Travel and tips

Top 12 Ways to Upgrade to First Class on the Major AirlinesGetting Upgraded to First ClassThese days with little profit and extra overheard costs, a flyer with no past history on a given airline has little chance of upgrading to first class. But it can happen if you do your homework. Hence why you are here today.
Method #1: Asking the ticket counter agent nicely or perhaps offering him/her a bribe. Does this work?In 99% of the time absolutely not. In most cases on most airlines, the ticket agent is not authorized to upgrade passengers unless you have frequent flyer status and even with frequent flyer status, you will most likely need to use miles to get your upgrade. Of course you have to hope they actually have first class seats available for upgrade. With many frequent flyer programs, and with rules changing frequently due to airlines merging with other airlines, or the carrier simply revamping their frequent flyer program, many of the top tier frequent flyers get upgraded before they fly. Thus by the time you arrive at the airport, there is a good chance that the first class seats that have not been sold have been allocated to frequent flyers. Bribing a ticket agent can not only get the agent in hot water, but she will probably seat you at the back of the plane just for being stupid.
With some airlines, fellow flyers I have met have been clever enough to ask the ticket counter agent to kindly add a code to their ticket. Why? Because the code signifies to the gate agent that you as a passenger are potentially eligible for an upgrade. It works with the right airline and of course you will need to know which code to use as each airline uses different codes for different situations that are independent of other carriers.
Method #2 Dress smart and arrive as late as possibleThere are plenty of flyers who believe in getting to the airport as early as possible in the hopes of either asking the counter agent for an upgrade or asking the gate agent for an upgrade. Believe me, I have tried thousands of charming ways to get upgraded and the employees are simply following the rules. Oh and they have heard every line in the book. So why would your line be any different?Of course if you want to press your luck, you can arrive at the 11th hour and ask the gate agent for an upgrade, it will of course help to dress the part and of course hold some status even if its just a basic member in the airlines frequent flyer program. One method that has worked for me in the past is to tell them the reason you are late is because of a terrible experience you had with their competitor, sometimes if they think they have the potential to win the business of a frequent flyer from another carrier, they might put you in first class, space permitted since you are in an emotional state. It can work.
Method #3 Buying an UpgradeMany domestic carriers in an attempt to earn more business will happily sell first class seat upgrades on a first come first serve basis. Obviously they want to earn as much money as possible and they will release first class seats typically only at the airport and only on the day of the departure. Instead of paying $1,200 for a first class flight coast to coast, you might end up paying 300 for the coach ticket and just 150 each way for the first class upgrade. Certainly better than begging for an upgrade and this is certainly better than using miles in many cases.
Of course this rate may not apply to you, on some airlines they only offer the upgrades to their frequent flyers first and only after they have exhausted all attempts at selling to their most loyal customers will they sell to you. Hint: Get a frequent flyer card as soon as possible. It’s free and will only help you upgrade and of course you start to earn miles with your first flight.
If by chance you paid full fare for your coach ticket, there is still a chance of buying an upgrade, but like everything in this world, don’t expect much with a free or heavily discounted coach ticket.
Method #4: It’s not what you know but who you knowIf you just so happen to be related to a family member or are friends with an airline employee, you certainly could ask for an upgrade, but keep in mind that airlines are in the business of making a profit, and if there are upgrades to sell, or loyal frequent flyers to keep happy, don’t expect to be first inline for an upgrade.
On a positive note, keep in mind that suppliers, contractors and airline partners have some pull to get upgraded. It’s not just family of the carrier’s employees.
Method #5: Show a travel agent ID Again, if and only if seats are available will an airline offer a free upgrade and even though a travel agent might have some pull, you always have to assume that frequent flyer status will help more than just travel agent status. If you have both, you will only improve your chances of an upgrade. It certainly does not hurt to try. You can of course become a travel agent for as little as $50 without having to sell anything. Method #6: Ask a flight attendant for an upgrade if you a seat availableTypically flight attendants never upgrade passengers and simply asking for an upgrade is not going to work. However, there are legitimate reasons why a flight attendant will upgrade you. Here are a few.
