Disneyland in California is a great place and is on many people’s travel bucket list. While many believe that Disneyland is an expensive affair, it can be made more affordable with the help of discounts. Buying Disneyland tickets on a discount can help you save money for other experiences. Here are some guidelines that you should follow to get the best deals:
How can you get discount Disneyland tickets?
There are various schemes and associations from where you can avail a discount on Disneyland tickets. However, they are subject to availability and eligibility. Here are some ways you can get discounts on Disneyland tickets:
Several regions in the country boast charming landscapes, watercourses, and landmarks. Train tours are among the best ways to enjoy these sights while traveling. There are many such tours that offer scenic routes along with great amenities. You can either take a tour in a single state or take a trip that goes across multiple states. Either way, train tours will give you a wonderful showcase of the country’s best views. Here are the best train tours in the country:
Great Smoky Mountains
Traveling through the mountains in a train is something that most people may have seen in a movie. While there are many other ways to enjoy the scenery of this exact area, train tours are most probably the best one. The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad passes through the enchanting Great Smoky Mountains range situated in North Carolina. This famous tour starts in Bryson City and then goes on to take the scenic route of the quaint mountain range to give the passengers an extraordinary view. You can also gaze upon the magnificent views of Nantahala Gorge and the Tuckasegee River. This tour offers a combined experience of wildlife and mesmerizing sights. This is why it is one of the most awe-inspiring tours in the country.
Coastal Route
Train tours on the coastal route span between the cities of Los Angeles and Seattle. While many people just opt for specific portions of the tour, the entire tour is a truly remarkable experience. A tour on the coastal route offers a memorable experience by taking you through national parks and along oceanfront cliffs. It also takes you through important cities like Santa Barbara and San Francisco. The total time taken to go from one end to another is approximately 36 hours. The amenities provided on the tour are lounges, cafes, dining cars, and sleeping cars.
Grand Canyon
When it comes to natural landmarks, there are hardly any other places that can beat the Grand Canyon in its grandeur. Tours through the Grand Canyon give you a closer look at the geological marvel. It involves following a two-hour route that starts from Williams, Arizona, and goes all the way to the South Rim of the Canyon. This route began operating in the year 1901 and still transports people from all over the world through the landmark. The complete tour takes a little over 8 hours for a complete round trip and includes a four-hour stopover.
Denali Star
Tours along this route travel a total of 350 miles in a matter of 12 hours. The complete trip covers bewitching sights between Anchorage and Fairbanks. The view from the train allows you to gaze upon Hurricane Gulch, Nenana River Gorge, and Mt. Denali.
Arkansas and Missouri Railroad
You get a chance to experience the charming beauty of the Midwest region through tours running on the Arkansas and Missouri Railroad. You can get an up-close experience of the majestic Ozark Mountains. These tours offer a great visual combination of rugged terrain and colorful forests. This day-long round-trip is a great way to experience natural beauty.
Southwest Chief
Tours on the Southwest Chief allow you to travel through eight states including Arizona and New Mexico. Across these eight states, you will get to see the rugged landscapes of the Southwest region of the country. The view gets even better as most trains on this route have large windows. These train tours have top-notch dining and sleeping accommodations. The crowning jewel of the trip is the desert and mountain views. This is the reason why these tours enjoy immense popularity. As a result of the long distance to be covered, these train tours take a little over 40 hours to travel one-way.
California Zephyr
Tours on the California Zephyr route start from Chicago, Illinois, and go all the way to California. However, many travelers join the tour at Denver, among other stops on the way. Train tours on this route give you a breathtaking view of Midwest sights like the Rocky Mountains and rivers, along with cities like San Francisco. Zephyr is also the name of the train. It is an extremely comfortable train that has sleeping accommodations, multiple dining options, and double-decker cars. These tours are the perfect option if you want to have a cross-country experience. One-way distance of the tour takes around 51 hours to complete and offers a great blend of comfort and adventure.
With crystal-clear waters softly sweeping across the white sand beaches, the U.S. Virgin Islands is worth exploring. Located in the Caribbean Sea, this territory comprises of three main islands, which are St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix. Apart from these, many smaller islets add to the astounding beauty of the Virgin Islands. One of the most popular spots for a holiday, the U.S. Virgin Islands see tourists pour in all through the year for a fabulous beach getaway.
