SmarterTravel.com Offers 10 Reasons Recession Travel is Easier

April 8, 2009 06:08 by Marti

While no one says that the current recession is fun, SmarterTravel.com took a "glass is half full" look at reasons the recession has made travel a little easier in its recent article entitled Ten Good Things About Recession Travel. "It's clear intrepid travelers are discovering ways that travel is easier, cheaper, and better right now," says SmarterTravel.com staff. So amid the doom and gloom of recession news, here's a bit of silver lining for travel, according to SmarterTravel.com.

The Kingsley House in Fennville, MI is offering a complimentary "tune up" (massages with a $150 value) to improve your personal mpg as part of the Tanks for Traveling promotion.

Deals Galore: With fewer people traveling, airlines, B&Bs, and other travel providers are more willing to make special offers. That means sales, deals, added value packages, and extra perks. Close to 150 B&Bs have joined BedandBreakfast.com's Tanks for Traveling program with offers from free or discounted extra nights to spa services, free dinners and more.
More Frequent Flyer Award Availability to Europe: Now is the time to do more with your miles, at least in one situation. SmarterTravel's Tim Winship recently polled frequent flyers and discovered that passengers are having an easier time now booking award travel to Europe than they did a year ago. Plus, United has discounted award prices for Europe flights. And, many airlines, including American, Continental, Delta, United, and US Airways, are offering elite-mile bonuses.
Faster Airport Security Checkpoints: Fewer passengers traveling mean less crowded airports, and that leads to shorter lines at security checkpoints. So you can reduce the time you spend shuffling through the line in your socks, holding your pants up because you've taken off your belt and trying to keep track of your jacket while you fumble with your laptop. Another recession travel silver lining? "Less pocket change may well reduce those pesky second trips through the metal detector. Just kidding. Sort of," says SmarterTravel.com.
Higher Chance of the Empty Middle Seat: Fewer people are flying, which gives you a better chance of scoring an aisle or window seat with an open middle seat. Says Smarter Travel, "On a recent cross-country flight, my row-mate and I divided the prime real estate of the empty middle seat between us: he took the legroom and I used the seat. Not quite first-class, but still pretty good." The drop in passengers also reduces the odds of finding yourself in the DMS (dreaded middle seat); and if you do, it increases the possibility of switching to an open aisle or window seat once onboard.
Favorable Exchange Rates: The global downturn has had a broad effect on currencies around the world. After years of a weak dollar cramping overseas spending, Americans are seeing much more favorable exchange rates in many countries. You can now get more euros, British pounds, Icelandic kronas, or Mexican pesos for every dollar. Not only do better exchange rates drive down the overall cost of a vacation, but they allow travelers to splurge a bit on an upscale B&B without breaking the bank.
Easier No-Reservation Dining: On a tropical getaway, making a dinner reservation can be anathema to the laid-back, take-it-as-it-comes pace of vacation. Overseas, the prospect of making a phone call in a foreign language can be daunting. However, in places hit hard by a drop in visitors, you're more likely to score walk-in seats or dramatically reduce the time you wait at restaurants. During a recent six-night stay in Maui, a SmarterTravel reader reported he was able to eat daily lunch and dinner at restaurants around the island and only had to wait for a table once. He says, "We even ate dinner out on Valentine's Day at a nice restaurant and there was no wait." As always, if you're trying to get a table without a reservation at a popular restaurant, it's still a good idea to show up at off-peak times, say 5:00 or 8:30 for dinner instead of 6:30.
Shorter Lines: Fewer travelers in popular destinations are rough on local B&Bs and local merchants, but there is a bright side. Visitors who do make the trip may find shorter lines at museums, attractions, taxi stands, and the other places you'd normally squander precious vacation time. For instance, a SmarterTravel reader recently reported "no massive lines for cabs and open spots at tables" in Las Vegas. The trend may not last through summer, but it's an appealing benefit for now.

Remember, a B&B stay always includes plenty of bonuses, both during recessions and booming economic times. Free breakfasts, free wi-fi (I recently paid $25 at a Hyatt for two days of wi-fi access), complimentary refreshments and free parking all add up to more than $100 in value.

Breakfast at Napa Valley's Candlelight Inn is a gourmet way to start the day.

What do you think? Have you had any positive travel experiences related to the current economy? Share your recession travel tips!

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Romantic Picks for Valentine's Day

January 28, 2009 08:18 by Marti

Each year right around now BedandBreakfast.com editors create their list of Romantic Picks for Valentine's Day. While this is a difficult task because all BedandBreakfast.com member inns and B&Bs are inherently romantic, there are always a few stand outs. A B&B getaway is always filled with value and romance, yet the inns on this list promise special memories enhanced by the amenities that couples seek: distinctive décor, superior hospitality, and environs offering plenty of entertainment possibilities. There are so many more we'd love to list too. BedandBreakfast.com editors have visited the inns on this list, and have been impressed with the intimate settings and feel of the inns.

