Hotel stays for half price
Planning your family vacation this summer? You may be making reservations for accommodations. Before you dial the hotel’s 1-800 phone number, let me share some tips for getting an incredible deal on hotel stays.
I’ve had the opportunity to book some summer hotel stays along with some hotel stays for business and I continue to marvel at the deals I’ve been able to get. Recently, as a special surprise for the family, we booked one night at a local resort hotel. I was able to get a $300 room for $68 (plus taxes and fees).
You’ve probably seen the commercials for Hotwire and Priceline. Both promise huge bargains for airfare, hotel stays, car rental, and vacation packages. Over the years, I’ve become a believer.
How they work: Both websites allow you to get a great deal on a hotel stay – but you will not know the name of the hotel until after you agree to purchase it. Sounds scary, right? Once you’ve purchased through these sites a couple times, you’ll likely always include them in your travel search – and if nothing else, try your luck at a couple “low-ball” bids. If you need specific accommodations due to traveling with a large group or with pets, these likely won’t be a good option for you.
Priceline allows you to choose the area you’d like the hotel to be in, your travel dates, the star level (quality) of the hotel, and the price you are willing to pay. You pace your bid, and if they hotel is willing to sell their inventory at that price, you’ll get the deal – and you find out where you’re staying.
Hotwire tells you the prices up front (while still keeping the hotel’s identity a secret). They will also give you the star rating, amenities available, and general location. If you like what you see, make your purchase, and the location will be revealed to you.
With a bit of effort and knowledge, here’s what I recommend doing to get a great deal:
1. Start by browsing any popular travel website to get an idea for the going price for your dates, class of hotel, and location. Keep in mind that nearly every website uses their own criteria to rate hotels. A 3-star hotel on Priceline may not be rated 3 stars on Hotwire, Expedia, Hotels.com or anywhere else. Generally, however, I find that they are usually within a half star of each other.
Browsing a calendar of rates on the regular travel sites, you can find some big variations day to day at hotels. If your schedule is flexible, often you can find better rates on the weekend than weekdays. Big events in a city can cause hotel rates to skyrocket – so considering other nearby towns might be an option to get a better price as well.
2. Once you’ve gotten an idea for the best time and location to travel according to published rates, I recommend browsing Priceline’s list of winning bids (on their site) and do a search for your destination on BetterBidding.com. You’ll find the purchase price and the hotel’s identity for both Priceline and Hotwire. Make sure you read hotel reviews on TripAdvisor.com to know if there are any hotels you need to work to avoid.
3. Bid! If it seems that people are getting deals lower than what you are currently finding on Hotwire, start at Priceline and place a bid. You’ll get a feel for what to bid based on what people are winning and the current advertised rates. If you’ve given yourself enough time, you won’t have to worry about not having your bid accepted. You can either wait 24 hours to bid again, or change your criteria and bid again immediately. As you rebid, if the price starts to creep up beyond what is listed at Hotwire, make your purchase there. While I almost always start at Priceline, I’m about 50-50 with where I finally make my purchase at the two. Only occasionally do neither work and I end up booking directly. Sometimes it’s worth the extra expense to know exactly where my family and I will be – although (so far) I’ve never been disappointed with my purchase.
4. Get the upgrade! Once you get your bid, make sure you are part of that hotel’s loyalty program. Call the hotel directly (not through their national toll-free number) and ensure your loyalty number is attached. Often, their loyalty program will get you perks like a free newspaper, express check in, or discounts on paid amenities. My main reason is that I’ve found it gets me better service. It may also give you some additional leverage when you ask if there are any available upgrades or any other offers you can take advantage of. Usually this is not when they are given – but I ask anyway.
5. When checking in, don’t be shy about asking for “any available upgrades.” If you have a reason to ask for the upgrade, feel free to mention that. When my wife and I checked in with my kids at the local resort hotel, I shared with the front desk how excited my kids were to be staying there and that we were celebrating their birthdays this month. If there is a reason to mention something that wasn’t quite right on a previous stay, feel free to mention that as well. As a result of just sharing our reason for our stay, my $68 winning bid for a $200 room turned into a $300 suite!
I love getting great deals on travel almost as much as getting great deals at the grocery store.
