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Florida Keys have been attracting visitors for decades whether they came here for the snorkeling, great weather or just the relaxed atmosphere. Located just few miles from Cuba, Key Largo is the largest of the Florida Keys and offers excellent beaches and great places to snorkel.

Florida Vacation Packages

Key Largo is a vacation destination year round but the peak travel season starts just before Christmas. So the fall is a great time to grab one of the Florida Vacation Packages and spend a relaxing vacation. These come in many forms, from flight-only to hotel-only or a combination of the two options. Ideally you should look for a package which offers the flight, accommodation, meals and transfer to/from the airport.

If you don’t manage to find a package to suit your available time off or your budget, there’s always the possibility to create your own package. Look for flights to Florida as it’s a good idea to fly either into Miami or Fort Lauderdale, depending on which is more convenient for you. Also, rent a car since it’s the cheapest and easiest way to get from the airport to Key Largo.

As for cheap hotels in Key Largo it’s a bit tricky to find them. The Keys are small – so small that they cannot be considered islands – so there is limited space for accommodation. But the prices are quite affordable during the low season (before Dec 15).

Festivals and Events in Key Largo

The Keys might be small but there are plenty of things to do. And by the way: if you chose not to rent a car at the airport, you are probably going to think it was a bad idea because you surely want to be able to move around in order to experience a lot of interesting things.

Fantasy Fest takes place between Oct 23 and Nov 1 in Key West. It’s an outrageous street festival which will make your jaws drop. There are carnivals, good food and a bit of haunting going on.

The Underwater Pumpkin Carving Contest takes place on Oct 25 in Key Largo. Contestants try to carve the most beautiful pumpkin, at 30 feet under water and wearing scuba gear.

The BubbaFest Bike Tour takes place from Nov 7 until Nov 14. The ride starts in Key Largo and ends in Key West. It’s excellent for those looking for an active vacation. The event welcomes bike riders of all ages and fitness levels.

Where to stay

If you plan to visit the Keys for one of the festivals mentioned above, make sure to book the accommodation ahead of time. Also, you can consider staying in other Keys if you cannot find the accommodation you want in Key Largo.

Atlantic Bay Resort is located right on Florida Bay, just a quick walk from all the fun activities. The resort offers private beach, waterfront tiki hut, BBQ grills and free wi-fi. All apartments and rooms have full equipped kitchens. The low season rates start at $119-$129 per night per apartment and $79-$89 per night per room.

Island Bay Resort is centrally located between Key Largo and Islamorada and offers 10 cottages. All cottages have private wood deck, patio table and BBQ grill. The low-season rates start at $129-$159 per night per room.

Ramada Limited – Key Largo is located just 55 miles from Miami Airport. There are plenty of fun activities near-by, including a casino strip, a golf course and plenty of restaurants. Breakfast is included in the room price. All rooms have coffee maker, fridge, cable TV, hair dryer and ironing board. Room rates average $120 per night.

Holiday Inn Key Largo offers 2 pools, a fitness room, indoor and outdoor dining and a Tiki Pavilion. It offers over 130 rooms, all equipped with cable TV, fridge, hair dryers, coffee maker and ironing board. During the low season, the room rates start at $99 per night.

Ocean Pointe Suites at Key Largo is running a special promotion for the fall season (stay 3 nights and get 10% off for certain type of suites). All suites include a whirlpool, fully equipped kitchen and balcony. There are tennis courts and a heated pool available for the guests to use. During the low season, room rates start at $159 per night.

Read more about:

>>Hot Weather and Affordable Hotels in Florida Keys

After visiting Budapest two times in the past two years and after falling hopelessly in love in Vienna on my latest vacation, I started recommending the two capitals to everyone who wants a tip when decided what to visit in Europe. Add Prague to the mix and you’ve got a trio of capitals which offer history, architecture, romance, nightlife and an incredible European feel. Prague, Vienna & Budapest 2009, 10 days with Cosmos from $1,000 including airfare

Creating your own package?

