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Milano is the most important city in Italy when it comes to business and financial matters. You see, Milan lacks the charming piazzas and cobble stone streets and even though it’s got its fair share of tourist attractions, it remains a business city and not a place geared towards tourism.

Milan is the Mecca of Italian fashion, a paradise for shopping and opera. And let’s not forget the exciting nightlife either. But Milan is and will be the “new” Italy just as much as Rome represents the “old” country.

Planning the budget

Milan is a wealthy city and because it’s the center of the business and banking, it will never be a cheap destination. Plus, it’s home for one of Italy’s most important airports, so there will always be a lot of tourists transiting Milan.

Forget about Italy vacation packages if you plan to spend time in the city. Those are ideal for the tourists wanting to spend time checking out the historical sites of Rome or soaking up the sun on the coast.

Milan is served by the busiest Italian airport in terms of international traffic: Malpensa International Airport. In other words, finding cheap tickets to Milan is the easiest task when planning your vacation in the city. Of course, you should avoid the peak travel season if you want to save some money on airfare. And don’t forget to travel mid-week when the ticket prices are lower.

As for accommodation, the number of cheap hotels in Milan is small , especially if you plan to stay in the city center. But if you want to save money and don’t mind using the public transport – which, by the way, is great! – you can stay in one of the hotels in on the outskirts of the downtown area. Just be careful to read the reviews and choose a hotel within a short walk from bus stop, a tram stop, or a Metro stop. Regardless of the location you choose, you’ll probably need to redefine the term of “cheap hotel” when it comes to accommodation in Milan.

What to do in Milan

If you happen to come to Milan for the winter Holidays, there are quite a few things you can do here. December marks the start of the season Teatro alla Scala opera house, so if you are passionate about lyrical theatre, don’t forget to get a ticket. Picolo Teatro also starts its program in December. Another good reason to experience culture the Italian way.

You can look for a posh nightclub to spend New Year’s Eve. Unfortunately the locals don’t dig the whole open-air countdowns Americans love.

On January 6 you can watch Corteo dei Re Magi, a traditional procession going from the Duomo to Sant’Eustorgio.

There are weekly markets open in Milan in January: Fiera di Senigallia – every Saturday, comprises ethnic handicrafts – and Mercato dell’Antiquariato di Brera – third Saturday of January, focusing mostly on books, jewelry, antiques.

Where to stay

Not ready to redefine your idea of “cheap hotels” when it comes to the price? Well, then look the next best things: hostels. They come in many different forms and many resemble small boutique hostels (and the prices are also quite similar).

Hostel Greco Milan is located near the newest university area. It offers free wi-fi within the property. There are also free city maps for the guests. There’s a bar within the hostel. Bed prices start at €125 per person in a twin room, €104 per person in a 3 bed private room and €25 per person in an 11 bed mixed dorm.

Sweet Hostel offers both private rooms and dorms. There free internet within the property. It is located in the center of Milan, on the most important shopping street, just 4 metro stops from the Duomo. Bed prices start at €30 per person per night in a twin room, €24 per person per night in a 3 bed private room and €31 per person per night in a 6 bed mixed dorm.

Milan Hostel Emmy is located in the center of the city. The hostel was renovated in 2008. There’s free breakfast offered by the hostel. Bed prices start at €37 per person per night in a double room and €21 per person in a 6 bed dorm.

Cristoforo Lux Central Suite is located in the center of the town, just 10 min from the Duomo. It offers apartments for rent in a residential area. The apartments are fully equipped. The prices start at €52 per person per night in a twin room.

Aramis City Centre Studios is located in downtown near the Canals. There’s free wi-fi within the property. The linen and towels are not included in the room price (€5 extra to be added to the total the bed price). Prices start at €69 per person per night in a double room, €38 per person per night in a 3-bed room and €23 per person per night in a 11 bed dorm.

Photos by Jessica Spiegel and might not be used without permission.

Travelers have been heading to Miami for one reason only: the beach! But along with the incredible weather suitable for soaking up the sun year round, Miami also offers excellent restaurants, great shopping and interesting galleries… and all of them make Miami a very popular vacation destination.

The city is huge and there are a ton of things to do, not just stay close to the beach. For those interested in more than catching a tan we recommend visiting the Ancient Spanish Monastery, today a church and a popular marriage location. Those interested in the history, should not miss the Holocaust Memorial and the Jewish Museum of Florida. Several art museums will also draw your attention and you can enjoy some time in nature by checking out the parks (and maybe even listening to live performances).

