Saving Money on Travel

In my "What Not to Say to the Unemployed PostGrad" post, I mentioned an application I did recently that required a lengthy audition process, including two presentations, one of which I had to create my own. Since I was in the midst of making travel plans of my own and with friends, I did a piece on travel and saving money, naturally. I'm sharing these five tried-and true tips today because who doesn't want to travel more and save money in the process and because as they say, "travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer."

Plan Ahead. As with any big purchase, when it comes to travel, it's especially important to plan ahead. Planning ahead not just gives you ample time to consider your budget and your destination, but it also ensures that you get the best deal on hotel and airfare. In addition, early planning gives you enough time to research your destination, which you may find you much prefer to visit in the off-season when it is less crowded and considerably cheaper in price.

Utilize Social Media. There's no denying how popular social media is nowadays with "likes" and hashtags everywhere from television to the doctors office. Social media outlets such as Facebook and Twitter are great ways to stay up-to-date on flash sales from airlines, cruise lines, and more. JetBlue is notorious on both Facebook and Twitter for their "cheep deals" with one-way fares sometimes as low as $49.

Cash in on Credit and Debit Reward Points. It often feels like the plastic in our wallets hurts us more than it helps, but when it comes to booking a trip, it can definitely help. Most debit and credit card companies offer free reward programs that can earn you points on the most basic, everyday purchases. Accumulate enough points and they can be redeemed for airfare, hotel, and more, saving you money by lowering your out-of-pocket expenses even more.
 

Skip the Hotel. Where to stay at your destination can surely make or break the travel experience. So

why not consider skipping the hotel and renting a room, apartment, even a home from a site like AirBnB.com instead? The overall savings can be used for other fun activities, and the experience of living like a local for a few days will surely make for some unforgettable travel memories. (This is my plan for Paris!)

Consider a Cruise. It's no secret that I absolutely LOVE cruising, and if you need examples, you can look here, here, and here. I may be a bit biased in my opinion, but I truly believe that a cruise is a great way to see a number of locations without having to pay more for additional hotel or airfare. With almost all of the amenities covered in the cost, and so much to do onboard and in port, taking a cruise truly does offer the most value for your money. (Again, not a biased opinion!) 

I've shared mine, now tell me some of yours? What are some tricks you've used to save money on a trip?

Summer Travel

Is it too early to be thinking about summer travel? I hope not because it is all I can think about at the moment. There are so many things I love about summer and travel is definitely one of them. 

While I would normally be in midst of planning some sort of trip for the season, things are a bit different this year. As hard as it is for me to admit, this is still my situation, and as much as I would love to be prepping for a cruise or other weeklong destination vacation, right now, the chances of that happening are slim to none. Instead, this summer will be all about day trips and weekend getaways that are close to home and satisfying to my wanderlusting soul.

L-R: Maine, Cape Cod, Long Island Wine Country, Montauk

Since my sister lives in Maine, this one is a no brainer. Besides the scenic views, and shopping at L.L. Bean, what I am most excited about for this trip is the food!  As "the foodiest small town in America," you better believe I want in! Bring on the good eats, and of course, lobster.

When I think of the quintessential summer destination, Cape Cod is usually the first place I think of. Since I didn't get to make it up there last year , I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I can make it happen this year. Sun, sand, and Sperry's. 

Staying close to home, visiting the wineries on Long Island is also on my list. It wasn't until a few summers ago did I even realize that LI even had it's own little wine country to begin with! What better way to spend a summers day than with a delicious wine and a cheese platter? 

FUN FACT: One of the wines served at the Inauguration luncheon this past year was from a LI winery! 

Also on Long Island and on my list is Montauk. While many go for the weekend, Montauk is one of my favorite places to go for a fun-filled day trip since it's so easily accessible by car (and even train!).

Where are you headed or looking to go this summer? What are some of your favorite destinations that are close to home?

Always A Good Idea.

