Well hello and welcome to the weekend...

It looks like we have a record hurricane season. That is a bummer for travel and locals who live in the red zones. Our prayers still go out to them.

We are about to enjoy one of my favorite holidays- Halloween. I love to watch all the scary movies I watched as a kid, curl up on the couch, tend to costume parties where I will be my favorite character this year- Roy E Munson!, and rev up for the rest of the holiday season...

With that being said, here is an article I wrote about planning for holiday travel.

Enjoy!!

Holiday Travel- What You Must Know!!


With the summer months past us it is time to start thinking of the holidays and end of year celebrations. So, students, families, parents, and anyone- listen up!!

Obviously things have changed in travel and the world over the past few years, so it is even more important today to plan ahead and prepare for holiday travel well before it gets here.

Kids are going crazy because they are out of school, you’re studying for finals, working overtime to help pay for everything, people from all walks of life are planning their trip at the same time, both of you are working hard on everyday life, and people are out in abundance shopping, preparing, and running around like a chicken with its head cut off…
Welcome to the holidays & busy travel season!!

So, with that being said, while you have time and the season is yet upon us, start thinking about the necessary steps in planning for the holiday season. Whether you are going or others are coming to you, everyone should know this.

First, off plan now for your vacation! This is of the utmost. You’ll have shopping, cooking, preparing, work, kids, spouse, finals, and so forth to do… so waiting to plan your travel needs will be just another headache when it should be fun.

Some things you should be doing now include…

• Searching for cheap plane tickets or finding car rental discounts
  
• Finding a hotel or rental to stay in- unless you’re going to bunk up with the family which, depending on your family, could be good or bad- remember the Griswold’s
  
• Putting together a to do list- shopping, packing, preparation, etc…
  
• Where are you going for your trip? New York, Florida, Europe?
  Or, are they coming to you?
  
• What it is going to cost- a travel budget is a must
  
• You’ll need items to keep everyone busy and amused
  
• And plenty more…

Obviously this list is just a starter. Everyone’s situation is different and you need to plan accordingly.

A lot of people will be traveling during this time. Snowbirds head south for the winter. Millions of families are working to get together for this time of year. Students are on winter break and trying to get home to their families. You get the idea.

The holidays are a wonderful time of year, but are quite hectic with regards to schedules and such. This is when the most people are traveling and you don’t want to be stuck in a situation that causes your holiday season to be a memorable one—for the worst.

If you think I’m kidding, just remember the movies, “Christmas Vacation,” or “Planes, Trains, & Automobiles,” or any other holiday movie that turns out to be a nightmare for everyone involved.
Plan ahead and prepare for headaches and it will make things much, much easier.

Don't forget to visit us at...

Don't forget to visit us at
www.discount-florida-vacations.com

We have recently switched to a new travel site- Trip Advisor.

They offer real reviews from other travelers and places to find those hot
deals.

Til next time,

Joe

Happy Halloween

Hello all

It looks like Miami airport is opening up and power is starting
to be restored in Miami.

This is a shortened version of the news and you can find more
at Yahoo or any other source for now regarding
Hurricane Wilma.

Til next time,

I will have more coming soon regarding articles and such

Joe

Good weekend all,

I hope this time of year has you settled in nicely and reving up for
the holidays.

Here is another article I wrote recently that seems to be getting more rave reviews.

I am also condidering writing an ebook about travel and wanted to know your thoughts? Send me comments here or at my website under the contact link.

Anyways, here is an article for you- hope you enjoy!!


Make Planning Your Vacation Easy With These Simple Steps…


Planning your vacation can be quite easy and enjoyable when you follow these simple steps. Plus, you don’t want to forget anything while planning your vacation.

So, let’s not waste any time, and get down to the business of planning your vacation!

#1. Where are you going to go? There are many great destinations all over the globe. It will depend on your goals and plans for your trip. For example, are you going as a family? Are you going for romance? Are you a student traveling on your break?
Are you traveling with a group? Do you have a pet to consider? Are you getting married or going for your honeymoon?
These are all important questions as they lead to customizing your trip accordingly.

#2. When are you going to go? Consider off-season to on. Also, think about things like
the weather. For example, our site is about Florida. Right now there is a hurricane and it’s very hot. Time of year will be important for availabilities, crowds, weather, prices, and so forth.

#3. Get all your travel needs, tools, and necessities ahead of time. That old saying, “Failing to plan, is planning to fail.” In this case you will not get the good deals, have as much fun, and enjoy your vacation if you don’t plan.
Some items you’ll want to round up include, maps, guides, coupons, luggage, checklists, travel activities, insurance, etc. Take care of all this and you will feel comfortable and confident while traveling.

#4. Figure out your Budget. There are many ways to save money and get deals while planning your trip. Whether you are planning way ahead of time or going last minute, finding deals on everything travel is possible. You just need to know where to look.

#5. How are you going to get there? Fly, drive your own car, or rent a car? Different travels require different types of transportation. It depends on the distance of your trip, schedule, budget, and so on. Remember what Clark W. Griswold and his family went through while traveling across country to Wally World in the family truckster- “Vacation.”

#6. Where are you going to stay? If you think a hotel is the only option, you’re wrong. There are condos, homes to rent, camping, RV parks, houseboats, villas, and more. As a traveler you have many viable options to choose from.

#7. What items will you need to take? If you go to the beach, for example, what will you need? What activities will keep everyone busy while traveling? Just consider what items you will need while you enjoy your vacation.

#8. What do you plan to do while on vacation? Are you going to golf, hike, fish, rent a boat? What kind of day trips do you have planned? How much are you going to eat out and eat in? These are important to consider so you get things like discount tickets, make reservations, take the proper equipment, and figure it into your budget.

