March 4, 2010

Travel Europe - Tours Of Brussels Belgium

europe_travel_tours.jpgBrussels is one European capital that's easy to miss on your grand travel tour of Europe. The whole little country of Belgium is easy to miss, but it's one that you really shouldn't. It has lots to offer. This grand old city is not only the capital of Belgium, it's the Capital of the European Union.

Something you'll have to get used to in all of Belgium, is that there are two languages… everywhere. Dutch and French, so you'll often see signs in both languages. It's Brussels in English… "Brussel" in Dutch and "Bruxelles" in French. You'll get along fine in either language or English. Our friends in Belgium slip from one language to another with ease that puts us to shame.

Right in the center of the city is where you want to be. "La Grand Place" or "Grote Markt" is the main square right in the heart of the old town. This huge cobble stone square is surrounded by the city tower and 300 year old buildings… most of which were guild halls.

There are really only a few old streets left around the square, but they're fun to wander. Shop for chocolates. Have Belgian Waffles with caramelized sugar on the square. (Luikse wafel or gaufre de Liege). Definitely have a beer. The Belgians are known for their beers… there are over a hundred breweries in this little country producing hundreds of different brands and many types of beer!

When you stop to eat, you'll have to have mussels (moules). You can have French fries (fritjes or frites) with them, or have fritjes as a snack. If you want to eat those fries as the Belgians do, have them with mayonnaise. The first time we visited friends in Belgium, they made it a point to serve us Brussels sprouts… but you don't have to eat those if you don't want to! If you order any of these as a snack, you can take them and sit on steps or benches around the square just as the locals do.

Just a short walk from the Grand Place-Grote Markt is the Manneken Pis. EVERYONE wants to see this fountain with its funny little statue. And it is little…. smaller that you think it will be… especially since it's reputation precedes it all over the world. You know what we're talking about… the funny bronze statue of a little boy… well, Manneken Pis says it all doesn't it? Maybe he had one too many beers?

There is a museum full of little outfits that have been created for the little boy… if you're lucky (or unlucky depending on your viewpoint), you might even see him dressed in one, but they are usually kept in the museum. Signs will direct you to the corner where he stands.

For a little culture, visit the Royal Museums of Fine Arts off one end of the main square. There are two museums linked together here, the Ancient Art Museum and the Museum of Modern Art. If you like early Flemish masters, the Ancient Art Museum is for you.

You probably don't need to spend more than two or three days in Brussels to see it well before you move on to other areas of Belgium or Europe, but really, it's a great city that you shouldn't miss. The Globe Cheap Travel Guide reveals how anybody can take advantage of discount Europe Travel Tours, through secrets previously only known within the travel industry.

Get your FREE copy of the Globe Cheap Travel Report by visiting www.GlobeCheap.com or just CLICK HERE…

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February 25, 2010

Travel Europe Tours To Grand Paris (Oh La La!!!)

paris.jpgGrand Paris! Think of a romantic trip to Europe, and the City of Lights springs immediately to mind! And why not? It's a beautiful city. Easy to navigate. And the sights! Well, there is no shortage of sights. And because of the combination of tourist attractions, food, and romance, it is one of the most popular destinations in the world, so you should definitely consider Travel Europe Tours to Le Paris…

So what do you want to do in this grand city? The museums? The Monuments? The markets? The bookstalls along the Seine? Is it the food that attracts you at world class restaurants, or do you just want to sit in a sidewalk cafe and watch the world go by?

There are so many "must sees" that you really will have to choose what is most important to you. Monuments? How about the Eiffel Tower. The Place de la Concorde with it's Egyptian obelisk. Think of the line up of the Arc du Triomphe du Carrousel through the Tuileries to the Arc de Triomphe, and the grand Grande Arche in La Defense district. Or how about Invalides where Napoleon is buried.