I would describe Paris as my favorite place I've never been and lately it's all I can think about. It's a place I've always wanted to visit and a trip I've dreamed about taking for a very long time. I think it's time to make that dream of walking along the Champs-Élysées and through the Latin Quarter and The Marais, all the while exploring and eating my way through the city, a reality. 

A trip this special requires lots of planning, planning that beings now. I have a few ideas already of what I want to do while I am there, so here's a look at some of my Paris to-do's.

Wishes to Wander...

"We must go beyond textbooks, go out into the bypaths and untrodden depths of the wilderness and travel and explore and tell the world the glories of our journey.” 

print via

Lately, my need for travel has been at a considerable high. Whenever I see a plane, I can't help but wish that I too were on my way somewhere, as I watch it disappear over the horizon. There's nowhere in particular I want to go at the moment; I just have a great need to be and see somewhere else, somewhere new. Since travel is completely impractical for me at the moment, reading, dreaming, and pinning, will just have to suffice for now. Here are some of my favorite travel posts from around the web:

• How to pack two weeks in a carry on. As a serial over packer, I am determined to try this.
• A sweet read from this Sunday's Times: A Chocolate Tour of the Caribbean.
• Six ways to get free Wi-Fi when you travel.
• With all this talk of an impending coffee shortage, a trip to the worlds best cities for coffee may be mandatory. Immediately. 
• How to Escape the Grid and Unplug on Vacation.
• As a loyal Royal, I am very happy to see that Royal Caribbean will be rolling out new menus including lactose and gluten free offerings. 
• Truly inspiring indeed: "wanderlust-inspiring travel photography." 

Vacations and Lessons...

This year's family trip was supposed to be a land based vacation. London, Aruba, Bermuda, Turks and Caicos were all on the table, yet a unanimous decision was hard to come by. After almost a week of discussion, every one was suddenly in favor of a cruise. Since Bermuda was an original thought, we decided a 5 night cruise on Royal Caribbean's Explorer of the Seas (which I sailed on last summer on the 9 night itinerary) would be the  perfect choice.

Since this cruise was shorter than past trips, it was imperative that we get in as much as possible in a short amount of time. We had two days at sea and two days in Bermuda with an overnight, which was a first, but really nice. The two days at sea were spent taking in all the ship had to offer: lounging by the pool and reading, taking in the ice and production shows, relaxing, eating, and yes, drinking. My favorite bartender from last year was on this year, so I had a bit of help with that last...activity. If you are ever on the Explorer of the Seas, Melvin in the Aquarium Bar is phenomenal at what he does. We are kind of best friends.

Our first day in Bermuda, we took the ferry to Hamilton, to walk around the city for a few hours. Using the ferry was not just fast but inexpensive as well. Using the ferry, we saved over $200, than if we had gone on the cruise excursion for the same destination/amount of time. In Hamilton, we stayed mostly around Front Street, walking (and shopping, at Marks and Spencer specifically) on Reid Street over to the park and to city hall. What I loved most about Hamilton was observing the men in their famous Bermuda shorts and knee socks. Even though its a uniform, based on some of the combinations I saw, some of them really have fun with it and make it their own. Love that.

(Yes, everything leads back to fashion and style somehow.)

After Hamilton, it was back to the ship for our excursion to the one and only Horseshoe Bay Beach. The overnight was nice because you really get to be at your leisure. At night, we opted for dinner at the specialty restaurant on board, and later walked over to the Dockyard where they had "Dockyard Nights" which was an outdoor concert with local crafts and foods.

Day two in Hamilton, we were off to the beach bright and early. Horseshoe was nice and quiet at that time, and perfect for a morning stroll. Our departure that day was around 4, so we left the beach at around noon to walk around the Dockyard and go to the Glassworks an Bermuda Rum Cake Company. The cakes are delicious (the chocolate rum was my particular favorite,) but boy are they strong. Eating the sample bite they give in the shop wasn't bad, but eating a slice back home, I felt like I had taken a shot of rum...or two. Maybe I'm a lightweight as they say, but regardless, the cakes are a local specialty, and worth trying. While I was sad to leave, we had an absolutely picture perfect sail away.

