How to Write Adverts that Forces People to Respond

***** … of article … for a moment some day and consider the kind of … you see in your post box, on the TV, on your … on the radio, etc. Then ask yourself this quest

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***** Beginning of article *****

Think for a moment some day and consider the kind of advertising you see in your post box, on the TV, on your computer, on the radio, etc. Then ask yourself this question, “Would I buy this or not?” If you say “No,” then ask yourself why. If you say “Yes,” then ask yourself why.

Consider what is it that makes this advert attractive or what is it that this person’s offer is deemed to be unattractive. By carrying out this exercise regularly you will be surprising yourself with what you will notice about advertising.

Most advertising you see today is written poorly. It confuses the potential customer, it does not paint a desired picture in their mind, it does not give him or her a good reason to order the product now and, it focuses on features rather than the benefits of products/services. Many businesses failures can be tracked back to poor advertising although it should be mentioned that there are many other reasons for failure.

If you want to stay in business, you must learn how to advertise effectively and how to produce orders NOW! The aim of this article is to help whoever operates a business to improve his or her advertising technique.

No matter what business you do whether it is as: a shopkeeper, a sandwich bar operator, a business consultant, a window cleaner, or a mail order business, you must learn to create advertising that gets results. If you don’t, your business will be painful and short-lived.
Exposure:
First of all, let us look at one main reason for advertising. This reason is called exposure. Most television commercials and many newspaper and magazine adverts are made for this purpose. The advertiser wants their name exposed to the public and for the potential customer to think of them next time they are ready to make a purchase. Large companies are the ones who will do this kind of advertising. They have an advertising budget for the purpose of constantly exposing their name to the public and wait for their orders to come as people become more used to them and their advertising. Typical examples of this type of adverts are those by Coca Cola and Nescafe.
Direct response advertising:
The type of advertising the man/woman in the street is interested in is completely different. It is called direct response advertising. In other words, we are advertising and are motivating our readers to order now, to call an order telephone number and order, to mail a coupon (though this is not so common in Cyprus) and order, or to fax in an order.

We advertise a product and service and seek for people to make purchases now. As a small business, a quick way not to succeed is to place full page adverts costing hundreds of pounds without asking for an order NOW! You must cause the person to order today if you want to stay in business in any type of display advertising or direct mail.

Classifieds adverts are of a little different nature, but they work on the same premise. You don’t ask for a sale right from the classified (Which would be a large mistake because there just isn’t enough room in a classified to make sales).

Even asking for one pound in a classified advert reduces your response greatly. You will have them call your telephone number or your e-mail address in which they will receive an offer and a chance to order NOW! In all advertising it is important to ask for the order NOW.

Many people have contacted me and said, “I know that I have a wonderful product, but I just can’t figure out why I am not getting any orders.” You may be the same way. The simple reality is that it does not matter how fantastic your product line is. What matters is if your advertising for the product causes people to see themselves using it and that it will benefit them significantly.

Your advertising, not your product in many cases, will determine the success or failure of your business. Whilst it is true that your product needs to be very effective (or else you will experience a large number of returns and a short-lived business) your advertising will make or break your business.

Before we spend too much time detailing why you should create effective adverts, one can simplify the process by assuming that you want your business to make money. Hence one must write money-grabbing adverts!

Now, Let us reveal some of the major advertising secrets you will need to know and begin using in every advert you must create:

1) Test your adverts

In all advertising and mail order, the biggest key of long-term success is testing everything. Test your adverts. Test your sales letters. Test your products. Test the publications. Test everything.

Learn to key all of your order forms and phone numbers to make sure you know which adverts and publication is doing what. Don’t ever leave anything to chance. Test everything. Great advertisers and mail order millionaires are people who have tested everything and have found what works. Your testing period will NEVER end!

2) Strong Headlines

The number two key to success is your headlines. You must understand that the wording of your headline is more than 70% of the effectiveness of your advertising. That means it is EXTREMELY VITAL what your headline says. In mail order, it has been my experience that negative headlines often out pull positive headlines. For example, one of the most popular and effective headlines in network marketing has been ” Have you fallen for an easy money scam. If so read on”.

Negative headlines force your prospect to identify with them saying, “That sounds like me. The main purpose of the headline is to GRAB their attention, so your headline must be attention grabbing and the potential customer focused. What are their needs? What are their desires? What are their fears? Pay attention. HEADLINES WILL MAKE OR BREAK YOUR ADVERTISING CAREER!

3) Short Words, Short Sentences, Short Paragraphs

Forget what your grammar teacher taught you in high school. When writing adverts, you must make your adverts simple: Simple to understand & simple to order. Keep the level of writing at high school English or lower. Use short words, short sentences, and short paragraphs.

I know your literature teacher told you to not write paragraphs with only two
sentences in them, but how much money did he/she ever make in advertising? The moment you confuse your potential customer then their attention and the sale disappears!

4) Be Specific, Not General

Be specific in all of your advertising. For example do not say “Fill Your post box with Cash.” But instead say, “Receive up to £355 a day in your post box daily.” Do not say “Secrets to making money” instead it is better to have a headline saying “63 Year old man tells you his dirty secrets to making £578 a day!”

