Holiday Bargain-Hunting Tips

February 21, 2013

Budget Bargains

Whether you’re on a strict budget, or you fancy a ‘sensible’ holiday or perhaps you’re just trying to squeeze in your sixth break of the year, we all have different reasons for seeking cheap holidays abroad. There are many different ways to sniff out a bargain, so here are a few top tips to help you secure that cheap-as-chips trip.

Go Late

Package holidays are famous for their late deals. Every summer, thousands of spontaneous sun-seekers go online or waltz into a high street travel agent and grab a bargain that’s leaving within the next couple of weeks. It’s in those last few weeks leading up to the departure date that the price of package breaks tumble, leaving eagle-eyed holidaymakers to snap up the remnants and enjoy a great holiday at a fraction of the price.

Book Early

One of the best ways to book a holiday is to book early. It might not be as cheap as the late deal option, but you’ll have much longer to pay off the cost of your jolly and most tour operators let you pay it off in installments, too. On top of that, you’ll get much more choice and first dibs on your number one preference of hotel, local resort and even your departure airport. Many tour operators offer early bird incentives, too – such as free kids’ places, discount family holidays and hotel room upgrades.

Book All Inclusive

It might be more expensive at the time of booking, but if you’re planning to stick close to the hotel during your trip, upgrading to all inclusive could help you save a small fortune in resort. You’ll get all of your meals, snacks, drinks and alcoholic beverages included and you might even get some free or discounted extras thrown in, too, such as golf course access or use of the on-site spa facilities.

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Spotlight on: Myrhofen, Austria

1 Comment / February 18, 2013

The village of Mayrhofen, located in the Zillertal of Tyrol in Austria, is a resort of considerable size that appeals to skiers from all over the world. With Neilson Ski Holidays available to book online, you can take advantage of some great deals to ensure your ski holiday in the area is as affordable and as good a value as possible.

Perfect for intermediate skiers, Mayrhofen is also incredibly popular with beginners due to the reputable ski schools that operate in the area. The folks at the ski school, Mayrhofen 3000, have made an excellent name for themselves, offering good value and lessons that won’t disappoint, ensuring that everyone comes away feeling more confident about their efforts on the slopes.

The snow-sure slopes mean that the resort is fortunate to have excellent conditions throughout the season. Its 620 km of pistes make it the largest resort in the Ziller Valley, affording plenty of opportunity for on and off piste adventures. The nearby Hintertux Glacier, often credited as being the largest glacier in the world, also provides some great opportunities for more advanced skiers, even out of the main ski season.

For freestyle skiers and snowboarders, a break in Mayrhofen will give you access to the second largest terrain park in Europe, giving you plenty of opportunity to show off your moves. Although the village has grown somewhat over recent years to cater to the growing tourism trade, its traditional aspects remain the same, providing a charming and quintessentially Austrian atmosphere that appeals to its many visitors.

Once you have enjoyed your day on the slopes, you can be safe in the knowledge that the après-ski facilities and nightlife won’t disappoint. If you’re considering a holiday here, consider a week in April to coincide with the ‘snowbombing’ event, combining skiing with some awesome live music and a party atmosphere.

If you’re after a memorable holiday, full of fun and vibrancy, book a Neilson Ski Holiday at this buzzing resort.

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Hotel Sentral, Georgetown, Malaysia

February 11, 2013

Friendly Staff

Once again, cashing in on my uncanny good luck in finding great places to stay, I came upon the Hotel Sentral in Georgetown on Penang Island in Malaysia. After arriving by bus from Kuala Lumpur I began my search for a nice hotel and after a hot, tiring walk with my backpack I met some other tourists who pointed me in the direction of the Hotel Sentral. Within minutes I was checking into a beautiful room in this relatively new hotel for less that $50, including a wonderful breakfast. The clean, elegant, air-conditioned lobby that greeted me was a welcome refuge from the midday sun and humidity. The friendly staff met me at the front desk with a cool towel to wipe my face, a friendly gesture that I soon learned would be typical of the treatment I received throughout my stay.

Ideal Location

Located right in the center of town, not far from the Komtar Tower Shopping Center, this nine story, three star hotel was an ideal place from which to explore the rest of the city. From the Hotel Sentral one could easily walk to many of the attractions which have made Georgetown a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. With 137 well-appointed rooms, free parking, free in-room Wi-Fi, private bathrooms and complimentary coffee/tea tray, this was truly a value hunter’s paradise. The Nu Orient Coffee House on the main floor serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and I must admit, I probably over-indulged on the sumptuous buffet breakfast before checking out the next morning.

My Room at the Hotel Sentral, Georgetown, Malaysia

Great Value

The Hotel Sentral in Georgetown, Malaysia more than met all of my criteria for an Awesome Accommodation and I will definitely look forward to staying there again the next time I visit this beautiful city. It was well located, safe, clean and comfortable and operated by a friendly, helpful staff. And all this for less than $50 simply can’t be beat. I can highly recommend the Hotel Sentral for your next visit to Georgetown on the island of Penang in Malaysia.

Dining Room at the Hotel Sentral, Georgetown, Malaysia

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Holland Bike Tours

January 31, 2013

Flowers, Canals and Rembrandts, OH MY!

Sunset in Haarlem

Join us now to check out just a few of the fantastic reasons why you should take a Holland Bike Tour. As the saying goes, April showers bring May flowers and, yes, indeed they do. Holland is in full bloom during the springtime and provides some splendid scenery as you pedal along from one location to the next. Blankets of daffodils, hyacinths, and tulips create a path of color and floral scents as you ride along the path on two wheels. Keukenhof boasts one of the world’s most beautiful gardens, in operation for almost 65 years! They feature so many flowers, colors, and patterns, that you and your camera will have a field day. Various flower shows and markets will entertain you as you stroll through the local varieties and take in the bouquets.

While the flowers of Keukenhof are pretty amazing, the rest of the attractions in Lisse are no less marvelous. Take a tour through the Keukenhof Castle and check out the park across the way. You can also visit the small and interesting Museum de Zwarte Tulp to learn about how the tulips are planted and grown. Definitely a neat stop after basking in the view of the rows upon rows of tulips at the Keukenhof gardens.

Once you have taken in some of the beautiful spring flowers you should definitely stop by the beach at Scheveningen. This seaside resort originated as a shipping village and has since been separated into three different parts. Haven is the area where fishing boats still arrive and it continues to be operated as a port. There are some chic restaurants and shops in this area for you to enjoy. Dorp is the area where fisherman used to come in and, although there isn’t much left to see there now, it is still worth checking out. Then there is Bad, the area where people like to come and enjoy the soft sandy beach area and soak up some sunshine. This area also attracts a fun array of nightlife as well.

Once you have had your share of flowers and beachside festivities, you should take a quick ferry ride to the sleepy island village of Kaag. A location heavily focused on water activities is, of course, a great place to get in some aquatic adventures. Kaag is also a town that is very relaxed and mellow where you can just sit back and enjoy the nice weather. Once you feel like you just couldn’t get any more tranquil, it’s time to shift gears a bit and head to “The Nine Streets.” This is one of the most popular shopping areas where you will find designer fashion boutiques, art galleries, jewelers, gift shops, specialty businesses and, of course, some fantastic bars and restaurants.

Before heading out of this floral and relaxing little slice of paradise you must take in at least some of the arts. As the birthplace and home of Rembrandt, Leiden is a 17th century town rich in character. It’s no wonder he was such an incredible artist, with all of the inspiration that surrounded him! You simply must see some of his works and what better place than where it all began! Many other great artists came from these parts as well, so even if you aren’t a huge Rembrandt follower, there are still many other works that you might enjoy. No matter what entices you to take a Holland Bike Tour, you will hopefully take some time to enjoy the arts, the sunshine, the canals and windmills, as well as breathe in some of the fresh floral scents of the countryside.

Austin Lehman Adventure Travel is a travel tours company with a 38 year legacy in creating amazing adventures packed with cultural and artistic encounters, with expert guides and hand selected adventures to guarantee you the vacation of a lifetime, without any of the grunt work. Book your travel adventure tour today!

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Exploring the Southwest Coast of Ireland

4 Comments / January 27, 2013

In and Around Cork

As the second largest city in the Republic of Ireland, Cork is an incredible gateway to some truly amazing sights on the southwest coast of the Emerald Isle. If you choose to head here, whether from inland or abroad, take a look at the Travelodge Hotel near Cork Airport, an ideal spot to serve as your home base. With so much to explore, there’s no need to spend unnecessary money on accommodations – not when you can get a comfortable, affordable hotel with such ease. From here, why not hire a car so you can explore the surrounding area under your own steam? It’ll give you all the freedom you need to take things at your own pace. Just grab your GPS and head for the coast, taking in the beautiful sights and various attractions along the way.

Blarney Castle

Built in the 15^th century, with earlier strongholds on the site dating back much further, Blarney Castle is home to the Stone of Eloquence, otherwise known as the Blarney Stone. Legend has it that if you kiss the stone, you will be given the gift of the gab. Nowadays, you have to hang upside down over a sheer drop to give it a peck, but it’s still do-able for the brave!

Fota Island

This small island off the coast of Cork is home to Fota Wildlife Park, Ireland’s only wildlife park, which aims to preserve global wildlife in its natural surroundings. Animals include ostrich, kangaroo, giraffe and antelope – all of which are allowed to roam free without fear of predators, such as the cheetah.

Carbery’s Hundred Isles

Be sure to take a trip to these beautiful isles, situated off the coast of Cork in and around Long Island Bay and Roaringwater Bay. Many of these islands still have rustic villages on them. Cape Clear Island (Cleire) is a popular berth for yachts and Sherkin Island, approximately 15 minutes via ferry away from the mainland, is a popular tourist destination, particularly with families during the summer holidays.

Rolling Hills and Coastal Cliffs

As you can see, there are plenty of places to explore on the southwest coast of Ireland. With rolling hills and coastal cliffs right at your doorstep, Cork is much more than its namesake city. Head further into the country and you can enjoy a whole host of attractions.

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Thinking of a Caribbean Cruise?

January 21, 2013

Caribbean Adventures

If you’ve got your heart set on a Caribbean holiday next year, don’t just settle for a week in a hotel. Why not ramp up the indulgence factor and make it a holiday to remember by taking a Caribbean cruise?

If goes without saying that Caribbean cruises are pretty special. Just think of all those dreamy destinations you could visit within the space of a week, a fortnight or more – from the Bahamas to Barbados, Aruba to Florida, Dominican Republic to Haiti – and a whole host of other places just waiting to be discovered. What’s great about a cruise is that you get to visit a number of destinations throughout your holiday rather than staying put in one resort. And you’ll get plenty of time to explore each new location, too. Most cruises sail overnight and dock at each destination early in the morning, giving visitors ample time to alight and explore the sights and sounds of each new location in their own time, or by taking an organised tour. Then it’s back onto the ship in the evening, ready to head off to the next magical destination.

Once you’re onboard, the adventure doesn’t stop there. Cruise liners have evolved over recent years and they’re now packed to the gun whales with thrilling things to see, do and experience. Take Royal Caribbean’s Adventure Of The Seas for instance. Energetic types can get their kicks scaling a 30-foot rock-climbing wall, gliding around the ice skating rink, trying their luck in the casino or dancing the night away in a lively nightclub. Then there’s a leisurely mini-golf course, spa facilities, dance classes, pottery-making sessions, and so much more.

Phew! Talk about Caribbean adventures. The only difficulty you’ll have is deciding which cruise itinerary to take, which liner tickles your fancy, and which long list of sizzling Caribbean islands you most want to visit. Better get started…

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