Josh Elledge is the Chief Executive “Angel” of SavingsAngel, Inc. – a West Michigan based company launched from his Holland, Michigan home in January 2007. A husband and father of three, he now appears each week on television, many radio stations and newspapers, teaching families how to cut their grocery bill in half using the Internet. Elledge created the technology found on SavingsAngel.com through the need to save his own family’s money. Successfully able to cut his own grocery bill from $600 a month to less than $300 a month, his message has reached hundreds of thousands of families. SavingsAngel.com is now growing rapidly throughout the country. You can watch a short video at SavingsAngel.com that will explain more information about how to cut your own grocery bill in half with the help of SavingsAngel.com
Silver & Grace Women love to share!
Any other tips to share on getting great hotel deals? Tell us in the comment section below.
Join the Silver & Grace Community!
Subscribe to the Silver & Grace newsletter and get my FREE eBook Enhance Your Intuition: 4 Super Simple Meditation Techniques. Click here to subscribe! Each subscriber is automatically entered in a weekly draw. Winners are announced in the newsletter.
Croatia: the Thrill of Travel
I love to travel and, just like so many who have the travel bug, ‘go far, stay long, look deep’ could be my motto. I’ve just returned from a trip to Croatia, a country smaller than the state of West Virginia. But this country is definitely rich in beauty and history. Tourism is a growing part of the Croatian economy – the infrastructure is constantly improving and the costs of traveling there have not caught up to other parts of Europe.
Croatia has a diverse and complicated history. As far back as medieval times, different countries have occupied or influenced Croatia – Slavic, Greek, Roman, Italian-Venetian, Ottoman-Turkish, Austro-Hungarian, German and Yugoslavian. Although Croatia declared its independence from Yugoslavia in 1991, it took four years of sporadic and often bitter fighting before occupying Serbian armies left the Croatian lands. Under supervision by the United Nations, the last Serb-held enclave in eastern Slavonia was returned to Croatia in 1998. In April, 2009, Croatia joined NATO and it is now a candidate for eventual European Union accession.
In many of the larger Croatian cities, the old section (Stari Grad) is well preserved and there are lots of sights to keep you stimulated and engaged. It’s safe to walk the streets as you trace the history through Roman ruins, the architecture and museums. You often feel transported back to the Medieval European period. Cobblestone streets and trailing bougainvilleas enhance the picture while colorful outdoor markets, street performers and alfresco cafes add to the enchantment.
Croatia’s scenery is captivating. The country’s picturesque charm is reflected in the mountains, vineyards and seaside towns that border the inviting Adriatic Sea. You’ll find it’s an easy drive from Zagreb to the Istrian Peninsula, then down the coast to Dubrovnik. You’ll definitely want to stop for a lunch of fresh sardines, shrimp or mussels in fishing villages all along the way.
The Adriatic Sea, dotted with inlets and islands, is truly magical. The breathtaking natural beauty of Hvar, often called the queen of the Dalmatian islands, is not to be missed. And traveling inland, you’ll discover the beauty of Plitvice National Park, a UNESCO world heritage site with 16 lakes and even more waterfalls.
Research studies show that several factors can improve the quality and increase the length of life – a healthy diet, positive attitude, good support system, regular exercise, 7-8 hours sleep a night, as well as travel. So, there’s no better time than now to add adventure travel to your ‘to do ‘ list and start saving your pennies.
Phyllis Goldberg, Ph.D. is a family relationship expert with solutions if you’re coping with stress, acting-out teens, aging parents, boomerang kids or difficult daughters-in-law. Visit http://www.HerMentorCenter.com for practical tips and to learn about the ebook, “Taking Control of Stress in a Financial Storm.” Log on to http://www.NourishingRelationships.blogspot.com and sign up for a complimentary monthly ezine, ‘Stepping Stones,’ and ebook, “Courage and Lessons Learned.”
Silver & Grace Women love to share!
I love Phyllis’ travel motto go far, stay long, look deep. What country, other than your own, have you really taken the time to get to know? Tell us in the comment section below.
Join the Silver & Grace Community!
Subscribe to the Silver & Grace newsletter and get my FREE eBook Enhance Your Intuition: 4 Super Simple Meditation Techniques. Click here to subscribe! Each subscriber is automatically entered in a weekly draw. Winners are announced in the newsletter.
7 Most Popular Tourist Destinations for Women Over 40
Love to travel? Here are 7 popular destinations.
1. Phoenix (For the family)
Because Phoenix has over 300 days of sunshine each year, and with temperatures reaching up to 110°F during the summer, this city has become one of the top tourist destinations, specifically for “snow birds” (AKA Canadian baby boomers) who flock to Phoenix every winter to take advantage of the warm climate.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing family vacation or a fun city to enjoy the nightlife, Phoenix offers both. There are also countless museums, restaurants, and shopping centers, and if you’re travelling with your significant other there are also professional sports teams, (like the Arizona Cardinals and the Phoenix Coyotes), who regularly play in their hometown.
