Friday, December 19, 2008

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Monday, December 15, 2008

How To Travel Cheap - Find Super Cheap Airplane Tickets

By Terrie Bryan

Planning a vacation is one of my favorite things. Dreaming of
perfect sunny days without anything more pressing to do than
swing in a hammock with an umbrella drink and an ocean breeze.
Ah, grand. But first things first. Before you can start lounging
on the beach and summoning the waiter, you have to plan your
trip, and planning entails purchasing airfare. Now, since you do
not want to spend all your money getting to your destination, it
would be best to find super cheap airplane tickets and then keep
more money on hand for splurging once you arrive. So how to
travel cheap?

Well there are a number of ways, and I would say the most
popular nowadays is to buy your tickets on the Internet. And
there are several ways you can go about this. First, you could
just head on over to the airline website and see what sort of
prices they have listed. Actually this is a good idea, and I
recommend checking there first. But plan ahead, and buy your
tickets at least 14 days in advance. The earlier the better
really, in order to obtain the best deals.

Another good place to search is an online travel agency such as
Travelocity. You should sign up for their farewatcher alert.
This way you will receive an email periodically when fares drop,
and I have found some sweet deals this way, really super cheap
airplane tickets with no strings attached. But unfortunately
what happens quite often is I receive the email, dash over to
the site, and find that there is a very limited amount of seats
available, none of which match the dates I plan to fly.

This leads me to another suggestion. Be flexible! I admit I am
not always as flexible about these things as I should be. I will
write my vacation dates on the calendar, ask for the days off
work, and I am loathe to change. But if you can have a little
flexibility, you can often find that your airfare can be
decreased by as much as 25% just by adjusting your days. So try
different combinations. If you originally planned on flying out
on Wednesday and returning the following Tuesday, check prices
for leaving on Friday and flying back the following Thursday.
You may be surprised to find a cheaper airfare.

It used to be that you were required to stay overnight on a
Saturday in order to get a decent price, but not anymore. That's
pretty much not the case, but flying midweek can sometimes help
you on your way to super cheap deals. Try buying your airplane
tickets to fly out and return on a Tuesday or Wednesday and see
if that doesn't knock a few dollars off the price.

If you don't mind flying at night, great deals can be found on
the "red eye" where you will fly most of the night. I don't mind
these flights too much, just curl up with a pillow and blanket
and nap the whole way.

Finally, try a "brick and mortar" travel agent rather than
online. You may pay just a few dollars more but sometimes they
can find you a package deal that is super cheap and also
includes not only airplane tickets but also hotel and rental
car. Another plus in using these agencies is if you have any
problems you will have an actual person to help you out.

I hope some of these tips will help you on your next vacation
in your quest on how to travel cheap.

About the Author: Terrie Bryan is a freelance writer who loves
to travel. Want to find super cheap airplane tickets? Do you
ever wonder how everyone else finds such great travel deals? You
can find out how to travel cheap at
http://www.the-cheap-travel.com

Source: http://www.isnare.com

Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=238733&ca=Tr

Student Travel – Backpacking In Europe

By Nomadrick Chapo

For the fortunate few, life isn’t complete without a
backpacking trip through Europe. This right of passage is
believed to further the maturation process of college students,
according to sociologists. Of course, others have opined that
copious amounts of alcohol, sun and Amsterdam have something to
do with it. Regardless of your purpose, you still have to figure
out what to take.

Backpack – Getting In Touch With Your Inner Mule

Obviously, the first critical item is your backpack. While one
doesn’t need to buy the $10,000 Himalaya Turbo Pack, you should
also avoid the $12 blue light special. So, how do you pick a
happy middle ground?

The best method for picking a backpack involves three phone
books. Select/swipe/borrow three yellow page books from
neighbors/friends/enemies and hit your local sporting goods
store. With the books, head to the backpackapalozza section of
the store and pick out a few sturdy/cool/outrageous rigs. Stuff
the phone books in, adjust the straps and go for a walk. Now
break out into a run to simulate future dashes for trains/
ferries/ toilets and make the sales people nervous. These steps
should quickly reveal the perfect pack.

Now, you may have read other publications suggesting highly
technical ways to select a backpack. Trust me, until you have
run for the last ferry from Italy to Greece, you have no idea
how to pick a pack. The three phone book test solves this
nicely.

What To Take

There are a few mantras that every person should chant before
packing for Europe. These chants were developed originally by
the little known, Oh-My-Back Monks of Southeast Asia. The “OMB”
Monks were known for traveling half way to far off cities,
turning around, returning home and then traveling the full way
to said cities. Religious experts opined as to the deep
metaphysical meaning of such trips. They were later embarrassed
when the monks revealed the back and forth nature of the trips
was due to forgetting something, often whether they had turned
off the iron. Nonetheless, such chants have become the guiding
light of experienced backpackers.

Let us slowly and clearly chant together,

“I will pack only that which will not result in me being
hunched over like a Sherpa.”

“Remember, I can pick it [(lower voice) toothpaste, book, soap]
up over there.”

“I will not stuff thy pack to the point of bursting, for thy
damn zippers always break/get snagged/refuse to work.”

“I will learn humility through wearing incredibly wrinkled
clothes and shall not bring an iron.”

“I shall bring only one guide book, not one for each country
that I MIGHT see.”

“I accept that I will come home wearing something I didn’t take
and will have lost/traded/burned much of what I did take.”

For female travelers and, okay, the occasional male,

“I will not bring high heels or a gaggle of make-up.”

Admittedly, chanting these mantras will not bringing you
immediate enlightenment. Fret, not. You can always throw items
away or send them home in a box to your parents/friends/parole
officer. For the resourceful backpacker, it is not unheard of to
send particularly smelly/discolored/toxic clothing to an
ex-girlfriend/ex-boyfriend/little brother. Follow these
practical guidelines and you will soon happily be speaking in a
loud voice to make foreigners understand you.

The Evidence

This is the hard part for most travelers to wrap their minds
around. You will forget those special moments of your trip when
you met the hunk Sven or babe Svenetta from Sweden and had a
romantic evening/danced the night away/got arrested in
Ios/Ibiza/the airport. Maybe not immediately, but you will
eventually forget.

You will also forget or lose the contact information of people
you meet, despite meticulously writing it down on the back of a
coaster/napkin/your hand in a bar/poetry reading/jail at three
in the morning. Surprisingly, said coaster/napkin/hand often
survive the night/day/weekend and get deposited in your already
trashed backpack. Of course, their presence is often forgotten
when you later put a Oktoberfest mug/wet towel/toothbrush in.
The extra padding at the bottom of your pack is specifically
designed to deal with the decomposing result. Still, the
information is gone and so is your future with Sven/Svenetta.

To properly record the magical moments of your trip, you must
take a diary or journal. Don’t worry, you can burn it later
before you get married/your parents get nosey/you have kids. You
want a journal in a water/beer/sweat resistant case. Of course,
I prefer a Nomad Travel Journal, but just make sure you take
something. When you have some extra time in the bus/train/jail
cell, you can record how you got there and the people you met.

Trust me, when you, Sven/Svenetta and your nine children are
sitting on the porch 10 years later, you will greatly enjoy
reading your journal. Of course, that assumes you didn’t burn
it.

About the Author: Rick Chapo is with
http://www.nomadjournals.com - Preserve the experience with
writing journals for traveling, hiking, rock climbing, fly
fishing, bird watching and more. Check out
http://www.nomadjournaltrips.com to read more travelogues and
articles.

Source: http://www.isnare.com

Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=3429&ca=Travel

Tricks To Travel – On The Cheap

By Omri Amir

A great travel experience isn’t only for the rich – it’s
possible to travel to your favorite global destination and have
the time of your life, for less. And you don’t have to sacrifice
good food, comfortable lodging, or fun activities to do it. All
that’s required is a little creativity, flexibility, the ability
to plan ahead, and the will to make it happen!

First, you have to actually get to where you’re going. Here’s a
cool tip for purchasing cheap airline tickets:

Fly as a courier. If you’re a travel newbie, you’re probably
asking, “What exactly does this entail?” Courier flying is the
secret insider way to fly internationally for as much as 50%
less than the normal ticket price – or even for free. This may
sound too good to be true, but it makes sense once you
understand how it works. Oftentimes, a courier company needs a
courier to transport shipping documents and baggage as quickly
as possible to another city, but they don’t want to use freight
because purchasing an airline ticket is much less expensive and
a passenger can pass through customs faster.

Of course, an airline ticket requires that a live human
accompany the baggage – fortunately for the thrifty traveler,
that’s where you come in. The only catch is that everything you
need for your own trip must be brought in a carry-on bag, as the
luggage you’ll be bringing belongs to the courier company. On
the plus side, you’re usually given a round trip ticket, so you
can bring home as many souvenirs as you can handle. And it’s
pretty easy to become a courier. All you have to do is contact a
courier company to make reservations.

Good Eats

Let’s face it – food is a big part of the traveling experience,
especially if you’re visiting areas of the world known for
delicious cuisine. Luckily for the frugal foodie, your meals
abroad need not consist of the fast food of your native land.
There are ways to eat high quality local food and stick to your
budget.

One good way to save money: dine in expensive restaurants for
lunch, instead of dinner. Good restaurants tend to offer the
same quality of food midday for lower prices. Eat your main meal
earlier in the day and your pocketbook will thank you.

