International Travel

Spring Break should be a time for students to go out and have fun with their friends and get a bit of rest in the middle of a hard semester. But embarking on this trip irresponsibly can leave students financially handicapped for the future. It is important to enjoy your time, but it is also important to be able to do so within your budget.

Planning for a spring break vacation should start months before the actual trip. One of the things that students should take advantage of is vacation packages offered by travel agents around this time. The packages are specifically targeted at students and often offer hotel rooms, flights and rental cars together. The hotels should also have deals on dining (two-for-one offers) that would allow travelers to save even more money. Planning ahead also allows students to arrange their finances. Drawing down that pesky credit card debt can keep costs from overwhelming you. In addition, spring breakers can start to set aside cash now to help pay for the later trip.

One travel option that spring breakers will want to avoid, however, is a reliance on last-minute discount travel websites. While their prices might be appetizing, travelers can get the same deals (without the discount service) elsewhere if they plan early enough. Saving a few extra dollars through a discount website is not worth getting stuck at a foreign airport at 3 A.M. on your way home because your connecting flight never arrived.

Students should also remember to place their important papers (plane tickets, passports, etc.) in a safe place as soon as they arrive at their destination. This in good advice in general, but it’s also essential for staying within a budget. Lost plane tickets can lead to hours of hassle as well as a reissue charge that can put a hamper on future plans. Losing your passport will also lead to a loss of time and money. And we have not even considered yet the idea that someone might rob you of these items (as well as your credit card). Spring break locales are havens for petty theft.

As for how students should spend their money, one basic rule applies: use either cash or a single credit card. This will better enable someone to keep track of his or her expenses. Using multiple credit cards can lead to confusion. Switching up credit cards can also leave travelers more at risk for credit card fraud, as they will not be certain which card they used where. if students choose to go with cash for the trip, they should remember not to advertise that fact to strangers or locals. If traveling during spring break means going to a foreign country, then spring breakers need to be aware of the currency exchange. Shopping may seem cheap at first, until travelers understand what each item is really worth.

The best thing that someone can do to stay within a budget is to set aside a certain amount of money for each day. Students won’t be able to spend too much on a single day, and they will still have money left over for the rest of their trip (it also minimizes the loss if you do end up getting stolen from). Spring break is supposed to a time of fun and relaxation, and staying on a budget will maximize that experience and ensure that you still have money to live on when you get home.

One of the greatest opportunities that comes with winter is the ability to experience some southern locations without getting scorched. While they might look cool, the White Sands National Monument is one of these sizzling destinations. However, in the winter the mild and sunny weather is very pleasant, likely much more so than they cold gray winter skies at home. Often described as ‘otherworldly’ and likened to walking on the moon, this New Mexico natural adventure is unlike any other. The 73,600 acres of windswept dunes are breathtaking, surrounded by the Chihuahuan Desert and set against a backdrop of the San Andres and Sacramento mountains in the distance. This expanse of uninhabited land as well as the dunes’ role as sound barriers create the effect of eerie isolation, a bizarrely enchanting experience.

There are many exciting ways to traverse this desert landscape. Among them is hiking any one of the many trails that offer a wide range of experiences and levels of difficulty. A favorite is the 4.6-mile Alkali Flat Trail, a well-marked guided tour of these endless dunes. Midnight hikes are a must on a visit here, where the moonlit dunes of reflective sand further the feeling of exploring another planet. Full of unusual experiences, sledding down the dunes is another popular activity. A visit in the winter allows comfortable daytime sunbathing as well, without getting fried. Camping is $3 per person per night and reservations can be made up to the last hour before sunset, encouraging spontaneity and adventure.

While in the neighborhood, another natural wonder to check out is the Carlsbad Caverns National Park, about 175 miles southeast of the White Sands. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this 100-mile long network of caves are some of the largest in the world. At just $6 admission per person, visitors have the option of either a guided tour or individual exploration. Paved, well-lit paths offer exciting but safe views of breathtaking rock formations in rooms as tall as 200 feet. From vast, moon-like gypsum dunes to deep, mysterious caverns, there is no better time to experience the natural wonders of the southwest than as an escape from harsh winter weather.