Not to be forgotten/not mentioned, the cruise director, Richard Spacey. One of the best CD's I have had on a cruise yet. I've never (slight exaggeration) laughed or been so entertained by a single person (other than myself, of course.) And yes, these are the only pictures I have of him...

I am all for honesty, so being honest, this was one of the hardest vacations I have ever been on. Don't get me wrong, I did have fun and am beyond grateful to have even taken such a trip, but golly, there was some drama. Too much for me to comprehend. But life is full of lessons, and if I took away anything from this trip, it was this: be very careful who you invite with you to travel. 

Also, rosé, shots, Long Island Iced Teas, and seasickness do not mix in any way, shape, or form.  

"I have found out there ain't no surer way to find out whether you like people or hate them than to travel with them."

 -Tom Sawyer Abroad

It's Carnaval!

As the countdown to Lent begins, many places around the world are celebrating with one last party: Carnaval!  It's no secret that I left part of my heart in Nice, so of course the carnival I want to experience the most is the Carnaval de Nice. Sure, Brazil is the biggest and most talked about celebration, but it's a bit too much T&A for me. Nice is the original, and nothing beats the original.

The Carnaval de Nice is comprised of the carnival parade, the flower parade, a parade of lights, in addition to lots of other entertainment from around the world. In looking at pictures from the past few years, it is amazing to see all the effort and work that goes into all the floats and costumes in conjunction with the overall theme (This years theme is "King of Sports" for this years Olympics.) 

*images of the carnival parade, flower parade and parade of lights via nicevarnaval.com

"For over 15 days, the city hums to the rhythm of this genuine, fairy-tale event … get a passport for the celebration and let the magic do its work … come and forget the dullness of winter and take in the sun on the French Riviera!" 

Oh Nice Carvnaval website, how I wish I could...

Wanderlust As of Late..

While everyone was prepping for the Super Bowl Sunday, I spent the afternoon on my couch watching Wealth TV. I know the name of this channel sounds pretentious but it really isn't. (I tried to explain this to my mom as a Bentley whizzed by in a commercial...) Wealth TV features great travel shows which is perfect for when the Travel Channel is having a Ghosts Adventures marathon...

After watching shows about Barbados, Italy and Australia, it was LUX Lifestyles that had me captivated with an hour exploring the beautiful Greek islands of Santorini and Mykonos. Greece (especially Santorini and Mykonos) has always been on my "to go" list, but not as prioritized as say, Paris. However after Sunday, it definitely has bumped up closer to the top of my list. As soon this whole debt crisis gets sorted out, Santorini and Mykonos will be a destination for sure...

Santorini, via

Santorini, via

Santorini, via

Mykonos, via

Mykonos, via

Mykonos, via

Where does your wanderlust have you itching to go? Have you been to Greece?

"Cruising is Safer than Flying."

The wonderful captain I had the honor of sailing with last August, Captain Olav, navigating the ship out of Bermuda's reefs with the pilot. 

The events in the past few weeks of the Costa Concordia have been absolutely devastating. It angers me to know that the captain made so many extremely poor decisions, which in turn has cost the lives of many, and ruined trips that so many planned and had their heart set on taking. 

As you may know, I absolutely love cruising. When I hear so many people say they will never go on a cruise as a result of the Costa Concordia, it makes me sad since cruising is such a wonderful experience and way to take a vacation. In my last few years cruising with Royal Caribbean, the two things that were emphasized more than anything were safety and fun. I have always felt at ease knowing I was in great hands as everyone on board was trained for any and everything.

So it is with my great love and passion of cruising and my experience of the last few years, that I present to you a few ways I believe you can not just feel safe on your cruise vacation, but be prepared and ready, in the event of an emergency.

ATTEND MUSTER DRILL.

I had no idea this was an optional/prolonged thing, since all my cruises on Royal, muster has been conducted approximately an hour before departure, and everyone had to check in and be checked off for being in attendance. Make sure that you are in attendance not just physically, but mentally as well. Yes I know, it may seem boring, but as they always say, its better to be safe than sorry.

