With the hike in online hotel search business, finding and bagging the best hotel deals has become easy and quick. You need to enter the destination at such a hotel search website and you’ll be catered with an extensive list of all the relevant hotel deals available at the location. Following are some of the best hotel search engines:

Trivago
Owned by Expedia, Trivago offers free as well as fee-based versions of hotel searching. Trivago provides an exhaustive list of 1mn hotels and 250 booking sites from around the world. Every hotel registered at Trivago is accompanied with reviews, rating, information, locality, etc. to allow customers to make the best hotel selection possible. Since 2008, the hotel finding service has witnessed double-fold profitability each year. Customers might soon find the convenience of booking Trivago flights via the online portal for hotel search.

Booking.com
The popularity of Booking.com can be sized up with its Alexa ranking of 85 during February 2017. Available in over 40 different languages, the hotel search website provides over 1.2mn hotels and other properties across the planet. The hotel finding service is also available on Android and iOS devices as a dedicated app.

Hotels.com
Formerly known as Hotel Reservations Network, Hotels.com allows travelers to book hotels via telephone in addition to making online reservations. The search engine has an extensive hotel inventory of over 325,000 hotels in more than 19,000 destinations. Hotels.com also provides reservations for condos and other types of commercial lodging. The hotel search engine offers a loyalty program dubbed Hotels.com Rewards. The program allows customers to claim discounts on most hotels available at Hotels.com.

Hotwire
In addition to providing customers the ease of finding and comparing hotel prices, Hotwire lists airline tickets, rental cars, and vacation packages. Found in 2000, the hotel search engine is known for selling unsold travel inventory at heavily discounted prices. Hotwire features an extensive list of hotels across the planet.

LateRooms
Launched in 1999, LateRooms is one of the most popular hotel search engines. LateRooms provides a catalog of over 150,000 hotels across the world. The hotel search engine is available in six different languages, including German and Portuguese. Kicking off as a simple hotel directory service, the hotel finding service moved to online hotel booking in 2002 and since then, it has been providing some of the best online hotel booking deals to its customers.

TripAdvisor
Supporting an advertising business model, TripAdvisor is very popular among travelers for finding hotels at a specific location. In addition to hotels, the service also provides relevant search results about flights and restaurants for a specific destination. Thanks to its user-generated content and interactive travel forms, TripAdvisor is a one-stop shop for all travel needs.

Driving can be a blissful experience, especially on the interstate roads. But at times it can get frustrating, and the primary reason for this is traffic. High interstate traffic can be mostly observed during the weekends, summers or the holidays seasons. So, if you are planning a road trip for a business conference or a brief family vacation anytime soon, then you should be aware of the interstate traffic conditions. You can keep a tab on the real-time traffic using navigation apps that show you about the congestion in different parts of the highway. If you are still wondering how updates about interstate traffic conditions can help, then here’s how!

Planning it right Road trips can often be unpredictable, and one possibility that cannot be overlooked is the delays caused due to traffic. While planning for a journey on the interstate highway anticipate the kind of problems that you can face. Interstate traffic conditions can give you a heads up about the busiest routes, shortcuts, alternative courses, etc. This could especially be useful during Friday evenings or festive seasons.

Saves time Having a clear idea about the interstate traffic conditions will also help you save plenty of time. For instance, instead of taking a route congested with vehicles, you can instantly opt for a detour and get to your destination faster. This is particularly useful for individuals having any emergency or who are traveling for professional purposes.

Safety comes first Interstate traffic updates also communicate some valuable information such roadblocks caused due to construction, accidents, natural disasters, etc. A dependable traffic app is essential if you are thinking about traveling solo or during poor weather as it can steer clear you from any sticky situations.

How to pick the best navigation app for updates on interstate traffic conditions?
Use a navigation app that offers you with accurate real-time traffic updates. You can gauge this primary feature by perusing through user reviews. Apart from metropolitan and interstate traffic conditions, look for additional features such as warnings, chatting system, traffic camera, information on the nearest businesses such as gas stations, restaurants, hotels. etc. Ensure that the app you are using has a smooth user interface. For the best results, couple it with the best data services so that you can make the most your journey. It is advised that you download two traffic apps so if that you can confirm the reliability of the updates you are receiving.

We do not travel to escape life, but for life not to escape us is a famous quote that you might have come across. Vacation is what we need after a tiresome period of regular work. Vacation means planning the destination, deciding on the mode of traveling, choosing hotels and most importantly, planning the budget. There is no dearth of places to relax in the US, and you have resorts and motels that range from inexpensive to lavish to suit every need. But what most holiday-goers look for are budget-friendly destinations and all-inclusive vacation packages. These packages generally cover food, lodging, and some special treat like a spa session at times. So before you embark on your next trip, take a look at this list of holiday destinations with all inclusive deals for you to choose from.

