Travelhoo.com http://travelhoo.com Hospitality Exchange Knowledge Base Thu, 09 Feb 2012 12:06:54 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 What are Travel Blogs? http://travelhoo.com/what-are-travel-blogs/ http://travelhoo.com/what-are-travel-blogs/#comments Thu, 09 Feb 2012 12:02:13 +0000 admin http://travelhoo.com/?p=52 What is a travel blog? It is your best friend when you want to make a travel reservation. The travel blog has emerged as the number one consumer choice to research a domestic or foreign destination. Comprised of in-depth travel articles and non-biased hotel customer reviews, the travel blog cuts to the chase regarding hotel amenities, local sightseeing and discloses the perks and pitfalls of a hotel reservation in your target town.

Travel Blog Hotel Reviews

The travel blog hotel review eliminates the element of surprise when you are hunting for the perfect hotel. Travelers post their comments on the pros and cons of each hotel property, thus giving the consumer and accurate overall picture of the destination. Find out about the hotel’s level of service, cleanliness, dining options and room quality before you make your next reservation.

Travel Blog For Value

The travel blog contributors are ready and willing to share their unique experience for a quick weekend getaway or overseas adventure. The smart and savvy traveler will browse the blog reviews to get ideas to find the super saver deals. All-inclusive vacations, websites for discounted airfares and seasonal sales are explored on the travel blog to keep the consumer abreast of the facts.

Travel Blog Photos

A travel brochure will represent a destination in the best light possible. However, the truth may not be told when a corporate giant is soliciting for new business. The travel blog welcomes users to share their vacation photos of the hotel property and local environment. Candid traveler photos tell the real story and can make or break your decision to book an accommodation. Blog users do not receive any compensation for their contributions. Rather, it is a community of free information exchange to help each other choose the best hotel and tour plans that they can afford.

Knowledge is power and today’s travelers need all the help they can get. In most cases, blogging services are free to the consumer, so the seasoned traveler will put the blogs to good use. Searching for travel information on the blogs saves time, can stretch your travel budget, and ensures the consumer has made the right hotel choice. Before booking your next fabulous getaway, be sure to check the blogs for photos, facts and figures that will give you the tools to select the best hotels and destinations worldwide.

]]>
http://travelhoo.com/what-are-travel-blogs/feed/ 0
The good of traveling http://travelhoo.com/the-good-of-traveling/ http://travelhoo.com/the-good-of-traveling/#comments Thu, 09 Feb 2012 11:57:08 +0000 admin http://travelhoo.com/?p=46 Have you ever asked yourself why traveling is good? Not only is a vacation great for your mind, body and soul, but it can also help you become well-rounded. Whether you are going away for the weekend, or planning a vacation that will take you to the other side of the world, traveling can open you up to all kinds of possibilities.

Going away is one of the best ways to recharge your tired batteries. Not only is traveling invigorating, but it can also help you learn to become a kid again. Life can be stressful, and if you do not take time off to stop and smell the roses, you could literally make yourself sick.

If you are planning on traveling overseas, you can learn a new language. Even if you are just learning the basics like please, thank-you and hello, it is an excellent way to exercise your brain. Another way to expand your mind is by traveling to places that you have never been to before. Before you take off, you can study the geography of the country which will give you an idea of where to go and what to see.

There is nothing more satisfying then trying something that you have never done before. Once you shoot down the rapids, climb the highest peak, or go zip lining through the rainforest you will begin to realize just how important traveling really is.

Most people love to eat, and one of the best things about traveling is the food. Steer clear of the world-wide fast food chains, and try some of the local delicacies. Eating something that you have never tasted before is one of the best ways to open up your mind to new possibilities.

Getting to know the locals is one of the best ways to expand your mind, body and soul experience when you are traveling. You may be surprised to learn new things about the culture that will give you a better understanding of the country that you are visiting.

Nobody likes to be in a rut, and unfortunately most people find themselves stuck in a mundane routine. Traveling will give you a fresh outlook on life and teach you things that you would never learn at the local pub.

]]>
http://travelhoo.com/the-good-of-traveling/feed/ 0
What Possibilities Are There to Plan a Nice Budget Travel http://travelhoo.com/what-possibilities-are-there-to-plan-a-nice-budget-travel/ http://travelhoo.com/what-possibilities-are-there-to-plan-a-nice-budget-travel/#comments Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:45:29 +0000 admin http://travelhoo.com/?p=42 With improved technologies, cheaper flights, and better infrastructures around the world, traveling for pleasure has become easier than ever. Even with all the modern conveniences, though, traveling can still often be an incredibly costly endeavor. For this reason, travel is still seen by many as simply a luxury of the rich. This is changing, though, and there are quite a few ways to lessen travel costs so that even those on the tightest budgets can manage some trips, if they are willing to be flexible. Budget travel takes extra planning, but is certainly a viable option.
Many programs exist that allow those seeking a budget travel experience to work or volunteer in exchange for room and board in a foreign country. These arrangements can last anywhere from a few days to over a year, and involve activities ranging from farm work to childcare. Becoming an au pair is a fairly well-known possibility for budget travel, especially for young women, but work holiday programs or organic farm work exchanges also allow some choices for those who aren’t interested in childcare.

