Posts by : Izy Berry

Bali is one of Indonesia’s top travel spots and with its awesome surf, stunning beaches, great shopping, cheap prices and beautiful culture it’s easy to see why. There so much to see and do in Bali that it can be difficult to try and fit everything in. That’s why I’ve rounded up my top things to do on your holiday there. If you need some good deals on accommodation then click here.

Relax in Nusa Lembongan

Nusa Lembongan is a small island off the mainland of Bali and is the perfect spot to visit if you are after quiet relaxation on some the most amazing beaches. Here you are offered white sand, turquoise water and some of the best snorkelling Bali has to offer. In fact one reason that makes Lembongan so popular is that you can go snorkelling with Manta Rays just of Lembongan’s coast.

Shopping in Seminyak

Shopping in Bali is great, you can get anything from cheap knock off to up market designer wear. In fact it’s a fashion designers hub. Seminyak offers some of the best shopping on the island. Seminyak is filled with lots of bourtique fashion designer shops where you’ll be able to pick up high end fashion with a not so hefty price tag.

Surfing in Uluwatu

Uluwatu is located on the South East tip of Bali’s Bukit peninsular and offers some magnificent surf breaks, making it a hot spot for those wanting to hit the waves without the craziness of Kuta. Not only does Uluwatu offer good waves but the limestone cliffs, beautiful beaches and cliff top temples make it a pretty awesome place to visit and stay. You can enjoy freshly caught seafood dinners down on the beach every night as you watch the sunset and enjoy a cold beer.

Zen out in Ubud

If you feel like some good rest and relaxation with a dose of Balinese culture then you need to head inland to Ubud. Originally made famous from the book “eat pray love” and known as the cultural hub of Bali you will find lots of temples, beautiful terraced rice paddies and total serenity. Ubud is also a very popular place for yogis and alternative therapies where you will find yoga studios, reiki masters, energetic healers, naturopaths, detox specialists, etc etc. It’s definitely the place to go if you want a healthy holiday. There are so many different healh food restaurants and cafes on offer too.

Driving is Nice, Flying is Better

Historic Route 66, running from Chicago, Illinois, to the Pacific Ocean, passes through Springfield, Missouri. There are nonstop flights from 11 airports to Springfield-Branson National Airport (SGF), with convenient connecting flights from many other cities. Hipmunk.com helps travelers spend less time getting to Springfield, enabling them to have more time exploring the area.

Perfect Family- and Pet-Friendly Hotel

The 100-percent nonsmoking DoubleTree by Hilton Springfield, 20 minutes from Springfield-Branson National Airport, provides amenities and services families appreciate. Among these are a children’s menu in the restaurant, high chairs, playpens, cribs, and coin-operated laundry.

The DoubleTree welcomes pets weighing no more than 35 pounds. The nonrefundable fee is $35 per pet per stay.

Convention & Visitors Bureau — Free Publication

The Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau offers a free 164-page Visitors Guide to anyone requesting it. Complete the form on the organization’s website to get the publication by U.S. mail.

Things to Do in Springfield

Choose from among amusement venues, landmarks, performing arts, aquariums and zoos, museums, sports, parks, and much more when in Springfield. This list of Springfield hotels will help you book a hotel room near these local attractions.

Trail of Tears

The U.S. government moved tens of thousands of Cherokee from their homelands in Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee to Indian Territory in 1838. Thousands of Cherokee perished, either while traveling to their new home or in Indian Territory due to being relocated. The route taken by the Cherokee, known as the Trail of Tears, passed through Springfield along what is now called Old Wire Road. Take the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail auto tour, which follows Interstate 44, US Route 160, and US Route 60.

Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield

August 10, 1861, saw the Battle of Wilson’s Creek, the first major Civil War battle fought west of the Mississippi River. Union forces sought to keep Missouri for the Union in this battle, which occurred just southwest of Springfield. A five-mile auto tour loop takes visitors past the most historically pristine battlefield in the country and the restored Ray House, used as a temporary hospital after the battle.

Springfield National Cemetery

Springfield National Cemetery, created two years after the Civil War ended, contains graves of soldiers both Northern and Southern soldiers. A low stone wall separates the Northern and Southern graves.

Fantastic Caverns — Only Ride-Through Cave in the United States

In addition to being known as the Show Me State, Missouri is also called the Cave State. There are more than 6,300 caves in Missouri, primarily in the southern half of the state. In 1862, a farmer’s dog discovered Fantastic Caverns in Springfield by crawling through a small entrance. A newspaper ad placed in 1867 sought people willing to go into the cave and investigate what was there. Twelve women responded. The cave’s beautiful interior is so delicate, the only way to explore it today is by taking a jeep-drawn tram tour.

