How to Travel Without Owning a Car

Are you trying to save money? Can't afford a car or the gas it takes to run it? Hate to drive? It is possible to get around without owning a car. It is much easier if you live in a large city, but even if you don't, you will still be able to get to your destination. If you plan to share rides with others, do so in a safe manner. If you plan to walk, make sure you are in shape. Even if you don't have a vehicle, you can get creative and come up with alternative ways to get on the road and to your destination.

Things You'll Need

ZipCar
Bus
Taxi
Phone

Tips For YouHow to Travel Without Owning a Car

1. Try a ZipCar. Many large cities have companies like ZipCar where you can rent a vehicle for short periods of time. You pay based on the number of hours you use the car. ZipCar is easy to use because all you need is a valid driver's license. The gas and insurance are included. All you have to do is reserve the car and then drive it away. You can use it for an hour, a day, or a weekend.
2. Take the bus. Even smaller cities and some rural areas have public bus systems. For example, one small town may have a commuter bus to the next small town. Just remember to get a copy of the bus routes and pay close attention to the times the bus operates so you don't get stranded.
3. Flag a taxi. In big cities, taxis are everywhere and they will take you just about anywhere. Just make sure you have enough cash on hand. In smaller areas, have the number of the local taxi company handy. They will be willing to meet you at a destination and take you where you need to go.
4. Request a shuttle. If you are just trying to get to and from the airport, see if there is a shuttle service. Many airports know of services where vans will pick you and your belongings up. These services are often cheaper than taking a taxi.
5. Use a call-a-ride service. When you have to get somewhere on time, use call-a-ride. Often, seniors will use this service to get to doctor's appointments. Check with your local city before you use a call-a-ride service. Some will require that you have a disability.
6. Carpool with your neighbors. Even if you don't own a car, you could pay for gas and be included in the carpool.
7. Take public rail transportation.
8. Start walking or riding your bike. You will learn that many places are not so far away. Go to the closest grocery store, pharmacy, and restaurants. Soon, you will be in shape and doing just fine without a vehicle.
9. Rent a car. You don't have to own your own vehicle, but if you have to get a lot done and you just need a car, try renting one for a day or two. It will be cheaper than owning your own vehicle.

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How to Travel With Gold Coins

Most people who travel enjoy bringing back trinkets and souvenirs from their destination. In many instances, these items take the form of inexpensive clothing, food or toys. Some travelers, however, set their sights higher and actually want to purchase and travel with gold coins. These travelers may be unaware of the rules and regulations surrounding traveling and coming home with gold coins. Foreign gold can be a good investment to pick up while you're traveling, but you can lose that investment if you don't follow the proper procedures for traveling with gold.

Things You'll Need

• Copy of rules and regulations of the areas you are traveling to and from
• Plastic coin bottles
• Carry-on Suitcase

Tips For You

1. Do a visual check of all the gold coins to determine their country of origin. Depending on where you are going, you will face different requirements and restrictions on what types of gold coins you can travel with legally. When traveling to the United States, for example, you cannot bring gold coins from Cuba, Burma, Iran and the Sudan. Check regulations and requirements for both your departure and arrival locations.
2. Place the gold coins in a plastic coin bottle and put the cap firmly in place. Place the plastic coin bottle in a carry-on bag to keep the gold coins with you at all times. All the monetary assets you are traveling with, including the coins, should not exceed $10,000 in value.
3. Stand in the customs line when you arrive at your destination. Declare the gold coins according to the rules and regulations of that destination. Be prepared to show identifying features such as the mark indicating the country of origin.

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How to Travel to Italy by Boat

A country filled with art, wine and food, Italy is a place many Americans have on their "To-Do" lists for future vacations. Milan is a fashion capital, Venice is the city filled with water and Rome is home to the coliseum and the Pope. If your vacation itinerary includes a trip to Italy you can go one step further and tour the country by boat.

