General – Travel Vacations

Category: General

Affordable Family Vacation Ideas: Low-Cost Vacations That Are Fun…

2017-03-20
by Admin

These days, finding affordable family vacation ideas can be challenging. Two questions must be answered when making these difficult decisions. First, you have to know that you will be able to pay for the trip. Second, you have to make sure that you choose a vacation location that the whole family will enjoy. Here are some travel tips on making your vacation perfect.Choosing a LocationWhen choosing a location, you must decide, as previously stated, a place to go that your family will enjoy. An easy choice would be resorts or theme parks that have multiple activities going on at all times. The problem is that these places can be very costly. In addition to paying for the right to participate in their activities, you have to pay for hotels, food, beverages, transportation, and travel games (to keep the kids occupied).

The best tips I can offer in this category are that you choose a location that is both close to you and you can find a place to stay for free (such as a friend or relative’s home). Doing so will make transportation and accommodations relatively inexpensive. Additionally, make sure you can find activities that everyone can enjoy in the place you visit, as not everyone enjoys shopping or fishing.Timing is EverythingWhen choosing a time to travel, my suggestion is to avoid holidays. Most people choose to travel during a holiday season (especially Thanksgiving and Christmas), making traveling more expensive due to traffic. Additionally, if your vacations take place during the spring or fall, gas will be cheaper as you won’t have to run the AC or the heater. Finally, it would be a good idea to do most of your driving during a weekend, as interstates are usually cluttered on the weekdays.Affordable Family Vacation IdeasMy greatest suggestion for an inexpensive vacation is to go somewhere with plenty of outdoor activities. If you can find an area with a forest and a lake, that would be excellent, as it would offer hiking, swimming, fishing, and camping, usually for free or for a low-cost. Additionally, these locales are very peaceful and relaxing, as it will remove you from the hustle and bustle of city life.

For those who are not too fond of the great outdoors, I suggest visiting a big city where you have relatives or friends living. By staying with them, you’ll eliminate many of your unnecessary costs, and big cities offer major amounts of activities, such as seeing professional sports, shopping, factory tours, parks, and many others.No matter where you go, remember the key to a successful vacation is ensuring that everyone has a good time. Vacations are meant to be the fond memories that people hold onto, as they break up the monotony of everyday life. Just make sure you don’t get in over your head and end up remembering the vacation for the debt it caused rather than the experience you had.

General

Top 5 Tips For Your Family Vacation Getaway

2017-03-19
by Admin

Family vacations are opportunities for everyone in the family to recharge and rejuvenate while stepping outside the normal activities of daily life. They can be some our most memorable experiences. But advance planning is needed too if you want to have the perfect family vacation. Since vacation activities are not part of our normal routine, it’s easy to forget some things that make a real difference on whether the trip is pleasant and exciting, or a real disappointment instead. Here are the top 5 tips to help make your family vacation getaway successful:1. Make sure that before you leave you make a few phone calls to confirm all the reservations that you have made for the trip. There is nothing more irritating than getting to your destination only to find that a mistake has been made and you don’t have the hotel, car rental, or activity reservations that you thought you did. This can be especially problematic with making all of your reservations over the internet. So a quick phone call to make sure that all is waiting for you as promised can save a lot of aggravation later on.

2. Check the weather at your destination and make sure that the clothes you have packed will be sufficient. In some places the weather can change rapidly and if you aren’t prepared with the right clothing it can make for a very uncomfortable stay. It may be a good idea to check with weather.com not only about the current weather situation but also what is being forecast for the next 10 days or so just to try to get as complete a picture as possible.3. If you are flying to your family vacation getaway, take a carry on bag with you that has all the important papers that you need including your travel schedule, lodging information, credit cards, travelers checks, and so forth. It may also be a good idea to include a few clothing items that can get you through a day or two after you arrive just in case your checked luggage is lost or misplaced.4. If you are driving to your destination, be sure to have a good road atlas handy that can get you all the way from your origin to your destination with easy to follow maps. You can even go one better by visiting mapquest.com and getting specific driving directions that will lay out every step along the way and give you the most details possible about the upcoming trip. Also don’t forget to get directions for the return trip as well.