Share Your Springfield Stories

What sites in Springfield did you enjoy visiting the most? Why did you like them? Please share your thoughts below.

Daisy Mariposa is a freelance travel writer who has worked with clients such as Hipmunk. She has Occupational Certificates in both Travel Management and International Business and has worked as a travel agent. Daisy has traveled to half the states in the United States and more than 33 countries, island nations, and island dependencies. She has certifications as both a Specialty Travel Writer and Travel Copy Writer from one organization and Industry Elite status in Travel from another.

Salt Lake City is surrounded by natural beauty, from the rugged hills of Big Cottonwood Canyon to the vibrant colors of Red Butte Garden. These wonders make it the ideal vacation destination for anyone who wants to escape inner-city stresses and reconnect with nature. These eco-conscious local initiatives can ensure your getaway doesn’t cost the planet.

Book with Eco-Friendly Hotels

There are many Salt Lake City hotels that put sustainability first. These establishments go beyond the standard practices of discouraging guests from requesting fresh daily towels and employ creative ideas to preserve the planet.

A $14 million transformation has made the Sheraton Salt Lake City Hotel one of the area’s most eco-friendly establishments. Special water-conserving toilets and high-efficiency lighting minimizes the hotel’s carbon footprint. Green cleaning products are kind to the planet and visitor airways. Guests are also encouraged to decline housekeeping with daily $5 vouchers for the onsite restaurant.

Little America Hotel has been a part of the Rocky Mountain Power’s Energy Efficiency Program for a decade. Its thermostats switch to energy-saving mode when rooms are vacant, and it uses reusable linens and crockery, rather than disposable napkins, cutlery, and plates, to minimize waste. Sensor faucets and low-flow shower heads help to reduce water use.

Offset Your Flight

Air travel is never a very green option, but it’s a necessary evil for many travelers. However, there are many ways to make Salt Lake City flights much greener. Visit Hipmunk.com, which organizes flights using an agony scale. The ones higher up the list are the quickest, and consequently the greenest. The new Hipmunk Anywhere feature, profiled by Techcrunch, lets you complete your booking on any device. Once you’ve selected your flight, you’re directed to the airline, which may let you offset your flight.

If the airline doesn’t offer this feature, don’t sweat it. TreeUtah has a carbon calculator which tells you how many trees need to be planted to offset your flight. You can then donate the required amount to Salt Lake County’s One Million Trees program to travel guilt-free.

Bike Your Way Around Salt Lake City

Make use of Salt Lake City’s GREENbike initiative while you’re in town. This bike share program allows you take a bike from any of the city’s 20 bike stations during your stay. Passes can be bought from the stations for as little as $5 for 24-hour access, but it’s cheaper to buy online if you’re in town for a while. A four-day pass from the website costs $15, which makes it a really cheap, green way to get around the city.

Eat Green

Eating vegetarian cuts an individual’s carbon emissions in half, and travelers committed to a meat-free diet are spoiled for choice in Salt Lake City. Rawtopia, Café Shambala, and Sage’s Café are amongst the city’s best.

In 2013, Salt Lake City also welcomed Bistro 222, the city’s first restaurant with LEED certification, to its dining scene. While it serves seafood and meat, its sustainable design and operation should please eco-conscious patrons.

Do you consider the environment when making your travel plans? Leave your views on sustainable vacations in the comments below.

Bio:

Lauren Katulka is a happily married Australian freelance writer contributing to a range of websites including Hipmunk.com, SoundsofOz.com, and many more. When she’s not playing around with words she loves roller skating, spending time in the kitchen, watching indie films and cuddling her Devon Rex cat, Gizmo.

There are many interesting attractions in the New York City suburb of Queens; specifically in the neighborhood of Jamaica. If you aren’t from New York City you may be asking yourself “why have I never heard of Jamaica, New York?” The answer is because most people generalize and say Queens. Ironically many of “Queens” famous landmarks and attractions are in Jamaica. So, find cheap hotels in Jamaica such as the Super 8 JFK Airport NYC on Hipmunk.com and come explore the best attractions in Jamaica, New York.

Flushing Meadows Corona Park

Previously the site of the World’s Fair, Flushing Meadows Corona Park is located in Jamaica, New York. This park is a beautiful as its pictures depict it and a great place to spend the day. With fountains, a carousel, bike paths, and an ice skating rink, there is so much to see and do at Flushing Meadows Corona Park. Additionally, this park is a fantastic venue for tennis, and many high-level tennis matches are held here. Not far from the park is the Garden Inn and Suites, a great place to stay at an affordable rate.

