• 4 top cruise lines offering Bahamas cruise deals
    This spring, if you are looking for a delightful escape from the hullabaloo of everyday life, then a cruise to the Bahamas should definitely be on the cards. Bahamas is where you can witness colorful reefs and the mysterious Theo’s Wreck resting together into the cerulean Atlantic waters. In addition, the capital city of Nassau gives you a glimpse into its spirited culture with places like Atlantis, Arawak Cay, Straw Market, Ardastra Gardens, and Queen's Staircase. Tempted to book cruise tickets? To make this endeavor of yours simpler, we are listing down the cruise lines that can offer you some great Bahamas cruise deals. Let’s get started. Norwegian Cruise Line Norwegian is a terrific option if you are looking for affordable Bahamas cruise deals. They offer a variety of packages including weekend and week-long holidays. For this spring break, we recommend a 4-Day Bahamas from Miami in the Norwegian Sky that can cost as low as $138 per person. During the trip, you’ll get a chance to explore destinations like the Great Stirrup Cay and Nassau. Disney Cruise Line A family-friendly alternative, Disney Cruises offer Bahamian cruises ranging from a 3-day to 7-day duration. With Disney Cruises, you get to experience Broadway-quality shows, movie screenings, character experiences, deck parties, miniature golf, Royal Court Tea Party for kids, pools with waterslides, and more. Moreover, you have access to 24-hour room service, unlimited non-alcoholic beverages, table-service dining for all meals, kids club, nightclubs, spa, and a private island. While they are comparatively quite expensive, Disney Cruises are ideal if you’re seeking a luxurious family-style spring break. Carnival Like Norwegian, Carnival is an excellent cruise line for budget travelers. The average price person for the cruise can range anywhere from $159 to $750 per person. Another great thing about the Bahamas cruises by Carnival is that they depart from multiple ports including Miami, Baltimore, Fort Lauderdale, Norfolk, and Jacksonville, increasing accessibility. For your spring break, you can consider opting for a 4-day trip from Miami in a Carnival Conquest that starts with the average price of $378 per person. Bahamas Paradise Cruise If you are looking for weekend fun on a Bahamas cruise, then check out the Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line. They have everyday departures for two-night cruises, which can be bundled with a stay at a luxurious Bahamian beach resort. So, you can take a cruise to the Bahamas, get off, and enjoy the island for a few days. When your holiday is over, you can embark on the cruise to return to Florida.
  • The most scenic train tours in the country
    It might seem old-fashioned but there’s still a certain romance to train tours. Although train travel might not help you reach your destination on time, it helps you make the most out of your journey. The comfy seats, scenic landscapes, and the chance to stretch your legs hold a certain adventure and charm. So, why not try something different and choose a train tour for your next vacation. Here’s a list of some of the most interesting train tours across the country. Napa Valley Wine Tour The Napa Valley Wine Tour offers you a journey through the northeastern part of the Bay Area. The picturesque route was originally laid out in 1864 and features a 36 mile, three-hour-long journey. The rail line goes from Napa to St. Helena, and even moves north to Calistoga, a resort town. If you board the train at Mckinstry Street Station, you get to view the industrial section of the Napa Valley. This train tour gives you the option of getting off along the route to stay at one of the hotels in wine country. California Zephyr Established in 1949, the California Zephyr tours through the heart of the country in a 51-hour journey. The rail route starts in Chicago and ends in Oakland, California, near the San Francisco Bay. It pays homage to the pioneers who founded the West. The train tour makes pit stops at the Rocky Mountains and the Sierra Nevada. It trails along the Colorado River, provides an up-close view of the red rocks in Utah, and settles into the San Francisco Bay, with the majestic Golden Gate Bridge in the background. Since this journey is long, the California Zephyr has sleeping cars, dining cars, a lounge, cafe cars, and bedroom suites that can fit up to six people. Grand Canyon Railway This railway, established in 1901, gives you a hassle-free tour of one of the most magnificent landmarks in the country, the Grand Canyon. Covering a total distance of 130 miles on a round trip, the train tour departs from Williams, Arizona, and moves through the pine forests in the north before settling into the expansive desert plateaus. The trip allows you to witness Native American reservations, the peaks of San Francisco, and the southern rim of the Grand Canyon. Inside the train, you are entertained by old western music and the folklore narrated by the crew. White Pass And Yukon Route Railroad When it comes to train tours, this one is on the