5. If you are visiting a foreign country, arrange for all necessary paperwork such as visas, passports, birth certificates, etc. well in advance so you don’t have unexpected delays as you travel. Also try to get some of that country’s currency before you leave so you have it on hand when you arrive. You may also want to consider protecting yourself from pickpockets in foreign countries by putting your cash in a money belt instead of a wallet.A few simple precautions taken in advance can help make your family vacation getaway in to the perfect family vacation that you will remember fondly for many years to come.

General

Planning your Walt Disney World Vacation

2017-03-18
by Admin

While it’s always thought that children are the ones who dream of Walt Disney Vacations, there are adults that think of Walt Disney World as their ideal vacation spot as well. The greatest appeal for families to Disney has to be the ability to find something for everyone to do. Of course we’re not just talking about group activities, but things for every individual too. This is probably one of the big reasons that families will go back each year, yet they never seem to get bored.If you’re seriously considering taking a Walt Disney vacation you should start your research on the Internet. Of course you can book a vacation right on Disney’s website, there are other online travel sites that also have special family destination packages that might include Walt Disney world, as well as airfare, and hotels.

An important thing to keep in mind is that Walt Disney world vacations vary in price depending on the time of year you want to travel. Disney is also busier at particular times of the year then others. Choosing to go to Disney in the off season will often mean you’ll get a better deal. It’s a funny thing really, Disney never has a shortage of visitors whether it’s peak season or not, yet you can always find a deal. This is likely another one of the big attractions as a vacation spot, there is always a good deal to be found.There are a few ways to book your trip to Walt Disney world. First off you can book it online, via a travel agent or by phoning Disney. Each option has benefits, when calling the operator on the other end might be able to dig a bit deeper and find you a better deal then is available online or at your regular travel agent. If you do intend on calling to book your trip you should either call in the evening or early morning. Calling throughout the day is the busier time, and you’ll be more rushed to book and get off the phone so that operators can serve other clients.

Another attraction to consider when planning your trip to Disney is the special events they hold. While you likely won’t find a deal during those special events it can make your vacation that much more enjoyable. Attractions such as concerts for children under five, or special character appearances often occur but aren’t part of Disney’s regular attractions. Also keep a watch for Disney anniversary specials. Catching specials that don’t happen all the time can create wonderful vacation memories, and be that much more fun for you and your family.

General

Cancun Spring Break Vacations

2017-03-17
by Admin

Cancun – located at the tip of Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula – is one among the hottest spring break destinations in the United States. Every year the island resort welcomes more than 200,000 spring breakers, especially American college students. Cancun is regarded as the world’s largest destination for collegiate spring breakers from the U.S.The tropical paradise offers everything needed for a memorable spring break vacation. The perfect weather, the beautiful white sand beaches, the warm ocean waves, and the unlimited recreational activities are some of the many reasons for choosing Cancun as a top spring break destination.

Many celebrity events, including MTV’s spring break program, are hosted at the beachside. Cancun also offers a wide variety of water sport activities including windsurfing, scuba diving, snorkeling, and parasailing. Throughout the city, you can find a fine number of hotels and resorts, to make your vacation a great one. At night, dozens of nightclubs and bars open their doors to incredible light shows and theme parties.A U.S. citizen traveling to Cancun should carry a valid passport or a state-issued birth certificate. Non-US citizens should contact the Mexican Tourist Board or the nearest consulate for entry requirements. All minor travelers should have a tourist card, which can be obtained from Mexican Consulates, airline check-in counters or travel agencies.In Cancun, government-regulated taxis are available for public transportation. Public bus service is available at an affordable rate, around $.50 per ride. Before renting mopeds or other vehicles, it is always advisable to purchase third-party insurance.Due to the increase in the number of violent incidents, law enforcement is out in full force during the spring break. The legal drinking age in Cancun is 18 years, even though it is not uniformly enforced. Drinking in public places, streets and public transport vehicles is strictly prohibited. No firearms should be carried in vehicles. The law can impose harsh penalties for violations.

You can book Cancun spring break vacations from your trusted local travel agent. It is always better to depend on an agency which is a member of the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA). Moreover, find out whether they offer any special spring break vacation package.

