1. iTunes gift card for music, TV shows, movies
2. Noise canceling earbuds/headphones – BOSE makes the best but the Sony, Phillips, and JVC products are good



Bose® QuietComfort® 15 Acoustic Noise Cancelling® Headphones(Old Version)

Bose, Electronics, $299.95




JVC HANC250 Noise Cancelling Headphones – Black

JVC, Electronics, Too low to display




Philips HN060/37 Noise-Canceling Earbuds

Philips, Electronics, $59.99

3. Netflix 1-year subscription – the ability to throw a DVD or two into the bag and then mail it back from anywhere is pretty cool.
4. Audible.com 1-year subscription – over half my reading now is someone reading to me
5. Wall Street Journal Digital Edition subscription – they email the Wall Street Journal to you depending on what you are interested in. I have been a subscriber for over a decade and it keeps getting better. I never look at newsprint anymore.
6. If s/he likes to workout, then a portable workout kit may fit the bill.



j/fit Complete Workout Travel Kit

J Fit 2007, Sports, $48.30

7. Perhaps a pedometer so he knows how far he is jogging or walking on unfamiliar routes.



Omron HJ-112 Digital Pocket Pedometer

Omron 2005, Health and Beauty, $20.00

8. Sleeping on long flights is difficult for some – how about some sleep blinders



Eagle Creek Travel Gear Comfort Eye Shade

Eagle Creek Travel Gear, Apparel, $9.95

9. If the person on your list is relatively tall, comfort on a plane is hard to come by. Around the neck pillows look weird but they help support the head for a nap on the flight.



Eagle Creek Travel Gear Comfort Travel Pillow

Eagle Creek Travel Gear, Apparel, $0.00

10. ET phone home! Skype, camera and microphone can make all the difference in the world for talking long distance (like around the globe) and still keep the expenses under control.



HP KQ246AA 8.0 MP Deluxe Webcam

Hewlett Packard, Personal Computers, $27.99




Cyber AcousticsStereo Headset/Microphone, Ambidextrous design AC-201

Cyber Acoustics, Personal Computers, $7.24

If you know someone like this, what do you get them for a gift?  Here is a list of 20 things to consider – something is definitely in your price range.

1. iPod Touch. Actually an iPhone is okay to give but since it requires a cellular data plan it is not a fantastic gift. Make sure that the iPod Touch has as much memory as possible so that multimedia files can be stored and played.



Apple iPod touch 32 GB (3rd Generation) OLD MODEL

Apple Computer, Electronics, $274.99

2. Kindle. At this writing, this is the best ebook reader on the market. The screen is absolutely amazing. Nothing will use up dead time like reading a great novel. I don’t know what took me so long to buy my Kindle – it is much more convenient than hauling around all the paper of a book.
   
   

   Kindle Wireless Reading Device, Free 3G, 6″ Display, White – 2nd Generation

   Amazon.com 2009, Electronics, $189.00

3. If the intended receiver already has a Kindle, a gift certificate to Amazon will be well appreciated. If s/he has a different ebook reader you will have to go to a different book seller.
4. Software to rip movies. Yes, there is free software such as Handbrake that does this but, in general, the purchased software is better than the free stuff.  I suggest WinX DVD Ripper.
5. Most good hotels now have ways to play iPod movies on the room TV if you have appropriate cables. The two best that I have seen is Monster AI ITV IP-10 iTV Link for iPod or the Apple Composite AV Cable



Monster AI ITV IP-10 iTV Link for iPod (10 feet)

Monster, Electronics, $37.44




Apple Composite AV Cable (OLD VERSION)[Retail Packaging]

Apple Computer, Electronics, $49.00

6. Extra Battery life for iPod. Nothing is worse than being stuck at an airport and you don’t have electricity. Some airports have convenient places to grab a charge but others will make you sit on the floor in the hallway to use a plug. It depends on the model but there are a bunch available. If it is an iPod Touch, get the Mophie Juice Pack Case. If it is a regular iPod, use Griffin TuneJuice 2 Battery Backup for iPod.



