Travelore Tips: 7 Goals For Better, Smarter Travel in 2015

Flickr / J Aaron Farr

This year, don’t just plan to check destinations of your bucket list. Resolve to become a better traveler. Here are seven travel goals to get you started.

Put social media to work: Before you book your flight or hotel, scour social media sites like Facebook and Twitter. You may be able to find discounted airline tickets, score miles or upgrades, and enter to win free vacations. Start with Twitter and Facebook and your favorite airlines, hotels, and related travel sites in the list of accounts you follow. You might even consider tweeting what you’re looking for in terms of price or needs — companies constantly scan Twitter, and one might just reach out with the deal you want.

Stop obsessing over reviews: TripAdvisor, Yelp, and similar websites can be extremely helpful when you are planning a vacation. We want to know that the photos on the hotel’s website are misleading or that most reviewers felt a museum was overpriced. But, by sticking to Yelp’s 10 highest rated Vancouver restaurants, you could miss out on the eateries where the locals go. Use reviews as a guideline, if you must, but leave some of your vacation to chance.

Read before you go: Guidebooks are great, but if you really want to get a sense of the country, read a book on its history, geography, or culture before you go. Don’t limit yourself to non-fiction offerings. Novels can serve as entertaining introductions as well. At the very least, do some online research before you go to learn about the capital city and major geographical points; the name of the local currency; what language (or languages) its people speak; and any unusual customs you should know.

Travel light: With baggage fees higher than ever, traveling light has become a necessity. This year, vow to pack only one versatile pair of shoes and to rely on color-coordinated separates that can be mixed and matched. Unless you plan to wear one on the plane and at your destination, ditch coats and opt for layers, and when packing, roll your clothes instead of folding them to squeeze more into your carry on.

Get lost: We understand wanting to make the most of your vacation time, especially if you don’t think you’ll have a chance to ever visit again, but don’t over schedule yourself. In fact, plan to get lost. Spend an afternoon exploring an area without an itinerary—pop in an interesting store, people watch from a bench in the plaza, spend an entire afternoon wandering through a museum.

Start a conversation: While you’re slowing down and taking in a new culture, make a point to talk to a local. Not only can you learn a little about the community and its people, but you may also hear about a restaurant you have to try or an off-the-beaten adventure worth taking. These experiences can take your vacation from “great” to “extraordinary.”

Give “braggies” a rest: There’s nothing wrong with posting pictures from your vacation online, but you can definitely cross the line with too many “braggies,” photos meant to make family and friends jealous. By all means, post the photo of your family in front of the Eiffel Tower — just maybe ditch the snaps of your every meal and the beach view from your balcony.

Contributed by Teresa Bitler

- See more at: http://blog.shermanstravel.com/2015/01/02/7-goals-for-better-smarter-travel-in-2015/#sthash.xu5zAegP.dpuf

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Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives Takes Away The 2014 Travelers' Choice Award For Top All-Inclusive Resort

Centara Hotels & Resorts group is proud to announce its recent success at the Traveler's Choice Awards, where its Grand Island Resort & Spa was recognized as Top All Inclusive Resort.

“We've worked hard to make the Grand Island Resort & Spa live up to visitor's expectations when they come to the Maldives, and I'm happy that the Travelers' Choice Awards have recognized the unique qualities of the resort,” Mr Voytek Klasicki, Centara's Area General Manager commented. The awards, one of the travel and tourism industry's most prestigious, are based on millions of reviews created by savvy and experienced TripAdvisor travelers and so accurately reflect the appeal that the Grand Island Resort & Spa has for its guests.

The popularity of holiday in the Maldives is growing, and it's easy to see the perennial appeal. With dazzling sand beaches, and crystal-clear turquoise waters, this Indian ocean destination is viewed by many as the quintessential tropical get-away.

The Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa is located in the South Ari Atoll, and was conceived by Thailand’s Centara Hotels & Resorts as a priority when it came to opening the group's first overseas property. The South Ari Atoll is a haven for marine life and offers resort guests an unmatched chance to get up close and personal with manta rays, reef sharks and colourful fish, while for divers the resort is in close proximity to famous sites such as Broken Rock, Kudarah Thila and 5 Rocks.

