Let’s face it – sending your kids to summer camp can cost a fortune. But here’s a secret: you can save up to 25% or more off your camp tuition if you know the right people and use the right strategies.

Sending your child to camp can be just like buying a car – you don’t want to pay full price…and you don’t need to! So let’s start with 5 things you can do right now to save money at camp:

Early Bird Discounts

Camp directors want to fill their camps as soon as possible, and they want to get paid as soon as possible, perhaps more so than in other industries because camp directors only get a few months per to make as much money as they can. So you’ve got some leverage here. Most likely, a camp will offer you discounted tuition in exchange for your early registration (and sometimes prepayment). So make sure you ask the camp director about early bird discounts because you might be pleasantly surprised how much you can save.

Camp Coupons

Everyone uses coupons at the grocery store, but did you know you can save money with coupons at camp? There’s a website in development called campcoupons.com. It probably won’t be online for another few months, so it may not benefit you this year. But it’ll be loaded with all kinds of great coupon offers and discount opportunities from camps around the country. You’ll be able to print free money-saving coupons from your favorite camp(s) absolutely free.

Meanwhile, there’s another Website called gocamps.com that, last we checked, was offering offered discounts of at least 25% from participating camps on its site. Last we checked there were discount offers from camps across the USA. So visit www.gocamps.com, click on Registration Discounts and see what you can find.

Sibling Discounts and Group Rates

You might not see a sibling discount advertised, but don’t let this stop you from asking because you can probably get one anyway. Most camps I’m aware of will generally provide a 5% discount off the second child’s tuition…but they may not volunteer this opportunity is available. So remember, ask for a sibling discount!

Group discounts may be available for an even larger savings. How much of a savings are we talking about? The amount will vary from camp to camp and the size of your group. At a minimum, your group should save at least 10% off camp tuition. Why? Because it’s a camp director’s dream-come-true to register a bunch of kids at once, rather than expending the time, money, and other resources to seek out and enroll one kid at a time. You’re making things easier on the camp, so your group should be rewarded with a nice discount.

Lock-in your tuition rate the year before

Camps generally raise their prices every year, so here’s a little known secret that can save you lots of money. You can often freeze your tuition at this year’s rates so your rates won’t go up next summer, even though everyone else will be paying full price.

Similar to the Early Bird discount program described above, some camps offer Advance Registration discounts where, for a month or two after the current summer ends, you can prepay for the following summer at this year’s prices. Even though you’re essentially prepaying for camp year in advance, you’re also freezing your tuition at the current year’s rates and the savings can be tremendous.

Tax Breaks

Did you know you might qualify for a tax deduction (credit) on your income taxes? In our experience, those who’ve qualified for this credit are parents sending their kid to day camps, not overnight camps. You will need to consult your tax advisor for the specific details because we are not qualified to give tax advice, and you should not construe this information as such. But if your child attends a day camp and your can get the camp’s federal tax id number you may qualify for a tax deduction child care credit. Here’s a link for more information from Bank Rate.com:

http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Taxes/CutYourTaxes/TakeATaxBreakForSummerCamp.aspx

So there you have it. Five tips to help you save money at summer camp. Remember, even if you don’t see any discounts offered or actively promoted by the camp, it doesn’t mean they aren’t available. Sometimes all you have to do is ask…good luck!

Copyright Eric D. Naftulin and Aloha Beach Camp Summer Camp. All rights reserved. 

Tags: Bird Discounts, Camp, Camp Director, Camp Directors, Camp Tuition, Discount Opportunities, Early Bird, Fortune, Free Coupons, Free Money, Grocery Store, Group Rates, How To Save Money, Leverage, Money, Money Saving Coupons, Money Saving Coupons From, Print Coupons, Registration Discounts, save, Sending Your Kids, Sibling, Summer, Summer Camp

Are you and your family interested in taking a Hawaiian family vacation? If you are, you should know that you have an unlimited number of options. One of those options involves where you and your family would like to stay when visiting Hawaii. For information on popular Hawaii family vacation accommodations, you may want to continue reading on.

Vacation resorts are one of the best choices for families looking to vacation in Hawaii. One of the many reasons why vacation resorts are nice for family vacations is because they often have a number of onsite activities. These activities may include golfing, access to a children’s game room, swimming, and so forth. Many Hawaii resorts are designed for parents traveling with children.

Another one of the many reasons why Hawaii resorts may be the best option for you and your family is because of the onsite services that you may gain access to. It is not uncommon for Hawaii resorts, especially those luxury in nature, to extend a number of services to their guests. These services may include room service delivery of foods, a laundry service, as well as a childcare service. If you are traveling with young children or if you just want a break, a childcare service may be ideal for you.

Although there are a number of reasons as to why you should book a stay at a Hawaii resort, for your next family vacation, you should also know that there are a number of downsides to doing so as well. One of those downsides is the potential for crowding. Vacation resorts often have a number of guests, especially during popular vacations months. With that in mind, a large number of guests may also have its benefits. For instance, you and your family could make new friends. This is something that your children may love.

In addition Hawaii vacation resorts, you also may want to book at stay at a Hawaii vacation home. Hawaii vacation homes are nice for family vacations, as they give you the ultimate level of privacy. They also tend to resemble traditional homes, giving off a home-like feel. This is good for parents who are traveling with young children or first time travelers.

Another one of the many reasons why you should examine vacation home rentals, for your next Hawaii family vacation is because of freedom. When renting a Hawaii vacation home, you may have a backyard or even easy access to a beach. This enables you and your family to come and go as you please. You also can enjoy an unlimited number of activities, without having to worry about the noise level or how the person in the next room is feeling. This, alone, gives many parents comfort and peace of mind.

As with Hawaii resorts, you will also find that Hawaii vacation rentals have a few downsides as well. One of those downsides is the cost. Hawaii vacation rentals can be costly. With that in mind, it is important to remember that cost depends on a number of different factors, including size and location. If you are looking to take a Hawaii family vacation on a budget, you may want to examine smaller vacation homes or those that are located inland, as they are often cheaper in price.

You also have the option of staying at a Hawaii hotel. Hawaii hotels resemble Hawaii resorts; however, they don’t always have as many onsite activities or services. They are, however, ideal for those who are vacationing on a budget. If you are interested in getting out and seeing Hawaii, as opposed to staying at your hotel, this may be a nice option for you.

Hawaii condo rentals are another popular choice for vacationers in Hawaii. Although you may want to take time to examine them, you may find Hawaii resorts or vacation homes a better choice. This is because many condo complexes are designed with adults in mind. You may still want to take the time to examine condo rentals, as you may be surprised with what you are able to find available.

Of course, the decision as to where you want to stay for your next Hawaii family vacation is your decision to make. When making that decision though, you may want to keep the above mentioned points in mind.

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One can help to reduce the negative impact that hotels have on environment by staying at a green hotel.

Green hotels use energy and resources efficiently thereby implementing recycling of products. Using nonrenewable resources efficiently and utilizing renewable resources is what Green hotels concentrate on.

The staggering figure of guests in the hotels, the meals prepared for them, water consumption, and energy required for lighting, cooling and heating all indicate that there is an enormous need to implement green hotel practices.

While you are at a green hotel, you are sure to receive quality service. Apart from the service quality, you will also be helping the environment.

Adopting green hotel practices helps hotels to realize cost savings which can be used for enhancing services provided to the guests.

Finding a Green Hotel

Finding a green hotel that suits your style, needs and pocket is not easy. But, with little effort one can easily find a hotel that makes you feel at home or in the lap of nature.

Choosing a Green Hotel

The key component of green travel is to book an eco-lodge. Many hotels are now making their ambience and implementing practices which make hotels- green homes away from homes for the guests.

Being a Green Hotel guest

When staying in a hotel, the following steps help you to become a green hotel guest:

· Ask the hotel staff not to change the sheets and towels on a daily basis.

· Switch off the lights and electrical appliances if any like television, air conditioner and close the drapes when leaving the room.

· Participate in the recycling efforts which the hotel promotes.

· Pass the newspaper provided by the hotel to someone else after you have read and encourage the hotel management to implement recycling.

· Take short showers

· While brushing teeth, don’t let the water run

· Turn off the exercise machines when done

· Place the brochures and other tourist information back in the racks after reading rather than throwing

· If disposable utensils are used in the hotel, bring your own disposable cups etc.

· When having food, if you don’t drink water along, ask the staff not to pour in your glass

· Thank the staff and management- managers and employees for embracing green hotel practices and appreciate their effort

Be a nice guest to encourage the hotel become ‘Green’

What if you stay in a hotel that is not green i.e. not following green practices?

Being a guest a positive effort in this case would be to encourage the hotel to become Green.

Following the steps given below will encourage the staff at the hotel:

· Asking the hotel managers and staff to follow green practices and tell them the importance for guests

· If you know some tips that will help hotels to be environmentally friendly, discuss them with managers

· Try to contact hotel’s president or CEO or send him a letter that will say the importance of following green hotel practices and how will it make a difference.

Thus, Implementing Green Hotel Practices is a challenge that hotels should face and help in conserving our resources and environment.

So, the next time you travel, make a difference for the environment by Going Green.

For more information visit: www.ecogreenhotel.com

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If you got exhausted due to tiring work at office then nothing can better work in relaxing and revitalizing your body mind and soul than a vacation with your family. Whenever people initiate deciding on destination places, the very first name that comes in every mind is Bahamas. As Bahamas has everything to entertain every age group, it has become the dream destination of every tourist. You must be looking for a package that offers the best and the cheapest vacation to you and your family. If you have a dream to take your family to the Bahamas and cannot realize it just because of expensive airfare and touring packages, then cheap Bahamas vacation has a lot to offer you without affecting your budget.

Cheap Bahamas vacation could be the perfect place to enjoy your vacation within your budget. With this you can plan a gala time with your near and dear ones without pestering for money. Your cheap Bahamas vacation package covers a wide range of services right from air ticket reservation to hotel accommodation and fun activities. You can find many travel agents in your city that are operating vacation services in a well-established office. Just contact the one who is known for the best deals in tourism industry and apply for cheap Bahamas vacation. By the time you apply for a vacation package under guidance of the best travel agent you will find that going to Bahamas is not as expensive as you considered it to be.

For convenient vacation management, you can take help of the Bahamas vacation manager. A vacation manager can make your tour more convenient as he makes every possible arrangement that you may require during vacation. Internet is the finest tool to search for the most affordable vacation packages; you can visit sites that organize cheap Bahamas vacation with quality services. You can find numerous enticing offers and discount schemes on such sites but to get best vacation deal, spend some time on checking out multiple options so that you may make the best selection out of them. You can make a selection from wide range of touring services that offer cheap air fair, economic hotel accommodation and easy transportation means. Now with online services, you do not need to rush here and there to book your vacation package as with the help of such vacation organizer sites you can apply for you cheap Bahamas vacation package online.

Having a cheap Bahamas vacation never means that you are not going to get proper treatment, in fact, you will remember this vacation for luxurious accommodation and quality air travel. Cheap Bahamas vacation provides you a great opportunity to spend your precious moments in the lap of nature. It could also be a perfect gift to your beloved on his or her birthday as it gives everyone a chance to forget every worry of life. As Bahamas is an all time favorite tourist destination, it never turns off for tourism. Therefore, instead of waiting too long for off season cost reduction in vacation packages, plan a vacation to Bahamas with cheap Bahamas vacation.

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Could this be the end of summer camp as we know it?

Have traditional summer camps – where kids enjoy horseback riding, archery, nature hikes, and s’mores around the campfire – seen their final days?

Probably not. But compared to the way specialty camps are gaining popularity among today’s youth, traditional camps may be losing traction.

Theresa Torrone, a volunteer for the American Camp Association and the owner/operator of Aloha Beach Camp, a beach and surfing specialty camp in Malibu, California, “Specialty camps appeal to kids who’ve got very specific interests. Rather than participate in a wide variety of general activities, like they’d rather spend their summer focusing on just one camp activity instead.”

Torrone cited cooking camps, art camps and surfing camps as among the top three fastest growing specialty genres in the summer camp field.

“As a volunteer for the American Camp Association, I visit various types of camps each summer, and I’m intimately familiar with many others. I can tell you that the specialty camp sector is growing like gangbusters.”

Given the fact surfing camps – where kids not only to learn how to surf, but also about surfing etiquette, wave judgment and selection, ocean science and water safety – are becoming more prevalent, is Torrone concerned about the inevitable added competition for her own camp?

“No way!,” she said with a smile. “The more kids who experience camp at the beach, the better. If they come to my camp, great. But the most important thing is that they experience the ocean somewhere. I’m glad there are so many available opportunities for kids to enjoy the learn to surf experience at camp.”