more adventurous side. The White Pass and Yukon Railway takes you on a 120 miles round trip from Skagway, Alaska, to Carcross, Canada. The rail route follows the same path the stampeders took during the Klondike Gold Rush between 1897 and 1899. Featuring a narrow-gauge railway that travels on intimidatingly sheer cliff-drops, the journey takes you 3000 ft up, past mountain lakes, waterfalls, and glaciers. The regular train tour takes the miners' supply path and ends at Carcross, Yukon. You, however, can choose to go past the Bridal Veil Falls and Dead Horse Gulch to stop at the White Pass Summit. Great Smoky Mountain Railroad As it is difficult to take in the beauty of the entire Great Smoky Mountains at one go, this railroad offers two train tours. First, there is the Tuckasegee River Excursion that covers a distance of 32 miles. It takes you through lush valleys, historic bridges, and the set of the movie Fugitive. This train journey stops for an hour and a half in the charming town of Dillsboro. Next, the Nantahala Gorge Excursion covers a 44-mile journey through Tennessee, the Nantahala rivers, and Fontana Lake, before finally finishing in the Nantahala Gorge and moving back to Bryson. The train tour offers boxed lunches, private attendants, an open-air gondola, and a chance to witness the country's great wilderness. Colorado Rail Adventure One of the most scenic train tours, the Colorado Rail Adventure takes you on a journey through the Colorado Rockies. Featuring five railroad journeys -- the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad, Georgetown Loop Railroad, Rio Grande Scenic Railroad, Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, and the Royal Gorge Route Railroad -- this train route takes you on summits as high as 14,000 feet. Furthermore, the Colorado Rail Adventure includes visits to the Garden of the Gods, the Great Sand Dunes National Park, and the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park. Strasburg Railroad Strasburg Railroad is among the oldest and the quickest of train tours. It covers a distance of nine miles and takes you through Amish Country in the heart of Pennsylvania. Originally used to move goods from the industrial areas to the coast, the Strasburg Railroad was converted to a passenger train in the 1960s. Though the route is brief, this train journey that ends in Plymouth, is an excellent, family-friendly trip. Amtrak Empire Builder Retracing the steps of the Lewis and Clark expedition, this 46-hour ride covers 2,206 miles. The train tour takes you to the beautiful Great Plains located at Glacier National Park in Whitefish, Montana; it explores a seven-mile-long tunnel through the Cascade mountains. It might not be the shortest of train tours, but it is definitely worth it.
  • 8 tips to get cheaper flight tickets
    During the course of planning your vacation, booking flight tickets might seem one of the most overwhelming points. If you spend too much on tickets, you may have to cut down on vacation expenses, go to a more affordable destination, and limit your activities during your time there. So to avoid all such hassles, it is essential to look for cheaper flight tickets. Not all airlines charge the same price, and no two seats on the airline cost the same. Here are a few tips and tricks that will help you get cheaper flight tickets so that you get the best out of your vacation. Book early Since the prices of flight tickets go up around three weeks leading to the departure date, it is best if you book your flights early. The best window to book your tickets is at least fifty days before departure. Websites like Google Flights analyze historical data and confirm that flight ticket prices do rise during the last few weeks before departure. Another great reason to book early is that you get to choose the seat you like for a reasonable price. If you were to get your preferred window seat during the last few weeks before departure, you might have to pay a higher fee for it. Don’t rule out choosing a connecting flight A connecting flight is something we all wish to avoid. It might not be the most convenient option, but it can be a cheaper one. If there is no urgency, a connecting flight is the best way to go. Surveys show that you can save up to $100 on a round trip. You can further choose whether you want it to be a one-stop, two-stop, or three-stop flight, as the ticket prices may vary accordingly. Avoid baggage fees Using an airline credit card can help you reduce your baggage fees. Airline reward cards usually waive off baggage fees for one traveler. Some companies like Delta Amex waive off the fee for up to nine bags. However, this is only possible if you book flight tickets directly with the carrier and use the particular company's credit card to pay. Sign up for free alerts You never know when the prices on flight tickets might go down. Hence, free alerts come in handy when looking for cheap deals or last minute flight tickets. Keep your travel plans flexible It might save you a few bucks if you are not particular about the day or date of your travel. A study actually