Planning a trip this year?  Lonely Planet recently picked the top countries to visit in 2010:

United States

Canada

South Africa

Mexico

Thailand

Cuba

Italy

Philippines

Brazil

Costa Rica

Southern Living Magazine recently published a list of the best travel destinations in the South of the USA.  Here are some of the best:

Best Live Music Venue in Louisiana - House of Blues, New Orleans

Best Crab Cake in Maryland - The Crab Claw Restaurant, St. Michaels

Best Drive in West Virginia - New River Gorge, Fayette County

Best Lake in Alabama - Lake Guntersville

Best Literary Stop in Mississippi - Rowan Oak, Oxford

Best Live Music in Tennessee - Grand Ole Opry, Nashville

Best Attraction in Arkansas - Hot Springs National Park

Best Historic Site in Virginia - Colonial Williamsburg

Best Attraction in Georgia - Georgia Aquarium, Atlanta

Best Dance Hall in Texas - Gruene Hall, Gruene

That’s right.  Paris for $40 per night.  The travel economy has followed the global economy lock in step.  In some European cities, the cost to stay in a hostel is down 50% from a decade ago.  Sound incredible?  Well, yes it really is.  If you can travel on a no-frills budget and do without some of the higher end creature comforts, hostels are still the way to go.

Here’s an example of how much you can save in Paris, France:

A typical hostel stay for 6 days costs $40 US x 6 = $240
A 3 star hotel might cost $75 US per night x 6 = $450
Savings:  $210 !
 

Here are some additional sources for the latest on trends in hostel prices:

http://nodebtworldtravel.com/2009/09/how-much-can-you-save-staying-in.html

http://www.hostelmanagement.com/forum/f25/hostel-business-2010-a-2676.html

A few general tips apply whether you travel by car or plane.Be sure your pet wears a collar with complete identification and a license tag.

Have a rabies vaccination certifi­cate if you will travel across state or international borders.

Be prepared to present a health certificate, especially if you travel to Canada or Mexico.

Be sure to bring your pet’s favor­ite food, toy(s), and dishes.

Before undertaking a long trip, it would be advisable to have your pet examined by a veterinarian.

Travel By Air

Air travel is of most concern to pet owners. You can minimize the chang­es of an unpleasant experience by fol­lowing a few guidelines.

Regulations state that dogs and cats must be at least 8 weeks old and weaned at least 5 days before flying.

Current health and rabies vacci­nation certificates will be required.

Contact the airline well in ad­vance to check regulations and ser­vices, and to make reservations.

Try to book a direct, midweek flight or one with a minimum of stops.

During warmer periods reduce risk of overheating by choosing early morning or late evening flights.

Ask about other cargo on your flight (For example, fumes from dry ice can be lethal).

Be at the airport early, exercise your pet, place it in a cage yourself, and pick up your animal promptly upon arrival. Don’t take leashed animals on escalators.

The proper cage, available from most airlines or pet shops, should have the following features:

Large enough to allow the animal to stand, turn, and lie down.

Strong, free of interior protru­sions, with handles or grips

Leak proof bottom covered with plenty of absorbent material

Ventilation on opposite sides, with exterior rims or knobs to pre­vent blocked airflow

Label “Live Animals,” with arrows indicating upright position, and your name, address, and phone number.

Consult your veterinarian for spe­cific feeding instructions. Age and size of the pet, time and distance of the flight, and regular dietary routine must be considered.

Travel By Car

If your pet is not accustomed to the car, take it for a few short rides before the trip. Your cat might ride well in a carrying case. Following are some tips that may help the trip go a little smoother.

Stick to your regular feeding rou­tine and give the main meal at the end of the day or when you’ve reached your destination.

It will be more convenient to feed dry food if the pet is used to it.

Dispose of unused canned food unless it can be refrigerated.

Take along a plastic jug of cold water to avoid possible stomach upset the first day.

Give small portions of both food and water and plan to stop every two hours for exercise.

Remember to include a leash in your travel kit!

Pets should not be allowed to ride with their heads outside car windows. Particles of dirt can penetrate the eyes, ears, and nose, causing injury or infections.

Excessive amounts of cold air taken into lungs can also cause illness.

