Photo Credit: TripAdvisor.com; The Bellagio

Photo Credit: TripAdvisor.com; The Pantheon

During a time of continued economic turmoil and with personal budgets being reduced a few luxury items such as vacations might be reduced or even eliminated. There are attractions and things people can do on their travels for free to help supplement the vacation experience.

Across the country there are free attractions available to not only make travel more cost effective, but by providing unique opportunities that travelers might not normally think of. From Seattle to Las Vegas and from Chicago to New York City, there are opportunities to help extend a vacation budget.

Karla Slate takes advantage of taking her nieces to Seattle, Washington often and purposely engages them in free activities. On her last trip, Slate embarked upon Pike Place Market. “The Market is great because it is free to enter and enjoy the sights, smells and random entertainment from fish throwing to street performers throughout the market. And best of all, we get to visit vendor booths and talk to crafters that make their own wares,” Slate explains. “It is fun for the kids to watch them in action sewing or weaving. The only cost is buying souvenirs and parking, if you can’t find free street parking (which is rare).”

A free Seattle adventure for Slate and her nieces also included a visit to what is known to locals as the Ballard Locks (official name is the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks) and to the Freemont Troll, which lives under Seattle’s Aurora Bridge. “It is a gigantic cement sculpture of a troll (about 18 ft. tall) that has a Volkswagen Beetle in his left hand,” according to Slate. “The kids can climb on it for a photo opportunity, or sometimes they just like to wave as we drive by.”

For Slate, these free Seattle-based attractions were a great way for her to “save money and be able to have more to spend on souvenirs and dining out. With the economy the way it is, I will still do these things with my nieces by likely packing a lunch or scouting out a cheap dining option to pair with it, so we can save a little more,” she adds.

Zoos often top the top travel favorite list for many when traveling. Deb Howes from Dubuque, Iowa says her family visited the Henry Vilas Zoo in Madison, Wisconsin. “This is a great zoo and offers free admission. We spent at least a half day here. There is a remodeled children’s zoo, a park next to it and a public beach across the street on the lake.”

Another famous U.S. attraction that extends free and unique opportunities is the breathtaking National Park system. But, beyond the vistas and Old Faithful, Barbara Heller from Afton, New York, discovered an enriching experience during her six month road trip.

Photo Credit: www.nps.gov

“The best free attractions are at National Parks…Yosemite especially. With the usual free guided hikes with park rangers to a free-two hour morning photography class led by a photographer from the Ansel Adams gallery, we so enjoyed free art classes at the art association there,” Heller says.

Yet, even big cities have bargain travel attractions. Anna Fader, from New York and editor of MommyPoppins.com, says “People have this perception that NYC has to be really expensive, but it’s really not true. New York has amazing opportunities that are completely free, like taking world-class art classes at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. You couldn’t pay any amount of money in another town to be able to do all the amazing things you can do for free in NYC. The only trick is to know about them.”

One New York City resident, Lisa Hanock-Jasie, says her family and friends always visit attractions (be they historic, cultural, or entertaining) on ”free admission” days/evenings. ”In these challenging times the total admission for an entire family is often cost-prohibitive,” she adds.

Some NYC freebies Hanock-Jasie advocates for frugal travelers with children include:

• Bronx Zoo – Free Wednesdays (normally $15)
• Museum of Modern Art – Free Fridays 4:00pm-8:00pm (normally $20)
• Brooklyn Children’s Museum – Free Saturdays to families 10:00-11:00am (normally $7.50)

With some advance planning and preparation, traveling to top U.S. destinations such as New York can be enhanced with free attractions.

Hilary, editor of Less Than a Shoestring who resides in Berlin, Germany, says “I will be traveling to NYC over New Year’s and will visit the major museums for free, simply by planning my visits for when they have their free days. Armed with a solid guidebook and the Internet, there is no reason why travelers shouldn’t be able to take advantage of similar offers in their destinations of choice.”

New York is not the only city to offer free admission to its awe-inspiring museums. Zachary Morrison, Chicago, Illinois, says “With some of the most influential pieces known to the art community, many of Chicago’s museums have free days…you just need to know where to look.”

For example, Morrison points out that The Art Institute of Chicago, renowned for its extensive collection of Impressionist and American art, is free on Thursdays from 5:00pm to 8:00pm. Additionally, the Museum of Contemporary Art is free all day on Tuesdays.

To help travelers plan out a budget-friendly trip, TripAdvisor®, has announced the top 10 free attractions in the U.S. and Europe, according to traveler popularity and TripAdvisor editors.

Top 10 Free U.S. Attractions

1. Bellagio Fountains, Las Vegas, Nevada
2. Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia
3. Waimea Canyon, Waimea, Hawaii
4. Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, California
5. Angel’s Landing, Zion National Park, Utah
6. U.S.S. Arizona Memorial, Honolulu, Hawaii
7. Pacific Coast Highway, Route 1, California
8. United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, Washington, D.C.
9. Freedom Trail, Boston, Massachusetts
10. Central Park, New York, New York

Top 10 Free European Attractions

1. Pantheon, Rome, Italy
2. National Gallery, London, England
3. Museum of the Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham, England
4. Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris, France
5. St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral, Brussels, Belgium
6. Duomo – Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Florence, Italy
7. Retiro Park, Madrid, Spain
8. Westminster Abbey, London, England
9. St. Mark’s Basilica, Venice, Italy
10. Giant’s Causeway, Bushmills, Northern Ireland

What is your favorite FREE travel attraction? Do you plan on experiencing more free attractions in 2009 due to the economy?

Frugal Travel Destinations: Free Attractions Exist to Help Vacation Budgets was created by and is property of American Consumer News.

