In many places, hotels offer special lower rates to locals in order to increase occupancy. This is particularly true on last-minute stays or when bookings have been low, and is especially applicable to overseas travel.
If you’re going to a place where you have family or friends, ask them to inquire directly about any special rates or promotions that may be available.
Having them book on your behalf can save you some serious cash.
Use comfortable, soft-sided bags, such as gym bags, small daypacks, or duffel bags for easy-access and lightweight portability on a trip — just make sure to sort out your belongings properly inside the bag.
To maximize comfort and ease, find a duffel bag that has a wide opening with easy slide zippers and an adjustable strap. This will help reduce the strain of carrying a big suitcase.
In addition to increased comfort, duffel bags offer other advantages, as well. First, you won’t have to worry and wait around the terminal for your suitcase to show up at the baggage claim. Second, duffel bags can be tucked under your airline seat, shoved into overhead compartments, and opened quickly and easily during security checks.
When packing flashlights or other battery-powered devices that might easily switch on, always turn the batteries around inside the device — or, remove one or more of the batteries completely from the device.
This way, if the item is accidentally turned on while hiking or moving about, you won’t drain the batteries.
When traveling over the holidays with gifts, never pre-wrap!
Wrapped items may need to be inspected by the TSA, and that could mean they’ll be unwrapped by security before you even get to your destination. Go ahead and pack the gifts, but either pack a few sheets of wrapping paper — or just plan to purchase paper at your destination — and tend to the task after landing
Do you need a reason to St. Barths? Well, if the destination itself isn’t enough of a reason, check out the latest renovations at the Hotel Christopher. It’s tucked away on Pointe MIlou and new offers two refurbished restaurants (Taino and Mango) and a refreshed lobby and concept store, Linde Gallery. Eleven rooms have been redecorated, and the pool has been transformed completely (it’s also the largest on the island).
The next phase of the renovation comes in May, with three new suites. They will be 880 sqft each – bedroom, living room and large terrace. Also, 10 junior suites and six poolside superior rooms are on the way (to complement the 41 rooms and suites the hotel already has).
“We are extremely excited about the renovations at Hotel Christopher,” says General Manager, Christian Langlade. “Always looking for ways to enhance the overall experience, we wanted to make sure our guests experience Hotel Christopher as a luxurious home in a soothing and unique setting. With each room offering superb sea views, the exceptional dining options at Mango and Taino and the modern Caribbean decor, we feel we’ve set the bar for casual luxury on St. Barths.”