ExchangeHomesBlog.com

By Guest Author Sarah Wells

At first, airlines started charging passengers for a second bag of checked luggage. Now, some are even charging for the first. If you are taking an extended vacation, these extra fees can quickly add up. So how do you eliminate them?

For starters, you must know that the fees exist. An increase in fees is not something an airline wants to shout from the rooftops. Most travelers showed up for their flights to learn, for the first time, it would cost $30 roundtrip for their only suitcase. Imagine the anger. Although these fees are well-known now, you still need to look for them. Know if your airline charges you a fee for your first or second suitcase and how much.

As for how you can avoid or lessen the impact of these extra baggage fees:

Pack your carryon bag full. Most airlines outline rules and restrictions for carryon bags on their websites. You should know ahead of time how big your bag can be and how much it must weight. Use a ruler and a bathroom scale to ensure you are just under. If traveling for a two to three day trip, you can get away with using your carryon bag alone, provided you pack wisely.

Speaking of packing wisely, do it. Only bring what you need. Having four pairs of shoes for your trip to Hawaii is nice, but do you really need them all? You should be able to get away with a pair of sandals and sneakers. Also, research your hotel or resort ahead of time to see what you are supplied with. Is there a curling iron and hair dryer in your room? If so, don’t waste valuable space by bringing yours from home.

Click Here to read the full story » » » »

It may only be June, but I’m already beginning to receive emails and phone calls from people who feel they may have left it too late to arrange a home exchange this year. This may not be the case, particularly for those whose travel plans stretch into August and September, and especially for those who have the ability to be flexible with their hoped for home exchange arrangements.

Their best options in likely home swap partners are retired members; folk who are not tied to work schedules. Another possibility would be among entrepreneurs and the self employed; people who have the ability to set their own timetables. You should also add members who have indicated that they are “open to offers” to your list.

On the other side of the coin, it’s probably unlikely that members who have listed specific vacation dates and destinations will have the means to work with a inquiries from last minute exchangers. Similarly, home exchangers with children will have probably finalized their arrangements already.

But—having said all this, it never hurts to send an email inquiry, you’ve nothing to lose and you could be pleasantly surprised by a response!

Equally as important as finding a suitable home exchange, is a warning that you should never be hasty in setting up and finalizing the arrangements. A simple rule of thumb to follow is, never agree to a home exchange if time constraints have prevented you and your exchange partners from fully discussing and agreeing upon every issue that’s been raised. Simply put, those are the exchanges that tend to go wrong, not necessarily because of any bad intentions from either party, but because of misunderstandings.

© Copyright ExchangeHomes.com. All rights reserved.

Even if you opt for cheap travels, it should remain fun and exciting. The way to enjoy your cheap travels is to travel smart. One of the most important considerations when traveling is money. You can save money by selecting cheaper accommodation and airfares.

And on your travel, it is extremely important to keep your travel money safe. Most seasoned travelers and travel experts recommend keeping valuables in a hidden wallet or travel pouch, either wrapped around your waist under your clothes or hung around your neck under your shirt.

Another great travel tip is to reduce the chance of theft by keeping majority of your cash in the hotel’s safe. Take out enough for each day to pay for necessary items. When using credit cards, make sure that the establishment or shop looks alright. Credit cards provide valuable consumer protection and the best currency exchange rates as well.
By Guest Author Lizzie Scott

Here is one very valuable travel tip to keep a lost or stolen wallet from bringing your vacation to an abrupt end. Many seasoned travelers pack an extra wallet in their suitcase or backpack. This wallet will contain only a credit card or two and perhaps an ATM card. That way, if you lose your primary wallet, you still have access to ready cash for the rest of your cheap travel.

It is also a good idea to make an itinerary and leave it at home with family members or a trusted friend. This way, they can contact you in the event of any emergencies. You could also keep copies of your identification papers, travelers check numbers, and a photocopy of your passport, at home.

Some travelers carry their passport with them all the time. The reason for that is because the passport provides an additional piece of information and that is important if your wallet is lost or stolen while on your cheap travel. Since it is impossible to board a plane these days without ID, having an extra form of ID can make your life a lot easier.

Another travel tip is to make several copies of your important travel documents – flight reservations, hotel confirmations, rental car receipts, etc. Put each copy in a different place – one or two in different parts of the suitcase or backpack, one in your back pocket, one in your purse or carry-on, etc. Also record important phone numbers in the address book of your cell phone for easy access.

Always remember to have the basic medical information such as blood type, allergy (if any), medications, etc. If you need your medication frequently, don’t pack them in your checked luggage. Instead, always have them with you in your hand-carry luggage.

With these important travel tips, you should be on your way to enjoying safer and smarter cheap travels.

