The Fabuless Life

Travel to Europe On A Budget

L.Jay — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 20:53:10 +0000

With current exchange rates on the Euro, a vacation overseas may seem financially out of reach. So how can you take a cheap European vacation? If you do sufficient research, it is possible to visit Europe on a budget.

by contributor Vjollca Hysenlika

Traveling to Europe can be expensive–from airfare, to accommodations, to food. However, smart shopping and online exploration can save you big bucks. Your dream European vacation can become a reality, as long as you do your research.
But where and how do you find the great travel deals!? All of it is online, and it involves three clear-cut principles.

Click below for tips on taking a memorable, budget European vacation.

Source: The Digerati Life

Always Travel Off-Season

Traveling to Europe during off-season can save you thousands, and give you the most value for your dollar. It’s best to travel either during spring or fall. Prices are lower, crowds are smaller, and the weather is much more pleasant. For example, airfares are exceptionally affordable April through the beginning of June, and September through November. Booking sites such as www.budgettravel.com offers flights to Europe as cheap as $600. Other sites include www.orbitz.com and www.hotwire.com –they offer great package deals, air and hotel, plus an additional 30 percent discount.

Traveling off-peak is gratifying– you pay less, and have more fun. There’s nothing like enjoying Ireland, Italy or France in the spring. Blossoming trees, beautiful blooming flowers, fresh air, and no crowds, are beyond tranquil… but most of all, there’s endless opportunity to better explore and broaden your travel experience.

Always Focus on Smaller/Less Crowded Cities

When you think Europe you usually consider Rome, Paris, or London, right? Well, there are so many other wonderful places to explore. Smaller cities and countries in Europe offer just as much culture and history, at a much more reasonable price. For example, Eastern Europe is a hidden treasure still waiting to be fully appreciated. Countries such as Albania, Turkey, and Czech Republic have the most amazing beaches, accommodations, and food for a fraction of the price of Western European countries.

Albania, which lies in the Mediterranean Basin, is one of the most dynamic countries in Europe. Its natural beauty, the historical and cultural heritage, are without comparison. Albania provides centuries worth of archeology, Roman ruins, and a great climate. The pristine beaches, beautiful valleys, rivers, and mountains offer an excellent opportunity for adventurous or serene tourism.

Vlore, Albania. Photo by Vjollca Hysenlika

Albania’s climate and landscape allow vacationers a chance to go to the beach, ski, horseback ride, and raft, all in close proximity. Tourist areas across Albania offer extremely cheap beach-view hotels and luxurious resorts for as low as $70 per night. There are an abundance of restaurants offering extravagant and delicious meals for eight Euros per person.

Turkey is another great destination to put on your must-do list. Antalya is one of Turkey’s famous destinations with an attractive and picturesque shoreline. The city provides outstanding beaches, secluded coves, ancient cities, caves, waterfalls and Roman ruins. For the month of May, www.hotwire.com is offering two-week all inclusive package deals, for as low as $1,500.

Other low-priced cities include Lipari (Sicilia), Italy and Prague, Czech Republic. Hotels, food and airfare are a relative bargain for these locations.

Be Your Own Travel Agent

How would you like to go on a Euro trip for twenty -five dollars? You might not believe it, but it’s possible. Save money by doing your own booking on intra-continental travel. European booking sites provide bargain airfares all year long. Some of these sites include www.ryanair.com, www.airbaltic.com, and www.easyjet.com. Plane tickets between most European cities (particularly small cities) are unbelievably low-priced. These bargain flights let you see a different panorama of Europe. Ryan Air is now offering tickets from Turin, Italy to Brussels, Belgium for only $15.

These guidelines are essential when planning a European vacation. Smart shopping undoubtedly guarantees cheaper travel, better accommodations, and a great vacation experience.

Budget Vacation Ideas

L.Jay — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 03:15:41 +0000

Looking for a relaxing getaway that won’t break the bank? Here are four budget vacation ideas that are both affordable and provide plenty of entertainment for families, couples, or even if you’re going solo. Try them out Memorial Day, or any weekend this spring.

