Gas-Saving Trips for Vacation Season

Given the trending of gas prices toward ever-higher dollar amounts, many people are using more and more of their vacation budget on gas. While no one seems to be able to make gas cheap again, there are still some things you can do to help save on gas this vacation season. Here are some tips.

1. Slow Up, Speed Down
When you are on the road, going slowly up hills and more quickly downhill is said to save fuel. This is because your car has to work much harder going uphill (especially if you are using air conditioning and have luggage and multiple passengers), whereas gravity is your friend going downhill.

And speaking of speed, observing the speed limit and not speeding also saves gas. It's safer, too.

2. Know When to Turn Off the AC
While traveling in the heat without air conditioning can be downright dangerous, there are times when you can turn it off to save fuel. For example, turning off the AC when driving uphill can reduce the power pull on your engine by quite a bit, sources say. Of course, you can leave the fans going and the residual cooling effect lasts for a few minutes. When you're on the level or going downhill, turn the AC back on.

3. Tires
If your tires are worn, get them rotated before your trip or, if they are very worn, get them replaced. Proper air pressure is said to be very important, too - look at the inside of the driver's side door if you are unsure as to your tires' PSI (pounds per square inch). Adding too much or too little air can both be a problem, so if you are in doubt, have your mechanic do it.

4. A Vehicle Check-up
Before your vacation, get your car thoroughly looked over. Make sure everything is running as efficiently as possible. Efficiency in your engine means greater efficiency on fuel usage. Have the oil changed, get a "tune up" if needed, and have all the fluids checked in addition to any necessary work on the tires.

5. Travel Light
As mentioned above, a lot of excess cargo can really draw on the engine's power. It's said that every 100 pounds added to your car's weight will decrease the gas mileage by 1 percent. So try to be careful to use lightweight baggage carriers (such as duffle bags rather than heavy suitcases), and only pack necessities.

6. How You Drive
When you hit the accelerator pedal, that's when your car is using the most gas. So try to avoid the speed up, brake fast pattern that so many drivers fall into. Instead, try to coast at a continual speed. Keep the ride as smooth as possible to save on fuel. 

Three Reasons Why a Teen Should Get a Summer Job

Preparation
To make oneself a reliable part of the work force in the future is among the main reasons why teenagers opt for summer jobs. It is not for the earnings per se but for the experiences that could be useful when faced with the real nature of work during adulthood.

Any form of preparation is indispensable for the development of the person and in making his spine stronger that those who haven’t got prior training.

A summer job such that of restaurant crews should not belittled since the interaction, the basic training on people skills, the discipline incorporated in each dealing and t he sense of responsibility are some good points to start from when trying to make oneself a good employee or even a businessman one day.

Many people agree that those people who have earlier exposure to work are more likely to appreciate better since the supplementation of the work environment apart from that of home and school could be a good start from any standpoint.

It is also better to encourage teens to get summer jobs since they will learn to fend for themselves even for a couple of weeks and to be as self-supporting as they could be with the little earnings they get.

Teens working for summer jobs will also get the chance to learn from people much older and more experienced than they are. Sometimes the lessons they get from home and school are not enough to help them understand the world they are in and the various issues facing them. As we all know, the teenage years are the lost years of one's life. This is where searching and panic occurs. The work environment will help widen their mind in the realities of the world and this would largely contribute to their own development.

Earnings
Compensation from summer jobs is understandably lower than that of the professional works. But even with relatively lower earnings, teens holding one, two and in rare cases three summer jobs at a time are likely to earn money  that would help them sail through the summer vacation and beyond. But with additional perseverance, it is not far from the truth that they might even help their parents send them to college even without the real need for them to financially assist their parents.

Why should a teenage high school graduate bother himself over earning for college when his parents could support his studies? Well there are practically plenty of reasons we could give you for that. Some were already mentioned earlier. But it is worth repeating that discipline, perseverance, patience and preparation are among the top rated reasons why you, as a teen, should find a summer job.

