REPOST: 2 Reasons Your 2015 Vacation Could Be a Lot Cheaper

In traveling,  there are plenty of simple ways to cut expenses and still enjoy the quality vacation you desire. Read the article below.

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For millions of Americans, a family vacation is something you look forward to throughout the year. But travel can be a costly, and many travelers have to economize wherever they can. Fortunately, you’ll find that in 2015, a couple of important factors in determining the cost of your vacation travel are in your favor, and that could either put some money back in your pocket or give you more latitude to have the trip you’ve always dreamed about. No matter whether your idea of a vacation is a two-hour trip or an around-the-world extravaganza, you’ll have an opportunity to save.

Falling Fuel Costs Mean Good News for Drivers (and Maybe Fliers)

Americans have already seen the huge impact that falling prices at the pump have had in their daily lives. Earlier this month, average gasoline prices fell below $2.20. That’s more than $1.10 less than the $3.32-per-gallon average from this time a year ago, and prices have fallen more than 50 cents per gallon in just a single month. Several states have seen their gas prices fall below $2.

Cheaper gas prices equate to huge savings for Americans. Drivers saved about $14 billion on gasoline in 2014, according to AAA, and that figure is based on just a 15-cent decline in year-round average prices. If gasoline stays at current levels, it could equate to more than $100 billion in savings.

Obviously, lower prices at the pump are good for those who are looking to go on long road trips. But lower fuel costs could also give airlines and other transportation providers an opportunity to reduce fares.

Unfortunately, that’s far from a sure thing. In the past, you could count on competitive pressures to force airlines to cut fares, passing through any savings from cheaper fuel costs to travelers. But massive mergers in the airline industry in recent years have reduced the level of competition, and right now, demand for air travel is extremely strong despite relatively high airfares. Even with fuel costs already having fallen so far, few airlines have moved aggressively to take away the fuel surcharges they imposed when energy prices were on the rise. As long as the planes remain full, you won’t necessarily see widespread relief from costly air travel — but you might at least see a slowdown in the price increases that many have encountered lately.

The Strong Dollar Means Your Money Goes Further Abroad

If you have more ambitious travel plans for 2015, there’s even more good news: the U.S. dollar has been extremely strong. In early 2014, it cost nearly $1.40 to buy a single euro, the currency that most European countries now share. As 2015 begins, though, you can now buy a euro for just $1.19, the cheapest exchange rate in nearly a decade. The British pound has also weakened compared to the dollar, now fetching just $1.52 per pound compared to around $1.64 a year ago.

You’ll find similar trends in many other popular travel destinations. In Japan, the dollar will buy nearly 120 yen, up from 105 yen this time last year. Similarly, U.S. dollars will go about 10 percent further in Canada than they did in early 2014, and travelers to Australia will see a similar 10 percent bump in their purchasing power compared to last year.

Some destinations have seen even bigger gains for the dollar. In Brazil, the dollar will buy you about 15 percent more of the local currency. And Russia has been the big loser in the currency game, with the current exchange rate of 60 rubles per dollar almost double the rate you would have gotten this time last year.

Let Preferred Guest Resorts help you get the vacation of your dreams without breaking the bank by following this Twitter account.

Why CEOs seriously need to take vacations

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“A true leader steps back, trusts his or her people, and allows them to succeed. By taking a break from the day-to-day operations, not only was I spending some much-needed time with my family, but also I was able to focus on the bigger picture of where we were and where our business was heading,”  words of wisdom from Jim Moffatt, the chairman and chief executive of Deloitte Consulting LLP.

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Mr. Deloitte told Forbes that it’s not common for top executives to disconnect themselves from the dealings of their businesses and run solely trust their people. But he realized that unplugging from work once in awhile is the only way to encourage employees to make important decisions and gain confidence from the experience. He added that in doing so, CEOs will know whether their talent strategy is on the right track or not. Not many company executives agree with this strategy, but a number of them have proven the vacation maxim helpful for business growth. CEOs who take a real vacation create new perspectives, induce out-of-the box ideas, and overcome stressful emotions. They also come away with a sense of wellbeing both mentally and physically. Careers can only significantly benefit from vacations.

