Stuart Hely

How To Avoid Hotel Fees

Some hotel fees are hidden, some are right upfront. Sometimes you can avoid hotel fees if you know about them. It just takes a little forethought and imagination. Make sure you bring your cell-phone charger, and use it, so you aren't forced to use th... Read >

Hidden Hotel Fees

Hidden hotel fees can give you sticker shock when you check out if you're not careful. In general, we've found that you're more apt to run into these fees in bigger, more expensive hotels and hotels that tend to cater to business travelers, but you shoul... Read >

How To Deal With Jet Lag

You're traveling the world! Now you need to know how to deal with jet lag. Every traveler feels jet lag to some degree if you cross time zones... What you have to learn is how to prepare yourself ahead of your trip and then recover once you get there, ... Read >

Washington DC Smithsonian Museums

According to their website, there are 19 museums, 9 research centers, and the National Zoo. Most are scattered around Washington DC. Together they comprise one of the finest collection of museums in the world. Ten of the museums are located right on ... Read >

Washington District of Columbia USA

The District of Columbia isn't in any of the states... it was carved out as a federal capital district so it could serve all of the states. It's a popular vacation destination for American families. What better place to teach your kids a little about ... Read >

Are You A Travel Worrier

Travellers tend to sit at home before their trip... all alone... just thinking of reasons to be stressed. You did your research about the safety of the country you're going to visit, you got all of your vaccinations, but still your "friends" have told yo... Read >

Never Sleepy In Seattle

Rain makes it the Emerald City, and it does have plenty of rain, but despite its reputation, it is more often cloudy than it is rainy.... In fact, it receives less rain that New York City and most east coast cities! There many nice days for exploring. ... Read >

Miami Beach Florida Is Not Miami

Miami Beach is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the U.S. because of all the beaches. It's really a narrow, seven mile long island just to the east of Miami proper. Technically it is a barrier island, but technical or not, it's all about ... Read >

Internet Hotel Ratings Inconsistencies

Get a five star hotel for a three star price. Sounds great doesn't it? While you may get a good deal, you will probably also get confused trying to compare the sites. There really is no standard set of criteria for hotel rating systems. With interne... Read >

Hotel Rating Systems

There are French rating systems, British rating systems, Italians ratings, not to mention Michelin guides and others. A two or three star hotel in one country isn't the same as a two or three star hotel in another. The systems for evaluating the hotel... Read >

Hotel Meal Plans Is It American Plan or European Plan

If you're looking up hotels in a book or online, you may see that they have meal plans or dining plans listed. There are different "plans" for providing a room and meals and services to their guests. These plans, and other amenities, are often listed as... Read >

Stretch Your Travel Budget Sleep Cheaper

How can you travel more frugally? To stretch your travel budget in Europe, stay in a bed-and-breakfast. It will probably cost you less than even the cheapest hotel in town. You'll get a friendly host who can probably tell you where to eat great food ... Read >

Transportation Tips to Stretch Your Travel Budget

If you're going to visit several cities consider flying with an "open jaw" ticket. It may cost a little more for the ticket itself, but you might save in time and ground transportation costs. If you're renting a car, drop off charges might cancel any sa... Read >

Keep Traveling in Tough Economic Times

The travel industry is "self-correcting" when it comes to economic downturns. It may be THE best time to travel and get travel bargains. Airlines, hotels and tour operators are slashing prices and offering extras like they haven't in a long time. We ... Read >

A Bed and Breakfast In Any Other Language

You can go into a tourist office almost anywhere and ask for a B+B, and they will know what you're talking about.... but what if you're in a car searching for a room? If you're driving down the autobahn in Germany you should be looking for a sign that ... Read >