Travel and tips

Traveling, particularly overseas, can be a great experience. For many people, it can also be an expensive one, which means you need to know how to save on expenses. Saving Money When TravelingFor many people, traveling is the ultimate method of rejuvenating their zest for life. On one hand, you get away from the constant interruptions of daily life that occur at work and home. On the other, you get to see a whole different way of living in another location, even if it is in your country. The only problem with traveling, of course, is it can put a whammy on your bank account. Saving money when traveling is not as hard as you think. The number one thing to remember is that practically everything is negotiable. If it is not, such as the cost of flights, there are often timing issues that can result in savings. While there are hundreds of tips, here are a few you might be unaware of. Traveling in a group is a great way to save money. Businesses in the travel industry like groups because they represent a pool of guaranteed money. If you can swing a group of 10 people for a trip, hotels, cruises, guides and such will provide you with their services for free. Just you, not the entire group. This may sound like a strange strategy, but it can work if you are mad about some location. You simply offer to provide a guided tour to the area and do some marketing. The cost of your trip is next to nothing and you may be able to write-off much of the remaining expense on your taxes. Of course, make sure to run it by your accountant. When it comes to hotel bookings, it is important to understand that the price of every room is negotiable. A hotel assigns four, five and even ten different rates to each type of room they have. Obviously, they want to get the most for it, but they offer all types of deals to attract bookings during slow times. The best way to take advantage of this is through online hotel booking sites. Since these sites move massive quantities of bookings, they usually get the lowest or close to lowest prices. You just need to compare prices, point and click. If you are traveling somewhere by plane, you are inevitably going to need ground transportation. Car rentals at airports tend to be price compared to in town options. If you must rent at the airport, the best way to get a deal is through your frequent flyer miles. Rates can be half as much as those posted at the desks. If you do not have frequent flyer miles, try to book through the online sites for the various rental companies. A number of them will be offering specials that can really add up to significant savings. Taking small steps to save money on trips can make all the difference. Follow the above advice and you should see less of a drain on your bank account.

By the end of this article, you should have gained enough new knowledge on how to save money on your next vacation that you will be able to explain its main points to another person.
The previous few decades have seen an amazing revolution in the world of the airline industry. Low rate and discount airlines caught the industry by storm with their focus on persuading their passengers to choose their destinations with no add-ons and the smallest expense possible. Discount airlines like Jet Blue and Southwest have demonstrated that airlines can be successful with no offering of frills and first class seats that most of the old line airlines found so crucial.
As a matter of fact, for the previous number of years the low rate air carriers have been the lone ones able to turn a profit. While many traditional airlines are struggling to turn out a profit, Southwest and Jet Blue have been profitable almost from their start.
Additionally, low rate airlines have helped to reduce prices across the board in the airline industry. When a low rate air carrier begins flying out of a particular location, the traditional airlines regularly have little options but to reduce their prices in an answer to the new competition. This has helped make air travel reasonably priced for a large segment of the population that had by no means been able to take advantage of the choice of flying.
When low rate airlines first started operations, they kept costs reduced primarily by removing the extras; anything that did not center directly on getting passengers where they were going on time was cut back or removed. For instance where traditional air carriers served whole meals, low rate carriers presented bags of peanuts or boxes of snacks. Many low rate carriers also cut out movies and entertainment on their flight, though low rate Jet Blue was the first to provide live television on their planes for a low price.
From what you have read so far, hopefully this article is helping you determine how to save money using the discounted airlines. Read on to gain even more knowledge.
The irony in this situation is that traditional airlines have started to cut back on these very items, with many traditional carriers now providing no meal service at all, or charging a price for the meals they do serve.
What all this indicates to the budget minded traveler is airfare expenses can be greatly reduced than what it was in the past. While airfares still do change, it is usually possible to discover a reasonable price for destinations around the country and around the world.
