For many individuals today, the desire to travel is strong, but the availability of funds for traveling is just not there. There are many choices for people who want to budget for their next holiday without sacrificing other areas of their life. The key for many of us today is using available options such as payday loans to have available funds for those spontaneous trips that may need a little extra money.

One way to save for your next holiday is to put away a small amount of your take-home pay each month in a savings account that you do not use for everyday expenses. Any amount will benefit you, but ideally you will want to put aside 10% of your pay towards your holiday fund. If putting away a small amount of money each month is difficult for you, try to put away larger amounts from sporadic bonuses, monetary gifts or even refunds that you may get from your tax return each year.

If you have been diligent in saving for your next holiday but have still managed to fall short of your personal goal, obtaining a payday loan can mean all the difference in having a relaxed and enjoyable time on your vacation. Rather than trying to cut corners and save money by choosing cheaper dining options or not frequenting as many sightseeing destinations, you can do the activities that you want and enjoy all the places you desire for your holiday.

There are a variety of payday loans for individuals that may need a little extra help saving for a holiday. With different interest rates and repayment options, you are sure to find a payday loan to suit your needs and flexible payroll schedule. If a payday loan is something that you are considering then be sure to explore all of the options available and ask questions if there is anything you are unclear about when it comes to repayment terms or interest rates.

GorillaPod Flexible SLR Tripod with Bubble Level

My favorite product for travelers this season is X-treme Geek’s GorillaPod Flexible Tripod. No more asking strangers “can you take a photo for me?” This unique travel accessory is a must to pack along any day trips or longer journeys as it is compact and its’ flexibility allows you to take the perfect shot just about anywhere. Compatible with both cameras and video cameras, you can actually be in front of the lense for a change and will have a much more complete video and photo album upon return. Buy it here and readers are eligible to receive free shipping when they enter code GiftFS at checkout.

Inspirational Photo Frames with Recording Option

Another gift idea topping my list are products by Inspirational Gift Gallery, which offers a variety of frames, including one designed for grandparents and loved ones, suitable to keep vacation memories alive, both in photos and voice. These display frames have a recording function where multiple messages can be captured providing a new way to say “wish you were here” or to feature a few of your favorite memories. This is especially creative to include kids by asking them what their favorite part of the vacation was or a special greeting for a loved one.

Cruising Caddy

BVT Products offers the perfect solution for travelers who want to stay hydrated, but also have quick access to keys, phones, cameras and other necessities. The Cruising Caddy is compact and utilizes a shoulder strap, leaving hands free to take photos or video or to participate in other vacation activities. No need for a large backpack with the Cruising Caddy. It even comes with a sleeve to keep your water bottle cool when exploring your vacation destinations. Do not let the name fool you, as this compact case is perfect for beach-goers, hikers and other travelers on the go.

Caboodles Travel Case

Remember the classic Caboodles® from the 80’s? Well, the company continues to design cost-effective travel cases for women on the go who have style, yet appreciate functionality and organization. New is the In My Case^TM product which features a funky, modern design - launched and is available for purchase in Ulta and Target. There are removable storage panels, dividers and other necessities to keep all of a gal’s beauty products on hand, especially when traveling.

Motorola Talkabout MJ270

Skiing this season or taking a cruise or traveling with kids? Then, be sure to not leave home without the new Motorola Talkabout MJ270 two-way radios, which operate in many areas not covered by cell phones. These radios give a sense of independence for the younger travelers, but a large sense of safety for the parents-and all without roaming fees. With a range of 27 miles, this device offers many other useful functions including NOAA weather alerts, hands-free operation, an Emergency alert button, charging from the car and the computer. These can be purchased at Radio Shack, Best Buy, Home Depot, online and other places. Personally, I can’t wait to try these out on our next cruise as our phones never work and I know how useful these would have been on my many ski trips to Whistler, Park City and other great winter destinations.

