Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
House-Swapping
House-swapping is becoming a more
popular and viable means of travel; you
stay in their place, they stay in yours,
and you both get an authentic and per-
sonal view of the area, the opposite of
the escapist retreat that many hotels
offer. Try
HomeLink International
(www.
homelink.org), the largest and oldest
home-swapping organization, founded
in 1952, with over 11,000 listings world-
wide ($75 for an annual membership).
HomeExchange.org
(6,000 listings) and
InterVac.com
(over 10,000 listings) are
also reliable. Many travelers find great
housing swaps on Craigslist (www.
craigslist.org), too, though the offerings
cannot be vetted or vouched for. Swap
at your own risk.
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Book an efficiency apartment.
A room with a kitchenette allows you to shop
for groceries and cook your own meals. This is a big money saver, especially for
families on long stays.
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Consider enrolling in hotel “frequent-stay” programs,
which are upping the
ante lately to win the loyalty of repeat customers. Frequent guests can now accu-
mulate points or credits to earn free hotel nights, airline miles, in-room amenities,
merchandise, tickets to concerts and events, discounts on sporting facilities—and
even credit toward stock in the participating hotel, in the case of the Jameson Inn
hotel group.
Landing the Best Room
Somebody has to get the best room in the house. It might as well be you. You can
start by joining the hotel's frequent-guest program, which may make you eligible for
upgrades. A hotel-branded credit card usually gives its owner “silver” or “gold” status
in frequent-guest programs for free. Always ask about a corner room. They're often
larger and quieter, with more windows and light, and they often cost the same as
standard rooms.
When you make your reservation, ask if the hotel is renovating; if it is, request a
room away from the construction. Ask about rooms for non-smokers, ones with
views, or with twin, queen- or king-size beds. If you're a light sleeper, request to be
a distance from vending machines, elevators, restaurants, bars, and discos. Ask for a
room that has been most recently renovated or redecorated.
If you aren't happy with your room when you arrive, ask for another one. Most
lodgings will be willing to accommodate you. For tips on surfing for hotel deals
online, visit frommers.com.
