Know Before You Go: Traveling the U.S. and Abroad

costs.

Chapter 1

Determining Your Destination

The world is a beautiful place where you could journey from one destination to another and never grow weary of the grandeur before you.

What destination will have the honor of hosting your trip this year?

Information Included in this Chapter:

•  Choosing your destination is a personal decision—it is not about following the crowd or checking out the latest tourist hot spots. It is about finding a place that will be meaningful to you.

•  Get the facts on your planned destination. Don’t fall prey to the beautiful glossy pictures—learn about the area and get more details on the sites you would like to see. The more real your expectations are, the better time you will have.

•  Be an informed traveler—eliminate unnecessary expenses and fees, stay healthy and out of harm’s way, avoid scams, be prepared for foreign country requirements, security issues, and more.

•  Traveling during holidays or spring break, when you want to avoid the crowds and not pay premium rates.

•  Planning a beach vacation only to find that the beach is a rocky cliff or has rough waters not conducive to swimming.

•  Not budgeting your vacation in advance and facing unnecessary fees and expenses that could have been avoided.

•  Becoming a victim of theft or other crimes by not being aware of potential dangers and scams, or State Department warnings.

This book will take you through the entire process of planning your trip from start to finish:

We’ll begin by helping you choose a destination that is just right for you—not where everyone else is going…or what they may think is great, but what will ultimately be a terrific experience for you.

You will know how to put together an accurate budget and reduce unnecessary expenses, and be aware of how to get the best prices for airfare, lodging (and alternative options for those on a tight budget), car rentals, and more. You will become a wise packer—and will be oh-so-thankful as you lug your suitcase from one destination to another.

Traveling abroad involves stepping into an environment with rules and regulations that are unfamiliar to you. It’s like playing a game you have never played before. If you don’t know what the rules are—you will probably not do well. I plan to not only fill you in on what these rules are, but to make you aware of some hidden strategies that will help you to be the ultimate winner. It will be like having a map that shows the location of all the pitfalls on the road you are traveling—you will know in advance how to sidestep them. The end result will be an extraordinary trip that will take your breath away.

Ready to get started?

I. Determining Your Destination

Here is where the fun begins—planning where you would like to go.

Try not to get lured in by all the beautiful photos and the enticing words describing a destination. Vacation brochures are usually written by professional marketers who may have never even seen the place they are describing. Do some homework and get accurate details on the area you are interested in by reading guidebooks or other material written by people who have actually been there. Does it still sound like a place you would like to visit?

For many of us…we get those two or three weeks out of the year where we get to step away from work and do something we’d like to do. We save up our hard-earned dollars and take off on a vacation that we hope will bring us some long-awaited gratification. We do not want to be disappointed by a vacation that falls short of our expectations—or return exhausted…feeling like now we really need a vacation—or battle with regrets that we spent all that money and did not even have a good time.

This happens more than you think—and it can be avoided.

Avoid a Disastrous Vacation:

I have heard many times from people who could not wait for their vacation to be over. They were having a lousy time on their dream vacation because nothing was like they had pictured it. Or they were confronted with several mishaps of things going wrong. Some ran into snags going through airport security or with the airlines (they were unaware of the ever-changing regulations); or they were denied entry into a country because they forgot an important detail (like not enough visa stamp pages). There were those that missed their return flight because they did not have the proper documentation or visa; or they became ill for several days from food poisoning and ended up missing out on the bulk of their vacation—lying in bed recovering.

I ran into this during my own travels. I had heard great things about this particular island, and the pictures of it looked beautiful. It looked like the beaches would be amazing (which was the main reason we were going there). When we arrived, we found that there were no beaches and no access to the water. What the pictures failed to show was that the beaches were surrounded by steep rocky cliffs. We saw all the great sites to see…in about two hours, and our waterfront hotel room had only a tiny glimpse of the water…and we still had another two weeks left to stay in our prepaid hotel. We were so disenchanted, that we ended up leaving the island and took off to another destination—losing the money we paid for the hotel and spending more on airfare. But thinking of spending another two weeks of our long awaited vacation in this place was too disheartening. That was a tough lesson to learn. The good news is that we were able to pull it out and had a great time the rest of the vacation—but it came at a cost.