Maybe 10 days on a European tour is a bit too long or you just don’t like taking tours. No problem. You can always create your own package. Although it is hard to decide which of the three capitals to visit first, I’d recommend Vienna. The reasons are simple. First of all, there are a lot of chances to find cheap flights to Vienna . Austria is located in Central Europe and is very well connected with other countries. Once you are here, it’s easy to travel to any other European destination, including Budapest – which is at just 4 hours by car (on the highway). Secondly, because Vienna is absolutely AMAZING!

Warmer European destinations

If the weather in Central Eastern Europe at the end of the year is not exactly your cup of tea – really, we don’t blame you! – then there’s always the possibility to choose to spend your vacation in warmer places.

Greece might see some cold weather, but it’s definitely warmer than in Central Eastern Europe. Flights to Athens are cheap right now. Plus you won’t bump into crowds and the hotel prices are lower than during the peak season. This hotel is a good choice if you want to stay in downtown Athens and don’t need too many facilities. The rate for two nights is €71 for two adults. Breakfast is included in the room price.

If you prefer something even warmer, Barcelona is an interesting choice. Cheap flights to Barcelona are plentiful, especially if you choose to fly into a major hub, such as London or Paris, and then look for a low-cost flight into Spain. If you choose a hotel in a quite area and close (2 km) to downtown, room rates start at €55 per night for two adults.

Photo by Cristina Dima and may not be used without permission.

Ironically, most people visiting Kauai don’t come here when the weather is at its best. Rather, they come when the weather is cold pretty much everywhere else. So when the cold hits the Northern Hemisphere, Americans flock to Hawaii, making mid-December to March the busiest season in the islands. But the best weather is during the off seasons: mid-April to mid-June and November to mid-December. Beside great weather and almost no crowds, you’ll also be blessed with low rates both for accommodation and flights.

Kauai is the smallest island in the Hawaii chain but it’s also the oldest. It is a heaven for those who enjoy spending time in nature. There are stunning mountains to discover, beautiful beaches to check out and excellent diving spots.

Vacation packages

It is a good idea to look for Hawaii vacation packages if you want to travel to Kauai during the low season. Many resorts prefer to discount the rates in order to draw visitors and these special offers are often bundled with affordable flights.

If you cannot find something to suit your days off or your budget, there’s also the possibility to create your own package. Kauai’s airport is not as big as the one in Honolulu, but it does receive some non-stop flights from the US. It has been traditional used for flights between the islands. Finding flights to Kauai isn’t very hard but if you cannot find a direct flight from the city you want to fly out of, there’s always the possibility to fly via Honolulu.

Kauai is a stunning destination, ideal for those who love snorkeling and spending time in nature. But, unfortunately, this also means the destination is not exactly cheap. However, there are hotels in Kauai catering for a wide variety of budgets. Travelers tend to prefer two areas: near Hanalei on the North Shore or near the Lihue airport.

Things to do

This time of the year is not that busy in terms of festivals and events on Kauai

Although Halloween events don’t take place on Kauai, you can check out the events on the big islands. Oahu welcomes visitors with the Hawaii’s Haunted Plantation in Waipahu or watch the Halloween street festival in Downtown Honolulu. On Maui, the events include the Lahaina’s famous Halloween block party and visiting a haunted house. On the Big Island, there’s a Halloween street festival in Kailua-Kona and a lot of story telling sessions at different venues.

You can also attend the Holiday Harvest Wine and Food Gala. It takes place during November at the Kauai Lagoons Resort. You can sample incredible food and wines, and enjoy the entertainment.

Places to stay

Although the island is small, there are quite a lot of places to stay to choose from. They cater for pretty much all budgets but do expect them to be on the high side.

The Kauai Inn is the first inn ever to open in Kauai. It’s nicely hidden in a lush area, where the Nawiliwili Bay meets the Huleia River. There are 48 inn style rooms to choose from. All rooms have fridge, microwave, ceiling fan, phone, and TV. AC is optional. Room rates start at $89.00 per night per Large Studio with King and $109.00 per night per week (various types of suites and rooms).

