So why Cuba? First of all, Valentine’s Day is a big deal on the island. While it’s easy to become jaded in a country where the celebration seems to be more about saccharine sweet greeting cards than about celebrating the love of your special one, Cubans make the day really special. To begin with, the buildings, public and private alike, and are decked out with colourful lights, and some of the private homes have gifts attached to the walls too – inside and out! This combined with the usual local atmosphere of friendliness guarantees an atmosphere perfect for Valentine’s day holiday makers, and make the ideal setting for popping the question – should you feel so inclined. If you have just celebrated a February marriage, honeymoons in Cuba are especially romantic around Valentines Day, and you’ll be guaranteed a friendly welcome and an enjoyable stay which will ensure you never want to leave.

In terms of specific romantic places to visit on the island, there are just too many to mention, and part of the charm of a Cuba holiday is that there are thousands of undiscovered choice spots for couples to enjoy a picnic, watch the sunset or just recline under the stars. However, there are a few places which are undisputed romantic vacation highlights of the island and Old Havana itself is very much a focal point, and allows for all tastes amidst it’s 18th century colonial architecture from candlelit dinners to passionate salsa dance.

Another choice romantic vacation spot is El Salton, not a spot on the tourist trail, but wonderfully peaceful and charming. The waterfall is surrounded by vibrant cocoa plantations, cooling streams and mountain farms. If you prefer something a little more populated, then the city of Bayamo offers a cultural alternative. The city hosts the national monument, plenty of history and excellent food for that perfect candle lit dinner. Additionally, the troubadours stroll through the town, allowing the romance to overspill from the homes into the streets. Baracoa offers a romantic break somewhere between the peace of the countryside and the bustle of the city. Baracoa has historic links to Velasquez and Columbus, and is surrounded by the beauty of Cuban nature: 10 rivers, isolated beaches, small fishing settlements, UNESCO designated biospheres, mountains, and coconut plantations.

Everything is ready for the perfect romantic break in Cuba this Valentine’s Day. The hotels often have special Valentines Day break packages, and the restaurants usually offer special menus, to give you a memorable occasion. With some fine food and wine, how you spend the rest of the evening is up to you: fiery Latin dance or a night out on the isolated beaches under the stars. Cuba really has something for every couple with an imagination for the romantic. Whether you’re looking for a memorable Valentines Day break or to spend your honeymoon in Cuba, you’ll be spoilt for choice in the romance department.

For the most romantic Cuban hotels, search the hotelpepper for all of our Cuba hotels.

Staying abroad and going on vacation does not have to be an expensive as you might think. You just have to compare different companies in order to get the best prices.

Researching and Comparing Summer Vacations

When you are researching the different packages and deals available, you are likely to come across summer vacation packages. These packages are designed to tempt you to take a discount holiday with various companies. They do tend to be good value for money and there is quite a large selection of them available too. One of the main advantages of these packages is that they do contain everything that you need in order to have a great holiday. They contain the accommodation, flights, dining and even some activities. So you have everything you need in one package.

Each summer vacation package will be different and so it is essential that you look at your chosen package carefully before you book it. You will need to see exactly what is included. For example is dinner and lunch included or do you have to purchase it yourself whilst you are there? Does it include access to any private beaches? Also what accommodation does it offer you? So many people just book their summer vacation package without thinking as they see it at a good deal. However, when you look closer into a package, sometimes it can be a little deceiving. It could include things that you will not use for example. Or it could exclude something that you really need. So look through the package and see exactly what it includes and what you may need to add.

Overall it is easy to find a summer vacation package. You can find summer vacations literally anywhere around the world and they can be easily booked online. You can also usually find discount holiday rentals online too which is helpful if you are on a bit of a budget. If you are still struggling to find a deal to suit you, then you may want to go into your local travel agency where they will be able to find the cheapest deals possible for you. Don’t forget that travel agents aren’t free however and they do not always find you the best deals possible.

Searching for discount hotel accommodation, use the pepper!

If you are looking for a vacation destination, Costa Rica may be your answer. A tropical climate, beautiful beaches, and active volcanoes are just a few of the attractions.

In Central America, just south of Nicaragua and north of Panama is Costa Rica. Costa Rica has the Caribbean Sea to the east and the Pacific Ocean on the west side. Therefore, the majority of Costa Rica’s borders, sixty-five percent, are coastline.

