When Browsing Turns to Buying

In my last post I mentioned that I like to price and plan future vacations that are happening WAY in the future. We'll a few weekends ago I was doing just that! I was checking out an email I got from AAA that said "Hawaii was on SALE!" so I started clicking away to see how much it would cost IF we went. First I looked at Maui and it would cost about $4,000 for a 10 night stay at a hotel, flight and car for two people. This wasn’t a bad deal and we were really considering it. Then I looked into Kauai and saw that we could get the same deal for only $3,200!!! WHAT?!?!? REALLY?!?!? So called the travel agent, told her I would be in her office that afternoon and by 5pm our trip was booked! We couldn’t believe the deal we stumbled upon!

photo from napaliriders

So this is where my crazy love for travel and planning comes in handy! Booking unexpected great travel deals! So now I am in full on planning mode on the activities and fun things we'll do on the island. Kauai is where many movies and TV shows have been filmed so we plan on watching all of them before we go! Can't wait to get back into the Aloha Spirit!

Read about our last trip to Hawaii's Big Island.

Aloha!

How to Have an Inexpensive Vacation

So I am always planning trips and seeing how much it would cost to go to places that I want to visit. While I plan vacations that aren’t happening anytime soon I often wonder two things 1) what is the best way to get free or nearly free flights (because I read about people doing it all the time) and 2) how can we stay in a nice place for not a lot of money. I find this is a topic that is discussed in MANY blogs out there (some even wanting to charge you to let you in on their secrets) but I think I have found some realistic ways to travel cheap.

Airlines

The first way to get some SUPER cheap flights would be to work for an airline. I was reading the finance blog budgetsaresexy.com and learned that the blogger use to work for Continental Airlines. In his post he talks about how employees can get round trip flights in the US for $10-$30 and international flights were about $50-$100. I can't imagine getting a flight that cheap! He did say working for them had some drawbacks; you need to be awesome in customer service (which I am not) and you better have a sofa to crash on in your final destination because they don’t  paid well.

Another way to get discounted or free flights would be to use an airline credit card to earn your points. United Airlines boast on how you can earn 40,000 points in the 1^st year (which I believe is enough for a domestic round trip flight). You also get the perks of priority boarding and two tickets a year to a United Club of your choice (kind of worth having the card just for priority boarding). It took me a long time to convince my husband that this was something we needed to do. It was a hard fight (because we don’t live in debt; therefore using a credit card is the devil). But after taking his first big vacation (to Hawaii) and his first long flight he realized I might be right. We got our card shortly after that and have been using it on EVERYTHING ever since! I mean everything just to get those points, hoping that the year and half of spending will help us get a free flight. And we just pay it off at the end of each month so we don’t carry a balance J

Lodging

After taking our trip to Hawaii we decided that we would rent a house the next time we go anywhere for a long period of time. That way we could save some money by cooking for ourselves and not pay resort or parking fees. With this on our minds we found HomeAway.com. You can get really good deals from people renting out their vacation homes and condos (some for less than $50 a night). Then a few days ago I stumbled upon this article about these retires that were doing home swaping as a way to save money and get to travel at the same time!

This US couple owned their own vacation home in San Diego, California and had never traveled outside the US until they were 60. They started taking short, one week trips to Europe and caught the travel bug! Then they found homeexchange.com and homelink.org. Now what they do is they house swap for a few months at a time with other people around the world. They have been able to live, breath, and take in so many cultures by doing this…can you tell I am SO jealous! After reading this story we decided that this was something we were going to do too when we can purchase a vacation home (I don’t think any ones wants to visit Houston, TX). Check out their whole story here.

Retire in Cuenca, Ecuador on a Budget

So I was surfing the web and came across this article about Cuenca, Ecuador and how its a really great place to retire. In the article, written by Kathleen Peddicrod, she talks about how you can rent a furnished apartment for only $400 a month or buy a small condo outright for $40,000. Ecuador uses the US dollar so you don’t have to worry about converting your money and you can get a better deal on the dollar over there too. She mentions how lunch would only cost between one and two dollars! And that you can take a bus through the city for $0.25. The city doesn’t lack in culture either, Kathleen talks about how you can attend orchestras, plays, tango shows, and art openings all for free. Since the city is a popular destination for international tourists and students there are many offerings for super affordable Spanish lessons.

When moving to a new country one major thought is health care. Will you be able to get the kind of care you could get in the states? The answer is yes! Cuenca heath care is high quality, honest, and inexpensive. In the article Kathleen links to another article she wrote about Latin America's Top Health Care. She mentions that some friends of hers had the same procedure but one was in Ecuador and the other in Arizona. The total cost in Ecuador was $110 and in Arizona it was $5,190 with the patient's portion being $347.

I have to be honest this article made me want to check out this city and look into traveling there. You can check out the whole article here. And check out Kathleen's websites katheleenpeddicors.com and liveandinvestoverseas.com. This would also be the perfect place for people who can work from home to move to for a while and take in a new culture!

Airlines with the Most Delicious Food

Courtesy of Australian Airlines AG

Now a days you're lucky if they offer you a free meal on the plane. Even some of the five hour flights are getting stingy and making you purchase food if you are hungry. Might as well buy something in the airport if you have time. But if you are looking for the best in flight food when you travel I think some of these airlines will be a good fit for you! Sometimes its worth the extra money for comfort :) Read the whole article here.

Best Food for First Class Award goes to …

Etihad Airways

Best Food for Business Class Award goes to …

Austrian Airlines

Best Food for Premium Economy Class Award goes to …

Air New Zealand

Best Food for Economy Class Award goes to …

Thai Airways International

Best Food All-Around Award goes to …

Turkish Airlines

Best in the U.S. Award goes to …

Virgin America and United Airlines

U.S. News Editors' Choice Award goes to …

AirFrance

Longest Flights and How to Survive Them

Dubai to LA

So I found this article on the top 11 longest flights and I wanted to share. We want to go to Thailand someday and I can’t imagine being on a flight THAT long! But sometimes that’s what you got to do to get where you want to go. The 2 longest flights I have been on was a 14 hours flight from Norway to Newark (we had to turn around about an hour and a half into the flight for a medical emergency and then had to wait on the airplane to make sure the heavy landing did cause any problems) and then from Frankfurt to Houston, I think it was like 10 hours. Here is the list of the longest commercial flights.

11. New York to Hong Kong on Cathay Pacific (Tie)

Miles: 8,059, Scheduled Duration: 16 Hours, Cost $644

10. Houston to Brisbane on Qantas (Tie)

Miles: 8,584, Scheduled Duration: 16 Hours, Cost $1962

9. Johannesburg to New York on South African Airways (Tie)

Miles: 7,970, Scheduled Duration: 16 Hours, Cost $1200 - $1700

8. Newark to Hong Kong on United Airlines (Tie)

Miles: 8,065, Scheduled Duration: 16 Hours, Cost $1500 - $1900

7. Atlanta to Johannesburg on Delta Airlines (Tie)

Miles: 8,433, Scheduled Duration: 16 Hours 15 Minutes, Cost $1300

6. Doha to Houston on Qatar Airways (Tie)

Miles: 8,047, Scheduled Duration: 16 Hours 15 Minutes, Cost $1850

5. Dubai to Houston on Emirates Airways

Miles: 8,164, Scheduled Duration: 16 Hours 20 Minutes, Cost $1400 - $2300

4. Dubai to Los Angeles on Emirates Airways

Miles: 8,335, Scheduled Duration: 16 Hours 30 Minutes, Cost $1800 - $2400

3. Los Angeles to Bangkok on Thai Airways

Miles: 8,260, Scheduled Duration: 17 Hours 30 Minutes, Cost $1500 - $1900

2. Newark to Singapore on Singapore Airlines

Miles: 10,371, Scheduled Duration: 18 Hours, Cost $6000 - $8000

1. Los Angeles to Singapore, Singapore Airlines

Miles: 9,500, Scheduled Duration: 18 Hours 30 Minutes, Cost $6000 - $8000

LA to Singapore

For ways to prepare for long flights like those listed above, here is a helpful list prepared by Joel Fineman:

10. Charge up your portable electronics

For many flyers, portable electronics (and the batteries that sustain them) act as lifelines. Staring into small colorful screens can calm nervous travelers and keep children occupied. But your gadgets are no good unless they can survive the flight's entire duration, which requires ample battery power. Although the top carriers provide passengers with personal entertainment systems loaded with hundreds of films, television programming, and games, this option may not satisfy everyone. If you're a tech addict, charge all of your own devices before you board.

9. Carry layers

You may not be headed to some place cold, but you should bring layers on long flights. Onboard temperatures can vary, so the ability to shed or to don clothes mid-flight is useful. Plus, you can use large sweaters and coats as blankets and pillows. (I always have a jacket or hoodie with me no matter where I am headed.)

8. Prepare for kids

Taking charge of other people's screaming and kicking children is not your job. But sometimes, polite parental assistance can do wonders. Bring a small, cheap toy along and hand it to the bored, frustrated toddler. Or promise the youngster behind you a cash reward at the end of the flight if he refrains from kicking your seat. With crying babies, you're just out of luck. But a good set of ear plugs should do the trick.

7. Bring your medication

You have no control over what pet dander, perfumes, or other airborne irritants your fellow passengers bring on board. If you have allergies, be prepared by either medicating before take-off or having your meds easily accessible in flight. The same goes for those with other conditions-such as migraines-which you might experience on an aircraft. Remember: There's no pharmacy on board. Also, carry any prescribed meds in their original containers in case TSA officials question you about them. (I always bring my meds in my carry-on; don’t want the airline losing your luggage with your medication in the luggage!)

6. Wear appropriate shoes

Feet tend to swell at high elevations, making shoes uncomfortable. There are several ways to relieve the pressure: Wear relaxed-fit or slip-on shoes, hydrate before and during the flight, walk down the aisles, and don't cross your legs. Removing your shoes for trips to the lavatory should not be one of these tactics. This will expose your possibly stinky feet not only to bacteria on the floor, but also to fellow travelers.

5. Maintain your personal bubble

Admittedly, personal space on a plane is minimal, so do your best to hold onto as much distance as possible. Honing in on a book is the old-school way; however, using noise-canceling headphones to plug into the onboard entertainment system or your own device always does the trick. (And don’t touch anyone! You don’t want to get sick while on the flight and you have no way to get to cold medicine!)

4. Sleep to sync up with the new time zone

When you're on a plane for 10-plus hours and hopping time zones, you're going to fall asleep. Try scheduling six to eight hours of rest that align with your destination's nighttime. Ignore meal service, block out sounds, and turn off the entertainment system. Avoiding caffeine and other stimulants can help you catch some zzzs. Sleeping will make the flight seem shorter and help you feel more refreshed upon arrival.

3. Snag your ideal seat

Ideal seat selection requires early booking and insight. The former is up to you. For the latter, we can direct you to some helpful resources. Use SeatGuru.com to pick the best available seat before you purchase your ticket. You can search by route or by airline and flight number. Additionally, you can set email alerts via ExpertFlyer.com to notify you when your requested seat type becomes available. (On one of our flights we had picked our seats WAY in advance and were all ready to go. I just happened to check them a few months later and they had changed our flight times and doing that made us lose our seats! I was really mad because now we were sitting pretty much in the back of the plain…and I hate that!)

2. Pack snacks

Nothing can rile you up more than hunger. To keep you satisfied (and calm) in-flight, take precautionary steps before you board. You already know the airline's cuisine may be poor, so come prepared. Bring substantial, no-mess snacks (e.g. bagels) and a travel-size bottle of hot sauce to add flavor (or subdue it). Also, consider the menu of available pre-order meals to make sure the airline can meet your dietary restrictions and preferences.

1. Be nice to your flight attendants

On a long flight, you can be stressed out, exhausted, and just plain out-of-it. But that's not an excuse to be rude to your flight attendants. These men and women can make or break your flying experience, and if you're stuck on a plane for the good part of a day, you want them on your side. Do your best to make nice with attendants as soon as you board the plane. Benefits can include anything from a polite answer to your questions (i.e. "How much longer?") to a complimentary beverage or a seat change. (Sometimes these people can be pretty awful but I always try to keep in mind that they have probably been dealing with dumb people all day and are bit stressed…try to be nice!)

Photos thanks to:

Pic 1: Joi and Carol M. Highsmith/Flickr and Wikimedia Commons

Pic 2: John Sullivan/Wikimedia Common/and the Singapore Tourism Board

Places to Retire Abroad!

As you know I love to travel! So when I found this article by Kathleen Peddicord on the 18 best places to retire I knew I would be posting about it. Her first 10 were in the America's...I'm not too into Central America so I'll skim over those and go straight to what she says about Europe and Asia :)

The Americas
1. Panama
2. Belize
3. Colombia
4. Uruguay
5. Ecuador
6. Nicaragua
7. Roatan, Honduras
8. Argentina
9. Mexico
10. Chile

Europe

11. France. France is a land of superlatives. Its capital has been called the most beautiful, most romantic, and most touristic city on earth. It also boasts some of the world's best wines, cheeses, restaurants, shopping, castles, gardens, parks, beaches, museums, cafes, galleries, vineyards, and architecture. The typical concern for anyone who has ever dreamed of a new life in France is that it's too expensive for the average retiree to consider seriously. Not so. Paris isn't cheap. But elsewhere in France you can find realistic options, even if your retirement budget is modest. Perhaps the most retirement friendly region in this country is in the southwest, north of Spain, where small country towns offer a way of life that is quintessentially French and also very affordable. 

12. Italy. The cost of living in Rome, Florence, Venice, and Tuscany might be beyond the limits of your retirement budget. But that doesn't mean you should take Italy off your list entirely if this is the country that stirs your imagination and speaks to your soul. A retiree on a budget interested in Italy could look at Abruzzo. From this beautiful Old World base, within a half-day's drive of both the coast and the mountains, you could plan excursions to Italy's better-known and more expensive outposts as often as you liked.

13. Ireland. Americans have long dreamed of retirement on the Emerald Isle and with good reason. Ireland is safe, peaceful, relaxed, welcoming, friendly, hospitable, and English-speaking, making it an ideal retirement choice for many. Ireland today is also more affordable than it has been in more than a decade, and its property market has fallen off a cliff. Real estate prices are down 50 percent or more in many markets and are still falling. If you, like so many others, have dreamed of wiling away your retirement years on your own little piece of the Auld Sod, this could be the best time in your lifetime to think about making that purchase.

14. Spain. Spain is known among expats for its Atlantic and Mediterranean coastlines, especially its infamous (and unfortunately over-developed) Costa del Sol. But there's more to this country than its costas. Barcelona, for example, is a world-class city on the ocean, perfect if you're looking for a cosmopolitan life near the water. Real estate prices in this country have fallen tremendously since the highs of four or five years ago. If retirement in Spain appeals to you, this could be the time to search for a great deal on Spanish retirement digs.

15. Croatia. Croatia, a country with an extraordinarily complicated history and an extremely open-minded, forward-looking population, is at another turning point in its long history. Countries at turning points are interesting places to be. I recommend the country's Istrian Peninsula, which serves up some of the most delightful scenery on the planet. The land seems to rise up to embrace you, and everywhere you look, something nice is growing like olives, grapes, figs, tomatoes, pumpkins, blackberries, and wildflowers. Even the buildings seem to be part of the earth, built of its white stone and red clay. This sun-soaked region offers one of the most appealing lifestyle options in Europe today. (I would LOVE to live here!!!)

Asia

16. Thailand. Thailand boasts both really cheap and developed and comfortable lifestyle choices. It is also noteworthy as being one of the few countries in this part of the world that offers formal options for long-term and retirement visas. Hua Hin is one of the few classic retirement havens in Southeast Asia, complete with golf courses, factory outlets, and gated communities. Foreigners make up approximately 15 percent of that population, and most of them are retired. With 12 golf courses in operation and another 3 under construction, this is definitely the place to go if you're a golfing enthusiast. Hua Hin is a place where, if you were so inclined, you could live a North American lifestyle and never have to involve yourself more than superficially with the local Thai culture. This could be a plus or a minus for you, but it is worth noting when discussing options in this typically exotic part of the world. (Another place I am interested in!)

17. Vietnam. While Thailand is well-established as an interesting option for expats and foreign retirees, Vietnam is an emerging choice, which could get a lot more attention in the coming few years. Nha Trang offers an interesting coastal retirement option for adventuresome retirees. Nha Trang's total population of more than 200,000 includes an expat population of about 1,000 people, meaning foreigners here are still pioneers. You'll find no organized activities for foreigners, such as expat clubs or softball leagues. The lack of a big foreign population makes it easier to have meaningful interactions with the locals. The major attraction in Nha Trang is its cost of living, which can amount to much less than $1,000 per month for a retired couple. If you're a budget-minded retiree with an interest in Asia, this town should be on top on your list.

18. Malaysia. After Thailand, Malaysia is the easiest country to navigate in this part of the world. The country's capital, Kuala Lumpur, is a city of contrasts. The shining stainless steel Petronas Towers, two of the tallest skyscrapers in the world, anchor a startlingly beautiful skyline that is truly unique to this city. Modern, air-conditioned malls flourish, selling everything from beautifully handcrafted batik clothing to genuine Rolex watches and Tiffany jewelry. In the shadows of these ultra-modern buildings, the ancient Malay village of Kampung Baru still thrives, with free-roaming roosters and a slow pace of life generally found in rural villages. Less than a 20-minute walk from the city center, you can find yourself conversing with monkeys in the city-jungle surrounding one of the highest telecommunications towers in the world. A walk of less than 30 minutes leads you to Chinatown and Little India, where merchants offer their wares, foods, and culture in happy neighborhoods that showcase the amazing diversity of the city.

Unlike some places in Asia, foreigners are genuinely welcomed in Kuala Lumpur. Language isn't a problem, as almost everyone speaks adequate English. Immigration is easy, and it is possible to stay for an extended period with a simple tourist visa. Although Kuala Lumpur is more expensive than rural Malaysia, it can be marvelously inexpensive by Western standards. You can realistically expect to cut your living expenses by a third and still enjoy a lifestyle comparable to what you are accustomed to now.

Here is the original article.

How to Pack Light

Packing light can really help you when it comes to traveling and getting trough security quickly. And now that airlines charge you for the bags you check it makes you think, "do I really need to take that?" If I am traveling for a week or more I am definitely taking a large bag and checking it. But I make sure to carry everything I really need in my carry-on (one of my biggest fears is the airline loosing my bag).

In my carry-on I bring:

• toothpaste & brush
• all my make-up (I don't want to spend $100's replacing it)
• hair straightener (again, don't want to spend $$$ replacing it)
• one pair of clothes
• few pairs of undergarments and socks
• swimsuit (if I'm traveling to a tropical destination) 
• all the electronics we have (cameras, recorders, iPads, etc.) 

Traveling for a long weekend can prove to be a little more difficult when only trying to travel with carry-on luggage. But now there are also so many cool new jackets that can second as your suitcase or even your carry-on. Check out these from Scottvest. 

for more info on how to pack and what to pack check out OneBag.

Happy Traveling!