proves that Saturday, Tuesday, and Wednesdays are the cheapest days for flight travel. Also, taking a flight on any weekday is generally cheaper than on a weekend. Since there are very few takers for flying on holidays such as Thanksgiving or Christmas, these days are ideal to get cheaper flight tickets. Lastly, morning flights are less expensive than other times. Since the first flight of the morning is the least expensive, it pays to wake up at 4 A.M. Lunch- and dinner-time flights are the next cheapest. Taking a red-eye flight is also a surefire way to get cheaper flight tickets. If you keep your travel plans flexible, you can end up saving a lot on flight tickets. It pays to fly frequently Being a loyal customer to your airline is helpful as they will provide great offers. This means that if you are a frequent flier, you are much more likely to get good deals on flight tickets. Even if you don’t get a discount, using the airline’s credit cards can help you avail many other perks. Priority boarding, free checked bags, and selecting the seats of your choice are some of the perks you can avail if you fly frequently. Use your miles and credit points The points you have racked up from your airline credit cards can be used to pay for your flight tickets. You can also use your airline loyalty program and book tickets directly from the airline’s portal. Furthermore, a credit card like American Express can give you benefits of up to $200 for in-flight purchases and baggage fees. Check the airline’s website Sometimes, you can find great deals on your carrier airline’s website. If you are already late for booking flight tickets, browsing airline specials can help you find discounts. When airlines offer deals through third-party websites or travel agents, they retain the best on their own sites. Also, there are a few low-cost airlines that do not quote their ticket prices on travel websites. So, it always pays to check these airlines separately. However, you need to be careful with these low-cost tickets as prices might increase due to the addition of baggage fees, carry-on charges, and so on.
  • Ways to get tickets for an Alcatraz tour
    Just a little more than a mile from the mainland in San Francisco stands the Alcatraz island, also called The Rock, which is home to the infamous Alcatraz prison. Established in 1934, the Alcatraz federal penitentiary housed some of the country's most dangerous criminals until it was shut down in 1963. Ironically enough, the prison, known for being inescapable, is now a tourist attraction that is most difficult to get into. Alcatraz tour tickets are most often sold out, and getting a ticket is next to impossible, but there are a few ways around this. Here are some ways to buy tickets for Alcatraz tours. Wake up early While the official Alcatraz ticket vendor offers last-minute or same-day tickets, they are limited in number. To avail one of these tickets, you need to be up at the crack of dawn and stand in line. The ticket vendor's booth is at Pier 33 and opens at 7:30 AM. However, if you want to get your hands on those last-minute Alcatraz tour tickets, you need to get in line much earlier as people queue up from as early as 4 AM. It is not uncommon to see people bring sleeping bags to rest as they wait in line. There are only about a hundred Alcatraz tour tickets sold in a day, so if you see more people in line, you might as well plan your tour for another day. The tickets are strictly on a first-come, first-serve basis, and you can buy only one ticket per person. Also, if you are planning to get your Alcatraz tour tickets at the last minute, you must carry a government-approved photo ID. Cancellations The official website for Alcatraz tour tickets adds any cancellations back to their ticket pool, and it is updated several times a day. If you refresh your browser quick enough, you might get tickets that weren't there minutes ago. However, this is a completely luck-based chance that might get you tickets. You need to be on the website and someone else has to cancel at the same moment for you to get same-day tickets. Take a combination tour If you still find it difficult to get tickets for Alcatraz tours at the last moment, you can try booking one of the many combination tours that are available with many travel booking services. Although you will be paying a higher fee for these tours, you also get the advantage of an extra excursion. Since there are a lot of combinations available, you might be able to find one that combines the Alcatraz tour with an activity you had already planned to do. This would mean that you are paying a little more than you planned, but you're also including something else in the package. Some of the combination tours available are as follows:
    • Alcatraz and wine bending tour This tour takes you through a quick trip to the Golden Gate Bridge and then to a winery, where you can create and bottle your own wine. From there, you head on to Fisherman's Wharf, a popular neighborhood in San Francisco, for lunch. And lastly, a ferry takes you to explore the much-awaited Alcatraz island.