Tips For You

1. Travel to Italy by boat. Choose your favorite cruise line and see if it travels to Italy. Many cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean, Celebrity and Norwegian Cruise Lines all take passengers on voyages to Italy. Cruise lines sail to Italy from multiple ports in various countries all over the world, including - but not limited to - the U.S., Scandinavia, Spain, Greece, Australia and the United Kingdom. Italian ports of call include Rome, Venice, Lake Como and Florence.
2. Book your cruise. Choose your travel dates, the length of your cruise and the type of stateroom you want to stay in for the duration of your Italian cruise. Confirm your reservation and print your cruise documents.
3. Board your cruise ship at your chosen departure port. You can pre-book Italian shore excursions through your cruise line's website or you can book Italian shore excursions while you are aboard your cruise ship.

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How to Travel by Ship Overseas

Traveling overseas is an adventure to which you can add excitement by going in an unconventional way, such as by ship. Several options exist for foreign travel by ship, including positioning cruises, which cruise lines use to get their ships from one cruising area to another. Many of these positioning cruises travel across the Atlantic Ocean from America to Europe without the stops of a traditional cruise. Another way to travel by ship is by freighter. Freighter ships, while they also carry cargo, provide a laid-back way to see the world.

Tips For You

1. Determine if you want to travel on a cruise ship or a freighter ship. Cruise ships that sail abroad may offer regular cruises or positioning cruises. Freighters also sail internationally and provide more authentic foreign travel.
2. Research ship travel websites, such as CMA GCM Tourism, which provides various choices for overseas water travel, including cruise lines, yachts and container ships.
3. Reserve your spot on the ship of your choice.
4. Determine what documents you will need for your journey. If you need to acquire a passport, visa, and/or medical certificate, allow yourself plenty of time to obtain the required document(s).
5. Find out if you'll need vaccinations to enter any of the countries you plan to visit. If so, make an appointment to have the shots on whatever schedule your doctor recommends.
6. Pack for your overseas trip. Aside from clothes, toiletries and other common travel necessities, you should also pack postcards, stationery and that extra long novel you haven't had time to read. While you're aboard ship, you will have plenty of time for reading, writing, games and catching up with friends and loved ones.

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How to Travel With Insulin

Save spontaneity for your vacation itself. When you have diabetes, preparing for travel is a serious matter. Whether you use an insulin pen for one daily injection or need the constant use an insulin pump, guarding your supplies carefully will keep your travels running smoothly. No matter how you administer your insulin, you shouldn't encounter a problem when taking it through airport security. The Transportation Security Administration allows travelers with diabetes to carry all necessary supplies onto a plane.

Things You'll Need

• Diabetes kit or organizer bag
• Cold packs
• Snacks and drinks

Tips For You

1. Discuss your travel plans with your doctor. She can help you make adjustments to your injection schedule if you'll be changing time zones. Ask for a written prescription for all your insulin supplies in case you need to replenish while traveling. If you're leaving the country, ask her to write a letter on her letterhead explaining your condition and your need to carry insulin.
2. Pack your insulin, needles, swabs, blood glucose meter, test strips, glucose tablets and any other supplies you use in a diabetes kit or other small organizer bag. You may use a medication cooling bag if you need to keep unopened insulin cold, or you can store insulin in an insulated bag with cool packs -- but don't use freezer packs, warns the Joslin Diabetes Center, because insulin should never be frozen.
3. Pack your diabetes kit and a travel-size sharps container in your carry-on bag. Place your prescription and doctor's letter in this bag, and pack copies of these documents in a second bag in case your carry-on is lost.
4. Tell a TSA agent that you're traveling with insulin as soon as you arrive at airport security. You'll likely be required to pass your supplies through the X-ray machine along with your other belongings, though you may request they be screened by hand instead. If you wear in insulin pump, you should not be asked to disconnect it. You may ask to be patted down instead of walking through a metal detector or imaging scanner.
5. Keep insulin and other supplies with you at all times. Protect these items from cold and heat. For instance, place the bag containing your insulin on the floor of the car instead of letting it sit in direct sunlight, and bring it with you into a restaurant instead of leaving it in the hot or cold car.