Planning the budget

Those who want to soak up the sun in Miami will probably start by looking for Florida vacation packages and try to find something that suit their budget. However, while the packages are best for those wanting to spend time in resorts, those who plan to check out the city and the surrounding areas, should consider booking the flight and hotel separately.

The airport serving Miami is one of the busiest in the States and cheap flights to Miami are easy to find regardless of the time of the year when you travel. True, the high season lasts from mid-December to April and that’s when the prices are at their highest but considering the number of flights available, chances are you’ll always be able to find some kind of deal.

When it comes to hotels in Miami , booking at the right time is the key. There is no shortage of rooms available in the city but if you try to book a budget hotel on the spur of the moment right smack in the middle of the high season, chances are you won’t be able to find many options.

What to do in Miami in December

The month of December is filled with a lot of interesting things to do in Miami. The weather in Miami is mild at this time of the year which makes for a unique way to celebrate Christmas and New Year’s. And there are a lot of things you can do, including watching a play – Another Night Before Christmas, until December 27, the Miracle Theatre, Coral Gables -, watching dance performances – Miami Youth Ballet: The Nutcracker, at the Gusman Center for the Performing Arts, Downtown Miami is only one of the many shows available – listening to live music, or taking the kids to experience some interesting activities – Santa’s Enchanted Forest, until January 3, at Tropical Park, West Miami.

If you want to take a break from the Christmas festivities, there are several festivals to check out. Israel Film Festival takes place between December 16 and 23. Miccosukee Indian Arts Festival takes place from December 26 to January 3 and highlights the color and pageantry of costumed Native Americans from all over the country. Florida Dance Festival: WinterFest takes place between December 27 and January 3 and is held in held in Miami and Miami Beach.

Where to stay

As mentioned earlier, there is no shortage of places to stay in Miami, ranging from cheap to expensive, from famous hotel chains to hidden budget hotels. The key is to book at the right moment. Sure, if you wait until December 23 to book your cheap hotel in Miami, the chances are you won’t find anything remotely cheap. And there’s always the possibility to check out the hostels.

Motel Blu is located within the historical district of Miami. All rooms have 32 inch televisions, microwave, fridge and hair dryers. The hotel offers free wi-fi, free breakfast and free parking. The Red Light restaurant is located within the hotel’s grounds. Bed prices start at $50 per night for a single room and $25 per person per night for a double room.

Harrison Hotel Miami Beach is located in the ‘High End Hotel Corridor’ of South Beach Miami, just steps away from the Lincoln Road Mall and Espanola Way. Please note that this is a youth hostel for international travelers. It offers free breakfast, free wi-fi, free linen and towels, free in room mini-fridges and many more. Bed prices range from $70 per night for a single room, to $30 per night per bed in a double room and $18 per night per bed in dorms.

Jazz on South Beach Hostel is a party hostel in South Beach. They host nightly events for the enjoyment of their guests. It’s located a block away from the beach and offers free breakfast. Guests must be 18 to check in and children under 16 are only allowed in private rooms. Rates start at $30 per night per bed in a double private room and $12 per bed in a dorm.

AAE Miami Beach Lombardy Hotel and Hostel is located right across the street from the beach. There are private rooms and dorms available. Guests can use the common kitchen. Men over 27 are not allowed to book a dorm bed. International Students and Out of State Students should only book a bed in dorm. Bed rates start at $52 per night in a single room, to $27 per bed per night in a double room and $11.50 per bed in a dorm.

The South Beach Hostel was fully renovated in March 2009. It is located in the heart of the famous Art Deco district. It is the only boutique hostel in South Beach. It offers free breakfast, free linen and towels, free wi-fi, free transportation to the airport twice a day and a free welcome drink. Guests must be at least 18 years old. Bed rates start at $42.95 per night per person in a twin room and $16.95 per night in a dorm.

This week marked the unofficial launch of the high tourist season in South Florida. According to this article in the Miami Herald the demand for hotel rooms has finally begun to rise in South Florida.

So far, the hotel market has been struck by low demand and highly discounted rates which pushed even the flashiest hotels to the brink of foreclosure.

