Travel Tips
Get great tips about travelling smart, having fun and saving!
Thursday, October 26, 2006
Discover The Island Of Jersey (No – it’s not in New Jersey!)
Would you like to hear about a truly spectacular, yet little known holiday destination? The Island of Jersey is just that spot!
Friends of mine who are living in England for three years recently returned from a holiday on The Island of Jersey, just 14 miles off the coast of France and 100 miles south of the English coast.
As an American, I must admit that I had never heard of this spot, a reported favorite of British and European travelers for decades. Nevertheless, after viewing my friends’ online photo album, I was determined to learn more and to put it on my list of places to see.
From my research, I’ve learned that English is the land spoken on the island, so that makes it an easy place to visit.
The Island has a super rich heritage and has an amazing 8,000 year recorded history! Mont Orgueil Castle, overlooking the small harbor of Gorey has protected the Island from invasion since the early 13th century! Several museums on the island extol the exciting and turbulent history of this magical island.
The abundance of flowers is another of Jersey’s attractions and it is often referred to as “The Floral Island”. An annual carnival called “The Battle of Flowers” brings thousands of people to the island each year.
The beaches on the island are spectacular (at least from the pictures I’ve seen) and the countryside is just as amazing. In fact, the countryside even features Hamptonne Country Life Museum with farmhouses and outbuildings dating back six centuries that have been lovingly restored using traditional crafts.
So, if you find yourself in England or France, you might want to consider your own jaunt to Jersey Island to enjoy sunny, mild weather and some of the cleanest, most gorgeous beaches in Europe!
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
Taking Your First Overseas Trip?
If you’ve decided it’s time to expand your horizons and take a trip of a lifetime overseas, then here’s some great advice to make sure you are fully prepared for your maiden voyage!
- Documents: Make sure you apply for your passport and/or necessary Visas early. Check with the embassy in the country you are visiting to find out what is necessary for entry into the country. Leave yourself plenty of time because it can take quite long to get the necessary documentation.
Take photocopies of any of your important identification and credit cards in case they get lost or stolen.
- Language: A great tip is to learn some of the basics of the language of the countries you are visiting. Just knowing how to book a hotel room, ask where the washrooms are and getting directions will make your trip far less stressful. Language computer programs or CDs are a quick and easy way to learn the basics!
- Luggage: Think about what type of traveling you will be doing and bring the appropriate luggage with you. For example, if you’ll be doing a lot of walking, a sturdy backpack is ideal. If you are planning to only visit one or two cities and will have a home base, then a suitcase will work great.
Don’t forget to find out size and weight restrictions from the airlines before you pack!
- Adapters and Converters: You will want to get an electrical converter if you’re heading off to countries outside of North America! If you don’t, you won’t be able to use your hair dryer, charge your digital camera battery or use other electrical implements!
- Clothing: Be prepared for a variety of climates. Make sure you bring clothing in case it rains because there is nothing worse than soggy clothing—you will end up miserable! Flip-flops are a great idea if you’ll be using communal bathrooms. Remember to also bring long pants and jackets because some religious/cultural sites will require you to cover up.
First time travelers usually bring way too much. Try to pack light because you will have to carry everything you bring! You’ll want to have room in your luggage for any souvenirs you purchase!
- Other Useful Items: For overseas travel, consider bringing a money belt, travel alarm clock, umbrella, lock, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, and plastic bags (for damp/dirty clothing or spillable items).
Your first trip overseas will be exciting and exhilarating. Follow these easy tips and you should be prepared to enjoy every minute!
Friday, October 20, 2006
Business Travelers Rank the Very Best
Business travelers who frequent planes, hotels and airports around the world are some of the best experts on great places to travel. Conde Nast Traveler magazine recently divulged the results of their Business Travel Awards. With the survey participants averaging 50 nights away from home annually, they are indeed road warriors worthy of providing valuable travel information!
Here are their top picks for 2006. Have a look and see if you agree. Maybe some of these locales will inspire you to plan your own upcoming trip!