Visit A Nearby National Park

A great vacation resource that’s often overlooked, the nearly 400 national parks across the U.S provide fantastic opportunities to experience the outdoors. Certain states offer better selections than others (as well as fewer weather concerns), but many parks offer overnight options that range from free to very affordable. Some of the lesser known, but utterly amazing destinations include Biscayne National Park in Florida (especially if you love snorkeling or scuba) and Isle Royale National Park in Michigan on Lake Superior (where you can take a boat tour around some of the park’s 400 satellite islands, or take a backcountry camping trip).

Courtesy: National Park Service

Click the link below for more great budget vacation ideas.

Take A Trip Into The City

Live in the ’burbs or a bedroom community? A low-cost travel option is right in your backyard. A trip into the nearest big city is an oft-overlooked adventure. Consider it an opportunity to see the sights and do the “touristy” stuff you’ve never done. Check out museums, parks, new restaurants, and enjoy accommodation at a nice hotel. When you can slash your transportation costs, you provide yourself with more money in the budget to spend at your destination.

Visit An Indoor (Or Outdoor) Water Park

This could be one of the best child-friendly vacations around. What kid doesn’t love a water park? Indoor water parks are popping up all over the U.S. and Canada and provide a great experience at very reasonable costs, so they’re available no matter what the season. Most of the indoor parks are in cold weather states, and the competition for business benefits tourists through lower rates. Great Wolf Lodge, for example, owns a chain of 12 indoor water parks throughout the country with rooms as low as $89 for a weekday night.

Road Trip!

How about just hitting the road for a week and see where the highway takes you?

There are lots of “undiscovered” destinations all across the country, so why not discover them yourself? It’s a vacation you can take with your pals, family, or your significant other. In fact, a road trip can be a romantic, old school way of reconnecting, and reducing expenditures. Set out with a particular location in mind, or let the thrill of the unknown be your entertainment, and just start driving. Eat at local diners when you’re hungry; sleep at comfortable motels or inns when you’re tired.

These four options are just a few budget vacation ideas. Where you live will determine what the real possibilities are, so get inspired and be creative!

Baby Wrap Or Stroller?

L.Jay — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 04:50:16 +0000

You may have seen baby slings in the news recently. There have been warnings about potential dangers in some models. But most baby carriers/slings/wraps are perfectly safe, and a godsend for busy mothers. In addition to their utility, they happen to offer an inexpensive option for porting that precious load.

A baby wrap can certainly cost less than most strollers, and the New York Times is declaring the hottest trend in baby transport is “mom and dad”… via the uber-popular slings and wraps.

Apparently New Yorkers are parking their strollers in favor of baby carriers, which place infants close to the body for additional bonding and hands-free maneuvering. Baby expert Dr. William Sears also claims “babywearing” makes for a smarter, calmer, less colicky infant, with better sleep habits. Can your average stroller do that?

Photo By Paul Netto

I love my Moby Wrap and Baby Bjorn, and they are indispensable around the house and for shorter walks. It can be a great workout, and indeed a chance to bond with baby. Carriers, slings and wraps are definitely cost-effective, stylish options for hauling the kids, but at times, nothing beats the convenience of a stroller.

Still, a high-end stroller can cost upwards of three-hundred dollars all the way to one-thousand dollars, while cotton wraps like the Moby start at about $40 and the ubiquitous Baby Bjorns range from approximately $80 to $180. If you are looking for the Cadillac of baby slings, you could invest in organic, fancy silk or cashmere fabric and pay hundreds more. But you can easily find an ergonomic, affordable baby carrier in your price range that won’t break the bank, or your back. You could even make one yourself — like this dad:

Photo by Jennifer Rosenberg

Some sites to find a variety of slings include www.babysling.com and www.theslingstation.com. Babies R Us, Buy, Buy Baby and Target also carry several of the more popular brands online.

Note: The Consumer Product Safety Commission is warning against possible suffocation dangers associated with bag-type slings, which can double a baby over. These sorts of slings are distinguishable from the baby wraps and carriers discussed above.

Mobile Coupons Offer On-the-Go Savings

L.Jay — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 06:11:35 +0000

First there was Yowza, which offers scannable coupons on your mobile phone at more than 10,000 locations nationwide.

