If you are going abroad on a multi trip, it is important to be prepared, especially if you are visiting a few different countries. Never underestimate how crucial it is to set off knowing that everything has been taken care off. Here's how to avoid a stressful time:
Plan Ahead - this year it is well worth taking the time to plan your travels well in advance to maximise savings on airfares. Booking via the budget airlines makes sense as there are lots of new European routes available, and this year they seem to be more competitively priced. Booking your accommodation several months prior to travel is cheaper; villas in particular can be good value. Also be sure to let your friends know where you are going, give them a copy of your itinerary and roaming mobile phone number so they can contact you at any time.
Health issues - travelling can be both physically and mentally demanding. Check well in advance if you will be needing vaccinations; ensure that you have the correct exemption forms because in most EU countries you will be automatically entitled to emergency healthcare. Make sure that you have sensible medicines packed, painkillers, anti acid, Imodium, and a general first aid kit.
Packing - Your hold luggage needs to be padlocked. In some countries luggage without locks can be a temptation. Many people make the mistake and do not pack their essential items in a carry on; if your hold luggage goes missing you will still have these items with you. Items such as passports, wallets, drivers license, insurance details, valuables, medication and glasses or sunglasses are worth taking on the plane with you. Different countries mean different climates, if for example you are travelling from Australia to New Zealand you will need to pack your waterproofs and walking boots as well as your sun hat and swim gear.
Money matters- Avoid carrying lots of cash, travellers cheques are very useful, as are at least two ATM cards. Most countries have ATM machines now but sometimes it can be tricky to draw out money in developing countries especially if you may have recently used the card. Banks are more and more careful about checking transactions from lots of different countries and withdrawals can immediately be queried. This is something you want to avoid if trying to withdraw money for an entry visa in the middle of the night in Cambodia! Therefore having pin numbers for credit cards is advisable. It can be extremely stressful not having the correct currency but $US are very useful if travelling outside Europe. And remember to let your bank have your itinerary.
Visas and Documents - Always check whether you need visas for countries you are visiting, and apply for them in good time. Remember you will also require a visa if you are just staying overnight in transit for some countries. Make copies of all your documents; passports, traveller's cheques, insurance policies and credit cards and be sure to keep them separate. If you have the unlucky enough to lose your handbag or carry on bag then you will have all the details at hand. This will put your mind at rest.
PROFOLLICA
Baby Bags - What You Need to Travel
Packing for travel with baby requires an entire production crew complete with roadies. Inflatable baby baths, mosquito netting, collapsible play pens, strollers, car safety seats for baby, and not to mention all the snack, bottles, changes of clothes, baby diaper bags and more baby bags, toys, educational activities..... You will find that the camel is pretty loaded and the Range Rover is dragging on the safari trails before the humans have even sat down. Let us start with a simple 2 or 3 day adventure. That should reduce the baby collateral by one third, anyway.
Start With the Basics
1. The number one item on your list is not baby diaper bags. Number one is the sole, single item that never fails to calm baby and put her to sleep. You can always buy more diapers. You cannot replace sleep - yours.
2. The ultimate in baby bags; this is the kind that organizes for you, is roomy enough to hold extra blankets, a changing pad, wipes, powder, all the normal daily essentials but with many secure pockets to remind you to put something in them.
3. Diapers need to be plentiful. Depending on how you are travelling and for how long, you may be able to get away with just what you expect to use, but be prepared to get more along the way. If you will not be near a store, bring at least twice as many.
4. A stroller, even though it may seem cumbersome, could be the saving grace of the trip. It protects baby from sun, rain, wind, rescues your back, and keeps her by your side.
Adding to the Basics
Once you have the basics in place, you need to refine your list with all the necessities that you have at home, and never worry about carrying with you. The main item on the list is:
The ultimate in baby diaper bags. Yes, this was on the basic list, but needs further definition. While you are dashing from the house to the car and back again with a slight variant of perhaps the office or the market, the ultimate baby bags for normal living could be quite different from those for travel. For example, you need the large sized bags, not a cute little clutch or elegant Mia Bossi that can be stored in your suitcase for an evening out, but is not going to handle The Trip. Try StorkSac, Reese Li, or OiOi who have baby diaper bags large enough to carry your things as well.
