Fast Track

The Evolution of Booking Your Travel

We all remember the days when we needed to book a flight or hotel we would have to march into the brick and mortar type travel agency to communicate our travel requirements or dream vacation and have the travel agent provide their recommendations along with options and pricing. This used to work out fine with the airline or hotel paying commissions to the travel agent (although some might suggest this was a conflict of interest when the agent entices you to take a flight or stay at the hotel where commission rates are higher). However, over the past 18 years, these commissions have been shifted onto the consumer – so you will pay more using the traditional bricks and mortar travel agency.

Then came along the ability to book directly on hotel and airline sites, these proprietary sites were built for one purpose only – to entice you to book directly with them without comparing any other options – assuring you the lowest rates. I would be stating the obvious to say these sites aren’t going to show the price of another comparable carrier or hotel offering the same flight/hotel for 20% – 80% less – that certainly wouldn’t be a good business model for them. Now, you can search through the hundreds of sites out there yourself to compare options – but the information overload and hours you would have to spend doing this make it not a viable option for everyone.

Today – we have options which put the choices available back into our hands. The most popular and sensible way to book your online travel is to use a search aggregator site. These sites essentially data mine the hundreds of websites out on the web and consolidate all the results into an independent and unbiased display for you to choose. Along with displaying prices and options, these sites also offer ratings based on user reviews and direct links to those reviews so you can read what other travellers have experienced. Now, having said how great search aggregator sites are, you need to realize that they are not all built equal or have the same business model. Some of these sites only search the many carrier and hotel sites to provide you with a price comparison; while others search the carrier, hotel AND the other aggregator sites to truly provide you with the best prices and options – these are the sites that are recommended. Now, the question you may have is how do I know what sites a search aggregator is providing me results for – look around their site and see if they tell you what they are searching. If not, the results from a search should display the source – if it shows results for some of the other aggregator sites out there – then you’ll know that you are truly getting an unbiased display of all prices and options available.

Remember, do your research before doing your search and you’ll be sure to get the best deals out there booking online.…

Hotel Bed Bugs

It is indeed unfortunate that as we try to rekindle our poor economy and revitalize the tourism industry, bedbugs have risen to the forefront on traveler’s alert lists. One is hard pressed these days NOT to find at least one article in any major or minor publication related to the scourge of bedbugs in the hotel industry as well as cruise ships, college dorms, private residences, and even department stores globally. Is it that there has just been denial and avoidance of what is so obvious to so many travelers? The answer is generally NO.

The problem is that the discontinued use of the highly toxic pesticide DDT since the 1970’s has lead to the rise in bedbug infestations and locations. Unfortunately, these pesky critters are difficult to see and detect, and even more difficult to successfully eradicate. Hotels are particularly susceptible due to the high turnover of guests and increased international travel. The costs to treat large pervasive infestations can be prohibitive, detrimental to one’s health, take a long time, and unfortunately are often unsuccessful in both the short and long term effectiveness.

Savvy travelers are encouraged to take advantage of some of the newer products available to them that are designed to repel and deter a bedbug’s interest in both their bodies as a meal, and their clothing and suitcases as a transportation mode! There are now natural and effective products designed specifically for the traveler that use a combination of essential oils and dried ingredients in certain combinations and proportions that have been proven to be successful in warding off the approaching bedbug(s)! They are safe; affordable; have a pleasant smell; can be taken aboard a plane; used in drawers, closets and suitcases; and readily available on the internet. As with all possible health and safety precautions, prevention is the logical first step!…

Cheap Hotels in New York City – How to Find Cheap Hotels in New York

1.) The Maritime Hotel

Designed in 1966 for the National Maritime Union, this modern hotel overlooks the Hudson through large porthole windows that accent the clean, modern design and give this hotel a distinct look. The rooms were designed to be compact and comfortable. All of the furniture is built in so that you have everything you need in a small space. The décor is reminiscent of IKEA meets Pier 1, providing clean lines and warmth at the same time. This hotel offers a downtown location, an Italian and Japanese restaurant, and a 10,000 sq ft. terrace. If you are in search of a twin sized bed, this hotel may not be for you, it is ‘queen only’ here.

363 W. 16th St.

NY, NY 10011

2.) Incentra Village House

Dating back to 1841, this hotel is located quaint Greenwich Village and is surrounded by many preserved historic landmarks. There are 13 suites and studios, the largest can accommodate up to 4 guests, and 10 have working fireplaces. The majority of the suites offer a kitchenette and all have an air conditioner, TV, private bath and coffeemaker. The décor will transport you to a Dickens novel, offering coziness brought to you by fireplaces, a grand piano and satin covered couches. Located next to Chelsea and the trendy Meatpacking District you will have have plenty of places to go out and explore.

32 8th Ave

NY, NY 10014

3.) Room Mate Grace

Located in Times Square, you will be hard-pressed to find a more stylish deal. This hotel was inspired by youth hostel lodging options and combined that with all of the modern conveniences that any tech-head would love. There are 139 rooms with free wi-fi, flat screen TVs, DVD players and iPod docks. Described as “fresh, modern and whimsical” it draws a hip crowd that appreciates the nightly lobby DJ, 24 hour coffee bar and pool that has underwater music and a “swim up” bar. Grand Central, Rockefeller Center, St. Patrick’s Cathedral and MOMA are all within a mile of Room Mate Grace. This is a great hotel in a great location for a great rate!