Jamaica Coliseum Mall

If you are a shopper, you will want to make a stop at the Jamaica Coliseum Mall. More specifically, if you like jewelry then this is the place for you. This mall was once a flea market, and it became such a popular place for vendors to compete for sales that they wanted a permanent home. Today there are over 120 stores including 35 stores that specialize in custom jewelry, and many specialty shoe stores.

Schmidt’s Candy

Have you ever wished you could go back in time and visit an old fashioned candy store? Now you can when you visit Schmidt’s Candy. From the outside of the building, you can smell the chocolate being made. Then when you enter the door your senses come alive with the rich smells and the vivid displays of chocolate goodies. Schmidt’s Candy is a chocolate lovers dream. If you are looking for a great nearby hotel try the Courtyard by Marriott JFK Airport.

Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge

It is always fun to visit the city, but there are times when you want to escape the noise and congestion. When you visit the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, you will feel as if you are far away from the city, although you’ll only be minutes away from JFK Airport. As you walk around the sanctuary and take in the fresh air, you will see a large variety of birds. The Wildlife Refuge is the nature lovers must-see attraction in Jamaica.

There are many attractions to see on your visit to Jamaica. For those visitors unfamiliar with the area checkout TripAdvisor as it is a great source for finding must see attractions in Jamaica, NY.

Have you been to Jamaica, New York? If so, please share any tips about great Jamaica attractions below.

Author bio: Carrie Dahle is a multi-talented writer living no place in particular. Why, because she is too busy traveling. Her travels have included bike riding down volcanoes, maneuvering the waves of Hawaii, sailing the seas of the Caribbean, and so much more. While Carrie has spent countless hours in copywriting, and producing website content, she has transformed herself into a fantastic travel writer and is currently working on Hipmunk projects.

Newark is unfairly cast as an unfriendly city. Quite to the contrary, the city welcomes millions of visitors each year to shop, enjoy the beautiful public parks, take in a concert or theatre performance, and sample the delicious cuisine at the city’s diverse restaurants. If you’re planning a trip to Newark, here are some tips to help you get the most from your stay.

Finding Cheap Hotels

Newark’s proximity to New York City, and its reputation as a sophisticated urban center in its own right, can drive up the price of lodgings, especially in the downtown area. If you’re looking for bargains on Newark hotels, consider booking during the off-season, staying in neighborhoods away from the downtown business district, or exploring room share options. You can also find last-minute deals and discount packages for weekend visitors. Hotels near the airport are typically less expensive, but transportation into town can take up to an hour each way.

Enjoy the Public Parks

Newark has a surprisingly appealing array of public parks and recreational spaces. In fact, Branch Brook Park, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, has the largest collection of cherry trees in the nation. With more than 4,300 trees, the park bursts into bloom each spring with a dazzling display of pastel colors and sweet fragrance. Olmsted’s influence is also evident in the sweeping green lawns of Weequahic Park in Newark’s South Ward. Independence Park in the Ironbound is a cheerful urban space with playgrounds, soccer pitches, and a gazebo, perfect for whiling away an afternoon.

Explore the Restaurants and Culture

Running along Broad Street (Newark’s main thoroughfare) and near the revitalized Military Park, a plethora of charming restaurants, eclectic bistros, and bustling art collectives have taken root. Halsey Street in particular, which runs parallel to Broad, has undergone a cultural renaissance. Spend an afternoon exploring this thriving district, sampling the fare at Elbow Room and Green Chicpea, and browsing nonprofit galleries like Aljira and City Without Walls.

Don’t Miss the Ironbound

This gritty urban district, the city’s most densely populated, is home to Newark’s hip nightlife and entertainment, as well as a vibrant shopping and business area. The district’s Portuguese, Iberian, and Brazilian heritage is keenly displayed in its rich ethnic restaurants and boutiques. If you’re in Newark looking for night-time fun, you’ll find it in the bars, lounges, and clubs of the Ironbound. Don’t miss the delectable treats on historic Ferry Street’s “Restaurant Row.”

In the past, Newark was considered more of an airport city than a destination in its own right, but that impression is changing fast. The city has an active sports fan base; catch the Stanley Cup-winning Devils at the Prudential Center for an adrenalin-boosting adventure. The New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) hosts world-class concerts, theatre, and dance troupes, and the Lincoln Park Music Festival brings the best in jazz, hip hop, and blues to downtown Newark. There’s plenty to love about this historic city.

Have you visited Newark recently? Share your favorite tips and adventures in the comments below.