Transatlantic Routes
This year, the U.S. carriers were well behind their foreign competition. The highest ranking in business class was Virgin Atlantic with an overall rating of 86.7. Here are the individual ratings for the top five business class airlines offering transatlantic routes.
| Airline | Total Rating | Seat Comfort | Food | Service | Amenities/Tech | Lounge Clubs | Frequent Flyer Program |
| Virgin Atlantic | 86.7 | 89.0 | 88.9 | 87.5 | 91.4 | 89.6 | 73.8 |
| Singapore Airlines | 86.0 | 93.3 | 93.3 | 93.3 | 90.0 | 74.1 | 72.0 |
| SAS | 71.8 | 75.0 | 78.3 | 75.0 | 61.9 | 68.2 | 52.3 |
| British Airways | 71.7 | 82.1 | 72.8 | 80.5 | 71.0 | 71.4 | 72.2 |
| South African Airlines | 71.2 | 76.0 | 72.0 | 70.8 | 62.5 | 73.9 | 52.3 |
International Airports
Singapore’s Changi airport with its amazing array of amenities and services is leaps and bounds above most other airports worldwide, so it’s no surprise the survey participants ranked it so highly. Here are the details on their top picks:
| Airport | Overall Total | Location | Connections | Customs-Baggage | Food/Shops | Design | Safety/Security |
| Singapore | 81.1 | 74.0 | 81.8 | 87.0 | 82.0 | 82.6 | 79.0 |
| Hong Kong | 70.8 | 53.7 | 75.3 | 71.5 | 75.5 | 81.0 | 66.7 |
| Zurich | 65.5 | 71.6 | 68.4 | 63.5 | 53.9 | 64.0 | 71.9 |
| Amsterdam | 61.6 | 65.6 | 59.5 | 56.9 | 68.8 | 57.6 | 61.6 |
| Copenhagen | 58.9 | 62.5 | 57.5 | 58.6 | 58.9 | 61.6 | 54.2 |
International Hotels
A wide variety of hotel chains is represented in the international hotel winners. Check out these top five!
| Hotel | Overall Total | Location | Room | Room for Working | Business Services | Food | Service | Design |
| Four Seasons Hotel George, Paris | 97.0 | 97.0 | 99.4 | 89.7 | 92.6 | 97.0 | 97.6 | 95.8 |
| InterContinental Hong Kong | 92.8 | 97.0 | 94.7 | 83.3 | 81.8 | 91.0 | 92.4 | 93.1 |
| JW Marriott, Mexico City | 91.3 | 97.9 | 95.7 | 88.5 | 77.8 | 84.4 | 93.6 | 91.1 |
| Fairmont Waterfront, Vancouver | 89.2 | 92.9 | 91.7 | 96.8 | 92.3 | 77.9 | 92.3 | 91.4 |
| Grand Hyatt, Tokyo | 89.7 | 89.7 | 87.9 | 78.9 | 87.5 | 86.0 | 94.8 | 91.2 |
While you may or may not agree with the business travelers picks, it’s always fun to dream about and start planning your own vacation getaway!
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
Motorcoach Traveling? Sure, Why Not?
If you want to travel on land in Europe or Asia to see your particular destination in its vastness, a motorcoach trip is a good option for you. Here are seven reasons why:
- You’re no longer the designated driver. Someone else, who knows the roads and the best routes, will be driving instead. A motorcoach ride is more relaxing without the extra responsibilities. If you’re vacationing, you should vacation without too much on your plate!
- It’s comfortable. Most motorcoaches today are equipped with cushioned recliner seats and even a footrest. A personal air-conditioner is often located overhead. Some motorcoaches also have televisions and radios for enjoyment.
- It’s economical. It’s much more affordable than paying for gas, airfare, or train fare.
- It’s convenient. If you’re with a group of people who can’t all fit in one car, you don’t have to prepare that motorcade or instruct that cab driver to “follow the other driver!” Motorcoaches are spacious and have a large capacity for all your friends and family.
- You can meet new people. Since motorcoaches are large and everyone is headed to the same destination, you have time to socialize and to meet others who share in your common travel interest.
- You can enjoy the scenery. You get to see what connects City A to Town B. You are able to enjoy fields and mountains, small towns, and local sights—all from your large window. You no longer need to have your focus on the road, the clouds below (haven’t we all seen that before?), the kids in the backseat, and you certainly won’t be without any view like in an underground subway.
- You can get a guided trip. Many motorcoaches are equipped with drivers who tell you where you’ve been, what you just saw. Don’t you want to know if you just passed the home where an important dignitary grew up?
