Holiday Travel Package Deals

No matter if you do stock travel phography as I do or if you just want to take the family on a nice holiday vacation, you’ll appreciate getting the best packages for your money. Here are a few tips.

Everyone needs a vacation once in a while. You know, a little break from the monotony of nine to five work days, routine chores, school and all the other daily stresses life can throw at you. This is why great priced travel package deals are so important.

You can plan an all-inclusive vacation ahead of time and then proceed to relax, stress free for a couple of weeks. Unlike back in the day, you can know seek out travel package deals to virtually anywhere you wish to go simply by accessing the right websites. If you did not look for travel specials online in the past, you will start now.

So, you have a vacation destination in mind, but you are not sure how to go about finding the right hotel room, getting the lowest air fare, and acquiring a taxi service from the airport to the lodging destination. Don’t fret about these minor details. Not only can you get all the travel package deals from the comfort of your own home, but you can compare the rates of competitors in the process.

This is always recommended, because it can be difficult to determine in the beginning who is offering the best possible rates available. Things change all the time at the drop of a hat.

Now, as for the best sites that offer travel package deals around the clock, you can choose from travelocity.com, expedia.com, priceline.com, and orbitz.com. All of these are major travel websites that can potentially provide you with the cheapest travel package deals to where ever you wish to go.

 These helpful sites essentially compare rates concerning hotels and airlines. They then display a list of options that pertain to your travel plans. Now, just so you know, these travel package deals change a lot.

This means you can look at expedia.com or priceline.com one day and see an excellent rate on airfare and hotel rooms, but them two days later the rate may be higher. Muchdepends upon demand. If there is a major conference or event and a lot of people are seeking out travel package deals, then the rates will naturally be higher. This is why it pays to compare each of these travel sites.

Shop Early for Vacation Travel

Purchase your travel packages in advance. Do not wait until the last minute to book a flight to Hawaii, along with a hotel room. This will generally cost you more money.

Booking travel package deals in advance is a great way to save some extra cash. Cash that you could take along for other travel expenses, such as dining out.

The truth is the odds are in your favor now with travel websites at your beck and call. With these sites all competing for your attention, each of them must strive to offer the lowest rate around. Clearly you want to pay as little as possible for vacation packages. Have a happy holiday.

Bob Pardue, Travel Stock Photographer for Carolina

Stock Photographer’s Guide to Travel Newsletters

As a travel stock photographer, I am constantly on the go so thought I’d share this with you about using newsletters. Hope have an enjoyable trip!

Whether you travel for business or pleasure, travel newsletters can provide a wealth of travel information, some of which can be used now and some of which can be compiled into a gigantic reference resource that’s useful for years to come.

Even the armchair traveler, who may only be able to take infrequent trips, can benefit from what can be gleaned from a good travel newsletter.

Most travel websites offer a free travel newsletter – it’s just good business for them. By providing valuable information that keeps you reading, when it comes time to take a trip, their readers are most likely to book a trip through them.

While business travelers most often book through their corporate travel agent, they’re missing out on a lot of insider information if they don’t also look to a few good newsletters as well. For example, these news letters often include feature articles on boutique hotels, so much more warm and friendly than the national chains, quite often at a substantial savings and equipped with all the usual business traveler services.

Hot Vacation Spots and Last Minute Travel Deals

Other tidbits might include links to the best hot spots in a given destination. Business travelers can make a good impression on a client by entertaining them at one of of those little out-of-the-way gems unknown to his competitors.

The active pleasure adventurer, booking a trip on his or her own, can find out about the hottest last minute deals available this week or month, right through his email travel newsletter.

Features

The best travel newsletters are those which deliver great feature articles in every issue. You, the subscriber, can compile these articles into categories and use them as a ready reference when you’re contemplating a trip. You can categorize them by destination, travel resources, travel gadgets, or restaurant or hotel reviews.

Do remember that this is copyrighted information, so you can only use this information for your own personal use. You can share your travel newsletter with a friend, but only when you pass it on in its entirety.

These lovely newsletters make for good reading, even if you can’t make a trip right now. If you follow every link in each issue, you’ll be able to dream and learn in a single sitting.

If you’re into travel research or history, you can find tons of resources, ranging from historical information to tips on etiquette in foreign countries. For example, did you know that giving someone a big ‘thumbs up’ is a ghastly insult in certain Middle Eastern cultures?

One traveler learned this the hard way and was hard pressed to make amends, following this particular breach of etiquette.

Most of these periodicals also regularly throw in a couple of links to traveler freebies they’ve dug up during the month.

Travel sites always keep up on the latest travel gadgets, from a hand held GPS device for road trips to photo upload mechanisms with new and improved features in a smaller size. This saves you lots of time tracking them down and keeping up to date.

So, no matter if you travel as a photographer as I do or, if you are just looking for a nice holiday weekend, your travel news is just a flip of the page away!

Enjoy Life!

Bob Pardue. Professional Travel Stock Photographer, parduephotos.com

Cool Ideas for a Tropical Beach Vacation

Winter is coming fast so where do you escape for your holiday? Well, here are a few tips for vacationing with the sand between your toes.

Tropical beaches and tropical islands are located within 23 1/2 degrees either north or south of the equator.  They enjoy warm weather year round with plenty of sunshine and warmth. 