All the above reasons are helpful in ways that you might not realize for now. Just the preparation for job application and interview could prove their worth when you are already applying for "real" jobs. Giving you experiences are more than enough reasons why you should land yourself a summer job.

Wider options
Since years from now, when you are no longer a first timer for preparing resumes and job interviews, you will be applying for more specific jobs that cater both your interests and the field that you can bets work into. You have more definite vision of what you want and what you don’t want in a job.

How to Plan the Best Summer Vacation

Are you wondering how you can be sure you're planning the best summer vacation? Are you not sure how to go about planning for your vacation this summer? Depending on your circumstances and experience, planning a vacation can seem daunting. And a poorly-planned trip can be more of a headache than a relaxing vacation. Here are some tips to help you plan and get the most out of your summer vacation this year.

1. Flexibility
It may seem contradictory, but part of good planning is being flexible. If you expect every detail of your plan to play out exactly as it is on paper, you're likely to end up frustrated. Some things are just not in your control. For instance, heavy traffic, flight delays, and weather can all affect your travel time. So it's a good idea to allow some extra time for these unpredictable things, and to have a back-up plan (more on that below).

Flexibility also allows for sight-seeing and other diversions. Unplanned stops can make for great memories and experiences.

2. Back-up Plans
It's not a bad idea to have a back-up plan in case of unforeseen events. For instance, even if you leave early and allow time for a traffic jam, circumstances could come together in such a way that you have to spend the night somewhere before reaching your destination. Before leaving, scope out hotels that are along your route, and bring their information with you.

3. Food
It can cost valuable time if you have to hunt down a restaurant for every meal on travel day. Like the hotels, look ahead to find out where restaurants are located en route. Plan your travel time so that restaurant stops will hit close to meal times.

Also on the topic of food - it's a good idea to bring snacks, drinks, and non-perishables (like granola bars and tuna packets). This gives you an option if you run out of time and can't stop for a meal, or it prevents having to find a place to pull off and buy a snack.

4. Pack Light, but be Prepared
It can be a little tricky to be prepared while still keeping your packing light. The key is knowing what to be prepared for. For instance, you can't be prepared for absolutely everything (or else you'll end up taking the entire contents of your home along with you!); but you can prepare for some basic things. For instance, prepare for various weather events by packing outfits that can be layered (you can add or remove layers according to the weather). This saves space by not packing different outfits for each possible weather scenario, but it still keeps you covered.

A basic first-aid kit is also a good use of your packing space. It doesn't have to be big, but it can make all the difference.

Make Sure Your Home is Safe While You're Away

It would be nice to have someone guard your house while you're away. But for most of us, we leave our house vacant when we go on vacation. Keeping your home safe is important during vacation season. Here are some tips.

1. Get a House-Sitter
This is probably the closest thing to a "home guard" that you can get! If it's in your budget, consider hiring a house-sitter. This person can take care of any pets in your home, and bring in mail and newspapers. A house-sitter can stay in your home the whole time you're gone, or just stop by once or twice a day. He or she can turn lights on and off, and turn television and radios on and off at random times.

2. Lawn
Your lawn says a lot about whether you are home or not. If it's overgrown, it signals vacancy. If possible, hire people to mow your lawn in your absence. Also, overgrown trees and shrubs can obscure windows and doors, creating hiding spaces for burglars. Before leaving on vacation, trim vegetation back and, if you're going to be gone for a while, hire someone to trim you shrubs and trees, too.

If you have children, sources recommend leaving a few toys out on the lawn. It looks like the kids are coming back out any minute! If you have a house-sitter, he or she can rearrange these toys each day, too.

3. Mail and Newspapers
Even if you don't have a full-fledged house-sitter, ask a neighbor to bring in mail and newspapers. Otherwise, call the post office and newspaper to let them know the dates you'll be gone and ask them to stop delivery during that time.

