Fishing vacations are holidays where majority of the time is spent out on the waters, hunting for fish and bringing the largest catch home. The entire tour can be arranged by tour operators and is designed to give the vacationers the best of fresh and saltwater fishing experience. Thus, an ideal fishing vacation takes individuals from the interiors to the deep sea, enabling them to indulge in fly-fishing, estuary fishing, and coastal fishing. The destinations can be arranged as per the choice of the vacationers and depending on it more time can be spent on fly-fishing or coastal fishing or any other fish-related activity that catches the fancy of the travelers.

In the places near the coastlines, fishing is not just an activity; it is the means of livelihood for many and a skillful art for others. The top fishing vacation destinations lie mainly in the tropics. Thus, places such as Los Cabos in Mexico, Quepos in Costa Rica, the Andaman Islands in India, or Canberra in Australia are some of the famous places for dream fishing vacations. In addition, tropical islands such as Mauritius, Java, Hawaii, Tahiti, and the Bahamas are excellent fishing spots that rank among the top in the world. Also on the saltwater trail for the top fishing in the world are Zanzibar in Tanzania with its high-speed sports fishing and Caamano Sound in Canada with some of the nest king salmon heists on offer. Marbella in Spain, and Turkey’s coastal regions, are apt destinations for a bout of Mediterranean fishing. Equally exotic are the Guinea Islands, the Forra River Basin in Norway, and Phuket, Thailand.

Depending on traveler perspective and the kind of fishing available, a large number of destinations worldwide can try for a break in the list of the top ten fishing vacation destinations. Fishing Vacations provides detailed information on Fishing Vacations, Fly Fishing Vacations, Montana Fishing Vacations, Alaska Fishing Vacations and more. Fishing Vacations is affiliated with Scotland Hiking Vacations.

Contributed by Jennifer Bailey

Airport taxes, also known as departure taxes or entry taxes, are essentially a way for countries around the world to exploit travelers for those last few bits of cash. Since most countries now use the airfare-inclusive system, it is easy to forget about these taxes when traveling in a country where you must still pay them at a kiosk in the airport.

Airport departure fees range in amount and can be anywhere from just a few bills of the local currency to over $100 USD, as is the case for North American and Australian travelers to Argentina, who must pay a “reciprocity fee”. This tax is the equivalent of what Argentine citizens must pay for a visa to their country. So, in the case of Americans traveling to Argentina or Chile, they must pay $131 – the same price that Argentine and Chilean travelers must pay for a visa to the United States.

If you are unsure about whether or not a departure tax is in use in the country that you’re traveling to, be sure to check online for country-specific information about airport fees. Travel Nation has also compiled a useful list of countries where you must still pay an airport tax in person, but bear in mind that fee amounts and general tax practices are subject to change, so it’s best to check with the U.S. Department of State’s Country Specific Information sheets for the most up-to-date info about departure taxes.

Do you want to learn more about how to Fly Cheaper, then visit Lets Fly Cheaper on how to choose the best ]Flights to Saigon.

So, beginning today, in addition to a standard, One Year, Annual Membership, we are now offering a “Quickie” two month option for just $10.

I’m hoping that this will cut down on the continual complaint from members that some of their inquiry emails go unanswered. Unless these short, two month members chose to renew, their listings will disappear from view at the end of 60 days which means they will no longer be receiving unwanted contacts which they most likely choose to ignore.

This much shorter Membership option will also benefit people who never intend to become dedicated home exchangers, but simply need a one time home exchange to attend a specific event.

In this price structure update, we have also eliminated the Lifetime Membership option. It initially worked well, but with the passage of time we have found ourselves dealing more and more with Lifetime Members, who, despite repeated reminders from us, have failed to keep their listings current.

We will continue to email reminders to all current Lifetime Members whose listed home exchange dates and other published details are not current, then at some time in the future, we may be forced into a decision to hide any listings that remain “unloved”.

This article will explore a cross-section of the most beautiful locations in the world to move based upon sheer beauty and liveability factors. Don’t expect moving quotes to be cheap for these areas.

1) Miami, Florida:
Miami is an International mecca known for its award-winning beaches, architecture and cultural activities. People flock from all over the world to visit Miami. The location has a diverse mix of people, as well as, a large Hispanic population. The school systems are some of the best in terms of preparing students for trades and giving students access to leading edge technology. From schools, such as the Design and Architecture High School, which was ranked as the best magnet school in the United States to the Coral Reef High School, which ranked the 20th best public high school in the nation, children will be certain to receive a quality education focused on the arts and design.

There are numerous opportunities for employment in entertainment, tourism and technology in the area. In terms of finance, entertainment, fashion, education and commerce, the Cruise Capital of the World is ranked seventh in the United States.

Affluent residents reside in Miami and surrounding areas. They enjoy the accessibility to other International locations from the International airport. From the youth to the retirees, there is something for everyone to enjoy in the Miami area. This city did not rank in the top 50 most livable cities worldwide. However, Miami is recognized internationally.

2) Honolulu, Hawaii:
Hawaii ranked number 27 in terms of the most livable city in the world, according to Business Week magazine. Honolulu beaches consistently rank in the top 10 best beaches in the world, according Conde Nast magazines. Hawaii is a beautiful state complete with near perfect surf and contrasting volcanic mountains. The flora and fauna found in the tropical forests and along the mountains help to form this angelic paradise that is coveted around the world.

The neighbors are friendly, and the golfing is world class, as well as, the surfing. The educational system in Hawaii is not as stellar as some other places in the world; however, the residents have a laid back, “no problem” attitude that many people can appreciate. Real estate prices retain their value fairly well in Hawaii because of the tourism traffic and stability of the residents.

3) Sydney, Australia:
Sydney, Australia was the site of 2000 Summer Olympics, the 2003 Rugby World Cup and the ninth most livable city in the world. Sydney was also ranked 28th globally in terms of economic innovation in the Innovation Cities Top 100 Index. This city has much to offer its residents in terms of activity, commerce, arts, fashion, culture, entertainment, music, education, architecture and tourism.

Sydney is home to several prominent higher educational institutions. Visitors also enjoy the coral reef that sits off the coast of Australia. Cricket and rugby are two of the popular sports in Sydney, along with surfing. Bondi Beach is one of the popular locations for surfing and diving.

4) Geneva, Switzerland:
Geneva is known as a worldwide center of diplomacy, finance and is the worldwide headquarters for the United Nations. As the Peace Capital of the world, residents will find that this country possesses a quality of life that is unmatched by nearly every other country in the world except Zurich. Though this city is also highly livable, it is also the fourth most expensive city in the world to reside in.

The beautiful and popular Rhone River is a popular landmark that is well-known in Geneva. Mont Blanc is located only an hour away from the city. Many world-renowned skiing communities and resorts are within driving distance. Geneva is home to some of the oldest schools in the world. They are competitive in their curriculum.

5) Vancouver, Canada:
Ranked as the third most livable city in the world and the host site of the 2010 Winter Olympics, Vancouver is making a name for itself. For skiing enthusiasts, Whistler is one of the best and most challenging ski courses in the world. Many people enjoy the resorts in this area, and the sheer beauty of the statuesque mountains. This city has been the host site for numerous world-wide conferences, including the 1976 United Nations conference on human settlements.

The minority population in Vancouver has grown to 51%. Most of the minority population consists of Asians. Some Africans are also present in the area as well. For those that enjoy entertainment, Vancouver is one of the largest entertainment capitals of the world. Higher education is also appreciated in this area. The University of British Columbia was ranked as the 27th best University in the world.

There are a number of unexpected circumstances that could arise prior to your trip that would make travel insurance vital to you getting your money back. Travel insurance was created to act as a saving grace to people whose trips become cancelled due to these circumstances. Whether the airline unexpectedly goes out of business a week before your trip or you become ill and are unable to travel, travel insurance ensures that your money will be refunded if the travel plans are not carried out as planned. There are a number of areas where travel insurance can help you out while on vacation.

If you are traveling abroad you might want to look into your regular insurance plan to make sure it would cover you in a foreign country. Some insurance plans will not cover medical expenses in other countries or are not accepted in other countries. If this is true of your insurance then any medical expenses or emergencies that may arise while you are away will not be covered. By purchasing travel insurance, you are guaranteed to be covered in any medical situation that may arise.

Since September 11th, break outs of terrorism have plagued not only the United States, but the globe. If a terrorist act suddenly breaks out in an area that you have booked a flight to, the airline is not required to provide you with a refund if you choose not to travel to the area because of terrorism – that is, unless you have travel insurance. Given the unpredictability of these events in today’s world, you never know where or when a troubling situation may arise.

Flights can be cancelled at any time for a number of reasons, closing of the airline, inclement weather conditions, and a number of other factors that can not be controlled. In some circumstances flights are not rescheduled and refunds are not given, which means you not only lose your flight but also the amount of money you spent to purchase the ticket. Travel insurance insures your ticket so that no matter what the reason is, for the flight not taking off, you receive your money back.

Have you ever lost your luggage? In many cases airlines find and return the missing baggage but in some cases the luggage is never found. In some other cases, it is discovered that items have been taken from luggage. In this case, travel insurance acts to insure whatever items are lost or stolen so you are able to replace your belongings. Perhaps one of the most appealing aspects of travel insurance is that it protects you from any unforeseen circumstances in your life that may prohibit you from flying. If, for any reason from sickness to a death in the family, you are unable to travel as scheduled, your money will be refunded.

If you do decide to purchase a travel insurance plan, it is important that you research a number of travel insurance companies and plans before deciding on one. Travel insurance is not only a good idea for people traveling by plane, but also on cruise lines. Be sure that the company and plan you choose is the one that best suits you and the travel plans you have made. If you travel frequently, you may want to consider a long term travel insurance policy. Year long insurance policies are available from a number of travel insurance. This provides frequent travelers with constant coverage, rather than having to purchase travel insurance every time they travel. Make sure to cover all the bases and ask plenty of questions when purchasing your travel insurance. Make sure you know that your policy will cover all unforeseen circumstances and you do not end up with a plan that only covers some situations.

First, earn the maximum amount of points every time you fly by choosing a specific program and following all of their rules and regulations. Be aware of their promotions and partner companies. You could earn miles by buying flowers at a specific florist or staying at a particular hotel. Keep updated by reading their websites and newsletters for promotions. Certain techniques can also earn you more miles. Fore example, see if you can earn extra miles for business trips by paying for the flight with your own credit card and having your boss reimburse you. Or if your spouse flies less than you, he or she can use a free frequent-flyer mile ticket while the paid ticket goes on your account, earning you more points faster. While you are actively earning miles, stay organized. Save receipts, and watch out for errors in your statements. Know how many miles you have and how many you need to qualify for free trips or other perks that come along with a certain status as a frequent flyer. Finally, don’t waste your miles on cheap flights or by cashing them in on other purchases, such as magazine subscriptions or club memberships.

As wonderful as a promotion may seem, frequent flyer miles are, essentially, cash, and you can bet that an airline wants to save itself money by having you spend your cash on something other than an airline ticket.

Do you figure that you’ll never fly frequently enough to earn enough miles to be useful? You can actually earn points without even flying by using a credit card that offers frequent flyer miles based on the amount you charge every month. While these credit cards sounds like great deals, getting the most out of them can be tricky. Many cards that offer miles also come with a hefty annual fee, so be sure that the cards are worth the fees before you use them. For example, if a card charges fifty dollars annually, and it takes you four years to earn enough miles to purchase a ticket worth less than two hundred dollars, then your investment in the card did not save you any money. If you believe that you can receive worthwhile savings with a mileage credit card, then charge as much as you can—groceries, dinners, even monthly bills—but pay off your bill every month or you’ll be losing money on the interest charged. If you go to a restaurant with friends or family, have them pay you for their meal in cash and charge the bill on your credit card. Some restaurants will give you extra mileage when you pay with a specific mileage earning credit card, and some credit cards will give you extra mileage when you charge groceries and other items. Take advantage of these deals by checking your credit card’s mailings, email newsletters, and website.

Finally, you’ve spent years earning thousands of frequent flyer miles on everything from your credit cards to your business trips out of town, and now your ready to cash them in and live the high life. The first way to get the best flight with the nicest upgrades or advantages possible from your frequent flyer miles is by purchasing tickets as early as possible—as much as a year in advance. Also, try and schedule your flight for the middle of the week—Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday—rather than on Saturday or Sunday when more people are flying, and try to book midday flights, which are less popular than morning or early evening. Finally, call the airline rather than use the internet to book your flight. All of these methods are more likely to lead to you receiving the awards and deals that you want to get from your hard-earned frequent flyers.

1. —London, England. There’s no better place to be come April than England. London is always a fun jaunt, but the nuptials of William and Kate might be the only royal wedding you get to witness in your lifetime, so why not take a gander from up close? Plus, there may be a lot of Londoners looking to escape the madding crowd. Even if you don’t get down to Westminster Abbey, you can still enjoy the many cool shops and eateries in the West End and visit all the regular historic hotspots (“Look kids! Big Ben! Parliament!).



2. —New York City, New York. Who says you have to leave the country to go on vacation? If you’ve never been to the Big Apple, this spring is a great time to plan your first visit. With the horrific winter they underwent, it’s going to be a positively beautiful spring, full of greenery. So go on a bike tour of Central Park, helicopter over Ellis Island, and see Chicago on Broadway before it closes later this year.
3. —Santiago, Chile. If you head down to Santiago this spring, you’re going to get an earful. That’s because it has been chosen as the first foreign city to host Lollapalooza (April 2-3). Thanks to a cultural shift over the last several years in which the formerly conservative city has embraced modern art (including a love of modern music), Lollapalooza founder Perry Farrell deemed the South American city the perfect venue to commemorate the music festival’s 20-year benchmark and their desire to expand its scope. You could be present for this momentous event (as well as listen to some killer jams).
4. —Koh Samui, Thailand. If the touristy island of Phuket doesn’t totally appeal to you, go a little off the beaten path with Koh Samui, the third largest island in the country and also a hotspot for health and wellness. The travel trade is just starting to flourish here, meaning that you’ll find many of the amenities you desire without the hassle of crowds or the loss of local flavor. You’ll also enjoy yoga, detox, and hydrotherapy a stone’s throw from the surf.
5. —Reykjavik, Iceland. If you’re not so big on the tropics, perhaps an island in a colder climate is more your speed. You can head over this month to catch the Design March festival (in which clothing, furniture, and other types of local design are featured). Or simply take in the many natural wonders, like glaciers, thermal hot-springs, and of course, the Northern Lights.

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Leon Harris writes for TripBase, a personalized travel website. Whether you are searching for transatlantic cruises or even find cheap hotels in Glasgow, TripBase is sure to meet all your travel needs.

1. The Beggar

A small child wearing ragged clothing will ask you for money or food. Sometimes they will tell you a dreadful story full of tears and chaos. This scam is often used by a ring of organized crime who use children to “work” and collect off of tourists. As much as you want to help the child, unfortunately it will not be going to them. Usually it just ends up in the ringleaders’ hands and the children are left with nothing. The child often receives very little benefit herself. If you feel softhearted towards a child that looks hungry, offer her food instead.

2. Money Exchange

Travel gurus state the most common travel scam is being overcharged by a taxi cab driver. That doesn’t exempt American cab drivers either. Cashiers in high tourist districts flourish on a scam known as the “slow count.” They count change in between long confusing pauses, hoping you’ll just grab the (incorrect) stash and take off. Even bank tellers have been known to do this. The solution is to familiarize yourself with the currency when traveling abroad and pay attention to ensure correct change. Be patient when accepting change. Also be sure the currency is legitimate. Many countries have replaced their old currency and crooks try to exchange it for your good currency. If someone offers you Lira for example don’t exchange it.

3. Pick Pocketing and Other Diversion Theft

You’re driving and suddenly you get a flat tire. A stranger pulls up to help you. While you’re working on the tire, a buddy of his secretly relieves your car of its luggage. Perhaps someone “accidently” runs into you and then assists you up while taking your wallet. These travel scams work by diverting your attention away from your valuables and onto something else. Treat any unusual diversion — a crowd of beggars jostling you, an old woman or child falling down in front of you — as a pickpocket attempt. Check your wallet and other valuables before and during any time you offer help.

4. The “Precious” Item Scam

A vendor makes a friendship bracelet right on your arm as part of a demonstration. When you can’t remove it, you feel obligated to pay for it. Maybe they place something on you and try to make you buy it. These travel scams work by taking advantage of people’s greed. Beware of precious item “deals.” If something appears too good to be true, it probably is.

5. Good old Fraud

More often enough, the poorer the country, the more likely fraud is present. This ranges from credit card scams where they simply skim the info off your credit card to trying to sell you worthless items that have supposed value. Jewelry stores are renowned for doing this. Never buy jewelry from a small boutique store. Chances are you are either paying too much or buying worthless items.

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Travel and save with one of our cheap flights or opt for a vacation package. Flights.com® has cheap tickets for domestic and international travel including hotels, car rentals, and cheap airline tickets to Europe and beyond.

Seasoned, experienced seniors are great promoters of the concept. They are well qualified to recommend it to their friends and acquaintances; some even give talks and presentations at their clubs and gatherings. Their contemparies listen to them and catch their enthusiasm.