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While CEOs are accountable to partners and board of directors and are at the pinnacle of their respective organizations, they need to recharge their batteries and get renewed energy to face bigger challenges with grace.

Whether you are a CEO or an ordinary employee, you deserve a much-needed break from the hustle and bustle of the corporate world. To know more about vacation packages that suit your needs, subscribe to this Best Vacations Ever Facebook page.

Kicking it in Cancún: Three downtime activities to try

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Cancún, situated on the Yucatan Peninsula in southern New Mexico, is known worldwide for its beach parties and vibrant nightlife. However, for those who want to kick their feet up after a night of dancing, Cancún also offers activities that are quieter, but just as fun. The following are three activities visitors to Cancún can try on their downtime.

Educational trip to the Museo Maya de Cancún

A visit to the Museo Maya de Cancún provides a welcome respite from the party scene and an opportunity for visitors to learn more about ancient Mayan civilization. The museum is home to more than 300 interesting artifacts and three exhibitions. One of the pieces on display is La Mujer de las Palmas, or the Woman of the Palms, one of the oldest sets of human remains ever to be found in the Americas.

The San Miguelito archaeological site, located on the museum grounds, features shaded paths leading to ancient ruins and is a great way to cap off a museum visit.

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Side trip to Isla Contoy

Isla Contoy is a tiny island and nature reserve a short distance away from Cancún. It’s home to four species of turtle and more than 150 species of migratory and resident birds. Visitors can spend an idyllic afternoon bird-watching on a boat near the nesting area for a small fee, or take a tour guided by one of the island’s resident marine biologists.

Swim in a cenote at Chichen-Itza

Chichen-Itza is one of the most popular archaeological sites in Mexico. The sprawling area features ancient pyramids, temples, sculptures, and cenotes. Cenotes are limestone pits filled with water from subterranean sources. The cenotes in Chichen-Itza, particularly the Cenote Sagrado, were likely used by the Mayans for human sacrifice, as archaeologists have found numerous human remains at the bottom of the limestone pit. Despite this, many travelers like to finish a Chichen-Itza tour with a refreshing dip in the waters of one of its cenotes. Ik Kil was once used by the Mayans for relaxation as well as sacred rituals. Today, tourists can bathe in the refreshing clear blue waters of this 90-feet-deep cenote.

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Cancún truly has something for everyone, from party-seekers eager to experience Cancún’s legendary nightlife, to those who want to kick back and relax while basking in the sun.

For more information on affordable Cancún vacations, subscribe to this Preferred Guest Resorts blog.

The brain during vacation: Scientific insights to downtime

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Today, being called a “workaholic” is often seen as praise. This suggests that an individual takes life very seriously and uses his or her time in the productive effort of bettering society through employment. This is nothing to be laughed about. Still, in the effort to earn money, he or she may forget the importance of taking a break. There have been several scientific studies suggesting that the brain needs a relief every now and then.

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According to neuroscientists, the brain operates on a two-part attentional system. In theory, the brain can either be actively focused on a task or passively daydreaming. The brain frequently oscillates between the two since it cannot do both processes simultaneously. This type of system is hailed as one of the greater achievements in human evolution since it allows individuals to concentrate on a specific goal until it is completed. This level of attention brought about such wonders as the pyramids, mathematical laws, and other important discoveries. Nevertheless, scientists emphasize than none of these things could have been prioritized if the brain did not have a few moments of complete silence and rest first.

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There is something to be said in having peace and allowing the brain to relax. With too much information to process, a person may actually be doing more harm than good by staying late or overworking. That is why taking a vacation or a few days off is generally recommended. It is not merely a chance to get away from stress usually brought by work but an important health step as well.

