How to Find a Great Vacation Package

What do most people think of when they imagine a vacation? Basking in warm beach weather or skiing on powdery white slopes? Well, one thing that you may imagine about a vacation is the huge amount of money it will cost right? Wrong! A great vacation package can be found, for thousands more than you might think. And you won't have to give up any of the things you want to do on your vacation. You can have the vacation you want, without emptying out your savings account.

With all the do-it-yourself vacation web sites around, you may think that the best way to get a great deal is to visit one of these sites, and plan the whole trip all on your own. Well, not only is this a great way to add a lot of stress to your life, you'll still not get as good of a deal as if you went with a travel agent. Travel agents spend their days looking for deals to all sorts of vacation spots, and they know all the tricks. And they're not nearly as expensive as most people think.

Remember, though, that not all travel agents are created equal. Some are great and will get you a great deal. Others are not so wonderful. You don't want to get stuck with an incompetent travel agent, or one that's trying to fleece you on purpose. So before you talk to an agent, do a little digging. You'll probably be able to weed out a lot of the competition before you talk to any travel agents.

Ask anyone in the customer service field, and they'll tell you that word of mouth is the best way to get good business. So talk to your friends, family, and co-workers. Talk to anyone you know who's ever used a travel agent. This is a great way to gauge whether the travel agent you're looking at will be able to get you a great vacation package.

Remember, if at any time you don't like the service you're getting from a travel agent, you can walk away. Until you've signed a contract, or given them money, you are under no obligation to use their services. So, if you don't like the plan or treatment you receive, walk away. There are plenty of travel agents in the sea, and plenty of seas to visit.

A travel agent can be your new best friend. They can also ruin what could have been a fantastic vacation. Be sure that you know which one you'll be getting, before you sign on the bottom line.

The Advantages of Florida Vacation Home Rentals

Did you know that Florida is one of the most sought after destinations in the US? Because of this, more and more Florida vacation home rentals are being advertised on newspapers, magazines and of course, on the internet.

Thanks to its year-round sunshine, combined with its 800 miles of ocean front, theme parks such as that of Walt Disney world, SeaWorld, Universal Studios, the demand for Florida vacation home rentals is surely on the rise. Aptly named as the sunshine state, Florida offers more than tropical beauty and modern Miami culture, it also has Southern hospitality which makes any vacation here truly memorable.

If you are planning to visit Florida and you would like to save a little on accommodation, staying at privately owned homes is the way to go. Of course there are other types of accommodation such as hotels, condos, apartments, chalets and cabins but getting Florida vacation home rentals offers greater privacy. Several homeowners in the state put up their homes for rent especially during the tourist season and this is really great because you can avoid the overcrowding and paper thin walls of commercial resorts. Aside from this, most Florida vacation home rentals are offered at tourist rates since you can talk directly with the owner and you no longer have to pay for the extra costs of a middle man. Other costs such as taxes, parking, tips, and telephone surcharges can be avoided.

Most private homes in Florida are built in great locations such as the beach front so you can get a great location without the extra charge! Most Florida vacation home rentals are also spacious and have abundant outdoor space compared to hotels which offers the same prices. This means comfortable accommodation for families and friends who are travelling in bulk! Also, since you are renting a private home, you can cook your food so you save on the markup price of food and drinks plus, you get to eat what you're craving for! Ordering for kids at a restaurant can also be tedious sometimes and with kitchen amenities available in rental homes, this problem is solved!

Looking for Florida vacation home rentals is easy because a lot of them are actually listed on the internet, so much like the yellow pages. Most listing are sorted by owners, and provides information such as the number of rooms, amenities, property description including location and the rates. Of course, the contact details of the owners are provided upon request of those who are interested to rent.

If you are the type who loves to travel a lot but staying away from home makes you homesick, then renting out a vacation home can provide you the comfort you need while you are enjoying your vacation. All necessities are available and depending on your needs, you can also package in housekeeping, laundering and even cooking! Of course these all comes at an extra cost. Nevertheless, Florida vacation home rentals provide you with the change from your regular routine at home.