As things stand right now, no one expects the winter season to end the harsh economy crisis for the South Florida hotels although two major sporting events are coming up (Super Bowl and the NFL’s Pro Bowl). Plus, even though the demand will go up, the discounted rates won’t ensure into more profits for the hotels anyway.

A recent forecast by PKF Hospitality Research predicts that the hotels’ per room revenue in the Miami-Dade area will drop another 6% in 2010, after it has dropped 23% in 2009. That’s discouraging news for the hotels which hope for a strong winter to keep them above the floating line.

However, there are some signs that the hotel industry is going to see a modest rebound. For the first time since late 2008, more people are booking hotel rooms in South Florida. Between July and October this year tourists booked 1.6% more hotel rooms than last year during the same period. On the other hand, the mainland follows a trend set by the Keys since the summer when despite a fall in hotel rates, the demand started to pick up. Analysts expect the Keys to finish the year up about 3%. The increase in bookings was predicable in South Florida because as the hotels cut the rates, the tourists finally opened their wallets. Another good sign is that the companies started booking trips to South Florida again.

Industry players believe that the foreign market has hurt the South Florida tourist market. There are better deals in the Caribbean than in Miami and the foreign tourists seem to prefer the first choice. Many US travel businesses which cater for European tourists saw their bookings drop by as much as 15% in 2009.

Travelers flock to Maui when the weather is bad elsewhere. So the months between mid-December and April are crowded and expensive. Ironically though, the high travel season doesn’t coincide with the best time to visit the island; that would be either in spring or in fall.

Maui is the second largest of the Hawaiian islands and a very popular vacation destination. The visitors come here for the beautiful nature and outdoor activities.

Planning the budget: vacation packages or travel independently

Typically, Hawaii conjures images of beautiful places for a honeymoon vacation package . Those looking to spend their vacation in Maui, gladly look up Hawaii vacation packages , hoping to be able to save some money, particularly during the high season.

Then, of course, there are those who like to explore the nature and make their own vacation plans and are gladly booking the flight and hotel independently, although, it is slightly more time consuming.

The island of Maui is served by its own airport but you’ll most likely be landing on Honolulu International Airport. Flights to Hawaii are easily available particularly during the high season but make sure to book in advance especially if you plan to visit Hawaii during Christmas or New Year’s.

When it comes to accommodation, Maui hotels range from affordable to very expensive. Of course, if you are looking at the beachfront properties, you’ll probably have a heart attack seeing the prices. But if you are willing to stay further from the beach and rent a car to travel on the island, you’ll be surprised to find a lot of affordable places to stay.

Festivals and other things to do in Maui

No matter when you visit Hawaii, there are always a lot of things to do and festivals to attend. The month of December is special because everything revolves around the Winter Holidays.

The Lahaina Banyan Tree Lighting Celebration takes place on December 5. At 6:30 p.m., the historic Banyan Tree will be lit up and the holiday season starts with an appearance by Santa Claus, an arts and crafts fair and a lot of activities for children.

Na Mele O Maui is a festival which celebrates the old whaling days. The activities include music, dance, arts and crafts. It takes place in Lahaina and Ka’anapali.

The Festival of Arts and Flowers is celebrated each December in Maui and is aimed at those who appreciate the flora and fauna of Maui. The art galleries on Lahaina’s Front Street offer free cocktails and pupus (appetizers) every Friday night.

Where to stay

Hawaii is known as an expensive destination so it surely pays to spend some time looking for an affordable place, particularly if you plan to visit Maui during the high season.

Old Lahaina House is located in West Maui and provides an excellent base for exploring the island and having a great holiday. There’s AC within the property. Room rates start at $64.50 per person in a twin double room.

Outrigger Aina Nalu Resort is located in the heart of Lahaina town, right near Front Street. The minimum stay is 2 nights. There’s wi-fi at the pool and wired high speed internet in the rooms. Room rates start at $145 per night for a bedroom with garden view.

Kahana Falls comprises a fitness center, pool, waterfalls, children pool and other stunning facilities to create a wonderful paradise away from home. Each accommodation unit comprises 2 bedrooms, a kitchen and AC. Room rates start at $99 per night.

Hale Mahina Beach Resort is a beach front condominium, located on a private beach in the West part of Maui. Rates start at $275 per night for the 2 bedroom condo. The minimum stay is 5 nights.

Maui Sunseeker is a gay and lesbian resort in Maui. It offers 17 guest rooms and suites. The rates vary between $105-185 per night for a standard room and $275-395 per night for a penthouse apartment.

