Budget Travel Basics

June 17th, 2008 by travel

The world of budget travel is one of the most exciting and interesting, and in today’s world traveling on a budget is becoming more and more of a necessity for all those aspiring tourists. Keeping costs low while traveling is important, whether you are a solo traveler seeing the world for the first time or a family with a carload full of kids heading for the beach or the theme park.

When it comes to coming up with a travel budget, the first step should be to decide what is important to you and where you can cut back a bit. For instance, some travelers are comfortable spending a bit more for a better class of hotel, while others prefer to save money by using budget accommodations and spend the money they saved on sightseeing or a special meal for the family. Again, it all depends on your tastes.

As with other aspects of finance, it is a good idea to create a travel budget before you start your trip. Determine a budget for the various aspects of your vacation, such as hotel, airfare, rental cars, sightseeing, gasoline, etc. Once you have a good idea of what each element of the vacation should cost, it is time to start shopping around for the best deals.

Once you have determined what is most important to you, it is time to start determining how to get the best deals. Often, admission deals on area attractions are the easiest to come by, since many theme parks, museums and other destinations run specials to attract out of town guests.

To score big discounts on area attractions, the best place to start is the web site of the attraction itself. Be sure to check the web site for any specials, such as two for one deals, free admission for children, special reduced admission days, etc.

If you are a member of the military, a senior citizen or a member of an organization such as AAA, there are often additional discounts available. Most AAA offices sell discount admission tickets to theme parks, museums and other popular attractions within driving distance, and most AAA offices sell discounted admissions to popular attractions like Walt Disney World as well. The key to making your travel budget stretch farther is to ask about, and take advantage of, all discounts that may be available.

If you are driving to your destination, one great way to make your travel budget go further is to make sure your car is in tip top shape before embarking on your trip. Small details, such as under-inflated tires or worn spark plugs can really eat into your gas mileage and end up costing you a bundle, especially on a long road trip.

A good map can also be a money saver, since it will keep you from driving around in circles and wasting gas. Finding your way easily to and from the hotel and the surrounding area will make your vacation more pleasant and less costly.

No matter how you save money on your next vacation, having a budget and sticking to it will help you enjoy your vacation more, and worry less about paying for it.

Traveling will always be a great experience if you choose the right place to go. Next time you plan your vacations consider Mexico as your next destiny. You’ll love it.

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South Korea The Three Plentiful in Jeju Island - the Wind, the Women and the Rocks

June 12th, 2008 by travel

In the recent years, South Korea has become a popular travel destination for many Singaporeans. We decided to give Korea a try after hearing praises about this “Land of the Morning Calm”. Well, I am glad to say that we made the right choice!

Jeju Island, also known as the “Honeymoon Island”, is a must-try in South Korea. We arrived at Jeju Island in the late morning of March, after an hour’s flight from Seoul. The weather in Jeju Island is usually about one to two degree Celsius higher than Seoul. Soothing weather, if you compare with the warm and humid climate along the equator.

Three things are plentiful in Jeju Island - the wind, the women and the rocks!

– The Wind –
You will regret if you decide to tuck away those windbreakers of yours. Although the temperature is supposedly warmer, the strong wind is sure to chill you to your marrows! So, wherever you go in Jeju Island, make sure you have your warm clothing (scarves, gloves, thermal wear, etc) with you. Warm water helps to combat the chills quite effectively. A thermo flask of warm water would come in handy. Make sure you put on moisturiser (preferably one that contains UV screen) before you leave the hotel, to protect your skin against the dry weather. Lip balm is another essential item to bring along, as it provides moisture to your lips. Do not attempt to wet your lips with saliva, it will only cause the condition to get worse!

– The Women –
In the olden days, young men left their families in Jeju Island to earn a living in the cities. Women stayed behind to work in the fields and look after the young and old at home. That explains why there were many more women than men in Jeju Island during those days. If the weather is calm and you are lucky, you might be able to catch a glimpse of the lady divers in Jeju Island. An extremely dangerous occupation, it is no longer a popular job amongst the younger Korean women. Increasingly rare, these divers consist of older women who earn a living by selling shellfish and marine products (such as clams, mussels and seaweeds) that they collect from the seabed.

– The Rocks –
It is interesting to know that Jeju Island was formed millions of years ago, as a result of volcanic eruptions. Try stamping your feet on its ground, and you will realise that it sounds hollow. Rocks in all shapes and sizes can be found everywhere in Jeju Island. The Yongdu-am (Dragon Head Rock) is a must-see in Jeju Island. The majestic rock that faces the sea can be found at the western end of Jeju Island. While most people felt that the rock resembles the head of a dragon, some people felt that it is more like the head of a horse. Well, I shall leave that to your own imagination! If you love seafood, you would be able to come across some older women selling fresh seafood around the area.

Visit South Korea, Jeju Island in particular. It is a trip that will take your breath away!

For more travel resources and information, please visit the Travel Mambo

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Marry Me Joe!

June 9th, 2008 by travel

It was a short and uneventful divorce back in 1989. I got nothing, and she got everything. I left the house with just my clothes and headed for Angeles City, Philippines and started an insurance business on what used to be Clark Airbase.

At the dawn of the computer age, I brought with me a new brand of marketing low cost term insurance to the military. My competition was still using dinosaur methods to sell insurance to military personnel.

What transpired over the next two years was incredible. The story is true.

When I arrived for the first time in Manila June 1989 I was met by a Filipino friend who worked with me in Las Vegas. As I was being taken by cab to my hotel I felt a sense of ease as I notice most everything posted in English. I did notice too how poor people looked and lived. I was in shock as beggars knocked on my window for money.

The following day my friend and I caught a Victory Liner bus bound for Dau, Pampanga, Philippines. I remember that ride and how scarred I really was when the bus driver was passing vehicles on the right shoulder with just inches to spare. In most cases if he made a mistake the bus would have rolled down a steep embankment. By the time we got to Dau, I was floating up to my neck and needed a relieve myself. I thought surly there has to be a men’s room when we get off somewhere. I noticed all the guys just going off into a vacant field and letting go. I had no choice, I had to do the same. The only problem I had with that was I felt all eyes were on me.

It was a relief to me when I checked in at the Oasis Hotel. I was intrigued when I passed by on the way to the hotel a competitor’s office and I just had to visit after I checked in the hotel.

Once we checked in, it did not take me long to take a walk around to check out my new home for the next year. The first place I visited was my competitors office. I was greeted pleasantly by a pretty young lady. I asked, how was business? Oh, very good sir, she replied. How many agents do you have working for you, I asked. We have 20 sir. Where is the boss? He is out with one of our agents. OK, thanks, I appreciate your help. I could see they did have a thriving business going and well established, but they had no idea what I was bringing to the table.

I walked around some more and noticed how many old middle aged men were sitting around in these sidewalk caf

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