You need the baby bags that have adjustable straps for hanging on the back of the baby stroller, totally washable liners, and zipper bags for soiled anything. Insulated bottles are handy for longer strolls, and as many organizer pockets as possible. Reese Li is very understanding in this department. When you are travelling, make sure you have pockets on the exterior of the baby bags to handle your keys, a map, your cell, a snack, a bottle, a soother, and maybe some tissues.
On the inside of the baby diaper bags, you want to have fast access to sanitary wipes, teething gel, first aid items, rattle, sun bonnet, change of clothes, food, many bottles, a bottle of water for you, snacks for you, additional booties, towels, bibs, and perhaps a change of shirt for yourself, just in case.
Start With the Basics
1. The number one item on your list is not baby diaper bags. Number one is the sole, single item that never fails to calm baby and put her to sleep. You can always buy more diapers. You cannot replace sleep - yours.
2. The ultimate in baby bags; this is the kind that organizes for you, is roomy enough to hold extra blankets, a changing pad, wipes, powder, all the normal daily essentials but with many secure pockets to remind you to put something in them.
3. Diapers need to be plentiful. Depending on how you are travelling and for how long, you may be able to get away with just what you expect to use, but be prepared to get more along the way. If you will not be near a store, bring at least twice as many.
4. A stroller, even though it may seem cumbersome, could be the saving grace of the trip. It protects baby from sun, rain, wind, rescues your back, and keeps her by your side.
Adding to the Basics
Once you have the basics in place, you need to refine your list with all the necessities that you have at home, and never worry about carrying with you. The main item on the list is:
The ultimate in baby diaper bags. Yes, this was on the basic list, but needs further definition. While you are dashing from the house to the car and back again with a slight variant of perhaps the office or the market, the ultimate baby bags for normal living could be quite different from those for travel. For example, you need the large sized bags, not a cute little clutch or elegant Mia Bossi that can be stored in your suitcase for an evening out, but is not going to handle The Trip. Try StorkSac, Reese Li, or OiOi who have baby diaper bags large enough to carry your things as well.
You need the baby bags that have adjustable straps for hanging on the back of the baby stroller, totally washable liners, and zipper bags for soiled anything. Insulated bottles are handy for longer strolls, and as many organizer pockets as possible. Reese Li is very understanding in this department. When you are travelling, make sure you have pockets on the exterior of the baby bags to handle your keys, a map, your cell, a snack, a bottle, a soother, and maybe some tissues.
On the inside of the baby diaper bags, you want to have fast access to sanitary wipes, teething gel, first aid items, rattle, sun bonnet, change of clothes, food, many bottles, a bottle of water for you, snacks for you, additional booties, towels, bibs, and perhaps a change of shirt for yourself, just in case.
Tips on Finding Discount Hotels For Last Minute Travel
Traveling at the last minute can be inconvenient: you need to pack up a lot of clothes in order to get to where you want to go, but you need only a little time to make sure that you pack your clothes well and that you don't miss anything or forget any of your necessities and toiletries.
You need to get your tickets, have a ready schedule of all the things that you are supposed to do ? and book a hotel without having to spend a lot of money on having a last minute trip. A lot of travel agencies and hotels know this tendency of people to do things at the last minute, and they promptly up their rates so that they can get more money out of last minute travelers.
There are ways that you can avoid this, however, whether you are anticipating a lot of last minute travel, or you're already in the fray and looking for a place to stay in. there will be no dearth of discounts especially if you are in a tourist friendly city, where a lot of hotels just can't wait to get clients or customers no matter what time of the year, no matter how long it took for you to make the booking.
One way to avoid ever getting bad rates is to actually talk to your travel agent beforehand and ask for discount rates for hotels just in case the day comes when you actually need those discount rates for some last minute travel. Your agent may have contacts at some hotels, and at some hotel chains that will extend their services abroad, so you can talk to your travel agent about what rates are good even before you need them.
Another way to get good discount hotels for last minute travel is to do last minute travel during non-peak months in a certain country or location. Of course this looks counter intuitive, but if you suddenly want to go on a vacation and want to go immediately, and you are at a non-peak time, then this can be a great way for you to save money, and by simply going during a time when all hotels will have discounts anyway.
Still another way is to book your last minute hotel stay online. There are actually many online discounts for hotel bookings to begin with, and last minute bookings may even have some special discounts attached to them as long as you are not bumping up against a hotel that has a lot of guests on its reservations list. You can also access hotels online through kiosks in your international or local airport, so if you're at the airport and waiting for your flight, or if you have downtime between your packing sessions, you can go online and quickly make your bookings.
