Top 10 Destinations in Tampa Bay, Florida

By Payless Flights | Published: July 10, 2013

Tampa Bay, Florida is known for it’s sunshine, beaches and variety. Comprised of Tampa, Clearwater and St. Petersburg, this area is one you can’t miss. Here’s a few things to add to your itinerary.

Catch a Tampa Bay Rays game at Tropicana Field
Located in the heart of downtown St. Petersburg, Tropicana Field is one of MLB’s few all-indoor stadiums. Kept at a balmy 72 degrees, “the Trop” is a great place to grab a few beers and see the Tampa Bay Rays.

Visit historic Downtown Dunedin
Dunedin looks like something out of an old time movie. With it’s Main Street lined with shops, bars and restaurants, downtown Dunedin is the place to be. Try to visit on Mardi Gras, St. Patrick’s Day or their semi-annual Pub Crawl. On most holidays they shut off the streets and have vendors and live bands playing. It’s a great way to meet people and to have a good time on a slow night.

Go out on the town to Channelside
Channelside is located within Downtown Tampa and is across the street from the Tampa Bay Times Forum. Grab a bite to eat from one of their many restaurants before a hockey game or concert and then bowl a round at Splitsville. Another can’t miss spot in Channelside-Wet Willie’s. The entire bar is lined with frozen drink concoctions sure to blow your mind.

Catch a concert at Vinoy Park
Vinoy Park is located right up against the water in Downtown St. Petersburg and across the street from the world famous Vinoy Hotel. Vinoy Park holds events almost weekly; whether it be a concert or RibFest, a showcase of all things barbeque, Vinoy Park is a fantastic way to spend your day.

Witness the world famous sunsets from Sunset Beach or Treasure Island
Located in the middle of Pinellas County, Treasure Island offers unparalleled views of the amazing Gulf of Mexico sunsets. You can access the beach through any of the public access points of your hotel may have it’s own private beach.

Soak up some sun on Clearwater Beach
Clearwater Beach’s pristine white sand is perfect for a sunny day. And since Florida has sunny days 95% of the year, Clearwater Beach is fun all year. Be sure to get there early though as parking can get hectic. Be prepared to pay either by the hour or a lump sum for your spot and it can run as high as $20/day. But, look for free lots. There are plenty, they’re just usually hiding.

Stroll through the Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks
In the Northernmost part of Pinellas County, Tarpon Springs used to be home to one of the world’s largest reserves of sponges. Today, it doesn’t have quite as many sponges but the town still boasts its previous splendor. There are a multitude of Greek restaurants lining the docks and sponge shops on almost every corner. Although it can be quite kitschy, it’s still a great place to visit.

Hit some clubs in Ybor
Once famou for it’s Cigars, Ybor is now a bustling hub for clubs, restaurants and bars. Best seen at night, Ybor hosts some of the hottest events within it’s clubs. Be prepared to dress to the nines and enjoy the sights and sounds of Ybor.

Partake in First Friday in Downtown St. Petersburg
The first Friday of every month, Downtown St. Petersburg hosts it’s own First Friday. Central Avenue is closed down starting at noon while live bands and street vendors line the sidewalks. Open containers aren’t a problem here and the party lasts until 3am. Word of advice; get there at 8pm when the day crowd is starting to thin but the night crowd hasn’t quite arrived to get the best seats.

Pay a visit to Winter the dolphin at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium
Portrayed in the recent movie, Winter is a dolphin that lost her tail and was given a prosthetic one instead. Now residing in a brand new tank, Winter attracts visitors of all ages. Located over the bridge from Clearwater Beach, the entire Clearwater Marine Aquarium has received a makeover due to it’s new found success. Enjoy tours daily and then head to the beach to see the animals up close and personal.

Tampa Bay hosts many events, shows and attractions but it’s best to explore this area on your own. Leave your days free and just wander, it’s a fun place to get lost in.

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Delta and Virgin Atlantic To Cross Sell Tickets

By Payless Flights | Published: July 9, 2013

Although announced in December, Delta and Virgin Atlantic will begin code sharing flights in July. Delta recently bought a 49% stake in Virgin Atlantic, owned by Sir Richard Branson, to open the possibility for more revenue for both companies.

