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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December 17, 2009

Finding Cheap Discount Travel To Neuschwanstein - The Model Disney Land Castle

cheap-discount-travel.jpgNeuschwanstein looks like a fairy-tale castle. The German state of Bavaria is chockablock with picturesque villages and castles, but this one is really outdoes them all. That's because it actually was built to be a fairy-tale castle.

It may look medieval, but it was built by King Ludwig II in 1869. It's more fun to call him by the moniker he earned with his frenetic building spree… Mad King Ludwig. (He built two other castles in short order!)

Think about this… for Neuschwanstein, he had the help of a stage designer! Talk about theatrics. He did a great job of creating a wildly romantic castle too…. We've read repeatedly that Neuschwanstein was the inspiration for the Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disneyland!

Don't just race up the hill to Neuschwanstein, entrance tickets to the Castle must be purchased at the ticket center in Hohenschwangau. This ticket center serves both castles that are here… Yes, there are two castles right next to each other.

You can't wander the castle on your own; you must join a tour. Tours are given regularly in English as well as German. Be warned… that hill to the entrance isn't the only climbing you'll do… there are stairs inside… LOTS of them. 165 stairs up and 181 down according to the guidebook we read. (Before you ask…. the exit is lower than the entrance.) They do have tours for the disabled. Check their web site for details.

If you really want to be a smart traveler… get a reservation. It'll only cost you a couple of Euros more to do this. Whether you get them at the ticket booth or online, tickets come with admission times…. don't miss your time slot!!! Tour both castles while you're there…. if you do this, you'll tour Hohenschwangau first… and you'll have two tour times on your ticket two hours apart.

The lavish interior is full of fantastic furniture, imaginative wall paper and amazing "modern" (for the time) amenities…. flush toilets, running hot and cold water, and heating.

Get there early… especially in the summer because tours are mandatory, and there are a limited number of spaces on each. If you have to wait for your tour, hike around to see the two beautiful lakes nearby. The Schwansee is a nature reserve offering views of the castles. Just remember not to miss your tour time!

If you don't want to walk up the hill, you can pay to take a horse-drawn carriage up the hill. (It's more expensive to ride up than it is to ride down.)

You can't take pictures inside the castle, but you can get great views outside. Once you're done with your tour, walk up (yes, more up) to Mary's Bridge (Marienbruecke) for a great photo op view of the castle.

You can make this a day trip from Munich or you can stay in Fussen or Schwangau, the little towns near the castle. You can also choose to stay right in Hohenschwangau. There are a few hotels to choose from near the castles.

The castle complex of Hohenschwangau is 4 miles (7 km) east of the little Bavarian town of Fussen. The closest airport is Munich; the castle is 72 miles (116 km) from Munich.

You may think it sounds touristy…. It is…. It was opened to tourism only seven weeks after the mysterious death of Mad King Ludwig. No trip to this part of Germany would be complete without a visit to Neuschwanstein!

So, now you are about to Discover cheap discount travel techniques that guarantee big savings on budget travel tours, international flights, holiday accommodation, entertainment, and recommended cheap travel deals. Head straight over to the Globe Cheap web site, where you will discover the very latest in cheap discount travel techniques in this Free Cheap Discount Travel Report

Discover Tried And Tested Cheap Discount Travel Strategies That Work Every Time By Clicking Here -  www.GlobeCheap.com

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December 10, 2009

Discover Cheap Discount Travel To Amsterdam And Explore The Red Light District

cheapDiscountTravel.jpgIt appears the power of being bigger will eventually win the tourist destination battle within the tourism industry. Yes, it appears the larger international cities are offering better discount travel deals to capture the ever bargain hunting international tourist.

With the power of the Internet the best deal is just a couple of clicks away, so the big cities can use their weight to get your attention online.

So if I have now finally got your attention, I would like to introduce you to the latest in getting the very best cheap travel discounts online. It really is so easy and very user friendly to find 80% or more discount travel deals to any city with an international airport.

Personally, I was thinking of Amsterdam. If the coffee shops stretched your tourist imagination, the Amsterdam Red Light District won't.

"It WON'T??" I can almost hear all you men out there. "Wait a minute… that gets my imagination going…!" 