Lastly, if you're already at a location and it's the last minute, look for a hostel or pension house first. This way, you can spend the night or the first two nights at a decent location, keep yourself safe and sleeping soundly, and then get to see the sights while looking for a hotel. Who knows? You may actually like your cheaper lodgings, especially if you're after the sights all the time and will spend more time outside than in!
You need to get your tickets, have a ready schedule of all the things that you are supposed to do ? and book a hotel without having to spend a lot of money on having a last minute trip. A lot of travel agencies and hotels know this tendency of people to do things at the last minute, and they promptly up their rates so that they can get more money out of last minute travelers.
There are ways that you can avoid this, however, whether you are anticipating a lot of last minute travel, or you're already in the fray and looking for a place to stay in. there will be no dearth of discounts especially if you are in a tourist friendly city, where a lot of hotels just can't wait to get clients or customers no matter what time of the year, no matter how long it took for you to make the booking.
One way to avoid ever getting bad rates is to actually talk to your travel agent beforehand and ask for discount rates for hotels just in case the day comes when you actually need those discount rates for some last minute travel. Your agent may have contacts at some hotels, and at some hotel chains that will extend their services abroad, so you can talk to your travel agent about what rates are good even before you need them.
Another way to get good discount hotels for last minute travel is to do last minute travel during non-peak months in a certain country or location. Of course this looks counter intuitive, but if you suddenly want to go on a vacation and want to go immediately, and you are at a non-peak time, then this can be a great way for you to save money, and by simply going during a time when all hotels will have discounts anyway.
Still another way is to book your last minute hotel stay online. There are actually many online discounts for hotel bookings to begin with, and last minute bookings may even have some special discounts attached to them as long as you are not bumping up against a hotel that has a lot of guests on its reservations list. You can also access hotels online through kiosks in your international or local airport, so if you're at the airport and waiting for your flight, or if you have downtime between your packing sessions, you can go online and quickly make your bookings.
Lastly, if you're already at a location and it's the last minute, look for a hostel or pension house first. This way, you can spend the night or the first two nights at a decent location, keep yourself safe and sleeping soundly, and then get to see the sights while looking for a hotel. Who knows? You may actually like your cheaper lodgings, especially if you're after the sights all the time and will spend more time outside than in!
Fantastic Philadelphia - Educational Travel
Often referred to as the birthplace of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, Philadelphia yields not only cobblestone streets and historical landmarks, but culture, artistic and ethnic treasures as well. The fifth-largest city in the country, Philadelphia is home to one of the greatest concentrations of American history and an excellent locale for student travelers.
Student travel groups often begin their visit to Philadelphia at Independence National Historic Park, home of the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. Considered America's "most historic square mile," students never forget the chance to view the Liberty Bell, housed in the Liberty Bell Center. Visitors can view a video presentation and several exhibits about the Bell, focusing on its origins and its modern-day role as an international icon of freedom. The Liberty Bell itself is displayed in a magnificent glass chamber with Independence Hall in the background.
Housed in the same area is the Assembly Room where George Washington was appointed commander and chief on the Continental Army in 1775 and the design of the American flag was agreed upon in 1777. The building, inside and out, has been restored as much as possible to its original late-18th-century appearance. Visitors also see the original "rising sun" chair used by George Washington as he presided over the Constitutional Convention.
If your itinerary permits, explore the Independence National Historical Park's other sites. Spanning over 55 acres on 20 city blocks within the historic district of the City of Philadelphia, the park preserves and interprets many of our country's most important resources associated with the establishment of the United States of America. These sites include the First and Second Banks of the United States, Congress Hall and Old City Hall. Additionally, the park tells the story of Philadelphia's most famous citizen, Benjamin Franklin, in Franklin Court, where Franklin's home once stood.
Celebrating the American heroes and ideals of freedom, the National Liberty Museum, located near Independence Hall, honors 1,000 men, women, and young people of all ethnicities who dared to step beyond their comfort zones to help make the world a better place - from world leaders to the first responders who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001. Exhibits explore topics on peace with exhibits that demonstrate easy, practical ways to resolve conflicts peacefully, as well as an exhibit that explores the concept of freedom through the 300 years of immigrants' experiences. The museum also presents a collection of more than 100 world-renowned works of fine art which illustrate the fragility of liberty through contemporary art.
Believed to be the Philadelphia patriot that made the first American flag, tours of the Betsy Ross House reveals how working-class people once lived in Colonial Philadelphia. The house served as a home throughout the generations for a shoemaker, a shopkeeper, and an apothecary (pharmacist).
A place of four centuries of faith and life, Christ Church was once the place of worship for the likes of George Washington, Betsy Ross, and Benjamin Franklin. Guided tours of its gravesite three blocks away are a fascinating look at history. Here, Franklin and other famous Revolutionary War leaders are interred.
Follow in the footsteps of Benjamin Franklin and see the "Ghost House," depicting Franklin's home. The "ghost structure" outlines the spot where Franklin's house once stood. Underground is a museum with displays, interactive exhibits, and a short film. Visitors also view a real working colonial-era print shop and the B. Free Franklin Post Office, the first in the U.S. founded by Franklin.
The inspiring Valley Forge National Historical Park commemorates more than the sacrifices of and perseverance of the Revolutionary War generation; it honors the ability of citizens and their leaders to pull together and overcome adversity during extraordinary times. This historic site was where General George Washington and his troops survived the famed encampment of 1777-78.
At the Battleship New Jersey Memorial & Museum, visitors tour the Navy's most decorated warship and view simulated operations areas spanning five deck levels. The New Jersey was built in Philadelphia and launched just a year after the Pearl Harbor Attack. Along the tour route, student groups see a few of its upgrades, including the installation of Tomahawk and Harpoon missile launchers and the Phalanx defense system - a computerized gun that could fire off 3,000 rounds a minute.
The birthplace of America provides student tours with unforgettable educational travel experiences. The area bursts with possibilities and opportunities for historic exploration and new discoveries.
Student travel groups often begin their visit to Philadelphia at Independence National Historic Park, home of the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. Considered America's "most historic square mile," students never forget the chance to view the Liberty Bell, housed in the Liberty Bell Center. Visitors can view a video presentation and several exhibits about the Bell, focusing on its origins and its modern-day role as an international icon of freedom. The Liberty Bell itself is displayed in a magnificent glass chamber with Independence Hall in the background.
Housed in the same area is the Assembly Room where George Washington was appointed commander and chief on the Continental Army in 1775 and the design of the American flag was agreed upon in 1777. The building, inside and out, has been restored as much as possible to its original late-18th-century appearance. Visitors also see the original "rising sun" chair used by George Washington as he presided over the Constitutional Convention.
If your itinerary permits, explore the Independence National Historical Park's other sites. Spanning over 55 acres on 20 city blocks within the historic district of the City of Philadelphia, the park preserves and interprets many of our country's most important resources associated with the establishment of the United States of America. These sites include the First and Second Banks of the United States, Congress Hall and Old City Hall. Additionally, the park tells the story of Philadelphia's most famous citizen, Benjamin Franklin, in Franklin Court, where Franklin's home once stood.
Celebrating the American heroes and ideals of freedom, the National Liberty Museum, located near Independence Hall, honors 1,000 men, women, and young people of all ethnicities who dared to step beyond their comfort zones to help make the world a better place - from world leaders to the first responders who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001. Exhibits explore topics on peace with exhibits that demonstrate easy, practical ways to resolve conflicts peacefully, as well as an exhibit that explores the concept of freedom through the 300 years of immigrants' experiences. The museum also presents a collection of more than 100 world-renowned works of fine art which illustrate the fragility of liberty through contemporary art.
Believed to be the Philadelphia patriot that made the first American flag, tours of the Betsy Ross House reveals how working-class people once lived in Colonial Philadelphia. The house served as a home throughout the generations for a shoemaker, a shopkeeper, and an apothecary (pharmacist).
A place of four centuries of faith and life, Christ Church was once the place of worship for the likes of George Washington, Betsy Ross, and Benjamin Franklin. Guided tours of its gravesite three blocks away are a fascinating look at history. Here, Franklin and other famous Revolutionary War leaders are interred.
Follow in the footsteps of Benjamin Franklin and see the "Ghost House," depicting Franklin's home. The "ghost structure" outlines the spot where Franklin's house once stood. Underground is a museum with displays, interactive exhibits, and a short film. Visitors also view a real working colonial-era print shop and the B. Free Franklin Post Office, the first in the U.S. founded by Franklin.
