How to bid for rooms at a choice of hotels
Bidding on the price of a hotel room doesn’t limit you to “opaque” bids where you don’t know the specific hotel you’ve “won” until after you’ve made a nonrefundable booking. That’s the Priceline model, and certainly the most popular.But, fortunately, it’s not the only bidding model. I know of four online agencies that allow... READ MORE
Weak ruble aids budget travel to Russia
The ruble’s weak. The warnings about a complicated visa process turned out to be wrong, at least after a travel agency’s help. And current geopolitical tensions make this a good time to temper headlines about Russia with experiences involving everyday Russians and places.It’s useful to download free apps like SpeakEasy Russian and iTranslate, add a Russian-language... READ MORE
Cozumel — part Mexico, part Caribbean
Tulum is one of the best-preserved coastal Mayan ruins sites. The walled city, built 800 years ago, served as a fortress against enemies approaching by sea and is perched on top of a cliff 40 feet above the Caribbean Sea. It’s a popular day trip from nearby Cozumel.Shutterstock/ScotteNMuch about the island of Cozumel says Mexico.Scattered archeological sites hint of the rich Mayan... READ MORE