The high season in Mexico starts in mid-December and with it, come the hordes of tourists looking to have fun and escape the colder climates. The idea of spending a week in such an exotic place like Cancun makes us cringe at the idea of spending a bit too much money. But, if you are keeping the eyes open for deals, you’ll be happy to know that you won’t need to pay an arm and a leg for your dream vacation. Four Days in Cancun for prices starting at $408 per person.

The offer is valid for Jan 7 to Jan 11, 2010 and does not include the airfare. You’ll be staying in a resort suitable for families, located 25 minutes from the airport. The all inclusive hotel offers 332 rooms and is located close to important shopping centers in Cancun. There are four restaurants located within the resort and they cater for many tastes (Mexican, Spanish, sea food).

Since the offer doesn’t include the flight, it’s important to book your flight to Cancun in advance as well. Don’t forget that we are in the middle of the high season and the flights are bound to be crowded and more expensive than during the rest of the year.

How about other vacation packages?

The entire Caribbean area comes to life as soon as the high season kicks in, although many destinations are popular among tourists year round. Caribbean vacation packages are abundant at this time of the year and the tour operators are making sure to add as much as possible to the package. The simplest package comprises the flight and the accommodation, which typically saves quite a lot of money. Then, many hoteliers (or tour operators) throw in additional services which enhance the value of the package, yet keeping the price low.

Is it wise to choose the packages?

This is one of those simple questions with complex answer. Why? Let me explain. First of all, because you need to know how the packages are created. Tour operators typically buy the services “in bulk” which means they rent seats in charter planes and rent hotel rooms at prices below the market levels (and benefit from discounts which are not available to the general public). For the travelers, this should mean that they hit jackpot and can spend a lot less on vacation. Well, not so true. Tour operators want to make some profits as well, so they do add their profit rate to the rack price and that’s where you need to be careful.

If you found an interesting offer which seems a bit too good to be true, make sure to do some research on your own. Look for a flight to Cancun (or wherever else you are planning to go) and then look for similar hotels as those in the offer. Is the price higher than the package? Then, you have hit jackpot and you can book the package and wait to leave on vacation. Is the price lower if you were to book on your own? Then, invest some time and create the vacation of your dream without paying a premium for the agency’s trouble.

For the vast majority of Europeans, winter conjures images of cold, gloomy days, dark nights, cold rain and, in some cases, quite a lot of snow as well. And there aren’t few of them who would rather be in a warmer place at least for couple of days (ideally, for the duration of winter, but that’s day dreaming, unfortunately).

One of the cheap winter destinations for Europeans is Marrakech. The Moroccan city is blessed with subtropical weather which means the temperatures stay at a balmy 21C all winter long. The beautiful city is an excellent choice for those who want to stay in a warm place, close to home, and which won’t break the budget either.

There are plenty of things to do and see in Marrakech and you are guaranteed not to get bored. Djemaa El-Fna is the center of the night life (but not in the terms you know it in other parts of the world). The square is packed with dancers, musicians and stalls selling a wide variety of goods. The souks (or the markets) are located just by the side of Djemaa El-Fna. You can buy anything and everything here (so be careful if you are an impulsive shopper!). And since you’ve just discovered the Medina, you might want to stay in a Riad, a Moroccan house with an internal courtyard. Many traditional houses have been turned into hotels which welcome tourists.

Planning the budget

Morocco is a popular winter vacation destination especially among Brits, so it’s not hard to find family vacation packages . However, they are geared toward the resorts located by the sea and there aren’t many chances to find packages focusing on Marrakech.

So, there is nothing wrong with planning the vacation on your own, although it might require a bit of patience. Finding flights to Morocco is easy and there are plenty of them departing from big European hubs. You should remember that the airport in Marrakech is not the largest in the country (Casablanca is). However, many European carriers offer affordable flights to Marrakech.

Most cheap hotels in Marrakech are located in the old part of the city, which makes for a unique experience. Look for the word “Riad” which, as mentioned earlier, indicates that a traditional house has been converted in a hotel. Do remember that some are better maintained than the other and you need to be prepared for pretty much anything. There are, however, many budget places in the city which surely pleases all types of travelers.

Things to do in Marrakech

The Medina is a lively place every day of the year but if you are looking for something special, you are pretty much out of luck during this time of the year. There are many festivals going on throughout the year, but in December you don’t have too many choices.