Landmark churches? Start with Notre Dame de Paris. The Basilique du Sacre-Coeur… dramatic and white on the hill in Montmartre. The churches of La Madeleine, Sainte-Chapelle, and the Pantheon. Or just landmark buildings like the Palais Garnier.

There are so many world class museums that it would take your entire vacation to see them. The Louvre, the Musee d'Orsay, the Musee Rodin and the Musee Picasso to name some of the most obvious. Museums can make your head spin after a few hours. To avoid being overwhelmed by them, get a museum card. They are available for 1, 3 and 5 days.

The card will allow you can go in and out of the museums over the period of your stay and not get "museum head". The museums are fantastic, but you want to get a feel for all of Paris don't you?

Take time to stroll in a garden or two. The Tuileries stretches in front of the Louvre. The Luxembourg Garden is a great place to watch children of all ages sail small boats on the ponds. Sit in one of the cafes and have a glass of wine.

Wander in some of the neighborhoods. See Montparnasse with it's artists and cafes. See the delectable food displays in stores around La Madeleine. Explore the Latin Quarter… see the Sorbonne and visit a bistro or two. Or just wander along the Seine and see what the booksellers have in those green metal boxes.

The food is… well so French and wonderful. You can certainly eat expensive meals at restaurants with who knows how many Michelin stars, but the food will be good almost everywhere. Pop into any bistro or neighborhood restaurant and order a "prix fixe" menu and you are sure to have a great meal. You have to try the favorite street food of Parisians…. crepes… try one with Nutella, or sugar and butter.

Food, wine, lots of action….. If we haven't got you packing your bags for Paris, we hope we at least have you dreaming of the City of Lights.

Isn't it hard navigating Paris on your own? You've heard that they won't speak anything but French, that the waiters are rude, and the shopkeepers are impolite. It's really not true. Paris is a big city, and its citizens sometimes have that "big city attitude"…. people are hurried and may seem a bit brusque, but if you remember some of the simple rules of travel, you'll do fine.

First thing you need to remember is to bring your sense of adventure and appreciate the differences. The French are more reserved than most Americans. They may not be as quick to smile at strangers, but with a little effort on your part you'll find friendly, helpful Parisians.

Second, whenever you open your mouth, attempt to say a few words in French. Saying hello, please and thank you in French will go a long way. They will appreciate it. Try to say it with a French accent… you probably won't succeed, but this will win you friends too. And they'll probably ask if you would prefer to speak English.

OK, now that we've gotten you past your fear of people problems when navigating Paris, let's talk about physically getting around.

First thing, be sure to bring good walking shoes. You will be doing lots of walking… with the sights and the atmosphere of Paris, you'll be looking around thinking, "This is Paris… I'm here!"

But you don't want to walk aimlessly, so let's look at the geography of Paris. Many Paris locations are described as being either left-bank or right bank.  What does that mean? To get real basic… the River Seine cuts Paris pretty much in half. So the Left Bank is more or less to the south of the River Seine. (Look at a map of Paris… it's mostly the bottom half.) The Right Bank is to the north of the river. (So, the top half of the map.. right?)

Old Paris hands will tell you, "Oh, I stayed in the 6th Arrondissement." Or the 16th (a wealthy neighborhood on the Right Bank near the Bois de Boulogne) or the 1st (the center of Paris where the Louvre and Palais Royal are) or whatever.

The arrondissements are the districts that the city is divided into. There are 20 of them. You really don't need to know them for navigating Paris. You'll see them on addresses, and they are marked on maps, but you don't need to know them to get around…. though you might want to find out which arrondissement you decide to stay in, so you can say to your friends, "Oh WE stayed in the 7th!" (You would then have stayed near the Eiffel Tower and the Musee d'Orsay.)

You'll want to walk and walk, but to see more of the sights, you can't walk everywhere. Take the Metro to the next neighborhood and start walking again. You'll soon know where your landmarks are, and they will help you get your bearings. You can also use the Paris bus system and taxis to get around or take a leisurely bateau on the Seine to see the sights. However you get around, you'll soon find that navigating Paris isn't hard.

