Welcome to Travel News Articles, a great source of travel news and ideas for stress-free travel. There are three parts to this website.

1. The travel directory on the left has many interesting websites for you to check out. Website owners, why not advertise your site here.

2. The buttons above take you to a variety of travel articles written by people who have "been there done that".

3. The news feed at the bottom of this page features the latest travel news from around the world.

Preparing to Travel

The world has changed a lot in the past century. Thanks to the invention of airplanes and high-speed trains, today's world is wide open to travel. In a day's time, we can travel to the other side of the world without using our entire life's savings. We also have a number of options open to us to help us plan our travels, and choosing wisely can help save time and money.

1. travel Agents

Many people have the misconception that using a travel agent entails paying a fee. Nonsense. In actuality, most travel agents receive commissions from the vendors (airlines, hotels, tour agencies); they are the ones paying the fee, not you. A travel agent has access to deals that often are not available anywhere else. He or she can help take the headache out of planning, allowing you to sit back and relax while the logistics are plotted out. Another bonus is that travel agents often include travel insurance in their packages, to ensure that you are getting what you paid for. You might consider Heathrow Airport hotels if you are travelling to the UK and require convenient accommodation without the stress of meeting flight deadlines or having somewhere comfortable to stay if your flight is delayed. And be sure to enquire if hotel security is up to industry standards set by the best Toronto locksmith.

2. Internet

With the widespread use of the world wide web, travel prices have gone down considerably. Using travel sites like Orbitz, Expedia, and Travelocity, buyers can find lower rates than ever before for airfares, hotels, and package deals. The downside? Truly finding the best travel deals often requires a lot of time and patience as you compare rates with other sites and with direct booking. Another downfall is that you can't always find availability at these lower rates, but it is nice to plan right at home. And real saving can be made when you use a Travelodge discount code 2011.

3. Guidebooks

Tried and true, travel guidebooks are a traveler's best friend. Seasoned travel writers research and compile guidebooks based on their own experiences, and who better to give advice than someone who's been there, done that? Depending on your preferred level of luxury, you are sure to find a guidebook to meet your needs. Best of all, travel guidebooks are often available at your local library-for free!

4. Booking Direct and accommodation options

Sometimes travel companies will offer special deals to customers who book directly. This is especially true with tour and cruise companies who advertise travel deals to repeat customers. You can often find rates as low as half-price (or lower) if you book at the last minute. If you have the flexibility and the determination, this may be the way to go. And if you are planning stag weekends Europe has many great destinations.

If you look around on this site you'll find plenty of information on Costa Blanca golf holidays and Tuscany villas, luxury Marrakech villas, a Meribel luxury chalet, villas in Lanzarote, Portugal property for sale, Lapland adventure holidays and even winter snow weddings.

LATEST TRAVEL NEWS

Single in the Caribbean Sun
Going to the Caribbean solo to compare the swinging singles style of Club Med with the more refined Gansevoort.

36 Hours: 36 Hours: Park City, Utah
On and off the slopes, there?s plenty to do in this Rockies resort town. Sure you can shop and eat. But try barreling down an Olympic bobsled trail at 80 m.p.h.

Practical Traveler: Reassessing Cruise Safety
Ship accidents are rare, but cruisegoers should also consider other dangers, like fire, onboard crime and the dreaded stomach bug.

Journeys: 100 Miles From Los Angeles, True Solitude on Santa Rosa Island
Just off the West Coast a refuge of untouched beaches, native foxes and camping with solar-heated showers.

Cultured Traveler: On the Vodun Trail in Benin
On the West African coast, exploring the rituals of vodun, Benin?s ancient religion.

Q&A: Q&A With Allegra McEvedy
The chef and writer talks about where to find the world?s most interesting food.

Check In, Check Out: Hotel Review: W Taipei
The year-old W Taipei, in the heart of the city, provides familiar, luxurious comfort, but it does not come cheap.

Heads Up: Bangkok for Wine Lovers?
A rash of wine bars and restaurants have opened in the last three years, with the result that imbibing in the Thai capital has never been more accessible or more interesting.

Frugal Traveler: In Tel Aviv, a Quaint Enclave
Established in 1887 as the first neighborhood of modern Tel Aviv, Neve Tzedek still delights with its many old buildings and independent shops.

Letters: Ski Season in Spain
Readers respond to an article on skiing in the Spanish Pyrenees.

The 45 Places to Go in 2012
London, Havana, Lhasa and, yes, even the final frontier. A year?s worth of reasons to pack your bags and take off.

In Transit Blog: The Top 10 of 2011
A survey of the top articles of 2011 from The New York Times Travel section.

New York City App
The Scoop is an insider?s guide to what to eat, drink and do in New York from the staff of The Times. Want more? Check out our lists on coffee, shopping and home furnishing stores.

Flying Solo at the Beach
Old and new resorts on Turks and Caicos: Club Med and the Gansevoort.

Club Med From the 1950?s to Today
Once a haven for swingers, the resort now caters mostly to families.

Paddleboarding in Hawaii: Who Cares About Surf
Paddleboarding while upright means venturing far and wide without having to hunt for waves.

The Falcon: A Jazz Haven in a Hudson Valley Hamlet
Away from Manhattan?s urban frenzy, one man?s hospitality has created an intimate stage for top-tier musicians.

Breaking Ground: Sound-View Homes in North Carolina?s Waterfront
A waterfront second-home community in Merry Hill, N.C.

From Frozen Vines In Ontario, a Sweet Specialty: Ice Wine
The Niagara Peninsula in Ontario is ground zero for ice wine, whose grapes are ready for harvesting in the middle of winter.