If you’re driving there by car, there are also several scenic and popular driving routes in the surrounding areas, like Route 66, the Apache Trail, Monument Valley, and much more.
2. Peru (For the history buffs)
Why should you travel to Peru? I can sum it up in two words: Machu Picchu.
This year will mark the 100th year anniversary when Hirman Binham first discovered “the lost city of the Incas.” Many special events are being planned in the area this year, so take advantage of it!
With historic value, mountains, volcanoes, museums, lakes, the Pacific Ocean, and the Amazon rainforest…what more could you ask for when it comes to picking a travel destination?
3. Puerto Vallarta (For the stressed)
If sitting on a beach and sipping on mango margaritas sounds like heaven to you, then Puerto Vallarta could be the answer to all of your prayers.
Puerta Vallarto is one of the most popular Mexican tourist destinations and is a great pick for those who are desperately in need of a vacation. Go scuba diving or horseback riding, and check out the various cruises that are available in the area.
4. Cape Town (For the animal lovers)
The “Mother City of South Africa” has seen a boost in tourism sales since the 2010 FIFA World Cup, and is a popular tourist attraction for the English as well as North Americans because the majority of the residents speak English.
There are numerous “wild-life spotting” opportunities in Cape Town as well. Kruger National Park has over 145 different species of animals, but you can also check out the penguins at the Boulders Beach and Penguin Colony, or the antelopes, black rhinos, and buffaloes at the Solole Nature Reserve.
5. London (For the bored)
With the Royal Wedding right around the corner, and the 2012 Summer Olympics almost a year away, London is slowly becoming one of the most popular tourist destinations for 2011.
Check out Westminster Abbey, Piccadilly Circus, the Tower of London, and the London Eye to see for yourself why London is called a “world in one city.”
6. Vancouver (For the nature nerds)
Vancouver was recently coined the most “liveable city in North America,” and it’s easy to see why. The city is surrounded by picturesque mountains and clear blue oceans, and is ideal for anyone who is looking for a relaxing-yet-entertaining getaway outside of the U.S.
You can walk along the Sea Wall to get a glimpse of the Pacific Ocean and watch the sun set, or take the Aqua Bus across to Granville Island to see what Vancouver’s artistic community is all about.
7. Beijing (For the adventurous)
If you’re itching to experience an entirely different culture this year, then China will quench your cultural thirst.
If you’re an art lover then check out the 798 Art District, but if you’re looking for a quiet place to relax from Beijing’s bustling city center, try and visit the Summer Palace.
But a trip to Beijing wouldn’t be complete without visiting The Forbidden City, and if you have the time (and the extra funds), be sure to check out The Great Wall of China as well.
Lisa Shoreland is currently a resident blogger at Go College, where recently she’s been researching the different state student loan programs as well as scholarships for art students. In her spare time, she enjoys creative writing, practicing martial arts, and taking weekend trips.
Silver & Grace Women love to share!
What is your favourite travel destination and why? Tell us in the comment section below.
Join the Silver & Grace Community!
Subscribe to the Silver & Grace newsletter and get my FREE eBook Enhance Your Intuition: 4 Super Simple Meditation Techniques. Click here to subscribe! Each subscriber is automatically entered in a weekly draw. Winners are announced in the newsletter.
Discover the Magic of Morocco
The beautiful country of Morocco is shaded by a variety of colors and cloaked in a blanket of mystery. Proudly upholding history and traditions through ancient monuments, its’ charm is reflected in the exotic mixture of Spanish, African and Islamic architecture.
Enchanting courtyards everywhere are adorned with sprawling gardens. Throughout the mosques, minarets and palaces, there are magnificent doors of engraved wood and bronze. Intricate geometrical patterns, crafted by hand from bright colored mosaics or inlaid mother of pearl, enhance the beauty.
Most of the buildings feature large, intimidating u-shaped archways and beautiful domes that complete them. And it is not uncommon to see the tops of these domes adorned with nests complete with an array of birds, as if direct from central casting in Hollywood.
In all the villages and towns there are outdoor markets displaying some of the finest Moroccan crafts, and the vendors themselves are a large part of the appeal. Leather and curio stalls vie for shoppers’ attention. And craftsmen dye wool in huge boiling cauldrons next to the stand of a dentist or barber. All the while, their neighbors measure out, on old lead scales, olives or spices that are stacked in the shape of pyramids,
One of the main aesthetic attractions is food. Open air food stalls offer big bowls of snail soup and dried fruit sellers line the countless alleyways. At every turn fruit and vegetable merchants are haggling over the price of their produce. Herbal medicines that will cure anything from baldness to impotence are sold alongside century old carpets.
