Sunday, August 23, 2009

Save Money While Traveling, Without Going on a Budget by Anna Norwood

You would never know from looking at me while I'm sitting in first class, reclining in a leather seat with cranberry juice, toggling my thumb on the remote to my personal DVD player that I only paid for a coach ticket. I am squirming in my seat thinking of all my extra leg room that would be completely nonexistent for anyone sitting in coach. When I get off my plane, I head straight to my hotel room. Sun slashes on my face because guess what? My room is ocean front. I lift a Ghirardelli chocolate from my pillow and pop it in my mouth because my room is also a suite. I didn't pay for a suite, and I didn't pay for ocean front. When it comes to travel there are always ways to get what you want and you don't have to do much more than ask to get them.

When you book your flight- loyalty is the name of the game. Pick one airline and give them all your business. They will appreciate it, and it's easier for you. No more late nights searching cheap tickets, just call your airline when it's convenient for you. After eight or nine tickets don't be surprised if they say they've got a first class open, and would you like it? You won't have to count frequent flier miles or credit card points because your airline will take care of that too. It always feels great to hear that you've worked yourself up to a free flight. Last minute seats that they need to fill will go to you, at a discount. Get the price down further by trying different dates and times. Pick your airline by the one that serves the airport you use most frequently. If you have a few to choose from always go with the best customer service and the one with the fastest check in lines. Some will have do-it-yourself check in kiosks, if you see an airline that offers that-go with it. It is ten times easier, and ten times faster.

When you book your hotel- again, you want to stay with the same hotel chain. It is not unusual to have two, we all want to explore when we are traveling! International hotel rates are up by over eight percent this year so this is where you are really going to love saving. When shopping for hotels, never go with the first price you're given. Hotel employees are taught never to let a potential guest go because of the price, especially when it's late and not all of there rooms are filled. Ask for promotional rates, or just ask them to go lower. If your really feeling assertive tell them your price range when you call. Another angle is to ask for a suite for the price of a regular room. The loyalty comes right back to you when you get free nights every once and a while. If you are still not satisfied; talk to the manager.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Anna_Norwood

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It's true that loyalty to one airline or hotel chain could earn you upgrades during future travels.  Having said that, it also won't hurt to check out other airlines' or hotels' rates to get the best deals.

To view Anna Norwood's original post, click here:
http://ezinearticles.com/?Save-Money-While-Traveling,-Without-Going-on-a-Budget&id=2558700

Saturday, August 22, 2009

How to Travel on a Budget for Diabetics by Linda Carol Wilson

I am a type II diabetic and my husband and I are on the road. Being diabetic, I have to watch and evaluate everything I eat. I am pleased to say my blood sugar is staying under control. I like to keep it in the 90s but will settle for the 109 this morning. Be picky about your choice of hotels/motels when traveling. Not all of us can afford to stay in fancy places with gyms and spas. Last night we stayed in a Best Western motel in Springfield, MO. We chose this motel for several reasons including location and price.

But we had lots of options in our price range and location. Specifically, this motel offered a large safe area for walking all on the motel grounds which were very well lit. I was able to walk last night, including to and from the restaurant, and again this morning. This motel also offered free bottled water, a free continental as well as hot breakfast. In addition to the cereals, bagels, and donuts many motels offer, they also had waffles with sugar-free syrup, sausage, egg, and cheese biscuits, boiled eggs, whole wheat toast, and hot biscuits with sausage gravy, fresh fruits, yogurt, etc. Before heading out this morning I was able to have a walk for exercise and a free breakfast that fit into my diet.

One of the things I definitely recommend is picking up the hotel/motel guides that are offered free at gas stations and restaurants along the way. This is how I find my motels. Each motel's ad gives you lots of details. Pay close attention to the breakfast offerings. If they say, "Free Continental Breakfast" your choice is probably limited to cereal, donuts, and bagels. Look for the ones that say, "Free hot breakfast." They are more likely to offer the options of meats and eggs. Feel free to ask about the breakfast offerings before you take a room. Do not be embarrassed to say the breakfast offerings don't meet your dietary needs and move on to another motel down the road. If you make reservations over the internet, the same information is available to you.

There are many good restaurants along the way. Even if you are eating mostly at fast food restaurants, they do offer some healthy choices. Don't use that as an excuse to let your diet suffer. You know how you need to eat and you can do it. And be sure to check your blood sugar on a regular basis, just as you would at home. Make adjustments as necessary.

You can control your blood sugar and travel. Just look for options along the road and choose the best ones. And take advantage of the rest areas all states offer along the interstate. A little walk from time to time allows you to get some much needed exercise and keeps the circulation going in your legs.

Happy Travels.

More more of Linda's diabetic information and recipes, visit her site at http://diabeticenjoyingfood.squarespace.com
For her old fashion recipe collection visit her blog at http://grandmasvintagerecipes.blogspot.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Linda_Carol_Wilson

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My mom is a diabetic.  She's insulin-dependent, so controlling her blood sugar is of paramount importance.  So thank you, Linda, for sharing these tips.

To view Linda Carol Wilson's original post, click here:
http://ezinearticles.com/?How-to-Travel-on-a-Budget-For-Diabetics&id=2656857

Friday, August 21, 2009

Counting the Cost of Travel by Roy Lloyd Jones

"I'd love to travel, but I just don't have the money."

Have you ever heard anyone saying anything along these lines? Maybe you've even said it yourself. Whenever I hear something like this I am reminded of a common misconception that all travel is expensive. I estimate that two people, on a self supported bicycle tour, camping four or five nights a week, cooking their own food, and abstaining (in the main) from alcohol, could theoretically live on an average budget of $10 a day. I do not expect that we will be able to live quite as frugally on our tour, as the odd splurge here and there keeps us sane and enjoying ourselves.

Our budget therefore will be a more extravagant $20 per day for the two of us combined. Here's a guesstimate of the breakdown:

Taking an average of 4 night camping and 3 nights spent in hotels per week, eating frugally, cooking mainly for ourselves and allowing a little for entertainments, I hope we can average US $20 per day for the both of us.

Let's take it a step further and work out how much we'll need per month, per quarter and even per year.

$20 per day
X 30 = $600 per month
X 12 = $7,200 per year

Add an additional 25% to this figure gives an extra $1,800 for overheads/insurance/unknowns.

All in, that's a total of $9,000 per year. When you consider that a two week package tour can set you back $3,000, this 9k doesn't sound so expensive after all.

Now I'll be the first to admit, US$9,000 is a good amount of money for anyone to gather together, however it is not beyond the reach of the majority of Westerners. Here an example of just one mental tactic to save money.

For each and every hour you work, put $5 in a jar. Every time you get paid, work out how many hours you worked, times this number by five and put that amount into a jar.

Say you work 40 hours a week. Each and every week you would put $200 into the jar (40hrs x $5/hour = $200). In three weeks, you'd have $600 - one month's budget. To get the full 9k by using this method you'd have to work for 45 weeks, about ten months. Not that difficult really is it.

So you may not have the money to travel right now, but this time next year, where are you going to go?

Roy Jones, a 28 year old British entrepreneur, founder and author of http://www.roylloydjones.com, an established travel website, is currently planning his next adventure - a 20,000 mile bicycle journey, scheduled to begin from Istanbul in January 2010. During the tour, roylloydjones.com will provide its readers with a daily narrative complete with real-time updates from the road. Also included will be informative information regarding destinations, trip planning, equipment reviews and overall costs, a regular video diary and occasional newsletters. His other blog, Itinerant Lifestyle focuses on modern itinerants, lifestyle design, and helping you make the transition from wage slave to boss of your own empire.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Roy_Lloyd_Jones

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For those who do not earn in dollars, setting aside $5 for every hour that you work may be a bit too much.  But this does not mean that all is lost.  Set aside whatever amount is reasonable given your wage/salary, and you will still be able to travel on a budget.

To view Roy Lloyd Jones's original post, click here:
http://ezinearticles.com/?Counting-the-Cost-of-Travel&id=2669140

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Tips For Budget and Free Travel - How to Enjoy Traveling in Third World Countries by Tom Pattingson

Budget travelers will often choose third world countries as their destinations because of the radically different experiences they offer and the lower costs involved. It will be useful for the new traveler to take these suggestions into consideration:

1. Don't always try to spend the least amount of money

Even if you are traveling on a low budget, it can be quite aggravating to obsess about saving every dime and penny. Not only is it a perfect way to take the fun out of your travel experience it also is a great way to demean the locals.

We're not suggesting that you fall prey to tourist price traps or never negotiate for deals. Instead, recognize that arguing over a price difference that means little in your home currency is not often worth it. You can hold your own in good humor when faced with unscrupulous behaviors from vendors.

It feels good to pay the full price in appropriate circumstances (such as encouraging a local economy not run by multinationals).

2. Don't show off your fortunes

Clothes and bags tell a lot about a traveler. In third world countries where large segments of the population are poor or very poor, even your less than best clothes may make you appear rich.

Lessen the gap between you and others by wearing modest clothes and carrying average bags. It will make you less intimidating to locals, less of a target for robbers and you will feel much less ridiculous.

3. Learn how to deal constructively with the poor

While it may be appropriate in some circumstances to not give so much as a glance to swarms of begging people it will significantly improve the quality of your travel if you do offer yourself the chance to connect to people in need.

It does not necessarily mean that you should offer money directly to those you encounter. But consider making a donation to a local charity or organism that works with them This money will most likely be used in a more constructive manner than if you give it directly to beggars. If you have no money to spare, volunteering with such organisms can be just as valuable.

To the people you meet directly in the street, you can offer some of your time. Talk to them, ask them questions, exchange words in your respective languages, play with kids, play with your camera, share a meal with them... there are many ways to have a positive exchange.

Tom Pattingson is interested in budget and free travel opportunities. He writes for his travel for free blog.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tom_Pattingson

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Tom brings up an excellent point about not showing off one's fortunes when traveling to a developing nation.  Not only is it the safe thing to do...it is also in keeping with social propriety.

To view Tom Pattingson's original post, click here:
http://ezinearticles.com/?Tips-For-Budget-and-Free-Travel---How-to-Enjoy-Traveling-in-Third-World-Countries&id=2739666

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Family Vacation Road Trip Survival Guide by Lara Fabans

In today's economy, many people are looking into short road trips for their vacations. Sometimes, it's even fun to take a day trip to a place a few hours away that you haven't seen before.

If you have small children under the age of 8, remember that they can only sit for about forty-five minutes to an hour. It's best to review the route and plan for regular stops to stretch their legs and let them run around. Older children can probably go ninety minutes up to two hours, but it's best not to push it too hard.

Before the trip, talk with the kids about all the fun and exciting things you'll see along the way so they'll remember to keep looking outside. Consider getting them each a disposable camera and a journal to write down all the fun things they see.

Always keep hard candy nearby to pass out for children older than four. It helps with carsickness, and it helps keep kids from getting too thirsty.

To save money, have a picnic basket with sandwiches, fruit and chips for lunch. You can find a roadside rest area, and enjoy a well-made lunch that will allow you to relax and enjoy some peace and quiet while the kids run around. Also, pack frozen juice boxes or water bottles, as they'll melt while you're driving and be perfectly chilled by the time you eat.

Regardless of whether you're spending the night away, bring the kids pillows. It makes it easier for them to nap as well as setting up boundary lines.

Some kids can read or focus on puzzles while driving, and for others, it makes them carsick. Pack a variety of activities, and encourage playing age old games like "I Spy" and License Plate Bingo.

In addition, pack plastic bags as barf bags just in case. You can always use them later for dirt clothes, etc. Pack up damp washcloths in another plastic bag to use for cleaning up faces and hands. And always bring extra clothes, even if it's just for a day trip.

Taking care of the basics will allow you to focus on having fun and making wonderful memories.

Lara Fabans is an online marketing consultant and freelancer who wrote this article for Outdora, an online retailer that is dedicated to serving all of your outdoor needs. Located in Sonoma, California, Outdora is committed to customer service excellence and providing top of the line merchandise at unbeatable prices! Outdora offers an extensive inventory of picnic baskets and portable coolers.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lara_Fabans

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Oh yes...barf bags are always a good idea when going on a road trip.  And for the budget traveler, barf bags need not be bought.  Just grab any sturdy plastic bag that you have at home, and that should do the trick.

To view Lara's original post, click here:
http://ezinearticles.com/?Family-Vacation-Road-Trip-Survival-Guide&id=2745702

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Cheap Vacation Packages - Only Pay Room Tax by J. Ewing

For those who would want to take a vacation or relax, getting cheap vacation packages is definitely on top of their to-do list. With the introduction and proliferation of the internet, however, finding budget tour packages have become easier. But then your expenses may still depend on the time of the year, the ability of the chosen hotel to provide certain special prices or discounts and the package that you want to enjoy. Therefore there are still several things to be considered before one can avail of freebies or a price cut. Also, most of the time hotels that provide cheap vacation packages are those that are not rated.

However, for those who are members of certain travel websites that cater cheap vacation packages, finding a great deal for each and every vacation and travel that you prefer only costs less than 100 USD yearly and they can already avail of awesome vacation deals. How does paying only the amount of your chosen room's tax sound? Perhaps it is one of the most unbelievable offers that travelers or vacationers can take advantage of. For example, if an accommodation in the hotel of your choice costs $89 per room per night and you stayed there for 2 nights, your stay plus tax would have caused you $194.86. But for being a member, you only pay the room tax which is $15.06. Another example, if you opted to reserve a villa with 2 bedrooms, full kitchen, 2 bathrooms, and is fully air-conditioned, with TV, telephone, VCR, Safe and whirlpool for a family trip costing $460 per night and you stayed there for 7 nights you will be charged a total of $3220. But if you're a member and you used your vacation voucher and certificate, all you need to pay for this amazing accommodation is $466.54. Your total savings will be $2753.46, compare that with the amount you have to pay yearly as membership fee.