For seniors, home exchanging is a great way to vacation. It completely eliminates inflated hotel prices or vacation rental charges that will eat up a large part of your vacation budget, and very often this means you are able to travel further, or more often. No money changes hands other than for your club membership and in addition to a longer vacation, further afield, many seniors also opt for multiple weekend exchanges or quick breaks that involve just a few hours in a car, or a short airline journey. Also, with a little planning ahead and shopping around, discound air fares can cut costs even further.

Home exchange provides the opportunity to spread out and relax in a real home in a real neighborhood rather than the cramped constraints of an expensive hotel room, and even if you plan to eat out most of the time, the availablity of a fully equipped kitchen for snacks and beverages is still hard to beat. It trully provides you with a home away from home.

The unititiated frequently voice the old concerns: How about theft? Will my exchange partners wreck my home? Will I even find a home when I arrive? The simple answer is: Stop and think, is it really likely that your home exchange partners are going to fly or drive hundreds, possibly thousands of miles to steal your tv? Remember, you will be living in their home while they are in yours; they will assume your intentions to be honorable.

As an example, during the 2010 Football World Cup, ExchangeHomes.com had a large number of people join and specifically request exchanges to South Africa. Likewise, with the 2011 Rugby World Cup scheduled to take place between September 9th, and October 23rd, we are already noticing mention of this in several home exchange listings.

The Winter and Summer Olympics, Grand Slam Tennis Tournaments, Formula One Races, Super Bowl, Tour de France, Major Golf Tournaments and Cricket Test Matches are just a sampling of events where sports fans could plan ahead, arrange a home exchange and save a fortune in hotel or rental expenses.

Unfortunately, the Baseball World Series is not so early to plan ahead for because the venue is determined by the final two teams, but horse racing opens up a wide range of opportunities that allow a home exchange to be arranged in advance.

Horse racing, on grass, dirt and synthetic surfaces, on the flat and over obstacles, all has a large following, and each has major events and championships that attract a dedicated and enthusiastic following.

For the second consecutive year, the Breeders Cup will be held in 2011 at Louisville, at Churchill Downs, the legendary home of the Kentucky Derby. The Cheltenham National Hunt Festival for four days, beginning March 15th is another horse racing event with a dedicated following. Another emerging highlight is the Dubai World Cup, which traditionally takes place on the last Saturday in March, and is one of the most anticipated fixtures on the international racing calendar.

Of course, the entire gamut of sports fixtures and events will always attract sports betting, which, with just a little luck, could even pay all the travel expenses as well. Not a bad vacation prospect in these difficult economic times!

I explained to her that legally such a move is simply not possible. The owners of these listings joined, probably early in 2010, or maybe even in 2009 and paid for their listing to be displayed.

Also yesterday when I checked our site activity logs, I was dismayed to see that at least two members had logged in and sent out inquiry emails to fellow members, yet neither had edited their listings to show 2011 required dates.

S0—please, whether you have home exchange listings with us or anyone else, don’t forget to keep all your published information current.

• All cheap discount airfare reservations offer non-refundable, non-transferable, and no exchange tickets. Occasionally you can find a ticket you can at least apply to another trip if you know you will not be able to use the ticket, but there is a cost to this “exchange” usually it is $100 and whatever difference there may be in flight price. So be sure you will use the ticket for the trip you are purchasing or you will lose the savings.
• There are taxes and fees that will be tacked on to the price of the flight. Some websites offer the full disclosure at the beginning when you are going to choose the ticket. Others wait until you are about to purchase the ticket to add additional fees. These fees may apply towards the credit card you are using or they could apply for buying from a discount site rather than directly from the airline.
• Read everything on the page that has to do with the ticket. Read the small print and compare to other sites.
• Be aware of a deal too good to be true. Some sites offer great cheap discount airfare reservations below $100, but this is only one way for a round trip ticket. You see you have to buy round trip with the site to get the great deal, but $69 is only one way, so the total would be double.
• Research is the key to finding a cheap discount airfare reservation. You need to research as many websites as time will allow determining, which site is the best. You will also want to pay attention to the dates you are flying on. If you can be flexible on the dates, chances are you will find a better flight. For more info see http://www.knowdiscountairfare.com/Discount_Airfares_To_Asia on discount airfare.
• Websites offering roundtrip for as low as $69 you have specific dates you can fly. Most of these flights are offered only two weeks in advance. Therefore, you have to be careful that you are online as soon as the deal hits the web in order to take advantage and not miss the cheap discount airfare reservation.

If you keep these guidelines in your mind as you search for flights, you will be aware of the dangers and pick your flight accordingly.

Click on ‘Satellite’ and in most cases you will be able to zoom in and view the actual home you are considering. Use the navigation tools provided in the top left to take a virtual walk down the street, see where the local shops are located, whether there is a park close by, how far it is to the beach, etc.

Of course, when you first open discussions on a home exchange vacation with total strangers, they may be reluctant to immediately supply you with their full address, but they should certainly tell you the name of their street, or at least a close intersection. Then as communications progress and you become more confident with each other, there should be no problem with exchanging full addresses.

I find the Satellite option in Google Maps to be absolutely fascinating. I haven’t been back to where I was born in the UK for a number of years, but with a few clicks of a mouse I can travel back there ‘virtually’ and wander at leisure through my old neighborhood. Such visits can be fascinating.

During recent years Aspen has become a magnet for international jet-setters, many of whom have set up second homes there. If you happen to be a ‘star gazer’, numerous famous actors and sports personalities are frequent visitors throughout the year. To accommodate these new residents, Aspen’s downtown has been transformed with upscale shopping areas replete with art galleries, boutiques such as Gucci and Prada, high end restaurants and a winter concert series. It is indeed glamorous and vibrant.

Of course, it is best known for its amazing skiing, and the Aspen season usually lasts more than 151 days and embraces over 5,300 acres of terrain including four mountains and 43 miles of groomed cross-country ski trails. There are four separate ski areas and the views from all of them are spectacular. You can also snowboard, snowmobile, or take a dog sled or snowshoe tour. Even hot air balloon rides can provide visitors with a unique perspective of the whole area.

Skiing aside, when the summer months arrive with their picture perfect weather, Aspen steps out a whole new repertoire of attractions for its visitors. Whitewater rafting on the Colorado River, rock climbing, mountain biking, paragliding, treetop souring and canopy tours, horseback riding, and of course golf, tennis and fishing are all available. The Silver Queen Gondola ski lifts operate year round and during the summer moths will carry you more than 3,000 feet up to the 11,212 ft high summit of Aspen mountain from where panoramic views across Aspen are not to be missed.

Once at the summit, there are a number of hiking trails to enjoy as well as dining at the Sundeck restaurant. For children the summit also offers a climbing wall trampoline and nature hikes.

Take a trip to 12,095 ft high Independence Pass and you will be rewarded with an enchanting panorama of breathtaking beauty across mountain meadows and sparkling streams surrounded by snow capped peaks. It’s a view that will remain in your memory for ever.

Of course, before any of this can become possible, you will need somewhere to stay. One that has perfect location coupled with true luxury is Aspen Rental Homes and is one of the finest property rentals in the area. It’s designer furnishings, location just a short walk from town and views of Aspen Mountain make it a gem.

Off-site airport parking lots are usually 1-2 miles from the airport itself. These facilities offer an airport shuttle that will take you from the parking center directly to the airport drop-off point on departure. On arrival, these same shuttles will return you directly to your car. Most even offer luggage assistance in addition to refreshments & complementary newspapers. Many of the lots offered covered parking, useful in winter months.

Privately run off-site airport parking facilities are often cheaper than airport-run long-term lots. Travelers can realize savings of 20% or more using the off-site parking garages. For instance, the standard parking rate at Cleveland Hopkins airport is $10 per day. A nearby off-site airport parking facility offers a long term parking rate of $8 per day and offers routine specials discounting the daily rate even further. And if you leave you car with these facilities for a set number of days, the price continues to fall. The San Diego Airport Parking Company offers a rate of $47.50 for a full week of parking. This is a savings of more than 30% from the weekly rate at the economy parking lot at San Diego International.

The savings don’t stop there. Many airport parking lots have an online website where travelers can make reservations and take advantage of online coupons that offer special savings. Frequent flyers can join repeat customer programs to get additional savings and benefits.

Satellite parking lots have other advantages. These parking facilities are offering unique services to make them stand out. USAirport Parking in Denver offers oil changes & windshield repair that’s performed while you’re away. Many facilities are offering car wash & detailing, tire rotation, and other maintenance services.

Anyone that has ever gone on vacation can testify that the most expensive part of traveling is paying for hotels and other accommodations. Some vacations may even last longer if the expenses were not so high. The solution is simple: exchange your home. Most people are not aware of home exchanges and how they can benefit from them. If you wanted to travel to the United Kingdom, but have found the hotels and accommodation to be quite expensive, now you can. You can find a British family who would swap homes with you, rent free. An equal trade on both sides for both families to enjoy the benefits of a home while traveling.

Home exchanges are becoming increasingly popular in major cities everywhere. The participants in home exchanging often have their friends and neighbors take a part in entertaining their visitors by providing the home exchange visitors with information on local sightseeing and attractions. The home exchange is an attractive idea to many families and individual travelers. The families with children can arrange to swap houses with another family with children of similar ages. This way there is no need to cart around a lot of child toys and equipment. The individual traveler finds swapping houses as a great way to relax in the comforts of a home after a day of sightseeing and to have more time to get to know an area better.

Some retired travelers make a great home exchanger because they can be more flexible with dates and the length of the home exchange period. The only major expense on a vacation, when swapping homes, is basically the airfare. An arrangement can also be made to exchange the use of vehicles as well; this can save in renting a car and other traveling expenses, so all you have to pay for is gas. If pets are involved, you may be able to make an arrangement to keep the pet at home and save on boarding fees, if your home exchange partner is willing to take the responsibility.

Even more home insurance companies are more in favor of home exchanges because it’s much safer than leaving your home unoccupied for an extended amount of time and therefore vulnerable to thieves and vandalism. When agreeing to a home exchange, it’s important to make sure that your insurance policy will cover your visitors during their stay in your home. If you’re worried about letting strangers into your home, get to know them before-hand. You can exchange pictures, phone or email your intended partners and share information of area attractions with each other. Be sure to ask questions and clarify any agreements in your communication, so all things are clear. If you need further reassurance, ask for references. You will need to feel comfortable in exchanging homes so that you can enjoy your vacation and not have to worry about leaving your home and all its possessions in the hands of total strangers.

Numerous families have had wonderful experiences with home exchanges, but sometimes problems to arise by a swapping partner who have not met with the others expectations or a family is unhappy with how the swapping partner had treated their house. Although home exchanges are a great chance to enjoy an entire house with the benefits of a full kitchen and laundry facilities for free, you need to be comfortable to those you do the swapping with. Get to know your swapping partner before any permanent arrangements are made.

People who have traveled places would know that the most expensive part of traveling is paying hotel bills. In many cases, vacations cannot last for long mainly because of the sky high accommodation expenses. Holiday home exchange is one of the most simple and intelligent ways to cut down on accommodation expenses. It is an equal trade for both the families and enables both to enjoy the advantages of a home while traveling to another country. However, many people are unaware of the benefits of home exchanges.

Home exchanges have become very popular in major cities in the United Kingdom as it allows you to benefit from time-share. Mostly, people participating in home exchanges prefer to involve their friends or neighbors to entertain their visitors, by providing the home exchange visitors with information regarding the local sightseeing attractions. The idea of home exchange interests a number of families and individual travelers. Many families with children try to swap houses with families who have children of the similar age group. It saves time and energy that is often exhausted in carting around a number of toys and equipment. The individual traveler often finds house swapping a great way of relaxing in the comforts of a home after a tiring day of sightseeing and can spend more time to get to know the area better.

Many retired travelers make great home exchanges, as they are a bit more flexible with dates and the duration of the home exchange period. By far, airfare is considered to be the only major expense on a vacation while swapping homes. Arrangements for exchanging the use of vehicles should also be made to add to the convenience of travelers. In case pets are involved, you may be able to make some arrangements to save on boarding fees, provided your home exchange partner is ready to take care of your pet.

Even home insurance companies favor home exchanges. Such exchanges are often referred to as holiday villa exchanges and make it safer than leaving your home unoccupied for an extended period of time. It is essential to ensure that your insurance policy covers your visitors stay in your home, before you agree to a home exchange. Try to exchange pictures, calls and get to know your visitors, to avoid the fear of letting strangers into your home. Moreover, you can also ask for references to get further reassurance. When exchanging homes it is imperative that you are at ease with doing so. This way you get to enjoy your vacation without worrying about leaving your home and your possessions in the hands of complete strangers.

Many people enjoy vacations with home exchanges. However, some problems might arise among partners who fail to meet one another’s expectations. Though, homes exchanges are a great opportunity to enjoy a new house with a range of amenities, it is important that the home swapping partner should be comfortable with each other. Therefore, it is better to get to know the swapping partner to avoid any regret.

Frequent flier programs are somewhat easy to understand. For each mile that frequent flier customers travel, they earn a mile of frequent flier miles. The catch is that they must travel on the airline that they signed up with. For example, American Airlines frequent fliers do not earn frequent flier miles if they travel on a Delta flight. This is why it is smartest to choose one airline and stick to it, rather than trying to accumulate frequent flier miles with numerous airlines. The more you travel, the more miles you accumulate and the more you are rewarded. Many airlines have levels, such as silver, gold and platinum, to signify the status of frequent fliers. The more one travels, the higher in rank they will rise. If your airline is affiliated with a hotel or rental car service, miles may translate into points, which can be used towards airline tickets, rental car prices, or hotel stays.

Once you have accumulated a certain amount of miles, you will be able to redeem them for rewards. Airlines typically have an 800 number where customers can speak with representatives who are familiar with the frequent flier program. This provides convenience for customers who are looking to redeem frequent flier miles or for customers who may have a question or concern about the program. When redeeming miles for free airline tickets, each mile accumulated is the equivalent of two cents. Therefore, in order to purchase a $200 airline ticket for free, a customer would have to have 10,000 miles accumulated, each worth two cents each.

If you do enroll yourself in a frequent flier program, keep in mind that many programs have a frequently issued newsletter to keep customers abreast of new promotions, offers and partners. There also may be postings on the airline’s website or the frequent flyer program website, if the program has its own website. Also be sure to keep track of the points and miles you have accumulated on your own, in case the airline has a mishap with its system.

So how did the frequent flier program begin? In the early 1980s American Airlines initiated the frequent flier program by introducing a program that rewarded people for frequently flying on American Airlines. The airline used its database to track customers’ travel and keep track of how many miles were covered, this let them know when rewards were to be given. After beginning the program American Airlines teamed up with Hertz Rental Cards and Hyatt Hotels to make it even easier for customers to earn rewards. Soon after other airlines followed and competed with one another to have the most appealing frequent flier program for its customers. This was beneficial to frequent fliers because it created competition between airlines to create the best program, making it better for customers.

After the programs became hugely successful in the United States, the programs expanded to international airlines as well. Some American airlines will team up with airlines in other countries to form alliances. This makes it easier for frequent flyer customers to travel abroad. If a frequent flier is flying in a country where their airline is not available but their airline’s partner airline is available, the customer’s frequent flier miles can transfer over from the miles flown on this flight.

The main goal of the frequent flier program was for airlines to develop and sustain solid relationships with their customers. Frequent fliers will most likely develop a loyalty to their particular airline and will make sure that all their flights are aboard the airline’s planes. Word of mouth is one of the most successful marketing techniques and by gaining loyal, satisfied customers, airlines are increasing the chance that those customers will tell their friends and family how happy they are with the airline.

When you look for a home exchange, don’t worry about searching for a similar house or apartment. Just look for a place that will suit your needs in a destination that meets your interests. Home swapping is increasingly popular in big cities and expensive countries such as the United Kingdom. If you have a home in a vacation area or a large tourist destination city then you will find it easy to locate something that fits your needs. Even if you have a home in the country you can find people to exchange with since many city dwellers are looking for a break from the crowds.

Hotel costs can be a big chunk of your holiday funds so a home exchange will save you money that can be spent on sightseeing, nice dinners, shows or allow you to visit more expensive destinations. Not only will it save money on accommodations but since you will be living at a home you can prepare you own meals. Another cost savings includes pet boarding since many are willing to pet sit for you. Car exchanges can also be arranged and therefore save on car rental expenses.

Switching homes is popular with single travelers, couples and families. If you have a family with small children you may be able to find a family with children of the same age; their home will be kid friendly and the children can use each others’ toys and games. Retirees and those with flexible work schedules find it especially beneficial since they can schedule their trip after they find a suitable home exchange.

Many people worry about letting perfect strangers into their homes which is a valid concern. The most important thing is to get to know your exchange person or family and clarify any matters upfront. You can chat in email, exchange photos and even chat on the phone. If you still want reassurance you can ask for professional references. You should also clarify cleaning expectations since that is one area that can be left to interpretation. You may want to have a third party, such as a family friend, do a walk through of the home at the beginning and end of the home exchange.

Finding a holiday home or hotel for your next vacation doesn’t have to burn a hole in your pocket. Home exchange can be the answer to an affordable and enjoyable vacation.