Depending on where you are headed, there are many tropical destinations around the world, including Hawaii, Fiji, the Caribbean, and Bora Bora.

Hawaii
The Aloho State of Hawaii offers you several different islands and beaches.  Oahu Island is the most popular, home to the infamous Waikiki Beach and Honolulu, the state’s capital. 

Maui offers you several luxury resorts, 16 golf courses, and a 10,023 foot volcano.  Molokai and Lanai can  be reached by ferry from Maui, or you can simply fly there from Honolulu.

Hawaii’s Big Island is the largest of all islands, featuring Volcanoes National Park, with amazing waterfalls and breathtaking beaches.  Kauai  known for it’s tropical vegetation and has even been used for setting of many Hollywood movies.

Caribbean Islands
The Caribbean Islands are comprised of many different large and smal islands, including the Bahamas, Jamaica, Barbados, the Virgin Islands, British Virgin Islands, and Anguila, just to name a few.

The Caribbean Islands offer splendid beaches, crystal clear water, and warm weather.  The vacation activities include diving, swimming, snorkeling, sailing, and even fishing.

Fiji
The island of Fiji is comprised of many tropical islands that are famous for their azure waters and sandy beaches.  There are several resorts for you to choose from, including the Fiji Islands Resort and the Yasawa Island Resort.

Stock Photo Copyright Bob Pardue www.parduephotos.com - All Rights Reserved

South Carolina

Not exactly tropical but you can find normally great weather most of the year in beautiful Myrtle Beach, SC. This low country resort is just filled with sandy beaches, all the golf you can play and all the first class shows you can see such as the Carolina Opry and Alabama Theater. And, you don’t even need a passport to visit South Carolina!

Hope these ideas help with your vacation choices this year. Have fun and don’t forget the suntan lotion!

Stock Image Dixie Stampede at Christmas

Stock Image Copyright Bob Pardue www.parduephotos.com - All Rights Reserved

Ahhh. Christmastime! Jean and I travel to Myrtle Beach, SC almost every year in December and take in the decorations for the holidays. On this trip I noticed the beautiful Christmas tree in front of the Dixie Stampede building located on the north side of town.

Thought, since the season is fast approaching, I’d share the stock photo with you.

Caption Information: Stock photo showing Caucasian woman from 45 to 55 years looking up at giant Christmas tree at Dolly Partons Dixie Stampede attraction building. Tree and theater are decorated for the Christmas Holidays at Myrtle Beach South Carolina USA. 

Christmas tree out front shows the spirit of the holiday season. Dixie Stampde show entertains audiences with a 32 horse show including trick riding buckboard racing and a patriotic finale. December brings in its Christmas show and presentation. This is a Myrtile Beach SC feature attraction and fun for the entire family.

Main Kwds: Bob Pardue caucasian woman 45 55 years red striped top view look marvel standing looking up Dixie Stampede Dolly Parton show entertainment 32 horse show trick riding building theater theatre Christmas decoration decorated giant Christmas tree tall large December family fun family show presentation holiday holidays ornaments attraction Myrtle Beach SC South Carolina beach east coast coast Grand Strand Southeast USA US travel tourism vacation outside blue sky clouds winter holiday destination family families full length side view female 1 one person lifestyle

Hope you enjoyed this image and, as always you can license it for your magazine or brochure for editorial use by sending an email to stock@bobpardue.com or by calling 803-810-2003.

Also, I offer this image through Alamy Images where you can download it through their automatic process.

Go here to see this and other Dixie Stampede building images ..

Please come back to the photo blog soon and see more of my photographic work from SC and other areas of the USA.

Best, Bob Pardue

Find a Last Minute Travel Agency

When you are getting ready for a trip or vacation you don’t always plan the way you should. Time creeps up on you and all of a sudden your holiday date is next week. What to do? Why, find a last minute travel agency to make the cheap last minute deal for you of course!

Organization Thrown out the Window

organization. You need to know what to pack, where to go, what to do, and how to get there. You need to know the best travel deals, the best and the worst in dining, and the best in the worst in bargains of things that you want to buy for people back home.

You need to get the best deals for travelers in not just going to and from a place, but in staying there. Some travel agencies can help you out, while others are just plain nasty.

How can you weed out the bad ones and get yourself the travel experience of a lifetime?

First, if you are looking for a travel agency, look at the affordable deals that the travel agency posts, especially when it comes to your travel deal of choice: last minute travel.

Many travel agencies will naturally not favor last minute travel. It can be taxing on resources as they scramble to get you a good deal on plane fares and hotel accommodations.

They will be panicking the same way that you are, with your packing and your planning. They will not like to be harassed! But if they offer some discounts already for last minute travel, it means that they have planned their company well and already foresee your needs.

Pick this kind of company: the kind that anticipates travel problems.

Second, pick a company that is up front about its fees. You will get a lot of fees for last minute travel, from the hotel to your tickets, from the travel agents to your taxes.

Some travel agencies can keep these fees a secret by showing you discounted rates, and then mentioning hidden fees but never telling you how much you are going to be charged.

Do not be afraid to ask travel agencies about these hidden fees, and do not be afraid to walk away if your travel agent never gives you details on what these hidden fees are. Your agent should have nothing to hide!

Tried and true

Third, pick a company that actually has a reputation. In other words, do not be ashamed to consult with your friends. You need to get a company that has worked for a lot of people, not some travel agency that seemed to pop out of nowhere.