General

Family Travel Tips: 18 Ways to Enjoy a Road…

2017-03-16
by Admin

Whenever one of my friends returns from some time away, I ask: “Was it a vacation – or was it just a trip?”When traveling with kids, true vacations are pretty hard to come by. With the packing, the car seats, the change in sleeping schedules, and all the inevitable whining that comes along, it would be way easier to stay home (especially when traveling by car.)And yet traveling is important. When we travel, we open to a world that was previously unknown to us. We touch other cultures and other ways of life; we broaden our own perspectives and understand, finally, that our small problems are just that.When we travel with kids, we open their eyes to all of this and more. Even when we take a simple trip to visit distant relatives, we show them a world of love that they may not had known existed.Here are eighteen tips to help you enjoy road trip traveling with your kids.Before the trip:1. Use online trip-planning websites to locate kid-friendly parks, historic monuments, and other attractions in advance. Plan at least one kids’ activity each day, even on those driving days. Involving your kids in the planning of your vacation will help them to get excited about the trip, too.2. When you are doing your research and booking your destination, consider an all-inclusive resort. These types of arrangements (in which your lodging, dining, attractions, and activities are included) can really help you relax and enjoy your precious vacation time.

3. Have each child pack their own small backpack with the books, workbooks, and activities that they most want to bring.4. Have a kid-friendly travel map on hand, as well as a pair of binoculars.5. Consider buying or borrowing a portable DVD player. We only get ours out on long trips, but it has been really helpful, especially if you are traveling very long distances.6. Get each child a special book of games, puzzles, or simple coloring books, just for the drive, along with some washable markers.7. Bring some music that everyone will enjoy singing along to. We love our CD of old campfire songs. You can even create your own CDs of family favorites.8. Bring a Frisbee or a football for when you stop at a park. You want to help your kids burn some energy in a reasonable amount of time.9. Pack healthy low-mess snacks, such as nuts, trail mix, apples, energy bars, and bottled water. A package of baby wipes often comes in handy for little messes in the car, too.10. Pack a journal and a disposable camera for each child, so that they can document the trip in their own way. These items can be gift wrapped and given to the kids as you need a diversion from boredom or sibling arguments.11. Make sure to talk about your vacation like it is the ultimate adventure. The enthusiasm that you bring to the prospect of piling into the car will help in untold ways.In the Car12. If you can, do as much traveling as possible while your kids are sleeping. Of course, safety is paramount. If you find yourself getting at all sleepy, pull over and switch with your spouse or find a hotel.13. If you don’t like to drive at night, or you are driving through countryside that you would like your children to see in the daylight, make sure you leave plenty of travel time. Plan on a maximum of seven hours of driving per day. Get up early, drive a bit, and then check into your hotel in the mid afternoon and enjoy the swimming pool. Have a nice, relaxed dinner and leisurely check out some local sites in the evening.14. While driving during the day, plan to stop at least every hour and a half. Stretch, take some bathroom breaks, and remember that getting there is half the adventure.15. Finger knitting really helps my kids to pass the time. All you need is a ball of yarn. There is no mess and you can find simple instructions online by doing a Google search for “Finger Knitting.” During our last car trip, we all arrived at our destination with lovely pink finger knitted scarves.

16. During a routine fuel stop, ask each child to choose five or six postcards that they can send to their friends. Make sure to bring your address book and postage stamps so you can mail them on the way.17. Allow one child to be the “navigator” each day. The navigator looks at the map and gives recommendations on where to stop for snacks, gas, and meals.18. Try these simple Travel Games:The Alphabet Game: Find all the letters of the alphabet, in order, on license plates, billboards, and road signs. Or find objects that begin with each letter.I Spy: One person spies something in the landscape or in the car and gives clues. (One possible variation on this game is “20 Questions.”)License Plate “I Spy”: See how many states you can spot.License Plate Alphabet: Find all the letters of the alphabet, in order, on license plates.Letter Bingo: Print out Bingo sheets with clip art or words depicting sites you will see on your trip.Ultimately, it’s important to remember that there is no such thing as a perfect family vacation. Prepare as much as possible in advance, and then relax and go with the flow.

General

If You Want To Enjoy A Fun Vacation You…

2017-03-15
by Admin

International vacations have always been in great demand. With technology access available today it is easier than ever to plan a vacation to another country. Mexico has a lot of appeal to many since it borders the United States, making access more convenient. Planning your own Mexican vacation can be done at a much smaller price than overseas.If you are considering a vacation out of the country to visit beautiful Mexico, preparing a plan will ensure a wonderful trip. To begin you need to figure out a budget for the amount of money you are willing to invest in a vacation. This will prevent overspending and show any limitations in your travel plans.There are many places to visit in Mexico, from beautiful beaches to historical landmarks. Traditions are great in Mexico and the experience of some authentic areas of traditonal culture will enhance your understanding of the world today. Taking your time in planning is imperative. You should consider who will attend and try to involve all in the vacation planning.

