Acid Free Photo Albums

The old-style photo albums have magnetic pages that sort of glue the photograph onto the page. We have sense learned that the substance used to make the pages sticky actually harm photographs because they are not acid and lignin free. This is why many of your older relatives photographs are yellow in color!

You can better store your photographs (and even ticket stubs, flyers or brochures collected from your travels) in scrapbook albums, albums that are acid and lignin free (they’ll say so on the packaging), or in photo boxes meant for such storage.

Scan and Digitize

Inexpensive technology makes it feasible to scan your photographs and vacation paraphanalia into your computer and save to CD or DVD. You can create fancy slideshows and movies, or simply store them as individual files on CD to preserve them. Just remember to store the CD or DVD in a dry location, away from direct sunlight and make more than one copy that is stored in more than one location (in case damage occurs to one of your copies!)

Once scanned into your computer, you may want to take it a step further and create a photo book. There are a number of websites that allow you to upload photographs and create books that can be printed in soft or hard copy formats.

Scrapbooking

If you enjoy working with your hands and being creative, you may enjoy scrapbooking. Scrapbook supplies are available at craft stores, dollar stores and even the local Wal-Mart. You can have fun saving photos and ticket stubs on decorative paper backgrounds and adding stickers and other embellishments to create an album you’ll be sure to share and treasure for years to come.

If you’re not sure how to get started, just pick up any scrapbook magazine from the store or search the internet. Scrapbooking is a multi-million dollar per year industry so you won’t have any difficulty finding information about how to get started with the memory preservation hobby!

Best Family Vacation Destination #1:  Pretty much anywhere in Florida

Florida may be hot, it may be muggy, and it may be crowded with other families like yours, but let’s face it:  pretty much anywhere in Florida is a great family vacation destination.  You can take your kids to see Walt Disney World, they can enjoy the rides at Universal Studios, or you can take a more sophisticated family vacation to Naples, FL, or take in the arts and culture (while still visiting the beach) in Miami, FL.  Pretty much anywhere in Florida counts as one of America’s best family vacation destinations.

Best Family Vacation Destination #2:  Try a dude ranch in Colorado

But for something a little different that involves more mountains than beaches, another one of the best family vacation destinations is one of Colorado’s dude ranches.  At a dude ranch, your family can play at being cowboys for a few days, while still enjoying a luxury vacation.  A dude ranch is a great family vacation destination if your family is into the outdoors, likes horseback riding, backpacking, or other adventuresome activities.

Best Family Vacation Destination #3:  Believe it or not, New York City

I was surprised myself when I realized that New York City is one of the best family vacation destinations.  Normally, when a non-New Yorker thinks “New York” we think crowds, skyscrapers, crowds, crime, and… crowds.  But remember, New York is also one of our nation’s hubs for art, history, and culture – perfect if you want your family to learn something while on vacation.  You can visit the Statue of Liberty, take your family to one of New York’s many art galleries or museums, tour Ground Zero, or just relax in Central Park.  Like dude ranches, New York City may not be for everyone, but it is certainly another one of America’s best family vacation destinations.

Best Family Vacation Destination #4:  Your home state

But before you go looking far a field for your ideal family vacation destination, start by considering what your own home state has to offer.  You might be surprised by the natural beauty, the luxury spots, and the centers for history already only a few hours from your family’s home.  State parks, for example, make great family vacation destinations, because they are not too expensive and are very often kid-friendly.  Some of your state’s bigger cities will also probably have an aquarium, a museum, an art gallery, a theatre, or something similar that would be an excellent destination for a “mini” family vacation.

These are just four of the best family vacation destinations.  You can find many other great family vacation destinations with a little creativity and a little research.