A last minute travel agency that has a reputation for being on top and has cheap deals will also have a reputation to uphold, so they cannot simply take money from you and make your vacation or trip a horrendous experience.

Fourth, always scout around for a lot of travel agents. There will surely be many travel agencies in your area: some big travel agencies may have a lot of clients and they might not be able to give you the attention that you need for last minute travel, but they could also be used to catering to people who are on last minute travel quandaries.

Smaller agencies can give you the personalized service that you need, but they might not be used to handling last minute travel arrangements. Look for many travel agents and then have an agency that exclusively handles your last minute travel needs.

Last minute travel can be a big hassle, but if you know what agencies will work well for you and get you the best and cheapest last minute deals, you won’t have too big a problem.

Thanks for dropping by and have a great vacation or holiday!

Bad Economy and Last Minute Travel Deals

Travel Lifestyle Photo by Bob Pardue www.parduephotos.com - All Rights Reserved

You want to travel but are afraid the bad economical situation will hurt your pocketbook. Here is a quick tutorial for traveling on a tight budget.

Here you’ll learn how crazy cheap it is to travel these days. And not just domestically but internationally. That’s right. There are all sorts of last minute travel deals to be had. If you know where and when to look, you can score some incredible vacations.

How would you like to spend seven days cruising the Caribbean on just thirty-five dollars a day? That’s right. There are seven day Caribbean cruises being sold for $250 dollars!

Trust me, over the last few months, I’ve not only cruised the Caribbean for thirty-five dollars a day, I’ve flown my girlfriend to New York City for the weekend, eaten in some of the best restaurants and stayed in some of the best hotels for a fraction of the cost.

Would you like to spend a few days in the Big Apple, take in the lights around Broadway and dine in a four star New York City restaurant, and not just any four star New York City restaurant but Tom Colicchio, of Top Chef fame’s restaurant “Craft”.

Well, you could be well on your way to doing so–and cheaply. Turns out Chef Tom, in an effort to keep the customers pouring in, has created what he calls a “poverty menu”. That’s right. A menu for the budget conscious customer.

Just imagine after an evening meal at “Craft” slipping off to a luxurious four star hotel for just $100-$150 dollars a night. Amazing considering the average four star hotel in New York City can run nearly $500 dollars or more a night.

I know this all may sound to good to be true. But trust me, it isn’t. All you need are a few simple tips to turn your last minute travel deal into a reality.

If you follow some of the rules I lay out, you’re sure to be on your way to discovering some great last minute travel deals.

These are some things to remember: 

Shop around …
Don’t settle for the first few last minute travel deals you spot. There are incredible amounts of airline and travel sites competing for your business. Let this work to your advantage. These companies desperately need people like you to fill the seats of their planes, cars and rooms.

Call the airlines directly….
Airlines know that if they save the best last minute travel deals for themselves and you book directly through them, they get brand recognition. It’s worth the phone call.

In order to find great last minute travel deals, hop the following sites regularly…

• Bidding for Travel.com
  Travel Zoo
  Orbitz
  Hotwire
  and Priceline

These sites are great resources. And remember the best flight deals are scheduled for weekdays, not weekends!

All of these sites have great deals that can be had with a little determination and timing. So, now you have no excuses. Make the most of this recession and find a way to get away. Don’t you deserve a break from the hum-drum of everyday life?

Deal on the Best Family Vacation Destinations

Taking the family on a holiday trip is sometimes stressful, especially when not well planned. This blog post is about how to find the best deal for your travel destination and I hope it relieves some of the headaches of getting ready and saving some money.

I have yet to find a single person that didn’t like to go on a vacation no matter if they are planning a road trip or just flying off to a distant destination to relax. And why wouldn’t they?

A travel holiday can be a welcome break for your everyday life. A chance to go some place new and exotic, someplace warm and relaxing or some place fun and exciting.

There really is nothing better than some time away from the rat race - except maybe a good vacation deal. Finding discount vacations  isn’t as difficult as you might think. Here are three steps to help you find destinations that are right for you and your pocketbook, even if you leave at the last minute.

The first step to traveling cheaply is to be flexible with your travel methods. I’m not suggesting hitchhiking, but if you can piece together your method for reaching your destination, you can find some good deals.

For example, you might really want to visit New York City, but the airfare from your local airport is through the roof. You might be able to name your own price by flying to a nearby city and renting a car one-way or finding an affordable bus ride.

If you’re willing to spend a little more time, you can save a lot of money.

For the cheapest and best family vacation, go off-peak. Everyone wants to go see New Orleans during Mardi Gras, but New Orleans is a beautiful city year-round.

Many popular destinations have peak seasons – and the prices and costs to get there peak also. Sometimes going as little as a week or two before or after a peak season can net you a spectacular vacation deal, without giving up very much at all. Also, remember all the last minute deals you can get online if you know your travel dates.

Finally, planning a road trip or family getaway is essential. Have a packing list and a checklist of things to do and places to see. You’ll thank yourself for it.

About Last Minute Vacation Deals

 Airlines and hotels hate empty seats and rooms. If you wait until the last minute, airlines will slash their ticket fares substantially to make sure that they make back some money on it.

And of course, if you plan a year or more ahead, you can get a good ticket price and that always equals one thing – money in your pocket!

