• 4 amazing all-inclusive resorts for your next vacation
    People take vacations to seek a change from the monotony of everyday life. This could be a weekend getaway or a full-fledged vacation with your partner or the entire family. Though the idea of going on a vacation is quite appealing, it can be a costly affair if you have to spend money on the accommodation facilities, food, traveling, and other activities individually. Instead, you can opt for the best all-inclusive deals that ensure you make the most of your vacation at a reasonable price. All-inclusive resorts provide the best value for your money; all the things like the accommodation, food, and on-site activities will be included in the all-inclusive resort deal. You can splurge the money you saved on something else. So, if you are considering going on a vacation and opting for an all-inclusive resort deal, here are some of the best all-inclusive resorts of 2018 for you to choose from.
    • Zoetry Agua Punta Cana - This is one of the most tranquil all-inclusive resorts in the Dominican Republic is Zoetry Agua Punta Cana. You can treat yourself to the beauty of the pristine beaches where you can bask in the sun without any interruption. This luxury boutique all-inclusive resort resembles a wellness resort; you can seek the solace here that you were yearning for. The all-inclusive rates include unlimited craft cocktails, top-shelf liquor, and organic meals for health-oriented guests.
    • Sonesta Maho Beach Resort, Casino & Spa - Your all-inclusive resort deal must cater to all your requirements; be it food, accommodation, drinks, on-site activities, or parties, everything must be within your budget restraint. This scenic resort allows you to glimpse at the Great Bay and the Caribbean from your room and walk on the white-sand beaches to soothe yourself. You can treat yourself to the luxurious pool, serenity spa, the Golden Casino, couple's massages, and aromatherapy.
    • Jumby Bay, A Rosewood Resort - If you choose this all-inclusive resort, you will be treating yourself to the over-the-top luxuries it offers. If you are looking for an escape from the hullabaloo of your regular life, you will find solitude in this resort, which is built on a 300-acre private island from the mainland and is popular for its awe-inspiring suites, amenities, exotic food, and drinks, and the fun water sports that can be enjoyed by kids as well.
    • Barcelo Hotels & Resorts - This is one of the most affordable all-inclusive resorts located in Mexico, Dominican Republic, Aruba, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, an Ecuador. If you are on a vacation with your family, this will be the perfect all-inclusive resort since it has everything that can keep the kids engrossed. Everything, right from the food and drinks to the on-site activities are a part of your all-inclusive resort deal.
  • 4 effortless ways to find the perfect all-inclusive resort deals
    The daily routine and stressful work can impact your health, and every once in a while, you feel like packing your bags and traveling to places that have always been on your bucket list. The only glitch is that it is not so easy; you have to book the flight tickets, check for good accommodation, and if you are traveling with your family, things become more difficult. This is why people opt for all-inclusive resort deals. All-inclusive resort deals are a blessing in disguise; from the time you reach the airport, you can bid adieu to your travel-related worries. All-inclusive resort deals include everything, such as accommodation, meals, snacks, and various onsite activities, which otherwise would have been a costly affair. Various travel sites offer all-inclusive resort deals but choosing the right one can be a challenge. However, here are some tips to help you choose the best all-inclusive resorts in 2018.
    • Know the perfect timing - Whenever you are looking for all-inclusive resort deals, ensure that you do so at the right time; the right time being before holiday seasons begin and your kids are still going to school. During winters, people often decide to go to warm places and vice versa. Thus, if you wish to bag the best all-inclusive resort deals, plan in advance, and book the resorts before the vacation season begins.
    • Choose from adults-only or kid-friendly resorts - You have to determine whether you will be embarking on your journey with your partner or it would be a family vacation. These days, all-inclusive resort deals offer kid-free, adult-only spaces to people who are keen to spend the time together without any interruption. However, certain all-inclusive resorts are kid-friendly as well and provide amenities to keep the kids engaged. So, you have to decide which of these all-inclusive resort deals you wish to opt for since the price may vary.
    • Set a budget and pick your destination - Your budget is one of the most important determining factors when it comes to choosing all-inclusive resort deals. So, you have to choose wisely from among the different holiday destinations and decide on the one that meets your travel goals, budget, your expectations with the accommodations, and the itinerary. So, check whether the all-inclusive resort meets your expectations and is within your budget constraints.
