Posts Tagged ‘All-inclusive’
Cheap European Travel: Part II – Enjoying Your Stay
Going on a group tour of Europe is one of the cheapest ways to see major destinations in a condensed amount of time. Many of these tours are frequented by Spring Breakers and college students, so if you intend on taking a family, choose wisely. For younger crowds, Contiki Tours cannot be beat. However, families should consider Intrepid Travel, winner of the Best Tour Operator Award in the Responsible Tourism Awards in 2006.
Family Friendly
Intrepid Tours hosts much smaller groups, which means you will feel like you are travelling with friends and family by the end. The tours allow for more independent excursions than many tour lines to accommodate the desire of most families to set off on their own. In fact, one of their small group tours is geared toward young families. The best part about travelling Europe is there is as much for adults to do as there is for children. Without the stress of deciding where to go, figuring out how to get there, and wondering which destinations are safe for families, parents can fully relax and leave the stress to the tour guides. Safety is a primary concern for all families. Tour guides have scouted the areas prior to sending you. In large cities in Europe, one wrong turn can put you in the wrong area, and the provision of your tour guides allows this concern to be lifted.
Intrepid Tour Options
Swiss Family Adventure
§ Length: 8 days
§ Route: Geneva to Morgins
§ Attractions: While enjoying breathtaking views of the Alps, visit small villages of chalets and dairy farms, stop at a goat farm and enjoy a challenging Alpine ropes and ladders course. When you head to Montreaux, you can tour the Chateau de Chillon for a history of knights and princesses sure to enchant and young child. Paddle boating through Lake Geneva is family fun among one of the world’s most beautiful and pristine cities. Educational activities include learning how Swiss cheese is made and visiting a local chocolate factory. Finally, there is a day trip to see glaciers.
Swiss Family Adventure
§ Length: 8 days
§ Route: Prague, Czech Republic to Budapest, Hungary
§ Attractions: In this culturally rich area of eastern Europe, you will enjoy architecture like no other place on Earth. A highlight for most guests is a walk across Praque’s famous Karlsbruck, Charles Bridge, which includes statures of the Saints from nearly 400 years ago. The Prague castle is a magnificent site for the entire family; even children who do not understand the historical significance will be in awe of its beauty and detail. A puppet show with Czech marionettes is a family favorite. You will have the opportunity to go for a bike ride through a rural town of Cesky Krumlov, founded in the 13th century. River rafting near Vienna offers more breathtaking landscapes and family fun. The Prater Amusement Park in Vienna is more commercial, but a visit to the palace of the Hapsburgs brings the whole family right back to the rich culture of Hungary and Austria.
Tags: All-inclusive, cheap european travel, cheap family travel, european travel tours
How to Honeymoon on $30 a Day
Your honeymoon is supposed to be relaxing, romantic and blissful. When it comes after an expensive wedding, expensive wedding band purchases and expensive flights to a far off location, though, a honeymoon can quickly turn into a financial headache. If you and your honey truly want to relax, you will need to find a way to save money while you are sparing no expense. Popular honeymoon destinations revolve around sun, sand and frozen beverages. Do not skimp on enjoyment; use your connections to your advantage.
Step #1: Locate a Time Share
Do your parents have a time share? What about an aunt, uncle or family friend? Find someone in your family who has a few weeks each year at a resort chain. It’s okay if the particular resort is not in the area you want to visit. For example, if your fiancé’s parents have a place for two weeks a year in Disney World for their grandkids, you may be able to work it out. Ask if they would be willing to give you those two weeks as a wedding present. You may also be able to pay a small amount to them as they are already receiving a discount. Next, research the resort chain that houses their time share. Often, resorts have a few locations in Florida, a few in Mexico, a few in Costa Rica and even some in Alaska or Hawaii. Contact the agent in charge of the time share and ask to swap the location. You can trade the time in Florida for time in Belize if you request to do so early enough.
Step #3: Upgrade to All-Inclusive
All-inclusive trips will save you money in the long run. They will also save you the hassle of carrying a large amount of cash or travelers’ checks. An all-inclusive trip budgets you for each day. Most resorts will allow you to upgrade from your standard time share rental to an all-inclusive package for $20-$50 per day. Your meals will be taken care of. In some cases, you will not have the option of eating breakfast or lunch on the all-inclusive package. Go to the market one day and stock up on food to keep in the hotel room. Aim for high-protein, non-refrigerated snacks such as trail mix, peanut butter and granola bars. Fresh fruit is often not expensive at local markets. This will save you on $12 burgers by the pool. As your beverages will likely be covered, simply getting by to dinner on high-protein snacks will keep your pocketbook full.
Step #4: Book a Year in Advance
The key to making this scenario work is booking early. Time shares are not easily swapped for the exact week you are targeting. Ensure you will get your top choice by alerting the resort early. You may need to remain flexible in the timing; for example, considering leaving for your honeymoon a week late instead of the day after the wedding. Some couples prefer to have this time with family. Being flexible and booking early will additionally save you cost on your airline tickets. If you find out the weekend you are considering is a high-travel weekend, you will save money on tickets by remaining flexible.
Tags: All-inclusive, Book early, Cheap travel, Honeymoon, Timeshare
