Tips On Getting A Rental Vehicle For Your Long Road Trip In The US and Canada

It's vacation season and are you ready for the big road trip? Many of you may have already made plans as early this year, and many may have even planned longer than that. Do you have relatives visiting from other countries like your parents or grandparents whom you want to tour around the US and Canada? As long as they their proper documentations have been secured and the required super visa insurance has been purchased to enable you to cross country then this long road trip is going to be fun for everyone!

Vehicle owners are already prepping their own vehicles but not everyone has cars or SUVs to drive around when they need too.

Vacation time will be a busy time for all types of travelers. The roads can get packed especially on weekends when some families decide to take a long drive to enjoy their break.  And during this time where most road travelers ask themselves, "is my car ready for the long road trip?" If their answer is no, then renting out a vehicle will be the logical solution to cover that concern.

Some travelers probably even own smaller cars which are not fit for the long drive. Therefore, renting a bigger SUV, camper van or a family space wagon will be a perfect idea for that kind of trip.

However, before you book your rented vehicle, make sure you consider these tips to ensure you are getting the best out of your rental deal.

Call the rental company before booking

If your plan includes a cross-country drive to or from the US and Canada, it will be ideal to call the rental company first before reserving or booking for clarifications. Some rental companies may not allow you to take the car outside the borders but some may. So, ensure you have the right information before you secure your booking.

Compare the Cost

Check out rates online as most rental car companies offer fabulous discounts and deals when you book online and for long period of time.

Insurance

Make sure the rental company offers insurance to cover your trip, the passengers and the motor vehicle. You would like to have a piece of mind while you are out in the road with your loved ones and making sure that you have the right coverage for the long cross country road trip is a must. Check with the car rental company for the right type of insurance you should purchase if you are crossing the US or Canada.

Documentation

Make sure you carry your driver's license, passport with you, along with any travel insurance required for the trip when you cross borders. That also includes your entire family who are traveling with you. You can purchase your travel insurance online, and in travel agencies like the snowbird travel insurance. Check from the travel agency the types of documents required to take along when you plan to cross the border so you will not face any problems during the trip.

(Photo credit: Rosan Harmens/unsplash.com)

Choose the right vehicle

The type of car should match the kind of road trip you will undertake and the number of passengers who will travel with you.  Will you need a spacious car or a vehicle that has a large trunk for storage of bags? Will you travel in narrow roads or mostly highways? Do you like an automatic or a stick shift car which is cheaper than the former type? All these things have to be considered when you finalize your choice depending on your travel and budget. If you will travel solo or with only a partner or a buddy then a smaller car will be ideal.

Choose unlimited mileage

Although most rental companies offer unlimited mileage, it is still a wise thing to check and ensure you get the rental car with unlimited mileage so you do not have to worry about racking up mileage when you travel cross country.

Read the fine print

This part is the least one that many of us do not do. We seldom read the fine print but we should. Do not get caught off guard with other fees when you take your car after booking because you did not read the fine print.  Do not get blindsided because you did not have time to read your confirmation or have missed to print a hardcopy when you collect your vehicle. Know your rights and know what you have paid for in the car rental.

Here’s Why Frequent Travelers Are Usually Successful

A lot of the traits that successful people have are also the traits that frequent travelers have. Here are eight reasons why travelers often end up successful.

1. They can operate and thrive even when outside their comfort zone. Travelers are often in unfamiliar surroundings and situations. When faced with these situations, they have coping strategies that keep them calm and effective. 

2. They love and embrace change. Travelers enjoy novelty and are happy when surrounded by new people and things. This helps them focus and avoid being bored. This type of thinking and approach to life leads to creativity and innovation.

3. They’re able to manage their emotions. Travelers are faced with all different kinds of stress. They’re able to be self-aware and stay calm under pressure. This increases productivity and happiness.

4. They don’t always have to be in control. They trust that things will work out in the end. Travelers often have to rely on strangers when handling language barriers, finding their way around a new city, searching for affordable hotels in Honolulu, or taking a cab ride. Accepting that they can’t always be completely in control helps build relationships. Travelers are adept at choosing friends who are trustworthy.