While there is never an unpleasant season for weather in Napa Valley, fall is a particularly lovely time to visit. It is only this time of year in which those prized plants that are worshiped for their grapes also draw attention for their vibrant gold, red, and orange leaves. In addition to vineyard tours, another great way to witness the splendor of the season is on a bicycle. Smooth, winding roads roll over hills, forests, vineyards and meadows all sporting their flashiest colors right now. As an autumn cyclist you will not fall prey to the masses of tourists that are a serious summer hazard in the most popular areas of the valley. Still, if you are seeking seclusion on a bike regions such as the Pope Valley offer a wide range of leisurely to strenuous trails, all featuring privacy and peace. If you prefer your own two feet, Howell Mountain is a beautiful and challenging hike, eased by spectacular lookouts and opportunities for vineyard visits along the way.
In addition to a rich array of fall foliage hues, the bounteous farmer’s markets carry their own spread of autumnal tastes. The multitude of organic restaurants in the area also dress for the season, flavoring their sophisticated cuisine with freshness, health, and a culinary festiveness from ingredients that most certainly taste best in the season and scene of their origin. Terra, of nearby St. Helena, serves the local cuisine with a Tuscan aesthetic. Dessert and a nightcap are inevitable with the elegant Bounty Hunter wine bar just down the street. Further, a community of sophisticated lodging and spa options assures the thoroughness of your pampering.
If it is your intention to be eased into winter with gourmet meals, luxurious spas, scenic bike rides, and world class wine, there is no better destination than Napa Valley, California.

As winter draws near our minds drift toward warmer, sunnier places. Lounging on beaches, swimming in the ocean, and slowly sipping cocktails all likely come to mind. While these are all activities it would be difficult to not enjoy, it could pay to consider alternative forms of relaxation as well. Why not try the ultimate exercise in seeking bodily and spiritual peace while in a naturally peaceful setting? This is the logic behind the private island resort of Parrot Cay in the Turks and Caicos. A wide range of yogic breathing therapy sessions will either introduce beginners or immerse those well acquainted with pranayama, a form of yoga which focuses on controlled breathing techniques as a way of fully releasing tension. Located on its own secluded island, Parrot Cay resort offers a way to enjoy the natural beauty of the Turks and Caicos far from the rowdy vacationers that flood its beaches during the peak season. In addition to offering privacy and serenity, this resort is extremely chic, creating an environment of simplicity yet indulgence. Comfortable yet minimalist beachside villas offer verandas and pools for luxurious relaxation and the ability to keep a clear mind. The resort’s top quality restaurant maintains the presence of nature on a wide wooden deck overlooking an infinity pool, and the airy bar allows the simultaneous enjoyment of drinks and the soft ocean breezes. The most enticing feature, however, may be the Shambala Spa. In addition to yoga and pilates retreats, this facility offers a wide range of decadent Asian-inspired treatments that are sure to chip away at your layers of accumulated stress. This award-winning resort provides an experience that is both of the highest quality and sophistication as well as a unique approach to relaxation in nature, which is sure to stand out against all those typical beach vacations.

Fall is rapidly sliding by, and will soon take with it the opportunity to enjoy the wide array of hues currently put on display by trees all over the northeast. Now is a great time to escape the city for some fresh air, while it is still crisp fall breezes and not yet blustery, biting winter winds. Instead of the usual upstate and New England destinations, adventurous New Yorkers might find Shenandoah National Park an exciting alternative. Located just west of Washington, DC in Virginia, this expansive park has a wide range of hiking and camping options and is a spectacular way to experience the colors of fall. For example, the most popular hike known as the ‘Old Rag Ascent’ is a challenging 2.8 mile climb featuring thrilling rock scrambling, treacherous stretches along exposed ledges, slips through crevices and 12-foot cracks in the mountain, and several breathtaking views along the way that build the anticipation for the ultimate summit panorama. At this point many leaves have fallen, creating colorfully carpeted trails and clear views through the trees at more places than usual. Since the trees at higher elevations shed their leaves first, those less adventurous nature-seekers can easily enjoy the trees at peak foliage through a simple walk in the woods or even a trip along the scenic Skyline Drive which winds through the park, offering 75 different overlooks along the way. Additional ways to enjoy the park include bicycling, fishing, horseback riding, birdwatching, or searching for any of the numerous types of wildlife that are often spotted. This natural attraction is the perfect way to take a break from the city and really experience autumn at its best. Just rent a car, grab some hiking boots, and prepare to be dazzled by colors of nature.