128 West 45th St.

NY, NY 10036

4.) Gershwin Hotel

Of all the cheap hotels in New York City, The Gershwin may be the most impressive. Sitting in the heart of Manhattan like a paper mache building of someone’s dreams, you will not miss the bright red exterior with dramatic, circus-like lights and awnings. Located a block away from the Empire State Building and near 5th Ave. shopping, clubs, and the Flower and Fashion Districts, you will have plenty of sightseeing right out your door. The Gershwin offers all of the basics plus a multi-lingual staff, discount parking, irons, and safe boxes. Just in case you don’t find enough to do outside of the hotel, there is an on-site art gallery and a rooftop sun deck to relax on. Rooms range from basic bunks to suites, there is something for everyone and it is all priced to book.

7 East 27th St.

NY, NY 10016

5.) Chelsea Savoy

Located in busy Midtown and sporting a wall of celebrity guests who have stayed there, this hotel is surprisingly affordable. This hotel might not be the trendiest in town, but it is known for its excellent, helpful staff and cleanliness. The Chelsea Savoy will appeal to people who want a clean, nice place to stay that is in a good neighborhood for an affordable price. If you would rather spend your money on the town rather than a fancy, schmancy hotel, then the Chelsea Savoy is a tried and true winner.

204 W. 23rd St.

NY, NY 10011…

Often you want someone to say the best thing. The best thing could totally change your time, few days, as well as your complete perspective in terms of online dating.

Unfortuitously, a lot of us are not friends with comedians, psychologists or reporters – so we seek out love podcasts for some much-needed wisdom in life.

Podcasts are fantastic, they feature assistance, comedy, and organization inside quick minutes there is (taking walks to focus, regarding the train) and help united states better navigate existence. We’ve handpicked the most effective commitment podcasts each level of dating, from finest parts for the complicated bits, to obtain the most from your own online dating existence.

Here you will find the finest commitment podcasts:

For when you are single

Savage Lovecast Dan Savage is producing this podcast for an eye-watering six years. That’s countless connection advice. However, Savage Lovecast does not cope inside the daily union problems; expect you’ll learn about rare fantasies, intricate polyamorous connections, and, well, just about everything more. Indeed NSFW (perhaps not not harmful to Work), Dan mixes in laughter and straightforward guidance, producing every issue seem entirely common and solvable. One listen and you’ll be hooked.

Dying, gender & funds If you stress you may tire of listening to a commitment podcast by yourself, after that Death, Sex & cash is obtainable. Anna deal describes this interview-style podcast as location to talk about the big questions that surround all of us, that all-too-often “…get left out of polite conversation”. Very while relationships take the plan, this podcast talks about them in context of life’s other large concerns for example. passing and money. Don’t get worried if you do not know exactly who the interviewee is actually. Some symptoms are with big name celebrities (Brooke Shields, Jane Fonda etc.) and sometimes it will likely be with professionals and guests plucked from full obscurity.

This is Why You Are Single

A podcast for those of you seriously from inside the relationship game. If you are feeling a tad exhausted from online dating and want to a reminder why you’re actually doing it originally, this is certainly individually. Brooklyn-based comedians Laura Lane and Angela Spera offer useful relationship guidance, warning flags to look out for and actual stories all wrapped in a sassy, snarky bundle. Outstanding reminder that everybody struggles along with their sex life often.

Read More: maybe not a podcast enthusiast? Uncover the 15 publications you really need to review throughout the various phases of internet dating.

For if you are recently dating

Anna Faris is Unqualified Anna Faris is recognized for being a comedic celebrity who had been up-until-last-year married to megastar Chris Pratt. What exactly tends to make Anna Faris qualified to dole out relationship guidance to listeners who phone in through its issues? There’s nothing exactly what. Faris is really initial together with her shortage of credentials but what she lacks, she comprises within enthusiasm and amazingly truthful opinions. Like a buddy whose guidance you don’t want to hear, you probably should as they are right.

Dear Sugars A cult favorite and recent addition on the New York Times podcast lineup, Dear Sugars is organized by recommended authors Cheryl Strayed and Steve Almond. The podcast in essence employs an anonymous suffering aunt format, with hosts answering questions with “radical empathy”. Informative, compassionate, and achingly understandable it really is an excellent tune in to acquire closure over previous union accidents or adverse singledom reasoning.

The Heart Proud to face apart from a ‘typical’ podcast, One’s heart is much more of a performance portion than an union podcast. Each event is created and created with soundscapes and imaginative storytelling to create audience feel like obtained walked into another world. Hosted by award-winning documentarian Kaitlin Prest, it will take you on an exploration of what connections and intimacy indicate into the modern world.

Read More: Find unmarried, winning and smart singles currently in your geographic area now.

For if you are in a relationship

One Extraordinary Marriage program Celebrated by married people and unwed associates identical as podcast that will allow one to begin communicating in your connection, Tony and Lisa DiLorenzo have already been a married couple for a remarkable 19 decades and discuss the real issues of really love, intercourse, and devotion within a lasting monogamous connection. A Christian couple, religion doesn’t enter the discussion excessively, nevertheless they perform discuss it in terms of how it relates to their own relationship.

Better Conversations with Derek and Carrie: On cash and wedding One of the more market relationship podcasts available to you. Derek and Carrie are a married pair that undergone their unique fair share of financial chaos; having their property repossessed while they happened to be planning their wedding ceremony sounds like most people’s worst nightmares. But had …