Give yourself the peace of mind that you’re going to be enjoying a scenic and comfortable trip, one that affords you new friends, and above all, relaxation and true enjoyment.
Monday, October 16, 2006
Take Great Photos When You Travel!
Back in the days of film, did you ever come back from a trip and were extremely disappointed when you got your pictures back from the film developer? It’s happened to me. I was always disappointed that the pictures never did the locales I visited any justice or truly captured how much fun we were having…
I decided to do something about it and have researched some ideas on taking great photos when traveling. I thought I’d share a bit of what I have learned!
Travel photos should capture and archive your memories. While it is disappointing when your pictures don’t turn out, what’s even more disappointing is when you forget to take many photos! So don’t forget to use your camera and apply these few quick tips next time you travel.
- I’m going to assume you use a digital camera, since they are the most popular these days. If you are using a digital camera, make sure you have enough room on your memory cards or even purchase an additional card just to ensure you can capture every picture you want!
Carry an extra battery or don’t forget your recharging cord (and an adapter if you’re traveling overseas). Also, carry your camera in a case to prevent damage.
- Before you just start up your camera and start shooting, stop and look at where you want to take a picture. Be sure to consider the lighting!
The best time for taking pictures is in the morning before it gets too bright (you don’t want any squinters!) or in the early evening when the sun is going down. If you are taking pictures in the middle of the day, be sure that the sun is behind you to avoid unsightly shadows.
For inside pictures, makes sure there is lots of natural sunlight because it will give you the best exposure for your photos.
- To improve the look of your photographs, consider applying the rule of thirds. This tip is most commonly associated with landscape pictures; however, you can use it to make any photograph better.
The rule of thirds suggests that instead placing the main focus of the photo in the center, place the focus on a line that intersects the photograph on a third. Imaginary lines are drawn dividing the image into thirds both horizontally and vertically. Place the important elements of your composition where these lines intersect. My digital camera even has a setting providing these lines.
Using the Rule of Thirds helps produce nicely balanced, easy on the eye pictures. Also, as you have to position things relative to the edges of the frame it helps get rid of ‘tiny subject surrounded by vast empty space’ syndrome.
- If you’ve ever sat through somebody else’s endless travel photos, you know that they can be boring. To improve the interest of your photos, remember that if you’re taking pictures of people, try not to pose them very often. Take the photograph of them in action, moving or experiencing some aspect of your vacation. Pictures turn out way better if the subjects seem natural. People are interesting, so try to include them in the photographs as much as possible.
Anyone can improve his or her picture taking ability. Be creative and follow these simple photography tips. Next time, your travel shots will show how truly awe-inspiring a particular landscapes was or how much fun your kids were truly having at the beach.
Friday, October 13, 2006
Travel Necessities When Traveling With Kids!
As a mother of two who loves traveling, I have dragged my kids many places in the world. Now, at the ages of five and three, they are becoming seasoned travelers and enjoy the adventures as much as my husband and me!
After many trips, I have finally compiled a list of some of the necessities required when traveling with kids. Having these items on hand will make your life on the road (or in the air) much easier!
Keep these on hand when traveling:
- Antiseptic hand gel
- Small tissue package
- Band-Aids
- Important phone #s (doctor, emergency contact, where you’re staying, etc.)
- Acetaminophen for children and adults
- Nightlight
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Paper, pencils, crayons
- Deck of cards
- Plastic and zip lock bags (perfect for dirty laundry, wet bathing suits, collecting shells and other treasures)
- Sun hats
- Umbrella
- Photo of your child (in case they get lost)
- Light waterproof jackets
- Photocopies of birth certificate, passport, driver’s license etc. (can be invaluable if your identification is lost or stolen…I happened to lose all my identification on a trip to Australia!)
Items For Road Trips
If you’re planning a road trip, or will be doing a lot of driving when you reach your destination, consider these items that can help make the long drives more enjoyable.
- Bottles of water
- Small blankets for each child
- Paper towels
- Toilet paper (in case you can make the rest stop!)
- Snacks (and lots of them!)
- Compass
- Travel games
- Favorite books
- Frisbee (for those rest breaks!)
Other Great Ideas
- Visit the dollar store and pick up some inexpensive activity books or small toys. Pull them out as a surprise when the kids are getting bored and need new stimulation.
