Written by DetroitFly on June 11th, 2009
Every year middle class American families put off traveling because they’re too busy or too tired or they just don’t have enough money. And, in some ways, they’re right. Traveling can be expensive. But by taking the time to learn about discounts readily available to everyone through the internet, newspapers, and even the yellow pages, more families can venture off on vacations that will recharge their batteries, stimulate their minds, and create memories to last a lifetime.
Airfare can be one of the most costly and unavoidable aspects of travel. Air travelers are constantly in search of a good deal. Numerous methods exist to get discounts on your next ticket. First, leave or return in the middle of the week—Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday—and stay at least seven days to get reduced price fares. Check out alternate airports for departure or arrival to see if they offer cheaper prices, and if your plans are flexible, consider letting yourself get bumped for a cash reward or free ticket. Search discount travel sites online, which seek out bargains for you in a variety of ways, and check fares on budget airlines, not just the major commercial carriers. You can also use reverse bidding sites like Priceline to find a deal. Finally, start earning frequent flier miles without even flying by filling out surveys, staying in certain hotels, or simply using a specific credit card.
Another expensive part of traveling is ground transportation. Whether you travel by bus, train or automobile, there are ways to save money. You can find deals on rental cars online, but make sure you have a discussion with the rental car companies about insurance, road side assistance, and other pertinent matters beforehand if you are unclear. You can also rent Recreational Vehicles at surprisingly low prices, especially when you consider that you won’t have to spend money on a hotel. Experienced riders can find deals on motorcycles online as well. If you plan to use mass transportation, buses are a surprisingly inexpensive, if time-consuming option, and deals can be found on subways, trains, and ferries online. Rail passes in Europe and North America can be purchased before your trip to save money if you plan to stop in multiple destinations.
Finally, once you’ve flown, driven, or sailed to your destination, you’ll need a place to stay. Extended stays at hotels at weekly rates are one affordable option. Timeshares, home exchanges, house sitting, and hostels are other bargain options. Motel coupons can be found online, while a cheap bed and breakfast that doesn’t have a presence online can be found in the yellow pages. Some universities offer discount lodging in their dormitories. Retreat centers and monasteries also offer inexpensive ways for travelers to find rest and relaxation under certain guidelines. For more intrepid travelers, staying in national parks in tents, cabins, or RVs can be an inexpensive travel option, and if you plan to stay frequently or for an extended period of time, you can purchase a park pass to save money. RV travelers can also stay in free campgrounds across the country and can buy a pass to save money on RV parks. Finally, some travelers who face a serious lack of funds sleep for free in airports, although rules regarding this lodging option have changed since September 11, 2001.
One of the best ways to find travel discounts on all of the aforementioned aspects of travel—from airfare to lodging—is through memberships in a variety of organizations. Have your kids ever roped you into buying one of those Entertainment books that cost anywhere from $20 to $50 but offer a variety of coupons and discounts? Well, the next time you’re offered one, buy it. Not only will your money go to a good cause, you can benefit from the discounts on everything from airplane flights to hotels to rental cars. Without even realizing it, you may also already have memberships that could save you money on your next trip. AARP, Costco, and the military are a few of the organizations that offer bargains. Even a student or teacher’s ID can lead you to discounts. Use the resources you already possess to seek out the discounts necessary to make your next vacation a memorable and affordable event.
Written by DetroitFly on June 2nd, 2009
I love going on vacation to Florida. I have been vacationing to Florida at least once each year since I was a little kid. My parents, siblings and I would pile into our family station wagon and make the long drive from Wisconsin to Florida every summer. We would stop at camp grounds along the way to spending at least two weeks as close to the ocean as we could find a place to stay. I remember spending endless hours on the beach shores looking out on all the large boats that passed me by. I wanted to be on one of those charter boats more than anything else.
As an adult, I have continued to vacation to Florida with my own family and our friends. We go to a condo every spring for two weeks and we love it. I never tire of Florida vacations because they are absolutely beautiful. I love walking with my daughters along the water and playing football with my sons along the beach. My absolute favorite thing to do each year on vacation, however, is spend a day fishing on a charter boat.
My childhood dream has been coming true each year for the past twenty years. In fact, I think I have been fishing on a deep sea charter boat nearly thirty times since I first dreamed about doing it. I have been on the charter boat with my father, my father-in-law, my wife, our children and several of my closest friends at different times in the past twenty years. I just cannot get enough of fishing on the charter boat in what seems like the middle of a huge ocean.
