EZTravelpad

Free Press is Great Press!! - Appearance on WSBT's Business Break

Scott from EZTravelPad appears on WSBT Business Break

Recently EZTravelPad was invited to a segment called Business Break on South Bend's WSBT TV.

Business Break is a regular segment that features local businesses and community events to help viewers become better informed about what is available in their community.

 

   

Remember- you can go out into the wilderness of the internet on your own to plan your vacation, or you can get help - AT NO ADDITIONAL COST - from an agency like EZTravelPad

The choice is yours

IF you choose to go it alone, here are a few links that can help.

Booking simple flights or flight/hotel combos this link or this link

Booking hotels only at hotels.com

Finding Vegas deals on shows and more at this link

Finding deals in Orlando at this link

Big savings on restaurants all across the US at this link

Beat the fees for checking luggage with a new bag at this link

Find deals on cheap all inclusives and more at this link

Handle your own cruise at this link

Insure your vacation investment with better insurance coverage at this link

Thinnk you're going to save a little money using bookit.com? It's at this link

So these are just some of the best of the multitude of options for handling your own travel planning. There's nothing wrong with doing it yourself so feel free to take my suggestions for some of the best places to shop- but there's also nothing wrong with getting a little help from a travel pro.... a travel pro who will no doubt make your life easier, and makes save you a few dollars in the process!

Oh, there is 1 other place you can go to shop without picking up the phone or composing an email to EZTravelpad, and that is www.eztravelpad.com

Save travels!

 

 

 

Disney Park Discount Tickets - BEWARE

Buyer Beware - Always.... and Especially Disney Discounted Tickets

Walt Disney World has long been a favorite destination for families of all shapes and sizes from all over the world. This happens to be my family more than a few years ago....

 

This has to be one of the first years Disney World was open - early 70s - dig my Dad's shoes!

Yes, so many great memories from those vacations to Florida over Christmas break when it was COLD in Indiana. Nearly every year included a stop at Disney World.

So much opportunity for fun, so much opportunity for disruption....don't let it happen to you

Discounted tickets available on internet sites like Craig's List can come with a heavy cost. There are reports that people are getting scammed when they purchase "discounted" tickets for Walt Disney World theme parks, and perhaps other theme parks as well?

You can purchase a multi-park multi-day pass to Disney. The Park Hopper pass. Say for example you want to go to Disney for 5 nights, it only costs a few dollars more to add a couple more days on to the ticket which can then be used another time - you can even add an option allowing for the tickets to NEVER expire so use them for the grandkids (if you can remember where you put them 25 years from now).

Some people have apparently been reselling these types of tickets, but the thing is they are non-transferable so that when the buyer goes to use the tickets (did you know they are fingerprinting for entry these days?) they are denied entry.

Costly + Embarrassing!

Do the right thing - purchase your tickets from a reputable source (Disney or your travel agent) - EZTravelpad can help. Then, go have the time of your lives and make memories to last a lifetime!

 

 

Don CeSar in St Pete Beach - perfect for Destination Wedding

For a Destination Wedding at Florida's Sunset Capital it's Loews Don CeSar Beach Resort

Don CeSar Beach Resort - a Loews Hotel in St Pete Beach is a perfect spot for a U.S. based Destination Wedding. Stately, Classy, Gorgeous, and with a first class spa, this is a wonderful choice for discriminating couples interested in tying the knot beachside...

If coming in with a low budget is something that you want to accomplish for your Destination Wedding then this might not be the first choice, but compared to other more modest resorts in the area Don CeSar is surprisingly affordable.

Your Destination Wedding is in Good Hands

When putting together a destination wedding there are a few things to think about- location & reputation, capabilities and quality. Don CeSar has you covered, with 3 wedding coordinators on staff preparing to host over 400 weddings this year, rest assured that you are in good hands. If the service and attention to detail is anything like I experienced there recently I couldn't be anymore comfortable in suggesting this as a great spot to tie the knot.

Offering exemplary service at every turn, you will not be disappointed by the staff, by the facilities, or by the dining options....

Flatbread topped with shredded island chicken, black bean spread & vegetables - Potato & plantain chips served with traditional guacamole and pineapple guacamole - Yum!