So how can one sign-up or register and begin enjoying cheap vacation packages? Just look for special websites that offer this kind of service. After joining, you are then able to access the site and choose from different types of vouchers as well as various accredited hotels, resorts, inns, etc. in your preferred location. Order a voucher and pay for shipping and handling. Once the vouchers or coupons are delivered, you can book a hotel room. Arrive at the welcome center in your destination of choice and redeem your certificate. Check-in at the hotel. Enjoy your vacation. Keep yourself away from thinking about the expenses; because once you are a member, upon check-out you only pay your room's tax. That's 100 percent guaranteed. On top of that, travelers are entitled to full customer service and perks enjoyed by regular paying customers. The vouchers are transferable and can be used within one year. There's also a wide array of 3 stars or 3 diamond-rated hotel, condominium, resort or villa that they can choose from.

There are certainly no other cheap vacation packages that could match the aforementioned offer. So for those who love to travel, vacation, or simply relax maybe it's high time to decide and sign-up.

Are you looking for the secrets to only paying room tax when you vacation?  Visit http://www.onlypayroomtax.com today to find out just how to do it!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=J_Ewing

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Onlypayroomtax.com is definitely a site worth visiting.

To view J. Ewing's original post, click here:
http://ezinearticles.com/?Cheap-Vacation-Packages---Only-Pay-Room-Tax!&id=2749833

Monday, August 17, 2009

Cheap Travel Deals for the Best of Asian Destinations by Bruce Basic

Are you currently in the process of planning your big Asian getaway? Well this is certainly a very exciting time but given that traveling tends to cost a lot, you need to plan and prepare well for your trip so that you will be able to score cheap travel deals no matter which Asian destination you decide to go to.

When it comes to cheap travel, it does not automatically translate to rundown accommodations and crappy food. As more people are more open to traveling, there have been loads of cheaper travel options being made available to the public both by airline and hotel companies.

When making your travel bookings, always make sure to look out for big sales or discounts that the hotel or airline is offering for certain periods of time. If the dates under the promo seem to be a good fit with your schedule then do not hesitate to make your travel booking. If you are planning to go with your group of friends or with your family, always be on the lookout for possible discounts for group travel as well. Also, learn to enjoy flying economy class in airlines. Sure it may be a little cramped especially for budget planes but there is absolutely nothing wrong in flying economy class. Not only will you be able to travel around but you will also be able to save significant amounts of money as well.

For cheap travel destinations in Asia, here are some suggestions on places that you might want to pay a visit to: Hong Kong, Shenzen, Macau, the Philippines, Thailand, Cambodia and Indonesia. These cities and countries are all very popular Asian destinations for budget travelers who want to get more bangs for their buck. Hong Kong and Shenzen are definitely popular choices to visit when it comes to shopping and unique fashions while Macau is for those who are looking forward to visiting the Las Vegas of Asia while the Philippines and Thailand are somewhat similar in the sense that both offer great shopping sales as well as cheap food however, both are also well regarded for its beautiful beaches. While the Philippines have Boracay and Palawan, Thailand on the other hand, have Phuket and Krabi to boast of. All of these are simply considered as paradise on earth especially by beach bunnies that are looking forward to soaking up some sun and getting the perfect tan. Of course, not to be missed are the various temples in Bangkok, Thailand as well as in Indonesia and Cambodia. All these places show the unique culture of Asian people making them more interesting to foreign tourists.

However, while planning your trip, do not make the mistake of being overly cheap with every little thing that you end up regretting your choice of some things like a crappy hostel room which does not even have a working flush. Sure you are on the lookout for a great bargain but that does not mean that you should start depriving yourself on simple pleasures like a nice, decent hotel bed and a clean bathroom.

Bruce Basic is the expert travel guy based in Singapore. He is founder of http://www.urgentroom.com, a leading hotel search tool which allows users to search and compare millions of room deals globally from a single website. If you need to search hotel and accommodation rates fast, go to http://www.urgentroom.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bruce_Basic

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Of late, Shenzen has become a haven for budget travelers because of the great prices at which goods are sold.

To view Bruce Basic's original post, click here:
http://ezinearticles.com/?Cheap-Travel-Deals-For-the-Best-of-Asian-Destinations&id=2749033