Here is something that you don’t find on most of the lists to take when traveling. A personal protection device.

One Christmas when I was in high school, I received what I thought at the time was an odd gift – a personal safety alarm. I thanked my parents, but wondered why they thought I needed personal protection. As it turns out I never used the alarm but I sure FELT safer when I was walking home in the dark.

To protect your person when traveling, there are a variety of personal safety options. Actual weapons of course, which I don’t recommend – studies have proven you’re more likely to get hurt carrying your own weapon. Pepper spray or mace, which you would spray in an attacker’s face, or a personal alarm which usually includes a pull string or a button to push and makes a very loud and distinct noise.

If you are going to purchase a personal safety product for your travels, here are a few things to think about. Check if personal defense products like pepper spray and mace are illegal where you’re visiting. Make sure that you have extra batteries for your personal alarm and check them every so often. The last thing you need is to activate the personal alarm and nothing happens.

Another thing to consider if you’re going to carry mace or pepper spray as personal safety product – they inflict real pain. So protect yourself with a personal defense product but make sure it’s for a GOOD reason.  The high frequency loud alarms are probably the best, easiest to carry and creates so much noise that the possible attacker usually flees in fear of being found out or seen.

Carry it in your hand or in your pocket where you can get it easily and quickly. A very cheap and possible life saving device and takes up relatively no room at all.

About The Author – Tara Pearce is the publisher and webmaster of a1-travel-accessories.com – Visit us for great information on all manner of travel tips and accessories resources.

This advice is one of the best I have read. What common sense is that!

Til next time
Live with love, life and passion
The Global Giant Travel Team

This article is brought to you by The Global Giant Travel Team, the exclusive vacation club that gives away vacations for free.

Alaska cruises can offer some of the most pristine, natural beauty you’ll ever see on your vacations. Beautiful crystal clear inlets of water found nowhere else in the world. Icebergs and sheer cliff walls rising thousands of feet into the air.

Choosing from among the many Alaska cruises will be easy and fun; making your vacations an exciting and rewarding experience.

Deciding which of many Alaska cruises is right for your vacations. Use the heavily discounted cruises from Holidays and Cash which will give you a heap more cash to spend on mementos to bring home to relive your cruise.

One thing to decide is when you want to go. Many people favor the month of August because the weather and temperature are favorable to being outdoors. Another consideration to keep in mind for Alaska cruises and vacations is which direction on the ship you’d like your cabin to face. Inside cabins are less expensive while outside facing cabins offer the convenience of stepping onto your balcony and seeing the many splendid sights. Dressing warmly and comfortably is another consideration, especially if you’re susceptible to being cold at night. Also, be sure and bring along a good pair of binoculars to see the sights. Many times your cruise ship will pass by a stunningly close to an immense block of ice; you’ll want to see every detail that up close.

Article by Mike Yeager – a1-travel-4u.com

The camera is another must to take with you to capture your memories for a lifetime.

Til next time
Live with love, life and passion
The Global Giant Travel Team

So, here is a typical checklist for you to keep, you will surely add more or less depending on your preferences and circumstances. This is courtesy of the The Global Giant Travel Team

A typical packing checklist

• 2 pairs of pants
• 3-4 shirts
• A dark-colored sweater that is best to wear en route
• Clothes for a dressy occasion, for comfort while traveling and suitable to the climate
• One sport-jacket for men (some restaurants require them)
• Swimsuit
• Cover-up for beach or pool
• Raincoat and galoshes
• Hat, beret or sun hat
• 3-5 pairs of underwear
• 5 pairs of socks – cotton or wool
• Sleepwear
• 1 pair of sturdy well-broken in boots or sandals
• If for winter travel include down jacket, waterproofed boots, gloves and hat and long underwear

Other suitable items for purse of carry-on luggage:

• Passport
• Pens and pencils
• Tickets
• Camera, film, batteries
• Itinerary
• Multi-media accessories
• Traveler’s checks
• Zip-lock or plastic bags (seal)
• International certificate of vaccination (if necessary)
• Dictionary or phrasebook
• Maps
• Laundry items – detergent
• Money belt of pouch
• Clothes-brush
• Extra glasses, contact lenses and prescriptions
• Inflatable hanger or two
• Combination lock
• Rubber sink stopper
• Address, notebook or journal and small pad of paper
• First aid kit – bandages
• Daypack
• Moleskin for blisters
• Pocket flashlight for each traveler
• Analgesic
• Net shopping bag
• Antiseptic towelettes
• Travel alarm clock
• Insect repellent
• Sunglasses
• Anti-malaria pills (if necessary)
• Thermometer in hard case
• Nail clipper & Tweezers
• Toiletries
• Toothbrush and paste, extra dental floss
• Ear plugs and eye shade
• Soap and soap dish
• Binoculars in hard case
• Shampoo
• Roll of transparent tape
• Moisturizer
• Adapter
• Lip balm
• Transistor radio, CD or walkman, MP3player
• Small towel and washcloth
• Musical instrument (if appropriate)
• Hairbrush or comb
• Razor, blades and shaving cream