Preferred Guest Resorts provides fun and affordable vacation experiences perfect for those seeking a relaxing break. Learn more about its services on this Facebook page.

Give Preferred Guest Resorts 90 Minutes and You Get a Dream Vacation!

For only 90 minutes of your time, you can have the vacation of a lifetime at a price you can afford!

 

Preferred Guest Resorts gives you the opportunity to vacation in spots such as New Orleans, the Bahamas, Disney World, Napa Valley, and even Europe! Preferred can arrange vacations at beach homes, condos, villas, ski chalets, and cabins. Or how about a luxurious tropical cruise? They can even arrange a custom vacation!

All of this at an affordable price, and all of it just for participating in an entertaining and interactive presentation, where you get to hear about all the benefits involved in a vacation ownership package. It is a great way to try out a destination you’ve always wanted to go to but didn’t think you could afford.

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If you decide to take part in a travel club membership or vacation ownership package you can rest easy, knowing you’ll be saving thousands on your future vacations. You can also rest easy knowing that Preferred Guest Resorts is there for you, with Concierge Travel Services. This group of travel professionals can help you with any questions or concerns. They also offer Customized Reward Programs and Vacation Club Sales Centers. But Preferred’s customer service doesn’t stop there – they can also help customers with dining deals, entertainment packages, attraction tickets, and car rental.

Preferred works with resort developers and travel service providers. Businesses can also work with Preferred to take advantage of these deals to increase brand loyalty, stimulate sales, and boost association member, employee, owner, and distributor morale and retention.

Preferred Guest Resorts has been in the industry for over two decades, working hard to provide great customer service. They offer you the chance to “try it before you buy it,” as well as the chance to take the vacation of a lifetime!

REPOST: Best budget vacations for fall

If you are planning a vacation this fall, better read this article as it lists down some of the biggest and most delightful autumn getaways.

 

Leaf-peeping in the Berkshire Mountains. (Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism) | Image Source: foxnews.com

 

From New England leaf-peeping to big American cities you can afford, plus amazing national parks, European capitals, and Caribbean dreams, we’ve rounded up our biggest batch of autumn getaways ever. Now your only challenge is deciding which fall vacation to take!

BERKSHIRE MOUNTAINS

If you don’t want to have to decide between great museums and relaxing mountain hikes, book a week in western Massachusetts, where you can revel in both. Explore one of the U.S.’s largest collections of modern art at the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art in North Adams; see the comprehensive collection at the Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute in Williamstown; enjoy the Berkshire Museum in Pittsfield, and step back into 19th-century New England by crossing the border into Bennington, Vt., for the Grandma Moses collection at the Bennington Museum and Grandma Moses Schoolhouse.

Stay: Holiday Inn Berkshires is in North Adams, Mass., centrally located for dividing your day among art, theater, and nature; there’s an on-site restaurant and indoor pool (40 Main St., North Adams, Mass., holidayinn.com, from $119).

NEW YORK CITY

Sure, the city that never sleeps is known for some astronomical prices ($1,000 baseball tickets, $100 hamburgers, anyone?), but this capital of art, music, design, fashion, and finance also offers more freebies (and near-freebies) than any other major city in America. A must-see for families year-round is the American Museum of Natural History, with its awe-inspiring life-size blue whale model, dinosaur fossils on the top floor (or “in the attic,” as the staff likes to say), and interactive Discovery Room. In summer, walk the High Line, an elevated park created out of an abandoned stretch of railroad track that offers kids programs with storytelling and sculpture-making. NYC’s parks offer free movies and concerts, and a tasty snack is always a block away–nab a classic twisty pretzel from a hot dog stand.