1. An oversold flight – Typically airlines overbook flights and hope that some passengers will simply not show. If however there are more passengers than seats in coach, your best chance to be upgraded is to get assigned a seat towards the front of the aircraft. If there are no seats left and the flight is oversold, you may also be asked to volunteer to take a later fight. This would also mean compensation but of course not necessarily a first class upgrade.
2. A problem with your seat – In some cases where your seat has malfunctioned and you can not comfortably sit there, I.E. seatbelt problem or the seat will not stay in the up position, the flight attendant will make an attempt to find you another seat. If no other seats are available in coach yet space is available in first, you will be moved to first class. On the down side, this is a rare occurrence.
3. A problem with a fellow passenger – If by chance you are sitting next to a passenger and you have a legitimate complaint, the flight attendant can at her discretion, move you to first. This actually happened to me on a flight when I was trying to watch the small screen in front of me, and a senile old woman would not move. I was upgraded. Method #7: Book with a travel agentWhen you book with a travel agent, it is possible, with a valid reason, to have the agent mark your reservation with a comment, such as OSI (Other Significant Information). The record may indicate that you are a VIP or CEO of a big corporation. Airlines like to see this information as they are trying to win more and more business away from their competition. If there is a chance that an important decision maker is flying with them it could potentially mean extra revenue for the airline as they may want to try to win your company’s account.
Method #8: Book directly with the airlineWhen you book directly with the airline, there is the possibility of also adding an OSI to your record, if you are a travel agent, travel writer, or event planner, it certainly won’t hurt your chances. Method #9: Upgrade using frequent flyer points or statusIf you are a frequent flyer, you can certainly use your miles to upgrade as long as allocated seats are available for upgrade. Not all seats are allocated for frequent flyer upgrades, as the airlines want to hold a certain block of seats for fully paid customers so that they can earn as much as they can for each flight. Using the right miles at the right time is also of importance. Each airline has their set terms and conditions for frequent flyers, miles and upgrades. You will need to determine the best case scenario for each flight you want to take. Short flights are typically not worth the upgrade since you would waste valuable miles. Of course on many airlines having frequent flyer status will only help to get free upgrades. Typically, the higher the status, the better chance of getting a free upgrade confirmed days before the flight.
Method #10: Be in the knowAirlines in an attempt to woo passengers and business will offer specials frequently throughout the year. You might even encounter a special that allows you instant status in their frequent flyer program. I’m not referring to basic status, anyone can become a member of each airlines frequent flyer program for free. I’m referring to the next level of status. For example, American Airlines has these levels. Member, Gold, Platinum, and Executive Platinum. You can gain Gold status in this example by simply calling a special unpublished phone number and following some basic requirements. I explain more about this on my website.
Method #11: Purchase UpgradesThere are many ways to buy upgrades cheaply. Keep in mind that there are specific rules for who can use them and how they are used. You need to read the fine print carefully. But in most cases, not only is it easy to purchase upgrades, its easy to put them to use. Upgrades for most major carriers can be purchased on Ebay, in travel forums, and some can be found for sale in classified ads. In some cases you can purchase an upgrade for as little as eight dollars, but as usual, these upgrades can only be applied to your ticket at the check in counter once you arrive at the airport. Other more expensive upgrade will allow you to confirm your upgrade over the phone before you arrive at the airport. Method #12: Buy discounted first class tickets cheaplyContrary to what you may have seen or heard, first class tickets are not always expensive, and there are numerous ways to purchase discounted tickets. The price may not be as cheap as coach tickets but with fierce competition one can buy tickets that are heavily discounted that in comparison to coach tickets, may make sense to spend a little bit more to travel in style. Typically, a coast to coast ticket on the major travel websites will sell for about $1,200. But using our method, a first class ticket could cost you $600 or less for the same flight. Compared with 300-400 for a coach ticket and you can see why it may be wise to simply spend a bit extra instead of going through hoops to get upgraded. You can learn more about upgrading and where to purchase tickets by visiting our website at www.firstclasstraveltips.com

Are you planning a vacation for sometime in the near future? Do you want to take a trip, but do not have the money to do so at this time? If you answered yes to either one of these questions you will want to try and get your hands on vacation coupons. Many people do not even know that such coupons exist. But if you know where to get them and how to use them, you will definitely be able to save yourself a lot of money on your next trip.