    • Alcatraz and a hop-on hop-off bus tour The bus tour lets you visit the most popular attractions in San Francisco. It includes a double-decker tour of San Francisco, a trolley tour of Sausalito, and a guided walking tour through Chinatown. This is all in addition to a tour of Alcatraz.
    • Alcatraz and craft beer tour This tour starts with a trip to Alcatraz island and prison in the morning. Next, you get to try the best craft beer of the West Coast, along with learning the history of beer in California as part of the guided tour. After the beer tour, you will also be guided to some of the best places to drink in the area.
    • Alcatraz and silicone valley tour This tour allows you to visit famous tech centers in Silicone Valley, like the Google Campus, the Apple Visitors Center, and the Computer History Museum. After a trip to these fascinating tech centers, you move on to explore Alcatraz Island.
    Get advance tickets online The most simple and convenient option is to book your Alcatraz tour tickets in advance. You can easily do it online by selecting the tour you want, the number of tickets, and the dates of your visit. On the day of the tour, you can collect your tickets by submitting your government-issued ID. In case you purchase e-tickets, you need to submit your credit card through which you made the purchase as well as a valid government identification card.
  • Understanding corporate travel trends
    Corporate travel refers to any journey undertaken by employees of an organization for business purposes and not for personal or leisure reasons. It is sponsored by the corporate entity and is a major activity in large organizations. In this article, we look at some of the trends related to business travel. Technology and travel Like other areas of life, technology is making an impact even in corporate travel. There are many areas of travel, where technology is of help. These include
    • Use of apps With the prevalence of smartphones, apps have become popular for travel booking. Most travel websites, hotels, tour operators, and transport organizations have apps that allow easy and convenient bookings. It has also ensured that a corporate employee can do bookings on their own, without having to depend on a travel agency or the travel department in the organization.
    • Digital payments Apart from bank transfers and online credit card transactions, the use of digital wallets has now become popular. People use digital wallets to carry out transactions online. It is a convenient way of making payments for corporate travel.
    • Technology for tracking employees Technology has made it easy to track both people and their belongings. Use of radio frequency identification technology ensures that any lost items can be easily tracked. It is convenient for corporate travelers as they carry expensive gadgets and important documents that they don’t want to lose.
    Travel as a perk Travel for work includes meeting clients and experiencing activities that contribute to employees' growth. Nowadays, travel is seen as a prerequisite for employees, and mixing business with pleasure is no longer taboo. Employees can enjoy local attractions and indulge in pleasure activities during their office travels. In some companies, the organization even takes care of the leisure expenses of employees. Companies today encourage employees to extend their business travel and take a holiday. It is seen as a perk or a benefit for employees. Company size plays a vital role When it comes to corporate travel, the size of the company plays a major role. It influences how employees travel, and also the budget for travel. Small companies give more importance to productivity over comfort, and this influences their travel decisions. These companies prefer to book direct flights to save travel time. They also usually book hotels close to their workplace to save on local travel. These measures enable businesspersons to be more productive when they travel for work. Ride-sharing and budget travel services also help small companies to save on money. Bigger companies are more likely to treat business travel as a benefit. The larger the company, the more travel budget. A larger budget allows employees to travel in comfort. The employee’s position in the company hierarchy has a direct relation to the travel budget as well. Travel and brands Frequent travelers, especially from larger corporations, are brand conscious. They prefer to stay at well-known hotels and use the services of the best airlines and local car rentals. Another aspect of corporate travel is the reward points that accrue from frequent flying. Most companies allow employees to use these reward points or air miles for their personal use. Personalized travel Studies show that those who travel on business frequently, spend 88 days on average on travel. This number is more for those working in sales jobs. Travel companies offer personalized services for business travelers. It makes sense for the travel company as personalized services help build customer loyalty. The travel company would know the preferences in terms of brand, budget, food, etc. When an employee plans a trip, the travel company can provide a personalized experience catering to the traveler’s needs. These measures make business travel more comfortable. Local experiences Corporate travelers no longer want to sit in the boardroom the whole day. They would like to explore the place they have visited, and enjoy local experiences. A visit to local cultural destinations is common. It is in line with the current trend of viewing business travel as an employee benefit. Most companies allow their employees to include such local experiences as a part of their travel plans. It helps them keep employees happy, which can lead to better productivity and performance. Employee well-being Today, organizations treat employees as assets and are concerned about their health and overall well-being. Employee safety is also a priority during corporate travel. Insurance to protect employees during travel is a way for employers to demonstrate their concern. Also, flexible working hours and free time for employees to unwind are methods to reduce stress from travel. Some organizations track employees to monitor their well-being. These trends in corporate travel are making a significant influence on how people travel for work. The use of technology, for example, is making a major impact on business travel. Now, companies are more flexible and allow employees to mix leisure with work during travel.