If you would rather stay in an exclusive vacation resort, you should contact them for details of available packages. There are many resorts along the coast line and many will gladly book individual business as well as travel agents. Some resorts will also include airfare in the package as well as various tours and amenities. So if you are leaning towards a resort contact them as soon as possible.Searching the internet you can find local hot spots, and historical landmarks. Some of these areas offer hotel packages, but you can also find great deals by doing your own research. You can also go to your local library to learn more about areas you would like to visit. The information is readily available to any person who cares to look for it.When considering what to do for entertainment, check out the local culture. You may be surprised to find often there are a variety of things that are inexpensive or even free. Having a budget set aside for entertainment will also ensure that you will have enough funds to carry you through your entire vacation.

Whenever you travel to a foreign country it is wise to let your friends or family know your exact destination along with details of stops and places you plan to visit on the way. This is important so they may contact you in an emergency but also to know where to look for you should you have any difficulties. Make sure to leave a copy of your passport and important documents behind with a friend or relative incase you should misplace your originals while out of the country.Planning a vacation to Mexico, or any foreign travel, will be very rewarding and leave lasting memories.

General

Italy Vacation Rentals

2017-03-14
by Admin

Vacation rentals are furnished accommodations available on a temporary basis for tourists. Vacation rentals are becoming an increasingly popular option, as they give you more privacy, a unique and very personal touch to your holiday, and an opportunity to absorb the local culture from close quarters.Italy provides a wide range of choices. Depending on your budget you can rent anything from a humble one-room flat to a private villa or a castle with a dozen bedrooms and a private pool. You can pick a farmhouse or a cozy cottage nestled in a small town, or an accommodation in the middle of a bustling city.There are many corporate housing service providers who maintain a network of furnished accommodations across Italy. This way, you don’t have to search for a new accommodation whenever you go to a new place in Italy. They cater to tourists traveling on a shoestring budget and to those who want to live in the lap of luxury.

They offer different packages depending on your budget and the duration of your stay, which could be one day to one year. These holiday homes provide a refreshing contrast to the impersonal atmosphere of hotels. You are provided with all the necessary appliances to do your own cooking and washing. It offers you great flexibility, in addition to saving money.The Internet can give you a good idea about the location of these accommodations, the facilities they offer and the price range. You can book the accommodations online by making a down payment through a credit card, check or bank transfer. The balance can be paid later as per the rules of the service provider. Most rentals run from Saturday afternoon to the next Saturday morning.There are families who rent out a room or two in their private residence. Italians are known for their friendly disposition and hospitality. Staying in such family accommodations adds an altogether different aspect to your vacation. You get to taste the most authentic local flavors, at half the price of restaurants. Women travelers tend to prefer this kind of arrangement, as it offers them better protection in a foreign city. If you are planning an extended stay you can make it the ‘home base’ and travel to other places of interest.

However, you’d better confirm the credentials of the family before taking up their offer. Many of them are registered with commercial holiday package providers. Choose unregistered ones only on the references of friends and relatives who stayed with the family earlier. Remember, should you get into any sort of trouble contact the nearest US embassy immediately.

General

Your Ideal Travel Destination

2017-03-13
by Admin

For many people traveling to a foreign place can be an intriguing and exotic experience. Having the opportunity to learn about other cultures within their setting can be remarkably enjoyable and educational. Unfortunately for many individuals the prospect of traveling never presents itself, whether it is because of a hectic career or a budget that is simply too tight to allow for vacation spending. However, if one can afford to take a trip to an exotic place, there is truly no better way to spend vacation time.

Choosing a vacation destination that is ideal for you can be a difficult task. If you’ve never traveled abroad in your lifetime then it is likely that there are countless places you’d like to visit and as such choosing just one can be rather tough. The decision can become quite complicated if you have a number of friends or family members going with you and you simply cannot agree on a place. However keeping in mind what you wish to discover or partake in on your vacation can make the decision a little less problematic. To elaborate if you wish to bask in the hot sun all day and work on a tan or go swimming or snorkeling in warm, blue waters then it is likely that you will travel to somewhere in the Caribbean. Knowing exactly what you wish to see accomplish on you vacation can rule out a significant number of places.

