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The Right Way to Travel
August 25, 2008 - "Olympic Fuel" Tip #8
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Here's your "Olympic Fuel" tip of the day, with three keys to beating the guidebooks to the best hotels... so you can sleep in style around the world...
1. Find brand-new hotels.
New hotels are likely to have room, cost less, and be less "touristy"
than their better-established cousins. Plus, you can enjoy the thrill of feeling like you've "discovered" a hip place before everyone else.
To get these places on your radar, browse through your favorite travel-related publications (like The New York Times, Travel & Leisure, Andrew Harper's Hideaway Report, and Departures) and make a clip file of those that are newly released.
Or, simply do a Google search for, say, "press release 2008 new hotel Paris" or "press release 2008 new hotel St. Thomas" -- or wherever you're headed. You'll be rewarded with a handful of excellent leads.
2. Ask a travel agent.
Agents who specialize in personal tours are in the business of keeping up with the latest trends, deals, and hot spots. Travel agents have access to trade publications not available to the general public and they often monitor press releases for new hotels and good values.
3. Take a walking tour.
Then, if you see a cute or charming hotel, stop in. Ask for a brochure and a rate card. Look around. Notice the condition of the lobby. If you're still interested, ask to see a room.
** BONUS TIP: While you're there, ask the clerk which are the best rooms, and why. Then, write those down. Those are the ones you'll want to request in the future.
** EXTRA BONUS TIP: Save money where it really counts -- on your airplane tickets -- and splurge on a hotel or two. If you're planning on visiting more than one country in a row on your next trip, you could save $1000 or more by getting a Round-the-World or a multi-destination ticket.
Not sure how? Check out our guide, "Travel Around the World: How to Design, Book, and Enjoy the Ultimate Adventure… and Even Make it Pay for Itself."
You can get it for 20% off during our Summer Olympics Sale, here.
Or browse our Olympic Sale catalog.
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