4. Your Car
An unmoving car parked in your driveway for days and days can be a "no one's home" signal to thieves. See if a friend or neighbor can move your car now and then, or even park his or her car in your driveway every so often. It looks like activity is going on, and that's the important message to convey.

5. Lighting
Motion-sensing outside lights are a good idea. Make sure they are in good working order, and that any other outdoor lighting is up and running as it should be. Indoor lighting should be in good working order, too. Consider lamp timers so that lights can go on and off at seemingly random times.

6. Timers
Timers can be used for more than just lighting. You can attach them to any electrical device, such as a TV or radio. This means the radio or television will come on and go off at various times as if someone were home.

7. Valuables
Don't leave valuables in plain view. Computers, TVs, and electronics that can be clearly seen through your windows need to be hidden (or use curtains/shades on your windows). Jewelry, cash, or anything else valuable can be placed in a safe deposit box at your bank, or you can give your valuables to a trusted family member while you're gone. 

Ideas for Vacation Destinations

Not sure where to go this summer? Sometimes, it's good to think outside the box and try something different. Here are some tips and ideas on vacation destinations.

1. Lakeside Cottage
There are lakeside cottages to be found all over North America. These cottages offer more than just scenery; many such destinations might be near historic sites, or even near shopping centers (some lakeside cottages feel remarkably remote even though they are close to the city). Lakeside cottages may also offer water fun, like water skiing, canoeing, and/or fishing. Hiking and nature exploration are another activity that is often part of a lakeside cottage stay.

2. Rent an RV
There are so many places you can go in an RV. You can make it a simple camping trip, or do something more elaborate. Here are some ideas for vacationing in an RV:

-Park your RV in a forest or wilderness park and camp. You can hike during the day if you like and just use the RV as a home base.

-Drive somewhere new every day, staying overnight in RV parks. This may be a good compromise for those who like to be on the go and those who like to stay put - you will be in a different place every night, but in the same "rooms."

-Choose a destination such as Disney World/Land and park your RV in a park nearby. Then you can spend the day at the theme park and come "home" at night.

-Sight-seeing can be really fun in an RV. You can take a tour to see landmarks, historic sites, "world's biggest" this or that, etc. You could also do a theme park vacation, visiting various amusement and theme parks. You won't have to worry about hotel expenses, but you will need to plan ahead to make sure there's a place to park your RV.

3. Horseback Riding
Have you thought about taking a horseback riding vacation? It could involve riding on trails and camping outside, or it might just be a daytime event. You can put together an interesting vacation around horseback riding, such as staying on a ranch and riding somewhere different each day.

4. Summer Skiing
Yes, you read that right. Head for the mountains for some snowy relief from the summer heat. There are destinations in the Alps, Argentina (the Andes), and other places. Taking the family skiing in the summer could be just the thing to beat the heat.

Money-Saving Tips for Summer Travel

Looking for ways to save money during your travel this summer? In today's economy, many people are looking to save wherever they can. The vacation budget might need to be tightened this year. If you are looking to save money on travel this summer, read on for some tips.

1. "Off" Times
Of course, traveling to destinations during the "off" season - such as going to the beach in September - can save a bundle. But there are other "off" times that you may not have thought of. For instance, avoiding travel during holiday weekends and planning your trip during a less popular time may save you quite a bit of money. Airfare and hotel costs tend to rise notably during holiday weekends.

Consider ditching the weekend idea altogether and plan a weekday trip instead. You are likely to find much cheaper hotel rates and airfare during the week.

2. Don't Procrastinate
Planning ahead can make the difference between a very expensive venture and a much cheaper one. While it's true that you can sometimes find great last-minute deals on airfare and such, chances are you'll pay a lot more if you have to buy a ticket or book a room right away. If you plan ahead, you can refuse a deal that is too expensive...and you might find that the price will come down since you're not desperate.

