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.
January 17, 2008 No Comments
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.
August 24, 2007 2 Comments
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.
August 21, 2007 No Comments
Camping is the ultimate summer activity. I know I have always enjoyed the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of nature with my friends and family. And one of the great camping locations in the United States is the Adirondack Mountains in northern New York. It is a great place whether you want to relax or have an outdoor adventure. The mountains are a haven for outdoor recreation of all kinds, and no matter how old you are, you are guaranteed to have a good time camping at the Adirondack Mountains.
The region can boast of over 3,000 ponds and lakes perfect for canoeing, swimming and fishing. For more adventurous people, there are 1,500 miles of rivers allowing for whitewater rafting of many different levels. If you prefer to stay dry, you can take advantage of the nation’s largest hiking trail system, consisting of 2,000 miles of hiking trails. I am a history buff, and the Adirondacks region even allowed me to satisfy that fix with museums and French and Indian War-era forts.
One other advantage of the Adirondacks Mountains as a summer recreational area is the incredible variety of places to stay. There are more 4-star resorts in the area than any other destination in the state. For those that would rather “rough” it, there are nearly 100 different campgrounds available. My favorite of the many camping destinations is called Yogi Bear’s Jelllystone National Park at Paradise Pines (800-232-5349).
Jellystone National Park is the perfect jumping-off point for family campers. If you are not traveling with kids, this is probably not the place for you. But if you are, the campground is clean, friendly and family-oriented. There are new cabins (designed for two adults and two children) with new bathrooms and new kitchens stating at $65 per day. But for a better value try the new large campsites that are compatible with any kind of camping equipment that you decide to bring. They start at $41 per day.
The camping area is safe and secure, and its setting along the Schroon River yields the most gorgeous views between the high peaks of the Adirondack Mountains. Jellystone National park is in a perfect area too, allowing you the serenity of a relaxing resort but also easy access to all the attractions in the Adirondacks region. If that isn’t enough, the staff at the campground also offers food delivered right to your campsite. Jellystone even allows you to bring your pets camping with you (although this is only available for those staying in cabins). Open from May 1 to October 20, is the perfect summer camping site for you and your family.
July 19, 2007 No Comments
The Gulf of Mexico has long been a popular vacation spot for American tourists. But that popularity has its downside in crowded beaches, long lines and booked hotel rooms. There is a better alternative, though, for those that wish to enjoy the white sand beaches and blue waters of the Gulf. Alabama’s Gulf Coast offers all of the amenities without the congestion.
Alabama’s southern shore offers something for everyone. For water enthusiasts, the area offers everything from fishing and deep-sea fishing to sailing, boating and parasailing. You can even go scuba diving in the warm, beautiful water of the Gulf of Mexico. There are designer discount shopping malls that cater to every need. And eight pristine golf courses are in the area, offering you the chance to engage in the ultimate warm-weather activity.
The coastal region has two major towns, Gulf Shore and Orange Beach. Of the two, Orange Beach only has 6,000 permanent residents, making it the perfect getaway for a great vacation. Most of the city is located on a completely man-made plot of land called Pleasure Island, making Orange Beach ideally suited for your beach vacation. There is even a Charter Fishing Fleet through which you can rent your own boat during the time you stay there. Amazingly, the town even has its own football team, the North American Football League’s Alabama Lightning. If football is not your thing, Orange Beach is also known for a lively artistic scene, featuring local musicians, painters, photographers, sculptors and writers.
It is relatively easy to get to Orange Beach as well. The town is 60 miles from Mobile and only 20 miles from Pensacola. All the major American airlines fly to Pensacola, and while you’re there, you can even check out the United States Naval Air Station and Museum.
Perdido Beach Resort, one of the best beach resorts in America, is located right on the Gulf of Mexico in Orange beach. The hotel has some top restaurants, including Café Palm Breeze and the Voyager’s Restaurant. There you will be served local seafood, Gulf-style. You can enjoy yourself with a private beach, reserved solely for the hotel’s guests. Or, you can lounge by the poolside bar, enjoying the piano music from the lobby. The Perdido Beach resort and Orange Beach can be enjoyed year-round for as low as $112 per night. For more information, call the Perdido Beach Resort at 1-800-634-8001. Don’t miss this summer on Alabama’s Gulf Coast, one of America’s best-kept secrets.
