BUDGET STRETCHING TRAVEL IDEAS: Tips For Traveling On A Budget

(NAPSI)-With so many details and hidden expenses involved with planning a vacation, it's easy to lose sight of how much things can cost while you're on the road. Further complicating the process is the daily fluctuation of the U.S. dollar--the value of which recently fell to an all-time low against the euro. As a result, Americans are increasingly looking for creative ways to stretch their vacation budgets.

One perennial favorite for international travel at a value is escorted tour packages. According to the Travel Industry Association of America (TIA), one-quarter (23 percent) of past-year travelers (33.3 million adults) say they have bought a travel package within the past three years. Not surprisingly, travelers enjoy leaving the planning up to the professionals and the pennies in their pockets. Moreover, tour operators are able to negotiate lower group rates with hotels and attractions, and travelers pay for their vacation up front--eliminating some of the "sticker shock" that can occur while on the ground in a foreign country.

With the introduction of its 2008 vacation offerings, the Globus family of brands--the world's leader in escorted travel--has already developed its land-only pricing for next year. That means travelers who book their tour package now are offered the vacation of their dreams at a preset, advertised price. Even if the value of the dollar drastically drops before their departure, travelers will see very little, if any, change in the cost of their vacation.

Save between $20 and $100 on ALL Hotel Bookings Now!


However, if planning an escorted vacation isn't an option this year, there are always ways to save money while traveling. Following are a few tips:

1. Cut Costs Ahead of Time--Do some penny-pinching research before your next vacation and you'll easily save money before you even take off. Cosmos (www.cosmos.com) even offers a vacation cost calculator on its site--enabling you to calculate how many items you could remove from your budget and estimate how long it'll take you to save up. Just think: In a few short months, you could have enough for your dream vacation.

2. Do Your Homework--Spread out the maps, contact your local travel agent or even talk to your friends to research the least expensive vacation activities. Between free museums and street cart delicacies, there are always places to visit that won't break the bank. By researching your destination ahead of time and taking advantage of available resources, you'll not only save your pennies--you'll experience the destination like a local.

3. Scale Back on the Souvenirs--Consider limiting the number of take-home treasures that you purchase on vacation. Instead, try taking a special snapshot of a funny memento or memorable scene that you can present to the recipient on your return. Not only will it lighten your load, but you'll have inexpensive yet thoughtful reminders of your trip to share with as many loved ones as you wish.

4. Stay off the Beaten Path--Of course there's amazing shopping to be done in the high-trafficked areas of a destination. However, it's easy to avoid the chaos and the overcharge if you stick to lesser-known smaller areas that offer just as much of a shopping adventure at a fraction of the cost. Who knows? You might even find that one-of-a-kind scarf you've been searching for in an undiscovered bazaar.

5. Pack a Picnic--Dining out can certainly add up--especially when you're dealing with foreign currency. Instead, find a local market and purchase some fresh produce, cheese and bread and enjoy your meal with romantic views of the countryside--or even the cityscape--as a backdrop.

Top Destination for hotels!


6. Take Advantage of Transportation--Forgo the high prices of taxis and rental cars--one of the least expensive ways to get around town is right at your feet. Many cities offer walking tours that allow you to get up close and personal with its most popular landmarks while saving on the cost of getting there. If walking isn't your thing, opt for public transportation--like buses and trains--which will also keep your wallet full and give you a unique "like a local" perspective of the city you're visiting.

Travelocity Offers Family Getaways From $478. See our list of featured family getaways!

Go to Seaworld FREE with Citi Thank You Points!

If you are planning a trip to Orlando and have a Citibank credit card with a special loyalty program called "Thank You Points" you are in luck. Citi credit card holders with accounts that accumulate points can redeem points for free passes to Seaworld!

For just 8,000 points, you can receive a free adult pass to Seaworld Orlando. The regular cost of a ticket for an adult is $67.95 ($10 less for kids). If you have accumulated 24,000 points you can free tickets for a family of four because you can get as many passes as you need as long as you have the points. To save money while eating on vacation, redeem Thank You Points for chain restaurants like Chili's Fridays or Bennigans. Thank you points for $25 gift cards to restaurant chains usually run about $3000 points.

Check out the offers you can receive with your Citi credit card at Thankyou.com.

Save Your Lips: Kiss Sun Damage Good-bye

(NAPSI)-It's important to give more than mere lip service to protecting your lips from the sun all year round. Lips need daily protection from the effects of sun exposure and harsh weather; their health and beauty depend on it.

The Danger

According to The Skin Cancer Foundation, lips have almost no melanin (the color derived from tiny blood vessels beneath the skin), so it is important to protect them from sun's harmful UV rays. The ultraviolet rays can damage the look and health of lips.

