Norfolk Royale Hotel, Bournemouth, UK

We have picked up one of these great offers from the weekly UK Travelzoo newsletter. They were offering 2 nights with breakfast and dinner at the famous Norfolk Royale Hotel in Bournemouth for £199. On the top of that, we would be upgraded to a the newly renovated club room.

So here we are in mid January where everybody is cold and grumpy, we take a weekend off in Bournemouth. After a 2 hours train journey, we arrive at the hotel on Friday late in the evening. The reception acknowledges us with our booking and give us instructions about what to find in the hotel. Our room feels fresh and contemporary. The club room seems to be a mile better than the standard room. Decent size, comfy king size bed, large wardrobe, flat screen on the wall and a decent bathroom with Molton Brown amenities. Breakfast was ok with everything you expect for a British breakfast. It just lacks some yogurts. For the dinner, we had to choose from a set menu with 4 starters, main courses and desserts + drinks. The dinner was simple but good quality. The dinner (breakfast) room is quite a big room with enough space between dinners to feel some privacy. 

Things we didn't like were the shabby fitness room with this old indoor swimming pool looking at the outside and also the fact we couldn't get the WIFI working in the room for free.

Definitely a good hotel to recommend if you happen to visit beautiful Bournemouth.

Ha Long bay the World heritage site, Vietnam

This traditional junk, small enough to be intimate but large enough to be comfortable, is the perfect way to explore the bay. With just six air-conditioned, en-suite cabins and a glorious picture-window salon with sofas and easy chairs, this vessel elegantly explores the islands and bays. The Vietnamese food on board is exceptional, served by friendly local staffs. 


Bai Tho junk cruise 2 days

Trip duration: 2 days/1 night
Level: Easy

TRIP PRICE based on Private Transfer and share boat
Without kayak
Group size 1 2 3 4 5 Single Cabin
Cost/person $253 $176 $157 $139 $126 $30
With kayak
Group size 1 2 3 4 5 Single Cabin
Cost/person $283 $197 $176 $159 $151 $30
Children Policy
Under 5 years old: Free of charged
From 5 - 12 years old: 50% - share cabin with parents
Trip includes:
Private transportation with air-conditioning round trip
English speaking local guide
En-suite cabin with private bathroom and air-conditioning
Meals during cruise time: 1 Breakfast, 2 Lunches and 1 Dinner
Fees and permit during guide time

Trip excludes:
Personal expenses, tips and gratuities

Itinerary:

Day 1: Hanoi – Halong
baitho_cruise-panviettravel.gifThis morning we will be met at the lobby of the hotel and transfer to Halong Bay. On the way we will stop at Sao Do town at a Handicraft farm that main workers are handicraft people. We will have a short break for relax with tea, coffee or walk around. After that we continue on transferring to Halong city. At midday, we arrive at Halong Bay pier where we will check in our deluxe junk. Welcome drink will be served by our friendly staff. The cruise will start the journey around the Halong Bay with the first stop at Thien Cung cave, Dau Go cave. While we are cruising, our delicious lunch will be served. We will catch first view of Tuan Chau island, Dinh Huong island, fighting cock islets…. In the afternoon, we can relax on boat to see the beautiful view of the Bay and have time to swim at Titov beach, enjoy sunset…. Dinner will be come at around 07:00Pm. Overnight on boat.
Today Lunch and Dinner included

Day 2: Halong – Hanoi
Getting up a little bit early today to do morning exercise and enjoy sunrise on the Bay, after that we will enjoy our breakfast at around 07:00AM. Our cruise will keep on cruising around the Bay in another part of the Bay for us to visit Bai Tu Long Bay, Con Coc island, Con Rong island, fishing village, Bai Tho Mountain and Hon Gai surroundings… At 11:00 we will enjoy the last meal on the boat and we will leave the junk at around 12:00. Our awaiting vehicle will transfer us back to Hanoi. Our trip will be ended at around 04:00 in the afternoon.
Today Breakfast, Lunch included
Bai Tho junk cruise 3 days

