Hello everyone. Today I am going to discuss how to make a plan for your trips. You see everyday we have the opportunity to live life to its fullest or just let the day whittle away. For myself I have been gathering information for my new book and find it really amazing at how many quotes, ideas and inspiration is just flowing through me, again.

I just got off the phone with a friend who works for Jimmy Buffett. She has been on the road for many years and has traveled to many of the places that I would like to visit. We both shared our concepts on what makes a place an ideal area to visit. For me its the people, the food, and nature. Sometimes its the buildings but always is there a beach or mountains close by. That is my idea of a great time.

So what drives wanderlust in a person? What makes it go from a dream to reality. Well my fellow readers it takes desire. Without the original desire there is no interest to get to your goal. Ah the goal. So how do you go about making your dreams come true? Well there are lots of ways that I know of first do as much research as you possibly can from books at the library to various websites that provide the information that you need.

You can also visit embassies, AAA, or just download what you need. Speaking to friends or people who have lived or visited the places you are interested in is also a great resource. So now where is your plan? Please know that you can do what ever you want to do. You just have to start. That is the hard part for most people. Have the dream and then the execution of that dream.

Start with how much you want to spend then get busy and make that happen. Look at the cost of first class, business class, and economy class. If you are going on a long trip well break it up if you have the time.For example traveling from an airport in New York to an airport in Asia is a very, very long trip.

Give yourself time to enjoy where you are going. Learn that it is ok to take a break stop off in San Francisco, Los Angeles or Hawaii. Spend a day visiting on either way or both ways out. You are allowed to have breaks or (legs) on your flight. Besides it gives you a new place to visit. Maybe you always wanted to see Hawaii or you name it just let yourself be in control of how you journey.

Do not stay loyal to your airlines if they do not give you a great price. I was checking flights to Fiji(NAN). I could go on United and be loyal and pay over $5000.00 for economy. Yes, that is right, economy! So I researched at who lands in the airports that I want to land. That is always a great way to start. Find out who flies in before you waste your time trying to match schedules.

I discovered that Pacific Air flies there. I took the time to find the reviews of the airlines and their service  however, its not receiving great reviews. The price was $1600 from Los Angeles. I looked at using airline miles to LAX(Los Angeles). It would cost me approximately 25,000 miles and $15 round trip. Hugh savings out approximately 20K miles but hey is it worth the $5k in dollars!

If you do not have airline miles then look to see which airlines are having promotions or specials to the places you want to visit. There are plenty of times where you can save a bundle by flying into the airports who offer the special. The only thing it is costing you is time. If you like to save your money for other things than the savings of $50.00 to $400.00 interest you then do your homework ahead of time.I would rather have the money in my pocket and know I have more to spend on what interests me than give it up to the airlines.

Back to the task at hand. Have an idea or a dream to know where you are going. Search out and research. Look at all your options. Decide on how much to spend on your flight, hotel, B&B, transportation and food. This will help you write out a game plan on how much to save weekly to make your dream vacation come true. Do not lose sight of your goals. What are you willing to give up in order to make it happen?

You have heard this all before. Buying coffee daily at $3.00  (figure you have a bagel or yoghert when your buy your coffee right?) a pop is $21.00 a( 7 day) week times 4 weeks is $81.00 a month times 6 months is $486.00. Lets face it on your days off you stop to buy a coffee. Some habits are just habits.

Bringing your lunch to work will save you an additional $8.00 a day so that is times 5 work days is $40.00 a week got the idea for a month its $160.00. Here we go again at 6 months its $960.00. Oh and that $1.00 tip you leave 5 days a week times 4 weeks times 6 months give you an additional $120. So lets add this up by just bringing in your own coffee, lunch and oh I forgot water. That cost is from .99 to $2.00 correct so let’s use the middle number and that is an additional $160.00 in six months. Where can you find a place to visit with the money you have saved. The total is $1686.00. That is correct. Add it up.