When it comes to the souks in larger cities, an entire area can be devoted to a particular product – lanterns, ceramics, accessories, jewelry, rugs. The souks are cavernous and seem endless. Crowds are thick but that’s part of the charm – especially if you have the privilege of sharing the narrow passageway with wagons loaded with leather goods or burros carrying produce in their saddlebags.
The huge square in Marrakesh, Jmaa el Fna – packed with organ grinders, snake charmers, palm readers, storytellers and tourists – is at the entrance to the Grand Souk. Mind-boggling characters, colors and choices lead you into a bewildering but fascinating world of haggling. If you’re bargain hunting, it’s best to head for the specialty markets deep inside the souk.
Bargaining is an accepted and almost obligatory Moroccan shopping custom. Everyone knows that what an item is marked is only a starting point. And vendors expect you to offer a lower price. The more time, discussion and patience you are willing to give to the process – especially over a cup of mint tea – the better the price will be.
There are many different ways that Moroccans creatively express themselves and the winding alleyways are full of local artwork. Kiosks are colorful and the vendors thankful for your interest in what they do. These markets are a way of life in Morocco and you usually won’t have to go too far to find one. They are arguably the most exciting, colorful and enticing aspects of the culture.
Morocco is the kind of country I love to visit, where the almost medieval-like hustle and bustle is a world away from my own life. The culture is so different from what I know and the sights, sounds, smells and tastes are like a wakeup call to the senses. Whether it’s a grandfather treating his grandchild to an ice cream cone while he’s babysitting or three generations of the same family selling ceramic pots in the local market, just like in our country, the Sandwich Generation is front and center.
Hospitality is a major part of the Moroccan culture and we spent an evening in the home of our guide, Jamal, and his wife in Marrakesh, talking with them and their three daughters. Traditionally men take to the streets and women are in charge of the home. Although Fouzia has a Ph.D. in languages, she sees her primary job as raising the girls. And Jamel says, she holds the power in the family, especially since he travels so much with his work.
Despite the language barrier, women speak a universal body language. And it was apparent that, underneath the traditional clothes, Fouzia is like women everywhere – she is working hard, concerned about her children and parents, loving her family.
© Her Mentor Center, 2010
Phyllis Goldberg, Ph.D. is a family relationship expert with solutions if you’re coping with stress, acting-out teens, aging parents, boomerang kids or difficult daughters-in-law. Visit http://www.HerMentorCenter.com for practical tips and to learn about the ebook, “Taking Control of Stress in a Financial Storm.” Log on to http://www.NourishingRelationships.blogspot.com and sign up for a complimentary monthly ezine, ‘Stepping Stones,’ and ebook, “Courage and Lessons Learned.”
Silver & Grace Women love to share!
I love this statement: women speak a universal body language. What are some examples of this universal body language? Tell us in the comment section below.
Join the Silver & Grace Community!
Subscribe to the Silver & Grace newsletter and get my FREE eBook Enhance Your Intuition: 4 Super Simple Meditation Techniques. Click here to subscribe! Each subscriber is automatically entered in a weekly draw. Winners are announced in the newsletter.
Make another country your home with these strategies
Women over forty are fun, intelligent, sexy, real.
The Silver & Grace Magazine shares intelligent and real advice.
The Silver & Grace Jewelry Collection shines a beacon on the fun and sexy woman.
Silver & Grace Intuitive Mentoring illuminates the pathway to a fun, intelligent, sexy and real self.
I was 23 when I decided to pack my bags and start satisfying my travel bug. I’d been saving since I was 18, so I took time off work, skipped the New Zealand winter and saw twelve countries in five weeks. I had a blast. When I came home and my mother asked me what I loved most, I said: “America”. Why? I had no idea.
No, I didn’t say the city of romance, the fashion capital of the world, or the lovely land of tulips, windmills and cheese. I said America.
Mom raised her eyebrows. It surprised me too.
Now don’t get me wrong – America is wonderful. It’s the home of opportunity, Hollywood, Thanksgiving and Reece’s Peanut Butter Cups. Everyone’s Chasing the American Dream, right? But I have to be honest – I grew up thinking Americans were just a little… loud. Now I know I misunderstood that trait for self-confidence – but, America?
