It certainly would not be a stretch of the imagination to say that traveling is something that most people aspire to to a certain extent. However many people look at the cost of traveling as making it something that is prohibitive given their budget constraints. This is certainly true for a middle-class or lower family. It is not uncommon for many families to really never go on much of a vacation because they just could never figure out how to make it work.
Well traveling is indeed something that must be saved for and budgeted if you have financial constraints. This is something that's is true for most people. If you want to take a great vacation and you should plan ahead at least one year, possibly more, if you feel that you need to be careful with your money. However there are ways that you can save money here and there if you are mindful with how you plan your vacation.
For example let us say that you wanted to take your family to Disney World. Arguably this would be a very expensive vacation. Now there is nothing that can be done about the cost of tickets. That is something that you will definitely have to save for. However managing both your lodging costs and your food costs, which actually constitute the biggest part of this expense, really is not all that difficult if you plan ahead.
The first thing you can do is think strategically about your time. This goes for virtually any destination that you're going to travel to, but certainly applies to any Disney vacation. It is always more expensive to travel during peak season than it is to travel off-season. For example many times at the end of September heading into October Disney will offer free dining plans to people who are going to stay on-site. These dining plans can save a family of four up to $1000 off of their meal costs.
If you leverage one of these free dining plan deals and you think strategically about your other food needs you can bring your food costs down to nothing. We can do this easily by opting to stay at the campsite. Now I know many people might not consider it ideal, but the Disney World campgrounds is actually well appointed. You'll have access to running water for showers and things of that nature and you will still be in close proximity to the park, but instead of paying $100 or more per night you will pay around $50.
The simple truth is that no matter where you are going, the matter what vacation you would like to take, if you approach it with a strategic mindset and actually do the ground work and research to learn about your destination it is not that difficult to figure out ways to dramatically reduce the cost of your vacation. The goal of course is to offset the costs you can control in order to balance out the costs that you cannot control.
Monday, October 28, 2013
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
An Informed Traveller is a Happy Traveller - Tips For a Great Vacation!
Have you just booked your next vacation abroad? No doubt you are excited to soak up some good weather, a new culture and a chance to relax?
For some though, that planned time of fun and relaxation can turn into a nightmare vacation. From being the victim of crime to problems at border checks, and from getting sick abroad to having a terrible flight.
Most of these problems can be easily avoided or at least minimised by a little preparation in advance. More often than not, an informed traveller is a happy traveller!
So what helpful tips exists that can help your vacation away to be fun, relaxing and problem-free? Let's find out!
Passport!
It's not wrong to check twenty times before your vacation the following:
Don't take off for your vacation with your passport neatly tucked away in your bag, without even one single copy existing. Instead leave a copy of your travel itinerary, your passport, and any visas you are carrying with family or a close friend. Make sure you choose someone who will be easily available to contact if an emergency does arise.
Be Informed About the Country You Are Travelling To
Familiarise yourself with the laws existing in your vacation country, remember when you are there you are subject to the laws off the country. Being familiar with what to expect from your country of choice will also help you to enjoy your trip and anticipate any possible problems that may arise.
Have Good Medical Insurance
Make sure that the medical insurance you have definitely covers the country you will be travelling to. Check the emergency expenses and make comparisons with a number of companies if necessary to ensure the best coverage.
Don't Ask For Trouble!
When on vacation remember that there are people in every country who are involved in crime, opportunist thieves who are looking for a certain type of victim. To minimise your chances of being targeted avoid wearing very noticeable clothes or expensive jewellery. Carry only small amounts of money on your person and never leave your baggage unattended in a public area.
If a stranger befriends you and asks you to accept a package from them, no matter how lovely they seem - say no!
Aim for an Easy Flight
None of us can control how much turbulence we are going to experience on our flight, but we can control our check in procedure. To make it hassle-free check out the airline regulations before your flight. Make sure your checked baggage and or hand luggage are within the regulations, including carrying liquids and laptops.
The last tip for a hassle-free vacation? Have fun! Once you have followed the tips and prepared for your trip, enjoy your much deserved vacation! Remember an informed traveller is a happy traveller!
For some though, that planned time of fun and relaxation can turn into a nightmare vacation. From being the victim of crime to problems at border checks, and from getting sick abroad to having a terrible flight.
Most of these problems can be easily avoided or at least minimised by a little preparation in advance. More often than not, an informed traveller is a happy traveller!
So what helpful tips exists that can help your vacation away to be fun, relaxing and problem-free? Let's find out!
Passport!
It's not wrong to check twenty times before your vacation the following:
- You have your passport with you!
- Your passport is valid and signed.
- You have filled in the emergency information page of your passport.
- You have any required visas needed for your trip.
Don't take off for your vacation with your passport neatly tucked away in your bag, without even one single copy existing. Instead leave a copy of your travel itinerary, your passport, and any visas you are carrying with family or a close friend. Make sure you choose someone who will be easily available to contact if an emergency does arise.