Get Acquainted.

Know your ships layout. This goes from knowing where your muster station is, the accessibility to the life boats and other emergency routes, as well as the location of the life vests in your cabin. In the event of an emergency, you will know where to go as well as the quickest way to get there.

Pack Warm Clothing and Closed Toe Shoes.

Even when I'm cruising to the Caribbean in the middle of summer, I always pack these items in case of an emergency (or being diverted to Canada because of a hurricane). A sweatshirt and warm pants will make sure you stay warm, and closed toe shoes will protect your feet from any debris, like glass.

Keep All Medications and Important Documents at the Ready.

Again, in the event of such an emergency, having these essentials in an easy to grab place, (and in a protective pouch) would be essential in case of an emergency.

Have the recent events of the Costa Concordia put you off from cruising? Do you have second thoughts?

Bloomability

It never fails that when I get into conversation with people and the subject of travel comes up, I often get asked why and what exactly makes me want to travel so much, and so badly.

From whatever age we start recording memories, travel has always been a part of my life. Even before I could remember, I was traveling. When we were on break from school, my parents would always make it a point to take my sister and I on trips away. (Now I am the sole reaper of these benefits :) ) From England to Canada, Cape Cod to Grenada, travel was always a big part of us. Even in the summer camp I attended, we traveled. So at a very young age, that travel bug was instilled in me.  

I will never forget a book I first read in fifth grade. I still remember that day, when the shipment of new books came into our school library, and I saw Bloomability. The cover featured a passport, travel photos, and the tag line "It's inside each of us". I'm certain I read that book 100 times. (I know I read it twice in the time I had it checked out initially.) Whenever I saw it was available, I read it. And it has always stuck with me to this day.

Bloomability is about a young girl named Dinnie, who after spending most of her life moving around the US as her father changed jobs, goes with her aunt and uncle to a boarding school in Switzerland that they are now in charge of. (It wasn't until recently did I realize her boarding school was in no other than Lugano, Switzerland.) Her aunt and uncle give her a year, after which she can decide to stay at the boarding school, or move back home with her family, wherever they may be settled now. Knowing this, Dinnie really makes the most of her time in Switzerland, by seeing all she can and learning from her friends and fellow students at the boarding school, that come from all over the world. Dinnie's life in Switzerland is full of adventure, lessons, and inspiration.

While I didn't know what it was called at the time, I want to believe this was when my wanderlust was sparked. I started to seek out new places I wanted to see, and visit and immediately fell in love with Italy and France. (I even started to learn French soon after.) Bloomability and Dinnie's adventures always served as a constant reminder to me to be open to new experiences when traveling, to always want to see and do more, and to always learn whatever I can, wherever I am. Even when people scoff at my want to travel, I always remember: It's inside each of us. 

What ultimately sparked your love of travel? Did you read Bloomability?

*image via Amazon

Travel Wishes for 2012

When I saw this quote from Anthony Bourdain, I couldn't help but save it, commit it to memory, and just really want to put it into practice this year. 2011 was a great travel year, and I really do hope 2012 will be too. With graduation this year, I feel compelled to travel even more this year, as who knows how much time I will have once I *gulp* get a grownup job.

My 2012 travel list includes:

New Orleans, Louisiana

As I stated before, New Orleans is probably my number one place to visit this year in the States. Ideally, I would like to make this trip during football season, but summer wouldn't be bad either.  I just cant wait to soak up all the culture the Big Easy has to offer. 

Cape Cod, Massachusetts

It has been YEARS since I last visited the Cape, but its hands down my favorite place in New England.  From the beaches and the stunning scenery, to the abundance of seafood, I hope to head up there for a relaxing weekend come summer.

Paris, France

I have always wanted to go to Paris, but lately it feels more like more of a must, than a want (that is two different things, right?) It seems like not a day goes by without some sort of reference to Paris. From literature, to music, to adventures (Hello, Ladurée!) they all feel like signs that all roads lead to Paris in 2012.