If you’re looking to vacation to Florida any time soon, then I suggest you make your way to the Gulf of Mexico and get yourself on a charter boat fishing excursion as soon as possible. You’ll absolutely love the feeling of spending a day at sea and of catching the biggest fish you can possibly catch. A charter boat fishing experience is truly one of the best parts of a Florida vacation, so don’t go without taking at least a day for this.
Do a little research and see what kinds of fishing charter boats are available in the area you will be visiting. Look for great deals by taking a large group with you or by going on an off day. Charter fishing is a great hobby to develop, so make plans to experience charter fishing for the first time.
Written by DetroitFly on May 30th, 2009
In a life that is dictated by routines, vacations and travelling is a thing that helps keep us sane. The idea of taking annual leaves regularly makes a lot of sense. The last thing any of us want, on his or her travel, is a non-compatible travel partner. If you are on your own, traveling with a friend or looking for a travel companion, a few tips might help you from having a trip to hell. Here are seven tips for traveling as a couple:
• Decide upfront why you are going and what you want to get out of the trip.
• Money has the potential of destroying the best of friendships, let alone create problems if your travel companion is a mere acquaintance. Its best to decide what, where, and how much you will be spending on mutual expenses.
• Prepare a tentative itinerary; places you want to visit, things to do and time to be spent at each location.
• Travelling with some one has benefits, but even then, you should get sometime to yourself. Make allowance for time that each will be spending on their own.
• Every one enjoys different aspects of travel. It’s good to figure out each others preferences before getting stuck together on a rather costly trip. Some of us are night people while others can’t keep their eyes open after dark. Some like everything decided and planned, others are more spontaneous. Some like to indulge in the culture while others prefer to immerse in the sights only. Make sure you and your companion share some views, if not all, regarding travelling.
• Unless you are a 100% sure about the person you are travelling with, pack some earplugs, they can be a life line during an otherwise sleepless night.
• Have an open mind & a generous heart. Give the other person some space & make the most of your solo time as well. Have fun and keep it enjoyable for both.
Written by DetroitFly on May 26th, 2009
For thousands of years, risks have been shared during times of tragedy. The first formal insurance company, Lloyd’s of London, was formed in 1769 and their principal concept remains today – to gather the premiums of clients as a pool of resources to return to clients who experience unexpected but covered events. So, that is the secret really, plan for the unexpected and make sure you’re covered, especially when you’re travelling. Whether your trip is a quick one or a round the world cruise, there are many good reasons for travel insurance. Here are just 7:
Medical Emergencies: If you fall sick or are injured during your travel, your travel insurance will give you financial coverage.
Flight Cancellations: If your flight is cancelled or delayed then your travel insurance should help. Depending on the cover available, a room for the night and even alternative travel home can be included.
Pre-existing Medical Conditions: Even if you have a pre-existing medical condition and it flares up while you’re on vacation, as long as you’ve advised your travel insurance company prior, you should be covered.
Damage or Loss Of Personal property: What are you going to do when your luggage gets stolen? Yes, it happens, all the time. There are organised gangs that work in airports doing just that. Guess what? You need travel insurance.
Loss of Cash or Traveler’s Check’s: You’re in a foreign country far from home. You either lose, or have stolen, your entire holiday fund. You’re going to need help and quick. Again, travel insurance is a must.
Emergency Evacuations: What with global warming and economic pressure more and more holiday destinations are being built in potentially dangerous territory. Who would have wanted to be in Thailand on that Boxing Day? Travel insurance will help if you have to get out quick.
Car Crash: It can be very difficult driving on the wrong side of the road in a strange country. Accidents happen.
Okay, there you have it. 7 good and solid reasons why you need travel insurance the next trip you make. The other alternative of course is to not take out travel insurance, or to stay at home. Now, there’s an idea. But seriously, as always when taking out insurance, especially travel insurance, read the fine print. Importantly, find out before you go what is excluded, not just included. So, always read the fine print. For example, accidental coverage is not provided in case of drunken driving, driving under the influence of narcotic substances etc. Exclusions are also provided for accidents during risky sports like bungee jumping, car racing, scuba diving, white water rafting, flying (except as passenger in regular airliners), gliding, skiing, bike racing, diving, mountaineering, windsurfing etc. The list goes on (insert for your favourite potentially dangerous sport here). That means in case of accidents in these situations the insurance company is not liable to pay any amount to the insured.
