What better way for the frugal traveler to stretch both her budget and her vacation allotment than by taking road trips during long weekends? Here are some of my top tips to reduce that cost even more.

Keeping The Cooler Cool

Packing an accessable cooler full of drinks and snacks is a great cost reducing option. To maximize cooler space, instead of filling with ice, freeze water bottles and low filled beverages (including drinking boxes, makes a healthier juice slushy). No more soggy sandwiches or spilled water in the backseat.

Eating Where The Truckers Eat

For longer road trips, travelers may have to look outside the cooler for a meal. Instead of haunting the usual fast food chains, keep an eye out for any local roadside restaurants with transport trucks parked outside. When truckers find a spot with good, affordable meals, they tell their buddies.

Note: Just because the sign says truck stop, doesn’t mean the truckers stop. The vehicles never lie.

Keeping The Kiddies Entertained

This is a trick I’ve stolen from my Mom. Whenever we went on a long road trip, she would dig out the coloring books and crayons. That may not seem exciting except it was…to us. During a road trip was the only time we were allowed a new coloring book.

Updated for today’s kid, keep a few toys or video games only for use on road trips. This could be a brand new toy or a favorite. The novelty of the toy will keep kids busy and looking forward to the long car rides.

Prepping The Vehicle

Road trips mean relying on your vehicle so prep work is essential. Check all fluids, oil, antifreeze/coolant, windshield washer solvent (for the bugs all road trip vehicles collect). Check the tires, ensuring that they are properly inflated and in good condition. Check all belts and hoses, looking for wear and tear.

AAA Or Other Vehicle Assistance Programs

Frequent road trippers should consider an AAA or other vehicle assistance program membership, especially if they have an older vehicle. One tow and the membership pays for itself. Plus no scrambling for local mechanics/tow trucks.

One of the benefits that I love about AAA is their TripTiks which are route maps complete with information such as road works (very helpful during the summer road work season) and rest stops. There are even blurbs on each town passed.

Road trips are a great way to see more local destinations and to stretch the travel budget.

There are two basic kinds of travel bargains. The first is what people normally think of, which is the special deals that show up from time to time on travel to popular destinations. If you are flexible and pay attention, you can often find a great package deal to Disney World, for example. If you have three trips in mind that you might enjoy (a cruise, a trip to Hawaii and a Vegas weekend, for example), you can wait for a special offer on one of them and increase your odds of a bargain vacation.

Then there are the other travel bargains. These are the “deals” that are always there, the affordable places to go and things to do that you can take advantage of without waiting for a special promotion. Here are a few examples.

Travel Bargains – Destinations

If you look at a map and use the internet to do a bit of research, there are probably many inexpensive places you can go within a couple hours of home. These are places where you can afford to stay and with activities that you like. For example, if you are traveling with kids and live near Michigan, you can go to the Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes near Empire, Michigan, and then enjoy the beach at South Bar Lake.

An hour from there, you could visit the casino near Suttons Bay, and then drive Highway 22 and take in the views of Grand Traverse Bay. In Traverse City you can go to one of the water parks or hit the malls. In any case, hotels are very reasonable here, especially in the off-season.

If you live near Montana, you could visit Anaconda, a great little mountain town at the east end of the Anaconda-Pintler wilderness area. Hotels are under $100, (or just $140 for the week at the Harp and Thistle Inn) and there is a reasonably priced Jack Nicholas-designed golf course right in town. Nickel slot machines are in every casino and a movie at the beautiful Washoe Theater costs just $4.

The point here is that somewhere near you are travel destinations that have what you need for entertainment and relaxation. Some of these are cheap enough to be travel bargains. So get out a map, get on the internet, and make a list!

Travel Bargains – Things To Do

There are also trips and vacations that are travel bargains just because they involve mostly cheap activities. To save money on that vacation, then, make a list of all the things that you might like to do. Then concentrate on the least expensive activities on that list and design a trip that will be everything you want it to be, and not cost much.

For example, if you enjoy treasure hunting with your metal detector, head for the nearest ghost towns or beaches. If you enjoy bicycling, find a new place to go and load up that bike. If you just want to relax on the beach, you live in the north, and its summer, skip the expensive ocean destinations and head for the Great Lakes.

You can wait and watch for the great travel promotions that show up from time to time. But the other way is to just plan for inexpensive destinations and activities. Often you’ll find that you have even more fun on the trips that cost half as much. Now that’s a travel bargain.

Imagine if you could travel for free?

To go to exotic vacation spots and be pampered like royalty?

You don’t have to imagine anymore! It happens every day, all around the world. These trips, free and near free, are called FAM or FAMiliarization trips.