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How to Travel With Contact Lenses

The best way to enjoy a trip is by making sure needed items such as clothing and bathroom accessories are properly packed. However on long flights, train rides and road trips some of these items, such as contact lenses, should be packed in an easily accessible place. Contacts can lose moisture, fall out or tear easily, which could result in irritated or strained eyes. It is important, therefore, to have full access to your contact lens materials while traveling.

Things You'll Need

• Plastic baggie
• 3 oz. multipurpose solution
• Contact case (screw-on)
• Extra pair of lenses
• Small bathroom bag
• Rewetting eye drops

Tips For You

1. Put the multipurpose solution and contact case in the plastic baggie. The baggie will protect other bathroom accessories from being soaked if the solution opens during travel. Make sure the solution is 3 oz. or under when flying; any liquid above 3 oz. will not be admitted onto the plane.
2. Bring an extra pair of contact lenses. Soft contact lenses are delicate and can rip if placed incorrectly into the case, or they can sometimes pop out of your eye. Put these into the baggie.
3. Place the filled plastic baggie into a small bathroom bag or tote. This item should be carried with you for easy access onto the plane, train or in the car. Do not pack this bag into a suitcase or checked luggage.
4. Remove your contact lenses before napping. Put solution into the contact case and place each lens into the appropriately labeled side of the case. Use a screw-on case; snap cases will leak if they are not placed flat at all times.
5. Clean the lenses thoroughly before inserting them into your eye again. Drop some solution onto the contact and gently rub the lens in your palm with your finger. When traveling, dust and unfamiliar allergens can stick to the contact and cause eye irritation.
6. Use the rewetting eye drops while the contacts are in your eye if your eyes feel dry or uncomfortable. You can also remove the contacts and repeat Step 5 to re-hydrate the lenses.

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How to Travel Back in Time

Did you ever wish you could travel back in time? With a little imagination and the tips below you can! Read on to find out how

Instructions

1. • 1
     DELETE THE PRESENT. When traveling back in time, it's very important to eliminate any evidence of the present. The place you choose must be historically pristine. No modern technology. No current fashions or hairstyles. Nothing out of place chronologically. The more a place looks like it did when it was, the better you'll be able to time travel to it.
   • 2
     VISIT ETERNAL PLACES. You can easily travel back millions of years if you do it in geological time. Visit such epic sites as the Grand Canyon, where you can actually see the eons layer by layer. Count the rings on the trees in the great redwood stands of the Pacific northwest. Venture into a cool cave in Luray Caverns in Virginia or Kartchner Caverns in Arizona. Visit a retreating glacier or see the effects of one when you visit the Great Lakes.
   • 3
     "THE PAST IS A PLACE" -- GO THERE. Some places where people lived centuries ago remain virtually unchanged. So strong is the historical pull of these places that you can be instantly transported back in time just by being there.

     One of these places I really love is Shaker Village at Pleasant Hill in Kentucky. This former Shaker community is preserved the way it was in the early nineteenth century without any hokey tourist touches. One of the best things about this place is that every night they close the gates to the outside world. No one is left inside except those who've arranged ahead of time to stay. You sleep in one of the Shaker dormitories (men and women were celibate and slept separately), eat in the communal dining hall and roam the green commons to your heart's content. If you manage to avoid other visitors -- and that's easy to do, since only a few stay over -- you can easily travel back in time and visualize the community the way it was more than 100 years ago.

     If you want to travel back to the days when buffalo roamed free in the Wild West, you can't do better than to visit Custer State Park in South Dakota. You'll see bison herds on the open range. With no references to the present to distract you, it's easy to travel back to the time before the railroad came and the bison were virtually exterminated.