Stay: The Jane, in Manhattan’s West Village, once housed the survivors of the Titanic. You’ll feel (almost) as lucky with this nicely appointed hotel’s bargain rates. (thejanenyc.com, from $125)

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

At the Iberostar Costa Dorada, “all-inclusive” means you may not have to reach for your purse the entire stay! And unlike some resorts, this place pours top-shelf cocktails for no extra charge!Hang a do-not-disturb sign on the door of your thatched-roof lodgings! Or indulge in cuisine that includes Brazilian, Mexican, and international menus. Lounge on the beach or beside the massive pool, or get adventurous with kayaking or diving lessons in a tropical paradise.

Stay: The Iberostar Costa Dorada, just 10 minutes from Puerto Plata, completely renovated its 500+ rooms in 2011; all-inclusive lodging, three a la carte restaurants, and top-shelf drinks from $75 per person per night based on double occupancy (iberostar.com).

GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK

America’s most popular national park, a major theme park, and miles of trails and streams for under $100 per night? Yep. Head to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park for fishing, hiking, and scenic drives like the six-mile Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, and don’t forget to spend at least one day at 150-acre Dollywood for authentic Tennessee music, food, and, of course, thrill rides such as the Wild Eagle and Mystery Mine.

Stay: The Park Vista–a DoubleTree by Hilton Gatlinburg features two restaurants, an indoor pool, and mountain views (705 Cherokee Orchard Road, Gatlinburg, Tenn., doubletree3.hilton.com, from $89).

DUBLIN

Affordable, friendly, and second-to-none in big-city culture and natural beauty. Start your Ireland adventure in Dublin to see beautiful Trinity College, where you can ogle the illuminated manuscript known as the Book of Kells, drink in St. Stephen’s Green and Phoenix Park (which has a zoo), and then Riverdance on over to the Guinness Storehouse, which is basically Disneyland for grownups, to drink in–literally–another side of Dublin. Historic Temple Bar is another great place to tip a pint. And since one in nine American is of Irish descent, including President Obama, some like to do a little genealogy research here to see where their family came from. Then get out into the countryside. It’s a great place for driving, and you shouldn’t miss Connemara, Galway, and other beautiful spots.

Stay: Dublin boasts some of the most affordable hotels in Europe, and we like the Harrington Hotel (harringtonhall.com, from $91). And for a great package deal to Ireland, visit aerlingusvacationstore.com.

ARIZONA

The Arizona desert sun, spas, and golf courses are warm and inviting in fall, but the crowds stay away. Scottsdale draws visitors for all of the above, and more, but it gets busy and pricey during the winter, when westerners flee the snow to take to the gold courses and watch exhibition Major League Baseball.

Stay: Book a room at the lovely Wingate by Wyndham, Scottsdale (wingatehotels.com, for around $143, which is $120 less than what it will cost in January).

ATLANTIC CANADA

Step back in time in an 18th century fishing village. Enjoy the friendly locals, freshest seafood EVER, and a European feel right here in North America!Old Town Lunenburg is a lovely 18th-century century heritage site in Nova Scotia. Stroll past brightly colored wood-framed houses painstakingly preserved by Lunenberg’s citizens. Buy a $10 ticket to the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic and its wharves to behold floating replicas of famous trawlers and schooners. Grab an amazing bowl of chowder and traditional Lunenburg fish cakes at local favorite, The Knot Pub.

Stay: Quaint and cozy, the Smugglers Cove Inn is right by the docks (smugglerscoveinn.ca, from $99).

SAN FRANCISCO

Look up, down, or side-to-side in SF and you’ll be greeted with gorgeous waterfronts (the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay), unforgettable architecture (like the multicolored Victorian “Painted Ladies”), and roller-coaster hills that only make the visit for charming, especially for the little ones. Hop on one of the city’s classic cable cars for some fun ups and downs on SF’s famous hills; you can explore vibrant, unique neighborhoods like Chinatown with a one-day pass ($15). Head to popular Pier 39 on San Francico Bay to ogle the big, adorable sea lions and to grab a taste of a signature Northern Cal fave: clam chowder served in a sourdough bread bowl. Stroll through Golden Gate Park for its knockout botanical gardens, free concerts, and hands-on activites.