Let’s take a look at some of the most popular Virgin Islands vacation package options for you and your loved ones.
St. Thomas
One of the most popular islands of the Virgin Islands, St. Thomas is the perfect getaway for a family holiday. With direct flights here, getting to this island is convenient. The lively atmosphere all around also makes this a great getaway for a group of friends. The capital of the U.S. Virgin Islands, the charming Charlotte Amalie is located in St. Thomas.
Popular spots of interest include Magens Bay Park, Coki Beach, Blackbeard’s Castle, Butterfly Garden, Port of St. Thomas, and Paradise Point where you can ride a gondola up a mountain to enjoy spectacular views and shopping. Mahogany Run Golf Course is the perfect pit stop for golf enthusiasts. These places form a part of almost every vacation package to St. Thomas, so make sure they are a part of your itinerary.
Vacation package rates od St. Thomas starts at from $800 per person and can go up to $2,000 for a more luxurious experience. This cost usually includes flight tickets, hotel stay, and taxes per person. Some vacation packages also cover meals.
Some of the most popular resorts on this island are Mafolie Hotel, Lindbergh Bay Hotel and Villas, Emerald Beach Resort, Marriott’s Frenchman’s Cove, and Flamboyan on the Bay Resort & Villas.
St. John
If you want to slip away from the busy city life, St. John is the right island for you. This serene island will truly let you feel the break from the hectic routine and let you unwind. In fact, the beautiful St. John has often been compared to the stunning Caribbean in terms of the wonderful experience that it offers.
A quick ferry ride from St. Thomas can get you to this Island. Popular things to do during your stay at this destination can include snorkeling, scuba diving, boat tours with dolphin spotting, and rainforest hiking, among others. If you are not keen on indulging in any of the mentioned activities, then you could simply unwind by relaxing at the beach the entire day. Caneel Bay Resort is noted to be one of the best accommodation options on this island. An interesting feature of this resort is that it has no televisions. This will help you be one with nature.
Vacation package rates to St. John starts around $700 and can go up to $1,500. This charge includes flight tickets, hotel stay, and in some cases, meals too. The cost mentioned is per person. Look for group deals that will allow you to save more money on these vacation packages.
Some of the best resorts here are The Westin St. John Resort Villas, Caribbean Villas of St John, Maho Bay, and Gallows Point Resort.
St. Croix
This is another isolated and idyllic island that is perfect for a solo holiday or a romantic getaway with your someone special. Popular for its hiking trails, St. Croix is the definition of magnificent natural beauty.
The island is a short plane ride away from St. Thomas. Places of interest in St. Croix include Fort Christiansvaern, Protestant Cay, and the Estate Whim Plantation Museum. Popular activities on the island include snorkeling, sunbathing, boat tours, old forts visits, and much more. Though it is quiet and peaceful here, there is not a dull moment on this island.
Vacation package options for St. Croix start from $800 and can go up to $1,500 per person. These include flight tickets, hotel stay, and taxes. Some packages also offer meals as part of the cost. Look for all-inclusive deals and vacation packages to make the most of your holiday.
Some of the best resorts at St. Croix are Sand Castle on the Beach, Chenay Bay Beach Resort, The Fred, and The Buccaneer Hotel, among others.
Remember that the U.S. Virgin Islands is an extremely popular tourist destination. It should be noted that you can expect tourists all through the year, especially around the holiday season. It is advised to book your stay and travel arrangements beforehand in order to avail the best deals as well as to ensure that you get a stay in a hotel of your choice.
Brainstorming with the family over which holiday to go for next can be quite a task, but you know what’s the ultimate challenge? Getting them onboard for a ski vacation! Witnessing your kids go berserk on a roller coaster on a sunny day is so much more different than motivating them to learn an intricate hobby in cold temperatures. However, there is nothing more fulfilling than watching your kids embrace the thrill of this winter sport. Moreover, it is an incredible way to hone their qualities such as confidence, awareness, perseverance, and balance.