The more Informed You are…the more Real Your Expectations will be:

I am trying to paint a picture of how important it is to do your research rather than fall prey to all the hype. Planning is essential to having a great time. The more informed you are…the more real your expectations will be about your destination…and the better time you will have. My plan throughout this book is to keep you informed and help you sidestep the pitfalls.

So let’s start with where your dream vacation is taking you…

Is there a place that you have been yearning to see, but thought there was no way you could afford it? You may be in for a pleasant surprise. With some creative planning, it’s possible that your dream trip could become a reality.

Or maybe you are not quite sure where you would like to go or are stuck in a rut of going to the same place every year. Take some time to think outside the box and plan an escape from the humdrum. Here are some questions to ask yourself to get you on that creative path…

Do you want to stay within the boundaries of the U.S. or venture abroad?

Do you see yourself floating amongst the waves on a beach vacation or on a cruise, or do you prefer to keep your feet firmly planted on dry ground?

Are you ok with being around a lot people or waiting in crowded lines? Do you prefer a destination that offers nonstop activities? Or is your ideal getaway one that is in a serene and quiet setting away from all the crowds?

Do you get bored with the mundane? Is your idea of fun parachuting through the air…or skiing down the mighty slopes of the Swiss Alps…or exploring the Outback in Australia? Or does your idea of hiking consist of walking from one shop to another?

Planning your travels abroad when the currency exchange rate is in favor of the dollar is a great time to save some cash. That could be a determining factor on where you decide to travel—you can have some fun and save money doing it!

Is your vacation a large family or group event? Do you need to find a destination that will be liked by all? You could always get a group discount or stay in a luxury vacation house and split the costs…making a great place much more affordable. Check out some vacation rental homes (there are waterfront ones, if you prefer) that have several bedrooms and can accommodate a large group.

Or maybe you are a history buff and would love to step back in time and relive historical events, or check out the roots of your ancestry up close and personal.

Another determining factor is how would you like to get there? Do you prefer to fly…ride a train…drive…or cruise the seas? Or maybe your adventure involves hiking there on foot.

Did you come up with anything yet?

II. Preparing a Budget for Travel Expenses

The budget—most of us don’t like it—but reality requires that we put one together and stick to it.

It’s better to plan on spending more than you think you will, because most likely…you will. By accurately anticipating what your trip will cost, you can realistically plan for what you can afford…and there are many terrific places to visit for all budgets. You don’t want to return home to vacation bills full of expenses you never anticipated (like foreign transaction fees or cellular roaming charges)—leaving you in debt that will now take months to pay off.

There are many creative things you can do to reduce your costs and eliminate unnecessary expenses and hidden fees.

Budget: Expenses to Plan For

Here are some suggestions to help you put together an accurate budget. You can get the actual costs from travel guidebooks, online at the businesses’ sites (lodging, airfare, tour activities), or other sources.

•  Lodging: Include parking fees, phone/internet usage (if you plan to use it), nightly charges for additional people (room rate may be based on one or two people only), in-room mini-fridge snacks and drinks, and room tax (this can be as high as 25% in some locations abroad).

•  Airfare (or Train Fare): Include baggage fees (some charge for carry-on as well), in-flight amenities (food and entertainment), airport parking or transportation to and from. There may also be added fees to the airfare (confirm the final cost before booking).

•  Road Travel: Cost of gas and maintenance (budget in extra for unanticipated vehicle break downs), tolls, parking fees, and food.

•  Parking Lot Fees: At tourist attractions, lodging and airports (as mentioned above).

•  Meals: Daily cost for restaurants (include tips), snacks, and grocery store items.

•  Beverages: Plan on costs for bottled water, sodas, alcoholic beverages, juices and more.

•  Entertainment and Events: Entry fees and entertainment costs of activities you plan to attend or participate in—museums, rides, group tour activities, and more.

•  Long Distance Calling: Include cell phone expenses (texting and calls) for international calling, roaming charges, and internet usage on your phone.

•  Internet Service: Fees for internet. These can be quite hefty through the hotel or cruise ship—compare cost of providing your own portable internet service or plan on using Wi-Fi hotspots.

•  Pre-trip Purchases: Luggage, money belt, electrical converters or adapters, clothing, entertainment for children, drugstore items, pet carriers (if traveling with a pet), and more.

•  Public Transportation: Cost of trains, taxis, subways, or rental car—include gas, mileage costs (if the rental does not include unlimited miles), and costs for insurance.