The Globe Cheap Travel Guide reveals how anybody can take advantage of discount Europe Travel Tours, through secrets previously only known within the travel industry.

Get your FREE copy of the Globe Cheap Travel Report by visiting www.GlobeCheap.com or just CLICK HERE…

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February 18, 2010

Discover Discount Travel Deals For Fun Family Vacations

discount_travel_deals.jpgFamily vacations, multigenerational vacations, call it what you will. It seems to be one of the trends in travel that is growing, leading to some really excellent discount travel deals.

We have good friends who rent a house in Lake Tahoe, California every summer, and four generations spend a week there. This is a great way for families who live spread apart to see each other while on vacation. I might seem to ramble on a bit about my family and friends now, but I just want to highlight the point of how much fun you can have on holiday as a family, and then I will show you where to get those fantastic discount travel deals.

I have other friends who take their vacation every summer to go and visit family… I keep thinking they could plan a multigenerational vacation and have the best of both worlds, just like that first family I mentioned.

Let me clear one thing up right at the beginning…. We've read some articles that say you shouldn't count grandparents out… that today's grandparents are active and engaged. That's an understatement. All the grandparents I know are so active their kids would have trouble keeping up with them!

I suppose each group is different, but I think a better sentiment might be that you shouldn't count GREAT grandparents out…. they also are apt to be active and engaged. I guess the point is, plan for the activity level of your family, and you'll know how active your parents and grandparents are.

My sister-in-law's family used to take multigenerational vacations camping! And let me tell you those grandparents and great grand parents really didn't slow anyone down.

Everyone should have a hand in planning, especially the youngest generation. You need to have them vested in the vacation so they won't keep whining, "I'm bored!"

Of course, you need to be prepared for them to ACT bored sometimes. When we took my nieces on a vacation to Ireland, they pretended to be asleep in the back seat when we went looking for dolmens on the Burren. But you know what?

They were pretty proud when they were in school and their teacher ask if anyone knew what a dolmen was… and they were the only ones who knew…. AND they could say they had seen one. (See… they really weren't asleep after all. And when we read the reports that they did for school, we were surprised at how much they had learned.)

OK… now that I've harped on how active grandparents can be, I'll admit, having different generations along on a trip can pose some challenges. You have to allow some down time for the slower members of your party, no matter what their age. You also have to have some wild, active time for young kids so they can "get the wiggles out".

On the other side of that… I do have to say that having multiple generations along makes you look at things in a whole different way. It can make travel more interesting, explaining history to the younger generation, or listening to stories from the older generation.

So next time you think you should spend some time with Mom and Dad instead of taking a vacation, consider a multigenerational vacation. You might find yourself having the time of all of your lives.

The Globe Cheap Travel Guide reveals how anybody can take advantage of Discount Travel Deals, through secrets previously only known within the travel industry.

Get your FREE copy of the Globe Cheap Travel Report by visiting www.GlobeCheap.com or just CLICK HERE…

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February 10, 2010

Best UK Discount Travel Deals

stonehengefacts.jpgIf you're coming over to UK for a quick short holiday within the forthcoming days, you should take advantage of some on the current Discount Travel Deals and see several of the most historic as well as fascinating parts of the UK. Broaden your horizon of the United kingdom, and get away from London; after a night out at the Royal Albert Hall, where you will have the ability to come across one of the most well-liked tourist attractions by taking benefit of the subsequent impressive discounted travel bargains.!.!!!

London's Royal Albert Hall
See Cinderella upon Ice at the Royal Albert Hall with this family package staying inside 1 of Athenaeum’s luxurious apartment rentals. The five-star hotel has partnered with the venue to provide top-priced seats as well as a one-night accommodation in a household townhouse condo from £400 plus VAT. Athenaeum provides a children's paradise with bicycles, kites and seeds for feeding the birds in Green Park opposite the lodge. Deals including two top-priced tickets plus a superior room start at £250 plus VAT. Visit www.athenaeumhotel.com or telephone 020 7499 3464.