Garden Island Inn is an affordable boutique hotel, located by the lovely Kalapaki Beach. Many water sports can be practiced here, including surfing. There are many restaurants located within easy walk. All 21 rooms are newly renovated and have AC , ceiling fan, kitchenette, TV, free wi-fi and balcony. Room rates start at $99 – $135 per night for the Palm Rooms (1 queen bed, 2 twin beds), $125 – $150 per night for the Tropical rooms (1 queen bed , 2 twin beds) and $140 per night for the Hale Kalapaki Vacation Condo (2 nights minimum, kitchen, 1.5 bath, 1 king bed, 1 queen bed).

Aston Islander on the Beach (former ResortQuest Hawaii) is located on the beach, close to the airport. It offers outdoor swimming pool, whirlpool, pool bar, and sundeck. All rooms have AC, fridge, fridge, phone, TV, microwave, internet access, coffee maker, mini-bar and balcony. Room rates start at $99 per night for a room with garden view and $114 per night for a room with ocean view. All sleep up to 4 persons.

Coral Reef Hotel was one of the first hotels on the spectacular Royal Coconut Coast. It is located right on the beach. All rooms have AC, TV, DVD player, coffee maker, microwave and fridge. Special packages are available (such as reserve 2 nights and get the 3rd free). Room rates start at $110 per night for a room with garden view and $245 per night for an ocean front suit. Discounted rates are available.

Hilton Kauai Beach Resort is located right on the beach and is the perfect place for a romantic vacation. The resort offers 350 deluxe guestrooms and luxury suites, two pools, a children pool, spa and fitness center and two restaurants. All rooms have fridge, coffee maker and free wi-fi. Room rates start at $169 per night for a room with garden view (1 king bed) and $209 per night for a room with ocean view (1 king bed).

Read more about:

>> Many Festivals and Hotel Deals in Hawaii
>> Affordable Hotels and Fewer Tourists in Honolulu before December

In November the weather begins to dry up in Jamaica. It’s the end of the rainy season and the time when tourists start flocking to this interesting Caribbean island. Jamaica, although a small island, is very popular among tourists who prefer to book an all inclusive vacation here.

Choosing the right place to spend your vacation depends on what you plan to do and what you like. Kingston is the capital and where you can explore some tourist attractions. Montego Bay is where all the foreign tourists flock and for some, it might not be what they expect of Jamaica. Negril offers some beautiful beaches and a more relaxed atmosphere.

Vacation packages

Most foreign tourists prefer to buy a Jamaica vacation package and not worry much about planning on their own. Ideally, they look for inclusive packages as they include everything: flight, accommodation, food and sometimes even some entertainment. But there are also flight-only, hotel-only or flight and hotel packages, which can be a good choice if you like to save some money by booking in bulk.

Of course, you can also go the completely independent way and book the flight and hotel separately. Jamaica is served by two airports and finding cheap flights to Jamaica is an easy task, regardless of when you plan to travel. The departure points in Northern America will most likely be Miami or New York.

As for the hotels in Jamaica , although there are tons of resorts on this small island, there’s also the possibility to find affordable accommodation away from the hustle and bustle of the touristy spots.

What to do

The off season is about to end in November but the festivals haven’t yet began. You won’t get bored though, because there are some things to check out beside the attractions.

Kingston Restaurant Week takes place from November 7 to November 14 and celebrates the city’s culinary community. The visitors are encouraged to dine out and sample the diverse cuisine. And by the way: all prices are discounted by up to 50%. Over 35 restaurants in Kingston, Montego Bay and Ocho Rios take part in the event.

There are plenty of tours available, which are interesting if you want to learn more about Bob Marley or how rum is made. Plus you can always explore the wild side of Jamaica on rafting tours.

Where to stay

If you are not among the all-inclusive vacation type of traveler, then you will be looking for something charming, affordable and which can show you the real island. We’ve got some suggestions in several popular cities.

Montego Bay: Caribic House is located in the heart of the touristy zone. It offers 17 air-conditioned rooms. The beach, bars and restaurants are located near by. All rooms have balcony, TV, phone, fridge and AC. Room rates start at $65 per night for a double room.

Negril: Secrets Cabins on Negril Beach offer unique cabins which can accommodate up to 4 people. There’s free wi-fi available within the property. Free coffee is served each morning directly on the beach. Room rates start at $94 per night for a double room (bathroom ensuite).