Yowza searches stores in a shopper’s vicinity, or up to 50 miles away, and identifies related coupons that can be scanned off a cell phone at checkout. (Warning: Yowza only works with IPhones, Androids, Palm Pres, and Blackberries.)

Now Target is offering a scannable mobile coupon program with exclusive offers for shoppers. The coupons are redeemable at checkout. Although this isn’t an entirely new phenomenon, Target claims its program is the first to work nationwide at all of its stores.

You can sign up for the program here on Target’s site. Or you can text the word “COUPONS” to 827438. According to Target, participants will receive text messages on their phones with links to a Web page that features various coupons. The program works with any phone that has a mobile browser and data plan. New coupons will be issued every month.

JC Penneys is reportedly testing a cell phone barcode coupon as well.

Scannable coupons are considered a major growth area, but it remains to be seen how long it will take for this latest technological savings innovation to catch on.

Other sites compiling mobile coupons with scannable barcodes include Google, Coupons.com, and CouponSherpa.com.

Stay Healthy On A Budget With the Mediterranean Diet

vhnewmedia — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 04:23:08 +0000

If your reason for not eating right is it’s too expensive, that’s no longer a good excuse. If you plan ahead, you can eat super healthy at a reasonable price on a Mediterranean diet — all in your own home.

Story contributed by Vjollca Hysenlika

For centuries, Europeans have consumed Mediterranean food, and research shows it’s healthier than any other. According to the Patient UK Newspaper, researchers found death rates were lower in Greece and Southern Italy, most likely based on eating habits, while mortality rates were comparatively higher in the US and Finland.

This could be because the Mediterranean Diet is proven to reduce the likelihood of heart disease, cancer, Type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, aging, and it can even drastically lower depression.

Fresh Produce-Photo by Vjollca Hysenlika

Through extensive research and personal experience (I was born and raised in the Mediterranean Basin) I can tell you… If you do your homework you can eat healthier without increasing your grocery bill. My mother’s delicious, healthy, and economical Mediterranean recipes have kept the family physically strong and fit. She continually encourages the method to my brother, sisters, and me—and we rigorously follow her advice because the food is delectable, and the results are incredible.

But how do you do it? Well, it’s really simple—just follow the steps below!

First step: Eat large quantities of vegetables, fruit, legumes, organic salads, fresh herbs, whole grains, and rich olive oil.

I highly recommend purchasing your groceries at your local farmer’s market. Everything is cheaper and fresher there. My mother always says “buy the seasonal products”. For instance, in the spring concentrate on the fruit of the forest (such as strawberries, blackberries, raspberries) cherries, fresh salads and herbs, and most of all, olive oil. She recommends rich olive oil…authentic Italian and Greek stores have the BEST olive oil–made in the Mediterranean Valleys. Besides vegetables, peppers and eggplants are keys to great health. Stuffed peppers and low-fat eggplant parmesan are just some of the delicious dishes you can cook.

Second step: Eat reasonable quantities of white meats, fish, nuts, low-fat dairy produce, and wine (with meals).

Fish and white meats (like poultry) are extremely important in Mediterranean cooking. Fish and poultry, each, should be eaten five to six times a week. Fish can be a little expensive, but I recommend buying affordable fish—Publix and Wal-Mart have great deals on seafood. Low-fat dairy is suggested daily—in small quantities. In addition, wine is essential to have on your dining table—I recommend 1-2 glasses per day. (One of the best parts of the Mediterranean diet!)

Third step: Consume low quantities of red meat, sweets and desserts.

Red meat should be served only once a week. Thin, well-cooked steak combined with fresh vegetables is the ideal. Sweets and desserts should be minimized to two times per week. On the other hand, non-rich desserts and fruity cakes are the healthiest ones. Since the fruit of the forest are in season—it is important you make your own fruity cakes. They are healthy, yet delicious!!

The Mediterranean diet has immense health benefits without sacrificing great taste. If Mediterranean food becomes your lifestyle—there’s a good chance you could live longer and keep your body medication free.

Stay tuned for another post on the low-cost, low-calorie Mediterranean diet recipes!