Surround by a glorious white sandy beach and the only Resort in the Maldives designed in a colonial style with whitewashed timber buildings and meandering boardwalks, the Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa offers both stunning beachside and over-water accommodation, and in a relatively short time it has gained considerable market share.

Mr. Klasicki went on to say that he is not surprised that reviews and opinions from Trip Advisor have been so positive, given the resort represents the ultimate in all-inclusive experiences and is truly unique in its totally immersive appeal. One of the truly innovative ways in which the Resort manages to be so relaxing is its 'cash-free policy' in which guests enjoying the “Ultimate All Inclusive” programme will find everything they desire already paid for – including champagne breakfasts, a choice of three lunch and dinner venues with themed international buffets and an open bar service which provides a scintillating array of cocktails, beers, wines and spirits.

Adding further, he sums up the Resort experience as a total experience for all the senses. We have a totally unrestricted dining concept so guests may book a table to dine in any or our specialty restaurants as often as they like. When it comes to leisure, we’ve included both non-motorised and a selection of motorized water sports as well as 5 excursions during the guests’ stay comprising of whale shark snorkeling, sunset cruises, local island visits, night fishing, and boats for snorkeling on other reefs. Other benefits such as in room mini bar, wifi, tennis and gym are also included. The cherry on our ‘Ultimate All Inclusive cake’ is that each and every guests can also enjoy a daily spa treatment in our SPA Cenvaree and this is something that no other resort in Maldives can boast.

The Grand Island Resort & Spa has a choice of 112 suites and villas suitable for individual travellers, honeymoon couples and family groups, all ranging from 76 to 146 square metres. One truly distinctive feature of the Resort is that it offers guests access to the Club - a "resort within a resort" accommodation experience.

All guest suites have bedroom and living room, a generous private terrace, and all of the amenities travelers expect from a premier beach resort including satellite TV and high-speed internet access. Guests opting for the Club level of accommodation also have access to the exclusive Club Lounge with private pool area and complimentary breakfasts, snacks, cocktails and dinner. The Club also serves premium wines and beverages and what’s more we provide an upgraded mini bar and will take care of the guests laundry.

The resort also is unusual in that it features a variety of dining options, including the all-day venue Reef, authentic Suan Bua and Azzuri Mare Italian & Seafood restaurant, plus the Aqua and Coral Bars for nightly entertainment. For those seeking day-time activity, the Resort offers recreation options, sports and fitness facilities and a professionally-managed Kids’ Club, while those looking to relax are welcome at Spa Cenvaree, The resort is easily accessible from Male International Airport or from the recently-opened Maamagili Airport, handily located close to the Resort in the South Ari Atoll.

Centara Hotels & Resorts is Thailand’s leading operator of hotels, with 48 deluxe and first-class properties covering all the major tourist destinations in the Kingdom.

A further 26 resorts in Maldives, Vietnam, Bali, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Ethiopia, Qatar, Laos and Oman brings the present total to 74 properties. Brands and properties within Centara ensure that specific categories such as couples, families, individuals, and meetings and incentives groups will all find a hotel or resort that is appropriate to their needs. Centara operates 30 branches of Spa Cenvaree, one of Thailand’s most luxurious and innovative spa brands, together with 7 branches of the value brand Cense by Spa Cenvaree, which provides core spa services for busy travellers. The company’s Kids’ Club is available at all the family-friendly resorts to ensure that the youngsters and teens have their own leisure zone. Centara also operates three state-of-the-art convention centres in Bangkok, and two in northeastern Thailand, one being located in Udon Thani and the other in Khon Kaen. The latest Centara brand is named COSI Hotels, an affordable lifestyle brand designed for travellers who predominantly make their bookings via the internet and who want comfort and convenience at affordable prices; the brand is under development with the first property due to open in 2016.