FAM trips are offered to travel professionals by Tourist Boards, Travel Bureaus, resort owners, etc. They are charged with promoting tourism to their countries and resorts. Fam trips are a mainstay of their marketing arsenal.

What better way to showcase their wares than to invite a group of travel professionals to party and have a great time at their facilities?

I have a friend that spent Thanksgiving week traipsing from resort to resort being wined and dined in Jamaica, WI, courtesy of the Jamaica tourist board, for free!

Another friend is going on a 7 day, Transatlantic journey from New York to England for $499 on one of the newest, most beautiful cruise ships afloat, the Queen Mary 2.

The Dominican Republic is especially keen on stimulating tourism. Recent promotions included a three day stay at the Sunset Beach resort at La Conesta, all inclusive for free. And a 7 day vacation at the exclusive Johnathan Shores Golf resort for only $55/night, all inclusive, was also available!

As you could imagine, they are practically giving New Orleans away! Recent listings included a 7 day/7 night stay in the Latin Quarter, and an all expense paid, 4 day cruise on the Mighty Mississippi.

How do you qualify to be invited to travel for free?

You must have the proper travel credentials to travel for free. There are three main travel credentials. The IATA card, is the easiest to obtain and is the one we will zero in on.

You get to use the IATA number of your host travel agency if you are home based. This credential will qualify you for 60-70% of the FAM trips

It will also qualify you for the perks showered on travel professionals on the road.

Airlines don’t discount their fares. They will give you a free upgrade to business class or even to first class for the price of a coach seat, subject to availability. That can be worth more than $10,000, particularly on a foreign trip!

Hotels, too will do their part in making you feel like royalty when you visit. Often, they will upgrade you to a suite for the price of a regular room!

Hertz, Avis etc are not to be left out. Recently, a friend of mine was given a Hummer at the same price as a Jeep!

What is required to become a credentialed, home based travel agent?

You have to find a host agency that will sign you on as an independent contractor.

Some agencies will accept you with no experience, some will not. Commission rates vary from 60-80% of the commissions paid to the agency.

Most host agencies require their agents to actually work with the clients, one on one, following the now antiquated client/agent model.

This requires computer skills, time and expertise on the part of the agent. Also, most clients now prefer the control and freedom afforded them when they use Internet based travel services such as Expedia, Orbitz and Travelocity.

The new, purely Internet based travel agent merely markets his own, Expedia-like travel site to potential clients who book their own travel.

The agent makes money while he sleeps, works his day job, or even while he travels for free!

Many Internet based agencies are sold as franchises. American Express sells theirs for $10,000. Magic Johnson, of NBA fame, has just rolled out one for $5,000.

Another lesser known entry is YTB, or Your Travel Biz, which is the fastest growing company in the field, with over 135, 000 independent agents.

There are many agencies looking for independent agents – YOU can be one too.

Are you looking for some great vacation ideas? Consider a trip to Southern California for your next family vacation. While Southern California covers a large area, and there are many fun things to do, here are some great vacation ideas that are definitely worth considering for your next trip.

The first three that I have listed are for those who love beautiful scenery, and enjoy outdoor activities. Big Bear Lake offers beautiful mountain scenery, while Santa Catalina Island and Pismo Beach treat visitors to some of Southern California’s finest beaches. Now, here is some information on each of these areas to wet your vacation appetite.

Big Bear Lake

Big Bear Lake, California is a four seasons resort community surrounded by the San Bernardino National Forest. It is approximately 80 miles northeast of Los Angeles, California. The area offers a wide range of cabin rentals, and vacation rentals for year-round family fun. Activities include boating and water sports, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, golfing, skiing, snowboarding and many other fun family activities.

Santa Catalina Island

The island is located just off the coast of Los Angeles across the San Pedro Channel. Passenger ferries depart from Orange County in Newport Beach and Dana Point. Glass bottom boats tour the shipwrecks and reefs in the area, and scuba diving is popular in the clear water. Other activities include snorkeling, kayaking, fishing, horseback riding, world-class golf, para-sailing or relaxing on the beach.

Pismo State Beach

Pismo Beach is located near San Luis Obispo. This park offers a wide variety of activities: hiking, swimming, clam digging, surf fishing, camping, and bird watching. Four restaurants are within 2 blocks of the campground. Pismo Beach has plenty of fun for the entire family.

Disneyland

What list of California vacation ideas could be complete without mentioning Disneyland? You could spend your entire trip at Disneyland and still probably not see everything. A trip to Disney is a vacation highlight for both young and old alike. Disneyland is located near Los Angeles. While visiting the area you may also want to visit Disney’s California Adventure Park, and nearby Universal Studios.