Ocho Rios: Skycastles Condominiums is a luxury accommodation set on a hill overlooking the beach. You can stay in studios or apartments. All guests accommodation have AC, fully equipped kitchen, TV and balcony. Room rates start at $248 per night in a double room (bathroom ensuite).

Kingston: The Spanish Court Hotel is a very stylish, luxury hotel, which offers 112 Standard Deluxe, Junior and Penthouse Suites. All rooms have plasma TV, AC, mini bar, in room safe and coffee maker. Free wi-fi is available within the property. Room rates start at $139.99 per night for deluxe rooms and $200 per night for junior suites.

Port Antonio: Search-me-Heart is located in Drapers, a little fishing village. It is a unique ecotourism destination. The place offers a sitting room, dining area and TV lounge. Room rates start at $64 per night in a double room (bathroom ensuite).

The majority of European countries reported a weak August in the hotel business, which only comes to strengthen the worries about the recession still threatening the industry. However, there was an exception to the rule: Italy.

Hotel Industry in Italy

In a recent article published by Hospitality.net the data released by STR Global shows that the hotel industry all over the world is showing signs of improvement.

In Italy, things are looking better for the hospitality industry. In Rome, the occupancy rate in August 2009 showed a 17.9% increase compared to the same period last year. But Rome is not an isolated case. Both Florence and Naples reported increased occupancy rates in July and August 2009. However, the revenue per available room dropped in Italy by 18.1% in August 2009 compared to last year.

Although Italy entered recession in the second half of 2008, later than the majority of other European countries, it’s showing signs of recovery earlier than expected.

Hotels in Russia

By comparison, both the occupancy rates and revenue per available room in Russia dropped in the first eight months of 2009, as it was reported in an article on Hospitality.net . Moscow reported a drop of 8.7% in occupancy rates in August 2009 compared to the same period last year, while the occupancy rates in St. Petersburg fell by 14.3%.

The forecast doesn’t look too good for Russia. The vice-president of STR Global, the leading provider of market data for the hotel industry, confirms that in Moscow the revenue per available room will drop by 26% by the end of the year and any improvement might occur by mid 2010.

What does the future hold?

The reports coming from most European countries are quite bleak. The hotel industry isn’t expected to perform much better during the last part of 2009. In UK, it’s expected that hotels will report a decline in revenue per available room by the end of 2009 but with hopes of improving the numbers in early 2010. While the occupancy rate is not doing that badly in the UK, the average room rates are the main culprit for the drop in revenue.

Photo by Jessica Spiegel and may not be used without permission.

Italy is one of the most popular travel destinations. Regardless of the season, travelers come here to visit the beautiful sites, enjoy the good food and relax in the country side. No matter how hard you try, it’s impossible to visit the entire country during a single (short) vacation…so you’ll definitely have enough reasons to come back.

>>If you are visiting Italy for the first time, make sure to read this Italy First Time Visitor Visitor Guide and get to know the country a little bit before departing.

Planning your budget

The popularity is always followed by expensive rates and Italy, unfortunately, makes no exception. However, there are ways to “trick” the system and find a reasonably priced Italy vacation package . First of all, you need to be willing to sacrifice the time of the year. We know that most people want to come to Italy during summer but summer is the most expensive period (not to mention the most crowded). The next best choice is autumn. The shoulder season is perfect for those looking for a bargain. The hotels are struggling to get visitors now so they have various offers available. Better yet, if you feel adventurous, you can try looking for some last minute packages, which are always the best priced.

During autumn and especially in November, it is easy to create your own package as well. Should you need the flexibility to visit different places or just don’t have enough days off to get a package, then you can book the airfare and hotels separately. Cheap flights to Italy are easy to find now and you should try to fly into one of the major airports: Milan, Rome or Venice. They receive a lot of international flights and the fares are cheaper than if you would fly into a smaller airport.

Although Italy does have a reputation of being an expensive travel destination, cheap hotels in Italy can be found in pretty much any city. You can also consider setting a “base” in Rome or Milan and then take day trips to other cities you want to visit.

Things to do in Italy

Italy is alive and kicking no matter when you come here. There are festivals taking place all over the country and November is the White Truffles month so be prepared for a lot of fairs.