Now is a great time to visit all those colder locales before they become unbearably bitter. If you’ve been thinking about visiting Chicago, taking advantage of this mild autumn before it swiftly develops into a beast of a winter (as it always seems to do too quickly) might make an experience of this great city much more pleasant. There are deals at the Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile for several days in late November and early December. At $109 per night, this is a difficult-to-turn-down 45% discount from the usual rates for this time of year. The hotel itself has an excellent location in the heart of Chicago’s “Mag Mile,” known for its chic nightlife, shopping, and dining, as well as several impressive architectural landmarks. Additionally, the hotel is also close to Navy Pier, the Art Institute of Chicago, The Field Museum, and the Shedd Aquarium, offering an educational break from the indulgence of shopping and nights out. At a 46-story height, the hotel has many beautiful views of the city to the outside and modern, luxurious accommodations on the inside. This is just one option of many for exploring the Windy City, but visiting while the current crisp fall weather is an attraction and not a force to be reckoned with something to keep in mind.

For many the idea of traveling around Africa seeing multiple cultural centers, wildlife and natural attractions, and partaking in spontaneous adventures has never passed the imagination phase. For such a distant, inaccessible destination the idea of coordinating multiple excursions in one trip is daunting and may even seem utterly impossible. If only all of these things could be coordinated for us! Well they have been, and affordably so. The Shongololo Good Hope Express, snaking through South Africa, provides a luxurious and exciting way to hit all the desired destinations without renegotiating lodging after each one. In addition to convenience, this setup makes the trip much more affordable as well. Seventeen days of life on the train with more than six exciting destinations, meals twice a day, and a fleet of mini-vans available daily for sightseeing excursions comes to just $2,670 per person (including tax). Among the highlights of the trip are a panoramic route through the province of Mpumalanga (also known as “Land of the Rising Sun”), views of wildlife and natural landscapes in Kruger National Park, a Kingdom of Swaziland tour, a tour of the Cango Caves, Cape Town, and a tour of the Winelands, among others. This trip is available in all parts of the year (although cheapest in March, August, and November) so your call to the wild can be returned whenever it comes. For those of us who enjoy following our spirit of adventure, as chosen from a set of safe and numerous options, this private train trip is an answer that fits within your schedule and your budget.

Turkey is a country that has a unique culture at an important point in its history, facing questions of religious and regional identity. Although it has always been an exotic, beautiful, somewhat off-the-beaten-path alluring destination, this time of sweeping change makes Turkey an even more exciting place to be right now. The timing works out well in this case, as the lovely autumn climate and many deals on flights are currently rolling in. For example, Turkish Airlines is offering roundtrip nonstop flight between New York and Istanbul for just $564, between the dates of October 26-November 1 and November 7-30. Flights to other less visited (and therefore usually more expensive) cities in Turkey are also very reasonably priced next month, such as Izmir for $689, and Antalya or Kayseri for $729. Many of these rates apply for flights leaving from Chicago as well. Additionally, the favorable exchange rate allows the affordability to continue after you step off the plane. From cultural and historical adventures such as ancient ruins to breathtaking natural wonders like Cappadocia, a trip to Turkey is an enchanting (and inexpensive) way to ease yourself into the winter.

When most people think of Hawaii, they probably think of surfing, and justifiably so. The state is arguably home to the best surfing on the planet, and when the pounding surf is paired with beautiful white-sand beaches and a lush, green landscape, it is almost impossible to resist. Of all the islands, Oahu, Maui and Kauai offer the best surfing conditions, and inter-island travel gets easier all the time. The group is islands is one of the most isolated places on Earth, and that’s why we are going to use Oahu, Hawaii’s most accessible island, as our base.

Oahu gets three times as much airline traffic as any other Hawaiian island from the continental United States. Because of that, the island is easily Hawaii’s most cosmopolitan destination. And it is also the premier surfing spot in the entire world. Surfers are free to take advantage of over 100 miles of the greatest beachfront they will ever see. Of course, at the center of it all is Waikiki Beach, home to the famous North Shore. If you can make it here, at the Mecca of surfing, then you can make it anywhere.