    • Check the on-site activities - Some vacationers want more than simply basking in the sun near the hotel pool; they are more interested in the on-site activities. If you are one of them, check which on-site activities are mentioned in the all-inclusive resort deals. A majority of resorts offer engaging classes or activities such as dancing or water aerobics in the form of their on-site activities. So, choose the all-inclusive resort that offers on-site activities of your choice.
  • 5 strategic tips for choosing the perfect hotel
    Choosing a hotel is an important part of planning your vacation. This is because, for many of us, the hotel experience has the potential of making our trip awesome or making it a total flop. It is a common belief that finding the best hotel booking deals takes a lot of research, patience, and hours on the internet. However, if you know what exactly you are looking for and where to look for it, things do get quite easy. You still think that hotel booking is a nightmare? If yes, then here are five strategic tips that will help you get the best hotel bookings. Go by the best hotel reviews In this digital world, booking a hotel, like many other things, has become a much-sorted task. There are several hotel booking sites today where you can read customer testimonials and review the hotels that you have narrowed down for your vacation. It is best to choose a hotel that has a high customer review rate. Don't neglect the bad reviews that the hotels get as these will help you stay clear of fraud cases and terrible hotel experiences. Don't go overboard with your budget It is quite easy to go overboard when you are booking a hotel for your vacation. You are in a happy mood, and in this mood, it is easy to get carried away and splurge extravagantly on hotels. So, the best thing to do is to decide your budget before you start looking for hotels, filter out, and check only the best hotels that fit your budget. Scan the bed bug registry Yes, there legitimate is a bed bug registry. This website tells you whether the hotel that you are planning to book has any reports of bed bug situations. Sanitation is a major concern when you are staying in a hotel in a foreign travel destination. By checking the database of this website, you can at least be sure that you don't have to worry about the bed bugs haunting you while you are sleeping or the sheets not being clean. Make use of the membership perks One of the best ways to save up on your hotel bookings is to make use of hotel membership. If you have a membership of a certain international hotel chain or someone in your family has one, now is the best time to know more about them. Don't compromise on the desired experience Sometimes, hotels are the major part of our tour. It is okay if you want to stay in a hotel that resembles a castle when you are in Scotland or Bavaria, or if you want to stay in a beautiful private villa when you are in Hawaii. In such cases, it is your choice whether you would like to save some money and settle for top motels or pay a little extra to get the best experiences in a picturesque villa. Have you already decided which hotel you want to stay on your next vacation?
  • 5 tips to choose the best hotel online
    Today, booking a hotel for your vacation has become so much easy. With just a few clicks, you can get your choice hotel with the best of views. This might sound easy, but it can get quite overwhelming. There are so many websites and apps that promise you to give the best hotel deals on bookings that you end up getting confused. So, how do you go about with this? It is simple. There are few hacks and tricks that you need to master and use while you book your hotels online. Read further to know about five tips on how to select the best hotels online. Know what you want If you aimlessly search for the best hotels for your next vacation, you will end up spending a good hour or two on the internet and still find yourself back to square one. So, the first thing you should do is make a list of things you are looking for in the hotel. This list could include things like whether you would prefer a hotel with a romantic atmosphere or one that has a rustic vibe or whether you want a beach view or a mountain view. Also, make a note of amenities you would want in the package like free breakfast, complimentary activities, and free Wi-Fi. Further, decide on whether you want to stay in one of the top motels of the destination and save or you want to splurge on a luxury hotel. Double check the hotel's website No doubt that the hotel booking websites briefly tell you everything you need to know about the hotel you are planning to book, but it is still advisable to check the official website of the hotel. Double check the website to know about the dcor, facilities, services, and the location. Open the map To lure travelers, hotels these days don't think twice before mentioning things like "close to the metro" or "15 minutes from the Eiffel tower" on their about page. The catch here is that when they say 15 minutes, they need not necessarily mean a 15-minute walk. So, it is best to do your own research and find out how far all the tourist locations are from the hotel. Read the guest reviews One of the best ways to know more about the hotel is to read the recent guest reviews online. Make it a point to pay attention to the poor reviews as well because that will give you an idea of what to expect from the hotel. Call up when in doubt If you still have questions after going through several websites and the hotel's website, don't hesitate to pick up your phone and contact the hotel. Most of the hotel staff are more than willing to tell you about the deals and the services. This might also be a good time to ask for some additional discounts on your bookings. So, which of these tips have you already tried while booking the best hotel online?