November 1 marks the All Saints Day, which is a national holiday in Italy.

The Alba White Truffle Festival takes place in the town of Alba (Piedmont region) and is one of the biggest truffles festivals in the country.

During the last two weekends of November, the San Miniato Truffle Fair takes place in San Miniato (Tuscany). You can enjoy the good food and check out the craft stands. There’s also entertainment at the fair.

>>Read more about Holidays & Festivals in Italy

Where to stay

Whether you plan to visit Italy for the food, festivals or sights, you need a place to stay, which is both affordable and in a good location. Here are some ideas to get you started.

Rome: Diocleziano B&B is a B&B located in Rome, near Termini Station. There’s free wi-fi within the hotel. Breakfast is included in the room price. Room rates start at €57.60 per night for a double room (bathroom ensuite).

Florence: Hotel Garden is located close to the train station (10 min walk). It has been recently renovated and all rooms have private bathroom and TV. Breakfast is included in the room price. Room rates start at €26.20 per night for a double room (bathroom ensuite).

Venice: B&B Rota is located in the heart of the city, in a 500 years old building. Breakfast is included in the room rates; there’s free wi-fi within the property. The guests can use the shared kitchen. Towels and linen are provided. The restaurant offers a cheap backpackers menu for only €8. Room rates start at €31.40 per night in a double room (bathroom ensuite).

Milan: Hotel San Tomaso is located in the city center. The city’s sights, restaurants and shops are within easy reach. There’s free wi-fi within the hotel. Room rates start at €34.55 per night in a double room (bathroom ensuite).

Naples: Fabric Hostel & Club is located in Portici, a small neighborhood south of Naples downtown. It offers a common room and free wi-fi within the property. The linen and towels are included in the room rates. Room rates start at €20.70 per night in a double room (shared bathroom).

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

The Caribbean area is a very popular vacation destination year-round. But during the peak season – December to March – the prices tend to be too high for most people to consider going. A good alternative is going to the Caribbean during the shoulder season, particularly in mid and late November. 7 days in Aruba. Kids welcomed. $386 per person, airfare not included.

More last minute Caribbean deals

Maybe Aruba is not your favorite Caribbean destination. No problem. There’s also Jamaica to consider. You can spend 4 nights in Jamaica, in a 3-star resort, based on the all inclusive plan for $380 per person, airfare not included. But that’s not a big problem, is it? Cheap flights to Jamaica are not hard to find, even if you plan to grab a last minute offer. A round trip flight from Miami to Jamaica starts at $296 per person, for the period comprised in the resorts offer (Nov 12 to Nov 16).

Barbados is another interesting choice, although the prices tend to be a bit higher than in Aruba or Jamaica. You can spend 4 nights in early November (Nov 5 to Nov 9), in a 4-star resort, based on the all inclusive plan for $703 per person, airfare not included. Flights to Barbados for the same period start at $381 per person (round trip, from Miami).

Peak Season Offers

By early December, the peak season has almost kicked in and the prices are starting to act accordingly. However, if you book now, there are interesting deals in St.Lucia . Should you want to spend 4 nights in December (Dec 10 to Dec 14), in a 3-star resort, based on the all inclusive plan, you’ll be paying $560 per person, airfare not included.

Other alternatives

If the flight is not included in the last-minute offer, sometimes it gets too expensive to consider such a trip. But there are also the US destinations waiting to be explored. You can spend Christmas in South Carolina, in a 3-star resort, and pay only $266 per person, airfare not included. The package includes 4 nights (Dec 24 to Dec 28). And by the way: now it’s the time to put those saved miles to good use!

Istanbul is Turkey’s most populous city and the only city in the world which stands on two continents. The blend of European and Asian traditions can be felt in every aspect of life and culture.

Istanbul, hidden behind the straight between the Black and Marmara Seas, has always been an affordable destination. The Harbiye area, on the European side, is the main center on the European side of Turkey and is definitely a place where you should look for places to stay.

Come late fall, Istanbul is turning into a rather cold and wet destination. It’s possible to even snow in late November, but it doesn’t happen too often. However, make sure to be prepared for cold nights and mornings.