Follow the locals and you’ll be sure to find a great bargain.
Places frequented by the people who actually live in the area
are affordable and offer great-tasting food. And knowing where
the locals go to get their grub means you’re more likely to
experience authentic cuisine.

Where to Stay

The answer to cheap lodging has always been the hostel, and
this continues to remain the best way to travel for less.
Hostels aren’t just for young people – travelers of all ages use
hostels to save money abroad. Hostels cost anywhere from $12-$25
per night, but they can cost more, depending on where you go.
Hostels are inexpensive because they operate dorm-style. A
communal bathroom is the norm and a room consists of several
beds. Hostels are great if you want to save money and make a lot
of friends along the way.

But if hostels aren’t for you, seek out small, family-run
hotels if you want to save a buck, or book a hotel online
through a discount website. You can generally find Paris hotels,
London hotels and more online relatively inexpensively. These
websites offer significant discounts to the budget-conscious
traveler.

It doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg to travel the world,
once you know how to globetrot, without going broke.

About the Author: This article was written by Omri Amir for
http://www.EasyToBook.com/. EasyToBook offers discounts of up to
75% off of hotel prices. You’ll find Amsterdam hotels, Barcelona
hotels, Paris, Prague, London and more. Easily book your next
hotel room stay at EasyToBook and Save!

Source: http://www.isnare.com

Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=49549&ca=Travel

Backpacking With Children

By Sarah J Holt

Although backpacking with children may seem like a lot of
effort, the benefits gained from taking them along can far
outweigh the hassles. The benefits include not competing with
technology for your children’s attention, teaching them
self-sufficiency skills, and watching them connect with the
peacefulness of nature. Here are six tips that allow for a more
positive experience when backpacking with children.

1. Involve Them In Packing

Make a list of the items to bring and have your children help
collect them. If they are not old enough to read, you can read
the items to them. This is important because the more the
children are involved in preparations the more they will feel a
part of the trip, and the less likely they are to be resistant
to backpacking.

2. Get Their Help with Choosing the Trail

Choose a couple of trails and sites that are acceptable to you
and then let the children choose from among them. This is
another way of involving the children and letting them have a
say in where you will be going.

3. Give Them Special Items For Backpacking

Give them something special that is to be used only for
backpacking. Children enjoy binoculars, water bottles with fun
designs on them, walking sticks, and small waterproof cameras.
Another special item that is not only fun, but can be very
useful, is their own flashlight.

4. Get Them Excited About Going

Getting children excited can be as simple as talking about
backpacking in terms of how fun it is. Another method of
eliciting excitement is to go to the library and get books on,
and about, backpacking. These may be how-to books, especially
illustrated ones, or fiction books with characters that have
adventures in the woods.

5. Bring Along Games

While there is a lot to entertain children with while
backpacking, it is always a good idea to bring along a game or
two. These are useful when it rains, or at night when the
children are in the tent, but too restless to sleep. Small,
lightweight games specific to backpacking can be found in stores
that specialize in outdoor activities. Other options consist of
purchasing an extra small deck of playing cards (these are about
1/4 of the size of standard decks), using travel versions of
traditional games, or repacking games, such as bring the dice
from a Yahtzee game in a zip lock bag with a couple sheets of
paper and small pencils or pens.

6. Praise Their Hard Work

It can work wonders when children feel that they are impressing
their parents. One easy way to accomplish this is to comment on
how hard they are working, both with the hike and with camp
chores. First, encourage them to do a good job, and then praise
the results.

While backpacking with children can be extra work, the end
result is often more than worth it. There is something about
nature than can calm even an otherwise hyper kid, and time alone
with parents provides the perfect opportunity for long talks and
quiet companionship, that may proof elusive when at home where
computers, televisions, and phones all make distractions a
common occurrence.

So, load up the kids next time, and build a special memory that
only backpacking with children can create.

About the Author: Sarah Holt writes for The Ultralight
Backpacking Site. To get the e-book "Ultralight Backpacking
Secrets (And Wilderness Survival Tips)" for FREE, as well as
photos, gear recommendations, and a new wilderness survival
section, visit: http://www.The-Ultralight-Site.com

Source: http://www.isnare.com

Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=203214&ca=Parenting
By Sarah J Holt

Although backpacking with children may seem like a lot of
effort, the benefits gained from taking them along can far
outweigh the hassles. The benefits include not competing with
technology for your children’s attention, teaching them
self-sufficiency skills, and watching them connect with the
peacefulness of nature. Here are six tips that allow for a more
positive experience when backpacking with children.

1. Involve Them In Packing

Make a list of the items to bring and have your children help
collect them. If they are not old enough to read, you can read
the items to them. This is important because the more the
children are involved in preparations the more they will feel a
part of the trip, and the less likely they are to be resistant
to backpacking.

2. Get Their Help with Choosing the Trail

Choose a couple of trails and sites that are acceptable to you
and then let the children choose from among them. This is
another way of involving the children and letting them have a
say in where you will be going.

3. Give Them Special Items For Backpacking

Give them something special that is to be used only for
backpacking. Children enjoy binoculars, water bottles with fun
designs on them, walking sticks, and small waterproof cameras.
Another special item that is not only fun, but can be very
useful, is their own flashlight.

4. Get Them Excited About Going

Getting children excited can be as simple as talking about
backpacking in terms of how fun it is. Another method of
eliciting excitement is to go to the library and get books on,
and about, backpacking. These may be how-to books, especially
illustrated ones, or fiction books with characters that have
adventures in the woods.

5. Bring Along Games

While there is a lot to entertain children with while
backpacking, it is always a good idea to bring along a game or
two. These are useful when it rains, or at night when the
children are in the tent, but too restless to sleep. Small,
lightweight games specific to backpacking can be found in stores
that specialize in outdoor activities. Other options consist of
purchasing an extra small deck of playing cards (these are about
1/4 of the size of standard decks), using travel versions of
traditional games, or repacking games, such as bring the dice
from a Yahtzee game in a zip lock bag with a couple sheets of
paper and small pencils or pens.

6. Praise Their Hard Work

It can work wonders when children feel that they are impressing
their parents. One easy way to accomplish this is to comment on
how hard they are working, both with the hike and with camp
chores. First, encourage them to do a good job, and then praise
the results.

While backpacking with children can be extra work, the end
result is often more than worth it. There is something about
nature than can calm even an otherwise hyper kid, and time alone
with parents provides the perfect opportunity for long talks and
quiet companionship, that may proof elusive when at home where
computers, televisions, and phones all make distractions a
common occurrence.

So, load up the kids next time, and build a special memory that
only backpacking with children can create.

About the Author: Sarah Holt writes for The Ultralight
Backpacking Site. To get the e-book "Ultralight Backpacking
Secrets (And Wilderness Survival Tips)" for FREE, as well as
photos, gear recommendations, and a new wilderness survival
section, visit: http://www.The-Ultralight-Site.com

Source: http://www.isnare.com

Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=203214&ca=Parenting

Cheap Travel

By Emma Tucker
Years ago, the words 'cheap' and 'travel agents' would rarelybe used in the same sentence. People paid big bucks for theirholidays, but since the growth of the Internet, the wholeindustry was turned upside down.
Travel agents pricing has lowered dramatically to compete inthe worldwide environment. Anyone who can afford a vacation or abusiness trip has access to Internet, and is now more capablethan ever of sourcing a good deal. There are hundreds ofthousands of sites dedicated to travel, allowing anyone toquickly and simply book their travel arrangements on their own,for little cost.
Additionally, hotels and airlines have raised their prices asfar as travel agents are concerned, because they now have thefacility, and actively encourage consumers to directly bookthrough their websites. As a consequence, travel agents havelowered their prices by some margin to compete, resulting incheaper travel for the customer at the end of the day.
And just because the travel agents are charging less doesn'tmean the quality is any different from how it used to be.Actually many travel agents, offer better service as well aslower prices to attract more business and retain existingcustomers.
For example, they may organize activities on your behalf. Ifyou're going somewhere tropical, they might book your scubadiving lessons, or if you're skiing they can organize a greatdeal on lift passes.
And what's more, they can still provide loads of handyinformation about the places you are going to that you can'tfind online, for example about company/hotel reputations. Also,they are good sources of local information like languages,customs and weather, not to mention currency and time-zones.They can give you a personal insight into your destination whichyou will struggle to find on a Google search.
The travel agents don't just provide these services; they alsoarrange and fix everything, tailored to your requirements. In anutshell, you tell them what you're looking for, and they makeit really happen. If you're looking for the best price for yourflights, you might have to look around loads of differentwebsites to hunt for that bargain.
Even the cheapest agents have access to the best deals. Theycould really save you a great deal f time and money, and canscout out the best of the constantly changing hotel and flightprices on your behalf.
If you simply don't have time to do your homework, look towardsa travel agent to do all the legwork on your behalf, and get youthe best possible deal for your vacation.
About the Author: Emma is the editor of a tophttp://www.travellingresource.com website, and she also runs asite about http://www.topchoicegifts.com
Source: http://www.isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=90752&ca=Travel

Tips On Packing For Your Next Vacation Travel

By Marcus Bradley

Over packing is a very big problem to a lot of travelers. This
is so because it poses a lot of additional burdens and problems
to the individual. With these problems, he or she won't exactly
be able to entirely enjoy the entire trip that aims to enjoy the
exploration of the sights, tastes and cultures of several
places. Thus, the foremost question before really traveling,
“How to pack when traveling?”