Well, it may boggle your mind to have all "that" out in the open and legal, but your imagination? No… The Amsterdam Redlight District leaves very little to the imagination. It's all right out there in front of you. It's a frenetic, hardcore sideshow of humanity, and it's unlike any other place that has been on your tourist map… we're pretty sure of that!

You may have heard about this district before we told you… but is it a place for tourists?

Yep… the place is crawling with tourists.

It's very likely that everything you've heard about the Redlight district — the "Rossebuurt" — is true. You might as well check it out for yourself with all the other tourists.

Yes, it's a district full of sex shops and brothels. Ladies of the night, of all nationalities, parade their wares in red lined "parlor windows". But here's the thing… you really won't feel all that out of place.

You'll be part of the tourist parade… couples pointing in feigned embarrassment, groups of women giggling at it all, and groups of young and not so young men gawking… with the ladies trying to convince them to "step right in."

All these red lighted storefronts sprang up in the old sailor's quarters… and as an odd quirk of history and geography the Oude Kerk - the Old Church ended up surrounded by this district. Church bells chime quaintly in the heart of this neighborhood selling sex. The Old Church is, fitting with its name, the oldest church in Amsterdam. It's a calm center in the middle of this storm with cute little houses clinging to its sides.

If your curiosity gets the better of you, just to see how tolerant the Dutch are and how well this all works…. go for that stroll in this district at night. That's when all the lights are on and it really comes to life. During the daytime, there is less going on and parts of it may even look a bit shabby.

Spreading out from the Oude Kerk, the Rosseburrt is one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city. During the day you can wander the long winding narrow cobbled streets and enjoy the charming 14th century architecture along the canals. Parts of the area are undergoing restoration to reduce the shabbiness, and you'll find upscale restaurants and music inviting you to linger without embarrassment.

Amsterdammers have a liberal and tolerant attitude towards all of this. Soft drugs and prostitution are legal. The prostitutes are even tax payers!

No need to worry about your safety here any more than you would in any part of the city. The Amsterdam Red Light district might actually be one of the safest areas because there are so many policemen on duty… not to mention bodyguards employed by the ladies themselves.

So go ahead, take a stroll in the Amsterdam Red Light District… Think what you can tell all your friends back home. Just keep in mind that you should never take pictures of occupied red windows… that is the one thing that is strictly banned.

But anyway, there are so many more amazing cities to visit by taking advantage of current cheap discount travel deals available. Head straight over to the Globe Cheap web site, where you will discover the very latest in cheap discount travel techniques in this Free Cheap Discount Travel Report

Discover Tried And Tested Cheap Discount Travel Strategies That Work Every Time…

Just Visit www.GlobeCheap.com - or CLICK HERE…

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December 3, 2009

Budget Travel Tours - The Grand Canyon National Park

budget-travel-tour.jpgThe Grand Canyon is one of those places that you have to see in person. Pictures will never do it justice, and is a definite candidate for a budget travel tour.

Descriptions will tell you that it is a great chasm carved over millennia… the Colorado River slicing away at the Colorado Plateau. People will tell you that it has awe-inspiring views. Vacationers and holiday makers will tell you it's a great place to hike or ride the rapids.

All of that is true… but you have to see it. An amazing fact we heard from a ranger once is that a typical stay in the park lasts five to seven hours, and most visitors stay at the rim of the Grand Canyon for less than an hour. (We've even heard less than 20 minutes!) How can you do that?

I guess maybe many of those short term visitors take day trips from Las Vegas… maybe even have a stop at the Skywalk on the way. You can do that and say you've seen the Grand Canyon, but to really see it… you need to savor it…, take your time.

Sit and watch the way colors change from reds to purples during different times of the day. Watch the clouds cast ever changing shadows on the plateaus and pinnacles.

The South Rim of the Grand Canyon is the most visited area and the most accessible. It is open 365 days a year. It's the South Rim that we will talk about here. Services and accommodations are available year round. Visitor services are only available on the North Rim from mid-May to mid-October.

Stay at one of the lodges in the National Park if you can. There are several to choose from, and they range from the historic El Tovar on the rim to more modern motel-like lodges. The rustic Bright Angel Lodge is also only a few feet from the rim.

