Image Credit

Have you been wondering whether you should splash out on a First Class ticket next time you travel to a major city? Ready to fly in the face of the recession and spread your cash as you spread your wings?

Before you make the big decision, let’s have a look at the best First Class seats available from airlines and what exactly you would get for your money. Here are the top 5 First Class airline services for you to consider.

Singapore Airlines

Image Credit

The extremely highly regarded Singapore Airlines has a magnificent First Class service. Their first class cabin only has eight 35 inch wide beautifully upholstered leather seats for a lucky few and the largest beds available on any flight.

Luxurious little touches like top quality health and beauty products, soft sleepers suits and bedtime slippers mean you have a snug night’s sleep and revitalising wake up in the vanity corner.

The menu offers a selection of delicious gourmet cuisine created by internationally renowned chefs, while there is also an incredible cellar of fine wines to choose from and gourmet coffee available at all times.

Entertainment is also excellent. Each First Class passenger has a 23-inch LCD TV with surround sound, superb headphones and a wide choice of movies and a personal phone. Singapore Airlines have an outstanding reputation for making flights a memorable experience.

Etihad Airways

Image Credit

Etihad Airways’ Diamond First Class service is famous for its impeccable level of service, even having a dedicated food and beverage manager onboard. There is an a la carte and anytime kitchen menu, with a dazzling array of wines and champagne available.

The spacious sleeping areas and comfortable flatbeds are very well thought out, particularly as the privacy shell and mood lighting systems allow passengers to relax by themselves should they wish to. Alternatively, they can engage with the on demand entertainment services, which include 600 hours of films, music and interactive games.

Perhaps the key strength of Etihad Airways’ Diamond First Class service is this flexibility, allowing passengers to have a high quality personal or sociable experience in accordance to their wishes.

Emirates

Image Credit

Which feature of the Emirates First service do passengers particularly love? Without doubt, the two onboard luxury Shower Spas, which enable passengers to pamper and revitalise themselves before they reach their destination.

The global airline offers a global menu featuring exquisite dishes from myriad regions, including Arabic mezze and stir fried lobster. There are two upper deck lounges which serve cocktails and hors d’oeuvres and enable passengers to peacefully relax, socialise or conduct a business meeting.

Touchscreen TVs provide hundreds of media channels featuring films, video games and music for passengers to enjoy lounging in their seats, but when they feel like a snooze attendants will come to covert the seat into a comfy flat bed. Then, as they awake, passengers remember the Shower Spas…

Qantas

Image Credit

The 6ft 6in sleeper beds on First Class Qantas flights are wonderfully snug and you even get some super soft pyjamas, slippers and eyeshades for your money. Passengers also receive amenity kits by Payot Paris. Men get a foldout travel bag, women a clutch-style bag, filled with luxury toiletries.

Qantas First Class delvers a huge variety of on demand media, including 60 films, 250 TV channels and 250 CDs. Every passenger has their own personal telephone built into their adjustable seat.

A standout point of the dining experience provided by Qantas and Rockpool is their fun and deliciously indulgent 8-course tasting menu, a novel experience enabling a variety of fine cuisine to be enjoyed. Qantas First Class service also has magnificent flight attendants who are constantly at hand to help.

British Airways

Image Credit

Renowned for their fine quality service, British Airways have joined in partnership with Quintessentially to provide their First Class passengers with an exclusive concierge service, enabling money to be obtained and tickets for events to be ordered.

Passengers enjoy a unique experience in the First cabin and suite. Each passenger is assigned a personal wardrobe and can sleep sound in their comfortable fully flat bed. Entertainment wise, each passenger has a 15-inch TV with more than 100 movies, CDs and audiobooks available, plus all power points and connection points needed for laptops, smartphones and iPods.

The British Airways First Class dining experience can be chosen from an a la carte menu or a less formal bistro service. The quality of the cuisine is famously high, but perhaps the most beloved signature dish available is the gorgeous Afternoon Tea.