Corel Digital Studio 2010

What to do with the photos and videos taken on vacations? There is a software program that boasts ease of use for taking photos and videos and making quick edits, creating a personalized movie, or even creating that must-have photo book or calendar. The Corel Digital Studio 2010 makes it fun to preserve vacation memories, prompts you to relive your 2009 vacations and inspires you for upcoming trips. This gift idea encourages the photographer to advance to the next level with working with video. I have always worked with my vacation photos electronically, but have never had luck with video work as I have always been overwhelmed with “what” to do, so I can not wait to put this software to the test.  Corel Digital Studio is available at www.corel.com and Amazon and at leading retailers including Best Buy, Fry’s Electronics and Micro Center.

Food Journeys of a Lifetime: 500 Extraordinary Places to Eat Around the Globe

Culinary travel is a growing niche for the travel industry and this fabulous coffee table book will not leave you hungry. In fact, you can eat across continents while perusing Food Journeys of a Lifetime without gaining a pound. Sharing food and beverage stories often tops the vacation memories shared upon return. Explore Cusco’s Christmas Market where this Christmas Eve, Peruvians will gather and shop for their yuletide feasts. Indulge as you sample the top 10 cheese tours of France, which of course, must be experienced with a glass of vino. Learn about the most unusual food festivals such as Rattlesnake Roundup in Sweetwater, Texas or the Ice Cream Expo in Japan.

LIFE Wonders of the World

If a photo says a thousand words, then LIFE Wonders of the World coffee-table sized photography book is a trillion visual stories of manmade and natural adventures around the world. As you travel from the Coliseum to the auroras borealis and australis - the northern and southern lights you feel as though you could just reach out and touch these stunning destinations and sights. Presented in a gallery format, there are even removable prints that can be framed. Unlike when touring an art gallery, this personal tour is complete with educational descriptions. A perfect family gift, learning about the 50 Wonders will educate children, but most importantly, will stimulate them to explore and experience these and other travel marvels. 

JUST Learning about Wine Pack

Traveling to California’s wine country is a romantic retreat, but are you overwhelmed about the different wine varieties and distinguishing between a merlot and a pinot noir? Help is here from Justin Vineyards & Winery, located in a hot California wine region, Paso Robles. This holiday season, give the gift of wine with a private wine education. Coupled with a bottle of the winery’s 2008 Chardonnay and a bottle of the 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon, recipients will also receive Red and White, a book covering wine basics starting at the vineyard and traveling through the winery process to the eventual bottle. After enjoying the gift pack, plan a trip to sample your way through wine country!

Animal Holiday DVD

Animal Holiday DVD is the next “March of the Penguins” as kids travel from Santa’s home to the South Pole with the jolly soul himself and his animal friends. These winter adventures are educational as well as viewers learn about reindeer, otters, polar bears and other winter creatures.

National Geographic Kids Almanac 2010

On a junior level, National Geographic has compiled the National Geographic Kids Almanac 2010 featuring over 500 images, interesting facts and tidbits, activities and more. Kids will get lost exploring the United States, go to Egypt, go Down Under, dive into the Arctic, travel to Europe and more. The layout of this book is quick and easy to navigate and is chalk full of interesting insights that will stimulate kids of all ages to want to travel outside of the book and into life.

Mama Mirabelle Plush Toys

What is a Christmas without a stuffed animal under the tree? Mama Mirabelle Plush Toys bring the PBS show “Mama Mirabelle’s Home Movies” to life. Reminiscent of Madagascar, there are baby animals (an elephant, zebra, and a cheetah cub) to help guide kids through African adventures. Many stories await and do not be surprised if your children begin planning a real safari.

Photo Credit: Tourism Australia, http://www.australia.com

Depressed that your summer vacation is over? You’re not alone.  TripAdvisor released results from its “post-vacation blues” survey revealing that 56 percent of U.S. travelers surveyed said they often get the post-vacation blues upon returning from a trip. There are ways to combat this feeling…plan another vacation, and the travel deals are continuing in full force providing opportunities for travelers to get away, even on a budget.

