charleston vacation rentals magazine
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Charleston, SC's number one source for Vacation Rental InformationTRANSCRIPT
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Vacation Rentals M
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a Vacation Homeaway FRom HomeReconnect witH natuRePlan a tRiP to a national PaRk
tiPs to sucessFully get you wHeRe you need to be Fast
co
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ts how to cash in on ression-driven travel deals 11
a vacation hoMe away froM hoMe 15
warM weather relaxing or Playing in the snow? 19
the best tiMe to rediscover a destination 24
reconnect with nature: Plan a triP to a national Park 28
charleston’s office of cultural affairs launches new website 33
a retireMent hoMe that helPs Pay for itself 36
signature golf 39
tiPs to sucessfully get you where you need to be fast 44
setting and sticking to your travel budget 48
need an easy getaway for the faMily 52
bookMark your favorite road 56
business or leisure, driving or flying travel safely naturally 59
PrePare your vehicle for hurrican evacuation 65
direct dePosit of social security is easier for winter travelers 69
tiMe to refinance or buy 73
easy-to-do Maintenance helPs extend vehicle life 76
Promoting local business is as simple as having other company’s business cards or brochures posted on a board in your store. we are doing our part, so please join us, and promote your local merchants, and everyone will benefit!
toP ten Reasons to tHink localbuy local - be local – HelP local businesses
1. buy local: support yourself and downtown. Many studies have revealed when you buy from an independent, locally owned business in the your own area, rather than a nationally owned businesses, considerably more of your money is used to make purchases from other local businesses. local businesses continue to strengthen the economic base of the local community. these include case studies showing that local local owned businesses generate a premium in enhanced economic impact to the community and our tax base.
2.suPPoRt local aRea community gRouPs: non-profit organizations receive an average 250% more support from smaller area business owners than they do from large companies.
3. keeP youR aRea unique: where we shop, where we eat and have fun -- all of it makes our community home. our one-of-a-kind local businesses are an integral part of the distinctive character. local tourism businesses also benefit. “when people go on vacation they generally seek out destinations that offer them the sense of being someplace, not just anyplace.” ~ richard Moe, President, national historic Preservation trust.
4. Reduce enViRonmental imPact: locally owned businesses in your area can make more local purchases requiring less transportation. this generally means contributing less to sprawl, congestion, habitat loss and pollution.
5. cReate additional Jobs: small local businesses are the largest employer nationally and in the community, provide the most jobs to local residents.
6. ReceiVe betteR seRVice: local businesses often hire people with a better understanding of the products and services they offer, and take more time to get to know customers.
7.inVest in youR community: local businesses are owned by people who live in this community, and they are less likely to leave, and are more invested in the community’s future.
8. Put youR taxes to good use: local businesses require a relatively little infrastructure investment and make more efficient use of public services as compared to nationally owned stores entering your area.
FRom tHe editoRSupporting LocaL Vacation BuSineSSeS in South caroLina
www.vacationrentals.sc online Magazine | 2009 5
9. buy wHat you want, not wHat big adVeRtising budgets want you to buy: a south carolina marketplace comprised of tens of thousands of small businesses is the best way to ensure innovation and low prices over the long-term. a multitude of small businesses, each selecting products and services based not on a national sales plan but on their own interests and the needs of their local customers, promises a much broader range of product choices.
10. PRomote local PRosPeRity: an escalating body of economic research shows that in an increasingly homogenized world, entrepreneurs and skilled workers are more likely to invest and settle in communities that preserve their one-of-a-kind businesses and distinctive character.
larry localeditor in chief
www.vacationrentals.sc online Magazine | 2009 6
www.vacationrentals.sc online Magazine | 2009 7
ceo dennis stewart
editoR in cHieFlarry local
aRt diRectoRamy coats
web deVeloPeR Matthew coats
administRation & maRketingshaun stacy
www.VacationRentals.sc online magaZinecopyright © 2009carolina Media services. all rights reserved. reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts or photographs.
3290 ashley Phosphate road charleston, sc 29418toll free: (843)720-9604fax: (843)[email protected] www.vacationsreantal.sc
carolina media SERVICES
carolina media SERVICES
Vacation Rentals M
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How to casH in on Recession-dRiVen tRaVel deals(ara) - travelers are finding the silver lining of the current economic climate is the availability of some incredible travel values. hotel, airfare and vacation package prices are all down significantly from last year, helping to make travel more affordable than it has been in years.
you can spend the same amount and get more - for example, choosing to extend a vacation or trading up your hotel choice - or you can pocket the savings.
with a little planning, even the most budget-conscious can find affordable trips this fall and winter. tim Macdonald, general manager of expedia.com, offers some advice for ways to get the most value out of your next vacation:
Plan aHead and book witH conFidencein many cases, scheduling travel in advance helps you secure the lowest airfare and hotel rates. though there’s always a chance for last-minute sales, waiting could
increase the likelihood that you will pay higher
prices. this frequently happens during peak times, like the winter holidays, when there are fewer options for flights and hotel rooms.
while airlines and hotels may charge penalties, expedia.com has eliminated change and cancel fees for hotels, cruises, car rental and most flight reservations. with fewer change and cancel fees to worry about, travelers have the flexibility they need to book in advance with confidence.
book togetHeR booking airfare and hotel accommodations at the same time not only simplifies the vacation planning process, but also can help substantially reduce the overall costs of vacation travel.
“booking travel together is one of the easiest ways to save money and get the most value when planning a trip. that’s because when you bundle your air travel and hotel together and book them at the same time, expedia.com is able to pass substantial savings onto
you,” says Macdonald. “last year expedia.com customers saved $248 million by
booking their air travel and hotels together.”
tRade uPalthough some people may be looking to scale back travel plans or follow a vacation budget more closely than in the past, for others there are opportunities to get more for their money this year. for roughly the price of a three-star hotel stay last year, travelers can now book at a four-star hotel. in fact, the average daily rate of a four-star hotel is $143 per night, 22 percent lower than the average for 2008.