Going on a Ski Vacation - How to Plan For a Ski Vacation

When it comes to vacations, the big thing now is ski trips. Everyone seems to want to head off to the slopes for a day of flying down a mountain, the wind in your hair, and the powder swishing beneath your skis. If you only have a few days of vacation time, a day trip to a ski resort is a great way to use them. However, to really get the most out of a ski resort, you should really look into a ski vacation package. Because when it comes to a ski resort, skiing is just the tip of the iceberg.

If your planning a ski vacation package, keep in mind that you want something that your whole family can enjoy, no matter what skill level they are at. Many ski resorts require you to have different passes for beginning, intermediate, and advanced slopes. Be sure that your family will have access to the slopes they want to be on. And ask about classes if you're not already skilled. It can be great to learn from a professional, and you'll get the satisfaction of improving your skill.

And don't forget there's lots to do besides just skiing. There's tubing, where you ride giant inner tubes down the ski hill. There is usually also an ice skating rink, which should offer figure skating, and hockey. And don't forget about sledding for the little members of your family. There's lots to do with the snow other than just to slide down it.

If it's getting too cold outside in the snow and ice, there's bound to be plenty of things to do inside. Most ski resorts will have game rooms with ping pong, pool, or darts. These games may seem a little old fashioned, but on a family vacation, sometimes it's nice to get away from the video games. Of course, there might also be an arcade.

Don't forget that many ski vacation packages will also include swimming pool, hot tub, and sauna access. These can be great choices for evening, after you've combed the slopes all day. Few things are nicer than a good soak in a hot tub after working your body out in the cold all day.

Along with many fun activities, most ski resorts offer a variety of foods, sometimes having multiple restaurants right on site. You may be able to have steak one night, and seafood the next. With most ski vacation packages, you should be able to find something to please everyone.

Don't for a moment think that the only thing to do at a ski resort is just ski. As you can see, there are a plethora of other opportunities for fun, and family together time. So don't just comb the slopes for a day. Clear a week in your calendar, and make it a real vacation. Rest assured, it will be one that your family will remember for many years to come. And likely, it will be one they'll want to repeat next year.

Take a Vacation From Life

With everything going on in the world, from politics to the economy, to life's stressors, it is important to take a break from it all. I prefer calling it taking a "vacation from your life". My husband and I and our children are going to Disney World this week, and it could not have come at a more perfect time. Like many others, I am stressed with everything happening around me, and on top of that I have some deadlines for a book I am publishing. I am ready to go escape life for a bit, even if it is just temporary. I of course am saying this now, prior to having two tired, over sugared, and overstimulated little ones. I am not saying that everyone needs to take a literal vacation, but I am saying you need to take a "break" from your normal routines. Sometimes we get so caught up in the news, in the media and the frenzy going on, that we can't function on anything else. We lose sight of the joys and blessings in our lives. If you need to take a "vacation" from your life in order to get refocused and re-energized then absolutely do it. Some people are more prone to taking on negative energy around them, and so it is vital that they remove themselves every now and then. I am one of those people. If people are sad, I feel their sadness. If people are elated, then I feel their joy. I am much better at protecting myself so that I don't carry others' negative energy as my own, but it is constant work. My advice to you this week and the coming weeks, is to do what you can to stay grounded and positive. Take a break every now and then from the news; you won't miss anything that you won't hear again the next newshour. As for me and my family, we are off to the happiest place on earth...at least for one week~

ACTION TIPS FOR THE WEEK:

1. Turn off the TV

How are you benefiting by watching the news all day? The news right now is fairly toxic and depressing. By checking it every so often, you will get the information you need. This is what I mean by taking a "vacation" every now and then. When you are starting to get stressed or overwhelmed, turn off the television and do something more positive and productive. You will feel much better!

2.Do your research

If you are unsure about your financial situation, or how everything is affecting you, do a bit of research. Call your financial advisor. Contact a financial planner. If you do not have a financial planner, I would highly recommend Cathy Schwartz. She is extremely knowledgeable and friendly. Education leads to empowerment. Get your questions answered. If you are still undecided on who to vote for, research both candidates websites as well.

3. Create your own escape

If you can, create your own escape from reality. Create some sacred space in your home, where you can meditate and feel at peace. Fill it with fresh flowers and relaxing music. This will be the area you retreat to when you are feeling overwhelmed and stressed. If possible get out of your home or environment when feeling down. Go for a walk. Go for a relaxing hike. Take the time to clear your head.