San Diego

Everyone that I have ever talked to that has visited San Diego has enjoyed it. It offers beautiful year-round weather, and there are many things to see and do while you are there. The San Diego Zoo is one of the best in the world. Be sure and visit Sea World while you are there for some fun and excitement. Also, visit a nearby beach, go shopping in Old Town San Diego, or take a stroll through Balboa Park.

Whether you visit Big Bear Lake, Disneyland, San Diego, or one of these other destinations, it will truly be a memorable trip. The main thing is to make time for these special outings with your family, have fun and relax, and create lasting memories. Start planning that special family trip – you deserve it. Have a safe and wonderful trip!

Summer is finally here. The days are getting longer and getting hotter. The urge to get out and enjoy the weather, work in the garden, build the new deck you’ve always wanted, or just to get away and unwind, becomes a burning need. You come home from work, hot, tired, and you just want to sit down and relax with a cold beverage, but then you hear the all too familiar “I’m bored! There’s nothing to do!” Oh yeah, school is out. It’s summer vacation. The kids have been home all day while you have been at work. Well, kids deserve a break to. So why not plan a mini-vacation for you and the kids? It doesn’t have to be a week long trip, or a trek across country, or a trip to another continent. It can be as little as a day trip, or as long as a 3 or 4 day weekend.

What would be the best mini-vacations for kids? You could ask your children what they would like to do or where they would like to go. If you have a larger family, then you may have just as many suggestions. This “discussion” could go on for days before a decision is agreed upon. It’s a good idea to set some parameters before approaching the kids with the idea of a mini-vacation. Jot down ideas that are age appropriate for your children. Are they still in elementary school, teenagers, or old enough to start thinking of a place of they own? Jot down some ideas that you and your spouse would like. How far do you want to travel? Do you want to travel by car, boat, plane, or take a train ride? Remember, this vacation is not just for the kids, you need to enjoy it also.

One of the best places to start getting vacation ideas is from your state’s tourism guide. You can request one by going to your state’s website under tourism. The state’s tourism guide is full of ideas for a family vacation. It features state parks and campgrounds, natural attractions, historical points of reference, museums, and cultural points of interest, event calendar, lodging and accommodations, and maps. All organized by your state’s regions. Or visit another state.

Theme parks are very popular. They provide all types of activities and entertainment for all ages. During peak tourist season, accommodations will be harder to arrange. So make plans as soon as you can.

National parks offer many different actives and environments for vacationers, such as mountains, canyons, caves, even coral reefs. Some things to do at a national park are horseback riding, boating, fishing, swimming, or just taking a drive and viewing the abundant wildlife.

Some children like hands on stuff. Look for a museum that has a “hands on exhibit” where you may be traveling near. Nature centers are also a good place to take the kids to. They also may have a “touchable” table and knowledgeable staff where the children can learn a few things before returning to school.

If you have older children, try a 3 day cruise. There are plenty of different things to do on a cruise ship. Plus, you may get to stop and visit other ports. Maybe you would prefer to stay on land but near the water, so try a beach vacation.

A mini-vacation for kids doesn’t have to be just for the kids. Everyone needs unwinding, get away from it all, time. A mini-vacation is just that, a mini-vacation. It could be as simple as a trip home to visit family or as elaborate as a cruise to an exotic port. First, talk to your spouse about a mini-vacation with the kids. Second, set some parameters like how far to travel from home, where to go, such as the mountains, beach, west coast or east coast, and how long to stay for. Third, include your children. The children will have a much better time if they know they had some input into planning the vacation and they made some of the plans. Lastly, take lots of pictures. You and your children will be reminiscing about this vacation all of you had, and all the fun you had together, for years to come.

Can you imagine what is life without traveling? Is it possible? Whatever your reason is, traveling is a part of people’s life. We all travel. The reason behind that is up to you.

There are different reasons why people travels:.

1.) Most People Travel because they want to see their families and friends who live far away. Invitations from families and friends are seldom so you will decide to travel just to see them.

2.) People Travel because they want to see their soul mates. Some people believe that there is only one person for them and if they haven’t had much luck searching in their area, they figured it out that even though there are millions of people around the world, they can still find it in other place.

3.) People travel to seek for work because they want to experience how to work from another place. We must admit that earning money is hard and some people decide to work abroad because they are looking for greener pasture. Other place pays bigger rates than their own place. We may also say that their expertise is not favorable in their own place. Unfortunately, they have to leave their families for awhile for a job opportunities abroad.

4.) People travel because they want to learn others cultures. They want to see the difference between their culture and other cultures. They want to learn others culture because for them traveling is fun while learning. One particular thing about the culture is the food. They want to know how food is prepared and how it is done. Obviously, we all love to eat.