Although a relatively small area, about the size of Vermont and New Hampshire combined, it has everything one could want in a vacation. Beautiful white sand beaches, great surf, active volcanoes, natural hot springs, and towering rain forests are just some of the sites in Costa Rica. Site seeing in the area is relatively simple via rental car or public bus.

A number of the principal mountain ranges are volcanic, and visitors can easily visit many of these areas. In the province of Cartago, for example, which is not far from the capital of San Jose, you will find Iraz volcano, which erupted in the early sixties. Poas volcano, located in the province of Alajuela, has one of the largest active craters in the world. In addition, Arenal volcano, in the northwestern region, delights thousands of visitors each year to a constant stream of red, hot lava rocks tumbling down its slopes.

Picturesque forests grow in the crater of the dormant Barva in Heredia. Arenal, a young volcano in the northern part of the country is constantly active (and is the site of a spa with natural hot springs). The country’s highest peak, Mount Chirripo, is not volcanic; it measures 12.412 feet. On a clear day one can see both the Pacific and Atlantic oceans from atop Mt. Chirripo.

The capital of Costa Rica is San Jose and is a good starting place for exploring the country. It is conveniently located in the center of the country and all the bus lines stop here. The port of Limon on the Caribbean Coast has quite a different atmosphere from the capital. Life is easy going on the Caribbean coast compared to the city life in San Jose.

San Jose is located in the Central Valley region of the country. Evenings in San Jose can be cool do to the high altitude, but you will not forget that you are in a tropical place even in this bustling city. The city itself is busy and filed with traffic. There are many things to do, but travelers often miss these sites choosing instead to head straight from the airport to beaches or rainforests. Although San Jose is not the most beautiful city in the world, it is generally safe and has a lot to offer tourists.

For the cheapest and most convenient Costa Rica hotels, search the hotelpepper for all of our Costa Rica hotels.

Speaking of white, sandy beaches, a trip to Antigua, or its neighboring island Barbuda may be just what you need in order to restore feeling to your toes. Every water sport lover’s dream, the Caribbean nation boasts of at least 365 beaches surrounded by clear blue waters with an average temperature of 80 degrees. Trade your snow boots for fins, and snorkel through spectacular coral reefs, maybe even catching a glimpse of the wreck of the merchant ship Andes, which has rested on the bottom of Deep Bay since 1905. If youíd rather not get your feet wet, you can enjoy all that the charming capital St. Johnís in the northern part of the island of Antigua has to offer. Purchase colorful local artwork while strolling down Market Street or fortify yourself with sweet black pineapple (which isn’t really black) and some local rum. Watch a spectacular sunset over English Harbour on the summit of Shirley Heights while tapping your feet to the rhythms of a steel band. If you would prefer to watch birds instead of people, then head north to the tiny island of Barbuda, which has only a single village of 1100 people but is famed for its frigate birds and huge rookery.

If Antigua’s cricket-playing and English-speaking ways bring up unpleasant memories of Britain’s colonial imperialism, perhaps its time to head to Rio de Janeiro for a little taste of the party-loving legacy of Portuguese imperialism in Brazil, the largest country in South America. Lying on the Bay of Guanabra, the city, which is most well-known for its pre-Lenten festival of wantonness, Carnaval, also prides itself on 75 miles of coastline. Do words like Ipanema or Copacabana ring a bell? Yep, they’re both in Rio de Janeiro. Brazilians in the city party hard and pray hard. After dancing all night at a samba club, look into the sky and enjoy the slightly surreal sight a 128 foot, 1,000 ton statue of Christ the Redeemer hovering over the city proudly at the top of Corcovado Peak.

If Rio’s religious version of the Statue of Liberty has you feeling faintly guilty for deserting your home country in the midst of winter, perhaps Perth, Australia will provide the English-speaking taste of home (with an exotic flair) that you need. Kick back and ride the waves in the Western Australia’s isolated capital, nestled between a blue, blue ocean and a dry, sandy desert. Getting there is half the adventure, consisting of a 4000 km car ride from Sydney or a long and winding train ride on the Indian Pacific. Explore the Swan River and the 400-hectare Kingís Park in the south, magnificent nineteenth-century buildings constructed using convict labor in the city center, or perhaps travel north to swim with the dolphins at Monkey Mia.