Checklist when traveling with children: (infants or toddlers)

• Car seat with cloth liner
• Small packets of tissues
• Disposable diapers
• Nightlight
• Wet-ones
• Flashlight
• Change pad
• Extra juice or water
• Garbage bags
• Child’s cup with drinking spout
• Diaper rash ointment
• Collapsible cup
• Fork and spoon
• Drinking straws
• Familiar foods (cereal, crackers and noodles)
• Finger foods (cubes of cheese, vegetable sticks)
• Vitamins and/or medications
• Bibs
• Small toys
• pencils and pads of paper
• Favourite animal or doll
• Pacifier/dummy
• Compass
• Transparent tape
• Insect repellent
• Baby shampoo and soap
• Favorite books

A wise traveler once said: “Take half the clothes and twice the money!”

Try to resist the urge to pack everything “just in case” and all but the kitchen sink.

The secrets to selecting and packing well: pack light, adaptable and comfortable clothing, do not buy an all new wardrobe prior to traveling, comfortable shoes, cotton or wool socks as you will be doing a lot of walking, underwear, avoid expensive clothes that you are sorry for, washability, durability and colour, mix-and-match, accessorize to bring variety, layer and adjust to the climate.

Other money considerations when traveling:

Foreign exchange – Changing money

• Look for the best rate and be aware of banking hours
• Familiarize yourself with how the process and exchange rate actually works
• Clarify any fees associated with the transaction
• Know the local currency and be able to tell them apart
• Bring a small pocket calculator to assist you with quick conversions
• Save all your receipts
• Combine your monetary instruments and travel funds
• Cash, credit cards and traveler’s checks, preferably carried on-person, in a money-belt

ATM systems

• Available, accessible, convenient and expensive
• Transaction fees for cash withdrawals
• Set Dollar limit daily on what you can withdraw
• Credit card withdrawals will require a PIN code – get this by calling the toll-free # or your local bank prior to your departure
• Bring Visa and Master card – not all machines accept all cards
• You will receive local currency, not dollars. You will be billed accordingly to the exchange rate on the day the charge clears at home, not the rate in effect on the day of the transaction

Traveler’s checks

• Safest way to have your travel funds with you
• Receive a better exchange rate than cash typically
• Get them early and lock in your rate
• Denominations (small and large preferred)
• Keep a record: city and date or purchase, amount and numbers
• Update your record daily, keep better track of your spending, budget, and cash still in-hand
• You will need a passport to cash your traveler’s checks
• Immediately report any stolen or lost checks

Credit cards

• Convenient and safe to use
• Postpones immediate payment for transportation, lodgings, purchases and so on
• Can assist you to get access to cash
• Beware of overspending
• Watch the exchange rates
• Credit card acceptance varies
• Different cards have different perks
• Protect your credit cards (Note – Never let it out of your sight even for a moment. We have personal experience of this happening to us and our card was drained over $3,000)
• Check and keep all your charge slips – these will be used for budgeting and expense consolidation

Red Tape and documents you should take on a trip abroad:

• Travel documentation: tickets, passport and visas
• Copy of naturalization certificate
• Birth certificate
• Driver’s license and international driver’s permit
• Travel insurance claims form
• Extra passport photos – at least half a dozen
• Any membership cards, like AAA membership, retired, veteran or student cards
• Basic medical information, blood type, allergies, doctor’s address, prescription refill and extra prescription medications you may require
• Immunization cards

Phew! That is quite a list to absorb, isn’t it? You can minimize on a lot of these by taking sample size products, this will save a heap of space and that is probably all you will need anyway.

Til next time
Live with love, life and passion
The Global Giant Travel Team

So you are taking the family pet with you on your travels, here’s some ideas and tips that may help.

Remember to budget some additional funds for taking care of those dear ones who cannot do so for themselves. We are referring to our animal friends and pets. Special arrangements for pets should be made prior to any trip and well in advance. This applies, whether pets are being cared for at home by a neighbor or friend, placed in a kennel (taking a mini-vacation of their own!), or accompanying you on your trip.

Save money by checking your options at your destination. Some rental vacation homes, apartments, hotels and resorts are pet-friendly and encourage owners to bring them along. Avoid unnecessary costs of boarding. Make it a rule of thumb however, to verify any details pertaining to animals, prior to departure. Be smart and get all vet visits, guidelines, travel documents and other paperwork that applies, done way in advance. If you do not have any pets, looking after your home and belongings should be left to a trusted and responsible party you trust and value.

Being practical goes a long way to save you money and unnecessary, self-inflicted ‘pain’ away from home! Be sure to pack some common sense too. Save money by not giving in to impulse shopping repeatedly, especially on ‘must-have’ shoes! Avoid wearing or trying out the newly bought pair of semi-uncomfortable shoes on your travels. Your feet and pocketbook will thank you.

In preparation for making your travel dream come true, assembling a personal travel file is also not a bad idea. Include the exotic and far-away lands you are considering, as well as your local visitor’s attractions and destinations in and around where you live, for those shorter trips. This will assist you in realizing your travel goals and dreams you worked so hard on putting together and getting ready to execute!