•  Credit/Debit Card Foreign Transaction Fees: Many credit/debit cards charge for converting funds (1 – 3%) for every purchase made abroad. Find a card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees to save on these expenses.

•  Travel/Medical Insurance: If you decide to purchase this insurance for your trip, estimate 5 – 10% of the cost of your trip. It is recommended for international travel or for more costly trips that are nonrefundable and require prepayment.

•  Gratuities: Budget for Skycaps, masseuse, hotel staff for deliveries, chamber maid (it is common to tip them in Europe and other countries), daily cruise ship gratuities (these can add up), restaurants, and more.

•  Shopping: Include items you plan to purchase on your trip (souvenirs, gifts, and sundries)

•  ATM Fees - fees will vary for international travel. Estimate $1.50 to $6.oo per transaction plus a $2 nonmember fee charged by banks in the U.S. and other countries.

•  Passport Fees: If you have to purchase one or renew your current one (make sure it will still be valid 6 months after your return date).

•  Visa/vaccines: Check to see if the country you are traveling to requires a visa or vaccinations for entry. The health department can provide you with vaccination costs.

•  Entry/Exit fees or Country Departure Tax: Some countries charge a tax per person when leaving (estimate around $50 to $160 each person). Check with that country’s Embassy.

•  Resort Fees: Some resorts charge for miscellaneous items and tack them onto your bill. Find out what is not included in their initial charges.

•  Currency Exchange Rate: Factor in what the current exchange rate is, if traveling abroad.

•  Now add another $200 or so

•  Are you incorporating business travel with pleasure? Can your trip be tax deductible?

Where to find Estimates for Travel Expenses

Many of these costs are discussed throughout. For more specifics, reference the following:

•  Local Guidebooks oftentimes will give you an idea of the costs involved for hotels, tourist attractions, restaurants, public transportation, and more.

•  Travel Agents can provide you with an idea of your overall costs.

•  Email Businesses you plan to visit directly or see if they have a website that may list their costs.

•  Tourism Services in the U.S. and abroad will oftentimes provide you with resources that will give you an estimate on costs.

III. Deciding When to Travel

It is a good idea to plan your trip at least three months in advance or longer if traveling around a holiday or spring break. Some destinations may require additional planning time. Compare airfare for travel on different dates (and days of the week) to get an idea of the savings, if any, by purchasing months in advance.

Allow time for:

•  Passport or Visa – Processing time: Generally takes 4-6 weeks to process

•  Required Vaccine Shots: Some vaccines (such as Hepatitis B) require 3 shots in a 6 month period. You get the first 2 shots within a month of each other, and the 3rd can be done when you return. Be sure you are up-to-date on your routine vaccinations as well.

Plan for Local Holidays when Traveling Abroad and in the U.S.:

•  Holidays or Spring Break: Since these are busy travel times, hotels and airfare may book up several months in advance.

•  Know when the local or international holidays are and when it is considered peak tourist season or off-season abroad:

ο  Rates and overall expenses will generally be higher during this timeframe

ο  Room availability will be limited and more expensive. You can determine peak and off-peak times by looking at different dates and corresponding rates of a few hotels in the area.

ο  Plan on more crowds and more lines.

ο  Some of the tourist sites you wish to see or local merchants and businesses may be closed on holidays or during winter or off-season.

Prefer to Avoid the Crowds?

•  If you prefer to visit your destination without the crowds, you may want to avoid traveling around Spring Break (end of February to mid-April), during holidays, or peak seasons.

•  Avoid areas that are considered tourist spots.

Variables to Consider:

•  Weather Conditions: Find out what the weather conditions are throughout the year to determine what months would be best to visit according to your needs—rainy season…hurricane season…winter…hot and steamy, etc.

For example, in the Caribbean, hurricane season is from about June 1st to November 30th. During rainy season in some countries, roads may get washed out or flights could be delayed, thus turning your vacation into a soggy mess. If a lot of your planned activities are indoors, you may find the savings and lack of crowds to be worth the weather hassles.

Some islands may have a rainy side and a side where it is sunny more often. Decide what weather conditions you would prefer.

•  Cost of airfare – During peak travel times, airfare will most likely be higher. You can reduce your cost of airfare by traveling on certain days of the week and times of the year.

