Did you know that numerous studies show that planning a vacation can heighten anticipation and people enjoy it almost as much as the vacation itself? Studies also prove that a vacation can reduce stress levels, helping you discover new things, strengthen relationships, refresh your attitude and relax. That’s why Best Vacations Ever encourages you to plan an affordable and amazing family vacation with free accommodations by calling 800-656-2780 for better health today!
Getting Physical
Europeans are already packed and on holiday. It’s a yearly must-do! Americans consider it a luxury, given work, traffic, costs of living and airfares that make a vacation seem impossible. But if you really want to stay healthy, vice president of innovation at Cedars Sanai Dr. Glenn Braunstein says, “Take a vacation! Stress is bad for your mind and body” and it can have have the following harmful effects:
• Cause irritability • Make one tired & unfocused • Hinder the body’s ability to fight infections • Lead to unhealthy behavior • Load up on fatty foods & smoke • Consume too much alcohol
Travel Planning Boosts Happiness Scientists in the Netherlands found that people were just as happy planning as much as enjoying the actual vacation—the anticipation and planning also boosted happiness for up to 8 weeks. Locale and length are not important. Go to a far-away destination or enjoy a local-resort staycation. Research destinations and picture yourself enjoying all the exciting adventures or just lying on a pristine beach with the stress reducing, planning anticipation, health benefits, and travel savings of free accommodations with a Best Vacation Ever promotional vacation package.
Avoid Heart Problems
Doctors will tell you the harmful long-lasting effects stress, especially as it releases a dangerous hormone called cortisol. A study of 13,000 middle-aged men showed that men who skipped consecutive vacations were 30% more likely to suffer heart attacks than those who vacationed yearly—even missing one increased risk. A Framingham Heart Study found skipping vacations was just as bad for women, who are at risk of heart problems as early as age 21 now. A Wisconsin study showed women who took vacations twice per year were less likely to develop coronary heart disease, and become tense, depressed and tired—plus, the odds of marital dissatisfaction decreased.
Plus, if you’re in some exotic destination, the odds are slim that you’ll end up sitting around in your hotel room. Being on vacation sparks interest and gets you out doing all kinds of physical activity that improve your health like walking, hiking, golfing, running, ziplining, climbing rock walls or falls, bicycling, jogging, swimming, taking pictures, sightseeing, shelling, surfing, wading in the surf, snow skiing, partaking in watersports and so much more.
Even justrelaxing on the beach is good for you (with SPF). Being outdoors exposes you to the Vitamin D of the sun’s rays, which health reports show helps prevent Cancer, Bone Disease and Depression, and Controls Insulin Levels, Balances Hormones and helps Promote Weight Loss.
Improving Productivity
Remove yourself from the stressors that can have harmful effects like work burnout. Work places encourage vacations because they want relaxed, refreshed, more productive workers. So disconnect from the office, turn off electronics and “unplug.” Another study shows stress is reduced up to 5 weeks after the vacation return. Booking your trip and airfare in advance helps you avoid any stressful last-minute travel planning. Call 800-656-2780 to book an incredible, health-improving and affordable promotional Best Vacations Ever package with free accommodations that saves you hundreds of dollars off your travel budget for much more fun and a lot less stress.
How has a vacation helped you reduce stress and improve your health?
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and every traveler wants to takebeautiful photographswhile on vacation so they document and share their visual story. The biggest mistake vacationers (and people) make is thinking a fancy new camera is the answer, when actually technique is more important than equipment. If you learn its capabilities, practice and learn how to avoid a few pitfalls, you can take beautiful photographs with almost any camera. Preferred Guest Resortshas culminated a top 10 list of tips and techniques from several of the world’s best travel photographers so you can take better photographs while on your Best Vacations Ever journey to picturesque family destinations:
Read the camera’s manual, and learn all its controls and features so you’re prepared. TIP: More advanced information in expanded versions is often downloadable on retailer websites.
Learn what “resolution” is and set your camera for the highest resolution possible. It makes digital altering/editing later much easier, especially if you want to make a vacation storybook. Get multiple large-file holding memory cards because high-rez photos create larger files and take up more room. TIP: Travelers take many more photographs than they expect, so you could be in a destination where it is too hard to buy one or have to pay higher tourist costs.