“we’re seeing incredible values for luxury hotel prop-erties this year,” says Macdonald. “for some travelers, this may be their chance to stretch their dollars and upgrade to hotels that have previously been out of their price range.”
be Flexible and tRy sometHing new take time to look for current travel deals to help choose a vacation destination. look for exclusive special values and promotional rates to popular destinations including Mexico, las vegas, new york city and hawaii, as well as deals on all-inclusive resorts and cruises. all-inclusive options have always been good values because they include meals and many activities in the upfront price. what’s more, this year the average daily rates for all-inclusive properties are even lower than last year - for instance, average daily rates for all-inclusive resorts in the bahamas are 16 percent lower this year from last year.
ReseaRcH actiVities in adVance sticking to a travel budget can sometimes be difficult when factoring in activities, so be sure to research activities and attractions before your trip to identify these costs in advance. in addition, booking activities in advance ensures you won’t miss out on attractions, events and activities that sell out. virtually all vacation destinations also offer inexpensive and free attractions, like city parks, cultural festivals and museums. taking advantage of a mix of free and paid activities can help you get the most out of your vacation for a reasonable price.
know beFoRe you gothoroughly researching vacation destinations including available public transportation or local tipping customs (if traveling outside the u.s.) can help avoid any unexpected costs. you may be able to avoid the expense of a rental car by identifying public transportation options or by selecting a hotel that provides free transportation. if you do need a a rental car, make your reservation early, and consider adding it to a flight or hotel booking to help secure the best price. in fact, adding a rental car to your air travel or hotel booking could mean savings of up to 30 percent off typical prices.
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e (ara) - getting away during the spring months is popular for many families, especially families with children in school looking for a break from the spring semester. visiting relatives, traveling from one sightseeing opportunity to another and cramming the whole crew into a hotel room with tight sleeping quarters and one bathroom is all par for the course, right? well, it doesn’t have to be.
travelers are jumping on the vacation home rental bandwagon, where they’re finding comfortable spaces, just-like-home amenities and a more relaxing experience - all for about what it costs to book a hotel room. in this tough economy, owners of second homes are increasingly renting out their properties for some extra cash, according to homeaway, a collection of vacation-rental web sites. and as the market floods, prices drop to lure renters.
a recent online search of hotels in la Jolla, calif., a beautiful seaside commu-nity that’s technically part of san diego, revealed some hotel rooms starting around $150 a night. a search for vacation homes returned two bedroom, two bathroom options starting at just over $100 a night.
not only do you get more space, you get the luxuries of home, such as a full kitchen, washer/dryer and parking, all of which are further money-savers. Plus, standard hotel rooms can be pretty boring, rarely lending insight into the destination’s character. vacation rentals are an actual person’s home, albeit a second home. and some are even pet-friendly.
here’s how to find a vacation rental that suits your needs:
wHeRe to staRtaway.com, a research and travel-planning web site, offers a comprehensive listing of vacation rentals, including houses and condos, from all over the web. find it at away.com/vacationrentals.
be comFoRtableif the thought of renting a vacation home “sight unseen” and directly from the owner is daunting, work with a property management company. such companies, particularly ones with local offices, know the market well and might even be able to move you to another property if a problem arises.
do youR HomewoRkcheck out online photos and read all property reviews. if you’re renting directly from an owner, reach out to them with questions and put a face to the transaction. and the golden rule: clarify all costs and payment methods upfront. time invested in the beginning will yield a more enjoyable experience in the end.
whatever you decide is right for your spring vacation, book it now. as usual, the early bird will get the worm.
waRm weatHeR Relaxing oR Playing in tHe snow?tiPs FoR Planning youR winteR tRaVels(ara) - the winter months offer the perfect excuse to plan a fabulous getaway, and you don’t have to travel far to find something that fits your vacation expectations.
if you need to flee from the cold depths of winter, there are plenty of beaches in florida and california, and warm desert landscapes to enjoy in arizona and new Mexico that will warm you up and give your skin a bit of summer glow. Picture yourself playing tennis in the sun, or lounging by the pool with a book while the kids are splashing around in the water.
here are tips on how to best plan your warm-weather winter vacation:
look FoR deals duRing tHe slow montHsbecause January and february are so close to the holidays, but too early yet for spring break, hotels and resorts tend to offer special discounts to encourage traveling.
Pack sunblock, eVen iF you’Ve been “tanning”
also make sure your travel bags include sun shades, a hat with a brim and a water bottle. nothing makes a vacation more uncomfortable than sunburn and dehydration.
add a Jacket to tHe luggagenights can get chilly, and if the wind blows in a rain cloud or two, you’ll be glad you have that jacket to ward off the goose bumps.
Maybe you like to play in the fluffy white stuff and can’t wait to schedule downhill skiing in colorado, snowshoeing in Maine or ice fishing in Minnesota. the images you’ll take home this winter include majestic mountains covered in snow, your daughter pulling a
360 while snowboarding down a half-pipe or even a moose with
a full rack of antlers on his head browsing for vegetation along a back country road.
tips for planning your snow vacation include:
FiguRe out iF you’Re going to take youR geaR oR Rent it at youR destinationwhile looking into this, determine if your vehicle can carry all the gear, or if there are any restrictions bar-ring you from taking it on the airplane. if you plan to rent, call ahead of time to reserve your equipment.