The Department of Transportation should give them approval by the end of 2013 and shared flights will begin in January of 2014. The main drive for this merge was to rival American Airlines’ partnership with British Airways and their overwhelming stake of transatlantic flights into London-Heathrow. Since Heathrow is such a large business hub, the profits are sure to be awaiting them.

As a customer of either airline, you will reap rewards from both companies. They will be opening up their lounge areas to customers of both airlines as well as allowing you to ear reward miles on either carrier. For those who travel frequently on either airline, this opportunity opens doors.

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Airport Gyms: Stay Fit While Traveling

By Payless Flights | Published: July 9, 2013

Traveling is not only a recreational choice but a major part in business today. Keeping your body in shape is one of the hardest things to do while in transit and sometimes it gets left behind. But in recent years, airports and airlines alike have noticed the want for better equipped gyms and recreational rooms to better assist you in your fitness goals while traveling.

Airports have taken notice of the desire to stay healthy and some have implemented new gyms or fitness centers to better accommodate their passengers. Airports like Dallas and San Francisco have jump started an initiative and put yoga rooms in their terminals. Offering a moment’s peace between busy schedules can help relax the mind as well as get the heart rate going between flights.

There are airports all over the world that are equipped with gyms but some are much pricier than others. Zurich International Airport in Switzerland is arguably one of the best airport gyms in the world but it comes at a price, $43 for two hours of access. It has group classes, personal trainers on staff and is over 2000 square feet so if staying fit is your priority and you happen to be going through Switzerland, it’s a great space.

Airports in the U.S. such as Detroit Metro, Chicago O’ Hare and Miami International have airports in their terminals that are much more affordable, starting at $8 for an all day pass. Miami International is home to a full running track, a pool and miscellaneous equipment.

Some airports have extravagant spas and fitness centers, boasting world class service. Munich International has jacuzzis, baths, a sauna, and a pool that features a swim up bar that serves protein shakes.

No matter where you are in the world, there’s an airport that accommodates your fitness goals, it’s just a matter of finding it.

 

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Must See Destination: La Fortuna, Costa Rica

By Payless Flights | Published: July 8, 2013

La Fortuna is one of those towns that speaks delicately, the people have faces that seem to tell that they’ve seen it all before. The jagged edge of the volcano looks unreal behind the iglesia in the town’s park. The shops have tapestries blowing in the wind, inviting you in. What’s the most appealing to this area isn’t the town itself but the things surrounding this eclectic town.

The Arenal Volcano can be seen from miles away, it’s stand-alone peak lends itself to be noticed. It appears to be two-faced as it has an active side with rolling rocks and a dark grey exterior from thousands of years of ash falling and then it has it’s inactive side, with green trees and lush tropical forests all the way to the top.

There are so many activities you can try while there; their main entity is tourism and they aim to please. Almost all of the local lodging has options for tours, trips, and adventures that you can get into while there.

Volcano Gardens and Lodge was a $10 taxi ride to and from town and offered amazing views of the volcano from the private porches connected to each room. You can hear wildlife all night and if you’re lucky, see glowing red rocks falling from the tip of the volcano into the darkness below.

If you’re the adventurous type, look into ATVing on the volcano or horseback riding around the volcano. It allows you to get as close to the volcano as possible and gives you a thrill in the process. Although there are numerous companies to choose from, ask around before going. Many people have good and bad experiences with different companies, so ensure that the company you’re choosing has what you’re looking for.

For the ultimate thrill, go white water rafting through the multiple rivers that carve the landscape in the area. Offering up to Class V rapids, there are multiple routes you can take and lengths of trips vary from a couple hours to full day adventures.

 

For those who would rather relax on their getaway, La Fortuna has the world’s largest Hot Springs. Baldi Hot Springs is a huge campus filled with 25 different pools that all range in temperature from unbearably scalding to mildly warm. Depending on what you prefer, take a dip in each until you find your perfect spot.

Costa Rica has the Pura Vida mentality which is so easy to get lost in, La Fortuna has the ability to take you on a wild ride or rock you calmly to sleep. Whatever your preference, Arenal and La Fortuna can’t be missed.