Fifty-eight percent of TripAdvisor survey respondents said planning their next vacation is the best way to snap out of a bad mood post-vacation. Sixty-nine percent of travelers surveyed said the best description of their post-vacation mood is “eager to plan the next trip” as soon as their vacation has ended.

According to the U.S. Tour Operators Association, travel savings range from 10 percent to 35 percent over last year, translating to savings up to $500 per person compared to 2008. U.S. travelers welcome the travel opportunities couple with more value.

Why the continued drop in travel prices? The economic crisis and a stronger U.S. dollar in many destinations are contributors.

“In countries as diverse as Greece, Egypt, South Africa, Australia, and Italy, the U.S. dollar has gained in strength, while domestic destinations like Hawaii are offering good deals in response to  soft tourism year,” Bob Whitley, USTOA president, says.

A recent consumer survey commissioned by USTOA found that three out of four Americans say they will travel this year, but most are staying closer to home in response to the recession.  Affordability ranked  number one consideration in planning a vacation, with almost 30%  of those surveyed saying they would seek destinations that offer more value.  And, while more than 45% of Americans said they were not going abroad this year, almost 15 percent were lured by a stronger dollar.

Following are a few tour travel options outlined by USTOA:

In South Africa, through November,  a 10-day land-only tour of Cape Town, the Garden Route and Kruger National Park for families, is $6,355 per person versus $7,855 per person in 2008 - a savings of $1500. A savings of nearly 20 percent over last year, the tour includes most meals, sightseeing and activities.  International air fare is additional.

Through December 8, a 16 day custom-planned itinerary to Sydney, Melbourne, and the Great Barrier Reef costs $1,430 this year - or $500 less than in 2008.  The savings of 25 percent includes  round-trip airfare from Los Angeles or San Francisco and all transfers in Australia.

A 7 day/6 night vacation package to Budapest and Prague that sold for $1355 per person in 2008 costs $1199 per person this year–a savings of  $150 per person, or more than 10 percent, over last year.  Included are accommodations, daily breakfast, a tour in each city, flight from Budapest to Prague, and airport transfer by private car through November.

Photo Credit: Outer Banks Visitors Bureau

Today, many are packing up their cars or preparing to board aircraft for a last summer getaway. Already, the cooler temperatures across the Midwest and eastern shore are previewing the change of seasons. AAA predicts that 39.1 million are taking a Labor Day vacation, which represents a 13.3 percent decrease compared to last year’s record breaking weekend travelers. Two reasons for the decrease are cited to the lateness of the actual holiday and that school has already started for many families.

Despite the predicted decrease the amount of travelers should surpass July 4^th holiday vacations.

“AAA expects this Labor Day holiday weekend to be the third busiest of the decade, even though the number of travelers will be down from one year ago,” said AAA President & CEO, Robert L. Darbelnet. “However, with Labor day falling a week later this year when many children will have returned to school, the decline may more to do with the calendar than with the economy. Our forecast shows Labor Day travel will be up over this summer’s 4^th of July holiday and that’s a positive sign.”

The preferred travel mode this holiday weekend is via car with 84 percent compared to four percent of vacationers expected to travel by airline for Labor Day trips, according to AAA. With air trips to be taken by only 1.5 million travelers, this will be the lowest number of trips by flying this decade for the Labor Day holiday weekend.

TripAdvisor revealed its Labor Day survey results demonstrating a slight increase of fall travelers. Eighty-four percent of travelers plan to take leisure trips this fall, up from 82 percent one year ago, and 43 percent said they will be traveling more this autumn than last, as revealed in the survey.

Particularly for Labor Day, 30 percent of respondents said they are traveling this weekend, nearly equal to 31 percent one year ago. Other TripAdvisor survey findings include 70 percent of travelers expect to drive to their destinations this Labor Day and 49 percent plan to travel more than 300 miles for the holiday.

Christine Petersen, chief marketing officer for TripAdvisor says “Based on what travelers are researching on TripAdvisor recently, it appears the Carolinas and Florida may be travel hot spots this fall.”