When choosing a rental car, it is important to choose the most economical and fuel efficient car that meets your needs. Obviously, the size of your family will impact the choice of rental car, but compact and even subcompact cars can be great for motoring around cities, particularly when it comes time to park in those tight spots. In addition, a smaller car will get better gas mileage, which is no small consideration, especially if you plan to do a lot of daily driving. And if you plan to travel far and wide, it may be important to choose a rental deal that provides unlimited miles, since charges for mileage overages can be quite costly.

When it comes to the decision of whether to accept or decline the optional collision coverage on a rental car, always be sure to see if you are already covered elsewhere. For instance, your auto insurance company may already provide insurance coverage for rental cars, as may your credit card company. If you are covered by these policies, there is no need to accept the costly collision insurance offered by the rental car company. And of course you will always want to top off your rental car with gasoline before dropping it off, as refueling charges by rental car companies are generally quite high.

Of course, there is a far less alternative to rental cars that few people take advantage of, but in many cities public transportation can be a far less costly, and far more convenient, alternative to paying to drive, and to park, a rental car. Public transport does not make sense in every location though, many small towns, and even some larger cities have public transportation systems that are infrequent, inefficient, inconvenient or even nonexistent.

In other locations, however, using public transport makes a lot of sense. In New York City, for instance, visitors can buy a pass that is good on all subways, buses and trains. The cost of a weekly pass can be less than what a visitor would pay to rent a car for a single day.

And public transport provides an additional benefit, it frees the tourist from the hassles, and expense, of parking the rental car. Many locations in New York, for instance, charge $20, $30 or even more for parking, and other major cities are almost as costly.

Getting around using public transport is not as difficult as many people imagine either. Many companies, particularly those located in major tourist destinations, publish guides which give the route numbers to popular destinations, and bus drivers and train conductors in these locations are often quite adept at getting tourists where they need to go.

One of the things I have learned over the years is that it is almost always less expensive to fly out of the larger airports than the smaller regional ones. While this is not always the case, and it is not true of every small airport, most larger airports have far more airlines competing for passengers. As we know, more competition generally equals lower prices for passengers.

Many of the larger airports are also home to the low cost carriers that have been such a phenomenon in the industry. While Southwest, Jet Blue and some of the other low cost carriers serve smaller airports, many are left out. The great thing about the incursion of these low cost carriers is that they drive down the prices of the major airlines as well.

So, even if you don’t like the open seating, peanuts only policy of a low cost carrier like Southwest, chances are you can still score a good deal at an airport they serve, even on one of the old line air carriers.

Of course the problem with flying out of major airports is getting there. Many people are in the same situation as myself, which is, they have a small, regional airport nearby, with a couple of major airports a few hours further. What I do whenever I need to fly is compare the cost of flying out of my close regional airport to the price I can get if I fly out of a major city. While I have been able to score some excellent deals from my regional airport, in most cases the difference in fare has been at least $200.

I then must weigh the costs of that cheaper ticket against the convenience of local flying. Usually it makes sense to head to the large airport, particularly if I am buying more than one ticket. At a $200 price differential, it is easy to see how much money can be saved for a family traveling together.

One great trick that too few people take advantage of is booking an airport hotel for the night before your flight. This is especially valuable for those early morning flights and saves you having to get up in the middle of the night and hit the highway. Instead, head down the night before, get a good night’s sleep and take the airport’s shuttle right to the airport door. The extra added bonus of this approach is that in most cases these airport hotels allow their guests to leave their cars at the hotel for the duration of the vacation. In many cases this service is free with the hotel stay, and even in cases where there is a fee involved it is usually much lower than comparable parking at the airport.

So instead of paying $10, $15 or even $20 a day to park at the airport, you have a safe, well lighted place for your car during the trip, plus a comfortable place to spend the night.

I honestly don’t know why more people don’t take advantage of this great way to save big bucks on both airfare and parking costs.

Your budget level mainly depends on the season and the time of the year. Some vacation destinations will be very cheap at some times of the year.

If you want to travel to a popular destination in peak times, you never find it cheap. For instance, planning to stay at luxurious hotel in a party city on New Year’s Eve is not expected to exist as budget holiday, while travel to an established summer resort over New Year’s may be extremely a different story.

The most important thing that you need to realize is that low seasons cost low for a reason. A typical example of this is hurricane season in the Florida and Caribbean. Other low seasons that vary include – very hot regions such as Egypt in summer months, excess heat makes the holiday less enjoyable.

Summer resorts are usually very quiet in low season. This can be the best for recoil, but once it comes to a violent nightlife you may be disappointed.

Travel destinations for the specific season at a low cost:

Winter:

Winter is very interesting time of the year for travelling. Before Christmas, most of the people are trying to do final shopping trips. So, after the festival, most individuals are dealing with the bills of credit cards so that, holidays on far off beaches are often incredibly cheap during the winter period.

Asia is a great destination for winter months. Probably the flight costs will decrease and they offer various discounts. In Asia weather varies greatly in winter season. The climate in Asia is surrounded by snow in just one minute and then suddenly you will see glorious sunshine. These conditions make lot of visitors cancel their trips. Hence there are some exceptional bargains for those who want to take the risk.

Shoulder season:

This season is a perfect time to travel for those individuals who want to get a glad medium among low and peak seasons. Recognizing where is in shoulder season when you like travelling or when your preferred destination is in shoulder season can save you hundred of dollars.

Take a glance at guided books. Even they don’t tell you when the shoulder season is, just they inform you when low and peak seasons are. The time in between is referred to as shoulder season.

The best travel destinations in shoulder season are Caribbean in late spring and Europe in the fall.

Fall:

Fall is the best season to travel to Europe. You will find flight tickets for many Europe popular destinations at a cheaper cost. From October onwards you will get tickets at low cost. Temperature is also perfectly pleasant until the mid of November. So, take a trip yourself for fall in Europe.

Summer:

It is very hard to find discount in summer. Americans, Europeans, and Japanese are all on the move. This is a peak time for weddings, thus honeymoon destinations are also in great deal of demand.

In early summer days, i.e. in between June and July, you will get a good deal for Caribbean destinations. It is better to book before Europeans begin to flood during the school holidays at the end of July.

Also, the period between June and September is a good option. Safari holidays are good choice for this period. During the summer months, you will get the flight deals at a reasonable cost in Southeast Asia. But, during this period the climate will be very hot. So, it is better to avoid this destination during summer season.

Finally, you knew which season is best for travelling to the specific destinations. You can choose the destination depending on the season and at a reasonable cost. Visit Travelers Zone

As a matter of fact, for the past several years the low cost air carriers have been the only ones able to turn a profit. While many traditional airlines are struggling to make a profit,have been profitable almost from their inception. In addition, low cost airlines have helped to lower prices across the board in the airline industry.When a low cost air carrier starts flying out of a specific destination, the traditional airlines often have little choice but to lower their prices in response to the new competition. This has helped make air travel affordable for a large segment of the population that had never before been able to take advantage of the option of flying.

When low cost airlines first began operations, they kept costs lower primarily by cutting out the extras; anything that did not focus directly on getting passengers where they were going on time was cut back or eliminated. For instance, where traditional air carriers served entire meals, low cost carriers offered bags of peanuts or boxes of snacks. Most low cost carriers also cut out movies and entertainment on their flight, although low cost Jet Blue was the first to offer live television on their planes for a low fee. The irony in this situation is that traditional airlines have begun to cut back on these very items, with many traditional carriers now offering no meal service at all, or charging fees for the meals they do serve.

What all this means to the budget minded traveler is that airfare costs can be much lower than in the past. While airfares still do fluctuate widely, it is generally possible to find a reasonable price for destinations around the country and around the world.

The key, of course, is to shop early and shop well. The internet provides a great way to search for the lowest airfares. Every low cost and traditional airline has its own web site, and it is important to check these web sites often for prices to your particular destination. There are also a number of comparison web sites where you can simply type in the originating and destination airports and the web site provides the lowest fares on various airlines.In many cases the lowest price will be a low cost carrier, but the increased level of competition means that the lowest price will sometimes be with a traditional carrier as well.

The lowest airfares, both on low cost airlines and traditional ones, are often those that are booked at least a month ahead. Fares for last minute flights are often extraordinarily high, even on the low cost carriers. So the key to getting the best deal is to shop early.

There are various kinds of home swapping practices you can consider. In the traditional, the exchange partner goes on a trip and stays in their primary residence. For those who occupy several homes, non-simultaneous exchanges frees them from worrying about arranging dates and traveling simultaneously.  Here exchange partners occupy a vacation home while the other family continues to reside in their own home. In hospitality exchange, the exchange partners alternate as guests in their respective homes.

If your target is a specific destination, you can succeed in finding the right property if you would work with an agency based on the area you are considering. You are more likely to find an available house than looking for one in a global network. For example, Home Base Holidays if you plan to trade houses in the U.K. or Aussie House Swap if you are going to Australia or New Zealand.

However, home swapping is not suitable for everyone. Some people like to swap and does it several times in a year because it offers them the opportunity to travel to new places without spending for hotels, restaurants, or transportation costs. Likewise, this can also give you an opportunity to integrate the culture of the local community, since the practice involves providing information about the area and introduction of newcomers to neighbors or friends.

For some people, however, they feel awkward or uncomfortable cooking or cleaning during their vacation. Others do not like strangers staying in their homes. Bear in mind that arranging home swaps can be easy or difficult depending on the location of your property. If your home is located in the city, it is unlikely that you will trade your home on the outskirts of the country, unless there is a valid reason.

On the other hand, if your place is located in a popular destination such as Orlando or Manhattan, it provides you with a wide range of options. If you live in a remote area, it is still possible to swap your home. However, you will need to exert a little more effort.

Home trade is suitable for slow travelers who will travel for a short period of time. It is ideal if your length of stay is from one day to four weeks. Ideally, this is for those who are going on a trip for one day of for the weekend. The host partner will do the introductions to friends and the community. This can give you an assurance of security and likewise makes you comfortable in unfamiliar territory, and can help you immediately immerse yourself in the culture of the community where you are staying.

However, just like vacation rentals, swapping homes is a do-it-yourself endeavor unless there are maids at hand. One disadvantage of home trade is that your options can be limited and you have to be open minded in the choice of date, location, or property. Home exchange is more affordable than staying in a hotel room.

When the movie, “The Holiday”, starring Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, and Jack Black hit the big screen in December 2006, many Americans became aware of home exchange programs. However, the Europeans have been using home exchange programs for more than 50 years.

Basically, there are two types of exchange programs: home exchange and hospitality exchange. With home exchange, you swap houses with another interested party. They stay in your home, while you stay in theirs. With hospitality exchange, you host visitors in your home for a specified period of time, than they host you in their home for the same amount of time.

Most people prefer using a home exchange opposed to hospitality exchange, as they feel somewhat awkward inviting guests they do not know to stay with them. And, while you might be somewhat apprehensive to allow strangers into your home unattended, most home exchange programs encourage you to develop a personal relationship with the individuals long before the exchange takes place.

According to statistics, more than 250,000 successful exchanges occur annually. The majority of established home exchange organizations require a membership fee. These generally range from $50 to $200 per year.

This fee allows you to post information about your home, including photos. In your listing, you can list specific details such as whether your home is pet-friendly, allows indoor smoking, is handicap accessible, and what amenities are included. Additionally, you can include a detailed description of the type of home and location of where you would like to visit.

Using a home exchange service provides you with more flexibility than booking a hotel reservation or searching for a apartment on your own. It also provides you with the opportunity to meet new friends and offers the benefit of knowing your home is being looked after while you are away. It also allows you to stay in a nice home for free!

Every home exchange is unique and dependent upon developing a relationship of mutual goodwill and trust. Obviously, there are some risks involved. But, there are also risks involved with booking a hotel reservation or locating a apartment rental. The difference is that the people you are exchanging homes with are taking the same risk.

There are many reputable home exchange services available via the Internet. To locate the different organizations, type in “Home Exchange Service” at your favorite search engine and begin researching the ones of interest to you.

You’ll want to spend several hours conducting research on each organization before making your final decision. Visit each website in order to determine which service offers the types of homes in locations you desire. Once you have made your selection, sign-up as a member and begin entering your information. If you are new to home exchanging, I suggest you consider investing in Home Exchange Academy. This is an excellent guide written by a very experienced home exchanger of more than twenty five years. She takes you by the hand and walks you through the entire process from how to select the club that right for you to how to conduct yourself on the home exchange. The author, Athena Rickby has absolutely no ties with any home exchange organization and her guide tells you this. She simply provides a ton of good information and many refer to Home Exchange Academy as the “home exchanger’s bible.”

Never, ever exaggerate information about your home. If you reside in a small home out in the middle of “nowhere”, you might be surprised at how many people are looking for a place where they can get away from it all. Focus on providing information about the benefits staying in your home will offer to potential visitors, and be honest about what type of home you own.

Home exchangers consist of people from all walks of life. Some are single, others are married, and many have children. You can decide what type of person you prefer to exchange with and how long you would like to exchange. Generally, it takes four to six months to complete the transaction, so allow plenty of lead time.

If you do your research and plan ahead, you can potentially save thousands of dollars in accommodation expenses by using a home exchange service. Give it a try. You just might discover a new way to explore the world!

Jet lag, simply defined, is fatigue and disorientation caused by extensive air travel that crosses a number of time zones. In addition to fatigue and disorientation, you can experience other symptoms with jet lag. One symptom you can experience is broken sleep once you reach your destination. Like a newborn baby, your body may confuse your days and nights. It could take days to readjust your body to the new time zone. If you’re on a vacation, this could completely change your plans. If you’re traveling for business, this could make business impossible. Another symptom you could experience is confusion and fuzziness. This could make you less aware of your surroundings, which could cause safety issues in an unfamiliar location. You might also experience dehydration with jet lag. This can make you more susceptible to illness, which can ruin any vacation or business trip.

There are a number of tactics for dealing with jet lag. First, before you ever leave the airport is one of the most important times to deal with jet lag. Make sure everything you need to take care of is dealt with in the manner it should be. This can help improve your mood and emotions. Stress can only contribute to jet lag, as can exhaustion. Being tired or having a hangover can make this worse. Be sure to get lots of exercise, too. This can help you to avoid sickness, and it can help your body adjust to the time changes you will be facing. If you do get ill, like with the flu or a cold, it might be a good idea to postpone the trip as long as possible. If you must, though, be sure to bring medications along to treat your illness, as it can be difficult to find those medications once you have reached your destination.

You may want to consider both which way you are flying and what time of day you are flying. There are a number of old tales that say it is better to fly east or west or that it is better to fly during the day or during the night. It is only a matter of personal preference as to which works best for you.

Drinking plenty of fluids is a good way to avoid dehydration. As dehydration sets in, the blood capacity is lessened, and the ability of your blood to carry oxygen is depressed. If dehydration continues long enough, it can cause a dip in blood pressure, along with dizziness, nausea, or fainting. Essentially these are the same symptoms as heat exhaustion. Continuing past this point may cause heat stroke. If heat stroke occurs during dehydration, the body temperature rises. During heat stroke, the body no longer sweats. Serious consequences like seizure, coma, and death can be the result of untreated heat stroke because not only does the blood carry oxygen to muscles, it also carries it to the brain and other vital organs. Symptoms of dehydration include thirst, infrequent urination, fatigue, and dry skin. It is best to drink as many fluids as possible.

You might also consider some sleeping aids while you are traveling to prevent jet lag. If you must rely on medication, do so only under the advice of a doctor. Otherwise, try things like blindfolds, soothing music, ear plugs, or blow up pillows that airlines offer. You might even consider taking your shoes off on the plane for maximum comfort.

One final thing that can help you with jet lag is to get plenty of exercise before, during, and after the flight. Running and other exercise are the ways of helping the body cope with the stresses it is facing. Even if you have to do some simple plane exercises, you too can combat the jet lag. Some plane exercises include holding your carry on bag as close to your body as possible at a ninety degree angle. Do a few bicep curls. That should give you a good workout. If you can, balance the bag on your ankles and do a few leg lifts. Try a simple walk around the cabin. It might be difficult, but if nothing else, it should help you to stretch your legs. You can also try placing the palms of your hands together. Push as hard as you can and hold the position as long as possible. Then try grabbing the nearest book. Hold your arms out flat with the book on top. Hold the position as long as you can. Rest for a few minutes and then repeat. Finally, stretch each muscle of your body any way you can. One important thing to note as you try your exercises is to be respectful of the passengers around you.

There is another way, however, to enjoy these upscale resorts for a fraction of their in season costs. Many ski resort locations stay open all year round, and the prices of lodging, meals and local entertainment often drops precipitously after winter has passed.

Visiting a ski resort in the middle of the summer does not mean there will be nothing to do. In fact, many people prefer visiting these resorts in the off season, since their mountain locations provides for a comfortable, activity packed getaway.

For instance, most ski resorts have ample hiking trails through beautiful mountain vistas. All those great cross country ski trails become wonderful hiking and biking trails after the snow has melted, and the scenery can be even more spectacular, and more comfortable, without the cold and snow of winter.

Besides hiking and biking, there are a great many other activities to be offered as well, including horseback riding, fishing, swimming, and other outdoor activities. In addition, many ski resorts use their ski lifts as fun summer sky rides, and open their slopes to such summertime activities as tobogganing down the side of the mountain. The kids in particular love these fun rides.

