• Know the pros and cons of renting vacation homes. One of the biggest factors that attract families to vacation homes versus hotel rooms is the ample space a vacation home provides. You will find more privacy than you would in a hotel room while being able to enjoy a more relaxed “homey” atmosphere. With the larger size many people opt to split the cost of renting a home and share the rental with other friends or extended family. Keep in mind that in exchange for the size and space of a vacation home you will likely be on your own to enjoy it. This generally means no maid service, organized activities or on site property manager.

• Save money by swapping houses. A popular trend that allows many people to enjoy vacations all around the world for little or no money is house swapping. Visit HomeExchange.com to see a listing of homeowners interesting in trading homes for vacation, the concept is as simple as it sounds; you stay in their home while they stay in yours.

• Cut costs in dining and laundry services. Dining out is a huge expense when traveling, the more people-the more money you have to shell out. When you rent a vacation home you generally have the ability to cook your own meals. This feature alone can save you hundreds of dollars in your vacation budget. Add laundry facilities and your vacation just became easier all around.

• Ask important questions. All rental homes are not created equal. Do not assume amenities or extras are include, find out by asking the right questions. Are linens, dishes, a coffeemaker, shampoo or soap included? When you are asking these important questions take the time to inquire about local restaurants, shops or stores the owner would recommend. You should also know who is responsible for cleaning and what condition the home is expected to be in upon checkout. Find out who the contact person is if you should experience any trouble during your stay.

• Know what to expect when conducting business. Renting a vacation home can be similar to renting a hotel room in that you will often be required to make some form of deposit to hold your reservation. Unlike reserving a hotel room you may be dealing directly with the homeowner when renting a vacation home; therefore rules and payment methods may vary. You may be asked to sign a contract, take the time to read the information it contains and make sure you are comfortable with the terms before you commit.

Vacations should be a time to relax and escape the chaos that many of us experience in our daily lives. If you do your research and plan accordingly you can schedule a great vacation and stay within your budget ensuring both you and your loved ones benefit the most from your efforts.

5 Tips To Help You Find A Great Vacation Rental was created by and is property of American Consumer News.

Nationally, gas prices are averaging just under $3.80 a gallon and just two weeks ago, those filling up at the pump were paying more than $4.00. This unpredictable commodity has caused travelers to change their travel plans this summer and have resulted in travel suppliers and hotels offering incentives to encourage visitors.

A recent AAA survey reports that 95 percent of AAA auto travel managers say high gas prices will cause travelers to alter their vacation plans this summer. Travelers taking trips closer to home, taking fewer trips, and reducing the number of vacation days traveled are ways reported in the survey that Americans will adjust their travel plans this summer.

“As gas prices skyrocket across the nation, travelers everywhere are left feeling the pinch for summer vacations,” states Greg Miller, president of PMHS.  “‘Tanks for Staying’ was inspired by the knowledge that the added costs for a summer vacation are estimated to have increased $50 for the average family using their car to arrive to their destination.  With such high costs at the pump along with rising food prices, we believe our guests deserve immediate help to salvage the family summer vacation.”

To ensure travelers do not miss out on vacation opportunities, numerous travel partners have created incentives stemming from high gas prices. NOTE: These are just a few available incentives…be sure to ask your travel partner to inquire what specials might be available.

Gas Prices Fueling Travel:

Bed & Breakfasts Offer One Tank Trips: Don’t let the price of gas tank your getaway plans. Find great savings for your next vacation at BnBFinder.com.  Bed and breakfast inns are offering special discounts and packages that won’t leave you with an empty wallet or an empty gas tank.  Receive a gas credit for your fill up or choose from the available One Tank Trips from major cities. The exact amount of the refunds and gas cards varies by region and inn, but you can see a complete list of participating inns on our gas savings specials page. Currently more than 140 inns are participating in the program. 

Red Roof Inn Beach Locations: Travelers heading to the beach get money back for gas. Spend three consecutive nights at select Red Roof beach locations and receive a gas credit for $25. Spend four consecutive nights and it’s doubled to $50! Please refer to VP+® Discount Code 542192 to receive your gas credit. Rooms must be booked online at redroof.com or 800.RED.ROOF (800.733.7663). Red Roof Inn beach locations offering this gas incentive are located in Florida, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, and Virginia. For complete locations, visit: http://www.redroof.com/promotions/gascredit.asp

Kimpton’s 70 Park Avenue Hotel - New York City, New York: With $4-a-gallon prices threatening to put the brakes on many vacation plans, 70 park avenue hotel’s Road Warrior Package offers to offset the record prices of gas by including a $20 gas card, complimentary parking, special accommodation rates starting at $289/night, and more amenities. Package available until 9/2/08, subject to change. Additionally, Kimpton hotels across the country offer hybrid car incentives. Guests arriving at a Kimpton hotel in a hybrid car receive parking and hotel discounts, and promotions vary depending on the property.