  • What are the requirements needed for a new passport
    There is a protocol you will have to follow if you are applying for a new passport. It is better to apply for the passport in person by filling the form DS-11 in these following cases:
    • If this is the first time you are applying for a passport
    • If you are below 16
    • If your previous passport was issued to you when you were below 16
    • If your previous passport was stolen, lost or damaged
    • If your previous passport was issued to you more than 15 years ago
    In case you don't follow any of the aforementioned points, you can apply for a renewal of a passport online by filling DS-8 form. Steps and requirements for applying for a new passport Application form You can download the DS-11 application form online from the travel.state.gov website. There are important terms you should follow while filling the form. It is important to read them carefully and do as directed. There is an acceptance agent you should wait for before she/he tells you to sign the form post filling it. You also need to provide a social security number if you have been issued one. In case you do not have a social security number, you can submit a statement which is signed and dated, and which includes the phrase "I declare under the penalty of perjury under the laws of the United States of America that the following is true and correct: I have never been issued a Social Security Number by the Social Security Administration." You may have to apply for a larger passport that has 52 pages, however, there is no additional cost. To apply for a 52 pages passport, you can check the box '52 pages' which is at the top of the DS-11 form. Evidence for citizenship Whatever evidence you decide you present, it must be an original or a certified copy of the document. You must also carry a copy of the original document. Here are the requirements to prove your citizenship while applying for a new passport.
    • US passport that is valid and not damaged
    • The birth certificate that is issued by the city, state of birth, or county, list of your parents' names, your name, date, and place of birth, mention of the date filed with registrar's office, the signature of the registrar, issuing authority's seal
    • Certificate of naturalization
    • Certificate of citizenship
    Photocopy of the evidence of your citizenship You need to submit the photocopy of the front and back of the evidence you are submitting. It is important that the photocopies you submit are legible, taken on white standard paper with 8.5"x11", in the black and white font, and single sided. The requirements have to be adhered to while applying for a new passport. Another important requirement for a new passport is the fees you have to pay for the passport. For children, the fee is approximately $120, and the fee for adults is approximately $165.
  • Steps involved in choosing the right European river cruise
    The thought of planning a European river cruise in 2019 can invoke a feeling of excitement, anticipation, and frustration all at once. The slew of navigable rivers in Europe has led to an unstoppable eruption of companies offering European river cruises. Fortunately, the plethora of options on offer has crowned customer as "king." Beginning to navigate through the different deals and the idea of picking the right choice can indubitably put you through a dilemma. Believe it or not, getting the best deal involves a process. The secret lies in following a bunch of steps that will lead you to juice out the best of your trip. After all, you do not want to be spending heavy bucks on a trip that leaves you whining. Here are a few steps that you should follow when choosing a European river cruise. Step 1. The type of river cruise - While you are sure about wanting to slow chug the river view, you must draw a line on the type of cruise and amenities you are in for. From restaurants, bars, mini-spas, and fitness facilities to internet access, the question is what you want. Most cruise companies offer all the required amenities, but you must be sure about the ones you are looking for. Step 2. The cruise tour or itinerary Ask yourself where all do you wish to cruise. So, you wish to take in the scenic view of the Rhine or tread through the marquee cities of the Danube? While some companies may operate through your desired cities, some may not. Thus, keeping a tour preference is a priority, and a major step when planning the river cruise trip. Step 3. The time in 2019 This step involves arriving on a perfect date to go onboard. Do you want to walk through Christmas markets enjoy the bright sunny days atop the deck? The time of the year will also determine the price you pay for your trip. Typically, the cruising season in Europe begins around March and extends through last month of the year. Moreover, water levels fluctuate but it should not impede your plan. Just hit the right time of preference and you will be good to go. Step 4. Decide on a budget Sky's the limit when putting out a budget for a European river cruise. However, you must decide on a middle ground that you can lay down. In this step, look for a company that offers a quality experience within your means. The above steps are not the ultimate formula, but they are bound to make your planning a smooth run.