Travaasa Austin: The hotel, located on a hilltop, half an hour from Austin, Texas, is a spa resort with 72 rooms. Each room comes with a private balcony overlooking a forest or canyons. The cuisine of the restaurant offers local food along with organic food that is procured from the resort’s farm. The amenities include a luxurious spa and an infinity-edge pool with a wooden deck. It offers a-la-carte but also has all-inclusive packages that offer all meals along with $175 daily resort credit for one person for spa treatments.

Historic Topoco Lodge: North Carolina Mountains welcome its guests to the Historic Topoco Lodge at Robbinsville. It is situated near the Cheoah River. The lodge has 31 rooms, and all of them are furnished with mini-fridges, TVs, microwaves and some offer river view too. This lodge offers an all-inclusive package with a hearty breakfast and three-course dinner. The only point to be noted about this place is that children under the age of 12 are not allowed.

Blackberry Farm: This is a farm hotel in Walland, Tennessee, with 4200 acres of land. The Barn, which is the restaurant here, helps the guests to indulge in farm-to-table dining experience with the produce of their farm. There are two types of lodging- one is the cottage, and the other is the rooms in the main house. The all-inclusive deal includes all meals and access to stocked pantries anytime. The Farm has necessary amenities for a spa treatment as well.

Woodloch Pine Resort: The resort has been welcoming guests since the year 1958. Unlike other resorts in Pocono, this one in Hawley welcomes families. It has motel-style outbuildings as well as private lake houses. The place offers a horde of activities throughout the year for its guests: hiking, sailing, sledding, bumper boats, go-carts, ice-skating and group contests. The all-inclusive package comprises of meals and most of the drinks.

White Stallion Ranch: Run by a family for 50 years, White Stallion is an all-inclusive ranch with 41 western-style rooms. The venue looks like a movie set with mountain, desert, saguaro cacti, and real cowboys. It offers several activities like rock climbing, horse riding, rodeo skills and hiking. It’s all inclusive package offers three meals and all day snacks.

Choose the kind that you fancy and have a great vacation with an all-inclusive deal. This way, you can stop worrying about planning the various aspects of a vacation as well.

The importance of environmental conservation has penetrated the consciousness of the hotel sector too. Interestingly, now hotel brands across the globe are focusing on greener hotels that promote environmental wellbeing. It is due to these eco-friendly hotels that global travelers get the taste of varied cultures and natural spaces, without harming the surroundings.

Here are three of the topmost eco-friendly hotels and resorts for a relaxing stay:

Six Senses Con Dao, Vietnam

Recognized as one of the most popular and reputed eco-lodges of the world by National Geographic Traveler, Six Senses Con Dao is a five-star resort located in Vietnam’s archipelagos islands. The resort is built using sustainable materials and designed in a specialized way, which helps in maximum air flow resulting in reduced need for air conditioning. Moreover, situated close to the jungle and the beach, the Six Senses Con Dao lets you relax in the eco-friendly environment.

Alila Villas Soori Resort, Indonesia
Situated in a soothing and peaceful haven, away from the fuss and flurry of the congested cities, the Alila Villas Soori Resort is a calming experience that each of us deserves. The resort is situated on the southwest coast of Bali, overlooking the coastline and rice fields. Interestingly, the resort is strategically designed keeping the EarthCheck international environmental standards in mind, making it one of the must-visit eco-friendly hotels in the world. Being a water-efficient hotel, the place prides itself on the optimum utilization of water and caters to all the water needs through rainwater harvesting. One of the interesting things about the hotel is the material used for building it. A blend of both natural stones and sandstones helps to keep the hotel organically cool.

Hi Hotel, France
Having received the Green Globe certification, the Hi hotel in Nice, France becomes one of the top choices when it comes to picking the best eco-friendly hotels. This boutique spa offers you a rooftop pool and private beach, helping you enjoy some private time with family, partner, or simply yourself. The place uses organic paint, recycled paper, organic food, and eco-friendly products for cleaning. Moreover; being located in Nice, France, the hotel moves away from the conventional luxury styles and gets closer to the contemporary and organic living scenes.

With crystal-clear waters softly sweeping across the white sand beaches, the U.S. Virgin Islands is worth exploring. Located in the Caribbean Sea, this territory comprises of three main islands, which are St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix. Apart from these, many smaller islets add to the astounding beauty of the Virgin Islands. One of the most popular spots for a holiday, the U.S. Virgin Islands see tourists pour in all through the year for a fabulous beach getaway.

Let’s take a look at some of the most popular Virgin Islands vacation package options for you and your loved ones.