Be Informed About the Country You Are Travelling To
Familiarise yourself with the laws existing in your vacation country, remember when you are there you are subject to the laws off the country. Being familiar with what to expect from your country of choice will also help you to enjoy your trip and anticipate any possible problems that may arise.
Have Good Medical Insurance
Make sure that the medical insurance you have definitely covers the country you will be travelling to. Check the emergency expenses and make comparisons with a number of companies if necessary to ensure the best coverage.
Don't Ask For Trouble!
When on vacation remember that there are people in every country who are involved in crime, opportunist thieves who are looking for a certain type of victim. To minimise your chances of being targeted avoid wearing very noticeable clothes or expensive jewellery. Carry only small amounts of money on your person and never leave your baggage unattended in a public area.
If a stranger befriends you and asks you to accept a package from them, no matter how lovely they seem - say no!
Aim for an Easy Flight
None of us can control how much turbulence we are going to experience on our flight, but we can control our check in procedure. To make it hassle-free check out the airline regulations before your flight. Make sure your checked baggage and or hand luggage are within the regulations, including carrying liquids and laptops.
The last tip for a hassle-free vacation? Have fun! Once you have followed the tips and prepared for your trip, enjoy your much deserved vacation! Remember an informed traveller is a happy traveller!
Monday, October 14, 2013
A Quick Guide To Budget Travel
Travel is becoming more and more affordable. Thanks to the rise of budget airlines, known in the travel world as low cost carriers, anyone can see the world, whether they are well-off or not. Budget airlines offer a no-frills travel service, and it is a good idea to read their terms and conditions carefully before you commit to using them. Here are a few tips to help you enjoy a budget travel experience that is stress free, and free from unexpected charges.
Print Your Boarding Pass
If the airline you fly with offers online check in, use it. Not only will this save you a lot of time by saving you from having to queue up at the airport, invariably behind someone with 15 oversize bags and the strangest itinerary known to man, it could save you money too. Just remember to print your boarding pass before you fly home!
Pack Light
Budget airlines usually have strict baggage requirements – far less generous than legacy carriers. Find out what their rules are and make sure that both your cabin bag and your checked bag meet them. If they don’t, you could end up paying far over the odds to bring your luggage with you. If you know you will need to carry a lot, pay in advance so that you get a discount.
Feed Yourself Before You Travel
Low cost airlines don’t usually offer refreshments for free on the plane, at least not for shorter trips. So, make sure you are well-fed and have a drink before you get on the plane. Remember that you aren’t allowed to take liquids through security with you, but you can buy refreshments once you have passed security. So, finish your drinks before you check in, and grab something from the vending machines to keep yourself hydrated once you get on the flight.
Resist the Up-Selling
One of the biggest inconveniences of budget travel is the constant up and cross-selling that goes on. While you’re on the plane, be prepared to be barraged with advertisements for car rental, coach services, taxi services and more. If you’re a first time traveller and you have no idea how you are going to get from the airport to the hotel, accepting the sales pitch might be worthwhile in that it’s convenient, and offers you an easy mode of transport after you get off the plane. However, if you do your homework and book and airport transfer before you fly, you’ll probably save a lot of money.
If the above makes it sound like budget travel is a nightmare, don’t despair. Remind yourself that you have just traveled several hundred (or thousand) miles, and paid next to nothing for the privilege. You are getting to see parts of the world that your parents and grandparents would have had to save up for many months to enjoy, and you’re going there as a weekend trip. Enjoy this unprecedented access to affordable international travel, and remind yourself that the destination more than makes the journey worthwhile.
Print Your Boarding Pass
If the airline you fly with offers online check in, use it. Not only will this save you a lot of time by saving you from having to queue up at the airport, invariably behind someone with 15 oversize bags and the strangest itinerary known to man, it could save you money too. Just remember to print your boarding pass before you fly home!
Pack Light
Budget airlines usually have strict baggage requirements – far less generous than legacy carriers. Find out what their rules are and make sure that both your cabin bag and your checked bag meet them. If they don’t, you could end up paying far over the odds to bring your luggage with you. If you know you will need to carry a lot, pay in advance so that you get a discount.
Feed Yourself Before You Travel
Low cost airlines don’t usually offer refreshments for free on the plane, at least not for shorter trips. So, make sure you are well-fed and have a drink before you get on the plane. Remember that you aren’t allowed to take liquids through security with you, but you can buy refreshments once you have passed security. So, finish your drinks before you check in, and grab something from the vending machines to keep yourself hydrated once you get on the flight.
Resist the Up-Selling
One of the biggest inconveniences of budget travel is the constant up and cross-selling that goes on. While you’re on the plane, be prepared to be barraged with advertisements for car rental, coach services, taxi services and more. If you’re a first time traveller and you have no idea how you are going to get from the airport to the hotel, accepting the sales pitch might be worthwhile in that it’s convenient, and offers you an easy mode of transport after you get off the plane. However, if you do your homework and book and airport transfer before you fly, you’ll probably save a lot of money.