     One of the most evocative places I've ever time traveled to is Bodie, California. Situated just east of the Sierra Nevadas, Bodie was a booming mining town in the late 1800's. Now it's a ghost town that's been left in a state of "arrested decay." One of the things that makes Bodie such a special place is the fact that so much is still there. Dishes remain on kitchen tables, coffins are on display at the mortuary, and mail still waits to be picked up in post office boxes. The town appears to have been frozen in time, just waiting for its residents to return. Bodie is in a very remote area -- don't even think about visiting it in the winter -- but it's a must-see for the serious time traveler.
     
     See "Resources" below for more ideas.
   • 4
     STAY IN HISTORIC HOMES. I get chills just thinking about the Stephen Daniels House in Salem, Massachusetts. Built in 1667, the Daniels house is actually older than The House of the Seven Gables, which is in the same town. The big difference is that you can stay overnight in the Stephen Daniels House, which we did. The age of the house, its authenticity in every detail, and the fact that it's in the town famous for the witch trials of 1692, made it an especially evocative trip to the past.

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How to Travel With Crutches

Getting hurt right before a big trip can put a major damper on your travel plans. If you're headed somewhere with lots of stairs, uneven surfaces or other unpredictable situations, getting around on crutches could even be dangerous. Still, if you're determined to stick it out and go anyway, a bit of preparation ahead of time will make your life a lot easier. Keep in mind that your trip might cost a bit more now, since you're likely to need more help getting around.

Things You'll Need

• Telephone
• Computer

Tips For You

1. Obtain your doctor's o.k. to travel with crutches. Your doctor may have concerns about the accommodations and modes of transport you will be taking, so be sure to discuss those potential issues with them. If you are going to be traveling in inclement weather and you are wearing a cast, find out if there are any materials you can add to the outside of the cast to protect it from the elements.
2. Arrange for a taxi or private car to drop you off at the airport, train, or bus station, and make arrangements for your destination pickup as well. If you are unable to drive yourself, consider hiring a car service at your destination, so you have no problem getting around. Or, just keep the numbers of several cab companies with you for when you arrive. Another option, if available, is to rent a scooter when you arrive. This will get you around town, and requires no use of the legs.
3. Make arrangements for wheelchair service with your airline or train. Airlines offer free wheelchair shuttle from the check-in counter to the gate, and can often provide it when you pull up to curb. You will need to alert a curbside airport employee of your presence. Since using crutches to get down an airplane aisle can be difficult, domestic airlines typically provide an "aisle chair" to help you get to your seat. These arrangements are typically made when you make your reservation, but if that's not possible, contact your airline's customer service line and ask about travel assistance. Train stations and bus stations often have wheelchair service as well, so be sure to contact your travel carrier about the details.
4. Visit the security checkpoint. If you are wearing a cast, know that the Transportation Security Administration is going to want to scan it. The TSA uses a special device to do this, and the process could mean more time at the security checkpoint. Give yourself extra time to deal with this. Also keep in mind that your crutches will need to be scanned as well.

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How to Travel With Fish

While taking a fish on vacation with you is probably more trouble than it's worth, you may find yourself bringing home a new aquarium addition on the return trip. Bumping, bruising, stress, temperature changes and new water chemistry are all factors that can make a fish's travel plans a one-way ticket.

Packing a Fish

• Prepare your fish for travel by withholding food for two days if he is more than 2 inches long, or one day if he is smaller. This lessens the amount of waste products he'll excrete into his traveling container, keeping water fresher longer. One of the best ways to transport fish less than 5 inches long is in a plastic bag like the one you brought him home in from the pet store. Fill the bottom third of the bag with aquarium water and trap as much air as you can in the upper two-thirds. Put the bags in a Styrofoam cooler to protect them from punctures.

Fish on a Plane

• With post-911 restrictions on liquids, your fish won't be able to accompany you in the cabin. Some airlines allow you to check your fish as pets traveling in the baggage hold, but extra charges will apply. You can ship your fish as cargo, but she probably won't arrive on the same plane as you and you'll need to pick her up at the air freight counter at your destination. Pack fish securely with plenty of air to prevent suffocation. Include a heating pack to keep temperatures stable for long journeys, but take care to add layers of newspaper to avoid overheating.

