by: Megan Biller

It all started when I was two years old. My parents brought me to the magical land of Disney World, and I was hooked. I’ve been there at least 15 times since that first trip, including my honeymoon!

Every vacation there has been magical – even in the heat and humidity of Florida in August! Although most of this was due to the magic of Disney itself, it was also due to the tips I have learned, and the tricks we use frequently! Allow me to share a few with you so that your Disney vacation can be just as magical as mine are!

Utilize Extra Magic Hours

Being a Disney resort guest, your family can enter certain parks an hour early, or stay up to three hours later at night! These are great times to ride on those popular rides before crowds start to form, or when the crowds are leaving.

Take an Afternoon Break

This is extremely important if you are traveling with kids, or are visiting in the summer. Taking a break from the parks in the afternoon allows you to enjoy your resort pool, or take a nap so you can ride more rides in the evening. It also lessens the chances of a mid-day breakdown in the middle of Main Street USA!

Make Dining Reservations

Even if you are traveling during a ‘value’ season, it is important to make dining reservations! It is very difficult to walk up to a restaurant and be able to have a meal. Disney allows you to make these 180 days before your arrival date, so research what restaurants you are interested in first, then make those reservations!

Use Disney’s FASTPASS

Disney’s FASTPASS is available for any guest who has a park ticket. Head to your favorite ride (that usually has a longer line) and put your park ticket in the kiosk. It will print out a ticket with a return time for you to come back to the ride, walk in a shorter line to the front of the line! After using your FASTPASS (or 2 hours after getting one) you can do the same for another ride. (Another note: if the stand-by line is 20 minutes or less, it is better to just wait in line.)

Explore the Resorts

Disney’s attention to detail goes beyond the theme parks. Explore the resorts as well! At the Animal Kingdom Lodge, you can view animals outside the hotel room, roaming in the savannah. At the Polynesian Resort, listen to the sounds of the Pacific islands while relaxing on a white sand beach. At Coronado Springs Resort, explore ancient Mayan ruins. At the Boardwalk Resort, watch entertainers along the actual boardwalk! (Another note: If traveling around the holidays, the resorts are decorated with trees, lights and even gingerbread houses!)

The tips and tricks are endless! Each Disney vacation is different in its own way – but always magical!

About The Author

Megan Biller is a travel planner with Glass Slipper Concierge, which, in association with Sanborn’s Travel Service, is recognized for superior vacation planning services and has been designated by Disney as an Authorized Disney Planner. Contact Megan at Megan@GlassSlipperConcierge.com to allow her to plan your Disney vacation!

Bringing the family pet along on a road trip may seem like a good idea – you don’t have to ask friends or family to look after your pet and you can avoid the costs and concerns that go with boarding and kennels. But traveling with pets in the car also brings special challenges that, fortunately, can be met with a bit of forethought and careful preparation of both the vehicle and pet.

According to information from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), which recently teamed with Subaru of America to produce a brochure on pet travel tips, bringing a pet along on a road trip simply involves adapting your routine to the road. All of the things you take into consideration at home – your pet’s health, happiness and safety – should be thoughtfully addressed when traveling with your pet.

Here are 10 helpful tips for road-tripping with pets from the AVMA and Subaru:

1. If your pet is not accustomed to car travel, take it for a few short rides before your trip so it will feel confident that a car outing does not necessarily mean a trip to the veterinarian or an unpleasant destination.

2. Cats should always be confined to a cage or in a cat carrier to allow them to feel secure and prevent them from crawling under your feet while you are driving.

3, Dogs riding in a car should not ride in the passenger seat if it is equipped with an airbag, and should never be allowed to sit on the driver’s lap.

4. See your automotive dealer for pet accessories designed specifically to fit your vehicle, such as compartment dividers that separate pets and cargo from the passenger area. Several automobile manufacturers, including Subaru, offer a dog guard/compartment divider that keeps pets safely in the rear cargo area of station wagons, “crossover” vehicles and SUVs.

5. Pets should not be allowed to ride with their heads outside car windows. Particles of dirt or other debris can enter the eyes, ears, and nose, causing injury or infection.

6. Give small portions of food and water. Plan to stop every two hours for exercise. Remember to include a leash with your pet’s traveling supplies.

7. If your dog has a problem with carsickness, your veterinarian can prescribe medication that will help the dog feel comfortable during a long car trip.

8. Pack a simple pet first-aid kit that includes assorted bandages, antiseptic cream, an anti-diarrheal medication that is safe for pets (ask your veterinarian to suggest a product), gauze squares, phone numbers for your veterinarian, and a 24-hour emergency veterinary hospital at your destination, as well as a national poison control hotline.