The Olive Festival takes place in Rafai (Fez) in mid-December. You get the chance to witness traditional olive-picking techniques.

Where to stay

There are many budget places to choose from and if you are looking for an authentic experience, then the Riads should be your first choice. Just like in the case of traditional hotels, Riads range from very affordable to downright expensive. Obviously, the budget dictates where you’ll be staying.

Amour de Riad is located 3 minutes from the main square in Medina. There are 5 rooms available for the guests, all with private bathrooms. Breakfast is included in the room price and there is wi-fi within the property. Room rates start at €15 per person per night in a standard double room.

Riad Elixir is located in the Medina and is, indeed, a traditional place reconditioned to keep all the Moroccan elements alive. It offers 5 bedrooms and 2 lounges. Each room has ensuite bathroom and AC (or heating, depending on the time of the year). Room rates range from €50 to €120 per night, depending on the type of the room and time of the year. The entire guesthouse can be rented for €250-€380 per night (10-14 persons). The rates include breakfast.

Riad Ma’ab is located in the Medina and offers a casual and comfortable home to return to after the fun you have in the exotic old city. The souks are just 5 to 10 minute walk away. The room rates start at €60 per night (opening special rates). The high season runs from mid-December to early January.

Riad Orangeraie is located in the Medina, in an ancient Moroccan residence which was transformed to be a charming hotel. It offers 7 bedrooms and two patios (a garden patio and a pool patio). Room rates start at €130 per night.

Hostel Riad Marrakech Rouge is located in the heart of Medina, just few minutes from Place D’Jeema El Fna and the famous souks. There are 10 bedrooms for the guests to use. The breakfast and linen are included in the room price. The guests can ask to learn how to cook traditional Moroccan food. Bed prices start at €9 per night per person.

Once, Manila was considered the most beautiful city in Asia but it was almost completely destroyed during the World War II. It was rebuilt since then and managed to keep some of its old historic charm. Today, the cosmopolitan capital of the Philippines offers a blend of cultures and flowers which charms every visitor.

Intramuros, the historic center of the oldest district in Manila, comprises the walls, gates and fortifications dating back to the 16th century. Fort Santiago is the former military headquarters of the Spanish colonial government. It did sustain heavy damage in the past, but it has been restored and is now a major landmark and one of the most popular tourist attractions in Manila. Charming plazas, museums and churches complete the scenery and offer a lot of things to do and visit.

Planning the budget

Asia is known as a budget-friendly destination and there isn’t much need to consider an all inclusive vacation package when you plan your vacation here.

Finding cheap flights to Manila is not hard at all, no matter when you plan to visit the city. The airport serving Manila is the main one in the country and a hub for Philippines Airlines, so make sure to start the search by looking at their special offers.

The city is large and there are many excellent districts where you can find cheap hotels in Manila . Ideally, you should start by looking at places located within the Intramuros, where the main tourist attractions are. Also, the neighborhoods of Ermita, Malate and Sampaloc are very good choices.

Things to do in Manila

Since the majority of the locals are Christians, the entire month of December is dedicated to the Christmas celebrations. Traditional holiday celebrations as well as religious services offer a complete picture of what it’s like to celebrate Christmas in Manila.

Feast of the Black Nazarene takes place on January 9 and is one of the most spectacular religious events taking place in Manila. The procession takes place in the district of Quiapo. The life size image of the Black Nazarene shows a “black” Jesus carrying a cross. The statue was brought to Manila by a Spanish priest in 1607 aboard a ship but the ship caught fire and hence, the statue became known as the Black Nazarene.

Where to stay

Do remember that the time before Christmas (and after) is considered high season so there will be tourists wanting to attend the festivities. Plus, it’s one of the best times to visit the city, as the weather is dry so it’s a good idea to plan your vacation at least a bit in advance.

Manila Bay Hostel is overlooking Manila Bay and park. It is also very close to the Intramuros. All rooms have private bathrooms and there is cable TV available for the guests as well. There’s AC within the property. The linen is included in the room price. Room rates start at US$10 per bed in a twin private room. Please note that the hostel books up very quickly and it’s advisable to make reservations in advance.

Oasis Park Hotel is located in the heart of downtown Manila. It offers 50 rooms, swimming pool, spa and courtyard. All rooms have AC and TV. There’s free wi-fi available within the hotel. Room rates start at US$36 per night for an economy hotel room.