IV. Planning a Vacation to the Beach

If you are planning on spending a lot of time at the beach, before booking your travel, check out what the beach is like, how to access it (can you drive to it or does it require a hike?), and what the water conditions are for swimming or wading.

•  What is the shoreline like? Is it a sandy beach or rocky? Is it elevated to where you cannot access the water?

•  Be aware of the currents along shore and find out if the beach is known for rip currents, which are strong offshore currents that flow away from the shore. These currents can pull swimmers out to sea when they are wading along shore (especially dangerous for children playing in shallow water).

•  Find out if that area is known for having hazardous marine life in the waters close to shore (sharks, jellyfish, etc.).

•  Check if the beach has lifeguards.

•  Does the beach have warning flags posted, or is swimming prohibited?

•  Plan for proper clothing and sunscreen products to avoid getting sunburn.

•  Plan to pack lifejackets for children or non-swimmers for safety reasons.

•  If on an island, find out if one side has calmer waters and is more conducive to swimming. On many islands, one side may have rough waters, while the other side is calm; or one side may have rocky shores and the other has sandy beaches. The weather conditions may also vary—one side may be sunnier most of the time while the other side may get more rain.

•  If you are interested in surfing or snorkeling, find out what beaches offer the best conditions for this.

•  Are the beaches known for being nude beaches? While this may not offend some, others may find this unappealing.

•  Find out if the beach is accessible by car, or if you will have to hike a distance to get to it.

Waterfront Properties:

Prior to booking your hotel or vacation property, check their exact location on a map to pinpoint how close they are to the water (ocean, lake, river, etc.) that you want to be located on.

•  If you want to be on the beach, get some specifics on the type of beach and whether it is conducive for swimming.

•  Be aware that the term waterfront or beachfront may have different meanings. It may mean that the property is on or close to the water, or that it has a water view. It may also mean that it is on a pond, river, lake, etc. This would be a real disappointment if you were planning on being right on the ocean.

•  If you want a waterfront room, be sure that this is what you are getting. Some properties may call a room with a tiny view of the water a waterfront room (since the property itself is considered waterfront). Find out specifically what your view will be from your room, if this is important to you.

V. What is the Currency Exchange Rate?

Knowing the currency exchange rate is beneficial when planning your vacation. The value of the U.S. dollar in the country you are planning on visiting will impact your expenses. This can also be a determining factor in the country that you decide to travel to.

For example, currently, 1 Euro is equivalent to $1.11 U.S. dollars, and 1 Japanese Yen is equivalent to $.0088 in U.S. dollars.

•  Check out currency exchange rates through either your bank or sites like XE.com, OANDA.com and more.

VI. Overcoming Communication Barriers Abroad

When thinking about traveling abroad, some travelers may feel intimidated by the language barrier, while others may see it as an adventure to overcome. If speaking the language is a stressor, narrow your destination to English speaking countries. But if you are up for the challenge, plan to bridge the gap by learning key words and phrases of that country’s language before you travel. By doing so, you can alleviate some of the stress that comes with not being able to communicate.

•  Learn how to say important phrases such as: Thank you…Where is a hotel? (know the name of the hotel)…How do I get to the train station…bus…subway…restroom…hospital? Hello, can you help me? How do I contact the police?…and more.

•  The hotel concierge oftentimes will speak English and can be a benefit in directing you.

•  Phrase Books/Dictionaries (check your library, bookstores, or online) - these books include several hundred common phrases and include a dictionary.

•  Language Translator Suggestions (phone apps or computer programs):

ο  Google Translate (free, but requires internet service) - you can type a phrase in a foreign language or have the person speak into the microphone, and you will get an immediate translation. You can also say or type the words in English and have it translated to a foreign language.

ο  Digital phrase book (like Lonely Planet Audio Phrasebooks) – you can press a button to hear the phrase you are trying to say.

ο  Word Lens (requires internet) - you can hold your smartphone camera up to a sign, and it will translate the language (Spanish, French, German, or Italian) into English.

•  LiveMocha.com – this is a language site designed to allow you to interact with native speakers. The beginning courses are free, and they allow you to learn and listen to basic phrases. Just an idea…

VII. Safety Concerns for International Travel

As much as we’d like to ignore the unscrupulous side of our world—it is out there. It is wise to be aware of scams and other recommended safety precautions when traveling. When you are out of your element—especially in a foreign country—it is important to be aware of what you could potentially encounter.