Source: Italia Living

Fly For Less to a Discount Vacation

L.Jay — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 06:12:27 +0000

You can fly for less!

Sick and tired of the cold weather and snow? Unless you live in a sunny clime, you’re probably desperate for some sun, and a day without a heavy coat. Why not get away for a weekend to refresh your body, mind and spirit? It is possible to fly for less and take a vacation within your budget.

Airfare prices have dropped considerably since the recession began thanks to lower demand, but with the economy showing signs of life, many people are seeing hopeful signs and starting to travel again. This, of course, is a double-edged sword: Increased demand along with rising gas prices have caused many airlines to ratchet up fares as well as impose some pretty ridiculous fees (certain airlines even charged a Super Bowl fee. And there are all those new baggage fees…). Despite all this, there are still many ways to find a cheap ticket to warmer weather if you’re diligent, and can be flexible with your travel dates and/or destination.

Airfarewatchdog.com is a great site that allows you to search for low fares from any city. If you’re not picky about your warm weather destination and have some open dates, you can certainly find a great deal. For instance, as of this post, a ticket from Chicago O’Hare to Miami will cost you $178 round trip, with a variety of dates to choose from.

Another great site is www.cheapcaribbean.com, where you can find inexpensive, all inclusive trips to resorts across the Caribbean and Mexico. Certain high traffic dates are unavailable because of Spring Break, but again, if you are flexible and patient, you can book a vacation that won’t strain your wallet.

Sites such as www.sidestep.com and www.kayak.com are well-known, popular clearinghouses for comparative airfares. A great feature on these two sites (and others) is a calendar that pops up to show you fare options for every day of the month.

So if you’re still stuck in the winter doldrums, consider treating yourself to a getaway. You can fly for less, and five nights in the Bahamas has got to be worth every penny.

Stop Paying The Mortgage?

L.Jay — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 20:53:54 +0000

The foreclosure crisis that has swept the country has prompted many homeowners to actually stop paying the mortgage in what has been called “strategic default”.

Foreclosure, For Sale

When a homeowner files for foreclosure, they typically have close to a year before they’re actually kicked out, making strategic default an attractive option for the desperate. I.e., you can live in your home essentially payment-free, and maybe not even have to move if the foreclosure papers aren’t filed, or if you reach some sort of agreement with your bank. Of course there is the serious damage to your credit. On the upside, you are freeing up money for other necessities (or non-necessities as the case may be).

An interesting article on MSN Money discusses whether property owners have a moral obligation to pay their mortgage (which is a contract after all) or if it’s okay to just walk away. For those who find themselves underwater or facing potential foreclosure, the article offers a lot of interesting information on the pros and cons of letting your mortgage payments go.

The story claims the number of these so-called strategic defaults are on the rise, as banks find it difficult to pursue delinquents (in states where this is allowed) and as more and more homeowners see no other way out. According to the report, many who are struggling to hold onto their homes and/or are diligently make payments to the bank every month aren’t happy with those who choose to just walk away and stop paying the mortgage.

Interested in learning more? The MSN Money article can be found here:

http://realestate.msn.com/article.aspx?cp-documentid=23390500&page=0#atoolb

Four Ways To Get Paid To Go Green

L.Jay — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 21:55:50 +0000

If you’re daunted by the idea of going green, and how much “green” it might cost you, President Obama wants to help lighten your load.

The economic stimulus package provides billions of dollars for renewable energy products, and the average taxpayer can tap in to some of that money. Here are four ways you can help both the environment and your wallet come tax time:

Solar Power Is Affordable

1. Solar Power

In the past, the government offered to pay 30% for solar panels to be installed on your home, but with a cap of $2000. That cap has been removed, and with an average installation cost of around $40,000 ($12,000 paid for by the government), solar energy has become much more affordable. Many states also have provisions that pay for an additional portion (however others, like Illinois, ran out of funds due to an overwhelming response). The federal tax credit is good until 2016.

