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Travel tips and resources for the travel enthusiast who wants to learn how to get good travel deals.
Great tips on what to look for in a quality travel club.
Who's right for a travel membership club?
Well, if you've been frustrated before trying to put together a nice vacation...then you're the right candidate. Your last vacation may have been a pure headache to pull together so it's no wonder that this time around you want to plan your vacation with much more ease and comfort.
It's true that most avid vacationers like yourself work themselves into a frenzy trying to put all the important pieces together to plan a memorable vacation. By the time everything's set in place, you need a vacation to recover from planning your vacation!
It shouldn't have to be so difficult to design a fantastic vacation. In fact, this is why travel membership clubs have grown significantly in popularity over the past few years.
If time and convenience are important to you, then it's a no-brainer that you would consider a travel membership club.
The question then becomes, "Which travel club do I choose?"
How to Choose a Travel Membership Club
You have a few options out there, but the simple truth is that you want these important criteria in the back of your mind as you choose your travel membership club:
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The travel membership club should have been around for at least a five years. Every so often a new travel club opens up, only to go aground a short time later. The biggest blame for this is inexperience. A vacation club that has been around at least five years has at least gained the experience, the connections, and know-how of the travel industry.
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Make sure the travel club is not a timeshare in disguise (unless that's what you want). The word "timeshare" has a stigma to it and some companies will go to great lengths to not mention the "t" word. It's only when you read in between the lines and the fine print that you realize what you are really getting into.
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Make sure your travel club offers real resorts...including those with 5 star ratings. You don't want a travel club that only gives you discounts to hotels and motels. You want to feel like you're on vacation and nothing beats a great resort.
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Make your travel club offers a large selection of resorts all over the world. Nothing is a turn off more than having a very limited selection of resorts to choose from. You want variety and luxury. A club with no options or limited options is a club that is not worthy of your time and/or money.
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Make sure your travel club can let you see the types of resorts it offers before you sign up.If a club won't let you get a peek of what it offers, then it's a club you should not even consider being a part of.
Overall, a good travel membership club will help you plan your entire vacation...from booking your flights to getting a rental car. There should also be specials on these items for its members as well.
The club you choose should make it so much easier and simpler to plan a vacation experience you'll want to talk about for years to come.Click here to play
Prestige Travel Club
Prestige Travel Club (aka Passport to Travel Club and Passport Prestige Travel Club) reportedly offers its members discounts to cruises, resorts, and hotels (limited to 1 cruise per year and other limitations) for a one-time fee of $99. All you have to pay are the processing fees and taxes.
Side Note: I've seen the travel club pricing at $29, $99, and even one website had it priced at $149. Not sure of why the inconsistency in pricing.
It sounds a little too good to be true...and maybe it is. How can a company stay in business offering so much for just a one-time fee? Well, the answer lies in all the processing fees that you are charged when you actually book a vacation (cruise, hotel, resort) through them.
Some Prestige Travel Club members report that after paying all the processing fees that you end up paying just as much as if you had booked the vacation directly yourself without the Prestige membership.
Although Prestige Travel Club mentions well-known companies in its advertising, you can't actually look up any kind of resorts (or anything else for that matter) to see what's actually available to you before you become a member.
Not sure it it gets any easier to plan a vacation after you become a member.
Lack of transparency and inconsistent pricing may be a concern for consumers looking into this travel club.
Use your own good judgment.
We Recommended This Travel Club....
Are you a satisfied or unsatisfied member of the Passport to Travel Club? Post your experiences here:Click here to play
Information on Global Resorts Network a top travel club that has been around over 20 years. What you need to know before you join.
Family vacation help? Is it really possible to take your family on a remarkable, unforgettable vacation without putting your finances in turmoil? You won't believe the answer.
If there was ever a time your family's life where you all needed a vacation...this may be it. Not only do you have the pressures of being a mom or dad, but also the pressure from holding down a job or two. Add to the fact that you may be dealing with a boss you don't like.
Don't forget your kids have pressure too! From dealing with peer-pressure and the need to belong, to dealing with the hormonal changes they will have to go through if they're not already. Add to the mix the need to perform well on tests and make you proud of them. It's a heavy load to take on as a kid.