You can easily walk around all day to explore and catch the free shuttles to different overlooks when you want to change the view. There are campgrounds available on the south rim.

Hike into the canyon. You can hike part way down the Bright Angel Trail for the day. An alternative is to hike part way down the South Kaibab Trail… markers along the side of the trail tell you how many millions of years old the rocks around you are! Even a day hike below the rim is awe inspiring.

Reservations for wilderness permits are required for overnight camping stays inside the canyon. There are campgrounds available on the floor of the canyon with that reservation and back country permit. Permits are popular and should be applied for well in advance, though a small number of permits may be available once you arrive.

The Park Service says that persons arriving without permits may put their names on a waiting list for cancellations. You must pack your food in. There is some food available on the canyon floor at Phantom Ranch.

There are also overnight mule trips into the Canyon with stays at the Phantom Ranch. Phantom Ranch is the only lodging facility below the canyon rim, and it is run by the National Park Service. There are dormitory type rooms and rustic cabins. Food is also available at the canteen.

So go see the Grand Canyon in person…. but spend more than 20 minutes! Spend a night or two and enjoy one of the world's great natural wonders!

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November 26, 2009

Budget Travel Tours To The Top Ten United States Cities

manhattan2.jpgBudget travel tours are literally being given away at the moment as people are not prepared to spend out this year on a short break by the ocean and under that sun.

Well it might be difficult to resist the temptation this year as prices have gone crazy in the budget travel tours sector.

For International destinations you can get some really amazing discounts on accommodation, and the flights are often free. It appears the whole travel industry needs us to travel just to keep the Industry wheels going round.

Planning a trip to the United States?  If you had to make a list of the top ten US cities to visit, what would they be? 

Whether you are an American or a visitor from abroad, the first city that pops into your head is probably New York, followed by maybe Los Angeles and San Francisco.  Those are all right up there in most top ten lists, and you should visit them, but there are others. 

There are plenty of cities, large and small that are great to visit, but what would be our choices to include in a list of top ten US cities along with those three?

Boston, Massachusetts for starters.  This city is steeped in US history.  Walk the Freedom Trail to see historic buildings like the Old North Church… It was from the Old North Church that Paul Revere took his "midnight ride" crying the warning of the approach of the British during the US Revolutionary War… As the poem goes, "…One if by land, and two if by sea; And I on the opposite shore will be, Ready to ride and spread the alarm….."  See Faneuil Hall.  Eat in the Union Oyster House, Boston's oldest restaurant.  Visit the colleges: Harvard, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Boston College just to name a few.

Chicago, Illinois has long been said to have an inferiority complex to New York, but it is a world class city.  There are fantastic museums, good restaurants, and you'll find cutting edge architecture.  It's right on Lake Michigan with a beautiful waterfront.  Visit Millennium Park and Old Navy Pier.

Denver, Colorado is situated in the Rocky Mountains.  You can visit to ski or snowboard at some of the famous resorts nearby or come to hike in the summer and enjoy the view.

Las Vegas, Nevada is a city with a reputation you've probably heard about.  Is it a good place for tourists?  That depends on what you want.  It's known for its gambling casinos and the world class entertainment they provide.  The casinos vie for visitors with over-the-top themes.  Roller coasters on the tops of  buildings, dancing water fountains, and of course LOTS of bright lights at night along the "Las Vegas Strip".

Miami Beach, Florida is a draw summer and winter for sun and beach lovers.  Visit trendy South Beach, the oldest section of Miami for it's popular restaurants and vibrant nightlife.  Take a tour of the Art Deco District; the colors and decorations will amuse you.

Seattle, Washington actually has many sunny days…. It does have a reputation for being rainy, but it's cloudy more than it's rainy.  That makes for lots of greenery for hiking.  It's on Puget Sound, which makes it a great place to sail.  Visit Pike Place Market.  The Space Needle is left over from a 1962 World's Fair, but it has become a symbol of Seattle.  There is an observation deck and a Sky City restaurant for great views of Seattle, the Olympic Range and Cascade Mountains… and on a clear day Mount Rainier.