Being specific makes your advertising more believable. Being general makes
your potential customers say “He is just making this up.” Being specific makes them say, “He must have counted it. I also want to make that much.”

Never say in adverts “Distributors required.” Instead it is much better to say, “15 New Distributors needed in Larnaca.” Do not ignore the fact that being specific will beat being general every time. Go over your advertising copy and edit it to become specific.

5) Use Your Background & Be Unique

So many adverts out there today are for just me-too products and me-too advertising. When I say “me-too Advertising,” I mean that these adverts or products have been so over used that they just don’t sell anymore.

People are tired of hearing about how your products are the best in the industry. They have heard that story before.

You need to become unique in your approach. Are you elderly? Are you
young? Are you deaf? Are you bald? Do you only have a high school education? Put something of yourself into the advert. You need to influence the potential customer that there is something different in your product when compared to your competitors.

For example a teenager could write an advert saying, “17 year old boy makes £1,500 per month via the Internet!” Be unique. Find something about yourself
that is unique and put it into your advertising. Let people know who you are, then they will begin to trust you and trust spells orders.

Conclusion:
With Cyprus closing in on EU membership and with the business environment likely to become more competitive as a result of this event, Cypriot businesses must know how to use advertising to their benefit. The aim of this article is to give ideas to Cypriot businessmen (large or small) as to how they can improve their advertising effort.

Radio Advertising Costs – What to Budget

Realistic information about radio advertising costs to help you budget your radio advertising campaign.

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Radio Advertising Costs : How Much Should I Spend?

“How much should I spend on radio advertising?” “How do I know I am getting the best radio advertising rates?” “What radio stations should I advertise on?” “What are good and bad radio advertising prices?” “How many spots should I air on a radio station?”

Every day at Radio Lounge, we hear radio advertising questions such as these.

Honestly, there is so much confusion about radio advertising floating around – we can’t blame you for asking these questions. Why is advertising on the radio so mysterious? The answer is – radio advertising is not mysterious. It just helps to know how it works.

Effective radio advertising relies on two major components – the message (the radio commercial itself), and the media (that the radio spot airs on).

The Message

Let’s look first at the radio commercial itself. Before even thinking about which radio stations to air on, or how much to spend on radio advertising rates, you must think about what you are going to say in your radio ad. For this article, we are assuming that all call centers, fulfillments, websites, etc. lead generation, and sales closing processes have been put in place by you, the advertiser. Creating a radio commercial that helps drive traffic is extremely important to the advertising process.

The advertising industry is full of voice talents, radio personalities, DJ’s and others, all claiming to create radio commercials. Be careful here. When entering the arena of radio commercial production, look for a radio advertising agency that has experience and a track record of successful ad campaigns. Anyone can create a radio ad, but not everyone can create a radio ad that pulls traffic. Some radio stations provide free radio commercials if you advertise on their station. Most of these free commercials are never based on strategy and are just one of several dozen commercials that have to be created by an overworked radio production person in a five to fifteen minute window of time. Remember, you usually get what you pay for.

The most effective radio commercials are built on a solid, proven strategy. The copy is written using time tested formulas that maximize potential response. The talent is handpicked to best connect with the end user and the production is based upon clear, quality, and easy to absorb audio.

So…what does the radio commercial production process cost? The majority of radio commercials that work best usually fall into the $500 to $1000 price range. There are always exceptions to the rule (lots of revisions to copy or audio, additional voice talents, celebrity endorsements, etc.) but this figure generally covers development of a solid strategy, copy from experienced copywriters, performance by high caliber voice talents, and the highest quality production services.

The Media

For many with questions about radio advertising rates, and radio station prices, here is where the mystery begins. We will try to simplify the mystery of radio media buying as much as we can in this small amount of space.

A good radio advertising buy focuses on a few different things:

* Finding the best radio stations in a market that match your customer’s demographics (age, gender, income level, etc.) and psychographics (interests, beliefs, hobbies, personality traits, etc.).
* Finding the dayparts that best reach your target customer. Mornings? Middays? Afternoons?
* Selecting the top radio stations that most efficiently reach the highest potential customers, the right number of times (defined as frequency), for the least amount of money

Usually, when researching radio advertising costs, many potential radio advertisers have a pretty good idea of the first two points. However, when it comes down to finding the best station (or stations) at the best price, the radio advertising process becomes a little more challenging.

Here is how we tackle the process at Radio Lounge and determine how much to spend on radio advertising costs. Within the market you want to advertise in, we find the radio stations that have the best potential to reach your target customer. This is based on the formats of the radio stations. Urban Hip-hop stations will target different demographics than a News/Talk, or Soft Rock station. After we select a group of radio stations, we contact those stations to let them know we are thinking about advertising on their radio station. We ask for specific data from the radio stations called “rankers”. This is ratings data that most radio stations can provide based on specific requirements we have requested. From this point, we have a good idea which stations perform the best in our target demographics.