Which is why you and your family need to take time away from the "mean streets" of life. But the question remains as to how exactly to get the family vacation help you need so your dream vacation can become a reality.
Let's start with these three things:
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Do a family budget. If you don't have a budget by now, you should really do one right now. This will allow you to see where you "stand" financially as a family. Although a vacation is a luxury, it is at times one of those much needed luxuries! However, you don't want to add on extra debt to you family's load if it doesn't fit within your budget.
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Do you have disposable income? Now that you've done your budget, you will see what and if you have any money available that you can set aside for your family vacation. If you don't then you'll have to find more ways to cut your expenses and/or find a way to pick up some more hours at work or find a side job.
See what things you can cut so you can have money for your vacation. Can you cut down on your cell phone bill? Can you get less Cable or Satelite channels to reduce your monthly bill?
It can be done. Get your whole family working together on this one. Your family will appreciate the vacation more when they all have to work together in order to make it happen.
- Be travel smart. Find a way to save on one the biggest expenses of a vacation...the accommodations. Don't do what a lot of other people do...(and later regret) and that's go running towards timeshares. In this unstable economy and bad real estate market it would be like committing slow financial suicide.
And even in the best of times timeshares wouldn't necessarily be a viable solution...especially when you have more cost-efficient travel clubs available. Some travel clubs are a fraction of the cost of a timeshare without the extra mountain load of debt timeshares are known for. Which is why we love travel clubs. We recommend this one.
If you can imagine strolling hand-in-hand with your loved one on a white sandy beach, or skiing on the snowy-white slopes of Aspen, or seeing the laughter on your children's faces as they splash down from a enormous water slide...then you have the capacity to make it a reality for your family.
The best family vacation help will come from you. And the first step is seeing what you can afford and then choosing the best travel club that's within your means. And it's all uphill from there.Click here to play
Interesting story about the blond resort.
Finding a new niche in traveling is nothing new...but has a travel company gone too far by building a "blondes only" resort?
Ok, let's look at it closely.
The island resort will be staffed entirely by blondes...the guests don't have to be blonde to go there.
Ahhh! A sigh of relief for some.
But is there really a need for a travel resort like this? By, the way you can read about the blonde resort here. If tourists want to be pampered in blonde-ness, why not just go to place like Sweeden where most people are blonde and find a beach or spa down there?
It definitely may come out cheaper, not to mention you get an to go to a beautiful country to get your blonde fix.
No, no, no! That would ruin the novelty of a blonde island resort...wouldn't it?
Would you want to go to an blonde-only resort?Click here to play
Great tips to creating travel photo books.
It is quite an enjoyable task creating Travel photo books, which are essentially an album that compiles the memorable moments which you have shared with your travel companions. There are certain tips which you should follow when you are creating Travel Photo Books, so that the photo book remains as a cherished reminder of the enjoyable moments which you had spent, while you were on a vacation.
- In the first instance, you should click a lot of photos, pen down your thoughts while you were vacationing, and also retain the small mementos like ticket stubs, brochures and menus. After the trip, you must ensure that the photos as well as the mementos are collected, so that they can be utilized.
If there are a lot of people who are involved in the process of creating Travel photo books, it would be a creative and collaborative effort, and the end result would also be outstanding.
- The next step involves the procedure of accumulating the varied materials which are necessitated for creating Travel photo books. For the purpose of creating unforgettable Travel photo books, it is essential for you to click as many photos as you can.
This would necessitate an adequate memory card in your camera, and if you have additional ones, that would be ideal. You have to be assured of freedom to click numerous photos, so that you have a diverse range of photos from which you can select the apt ones for creating cherished Travel photo books.
In the procedure of creating impressive Travel photo books, ensure that you have the right combination of people and varied places, as well as small and larger sized items. If you have met a tour guide, for instance who was particularly remarkable, it is imperative that you would want to click a photo of the tour guide, to remember him.
Remember to pose in font of the noted monuments and important places, if you happen to visit them, though it could seem passé. These are memories which you would wish to hold onto, in the long run.
