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).

Tastes and Travels Ebook

Travellers will love the new ebook "Tastes and Travels" It combines destination reviews with food culture and recipes.

The destinations cover lots of Caribbean locations (along with a couple of other locations around the world) with a load of information on what to do and what is exciting. Then the book goes onto to the food culture in that destination...and gives great-tasting recipes for you to try at home!

There are even some general articles on cruising and travel tips, as well as articles on cooking tips.

Would you like to learn about Jamaica? How about the Cayman Islands? Or how about Panama? Would you like to find out about Italian cuisine and then find recipes like Italian Wedding Soup or Stuffed Eggplant? Would you like to know how to make Curry Goat or Cuban Pork with Mango Salsa (from Cuba)? Would like to learn travel tips like "Purchasing Art on Vacation" or "Travelling with Kids"? All this is found in this new ebook...and much more!

This 115 page ebook is easy to read and makes it fun to discover new places. Priced at only $3.99, if you love to learn about travel, the book will provide you with a lot of information.

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).

Travel to Roatan, Honduras

Roatan is the largest and most developed of the three Caribbean islands that make up Honduras, Central America. It is a simply idyllic paradise with turquoise clear waters, various sand beaches and clear blue skies that makes an ideal vacation spot.

Roatan Island is only four miles wide and thirty-three miles long. It has a paved road running down 75% of the length of the island that leads to the various beaches, destinations and attractions that the island offers. The fantastic landscapes that the vacationer can enjoy while traveling down the highway is truly impressive.

The island is surrounded by an impressive coral reef that is considered one of the largest in the world, which is part of the large Meso-American Barrier Reef. Travelers can enjoy the marvelous underwater world with snorkeling and scuba diving, or by taking a tour on a glass-bottom boat or riding in a mini-sub. Viewing the marine life and old shipwrecks found in the reef environment is not to be missed.

The capital city of Roatan is Coxen Hole, where visitors would arrive via the sailing port or international airport, but it is not the main tourist centre of the island. French Harbor, which is the second most important town in Roatan hosts the most recognized restaurants and has great shopping, nightlife and hotels.

West End, located on the western side of the island, is one of the tourist spots to see with beautiful beaches, restaurants, hotels and attractions for tourists. Here the visitor can rent a motorcycle to tour the island, take a kayak to paddle among the ocean waves, shop in the many souvenir shops, or dance the night away in the lively nightlife activities.

West Bay offers its own beautiful beaches with calm, peaceful waters and glittering white sands. This three-mile long stretch of white sand is considered one of the prettiest in all Honduras. Sandy Bay has beach hotels and restaurants for the sun-loving tourists, as well as a research centre, The Institute of Marine Sciences, to explore. The tourist visiting this area can enjoy a dolphin show, windsurfing or even just relax with a soothing spa treatment.

A vacationer to Roatan could enjoy learning about the Garifuna people who first settled the island in 1797. Every year on November 12th an exciting festival is held to celebrate the event. A visit to Politilly Bay in Punta Gorda is a great attraction to enjoy with dancing and music of the Garifuna culture.

Oak Ridge, and Afro-Antillean community, is very picturesque and is known for its tradition of building houses on the water. Local tours include water taxis to the mangrove swamps so vacationers can view the wildlife.

Paya Bay in Roatan is perhaps the most visited place for a Roatan Island vacation. It is close to Oak Ridge and is known for its white sand beaches and sparkling clear waters.

A ferry that connects Roatan to the mainland of Honduras runs twice daily allowing the visitor more sightseeing options. Roatan also has a recently completed dock capable of docking large cruise ships.

With the spectacular white sand beaches and the majestic reef surrounding this island, Roatan makes for a great vacation spot.

If you would like a chance to learn a little more about various countries and their unique cuisines, why not try my new Ebook: 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).

The Attractions of Turks & Caicos

The Turks and Caicos Islands are situated approximately 575 miles southeast of Miami and 39 miles south east of Mayaguana in the Bahamas. Turks and Caicos Islands have one of the longest coral reefs in the world, making it a very desirable diving destination.