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How to Travel Alone

Traveling alone can open you up to unique personal experiences in new places. Take full advantage of these opportunities while maintaining your safety.

Things You'll Need

• Journal
• Local Guidebooks
• Maps
• Wedding Rings
• Postage Stamps
• Stationery
• Whistles

Tips For You

Practice Personal Safety

1. Consider learning basic self-defense. For instance, by striking the eyes, nose, throat, groin or knees, you can disable an assailant.
2. Research your destination so you'll know what to expect in terms of attitudes toward foreigners and, if you're female, women.
3. Request a room that isn't on the ground floor, which can offer easy access through a window.
4. Avoid opening your door to people who are unknown to you or who do not identify themselves.
5. Become familiar with the people at your hotel's reception desk, and inform them of your comings and goings. Give them emergency numbers of family or friends.
6. Get to know the area where you'll be staying, and trust your intuition; avoid places that look risky.
7. Dress like a local resident, or at least try to look inconspicuous in your dress and behavior.
8. Walk with confidence. If you're feeling nervous, seek out a fellow traveler as a temporary companion or stay close to another pedestrian so that you don't appear to be alone.
9. Stay sober, or at least know your limits when drinking.

Get Comfortable on Your Own

1. Follow some of the routines you have at home: Drink a cup of coffee in the morning, take an afternoon jog, visit the market in the evening.
2. Create a temporary home, if you are staying more than a couple of days, by decorating your room with familiar objects, such as pictures, candles and flowers.
3. Go to a restaurant and bring a book, journal or materials for writing letters. You might also bring a guidebook or map to help plan the next part of your trip.
4. Become a regular: Visit one shop consistently or have breakfast at the same café each morning, and get to know the people who work there. They can give you helpful advice about the area and, when you need it, provide assistance, which can be especially important in an emergency.
5. Meet other travelers through classes or tour groups. They can share travel tips with you and even become temporary travel companions.

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How to Travel With Lobsters

Freshly cooked lobster is a favorite dish for many people. The freshest way to prepare your lobster is to cook it while it is still alive. Transporting live lobsters can be a daunting task. American or Maine lobsters are marine crustaceans perfectly adapted for the cold saltwater environment off the coasts of New England. It is not an easy environment to recreate in your car, but with some simple tricks you can increase your chances of arriving at your destination with a healthy, living lobster.

Things You'll Need

• Medium-size watertight container
• Small watertight containers
• Wet seaweed or towels soaked in sea water
• Ice

Tips For You

1. Choose a healthy and active lobster. To ensure your lobster stays healthy and alive throughout your trip, it's important to choose a lobster that is already in good condition. Look for lobsters that are active with a tail that curls under when the lobster is lifted.
2. Place in an open container. Never keep your lobster in an airtight container as it will suffocate. For travel, a small plastic container to prevent water leakage with ventilation holes or a loose top is ideal.
3. Add seaweed or seawater soaked towels to the container. Lobster gills must remain wet to prevent suffocation, but never submerge the lobster in water. Wet seaweed or towels (paper towels are fine) soaked in seawater, never fresh, will keep your lobster breathing comfortably.
4. Add ice to keep the temperature down. Lobsters who are kept cool use less oxygen and are less likely to dry out. Add ice to small watertight containers and place them in the container with your lobster. Ice or melted ice water can damage or kill your lobster, so make sure the ice is in a separate container that never touches your lobster.
5. Package each lobster individually. Lobsters under stress from traveling might fight with one another, leading to damage and possibly death. More than one lobster in a container will also use the oxygen and moisture more quickly, increasing the likelihood of arriving at your destination with several dead lobsters.

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Girls Weekend Vacation Ideas

Go as far as your mind will take you when planning a weekend away with the girls. Seventy-five percent of women travel, be it culturally, in nature, or for adventure. Whether you decide to plan a lavish vacation, or a leisurely getaway, try to plan a weekend that maximizes your together time with the girls.