Most likely, the traditional summer camp experience will last forever, principally because many parents view sending their kids to traditional camps as a virtual American pastime.

But specialty camps are gaining on them … of that there is no doubt.

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Last summer you don’t have a chance to make a holiday vacation tour. Well, it was really bad but you better forget it and plan for your great winter holiday vacation. This winter will be a great time to take an escape from your busy work and take some interesting experience at beautiful place. Talking about winter holidays, Italy will be a great destination to choose.

We all know that Italy has parts of Alps in their territory and this is one of the most popular destinations in winter. Through the Alps, there are great sky resorts where you can find the best side of winter holiday and some of those resorts are located in Italian Alps. We all know that Ski holidays in Italy are very popular and during the peak season, it would be difficult to find the best deal for your ski holidays. That is the reason why you need to make early preparation and you are recommended to visit Directline-Skiing. This is the foremost online portal for ski holidays. You can easily find and book ski holiday package at any ski resorts all over the globe using their online service.

Don’t hesitate to find information on Italy skiing holiday packages from Directline-Skiing. This website has complete directory of world class ski resorts in Italian Alps. There is complete information you can learn for each resorts and also brief reviews on available holiday packages for your preferred ski resorts. Directline-Skiing is committed to give you the most convenience way to book your ski Italy holiday packages and with large selections available there, you can easily find the right one suitable with your preference and off course, your budget. Directline-Skiing guarantees that with their service, you will get the best Italian ski holiday experience you’ll cherish for the rest of your life.

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“The only worthy autograph of a man is that which he leaves written with his works”. Jose Martí

What could be more appealing to the traveler who is an art lover than to book and stay at hotels with their very own art patrimony. As one wanders through numerous Cuba hotels beautiful art works flood the eye with their magnificence and authenticity.

The Nacional de Cuba is a landmark hotel, which preserves the architectural and decorative magnificence that has captivated its visitors over its more than seven decades. Declared “National Monument” for its patrimonial value in 1988, in its featured 426 rooms, amazing lounges and modern comfort, this hotel shows some great value including an oil landscape by Enrique Domingo Ramos.

The property is full of columns and arches that show a singular confluence of neoclassic and neocolonial designs with art deco. Some rooms still have the original floor, bed frames and furniture from the 1930’s. There is actually a Historical Floor where many celebrities left their presence, like Ava Gardner, Johnny Weissmuller and Bola de Nieve.

When walking around the bustling corner of 23 and L at “El Vedado” district there is always a work of art that catches the attention. That is the amazing mural painting by Amelia Pelaez on the façade of Tryp Habana Libre hotel (former Havana Hilton). This facility, opened in the late fifties, houses a wide collection of contemporary Cuban art, which includes Clepsydra, a sculpture by Rita Longa in the lobby and paintings by renowned artists like Rene Portocarrero, Mariano Rodriguez, Servando Cabrera and Alfredo Sosabravo.

Since 2007 this modern hotel has added a mural painted by artists from the “Somos lo que hay Project”, a beautiful fresco that was placed in the lobby. It gathers artists from different generations and esthetics such as Nelson Dominguez, Lian and Li Dominguez Fong, Esteban and Alejandro Leyva, Ever Fonseca, Ernesto Garcia Peña, Eduardo Roca, Juan Moreira, Alicia Leal, Javier Guerra, Sandor Gonzalez, Manuel Comas, Herminio Escalona, Vicente R. Bonachea, Kike Wong, Enrique de la Uz, Rafael Perez Alonso, Eduardo Abela and Mayito Gonzalez.

Among Havana hotels, the Habana Riviera hotel also offers valuable works of art. Situated next to the Havana sea wall (malecón), this born-in-the-fifties hotel holds an ingenious architectural structure. The magnificence sculptures and duomo by the great Florencio Gelabert were restored, and so was the internal mural painting by López Dirube, witch remains as the artistic heritage of the hotel.

The Melia Cohiba hotel has acquired works from some of Cuba’s best contemporary artists as well. This luxury facility is recognized for its distinguished decoration that features oeuvres of famous painters Flora Fong, López Oliva and Zaida del Río.

If you seek a colonial atmosphere in your Cuba hotels choice, there are fine Old Havana hotels that boast a classic ambience and a rich cultural heritage. In this Cuba destination, art lovers are able to enjoy charming patrimonial places, the colonial and eclectic architecture of its buildings and the fusion of diverse styles.