#9. Don’t forget about your pet. Are you taking them or leaving them behind? You want to ensure your beloved family pet is well taken care of during the trip. There are a few things to do and consider before you leave.

#10. Finally, have fun! Planning a vacation is exciting. I mean we all work 50+ weeks a year for the one to two weeks off. You can have a great trip no matter how much money you have. Vacations are a necessity, not a luxury.

Til next time,

Joe

P.S. Don't forget to visit us and sign up for our RSS feed at
Discount-Florida-Vacations.com

Hello everybody,

Hope you enjoyed the article below. Have more coming and still want to do my success series as it relates to travel and living life not just to work.

Anyway, heads up again for yet another hurricane- Wilma- heading towards the Gulf perhaps.

Don't know for sure, but thought I'd warn you. News pieces are all over the place, so if you are traveling to those areas, pay close attention.

Good luck and see you again soon,

Joe

Good morning!

I have recently written some articles that have helped others with their vacations and other websites have begun to post my articles on their websites for their visitors.

Who would've known that a C writer at best is being complimented on his writing style and website content.

Anyways, here it is- hope you can use one or more of these tips...

How to save money while planning your vacations to Florida!

Planning a vacation can be fun, yet a frustration if you have little time, money, or patience. I think many of us suffer from a lack of patience. It can be quite simple if you follow some steps. Remember, you are going on vacation! Get excited! Use your time to plan, to get away from the stresses of your daily life.

Here are a few tips we suggest you follow when planning your trip and saving money!!

1. Figure out where you are going & what you must do while there. There are many great destinations in Florida from the Panhandle, to the Gulf coast, Atlantic Coast, Orlando, or the Keys. They also offer so many things to do, that it’s a good idea to plan ahead of time some activities.

2. Sign up for online e-zines: These are online magazines or newsletters that you sign up for and receive on a regular basis. Make sure they have an opt-in and opt-out policy and don’t share your information.

3. Are you going as a family, with friends, or for romance? How you get there, where you stay, what activities you want to plan will revolve around whom you travel with. There are locations in Florida set up for different types of vacations.

4. Get coupons & Ask for deals. I don’t care how much money you have. Traveling with coupons and discount sources only saves you money on your travels. Even if you go more luxurious, you can save money with these two tips. Ask to get bumped, ask for first class, ask for off-season specials, ask for senior citizens discounts, etc. Just ask.

5. Do your homework and shop around. We have found literally hundreds of online travel sites. Use the well known ones that are recommended. Read consumer reviews, be patient, and make sure you read all the terms and conditions, whether you book online of offline.

6. Join groups such as AAA or AARP. You can also save money by obtaining a frequent flyer credit card and earning points through spending. Just be smart with your credit and don’t go overboard.

7. Rent from an owner. Yes, there are options other than staying in a huge chain. Sometimes, the best deals and nicest places are from someone who is renting out their vacation home.

8. Travel in the off-season. Book early, book late, and name your own price at travel auction sites.

9. Referrals are the oldest, and in my opinion, the best way to do anything. There are people who will recommend hotels, things to do, places to go, that you would have never found otherwise.

10. Using credit cards can save you money and free up cash for other adventures. There is a right way and a wrong way to use them. A vacation is a necessity, not a luxury.

Also, prepare a budget, get all your necessities ahead of time and shop for them, and have fun while planning your trip. Yes, there are a few things you need to take into account, but if you follow a system of steps, planning will be easy. In addition, be realistic about prices, but don’t think you can’t get great deals on your vacations to Florida.

Don't forget to visit us at Discount-Florida-Vacations.com
and sign up for our rss feed to stay up to date on whats going on and how you can save money while having a wonderful vacation...

Til next time,

Joe

Hi everyone

Just wanted to let you know I am not posting anything new for a few
days.

Working on revamping the site to make it more clear and better for my visitors.

I am working on rolling out a newsletter and alert opt-in.

For now, if you have anything newsworthy about Florida travel, please let us know.


Also, we have set up our RSS Feed, so if you would like to sign up for that to keep up with updates, go to our site and sign up now. It's really easy.


Til next time,
sorry so short-

Joe

Hello everyone,

You know we love to travel and miss our time in Florida,
so I have been doing a lot of thinking lately about my future.
I am 26 years old, married, and have a baby on the way.

I was watching that classic movie, "Dazed and Confused" and the seen where
they are on the football field talking about high school. The main guy says something like, "if these are the best days of my life, then I might as well kill
myself now."

So, I have started reading the new book from
Rich Dad Poor Dad called, Don't quit your day job and it has me wondering
about the rat race, providing for my family, investing in other than mutual funds,
and building an empire that I can leave behind.

Is the rat race pulling me in? I am working hard on my website and it is starting to create passive income for me! I am in the process of revamping pages and making it look cleaner and more crisp.

How many of you out there wonder if you were destined for something better?
How many of you are going after it?

Anyhow, I guess just doing something and taking action is half the battle. I read a lot on success, business, investing, and so forth and realize that there are no secrets to doing more than getting by.

Sorry to ramble- just getting stuff off my chest.

Back to Florida and travel- The holidays are coming up and you better start planning for the seasons. Snowbirds and such head down to Florida in the winter, so plan ahead and make sure you'll get a great deal by visiting us!!


www.discount-florida-vacations.com
Write that down- Van Wilder

Til next time-
I hope to have some more news and reports on travel and soon
we will be implementing a deals and alerts section to our site

Stay tuned for anyone who reads this-
Thanks

Joe

PS. Pick up that book at
RichDad.com. It was worth every penny. It is more important now than ever to take control of you finances and more importantly, pass on the wisdom to your children- Leave them hanging and you'll see them struggle.

Like the saying goes- "Give a man a fish and he'll eat good that day, but teach him how to fish and he'll eat good for a lifetime!!"