Category: ‘Vacation Time’

Resorts Advertising to the Wealthy

September 18, 2011 Posted by Wendy

Although America has been in an economic crisis for the last several years, not everyone is suffering, and hotels are beginning to advertise to the wealthy.  It is the affluent after all, that can afford to travel.  The new trend is for hotels to advertise the unique memories they can create for their clients.  If you can afford these high-end hotels, there are some creative and fun experiences to be had for sure.

Bluegreen Corporation resorts are 3-5 star resorts that want to cater to the middle-class and the wealthy, providing unique activities and service for both.  A lot of people, from the middle class to the affluent, are rewarding themselves for surviving the economic down turn, and deciding to treat themselves to experiences rather than new “things”.  Maybe it is because when it comes down to it, family and our memories are our most important treasures.

Hotels like the Ritz Carlton, Hilton Worldwide and Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts are just a few hotels launching campaigns to attract wealthy clients.  Some of their creative ideas are to create a drink named after the guest, create a special dish from their favorite recipe or go snorkeling by moonlight.  The idea is to spend a long weekend having more fun than you could have ever imagined.

However, spending a lot on advertising is a little risky as our economy is still tenuous.  Travel and luxury are not necessities, so they are often the first to go when times get tough.  Destinations that depend on tourists can attest to that.  The ripple affect of the economic downturn a few years ago affected the entire world, especially our neighbors in Mexico.

If you are ready to travel, no matter your economic class at the present, consider going to a Bluegreen resort.  They are located all over the United States, and they will be sure to make you feel special.  For more on this story, go to The New York Times.

The Best New Travel Credit Cards

September 13, 2011 Posted by Wendy

If you are a frequent flyer, having a credit card that gives you back travel rewards for money you spend can really help cut travel costs.  CNN has done their research on the best travel credit cards currently out there to help you decide which one may fit your lifestyle best.  The key to owning any credit card is to keep the balance paid down every month so you do not go into debt or have to pay interest.  Just stay within you monthly spending budget, but rather than using a debit card or a check, use your rewards earning credit card and pay the balance in full each month.  It takes discipline, but if you can do it, there are benefits to having one.
If you are a domestic traveler who flys to the same destination frequently, the Citi Gold/AAdvantage Visa Signature Card is a good card to use.  The annual fee is $50.00 a year after the first year, but if you spend $750.00 in the first four months, American Airlines will award you 20,000 bonus miles right away.  After that, you earn one AAdvantage mile for every dollar spent, and there are no blackout vacation dates for travel.  This card also offers a ‘Reduced Mileage Awards’ program that allows flights to select AA destinations for 7,500 fewer miles on a round trip ticket.  If you haven’t stayed at a Bluegreen resort yet, they are great resorts located all over the United States.
If you are a frequent international flyer, The Chase Sapphire Preferred card has an introductory offer of spending $3000.00 in the first three months and earn 50,000 miles. The main benefit to owning this card is that there are no foreign transaction fees when you use your card anywhere overseas.   You can also turn your points into miles with a 1:1 exchange into Continental/United Airlines and British Airways. The annual fee is $95.00 a year after the first year.
The American Express Premier Awards Gold Card is great for people that normally charge more than $2,000 a month on their credit card. This program triples your points when you buy a plane ticket and doubles your points when you use it for gas and groceries. You can use your points on any airline through American Express Travel, or transfer them into your preferred frequent flyer program. The annual fee is $175.00 a year, so make sure you take advantage of the flight rewards.
If you are in the market for a better credit card than you have now, go to CNN Travel for more information on these credit cards and more.  Just remember to keep your balance low to be a responsible spender, and traveling could become a lot more affordable!