Vacation coupons are nothing more than coupons that offer you discounts on a variety of different items. Some of the most popular coupons are those that give you a discount on lodging. You will usually be able to find these during the off peak months. Hotels give them away as a way of bringing in tourists even when the weather is not up to par. If you are looking for these all you have to do is call around to a few different hotels. If you do not have any luck at first, do not give up. There are plenty of hotels that will offer you a special coupon rate.
Also, if you are worried about the cost of dining out on your next vacation you should seek out coupons for local restaurants. Many times you will be able to get a dining coupon book from the front desk of the hotel at which you are staying. Call ahead in advance to make sure that they have one of these coupon books available.
Your hotel may also be able to supply you with coupons off of admission at some of the most popular tourist attractions. Many people overlook these coupons, but they can go a long way in ensuring that you have a fun trip while also saving you a lot of money.
Vacation coupons are great for anybody that is planning a trip. While you are going through all of the planning details make sure that you do your best at finding these coupons. By doing this, you may be able to save yourself hundreds of dollars. At the very least, you will be able to get your hands on a couple of coupons that will save you a few dollars here and there. Don’t miss out on saving money on your next vacation; who knows, you may save so much that you can afford to stay a couple of extra days!

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However, many die-hard scuba divers would rather spend a little extra money for the best quality scuba vacations. Priceline will book your flights, hotels, and even car rentals, so that you can spend your time enjoying your Scuba Diving Vacations. Find scuba facilities and underwater destinations near you or near your next vacation spot, rated by user reviews. The Cayman Islands are a tropical vacation paradise and feature a fascinating array of top-rated snorkeling and scuba diving sites. This is a fun way to scuba dive on your holiday vacation. Come for a Caribbean scuba vacation with scuba diving instructor certification and BVI charter crewed boats. NAUI/SSI scuba certification, and a memorable vacation. I have snorkeled and scuba-dived at Cozumel, which was the site of my first scuba vacation.
The remaining world class atlantic scuba vacation destinations are listed with links to overviews, and further detail links. A scuba diving vacation with Deep Blue Utila will provide you with the opportunity of seeing and even snorkelling with these awesome creatures. The camera can be taken on your scuba vacation with the optional underwater housings. We work with groups and individuals to create extraordinary scuba diving vacations that are customized to your budget. We located some of the best places to plan a scuba vacation without sacrificing the luxury of a resort getaway. This is the perfect vacation for a scuba fan.
If you like Caribbean diving, NAS sponsors trips, and has all the gear you’ll need for a warm water scuba vacation. Starting your Bonaire diving scuba vacation means getting there, and access is fairly easy. Scuba diving vacations are becoming very popular amongst dive enthusiasts who don’t like just lounging around a hotel pool all day long. Many of these yacht scuba vacations will last for 7 days, with options to dive every day and also a free night dive. The entire process can be completed over several weeks, or packed into a several days at one of the numerous vacation scuba schools. The best scuba diving vacation opportunities are booked by repeat customers who book well in advance to ensure their reservation! Croix is the premier location for a caribbean scuba diving vacations.
This is the perfect time of the year to escape the winter chill and relax on a scuba diving vacation! There are plenty of interesting scuba diving vacations; the hardest part is picking just one. Let SEA PRO introduce you to the world of scuba diving expand your vacation to a new level of excitement! There are many ways to enjoy scuba diving while visiting Manzanillo, without having to commit your total vacation time to the sport. It is the job of Scuba International to ensure that your hard earned vacation is well planned, carefree, and just what you expected. The best choice for your dreamed scuba diving vacation.
They’ll help make sure you’re completely satisfied with your scuba diving vacation from start to finish. There are all inclusive resort vacation packages to meet every need: family, adult-only, adult-oriented, couples, honeymoons, golf, scuba diving, and more. The island of Roatan Honduras is one of the world’s top scuba diving vacation destinations. Here are some tips on using their services to book a dive excursion or learn to scuba dive while on a cruise vacation. Caribbean vacations, all-inclusive family resort, vacation nanny, scuba diving & more. http://www.scuba-diving-vacation.com/

When it comes to hotels, things boil down to a tradeoff between low cost and convenient location. In many cases, especially when traveling to major cities and popular attractions, the closer the hotel to the city or attraction the more you can expect to pay. The best way to save money, particularly in large cities, is often to stay in the suburbs.