Finding a vacation deal isn’t rocket science. The key to having fun is to relax and to be flexible, be open, and have some patience. Do some research. Make your next family holiday a vacation for your wallet too  by finding a good vacation deal! Bon Voyage!

Ideas for an Exotic Beach Vacation

You don’t have to use much imagination to discover places to spend your vacation or holiday on an exotic beach. With that said here are a few ideas to consider before packing.

Caribbean Beach Vacation
 1.  Families flock to Jamaica and theDominican Republic for their all inclusives with watersports and kids clubs.
 2.  At some resorts the kids programs areoutstanding, with separate leaders and activities for many different age groups.
 

3.  Pool complexes – some resorts have waterparks.
 

4.  The prices can be high, although they will drop from May to December.  Hurricane season is in those months as well, although most resorts offer weather guarantees.

Myrtle Beach

Want plenty of sand and surf and golf? Well, a trip to Myrtle Beach South Carolina fits the bill. With affordable lodging and, at the time of this writing, over 100 wonderful golf courses, this low country area is a must visit!

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR FINDING STOCK IMAGES OF MYRTLE BEACH HERE ..

Beach Holidays in Mexico
Even though tourists zip down to Mexico and dowhat they want at a condo or small hotel, beach vacations at all inclusive resorts are still the best way to go for families.

The Riviera Maya, an hour south of Cancun, has the second largest barrier reef in the world.  It also has many activities for families to explore outside of the resort.  You can rent a car, hire a taxi, or even take a public bus.

Blue Hawaii
When you go to Hawaii, you shouldn’t expect to find all inclusive resorts in the Aloha state. Hawaii is known for lush luxury resorts, such as the Grand Wailea on Maui, or the properties on the Big Island’s Kohala Coast.

To find more affordable options in Hawaii, the Waikiki Beach area is breathtaking, fun for the entire family, and offers several different lodging
options. 

With plenty of options available to you and your family, vacation ideas on the beach are always  something to look forward to.  There are many beaches
and travel guides to look through, all you have to do is find the one that
fits your needs – and your budget.

Hope your vacation goes smoothly and thanks for stopping by my blog. If you like, you can bookmark this page so that you can check for future updates.

Using Navigation Systems for Vacation Travel

Stock Image Copyright Bob Pardue www.parduephotos.com - All Rights Reserved

I finally broke down and bought a GPS because of my car travel as a stock photographer. We named her Molly and Jean and I have fun pretending she is real but the navigation system is really very helpful. Here is a quick story..

Nothing is more frustrating that trying to travel for the holidays and not be able to figure out how to get there.

Even if you have a plan when you leave home, things can get turned around quickly if you don’t have a good sense of direction. Stopping for directions isn’t always effective because people don’t always have the information you need to get to your destination.

Check out the available GPS before buying

There are plenty of amazing navigation systems you can use to help take the frustration out of holiday travel though. Advances in technology offer us a great way to have these tools at our fingertips.

Many people travel with their laptop computers and you can access travel routes either online or with various types of computer software programs.

Even a simple compass in your vehicle can assist you when you least expect it. I was recently driving along when there was a detour due to road construction.

I followed everyone else and then came to some signs. It said 5 miles East and then 11 Miles North to get to my destination. The problem was there were no arrows and I didn’t know which way I was headed on that road. Luckily my car has a built in compass so I was able to figure it out.

If your vehicle doesn’t have one then you need to purchase one. It will come in handy as you travel for the holidays.

This information will allow you to find the fastest route as well as the shortest route to get to your holiday destination. You can also find the route that has access to hotels, restaurants, and rest areas.

This is great information if you are traveling with children because you will find you have to stop more often in order to keep everyone happy.

Having a laptop can also keep you up to date with the weather conditions during your holiday travel. This is important because if roads are closed or there are delays due to an accident you can easily find yourself an alternate route.

Many people have similar types of navigation systems on their cell phones. The most high tech gadget is the very popular iPhone. If offers access to the internet and has a 3 ½ inch monitor for you to view the information on.

Many vehicles feature a Global Positioning System known as GPS. There are some models you can purchase separately and then add them to any model of vehicle that you have.

This is a very good tool that you will always have when you are operating your vehicle. Even if you don’t know exactly where you are, a satellite system does and it send that information to the GPS system. You can then enter the information for your travel destination and it will give you the directions you need to get there.

Don’t spend your time traveling for the holidays caught up in traffic or bad weather. You also don’t want to drive for hours and then realize you have been going the wrong direction.

 The landscaping of the area can change over the years leaving you unfamiliar with the way to get there on your own. These types of navigational tools will definitely help you to get your barrings and to arrive for the holidays on time. Have a safe trip and take lots of pictures!

How to Use Travel Agents for the Last Minute Trip

Travel Stock Photo Copyright Bob Pardue www.parduephotos.com - All Rights Reserved

If you are like me and plan your vacation or trip at the very last minute, then you’ll need to read these hints about finding agencies to help with last minute travel. Have a happy holiday!

Planning your travel can be a great thing and an exercise for you in terms of organization. You need to know what to pack, where to go, what to do, and how to get there.

You need to know the best travel deals, the best and the worst in dining, and the best in the worst in bargains of things that you want to buy for people back home. You need to get the best deals in not just going to and from a place, but in staying there.