Trip duration: 3 days/2 night
Level: Easy

TRIP PRICE based on Private Transfer and share boat
Without kayak
Group size 1 2 3 4 5 Single Cabin
Cost/person $389 $282 $246 $219 $210 $60
With kayak
Group size 1 2 3 4 5 Single Cabin
Cost/person $439 $322 $296 $259 $250 $60
Children Policy
Under 5 years old: Free of charged
From 5 - 12 years old: 50% - share cabin with parents
Trip includes:
Private transportation with air-conditioning round trip
English speaking local guide
En-suite cabin with private bathroom and air-conditioning
Meals during cruise time: 2 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches and 2 Dinners
Fees and permit during guide time

Trip excludes:
Personal expenses, tips and gratuities
Itinerary:

Day 1: Hanoi – Halong
This morning we will be met at the lobby of the hotel and transfer to Halong Bay. On the way we will stop at Sao Do town at a Handicraft farm that main workers are handicraft people. We will have a short break for relax with tea, coffee or walk around. After that we continue on transferring to Halong city. At midday, we arrive at Halong Bay pier where we will check in our deluxe junk. Welcome drink will be served by our friendly staff. The cruise will start the journey around the Halong Bay with the first stop at Thien Cung cave, Dau Go cave. While we are cruising, our delicious lunch will be served. We will catch first view of Tuan Chau island, Dinh Huong island, fighting cock islets…. In the afternoon, we can relax on boat to see the beautiful view of the Bay and have time to swim at Titov beach, enjoy sunset…. Dinner will be come at around 07:00Pm. Overnight on boat.
Today Lunch and Dinner included

Day 2: Halong Bay
baithocruise-panviettravel.com.vn.gifOur breakfast at 07:00AM, we then prepare to continue on kayaking to explore the Bay. We paddle from Luon Cave toward islets in shape of Man’s head, Tortoise and the last destination is Cua Van fishing village. We will be back to our boat for lunch at around 11:00. In the afternoon, we once again kayak to the Three tunnels lake (selected according to the tides). And why we are not relax on the desktop to see the sun sets and drink some beers and enjoy the fresh atmosphere on the one of tranquil Bay that was recognized as a World Natural Heritage in Vietnam. This evening, another tasty seafood dinner will be served on board.
Today Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included

Day 3: Halong – Hanoi
Getting up a little bit early today to do morning exercise and enjoy sunrise on the Bay, after that we will enjoy our breakfast at around 07:00AM. Our cruise will keep on cruising around the Bay in another part of the Bay for us to visit Bai Tu Long Bay, Con Coc island, Con Rong island, fishing village, Bai Tho Mountain and Hon Gai surroundings… At 11:00 we will enjoy the last meal on the boat and we will leave the junk at around 12:00. Our awaiting vehicle will transfer us back to Hanoi. Our trip will be ended at around 04:00 in the afternoon.
Today Breakfast, Lunch included

Independent travel insurance advice

Before I start let me confirm that I’m not a qualified financial or travel insurance adviser, and don’t pretend to be, so the information in this article is written from my own experiences, and you should always speak to a qualified travel insurance broker or adviser before you buy.

Apart from covering items that may be stolen while you’re on holiday, including small amounts of cash; travel insurance offers many other important benefits. Policies usually include cover for medical expenses, useful if you fall ill or if you’re unfortunate enough to be attacked and injured. You must disclose any pre-existing medical conditions. 

Cancellation cover

Travel policies also tend to include some basic “personal accident” cover, paying a set amount in the event of loss of sight, limbs or injury resulting in permanent disability or death. Another important element is cancellation cover. 

If you have to cancel your holiday because of injury, illness or a disaster at home such as a fire, this will pay for any holiday expense you cannot recover. You need to check carefully what is covered and what isn’t, read the small print too.

Check the validity

Make sure your policy is valid for the whole journey and includes medical and repatriation cover. Always take a photocopy of your policy, along with a note of any 24-hour emergency numbers. Take the time to read the small print because it is this area of the policy where you will find out exceptions and what you are not covered for.

Travel insurance restrictions

Like all insurance policies there are restrictions. Limits to the amounts that will be paid under different parts of the cover usually apply and you won’t be covered for dangerous activities, such as abseiling or scuba diving. 

A claim could be turned down if you don’t look after your belongings properly. For example, if someone steals your things off the beach while you’re taking a dip in the sea, the insurance company might decide that you have not taken “reasonable care” and refuse to pay up.