Camping

• Spend your girl's weekend chumming with Mother Nature. Rent a campsite or cabin at the closest natural location, keeping in mind that the hot spots may require reservations far in advance. If you're going to be near water, consider renting a boat or jet skis. To keep the camp food exciting, have each woman, or team up into pairs, plan, cook and clean up their favorite meal. After working hard to make one meal, you get the rest of the weekend off.

Shopping Trip

• Pick the nearest hot spot for great shopping in your region--whether it be South Florida, New York or the Mall of America. Go in on a hotel room with the ladies; keep in mind that you might be able to get a more fabulous room by booking with an online travel company. Research the area's best times for sales and then spend the weekend hunting for bargains. Show off the new clothes by making a reservation at the area's top-rated restaurant.

RV Rental

• Spend your weekend on the go, in close company with your girlfriends, rent a recreational vehicle for those bonding moments. Having your own RV for the weekend gives you all the benefits of a hotel, with the ability to go anywhere. RVs are available to rent from many different companies, including CruiseAmerica, United RV Rentals and USA RV Rentals. Pick a popular tourist spot a few hours' drive from home and hit the road. Just don't forget the snacks and the tunes.

Spa Getaway

• With the manicures and pedicures, followed by massages and facials, visiting the spa is the classic relaxing way to spend the weekend. So why not do it with the girls? In most areas, getaway spas are fairly easy to find. While usually not cheap, spending the weekend at a spa can often be worth the expense. Overnight spas typically serve delicious, healthy fare, and put you up in clean, relaxing rooms, so they're also a great way to get back on a healthier path.

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Things to Do in NYC on Vacation

Perhaps no vacation in New York City is long enough to experience all there is to see and do in the city that never sleeps. It's said that by the time a person sees every show on Broadway, he would need to begin all over again to see the new ones. To dine in all of the city's 24,000-plus restaurants is quite impossible, too. While it's fun to know that there's no exhausting what New York City has to offer, you can certainly make a good start beginning with the highlights.

East Side, West Side

• Manhattan's geography makes it easy to explore on foot because most of the streets and avenues are laid out like a grid. Stroll along famous Fifth Avenue which divides East Side from West Side. At 59th Street, wander into Central Park, which has a rowing lake and cafe, a small zoo, running and biking trails and grassy lawns, such as Strawberry Fields, dedicated to John Lennon. Downtown in the oldest part of Manhattan, the grid is replaced by streets that wind through trendy neighborhoods such as Greenwich Village, SoHo and Tribeca. A wonderful vantage point for a panoramic view of New York Harbor, Lower Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty is from the historic Brooklyn Bridge. When you're ready for a ride, hundreds of buses ply the streets, and subway trains whoosh through 600 miles of underground tunnels.

Give Your Regards to Broadway

• You can't miss the heart of Manhattan at 42nd Street and Broadway, known as Times Square. By day, it's a crowded, bustling place. By night, the lights of Broadway shine so bright that it always looks like daytime. Within a few city blocks, 40 theater marquees are illuminated with the names of famous stars and Broadway shows. You can choose an afternoon matinee or an evening performance while saving a fistful of dollars at the outdoor TKTS half-price ticket booth in Times Square. Dinner and a show is the quintessential Manhattan evening. Reflecting the international flavor of New York City, Restaurant Row on West 46th Street showcases about a dozen different national cuisines in 20 different restaurants, all on one block.

New York State of Mind

• Window shopping and New York City go hand-in-hand. It's a good way to explore all five boroughs and their neighborhoods, meet local merchants, stop for a coffee, do some prime people-watching and soak up the atmosphere and feel of life in the big city. Browse eclectic boutiques or poke around Chinatown, Koreatown, Germantown, Little Brazil or Little Italy for souvenirs and ethnic food delicacies. Back in midtown Manhattan, on West 34th Street across from the Empire State Building, Macy's Herald Square is America's largest department store. The flagship of Saks Fifth Avenue faces Rockefeller Center next to St. Patrick's Cathedral. Columbus Circle overlooks Central Park from a vertical urban shopping mall, and Madison Avenue is the place for upscale boutiques mixed with art galleries and quality secondhand clothing stores.