Practice good focus methods—it’s the number one thing to ruin a photo. Learn how to use your automatic focus, which usually requires a half shutter press. Use the “macro” mode for very close-up shots. Auto focus often works better than manual. Pros often ignore auto focus and use metering to take better photos. TIP: If your auto photos turn out of focus, definitely try manual. You can capture some great close-up on manual at the theme parks and beaches.
Learn how your camera works in varying light; Inside, outside and different times of the day when you get to your Preferred Guest Resorts’ vacation destination. Photos turn out very different in the varying forms of light. Also learn when to use your flash. TIP: Use your flash carefully; don’t use it when you don’t have to.
Avoid red-eye by having people avoid looking directly into the camera or using a “bounce light.” Aiming your flash above the subjects’ heads, especially with surrounding light walls, will help avoid red-eye, too. TIP: Look around for color; red will draw into a person’s eye. There is a lot of color at theme parks for great images.
Avoiding directly looking into the camera helps prevent red-eye and also creates more dramatic candid photos.
Learn how to set your white balance—the most underused feature—that compensates for different kinds of lighting and how to set it for conditions like cloudy days, shade or bright sun in your vacation destination.
Learn what ISO speed is, and set it to the lowest setting for posed or slow-moving photographs. TIP: This setting is perfect for group or tripod shots while on vacation.
Before shooting, stand very still, frame and focus the photo creatively in your mind; then in your viewfinder. TIP: Avoid distractions and cluttered backgrounds in the photo when needed, although clutter can add texture and detailing to a photo, especially if you’re at a colorful attraction, theme park or exotic beaches while traveling on your Preferred Guest Resorts’ Best Vacation Ever.
Try interesting angles that show minimum shadow and maximum color. Take a risk, and use the Photographers Rule of Thirds, where primary points sit along third lines. Horizon or other lines should not cut the picture in half. TIP: Divide your frame into thirds, and don’t put your subject in the middle of the frame, a helpful tip for any travel photo you take.
Use lines, shapes, color and light to give depth and interest to an image, and add a dramatic, artistic effectto photographs, especially while in picturesquePreferred Guest Resorts’ vacation destinations.
If a picture tells a thousand words, fill your memory cards and share your expansive journey with more beautiful travel photographs than ever before. Remember, the more practice and the more images you take, the greater your eye becomes behind the lens. Preferred Guest Resorts’ promotional vacation packages can send you to amazingly affordable destinations and your Best Vacations Ever, so call 800-656-2780 today to book a vacation you’ll never forget, especially with brilliant photographs.
What are some of your tips and tricks for taking better photographs while traveling?
Enjoy significant savings this summer with 5 easy tips!
Vacations are expensive, especially during peak summer travel season!From airfare to accommodations and cars, the numbers really tally up and fast. A survey conducted by American Express showed the average person plans to spend $1,180 on a summer vacation—$1,180 per person. That means a family of four could be shelling out $4,720 bucks for a vacation getaway. Due to the economy, promotional vacations and timeshares are increasing in popularity and are a great way to experience incredible destinations at substantial savings. A Preferred Guest Resorts’ promotional vacation package can help ease the burden on your travel budget by offering inexpensive options to incredible destinations with complimentary hotel accommodations, a segment of your vacation travel that can get very costly along with airfare rates. The exponential savings of a Preferred Guest Resorts’ promotional vacation package is priceless, and our travel agents are fueled up to help you find the cheapest airfare options possible. But what can you do in general to save money on airfare this summer? Darcie Connell, the founder and CEO of the travel site trekity.com, a travel-information packed site that blasts daily e-newsletters for women who love to travel and a forbes.com contributor, recently pulled a few tricks out of her sleeve. Here are 5 extremely valuable tips that can help you save money on airfare this summer:
1. Use Airline Consolidators
Connell says, “Airline ticket resellers work with major travel companies to sell tickets at reduced prices.” Consolidators are wholesalers (that buy in bulk. Existing relationships allow travel agents to purchase tickets from these consolidators who pass on the savings to consumers. The problem is that some agents don’t pass on the savings and actually mark up the prices before they get to the client. “The best rates are usually found for international travel, as well as U.S. domestic business and first-class flights,” says Connell. When you choose to take one of our promotional vacations, a Preferred Guest Resorts’ agent will also work with you to help you find the best possible fares, presenting you with a listing of multiple available options.