 

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Plane Tickets: How To Get The Most For Your Money

By Payless Flights | Published: July 2, 2013

Airfare is climbing and it only seems to get more and more expensive. When looking for the cheapest rate, it can seem like a shot in the dark, but it doesn’t have to be.

Do your research. Or have us do it for you. This is by and far the most important tip we could ever give you. There are hundreds, if not thousands of flights to choose from and all are priced differently. Doing your research allows you to maybe mix and match different flights for the optimal price.

Be flexible. Some days are priced higher, some lower. Mondays, Saturdays and Sundays are all a bit higher because there is high traffic on these days. People going on vacation, going to a business trip or even coming back, all leads to higher prices for you. By being flexible, it opens you to better options on the few days before and after your desired travel date. Looking at flexible fares can save you upwards of $300, especially on transatlantic or transpacific flights.

Buy early. We know it’s not always possible to buy your tickets 6 months in advance, but if you can, do it. As the dates get closer, the price increases dramatically. A flight that is 4 or 5 months from now is usually the best time frame to buy within. For example, our Marketing Director went to Costa Rica and first saw the flight from Miami to San Jose for $290, round trip. By the time she had bought her ticket, she paid $502. If she had bought when the fare was first published, she could have saved $212.

Buy on a Tuesday or Wednesday. Although this isn’t proven or verified, in our experience we’ve found that fares tend to drop slightly in the middle of the week. It may not be hundreds of dollars worth but even $40 can make a huge difference. That could be equivalent to 6 drinks at the bar or a nice dinner out on the town.

Check back and check back frequently. Prices can sometimes change daily. Unfortunately, airlines have algorithms they use to see how many people are looking at a specific flight so if you’re checking daily on your flight, be sure to clear your cookies after your search. This allows you to check on your flight without alerting the airline that someone is looking at it, thus keeping the price down. An alternative to actively seeking out the fare is to sign up for fare alerts. We will send you an email when the price drops, raises, or when there are only a few seats left on the plane.

Look for discounts, offers and promotions. Airlines sometimes run promotions or discounts allowing you to capitalize on your flight. Double check the fine print to make sure you’re eligible and your flight is included in the discount parameters. If you’re a student or military, check with us to see if there’s any special pricing on your desired route.

Although there’s not much we can do about airline prices getting higher, we can be proactive in buying it for a price we’re okay to settle with.

 

 

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The Grand Canyon’s North Rim

By Payless Flights | Published: July 1, 2013

Most people who visit the Grand Canyon have seen the wonder from the South Rim along with a couple thousand of their closest friends but the Canyon’s lesser known North Rim offers a different perspective, a quieter experience and a more exclusive feel.

The North Rim is open from May 15th-mid October as opposed to the North’s year round schedule but the parking lots, the lodging and the visitor’s center is much less congested. The view offered from the North Rim is absolutely beautiful and give you a chance to see the immense amount of people on the other side staring back at you. Since it is less crowded, make sure that you reserve your lodging ahead of time. The hotels offered are much smaller and tend to fill up quickly, especially in the summer months. But, there is plenty of camping options available if you’re the more adventurous type. 

The North Rim is also home to the glass walkway that is vertigo-inducing but offers an unparalleled view from above the canyon floor. Look straight down to see the Colorado River winding through the etched canyon. Another interesting way to see the canyon is to take a mule ride to the canyon floor and back up. Although prices can be a little expensive in the summer, it’s definitely worth while. If you have a couple hours to spare, think about taking a once in a lifetime helicopter ride all around the canyon.

There are events everyday on the North Rim just as there is on the South Rim. Look for Ranger talks and guided tours that give a you an inside look at the canyon and it’s history. There are talks and tours every day until about 8pm. There are topics such as history, geology and biology that can be explored. There are also a multitude of trails that you are free to investigate and explore. If you’re just wanting to get a mild taste of the canyon trails there are options like the Bright Angel Point Trail that is only a half mile round trip. The trails range from a half mile to 10 miles one way on the Arizona Trail. If you’re looking for something in between, try the Transept Trail, it’s 3 miles round trip and offers spectacular views.