The Very Art of It

• Whatever your interests, New York City has museums to match. Some of the finest collections in the most visited cultural institutions on the planet are found on the Upper East Side. The Metropolitan Museum of Art is second-busiest, hosting more than 6 million visitors a year. Beginning here at Fifth Avenue and 82nd Street, Museum Mile comprises 10 museums including the well-known Guggenheim and the Cooper-Hewitt. Within 15 minutes' walk of the Met, the Frick Collection and the Whitney Museum of American Art are two more top choices. Any of these museums can account for the better part of a day, so choose according to your schedule to avoid museum fatigue. In midtown, the Museum of Modern Art is highly regarded for contemporary classics and avant-garde. On Central Park West, straight through the park from the Met, children can be treated to dinosaurs and planets at the American Museum of Natural History and Hayden Planetarium.

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How Much of Your Budget Should You Allocate for Your Vacation?

One of the most difficult parts of trip planning is figuring out how much you want -- and can afford -- to spend on your vacation. Allocating part of your budget for vacation should be one of the first things you do when beginning to stitch together the perfect trip. Because everyone's financial situation is relative, no definitive guideline can be followed. However, there are a few helpful tips and planning exercises that can help you decide how to fill in some basic travel budget blanks -- after you've already accounted for the necessities.

What Are Your Necessary Expenses?

• The first step in allocating money to a travel fund is to figure out how much money you need in other areas. Expenses like your rent or mortgage, utility bills, debts -- credit cards, school or others -- and loans, insurance, food, clothing and anything else that you absolutely must pay every week, month, quarter or year need to be included into the equation. If you are unsure of some of the payments or costs, always err on the side of overestimation. Some people suggest following a 50/20/30 rule breakdown -- which allots 70 percent of expenses to housing, transportation, utilities, groceries and financial obligations combined.

Put Aside Some Money For Emergencies

• Even if you overestimate your necessary expenses, have good insurance or live on the side of good luck, you should always allocate a percentage of money to your savings. You never know when you will want or need to use this money and having it on hand can literally be a lifesaver. You can even use some of this money to borrow against yourself to go traveling if an unexpected travel expense arises or you just don't have enough right away for your dream trip. But, that being said: Save, use and plan for this money wisely.
• What Are You Willing to Sacrifice?

• Once you've got all your expenses and emergency money accounted for, you can start to work out a budget for your vacation. With the remaining money in your budget, make a loose budget of what "extra" expenses you want per month, including going out, dining out, concerts, shopping, manicures, haircuts, exercise and so on. This is usually where compromise comes in. Depending on the type of vacation you want -- the location, duration and level of luxury -- you may have to forgo some of your luxury expenses in the meantime as the money for both of these things is coming from the same place. Trade out money spent on superfluous activities for extra room in your vacation budget.

So What Kind of Vacation Do You Want?

• Now that you've got a ballpark number on how much you can save towards a vacation per week, month or year, you need to decide what type of vacation you want. Budget out the cost of the vacation as best you can -- including transportation, accommodation, meals, tours, souvenirs, drinks, entertainment, insurance, pre-trip costs and factor in a little for inflation. Don't forget to keep in mind any currency differences -- a trip to London is a lot more expensive than a trip to Peru. Figure out how long it will take you to save up based on your budget, and make adjustments where you are willing and able. In the meantime, it won't hurt to search through deals or find other ways to stretch your allocated vacation budget as far as possible.

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Food to Pack for a Long Vacation in a Car

Road trips are often romanticized, and rightfully so. Hitting the open road is the ultimate vacation from ordinary daily life, exposing you to new sights and cultures while forging lasting relationships with those in your traveling party. Getting the logistical details right before departure can make all the difference in how smoothly the journey goes. What food to pack for a long vacation in a car is near the top of that list.