Another great thing about visiting a ski resort area in summer is that the mountain location often means cooler temperatures. Even when the lowland temperature is stiflingly hot, the temperature in the mountains can be refreshingly cool and comfortable. Of course, it is important to check the monthly weather for your destination and to avoid the rainy season

There are ski resorts in many states around the country, and the northeastern and western parts of the country have a great wealth of these resorts. While many of them stay open year round and offer a host of off season activities, not all do, so it is important to verify the summer activities of the resort you are considering.

It is also a good idea to research the activities that are offered by each resort. With the concentration of ski resorts in some areas of the country, it will be easy to compare the various offerings and choose the one that best suits your individuals needs.

It is also important to research the surrounding area and see what else there is to do when you are not at the resort. While many ski resorts have plenty of activities to keep you busy for days, you will probably want to venture off the property at least a few times.

While you may have to hunt around for the best deal that you can get from these different airlines you will see the various packages, low cost tickets, and no frills airline cheap dirt ticket prices as well. This information gathering can be quite valuable as many of us tend to stick with one or two airlines that we know about.

For the person who is on a low budget or someone who is feeling adventurous, making travel plans with an airline that is offering airline cheap dirt ticket prices and packages is the best way to get our holidays started. The first and foremost reason will be the amount of money that has been saved with booking airline tickets from an airline that is offering dirt cheap tickets.

When you have finally chosen the airline that will give you the best deal you must see about securing the rest of your travel plans. This usually means planning your schedule so that you can leave for your holidays with a minimum amount of trouble. Besides getting your travel dates and hotels booked you will need to see about securing your airline reservations.

As you are looking through the many details for your flight schedule you should confirm if you are getting an airline cheap dirt ticket price. Any discrepancies in the amount of money that you will have to pay should be fixed before you finally pay the full amount of the various tickets.

Once you have received your final ticket details you should read through everything before you go home. You should ask if there is anyway that you can change your ticket if your traveling plans should change. As you are buying an airline cheap dirt ticket you should understand that you may have to buy a new ticket if you do happen to change your travel plans.

Since many airlines have cheap tickets to accommodate their various customers you can always be sure that you are going to be able to find such an airline cheap dirt ticket as well. Whether you will want to continue your journey with these types of tickets will depend on the service that you receive on these airlines.

I always used to buy my PG Tips from a company in Pennsylvania, then I found a better price in California, now Amazon have started selling groceries, my research shows that they have much the best price. As I write, Amazon are selling a case of two boxes, each containing 240 bags of pyramid PG Tips (total of 480 tea bags) for $32.35. Add to that their free Supersaver Shipping and Amazon are definitely the winners! Click Here to see their sales page.

I’ve also just noticed they have a “Grocery Back To School Offer”. Save 25% when you enter code PGTPS343 at checkout. AND if you set up a future delivery schedule (you can cancel at any time) you will save another 15%.

With Free Shipping and the two options I’ve listed above, you will save a whopping 40% Your two boxes of 240 PG Tips teabags will cost you just $19.41. I challenge you to beat THAT!

A currency will be either free floating or pegged. A pegged currency is fixed by the government relative to the value of another currency. For example, the Hong Kong dollar in the 1980’s was fixed or pegged relative to the US dollar and always worth a set percentage of the currency it was pegged to. A free floating currency is allowed to fluctuate in value relative to all the other currencies on the foreign exchange market. When discussing currency people also refer to the nominal exchange rate, and the real exchange rate. The nominal rate is the rate at which a currency of one country can be traded for the currency of another. The real rate is the rate at which goods and services of one country can be traded for the goods and services of another. If, for example, the price of a product increases by ten percent in the US and there is a ten percent appreciation in the Canadian economy against US currency, the price of the product would remain constant for Canadians despite the US price increase. This is of course assuming that no tariffs are involved.

As a practical matter exchange rates will change from country to country and can be used to make travel and tourism more attractive in certain countries at certain times, so if there are several countries you’d like t visit and you have a flexible schedule, keep an eye on the exchange rates. If a person is a visitor in New York City it is easy to see how people in other countries follow this rule. At certain times the city of New York will be flooded with visitors from Germany, France, the UK, or Japan. The reason for this is quite simple. When the exchange rate favors the Japanese or the Europeans, then visiting America becomes much cheaper for them than at other times. If for instance, one thousand Euros, due to a favorable exchange rate, will purchase twelve hundred Euros in value, then they have a net twenty percent gain and a twenty percent cash incentive to visit the US. In recent years this exchange rate has usually worked in favor of Europeans, but in years past it worked in favor of Americans. For instance, before the Euro became the standard currency of Europe, Italy used lira, Germany the deutsche mark, Switzerland the Swiss franc, Austria the schilling, and France the French franc. In the early 1980’s the exchange rate was five French francs to the dollar, two and a half Swiss francs to the dollar, one thousand lira to the dollar, and two and a half schillings to the dollar on average. The German mark was fluctuating, anywhere from 1.7 marks to the dollar to 2.5 marks to the dollar, so when the dollar was worth 2.5 marks Americans would be ahead to trade in their dollars for marks. When the rate was 1.7 they were better off not spending German marks.

Keeping an eye on exchange rates will always benefit the traveler. Even if you are just crossing the border to visit our neighbors to the North in Canada or the South in Mexico, knowing what the normal value of the other nation’s currency is, and planning your trip for when the fluctuation is in your favor will increase spending power.

The Hometown Getaway

Who says that the only remedy for the hustle and bustle of life is a full-fledged vacation? On the contrary, your hometown is full of amazing sights and sounds that you, with a bit of creativity and know-how, can turn into a magical getaway, without crossing the city limits!

The Hometown Jungle Expedition

While your hometown may not be a tropical rainforest habitat, it is bound to host a large number of city and also municipal parks. Some of these parks will even offer nature walks! Check out the phonebook for a listing under “nature center” and you may be well on your way to a hometown jungle expedition.

If you are planning this trip with your children, this is a wonderful opportunity to incorporate some hands-on learning experiences. Have a backpack for each member of the expedition, complete with binoculars, paper, pencils, collection jar, and magnifying glass. Encourage the children to “spy” flora or fauna before you do, and you will be well on your way to having a relaxing afternoon at the park. If you remember to pack a picnic lunch, you will be able to spend most of the day in the “wild.”

The Hometown Fishing Trip

Granted, your hometown probably does not sport lakes as rich in trout as Colorado’s Lake John, but looking on the bright side, it won’t take you six hours of bumpy roads to get there either. Contact your local wildlife and game department for fishing reports pertaining to your area.

If you are fortunate enough to live close to the ocean, you will be able to enjoy a leisurely fishing trip to the local pier, followed by a relaxing dinner. If you live in a city that has several lakes within a short driving distance, you will be able to choose from any of these locations to cast a pole into the waters.

This may even be the perfect time to take out the RV for a last late summer or early fall weekend trip before storing it for the winter! Taking your family to a local RV park can be a real treat. This takes off the stress of packing for a long distance trip since you will be camping right around the corner.

The Hometown Gourmet Extravaganza

Unless you live in Las Vegas, your hometown getaway will probably not include a trip to the Mandalay Bay’s famous buffet, but this is no reason to stop you from having a gourmet experience within city limits! If you budget wisely, you will be able to have breakfast at the local hot spot, a cup of coffee or tea a little way down the plaza, complete with the possibility of soaking in the morning rays while leisurely reading the paper. If you’re up to it, try a different restaurant for lunch and dinner.

There are several family restaurants that offer entertainment as well as fine dining. The Elephant Bar offers a refreshing décor, with a safari environment. Or enter through a cave shaped aquarium to the jungle themed restaurant known as the Rainforest Café. While you’re eating enjoy the swinging monkeys, active volcanoes, and the dimming lights while thunder roars overhead. Children will especially enjoy the Rainforest Shop where they can purchase souvenirs.

The trick to a successful hometown gourmet getaway is to choose restaurants you do not usually visit. This adds a touch of adventure, and you may quite possibly discover your new favorite hangout!

Hopefully you are inspired to look to your hometown for a wonderful getaway opportunity. Get to know your surroundings! Who knows, when looking at your hometown through the eyes of a tourist, you may discover sights and sounds so enticing that next year you decide to vacation at home, at the perfect hometown getaway within four hours of your front door!

Over and over I’m receiving puzzled, disappointed, frequently frustrated reports from ExchangeHomes members who tell me they are sending out home exchange inquiry emails, never to receive a reply. I in turn send emails to some of the members who were contacted and also never receive a reply. I then phone them and in every single case they claim to have never received any of these emails.

I ask if they check their spam folders regularly—no, they either click to empty them occasionally without ever checking the contents, or have them set to purge automatically after x-amount of days.

People simply don’t realize that these days, the majority of email programs compare the addresses of incoming emails against a) the recipient’s “Friends List” and b) their stored list of email addresses. If the email address of the incoming mail doesn’t find a match in either of these, it’s immediately discarded to their spam folder.

I completely understand that sorting through all the spam mail is frustrating, but all that is usually required is a careful review of the subject lines—opening and reading each one certainly isn’t necessary. Make a habit of actually reviewing the contents of your spam folder because you could be missing out on some great home exchange opportunities.

If you want to go the lower cost route while traveling, it is definitely a good plan to generate a travel budget.  Determine the approximate costs and prioritize the different portions of your trip, such as hotel, airfare, car rental, visiting attractions and sights, food, and gasoline.  Once you have a good idea of what you want to spend on each part of your trip, then you need to begin shopping around for the best deals.

When it comes time for you to formulate a budget for travel, you should first prioritize by deciding what is most important to you and what you can cut back on.  For example, while some travelers would rather spend a more on a higher class of accommodations, others would rather save money by staying at lower priced hotels or motels splurge on sightseeing or their food budget for the family.

Once you have prioritized the elements of your trip, begin researching what the best deals are.  Often, discounted admission rates on area attractions are the most common and easiest to find, since many theme parks, museums and other attractions run specials to draw tourists.

To get big discounts on local attractions, the best place to start is the Internet, specifically the web site of whatever attraction you want to visit.  Often you will find great deals online, such as two-for-one deals, free admission for children, special reduced admission days, even discounts on food and lodging.  

There are other ways to get great discounts.  If you are in the military, a senior citizen or a member of an organization such as AAA, you will find that there are many discounts available to you.  Most AAA offices sell discounted tickets for theme parks, museums and other attractions within driving distance, and most AAA offices sell discounted tickets to popular destinations like the Walt Disney World Resort, too.  The secret to making the most of your travel budget is to research and take advantage of any discounts available.

If you plan to drive your car on your trip, make sure you get it serviced so that it is in good condition before you leave.  Something small like under-inflated tires or worn spark plugs or brake pads can affect your gas mileage and increase your fuel budget.

A good tip for keeping your fuel spending under control is to invest in a map of your destination.  It will keep you from getting lost and therefore wasting gas.  Being able to find your way to and from the hotel or other destinations without trouble will make your vacation less stressful and less costly.

No matter how work to save money on your next vacation, planning a budget and adhering to it will let you enjoy your vacation more, and worry about the costs less.

For several years my husband and I have solved this dilemma by taking out a membership with a company called SitterCity. In marketing-speak, Sittercity.com is the largest and most trusted online source for child care, pet care, senior care, housekeeping and tutoring with more than a million caregiver profiles nationwide.

SitterCity is where you can go to find trustworthy babysitters, pet sitters, nannies and other care providers within a few miles of your city. In Dallas, for example, we’ve got more than 24,000 caregivers! Unlike smaller sites, they have hundreds of thousands of care providers across the country to make it easy to find the right sitter for your needs!

As I said earlier, my husband and I always use them when we are home exchanging. We insist upon our exchange partners having at least half of their days in our home free of the responsibility of caring for our collection of pets. If they ask for more, that’s fine too. The SitterCity pet sitter has a definite schedule of days set up and comes to the house twice or three times each day, depending upon how late at night our exchange partners expect to return.

We always provide them with the current sitter’s contact information so that they can get in touch with her should there ever be an emergency, or they will be away from the house longer than anticipated.

This worked out particularly well during our last exchange because it allowed our exchange partners to use our house as a base camp and take several overnight trips away.

But it gets even better. The Sittercity membership gives us access to their entire range of pet sitters, babysitters, nannies and other care providers. If the visiting family has children we can set them up with a baby sitter that we know will be reliable and are often skilled in areas like early childhood education, CPR, and first aid.

Sittercity is also less pricey than using a babysitting agency and lets you search for sitters in your area before you ever have to sign up for their service. That way you can be sure that there are sitters in your area whom you would like to contact before spending a dime.

Because Sittercity is a matchmaking service only, it does not charge any fees for using care providers found on the site! Just your monthly fee for use and you are ready!

One great way to score free flights without tediously collecting frequent flier miles is to get yourself bumped off of the flight on which you are booked.

While getting bumped won’t make your current flight free, it will traditionally score you a free ticket you can use at a later date of your choosing.

Getting bumped is such a popular money saving strategy that there is a definite art and science behind it. Remember that you may not be the only person on your flight hoping to get bumped. It is important to follow the guidelines listed below to increase your chances.

- Book your flight with the intention of getting bumped. For instance, you may want to choose one of the first flights of the day, knowing that you will be able to get on a later flight after you are bumped and still reach your destination.

- Always ask if the flight is overbooked. It may be a good idea to call your travel agent the night before the scheduled flight to inquire. Always ask the gate agent if the flight is overbooked as soon as you arrive and let him or her know you will volunteer to be bumped.

- Always pack a flight schedule for your departure and destination airport. Be sure to get a schedule that includes all airlines, not just the one on which you are booked.

- Always arrive at the airport at least 90 minutes prior to scheduled departure. Try to be the first one in the check in line. Being the first in line will ensure that you are the first on the list of volunteers to be bumped.

- Before you agree to be bumped, be sure that the airline will offer a free ticket or other significant compensation. Individual airline policies vary, so be sure you know what is being offered.

- Some airlines offer vouchers in $100 increments, according to the time you must wait for another flight. For instance, a one hour wait entitles you to a $100 voucher, two hours means you get $200, etc.

- Before accepting your free ticket or travel voucher, let the gate agent know that you need to be sure of your arrangements for your current flight. Always make sure you are holding a confirmed reservation and boarding pass for a later flight before signing the agreement and accepting the free ticket.

- Tell the gate agent that you want a guaranteed, confirmed reservation on the next flight to your destination.

- If there are no guaranteed seats available on the next flight, inform the agent that you want a guaranteed seat on another airline.

- Use the flight schedule you packed to choose an alternative flight and airline.

- If the wait for the next flight exceeds two hours, ask the gate agent for meal vouchers. Most airlines make these vouchers available, but they do not always offer them without being asked.

- If you get bumped from your next flight, you could score another free ticket. It pays to be flexible any time you are flying on a budget.

- Remember there are no hard and fast rules everyone must follow. There are some regulations, but each airline sets its own policy with regard to bumping policy and compensation.

- The bumping rules are generally different for international flights, so be sure to ask the airline about their policies before volunteering.

 

1. Have a valid passport and all visas required for your trip. Make two copies of your passport. Keep one in a separate part of your travel luggage and the other leave with someone at home.

2. Be aware of any travel warnings for the country you are visiting. Find out about security and safety conditions in your destination.

3. Secure travel insurance!

4. Ensure you have been vaccinated against any infectious diseases prominent in the area you will be traveling to.

5. To make sure you can be contacted in case of an emergency, make a copy of your itinerary and leave it with someone at home.

6. Travel light and don’t pack valuables that you wouldn’t want to lose. Leave your jewelry at home but take an extra pair of glasses if you can’t live without them.

7. Remember you are a foreigner when you travel. You are a guest in their country and therefore should abide by their laws, and to a certain extent, their customs. For example, if you are a female traveling in an Islamic state, be considerate of your dress. 

8. Try not to bring too much attention to yourself when traveling. Don’t go out looking like a tourist with a flashy camera and expensive clothes. Try to blend into the scenery.

9. Travel in a group where possible and in well known areas. There will be times you want to get off the tourist track, so make sure you always have a traveling companion with you.

10. Only carry small amounts of cash on you. Your credit card and travelers checks will pay for most things.

11. Watch out for pickpockets! Wear a money belt and keep your purse/wallet in the front of your body. Report any loss or theft immediately to the local authorities.

12. Don’t leave your luggage unattended. Apart from having it stolen or items from it taken, you could also become an unsuspecting drug courier.

13. If traveling with a partner, pack half your clothes in their luggage and vice versa. This way if one of you loses your luggage, you will still have some clothes. 

14. Lock your luggage and label everything.

15. Lock your hotel room. Keep money and valuables with you, not left unattended in your room.

16. When using public transport be aware of possible theft. If you are traveling overnight, secure your luggage and sleep on top of it if possible. It is not uncommon for tourists to be drugged while on trains and buses so don’t accept gifts of food or drink from strangers on public transport. 

 

If at any time you feel unsafe, whether it is on the streets or in your accommodation, get out. Follow your instincts. Stay safe when you travel by being aware of the dangers and obeying the laws of the country you are visiting.

 

This article is brought to you by: Stuart S. Travel – Your Online Travel Guru

www.stuartstravel.com

The fall of the year is the time when the kids are heading back to school and anxious travelers are no longer dreaming of beach resort towns.

For the smart budget traveler, however, the autumn season offers some tremendous opportunities for lower prices, smaller crowds and an overall better vacation value.

The very items cited above make fall a great time for budget minded travelers to head to some of the best known resorts and enjoy lower prices on airfares, rental cars, food and hotel rooms.

Every vacation destination has its own high and low season, but the autumn of the year has the advantage of being the off season for both summer and winter destinations.

For instance, while winter is the high season for ski resort towns and other winter destinations, the mountain locations of these resorts often mean that skiing and other activities are available in late autumn, while prices for lodging, meals and rental cars are still much lower.

Likewise, resorts and travel destinations that enjoy great popularity in the summer months are still quite pleasurable, and often more so, in the fall of the year. For instance, autumn offers such benefits as cooler temperatures and fewer crowds in addition to lower prices.

The same restaurant at which reservations were impossible to come by in the busy summer months may suddenly be available in the fall, and that pricey summer hotel room may be quite affordable once summer has ended.

When looking for the best possible deal on fall travel, it is important to thoroughly research your particular destination. While fall is the off season for most locations, this is not true for every destination.

Be sure that there really are better values in the autumn season before booking your trip.

It is also important to check the weather, including average temperatures and average rainfall levels, for your fall travel destination. After all, lower autumn prices will do you no good if rain or uncomfortable temperatures ruin your long anticipated vacation.

If the average temperature and precipitation levels are to your liking, it is time to start searching for the perfect fall travel deals. The obvious first place to start for many people is the internet.

There are a number of very good web sites and newsgroups devoted to the best in budget travel, and they are a great place to start.

It is also important to start planning early for your fall vacation. While the heat of summer is still around, be sure to start shopping for the best fall deals.

Airlines often start promoting their lower fall airfares while summer is still in full swing, and it is important to act fast to get the lowest fares. The same goes for rental cars and hotel rooms, and those fall specials are often snapped up very quickly by other budget minded travelers.

There are many ways to save money, avoid unnecessary cost, ensure you take care of details end up a smart and perceptive traveler. Travel planning is easier that you might think and here are eight great budget travel tips for making your travel dollar go further!

1. Cushion your budget – When considering a trip or planning budget travel, it is important to plan for the unexpected and consider the financial side of things early on. This ensures affordability, liquidity and having the resources to enjoy it to the fullest! Plan for the worst-case financial scenario and prepare for things to cost a little more than you expected. Allow up to 20% increase in cost to be on the safe side of things.

2. Emergency money: Carrying some spare cash somewhere can also be a lifesaver. The rule of thumb seems to be around $50-$100 in small bills. This can be used for incidentals, ground-transportation like cab fare and/or your return home, tips and more.

3. Set your priorities: Set some budget travel spending priorities and criteria in advance, like eating at a special restaurant or attending a concert, even if this means sacrificing a bit on lodgings or visa versa, depending on what is more important to you.

4. Keep an eye on your credit cards: It is extremely easy these days to have access to your financial resources through ATM’s and credit cards. Just remember that it is just as easy to overspend because of it being so readily available. A little discipline will go a long way to protect your financial interest and help you stick to your travel budget.

5. Maximize gas mileage and efficiency: If you’re planning a road trip, make sure that your car has been serviced at least a week before your trip. A well-maintained vehicle will go a long way to ensure carefree driving. If your budget allows, you may consider renting a vehicle to save wear and tear on your own. Small economy cars are better on gas and are much more comfortable than they used to be. Minivans and sport utility vehicles are practical only if you have to transport a large family with a lot of equipment or luggage.

6. Gas fill-ups: For filling up your car en route, avoid pushing to the limit until the gas runs out. Gas will obviously be more expensive when filling up in remote locations. If you miscalculated and the light on the dashboard indicates that you are really in need, opt for filling just half a tank until you reach the next more densely or major populated destination, where gas might be a little cheaper.

7. Pack-a-snack: Bring your own refreshments and snacks. Gas station prices on drinks and snack food are high. Avoid these during a pit stop, if you are counting your budget travel dollars. A cooler packed with lots of cool drinks, water and ice and/or a thermos of coffee or hot water for tea, some fruit, granola bars, or a sandwich, goes a long way to still the hunger and save you money by avoiding all high priced stops en route.

8. Travel necessities: It is advisable to travel with basic necessities, like a cell phone and a first aid kit, since both can prove to be essential in emergencies. Most people have cell phones at their disposal, but in the event that you are not one of them, a prepaid cell phone may be the answer for your trip. The peace of mind it offers is worth the small investment. Cell phones can also save on hefty surcharges and higher long distance rates that hotels and resorts often charge.

Budget Travel Tip # 1
Eating with the locals instead of the tourists. This way, you will save some money and enjoy the local food at the same time. Restaurants or eateries that are popular with local residents tend to be the ones with the best meals at a low or reasonable price.

Budget Travel Tip # 2
For a quick and economical breakfast, pick up a roll, some fresh cold cuts and a piece of fruit from the local market. Then enjoy a delicious sandwich and a cup of coffee in the local park. Take in the view and local life around you. You may end up with some great photos while at it.

Budget Travel Tip # 3
When eating out, choose the fixed price menu and the house wine for the best value. These dishes are often a good way to sample the local cuisine.

Budget Travel Tip # 4
Overnight trains are a great way to get from place-to-place and rest or sleep. During your budget travel in Europe, be sure to bring a meal, bottle of water and snack along. That way, you can save money and enjoy your packed meal.

Budget Travel Tip # 5
Snap away! Take loads of pictures of the people you meet during your budget travel in Europe. If you are using film camera, develop them when you get back home as developing at tourist locations can be expensive. Of course, if you are using a digital camera, you can take as many shots and print only your favorite ones.

Budget Travel Tip # 6
Find a website that offers some photographs of local attractions or upload your own from your digital camera. Personalize these shots with an epostcard and email them back to family and friends at home.

Budget Travel Tip # 7
Learn a few basic words of the local language. It will be easier and cheaper to buy things.

Budget Travel Tip # 8
When making large purchases, it is always best to use a credit card. That way you cash lasts longer.

Budget Travel Tip # 9
Like credit cards, ATM cash transactions provide the best exchange rates. You will avoid the sometimes costly fees charged by hotels and currency services when you need cash.

Budget Travel Tip # 10
Many travel locations provide student discounts, senior discounts, etc. If you are not sure a, always ask.

Budget Travel Tip # 11
Plan your budget travel wisely. There are some inexpensive souvenirs that you can get from your budget travel in Europe. For example, stickers, fridge magnets or postcards. For more expensive purchases, remember that the further you go from the tourist attraction, the less expensive the souvenirs will be.

Budget Travel Tip # 12
Go on a tour of the city. A bus pass or subway token is a great avenue for meeting the local people and sightseeing. The public transportation service of most European cites is efficient, clean, safe and easy to navigate.

Budget Travel Tip # 13

Do a Home Exchange!

Keeping costs low while traveling is important, whether you are a solo traveler seeing the world for the first time or a family with a carload full of kids heading for the beach or the theme park.

When it comes to coming up with a travel budget, the first step should be to decide what is important to you and where you can cut back a bit.

For instance, some travelers are comfortable spending a bit more for a better class of hotel, while others prefer to save money by using budget accommodations and spend the money they saved on sightseeing or a special meal for the family.

As with other aspects of finance, it is a good idea to create a travel budget. Determine a budget for the various aspects of your vacation, such as hotel, airfare, rental cars, sightseeing, gasoline, etc. Once you have a good idea of what each element of the vacation should cost, it is time to start shopping around for the best deals.

Once you have determined what is most important to you, it is time to start determining how to get the best deals. Often, admission deals on area attractions are the easiest to come by, since many theme parks, museums and other destinations run specials to attract out of town guests.

To score big discounts on area attractions, the best place to start is the web site of the attraction itself. Be sure to check the web site for any specials, such as two for one deals, free admission for children, special reduced admission days, etc.

If you are a member of the military, a senior citizen or a member of an organization such as AAA, there are often additional discounts available.

Most AAA offices sell discount admission tickets to theme parks, museums and other popular attractions within driving distance, and most AAA offices sell discounted admissions to popular attractions like Walt Disney World as well.

The key to making your travel budget stretch farther is to ask about, and take advantage of, all discounts that may be available.

If you are driving to your destination, one great way to make your travel budget go further is to make sure your car is in tip top shape before embarking on your trip.

Small details, such as under-inflated tires or worn spark plugs can really eat into your gas mileage and end up costing you a bundle, especially on a long road trip.

A good map can also be a money saver, since it will keep you from driving around in circles and wasting gas.

Finding your way easily to and from the hotel and the surrounding area will make your vacation more pleasant and less costly.

No matter how you save money on your next vacation, having a budget and sticking to it will help you enjoy your vacation more, and worry less about paying for it.

For instance, while the traveler with only one bag is free to hop on the inexpensive city bus and pay as little as one dollar to get into town, if that same traveler is loaded down with three or four bulky suitcases, it is likely that an expensive taxi, and a potential fare of $50 or more, may be the only option.

This is just one example of how packing light can help you keep your travel budget under control, but there are many more examples, all borne of experience. In addition to saving money, traveling light makes sense on so many levels.

For one thing, you will enjoy your trip much more if you can just head straight out of the airport, without that long wait at the baggage claim.

Packing properly is an important consideration for the budget traveler. Traveling on a budget means traveling light. The more unencumbered you are by junk you don’t need, the more chances you will have and the less expensive your travel will be.

For instance, while the traveler with only one bag is free to hop on the inexpensive city bus and pay as little as one dollar to get into town, if that same traveler is loaded down with three or four bulky suitcases, it is likely that an expensive taxi, and a potential fare of $50 or more, may be the only option.

This is just one example of how packing light can help you keep your travel budget under control, but there are many more examples, all borne of experience. In addition to saving money, traveling light makes sense on so many levels.

For one thing, you will enjoy your trip much more if you can just head straight out of the airport, without that long wait at the baggage claim.

Traveling light also makes getting around town, from the airport and to the hotel, much easier. Carting a lot of luggage around unnecessarily is a waste of time, money and energy, and most seasoned travelers have learned not to pack too much.

Over packing, however, is a frequent mistake for the first time or inexperienced, traveler, and we are presenting the following list of tips for keeping your packing, and your budget, under control.

- As you are laying out all the things you want to take on your trip, separate them into three different piles the essential pile, the maybe pile and the non essential pile. Then put the non essential, and half of the maybe pile, back in the closet.

- If you possibly can, try to get everything that remains into one bag that can be carried on to the airplane. If you are unsure what constitutes a carry on bag, be sure to check with the airline.

- Do not pack any items that can be purchased inexpensively once you have reached your destination. Be sure, however to pack items that may be more expensive in a tourist area. One example of this, of course, is camera film. Film is often two or three times as costly in a tourist area, so if you have extra film at home bring it along.

- Keep the amount of clothing you pack to an absolute minimum. Choose clothes that can be combined into a variety of different outfits. Keeping the clothes you pack to a minimum is especially smart if you know you will be dong a lot of shopping, and buying a lot of clothes, once you arrive at your destination. Why cart your old clothes halfway around the world if you can wear your snazzy new clothes instead?

- If your vacation is a long one, do laundry while you are away instead of bringing a suitcase full of extra clothes.

- Always pack some versatile clothes. For instance, a pair of swim trunks or shorts can double as sleeping attire. T-shirts are equally versatile and comfortable.

- Pack a collapsible bag in your suitcase. This bag can be used to carry souvenirs and other purchases on the return trip.

- Be sure that all your luggage is clearly labeled with your contact information and name. Avoid putting your street address on luggage tags, however. It is best to use a post office box or a work address.

- Always place any items you need and cannot immediately replace, such as prescription drugs, eyeglasses, and important documents, into your carryon or purse.

- Place all travel documents, maps and printed itineraries on the top of the suitcase, or in a separate zippered compartment, so they will be easy to find.

- If you have an extra pair of eyeglasses at home in a drawer, you may want to bring them along, especially if you need glasses to read signs, find your way around, etc.

- Pack them in a hard sided case and place them either in a purse or a separate compartment of the suitcase. Eyeglasses can be difficult, time consuming and expensive to replace while on vacation.

- And finally, consider packing an extra wallet, with one or two credit cards but no cash, into a separate compartment in your suitcase.

- The purpose of doing this is so you will have emergency funds in the event your regular wallet is lost or stolen. If the credit cards in the suitcase are lost or stolen, they can be cancelled immediately and you will not be liable for any fraudulent charges.

Over packing, however, is a frequent mistake for the first time or inexperienced, traveler, and we are presenting the following list of tips for keeping your packing, and your budget, under control.

- As you are laying out all the things you want to take on your trip, separate them into three different piles the essential pile, the maybe pile and the non essential pile. Then put the non essential, and half of the maybe pile, back in the closet.

- If you possibly can, try to get everything that remains into one bag that can be carried on to the airplane. If you are unsure what constitutes a carry on bag, be sure to check with the airline.

- Do not pack any items that can be purchased inexpensively once you have reached your destination. Be sure, however to pack items that may be more expensive in a tourist area. One example of this, of course, is camera film. Film is often two or three times as costly in a tourist area, so if you have extra film at home bring it along.

- Keep the amount of clothing you pack to an absolute minimum. Choose clothes that can be combined into a variety of different outfits. Keeping the clothes you pack to a minimum is especially smart if you know you will be dong a lot of shopping, and buying a lot of clothes, once you arrive at your destination. Why cart your old clothes halfway around the world if you can wear your snazzy new clothes instead?

- If your vacation is a long one, do laundry while you are away instead of bringing a suitcase full of extra clothes.

- Always pack some versatile clothes. For instance, a pair of swim trunks or shorts can double as sleeping attire. T-shirts are equally versatile and comfortable.

- Pack a collapsible bag in your suitcase. This bag can be used to carry souvenirs and other purchases on the return trip.

- Be sure that all your luggage is clearly labeled with your contact information and name. Avoid putting your street address on luggage tags, however. It is best to use a post office box or a work address.

- Always place any items you need and cannot immediately replace, such as prescription drugs, eyeglasses, and important documents, into your carryon or purse.

- Place all travel documents, maps and printed itineraries on the top of the suitcase, or in a separate zippered compartment, so they will be easy to find.

- If you have an extra pair of eyeglasses at home in a drawer, you may want to bring them along, especially if you need glasses to read signs, find your way around, etc.

- Pack them in a hard sided case and place them either in a purse or a separate compartment of the suitcase. Eyeglasses can be difficult, time consuming and expensive to replace while on vacation.

- And finally, consider packing an extra wallet, with one or two credit cards but no cash, into a separate compartment in your suitcase.

- The purpose of doing this is so you will have emergency funds in the event your regular wallet is lost or stolen. If the credit cards in the suitcase are lost or stolen, they can be cancelled immediately and you will not be liable for any fraudulent charges.

Discovered and popularized by cash-strapped European teachers in the mid-50s, home exchange is the simple free-accommodation vacation idea where two people from different places exchange homes for a period of time. People caught up the idea right away.

Huge hotel bills simply disappeared for these people living in each other’s homes. In their borrowed homes, they cook and do their usual daily business as if they are in their own homes, when in fact they are on vacation. Travel budgets are cut more than half and the average guy enjoys his vacation like the rich guys do.

Other advantages begin to emerge, too, as this type of travel became popular through the years. Now, there are home exchange groups with their own websites who specialize in facilitating these exchanges more smoothly than before.

Where usual tourists are served with expensive hotel food (on top of their expensive accommodations), home exchangers get to cook their own favorite food in their exchanged houses. Where usual vacationers are herded along through their hectic destinations (“four cities in seven days” tour packages), the home exchanger strolls down a historic boulevard leisurely chatting with some neighbors or new friends.

There are other perks as well. Many stories were swapped as well with these house swappers, as they are called sometimes. Some were funny, some were quaint, and some were feel-good love stories. People on vacation meet all kinds of adventure but home exchangers are more susceptible.

Some stories, even in their brevity, paint some memorable encounters. Here are some of them:

“There is something addictive about taking the place of a ‘native’ family in a different culture. You are immediately living a life, not being an exploited tourist. The hints they leave: ‘Don’t go to the market on a Thursday, go about 1.00 on a Friday when they have all the bargains’; ‘The best and cheapest restaurant is…’, ‘If you want to see our country at its best then go to…’; People couldn’t be more friendly and helpful. ‘My friend will take you to…’; ‘If you need any more information then ring my friends and they will come round’, ‘My neighbors will give you a typical meal from the region and take you to see the best view in our area’”.

“At our Boston exchange…we waited a week before realizing we didn’t know where to empty the kitchen garbage. We looked on the back porch, in the garage, in the front yard, everywhere we could possibly imagine, but couldn’t find the garbage can anywhere…We finally gave up and called our exchangers.

‘The garbage? We don’t empty the garbage. We store it in the basement.’ Turned out that our exchangers…eliminated their garbage service in favor of a serious recycling program. They store it and take it to the dump once every month or two.”

“Having completed two big trips, we reconciled ourselves to a final few days in Reykjavik. Almost half the population lives in the capital and on Friday and Saturday nights, we joined residents to drink coffee in mellow little shops, dance in all-night clubs where the joyous atmosphere felt like a high school dance, and dine on the national dish, which is a really terrific steamed hot dog served with two kinds of mustard, fried and raw onions, and remoulade…Five dollars: a dog and a Coke.”