So grab a pen and paper or get out a notebook on your notebook and look at the endless possibilities. Imagine what you could save if you made your own dinner 6 nights of the week. The average night out costs between $30 to $75 a person. If you go out at least 2-3 times a week you are spending $90.00 a week on what? Make it once a week or just have appetizers instead of a meal. Drink water and cut out the wine. Go to a BYOB. You will save loads of cash.

Take that $30.00 a week times 4 weeks times 6 months and guess what that is an extra $720.00 for your trip. So lets add it all up. $2,400.00 saved. Your trip is paid for and you will not have a bill. Be creative and look at other ways you can save so you keep the money for your future. Well for another time.

Dream big. Enjoy life. Plan well. Life is best lived with joy.

Peace to you all .Denise

Have you ever wondered if you are going to visit the places that you have always dreamed of? Do you look at your wallet and say there is no way I can go to visit this place or that. It’s just a dream and dreaming is all it will ever remain.

I have the following questions for you. Since I enjoy writing about travel and finance there is another topic that is near and dear to my heart. The question of how long will you live?

That is right I went there. One thing about life is that we always assume death is a visitor that will come into our lives but we look at it as a destination that we see in the distant future. We base most of our decisions on the ability to block that out of our minds and look at either the present or a future that may not come.

I am not trying to stir an emotion of fear or morbidity. I just want to state a fact. Recently, I noticed that on many sites that I have been visiting the one thing they talk about in being frugal is to deny yourself and live on a shoe string budget. While it has its merits there is one thing they never take into consideration. It is that you do not know when you reach that magic age of 30, 40, 50, 60 or beyond will you have the strength, energy or health to do the things that you always wanted to do.

2011 I decided to put my dreams on the table and go for the big guns. I enjoyed so many trips with my son that I was almost traveled out. Is that even possible? This year due to changes within my life I have stepped out on my own and have a business that is doing well. I have to say. I will talk about that later.

Looking at my income, expenses and long-term goals I took a deep breath at the cost of my medical insurance and all the day-to-day bills. I must have looked like the RCA Victor dog. My head was tilted as if I was waiting to hear a voice from above. “Take a trip to see Mom.” That is what my inner voice said loud and clear.

So on the web I go searching all the flights that go to Del Rio, Texas. Let me tell you the only direct flight to that Texas town is Continental Airlines. The price from Newark Airport fluctuates. Sure I will look at other airport to depart from. It does pay to leave from airports that are within a 50 mile radius. There may be sales that you have not thought of. I also include in my cost  parking.

Many times I will fly out of Stewart Airport because of the price of parking and time on the Thruway out ways the $24 a day to park in Newark. Honestly if I am paying $60 more for a flight and the cost of the over all trip is decreased even by $40 that is more money for me to save or spend.

The cost of my final destination is also factored in. At times it is just cheaper to fly directly into San Antonio and rent a car for $60 and drive. The only issue with driving to Del Rio is that most rental agencies put a big warning that driving within 50 miles of the Mexico border is not recommended.There is also the border patrol that has a permanent building and stop along Highway 90.

The towns of Ulvalde and Hondo are speed traps. If they say 35 miles and hour just do it. They will pull you over going 2 miles over. It happened to me I received a warning because the patrol man happened to have worked in Jersey City, New Jersey at one time. We spoke for a while. He wistfully spoke about his days in Jersey and all the food I take for granted like Pizza. Seriously, that is what we discussed. After 20 minutes chewing the fat I was on my way. Factor in the 2 1/2 drive to Del Rio from San Antonio sometimes it is just not worth the so-called savings. Remember I have to make the trip back to the airport.

With that in mind many times it is a wash to fly directly into Del Rio and just enjoy the extra hours with my mother. Money is not everything. That leads me back to the original thought I began with. Travel, money and savings.