When considering how to pack when traveling one is bound to
also consider what to pack when traveling. The most important
mindset where one starts when packing is traveling light. The
major benefits for bringing as little as possible are
multi-faceted. For one, one will feel more secure with the
little that he or she has to look out for. In matters of
finances, the lighter you pack, the less you are to spend on a
lot of things connected to baggage cost. Also, one will be able
to move more freely with the little that one brings. With all of
the aforementioned things in place, one need not worry too much
about the baggage anymore.

How to pack when traveling should consider security. When one
brings easily identifiable baggage with its contents because it
isn't too much, then there will be a decrease in the incidents
of theft, loss and damage.

A second consideration should be economy. This is so because
one greatly reduces all sorts of costs when one travels lightly.
For one, you will not be charged anymore for those who will be
carrying your bags around. Furthermore additional freight
charges are also avoided. When transportation is considered, one
doesn't have to take the more expensive kinds contrasted to the
public utility vehicles. With all of that, one generally saves a
lot.

When you have to move to and fro several places within the
travel area, you have to take into consideration the fact that
time does matter. With that, the traveler will have to consider
his mobility. Easy movement is altogether almost impossible when
there is a bulk in your bag. Thus, mobility can only be ensured
by lighter bags.

Thus, how to pack when traveling should consider what things
are placed in the bag, what bag is used and the management of
clothing.

For the clothes to be brought in the entire trip, it is highly
advisable to bring only one or two under the basic color scheme.
The accents to be brought will be less bulky. They, in turn,
define the appropriateness of the getup you are wearing to this
party and that. If instant laundry isn't readily available, it
would be very good to be ready with dark hued shirts and all.
When they aren't that soiled or only slightly used, they could
actually be worn again since they do not really dirty up that
much. For the harder wardrobe like skirts, pants, slacks and
jackets, earth colors like brown, khaki, black and the likes are
best. The shirts together with the softer wardrobe could
actually be open to a variety of colors.

The more sturdy kinds of bags that aren't altogether massive
are good enough so as long as the clothes will not suffer from
wrinkling when they are arranged.

In general, how to pack when traveling is only a matter of
being really practical.

About the Author: For more information on booking your next
Travel Deal visit http://www.travelbydeals.com. Marcus Bradley
is an avid travel author who writes about tips and guides to
finding the best travel deals.

Source: http://www.isnare.com

Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=260669&ca=Travel

Packing Tips For A Camping Trip

By Mark Schmitz
Packing Tips for a Camping Trip
Camping is a pretty unique experience. You get to spend timeaway from the hustle of city life. Do you want to see aspectacular sight? Then sit or lie down under a night sky fullof brilliant stars, they seem close enough to reach out andtouch them.
Whether you are planning a long or short getaway, you neverknow what you are going to run into or what you may need. Let megive you some tricks and tips to planning and packing for a tripinto the wilderness.
A. First you need to pick an area in your house and put all ofyour equipment in that area prior to packing. Try to start thisprocess a few days in advance. This way you won’t forgetsomething of major importance.
B. Take a good look at your equipment pile and when you thinkyou have everything laid out, spend some time going over yourcamping list of things you want to bring and double check it.
C. When you are done packing your equipment, the next stepshould be getting your clothing together. Your clothes should belayered to compensate for changing temperatures and rain. Alwaysbring spare clothing; you should always be prepared for theunexpected. Try to stay away from cotton as it dries slowly andoffers little to no insulation when it gets wet.
D. Test all of your equipment before you head out. Be sure youknow how your camp stove works and bring plenty of fuel. Do youlanterns work, is your tent complete?
E. Bring along several nylon bags to store your gear, and don’tforget the water purification tablets and a water bladder incase you are not near a reliable source of drinking source.
F. Plan your meals ahead of time. You want to be sure you haveenough food.
All of the above mentioned items are useful; some are luxurieswhile others are necessities.
About the Author: For more information about camping suppliesand camping equipment check out http://www.mmsoutdoorfun.com
Source: http://www.isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=183658&ca=Recreation

Travel Packing Tips

By Steve Gillman

The following are travel packing tips based on experience. I
have gone to other countries for a month or more with nothing
but a carry-on bag that weighed ten pounds. In fact, my number
one travel tip is to go light whenever you can. The simplify of
traveling light makes almost any trip more enjoyable.

Unfortunately, going with only carry-on luggage is getting more
difficult due to the newest rules about what you can actually
carry on a plane. If you do want to keep it to just one bag that
goes with you on the plane, check the latest regulations and
leave behind anything that isn't allowed. It doesn't add that
much expense to a trip to just buy these things at your
destination.

In fact, buying things as you go is a great way to simplify
packing. Why bring twenty things just in case you need them, and
then have to lug them around for the sake of the six you
actually use? If it is a vacation in particular, why not plan
just a little extra expense, and buy necessities as you travel?
Many have found that this is more practical and relaxing than
over-planning a trip and over-weighting the luggage.

Some Other Travel Packing Tips

- Jewelry and other valuables are usually not covered by the
luggage insurance the airline provides. Pack these items in your
carry-on bag.

- Silk shirts can be rolled carefully so they will wrinkle less
in soft-sided luggage.

- To conserve space, buy low-bulk items for travel. A down
coat, for example, will compress to a fourth of the size of
other coats, and keep you just as warm.

- Lightweight travel pants, made of soft nylon derivatives are
very light, tough, and pack small. They are often found where
they sell outdoor gear, but some styles are dressy enough for
use almost anywhere.

- To bring more in less space, set aside your thinnest socks,
lightest clothes and smallest items for travel. A small
hairbrush may work just as well as a large one, for example. You
might get to bring many more potentially useful items, and still
have a smaller bag in this way.

- If you buy a bulky gift for a family member or friend back
home, you may want to send it to them instead of carrying it
around for weeks while traveling.

- Don't overstuff your luggage. Remember that it may be opened
and inspected, and the security officials may not know how to
fit it all back in.

- Don't pack important documents, like passports and
identification, in your luggage. Carry these on your person,
preferably in a security pouch or interior pocket.

- Be careful when packing shampoo, perfume, skin cream and
other liquids. Plane cargo areas are often not pressurized
fully, so the tops can pop off of bottles and other containers.
For added safety, pack such items in a sealed ziplock bag.

- Carry a list of what is in your luggage, in case you need to
file a claim for lost bags.

In addition to using the travel packing tips above, have a good
packing routine. For example, start by considering every
circumstance you may be in during your trip, and making a list
of items you'll need. Then, after packing, consider each item,
and remove anything that really isn't likely to be used -
especially if it can be easily obtained at your destination.

About the Author: Copyright Steve Gillman. For travel stories,
tips and a free Travel Secrets e-book, visit:
http://www.EverythingAboutTravel.com

Source: http://www.isnare.com

Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=113730&ca=Travel

Budget Backpacking

By Burt Cotton

One of the least expensive, yet most fulfilling, types of
vacations is the camping and backpacking trip. Hiking through
the back country at one of the nation’s magnificent national
parks, or just wandering around the wilderness of a state park
closer to home, can be a great way to commune with nature, and a
wonderful way for families to get away and enjoy being together.

One of the things that makes backpacking so attractive to
budget minded trailers is the low cost it takes to get started.
Little is needed other than a good quality backpack, a top
quality tent and maybe a camp stove or similar appliance. Other
than that, the main thing to pack is your sense of spirit and
adventure. This article provides some valuable tips for the
first time backpacker on a budget.

Invest in a good quality hiking map or guide and get to know
the area you will be traveling to. Pay careful attention to the
notes and precautions and try your best to match the terrain to
your level of ability and experience. When estimating the time
it will take to hike to your destination, always overestimate.

Be sure to obtain all necessary permits, and reserve the
campsite you want, in advance of your trip. It is not unusual
for campsites to sell out, particularly in popular national park
destinations.

Always check local regulations regarding campfires, smoking,
cleanup, etc. to avoid paying fines.

Research the weather patterns of the area and always be
prepared for the worst weather. Always pack some sort of rain
gear.

Dress appropriately, in layered clothing, no matter what time
of year. Be sure to pack clothing that will allow you to be
prepared for sudden changes in temperature or weather. It is
best to wear breathable materials, such as polypropylene or
wool, to allow perspiration and moisture to be wicked away
quickly.

Learn how to operate your equipment before you hit the trail.
It is important, for instance, to set up your tent at least once
or twice at home. Get familiar with how everything goes
together. Learn how to operate your camp stove before you leave
home.

Determine how much weight you can comfortably carry, and pack
appropriately. Many first time backpackers try to take too much
gear, and end up unable to carry that gear during the trip. The
weight of the backpack should be no more than one quarter of
your weight, and it is best to take only what you need.

Pack more food than you think you will need. Hikers and
backpackers burn far more calories than the average person, so
be sure to eat sufficient amounts of high quality foods while on
your journey. The best foods to pack are those that are high in
carbohydrates, proteins and fats. These high quality backpacking
foods include peanut butter, instant oatmeal, trail mix, pasta
and dried fruit.