Some travel agencies can help you out, while others are just plain nasty. How can you weed out the bad ones and get yourself the travel experience of a lifetime?

Finding a Travel Agency

First, if you are looking for a travel agency, look at the deals that the travel agency posts, especially when it comes to your travel deal of choice: last minute travel.

Many travel agencies will naturally not favor last minute travel. It can be taxing on resources as they scramble to get you a good deal on plane fares and hotel accommodations. They will be panicking the same way that you are, with your packing and your planning.

They will not like to be harassed! But if they offer some discounts already for last minute travel, it means that they have planned their company well and already foresee your needs. Pick this kind of company: the kind that anticipates travel problems.

Second, pick a company that is up front about its fees. You will get a lot of fees for last minute travel, from the hotel to your tickets, from the travel agents to your taxes.

Hidden Fees of Last Minute Travel Agencies

Some travel agencies can keep these fees a secret by showing you discounted rates, and then mentioning hidden fees but never telling you how much you are going to be charged.

Do not be afraid to ask your travel agent about these hidden fees, and do not be afraid to walk away if your travel agent never gives you details on what these hidden fees are. Your travel agent should have nothing to hide!

Third, pick a company that actually has a reputation. In other words, do not be ashamed to consult with your friends.

You need to get a company that has worked for a lot of people, not some travel agency that seemed to pop out of nowhere.

A travel agency that has a reputation will also have a reputation to uphold, so they cannot simply take money from you and make your last minute travel horrendous.

Don’t Book the First Vacation You FInd

Fourth, always scout around for a lot of travel agents. There will surely be many travel agencies in your area: some big travel agencies may have a lot of clients and they might not be able to give you the attention that you need for last minute travel, but they could also be used to catering to people who are on last minute travel quandaries.

Smaller agencies can give you the personalized service that you need, but they might not be used to handling last minute travel arrangements. Look for many travel agents and then have an agency that exclusively handles your last minute travel needs.

Finding travel deals at the last minute

There are a lot of travel deals available for last minute travel, and if you know where to look, you will be able to get the deals that you need and want.

Holiday and Vacation Packages

One kind of travel deal involves packaging your trip, accommodations, and even your tour in one combination. If you can book this way ahead of time, then you can get great deals on this kind of combination.

These are only a few tips that you can use to help you get the travel deals that you want. Last minute travel can be a big hassle, but if you know what agencies will work well for you, you won’t have too big a problem.

Keep this travel blog in your bookmarks as new articles and travel stock pictures will be added soon!

Best,
Bob Pardue, Travel Stock Photograher

parduephotos.com

Vacation Travel by Train – Is It All That?

Photo Copyright Bob Pardue www.parduephotos.com - All Rights Reserved

I love to travel and take stock photos so much of my traveling is by auto but there is much to be said for holiday travel by train. See what to do…

More and more people are turning to Amtrak as a reliable way to travel for the holidays. After the terrorist attacks of 09/11/01, airport security has become increasingly difficult to get through.

As a result most airports have long lines and delays taking place around the holidays because they don’t want to become lax even when it is busy.

Traveling with children for the holidays can be stressful, especially if you are traveling with them alone.

Keeping them entertained in a car for the trip is often a two person job so one can drive and one can play games or offer snacks to keep everyone in the vehicle happy for the duration of the trip.

Airplanes are very cramped and most people don’t do well with children roaming the isles or crying during the flight. For younger children, the amount of pressure that can build in their ears on an airplane is very painful.

Being stuck on a runway for hours will definitely make children uncomfortable and these delays often happen around the holidays. If you have ever tried to change diapers in the small airplane bathrooms you will know that it isn’t an easy feat to accomplish.

Amtrak is very family oriented so this may be the best mode of transportation for your holiday travel. The cars are roomy and you are able to get up and walk around freely. There is plenty of scenery along the railway routes too for you to enjoy.

If you are be going on a long trip for the holidays, Amtrak offers sleeping cars of various sizes. This is a great way for your children to have the room they need to take a nap and to play. Most of the family sleeping cars offer enough space for two adults and two children comfortably.

You will find great holiday travel deals on Amtrak when you reserve a sleep car as well. Many times you will get coupons for free meals offered in the dining car. This is an expense you will have to cover on your own otherwise so it helps offset the cost of the sleep car.

Before Traveling by Train, Make Early Reservations

Make sure you make reservations for Amtrak early though. They tickets often sell out quickly for holiday travel and they have a limited number of sleeping cars.

You don’t want to be stuck without one or have to accept one that is too small for comfort because you waited too long to make your reservation.

Most train stations are very well set up and you can even leave your car there when you board the Amtrak for free.

Most airports charge you by the day to leave your vehicle behind and that is an expense that quickly adds up.

You can either have your family or friends pick you up at the train station for your destination or choose alternate modes of transportation. There will likely be rental cars at the terminal or you can take a taxi cab.

You can go online to find out the various destinations that Amtrak travels to. If they don’t go to your exact location but within 100 miles you may want to consider having someone pick you up there or to rent a car to go the rest of the way.

Amtrak is affordable and much more comfortable than taking an airplane or traveling all that way in a car.

Like this blog post? Pass it along to a friend. Thanks for visiting and hope to see you next time I’m on a travel photo assignement!

