Saturday, December 26, 2009

Choosing The Best Hotel

Author: David Brights

Source: articledashboard.com



You can check some of these issues if they are important to you. * Ask around and consider their customer service record. What ratings have they received from independent rating organizations? * Evaluate their franchise for consistency. Many Hotel's are franchised so you'll want to see how the particular location fits into the Hotel's chain. Find out how the chain rates this particular property within their organization. * Consider their Hotel policies, are they favorable to you or do they penalize you in some way. * Find out what partnerships they have that could save you money in other areas. Many Hotels have agreements with airlines, rental car or credit card companies. * See if they credit your frequent flyer or frequent guest programs with points. * Check the Hotel Chain's locations. Does their Hotel chain have locations where you travel? Do they have international locations? * Check the individual hotel's location. Is their airport hotel really close to the airport? * Evaluate their facility. When were the rooms last remodeled? Does it have the types of features you need? How well does it suit your need for the quick overnight stay or the weeklong resort vacation? Do they have business suites or meeting rooms available if you need them? Does the particular Hotel you want to stay in located in a safe part of town? Is any major construction going on in the area around your Hotel's location? Will there be any large groups staying at the Hotel that could negatively impact your stay? * Do they offer the types of extra services you need? Do they have a concierge, shuttle or laundry service? * Can they honor your special requests? * See if they offer a Premium or Loyalty Club that feature the services you need. * Check to see if you belong to any groups that entitle you to a special deal with a particular Hotel. * Consider their rates and the availability of any coupons or discounts. See who offers the best overall deal for your budget.

Tips For A Safe Vacation

It is summer, time for the annual vacation trip. If you will be driving somewhere for your vacation this year there are some precautions you can take to make your journey safer.

Whatever the season it is a good idea to keep an emergency car kit in your vehicle. These items can be packed in an old diaper bag or duffle bag. The following items are recommended to have available:

# An old towel ท
# Pair of working gloves ท
# Bottle of fix a flat ท
# Large screwdriver ท
# Pair of pliers ท
# Can of WD40 ท
# Jumper cables ท
# Wheel chock ท
# Emergency road flares ท
# Flashlight and extra batteries ท
# Rubber hammer ท
# Short-handled shovel or spade ท
# Old scarf or piece of rope ท
# Small bag of cat litter or rock salt ท
# Fluorescent safety vest ท
# Some type of nonperishable food and bottled water ท
# Cigarette lighter ท
# Basic first aid kit ท
# Bottled water for the car ท
# Two bread bags and four rubber bands (to keep your sleeves clean ท
# If you live in an area prone to cold or blizzards keep a warm blanket in your car ท
# Cell phone so you can call for help

Before you leave there are several things to check to ensure a more hassle free vacation trip. ท
# Check wiper blades and replace if they are worn. Clean them with glass cleaner or windshield wiper solvent to remove accumulated oily road film. Check the windshield washers and fill the reservoir with solvent. ท
# Check all lights. Signal lights, brake lights and emergency flashers are important means of communication with other drivers. Make sure both high and low beam headlights work and are properly aimed. ท
# Check the radiator and cowl (area on your hood just ahead of the windshield) for leaves and other debris. ท
# Check antifreeze and cooling system. Inadequate antifreeze can cause the car to overheat in the summer. Is the radiator pressure cap in good condition? ท
# Belts and hoses should be checked for cracking and wear. ท
# If your brakes make excessive grinding, squealing, screeching or chattering noises it is a warning they need attention. Inspect your brakes to see that they are free of corrosion and operating properly. ท
# Have your air conditioning evaluated before you have an expensive break down far away from home. ท
# Check tires for proper pressure. Temperature changes can affect air pressure. Proper inflation will maximize your gas mileage and save wear and tear on the tires. ท
# Windows need to be clean and in good repair. If the windshield is cracked or chipped have it repaired. Keep it cleaned of bugs and road film by cleaning it regularly with windshield wiper solvent and a clean paper towel or cloth. Keep the rear window clear of luggage, toys, camping gear, etc. Reduced vision can cause an accident.
Keep a good pair of sunglasses available. When the sun visor isn't enough you will need sunglasses that provide ultraviolet protection and do not distort vision.

Get your car a complete tune up several weeks before you are due to leave on vacation. If any necessary maintenance turns up you will have time to get it taken care of. Tell them you are planning a trip and want everything checked; tires, belts, fluids, etc. Have a comprehensive inspection done. Many conditions do not show up in a cursory checkup. You and your family's lives will depend on this vehicle performing well. Don't take chances or skimp on their safety