Orlando Kissimmee Hotel

Summer travel tips: Gaylord deal, tipping guide, rails/trails

HUNTSVILLE, Alabama -- Summer travel season is in full swing.

Here are a few tidbits from attractions around the Southeast:

This tip's for you

Should you tip? If so, how much?

Hospitality Staffing Solutions works with 4- and 5-star hotels and resorts in 35 states and 70 markets across the country. They suggest these amounts:

Doormen: If doormen help you with your luggage, tip $1-$2 for their assistance.

Bellmen: If they carry luggage to your room, bellmen should receive $1-$2 per bag.

Hotel valet: When someone hails you a cab, it's customary to give them $1-$2. For car services or taxicabs, give 10-15 percent of the fare for their service.

Room attendants: It's customary to give $2-$5 per day (leave it on the bed or pillow). If you're hosting or entertaining in your room, $10 a day may be more appropriate.

Pool and beach attendants: A $2-$5 tip for getting you a chair will ensure you have a great location each day.

Concierge: Tips are usually given at the time of service. For standard directions, sightseeing advice or event locations, an appropriate tip is around $5. However, for a reservation at a popular restaurant with limited availability or hard-to-find tickets, tips can run higher - $10, $20 and up. It depends on the uniqueness and difficulty of the arrangement.

See www.hssstaffing.com.

Florida's Gaylord

If you like the Gaylord resort in Nashville, consider the one near Orlando this summer. Rates at the Gaylord Palms Resort in Kissimmee, Fla., start at $149 a night.

The offer includes 50 percent off the third night and guests get the fourth night free, plus poolside entertainment and interactive experiences for the whole family.

Summer activities include a scavenger hunt, dive-in movies, fish feedings, gator feedings in the evening, a pool with waterslide and waterfall, golf at Celebration Gold Club, an adult pool and transportation to Walt Disney World.

The hotel's Relache Spa has been rated four stars by Forbes magazine, with featured treatments like cactus toning and "summer serenity."

Gaylord Palms Orlando Summer Savings room rates start at $149 based on double occupancy (plus tax, resort fee and parking) and are available through August. For reservations, call 407-586-2000 or visit www.gaylordpalms.com.

Ride rail-trails

Rails-to-Trails Conservancy has created a list of six rail-trails for families to explore historical sites and battlegrounds this summer.

Hot Vacation Deal - $285 For 5 Nights in Kissimmee/Orlando, FL ...

! For only $285, you get a 5-night stay at The Country Inn & Suites at The Calypso Cay Resort in a standard room (that comes out to $57 per night before taxes & fees). Plus, you get complimentary breakfast. The resort features four pools, two hot tubs, mini golf, game room and more. Plus, the hotel provides free shuttle service to theme parks, just minutes away. In addition, you get a free entertainment package ($50 value) which includes a VIP Dine4Less Card, Kids Eat Free Card, and Play4Less Card.

The offer valid for two adults (25 and up) and two children. Reservations must be made by 5/31/2012 and travel must be completed by 11/31/2012. A $75 reservation guarantee is required at the time of booking. That charge will go toward applicable taxes and fees. Taxes are $15 per day and resort fees are $8 per day. The reservation guarantee pays for the taxes.

The Cheapskate's Guide to Walt Disney World

Frommer's Walt Disney World and Orlando 2011

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Walt Disney World, 2010

The Unofficial Guide Walt Disney World 2011

Frommer's Walt Disney World & Orlando 2009