  • Top bus tours in New York City
    New York City is known for being a cultural melting pot, rich in history and brimming with vitality and style. The best way to experience all of it by yourself is through bus tours. Bus tours let you enjoy the best parts of the city without having your nose buried in a guide book all day. You can also get down and explore places better when desired while also being able to give your tired feet a rest when finished roaming.
    Given below is a list of bus tours in New York City that you should check out. Big Bus New York Hop-On Hop-Off Tour Costing $48 for adults for a one day ticket, this bus tour is ideal for tourists who are visiting New York for the first time. It provides a fully narrated and comprehensive tour of thirty popular New York attractions. Highly convenient, the hop-on, hop-off tour allows you to personalize your itinerary and board and leave according to your wishes. You can get tickets for this bus tour in Times Square. The bus takes three routes that you can choose from—the uptown loop, the midtown loop, and the downtown loop. The first route includes the Lincoln Theatre, Rockefeller Center, and the Apollo Theatre. Next, the midtown loop covers Madison Square Gardens, The United Nations Headquarters, and the Empire State Building. Lastly, the downtown loop visits Chinatown, Little Italy, and the World Trade Center. Brooklyn, Bronx, and Queens Coach Tour This extensive bus tour takes you through the four boroughs of New York City, including Manhattan, where you have to board from. The tour costs $64 and begins from the Grand Central Station, drives through the Upper East Side followed by the Bronx and the Spanish Harlem. You will get to check out the Yankee stadium and Arthur avenue before you cross into Queens. The tour also covers Long Island City, Astoria, and Brooklyn. Finally, it heads down to Williamsburg and Greenpoint, where you will stop for a quick bite, before completing the tour with a view from the Brooklyn bridge. Gossip Girl Sites Tour The show Gossip Girl was inspired by the rich and elite families of New York City. Now you can have a sneak peek into their lives with this bus tour. Lasting for about three hours, this tour takes visitors through the hotels owned by the Van der Woodsen family in the show, the popular shopping spot Henri Bedel, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. As far as bus tours go, this one is pure fun, especially for die-hard fans of the show. The tour costs $56. Scott’s Pizza Tour Bus tours and pizza—not a bad combination, huh? Scott’s Pizza Tour offers a charming food-based bus tour every Sunday. The tour takes place in a bright yellow school bus, and journeys through the outer boroughs of New York. With overwhelmingly positive reviews, this tour helps you learn a bit about making pizza, and of course, eating it too. New York City Guided Sightseeing Tour Short on time? This bus tour is the way to go. Both the six-hour and the eight-hour tour cover most of Manhattan, including famous spots such as Museum Mile, Battery Park, Central Park, Times Square, and Greenwich Village. The bus tour also lets you go on a guided walk to Wall Street, South Sea Seaport, and other historic sites. If you opt for the eight-hour tour, you get to go on a sightseeing cruise. The cruise visits the majestic Statue of Liberty and gives you a birds-eye view of Manhattan from the Top of the Rock. New York Hip Hop Tour If you are more musically-inclined, the New York Hip Hop Tour is the one for you. Costing $74.99, this bus tour is worth the price. Presided over by a Grandmaster, the tour begins at a hip-hop party in Manhattan and heads uptown to sites like the Rucker Park, the Graffiti Hall of Fame, and the Apollo Theater. The tour also includes a lesson on freestyle hip-hop! The Ride New York City Want to do something different from regular bus tours? Take a journey on The Ride New York City. Part broadway show and part city tour, this bus tour is touted as a "traveling theater." The 75-minute long excursion takes place on a uniquely-designed bus. The bus has floor-to-ceiling glass windows and stadium-style seats. While the tour allows you to experience brilliant showmanship and even interact with performers, it is limited to Times Square and its adjoining areas. So, if you prefer your bus tours to be informative and thorough, you might want to give this one a pass. The Ride New York City charges $69 per person. New York Double Decker Night Tour Rightfully dubbed as the city that never sleeps, New York is a sight worth witnessing in the night. This bus tour allows you to check out the city in its complete night-time glory for only $29. Starting on the west side of Manhattan, this double-decker bus tour moves on to Chinatown, the Empire State Building, and Times Square. The tour ends with a phenomenal view of the Manhattan skyline. TCM Classic Film Tour of New York New York has been the backdrop of so many classic movies. A horror tale like Rosemary’s Baby, a sweet rom-com like You’ve Got Mail, and the Marilyn Monroe classic Seven Year Itch have one thing in common—New York City. Now you get to visit all these filming locations, thanks to the Turner Classic Movies Film Tour. The tour costs $56 and will bring lasting memories to the cinephile in you.