Casa Nicarosa Hotel is located in the heart of Manila and offers rooms for all types of travelers. All rooms have private bathroom, TV and AC. Free breakfast is offered daily. Room rates start at US$24.50 per bed in a standard double room.

Oceanside Residence is located on Roxas Boulevard. The one-bedroom flats have balcony overlooking Manila Bay, kitchen, 2 toilets, dining area and TV. Room rates start at US$33.40 per night per person (max 4 persons per room).

Green Mango Inn is located in new part of city in Metro Manila in a gated neighborhood, with close access to restaurants and bars. There’s free wi-fi available for the guests. The kitchen can be used by guests but there is 50 pesos per day fee for using the cooking oil and other condiments. Room rates start at US$9 per night per person in a twin private room, bathroom on suite.

Paris… the City of Lights… the most romantic city in the world has ranked high among travelers’ preferences for decades. Usually when we plan a vacation here, we start to cringe at the idea of how much the entire deal will cost. Thankfully though, there are excellent deals available and all you need to do is grab them while there’s still time. Paris Getaway 2010, 5 days in Paris from $598

The price doesn’t include the transatlantic flight but includes: buffet breakfast, welcome pack (which includes a map), discounts at department stores and sightseeing included in the itinerary. Departures start in mid-March 2010.

Austria ski vacations

Those who prefer an active vacation on the slopes, can choose Austria for a week in March 2010. You can stay in this hotel in Zell am See for prices starting at £454pp. It includes the RT flight from London Gatwick and 7-nights accommodation with half board.

There are numerous Europe vacation packages available this time of the year and most of them are targeted at those who want to go on a ski vacation. Browse them carefully and you’ll be able to find something to suit your travel style and budget. Typically, these packages don’t cover the cheaper ski destinations though.

Other European ski destinations

If the “traditional” ski destinations in Austria, France and Switzerland are a bit too expensive for your pocket, then you can always choose to spend a vacation on the slopes in one of the cheaper areas, such as Greece, Bulgaria or Romania.

First though, you need to book a flight to Europe , ideally into a large hub and then choose a low cost flight or another means of transportation to get to the ski area.

Pay attention that March is still considered high season in the mountain resorts and the prices are a bit higher everywhere. But overall, the countries mentioned above are cheaper than other ski destinations. Accommodation ranges from budget to expensive, but with a bit of research you’ll be able to find something for you. If you travel with a group of friends, you can look for villas online and rent one for your vacation. That will drastically reduce the costs of accommodation and meals.

Plus, you can always add a day or two of exploring Thessaloniki on your way home. Or you can try to decipher Bucharest after a week on the slopes in Poiana Brasov.

Manhattan is just a part of the beautiful city of New York, but the majority of those who visit New York are only concentrating on visiting Manhattan. The island is packed with restaurants, clubs, theaters and tourist attractions, enough to keep you busy during your vacation. Manhattan, however, is also a very expensive area of New York, so don’t expect to find low prices when it comes to both accommodation and flights.

Aside from hitting the stores and checking out the club and theatre scenes in Manhattan, don’t forget to visit some of its landmarks: the Brooklyn Bridget, Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty, Times Square and the touristy Rockefeller Center.

Planning your budget

Many travelers plan to visit Manhattan before the winter holidays (or for the holidays) to enjoy the special feel of the island and to do some shopping. There are numerous New York vacation packages available and, in most cases, you’ll be able to save some money.

There’s always the option to create your own package, by booking the flight and accommodation independently. The city is served by three airports so it is quite easy to find cheap flights to New York . However, this time of the year is considered high season, which means the airfare will be a bit more expensive. Needless to say, you can always benefit from the airlines special offers, especially if you like to fly with a particular airline.

Once you’ve got the flight secured, it’s time to look for a place to stay. In general, Manhattan is not a cheap area of New York but there are a lot of hotels and budget places to stay. Finding cheap hotels in Manhattan might be harder during this time of the year, but not impossible.

What to do in Manhattan

December is a beautiful month in Manhattan. Every activity revolves around the Christmas celebrations. The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree will be illuminated on December 2, 2009 (and will come down on January 7, 2010).

Spending some time at the Rockefeller Center Ice Rink is another favorite activity both among locals and tourists. The rink typically opens on Columbus Day weekend and closes in early April. Skating at Rockefeller Center is the quintessential New York winter experience but do remember that you’ll be paying a premium for having fun in such a famous location.