Pack many layeRs oF clotHing. Many snow activities can make you warm, but once you stop moving, you’re going to want the heavier layers back.
again, don’t forget sunblock, goggles, shades or hat, because the sun glaring on snow can easily burn your skin and eyes, and winter rays can be just as damaging as those in summer.
once you have your destination picked and travels planned, there’s one more step to ensure your winter getaway is successful. while away from home, having your health and safety front-of-mind is very important so you are prepared for emergencies like falling and breaking a bone while swishing down a ski slope, or suddenly discovering you have seafood allergies while sampling fresh crawfish in louisiana.
on call international provides travel assistance anywhere in the world to travelers who experience an emergency, need medical care or evacuation while away from home. if you want to return to your local hospital for treatment because you are familiar with the area and can have your personal doctor available, on call will coordinate a medical evacuation for the sick person and help arrange transportation for the rest of the family.
only a small percentage of health insurance plans cover medical evacuation when the member is on vacation and away from home. this means you could be on the hook for thousands of dollars if you need to be transported from the resort’s local clinic to a better hospital hundreds of miles away, or need a nurse to monitor your care on the way home after a skiing accident.
so when you plan your next trip to sunny texas or snowy Michigan, don’t forget to pack some comfort and safety for you and your family. and consider enrolling in an on call international membership just in case you experience a travel emergency.
tHe best time to RediscoVeR a destination
sHouldeR season
(ara) - the first few months of the year when many americans are spending time at home trying to recu-perate from the hustle and bustle of the holidays may not seem like an ideal time to plan a vacation. how-ever, planning for a time known as “shoulder season,” the time between peak season and low season, is a fantastic time for savvy travelers to find great deals on airfare, hotels and attractions while simultaneously experiencing top destinations in a whole new way.
“Many travelers don’t think to travel in the weeks and months following the holidays,” says brad dean, President and ceo for the Myrtle beach area convention and visitor’s bureau. “however, a shoulder season trip can be the best way for travelers to relax after a busy holiday season. destinations offer their lowest rates and best deals of the year at this time and consumers can get away for a fraction of the high-season cost.”
so when is “shoulder season?” it will vary slightly depending on your destination. figuring out a region’s shoulder season could be as easy as checking out rates at a few area hotels to determine when the rates are at their lowest.
consider these convincing facts about shoulder season travel and what a great value it can be for your vacation dollars:
* Hotel rates, airfare and attraction fees are often significantly lower during the shoulder season than any other time of year. hotels especially are eager for business during this season and respond with deeply discounted rates and incentives to entice travelers.
* last minute deals. you can plan and implement a very budget-friendly travel itinerary in a relatively short time - sometimes just a day or two as opposed to weeks or months of planning ahead that’s needed during busier seasons.
* shoulder season travel presents the opportunity to view and experience a popular destination, one you may have visited before during peak season, in a whole new way. for example, destinations like Myrtle beach, s.c. that bustle and buzz with activity in the peak season can take on a more laid-back, relaxed atmosphere in shoulder season. you’ll have access to the same major attractions,
shows, dining and shopping that peak season travelers enjoy, but at a less frantic pace.
* and in that vein, you’ll enjoy free access to popular attractions. lines for popular attractions - most of which will stay open year round - will be shorter in shoulder seasons than any other time of year. for example, in Myrtle beach, top entertainment venues and attractions as well as multiple live entertainment theaters are all open for business but with shorter (if any) lines and less crowds.
* because you’ll be getting a great deal, there’s also the opportunity to extend your vacation by a day or two and take some exciting trips to surround-ing areas. the more relaxed attitude of shoulder season travel means you will feel more open to the idea of exploring the surrounding area. visitors to the
Myrtle beach area, for example, can enjoy side trips to huntington beach state Park, the nearby pictur-esque community of conway, and the lowcountry gem of Pawley’s island.
finally, shoulder season is a great time to travel to a drive destination, like Myrtle beach. you’ll find less traffic and a more relaxed commute to a location considered one of the top driving destinations for leisure travelers along the eastern seaboard and Midwest.
to learn more about shoulder season travel opportunities in Myrtle beach, log on to www.visitmyrtlebeach.com.
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Reconnect with Nature plan a trip to a National Park
Reconnect with Nature plan a trip to a National Park
(ARA) - Considered “America’s best idea,” national parks provide travelers preserved views of natural wonder as far as the eye can see. An American invention, they give us a unique backyard vacation oasis where postcard views meet real, life-altering experiences. And, it’s this beauty, exploration and enrichment, combined with the accessibility of national parks, that make them a popular vacation choice.
According to the National Park Service, trips to national parks are on the rise. Tour operators offering guided visits through America’s parks agree.
“Bookings on our North American National Park tours have witnessed an increase of 180 percent in the last year,” says Scott Nisbet, president and CEO for the Globus family of brands. “National parks are idyllic vacation ‘hot spots’ perfect for relaxation and introspection, wildlife exploration or adventure, depending on the traveler and his or her interests.”
A wide range of experiences can be had at national parks, including everything from snorkeling, rafting and hiking to learning about the environment, geology and wildlife. They also provide a perfect retreat for those hoping to reconnect with themselves or nature.
And, it’s the diversity of experiences national parks offer travelers that can make booking a national park vacation seem overwhelming. Use these tips from Globus to simplify the process and book the perfect getaway for 2010:
Choose the right park destinationFrom the east to west coasts, Alaska to Hawaii, America has more than 50 national parks to explore. Do your research to choose a park that has what you’re looking for. For instance, if you’re interested in an abundance of hoodoos and canyons, Bryce Canyon National Park might be the right fit. Or, if you want a vacation filled with bird watching or
boating, the Everglades National Park could be a great choice.
Go rustic or go luxuryLodging is an important consideration for any vacation. Some travelers prefer to experience the outdoor beauty of the parks 24 hours a day and choose to camp. Others want to escape to the more modern conveniences provided by nearby hotels, cabins and lodges. Decide what experience best suits you or your family - and decide early! Spots (camping or lodging) fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons.
On your own or with a guide?Some travelers prefer to hike or road trip through national parks while others are interested in a more insightful and pre-planned journey. While maps are available for nearly every park, guided tours have become a popular option for travelers and are often offered as part of a packaged tour vacation, including accommodations.
“Our national park-focused tours offer an inclusive-style of travel with incomparable exploration and enrichment opportunities,” says Nisbet. “With a wide range of national park destinations, hotels and price points,
coupled with unparalleled service and storytelling, we create experiences for travelers they couldn’t produce on their own.”
For more information or assistance planning your national park vacation, visit www.us-parks.com, www.nps.gov or www.globusjourneys.com. Or call your travel agent or the Globus family of brands toll-free at (866) 313-2855.
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cHaRleston’s oFFice oF cultuRal aFFaiRslauncHes www.cHaRlestonaRts.sc as tHieR new aRts web sitefrom: charleston currents
the city of charleston’s office of cultural affairs has launched http://www.charlestonarts.sc, a companion web site to the oca’s primary page at the city’s official site. charlestonarts.sc will be updated daily with information and features, including an arts calendar that users can search by date, artist, presenting group or venue; social networking widgets; and a directory of local arts and cultural organizations and venues.
“we are hopeful that charlestonarts.sc will be a major benefit to local artists and arts organizations by disseminating information about their events with the most up-to-date information to a broader public,” said ellen dressler Moryl, director of the office of cultural affairs.
other options for users at charlestonarts.sc include the following:
• Arts organizations can download forms from the Office of Cultural Affairs, submit events, update contact information and compare performance dates with other area organizations.
• The Tools for Professional section of the Web site features job listings for arts professionals, including full time and part time work as well as internships and volunteer opportunities with arts and cultural organizations in the tri-county area.
• Updated grant opportunities for arts organizations, with detailed information, including deadlines, application and contact information.
• Call for Submissions and Call for Auditions pages with details about the location, deadlines, fees andadditional requirements.
the new web site also hosts connecting pages for general information on the office of cultural affairs and its projects: the charleston farmers Market, the city gallery at waterfront Park, holiday Magic, happy new year charleston!, the holiday Parade of boats, the lowcountry Quarterly arts grant Program, Piccolo spoleto and the MoJa arts festival.
the web site was developed and is being hosted by carolina Media services ( www.only.sc) .
one’s destination is neVeR a Place, but a new way oF seeing tHings.
a RetiRement HometHat HelPs Pay FoR itselF(ara) - with today’s record low real estate prices and at-tractive mortgage rates, now may be a good time to think about investing in a second home that ultimately can be used as your permanent residence upon retirement. by taking a “buy-and-rent” approach before you’re ready to retire, your new home will actually have partly paid for itself by the time you’re ready to move into it.
“buying and renting out a second home as a vacation rental property until you’re ready to move in upon retirement can significantly help offset the cost of ownership,” says brian sharples, ceo of homeaway, the world’s leading online vacation rental marketplace. “the income stream, in addition to tax write-offs for maintenance and repairs, make this an attractive strategy for many people nearing retirement.”
according to homeaway, the average second-home owner rents out their property to travelers 17 weeks a year, generating more than $28,000 in rental income annually. and the demand for vacation rentals among travelers is growing, which is good news for second-home owners. in fact, 87 percent of travelers who looked into a vacation rental in the past say they plan to stay in a vacation rental in 2010 - a significant increase from the 67 percent who stayed in a vacation rental in 2009.
to generate income from a second home prior to moving into it when you retire, sharples suggests consumers take the following steps:
location and maRket Potentialcarefully review the markets where you want to retire, and before you buy, consider the areas where consumer demand for vacation rentals is high, but inventory is low. for example, atlantic city, n.J.; sunny isles beach, fla.; hampton beach, n.h.; dauphin island, ala., and Mount Pocono, Pa., were among some of the most underserved markets for vacation rental properties in 2009, according to homeaway.
FactoR in tax wRite-oFFstalk to an accountant about the tax advantages of owning and renting out a second home. expenses such as insurance, utilities, home maintenance and depreciation can be deducted, depending on how often you rent out the property and how many weeks you personally stay there each year.
adVeRtise to attRact RenteRs when you’re ready to rent out the property, be sure to market the availability of the vacation rental to travelers by listing it on sites like homeaway.com or vrbo.com, which reach millions of travelers each month. a 12-month listing costs $329 - or less than $28 per month - on homeaway.com, so the advertising pays for itself with your first booking - and the rest is pure rental income.
stay comPetitiVe & netwoRk witH owneRs check out other similar vacation rentals in the area to determine what rates they’re charging travelers, and price your home at a competitiverate to help drive bookings. also, be sure to talk with other owners to get their tips and advice for maximizing a second home investment.
for more information on buying a second home and effective strategies for maximizing rental income, check out homeaway’s online community for vacation rental owners at ownercommunity.homeaway.com.
a tRaVeleRwitHoutobseRVation is a biRdwitHoutwings
tiPs to successFully get youwHeRe you need to be - Fast!(ara) - do you ever get a headache just thinking about navigating the streets of an unfamiliar city? have you ever booked a hotel in a less-than-great part of town, or been late to an appointment because you can’t find a parking garage?
even the savviest of travelers, who can find their way around a city with their eyes closed, run into travel snafus, sending their blood pressure through the roof. navigating the streets of a new city can be one of the most stressful parts of booking and taking a trip, whether it’s for business or leisure.
so you finally landed and you’re on your way to the hotel that you booked in the heart of the city. everything is going just as you planned. not so fast! somehow, you find yourself nowhere near the bright city lights and in a hotel on the outskirts of town where you wouldn’t even venture out for a cup of Joe.
sound familiar? well, you’re not alone - more than half of travelers say they’ve experienced this very nightmare, according to a recent bing survey.
while finding decent lodging can be difficult, sometimes even thinking about how to get around a city can strike fear into the hearts of business and leisure travelers alike. so which city gets travelers hearts racing when just thinking about how to get around? unsurprisingly for anyone who has ever visited either new york or los angeles (even just once), both cities topped bing’s survey as the worst cities to navigate. More than 40 percent said “the heck with driving. i’m getting a taxi!” when visiting the big apple and a quarter said that the concrete jungle otherwise known as los angeles is too wild for them.
so, how can you ensure you know enough about a city to get around like you were a local, book a decent hotel, check out a local concert or find a local hot spot to grab a bite to eat? well, the folks at bing have a few tips to make your next adventure stress-free:
Pay attention to ReViews Most online booking sites offer reviews from other guests who have stayed at the hotel that you’re considering. while you may be inclined to take the overly positive reviews with a grain of salt, it’s best to steer clear if a hotel receives consistent negative customer reviews.
study uPcheck out the local convention center, visitors’ bureau or chamber of commerce web sites to learn more about the city and its surrounding neighborhoods. this will help give you a better idea of what’s near your destination and the neighborhoods that surround it.
RemembeRyou get wHat you Pay FoRif you’re paying a two-star rate, don’t expect to get four- or five-star accommodations and a mint on your pillow. a cheaper rate rarely buys you luxury, but you should still be able to score a clean, safe room that provides for your basic needs.
HoP onlineuse online resources like bing Maps’ new streetside experience, a three-dimensional mapping tool. Just log on to bing Maps where you can zoom in from satellite level to bird’s eye view and even down to street level for 56 major u.s. metro areas.
now, you can virtually walk the streets of your next adventure with actual 360-degree footage of the area. not only can you tell if a hotel is in a good neighborhood, you’ll be able to see if there’s a wifi coffee shop nearby where you can sync up your computer before your next meeting or scope out any traffic jams before you head out. and, you can even find the nearest parking garage so you’re never late again to your lunch date - unlike the more than 40 percent of bing survey respondents who were fashionably late because they couldn’t find a parking spot.
“booking a hotel room on the internet can be a risky proposition if you can’t see the room, hotel or area it’s in before you book,” says blaise aguera y arcas, architect of bing Maps and Msn at Microsoft. “but technology like streetside is making it possible to scope out a neighborhood - and ensure it’s one you want to stay in - without ever having to leave the comfort of your computer chair.” in fact, the bing survey found that nearly a quarter of travelers rated finding a decent hotel as the most frustrating part of planning their trip.
Plus, stay up-to-date on the best places to check out on your next trip by using bing’s twitter mapping app. now, you can get real-time information about an area - such as seeing the latest tweets for the local shopping mall before you even go there or even updates about local events and breaking news.
log onto bing Maps, where you can plan your next trip whether it’s a far away city or even your own town. now, you can be a travel guru no matter where you are.
setting and stickingto youR tRaVel budget(ara) - travel can be one of the biggest-ticket items you invest in each year, so it’s worth it to plan ahead.
setting a budget - and sticking to it - can help you stay in better control of spending. according to a recent visa survey, a majority (54 percent) of last year’s summer travelers either didn’t set a budget oroverspent their budget while traveling, and more than a quarter of those surveyed overspent by more than $250. to make sure this doesn’t happen to you, it’s important to create a realistic travel budget and make a plan for how you will spend within your means while on the road.
to create a budget, think through your trip. first, include the basics such as transportation to and from your destination, and lodging. next, plan for expenses that come up along the way such as meals on the road,
host/hostess gifts, rental cars or public transportation. don’t forget to include entertainment - whether sightseeing or going to the movies. it’s also a good idea to build in a cushion for the unexpected.
once you’ve set your travel budget, you need to stick to it. one tool that can help is a prepaid travel card. a prepaid card draws from funds that are set aside in advance for purchases. here are a few ways prepaid travel cards can come in handy:
keeP tRaVel Funds sePaRate an easy way to make sure you don’t go over budget is to set your travel budget aside on a prepaid travel card. simply load the card with your travel budget, and use it for everything from online booking to grabbing lunch during an (unexpectedly extended) layover without worrying about spending more than you planned or dipping into gift-buying funds.
access casHwhether you need a few dollars or several yen, choose a prepaid card that will allow you to withdraw cash from atMs around the world. if you’re traveling internationally, it’ll also save you the hassle of tracking down and waiting in line for local currency.
bRowse and buy look for a prepaid card that you can use online. travel sites offer a wealth of information and detailed listings of competing offers from airlines and hotels as well as reviews from fellow travelers. for flights, you can typically compare possible savings by traveling on al-ternate days or from nearby airports. once you spot the deal that works for your budget, use your prepaid travel card to snap it up.
enJoy Peace oF mind wHen tRaVeling Prepaid cards may come with travel-related services. for example, the visa travelMoney card offers zero liability for lost or stolen cards as well as lost luggage reimbursement and purchase security. Make sure you know which benefits your card offers and how they work so you can tap into them should the need arise.
with some advance preparation and the right tools in place, you don’t have to overspend on travel. in fact, with some careful planning, you could end up with enough left to buy yourself a little something to remember the trip. for more information about visa travelMoney, visit: www.visa.com/travelmoney.
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need an easy getaway FoR tHe Family? Plan a budget-FRiendly tRiP to a national PaRk(ara) - american families have spoken: the vacation is a top priority. ninety-four percent of americans agreed that even in tough economic times, family vacations are worth the money, according to a recent survey by expedia.com. to keep the vacation affordable and easy, think about introducing your family to the splendor of the national park system - where activities are abundant and costs are minimal.
expedia.com recently partnered with the national Park foundation to provide a permanent, one-stop shop to help travelers plan and book vacations to america’s national parks.
“there are excellent values for traveling families right now, and taking a trip to a national park is one of the best ways to stretch your vacation dollars,” says lee woodruff, author, travel expert and mother of four.
“families are looking for ways to reconnect with each other and what better option for an affordable vacation than a national park?”
here are five easy steps to plan the perfect national park getaway:
1. get inspired: ken burns recently debuted a six-part documentary series for Pbs titled,“the national Parks: america’s best idea.” tune into Pbs or order a copy online to find inspiration and a detailed look at some of the most beautiful places in the world from acadia to the grand canyon and yosemite to the gates of the arctic in alaska.
2. Pick the park: with original content from the national Park foundation, expedia.com’s national park web site is the perfect resource for families to find the national park to fit their vacation needs.
the site offers pre-set “long weekend” itineraries to start your planning. you can also search through the “can’t Miss national Parks” section to learn about the park’s location, its natural features, little-known facts including the best times to visit and activities to choose from in each area. expedia’s site also offers downloadable park maps to help you get your bearings.
3. more ways to save: take advantage of the public amenities that national parks offer like camping and picnic sites. while there is a small entrance fee to the parks, you can cut back on costs by bringing your own meals and treating the kids to lunch by a waterfall or overlooking the grand canyon. also, enjoy the free activities such as hiking, biking and birding that the parks offer.
4. book your hotel and rental car: if camping isn’t your family’s style, consider any of the great lodges in and around the national park of your choice. and, if you’re planning to rent a car, consider booking lodging and car together to substantially reduce the overall costs of your vacation.
5. give back: consider giving back to the national Park foundation by visiting the web site, www.nationalparks.org and donate, or learn more about volunteer opportunities within america’s national parks. helping out in these small ways ensures the parks will remain beautiful so your kids can bring their own children one day.
“Planning the vacation is half of the fun, so get every-one involved in the process,” says woodruff. “there are so many options in our national park system, many of which have rich and amazing heritage, so the whole family is going to enjoy something when you visit.”
bookmaRk youRFaVoRite Road
a bRieF HistoRyoF PaVed Roads
(ara) - Planes and trains may have their place in our society, but for the dedicated traveler there’s still nothing like getting in your car and taking a trip along america’s highways.
half the fun of road trips, in the minds of many, is getting home and telling friends and family about the adventure - and the roads they traveled.
in the past, drivers’ road stories were largely told by word of mouth to a few people at a time. now drivers can tell their tales to millions via the internet. favoriteroad.com is a new web site that features america’s favorite highways and byways.
the site encourages you to post your favorite roads and explain why you like them. simply log on to submit a photo and story of your favorite road. use links posted on the site to share your road via popular social networks such as facebook and twitter. your submission may even win a prize in contest giveaways.
the past year’s economic downturn has reintroduced the word “infrastructure” to our vocabulary. as a result of stimulus legislation passed in 2009, the federal government has allocated millions of dollars to specifically improve state roads and highways. and, with more affordable gasoline prices, people are increasingly using america’s roads for leisure travel.
by posting on favoriteroad.com, you’re doing more than just “telling a good story.” your testimonials may help encourage lawmakers to push for increased infrastructure spending to keep america driving smoothly and safely for years to come.
what’s your favorite road? log on and tell the world at favoriteroad.com.
625 b.c. the babylonians are credited with the first recorded use of asphalt as a road building material. the ancient greeks were also familiar with asphalt (the word comes from the greek “asphaltos,” meaning “secure”).
1500s christopher columbus landed off the shores of trinidad in 1498 and discovered the famous asphalt lake, which would later be used on the Pennsylvania avenue project in washington, d.c. covering 54,000 square yards.
1800s Macadam roads became popular in the u.s. for rural road construction during the 1830s and 40s. belgian chemist edmund J. desmedt laid the first true asphalt pavement in the u.s. in newark, n.J. the cummer company opened the first central hot mix production facilities in the u.s. the first asphalt patent was filed by nathan b. abbott of brooklyn, n.y. in 1871.
1920s world war i ended and the use of the automo-bile was steadily rising, but roads outside the city limits were frequently too muddy or dusty for travel. to fix this problem, road engineers used oils and asphalt.
1940s-1950s the modern american turnpike is born. after world war ii, full scale automobile production resumed along with major levels of road maintenance and new highway construction. by 1950, vehicle registration exceeded 40 million cars and 8 million trucks. in 1956, President eisenhower signed the federal-aid highway act and launched the interstate system to create an infrastructure highway program -unmatched anywhere in the world.
1970s a national move to conserve energy and materials initiated a widespread interest in recycling of pavement materials; asphalt is now america’s most recycled product.
1990s a traffic study by the world road association indicates that asphalt pavements are at least 4 decibels quieter than concrete pavements.
2000s the u.s. population has increased 23 percent since 1990 and the number of miles driven has risen by 41 percent. only half of the nation’s major roads are in good condition, based on an analysis of recent federal highway administration data.
wandeRing Re-establisHes tHe oRiginal
HaRmony wHicH once existed between
man and tHe uniVeRse.
business oR leisuRe, dRiVing oR FlyingtRaVel saFely natuRally(ara) - weekend getaways, shorter vacations and overnight business trips are great ways to save money and are becoming more prevalent, according to the bureau of transportation. taking a few simple and natural steps to stay safe and healthy while on the road can not only protect your travel investment, butenhance your entire experience.
ReFResHed and aleRt dRiVing diFFusion
a shorter, thriftier trip is likely to be by car. the inevitable rush to make the most of the limited time
away after a tiring work week can create fatigue, so don’t make it a dangerous driving situation. enliven your senses with essential oil scents.
ditch the cardboard cutout car “freshener” that hangs from the rearview mirror. not only distracting, these products are usually saturated with synthetic fragrance chemicals and probably aren’t the best thing to inhale while enclosed in your vehicle. instead, rely on a sleek essential oil diffuser that plugs into your automobile’s phone charger power outlet. these devices feature small paper fiber pads to which you can apply your own custom blend of essential oils, allowing you to not only
scent the air inside the car, but also to provide refreshing aromatherapy benefits to help keep you alert and focused on the road.
a simpler, alternative way to diffuse is to apply several drops of oil to a tissue and tuck it carefully into one of the vents in the dash.
try these essential oils for the car: * Peppermint essential oil - refreshing, awakening,
uplifting.* eucalyptus essential oil - bracing, purifying,
protecting.* lemon essential oil - pleasant, deodorizing,
cheering.
How clean is youR Hotel Room?
overnight stays in less than posh hotel digs may be part of the money-saving travel trend. even upscale hotels aren’t immune to dirt and germs, or worse, an apparent outbreak of bedbug infestations in the united states, recently publicized by the environmental Protection agency.
bedbugs aside, there are always nagging doubts about just how clean a hotel room actually is. has the shower or tub been scrubbed or merely wiped down? is the toilet sanitized? has the bedspread ever really been thoroughly cleaned? fortunately, there are ways to protect yourself after you check in, but before you settle into your temporary overnight home.
air and surface sanitizing spray: feel good about travel with a bottle of homemade purifying aromatherapy solution that relies on pleasantly scented and highly effective essential oils, rather than harsh chemical disinfectants. the following spray will help you create a hygienic environment in your temporary hotel home. apply it to tub, vanity and toilet surfaces.
ingredients:empty 12 to16 ounce spray bottle10 ounces water2 ounces isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol or
vodka1/2 teaspoon tea tree essential oil
(antimicrobial)1/2 teaspoon lemon essential oil
(cleansing)1/2 teaspoon lavandin essential oil
(protecting)1/2 teaspoon sweet orange essential oil
(freshening).
directions: combine all ingredients in the spray bottle. shake and apply to a washcloth, and wipe down the tv’s remote, the clock radio, the door handles and the faucethandles in the bathroom.
Purifying and Relaxing linen mist: here are some great tips for making a strange bed feel more like home. take along your own pillow and replace the ones provided. create your own linen mist and use it on your own bed at home, then travel with the same blend, taking a little bit of home with you. when you arrive at your destination, turn down the covers, exchange the pillows and apply your signature scent to the bed.
ingredients:empty 4 to 8 ounce spray bottle4 to 8 ounces water13 drops lavender essential oil
(relaxing, calming)5 drops lavandin or spike lavender
essential oil (purifying, protecting)
directions:combine the water and oil in the bottle. shake the contents thoroughly just before application.
remember to look for pure and natural essential oil brands like aura cacia that don’t include synthetic petrochemical fragrances. for more information on how to enhance your life through aromatherapy, visit www.auracacia.com.
PRePaRe youR VeHicle FoR a HuRRicane eVacuation(ara) - ana, bill, claudette - the first three atlantic ocean hurricanes of the season made headlines, but not to the extent of katrina or ike of recent years. and while these three hurricanes have come and gone, who knows if - or when - grace or henry might pay a visit to your town?
the 2009 hurricane season has an expected 90 percent chance of being a near-normal, or below-normal season for the atlantic ocean, according to the national oceanic and atmospheric administration. this prediction - if accurate - will be welcomed with a sigh of relief by many residents in coastal towns after the above-normal year in 2008.
but even if noaa is predicting a quiet year for hurricanes, you can never be over prepared. if you don’t have your emergency evacuation plan organized, it’s time to make one. no matter if you’re planning on traveling 100 miles, or 1,000 miles, you need an evacuation plan. as a representative of a gulf coast
company, Maricela carter a health safety security environment coordinator with soPus, has some tips on how to prepare your vehicle for potential evacuations:
Plan eVacuation Routescheck newspapers, online sites, the local emergency broadcast radio station and local television stations for the latest information on official evacuation routes. Purchase a good map with details on elevations, waterways and county roads, and familiarize yourself with the most efficient ways to get out of town.
Pack an emeRgency kitautomobiles are susceptible to unexpected problems, so keep an emergency kit in your trunk. include jumper cables, extra motor oil, window washing, brake and coolant fluids, simple tools like an air pressure gauge, screwdriver, pliers and adjustable wrench, a role of
paper towels, a windup flashlight and a can of fix-a-flat in case you get a flat tire.
fix-a-flat creates a temporary, emergency seal on contact with the tire, and inflates the tire between eight and 14 pounds per square inch so that the car can be driven to a gas station for proper repair of the tire. this can help you to get back on the road and out of the hurricane’s way quickly and easily.
Fill uP tHe tankeveryone is going to need fuel in order to evacuate, so plan to fill up your tank as soon as you hear a hurricane warning. this helps to prevent sudden demands on the supply. once your tank is full, conserve the amount of gas you use for the next couple of days by combining your errands into one trip and not traveling during rush hour.
cHeck tiRe PRessuRein order to help conserve fuel, make sure your tires are at the manufacturer’s recommended pressure - usually printed on the driver’s door of your car. keeping tires at the correct pressure can improve your gasoline mileage by 3.3 percent, according to fueleconomy.gov, which means you’ll be able to travel further when evacuating.
use PRoPeR FluidsMake sure you follow all the manufacturer recommendations for motor oil, which can also improve your gasoline mileage by 1 or 2 percent, according to fuelecomony.gov. one helpful hint is to look for oil that has an “energy conserving” label by the american Petroleum institution to ensure it contains friction-reducing additives.
it is not down inany maP tRue PlacesneVeR aRe.
diRect dePosit oF social secuRity is easieR FoR winteR tRaVeleRs(ara) - as cold weather sets in, thousands of retirees are making plans for a winter getaway. if you’re one of them, switch to direct deposit for your social security payments before you leave - it’s the safest, easiest way to receive your money.
“each year, the u.s. department of the treasury receives more than 1.4 million inquiries regarding paper check-related problems,” says david a. lebryk, commissioner of the treasury department’s financial Management service.
yet, approximately 10.5 million americans continue to receive their social security and supplemental security income (ssi) payments by paper check each month. the treasury department’s go direct (r) campaign encourages senior citizens and people with disabilities to switch to direct deposit.
incReased saFety, conVenience and Reliability
“when there’s a problem with a social security payment, nine times out of 10 it’s with a paper check, not a direct deposit payment,” says lebryk.
Paper checks can be vulnerable to financial crimes like theft and fraud. in fact, the treasury department investigates more than 70,000 cases of altered or fraudulently endorsed checks each year, totaling $64 million in estimated value.
“in 2008 alone, more than 485,000 social security and ssi checks were reported lost or stolen and had to be reissued,” says lebryk.
direct deposit is also more convenient and reliable. there is no more waiting for a check to arrive in the mail, and there are no more worries about delivery delays due to severe weather, localemergencies and other check related problems. last year alone, severe weather events forced alternative delivery arrangements for millions of social security and ssi paper checks.
“switching to direct deposit for federal benefits is such an easy way
for people to safeguard their money, es-pecially when traveling for extended pe-riods of time,” says lebryk. “your money is deposited to your account on payment day, so there’s no need to worry
about delivery delays or a check sitting in your mailbox while you’re gone.”
PRePaid debit caRd oPtion
in addition to direct deposit, the treasury department recommends the direct express (r) debit Mastercard (r) card as an alternative to paper checks for people without bank accounts.
More than half a million americans signed up for the optional direct express (r) card in its first year of availability, according to the treasury department. a recent survey of cardholders finds that 95 percent say they are satisfied with the prepaid debit card, and 86 percent say they would recommend it to family members or friends who receive a federal benefit payment.
with the direct express card, cardholders can make purchases, pay bills and get cash at thousands of locations nationwide. sign-up is free and no bank account is required. while most services are free, there are fees for a limited number of optional transactions and services.
making tHe switcH is easy
it is easy to make the switch to electronic payments for federal benefits. to sign up for direct deposit, call the treasury department’s go direct campaign helpline at 1-800-333-1795 or visit www.godirect.org. to sign up for the treasury-recommended direct express card, or to learn more about the card’s features and fees, call 1-877-212-9991 or visit www.usdirectexpress.com.
the preceding information has been provided by the u.s. department of the treasury, financial Management service.
the go direct (r) campaign is sponsored by the u.s. department of the treasury and the federal reserve banks. the direct express (r) debit Mastercard (r) card is issued by comerica bank, pursuant to a license by Mastercard international incorporated. Mastercard (r) and the Mastercard (r) brand Mark are registered trademarks of Mastercard international incorporated. the go direct(r) logo, direct express (r) logo and direct express (r) are service marks of the u.s. department of the treasury, financial Management service.
time to ReFinance oR buy !?
right now, mortgage rates are at their lowest level since 1971. think about that. twenty-five years ago, homeowners were paying as much as 18% on a 30-year fixed. today it’s just a little over 5%.combine that rate with the tax advantages
of a mortgage, and you have an incredibly cheap way to build wealth, but you better act now.
real estate guru barbara corcoran has already seen a tremendous surge in refinance applications – more than triple the average – and the number of people getting approved is astronomically higher as well, she says. but that doesn’t mean the low rates are a panacea for the ills of the housing market. it is only once home prices start to go up that we will finally see a light at the end of tunnel, corcoran says. until that happens, we are still going to have to crawl out of this mess. “[low interest rates are] not a lifesaver,” corcoran says. “this is just a helping hand.”
david kittle, chairman of the Mortgage bankers association, has this advice to homeowners looking to refinance: do it. don’t get greedy searching for another quarter-point. lock in rates now. he is seeing applications soar over 125% just since thanksgiving due to the low rates.
of course, you should only refinance if it saves you at least 3/8 on the rate and if you plan on staying in your home for at least four years, kittle says. along with good credit, proof of income and money by means of a down payment or equity in the home, there are certain things every homeowner needs regardless of interest rate levels.
easy-to-do maintenance HelPs extend VeHicle liFe(ara) - after their homes, most americans’ largest financial investment is their vehicle, so helping it stay in good working order for as long as possible is a high priority. in fact, the average age of a passenger car in north america has grown to more than nine years, according to r.l. Polk and co., which indicates that motorists are looking for ways to help extend the life of their vehicle.
even so, today’s tight budgets leave some motorists reluctant to spend on services or maintenance that they think can be delayed, at least for the short term. however, compared to the cost of engine repair, spending a little today on the right maintenance routine performed by trusted service technicians using quality products makes sense. Mark ferner, Pennzoil technical specialist and ase-certified master mechanic, offers some simple, cost-effective tips for helping to protect the performance and longevity of your vehicle:
replace dirty air filters. a dirty air filter will restrict airflow to the engine, which may reduce power output. if the filter fails, it will allow unfiltered air into the engine, which can be abrasive inside an engine. to avoid these issues and help promote long engine life, check your engine’s air filter regularly and change it when it is dirty.
use HigH-quality Fuelseveral automotive manufacturers (bMw, gM, honda, toyota, volkswagen and audi) have published technical service bulletins recommending the use of top-tier fuel. top-tier fuel contains more additives than is required by the industry’s lowest additive content (lac) treat rate. regular use of fuel that only meets lac requirements may cause deposits to form on engine intake valves and fuel injectors.
cHange youR oilregular oil changes are one of the most important steps to maximize the life of a vehicle. oil change in-tervals vary by vehicle and driving conditions, so follow the interval and oil specifications found in the owner’s manual.
also, be sure to use quality motor oils in your vehicle. Properly functioning motor oils help prevent sludge and neutralize and disperse harmful deposits, and using the recommended viscosity grade of motor oil may also help enhance fuel economy. if you are having the oil changed for you, ask for quality oils by name. Quality motor oil will maintain its effectiveness throughout the oil change interval, allowing it to help keep the engine clean.
as a bonus, some motor oil brands offer lubrication warranties at no additional cost. for example, the Pennzoil and Quaker state lubrication limited warranty Programs protect qualified engines for 300,000 miles, whether their owners use conventional, synthetic-blend or full synthetic motor oils meeting their vehicles’ requirements. Participants can enroll online, and maintaining eligibility is easy: simply get an oil change with the specified brand, change the filter, perform regular maintenance and keep the service receipts.
to learn more about the Pennzoil and Quaker state lubrication limited warranties, visit either www.Pennzoil.com or www.Quakerstate.com, or speak with an automotive professional at a participating automotive dealership or oil change facility that features Pennzoil or Quaker state products.
PeoPle don’t take tRiPs tRiPs take PeoPle
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a vacation is what you take when you can no longer take what you’ve been taking.
eaRl wilson