5.) People travel because they are writers. They want to give the readers relevant article to their readers especially when they are making story in that particular place.

6.) People travel because they want to see all beautiful scenery of different countries. Others would want to take pictures because it serves as souvenirs.

7.) When opportunity arise, it is hard to decide whether to leave your family and open a business far away your place. Some businessmen would rather put up business in other place because they want gain and it is more profitable than staying in their place. Business is nothing without profit.

Traveling is not only for rich people. Whether you are poor or in the middle class, you can travel as long as it fits your budget. Some travel for their goals, some travel for fun and relaxation and some travel for experience.

Do you have your trip booked and ready to take off on a dream vacation? There are some things to remember when preparing for your trip. Forgetting something or being ill prepared won’t be the end of the world but the added frustration can be prevented. Travel preparation is crucial and here are some tips.

Some people brag about how many outfits or how many shoes they packed. Over packing can create unnecessary headaches and frustration. If you need formal clothing then bring one outfit and several accessories. If you’re going to the beach then don’t bring any cold weather clothes since you won’t need them. Bring clothing that is of the same color scheme so you can mix and match easily. Neutral colors such as black and beige are easy to dress up or dress down and accessorize. Transfer toiletries into travel size containers and put them in leak proof sealable bags.

If you’ll be hiking or trekking then bring a backpack for a carryon since you’re sure to need one. If you’re planning on doing some shopping then consider bringing a half empty bag since you’ll need space for your purchases. Save space in your bag by stuffing shoes and folding your clothes as compact as possible.

If you’re traveling with young children then pack a small bag for them to carry. Include some favorite snacks and some new toys to keep them occupied. Consider bringing a portable DVD player so they can watch their favorite kids show or cartoon. Think twice about coloring books and crayons; they may sound like a good idea but there is a temptation to draw on seats and tray tables.

It can be hard, if not impossible to find prescription medication at an airport or on the road so pack any medications that you may need in your carry on bag. If your child needs medication or has allergies, ensure you bring their medication as well.

If you’re taking a tour to a place like the scenic spots of Benidorm then check with the company or tour guide and find out what amenities are provided. They can also advise you on what items to bring with you. Keep in mind that many things such as toiletries, film and camping equipment can be purchased at your destination.

Never pack your travel documents, medication or money in your checked luggage since there is a chance that your bag may be delayed or lost. Most countries have ATM’s so there is no need to carry large amounts of cash.

If you’re traveling by plane then make sure you get to the airport and check in as early as possible. Many airlines allow you to you check in and print your boarding passes at home.

Now you’re prepared and ready to take your dream vacation. Take plenty for pictures!

Oregon has some of the most beautiful hiking terrain in the country. Known for its wide topographical diversity, Oregon contains hiking trails through the desert, mountains, coasts, forests, and canyons. There’s probably no other state in the nation with as many hiking opportunities that boast the breathtaking scenery that can be found while hiking through Oregon.

Whetstone Ridge to Twin Lakes – found in Bull of the Woods Wilderness off of Oregon Highway 224, 26 miles southeast of Estacada
Walking through this western Cascade preserve, visitors will enjoy densely forested canyons, clear running streams, small lakes and view offering ridges. With over 27,400 acres of wilderness, hikers have a great chance of finding some privacy and quiet. The 9.2 mile round trip hike to Silver King Lake junction, or the 14.2 mile round trip hike to Upper Twin Lakes are both classified as moderate in difficulty. To reach Silver King Lake and return, hikers should reserve about four and a half hours. However, to make the trip to Upper Twin Lakes, travelers should schedule in about two days. The time to hike through the preserve is between late June and October although for the best sights that the hike has to offer, hikers should make the trip in mid July. A pair of small lakes awaits the weary traveler at the Upper Twin Lakes along with campsites and some fantastic views.

Triangulation Peak – 56 miles east of Salem on Highway 22
This easy two hour hike seems deceptive from the ground. Visitors mistake the dull looking peak as a good way to get some exercise. However, upon reaching the top, they realize their mistake. This 4.2 mile round trip journey extends a view to the towering peak of Mount Jefferson. The trail itself is also spectacular with Douglas firs, true firs, hemlocks and cedars bordering the walk along with abundant wildflowers, Huckleberries and beargrass.

Hanging Rock – Located in Coos County outside of Glendale, Oregon
Hikers looking for a jaw-dropping view at the end of the trail should consider Hanging Rock. It’s probably one of the state’s most incredible day hikes, but the trail sees few visitors. When hikers reach the turn around point on this journey, they will be standing atop an unbelievable overhang 3600 feet above the rapidly moving Rogue River. With a pair of binoculars hikers can see the white-water rafters in the river far below. If hikers choose the short route to Hanging Rock the total round trip distance is two miles, while the longer trek stretches into a four mile round trip journey.