My answer came from a simple place – it just felt homely… almost oddly. Which is interesting (now), because Mom’s response was; “Well, you’ll just have to find yourself a nice American to marry.” I don’t think she was serious.
Fast forward one year and I was back in the land of the brave. And that’s when I met my husband-to-be. Of course there’s no love story without a story, but I’ll skip the mushy details. I just knew. My decision to come back to the U.S. three years later and ultimately to stay, however, was not an easy one.
Whether it’s for your career, your family, for love, or just for you the decision to move to another country is not going to be easy. There are the obvious things, like leaving the life you’ve known forever – your job, connections, friends, etc. But there is so much more to think about and manage.
Here’s some helpful tips and advice:
Research – Know the immigration laws and procedures BEFORE you make your decision. For obvious reasons, it’s essential to do your homework in this area. Legal systems are complicated, wherever you go. (New Zealand and America are friends, however my husband and I decided to hire an immigration lawyer to be sure we were dotting all our i’s and crossing our t’s. It was worth it.)
Research more – It’s not just immigration. Before you relocate, you’ll also need to look into everyday life things like health precautions and any vaccines you’ll need, money matters and banking options, housing and utilities, insurance (health, life, travel), obtaining a drivers license, electronics, and if you have kids – schools, doctors, dentists, etc.
Organize your current home and/or belongings – Make sure you know what you want to do with your existing home. Will you sell it, rent it out or leave it empty? If you’re not selling, put a family member, friend or property manager in charge. Also consider your belongings and possessions. Will you be taking everything with you or leaving some items in storage? How will you move your belongings? What are the shipping costs involved?
Job hunt – If you’re going to be working in your new country, get a head start by going online and beginning your job hunt before you leave. It’ll give you a good idea of the employment market and prevent any unwelcome surprises.
Learn the language – If necessary, learning your new country’s language before you arrive is a must. You don’t need to be fluent, but be sure you at least understand what they’re saying.
Make a list! – A moving checklist is essential. Enough said.
Last but not least, don’t be too hard on yourself. There will be times when you’re physically and emotionally exhausted – not just during your move, but in years to come. Try not to let things get on top of you. There are plenty of people in your shoes. Don’t be afraid to ask for help and support.
And if you’re still unsure about moving… remember, it’s just like falling in love. When you know, you know. Of course I miss things about ‘home’ – mostly people, but I’m also fortunate enough to have found and married my soul mate and my very best friend. My home is where my heart is.
Hannah Coloson is a New Zealander living in the United States. She moved across the world for love. She enjoys reading, blogging, photography and writing about personal development and her new family. Hannah works in the ever-evolving world of PR and online marketing. To learn more visit: http://kiwigirlinnc.blogspot.com/ or http://www.facebook.com/HannahColoson.
Silver & Grace Women love to share!
Have you made another country your home? What advice do you have to share? Tell us in the comment section below.
Join the Silver & Grace Community!
Subscribe to the Silver & Grace newsletter and get my FREE eBook Enhance Your Intuition: 4 Super Simple Meditation Techniques. Click here to subscribe! Each subscriber is automatically entered in a weekly draw. Winners are announced in the newsletter.
Book review: Radio Shangri-La
Women over forty are fun, intelligent, sexy, real.
The Silver & Grace Magazine shares intelligent and real advice.
The Silver & Grace Jewelry Collection shines a beacon on the fun and sexy woman.
Silver & Grace Intuitive Mentoring illuminates the pathway to a fun, intelligent, sexy and real self.
Why had I failed to have a family with a man I loved?
Why had I squandered my youth so haphazardly?
Why had I stuck with a profession that infuriated me so intensely?
What could I do with the second half of my life to make it more meaningful than the first?
How was I going to grow old gracefully?
Do these questions sound familiar? They are the questions that Lisa Napoli asked herself as she was approaching forty. Asked herself over and over and over again. Until a chance meeting with a stranger at a party sent her off to the Kingdom of Bhutan, the happiest kingdom on Earth.
Radio Shangri-La chronicles Lisa’s journey of discovery. Similar to Eat, Pray & Love, and Under the Tuscan Sun, this book is about discovery through travel. Discovery of a new country and culture, and discovery of self.
Lisa’s journey was an interesting one. As she struggled to find happiness by moving away from technology, she was helping the people of Bhutan maintain happiness by moving towards technology. And as Bhutan was finding its balance, so did Lisa.
In the end, she was able to answer the question “How was I going to grow old gracefully?”
