Phila Airport Parking Vacations

Travelers constantly think about security: are they going to be safe in the hotel they have chosen? Most of the time the answer is yes. In times of turmoil, the answer is fuzzier. Are you going to be safer in a big hotel, in the city center, in the midst of all the tourist activity? Or are you going to be safer in a boutique hotel, a smaller, more personal hotel where the staff knows your name, that is off the beaten path and harder to find?

Boutique hotels are not just a mere trend, and the word has become now more familiar to the public. For those who are not sure of what a boutique hotel is, here is a short definition: Just like a “boutique” in French means a small upscale shop to differentiate it from a large department store, in the same way a boutique hotel distinguishes itself from a large chain-owned hotel by being a unique, medium to small, luxury hotel.

So why would a boutique hotel be safer than a big one?

As the Center for Hospitality Research (CHR) at Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration has shown, deluxe and upscale hotels ranked the highest for safety and security, as did those that have been newly opened or refurbished (safety-council dot org). Boutique hotels are usually a deluxe venue and most of them have been renovated very recently.

The website safetraveler dot com claims that “Due to the fairly uncontrolled access to hotels, would-be criminals can come and go relatively unnoticed”. This is might be true for bigger hotels with a constant flow of guests and visitors. Great attention is however paid to personalized service in a boutique hotel. Owing to a smaller number of guestrooms, it is easier for a boutique hotel to offer each guest a personalized approach to service. At the same time, the staff of a smaller hotel is more likely to recognize the guests and can watch out for possible intruders and suspicious behaviors.

Even if safetraveler dot com advises staying at larger hotels because “they tend to have more elaborate security systems in place,” David Maranzana, president of Epoque Hotels, recommends small boutique hotels . “If terrorism against Western targets has been identified as a threat in the site you will be visiting,” claims Maranzana, “steer clear from popular tourist spots because those are easy targets; there are often many doors and there’s always a steady flow of people coming and going. Not to mention the amount of luggage left unattended.” As boutique hotels are less crowded and more intimate, this may actually reduce the risks of being targeted.

Will staying in a boutique hotel save a life? No. Yet it is most likely safer than staying in a larger hotel in a major tourist destination. It certainly make the traveler’s vacation more interesting, offering a more intimate and hidden outlook on a city – and with less homogenization within the hotel. It’s particularly nice in larger cities that guests have been to beforehand, manifesting a glimpse of the city’s true life. With personalized, caring customer service, boutique hotels might just be the answer to staying safely and happily wherever in the world.

When traveling in Costa Rica, you must make it a point to visit Monteverde. The town is tucked away high in the mountains and the views are incredible. Monteverde offers a variety of tours of things to see and do.

A tour that offers many thrills and chills is zip lining over the canopy. The staff will clip you onto the cable and send you flying across 600 meters of open space, you’ll be extremely high and will be able to see the canopy from above. Now, that is a great combination.

If you are avoiding adrenaline, try the suspended bridges. You can go to Selvatura and see the canopy in another very personal way. Up at Selvatura you can also experience the hummingbird garden. It is truly incredible something to be that close.

Costa Rica is known for having a lot of bio-diversity and every area of the country is different. Be sure to hike one of the two reserves in Monteverde. If you’ve got a good eye or ear you might see and hear toucans or monkeys.

If you want to learn about the forest while hiking, you can hire a guide for a private tour. With this option you will have a better chance at seeing animals. The guides are trained to know all about the cloud forest life.

In Santa Elena, which is one kilometer from Monteverde, there is a Frog Pond Exhibit. They have the famous Red Eyed Tree Frog and Poison Dart Frog. Inside, there are 28 different species of frogs.

For those who enjoy everything outdoors, try horseback riding with the company La Estrella. You can spend an hour, an afternoon or the day riding through the forest. The trails wind along the tops of the mountains. Be sure to watch the sunset over the Gulf of Nicoya.

After you have spent the day enjoying the tours, be sure to spoil yourself at one of the fine restaurants. Don Juan and Morphos are great choices and if you are looking for the local place, go to Donde Henry. As for desert, Stellas Bakery is where its at.

And the place to lay your head is a place literally in the trees. Hidden Canopy Tree House Hotel has four tree houses available. Treat yourself to their waterfall showers and be sure to catch the sunset on the patio.

It’s that special time of the year when you and your sweetheart can freely share an unforgettable experience to rekindle your romance. The West Coast inns, bed and breakfasts and boutique hotels offer a unique and time-tested recipe for pampering, refreshment and wonderful dining experiences.

For information about the most romantic B&Bs in California and the Pacific Northwest, check out popular travel writer Karen Brown’s website. Full of information about these areas, Karen Brown’s World of Travel offers detailed trip itineraries, maps and listings for hundreds of unique inns in these areas as well as exciting destinations around the world.