In a dream world, in 2012 I would love to travel to:
Morocco
Morocco encompasses everything I love in one place: rich history and culture, beautiful scenery and one of the most unique and distinct cuisines in the world. While I know that it may be awhile till Morocco is in fact a reality, it is hands down one place I would go to in an instant.

Have you thought about where you would like to travel to in 2012 yet? Where? 

A Year in Provence

Right before Borders closed in September, on my last trip I picked up two books: The Sweet Life in Paris, and A Year in Provence by Peter Mayle. After sitting on my shelf for a few months, I finally got around to reading A Year in Provence last week, and finished it over the weekend.

I won't get into too much detail about it for those of you who haven't read it and wish to, but it was one of the best books I have read in awhile. Peter Mayle is a FANTASTIC writer, and I felt that I was right there in Provence, learning and experiencing everything with him. The one thing I really wish I could have enjoyed was all the delicious food he mentions! It all sounded delish.

Overlooking a vineyard in Provence. The wine was the most delicious wine I ever consumed.

As I read about all of Peter Mayle's adventures during his move to Provence, all I could think was "I wish I could do that." I'm not sure I could move somewhere permanently, but I think a temporary relocation abroad would be one of those amazing, once in a lifetime things that you just never, ever forget.

I think the greatest thing, besides being abroad, would be the chance to really be immersed in the culture and to "live like a local." From learning the culture, the language, and of course all about the food, it would be a great chance to do all those things you wish to as a tourist, but just don't have the time for on a typical visit. 

Have you ever thought of what it would be like to move to another country? Where did you have in mind and of course, what would you do while you were there?

There's Been a Change to the Itinerary...

Typically, the above statement would not sit well with me, as it could mean missing out on something great. Yet, as everything in life, sometimes a change can lead to an amazing adventure.

During the first part of my study abroad in Lake Como, we had changes in our itinerary which left us with a very empty Sunday. While everyone was discussing how late they would sleep, and what time they would head to the pool/lake,  our professors came up with a genius idea: how about a day trip to Switzerland?  We were told that it would cost us a little extra for transport, but no one really cared as every ones wallet was already out to hand over the extra Euros.

After a quick Sunday brunch, we were on our way. We only had the transport for a few hours, so we had to leave early in order to get the most out of the day. Soon after departure though, a little incident delayed the bus I was in (a post for another day, promise), so we lost a teeny bit of time. In order to catch up with the other bus, our first unofficial stop was at the Swiss Miniatur. Even though we didn't go inside, observing from the outside was nice, and most importantly, we were on Swiss soil!

After some photos, it was back to the bus to our destination. We arrived in Lugano and were greeted by the most breathtaking scenery. Since most places were closed (it was Sunday) we all decided to browse about on our own, and grab lunch. While the majority of the group opted to dine at Burger King, a few of us found a nice little restaurant and had delicious lunch of pasta and pizza. The best part of it all had to be the chocolate shop right across from the restaurant. Because whats a trip to Switzerland, without enjoying Swiss chocolates?

Lake Lugano

I kid you not, this was only a small section of the shop. 

Have your travels ever led you on an exciting detour? Where was it to?

The Maldives

I can't help that every time I hear Britney Spear's "I Wanna Go", I think about all the wonderful places I want to travel to next. And since it is on repeat on my ipod, itunes, in the car, and on my favorite channel Bravo, those thoughts happen quite often.

When I go on any trip, if its a choice, I absolutely must be by the water, or in very close proximity of it. So that is probably why I want to go to the Maldives so incredibly bad.

via

But besides being absolutely perfect and picturesque, the one thing I would love to do, and can only do in the Maldive's, is dine 16 feet underwater at Ithaa. 

I am trying my hardest to put the image of Free Willy breaking through the aquarium glass out of my head, and trying to replace it with the thought of how cool of an experience this would be! 

Did you know: The Maldives is the smallest Asian country in population and land mass? Good things sure do come in small packages!