When leaving your pet in a parked car, be sure to lock all doors, and open windows enough to provide ventila­tion without allowing the animal to jump out or get its head caught.

In warm, hot, or humid weather, you should not leave your pet in a parked car!

Grooming (bathing, combing, nail trim) before the trip will make the animal more comfortable.

Travel By Bus or Train

Most states prohibit animals on buses, and recent rules now prohibit animals on trains. Exceptions are generally made for seeing-eye dogs accompanying blind persons. Inquire in advance with your local carriers.

Courtesy of Publishers Edge

It is always good common sense to keep the following safety tips in mind when traveling:

• Always lock your front and/or patio doors - when in the room and when leaving. Use the safety chain/lock for security.
• Never open your room door unless you know who is there. If you did not call for hotel service offered by the person at the door, call hotel security or the front desk to see if they have sent someone to your room.
• Place valuables in a safety deposit box in your room or at the hotel office.
• When checking into a hotel, consult the floor plan map on the back of your room door to familiarize yourself with fire and emergency exits.
• When driving, keep all car doors locked.

We’ve come across many smart money tips for travelers over the years.  Here is the absolute best advice we’ve found for carrying cash, credit cards, or other money equivalents while you travel.  This advice is a must-read, especially if you’re traveling to areas where crime or theft is a concern.

If you’re traveling to a foreign country, you need a way to carry currency to pay your travel expenses.  But security and simplicity is of major importance.

Should I carry traveler’s cheques?  No.  Traveler’s cheques are not recommended, although they are still a means of guaranteeing absolute safety for the money you carry.  This is because they are simply not convenient.  If you purchase traveler’s cheques, you will need to sign every single bill in advance.  Many merchants will not accept them, and for incidental spending the inconvenience outweighs the benefits.

Should I carry credit cards?  Yes. If you own one or more credit cards, use them while traveling abroad.  Credit cards are the simplest way to make purchases overseas, and you don’t have to worry about converting currencies since your credit card company will automatically convert all your purchases to your home currency.  There is a small cost that credit card companies assess on FX conversions, however, the convenience outweighs the cost.  If possible, use a credit card that won’t charge a conversion fee per transaction (check out some cards by Capital One Bank).

For the bulk of my travel expenses, what is better, cash or credit cards?  Credit cards are better.  This is because you won’t have to worry about losing your cash or having it stolen.  Use credit cards for most large purchases, like your lodging expenses, transportation tickets, and meals.

 I have several credit cards.  How many should I bring?  Bring at least 2 credit cards on your trip.  This way, if you do lose one you won’t be inconvenienced.  If you do bring multiple cards with you, keep one locked in your luggage while you’re out, or give it to a travel companion to carry for safekeeping.  This way, if you lose your wallet, you’ll have instant access to another card.  If you have no one to hold your extra card, and you must carry it on you, keep it in your front pocket, separate from other cards and cash.  This is the least likely place for i to get lost or stolen.

What do I do if I lose my credit card?  Call your credit card company as soon as possible to cancel it.  You are not responsible for any unauthorized charges made on your card if lost or stolen.

Should I carry cash if I have credit cards?  Yes.  Always keep some local currency in cash with you when traveling.  You will need it for small expenditures like snacks, taxis, bus, souvenir, etc.

How much cash should I carry?  Carry only as much cash on your person as you will need for the day.  You can decide how much you may need for daily expenses.  If you must carry a fairly large sum of cash on you during the day, make sure you split it up and keep in your front pants pocket for safekeeping.  This is the safest place to avoid loss or theft.  Fold bills, and hold them either loose or with a money clip or rubber band in your front pocket.

I have more cash with me than I need for a day out.  Do I carry all of it with me?  No.  Only carry the amount of cash you need while out during the day.  Keep excess cash in a safe place.  Check for in-room hotel safes that use a code that you set.  If there is no better safe place for your extra cash, keep it locked in your luggage (always carry luggage locks with you when traveling).  This may not sound like a good option, but it is actually safer than carrying large amounts of cash on you.  Cash locked in your luggage is secure if no one knows it’s in there.  And unless you are in a location where your entire luggage is at risk of being stolen while you’re away from your room, it is extremely unlikely that money will be stolen out of locked luggage.

What if I’m in transit, and have large amounts of money?  If you’re traveling by bus, train or public transportation, and do not have a hotel room, keep your money with you.  But, remember to split up plastic and cash in several pockets or between several persons.  If you’re driving yourself in a car, you may keep extra cash and at least one credit card hidden under a floor mat in the rear seat.  This is an unlikely place for anyone to search for money, and is safer than keeping money inside luggage in a car.  Remember to lock the car doors at all times.

How should I get cash when I’m traveling?  Never use money changing booths at airports or other tourist locations.  The best and cheapest way to obtain cash in local currency is to simply use you own bank ATM card.  Find an ATM that is of a well known national bank in your destination.  When you use your ATM card, your bank will usually get you a better rate on cash withdrawn from the ATM than you can get from money changers.  Remember, when withdrawing cash from an ATM, maintain awareness and ensure that you are in a protected location.  If you are traveling with others, have someone keep a look out for any potential crime risk while you are removing cash from an ATM.

The same general rules for carrying money apply to carrying your ID while traveling in foreign locations.  If you are carrying a passport, obtaining a replacement may be a serious hassle if lost while in a foreign location.  Decide if it is safer to keep your passport on your person, or locked safely in your luggage.  Wherever you keep your original ID, make sure to keep a photocopy in your luggage, and another photocopy (miniaturized copies are good) in your wallet or pocket.  This way, you’ll always have access to your ID, and be able to identify yourself to authorities if it becomes necessary.  Some countries may require you to keep your original passport on your person at all times, although this is rare.  Know the rules before you travel.

If you are traveling in high risk areas known for crime and scams, never keep all your cash or credit cards in your wallet.  Always split it up and keep some cash and at least one credit card in your front pocket.  Have travel companions carry some cash and a credit card as well.  The same rule applies to your ID.  If you are concerned with theft while walking or traveling through a city, keep your driver’s license,  and any other important papers you don’t want to lose, in your front pocket.  Don’t carry them in wallets, purses, or any other hanging bags.

1)  Be flexible when planning your destinations.  Search for airfares from your home city.  Look for deals and discounts.  Searching in reverse can lead to great savings.

2)  Automatically upgrade to first class on flights with a Y-Up fare.  There are restrictions, and Y-Up fares are not available on international flights, but you can book them through a travel agent.

3)  Travel on Tuesdays Wednesdays, or Saturdays for less congestion at airports.  On other days, try early mornings.

4)  To avoid long lines at coach check-ins, try the business class check-in.  You can ask if an upgrade had been applied.  Even if it didn’t you’ll be ahead of the game at the business class check-in counter.

5)  When calling hotels for rates and reservations always wait to see what the best rate the hotel representative will offer.  Once you’ve received the best rate, ask if that is the absolutely lowest rate available.  Also ask if there are any special discounts that are available.  You’ll usually come up with an even lower rate than was originally offered.

6)  Check if your hotel offers free WIFI.  Don’t pay $10 - $30 extra per night just for internet.

7)  Avoid overseas ATM fees.  Check with your bank in advance to see if there are no-fee ATMs available.

8)  Check for taxi rates at your destination in advance.  Call the hotel to ask for advice on taxi fares.  Don’t get ripped off once your sitting in a taxi.

9)  Save money on overnight hotel stays by travelling between cities at night, and sleeping on the train.

Nearly 740,000 Ameri­cans have ordered passport cards, a new document being offered by the State Department to speed bor­der crossings by U.S. citi­zens traveling to Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean.

Beginning in June 2009, travelers will be required to present documents proving both citizenship and identi­ty when entering the United States through a land or sea bor­der. For Americans who drive to Canada or Mexico or cruise regularly to the Caribbean, but who do not expect to fly abroad, the passport card is a cheaper, smaller, more portable alternative to a convention­al passport book.

The passport card is the size of a credit card or driv­er’s license, and has a photo and identification informa­tion printed on it, like a driver’s license. It also con­tains a chip with a unique number that allows border officials to instantly retrieve your data from a govern­ment database.