2. Book In Advance
Preferred Guest Resorts always says to book in advance for the best rates! It’s common sense when traveling, especially for vacationing families or groups with four or more people. Connell concurs, stating, “When it comes to finding inexpensive flights, the general rule is the more available seats [on the plane], the cheaper the airline tickets.” Booking well in advance means many empty seats to fill and lower prices. Connell recommends making arrangements a minimum of 21 weeks prior to your departure date and says, “After that, airlines increase fares incrementally up until the departure date. So the closer [you get] to your departure date, the higher the price.” Preferred Guest Resorts has reported research that shows travelers can also find some of the best rates at least 8 weeks out, but not beyond that mark. After that mark, you’re throwing caution and money to the wind. Some airlines do offer last-minute discounts to fill empty seats, starting as far out as 14 days and right up to the days before, as well as day-off standby fillers. But waiting until the last minute is a serious risk, especially during peak season, and often a big disappointment for families of four that ends yup costing your way much more in the long run. Trust your Preferred Guest Resorts’ travel agent to help you find the lowest possible rates by starting to look for and book airfare rates well in advance of your Preferred Guest Resorts’ promotional vacation.
3. Clear Your “Cache”
No, we did not misspell “cash,” though it is pronounced the same way. Most people aren’t
Save lots of cash when you clear your cache!
even familiar with the term cache. Technologically speaking, many people start searching for flights and find an amazing price online during their first visit to a carrier site. But when they try to find that price later to show their husband, wife or travel partner, the price is actually higher than it was before. It becomes frustrating as airfares seem to change with no rhyme or reason. Connell says that this is where your web history and “cache” (recorded web history and searches) come into play. Smart booking sites record or track your browsing and searches, and some use this information to raise prices when they see you’re interested in a flight and make a return visit. She says the trick to beating this is to clear your web browsing data (known as cache) after your first search or before your next and each subsequent search, so there’s a greater chance that you’ll find the original price as a “first-time” visitor again. If you choose to take a Preferred Guest Resorts‘ promotional vacation package, your PGR travel agent knows how to work around such technology tactics and find you the lowest possible fares and options for your vacation.
4. Be Flexible With Dates & Times
“This is the number one way to save when it comes to booking flights,” Connell says, “we’re talking hundreds of dollars.” According to an in-depth analysis of its database, Fare Compare reported that the cheapest days to fly domestically are Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday, when airlines post discounts but of course, there are exceptions. According to the results, Wednesday is the least expensive day, and Friday and Sunday are the most expensive days to buy airfare. The analysis also reports a big difference on days for international flights, which are still pending. The same report also says that the cheapest time to fly is typically the first flight out in the morning—yes, meaning around 4 a.m.—and even cheaper are those limited red-eye flights. It also states that the next best times to fly are during/after lunch and flights at the dinner.
Another Fare Compare study showed that best time to buy airline tickets and shop for travel (domestically) is Tuesday at 3 p.m. Eastern time: “Yes, shopping on Tuesday is the best time to buy airline tickets, but be careful as most of these discounted airfares are pulled on Thursdays, so your probably paying too much if buying on the weekend,” reports Fare Compare.
Connell says now that booking agents now offer a “flexible date,” finding the cheapest flight is easy. It’s especially easy when you take the reports, stats and tips into consideration to find the least expensive flights. If you choose to take a Preferred Guest Resorts’ promotional vacation, your travel agent will qualify you for times and dates that fit your family’s intended travel and, if asked, assist you with finding flights based on supplied information as well as best travel dates and options for the lowest fares available. “A simple trick that travel agents use is to search for flights three days before and after an intended departure. This can easily slice a few hundred dollars off international flights!,” she says. “Just remember: If you’re checking throughout the week, clear your browsing history for accurate search results.”
