Flashpacking: The Art of Rolling Large on the Cheap

By Isreal Lawrence on Jul 28th, 2009

300_flashpacker.jpgSummer travels, a good chunk of my friends are gearing up for, just returning from, or in the middle of their own. I’m looking upon them with a bit of jealousy. I would like to go somewhere, but I can’t…this being “new baby summer”. Ah well, I do believe I have the more exciting adventure on my plate.

While observing everyone running hither and yon the past several weeks I’ve noticed that people seem really into roadtripping and bare bones travel this year. It seems to be a fairly prevalent phenomenon. Prevalent enough to acquire it’s own marketing term. “Flashpacking”. Traveling with more flash than cash. This little buzzword is on the lips of all the travel writers this summer.

The first question on many travelers’ lips may well be: What is flashpacking? Who are these mysterious flashpackers? Many flashpackers are actually just the growing number of ‘techno-travelers’ out there. They’ve got iPods and digital cameras. They’re traveling with their laptops. They want to blog and broadcast live video streams of their travel experiences, so they need free WiFi at their hostel.

While technology is a key element of flashpacking, though, it’s not the whole picture, by any means. A flashpacker is essentially just the usual backpacker or independent traveler, looking for something a bit more upmarket from their digs. They want all the flexibility of the independent traveler – the unfixed itinerary which allows you to think on your feet and go wherever the fancy takes you – yet they also want (just a little!) of the look and feel of a boutique hotel.

Yet they don’t want your standard budget hotel: rather, they’re after the advantages of a good, old-fashioned cheap hostel, with just a bit more, well, luxury. Even the most hardcore backpackers among us can do with a bit of luxury from time to time. It’s okay we won’t judge you for not wanting to spend a month eating bugs in the Outback. I’ll even help you out to find those nice but affordable digs…I’ve got some Orbitz coupons with your name on them right here.

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Tips on World Traveling on a Budget

By Isreal Lawrence on May 27th, 2009
Travel Coupons, Discount Airfare & Hotels and Car Rentals - CouponMountain.com
Okay, we all know that times are tight for quite a few folks these days financially, and when it comes to summer getaways you might be thinking of staying comparatively close to home. Not a bad strategy in most cases, but it just so happens that Summer 2009 is shaping up to be a fantastic time for travel bargains.
In fact often when you crunch the numbers and visit the right places, a globetrotting adventure can be less expensive than many domestic vacations. All-inclusive deals are also great for those on a tight budget and low-cost airlines are offering flights for a fraction of what you may expect. So if you are of a mind, you will get some very exotic locales at extremely low rates. Here are our top world travel destination for this summer.
  • Goa - At just $11 for a three course meal, Goa was the cheapest destination on the list when it came to eating out. Located on the west coast of India, it has evolved from a backpacker haven into a more mainstream destination over the past decade and, as well as cheap food, it offers beautiful beaches, colourful markets and plenty of exotic wildlife.
  • Tunisia - Think Tunisia. Yes sir, North Africa. Tunisia offers year-round sun, exotic sights and glorious beaches. You’ll find plush hotels and spas in which to relax but the more adventurous can take a camel trek in the desert, explore the Roman ruins at Dougga or visit the Star Wars movie locations. That’s right, you can find that droid you are looking for.
  • Turkey - Turkey offers some amazing coastline, including Belcekiz beach on the Mediterranean Coast. The area where the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas meet is known as Turkey’s Turquoise Coast, and the coastline is dotted with pristine beaches and inviting resorts. If you tire of all that sun-worshiping, head for Istanbul, which offers famous sites, nightlife that goes on until dawn and some of the best value shopping in Europe.
  • Egypt - The chance to visit the Pyramids is excuse enough to visit this fascinating country, not to mention the Nile or the Valley of the Kings, but Egypt also offers year-round sunshine, great beaches and great value for money. Check out the Sharm El Sheik resort, a favorite among western tourists , which offers scuba diving and snorkeling opportunities on the Red Sea Riviera.
  • Bulgaria - This Black Sea coastal gem has become a favored destination spot for those in the know, due to their “non-Euro” currency status. 240 miles of of sandy beaches, entertaining nightlife, and thriving coastal resorts such as Sunny Beach. Bulgaria is well worth an investigation.
  • Spain - Spain faces stiff competition from Eastern Europe when it comes to value for money but, along with Cyprus, it’s still the best destination for a budget break within the Eurozone.
  • Morroco - Morocco wasn’t rated as the cheapest place to eat out but its colourful markets, such as these food stalls in Jema el-Fna Square in Marrakesh, offer plenty of exotic delights that you won’t mind parting with your dirham for. Culture vultures should visit the Imperial Cities such as Fez, Marrakech, and Rabat, while the more adventurous can try their hand at skiing in the Atlas Mountains in the winter, or take a tour of the majestic Sahara by jeep or camel. There are also plenty of beaches to relax on; take your pick of the Atlantic coast resorts of Mohammedia, Agadir, El Jadida, Oualidia, Safi and Essaouira.
  • Majorca - The British know all about Majorca, in fact it is the UK’s #1 travel destination. Located on the Mediterranean sea, Majorca is Spain’s largest island. You will find that cheap and cheerful package deals are easy to find.
  • Cyprus - Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean and has plenty of room for all types of holiday, including package resorts on the coast, mountain retreats, agro tourism villages, activity holidays, luxury hotels and ancient historical sites for the archaeologically inclined. Oh my Cyprus has it all, yes this would be a fantastic trip.
Oh yes, you know exactly what I am thinking: Let’s go investigate some travel deals, and go attack that globe!

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Motel 6 Hotels - Rebuilds the Destruction Caused by Hurricane Katrina

By Evette on Feb 17th, 2009

Motel 6 - Annouces the Opening of its 1000th Motel 6/Studio 6 Property

Motel 6 is proud to announce the opening of their 1000th property!

This occasion is significant for two reasons:

1. Not only is this the 1000th Motel 6/ Studio 6 property but it is also the first corporately-built and owned location to feature the new “Phoenix” room design. Check out the room on the right! That does not look like any of the Motel 6 rooms I have ever stayed at!? Swanky! :) Showcases the chain’s room of the future, modern, European boutique-style design.
2. This also represents a rebirth for Motel 6 in Biloxi, as the original location was destroyed in Hurricane Katrina in 2005!
Motel 6 in Biloxi is a clean, affordable lodging choice for family travelers, spring breakers, seniors, gaming enthusiasts, or any budget-minded traveler interested in a convenient getaway. In honor of the opening and the 1000th property milestone, the first guest to stay at the new property was charged $6 for the night – the original Motel 6 room rate dating back to 1962, and the reason for the Motel 6 name.

Just wanted to take a moment to Congratulate Motel 6 on their landmark achievement! :)

If you are interested in more Deals and Special Offers for Motel 6 - Click here!

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