Fraud in Travel insurance

Insurance companies are also growing increasingly concerned about fraud, especially with travel insurance. If you claim for anything that has been stolen they’ll probably want evidence that you actually owned the item in the first place. Keep photos at home of personal belongings that you’ve taken with you. Some insurers even ask for receipts.

Check household insurance policy

Check to see if you already have cover under your home insurance for personal belongings while travelling abroad or away from home in the UK. It might not mean that you will get a lower premium (try asking though), but it’s worth knowing as the cover under your home contents may be better or may have a lower excess.

Scheduled airline failure insurance 

Keep a look out for insurance that include scheduled airline failure insurance (SAFI) so that if your flight will be covered should the airline go into administration. In this day and age it is a good idea to take out this additional insurance. 

European Health Insurance card

The European health insurance card will provided you with free or discounted health care in the EU and in some non-EU countries. You can apply for the card online. It is important to remember that having this card does not substitute travel insurance, and it is recommended as additional protection.

Benefits of credit cards abroad

Don’t forget the benefits of using your credit card to buy things abroad. Most include automatic insurance cover on items bought with your card for a short period of time, including things you buy overseas. Check with your card company. 

Finally, if you and/or your family travel often, ask your insurance company about an annual policy. You pay a premium each year and are then covered for all holidays in that period without needing to take out individual policies – although you may be limited to a certain number of trips.

L.A. Style for Less

VENICE BEACH 

Hotel Erwin
Surf and skate culture inspired the decor in the hotel's 81 rooms and 38 suites. Graffiti-style art covers the doors, and safety-yellow metal partitions in the rooms display sunglasses for sale. Private balconies overlook the hopping Venice boardwalk. We especially love the pillow menu and the open-air rooftop lounge, which has views of the Pacific Ocean, 250 feet away. But what's with the fireplaces in the suites? Really, in Venice? 1697 Pacific Ave., 310/452-1111, jdvhotels.com, rooms from $179.  

LAX AIRPORT 

Custom Hotel
Working hard to prove that airport hotels needn't be dull, the Custom employs a private shuttle that takes guests to and from LAX while playing techno music over silent Greta Garbo movies. Clearly, this place is a playground for grown-ups. DJs spin Afro-Cuban tunes at Hopscotch, the pool bar and grill with a fire pit, four cabanas, and vintage video games. Artistically inclined guests can borrow art supplies from the 12th-floor studio, Scribble. 8639 Lincoln Blvd., 310/645-0400, customhotel.com, rooms from $95. 

DOWNTOWN 

O Hotel
This 68-room hotel sits in the heart of newly hot downtown L.A. Built in the 1920s, the steel-and-glass structure was recently renovated and now has a modern feel (think mood lighting that shines from under the beds and ergonomic desk chairs). The minimalist motif is mostly nice, except when it comes to things like cramped shower stalls. The on-site O Bar & Kitchen serves tapas and martinis until 11 p.m.—till 2 a.m. on weekends; a 7,000-square-foot underground lounge opens next spring. 819 S. Flower St., 213/623-9904, ohotelgroup.com, rooms from $129. 

HOLLYWOOD 

Hollywood Heights Hotel
In prime Hollywood, this hotel is within three blocks of the Walk of Fame, Madame Tussauds (opening August 1), and Grauman's Chinese Theatre. The lobby mixes the contemporary—white metal-frame sofas and graphic-print rugs—with black-and-white photos of film stars like Audrey Hepburn and Humphrey Bogart. Low-key restaurant and bar Hideout serves pot pies, short ribs, and mac and cheese. 2005 N. Highland Ave., 323/876-8600, hollywoodheightshotel.com, rooms from $169. 

LOS FELIZ 

Los Feliz Lodge
This group of 13 casitas was built in the 1920s as an enclave for the Paramount silent-film elite. The bungalows and villas—some of which still belong to full-time private residents—have amenities like stocked kitchens, washers, dryers, and French doors that lead to a communal patio. Los Feliz is a rare walkable neighborhood, and the Metro is only a five-minute stroll away. 1507 N. Hoover St., 877/660-4150, losfelizlodge.com, two-person bungalows from $150.

My concerns on fake hotel booking websites

I wrote only a few weeks ago about the villa rental scam in Spain. Well today I learnt of another potential scam, but this time with a hotel booking website. For legal reasons I am not going to mention the hotel site, as I have no concrete proof that this is the case.