July 19, 2007 No Comments
The Greek islands have been a popular destination for a long time. But if you’re like me, then you are turned off by the incredible throngs of people you cannot help but run into at a place like Crete. The island of Lesbos, on the other hand, is green, fun, accessible and, best of all, relatively quiet.
It is a little bit of a trek to get to Lesbos because the island is actually closer to Turkey than to Greece. But ferries do leave Piraeus (which is a major port in Greece and relatively easy to get to) every day, usually around dusk. You’ll arrive at the provincial capital of Mytilene at around 7 AM. The key is not to spend much time in Mytilene; there is much more to do in the island’s other major cities of Eressos, Kaloni and Molyvos.
Eressos is the birthplace of the Greek poet Sappho. Widely considered to be the originator of modern lyrical poetry, Sappho’s poems are full of powerful emotion towards other women. The association of this island with her poems is how we get the term “lesbian.” As such, the town is a popular destination for lesbian tourists. But it is also a spectacular family destination that boasts one of the best beaches in the world.
Kaloni is one of the two big bays on the island. If you like to fish, this town will feel like heaven. The locals claim that the region’s sardines are internationally renowned and treasured. Last, you have to drink some ouzo while you’re in Kaloni. It is the national liquor of Greece, and it is very similar to anise. I mention this because Kaloni serves the best ouzo in all of Greece.
You should end your day in Lesbos in the town of Molyvos. It is on a beautiful harbor, and has a hotel called the Sera Horse that is both affordable and convenient. That’s true of the island as a whole, really; everything is inexpensive but it does not detract from the experience. You save money by traveling to Lesbos, but you have just as much fun here as anywhere else. Traveling to Lesbos is a great experience and a great value; that’s why it is one of my favorite Greek islands.
July 17, 2007 No Comments
Legend has it that when the English missionaries first got to Hawaii, they discouraged the Polynesians from surfing because they felt it was a waste of time. So it’s a little ironic now that the some of the best surfing schools in Hawaii are run by the successors of those very same missionaries. And those schools get to churn out students that get to test their skills at one of the best surf destinations on the planet: the North Shore, Oahu, Hawaii.
In the summertime, the water at the North Shore is relatively quiet, making it a great place to fish or swim. But during the winter, it is an entirely different story. When the weather gets colder, the waves get massive, and the best surfers in the world flock to the birthplace of surfing. It was here that the English first discovered the Hawaiian natives riding the waves on long, wooden boards. And it was here that modern surfing became legendary, on the back of the exploits of local boy Duke Kahanamoku in the 1920s.
The North Shore stretches, uninterrupted, for almost 20 miles, producing beautiful white, sandy beaches that you can lie on while watching the surfing. Between October and February, the beach can boast waves reaching heights of up to 20-30 feet.
One particular location is called the Banzai Pipeline, so called because of the massive tube that forms when the waves curl under their own weight. Another hot spot for surfers and onlookers is Waimea Beach.
The North Shore is also particularly convenient for the American tourist. Since Hawaii is a state, it is much easier to travel here than to travel to many of the other great surfing destinations around the world located in other countries. So, next winter, leave the snowy confines of your home and make you way to Hawaii’s North Shore, to be a part of the best surfing experience in the world.
July 16, 2007 No Comments
Berlin is one of my favorite cities. I have been there on two separate occasions, and I have fallen in love. It is such a fascinating city in so many ways, and it appeals to a sense of history, culture and curiosity.
There’s no city in the world that better epitomizes the second half of the twentieth century. Once we were walking from the Tiergaarten (the zoo) and just randomly stumbled upon a memorial for a protestor that was shot in the back by the Stasi during the Cold War. It was incredible.
There’s sense of history in Berlin that you do not feel anywhere else; walking around the city is almost like traveling back in time. We spent one afternoon going to Checkpoint Charlie, where you could cross from East Berlin to West Berlin. If you closed your eyes, you could almost see the Soviet and American tanks and soldiers facing off at each other.
While you’re in the history mood, take some time and check out the east side gallery too. It is the largest remaining portion of the wall left—more than 1.5 kilometers. The graffiti is simply gorgeous; artists have taken the ultimate symbol of exclusion and war and made it into a piece of art.
