A Vacation Savings Plan

Tastes and Travels Ebook It offers reviews on various travel destinations and has articles on the cuisine of each place (as well as recipes that you can try).

20 Best Jamaican Recipes - This great new cookbook offers recipes with that spicy Island taste you are sure to enjoy! Relive a taste of the Caribbean today!When you spend at least 40 hours a week at your job, it is probably safe to assume that you are ready for your vacation time. Unless you are independently wealthy, you need a plan to save money to go on a family vacation get-away of your choice. There are many effective ways to save for your family vacation. While this may seem like a simple proposition, some people find it difficult to lay aside some money each pay period. The key here is that you need to have a plan and stick to it.

The first thing you need to do is to open up a separate savings account specifically meant for your vacation money. If your employer offers direct deposit, you can usually specify a certain amount of money be put into this account. Some banks will schedule an automatic direct transfer to your savings account if you don’t have direct deposit or if you are not able to deposit money into two separate accounts.

The next thing you need to do is to have a budget set up for your family spending, which includes monies you can set aside for your vacation dollars. Examine the amount of money your family spends weekly or monthly on family entertainment and fast food restaurants. Then try to reduce that amount, and put the remainder away for your trip. So that a pending vacation doesn't become too taxing on your regular family fun, shop around for freebie activities or reduced-cost entertainment options to enjoy during the months before you depart on your vacation.

Another good way to save up money is to salvage all your coin change. Whenever you are shopping with cash, resolve to only use paper money. Then take the coins you receive and put it aside at the end of every day. You can set up a ‘vacation jar’ just for this purpose. You’ll be surprised at how quickly it can build up. While you may not think you have that much in your change jar, it is possible just to empty it at vacation time to have extra spending money or that little boost you need to go on your dream vacation.

Be sure and involve your kids in the vacation saving venture, as well. This is a great time to teach the valuable lessons of saving and budgeting money. They can have their own ‘vacation jar’ for use for their spending money on vacation. Their change jar can be set up just as yours is, using extra coins they have left over from other spending.

Look for other ways to add extra cash to the vacation fund. There are many ways you may be able to earn extra funds. One idea is to save aluminum cans and take them into the recycling plant periodically for cash. You may be able to sell some of your unwanted items over e-bay, or you could have a rummage sale to earn extra vacation cash as well. Think outside the box. There are plenty of opportunities out there to add to your vacation savings. You just need to resolve that any extra cash you get will go toward your family vacation.

You need to budget realistically. Vacations need not be expensive. Budget an amount and stick to it. If you are going on a driving vacation, set a fixed spending amount ($150 per day, for example). Include all of your expenses, gas, meals, admissions, special activities, etc. Use that amount as your goal for your vacation savings. Think of how much you will need to save per month to accomplish that goal.
To save money, try reducing your eating out. You may want to take a lunch to work instead of eating in restaurants or fast food places every day. Budget for only one meal in a restaurant per week, for example. And, while you are on vacation, try to save money on food by preparing your own food and either eat in the hotel room or have a picnic.
Another good tip for vacationing on a budget is to use all-inclusive vacation resorts. That way, you get everything from your flight, food, drinks and entertainment all in one packaged price. There are many vacation places that offer this type of package deal.

You can also save on your vacationing by traveling in the off-season. For instance, you can travel cheaper to the Caribbean if you travel in October (before the busy season starts). You still get a great beach vacation with all the pampering included, but at a greatly reduced price.

Having a separate account for your vacation savings, by budgeting and by spending your vacation dollars wisely, it is not out of reach for you to have a great vacation. The key to a successful getaway on a budget is to plan.

Travel Safety Tips

Travelling offers many challenges when it comes to safety. If you follow the suggestions below, you will ensure you have a safe vacation, from the time you get to the airport to the time spent at your resort. Always remember that being alert and using common sense is the key to safe travel.

• Never let your luggage out of your sight, even for a moment. Smugglers love to put things in suitcases not related to themselves.
• Use a money belt for valuables, and keep money in at least two different places in case of theft (perhaps you carry some currency as well as your traveling companion, as a back-up).
• Never let your children out of your sight at airports, not to go to the bathroom alone or just ahead to a shop. Once as we were traveling with our children, aged 10 and 11, they asked if they could run ahead to a store around the corner. We luckily said no that airports could be dangerous, and as we rounded the corner a man was running towards us chased by three security officers, who tackled him, pinned him to the ground and handcuffed him in front of our eyes. Our children looked on wide-eyed, and the point hit home.
• Always carry your passport and identification with you on your person or securely in your hand-luggage. Remember, your checked-in suitcases could be lost.
• Never leave your camera or other video equipment on top of your luggage as you are just steps away. Theft can happen too quickly.
• Make sure your backpacks are always securely zipped. It is easy to reach into an open backpack from behind.

At the resort or hotel,

• Always keep your room door locked and with the security bolt on, even when you are in there. Remember to check balcony or patio doors.
• There are extra security locks that can be purchased especially for traveling. It is a good idea to invest in these (see our travel products marketplace.)
• Always use the room safe when provided, even in countries which you deem crime-free or safe. Failing this, use the hotel front desk security safes to keep your valuables secure.

