Archive for January 2011
Four Fun Places to Take Your Family for Spring Vacation
Author Alexine
If you are looking for a fun place to take your family for spring vacation you may feel a little overwhelmed. There is a lot to think about like the cost of transportation and the activities you can participate in. To help make your decision a little easier here are four fun places that your family would love to visit this coming spring vacation.
Key West, Florida
Whether you take a long road trip south to Florida or fly into one of Florida’s large cities and rent a car it is quite an adventure to get to Key West. Miami and Fort Lauderdale are the closer large airports but there are usually great deals into Orlando Airport from major cities.
While you are in Key West, Florida you can take the family to the beach to snorkel and play in the warm sunshine without leaving the country. There are also plenty of great restaurants with fresh food and tasty drinks for the adults. Then after dinner there are playgrounds and performers in the parks for the whole family to enjoy.
Orlando, Florida
The Orlando area is full of family fun with tons of theme parks, amusement parks and other family activities. Home of Disney World, Universal Studios, Sea World and many more fun attractions you will not get bored in Orlando, Florida. Make sure you book your hotels soon though because this is a popular destination for families to visit for school spring break.
Yosemite, California
For a family that loves the outdoors and nature visiting a National Park for spring vacation is the perfect family vacation. Yosemite is one of the most beautiful National Parks in the United States and has plenty of great activities to do together as a family while getting a little history lesson along the way.
If you want to camp then that is always an option but spring can still be pretty cool in the Yosemite Valley. As an alternative to camping there are plenty of beautiful hotels and lodges nearby where you can rent rooms. This allows for the comforts of restaurant dining along with warm beds and possibly a pool.
The Bahamas
If you would like to take your family on an island hoping adventure then a cruise of the Bahamas is the perfect family vacation. From the cruise ship amenities and activities to the beaches and hot spots along the way you are sure to all have a wonderful time. Check where the best deals are leaving for the Bahamas so you can book the appropriate flights near the port.
While you may be worried about taking a cruise to the Bahamas due to needing passports that is not a problem if you order them ahead of time. You can use alternative forms of identification while on the ship but you need a passport to get back into the United States at the return port.
Book Soon
While it may only be approaching February break, spring vacation is right around the corner and ticket prices will start going up soon. The dates of spring vacation are well known amongst the airlines so try and fly on specials or drive to your destination or port if possible. Have fun planning your spring vacation and hopefully you and your family will enjoy one of the destinations listed above.
Fun Things to do in Las Vegas Other Than Gambling
Author Alexine
If you are planning a last minute weekend getaway or winter break trip to Las Vegas on a budget then gambling most likely is not on your to-do list.
On the other hand you may be the kind of person that does not believe in gambling or chooses not to take part in such activities. Whatever your reason for not taking part in gambling there are plenty of other activities in Las Vegas. Here are some fun things you can do while visiting Las Vegas other than gambling.
Comedy Productions
If you love to laugh out loud and have a good time without putting a huge hole in your pocket then a comedy production is a great choice. There are plenty of great actors and actresses that put on comedy shows on a daily basis in Las Vegas. Check out show listings to see which productions are in town when you visit as some are touring the country and only pass through for a short while.
Theatrical Productions
Shows that entertain with a mix of emotion or by telling a story are another great choice while visiting Las Vegas. You can get tickets to shows like the Blue Man Group, Disney’s The Lion King and a variety of Cirque du Soleil productions. These types of productions are amazing and draw you into their fun and drama. Do not miss out trying one of them out while you are in Las Vegas.
Comedian Shows
Most professional comedians stop in Las Vegas at some point throughout the year as it is a big vacation spot. You will find a variety of comedians taking the stage every night and depending on your taste there is a comedian for you. There are comedian actors that stop by multiple times per year and comedians that are in Las Vegas all year round.
Animal Shows
Circus acts and animal shows are one of Las Vegas’ most well known entertainment sources for visitors. The men and women who work with those large cats make the audiences sit in awe as the show goes on. With magic and training combined there is not a more breathtaking experience then the danger of these people working with such dangerous creatures.
Tours
With gorgeous natural surrounding just hours from Las Vegas there are plenty of beautiful tours to take part in. There are tours at the Hoover Dam, Zion National Park, Grand Canyon, Colorado River, Lake Meade, Red Rock and Death Valley. These are some of the most beautiful places to experience in the United States so do not forget to book yourself a ticket on one or more of these tours.
Golf
If you love golfing then Las Vegas has what you are looking for when it comes to the weather and courses. Beautiful greens and plenty of space for golf courses that are sure to knock your socks off. Do not forget to bring your golf clubs if you plan on taking part in some of these beautiful courses. It may cost a little extra to check them but the experience is totally worth it.
Exhibits & More
Throughout Las Vegas are plenty of amazing exhibits and activities you can experience. There are aquariums, animal exhibits, roller coasters, indoor skydiving, movie theaters and much more. Do not feel pressured into gambling in Las Vegas as there is so much more to do. You are sure to have a great time taking part in all the other activities that you will not have to worry about all the casinos.
Posted in Travel - US, Travel- Las Vegas | 
Tags: las vegas, las vegas activities, las vegas fun | 
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Tips for Saving Money on Your Last Minute Travel Plans
Author Alexine
When a family emergency comes up or you have an extra long weekend and want to go visit a friend or family member you have to make last minute travel plans. This type of traveling can be costly due to the increase they put on last minute plane ticket prices to make profit on business travelers. To help avoid these costly seats here are some ways you can save money on your last minute travel plans.
Last Minute Deals
If you happen to have time off of work or need to get to your family for an emergency you may have luck finding a last minute deal. These tend to be offered by airlines at the larger airports around the country so if you live in a small area it may be hard to find. Talk to your local travel agent to see if any of these last minute deals are available to you.
Alternate Airport
When traveling last minute it is important to have as much flexibility as possible to get the best deals. If there is an airport that is a little further away you should check and see if they offer a better deal than the closer airport. You can call the airlines directly to talk with a ticketing agent and see what they have available from the airports in your area.
Air Miles
If you have a large amount of air miles accumulated and are looking for a reason to use them then last minute travel is a great opportunity. While they may not have seats on their own airline or partners there is the option to use more air miles to get on multiple carriers. This would allow you to spend air miles instead of a huge chunk of money to get to your destination.
Train Travel
While train travel is not the fastest way to get to a long distance destination it can help with getting you to a less expensive airport. When you live in a more rural area with a small airport then consider booking yourself a train ticket to the closet international airport where you can get cheaper flights. This will save you quite a bit of money since train tickets are a fraction of the cost of airplane tickets from some of the small airports.
Bus Travel
Traveling by bus is also not a very fast way to get to a long distance destination but can be used as a way to get to a larger airport. Sometimes a bus ticket to the closet large city can save you a few hundred dollars on parking your vehicle or taking a plane. Make sure you check on weather predictions and possible cancellations before you rely on bus travel in winter months.
Drive
While driving is an easy and less expensive way to get to your destination when it is not that far away, it is hard to rely on driving to a far away destination. As an alternative to driving the whole distance you can see if an airport a few hours away has better flight deals than your local airport and drive part of the way. The huge downside to driving is figuring out what to do with your car while you are away since parking can be very expensive.
Shop Around
The best thing to do when traveling last minute is to shop around and compare total cost of the trip to and from your destination. If you map out all of the possible ways to get to the destination then it is easier to determine which itinerary saves you the most money. This may mean you have to take the train or bus to another airport or leave on a redeye. Good luck making your last minute travel plans and hopefully you can get where you need to go on time.
Tips About Travel Reward Credit Cards
Author Alexine
If you travel on an airplane these days the airlines are usually offering bonus miles on their credit card for signing up. It may mean they give you enough for a free flight or it may just help you get that much closer to being able to use your miles for a ticket. Either way there are some perks to having the credit cards and some catches so here are the different things to consider about a travel credit card.
Annual Fee
The first thing to consider when signing up for a travel credit card is the annual fee since that will be an ongoing cost on your card. If you determine what you will be purchasing in addition to airplane tickets on the credit card you can determine if it is a good deal for you. While you may pay up to one hundred dollars a year for the card, if you spend enough on it to equal a free ticket each year then it is worth the cost.
Partner Companies
An important factor to look into when selecting an airline travel reward credit card is their partner companies. If they have larger partner companies there is most likely going to be flights that you can get on to redeem your air miles. If the company does not have good partner companies then you may be stuck using way more air miles than you expected to purchase one round trip ticket.
Companion Fare
The companion fare perk is only offered by certain airlines and has about a hundred dollar fee associate with using the voucher. The great thing about the companion fare is that the second traveler has a ticket price of only one hundred dollars. The important thing to remember is a companion fare means you have to travel together for all your flights. While this is great for taking family trips it is difficult if you are single unless you have friends to travel with.
Serviced Airports
It is important to choose an airline travel reward card for an airline that services the closest airport to your home. If none of the airlines servicing your airport offer a card that has the best rewards then you can always choose one that will service the nearest large airport. Choose an airport where you can easily access with a drive or train ride because it may cost a lot less than buying a ticket for the short flight.
Travel Destinations
Another important thing to consider when choosing an airline travel reward card is what travel destinations you plan on going to with your rewards. Different airlines charge more or less for traveling within the forty eight states, to Alaska or Hawaii and traveling out of the country or overseas. If you live far away from your family then it is nice to accumulate miles from your day to day purchases so you can earn tickets to visit.
Money Smart
While travel rewards credit cards are a great way to save money they are a credit card so you have to remember to use them wisely and not accumulate debt. If you are not someone who travels on your own pocket due to work paying for your traveling then a different reward credit card may be a better choice. Just remember to choose your credit cards wisely and travel safe.
International Volunteer Opportunities for Your Vacation
Author Alexine
If you love to travel around the world or have never had the chance to take an international trip this is a wonderful opportunity.
Volunteering for an international charitable organization as your vacation is both eye opening and rewarding. Whether you have no work experience or are a professional there is something for you. Here are some volunteer opportunities you may want to sign up for when planning your next vacation.
Teen Volunteering
If you have a teenager at home or know of someone who might love the opportunity there are summer programs for teens available. Every summer break there are different volunteer opportunities that you can send your teens ages fifteen to seventeen on. There are some that last only one week and others that are two weeks long.
College Break Volunteering
As an alternative to the beach party and club scene of spring break you can sign up for an international volunteer project. They are available anywhere from one week to six months depending on the organization you sign up through. Summer vacation is a great opportunity to do a three month volunteer project or you can sign up for one week over spring break.
Vacation Volunteering
As an adult it is nice to have the opportunity to get away from the daily grind of work and scheduled activities. What better way to get away then to go and help somewhere around the world. If you are a professional in education, medicine, social work, engineering, or are just getting into the professional world there are opportunities for you.
Areas of Interest
Most of the international volunteer opportunities are in developing countries as they are the most in need of assistance. You can sign up for programs in Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe and Latin America. The organizations select the locations with safety of both the local people and volunteers in mind so you do not have to worry.
Cost and Fees
While it may seem silly to have to pay to volunteer it is not free for these organizations to keep up and running. To provide things like food, shelter and administrative resources for the volunteers, money must be collected. There are also extra costs like your airplane ticket, vaccinations, visa and spending money. Be sure to create an accurate budget before you sign up for a specific volunteer opportunity.
Personal Experience
After reading testimonials on the different websites of organizations you can begin to see how a volunteer opportunity might be. While each personal experience is different there is an overall feeling of happiness and being grateful. Helping those in need can be such a rewarding and life changing experience. This is especially true when those being helped are so grateful for your kindness.
Deciding Which Program
At the end of the day it all comes down to how much you can afford and how long you have to volunteer. No matter what your budget is there are always opportunities to fundraise for the expenses to ensure you can participate. Discuss your personal situation and interests with someone from your organization of choice to determine which program is best for you. No matter where you go or what you do to help, volunteering is so rewarding and you will not regret it.
Ten Ways to Save Money as a Traveling Student on a Budget
Author Alexine
Traveling can be almost impossible when you are a student on a budget. From the cost of getting to your destination to the expenses along the way, the price of traveling adds up fast. To help cut back on the cost of traveling I have come up with some money saving tips for students on a budget.
Student Travel Rates
Many different airlines offer student airfare discounts that are listed on sites specified to offer student travel. There are also student rates on cruise, railway and bus routes. Contact the company directly if you want to check for student rates in your area on different forms of transportation. This could save you quite a bit of money.
Accommodations
While hotels and motels sometimes have student rates available that is not usually the case. Your best bet for saving money on accommodations when you travel as a student is to stay in hostels. They have bunk bed rooms that are very inexpensive and some even offer private rooms for a bit more. You can typically find hostels that offer free breakfast or a reduced dinner rate if you want to save on food.
Food & Drink
While you are traveling the breakfast and dinner options at a hostel are great but if your accommodation does not include food then you will want to eat out wisely. Try and purchase easy and non-perishable foods to snack on in the morning with a cup of coffee or hot tea from a local café. Then throughout the day you can snack and buy readymade food instead of paying for sit down service.
Student Discounts
Wherever you go on your trip you should always ask if the businesses offer student discounts. This may seem silly or repetitive but there are many companies who do not advertise student discounts but have them available. Do not be afraid to ask even if it is for a movie or visitor attraction.
Share Cab Fares
If you meet other students or people on a budget in your travels then try and arrange to go to town at the same time. Sharing cab fares can cut a huge chunk out of your budget when traveling. This is a win-win situation for both parties and gives you more money for the attractions along the way.
Group Discounts
If other students from your school happen to be going to the same destination then you should check if there are any group discounts. This does not mean you have to spend your whole trip together you just would book your airfare, hotel rooms and make tour reservations together. These types of group discounts can save you quite a bit of money.
Be Flexible
The wonderful thing about being flexible is that it can save you a bunch of money or get you a free airfare pass. Last minute airfare deals for students are a great way to save along with being bumped for a later flight. When an airline bumps you for a later flight they typically offer free accommodations and give travel vouchers for you next flight.
Pack Lite
While this is an obvious way to travel as a student, packing lite allows you to jump on a train for a side trip or take a bus to another city for some fun. Packing lite allows for more flexibility and less baggage to drag around between hostels or other accommodations. Also if you travel packed in a backpack then you can easily sight see along the way.
Water Bottle
One huge expense when traveling is good clean water to drink. If you bring along a reusable water bottle and carabiner to hook it onto your backpack you can save quite a bit of money. Bottled water can cost anywhere from a dollar to five dollars depending on where you travel so bringing a water bottle is great savings.
Calling Cards
To keep in touch back home no matter where you travel it is important to purchase a calling card. They cost a lot less than roaming internationally on your cell phone. Also many cell phones will not work outside of the continent so having a calling card on hand to call home is nice for keeping in touch. The internet is also nice but in case of emergency it is important to have a calling card with you for getting in touch with family or friends.
Travel Safe
As a student there are many offers available you just have to look and ask around. Make sure you look into the saving opportunities listed above to see how much money you can really save. There are lots of corners to cut in traveling as a student all it takes is a few phone calls or e-mails. Good luck in your travels and have a wonderful vacation.
Posted in Cheap Travel Tips | Tags: budget travel, save student travel, student budget travel, student travel, student travel savings | No Comments »