Travel documents should always be kept safe and taking a photocopy packed somewhere is prudent and smart. It will help you to prove your citizenship anywhere, anytime, protecting your personal interest. If it should ever be stolen, contact and share that information with the authorities, embassy and police right away.

There are many options for the health and price-conscious traveler amongst us. Biking and walking tours are unique options for the adventurous and active types looking for something a little different and or off the beaten path. A good investment in your health, fitness and wellbeing as well as exploring corners of the planet you have not seen or considered before might appeal to you too.

Checking on all travel document requirements for various areas and countries as well as special documentation requirements, entry fees, duties and taxes, need to be considered, planned and budgeted for. Contacting embassies and getting information on visas and any and all other applicable fees are crucial to minimize the impact on your pocketbook.

In a time when technology is so part of our lives, we barely give it a second thought. It is however very wise to have handy proof of purchase or receipts for any high-tech equipment you might be transporting. Shortlist your inventory of cameras, radios, camcorders, laptop computers, etc., you are taking with and keep them all in a file.

This could be your redeeming feature when clearing customs and them wanting to charge you duty on these. It is useful to have to ensure minimum delay and no additional cost. Do this even if the items were purchased before traveling. Spending the time on this now way in advance of your planned trip, will ensure smooth sailing and saved dollar down the road. It is definitely worth the effort. Holding on to receipts for newly purchased items, also assists you upon your return to consolidate spending and assess cost, as you wrap up your vacation expenditures, budget and plan for the next trip!

Having the ability of mobility when you are traveling away from home is very important. Driving yourself around gives you more options to customize and optimize your sightseeing and trip to your liking and individual preference. An enabler of this is your driver license. For most of us, our current license to operate a vehicle should be valid in most of Europe and around the world, for a limited time. HOWEVER, never assume! Always check the details as some countries will still require an international license or permit. Check with your local Department of Motor Vehicles for additional information.

Til next post
Enjoy the journey
The Global Giant Travel Team

There are many ways today to save money on travel as well as research the destination area incredibly well.

Travel resources and destination guides are a great help and good place to start gathering topical, destination and relevant information. Consult many of them and check often for new and helpful resources in print and online that contains destination-like travel information.

Save money if you are an AAA member (or in Australia it would be RACQ or NRMA) and take advantage of their free travel guides. Avoid costly mistakes and unanticipated costs, for hotels for example, by knowing what is happening in the area at the time you are planning to take your trip.

You can consult most local newspapers online today, so do a search for local papers in the vicinity of your destination. Or government websites for local councils have information such as this as well.

Are there any conventions, major sports events or concerts, tradeshows and other happenings in and around where you plan to be? Might any of these factors influence cost and availability? Ensure informational detail provided is reliable and current. Be smart, check, and verify the information provided to ensure that it is up to date and accurate.

It really is fun researching the destination and helps to include the whole family in these searches and findings. The anticipation and excitement will certainly double and it could be a huge family activity as well.

Til next time
Live with love, life and passion
The Global Giant Travel Team

This following tip can literally save you a ton of money and is so simple and fun to do.

Arm yourself with lots of information regarding your destination of choice. Write to obtain information from a variety of sources like the tourism boards, local chamber of commerce and tourist information centers.

They all offer and share information gladly with would-be travelers. Best of all, it costs you only the time and maybe the phone call or postage required on a self-addressed stamped envelope, to access this treasure-trove of information.

Sometimes the information is even online, at your fingertips, readily accessible and without any associated costs. Knowledge is power! It will save you money.

Avoid being taken advantage of, exploited or extorted by excessive prices and/or misrepresentation by arming yourself with the facts!

Ensuring that you are familiar with as much background and localized, relevant, up-to-date travel, general information, will better prepare you for the details of your trip, assist in planning your event schedule more effectively, and being a smart and informed tourist never hurt anyone! On the contrary, you will maximize your trip, from departure, during, including your safe return.

And this part of the holiday preparation is a whole lot of fun. You can also set up a dream board with cutouts of all the destinations you wish to go, or even just one, with lots of pictures, mark in some powerful words and drawings, and you have a wonderful visual focus point to keep you on track.

Just enjoy the journey
Live with love, life and passion
The Global Giant Travel Team

Basic Travel Processes

Being prepared not only saves you money, but it saves you time and allows you to remain calm and peaceful knowing that you have all the bases covered. For most people, however, this is often a very stressful time and it need not be at all.

Whether making plans early to ensure availability and locking in a price, or flexible enough to wait until last minute and or deeply discounted fares and travel deals, there are options to suit every pocket, taste and travel budget!

Investing in trip cancellation insurance and travel medical insurance are travel necessities you cannot dismiss, discard or under-estimate. This is not the spot to be thinking cost cutting. Protect your travel investment best you can.

If traveling on an international flight, re-confirm your booking 72 hours prior to departure. Some charter companies reserve the right to cancel your booking if you do not! When confirmed on a domestic flight, airlines cannot bump you. Try to get plenty of sleep the night before your trip. Call to find out whether there are any delays before leaving for the airport.