  • Important requirements for a new passport
    Getting a new passport made will require you to produce evidence that helps you identify yourself as a US citizen. If you are applying for a new passport for the first time, there is a DS-11 form that you will need to fill and submit along with a copy of all the necessary documents. For renewing the old passport, the existing passport is used as the evidence. If you are getting your passport made, you can prove your identity with any photo identification document or card. Driver's license, military identification card, state identification card, any government employee identification, or any other document that is similar to these can be produced. You will have to carry your original documents along with their copies. The copies will be submitted to the passport officials. Requirements for proving citizenship for a new passport There are several documents you can use to prove your citizenship. You will need any one of the documents mentioned below.
    • Expired passport
    • Certification of birth that lists your name, date of birth and place of birth, names of your parents, and the date when it was filed.
    • Certificate of citizenship
    • Certificate of Naturalization
    In case you do not possess the documents mentioned above, you can apply for a new passport by providing any two of the below mentioned documents according to the requirements.
    • The birth certificate that had been filed more than a year after your birth and signed by your parents of the birth attendant
    • Form DS-11, Birth affidavit, that's been completed by a relative or an attending physician
    • Private or public documents that were created early in your life. These documents can be the public
    • Records that list the name, date, and place of birth which includes any of these- census record, baptism certificate, an early school record, doctor's record of care, etc.
    Along with these documents mentioned above, you will need to submit a passport size photo (which is 2x2 inches) that has to be recent and not more than 6 months old. There is a protocol you need to follow while you get your passport photo clicked. It is one of the important requirements for a new passport. Your facial expressions should be neutral, and your ears should be visible in the photo. Your head in the photo should be 1-3/8 inches from the chin to the top of your head. You can get your passport photo clicked at the passport acceptance center to get the accurate photo. You need to be present at the passport acceptance facility for your passport. You can get an appointment with the facility before you go there for the same. You should also cross-check with all the requirements for a new passport before you go there so that you are completely prepared.
  • Things to consider when booking Belize vacation packages
    Belize has steadily become the perfect beach destination fit for all age groups. The destination has to offer something to everyone from newly married couples looking for a secluded hub to a family full of adventure lovers. Aptly located in the center of the continent, Belize is placed between the Maya Mountains and Belize Barrier reefs. Its location makes this tourist spot the best destination to explore beaches, ruins, jungles, cultures, and cuisines. Belize allows travelers to engage in sundry expeditions and delve into the gripping flora and fauna of the region. This is exactly why enthusiasts interested in discovering Belize avail various Belize vacation packages to experience the best the destination has to offer. Some of the best Belize vacation packages involve a fair combination of adventure tours to reefs, jungles, and archaeological sites along with picturesque accommodations that provide opportunities for spa and relaxation. If you are planning to take a trip to this Caribbean shore, ensure you pick the best Belize vacation packages based on the parameters listed below. Choose the package with a range of adventures Ensure you pick a package that allows you to experience several exciting Caribbean Sea expeditions and sightseeing activities. Choose tour packages that let you go on tours to the reefs and Caye Caulker, engage in reef spin fishing, river and lagoon spin fishing, and do a fair mix of snorkeling and fishing. If you are a history buff or interested in archaeology, you can choose Belize vacation packages that let you explore the sacred caves of Actun Tunichil Muknal, Caracol, Nim Li Punit, Caracol, Lubaantun, and Xunantunich. Additionally, you can choose a package that makes you delve into the lush green rainforests and caves with tubes, horse, zip lines, and ATV. Pamper your senses Post the outdoor adventures, ensure your Belize vacation packages include an accommodation that is not only a visual delight but also lets you relax. Some Belize vacation packages let you have a room in the traditional Belizean treehouse or a room with a private balcony overlooking the Caribbean. Ensure you look for a travel package that also accommodates some time for spa-style pampering. Choose packages that offer discounts on couple massages, facial services, wraps, and other salon services. Choose the package that let you explore new cuisines Apart from its iconic destinations, resorts, and culture, Belize is also popular for its mouth-watering cuisines. You could also choose packages that include culinary delights in their itineraries. You could go for the popular Garifuna emersion tour, spice farm tour, or tickle your palates with the local delights from the luxury of your own hotel room.
  • 5 popular low-cost apartment hotels
    Low-cost extended-stay or apartment hotels are an ideal option if you are short on finances or your housing applications lack some essential criterion. You can get their rooms on rent until you arrange for a permanent accommodation. Apart from affordable rooms on rent, apartment hotels require no credit check, leasing contract, and utility bills. Moreover, you can get access to some useful amenities without exceeding your budget constraints. If you are on a quest for a weekly or apartment hotel that offers inexpensive rental deals, then check out the following options.