3. Out-of-the-Way Places
Avoiding tourist traps can help you save money on vacation. At tourist-intensive destinations, costs may be far higher as merchants raise prices on goods and services. You might be surprised to find how inexpensive a bed and breakfast is, for example, or a coastal cottage at a lesser-known beach.

4. Make and Bring Your Own Food
It's understandable that one of the fun parts about a vacation is not having to cook. However, eating out costs a lot of money. A good, money-saving compromise is to bring your own food for the car trip, and make some of your own meals on site and go out for others. Making up a grocery list ahead is helpful; that way you're not going to the store and buying on impulse. If you  make a grocery list according to the meals you'll be cooking, that will help save money and allow you to plan how much you'll be spending on eating out. On a week's vacation, for instance, you might go out for dinner 3 nights, out for lunch 3 times, and out for breakfast on the day you depart.

5. Package Deals
Looking for a deal where you can have everything paid for in one price bundle may save you a bundle! Some of these packages even include shuttle service from the airport to the place where you're staying. An all-inclusive vacation may include meals, drinks, and even some activities. Do a little research and see if a package deal might work best for you. 

Pet Care Tips for Travelers

Pets can sometimes make travel difficult, or at least challenging. Do you leave them at home and have someone come in and take care of them? Or do you board them at a kennel? Should you take them with you? It can be quite a dilemma. Here are some pet care tips for travelers that may help you decide what's best for your pet.

1. Leaving Your Pet at Home
Some experts point out that this is often the least traumatic way of leaving your pet when you go on vacation. While your pet's routine will be somewhat different, it won't be the huge change that boarding would be. If you go this route, see if you can hire a neighbor, friend, or family member that your pet is familiar with. If your pet has not interacted with the caretaker before, take some time before your vacation to let your new caretaker get to know your pet(s). Then take your caretaker through the routine. Writing it down to help them remember all the steps is important, but do take them through the routine in person at least once.

There are some cons to leaving your pet in your home. For example, some people are uncertain about having another person in their home when they are gone. Also, if there's an emergency or problem, a pet staying in your home may not be discovered right away, and would have to be transported to the vet.

2. Boarding
Boarding's biggest asset is probably the availability of vet care. At a professional boarding kennel, your pet will have access to veterinary care close by if necessary. You can also schedule a bath or flea treatment while you're gone, so your pet is clean and ready to go when you pick him/her up.

Some of the cons to boarding are the expense and the possible trauma to your pet. If your pet gets anxious easily or is very attached to you and your routine, then boarding can be anxiety-producing for your pet.

3. Taking Your Pet With You
If you decide to take your pet with you and you are sure that all destinations (hotels, your final vacation spot, etc.) accept pets, then you will have a different type of preparation to do. For one thing, getting your pet groomed very well before travel is a good idea. He or she will be more comfortable for travel that way (especially if the grooming involves clipping to keep him/her cooler), and your pet will be less likely to leave hair in the car and where you're staying.

If your pet is coming with you, he/she will need a carrier of sorts. A travel crate or carrier is ideal, and keeps your pet safer that if he/she is bouncing around loose in the car. Also, some hotels require or prefer that your animal is crated or in a carrier.

Hopefully, these tips will help you decide what will work best for your pet as you travel this summer.

Packing Tips for Summer Travel

One of the potential summer vacation headaches is packing. If it's a family vacation, trying to coordinate everyone's luggage can be challenging, and it's often hard to find things you need on the road and once you get to your destination.

To help make packing a little easier, here are some tips that may help.

1. Categorize Items
Some sources recommend divvying up everyone's luggage into categories. Each person can have his or her category, and within those categories there can be sub-categories. Then there can be a category for shared items. For example, your teen's list might include toiletries, entertainment (such as an iPod), casual clothes, dress clothes, night clothes, shoes. Dad's list might look a little different, and might include dress clothes, casual clothes, night clothes, maps and/or GPS, books, and toiletries. For combined items, choose one big duffle bag or suitcase in which you can put your common things.