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Numerous Sonesta Hotels Have Received The 2014 TripAdvisor Certificates Of Excellence

Excellence in Guest Experience – All for You

Guests consistently rate Sonesta top of its class. TripAdvisor has recognized that excellence in guest satisfaction by awarding many of our hotels the 2014 Certificate of Excellence. Thanks for sharing your experience at Sonesta with other travelers! You deserve the best and we will continue to provide you with a great experience.

Royal Sonesta Hotel Award Recipients

Royal Sonesta Harbor Court Baltimore   Royal Sonesta Boston

Royal Sonesta Houston   Royal Sonesta New Orleans

Sonesta Hotel Award Recipients

Sonesta Gwinnett Place   Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island   Sonesta Fort Lauderdale

Sonesta ES Suites Award Recipients

Sonesta ES Suites Andover   Sonesta ES Suites Houston Sonesta ES Suites Auburn Hills   Sonesta ES Suites Myrtle Beach Sonesta ES Suites Columbia   Sonesta ES Suites Parsippany Sonesta ES Suites Dublin   Sonesta ES Suites Princeton Sonesta ES Suites Flagstaff   Sonesta ES Suites St. Louis

Sonesta Latin America Award Recipients

Sonesta Hotel Cusco   Sonesta Hotel Calama Sonesta Hotel Barranquilla   Sonesta Hotel Concepción

Frequent Fliers Check Travel Sites, Then Buy From Airline Sites

Frequent business travelers favor airline websites to book a flight but are open to using online travel agents' websites if they improve.

(Photo: Kayak.com)

 

Frequent business traveler Dennis Morris of Fox Island, Wash., uses a three-step process to book a flight online.

He finds a desired flight and a fare at an airline website, compares the fare with those cited by Expedia or Kayak and, if fares are comparable, returns to the airline website to book the flight.

"I prefer to work directly with the airline in case changes or issues come up," explains Morris, the CEO of a boat manufacturing company and a USA TODAY Road Warrior who volunteers travel information. "My experience dealing with non-airline sites is that, if issues arise, addressing them is much more difficult."

Many travelers like Morris favor airline websites, according to a survey released Monday by FlightView, which sells travel apps for mobile phones and daily travel information for airlines, airports and technology companies.

The survey — based on 2,066 people who used FlightView's mobile app in April — reveals that 36% "typically search for" airline tickets on airline websites.

Twenty-nine percent say they typically search for airline tickets on websites of online travel agents such as Expedia and Orbitz, and 22% say they use travel search engines such as Kayak and TripAdvisor.

Most survey respondents — 59% — say they usually buy their tickets from airlines. Nearly 30% buy them from online travel agents, 8% buy them from traditional travel agents and 3% say they don't book their own travel.

The survey also shows that —like Morris — travelers routinely go to non-airline websites to gather price or other flight information before using an airline to book a ticket.

Forty-one percent of respondents say they "sometimes" go to non-airline websites to get such information; 29% say they do that "most of the time," and 19% say they "always" do that.

For business travelers, the results show that they "are incredibly connected and have hundreds of travel tools, mobile apps and services at their disposal," says FlightView CEO Mike Benjamin.

"The choice to use one over another often comes down to the experience that the travel provider offers, and how well the provider keeps business travelers informed and engaged during their trip."

Road Warrior Ashok Adur of Parsippany, N.J., is one business traveler who uses various Internet tools.

"For work-related travel we have been asked to go to orbitzforbusiness.net," says Adur, who works in the plastics industry. "For other travel, I use different websites —airline, TripAdvisor, Expedia, CheapTickets, Bravofly or Kayak."

FlightView's survey shows that the most popular travel websites for "first searches" are Expedia and Kayak.

They were cited by 27% of respondents, followed by Travelocity (12.5%); Orbitz (11%); Priceline (5%) and TripAdvisor (4%).

Boston-based Road Warrior Tom Kelly says he uses Kayak or Google Flights first, then books a ticket on an airline's website.

"Sometimes Kayak will have better flight combinations that are not available on the carrier's site," says Kelly, a supply chain manager in the aerospace and defense industries. "I also like the trending charts and flexible date options on Google Flights. You can also search by airline marketing alliance or see prices for regions on a map."