- Another idea is two to three months before the trip, collect some small toys/books/games etc. that the children haven’t been playing with and pack them away. When you pull them out during trip time, they will seem like new and the kids will enjoy rediscovering old favorites.
- Allow each child to bring a small bag or games, toys, stuffed animals or other personal items to make them feel comfortable. Be sure to stipulate how many items they can bring (or what bag they should use) otherwise, you could end up with a suitcase filled with toys!
- Search the Internet to find different road games. If your child has a favorite TV show or character, see if you can find activity sheets involving that character. Also, print off new card games to try when you have some downtime in your hotel room or waiting for your plane.
- Snacks are one of the most important elements of traveling with children. Since you’re not likely to get food on airplanes these days, I pack quite a bit of food, because you never know when they are going to be hungry. Individual applesauce and fruit cups (bring spoons!) work great. So do snack pack sizes of crackers or rice cakes. My kids love it when I bring those small individual cereal boxes that they eat straight out of the box. For a sweet treat, Pop Tarts or Wagon Wheels travel well.
So that’s my quick and easy list of travel necessities. I found that planning ahead can mean a far more enjoyable journey for both the kids and adults!
Thursday, October 12, 2006
Reducing Aircraft Emissions for a Better Earth
Last month, we saw our company chairman, Richard Branson, take the reigns on global warming. But he wasn’t done with making the Earth a better place to live.
Branson announced that he is in the process of preparing a new plan to reduce aircraft emissions by up to 25%. As he said, “With global warming, the world is heading for a catastrophe. The aviation industry must play its part in averting that.”
The plan entails improving aircraft movements by pulling planes closer to the runway before takeoff so that their engine running time would be lessened and the planes would not burn as much fuel, thereby reducing carbon dioxide emissions.
Branson is looking for these initiatives to be implemented “within two years,” he says, and when implemented, will save “over 150 million tons of carbon emissions a year.”
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
My Vietnam Vacation
I must admit that Vietnam was not tops on my list of places to go see. I knew I wanted to visit South East Asia, I was just unsure of exactly where I wanted to go.
However, once I started doing some research, I discovered that Vietnam is a fascinating and breathtaking locale to visit. So I decided to book a trip!
When I arrived in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) Vietnam, I remember being astonished by the hot and humid weather that greeted me as I disembarked the plane. From leaving the cool, dry weather in the United States, it seemed like a shock to my system.
I was lucky enough to be in Ho Chi Minh City over New Year’s Eve. It was really interesting because Christmas and New Year’s are the most popular times to get married in Vietnam, so we witnessed many couples dressed up in their wedding regalia.
To get around and see the sights of the city, I rented a motorbike, which is a popular method of travel in Vietnam. You can usually rent one for under $10 US per day, so it’s extremely reasonable. It was quite an experience and definitely not for the faint of heart! It seems that obeying the traffic laws is optional!
If you go, I highly recommend spending time in the Ben Thanh Market. Here you find great merchandise for a fraction of the price that you would pay at the more touristy shops and markets on Dong Khoi Street. Be prepared for over stacked and overcrowded aisles – but if you have patience, you’re sure to find great items and great prices!
If you’re looking to get out of the city to experience the great beaches of Vietnam, go and visit Vung Tau, a popular beach local that is only one hour and fifteen minutes hydrofoil ride away from Ho Chi Min City. Back Beach is great for nightlife and Mulberry Beach is more subdued. You can also visit the lighthouse and the giant Jesus statue. It’s best to visit during the week to avoid the crowds. The beaches definitely make it worth the trip.
One of the staff at my hotel recommended the next activity I did. It’s called the Water Puppet Theatre and it is a rare chance to see this traditional Vietnamese art form. Located just inside the grounds of the War Crimes Museum, fighting dogs, dragons and lifelike people puppets are brought to life with elegance, precision and power on the surface of the water. This professional production is first rate and only costs a few US dollars. Well worth it!
There are many other fabulous sights to see during your Vietnam vacation. Pick up a travel guide before you go and highlight the places you really want to see so that you don’t run out of time before you’ve seen all the amazing sights!
Before I sign off, I’ve got to mention the magnificent food I experienced during my vacation. So many cultures have influenced the area that you can find almost every type of food represented. There are wonderful European restaurants and of course, great restaurants featuring the flavors of Thailand, China, Japan and even India.