She learned to recognize the false sense of feeling that by moving quickly, you’re taking control of your destiny and realized that it is not about waiting for something to fall into place so that life could get started. Life was brimming all around her.
Now that is how to grow old gracefully.
To find out more about Lisa Napoli and Radio Shangri-La visit http://www.radioshangrilathebook.com/
This book review was sponsored by TLC Book Tours.
Silver & Grace Women love to share!
What have you learned about yourself through travel? Tell us in the comment section below.
Join the Silver & Grace Community!
Subscribe to the Silver & Grace newsletter and get my FREE eBook Enhance Your Intuition: 4 Super Simple Meditation Techniques. Click here to subscribe!
Stay at a Bed & Breakfast and feel like a Vanderbilt
Last year we toured the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC. It is a beautiful sprawling estate, and during the tour they discussed how the Vanderbilt family built this home to entertain their many friends. After we left Asheville, we headed to Charleston, SC. While at the visitors’ center, we asked about Bed & Breakfast Inns. We found a great little hideaway at 4 Unity Alley.
The hospitality at 4 Unity Alley was so gracious, we truly felt like friends of the rich and famous, like we were like friends of the Vanderbilt’s. What a delightful experience we had at 4 Unity Alley Bed & Breakfast in the heart of the historic area of Charleston! The building itself is a marvelous restoration–a phoenix rising from the ashes of an ancient warehouse–to an exquisitely appointed estate! The furnishings are beautiful, great detail in all the artwork on the walls, and objects of art throughout the rooms. Such a comfortable bed, delicious full breakfast, and even a garage in which to park our car, just steps from the waterfront and Market Place.
Time seems to slow down here–it’s a great place to relax. There are so many things to do or you can do nothing at all! It is a superb location, you can walk anywhere in Charleston from here and it is located in a quiet alley at the same time. In the past, when we traveled, we chose well-known hotel chains, however, they usually have no personality and do nothing more than provide a place to sleep for their guests. With our great experience at 4 Unity Alley, we found there are several advantages of a Bed and Breakfast over regular hotels:
- Bed and Breakfast Inns mostly have a limited number of rooms to rent out and are managed by the owner. However, each room has a lot of personality and is generally decorated in an elegant at-home way and focuses on the comfort of guests. At a Bed and Breakfast, you certainly won’t encounter the generic rooms of regular hotels and you will feel at home.
- As the name suggests the daily rate of a Bed and Breakfast stay will certainly include the first meal of the day. While a Continental breakfast is frequently included in chain hotel rates the breakfast at a Bed and Breakfast is always of a significantly higher quality. This is because innkeepers take pride in serving well balanced and tasty meals allowing guests to enjoy every aspect of their stay. Although every Bed and Breakfast is different, you can generally expect a full breakfast of meat and eggs with fresh baked breads, muffins, fresh squeezed juice and fruit.
- Bed and Breakfast Inns really are cost-effective when you consider the entire price of the stay. For example, a Bed and Breakfast may charge what seems like expensive nightly fees, but everything is basically included from local phone calls to movies, and concierge services to parking. Just these extras at a hotel can add $100 or more to your daily bill. So, in the overall, a Bed and Breakfast will probably save you money and you will be more comfortable and relaxed at the same time.
This was our first stay at a Bed & Breakfast Inn, but it won’t be our last!
Beth Willis Miller, M. Ed., creates articles for social media to inspire and encourage others with life-long learning strategies to develop creative imaginations and critical thinking skills. She can be found at Beth Willis Miller’s Blog.
Silver & Grace Women love to share!
Do you have any Bed & Breakfasts to recommend? Tell us in the comment section below.
Join the Silver & Grace Community!
Subscribe to the Silver & Grace newsletter and get my FREE eBook Enhance Your Intuition: 4 Super Simple Meditation Techniques. Click here to subscribe!
How to Organize a Girlfriends’ Getaway
Getting together a group of your best girlfriends for a getaway can be challenging – so many women, so little time, so much space between us. So how can you put one together and pull it off with collective group flair?
Hint: The answer lies in the question.
Conception
I’ve experienced these conception moments dozens of times. I’ll be visiting with several friends over cocktails, over coffee. There is chatting; there is sipping. We attempt the impossible task of “catching up,” which doesn’t leave much time for anything else – such as “enjoying each other’s company.”
Invariably one of us will say, “We should get together more often.”
Someone else will say something along the lines of “We should all rent a beach house for a week this summer.”
Then someone will say, “I hate the beach in the summer; it’s too hot.” A discussion on perhaps going skiing next winter instead will break out. Cost will be brought up at which point someone will bring up Las Vegas.
One of two things happens next: Subject is changed, and no one ever brings it up again. Or subject is changed, and a month or so later, someone from that meeting makes the getaway happen.
Designated Girlfriend Getaway Designer
If you have read this far this job is yours. Don’t let the name intimidate you, because after fulfilling the initial duties of the role, you will delegate much of the “designing” phase, which will make the trip even better for everyone. Here’s what you will need to do:
Set the date. Set the Budget. Make Reservations
Send an initial email with a proposal of where to go with a general timeframe, asking everyone to get back with you by a certain date. This would also be a good time to ask about everyone’s ideas about budget. After establishing a workable budget, get back to everyone with total accommodation costs and a firm date proposal. Collect deposits and make the reservations!
Important! Delegate!
All of your friends will no doubt enjoy being part of this phase of the planning of your upcoming getaway, so by no means hold onto all the work that needs to be done for yourself. You will have already set the right tone and energy by establishing lots of communication amongst yourselves most likely by email. At this point if everyone happens to already use and be comfortable with Facebook, you could set up a private page or group to stay in close touch. Of course what needs to be delegated will vary depending on your destination and style.
The person who is bursting with ideas on what to do? They are a natural for being in charge of activity planning. Encourage them to pick up the ball and come up with a variety of things to possibly do, then making any necessary arrangements while leaving lots of scheduled hang out time. If there is an obvious foodie among you, let them research the local food scene. They can make dinner reservations, figure out simple meal plans for eating in, distribute shopping lists or collect funds for food shopping on location or advance bulk purchasing.
Perhaps another friend can schedule a day at the spa, collecting everyone’s treatment preferences and then making any necessary arrangements. Would someone be interested in being the main photographer? Lastly, if you would need one consider having a designated libations coordinator who can let everyone know what wine, beer, liquor or mixers to bring or buy. If they’re really fancy maybe they could come up with a signature cocktail to enjoy.
Girls of All Ages Just Wanna Have Fun
Of course you’ll need to bring real your literal baggage, but as much as possible leave the metaphorical kind at home. No matter what our age or where life has taken us, when it comes to having a memorable and fun girlfriends’ getaway, what Madonna said so many years ago will alway hold true.
Margo Millure is the founder, publisher and editor of The Travel Belles,an online travel magazine for women. She is passionate about encouraging all women to travel and stop telling themselves that seeing the world is only for others. She lives with her husband and two teenage daughters in Myrtle Beach, SC.
Silver & Grace Women love to share!
Tell us about your favourite girlfriends getaways? What do you do? Where do you go? Tell us in the comment section below.
Join the Silver & Grace Community!
Subscribe to our free newsletter and get articles, hints & tips, and discount codes delivered to your Inbox. Click here to subscribe!
5 Ways to Save on a Hotel Room
If you plan on going on a trip this summer or maybe in the next couple weeks, there’s going to be a good chance that you’re going to book a hotel room. Even if you haven’t made up your mind yet, I wanted to give you some pointers on how you can get your hotel room for less than the listed price. You should never pay full price for a hotel room, when you have the Internet!
#1 Learn how to name your own price – One of the best ways to get the best price for your hotel room is to name your own price via Priceline.com. The feature is very simple to use, and let me give you a little cliff note version on how it works.
Basically, you’re going to pick out the city that you want to go to. Once you pick out your city, you will tell Priceline what star rating based hotel that you want, and after this, you will let them know what you’re willing to pay. From there, they will send your request out to hotels, and if they accept your price, you get the hotel! I have done this and easily have received $100 hotel rooms for less than $50!
#2 Search for hotel room coupon codes – If you know what hotel chain that you want to stay with, you may want to consider just looking for a coupon code when you book online. Not only that, you can also search for travel agency coupon codes as well such as Expedia and more. Be sure to search out the most recent results to ensure that you’re getting a coupon code that is fresh.
#3 Consider the frequent stayer club cards – Just about every chain has a card that you can apply for that is free. When you apply for this card, they are going to reward you every time you stay there. While many cards won’t reward you right away, some will. For example, last summer I was able to take advantage of a buy 2 hotel nights, get 1 free through Holiday Inn.
#4 Look into vacation packages – Vacation packages may be your best bet if you’re going to reserve plane tickets, hotels and more. Be sure to check out some travel agencies online to see what kind of offers you can get a hold of. A few years ago, I was able to score a hotel for next to nothing because they were having a grand opening, and wanted to draw some new customers in.
#5 Sign up with sites such as Travelzoo – Travelzoo is by far one of the best places to not only find vacation deals, but hotel deals as well. You can search by city, country and more. This site is free to join and you will find that every Wednesday, they will send out a Top 20 for the week.
Usually when you follow these tips, you’re going to find that you can save a lot of money. Don’t just go to a hotel without a reservation, or make a reservation without following these tips first. If you at least attempt to try these tips, I can almost assure you that you can save at least 30%!
Liz Cutten is the editor for FindAirlineCards.com, a travel blog / travel cards comparison engine.
Have you subscribed to the Silver & Grace newsletter?
Subscribe to our free newsletter and get articles, hints & tips, and discount codes delivered to your Inbox. Click here to subscribe!
Travel Safety Tips for the Wise Woman
For women of any age preparing for independent travel, nothing is more of an important consideration than personal safety. To best protect yourself from all matters of harm, make preparations ahead of time and use good common sense when on your trip.
Choosing the right accommodations may be your most important safety decision.
Email someone you know, or who is intimately familiar with the area you will be traveling to, or knows someone who is, and ask them for recommendations in areas that are considered safe. Visit travel websites and don’t hesitate to join their communities and jump in and ask very specific questions.
Upon check-in grab the hotel’s business card to keep on your person in case you get lost. If you get to your hotel room and find the window in your first floor room doesn’t lock properly, don’t ignore that instinct that tells you to ask the front desk to move you to another room.
Dress appropriately for the destination
Out of respect for your host culture, research what’s considered appropriate dress for your destination and pack accordingly. This is especially important when traveling to non-Western countries, where what is considered acceptable attire for women varies widely. Blending in will keep you from all kinds of unwanted attention and from being targeted as a vulnerable tourist.
Scan all important documents such as passports
Mail the scans to yourself, and while you’re at it, email all confirmation numbers, itineraries and international telephone numbers for any credit cards to yourself as well.
Plan your purse
For visiting busy tourist areas, consider taking a pocketbook you can wear across your body that lies flat against you in front, with zippered, easy access compartments.
Enjoy the nightlife, but carefully
When it comes to consuming alcoholic beverages, know your limits and don’t push them. Go out in groups when venturing into unfamiliar territory, but don’t go along with things that don’t feel right just because your new BFF at a conference seems to think something you question is a fine idea.
My grandmother used to say nothing good happens after midnight, and statistically it turns out she was right: Most muggings and robberies take place well after midnight, between 3 am and dawn. And that ATM down a dark alley? Convenient as it seems, most likely there will be another one in a safer spot just around the corner.
One of the Great Pleasures of Independent Travel is “Talking to Strangers.” Do it intelligently.
Talking to all the wonderful people you will inevitably meet during your travels does not mean that you ever need to accept “candy from strangers.” As grown women this can come in the form of something very tempting and harmless looking such as a margarita or glass of wine. (Here grandma would have suggested accepting politely, then not taking one bloody sip of the thing.)
Unfortunately many popular tourist destinations are rife with teams of people who make a living by preying on vulnerable tourists and their easy distractibility. But instead of allowing this to dishearten you, remember to project confidence whenever you are out, and not to do things like stand in the middle of the sidewalk thumbing through a guidebook or rummaging through your purse. And never forget the adage, that if something seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Take Care of Your Health (we may feel 17 again when traveling, but we aren’t)
We all know to fill our prescriptions, stock up on supplements, and get any necessary vaccines. But taking care of your health also means making good decisions regarding your activities. If you want to scuba dive, and you’ve been taking scuba lessons at the local Y for months is one thing, but remember to check any tour operator’s credentials. If you find yourself tempted to try something wildly new and out of your comfort zone, take a minute to stand back from making a decision to evaluate if it is in your best interest. This is probably not the best time to ride a motorbike or jump out of an airplane for the first time!
Striking a balance between caution and openness to new experiences can be tricky for the traveling woman . Although there are no guarantees in life, with some preparation and forethought, you will be free to be a wise woman who knows how to enjoy herself fully and safely in all her travels.
Margo Millure is the founder, publisher and editor of The Travel Belles,an online travel magazine for women. She is passionate about encouraging all women to travel and stop telling themselves that seeing the world is only for others. She lives with her husband and two teenage daughters in Myrtle Beach, SC.
Have you subscribed to the Silver & Grace newsletter?
Subscribe to our free newsletter and get articles, hints & tips, and discount codes delivered to your Inbox. Click here to subscribe!