Yet, if a Valentine’s getaway isn’t in the cards for this month, dazzle your Valentine with the promise of a future romantic getaway. Why not give your special someone The Getaway Gift Card from BedandBreakfast.com; it’s the gift of a romantic escape to a choice of 4,000 B&Bs across the U.S. and Canada, sure to generate a thank-you kiss from your Valentine. The Getaway Gift Card is perfect because it never expires and has no blackout dates or hidden fees, plus it can be customized for free (an offer that's hard to find anywhere else) to include a photo of you and your Valentine, or selected from two dozen pre-set designs. Best of all, to insure that Valentine’s Day is perfect this year, BedandBreakfast.com is offering a 10 percent discount on all February gift card purchases of $100 or more. Simply enter the promotional code ROMANCE10 at check-out from February 1-28.

All of the B&Bs on this list welcome The Getaway Gift Card from BedandBreakfast.com. Read on for BedandBreakfast.com’s Editor’s Picks for Romance on Valentine’s Day and beyond, listed in alpha-order by state.

Lookout Point Lakeside Inn, Hot Springs, AR: From its eco-friendly attitude to the peaceful labyrinth, couples come to enjoy quiet time alone in guest rooms with commanding views of Lake Hamilton with the Ouachita Mountains in the distance. Purpose built as an inn, this distinctive B&B offers an ideal location for outdoor recreation with one you love.

Candlelight Inn, Napa, CA: Wine, haute hospitality, romantic itineraries, and amenity-laden guest rooms are just a few of the reasons this is one of Napa’s most romantic choices. Add their signature decadent five-layer chocolate cake and a guest pantry filled with delicious offerings, and you’ve just found the perfect way to your honey’s heart.

Casa de Suenos, St Augustine, FL: After a romantic horse-drawn carriage ride, return to a guest room with complimentary sherry, double whirlpool tub, and private patio for intimate conversations. Understated elegance and a clean, fresh décor with hip accents make this a favorite for romantic couples.

Shipman House B&B, Hilo, HI: Couples come to learn the hula, make leis and explore Hilo’s volcanoes, waterfalls, and historic museums and shops. Breakfasts are highlighted by tropical fruits grown on this five-acre estate with 20 varieties of fruit and coffee trees. Stroll hand-in-hand through lavish gardens filled with orchids and tropical flowers.

Devonfield Country Inn, Lee, MA: This 209-year-old historic estate has been graciously updated with modern private baths. Antiques, quilts, down comforters, plush sheets, wood-burning fireplaces, whirlpool tubs, CD players, and TV/DVDs enhance every room along with handmade chocolates and bottled water. Discover love in the Berkshires here. Another great romantic choice is the Applegate Inn, also in Lee, and the Hampton Terrace in nearby Lenox.

Blair Hill Inn, Greenville, ME: The sweeping views of Moosehead Lake and the romantic five-course Valentine’s dinner set this inn apart, along with heart-warming hospitality from friendly and engaging innkeepers. Rent a snowmobile or cross-country skis and explore moose country in February. Two other great romantic choices in Greenville are the Greenville Inn and the Lodge at Moosehead Lake.

Hermann Hill B&B Winery, Hermann, MO: Discover Missouri wine country with the one you love as you enjoy vineyard and Missouri River views from the inn or new bluff-top cottages. Savor a day of wine tasting and shopping at unique boutiques then return to enjoy private balconies, patios, and hot tubs. Another fine romantic choice in Missouri is Garth Woodside Mansion in Hannibal.

Inn at Bowman's Hill, New Hope, PA: King-sized featherbeds, fine linens, fireplaces, TV, DVD, Bose clock radios with CD players, fresh flowers, Italian tile and travertine bathrooms, and heated whirlpools for two combine to offer a retreat for romance. Nearby, the Woolverton Inn is also a sure bet for romantic getaways.

Inn Above Onion Creek, Kyle, TX: Balconies offer beautiful views of Texas Hill Country along with palatial baths; some have sunset views from the showers. Luxurious bedding, rustic elegance, and romantic breakfasts and dinners differentiate this inn.

Washington School Inn, Park City, UT: Walk to renowned Park City slopes or restaurants and shops from this former school, turned luxury inn. Guest suites include beds with puffy comforters and feather beds and flat-screen TVs; guests are served a lavish spread of afternoon refreshments.

Rabbit Hill Inn, Lower Waterford, VT: Even in the Snooty Fox Pub, rabbits rule here, right down to rabbit-shaped butter patties -- and we all know how romantic rabbits can be! Enjoy a ski getaway or take in the vista of the White Mountains from the romantic candlelit dining room. Nineteen guest rooms feature canopy beds, fireplaces, Jacuzzi tubs and plenty of personalized amenities.

Inn at Riverbend, Pearisburg, VA: Set high on a hill, each guest room here features a deck or terrace overlooking a fabulous vista of seven mountaintops and the New River. Watch sunrises, sunsets and local wildlife from seven beautifully appointed guest rooms with the one you love.

Remember, if these locations won't work for your romantic trist, there are nearly 7000 more on BedandBreakfast.com. Life is too short for unromantic getaways! February is the month for romance, so take some time to enjoy precious moments together.

SmarterTravel.com Offers 10 Reasons Recession Travel is Easier

Romantic Picks for Valentine's Day

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