The U.S. Department of State and Embassies/Consulates provide specific information on countries. This is helpful in determining your destination.

Safety concerns are not a reason for staying home—but rather a means of coming home safely. Know about the country you are traveling to.

Be Aware of Potential Problems Before You Travel

•  Are there cities or areas that you should avoid visiting?

•  Be aware of any political unrest in the country. You don’t want to get caught in the middle of a battle.

•  Find out if there have been threats against American Citizens?

•  Is the country known for transporting illegal drugs? There is usually a lot of crime associated with that.

•  Are there any disease outbreaks in the area that could be potentially dangerous?

•  Find out what the U.S. Department of State (see below) has to say about that country.

•  Know how to dress to fit in and avoid advertising that you are from the U.S.

•  How safe is that country’s public transportation system?

•  Always avoid drinking the water and avoid raw foods or different types of seafood.

•  Are there any weather condition warnings going on during your travel time?

How the U.S. Department of State can be of Assistance (Travel.State.gov)

•  The State Department informs travelers of conditions abroad that may affect their safety and security. They provide country specific information that includes:

ο  Entry/exit requirements

ο  The crime rate

ο  Travel warnings and alerts

ο  List of local holidays

ο  Provides Embassy and Consulate contact information and locations

ο  Weather conditions and warnings

ο  Customs regulations

ο  Safety of public transportation

ο  Road conditions

ο  Medical facilities – whether they are good or not

ο  What to do if you are a victim of a crime or run into other problems while abroad.

VIII. Do You have any Health Issues to Consider?

When determining your destination, it is a good idea to take into account any health issues you may have. Choosing a location and climate that is suitable to your physical needs will make the trip a more enjoyable one.

Take into consideration the following:

•  Do you experience any problems at high altitudes, in high humidity, or in a dry climate? Do you have any allergies that are triggered with certain weather conditions?

•  Do you need to be close to a good medical facility?

•  Are you taking a prescription that may be illegal in the country you are traveling to? You can find this information by contacting that country’s Embassy.

•  If vaccine shots are required for the destination you are traveling to, will they affect you adversely?

•  Be aware of any viruses in the area you are traveling to and what you can do to protect yourself. Also, if it is flu season, you will be exposed to more germs when traveling.

•  Be aware of long flights where you cannot move around and can get easily dehydrated. Any concerns with thrombosis (possible blood clotting from sitting so long)?

•  Plan on how to protect yourself from insect bites in countries with Malaria or Zika virus.

•  Are you pregnant? There are certain areas in the world where you could be exposed to insects or diseases that could put your baby at risk (such as the Zika virus that may cause birth defects). Some airlines also restrict women flying when they are in their latter weeks of pregnancy or if their pregnancy is high risk.

•  Remember to account for jetlag and time zone differences when traveling overseas. Give yourself time to rest and recover.

•  Try not to pack your schedule so full that you are unable to enjoy yourself.

•  In the frenzy of wanting to see everything on your list, be sure to take frequent breaks, drink lots of water (bottled), and guard against heat exhaustion and sunburn during hot weather.

•  When traveling abroad, protect yourself from food poisoning by knowing what foods and drinks that you should avoid.

•  If you have difficulty getting around, look into renting a scooter at your destination. These are available in the U.S. and abroad in many countries.

•  Do you have any disabilities that require special accommodations? Find out if the sites you plan to visit are accessible. If traveling abroad, get specifics on their accessibility. What other countries may consider accessible differs from the U.S. standards. Traveling with disabilities is discussed in detail later.

•  If traveling abroad, check with your health insurance carrier to see if you are covered. Medicare and some insurance companies do not cover you outside the U.S. or there may be stipulations as to what is covered and where you have to go for treatment. They oftentimes do not cover emergency transportation back to the U.S., which can be very costly. It is recommended you purchase a comprehensive Travel Medical Insurance plan to cover unexpected medical and travel loss expenses.

IX. Prefer to have Your Travel Planned for You?

If you prefer not to get involved in planning all the details and setting up your reservations, or if you do not have the time, there are some options for you to consider.