Lodging and food tend to be the biggest costs for travelers, particularly in foreign countries. Though it is rare to find any of these for free, it is possible to lessen costs significantly for low budget travel. There are many options for housing while traveling, with youth hostels being the most well-known choice for young people. Though hostels are great, there are other possibilities for budget travel. Couch-surfing and home-trading have become very popular and, with some precautions, can be very safe and easy.

Cheap healthy food can often be difficult to find while traveling, but it is possible. Throughout most of southern Europe, falafel stands are omnipresent, and offer filling meals for much less money than traditional restaurants, which makes them ideal for budget travel. For adventurous travelers, street food, though often fairly unhealthy, is cheap and fast. Another option is to cook- a perfect choice for budget travel. Many hostels or hotels do not offer any cooking space, but it is becoming more common to find open kitchens in hostels. Travelers looking to save a lot of money should be sure to book lodging in a hostel with a kitchen and a nearby grocery or market.

]]>
http://travelhoo.com/what-possibilities-are-there-to-plan-a-nice-budget-travel/feed/ 0
What are the benefits of a travel insurance? http://travelhoo.com/what-are-the-benefits-of-a-travel-insurance/ http://travelhoo.com/what-are-the-benefits-of-a-travel-insurance/#comments Tue, 07 Feb 2012 08:55:26 +0000 admin http://travelhoo.com/?p=38 Travelers who buy travel insurance will be prepared for any calamity or emergency that might hit them while in a foreign country. Insurance policies bought in the United States may not extend coverage into foreign lands.
Travel insurance can assure that the traveler has money if it’s lost or stolen. It can transport a traveler back home if he falls ill. Specialized travel insurance can even ensure that travelers will be rescued by commandos if political chaos erupts in a foreign land.

For most people, though, a basic vacation plan policy will work well to ease the mind and assure that a mishap will not ruin a holiday abroad.

What kind of travel insurance to buy is a matter of common sense. Travel to a foreign city where pickpockets operate would call for insurance to protect money, laptops, cameras and jewelry. If the vacation calls for scuba diving on coral reefs, an insurance policy that covers that activity would be wise. If travelers don’t have any insurance and a thing of value is lost, damaged or stolen, they are out of luck.

A medical plan travel insurance policy will reimburse a traveler for medical expenses in a foreign land. A medical stay in a foreign country can costs tens of thousands of dollars. The right policy will pay the entire amount.

A bedside visit policy will get a family member to a patient’s bedside. It can also be used for medical transit or evacuation back home or to another medical facility. These policies can be adjusted to cover one day or a number of years.

Optional travel insurance can cover hazardous activities such as skiing and scuba diving.

A basic vacation travel insurance policy will provide protection against a canceled or interrupted trip. For example, if a vacation is interrupted due to a family emergency back home, travel insurance will compensate a traveler for cancellation or interruption.

]]>
http://travelhoo.com/what-are-the-benefits-of-a-travel-insurance/feed/ 0
Travel Agencies Still a Great Bargain http://travelhoo.com/travel-agencies-still-a-great-bargain/ http://travelhoo.com/travel-agencies-still-a-great-bargain/#comments Mon, 06 Feb 2012 15:59:56 +0000 admin http://travelhoo.com/?p=34 In the age of the Internet, many people think that you no longer need a travel agency. They believe you can go online and book your own trip without using a travel agency and get the same service and prices. Nothing could be further than the truth. Your local travel agency still provides a valuable service that you just can’t get on your own.
If you are buying a simple round trip ticket to a popular destination, then it is possible to get along fine without a travel agency. But what happens if there is a problem with the ticket? Who are you going to call? The big mega-travel sites on the Internet aren’t going to help. When there are problems or special circumstances, a travel agency is worth its weight in gold.

Did you know that a ticket can be voided within 24 hours without any cost or penalty? Of course not! The big Internet agencies don’t want you to know. But an agent at your local travel agency can simply go on their special Global Distribution Service (GDS) and void the ticket without a problem. Even after the 24 hour window, travel agents can sometimes get fees waived if they have a good relationship with a vendor. You can’t do that on your own.

The main thing a travel agency will provide is knowledge and experience. Once they know what you want to do and when, they may know a lot of ways to do it better or cheaper. Maybe two one-way tickets are cheaper than a round trip. Perhaps connecting through one city on the outbound and a different city on the inbound will get a better price or schedule you like.