Written by DetroitFly on May 22nd, 2009
I travel a lot and there is always the question of how to get to the airport, should I leave my car there or take a cab. The question of whether I will I ask a friend to drive me the airport if I have a 7 am flight is always a difficult question to answer.
I’ve found that there are a number of places where you can leave your car nearby airports that can make airport parking quite easy. They will shuttle you over to the airport after you park and get you when you return.
For instance if you are going to Fort Lauderdale Airport there is parking lots which are 1.2 miles away from the airport. They offer free transportation and luggage assistance to and from the terminals. Look for great rates at www.airportparkingreservations.com.
They also have a shared ride service for $15.00 at Fort Lauderdale, Miami International and West Palm Beach airports where approximately four people are sharing a car. Depending on the other passengers and the order which you are in, it can be up to two hours when you’ll get home. Still this can be a good way to go and it is convenient and right at the terminal.
When you leave your car at a designated place for airport parking nearby, some places have covered parking and outdoor options and the prices differ so it is good to check and compare and decide for yourself what works best for your budget. You can also decide on whether or not you want to use the economy parking at the airport. For instance, albany airport has an inexpensive economy parking lot. In certain areas you want to check the lighting in the parking lots, how often the shuttle runs and if you get assistance with luggage or not.
Additionally some car rental or even car repairs centers will make an arrangement for parking so that is another thing to investigate when you are looking for a place to park and save a little money. Usually parking for a week will have a discount price so always enquire about that.
Now I no longer feel awkward asking someone for a ride for an early morning or late flight because the airport parking options are much very convenient. You can find these around most airports.
Written by DetroitFly on May 7th, 2009
Had it with the “rat race”? Got time off but not much cash to spend? Losing touch with your family? Sounds like an old-fashioned camp out is just what you need.
Camping is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and spend time getting reacquainted with your family. Great family camping getaways are easy to plan and inexpensive vacation options. Nature is everywhere, so you don’t need to travel far for your camping trip. You can journey to a national park, drive to a local campground, or pitch a tent in your own backyard.
Camping 101 begins with the planning. This part of the trip is half the fun. Call a family meeting to decide where you’d like to go. Depending on your budget, you can plan to load up the trunk with tents and sleeping bags, pull a camper or drive an RV. The point is to treat your family to an unforgettable outdoor adventure, so it doesn’t matter how you plan to camp or where you intend to go.
If you are new to the camping experience, it’s probably a good idea to start out slow. Book a weekend campsite to get the feel for the camping lifestyle. Get used to cooking over a wood fire and sharing your space with wildlife, before you venture too far away from the comforts of home. Many campgrounds provide fun activities like pools, playgrounds, fishing or recreational boating, so check your local listings to see what adventures lie ahead.
Once your kids (and you) recover from the shock of having no television or Internet access, you’ll all have an eye-opening experience. You’ll realize the nature is fun. Camping opens the doors to a world of new activities, like swimming, rock diving, boating, fishing, hiking, catching butterflies, searching for fossils, and going wherever your energy level and imagination can take you. Campgrounds and remote parks are all filled with wonderful ways to enjoy the best nature has to offer. If you want to boat or water ski, many campsites offer these and other items for rent.
Don’t expect to bring along your everyday dinnerware and automatic coffeepot for your camp out. Remember, you will be roughing it, so pack accordingly. Bring plastic dishes and cutlery that can be washed and reused, but won’t break in transit. Make sure you have enough sleeping bags, pillows and extra clothes. Pack the food you’ll need, plus a little extra, and keep a supply of ice on hand for perishables like meat and dairy. If you’re bringing tins of beans, remember a manual can opener or pack your Swiss army knife. If you’re not sure what to bring, ask an associate at your local sporting store to help you choose your camping needs. Call on friends who like to camp, and ask them for advice.
Just like your old scoutmaster used to say, “Always be prepared”. Make a list and check it three times before you leave on your camping trip. Make sure that there is enough food and fresh water for everyone. Bring food that can be easily prepared on your campsite. Pack clothing for all kinds of weather. Don’t forget sunscreen, bug spray and hygiene items. Toilet paper and paper towels are absolute necessities. Bring along some soap and toothpaste, but leave the hair gel and makeup at home. Mother Nature doesn’t care what you look like. She just wants you to enjoy your stay.