For creating Travel photo books, you should always remember to keep a notebook handy, as this would aid you in recalling integral details related with the places you have visited. It would also enable you to pen down private notes, or funny incidents which you can accumulate in the form of amusing stories and incorporate that in the Travel photo books.
- The final step in creating Travel photo books involves the procedure of assembling all the things together. For this purpose, you can utilize numerous free of cost online templates. Alternately, if you have access to programs like Photoshop and Indesign, it would be helpful.
You should utilize the finest quality digital color printing, and when you have to bind the photo book, you could avail the services of thermal printing, or hardcover printing. You can also buy one of these machines, as they are relatively cheap, and you can thus have the choice of creating multiple photo books, at leisure, whenever you wish.
This would also ensure flexibility to edit the photo books, as per your convenience, and you can have your personally designed and memorable Travel Photo Book, to be treasured forever.
ImagineBooks makes it so easy for you to design your own personal photobook.Our free photo book software has been tried and tested by literally thousands of users around the world.
Article Source: Travel Article LibraryClick here to play
Is the World Travel Club membership a winner or a sore loser when it stacks up against Global Resorts Network? You may be in for quite a shock at the answer. These are the things no one dares to talk about in the travel industry.
If you were looking at the World Travel Club Membership or even the Global Resorts Network club, then there are some important things you've got to know.
Choosing a travel club is no easy task unless you have a little bit of knowledge as to how they work and why vacation resorts turn to these types of organizations to bring in customers.
Briefly, resorts want their rooms filled. Unoccupied rooms means no money. They're in the business of making money. So, the reason why they "partner" with these types of clubs is to simply to stay in business.
Simple enough.
So, some clubs got a bit of leeway to decide what to charge for their memberships. With everything being equal (the same resorts, decent customer service, etc...), the thing they can truly compete on is price.
Why pay more for the same resort when you don't have to? When you look at how the World Travel Club membership stack up against Global Resorts Network, it's easy to see which is the real bargain.
Here's the comparison at a glance...
World Travel Club Membership Information
Accomodation One Time Cost Fee Per Week Studio $5,000.00 $495.00 1 Bedroom $6,000.00 $595.00 2 Bedroom $9,000.00 $795.00
Vs. Global Resorts Network
Accomodation One Time Cost Fee Per Week Studio $1,495 (Gold) / $2,995 (Platinum) $398-$699 (G) / $298-$699 (P) 1 Bedroom $1,495 (G) / $2,995 (P) $398-$699 (G) / $298-$699 (P) 2 Bedroom $1,495 (G) / $2,995 (P) $398-$699 (G) / $298-$699 (P) 3 Bedroom $1,495 (G) / $2,995 (P) $398-$699 (G) / $298-$699 (P)
Note In rare exceptions may be up to $799 week in Hawaii etc.
When you look at these clubs from this standpoint, it's a no-brainer as to which travel membership club comes up on top.
Think of all the money you'll be saving by going with the club membership that offers real value without sacrificing luxury.
With the money you save you can:
Go on more excursions
Take more vacations
Take your in-laws on vacation
Take a longer vacation
Go on an exotic vacation you previously thought you couldn't afford
The list is endless.
Isn't it about time you take that vacation? Now you can.