Snacks

• Part of the fun of a road trip is snacking along the way. It breaks the monotony of endless miles and provides a diversion for young children. As tempting as it may be to provide normally forbidden junk food, an enclosed vehicle is not the place to create sugar highs and lows. Avoid candy and fat-laden foods that cause bloating and irritation without the ability to work it off with exercise. Opt for granola bars, cheese sticks, naturally sweetened fruit snacks, pretzels, popcorn, rice cakes, crackers, nuts and fresh fruit. Veggie sticks such as carrots and celery are an excellent choice for snacking and for encouraging proper digestion while sitting for long periods of time. You want happy campers, so feed them healthy snacks.

Meals

• Experiencing local cuisine is one of the memorable parts of a road trip, so stop at small cafes and roadside diners serving regional cuisine if at all possible. There will be times when this is not feasible, so have simple meals in the car for lunch while driving or for stopping at picnic sites along the way. Sandwiches and wraps are an easy and healthy solution. If you choose cold cuts or fresh meat, keep them cold at all times and consume within one day. Opt for peanut butter if possible. Wrap sandwiches in plastic and save condiments for spreading immediately prior to eating so that sandwiches will not get soggy. Avoid foods with strong smells.
• Liquids

• Water is the drink of choice on road trips as it quenches the thirst, cleanses the system and keeps you hydrated on hot days. Purchase individual water bottles in bulk ahead of time in order to avoid excessively high prices at convenience stores along the way. For some variety, pack juice boxes and bottles of flavored herbal iced tea. Keep the driver in mind and throw in some energy drinks or coffee drinks to help with alertness. Warm liquids can be soothing for passengers who want to sleep, so bring along a thermos for hot cocoa and tea.

Considerations

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  An ice chest is an essential piece of equipment for any road trip. Choose a chest with an easily accessible spout for emptying water as the ice melts. Consider purchasing refreezable gel ice packs as an alternative to real ice. Large ice chests are tempting but take up too much space and encourage excessive amounts of food, which can go bad if not consumed with a couple of days. Opt for a smaller, durable chest that is easily carried indoors and refilled with fresh items as the trip progresses. Collapsible ice chests offer the most flexibility as the journey draws to a close. Remember to pack trash bags and disposable utensils. Place snacks in small, resealable plastic bags for easy access and portion control.

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How to Pick a Good Vacation Destination

Vacations are a wonderful idea in theory, but in this global age of abundant choices, picking where to take yourself or your family can be overwhelming. Whether you decide on the Alps or the Rockies, the closest beach or a cabin upstate, it is important to factor your activity interests and needs into your travel destination. While a week at a dude ranch might be an ideal getaway for one person, it might be purgatory for someone else, so making your personal preferences a top priority is essential to enjoying your vacation spot.

Tips

1. Decide if you want to vacation in the city or the country to limit your search. For example, if you want to visit museums and eat diverse cuisine, the city is best. Read reviews and summaries on a reputable travel site or news source to see which locations are recommended by travelers and travel critics, and what things there are to do in each place. Usually the destinations will be ranked in order of their popularity or level of endorsement. Write down the ones that appeal to you most.
2. Choose the month or season in which you plan to travel, because this will in large part determine what places are most suitable for that time of year. Research travel to the destinations you have written down according to your particular travel season or month to decide which locations would be best during that time. Write down your top five choices.
3. Plan your budget for the vacation. Determine how much you are willing to spend on travel (airfare, train, car), accommodations and activities, and come up with a total amount. Look up tickets and hotels in each of these five locations to determine which best fits your travel budget. Discuss this destination with your travel partners to reach an agreement.
4. Ask friends, colleagues and relatives if they have ever traveled to your chosen destination, or if they know anyone who has. Ask if they would recommend this location or not, and for any suggestions on activities and places to stay.
5. Read customer reviews on the hotels you researched earlier or that were recommended to you for your vacation destination to determine which is the best quality for your money and which you will enjoy most. Book the hotel in advance online or by phone.

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