Berlin is not just about history, though. It is a really modern city in a lot of ways actually, especially compared to American cities. The architecture is either abstract or of the international school. Most of that is because the city was completely bombed during World War II, and a lot of the buildings are post-1945. But it’s not just about the architecture. The club scene is mostly techno-rave, so if you are not into that, you have to stick with the bars.
Berlin may be THE city of the twentieth century, but it’s also a great city for now. There’s so much culture and history, and when you realize first realize where you actually are and what other people have been there as well, it’s a little overwhelming. But I would definitely recommend going there and experiencing it for yourself. Make sure to grab a bratwurst and a Berliner. Appreciate the history but make sure to enjoy the present.
July 13, 2007 No Comments
Loket Castle is an absolute gem. Located in Western Bohemia, two hours west of Prague, Loket is only a short trip from more famous tourist destinations like Karlovy Vary and Marianske Lazne. The castle dates back to the twelfth century, and it is beautifully preserved, mostly because it has been declared a national monument.
When you first get to Loket, you might find the area somewhat familiar, because it was the location for a number of scenes in Casino Royale, the latest James Bond film. It took the place of the town in Montenegro where the characters in the movie played their poker game. The town does not have much to offer, especially if you’re not into architecture from the Middle Ages, but it does have one amazing castle.
Guys love castles. I know I have loved them ever since I was kid playing around in forts. And I mention that because Loket Castle makes a special effort to cater to that feeling. Admission charge is required, but once you enter the castle gates, you can wander around wherever you want. You can enter the dungeons (where prisoners were once kept), explore the turrets (where one king stashed his daughters) and even experience the royal view from the balconies.
At certain times of the year, the administrators of the castle organize a special dungeon exhibition. They had opened access to about fifteen different rooms and set up a different torture scenario in each one. The idea of a dungeon exhibition might seem a bit gruesome, but there’s also something fun in seeing what happens to a doll when stretched over a rack.
Do not leave the town right away after you are done exploring Loket Castle. If you are hungry and like central European food, then there is a restaurant in the area worth checking out. It’s simply called Restaurace, and it’s directly to the right of the exit to the castle. The staff there will cook you the best goulash you will ever have (served in a bread bowl), and you can wash it down with a Pilsner.
You may not have heard of Loket Castle before now. While it may not be as well-known or popular as some of Europe’s castles, it is not lacking in quality. Sometimes you can get overwhelmed just visiting all of the churches and castles in Europe, but that does not mean that you shouldn’t go. They are an unforgettable part of the history of the land, and if you are in Western Bohemia, Loket Castle is a must-see.
July 13, 2007 No Comments
An inspiration to poets, and a hideout for the rich, Hangzhou is China’s natural gem. From staying in a palatial villa to biking around the gorgeous West Lake, I had a lot of fun in the city. It’s not really the best place for young people to hang out (its serenity is more attractive to an older crowd), but for a limited amount of time, it’s a great escape.
I was actually supposed to be in Shanghai the whole week, exploring the city with about 15 kids I go to school with. But someone told us about Hangzhou’s scenic beauty, and we felt that we had to go. The bus ride there was only about two or three hours, and the trip is actually pretty amazing. There’s a lot of foreign tourism to Shanghai, but the city can overwhelm you with the amount of people, activity, and pollution. On the way to Hangzhou, you pass this phenomenal agricultural landscape while keeping the water to one side the whole time.
While we were there, we stayed in this villa complex that was simply incredible. It is apparently the same complex that President Nixon and his staff stayed at during their famous trip to China in 1972 (his particular villa goes for $70,000/night). The food in Hangzhou is supposed to be fantastic, but I do have one word of warning. If you are a big fan on Chinese food here in the US, you might not like real Chinese food as much because it is surprisingly different.
No matter how long you decide to stay in Hangzhou, there is one thing you absolutely must do: bike around the West Lake. We rode out from the hotel to the West Lake on bikes, and it was surprisingly easy because the terrain in the city is so flat, and our bike salesman acted as an unofficial tour guide. But the best part was when we actually saw the lake itself.
We ended up driving back to Shanghai soon after we got back from the trip to the West Lake. If you are in the Shanghai area, and you want to see one of the most beautiful cities in China, make the trip out there. It will be worth your while.
July 13, 2007 No Comments
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