The white sandy beaches cover 230 miles in total and are surrounded by crystal clear waters. The islands are relatively flat but depending on the island, the terrain can vary from sand dunes to lush green vegetation. There are eight major islands: Salt Cay, Grand Turk, South Caicos, East Caicos, Middle Caicos, North Caicos, Providenciales and West Caicos. The people on the islands are known for their friendliness. East Caicos and West Caicos are uninhabited.

Turks and Caicos gets its main revenue from the tourist industry. The fishing industry also continues throughout Turks and Caicos. On the islands of Providenciales and Grand Turk you will find International style hotel accommodations, each one has its own unique set up and surroundings. Native dishes are served along with international cuisine, you will find this at most of the restaurants. More casual and serene accommodations can be found on the other islands and smaller cays.

Grand Turk is the capital of Turks and Caicos and the financial center of the islands. It has the second largest population of around 3,720 people. Grand Turk is one of the main historical points of Turks and Caicos. There are many old buildings and ruins, along with The Turks and Caicos National Museum. Grand Turk's main attraction is diving, with many dive operators and schools. It caters to novice snorkelers and experienced divers alike and the major income for the island is dive-orientated tourism with the island’s outstanding protected coral reef.

Located on Grand Turk, Cockburn Town is the administrative capital and the historic and cultural center of the islands. It was believed to be where Columbus landed during his discovery of the New World in 1492. One can tour the town itself on a walking tour. Bermudan style architecture representative of the salt era of the 18th and 19th century line Duke and Font Streets. Two of these buildings are now popular inns. Other buildings make up the governor's residence, other government offices, the public library, churches and private residences and fraternities.

A popular tourist spot to visit is the Turks and Caicos National Museum where a central exhibit tells the story of the Molasses Reef Wreck, the oldest European shipwreck discovered in the Western Hemisphere (dated around 1505). The museum also outlines the rich cultural and natural diversity of the islands. Other historic sites include the Lighthouse which offers a spectacular view of the island, the prison, Fire Hill and the Hawks Nest Anchorage. It is well worth hiring a taxi and driver/guide to tour the island to give you first-hand information on the history and places to see.

Another interesting attraction we witnessed during our tour was an abundance of feral horses and donkeys inhabiting the island, roaming free.

Providenciales, or more commonly called "Provo", covers an area of 38 miles and is the most developed island in Turks and Caicos. Provo, with a population of over 6,000is found on the west side of the islands and offers all modern conveniences, including superb hotels, a casino and a Golf Club. Provo is considered a great destination for those who want to escape their busy schedules and relax. Provo has the largest non-native population made up of Haitians, Dominicans, Canadians, Germans, French and Americans. The growing population is mainly due to the completion of the airport in 1984, which is capable of dealing with large planes.

The most beautiful beaches are found on the north of the island, near Sapodilla Bay, along with a long coral reef rich in aquatic life. Towards the south of the island, Chalk Sound, offers a large lake with striking turquoise water and an array of small cays. South Dock found east of Sapodilla Bay is the island's commercial port and has the capability to deal with containerized goods.

The two main and oldest settlements on Provo Island are Bight and Blue Hills, both of which have a real Caribbean feeling. Provo shops offer a good range of boutiques at Turtle Cove and downtown one can find a range of retail shops, business offices and travel agents. Provo is the main island for hotels and resorts, with many accommodation and recreational facilities options available.

A great attraction to the islands is the varied and bountiful wildlife and sea creatures they offer. The islands are arranged around the edges of two large limestone plateaus called the Turks Bank, that has deep offshore waters which serve as major transit points for Humpback Whales, spotted Eagle Rays, Manta Rays and Turtles. From late December through April, it is believed that as many as 2,500 Humpback Whales pass through the shores on their annual migration to the Mouchoir Bank. During the summer, divers may encounter many Manta Rays cruising the face of the walls, and encounters with dolphins are not uncommon.

Bordering the edges of the islands are lines of coral reefs and some of the most impressive walls of coral in the Caribbean. From the legendary walls of Grand Turk, West Caicos and Provo's Northwest Point to the historic wrecks south of Salt Cay, a dozen world class walls have become important for the serious diver.