If Perth leaves you feeling a little isolated, perhaps a trip to the modern island city of Singapore, with a population of approximately 4.5 million, will help alleviate your winter doldrums. With not one but four official languages: Chinese, Malay, Tamil, and English – the country offers a delightful blend of ethnic influences. Enjoy a bowl of hot noodles followed by your favorite curry. Buy a sari in Little India on a Sunday evening or sip on herbal tea in Chinatown. Or perhaps enjoy the sights on a cable-car ride to Sentosa Island, the sight of a thrilling amusement park.

If Sentosa Island puts you in mind of childhood yearnings for the Magic Kingdom, perhaps a trip to the sub-tropical Sunshine State may be just the cold remedy you are looking for. The Magic Kingdom isn’t the only amusement park in central Florida. Choose from the likes of Universal Studies, Epcot, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Disney-MGM Studios, Sea World, Busch Gardens, or Cypress Gardens, all within a short drive of each other. Florida is all about the tourist industry, and travelers can find some great winter travel deals if they shop around. Wherever you decide to go this winter, don’t forget to pack sunscreen, a bathing suit, and your favorite book. Warmth and relaxation wait just a few thousand miles away.

For more places to go in the winter and places to stay when you get there, search hotelpepper.com

As mentioned above that designer luggage is pretty much the same as ordinary travel luggage but different in designs. So there are millions of colour and designs as well as materials that they are made from. Also you may be able to use the knowledge what you have learnt about how to choose ordinary travel luggage when you choose designer luggage. The most common type of materials that popular for designer luggage is leather, canvas, nylon, which they are light and durable.

As because the price of designer luggage may be a bit higher than ordinary travel luggage because they generally sturdier and more stylish and there are many brands available in the market. However, it is strongly suggest that you should not rely on only one or two brands when you are choosing, but you have to compare price and quality between many brands to make sure that you will get only the one that worth for you time and money. It is quite true that price is a good indicator to tell the quality of luggage but do not look at only the price but consider base on functions and designs as well. There is one aspect that commonly found among travellers who buy a large set of luggage, which consist of many of luggage in a set but they actually use only one or two of them and leave the rest in a cupboard.

This behaviour is quite a kind of wasting your money. The suggestion is do not buy a set of luggage that you think you may not be able to use them all. Instead, you have alternative to buy additional designer luggage only when you want. For example, if you want a small bag for your shoes, then you only buy a shoes bag. Also, if you want something to contain your clothes you may buy a garment bag. This is more practical than buy a set of luggage that generally has few standard size luggages and could not serve all purposes.

Those who only know one or two facts about designer luggage can be confused by misleading information hut not what I have described above. The best way to help those who are misled is to gently correct them with the truths you’re learning.

To find out great hotels and locations to visit with your designer luggage, look no further than hotelpepper.com

Antigua is an island that is close to Bermuda. This island has many beaches for you to visit, water activities, and great food options. If you envision yourself relaxing on the beach, you should consider visiting Antigua. The average temperature is usually 80 degrees, which will make you forget about winter very quickly. Many people visit this island each year, so you will have the opportunity to meet new friends from all over the world. In addition to beautiful beaches, there are many hotels and resorts for you to stay in while on vacation.

If you don’t want to spend your winter vacations on an island, visit Perth, Australia. In addition to beaches, you will be able to drive to Sydney and see many historic buildings and enjoy the culture Australia has to offer. This is a great place to spend winter holidays because you will be able to shop, see a show, meet new people, and enjoy the ocean breezes. With surfing and other outdoor activities, you will never be bored.

Rio de Janeiro, which is located in Brazil, is the place to go if you want to visit the beach and enjoy the nightlife. With many activities including the legendary Carnival, you will be able to sample great food, listen to music, and soak in all the local color that Rio has to offer. This city is also a great place to sightsee with many religious statues and buildings to see. When you visit Rio, you will never want to leave. With 75 miles of beaches, you will be able to spend the day working on your tan and participating in the nightlife once the sun goes down.

Singapore has four official languages include Chinese, so you will definitely be able to learn more about the culture during your visit. With many small towns surrounding the city, you will never be bored. Relax and eat good food and meet interesting people from all over the world.