5. Research Carrier Hubs
“Every airline has a “hub”—sometimes more than one—where the majority of their flights arrive and depart, explains Connell. “For example, British Airways uses London Heathrow Airport and JetBlue Airways uses John F. Kennedy International Airport.” So, how does a hub help you? In general flights that are hub to hub are inexpensive because there are more flights/planes to choose from. Connell suggests, “If your final destination isn’t a major hub, check prices to the hub first, and then look for an additional flight from the hub to your final destination. Yes, you’ll have a layover, but you could save a lot of money in the process.” Your Preferred Guest Resorts’ travel agent can also look up this information for you when finding you the lowest airfares and flight options.
Preferred Guest Resorts‘ travel agents can also help you find the best airfare rates while booking you an incredible promotional vacation.
You can fly anywhere you want this summer and can save a lot of money while getting a jump on your summer travel plans. If you’re interested in more information about a Preferred Guest Resorts‘ promotional vacation and how we can help you cut down your travel expenses significantly, call one of our travel agents today at 1-800-656-2780.
Planning a vacation at the magical theme parks of Walt Disney World® Theme Parks? Given how many parks actually make up Walt Disney World® Resort—the Magic Kingdom® Theme Park, Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park, Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park and Epcot®—not to mention its water parks and all the other activities you have planned on your vacation itinerary, you’ll be hard-pressed to find time to check out every attraction, ride and show at every park.
That’s why Preferred Guest Resorts has done some heavy legwork for you and found out the favorite rides/shows of travelers at Walt Disney World Theme Parks. On your Best Vacation Ever, make sure your family’s ticket packages include the Park Hopper® option, so you can bounce park to park as you please, and if you plan on a return visit in the future, opt for the No Expiration option. Also take advantage of any Magical Hours that are designed to let a handful of people in early, and be sure to grab FAST PASSES for rides you absolutely must try before you leave—at least the ones that offer FAST PASSES, which give you a window of time to come back and walk right on the ride… no waiting in line. Just return during the window of time they give you on the FAST PASS and you basically walk right on.
Based on fellow Best Vacations Ever travelers’ feedback, Preferred Guest Resorts identified a few of the must-do rides and must-see shows for each of the four main theme parks that offer the most fun for the young and the nostalgic young at heart. For a whole new set of thrills and chills, you can also check out Walt Disney World® Resort’s two water parks, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach. Check out the wet and wild fun on the Walt Disney World® Resort website. As far as the main theme parks go, here’s our top picks for the best rides and shows at Walt Disney World® Resort:
BEST RIDES AND SHOWS AT WALT DISNEY WORLD® THEME PARKS:
MAGIC KINGDOM® THEME PARK:
Enjoy spins, twirls, whirls, twists and drops on the super-fast railroad ride of Big Thunder Mountain.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad® – A super fun and fast roller coaster with fun dips, twists and roundabouts that are not especially scary, so the more adventurous kids and adults will really like it. With cliffs and canyons, Big Thunder Mountain is fast and fun!
Pirates of the Caribbean® – One of the most classic and enjoyable Magic Kingdom rides of all time—always managing to stay fresh and entertaining. Board your boat and drop 14 feet over a waterfall into treasure-filled caves! Then float through a town where pirates pillage and Captain Jack Sparrow hides from pursuers. It’s a “yo ho, yo ho” lot of fun, but a slow ride through cannonball shots during a ship-to-shore battle that may be loud for sensitive young ears. Prepare them ahead of time because it can be load and somewhat scary. Prepare to spend a small fortune on incredible souvenirs the kids will be begging for, too!
Splash Mountain® – Wind through bayous, caves and watery byways in a log boat, then hold onto your cap hold for the 52-1/2-foot drop finale. Kids get a kick out of it, but make sure they check out the final drop, which can be spotted just outside the ride before getting on.
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin®– Based on the Disney Pixar Movie Toy Story, it’s just like being smack dab in the middle of a Buzz Lightyear video game, with colorful characters, flashing lights and laser shooters. Climb into your own space cruiser and compete with family members as you shoot laser guns at targets, with your final score provided at the end. Some heated competitions have taken place—rounds and rounds.