For some people a grilled chicken breast over a rice pilaf is just fine- others require something a bit more interesting. A more interesting menu is what you will find at Don CeSar, but is doesn't stop there. The spa features 16 treatment rooms as well as a private deck overlooking the gulf - oh, and it smells like heaven when you walk through the door of the spa! Body toning water aerobics and beach yoga are complimentary for all guests.

Beach Resort = Beach + Pools

Beachside pools offer full service including complimentary refreshments (Italian ice, frozen grape kabobs, smoothies, chilled towels , etc) plus a full menu of activities include volleyball, beachball dodgeball, cannonball contest, and lots & lots of pool pampering are all in store for you if you stay for a few days.

Putting a Price on Service

How can you put a price on service? It's the little things that mean so much - like the general manager stopping to have a chat - or walking into a restroom that smells of mint and eucalyptus - or being greeted by smiles from all the staff....lots and lots of staff can you put a price on that? Would you want your wedding celebration to be anywhere that offered less?

view of Don Cesar from beachside - looking great from every angle

My reason for stopping into Don CeSar was to find a Destination Wedding and Honeymoon resort located in Florida that I could feel good about recommending. I found it. So if a Florida based Honeymoon or Destination Wedding is something that you want, let EZTravelpad help guide you there - or wherever else your heart desires. After all, it's your special day - but it's not your responsibility to plan it all.

U.S. Honeymoon on a Budget

When Budget is Biggest Honeymoon Concern

If  you are planning a Honeymoon (or helping someone who is) and you need to stay in the U.S. and also are concerned with your budget, Sirata Beach Resort in St Pete Beach might be an option.

Sirata Beach Resort & Conference Center is located on a super-wide stretch of white sand beach along the Gulf of Mexico in the Sunset Capital of Florida (as recently declared by Florida Governor Charlie Christ).  Sirata may not be the most luxurious Honeymoon destination, but at least when you can find them, the staff are super friendly. On my recent visit I found the grounds to be well kept and convenient with 3 pools, 2 poolside bars, easy beach access, volleyball, childrens play area & more.

It is tough to beat the air service, with 2 airports located close by, all kinds of culture with interesting museums such as the Dali museum, a fantastic Botantical Gardens, Sunken Gardens, Aquarium, Zoo, plus activities such as deep sea fishing, parasailing and all kinds of fun day cruises

A recent price check found a package including 6 nights at resort, airfare from Chicago, RT transfers to and from airport to resort plus a champagne cruise & a dolphin watching boat adventure - all for just a little over $1700 for a couple. For all sorts Honeymoon ideas trust EZTravelpad for the best values in this country, or any other!

Catalina Hotel and Beach Club in South Beach Miami

Many Hotel Choices in South Beach - Here's Another Miami Beach Option

Catalina Hotel and Beach Club in Miami Beach, Florida is one of many options for the hipster Millennial Gen Y partier...

While not a formal review- here are some notes from a recent stay at South Beach Group's Catalina Hotel and Beach Club in South Beach (SoBe) - Miami Beach, FL

 
A highlight of the whole experience- Connie the server - what a great personality & a cutie too..

• Funky - decor, attitude, style (smell?)
• Bad paint
• Rough around edges
• Check-in service bad
• Comfortable room
• Scarface bathroom (kinda reminded me of the chainsaw scene from Sacrface)
• 1 wash cloth - my wife was none to please to be dealt 1 wash cloth...
• Sushi marginal - at the restaurant streetside (although liked the vibe and service there really good - see photo above)
• Loud - no, really loud- until around 11p
• Good location- on Collins Ave near all the action in SoBe
• Kids didn't know much but were friendly (service staff didn't seem to know a forecast from a film cast, but they were nice)
• Service good - or at least prompt...
• Good specials & discounts

Now I don't want you to think that the whole experience was bad- kinda knew what we were getting into, and frankly- the wife loved the decor because it was different, and I loved the price - so take it all with a grain of salt....would I go back? Well, there are SO many other places to see - you know how it is :)  BUT- that said, if somehow magically I find that I am once again 25 years old- "Hells Yeah", I'm there!

For more hotel reviews check back frequently with "Your friends....in the travel business" - EZTravelpad

Funky Boutique Hotels in South Beach Miami

South Beach Group Delivers Trendy Hotspots in Miami Beach

 

You've heard all about South Beach- trendy, funky, party area - all correct. In case you wonder, what kind of things make it different down there? Well- even the mannequins are... um, a little different.

