I need a vacation! There may be more to that statement than we realize. Recent studies show your life may depend on it. With a struggling economy and corporate layoffs, Americans are leaning towards not planning a vacation next year.

According to the Conference Board, a firm specializing in private research, the number of Americans who will take a vacation within six months is the lowest in thirty years. 39% of the respondents who took their standard consumer survey were also not considering travel next year — a low since 1978. Public health consultants believe this is a mistake.

Just when job insecurity and stress are at an all-time high, we could use a break. The Framingham Heart Study, an ambitious health research project, has been striving since 1948 to identify common risk factors contributing to cardiovascular disease. Researchers of the project observed three generations of questionnaires filled out over a twenty year period. The data showed women who vacationed only once every six years or less were almost eight times more likely to develop coronary artery disease or have a heart attack.

The relationship between lifestyle and stress is clear. Another study released in 2000 that involved 12,000 men over nine years had parallel results. Those men who did not take a vacation at least once a year increased their risk of death from a heart attack by 33% while also increasing their risk of death from other causes by 21%. The results also indicate that mental health is affected by vacations. Scientists at the Marshfield Clinic of Wisconsin report an increased rate of depression with a decrease in the frequency of vacations.

These studies suggest real evidence that taking a vacation is necessary to your health and well-being. Now is the time to reinvent our travel plans. With pressure on spending budgets, considering all the options is a smart idea. Not long ago, the emergent travel giant, MOR Vacations, unveiled a new product that will allow families to travel while squeezing the most out of their limited finances. Securing time off from work may be the only thing standing in the way.

According to the BLS, one-quarter of Americans who work in the private business sector are not afforded paid vacation time. Further, there are 127 countries that do have mandatory paid vacation time. The U.S., however, is not among them. The editor of Take Back Your Time, John de Graaf, is lobbying for an amendment to the Fair Labor Standards Act that would guarantee three weeks paid vacation to anyone who has worked at a job for a minimum of one year. Although a tough sell, this arrangement is more tempting to business because vacation time is more predictable than sick time.

It seems that economic progression is still on a downhill slide. Neutralizing the negative consequences is essential to our well-being. Earmarking funds for a leisurely and luxurious vacation is now urgent. After all, we are entitled.

A travel club lifetime membership could turn out to be a worthwhile investment. Stay away from timeshare rackets with recurring anniversary fees and long, drawn-out payments. Consider the options with a one-time, front-end fee and completely transferrable membership. Even more valuable is automatic VIP status for new members and free travel passes for unlimited guests. A travel product with these attributes will help balance your work-life responsibilities and squeeze every cent out of your travel budget.

Our life is comparable to that of a gypsy traversing every nook and crevice of the Earth. Traveling has always been a wonderful experience to us. It gives us complete control of ourselves and appreciation for the beautiful places and wonderful culture all around us. Long drives, camping and beach trip to nearby cities alone or with friends and family compose my weekend plans if my time and resources don’t allow me to travel that far.

These activities have always been successful and don’t necessarily cost that much as long that we plan ahead of time and buy things that could last until our next adventure. Aside from my music player and digital camera which are always must-haves in any of my trips, my sturdy Coleman coolers will definitely be on my trunk. My travel bag and vanity essentials never leave my car for a possible spontaneous out-of-town trips or mere long drive.

Prepare food that you can enjoy for the trip such as sandwiches and chips. Soft drinks and foods can go a long way without worrying that it is not cold or that it would spoil. You can have barbeques and even burgers as long as you bring your outdoor cooking utensils. Ice cold soft drinks can still be within your reach even without dropping by at a convenience store since the cooler will maintain the coldness of your soft drinks. In this way, money can be saved instead of buying foods, sold at the commercial establishments, which are a lot expensive at the place where you intend to go.

Organized group trips are fun and enjoyable. More heads would ensure adventures and more laughs. Aside from it, group trips can also make you save money since a lot of people would be sharing for food and gas expenses. You could also have a potluck so each of you could bring in their cooked specialty, and have a food trip while enjoying nature and the company of your friends.

The key here is to organize this trip with friends who share the same interest with you and you are comfortable with. In fact, I had a wonderful beach experience with a group of friends wherein we just chipped in several bucks only and still had a blast.

Traveling alone is also fun. I call it the “ME” time, It gives you the opportunity to focus on your self and listen to your thoughts without someone interrupting you. It can also be an opportune time to enjoy nature while sipping your margarita or even read a book you’ve always been wishing to read but does not find time to do it.

All you need to do is store up some food and soft drinks in your cooler, load up batteries for camera and player and then you are all set. You also get to meet new friends, who like you, appreciate the serenity of being alone in an unfamiliar place for several days. I believe that traveling alone nurtures love and discovery for one’s self, hence, I always venture into solo trips from time to time.

So what are you waiting for? Grab your digital camera, music player and Coleman coolers and start a one memorable outing experience.

Cyprus is an island rich in historical culture and a unique beauty and Cyprus has become extremely popular amongst holidaymakers from all over the world. With over 300 days of sunshine per year and offering many superb beaches spread along its coastline, it isn’t difficult to see just why so many people have grown to love Cyprus.

Prominent holiday home investment markets such as North Cyprus produce high return benefits of approximately 4-5% per year for the coming ten years. This sort of revenue returns are set to stay for the foreseeable future, meaning North Cyprus will retain a stable economy and growth will continue in positive territory.

Whilst Cyprus has been popular with property investors for a number of years, the level of interest in developments on the island have increased in recent times. Attracted by a variety of different factors including favourable tax conditions, high standards of living and a strong tourism industry, property investors are not only looking on Cyprus favorably, they are seeing it as one of Europe’s premier investment opportunities at present.

Apart from the increasing demand for tourism in Cyprus, there are many other factors that have come together in recent times leading to more favourable property investment opportunities. Above all it’s membership into the European Union, it’s resulting increase in trade, a thriving economy, higher standards of living, reduced taxation and an improved legal system have all done their bit to promote property investment in Cyprus.

As well as the monetary reasons for investing, the potential reunification of the island will offer considerable investment opportunities, especially in the Turkish controlled north where property is still considerably cheaper than in the Greek controlled south. Talks are at present on-going regarding potential re-unification, and whilst they are still at an early stage, it has resulted in a keener focus on political events in Cyprus.

High quality off-plan projects being developed throughout the north of the island continue to increase with towns like Catalkoy and Bogaz booming. As soon as re-unification is a fact, such developments will surge as investors know that prices in the north will catch up with current prices found in Southern Cyprus

With the increasingly challenging global financial climate causing investors to redefine objectives and returns, Cyprus is becoming an increasingly popular option for investors seeking a long term, more stable property investment. Mark Burns works for Offplanworld.tv, a UK based real estate company who specialise in off-plan investment property throughout the world’s emerging markets, and who offer a wide portfolio of off-plan property in Cyprus.

To get student plane tickets, first and foremost check, compare and shop around for both student tickets and regular cheap tickets. We strongly suggest checking out the regular travel deals and comparing them with the offer that they are selling for students. Sometimes the fares sold to naive students are, though discounted, may be higher than the ones being offered to students.

Check with the airlines. Sometimes they too offer discounts for students. Continental Airlines for example, launched a frequent flyer program for students. It is a great way to obtain airline tickets for those who travel often during spring, winter and summer breaks.

Discounts for students can significantly reduce the price of an air ticket, but they never reach the low level of the base fare, the bottom price an airline must charge to break even.

One must qualify as a student in order to get any student plane tickets. Student ID often is fine for most airlines. And becoming member with student international organizations often helps in discount on airlines tickets and your hostel stays.

Sometimes you can get cheap student plane tickets if you buy them directly from the airline websites. But comparing with other online travel web sites big or small often may help to get the best travel deals.

Many college campuses have a travel agency nearby that caters to students, so you might want to start there as well. Trying all options to get student plane tickets on any airline and to any destinations is a wonderful idea. One can save significant amount of money this way.

Always be flexible in your travel plans - both outbound and inbound travel dates. And sometimes the very time of the day can make a difference in cheap airfares when buying student plane tickets. One must also try alternate airports if that can help save extra dollar.

Many movies that are produced today are filmed in New Zealand, and why is that? There are not many places in the world that can offer such unspoiled nature and outdoor adventure travel packages that can be enjoyed in the great outdoors, but also enjoy New Zealand’s city activities as well. You should seriously consider New Zealand for your next outdoor adventure vacation.

Adventure travel in New Zealand offers the outdoor lover a wide range of options when it comes to your next vacation. One such option might include a trip around wine country. That’s right, New Zealand is actually one of the world’s top producers of fine wine.

Now if you do love wine may be your outdoor adventure travel should include a helicopter tour around the Pacific. From the air you can see many beautiful vineyards that are nestled along the coastal rim. And if that is not enough try the Catlins Coastal Heritage Trail.

Along the coastal rim you will find some beautiful beaches, waterfalls and wildlife you will ever encounter. Such a experience will stay with you forever. You could also cruise along the coast or cruise to the many islands that are dotted around the coast.

Rich in history and culture, New Zealand has a lot to offer to anyone interested in outdoor adventure travel. The Polynesians were the first to discover New Zealand, however she has been a home to many cultures from around the globe.

Whatever your culture or interest when it comes to history and society, New Zealand is sure to have something for you. Or if your idea of adventure travel is to simply be awed by scenic views of mountains, volcanoes, and an amazing coast, you can find all of this in New Zealand - and in some cases, all in the same view.

You can find these amazing sights from the summits of Mount Iron in Wanaka and Mount Hikurangi on East Cape. Or, try the top of Mount Eden and One Tree Hill in Auckland, Mount Victoria in Wellington, the top of the Port Hills in Christchurch and Flagstaff Hill in Dunedin. None of these are easily accessible, but isn’t the whole point of outdoor adventure travel to find those sights that are worth the effort it takes to get there?

New Zealand has a lot to offer for the outdoor adventure travel enthusiasts and offers many activities and unique experiences. You can take a cruise, go hiking or kayaking or fishing, it doesn’t matter you will find it all in New Zealand.

Picturesque exotic golden beaches, marine sports, marine parks, cooler climate, mysterious lakes, rainforest, abundant wildlife and the highlands of Malaysia have capability to induce all sorts of travelers. In fact, these attractions are already drawing millions of tourists in the island round the year. There is no doubt that Malaysia is redefining Asian hospitality industry and providing a new dimension and high regards on the global tourism horizon.

Usually, tourist in Malaysia sticks with peninsular region but remaining parts are also equally stunning. Provinces of Sabah and Sarawak in North Borneo are amazing tourist spots for unparalleled experience. These are paradise for nature lovers. Eco tourism is a major contributor of Sabah economy. Presently, there are almost six national parks and the government is rigorously making efforts to promote Sabah tourism. Name of few most popular tourist spots in this zone are Tanjung Aru Beach, Mabul Island, Sepilok Orang Utan Sanctuary and so on.

Similarly, Sarawak is another fabulous alternate for the nature lovers. Tourists can experience here ultimate amalgamation of lowland and highland rainforest. It is a major exporter of tropical hardwood timber. Nowadays, manufacturing and high tech industries are playing significant role in the shaping of state economy. There are many popular tourist spots in the Sarawak like Riverside shopping complex, the Baram Regional museum, Sarawak plaza, the Astana, Lanjak Entimau Wildlife Sanctuary and so on. Almost all sorts of Malaysia hotels can be easily accessible in these regions.

Kuala Lumpur is the capital city of Malaysia and prominently known as the prime sporting zone for formulae one world championship. It is home of world’s tallest twin building ‘the Petronas Twin Towers’. Other most popular tourist spot in the city are House of Parliament, Kuala Lumpur Tower, Putra World Trade Centre, Dataran Merdeka, Tugu Negara. From architectural point of view; the city exhibits fine amalgamation & blend of old colonial influences, Asian traditions, Malay Islamic inspirations, modern and postmodern architecture mix. The unique architectural fragrance also can be experienced during the stay in Kuala Lumpur hotels.

Foremost online hotel booking websites have special tie-up with Malaysian hotels and hence they can be easily accessed through these sites. The most special thing is discounted packages which can be available on these sites. Most of the time; lucrative discounted packages convert good quality luxury hotels into cheap hotels. Thus, if you have low budget then cheap hotels in Kuala Lumpur is a good option for you. Such cheap hotels do not compromise with quality which has remained a great USP of such hotels.

Are you in search for cheap airfare? You should be! Even those who can afford can afford airfare rates look for loopholes to enable them pay much less than the stipulated cost. Cheap airfare can ensure that you travel without biting your lips in worry over how much you will have left by the time you are through with your vacation or business trip.

Some cheap airfare seekers have discovered an ingenuous way to get cheap airfare and that is by getting bumped off a fight. It’s not as embarrassing as it sounds. In reality, getting bumped off a flight simply means volunteering to forfeit your seat on an airplane you’re booked a seat on already because it is overbooked.

Getting bumped requires a bit of skill and timing. If your travel plans can’t be changed in the twinkle of an eye, you may not benefit a great deal from this strategy. Only those whose travel plans are adaptable can afford to get bumped off a flight. Getting bumped starts with booking your ticket in advance.

A day before your departure, call up your airliner and find out if the flight has been overbooked. If it is, then your plan is going smoothly. On the day of your departure, take the pain to go as early as possible so that you can be first in the line of people waiting. If you stroll into the airport minutes before the flight is due to take off and expect to be compensated for being bumped, you will be sorely disappointed.

Getting first in line implies that you may wait for a long time before the option to be bumped is offered by the airline staff. Usually, when a flight is overbooked, the passengers will be given the option of being bumped. When that option is offered, you should take it. As soon as your offer to be bumped is acknowledge, you can demand compensation, especially if you were on the line for a particularly long time.

You may get a discounted airfare in addition to a meal voucher. In some cases, you may even be put on the next flight free of charge! Bear in mind that you should be at the airport early enough to get all these perks. Getting bumped off an overbooked flight as a means of getting cheap airfare can be considered scheming but it’s definitely effective!

When it comes to planning a family vacation it can be hard to please everyone in the family. This is especially a problem when you have children of all ages. However, there are 3 great vacation spots that offer up activities for children and adults of all ages and interests.

1. Walt Disney World

This vacation spot is no secret to anyone but it continues to be one of the most ideal vacation destinations for families. For young children it is the trip of a lifetime getting to see and meet all of the popular Disney characters. Young children will simply be in heaven the second they step foot in Disney World. It is also a popular vacation spot of older children because of the exciting rides. They may not be excited about seeing all the Disney characters, but you can be sure they will love all of the theme parks.

2. Oahu, Hawaii

Who could argue against a trip to Hawaii? With so much to do on one small island it is a top choice for any family vacation. Children, young and old, will have the vacation of a lifetime while they play at Waikiki Beach. Old children can venture to the north shore to do some surfing, while the entire family can enjoy a tour of Pearl Harbor. Mix in an eco-tour and attending a luau and you have one amazing vacation the entire family will remember forever.

3. Wisconsin Dells, WI

Known as the “Waterpark Capital of the World”, this lesser known vacation spot is a hidden gem. Everyone from adults to young children are sure to find something to do at one of the many Wisconsin Dells attractions that include; waterparks, amusement parks, go karts, mini golf, scenic tours and live entertainment. There is no threat of bad weather because the family can always head back to one of the numerous Wisconsin Dells resorts that offer indoor waterparks.

When it comes time to play your next family vacation, plan a trip to one of the destination above and you will have happy vacationers no matter what the age. More importantly, you will make family memories that will last a lifetime.

The International Air Transport Association has established rules regarding containers for dogs, cats, ferrets, and birds who are flying. Most of the world’s leading airlines follow the Association’s criteria for travel requirements.

Pets are permitted to fly in the passenger cabin on flights lasting less than 6 hours except when traveling to the United Kingdom. Only one pet is allowed per passenger. In addition, no more than 2 pets are allowed to be in the same cabin. The pet container must fit under the seat and have a waterproof bottom. Brands, Sherpa, Pet Roll Around, and Strurdi are the must commonly accepted by the air industry. However, as airlines vary, it is important to be aware of any specific requirements for your particular airline.

Most large aircraft have made special provisions to accept live animals as cargo. Regardless of whether the pet is traveling as checked baggage or cargo, they will be stored in the same special area during the trip. This area is pressurized and temperature controlled.

To certify that the pet is in good shape to travel as cargo, an Acclimation Certificate can be purchased. The animal must be stored in an IATA/APHIS approved container. It is recommended that only one animal be per container. However, if the animals are less than 14 kg, two can share on container. All crates manufactured by Kennel Aire meet the standards for pets traveling as checked baggage or cargo.

There must be sufficient space for the animal to be able to stand, turn, and lie down. The kennel is to be made of a sturdy plastic and have a secure locking system. Food and water bowls must be attached to the inside of the front door and be refillable without opening the door. Ventilation on all sides is to be present. In addition, LIVE ANIMALS stickers are required to be place on the top and sides of the crate and the font must be larger than one inch tall. The pets name and owner contact information must be attached to the kennel. Wheels are not permitted. It is possible to tape the wheels or remove them, so the kennel is not able to roll. If your travel is internationally, an extra copy of the pet’s health certificate needs to be attached to the crate.

How do you go about choosing the right company to provide valet parking for your event? How do you know a great company from a so-so one? Are there ways you can tell? The phone book certainly isn’t much help. The ads in the business section in the back may give you the phone number and possibly the address, and maybe even a picture, but that’s about it. That’s not much information to go on. And most valet parking companies have a website these days, but that’s also hit and miss. Some are very informative, while others are bare bones. You’ll need to contact the companies directly, and ask them some questions before choosing one.

That’s really the only way of getting to the heart of the matter about which valet parking company is best for you and your particular event. Phone book ads and websites can’t begin to compare to person to person interaction with the owner or manager of the firm. So make a list of questions you’ll want to ask. If you’re not sure what questions are important, that’s alright. We’ve compiled a lot of them in this article, so just read a bit further and you’ll see them. You might want to block out a 2 or 3 hour chunk of time to call all the companies on your list, rather than a hit and miss approach. That will make record keeping a lot easier. And be sure to have your questions all written out ahead of time before you get on the phone.

Is your company new, or has it been around a while?

What’s the total number of events whose parking your firm has managed (approximately)?

Would you explain your bonding and insurance policies to me?

Can you explain the different types of insurance you carry?

What’s the amount of coverage on each policy?

What standards do you set for driving records of people you hire?

Do you run criminal background check on your employees?

Do you have any satisfied customers I can talk with about your level of service?

What are your fees and how do you calculate them?

Those are the main things to go over with the valet parking companies. Of course, you may have other questions you think of, and feel free to add them to the list. Make sure you cover all the bases. Better safe than sorry.