It’s not valid for air travel. Passport cards are good for 10 years and cost $45 ($35 for children under 16). Applications can be made at any passport-processing site. If you already have a passport but want the card anyway because of the convenient size or quick scanning, it’s only $20 and can be ordered by mail.

For details on how and  where to get a passport’ card, visit www.trav­el.state.gov.

Processing time for appli­cations for both passport books and passport cards are about three weeks for routine applications. Expe­dited service is not avail­able for passport cards, but for passport books, expedit­ed service takes about two weeks.

You booked the flight and bought a suitcase plus some new clothes. Now it’s time to think about the not-so-fun checklist items you need to take care of before you head out on your vacation. Here’s advice for taking care of the pet and the lawn, plus tips on cameras, currency and kids.

CARING FOR PETS

Pet sitting is by far the best option instead of a kennel. The animals get to stay in their own environment, play with their own toys and eat their own food. Make sure the company you choose is licensed and insured, and you’ve had at least an hour visit with the sitter. You definitely want to make sure the pet has their immunizations taken care of, and have copies of that for the pet sitter. Have a good backup of the vet number and any contact information in case something happens.

GRASS GROWTH

There is no way of slowing down grass growth while you’re gone, short of starving it of water and letting it die, unfortunately. There are no proven retardants for turf because of the varying conditions in the soil. Mowing the yard once a week is good for most Florida lawns. As far as invasive species, there is always the chance Brazilian Pepper or Bermuda, grass could creep in from a neighbor’s yard. You can even have plant material brought in on someone’s pruners. The best way to prevent that is to hire a knowledgeable landscape contractor.

VACATION CURRENCY

Have all three forms of financial currency with you when you travel, just from a safety standpoint. You want some of the local currency for tips or small purchases, traveler’s checks for safety (because if it’s American Express, for instance, and you lose it, you’re safe), and a credit card for big purchases (for warranty protection in the event of theft or loss).

ARE WE THERE YET?

To keep kids calm in the car, the traditional, old school activities where you count different things are good (like buses, yellow cars or Volkswagen Beetles). The other thing to do is to use search puz­zles, activity books or DVD players. To get teenagers involved in vacation activities, include them in the planning process. Vacations take a long time to plan, so once the destination is picked, sit down and go through brochures and go through the various options. Assign them the opportunity to go online and come up with a list of places to go.

Barcelona has one of the greatest collections of Art Nouveau buildings of any city in Europe, and more of this style of architecture than any city in the world.  The style, known in Catalonia as Modernisme, flourished after 1854.  This was when the city decided to dismantle the medieval city walls to make room for development.  This was previously a military construction-free zone.

Eixample is one of three great historic districts in central Barcelona, getting its name from the “expansion” that occurred in the latter half of the nineteenth century.  The plan called for a rigid system of grid-aligned streets.  At each intersection, the corners were chamfered to allow buildings to overlook squares.  One of the great exceptions to this grid system was the “Diagonal”, a main avenue running from the aristocratic area of Pedralbes down to the harbor.  Another exception was the diagonal Avenguda de Gaudi, which runs diagonally from the Hospital de la Santa Creu i de Sant Pau towards Antoni Gaudi’s church of the Sagrada Familia.  This church is Barcelona’s most celebrated Modernista building.  Gaudi’s unfinished masterpiece was begun in 1882.  It rises above the streets of Eixample.  The polychromatic ceramic mosaics and sculptural forms inspired by nature are typical of Antoni Gaudi’s work, from which the term “gaudy” is derived.

For an economical stay in Eixample try our pick, Travessera de Gracia Rooms, located at Travessera De Gracia, 366-1.  This apartment/hostel offers easy access to all the main attractions in downtown Barcelona.  Its location is excellent and convenient.  This apartment is walking distance to Barcelona’s most important monuments and buildings in the Eixample, only 5 minutes walk from the Sagrada Familia.  Good restaurants are found nearby at Avinguda de Gaudi, only 4 blocks away.  While one can also walk less than 2 miles to Barcelona’s Old Town, where the world famous Las Ramblas is found, it is also conveniently reached by taxi, bus, or metro.  Las Ramblas is Spain’s most famous street.  The third district with much interest to tourists is Montjuic, best reached from Eixample by public transportation.