Well, no one can promise you a family holiday in the mountains without its own set of hiccups, but we’re here to help you make it memorable despite the obstacles that you can come across. Here are some travel tips and tricks that can help you plan smartly for your next snow-blanketed adventure with your loved ones.
Preparing for a family ski vacation
Unlike a solo trip, where you can afford to be spontaneous, there are numerous arrangements to be made planning when a family vacation, especially when skiing is involved. To make this process as good as smooth sailing, here are some factors that you will need to emphasize on while planning a perfect family ski vacation.
Best family ski resorts
Here are some of the most popular options for family ski resorts that you can consider for your next holiday.
10 top family ski resorts in the USA
10 popular family ski resorts in the world
7 ways to save money on family ski vacations
Enjoying a skiing adventure with your family in the midst of snow-capped mountains is a priceless experience, which unfortunately comes at a significant price. Pinning down an average estimate for a family ski vacation can be tricky business as multiple factors come into play including location, accommodation and meals, lift tickets, ski lessons, rental equipment, airfare, and ground transport. Needless to say, it is easy to blow the budget on a family ski vacation. Worried? Don’t be! The next time you plan to hit the slopes with your family, try these hacks to save big on your ski vacation.
Popular, budget-friendly resorts
If you are craving to spend some time with your family skiing without burning a hole in your pocket, then consider these popular, budget-friendly choices.
10 affordable family-friendly resorts in the country
10 budget-friendly family ski resorts in the world
Family ski vacations can be full of fun, adventure, and adrenaline. They also give you the chance to relax by the fireplace and cozy up with a book and some hot chocolate. Plan your trip well in advance to avoid hearing that the ski resort your family decided on is booked out. You are now armed with the sources you need and deals to steal.
Poets, songwriters, and artists have waxed eloquence about love since ages. It’s easier to tell your partner that you need their love seven days a week.
But let’s face it – love and romance require some hard work. Whether you are in the initial days of your relationship or celebrating decades of being together, you will always need something extra to keep the sparks shining. Date nights can be one example of spending time together. But they might rarely be enough; unless you guys go through something that Tina Fey and Steve Carell went through in the 2010 film, Date Night. But a regular date night turning into a night full of adventure is best left to the movies. In reality, you need something to give you and your partner a break from your routine. So why not go on an amazing romantic getaway?
A dash of fun and a sprinkle of adventure once in a while can do a lot to keep the romance alive. You can also spend some quiet time with your favorite person in a private resort to fall in love all over again. Here are a few romantic weekend getaway ideas – whether you’re looking for getaways on Valentine’s or to celebrate your anniversary.
Whisk your love away for a quick romantic weekend
Looking for romantic weekend getaway ideas close to home? A quick romantic vacation can be a great way to take a break from the everyday hustle. You can plan a short and sweet surprise for your SO (significant other) by taking them away to one of the best getaways for couples across the country. Here are a few romantic places for a quick weekend getaway:
In the mood for an offbeat romantic break?
You can opt for luxury hotel suites and glamping if you want an easygoing romantic vacation. But if you do not want to go where everyone is heading, you can go for something unusual, especially if you have more than a weekend to spare. Perhaps you can try gourmet dinner on the rooftop of a skylodge overlooking a cliff? Or are you more inclined toward adventure sports with your bae?Like being in the world’s coldest town where there is absolutely no cell phone network? You can pick these off-track romantic getaways if you belong to the school of YOLO. (You Live Only Once, for the uninitiated.)
Fancy a luxury romantic getaway?
If luxury is what attracts you and your partner, nothing short of a deluxe romantic weekend getaway will do. What’s better than spending some delightful time with private pools, exotic spas, exclusive candlelit dinners? Nothing comes close to making your better half feel like royalty. Whether you have a big anniversary milestone coming up, or want to have a spectacular Valentine’s weekend, you can head out to one of these stunningly beautiful luxurious locales.
Bring the spark back in your romance at no extra cost
Running low on cash? But still want to take your partner away on a sweet little romantic rendezvous? Worry not. Whether you are looking for a tropical paradise or mountain retreats, we have got some great romantic weekend getaway deals just for you. These are all-inclusive places where you can have the best time with your better half, and you need not stress over burning a hole in your pocket!