Once we have narrowed down the radio stations to just a few that will effectively reach our target customer, we then request a proposal based on certain criteria – dayparts, frequency goals, etc. From these proposals, we can see who reaches the target audience most efficiently – using tools like Cost Per Point (ratio of spot rate to ratings percentage), Cost Per Thousand (ratio of spot rate to audience category totals), etc. If a radio station is not competitive, we will often ask the station to resubmit a more competitive proposal. But, how will we know if all of the station’s radio advertising rates are too high. Radio Lounge has access to data that allows us to compare proposals against historical figures to determine if radio station prices are in line with market averages. We negotiate, and help execute the purchase.

Great…but what does this cost? It depends on the size of the market you wish to advertise in as determined by Arbitron (the radio ratings services). Radio advertising rates can be as high as $800 per 60 spots in a top market like New York City, or as low as $3 per 60 spots in Kerrville, TX. How will you know what to spend?

Here’s a valuable system we have used from our history of working with radio advertising rates. The system is based on a solid branding schedule that may run one spot per day in the morning drive, one per day at midday, and one per day in the afternoon drive – Monday through to Friday, and two spots on Saturday and Sunday. That’s nineteen spots a week at sticker price. This type of schedule is good for achieving a desired frequency level of three (meaning the average listener to a station will hear the radio commercial at least three times). Under these broad assumptions, you can use the following chart as a rough guide to budgeting your radio advertising campaign.*

*Note, these are gross rates and do not include production costs or agency discounts. These are market averages for the standard radio schedule mentioned above, actual costs may vary. Different combinations of dayparts on different stations may cost much less.

* Markets 1 -5 (ex: New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, etc.)
Expect to pay from $4000 to $8000 per week/per station for a top performing station.

* Markets 6 – 20 (ex: Dallas/Ft.Worth, Houston, Phoenix, San Diego, etc.)
Expect to pay from $2000 to $5000 per week/per station for a top performing station.

* Markets 21 – 50 (ex: Denver, Cleveland, Kansas City, etc.)
Expect to pay from $1000 to $3000 per week/per station for a top performing station.

* Markets 51- 150 (ex: Akron, Syracuse, Baton Rouge, etc.)
Expect to pay from $800 to $2000 per week/per station for a top performing station.

* Markets 150+ (ex: Myrtle Beach SC, Green Bay, Topeka, etc.)
Expect to pay from $500 to $1500 per week/per station for a top performing station.

You may be saying, “Wow! That can be expensive”. Relax, these are standards and radio advertising schedules come in all shapes and sizes. Sometimes, schedules are smaller depending on advertising goals and objectives. However, we do recommend that you are able to commit to the range of minimums.

Leftovers?

Notice we have not mentioned remnant radio advertising here at all. Remnant advertising is the practice of buying unused inventory at deep discounts. Remnant advertising success exists more in theory than in practice. However, this is not to say that there are not advertisers who are having success with remnant advertising. If, and when, remnant advertising falls into your lap, we suggest you look into it. However, basing your entire radio ad campaign on remnant advertising may be shooting yourself in the foot. With the exception of a few times a year, most top performing radio stations do not have that much unsold inventory. Often, the largest advertisers have contracts that guarantee so many low cost/no cost spots that have to run. The reality is that if large advertisers (with the big dollar schedule) need their spots to run, or if another advertiser pays just one penny more than you did for your remnant spots – bump! You just got bumped off the air that day. You may pay for twenty spots and only get two that air. The stations will make it up to you, but what if you were counting on that advertising to drive sales. Or better yet, in the age of consolidated radio groups your remnant advertising might run on the third to the last rated station in the market. The result is NO RESULT and you have just wasted money for nothing. We really do believe that when it comes to radio advertising YOU TRULY DO GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR.

Now that radio advertising rates have been explained, you may ask the question, how long should I advertise? The type of radio advertising helps define the length of a campaign. Advertising for an event? We recommend shorter, more compact schedules to create buzz leading up to the event or launch. Branding a product? Often, long term schedules with a bit of breathing room work best. Maybe even flighting could work (on two weeks, off two weeks). Most of the time, the two things that will determine how long to run a radio advertising campaign will be advertiser goals (traffic numbers), and external factors such as sales cycles. Oh yeah, and usually budget affects the length of the campaign. It is not desired, but that’s reality.

The Total Cost

You may be thinking, “So if I want to run a spot on three top Houston radio stations, I should expect to pay $1000 for a commercial, plus $3000 per week per station…that’s $10,000 for one week’s worth of advertising!” That’s true, and may be just what it takes to reach over half a million potential well targeted customers. The real question is, “How much money can you make off half a million potential targeted customers?” Is it more than $10,000 a week? $40,000 a month? These are questions to ask yourself, because in the world of advertising, that is pretty good traffic.

It works even better when you let Radio Lounge reduce that cost even further. What if Radio Lounge was able to get you a great radio advertising schedule by providing an instant discount ABOVE the negotiated lowest radio station price?

Launch Your Radio Advertising Campaign

You may still have many questions about radio advertising. That’s why we are here. We want to help you get the biggest bang for the radio advertising buck. Radio Lounge has worked with thousands of radio advertising campaigns. We know what works and what does not. Let Radio Lounge help you with all facets of strategic development, creative development, copywriting, production, media planning, media negotiation, and monitoring of your radio advertising campaign.