Bob Pardue, Carolina Travel Photographer

parduephotos.com

Family Vacation Travel Can be Fun

Travel stock image copyright Bob Pardue www.parduephotos.com - All Rights Reserved

 

Yep, family vacation travel can be fun if done right. I hope this holiday article will help you to enjoy yours!

Summertime means that the kids are out of school. Do you have some vacation time or sick or personal days saved up?

Then it might be time to consider some family vacation travel. Family vacation travel is a time-honored tradition in the United States and there’s more options for family vacation travel that everyone in the family will love – without breaking your bank account!

Don’t get stressed about vacation travel with your family

Family vacation travel can be a stress-free time, if you plan it correctly. The sooner you can plan your family vacation travel, the better chance you can get affordable rates on hotels or flights.

Of course, consider the season and month you want to have some family vacation travel. Avoiding the peak seasons in certain destinations can mean saving some serious cash.

Typically, it’s cheaper to go for some family vacation travel later in the summer months as opposed to right in June when the kids get out of school.

When my wife was growing up, she and her family would go go for some family vacation travel – with another family. Her parents’ friends had kids her age also.

The benefits of this sort of family vacation travel are numerous. First of all, you’re going with your friends and family – the more, the marrier applies for family vacation travel as well.

Even better, because they were now traveling in a large group, the were able to get group discounts on hotel rooms, dinner reservations, and flights, just to name a few.

Another option when considering family vacation travel on the cheap is to pack up the car and drive. Chances are there are a number of places within a couple of hours of driving that you haven’t seen that you can’t miss.

Explore a new city or town. Drive to a nearby amusement park and spend a week. The drive itself can be part of the family vacation travel, stopping at other places on your way to you destination.

Car travel is easier and less fussier than ever with children with all of the portable game, music and video devices.

Whatever kind of family vacation travel you’re interested in, you can find some really great deals, save some money and have a really good time for the whole family.

Take your time, plan your trip, and have fun during your family vacation travel adventure!

You just need to research a little, be flexible, and think outside the box to have the family vacation travel you’ve always wanted.

Who Else wants a Cheap Vacation ?

You’re probably ready to load up the family, take some time off work and have a relaxing holiday, aren’t you?

Well, with the economy in the pits today, a cheap vacation might be just the answer to your pocketbook. Here are a few affordable travel tips to help you save some money.

“Who can afford a vacation these days?”, you might ask … when we think vacation, we think of an expensive, budget busting proposition. If you’re looking for a truly cheap vacation, we’ve got some good news for you!

There’s a fast growing trend among would be vacationers to find the cheapest vacation that still satisfies the urge for a getaway from the rat race. There are two such possibilities I’ve run across which you might want to consider.

Work your way to a cheap vacation holiday

First, there’s the ‘house-sitting’ vacation. There are websites galore which list properties for which the owners need a house sitter, usually for security purposes.

 The owner may be going on vacation and needs a responsible party to occupy their home while they’re gone. In addition to not leaving the home empty and vulnerable to thieves, they may also want someone to care for a pet or water the garden.

Here’s how this deal works: in exchange for occupying the home and performing a few tasks such as those described, you are provided with both room and board, free of charge!

The contents of the frig and freezer are at your disposal and sometimes, you are provided with an arrangement whereby you can charge any additional groceries you might need at a local supermarket.

Often, these homes are among the pricier ones in the area, with a lot of square footage and amenities such as hot tubs, Jacuzzis and pools. Now this definitely qualifies as a cheap vacation!

These ‘house-sitting’ opportunities are available in every region of the U.S., as well as overseas. This means your only expenses are getting there, availing yourself of the sights – museums, concerts, tours and the like – and dining out, if you wish.

For a really cheap vacation, find a house-sitting job in your area, one you can reach by car in just a few hours. If you live in California, you might want to see what’s available in Lake Tahoe. In Vermont, how about Lake Placid?

House-sitting jobs are usually posted well in advance, which makes it fairly easy to coordinate your vacation time from work. To my way of thinking, this has got to be the ultimate luxury, but cheap vacation.

Affordable vacations are easy if you don’t go anywhere!

The second trend in the cheap vacation market is – are you ready for this – the stay-at-home vacation. Couples really enjoy this one. If you’ve got kids, you can either hire a babysitter to watch them – at their home – or recruit family members.

Before your vacation starts, go shopping for all the food you’ll need. Make some do-ahead gourmet meals, get a couple of bottles of fine wine or champagne and line up your favorite movies to download and watch, as you kick back with whatever snacks and special treats suit you.

Buy candles, bubble bath and other such romantic accessories. Treat yourself to an evening out at one of the nicest restaurants. This can be a week-long, very cheap vacation package.

With the economy in the toilet, it’s time to put a glass half full attitude to work. You have to admit that these can easily be a great vacation or affordable holiday, with the right companion!

Now that you know, have a great time on your cheap vacation!

Bob Pardue, Travel Stock Photographer, parduephotos.com

Surfs Up – Your Waikiki Beach Vacation

Blue ocean, exciting surf and hula girls dancing on the beach. What better holiday than this for a stock travel photographer?

Your Waikiki Beach Vacation

Located on the sun drenched Hawaiian Island of Oahu, Waikiki Beach is one of the most famous and well known beaches in the entire world, with luxurious hotels and beach clubs set right on the beach. 

Waikiki Restaurants

The famous Kalakaua Avenue, which runs parallel to the beach, offers you a shoppers paradise with fine restaurants and nightly entertainment.