While swimming,

• Use a neck pouch or hip pouch to carry your room keys when at the beach. Try not to leave your purse or hand-luggage unattended on the beach. Swim one at a time, or ask a reliable traveling companion to watch your things while you swim.
• When swimming, be aware that the ocean is a living thing and not a swimming pool. There are tides and undertows that you may not be used to in a swimming pool. The depth can also change rapidly.
• Check the signs on the beach for safe swimming conditions – usually a red flag will warn you against unsafe swimming.
• With ocean swimming, check for sea urchins. These are small spinney creatures that live in the ocean water rocks. They can be extremely unpleasant if stepped on. Also, try to avoid jellyfish as they can give a nasty sting.
• Try to swim only where there are lifeguards.
• Beware the sun – in tropical locations the sun is much stronger than what the average traveler is used to and can cause quite a sunburn to those who are not careful. Use a good sun-block and stick to the shade as much as possible. In Panama we got a sunburn even sitting under a grass hut all day from the glare off of the sand.
• Most hotels have pools that do not allow diving because of the depth of the water. Adhere to the rules.
• It is also not a good idea to swim while drinking heavily. Sober up before entering the water.

Food and water,

• Try to stick to bottled water at any location instead of drinking water from the local taps. Avoid ice in your drinks at certain destinations.
• Try to stick to foods that you know will not upset your stomach as you travel. It is not pleasant to have to look for a bathroom while traveling from your hotel to the airport on an hour long bus ride.
• Although it may be very tempting, avoid excessive amounts of fruit, such as papaya or avocado which tend to act as laxatives.
• When traveling it is wonderful to be able to discover new little out-of-the way places, but try to stick to known places for dining. Sanitation in some back-street places may not be the best.
• An added tip if you travel a great deal may be to investigate the Twinrex vaccinations to avoid hepatitis. Ask your doctor if this is right for you.

Of course, there are many other things the seasoned traveler looks out for instinctively when traveling, such as pick-pockets, rules and laws of the country you are visiting, etc. It is important to be aware that you are not in your own country and the same rules and conditions do not apply.

Be smart, be aware and above all be careful…and your vacation will sure to be a pleasant experience.

Tastes and Travels Ebook It offers reviews on various travel destinations and has articles on the cuisine of each place (as well as recipes that you can try).

20 Best Jamaican Recipes - This great new cookbook offers recipes with that spicy Island taste you are sure to enjoy! Relive a taste of the Caribbean today!

Beach Vacations

Nothing in the world beats a family beach vacation, whether it's at a deluxe resort in Hawaii, and all-inclusive vacation spot in the Caribbean or a simple campground on a sandy beach near your home town.

Below, are some ideas you might consider for your next vacation:

Caribbean Beach Vacations

1. Families flock to Jamaica and the Dominican Republic for the all-inclusive vacation filled with all kinds of water sports, kids clubs and, of course, great beaches.

2. At some resorts the kids programs are outstanding, with separate leaders and activities for many different age groups. This allows parents the freedom to enjoy their own beach time separately from their kids.

3. The majority of hotels in the Caribbean also offer spectacular swimming pools, and some resorts even have water parks.

4. The prices can be low to high, depending on the resort rating and the time you travel. Prices will drop from May to December, but if you book at the last minute you are sure to find a great deal somewhere. Be aware that hurricane season is in the May - December months as well, but most resorts offer weather guarantees.

Mexico Beach Vacation

Even though many tourists zip down to Mexico and do their own thing at a condo or small hotel, beach vacations at all-inclusive resorts are still the best way to go for families. All-inclusive means all-inclusive, with your plane fare, shuttle to-and-from the airport, meals, snacks, drinks and activities all included in one price.

The Riviera Maya, which offer the best of Mexico’s beaches, is an hour south of Cancun. It is reputed to have the second largest barrier reef in the world. It also has many activities for families to explore outside of the resort. You can rent a car, hire a taxi, or even take a public bus.

Hawaii Beach Vacation

When you go to Hawaii, you shouldn't expect to find all inclusive resorts in the Aloha state. Hawaii is known for lush luxury resorts, such as the Grand Wailea on Maui, or the properties on the Big Island's Kohala Coast.

To find more affordable options in Hawaii, the Waikiki Beach area is breathtaking, fun for the entire family, and offers several different lodging options.

Beach Camping

Of course, the above are beach vacations that you have to travel a far distance to. You can also enjoy the beaches in your own area. Beach camping is a great way to spend a low-budget beach vacation for the whole family. You simply have to take your tent and camping equipment and enjoy the great outdoors.

With plenty of options available to you and your family, vacation ideas on the beach are always something to look forward to. There are many beaches out there. All you have to do is find the one that fits your needs - and your budget.

Tastes and Travels Ebook It offers reviews on various travel destinations and has articles on the cuisine of each place (as well as recipes that you can try).