Where an experienced travel agency can really shine is on international flights. There are so many fees, regulations, and variables on international travel that there is no way to figure all that out on your own. A good agent can literally save you thousands of dollars by applying this knowledge to your trip.

Do it right and for the best price. Use a travel agency.

]]>
http://travelhoo.com/travel-agencies-still-a-great-bargain/feed/ 0
What Makes a Good Host? http://travelhoo.com/what-makes-a-good-host/ http://travelhoo.com/what-makes-a-good-host/#comments Sun, 05 Feb 2012 08:13:52 +0000 admin http://travelhoo.com/?p=25 Hospitality is something that should be prevalent in any trip abroad, especially for vacations that involve home stays and exchanges. For the most part, the person in charge is seen as a leader and is the person who is the expert in the ways of life at the destination. They are looked up to for support, as often times they are the person who knows the most about the particular place that their guest is staying.
The word host actually comes from the Latin word, hostis, which literally means “the one with power.” A host is seen as a person that has power over his or her visitors because they are the one that is looked up to, and therefore should provide them with an excellent experience.

For the most part, people entertain in many different ways. Some hosts provide little support or supervision for their guests, while others take their guests everywhere and make sure they present themselves well.

Hosts are there to help their guests. In foreign countries, a host is often the person that the visitors trust the most because they have allowed them into their home. In this case, a host should provide them with food and shelter and give them advice about how to conduct business, talk to and approach people, and where certain places are located. A host should also lead by example and, if possible, teach their visitors about their surroundings.

Often times, the attitude and helpfulness of a person hosting is the thing that visitors take away from their stay. They will see the host acting in a mild manner and being polite and will assume that is how all people in the particular place that they are staying act. In effect, a common stigma is formed when a host or hostess acts in a polite manner. In so many words, how the host acts is the deciding factor on how visitors and guests view the people of that land as a whole.

Being a host is more than just letting people stay in your home for the night. For many people, hosting involves taking care of an individual that is new to the area and wants guidance and an experience to remember. Being a host to a person from another country or state also volunteers you to be a sort of diplomat for your home. How the guest remembers you will reverberate in their minds for years to come.

]]>
http://travelhoo.com/what-makes-a-good-host/feed/ 0
Hospitality: What Is It? http://travelhoo.com/hospitality-what-is-it/ http://travelhoo.com/hospitality-what-is-it/#comments Sat, 04 Feb 2012 18:40:54 +0000 admin http://travelhoo.com/?p=21 Hospitality is the relationship between a guest and a host. Today, it refers to the reception people receive when they’re visiting friends and family or while they’re staying at a hotel or eating in a restaurant. Continue reading to learn more about the origins of hospitality, careers where it’s important and hospitality exchange.

Where Did Hospitality Originate?

The modern concept of hospitality dates back to Classical Rome. People invited guests and family members into their homes, shared meals with them and celebrated with them. The concept was that people would start out as strangers, become guests and then, become friends. It turned into a custom that became a major focal point within Roman culture.

Religion also played a role since some some religions required that people be hospitable to the homeless and provide them with a meal or a bed.

The commercial aspect of hospitality, like what’s found in restaurants, bars and hotels, also originated during classical Rome.

What Modern Professions Incorporate Hospitality?

Today, just as in ancient Rome, hospitality is part of the tourism industry and is a major part of the services provided in restaurants, hotels and by airlines. The goal is to make the customer feel welcome, comfortable and satisfied. People who work in food, restaurant and travel industries, practice it by providing guests with quality food, drinks and entertainment.

What is Hospitality Exchange?

Individuals who are interested in traveling around the world can make it easier on themselves and others like them by participating in an exchange. Members have the opportunity to stay in other people’s homes when they travel to different cities or countries. They also open their homes to others.

Participants must provide advance notice and get in touch with their potential hosts ahead of time. Hosts can provide food, guided tours and refreshments, and visitors bring house gifts to express their thanks. This is a cost-efficient and interesting way to travel that can lead to more travel opportunities. It can also provide cultural insight.

Hospitality is an age-old practice that involves seeing to guests’ needs and providing for them while they’re present.