Is First Class Really Worth It? was written on behalf of HotelClub: where you can book a room at the Mandarin Orchard Singapore.

About Fox Rent A Car:

Fox Rent A Car, your discount car rental company, has been providing excellent customer service along with low rates for rental cars since its founding in 1989. Today, our success in these areas has enabled us to develop into the largest independent car rentals company headquartered in California. You will find Fox Car Rental offices conveniently located at major airports throughout the world.

As Spring approaches it’s the perfect time to dream about your next quick getaway. If looking for something different why not base a vacation around your favorite music?

Image courtesy of Mr. T in DC

Love the Blues?

Well you’ve got plenty of options, depending on your preference. The Mississippi Delta is home to the crossroads, where legend has it that Robert Johnson sold his soul to the Devil for his talent and fame. Whatever the rumors what’s based in fact is that the Delta is a great place to slow down your pace, eat spectacular soul food, and hear contemporary artists give tribute to the greats like Muddy Waters and Howlin’ Wolf, who went on to create their own individual styles.

And don’t forget to visit hot spots in small towns like Clarksdale, where Morgan Freeman’s club and restaurant, Ground Zero, and the Delta Blues Museum offer great sources of entertainment. Looking for unique accommodation? Consider checking out the Shack Up Inn, an old Cotton Gin with shanties for rent. But note that if you’re looking for the Ritz you should strongly reconsider. And depending on your favorite style of Blues you’ve also got Memphis, Chicago, the Piedmont area, and more. So much to choose from!

LoveTwang?

No respectable country music lover should skip a trip to Nashville and Austin if you can swing it. Home of the Grand Ole Opry and Music Row, Nashville’s role in country music may have shifted but it’s still a treasure trove of clubs and museums honoring country music legends of yesterday and today. Love bluegrass? Nashville’s got you covered with the Station Inn, where stars make impromptu appearances just to come in and pick together. Just note that if traveling to Nashville in June you’ll want to book as soon as possible because that’s when the Country Music Association has its festival (formerly known as Fan Fair), where you can meet your favorite country music stars.

Austin, Texas is rightfully touted as the Live Music Capital of the World. From country to ska, this gem of a city has it all – though non-pop country and singer/songwriters reign supreme. South Congress is home to the must-see Continental Club, where legends can be seen rubbing elbows with young up-and-comers. Not to be outdone you can also see the greats at Stubb’s Bar-B-Q, the Cactus Cafe, the Broken Spoke and Ginny’s Little Longhorn Saloon. Need a break from country? Check out Emo’s. Where Nashville takes its reputation for country music all the way to the bank, Austin has more of a laid back feel except when festivals such as South by Southwest or the Austin City Limits festivals are going on. If up for the crowds feel free to visit during those events but again, book early.

Rock and Roll!

And don’t forget Rock and Roll! Any lover of a specific band or era will mostly likely know where to go but here’s a 101. San Francisco will appeal to those interested in following in the footsteps of artists gracing the town during the ’60s. You’ve also got Motown in Detroit! New York City has played home to the development of both Punk and Prog Rock – of course Jazz, and everything in between. Minneapolis is a must visit for lovers of bands such as Husker Du and the Replacements, and Prince, too. Portland’s provides a safe haven to alternative rock and Seattle provided a home for Grunge, though with any of these places they celebrate much more than any one genre of music.

The list goes on and on but the fun part is in devising your own trip and in your own way. One travel tip is to not try to do it all in one go. Focus on a particular genre like Jazz, or an artist or even a song that resonates and then plan a trip accordingly. You’ll have fun, you’ll rock out and you’ll learn a good bit about what makes this nation so great.

Written by Emily Rankin. Ready to hit the road? Get insured. www.carinsurance.org.uk

About Fox Rent A Car:

Fox Rent A Car, your discount car rental company, has been providing excellent customer service along with low rates for rental cars since its founding in 1989. Today, our success in these areas has enabled us to develop into the largest independent car rentals company headquartered in California. You will find Fox Car Rental offices conveniently located at major airports throughout the world.