mophie juice pack case and rechargeable battery for iPod touch 2G, 3G (Black)

mophie, Inc., Electronics, $39.97




Griffin TuneJuice 2 Battery Backup for iPod (Black)

Griffin Technology, Electronics, $0.75

7. Does s/he already have an iPhone? Get the Mophie JuicePack.
   
   

   Mophie Juice Pack Air rechargeable battery Case for iPhone 3G & 3G S (Black)

   Mophie, Wireless Phone, $15.00

8. Does s/he have the power cables to hook into the plane’s power such as an iGo Combo AC/DC Power Adapter? People that fly internationally find this to be invaluable. Most trans-Atlantic or trans-Pacific flights will have a special plug. These can be used for the laptop or the iPod
   
   

   iGo PS00120-0001 Universal 70 Watt Combo AC/DC Power Adapter with Dual Charging Device

   iGo – Mobility Electronics, Inc., Personal Computers, $129.99

9. Does s/he have an electronic safe for all of the personal data? This needs to be on the smartphone.  It allows a quick reference to credit card numbers, passwords, bank accounts, etc and IMO, this is required for international travel. I use eWallet from Illium. It is good for Blackberry, iPhone, iPod Touch and Windows Mobile.
10. If s/he has an iphone with GPS or a blackberry with GPS, s/he can use a subscription to one of the route mapping services – make sure it has international data.

Thanks to Timm for the idea of putting together the list!

Don’t change your mind

The fees of most airlines and many hotels have increased.  In this tight market, these providers are less likely to be forgiving on a change and are going to take the opportunity to extract more money from your wallet now that you are probably in panic mode.  WSJ says that American is now charging $150 on changes.

So before you hit the Buy button, make sure you have all the details figured out.

Ship your luggage

It may make sense to ship luggage to your destination. It also may make sense to buy or rent while you are there.  For instance, if the only reason that you are renting a minivan is to tote your clubs or luggage around, perhaps you can save a few bucks by renting the clubs at the golf course.  Also shipping your big items to your hotel or condo may allow you to save on the vehicle as well as save some airport fees.

As the Wall Street Journal points out:

Package shippers like FedEx Corp. or United Parcel Service Inc. or luggage shippers like Luggage Forward Inc. or Sports Express LLC may now be an attractive alternative. With FedEx, you can ship three bags — two 40-pounders and one 60-pound bag, from Dallas to Boston and back for about $250 if you use the three-business-day service, and the price might be a lot less if you have access to a corporate account with discounts at FedEx. Put the bags in shipping boxes or just use tags that shippers now have for luggage. Package shippers can track the bags, too — something airlines don’t do. On United, those same three bags would cost you $450 round trip if traveling alone.

What is the weather going to be like?

You should be looking at weather conditions all along your trip.  If there is bad weather expected you might get the airline to change your itinerary for free so that you can avoid the problems.  Dealing with weather and angry travelers is a huge cost for the airlines and sometimes they can work with you to avoid problems for you and them.

Check the status of airports

Some airports are an absolute zoo at certain times of day and on certain days.  Figure this out in advance and avoid those times or at least plan accordingly. There is nothing more frustrating than being caught in a long security line because you thought it was only going to take 15 minutes to get through security. 

TSA has some historical times for different airports that you can judge the wait time.  My personal experience is that this information is  a little too optimistic.  I suggest doubling the times.  Also, airports may post their wait times and usually these pages are listed on this TSA site.

Your best option is to assume the worst and get their early.  You can always enjoy a beverage in the concourse and start reading that great beach novel that you bought.

To make your security experience smoother:

1. Show ID and boarding pass.
2. Take out liquids (in a baggie) and laptops.
3. Take off shoes and jackets.

You should also check out this list of what is not allowed by TSA.

Pack something to eat

While you can’t pack liquids due to TSA regulations, you can pack food. Having a substantial snack with you will cut your costs and give you the energy to get through the day. You may also wish to purchase a bottled water or soft drink in the airport (after security) to take on the plane.  Unless you have purchased a first class ticket, don’t expect any food on the plane aside from peanuts or pretzels and a small cup of a soft drink.