Call for a free consultation. Toll free 1-866-4-AUDIO-9…that’s 1-866-428-3469.
Let Radio Lounge help you drive traffic with powerful radio advertising solutions

Fly for Less: 10 Genius Travel Hacks to Find Cheap Flights

Discover 10 genius travel hacks that will help you find cheap flights and save money on your next adventure. From utilizing flight comparison websites to booking during off-peak seasons, these tips will ensure you fly for less without compromising on quality. Learn how to take advantage of airline rewards programs, be flexible with your travel dates, and leverage hidden city ticketing to score the best deals. With these insider tricks, you’ll be jetting off to your dream destinations without breaking the bank.

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Finding cheap flights can be a daunting task, especially with the ever-changing prices and numerous options available. However, with the right strategies and travel hacks, you can save a significant amount of money on your next trip. In this article, we will explore ten genius travel hacks that will help you fly for less. From leveraging technology to being flexible with your travel dates, these tips and tricks will empower you to find the best deals and make your dream vacation a reality without breaking the bank. So, buckle up and get ready to discover the secrets of finding cheap flights!

Use flight search engines
Flight search engines are powerful tools that can help you find the best deals on flights. These platforms aggregate flight information from various airlines and travel agencies, allowing you to compare prices and choose the most affordable options. Here are some key points to consider when using flight search engines:

Start with popular search engines
Begin your search by using well-known flight search engines such as Google Flights, Skyscanner, Kayak, or Momondo. These platforms have user-friendly interfaces and offer a wide range of search options to help you find the cheapest flights.

Be flexible with your travel dates
Flight search engines often provide flexible date options that allow you to compare prices across different days or even months. By being flexible with your travel dates, you can take advantage of lower fares during off-peak seasons or find the best deals for specific travel periods.

Utilize the “Everywhere” or “Explore” feature
Some flight search engines have an “Everywhere” or “Explore” feature that allows you to search for flights to various destinations based on your budget or preferred travel dates. This feature is particularly useful if you have a flexible itinerary and are open to exploring different locations.

Set up price alerts
To stay updated on the latest flight deals, consider setting up price alerts on your chosen flight search engine. These alerts will notify you via email or push notifications when prices for your desired route drop, enabling you to book at the most opportune time.

Compare prices across multiple search engines
While using a single flight search engine can be convenient, it’s always a good idea to compare prices across multiple platforms. Different search engines may have access to different airline partnerships or promotional offers, so comparing prices can help you find the absolute best deal.

Take advantage of filters and sorting options
Flight search engines often provide filters and sorting options to help you narrow down your search results. You can filter by price range, airlines, layovers, departure times, and more. Utilizing these features can save you time and help you find flights that meet your specific preferences.

Consider booking directly with the airline
Once you’ve found a flight through a search engine, it’s worth checking the airline’s website directly to see if they offer any exclusive deals or promotions. Sometimes, booking directly with the airline can result in additional savings or benefits.

Read reviews and check ratings
Before finalizing your booking, take the time to read reviews and check ratings for both the flight search engine and the airlines you are considering. This can give you insights into the reliability of the search engine and the overall quality of the airlines’ services.

Be aware of additional fees and restrictions
When using flight search engines, it’s important to be aware of any additional fees or restrictions that may apply. Some airlines may charge extra for baggage, seat selection, or other services. Make sure to read the terms and conditions carefully before making your booking.

Stay vigilant and act quickly
Flight prices can fluctuate rapidly, so it’s essential to stay vigilant and act quickly when you find a great deal. Prices may change within minutes or hours, and popular routes can sell out fast. By being proactive and ready to book, you can secure the cheapest flights available.

By utilizing flight search engines effectively, you can uncover hidden gems and find the best deals on flights, ultimately saving you money and making your travel dreams a reality.

Be flexible with your travel dates
When it comes to finding cheap flights, being flexible with your travel dates can make a significant difference in the price you pay. By adjusting your departure and return dates, you can take advantage of lower fares and save money on your flights. Here are some tips to help you be more flexible with your travel dates:

Off-peak travel
Consider traveling during off-peak seasons or times of the year when fewer people are flying. Airlines often offer discounted fares during these periods to attract more passengers. By being flexible with your travel dates and choosing to fly during less popular times, you can find cheaper flights.

Midweek flights
Flying on weekdays, especially Tuesdays and Wednesdays, is generally cheaper than flying on weekends. Many people prefer to travel on weekends, resulting in higher demand and higher prices. By adjusting your travel dates to include midweek flights, you can take advantage of lower fares.

Red-eye flights
Red-eye flights, which depart late at night or early in the morning, are often cheaper than flights during the day. These flights are less popular due to the inconvenience of the timing, but they can be a great option if you’re looking to save money. Being flexible with your travel dates and considering red-eye flights can help you find cheaper fares.

Flexible duration
If possible, be open to adjusting the duration of your trip. Sometimes, staying a few extra days or leaving a few days earlier can result in significant savings on your flights. By being flexible with the length of your trip, you can explore different departure and return dates to find the most affordable options.