The Millennium UN Plaza New York: Guests who drive to the Millennium UN Plaza hotel in a car will receive $50 off the price of their hotel stay, while those driving SUVs will receive a $75 credit. With the Drive In and Save package, the money guests’ spend on gas can now go directly right back into their wallets. Rates at the Millennium UN Plaza Hotel start at $249 per night.  The Drive In and Save package is valid through September 7, 2008. Blackout dates apply. For more information or to book a stay at the Millennium UN Plaza, please call 1 (877) 866-7529 or visit www.millenniumhotels.com and use the promo code “SAVE”.

Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort & Spa – Santa Ana Pueblo, New Mexico: Situated in the hills above the lush Rio Grande Valley in New Mexico, this pueblo-style resort is offering a “Gas Promotion” that includes a $25 Gift Card for two-night stays and a $50 Gift Card for three-night stays; all the more reason for guests to enjoy championship golf, a world-class spa, horseback-riding, and more.  Summer rates start at $235 per night.  Valid now through September 30. Call (800) 554-9288 and reference offer code GASCR. www.tamaya.hyatt.com

Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort, Spa & Marina – Cambridge, Maryland: An extraordinary Eastern Shore experience awaits guests who book the “Chesapeake Bay Experience” package, which includes overnight accommodations, a $25 gas card, s’mores kit, a kite for the beach, pass to Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, and 15% off at the resort’s Orvis clothing store. Guests driving a hybrid vehicle will also receive an additional $50 gas card. Summer rates starts at $239 per night. Valid now through December 31, 2008. Call (800) 633-7313 and reference offer code CBEXP8. www.chesapeakebay.hyatt.com

Hyatt Regency McCormick Place – Chicago, Illinois: Following a recent multi-million dollar renovation, this 800-room Chicago hotel is now offering a “Gas Saver” package, which includes a $25 gas gift certificate upon checkout, complimentary self parking for one car each day, and complimentary one-way shuttle service to the Magnificent Mile, museums and other attractions. Rates start at $199 plus tax. Valid now through September 6, 2008. Call (800) 233-1234.  www.mccormickplace.hyatt.com 

Hyatt Regency Dallas – Dallas, Texas: Located in the heart of downtown Dallas’ historic district, the AAA Four-Diamond Hyatt Regency Dallas has created a “Gas ‘n Go” offer, starting at $99 and including overnight accommodations and a $25 gas card.  As an added bonus, guests who drive a hybrid vehicle will also receive free parking.  Valid now through September 1, 2008.  Call (800) 233-1234.   www.dallasregency.hyatt.com

The Curtis Hotel – Denver, Colorado: A member of Sterling Hotels^TM, The Curtis hates rising gas prices, so park your gas guzzler and receive $50 to fill up your tank. The package includes a $50 gas card and rates start at $155 weekday, $195 weekend. A two-night minimum stay is required during the week. For reservations and additional information please visit www.thecurtis.com or call (800) 525-6651. 

Eldorado Hotel & Spa – Santa Fe, New Mexico: El Dorado Hotel & Spa, a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts, is coming to the aid of travelers with the “Santa Fe Gas Rebate”. Guests, whether they travel by train, plane or car, will receive a $50 food and beverage credit when they present a dated gas receipt or rental car contract that corresponds with the date of check-in. The Santa Fe Gas Rebate requires a two-night stay and is valid now through September 6, 2008. Rates start at $219 per night. For reservations or information please visit www.eldordadohotel.com or call (800) 955-4455 and mention Santa Fe Gas Rebate when booking. 

French Lick Resort – French Lick, Indiana; West Baden Springs Hotel – West Baden Springs/French Lick, Indiana: The French Lick Resort, a member of Historic Hotels of America, and West Baden Springs Hotel, a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts, are both offering a valuable Gas Rebate Package this summer. The more nights you stay, the bigger rebate you earn! A two-night minimum is required, which earns a $40 rebate. Stay up to five nights and earn as much as $100. The offer is good thru December 31. For more information or to make a reservation please visit www.frenchlick.com or call (888)936-9360 and mention code GS0808.