Devon
Save £94 on a last-minute break for four this February by staying inside a traditional cottage inside the heart of Croyde village. The two-bedroom property has original features which include beamed ceilings, a stable kitchen door, stone inglenook fireplace and a cast iron wood-burning stove, and works out at £290 for a three-night stay from February 20 to 27. Nearby Croyde Bay has well over half a mile of fine sandy beaches. Find out more on www.marsdens.co.uk or call up Marsdens on 01271 813 777.

Yorkshire Dales
Eco-friendly luxury inside middle of rolling countryside is accessible for groups of up to 7 over the half-term from £26 for every individual, per night, for five nights. By staying for seven nights, before February 28, pay just £23 per guest, and enjoy the fruits of the National Park, right by the historic town of Richmond. Guests receive a welcome hamper filled with natural goodies and can make use of a concierge service. You will see the finer deals on their web site here - www.naturalretreats.com or call them on 0161 242 2970.

Loch Lomond
Have a pleasurable stay in a four-night all-inclusive escape in Loch Lomond from £139 per person, lodging at the Tarbet Inn, situated within 1 of Scotland’s largest national parks. The price is calculated on a half-board basis and includes detailed sightseeing trips to Glasgow and Inveraray, 1 Gala dinner, nightly entertainment with a return coach trip. Departures are in February and March. Visit www.shearings.com or call Shearings Holidays on 0844 209 7143 for further details.

Cheshire
Those wining and dining at the Nunsmere Hall Inn, Northwich, can actually stay for free if they spend over £70 for each person inside the resort restaurant, including breakfast, during the time spent there. A limited amount of bedrooms are available from Sunday to Friday, January 25 to April 30, excluding Valentine and Easter breaks. Call 01606 889100 and quote "Wine, dine and stay for free".

Cornwall
Stay in Padstow and marvel the stunning views above the estuary from a three-storey design cottage that's available to get a 40 % discount until March 26. Granted four stars by VisitBritain, typically the cottage sleeps up to 8 and costs a very low £279 (was £464) for seven nights self-catering, including linen and towels. Pets are welcome too. Have a look on www.cornishhorizons.co.uk or call Cornish Horizons on 01841 533 331

Alternatively Travel to Penzance on a 'Cornwall Classic' escorted rail tour from £725 for each traveler, including all rail tickets and five nights half board. Ffestiniog Travel can tailor-make rail itineraries throughout Britain, which include accommodation and activities, from virtually any departure location. See www.festtravel.co.uk or call 01766 772030 for the finer details. You could additionally visit the St Mellion International Resort, which is offering luxury one-night Romance breaks at its 4-star resort for just £89 per guest. Available on either February 13 or 14, but visit www.stmellionleisurebreaks.co.uk/winter or call 01579 352001 for other discount travel deals - There actually is so much to see in Cornwall!

Near Alton Towers
Take the kids for a wonderful day of hair-raising thrills at this unique theme park and lodge at the nearby Dog and Partridge Country Inn, for merely £85 for four guests. The lodgings consists of a large en-suite room that sleeps four and comes with breakfast. Take a look at their web site at -
www.laterooms.com/en/p5661/hotel-reservations/88760_the-dog-and-partridge-country-inn-ashbourne-nr-alton-towers.aspx

Northumberland

Stay in this elegant three-story house that sleeps ten individuals on the heritage coastline and enjoy the all-year round hot tub, enclosed private garden and decking area, all situated in an exclusive development in Nedderton Village, near Morpeth. 4 nights self-catering accommodation starting February 15 expenses £782 (from £19.55 per guest, per night). More details on www.cottages4you.co.uk or contact cottages4you on 0845 268 1560.

The Globe Cheap Travel Guide reveals how anybody can take advantage of Discount Travel Deals, through secrets previously only known within the travel industry.