Having an ‘out-the-door checklist’ prior to departure and before returning home, with a few miscellaneous items to pack, as a last minute reminder, always proves helpful and avoids unnecessary stressful moments and wasteful and hasty cash purchases. It might contain any, some or all of the following:

• First aid kits should contain, at the very least some band-aids and anti-bacterial ointment, all prescriptions, cold and allergy medicines, dosage spoon and chart. Tylenol for the traveling adults, children and babies is always a good idea as well.
• Foil-packaged, coffee and tea are a necessity. You can also pack, if you prefer a certain type, Sweeteners and Cream/Milk or whitener.
• Camera and film supplies
• All relevant travel documents, tickets, passports, birth certificates, travel insurance information, baggage, currency and travelers checks (if applicable), Phone numbers and maps, emergency contact and identification cards for the kids and individual travelers. Note – It is also very wise to make a photocopy of all your travel documents, tickets, credit cards or other items and take a copy with you as well as leave one at home or with someone you trust.
• Addresses for sending postcards, and stamps, Cell phone and/or prepaid phone card
• Favorite books, music, DVD’s  and videos for the children (most hotels have VCRs now)
• Bathing suits, extra towels, and sunscreen
• Snacks and juice or water for the hotel (every penny counts)
• Finally yet importantly… do not forget the EXTRA pillows and favorite toy or sleeping friend for the kid(s) if required or deemed a necessity!

Ensure to set and arrange for a couple of alarm clocks or wake-up calls on your day of departure. Confirm ground transportation to and from the airport if you are not driving yourself and using the park-and-fly service. Allow lots of transit and en route times. Confirm your bookings and remember to always let hotels or resorts know if you are running late, delayed and or if your trip is cancelled altogether.

Utilize travel services, that is why they are there, remembering that all extras like valet parking, baggage handling, luggage carts,  tips etc. all add up and need to be budgetary items or categories in your overall travel and financial plan.

For the budget conscious, select the neighborhood-friendly hotel that caters to the local crowd, not the pricy touristy options. You might be surprised at the value and hospitality you might find. Make the concierge your friend and information centre – they are the main link to the corner of the world you find yourself in. Get that special insider and local insights, tips and expertise at your disposal, waiting to make your trip and experience that more special and memorable.

They can also offer some handy referrals and give ideas on what things might cost, book ground transportation and much, much more.

There are always also hostels, YMCA, and YWCA’s that are clean, safe and reliable. If visiting multiple cities, picking one hotel chain might also be more convenient and save you time and money in the process.

A discussion on travel logistics, dynamics and process would not be complete, without mentioning safety and security. A couple of tips follow:

• Do not travel with precious possessions and be discreet with cash and other valuables. Leave sentimental and irreplaceable items at home preferably.

• Protect your essentials like travel documentation, passport, traveler’s checks, credit cards and more. Concealing them on-person, in a pouch or somewhere in your clothing is all accepted practice.

• Be watchful but not paranoid about being at risk of becoming or being a robbery victim.  You will end up spending excessive money on cabs everywhere as opposed to taking a gentle stroll and or exploring by foot!

• Keep valuables concealed in crowded places. Do not consider hip pockets and dangling bags good places for your wallet!

• Do not carry excess cash you do not need, especially at night and do not flaunt cash in public under any circumstance. Do not make yourself a visible and easy target.

• Divide and spread your cash and other money instruments like traveler’s checks around your luggage – do not carry it all in one place.

• A good budgeting tip is wrapping your wallet with a rubber band or two to make it harder for pickpockets to remove it from your pocket without detection!

• Keep your luggage safe, with you and secure at night when you sleep.

• Never leave luggage and or valuables in a car, bus, taxi, train or other form of transportation.

• Always watch at security screenings and customs checks to ensure that your belongings do not disappear.

• Speaking about customs, when exceeding the duty-free limits, know that it will cost you dearly, up to as much as 10 % on the next $1000 worth of goods.

• If you purchased many items (over $50 each) and mailed them to yourself, they are still dutiable. Personal items can be shipped home and you will not have to pay duties if returning them to your destination as long as you write on the package “American goods returned” for example.

This might not be the case for other locations, so verify this with your mail carrier beforehand. Again, planning well ensures an informed consumer. These steps can and will save you money, avoid costly errors and or oversights. Attention to detail will assist you in being a smart, well-informed, money-conscious and dollar-and-cents saving traveler.

Again, most of these statement and suggestions are general in terms and do not necessarily list every time how you will be able to save money, avoid cost, benefit from paying attention to detail and be a savvy, money-saving and SMART traveler. It will mostly do so through implied inference and deduction, you will be able to come up with your own interpretation of how these tips can help you save money.

That is the bonus of budgeting, planning and the format of this tips-guide. You can take as little or as much as you need, relevant to your trip and customize and tailor it into a strategy that is right and suitable, appropriate and guarantees savings for your unique circumstance, means and action travel plans and budgets.