Stay: Hotel Del Sol is a family-friendly hotel with vibrant design and a great location in the Marina/Cow Hollow area. Perks include afternoon cookies and milk, heated pool, and free breakfast (jdvhotels.com, from $120 per night).

BARCELONA

Party central for kids and grownups–and all for the same reason! It’s just a high-energy city that looks like a fairytale thanks to its imaginative architecture. Visit the Sagrada Familia Cathecdral designed by Gaudi and La Rambla, a major avenue where you’ll get a taste of Barcelona’s exuberant culture and shopping. Barcelona is also home to tapas, which basically means your dinner is made up of endless appetizers. What’s not to love?

Stay: Chic & Basic Ramblas, which looks way cooler than its name (chicandbasic.com/en, from $141). Or, for a great package deal to Barcelona, visit friendlyplanet.com.

LAS VEGAS

If you’re thinking that Las Vegas is just for bachelor parties, girl getaways, and high rollers, you’re in for a pleasant surprise. The city’s major hotels and venues are wooing families with kids with low prices and tons of fun. Viva Vision Light Show at the Fremont Street Experience is a lively music and light show on a projection screen the length of five football fields suspended 90-feet above you. Circus Circus offers free acts like jugglers, trapeze artists, and acrobats all day long.

Stay: Our Real Deals section typically offers Vegas hotels for under $50.

 

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Take Your Next Vacation for Less through Preferred Guest Resorts

Sometimes you simply want to escape – escape from the mundane repetition of everyday life and explore a place you have never visited before or long to visit again. Preferred Guest Resorts understands that planning a vacation can be mentally draining, and unfortunately, vacations can also be financially draining for families. This is why it has partnered with resorts around the world that offer vacations at a discount, thus turning families’ vacation dreams into real memories that will last a lifetime.

You can receive a vacation complete with perks such as steep resort-stay discounts or tickets to theme parks if you are willing to take part in a 90-minute presentation. During this presentation, you will find out about an attractive, praiseworthy and affordable vacation ownership package that will allow you and your loved ones to take vacations more often. You will also have the opportunity to preview the resort’s property but will not be pressured into purchasing anything you do not desire.

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Two of the most popular areas to visit include Napa Valley and New Orleans. Napa Valley is a premier vacation destination due to its breathtaking views, including scenic rolling hills and vineyards that are present throughout the year. You can dine at renowned eateries, enjoy wine tasting or even relish in pampering yourself with mud baths.

New Orleans is also a picturesque tourist spot that is incomparable when it comes to historic architecture, culture and food. You can dig in to Cajun and Creole cuisine, enjoy the flavors of fresh seafood, take in the city’s well-known nightlife, and embrace music and limitless shopping opportunities. Your family can also delight in the city’s outstanding festivals and celebrations. Preferred Guests Resorts can help you to get to either of these two destinations or several other popular sites worldwide while actually adding money back to your wallet on your next vacation.

Your Vacation Doesn’t Have to Cost a Fortune Thanks to Preferred Guest Resorts

Have you ever dreamed of getting away from it all with a relaxing cruise, an exciting trip to the Bahamas, a trip through the romantic wine country of Napa Valley, a historic and party-filled time in New Orleans, or family friendly fun at Disneyworld? It all sounds fun and relaxing, and of course you are due for a vacation – but as always, money is an issue.

 

For 90 minutes of your time, you can have the vacation of your dreams at a greatly reduced cost. This vacation opportunity also gives customers the chance to try out a vacation destination before committing money to it, and the chance to save thousands of dollars on future vacations if they do decide that the vacation ownership package is the one for them.

The 90-minute presentation involves a membership opportunity or a vacation ownership package to a variety of destinations. Besides the locations already mentioned, travelers can also choose from ski chalets, villas, cabins, condos, privately owned resorts or hotels, bed and breakfast getaways, and European vacations. The company can even put together a custom package for its customers, and can help to provide car rental, entertainment packages, dining deals, and event tickets.