Haunted Mansion® – Though it’s quite tame and more fun than scary, with humorous fake ghosts at the end that stow away in your ride-along buggy, the beginning may scare some younger kids. Prepare them ahead of time that its not at all as scary as they think, and it will be more fun and entertaining than frightening!
Peter Pan’s Flight – A classic ride that has a true Disney magical feel as you soar through the sky in a ship, and watch the classic fairytale unfold with Peter and all his friends. It’s a great, cool ride for escaping the summer heat, too.
Mickey’s PhilharMagic – Ideal for families, this 3D show is a lot of fun and filled with lots of traditional Disney characters.
Astro Orbiter® – A fun spin for two people high above Tomorrowland with spectacular view from orbit as you dip and rise.
Space Mountain® – Mimicking a rocket blastoff, this super fast, twisting, dropping roller coaster in the dark is a signature yet recently renovated classic Disney ride and may be a bit scarier for younger kids than the open-air, open-eye Thunder Mountain.
Jungle Cruise – A family-fun 1930’s-style safari boat through the world’s most exotic, untamed rivers. Brave wild animals and silly goings-on in Asia, Africa and South America on this riverboat Disney classic.
Wishes™ Nighttime Spectacular – The biggest, brightest fireworks extravaganza in Magic Kingdom theme-park history over Cinderella’s castle and if you look closely, Tinkerbelle actually takes flight from the castle top to kick it off! This also is a great time to catch last-minute rides with short lines since most of the crowd is watching the closing show.
Cinderellabration – Great fun for kids, especially daughters into all the Disney princesses. Boys may get a little restless, but it’s a great family spectacle.
DISNEY’S ANIMAL KINGDOM® THEME PARK:
Festival of the Lion King – The No. 1 must-see show even for locals. It always receives high praise. Based on the Disney movie The Lion King, it’s a spectacular Broadway-style musical show that’s fun for the whole family and a great, 30-minute escape in a cool theater during hot summer months.
Expedition Everest® – A high-altitude, high-speed roller coaster through big drops, hairpin turns and a close encounters with Yeti, the inhospitable inhabitant of the Forbidden Mountain. A super fun ride, but it may be a bit much for younger kids and senior adults.
Kids will have longtime smiles and families will have lifelong memories from Walt Disney World Resort Theme Parks on your Best Vacation Ever through Preferred Guest Resorts.
Kilimanjaro Safaris® Expedition – A rugged Jeep ride through an African savanna filled with real wild animals, poachers and some minor special effects that add to the fun and experience. Great for the whole family. No two safaris are the same, so go a couple times, if you can.
Finding Nemo–The Musical – A fun, 30-minute musical-theater adaptation of Disney Pixar’s movie Finding Nemo that will amaze audiences of all ages.
Liberty Square Riverboat – A fun family cruise on the Rivers of America in an authentic 3-tiered paddlewheel steamship. The scenic, half-mile tour cruises Frontierland, Liberty Square and Tom Sawyer Island.
Kali River Rapids® – Great family fun but expect to get wet as you rage the Chakranadi River rapids in a big raft through an Asian rainforest, then drop into gushing geysers and drift under waterfalls. During the hot summer months, the splashes are quite refreshing, but do be careful and stow your electronics as the instruct in the raft because some people cone off head-to-toe soaked.
Primeval Whirl® – A very different but fun carnival type of coaster (height requirement). Most kids love it but some get a bit scared. But adults have delighted in its spins, whirls, twirls and hair-pin turns. Height requirement required, but it is right in the middle of a large kids’ area with carnival-style games including prizes and fun activities the whole family can enjoy.
Dinosaur – A dark ride in a Time Rover through the Cretaceous era. It’s a good time, but it’s very loud and very bumpy as you ride through the dark with roaring dinosaurs. It may be a bit too load and rocky at some points for younger kids—even a bit scary for some—and it may be a bit harsh on those adults with bad backs or neck problems as you’re tossed around a lot.
The Boneyard® – When you need to sit a spell, let the kids become paleontologists on a sandy, dinosaur playground where they can excavate fossils, climb through tunnels, and wind their ways through a giant, multilevel maze with slides and much more.
Maharajah Jungle Trek® – Experience the wilds of the mystical Anandapur Royal Forest of Southeast Asia, encountering majestic tigers, a Komodo dragon, wild bats, deer and more than 50 species of exotic birds amid ancient ruins and murals.
Wildlife Express Train – A fun, rustic African train that runs 1.2 miles between the Harambe, Africa and Rafiki’s Planet Watch areas. See animal housing and care areas for rhinos, elephants and other species.
It’s Tough to be a Bug!® – Super fun 3D theatrical, multimedia show in the Tree of Life hosted by the ant Flik from Disney Pixar’s A Bug’s Life. Fun surprises make adults giggle as much as the kids.
DISNEY’S HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS®:
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror™ – Another signature Disney thrill ride that drops passengers several floors without warning in an old building’s elevator. Very scary but very fun for adrenaline junkies. But this wild ride is really not for the faint at heart.
Rock n’ Roll Roller Coaster® –Fast, scary, exhilarating coaster, but not one for the little kids. This high-speed coaster is enhanced by a soundtrack recorded by the rock legends Aerosmith. Quite possibly the best coaster out of all the parks. Prepare for a long wait, or try the single rider line (faster) if you don’t mind sitting without your partner.
Fantasmic! – A nightly spectacular, 25-minute nighttime fireworks and water show starring Mickey Mouse and a bevy of Disney Characters, classic Disney music and songs, laser lights and amazing hydrotechnic effects. It’s crowded and you need to get there early, but it’s worth it as on of the best shows at Disney World.
Beauty and the Beast–Live on Stage – A lavish, 25-minute, Broadway-style musical that’s great for all ages, but it’s especially favored by young and old females alike.
Toy Story Mania!® – Play through an interactive, 4D attraction featuring the cast of characters from the Disney Pixar Toy Story films.
Star Tours® – New adventures, now in 3D, complete with new Star Wars destinations and the classic characters like C-3PO, R2-D2 and Darth Vader.
Indiana Jones™ Epic Stunt Spectacular! – Another classic Disney stunt show spectacular that re-enacts some of the most exciting adventures of the first Indiana Jones film. This wild stunt show with all the modern special effects is super fun for the whole family.
The Great Movie Ride – A ride through the middle of some of the greatest movie scenes in history, from 1930’s gangster flicks to contemporary sci-fi classics. Fun for all ages with some special effects that may be tad scary for the wee ones, but they’re brief. To prepare for those moments, sit them next to you but on the inside of the tram.
Lights, Motors, Action!® Extreme Stunt Show® —Great family fun and q favorite for young boys and fans of Lightening McQueen animated movie Cars. The 33-minute live attraction is great for the whole family and reveals the film-making secrets behind complex vehicle stunts and electrifying pyrotechnics, which is really fun for all, but especially young boys and boys at heart.
Voyage of the Little Mermaid – A unique, 15-minute live show that recreates the magic of Ariel’s underwater world; based on the popular Disney movie The Little Mermaid.
Studio Backlot Tour – A thrilling 35-minute, behind-the-scenes guided walk and tram ride that’s great for all ages and a nice chance to get off your feet for a while as you see how some of the most spectacular special effects in movies are made. Some controlled explosions (with fire) and special effects might be a little scary for young ears, but you’ll have an idea when they might be coming up and can sit the kids inside the middle of your tram row.
EPCOT®:
Soarin’™ – A serene, simulated hang-gliding experience perfect for all ages. Experience the feeling of free flight from 40 feet in the air with scenic panoramas that include the Golden Gate Bridge, Malibu and LA. Take a deep breath as you pass over the field of orange groves and you’ll capture the scent of orange blossoms.
Spaceship Earth – Perfect for all ages, this slow, smooth, air-conditioned slow-moving ride through the signature Epcot globe. The 16-minute ride transports you through 40,000 years, from the dawn of recorded time to modern day.
