HowToDoThings.com Recent Choosing & Booking Articles

How To Save Money on Accommodations by Hostelling

triple1 — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 18:23:33 -0600

Backpackers and students have known about hostels for generations. Nowadays, the differences between hostels and hotels are diminishing. Many adults, including those with families, save money by staying in these cheap accommodations.

Modern establishments often provide many unexpected extras like:

Shuttle service to and from airports, railway terminals, etc.;
Comfortable guest 'common areas' with cable or satellite TV;
DVD players and extensive DVD libraries;
High-speed Internet access - free or at a price;
Safety deposit boxes for guests' possessions;
Guided city tours;
Building or guestroom access doors with computer key-cards;
Private rooms and private bathrooms.

Many of these amenities are what you might expect from a high-class hotel. However, accommodations do differ.

How To Prepare for a Stay at a Bed and Breakfast - 7 Tips

triple1 — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 12:44:41 -0600

Staying at a bed and breakfast can mean many things. It can be a romantic getaway for two in a Mom and Pop operation - with Jacuzzi and evening champagne - or a family holiday in a country inn with a petting zoo and onsite restaurant. Whatever type of B&B you choose, there are some key details to take into account.

How To Book a Cruise

bronwyn — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 12:26:30 -0500

Nothing beats an all-inclusive cruise for relaxation and a vacation you will always remember... if you do your research and find the cruise that fits you! Booking a cruise does not have to be difficult, however, you will have to make some important decisions to find your ideal cruise vacation.

How To Find the Best Travel Agents

Sandy608 — Tue, 27 Feb 2007 11:48:00 -0600

A good travel agent can be an invaluable ally in helping to plan your vacation and in saving you money. Like every type of service provider, however, there are good agents and mediocre agents. In addition, many travel agents specialize in certain types of travel, such as business travel, cruises, and adventure travel.

Using a travel agent's services is usually free; agents are paid by the vendors whose products they sell. Some low-revenue services such as discount airline tickets, or labor-intensive services like creating a detailed day-by-day itinerary, may carry a small fee.

You've decided that you'd like to use a travel agent to help you sort through the myriad of travel choices, but how do you find the agent that's right for you? Consider the following:

How To See the Grand Canyon

The2 — Tue, 13 Feb 2007 19:09:00 -0600

The Grand Canyon is one of the most spectacular natural geological formations in the world. Words like stunning and breathtaking don't even begin to describe the view from the rim or the experience of cascading through the Canyon in a wooden boat or inflatable kayak. Describing a trip to the Grand Canyon could never do it justice, which is why it's on most people's "must-see-before-I-die" lists. Or if it's not, it should be.

But getting to the Grand Canyon is just the beginning. You'll have to decide how you want to experience this gorgeous, awe-inspiring landscape. Your trip will no doubt depend on the number of days you're planning to spend in the vicinity. If you need help deciding how long you should stay and what you should do while you're there, you can read up on your Grand Canyon viewing options below.

How To Plan a Spring Break Trip

Brian263 — Mon, 05 Feb 2007 19:34:00 -0600

You thought your ideal spring break trip would be totally spontaneous, free of all deliberation. Then you ended up watching the happy travelers returning from happy activities to the comfort of their happy rooms, while you try to fall asleep in a cramped car seat with only a few (unhappy) friends and an individual-size bottle of whiskey for comfort. No, not Gentleman Jack's - think bottom-shelf.

Sound familiar? Many travelers have had similar experiences on what were supposed to be dream vacations. Spring break trips require planning to guarantee that you'll spend your money wisely, have as much fun as possible and stay safe.

How To Decide Where to Go for Spring Break

The2 — Wed, 31 Jan 2007 14:04:00 -0600

Every year, when March rolls around, there is one thing on the minds of most college students: Spring break. This is the one vacation where students don't have to return home and spend time with their families. Instead, friends get together to decide where they can go to blow off some steam from midterms and prepare mentally for the end of the school year.

Taking a Spring break trip is like a rite of passage for many college students. They've just made it through winter and are approaching the end of another semester. The weather is finally starting to warm up, which makes Spring break a great time for a variety of different locations and activities. From skiing in Aspen to lounging on the beach in Ft. Lauderdale, Spring break offers college students a plethora of travel options.