5. They effectively manage their fear and are able to move past it. Success requires action. People who travel frequently put themselves in situations that they can’t simply turn back on. They face their fears regularly and develop coping actions and strategies for moving on, despite that fear.

6. They recognize opportunities and seize them. Travelers have a more broad knowledge of the world. By being exposed to different cultures and customs, they learn better ways of doing things. They can improve on their home life and find innovative ways to approach their days.

7. They know how to negotiate and they’re often able to get what they want. It’s important to negotiate when traveling in order to not be taken advantage of. They develop negotiation skills without being aggressive or pushy. This influences others and helps business professionals to accept business ideas. It’s the true mark of a leader.

8. They see beauty in situations where others may not. Travelers have trained their minds to focus on the beauty in the world. Regularly being faced with novel things keeps their brains sharp. They’re able to see beauty in even ordinary things. 

Overall, travelers have an accepting, broad view and experience of the world. This translates to success in all areas of life, including business.

Give the Gift of Experience Next Holiday Season

The Christmas season is now well behind us, and we still have another 10 months before we start to frantically shop for gifts.  Admit it, often when you buy a gift, aren't you just buying it because you feel obligated to?  You may not know what to get some people on your list such as your parents who have everything they need or your best friend who can buy anything she needs.

If you routinely struggle with buying the perfect gift (and who doesn't?), why not vow to do something different next holiday season.

Instead of buying "stuff" that your friends and family may or may not appreciate, why not give experience gifts?

What Are Experience Gifts?

Experience gifts are when you pay for your gift recipient to have a fun adventure on your dime.  There are all sorts of experience gifts from the safest (such as taking a cooking class) to the exhilarating (such as riding with a race car driver on a race track) to the awe inspiring (such as visiting the Grand Canyon skywalk).

Experience gifts are likely to touch people emotionally more than other gifts because you must listen to people and know their interests, hobbies, wishes and dreams to pick the perfect experience gift.

A Gift That Won't Soon Be Forgotten

Think.  What gifts did you receive for Christmas 2011?  My guess is that you can't remember.  What about Christmas 2012?  That holiday is only a few weeks removed, but you may still have trouble remembering what gift you received.

The gift of experience is different.  Give someone a gift of experience, and they won't soon forget it.  In fact, they may remember it for the rest of their lives.

Perfect for Any Event

While you may just think of giving a gift of experience for Christmas, they are also well-suited for Mother's Day, Father's Day, birthdays and anniversaries. 

If you can afford it, you may challenge yourself to give a gift of experience each year or for each major present giving occasion in a calendar year.  Your friend or family member will look forward to your gift more than any other.

While friends and family may seem to love the traditional gifts you give, chances are, they are probably indifferent or dissatisfied with your gift.  Next year, give the gift of something they have always wanted to do, and they won't be able to stop telling you how much they loved their gift.

Worst Jet lag Ever!

I have tried all imaginable trips and tricks known to man to get my body clock in-sync with the time here in the UAE. Unfortunately, my jet lag has gotten worse.

Last Saturday, I slept at 4 a.m. Then I woke up at 2:00 p.m. only to remain wide-awake until Sunday (21 Nov.) of 8:30 p.m. My head was already aching. My temple throbbing. My brain shutting down and my eyes dropping like atom bombs while I was working. I finally had a semi-decent sleep last night around 8:45 p.m.

I realized that prior to our trip to New York, we went to Seoul, Korea first which was in the west and crossing different time zones. I didn't experience any jet lag so bad to affect my sleep pattern. Then we had a trans-Atlantic trip few days ago. I subjected myself to another time-zone difference and coming back to the Middle East was a nightmare in terms of jet lag.

My pilot friends are now telling me that they are experiencing what I have just gone through and they do it every single day. My hats off to them!

So, tonight, I will sleep according to what my body has been accustomed to. I will spray lavender mist on my pillow. Draw the curtains shut and put the air condition to full blast. I will also plug my iPod for some nice relaxing and soothing music. I need to psyche myself and it has to be now. I cannot walk another day like a zombie in the office. I need my sleep and I need it now!