St. Thomas
One of the most popular islands of the Virgin Islands, St. Thomas is the perfect getaway for a family holiday. With direct flights here, getting to this island is convenient. The lively atmosphere all around also makes this a great getaway for a group of friends. The capital of the U.S. Virgin Islands, the charming Charlotte Amalie is located in St. Thomas.

Popular spots of interest include Magens Bay Park, Coki Beach, Blackbeard’s Castle, Butterfly Garden, Port of St. Thomas, and Paradise Point where you can ride a gondola up a mountain to enjoy spectacular views and shopping. Mahogany Run Golf Course is the perfect pit stop for golf enthusiasts. These places form a part of almost every vacation package to St. Thomas, so make sure they are a part of your itinerary.

Vacation package rates od St. Thomas starts at from $800 per person and can go up to $2,000 for a more luxurious experience. This cost usually includes flight tickets, hotel stay, and taxes per person. Some vacation packages also cover meals.

Some of the most popular resorts on this island are Mafolie Hotel, Lindbergh Bay Hotel and Villas, Emerald Beach Resort, Marriott’s Frenchman’s Cove, and Flamboyan on the Bay Resort & Villas.

St. John
If you want to slip away from the busy city life, St. John is the right island for you. This serene island will truly let you feel the break from the hectic routine and let you unwind. In fact, the beautiful St. John has often been compared to the stunning Caribbean in terms of the wonderful experience that it offers.

A quick ferry ride from St. Thomas can get you to this Island. Popular things to do during your stay at this destination can include snorkeling, scuba diving, boat tours with dolphin spotting, and rainforest hiking, among others. If you are not keen on indulging in any of the mentioned activities, then you could simply unwind by relaxing at the beach the entire day. Caneel Bay Resort is noted to be one of the best accommodation options on this island. An interesting feature of this resort is that it has no televisions. This will help you be one with nature.

Vacation package rates to St. John starts around $700 and can go up to $1,500. This charge includes flight tickets, hotel stay, and in some cases, meals too. The cost mentioned is per person. Look for group deals that will allow you to save more money on these vacation packages.

Some of the best resorts here are The Westin St. John Resort Villas, Caribbean Villas of St John, Maho Bay, and Gallows Point Resort.

St. Croix
This is another isolated and idyllic island that is perfect for a solo holiday or a romantic getaway with your someone special. Popular for its hiking trails, St. Croix is the definition of magnificent natural beauty.

The island is a short plane ride away from St. Thomas. Places of interest in St. Croix include Fort Christiansvaern, Protestant Cay, and the Estate Whim Plantation Museum. Popular activities on the island include snorkeling, sunbathing, boat tours, old forts visits, and much more. Though it is quiet and peaceful here, there is not a dull moment on this island.

Vacation package options for St. Croix start from $800 and can go up to $1,500 per person. These include flight tickets, hotel stay, and taxes. Some packages also offer meals as part of the cost. Look for all-inclusive deals and vacation packages to make the most of your holiday.

Some of the best resorts at St. Croix are Sand Castle on the Beach, Chenay Bay Beach Resort, The Fred, and The Buccaneer Hotel, among others.

Remember that the U.S. Virgin Islands is an extremely popular tourist destination. It should be noted that you can expect tourists all through the year, especially around the holiday season. It is advised to book your stay and travel arrangements beforehand in order to avail the best deals as well as to ensure that you get a stay in a hotel of your choice.

If you are a wanderer at heart, then there are a number of options, which you can avail in order to see the world. Starting from traveling to your preferred destination by air to making the journey from one place to another by rail or road, you can decide based on the time and budget that you have on hand. Also, cruises are another great option that you can use in case you are fond of leisurely sauntering from one point to another with nature for the company and the luxury that most cruise liners offer on the high seas. You can easily get some great deals when you book on various websites. So take a look at these portals and the best ways to get great deals on them.

Save the best for the last: One of the best things about cruise travel is that you do not know how soon one is expected to get full. You can easily book just two to three months before departure so that you get the best prices because this is when cruise operators will slash their prices heavily in order to get the cruise full so that they can move. If you are considering taking a cruise in the next four to five months, then we suggest that you wait for the prices to drop just about two or three months before the actual date of travel.

Get constant updates and alerts: You can sign up on websites like Kayak, Royal Caribbean Cruises, Princess Cruises and many others so that you can get constant updates and alerts when it comes to their pricing and discounts. Set your preferred destination and cruise that you would want to get on to, and watch as the messages and email flow for that specific cruise. This will help you in getting the best deal because you will get constant updates regarding the prices and the changes in the same.