Mission: SPACE® – Super fun for adults, but it can be scary and cause some upset tummies in sensitive kids afterward since there’s quite a bit of spinning, though a less-intensive option is now available. It’s definitely not for claustrophobics either. You turn into an astronaut on this realistic space flight to Mars, traveling 8,000 miles in 5-1/2 minutes on a journey dodging meteors as you attend to aeronautical duties. A strong stomach and a heavy dose of bravery are much needed for the original version.
Test Track – A very fun, very different ride for the classic park, but a top favorite and must-do ride for park visitors. It can be a little scary, but most adults and many kids really like it. If you have any health problems, though, sit this one out! Also prepare for long lines. You can get through much faster by using the single rider line, unless you must sit with your partner.
Epcot’s® World Showcase – OK, so it’s not really a ride, but global exploration is so exciting and adventurous, we had to put it on the list. Explore the cultures of 11 international countries and their pavilions filled with their own unique culture, authentic merchandise, restaurants, one-of-a-kind shopping and attractions. Countries include Mexico, Norway, Germany, France, Italy, Canada, Japan, China, Morocco and more. There’ a great restaurant and boat ride with Daffy Duck in Mexico that’s a nice retreat from the summer heat. There’s also an excellent bakery in France, as well as a winery that sometimes hands out champagne samples, and of course, a frosty pint and great fish, chips and big ole pretzels in Germany.
IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth – A spectacular nightly show filled with pyrotechnics, lasers, fire and fountains on World Showcase Lagoon.
TRAVELER’S TIP: Beyond the exceptional variety of cuisine, otherworldly sideshows, performances and global souvenirs, from trinkets to high-end global luxuries, Epcot surprises many families, especially children, who have found it to be quite stimulating and a really great place to explore other world cultures, hang out, have dinner together and watch the fireworks over the lake.
Make no mistake, there’s absolutely something for everyone at every Walt Disney World® Resort Theme Parks, and Preferred Guest Resorts is thrilled to offer you such an incredible money-saving vacation opportunity to see such exciting and endless Central Florida attractions that will put longtime smiles on the kids faces and make memories that last a lifetime.
With so much to do in Orlando, call your Best Vacations Ever representative to book your travel and make sure you get premium accommodations in a hotel, resort, or luxury timeshare rental as close to all the parks and attractions on your vacation itinerary. Fall under the magical spell of Orlando, Florida, by calling Preferred Guest Resorts and starting your Best Vacation Ever today!
Tis the holiday season and the time of travel. Heed these top tips to help reduce the stresses and hassles of holiday travel so you and your family have your Best Vacation Ever!
Heading to Grandma’s this holiday season or taking the family on a much-needed vacation? Travel analysts say this 2012 holiday travel season is gearing up to be the busiest in nearly a decade. Traveling over the holidays is already notoriously busy, expensive and stressful, but there are still deals to be found, provided you shop carefully and plan ahead. Looking for a last-minute getaway, check out our many promotional vacations to a wide variety of destinations with free accommodations by calling 1-800-656-2780, and you just may find what you want under the tree this year, along with your Best Vacation Ever! But if you’re getting ready to travel this holiday season, take a deep breath and heed some of these top tips to help reduce the stresses of holiday traveling:
AVOID PEAK TRAVEL PERIODS: The Wednesday before Thanksgiving is the critical
It’s never too soon to start looking for affordable airfare. In fact, it could save you hundreds of dollars. In addition to the slashed prices you can find during two slow periods of the year, major markdowns are expected from carriers this fall.
Budgeting was already a priority when you purchased your Preferred Guest Resorts’ promotional vacation package, which was designed to offer enhanced, high-quality vacations at budget-friendly prices, for families and adults. And when it comes to traveling, you want to spend as little money as possible on airfare, right? Regardless of when you plan to travel, it’s incredibly wise to start scoping flight prices months in advance to find the the most affordable travel options. The later you wait, the greater the risk you’ll end up forking out premium or peak prices when there are plenty of chances to grab lower rates for your upcoming vacation.