By Benedict Smythe

Sometimes you just need to take a break and get away from everything. Deadlines, work pressure, your boss? Whatever your reason is, weekend trips often do wonders for your health, and relationships (if you are taking your friends or family with you).

As a weekend getaway, you may be content by going to a beach located just a two hour drive away from the city, or maybe consider a bed and breakfast in a place nearby. For some people however, they prefer far destinations out of town, or even out of the country. They would rather fly on a Friday night and return back home on a Sunday evening. If you are planning a weekend getaway like this, there is one big mistake that you could ever make: over packing!

Even if you are going on a three days and two nights vacation, it is still very possible to fit all your things in just one bag. Besides, how much clothes do you think you will need? Not much! There are many reasons to pack light:

• Security – checked-in baggage are sometimes lost, damaged or stolen.
• Economy – you don’t need porters to carry your stuff, and therefore eliminate the need to tip them. You will also be able to ride public transport rather than an expensive taxi. Or you can even take a walk to a nearby hotel, which will bring you to a more intimate contact with the place.
• Mobility – in your destination you will be the first to leave while others are still waiting for their checked-in baggage to go through the arrival claim area. You can save almost an hour of your time!
• Serenity- you have less time to pack/unpack and you don’t waste energy in hauling stuff.

Convinced? So how can you become a one-bag traveler? There are two key things you should consider:

What to pack

It is critically important to have a packing list that you should use every time you travel. It makes sure that you will not forget anything important. It also reminds you that the things on the list are only the essentials you need to bring. Remember that parkas are not needed in North Africa, nor can dressy shoes be helpful in an Amazon trek. Resist the temptation to bring things that you think you might need. Rather, bring things that you cannot survive without. These things can be underwear, clothes, toiletries, and travel documents.

How to pack it

We do not want to spend our vacation wearing wrinkled clothes. The art of packing makes sure our clothes have creases where they should be, rather than where they should not be. Much of this will depend on the material or fabric of the clothes (synthetic materials do not retain creases as much as natural materials do). But the way in which we fold or pack them will also play a major role.

Folding the clothes on top of one another is the worst kind of packing you can do. It produces obvious creases and wrinkles. Another popular style is rolling the clothes, but this will actually increase wrinkling even more. Fortunately, there is another alternative called bundle wrapping. It is a technique that involves careful wrapping of the clothes around a core object in the center, thereby eliminating the folds that result in creases and wrinkles.

For small items such as toiletries, use an organizer pouch to prevent a cluttered mess in the bag. Also, place your liquids inside a sealed plastic to prevent unexpected spills.

Now you are all set to go out and enjoy the weekend!

About the Author: Partingtons have a range of Caravan Parks across the UK for a great English holiday. Or if you are looking for a holiday home why not check out property in Tuscany

Source: www.isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=237268&ca=Travel

By Charles O’Ryan

With the increase in security and increase of people using today’s major airports, there is no getting around the fact that there will be hold ups and snags in your itinerary. It is extremely easy to become irritable, and for good reason, while at the airport. From long times, other rude passengers, missing luggage, or even getting held up in the random security checkpoints, there are numerous ways to make you go crazy. But you might be thinking to yourself, “What can I do about all this?” Well, sometimes there is nothing you can do and I’m not going to pretend I can get you in the airport and in your seat with a smile on your face in twenty minutes, but there are a few things you can do that will decrease your chances of running into problems.

The first step is getting to the airport early. One of the main reasons why travelers become so irritable and anxious is because they are cutting it short. Becoming stuck in an unusually long line at the check in desk when you have a half hour to be on the plane would drive a Nobel peace prize winner up the wall. Get to the airport at least an hour and half early for domestic flights and maybe even three hours early for international flights.

The second step is to take a morning flight. Many flight schedules reset in the early morning. If you book a flight before nine in the morning, there is a good chance it is the first flight of the day on that aircraft which means no delays are rolling over to affect your travel time. Often these flights will prove cheaper as well.

The third step is to do everything in your power not to fly during the peak hours. All airports have different rush hours, but as a general rule the morning rush starts after nine in the morning and runs to about noon. Then it starts up again from around four to seven in the afternoon. These rush hours only equate to longer lines, more people waiting, less seats, and more crowds.

Try to take non-stop flights. Taking a non-stop flight may be more expensive, but well worth it in the end. When you carry over several times and change airplanes, you have a higher risk of losing luggage or missing a connecting flight. With more stops you also run the increased risk of more weather related problems as you zigzag across the country.
The last step coincides with trying to take non-stop flights. If you cannot do so, at least book a connecting flight with plenty of time. As boring as an hour or two layover could be, the peace of mind you will gain by not missing a flight or feeling rushed is well worth it.

These steps are not a miracle fix to the airport headache. But they could really help you and those you travel with to make it to your destination with less speed bumps in your itinerary. Good Luck!

About the Author: Save on airline travel with airline credit cards where you can also find more of Charles’ work.

Source: www.isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=237026&ca=Travel

Technorati Tags: airlines,tips

By Kelley Falgout

When considering when, where, how, for how long and what type of vacation, trip or holiday venture to undertake, we all get caught up in the anticipation, excitement and exhilaration. Sometimes we let the more important financial side of things slip a little. After all, for most of us, taking a vacation may only happen once a year, for some, even more infrequently. We tend to indulge and forget about our pocket book a little.

There are many ways to save money, avoid unnecessary cost, ensure you take care of details end up a smart and perceptive traveler. Budget travel planning is easier that you might think Here are a few handy travel tips for making your travel dollar go further!

• Cushion your budget: When considering a trip or planning budget travel, it is important to plan for the unexpected and consider the financial side of things early on. This ensures affordability, liquidity and having the resources to enjoy it to the fullest! Plan for the worst-case financial scenario and prepare for things to cost a little more than you expected. Allow up to 20% increase in cost to be on the safe side of things.
• Emergency money: Carrying some spare cash somewhere can also be a lifesaver. The rule of thumb seems to be around $50-$100 in small bills. This can be used for incidentals, ground-transportation like cab fare and/or your return home, tips and more.
• Set your priorities: Set some spending priorities and criteria in advance, like eating at a special restaurant or attending a concert, even if this means sacrificing a bit on lodgings or visa versa, depending on what is more important to you.
• Keep an eye on your credit cards: It is extremely easy these days to have access to your financial resources through ATM’s and credit cards. Just remember that it is just as easy to overspend because of it being so readily available. A little discipline will go a long way to protect your financial interest and help you stick to your travel budget.
• Maximize gas mileage and efficiency: If you’re planning a road trip, make sure that your car has been serviced at least a week before your trip. A well-maintained vehicle will go a long way to ensure carefree driving. If your budget allows, you may consider renting a vehicle to save wear and tear on your own. Small economy cars are better on gas and are much more comfortable than they used to be. Minivans and sport utility vehicles are practical only if you have to transport a large family with a lot of equipment or luggage.
• Gas fill-ups: For filling up your car en route, avoid pushing to the limit until the gas runs out. Gas will obviously be more expensive when filling up in remote locations. If you miscalculated and the light on the dashboard indicates that you are really in need, opt for filling just half a tank until you reach the next more densely or major populated destination, where gas might be a little cheaper.
• Pack-a-snack: Bring your own refreshments and snacks. Gas station prices on drinks and snack food are high. Avoid these during a pit stop, if you are counting your travel dollars. A cooler packed with lots of cool drinks, water and ice and/or a thermos of coffee or hot water for tea, some fruit, granola bars, or a sandwich, goes a long way to still the hunger and save you money by avoiding all high priced stops en route.
• Travel necessities: It is advisable to travel with basic necessities, like a cell phone and a first aid kit, since both can prove to be essential in emergencies. Most people have cell phones at their disposal, but in the event that you are not one of them, a prepaid cell phone may be the answer for your trip. The peace of mind it offers is worth the small investment. Cell phones can also save on hefty surcharges and higher long distance rates that hotels and resorts often charge.

Budget travel requires close attention to all things financial before and during your trip. Planning a trip or vacation can be a little time consuming but following these travel tips will hopefully save you a lot of headaches as well as some unnecessary interest charges on your credit card balances later! You will thank yourself for your fiscal restraint and spending discipline

, up-front planning, foresight and forward thinking!

About the Author: Kelley Falgout is a theme park enthusiast and publisher of www.FamilyThemeParkVacations.com, a vacation planning tool and continuously growing database of all theme parks, amusement parks and water parks located across the United States.

Source: www.isnare.com

Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=238189&ca=Travel

Technorati Tags: gas,tips,food,budget

The easiest way to do this is to contact your hotel that you are visiting.  Most of the better ones will hold your package for a reasonable time. If they don’t perform this service, you may want to consider a different establishment for your business!

You can also send it to the Post Office or to an American Express office.  Upgrade: Travel Better has a great article in how to do this.

So what do you do if you are stuck in the Atlanta airport for a layover? If you are a frequent flier, then you should probably invest in a membership at one of the airline clubs. That is easily the most comfortable way to deal with a 4 hour layover.

If you can’t join a club, you need to do something to deal with the layover. You may want to increase your layover and leave the airport all together. Most airlines consider less than 24 hours a connection so it isn’t like buying 2 sets of tickets. Atlanta is a wonderful city to visit combining southern charm with a mix of influences from across the country due to its very transient population.

It may seem that every other street is called Peachtree but there are several great restaurants and a lot of shopping in the city. So rather stressing about your layover, take another night and leave the airport and enjoy Atlanta – home and work will still be there the next day.

But if you really must spend a couple hours in one of the busiest airports in the US, what do you do? Unfortunately, if you don’t want to leave the secure area and decide to stick it out at your next gate, your options are limited. Atlanta boasts the same expensive and poorly prepared food providers that all the other major airports have. They also have the same type of poor selection of books and magazines to help you bide the time.

So if you find yourself stuck in the many concourses of Atlanta, plug in your earbuds, grab a good book, and tough it out. Every once in awhile, you can look up at the CNN newscast that repeats every 10 minutes.

Technorati Tags: atlanta+airport , layover

At the bottom of this article, you will find links to reviews the individual locations within Epcot. This list of reviews is constantly under construction so some of the links will take you to other sites.

You really need to budget a full day, if not 2 days, to enjoy this park. On busy days, the lines for the Future World attractions could be over an hour long and if you enjoy each building then your first day will be spent just in this park.

The World Showcase requires a more mature intellect and many children will be tire of the cultural barrage. If shopping in distant countries, eating ethnic cuisine and seeing architecture from other lands is interesting to you then you will love this half of Epcot.

Throughout the park, you will find Disney characters signing autographs for youngsters and posing for pictures. If you want to enjoy this activity, you can easily spend the entire day going from one location to another looking for more costumed characters.

Several hints that will allow you to enjoy your day at the park:

• Arrive early and go directly to the attraction that interests you the most. Mission Space and Test Track are currently very popular and will force you into long lines later in the day.
• After you have been on either Mission Space or Test Track, get a FastPass for the other one. You will likely have time to enjoy other activities while you wait and the line will be much more enjoyable using the FastPass.
• There are a lot of great places to eat at the park but the most enjoyable and unique will be in the back at the World Showcase. Plan to eat there for lunch and dinner – most of the restaurants take reservations and it is encouraged that you take advantage of this service.

Future World

Imagination! Pavilion
Mission: SPACE Pavilion
Spaceship Earth Pavilion
Test Track Pavilion
The Land Pavilion
The Seas with Nemo & Friends Pavilion
Universe of Energy
Wonders of Life Pavilion

World Showcase

Canada Pavilion
China Pavilion
France Pavilion
Germany Pavilion
Italy Pavilion
Japan Pavilion
Mexico Pavilion
Morocco Pavilion
Norway Pavilion
U.S.A. Pavilion
United Kingdom Pavilion

Technorati Tags: Disney, Epcot, Florida, Orlando, DisneyWorld