Boston Harbor Hotel – Boston, Massachusetts: Don’t let the rising costs of fuel ruin your summer vacation. Get “Mobil” and drive your cares away for a summer of fantastic fun. Book a two night stay at the Boston Harbor Hotel, a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts, and receive a $50 Mobil gas card, complimentary valet parking and luxurious overnight accommodations. Let the kid’s frolic by the pool as you relax and recharge your batteries with a scintillating spa treatment or take in one of our Summer Series Movies while we help refuel your gas tank. Rates start at $455. Available June 19, 2008 – September 7, 2008 Thursdays – Sundays. Visit www.bhh.com to book online or call 617-439-7000.

Hilton Indian Lakes Resort – Bloomingdale, Indiana: The Hilton Indian Lakes Resort knows that travelers are hurting when they make it to the gas pump, which is they have put together a Gas Card Promo to help ease the pain.  The Gas Card Package includes overnight accommodations, breakfast for two in Master’s Clubhouse and one $25 gas card per stay.  This package is only available on Fridays and Saturdays up until August 31, 2008. The package starts at $125/night. Travelers can go to www.IndianLakesResort.com for more information. 

Lowes Coronado Bay Resort – San Diego, California: With gas prices rising at record rates and the expectation that increases will continue throughout the summer, Loews Coronado Bay Resort offers weary travelers a little relief from the pump with the debut of its “Money for Miles” package, which includes deluxe accommodations at the premier San Diego resort, complimentary self-parking and a list of the least expensive gas stations in the area. In addition, guests can submit their gas receipts to the front desk at the end of their stay for a credit of up to $50 off their hotel bill. The Money for Miles package ranges from $289 to $429 per night, based on availability. Gas receipts must be dated one day prior to the guests’ arrival or sometime during their stay. Valid until September 1, 2008. Reservations may be made by calling 619-424-4000 or 800-81-LOEWS. Visit www.loewshotels.com.

I-95 Packages with Marriott, Hilton, Starwood & Choice Hotels: PM Hospitality Strategies (PMHS), a leading hotel management company with Marriott, Hilton, Starwood and Choice hotels operating along I-95 in the Mid-Atlantic, has a solution to soaring costs stemming from unexpectedly high gas prices.  PMHS has developed a creative summer promotion entitled, “Tanks for Staying” designed to give traveling families some relief from gasoline prices with a $50 gas card as well as a variety of additional incentives at PMHS properties throughout Virginia, Maryland, Delaware and New Jersey.  The promotion is available for stays through September 30, 2008 through www.pmhs.com or by calling participating hotels directly.

“We all know there is a tremendous pinch at the pump right now with soaring gas prices throughout the nation,” said Kathleen Cochran, general manager of Loews Coronado Bay Resort. “We’re hoping to relieve a little of that pain and keep summer travelers on the road with this extra incentive.”

What other travel incentives are you seeing? Stay tuned for destinations reachable only via air or sea which are offering free air incentives to help combat the tight economy travelers are feeling.

NOTE: These offers were valid at time of publishing on August 19, 2008. Prices and availability are not guaranteed by Travel-Advocate magazine.

Rising Gas Prices Resulting in Travel Incentives was created by and is property of American Consumer News.

When traveling, companies are taking note of the newly imposed carry-on restrictions, weight limits and additional fees for even checking a piece of luggage on most airlines. There are products designed to maximize space, minimize weight and hopefully save money on additional levied baggage fees (whether for an extra bag or for one that exceeds weight restrictions). Following are a few products to help travelers when packing or items that make traveling easier. 

• To maximize luggage space, use Compression Bags. The bags remove excess air around bulky items, creating up to 80% more packing space. Offered by TravelSmith Outfitters, www.travelsmith.com.
• Maximize clothing purposes with versatile articles such as the Women’s Sophisticated Three Piece Set. Offered by TravelSmith Outfitters, www.travelsmith.com.  
• Clear bag sets to take your personal toiletries, eliminating need to purchase travel-sized products. One stylish choice for men, women and children is the Clear Bag System^TM toiletry kit. Available at: www.clearbagsystem.com.
• Travel size personal care product packs by mysmartpac are convenient, carry-on approved, disposable, and earth-friendly. The packs, available in HIS and HERS, take the guess work out of packing personal hygiene products (figuring out container sizes and worrying about bottles opening en-route) when traveling. Visit: www.mysmartpac.com
• Maximizing space without sacrificing style is possible with Coakley travel bags. With the number of bags allowed as carry-on items when flying this functional product ensures nothing is left behind without trying to juggle lots of bags. Available at www.coakleybusinessclass.com
• For those needing some extra space for their souvenirs, pack an expandable checkable tote bag in your carry-on bag. Constructed from durable ballistic nylon and comes in black, olive, blue or red. Offered by Anne McAlpin^TM, www.packitup.com.
•  Wanting to avoid any checked-in luggage fees all together? Consider Brookstone’s Dash Rolling Hardside Carry-on, which is sleek and stylish and comes in black, silver, red, pink, green or yellow. The light weight (less than 8 pounds) hard plastic case protects your belongings and fits in standard overhead compartments. www.brookstone.com.
• Weigh luggage before arriving at airport to avoid surprises and the need to quickly perform the shuffle game (switching items from one bag to another) or even rushing to an airport kiosk/store to purchase a new bag. Several companies offer this product including:

• - TravelSmith Outfitters’ Digital Luggage Scale – a portable, handheld luggage scale that weighs up to 100 lbs. (44 kg.) of luggage. www.travelsmith.com
• - Brookstone’s Digital Luggage Scale (available October 2008) weighs your bags to ensure they meet airline requirements. Measures bags weighing up to 75 Lbs. Simply place the clip on your luggage strap and use the handle to lift the scale and bag off the ground. Measures the weight in pounds and kilograms. www.brookstone.com
• - Balanzza digital luggage scale (available August 15th), a scale developed specifically for travelers that weighs 10oz, so it is easy to pack and take with you to ensure souvenir bags are not over the limit. Weighs up to 100 pounds and weighs in pounds and kilograms. www.balanzza.com

Yet, if these packing products do not work and you still end up checking multiple bags with a resulting fee, some hotels are helping you ensure you leave nothing behind.

Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants announced the “We Got Your Bag” promotion that runs through Sept. 9, 2008. Guests need simply to show proof of an additional airline baggage charge upon check in at any one of Kimpton’s 43 hotels in the U.S. and Canada, and a room credit will be issued in that amount, up to $25, offsetting the fee imposed upon air travelers. Some restrictions apply. Visit www.kimptonhotels.com.

The Liaison Capitol Hill, an Affinia Hotel in Washington, DC, has developed Travel Smart program offering a 10% discount to ship baggage; an Airline Restriction Relief package featuring a full-range of airline approved toiletries and other travel necessities, free of charge to guests; a 24/7 Tech Butler, offering adapters and chargers for its guests’ technology needs powered by I-Go; and more. Visit www.affinia.com.

What is your favorite travel product that is a must-have for any traveler?

Photo Credits: Top Left (www.coakleybusinessclass.com); Top Right (www.clearbagsystem.com); Middle (www.brookstone.com); Bottom Right (www.balanzza.com)

Travel Products Making Traveling Easier was created by and is property of American Consumer News.

Hotels are easy to come by, and there is one for every budget. Think of safety first and settle on a higher end hotel. That doesn’t mean the Beverly Wilshire Hotel, but possibly a Sheraton or Hilton. Both the Sheraton and Hilton are within walking distance to Universal and you don’t cross any busy streets, just the road that leads into the theme park. Other small hotels may be great, but off the beaten track in Hollywood is a gamble.

When you purchase your tickets for Universal Studios, do it online at www.universalstudioshollywood.com and get the Front of the Line Passes. You will get the best price online and these passes will allow you to see the bulk of the park in one day. You get to go in a different line where your wait for any attraction or line is no longer than five minutes or so.

Do not get carried away and get the VIP Package unless you have a burning desire to be chaperoned your entire trip. You will have a tour guide and be placed in a group with about 10 to 15 other people. They take you from ride to ride and even give you ponchos for the wet rides. If you like tour guide trips, you may prefer this one.

The All You Can Eat Pass is questionable. Be careful, only some of the restaurants at the park are covered by this and no drinks are covered. If you plan to sit down for your meals this may be a deal, but you have more selection without the pass.

If you are a planner, get a park map and make a plan prior to your visit. You should be able to arrange your day to see most, if not all, of the park in one visit.

Once you are inside the park, go straight to the Audiences Unlimited Ticket Booth. If there is any filming going on you can see it for free based on availability.

Carve out enough time during your visit for City Walk. It is on the outside of the park and has shops to visit, an IMAX theater, concerts, nightclubs, restaurants and entertainers on the sidewalks performing. There is no admission fee and you can get away with spending very little if you steer clear of the souvenir shops and higher end restaurants.

Universal Studios is one of those places that once you visit, you remember it well and it doesn’t change much over the years. It is a different type of park, but one worth visiting.

Hollywood Universal Studios was created by and is property of American Consumer News.