Walking around South Beach is interesting and pleasant (unless you get behind a homeless guy at Walgreens P-ew!)

Restaurants abound- clubs come to life at night - shopping is varied and interesting, and then there's the beach... (kind of lonely at breakfast time)

But I didn't start this post to talk about what to do in South Beach (SoBe), what I wanted to talk about was South Beach Group - a group of trendy hotels in South Beach, mostly located along Collins Ave.

• Chesterfield Hotel
• Hotel Shelly
• Catalina Hotel and Beach Club
• Riviera South Beach
• Metropole South Beach
• Whitelaw Hotel

All of these hotels are linked by a common bond- style- trendy style

 Our room at Catalina Hotel and Beach Club- decidedly different from your average Holiday Inn

 

 Lobby area at Catalina is more like a lounge than a lobby - and is located just off The Red Bar

 

 

 Concierge and Red Bar

 

Sushi Bar located streetside at Catalina Hotel and Beach Club

 The are complimentary cocktails, pools located on roofs, sushi bars, and much more- including complimentary transportation to and from Miami International Airport, so it is a free 20 minute trip from terminal to coolness....

 Have a cocktail or a plate of sushi on the sidewalk out front of your hotel as you watch the sights and sounds of South Beach come to life- it really is a relaxing environment...

Lounging outside Chesterfield Hotel in SoBe

And Now For The Rest of The Story....

If you are looking for a comfortable King sized bed with quiet rooms, good lighting and good service, this might not be your best bet in terms of South Beach hotels. During the light of day the sun shines and the funky becomes more of a funk - but for something a little out of the mainstream this isn't the worst choice in town.

That said, here is an accurate review/video describing some dis-satifaction

 

These hotels might be a good fit for the youth - partiers - singles - and people more interested in upgrading from hostel to hotel  - Millennials - echo boomers looking for somewhere fun and interesting - if you are interested in meeting like-minded people, maybe you might love these hotels....

In any case, for sound advice on your vacation plans, it pays to consult with "Your friends....in the travel business" EZTravelpad

Disney's Animal Kingdom Resort Outshines Most Others

Disney's Animal Kingdom Resort Hotel Offers a Room With an Incomparable View

Staying at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge must be similar to staying at a resort lodge near a game preserve in Africa- perhaps somewhere in Tanzania, where African wildlife is free to roam and you can observe from the comfort of you patio....

 

but getting to this African wildlife preserve is much easier and far less expensive than a multi-hour flight half-way around thw world. Additionally, you don't need any vaccinations to go to Disney World.

 

At this very comfortable property you will find very nice common areas and authentic decor throughout - amazing really, but the highlight must be the views- from rooms, restaurants, common areas and bars you can view wildlife such as zebras, gazelles and giraffes (over 30 species) freely grazing in the 4 African savannahs that has been constructed by the Disney visionaries

A view of the lobby and guest services area.....

 

In contrast to some of the moderate and more value oriented Disney properties the Animal Kingdom Lodge (a deluxe resort by Disney standards) offers superior bedding, space, and quality fixtures - plus a variety of configurations that can accommodate couples, small families, and larger families as well- with rooms ranging from standard configs - to standard room with bunk beds, to suite with 1 or 2 bedrooms that can comfortably accommodate up to 8 guests - so if a couple of families would like to share an amazing experience together this might just be the best option around!

 

partial view of kitchenette in a standard room configuration-

 

King Size bed in a nice suite arrangement

 

Awesome bathroom features...

 

Suite can share 2 bedrooms (King and 2 Queens plus pull-outs make this such a comfortable place for a family to lounge, learn and remember for many, many years!

 

From nearly the moment I walked into the Animal Kingdom Lodge I fell in love with the place, and you will too- how could you not?

The only disavantage in comparison to other deluxe Disney properties is that this one is not as convenient to Magic Kingdom, Studios and Epcot- but as you might imagine- it is the closest to Disney's Animal Kingdom- as is a short (complimentary) bus ride away from any of the other Disney parks in the area.

It is not recommended for a family on a tight budget, but it you have the means, and you like comfort, and you want to give the kids a memory they will never forget, this is the place!