Use fare comparison websites
Utilize fare comparison websites that allow you to search for flights across a range of dates. These websites often have flexible date options that show you the prices for different departure and return dates. By using these tools, you can easily compare prices and identify the cheapest travel dates.

Set fare alerts
Set up fare alerts on travel websites or apps to receive notifications when prices drop for your desired destination. This way, you can monitor the fares and be ready to book when you find a great deal. Being flexible with your travel dates allows you to take advantage of these price drops and secure cheaper flights.

Consider layovers
Being open to layovers can also help you find cheaper flights. Sometimes, flights with layovers are more affordable than direct flights. By being flexible with your travel dates and considering flights with layovers, you can potentially save money on your airfare.

Check nearby airports
Expanding your search to include nearby airports can also lead to cheaper flights. Compare prices for different airports within a reasonable distance from your departure and destination cities. Being flexible with your travel dates and considering alternative airports can help you find better deals.

Avoid peak travel periods
During peak travel periods such as holidays or major events, flight prices tend to be higher due to increased demand. Being flexible with your travel dates and avoiding these peak periods can help you find cheaper flights. Consider traveling before or after the peak season to take advantage of lower fares.

Be patient and persistent
Finding cheap flights requires patience and persistence. Prices can fluctuate, and deals may come and go. By being flexible with your travel dates and continuously monitoring fares, you increase your chances of finding the best deals. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t find a cheap flight right away; keep searching and be ready to book when the prices are right.

By being flexible with your travel dates and considering these tips, you can increase your chances of finding cheap flights and save money on your travel expenses.

Consider alternative airports
When searching for cheap flights, it’s important to consider alternative airports in addition to your desired destination. By expanding your search to include nearby airports, you can often find better deals and save money on your airfare. Here are some key points to consider when exploring alternative airports:

Proximity to your destination
Look for airports that are within a reasonable distance from your intended destination. While it may require some additional travel time, the cost savings can often outweigh the inconvenience. Consider whether the savings on airfare outweigh the potential extra costs of transportation to your final destination.

Smaller airports
Smaller airports, especially those served by low-cost carriers, can offer significantly cheaper flights compared to major international airports. These airports may have fewer amenities and flight options, but they can be a great option for budget-conscious travelers. Research the airlines that operate at these smaller airports to see if they offer flights to your desired destination.

Nearby cities
Expanding your search to include nearby cities can also lead to significant savings. For example, if you’re planning a trip to New York City, consider searching for flights to nearby airports such as Newark or White Plains instead of just focusing on flights to JFK or LaGuardia. By being flexible with your arrival airport, you can often find better deals.

Layovers and connecting flights
Sometimes, booking a flight with a layover or connecting flight can result in lower fares. While layovers may add some extra travel time, they can be worth it if you’re able to save a significant amount of money. When searching for flights, be sure to check for options with layovers and compare the prices to direct flights.

Seasonal airports
Certain airports may only operate during specific seasons or have limited flight schedules. These airports often cater to popular vacation destinations or seasonal travel patterns. By considering these seasonal airports, you may find cheaper flights during off-peak times or when demand is lower.

Flexibility in travel dates
Being flexible with your travel dates can also open up opportunities to consider alternative airports. Some airports may have more affordable flights on certain days of the week or during specific times of the year. Use flexible date search options when booking your flights to explore different departure and arrival dates.

Research transportation options
Before committing to an alternative airport, research the transportation options available to reach your final destination. Consider the cost and convenience of ground transportation, such as trains, buses, or rental cars. Factor in the additional time and expenses associated with reaching your destination from the alternative airport.

By considering alternative airports, you can often find cheaper flights and save money on your travel expenses. Take the time to research and compare different airport options to maximize your savings and make your travel budget go further.

Sign up for airline newsletters and fare alerts
Signing up for airline newsletters and fare alerts is a smart strategy to stay updated on the latest deals and discounts offered by airlines. By subscribing to these newsletters and alerts, you can receive timely notifications about special promotions, flash sales, and discounted fares. Here’s why you should consider signing up:

Benefits of airline newsletters
Airline newsletters provide valuable information directly to your inbox. Here are some benefits of subscribing to these newsletters:

Exclusive deals and offers: Airlines often send exclusive deals and offers to their newsletter subscribers. These can include discounted fares, bonus miles, or special promotions that are not available to the general public.

Early access to sales: Subscribing to airline newsletters gives you the advantage of receiving early access to sales and promotions. This means you can secure the best deals before they sell out or become widely known.

Personalized recommendations: Many airlines use customer data to personalize their newsletters and offer tailored recommendations based on your travel preferences. This can help you discover new destinations or find flights that match your interests.

Benefits of fare alerts
Fare alerts are notifications that inform you when flight prices drop or when there are significant discounts available. Here’s why fare alerts are useful:

Real-time updates: Fare alerts provide real-time updates on price changes, allowing you to take advantage of sudden drops in fares. This is particularly helpful if you have a flexible travel schedule and can adjust your plans accordingly.