Of course, this means that you will spend more time getting to the places you want to visit, and this will mean spending additional money on gasoline, etc. It is important to compute all these costs to make sure that you will really be spending less on a less convenient hotel room.
There are of course a number of ways to save money on hotels and motels without compromising quality. For one thing, a membership in AAA or a similar auto club also entitles you to discounts on hotel rooms, as does military service and senior citizen status. When inquiring about a hotel room, always inquire about discounts that may be available.
In addition, shopping early for a hotel room can often yield the best deals. That is because hotels often reserve a block of low cost rooms, and when they are gone they are gone. Thus, the last room at a hotel may be much more costly than the first. Getting the best hotel room deal is often a matter of timing.
Of course getting a great deal on a hotel will mean nothing if the place is a dump. Shopping for a budget hotel should not mean settling for a hotel that is dirty, poorly run or in an unsafe location. Fortunately, finding a good budget hotel has been made much easier with the help of the internet. What used to take weeks or even months to research can now be done in a matter of hours or even minutes. Many hotels, even budget properties, feature pictures of the property and the surrounding area, so be sure to research the property you are considering if you have never stayed there before.
It is important to research the area in which the hotel is located as well. Be sure to check out things like restaurants and attractions within walking distance of the hotel. Doing research on the area will help ensure you do not end up staying in a dangerous neighborhood just to save a couple of bucks.
The internet also provides a number of review sites where those who have stayed in various hotels share their experiences and their impressions of the hotel properties. These review sites can be very useful for travelers, particularly those traveling to a new location for the first time.
In addition, the internet hosts a number of comparison web sites where travelers can easily find and compare hotel properties for their individual dates of stay and destinations. These web sites offer a number of ways to search, including distance from a particular tourist attraction, price, star level and more. The only caveat to consider when using such a web site is its independence. Some comparison web sites feature only properties that pay an advertising fee, so using a comparison site does not necessarily guarantee the best price. It is best to use a number of such web sites to get a true picture of the lowest prices available.

There is no doubt that hotel costs are among the biggest part of any vacation budget, and the failure to find affordable lodging has harpooned many an otherwise well planned vacation. One of the keys to enjoying a great vacation without breaking the bank is striking the best possible deal on the roof over your head.
Fortunately, the internet has made the process of finding a great hotel deal much easier. There are some great hotel, motel, and bed and breakfast deals out there, and the internet has made them easier to find than ever.
Booking ahead is essential, as is shopping around. You simply cannot expect to simply show up at a hotel and get a good rate. Most hotel chains reserve their best room rates, and they limit their numbers. Once those low cost rooms are booked, they are simply no longer available. It is also important to book ahead because it can be difficult to gauge the demand for lording in a particular area, even if you are familiar with your destination. Special events of which you are unaware could cause a spike in hotel demand, and hotel prices, and leave you either paying an arm and a leg for a place to sleep, or, worse yet, find yourself without a place to stay at all.
It is also important to take advantage of all discounts to which you may be entitled, and not be shy about asking for discounts. Many hotel chains and independent hotels offer discounts to those in the military, senior citizens, and members of travel clubs like AAA. If you think you are entitled to a discount, be sure to ask, and be sure to verify that the discount has been applied when you arrive.
In addition, many hotel chains offer programs that are similar to airline frequent flier programs. These programs reward loyal guests with free nights and other rewards. It is important to sign up for these programs whenever you can. Most of these programs are free, so signing up will cost you nothing, and you could end up with a free hotel stay.
When looking for those great hotel deals, a number of web sites compare hotels by price, star level, and even proximity to certain tourist attractions. It is always best to search several of these sites, since not all hotel chains participate in every comparison site.
There is no doubt that finding a great hotel rate will take some time and some hard work, but it is very important to keeping your travel budget under control. The cost of lodging often represents at least half, and often much more, of the total cost of a vacation. It is easy to see, then, how getting the best possible deal on your hotel can keep your cost level low and your vacation fun level high.

Hong Kong is an eclectic mix of Chinese and British influences mixed with a massive amount of adrenaline. Fortunately, you can find places to stay when visiting Hong Kong without much problem.
