Safe Holiday Vacation Tips By: Suresh Nair

Imagine yourself on the beach, in the mountains, sipping hot chocolate or fresh coffee. The sun is up, the birds are singing, and the clouds are far away. It's the vacation we all dream of, but how often does such perfection linger, even at the ideal getaway? There are hurricanes, power outages, domestic disasters, monsters ... well, maybe not monsters, but you have the idea. The perfect vacation is hard to come by, but making a checklist is a good path to take.

First off, where is this secret haven? No matter what season, bad weather is always bound to sneak over those emerald peaks. So, check the weather; it doesn't take long. As the vacation approaches, keep an eye on weekly weather forecasts, just in case that raincoat needs dusting. Always keep an umbrella handy, though. Car trouble and rain never mix well.

That brings us to the second point of concern. When was the last time the car saw a mechanic? Be sure all tune-ups and oil changes are up to date, make sure the windshield wipers work well, and check the tires. Make sure all tires meet the pressure requirements. Blowouts are just as dangerous, if not more so, so don't overfill the tires.

Stock up on cleaning supplies (moist toilettes, etc.) for interior cleanliness, especially if younger family members are tagging along. Hang grocery bags from the glove compartment and/or headrests to keep the floors tidy, and if you don't have a map light, slide a small flashlight into the door pocket. Keep napkins handy should you need to check the engine, and stow a gallon of water and a quart or two of oil in the trunk. An overheated engine is the worst way to start a vacation.

Don't leave yet, though. Make sure everything at the home base is in order and hazard-free. If you have pets, make sure a friend or relative has time to tend to them or check them into a pet hotel the night before traveling to eliminate last minute delays.

Notify the neighbors of your absence. More often than not, they'd be happy to keep an eye out for ill-wishers. If the neighbors cannot or are unwilling to pick up the mail, just have it held at the post office. This not only keeps the mailbox from overflowing, but excess mail, and particularly a pile of daily papers, only serves as a big 'Rob me!' sign at the end of your driveway.

For that 'really not gone' look, purchase an outlet timer for table lamps. This allows you to program lights to turn on and off, giving the impression that someone is still around. However, make sure all other appliances are switched off and unplugged. If you hire a house sitter, make sure to leave a list of emergency contact numbers, including the fire and police department. If a house sitter is not in order, secure and lock all doors and windows, and turn on the alarm system should you have one.

So, you're ready to go, right? Wallet, keys, clothes ... check; but wait! Are you just bringing cash and checks? For most things, this is all you need, but major credit cards are always handy for unforeseen emergencies. This payment option also leaves little room for dispute at the hotel counter. If you do bring cash along, make sure it is clipped neatly inside your wallet or stowed away somewhere secure. If your destination is water related, put the bills in a plastic bag, just in case that water proves irresistible.

Now you're ready. Pack up the kids and hit the road; your vacation awaits you. Soon that hot chocolate and romantic sunset will be a reality.

You didn't leave the stove on, did you?

Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com

How to Take a Holiday in a Recession by Julie Samuel

The newfound strength of the Euro, a hot British summer prediction, and (of course) the recession. These are just some of the reasons we expected to see holidays abroad on the decline this year. Who can justify their usual two-week break in Spain, when it is no longer "cheap" to drink and eat on the back of the powerful pound? What makes it even more unjustifiable is the hot summer Britain has been promised this year. It would make perfect sense to skip the flight altogether and book a local holiday in Britain

Seemingly, there are many advantages to "staying-in" this summer. One can cut out the cost of flights, and make things simple this year by staying within the confines of the UK. It is also somewhat easier to leave your holiday booking to the last minute if you aren't going abroad. This means you can wait for a weekend when you have enough cash to take it easy, and ensure you will still have a job after the summer. No commitment required- a very attractive aspect with a recession threatening to cut your salary at the drop of a hat.
However, there is also something quite revitalizing about going abroad for a summer holiday that just can't be replaced by a local break. Let's face it, no matter how promising the weather predications, the past few weeks have been somewhat grey, and there really is no guarantee of sunshine in England.
Another factor to consider is the effect that summer holidays have on your health. Getting out and about in some real sunshine can do wonders for your well-being. Simply being out of your usual surroundings for a while can boost your mood and reduce stress considerably.
The good news is that you can probably still afford to go abroad this year, and it is definitely an option worth considering when you only get one chance at a real summer holiday.
Something to think about is cutting down on your holiday time. A shorter one-week break abroad may be more beneficial than the two-weeks at home, which can leave you feeling like you never really got away at all. You can still get your annual dose of wine and sunshine and save on costs.
You can find some real holiday bargains this year as well. The recession and accompanying consumer attitude mean that hotel and flights are cheaper than ever. Use the internet to explore some summer holiday options and to book some great hotel deals online.

About the Author
Julie is a freelance writer who lives in the country and enjoys reading, cooking and the great outdoors.

Tips for Planning a Trip Abroad by Pragya Katariya

You may be going on a well deserved vacation with your family or planning a honeymoon trip to an exotic locale. While discovering a new destination may seem exciting, keep in a mind a little bit of preparation can make your getaway all the more special

Here are some travel tips that can minimize any unpleasant circumstances that may arise when you are not familiar with the country you are travelling to
Be familiar with the culture and traditions of your destination
East is East and West is West and never the twain shall meet. Rudyard Kipling's views may not seem entirely true with the world becoming a global village. There are, however, still differences that must be taken into consideration.
It is better to be acquainted with the culture and traditions of the country you are visiting. For example, you may be travelling to Bali, a country equally well-known for its beautiful landscapes and temples as it is for its warm people. However, keep in mind that you must be suitably dressed to enter a temple. If you go wearing shorts, you may not be allowed to enter. Keeping into consideration facts such as this can make all the difference to your visit.
General information about your destination
Weather: This will help you decide what you have to pack for the journey and stay.
Currency: No travel trip is complete without shopping and bringing back souvenirs. So it is important to be familiar with the currency, notes and coins and their denominations.
Cost of local items: This will help you plan your budget and also give you a rough idea of the costs so that you are not taken for a ride when you go for your shopping expedition.
Booking accommodation: Book your accommodation well in advance. This is especially important if you are travelling during the high season and you may find it difficult to get a hotel or guesthouse within your budget.
Dealing with language problems: Be familiar with common words and phrases to make going around easier. Then again, when commuting from one place to another, do write down the destination and your hotel address in the local language, otherwise the taxi drivers may not understand where you want to go.
Paperwork and documents: Know all the documents that are required for travelling to a particular country and ensure all your paperwork is complete so that you don't face hassles once you reach the place.
Practical necessities
Make two copies of your passport. Keep them in separate places, for example, you can leave one copy in your room and keep another with your friend. Should your passport be lost or stolen, you can use the copy to exit the country or use it to facilitate the replacement process.
Email yourself all the important information such as credit card numbers, passport number, your driving license details etc. and anything else that could be of importance if an emergency arises.
Finally, run a final checklist before starting your vacation. You should have the following: Passport, tickets, car rental and hotel reservation receipts/agreements, credit cards, medications or prescriptions, if required, addresses, password and any other important information that you may need. If everything is in order, you are all set for a smooth journey abroad.

About the Author
Pragya Katariya is a content writer and marketing specialist with over 10 years experience covering a wide variety of subjects. . Please visit her website http://www.oceanbluecommunications.com/ for your content writing needs