“A family from Big Sky, Montana, arrived at their Caribbean exchange home to find a 42-foot sloop complete with a captain and first mate. New Jersey exchangers got much more than they bargained for when they spent six weeks overlooking Hong Kong harbor, their meals served by a live-in maid.”

Sometimes, our most-carefully planned home exchanges bring us other things totally out of the blue. Thankfully, most of them are full of pleasant surprises. Who wouldn’t want that?

In all our advice in preparing for for an upcoming home exchange, we always list an ongoing “Home Exchange Book” where each party lists necessary information about the house, the appliances, security system, emergency telephone numbers, etc. But don’t stop there …

• Visit Google or Bing Maps and print off directions to all places of interest and amenities.
• Collect menus from your favorite local restaurants, take-outs, delivery services, etc.
• Include bus and train timetables.
• Most local newspapers include a calendar of upcoming events. Visit their website and print one covering the upcoming home exchange dates.
• Include brochures from all local places of interest you can think of: museums, sporting venues, them parks, competitions, fairs, beaches, lakes, etc.
• Begin clipping grocery coupons from local newspapers, free publications, store handouts, etc. and include them in your information package. Your exchange partners will be grocery shopping and will love the savings.

Usually I’m able to respond to questions with knowledgeable answers, honed from 25+ years in the home exchange business, but not so this time. Initially the powers that be assured everyone that in all likelihood the oil would remain at sea and never reach land, but this is clearly not the case. This morning the news broke that huge tar balls are washing ashore on the beaches of Grand Isle, Louisiana and heavy crude oil was being seen in nearby Elmer’s Island.

Tar balls were also reported in Port Fourchon today, exactly one month after the explosion of the Deepwater Horizon oil rig that has sent thousands of barrels of oil spewing into the Gulf of Mexico each day. In fact various coastal areas of Louisiana have seen tar balls wash ashore daily for the past week.

BP, which was leasing the rig when it exploded, is mobilizing equipment and conducting tests today commencing new effort to choke off the oil’s flow. Crews hoped that by Sunday they can start a procedure known as a “top kill,” which involves pumping heavy mud into the crippled equipment on top of the well, then permanently sealing it with cement.

So clearly, if you have a home exchange arranged with a family in these regions, you very probably will be impacted in so far as beach activities may be concerned. But that’s all.

Please don’t make any last minute cancellations and let down your home exchange partner family. It’s not their fault.

If both parties have already made a commitment and made firm travel plans that most probably include purchasing airline tickets, it would be grossly unfair to cancel and leave your partner family in the lurch.

Most home exchangers are very adaptable folk, so mark it down as one of life’s experiences and make lemonade with the lemons you’ve been dealt. Hundreds of concerned folk are heading to the effected beaches to lend a hand with the wildlife rescue. Join them. Your participation could provide you, and more especially your children with an unforgettable lesson in life.

Similar situations have arisen before over the years and of course we never provide non-members with the contact information of our paying members. But—when I am approached by people who blatantly inform me that that are listed on free sites or on classified advertising websites, I must admit I’m seriously worried for them.

By deciding to participate in a home exchange they are already saving hundreds, probably thousands of dollars, pounds, euros, whatever. Are they really being prudent to then save themselves the price of a legitimate home exchange organization membership by opting to advertise free?

Think about it rationally—a membership with ExchangeHomes.com costs a mere $39. This is the fee that all of our members pay, but the critical fact is, because they have paid, all the personal contact information they provide us with HAS BEEN IRREFUTABLY VERIFIED. They are who they claim to be and their address exactly matches the one they have listed. Credit card companies will not accept charges from anyone whose details differ even in the slightest way from what they have on record.

On the other hand, when you advertise on free sites or in classified ads, how do you know that people responding to you, are who they say they are, living where they claim to live? In my book it takes a big leap of faith to entrust your home and probably your car to someone who you “met” on a free site.

Of course I reference ExchangeHomes as an example because it’s my home exchange company, but the reality is, there are plenty of home exchange companies out there. Go with any of us rather than risk your home and peace of mind.

First off, make sure you have planned your vacation well. Most stressful vacation scenarios arise because of reservations that have fallen through, flights that have been canceled, or baggage that has been misplaced. To avoid situations such as these make sure to plan ahead as well as possible. Make sure you arrive at the airport with plenty of time to take care of checking in, getting through security and getting to your flight’s gate before your flight takes off. Most airports have lounges and restaurants where passengers can relax and wait for their flight if they are early, so do not stress if you have extra time. Take this time to sit back, have a drink and kick your vacation off early.

Be sure to relax and remember that you are on vacation. If you are a person easily upset by small things try extra hard to let them go while on vacation. If it takes a little extra time at the airport check-in desk or your bag is the last to come out at the baggage claim area, do not get stressed out. Instead, take a deep breath and try to enjoy every minute of your vacation, even if it is currently being spent at the airport. You have probably planned the trip for months beforehand so try to relax and enjoy all the hard work you have put in.

Do not let your kids get to you. Children can be anxious when it comes to vacations – especially on the way there. Choruses of “are we there yet?” can sometimes drive parents right over the edge before the fun-filled family vacation even begins. Make sure to pack plenty of activities to keep your kids occupied during the trip to your vacation destination and even during downtime. Some children may expect 24-hour entertainment while on vacation. But as many parents know, spending a few hours in the hotel room is not always a bad thing. Just make sure you always have something to fill the hands of a bored child.

Do not worry about things back home. For some people, leaving their homes can be a stressful move to make. However, planning to have someone stop by the house each day and check on things while you are gone might put your mind at ease. Just keep in mind that nothing bad will happen while you are gone and you have a reliable person who you trust, house sitting your home until you return. And be sure to get your job off your mind during your trip as well. Before leaving make sure you have designated someone to help take over your work while you are gone. By planning well you can avoid having to worry about piles of work waiting for you upon your return.

When you are planning your vacation make sure not to schedule too many activities into one day. Although it is tempting to see as much as possible while on vacation, you should keep in mind that you do not want to tire yourself out after one day. Chances are you will have plenty of time to see all the attractions you really want to see so why not narrow things down a bit. If you have too much on your plate try rating your activities in order of what you want to do most. Chances are the items at the bottom of the list can be scratched off or put off until a later trip. You never know, you might end up having time to squeeze a few extra attractions in to your vacation – but do not get stressed out if you can not find time for everything.

Last but not least try not to overwork yourself right before your trip. Try to slow things down a day or two before your departure so you are not too tired to enjoy your trip. You do want to relax but you do not want to spend the entire vacation sleeping in your hotel room either.

As one member put it: “Fred (my husband) and I have been avid home exchangers for more than twenty years; our first exchange was when our children were 4 and 8, and as they grew older we traveled further and further afield. In fact, I can honestly boast that home exchanging allowed us to show our two sons the world.

But, our boys now have lives and families of their own (and home exchanging too), Fred and I are visiting places that we are enjoying, but wouldn’t have been a lot of fun for two kids looking for excitement.”

Several years ago I wrote a post about Marylee, an Atlanta lady aged 57 who wanted to escape the city during the Summer Olympics in 1996. She had never home exchanged in her life and was very nervous at the prospect. She merited the extensive write up I gave her because she had contacted me in 2007 to tell me that she had just completed her twenty fifth home exchange at around 68 years old. You can read my original write-up by clicking A Tale of Two Cats.

Similarly, in November 2008 I wrote about Laura, a lady who had first joined ExchangeHomes in 1988 when she was 52 years old. During the following twenty years she had her husband had taken part in dozens of home exchanges, but in 2008 she had been forced to stop traveling following difficult knee surgery. You can read that original posting by clicking Here.

And how about a wolrd tour while home exchanging? Take a look at Joe and Mary’s story Here.

Those are just three examples of mature ExchangeHomes members who have benefited enormously from home exchanging. You can find many more such stories by clicking the link to this blog’s Archives at the top of the page.

My first question was—when had she bought the airline tickets? She said August. Her ExchangeHomes.Com join date was September 29th.

I explained that successful home exchanging depends very much upon flexibility. Most experienced home exchangers will begin sending out exploratory inquiries a year and often eighteen months in advance of their planned trip. It just isn’t feasible to approach a home exchange in the way she had done: book her tickets, leave it for six weeks, then get around to emailing fellow members and expect them to meekly fall in with her intractable arrangements.

Had she considered that no-one is going to want to book a December flight at short notice—the price would be prohibitive. Also, with Christmas dates involved, what family would want to pack their bags and travel to Melbourne for no particular reason, other than to accommodate her?

On the other hand, had she given the entire home exchange a lot of thought and pre-planning, joined at the beginning of 2009 and begun making contacts then with likely partners, the outcome would more than likely been entirely different.

The moral is: the more time you allow, the easier your arrangements will become. The ExchangeHomes.Com website contains an immense about of information to guide new home exchangers. We even provide what we call our Hints & Advice Book which can be read online, or downloaded onto your computer in PDF format for you to read or even print.

For even more help and “take you by the hand” advice, we also recommend Athena Rickby’s great e-book Home Exchange Academy, which has been dubbed the home exchanger’s bible. It doesn’t recommend or promote any home exchange club, it’s just a wealth of great advice, backed by her 25+ years of worldwide home exchanging.

Don’t Display, Pack It Away
You really don’t have to keep all those fragile little trinkets out in the living room.  Instead, put any delicate decorations on a high closet shelf till you return, or put them inside a lift top coffee table and request that the lid stay down.  You’ll be able to get everything set up once you get back, and your home will remain intact.

Lay Down Some Ground Rules
No shoes on the sofa, no eating in the bedroom, no ball throwing indoors.  If you’re worried that making such requests is rude or presumptuous, don’t be.  You have the right to set up some guidelines for what goes on in your home when you’re not there, and the parents you are swapping homes with will be grateful that you are being upfront about your expectations.

Close With Cleaning
No matter how well-behaved these kids might be, mess is simply a reality of life with children.  In order to make sure that you don’t come home to a major cleaning fest, suggest that each of you have the house professionally cleaned at the end of the exchange.  This way you can expect a clean home without anyone being insulted.

Even with the best laid plans and the most watchful parents, things can still go wrong, so expect to see some signs of wear and tear.  If you’re still anxious about the idea of a boisterous bunch moving into your home, then maybe swapping with a large family isn’t right for you.  There are plenty of couples without children who would be happy to exchange homes with you, and that might make for a more worry-free vacation.

Linda Harris writes about family-friendly furniture and home decor at Timber and Textiles.

I spoke to him over the weekend and it appears to be working like a charm, with one unanticipated drawback—one several occasions he’s been roused from his sleep at an ungodly hour by phone calls from California. Still, with jet-lag that’s probably not too much of an issue!

© Copyright ExchangeHomes.com. All rights reserved.

They are Members 27820 and in exchange they are offering a gorgeous 6 bedroom, 4.5 bathroom custom home that sleeps 10 in Farmington, Utah.

The home is located on a quite culdesac with a beautiful mountain backdrop to the east. They say you could walk up their street and be in the mountains in about 5 minutes. They are centrally located between all major ski resorts, 45 minutes southeast to Park City, Deer Valley, The Canyons, Alta and Snowbird. 30 minutes northeast are Powder Mountain and Solitude area. Easy freeway access and 20 minutes from Salt Lake Airport.

They are a family of 3 adults, one teen and one 7 year old child and they are also offering to exchange cars – another great savings!

So—if you are a ski buff, and taking a ski vacation right after Christmas this year, take a look at Listing 27820!

© Copyright ExchangeHomes.com. All rights reserved.

Yes—home exchange began in Norway, Sweden, and Denmark!

The first two pioneering “clubs” to be formed around the concept of home exchange, were InterVac International Home Exchange Holiday Service and HomeLink International in 1953. InterVac was actually founded by some of the Swedish teachers who first conceived of the idea and continues to be headquartered in Kristianstad Sweden. The majority of their memberships come primarily from referrals. HomeLink is headquartered in Belgium.

Those two clubs completely dominated home exchanging for thirty years, then in the eighties a handful of other clubs were formed: ExchangeHomes (the owner of this blog), Home Base Holidays, Invented City, Hanney’s Boligbite and Landfair (the last two now vanished).

Since the eighties and present time many people have jumped on the home exchange band-wagon, seeing it as a great way to create their own business. Unfortunately, a great many of them have fallen by the wayside, leaving their members high and dry. Having said that, a few of course have flourished.

A very unfortunate offshoot of the home exchange success has been the occasional appearance of “rogue” companies that hire disreputable programmers who create code that steals or “pirates” large lists of members from established clubs and adds them to the database of the rogue clubs, immediately providing them with the false appearance of a large following.

The worst offender was based in China and called themselves AllHomeExchange.com. Early in 2008 they stole many thousands of listings and because of their location could not be brought to task by legal means. Fortunately, most of the members they had stolen gradually removed their listings from their database and the company floundered. Their URL is now nothing more than a blank page.

Another ploy used by many aspiring new clubs, involves joining several established home exchange organizations and attempting to email their members offering them free listings with their club.

I’m proud to be able to state that ExchangeHomes had the foresight right from the get-go to incorporate safeguards into our programming that prevented all pirating of our listings, both through the backdoor via code and by the less sophisticated means of email. Since we’ve been on the Internet we’ve never heard of one of our members having their listing stolen. Not a bad track record!

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As a consequence we find we are more and more being contacted by people seeking a permanent home swap, and as most of them have never heard of “vacation home exchange”, we have to enlighten them. They become very confused.

I would have thought that the purpose of this blog and our associated ExchangeHomes.Com web site was very obvious, but I suppose when someone is searching on the Internet, their mind set interprets their search results accordingly.

The idea of permanent home swapping is an excellent one, but ExchangeHomes.Com has no involvement in it at all. We are a vacation home exchange, holiday home exchange company. In the future I shall be referring people to this post. I hope it clarifies the confusion once and for all.

We check our records and discover that they never joined us in the first place. Maybe they intended to, but they are actually members of another home exchange club and are now trying to log on to ExchangeHomes.com using the log on credentials they set up with that other club.

A couple of people have even gone so far as to say that they had intended to join us and thought they had done. They paid their membership fees to club xyz, therefore we should now allow them membership privileges at no charge.

Because it often happens to us, it must happen with other clubs as well. As I said when I wrote about this same issue a long time ago, the problem probably occurs because there are now so many clubs competing for members, all with virtually identical names, it’s clearly all too easy for people to become confused. But, it still puzzles me that people fail to bookmark or write down the exact name of the club they join. Fortunately they usually keep a copy of their payment receipts, and these are what we point them to because the receipt usually reveals to whom they did pay their money.

During the summer months posts have not been quite a frequent as I would have liked, I regret I was more than a little occupied completely revamping another, pet related blog that I run, but that’s now completed.

Blogging and social networking now occupy a huge chunk of space on the Internet with countless millions of followers. ExchanhgeHomesBlog must be getting something right because our monthly page views have increased slowly yet steadily since this blog launched (initially on Blogger) almost five years ago. Last month (August) we attained 15,254 unique visitors and 39,201 page views.

Unfortunately, I’m more and more having my attention drawn to what I can only describe as “silly” blogs that seem to derive perverse pleasure from deliberately being obtuse and not understanding the concept of home exchange. They then proceed to put home exchange down in a very negative blog post. It’s a pity because a lot of surfers believe what they read or at least assume that there’s no smoke without fire.

Well, thank goodness for worthwhile blogs like The Travel Answer Man.

ExchangeHomesBlog and ExchangeHomes.com are delighted to announce a brand new alliance with BedandBreakfast.com. With summer now over and Christmas beginning large on the horizon, what better gift idea can you think of than a BedandBreakfast.com Getaway Gift Card – Get Free Shipping as well!

I try to be extremely careful who we forge alliances with because I don’t want this blog to appear to be “spammy”, but I honestly believe that the notion BedandBreakfast.com is promoting is an excellent one. Bed and Breakfast is a concept that runs very much on a parallel with home exchange: it’s eco-friendly in that it doesn’t further the growth of concrete monstrosity hotels and allows you to lodge in a situation that’s closer to the heart of the location.

Bed and Breakfasts can also work hand in hand with a home exchange vacation in that you can utilize a B&B on one or two short trips away from the home exchange “base”. Buying one of their Gataway Cards in advance of traveling will make paying for your stay a breeze.

Purchase is also extremely easy—they have an 800 toll-free number, or you can buy online and print out a paper version instantly, or they will happily send you a plastic version, shipped free and usually by Fed Ex.

At ExchangeHomes.com we have programming in place to track exactly how people—members and visitors—navigate the website and over and over again we see listings with no photographs being skipped over. In short, no viewable photographs translates repeatedly into ‘no traffic’.

Some people seem to feel that publishing photographs on the Internet is a threat to the security of their home. Well, I’ve yet to hear of this being the case, but there is a very easy solution: just illustrate your listing with photographs of your locality and area attractions, then publish pictures of your home on a secure, password protected website such as PhotoBucket or MyPhotoAlbum. Only provide access to those more personal photographs to fellow members after you have corresponded with them and have established a good rapport. Indicate in the text of your listing that more pictures will be available.