The key, of course, is to search early and search well. The internet offers a great way to shop for the reduced airfares. Every low rate and traditional airline has its own web site, and it is important to make sure these web sites regularly offer low prices to your particular destination. There are also several comparison web sites where you can easily type in the originating and destination airports and the web site will offer the reduced fares on a variety of airlines. In many cases the smallest price will be a low rate carrier, but the growing level of competition means that the most reduced price will sometimes be with a traditional carrier as well.
The reduced airfares, both on low rate airlines and traditional ones, are regularly those that are booked at least a month in advance. Fares for last minute flights are regularly extraordinarily high, even on the low rate carriers. So the key to receiving the best deal is to shop ahead of time.
What you have learned while reading this informative article on saving money for a vacation is knowledge that you can use each time you take a vacation.

Had a great holiday recently for a fraction of the normal price. There are plenty of ex pats now living in Spain who regularly let out their apartments and with flights being so cheap I saved a fortune. I found the apartment I stayed in, which was fantastic, at the following internet address.
The Apartment cost me just Ј200 per week and there was four of us! The flights from the UK were just Ј300 given the flew out late at night. So it was a holiday for 4 people costing a total of Ј500.
Often the apartments you rent are somebodies home and as such they are really well looked after, especially as many of the people who own them are now retired. Of course you are expected to look after them and a small breakages deposit was required. In any event I got my deposit of Ј50 back straight away after the holiday.
We stayed in Benalmadena which was fantastic, it has a great beach, excellent marina and apartments themselves had a pool with water slides.
I can honestly say that given the amount spent we had a great time and to be honest it put much more expensive holidays we have been on in the past to shame – I won’t be going back to a travel agent again!Holiday maker on a budget

If you have recently bought and paid for a holiday abroad this article is for you. Here are two pieces of information that will not only enhance your trip but will also save you money on your airport parking fees. There are also plenty of tips here to get the most out of your airport parking purchase and get the best possible start to your trip.
My advice to accomplish both of these seemingly contradictory aims is to book your parking in advance and book Meet and Greet parking. You will charged full retail price if you just turn up on the day so be smart and book ahead to get the best deal.
How can you save money on your airport parking?To save money on your airport parking simply book in advance but make sure you shop around for the best deal. Most parking companies use a ‘smart’ time sensitive pricing systems similar to the pricing models used by airlines whereby the price of the ticket rises as you get closer to the date of departure. Airport parking is the same so you will pay more on the day than if you book in advance.
The other advantage of booking in advance is that you will secure your parking space. During the summer months many car parks become oversubscribed. It would be a shame to miss your flight whilst you were driving around looking for a space. Book early and you will guarantee you have somewhere to park your car.
Of course you could always park in the short term car park, and I do know someone who did for two weeks, but the parking costs came to more than the cost of the flights!There are many web sites that compare airport parking prices so a quick search via your preferred search engine should produce the desired results. Bear in mind that although the airport parking sector is very competitive and there are some great deals out there, airport parking is like life – you get what you pay for!What is so great about Meet and Greet Parking?Meet and Greet parking, sometimes called chauffeur parking or valet parking, is the most convenient form of parking. You are met at the terminal forecourt by a member of the parking company’s staff usually with a trolley ready for your luggage. They will take your car and park it for you.
When you return your car will be delivered back to you on the terminal forecourt and you will be free to continue your homeward journey with the minimum of delay.
The benefits of meet and greet parking are clear1. No delay getting to the check-in desk2. No carrying your own heavy luggage around3. No herding children onto busses4. No waiting for the shuttle service to and from the airportYou stay dry, unflustered, on time and in good health ready to start your holiday.
If you spend the little extra on a meet and greet parking service you do not want to be delayed waiting around for your driver when all you need to do is check-in? Especially as you have probably arrived with less of a time cushion before the desk closes than if you booked ordinary long term parking.