FlightView's survey shows that 46% of respondents say they would be more willing to book a flight with an online travel agent if they were assured they would automatically be rebooked on another flight if their original flight was canceled. Forty-two percent say they would be more likely to book with an online agent if the agent made it easier to manage their travel itineraries on a mobile device or a website.

Adur says he never uses online travel agents' mobile apps, because some "are limited, especially for multiple flights and complicated travel itineraries."

He likes to use airlines' mobile apps, but they don't always work, and some have "limited capability."

Morris says he doesn't use airlines' mobile apps to book flights for several reasons, including problems with connectivity, speed and "readability for long or complex bookings."

He uses airlines' mobile apps "fairly regularly" after a booking is made, though, for changing a seat, flight status or check-in.

Find cheap fares

George Hobica of Airfarewatchdog.com offers some tips for travelers searching online for low airfares.

• Many airlines have private sales, reserving their best fares for their own websites.

• Check the websites of online travel agencies.

• If your travel dates are flexible, try a flexible-date search. Kayak.com has a good flexible-date calendar that can be used when you register at the website.

• Search often, because fares fluctuate throughout the day, and the number of seats offered at the cheapest fares changes frequently.

• Sign up for airfare alert e-mails, which are provided by many travel websites.

Contributed by Gary Stoller, www.usatoday.com

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Travelore Tips: An Easy Way To Get A Better Hotel Room

WENDY PERRIN

Often hotel general managers reply to reviews of their hotels on TripAdvisor. Once you've booked a room, read the replies, note the manager's e-mail address, and write to say that you admire how he or she is replying to reviews—and that you're looking forward to staying at the hotel on X date. The manager will appreciate your kind words, assume you may be a frequent reviewer, and hopefully do something extra for you during your stay.

How do I know this strategy works? Because I tested it myself the last time I went to Venice. I had a reservation at the Westin Europa & Regina and emailed the manager—from my personal email account, so my identity was not revealed—saying that it was a special wedding-anniversary trip for me and my husband. I also mentioned that we were there for only one night and so would love a view of the Grand Canal. We ended up in a second-floor room smack on the Grand Canal, with the view in the above photo.

Contributed by Wendy Perrin, www.cntraveler.com

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Travelore Tips: 7 Dos And Don’ts For Booking Hotels Online

The advantages of booking your hotel accommodation online are well known. You can do it any time, from the comfort of your own home or your smartphone. You can take time to research the best options, check hotel locations on Google Maps and ensure you get the best rate. In short, it’s just more convenient; follow our basic tips on what to do – and what not to do – when booking online to ensure you get the best experience.

DON’T book directly through the hotel website

Don’t book directly through the hotel website and pay what they call the ‘rack rate’. This is an inflated price that only a small minority pay… because they don’t know better!

DO look at third party sites

There are many hotel booking sites out there. Find those that suit you, whether it be because of their geographical coverage, their user-friendliness or their ease of searching. Some sites have price guarantees and will refund the difference should you find a better deal elsewhere. Others will do price comparisons for you, may work on a bidding basis or will specialize in late availability.

DON’T compare apples with oranges

Just because you see a rate cheaper elsewhere doesn't mean to say it’s a better deal. Check the details of what it is you are booking – is it the same room type, is breakfast included, is parking included, etc.

DO use online review sites

Sites such as Tripadvisor can be an invaluable resource. Learn from fellow travelers exactly what a hotel is like, whether it’s more suited to couples of families, and so and so forth.  If you use Facebook, you’ll even be able to see what your Facebook friends think of some hotels which can give added credence – depending on how much you value their opinion, of course.

DON’T be misled by fake reviews

Recognize that not all reviews will necessary be quite as they seem. The online review system is open to abuse so just be wary of that, apply common sense and use any such sites with a degree of caution. In short, don’t believe everything you read.

DO consider contacting the hotel directly

It can sometimes be worth telephoning or emailing the hotel directly to see if they can better the rate you’ve found. Booking directly with the hotel will mean they don’t lose a commission on the booking so, if they’re astute to this (and it’ll probably depend on who you get), they may entertain a special rate.