Let EZTravelpad help guide you to the Disney destination that best fits your family's needs- we are a click away, and as always, EZTravelpad is "Your friends....in the travel business"

 

Disney's Animal Kingdom Amusement Park - A Quick Overview

Disney's Animal Kingdom- What Happens When a Zoo Meets the Magic of Disney

Disney's Animal Kingdom Park is part zoo, part wildlife adventure, part amusement park, and part learning expeience. 

 

Anchored by the huge Tree of Life at the center of the park - and home to the 3D animated "It's Tough to be a Bug" experience (a personal favorite), the Tree of Life is 14 stories tall and is an homage to the living world that surrounds us all- no matter what part of this rock we live on...

 

The Wildlife Safari takes you on a first hand journey into the savannahs of Africa and brings you within yards of animals such as lions, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, and much more - all in their native habitat!

 

Venture to Expedition Everest for a wild roller coaster ride through the heart of Yeti country!

*** here's a little piece of advice... when you meet a couple of twelve year olds on the bus who say, oh that roller coaster isn't bad at all - DO NOT BELIEVE THEM - THEY LIE - or maybe just have a different perspective on things. So, eventhough my wife was ill for a few hours afterwards (we're not big on rollercoasters) it was fun, and was still worth it (for me that is)

 

As I'm sure you are aware, or might imagine, this is just the tip of the iceberg - there are many attractions and adventures that you can get into at Diney's Animal Kingdom Park - others include...

• Wildlife Express Train
• Tricera Top Spin
• Pangani Forest Exploration Trail
• Primeval Whirl
• Maharaja Jungle Trek
• Kali River Rapids
• Kid's Discovery Clubs
• Fossil Fun Games
• Finding Nemo - The Musical
• Dinosaur
• The Boneyard
• and many more still.....

So can you make a day of Disney's Animal Kingdom? You bet! But maybe it's better to take 2 mornings to see the animals & use your Park Hopper to hit another park each afternoon- it's all part of the flexibility offered!

So do you feel confused or apprehensive about the idea of doing all the planning yourself? Why not ask for some free advise from "Your friends....in the travel business" - EZTravelpad

Contrasting Some of the Disney Resort Hotels

Disney Offers Diversity and Choice- But Which One is Right for YOU?

Family travel so often revolves around a trip to Orlando - and usually that means a trip to Disney World. The choices of accommodations at Disney are varied and many- it really is quite overwhelming if you haven't been before, or even if you have been but didn't spend hours on buses visiting the various resorts, and more hours on webinars explaining the various choices in greater depth (pssst... that's what your travel consutant is there for).

So with the holidays rapidly approaching many families are looking into options for travel to Orlando over the holiday break- and EZTravelpad will take a look at some of the choices that are available - hopefully helping you see that your best option is to do some research then consult with a travel pro to help arrange the important trip (pssst....FREE help is a GOOD thing).

So with that in mind, over the next couple of weeks we will be focusing more in depth on some of the properties, but here's a quick look at some of the choices...

Swan and Dolphin

The Swan and Dolphin resorts are located very close to Epcot and Magic Kingdom - while not actually Disney properties they do offer many of the Disney benefits - plus upscale accommodations

 

Animal Kingdom Resort

Animal Kingdom Lodge is a true Disney Resort offering deluxe accommodations with a tremendous view!

 

Coronado Springs Resort

Spread out all over, this huge resort may be a better choice for a convention (there is a conventioin center there) than the family, depending on what you desire ina resort...

 

Port Orleans French Quarter

A true Disney moderate resort, you can feel The Big Easy surrounding you with every step- if budget is a primary consideration, and are satisfied with a food court dining environment as your only choice this might be an option for you-

 

All Star Sports Resort

This, as are the other All-Star reorts, is totally for the budget minded. Disney World meets Super 8 quality - rooms are furnished with bedding that is marginally acceptable - clean, but not great, but it still delivers a Disney on-property experience and is far superior to staying at the Ramada off-property (as all Ramada Inns are in need of renovation - usually are under-going construction, yet still need more...)

This is a very brief overview, stay tuned to EZTravelpad as we dig a little deeper into the Disny options for resorts- and if you didn't yet see our features on the Universal Orlando properties check those out here for all, here for Portofino Bay and here for Hard Rock

Let EZTravelpad help with your planning- it pays to use "Your friends....in the travel business"