Then, when you return, you want your car waiting for you out side the terminal. You do not want to be waiting for it or you may as well have bought the cheaper shuttle bus parking. Some parking companies do offer a money back guarantee if they keep you waiting but they are rare at the moment.
Why book meet and greet parking and not cheaper long-term parking?If you book meet and greet parking you will have purchased the most convenient and stress-free parking available. Ordinary long-term airport parking takes longer and is nowhere near as simple.
Ordinary long term parking can be a bit of a drag as you are required to find the car park, park your car and then make your way to the shuttle bus to get a ride to the airport all the while carrying your heavy luggage. You will need to load your own bags onto and off of the bus at either end of this journey and also on the return trip don’t forget. Pray it’s not raining and your children, if you have any with you, are well behaved and that you don’t strain your back before you’ve even got on the plane!When you return you will need to find the shuttle bus stop and catch the bus to the car park to collect your car all the while dragging your bags with you. At busy times of the year many flights often land in quick succession late at night and it can take two or three busses to reduce the queue enough so that you can even get on the bus. I’ve been there and experienced it. You really don’t need to.
Now you have the knowledge get out there and book your meet and greet parking. Just make sure you do it in advance and you will have a great hassle-free start to your holiday without breaking the bank.

Planning to spend your next holidays in Sardinia, Italy? Congratulations for the choice! Everyone knows that Sardinia island a is a natural paradise, one of the most wonderful places to spend your beach holidays in Mediterranean area, but not so much knows how many activities is possible to experience during your vacation there…Find below a short list of activities to have fun in Sardinia:BikingThe unique net work of winding routes of empty country roads is enjoyable for a keen biker. The climate of Sardinia is ideal for bike tours especially in spring and autumn. The coastal flatland is good for beginners and for easy going but the hilly areas of the island need endurance and high levels of fitness from the part of the bikers. Hiking or walkingTo discover the beauty of the island hiking is best suited with a wide range of hiking possibilities. Marked routes are there and there are many guided excursions. The Supramonte massif is one of the most beautiful hiking areas and this area remains as one of the desolate and rocky areas in Europe. There are narrow gorges, imposing chalk rocks, wide plateaus and hidden canyons in a continuous stretch of natural beauty. The green peaked Gennargentu Mountain is a lot more apprehensive when compared to the Supramonte’s supremacy. Hilly Barbegia’s mixed foliage forests are just like the sub alpine mountain range of Germany except for the hordes of tourists. The view of the surrounding coastline from the pinnacle of the Punta La Marmora which is the highest peak of the Gennargentu and of the Sardinia is breathtaking. One of the deepest canyons, Gola di Gorrpou is in the Gennargentu. Marmilla table-top Mountain also offers some good walking which is suitable for children. There are numerous animals in flat-as-a-pancake plateau is ideal for family walks with its natural beauty. There are picnic spots and well marked tracks in Monte Sette Fratelli Nature Park in the middle of the region and is one of the last homes of the Sardinian deer. It is well worth to explore the coastal areas.
SailingSailing in Sardinia provides an extraordinary sailing experience with hundreds of secluded coves, beaches and rock formations. No stretch in Sardinia is same as the next from dunes of the Costa Verde to the deep emerald coves and dramatic cliffs of Cala Gonone. WindsurfingThe island is paradise of windsurfers and the north of Sardinia is best known for windsurfing but south of Sardinia can also offer good wind and wave conditions. One of the best windsurfing areas in Europe is Porto Pollo in Sardinia.
DivingDivers are attracted by caves, shipwrecks, rich waters and some of opportunities in the north of the island. Divers can discover underwater web of caves and tunnels with stalactites and corals in the North West near Capo Caccia. The diving expeditions to La Maddalena National Park are for beginners and snorkellers because the water in this area is only 10 meters deep and is clear with seaweed covered sandy sea bed and reefs.
GolfOne of the most important golf courses in Sardinia is the Pevero near Olbia and is famous with both locals and the tourists. The Golf courses are of good quality along with fantastic scenery.