If you are more partial to the cultural aspects of a place, you really enjoy historical artifacts and you really cannot stand overbearing heat, then you may want to consider some place in Europe. This is not to say that you cannot observe rich history within other places in the world, it is just that many cities in Europe are quite popular for their presentation of history within the landscape and their history oriented tours.

General

New Zealand Vacations

2017-03-12
by Admin

There is nothing quite like a New Zealand vacation. The many places to explore truly offer an adventure for young and old alike. So, whether you’re traveling alone, as a couple or with your family New Zealand offers adventure, outdoor activities and a truly dynamic culture filled with friendly people. As a matter of fact, after visiting New Zealand, many decide to make it their permanent home.New Zealand culture has vast open spaces and only 38 people per square mile. This ultimately makes for leisurely and stress free days no matter when you’re traveling about. It offers delicious foods and wine. The cuisine is noted for fusion cooking and the restaurants are excellent using fresh organically grown products. There are restaurants scattered throughout the country in cities and along the countryside. The wine industry continues to grow, and the white wine in this country is reputed to be the finest in the world.

Of course, no matter where you go in New Zealand, the landscape is breathtaking particularly on the South Island. The Auckland, City of Sails located between two harbors is a ?must see? for tourists with year-round warm weather and lots of things to do and see. Another popular spot is Rotorua. Here you will find many natural and man-made attractions. Highlights include a visit to Rainbow Springs where the Rainbow Farm holds daily working sheep dog demonstrations. The Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve is also a sight to be seen with bubbling mud pools, steaming geysers and beautifully carved Maori wood art.Akaroa is a full day of sightseeing with visits to extinct volcanoes at the Banks Peninsula and a stop at the famous Barry’s Bay Cheese Factory. You can also cruise and explore the volcanic harbor and hope to sight some of the world’s smallest dolphins, seals and numerous other seabirds.Luxury New Zealand Vacation PackagesTraveling to New Zealand offers you a choice of two regions – the North Island and the South Island. Wherever you choose to go, a luxury New Zealand vacation package offers you outstanding cuisine, fabulous accommodations and your choice of transportation. Your options are limitless and include transportation options, theme vacation packages. Once in New Zealand, you can stay in luxury lodges, bed and breakfasts cozy inns, or trendy boutique hotels. You can also stay in country homes or beach houses all noted for their service and amenities. Your luxury New Zealand vacation package also includes transportation.If luxury is what you are looking for, your package can include a sporty BMW or Jaguar. You can even tour the countryside on a motorcycle or enjoy the scenery from your own private helicopter. There are also private chauffeur services available if you really want comfort and luxury.

Depending on what you want to do and see in New Zealand you can customize your package to include adventure, culinary feasts that include wine tasting from some of New Zealand’s best wine regions. If you are interested in purchasing property in New Zealand, you can even go on property investment tours that are arranged through various travel agents. When you travel to New Zealand and budget is not an issue, the choices are limitless. You can choose from high quality accommodations and unique activities that go beyond what most tourists’ experience. You can go online and search the many New Zealand luxury vacation package websites to help you map out a vacation of a lifetime.

General

Vacation Tips

2017-03-11
by Admin

Vacation tips are usually ideas that other people have found helpful. If you are an experienced traveler, you would have some vacation tips that others could benefit from.Traveling as a single young person, you may have some vacation tips that would benefit other single people. For families with small children, your vacation tips are completely different. When children come into the picture, traveling gets a little more complicated.

Vacation tips for families with children are:>Make a checklist>Start planning about a week before traveling regarding what you’re taking>With older children, get them involved; show them where you’re going>Keep positive and don’t get stressed out>Don’t forget to pack your things, mom (I learned the hard way)If you are staying inside the country vacation tips are a little simpler. If you are going on a trip internationally or even taking a cruise, vacation tips are a little more needed. Did you know that you now need a passport to take a cruise? Yes, that law just changed, so that takes a little more planning ahead on your part.Biggest vacation tips:>Plan ahead – way ahead of when you want to take a vacation

>Do your research – the internet is full of information.>Always confirm and reconfirm reservations>Remember…..have fun and enjoy your vacationSome more vacation tips…to be able to get the most out of your vacation, plan events or outings before you arrive at you destination. Most places have a web site, and you can book your tours or activities on-line. That saves time, and you also won’t have unpleasant surprises if the event is already sold out.