This process can be quite frustrating when you know that other chains are offering better deals and usually results in individuals holding a handful of customer loyalty cards but getting nowhere with them very simply because they keep switching companies all over the place in order to try and save.  Working for loyalty points can become a battle and it is one that most people find to be a losing one.

Well, no longer do you have to have blind loyalty to the company or companies that you hold loyalty cards for because finally the discount travel sites are offering their own loyalty programs.  That’s right.  You can earn points and get rewards and still get a deal every time you choose to shop with that travel site.  The good news is that you can always be sure that you are getting a deal while earning points since some of these discount travel sites are the biggest wholesalers of hotel accommodations and airfares.  They make deals with all the biggest and best companies and then offer you rewards.  Now really you can’t ask for more than that.

Now instead of staying loyal and paying more you can stay loyal and still get that hotel room deal.  The best thing about loyalty is the savings and now the savings through the discount travel sites is better than ever.

And if you book your hotel accommodations, airfare, and car rental all through the same website then not only will you earn more reward points but you will also receive a greater discount off your current reservations as well.  So whether you travel all the time for leisure or business or merely take a holiday a few times a year you need to sign up with the discount travel websites for their loyalty programs and start saving and earning rewards today.

From the beginning you will want to make sure that you organize all of your thoughts and information that you are gathering well. After all, once you have decided on a holiday destination you will want to make sure that you have fully investigated all of your options as far as cheap hotels, airfare, and even rental vehicles go. Remembering to keep writing documentation on those places that peak your interest in case you wish to refer to them as some point down the road.

Making lists can really help you to get together all the information you need before you make your reservations and then once you do make them you will also want to make sure that you make up a written itinerary both for yourself and your friends and family. Be sure to include all information including addresses and telephone number of the places you will be staying, flight numbers for all flights, as well as any and all confirmation numbers. This information can be hugely helpful not only for those traveling but can also afford those who are at home some peace of mind about where their loved ones are in case of emergency.

As your travel date approaches there will be things that you will need to make sure and remember as well and making note of these important items that you will want to take with you as well as any last minute things that you will need to take care of will help you to keep your focus and set your holiday off on the right note. If you want to have the very best holiday experience then having all of your ducks in a row is the very best way to go.

St Augustine is full of History. It is said to be the oldest city in the United States. Ponce De Leon first discovered it in the year 1513, and at that time also discovered the famous “Fountain of Youth” It was the first city to be discovered almost a half century before the English landed in Jamestown. The rich History of St. Augustine is quite interesting even for those who are not particularly interested in history.

The beauty of the city is almost breathtaking. The lush landscaping and the fabulous old architecture are certainly something to behold. The Flagler University building is spectacular. Henry Flagler (oil tycoon) built it in the late 1800′s as a wiinter resort, along with the Cordova and the Alcazar Hotels. These buildings are still standing and operating as a university, a hotel and a museum and are quite fabulous in themselves.

St. Augustine Beach is also known as Anastasia Island. This East Coast beach is breathtaking. There are many exquisite hotels on or very near the beach. The Castillo Real is one such hotel that is not to be missed. A small boutique hotel with only 60 rooms, but a true gem for any traveler.

Shopping in St. Augustine is plentiful. Again there is something for everyone. There are fine bakeries, second hand stores, clothing boutiques, cigar shops, souveneir and novelty shops and a multitude of antique stores.

While touring St. Augustine you will find many horsedrawn carriages available for hire which take passengers on a personally narrated tour, pointing out all the historical places of interest as well as some of the local hot spots. Most vacationers enjoy a day of just wandering through the streets of downtown St. Augustine. This is a really great way to just take it all in. On the downtown streets you will see a little bit of everything. There are many local street performers, artists and galleries and shops of every kind asn so many fabulous little restaurants. The Columbia Restaurant is another must see during your visit, offering amazing authentic Spanish cuisine.

St. Augustine is great destination for a romantic getaway, a girls’ getaway, a family trip, or any type of vacation.

Christmas travel is also very confusing for young children.  They will often worry about how Santa is going to find them.  Then there is the whole ordeal of packing all the gifts, and what size gifts are appropriate.

Once you’ve reached your destination, there is so much pressure to make it a memorable Christmas with the family.  Pressure to participate in many of the Holiday traditions.  Some of which you have chosen to abandon as an adult. You may be forced to attend a church you are unfamiliar with, and leave behind those you worship with weekly.

I feel that there are so many other opportunities to travel and visit with family throughout the year, that don’t involve all the pressure and formalities.  Christmas time is one of the most hectic times of year for everyone, by throwing a big trip in the middle of it I think you are asking for trouble.

I think travel should be relaxing and enjoyable for everyone involved the host and the guests.  It is very hard to relax during this type of trip.  Another consideration, is other friends and family you may like to visit while you’re in town. Some of them may be traveling as well. If they’re not, they are likely busy with their crazy Holiday schedules and it is a hard time to fit in a casual get together.

There’s nothing like waking up in your own home on Christmas morning, and enjoying the joy of your children as they casually open their gifts. Somehow being at another person’s home, or worse, a hotel, takes away the magic for the children.

Christmas-time travel is just bad timing all the way around and I think it should really be avoided.