Learn where the water sources are on the trail and be sure to
keep your water bottles filled in case the next source of water
is farther away than anticipated. It is important to drink
plenty of water when backpacking, even when the weather is cool.

Always cook your evening meal before it gets too dark. Extra
food should always be stored in a bag and hung from a tree limb
at night to protect it from local wildlife. Raccoons, skunks and
bears have learned to look at backpackers, hikers and campers as
easy sources of free meals.

Always pack a first aid kit and be prepared with some basic
first aid training. Carry a GPS system or satellite phone if you
will be traveling far into the back country, and leave a
schedule with the local trail ranger and with friends at home.

About the Author: Burt Cotton http://www.budget-travel-news.com

Source: http://www.isnare.com

Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=70713&ca=Travel

Travel Secrets That Travel Agents Don't Want You To Know

By Rob Leon

Many smart travelers are now learning the secrets that travel
agents don’t want them to know about. They learn how to save 50%
- 75% on hotel stays, up to 55% discounts on airfare, free first
class upgrades, deeply discounted rental cars, half-priced Theme
Park admission, cruises for $45/day or less, free show tickets
and free meals in some cases.

You too can get these savings with a Global travel agent card.
These are just a few of the courtesies that you’ll find extended
to you when traveling as a licensed travel agent. But they get
even better.

Travel vendors – airlines, hotels, tour operators, car rental
agencies, cruise lines, etc recognize the benefits of having
agents become familiar with the products they are selling. It is
for this very reason that in addition to favorable rates and
discounts, these same vendors also offer free or almost free
familiarization trips to resorts destinations, free dinners,
free shows, and free cocktail hours to learn more about the
vendor products.

Just imagine, a couple of weeks after receiving this priceless
information, you get an invitation for you and a guest to spend
an entire week at an all-inclusive resort, absolutely free.
Normally, this experience would set you back at least $3,000.
And that’s not all, this resort owner wants to pamper you and
create an experience of a lifetime so that you, as a travel
agent, will refer your customers back to the resort.

If you want to earn some extra money selling travel to friends,
family members, business associates and even customers, you’re
licensed to do so.

Besides the extra income, there are many great benefits to
being in business. One of these great benefits is the tax
advantage. In most states, you can deduct almost all your
business expenses. In fact, just working part-time can make you
a great second income, but it is not required when you become a
Global travel agent. Selling travel is not required to get in
all the travel benefits that are described above.

About the Author: Rob Leon is a world traveller. He is the
webmaster of http://www.ThailandHotelsTours.com and
http://maketiny.com/3B4

Source: http://www.isnare.com

Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=66275&ca=Travel

Packing For The Big Move

By Stuart Simpson
When you are moving and have to hire movers, it’s cheaper tofill the entire truck, right? Wrong. The cost per 100 lbs.decreases, yes, but you have more of these 100 lbs. to multiply.Even if you get a uhaul and move it yourself, filling up thetruck with useless items will cost more gas money. Storage fornon-essential items for moving later can end up costing morethan the items are worth.
Moving can end up being very costly. Here are some tips andpractical considerations for your move.
Organization: Set aside an area in the garage where everyfamily member can put things they no longer want. Have anotherpile for items that are “maybe keepers”. It’s hard to cull ourpossessions. Have the family as a whole help decide on what tokeep in the “maybe” pile. Sell the rest at a garage sale andcall the Salvation Army or local charity and donate the rest.Either they’ll send in a truck, or worst case, you’ll have totake it to them, but you might qualify for a tax right off.
Alcohol: Can’t transport it across state lines. Get rid of it.
Appliances: Sometimes taking your fridge, washer and dryer withyou can cost you more than they are worth. These items are largeand heavy and could add $100 to $200 to your move per appliance.If you are selling your house, you might be able to work the newowners a sweet deal, otherwise place an ad in the paper and getrid of them. Get new or used ones at your new location andyou’ll be money ahead.
Books: Use the post office. Seriously. The book rate is around$20 per 100 pounds. Compare that with your mover’s rate.
Tools: Cull your tool collection and if you are driving orrenting a uhaul, take them in the car or truck with you. Toolsare heavy. Besides, they’ll come in handy at the new locationand you won’t have to wait for the movers to unpack everythingto find them. And if you are taking a uhaul, be sure to loadthem last so the tools will be the first to unload.
Furniture: Take what you need and want; just make sure it willall fit. No point in moving it to find out it won’t fit in thenew place and you’ll just have to rent a storage unit or sellit. Try to do a layout of your new house and place in thefurniture. Do the math to see if it will all fit. You’ll be gladyou did.
Piano: Be prepared to pay for special handling when moving apiano or organ. You do not want to put a piano in storage. Sellit or take it.
Pool Table: Do you still use it? You know the slate will haveto be removed and the table will have to be leveled at your newlocation. Be sure you crate (with wood) the slate for travel.Prepare for additional moving expense.
Valuables: Do not ship your valuables. If you must, you couldship them to yourself, but use adequate insurance and don’t shipanything that can’t be replaced.
Storage Shed: If you have one, you’ll probably decide to leavemost of these storage items or get rid of them. There’s no pointin moving them from storage at one house to storage at theother. It’ll just take up more room in the uhaul.
Items not to move:
Alcohol – See above
Flammables – including any kind of aerosol can. Items likedeodorant, hairspray, spray paint, etc. Firewood or lumber
Food (eat it all, don’t ship it)
Clothing – update your wardrobe and cull out for the garagesale
Magazines – If you must, cut out recipes or tear out articlesyou haven’t had time to read, but don’t take the whole magazine.
Storage is an option but eventually you’ll still have to moveeverything. I hope this article helps you get realistic with theitems you need for moving.
About the Author: Stuart Simpsonhttp://www.moving-storage-supplies.com
Source: http://www.isnare.com
Permanent Link:http://www.isnare.com/?aid=18742&ca=Family+Concerns

Back Packing Gear, Where Do You Start?

By Stephen Meyer

The first place is with your backpack.

The cornerstone of any backpacking venture begins with your
backpacking gear, specifically the backpack itself. Call it the
cornerstone of your venture since everything that you need to
take with you will be carried within the bounds of this one and
only entity and that causes things to be quite an challenge for
you since you have to shoulder the load. However you decide on
your backpacking gear will be grounded on how frequently you go
on outside ventures in addition to however long these ventures
are and what the weather will likely be.

Two Types of Back Packs, Frameless vs. Framed.

Among the first things that the majority of salespersons are
going to inquire of you in reference to your backpacking gear is
whether you require a frameless or a framed backpack . Backpacks
that do not have frames are the most affordable of the bunch as
well as being lighter and offering less mass. All the same,
frameless backpacks should only be used for short light day
activates and they do not come equipped to handle heavy bulky
loads.

The backpacks that come with an external frame are low-cost
pieces of backpacking gear that make it much easier to pack for
your outdoor venture. They come with many outside pockets as
well as the fact that the external frame keeps the backpack
itself away from your body and lesson the possibility of
trapping sweat and moisture against you. External framed
backpacks can hold bigger loads but they place the weight on the
hips and the center of gravity is a little too high when
compared to other backpack models.

The internally framed backpacks are the most suitable of all
backpacking gear and are additionally among the most expensive.
However, these kinds of backpacks are more efficient and can
shape to your body much better allowing you a lot more ease of
movement plus they are able to distribute the weight of the load
more equally throughout the hips and lower back area. With much
more ventilation, the interior framed backpacks are quickly
becoming the most common option in terms of backpacking gear.

Staying Comfortable.

The costliest backpacks around does not necessarily mean that
they are the best choice of backpacking gear for your specific
needs. A good salesperson will assist you in fitting the
backpack to your body and point out all of the straps, buckles
and other adjustable parts as well as the backpacks strong and
weak points. Walk about the store with your backpack and ask for
weights you can place inside the backpack so you are able to get
a good idea of how it will really feel for you outdoors on the
trail.

Scrutinize the fabric for durability and determine if there are
adequate compartments for storage in addition to adequate room
for all of your equipment such as a sleeping bag, foam pad and
more. Scrunch down and look up, try and feel for any binding or
tightness to see if any of your movements are restrained in any
way by your potentiality new backpack.

A lot of people every year see Doctors because of injuries that
were caused by improper backpack usage so you'll need to
exhaustively examine each piece of backpacking gear that appears
suitable to your tasks. Prior to you making a final decision on
your backpack, check the manufacturer’s website to see if
replacement parts are available should something wear out or
break. Being equipped for all contingencies is part a of the
backpacking gear buying process.

About the Author: Stephen Meyer, A successful home based
business Entrepreneur who proudly helps others build their Home
Based businesses http://www.itcanhappen4u2.com

Source: http://www.isnare.com

Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=201851&ca=Recreation

Why Budget?