Get your FREE copy of the Globe Cheap Travel Report by visiting www.GlobeCheap.com or just CLICK HERE…

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February 4, 2010

Finding Discount Travel Deals To Canada And Discover The Niagara Falls

discount-travel-deals_2.jpgNiagara Falls is a must visit during this lifetime and is one of the world's most unexplored marvels. It's shared by Canada and the United States, but I think when most people dream of going to see the falls, they want to see the Horseshoe Falls… and that's on the Canadian side… the side with what we think is, arguably, the best view.

Half a century ago, it was THE honeymoon destination. Back then it was a romantic spot with cozy cottages with views of the Falls. No longer. It has a bit of a Carnival atmosphere today. High rises have replaced cozy cottages, the town has grown into a major tourist attraction, not just a honeymoon destination…. but none of the changes take away from the Falls themselves.

There are actually three sections to the falls…. Horseshoe Falls, the American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls. Collectively or as individual sections, the Niagara Falls are awesome. Stand there at any time of the year and look at Horseshoe Falls, and you can't help but be impressed with the power of nature. From some places on the Canadian side you can see Horseshoe Falls and the American Falls at the same time.

A long time tourist favorite is the Maid of the Mist boat. They'll give you a blue slicker to wear and take you right up to the base of Niagara Falls. That blue slicker should give you a clue… you will get wet.

If you want something more exciting than the Maid of the Mist, how about a fast-paced Whirlpool Jet Boat Tour.

Another traditional option is to take the Journey Behind the Falls. They take you 150 feet down through solid rock by elevator, then you walk through a short tunnel, and you come out on outdoor observation decks…. directly BEHIND the falls. Yes, you'll get wet here too.

Depending on where you go for your facts, you'll read that the top edge of the falls has eroded through the years, and then it depends on who is measuring when and where, but here are some rough figures… Horseshoe Falls is about 170 feet high (52 meters) and 2,500 feet wide (720 meters).

The American Falls section is about 180 feet high (55 meters) and 1,100 feet wide (300 meters). As impressive as they are, this only puts them tenth on the list of world's largest waterfalls, not at the top. Makes you want to find the other nine, eh?

Don't worry about hotels. You'll have quite a selection to choose from both in style and price range. Same goes for restaurants. Many hotels and restaurants have spectacular views of the falls.

Go up in the Skylon Tower. That gets you 775 feet above the falls for a whole different perspective. The Skywheel is one of the newest ways to see the Falls. To get even higher, try Niagara Helicopters for true aerial views.

If you can tear yourself away from the falls, you can play golf or go wine tasting in the area. All kinds of tourist attractions have sprung up near the Falls. There are water parks, horseback riding, and even a Ripley's Believe It or Not. You can see the Bird Kingdom or check out the Butterfly Conservatory.

There are so many tourist attractions, you'll wonder who is looking at the falls. But don't worry, the falls themselves are still the star attraction here, so whether you choose one of the many activities or not…. reserve plenty of time just to soak in the Falls… just remember you'll do that literally if you get too close.

Check out the Globe Cheap Travel Guide that reveals how anybody can take advantage of Discount Travel Deals, previously secrets only known within the travel industry.

Get your copy of the Globe Cheap Travel FREE Report by visiting www.GlobeCheap.com or just CLICK HERE…

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January 28, 2010

Discount Travel Deals Make Adventure Travel Sound Even Better

discount-travel-deals_1.jpgLots of magazines and TV shows talk about adventure travel these days. What do they mean by that? I mean, almost any time you travel it can be an adventure. But to say it that way…. adventure travel…. that sounds pretty exciting, doesn't it?

People travel for all different reasons. Some people like to go every year to the same place… maybe a beach where they can just sit and relax with no worries. Get away from work. Sort of recharge their souls.

Other people are happier and recharge better when they are active and doing something exciting and new.