  • Everything you need to know about buying Disneyland tickets
    A truly magical vacation destination, Disneyland Resort, California, is rightly known as the happiest place on earth. Every kid's dream, the resort has many activities for older adults as well. However, visiting Disneyland, especially after the launch of its new Star Wars theme park, has become difficult due to increased ticket prices. So, if you are planning to visit Disneyland soon, this article has everything you need to know about Disneyland tickets, and how you can get the best out of your vacation. Types of Disneyland tickets One-day and multiple day tickets The 1 Day 1 Park Ticket allows you to visit one theme park in Disneyland in one day. This means that you are not allowed to visit Disneyland in the morning and move on to a different park, like the Disney California Resort, in the afternoon. There are also 2 Day 1 Park, 3 Day 1 Park, and 4 Day 1 Park Disneyland tickets that allow you to visit each park per day. Hopper tickets If you're looking to visit more than one theme park in a day, Hopper tickets are the ideal option. Sold as an add-on, the Park Hopper Disneyland tickets let you jump from one theme park to another. They come as part of your multiple-day tickets. Combo passes You can choose to get combo passes that offer a range of Disneyland experiences. Firstly, there is the Disneyland Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood Combo Pass that offers you the benefits of multiple-day Disneyland tickets with Park Hopper feature, along with a one-day admission pass to Universal Studios theme park. Next, there is the Disneyland Resort and Knott’s Berry Farm Combo Pass that lets you choose from the 2, 3, or 4-Day Park Hopper tickets. It also comes with an admission pass that gives you access to all the rides, attractions, and shows in Knott’s Berry Farm for a day. Annual passports These are perfect for families who visit Disneyland several times a year. The Disneyland Annual Passports can be purchased at one time or paid for by monthly installments. In-park discounts, dining, and days of access vary according to the pass you purchase. For Southern California residents, the Disney Southern California Select Annual Passport can be purchased for $399. When purchasing Disneyland tickets, it is important to read the fine print. Make sure your tickets do not expire before your vacation ends and understand their transfer and refund policies. Also ensure to cross check how will the tickets be sent to you. Will they arrive by post? Do you have to visit the ticket booth, or print them out? How to get a discount Army members and American Automobile Association (AAA) Disneyland tickets are available at a discounted price for active or retired members of the US Army, US Coast Guard, National Guard, Commissioned Corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the Commissioned Corps of the Public Health Service. However, currently, these discounts are only on 3-day and 4-day tickets. Military personnel and their spouses can purchase up to six tickets at a time. Furthermore, members of the AAA get discounts ranging from $8 to $14 on multi-day tickets. Children Children under the age of three get to go to Disneyland for free. The kids discount is valid for only up to ten years. Anyone older than ten has to pay the full adult fee. Disney authorized Re-seller These re-sellers are permitted by Disneyland Resorts to buy the Disneyland tickets in bulk, at a cheaper rate, and resell it to the general public. The tickets are often sold at competitive prices, meaning, you have chances of getting good discounts and deals. Ensure to buy your tickets only from authorized re-sellers to prevent yourself from getting scammed. Also, avoid any deal that seems too good to be true. Most re-sellers give you a voucher that needs to be exchanged for the actual ticket when you are at Disneyland. Waiting in long queues to get the exchange done seems like an unnecessary hassle when you can get tickets delivered home. Grocery stores Chain stores like Safeway, Costco, and Vons offer Disneyland tickets at competitive prices. You are likely to find a good deal here. Discounts for Southern California residents When it comes to Disneyland tickets, Southern California residents get the best discounts, sometimes as much as 40 percent. Prices of Park Hopper tickets are also less for them. However, these deals aren’t just limited to Californians or Americans for that matter. Discounts for Disneyland tickets are available all the time for residents of Canada, New Zealand, and Australia. Avoid Craigslist and eBay With sources like Craigslist and eBay, it can be difficult to tell if you are being scammed. Sometimes people with multi-day tickets visit the park just one day and then attempt to resell these tickets in hopes of making a quick buck. Unsuspecting buyers, looking for a discount, often fall prey to such schemes. There is no guarantee that such feats will get you inside Disneyland. The resort now photographs all visitors, so attempting to enter with someone else’s partially used ticket is not a great idea.