Vietnamese cuisine is similar to Chinese and Thai cuisine, but it does differ. The defining qualities are a prevailing lightness because they use little fat or oil. They also do a superb job of blending complimentary textures and the use of their salty sauce made of fermented anchovies called nuoc mam. Be sure to take the time to savor the local cuisine because it really is quite spectacular!
Visiting Ho Chi Minh City was a trip of a lifetime for me. I enjoyed it so much that I cannot wait to see other areas of this amazing and wonderful country.
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
Top Worldwide Airports Chosen by Travel Writers
USA Today recently published an article where writer Jayne Clark asked a handful of popular travel writers to disclose their favorite airports.
Here are some of their top picks:
Lawrence Osborne, author of the bestseller, Naked Tourist, commented that his favorite airport is in Wamena, Irian Jaya, on the island of New Guinea in Indonesia, by saying “It’s the anti-airport. It has almost no staff. There is no glass in the windows, just naked men in pig fat jumping up and down.” That description alone makes it intriguing enough to visit.
Donna McSherry, founder of Budget Traveller’s Guide to Sleeping in Airports picked the Dublin airport in Ireland as her favorite. “It was the most hassle-free, comfortable experience. I was able to stretch out on padded benches and sleep.”
Another travel writer with several books to his name, Derek Shapton, chose Hong Kong as his top pick. He comments: “Setting foot in Hong Kong’s new airport was the first time I felt I was stepping into the 21st century. The whole building is so airy and full of light, shaped like a vessel about to take off, that it speaks to me of the modern moment and the idea that a city itself can almost be a plane, made for people from everywhere on their way to everywhere else.”
Greg Lindsey, editor at large for Advertising Age magazine, wrote a series last year where he spent the three weeks staying in 12 different airports. His choice for top airport is Singapore Changi. He explains: “When I visited last fall, I spent two days in the air-side (facilities inside the security checkpoints) comforts of the airport. I sampled the breakfast buffet at the Singapore Airlines lounge, had a haircut in the airport’s own beauty salon, went shopping in the vast duty free bazaar, played free video games, surfed the Net at free terminals, and finally, I went for a swim in the outdoor pool on the roof.”
Each airport was chosen for different reasons, but they all offer unique amenities and interesting things to see. Hopefully, you have the travel bug and will get to discover many of the wonderful and fascinating airports the world has to offer.
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
Traveling? Why Not Blog While You're Gone?
One of the newest ways to keep in touch while you travel is to keep a travel blog. It’s a great way for family and friends to experience your excitement and fascination and it’s a terrific way for you to remember your trip for a lifetime.
A travel blog is the technological age’s answer to a scrapbook and it is a fantastic way to remember your journey. Family and friends will also enjoy your travel stories and pictures. Essentially, your travel blog will become your diary, scrapbook, AND messaging system!
Before you leave, do some research to find out the various blogging sites available. Common blogging sites include typepad.com, blogger.com, and wordpress.com, all of which are free. Once you’ve chosen your favorite, sign up for an account and don’t forget to find out if it can be updated remotely (the aforementioned three can be).
There are essentially two different types of travel blogs for you to choose from. One is an ‘after the trip is finished’ blog where you write all about your exciting vacation once it’s all over. You can post your pictures and run down your itinerary based on notes you’ve taken on the trip. (Make sure that if you don’t have computer access, you at least have a notebook to jot down your experiences!)
The second type of travel blog is ideally suited for people taking longer trips away from home, but works pretty well if you’re the type of person who wants to keep those who care about you updated with the latest happenings where you’re at. This type of blog is called an ‘on the road’ travel blog and you would write your journal entries on regular intervals throughout your trip.
With an ‘on the road’ blog, there is usually two ways to post your blogs. The most common way to is find an Internet café and post your entry through a web based application. A newer way, called mobile blogging, has you posting your entries by using your cell phone or PDA (personal digital assistant). If you are staying at a hotel that is equipped with Internet access (many of our packages have such options), you can bring a laptop (don’t forget an AC converter), and you can spend a few minutes every evening composing the highlights of your trip.
When you’re using an ‘on the road’ blog, you can write anytime – you can even complement your entries with pictures taken from your cell phone! Say you’re waiting in line for the Eiffel Tower. Why not use that time productively instead of stare at your watch for the line to move? Blog something: your bus ride to Paris, the funny hats that were being sold at the gift store nearby and that the family in front of you is wearing, or how you can’t wait to see the view of Paris from up high.