Beyond the traditional portable DVD, digital camera, camcorder, iPhone, Smartphone, or Blackberry, a few other electronic gift ideas for adult and children alike top this year’s travel gift list. First for trips via car there is the ever popular GPS unit. A Garmin Nuvi 255W unit was an early gift our family received in preparation of our pre-holiday tropical escape to the Florida Keys. Not to disappoint, the Garmin device allowed us to eliminate the numerous pieces of paper printed from Mapquest or trying to manage a map that is bigger than the front seat itself. A GPS is sure to delight men and women as the men will love to try out the unique features and functions (be careful while driving) and for women it will eliminate the “just stop and ask for directions” conversation.

Making pieces work together is another trend that arrives in time for holiday travel. The new Philips DCP Docking Portable DVD Player DCP951 allows the viewing of DVDs, photos and iPod videos while traveling to be easier – and bigger. The player unleashes videos from an iPod’s small screen into a brilliant, widescreen display with the retractable iPod adapter. This product also features a memory card reader which can display digital photos captured during vacation travels.

Keeping kids entertained during vacation travels can be the challenge, but these days there is no shortage of products that cater to youth of all ages and reduce the number of times parents will hear, “are we there yet?” questions. An mp3 player solves the struggle of who controls the radio dial. Catering to kids’ brand or color preferences, there is a Hello Kitty mp3 player, which has changing faceplates, created by Sakar, and comes with heart shaped ear buds. The easy to use technology allows users to convert CD’s into mp3 format and it stores up to 64 hours of music. Available at ToysRUs.

One product that is dominating kids’ wish lists this year is the continuing popular Nintendo DS. It is hard to go almost anywhere without seeing little hands moving fast and being entertained. To accompany the Nintendo DS, Ubisoft makes the Imagine series, the first ever brand of games dedicated to girls where they can play as a fashion designer, rock star, movie star, teacher and more. These games are designed to allow girls to be creative, as each has been uniquely designed to specialize in the hobbies and likes of girls ages 6-14. One game, My Secret World by Imagine, allows young girls to express themselves in a fully customizable diary. They’ll learn more about their own personality with dozens of fun quizzes. They can socialize with friends via Nintendo Wi-Fi connection, trade customization items, share secrets and play mini-games together.

Another girl-focused game is the Imagine Wedding Designer. As a young wedding designer, players create the perfect wedding that satisfies the bride’s taste and meets her expectations. Manage the weddings of six different brides, each with their own personality and specific tastes. Players can design the wedding invitation, choose the dress, veil, bouquet, the bride’s hair and makeup, the location of the ceremony, the music and more.

One tween, Morgan who is 12, loves the variety of games available to accompany her Nintendo DS. She said she likes how it’s hand held, easy to take along, that no computer is required, tons of games, and that there are ones designed specifically for girls.

“Secret World is cool, because you have to use a password and it has a sentence to complete if you forget, but don’t tell anyone. It is a little journal and you can write secrets without your parents getting in,” Morgan explains. “My grandmother gave me a diary which my parents can see so I write goofy things and I use Secret World for my real secrets.”

For younger kids, you can not go wrong with ensuring a LeapFrog product is under the tree. The original Leapster, new Leapster2, new Didj, and its portable reading system titled Tag Reading System are all great choices that entertain kids while simultaneously provide educational value and are compact and easy to pack. Our toddler is the proud owner of the Leapster and we were amazed how quickly she grasped using the “pen” and different buttons to play the various games. Nemo has been her favorite and this year the Cars game will be arriving from her uncle. She is also receiving the Tag from her uncle Santa and as parents we are excited to see her bring words to life as she is quite the story teller already.

One mom, Kim Woldofsky of Momformation, says “The Tag is great! It’s wonderful to travel with as it’s fun and educational and there are almost no parts to keep track of.”

LeapFrog’s new Didj is for the next age group of gamers after toddlers and has many unique interactive features allowing for parent monitoring and the ability to score prizes to customize their personal games.

What cool travel gadget is on your holiday wish list?

Travel Gift Ideas: Electronic Products Travel Well for Adults and Kids was created by and is property of American Consumer News.

Photo Credit: SedonaMagoRetreat.org

When selecting travel destinations, many factors go into a traveler’s decision-making criteria. Is it a destination that has been on a wish list? Is it an activity offered at a location? Is there a lifestyle reason driving a certain type of vacation?

According to SpaFinder’s 2008 State of Spa Travel survey an increased interest in travelers seeking wellness/health elements at spas exists. Health and wellness is now one of the most critical considerations for today’s spa traveler, with 90 percent of travel agents reporting that health/wellness is either ‘very’ or ‘somewhat’ important to their vacationing clients.

“Spa travel is increasingly a fundamental part of the health and wellness regime for many Americans, young and old,” said Susie Ellis, president of SpaFinder.

Photo Credit: SedonaMagoRetreat.org

One destination and travel experience a traveler might consider when planning their next vacation or personal wellness escape is the Sedona Mago Retreat Center in Arizona. The Mago Retreat Center is more than “treatments” as it is known for its wellness and self-improvement programs.

First, the location can not be ignored as the breath taking red rocks are some of the most splendid natural beauty in the United States one can witness and experience. Just being in this location esults in a sense of relaxation and desire to tackle the outdoors. Sedona is an ideal location for travelers’ experiences in learning, meditation and healing.

In fact, one of the attractions to this geographic area is Sedona’s heritage coupled with the Navajo, Apache, and Yavapai Native American tribes when they roamed its landscape.

“Sedona Mago Retreat is a place where you can experience spiritual values of growing your soul for total health and well-being, discovering universal principles for a meaningful life, and showing respect for our sacred home the Earth. Mago means Mother Earth in ancient Asian cultures,” Larry Rosenberg, communication director for Mago Garden Retreat Center says.

To compliment the vacation experience, be sure to participate in one of the many program offerings including the Tao Wellness Retreat, a one-day, customized program designed to rejuvenate one’s mind, body and soul. Through a private one-on-one consultation, health guide and exercise classes, your body and mind can become totally rejuvenated. A few program benefits include a morning and evening yoga class, a spa and rock sauna, starlight meditation in outdoor Jacuzzi and more. All of this for $300, inclusive of accommodations.

Photo Credit: SedonaMagoRetreat.org

For those who are more adventurous or looking for a physical transformation, Dahn Mu Do, which is based on Korean martial arts practices, may be ideal. While very intense and physically demanding, it is also very gentle and healing for the body. According to the Sedona Mago Retreat Center founder Ilchi Lee, “everyone should master some sort of physical discipline in order to master the brain. Through overcoming the limits of your body, you overcome the limits of your mind, as well.” Depending on skill level, two courses are offered starting at $5,500 (which includes accommodations).

Another unique and beneficial retreat program is its Successful Aging Seminar which focuses on brain fitness. Based on the five-step Brain Education method and the latest findings in neuroscience, the course will show its participants simple and practical exercises to get the most out of life by using the brain to its maximum potential. This course is the perfect long-weekend escape.  Upcoming 2008 program offerings include: November 21-23; and December 19-21. A two-night session is $490 and an accommodation fee of $124 (+$35 per day for meals).

Regardless of program a traveler selects, there are other wellness activities offered too. For people who experience excessive stress and tension, or have a lot of accumulated physical/mental fatigue, there are physical relaxation, stress relief healing and energy balancing healing sessions (price ranges from $90–$250 for 30 to 80 minute sessions).

Photo Credit: SedonaMagoRetreat.org

Horseback riding is a popular excursion for many vacationers. How about horseback meditation? Partaking in this activity at the Mago Retreat Center is not just riding a horse versus it allows a rider to experience wild nature and vortex energy on horseback. This activity brings together a healing horse, energy and health. Offered at $100/hr.

There is nothing ordinary about the Mago Retreat Center’s programs or activities. Other activities include a Vortex tour, Organic Garden tour, daily exercise classes, a Ki Meditation Tour and more. Its yoga that is taught is Dahn Yoga, the only form of yoga that focuses on improving brain health thereby reducing stress, increasing cognitive ability, and other benefits. Not only do the programs, environment and activities call to a healthier well-being, but the cuisine is health conscious and organic vegetarian meals.

“Mago is a nonprofit foundation committed to advancing values that harmonize humanity and the Earth, and develop greater physical health, emotional well-being, and spiritual connection,” Rosenberg explains.

Luxury does exist in wellness. Travelers can choose from a standard casita (starts at $136/night with taxes and fees included) to one of four luxury suites in its Heaven Rock House ($414/night with taxes and fees included) which features its own living room, Jacuzzi bath, kitchen, washer-dryer, cable television, wireless Internet access and more. With over 120 modern guest rooms, most of which can sleep two comfortably, the Sedona Mago Retreat Center can accommodate over 200 guests.

For more information, or to make reservations, call toll free 1-800-875-2256. To learn more, visit: www.sedonamagoretreat.org.

Traveling to this wellness center in Sedona is more than a trip…it is a life changing experience. So, in essence, the Sedona Mago Retreat Center is a vacation souvenir that travelers will keep reaping the benefits from upon their return home.

Health & Wellness Travel: Sedona Mago Retreat Center was created by and is property of American Consumer News.

Photo Credit: TremblantLiving.com

A luxury getaway in a Mont Tremblant condo or chalet can set the tone for year round family fun and relaxation without sacrifice.  Located outside of Montreal, Quebec, this resort area hosts a variety of outdoor activities ranging from snow skiing to golf.

Surrounding a pedestrian village of the resort area are several condo, chalet and cottage choices for vacationers to explore.  Mont Tremblant accommodations are available to house from 10-20 people in a variety of lavishly appointed residences.

Mont Tremblant accommodations are impressive and if the outside attractions were not so appealing, a traveler could have an amazing vacation just by staying inside.  These expansive rentals feature a multitude of bedroom and bath combinations.  The smallest option offers 3 bedrooms and 4 baths feature a billiards table with a hot tub.  The largest chalet is 8 bedrooms and includes a children’s playroom with ski-in/out options in the winter.  The ski in/out option is a must when maximizing time on the slopes. Not to mention the convenience and ability to snow shoeing or cross country skiing from the chalet door.

Photo Credit: TremblantLiving.com

Many other amenities include heated pools, saunas and home theaters as well as access to the beach and lake.  All feature a washer/dryer, fine linens, beautiful furniture and dishes to enhance the luxury experience. 

Activities abound year-round in the Mont Tremblant resort area with the title “Best snow skiing in eastern North America” 12 years running (Ski Magazine).  Sledding, snowmobiling and ice climbing are options for those seeking alternatives to down skiing.  Warmer weather activities include golf at one of the four championship courses, hiking, biking and sailing on the lake.  The excursions offer something for everyone at all physical levels not forgetting the ever relaxing afternoon nap on the porch or in front of the fireplace.

Food and night life offerings are many to visitors while in the resort area.  The pedestrian village houses several restaurants varying from French to Italian even a 5-star fine French offering for those with a more exquisite palate.  High energy dancing at many of the local bars on the resort runs from happy hour to the wee hours of the night offering an alternative to the adult crowds.  Catering and concierge services with in-home chefs preparing culinary delights are available at additional costs.