The inspiring Valley Forge National Historical Park commemorates more than the sacrifices of and perseverance of the Revolutionary War generation; it honors the ability of citizens and their leaders to pull together and overcome adversity during extraordinary times. This historic site was where General George Washington and his troops survived the famed encampment of 1777-78.
At the Battleship New Jersey Memorial & Museum, visitors tour the Navy's most decorated warship and view simulated operations areas spanning five deck levels. The New Jersey was built in Philadelphia and launched just a year after the Pearl Harbor Attack. Along the tour route, student groups see a few of its upgrades, including the installation of Tomahawk and Harpoon missile launchers and the Phalanx defense system - a computerized gun that could fire off 3,000 rounds a minute.
The birthplace of America provides student tours with unforgettable educational travel experiences. The area bursts with possibilities and opportunities for historic exploration and new discoveries.
Educational Travel With Student Discount Airfares
Are you a student looking to travel the world, but figure you cannot afford it? There are many options open for student travelers whether it is for exchange students or those looking to see a little bit of the world while having the time. You will want to be aware of the sites that work to supply student discount airfares and those that only purport to have these special discounts.
There are sites that say they offer student discount airfares, but when you do the research, you find that they actually have a higher rate than other discount sites just because you are a student. Do not fall into this trap. Take the time to research all sites available even those that offer student discounts. If you feel wary, of a site give the actual airline a call and see if they offer student discount airfares and when these deals may occur.
When you are searching for student discount airfares, you will want to use keywords such as student discount flights, student airfare, cheap travel for students and more on an Internet search engine. The results may be plentiful, but if you combine your research with word of mouth, you will probably find the best sites that really offer student discount airfares.
If you are looking to do a lot of travel as a student, you will also need to have a major credit card to book the trip. Most online sites want to have a credit card as payment before you can complete the reservation. The credit card should be in your name to help save you from other fees. Sometimes you may find the best deal, but if the credit card is still in your parent's name, you can be charge up to forty dollars to use it because your name differs. There are little things like that on many websites so it is important to read the fine print and look for any hidden fees that may apply. Traveling while you are a student is important because you have the time you might not have once you enter the working world and start a family.
There are sites that say they offer student discount airfares, but when you do the research, you find that they actually have a higher rate than other discount sites just because you are a student. Do not fall into this trap. Take the time to research all sites available even those that offer student discounts. If you feel wary, of a site give the actual airline a call and see if they offer student discount airfares and when these deals may occur.
When you are searching for student discount airfares, you will want to use keywords such as student discount flights, student airfare, cheap travel for students and more on an Internet search engine. The results may be plentiful, but if you combine your research with word of mouth, you will probably find the best sites that really offer student discount airfares.
If you are looking to do a lot of travel as a student, you will also need to have a major credit card to book the trip. Most online sites want to have a credit card as payment before you can complete the reservation. The credit card should be in your name to help save you from other fees. Sometimes you may find the best deal, but if the credit card is still in your parent's name, you can be charge up to forty dollars to use it because your name differs. There are little things like that on many websites so it is important to read the fine print and look for any hidden fees that may apply. Traveling while you are a student is important because you have the time you might not have once you enter the working world and start a family.
Educational Travel - Discover the Fun of Learning
When the terms educational travel come to mind, do you think of boring bus lectures and not-so-interesting sightseeing? Nowadays, educational travel is much more than a day of hopping on and off a double decker bus; instead, each day is jam-packed with exciting activities that require your participation. Additionally, educational travel includes flights and ground transportation, pleasurable accommodations, and a tour director who remains with you throughout the trip.
The best form of learning is active learning. When individuals are given the freedom to explore and get their feet ‘wet,’ they are more prone to learning and retaining information for many years to come. Discovering and experiencing the world as it really stands are far better approaches to learning than reading about places in a textbook. Educational travel is not just for students, either; adults can also witness breathtaking sites in ways they never would have imagined.
Affordable and highly worthwhile, educational travel takes you all around the world. Do you enjoy walking and observing some of the glorious wonders of the world by foot? Then perhaps a walking tour of Switzerland would be right up your alley. Are you a culinary enthusiast who appreciates all sorts of flavors from various regions of the world? Then perhaps an educational travel tour to the Eurochocolate Festival in Tuscany & Umbria would be a trip worth taking. Whatever your preference, there’s a voyage for everyone with educational travel.