No matter what type of blog you use or how you post your entries, use rich language to describe your experiences and don’t forget to include lots of pictures. Why not provide reviews of the places you’ve visited, describe the people you’ve met and even provide examples of conversations you have had with the locals! The more rich and interesting detail you provide, the more enjoyable it is for your readers and the better the keepsake will be when you want to relive the memories years down the road!
Have a great trip and happy blogging!
Thursday, September 28, 2006
A Universe of Travel: The Virgin Galactic Quest
Riding through the comfort zone to go to the moon is not as far off as you think.
Our chairman, Richard Branson, announced plans of the SpaceShipTwo today in New York City. This spacecraft will be two times larger than the SpaceShipOne, which was brought into flight in June of 2004. The SpaceShipTwo will be able to accommodate six passengers.
With the goal in mind to promote space tourism, the seats will be cushioned, and yes, passengers will have the ability to recline peacefully. From the official Virgin Galactic website, you will be able to “See the world in a whole new light.”
The ticket will cost you $200,000 apiece. You’ll have to wait until about 2009 though until you can fly, so start saving now.
10 Overseas Traveling Tips
Going abroad for the first time? Hey, don’t be nervous; it’s not so bad. A long plane flight seem like an eternity, but you can make it more enjoyable. And think about it this way: once you’re at your destination, you’re going to love it.
- Do some preparatory research. Scout the bookstores and buy a guidebook. Surf the net for traveler experiences. Visit forums and ask for advice.
- Organize your finances. Buy traveler’s cheques from your local bank. Organize your credit cards and cash too.
- Prepare your itinerary at home and book your tours in advance. When you get there, the will be hundreds of people just like you in line to visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa or the Roman Colosseum in Italy, so booking early guarantees you a spot, and in many cases, you can beat the crowds!
- Pack as lightly as possible: Airlines impose restrictions on the weight of your luggage, and it can be costly.
- Bring a camera and get ready to share your photos once you’re back home. What good is that Dutch or Thailand vacation without bringing home pictures to show the family and coworkers? Your stories should be complemented with some great photos. You, too, will want to look back on those memories in a few years!
- Make the time pass on the flight: Bring your CD player, Ipod, or laptop. Find a good book. Sleep. Play some Sudoku. If you’re with a young child, bring a set of cards; the SET card game is a popular choice among older children and even adults.
- Prepare to be amazed, especially in England. If you’re coming from America, bear in mind that cars are driven on the “wrong” side of the road, and the driver also sits on the “wrong” (right) side of the car!
- Experience the local flavor: Sure, you can go to Greece and ask for a cheeseburger—I’m sure they offer it, but wouldn’t you rather try stifatho? (How could you ever pass up a New York Bagel opportunity in New York?!)
- Take advantage of nightlife: There are plenty of monuments to visit by day, but don’t retire early! The nightlife in India will keep you entertained beyond daylight hours.
- Visit the landmarks: By night, a different kind of culture exists. But if you went to Paris and didn’t get to see the Eiffel Tower, you’ll definitely get funny looks from your friends.
Keep these thoughts in mind when you travel and your experience abroad will be a very pleasing one. Let your eyes be open to the culture and experience the lifestyle.
Friday, September 22, 2006
Fighting Global Warming: A Contribution that Counts
The future matters. And all it took was a little coffee with former vice president Al Gore. Yesterday, our chairman, Sir Richard Branson, made a $3 billion pledge to fight global warming. Over the next decade, 100 percent of the profits from the transportation sectors, including Virgin Atlantic, will be donated to the cause with the goal of finding renewable and sustainable energy as alternative methods to coal and oil.
“Our generation has inherited an incredibly beautiful world from our parents and they from their parents,” Branson said during his announcement, which was made officially during the Clinton Global Initiative, a yearly conference hosted by the former President for leaders in the business, political, and nonprofit worlds. “We must not be the generation responsible for irreversibly damaging the environment. We must hand it over to our children in as near pristine a condition as we were lent it from our parents.”
It’s time to go on the trip you’ve been dreaming about knowing that your travels will reward your children and their children.