9. In addition to a standard identification tag (which should be labeled with your name, home address, and phone number), your pet’s collar should include a travel tag with information on where you are staying while away from home. Should your pet become lost, this will allow you to be contacted locally.

10. Perform a daily “health check” on your pet when away from home. In unfamiliar surroundings, your pet’s appetite, energy, and disposition may change. Watch for unusual discharges from the nose and eyes, excessive scratching or biting of any body part, abnormal elimination, or excessive water consumption. Visit a local veterinarian if you are concerned about any physical or behavioral changes.

As you can see, a little planning and a carefully prepared vehicle can make all the difference between a good time had by all and a road trip filled with regret.

For more information download a color copy of the AVMA/Subaru Traveling With Your Pet brochure.

Want to go to a new exciting place, but don’t have anyone to tag along? There may be times when you have to travel alone in a foreign land. Whether just for fun or on official business, you have to take safety measures. Traveling alone need not be lonely. It could be fun in more ways than one. Don’t be reluctant to travel just because your on your own. Just remember these things:

*Plan ahead
Research and read about the place you’re heading to. Know where’s the nearest hotel, restaurant, and such. Make reservations too, if possible. That way, your travel is on a good start.
 
*Take a city map
You better study how to read maps. Needless to say, these can guide you where you are going, especially if it’s the first time you’re going to that place. Relying too much on the cab driver is not a good idea.

*Learn the language
Just study the basics, and the most common things you’re likely to ask a local. Learn it before you arrive.

*Hide your valuables
Put your guard up. Don’t invite muggers to come and get you. Don’t wear too much jewelry outside the streets. Use inexpensive accessories.

*Dress appropriately
Check what the locals wear on a given time of day. You don’t want your clothes screaming you’re a tourist. The lesser attention you draw to yourself, the better.

*Don’t be afraid to ask for directions
It would be okay to ask someone for directions, but be sure you are going to choose who to ask. You can ask a waiter in restaurant, or the receptionist in your hotel. Just be sure you get all information. Asking from a complete stranger outside is not advisable.

*Bring some cash
Take just enough. Traveler’s checks and credit cards are good, and it could be your primary mode of payment, but you might want to keep a few extra dollars in your pocket with local money.

*Enjoy your self
Well, you are traveling, so make the most of it. Make friends with a local. Talk to somebody over lunch in a café. Get the addresses of the friends you make to send them a thank you card. Maybe next time, you’d be their host.

Traveling alone can be your best experience. With solo traveling, you will definitely learn more about your self and what you can do. Try it. It would be fun!

- Plan your vacations on off seasons, Hotel rates, even airline and car rental rates are lower during this time due to lower demand. You can get as much as a 50% discount if you book a room during off season, so try and call the hotel if they have off season discounts and ask them when the discounts will be effective.

- Some hotels give discounts to certain people like students, military contingents, Senior citizens, honeymooners etc. Ask for these discounts and what their details, you can save a lot with these.

- Ask if your kids can stay for free, if you’re with your family, sometimes hotels can allow up to two kids for a two bed room provided that the kids are within the age limit.

- If you’re not very particular with hotel locations, you can access name-your-price websites for car rentals and hotel reservations. They’ll do the haggling for you and you’re sure not to over-budget.

- Some hotels and even car rental companies, give “free days” if you use their services for more than a week. Ask about these certain perks if you’re planning a long stay.

- Make sure that the room fees are the only ones you’re paying for. Some hotels have surcharges and extra fees that aren’t mentioned in room rates and then suddenly pop-up on check-out. Before you reserve, ask about these, and if upon check-out you suddenly find yourself with fees that you didn’t know about, refuse to pay it.

- You can also exchange frequent Flier miles for hotel lodgings so if you have an expiring miles card, or a miles card that you’d just want to get rid of, ask the hotel if they honor these exchanges.

- Sometimes, hotels provide free airport pick-up you can use this as bargaining tool. Ask for a free pickup when haggling so you’ll get something extra even if you pay the full price.

- If you’re planning to travel during peak season, always call in advance, rates tend to get higher as the season approaches.

- Sometimes, weekend rates are lower than regular fees, or vice versa, ask your agent, or ask the hotel yourself if they have these, then you can schedule your trip during these times and be able to avail of the discount.

- Always ask for a confirmation number when you reserve a room, so that they can’t say that they didn’t receive your reservation.

Vietnam

The country’s recommended tourist spots are Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, which are both modernized. All tourists in Vietnam, except Thai and Philippine Nationals need a tourist Visa before entering the Country. Health wise, Malaria is prevalent in Vietnam, it would be best to bring with you anti-mosquito lotions to prevent being bit.

Indonesia

Aside from the usual prohibition of narcotics and deadly weapons, Radio cassette Players are banned in the Island of Bali, which is a prime tourist spot in Indonesia. Any object with Chinese characters written on it, are also prohibited in Bali.

Thailand

Thai people are very religious and very loyal to the monarchy. You would often see pictures of the king around the cities, never make fun of him. The Thai also consider the head as the highest part of the body, whether spiritual or physical. Refrain from touching anybody in the head, and try not to point at anything with your foot.

Malaysia

It’s best to bring light and cool clothing in Malaysia. You would usually find food stands in the cities selling the local delicacies, “teh tarik” a creamed tea, and “roti canai” a type of pancake, are a must try when you do encounter them. Malaysia has many religions, you would usually see, a variety of Christian churches, Muslim Mosques and Buddhist and Hindu temples may be present in each city.

Philippines

The Philippine has 7,107 islands and islets; beaches are the main tourist spots in the country. There are several museums and Historical Landmarks in Manila, the country’s capital.  Boracay Island is the boast of the country which has white sand beaches. You’ll find a “tiangge”, which is a sort of bazaar with stalls that sell almost anything, in most parts of the country, even inside malls. Tiagges are a good place to find souvenirs as well as cheap goods.

General Tips

Each country in Asia has its own currency, although up-end establishments will accept dollars, there are very few of these around. It is best to have your money changed at the local bank. Some hotels also offer money changing, but usually at a lower exchange rate.

Pickpockets are present in most tourist spots, so be careful with your valuables. Separate money from checks and credit cards, have two sets if you can so that you won’t be left dry if you fall victim to a pickpocket.
 

Aspen provides all the restaurants and bars you
could ever want or need You can take a stroll
through this luxurious city and find many boutiques
and much more. There is a lot of history in many of
the buildings that are in the downtown area. One of
these buildings is the Ute bank; this building can be
dated back to the silver area around the 1800’s.

With everything that there is to do in Aspen you
shouldn’t find yourself getting bored. Aspen is
located in Colorado, and with the various mountain
ranges, you are sure to find slopes that are suitable
for your level. Snowmass is one of the most popular
resorts in the world, so be sure to make reservations
well in advance.

With planning, foresight and a little bit of hard work, you can go ahead and have that dream vacation the economical way.  Here’s how:

*Search the internet, call airline agencies and watch the news to keep yourself up to date on discounts.  There are a lot of promotional fares offered by airline companies that are new in the industry.

*When you do travel a lot, sign up for frequent flier miles.

*Ask about student fares or senior citizen discounts.

*Keep a flexible travel schedule.  Go with the flow.  If the promo states that they only give discounts every Tuesdays, then set your departure on Tuesday.  Generally, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays are the days that have fewer reservations, so it in on these days that tickets are sold cheap.  Monday is usually the busiest day of the week. 

* Do not go ahead and make reservations to the first airline company you see with promotions.  Take the time to source out a variety of options.  Take the time to find out if the promotion is indeed the cheapest in your area.  Ask the clerk about other offers available.  When checking through the internet, make sure you check at least five sites before you decide where to buy your tickets.

*You can have the option of purchasing tickets trough consolidators.  These are people who buy a whole block of tickets and resell them at certain discounts.  This helps the airline fill up still available seats.  The travel section of the newspaper is the place to check for ticket consolidators.

*Try flying on off peak hours schedule.  Usually if you take the before seven in the morning flight or the after seven in the evening flight, tickets are at their cheapest.  This too, will be a wise decision since it is at these times that airlines are not overcrowded, thus getting more space for yourself and your luggage.

*Be sure to inquire if the airline offers travel packages.  Some airlines do offer packages such as car rental discount or a hotel room discount that comes with the travel ticket.

* When you are flying off season, be very sure to ask about certain standby fares.

*Have an early booking.  Promotions are usually offered when one reserves a ticket three weeks beforehand.  Remember that due to over crowding during the holidays, you may not use your frequent flier miles.  So book in advance if you plan to travel during the holidays.

*Staying with only one airline on your entire trip may too, give you discounts.  Airlines offer special rates to round trip tickets or connecting flights.

Have a safe trip and enjoy!

- Check detour flights other than the straight one you’re bound to get when you inquire. You can get cheaper overall prices if you choose to book two flights instead of one. Some people have been able to save as much as $2000 by doing this.

