Oh, how I wish I could settle my credit card debt as soon as possible and go on a long vacation! It’s been some time since I last had my vacation.

My blogging pal beeped me this afternoon and informed me that she would be away for a vacation in New York City with her hubby the end of this month.

Again? If I am not mistaken, she went to New York City two years ago. I can still recall what she told me about New York City after she returned from her vacation.

New York City, officially named the City of New York, is the most populous city in the United States.

New York City is no doubt one of the greatest tourist destinations in the world. Each year, more than 39 million tourists visit the most visited attractions such as Ground Zero, the Empire State Building, Times Square, Radio City Music Hall, the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Wall Street, United Nations Headquarters, the American Museum of Natural History, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Fifth Avenue, and the Brooklyn Bridge.

Each time she has a business trip out of town or overseas, she will lament how terrible the airport shuttle services in our country are and why it’s a big contrast when comparing to the reliable and safe airport shuttle services offered throughout New York City and the surrounding suburbs.

Every time she complains about the airport shuttle in our country, she will surely bring out her memorable Shuttle to JFK and share with people.

This post is brought to you by: http://www.goairlinkshuttle.com

Tags: long vacation, New York City, shuttle to JFK

One of my buddies just came back from her vacation in Hawaii. Guess what ? She met the famous Amos the “Cookie Man” during her stay at one of the Kauai vacation homes . She was so thrilled that the “Cookie Man” personally signed her cookie bags !

Kauai is the oldest of the main Hawaiian islands. Kauai is Hawaii’s Garden Isle, known for it’s lush foliage, beautiful flowers and long white sand beaches.

Lots of fun activities can be done if you like water. For instance, surfing, the waters surrounding the islands are teeming with tropical fish and reefs, attracting scuba divers of all abilities from all over the world.

Picking up a snorkel and mask is another time-honored way to witness the aquatic bounty of Hawaii. A glass bottomed kayak is also a popular option to take in the beauty of the Hawaiian Islands and is commonly available.

If you are up for excitement , parasailing offers an unforgettable experience with a bird’s eye view of the beautiful splendor. Or take a helicopter ride on Kauai. You can view the most beautiful places - waterfalls, sea cliffs, and Mountain Waialeale.

Not to forget is Kauai’s north shore. A wonderful day trip will take you past “King Kong’s Profile,” the Kilauea National Wildlife Refuge and Lighthouse, the Kauai condo rentals of Princeville, the famous Hanalei Lookout, Hanalei Town, and then past some of the world’s most beautiful beaches ending at Ke`e Beach.

Imagine watching beautiful sunsets with your loved one at the lanai of one of the Kauai rental homes! Life is just great , isn’t it?

Tags: cookie bags, Cookie Man, Hawaii, Kauai vacation homes, lush foliage, parasailing, sand beaches, snorkel, surfing

How to save money on your vacation ? Try these 7 tips here.

1. Before going, turn off all electrical appliances and stop any daily deliveries.

2. Try to get a free meal from the hotel whenever possible. but besides that, don’t even think of easting at hotels while on a budget vacation.

3. Travel to destinations during the off-season and be flexible with dates, you’d be surprised at the dip in cost.

4. Tourist spots sell everything at a higher cost. Shop where the locals do.

5. Always ask for upgrades, whether it’s at a hotel or on the flight.

6. Inquire about discounts you may be entitled to based on your nationality, age or organization membership.

7. In a large city, it’s always cheaper to use public transportation than a rented car.

Nearly thirty-five million people visit New York every year so there must be plenty of accommodations available on all types of budgets. Do not blow your travel budget on hotels, instead shop for cheap hotels in New York if that is your destination.

You also save your money for all the trendy locations and activities the city has to offer. New York offers the best in fashion, modern living, history and architecture.

With the advent of the internet, it makes it much easier to search for a New York Hotel Deal by location, by type or by star rating.

With NewYorkHotels.com’s easy-to-use features and travel guides, you can easily book hotels and plan your trip to the city that never sleeps.

If you are unfamiliar with the area, Google Maps gives you a clear view of the location as well as close by attractions, roads and neighborhoods.