Photo Credit: TremblantLiving.com

Reaching Mont Tremblant via automobile for many of the major cities on the eastern seaboard of the U.S. is possible in a little over six hours drive time.  Air travelers may opt for either Montreal about one and a half hours drive north or Ottawa about two hours east or the smaller Tremblant airport near the resort.  The resort airport offers fly-in options from New York and Toronto via airlines such as Continental.  Several ground transportation options exist from limousines to shuttle buses with local rental care agencies near the resort. 

Taking in a winter or summer Mont Tremblant vacation in Canada can be for the romantic, the adventurous, the large family, the golf pro, or the ski enthusiast. There is something for everyone and this is one escape Travel Advocate recommends.

A Mont Tremblant Winter Wonderland Vacation was created by and is property of American Consumer News.

 

Photo Credit: Tropical Latitudes Travel (www.tltravels.com)

It is not uncommon to see an extra traveling member with families vacationing with kids. But, do not forget to purchase travel insurance for the nanny to ensure all bases and all people are covered further protecting a vacation investment and providing peace of mind. Travel insurance ensures travelers can be ready for the dreaded “what if” scenario. But, do not

forget to purchase travel insurance for the nanny to ensure all bases and all people are covered further protecting a vacation investment and providing peace of mind. Travel insurance ensures travelers can be ready for the dreaded “what if” scenario.

 

 

 

 

 

It may be the perfect fantasy of family vacation: palms swaying in the breeze, and you, trashy novel in one hand and margarita in the other, watching as your own personal Mary Poppins herds your offspring to their next fun-filled activity.

Vacationing with a nanny used to be something only the super-rich could afford. Not so these days, experts say: parents are increasingly willing to pay for help with the tedium of airplane rides, holiday mealtimes and bedtimes. Taking a nanny on the family vacation, can also give the parents the opportunity to enjoy a romantic evening together.

But according to leading travel insurance comparison site Squaremouth.com’s CEO Chris Harvey, there are risks associated with taking a nanny on vacation, from visa headaches to tension over accommodations and responsibilities, to the most serious risk of all: what happens if she gets sick.

“The vacation can get much more expensive in a hurry if something happens to a nanny who is not insured,” says Harvey.

You could wind up paying thousands in hospital bills for a sick or injured nanny, thousands more to evacuate her back home. Making sure everyone on a family vacation — including the nanny — has coverage is a must, he adds.

It is often straightforward and cheaper to put your nanny on the same travel insurance policy as the rest of the family. She gets nearly the same benefits, with a few important exceptions: if she is a foreign citizen and needs to deal with an ill relative back home, some policies will return her to her “place of residence” – your home country, not hers, for example, Harvey explains.

If your nanny is meeting you at the resort, separate travel insurance is mandatory. If she is flying solo with the children, she should share a policy with them. Families should investigate these differences well in advance of the trip, Harvey recommends. Beware, however, a few companies do not allow non-related travelers on the same policy.

Take the time to investigate options from a third party travel insurance source. Remember that purchasing travel insurance from an airline, as an example, does not provide protection if that company goes bankrupt. Using a third party comparison site such as Squaremouth.com or Insuremytrip.com gives the traveler all of the possibilities that meet the unique needs of the pending vacation.

Traveling with the Nanny? Don’t Forget Travel Insurance was created by and is property of American Consumer News.

Photo Credit: www.NOAA.gov

In the midst of what is often the strength and height of hurricane season, travelers who have plans to visit Florida, Jamaica, Cayman Islands, and other more hurricane-prone vacation destinations are never surprised when a named storm or hurricane steers their way in September or October. But, what is strange and not expected is a hurricane or strong tropical storm threatening the Northeastern coast of the United States, especially Maine. This, however, is exactly what happened with what was briefly named Hurricane Kyle (currently downgraded to a tropical storm as of the 11pm EST advisory on Sunday, September 28^th).

This storm has caused Royal Caribbean to change its itinerary for one of its New England voyages. Based on a Royal Caribbean weather alert, Explorer of the Seas, which departed the Cape Liberty Port on Sept. 25, did not visit Charlottetown, Price Edward Island, on Sunday. Instead the ship traveled through the Saguenay River on Sunday and was scheduled to visit Quebec City on Monday and stay overnight. The rest of the itinerary remains unchanged. For more information, visit www.royalcaribbean.com.

This altered vacation demonstrates the importance for flexibility when traveling during hurricane season or other times of the year prone to Mother Nature’s influence. One benefit to cruising is that often, even when a hurricane stands in an itinerary’s path, the voyage can be altered resulting in an unaffected vacation. Once when traveling during Hurricane Ivan, the storm took an unexpected turn to the South, resulting in Royal Caribbean to cancel its port of call to Curacao, but instead calling on St. Lucia as a bonus visit.

To ensure that all bases are covered when traveling, it is advisable to purchase a third-party travel insurance policy via sites including Squaremouth.com or Insuremytrip.com. This type of protection gives added layers that a policy purchased directly through an airline, cruise ship or tour operators do not.

Two months are technically left in hurricane season (Subtropical Storm Laura has developed most recently) and just as it comes to a close, the whipping winter storms will come into play just in time for holiday travel. Flexibility and protection are key vacation survival items needed when traveling.

Never Discount Weather in Travel Plans was created by and is property of American Consumer News.

When planning this amazing free opportunity, Disney executives have thought of everything even providing alternative “birthday gifts” for those who already have a ticket for their birthday visit or for season pass holders. The key is the traveler has to go to Disney on their actual birthday.

The birthday promotion is being unveiled as Disney embraces a newly identified family travel trend called “celebration vacations.”

In this new national trend, American families are hitting the road to mark life’s special occasions – birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, reunions and more – with a “celebration vacation,” as stated in a Disney release. A nationwide survey of nearly 4,600 adults conducted by Ypartnership – co-author of the influential National Travel Monitor – showed that 70 percent of U.S. leisure travelers have taken a vacation with the primary purpose of marking a special occasion in their lives – a “celebration vacation,” as Ypartnership President and CEO Peter Yesawich termed it.

“Birthdays are the one occasion that we all share every year,” said Jay Rasulo, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. ”We thought a free birthday ticket would be the icing on the cake as we extend this new ‘celebration vacation’ trend to Disney Parks.”

Disney parks provide the perfect setting for this new style of vacation that celebrates the special occasions in life, Rasulo added. 

Whether a guest is celebrating a birthday, an anniversary, Quinceañera or any special occasion, Disney parks already are filled with favorite characters, world-class attractions and entertainment, and legendary guest service – exactly the “something for everyone” that trend-watchers say families look for in a “celebration vacation,” as explained in the launch release.

Ypartnership research showed that when travelers take that “celebration vacation,” families are looking for destinations that provide activities for children and – better yet – activities adults and children can enjoy together. “Given these findings, it’s not surprising that Disney Parks topped the list of destinations where families would most like to celebrate these special occasions,” Yesawich said. 

Having celebrated our child’s birthday at Disney, I can tell you that this is an opportunity to not miss. And, considering the price of admission, Disney’s birthday promotion is a welcomed one during tough economic times. When celebrating your birthday at Disney, be sure to do the following extras:

• Go to Town Hall in Magic Kingdom and let the cast member know it’s your birthday and you’ll receive a free birthday button. When riding the rides and partaking in other park attractions, the cast members will acknowledge your special day, which is great for the kids, not so much for me as I have a milestone coming up!
• If staying at a Disney resort, let the guest services staff know you are celebrating a birthday and typically you will receive a special keepsake delivered to your room!
• Make reservations for character dining ahead of time if you want the extra celebration touch on this day. You can reserve ahead of time up to 6 months. You can work with a special department too to arrange for a birthday cake too. This is an extra cost, but it is worth it! 

As part of the 2009 birthday party, Disney has added even more customization options to make everyone’s birthday special. Depending on the Disney park travelers are headed to, guests can order everything from special dining to princess tea parties, from yacht cruises to treasure hunting on a pirate sailing adventure, from a quiet trail ride to parasailing thrills.  

Among add-on experiences guests can choose to customize their “celebration vacation”: 

• Custom Bakery Cakes and Signature Desserts: Disney chefs create an unforgettable finale to a special dinner with a beautifully decorated cake themed to any occasion or a new line of celebration desserts.
• For Lovebirds: Sweetheart dinners for two in which couples can clink “Celebrate Today!” champagne flutes.
• Family Portraits: Capture the memory with a portrait session with Walt Disney World photographers.Build a custom photo album with Disney’s PhotoPass.
• Personalized Souvenirs: Mark your occasion with personalized Mouse ears, character T-shirts and collectible pins.
• Decorate Your Disney Guest Room: Step into a resort room decorated to fit your celebration theme with confetti, banners, surprises and more.
• Stay Inside a Dream Theme: Book a themed guest room at either destination – princess-themed or Mickey-inspired at Disneyland or – coming in 2009 – pirate-themed at Walt Disney World Resort.
• Set Sail: Book a private romantic cruise on a yacht or set your party afloat on a shared magical fireworks voyage.
• Go Inside the Magic: Behind-the-scenes tours take you inside the storytelling, adventure and history of Disney Parks.
• Disney Story Book Experiences: Choose from pirate adventures, tea parties, princess makeovers and more – all with the magic of Disney.
• Disneyland Parties: “Celebration Roundup and Barbecue at Big Thunder Ranch,” all-new, is a full-blown party complete with frontier entertainment, goodie bags and a surprise treat for everyone – no matter what they’re celebrating.”My Disneyland Birthday Party” features cake decorating, party hats and even Mickey and Minnie pay a visit.  

Free theme park admission details: To receive free admission to one of the Walt Disney World or Disneyland theme parks on your birthday in 2009, guests must bring valid ID including proof of birth date.  Guests who already hold a valid multi-day ticket they will use on their birthday may choose from other birthday treats instead, however, no cash refunds or credits will be given.  To register your birthday and find out more details, visit www.disneyparks.com or call 407/W-DISNEY.

Photo Credit: Walt Disney World

Top Photo Caption:

FREE ON YOUR BIRTHDAY – It’s party time at Disney Parks during 2009. As part of a special park-wide celebration, everyone who visits a Walt Disney World or Disneyland Resort theme park in 2009 gets in free on their birthday. Disney Parks have embraced a new travel trend called “celebration vacations.” Wondrous new entertainment and special services such as character greetings can be booked to help guests transform personal milestones such as birthdays and anniversaries into magical Disney experiences. (Paul Hiffmeyer, photographer)

Mickey & Goofy Photo Caption:

LET THE CELEBRATION BEGIN — Chef Mickey Mouse and Chef Goofy are baking up fun surprises as Disney Parks embraces a new travel trend called “celebration vacations.” Disney Parks will lead the growing trend with new entertainment and services that allow guests to turn personal milestones such as birthdays and anniversaries into magical Disney experiences. As part of the celebration, everyone who visits a Walt Disney World or Disneyland Resort theme park in 2009 can get in free on their birthday. (Gene Duncan, photographer)

Celebrate Your Birthday Free at Disney: New Promotion Launched was created by and is property of American Consumer News.

Travelers looking to protect their travel investment and ensure certain items are covered during an upcoming trip can easily be confused when trying to navigate the cluttered travel insurance product marketplace. Travelers should not expect the worst when heading out for a little rest and relaxation; but, they should know that the right travel insurance can safeguard one’s vacation investment, and prepare their family for lost baggage, unexpected illness or whatever else comes their way.

Squaremouth.com’s CEO Chris Harvey provides answers and clarity to its customers’ top questions surrounding the myriad of travel insurance issues and travel insurance products available on the market. Questions ranging from what qualifies as a pre-existing condition to can I purchase travel insurance after I have departed are all covered in this part two Q&A Squaremouth.com series.

Visit Squaremouth’s “Help and Advice” section for answers to these and more questions, as well as an insider’s look at the industry. What travelers learn today about travel insurance may surprise them – and it will leave them better protected.

A Sampling of Squaremouth Customers’ Top Q&As:

What is the latest date I can buy a travel insurance policy?
You can typically buy travel insurance up to the day before you leave; however, for policies that include cancellation, it is better to buy as soon as possible after your deposit: the cost is usually the same and you maximize your benefits. If you wait, you run the risk that something will happen before you buy your insurance and you won’t be covered.

What qualifies as a ‘pre-existing’ medical condition?
A pre-existing medical condition can be any reason to cancel, interrupt or delay your trip due to a medical condition that existed before you bought insurance. If your heart disease, high blood pressure, asthma or epilepsy is solely controlled though medication, and remains so within what’s called the “look back” period, this will not be deemed ‘pre-existing’ for insurance purposes. Some plans require you to insure the full pre-paid, non-refundable trip cost to be eligible for pre-existing medical condition cover, refer to the policy certificate for full details of the plan you have chosen.

Can I buy insurance after I’ve left on vacation?
If you only need medical and medical evacuation coverage, you can buy ‘international medical insurance’ policies during a trip. Standard travel insurance policies must be purchased prior to departure.

What’s the difference between trip ‘cancellation’ and trip ‘interruption’ benefits?
The ‘cancellation’ benefit covers you if you have to cancel your trip before your departure date. Trip ‘interruption’ covers you if you have to cut short a trip you are already on.

If my trip is insured on my credit card, should I buy more travel insurance?
Check to see exactly what coverage you already have — since what you think you have and what you are actually covered for are usually very different. In fact, credit cards cover accidents but typically exclude illness — which helps if you break a leg skiing but not if you have a heart attack on the green. Usually, you are reimbursed only for what was bought with the card.

Why should I buy insurance independently, rather than through a tour operator?
Most experts recommend that you purchase through a third party. A tour operator usually sells policies designed expressly for them. They reap a high commission on those sales, which often leads to higher prices for you and fewer benefits than you will find on the open market.

Using Squaremouth.com, travelers may purchase third party travel insurance products online or call its licensed insurance experts for detailed assistance. The site displays policies in a format that allows for side-by-side comparison, sorts policies by price, benefit or carrier, and instantly lets consumers buy their choice of coverage.

Making Sense of Travel Insurance: Tips to Understand How to Protect a Vacation Investment was created by and is property of American Consumer News.

The Bag: It is difficult to find a good carry-on bag that serves as a purse for women that is stylish and not bulky or manly and fits within the size restrictions. Travel-Advocate has found one…the Coakley travel bag. The only complaint about this product is before even packing it up with essentials, it is a heavy bag. But, just as with high heels, function and style trump comfort at times. Truly, the functionality of the Coakley can not be beat with the various compartments and the ease of reaching the passport, keys, baby wipes, cell phone when it is needed. Visit: www.coakleybusinessclass.com

The Wallet: The Original Taxi Wallet from Vallavista is the perfect everyday and travel accessory to keep track of money, receipts, coins, credit cards, and identification. This quality product is the perfect size, measuring 4 x 3 ¼, light weight, various stylish color options, and is functional. There are multiple currency pockets to easily separate monies when traveling abroad and it features an interior security pocket as well. Available at www.sylenedc.com under accessories.

The Sunscreen: Regardless of where travels might take someone, a travel-size sunscreen is important for both adults and children. For kids, a favorite is Hawaiian Tropic’s Kids Sunblock 60+ SPF. Either Kinesys 30 SPF or SmartShield’s 30 SPF travel well as a carry-on product. Both protect from both UVA and UVB harmful rays. SmartShield is eco-friendly and waterproof and its SPF 30 is also available in lotion, gel and convenient towelette form (and 2 oz bottles for carrying on airplanes). Visit: www.hawaiiantropic.com, www.kinesys.com, www.smartshield.com

The Eyes: Regardless of season, a good pair of sunglasses is an item to not leave at home. The Quattro polarized performance sunwear line protect the eyes from damaging UV rays and are light weight with no glare. Visit: www.quattrosunwear.com

The Lips: Keeping lips moisturized and protected while traveling is often forgotten. A great product serving multiple purposes is Softlips® flavored lip conditioning products providing SPF 20 protection and even have a tinted option eliminating the need for a lip gloss. Visit: www.softlips.com

The Head: This sun hat is the easiest product to pack due to its ability to fold up and how how light weith Soleil Chic’s UV hat is, which blocks both UVA and UVB rays. Visit: www.soleilchic.com