There are several perks to educational travel; however, meeting new people seems to be at the top of most everyone’s list. Whether making friendships with other tour-goers or chatting with locals at every tour stop, educational travelers take pleasure in meeting people from all walks of life. In fact, they often return home with a newfound understanding of the world and its inhabitants. From breathtaking topography to fascinating cultures, educational travel is more than a vacation—it’s a life-changing experience.
The best form of learning is active learning. When individuals are given the freedom to explore and get their feet ‘wet,’ they are more prone to learning and retaining information for many years to come. Discovering and experiencing the world as it really stands are far better approaches to learning than reading about places in a textbook. Educational travel is not just for students, either; adults can also witness breathtaking sites in ways they never would have imagined.
Affordable and highly worthwhile, educational travel takes you all around the world. Do you enjoy walking and observing some of the glorious wonders of the world by foot? Then perhaps a walking tour of Switzerland would be right up your alley. Are you a culinary enthusiast who appreciates all sorts of flavors from various regions of the world? Then perhaps an educational travel tour to the Eurochocolate Festival in Tuscany & Umbria would be a trip worth taking. Whatever your preference, there’s a voyage for everyone with educational travel.
There are several perks to educational travel; however, meeting new people seems to be at the top of most everyone’s list. Whether making friendships with other tour-goers or chatting with locals at every tour stop, educational travelers take pleasure in meeting people from all walks of life. In fact, they often return home with a newfound understanding of the world and its inhabitants. From breathtaking topography to fascinating cultures, educational travel is more than a vacation—it’s a life-changing experience.
Top 10 Myths Tourists Uncover When House Scouting on Vacation
You've planned that perfect vacation, you've chosen where to stay and you like it so much that you are staying for good! That's what tourists believe when they go house hunting for a vacation home. Most tourists first think of hotels, though vacation rental homes have gained in popularity as a place to stay. Whether you're looking for a beach side rental in San Francisco or a mountain home in Tahoe, looking around to find vacation home to buy can present many challenges.
Here is my all time favorite, top 10 Myths tourists should consider when going house hunting for a vacation home. I'll be interested to see where you fit currently in your planning.
Myth #1: You need to focus on areas you've vacationed before.
Fact: You can look in new geographic regions. You don't need to be confined to areas that you've visited previously. Here's a tip, locate an area that you've always dreamed of and rent a home for a season to make sure this is the area that you really like. Go online and search for rental homes for vacation and you'll find some fabulous help in locating a dream vacation area.
Myth#2: You need to be pre-approved for a mortgage before you can start looking.
Fact: Getting pre-approved will increase your chances and the amount of homes a realtor will be willing to show you. However, you can alternatively work directly with the seller, there are many sellers who list online or in the local papers. However, an important step, particularly if you already have a home loan and will add to your debt level, is to get started gathering the documentation you need for the loan. Look at what Fannie Mae has to say and the typical questions asked in a home loan application and the documents you'll need to begin gathering. This is important to start early in the process because if you owe on your primary residence, you may be limited by what a lender is willing to give you for a vacation home mortgage. Alternatively, you might be able to refinance your primary residence at a lower rate for cash to buy a second home.
Myth#3: Your vacation home should be smaller than your primary home.
Fact: Think about what sort of vacation home you want first. Sometimes there are more choices of a type of home offered with vacation properties and sometimes there are fewer choices. For example, you could choose a cabin, a house or a condo. Condos come with additional issues, such as home owners associations (HOA). Cabins may have high maintenance as mostly those types of properties have to contend with environmental issues. Thinking about whether to choose a house versus a condo? That depends on you and the level of maintenance, liability and property taxes you want to pay. Also consider utility costs and look for vacation homes that have "green" in mind.
Myth#4: You have to pay more for a vacation home that is near the water.
Fact: Only you can decide whether proximity to water is important. As a rule, the closer you are to desirable attractions of a given area, the more you're going to pay for that convenience. However, there are many times where you can buy into planned communities near a lake that offer the conveniences of water proximity without the cost. You might have to try to locate sellers directly in more motivated situations, but is doable.
Myth#5: You need to choose a reputable brokerage company with a big name to help you locate a vacation home.
Fact: While a large real estate brokerage company will have many different agents to choose some you can also interview several local real estate agents of smaller brokerages before selecting one. Ask how many vacation home listings they have, how many years they've worked in the business, and whether they have a particular specialty. Make sure you're comfortable trusting the person you choose with your search. You will likely spend a lot of time with them. Also, ask them "what's your favorite vacation spot and why?", if their answer is similar to yours, you might have a good match with empathy.