Karen Brown’s readers have voted and chosen the following lodging choices as the “Most Romantic” and best “Splendid Splurges” in California and the Pacific Northwest. For a romantic getaway, the following is a good place to begin your search:

The Tickle Pink Inn, located just south of Carmel, an unbelievably beautiful seaside village on California’s Central Coast, was voted “Most Romantic” in California by Karen Brown readersand for good reason. With access to excellent shopping, unique gourmet restaurants and world-class golf courses, this charming inn is loaded with amenities. Near the edge of Big Sur, The Tickle Pink Inn is intimate, private and elegant. Enjoy a luxurious continental breakfast in the early mornings and a fantastic evening reception with classical music playing softly in the background while you taste local wines, fresh fruits and fantastic cheeses. The rooms are well-appointed and present quaint balconies from which to enjoy the seaside view, and most are equipped with wood burning fireplaces as well. The most elegant suites boast whirlpool tubs and the luxurious king beds are graced with Egyptian cotton and down comforters.

The Karen Brown Readers’ Choice Award for the best “Splendid Splurge” in California goes to The Inn Above Tide in Sausalito. Every room has excellent views of the panoramic San Francisco Bay and offers unbelievably plush accommodations. Most of the rooms contain fireplaces and private decks, affording exquisite vistas of the night lights in the city. Enjoy the oversized tubs, flat screen TVs, luxurious linens, soft robes and Bvlgari bath products. Continental breakfasts are fabulous, and the evening wine and cheese reception is not to be missed. The Inn Above Tide also offers the Penthouse Suite with a glass-enclosed whirlpool tub overlooking the bay as well as a romantic fireplace and private deck.

While not as posh as some of the inns listed in this article, the Channel House in Depoe Bay, Oregon, has plenty to offer. The location affords almost total privacy, located right on the edge of the Oregon coast. Many of the guest rooms have a deck with an ocean view hot tub, as well as a fireplace. A continental breakfast buffet is served in a room that affords stunning sea vistas, a perfect start to the day. The staff is happy to help guests plan their daily adventures, offering suggestions for activities and local restaurants. The area is ideal for whale watching and The Whale Center is located within walking distance of the inn. The Channel House was the recipient of the Karen Brown Readers’ Choice Award for “Most Romantic” lodging in the Pacific Northwest.

The Sooke Harbour House in Canada’s glorious province of British Columbia is a fanciful destination. Located on the Whiffen Spit Beach in the village of Sooke, this boutique hotel offers some truly unique accommodations. Each of the rooms offers a view of mountains, gardens or the sea and all have a fireplace and private balcony or terrace. The dcor is what truly sets this place apart from other coastal inns. For example, the Passion Flower room includes a bed with a headboard that resembles wooden doors opening onto a mural of a garden path. The Kitchen’s Garden room includes a shower surrounded on three sides by stained glass. Original artwork and unique furnishings decorate the other guest rooms, and each has a different theme. The hotel also has a full-service spa and a gourmet restaurant. Sooke Harbour House won the Karen Brown Readers’ Choice Award for best “Splendid Splurge” in the Pacific Northwest.

Grand plazas, ancient fortresses and bullfighters in ornate costume are all part of Spain’s mystique. Study the works of Dali and Picasso at a world-class museum or visit the spot where the inspirations for Bizet’s “Carmen” and Mozart’s “Marriage of Figaro” were born. All of this and more await travelers to Spain.

Madrid, Spain’s most populous city offers plenty of historic sites and museums, as well as excellent parks to enjoy. For those who want to enjoy the coast, Barcelona rests along the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. But there are plenty of smaller cities and quaint villages and towns that are not to be missed. Even if you stick to the bigger cities, be sure to plan a one-day trip somewhere special.

Travel expert Karen Brown has created several interesting Spain itineraries and listed them on her popular website. The itineraries include a variety of interesting attractions, as well as maps. Her website and guidebooks are full of exceptional lodging choices, and her readers have voted and chosen the following inns and hotels as the best in Spain:

Sticking to a budget can be difficult, but at Posada de San Jose, not only will travelers find an exceptional value, but a truly unique location. The inn is located on a cobblestone street within the walled city of Cuenca, not far from Madrid. Stunning views of the Huecar Gorge are seen from many of the simple guest rooms, which boast original features such as exposed beams and restored tile floors. Breakfasts, light suppers and Spain’s famous tapas are available at the inn’s restaurant. Karen Brown readers chose Posada de San Jose as the “Greatest Value” in Spain.

Surrounded by countryside teaming with groves of almond and olive trees, Molino del Santo is a charming vacation spot. The beautiful grounds boast gardens and a swimming pool. Rooms are individually decorated and many have terraces. There is a terrace restaurant on the premises where you can enjoy a breakfast buffet, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner or just relax, enjoy the view and sip a glass of wine. Guests can spend the day exploring Andalusia, take a trip to Gibraltar or just relax and soak up some sun by the pool. Molino del Santo is the winner of the Karen Brown Readers’ Choice Award for the “Warmest Welcome” in Spain.