Surfing

Waikiki Beach is also known for its gentle waves which are ideal for beginner surfers.  You can rent surboards and gear on the beach, even take lessons
if you have never surfed before.

Catamaran rides to and from Diamond Head are also offered by several different companies as well, with depart times varying.  Other activities on
your vacation include kayaking, swimming, and outrigger canoeing.

There are several restaurants located right on  Waikiki Beach, such as Duke’s Canoe Club and the Surf Room.  When the evening sets in, you can enjoy a romantic dinner while you watch the sun set over the beautiful and amazing Pacific Ocean with a stunning sunset.

Waikiki Beach hotels
As you travel along the beach from west to east beginning in Diamond Head, you’ll encounter several first class hotels such as Hilton Hawaiian Village,
Sheraton Waikiki, Outrigger Hawai, the Royal Hawaiian Hotel, and several others.

The Waikiki Beach Vacation difference
While there are several other spots for your beach vacation, few manage to capture the beauty and tranquility that Waikiki offers.  Hawaii has long
been known for a tropical paradise, with Maui being an excellent example.  Hawaii offers several beaches, with Waikiki being one of the best.

If you’ve been looking for the ideal place for your beach holiday, you shouldn’t hesitate to go to Waikiki.

Travel to Waikiki 

You can find discounts on hotel rooms at different times of the year, making it the perfect opportunity to check out everything Hawaii will provide you and your family with.

I can’t wait to go and shoot some stock travel photographs. Let’s Go to Hawaii !!!

6 Cheap Last Minute Travel Deals

If you are set on traveling or, if you are planning an affordable vacation or holiday getaway, then take a look at these 6 cheap last minute travel deals.

Book Early for Cheap Deals on Travel

 If you book your flights or hotel room early, you get good deals for your punctuality. But sometimes, last minute travel can’t be avoided. And we know what that means… since you’re booking flights last minute, you sometimes have to pay more. So can you still find cheap last minute travel seats and accommodations? Here are tips to make sure you do:

Use your frequent flyer status.
Membership does have its advantages and it is even more so in case you need to make cheap last minute travel arrangements. If you are a member of an airline’s frequent flyer program, then you will be considered as a privileged passenger. That means you can take advantage of an age-old practice that airlines are still upholding today – reserving a few tickets for their VIPs. 

If you need to make last minute travel, go ahead and flash them your card. You also get to earn a few bonus points in the process.

Get travel deals on the Internet.
Yep, these days, whenever you need anything, you go online. If you need cheap, last minute travel deals for an airplane ticket, go to the airline’s website. There are many of them that display leftover tickets for a particular flight. These are seats that have remained unsold even as the airplane is getting ready for takeoff. You’ll get some nice discounts for filling up the seats.

You could buy the tickets online but be ready to dash off to the airport or boarding gate. If you want last minute travel this cheap, you better live up to it.

Get Sky Miles with Your Credit Card
Some credit card companies offer air miles programs on their cards. Check if yours is affiliated with an airline company. You can take advantage of these offerings in case you need to travel pronto. Plus, you might even collect rewards points as well.

Go on holiday or vacation during off seasons

Airfare and hotel prices fluctuate, depending on the season. If you want cheap last minute travel deals, go off season when there are fewer travelers and companies are raring to fill their seats and rooms.

You could get a great discount if you only choose to travel when business is slow.

Get a cheap vacation by buying travel packages
Many travel agencies purchase multiple flights and use them to promote package tours. In case your destination is included in these bundles, consider buying a seat. Although most of these trips sell fast, you could find cheap last minute travel with these agencies.

This usually happens as the date of departure approaches. If there are packages that have remained unsold, you can be sure that they will be sold at highly discounted prices. 

The advantage here is that you not only get to cover the airfare, you also get accommodation (and probably breakfast) thrown in. All in all, that should be way less than the cost of a regular flight and hotel booking.

Get on travel lists
Many airlines and hotels send out alerts regarding great deals on their products. You could take advantage of these in case you need to travel last minute cheaply.

Check your e-mail boxes regularly if there’s a good deal currently active around the time you have to travel. Just be careful, though.

Don’t look for your money back on these last minute travel deals

If you go this route, make sure you really are going to travel. Most of these companies offer these deals as non-refundables. Other than that, enjoy your affordable vacation or business trip.

And remember, take plenty of travel pictures !!

Vacation Trip to Charleston SC

Charleston Market Photo Copyright Bob Pardue www.parduephotos.com - All Rights Reserved

I’ve visited Charleston, SC many times and never tire of its historic beauty. – Bob

There comes a time in everyone’s life when a peaceful little getaway is in order. We all enjoy a break from the daily routine and hectic work environment we grapple with on a regular basis. Luckily there are wonderful hot spots to retreat to.

One of these quaint yet charming cities is Charleston South Carolina. Here you’ll experience fine seafood dining, a gorgeous historic district, carriage rides, fun haunted tours, and upper-scale shopping galore.

If these amenities strike your fancy, then a jaunt off to Charleston South Carolina may be right up your alley. Get ready for a warm climate, friendly southern atmosphere and plenty of unique scenery.

I can still recall the first time I traveled to Charleston South Carolina. For some odd reason my wife and I were drawn to the place and just had to check it out. Fortunately our intuitions were spot-on.