By Debbie Dragon
In order to take control of your financial situation and avoidgoing into excessive debt, or in order to get yourself out ofdebt- a budget is necessary. You also must have a budget if youplan to save money for retirement or other large ticketpurchases. If you don’t want to be controlled by your money,you must take control of it and make your money work for you byusing a budget.
Most people have no idea if they are living within theirfinancial means or not, until they find themselves so far indebt that they can’t get out. If you have goals or dreams foryour future, most will require a certain amount of money-without a budget, you are likely to never achieve those goalsand dreams. Also, and probably among one of the most importantreasons to budget is that it allows you to prepare foremergencies and the unexpected. Without a budget, theseunexpected expenses can be detrimental to your finances, andeven change your life.
For most people, “budget” is a “bad word”. If the term makesyou shiver in fear, it’s possible that you have attempted abudget in the past that didn’t work for you. It’s also likelythat you think of a budget as a lock and key over your wallet;but if you begin to understand that budgets are the road tofinancial success, you are likely to have a much easier timereaching your goals with a budget.
How Do You Spend Your Money?
Without a budget, it’s not possible to keep track of all ofyour spending. Many people think they know exactly where theirmoney goes on a regular basis, but without a budget- I guaranteeyou will be surprised if you do a monthly tracking challenge. On a piece of paper, or in a small notebook that you can carryaround with you, write down every cent you spend for a period ofone month.
Write down every single coffee you buy at the local coffeeshop, the candy bar and newspaper you picked up at the market,and absolutely everything you spend your money on for a periodof a month. Add it up. I guarantee you had no idea you werespending that much money on the little “incidentals”.
Three Budgeting Techniques Lead to Financial Success
A large part of budgeting involves personal finance planning. All three of the following activities are important whencreating a budget that you can live comfortably with, as well asone that helps you prepare for the long term.
Controlling Daily Spending: While it’s true that most peoplespend money on things that are not necessary, it’s important toallow yourself some money for this type of spending. Thingsthat give you enjoyment are important, but you need to have acontrol over this type of day-to-day spending so that it doesn’tget out of control.
Creating Financial Safety: An often overlooked aspect of apersonal budget, everyone should prepare for the unexpected. There needs to be access to money for things like a car breakingdown unexpectedly, an illness or accident that puts you out ofwork for awhile, or a natural disaster.
Preparing for Financial Goals: Everyone has some financialgoals. Whether you want to buy a house, send your kids tocollege without going broke, or retire at a young age- these areall activities that require financial preparation and budgeting.
Having a budget is a discipline approach to reaching yourfinancial goals, having money for entertainment and for yourquality of life, and being able to afford the items and expensesyou have to pay.
About the Author: This article has been provided courtesy ofDestroy Debt, http://www.destroydebt.com .
Source: http://www.isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=151120&ca

Now Take A Few Minutes To Do The Most Important Travel Planning Of All--Learn How To Stay Healthy While You're En To Travel

By Abrahamson Owen

Healthy Travel

• Important Note: Traveling and Illness

As you are preparing for tarvel, please be sure to continue to
focus on measures to ensure your good health: eat a balanced
diet, get plenty of rest, avoid smoking and be sure you are
effectively managing any ongoing health issues. In the unlikely
event that you become ill with a fever or respiratory illness
the day prior to your scheduled departure date, please see your
doctor to determine whether you are healthy enough to travel and
participate in the event. Your health as well as the health of
participants is important to yourself.

• Your Travel "First Aid" Kit

Be sure you bring the following to ensure a safe, health and
convenient travel experience:

Your prescription medicines (enough to cover your days away
from home), in their original containers with clearly
identifiable labels.

If you are generally in good health, there are some typical
minor ailments that travelers frequently encounter which may
necessitate use of non-prescription medicines.

Consider bringing a few doses of medicine if you are prone to
the following:

diarrhea
upset stomach
headache
sinus congestion
motion sickness

• During Travel

Bring enough of any required medicines in carry-on bag.

If seated next to a person with respiratory symptoms on the
plane, contact the flight attendant for a change in seating if
available. When a change is not possible: avoid direct contact
(face-to-face); avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth; be
conscious of the surfaces you touch and wash your hands
frequently.

Drink plenty of fluids (preferably water) before, during, and
after your flight. Not only will you feel better, but keeping up
your fluid reserves also helps your body fight illness and risk
of jet lag. If need be, use moisturizer and lip balm to combat
the dry air in the flight cabin.

If you wear glasses, don't fly with contact lenses -- wear your
glasses instead. Contacts will only dry out and further irritate
itchy or burning eyes.

Take frequent walks in the aisles, stretch and exercise your
lower limbs while seated to keep blood your blood flowing and
prevent conditions attributed to sedentary positions (swollen
ankles, muscle cramps). If you can take aspirin safely, a low
dose (81 milligrams) taken on the day of departure can be
helpful in preventing clot formation.

Try to get as much fresh air and exercise as you can between
flight connections.

Clear your head with a hot, steamy shower after you land. Avoid
smoking areas while you wait for a connecting flight and when
you reach your destination.

To minimize the discomfort of pressure building in your ears,
here's how to make them pop: pinch your nostrils closed and
inhale deeply. Then exhale through your nose, blowing out in
short, firm bursts until you feel your ears pop. Yawning,
drinking liquids, and chewing gum also helps.

• jet lag

Anyone who's suffered from the fatigue of crossing time zones
can attest that it's no fun being bleary-eyed and groggy for the
first couple days of and after your trip. There are ways of
minimizing the effects of jet lag, so take note:

Adjust your sleeping and eating patterns to the new time zone a
couple days before your flight -- usually one day per time zone.

Upon boarding the plane, change your watch to the destination
time zone. Drink plenty of fluids, keeping yourself as hydrated
as possible. While trying to knock yourself out with a couple
glasses of wine or wake yourself up with coffee may seem like
good ideas while flying, think again -- alcohol and caffeine
dehydrate the body, making your even more tired when you arrive
at your destination.

If it's daytime in your destination, take a walk after you get
settled. The exercise will stimulate your body and help convince
it to stop producing sleep-inducing hormones.

Use earplugs and blindfolds to help dampen noise and block out
unwanted light while sleeping.

A variety of over-the-counter products are available that
purport to ease jet lag or encourage sleep on lengthy flights.

Fortunately, your adjustment in New Zealand will likely go
smoothly as you will be getting plenty of exercise!!

Stay heallthy

Focusing on these key areas will help you to "Stay Health"

1. Pay attention to personal hygiene and handwashing
2. Eat a balanced diet and drink plenty of water
3. Be physically active
4. Get plenty of sleep
5. Manage strees
6. Avoid smoking
7. keep immunizations current
8. Manage any ongoing health issues

Eating a balanced diet is perhaps the most direct action you
can take to nurture your immune system

- The immune system requires a balance of nutrients to function
properly
- Without this balance,you can become sick more easily and have
a longer recovery time
- Ensure your daily meals include:
- vegetables(especially leafy green)
- fruits
- whole and fortified grains(any food made from
wheat,rice,oats,cornmeal,barley or other ceral grain)
- dairy products,with small amounts of fish and meat(or
alternative protein sources)

Your body requires a minimum amount of daily fluid intake to
maintain health

- Fluids help to keep mucous membranes moist enough to combat
viruses on contact
- Requirement 6-8 cups (1.4-1.9 liters) per day
- Avoid drinks like coffee, tea, and colas with caffeine;they
deplete your body of fluids

If you are exercising and sweating, drinking water is doubly
important

- 1to2hours before exercising: 10 to 14 ounces of cold water
(about a cup and a half, or 295 to 414 ml)
- 10to15 minutes before exercising: 10 ounces of cold water
(about a cup and a half, or 295 ml)
- While exercising: 3to4 ounces of cold water every 15 minutes
(about a cup and a half, or 89 to 118 ml)

Travel Tips Before You Travel To A Foreign Country

By Sarah White

There are many things that you can do to pre-prepare yourself
and your family for travel. By being as prepared as you can be,
you are setting yourself up for a great getaway that will
minimize any unpleasant circumstances that sometimes arise with
travel.

In order to have the best vacation possible, I’m going to share
with you the must know tricks and travel tips before you travel.

The very first thing you must do is RESEARCH. You want to learn
as much as you possibly can about your destination prior to
arrival. Yes, this is going to require some time and effort on
your part but it is going to be more than worth it. This is the
only way to truly understand what it is you want from your
vacation and what you want to do on your vacation.

Here are some things that you should always know about your
destination.

Weather - You need to know what you should be packing and
planning for.

Paperwork and Documentation - Know what is needed to travel to
your particular destination.

Know if there are any diseases common to the area you will be
traveling to – this way you are able to take preventative
measures.

Costs of local items – You want to be able to properly plan
your budget; remember to include taxes and tipping.

Holidays and festivals – check to see when these occur for your
destination as you may find limited services on those days.

The best holidays are the ones we are most prepared for. Do
yourself a favour; make it a habit to always know as much as you
can about your destination before you travel. It’ll make all the
difference in the world!

What are some other things that you can do to prepare yourself?
Use these travel tips before you travel.

1. Make 2 photocopies of your passport. Take one and put it in
a safe place or leave it with a friend. Take the other one with
you and keep it in a separate place from your passport, this way
should your passport become lost or stolen, you can use the copy
to exit the country and it will also facilitate the replacement
process.

2. Email yourself important information such as: airline
numbers and flight information, credit card numbers, passport
and driver’s licence numbers and anything else that may be of
importance to you. This way if anything is lost or stolen, you
are just and internet connection away.

3. Know your banking information. For your credit card, make
sure that the valid dates will remain valid while you’re
traveling, know your available spending amount and don’t forget
to leave some room on it for emergencies. Check your ATM and
debit cards’ daily and total limits.

4. Learn some local phrases. If you are traveling to a country
with a foreign language, it’s always nice to know some of the
local phrases. Knowing the “polite words” and just a few local
phrases will be a huge help. You will find that natives really
appreciate this and will tend to be more receptive to your
questions. Maybe you’ll even make a new friend while you’re at
it!

5. Be aware of the voltage that’s used for the country you’re
traveling to. If you are taking anything that requires an
outlet; cell phone, computer, video camera, etc. make sure to
purchase plug adapters. For things such as hairdryers, curling
irons, electric razors, etc to purchase an actual voltage
converter unless your appliance has multiple voltage currencies.

When traveling to a foreign country it’s always best to be as
prepared as you can be. Do as much research as you possibly can,
remember these travel tips before you travel and your trip
abroad is sure to be a success.

Here’s your final checklist: Passport, tickets, car rental and
hotel reservation receipts/agreements, credit cards, medications
or prescriptions, if required, addresses, password and any other
important information that you may need. Don’t forget the most
important thing: your adventurous travel mind, see and learn as
much as you can and have the time of your life!

About the Author: Tropical Beach Destinations
(http://www.tropicalbeachdestinations.com) specializes in giving
you an exhilarating tropical vacation for travel destinations
around the world. We are experienced travelers who have lived
across the globe and our dream is to provide you with everything
you need in orde

Source: http://www.isnare.com

Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=68810&ca=Travel

Budget Car Insurance – Are You Within Your Budget?

By Elizabeth Newberry
Admit it. There has been a time when you’ve purchased a car andinsured it with the car insurance office nearest the dealership.Or the same car insurance company your dad uses. Or the same oneyour significant other uses. Or the one whose advertisement youheard on the radio as you were pulling into the dealership. Thepoint is, you purchased car insurance without giving it muchthought. You just wanted to insure your new car and drive it offthe lot.
These kinds of hasty decisions can result in paying much morethan necessary for car insurance. That’s bad news for those ofus on a budget. If you are looking for budget car insurance, asmany of us are, there are a few things you should considerbefore purchasing just any old car insurance policy.
1. Take a defensive driving course. Many states require thesekinds of courses, and many car insurance companies will offerlower car insurance rates to drivers who take them regardless ofwhether or not they are required.
2. Use what you learn from the driving course. Follow the rulesof the road, and keep your driving record clean! Accidents andtraffic citations will raise your car insurance rates.
3. Safeguard your car and yourself. Install an alarm system,and make sure you are driving with antilock brakes and air bags.
4. Raise your deductible. Most car insurance companies willlower your rates if you raise your insurance deductible.
5. Utilize your policy. If you own more than one car, cover allof them under the same car insurance policy.
6. Review your policy. Your car insurance needs may change astime passes. For example, you may get around to taking thatdriving course or adding additional safety features to your car.Contact your car insurance agent and schedule an appointment tomake changes to your policy and lower your car insurance rates!
About the Author: http://www.myquoteguide.com/Car-Tips.shtmlhttp://www.ezquoteguide.com/home/http://www.ezquoteguide.com/health/
Source: http://www.isnare.com
Permanent Link:http://www.isnare.com/?aid=77508&ca=Wellness

To Save On Travel Expense Mean Save More On Your Budget Travel

By Ramet Petsumrit

In today's business environment, we need to make more money,
but it's just as important to find legitimate ways to spend it
wisely. Nowhere is this more relevant than in travel, since
airfares and hotel costs have been change over the past five
years.

The tragedies of 911 placed a short-term dampener on airfares.
However, indirect costs to travelers have included restructuring
of airlines by dramatically reducing capacity and decreasing
availability of flights, the laying off of staff with a
corresponding drop in customer service and morale, and attempts
to tighten security with significant inconveniences. The travel
experience has been made more arduous not only by airfares
creeping up, but also by increases in penalties associated with
nonrefundable tickets, by costly new rules for excess baggage,
and by cutbacks in meal and other in flight service. An emerging
variable to factor in to the travel planning Process is an
inversion of the old paradigm, whereby the typical leisure
Traveler purchased travel far in advance, while the business
traveler sought Airline tickets and hotel accommodation at the
last minute. Specifically, we is now seeing an increase in the
leisure travelers planning trips at the last minute and business
travelers purchasing tickets in advance. This adds another layer
of complexity to how travel suppliers will price their product.
Similarly, as hotel occupancy rates have edged up toward prior
highs, hotel rates have moved in tandem. All of these changes
challenge the patience and resilience of world travelers and
road warriors alike. With this article, however, we promise to
help you find your way through the maze that travel has become,
confident that you know how to get the best service for your
travel dollar.

According to American Express Travel Service's annual surveys
of their business clients, travel and entertainment have been
the second-largest controllable business expense after salaries.
The Professional Sales Association indicates that entrepreneurs
and sales professionals spend an average of fifty-seven nights
away from home each year. Even Internet-focused companies
acknowledge that truly understanding a client or closing a sale
requires face-to-face communication. So how can we help you
survive the challenges of travel post 911? Through trial and
error-and sometimes paying too much-we have learned how to
travel in luxury for (much, much) less. The more money you want
to save, the more time you will need to invest, especially as
you acquire basic skills. It's just like learning how to select
mutual funds or deliver a performance review. The more time you
put in especially when starting out-the more you will save. We
acknowledge that there are points in your career when you have
more time than money, and points when you have more money than
time. Many of the ideas you will learn from this website apply
to anybody with an interest in basic cost management-regardless
of your financial situation.

It's like taking your vitamins and flossing your teeth. You may
choose not to take advantage of all the skills you can learn,
but just know that these powerful strategies are available to
you. And we guarantee that as prudent world travelers and road
warriors, each of you will find certain strategies in the
following article that are perfect for your unique
circumstances.

So You Get The Cheap Travel To Mexico, What's Next… A Guide To Mexico Travel!

By Larry Evans

You finally received your tickets to Mexico at the cheapest
price. You did it by researching and taking your time comparing
and eliminating online and offline travel companies and agent
one by one. You also got your desired hotel accommodation and
itineraries that did not cost so much. Now, while you are
packing your things and make your way to the airport, here are
some of the things and necessary advises you should know before
entry, upon entry, and while at the Mexico:

Before you leave, you should have with you a photo I.D. such as
passport and driver's license, your tourist card, and your proof
of citizenship. Bringing a photo I.D. would save you a lot of
trouble when you check in on the airport. It would make sure
that your ticket and your identity match.

The tourist card is your gate pass to Mexico. It is given free
of charge but should be surrendered when you leave the country.
You can get it from your airline when you check-in or in the
Mexican Immigration when you arrive the country. You must not
lose it and must be included at your travel document. Loosing
this card is not pretty good thing to happen but if it does,
make sure you have copied the number. This would make the
trouble a lot easier to deal with.

Proof of citizenship should be your birth certificate. If you
are a married woman and posses a driver's license of your maiden
name, be sure to bring your birth certificate to match the
license.

Upon arrival, go directly to the Mexican Immigration. Here,
your tourist card is validated and proof of citizenship is
inspected. You must sign and accomplish the customs declaration
form. You should know what to declare and what are allowable to
bring in the country. If you failed to declare any item that are
not allowed you will be penalized.

Here are some of the allowable items you can bring; toiletries,
footwear, and clothing that is in relation to your trip
duration, reading material (magazine and books), used sports
equipment, one VCR, one camera, one movie camera, films (up to
12 rolls), 3L of wine or alcohol (18 years up and up), 50 cigars
or 400 cigarettes (18 years old and up), musical instrument,
portable TV, and medicines with prescription.

While at Mexico you should obey the rules. If you plan to rent
a car, there are lots of car rental companies in the country. It
you are on a tight budget, rent a car before you arrive. Rental
companies offer cheap rate if you reserve early. When you get
involved in an accident, do not leave the place nor make any
arrangements to other people. Contact your rental company for
assistance. Do not argue.

Bring the right amount of money for the day. Although Mexico
uses their Peso, most business establishments accept US dollars.
But peso would still give you better price. Wear comfortable
clothes, Mexico is typically warm during summer and a bit cold
during winter. But it still depends of your location that
depends on the altitude.

When dining, make sure you drink only bottled water. Wash the
fruits first before eating. Peel if necessary.

When traveling by bus, take the first class rather than the
second class. First class is air-conditioned with slight price
difference with the second.

These are some of the things you need to know when you travel
to Mexico. And to enjoy more your whole visit in the country:
stay safe!

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Going on the Right Cruises For You and Your Travel Budget

By Daniel Millions
Going on cruises as a travel option will be more enjoyable whenyou design your cruise travel according to your budget, time anddesired destination. Not only that, a cruise trip can reflectyour lifestyle accurately so that you will be a truly happycruiser.
Cruises are much like other travel alternatives because thatwith good planning, you can create great memories for when youcome home from your vacation. The difference between cruisetravel and other forms of travel is that cruise travel offers ahuge variety of themes for cruise vacations. You can choose adestination or specialty cruise that reflects your life.
If you have children, you will want the family friendly cruisepackage. There are singles cruises, weight loss cruises andother health themed cruises. You can choose cruises that explorenatural areas or you can choose celebrity cruises. These arejust some examples of the many cruise themes that are available.The point is that there are so many specialty cruises that youwill be able to match the cruise to your personal style. Withthe right theme, the destination may not be as important incomparison to the theme.
You can find different pricing options for cruise vacations.There are many fun trips for under $500. You can find differentpackages for a range of prices that go up to $3000 and over.Luxury cruises are in their own class of pricing and well worththe money for those who can afford the extra expense. Cruisetravelers can be very loyal to cruise as a travel favorite. Somecruise travel fans will take any suitable available cruise tripas long as it fits their budget if it can be taken right away.That is how enchanted with cruise travel, that these travelerscan be.
Customer service and special features will make or break yourcruise vacation. When you are choosing a cruise vacation,consider the services that you will get from the cruise line.Find out about a company's reputation before you choose thatcompany. Compare the different cruise lines to decide whichcompany suits your budget and needs.
Another important consideration is the length of the cruisevacation. For short getaways, travelers can take a cruise tripfor one day or less. You can also book a cruise for much longervacations. Trips are categorized though not restricted to groupsof up to one week and under, two weeks, three weeks and longer.
You will also have to consider the location of your departureport. You will need to find a port that is closest to yourlocation. A great deal of coordination may be done to match thedeparture location and your desired cruise destination. It isbest to make reservations well in advance.
You should consider making your reservation for cruises a yearahead for popular cruises. Some popular cruises are booked solidfor more than a year in advance. You will not be disappointed ifyou plan for your cruises and have realistic expectations onyour departure date for some cruises.
By weighing all the factors carefully that are a part ofplanning for cruise travel, you will be able to find the cruisevacation that will be worth your time and money. When you findthat specialty cruise vacation that matches your personality andlifestyle, when you get back home, you will not be able to waituntil your next cruise vacation.
About the Author:http://www.cruisevacationworld.com/carnival-cruises/ CarnivalCruises http://www.cruisevacationworld.com/discount-cruises/Discount Cruises
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Budget Travel In New York City – 5 Tips On New York Travel

By Sarah White

The New York area is one of the largest in the world. With
approximately 8 million people being in New York City alone and
with less than 900 thousand kilometers squared radius, it is the
densest city in all of North America! After a long anticipated
debut we finally made our way to the Big Apple, and we were so
excited we could barely contain ourselves. Going there has been
a childhood dream for us ever since we decided to be world
travelers and see everything this globe has to offer!

The people, lights, Times Square, Rockefeller, everything seems
so exciting! This poised a big question though… What to do? What
New York City event to pick? Well, I want to share with you some
tips on New York travel that won’t break the bank! These are all
an incredible experience and I would suggest doing them all if
you can. Keep in mind there is no shortage of things to do in
New York City. You’ll never get the chance to do everything, so
do what you can, relax and enjoy what this wonderful city has to
offer!

1) New York City comedy clubs: This is maybe the best thing I
can suggest if you enjoy any sort of comedy at all. It works out
really well because they have salesperson on the streets in the
middle of Times Square, you don’t even have to look or try to
find tickets. They will literally just flag you down and give
you a very good price (We only paid $20 for both of us) on the
condition that you buy 2 beverages at the club. The nice thing
about their special, for those who don’t drink alcohol you can
buy any drink of choice. Soft drinks and water were accepted as
well so it really can appeal to everyone who enjoys this sort of
thing and the cost is very low for the reward. It really was
such a great time, the comedians were fantastic and we were very
glad we decided to go. Highly Recommended!

2) Times Square: I realize this must be on everyone’s “top of
the list” but it really is an amazing sight to see. This
experience is something that you will never forget. The lights,
people, banners, you don’t even realize how crazy it is until
you are there. I must have seen Times Square on television a
million times but honestly it really just is not the same. Spend
a little time there to take in the atmosphere. There are plenty
of very nice places to eat but the prices on their novelty
restaurants (Hard Rock Café, ESPN Zone, etc) are very expensive.
If you want something for a very good price, check out the side
streets and look for the local pubs. I would really recommend
going at night to see it lit up. A note to those who absolutely
hate crowds of people, if you go to Times Square don’t go on a
Friday or Saturday evening when it is the most busiest. We went
on both a Saturday and Sunday night… the Saturday was chaos, and
the Sunday was very nice and calm in comparison :) All the same,
I really enjoyed both of them in different ways.

3) Rockefeller Center: We had the pleasure of going during
December month, so we got to experience the Christmas tree and
Skating Rink all done up at Rockefeller center. This is also
home of the famous NBC Studios (Costs $18.50 for the tour).

4) Central Park: One of the most famous parks in the world and
the most visited park in the United States, Central Park is a
wonderful place to go on a nice day. Central Park is actually
bigger than 2 of the world’s smallest nations; Monaco and
Vatican City.

5) See a local New York City Event: Take in a ball game, a
musical, or something at the theatre! New York really has
everything to offer no matter what your hobbies or interests
are! You can usually find something very reasonably priced as
well, depending on what you are after.

I realize as most people do, New York tends to be quite
expensive but with these travel ideas you can go out and have a
really great time and still not spend too much money. There is
plenty to see, even just going to see the landmarks and places
like Rockefeller, Central Park and Times Square are well
worthwhile! I really enjoyed my time just walking the streets
and taking in the atmosphere.

If you are planning to stay in Manhattan for a week or so, I
would really suggest picking up a copy of “The New York Pass”,
spend your week and do everything you can. These passes are
actually very reasonably priced (Starting at $55.00 daily and
only $139.99 for a 7 day period, per person) and you get FREE
access to literally almost EVERYTHING you could want in New York
City. Here is just a glimpse of what is here. Keep in mind these
are only about a quarter of the free things you get, not even
including the other discounted items and special offers.

* Central Park Zoo
* CNN Studio Tour
* Empire State Building
* Madison Square Garden All Access Tour
* NBC Studio Tour
* New York Aquarium
* New York Botanical Garden
* Radio City Music Hall Stage Door Tour
* Rockefeller Center Tour
* Statue of Liberty / Ellis Island Ferry
* Suede Lounge (VIP nightclub access)
* The United Nations Tour

Well worth the money if you plan to do a lot of sightseeing,
Museums and Tours.

Here’s a link to the page directly for those who are
interested:
http://www.tropicalbeachdestinations.com/NewYorkPass.php

I absolutely loved my time in New York! I found it really
offers you so much, no matter what month, or what day, there is
always something for you to do that is interesting. How can you
not like that about a city? It has everything and it is a great
place to visit. I hope these tips on New York travel were
helpful! I know I can’t wait for our next adventure, here in the
Big Apple!

Until next time,
Best Wishes and Happy Travels!

About the Author: At Tropical Beach Destinations we share the
secrets of http://www.tropicalbeachdestinations.com that your
travel agents wish they knew. Learn exclusive travel tips,
ideas and ways to save money from REAL experienced world
travelers!

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Budget Flights Online-Sensational Travel Savings

By Wy Williams

The last time I searched for budget flights online-budget
travel ariline tickets I used an unbelievable strategy that
saved us over $300 per ticket. Ticket prices from New York to
London enabled us to save money for some extra shopping.

Vacations are meant for us to spend fun time together as a
family. They’re special times for letting our hair down. Not for
pulling our hair out trying to save a dollar here and there.

Have you ever been on a trip to some faraway land and gotten
bumped trying to get back home? That’s extremely frustrating.
Especially if your funds are running low. What do you do in a
case like that?

Have you ever been stuck in an airport overnight? What are you
supposed to do? What’s your next step? What about your bags?
What happens when you arrive safely but your bags are winging
their way to Timbuktu?

A travel expert has taken three years to put together a book,
“Travel Secrets Guide.” The travel strategies in this guide will
save you hundreds, and depending on the number of people
traveling with you, maybe even thousands of dollars.

It even answers the previous stressful questions and so much
more. Have you ever changed your travel plans? If you have then
you know about the ticket penalty. Well this book shows the
steps you take to avoid that ticket penalty.

Thousands of customers use this book religiously to save on
each and every trip they take. Included in the book is a Power
Search Tool. It allows you to do a power search of the main
travel websites.

This tool allows you to investigate ticket prices at Orbitz,
Travelocity, Hotwire, Cheaptickets, Expedia and Priceline. So
much time, energy and money is saved using this special search
tool.

The book is crammed with travel tips and techniques on saving
money in almost every area of your travel. Even in areas that
you thought were financially locked down areas. You’ll get tips
that will free those areas up, so that you can find another way
to save.

For instance, have you ever heard of Airfare consolidators?
These companies purchase flights in bulk directly from the
airlines. They take the tickets and resell them to travel
agencies and to members of the public. You can save between
50%-70% on these tickets.

That’s just another strategy included in this fantastic book.
When things in the travel industry change and you can save even
more, guess what? Your updates are free for a lifetime.

If you feel that this book doesn’t deliver on its promises,
just ask for a refund. You’ll get it back in 48 hours. No hoops
to jump through and no questions asked.

Cheap Travel Insurance: Why You Need to Be Covered When You Travel

By Steven Clarke

If you travel often or book family holidays, you’ll have been
offered travel insurance. Maybe you didn’t see the need at the
time to pay for the extra insurance, and maybe you made a good
call. Unfortunately, however, many have made the same decision
but with disastrous consequences. The truth is that unforeseen
circumstances can occur at any time. You may not be able to see
into the future. But you can plan for it.