Planning the budget

While October is still a popular month to visit Istanbul, November definitely is not. And the prices are behaving accordingly. It is a good time to find a family vacation package and explore the culture and history of the area. Everything is affordable and the crowds are gone.

Alternatively, you can book the flight and hotel independently. The city is served by two airports, one on each continent, making it easy to find cheap flights to Istanbul . It’s a good idea to fly via a major European hub (such as London or Paris) and then catch a low-cost flight into Sabiha Gokcen Airport, the airport located on the Asian side.

Since you will not be traveling during the peak tourist season, it’s easy to find cheap hotels in Istanbul even in the areas close to the old city center. Such an option can be Sultanahmet neighborhood, which is close to the main attractions and dotted with a variety of places to stay for every budget.

Things to do

The months of October and November aren’t filled with festivals or events. October 29th marks the Republic Day, which is a national Turkish holiday. It commemorates the moment when Ataturk announced the forming of the Republic of Turkey (1923). Several days later, on November 10th, Turkey remembers Ataturk’s Death. At exactly 9:05 a.m. the entire country observes a moment of silence marking the passing of the great leader.

Where to stay

The city is filled with a variety of affordable places to stay, ranging from hostels to international brands of hotels. The hostels are very popular among the backpackers crowd but this time of the year you don’t need to worry about booking too far in advance.

Cordial House Hostel is located in the Sultanahmet area, in the old city center, and offers affordable accommodation. It’s close to the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sofia, as well as to the public transportation. The hostel offers a common room, a bar, a café, an information desk and an internet area. It’s free to use the wi-fi within the hotel. Room rates start at US$70 per night for a twin private room (bathroom ensuite) and US$8 per bed in a 8-bed mixed dorm. The hotel offers singles, doubles, triples, quadruples, 5-bed dorms, 6-bed dorms and 8-bed dorms.

Sultan Hostel is located in the heart of a youthful, filled with shops and cafés area, close to the main attractions. All rooms have private bathroom and the breakfast is include in the room price. The towels are also included in the room price and there’s free wi-fi within the hostel. Bed prices start at US$17 per night in a 6-bed dorm (male or female).

Istanbul Hostel is located in a semi-residential area in the heart of the old city. The hostel offers a café and a bar. The breakfast is included in the room price. Room rates start at US$46 per night for a double room (shared bathroom) and US$12 per bed per night in a 13 or 21-bed dorm.

Southern Cross Hostel is also located in the Sultanahmet, in the heart of the old city. There’s wi-fi within the hotel. Breakfast is included in the room price. Room rates start at US$40 per night in a double private room (shared bathroom) and US$11 per bed per night in a 8-bed dorm.

Bahaus Guesthouse proudly calls itself a place only for those who are found of the backpackers’ lifestyle and hostels atmosphere. It is located in the heart of the old city, offering stunning views of the Asian side from its roof terrace. There’s free wi-fi within the hostel. Breakfast is included in the room price. You can play backgammon in the living room and even take free lessons to learn the game! The towel, linen and pillow are included in the room price. Room rates start at US$39 per night for a double room (1 double bed; ensuite bathroom) and US$18.6 per bed per night in a 8-bed mixed dorm.

Ibiza is blessed with Mediterranean weather but don’t expect to be able to soak up the sun in October or November. While the weather is still warm, 17-21C / 63-70 F during the day, there are a lot of chances to experience some rain fall.

Ibiza is famous for its nightlife but the clubs close down as soon as the summer is over. Some are still open in October but there aren’t many chances to party all night in November. However, you can explore the old town, walk on the beaches and just relax in a beautiful place, without having to bump into thousands of tourists.

All inclusive packages

Many European tour-operators offer very affordable all inclusive packages for vacations in Ibiza until the end of October. The party crowds are gone and the resorts are discounting the rooms heavily so if you want a cheap and lovely vacation, now it’s the time to pack and go to Ibiza.

During the summer the number of low-cost flights to Ibiza are downright enormous, making them quite affordable, you don’t really need to worry about flying during autumn, either. There aren’t that many flights, but the carriers still offer several of them during the week, especially from large European cities such as London.