Travelling Light

We have been travelling quite a lot as a family ever since my husband and I joined one of the most prestigious airlines company of the world.

I am really glad for the opportunity to work in the airline industry because we get to travel a lot. And because of that, we have learned the art of packing light and smart!

Tomorrow's our flight to Seoul, Korea and we're not packing a lot of clothes. Just a couple of shirts and thermal wears and a warm jacket or coat to combat the chilly weather. As for the footwear, a sneaker and a warm boots will do. The toiletries are all small, carry-sizes and few undies. It is a short vacation so we can't carry a lot of unwanted stuff. Who knows, we may even carry more when we come back because of the numerous street markets in Seoul!

Island Getaway

I have been dreaming of an island getaway ever since I got married. I actually wanted an island getaway honeymoon but money was so scarce then and we were just starting out in our careers.

I am not a big beach-goer but I certainly like the idea of resting on a hammock under the canopy of stars with a nearby bonfire and probably sipping a thirst-quenching iced tea. The ocean breeze and the ushering of waves give you that calm sense and a good break from the stressful city life. That will be a treat!

It is great to know that there are web sites offering great island getaway packages with reasonable price. One site to check is Islandgetaway.com. The site offers wonderful Hilton Head Island rentals in South Carolina. It caters to travelers both the young and the young "once" to experience a luxurious vacation in the marvelous Hilton Head Island South Carolina.

The site proudly offers vacationers the best location of Hilton Head Island and the wide variety of activities to do while there. The site also have resources for travelers to use like maps and other location information which are downloadable in Adobe format.

One can choose from the various sections available in the site for specific preference like learning more of the island's history, activities to engage in, beaches, excursions, dining, golf courses and shopping. Accommodations are presented in categories like oceanfront homes, near-ocean homes, oceanfront villas, oceanwalk villas, near-ocean villas, and harbour front villas. These rental properties are fully furnished so travelers do not have to worry on the use of basic appliances. Everything is taken cared of and the vacationer's comfort is given a high regard to ensure that everyone's stay is truly memorable and comfortable.

So, if you are planning to have a break from the hustle and bustle of city life or just want to enjoy nature at its best, visit Islandgetaway.com and check out the wonderful packages they have in store for you. Hilton Head South Carolina awaits your arrival with a smile.

Easy Travel Tips for Summer

This post has been moved to my Travel Bug blog which is relative to the niche of travel. You may read the post here:

http://www.riatravelbug.com/2013/05/easy-travel-tips-for-summer.html

Dirtiest Hotels of 2009

Got the list from TripAdvisor so patrons out there, don't blame me ;)

• 1.Hotel Carter, New York City, New York
• 2.Continental Bayside Hotel, Miami Beach, Florida
• 3.New York Inn, New York City, New York
• 4.Eden Roc Motel, Wildwood, New Jersey
• 5.Days Inn Cleveland Airport, Brook Park, Ohio
• 6.Days Inn Airport / Stadium Tampa, Tampa, Florida
• 7.Travelodge Bangor, Bangor, Maine
• 8.Velda Rose Resort Hotel, Hot Springs, Arkansas
• 9.Ramada Plaza Hotel JFK International Airport, Jamaica, New York
• 10.Days Inn & Suites Gatlinburg, Gatlinburg, Tennessee

These are from TripAdvisors' travelers reviews. I will check out some of them on my visit to the US but will remind myself to mind the "bed bugs."

I have a Jet Lag!

8.5 hours of flying time is not a joke considering I just spent 2 1/2 days in Manila. Another 8.5 hours flying time going back is just too much to bear now. I don't understand how pilots and cabin crew can handle time changes and how their biological body-clock respond to this. Lately, I have been having major migraine attacks when I reach my destination. I guess I am just tired and the crossing of time zones make it all worse.

I don't know if there is ever a cure to jet lag but somehow, there are ways to manage it. Here are tips on how to manage your own jet lag.

1. Try traveling on an early morning flight (if the airline has several choices of flights to your destination). This is because it is still dark and you can still sleep few hours in the flight.

2. Drink lots of juices and water.

3. Walk a lot after taking a long nap. This helps in blood circulation.

4. When I arrive in a place where it's morning, I act like it's the normal time. I try my best to avoid coffee nor drink alcohol so I can crawl to bed BEFORE 9 p.m!

5. Avoid filling your tummy before the flight.

If you have other jet lag prevention tips, please share :)

Songs of the Sea at Sentosa

Last time I have been in Sentosa, there was no Songs of the Sea show. I am glad we've checked it out and the princess enjoyed the show so much we wanted another encore! It was awesome. I hate to give away the details of the show because it's really worth seeing. So, when you decide to visit Sentosa Park in Singapore, never miss out the Songs of the Sea show because it's worth the wait, the money and the time! Great show!

This is just a teaser of what you'll see there:

10 Places to go to in Europe - Cool!

As the summer months come closer, the heat rises and the people scamper to get the holiday packages confirmed and jet off to a nice, cooler climate than the hot regions of the world.

Europe is not exempted from the scorching heat but compared to most countries on the other side of the planet, it is relatively cooler there.

This list is part of my monthly "10 series" and here goes in no particular order:

1. Paris, France
Ok, I'm a little biased here because I really, really love this country. August is normally a very hot month here in Dubai and what better way to cool it off is to head to France where the temperature is not as high as in the Middle East ranging from 60-80 F. Actually, it depends on where you are in France so check the weather stations if you want to visit the place from June to August. Nice attractions are the famous Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Louvre Museum, Euro Disneyland, Notre Dame, Ecole Militare, Seine River and more!

2. Oslo, Norway
My hubby just got back 3 weeks ago from his trip to Oslo, Norway. Although May was still spring season, summer there doesn't involve high temperature melting the polar ice caps! Mid-June to August is the high tourist months of Oslo but the weather can be tricky with rainfall. Those are the months where there is long hours of sunshine. Steps lead to Akershus Castle, Norsk Folkemuseum, and Viking Ships Museum.

3. Vienna, Austria
The months of July - August feel a temperature of up to 65 F; however, it can be wet and windy as well so it's advisable to bring warm clothing and umbrella if you wish to visit this place during this time. Go see the Vienna State Opera, St. Stephen's Cathedral, Clock Museum, Danube Park...

4. Zurich, Switzerland
Well, it's the land of nice chocolates and Swiss watches! The temperature is mild and averages to 65 F with long, sunny days. Places to see are the Bahnhofstrasse Street, the churches, The Old Town...and more!

5. Amsterdam, The Netherlands
The weather is not as balmy as London on the summer months of July to August and temperature can go to 70 F where the tulips fields are at their peak! I love tulips!!! Great places to visit are The Van Gogh Art Museum, Anne Frank house, churches, Rembrandt Tower, The Dam, open air markets and the Madurodam which is NOT in Amsterdam but since you are there, why not check it out too?

6. Prague, The Czech Republic
Weather in Prague sees the mercury range from 54-72 F during the months of June to August. Since it lies in in the transitional area between the maritime and continental climates, it's weather is characterized by hot, rainy summers and nippy, snowy winters which may still change. Top tourist attractions are The Prague Castle district, the Old Town hall, Mozart/Music museum and more.

7. Budapest, Hungary
The summer weather can vary from 60 to 80 F with long hours of sunshine. Although weather varies as well, so it's best advise to bring warm clothing and rain gear for the surprise rainfall. The Hungarian Thermal Baths is one place to visit while in this country. Pest and Buda's Castle Hill is also an interesting place to see.

8. Reykjavik, Iceland
The temperature here rarely rises over 60 F and this is one cool place to be in if you are running away from the scorching heat. Geysir and Gulfoss waterfalls is a must to see! Check out the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) but not during the summer months. Best month to check it is from September to April.

9. Luxembourg, Luxembourg
Another great place to visit is Luxembourg. It's a small country bordering Germany, Belgium and France. The weather is at a comfortable temperature of 55-70 F. A must to see are the The Grand Ducal Palace, Moselle Valley, The Casemates, and the numerous museums around the city.

10. Helsinki, Finland
Finnish summer offers a great time for vacationers because it's not as hot as other places with the temp. ranging from 54 to 68 F from June to August. The summer is mild and warm and a nice time for hiking. Senate Square, Esplanade Park, Kaivopuisto Park, and the University Botanical Garden are places to check out!

TO CONVERT TEMPERATURES: http://www.wbuf.noaa.gov/tempfc.htm

How to make the most out of the weak dollar when you travel

We are already planning our family’s annual trip in July either to Europe or back home. I am bent to go to Europe since we will be spending Christmas in the Philippines anyway. We know that the dollar is getting weak compared to the euro and how do we best make use of the weak currency when we travel? Let’s find that out.

Tips from Ed Hewitt of Independent Traveller.com (as taken from MSNBC):


1. Get cash from ATMs — at a bank
An ATM is your best option for a combination of a fair exchange rate and low surcharges and fees. At an ATM, you will likely pay a transaction fee, but in many cases you won't be paying a percentage on every dollar exchanged. However, we should note that many banks are now applying fees to foreign transactions, usually in the 1-2 percent range. Over the course of your trip, you'll take a hit from these fees — but it will be nothing like the up to four to eight cents on the dollar that you can lose by choosing the wrong exchange desk. In most cases you'll get the best rate available; the pennies can really add up the more you spend (and you'll be spending plenty in Europe this year).
When using an ATM, you may want to take out more cash than you need immediately, as with each trip to the ATM you pay the fees and surcharges yet again. You'll want to balance this tactic against the risk of carrying too much cash, which can make you vulnerable to the criminal element that sometimes preys on travellers. A hotel safe might be a good hedge against this problem. You'll do well to avoid stand-alone, off-brand ATMs of the kind you can find stateside in the back of convenience stores and the like. These typically have the highest transaction fees; use an ATM from a reputable bank instead.
Finally, even when using a bank ATM, you will sometimes pay fees both to the bank that owns the ATM as well as your own bank. Whenever possible, use your own bank to get cash. Virtually all major banks have ATM and branch location services on their Web sites.

2. If you absolutely must use a currency exchange counter ...The following tips can help minimize the damage:
· Exchange money at your destination; doing so in advance stateside is a money loser.
· Similarly, when dumping your leftover currency, do so before departure.
· Exchange only enough money to get the job of the moment done (whether it be a cab ride, emergency rations or the purchase of a piñata), and then get thee to an ATM when you can.
· Skip the airport or train station kiosk, where you are almost guaranteed to get the worst rate available.
· The best place to exchange money is at a bank; avoid the tourist traps.

3. Use your credit card
Many of the benefits of using an ATM card also apply to your credit card, with the additional upside that transaction fees, surcharges, poor exchange rates and the like are a lesser evil in most credit card transactions.
However, this is one area in which all credit cards are not created equal. Many credit card companies have adopted fees for purchases made in foreign currencies, usually 1-2 percent. Choose the right card and you can avoid these fees; Capital One, for example, is one major credit card company that will not charge you these fees (at present, anyway). Check with your credit card company for their fee schedule on foreign purchases to figure out which card has the lowest surcharges, and then use that one for your overseas purchases.
Out on the road, also check the fine print to make sure that your hotel, restaurant or other outfit does not tack on a percentage fee on all credit card transactions to cover their authorization fees.


Okay, given the above tips, start loading your bank accounts since you will need your ATM and credit cards when you travel. As for me, I personally use Euro when I travel since it is the stronger currency. I am neither an investment mathematician nor an economist but I do know that I have more buying power with the Euro. However, the US dollar is quite affordable when you are saving money to buy a different currency. I won’t suggest that though when you are still in your home country. Buy at least a hundred dollars or euros but leave the rest when you get to your destination.

Well, I hope to be able to finalize my trip plan so if we go to Europe or not, I’ll still keep my ATM and credit cards handy, just in case.


(Source: MSNBC.com, Travel categories, author Ed Hewitt)