Washington DC, District of Columbia is only last on our list of top ten US cities because we put it in alphabetical order.  As the nation's capital city, it offers The White House, the Congress Building, The Smithsonian Museums, and all the memorials along The Mall….. The Jefferson Memorial, the Lincoln Memorial, and the Washington Monument, and others.

So do plan a visit to New York or Los Angeles or San Francisco, but consider one of these other top ten US cities for your visit…. using either our list or your own.

Discover everything you need to know about budget travel tours and how you can take advantage of these truly amazing discount prices, and finally make it away to your chosen sunshine destination, where all the fun is at.

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November 19, 2009

Should You Use A Travel Agent For Cheap Travel Deals

travel-guidebook.gifWith all the booking services online these days, travel agents seem likely to be left out of the booking loop.  So when should you think about using one to get a cheap travel deal.

It's easy to find cheap airline deals on the web, and there are tours enough to make your mind spin….  But that could be just the reason you might want to contact a professional to help plan your travels.

If you are trying to plan a complicated trip…. say an African safari or a swing through several Southeast Asian countries, an agent who specializes in those areas can help guide you to the best hotels and sights.  Sure you can research the hotels, but those pictures and descriptions can be deceiving.  A good agent has been there and stayed in those hotels and knows the area.

A cruise package might seem easy to arrange, but an agent who specializes in cruises knows the ships and the different cruise lines.  They can help you choose the cruise line that best suits your budget and travel style, and they will know which cabins to book and which ones to avoid.

You might not save any money booking through an agency, but you will save the time and headaches of researching for the best cheap travel deal.  On the other hand, you might save money or at least get more for your money… an agent who works in a specific area can sometimes get you a better package than you could by yourself because they work with hotels and tour operators in their area. 

Your travel agent might have enough influence to get you into places that most tourists can't get to.  A special service like this will probably cost you more than just a "regular tour", but if there is something that you've always wanted to see or do,wouldn't it be worth it?  A travel specialist in that area could help you with that dream.

Agencies can help you arrange for your visas.  You can always get visas on your own, and a visa service can help you too, but if you've been working on a complicated itinerary with a travel consultant, they'll know what you need.  Sometimes agencies have special relationships with the consulates of the countries they specialize in.  If you need several visas for a trip, it can help speed things up to have those connections.

How do you find a good travel agent?  Talk to friends and family.  Talk to the agent, make sure they sound knowledgeable, and that you're comfortable with them.  If you're planning a complicated dream trip to an exotic location, you might want to check out lists in one of the big travel magazines.  Every year they profile top professionals who are among the best experts in specific areas of the world. 

You'll most likely be fine booking a one week cruise to the Caribbean on your own.  You might snag a simple tour to London or Paris on the internet.  But…  If you have a complex or exotic itinerary in mind, you might just be better off letting an expert take care of the details… Call a travel agent.

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November 12, 2009

Cheap Travel Deals For Washington DC And Entertainment For Free

cheap-travel-deals.jpgThe cool thing about finding things to do in Washington DC for free is that it's easy…. there are lots of free things to do. That can make Washington DC a good deal for the frugal traveler.

For starters, all of the Smithsonian Museums are free. According to the Smithsonian web site, there are 19 museums and the National Zoo. All by themselves, the museums and the zoo could keep you going for several days.

You can't eat for free, but you can get a hotdog and a soda from a street vendor on the mall for only a few dollars. The National Park Service operates a few refreshment stands, located in the front of various memorials and museums. There are museum cafes too. They are a little more expensive, but they are convenient to eat in so you don't have to take a cab ride or metro to a restaurant.

If you want to see tons of money but still see something in Washington DC for free, take a free tour of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing…. See stacks and stacks of money… there must be tons… and watch them make it.

Walk to the Willard InterContinental Hotel. It's a landmark hotel having been on the Washington DC scene since 1850, and it's just two blocks from the White House. Sit in the lobby and check out the bar. It was from the "wheeling and dealing" in the lobby of this hotel that the term "lobbyist" came into being. Many historic events have taken place here; one recent one was when Martin Luther King, Jr. wrote his "I Have A Dream" speech while staying here.

It's easy to see historical documents in Washington DC for free… the original Declaration of Independence, the U.S.Constitution and the Bill of Rights are all free to see in the National Archives.