Life is short my readers. I am not saying go overboard and go into debt. What I am saying is if you really want to do something that is a burning desire that desire is there for a reason. Do things while you are working. You can always make the money back. Start saving right now for that trip to where ever in the world you thought you wanted. Research like mad. Look into all the bargains there are.

For example right now if you wanted to go to Iceland and were thinking about renting a car well visit the SIXT.com site. This car rental agency is offering a great price on rental cars to that beautiful country. Imagine flying to Iceland from Boston for around $675 round trip. Rent a car for the week for approximately $125. Look for bed and breakfasts to stay in or look to friends who might have time shares. Ask them if they would be so kind to help you find a deal. They are able for $75 on top of the getaway packages let you have a coupon to stay at an incredible hotel or  resort. However, if you have a car then you can explore like a native.

That was just an example so lets say there are two of you. If you travel the right way and book a trip 7 months ahead you would be able to pay off your trip in advance including the hotel or bed and breakfast. You need to have around $1000 or so for the week. I think in 7 months of being psyched and going on a vacation diet you can make it happen. You know the show the Biggest Loser. Well how about taking that concept and seeing how much your dream trip would cost and give yourself 6 months to a year to make it happen. This is the vacation diet. You would be the Biggest Traveler.

If you do this week by week  you will be surprised how much money you can save. With my handy calculator that is $416.66 a month. So lets see you would have saved $2499.99 that includes airline ticket for one, car rental and money for hotel plus $1000 of spending money! I never take a credit card out on my trips. I only use it for rental cars. Why go home with debt? Listen can you save $104.16 a week. Ok, let me make is so much clearer that is $14.88 a day. Really that coffee and lunch or dinner out with friends will always be there. Bring them over your house for a dinner. Someone brings wine. Go to the library and take out a DVD and enjoy your life.

Honestly folks. When I last looked no one promised you the future. I know for a fact that life is extremely fragile. Our lives are about fragile as an egg that drops out of our hands and crashes to the floor.

So what are you waiting for. Look up that trip. Go see your family, friends or new and exciting places. Plan and then just do it. Conversely if you have to opportunity now to go then just pay it off in the reverse plan of what I just proposed above. Listen folks my mom like all people well she is aging. The time I have with her is very precious.

What is more important to you? The love and the life you have now? Or the belief that you will live forever and life can wait. I worked as a paramedic for many years and know that life is short. You have no guarantees.

Feel the life flowing through your veins. Dance to the music of the never-ending joy that comes your way. Do not end up waiting until you retire to enjoy life. Live well and stay healthy. Oh yeah I almost forgot I have a new business. I have ventured on my own. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have a private practice and work with individuals, couples and children. I love what I do.

Feel free to contact me about my blog or any questions you may have. Life is large my friends but our lives move faster than the speed of light. Embrace life. Embrace yourself. You are the most loving person you will ever meet. You are the most interesting person you will ever know. Explore this wonderful world of ours.

My hope for you is that I am adding to your life. Take my tips about travel and try them out. I will continue to share what I have learned along the way. Peace to you all Denise

There are so many things about the new year which is very exciting for me and hopefully for you. I have made a decision to share with you many things about my life and travel. Last year I had made many of my dreams come true with travel.  I have already explained to some of you the way the ways you can save on travel. This blog is going to be explaining how I saved my airline miles by using a specific credit card. There are many out there that offer miles however you have to tailor to your specific travel needs. There are plenty of airlines that have alliances or work as teams.

In my case I have chosen Chase cards because I have had a Star Alliance account and used my miles for travel. This year alone I found that if I want to visit a friend in Alaska it would cost me either $367 plus 25K miles and a tax of $7 to make it the grand total of $374. This would be a long day and I would have to have a total of three connecting flights. I would still be able to collect miles one way but forfeit collecting miles on the reward travel. So this is how I went about looking at my trip.