Customizable preferences: Fare alert services often allow you to set specific criteria, such as preferred departure airports, destinations, and price ranges. This ensures that you only receive notifications for flights that match your preferences.

Save time and effort: Instead of constantly monitoring airline websites or travel search engines for price changes, fare alerts do the work for you. They notify you when there are significant price drops, saving you time and effort in searching for the best deals.

How to sign up for newsletters and fare alerts
To start receiving airline newsletters and fare alerts, follow these steps:

Visit airline websites: Go to the websites of the airlines you frequently fly with or those that operate in your preferred destinations. Look for a section or link that allows you to sign up for their newsletter or fare alerts.

Provide your email address: Enter your email address in the designated field and submit the form to subscribe. Some airlines may also ask for additional information, such as your name, frequent flyer number, or travel preferences.

Optimize fare alert settings: If you prefer fare alerts, consider using third-party services or travel search engines that offer customizable fare alert options. Set your preferred criteria, such as specific routes, dates, and price thresholds, to receive relevant notifications.

Remember to check your email regularly and adjust your spam filters to ensure that newsletters and fare alerts are not missed. By signing up for airline newsletters and fare alerts, you can stay informed about the latest deals and find cheap flights that suit your travel needs.

Main Tourist Attractions in Paris

Paris has it all. Few cities on this Earth are as dramatic and iconic as the capital of France. If you were to circle the globe and make a list of its most beautiful cities, Paris, with its unique monuments and charming streets, would always make it into the top ten.

Since the Age of Enlightenment, Paris, the City of Light, has been attracting fashionistas, artists, history buffs, and writers, all of whom are inspired by the bohemian culture and the abundance of museums and grand boulevards. Paris is like no other place on earth. To quote Owen Wilson, “… from way out in space you can see these lights, the cafés, people drinking and singing. For all we know, Paris is the hottest spot in the universe.”

The unique heartbeat of Paris casts a spell on the hearts and minds of those who have ventured to this dramatic city. Even travel writers fall under the allure of the tangled streets, outdoor cafés and inspiring boat cruises along the Seine. With its Champs-Élysées and Place des Vosges, Latin Quarter and Montmartre, Paris is the original model for other major world capitals, all claiming their own prototype of grand elegance and sophistication.

But where do you begin? Whether this is your first time, or your next time, there is so much to see and experience you likely will find yourself bedazzled and even a bit overwhelmed. Start with these top six iconic attractions: two museums, two monuments and two churches. Plan to travel about on the Seine, whenever possible, using the fun little Batobus, with its glass roof and convenient range of stops at most of your top-pick attractions. This will make the getting there as much a part of your travel adventure as the arriving.

Two Museums: Louvre & Orsay

You likely already know which two museums to put at the top of your “to do” list for any trip to Paris: the Louvre and the Orsay. Even if you already have visited these museums on past trips, do return to them again this time, and every time, you are in the city. Show some mercy to yourself though, and plan to visit only one of these colossal edifices per day.

The Louvre. There’s not much that compares to the Louvre. Even walking into the courtyard will elicit a gasp as you face I. M. Pei’s grand pyramid of glass. Photos simply do not do it justice. The pyramid stands as a puzzling backdrop to the half-sized version of the Arc de Triomphe, a companion piece to Napoleon’s other arch at the opposite end of the Voie Triomphale (the “Triumphal View”). This smaller arch is topped with the bronze horse-drawn chariot from Saint Mark’s Cathedral in Venice that Napoleon pilfered in 1798 (the chariot has now been returned to its rightful home and replaced with a copy). As you stand in this courtyard, the vast building that surrounds you dates from old to older, containing a 12th-century castle fortress within a 16th-century palace.

To reach the Louvre, take the Batobus and hop off at the Louvre stop. Look across to the other side of the river for a stunning view of the Orsay, the former train station, now turned art museum, that you will be visiting on another day. Have a solid plan before you enter the Louvre through the pyramid. And, certainly, have a pre-purchased Paris Museum Card so you can skip the lines.

As you walk this former palace, you will be following in the footsteps of the Kings who roamed these same halls and galleries, reveling in their priceless collections of paintings and sculpture. Look around, up, down and out the windows at the lavish palace itself, as well as at the artwork it contains.

Save time during your visit for Winged Victory, the Mona Lisa, Venus du Milo, and the Gallery of Apollo (where the Sun King, Louis XIV, held audiences). Visit the Salle des Caryatides to see the Roman copies of Greek sculptures collected by the French royals, including four Caryatides, female forms that serve as columns, balancing the musicians’ gallery atop their heads. Locate the subterranean medieval tower and moat from King Philippe’s 12th-century fortress. These ruins were uncovered during the archeological dig to remove and preserve matchless artifacts prior to the construction of the pyramid.

Stand in the glass-roofed, sun-lit, Marly Courtyard, with the magnificent and powerful Marly horses and other sculptures from the gardens of Château de Marly, the country palace on the Seine where the Sun King entertained his close acquaintances towards the end of his reign. Stop for a break at the Café on the landing of the Mollien Staircase. Sit on the terrace overlooking the Napoleon Courtyard and the pyramid.