How To Buy All-Inclusive Resort Packages

Kara470 — Fri, 12 Jan 2007 13:40:00 -0600

Before explaining how you can buy an all-inclusive package, here's a rundown of what types of vacations might be found under that general term:

How To Choose Family Vacation Resorts

Kara470 — Thu, 11 Jan 2007 10:02:00 -0600

Many resorts worldwide cater to families these days. Spacious suites, on-site babysitters, kids' clubs and activities, buffet meals and early evening shows are only some of the many amenities that please children and adults alike.

So how do you choose among all the family vacation resorts out there? Here is a checklist of questions to answer as you narrow down a resort for your next family vacation:

How To Find Ski Vacation Rentals

Kara470 — Wed, 10 Jan 2007 13:58:00 -0600

Accommodations at ski resorts run the gamut from budget hostels to five-star resorts. But if you're traveling with your family or a large group, it's cost-effective to rent a condominium or home with plenty of space to spread out. Ski-in/ski-out access is wonderfully convenient, but a centrally located condo or private home that's close to public transportation or ski shuttles works well, too. Here's how you can find a ski vacation rental that's perfect for you:

How To Choose Ski Resorts

Kara470 — Tue, 02 Jan 2007 18:48:00 -0600

With all the places to ski out there-from the Colorado Rockies and New Hampshire's White Mountains, to the Swiss Alps and the Chilean Andes-you've got plenty of options for your slopeside winter vacation. Here's how to narrow down your choices and find the ski resort that's just right for you.

Figure out your vacation's focus. There are resorts that are ideal for families and others in mountain towns that are known for their lively nightlife, slopes with plenty of extreme terrain and bunny hills perfect for beginners. Do you want to drive to a resort for a weekend or fly to a foreign country for a week-long trip? Is this a girls' getaway or a vacation with your folks?

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How To Find Gold Coast Accommodations

Staff468 — Fri, 15 Sep 2006 14:42:00 -0500

Australia's Gold Coast is a popular destination for word-class beaches, located not too far south of Brisbane on the east coast of the continent. Surfers love the beaches of the Gold Coast, some of which are Australia's most celebrated. Not only are Gold Coast beaches spectacular, but they're also safe; shark protection at Gold Coast beaches is astonishingly effective, with not one deadly shark attack occurring in the last 40 years at any protected beach. How did James Cook resist the temptation to settle here permanently? Good question! Perhaps he couldn't swim. And they weren't shark-protected beaches back then either, of course... But history isn't the focus today (luckily). Today is all about Gold Coast accommodations, from hostel to top-notch hotel.

How To Find Beach Vacation Rentals

Lesa260 — Wed, 21 Jun 2006 22:05:00 -0500

How To Plan Beach Vacations

Amy135 — Thu, 13 Apr 2006 13:47:00 -0500

Beach vacations are always popular with families, couples or singles. They are not difficult to plan, but do require some advance knowledge.

Know where you want to go and how best to get there. Flyers will want to make sure there is an airport within reasonable driving distance of their beach destination. Those traveling by car will want to look at how long the drive takes, and whether an overnight stay on the road is advisable.
When are the busiest seasons? Every beach destination has a high season, low season and shoulder season, and prices for accommodations can fluctuate greatly between these seasons. Traveling a week before high season begins, or a week after it ends will probably still ensure good weather, but may save the traveler quite a bit of money on a hotel room.

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How To Find the Best Hotel Rates

Amy135 — Fri, 07 Apr 2006 18:28:00 -0500

Most people will reserve a hotel room at one time or another, but how can you get the best rates?

Call hotel chains. Some hotels will offer better rates over the phone than through any other method. This also offers the traveler the option of saying, "I can't afford this. Do you have a better rate?" Sometimes, the reservation clerk will be able to help a traveler get a better rate. A traveler should always mention AAA membership, senior citizen status (if applicable) and any corporate discounts, gift certificates, frequent flyer miles, etc.

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How To Find Pet Friendly Accommodations

Joanne58 — Fri, 31 Mar 2006 21:44:00 -0600

Owning a pet can sometimes be a drag as it means that you have to worry about what to do with Fido when you want to go on vacation. Stress inducers include choosing a kennel right for your pet, researching on safety and expenses, and of course worrying about whether your dog will enjoy his stay. If can't use a kennel, you will need to find a friend or family member who's willing to watch your pet.