How to Save for a Trip

Want to leave the country? If you're thinking “yes, but my wallet might feel it,” then you need a plan! Any vacation is going to be a drain on your finances, especially if you leave the country. You will usually need at least two weeks to enjoy the sights, and that means time off from work. So, how do you pay for the trip and your expenses, knowing you’re looking at a loss down the road? The solution is saving, and here’s how it's done.

Interest Accounts

Begin with a good interest bearing savings account where you can place your money. This should be separate from your usual bank accounts, and difficult to move money from. That way, you're not tempted to spend. Interest is typically calculated based on an annual percentage yield, or APY. Putting even small amounts into this account will grow your money within a year. Within two, you'll be ready to book something for sure.

Installments

Whenever you can, use installment plans to try and pay for things related to your trip as a form of saving. For example, book a plane ticket on your credit card for 6 months in advance and pay it off bit by bit. You will pay interest on that debt, but you'll also pay it down slowly and avoid the shock of the upfront fee.

If you set goals for your trip and find some dollar amounts that are real, you can easily do the math and figure out what you need to save in order to achieve your goal of vacationing. Then, you can enjoy your guilt free trip.

This article was written by Samuel Phineas Upham

About the Author:   Samuel Phineas Upham is an investor at a family office/hedgefund, where he focuses on special situation illiquid investing. Before this position, Samuel Phineas Upham was working at Morgan Stanley in the Media & Technology group. You may contact Samuel Phineas Upham on his Facebook page.

Commercial and Pleasure Boating Services

Boating has evolved over the years. The boating industry has expanded and evolved to include pleasure boating like yachts and sport fishing boats to commercial fishing boating. No matter if the fish being sought are tuna, lobster, crab and shellfish for commercial fishing or the type of fish sought out for fun as in sport fishing, the boating industry has grown and expanded to new horizons as wide open as the seas upon which countless boats sail.

More Things Way beyond Just Boats

Boating has aspects to it that go far beyond just boating itself. Boats need maintenance. This may call for repairs and refitting. Along these and other types of repairs, boats may need new moulded interiors and welding to certain parts of the boat that have seen their share of wear and tear. In order for large scale fishing boats to remain well maintained, they need the services of a comprehensive marine boating company. Even if it is to just keep a commercial fishing afloat or if it for launching a new sport fishing boat, these various needs go way beyond just boating.


All Types of Marine Boating Needs at One Stop Shop

All marine boating needs can be met through a one stop shop. For a comprehensive marine boating service, a boat owner needs to find a company like DixonsMarine.com. Such companies can meet the marine boating desires and demands of its customers such as design and services for commercial and pleasure boating as a one stop shop.

Summer Sun and Sand at Ras Al Khaimah

Dubai's temperature is soaring so we decided to have a quick getaway to a nearby town of UAE called Ras Al Khaimah. It's less than an hour drive from Dubai. Sometimes, getting out of Dubai is what you need to unwind from the hustle and bustle of city life.

We saw some camels along the way. They're really majestic creatures.

Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) is a quiet emirate of the United Arab Emirates. It also has it's city centre but it pales in comparison with Dubai when it comes to the fast-paced lifestyle. It is more relaxing and calm in RAK.

We booked an overnight stay at Bin Majid Beach Hotel from Booking.com and got a very good rate with buffet breakfast for 2. The 2 standard rooms we booked for ourselves and our in-laws were facing each other so we got to see both sides of the hotel - the seaview (in-laws) and the mountain/city view (ours). I'll post the review of the hotel later. Meanwhile, let me just soak in the sun and sand for few more minutes before we check out and head home to a busy cosmopolitan city.

And I don't even like going to any beach resorts! But once in a while, it's so nice to unwind, walk on barefeet, smell the sea water and feel the warm breeze on your face. It's all you need to recharge, really...

Ah, it may be the peak of summer but looking at the sea and walking on the beach kind of give me that inner peace I have been craving for. Sometimes, you just have to pack your bag and go... but don't forget your shades and sunscreen!

New Article Featured in Attraction Tix Blog

I'm so glad to share that my 2nd article is up in the famous Attraction Tix site's blog. It's about going around Dubai on a budget.

Attraction Tix is a famous online ticket specialist in the UK.  If you need tickets on attractions, tours, theme parks and experience holidays, then look no more and check out Attraction Tix's services and offers!

Read my post in Attraction Tix so next time you plan to include Dubai in your itinerary, you know what to do.

Click here for my post.

Chatabout Super Summer Giveaway!

Join now and have a chance to win Chatabout's Super Summer Giveaway!

 
 

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Buying The Right Luggage For Your Travels

Are you an avid traveler who almost leave in a suitcase? Well, you're not alone so you probably have several types of luggages in your collection for the type of trip you are going to make. However, if you're just embarking on your new "hobby" to see the world, aside from getting those required travel documents and deciding on where to go, you have to know which type of luggage you want to bring.
Here are some types of luggage to help you pick the right one for you.

Canvas Trolley Type

This type of luggage is made of highly strong, durable woven fabric that is used for making tents, sails, backpacks, marquees and other signages.
You can get a 4-wheeler or 2-wheeler suitcase but I recommend the 4-wheeler for easy mobility.

Wenger - Swiss Gear 7208 Spinner Suitcase Color: Orange WLU1222_9793490 - $98.99, Free shipping - Available at Overstock.com

Samsonite - 2 Piece Luggage suitcase Set 27"check in and 21"carry-on Spinner 4 Wheel Light weight design - $197.70, Free shipping - Available at Amazon.com Marketplace

Nine West - Super Sign 20 inch Carry On Spinner Upright Suitcase (Plastic) - $69.99, Free shipping - Available at Overstock.com

Hard-Side Type

This type of luggage is made of polycarbonate and has impact-resistant properties which is ideal for any luggages that has to be stored for a long time or when packing on delicate and fragile items.

Samsonite - Cruisair Bold Travel/Luggage Case Suitcase for Travel Essential - Silver (Impact Resistance - Polycarbonate) - $189.00, Free shipping - Available at Buydig.com

Some hard-side types can even be made of aluminum like this one.

Ostart - Golden Aluminum Mini Suitcase Briefcase Business ID Card Holder Wallet Coin Bag - $7.99, Free shipping - Available at Amazon.com Marketplace

Rossale International Inc. - Neocover Primary Color Block 24 inch Medium Hardside Spinner Upright Suitcase - $129.99, Free shipping - Available at Overstock.com

Even these lovely suitcases are great hard-side luggage. Some have pulleys and 2 wheels on the rear while others look like the classic suitcase - rectangular with a handle.

IMAX - Worldwide 6013-3 Set of 3 Antique Ivory Suitcases 6013-3 - $167.00 (22% off), Free shipping - Available at Wayfair

Duffle Bags

Using this type of bag is great for short trips that does not require too much of packing. This is very suitable for for over-nighters and short business or leisure trips.

Duluth Trading - Bag Overnight - AWOL Bag - $289.50, Free shipping - Available at Duluth Trading Company

Other duffle bags come with attached trolley for easy mobility.

GoodHopeBags - Preferred Nation 6728 Bellino 22"" 2-Wheeled The Pilot Travel Duffel GHB1436 - $147.48, Free shipping - Available at Wayfair

Trunk

This type of luggage is great for long trips or when you're relocating as it can fit plenty of stuff and even accommodate breakable items.

Mercury Luggage - Locking Stackable Trunk-Silver Grey - 4117-40 MER054 - $117.35, Free shipping - Available at Hayneedle.com

Other trunks also look like this trolley luggage.

American Procurement - Amerileather Vintage Violet 23 inch Trunk Spinner Upright - $199.99, Free shipping - Available at eBags

Stanley - Patriotic Steel Trunk Blue - SCPTBL2W, Medium-30L x 16W x 16H in. SCW024-12 - $195.59, Free shipping - Available at Wayfair

Verruckt - The Highest Water Slide In The World

Verruckt what? I thought so too. Verruckt is German for insanity and when you see this Verruckt Water Slide in Schlitterbahn Water Park in Kansas City,  you're really insane to try it.

What makes this water slide an "insane" ride? For one, it's very high. It's higher than the Niagara Falls and it's so steep. It is a whooping 168 foot 7 inch and 607 feet long structure! You get to strap yourself along with 2-3 more people in a raft that will slide down on this very steep water slide. I'm not a physicist but just by looking at the steep angle of the slide, makes me wonder how the raft, along with its riders will remain "in" the slide and not go airborne. Upon further investigation and research, I found a video from The Travel Channel where "half the real Verruckt" was made for testing in Texas by Jeff Henry, the Wizard of Water as he is famously known. He's also the inventor of the insane water slide and son/co-owner of the Schlitterbahn Water Park. Watch it and you be the judge.




 



If you're having trouble watching the video, here is the link to the video: http://www.travelchannel.com/video/worlds-tallest-waterslide

I do hope they keep an overhead net all throughout the slide, just for extra precaution.


Here are some pictures of the Verruckt Water Slide. All photos, except for the first one are from travelchannel.com.

(the link: http://www.travelchannel.com/tv-shows/xtreme-waterparks/photos/making-of-verruckt-waterslide-pictures)

Photo from theverruckt.com

Model of Verruckt being constructed in Texas

It's still not open. It was slated to open last May and further moved to June 29. I haven't heard about it's actual opening date again after its postponement. If you have news about and if you're one of the insane, er I meant "brave" ones to have tried it, please share your experience. I'm all ears.

Beach Accessories Must-Haves

Summer is here and its time to think about the beach.  Here is my check list for a great day or weekend at the beach. Don't leave without them!

• Beach sandals
• Sunglasses
• Beach hat
• Sunscreen
• Big towel
• Lip gloss

Shannon Sandals - Beach Multi - Soft Surroundings

This beautiful flip flop will be nice in and out of the beach area.

Shannon Sandals - Beach Multi - Soft Surroundings - $49.00, 7.95 shipping - Available at Soft Surroundings

Rogers Palm Beach Flat Sandal - 8.5/Orange/Gold

Rogers Palm Beach Flat Sandal - 8.5/Orange/Gold - $77.00, Free shipping - Available at Amazon.com

Beach Read Rhinestone Thongs

Beach Read Rhinestone Thongs - $19.99, Free shipping - Available at 6pm.com

Cole Haan C 6035 Fashion Sunglasses (Brown)

Don't go out to the bright sunny beach side without protecting your peepers with any of these gorgeous eyeglasses.

Cole Haan C 6035 Fashion Sunglasses (Brown) - $29.99, Free shipping - Available at 6pm.com

PR 17OS 2AU3O1 Sunglasses.

PR 17OS 2AU3O1 Sunglasses. - $149.44, Free shipping - Available at Shop By Us

Sunglasses TY7004 TY 7004 519 12 Brown Shades

Sunglasses TY7004 TY 7004 519 12 Brown Shades - $149.00, Free shipping - Available at Nordstrom

Adult Floppy Beach Sun Hat - White - Personalized with Monogram

A sojourn to the beach is not complete without a nice and big tote bag to handle all your beach wares!

Adult Floppy Beach Sun Hat - White - Personalized with Monogram - $27.00, 8.50 shipping - Available at Etsy

RHX Fashion Black Summer Sun Beach Floppy Hat Wide Large Brim Straw Folding Lady Cap

Wear a wide-brimmed hat too to protect your face and head from the heat.

RHX Fashion Black Summer Sun Beach Floppy Hat Wide Large Brim Straw Folding Lady Cap - $8.83, Free shipping - Available at Amazon.com Marketplace

Sunscreen Lotion Tube Flask - Easy To Fill Hidden Booze Container

Don't leave without a high SPF sunscreen.

Sunscreen Lotion Tube Flask - Easy To Fill Hidden Booze Container - $9.99, 7.24 shipping - Available at Amazon.com Marketplace

Sunscreen SPF 30 - Cream, Baby, Chamomile & Calendula 2.9 oz

Sunscreen SPF 30 - Cream, Baby, Chamomile & Calendula 2.9 oz - $13.59, 5.95 shipping - Available at LuckyVitamin.com

Abstract yet vibrant, this Carribean Joe Beach towel and its floral silhouettes are sure to become your favorite sun and sand accessory. In aqua/pink.

Bring a soft and big towel for cover up after a good soak in the beach.

Abstract yet vibrant, this Carribean Joe Beach towel and its floral silhouettes are sure to become your favorite sun and sand accessory. In aqua/pink. - $20.99, 4.95 shipping - Available at Bealls Florida

Beeswax Lip Balm with Vitamin E & Peppermint -- 0.15 oz

And also don't forget to protect your lips from the harsh and dry weather while out and about.

Beeswax Lip Balm with Vitamin E & Peppermint -- 0.15 oz - $24.99, See Site shipping - Available at Fullfillment By Amazon
(188 reviews)

Dreaming Of A Euro Tour Next Year

I planned 2 years ago and it fizzled. I planned last year but we went to Japan instead. I am planning again for 2015 and hopefully, barring any circumstances and not changing our minds for the last minute, we will go to Europe.

I plan to take my mom and mother-in-law in our annual family vacation and the dates are still tentative until my daughter settles in college and give me her vacation slots. Until then, we can formalize the whole thing.

So, where are we going this time? Well, I have been dreaming of seeing the Keukenhof Gardens in the Netherlands. We haven't been to Netherlands yet so that is a must. Another thing, the oldies haven't been to Europe yet so it will be nice to tour them in Milan, Rome, Florence, Venice and Tuscany. I am also adding 2 nights in Paris just for them to see the Eiffel Tower and other famous places to see there.

I hope that my daughter's vacation from school will be at least 3 weeks so we can spend longer vacation in Italy unlike last 2008 where everything was swift. We didn't have the chance to see the Leaning Tower of Pisa nor visit Venice while the latter was already near Milan.

I am scouting for cheap train fares as well for a group since there are 5 of us travelling. So far, Thalys rail passes is the one I can bank on. I'll just check if I can find something similar but cheaper which will take us from Amsterdam to Gare Du Nord in Paris in less than 4 hours. That will still give us enough time to visit the many places in Paris which we missed to see the first time we were there like the Montparnasse Tower, the Sacre Coeur and the Versailles. Ah, Paris... I can't wait to set my foot in that place again!

Well, all these are tentative and given my family's track record in changing destinations in a snap is making me a bit worried. I have already set my mind and heart to visit all those places I have mentioned above with the oldies and I don't want them to miss the opportunity.

We'll probably visit the other parts of Europe next time like the Christmas Markets in Germany or in Vienna and Prague. There are so many places to see and there's plenty of time. Meanwhile, I am keen to do the Italy-Netherlands-France trio. I can squeeze Belgium too if time permits and if the oldies are not too tired to do train switching and bus-hopping. We'll see.

Euro Tour 2015! I am looking forward to that!