2. Hybrid Vehicles

Tax credits are still available for purchasing certain hybrid vehicles. For instance, you can get an $850 credit if you buy a 2010 Murcury Milan, as long as you buy before March 31st of this year. For those looking into alternative fuel vehicles such as the 2010 Honda Civic GX, you can get up to a $4000 tax credit through the end of 2010. For more information, visit www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/taxcenter.shtml

3. Biomass stoves

You may never have heard of these, but a Biomass stove is one that burns plant-derived fuel, such as wood or other agricultural based products. If a certain stove meets efficiency standards, you can receive 30% of the cost, up to $1500. Biomass stoves typically range from $1500 to $4000. The credit lasts through 2010.

4. Home Improvements

If you made certain home improvements in 2009 or 2010, you can claim 30% of the cost of the products (including labor on heating and cooling equipment), up to $1500. Energy efficient windows, doors, roofing and insulation all qualify.

New Tax Breaks For 2009

L.Jay — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 05:06:58 +0000

Like most folks in this recession, you’re probably hoping for a nice tax return for some extra springtime cash. If you’re doing your own taxes – or even if not – there are some new tax breaks for 2009 you should know about that can reduce your tax liability or plump up your refund.

Most of them are applicable only if you itemize, but this year there’s something out there for just about everyone.

Haitian relief donations are deductible – Must be made between 1/12 and 2/28. For donations under $250, you need a bank record or a receipt from charity as proof. For donations over $250, a receipt from the charity is required. For donations made by phone or text message, the IRS says a service provider bill showing the name of the charity, the donation date, and the amount will suffice. As usual, you must itemize your taxes in order to be able to deduct charitable contributions.
The Making Work Pay credit is even available for the self-employed - It can be as much as $400 for an unmarried worker or $800 for a married joint-filing couple. You’ll need to fill out the new Schedule M, and file it with your 2009 Form 1040 (entering your eligible MWPC amount on line 63). If your income is too high however, the MWP credit is phased out.
Non-itemizers get an extra standard deduction – If you don’t itemize deductions, you may still be entitled to an additional standard deduction amount. (The standard deduction is $5,700 for singles and $11,400 for married joint-filing couples, and $8,350 for heads of households.) You’ll need to fill out the new Schedule L to claim the bonus. Here’s how it works:
- There’s an additional standard deduction of up to $500 for state and local real property taxes (or up to $1,000 if you’re a married joint filer). The extra deduction cannot exceed the real estate taxes you paid last year.
- If you purchased a qualifying new vehicle between Feb. 17, 2009 and Dec. 31, 2009, you can claim an additional standard deduction for the state and local sales and excise taxes. You can only count taxes on the first $49,500 of a vehicle’s purchase price, but you can benefit more than once if you bought more than one vehicle during the window period. (This break is also phased out if your income is too high.)
You can claim an additional standard deduction for personal casualty losses in federally designated disaster areas.
Tax breaks for supporting struggling relatives – This good deed will not be punished by the IRS. In fact, you may benefit from helping out a financially struggling relative last year. The potential tax breaks range from being able to claim head-of-household filing status (if you’re single) to a $3,650 dependent exemption deduction, to a medical expense write-off.
Deduct job search expenses – This is not exactly new, but it may be for many unemployed Americans filling out tax forms this year. If you itemize deductions, you may be able to write off expenses incurred for a job search on your Form 1040.

Save on Prescription Drugs

L.Jay — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 00:40:28 +0000

If you’d been laid off, then your healthcare costs may be one of the most pressing concerns on your mind.

With COBRA, or private insurance, costing hundreds of dollars a month, medical expenses can be among the priciest bills in your budget. So finding any means of cutting down your costs is a benefit, especially if you have a medical condition that requires regular care and prescriptions.

There are a number of ways to save money on Rx drugs. Some manufacturers offer discounts on their websites. For example, Pfizer offers a year of free meds for some of the newly unemployed. (Go to www.pfizerhelpfulanswers.com)

You may also qualify for reduced price drugs through programs run by patient-advocacy groups and health-care providers. (Details at www.pparx.org)

Drug savings cards are also available for those who don’t have insurance or aren’t covered for certain meds. The cards offer some discounts at participating pharmacies. (Go to www.freedrugcard.us or www.rxfreecard.com)

Wal-Mart and Target and a few other chain pharmacies are also resources for discounts, offering many common prescriptions, such as antibiotics, for $4.