TRAVEL MADE EASY THE INSIDE TIPS

Tips of the week 

1. When looking for a good deal on a hotel room, call the hotel directly and ask about special rates on their handicapped accessible rooms. Those rooms are generally booked less often and manager's often have specials on them. They offer the same amenities as all other rooms, often with larger bathrooms and more overall space. The only difference is that your light switches will be lower...but if you are looking for to get a night's rest at 25% or more off the regular rate...it's well worth it.
2. In these environmentally conscious days most people seem to prefer and even ask for glasses in their rooms rather than disposable plastic cups...but did you know that disposables are generally individually wrapped as opposed to real glasses which are rarely taken down to be washed. More often then not the housekeeping staff will run them under hot water and dry them with the towels they are disposing of...and trust me I know first hand.
3. Whether you are good with a camera or not sometimes it is hard to get those spectacular shots that tell so much about the sites and countries you are visiting. Even now with the great digital cameras there are times when weather or time stops you from getting that professional looking souvenir. A good alternative when putting together an album is a site called www.freefoto.com.,they have a library of free photos from practically anywhere in the world.
4. How to keep on track with the travel budget? I used to decide on a specific amount for spending each day, including meals. I kept track in a small notebook and transfered any unspent, remaining amount to the next day...carry forward. Since I had already budgeted a set amount I did not need to go over but could enjoy spending a little more on those last days, when I would shop for souvenir and treat myself!!!
5. The Internet is a great tool for finding deals and researching hotels and attractions. You can often find coupons and rebates online. Research the city you are going to and print out transit maps and rates. You can also find out the exchange rates as a guide line. Train passes and some attractions passes are better deals when bought beforehand. Prepaying some items before leaving is often wise and should avoid those "surprise" expenses while on vacation.