The Orsay. As essential as it is for you to visit the Louvre, it may be even more important to reserve ample time to explore the Orsay. The collections here are so stunning they will imprint themselves on your mind for all time. As you wander this vast former train station, built to impress the masses of visitors who flocked to the city for the 1900 Paris World’s Fair, you will pass through room after room of priceless artwork by iconic Impressionists like Monet, Renoir, van Gogh, Dégas, Cézanne and Toulouse-Lautrec. Exquisite sculptures are spread about at the level of the former train tracks and on the balconies, now sculpture terraces, where travelers once stood to await their trains.

Just inside the entrance to the museum is a 1/16-scale model of the Statue of Liberty that was gifted by France to the US in 1876 to honor the centennial of American independence. Plan ahead (and make reservations) to eat lunch in the former dining room of the turn-of-the-century Grand Hotel that once adjoined the train station.

Two Monuments: Tower & Arch

Of course, any trip to Paris must include visits to the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe. These are the quintessential Parisian monuments, one built as the entrance to the 1889 Paris Exposition Universelle, and the other designed to glorify Napoleon, and commemorate his victories. From atop each of these, you will have glorious views out across the city.

Eiffel Tower. Make your reservations to the Eiffel Tower well before your visit to ensure yourself entry at a specific time. Consider making a wonderful splurge by combining your tower visit with either lunch or dinner at the 58 Tour Eiffel Restaurant on the 2nd level. While you are on the 1st level, walk out onto the glass floor and look down, if you dare. Ask someone to snap your picture as proof.

If you do take the elevator all the way to the top, pause for a glass of champagne as you look out across Paris from what was the tallest building in the world for over 40 years. If you feel the tower swaying slightly in the wind, you will have even more of a story to tell once you return home.

Arc de Triomphe. At the Arc de Triomphe, take the tunnel under the frenzy of traffic circling the monument, and spend some time reading the inscriptions. Possibly climb the 284 steps to the top for another unsurpassed view across Paris. Even better, climb to the top at night to experience Paris aglow.

From your vantage point atop this triumphal arch, look back along the Voie Triomphale to the smaller arch in the courtyard outside the Louvre where you stood earlier. This will provide you some perspective of the magnitude of Napoleon’s self-admiration. Look up towards Sacré Coeur Basilica in Montmartre, perched high on its hill overlooking Paris. Gaze out along the Champs-Élysées, with its dazzle of shops and shoppers. If you are so inclined, use this opportunity to spot a few prime fashion emporiums and make a side visit to them later to see what you can find.

Two Churches: Notre Dame & Saint-Chapelle

Finally, on your list of “must visits” are two churches, a cathedral and a chapel, both located on the larger island in the Seine, Ile de la Cité. This island is where the Parisii first settled in the 3rd century BC, giving the Paris its name. Two centuries later, in 55 BC, the Romans destroyed and sacked the Parisii settlement, then rebuilt the town to their own design, complete with Temple, Colosseum, Forum and Roman Baths.

Notre Dame. The first of these necessary visits is to Notre Dame, built on the site of an ancient Roman temple. This massive architectural masterpiece took over 200 years to construct, beginning in 1160, and has stood all these many centuries despite revolutions and wars, neglect and renovations. Now it has been grievously damaged by a tragic fire that brought its spire crashing down onto its already flaming roof.

Notre Dame remains majestic even in its compromised state. It will be years before visitors can once again walk inside to sit peacefully, gazing up at the rose window. For now, you only will be able to view it from the front, back, and each side. Give yourself some time with this remarkable edifice. Cross the bridge to the Left Bank and find a floating boat-bar moored along the quai. Select a table beside the handrail and order a glass of wine. As you look across the river at Notre Dame, marvel at its remarkable life story, from its construction during the Middle Ages, before the benefits of modern tools and technologies, through to its rescue from total destruction by the 400 fire fighters who flocked here to save it from the blaze.

Sainte-Chapelle. Saving one of the best for last, walk to the opposite end of the island from Notre Dame to sit awhile in the ethereal Sainte-Chapelle, hailed as one of the greatest architectural masterpieces of the Western world. Worshipers in the Middle Ages considered this chapel to be a “gateway to heaven.” Surrounded on all sides by some of the loveliest stained-glass in all the world, amazingly preserved for over 770 years, you will be bedazzled by the intensity of the color and light. If you can arrange tickets for a concert in this exquisite setting, do so. You will remember this for life.

What You Should Know Before Traveling to Tuscany

Your first look at any one of the Hill Towns of Tuscany will take your breath away. You may have seen images of these stunning places in movies and books. But nothing can possibly prepare you for the real thing.

Once you experience this other-worldly countryside of abundance for yourself, you will understand perfectly why even the tiniest of these towns has been fought over continuously throughout history. Who wouldn’t want to own the top of one of these hills, looking out across brilliant landscapes, covered in vineyards that yield plentiful harvests for the finest wines? Who would not be inspired to paint or sculpt or roam the hills in search of gemstones to craft into exquisite jewelry?