The Sevilla hotel is one of these lodging accommodations that have preserved a priceless artistic heritage. Visitors looking for historically interesting properties will be pleased at this facility, because it is one of Havana’s oldest hotels (the establishment turned 100 in March of 2008), featuring a classy setting in its large, spacious lobby and rooms.

This traditional and classical property displays a truly Spanish atmosphere that can be appreciated as the hotel exhibits different architectural and decorative elements of remarkable Mudejar influence. The traveler will immediately notice it while catching a glimpse of its intricate façade. The sculptures of Jacopi and the “Aldeana” portrait by Ramos Martínez are some of the artistic features of the hotel.

On the other hand, the Inglaterra hotel, opened in 1875, it is one of the oldest hotels in town and it is another fine example of Cuban hotels linked to fine arts. Due to its preservation, relation with history and national culture, The Inglaterra hotel was declared a National monument in 1981. Travelers will discover a part of Cuba’s heritage within this facility.

The contrasts of different architectural styles and designs will hold your interest. The building features a beautiful neoclassical façade while the interior decor recreates the atmosphere of the colonial period with a strong Mudejar spirit. The interior spaces are decked out with gorgeous stained-glass windows, colorful mosaics, Spanish heraldic symbols, window grills, and lavishly ornamented ceilings that confirm the eclectic tendency of this city and its period. There is also a lovely sculpture “La sevillana” by Perinat, which symbolizes a Spanish female dancer, and collective mural paintings. Plus, if you stay there, you will find out that Cuban artists have designed every 3 months the menu for this hotel.

The Plaza hotel is one appealing option for those who recognize the value of a colonial era hotel that retains the glamour of the turn of the century. Opened in 1909, the Plaza boasts an eye-catching façade and incredibly beautiful lounges that take us back in time. Most visitors can’t help to notice the impressive lobby’s ceiling with an elegant bronze chandelier. Other alluring features of this classic hotel are its colonial patio, a picturesque fountain from the same period, abundant vegetation, exotic birds, sculptures and colorful stained-glass windows.

Hotel Raquel is another interesting proposal within Old Havana hotels that reflects a Jewish flavor. This intimate building exhibits an art nouveau style and expressive eclectic architecture, while some of its spaces allegorically evoke the Hebrew culture. It also shows great artistic features like the majestic sculpture of the ground floor and its beautiful marble columns. Plus, there is an impressive stained glass work to appreciate at this inn. All hotel floors and rooms are decorated with works of art of prestigious Cuban painters.

But if you prefer a lodge with a postmodern flair, then visit the Parque Central hotel, which combines colonial and modern architectural styles. This distinctive facility is full of tropical woodwork and lush greenery, and some of its acquisitions include pieces from Cuba’s best contemporary artists like Sosabravo, Flora Fong and Adigio Benítez.

The Santa Isabel hotel, former mansion of the Counts of Santovenia, also houses plastic Cuban artists’ works and pieces in rooms and lounges, in order to recreate the elegant atmosphere of the 19th Cuban century. The hotel’s façade maintains its colonial flair, where colorful stained glass windows are the main part of the decoration. Its halls are festooned with lamps, vases and figures of great value. The whole ornamentation compels the visitor to be transported back in time.

Art lovers can also find patrimonial works of art in other Cuba destinations. Just to mention a few, in varadero hotels, the Varadero Internacional hotel features a 1950 fountain, and a marble and stone table surrounded by walls decorated with beautiful paintings. The Jagua hotel at Cienfuegos province gives its guests the chance to enjoy a wonderful view of Cienfuegos Bay or the green nature of Sierra del Escambray, but also offers a lovely decor where porcelain vases, a Mudejar style bronze lamp and a painting of Aldo Menendez González catch the eye of any visitor.

In the hot city of Santiago de Cuba, the Casa Granda hotel features a marble statue of Venus, while the “El Colony” hotel at the International Diving Center of Isla de la Juventud (Isle of Youth) shows sculptures of Rita Longa and a nice painting of E. Garcia Mata that represents “the treasure island” with colorful pirates.

So, if art is your thing and you are planning a visit to Cuba, you can live through a cultural experience with Cuban art in your own lodge. Just drop by and discover these inner treasures in Cuba Hotels.

Tags: Cuba, Hotels, Inner, Treasures