Usually if  you fly on a week day you have a better chance of flying a more economical flight. It is not possible for everyone but this is the ideal. For example if I am leaving a New York City airport on a Thursday and decide to return on a Thursday the full fare as of todays date from Continental Airlines is $1000. Looking at Alaska Air it was $874. Looking at my budget it was not working for me at all. In this economy to pay that price for a week trip just does not seem worth it. Last year I spent $580 for the same ticket. Again timing is everything. Last year I left in March. This year I may be going in June. There is a lot to be said for traveling off season.

So I began the usual routine of looking at both airlines and seeing if there was another airline as part of the Star Alliance that I could use my points or airline miles. I found a flight from Newark one way to Anchorage with two stops and a total of 10 hours for $478 one way and return 25k airline miles. Because I know how to bank my miles this year I have achieved Gold status so even with an economy ticket there is a strong indication I will be placed in first class.

Basically I am looking at going first class for the price of a one way ticket. This past year I have learned a tremendous amount of information about how to achieve point status. You can do this many ways. You as a traveler can fly everywhere and pay lots of money to achieve mileage or you can economize and travel via train and other partnerships and earn segments. It takes 30 segments to achieve Silver Status on the Star Alliance. That allows you to have your luggage  being tagged at the airport as Elite. You have access to the Clubs at the Airport and you have an upgrade of your ticket if there is availability.

Segments are technically given as anywhere from point a to point b. So if you fly direct from NYC to Madrid. That is one segment but approximately 9k miles. So you need 25,000 airline miles to reach this status or 30 segments. So if you fly to Boston non-stop from NYC its one segment and 300 miles. If you take a train its one segment. So there are many ways to accomplish the same goal if  you are looking for Silver, Gold or Platinum status.

Recently, some airlines such as Continental, United and US Airways have added features that can help you reach these goals. You can use a mileage maximizer from Continential to boost your miles. You can double and triple your miles and it does count towards your goal of trying to achieve Status.

US Airways and United help you buy your perks. Economy seating for a year. Free luggage for a year. Other perks can be bought at a price. It is steep so you have to evaluate whether it will work for you.

So how can this work for you all this wheeling and dealing. Well for one thing I visit my mother in Del Rio, Texas quite often. She is elderly and has a medical condition that I monitor from afar. It can be quite nerve wracking at times but it is what it is. I am not in a position to be able to always spend anywhere from $250 to $500 round trip depending on the market for a round trip ticket. I make my way there every 6 weeks or so.

Deciding whether to fly into San Antonio Airport and drive the 2 1/2 hours one way is not as bad as it sounds. However, if I can fly directly into Del Rio then it is a few miles to her house and I could walk if an emergent situation called for it. I always weigh out the cost of a ticket vs car rental. With that being said because I have a Veterans Advantage Card I receive 5% off my airline ticket. I pay with my Chase Card. Rent a car with my airline membership which is tied into the program. Pay gas with the card and have points adding up besides the airline miles. Miles are coming in from everywhere.

Of course you have to be goal oriented and know that this takes work and will spend approximately 2 to 3 hours of researching in order to make it happen but it is worth it to save your hard earned money.

I am not advocating that you buy or find this credit card. I am writing from my perspective and what I use to make my life work. This is template for you to use for  yourself and I will be more than happy to help you if you need the help.

What I am going to let you know is that I am trying to have the best life I can have without going into debt. My budget is my own and I am attempting  to assist you into your goals of independence.

I have been discussing travel and finance. The other issues I will be discussing in the coming weeks will also be about personal changes. As a therapist I know that life sometimes is not fair. It is not easy to make life work when you think life is working against you. I know for some of you it is a temporary situation but when you are faced with challenges they may seem overwhelming it feels like it may never end. This is when you find out who are your friends and who was just there to tag along. The next few blogs will be about life and its adversities and how to work with them and hold on to living the best life you can. You are always free to write me at lovinglightning@gmail.com

Peace to you and be prosperous in all areas of your life. Denise