Christmas concerts and shows are also part of the entire New York holidays experience. There are numerous interesting performances take place at theaters all over Manhattan. But make sure to book the tickets in advance.

And don’t forget to walk the streets and admire the beautiful holiday window displays in Manhattan. Each department store is doing its best to depict colorful and interesting holiday scenes in their window displays.

Where to stay

When visiting such a touristy place before or during the holidays, it’s a good idea to book the accommodation in advance. Don’t be shy to look for hostels – most of them have private rooms, which are excellent for those looking for a more intimate place to stay – and of course, you should check the budget hotels as well. Do be careful when you choose the location. You’ll probably need to get used to the public transportation system in Manhattan.

Jazz on Lenox is located in Upper Manhattan and offers both double private rooms and dorms. There’s free wi-fi within the hostel and the guests can use the shared kitchen. The hostel books up quickly. Bed prices range from $28.33 per night in a 3-bed private room (shared bathroom) to $14 per night in a 10-bed mixed dorm.

5th Avenue Spot is located only 15 minutes from the heart of New York and close to the entertainment hot spots of the city. There’s free wi-fi within the hostel. The guests can use the shared kitchen. There’s free coffee and tea all day. Bed prices start at $50 per night in a twin private room (bathroom ensuite) and $17 per night in a 10-bed mixed dorm.

Explorers House Upper Westside is located in the Upper West Side of Historic Manhattan, just 10 minutes from Central Park. It offers both private rooms and dorms. There’s free breakfast and free wi-fi. The towels, pillows and linen are also offered by the hostel. Bed prices range from $25.50 per night in a 8-bed mixed dorm to $9 per night in a 16-bed mixed dorm.

Central Park Inn and Private Rooms , located in Manhattan, and offers various types of private rooms for the guests. There’s free wi-fi available for the guests. Bed prices range from $44 per night in a single room, $25 per night in a 1 double bed private room and $18 per night in a 4-bed private room.

The Sky Hostel is located in New York’s Upper West Side, minutes from Central Park and in close proximity to Times Square and Rockefeller Center. It offers 61 guestrooms, including doubles and twins. There’s wi-fi access through the hostel. The linen, towels and blankets are offered by the hostel. Bed prices start at $28 per night in a 1 double bed private room, $28 per night in a twin private room and $18 per night in a 6-bed mixed dorm.

A new project by for MGM Mirage is set to open in December. The new almost 6,000 room facility threatens to influence the already low rates in Las Vegas hotels, as this article from Reuters explains.

The reports showed that room rates fell by 25% in Las Vegas in August and right now a night in December in one of the CityCenter’s rooms can be booked for $129 per night.

Built like a mini-metropolis, CityCenter comprises condominium towers and a shopping center. Visitors still come to Vegas but they are very careful when choosing what to spend money on. And while its creators hope that the new rooms will spark competition and bargains, so far CityCenter seems to bring only problems.

Despite the financial problems which threatened the project from the beginning and even construction problems, CityCenter will open on schedule in December.

Rivals applaud the new arrival and fear that if it would prove to be unsuccessful, the end result would have to be cutting the rates even lower. And the future of Las Vegas travel doesn’t look too promising. The airline flight cutbacks along with an increase in gas prices and the current economy resulted in a 6% drop in visitors so far this year.

But even with the problems looming above, CityCenter is a success in Las Vegas. Several projects have remind either a partially built skeleton or stalled by bankruptcy. And even those which planned to redesign their properties have had second thoughts lately and choose to wait before they embark in such an adventure.

New resort just opened in Orlando

Despite the economy, hoteliers are brave enough to open new resorts in the States. According to this article from Hospitality.net , the Bonnet Creek Resort opened on Nov 12. It features 500-room Waldorf=Astoria, a 1,000-room Hilton Hotel and a Rees Jones signature golf course. The huge project also features a 249,000-square-foot conference center, a pool area, a family water recreational area and a 25,000-square-foot Guerlain spa.

Possible signs of improvement in the industry

We’ve recently written about the occupancy rates in Anaheim rising during the first two weeks of October and it wasn’t the only good news. In Italy, the hotels started performing better since August, while Dubai saw a big increase in occupancy rates in September. However, the future of the industry is not yet very clear. Hoteliers expect the rates to stay low for the next year or so.