Outside the peak season, finding cheap hotels in Ibiza is easy, but you do need to remember that some of them close after the summer. So make sure to do your research in advance. The best part though is that you can stay on the beach and not pay an arm and a leg for that.

Festivals and events in Ibiza

The crowds might be gone but the island is not deserted. And the near-by islands aren’t either.

Festa de Virgin is held on October 21st in near-by Palma (Mallorca). It includes singing, different festivities and good food. Festa dies Butifarro is held on the third Sunday in October in Sant Joan (Mallorca) and is the place to be if you like sausages.

November 4th marks Sant Carles day in Ibiza. This is the patron saint of the island and is celebrated throughout Ibiza.

Dilous Bo is an important agricultural feast, held on the third Thursday in November in Inca (Mallorca). There’s a fair taking place during the festival, complete with good food and interesting things to do (cultural and sporting events).

Where to stay

Outside the peak summer season, it’s easy to find affordable places to stay. However, many hotels close for the winter so make sure to read the details and book your stay in advance.

Ibiza Budget Beds offers private rooms, with bathroom ensuite. The place is located in San Antonio. Room rates start at $34 per night in a twin double room.

Apartamentos Blue Star is located in Bay of San Antonio, close to the beach. It offers studios and apartments, all equipped with kitchen, refrigerator, microwave, air conditioning, TV, bathroom and terrace. It also offers two pools, children’s pool, children’s playground and snack bar. Rates start at $48 per night for a 4-bed studio.

Hotel Riviera is a 3-star hotel located in San Antonio Bay, close to restaurants and clubs. All rooms have private bathroom and are equipped with TV, phone, AC, kitchenette and mini fridge. Room rates start at $40 per night for a double room.

Sol Post Apartments is located in San Antonio’s bay, just 100 m from the beach. All rooms have AC, TV, bathroom, kitchenette, fridge and microwave. It offers two swimming pools, a children’s pool, solarium beds, children’s playground and restaurant. Room rates start at $38 per night in a twin double room.

Apartamentos Bahia De San Antonio is located in San Antonio’s bay, just 100 m from the beach. All rooms have kitchenette, fridge, AC, TV and balcony. There are two swimming pools and a snack bar. Room rates start at $46 per night in a double room (twin beds).

It’s not a surprise by now that the hotel market all over the world is not doing pretty well. Compared to last year, revenues went down, occupancy rates went down and things are moving slowly. Hoteliers are reluctant to predict a better future.

However, according to this article about the European hotel chain market in August 2009 , the rate of decline of the revenue per available room (RevPAR) was slower for most cities than in the first 8 months of 2009. Seventy percent of the hotels participating in the survey experienced a decline in occupancy levels, while 90% experienced a decline in room rates. Also, with the exception of Berlin, all cities showed a decline of profitability in August 2009 compared to August 2008.

Over all, July was a better month than August for the entire European hotels market. Hoteliers believe that the worst of the declines have already happened but the recovery will be a slow process.

Central-Eastern Europe Hotel Market

Vienna, Prague and Budapest were hit badly by the decline of RevPAR in August 2009. Out of them, Prague took the hardest hit (almost 25% drop) and it was mostly due to the decline in international tourists numbers. On the other hand, Vienna reported a decline in visitors from UK, Spain, France and Russia but the US tourists numbers increased (and so did those from Germany and Italy). The economy in the above mentioned cities is not the only one affecting the rate of recovery so it is hard to estimate what the future has in store.

Western Europe Hotel Market

In Western Europe, the cities took the hit for other reasons than just the bad economy. RevPAR in Munich dropped with 30.3% in August 2009 compared to last year. This is mostly due to the fact that last year Munich hosted the European Society of Cardiology Congress, but it was moved to Barcelona this year. Plus, Munich is very popular among Middle Eastern guests but the Ramadan fell during the last week of August this year, which also led to a decline in profits.

The future

Fall is the traditional low-season when it comes to traveling in Europe and it will be interesting to see the statistics for the following months. The deals available for the winter holidays are unbelievably cheap which only reinforce the fact that hoteliers are struggling to keep the business going.

Photo by Cristina Dima and cannot be used without permission.