If you venture outside of Barcelona to see more of Catalonia, a side trip to the tiny village of Estamariu and the romantic Cal Teixdo are highly recommended. This romantic retreat is just off a national highway near the border of Spain and Andorra in the heart of the Pyrenees. The inn consists of old farm buildings. The restaurant, which boasts an excellent selection of regional wines, is found in the old hayloft, and the bar and reception area are in the restored barn. The innkeepers have decorated their rooms in charming, country style. The hosts are happy to help guests plan a day of sightseeing or will transport you up the mountain to their activity center, which is stocked with equipment. Cal Teixdo won the Karen Brown Readers’ Choice Award for “Most Romantic” lodging in Spain.

At Barcel la Bobadilla, guests can pamper and enjoy themselves to their heart’s content. This stunning boutique hotel is really a full-service resort with a spa, vast grounds and wonderful, spacious guest rooms and suites. Book a massage or beauty treatment, soak in the Jacuzzi or enjoy the outdoors in the swimming pool, which is surrounded by beautifully landscaped grounds. There are several restaurants, La Finca is especially recommended and known for its inventive cuisine. The hotel is located in the province of Granada and if you do decide that you wish to venture off the 1,000-acre grounds, there are plenty of unique attractions, including The Alhambra, Spain’s oldest and best preserved Arab palace. Barcel la Bobadilla was chosen as the recipient of the Karen Brown Readers’ Choice Award for best “Splendid Splurge” in Spain.

From the wind-swept moors to the Scottish highlands, the United Kingdom is a diverse land – both in culture and geography. You’ll discover quaint villages, castles, museums, galleries and much more.

If you are planning a trip to England, Scotland and Wales, it is best to create a list of what you would like to do and see. Fitting in everything can be difficult, and it’s usually best to focus on your favorites and spend quality time exploring those areas rather than rush around from spot to spot. You might start in London and then explore nearby Kent and Sussex, enjoying all the attractions of the city, as well as castles and quaint villages. Another option is to spend your time exploring Wales, a country often passed by, yet full of promising possibilities. Or perhaps you want to explore Scotland with time to enjoy Edinburgh, “The Whisky Trail,” and hope for a glimpse of the famous Loch Ness.

On her popular website, prolific travel writer Karen Brown has listed several itineraries for visitors to England, Scotland and Wales. Her detailed itineraries offer plenty of interesting and unique places to visit, sightseeing, as well as offering driving instructions and maps of each area. Karen Brown readers also have voted and chosen the following as the best hotels, inns and B&Bs in England, Scotland and Wales:

These three countries are a romantic land — a land of inspiration for a myriad of famous poets and writers. If it is romance you want, try the Gilpin Lodge, which was chosen by Karen Brown readers as England, Wales and Scotland’s “Most Romantic” lodging choice. Located in England’s Lake District National Park, the inn rests on 20 acres of gardens, woods and moors. The rooms are elegant, and each has been decorated individually. Every room offers a charming view of the gardens or moors. Spa treatments, such as massage with aromatherapy oils, can be arranged in the privacy of your room. Guests also enjoy privileges at a local “leisure club,” which has a pool, sauna, steam room and fully equipped gym. Four rooms comprise the award-winning restaurant’s dining areas. There is also a bar and afternoon tea is served in the lounge.

Bolhays, a lovely Victorian bed and breakfast in the appealing English town of Salisbury, is the recipient of the Karen Brown Readers’ Choice Award for England, Wales and Scotland’s for “Warmest Welcome.” The two guest rooms are picture perfect English country retreats, and the marvelous homemade breakfasts are the perfect start to a day that might include a trip to Stonehenge or the famed Salisbury Cathedral. Your innkeepers, a warm and helpful sister-duo, are full of helpful information for travelers.

Meadowland, a Bath bed and breakfast, was chosen by Karen Brown readers as England, Wales and Scotland’s “Greatest Value.” The three guest rooms are decorated in an English country style that is both comfortable and elegant. The home is distanced by about a 15-minute’s walk into the heart of Bath, but public transportation is just two minutes away. Explore the famous Roman Baths, linger in the Pump Rooms, and spend a day exploring the area around Pulteney Bridge with its museums, shops and galleries or head out of town for a visit to Blaise Castle or Salisbury Cathedral.

Pamper yourself at the spot named by Karen Brown readers as England, Wales and Scotland’s best “Splendid Splurge.” Chewton Glen, located on 130 acres in the heart of Hampshire, is an idyllic English country estate offering a mix of traditional and contemporary guest rooms and suites, all elegant and romantic in style. The hotel offers a long list of amenities and services, including a full-service spa, tennis courts, a swimming pool and nine-hole golf course. The hotel has a full-service, gourmet restaurant and afternoon tea is served on the terrace or in one of the finely appointed lounges. The surrounding area offers many fun attractions, such as historic home tours, garden tours, Stonehenge, and the National Motor Museum, which displays more than 250 different motor vehicles.