Paragliding and free climbingThese are the two extreme sports popular in the island and the best spots are Barbagie and Ogliastra. There are other places which also offer decent challenges such as Gallura, Marghine-Planargia, Montiferru, Nuorese, Sarrabus and Sulcis-lglesiente.
Horse ridingThere are rides for children as well as adults. The horse rides go through beautiful mountain scenery and beaches.
This wonderful place is perfect to immerse yourself in a new dimension, putting aside all your troubles, your stress, and your everyday headache…Enjoy Sardinia!

The beautiful island of Sardinia is situated off the west cost of Italy and just under the island of Corsica. This island is the second largest island in Mediterranean. Italian is an official language of this place. But, people of Sardinia also speak French and English. The landscapes, beaches and sceneries of Sardinia are simply stunning and enough to take your breath away. There are several places to explore in this part of the world. In the southern part of this island, you can explore cities like Cagliari where you can have an experience of some larger than life sceneries and mountain ranges touch the sea. In the northern part of Sardinia you can visit the most beautiful and happening city that is Alghero. This place is famous for its great architecture and culture. Tourists from all over the world specially come to Sardinia to visit Alghero. If you are one of those people who want to explore a place that is untouched by the tourists, you can visit Nuoro. This place is also known as the heaven of Sardinia. Here, you can explore several beautiful villages and small towns 800 meters above the sea level. The beaches of Sardinia have white sand with crystal clear blue green water that are complete pleasure for your eyes. These beaches are the best place to spend quality and peaceful time with your friends and family. There are several beach resorts present on almost every beach of Sardinia where you can stay and enjoy the luxurious experience of your life time. Sardinia beaches are also famous for the water sports. You can enjoy scuba diving, surfing along with paragliding. The best par of Sardinia beach holidays is that the weather in this part of the world remains good for the whole year. So, you need not to wait for the summers to visit Sardinia. The major part of the total revenue comes from the tourism industry in Sardinia. The main reason behind this is that the local people have their small businesses here. If you do not want to spend your hard earned money on these expensive beach resorts and hotels then you can stay at the small beach apartments and villas. These apartments and villas are owned by the local people of this place and available at very reasonable rates.
For all those sea food lovers, Sardinia has several restaurants and hotels where you can have the delicious sea food along with the traditional ambience of Sardinia. This place is also famous for its night life. There are several night clubs, pubs and bars where you can enjoy your whole nights with great music and drinks that are enough to take you on new heights.
This island is well connected by air ways from all the major cities of the world. Direct flights are easily available and after that you can hire a cab to explore the different places of Sardinia. However, the best way to roam this place is to hire a car and drive yourself and enjoy the beautiful view of this place. You can also take several packaged tours that will guide you about the place and its attractions.

San Diego offers a bevy of interesting hikes. With the average home price being around $500,000, they better be interesting!To unwind, I typically stop on my way home from work to hike from Cardiff to Carlsbad on the beach. For picturesque sunsets and “tasty waves”, the beach between Cardiff to Carlsbad can’t be beat.
Cardiff – StartingI typically start this hike by parking just south of restaurant row in Cardiff. Restaurant row is located to the north of the lagoon between Cardiff and Solana Beach on Highway 101. Parking is located on the side of the road, which is right up against the beach. Give me convenience or give me death!As you head north, you first pass Charlie’s and other restaurants. Past the restaurants, you will come to the beginning of the bluffs that will line the beach to the end of the hike. San Elijo campground is on top of the initial bluffs and extends for roughly a mile north. The campground is very popular and the temporary home of locals and tourist. You can tell the difference by contrasting tans with sunburns.
Following San Elijo, you will walk through Sea Cliff County Park with bluffs over 100 feet high. An area known affectionately as “Swami’s” quickly follows this park. The name derives from the fact the area above the bluff is the home to the Self Realization Fellowship Center. This area is know as hot surf spot, but is very crowded. If you are a bit winded, you can stop and watch 50 or so surfers maneuver for waves. Yes, traffic jams aren’t exclusively restricted to California freeways.
North of Swami’s, you will cruise along a long strip of sand hemmed in by 50 to 60 foot bluffs in the town of Encinitas. For those with a wicked sense of humor, there is a relatively popular game called, “Watch the house fall.” Yes, the bluffs are giving away slowly. As they erode, the homes first lose plants, then patios and so on. They say real estate is all about location, location, location, but sometimes a beach front home isn’t all that great.
The Encinitas section of the hike is fairly long. With the high bluffs, you will find sections of the beach that are deserted. Yes, even during summer. The only thing breaking up the solitude is Moonlight Beach, a fairly popular beach with locals. Otherwise, it’s just you, shells and joggers until you arrive at the end of the bluffs and South Carlsbad. Time to turn around and find the car.
The Cardiff to South Carlsbad hike is about 5 miles in each direction. The walk is flat and quick. By the end, you will be relaxed and forget that Bert in accounting is a jerk. Enjoy.

Some memberships will give you an actual discount when renting a car. The two best known memberships that give discounts on car rentals are: Sam’s Club and Triple A. At many car rental places, these are good for a 10-15% discount, though they can not be combined. It is one or the other. Always ask a car rental place ahead of time if they give a discount for these memberships. With how expensive renting cars can be, you want every discount you can get. Having Sam’s Club or AAA membership will entitle you to some discounts or help, and it is always good to find out what exactly you qualify for ahead of time. Not only might AAA give you discounts on renting a car, and the road side assistance that they are famous for, but there is also a chance that the particular policy or membership you have with them might even carry a type of car rental insurance. Since this costs you more money than almost anything else, this would be a great deal. If you have an AAA credit card there is an excellent chance that they will automatically cover you with car rental insurance, as long as you charge the rental to that credit card. Sam’s Club and AAA are built off customer service, so don’t be afraid to use the services they offer! Both have websites that are easy to find online, and offer extensive lists and information on how they can help, what services are provided, and who you can call or where you can go to meet with someone in person. These are great resources, as they will be able to tell you about car rentals in far more detail than what you might be able to find yourself. AAA representatives can look up the city taxes and fees on your rental, which places have restrictions that will cost you more on vacation, and which don’t. If you are trying to choose between Chicago, Boston, and New York for vacation, does it make a difference to know that New York and Boston are the most expensive cities in the United States to rent a car, each costing over $100 a day because of fees and taxes? It makes that third city much more appealing, doesn’t it?If you don’t belong to Sam’s Club or AAA, consider joining. Especially if you travel a lot, the benefits quickly outweigh initial expenses, and it is nice to know that even in a foreign country where you don’t know anyone that if something goes wrong, help is only a call away.

Have you ever thought about what life could be like on an island? Do you dream of a South Pacific island paradise experience? Read on and discover the beauty and charm of Samoa. Located in the heart of the pacific – Samoa is a group of four main islands. The islands are situated about halfway between New Zealand and Hawaii. It’s a tropical climate with an average temperature of about 72 degrees Fahrenheit. This area is warm all year round but often rains between November and April. One of the main attractions in Samoa is the crystal blue warm water. It’s so beautiful and teeming with all kinds of exotic fish life. If you are a nature lover then this is the ideal holiday destination for you. There are many kinds of exotic wildlife that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Samoa has a history rich with folklore and myth. The people speak one of the oldest forms of Polynesian and many speak English. There are four main islands – but due to their closeness it’s pretty easy to get around. Ta’u, Ofu, Olesseg, and Tutuila. The islands also have good roads and you should consider renting a bike and cycling around the islands. It a great way to get around and the islands aren’t too big. Divers, snorkelers, nature lovers, hikers, and surfers will find Samoa a paradise for their needs. There are some world class spots here. You might even catch Kelly Slater catching a quiet wave in this modest little surfing Mecca.