But Oahu can be too cosmopolitan. If you are looking for a more peaceful surfing atmosphere, look no further than Maui. Hawaii’s second biggest island is easily the state’s most luxurious. Upscale resorts and private beaches allow you to surf without crowds or interference. The private environment allows you to focus on surfing without the distractions that can come with too many people. Maui also has an almost non-existent nightlife, meaning if you want to do more than surf and relax, Maui is not the place for you.

One place that might offer an even more solitary surfing environment than Maui is Kauai. Nicknamed the “Garden Island,” the place boasts everything from jagged mountains and waterfalls to lush, abundant flora and fauna. Not as popular as Oahu or Maui, Kauai offers the serenity that surfers seek. And there are all kinds of different beaches from which to take advantage of the surf. One example is the sun-drenched Poipu Beach, with the mountains in the background framing the seascape. There’s also Lumalai Beach, where you can ply your trade in utter seclusion. If you decide you need a break from the surf, there’s also great hiking along the Na Pali Coast.

The Hawaiian Islands are one of the true gems of this planet. For surfers, the islands are a particular paradise. We haven’t even touched on the rich, beautiful culture of the native people. There are a number of places you can go to take advantage of this unique place. But one thing is certain: whether you’re at cosmopolitan Oahu, luxurious Maui or serene Kauai, you are guaranteed to have a wonderful time amid the best surfing around.

For those thinking of traveling abroad this Labor Day weekend, the problems with subprime lending may serve to keep you grounded.  The downturn in the US economy, mainly as a result of the housing recession will cause many people to change their minds about that vacation.  But those that do venture abroad will find things a lot cheaper due to the recent appreciation in the US dollar. 

            The economic slump affects the prospective traveler in a number of ways (all negative).  First, the housing recession has spread to other parts of the economy, depressing wages in a variety of sectors.  If you are getting paid less, you have less money to spend on discretionary items like travel.  Second, your purchasing power is tied to not only your income, but also your wealth.  And the largest component of net worth for most Americans is the value of their home.  What the subprime crisis (and the broader housing decline) has done is cause that value to depreciate, lowering your net worth and ability to spend money on foreign vacations. 

            Subprime problems will also prove detrimental to travel in more general ways.  Going abroad on the Labor Day holiday is a luxury, and the ability to pay for that luxury requires certain things.  We have discussed how American consumers have less real money to spend, but many times, vacation decisions are made on the basis of how we feel about our economic health.  Consumer confidence in this country is at a multi-year low, partly due to so many people losing their homes in the subprime fiasco.  And since consumer spending accounts for 2/3 of our economy, the low confidence is only likely to perpetuate itself, creating conditions where no one feels up to traveling. 

            Lastly, we have to consider that many people pay for vacations by borrowing money.  The most direct effect of the subprime issue is the tightening of the credit market.  Banks are so afraid to lose money on loans (or at least, some loans) that they have begun charging higher interest rates to cover their losses.  Higher borrowing costs mean that last vacation before summer ends just got more expensive. 

            There is a silver lining to those that just have to show off those white clothes one last time.  I said that banks have become gun-shy with loans; that feeling of fear is true with regard to investors and traders as well.  Everyone wants to get out of risky investments in case everything blows up on them.  And when fear pervades the marketplace, traders turn to the world’s safest investment: US Treasury bonds.  People love buying the debt of the world’s largest economy because it is the world’s most liquid asset, and the US government will never (absolutely never) default on its debt obligation. 

            What does this mean for American travelers?  Well, to buy US Treasury bonds, you need US dollars.  As the demand for Treasuries increases, the value of the US dollar goes up.  And that’s been the direction of the American currency for the past two weeks against all the other major currencies (Euro, Pound, Swiss Franc, etc.) except for the Japanese yen (a more complicated story).  That means it’s cheaper to visit Europe, Australia or New Zealand than at any other time this summer.  So if the housing slump hasn’t gotten you down, take advantage of the dollar strength while you still can and realize a discount on the last warm weather holiday of the year.