Not every couple is the same, neither is every relationship similar. But what remains constant is the need to keep the romance alive. What’s better than choosing to go on a perfect romantic getaway? A charming resort or an idyllic cabin house in the woods, just pick a place, get away, and watch those sparks from the first date light up again!
Train travels are adventurous yet so nerve-wracking, especially when in an unknown foreign country. The perplexing schedule, inability to understand signage, bustling stations, and undetectable platforms, when it comes to train travel in a foreign land, there is so much that you must be mindful about. However, train travel also makes for an important part of a holiday and contributes to creating the most memorial experiences. It provides you with a comfortable journey while also making for some great sight-seeing.
If you follow a few tips and essentials before planning train travel, you may rest assured of a seamless journey even in a foreign country. Here are some tips to ensure you have the best train travel adventure abroad.
Plan in advance – Planning ahead is the key when taking on any journey. Ensure that the required tickets and confirmation emails are all printed and in place before taking off on the train journey. The time taken to reach the train station must be considered while planning how you would get there. Preparing in advance will ensure a hassle-free trip.
Be on time – It is common to run behind schedule when on a holiday; however, on days of train travel, it is essential to keep track of time. The train must always be boarded as early as possible with the luggage kept in sight. Also, keep note of the time when the destination will arrive. This will help in knowing when exactly you would have to get off.
Have the essential supplies – There is nothing better than having some key supplies that will aid in passing time when on long train journeys. When embarking on journeys that will run beyond two hours, a travel journal, tablet or an interesting book could help to keep you engaged. While most trains have travel carts that sell snacks and drinks, it is wise to pack some food if you have special dietary requirements.
Know about ticket validation – In some locations, such as Europe, the train tickets must be validated before the train is boarded. Typically, stations hold validating machines wherein one must just insert the ticket and the same is stamped with the date and time. Traveling with a ticket that is not validated can lead to getting fined by an onboard inspector or train conductor. Thus, it is essential to check if a ticket needs to be validated before travel to avoid any issue.
If it’s great wine, scenic beauty and absolute luxury you seek for your next vacation, you cannot go wrong with Napa Valley. With 400 wineries, high-end resorts, cozy bed and breakfasts, upscale modern hotels, hot air ballooning, wine tasting, farmer’s markets and even golf to boot, it truly is one of the best holiday destinations. Calistoga, Napa, St. Helena, Oakville & Rutherford, Yountville, and American Canyon are some of the towns in the valley and each has its own attractions. Calistoga is famous for its hot springs and mud baths; St. Helena is the picturesque one fine-tuned for the shopper in you; Oakville & Rutherford have some of the best Cabernet & Chardonnay wines in Napa Valley; Yountville is for the culinary fiend; Napa has some great night life and American Canyon is family friendly.
A great place to just relax and simply soak in the culture, Napa valley is best enjoyed from the fine Bed and Breakfasts that pepper the locale. Whether it’s old world charm you seek or modern architecture that does it for you, there is something for every taste.
Here’re three B&Bs that are worth every penny you’ve saved up for a vacation.
Embrace Calistoga, 1139 Lincoln Avenue, Calistoga, CA 94515 – Blending old world luxury with modern day amenities, this European-style luxury inn, reportedly has one of the finest breakfast spreads in the Napa Valley region. Run by innkeepers Brent Riederger and Chris Johansen, it only has 5 rooms with each designed in a unique yet muted style.
Hennessey House, 1727 Main Street, Napa, California 94559 – The Victorian architecture complete with saunas, spas, wine tours and tastings and of course a range of activities makes this one of the best places to vacation at. A short walk to the main attractions, like the Oxbow Market and Napa Valley Wine Train, simply sweeten the deal. With ten rooms making up the entire place owners Kevin and Lorri Walsh have earned the reputation of offering a relaxed vacation experience.
Maison Fleurie, 6529 Yount St., Yountville, CA 94599 – Literally the “flowering house” the architecture is reminiscent of the sunny South of France. 13 rooms complete this boutique B&B that is a part of the Four Sisters Inns Classic Collection, and each room is a blend of modern luxury amenities and European charm. Located in a secluded part of Yountville the B&B is a welcome break from the high energy hotels and accommodations in the area.