There are well over 800 species of exotic fish and 200 species of coral. The ocean is teeming with beauty and if you are an avid snorkeler you will want to visit Ofu. The beach sand is unique and super-fine coral sand. The islands also have a national Park which is on Tau. You will need a guide to go into some of the more remote areas. Its relatively simple to find a guide, just ask at the National Park offices and be sure to bring good shoes because you are in for a walk! There are beautiful volcanic areas you can explore with your guide so be sure to ask.
Saua is considered to be the birthplace of Polynesian people and is well worth a visit. You can drive to Saua with a rented car. Ok so you are convinced – a Samoan holiday is where you are headed – what kinds of things do you need to know about the people before you go?They are a modest people and have a different attitude towards dress. It is respectful; to cover most of your body while you are there; dress modestly rather than risking offending the locals.
If you are lucky enough to be invited into a traditional home you need to sit down on the floor before you eat or talk. Cover your legs – it’s considered rude to leave your legs exposed. Polynesians are typically very welcoming people. They know how to treat tourists. A large part of their economy relies on tourism and you are treated hospitably wherever you go. As with any destination it’s good to know a bit about what might be considered rude in different cultures. Don’t take pictures without asking it’s considered a sign of respect to ask before taking pictures. Sunday in Samoa is considered to be a day of rest and this is strictly observed. Some activities, such as swimming, might not be allowed. Try to be sensitive to their beliefs and ask if in doubt. Villagers pray and if you are lucky you might even be invited to join in. If you enter a village during this prayer time, its called sa it is important to stop what you are doing and be quiet until it is finished. If you are looking for a picturesque holiday with plenty to see and do; then this Samoan paradise is for you. It makes for a great holiday!

1. Safety begins when you pack. To avoid being a target, dress conservatively. Don’t wear expensive looking jewelry. A flashy wardrobe or one that is too casual can mark you as a tourist. As much as possible, avoid the appearance of affluence.
2. Always try to travel light. You can move more quickly and will be more likely to have a free hand. You will also be less tired and less likely to set your luggage down, leaving it unattended.
3. Carry the minimum amount of valuables necessary for your trip and plan a place or places to conceal them. Your passport, cash and credit cards are most secure when locked in a hotel safe. When you have to carry them on your person, you may wish to conceal them in several places rather than putting them all in one wallet or pouch. Avoid handbags, fanny packs and outside pockets that are easy targets for thieves. Inside pockets and a sturdy shoulder bag with the strap worn across your chest are somewhat safer. One of the safest places to carry valuables is in a pouch or money belt worn under your clothing.
4. If you wear glasses, pack an extra pair. Bring them and any medicines you need in your carry-on luggage.
5. To avoid problems when passing through customs, keep medicines in their original, labeled containers. Bring copies of your prescriptions and the generic names for the drugs. If a medication is unusual or contains narcotics, carry a letter from your doctor attesting to your need to take the drug. If you have any doubt about the legality of carrying a certain drug into a country, consult the embassy or consulate of that country first.
6. Bring travelers checks and one or two major debit/credit cards instead of cash.
7. Pack an extra set of passport photos along with a photocopy of your passport information page to make replacement of your passport easier in the event it is lost or stolen.
8. Put your name, address and telephone numbers inside and outside of each piece of luggage. Use covered luggage tags to avoid casual observation of your identity or nationality. If possible, lock your luggage.
9. Consider getting a telephone calling card. It is a convenient way of keeping in touch. If you have one, verify that you can use it from your overseas location(s). Access numbers to U.S. operators are published in many international newspapers. Find out your access number before you go.
10. Check with TSA or your local airlines to see if there are any restrictions – like liquids, lighters, matches, etc. These rules change often – so – check before you go.