Monday, September 18, 2006
Save Money on Meals When You Travel
Traveling can be an expensive proposition; especially when you think about how many meals you are going to be eating out. If you love to travel but don’t have an unlimited travel budget, don’t despair - there are some really easy ways that you can save money on meals when traveling!
Now you could always do what my father-in-law did when he traveled with his family…but I don’t recommend it. My father-in-law only allowed his family to eat two meals per day! Talk about an extreme way to save some money! These ideas are far less painful and will not leave you starving!
• Ask the locals where they eat. It’s no surprise that the touristy restaurants are going to be far pricier than the places the locals eat. In addition, when you eat with the locals, you will probably end up tasting meals that are indigenous to the area and authentic tasting!
• Many restaurants will post their menu outside the restaurant. Be sure to take the time to look over the menu before you enter. If they don’t have a menu posted, ask to see one! That way you won’t be embarrassed or surprised when you’re seated and discover that the menu is too pricey.
• Carry a sheet with the currency conversion rates if you aren’t good at doing the conversions in your head. This sheet will help you avoid overspending!
• Go to the local market or grocery store for at least one meal per day. Simply buying a few buns, some meat, cheese and fruit can cost you only a dollar or two versus a restaurant meal. Plan ahead and bring a few pieces of cutlery and you’ll be all set to make your own meal on the go.
• If you are planning to stay somewhere for a while, it might make sense to rent a place with a common kitchen or one that has a kitchenette. You’ll save considerably on meals this way.
• When you’re sightseeing, carrying your own water and snacks (ex. granola bars, fruit, trail mix) can help save a lot over buying them from vendors or convenience stores.
Just incorporating a few of these suggestions can have you cutting your meal expenses considerably on your next trip. Who knows, you might save enough to allow you to stay even longer and explore more local attractions!
Friday, September 15, 2006
As Workforce Ages – Vacation Time Is Even More Essential
It is no secret that the American workforce is aging and that many people are continuing to work long after they are eligible to retire. That is a great thing for organizations because they get to retain valuable and knowledgeable employees in a job market that is increasingly competitive.
This aging workforce is getting more demanding though. They want flexible work schedules and lots of time for vacations. Two weeks just is not going to cut it anymore!
If companies want to retain this important sector of the workforce, then they are going to have to get on the ball and start offering things like ‘working vacations’, phased in retirement and compressed workweeks.
One trend that is taking off at some organizations is the working vacation. While that might sound like an oxymoron to some people, it is actually an ideal situation for people nearing retirement who still enjoy working. The working vacation allows the employer to still have the employee working, but the employee is not in the office and stays in touch from their vacation destination through the wonders of technology.
My mom’s employer is a great example of an organization being extremely flexible in terms of workweek and vacation time. My mom is in her 60s but is still a valuable asset to her employer. She has arranged to work three days a week from home with the understanding that she can take lengthy vacations when she likes. She loves the arrangement and her employer still reaps the years of knowledge and experience that she has – but it is on my mom’s terms.
The U.S. government is also starting to realize that it needs to change the rules to allow employers to be more flexible. Under a provision in the new pension law, workers 62 and older can collect partial benefits from their employer without quitting. The change is effective for most plans starting in January.
So, if you are nearing retirement, but aren’t quite ready to break the ties officially, why not talk to your employer about designing a schedule that allows you more flexibility and vacation time. You never know, they might be very thankful that you are willing to stay on – even if it means creating special provisions for you.
Subscribe to RSS Feed
Members:
Login | Register
| Member List
Most recent entries
About
The ultimate blog about the wonderful world of vacation travel brought to you by Virgin Vacations. Learn what you need to know to get the most out of your next vacation. Virgin Vacations is the way life should be.
Categories
| November 2008 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S | M | T | W | T | F | S |
| 1 | ||||||
| 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
| 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 |
| 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 |
| 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 |
| 30 | ||||||
Monthly Archives
- July 2008
- June 2008
- May 2008
- April 2008
- March 2008
- February 2008
- January 2008
- December 2007
- November 2007
- October 2007
- September 2007
- August 2007
- July 2007
- June 2007
- May 2007
- April 2007
- March 2007
- February 2007
- January 2007
- December 2006
- November 2006
- October 2006
- September 2006
- August 2006
- July 2006
- June 2006
- May 2006
- April 2006
- March 2006
- February 2006
- January 2006
- December 2005
- Complete Archives
- Category Archives