The National Park Service recently added water bottle refilling stations all along the trails to help reduce the amount of litter and for your hiking convenience. If you’re not interested in trails, try white water rafting. You can just get your feet wet with a very mild half day trip or if you’re an enthusiast, you can ride the majority of the Colorado River for 18 days and try your hand at all of the rapids. Whatever your level, there’s an option for everyone.

Although the Grand Canyon is awe-inspiring at any angle, the North Rim is a lesser known option that offers the same view without so much of the hassle.

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Must See Destination: Transylvania

By Payless Flights | Published: June 30, 2013

Since it’s famed recognition in 1897 with the release of Bram Stoker’s “Dracula”, Transylvania has been a go-to destination for vampire hunters and history buffs alike. Contrary to popular belief, Transylvania isn’t dreary with perpetual thunderstorms, it’s actually a sprawling landscape littered with castles, national and natural parks and wineries galore.

The most popular sight is Bran Castle famously known as Dracula’s Castle. With an admission fee of only $4.50 USD you can walk the halls that echo the story that is trying to be told. The castle is open almost all day but in the winter, it closes early so plan accordingly.

If Dracula isn’t quite your interest, visit the area’s multitude of other castles. Corvinesti Castle is a 13th Century example of pristine architecture and is in great working condition and is open to the public. Peles and Pelisor Palaces are available to stay in and is quite the experience as you can walk through the halls painted with murals depicting tales or war. Both castles are located on the same grounds so you can walk back and forth to both if you choose.

Transylvania is also home to St. Anna Lake which is the only volcano lake in Europe that is still intact. Enjoy great views from the tree lined shore and then head over to any one of the numerous parks that are free to the public.

If you’re planning to visit in the winter, be sure to check out Poiana Brasov, a ski resort that’s popular with the locals because of it’s pristine powder and fantastic mountain views all around. Also, the Saxon Villages located all throughout the area are home to people who still live like their modest ancestors and are very willing to show you how they conduct their daily lives. The two largest villages are Viscri and Biertan.

The wineries in the countryside offer a look into the fabulous wines produced daily. Tarnave Vineyards offer tours, free taste testing and are open for visitors almost year round. Jidvci Winery has wine tastings every day and allows you to gain insight on the production and fermentation of their local wines.

Although Transylvania is home to the beloved Dracula, the sights and land around it is makes Transylvania truly unique.

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Little Known “Nap Rooms” At London-Heathrow Offer A Few Hours Of Shut Eye

By Payless Flights | Published: June 29, 2013

If you have a dreaded layover in London-Heathrow and don’t want to fork over money for a hotel room or don’t want to leave the airport, Yotel is your answer. Located in Terminal 4, there are a number of cabins available for rent and some have connected showers to freshen up after a long haul.

There are three rooms to choose from; the twin suite, the standard cabin and the premium suite and they are all priced accordingly. The minimum stay is 4 hours which provides ample time for a nap or even a quick shower.Although they’re not the cheapest accommodations, they’re prefect for that layover that’s a little too long but a little too short to actually do anything.

Yotel also has “room service” which is more of a collection of to-go items brought to your pod within 15 minutes.  It’s also good to note that all pods are equipped with free wifi, power outlets and a TV for your convenience. There is no maximum time stated for the pods but it’s safe to assume that after 24 hours they request the pod for the next customer.

Yotel’s website has prebooking capabilities so take advantage of them if possible. There is also a counter for walk-ups but there’s not always a guarantee you’ll get the pod or the much needed sleep.

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Must See Destination: Tikal, Guatemala

By Payless Flights | Published: June 28, 2013

As you walk through the thick jungle, the temples and pyramids seem to jut from the ground aggressively, making the statement “I was here first.” The awe-inspiring temples located within Tikal, Guatemala are not soon forgotten.

Sprawled across six square miles, Tikal is dotted with what once was a thriving and powerful civilization with temples, homes, and even ball courts. Taking a guided tour through the National Park is like going back in time and seeing how the Mayans were able to create such splendors from such limited resources. You’ll hear stories of wars between Caracol and Tikal, how rulers conquered lands and how spirituality drove their life’s purpose. Some call it one of the most spiritually connected places on earth.