If the above makes it sound like budget travel is a nightmare, don’t despair. Remind yourself that you have just traveled several hundred (or thousand) miles, and paid next to nothing for the privilege. You are getting to see parts of the world that your parents and grandparents would have had to save up for many months to enjoy, and you’re going there as a weekend trip. Enjoy this unprecedented access to affordable international travel, and remind yourself that the destination more than makes the journey worthwhile.
Monday, October 7, 2013
8 Travel Tips For Disneyland
Taking the kids to Disneyland is a dream of many a parent. Make your trip more memorable by following these clever travel tips.
Disneyland Hotels
We love Disneyland hotels. They offer a wide array of amenities all within walking distance of the hotel. Laundry services are available and there's plenty to do while you're not in the theme park itself. Get a package deal where you can have a few meals already included and you're all set.
Pack Light
Most vacationers find that they have only worn a few items out of their suitcase during their entire trip. Don't pay extra for luggage especially if you're only wearing half of what you bring. Pack clothing that will wash and wear quickly such as lightweight shirts and dresses, lightweight pants and easy to match shoes. Take advantage of laundry services mid trip and you'll be able to continue mixing and matching. Remember, you're on vacation and part of vacation is making do with what you brought.
Inclusive Deals
All inclusive deals include hotel and flight and you can also include some meals. This is a great way to stretch your budget. Including meals will help you to stay on your budget because you order all of this ahead of time when you pay for your trip. Then, you can save more money to spend on incidentals or snacks.
Off Peak
Choose off peak travel days and times. If you're planning to go to Disneyland on spring break, guess how many others are as well. Plan your vacation before or after spring break or even overlap it slightly one direction or the other. This will help you to enjoy your trip more as it will be less crowded.
Downtown Disney
Take advantage of Downtown Disney and enjoy some night life. Great souvenirs and music await you in this area of the hotels. If you want to go to the fancier restaurants, call ahead and make reservations otherwise enjoy the great street fair and pick what you want to eat from the myriad of choices. Plan to have some disney down time here and sit back and relax.
Early Entry
Many inclusive packages include some early time at the theme park. Take advantage of this when the theme park is only open to these packages. You won't have as many crowds. Choose rides that are normally crowded during the regular day and you're sure to get your turn.
Peak Park Times
Avoid peak park times. You're in a hotel nearby and you can come and go as you desire. Go in early, leave a lunch time when the crowds are larger and come back later in the afternoon when others start going home. Take this time to do a load of laundry, enjoy the hotel pool or take a siesta. You'll enjoy your adventure more when it's less crowded.
Tip
Do tip your waiter or waitress even if you've pre paid, do tip the housekeeping staff, do tip the concierge service especially if they've helped you run an unexpected errand. You don't have to tip a lot but be kind, they are helping you.
Enjoy your trip to Disneyland!
Disneyland Hotels
We love Disneyland hotels. They offer a wide array of amenities all within walking distance of the hotel. Laundry services are available and there's plenty to do while you're not in the theme park itself. Get a package deal where you can have a few meals already included and you're all set.
Pack Light
Most vacationers find that they have only worn a few items out of their suitcase during their entire trip. Don't pay extra for luggage especially if you're only wearing half of what you bring. Pack clothing that will wash and wear quickly such as lightweight shirts and dresses, lightweight pants and easy to match shoes. Take advantage of laundry services mid trip and you'll be able to continue mixing and matching. Remember, you're on vacation and part of vacation is making do with what you brought.
Inclusive Deals
All inclusive deals include hotel and flight and you can also include some meals. This is a great way to stretch your budget. Including meals will help you to stay on your budget because you order all of this ahead of time when you pay for your trip. Then, you can save more money to spend on incidentals or snacks.
Off Peak
Choose off peak travel days and times. If you're planning to go to Disneyland on spring break, guess how many others are as well. Plan your vacation before or after spring break or even overlap it slightly one direction or the other. This will help you to enjoy your trip more as it will be less crowded.
Downtown Disney
Take advantage of Downtown Disney and enjoy some night life. Great souvenirs and music await you in this area of the hotels. If you want to go to the fancier restaurants, call ahead and make reservations otherwise enjoy the great street fair and pick what you want to eat from the myriad of choices. Plan to have some disney down time here and sit back and relax.
Early Entry
Many inclusive packages include some early time at the theme park. Take advantage of this when the theme park is only open to these packages. You won't have as many crowds. Choose rides that are normally crowded during the regular day and you're sure to get your turn.
Peak Park Times
Avoid peak park times. You're in a hotel nearby and you can come and go as you desire. Go in early, leave a lunch time when the crowds are larger and come back later in the afternoon when others start going home. Take this time to do a load of laundry, enjoy the hotel pool or take a siesta. You'll enjoy your adventure more when it's less crowded.
Tip
Do tip your waiter or waitress even if you've pre paid, do tip the housekeeping staff, do tip the concierge service especially if they've helped you run an unexpected errand. You don't have to tip a lot but be kind, they are helping you.
Enjoy your trip to Disneyland!
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