  • How to find cheap vacation packages
    Vacations are the best way to unwind. But planning a vacation can be a stressful task. Not only do you have to sort out details like flight tickets, hotel accommodations, etc. but also keep in mind budgetary constraints. Usually, the best way out of this mess is to opt for vacation packages. These packages take care of you living, dining, and sometimes even touring essentials. Here are some ways you can get the best vacation packages at cheap prices: Be flexible with the dates It is cheaper to fly out to your vacation destination off-season. Not only are the prices on flight tickets and hotel rooms reduced, but you also don’t have to deal with large crowds. If you are not particular about flying out on the off-season dates, you can get yourself cheaper vacation packages. It is best to avoid flying out during the festive season. If you want to travel during this time, make sure you book the flight tickets way in advance. A study says that the dead zone for tourism is from January to February. Choose an off-beat destination Since an underrated location, usually sees less tourist footfall, the vacation packages for these places are cheaper. Although lacking in popularity, you can be sure that some of these local places are not short in beauty, culture, and amenities. Some of the underrated vacation destinations include Honduras, Albania, Bolivia, and the Philippines. However, since these off-beat locations are not a common route, the airline prices might be high. It is always better to consider the difference in cost and make a well-informed decision. More the merrier Vacation packages do not have to burn a hole in your pocket if you have a group to share expenses with. Sharing a room with your buddies is a great way to reduce living expenses. Try alternative living facilities While it is tempting to book that five-star hotel for a luxurious vacation, lodging is one of the few areas where you can cut down your expenses. Most of the time you would be exploring the place with sightseeing, adventure sports, and other activities. These things will keep you away from your hotel room. Hence, booking a five-star accommodation with a fitness center and all the fancy inclusions will not be ideal for your budget. Also, it can be quite an experience, not to mention frugal, to stay in a quaint Bed and Breakfast or an Airbnb. For those strapped for cash, CouchSurfing is also an option. Gaining popularity in recent times, CouchSurfing lets you crash in a host’s home. Having a local family as your host, can let you learn more about the culture. You can find a valuable guide and get a more immersive experience as well. Play it smart with your online travel agent Most travel websites work on an algorithm that lets them track the amount of time you spend on their website, and which vacation packages you check out. If you leave the vacation package in the cart and close the website without making a payment, they usually sent you a voucher or discount offer as a means to push you to purchase. It is a common marketing tactic. Though this might not be the case with all websites, it is certainly worth the try. Also, make sure you do not accidentally buy the vacation packages through a one-click purchase or saved credit cards. Sign up for alerts and emails The best way to know about deals and discounts on vacation packages is by signing up for notifications and emails by travel websites. These alerts might seem like spam but are quite helpful for future travel experiences. You can get fare reductions and offers on flights and hotel bookings. For example, websites like AirfareWatchdog and Kayak send you regular updates on the cheapest flights for the next few months to your preferred destinations. Furthermore, the websites Travelzoo or Groupon send you emails with the hottest travel deals. Double-check your vacation package Sometimes, the vacation packages you choose have hidden fees and surcharges that increase your expenses. Certain resorts are notorious for adding a resort fee that goes unnoticed while billing but increases your fare quite a bit. Also, there is the case of amenities such as car rentals or tours that cost an exorbitant amount when included with the package but are quite inexpensive otherwise. It is wise to customize your vacation package and opt for stand-alone facilities as they may be cheaper. Fly from major airports A few travel websites add a surcharge to your vacation package if you fly out from a smaller airport. You could book a separate flight through major airport hubs like LA, New York City, or DC to reduce these charges. Choose to upgrade Sometimes, vacation packages offer you the option to upgrade to a better hotel for an increase in fee. It is always smart to make this upgrade as you would get much better facilities for the price offered.