Five of Florida’s cities look to be a fall hotspot as they are appearing in the top 10 most-searched U.S. cities with airfares currently under $199. The top three most browsed destinations over the past month on TripAdvisor include: Coastal South Carolina, Jersey Shore and Florida Keys.

It’s not too late to escape, even if it’s just for a day trip! Savor the last moments of the summer season. What are your Labor Day or Fall travel plans? Is the economy effecting your travel plans? What about the fear of swine flu?

Sandals Royal Bahamian. Photo courtesy, www.TLTravels.com

In the midst of struggling through this economy, a romantic retreat might be just what the doctor ordered to get back to being a couple and focusing on what matters most in your lives. The US Travel Association (USTA) released a series of studies showing the various benefits travelers realize by taking a vacation.

“We want to remind people that whether traveling for business or pleasure, we all benefit tremendously from the experience.” Roger Dow, USTA’s (formerly Travel Industry Association) president and chief executive officer.

Even the anticipation of vacation travel generates an increase in positive feelings about one’s life as a whole, family, economic situation, and health, as revealed in the released survey results.

Women who take more vacations are more satisfied with their marriages is another reported result with more than 40 percent feeling more romantic when on vacation. One travel recommendation for couples to escape is Sandals Resorts.

Sandals is an ultra premium couples only resort with properties in Jamaica, Bahamas, and Antigua. Imagine a private beach dinner for two, a moon and stars couples massage, or an exclusive dinner experience on a pier at sunset.

Sandals Royal Bahamian fire pit. Photo courtesy, www.TLTravels.com

In the Bahamas, The Royal Village at Sandals Royal Bahamian offers a secluded island with unique tiki style vistas to feel as though couples are isolated. Coupled with multiple pools and a lavish beach area, travelers can be as private as they would like in this quiet tropical retreat. The resort’s romantic fire pit area is unique and further contributes to the couples’ ambiance.

USTA’s revealed survey findings also say that more than half of employed Americans say they come back feeling reconnected with their family after vacation. To further connect with the family, a vacation to Sandals owned Beaches (properties in Turks & Caicos and Jamaica), a cruise, a trip to Disney or a visit to Atlantis Resort are just a few ideas that bring families together.

Deals are to be had right now. “The cost of travel remains at historic lows, giving consumers phenomenal options and the opportunity to stretch their dollars farther,” Dow adds. Sandals (as of article posting) was offering up to 65 percent off of packages and a spa credit of $250, which is about 20 to 25 percent more than typically advertised.

Many local governments and organizations in tourist destinations are worried that their revenue from the tourism industry is going to fall dramatically in 2009 and 2010, so they’ve created opportunities for travelers to fly for a lot less. You can find bora bora packages, tahiti packages, and Morroco packages which are extremely affordable.

Maybe you’ve got some extra cash to spend, want to take a family vacation or go on a honeymoon, by doing some searching online, you’re going to find a lot of deals. For example, I’m planning on taking a honeymoon in Bora Bora in the next few months and was able to get it for a fraction of what my travel agent quoted online.

Photo Credit: Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Heather Titus

Think every beach is the same? Been there, done that? Not necessarily. Beaches are almost as unique in their experiences as the tropical treasures travelers might discover.

There are many sources to rank top beaches. Below are the latest results by TripAdvisor.com naming its top 10 U.S. beaches, based on popularity. Hawaii and Florida top this list with the most popular beaches.

1. Fort De Soto Park, Tierra Verde, Florida - Beloved for its pure white sand and clear water, the park’s North Beach is a wide, family-friendly stretch of beach that is both naturally beautiful and convenient, with picnic tables, grills, and bathrooms nearby.

2. Bahia Honda State Park and Beach, Big Pine Key, Florida - An exquisite spot for snorkeling, the park draws both those who want to experience gentle, lapping waves and soft sand, as well as those seeking the beauty of the park’s flora and fauna.

3. St. Andrews State Park, Panama City, Florida - With abundant wildlife and more than a mile and a half of beach, the park invites visitors to enjoy the exquisite waters of the Gulf of Mexico in a variety of ways, from swimming to kayaking to snorkeling.

4. Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, Oahu, Hawaii - With a focus on preserving the precious natural ecosystem of the area, the preserve is ideal for swimming and observing coral, fish, turtles, stingrays and other marine life.

5. Kailua Beach Park, Oahu, Hawaii - The beach’s stunning scenery and turquoise water make it an unforgettable Hawaiian destination, and visitors can enjoy it while swimming, kayaking, or simply taking in the view from the soft sand.

6. La Jolla Cove, La Jolla, California - Known for its breathtaking beauty, the cove’s small stretch of beach, and deep, clear water is perfect for swimming and sightseeing alike. Ideal picnicking nearby lets visitors continue to enjoy the views even after leaving the water.

7. Green Sand Beach, Hawi, Hawaii - Located on the southernmost point of the United States, the olive-colored sand alone is well worth the bumpy trek there, not to mention the extraordinary views and blue-green water of this legendary destination.

Photo Credit: Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Tor Johnson

8. Tunnels Beach, Kauai, Hawaii - Travelers rave about the exquisite snorkeling, but even from ashore the beach is stunningly picturesque, with its aqua water meeting golden sands, surrounded by the lush, hilly greens of Kauai.

9. Honeymoon Island State Park, Dunedin, Florida - What sets this beach apart is its undisturbed natural beauty. Not your typical “beachgoer’s beach,” it lets visitors interact with the scenic natural environment of the area, from swimming to seashells to sunsets.

10. Edisto Beach State Park, Edisto Island, South Carolina - This uncrowded beach draws visitors to its scenic shores, while the park itself is a perfect camping destination, with a bike trail that makes it easy to explore the quiet beauty of the area.

When planning a tropical escape, consider a new beach locale for a new vacation experience. There is a beach for everyone!

Photo Credit: U.S. State Department

A tightening of the belt for passport requirements went into effect on June 1^st, 2009 for U.S. travelers.   The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) now requires valid passports for land and sea travel with the continued exception for “closed-loop” cruises.  These are cruises that originate and terminate at the same U.S. port.  This leniency applies only to cruises and many of the cruise lines are strongly recommending to their passengers to travel with a valid passport, one that is valid for at least 6 months beyond completion of travel.

According to the U.S. State Department, travelers by air will be required to present a passport book to enter or re-enter the United States. Sea travelers may also use the passport booklet or the passport card and now the continued option of birth certificate and photo ID. 

Qualifying cruise passengers opting to take advantage of this leniency will be required to show proof of citizenship such as a original or certified copy of a birth certificate and a government issued photo ID i.e. driver’s license.  Children under the age of 16 will also be required to show a birth certificate as proof of citizenship.

All air travel and cruises that begin and end in different U.S. ports or foreign ports will still require a valid passport or other recognized WHTI compliant document.  Lynn Torrent, senior VP of sales and guest services with Carnival Cruise Lines says, “We’d like to take this opportunity to remind all our guests that proof of citizenship is required in order to travel and failure to present a valid document at check in will result in denied boarding and no refund will be issued.”

Future travelers struggling with the dilemma of “do I or don’t I need a passport?” will be better served by visiting the U.S. State Department WHTI requirements Web site.  This site offers explanations of terms and requirements as well as tips for living abroad and overseas Citizen’s services.  Applications for passport booklets and passport cards are available for printing as well as locations to apply in person and the frequently asked questions section offers a broad spectrum of answers to possible issues. 

There has been much confusion surrounding the WHTI and its requirements along with implementation dates and who is affected by the initiative. Cruise travelers have been fortunate to have the effective dates of the requirements pushed back a number of times.

However, when planning for the dreaded “what if” scenario, even travel insurance may not protect a traveler when trying to re-enter the U.S. from a foreign port if they need to return to the U.S. due to an emergency.

Bill Thomas, CEO of Tropical Latitudes Travel, explains “Since the passport card is not valid for air travel, the continued leniency policy for closed-loop cruises does present some concerns for travelers without a valid passport. Should an emergency arise and cruisers need to disembark in a foreign port and fly back to the U.S., they might face delays in admittance back to the U.S..”