]]>
http://travelhoo.com/hospitality-what-is-it/feed/ 0
The Homestay Study Abroad or Tourism Program http://travelhoo.com/the-homestay-study-abroad-or-tourism-program/ http://travelhoo.com/the-homestay-study-abroad-or-tourism-program/#comments Sat, 04 Feb 2012 09:35:14 +0000 admin http://travelhoo.com/?p=15 A homestay is very similar to a study abroad program or is known as another form of tourism. The idea behind the homestay concept is to have someone come and stay or rent a room in a home in a foreign country and live with a local family. By living with a local family, one would be able to learn the language better and understand the lifestyle of the country better than by coming and staying in a hotel. The homestay concept is becoming very popular in some countries around the world and has proven to be very helpful economically for the families who are willing to rent out a room in their home. This thought process used to only be done by students but is growing in popularity among various age groups.
There are definitely pros and cons of a homestay. Some of the pros of a homestay include being able to really delve into the culture and lifestyle of the country by living with a family. There is also is a reduced cost by staying in a home versus having to pay for a long term rental or hotel stay. Some homestay programs will be even more cost efficient since the host family will pay for all the expenses other than the rent for the room. The host family benefits by having an increased income and by learning more about the culture of the student or individual that is staying with them. The cons of a homestay are the possibility of not getting along with the family that one is renting a room from or not enjoying the culture of the country. The family might not have the best interest of the student or homestay guest in mind and this could result in conflicts.

Arrangement for a homestay really varies but there are a few main resources if one is interested. One place to look is at the various online homestay agencies. These agencies help match up individuals and families in countries and usually come with recommendations of past guests in homes and success rates. Many schools or educational institutions will help facilitate and coordinate these type of exchange programs as well. It is always best to do research before signing a contract for a these type of programs in order to ensure the best experience possible.

]]>
http://travelhoo.com/the-homestay-study-abroad-or-tourism-program/feed/ 0
The Hospitality Industry http://travelhoo.com/the-hospitality-industry/ http://travelhoo.com/the-hospitality-industry/#comments Wed, 01 Feb 2012 13:13:23 +0000 admin http://travelhoo.com/?p=13 The hospitality industry comprises many different careers. This worldwide service industry is considered to be one of the most significant forms of commerce in the world. In the most basic form, workers in the hospitality industry serve people. The hospitality industry is an industry particularly known for catering to tourists and other people who are partaking in various forms of leisure activities.Many people who work in the hospitality industry work in establishments such as hotels, restaurants, casinos and amusement parks. These types of workers are also employed in visitor information centers and housekeeping services.

Most employees who work in the hospitality industry are expected to work various hours. Their shifts can consist of irregular hours and are known to change frequently. These hours can range from early mornings to overnight shifts. Hospitality industry employees are usually required to work during weekends and holidays as well.

One aspect that makes this industry appealing is the ability for employees to receive gratuities. These extra forms of payment for services performed well can greatly increase an employee’s salary. Many employees claim that the majority of their income comes from receiving gratuities.

There are many ways to get into this industry, but usually the best way is to get a job in an entry-level position. Dishwashers, busboys and restaurant hosts are some of the common positions where many people get their start in the hospitality industry. There are also training programs available to teach people the skills to enter into some of the positions within the field. Working hard and showing proficiency in a skill can lead to being promoted to a higher position within the hospitality industry.

The hospitality industry is expected to see a steady increase in the amount of new positions added. Working in this field can provide a very stable income and a sense of job security.

]]>
http://travelhoo.com/the-hospitality-industry/feed/ 0
What is House Swap? http://travelhoo.com/what-is-house-swap/ http://travelhoo.com/what-is-house-swap/#comments Mon, 30 Jan 2012 15:07:28 +0000 admin http://travelhoo.com/?p=7 With the rising cost of fuel and the continuing economic stagnation, more and more families are beginning to revise their ideas of what constitutes the ideal family vacation. In the past, families would spend tens of thousands on fancy lake-side cabins or stay at beach resorts. Today, many are choosing to cut the costs of traveling by taking part in the growing trend of the house swap.In a house swap, two parties agree to switch homes on a permanent or temporary basis. Typically, the house swap is used as a means of cutting vacation expenses while learning about a new culture, but a house swap may also involve a complete change in home ownership. Historians believe that the practice first showed up in the 1950s, although it did not truly rise to prominence until the late 1970s. Since then, the house swap has grown more and more popular with each year that goes by. In fact, some estimates point to a 15 percent increase in house swapping every single year.

Recent trends in house swapping have been spurred, in part, by the housing slump. Given the increased time houses now spend on the market, it makes sense that homeowners looking to move would look for alternative solutions. The prevalence of the house swap has also grown alongside the internet. House swap websites and social networks make it easy for homeowners to connect with other homeowners all around the world. At house swapping websites, all the user needs to do is fill out a little information on his or her home and when it might be available for a house swap. Users can also browse for other swappers in order to find the ideal vacation home. Many house swap websites include services such as background checks so that users will feel safe at all times.

Tough economic times call for a whole new level of ingenuity. Instead of eliminating vacations altogether, struggling families can make the best of their resources and swap their house for a new one in a different locale. It’s a win-win situation that will only increase in popularity in coming years.

]]>
http://travelhoo.com/what-is-house-swap/feed/ 0