Written by DetroitFly on May 3rd, 2009
The Rose Bowl Flea Market And Swap Meet, at 1001 Rose Bowl Drive, Pasadena Ca. 91103, is probably the largest and most famous swap meet held in California. On the second Sunday of each month, rain or shine, over 1,800 vendors from all over the country set up their booths and spaces in order to display and sell merchandise, including but not limited to accessories, antiques, clothing, collectibles, discontinued merchandise, dolls, handmade crafts, home furnishings (new and used), paintings and other fine art items, pins and buttons (sports, Olympics, election, etc.), plants, specialty foods, used books, watches, etc..
Parking is plentiful and free and admission prices are as follows: “Rose Bowl Flea Market and Market Place regular admission starts at 9am for the general public at $7.00 per person, children under 12 are admitted free with an adult. We also have an express admission from 8:00am – 9:00am at $10.00 per person, an early admission from 7:00am – 8:00am at $15.00 per person, and a special preview VIP admission from 5:00am – 7:00am at $20.00 per person. Discount tickets for early admissions are available at many local antique stores. Group rates are available. The box office is open until 3pm after which time sellers begin packing and leaving. The public may shop for those last minute bargains until 4:30pm.”
This flea market is worth the price of admission. There are bargains galore and the people watching entertainment factor alone is worth the price. You will see people from all walks of life, dressed in every imaginable way, speaking numerous languages all scurrying from vendor to vendor searching for the best bargains. The vendors are all very friendly and happy to talk about their wares. Many of them are real characters and a lot of fun to deal with.
Note: This is not the same as going to a garage sale or some of your local swap meets. The vendors pay good money for a permit to sell here. You are not going to find a lot of cheap unwanted junk or that $50,000.00 painting being sold for $1.00. These vendors are professionals, they know their merchandise and they know what they are doing. Their overhead is much lower than if they were selling out of a retail store or mall and the are usually not paying employees so they can sell for less. You will find very good bargins, especially if you are willing to negotiate a little (It’s not considered bad manners to negotiate at a flea market. In fact, many of the vendors enjoy the negotiating more than they enjoy the selling.), just do not expect to leave with a lot of junk or with the find of a lifetime.
The best thing about the Rose Bowl Flea Market is the hugh variety of items that can be found, there is something for almost everyone. Very few people leave empty handed and many people leave with their cars, SUVs or trucks filled with items, many of which they would not have been able to find anywhere else.
Last but not least, if you have children, do not be afraid to bring them with you. There is plenty for them to see and do and there are plenty of toys, food and other items for sale that will attract and hold their interest. Although the place is always crowded the security is excellent, helpful and friendly making this a safe place for you and your children.
Written by DetroitFly on April 24th, 2009
Going on vacation with your loved ones can be an exciting and a fun experience for everyone. There are many possibilities when it comes to spending your vacation at sea. There is a cruise holiday that will suit everyone.You might ask yourself, “Where do I start?” Well, the first step is to figure out where you want to go. This might be the hardest step in planning your vacation but once you get past it, everything is a breeze.
There are cruises that go all over the world. Your choices could take you to Alaska or Venice and everywhere in between. Some factors that might help you in your decision-making are the possible ports you may want to visit, or cities of departure you prefer. You may want to depart from a city close to your home or a city you have always wanted to visit. This will limit your choices of ships embarking from those homeports.
Once you have figured out where you want to go, your next step is to decide what cruise company and ship you prefer. Today’s cruise ships are some of the most innovative and advanced ships ever built. They offer many features that fit everyone’s tastes. Some of the features include rock-climbing walls, self-leveling pool tables, ice-skating rinks and many shops and restaurants. These are just some of the many examples of what to expect from a cruise ship. There are many more amenities, as well as exciting activities that will make you forget to leave the ship even when you are at a port.
When choosing a cruise company, there are certain factors you will need to deal with before booking a reservation. First, read consumer reports regarding a ship’s services. Then you confirm that they will actually stop at places they say they will. Remember that a happy occasion can easily become a very frustrating one quickly. The only way to prevent this is to be prepared and to do your research.
Written by DetroitFly on April 17th, 2009
This is my experience in hiring a rent a car and this is what not to do. My misadventure happened in the late 1980s. I wanted to visit some friends several hundred miles away. At the time I lived in a small town in the country. I didn’t own a car and there was no direct convenient bus or train service to where my friends lived. I decided to take the bus, then rent a car, at the nearest place available.