If you want to travel to a warmer place, but you don’t want to leave the US, how about traveling to Florida and visiting amusement parks and beaches. You can buy day passes to Disney World or Busch Gardens and enjoy rides and food. These vacations are a lot less expensive than a trip to an island or foreign land. Discover vacation spots that are closer to home when you want to get away from the cold weather.

For more info on winter trips and hotels to warmer destinations then use hotelpepper.com for all your needs!

UK Hotels and Guest Houses

You will find a significant difference in both price and facilities between hotels and guest houses in the UK. Hotels usually offer breakfasts, lunches, teas, dinners, a licensed bar and a range of services and facilities to suit individuals, families and often business groups. Country house hotels will often add recreational facilities in their grounds such as golf, tennis, swimming, health spas, gyms and attended play areas for children. Top league international hotels in London and major cities offer comprehensive amenities and services for business and holiday guests, and a choice of first class and luxury accommodation. Guest houses may not have bars or offer lunch or teas, but will have television and sitting lounges.

In England and Wales, the AA, RAC (the largest UK motoring organisations) and the English Tourist Council have come together to provide an overall star for hotels and diamond rating for guest accommodations, including bed and breakfast. Hotels have between one and five stars; guest accommodations between one and five diamonds. In Scotland and Northern Ireland, all tourist accommodations are also graded regularly to provide a clear indication of the level of facilities you can expect.

Hotelpepper – hotels and guest houses also include impartial user reviews with user-defined “pepper” ratings to reflect their experiences and review of a hotel.

UK Bed and Breakfast

Bed and breakfast accommodation, advertised by the famous ‘B&B vacancies’ sign, is mostly in private homes and the emphasis is on bedrooms rather than on facilities such as a bar or restaurant. They are often the least expensive form of guest accommodation although prices vary between those in the most popular holiday locations and those offering stopovers ‘en route’.

Thousands of bed and breakfasts have been visited anonymously by tourist officers to be inspected for a diamond rating of between one and five stars. This is intended as a guide to the quality of accommodation and food on offer.

As private homes, including farmhouses and working farms, B&Bs tend to offer a very personal welcome, and an insight into British ways of life in different parts of the country. Breakfast is intended to fill you and will often include bacon, eggs, fried bread, tomatoes, even fried potatoes and local additions such as black pudding. Or you can enjoy a ‘continental’ breakfast: cereal, bread, toast, tea, coffee and juice.

UK Hostels

There are many hostels located all over England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Hostels vary in style and amenities but they offer bedrooms with between two and six beds for young people, families and groups. They usually provide substantial breakfasts and dinners at low prices and have communal kitchen facilities if you prefer to cater for yourself.

The main hostel organisations are the Youth Hostel Association (YHA), the Scottish Youth Hostel Association (SYHA) and Hostelling International Northern Ireland (HINI). You do not have to be a ‘youth’ to stay because there is no upper age limit (in Scotland the lower age limit is 5). But you do have to be a member of the YHA or SYHA, which involves paying a small annual membership fee. There are also a variety of independent hostels offering accommodation. Staying in hostels is traditionally popular with people pursuing backpacking, walking, cycling or generally exploring outdoor pursuits. But there are also hostels in many towns and cities, which enable members to enjoy good basic accommodation on a low budget.

On any budget, use hotelpepper to save you lots of time and money in finding the right hotel for you (in the right place!) – use the search box below…

1) Local Currency

It’s a good idea to take a small amount of local currency with you whenever you travel, if only enough to last you for your first few hours. You’ll probably need to arrange travel from the airport to your hotel for example, and local currency is the easiest way to pay for these initial expenses. The exchange rates charged at airports are notoriously expensive, so buy some currency before you leave and you’ll get a much better deal.

The drawback to carrying currency is that if it gets lost or stolen, it can’t be replaced. For this reason it’s best to use another form of travel money for most of your funds.

2) Travellers Cheques

These are the traditional way of carrying money abroad. When you buy the cheques, which can be in Sterling, Euros or US Dollars, you have to sign the stub of each cheque in the presence of the teller. Once abroad, you can convert the cheques into local currency by signing the other half of the cheque at a currency exchange, where the teller will compare the two signatures and also inspect your passport.