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Preferred Guest Resorts has been in business for over 25 years, and customer service is their top priority. That’s why they also offer their clients Customized Reward Programs, Vacation Club Sales Centers, and “Concierge Travel Services,” with travel professionals to answer questions and address concerns that clients may have.

Preferred Guest Resorts also works with businesses to create custom lifestyle or travel programs that companies can use to increase distributor morale and retention and to show appreciation to employees and association members.

Using Preferred Guest Resorts is a great way to get the vacation of your dreams without breaking the bank! Visit this blog site for more.

Get Your Own Piece of Paradise

It is quite natural to dream about having your own personal paradise, where you can escape the rush and frantic pace of a daily work schedule. The good news is that you can actually fulfill this dream, and it does not require that you win the lottery or become the next Bill Gates in order to accomplish this reasonable and attainable dream.

 

Even better is the fact that you can actually experience that paradise first without making a long term commitment. Preferred Guest Resorts is a leader in the vacation industry and they have created attractive, affordable and smart vacation ownership packages that are designed to let middle class couples get their own piece of paradise. Even better, by agreeing to join in on their no-pressure and highly informative presentation on how a vacation ownership package can benefit you, you and your significant other can actually qualify for a free stay at one of their many different top resorts you will find scattered across the United States.

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We all love vacations, but typically a luxurious stay has a steep price tag. This is not the case when you connect up with Preferred Guest Resorts. You can find beautiful accommodations in settings as alluring and varied as Florida, California, Tennessee or North Carolina, to name just a few locales under their control and expert management.

Chances are that you qualify for their unbelievable offer of a free stay at a location of your choice. Your only obligation is to join in on their thorough and informative presentation about how their vacation ownership packages will benefit you and you can qualify for a free stay. What makes it even better is that you can then evaluate for yourself the quality of their resorts and take your time to decide if you want to have a piece of this paradise for your future vacations.

Do yourself a favor and get in on the vacation deal of your life. You, like many others, may quickly learn that a vacation ownership package is the perfect way to have affordable and quality vacations on into the future!

For more about Preferred Guest Resorts, visit its website.

Preferred Guest Resorts for a Special Vacation

For over 25 years, Preferred Guest Resorts has helped to make vacation dreams come true.

 

With Preferred, customers have a variety of destinations to choose from, with benefits and amenities once they get there that make the vacation even more special. Guests can choose from condos, beach homes, ski chalets, cabins, villas, bed and breakfast getaways, and European vacations. They can finally travel to places they’ve always dreamed of going, like Disney World, New Orleans, and the Bahamas. Preferred can even arrange a custom getaway.

All customers have to do is sit through a 90-minute presentation. This presentation is fun, entertaining, and interactive. And, it gives customers the chance to learn about all the benefits of a vacation ownership package. The customer is then free to enjoy their destination, a great chance to “try it before they buy it.” Those that take part in travel club memberships or vacation ownership packages can relax knowing they’ll be saving thousands on their future vacations.

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Preferred Guest Resorts is able to offer such great vacation deals through partnerships with resort developers and travel service providers. Through these partnerships, the company creates customized and high-quality leisure and travel benefit programs, and not just for the typical vacationer. Businesses can also take advantage of these deals to stimulate sales, increase brand loyalty, and boost association member, employee, owner, and distributor morale and retention.

With 25 years in the business, Preferred has learned how to take care of its customers. They offer “Concierge Travel Services,” with travel professionals to answer questions and address concerns that clients may have. The company also offers Customized Reward Programs and Vacation Club Sales Centers so that customers get the most out of their travels. They can also help customers with dining deals, entertainment packages, and car rental.

For over two decades, Preferred has prided itself on great customer service and memorable vacations at an affordable price.

 

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