*Prices are subject to change. World Travel Club membership prices was courtesy of http://www.worldvacationsclub.com Click here to play
You may feel that a luxury travel club has no place in this horrible economy...but you just may be incorrect.Many travelers have trashed their timeshares (those who were fortunate to find buyers) in order to go with a more practical choice of travel via travel clubs.Timeshares are not the only choice when it comes to finding nice lodging for your vacation. And thank goodness for that. In fact, more people who are timeshare owners later regret buying into one. This is partly due to the inflexibility, black out dates, and annual fees that timeshares are known for. Not to mention that buying real estate in the form of a timeshare in this type of economic climate is not a Intelligent move to make.So, with timeshares out and luxury travel clubs in, how do travel clubs make it more affordable for you and your family to travel?First off, you're not buying a piece of property. This means that you're not putting your family in big financial debt that timeshares are notorious for. Second, you don't have to agonize about high yearly maintenance fees.If the sound of luxury travel clubs is sounding better to you, then you'll be delighted to know that these clubs are very flexible and affordable for the average family. If you ever wondered how so many families just like yours are able to take vacations at 3, 4, and 5 star resorts...multiple times a year, well this is how.Here's what you really ought to be aware of....Not all travel clubs are created. Some are nothing more than extravagant homes that charge you of upwards of $70k to just join; while others are really timeshares in disguise. And then there are the real luxury travel clubs. These offer a very modest price to join, have no black out dates, and offer a wide range to accommodations to select from. For the normal family and even those in high income brackets, these types of clubs provide the best benefit all around. To learn more, visit luxury travel clubs. There you'll see the leading club smart travelers like yourself have turned to year after year.Luxury travel clubs have become the new "norm" for travelers who want to save money without sacrificing luxury. Finally learn how you and your family can take that dream vacation you've been putting off.travel on a budgetClick here to play
Vacation travel club tips to choosing the best one.
A vacation travel club can provide exceptional savings if you know what to look for
The experience of vacationing with your family is one that you'll cherish for years to come. Traveling with your family not only helps bond your family together but it also provides long-lasting memories your children will never forget.
In a tough economy such as this, you may really want to watch where you put your vacation dollars. And this is where a vacation travel club comes in handy.
What you may or may not know is that vacation travel clubs are not new - they've been around for decades. It seems like these types of clubs are getting more attention due to this rough economic climate.
This economy is also breeding some less-than-honest travel companies who are more than willing to take advantage of unsuspecting travelers. (See the topluxury travelclub we recommend)
It's really important to take into account these 4 simple rules about travel membership clubs. It will save you a lot of heartache, frustration, and money.
What You Need to Know About Using a Vacation Travel Club
Rule #1: Know what you're buying into and what you're getting for your money
There are equity and non-equity vacation travel clubs.
Timeshares and private residence clubs are types of equity travel clubs. In most cases these types of clubs don't refer to themselves as timeshares due to the stigma and sometimes deserving bad reputation timeshares have. They will in most cases refer to themselves as "travel clubs."
Most people who buy into timeshares usually finance it and then it becomes just one more payment you have to keep up. Add on the maintenance fees and know you're committed to keeping up that payment as well. As you can see it is a huge commitment and burden that sometimes some families are not able to keep up even in the best of times.
Add on to the fact that timeshares have a lot of restrictions and aren't flexible enough for some travelers.
Private Residence Clubs: A Type of Vacation Travel Club
Private residence clubs can cost upwards of $100k or more just to buy into one. With so few members in these particular types of clubs, risk is spread out amongst fewer people. This then makes private residence clubs a very risky choice for travelers. Make sure you understand and accept the risks before buying into this type of club. (See the topluxury travelclub we recommend)
The Leading Type of Vacation Travel Club
Non-equity travel clubs are the most prevalent kind you'll run to online...and are the ones where you'll get the most savings. For starters, you're not putting down a huge payment, making monthly paymentsand yearly payments as you would if you bought into a timeshare.
In most cases when you become a member of a non-equity travel club you'll either have a one-time fee or a yearly fee.
You're not taking on big debt (if any debt at all) because there are vacation travel clubs that can be bought into for less than $5k.
Rule #2: Know exactly what kind of accommodations you're getting for your membership
Are you getting discounted rooms at a motel or a resort? And if so what kind? Can you get discounts to cruises? Houseboats? You should also know what kind of inventory you have access to. Do you have just several properties to choose from or hundreds?
Be forewarned...if you don't have access to hundreds of properties odds are you're going to have trouble booking a vacation.
Rule #3: You should be able to book your vacation with ease and simplicity
One of the biggest complaints of some vacation travel clubs is that it's cumbersome and difficult to book a vacation.
Some travel clubs operate by mail in that they mail out info to you and you then have to mail back the vacation choices you've chosen. Some offer only a telephone number so you can talk to a customer service person onl
Romantic getaway ideas and tips.
Do you have a lot of romantic weekend getaway ideas but just can't decide? Or are you having difficulty coming up with excellent romantic weekend getaway ideas?
Here are a few recommendations to help you finally create a romantic weekend getaway at this moment and in the foreseeable future...and save money at the same time.
Here are a few romantic weekend getaway ideas:
Manhattan Here We Come
You can spend a fabulous weekend in NYC and reside either at the Marriott Hotel on Broadway, for example, which is right near the Theatre District; or you can book a weekend at the Plaza Hotel overlooking Central Park. Perhaps you would like to stay at the Mandarin Hotel and Spa where you can both be pampered for the weekend.
No matter what your price range is; Manhattan is more than accommodating.
Obviously, Manhattan is thought to be one of the most romantic spots in the U.S.
Whether you enjoy dinner at your hotel suite or dine out at any one of the five star-rated restaurants, the night-time is always young for lovers who search for seclusion in a city that entertains millions of tourists each year.
Whether you take a carriage ride through Central Park, enjoy an symphonic performance at Lincoln Center, or saunter along Fifth Avenue during the night time hours; NYC offers something for everyone.
You can tack on Manhattan to your list of romantic weekend getaway ideas to take into consideration.
San Francisco Take Us We're Yours
With its mountainous hills, phenomenal cuisine, and gracious people; San Francisco offers accommodations that are sure to enhance your romantic facet.
Some of the most notable hotels are the Fairmont Hotel, located in the Nob Hill community and the Mandarin Oriental, which is identified for its best views of the Bay and the city.
Sashay along Fisherman's Wharf and drop by Ghirardelli Square where you can grab some of their famous chocolate before having supper at one of the many seafood restaurants.
You'll have your pick of such noteworthy restaurants such as as McCormick and Kuleto's, where you have a panoramic view of the Bay, as well as Alcatraz island; both of which offer a stunning background.
You may want to drop by O'Neill's Irish Pub for an after-dinner drink. You just may leave your heart here after departing this fantastic city by the Bay.
How many more romantic weekend getaway ideas do you need? You very well may stop hunting because San Francisco may be just the ideal romantic destination you are looking for.
Love and Lights in Las Vegas
Time will stand still at this touristy destination. With a variety of hotels and resorts to pick from you can enjoy your stay here without having to worry about time, because you'll be enjoying every minute you're here!
With fantastic weather year round (hot, but always dry), you can dwindle away the early morning hours at your hotel's or resort's pools and spas and then enjoy the evening attending a stunning show or visit lady luck at the casino.
Whether you take a settle at the Venetian Hotel and get pleasure from a romantic ride on a gondola...
Or enjoy the Spa and Salon at the Hotel Bellagio...
Or just plain kick up your heels and relax at a luxury resort...
Las Vegas is both suitable for any budget and can be the right romantic weekend getaway idea.
The Lake Placid You Never Knew
Far away from the overpowering crowd, you will find coziness and romance at the Mirror Lake Inn.
With stunning mountain and lake views, fireplace, and very large tubs, you will find the accommodations more than satisfactory. In fact, they are quite favorable to a romantic weekend.
Among the many things you might like to do is take a stroll to the surrounding town of Lake Placid, only two miles away.
Here you will find stores along Main Street and you can stop at the Cottage for lunch.
Swimming, fishing, canoeing, and kayaki
Is there a lesson to be learned with the dire news of Nomads Travel Club, or is just another bump in the road for another travel-related company?
It's no secret that the travel industry is on the rebound from a tough economy. Nomads Travel Club may very well end up like another vacation travel club that caters to high-end travel enthusiasts, Ultimate Escapes, if doesn't change what it's doing.
If you're not familiar with Nomads Travel Club, it's Detroit's oldest travel club and it happens to be on the brink of liquidation. Click here to read more...
Although travel clubs can come in a wide array of price ranges and accommodations, the clubs that seem to be toughing out this rough economy the best are the vacation travel clubs that have lower operating costs and cater to middle to high income travelers.
Nomads Travel Club may need to find a way to lower its operating costs (maybe cut out the private jet?) so it can live another day to give their members just one more dream vacation.
We wish Nomads Travel Club well!Click here to play