I traveled to the town where the car hire or rent a car place was located. By the time I arrived at their business to rent the car, the sun had set and it was dark. I went in to the business, to enquire about renting a car. The owner had one ready to go. It was a compact blue station wagon. Being dark outside I couldn’t see the car too well, but it seemed ok, so we went back to the office to do the paperwork. The car hire form had details about the car, how long I expected to rent the car for, and the insurance coverage choices, so the business owner filled out all that. I was sure that I chose to have the car and myself covered in full by insurance. I thought the insurance box was checked, as covered. He took an imprint of my credit card to pay for the car hire and that was it. He gave me the car keys, and I drove away.
I had a long way to drive in the dark. My route took me through rugged mountainous rural country side, to a large lake, where there was a ferry crossing.
At night when you’re driving in a rural mountainous area always be on the lookout for deer, moose and other animals roaming along the road side. You want to see their little shining eyes, so you can slow down and be ready to swerve to avoid hitting them. Sometimes deer become alarmed by the noise and headlights of the car approaching and they want to dash across the highway in front of you. You want to be ready to slam on the breaks, so as not to damage the hired car you’re traveling in.
Another good idea, especially if you are driving at night, is to take a highway map of the area you are traveling through. Then you can mark off where you are and the places to turn ahead, so you don’t make a wrong turn, like I did.
I made a wrong turn some where along the way. Instead of taking the direct route to my destination, I ended up taking an indirect route. It was dark and snowy, and I realized that the road and country side, didn’t look like where I should be. I kept driving and a sign appeared with the next town ahead and how far to go to get there. Then I realized, it was just a slight detour or side trip for me. I felt a lot better when arriving at the next town, and knew which direction to go. The remainder of my trip went well and I arrived safely at my destination.
I had a good weekend with my friends, catching up, going out to dinner.
The return trip was more interesting because it was day time. I could enjoy the beautiful country side. Every thing went well to begin with. I arrived at the last town before the lake ferry and I thought it might be a good idea to put gasoline in the car, at that point, since it was a long distance to the next town with a gas station.
I checked the time, and it looked like there was just enough time to reach the ferry by driving a little faster than usual. That was a mistake. Give yourself more than enough time when using a car you’ve hired. So again I’m driving over mountainous rural terrain at the edge of a lake rushing to catch the ferry. I’m watching the scenery and my watch, making calculations of where it is I should be, and how long left to drive to catch the ferry. It looks like I need to go faster, so I do. I step on it. I’m hoping to cut my time of travel down to just arrive before the ferry leaves.
This is definitely not the thing to do when driving a rented car, especially in a rural area where there are birds around. As I am speeding down a hill a rather large dark coloured bird darts in front of the car. This is a big bird, about the size of a chicken. At the high speed I am traveling at I hit the bird. There was a sickening popping sound as the car and bird collided. The feathers and bird flew up and to the side of the car. I keep going and get to the ferry on time. I drive on the ferry and park. Getting out to inspect the car grill, I get a shock. There was a large hole in the plastic car grill. Broken pieces of plastic and feathers showed what had happened. So now I’m sick about the damage.
I continue on my way to return the car to the rental company. When I arrive at the car rental place I have to tell the owner about the bird collision. He’s not too impressed. We look at the rental form where the insurance section is not checked as covering the damage. The owner wants several hundred dollars and that charge goes on my credit card too. So don’t do what I did.
Go to a major name car rental company. Be absolutely sure of your insurance coverage details. Check that you are covered for all damage. Know what the insurance deductible amount is. That is the amount that you will need to pay, before the insurance pays the balance of any damage. Read the form over carefully a couple of times before you sign it. Be a careful driver, and take your time. Have a great trip in the car you hire.
Written by DetroitFly on April 13th, 2009
I’m making an assumption that at want point in your life you’ve been a tourist. You’ve carried a map, a camera, maybe even had a tour guide. You’ve traveled to different destinations, relaxed on remote beaches, climbed stairs in buildings you see on television. You’ve done all of these things but some how when you get arrive home, all your left with is a short memory, and a few photographs.
Vacations are nice every once in a while, but it doesn’t make sense to me why we will travel thousands of miles to sit in hotel rooms and watch movies, or lie on a pool deck and catch some rays. These are all things that we can do where we are from, I want you to think about being a traveler not a tourist. You want to soak in as much of the new country and culture that you can rather than bring as much of your culture to them. It’s really quite simple. In one step you need to forget about your way of live, and adopt theirs. Read the rest of this entry »