Sheila Westin is a freelance travel writer and food blogger who writes about the charms, cuisine, and culture of the places she visits. When she’s not on the road, Sheila enjoys exploring the excellent restaurants and jazz clubs of her native Washington, DC. Sheila is a writer for the #HipmunkCityLove project.

Jamaica, a neighborhood in the borough of Queens, provides visitors with a central and inexpensive spot from which to explore the surrounding areas. If you’re planning a visit, try one of these top hotels.

Best Transportation Options: Best Western Jamaica Inn

Best Western Jamaica Inn helps guests explore the area by any means they’d like. Visitors with cars will enjoy the free parking and access to the Van Wyck Expressway. For travelers wanting to explore the city and leave the car behind, a subway station is within walking distance of the hotel. Free high-speed Internet and continental breakfasts keep guests well-informed and well-fed.

Best Option for Leisure Travel: Sheraton JFK Airport Hotel

The Sheraton JFK Airport Hotel has all the amenities travelers want in an airport hotel, including a complimentary airport shuttle, free WiFi in public areas, access to a 24-hour fitness center, and a luxurious bed with a pillow-top mattress. Parking is available for an extra fee, so it’s best to leave your car at home. The Sheraton is pet-friendly and provides an on-site car rental service for added convenience. The hotel is located next door to JFK Airport, so visitors can avoid the traffic and long drive to catch their plane.

Best Option for Business Travel: Courtyard by Marriott JFK Airport

In addition to a complimentary airport shuttle, the Courtyard by Marriott JFK Airport provides everything business guests need for an enjoyable time. The newly renovated rooms offer the kinds of conveniences that make a difference in one’s stay, like lighting over the headboard (for easy accessibility and late-night work sessions), new 32-inch LCD TVs with 60 premium cable channels, and complimentary wireless Internet in the guest rooms. Express check-in and check-out are available along with boarding pass kiosks to speed along last-minute travel needs.

Best Option for Families: Lexington Inn JFK Airport

The Lexington Inn JFK Airport makes it easy for guests traveling with children. The Inn offers free breakfast, which translates into great cost savings for a family. Complimentary in-room WiFi will keep the kiddies entertained after a long day of exploring the city. The movie theater is less than a mile away from the hotel, as are many fast food restaurants. Additionally, the Briarwood Playground is a mile from the hotel. Older kids will enjoy the hotel’s proximity to malls and recreational venues for bowling and golf.

Best Motor Inn: Super 8 JFK Airport

Guests looking for a cheap, safe hotel need not look further than the Super 8 JFK Airport NYC. Not only is it conveniently located off of I-678, but it also provides guests with free shuttle service to the airport and complimentary WiFi. Visitors enjoy free breakfast as well as smoking and non-smoking room options.

Jamaica is a convenient and inexpensive place to stay for visitors flying in and out of JFK Airport. For more information, check out Hipmunk’s list of cheap hotels in Jamaica.

After your trip, please come back and share your experiences of the area in the comments section below.

Christina R. Green is a freelance travel writer and Hipmunk contributor. She loves kitschy tourist attractions and literary haunts. If she could figure out a way to drive something the size of an RV, she’d take off and write from the road.

Statistics can be strange, as sometimes they showcase growth and prosperity when none exists. Take the recent consumer spending figures, for example, which rose considerably in the wake of Black Friday and Cyber Monday and record breaking customer output. Despite this, however, it is fair to note that previous figures had been disappointing as households grappled with economic decline. This means that there is still a need for consumers to spend responsibly and in line with their earnings.

3 Ways that you can Save when Booking Flights

If you are planning to book a holiday this winter, for example, it is important that you look to access affordable flights where possible. Consider the following steps towards achieving this:

1.      Book at the Right Time

The travel industry is one of extremes, especially when it comes to booking flights. Essentially, it is cheaper to book tickets either exceptionally early or at the last minute, and the timing of your action can have a huge impact on the amount that you spend. Early booking help you to capitalise on initial discounts and promotions, for example, while last minute deals tend to be cheaper as original customers have cancelled or airlines trying to fill empty seats. As some revenue is better than none in the eyes of vendors, they are willing to cut prices and share savings with travellers. So don’t be rushed and hold your nerve as you seek out a cheap flight.

2.      Engage with Price Comparison Sites

 Technology has played a huge role in driving change in consumerism, and it has also helped individuals to access savings. Take price comparison sites, for example, which are objective and list price options across the breadth of an entire market. This is particularly effective if you book flights and accommodation separately, as it enables you to operate without restriction and search a wider share of the market. Attention to detail is crucial when comparing the market, as this will increase your chances of finding a blockbusting deal.