Finding Places to Stay When Visiting Hong KongHong Kong is both a modern and ancient city. First appearances reveal a modern metropolis teaming with commerce, crowds and traffic you would expect to find in any major city in the world. Walk down an alley, however, and you will find all kinds of oddities and a feel for the underlying currents of the city. Big business is done in Hong Kong, but so is a unique way of life. Whichever you pursue, you will need a good base to survive this hectic city. Place to stay in Hong Kong come in all types of quality, shapes and prices. There are really cheap youth hostels with lots of “character” and five star luxury hotels that would make an emperor blush. Universally, the accommodations are smaller than you would expect in other parts of the world. You can expect rooms to be smaller than Thailand, but a bit bigger than what you find in Japan for corresponding prices. Luxury lodgings are primarily located on Hong Kong Island. Hong Kong Island is the central area of Hong Kong, the location you see in pictures of the massive skyline. It is situated on an amazingly thin strip of land between the ocean and mountains. If you are doing business in Hong Kong, this is where you want to stay as most of the major commerce centers are on the island. There are a bevy of five star places offering accommodations. In truth, your choice is limited only by your budget. If you are looking for cheaper accommodations in Hong Kong, Kowloon and the New territories offer a variety of sources. You can even find hostels on Hong Kong Island. Put another way, accommodations are plentiful regardless of where you are. Hong Kong is a major transportation hub for Asia, so it caters to all budgets. Finding a place to stay in Hong Kong is a piece of cake. Figure out where you want to stay and then shop around to find the best prices.

Many first time travelers make the incorrect assumption that a European vacation is beyond their means, but this is often not the case. One of the biggest costs associated with any vacation, including travel to countries in Europe, is lodging, but it is possible to fund budget accommodations that are clean, safe and centrally located.
One of the secrets to finding affordable budget accommodations when traveling to Europe is to check out the many bed and breakfast hotels that are common in Europe. The average bed and breakfast in Europe is much different than its American counterpart. Whereas many bed and breakfast’s in the United States are luxurious, and expensive destinations, Europeans generally regard bed and breakfast hotels as inexpensive places to stay, and they can be much more affordable than hotels in similar locations.
Most bed and breakfast hotels in European destinations are small, family run hotels. In many cases, the family has their living quarters right on the premises, and the hotel generally provides free breakfast with the price of the room.
There are many places to look for European bed and breakfast hotels, including the Internet, destination travel guides, Internet news groups and travel review web sites. While some of the larger bed and breakfast hotels have their own web sites, many do not, and word of mouth is often the best way to find them.
There are also booking services that will book the bed and breakfast hotel for you for a small fee (usually around 10%). These booking services can be very valuable, especially if you do not speak the local language.
Even if you did not plan ahead, chances are you will still be able to find an affordable bed and breakfast hotel when you arrive. The arrivals area of most European airports has at least one booking desk to help travelers without reservations find affordable accommodations. Just be sure you have a local map handy so you don’t get stuck with a hotel in the middle of nowhere. There are some important things to keep in mind when booking a bed and breakfast or similar budget accommodations in European destinations. There are important differences in lodgings between Europe and the United States, and first time travelers to Europe are often caught unawares. Below is a list of items to consider when booking lodging for your European vacation:1. Your budget accommodations will likely be clean, but basic. In most cases the surroundings will not be fancy or luxurious, but they will be functional and clean.
2. The rooms at a budget hotel or bed and breakfast will probably be small, and closet space may be limited or even non-existent.
3. The least expensive rooms will have bathroom and shower facilities located down the hall, while more expensive rooms may have an in room bathroom and tub.
4. A room that has only a shower will usually be less costly than one that includes a bathtub as well. If this is an important consideration, be sure to ask about the bathroom facilities when making your reservation.
5. Rooms equipped with a double bed are generally less costly than those with twin beds.
6. If you are driving, there is almost always an extra charge for parking. Be sure to ask about the parking charge when making your reservation.
7. Be sure to buy a good map of the city you will be visiting, and make sure the hotel or bed and breakfast you choose is centrally located. It is often better to choose lodging that it within walking distance of several attractions you will be visiting, even if the room is slightly more expensive. Choosing a centrally located hotel or bed and breakfast will save you both time and money for transportation.
