User:(WT-en) Catherine Lain

Holiday seekers are taking holiday bookings into their own hands as they give the thumbs down to travel agencies, according to latest figures from US Department of Commerce. Independent holiday bookings by price conscious consumers doing all the planning themselves through their PCs have increased, which has led to travel agency bookings falling - a trend backed up by Motel 6 – America’s lowest cost national motel chain.

During these tough times punters who don’t want to pay travel agents commissions when booking their holidays are only a computer click away from planning their own dream trip. With Motel 6 savvy travellers are guaranteed quality for around £20 a night when staying at any one of their 1,000 locations across America and Canada.

By staying and saving at Motel 6 holidaymakers have more cash leftover to see and do things others won’t. With the money saved on accommodation with Motel 6 travellers can spend the rest of their budget on some of America’s most famous tourist attractions, like an extra day with Mickey Mouse. Incredibly, a family of four staying with Motel 6 for one week - no matter where in America – costs on average under £150. That’s less than some hotels charge for one night!

To help spark the sense of adventure Motel 6 has an online trip planner - Goin’6 - which has some of America’s best road trips and can help those less knowledgeable of America’s roads plan the best route. Each trip shows a map and recommends different Motel 6s along the way with handy hints on where to eat and what to do, so there’s no chance of being lost for ideas. And with such a range of trips users of Goin6.com are spoilt for choice.

Some of the road trips on offer this summer

Florida Fun As the undisputed centre of the theme-park universe, Orlando is rightfully Florida's number 1 tourist destination. Disney alone entertains millions of visitors with their Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Animal Kingdom and Disney-Hollywood Studios parks (not to mention Disney World Resort's Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach water parks). It could take an experienced theme-park fanatic a full week to get their fill of the classic rides, enchanting characters and awe-inspiring exhibits that Disney has to offer. The only problem is that accommodation in the area can wipe out a family’s budget before the attractions or food get a look in. So with Motel 6 families can squeeze every nickel out of their dime and make the most of their magical adventure. Santa Barbara Wine Tour Travellers with a taste of the good life can uncork their senses with a Santa Barbara wine tour. This vintage trip offers a chance to experience the unique flavour of Californian vineyards, whilst taking in the intoxicating views of picturesque valleys, sparkling ocean and celebrity spotting.

Even if the traveller has never been wine tasting before, there’s no reason for them to be intimidated. People from all walks of life come together in the tasting rooms of Santa Barbara’s vineyards, warmly embraced by towns steeped in winemaking tradition. In order to taste the tipples available, the traveller can plan their journey with Goin’6.com and ensure they get a barrel load of value when staying with Motel 6 along the way.

Jazz up the journey

Goin’6 is such a versatile tool a choice of Motel 6 is given for each night of the stay, to suit travellers’ individual needs. So, should the holiday seeker looking for the best deal around be interested in music Goin’6’s Jazz Journey will hit the right note. This tour includes a 2,500 mile loop from New Orleans to Chicago, not only encompasses some of the best Jazz hot-spots in America but also takes in world famous culturally unique Creole food to make taste buds sing. Visiting former jazz hotbeds like Chattanooga, Nashville, Louisville, St. Louis, Kansas City and Memphis ensures night life experiences no other trip could hold a candle to. And with such amazingly diverse food and cultural sites to see the days won’t be bad either. Wherever the holidaymaker finds himself in America there will be a trusted Motel 6 near by to bed down safe in the knowledge it is very likely they will have bagged the best price around.