Lips that have been exposed to the sun for many years are more likely to see the signs of aging earlier because collagen, the protein that helps stop wrinkles from developing around the lips, is broken down by UV rays. Even worse, people who have had many years of sun exposure can develop inflamed, swollen and unnaturally red or white lips, which could be a precursor to skin cancer. This type of sign should be treated by a dermatologist to ensure that it does not progress.

A Solution

The Skin Cancer Foundation advises getting into the habit of using a colorless lip balm with an SPF of 15 or higher every day, especially if you don't wear lipstick. If lipstick is part of your makeup regimen, the Foundation recommends avoiding the super-shiny, high-gloss lipsticks with little pigmentation. They act like baby oil for the lips, directing damaging UV rays right to the area you're trying to protect. An opaque lipstick will provide better protection. Try to find one you like with an SPF rating of 15 or higher. If you're wedded to the wet look, apply the colored lipstick first, then top with a gloss for shine.

What to Look For

To keep lips soft, smooth and healthy, look for a lip balm with conditioning ingredients that not only offer protection from the sun's harmful UV rays, but also one that provides long-lasting moisturization to relieve dry, chapped lips.

One option, Aveeno Essential Mositure Lip Conditioner with SPF 15,shields lips from UVA and UVB rays while also preventing dry, chapped lips. The formula also includes natural oatmeal, jojoba oil and shea butter to condition so lips can feel and look their best long after applying.

Shop for Aveeno products at drugstore.com the uncommon drugstore and save up to 70% on Clearance Items at drugstore.com


Here's a bright idea: Protect your lips from sun damage by wearing a sun-protecting lip balm that also provides long-lasting moisturization.

Save Money on Gas -- Ride a Bike!

Oil is now running $111 a barrel. There are threats that gas prices will hit $5 a gallon this summer. I don't know about you, but I am really nervous about all this. What will it be like to spend $100 to fill up your gas tank? I really do not want to find out.

I say hit the open road on a bike. Use old fashioned foot power to get around town. Plus it is a great exercise. Here are a few bikes available at Walmart.com.

700c Ladies' Schwinn Avenue Hybrid Bike$199.96

New Payment Option at Walmart.com: Buy Now, Pay Later with Bill Me Later



700c Men's Schwinn Pathway Comfort Bike$249.63



700c Women's Schwinn Pathway Comfort Bike$249.63


24" Men's Huffy Good Vibration Cruiser Bike$79.64



24" Women's Tiara All Terrain Bike$89.96




Sports and Fitness on Rollback at Walmart.com


Super Savings on Outdoor Play at Walmart.com

Give A Free Photo Scrapbook This Spring!

There is a great online photo scrapbooking tool called Smilebox.com. You can share your photos, videos, and music inside amazing ecards & slideshows. Smilebox is a free service. That's right its free!

Smilebox.com has great Easter, St Patrick's Day and general Spring templates (might I mention templates for all holidays and occassions) that are perfect sentimental gifts for dad, grandparents, aunts and uncles - virtually anyone! Checkout this fun sample:

Make a scrapbook - it's easy!

The best part about Smilebox is that is so easy to work with. You just insert your photos where you like them to go, choose your music and you are done. All this can be done for free. It is the perfect gift for everyone in your life. You can use Smilebox all year long to commemorate events in pictures, video and music. Also, you can add amazing (free) slideshows to your MySpace that include your photos and videos, plus your own music.



This one is great to share with adult friends:

Make a free ecard - it's easy!

Retail Secrets for the Savvy Consumer loves free stuff! Think how special this free gift would be for your family, plus there are no wasteful envelopes or paper. This is an eco-friendly way to share your love for any holiday! Visit Smilebox.com and create amazing greetings with your photos, videos, and music. Email them free.

Macy's Shopping Tips for Upcoming Sales

Macy's credit card holders can enjoy a secret sale now until March 16. The secret sale consists of great coupons and a special gift card type promotion. When you receive the mailer, a card is pasted to the front that says it is either worth $10, $20, $50 or $500. You take the card to a price scanner or register to learn the value of the card.

Retail Secrets loves free money and the Macy's secret sales card is free money. If you have one of these cards and do not leave too far away from a Macy's - go give the card a swipe. Even if there is only $10 or $20 on it - you do not have to make a minimum purchase! You can use a low amount for a pair of panty hose, clearance item in intimates or toward a makeup purchase. That reminds me- there is no restrictions on the card so you CAN use it on makeup or perfume - unlike other coupons. The last time I had $10 on the card and bought a single pair of pantyhose. The pair was $8 and they do not give you a balance. The card can only be used one time.

Next Wednesday March 19 is the infamous Macy's One Day sale. Retail Secrets reminds you that Macy's offers price adjustments. SO go to Macy's a few days before the sale (not the day before - that is considered the preview day) buy what you like and use a coupon. (REMEMBER you cannot use a coupon on the One Day Sale Day.) Then on the day of the One Day Sale - go in with your sales receipt from a few days before and see if you can get a price adjustment on any of your purchases.

