Kimberly Fisher's Blog, page 218
March 30, 2012
Travel Guest Post: Top 5 Beach Destinations in the Philippines
1. Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro
You need not go far away from Manila to experience a white sand beach. Batangas pier is two hours away by bus and the island of Puerto Galera is one to one and a half hour ferry ride from the pier. There are also parking spaces available in Batangas Pier if you have your own car. The two most popular beaches in Puerto Galera are Sabang and White Beach. Sabang beach is frequented by divers and by the young and adventurous. This area of the island is home to several top-of-the-line resorts that offer excellent dive education. Sabang is also the place to stay for those looking for parties and nightlife by the beach. On the other hand, White Beach is mostly preferred by locals and families looking for a place to relax and recharge under the sun.
2.Potipot Island, Zambales"
If you love nature trips and do not mind camping out, Potipot island which is just off the shore of Candelaria in Zambales is a treat for you. Potipot is a small privately-owned island with no resorts or bars. It is a 5-hour drive from Manila and a 5-minute boat trip from mainland Zambales. You would have to rent a boat to get to Potipot and pay a small "entrance" fee, but these will not cost you more than a thousand pesos depending on how many you are in the group. If you opt to stay overnight, it would be more convenient to bring your own tents and food. So next time you would like to take a break from the hustle and bustle of Manila, consider the white sands and clear blue waters of Potipot.
3. Caramoan Islands
Caramoan has been one of the Philippine's best kept secrets until it was made famous by the reality show, "Survivor". Fine white sand, characteristic lagoons, caves, limestone cliffs and rock formations lace the islands of Caramoan. To reach Caramoan, one must go to Barangay Sabang in the town of San Jose, Camarines Sur. If you are on a budget, you can take a 10-hour bus ride to Sabang from Manila. There are many hotels and inns to choose from but if you are the adventurous type, you can try camping out in one of the islands to fully experience the beauty that is Caramoan.
4. El Nido, Palawan
Said to be one of the locations of the latest Bourne movie, Bourne Legacy, El Nido in Palawan is definitely a paradise worth a movie's grand finale. Roughly seven hours of land trip from the Puerto Princesa airport, El Nido is a quiet town that does not need any introductions because it speaks for itself. Nothing beats waking up in a cottage at the beach front with the sun, the sand and other islands in view. While you're here, you should not miss taking an island hopping trip around the islands of Palawan, the spectacle of islands surrounded with magnificent blue waters rich in marine life will definitely take your breath away.
5. Boracay, Aklan
Hailed by TripAdvisor as the second best beach destination in the world and top 1 in Asia for second year in a row, nobody could contest the beauty of Boracay. Definitely picture perfect, the island is full or locals and tourists all year round. From high-class resorts to budget-friendly accommodations, Boracay island has something for everyone. Aside from its immaculate white sand beach, you can also sightsee around the island by bike or motorcycle, do some trekking and view the island from the mountain peak and explore caves. Boracay Island is definitely a paradise everyone must visit at least once in their lives.
As you can see, these are just five islands and there would be more than a thousand more to explore in the Philippines! You do not have to spend a lot for a vacation because in this country, there are definitely a lot to choose from. Not only do these beaches have the best scenic views, these also have the freshest seafood prepared by the best local chefs. Nonetheless, remember that to keep the beauty of these islands, take nothing but great memories and leave nothing but footsteps. Have a very memorable vacation!
Author: Abigail Ang is an aspiring writer and a former Backpacker. She is into almost all types of music. She also has a passion in singing and an interest in sports particularly Ultimate (Frisbee) and running. Abigail is also one of the editors of White Knight Hotel Intramuros a renowned budget hotel in the Philippines.
Filed under: adventure, guest post, luxury, Philippines, travel, travel planning, travel tips Tagged: boracay, cebu, islands, philippines
March 27, 2012
Travel Guest Post: Six Products You Must Pack
One of my favorite parts about spring is the rejuvenation—the trees blossom, the birds come out of hiding and your skin gets the first vitamin D its seen in months! Gone are the dark days of winter that forced us to painstakingly add product after product to our faces to look less sullen/ashen/translucent. Easy and breezy is the name of the game once the weather starts getting warm again—your skin will naturally even itself out with the addition of fresh air, sunlight and of course the lovely exfoliation that the beach provides, and that means less make up and muss and fuss overall.
But just because you are feeling fly and foxy barefaced doesn't mean there won't be occasion to polish your look. Especially on vacation, you'll want to perfect a routine that enhances but doesn't smother your natural loveliness. So before you take off for your first spring excursion of the year, pack up these six travel-friendly products that will keep you looking both beautiful and carefree!
Smashbox BB Cream—This new beauty trend has been all the rage in Asian countries for the last 20 years. We are finally catching up to this ingenious new product! "BB" stands for "Beauty Balm" and this multi-tasking cream actually lives up to such a name. Used like a light foundation, it acts as a moisturizer, primer, sunscreen (it boasts SPF 35) and perfector for your face. Loads of antioxidants and vitamins make your skin feel so smooth and flawless. It melts into your face, blurring imperfections without looking like make up at all! Touted as a new type of "progressive coverage," your face will look fresh and glowing.
Clinique All about Eyes Serum De-Puffing Eye Massage—A totally portable eye treatment that you'll never want to leave home without, this roller cools, soothes and brightens travel-weary eyes. Whether you suffer from puffiness, dark circles or just need a refreshing pick-me-up, this one step cure will be just the ticket. Without all the goopiness/blending that traditional concealers need, you'll have bright eyes in about 5 seconds flat so you can get back to the fun of your trip. An Allure Best of Beauty Winner and ophthalmologist tested, this is a no-brainer for your carry-on.
Too Faced Aqua Bunny Bronzer—The Holy Grail of bronzers, this cream to powder formula is all you need to enhance your natural features. You'll be left with a luminous glow once you blend this sheer, subtle shade into the contours of your face. It's waterproof, so you'll still look fabulous after swimming or sweating. Oh, and Aqua Bunny is also good for your skin—it's formulated with Vitamin E, chamomile, and aloe vera extract. Did I mention is smells like luscious coconut? You won't want to go a day without it!
Clarins Instant Light Lip Perfector—Lipstick is too fussy for your spring holiday, so instead bring this lip gloss, perfect for on the go. It moisturizes like a lip balm, subtly plumps, and offers a lovely shimmer, all without being sticky. The shades are all soft nude tones that enhance your natural lips and add just enough shine to give the illusion of "put together." Lip Perfector is packed with nurturing vitamins to keep your pucker supple and youthful, yet looks and feels way more luxurious than your average Chapstick.
Shisedo Ultimate Skin Protection Lotion SPF 60—You aren't going anywhere without a quality sunscreen! Drugstore brands don't hold a candle to this deluxe lotion. This is worth the splurge because it has high SPF, it's riddled with helpful antioxidants to prevent premature aging, and rose apple leaf extract for soft, lovely skin. It's paba-free and sweat proof so even if you are living it up on the beach you'll be protected. The package is purse friendly so no matter where your travels take you, touch ups will be a cinch (and a pleasure, as this lotion smells amazing!).
St. Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Lotion—Since you've been so diligent about sunscreen like I recommended, you'll need some fake tanner to give the illusion of Gisele Bundchen-esque legs. This bronzing lotion is light years ahead of that nasty old school foam we all used to stain the bathroom with. It smells light and fresh and develops into a truly golden glow. This paraben free miracle worker was even an Allure Best of Beauty Award Winner. No spring transformation is complete without this last touch! Well, now you look gorgeous and natural and polished all at the same time, how do you feel? Hop on that plane and enjoy your spring vacation!
Author: Noella Schink is a travel writer and beauty enthusiast from Portland, Maine. When she's not playing with her make up she's traveling the world and writing about her adventures. Wherever you head this spring, she recommends you try Excellent Hotels for your hotel bookings around the world!
Filed under: beauty, guest post, travel, travel tips Tagged: beauty products, clarins st. tropez
March 26, 2012
Travel Guest Post: Bath Time in Turkey
With so many cheap flights to Turkey on offer these days, why not choose this magical country as your next holiday destination? Few places on the planet have such unparalleled history as this, the land bridge linking Europe and Asia, which armies have crisscrossed down the centuries and where great battles have been waged, a veritable palimpsest of civilisations rising and falling and each of them leaving its mark.
Turkey seems to be almost unfairly provided with great historic monuments and incomparable natural beauty in the form of stunning beaches, majestic mountains and dense forests, but the cultural attractions are equally accessible to visitors and provide a glimpse into the Turkish mentality. The Turks are the friendliest people you're ever likely to meet. From the obligatory glass of tea that is pressed on you in any shop in the bazaar to the endless questions about where you come from, how many children you have and what you like most about Turkey, you can't help loving them and the knack they have for making you feel completely at home.
Most visitors to Turkey will want to visit a Turkish bath at least once. The word 'hamam' derives from the Arabic word for hot – ham. The hamam is heated up by a big pot filled with hot water, with the vapour from the water being fed through tiny holes in the marble walls. In the West, the Turkish bath has for long seemed to personify Eastern decadence and even lasciviousness, with naked women drifting through clouds of steam being a particular favourite with artists, which probably reveals more about themselves than about their supposed object of study.
Bathing really took off in Turkey because the Prophet himself stated that cleanliness is half of faith, and this effectively made regular bathing obligatory. There are several unique traditions and rituals surrounding the Turkish hamam, with their roots in this philosophy of cleanliness being next to godliness. Many hamams were built using the remains of ancient Roman baths and often of temples too.
The hamam is not as hot as a sauna and has its own distinctive temperature regime. This is usually somewhere between 30 and 55 degrees and is perfect for people who either don't like or cannot tolerate high temperatures. The entrances to a Turkish bath for men and women are always separate, although their areas are next to each other so that the common heat source and water supply can be used. In cases where only one bath is present women and men alternate their days.
Every Turkish man traditionally had to allow his wife to visit the hamam once a week, otherwise she could divorce him. Here, the ladies would eat sweets, drink coffee and discuss their husbands, and the hamam was effectively for many centuries Turkey's answer to balls, travel and theatre in the West, and very often the highlight of a woman's week.
Drop into the local hamam when you arrive in Turkey and experience opulence and style as never before, whilst at the same time getting a makeover that will leave you feeling reborn and ready to take on anything.
Author: David Elliott is a freelance writer who loves to travel, especially in Europe and Turkey. He's spent most of his adult life in a state of restless excitement but recently decided to settle in North London. He gets away whenever he can to immerse himself in foreign cultures and lap up the history of great cities.
Filed under: adventure, guest post, turkey
March 25, 2012
Travel Guest Post: Vietnam
Holidays to Vietnam can focus on the beach if you want them to, as with many places you'd go on holiday. Nha Trang is the most famous of Vietnam's beaches. The town is slightly overcrowded as a result but the beach is mighty fine.
Arriving in Danang, you may want to leave as soon as you get there, because the concrete is too ugly compared with the lush beautiful green countryside you've passed to get there. But push past all the development, and you get some lovely beach time on its shores.
Beyond the famous, there are the more picturesque beaches of Mui Ne or those on the island of Pu Quoc. But as with any country far away from home, while you might have come for tropical beach paradise, you'll benefit from sampling the cultural and historical delights of the place. You might not want to miss the opportunity to see what else the country has to offer, unless of course you plan to return over and over.
One of the great yet slightly morbid adventures you can have here is to go and visit the body of Ho Chi Minh, who was held in such high regard the name of Saigon was changed to Ho Chi Minh City. Ho Chi Minh was Prime Minister and leader of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam from the mid 1940s until his death in the late 1960s. He led the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. Ho Chi Minh requested in his Will that he be cremated after his death but it seems his people loved him so much that they were unable to honour this request – wanting instead to have him with them forever more. A mausoleum was built in Hanoi to house the embalmed body of the revered leader. The mausoleum looks out over Ba Dinh Square, a green space in a city with few.
The body of North Korea's Kim Jong-il has much more recently been embalmed and may also end up on display permanently. His Dad's body is already on permanent display in the mausoleum he is for the minute temporarily resting in. Chairman Mao is also permanently embalmed, as is Lenin – whose tomb Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum is based on. It seems all the big time communist leaders are up to it, in a bizarre allusion to the 'long live the…' phrase. The Russians perfected their process of embalming to the point it was rumoured Ho Chi Minh was flown to Russia once a year to be re-embalmed. Bodies are usually embalmed so that they'll look presentable to families before they are buried but the embalming lasts only for the time before the burial. In the case of bodies that are embalmed for a longer period, they need regular maintenance. Lenin even gets new clothes every few years. Ho Chi Minh is looking pretty good at the moment. If you get to the mausoleum early enough you'll queue for about two hours before being allowed to file silently around the glass case which he rests in.
Author: Sally usually writes about finance but dreams of writing about travel full-time. When she gets away you'll usually find her at whatever local oddity the place she's in has to offer.
Filed under: adventure, guest post, travel, travel planning, travel tips, travel writing, vietnam Tagged: Vietnam
March 23, 2012
Travel Spotlight: Dubai
Armani Hotel.
Everything about the Armani is sleek, sophisticated & sexy.
The fountains at night.
Fountains.
One of the most famous landmarks in Dubai, the Burg al Arab.
No one is allowed inside the Burj al Arab if you are not a hotel guest or have dining reservations.
Inside the Burg al Arab.
The beach view from high-tea inside the Burj al Arab.
The Atlantis Dubai.
The man-made beach at Atlantis.
Starbucks.
One of the nicest restaurants in Dubai, located on the water at the Jumeriah Madinat.
Filed under: dubai, holiday, luxury, travel, travel planning, travel tips, Uncategorized Tagged: armani hotel, atlantis dubai, burj al arab, burj khalifa, dubai, pierchic
Travel Spotlight: Maastricht, Netherlands
3,700 miles from New York City is the small country of Netherlands. Maastricht, a small vacation town, is known for it's culture, history, folk-lore and education and is a popular European tourist destination. It is also known as one of the most romantic and beautiful cities in Holland, with 40 small neighborhoods making up it's 121,000 residents in the small Southern town. Walk down the cobble-stoned streets and check out the shopping, art galleries, restaurants and museums.
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Filed under: netherlands, travel Tagged: maastritcht, netherlands
Travel Guest Post: Top 4 African Safari Activities
Long gone are the days when African safaris were only taken in crowded minibuses. Today there are many ways from which you can explore the African wilderness whether it's on foot, in open vehicles, on horseback, from the air or on water. Each activity allows travellers to see the beautiful animals and spectacular scenery from a new perspective.
Here are 4 of the best African safari activities available:
Hot Air Balloon during the Great Wildebeest Migration – Kenya
One of the most exhilarating activities available on a safari in Kenya is a hot air balloon trip during the wildebeest migration in the Masai Mara. The great migration of 2 million wildebeest, 400,000 zebra and thousands of gazelle is one of the world's greatest natural events. Every year, these fascinating creatures begin an epic 1000 mile journey starting in the Masai Mara and ending in the Serengeti in search of fresh grazing and water. With an experienced pilot, you'll float majestically above the millions of migrating animals taking in panoramic views across the Mara plains. Best taken at sunrise or sunset, you'll watch the migration in awe from as high as 1000 feet. When you've landed you'll be treated to a glass of champagne and dinner in the bush!
Track the Chimps at Mahale Mountains – Tanzania
Lying on the shores of the fresh water Lake Tanganyika in south-west Tanzania, you'll find Mahale Mountains National Park. Surrounded by a beautiful tropical forest it is home to the largest population of chimpanzees in the world and some of Africa's last remaining. You'll be taken on a long walk through the dense forest to track the chimps and you'll also spot the likes of red colobus, red and blue tailed monkeys as well as many bird species as you go. When you reach the chimpanzees, you'll witness these amazing creatures with their uncanny human features swinging effortlessly between the vines, playing and grooming each other. This is an unforgettable experience on a Tanzania safari.
Mekoro Canoe Trip through the Okavango Delta – Botswana
The Okavango Delta in Botswana is the world's largest inland delta and a truly miraculous sight. Surrounded by the Kalahari desert, the delta is fed by the Okavango River that flows inland into Lake Ngami instead of into the sea. It forms a complex network of rivers into the adjoining lands that are replenished between the month of April and June after the rains in Angola. On a Botswana safari you can enjoy mekoro canoe trips down the intricate channels and shimmering lagoons of the Delta. You'll be poled down the waters of the Delta in a dugout canoe as you sit back and enjoy the stunning scenery and rich wildlife congregating at the water's edge. Thousands of elephant, buffalo and antelope thrive in the Delta as do zebra, giraffe and plenty of plains game. The birdlife is outstanding too with over 400 species!
Whale Watching along The Garden Route – South Africa
South Africa is one of the best destinations in the world for whale watching and the unspoilt coastline of The Garden Route is the perfect place from which to see these fascinating creatures. This beautiful stretch of coast is over a thousand miles long running from Cape Town to the scenic town of Port Elizabeth and is made up of sandy coves, mountain ranges, fruit orchids, waterfalls, rivers and valleys. The best time of year to visit The Garden Route is between July and December when large numbers of southern right, bryde and killer whale come to calve. It can be arranged for you to get up close to these whales on a boat trip which makes for a remarkable experience. You may also get to see dolphin, Cape Fur Seals, penguins and Great White sharks. If you'd prefer to keep your feet on dry land, there are also many strategic viewing points along the coastline.
Author Bio: Kelly Elmore writes for Africa Exclusive, a luxury tour operator specialising in luxury safari holidays to Africa.
Filed under: adventure, guest post, travel, travel planning, travel tips Tagged: africa, luxury, safari
Travel Guest Post: 5 Unusual Places to Visit in the UK
The majority of people who visit the United Kingdom stick to the major attractions in and around London, and there's nothing wrong with that. But there are certainly a fair few treats in store for tourists who decide to roam around the country and get a taste of the rest of Britain.
These five places may be unusual but they offer great days out nonetheless!
The Evacuated Village of Imber
Visiting the small village of Imber, near Salisbury, is like stepping back into Second World War Britain. The village was requisitioned by the British military in December 1943 as part of the escalating war effort and the 161 inhabitants were never allowed to return.
Today the village has been left as an abandoned Second World War military training ground. Visitors to Imber will see overgrown fields, rusting tanks and signs warning of the dangers of shrapnel and bombs that might not have exploded.
If you do want to visit Imber check the dates first, as it only opens to the public on a few certain days each year.
The Falkirk Wheel
If visiting Imber is like going back and time then a trip to the Falkirk Wheel is a step into the future. Admittedly it's a future where canals are still used, but the wheel is certainly a marvellous piece of modern engineering.
The Wheel is essentially a rotating boat lift designed to connect the Union Canal with the Forth and Clyde Canal. The height difference between them is 24 metres, so it's certainly an achievement.
The visitors centre at the Falkirk Wheel offers visitors the chance to ride the wheel, which is an experience not to be missed if you choose to visit.
Kelvedon Hatch Secret Nuclear Bunker
From the outside Kelvedon hatch looks like a traditional bungalow, but the house is actually the entrance to a secret nuclear bunker. Although, the fact it's now a tourist attraction means it's hardly secret anymore!
At one point it was the deepest Cold War nuclear bunker in Britain was a base for more than 600 military and government officials to organise the survival of the British people.
Thankfully it never had to be used and it was decommissioned in 1992 and is now open to the public.
Brimham Rocks
If you're a fan of natural phenomenon then a visit to Brimham Rocks in North Yorkshire is well worth it. They may not be the most famous rocks in the United Kingdom but they are certainly up there with the most unusual.
This balancing rock formation was formed by nothing more than natural erosion so the fact it hasn't toppled over is quite startling. Visitors to Brimham Rocks also like to try and spot animal shapes in the rock. I'm told that with a little imagination you can see a turtle a monster and a bear having a dance which sounds pretty cool.
The Gnome Reserve
What's the best way to enhance a four-acre area of natural woodland, scenic meadows and beautiful gardens? Decorate with over 1,000 gnomes of course.
The Gnome Reserve in North Devon may be an unusual day out but it's certainly great fun for all the family. Any type of gnome or pixie you can think of is likely to have found a home there. You'll see a few dancing in the trees, some cycling round the paths and of course the classic gnome sat on the bank with a fishing rod.
When you arrive they'll even kit you out with all the necessary gear to turn yourself into a human gnome! It's definitely one of the strangest days out you're ever likely to have.
Author Bio: When he's not travelling round the UK looking for new places to visit Mike H writes for Find Me A Gift, the online unusual gifts specialists.
Filed under: england, europe, guest post Tagged: UK, Unusual places to visit
March 22, 2012
Travel Guest Post: 10 Luxury Items That Make Traveling Fun
Travelling can be fun, but it can also be less than pleasurable. Your destination is always the high point, but the act of getting there is what most people enjoy the least. Whether you are taking a road trip or flying to your destination, there are 10 fabulous luxury items that will make your trip much more pleasurable.
1. Apple MacBook Air
This little laptop is perfect for travelling. It is light, small and allows you to spend a long flight working, listening to music or watching your own movies rather than the in-flight movie of the day.
2. Bose Noise Canceling Headphones
Bose makes a pair of headphones that cancel noise and are comfortable to wear. These Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones makes travel so much nicer because you can listen to music or watch movies while not being interrupted by the sounds of those around you.
3. Apple iPad
The iPad is a great item to have when travelling. You can connect to any wireless network and surf the internet, answer those emails that keep backing up your inbox, listen to music, watch movies or your favourite television shows, play games and even read books and magazines while you are in-flight or in the car.
4. Panasonic LX3 Digital Camera
This camera is light, small and easy to travel with. Not only that, it allows you to take gorgeous photos from your window seat, doesn’t take up much space in your bag and has an excellent memory that will hold hundreds of photos that you take on your trip. This is a camera that will make great memories.
5. Kindle or E-Reader
Those that love to read tend to want to read during travel. A Kindle or another E-Reader, such as a Nook, is a great way to carry your favourite books with you when you travel without taking up much space in your carry on. These E-Readers allow you to buy books at the spur of the moment so you are never without an interesting read and you don’t have to use valuable packing space for multiple books.
6. Apple iPod
For the music lover, the iPod is a great gadget. It allows you to listen to your favourite music and watch your favourite music videos while you are in the car or on your flight. With noise cancelling headphones it will almost seem that you are off in your own world.
7. Louis Vuitton Luggage
Louis Vuitton defines luxury and there is no more luxurious way to travel than with your Louis Vuitton luggage. Not only will you look put together, glamorous and well-bred, you won't have a problem spotting your chocolate and camel monogrammed luggage in the sea of generic black bags at baggage claim.
8. White and Warren
Rather than risking the flimsy, uncomfortable in-flight blankets, a gorgeous pashmina or travel blanket is something that women and men – can use to cover up and ward off the chills in-flight. This cashmere travel set features a travel blanket and cashmere ballet flats that make travel more comfortable and warm than ever.
9. L'Occitane en Provence
The Shea Travel Treasures travel pouch has seven different L'Occitane products that make you look and feel gorgeous on the go when travelling. Each one is three ounces or less to adhere to airline carry-on restrictions so you can be gorgeous your entire flight.
10. MontBlanc Passport Holder
When traveling, it is imperative that your passport is not lost, which is why MontBlanc created this gorgeous, luxury passport holder that keeps your passport safe and easily recognisable. It features the MontBlanc logo on the outside and leaves a lasting impression of luxury and class everywhere you go on your travels.
Other Ideas:
Additional:
Travel insurance: Want to travel without stress? Then get insured! You can take out a dedicated travel insurance policy (annual is best) and some credit cards also offer travel insurance. This article on CreditCardCompare.com.au goes into more detail on the merits of credit card travel insurance.
GPS navigator: More of a necessity than a luxury, especially if you are renting a car when you get to your destination.
Air pillow: For most people it's nigh on impossible to sleep while flying. This is where an air pillow comes into play.
More similar tips are available from wikitravel.org.
These 10 items are sure to make your travels more much enjoyable and far more luxurious than they have been in the past. Indulging yourself will have you enjoying your trip before you even arrive at your final destination.
Author: Andy Boyd
Filed under: guest post, technology, travel, travel planning, travel tips Tagged: ipad, ipod, louis vuitton luggage, luxury, macbook air
Lifestyle Guest Post: 5 Secrets to Luxury Living on a Budget
You work hard and you budget your money carefully. It would be nice to be able to live it up, but you know your financial limits and you live accordingly. However, there are ways you can live the good life and still not bust your budget.
Cars
A nicer car costs more than a so-called "beater," but in the long run, a reliable vehicle can save you money on repairs, which leads to lost hours at work. That doesn't mean you should run out and pick up a BMW, but there is a budget-friendly way to find a comfortable and reliable car: buy used. Just a short time spent on a computer can get you a short list of quality used cars. Yes, you can buy luxury cars used, but keep in mind that those vehicles cost more to keep up. Often there's no difference in quality between a carmaker's higher-end models and that of its more affordable products. The Lexus ES for example, is built on the Toyota Camry's platform.[1] Only the fancier (and pricier) options distinguish them.
Food
After a long day at work, who wants to cook? Restaurants can kill your budget though. Stretch your dollar by using a two-for-one dining website. There are several out there, and they can be found simply by Googling "two for one dining" and the name of your city. Of course eating in is still your most economical option, yet there's no reason for it to be mundane. Try a new recipe, use the good dishes, and dress up for dinner. Get the whole family involved and experience a new found closeness that's more valuable than a meal at a five-star restaurant.
Travel
The world of travel yields plenty of bargains. It may take some digging, but you can save on everything from airfare to lodgings. You can save big money going to popular vacation destinations off-season. Florida in October, Las Vegas in December–-all the fun you'd have during the peak season, for much less money. Too far to drive? Try a discount airline that flies from an alternate airport.[2] These lesser-used airfields may be a little further away, but they are preferred by discount carriers and the savings can be significant. Many major tourist destinations are served by these carriers, and like hotels, lower their prices during off-peak travel times. You might also want to consider a day trip by car to a neighboring region and see the sites there. Pack snacks, leave early, and save on food and lodging. Better still, take a "staycation" and spend time visiting all of the unique attractions in your community.
Electronics
Be kind to your budget and make it a stay-at-home movie night. Viewing on a nice high-definition TV makes the experience even better. But again, it can be budget-prohibitive to purchase a new flat screen. Many stores, both online and so-called brick-and-mortar establishments, offer refurbished electronics at a reasonable discount. You can also buy these rebuilt products directly from the manufacturer. Aside from TVs, you'll also find used computers, DVD players, printers, and more. In the end, other people's desire to have the latest and greatest can save you serious money. Savings can vary, but if you're willing to settle for a slightly older model of a particular item, you can save between 33-50%. Although some items originally may have been sent back due to malfunction, it is estimated that only about 5% of returned electronics are truly defective.[3]
Shop around
Outlet malls are a great place to find bargains on luxury items, although many retailers with such shops know this and no longer discount items as steeply as they once did.[4] Like their counterparts, these locations run sales and offer coupons online and in newspaper circulars.[4] That being said, regular locations of many retailers can be a treasure trove of bargains, especially if you you're a savvy shopper. Department stores regularly unload older merchandise at a discount–anywhere between 25-90%. Many websites offer discontinued merchandise at bargain prices as well, but make sure you're dealing with a reputable site. Many upscale consignment shops offer luxury items without the high-end price tag too.
Figure out what's important
Living it up is nice, but at the end of the day you may find that real luxury lies within the simple intangibles. Spending time with family, sleeping in on the weekend, and curling up on the sofa to watch your favorite movie are likely far more enjoyable than a jewelry box full of bling or a sleek sports car. Perhaps you'd just like one or two high-end items to make life a little nicer. Shop wisely, and you can have some of the better things is life. Remember, the best way to experience the good life is to live within your means.
About the Author: Check 'n Go, the fourth largest consumer financial service institution in the United States, offers online payday loans, check cashing, and cash advance loans as part of their commitment to ethical and responsible lending. Check 'n Go has consistently set high standards for their payday loan and installment loan services to make sure that their customers continue to have options available for whatever financial circumstances come their way.
References:
[1] "Toyota Camry." Wikipedia.com Web. 19 March 2012. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camry
[2] "Get cheaper flights by flying to alternate airports." CheapFlights.com. Web. 19 March 2012
http://www.cheapflights.com/travel-ti...
[3] "Refurbished electronics: A bargain shopper's guide." ConsumerReports.com. Web. 19 March 2012
http://news.consumerreports.org/elect...
[4] Weisbaum, Herb. "Do Outlet Malls Really Offer Good Deals?" KOMONews.com. Web. 19 March 2012
http://www.komonews.com/news/archive/...
Author: Ryan O' Connor
Filed under: guest post, luxury Tagged: budgeting, deals, saving money, savings, travel