Packing for a trip can be seen as somewhat of a chore. You want to start concentrating on where you are going to go, not what you are going to take with you! But, when you are in your hotel room without your towel, you probably wished that you paid more attention when you were packing. Here are some items that we should travel with (but usually forget).

Image courtesy of Andrew Stawarz

1. Power strip. With all of the electronics that we have, phones, laptops, cameras, it is necessary to bring a power strip. If you are traveling with other people (which is the norm), they are likely to have everything to charge as well. If you don’t want to fight over an outlet, make sure to bring a power strip. You will be able to charge all of your electronics without worrying if you have enough time to do so.

2. Bandanna. This can be helpful in so many ways. You can use it to tie your hair back, a scarf, an eye mask, or even as a sling in the case that someone gets injured. It can be used by guys and gals alike. If you are going to a tropical place, you will really want to keep one of these handy, you can wipe the sweat from your face. 

3. Duct tape. You never know when you will need to use duct tape. It can help you when you are in a tight spot. You can use it to hold a broken suitcase together, to patch up your clothes, and to cover electric sockets to protect your little kids. 

4. Wet wipes. These are a very essential travel item, and something that you should always carry around. If you spill something on yourself, you can easily wipe it down. If you are at a sketchy looking restaurant, you can wipe down the silverware. You can use wipes for just about everything. 

5. Tote bag. If you are going to buy some groceries, you should bring along a tote bag. Tote bags are always great to carry things around. You can take your beach stuff in it if you are going to spend a day on the beach. You can use it to carry souvenirs. The possibilities are endless. 

These are just a few essentials that you should never forget to pack! Have fun on your vacation! 

About the Author
N. Maynez is a writer for MyCollegesandCareers.com. This is a site for those actively searching for online colleges. 

About Fox Rent A Car:

Fox Rent A Car, your discount car rental company, has been providing excellent customer service along with low rates for rental cars since its founding in 1989. Today, our success in these areas has enabled us to develop into the largest independent car rentals company headquartered in California. You will find Fox Car Rental offices conveniently located at major airports throughout the world.

Flying isn’t as much fun as it used to be.

You rush through airports and stress about going through security.

And when you finally get on the flight, it seems like your leg room keeps getting smaller.

Here are some tips for surviving on long flights.

Image courtesy of Nouhailler

Be Prepared if You are Traveling Long Distance to Corporate Events

If your travel plans will soon be taking you to a destination where you will be spending a good deal of time flying, then you’ll need to be prepared. Only the fittest planners survive long distance travel, so make sure you compile a checklist so you can make the most of your time in the air. As you will be sitting for an interminably long period, you will want to make sure that you are comfortable. After all, if you are on your way to an event or conference, you want to make sure that you are well-rested for any team building activities or receptions that you attend.

Find a Seat that Offers Extra Leg Room and is Located in a Fairly Quiet Area of the Plane

Therefore, seat selection is of top priority. Not only do you want to avail yourself of extra leg room, you want to sit in a fairly quiet spot too. For instance, it certainly won’t make for too pleasant of experience if your seat is situated near the restrooms on the plane or in an area where there is a good deal of foot traffic. So, when you are making reservations for your flight, you may want to book an aisle seat if you want extra leg room or opt for a window seat if you plan to sleep.

Keep the Amount of Luggage you Carry Onboard to One Small Bag or Backpack

Speaking of leg room – during a long distance flight, you also need to limit the amount of luggage that you carry onto the plane. Usually a backpack will suffice and can be easily stowed away in the bin overhead. After all, there’s no point getting an aisle seat if you are going to stash a large, cumbersome bag under your seat and reduce the amount of space.

Always Keep in Mind: Comfort is Key

Once more, comfort is key, so you will want to bring a travel pillow for sleeping and relaxing during the flight. You should dress comfortably too. Therefore, dress in layers so, if you are too warm or cold, you can make the appropriate adjustments. Take a sweater or scarf to keep warm should it become a bit too cold. It’s particularly important that you keep your feet warm and comfortable during a long flight as well. The lower air pressure in the cabin can cause your feet to advance one shoe size, so you’ll need comfortable shoes that provide extra room. Or, take off your shoes during your in-flight time and wear warm slipper socks to avoid any complaints from your feet.

Create an Itinerary of Activities

Once you’ve made sure that you will be comfortable, you’ll want to create an itinerary of activities just as you would do at any of the corporate events you may be attending. For example, plan to watch a movie, enjoy a light repast, and sleep or read a book. If you are on a connecting flight, use the layover time to freshen up or change clothes. Even if you must stay on the plane the whole time, make sure you freshen up in the lavatory during your flight. Keep to a schedule and you will be well-acclimated to the agenda and team building activities planned for the conferences you attend.

Bring Headphones

Naturally, entertainment is also a priority, so, to ensure that you sufficiently occupy the hours onboard, it may be a good idea to bring an iPod. A portable game will also engage you for a while as well as a good book or magazine. You may also want to fly on an airline that offers audio video on demand or AVOD. AVOD allows you to view programs on a television screen that is positioned in front of your seat. Make certain, too, that you bring headphones. Don’t use the headphones provided by the airline as they usually don’t produce a sound that is distraction-free.

Bring your Own Food and Water

You may want to bring your own food on the flight as well. After all, flying for a long time with a poor meal selection may not put you in the best frame of mind. The cabin air in an airplane canalso be very dry. So, you’ll want to bring bottled water with you in order to stay hydrated. Water from restrooms can contain unfriendly bacteria, so it’s best to bring your own water when taking a flight. Also, lip balm and moisturizer are good items to keep in your possession when you fly for a long time.

Use any of the above suggestions when your travels take you to corporate events a long way from home. Again, make a checklist to make certain that you remain comfortable during the long hours of your flight.

Written by Tom Tolladay, Event Organiser for Chillisauce who specialise in Team Building Activities and Corporate Events

About Fox Rent A Car:

Fox Rent A Car, your discount car rental company, has been providing excellent customer service along with low rates for rental cars since its founding in 1989. Today, our success in these areas has enabled us to develop into the largest independent car rentals company headquartered in California. You will find Fox Car Rental offices conveniently located at major airports throughout the world.

With the situation the economy is now in, vacations are starting to become unaffordable luxuries that people have to learn to do without. Families are unwilling to take much-needed vacations because they think that they are too expensive. However, a vacation does not have to be a costly affair. It is possible to have cheap holidays which are fun for the entire family.

Cheap holidays do not have to mean just taking the time off from work and spending it at home to avoid wasting money. It’s possible to go on a trip with the family without spending too much hard-earned money.

Nor do cheap holidays have to be sub-standard. A limited budget does not mean unlimited fun. There are a lot of inexpensive activities that the whole family can appreciate.

Here are some tips to enjoy cheap holidays with the entire family.

Image courtesy of anja_johnson

1. Figure out how much you are willing to spend.

The budget is one of the most important things to consider when going on a trip. It is part of the initial planning and should be followed through every step of the way. The more specific the budget is, the easier it would be to stick with it. Aside from knowing how much should be allotted for the entire trip, it is better to have an estimated value for the daily budget. Knowing how much should be spent for every particular aspect of the trip makes it easier to keep track of the money. This way, it is easier to tell if too much is being spent.

2. Gather as much information as possible.

Ask for assistance from a travel agent. A travel agent knows what travel necessities should be bought and which the family can do without. An agent may also be of great help in finding cheap family packages that are sure to save lots of money.

When booking or buying anything, it is best to ask around first. Airline companies have booking agents who have access to all kinds of important information. They may also be able to help the family avail of special rates and discounts. As companies sometimes provide promos and lower prices to members, be sure to inform the booking agent of any memberships.

3. Be prepared when travelling with your family.

Travelling with a large group of people can be costly, but the expenses can be cut back by being prepared. For example, before booking single or double hotel rooms, it is better to ask if there are family suites available. Aside from having more bed space, family suites tend to be much larger and have more amenities. It may even be cheaper or more practical to rent an apartment or a condominium for the duration of the vacation.

Try to bring everything that the family is sure to need on the trip. Hotels and other establishments may charge more to rent out such necessities like travel cribs or baby beds. It would be a waste of valuable money to spend on something that you have lying around at home.

Simon Jackson is the man behind the Channel Voyager, which is one of the most popular travel blogs in Technorati.He strongly recommends visiting his blog in case you need any infromation regarding cheap travel deals worldwide (interesting to know is that the Norwegian term is  billige reiser)

About Fox Rent A Car:

Fox Rent A Car, your discount car rental company, has been providing excellent customer service along with low rates for rental cars since its founding in 1989. Today, our success in these areas has enabled us to develop into the largest independent car rentals company headquartered in California. You will find Fox Car Rental offices conveniently located at major airports throughout the world.

Travelling is always a top priority on the sacred New Year’s resolution ‘must do’ list, with many people deciding that they want to make the most of the year ahead and really get out in the world and live life to the fullest.

As we enter another leap year, it’s high time to once again start packing our space saver bags for an exciting jet setting expedition across the world. Before you go reaching for your trusty travel pillow, it’s important to recognise some important guidelines for smart and safe travel. So, without further ado let’s briefly check out the top 10 travel tips for 2012:

1. It is always wise to check the latest travel advice for countries, including its various updates. Travel advice is a definitive list of countries with their corresponding alert level. For example, in 2012, places like Syria and Libya are placed under ‘do not travel’ category.

2. When travelling, it’s of utmost importance to have adequate travelling insurance. One must also make sure the insurance covers all criteria comprehensively, and provides adequate cover for any and all situations you may find yourself in whilst travelling.

3. If you are opting for an overseas trip, it’s always smart to share your journey plans, documents and contacts with the respective embassy or consulate. This actually helps your representative embassy to easily contact you during emergency situations, especially in high-alert countries like Afghanistan.

4. Overseas travellers should always be careful about their travelling documents like visa and Passport. In fact, you should also check out alternative requirements (if any) for access into and departure from the respective foreign nation. It is also wise to make at least two copies of your travelling documents (like passports, visas, insurance etc). You can carry one set of copies with your original files, while leaving another set with your trusted family member or friend, back in your home country.

5. A clever traveller should always adhere to the local laws (and even customs, if possible) for a smooth, unobtrusive trip.

6. Safety is one of the most important factors while travelling. So, it is always sensible not to wear clothing and jewellery that can attract unsavoury attention. You should also maintain a close watch over your luggage, especially in public places like airports and train stations.

7. Health is one of those issues that continue to plague overseas travellers. Especially in adverse situations, one can suffer due to his/her alien immune system (not compatible with the native country). So, you should always exercise caution, and check with health professionals for more info regarding the health situation of the foreign country. Moreover, you should opt for medications and vaccinations, if the situation demands so. Keep in mind that some medications may not be legally allowed into your travel destination.

8. Always be sure to check out the validity of your passport. The period should account for at least six months after your return date from the destination.

9. It is logical to always maintain a detailed travel guide and follow it accordingly to plan. This certainly helps in various budget considerations and time management. More importantly, you can also share it with your trusted acquaintance, in case he/she wants to contact you.

10. Nowadays, airports follow a strict protocol regarding security procedure so it’s sensible to arrive long before the departure time and check in with the relevant airline.

When we consider the current scenario, the 2012 travelling year is due for some improvement compared to 2011. Remembering to be a smart and safe traveller by taking onboard the travel tips as  mentioned above  will ensure that you not only return home in one piece, but also are able to share stories about your amazing (and trouble free) trip of a lifetime.

Getaway Trekking & Adventures specialises in Kokoda trail tours through Papua New Guinea.

About Fox Rent A Car:

Fox Rent A Car, your discount car rental company, has been providing excellent customer service along with low rates for rental cars since its founding in 1989. Today, our success in these areas has enabled us to develop into the largest independent car rentals company headquartered in California. You will find Fox Car Rental offices conveniently located at major airports throughout the world.

Almost everyone is counting their every dollar nowadays. That is why most families opt for cheap travels. This should not mean that you should have boring holidays though. You can still go to that theme park you want to see or you can still watch a concert. However, you may not be able to do or have everything in your list. You would have to scratch out unnecessary costs. You will have to plan and budget everything so you will be able to maximize what you can on your vacation. By doing so, you won’t have to cancel your yearly vacation. You can even still indulge a little so you will be able to enjoy, relax and rejuvenate.

Image courtesy of 401K

Have Emergency Money

Even in cheap travels people generally overspend a bit. There could also be an extra cost that you may not have anticipated. That is why you should also allot extra money for such circumstances. You should have at least 20% more money than you have budgeted. You can also have some change of around $50 to $100.

Prepare for the Holiday

You should have the essentials even during cheap travels. For one, you should have your cell phone with you at all times. This would allow you to ask for help in cases of emergency. Having a cell phone saves you from higher long distance rates in hotels and resorts. A first aid kit may also be necessary just in case you get a cut or if you have a headache or simple colds.

Know Your Priorities

Since you are on a budget you cannot do every single activity or recreation found in your holiday destination. That is why you would need to pick the most important activity or site you would choose to do or see. For instance, you may want to watch a concert or perhaps eat at a certain special restaurant. You can make room for this in your budget. But maybe you would have to sacrifice a bit on accommodations during cheap travels.

Save on Food

It would save you money to bring your own snacks on your way to your destination as well as during the entire vacation. You should avoid buying from convenience stores and in gas stations because prices are typically much higher there. Instead you could bring fruits, granola bars and sandwiches. Bring lots water, cool drinks and ice if possible in a cooler. You could also bring a thermos and travel kettle so you can have hot water for coffee or tea.

Keep an Eye on the Gas

You should check your car a week before your trip to ensure that it is in good running condition. You should also make sure that you fill up the car with gas. But if the trip is far, plan when to refill gas because gas is usually more expensive in remote areas. If you really have to buy gas there, buy half a tank only and do another refill in a more populated.

Exercise Discipline on Your Spending

You should stick to your budget. That is why even if you have your ATM and credit cards ready, you should not use it excessively. By staying within budget you will enjoy your vacation without having problems when you go home.

Simon Jackson is the man behind the Channel Voyager, which is one of the most popular travel blogs in Technorati.He strongly recommends visiting his blog in case you need any infromation regarding cheap airline tickets worldwide (interesting to know is that the Danish term is billige flybilletter )

About Fox Rent A Car:

Fox Rent A Car, your discount car rental company, has been providing excellent customer service along with low rates for rental cars since its founding in 1989. Today, our success in these areas has enabled us to develop into the largest independent car rentals company headquartered in California. You will find Fox Car Rental offices conveniently located at major airports throughout the world.

Being a part of frequent flyer programs gives you a variety of benefits to allow you to travel with convenience and efficiency. With the numerous companies offering such programs, along with the deals that change from time to time, many people might find it hard to pick which of these offer the best discounts and rewards. Here are the best programs for frequent plane travelers.

Southwest Rapid Rewards

From giving credits to their customers on the basis on their number of flights, Southwest has totally transformed their scheme to basing it on fares and class just like all the other programs. The points accumulated are redeemed for free flights and other types of purchases. Southwest gives no penalties for flight changes and has a two-bags-free policy. If you reach 35,000 points in a year, you will be entitled to 25% points earning bonus along with priority boarding, check-in, and priority.

Continental OnePass

Members of Continental OnePass can earn points basing on their flights to Continental or their partners. Points accumulated can be exchanged for upgrades, merchandise, and other flights, among many things. once you will become an Elite member, you will then be able to acquire of bonus miles, flight upgrades, check-in priority, free checks , and many other.

American Airlines AAdvantage

With over a thousand ways to earn points, the AAdvantage program also allows you to redeem your points in a variety of ways. To get yourself the Gold status tier and avail of their exclusive discounts and rewards; you will have earn 25,000 miles.

United Airlines Mileage Plus

Members of the United Airlines Mileage Plus are treated to free travel and merchandise with their points that they have acquired in flights with United Airlines and its various partners. At 25,000 points, you can gain Premier status which entitles you to have two bags free and domestic upgrades. However, the points expire in eighteen months.

Lufthansa Miles and More

Along with the other Star Alliance airlines, Lufthansa gives you points for frequent flights. The best thing about this is that you can share these points with your friends and family. Points, however, expire with inactivity. It is recommended that you hold a credit card so you can accumulate your points for a longer period of time. 35,000 miles earns you the Elite status which gives you business class check-in and lounge access.

Delta Skymiles

Delta, along with its online partners, allows you to earn miles forbonuses to enjoy. The best thing about this is that you are immediately given 500 points for just signing up. You can redeem your rewards at the Delta Miles Marketplace.

Aeroplan

Starting at only 5,000 miles you can already claim many rewards for both travel and merchandise. Points have no blackout dates so you are free to accumulate and add them up for as long as you desire. However, their rewards can only be redeemed from only a handful of their airline partners. They are also capacity-controlled.

Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan

With over a dozen partner airlines, the Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan can already grant you 500 miles even for a short flight. Miles never expire but your account needs to be active for two years. 20,000 miles grants you the elite status to enjoy exclusive deals and offers.

[photo credit]

Joe Hall is the originator of Myrtle Beach Hotels. When he isn’t reading or hanging out on Twitter, you can see him lounging on the beach, with lemonade in hand!

About Fox Rent A Car:

Fox Rent A Car, your discount car rental company, has been providing excellent customer service along with low rates for rental cars since its founding in 1989. Today, our success in these areas has enabled us to develop into the largest independent car rentals company headquartered in California. You will find Fox Car Rental offices conveniently located at major airports throughout the world.

The big, wide world holds a myriad of sights, smells, tastes, sounds and textures. While you sit on your easy chair and watch other people climb mountains, eat exotic foods and travel through forgotten lands, you miss these adventures that wait for you.

Stop using your finances, job, children or fears as excuses to avoid seeing the world. Take a chance and follow your dream today. You actually need very little in order to find fun, culture and pleasure in the world around you. All you have to do is stand up and start moving.

Start Local

Jump-start your travel passport by visiting local sights. Chances are good that you live close to sightseeing locations that other people dream of visiting. Find free locations or clip coupons from local newspapers and online sights. Plan a day trip or take a weekend to find out what you have been missing in your own backyard.

Sleep Light

Forget the luxury hotels. Find accommodations that fit your budget and your family’s needs. Investigate hostels or explore camping. Rent a room or an entire house from a private homeowner. For a different twist, participate in house swapping with another family: You stay in their house while they stay in yours. These affordable options allow you to sleep peacefully virtually anywhere in the world.

Cheap Eats

Whether you cook professionally or can barely boil water, you will find delicious, inexpensive food worldwide by avoiding overpriced restaurants. Ask locals where they enjoy eating, and find affordable food that tastes great. Pack a picnic lunch with fresh breads, fruits and vegetables from local markets. Food tastes better outdoors so enjoy the exotic flavors and smells of local cuisine as you walk through the park or chat with locals.

Be willing to try new foods. Guinea pig tastes surprisingly good, and you may find your new favorite food in a city halfway across the world. In no time, you will be home with your normal dietary choices so take in your travels to enjoy every flavor, smell and taste.

See the Sights

Everyone wants to tour the popular sights that charge a fortune for entrance privileges. Rather than spend your travel budget on one activity, search online for lesser-known sights. Ask your host for ideas or hire a local guide to show you out-of-the-way locations. Sometimes, the most memorable sightseeing adventures come from exploring little known paths that offer unique views of the local culture and people.

Relax

Now that you have taken the plunge into travel and have spent the money to visit a different town, you may feel like you have to get your money’s worth. As you try to see and do everything, you push yourself and your family to exhaustion. Instead, give yourself permission to relax. Sleep in late, sip your coffee slowly, chat with locals, listen to the local sounds and be all there every moment of the trip. Find pleasure and enjoyment without returning home in need of a second vacation.

Are you ready to jump out of your easy chair and book your next trip? Find a local destination and start traveling today. Challenge yourself to enjoy every moment. Utilize your senses and experience more while spending less.

[photo credit]

When Joe Hall isn’t developing computer software, hes normally blogging or annoying people on Twitter. But don’t let that fool you, he does it all on the beach! Joe is the originator of Myrtle Beach Hotels.

Traveling is a time that can be filled with a rushed, hectic feeling. Even the most seasoned travelers experience these types of emotions before traveling. What if there was some type of device that could eliminate some of those feelings and make traveling just a little bit easier? The answer may just be in the palm of your hand.

Smart phones have some amazing functions and applications that can really eliminate some of the stress and hassle of traveling. Here is a look at eight ways that smart phones can be used to make traveling easier.

1. Flight Tracker

Delayed and canceled flights are a nature of traveling. Smart phones can eliminate the need to constantly keep checking that departure/arrival board at the airport. You can receive instant updates on your flight by using sites and downloads like TripIt.

2. WiFi Connection

Nothing is more frustrating then getting to the hotel and finding they have no high speed internet. Your smart phone has wifi connection abilities that will allow you to bypass the hotel’s internet and use your own.

3. Routing Calls to A Second Line

Travelers are always afraid of missing calls at the office or at home when they are away. With programs like Line2 you can set up your smart phone like a second line that will route all the calls to you no matter where you are located in the world.

4. Foreign Language Translator

Traveling in a foreign country can be stressful especially if you do not know the native language. There are many cell phone applications that will help the traveler with any translation needs. With this function you’ll never have to deal with the frustration of a language barrier again.

5. GPS Unit

If you are not familiar with the area that you are in getting lost will be part of the game. The GPS capabilities of your smart phone you will never be lost again. You will be able to receive turn by turn directions for driving or even directions on how to walk to the nearest locations.

6. Entertainment Center

Say goodbye to high fees for hotel movies. Your smart phone can double as an entertainment center by allowing you to watch movies, videos or TV shows. You might not even need to turn on the hotel TV while you are on vacation!

7. To Do List Organizer

Travelers wish to see and do while on vacation. Your smart phone can double as a to do list organizer. Just type in all the activities that you want to see and do and check them off as you do them.

8. Tour Guide

Do you want to have a private tour of a location without having to pay for a private guide? There are downloads available that will take travelers through the location of their choice as if the phone was a tour guide. It comes complete with directions to the landmarks and all the informational tid bits a tour guide would normally give you.

With your smart phone in hand you will be able to eliminate some of the added stress and hectic feeling of traveling by using some of these smart phone applications.

Image Credit: 1.

Jessy is a lifestyle blogger for LifeInsuranceFinder.com.au, the premiere resource for life insurance information, tips and tools.

About Fox Rent A Car:

Fox Rent A Car, your discount car rental company, has been providing excellent customer service along with low rates for rental cars since its founding in 1989. Today, our success in these areas has enabled us to develop into the largest independent car rentals company headquartered in California. You will find Fox Car Rental offices conveniently located at major airports throughout the world.