See the Library of Congress. An hour long free tour will let you view the Main Reading Room with it's soaring dome, the marble columns, and circle of wooden reading desks.

Visit Arlington National Cemetery. See President John F. Kennedy's grave site and the Changing of the Guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknowns.

All sessions at the Supreme Court building are open to the public and are free. You can see the courtroom even if the Justices aren't there.

President Lincoln was assassinated in Ford's Theater. The National Park Service operates a museum in the theater where you can see artifacts and look into the theater for free. If you want to see a play there, you must buy a ticket.

You can see the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts for free. And an actual performance in Washington DC for free? Yes, everyday at 6 p.m. there is a performance or concert that's free to the public.

If you're into stamp collecting, or even if you're not, visit the National Postal Museum.

Get into the neighborhoods beyond the Mall. There are free self-guided walking trails marked with signs to tell you about these historic areas.

The National Geographic Museum at Explorers Hall is a little further out, but you can check out free exhibits that highlight research the National Geographic Society is sponsoring.

The list really does go on and on. Check monthly schedules to find out about free performances and special art exhibits. There are plenty of things to see and do in Washington DC for free.

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November 5, 2009

Travel Guide Book Explores Boston Travel

boston-travel-guide.jpgWhether you're an American on vacation, or you're planning a holiday in the United States, Boston, Massachusetts is a city that you might want to visit.

It doesn't have the Broadway plays and glitzy shopping of New York City down the coast, but this city is steeped in United States history… as in the "Boston Tea Party" steeped in history. OK Enough for bad puns.

It is one of the oldest cities in the United States…. founded in 1630 by the pilgrims from England if you really want to know. (Not the pilgrims that come over on the Mayflower to Plymouth, by the way.)

During the United States Revolution several major battles took place here… the Battle of Bunker Hill is one of the most famous. The Battles of Lexington and Concord were fought nearby. It was from the Old North Church that Paul Revere took his famous "midnight ride" crying the warning of the approach of the British….. As the poem goes,
 
"…One if by land, and two if by sea;
And I on the opposite shore will be,
Ready to ride and spread the alarm
Through every Middlesex village and farm….."

Walk the Freedom Trail. This two and a half mile route will help you get acquainted with the city and efficiently visit many of the city's historic landmarks. Allow yourself at least three hours for this tour… a full day to really see everything would be better. If walking isn't for you, there are trolley tours that will let you hop on and hop off at the sites.

Stroll through the historic Public Garden. It is adjacent to the Boston Common and is the nation's oldest botanical garden. Ride one of the famous Swan Boats… Locals and visitors have been riding in them during the summer months since 1877.

See the Faneuil Hall marketplace… also known as Quincy market. For over 250 years, the marketplace has played an integral role in the life of this city's residents. This indoor-outdoor market is still a great place for shopping and dining.

Eat in the Union Oyster House, the city's oldest restaurant. Walk through the "burying grounds", the cemeteries. You can find the graves of several famous early Americans.

Visit the colleges and universities… there are several in the area. Harvard, just across the Charles River in Cambridge might be the most famous. It is the oldest institution of higher learning in the U.S. You can also visit, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and Brandeis University among a couple of dozen others nearly as well known.

In the summertime, sit on the green along the Charles River and listen to the Boston Pops play in the Hatch Shell… a wonderful free concert. If you're there for the July 4th concert you'll hear Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture complete with cannons and fireworks. (You'll need to be there plenty early for that popular concert!)

Boston has great museums, and there are more across the river in Cambridge around Harvard. There are sports teams for baseball, basketball, football and ice hockey fans, and there is always shopping.

It's a great starting point to explore the USA's New England states. With all it has going for it, give Boston a look when you're making travel plans.

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October 29, 2009

The Best Way To Choose A Travel Guidebook

globecheap cover.jpgWhen you start looking for a travel guidebook, it can be a little bewildering. There really are as many types of guidebooks as there are types of travelers. Where do you start to find the right one for you?

Traditional guidebooks make up the largest chunk of your selection… and there are plenty of these. They usually contain lots of good information, some black and white maps, key areas to see, and diagrams of significant buildings. You'll usually find a few color pictures and maps too.