Economists say you can find some of the cheapest airfare bargains about eight weeks out—a basic rule of thumb to use when planning and booking a trip, especially affordable family-fun vacations to some of the best U.S vacation spots. But according to the New York Times, major markdowns could be coming this fall when the annual “fall-off” in fares is expected to be substantial, as airline carriers are expecting more trouble than usual this year selling post-summer travel. That essentially means even bigger savings for those booking their Preferred Guest Resorts’ vacations, even during the peak seasons.
The Wall Street Journal also discovered that you can find the best bargains on airfare during two windows: At the end of AUGUST through the BEGINNING OF SEPTEMBER and the END OF DECEMBER through the BEGINNING OF JANUARY when consumers are burned out on travel and bookings come to a screeching halt. Savvy travelers know these slow time periods are the best times to grab serious money-saving opportunities on everything from airfare to theme-park tickets and car rentals so they have more fun money to spend on vacation, especially those with kids.
If you’re heading to a family-fun destination with major parks and attractions you plan on visiting, keep an eye on those vendor websites, as well. Even the big-name parks, like Walt Disney World® Resort and Universal Studios® Orlando, are known to push out advance-purchase ticket package specials to entice future travelers.
During the off seasons, you also have the opportunity to save money on a variety of attractions, rentals cars and other travel-related vendors, which also feel the sting of these slow periods and push out some their best advance-purchase specials for future travel during slow periods, as well. A family of four or more can save a lot of money on airfare, tickets, cars and much more that could otherwise be a barrier for traveling if they play their cards right – or in this case, their timing right.
Even if you just got back from a trip or you’re just procrastinating, it’s always best to start looking for airfares in advance, especially with fall just around the corner and prices expected to drop considerably. Start looking for airfares online right now, and make sure to set up alerts with your favorite carriers so you get instant emails and texts sent right to your mobile devices. Airlines and travel-related vendors are now using more mobile and web-based marketing tools and apps to reach consumers faster.
It’s true that the early bird gets the worm, so why procrastinate and agonize over airfares, when the result could be major markdowns this fall? You can maximize your time and budget more effectively for your Best and Most Affordable Vacation Ever through Preferred Guest Resorts, if you start doing your homework.
Trust us and your wallet will thank us later.
So nail down those travel dates and get ready to begin your journey to magnificent destinations through the enhanced travel experiences and premium partnerships provided by Preferred Guest Resorts. Call your Preferred Guest Resorts’travel agent at 1-800-656-2780 with any questions or any assistance in booking your travel and have your Best Vacation Ever!
Kristen Wiig’s new movie Bridesmaids hits theaters today, and it’s going to be BIG. We got a sneak peek of the movie last week, so we were able to capture these travel tips from the sure to be infamous plane scene. On your next flight, avoid disaster with these airplane travel tips:
To ease anxiety on a flight, don’t mix relaxation pills and alcohol
Do not scream “There’s a colonial woman on the wing of the plane!” unless you know for sure that there is in fact a colonial woman on the wing of the plane.
Don’t sneak into first class and claim to be a solo traveler’s wife
Don’t demand the curtain to stay open between first class and coach because of “Civil Rights”
Don’t mistaken the flight attendant’s name for a household appliance
Don’t ask your seatmate where he hides his gun
Do not stick a loaded gun in your brother’s carryon luggage
Don’t take a trip with your enemy
Go see the movie for yourself and tell us what travel tips we missed!
Did you know that numerous studies show that planning a vacation can heighten anticipation and people enjoy it almost as much as the vacation itself? Studies also prove that a vacation can reduce stress levels, helping you discover new things, strengthen relationships, refresh your attitude and relax. That’s why Best Vacations Ever encourages you to plan an affordable and amazing family vacation with free accommodations by calling 800-656-2780 for better health today!
Avoid Heart Problems
Plus, if you’re in some exotic destination, the odds are slim that you’ll end up sitting around in your hotel room. Being on vacation sparks interest and gets you out doing all kinds of physical activity that improve your health like walking, hiking, golfing, running, ziplining, climbing rock walls or falls, bicycling, jogging, swimming, taking pictures, sightseeing, shelling, surfing, wading in the surf, snow skiing, partaking in watersports and so much more. 
Improving Productivity