Contributed by Paul Johnson  www.aluxurytravelblog.com

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5 Apps For Your International Travels To Save Time, Frustration, And Money

Contributed by Sarah Janousek

More than 25 million Americans will depart on an international vacation this summer, many of which take place in August after camp and sports programs come to an end and before school begins again. With bag and weight limitations, travelers must make important decisions about the items they pack.  What many travelers may not realize is that some of the most useful tools for traveling can be downloaded right onto their mobile phones and save them time, frustration and money so they can enjoy as much of their vacation as possible. 

• AllSubway: Save time and money by sticking to public transit. This app helps you navigate 151 different metropolitan transit systems across the globe like a pro. Best yet, it’s available off-line so you’re able to navigate anywhere, anytime.

• iTranslate: Another free app that will save the day! Need to converse with a waitress or hotel manager and forgot how to say a word or phrase? The iTranslate app can translate more than 60 languages and also includes an extensive dictionary at your fingertips.

• Vonage Mobile: International phone fees can become an unexpected high-ticket cost without proper pre-planning. Before you take off, invite friends and family to download the free Vonage Mobile app and you can keep them up-to-date on your awesome adventure, whether by phone, text, video or all of the above! International calls to the U.S. are free over Wi-Fi.  With over two-thirds of European hotels providing free Wi-Fi, it’s easier than ever!  Imagine the trip treat you can buy the family with the money saved!  

• TripAdvisor Offline City Guides: This free city guide will come in handy when you find yourself strolling through a European city with a sudden urge to grab a bite or deciding last minute to take a day trip to an Italian coastal village.  With this app, you can read reviews of restaurants, attractions and hotels with no data roaming charges.  

• BillPin: Traveling around the world with friends or extended family is one of the best parts of being abroad, but figuring out rent and splitting expensive checks at restaurants can be tricky, especially in foreign currency! This free app helps track expenses and exchange rates - and avoid the awkward “you owe me” conversation.

Do Your Research Before Booking A Historic Inn

Contributed by Karen Schwartz

This undated photo provided by The Mimslyn Inn in Luray, Va., shows the lobby of the 82-year-old inn, which was closed for a year in 2007 while undergoing a $3.5 million renovation, including a complete mechanical and cosmetic upgrade. It's important to do your homework when planning a stay at a historic hotel or inn, because while some like The Mimslyn have modernized, others may count on their history or location to appeal to guests who don't mind rustic or old-fashioned accommodations. (AP Photo/Mimsyln Inn)

GLACIER NATIONAL PARK, Mont. (AP) - The website used words like "rustic" and "old-world style accommodations" for the lodge, but somehow I read that as "charming" and "romantic."

When I arrived at the Lake McDonald Lodge, I was disappointed to find the $179 room minuscule, the walls paper-thin, and, to my tastes, the bathroom tacky and the overall feel dingy.

But it was my own fault. When it comes to staying at historic inns, there is a cardinal rule: Do your homework.

The only characteristic that historic inns share is that they are old. Some have taken steps to appeal to modern travelers; perhaps they have had extensive renovations, enlarged the rooms, upgraded the bathrooms, added insulation, modernized the plumbing and electric, put in an elevator or improved safety features. Other historic lodges target purists. These inns have remaining virtually unchanged for 100 years or more, counting on their history or location to attract guests.

"Lodging for a lot of people when they are on vacation is a highlight of their trip," said Linda Cassell, who as a regional manager for Backroads, a travel company, has spent two decades booking historic accommodation in many of the National Parks. Knowing what to expect is the best defense against disappointment, she said.

"We try to be really clear about what the lodging is like, highlighting what is nice and great about it, with realistic expectations," she said.

Clearly, Susan Buffum, who manages investments for a New York insurance company, was better prepared for her stay at Lake McDonald Lodge.

She described her room as "sparse," with a shower so small she had a hard time shaving her legs. But "I was not expecting glamorous accommodations in the parks. For me it is the opportunity to stay in a bit of history in a wonderful scenic location," she said. "I'm not there to spend a lot of time in a room."