And there are real adventurers who like to climb mountains or explore wilderness areas where few others have gone.

I've read that adventurers need that adrenaline rush that comes with risk. Is that what it is? 

Sometimes people say we are real adventure travelers, but I don't necessarily think so. We love to go to new places. Just arriving in a new city without reservations can leave you a little anxious, but that kind of risk doesn't give you an adrenaline rush. A very close encounter with a Mountain Gorilla… now THAT will give you an adrenaline rush!

Adventure can be different things to different people. In the travel business, they usually mean some sort of travel that involves exploration or travel to remote or exotic areas… someplace "new" where not all that many tourists go yet. These adventures will probably get you a little outside of your normal comfort zone.

Travel agents will say that this kind of travel includes some physical activity such as trekking or rafting or cycling. You may be out in a natural setting… even camping some of the time. You may be interacting with other cultures… traveling over remote roads or through jungles. You might even stay with some of the local people.

You don't necessarily need to be camping out or backpacking to have an adventure. You might be staying in very comfortable accommodations, but spend the day trekking looking for jaguars. You might go on a walking safari instead of riding along in a land rover.

So you see, adventure travel probably has you doing more than just sitting on a beach. If you're going to sign up for an adventure tour, you will need to get the tour operator's definition of adventure… Ask questions like how far will you be trekking every day. Will you be camping out? Will you have to carry your own gear? How experienced are the guides in handling problems?

And… What is the "difficulty level"? A hike we took in the Tsingy in Madagascar came as close to rock climbing as I ever want to get… it was hard, but worth the effort. You have to make that decision for yourself on every adventure. So make sure the tour operator's definition fits with your own…. and that you're not getting more adventure than you're counting on.

Don't get all caught up in definitions. If the destination you're looking at seems like an adventure to you…. then it is adventure travel. Go for it.

Now here comes the really juicy bit you've been waiting for…

The Discount Travel Deals !!! -  Yes you can save up to 80% on adventure travel, and to find out how just download the following FREE Travel Report that reveals exactly how to find amazing online discount travel deals with ease.

Either visit www.GlobeCheap.com or just CLICK HERE…

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January 21, 2010

Seeking Discount Travel Deals To Explore Oslo

discount-travel-deals.jpgAffordable Oslo… sounds like an oxymoron doesn't it? Scandinavian countries are expensive. Norway may just top the list, so finding Discount Travel Deals is a must.

So what can you do so you can afford to visit this picturesque and lively capital? For one thing, get outside. The Norwegians love outdoor activities… so join them and wander in Oslo's parks for free.

Use public transportation not taxis. Start by getting the shuttle train in from the airport. You can buy a 24 hour pass for the public transportation system. You should also look into the Oslo Pass.

The Oslo Pass will give you free admission to more than 30 museums and attractions in Oslo as well as free public transportation and ferry rides for the duration of the pass. There are discounts on dining and shopping. It even includes a lunch cruise tour…. how's that for a free lunch! This is an all day tour by bus and boat that shows you the main sights around Oslo and includes a seafood buffet. 

The Oslo Pass is offered in 24, 48 and 72 hour lengths. If you want to see as much as you can in two or three days, this is your ticket to affordable Oslo. You can buy the Oslo Pass online or when you get there. The card is valid from the time you stamp it at your first attraction or ride.

Oslo is a compact city, so it's easy to get around to most sights by walking… and walking is certainly affordable. Wander Karl Johans Gate (Street). Admire the Norwegian Parliament, the University, and the Akerhus Castle. This is a good street to window shop on, but since we're looking for affordable Oslo, this is no place to be buying.

The National Gallery is free. You'll want to go there to see Edvard Munch's "The Scream" and other major works… talk about iconic Norwegian art. The museum is closed on Monday.

Visit the fish market. Laksen Fisk and Vilt. It's a great place to get a cheap lunch. Pick up some smoked salmon, cooked fish or prawns. You can pick up some bread or lefse (Norwegian flat bread… kind of like a tortilla) from a bakery or supermarket. Affordable Oslo on a platter!