We offer a no questions asked Guarantee: if you don’t get a home exchange in the first year, the next year is completely free, on the condition that you have added photographs to your listing (and your Admin Area shows that you’ve initiated some inquiries with fellow members). In view of our proven lack of traffic to listings without photographs, this provision is critical, because each year we do see a small number of people who join, possibly on the spur of the moment, never add pictures to their listing, never send out any contact emails, in fact never even log on to the site again throughout the entire year.

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We are both teachers and so we don’t make a ton of money (to put it mildly), and my wife has been wanting to go to France since the day I met her. But with the horrible exchange rates, I didn’t think we could do it. With airfare and lodging and transportation and eating out every meal, it gets expensive. But home exchange saved us.

We traded our two bedroom home for a two bedroom apartment in the Marie de Clichy neighborhood on the outskirts of Paris. It was a little ways from downtown, but it was two blocks from the Metro and we had no problem getting around. They even loaned us their car, but we only used it a couple of times to go sightseeing in the French countryside.

It was a marvelous experience. Getting around on the Metro was a breeze, and we got to see France up close and personal. We went shopping at the local bread, cheese and grocery shops and saved a ton of money eating in and packing our lunch.

But the best part of it was the people. We made friends with one of the neighbors and they had us to dinner one night and took us to some places that don’t show up in any guide book.

We are already planning our home exchange for next year – London.

Submitted by a member

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There are a few points to remember which will often make the task a great deal easier:

1. Use your favorite word processing program to carefully set up a generic email that you can copy and paste into the text box provided in the programmed contact form. This will allow you to send out multiple home exchange inquiries with very little effort on your part.

2. Every city/town/neighborhood has its attractions. Make sure you include all the positive features about yours. If your list is small, take a trip to your visitor’s bureau and ask for brochures, pamphlets, etc. If there is no visitor’s bureau, drop in on a local motel or hotel, all of them have a display in their lobby containing all sorts of local promotions.

3. Don’t limit your contacts to members who list your corner of the world as their desired home swap destination. Pay more attention to age group and family size compatibility and send your attractively worded contact email to everyone living in the area you are hoping to visit. Members may have never thought of vacationing in your town, but that doesn’t mean they won’t consider it.

4. Pay particular attention to members who list their home exchange destination as “open to offers”. You will need to sort the listings under that criteria when you are searching for “who wants to come to me?” otherwise you will miss them, but they are the true gems among your home swapping opportunities. Very often they are long standing, experienced home exchangers who have exhausted their lists of preferred destinations. Now they are simply waiting to see what new offer piques their interest and if you take the
trouble to send out attractive, well thought out opening contacts, it could be yours!

5. You will make your home swap offer much more attractive if you include the family car as part of the deal. Car rental prices are becoming increasingly expensive by the month, inflated not only by the rental companies but also by a list of petty taxes and surcharges that are completely beyond their control.

For your own peace of mind, always stipulate that all drivers have to be 25+ and don’t be afraid to regulate the number of miles the car can be driven. Also, check with your insurance company although there are seldom problems provided the exchange is for 30 days or less.

6. Always, always be courteous and reply to every inquiry you receive yourself. Also, when receiving home exchange requests from other members, keep in mind point 3 above and don’t discount any destination until you are absolutely certain that it won’t work.

There are other cities in the UK besides London – although some members seem to believe otherwise! Similarly, Troyes is within very easy reach of Paris, Gosford is just up the coast from Sydney and Burbank, Pasadena and Buena Park all circle Los Angeles. Considering destinations outside of the accepted tourist destinations will increase your chances of locating and setting up a successful home exchange substantially.

• I couldn’t possibly trust strangers in my own home.
• Yes you can. Your exchange partners will be trusting you to live in their home responsibly and ethically so why should they be any less trustworthy than you? Home exchanges aren’t arranged in one day, after a couple of emails. In fact arrangements and discussions leading up to those arrangements frequently extend over several weeks, dozens of emails as well as several phone calls, instant messages, etc. Eventually this all culminates in the exchange of a written and signed agreement. In short, you get to know each other very well. You certainly are not “strangers”.
• Also, provided you’ve found your exchange partners through a legitimate home exchange company that charges a Membership fee, all their personal information will have been been verified and recorded. In short, they are who they say they are. It’s extremely unlikely that anyone is going to provide their personal contact information to pay for a membership then travel hundreds, maybe thousands of miles to rip-off your new blue-ray player.

• I don’t live in an accepted tourist area. No-one would ever want to exchange with me.
• Yes they will. A great many home exchangers enjoy experiencing new lifestyles and exploring places off the beaten track. In fact they actively avoid the usual tourist traps, in favor of more stimulating places. They are seasoned travelers, often professionals, and their prime consideration is to experience the true day-to-day living of a country or location.

• My home is small and “ordinary”, nothing like some of the homes I’ve been looking at on home exchange sites
• You may be surprised. Go back to some of those sites and do a search on homes already on offer in your area. How do they compare? Are there a lot of homes listed? If there are it must be a popular location. Are there very few? Scarcity could work in your favor as well. Published photographs will give you a reasonable idea of the neighborhoods where the homes are listed; are they more up-scale than yours? If not, this could be to your advantage.

  How do the homes listed compare for size? Are they similar in appearance? How do the homes that are actually listed compare with the average home in the same general area?

  If, when making an unbiased comparison, your home home appears to come somewhere in the middle, maybe not as grand as some, but definitely better than others, there is no reason at all why you shouldn’t expect to home exchange successfully. If, on the other hand, all the other homes still appear to be better, what steps can you take to implement improvements? A coat of paint … another bed … some shrubs and pretty flowers in the front yard … a theme park pass … tickets to a sports venue?

  Put yourself in your potential exchange partner’s shoes and ask yourself what you would like to do if you were visiting your location for the first time. Arrange for the necessary passes / tickets then make their existence VERY clear both in your home exchange listing, and in all the inquiry emails you send out.

With all three points I’ve listed, positive thinking and a small helping of ingenuity is the answer!

© ExchangeHomes.com All rights reserved.

So, following this line of thinking, ExchangeHomes.com has recently restructured its memberships to include a 6-month option.

Below is a detailed chart showing the new ExchangeHomes.com membership prices.

Click Here for details about the Multi Club option

Cost of each additional home listed is as follows:

Once you’ve paid your Membership Fee, there are no further costs or charges.

To explain: A one (1) year Home Exchange Membership, with ExchangeHomes ONLY, listing one (1) property, will cost you $39.00.

Listing two (2) properties will cost you $54.00. Broken down: $39.00 for your first listing, plus $15.00 for your second listing.

Listing one home with the Multiple Club option will cost you $45 for the first home, plus $17 for each additional home.

We GUARANTEE that if you don’t arrange an exchange during your first year’s Membership, we will extend your listing for a second year completely free of charge! Click here for more information.

Payment Options

Our SSL Secure Server capable of up to 256-bit encryption combined with the strongest identity authentication standard available today, allow you to use your credit card online to pay for your membership with complete confidence.

We accept Visa, MasterCard, and American Express. We also accept PayPal.

If you would prefer not pay by credit card or PayPal, we also accept checks, money orders, and traveler’s cheques. The only stipulation being that they must be in US dollars, drawn on a US bank

   Or, log in as normal to your Member Admin to RENEW

© ExchangeHomes.com – All rights reserved

Not for sale, of course; but rather, for exchange. No nascent practice, people have been swapping their houses for nearly six decades. According to ExchangeHomes.com, home exchange has “been around since the 1950′s, when teachers in Europe began swapping homes as a means of affordable travel during the long summer school vacations.” This ever-burgeoning practice would eventually come revolutionize low-budget international travel, as home exchanging networks gained momentum in recent years.

For honeymooners, this is cause for considerable celebration, especially for those, er, imprudent couples who exhausted their funds on the wedding itself. Therefore, instead of abandoning that incredible European itinerary or unprecedented Australian getaway, honeymooners can list their home on the internet, and commence their home exchange pursuit. Honeymooners can search a myriad of home listings with appropriate dates, destinations, and amenities, and contact those prospective candidates whom they feel are satisfactory.

Typically, there is a small annual fee for the home exchange service, and most prospective exchanges require membership. But information is confidential, and the actual services incredibly safe; in fact, many home exchange programs have yet to see a single perilous encounter. This is probably attributed to home exchange’s common objective-to travel abroad, travel safely, and most importantly, travel cheaply. In addition, home exchange functions much like a dating service; honeymooners can build relationships with potential partners, achieving sufficient levels of comfort prior to swapping homes.

Though a honeymoon in another person’s home may sound unusual, in actuality, more than 50,000 people participate in home exchanges each year. It may turn out to be an incredible experience-especially if it’s in a coveted destination you couldn’t otherwise afford.

Enid Glasgow is a travel writer who writes about [http://www.exotichoneymoonvacations.com/]honeymoon vacations with Big Five [http://www.bigfive.com/]luxury tours.

I know the immediate reaction to that statement—well, that’s just sour grapes, coming from a home exchange company owner, but I assure you that’s not the case. For their own safety and security, I cannot emphasize enough that home exchangers need to find their exchange partners via an established, reputable home exchange company—ANY company, but preferably one charging a fee, no matter how small.

Why is that important? Because paying a fee immediately authenticates the personal information provided by whomever is purchasing the membership. These transactions are usually managed by one of a handful of very large credit card merchant account providers, NOT as most people imagine, by the home exchange companies themselves. Each transaction is verified by mega-million dollar programming, hence fellow home exchange members can be absolutely confident that the personal information associated with the listings they are viewing is absolutely genuine.

In the highly unlikely event of any problems, the home exchange company will have 100% verified records of every member on their books, a fundamental reassurance you can never achieve when you seek out home exchange partners via classified ads.

The very idea of home exchange means you will be saving hundreds, probably thousands of dollars—even more if a car exchange and pet minding are included. So, why would anyone be so niggardly as to begrudge often much less than $100 to join a genuine, upfront home exchange membership club with all the reassurance that provides? There are dozens of clubs for you to choose from, some, such as ExchangeHomes.com have been in business for 20+ years. Pay the fee and join one or more, I promise you won’t regret it, it’s a solid investment!

© ExchangeHomes.com All rights reserved

My immediate response is always the same, “Why should your potential exchange partners not be worried about having you in THEIR house?”

Be rational and pause for a moment to think: Why should you assume your home exchange partners are joining a home exchange agency for the sole purpose of moving into your home and robbing it, yet you expect them to see you as pure innocents looking for nothing more than an affordable vacation?

ExchangeHomes.com has been continually involved in home exchanging since 1986—that’s 23 years at the time of writing! During those 23 years I’ve never had a single report of theft, vandalism, malicious mischief, or anything else that could even vaguely categorized at a criminal act associated with home exchanging.

Mutual trust has to be the fundamental principle of successful home exchanging, so if you are someone who lacks that inerrant ability, it’s likely that home exchange probably isn’t the best travel solution for you.

© ExchangeHomes.com All rights reserved

The way I see it, there are two distinct types of home exchangers:

1. Those who prefer to vacation in a family home with the plethora of benefits that offers.
2. Those who had used it purely as a means of saving money.

In all likelihood the latter will be enticed by the glitzy ads for $39 airfares, Orlando hotels from $32/night, and cruise deals from $199 (even I’m tempted to look further into the cruises!), but the seasoned home exchanger has already grown to enjoy all the benefits and comfort of vacationing in a proper home rather than a cramped hotel room, or at best hotel suite. Instead, these savvy folk should be able to take advantage of the cut-price airfares to set up an even better home exchange deal.

I agree, there are some unbelievable hotel bargains being touted right now, they are even being featured in news programs, but at the end of the day a hotel room will always be just that—a hotel room. Home exchange will, without question have the edge when it comes to comfort, convenience, and when all else is done, sheer quality of life.

© ExchangeHomes.com All rights reserved

At first, airlines started charging passengers for a second bag of checked luggage. Now, some are even charging for the first. If you are taking an extended vacation, these extra fees can quickly add up. So how do you eliminate them?

For starters, you must know that the fees exist. An increase in fees is not something an airline wants to shout from the rooftops. Most travelers showed up for their flights to learn, for the first time, it would cost $30 roundtrip for their only suitcase. Imagine the anger. Although these fees are well-known now, you still need to look for them. Know if your airline charges you a fee for your first or second suitcase and how much.

As for how you can avoid or lessen the impact of these extra baggage fees:

Pack your carryon bag full. Most airlines outline rules and restrictions for carryon bags on their websites. You should know ahead of time how big your bag can be and how much it must weight. Use a ruler and a bathroom scale to ensure you are just under. If traveling for a two to three day trip, you can get away with using your carryon bag alone, provided you pack wisely.

Speaking of packing wisely, do it. Only bring what you need. Having four pairs of shoes for your trip to Hawaii is nice, but do you really need them all? You should be able to get away with a pair of sandals and sneakers. Also, research your hotel or resort ahead of time to see what you are supplied with. Is there a curling iron and hair dryer in your room? If so, don’t waste valuable space by bringing yours from home.

Watch the weather. Knowing the weather forecast for your vacation destination makes it easier to pack wisely. If you are traveling to Hawaii, see what the weather is forecasted to be like. If rain is predicted, bring a raincoat. If the temperatures will be above 70 your entire trip, live the winter coat at home. Pack only what you need, especially in terms of clothes and accessories.

Opt for large suitcases. Most airlines have strict rules on carryon luggage, but they are more lax on checked luggage. Do you need two suitcases to hold all your clothes? Are they small suitcases? Head to your local department store and purchase a bigger suitcase. Most airlines charge $25 one-way for a second suitcase. For $50, you can easily purchase a larger suitcase that you can reuse, making it a wise investment.

Share luggage with family. If you are traveling with your romantic partner or with your entire family, condense luggage. This is best when charged for each checked suitcase. Does your ten year old really need to have his own suitcase, especially if it is only half full? Have all members of your family condense luggage into as few suitcases as possible. Depending on the size of your family, this could save you $100 or more a trip.

Use space saving bags. Because the commercials for Space Bags appear like infomercials, many consumers believe they don’t work. They actually do. Not only that, but they have bags designed for air travel. With these bags, you place your clothes inside and apply pressure by leaning. Watch your clothes as they shrink in size. You can use this approach to eliminate a second suitcase. For short trips, use these space saving travel bags in your carryon; you may not even need to check a suitcase!

Sarah Wells is a full time travel consultant in Florida. Check out these great Free Travel Articles resources and guides covering every aspect of travel and vacations. http://www.freetravelarticles.info

Their best options in likely home swap partners are retired members; folk who are not tied to work schedules. Another possibility would be among entrepreneurs and the self employed; people who have the ability to set their own timetables. You should also add members who have indicated that they are “open to offers” to your list.

On the other side of the coin, it’s probably unlikely that members who have listed specific vacation dates and destinations will have the means to work with a inquiries from last minute exchangers. Similarly, home exchangers with children will have probably finalized their arrangements already.

But—having said all this, it never hurts to send an email inquiry, you’ve nothing to lose and you could be pleasantly surprised by a response!

Equally as important as finding a suitable home exchange, is a warning that you should never be hasty in setting up and finalizing the arrangements. A simple rule of thumb to follow is, never agree to a home exchange if time constraints have prevented you and your exchange partners from fully discussing and agreeing upon every issue that’s been raised. Simply put, those are the exchanges that tend to go wrong, not necessarily because of any bad intentions from either party, but because of misunderstandings.

© Copyright ExchangeHomes.com. All rights reserved.

And on your travel, it is extremely important to keep your travel money safe. Most seasoned travelers and travel experts recommend keeping valuables in a hidden wallet or travel pouch, either wrapped around your waist under your clothes or hung around your neck under your shirt.

Another great travel tip is to reduce the chance of theft by keeping majority of your cash in the hotel’s safe. Take out enough for each day to pay for necessary items. When using credit cards, make sure that the establishment or shop looks alright. Credit cards provide valuable consumer protection and the best currency exchange rates as well.
By Guest Author Lizzie Scott

Here is one very valuable travel tip to keep a lost or stolen wallet from bringing your vacation to an abrupt end. Many seasoned travelers pack an extra wallet in their suitcase or backpack. This wallet will contain only a credit card or two and perhaps an ATM card. That way, if you lose your primary wallet, you still have access to ready cash for the rest of your cheap travel.

It is also a good idea to make an itinerary and leave it at home with family members or a trusted friend. This way, they can contact you in the event of any emergencies. You could also keep copies of your identification papers, travelers check numbers, and a photocopy of your passport, at home.

Some travelers carry their passport with them all the time. The reason for that is because the passport provides an additional piece of information and that is important if your wallet is lost or stolen while on your cheap travel. Since it is impossible to board a plane these days without ID, having an extra form of ID can make your life a lot easier.

Another travel tip is to make several copies of your important travel documents – flight reservations, hotel confirmations, rental car receipts, etc. Put each copy in a different place – one or two in different parts of the suitcase or backpack, one in your back pocket, one in your purse or carry-on, etc. Also record important phone numbers in the address book of your cell phone for easy access.

Always remember to have the basic medical information such as blood type, allergy (if any), medications, etc. If you need your medication frequently, don’t pack them in your checked luggage. Instead, always have them with you in your hand-carry luggage.

With these important travel tips, you should be on your way to enjoying safer and smarter cheap travels.

Free travel tips for everyone. Discover cheap travels and go to your dream travel destinations at http://cheap-travels.blogspot.com.