  • Four factors to consider before buying luggage
    Finding the perfect luggage to carry your belongings from one place to another can be a daunting task with so many brands and types of luggage available. It can be overwhelming to choose a luggage with a variety of sizes, prices to compare, and styles available. Below are some of the key factors to consider before buying a luggage: Types It is important to consider the type of luggage you want. Decide if you want a soft or hard-case bag, or whether you want two or four wheels. Quasi-flexible polycarbonate is used to often make hard-shell suitcases. Hard-shell suitcases are usually more appealing for tech-savvy travelers as hard-shell luggage is durable and helps in protecting gadgets. Also, the hard shell on the outside is designed to endure the elements. Whereas, on the other hand, soft shell is designed with leather or thick fabric. These materials tend to be easier to squeeze and usually, come with additional zippers and pockets. Know the purpose It is important to decide how you plan to use your luggage, is it for driving, flying, or simply an all-purpose carrier that you are looking for. As when you are traveling by a flight, it is important to plan according to the size restrictions. Whereas, when you are going by road, opt for bags that are pliable enough to maximize the trunk space. Size Before choosing your luggage, it is essential to know why you are purchasing it as it determines the size of the luggage you will need. Most of the country carriers allow the travelers to bring checked bags under 62 inches (in width, height, and length). While carry-on pieces usually do not exceed 45 inches including wheels and handles. This factor is important to consider as you need to know the size restrictions and requirements before purchasing a luggage. Price Price is one of the key factors to consider before buying a luggage. Usually, the majority of the three-piece luggage sets are priced anywhere between $100 to $200. Designer and luxury luggage pieces usually have heftier prices. If you are a frequent traveler, choosing luggage pieces that are durable, have built up accessories, and are resistant are worth the overall price.
  • Four popular luggage brands to know about
    While traveling, a safe and sturdy luggage is a must-have when you are on the go. With so many brands available, it has become all the more complex to choose the luggage brand. Apart from the price of the luggage, the reputation of its brand and even the quality of the same needs to be taken into consideration. Below are four of the most popular luggage brands in the market: Samsonite One of the most popular luggage brands is Samsonite. The brand was launched more than 100 years ago as a truck manufacturer. It has a huge line of products available ranging from soft side bags to hard side bags, travel accessories, backpacks, and garment bags. Also, in their product line are included four-wheeled spinners and gliders with a lower center of gravity. Samsonite products offer a huge range of stylish products that are durable and offer value of money. The luggage offered by Samsonite usually falls in the low-to-mid price range. American Tourister For people who are looking for a luggage brand that is durable to take for a vacation once in a while, American Tourister is your go-to brand. It offers good quality luggage at a mid-to-low price range. They provide a huge variety of stylish and trendy luggage with a variety of bold colors and finishes. The dependable and widely available brand includes both hard side and soft side luggage. Delsey Delsey was a popular leather camera cases producer back in 1946. It was founded in Paris and they entered the luggage industry in 1970 with their first hard case line. They created the first style with one main compartment similar to a soft side luggage form. Delsey continues to be the renowned brand for hard side bags. They have a wide range of products ranging from simple styles to colorful soft side bags, duffels, and garment bags. They are extremely durable and quite creative. Their price is around mid-range. Tumi Tumi is a luxury brand, which happens to be also one of the most popular luggage brands. The brand focuses on durability, innovation, style, customer service, and quality. The price goes above mid-range to high-range. Hardside, abrasion-proof ballistic nylon, and fine leather are the materials from which luggage and accessories are available.