Places to See In Charleston SC

It took only a few moments to notice the exquisite charm of this outstanding southern city. One aspect that stands out in my mind is the fine dining. Charleston South Carolina offers a mouth-watering array of seafood, hush puppies and tasty ale. Is there really anything else needed? On a separate note, visiting Charleston means cobblestone streets and historic architecture.

Be sure to bring your camera along on this venture. There’s no doubt that you’ll want to take plenty of pictures. A great way to get some stellar shots is by taking a carriage ride through the most beautiful sections of Charleston South Carolina.

Don’t forget the exciting tours when you visit Charleston. There are plenty to go around and surely something for everyone. My wife and I indulged in the haunted tour.

Not only did the tour guide play the part of ghostly guide, but he also exposed us to the most haunted buildings in Charleston South Carolina. I was astounded to hear some of the crazy old ghost stories. I especially enjoyed the fact that the tour was on foot and not in a trolley.

This makes the experience much more personal and intense than simply hearing someone speak over an intercom as you drive around. It’s time you too gave Charleston a shot.

I guarantee this incomparable southern city won’t let you down. It’s perfect for romantic getaways and family vacations alike. Enjoy the charms of Charleston South Carolina!

9 Exciting Beach Vacation Ideas

Myrtle Beach Photo Copyright Bob Pardue - All Rights Reserved - To license this image go to www.parduephotos.com

 

When traveling to do stock travel images, I often find myself browsing the net to see where to go next. Well, here are nine great vacation ideas for you and I to consider. – Bob

When it comes to go on your beach vacation, it can
be very hard to pick a destination.  There are many
places you can go, whether you want to explore the
beaches of Hawaii or just play golf in Georgia. 
Below, you’ll find 9 ideas to help you decide on
where to go for your vacation.

1.  Hawaii resorts and beaches
You can choose to put your frequent flier miles to
good use and take a beach vacation on the island of
Hawaii.  Here, you can relax on the beach, swim in
the ocean, play golf, and even indulge in one of
the many innovative spa treatments.  Hawaii enjoys
some of the best weather in the world – making it
a great choice for your beach vacation.

2.  Golfing and Beach Vacations in Georgia
Popular among the East Coast, the Cloister at Sea
Island in Georgia offers you 54 holes of championship
golf, sandy beaches, and a wide array of things for
you to do. 

3.  Oahu beach vacation
At the Kahala Mandarin Oriental you can expect to be
pampered like never before.  You can visit the spa,
take scuba diving classes, or choose to swim it up
with the dolphins.  The resort is conveniently
located 15 minutes away from Honolulu and Waikiki
Beach.

4.  Virgin Islands vacation
At this vacation destination you can enjoy blue
waters and sandy beaches.  The Ritz Carlton, and
St. Thomas resorts offer you the best of luxury
hotels during your beach vacation in the Virgin
Islands.

5.  Half Moon Bay on the West Coast USA
Located just 30 minutes by car away from San
Francisco, the Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay is a
quick beach vacation away from the normal busy life
of the city. 

6.   Bermuda Luxury Beach Resorts
Two hours away by flight from New York City,
Bermuda is a quick and ideal vacation away from the
East Coast.  Ariel Sands offers you 47 guest rooms
with gourmet food and breathtaking views.

7.  Romance and seclusion in Jamaica
With unique rooms and splendid views of the
Caribbean, gourmet cuisine and amazing beaches,
The Caves resort in Jamaica helps to set the beach
vacation mood like never before.

8.  Lakeside Resort Georgia
Near Atlanta Georgia, the Lake Lanier Islands offers
a golf course for golf lovers and a waterpark with
several water rides, slides, and water attractions
the entire family will enjoy.

9.  Hawaii Beach Vacation
The Kona Village Resort in Hawaii offers you
several vacation activities that include snorkeling,
kayaking, sailing, volleyball, tennis, fishing,
scuba diving, and glass bottom boat tours.

Articles and Stock Photos from Florida

Having fun!! There are so many places to see and things to do in Florida so Jean and Bob Pardue have started a series of articles about traveling in Florida. The pages are designed mainly for travelers and travel magazine photobuyers so plenty of info about the sunshine state will be added regularly. Come see for yourself!!

 View …

Articles and Stock Photos from Florida

Editorial Stock Photo of Kennedy Space Center Sign

 

Photo Caption: Stock photo of John F Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex sign at Titusville FL USA

While traveling through Florida in 2007 I was fortunate enough to be able to stop by the Kennedy Space Center Visitors Complex in Titusville, FL and create this travel stock photo of the entrance sign. Hope you will find it useful in your travel brochure or magazine story about Titusville.

More info about how to license this Editorial Stock Photo of Kennedy Space Center Sign

Beaufort SC – Low Country Stock Photos

 

These rights managed stock images were taken on one of my many trips to the low country section of South Carolina. Beaufort is located about one hour from Charleston or Savannah. I can never get enough of the intense beauty and serenity of this southeastern town.

If you are planning a project involving Beaufort check with me before purchasing your stock photos. I have images listed or we can talk about an assignment to the area. I am only three hours away from the coast.

Take a look Photobuyers are constantly looking for new stock images from the low country in SC and photos of historic Beaufort South Carolina are sure to please the most picky of the photo editors.

View more>>…..

Beaufort SC – Low Country Stock Photos