8. When booking your lodging, be sure the price you are quoted includes all local taxes and applicable fees.

Most visitors to the Costa Blanca region take an Alicante flight into the area. Alicante airport offers many flight options and low cost fares. The accessibility of rail services, buses and care hire companies make travel to this area easy. You have many choices for travelling from the airport to other areas in the region and around the country.
Over sixty million people travel to Spain each year. The Spanish government has invested in infrastructure to make the country more accessible to both visitors and citizens. As a result, this country is one of the most affordable in terms of travel.
Best Prices on a Spain FlightThe internet offers the ability to reserve flights into the area without a travel agent. Prices fluctuate daily and even many times during a given day. Tickets work on the principle of supply and demand. The more tickets that are available, the cheaper the fare. The opposite is also true.
Nott all travel websites are created equally. Don’t expect to find the same deals on all the sites. Flights can vary widely in terms of price and availability. Compare flights on several different sites to get the best deal. This will be more time consuming, but can save you a significant amount of money.
The time of year and day of the week make a big difference in the fares you will pay. Tuesday and Thursday are typically the least expensive days to fly. Friday, Saturday and Sunday are the most expensive flight days. Also, consider taking a flight in the non peak hours to save money. Travelling in the peak summer season will be more expensive than in the off peak season, just before or after the summer.
Book in advance for the best deals. Some people believe that waiting until the last minute is a good way to get a deal. This can be true in the off season, but flights fill up quickly in the peak season. To get a good deal and still have the availability, you should book your trip about three months in advance for international travel.
Discount Carriers for a Cheap Alicante FlightDiscount European airlines often offer good deals on flights into Alicante ( http://www.alicante-spain.com/cheap_alicante_flights.html ). These flights are not always listed on all travel sites. They can be a little tough to find and you’ll need to spend some time looking around. Although it will be more time consuming, you will save more money, which may be well worth the time invested.
Discount airlines are able to offer better prices in exchange for less convenience on the plane. These are no frills flights. There is little or no food served on the plane. You won’t get a meal, but may get a small snack on some flights. On other carriers, you will be charged for drinks. This helps keep down the cost of the tickets. Consider bringing your own snacks on the plane for your trip.
You should expect some inconvenience in exchange for the lower fare. In some cases, your flight will not be direct. You may need to change planes during your journey. If you are connecting in another country, you may need to collect your bags and check them in again for the second flight of your trip. This can be a hassle, but again you will save money. Ask about this policy with the individual airline.
Keep in mind that you may have more inconvenience if your flight is cancelled for any reason. It may not be as easy to get another flight when using a small airline as it is with a major carrier. Larger carriers won’t honor your ticket and you’ll have to wait for an alternate flight with your small airline.

Mexico: The Land of Beautiful Beaches and MargaritasMexico is one of the most visited places in the world. With its warm hospitality, all inclusive resorts and great weather, it’s easy to see why. But, there are a million choices. If you’ve never been, (or even if you have), how do you select the ideal hotel in Mexico for your specific needs? Plus, how do you ensure you will receive the level of quality that you’re expecting? As in many developing countries, there is a whole range of different properties to choose from, some of which can be limited in terms of modern conveniences they provide. But then again, this may be exactly what you’re looking for! Regardless, here are some tips on how to find a quality hotel in Mexico and advice on how you can ensure you are prepared as you search for that perfect Mexico vacation getaway.
Doing it Right: The Hotel Selection ProcessAmenities, Price and Location. Those are the three most important considerations as you plan your trip to Mexico and book your hotel. And if you can plan far ahead, it just makes things that much easier. So where do you start?The Internet: Using online travel reservation services to compare hotel amenities, prices and check reviews.
• If you have a certain hotel chain that you prefer, such as Marriott, check their website first for specials and discount rates. The top hotels will guarantee their rates as the lowest available. This gives you the security of knowing that you are getting the best price and are booking through a reputable source.
• Many hotels will offer vacation package deals which bundle your room with meals and other hotel amenities. Depending on your needs, this can be a great way to increase convenience and save some money.
• Check out property pictures, maps, and video clips from hotel websites.
• Find out how other travelers reviewed the property. This information can be found at various websites, such as http://www.epinions.com/ offer this.
• Check The Mexico Hotel Guide, TravelWeb, and PlacestoStay all of which have lots of independent hotel information.
Don’t Pay Too Much! Look for the deals.