The same rich waters are used by anglers fishing for Tuna, Wahoo and Blue Marlin. Also, the salt ponds and inland marshes serve as excellent feeding grounds for resident and migratory birds. One can be on the lookout for Great Blue Herons, Flamingos, Osprey, Pelicans, Egrets, Terns, Frigates, Boobies and other water birds. As part of the National Parks system more than twelve small cays have been set aside and protected for breeding grounds.

On some of the less disturbed and smaller islands of Little Water Cay or Great Sand Cay one can find the Turks island Iguana, which is endangered and delicate. It thrives on these deserted islands, away from the influence of man. These islands are also protected by the National Parks system.

If you would like a chance to learn a little more about various countries and their unique cuisines, why not try my new Ebook: 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).

A beach vacation to the Turks and Caicos Islands would truly be a memorable experience. It would be wonderful to visit each island, but even if you were only able to see one, the beauty and pristine beaches would make it a worthwhile vacation.

Thai Cooking

Since this blog is about food as well as travel, I thought you might like to know a little about some international cuisines. This article is about Thai food.

If you would like a chance to learn a little more about various countries and their unique cuisines, why not try my new Ebook: 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).

Thai cuisines, or the cooking of Thailand, is know for its balance of five primary flavors served in a meal, either in each dish or overall. These consist of hot and spicy, sweet, sour, salty and bitter. Thai cuisine is made up from the four major regions in the country, the Northern Region, the Northeastern (or Isan), the Central Region, and the Southern Region. Each provides its own elements to Thai cuisine. For example, southern curries typically contain coconut milk and turmeric, while dishes from the Northeastern areas often contain lime juice.

Rice is a staple of Thai cuisine, as in most other Asian cooking. The jasmine rice popular all over the world today is indigenous to Thailand. A typical Thai meal is composed of a single dish or rice served with other complementary dishes at the same time. Steamed rice is served with aromatic curries, stir-fries, or other spicy dishes with chilies, lime, and lemon grass. Sticky rice, which is a unique variety of rice that contains starches that cause it to have a sticky texture, is also often served. Common Thai dishes may also include noodles which are typically served in a single dish or as a noodle soup.

Chopsticks are rarely used in Thai cuisine, and the food is generally eaten with a fork and a spoon. The people in the North and Northeast regions of Thailand typically eat sticky rice with their hands, making it into balls and dipping them in the side dishes served with the meal. Only the right hands are used to eat with.
Fresh, rather than dried, herbs and spices are typically used in Thai cuisine. The spicy condiments served with the main dishes can include dried chili pieces or sliced chili peppers soaked in rice vinegar, or other spicy sauces. Fish sauce can also be a major component in many dishes. It is very aromatic and strong tasting. As well, shrimp paste is also often used. It is made up of a combination of ground shrimp and salt.

In the South and Central regions, Thai dishes are often made with lime leaves, which add its characteristic flavor to nearly every Thai soup or curry. Garlic, galangal (an ingredient related to ginger with a soapy, earthy aroma and pine-like citrus-y flavor), lemon grass, turmeric and gingerroot are also frequent additions, as well as fresh Thai basil. A variety of spices and chilies are common elements in nearly every Thai dish.

Although common broccoli is often seen in Thai cooking here, gailan is typically served in traditional Thai dishes. Gailan (or Chinese broccoli) is green with a thick crunchy stem and a large, flat leafy end, which quite resembles a cross between traditional broccoli and cabbage.

Other common ingredients used in Thai cooking are cilantro (or coriander), curry pastes and powders, soy sauce, dried shrimp, five-spice powder, long beans, oyster sauce, Thai pepper, roasted chili paste and rice or tapioca flour. Five-spice powder incorporates the five primary flavors of Thai cuisine listed above and contains cinnamon, powdered cassia buds, powdered star anise and anise seeds, ginger root and ground cloves.

Thai cooking also has some unique offerings with various sauces and what would be considered exotic foods here. The Northern region offers raw beef dishes, fermented fish paste, and deep fried insect larvae. Commonly dishes from the Northeast include insects and giant water bug, or mang dah is popular.

Thai dishes can be quite unique but often are very tasty. There are becoming extremely popular choices throughout the world today.