Myth #6: You need to drive around and view 50 homes before you make a decision.
Fact: You don't need to waste all the gas and kill the trees by driving around town, however, I do recommend you learn about the hot spots. Here's a tip, before you begin your search in the car, view various homes in different settings online. Ask the agent or the Chamber of Commerce in that region to send you relocation brochures. Then visit those websites and sign up to get realtor listings to see what homes are available. Don't forget to check with craigslist.org and backpage.com in the region you desire for sale by owner listings that might contain a great bargain! Then select the top 5 and get in the car. This will help you get a sense of how location, size of the homes and other factors affecting price differences.
Myth#7: You can't maintain a vacation home from a distance.
Fact: Consider ongoing maintenance. How will you keep the house up if you're not there all the time, particularly if it's subject to a wide variety of weather conditions? Factor in the cost of hiring a local individual or service to look after the property in your absence. There are many property managers that will charge you up to 10% to manage your property and they have local contacts to get a repair completed quickly and affordably.
Myth#8: Renting a home every summer is a waste of money.
Fact: You need to do a rent versus buy analysis. Bankrate has a good wizard which will walk you through how to do this analysis at BankRate.com. Oftentimes, you'll be surprised by how much more economical it is to rent, however, the rent adds up and you also need to factor in that you might not get the prime rental home when you want it. Private units can be less expensive than you'd think. Think about it this way - if you're a family of 5, you'll likely need a hotel suite or two rooms to fit everyone in. If you stay more than one evening you'll be facing a large hotel bill at the end of your trip because hotels often charge extra for more than one person per room. A vacation rental home, however, is the same price no matter how many are staying in the home.
Myth #9: Vacation homes offer more privacy.
Fact: It's sometimes possible to find rentals with amenities like private pools and hot tubs to make your vacation as relaxing as possible. Booking a villa rental means you'll be able to enjoy your vacation to the fullest, all without worrying about other vacationers.
House or villa rentals offer more privacy than a regular hotel. Because many of the houses are single, detached homes, you won't have to worry about the noise from rowdy vacationers, housekeeping and slamming hotel doors. But if you have a lot of gear to enjoy the water or cabin environment, and a big family with a lot of friends and family that like to visit. Nothing beats a home of your own.
Myth#10: It's a bad tax idea to rent your home.
Fact: If you're in the vacation home only a few months or weeks of the year, regardless, if you rent out for more than 14 days in a year, the IRS categorizes it as an income property rather than a residence. You'll be paying taxes on the net rental income after expenses, which could bump you into the next tax bracket. See the IRS website for information on how this is treated.
This isn't necessarily a bad thing; discuss it with your tax preparer. Because you can also deduct expenses of the property in addition to management of the property, if out of your own home, certain expenses of your primary residence can offset this income providing a long term tax benefit.
Using vacation rental homes instead of hotels can add to the fun of a great holiday. These villa rentals can offer you more privacy, are great for large groups and families with young families and can reduce the overall cost of your holiday. Just relax and enjoy the adventure of owning a home, or renting, whichever makes more sense.
Here is my all time favorite, top 10 Myths tourists should consider when going house hunting for a vacation home. I'll be interested to see where you fit currently in your planning.
Myth #1: You need to focus on areas you've vacationed before.
Fact: You can look in new geographic regions. You don't need to be confined to areas that you've visited previously. Here's a tip, locate an area that you've always dreamed of and rent a home for a season to make sure this is the area that you really like. Go online and search for rental homes for vacation and you'll find some fabulous help in locating a dream vacation area.
Myth#2: You need to be pre-approved for a mortgage before you can start looking.
Fact: Getting pre-approved will increase your chances and the amount of homes a realtor will be willing to show you. However, you can alternatively work directly with the seller, there are many sellers who list online or in the local papers. However, an important step, particularly if you already have a home loan and will add to your debt level, is to get started gathering the documentation you need for the loan. Look at what Fannie Mae has to say and the typical questions asked in a home loan application and the documents you'll need to begin gathering. This is important to start early in the process because if you owe on your primary residence, you may be limited by what a lender is willing to give you for a vacation home mortgage. Alternatively, you might be able to refinance your primary residence at a lower rate for cash to buy a second home.
Myth#3: Your vacation home should be smaller than your primary home.