This system is more secure than cash as each cheque is uniquely numbered, so if a cheque goes missing it can be quickly canceled and replaced by the cheque issuer. There is a drawback in that you have to cash the cheques at a currency exchange, and you might not find one offering a good exchange rate.

3) Credit Cards

Credit cards are accepted virtually the world over, and may seem a good way of paying your way while abroad. As well as using them for shopping, they can be used to pay restaurant bills and even to withdraw cash. Before choosing this as your travel money option though, check your card’s small print to see what interest rate is charged on overseas use – it will probably be higher than the standard rate of your card, and you’ll probably have to pay exchange charges too.

4) Cash Machines

There are now several international cash machine networks in operation, for example the Cirrus network, and it’s likely that your cash card can be used internationally, especially in Europe and the USA. This is a good way of financing your holiday spending, as you can draw out what you need while keeping the rest of your money safe in your normal bank account. The downside is that you may have to pay a fee for each withdrawal, and the exchange rate you’re charged may not be the best available.

5) Prepaid Cards

These are a relatively new kind of plastic card, which are used in much the same way as credit or debit cards, with the big difference that you have to ‘load’ the card with funds before you can spend with it. They are a secure way of carrying money, as the card is replaceable if lost, and as it can only be used in conjunction with a PIN number then even if stolen it’s difficult for a thief to make use of it. There will, however, still be exchange commissions payable when you use the card, and also usually a flat fee for cash withdrawals.

The main thing to bear in mind with travel money is that while each of the above options is useful, not all are suitable for use everywhere in the world. The best advice is not to rely on a single kind of travel money, but to take a sensible mixture of cash, local currency, and plastic or cheques, to make sure you can always get local currency when you need it. Enjoy your holiday!

For the best in hotel deals to further save money and get the best hotel deal for you, please use hotelpepper.com.

An important consideration when it comes to luggage decision is the kind of trip you will be taking, the activities that you plan to be doing and the number of belongings that you plan to bring along with you. You should find a bag that provides convenience when it comes to packing, comfortable to carry and versatile.

Travel backpacks have internal frames, a suspension system and can be converted into a hand held bag. Some styles even have a removable daypack for short daily excursions. Travel backpacks are ideal for travelers who desire mobility and would prefer to carry all of their gear. If you plan to visit urban areas, these backpacks are not suited.

Available as well is wheeled luggage categorized into two namely the traditional wheeled luggage and the convertible wheeled luggage. The traditional wheeled luggage is equipped with durable and heavy-duty handles and in-line wheels. This type of wheeled luggage is not suited for the adventure seekers but is ideal for business travelers or people visiting urban areas. A piece of advice for business travelers is to have a suitcase, a carry-on and a briefcase as these pieces work well together.

Convertible wheeled luggage can be converted to a wheeled luggage and could as well function as a backpack. This luggage is equipped with hidden shoulder straps to enable you to carry the bag as a backpack. It can even be carried as a duffel bag. This type is suited for travel to an urban area. As the bags are not equipped with a hip belt, these are not suited for long backpacking as the entire weight of the bag will be supported only by the shoulders.

Duffels are of three types which include the general purpose travel that comes in varying sizes, wheeled duffels and expedition duffels. General purpose travels have various sizes and are cheaper as compared to other luggage types. This is ideal for short trips and if you are traveling light.

Expedition duffels can be equipped with straps to convert the bag into a backpack for added convenience. These are suited for travelers who have a lot of gear to bring along with them and it isn’t necessary for them to carry the duffel by hand within a considerable distance upon arriving at the destination.

Wheeled duffels provide a large storage capacity and are equipped with wheels. This is very much ideal for travelers who need to bring along with them a lot of gear but would need the convenience of wheels to maneuver their luggage at airports or train stations. This is not suitable though for travel to remote areas as compared to the travel backpacks.

For those who are into camping, climbing or backpacking, internal frame backpacks are for you. These have been specifically designed to provide good support for long periods of hauling gear on wilderness trips.

With the numerous travel luggage and bags available for you, check on which types are suited for your type of trip.

