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For holidaymakers, making plans well in advance can help save money and ensure that you get the most out of your trip. By carefully researching your destination in advance, you can take advantage of money-saving offers on attractions, hotels, and transportation. For instance, travellers who plan a holiday in London can arrange for a London Pass, which offers free admission to fifty-five of the most popular attractions throughout the area. This represents a potential savings of almost £420 over regular prices for those same attractions, which include cultural landmarks like the Tower of London, the London Bridge Experience, and Kensington Palace. Combined with a London Travelcard, the London Pass can provide you with the chance to enjoy a memorable holiday at discount rates. If you are planning a holiday elsewhere in the United Kingdom, the same rules still apply. By doing your research in advance, you can often find package deals and discounts that will save you money while providing access to the museums, historic sites, and attractions that will make your holiday spectacular.

For holidays that involve extensive travel, planning your route early can allow you to purchase the cheaper advance rail tickets and ensure availability for your preferred times. Alternatively, you can often purchase a Britrail pass for an extended period; this allows you to travel throughout England for one low rate. Especially for lengthy holidays, this can represent a significant savings; however, advance planning is necessary if you choose to use a rail pass since reservations are still required for certain trains, including night trains and high-speed trains. Airfares are also considerably cheaper if you plan ahead and book early; schedule your flights for midweek or late at night to get the cheapest prices available. Travel experts suggest that booking your flights eleven months in advance is the optimal strategy for getting the lowest fares available; while this may seem extreme, a little advance planning can save significantly on your holiday costs.

Accommodations are often the most expensive part of any holiday; by researching rates online and booking rooms early, you can often get a discounted rate on your hotel or bed and breakfast reservation. Package deals that combine lodging and airfare can also save you money; check with your booking agent or online to find these deals. Ironically, last minute hotel deals can often be less expensive than advance reservations; this is because hotels often have unsold rooms that they are willing to let go at a steep discount. While planning your holiday in advance is usually more advantageous, travellers requiring last minute accommodation can still find bargains if they are willing to negotiate. By remaining flexible and planning ahead insofar as possible, holidaymakers can enjoy the best accommodations and attractions for less.

So, you’ve had a great year financially in a very challenging economy and you are in the mood to splurge a bit, take a holiday and spend a few nights in one of the world’s most exclusive hotels. Or maybe you’ve had a very average year, but still like to dream a bit. Whether your plans are real or only a daydream, here are four hotels that will fulfill your every fantasy.

At number four is the Ritz-Carlton, Moscow. Cold this time of year, no doubt. It warms up about June, but that’s all the more reason to take a cold weather trip to Russia’s capital, and its finest lodgings. You’ll simply have to stay inside, enjoying world class luxury to the tune of 11,215 pounds per day. Sit by the fire and enjoy views of the Kremlin and Red Square while snacking on caviar and vodka.

Getting chilly just thinking about it? We understand, so our third choice whisks you away to the always-warm climes of the Bahamas, and the Bridge Suite at the Atlantis Paradise Island. The sun, the sand and water, and an amazing suite that will set you back just 15,575 pounds per night. Ten ultra-gorgeous rooms 23 stories above paradise, with gold fixtures and a bed that has eased to sleep the likes of Bill Gates and Beckham.

Roman emperors knew a thing or two about the pursuit of luxury, and they would have loved the plush pleasure of the Villa La Cupola Suite at the Westin Excelsior, Rome, our second choice. Domed ceilings boasting gorgeous frescoes, incredible views of the surrounding city, and a personal theater will keep you visually thrilled for each day of your stay – those amenities and an eye-popping bill for 19,300 pounds. Don’t forget to tip the attentive staff a minimum 15%, and book your room well in advance. This is not one of those last minute hotels that will take you at any hour of the day—plan your stay at least a year in advance, including a substantial down payment.

As nice as the previous mentions are, when an exclusive stay is what you want, with no regard to expense, the choice if world leaders, celebrities, athletes and dignitaries is the Royal Villa at Grand Resort Lagonissi, in Athens, Greece. Enjoy the ministrations of a private butler, chef, and pianist while immersing yourself in the pleasures of a private beach in fair weather and a heated pool when rain threatens. Plan ahead, because the Royal Villa does not specialize in last minute rooms, unless, perhaps, you possess a household name and 31,000 pounds to cover your 21 hour stay!

It never hurts to dream!

For the first time since its institution in 1991, the World Horror Convention will take place in Europe on March 25-28. While past conventions have been held in the United States and Canada, the 2010 event hosted by the Royal Albion Hotel in Brighton, Sussex will focus on the European contribution to the horror genre. With its atmospheric seaside location and an abundance of smashing restaurants and hotels Brighton was a brilliant choice for Britain’s first World Horror Convention.

For professional entertainers, publishers, merchandisers, and of course, devoted fans, the World Horror Convention is a yearly highlight, and one of only a few international events solely dedicated to honouring frighteningly engaging storytelling in literature, film, music, and art. Originally incorporated into the World Fantasy Convention, the WHC was established as a separate conference after founders Beth Gwinn, Joann Parsons, and Maurine Dorris decided that the expanding horror industry deserved its own platform.

An Annual Fright Fest for All

The WHC isn’t just about entertainment; it is an occasion for serious fans and entertainers to discuss the history and trends that have influenced horror, as well as the critical aspects of crafting stories that reflect a changing society. Every year the convention is sponsored by the World Horror Society and features diverse programming ranging from author readings and open mic poetry to conference talks about the challenges of running a small press. Previous conventions have discussed a variety of social topics, such as female horror writers, Gay & Lesbian Issues in Horror, and Writing Horror in Different Cultures.

Over the four day period, industry professionals get the opportunity to market their new products, while fans and burgeoning writers take advantage of unique workshops with top horror authors like Mort Castle and Nancy Kilpatrick. Members can also attend film screenings, art shows, panel discussions, interviews, and book signings, as well as the presentation of the coveted Grand Master Award, reserved for a living legend in the horror industry. Former Grand Masters include Robert Bloch, Stephen King, Anne Rice, Harlan Ellison, Ray Bradbury, and Tanith Lee.

The 2010 World Horror Convention

The upcoming 2010 gathering has been themed “Brighton Shock!”: A Celebration of the European Horror Tradition from Victorian Times to the Present Day. Attendees will be treated to some of Brighton’s renowned sites at feature events like the Bram Stoker Awards (to be held at Brighton Pier) and the Brighton Ghost Walk, while prominent European artists such as Tanith Lee, Hugh Lamb, and Ingrid Pitt will serve as honoured guests at the events.

Hotels in Brighton will likely be overrun with reservations by January, so interested fans should apply for a membership right away. The current fee is £75, but is subject to increase in the weeks leading up to the event. The convention sponsors have negotiated discounts with three major hotels in Brighton for members only. To book through the organization or learn about other hotels Brighton has to offer, visit whc2010.org for information.