View From Temple IV

You can get lost walking from Temple to Temple, enjoying the wildlife as you go. There is an abundance of howler and spider monkeys, toucans, toucanettes, gray foxes, and even the ever elusive jaguars. Watch the sunset from atop one of the pyramids and listen to the song of birds, especially toucanettes, that sing in rivaling choruses.

Tikal is located 50 miles west of Caracol, Belize and is about 200 miles north of Guatemala City. You can get to Tikal through a guided tour, group tours, private tours or even alone. Pay a fee at the entrance to the National Park and you can wander for the remainder of the day. Note: As soon as the sun sets, they clear the park rather quickly so be prepared to leave.

The best location within this site is on top of Temple IV where you can see the luscious, green jungle below you as well as all of the monuments peeking from the canopy. This view was actually featured in the Star Wars movies. Plan to spend at least an hour here but be aware that there are absolutely no guard rails so stay close to the face of the structure. The edge often seems farther than it is and there is nothing to prevent you from falling.

If you’d like to stay for a couple days to get a better feel for the history and heritage offered, there are multiple options. Look at Tikal Inn Lodge or even camping within the grounds. For hotels off site, prices range from $10/night to $80/night.

Tikal is one of the best locations not only in Guatemala but also within Central America so prepare to be immersed in ancient history, breathtaking views and stunning architecture.

 

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The Pros and Cons of All Inclusive Vacations

By Payless Flights | Published: June 27, 2013

All Inclusive getaways are becoming more and more popular for their ease and worry-free planning. When deciding if all inclusive is the way for you to go, consider all possible options and weigh them out. While there are definitely benefits to all inclusive, there are some drawbacks as well.

Pros

  • No worries. When planning an all inclusive vacation, you give them your credit card and everything is taken care of. From the activities and meals to the tips for your bartender, this creates a low stress vacation and less of the “I need a vacation after my vacation” feeling.
  • It’s much easier to budget your trip when everything, sometimes including airfare, is already taken care of. All you have to plan for is souvenirs! Also, since everything is taken care of, there’s no need to confuse yourself with foreign currency.
  • All Inclusive is GREAT for families. Not only are all the meals taken care of, so there’s no hour long discussions on who gets to pick the restaurant, but with all inclusive resorts you can eat whenever you want. This means you don’t have to alter your child’s eating schedule which means less complaints and endless snack runs. That being said, a lot of the resorts cater to families and often have planned activities geared towards making you and your child’s experience memorable.

Cons

  • When traveling, you usually want to experience the culture and land around you. With all inclusive travel, you feel as if you’re stuck within the resort. Apart from the planned activities that usually include you and the rest of the resort, you’re not getting away from the resort.
  • When it comes to activities; they are all decided for you. You have a few options to choose from but they’re usually regulated and with companies that the resort receives a kickback from. If you’re looking to strike out on your own, bring some extra money and decide your own activities.
  • Another drawback to larger resorts is that no money is going towards the local economy. With many of the destinations that all inclusive resorts are located within, the locals rely on tourism to make a living but when large, global businesses come in, they lose profits.
  • With regards to meals, you don’t always get to decide what you eat. In most resorts, it’s essentially a buffet of foods with a few restaurants with restricted menus. Although it’s decent food, you’re not getting to choose what you eat nor experience the local cuisine.
  • You have to be careful when staying at these resorts because “all-inclusive” doesn’t always mean all-inclusive. There are many times hidden fees that appear on your tab as you check out or astronomical bar tabs that you were unaware of. Some resorts don’t include tips, taxes, or “resort fees” in the price you paid, so be prepared to spend an extra couple hundred if you don’t read the fine print.
  • The most apparent con is the big upfront cost. You can’t really budget daily and decide how much to spend on each meal accordingly. You’re dropping up to $3000 at a time, per person.

Whatever you choose, traveling should always be fun. If you’re unhappy with your vacation or getaway, find a way to change it. Talk to your resort about possible options or look for a different place to stay.

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