    • Budget Suites Founded in 1987, Budget Suites functions in the states of Arizona, Nevada, and Texas. They have fully furnished apartments, which include amenities such as free premium cable television, free local calls, and voicemail, laundry services, a full-size kitchen with appliances, parking, spas, and pools. The room's rent will be based on the kind of room and facilities you choose.
    • Crossland Economy Studios Scattered over 60 locations, Crossland Economy Studio offers spacious rooms and facilities like internet connection, on-site laundry services, and kitchenettes with essential appliances. Moreover, they also have pet-friendly rooms, so you don't have to find a separate accommodation for your furry friend. Currently, they offer their services in 24 states, mostly in the West Coast, Midwest and Southern part of the country. However, you can find their hotels in states like Michigan, Illinois, New Jersey, and Ohio.
    • Extended Stay America Extended Stay America operates in around 45 states. They are equipped with amenities like free breakfast, fully-functioning kitchen, laundry, shuttles, conference rooms, fitness centers, and free Wi-Fi. They also have pet-friendly rooms. The room's rent depends on what type of room and services you avail. You could bag some discounts if you're a military veteran or government official, senior, or a member of the American Automobile Association (AAA).
    • Woodspring Hotels Running in about 37 states with around 250 hotels, Woodspring Hotels have two hospitality concerns, i.e., Woodspring Suites and Value Place. All their hotels are pet-friendly with great rent offers on rooms. If you are looking for inexpensive rooms on rent, then have a look at Value Place. They have all the essential facilities like a fully-equipped kitchen, 24/7 vending, and laundry services along with a Wi-Fi connection.
    • Studio 6 Located in over 22 states, Studio 6 features amenities like a kitchen with modern appliances, voicemail and Wi-Fi, coin laundry, and cable television with premium channels. The hotels are pet-friendly and even have special military discounts.
    You can make bookings for any of these apartment hotels online. Before you make a reservation, ensure that you compare the rooms on rent keeping in mind the price, offered facilities, and consumer reviews.
  • 5 factors that affect jet charter prices
    If you have the resources, you can find solace from the hassles of a commercial flight by opting for jet charters. In chartered flights, you will have the entire plane to yourself, which is a refreshing change from sitting in the cramped space allotted to you in commercial flights. However, chartered jets aren't quite pocket friendly, renting the entire airplane will cost you between $1200 and $8,500 per flight hour. Jet charter prices depend on several factors, and a slight change in either of these factors can affect the price of the chartered jet. If you are planning on chartering a flight, you need to be aware of the factors that affect the jet charter prices:
    • The type of aircraft you choose In fact, the major factor that determines jet charter prices is the type of aircraft you choose to travel in. Naturally, larger airplanes cost more, but this doesn't mean that you can have more people traveling in a smaller aircraft to avoid the cost of a bigger chartered jet. The airlines might have restrictions on the number of passengers and the amount of luggage allowed in the particular airplane.
    • Your destination affects the jet charter prices Jet charter prices vary according to the distance traveled. If you are traveling to a far-away place, the jet charter prices might be higher than traveling to a closer destination. The private jet charter company will consider your itinerary and the estimated flight time.
    • Fuel prices Jet chartered prices are affected by the changes in fuel prices. Fuel costs fluctuate frequently, and this can dramatically alter jet charter prices. Besides, if you choose a larger airplane, it will inevitably require more fuel than its smaller counterpart. So, the fuel consumption of the airplane and its cost determine the jet charter prices.
    • The "all-in" charges The quote that you receive for the chartered jet consists is the "all-in" quote. This implies that in addition to containing the hourly rates of the airplane, it also consists of the different expenses of the in-flight service, i.e., the crew's fees, handling fees, airport landing fees, catering and transportation charges, ground, overnight and daily minimum fees, and, finally, the taxes. The charges levied by different airlines for these services vary, so the jet charter prices are subject to change as well.
    • Unanticipated fees The price of your chartered jet can change according to Mother Nature's wishes. For instance, if you are traveling during the winter, the airplane might require de-icing before departure, and you will have to bear that cost. However, regular fliers usually lock in the airplane at the initial cost by using their membership cards.
    The factors mentioned above are the ones that affect jet charter prices the most. Make sure that you keep them in mind before your next charter booking.