I want to open up a discussion about the security of credit card deposits because I think we could have a massive problem. It is not difficult for someone to create a website to take deposits from hotel bookings, for the consumer to then find that no booking has taken place.

These scammers do not even need to worry about people finding the website, with Google Adwords you can have potential consumers coming in within minutes. The truth is that it is not difficult to create a fake hotel site, take the deposits, and run off with the money, leaving the consumer out of pocket. 

Not that I am suggesting people go away and do this. It’s illegal, and you’ll get caught.

Regulation for accommodation only sites

I do think that accommodation only sites need more regulation, and I have no idea how this could be done but I am concerned that millions of consumers across the world are using online booking and it is open up to abuse, the question is how does the industry do this.

Book with well known brands

From a consumers perspective I really do think that you need to look at booking with well known brands, and I know that’s not going to go down well with smaller independent hotel booking sites, which are above board, but, I would never hand my credit card details over to a site that I did not trust.

It’s like handing your credit card to a complete stranger in the street.

Concerns over credit card security

I have big concerns about the security of credit cards and I have previously written about the lack of security when booking hotels and that the details are sent insecurely through email to anyone managing the hotel’s reservations. As consumers we have no control over who see’s those details.

4 family vacation deals worth noting

Families looking to get away can take advantage of four kid-friendly programs and promotions in Mexico, the Caribbean, Hawaii, and elsewhere.

Azul Hotels by Karisma has two properties in the Riviera Maya, Mexico: Azul Beach Hotel and Azul Sensatori Hotel.
Why parents will love it: Before you even arrive, the all-inclusive resort can set up your room with strollers, cribs, monitors, bottle warmers, and baby bathrobes. The all-inclusive rate also covers Gerber baby food and free childcare at the Kid's Club one night a week. Kids under 3 stay free and children ages 3-12 get half off when sharing a room with their parents. At Azul Sensatori Hotel, a 35 percent off promotion gets you a night in a family Jacuzzi suite. If booked by Oct. 31, a family of four would pay $453 per night, compared to the regular price of $699. Connecting rooms are guaranteed if you book more than one room.
Why kids will love it, too: The toy lending library has all the latest Fisher-Price toys, enough to entertain even the shortest attention span (karismahotels.com).

(Courtesy JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort & Spa)
JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort & Spa in Tucson, Ariz., has partnered with Nickelodeon for a series of weekend retreats through Thanksgiving weekend.
Why parents will love it: For $378, the Nick Getaway weekend package in Tucson includes two nights' hotel, kids' activities, and a free character breakfast for two adults and two kids. (Each child receives a special SpongeBob Squarepants or Dora The Explorer sleepover kit with pillowcase and Nickelodeon themed gifts.) Similar packages are available at four other Marriott, JW Marriott and Renaissance properties in the U.S. (nickelodeongetaway.com)
Why kids will love it, too: Instead of just watching the cartoons, kids can start off their Saturday morning by dining with SpongeBob SquarePants and Dora the Explorer. During the day, there are relay races and other contests, followed by a classic Nickelodeon sliming. At night, kids can float on inner tubes and watch the free dive-in movies that are projected on a wall near the pool. As souvenirs, the kids can also take home the SpongeBob or Dora pillowcases in the rooms. 

Aston Hotels & Resorts can be found at 25 locations on Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and Hawaii.
Why parents will love it: This year's Vacation Bailout room rates are up to 40 percent off the regular price. Try the Aston Waikiki Sunset condo resort, from $124 per night for two adults and up to the three kids. The one-bedroom suite has a full kitchen, and the resort has on-site washers and dryers. Until Dec. 21, kids 17 years and younger stay free and children 12 and under eat for free at participating restaurants.
Why kids will love it, too: With a paying adult, kids also get in free at the Polynesian Cultural Center, Honolulu Zoo, and other island attractions. 

Cayman Islands 
Why parents will love it: Cayman Airways lets kids 11 and younger fly free with a paying adult. The Cayman Islands' Summer Splash promotion also lets kids stay and eat for free at nine participating hotels and 24 condo/villa properties. You have to book a four-night package by Sept. 2, but you get the fifth night free. This deal is valid until Sept. 7.
Why kids will love it, too: Kids ages 12 to 18 can learn to scuba dive for 50 percent off the regular rate when diving with a paying adult.