If you travel without cheap travel insurance, you are only
setting yourself up for a potential, costly disaster. At its
most basic, travel insurance financially protects you from
everything that can befall you on your holiday. If you get sick
or injured, cheap travel insurance will pay your bills. If you
lose your luggage, travel insurance will buy you new clothes. If
you get stranded, travel insurance will pay for any additional
lodging and transportation fees.

There are many reasons why you need travel insurance. Cheap
travel insurance can give you coverage for the following events:

• Medical crisis – Most private health insurance plans do not
cover medical expenses charged abroad. If you become ill on a
holiday, you can rack up quite a bill in just a few short days.
Travel insurance will pay hospital and emergency medical bills
that you incur while travelling.

• Accident/mishap – Accidents happen. There is no end to the
number of things that could happen to you while on holiday. You
could fall and become injured. You could have a car accident. If
you have travel insurance, you are covered for anything that
happens.

• Misplaced luggage – How much would it cost you to replace
everything in one bag of your luggage? What if you lost your
prescription medications or your passport? The truth is that it
could be quite costly if you were separated from your luggage.
Cheap travel insurance will help you replace everything quickly
and at no cost to you.

• Altered plans – If your plans were to change due to an
illness, natural disaster or some other calamity, you would lose
the cost of your trip. Travel insurance will reimburse you the
cost of your unused trip if you are unable to continue.
Insurance will also pay for any additional expenses involved
with change of plans.

Cheap travel insurance offers so much coverage at such a low
price, it is almost impossible to pass up. For a fraction of the
cost of your holiday, you could be completely covered. Coverage
can also include everyone going on your trip if you purchase a
holiday package.

There simply is no reason to travel without insurance. The cost
of travelling without insurance is much higher than the cost of
cheap travel insurance. In fact, it could cost more to treat a
sprained ankle or minor cut abroad than it does to purchase
cheap travel insurance. So, why not travel prepared for anything
that may come your way while on holiday?

About the Author: Steven Clarke - Marketing Manager for
http://www.mytravelinsurance.org.uk. We offer a travel insurance
service which compares all the UK’s travel insurance deals to
find you the cheapest insurance quote.

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Budget Travel In Thailand: How To Travel In Thailand With StyleAnd Without Bankruptcy

By Ella Evans
Thailand was my first tourist destination outside Europe andNorth America. Based on the sage advice of myThailand-experienced friends, I was sure that this paradisevacation would be carried out on ridiculous costs. However,back home, I have found out too late, that during my littleThailand adventure I have spent almost the same amount of moneyas one of my regular surges to Europe. If only I knew thatcarefully planning your trip to Thailand can manifest itself inhuge savings. The following list includes some solid advice thatcan help those novice Thailand visitors to save significantamounts of cash and still enjoy their vacation:
1. Season choice. Traveling in Thailand Islands during the lowseason can save you up to 25% of the accommodation costs (up to25$ per bungalow per night if you choose high standard – notluxury - accommodation). Similar to many other world locationsthat are based operate seasonally; there is a significant pricefluctuation across seasons. Not less important is that fact thatthe weather in Thailand is quite pleasant even during the lowseason. The temperatures’ difference between the “hot season”and the “peak season” is miniscule, and during the “wet season”one can experience only a mild occasional rain. Therefore, inThailand one can lower accommodation costs by avoiding the peakseason without paying the price of suffering from unbearablecold or coping with endless monsoon.
2. Transportation. Getting from Bangkok to your finaldestination in one of the Southern Islands by train or businstead of by plane can save you up to 80$ each way. You cansave a bundle if you arrive to Bangkok International Airport inthe evening. In this case you save, besides the gap betweenrelatively expensive airfare and train or bus ticket, the firstnight’s accommodation cost as well (40$ - 100$ per bungalow pernight in high standard – not luxury - accommodation).
3. Food. In Western style countries, the more you pay for yourdinner the better it is, so everyone can make a personaldecision about getting an appropriate cost – benefit balance. InThailand, and especially in the Southern Islands it is muchsimpler: in most cases, the cheaper the better. Expensiverestaurants in Thailand Islands usually specialize on Westernfood that is neither authentic nor of superior taste; a standarddinner will cost you 10$ - 30$ in a restaurant of this kind. Alternatively, the dinner in a cheap restaurant with plasticchairs will cost you 3$ - 8$ and it is usually both tasty andauthentic. My most disappointing Thai dinner was served in afancy restaurant in Bangkok and had cost 120$ for a couple,whereas my best dinner was served in a cheap family restaurantin Koh Phangan. The owner - young mom named Mam – prepared themeal for us exactly as we wished it would be and charged us withmeasly 5-6$ per person.
4. Air Conditioning. The presence of air conditioning in yourroom can make a huge difference in accommodation rates. Forexample, the same room rates in the same resort can vary from15$-30$ for a bungalow with a fan to 40$ - 100$ for anair-conditioned bungalow. Although choosing an air-conditionedroom during the hot season (such as March – April) is crucial,if you visit Southern Thailand during the rainy season – abungalow with a fan can both satisfy your needs and cut yourexpenses in more than a half.
5. Location choice. Similar to the principle held in mostplaces in the world, the accommodation rates in Thailand Islandsdepend on your location choice. The bungalow in the centralbeach, close to the airport or seaport full of thrivingnightlife will probably be twice as expensive as the samebungalow in a remote quiet beach. However, accessibility is anissue in the Thailand Islands, and the taxi fares and taxi boatfares operate under the same principal as the accommodationrates. So there is a rule you may adopt: if you are looking forsocial activities and busy nightlife– stay close to the airportor seaport; otherwise make a little effort and move after yourarrival to a remote beach. You will save up to 60% on theaccommodation rates this way.
6. Communication. It will probably not come as a completeshock, but the use of cellular phone from outside of Thailandcould be extremely expensive. To save on communication costs youcan either buy a local cellular phone with prepaid SIM card oruse the Telephone & Internet centers services. Mind you that thecost of these services may vary. As usual, if you’re callingoverseas from your resort’s office – it will be more expensivethan using a call center in the town. The cheapest solution isprobably giving your phone number to your friends or relativesoverseas since every call center has a phone number that can beused for calling back.
7. Price negotiation. In tourist locations in Thailandnegotiation is a necessity or a way of life. Likewise, in theless touristy islands and areas price bargaining is accepted aswell. Just try it – in Thailand price negotiation isn’tconsidered an embarrassing behavior, so you have nothing tolose.
8. Psychology. Although, in Thailand everything is perceived tobe cheaper than in your home country, don’t be fooled by theseemingly low prices and control your expenses. Buying anenormous amount of inexpensive things can really add up to asurprisingly large sum of money.
During my last visit to Thailand, I followed these guidelineswith persistence and I was happy to disclose, that budget travelin Thailand can be more than just an economical issue, it canalso be enjoyable. Interestingly enough, in Thailand, the lessyou spend – the closer you get to the local authenticexperience.
About the Author: Independent researcher, MA in anthropology,and travel enthusiast Ella Evans has spend more than a decadeexploring Thailand focusing on the Southern Islands. The fruitsof her labor can be found in the Koh Phangan Experience Website:: http://www.kohphangan.eternaltravel.net
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Travel On A Small Budget

By Babyletscruise

If you’ve ever been on a cruise before, it can be quite
addictive. Some people only cruise during vacations and are
totally compelled to travel as much as possible. One
disadvantage to traveling is that it can get quite pricey – and
we aren’t talking simply about travel accommodations here, but
the entire travel experience as a whole. If you want to travel
but you are on a limited budget, here are some tips on how to go
about it.

Go Off Peak

There are tons of cruise deals available to you at
babyletscruise.com. There are specials for peak and off-peak
seasons. Folks cancel their trips for many reasons and it is
always to your best interest to check site and ask questions.

It is however, important to know just where you want to go. If
you are planning a trip to the Caribbean or want to visit Vegas,
there are a number of online based travel and accommodation
deals available.

There are peak tourist seasons in most places; if you want a
better deal, try to plan your trip sometime before or after the
peak seasons of the place you really want to go to. (This, of
course, varies for every county, state and country so you need
to research this first.) Going on an off-peak seasonal trip not
only places you in a situation where you are in less crowded
situations, but you might even avail of better accommodations at
half the price.

Book In Advance

Yes, you can save a lot of money if you book (and pay for)
travel and accommodations in advance, preferably way in advance.
The key here is to know exactly when travel and accommodation
companies drop their rates. You can do this either by: spending
a lot of time on the Internet; or have your favorite travel
agent alert you of this sudden drop in prices. You can buy your
tickets then.

If there are sudden rise in prices, these will not affect you
anymore since you already have paid for your tickets and your
lodging.

Pay In Cash

It’s easy enough to splurge when you travel. In fact, you will
often find yourself splurging on incidentals like candy, bottle
water, or that pretzel from the street vendor. One way to keep
your budget tight is to place a small amount of ready cash or
travelers check in your pocket and avoid paying for anything
with your credit card. With cash, you can actually see how much
money you are spending, and how much more spending you can
actually do before you run out of it. With credit cards, you
actually do not know just how much you have actually spent on
one trip until you get a statement from your bank.

If you really want to keep your spending at a minimum, set
yourself a specific amount that you can use for the entire trip
and stick to it. Unless of course you make a trip to an onboard
casino and loose everything or maybe win something.