The Children’s Warmth: For infants and toddlers, SwaddleDesigns has a comfortable, light weight blanket called SummerSwaddle, as well as an easy-to-pack receiving blanket. Bringing your own blankets removes the wondering if a blanket will be available onboard. Beyond adult sun protection clothing items, Sun Safe Designer Clothing offers either a pink or blue baby blanket which is protected by a fabric that is 50+ SPF. All three products are easy to pack inside of the recommended Coakley bag. Visit: www.swaddledesigns.com or www.sunsafedesignerclothing.com

The Kid’s Entertainment: It goes without saying that an entertainment bag accompanies kids when traveling, but there is one product that is a favorite for infants and toddlers that is multi-purpose. The Munchkin Twisty® Traveling Flash Cards help kids with numbers, the alphabets, word association, counting and more. The product size is perfect to fit into a purse or diaper bag and is a hidden gem when traveling. Visit: www.munchkin.com

The Snacks: For the most part, the free meals are gone when flying. Pack some healthy snacks when traveling that are convenient, healthy and that kids will like. FruitaBü^TM Organic Fruit Twirls give kids a fun and convenient, mess-free way to unwrap a healthy fruit snack. Snacktrition products features some tasty travel-size products including Sea Salt Cashews with Fiber, Sea Salt Almonds with Calcium, Salt & Pepper Cashews with Fiber, Smoked Almonds with Calcium and Fruit & Nut Mix with Fiber and Calcium. Visit: www.fruitabu.com and www.snacktrition.com.

The You Never Know Items: Traveling With Toddlers kit ensures travelers are prepared for anything featuring items such as a small flashlight, disinfectant spray, toilet seat covers and bathroom tissue, paper towels, first aid kit, moist wipes, sunscreen, sun pain relief gel, sewing kit, Splinter Out, anti-cavity toothpaste, toothbrush, calming shampoo & body wash and hand sanitizer. All of these included products are within the TSA travel requirement sizes. Visit: http://www.minimus.biz

Of course there are other items that a traveler never leaves home without, but these are just a few essentials Travel-Advocate has found useful during recent travels.

What Is In Your Travel Bag? was created by and is property of American Consumer News.

Earlier this summer, it is reported by a TripAdvisor survey that nine out of 10 consumers are planning a leisure trip this summer. Forty-one percent of worldwide travelers, and 51 percent of U.S. respondents, said the high price of fuel is going to affect their travel plans this summer. Thirty-one percent of travelers (37 percent of U.S. respondents) said they will take fewer car trips to save on fuel and 15 percent (18 percent of U.S. respondents) plan to take shorter distance car trips to save on fuel.

Still, 64 percent of travelers (73 percent of U.S. respondents) are planning to travel via car this summer. Seventy-two percent of travelers (71 percent of U.S. respondents) said they are planning to fly this summer. This coincides with a recent travelhorizons^TM survey co-authored by the Travel Industry Association (TIA) and Ypartnership, reporting that nearly 60 percent of Americans currently planning a trip this summer using a car, truck or SUV are not going to change their plans regardless of gas price increases.

Yet, as reported by last week’s AAA survey results, 95 percent of AAA auto travel managers say that high gas prices will cause travelers to alter their vacation plans this summer. However, this alteration does not translate to cancellation. AAA auto travel managers cited travelers taking trips closer to home, taking fewer trips, and reducing the number of vacation days traveled as the top ways that Americans will adjust their travel plans this summer.

Survey respondents pointed to Las Vegas; Orlando, FL/Walt Disney World; Branson, MO; Anaheim, CA/Disneyland; and San Francisco, CA as destinations providing bargains and value this summer. Internationally, respondents cited the Caribbean; European Cruises; Punta Cana, Dominican Republic; South America; and Costa Rica as top bargain and value vacation options.

Oddly enough, Disney World is a more expensive vacation than some trips to Mexico or Canada, however there are ways you can get affordable Disney World tickets. Your Walt Disney World Vacations don’t have to cost an arm and a leg, just stay at a non-disney hotel, look for discounts such as AAA or AARP, and avoid buying food and gifts at the theme park. With a decent discount card, you can save 20% to 30% on Disney Theme Park Tickets.

Travelers are also taking advantage of travel savings this summer and fall by purposely traveling to hurricane prone destinations. Another TripAdvisor survey reveals 64 percent of U.S. respondents said they would be likely to visit a hurricane-susceptible destination this summer or fall, for a significant savings.

Eighteen percent of the TripAdvisor respondents said they are most likely to cut costs on their summer travel in their choice of accommodations. Twelve percent plan to eat in more often, 11 percent will save money by using less fuel/traveling a shorter distance, and another 11 percent will save money by taking a shorter trip/shorter trips.

“High gas prices, a weak U.S. dollar and the struggling economy are conspiring against Americans, but travelers refuse to stay home this summer,” said Michele Perry, vice president of global communications for TripAdvisor.

According to AAA, the top five domestic vacation destinations via air include Orlando, Las Vegas, New York, Las Angeles and Washington, DC. Internationally, top destinations via air this summer include Rome, London, Cancun, Dublin and Vancouver.

Other domestic “hot spots” for summer travel include New Mexico; San Antonio, Texas; Albuquerque, New Mexico; Oregon; and Miami, Florida/South Beach. International “hot sports”, according to AAA, include Croatia; Montenegro; Vietnam; Cinque Terra, Italy; and Douro River, Portugal.

Have you changed your summer vacation plans as a result of soaring gas prices?

Rising Fuel Prices Cause Travelers to Adjust Vacation Plans was created by and is property of American Consumer News.

July 21 was acclaimed Pulitzer Prize-winning author Ernest Hemingway’s birthday, where he would have been 109-years-old. Also a Nobel Prize winner, Hemingway is known to have lived in Key West in the 1930′s for a decade and had penned some of his masterpieces seaside in this quaint, tropical location. Key West celebrates its literary history, pirate tales and island lifestyle year-round with different festivals, including the annual Hemingway Days, and through its attractions.