Reposition for better pricing: There are many cruises that may change their destination at the last minute. These will usually come at well-discounted prices. You would do well to watch out for such last minute changes so that you can jump on the cruise at a much lower price than you would have expected. Granted, there is no way for you to accurately predict which cruises will reposition and change their destination, but you can follow the best cruise websites and find updates, as mentioned above so that you can take a timely call regarding the same.

Leave the specifics: If you can wait till the last minute to make your bookings so that you get a highly discounted price, you may also have to make do with less than ideal travel conditions. You may not get that prime table or that balcony suite. So, this is a good option for you, only if you are not completely set on the details and are flexible when it comes to the same.

Travel rewards cards are a great option if you’re a frequent traveler and accumulate points quickly. That depends on whether you frequently use one airline for travel and stay at one hotel chain.

Travel Cards – Low Interest or Rewards Program?
â You can get travel cards that offer no perks. These are mainly low APR or no annual fee cards. They help keep interest rate and costs down, but there is no way to convert your card usage into rewards.
â If you have a good credit score and can manage your credit card balance, choose travel rewards credit cards
â If a card comes with no annual fee for the first year, check what the fee would be the next year. If the fee cancels the benefits provided by the rewards program, choose another card.
â If a card offers low or 0% APR for an initial period, check the regular APR to see if it would suit your habits

Travel Rewards Cards – Types
Travel rewards cards can be co-branded cards. That is, they’re tied to a particular airline or hotel chain. These can help you get rewards and other benefits from loyalty programs. However, if you don’t stick to a single airline or a particular hotel chain, don’t get these cards.
Bank travel rewards cards are far more flexible. You can earn more points on your regular use, and you can use the rewards earned at multiple airlines or hotel chains.

Travel Rewards Cards – Benefits
Look for a signup bonus on travel cards. However, you need to spend a high amount within the first 3 or 6 months of getting the card. You may have to spend anywhere from $500 to $4000 or more to get the points.
Once you get the bonus points, it kickstarts your rewards system. Then you earn 1.5x points or more on travel related purchases. You’ll also get at least 1 point per dollar spent on other purchases.
Look for cards that give you high rewards, like 3 to 5 points per dollar spent on special categories like groceries, office supplies, dining and more.
Most cards don’t have an expiry date on the rewards accumulated as long as you keep the cards active.
With bank cards, you can redeem your reward points at any airline or hotel. You may get even more benefits when you make your travel purchases though the card issuer’s platform.
Some cards offer other benefits like free baggage check-in. This can help you save a lot of money.
A travel card with a good reward program can help you save hundreds or thousands of dollars in travel expenses every year. Use your travel cards optimally and accumulate rewards. You can even treat your family to a great vacation that you couldn’t otherwise afford.

Gone are the days when cruises were too expensive and beyond the reach. There are tons of travel companies that have affordable cruise vacation packages for you and your family. A cruise vacation is an experience that you just cannot miss.

Here are some cruise vacation packages that you can’t let go.

• North European Cruise Package
  With the destination set at Northern Europe, this cruise travels for seven nights. The starting point is from Copenhagen and there are several stops along the way and you can pick the one closest to you. There are cruises that are available in the various price range and you can find one that will fit your budget. There are four restaurants, 12 whirlpools and 21 bars on the cruise. There is a kid’s playroom on board as well. Several of these are included in the vacation package for a mere $1,148 approximately.
• Costa Cruise Mediterranean Package
  Sailing along the Mediterranean for seven nights, Costa Cruise will surely be an unforgettable experience. The refined decor of the place along with the endless variety of flavors is bound to put you into a cruise vacation mode. With advanced technology and an abundance of entertainment, priced at around $889, this cruise vacation package is something you must go for.
• Carnival Package
  If it is entertainment that you are looking for, this carnival package will take care of all your entertainment needs. They have the skydome that covers the pool, whirlpools, waterslide, a spa, casino and a well-renowned steakhouse for you to enjoy. You get all this for four nights through the Bahamas at just around $189.
• Royal Caribbean Package
  Starting at Hong Kong and traveling through the Asia Pacific and Asia, this cruise vacation package will cost you around $389. They have a wide range of dining options with activities and entertainment which you can explore throughout your voyage.
• Norwegian: Three-night package to the Bahamas
  Starting from Miami, for three nights, this cruise package will take you to the Bahamas and back for just about $299. There are loads of entertainment and dining options to choose from depending on your taste. For your adventurous side, you can indulge in the water sports activities they are provided on the cruise. Do not miss out on the adult-only deck with theaters and bars for your relaxation.

These are few of the best cruise vacation packages that not only provide basic vacation facilities but also give you an experience that you will cherish for life. Depending on the number of days you have to spare, you can pick a cruise starting from the closest port. There are tons of vacation package offers all throughout the year. Grab the best one in the most feasible time and enjoy your life on the deck.