I Need That Vacation Right Now!
By admin | April 25, 2008
The standard vacation days for other countries averages about 2 weeks. Some have more but by far the highest amount of vacation days are found in the European Union with 4 weeks and France a whopping 5 weeks. No wonder we Americans can be so stressed out.
You may be lucky and work for a company that provides you that much needed time off of a week or two, but it is a common practice in this country to have your sick days be deducted from your vacation days. That sucks!
A vacation of any sort whether it’s a cruise, a trip to the islands or simply a few days at the cabin is extremely therapeutic. We need that time away from all the stresses of work and every day life problems. On vacation the stress starts to melt away and we savor every moment of it. It’s the gift we give ourselves for all the hard work we do.
I do believe that it improves our health when we go away and experience a new environment (of our choice) and have that time with family or good friends. This may sound funny but you can reacquaint yourself with your family. With all the hustle and bustle and driving the kids to soccer practice or dance class, the homework and dads meetings, moms PTA , work, shopping etc., we are living in the fast lane. I say go camping with your kids and bring the pace down to a level where you can actually breathe and relax. Or go on a cruise and let yourself be pampered.
Whether you are single or married, have children or not, we all seem to desire and cherish those days away from the fast pace of life. Some people take their entire vacation all at once but you can stretch it out with mini vacations. Consider doing 2 or 3 day stretches at a cottage or on the ski slopes. Having 3 or 4 mini vacations throughout the year may be more beneficial because you can experience completely different locations and have more opportunities to unwind.
However you want to do it, vacation rocks!
Enjoy!
About the Author
Willie Jones
http://www.vacationestore.com
Willie is a freelance writer, researcher who likes to provide information and share her thoughts with others.
Is a Vacation Too Expensive for Your Limited Budget
By admin | April 23, 2008
* Hydration Economics
If you have done any research, you know that you shouldn’t drink local water when you travel. However, bottled water can take a significant chunk out of your wallet. Stock up on water at a discount department store before you leave. If you travel frequently, you might want to invest in reusable water bottles. Fill them at home, and take as much store-bought water as you can as well - while remaining within baggage weight restrictions.
* Local Currency Exchange
You will always get the best exchange rates if you use a credit card or ATM machine. Alternatively, you can exchange money in a bank. Local stores and money changers are not likely to give you a good exchange rate. Sometimes their charges are exorbitant. An added plus for credit card purchases is the neatly organized statement you will have when you get back home.
* Never Fly with Overweight Luggage
Always - always - always - be aware of airline weight restrictions. Sometimes they are very limiting. You can check the internet for specific regulations. Use a good scale to weigh your baggage (then reweigh) before you leave for the airport. Overweight luggage can be very expensive.
* The Best Time to Travel
Avoid travel on weekends or during peak tourism season. The definition of ‘peak season’ will vary by country and hemisphere. Accommodations and tickets will be more expensive when everyone else wants to travel. Look for off season deals and discounts. If you’re not sure when off season is, find a bed and breakfast in your destination city and look at their website. They will probably have a range of rates that changes according to season.
* Food is Expensive
Save money on meals by staying at a bed and breakfast. Free breakfast fare can range from continental to a full, hot-cooked meal with a multi-choice menu. (Some inns also have packages that include lunch and supper.) Conserve further by picking up lunch supplies at a local grocery store. Inexpensive suppers are available at McDonalds (with branches in over 100 countries).
* Kids have Big Appetites
If you have kids, try to find a hotel with a ‘kids stay and eat free’ program. Some bed and breakfasts have packages for kids. However, many do not allow young children.
* Barter with the Airlines
Use the internet to research airfares. Find the best deals and make printouts. Purchase your tickets through the cheapest website, or contact the airline’s toll-free number. If they don’t offer a matching fare, ask them to meet or beat the internet price. You may have to fax a printout or two - but it will be well worth the savings.
* Cash, Student, and Corporate Discount Rates
Be sure to carry student or corporate ID with you. You may be eligible for a discount. (10% to 15% discounts are common.) Present your ID or business card at check-in and ask for a rate reduction. Small inns and hotels may be willing to offer a discount if you pay via cash instead of credit card. Credit card processing fees for a small company may run around 5%.
* You are in Control
Seize the opportunity, research your options, and have a great worry-free vacation!
* More cost-saving vacation tips are available at 111 Travel Directory.
* Over 1000 travel tips from fellow travel enthusiasts are online at 1000Tips4Trips.com.
* Try this internet search page for your research.
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