2. Lists for Frequent Travelers
If you travel often, having a stand-by list can make a big difference. Consider making a list of items you will always take with you, no matter what the nature of the vacation is.

Also for frequent travelers it helps to have specific travel items set aside for travel only. Consider a toiletry case with travel-sized items that includes everything, so you can just grab that case and know you're covered. The same would go for first aid and other medical supplies.

3. Roll, Don't Fold
An interesting thing happens when you tightly roll clothes instead of folding them. If you smooth the garments while you roll them tightly, they are not nearly as prone to wrinkling. You may also find that you can fit a lot more clothing into your luggage this way.

4. Little Things
It's so easy to forget the little things. Here are some suggestions for little items that are easily forgotten, but which can make or break a vacation.

-Camera
-Antibiotic ointment
-Band-Aids
-All prescription medications (also, make sure you have enough to carry you through your vacation, and find out if/where you can refill at your destination)
-Sunglasses
-Insect repellent
-After-bite treatment (such as Cortisone ointment)
-Feminine products

5. What Is Available at Your Destination?
Before you start packing, find out and consider what will be provided at your destination. There may be soap, toothpaste, and towels, for instance. There may also be shampoo and conditioner. It can save a lot of space if you don't pack what you don't need!

Staying Safe on Summer Vacation

Summer vacations are meant to be fun, but it's important that everyone stays safe, too. There are certainly potential hazards to consider: excessive heat, sunburn, insect bites and stings, safe driving, and so forth. Here are some tips for staying safe on vacation this summer.

1. Watch Your Baggage
Whether it's a purse or wallet, suitcase or duffle bag, keep an eye on your belongings. People have been known to have their purses or wallets stolen while they exit their plane, wait for a bus, or simply go sight-seeing and shopping.

To help offset the possibility of being robbed, here are some tips.

-Use a fanny pack rather than a purse, or even better, carry your money under your clothes in a special money belt.

-Traveler's checks are still considered a safer alternative to cash.

-Don't carry everything in one place. Have your cell phone, passport, wallet, cash, etc. stashed in different places on your person. Your phone is crucial, because if your wallet gets stolen, you will need to cancel your credit cards immediately.

-Don't check on your purse or wallet in public areas. Thieves look for people who pat their clothes and pockets to see if their wallets are there, and then the thief knows where you've stashed your wallet. You just showed him/her with your hands! Instead, find a private area such as a restroom to do a possessions-check.

2. Sleep Well
Did you know that falling asleep at the wheel is a significant problem and a major cause of fatal accidents? Before you set off on your vacation, if you're driving, be sure to get a good night's sleep. If you can't get a good night's sleep for whatever reason, then make sure you pull off the road at the first sign of drowsiness and take a nap. It also helps if you have another driver with you who can take over if you get too sleepy.

Chewing gum, sipping coffee, or eating dark chocolate can sometimes help keep you feeling alert while driving. But none of those tricks is a substitute for a full night of rest.

3. Sunburn
Nothing ruins a vacation like getting a bad sunburn. Not only do you feel terrible for days; it's a very unhealthy thing to have happen. Make sure you don't get too lax about putting on sunscreen. It's easy to forget in the excitement of arrival at your destination, but it's important. Pack the sunscreen on top of the topmost duffle bag, so you can get at it right away before you hit the sunny shores!

4. First Aid
It's a good idea to travel with a first aid kit. This kit should also include after-bite and after-sting lotion or ointment, such as cortisone cream or calamine lotion.

5. Insect Repellent
Another vacation-ruiner is bugs. Take appropriate repellent and long-sleeved shirts and pants for evening outings, when bugs like mosquitoes are at their peak. 

Traveling with Kids - Survival Tips

Some parents may dread the car drive with their kids during vacation this summer. It's true that long car drives can wear on parents' nerves and make for some antsy kids! However, a little preparation can help. Here are some survival tips for traveling with kids this summer.