For more information and the best hotel deals on any hotel that you are looking for, make sure to check the pepper

Traveling with my husband, son and daughter-in-law, we were all pleased to arrive at the hotel we had reserved for our stay. The Hotel Bellevue was our unanimous choice. Built in 1820, it neighbors the stately Villa Carlotta. On arrival we were pleased to see that the hotel was situated just feet from Lake Como. The hotel itself was lovely. It had wonderful charm, gardens, antique furnishings, and an outdoor swimming pool. The lobby was stately with a huge Venetian chandelier and a great sweeping staircase. Art adorned every wall. The rooms were lovely, with antique furniture, and soft Italian linens.

After unpacking and settling into our rooms, it was time to explore. No sooner had we left the hotel when we spotted a charming restaurant called “The Victorian Tea Garden” which sat right on the banks of Lake Como. We were seated at a lovely outdoor table covered in crisp white linen. To our delight, a grapevine-covered pergola hung overhead. But what really stole the scenery was the breathtakingly beautiful view of the Swiss Alps. These majestic mountains circled the shoreline and provided a stunning backdrop to the dark, marine-blue waters of Lake Como. It left us with the impression that we had traveled back in time. The owner ñ a gentleman who looked in his 80s – was very hospitable and could not have made us feel more welcome. We ordered Champaign, and toasted each other (and our magnificent setting) with tall, chilled glasses. We sat there in appreciation and awe of the spectacular setting for the next two hours, finishing two bottles of Champaign!

With the sun beginning to set, we returned to the Hotel Bellevue for a relaxing, fabulous dinner. Then, to cap off the evening, we ferried over to Bellagio, the famed, picturesque Italian resort village. Narrow, cobblestone streets were lined with old shops, restaurants and churches. My advice? Don’t leave Bellagio without visiting the shops, as here you will find some of the most wonderful silk scarves and ties – not to mention leather goods – in all of Italy.

There was little traffic on Bellagio. This made it ideal for walking and taking the sights in. Bellagio is completely unspoiled, and possesses the grace and charm of “old world living”. It was also very clear that the Bellagio residents loved their gardens, and kept them well tended.

The wide area of Lake Como offers inexhaustible things to do for tourists. It is an ideal place to vacation with family. For those who desire relaxation, the tranquil scenery of the lake surroundings is sure to please. Lake Como is also perfect for anyone looking for a more active vacation; swimming, water-skiing, sailing, hiking, mountain-biking, and horseback riding await. Day mountain excursion trips are also worthwhile ventures. These trips offer the most breath-taking views of the lake and surrounding areas.

Boat excursions from Lake Como are a must. Ferry service will take you to local monuments and exquisite villas, as well as to lovely lakeside towns (I recommend the picturesque town of Varenna.) Or, you may also choose a ferry excursion to neighboring Switzerland. The Swiss town of Lugano offers great shopping, though it is expensive, so bring credit cards.

If spectacular works of art, classical Italian gardens, and elegant, period settings are your interest, I recommend a visit to the famed Villa Carlotta, located in the town of Tremezzo. It offers spectacular landscaped gardens, while the villa is a must-see for antique lovers. The Duomo, better known as the “Renaissance Cathedral”, is another spectacular must-see. It’s located in the town center of Como.

Shopping adventures (and treasures) await at any one of the lakeside towns, as do epicurean delights. Taste regional products like olive oil, wine, and cheese in the numerous lakeside shops, restaurants, and cafes.

In the evening, enjoy a glass of wine at one of the local wine bars, and relax before eating at one of the many memorable restaurants that the area has to offer. Most restaurants offer regional or modern cuisine. After dinner, treat yourself to a night of music and dance in local discos; most stay open until sunrise. Or, as my family and I enjoy doing, take an evening walk along the lake before retiring to read a good book.

Lake Como is fabulous unlike any other place. It possesses spectacular views, lush, tranquil settings; fine Italian architecture, elegant, by-gone charm, and warm, hospitable people. With its unspoiled grace and charm, Lake Como offers its guests the opportunity to experience an enchanting slice of life which is relaxed, elegant, and breathtakingly beautiful. It is a place where you will be drawn back to time and time again. Perhaps on a sunny day in your own backyard, your daydreams will beckon you to the shores of Lake Como.

For Lake Como hotel deals and to get your own view of the lake, search for great deals at hotelpepper.com