Dan Hansen, a spokesman for Glacier Park Inc., which runs the Lake McDonald Lodge for the National Park Service, noted that the facility was "completely modern" when it opened in 1914. The rooms in the main building received some upgrades over the years, but nothing major in the past decade.

"A stay in them today is turning back the clock to a different era," he said. "We work with the National Park Service to preserve the natural feel of the property so guests can receive a truly historic experience."

He also noted that the website and brochures have "lots of pictures and accurate descriptions."

Unrealistic as my expectations were, I felt in good company when I recalled the woman I met at Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort and Spa in New Mexico. She was upset because her $139 room had a toilet, but no bath or shower. Curious how such a misunderstanding could occur, I checked the hotel's website, which stated that the "charming" rooms of the historic hotel, built in 1916, have "half bathrooms (without showers), as all bathing has been done in the bathhouses for more than a hundred years. "

Clearly, the upset guest didn't do her homework.

Reading the fine print - and not romanticizing what it says - is one way to ensure you enjoy your stay at an historic inn.

But to get the inside scoop, I asked Keith Stephens, whose company runs the Mimslyn Inn in Luray, Va. The 82-year-old inn was closed for a year in 2007 while it underwent a $3.5 million renovation.

More than a facelift, the remodel created some larger suites by decreasing the number of guest rooms from 50 to 45. Nearly everything mechanical and cosmetic was upgraded, the hotel was made compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act, and now "when you turn the hot water on, as you would expect, there is hot water coming out of your faucet. You don't have to wait for it to travel up from the boiler," he said.

Before booking a historic inn, Stephens recommends doing a little research.

-Check online reviews. But if you're looking at TripAdvisor, remember that the star ratings are based on the lodging's popularity, not the level of luxury. A historic inn with a four- or five-star rating means those who stayed there loved it, but in the case of historic properties, those travelers may be a self-selected group who pick places with a lot of character and are willing to overlook the lack of modern amenities.

-If the property claims to be renovated, ask what was done.

-Make sure you are clear on the terms used on the websites and in brochures. For instance, a "European-style hotel" often means one with a shared bath down the hall.

-Do the rooms have individual climate controls?

-Do the guest room doors have an electronic lock or a key? Keys can be duplicated for illegal re-entry, but electronic locks - while not fool-proof - are re-coded between guests.

-Does the building have a sprinkler system or other fire protection?

-Even within an inn, guest rooms differ, so ask for specifics about the room, and bathroom, you've reserved.

-If you'll need a cot for an extra guest, confirm it will fit in the room.

-What is the view like? Does the air conditioning unit obstruct it?

-How close is the guest room to the lobby and restaurants where noise might be an issue? On the other hand, getting a room on a top floor, away from common space, means climbing stairs if there's no elevator.

-If cable TV, Wi-Fi, coffee makers, hair dryers or cell phone service are important to you, confirm their availability.

-Don't assume the hotel has 24-hour dining options.

"Historic hotels that have maintained their historic character often don't have the benefit and the ability to add everything that you can add in a modern hotel," Stephens said.

Still, historic inns are often pricey, so many guests come with certain expectations, said Cassell.

"You can put all the information you want out there but people will hear what they want to hear," she said.

Don't I know it.

New Web Site Locks-In International Hotel Rates & Automatically Re-books & Refunds When Rates Drop, Tingo.Com, Backed By TripAdvisor With 20 International Travel Web Sites Attracting 69 Million Monthly Unique Visitors

A new hotel booking web site www.tingo.com, is the first to automatically re-book your International hotel stay if rates drop and refund the difference to your credit card. In a recent 30 day period 218 hotels in New York City reduced rates an average of almost $50. Other examples during that same period include 467 hotels in Paris had rate drops, 270 hotels in London, 191 hotels in Orlando, and 133 hotels in Las Vegas. What is most impressive is that Tingo.com is backed by TripAdvisor.com with 19 other international travel web sites with 69 million unique monthly visitors.

For more information please visit: www.tingo.com