There is no dearth of travel sites on the Internet which will let you books hotels at your preferred holiday destination. These travel websites require you to make bookings in hotels according to your budget and other preferences. However, most of these popular travel sites require you to pay fees for making hotel reservations and even charge a cancellation fee if you decide to cancel your trip at the last moment.
Though these travel sites reduce the burden of making reservations by eliminating all the intermediate factors, you’ll have to make payments for booking and canceling. Moreover, not all the transactions on such websites are transparent; you might be charged additional fees or have to pay more for a hotel room that is available at a lesser cost on some other travel site. Since most sites require you to shell out money, a travel website that has credible cash rewards programs and amazing discounts is a welcoming change.
HotelGuides™ has an incredible cash rewards program, which will enable you to earn money on booking hotels! Read on to know more about the same.
Cash rewards program
HotelGuides™ has made over 5,000,000 bookings till date, and the users have received money in return for the bookings. According to the cash rewards program by HotelGuides™, when you make five hotel reservations, they’ll send you $25 in return. There is no limit to the number of times you can make the reservations. The travel site writes reward checks to the individual who makes the reservation. This means that you can book hotel rooms for yourself, your business, or any organization, and you can easily earn some extra cash this way. It is quite easy to get started with the cash rewards program. All you have to do is make a hotel reservation through HotelGuides.com and save your confirmation number, once you have five confirmation numbers, email these to rewards@hotelguides.com along with your name and contact number. You’ll soon receive a check for $25.
Another highlight of opting for this cash rewards program is that it is in the form of an extra benefit, which means that the money you receive here will not be deducted from the traveler’s hotel chain rewards point. Also, you can send the confirmation numbers after completing the trip as these rewards do not expire. To reap the benefits of this cash rewards program, you can start anytime you wish.
If you finally decided to embark on the weekend getaway you have been planning since forever, you’ll definitely want everything to be in order. To ensure that you don’t experience hassles when you reach your destination, it is advisable to make hotel reservations beforehand. Gone are the days when getting hotel reservations was a daunting task; you would have to reach your destination, find a nice hotel, select a room, and pay at the front desk. However, these days, as everything has been transferred to the online realm, making hotel reservations has become extremely easy.
All you have to do is look for an online travel agency, browse through the different hotels, and choose the one that you find practical and within your budget. One such online travel agency that has made more than 5,000,000 reservations till date is HotelGuides™.
If you are still unsure about making reservations via a travel agency, here are some reasons why you should book your next hotel through HotelGuides™.
No fees
One of the major inhibitions that people harbor is the authenticity of the travel website. Moreover, if you pay for making the reservation, and it doesn’t come through, you will have a tough time finding a hotel when you reach your destination. Also, several travel sites charge cancellation fees when you make last-moment cancellations. However, HotelGuides ™ doesn’t charge fees on cancellation.
Lowest rates
HotelGuides™ offers the lowest rates when it comes to booking hotel rooms. However, if within 24 hours of booking via this travel site, you find a lower, comparable rate for the same hotel on a different website, they will pay you the difference plus $10.
Guaranteed refund
HotelGuides™ ranks high when it comes to customer satisfaction. In case you aren’t satisfied with the hotel you have booked through the site, they will give a refund up to the cost of one night’s stay in the particular hotel room.
Pay-at-hotel feature
Unlike other travel sites where you have to pay upfront when the reservation is confirmed, you can use your credit card directly at the hotel you’ll be staying. In fact, 95 percent of the reservations do not require the site users to make any form of payment in advance.
Prompt customer service
Another reason to book hotels through HotelGuides ™ is that they offer excellent customer service. All the email questions and telephone calls are answered promptly, and therefore, you won’t be left helpless in your hour of need.
Bus tours are a great way to visit popular destinations as the tour operators arrange for your travel and accommodation. Choosing the right bus tour for a road trip across the country is an essential part to make it a fun and memorable trip for everyone. You don’t want to pick a bus tour operator just because it is billed as popular. There are several other factors that contribute to choosing the best operators for bus tours.
Mentioned below are four important factors that you should consider while choosing bus tours: