropolitan areas.

Extended stay hotels are like hotel-type accommodations that provide well-furnished apartments. These are superb due to corporate relocations, extended work assignments, or extensive home renovations. The extended stay hotels are also known as corporate housing. The apartments of extended stay hotels are usually well furnished. They provide several useful amenities like kitchens, utensils, linens and others. Staying in extended hotels is cheaper than normal hotels.

Basic question about extended stay in hotels is that from where a person can find information about furnished apartments. People can find information regarding extended say hotels in the local newspaper. The owners of extended stay property usually provide complete information in the newspaper or via media. Some advertisers can advertise their product online. People can also contact them by making a phone call.

You can search for extended stay property by mentioning the city as well as area, where you want to rent an apartment, on Internet. Currently several websites are providing information as well as best offers and discounts for extended stay in hotels. Actually extended stay hotels offers a great place to live outside your home. It is a type of comfortable and affordable temporary housing. These can easily satisfy your temporary housing needs.

June 22nd, 2006

Combine Skiing and Great Accommodations for a Spectacular Winter Vacation

Whether you’re a downhill skier, a snowboarder, or a fan of cross-country skiing, the White Mountains region of New Hampshire is a mecca for winter vacationers. The ski trails in New Hampshire offer some of the most challenging skiing east of the Rockies, while the small town atmosphere of much of this region offers a low-key, congenial ambiance after hours.

From Cannon Mountain in Franconia Notch, appealing to expert skiers and novices alike with its 55 groomed trails and its intensive snowmaking, to easily accessible Loon Mountain in Lincoln, geared toward intermediate skiers but accommodating experts and beginners as well with its 50 trails, to any number of other great ski resorts, the snow is superb, the skiing fantastic, and the après ski facilities warm and inviting.

The many hotels and motels in the White Mountains do their utmost to provide tender loving care to their guests, offering luxuries such as spacious and comfortable rooms, many with whirlpool baths; super-heated pools; saunas; exercise rooms; and excellent dining facilities to create the perfect finale to a day on the slopes. One such place, Indian Head Resort in Lincoln, offers a great family atmosphere and accommodations for both small and large groups. Discount rates on the most popular ski trails are available at Indian Head; the resort offers a Multi-Mountain Ski Passport especially for its many international skiers. The passport provides unlimited access to up to nine Ski New Hampshire resorts, all within an hour’s drive to each other, and with free shuttle service to all the participating ski areas.

Lessons are available at many resorts, for skiers ranging from beginners to expert. Waterville Valley in particular has an interesting program. Lessons are available seven days a week throughout the season, and include adaptive ski lessons, lessons which teach physically and mentally disabled children and adults to ski. For a family with both able-bodied and disabled members, the adaptive program provides a valuable opportunity for the whole family to share an exciting and valuable vacation experience.

New Hampshire Welcomes Snowmobilers.

Over 7000 miles of snowmobile trails exist in New Hampshire - much of them in the White Mountains - and the clubby nature of snowmobilers makes for a great group experience. The resort areas in the region recognize that, and cater to snowmobile enthusiasts with the same care they do skiers. Group rates, special group programs, even accommodations for special club events are available all winter.

Many of the resorts are recognized as snowmobile-friendly by the New Hampshire Snowmobile Association. The organization offers safety classes, listings of tours and snowmobile vacations, and a database which compiles up-to-date conditions on New Hampshire snowmobile trails.

The White Mountains region of New Hampshire offers a wealth of winter vacation experiences for everyone - skier or snowboarder, snowboarder or snowmobiler, able-bodied or disabled, for families and for associations of good friends. What a great way to stave off cabin fever!

June 22nd, 2006

Eating Well While Traveling

When you’re on a full-blown vacation or even when you are just taking a weekend trip, your meals can be enjoyable milestones in your day rather than the subjects of your nightmares; and speaking of nightmares, the cost of eating can eat up a big part of your vacation budget. Following are some tips that will help you eat better, spend less and, as a result of the two, possibly even sleep better while on your trip.

Breakfast

Start your day with a healthy breakfast and, by definition, that excludes ‘just grabbing a donut for the road.’ Not that there is anything really wrong with donuts but donuts and pastries are high in sugar and fat — sugar may give you a morning boost but it doesn’t last long and half way through your morning you’ll find yourself looking for a second breakfast or a brunch.

Your best bet for breakfast is eating a balanced meal, just like your other meals of the day: Many hotels and motels offer you a complimentary continental breakfast — that just means a breakfast buffet with a good variety of foods — just what you need and what you should be looking for! Work your way around the buffet you’ll find them offering bread, waffles and English muffins right next to a toaster, some jams, jellies and syrups for spreading or pouring on your toasted choice, a variety of cold cereals with milk or sometimes hot oatmeal, some fruit for your side dish or for mixing in with your cereal and then there is yogurt, orange juice, grapefruit juice and tea or coffee. If you skip the continental breakfast and opt for a restaurant meal, the same rules about a balanced breakfast apply but you’ll be able to add eggs, bacon, sausage and table service to the mix.

With breakfast done, you’ll have a ‘full tank’ that will keep you going through your morning activities and keep you focused on enjoying a full schedule rather than being distracted by an empty belly.

Lunch

When you think about it, it makes sense to have your main meal of the day in the middle of the day — especially when you’re traveling. What you’re doing is packing in the calories and then, during the course of your active afternoon, burning them off. This also makes good financial sense; many restaurants have lunch specials that feature all the things you will be able to buy later, at supper time — at a higher price.

If you’re staying in a hotel or motel, ask the desk clerk or concierge about their favorite restaurant. You may get a tip about a restaurant that serves some local favorite foods; that’s a nice way to enhance your travel experience with some genuine local flavor.

The rule about eating a balanced meal works for lunch as well as it does for every other meal. You might start your lunch with a salad with a favorite salad dressing or a fruit salad or fruit cup or that salad might be a main course — there are some wonderfully filling and healthy (balanced) main-course salads with chicken, ham, bacon bits, seasoned croutons and a world of other ingredients. Depending on where you’re traveling you may just want to experiment a bit with some local favorite menu items — ask your waiter or waitress to suggest something and be sure to ask about ingredients if there is something you know you shouldn’t be eating.

Don’t skip dessert! A small dish or ice cream, with or without toppings or a small slice of pie or cake is a nice way to finish your lunch (remember, this is your BIG meal of the day).

Snacks?

“Just in case” foods are always a good idea when you’re traveling. You may be sightseeing or just traveling when you get that urge to “eat something.” Stopping and buying something is always possible but its really an unnecessary expense if you have a snack bag stowed away in your bag or backpack — besides, stopping along a tour route to buy something means your paying inflated tourist prices! The way to put together your own snack bag is to stop at a grocery store and buy some dried fruits, nuts, raisins, crackers and something to put on the crackers like peanut butter or cheese. Keep your snack bag handy!

Supper

After your big lunch you should be looking for a light meal to end your day — it’s good for your waistline and will give you a better night’s sleep. One great and economical idea for that end-of-the-day meal is to combine that trip you should have made to the grocery store for your snack items with some purchases for your supper. Get some tasty lunch meats, bread, cheese to make sandwiches and some fruit for dessert.

Many hotels and motels have small refrigerators in their rooms and many even have microwaves; when making reservations pick a location with these amenities and use them. Making your own supper can be a major savings to your vacation budget and may even allow you to save enough to spend an extra day visiting an attraction you might otherwise have to skip.

Home again!

It’s always good to be home and just in case it hasn’t occurred to you, you might look at some of these eating and spending tips and apply them to your eating habits and your food budget even when you’re not on the road.

June 22nd, 2006

Getting Wet In Wisconsin Dells, But Not Soaked On Vacation Rentals

Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin is known as “The Waterpark Capital of the World”. Given this fact, it is hardly a surprise Dells vacation rentals are plentiful.

Getting Wet In Dells Wisconsin

Wisconsin Dells is home to both the world’s largest indoor and outdoor waterparks with a total of 200 waterslides in the area! This city is a great vacation spot for families and adults alike given the 70 attractions available. Included are the famous waterparks as well as the Ho-Chunk Casino and Bingo Indian Casio. The nightlife is vibrant and there are thrill rides galore for the more adventurous individuals.

When looking for a place to stay, the vacation rentals in Wisconsin Dells cannot be beat! There are Cottages and Cabins, Hotels and Motels and Bed & Breakfasts available to suit any taste.

If you are traveling with kids 11 and under, why not stay right where the waterpark action is? The Atlantis Waterpark Hotel in Wisconsin Dells has eight pools and whirlpools and six water slides on the premises. It’s also located within walking distance of other attractions such as Mt. Olympus Theme Park and Noah’s Ark. There are two indoor waterparks at this hotel, as well as other amusements to assure a good time for your kids. Make sure to get a break on regular rates by looking for special offers.

Looking at other Wisconsin Dells vacation rentals, you can’t help but notice the Inn at Wawanissee Point, in Baraboo, Wisconsin. Located right near Wisconsin Dells and Devil’s Falls, this bed and breakfast is a gorgeous retreat for anyone who’s looking to relax. With only four rooms, this inn caters to their guests the way only a small establishment can. Rooms are beautifully appointed and yummy breakfasts are offered with a personal touch. Prices include your room as well as breakfast and evening wine and cheese for that romantic touch.

June 22nd, 2006

Hotel and Motel Management Online

Some Online Hotel and Motel Management Schools do not require educational prerequisites or experience for enrollment in their Online Hotel and Motel Management, or Hospitality Management, programs.

Preparation for Hotel and Motel Management used to begin with reception or wait staff. From there, one progressed up the ladder. As hotels and motels have become more commercial and the duties of Hotel and Motel Management have expanded, this form of education for Hotel and Motel Management is no longer an option. Hotel and Motel Management now requires a formal education.

Online Hotel and Motel Management studies have the advantage of not having to commute to classes, no deadline pressures, open-book examinations, learning at your own pace, and enrolling when you are ready to begin. Accredited Online Hotel and Motel Management diplomas can be earned in as little as six months.

Online Hotel and Motel Management studies will include organization, front desk operations, reservations, room service, banquets, purchasing, housekeeping, marketing, staffing, accounting, and security along with other subjects of hospitality and management. Online and Distance Learning degrees in Hotel and Motel Management may include Restaurant Management in the course curriculum.

Hotel and Motel Management can be rigorous, as managers are frequently called upon at any time of day or night. Hotel and Motel Management handles emergencies, requiring excellent communication and interpersonal skills and a great deal of self-discipline. Building a strong background in financial matters, organizational skills, and the ability to focus on details are all important factors for successful Hotel and Motel Management that can be gained through online schooling.

June 22nd, 2006

Accommodations are a Vital Aspect of Vacation Planning

When making travel plan, one of the most important details is going to be your accommodation. Most people worry and fret over flight plans or rental cars and breeze right through the accommodations and choose the very first room they find available within a reasonable distance from the local airport.

This is very rarely a wise course of action unless you are doing a one-night stay in town and desire to be very close to the airport for the sake of convenience. There are several reasons why this is true. First of all, not all airports are located in the safest area of town. Families tend to prefer nice quiet areas in which to raise their children, airports are generally anything but a quiet area in which to live. While most airport accommodations are reasonably clean, this doesn’t really guarantee that they are equally secure.

Second, these hotels and motels often charge a premium rate in exchange for the convenience of their location. In this day and age, we pay for perks and location is most definitely considered a perk in the realm of travel, if in doubt, check the prices for hotels on the Disney property vs. those on the outskirts of town.

Third, and perhaps most importantly, those hotels located closest to airports generally are further away from the area attractions. If you are vacationing with your family you will enjoy much better use of your time by limiting your travel time between destinations and attractions.

The final reason that it isn’t always best to choose accommodations close to the airport is that you may find the amenities designed for families to be somewhat lacking. Hotel airports tend to cater to the single in and out business crowd rather than family entertainment. These accommodations will be sparse and the quarters a little closer than the average family would probably appreciate.