•  Escorted Tours:

Travelers are escorted in a group to various destinations. These packages usually include your hotel, flights, transportation, meals, and some sightseeing. The travel plans and the sites you will be touring are done by the tour company. They offer several different tours with different activity levels from easy to challenging. Some examples are Abercrombie and Kent (deluxe tours) or Adventures by Disney (family friendly tours) and more. There is a set price and specific dates of travel.

•  Travel Agents:

They can put together a package deal and suggested sites to see. They charge a fee for their services, but they may be able to save you in the long run through their knowledgeable recommendations. They can set up your flights, accommodations, tour packages, and more.

•  Cruise Packages:

There are travel agents that specialize in cruise packages. They can provide you with the choices that are available and set up your final itinerary, including flights. You decide what ports you would like to visit, and they can direct you to the proper cruise ship.

You can also choose to pick out your own cruise ship and contact them directly.

When traveling on a cruise ship, the ports you will be visiting are planned in advance (subject to change due to weather). You will know what islands or countries you will be stopping at, and the food and lodging is already decided upon (although you can choose the location of your room on the ship).

Cruise ships offer you the option of getting an Air/Sea Package that includes your airfare and transportation to and from the port where the boat is docked. Reference the chapter on cruises for more details.

•  Accessible Tour Agencies for Travelers with Disabilities:

These companies specialize in setting up travel for those with disabilities. They offer many types of tours, equipment, assistants, transportation, and more. They also can set you up with cruise packages.

X. Travel Guidebooks

Travel Guidebooks are a great source for learning more about your destination of choice. When traveling outside the U.S., be prepared for a whole new set of guidelines. Knowing what to expect in advance will help alleviate any disappointments. Traveling can be an expensive endeavor, so advance planning is well worth the time.

Decide what sites you want to see and then check them out online or in travel guidebooks to see if they meet your expectations. It is also a good idea to see if there any reviews (either professional reviews or by travelers who have been there) that may help you in your decision.

Information you can find in Guidebooks and Online:

•  Acceptable methods of payment, types of cuisine and where to dine, how to avoid clothing faux pas, religious beliefs that are important to respect, holidays, availability of public transportation, local etiquette, safety concerns, weather conditions, suggested sites to see, places to stay, costs, and more.

•  Check out some websites online such as: Michelin Guide Books (MichelinTravel.com), TripAdvisor.com, AAA Trip Advisor (AAA.com), Frommers.com, Fodors.com, LonelyPlanet.com, and more.

•  Check the library or a bookstore for books or magazines on various destinations you are interested in to narrow down your final choice.

Chapter 2

Lodging Options

Information Included in this Chapter:

•  Pinpoint the exact location of your lodging on the map and check it out in guidebooks. Read reviews on the property and find out how close it is to the sites you plan to visit.

•  If you are on a tight budget or want to explore other options, check out some alternate lodging ideas (like hostels, camping, vacation rentals, farm stays, home exchanges, and more). You might be pleasantly surprised.

•  Be sure to know what is included in all-inclusive resorts and the clientele that they cater to. Some cater to families, while others cater to singles or couples.

•  Reserving your room at a waterfront hotel only to discover that the waterfront is a pond out front, or that it is several blocks from the water and has only a slight view of it.

•  If traveling abroad with a disability, finding out after the fact that your room is up a few flights of stairs and there is no elevator.

I. Deciding on the Type of Lodging

Lodging and airfare are the bulk of your travel expenses. You can find accommodations that will match your desires and fit into your budget—whether you want just the basics or prefer the luxurious. Lodging options include Hotels, Motels, Bed and Breakfasts, Hostels, Condos and Vacation Rentals (homes, apartments, cottages, and more), Home Exchanges, Hospitality Exchanges, Pensions, Camping, and Farm Stays.

When comparing costs, be sure to include room tax, parking fees (if any), amenities, internet usage (if you plan to use it), and fees for additional guests (the room rate may be based on one or two people). Some properties may require prepayment in full or a down payment in advance. Know what the cancellation policy is—some may not allow you to cancel after a certain date.

To help narrow down your choices, take into account the following factors:

•  Is your lodging going to be used for sleeping purposes only? Maybe economical lodging would be a good choice, since the majority of your time will be spent sightseeing and eating out at various restaurants.

•  Is the vacation property the focal point of your journey? Will you be spending most of your time enjoying the amenities it has to offer?

•  What nightly or weekly rate fits into your budget?

•  Do you prefer a luxurious hotel with a pool, spa,