Traveling is inevitable part of our lives and there are so many uncertainties associated with travel that it becomes imperative that we seek suitable travel insurance before starting our journey. Since most of us are oblivious about the nuances of such insurances or we simply practice complacency; these result in our failure to trim down the price which we can so easily do and avail a really cheap travel insurance deal.

There are few things if we keep in mind then we can get the cost of the insurances significantly lowered.

Do not go overboard in estimations Many companies claim to provide exaggerating sum on various covers that are embedded in the travel insurance cover like medical expenses, personal liability, cancellation, baggage, cash and legals. And in most of the times these figures are inflated so as to increase the premium. It is better to do a decent cost estimation which will surely bring down the insurance policy coverage amount and save some bucks on the premium.

Get the covers that are reasonable and necessary

It is foolish to get the cancellation coverage for a flight that is really cheap. Because even in case of the cancellation all you would get in return through the coverage will be peanuts. Likewise you must weigh and give serious thought to things you really need to include in the coverage.

Plan in advance

It is good to plan your journey well in advance and to garner the maximum coverage you must also avoid last minute cancellations due to illness or any other unavoidable circumstances. If possible it is to book an entire tour package and to use your credit cards in the transactions. This will be of great assistance in gaining the maximum return if the travel arranging company or the airline companies goes bust.

Compare, compare and compare

This may require some efforts but comparing various insurers can be the most productive option because this will enable you to permeate some real cheap travel insurance quotes.

About the Author

Mike Simonds is expert in writing articles on comparison i.e. cheap home insurance quotes, compare financial services etc. To know more about cheap life insurance quotes visit NextGenCompare.co.uk

Here’s to finding some savings and cash tips as you explore these pages and the world!

Maybe you are in the early phases of planning or booking your trip, shopping around online or checking some websites or travel magazines. Some of us might even be thinking of calling some travel agents to do our homework upfront.

Perhaps you have not taken a trip in a very long time and find yourself in desperate need of a good breakaway vacation to remember. Maybe you are a young student backpacking and exploring some corners of this wonderful world we live in, or a retired couple enjoying the travel scene together.

Whatever your situation and reason for travel, we trust you will potentially find something in these pages that will inspire you and save you some money in the process.

To get us started, here is the first tip for all the procrastinators, impulse travel buyers, discount bargain hunters and vacation shoppers amongst us.

“The reason most people never reach their goals is that they don’t define them, learn about them, or ever seriously consider them as believable or achievable.” Denis Waitley

TIP # 1: Make a list of some; any or all of the destinations you would like to visit in your lifetime… and then plan to get to at least one this year!

Like anything else in life, travel needs to be planned for somewhat. It is almost like setting a short-time ‘SMART’ goal for leisure and vacationing. Marketers of time-share and destination vacations, often refer to this as an argument to invest in a travel solution.

People often suggest that we treat travel or vacationing, like any other planned financial decision in life. This is all irrespective of whether this includes house, car, tuition, health, insurance or other life-expense. Travel and vacation is justified and ‘sold’, as just another important item on the list to think about and budget for.

Setting goals is described and accepted as a powerful tool to achieve success and keeps people motivated.

Out of the list of dream destinations you just made or have in mind, you cannot possibly achieve reaching all of them, and nor should you perhaps. One can but wish and dream … Going after these dreams in a planned fashion, will mean a significant investment of time, money, energy, talent, and opportunities. You will need to prioritize.

Prioritizing should include travel items, trips, goals and destinations that you really desire to visit, see, conquer, treasure, explore and would love to achieve in your lifetime.

Realizing of course that these ‘dreams’ though, might not all be achievable immediately, or at all. You need to view this as a wish list, shortlist eventually becoming checklist! Then, move on to making at least the first goal or location visit on the list happen this year! (Alternatively, as soon as funds allow and you are able to make it happen).

Hands-on work, defining and planning for travel in such a way that it will convey an actual goal or goals, destinations, budgets and periods.

About the Author

Check out >>> http://www.engagednow.com

Plan a romantic Bahamas Honeymoon

If you are desperate to get away this summer but no matter what you do, there just does not seem to be any way to find extra money in your budget to afford to travel to your destination of choice. While you could always put your trip on credit, the unsavory acts that are being done by nearly all banks can make what was supposed to be a relaxing vacation anything but. Although you may be feeling like you will never have the time or money for a vacation, there is an alternative that comes in the form of a staycation.

While you may have heard this term mentioned once or twice on your local news, these vacations are becoming more and more popular with the budget weary traveler who just can’t seem to plan the cheapest trip possible no matter how hard they try. Staycations are a form of vacation you take while staying at home. You will need to take time off work or any other responsibilities that come along with your daily grind. A staycation is a time for you to just relax.

The best way to make a staycation a success is to plan for it like any other vacation. Block the time out in your schedule and find attractions in your area that you want to visit. It can be as simple as a park or museum that has been around the corner from your house for years and you always said you would visit, only when you were able to find the time in your busy schedule. A staycation allows you to do just that. You can plan everything you want to visit without having to travel anywhere. You can even complete the resort feel by spending some money on luxury linens for your bedroom so you can make it feel like you are staying in a 5 star resort without having to pay the resort price.

While you may have never considered staying at home for your vacation, it can be quite relaxing to take a break from your day to day stresses without having to travel anywhere. Invest in some luxury linens and find some attractions that you have always wanted to visit in your city or town and you are well on your way to planning the perfect staycation that is sure to be the cheapest trip you ever plan.

To Get More Tips On How To Get The Cheapest Trip Every Time You Travel Please Visit Deals-Trips.com

If you are looking to plan a fun vacation for either you or your family odds are you budget is weighing heavily on where you go and how much you can comfortably spend. With so many options available it can be difficult to plan a fun vacation that will not put you in the poor house. While you may be feeling like a fun vacation is not in your future, here are a few budget friendly travel ideas that help you meet your vacation needs while allowing you to plan the cheapest trip possible at the same time.

First, consider renting your accommodations. While you may be assuming that you have to stay in a hotel once you get to your destination of choice there are other options available. Consider renting a condo or cottage in the area you are planning to visit. Renting helps you save hundreds on your travel plans and the best part is your accommodations comes equipped with a kitchen which can save you even more by allowing you to cook meals instead of going out to dinner all the time.

Second, sign up for email alerts from various travel sites. If you are flexible with your travel plans and do not have a specific date or location in mind these email alerts can help you save hundreds on your travel air fare, but the key is these rates normally do not last too long. If you find a deal you really like you need to act fast or possibly risk losing the deal. So unless you are a spur of the moment type of person, this may not be the best idea for you.

Lastly, consider package deals. If you are set on traveling to a specific destination on a certain date then you may want to consider a package deal. Many travel sites will allow you to package your airfare, hotel and even car rental for one price, eliminating the need to purchase each item separately from different sites. Just make sure you do your research and don’t jump at the first great deal you find. If you have time, make sure you comparison shop so you are sure you are getting the best deal possible.

These are just a few budget friendly tips that allow you to plan the perfect vacation without putting undue stress on your budget. Take the time to shop around and be flexible and you are sure to find the best deals that will allow you to plan the cheapest trip possible.

To Find Out How You Can Get The Cheapest Trip Always CLICK HERE

When you want to travel you might become discouraged over the high prices of hotel rooms. $100 a night just for a place to sleep can put a huge dent in your travel budget (besides, you want to spend time enjoying the area, not spending all day in a hotel room, right?)

There are travelers all over the world that feel the same way you do. Thankfully, by networking with other travelers, there is a way to avoid hotel costs. You can find a place to stay for free!

Hospitality exchange programs, also known as home stay networks, have lists of people (usually other travelers) that are willing to let travelers stay at their homes for free. A member offers a place to stay at his or her home to other travelers, in exchange for similar offers from the entire network of travelers.

You can find several of these clubs by doing keyword searches for “hospitality exchange” and “couch surfing.”

There are several exchange networks that connect hosts and guests worldwide. Most of these groups let you sign up for free on their websites. Some networks just ask you to fill out a form to join, while others require more verification.

Once you’ve signed up to a network you can search the website to find free places to stay during your trip. Hosts may offer the traveler a room, a bed or a couch. Most hosts have a wealth of information about the local area and are willing to show the traveler around a bit. An additional bonus is that some will even provide free meals!

You can read reviews about a host left by other travelers to get a feel for what their experiences were like at the host’s home. When you have found an offer that you like you’ll need to contact the host a few days or so before your arrival.

Don’t forget your friends and family. They may be able to offer you a free place to stay as well. It is a good idea to develop your friend network by meeting other travelers and participating online at social sites and forums. Be sure to keep their contact information current and drop them a note once in a while. They’ll be invaluable travel aids and you can return the favor. Travel often enough and eventually you’ll collect addresses from people across the globe.

When participating in any home exchange, remember that you are a guest. Try to abide by your host’s house rules to make things more comfortable for everyone. Help out with the daily duties when you can. If you are staying at a home in a foreign culture it is wise to learn about their customs. Sometimes what is perfectly normal to you can be very offensive to your host. Be courteous and polite. Most hosts expect you to stay for about three days, but it really depends on each individual. After your stay don’t forget to send some kind of thank you note for the kind hospitality.

Using hospitality networks takes very little planning. Once you have signed up to a few of the networking sites that you like best, it will usually be easy to locate free places to stay all over the world. Not only will you save a lot of money, but you may also come away with valuable friendships.

Thomas Carroll shows you how to travel the world for just $1,000 a month or less and how you can get paid thousands of dollars a month while traveling on his website.

I agree—they have a point. My husband and I have been checking airfares for a possible exchange to Mexico and we’ve repeatedly found airlines throwing in free hotel rooms as an addition to the flight. Similarly, some of the major hotels in Las Vegas and other resorts are offering free rooms and even free flights just to entice you under their roof. Once there, they assume you will be a captive customer, spending money for services.

So—how does home exchange continue to excel? Simply by dint of those two words—”Home Exchange”. Maybe today’s economy does make it more difficult to justify as a means of significantly saving money, but nothing else has changed. You still get to stay and spread out in the space and convenience of a family home, prepare meals and snacks in a proper kitchen, put the kids to bed in separate bedrooms. Very often you can also exchange cars and get your family pets cared for without the expense of kennels or pet sitters.

ExchangeHomes.com has a lot of members who contact us to tell us of other ways home exchange has saved them money.

• Baby sitting: In a Rome hotel a member reported paying €18 for the first hour, then €17 for subsequent hours. On a home exchange her exchange partners arranged for their regular sitter to assist for just €15 an evening.
• Eating Out: Members are often delighted to eat out in local restaurants recommended by their exchange partners, rather than the usual, glitzy, tourist-trap restaurants. They say the food is usually far better, both in content and price.
• Interaction with neighbors and the local community: We often hear reports of neighbors inviting members to barbecues, parties, meals, once even a christening!
• Toys and Playmates: When families with children home exchange it normally provides a ready supply of toys, games and local playmates.
• Free Memberships: Golf club, spas, private beaches, etc.
• Free Tickets: I’ve had a number of reports of exchangers being provided with free tickets to various sports venues, theme parks, cinemas, shows, etc.

In conclusion—maybe home exchange isn’t quite the money saving vacation it used to be, but without question, the amenities and often unthought of perks it continues to offer, still place it head and shoulders above staying in a sterile, often uninviting hotel room.

© ExchangeHomes.com. All rights reserved.

Jennifer and Jim kept getting huge water bills. They knew beyond a doubt that the bills weren’t representative of their actual usage. But no matter how they tried to conserve water, the high bills continued.

Although they could see nothing wrong, they had everything checked for leaks or problems: first the water meter, then outdoor pipes, indoor pipes, underground pipes, faucets, toilets, washer, ice maker, etc. — all to no avail.

One day Jim was sick and stayed home in bed, but kept hearing water running downstairs.. He finally tore himself from his sick bed to investigate, and stumbled onto the cause of the high water bills.

Apparently this was happening all day long when they were not at home.

Knowing that few would believe him, he taped a segment of the ‘problem’ for posterity.

Watch the video.

The second article in this series. This one written for us by Travis Casey, from Bexhill-on Sea, Sussex

People who enjoy travel are usually curious people by nature. This curiosity lends itself to making friends easily while on vacation. Those who are willing to step out of their comfortable environment are ready to take the chance on seeing new places and meeting new people.

With this in mind, people who travel are easy to approach. They already possess an interest in the world outside of their own and have a natural interest in people outside of their hometown.

I would give approachability to people on vacation nine out of ten.

Another factor is that people tend to be more relaxed on vacation. The guard is dropped a bit and we are not suffering from the stress that we normally do in everyday life. For this reason, we are more open to meeting new people. If we ourselves take the initiative to start the conversation, it is seldom met with resistance.

When in an environment foreign to your normal living surroundings, it is quite natural to try to find out more about the area or place you are in. This is easily done by striking up a conversation with someone else who is in the same environment and asking them questions about what they have done in the area or plan to do. These are non-threatening questions to either party, thus making it easier to start the conversation

Opening lines are endless. It’s not like trying to chat up a man or woman you fancy where the opening line is crucial and will decide your fate as to whether you advance with that person or not. No. Holiday opening lines are more like: Have you been here before? Where do you live? Isn’t it beautiful around here?

It’s not like the usual American ice breakers: What’s your name? What do you do for a living? What kind of car do you drive? Although these questions get to the point very quickly when assessing someone as a potential friend, it is not very subtle. On vacation, let these question be answered when the opportunity presents itself.

If you meet someone else staying in the same hotel or resort, then you already have a common thread by choosing the same accommodation. This would suggest that you already share some of the same likes and dislikes, giving the potential friendship a head start before you even speak.

Sharing experiences, not only about where you are at the time, but also where each party comes from and learning a bit about their part of the world. Vacation gives people an opportunity to talk about their favourite subject. Themselves. That’s how friendships are struck up. You talk about yourself. They talk about themselves. And then you make a judgement if these are the kind of people you wish to associate with. Sometimes I may have very little in common with the person except for travel. But travel does offer common ground for the conversation and friendship to flourish.

I would say that people who travel are generally interesting people and are also interested in other people themselves. This lays a good foundation for making new friends easily. Well travelled people are easy to talk to because they have so many experiences at their disposal to talk about and keep conversations going. It is easy to make friends when the recipients are willing participants.

At that point I usually give a sigh of resignation. As any realtor will tell you, first and foremost, it’s all about location, location, location. A builder could take the plans for a 3,000 square foot home, build it on an acre lot with rolling lawns, trees and a stream meandering through the property. But—because it’s located rurally, 20 miles outside the nearest town, it may not even be worth $500,000.

Then again, that same builder could take those same plans and build an identical home on just a quarter acre lot in, for example, San Jose or The Hamptons, and suddenly you’re looking at a million dollar’s worth of real estate.

An 800 square foot Thames-side luxury apartment in London would be worth £1,000,000 (not dollars, pounds!). The average New York apartment is probably worth $1,000,000.

Location more than anything else dictates the price of property and I think it’s extremely unfair when the “snob” value becomes involved in a home exchange. Okay, so you may live in a million dollar home in La Joya (California), but why does that eliminate from consideration a member with an exquisitely fitted home with manicured grounds in rural Texas?

I’ve been intending to write this post for a long time, and now at least I shall be able to point future “Million Dollar Exchangers” to my observations.

© ExchangeHomes.com All rights reserved.

My husband and I have recently arrived home following a home exchange. Actually, it was our first 3-way home exchange, and I thought you might like to receive some feedback.

We live in a fairly remote area of Northern England and to mark our more or less simultaneous retirements we wanted to do a home exchange to Hawaii, but try as we might, it was impossible to find anyone listed in Hawaii who wanted to exchange to our part of the word. After almost six months of trying we eventually decided upon a different approach. We made a list of everyone on the ExchangeHomes site who did want to go to Northern England and then took the third step of locating Hawaiian members indicating a required exchange location on that first list.

I suppose we were lucky because we found one, and after twice as many emails and phone calls as are usually involved in setting up a home exchange, everything came together. We went to Hawaii, the Hawaiians went to New York and the couple from New York visited our house.

It worked, but it wasn’t the same. We never experienced that comfort zone of reassurance that our exchange partners were staying in our home As I said, a lot of correspondence had passed back and forth before final agreements had been reached, but the whole arrangement somehow lacked that undefinable feeling that you had really got to know your exchange partners.

Don’t get me wrong, there were no problems and everything went very smoothly, but I just wanted to say that a 3-way home swap definitely isn’t the same as a straight swap and I probably wouldn’t do it again.

I know for a fact that it’s going to be much easier to celebrate Mothers’ Day while home exchanging than could ever be possible in a hotel. The children aren’t going to be crammed into just one, or maybe two rooms with you. After dinner they can be tucked up in bed and the adults can enjoy some significant time together with a bottle of wine and maybe a favorite dvd. Often home exchangers find that their exchange partners have left them a list of reputable baby sitters, so a meal out for just the two of them in a recommended restaurant might also be possible. Even breakfast in bed for Mom, prepared in a proper family kitchen by Dad is a great possibility.

What could be more memorable than waking up to the aroma of fresh brewed coffee, a tray set with a rose from the garden and your family, each bearing a Mothers’ Day card? And the fact that it happened in your exchange home makes it especially ‘once in a lifetime’.