Free travel tips for everyone. Discover cheap travels and go to your dream travel destinations at http://cheap-travels.blogspot.com.

By Guest Author – Mike Simonds

Traveling is inevitable part of our lives and there are so many uncertainties associated with travel that it becomes imperative that we seek suitable travel insurance before starting our journey. Since most of us are oblivious about the nuances of such insurances or we simply practice complacency; these result in our failure to trim down the price which we can so easily do and avail a really cheap travel insurance deal.

There are few things if we keep in mind then we can get the cost of the insurances significantly lowered.

Do not go overboard in estimations Many companies claim to provide exaggerating sum on various covers that are embedded in the travel insurance cover like medical expenses, personal liability, cancellation, baggage, cash and legals. And in most of the times these figures are inflated so as to increase the premium. It is better to do a decent cost estimation which will surely bring down the insurance policy coverage amount and save some bucks on the premium.

Get the covers that are reasonable and necessary

It is foolish to get the cancellation coverage for a flight that is really cheap. Because even in case of the cancellation all you would get in return through the coverage will be peanuts. Likewise you must weigh and give serious thought to things you really need to include in the coverage.

Plan in advance

It is good to plan your journey well in advance and to garner the maximum coverage you must also avoid last minute cancellations due to illness or any other unavoidable circumstances. If possible it is to book an entire tour package and to use your credit cards in the transactions. This will be of great assistance in gaining the maximum return if the travel arranging company or the airline companies goes bust.

Compare, compare and compare

This may require some efforts but comparing various insurers can be the most productive option because this will enable you to permeate some real cheap travel insurance quotes.

About the Author

Mike Simonds is expert in writing articles on comparison i.e. cheap home insurance quotes, compare financial services etc. To know more about cheap life insurance quotes visit NextGenCompare.co.uk

By Guest Author – Greg Tilder

Here’s to finding some savings and cash tips as you explore these pages and the world!

Maybe you are in the early phases of planning or booking your trip, shopping around online or checking some websites or travel magazines. Some of us might even be thinking of calling some travel agents to do our homework upfront.

Perhaps you have not taken a trip in a very long time and find yourself in desperate need of a good breakaway vacation to remember. Maybe you are a young student backpacking and exploring some corners of this wonderful world we live in, or a retired couple enjoying the travel scene together.

Whatever your situation and reason for travel, we trust you will potentially find something in these pages that will inspire you and save you some money in the process.

To get us started, here is the first tip for all the procrastinators, impulse travel buyers, discount bargain hunters and vacation shoppers amongst us.

“The reason most people never reach their goals is that they don’t define them, learn about them, or ever seriously consider them as believable or achievable.” Denis Waitley

TIP # 1: Make a list of some; any or all of the destinations you would like to visit in your lifetime… and then plan to get to at least one this year!

Like anything else in life, travel needs to be planned for somewhat. It is almost like setting a short-time ‘SMART’ goal for leisure and vacationing. Marketers of time-share and destination vacations, often refer to this as an argument to invest in a travel solution.

People often suggest that we treat travel or vacationing, like any other planned financial decision in life. This is all irrespective of whether this includes house, car, tuition, health, insurance or other life-expense. Travel and vacation is justified and ’sold’, as just another important item on the list to think about and budget for.

Setting goals is described and accepted as a powerful tool to achieve success and keeps people motivated.

Out of the list of dream destinations you just made or have in mind, you cannot possibly achieve reaching all of them, and nor should you perhaps. One can but wish and dream … Going after these dreams in a planned fashion, will mean a significant investment of time, money, energy, talent, and opportunities. You will need to prioritize.

Prioritizing should include travel items, trips, goals and destinations that you really desire to visit, see, conquer, treasure, explore and would love to achieve in your lifetime.

Realizing of course that these ‘dreams’ though, might not all be achievable immediately, or at all. You need to view this as a wish list, shortlist eventually becoming checklist! Then, move on to making at least the first goal or location visit on the list happen this year! (Alternatively, as soon as funds allow and you are able to make it happen).

Hands-on work, defining and planning for travel in such a way that it will convey an actual goal or goals, destinations, budgets and periods.

About the Author

Check out >>> http://www.engagednow.com

Plan a romantic Bahamas Honeymoon

By Guest Author Wendy Mitchell

If you are desperate to get away this summer but no matter what you do, there just does not seem to be any way to find extra money in your budget to afford to travel to your destination of choice. While you could always put your trip on credit, the unsavory acts that are being done by nearly all banks can make what was supposed to be a relaxing vacation anything but. Although you may be feeling like you will never have the time or money for a vacation, there is an alternative that comes in the form of a staycation.

While you may have heard this term mentioned once or twice on your local news, these vacations are becoming more and more popular with the budget weary traveler who just can’t seem to plan the cheapest trip possible no matter how hard they try. Staycations are a form of vacation you take while staying at home. You will need to take time off work or any other responsibilities that come along with your daily grind. A staycation is a time for you to just relax.

The best way to make a staycation a success is to plan for it like any other vacation. Block the time out in your schedule and find attractions in your area that you want to visit. It can be as simple as a park or museum that has been around the corner from your house for years and you always said you would visit, only when you were able to find the time in your busy schedule. A staycation allows you to do just that. You can plan everything you want to visit without having to travel anywhere. You can even complete the resort feel by spending some money on luxury linens for your bedroom so you can make it feel like you are staying in a 5 star resort without having to pay the resort price.

While you may have never considered staying at home for your vacation, it can be quite relaxing to take a break from your day to day stresses without having to travel anywhere. Invest in some luxury linens and find some attractions that you have always wanted to visit in your city or town and you are well on your way to planning the perfect staycation that is sure to be the cheapest trip you ever plan.

To Get More Tips On How To Get The Cheapest Trip Every Time You Travel Please Visit Deals-Trips.com

By Guest Author, Wendy Mitchell

If you are looking to plan a fun vacation for either you or your family odds are you budget is weighing heavily on where you go and how much you can comfortably spend. With so many options available it can be difficult to plan a fun vacation that will not put you in the poor house. While you may be feeling like a fun vacation is not in your future, here are a few budget friendly travel ideas that help you meet your vacation needs while allowing you to plan the cheapest trip possible at the same time.

First, consider renting your accommodations. While you may be assuming that you have to stay in a hotel once you get to your destination of choice there are other options available. Consider renting a condo or cottage in the area you are planning to visit. Renting helps you save hundreds on your travel plans and the best part is your accommodations comes equipped with a kitchen which can save you even more by allowing you to cook meals instead of going out to dinner all the time.

Second, sign up for email alerts from various travel sites. If you are flexible with your travel plans and do not have a specific date or location in mind these email alerts can help you save hundreds on your travel air fare, but the key is these rates normally do not last too long. If you find a deal you really like you need to act fast or possibly risk losing the deal. So unless you are a spur of the moment type of person, this may not be the best idea for you.

Lastly, consider package deals. If you are set on traveling to a specific destination on a certain date then you may want to consider a package deal. Many travel sites will allow you to package your airfare, hotel and even car rental for one price, eliminating the need to purchase each item separately from different sites. Just make sure you do your research and don’t jump at the first great deal you find. If you have time, make sure you comparison shop so you are sure you are getting the best deal possible.

These are just a few budget friendly tips that allow you to plan the perfect vacation without putting undue stress on your budget. Take the time to shop around and be flexible and you are sure to find the best deals that will allow you to plan the cheapest trip possible.

To Find Out How You Can Get The Cheapest Trip Always CLICK HERE

By Guest Author Thomas C Carroll

When you want to travel you might become discouraged over the high prices of hotel rooms. $100 a night just for a place to sleep can put a huge dent in your travel budget (besides, you want to spend time enjoying the area, not spending all day in a hotel room, right?)

There are travelers all over the world that feel the same way you do. Thankfully, by networking with other travelers, there is a way to avoid hotel costs. You can find a place to stay for free!

Hospitality exchange programs, also known as home stay networks, have lists of people (usually other travelers) that are willing to let travelers stay at their homes for free. A member offers a place to stay at his or her home to other travelers, in exchange for similar offers from the entire network of travelers.

You can find several of these clubs by doing keyword searches for “hospitality exchange” and “couch surfing.”

There are several exchange networks that connect hosts and guests worldwide. Most of these groups let you sign up for free on their websites. Some networks just ask you to fill out a form to join, while others require more verification.

Click Here to read the full story » » » »

With the present economic environment, I find I am more and more being asked to justify the value of a home exchange vacation. People point out various examples of unbelievable offers being promoted by hotel chains and tour companies and ask how home exchange can continue to compete.

I agree—they have a point. My husband and I have been checking airfares for a possible exchange to Mexico and we’ve repeatedly found airlines throwing in free hotel rooms as an addition to the flight. Similarly, some of the major hotels in Las Vegas and other resorts are offering free rooms and even free flights just to entice you under their roof. Once there, they assume you will be a captive customer, spending money for services.

So—how does home exchange continue to excel? Simply by dint of those two words—”Home Exchange”. Maybe today’s economy does make it more difficult to justify as a means of significantly saving money, but nothing else has changed. You still get to stay and spread out in the space and convenience of a family home, prepare meals and snacks in a proper kitchen, put the kids to bed in separate bedrooms. Very often you can also exchange cars and get your family pets cared for without the expense of kennels or pet sitters.

ExchangeHomes.com has a lot of members who contact us to tell us of other ways home exchange has saved them money.

• Baby sitting: In a Rome hotel a member reported paying €18 for the first hour, then €17 for subsequent hours. On a home exchange her exchange partners arranged for their regular sitter to assist for just €15 an evening.
• Eating Out: Members are often delighted to eat out in local restaurants recommended by their exchange partners, rather than the usual, glitzy, tourist-trap restaurants. They say the food is usually far better, both in content and price.
• Interaction with neighbors and the local community: We often hear reports of neighbors inviting members to barbecues, parties, meals, once even a christening!
• Toys and Playmates: When families with children home exchange it normally provides a ready supply of toys, games and local playmates.
• Free Memberships: Golf club, spas, private beaches, etc.
• Free Tickets: I’ve had a number of reports of exchangers being provided with free tickets to various sports venues, theme parks, cinemas, shows, etc.

In conclusion—maybe home exchange isn’t quite the money saving vacation it used to be, but without question, the amenities and often unthought of perks it continues to offer, still place it head and shoulders above staying in a sterile, often uninviting hotel room.

© ExchangeHomes.com. All rights reserved.

Nothing to do with home exchanging, but it gave us a huge laugh …!

Jennifer and Jim kept getting huge water bills. They knew beyond a doubt that the bills weren’t representative of their actual usage. But no matter how they tried to conserve water, the high bills continued.

Although they could see nothing wrong, they had everything checked for leaks or problems: first the water meter, then outdoor pipes, indoor pipes, underground pipes, faucets, toilets, washer, ice maker, etc. — all to no avail.

One day Jim was sick and stayed home in bed, but kept hearing water running downstairs.. He finally tore himself from his sick bed to investigate, and stumbled onto the cause of the high water bills.

Apparently this was happening all day long when they were not at home.

Knowing that few would believe him, he taped a segment of the ‘problem’ for posterity.

Watch the video.

The second article in this series. This one written for us by Travis Casey, from Bexhill-on Sea, Sussex

People who enjoy travel are usually curious people by nature. This curiosity lends itself to making friends easily while on vacation. Those who are willing to step out of their comfortable environment are ready to take the chance on seeing new places and meeting new people.

With this in mind, people who travel are easy to approach. They already possess an interest in the world outside of their own and have a natural interest in people outside of their hometown.

I would give approachability to people on vacation nine out of ten.

Another factor is that people tend to be more relaxed on vacation. The guard is dropped a bit and we are not suffering from the stress that we normally do in everyday life. For this reason, we are more open to meeting new people. If we ourselves take the initiative to start the conversation, it is seldom met with resistance.

When in an environment foreign to your normal living surroundings, it is quite natural to try to find out more about the area or place you are in. This is easily done by striking up a conversation with someone else who is in the same environment and asking them questions about what they have done in the area or plan to do. These are non-threatening questions to either party, thus making it easier to start the conversation

Opening lines are endless. It’s not like trying to chat up a man or woman you fancy where the opening line is crucial and will decide your fate as to whether you advance with that person or not. No. Holiday opening lines are more like: Have you been here before? Where do you live? Isn’t it beautiful around here?

It’s not like the usual American ice breakers: What’s your name? What do you do for a living? What kind of car do you drive? Although these questions get to the point very quickly when assessing someone as a potential friend, it is not very subtle. On vacation, let these question be answered when the opportunity presents itself.

Click Here to read the full story » » » »

This is statement I read and hear a lot, and it’s usually followed with—”of course, I only want to home exchange with something of the same value”!

At that point I usually give a sigh of resignation. As any realtor will tell you, first and foremost, it’s all about location, location, location. A builder could take the plans for a 3,000 square foot home, build it on an acre lot with rolling lawns, trees and a stream meandering through the property. But—because it’s located rurally, 20 miles outside the nearest town, it may not even be worth $500,000.

Then again, that same builder could take those same plans and build an identical home on just a quarter acre lot in, for example, San Jose or The Hamptons, and suddenly you’re looking at a million dollar’s worth of real estate.

An 800 square foot Thames-side luxury apartment in London would be worth £1,000,000 (not dollars, pounds!). The average New York apartment is probably worth $1,000,000.

Location more than anything else dictates the price of property and I think it’s extremely unfair when the “snob” value becomes involved in a home exchange. Okay, so you may live in a million dollar home in La Joya (California), but why does that eliminate from consideration a member with an exquisitely fitted home with manicured grounds in rural Texas?

I’ve been intending to write this post for a long time, and now at least I shall be able to point future “Million Dollar Exchangers” to my observations.

© ExchangeHomes.com All rights reserved.