If you're looking for a cheap meal in a restaurant, your best bet will be to go ethnic. Indian, Thai and Vietnamese restaurants are cheaper than those offering European fare. If you do want Norwegian fare, look for a restaurant called Dovrehallen. It serves up traditional and cheap Norwegian food… things like stews and boiled or fried fish. It's a bit out of the way, a brisk walk from the Domkirch, but then you'd expect to have to look for a cheap restaurant in Oslo.

The Frogner Park and Vigeland Sculpture Park within it are free. Vigeland Park contains more than 200 sculptures by Gustav Vigeland, and the park is pretty to walk in. You'll be sharing it with lots of Norwegian families.

For small change by Norwegian standards, you can rent a sled and try the Korketrekkeren - The Cork Screw. The sled rental is about US$10 (60 Kroners) and you can sled down the bobsled run from the 1952 Winter Olympics.

Amble through the Royal Palace Park. Watch the Changing of the King's Guard. It takes place everyday at 1:30 PM. The entire Changing of the Guard takes about 40 minutes.

Walk the waterfront and picnic. In short, do what the Norwegians do to make Oslo affordable! Visit Oslo, but find out whether you are entitled to any of the Discount Travel Deals explained in the Globe Cheap Travel Guide  by visiting www.GlobeCheap.com or just CLICK HERE

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January 14, 2010

Discount Travel Deals Including Cheap Hotels

travel-guidebook.gifLet's say your budget really only allows for you to stay in cheap hotels. Does that mean you should stay home until you can afford more luxurious digs? NO…. At least we don't think so.

We prefer to look at these options as inexpensive… not cheap. Makes it sound a whole lot better doesn't it? If you want to be a frugal traveler, no matter what your budget, these little places can be a great option, and Discount Travel Deals are not far away…

If you plan to be out and about seeing that new country you're visiting, you're not going to be spending all that much time in your room. You just need a nice clean bed to sleep in. Well, you need a little more than that.

So how to you find budget accommodations? You can search the Internet, but while inexpensive hotels may be on the Internet, it could be hard to find their listing. They are more apt to be independent and show up far, far down on a search page. We've found that it's easy to find these little gems when we travel by stopping and checking them out when we need a room.

So what can you expect from cheap hotels? You will probably be staying in an older place. New buildings with a spiffy lobby, an elevator, and a reception desk staffed for 24 hours do not fall into the cheap category.

Look for small family run hotels. They may look a little shabby from the outside, but they could be very nice inside. Don't judge them until you've walked through the door. Look at the room to see if you can live with it for 24 hours or 48 or however long you're going to be there… but remember… you're only sleeping and showering there.

You'll most likely have to climb stairs to your room and carry your own bags, though some places do have very small… and "atmospheric" elevators…. You know, those little old rickety cages… the ones that might even make you want to take the stairs.

Keep in mind that some very cute little places are forced to stick with only one or two stars because they don't have elevators and a reception desk… those are definitely NOT cheap hotels… they are travel BARGAINS.

Bargain hotels may have just a simple bed and the chairs could be mismatched. The light bulbs may be a little dim, the carpets and wallpaper may be dated, and perhaps even faded. You'll probably find a small TV, but you may not have a phone. The closet is apt to be a small, free-standing one, or maybe an old armoire.

Most will have ensuite facilities with showers and toilets in the room. In the U.S., almost all cheap hotels come this way. In Europe and other continents, these facilities may have been fitted into a corner of the room. You do need to check though… because there are still some cheap hotels that have the toilet and shower down the hall. 

This is the minimum you should have to settle for. Sure there are worse almost everywhere in the world…. We've even stayed in some of them in our younger days, but keep in mind, bargains come in all kinds of packages, and you should be able to find a nice cheap hotel that you can live with… at least for a day or two.