- It is always better to buy food at the grocery and cook it yourself rather than eating everyday at a restaurant. You won’t want to spend all of your pocket money on food. Restaurants tend to have cheap and sometimes unhealthy food, ensure your own health as well as your pockets health by cooking your own, that is, after all, the reason why there’s a stove in your hotel room.

- Travel to places which boast of natural beauty but have lower costs of living, prices here tend to be lower. Take the Philippines or Malaysia for example, both have great views and tourist spots but come without the hassle of overpricing, English speaking natives are also a plus for these countries.

- If you’re planning to stay for more than a week, call the hotel that you’d want to stay in and ask for week long stay discounts, these can range for percentages off your room price or even a “free day.”

- Package deals usually save a lot, airfare and lodgings combined into one are usually cheaper compared to paying for them separately. Some travel agencies even provide trio packages which include airfare, hotel and car rental, you can save a lot if you have the industriousness to canvass.

- Find web-only discounts or coupons which some hotels and airline owners provide especially for those willing to reserve online. You can save as much as 50% on your travel costs by going this way.

The thing is you don’t have to be a business traveler to fly business class, anyone who can afford it can buy a ticket. And that’s a problem for most people who can’t afford tickets in the thousands of dollar range. Fortunately it is possible to find cheap business class international air fares to just about anywhere you wish to fly.

Here’s a little known secret. Everyday at midnight all the airlines ticketing databases are updated with the new days airfares. Here’s the secret to this secret. Everyday the airlines run specials that include highly discounted tickets for nearly all their flights, including business class. The problem is they don’t actively advertise this fact so the general public doesn’t know about them and those who do buy them up fast.

How do you get these tickets? Set your alarm and call the airlines ticketing service centers early in the morning and ask. That’s it, you have to ask what kind of deals they have going for their international business class fares and see if it fits your travel budget.

This same thinking can be used with the online travel sites such as Expedia and Travelocity, These sites have deals in place with the airlines which allows them to buy up large blocks of tickets for discounted prices, which they can pass on to you. Much like the airlines databases these websites update their ticketing data around midnight and any deals or discounts are first come first serve.

Another place to look for cheap business class tickets are the less well known airlines. India Air and Iceland Air both have international flights and in many cases are able to offer savings up to 80% less then the more well known major carriers.

If you have been accumulating frequent flier miles and get enough of them you can cash those in and get a seat upgrade. If you can get what is known as an elite status on those miles this will also help you upgrade to business class. Just be sure to use your miles efficiently as possible.

Another good resource for finding cheap business class international air fares is the eBook My Airfare Secrets which outlines hundreds of tips and techniques for finding dirt cheap airplane tickets.

Andrew Bicknell: To learn more about how My Airfare Secrets can save your travel dollar please visit the My Airfare Secrets Review Page by clicking here.

An extremely popular place to ride motorcycles is up and down the Pacific coast. You can start in the cool air of Oregon or Washington and make your way down the coast to California. The Pacific highway is gorgeous, overlooking ocean vistas. Just watch out for the drop – there are some curvy parts of the road. From California you can bike across the desert to Las Vegas. The Las Vegas Strip is an ideal place to sightsee on a motorcycle. Parking is free and abundant whenever you want to get off your bike and try your luck in one of the city’s many casinos.

You can bike through New Mexico, taking in the vast plateaus and deserts from the back of your ride. You can visit Roswell, the town where a UFO is rumored to have landed in 1947. Check out the amazing restaurants in Albuquerque and Santa Fe. Park your bike and stop in a watering hole to absorb some local flavor and ingredients. The Mexican-influence cuisine can be spicy. New Mexico is also home to Lincoln County, famous for its affiliation with Billy the Kidd and his gang of marauders. There is plenty of picturesque camping in New Mexico, especially near Cloudcroft, where you can set up camp in the mountains and rest up for your next day’s travels. Camping is an ideal way to save on hotel fees. You can purchase a light tent and sleeping bag that can easily be strapped to your motorbike. Travel with bikes is also cheaper than travel in a car because of all the money you save on gas.

If you’re interested in the Civil War, there are plenty of battlegrounds to see on a motorcycle. You can drive across the Wilson’s Creek, Pea Ridge, and the Westport battlegrounds in Arkansas and Missouri. If you are interested in staying on the East Coast of the United States, consider taking your bike north across the border. There are beautiful rides through Canada and Nova Scotia. Just be sure to go in the summer because the climate can be very cold up north in the winter. In summer the weather will be ideal – not too hot but pleasant enough to spend days on the back of your bike, taking in the open air.

Concentrating on the area of Calpe, Ray Walberg publishes mostly for http://www.alicante-spain.com . His work on Orihuela are published on his site .