Tags: accommodations, cheap hotels, destination, hotel deal, New York, save money, travel budget

When trying to pack for a budget trip, try the list below.

* Make three piles: Essential, Probably Essential, and Lower than Essential. Eliminate the “lower” and half the “probably”.

* If at all possible, commit to putting what remains in one carry-on-sized bag.

* Don’t pack items that can be purchased for nominal prices at your destination. Know the exceptions, such as buying film abroad.

* Minimize the amount of clothing you need to pack. Choose a color scheme and stick to it. Commit to doing a load of laundry during the trip.

* Assign some items “double duty”. For example, men’s swim trunks can double as sleeping attire or a pair of shorts.

* Pack a nylon bag for soiled laundry, which can double as padding for fragile items.

* A separate bag for shoes is also good. Use shoe interiors as storage for small items that can become “lost” in the larger suitcase.

* Pack all documents, maps and other items last, so they are “on top” and easy to find.

* Be certain your luggage is clearly labeled with contact information at your first destination. Lost baggage can be expensive.

* Always carry on anything that you cannot replace immediately: prescription drugs, organizers, important documents and the like.

When we think of going on vacation most of us see ourselves lying on a beach somewhere or gazing into a sunset.

Most of us do not think about going on a cooking vacation. But if you are looking for something different to do this year when you travel this may be just the thing for you to try.

There are several places in Italy where you can learn how to cook on a cooking Italy vacation. Who knows you may even be the next Rachel Ray when you return home!

A place you should know about if you want to try a cooking Italian vacation is a small family owned bed and breakfast called La Locanda del Prete. It is found high on the hills of Monte Amiata in a place called Arcidosso in the province of Grosseto, Tuscany. (more…)

Tags: beach, cooking Italy vacation, Italian chef, Italian seafood, seaside fishing village, sunset, vacation

Kefalonia is located in the heart of an earthquake zone, and dozens of minor or unrecorded tremors occur each year. The island’s population is nearly 45,000; it previously was home to the fastest growing population in Greece, with a growth rate of 35% to 40% during the 1990s.

Kefalonia has a rich historical background and possesses many castles, archaeological sites and churches. A large number of tourists visit Kefalonia during the peak season but, as one of the largest islands in Greece, it is well-equipped to handle visitors who love booking cheap holidays online at Holiday Hypermarket.

Holiday Hypermarket offers millions of package holiday bargains, last minute deals, cheap flights and all inclusive holidays to Kefalonia, an island of extreme natural beauty, interesting cities and towns, wonderful beaches, and a destination that is top of the list for many visitors to have holidays in Kefalonia .

Thailand is a popular travel destination, and tourist facilities and services are available throughout the country.

Thailand is a very safe country to visit, but it is always wise to take some precautions to ensure you have a trouble free holiday and one of them is make sure your room is locked and bolted at night.

Thailand has a special Tourist Police force which was founded to assist visitors.

Last year, a buddy sent us some photos and a long description of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Houston Rodeo game was a discrete experience for her kids.

Ranked consistently as the world’s largest rodeo—in events, entertainers and spectators—and drawing top competitors searching for a piece of the world’s largest regular season purse, the Houston Rodeo is like the Super Bowl, Mardi Gras, New Year’s Eve and the Fourth of July all rolled into one; a true slice of Americana and a good time for kids and adults.

The annual Houston rodeo parade has grown to include almost 5,000 riders dressed in western gear with 200 wagons in tow. This competition also boasts one of the nation’s highest-earning wine auctions with proceeds directed to the mission of the Show to benefit youth, support education and facilitate better agricultural practices through exhibitions and presentation. (more…)

I was asked this funny question just now, “Would you sleep in airports ?”

Well, if I am out of money and the credit cards are maxed, YES !

I don’t think it’s strange. Many budget travelers do so to save money. In fact, many airports are actually better than local lodging. And to top it off - it’s free !

Some airports rent couch-like seats for sleeping, or offer quiet lounges. If money is short or schedules become jumbled, you might find dozing off at the airport isn’t as far-fetched as it seemed.