We hope you have enjoyed this post and found it helpful in preparing for your must deserved trip.

Til next time
Live with love, life and passion
The Global Giant Travel Team

Here are some great money saving tips when traveling by air.

• Explore offerings online, comparison shop and booking with discount airlines are all smart strategies. Remember flexibility on your part regarding dates and times will translate into savings.
• Enroll in an air miles, reward or frequent flyer plan that often includes discounts on hotels and car rentals.
• Timing is everything. Avoid peak periods for example, holidays, spring break, and peak business hour time’s makes for more travelers en route and supply and demand will dictate pricing and cost – usually higher. Take advantage of shoulder and low season travel periods.
• Best airfare rates often involve a Saturday night stay.
• Book flights at least two weeks in advance. The closer the booking to the flight date, the more expensive it will be.
• Log on to the airline’s website and check out unadvertised flight specials.
• Booking on-line usually saves a few dollars too.
• Use a park-and-fly service and park your own vehicle at the airport. Driving your car there and back is much cheaper than a taxi if you live far from the airport. There are also airport bus services or shuttles that are cheaper than taxis.
• When boarding the plane, bring your own water (be sure to ask for the correct size of bottle as some sizes are now not allowed onboard). Airplanes are dry and flight attendants do not have time to keep refilling your glass.
• Never eat at the airport. Airport food is twice the price of food anywhere else. Try to eat before arriving at the airport or pack a few snacks to tie you over until you reach your destination.
• Once on the ground, ask the information desk about free shuttles to your hotel or use public transit.
• Save time and headaches by traveling with a bag, you can carry on the plane. Some airlines have express check-in counters for passengers traveling with carry-on luggage only.

Well, that is really a great list of budgeting ideas when traveling by air.

Live with love, life and passion
The Global Giant Travel Team

Hotels – hotel coupons or room savers (online)

• Check with the hotel if they have a frequent guest plan
• Ask about package deals
• If attending a conference, ask for the delegate rate
• Explore other options than hotels – homes, apartments, guest rooms and houses, B&B’s , sub-let or short-term ‘lease’-like agreements for example: rent a Florida house for a month, staying with family or friends, relatives or business contacts,  farmhouses, self-catering apartments, Monasteries and convents in Europe are also cheaper options
• Avoid big Hotel bills, try holiday memberships, family-friendly hotels, ask for a first floor room, as most have pools (if you are fearful for little children wandering around and falling in).
• continental breakfasts are a great money-saver for large families
• Ask about any reduced fares at hotels, consider last-minute check-ins – hotels are rarely really fully booked
• Eating in a supermarket deli-like counter proves to be much cheaper than fast-food locations or expensive restaurants

But most of all, just enjoy!
The Global Giant Travel Team

So, what exactly do I need to take with me?

Next, our discussion turns to luggage. What exactly do you need to pack into your suitcase and how? What goes into your suitcase is important too.

• Shop for the items you need several days before your trip to avoid last minute convenience buying
• Empty cheap dollar-store equivalent plastic bottles filled with products like shampoo and liquid soap will go a long way to save you some money. Buyers beware of travel size items. (Check out what you can take in your cabin luggage from the travel company) Typically, you do not find these items economically priced. Mostly people can consider them a luxury and specialized item. Soap dish and toothbrush cases are also handy items to store your wet bathroom utilities in and keep your clothes dry.

• Invest in a customized and general mini drugstore with various basic items like aspirin, band-aids, antacids, and cold remedies.  When in need the hotel convenient store or local pharmacy prices can be astronomically and notoriously over-priced.

• Back-to-the-basics: always have an extra pair of socks, pantyhose, and underwear somewhere. Be prepared for anything and everything, including delays. If there are delays on your return trip, for any reason, it is reassuring to know that you will at least have fresh undergarments to wear!

• Pack wisely and include a couple of extra outfits. Hotel dry-cleaning is expensive and having a quick change of clothes for a spill or other inevitabilities is always a good idea. Pack more than you need seems to be the rule of thumb.

• Liquid laundry soap can be a good investment for clothing that needs a little spot cleaning or laundering, hand washing it in the sink will also save you a dollar or two while en route.

• A trusted toiletry bag, stocked with all you might need, ready to go is always a good idea. Having your toiletry and bathroom essentials ready at all, times will reduce the likelihood of forgetting something important like your toothbrush and having to buy one.
• Check with your travel provider to make sure you are allowed to carry the items you want to as there have been changes since 911 worldwide. Things like bottles of water, tweezers, etc are now not allowed in cabin luggage.

There is a little issue that we all seem guilty of and that is packing too much. Personally, whenever I travel, I always bring stuff home that I haven’t used, in fact, usually several outfits. You know the ones that you pack “just in case”. Easy wash and dry items are good and usually dry overnight hanging up in front of the airconditioner or heater.

Above all, don’t fret the small stuff and if you forget something, you can always get it at your destination.

Live with love, life and passion
The Global Giant Travel Team

When considering a trip or planning any kind of travel, it is important to plan for the unexpected and consider the financial side of things early on. This ensures affordability, liquidity and having the resources to enjoy it to the fullest!

When budgeting, plan for the worst-case scenario money wise. Prepare for things to cost a little more than you expected. Keep and eye on the exchange rate (if applicable). Allow up to 20% increase in cost to be on the safe side of things.

It is extremely easy these days to have access to your financial resources through ATM’s and credit cards. Just remember that it is just as easy to overspend because of it being so readily available. A little discipline will go a long way to protect your financial interest and help you stick to your travel budget.

Set some spending priorities and criteria in advance, like eating well, even if this means sacrificing a bit on lodgings or visa versa, depending on what is more important to you. Think about value and cost in the local currency as opposed to converting all the time to your home-currency and comparing and weighing prices that way.

Carrying some spare cash somewhere can be a lifesaver. The rule of thumb seems to be around $50-$100 US equivalent, in small bills. This can be used for incidentals, ground-transportation like cab fare and/or your return home, tips and more.

When considering when, where, how, for how long and what type of vacation, trip or holiday venture to undertake, we all get caught up in the anticipation, excitement and exhilaration.

Sometimes we let the more important financial side of things slip a little. After all, for most of us, this only happens a couple of times in our lifetime or perhaps once a year. We tend to indulge and forget about our pocket book a little. However, some close attention to the financials now and during your trip, will save you lots of headaches and interest charges on your credit card balances later! You will thank yourself for your fiscal restraint and spending discipline, upfront planning, foresight and forward thinking!

There are many ways to save money, avoid unnecessary cost, ensure you take care of details end up a smart and perceptive traveler. We look at a couple of suggestions in this section offering some handy tips in handling the logistics of your trip, in effect optimizing traveling on a budget and making your travel dollar go further!

You deserve a well earned holiday
The Global Giant Travel Team

Traveling is both exciting and exhilarating. It appeals to the majority of us for various reasons. It all seems to stem from somewhere deep within our human make-up. We are social and curious beings. Our earlier nomadic traditions and heritage, urge us to explore and conquer our world, both known and unknown. It has always been a quest and inspiration to go somewhere we have not been before and see places unseen until now.

The travel dilemma most of us face is simply when and where to take our next trip or vacation for leisure purposes. We will look briefly at a couple of money-saving tips that will help us answer a couple of key questions: How do I pick a travel destination and when can/is it best to take my annual vacation? or Can I fit in a couple of short trips this year and where would I go?

Actually making the decision about where to go and when to travel is the easy part. It does not matter if we are traveling as sun or adventure seekers, to see family or people we know at a certain location or country, attend a spectacular or special event, visiting an exotic destination or just simply looking for peace and quiet.

The best time to start planning your trip is when the impulse hits you! Send away for information right away.

Plan your trip so everyone has fun and budget for it accordingly! Think child-centered activities or a personal interest indulgence. Save money by deciding early and balance the family interest. Avoid trying to fit in all the “touristy” must-sees that will add up in the end. Select a few of them you really cannot bear to miss and enjoy them together.

Ensure the details are taken care of, like how early or late the attraction is open, transportation to and from the location and be smart by wearing flat shoes and taking water along for in case the wait is longer than expected. Remember, everyone else will be eager to see what he or she came to see too. It might take a little longer at popular venues, so plan your itinerary accordingly.

Deciding the duration of your trip, how long and how you will travel, are all-important considerations. The sooner and earlier you plan and budget, the better prepared and more informed you would be. “The early bird catches the worm”, we always say, and, “First come, First serve”.

You can save a lot of money by booking early and taking advantages of special offers, seat sales and more. Scout for good deals. Watch out and avoid deals that sound too good to be true (they normally are!). Do not get caught by ill-reputed providers and travel-scams. Always read the fine print!

Beware of other details like, what time of year you choose to travel, what the weather will be like, the impact of seasonal traveling, public or special holidays and more. Be smart and budget for the unexpected, delays, unplanned extended stays, inevitable layovers and more. Show some resilience, positive attitude and utilize your financial resourcefulness to make the most of your trips, regardless of what life and fate throws at you!

Early on, while in planning and information gathering mode, consulting with a travel company, professional specialist, tap into their expertise and experience. They can easily provide current information, industry updates, possibilities and pricing, availability, plan and book vacations; find you big discounts and special deals.

They will also be able to point out details that would otherwise remain hidden and unconsidered like new resorts, airport construction updates and hang-ups.  Some can be extremely resourceful, patient and imaginative and want to provide you with the best travel and customer service options and solutions that are right for you.

They mostly work on a commission basis though, so just ensure that this is the best deal for YOU and not their pocketbook alone! Save money by asking many questions and pose the question about discounts. If you do not ask, they will not necessarily offer the cheapest option or hunt for better deals!

When deciding to travel as a single individual or a couple, double rooms in a hotel are mostly cheaper than a single room. Consider sharing, but choose and weigh your travel partner(s) wisely!

Ensure that you are financially independent of one another and that all parties are responsible with money and will not come running to you expecting to help.  Clarify needs and wants and highlight some mutual respect for these.

Ask the question of whether personal habits are compatible. How would they react in crisis-mode? These factors are handy to know in advance, in order to prepare you for anything. Save money by protecting your financial interests. Avoid others taking advantage of you, and you, ending up paying for mostly everything and sponsoring extravagant spenders. The onus is on you to ensure you take care of every detail.

This would include who and how you will pay for what. Discuss and stipulate it literally to ensure all parties are informed. Then clarify and agree on it. Be smart and act early to sort out any differences and avoid conflict and disagreement. Schedule regular time apart and pool some of your money into a ‘kitty’ to pay for outings and entertainment.

Guidebook-like informational tools should not dictate your trip. They describe, should not prescribe! Some might have set itineraries and must sees that do not interest you necessarily and might be costly if you choose to follow it to a tee. Their pricing options might also be out-of-date, so check their accuracy. They are good and useful for pricing options and ranges that again are useful in the travel budgeting process and list numerous lodging options across the spectrum. This highlights choice and empowered decision making.

Another consideration is Ecotourism. Consider carriers and travel providers that advocate and practice sustainable, safer and environmentally friendly options for travel. It has less impact on the environment and does not disrupt the local economy. On the contrary, it utilizes supports and optimizes it!

It is all still about making the most of your trip and seeing any and all that you want to, experience and enjoy your travel and quest. Stroll, walk, take it easy on your first day and do not try to fit everything into 24 hours! In short: Go somewhere! Go anywhere! BUT DO GO!

Just do it!
Laugh every day
The Global Giant Travel Team

Most people mistakenly think that you need a lot of money to travel, or that vacations are simply too expensive and lavish. This is a good example of a wrongful assumption. Traveling ‘light’ so to speak, with limited cash, combined with a positive attitude and a deep personal commitment, persistence and resourcefulness is possible.

Simply put, planning pays and travel budgets save money. Taking the extra time to review sources at your disposal prior to, during and after your trip encourages a hands-on, pro-active approach to traveling and vacationing in general.

Most of us want to focus on having a good time and ensuring that a couple of the smaller details are taken care of.  Taking advantage of saving opportunities and discounts, limited offers and utilizing tips and tricks from frequent travelers seem to be the keys to travel success.

Lessons learned will serve us all well when taking our next trip, whether to the campgrounds, some exotic tropical paradise or both!

There are various useful information and travel sources to assist you in this money-saving undertaking for traveling on a budget:

• web-pages and online providers who specialize in hot deals for vacation package bargains,
• travel websites brokerages and discount fare operators, airline carriers and websites with last minute fares and seat sales,
• travel specialist portals like Holidays and Cash where taking advantage of overnight flight flights, empty seats and multiple connections and other ways to save money while traveling the globe, is a mastered art of comparison-shopping and the budget travelers paradise so to speak.
• Printed material, budget travel magazines and books, other e-zines online, offering industry and insider travel tips, student and backpacking tips,  and even specific destination guidebooks.
• Other specific budget-travel, industry-related publications and resources
• Various customized, targeted guidebooks
• Travel Word-of-mouth from regular travelers, colleagues, family and friends who travel frequently often share great insights. We cannot discount these value-adding insights.
• Coupons and special vouchers, Family discounts and specials,  online, limited-time internet-bargains
• Condominium or developers, resort, time-share Promotions. Sales-pitch pop-up windows, Camping (sites and cabins, bring own linens and towels), tourist boards and information centers,

and many more…

Setting up a quick quote or cost-analysis for your planned journey, a rough travel expense account or budgeting outline to get started, is always a good idea to give your dreams some wings.

At the very least, you will have an idea and some kind of baseline and starting point. Initially though, forget all about expensive restaurants, business class flights and luxury car rentals and all you might have to sacrifice or cannot have on your budget, at least for now.

All you need to know, upfront, is that YOU CAN TRAVEL IN STYLE ON A BUDGET and this website will offer a few ideas to keep the money where it should be – in your pocket and/or well spent to make your vacation dream come true,  while still maximizing your vacationing and travel experience!

Have the time of your life
Live with love, life and passion always
The Global Giant Travel Team

“The reason most people never reach their goals is that they don’t define them, learn about them, or ever seriously consider them as believable or achievable.“  Denis Waitley

The following article shows a  proven way to achieve your heart’s desire regarding your dream travel destinations. You will find the following exercise powerful and empowering.

Make a list of some; any or all of the destinations you would like to visit in your lifetime… and then plan to get to at least one this year!

Like anything else in life, travel needs to be planned for somewhat. It is almost like setting a short-time ‘SMART’ goal for leisure and vacationing. Marketers of time-share and destination vacations, often refer to this as an argument to invest in a travel solution.

People often suggest that we treat travel or vacationing, like any other planned financial decision in life. This is all irrespective of whether this includes house, car, tuition, health, insurance or other life-expense.  Travel and vacation is justified and ‘sold’, as just another important item on the list to think about and budget for.

Setting goals is described and accepted as a powerful tool to achieve success and keeps people motivated.

Out of the list of dream destinations you just made or have in mind, you cannot possibly achieve reaching all of them, and nor should you perhaps. One can but wish and dream … Going after these dreams in a planned fashion, will mean a significant investment of time, money, energy, talent, and opportunities. You will need to prioritize.

Prioritizing should include travel items, trips, goals and destinations that you really desire to visit, see, conquer, treasure, explore and would love to achieve in your lifetime.

Realizing of course that these ‘dreams’ though, might not all be achievable immediately, or at all. You need to view this as a wish list, shortlist eventually becoming checklist! Then, move on to making at least the first goal or location visit on the list happen this year! (Alternatively, as soon as funds allow and you are able to make it happen).

Hands-on work, defining and planning for travel in such a way that it will convey an actual goal or goals, destinations, budgets and periods.

A goal, in order to be effective and drive people towards it, should have the following characteristics.  The goal should be Specific, Measurable, Action-oriented, Realistic, and Time-constrained.  In other words, it must be a SMART goal, (as referred to earlier).

SPECIFIC: The travel goal(s) should be specific. Detail is what matters here. Avoid generalizations; get to the point and crux of the matter. Specify your immediate travel needs and means. Then plan to go after it pro-actively.

For example, take that tropical island, destination dream vacation: “I have always wanted to …” seems a little general when compared to ‘I will travel, with my family to Hawaii for a vacation of two weeks within the next six months.’

MEASURABLE: The SMART travel goal must be measurable.  This goes along with being specific.  A goal defined specifically might already be measurable. The abovementioned goal stated intention, involved parties, location, purpose and a timeframe – all measurable elements.

A measurable travel goal, like going to Hawaii, with a family of four, including two children under the age of five, within the next six months helps you identify, plan, execute and track more efficiently and increase your odds of actually making it there! Considering the logistics in this fashion, makes it that more realistic to enable your family to take the planned trip of a lifetime, as opposed to just dreaming about it!

ACTION-ORIENTED: A SMART goal must also be action oriented.  It cannot merely be stated.  You must relate the goal to doing something, to indicate what needs to be done. An action verb will indicate what needs to be accomplished. “I will travel” is a good example of an action statement, stated intent and implies preparation and planning, will and persistence.

REALISTIC: For any goal to be motivational and get you committed to reaching it, it must be realistic.  When a goal is not realistic and the person does not really believe it can be reached, then the commitment is lacking and the effort will not be there to permit the goal to be realized.

Choosing realistic goals are based on your present status. What jumps to mind right away in our example, is whether and how you can afford it and make it happen! (Hopefully this guide can also offer some tips to get your there).

TIME-CONSTRAINED: In order for a goal to move people towards it, it must be time-constrained.  A timeline needs to be associated with it. It will entice people to move towards the goal. The timeline set, will be based on the goal itself and the present status. Six months is stated here as a realistic timeline, leaving enough time to save for, plan, book and take your well-deserved vacation to Hawaii (as in our stated example),OR anywhere else YOU have chosen to go!

Well, there you have it, so now you can start setting SMART goals for your dream travel destinations.

Enjoy life to the full – every day
The Global Giant Travel Team

The key to budget travel is to plan ahead. When it comes to family trips, globetrotting, well-deserved vacations and / or going to see new places we have never been beore,  the reality of cost and budgeting is always in the back of our minds.

Planning and spending our travel dollar wisely is a priority for most families. Curbing spending and costs, while still enjoying your vacation to its fullest, is the key to guaranteed success and fiscal responsibility. Your pocketbook and family will thank you!

The reasoning behind saving money while traveling is simple: Even if your personal budget is extremely tight, you can still take a break and enjoy life!  Simply put, life is just too short to never step out of the door or leaving the homestead!

Also remembering that while traveling, whether on a budget or not, even the smallest of things can all add up to a large vacation or travel bill!

For example, all those hotel extra’s, cab-fares, tips, restaurants, car rentals, gas for your own vehicle if on a road trip, tickets for special attractions or events, beach-and-pool-side drinks (if not at an all-inclusive resort or cruise) and more, adds on and piles up!

This brings us to the some of the rhyme and reason behind budgeting for travel and planning well. This also applies monetarily, to ensure your trip is a success, enjoyable and memorable. Your outlook could be a balance between replenishing your resources and not breaking the bank in the process!

Tips for Traveling on a budget is a series of posts meant to assist you with this task.  Find relevant tips in these pages meant to assist you in any travel undertaking in the near or foreseeable future. It is all about saving you money on your travel endeavors.

When choosing to travel, most of us are normally doing so with our families, opting for destination travel and taking that well-deserved vacation of a lifetime or all of the above.

These posts will offer tips and insights on how to customize, optimize, maximize and personalize your travel experience every step of the way. Through this process, travelers attend pro-actively to the impact of decisions.

There are many un-seized opportunities to save some cash in the process. We will briefly uncover less known and obvious financial detail, affordability, aftermath and fiscal strategy as it pertains to travel locally, domestically or abroad.

Live your life with love, fun and passion

The Global Giant Travel Team