3.      Learn the Art of Negotiation

When shopping online for flights, the element of human interaction is removed from the buying process. This does not mean that you cannot negotiate, however, as airlines are physical businesses that will have a landline and email address. This means that it is possible to contact airlines and negotiate on price points, driving an even harder bargain in the process. While this is a delicate art that must be respected, all it really requires is a proactive mind-set and an ability to develop rapport with vendors.

Thailand is such a beautiful country to visit, rich with culture, good food, friendly locals and stunning beaches. It’s also a great place to visit if you feel like going all out and having a luxury holiday and five star spa treatment. It has everything from five star resorts, where you can have your own private pool, world class spas, luxury boat cruises and fine dining experiences. Rather then going through the hassles of booking it yourself, book a Thailand Holiday with Elegant Resorts and have all your needs taken care of.  If a luxury holiday in Thailand is something you want I’ve rounded up my favourite spas you must visit on your luxury holiday there.

Thailand is world-renowned for it’s spas and you can get everything from super cheap to super luxurious. So you can’t go there without booking in at least a few spa days. Be careful though as a lot of them are labeled as luxury when they in fact aren’t at all. Here are my favourites where you can be sure it’s only five star treatments:

1. Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary and Holistic Spa, Koh Samui

This is a total wellness retreat, where you can go to detox, restore and simply relax. They have anything from three day packages to full retreats throughout the year with world class teachers.

2. Bayan Tree, Phuket

The world famous spa here is pure luxury, with stunning tropical gardens and Eastern therapies that will help rejuvenate mind, body and spirit. They also offer meditation and yoga classes, making it the perfect place to relax and restore.

3. Royal Natural Spa, Bangkok

This is by far one of the best spas to visit in the bustling city of Bangkok, which has one of the most decadent decors I’ve ever seen. They keep their spa package offerings fresh by changing them on a monthly basis. It’s the perfect haven to escape from the noise and bustling

4. Explore Spa, Chiang Mai

Part of Le Meridien this spa feels like you have stepped into a mini Europe. They offer a beautiful range of European spa products that will only partner with the most exclusive spas worldwide. Their signature treatments will definitely leave you in total bliss.

5. Chiva Som, Hua Hin

This award-winning spa is total luxury and not only offers amazing spa treatments but delicious food too. All their fruit and vegetables are from their very own organic garden, making everything so fresh and tasty. You can also take up their morning tai chi classes if you feel like getting some extra zen.

Have you been to any of these spas? How was it? Tell me your experience in the comments below.

Gran Canaria is the perfect winter escape destination as it offers sunshine and beaches anytime of the year. However it’s not just for beach lovers as it offers expansive scenery and a wide variety of things to see and do. So if you are looking for a summer escape, here’s why you should book a Cosmos Holidays Grand Canaria holiday.

Excellent beaches  

Gran Canaria is the third larges isle in the infamous Spanish Canary Islands and one of the most popular. When you get sight of its gorgeous beaches it’s easy to see why. Each beach has something quite different and unique to offer too. Maspalomas beach is famous for it’s large scale dunes, where you can explore on  camel back.  You can ride jetskis in Playa Del Ingles, which also has a buzzing nightlife. Anfi Del Mar offers the picture perfect white sand and turquoise water Spanish beach. There are also some excellent surf spots on the island too if you feel like hitting the waves.

Las Palmas

A Gran Canaria holiday isn’t just all beaches and you can’t head there without visiting the beautiful village Las Palmas, where you can follow in the footsteps of Christopher Columbus who landed there. Walk through its cobbled streets and discover beautiful museums, tapas bars and restaurants. A definite highlight is the 15^th century cathedral.

Volcano Climb

You can climb to the top of the Canaries most famous volcano Roque Nublo, which erupted over 4.5 million years ago. Though if you don’t feel like climbing all the way to the top you can still get some magnificent views along the trail and on the drive to the Volcano itself.

Eat up a storm

Spain is well known for it’s delicious food and the food on Gran Canaria definitely lives up to expectations. It has everything from beautiful traditional Spanish tapas to some decadent fine dining restaurants.

It’s great for families

There are so many wonderful family friendly resorts on Gran Canaria and lots of fun activities for the kids making it a great destination for a family holiday. You can go on Dolphin watching tours or swim with the sea lions. If you don’t feel like swimming at the beach then take the kids to the water park. There are plenty of rides from a near vertical slide, to a gentle river ride. You will find plenty to do to keep the kid entertained.

Have you ever been on a holiday in Gran Canaria? Tell me about your experience in the comments below: