Tierra Patagonia hotel and spa opens in Chilean Patagonia

by Kraig Becker on

Travelers who enjoy a little luxury mixed in with their adventure now have a new option when visiting southern Chile. Earlier this week, Tierra Patagonia opened for business, giving visitors a chance to experience the iconic Patagonia wilderness without having to sacrifice on the creature comforts.

Located on the edge of Chile’s famous Torres del Paine National Park, Tierra Patagonia is an all inclusive resort that features 40 rooms, a full featured spa, gourmet meals, and plenty of great Chilean wine. It is the sister hotel to Tierra Atacama, which we told you about awhile back, and as such, visitors can expect a relaxed atmosphere that is well integrated and respectful of the beautiful natural setting that surround it.

When referring to Tierra Patagonia as “all inclusive” that means the adventure is included as well. Guests have access to daily excursions throughout the region, with the hotel’s friendly and knowledgeable guides leading a variety of half- and full-day hikes into the national park. There are also options to explore the Patagonian wilderness on horseback, mountain bike, or by 4×4 as well, providing ample opportunity for visitors to experience one of the last great wildernesses on the planet in all of its glory.

Whether you’re looking for an adventurous, romantic, or relaxed escape, you’ll find everything you need at Tierra Patagonia. Visit the hotel’s website for more information on what to expect and to book your own Patagonian adventure.

New York City’s first-ever “hotel week” offers deep discounts January 6 – 15

by McLean Robbins on

Sure, we have a love-hate relationship with the ever popular restaurant week, where restaurants in cities across the nation arrange to offer three-course meals for somewhere in the neighborhood of $35 for a week at a time in the spring and fall.

But we’ve never heard of this concept being applied to hotels. For the first time ever, New York City will host a “Hotel Week” (January 6-15) during one of the slowest occupancy weeks of the year in an attempt to boost tourism. It’s a great way to experience hotels that are normally $500 a night and up, or for locals to get away for a quick staycation over MLK Day weekend.

Eight hotels (conveniently all in the same PR firm’s portfolio) are offering these deals, with a one-night stay on a tiered system of $100, $200, or $250 a night. Info on how to book each property below:

HOTEL NEIGHBORHOOD RATE HOW TO BOOK
The Pod Hotel Midtown East $100 Call and mention “Hotel Week”
Z NYC Hotel Long Island City, Queens $100 Call and mention “Hotel Week”
The Hotel @ Times Square Times Square $100 Call and mention “Hotel Week”
nyma, the new york manhattan hotel Herald Square $100 Call and mention “Hotel Week”
Andaz Wall Street Wall Street $200 Use this link to book.
Hyatt 48 Lex Midtown East $200 Use this link to book.
Gansevoort Meatpacking NYC Meatpacking District $250 Use this link to book.
Gansevoort Park Avenue NYC NoMad $250 Use this link to book.

*includes accommodations in a Queen Room (The Pod Hotel)
“Every hotel in New York could use incremental business in January. We borrowed from the success of Restaurant Week and the fun I’ve had with staycations in the city,” said Nancy Friedman, president of Nancy J. Friedman Public Relations. “There’s nothing like escaping to an amazing hotel for a night––whether you’re a local or a visitor!”
Guests can take advantage of the deals by calling the hotels directly and mentioning “hotel week” when booking, or through the hotel web site. (Booking details are listed in the above chart.) The promotion is subject to availability.

10 tips for planning your next trip on a budget

by Jessica Festa on

As someone who is constantly traveling, my friends are always asking me how I can afford to go on trips so often. Traveling doesn’t have to mean spending a fortune, and if you’re willing to forgo the 5-star hotels and Michelin starred restaurants, it can be pretty simple to have a full travel experience without going broke. Here are tips that I use to get the most out of my travels while spending as little as possible.

Exchange labor for food and accommodation

While some people may think of labor as a quick way to ruin a vacation, it shouldn’t. A network called WWOOF allows travelers to work on organic farms in return for housing and food. Don’t think that farming has to mean cleaning up after animals and pulling up weeds. Vineyards, chateaus, olive groves, holistic massage and yoga retreats, and balsamic farms can also be found on the list of WWOOF hosts. Working with a family on their property will not only save you money but will also give you first-hand insight into the local culture (now when does a 5-star hotel give you that?).Plan a staycation

Many times, people take their home cities for granted. It’s funny, because when I travel I am constantly trying to do and see as much as possible, but at home I always figure I’ll get to seeing the sites “someday”. Why not make that someday today and plan a trip without leaving home? Look up local theme parks, restaurants, museums, art galleries, historical sites, and festivals and make a “trip” out of it. And if you want a little change of scenery, you can always try venturing to a nearby town that’s drivable and do a long weekend trip.

Travel to countries with favorable exchange rates

When planning where you will go on your next trip, try to take into account the exchange rate and how expensive it will be to travel there. How far will your dollar go once you switch currencies? Are accommodations, food, and transportation costly? For example, while in some countries you can get a hostel for under $10 there are others where you will pay $60 a night for a bare bones room. Think about what it is that draws you to a certain country and then try to find a more budget friendly alternative. Always wanted to go to South America? Instead of heading to Brazil, which tends to be more on the expensive side, head over to Peru or Bolivia, which will be a lot easier on your wallet. Are you the outdoorsy type who thinks somewhere like the Outback in Australia or the Alps in Switzerland would be a fun vacation? Places like Laos (above) and Ghana also offer many outdoor experiences for travels on a budget.

Use memberships to your benefit

Are you a student? Bring your student ID with you. I’m not a student anymore but I still bring my student ID everywhere, and it has saved me hundreds of dollars throughout my trips. Better yet, if you have an International Student Identity Card you will get recognized as a student all over the globe. Senior citizen? Make sure you always carry proof. AAA Cards, Hostelling International Membership, Eurail Pass…go through your various memberships and make sure you don’t neglect the perks they can give you. For example, a Hostelling International Membership will give you special rates in their hostels as well as discounts on tours and attractions. Moreover, having a Eurail Pass will not only make train travel in Europe more convenient and affordable but will also give you discounts on buses, ferries, and attractions.

Signing up for a travel rewards program and having a rewards credit card can also work to your benefit. Personally, I use the Capital One Venture Card, which gives me double miles for every dollar spent, doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees, and includes auto rental and travel accident insurance. I also make sure to signup for the free frequent flyer programs that many airlines offer.

Travel during shoulder season

It’s amazing how much money you can save avoiding traveling to a destination during its peak tourist season. Flights, accommodation, and tours all go down in price, sometimes by hundreds of dollars. For example, when flying from New York to London in the beginning of April, you’ll probably pay around $750-$800. However, when flying the same route in the beginning of June, you should expect to pay around $1,150. Traveling during a country’s low season also opens up the possibility of taking advantage of worthwhile deals and incentives offered to try to boost tourism numbers. Another great thing about traveling during shoulder season? You won’t have to deal with the crowds, making your trip more hassle-free.

Make a list of free and budget-friendly activities in the city

No matter where you travel to, there are free and inexpensive things to do that are still fun and worthwhile. Just check out these guides on free things to do in New York, London, and Sydney, which are all cities that people think to be extremely expensive. For example, one of my favorite things to do in Sydney was to wander the Sydney Univeristy campus and its adjoining Victoria Park (shown right), which was not only relaxing but completely free. Most times, parks, beaches, public art, open-air events, monuments, and many museums and galleries are free to enjoy. Also, many cities are now giving free walking tours, such as SANDEMAN’s New Europe walking tours throughout Europe and I’m Free Tours in Sydney, Australia. And for a night out, find places that offer good happy hour specials and nightly promotions, as full price cocktails can really wreck all your saving efforts.

Try Couchsurfing

Do you want free accommodation? Try couchsurfing. Couchsurfing is a network of travelers and hosts who offer up their couches to people staying in their city, free of charge. What’s also great about this is that staying with locals helps you to see the destination from their point of view, from hidden coffee shops to non-touristy bars and restaurants to attending actual parties and events thrown by people living in the city. If you’re not comfortable staying on a stranger’s couch you can also opt to stay in a hostel, which can help stretch your dollar a lot farther than a hotel would.

Visit cities where you know locals personally

Try to think of cities where you have family and friends who already live there. This type of trip can cut costs significantly, as it can give you a place to stay as well as make traveling a bit more convenient as you’ll have someone to show, and hopefully drive, you around. Plus, access to a stove cuts down costs considerably. Doing a trip like this will not only will you get a change of scenery, you’ll get to spend time with people you haven’t seen in awhile.

Avoid the “English menus”

When going out to eat, make sure to avoid any restaurant that boasts having an “English” menu, as this usually equates to “touristy”. Going to a “mom and pop” type establishment will not only save you money, it will also give you a more authentic culinary experience in the country. When in Ghana, I loved eating at little no-name places and getting my favorite dish, Red Red with Plantains (right). If you’re staying at someone’s home or in a hostel with a kitchen, another option is to cook for yourself. Buy groceries from the supermarket or, better yet, an open air market where you can barter for your purchases.

Do less traveling while you’re traveling

All of those train trips, cab rides, flights, and cruises will start to add up. Instead of seeing ten different cities on your trip, choose only a couple you really want to see and spend more time getting to know those better. This will also help you feel less travel fatigued, keeping you excited and energetic on your trip. And, when navigating the city, try to forgo public transport and walk. You’ll get to see a lot more of the city that way and will have a better chance of discovering something you likely would have missed riding on a bus.

Deloitte business travel survey shows growth in corporate travel; split between generational preferences

by McLean Robbins on

Deloitte’s new business travel survey for 2012 predicts an uptick in travel, particularly among Millennial and Gen X workers. Notably, the survey also showed a growing divide between the preferences of the younger (18-44) travelers and the 45+ demographic.

“Corporate travel plays a key role in driving growth for the travel industry as a whole,” said Adam Weissenberg, vice chairman, Deloitte LLP and global travel, hospitality and leisure sector leader. “The results of our survey offer an encouraging sign for hotels, airlines and other service-providers.”

Who Is Traveling
“The outlook for next year is relatively positive, which surprised me,” said Weissenberg. Of the 19 percent of business travelers who expect less travel in 2011, more than six of 10 (64 percent) cite the recession as the primary reason, and 14 percent say a job change. The survey particularly shows optimism in terms of younger workers, he noted.

Specifically, 85 percent of business travelers surveyed expect to take more or the same number of trips next year with 27 percent of 18-44 year olds expecting to take more trips in 2012, while only 16 percent of business travelers 45 years old and above are planning to take more trips next year.

Moreover, reflecting on 2011 travel activity, the majority of survey respondents (81 percent) anticipate taking more or the same number of business trips than they did in 2010.

Generation Gap May Define Hotel Preferences
The majority of business travelers surveyed feel experiences at hotels operating under the same brand name differ depending on location, with six in 10 (60 percent) noting that facilities and service quality vary widely.

However, when looking at perceptions around hotel consistency among different age groups, 49 percent of respondents aged 30 and older believe hotel brands are inconsistent whereas only 39 percent of those ages 18-29 indicate the same. When considering loyalty, nearly half (46 percent) of the 18-29 year olds say they prefer to stay at their favorite hotel brand even if it is not conveniently located, whereas 37 percent of those 30 and older do the same.

“While it’s important for hotels to focus on the burgeoning number of young business travelers, finding a middle ground to retain brand loyalty among Generation X and Y, and boosting brand loyalty among the potentially more discerning baby boomers, will likely be a challenge for hotels in 2012,” continued Weissenberg.

[Flickr via RegusMedia]
Younger Travelers Crave Social Work Spaces & Automation
Two-thirds of respondents (67 percent) say they often work in their hotel room, with younger business travelers enjoying working in more social spaces, such as executive/business lounges and the lobby or common area.

Many hotels have done a good job evolving these lobbies from the stuffy and uncomfortable marble spaces of yore, Weissenberg said, noting that the biggest point of contention amongst travelers, particularly younger ones, is the lack of free internet in some hotels.

As a whole, 77 percent of business travelers surveyed indicated that complimentary internet is important to them, and 63 percent are satisfied with the availability of free Wi-Fi in hotels.
Nearly two-fifths (36 percent) of the 18-44 year olds surveyed say they often work in the lobby or common area, while only 17 percent of those 45 and older do the same. When it comes to interacting with hotel staff for check-in, almost two-fifths (36 percent) of the 18-44 respondents favor automated kiosks rather than checking in with a hotel employee at the front desk, whereas only 19 percent of the 45 and older survey participants say they prefer automated kiosks.

In next year’s survey, Weissenberg said that the company will likely further break down the age bands to better target generational preferences. “It’s becoming more drastic in terms of what baby boomers are looking for versus Gen X and Gen Y,” he said.

Travelers Prioritize Amenities and Efficiencies
Amenities continue to play a key role in the overall hotel experience, with six in 10 respondents (61 percent) expecting more from hotels with regards to amenities and services now that hotel prices have increased.

The survey also found that concerns around air travel are important, with survey respondents listing flight delays (37 percent) and security-related delays (30 percent) at airports as the leading grievances about business travel today. Additionally, respondents indicate that issues with air travel are more of a concern than hotel challenges, such as inattentive staff and lack of amenities at hotels.

The survey was commissioned by Deloitte and conducted online by an independent research company between September 26 and September 27, 2011.

Stay at a former military prison turned art hostel in Ljubljana, Slovenia

by Jessica Festa on

Recently, Gadling’s Meg Nesterov talked about 10 reasons to travel to Ljubljana in Slovenia. The country has a lot to offer to visitors, and for those looking for an affordable and historical place to stay, a unique hostel experience, as well.

Hostel Celica, currently an artsy youth hostel, was once a military prison within the military barracks of Metelkova Street, dating back to 1882. Once Slovenia gained independence and the barracks were no longer needed, the Metelkova Network planned to turn the site into a multicultural center. The vision never came to be, and when the city tried to demolish the barracks, the network and its supporters used their bodies to protect the building. They occupied the site, and when the city turned off the electricity and water, a new plan began to form in their minds.

The group decided to make the place into a welcoming space for international travelers, and with the help of architect Janko Jozic and over 80 artists, Hostel Celica opened its doors to its first guests in 2003.

While the space is now a hostel, that doesn’t mean it’s lost its essence of history and culture. There are 20 prison cells that act as rooms, and one of the former prison cells has been converted into a Point of Peace, a space where visitors can pray and meditate. There are alters for the five major world religions of Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, and Hinduism, and the highest religious representatives from each have come to bless the space. Moreover, an art gallery resides on the first floor of the hostel, and workshops, debates, concerts, and cultural events take place on a daily basis.

For more information or to book a room at Hostel Celica, click here.