Fact: Think about what sort of vacation home you want first. Sometimes there are more choices of a type of home offered with vacation properties and sometimes there are fewer choices. For example, you could choose a cabin, a house or a condo. Condos come with additional issues, such as home owners associations (HOA). Cabins may have high maintenance as mostly those types of properties have to contend with environmental issues. Thinking about whether to choose a house versus a condo? That depends on you and the level of maintenance, liability and property taxes you want to pay. Also consider utility costs and look for vacation homes that have "green" in mind.
Myth#4: You have to pay more for a vacation home that is near the water.
Fact: Only you can decide whether proximity to water is important. As a rule, the closer you are to desirable attractions of a given area, the more you're going to pay for that convenience. However, there are many times where you can buy into planned communities near a lake that offer the conveniences of water proximity without the cost. You might have to try to locate sellers directly in more motivated situations, but is doable.
Myth#5: You need to choose a reputable brokerage company with a big name to help you locate a vacation home.
Fact: While a large real estate brokerage company will have many different agents to choose some you can also interview several local real estate agents of smaller brokerages before selecting one. Ask how many vacation home listings they have, how many years they've worked in the business, and whether they have a particular specialty. Make sure you're comfortable trusting the person you choose with your search. You will likely spend a lot of time with them. Also, ask them "what's your favorite vacation spot and why?", if their answer is similar to yours, you might have a good match with empathy.
Myth #6: You need to drive around and view 50 homes before you make a decision.
Fact: You don't need to waste all the gas and kill the trees by driving around town, however, I do recommend you learn about the hot spots. Here's a tip, before you begin your search in the car, view various homes in different settings online. Ask the agent or the Chamber of Commerce in that region to send you relocation brochures. Then visit those websites and sign up to get realtor listings to see what homes are available. Don't forget to check with craigslist.org and backpage.com in the region you desire for sale by owner listings that might contain a great bargain! Then select the top 5 and get in the car. This will help you get a sense of how location, size of the homes and other factors affecting price differences.
Myth#7: You can't maintain a vacation home from a distance.
Fact: Consider ongoing maintenance. How will you keep the house up if you're not there all the time, particularly if it's subject to a wide variety of weather conditions? Factor in the cost of hiring a local individual or service to look after the property in your absence. There are many property managers that will charge you up to 10% to manage your property and they have local contacts to get a repair completed quickly and affordably.
Myth#8: Renting a home every summer is a waste of money.
Fact: You need to do a rent versus buy analysis. Bankrate has a good wizard which will walk you through how to do this analysis at BankRate.com. Oftentimes, you'll be surprised by how much more economical it is to rent, however, the rent adds up and you also need to factor in that you might not get the prime rental home when you want it. Private units can be less expensive than you'd think. Think about it this way - if you're a family of 5, you'll likely need a hotel suite or two rooms to fit everyone in. If you stay more than one evening you'll be facing a large hotel bill at the end of your trip because hotels often charge extra for more than one person per room. A vacation rental home, however, is the same price no matter how many are staying in the home.
Myth #9: Vacation homes offer more privacy.
Fact: It's sometimes possible to find rentals with amenities like private pools and hot tubs to make your vacation as relaxing as possible. Booking a villa rental means you'll be able to enjoy your vacation to the fullest, all without worrying about other vacationers.
House or villa rentals offer more privacy than a regular hotel. Because many of the houses are single, detached homes, you won't have to worry about the noise from rowdy vacationers, housekeeping and slamming hotel doors. But if you have a lot of gear to enjoy the water or cabin environment, and a big family with a lot of friends and family that like to visit. Nothing beats a home of your own.
Myth#10: It's a bad tax idea to rent your home.
Fact: If you're in the vacation home only a few months or weeks of the year, regardless, if you rent out for more than 14 days in a year, the IRS categorizes it as an income property rather than a residence. You'll be paying taxes on the net rental income after expenses, which could bump you into the next tax bracket. See the IRS website for information on how this is treated.
This isn't necessarily a bad thing; discuss it with your tax preparer. Because you can also deduct expenses of the property in addition to management of the property, if out of your own home, certain expenses of your primary residence can offset this income providing a long term tax benefit.
Using vacation rental homes instead of hotels can add to the fun of a great holiday. These villa rentals can offer you more privacy, are great for large groups and families with young families and can reduce the overall cost of your holiday. Just relax and enjoy the adventure of owning a home, or renting, whichever makes more sense.
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