Information on more great hiking trips, including a 41 mile trip around Mount Hood, is available on my website.

It is good to have your kids with you when you travel; this would surely open their eyes to a lot more of new knowledge and discovery. When you bring along your kids in your trips, this is not only a way of bringing them close to your heart but also through this, your child would definitely make him or her more aware about the world around him or her.

Well, when kids are with you, you need to be more prepared because as we all know they have special needs and we have to respond to such needs. With the tips provided below, it would surely help you get yourself prepared for the entire travel.

You have to bring with you some of the most useful things you could carry with you as you travel and as you reach destinations:

· Band-Aids

· antiseptic hand gel

· small tissue packs

· sun screen

· Dr.’s phone numbers

· Tylenol – children’s & adults

· a rubber door stop can provide extra security for a hotel room door

· small plug in nightlight – to help find the bathroom in the middle of the night

* These things re for the activities you could have together in order not get bored and to get their attention fully

· Crayons

· mechanical pencils

· highlighter – good for word search games

· paper

· deck of cards

· zip lock bags (collecting shells, storing food, wet clothes)

* These are other things for travel uses:

· sun glasses

· hats/visors

· light weight wind breaker

· umbrella

· camera with extra film

· keep a photo of your child in your wallet – incase you loose them in a crowed area

· extra copy of birth certificates, photo id, travel reservations, airline tickets

With these pointers in mind, you would not surely miss the thrill and the fun, you would also be able to good at preparing for traveling like from the simple trips to those that require loads of planning.

Are you tired of the cold and snow?

Do you feel the need to get away…and soon?

Have your children been to your very favorite places?

You need a vacation. And the time to plan it is now!

Dreaming of a fabulous vacation and actually pulling one off are two different things. As a modern professional, you are probably an expert at scheduling, time management and project coordination in your career.

These are the same skills you need to use when it comes time to plan your dream vacation.

And the first tool you need is a vacation checklist.

A vacation checklist will get you on top of your planning immediately and keep you there right up until the day you leave on your trip. A vacation checklist will ensure

- you don’t forget anything and take exactly what you need,

- and you actually pull off the trip of your dreams.

Your vacation checklist doesn’t need to be fancy. Just thorough. You can make one yourself or find a free one by looking in the resource box following this article. Whatever checklist you use, you’ll need to customize it for your own use, of course. And if you start now, customizing your entire trip will be easy.

Using your vacation checklist to keep track of your notes, start out by vacation dreaming.

- Where do you want to go?

This is easily decided by determining what type of vacation you’re in the mood for. If you’re tired of the cold, you’ll want warm…and maybe beaches. If you need rest and recreation, you’ll look for places that can pamper you and evaporate your stress. If you want to show your kids the world, you’ll look for family-friendly and educational adventures.

- How long a trip will this be?

Mark down on your checklist the length of your vacation. Are you working around a school schedule? How many vacation days are you willing to trade for your dream vacation? Would you rather take one long vacation or several long weekend jaunts? Factor in travel days…that will tell you whether you want to drive or fly. And that will affect your next item…

- What’s your travel budget?

This part of vacation planning needn’t be a downer. By planning ahead, you can maximize your travel monies through booking the least expensive travel and hotel arrangements. Do a little upfront research and write down on your vacation checklist how much your dream vacation will cost. Divide that amount into equal monthly payments between now and your travel dates. Can you make that happen? Do you have other monies set aside you can allocate for your trip? Be wary of just putting your trip on credit. No matter how wonderful your dream vacation is, paying for it after the fact can tarnish its memories.

- What are your expectations?

We’ve all been on vacations that we had high hopes for but didn’t turn out as we envisioned. Sure, stuff happens, but you can put the odds on your side that your vacation will be what you dream of by planning as much detail as possible ahead of time. It also helps to ask yourself the simple but powerful questions of

- am I wanting to make lifetime memories with this vacation?

- am I wanting to cram in as many activities as possible on this vacation?

- are my vacation wants in conflict with my vacation realities? For example, do I want to take my spouse on a romantic getaway but I have five children under the age of ten and they must accompany us?

Bottom line…when it comes to vacations, planning is king and your vacation checklist is queen. Plan your dream trip, make sure your expectations are in line, keep track of everything on your checklist, and before you know it, you’ll be THERE…exactly where you want, with the people you want, doing what you want. Enjoying the vacation you dreamed of.