Truth and shades of truth are hard to police, hard to perceive, hard to understand and easy to believe.

The old adage if it’s too good to be true, it probably is fits much of the web hyperbole.

This ongoing manipulation of hotel revues has been debated for months now. I use SiteAdvisor, but with caution.

Does TripAdvisor hotel manipulation scandal render the site completely useless?

How do I boost my TripAdvisor rating?

That’s the most common question I get from hotel executives. And even though I try to persuade them it’s the wrong question — that there’s no proven link between a good review and bookings — they insist that their TripAdvisor reviews are the be-all and end-all.

Does TripAdvisor hotel manipulation scandal render the site completely useless?

Having covered the site since the very start, I think I’m uniquely qualified to answer that question. And my answer is: maybe.

Read more here

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Do not confine your family’s holiday happiness to cheapest we could find.

When you use our search engines the results are in a summary chart listed in some kind of order.

• Usually lowest price is the way most are listed.
• You can list by “Name”, “Our Picks” for value offered,  “Shortest Flight”, etc. depending on the type of search used.
• You can resort the results list in many different ways too.

The Travelonly Top 10 gives you a link for a special value to a destination from an airport in Canada.

• These “Values” are always listed by lowest price.
• Check more than the price when viewing the results list.
• These are last minute listings for specific departure dates and specific airports.
• The consolidator is trying to fill up the last spots for a package by offering a discount.
• These listings change frequently because of their limited nature and the offers may fill at any time.

The results page shows other listings for other packages for the same departure point and destination.

• Scroll down the listings to search for greater values within your budget.
• You may be surprised by how many extras you may get for just a few dollars more.

This example was a Top 10 result for August 18 2009.

• Only the top two listed are used for the example because they were so close in costs but so different in value.
• Price can not be your only criteria when choosing you vacation.
• Other values at other resorts were on the list but they were at least a hundred dollars more per package.

Resort/hotel details compared by clicking “Hotel Details” link.

For $27 more this is what you get for same departure city, same destination location and dates.

• Don’t just use price as the main reason for choosing how to spend your hard earned money.
• You deserve the “Best Vacation Experience Value” available for your dollar.
• Check out our listings against the other travel sites on the web. We compare very well in almost all cases.

Insurance Note:

• Prices quoted are without insurance value added costs.
• Full Deluxe RBC Travel Insurance is always recommended for your peace of mind.
• Insurance is value added protection against the unexpected and unforseen.
• You hope you never have to use it but you are glad you have it!

If you are looking for the most popular vacation packages, on  specific dates:

• Use our regular search engines and book well in advance.
• The popular ones usually offer great value for the dollar and sell out without having to discount.

If you have any questions or need any clarification, please call (705)534-7520 or contact us by email (use the link at the top right column of this page).

The more you know the better you choose. We like the “no surprises” method of doing travel sales.

• Browse through the headings.
• Click on “View More Information” for more details.
• Use the “Find Travel Deals” – “Search a Location” near the top right of the page to see specific locations in the world and the special deals negotiated for that region.
• You can’t find a better deal anywhere than the deals we have listed here.
• Email me for more information and to book your choice.
• This is a great opportunity to use your air miles rewards and other discount flight options you may have to add savings to these great values.
• Of  course we can book flights for you too.
• Flights are not included in the listings.

Click Here to go to our Special Destination Deals listings.

If you get an error message go to “Vacations Packages” booking page. Enter your destination and dates for the best current deals.

• These values are to the moment, current.
• They may change at any time for even more savings.
• They may go up in price or sell out completely.

• If an above link shows an unavailable error message, click our “Hotels” booking page.
• Enter your destination and dates for the best current deals.
• Go when you want and where you want at the price you want and book it!
  

Note:

• The search results page lists many alternatives for your perusal
• There are hotel details links about the inclusions and other property amenities
• Departure and return dates can be modified for savings (sometimes)
• When you click on the booking link for your choice you will be quoted RBC travel insurance details too
• When you begin to fill in personal information, you are on a secure web page
• Be sure you are correct with each detail or choice when booking – most errors cannot be changed without penalties

You can book directly on line or if in doubt, send me an email (see top right of this page) or phone 416-737-9954 for more details.

Book online right now

I highly recommend that travellers arm themselves with knowledge and insights that will enhance their vacation experience. When a hotel is “full” it is customary to escort a guest to comparable nearby accommodations. Christopher Elliott is a well known and respected travel writer and he has some suggestions for weary travellers who find the inn is full when they arrive. It’s worth the time spent to visit Christopher’s article.

“Walking” is a practice that’s as old as the hotel industry. When a resort is overbooked, it typically sends a guest to a comparable property, covering the cost of transportation, a phone call and accommodations.

1. Refuse the room
2. Know what’s happening behind the scenes
3. Invoke your status
4. Crack a joke
5. Be nice

Being nice is your most effective weapon against an involuntary downgrade. Niceness often trumps status and hotel employees can — and frequently do — go out of their way for a friendly guest.

Read the entire article at tripso.com