Hemingway Days is the celebration of the legendary author’s work and lifestyle features literary readings, a theatrical premiere, short story competition, fishing tournament, Sloppy Joe’s Annual Papa Look-Alike Contest and a birthday party. During his 10-year residence on the island, Hemingway penned literary classics including “For Whom the Bell Tolls,” “The Snows of Kilimanjaro” and “To Have and Have Not,” which is about Key West during the Depression.

Festival organizers announced July 21-26 as dates for the 2009 festival.

During a visit to Key West, travelers can visit the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum, located at 907 Whitehead Street. Visitors can partake in other famous Key West attractions that Hemingway himself was known for doing including fishing to the Dry Tortugas in the pursuit of giant tuna and marlin.

Hemingway is not the only claim to literary fame for Key West. Poet Robert Frost also has ties to Key West’s island charms. Visitors can visit the Key West Heritage House Museum and Robert Frost Cottage, located at 410 Caroline Street. The 2008 Key West Robert Frost Poetry festival featured poetry and haiku workshops, poetry and haiku readings, art & film events and an international poetry and haiku contests.

Tennessee Williams, Thornton Wilder, Gloria Swanson, Sally Rand, and other contemporaries also have made their mark on Key West. A couple of contemporary authors who help people escape to the Keys include Stella Cameron with her book titled “Key West,” another book titled “Key West: A Story Sequence” by Jon Michael Miller, and even famous song-writer and singer and author Jimmy Buffett starts his “Where is Joe Merchant“ tale in Key West.

Wanting to plan a trip to Key West to begin writing your own chapter? There are really four routes to Key West: driving down Route 1, otherwise known as the Oversea Highway, over miles of bridges navigating the different keys (about 3 ½ hours from Miami, Florida); flying to Key West via air; arriving via high speed ferry from Ft. Myers, Florida or Miami area; or as a cruise ship passenger.

Key West is famous for its quaint bed and breakfasts for travelers looking for an intimate experience. The Eden House provides a great getaway that is off the beaten path, yet close enough to walk to key attractions and is very cost-effective. For those wanting to stay in the midst of the action, the Duval House is another great option.

Other hotel accommodations near the center of the Key’s happenings include the Hyatt Key West Resort & Spa, Sheraton Suites, Westin Key West Resort & Marina, Ocean Key Resort & Spa, Pier House Resort & Caribbean Spa, Sunset Key Guest Cottages (a Westin Resort) and more.

When going to Key West, bring any travel-inspired books with you on your journey to serve as a “travel guide” for you.

What titles have inspired you for your travels?

PHOTO CREDIT: Tom Grizzard, left, of Leesburg, Fla.,  is congratulated by George Burley, right, and other previous winners after he won the 2008 “Papa” Hemingway Look-Alike Contest at Sloppy Joe’s Bar late Saturday, July 19, 2008, in Key West, Fla. Competing for the eighth time, Grizzard, 69, bested 141 other contenders in the contest that was a facet of a Hemingway Days festival that ended Sunday, July 20, and honored the late author’s literary prowess and fun-loving Key West lifestyle in the 1930s. The 109th anniversary of Hemingway’s birth is Monday, July 21. NO SALES. FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY. (Andy Newman/Florida Keys News Bureau/HO)

Literary Inspired Travels to Key West was created by and is property of American Consumer News.

1. Decide Where You Are Going and How Much You Will Spend

Consider how much it will cost to buy gas, airline tickets, hotel rooms, food, additional tickets or entrance fees for parks or other activities, and even the souvenirs. Write down all of the figures and add them together. If you think the total amount of expenses is way too much, start cutting down some of the expenses and changing the itinerary until it becomes something you can live with and still be fun.

2. Cut Costs at Home to Save For the Trip

Think about all of the extras you spend money on that could be cut out of daily life. Put away the money you could save on reducing your cable services, canceling unused memberships, and being more frugal at the grocery store. Not only will get some extra cash for a trip, you can also learn to live without the extras and keep stashing the savings for next year.

3. Save the Fun for Later

Keep thinking about how much fun your family will have on the trip as you cut back on normal family entertainment, such as going to movies, out to eat, and other things that cost money. Plan instead for free family fun, like hiking, visiting parks, or renting movies at home.

4. Sell Your Junk

With a perfect excuse to make spring cleaning a family affair, have everyone collect the things they don’t need, use, or want and orchestrate a yard sale to earn extra cash for the trip. Let the kids keep any money they earn on their stuff as an incentive to gather more things. Not only do you get to enjoy the extra cash, you also get your house cleaned and ready for the summer.

5. Designate Your Tax Refund

Plan to use all of the money from any tax returns you may be getting. Open a special savings account just for your vacation fund that no one can touch, or use a service such as SmartyPig to help you save.

6. Set Goals – Make Them Visible

Create an easy-to-follow chart for the wall that shows money goal milestones. Family member may be more inclined to work harder for goals they can see and kids may get a little competitive about who can save more money.

7. Cash in On Credit Card and Other Reward Programs

Check out the requirements of any credit card bonus programs you have or advantage discounts you get through organizations like AAA or even where you work. Frequent flier miles, travel discounts, and cash back opportunities can be incorporated into your savings plan.

Keep notes about your savings adventure along the way and get a head start on next year’s trip as you begin to understand how easy it can be to save up. Starting early for next year will you many extra months of saving opportunities, allowing you and your family to plan an even better trip next year.

7 Ways to Save for a Great Last-Minute Vacation was created by and is property of American Consumer News.