1. Bring important stuff! Bring any medications your children take all the time, and even those they only take once in awhile.  You don’t want to be seeking out a drugstore in the middle of the night because junior has a fever.  Also, if you are taking a flight, you might consider air sickness medication or Benadryl if it helps your child sleep better.  In addition to medication, baby wipes are a must have- no matter what age your children are!  They can be used for more than diaper changes- think about dirty hands, faces, toilet seats, spilled juice, etc.  They are the miracle travel cleaner.
2. Pre-plan when flying. Longer flights really take a toll on families with young children.  It’s hard for them to sit still for long periods of time.  Try to pick your seats accordingly.  If you have young children, seating yourselves closer to the bathroom can be useful.  If you travel with more than one child, you may want to seat yourselfs in more than one row, so you can put some space between arguing children and avoid the glares of the near by passengers.  Traveling around nap time might allow children to fall asleep naturally – or may turn into a disaster if overtired children are unable to fall asleep on the plane.
3. Consider schedules when scheduling trip. If you’re taking a long road trip, you might want to leave two hours before bedtime.  Children can often entertain themselves for about that length of time – and if they’re getting tired, the motion of the car might help them fall to sleep and give you a peaceful ride.  If flying, you might try the red-eye flight, but keep in mind if they don’t go to sleep you will have an entire family of unhappy campers the following day when you arrive at your destination!
4. When all else fails, use bribery. If your child is forced to stay seated for a long period of time (in the car, train or plane) you might want to have some new toys as backup.  Whip them out when the child is about to have a melt down and buy yourself a little more time.  Also, you can bring along toys that your child entertains him or herself with at home and they should be able to do the same on the ride, as well.

Plan ahead: Whenever you are leaving the house with your pet(s) for any length of time, you’ll want to research and plan your route well in advance.  Whether traveling by your own car, or arranging for plane, train, bus or boat transport – you’ll need to know all the restrictions and requirements ahead of time for bringing your pets.  If requiring hotel stays throughout the trip, you’ll need to be sure the hotels you reserve or plan to stay at will accept your pets as well to avoid any problems along the way.

Check online resources: Several websites exist to help travelers with pets.  Try petswelcome.com to research hotels that accept pets and learn restrictions and additional fees required to stay with your pet.

Emergency Veterinary Clinics: Just as it’s important to know where you can seek medical treatment when traveling, you should have an idea where the emergency veterinary clinics are located on your journey in case your pet becomes ill or injured.

Airline Requirements: One of the more difficult aspects of traveling with pets is when you need to take an airplane.  Each airline has different restrictions and requirements for allowing pets on board the flight.  Check with your pets veterinarian for specific vaccinations required for traveling, and follow up with researching the airline(s) you intend to travel for their list of requirements to ensure you and your animal are allowed to board the plane.

Safe Car Travel: If going on a roadtrip with your pet, be sure to purchase a crate or special harness to help secure your pet to the seat.  If you have to stop quickly or get into an accident, your pet is going to be severely injured – or worse – if he’s just allowed to wonder about your car.  For long trips, you may ask your veterinarian about tranquilizers to ease the travel sickness and fear some animals have over traveling.  Remember that cars quickly heat up when it’s warm out, and leaving your pets in the car for any length of time will almost always result in heat stroke.

Packing for vacations can be extremely frustrating, whether you’re going on a weekend trip or taking off for a month at a time, taking the time to prepare and pack well can be the difference between the carefree, dream vacation – or one you wish to forget!

Preparation: Before you’re ready to pack up your belongings, it’s a good idea to check your luggage over thoroughly.  Clean them out with a damp cloth to remove dust.  Make sure there are no holes or rips in your baggage.  Before you begin packing, toss in a small sewing kit –just in case.

Select Appropriate Sized Luggage: For most vacations, you can probably get away with a decent sized suitcase (preferably one on wheels), and a smaller bag – like a backpack or personal bag.  Your suitcase is for clothing, and anything you won’t need easy access to if you are flying and checking the larger bag.  The smaller bag is perfect for a change of clothes (in case your larger bag is lost or damaged), medications required during travels, glasses, and a toothbrush.  The smaller bag is a good place for anything you might want to use while traveling, a personal music player or book for example.

Passports, licenses, money and credit cards should all be stored on your person, and should be in different areas.  They make passport wallets that can be worn around your neck and under your shirt; thin fanny packs that are worn under your jeans around your waist for money, etc.  Keeping these items in different areas on your person minimizes the chances of having everything you need stolen.

Pack as Little as Possible: Try to reduce what you bring as much as possible to avoid having to lug it around and keep track of everything.  Bring along only the clothes you absolutely need – if necessary, you could always do a quick stop at a laundry mat if you soil clothing earlier than planned!

Make it Fit: Consider your suitcase a puzzle!  You can roll underwear, socks, and tshirts and tuck into shoes.  Pack heavy items at the bottom of the suitcase.  You can often roll some clothing to stash into the sides of a packed suitcase to take up less space.  Sweaters often work best laid flat at the top of the suitcase.

Travel Size: When packing toiletries, use smaller, travel sized containers that you can pour your lotions and soaps into.  This way, you can bring just enough for the trip and save space over packing your full sized bottles and containers.

Leave some Room: If possible, leave room in your luggage for souveniers you may want to bring home with you.  One way to do this is to pack an empty duffle bag of some sort in your main luggage, rolled up.  You can fill it with your purchases and check two bags on the way home.

You are in luck, as major cruise lines offer major discounts for winter cruises. This is a great opportunity to travel to the Caribbean, or maybe consider some less touted locations, such as South Africa, Australia or even Asia. If you are looking to save money, some of the best times to travel are the weeks before and after Christmas. While most people yearn to be “home for the holidays” there is something to be said about an early gift to yourself and family. You can enjoy fun in the sun and come home in time for the holiday or you can pack up all with you holiday cash for an extended Christmas vacation.

When you are considering your travel budget, be sure to include airfare to and from your starting location. Most cruise lines and air lines work together and if you shop around, you can likely end up with a package deal that is better priced than buying your airfare and cruise tickets separately. Don’t be afraid to ask for discounts. You may be surprised by a 2 for 1 ticket price or other discounted rates that are not be advertised.

Take the time now to plan you winter vacation to ensure you have something to look forward to when the snow begins to blow. There is no better treatment for winter blues than a relaxing cruise to a sunny destination. Let your neighbors worry about shoveling the snow while you bath in the sun and take in the sites. So enjoy your cocktail and the shows on the boat, as when you return home, it might just be your turn to shovel!

1. Free Companion Tickets. There are several credit cards that will give you a free companion ticket for signing up, or after making purchases on your credit card. For people who travel in pairs, this is an outstanding travel perk that saves you the cost of a full flight!
2. Reduced Price Gas. Road trips used to be one of the most inexpensive vacations you could take, but with the ever-increasing price of gas this isn’t necessarily true anymore.  Credit cards offering cash back on gas purchases are the equivalent of saving 3-5% off the price of gas (depending on how much cash back you get from your card).
3. Roadside Assistance. Have you ever broke down and needed to call a repair service and/or towing company?  The costs can be astronomical and quickly ruin what’s supposed to be a good time.  Many credit cards offer emergency roadside assistance as an additional, no cost cardholder perk.
4. Dining Discounts. If you enjoy eating in restaurants, check credit cards for discounts on dining, or cash back from restaurant purchases.  Every little bit of savings can add up.
5. Car Rentals. Some credit cards offer free car rentals when you sign up for their card, while others always offer free car rental insurance when you book using the card.  Either way, these are substantial savings and well worth the effort of swiping your credit card!
6. Travel Discounts. Travel rewards credit cards offer specific travel rewards from full vacation packages to discounts and upgrades on your next cruise or flight. Research cards to find one that saves you on the type of vacation you are most likely to take.
7. Cash Back. Who doesn’t need more cash in their pocket, especially when on vacation?  Using cards that offer cash back means you save money on everything you buy since a portion of it is returned to you.
8. Hotels. Many credit cards offer free hotel nights just for getting their card.  Others will give you free hotel nights based on how much you spend on the card, or how often you stay in a specific chain of hotel.
9. Disney. The kid in all of us wants to take a trip to Disney Land or Disney World. The Disney Rewards Visa Card offers helps you save money on tickets to the theme park, airfare to get there and a place to stay as well.  Go Mickey!

It is likely that your holiday plans this year don’t necessarily involve flying to some glamorous location and that can easily mean a fur-friendly vacation! If you’d have had to pay for their kennel or housing while you were away in any case, why not take them along? And of course, if it’s in the country or the beach, that means plenty of run-around room for your four-legged friend plus a chance for your entire family to forge a stronger bond and create new memories.

This does require, however, a certain amount of forethought and planning related to your means of transport and accommodation. If you do not own your own caravan or motor home then it’s worthwhile to look into hotels that allow your favored fur-balls. Many hotels have a no-pet policy that can keep you on the road so it is key to do your homework.

So a good place to start your search is the market niche of pet-friendly Bed & Breakfasts and hotels. These B&B’s and hotels will either let you keep your pet with you in your room or they’ll have a designated kennel/living area for the little one. There are even some rental cottages that can house your whole family, pets included, and mean you get your own space to live and run around in – as does your pet!

In any case, since most hotels now state quite clearly whether they are pet-friendly or not, it will be an easy enough search to find suitable accommodation in your preferred holiday location. It’s common sense that countryside retreats are more likely to have pet-friendly policies than urban sites, as are popular camping locations. At these type places, it is common practice for pet-owning families to bring their furry companions along for a change of scenery and exercise.

Really, with the rise of pet-friendly accommodations everywhere and because you are most likely paying for someone to ‘pet-sit’ your dog anyway, there is more reason than ever to plan vacations with every family member in mind! Your pet will certainly love you for it once they’re splashing around in a stream or barking up the right tree (for once!). So go ahead – start planning that next vacation at a ‘Dogs Welcome’ location!

Books, Magazines: If you don’t get headaches from reading while traveling, it’s a perfect time to read that book you’ve been putting off because you’ve been so busy.  If you have a stack of magazine subscriptions that you haven’t had time to read, traveling is a great time to get your money’s worth and look at all of them.

Audio: Before you leave, browse itunes.com and other websites for podcasts and recordings of shows and interviews and music you’d like to listen to.  While you maybe wouldn’t make the time to find, download, and listen to these items on a regular day – putting them on your mp3 player or burning to CD is an excellent way to pass time while traveling.  Just turn it on and enjoy something you wouldn’t normally get to listen to while traveling.

Video: Personal dvd players are rather inexpensive, and make it possible for you to enjoy movies while traveling.  Many laptops are also able to play dvd’s.

Games: If you’re lucky enough to be traveling with other people, you can bring along a deck of cards or other games that don’t require a large space to set up.  If traveling alone, hand held video games or books with puzzles and word games might help keep you entertained for a portion of your trip.  You can purchase books with these games in them inexpensively, or even do a websearch and print your own pages of wordfinds, crosswords and games played on paper for free.

Needle-Point & Sewing: If traveling in your own car, you could finish that  blanket you’ve been knitting for your sister’s baby, or patch the holes on the knees of juniors jeans.  Obviously this type of time-passing won’t be possible on public transportation for safety reasons.

Organize Your Photographs: If you take a lot of photographs but have not done anything with them other than toss the printed p hotos in a drawer, why not take them along?  You can organize them in photo albums while you travel, or at least get them in some sort of order inside a photo box.

Recently, you’ve heard a lot about “staycations,” where you vacation right in your home town.  But you may prefer the old idea of stay-at-home vacations or stay-at-home-cation. So what do you need for a stay-at-home-cation? Well, if your backyard now consists of a patch of grass and a tree, you may want to dress it up a bit. Here are a few ideas of what you may want to include when you redesign your backyard for your next stay-a-home-cation.

1. Backyard Pool or Spa

First of all, if you are a beach or water lover, you may want to have a backyard pool or spa. The expense may be worth it if you can foresee that you and/or your family may want to make a habit of vacationing at home, instead of traveling to faraway and expensive places. This is also a good choice if your enjoy entertaining others, just like we did in the old days Many people have happy memories of those times and may want to pass on a similar experience to their children. Include enough lounge chairs for relaxing by the water as if staying in a resort. Pool toys and a beach area or seating inside the pool are also great additions.

2. Outdoor Kitchen

Your mouth may start watering at the thought of that steak, burger, or hot dog grilling in the backyard. But outdoor kitchens are more than a gas or charcoal grill. A basic outdoor kitchen would include a good-quality grill, a counter and a patio to something much more elaborate. How elaborate should yours be? That depends on what you and your family need. For example, if you barbecue only once a week or so, a grill and a counter-high storage cabinet covered with tile or stucco should do it. The cabinet will protect supplies from the weather and the countertop will provide work space when you get down to cooking.

But if you like to eat outside as much as possible, then you’ll want storage space and a counter or table for dining, along with a sink and refrigerator. Add a few tiki torches for that tropical feeling and a sound system to play steel drum and other music that inspires a resort feeling.

3. Covered Spaces

You will want to include some covered spaces so that you can enjoy being outside without being directly in the sun. You may want to place your outside dining table and/or comfortable chairs and/or sofa in this area. Add a ceiling fan and/or install misters if you lived in an area with extreme heat during the summer.

4. Fire Pit

For year-round outdoor entertaining or in areas with cool evenings during the summer, you may want to add a fire pit area. You can choose from fire pits that burn real wood or are gas. Add comfortable seating and you’ll be spending many evenings in this area of your backyard.