The best protection? “Have a valid passport,” Thomas says.

In 2007, 18.4 million U.S. passports were issued, according to U.S. State Department spokesperson Adriana Gallegos. From 2008 through 2009, 7.1 million have been issued. “The demand has been lower than expected,” Gallegos says. “We attribute this to a delay in the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative and the current economic conditions.”

The Atlantic is calm at start of Hurricane Season. Photo Credit: NOAA

Today, June 1, 2009 launches the official start of Hurricane Season. While the 2009 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Forecast predicts nine to 14 named storms (which is a less active season compared to 2008’s predictions), it only takes one to cause catastrophic damage. NOAA forecasts four to seven hurricanes, and one to three category 3+ hurricanes for this year’s hurricane season which goes through November 30.

“Tropical systems acquire a name - the first for 2009 will be Ana - upon reaching tropical storm strength with sustained winds of at least 39 mph,” according to the NOAA Web site. “Tropical storms become hurricanes when winds reach 74 mph, and become major hurricanes when winds increase to 111 mph. An average season has 11 named storms, including six hurricanes with two becoming major hurricanes.”

Author of Smooth Landings and owner of MacNair Travel Management Michael MacNair explains that are steps travelers can employ to ensure smooth sailing throughout hurricane designated months.

“Whether you are taking a cruise or visiting an all-inclusive resort in the Caribbean during hurricane season, a traveler’s two best defenses are to purchase travel insurance and to align with a travel partner,” MacNair says. “Travel agents know how to maneuver issues travelers’ face due to hurricane weather issues including airline and resort conditions.”

A GOES-12 visible image of Hurricane Katrina shortly after landfall on August 29, 2005 at 1415z. Photo Credit: NOAA

Following are seven recommended travel strategies MacNair recommends to help prepare for the onset of hurricane season:

1. Use a travel agent. Purchasing vacation packages through a travel agency will give travelers the peace of mind in knowing that travel professionals are their advocates and ready to help them through difficult travel scenarios. If a vacation is booked online, a vacationer may find they are on their own and it may be difficult to get through to one of their representatives.

2. Purchase travel insurance. Be sure to read the hurricane clauses of travel insurance policies or ask the travel agent for guidance. Depending on policy purchased, a pre-planned trip can be completely altered and rescheduled with no penalties. Travel insurance can also protect the traveler who lives in a hurricane zone and needs to return to their home after a hurricane hit area.

3. Do not make assumptions. Just because a storm or hurricane is spinning or went through the destination a consumer is traveling to, do not assume flights are cancelled or that a resort sustained damage. Always check with travel professional to check on status.

4. Be one step ahead. Always call the airport early to check on the status of your flights. Many airlines allow online check-in up to 24-hours prior to departure. Check the weather at your destination a few days before your trip. Knowing in advance what the expected weather pattern is going to be will help a vacationer to prepare and take necessary steps prior to their trip.

5. Sailing around the storm. If taking a cruise vacation, there is a good chance that a vacation will not be ruined by a hurricane. The cruise industry has state-of-the-art technology on all of their ships and they can alter their itineraries to avoid oncoming hurricanes. Be flexible when cruising during hurricane season and if the route is altered, look at is as a travel adventure.

6. Charged technology gadgets. Accessing the Internet on wireless devices, gives travelers up-to-the-minute storm tracking information. Be sure to carry a fully charged cell phone and have the travel agent’s number and after-hours emergency assistance number in hand in case alternate travel arrangements need to be made. Even while waiting in line at the airport, traveler should call the travel agent as they might be able to resolve the issue before reaching counter.

7. Take an extra day. Particularly when cruising out of southern ports such as Ft. Lauderdale, Tampa, Miami and San Juan, consider spending a pre-night prior to cruise in the departure city. This has multiple benefits including a day to unwind and get into vacation mode and gives a cushion in case of delayed flights due to inclement weather.