If you have decided to travel to Tuscany, you have made an excellent choice. But there are three essential points you will need to understand before you set out on your travels.

Point #1: Give Each Destination At Least One Full Day or Three or Five

For a wonderful trip to Tuscany, plan to include five destinations, one large, one medium-sized, and three small. Florence, of course, is the absolute must as your large destination. Your trip to Tuscany would not be complete without including a visit to Florence. Few cities compare to Florence in terms of breathtaking beauty, as well as plentiful, awe-inspiring experiences. With its art and sculpture, gardens and architecture, history and culture, craftsmanship, wine and food, Florence will captivate you. Your time will race by. And likely you will decide that you simply must return another year.

Since Florence is the largest destination on your itinerary, plan to spend 5 days here. But then make day trips from Florence by train to two of your other destinations- the small but fascinating towns of Cortona and San Gimignano. Add five additional days to your trip, and split these between two remaining destinations, Montepulciano and Siena. So, your ideal trip will be 10 days total.

And what a trip it will be. You will have the time and latitude to truly soak in and enjoy this wonderful region. Sights to see. Art to peruse. Food and wine, relished at outdoor tables, overlooking the lively and spacious piazzas. Artisan shops. Local exuberance. Landscapes to inspire you. And the considerable fun of moving about amongst these towns and cities, with the journey as much a part of the delight as the arrival.

Speaking of having time and latitude… This brings us immediately to…

Point #2: Avoid Group Tours and Have a Better Experience on Your Own

This trip to Tuscany will be rich in experiences. And it may seem like it will be a complex trip to arrange and take on your own. So, you may be tempted to take the easy route of signing up for a bus tour. Yes, the descriptions for these tours always do sound appealing. And it seems like it would be so much easier just to turn over the controls for your trip, and let someone else be in charge.

If your thinking is leaning in this direction, think again. Your trip to Tuscany is overflowing with possibility, too much so to waste it trapped on a bus with 30 other people. You will want time to relish the experiences of each of these remarkable towns and cities.

A group tour will move too fast and try to pack in too much. It will be too constrained, including when you are sitting cramped up in the seats of that bus that was designed for a smaller breed of people than your towering American husband. It will be choreographed to someone else’s liking, with much precious time wasted waiting for your fellow chattering tourists to get back to the bus. And as you race through a city that the tour guide has already seen several hundred times, you will be traveling about in a noisy hoard, blasting past all those intriguing shops and appealing bistros.

This is not what you want for your own, long anticipated, trip to Tuscany. Instead, you will want to move about in freedom, walking about and pausing as you like, spending more time here and less time there as things do or do not capture you. Some of your most memorable moments will be your bistro stops, your visits to the shops that catch your eye, your pause to look out across a view of peaceful hills and valleys, your wandering into a restaurant on the piazza with a fabulous piano player.

You will want to be free to take your time to explore the leather market in Florence, and study the original oils and watercolors by the artists who are displaying their own original work in Piazza Michelangelo.

Sitting at an outdoor table at a restaurant behind the Duomo in Florence, or on the wall facing the Duomo in Siena, you may find yourself caught up in a photo orgy, taking shot after shot of the intricate marble work, starting with the full structure, then focusing in more and more closely for a sequence of photos that captures the inlays of green, pink and white marble or the gilded image above the door or the statues looming over you from the eaves.

A group tour, of course, does take care of your needs to get from place to place. But you will be able to handle this just as well, if not better, on your own. When you need a lift, catch one with an Uber or Taxi in town (keep your contact info readily at hand!), combined with trains to take you between towns and cities, and shuttle buses to carry you up the hills to the top. Making your way around, especially on the trains, is part of the fun, and adds to your experience as well as to your sense of accomplishment.

Speaking of needing a lift from time to time, we’ll move on to…

Point #3: There Will Be Lots of Hills Everywhere You Go

As you know from the term “Hill Towns,” there are very few places in Tuscany that are flat. You will be walking and riding up and down and up and down, everywhere you go, both within the towns and as you travel from one town to another.

For each Hill Town you visit, you will need to take a train to get to the bottom of the hill, then a shuttle bus to get to the top. This means that when you exit the train station, in Cortona or San Gimignano or Montepulciano, you will need to focus your attention on purchasing a shuttle bus ticket and catching a ride up to the top where the town awaits.

As a rule of thumb, when you are heading off somewhere in a city or town, plan to ride up, then walk down, every chance you get. In Florence, catch a taxi up to Piazza Michelangelo. Ask the driver to drop you off even higher up, in front of the charming Miniato Abbey, just above the piazza. From here, every direction you walk will take you down!

After you visit the Abbey, meander down to Piazza Michelangelo. While you are there, if the timing is right, try out the phenomenal lasagna at the restaurant just above the piazza, lunching at an outdoor table, with a view out over Florence.

Then walk a few steps down to explore the artwork and crafts for sale in the piazza. Pause frequently to look out over the wall to the rooftops of Florence, with the dome of the Duomo towering above its surroundings, and the Ponte Vecchio spanning the glistening thread of the Arno River. From here, wind your way down some more, until you arrive back at the level of the river.