Discover how you can get Cheap Travel Deals and Cheap Hotel Accommodation by visiting www.GlobeCheap.com or just CLICK HERE

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January 7, 2010

Best Discount Travel Deals In One Guide

True Discount Travel Deals are difficult to come by if you don’t know where to look or what you are doing. So you can’t simply type "discount travel" into a search engine and find out everything you need to know. Why? Because Discount Travel is a sort of secret - and the Airline Companies want to keep it that way…

If travelers found out that they were paying 80% more than they have to for flights and vacation packages, the Airlines would end up losing billions and many would without a doubt go bankrupt in the process.

But as secret as this information might be, you are about to discover all the different ways discount travelers all over the world save huge chunks of money every time they travel, and you’ll easily be able to do the same…

Check out this video for an inside look at Discount Travel Deals

The Globe Cheap Discount Travel Guide is well over 100 pages of everything you need to know about making huge savings on your next vacation! It covers everything from working with travel agents, becoming a Currier, using flight consolidators, flying 100% free of charge to flying with low cost airliners, getting paid to take vacations and even becoming a travel agent yourself to get special deals on flights!

Discover the discount travel deals secrets by reading the Globe Cheap Travel report by clicking here -  www.GlobeCheap.com

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December 24, 2009

How To Enjoy Cheap Discount Travel

travel-guidebook.gifTo enjoy your cheap discount travel you need to work a little at it. Your attitude and how much you try to connect with that new culture and join in will make all the difference in how memorable your trip is.

You do want to be positive and expect to have a good time… we really believe you get what you're looking for, so you might as well expect to have good things happen and have fun.

On the other hand, don't expect to just float through this trip you've imagined without having to put a little effort into connecting with the local places and people.

Travel isn't always easy. I had a friend who was recovering from a divorce and looking for a new relationship. She said before she ever got serious again, she would have to travel with her new partner because cheap discount travel brings out the worst and the best in you. I thought there was something to that.

Learn to go with the local time tables… not every culture operates at the same pace. Some cultures even have words to slow you down… in Swahili "pole, pole" means slowly, slowly. In a culture where things just don't happen quickly, there is no reason to work yourself up over it. The only way to enjoy your cheap discount travel is to slow down to their pace and observe how it works for them.

Respect the local culture and don't gawk or make fun of it. The right attitude can lead to wonderful experiences. In Kenya one trip, our guide told us we were driving right past his village. We asked if he would like to stop to see his wife and children. We went with him.

They lived in a house that was humble by western standards but fine by theirs. His wife served us tea, telling us not to worry, that it was made with boiled water. Then she apologized that her house was a mess because she wasn't expecting company… THEN she said the next time we came to Africa, we should plan to stay with them. Can't you just hear yourself or your friends making all of the same protestations and the same invitations?

Join in when you can. In the Italian town of Gubbio, they were preparing for their annual "Ceri Race Festival". The teams were meeting in their neighborhoods. We suggested to our friends that we should buy a jug of wine and ask if we could join the street party. Our friends didn't want to intrude, so we went to a local restaurant.

But wait, one of the teams, the Yellow Team, came in and went into a back room…. when the conga line snaked out and onto the street, we joined in. We sang for them… "Yellow Rose of Texas" and "Yellow Submarine" anyone? At first our friends wanted to crawl away, but soon we were sharing wine with everyone. We partied the night away with the Yellow Team in fractured English and Italian…. and our friends haven't stopped talking about it since. You can't sign up for that on a tour… you just have to lose your inhibitions and join in.

Become an extrovert… join in. Keep yourself humble… acknowledge that your way is not the only way. Get lost, but don't get frustrated, take it as an opportunity to meet locals and ask questions. Adjust your attitude and enjoy your cheap discount travel.

Get to grips with international travel by taking advantage of the numerous Cheap Discount Travel offers currently available.

Find out just how by reading the Globe Cheap Discount Travel report by clicking here -  www.GlobeCheap.com

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