Times are tough

Times are tough, and many of us do not have the money to splurge on an expensive vacation. However, there are still travel bargains to be had all over the country, if you take the time to research; including some lodging and transportation options that just might not have occurred to you. Also, a handful of popular places have managed to remain bargains despite a worsening economy.

Las Vegas has always been a relatively inexpensive vacation destination – the casinos assume you will spend all your money gambling and many things are subsidized. Even if you do not gamble, Las Vegas offers wonderful shopping, a variety of spectacular shows, and exciting nightlife. In recent years, it has become more of a family destination and it’s a great place to take the children. Even if you have been to the city many times before, there is always something new in Vegas.

Staying in one of the fancy Strip hotels can be expensive, although you should check around for special offers and deals. Las Vegas boasts several of the largest – and most expensive – hotels in the world; however you can pay between $40 to $60 for a perfectly adequate hotel room. Cheap all-you-can-eat buffets and coupon books are still available and it costs nothing to just wander around the fantastic hotels, many of which feature free shows or entrainment.

An Orlando vacation is still one of the best bargains around. Of course, there is Disney World, but the Orlando area boasts around 100 other attractions and theme parks, as well as excellent shopping, nightlife and outdoor activities. There are well over 100,000 hotel rooms to suit all tastes and budgets - consider a package that includes admission to Disney; or stay in neighboring Kissimmee, where hotel rooms are a little bit cheaper; or even further afield.



Second only to Disney World in terms of visitors is Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The emphasis is also on family fun and activities here and this area offers plenty of reasonably priced hotels, outlet shopping and live shows. The area is a golfer’s paradise, with an estimated 120 golf courses scattered up and down the 60 mile stretch of coast. Food and drink are considered to be inexpensive in Myrtle Beach; and like Las Vegas, it’s easy to find various coupons and discounts for hotels, attractions and shopping. Branson, MO and Gatlinburg, TN are two other resort areas where bargains can generally be found.

Phoenix is considered a value for money destination. The city has become a resort capital of the United States; however accommodation in general is not too expensive, and the city boasts some of the best shopping anywhere, almost perfect weather year round, an estimated 100 golf courses and is within easy reach of spectacular desert scenery. A driving trip from Las Vegas to Phoenix allows you to see much of the dramatic scenery and historic sights of the Southwest.



Regardless of where you visit, there are further steps you can take to save money on accommodation. Home exchange vacations have become more popular than ever; there is usually a charge to register or join, but no charge to swap your home with somebody else for a week, live like a local and really get to experience another place. You may not have considered hostelling, but it’s not just for students and backpackers. Staying at a hostel offers a great way to see the country and to meet up with likeminded travelers. Camping does not have to be too primitive; consider renting a cabin for your next trip, which can cost as little as $50 a night.

Air travel to your destination does not have to be expensive either. Check your local airport to see if any so-called discount carriers offer service; the two major options are Southwest and JetBlue. Shop around for lower airfare and consider flying at specific times of day to get a lower fare, as well as flying from a different airport. Flying from Chicago Midway can often be cheaper than the busier O’Hare, for example. Check out airline packages, which include airfare, hotel and perhaps a rental car and are generally a lot cheaper than buying the components separately.

These days, it just doesn’t occur to most people to travel by train, but train travel can be cheaper than flying or driving, especially for a relatively short distance. Check with Amtrak for special offers or passes which allow unlimited travel within a geographical region. And long distance bus travel, for many years considered the domain of the less fortunate, is now attracting passengers from all walks of life, lured by low fares, better service and a network of almost 4,000 destinations.

Travel can be expensive and stressful. Take time to check out some options and you may just save some money on your next vacation.

A vacation to Paris?

Paris vacation rentals can be tricky to navigate, but the payoff is huge. Whether you are on a budget traveler who cannot afford the double-whammy cost of hotels and restaurants, or a luxury traveler who wants seclusion and over-the-top grandeur, you'll get more space and privacy for your money by booking a rental property.

Convenience is probably the biggest advantage of a Paris vacation rental, you can come and go as you please and do what you like, when you like. An apartment rental is one of the most comfortable lodging options that can be availed for enjoying your vacation.

Besides more space and privacy, vacation rentals offer you a wide range of amenities without attacking your wallet. It's you and your family enjoying a Paris pied-a-terre, your favorite snack from the refrigerator when you want it. You can impress family and friends with your culinary talent when restaurants and dining out becomes mundane, not to mention less nutritious and way more costly!

Fatal Mistake #1 Reserving last minute
Paris is the #1 visited destination in the world. It is safe to assume that premium vacation apartments are booked months and sometimes even a year in advance during peak season. The saying, "The early bird gets the worm" is especially applicable here.

The longer you postpone your vacation rental booking, the tighter the selection and higher the risk of losing prime vacation rental apartments since there are a limited number of top notch vacation apartments in select Paris neighborhoods.

The highly coveted 2 bed/2 bath or 3 bedroom/ 2 bath in St.Germain des Pres or Le Marais are booked way in advance especially during peak season June, Easter, September, October, Christmas and New Ys week. It not unusual to book, a year or six months in advance to secure these favorable dates. Actually it is strongly recommended to book as far in ahead as possible.

Those who begin their quest two to three months prior to their arrival are considered last minute bookings which are traditionally difficult and it is extraordinarily time consuming to find a suitable vacation apartment. Do not depend on cancellations and postponements which are rare since owners do not look kindly at refunding deposits or rental monies applied. The only way to insure the vacation rental apartment of your dreams is to book far advance.

Fatal Mistake #2 Know your deal breakers
One of the best ways to ensure that you choose the Paris vacation rental that is best for you is by examining and vocalizing your vacation apartment wants and needs. A clear cut idea about the type of vacation apartment, amenities, and any special requirement is crucial to securing the correct vacation apartment for your lifestyle.

You will want to closely examine your vacation style, namely who you are traveling with or what the purpose of your vacation is. Who you are traveling with will most likely play a huge role in choosing a Paris vacation rental. The size of your traveling party will not only determine how big of a rental you need, it may also have an impact on the type of rental apartment you choose.

For instance, families on vacations together may be better suited in a townhouse or a private house, instead of a vacation apartment. What you want to get out of your vacation is another one of the many factors that you will want to take into consideration.



For instance, if you are booking a romantic getaway or a honeymoon, you may want to choose a vacation apartment with a romantic ambiance. Appearances have been known to create romance. You can easily tell if a Paris vacation rental is elegant and luxurious in nature by closely examining pictures.

What you will need to do, while staying in a vacation rental, is also important to consider. For instance, if you are taking an extended vacation, you may need to do laundry or you may wish to eat in your Paris vacation apartment, to reduce expenses. Since you are on vacation and should enjoy yourself, you will want to take the simplest approach possible.

For example, if you need to do laundry, make sure that your vacation rental comes equipped with a washer and dryer. To reduce the amount of time spent cleaning up, consider vacation rentals featuring a dishwasher.

While it is important that you focus on your vacation rental needs, it is also key that you spotlight items on your wish list. For instance, do you want to have a Paris vacation rental that features a swimming pool in the apartment (yes, they do exist), a sauna, cable television, or internet access?

If so, it is important that you request these desires and refrain from securing your reservation until you have weighed your deal breakers.

It is also important that you examine your wants in terms of location. Would you prefer to roll out of bed and be sandwiched by numerous bistros and cafes or would you prefer a quiet residential street,

In keeping with location, it is also important to examine what you want to do, while on your Paris vacation. This can help you choose the Paris vacation rental that is most convenient. For instance, if you are planning on walking everywhere than you want to be in an arrondissement that is close to all the attractions that interest you.

On the other hand, if you know that you will be utilizing the metro, map out the metro stops of the places that you want a visit and reserve an apartment that has a metro line with easy access to those locations.

If you are sensitive to noise, ask about the surrounding buildings. Is the vacation apartment next door or on top of bustling bar or restaurant? Is there a lot of street traffic on your block? This is the ideal

Unfortunately vacation apartment features that you deem essential might be irrelevant to the apartment, do not assume anything. Paris has a different standard of luxury, a different attitude towards life and most importantly a totally different culture.

Parisians do not even think about air conditioning. Most Americans cannot live without air conditioning.

Do you have allergies? If so, think twice about booking an apartment centuries old. Are you willing and able to trek up stairs or is an elevator essential? Are you claustrophobic than maybe a typical Parisian elevator is not for you.

The traditional elevators take a bit of getting use it is important to know this beforehand. Do not expect your booking agent or apartment owner to share these minute apartment details. It is your obligation to be an educated consumer and make sure that the vacation rental will suit your lifestyle.

Should the bedrooms be located on opposite sides of the apartment or next to each other? Do you need airport transfers? Is a stocked refrigerator essential? How often do you want maid service?

When you rent a vacation apartment, you are on your own. Is your French strong enough to secure restaurant reservations and book day trips? Do you want to spend a couple of hours figuring out where the nearest market and metro is or would you like a bit of hand holding?

A professional concierge willing to offer his Parisian expertise may be ideal for you. It does not hurt to inquire with your agency or apartment owners. Not all agencies offer these additional services but it does not hurt to ask prior to booking your apartment. You maybe able to find an all in one agency that will cater to all your needs.

Fatal Mistake #3 Email is good but speaking to a human is better
First-time visitors have little idea of the scale of the Paris area and the quest for a vacation apartment can be more than a little daunting. It is made even more confusing by the vast choice of vacation rentals available and the lack of clear details on the location and apartment.

We know that this has resulted in some guests turning this into a job instead of an opportunity to familiarize themselves with the city and pick the brains of the agencies and owners. Look for agents and owners that will gladly answer all of your questions. Let them know that you have visited Paris since 1982 and pick their brains or what to expect in the different neighborhoods.

The pictures on the web sites usually present the vacation apartment very well but how recent are the photos? Many of the vacation rentals will have heavy wear since they are professional vacation apartments welcoming guests on a non-stop basis. While speaking with the owner or agency does not guarantee quality, yet it does give you the opportunity to ask if the photos on the site truly represent the condition of the vacation rental today.

I know there are many guests who never speak to anyone and solely rely on email correspondence when booking their vacation rental. Successful vacation apartment hunting has one primary tool, the telephone. When you are investing in an experience such as renting a vacation apartment, it is recommended to begin your dialogue with an email but make an attempt to get to know the apartment owner or agency that you are dealing with.

You can email agents and apartment owners, but you can not easily determine whether you like the person you aredealing with via typed messages. Gauge the responses of the agent or apartment owner, and trust your gut. If you feel like you are being pressured, you are. And if you don't like the person you're talking to, chances are you're not going to like the vacation apartments he/she represent. Trust your intuition.

If you don't get a good feeling, chances are the entire process will be thorny. If the customer service via phone and email is lacking, do you really think it is going to get exceedingly better when you arrive in Paris? Is it better to have a solid mid-range vacation apartment with an attentive and thorough agent or apartment owner or a fabulous vacation apartment with an apartment owner or agent with an attitude? Only you can make that call, but know beforehand, how you are willing to play.

It's strongly suggested to build a friendly rapport with your agency or apartment owner. You may need last minute assistance or a special favor and it's always easier to deal with someone that you like and likes you.

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It's about your baby

When it comes to choosing the best Baby Bedding sets, hygiene and comfort should always take the utmost priority. Though baby bedding sets come in a great variety, yet it is always advisable to choose the one that suits your individual needs.

Today the options are many- there are Baby Bedding sets that flow naturally and beautifully with the pictures, soft toys, mobiles, music boxes and crib for your bundle of joy.

There are also Baby Bedding sets that come with cartoons characters like Mickey Mat, beddings designed as Heart Mat etc.



Then, there are Double blanket which are very soft with one side plain and other side printed with head cover cap. You may also try Baby Fix Pillow Mat that comes with three fixed pillows-one for the baby's head and the other two to keep sideways, so that the baby is safe even when it is awake. Some baby bedding sets come with 9 Pcs with baby blankets, pillows, bibs, feeding bottle covers and mosquito nets etc.

Baby sleeping bags with which you can cover the baby with 2 side flaps that has a zip inside one plastic sheet are also quite popular. And yes, you can also cover the face with mosquito net with this type of baby bedding sets.
Baby beddings sets also come in different colors like pink, blue and multicolored. In olden days, pink were for girls and blue were for boys while the multicolored ones were unisexual. Baby bedding sets today even come in different sizes like large, medium and small depending on the size and the age of the baby.



Whatever baby bedding set you choose, be sure your newborn is peaceful, content and, most importantly, happy. By choosing the right bedding sets, moms can easily end sleepless nights and miraculously cure their baby's crying through the night.

And also make sure that your newborn is positioned thus so as not to move or turn over, with proper side pillows. Babies have tender heads that need protecting and thus a baby pillow becomes a vital thing to decide on anytime.

The internet is profuse with online shops that have amazing collection of baby bedding sets and baby crib bedding. Just click onto any of them and you can get a wide array of choices to cater to your tastes and needs. Smart shoppers opt for online shopping as they can save time and money with this option. Get ready for smart shopping!

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Drifting away?

Are you and your wife drifting apart? Marriages and relationships have the tendency to get stale and if you noticed that your wife is getting distant you have to do something before things get worse. Here are simple tips to bring back the fire in your marriage and reconnect with your wife.

Spend time to talk and avoid interruptions to reconnect with your wife. When at home it is very easy to focus yourself on something else like television, radio, books and take home work. Turn off the television and avoid working at home and give your wife some real quality time. You both need it everyday to make the relationship stronger. Reconnect with your wife and update her on what is happening to you when you are not together, this will make her feel very important to your life. She will not feel left out in your life.



Date your wife. Even if you’ve been married for years now, dating should not be a forgotten thing. Dating will help you remind her that you still love to be with her. It does not have to be an extravagant date, but something that will allow you and your wife to have a quite moment and bond together.

Experience new and old hobbies together. Doing things that you both love together will help you reconnect with your wife. If she loves photography, you could bring her to places that she could take good photos and create new memories with you. If she is interested in your sports or hobbies like golf or bowling, teach her and play together.



Be demonstrative with your feelings. If you love her then say it in words and in deeds. Most women are very vocal and demonstrative with their feelings and somehow they also want the same from their husbands. Bring her flowers, send an I love you message during the day when she is too busy running errands at home and she will love you more for it and will make her day complete. There are simple and yet heart warming acts of love that you could do everyday to reconnect with your wife.


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Be creative

Married couples after years of being together tend to ignore the relationship and begin to treat the relationship as just a routine. The relationship becomes decayed, dull and lifeless. They seem to forget that they still need romance and add spice to their relationship to strengthen their relationship as years go by. Dating your spouse should not be a forgotten event in your relationship. Creative dating is one way to bond with each other.

Dating your spouse needs creative thinking. Of course as a couple you have to consider your budget especially if you have kids to support but it doesn’t mean you cannot have decent dates together. There are inexpensive dates that you two can enjoy. What is important is that you find something that you can do together and enjoy at the same time. Here are some inexpensive dates you can do with your spouse:

Enjoy the beauty of nature. Enjoying the nature is a gift that the two of you can enjoy. Dating your spouse to walk along the beach, visit a bird park and feed the birds while talking and remembering the things you both enjoy is fun. It is nice to enjoy the beauty of nature and take a day off from house hold chores once in while and enjoy each other’s company. Be crazy and Go Scuba diving together!



Free Treats. Check your local newspaper for free or discounted concerts. If you both love to listen to good music, dating your spouse to watch a free concert is a nice way to spend time together for free and have fun at the same time.

Physical activities. If you are both athletic and you both need some exercise activities, it is nice to do it together once in a while. Although men love to do it with other men, there is nothing wrong dating your spouse to play tennis, exercise, jog or walk around the block together once in a while. This is not only good for your health but it will strengthen your relationship.

Discovering and learning new things. It is nice to learn new skills and new things with your spouse. This will create new memories with your spouse. For instance, you can both learn to cook a new menu, learn magic tricks together, prune bonsai etc. You can even look for free trainings or classes on things or hobbies that you both enjoy. Doing new things together is fun and an exciting way in dating your spouse.



Visit museums. If you both love to spend some quiet time together, visit a museum in your area. Dating your spouse to visit museums is affordable and you both can spend quality time together. Museums do offer treats and free entrance too.

There are countless inexpensive creative ideas in dating your spouse. You need to give time to bond with your spouse to preserve and nourish your relationship for a lasting marriage.

If you think dating your spouse have to cost an arm and a leg then you obviously haven't been on any of these creative and fun dates. Why not just rent a movie and watch it together in the comfort of your own home of a quiet rainy night.


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Can we go out on a date?

The divorce rate spikes among married couples after they have children. The pressures of raising kids, running a household and holding down a job leave precious little time for reconnecting with each other, leaving spouses vulnerable to affairs or feeling like they've just "fallen out of love" with one another. Take the time to listen objectively to your daily conversations with your spouse. Do you talk exclusively about the kids? About home repairs and chores? About what bills to pay and when? It may be time to refresh your relationship with a night out together, or stay home just the two of you with a movie and away from the kids, the house and the bills. Making Change for your relationship.

If you can manage it, have date night on a weekly basis. However, if finances or lack of childcare is an issue, be sure to at least have date night once a month. If you absolutely can't leave your children with someone else, set aside time once a week when the kids are in bed to reconnect with each other.



Date night need not be lavish or expensive and doesn't necessarily even need to be overtly romantic. The important thing is spending quality time with your spouse and remembering all the reasons why you're together in the first place. For this reason, most of the time you will want to choose activities that promote interaction. Taking a picnic to a local park or taking a walk together at a scenic location are some inexpensive ways to enjoy your time together and create a quiet atmosphere for talk. Many couples make the mistake of always choosing dinner and a movie for their date night. This quickly becomes predictable and boring and sitting side-by-side at a movie doesn't promote the kind of interaction you need.

However, from time to time simply getting out and having fun together can be as important as heart-to-heart conversation. Go dancing at a posh nightclub. Attend a sporting event together dressed in your team colors. Play billiards at an upscale pool hall. If your finances are limited, consider rollerblading together, playing Frisbee in the park or finding a local arcade and playing video games together.



For couples who can't get out of the house at all, there are several activities that can be enjoyed while the kids are asleep. One night, feed the kids early and after their in bed prepare a gourmet meal together and eat it by candlelight. Get out your wedding photographs and make a scrapbook together. Play a board game or cards. The key is finding an activity you can do together that doesn't involve child care, home repair or chores.

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