• If you have some flexibility, determine if they offer lower mid-week rates.
• A good way to find local hotels is to read travel bulletin boards and look for recommendations made by other travelers, such as those made on Tripadvisor.com.
Hotel Specific Issues
• How is their customer service history? Have they received positive ratings from independent organizations?
• If the hotel is part of an international franchise, find out how the chain rates this property within their organization.
• Is the hotel located in a safe part of the city or area?
• Is any major construction going on in the area that could impact your stay?
• Will there be any large groups at the Hotel during the time you want to go?
• Do they have a concierge, shuttle, laundry service or other extra service?
• Is one side of the hotel better than the other?
• Is public transportation located close by?
• What types of restaurants to they offer?
• Is there a fitness and aerobics room?
• What are the local attractions?
• Is this a new hotel or have they gone through a recent remodel?
• What is their cancellation policy?• Do they offer smoking/nonsmoking rooms?
• Do they have agreements with airlines, rental car or other partners? You could benefit.
• Is the airport close to the hotel’s location?Other General Recommendations
• Be flexible if it’s feasible for you. The hotel sets their prices by supply and demand, so it helps to know when the peak season is. If you don’t know when the best rates are, just ask them.
• Frequent customers of chain hotels can register on the hotel’s web site to save time and effort. By doing this, your hotel room preferences will be automatically included when you reserve your room.
• By calling the hotel directly, rather than the chains 800 number, you might get a room at the last minute, or during peak travel times. The front desk at the hotel are more hands on when it comes to the hotel’s capacity and can check for cancellations or no-shows.
So there you have it, the best advice to finding your perfect Mexico hotel! Keep in mind; there are many great hotels in all areas of Mexico. From Cancun to Puerto Vallarta, there are plenty of reputable hotels that you will want to return to again and again. If worse comes to worse, use a reputable travel agent to help you find a great hotel. They can remove the uncertainty when it comes to selecting high quality accommodations.
Finally, enjoy your stay! Mexico awaits!

Getting a San Francisco Hotel is different than in most places because location matters a great deal. San Francisco has almost always been known as a romantic city. The city lights, a large bay, a couple of bridges, some great history and Victorian row houses all are a part of the San Francisco landscape. It also what makes this city offer a unique experience for families, couples and even singles.
When visiting San Francisco the first thing to consider when selecting a hotel is the proximity to public transportation. Traffic in this city by the bay is horrendous and the street layout is extremely difficult to maneuver. As with many older cities, San Francisco grew up over decades before there were automobiles. So the streets and roadways were no designed to accommodate the car but horses and foot traffic. Also like many larger cities, the government in SF also decided to make many interior streets 1 way! Combine the traffic, street size and unfamiliarity together is a recipe for a very stressful time.
The good news is that there are many alternatives in the greater San Francisco Bay area region. The city has a good bus system, taxis, Bay ARea Rapid Transit or BART and of course the quaint cable cars. Find a nice hotel or suite in SF close to public transportation and simply enjoy the town and all it has to offer.
From the vantage point of a city bus or cable car, enjoy the sights and sounds of this unique city. Visit the old area of Haight Ashbury where some say the hippie movement of the 1960′s was born. If you’re into rock and roll history, locate 710 Ashbury Street, where the Grateful Dead Band lived at one time. There’s also the Golden Gate Bridge, tours to Alcatraz, Golden Gate Park, Chinatown, Coit Tower atop Telegraph hill and many other attractions.
By far, one of the most popular attractions has to be Fisherman’s Wharf. Here, California sea lions have taken over some of the most expensive boat harbor real estate in the country. Fisherman’s Wharf is much more than a launching place for the small fishing boats. There’s also Pier39, an outdoor mall experience built on an old commercial pier. For lunch, consider going down the street just across from the Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum and pick up some fresh sourdough bread. Continue down a little more and there’s Alioto’s, a favorite fish and seafood place. Pick up some Dungeness crab or shrimp cocktail to enjoy with the fresh bread and have lunch right by the bay. An inexpensive lunch with scenery that can’t be beat.
The key to enjoying San Francisco is based more on the proximity to the public transportation that any specific San Francisco hotel room. Shop for the best deal on a room and give yourself a stress free vacation by leaving the driving to someone else.