Think about where you're going….

Are you doing the Grand Tour of several European counties? There are travel guidebooks that cover whole countries, and some that cover whole continents.

Are you going just to London and Paris? There are some books that cover just specific cities or areas.

Some will combine two or three neighboring countries like Southeast Asia with Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam all in one book.

Choose the guidebook that will suit your trip. No need to carry that "continent-of-Europe" tome around if all you're seeing is a couple of cities. Two slim city guides will do and be so much easier to pack and carry.

Some guidebooks are far more visual than others. They tend to have lots of pictures and less information. The information is good, just not as in depth as other guides. If you're taking a quick trip somewhere, those pictures can tell you in an instant if something looks like what you want to see…. they're really enticing. And if it's a quick trip, you probably don't have time for long detailed explanations anyway.

There are lots of specialty guidebooks. These won't give you as much general information, but if you have a special interest, it might be worth carrying one along. You can find specialty books for birdwatchers, or wine tasters. There are books that specialize in fancy restaurants.

There are whole books on castles to stay in or luxury spas. Guides to gardens or camping spots or great hiking trails. If you have a special interest, look online and visit travel bookstores… you'll probably find a specialty guide in just the field you're interested in.

Digital guidebooks are coming… well, some are already here. The publishers are still trying to figure out the best way to handle this. Some guides can be downloaded and read on your mobile phone… but those little screens make for eye strain when you're trying to read a map or the fine print in those descriptions.

You can down load some onto your laptop, but carrying your laptop all day will be a drag. You can download them and print them out, but then you might as well take a published guidebook.

Keep your eyes open for digital guides in the future though. Once some of these paperback sized reading devices become easier to carry around, you'll be able to download just the areas you want, the specialties you want, and link to GPS technology.

Never get lost? I don't know. Sometimes part of the fun of travel is getting lost and having great experiences you didn't expect.

So for now, choose the type of printed travel guidebook that will work best for you, and enjoy your trip.

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October 22, 2009

Presenting The GlobeCheap Travel Guidebook

travel-guidebook.gifJust why should we travel with a guidebook?

Isn't a travel guidebook just one more thing to carry around? Can't you get all the information you need now on the Internet? Yes, you probably can, but once you're on the road, are you going to carry a laptop around with you? How much time do you want to spend surfing on your phone… and how much will that cost you?

Check the Internet, surf, do your research, watch TV shows, but get a good travel guidebook. You should research  travel guidebooks just like you do your travel. Check to see that it fits your travel style.

Make sure it's a current edition so the information is as up-to-date as possible. Things change so fast that even the current edition could be a little out of date…. and that's if they update it yearly. Many are only updated every two or three years.

So, you ask, doesn't that mean that the Internet is better… more up to date? Well, we do suggest doing research on the Internet, but the answer is still… take a good travel guidebook. It's just so handy to have with you when you're in a museum or church, and you want to read the explanations. If you're driving along, and you want to see what there is in that cute little town you're driving through… you have that book in hand.

You can borrow an old one from a friend or get one at the used book store… they will be good for museums and historic sites that have been around forever. I mean, the descriptions for those castles probably haven't changed in a century or two. But sometimes opening hours change, or the days that they're closed, or they could be closed for renovation.

With an old book, you might find yourself searching for a hotel or restaurant that has been closed since the last edition!

Travel guidebooks differ in whom they cater to, so check through several to see which one has the information that YOU need. A good one will help you find accommodations and restaurants in your price range.

You can get some that break accommodations into categories for budget, middle, and high end travel. Having that kind of information will help you quickly find the lodging or restaurant that you will be happy with.

When you travel to a place that you've never been to before, a good guidebook will give you the information you need to travel like an old pro in the area…. and isn't that better than trying to remember what you read on the Internet?

Do yourself a favor and get a current edition of a book whose author you enjoy reading. You can even check a few out of your local library so you can really study them before you buy one. Go to a bookstore that specializes in travel or one that has a large travel section so you can look at several different books. Get the one that seems to best fit your travel style.

Your trip will go more smoothly when you have the right information at your fingertips…. that's why you should always travel with a guidebook.

 

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