1. Car Toys
Instead of allowing your children to bring along their favorite toy from home (although that's fine, too), try having a few toys that are "car only." Those toys are only brought out when your kids are in the car, so even if you travel frequently, there are still "new" toys for the trip.

2. What Kinds of Toys?
It's true that not just any toy will work well in the car! Games with lots of tiny pieces, for instance, are probably not a great idea. But there are some toys that are more conducive to car travel. Here are some suggestions.

-Dry-erase boards
These don't have to be just a plain board. There are activity kits available that come with a dry-erase board and various transparencies and other fun things you can do with the dry-erase markers.

-Etch-a-Sketch
It's not for everyone, but this classic toy can provide lots of entertainment for some kids. And it's mess-free!

-Activity Boards and Games
For toddlers and some preschoolers, these activity boards can save the say. They are the type of boards that are interactive, and some have sounds and lights and other features. They range from pushing buttons to hear animal sounds to spinning blocks to create an adventure. Keep a few specials ones of these for trips with your young child.

-Magnets
Magnet sets and magnetic games are great for the car; the magnetism keeps the pieces from falling all over the vehicle. There are also books available with magnetic characters and boards to go with them.

3. DVD Player
Okay, maybe this sounds too easy. But many parents swear by their portable DVD players for long car trips. If you are not the kind of parent who really approves of a lot of screen time, remember it's only for one day in the car. Choose DVDs from the library beforehand if you need something new to watch.

4. Coin Challenge
One idea that some parents have employed with success - especially if there is bickering or other undesirable behavior going on - is to give each child a roll of quarters (or whatever coin you're comfortable with). Each time they make noise, start a fight, or are engaging in behavior that is unacceptable, they have to give you (the parent) one of their coins. Whatever coins are left can be spending money at your destination. 

Tips on Vacationing with Your Pet

So you want to take your pet on vacation with you! It can be a lot of fun, but especially if you plan a bit. Here are some tips for successful vacationing with your pet.

1. Be Prepared
It may be tempting to think you'll just buy everything for your pet when you get to your destination, but that plan (or lack of a plan) might not work out. It's probably not a good idea to "chance it" when it comes to pet supplies. So bringing along items to meet your pet's needs is a big help. Here are some ideas as to what to bring.

-Leash
-Food and water bowls (collapsible ones can save space)
-Pet food
-Brush and comb
-Medications (if applicable)
-Towels and sheets to cover car upholstery and furniture
-Treats

2. Be Considerate
If you're bringing your pet along, whether you're staying in a rental home, condo, hotel, or elsewhere, make sure your pet has adequate housing. A crate for your dog, a cage for your rabbit, a carrier for your cat, etc. are important for minimizing mess and maximizing enjoyment and preservation of the property on which you're staying. Of course, your animal does not have to be confined all the time (that wouldn't be healthy anyway!), but it's a good idea to confine your animal when you are not around to check its behavior. Dogs and cats can destroy furniture, and other pets can be messy and/or destructive as well.

3. Destination
As you consider where to go and what kind of place to stay on your vacation, consider your pet. Obviously, the place you're staying must accept pets; but there are some other characteristics you might want to look for in your destination. Here are some thoughts.

-High-rise condominiums may not be a good choice if you are bringing along a dog that needs to be walked regularly. Consider easy outdoor access and ground-level facilities if you're bringing a dog along.

-For pets like cats, you may want to go the opposite way and choose a facility that is a little harder to "break out of." If you want your cat to stay in, a house or hotel where he/she could slip out into the woods as soon as the door is cracked may not be the best idea.

4. Activities
If you are going to the trouble to bring your pet on vacation, there seems to be little point in leaving him alone all day while you go out and enjoy your vacation. As you plan your activities, try to choose outings that can include your pet. Alternatively, you might want to leave your pet with a pet daycare service so she can have a vacation, too.