Happy Shopping!
Bed & Bath Sale at Macy's. Save 20-50% + Values! Valid 12-Mar-08 through 23-Mar-08.

This Weekend at Macy's. Step into Spring and Save 10-50% + Values! Valid 14-Mar-08 through 16-Mar-08.

Bed & Bath Sale at Macy's. Save 20-50% + Values! Valid 12-Mar-08 through 23-Mar-08.

Treat Yourself. The Best Brands of Skin Care are Here! Shop Beauty at macys.com!

AAA Double or More Discounts in March

Retail Secrets loves the AAA Club discount! This month there are some big deals to take advantage. Discounts are the best way to conserve money. Everyone talks about the recession that we are in or will be in this year. Don't be too proud to pull out a coupon or shop advertised values at WALMART to save!

This month save 20% off regularly priced merchandise at Payless ShoeSource©. AAA members should print off the coupon available under the discount section of AAA.com. Without the coupon, AAA members save 10% year round when they show the membership card. HOT TIP - depending on the Payless Shoes location, they may allow you to use the 20% off coupon on sale merchandise. I purchased a pair of leather men's shoes for my son that was marked down to $25 from $39.99 and used the 20% off coupon to make the price of the shoes $20. The sales clerk gave me the discount and let my friend use the same coupon for his purchase. I asked the clerk if I could do it and he said yes. Remember you only get things you ask for. Present the coupon with sales merchandise and give it a try.

Reebok Outlet stores are offering 40% from March 13-16 only. Show your card at Reebok Outlets nationwide to receive 40% off all purchases. Check the website for locactions. Also New York & Company is offering 25% off with the AAA card this month - the normal discount is 15%.

Shop this month to save more!

For more discounts on clothing click here
For accessory discounts click here

Take The Guesswork Out Of Skincare

Have you ever walked into a drugstore to purchase skincare products and had no idea where to begin or did not know exactly what you were looking for? If so, you are not alone.

You can save time and money saving your own skin if you heed some hints on skincare. After all, according to a recent survey conducted by Kelton Research, a leading national public opinion company, more than a third of women spend about 20 minutes in a store's skincare aisle trying to figure out which products are specifically suited for their skin. Additionally, 71 percent of women have wasted money on skincare products that were wrong for them.

In fact, many women are not only intimidated by the choices, they are also confused as to what skincare products to purchase. With the large variety of beauty products flooding the beauty aisles, three-quarters of American women admit they've been confused from time to time about the skincare products that are specifically suited for their skin.

Recognizing a need, Olay is now helping women take the guesswork out of skincare by introducing an innovative new Web site, www.OlayForYou.com. The customized online service gives women more than just boxes to check. With a breakthrough new "virtual conversation" technology, it's like having a personal skincare consultant in the comfort of her own home. Women are able to enter in their skincare concerns and are then guided through a unique experience that delivers personalized product recommendations based on individual needs.


Check out this great free offers from Spalook!
Get 10% off your $100 or more purchase at SpaLook.com. Coupon Code: Spa10


Get a FREE 5-piece Peter Thomas Roth deluxe sample set (a $33 value) when you spend $125 or more. Code: APTR


FREE Sothys Body Care Oils when you spend $50 or more. Pick the aroma – enter code ASME for Energizing or code ASMR for Relaxing.


Get a FREE SuperSmile Whitening Toothpaste (a $19 value) when you spend $45 or more. Code: AST



Get a FREE Thalgo Exceptional Care deluxe sample set (a $43 value) when you spend $125 or more.
Code: ATESS


Get a FREE SkinMedica Lip Plump System (a $47.50 value) when you spend $125 or more! Coupon Code: SMVDAY


Find more health & beauty deals click here.

Tips For Traveling On A Budget

BUDGET STRETCHING TRAVEL IDEAS

With so many details and hidden expenses involved with planning a vacation, it's easy to lose sight of how much things can cost while you're on the road. Further complicating the process is the daily fluctuation of the U.S. dollar--the value of which recently fell to an all-time low against the euro. As a result, Americans are increasingly looking for creative ways to stretch their vacation budgets.

One perennial favorite for international travel at a value is escorted tour packages. According to the Travel Industry Association of America (TIA), one-quarter (23 percent) of past-year travelers (33.3 million adults) say they have bought a travel package within the past three years. Not surprisingly, travelers enjoy leaving the planning up to the professionals and the pennies in their pockets. Moreover, tour operators are able to negotiate lower group rates with hotels and attractions, and travelers pay for their vacation up front--eliminating some of the "sticker shock" that can occur while on the ground in a foreign country.

With the introduction of its 2008 vacation offerings, the Globus family of brands--the world's leader in escorted travel--has already developed its land-only pricing for next year. That means travelers who book their tour package now are offered the vacation of their dreams at a preset, advertised price. Even if the value of the dollar drastically drops before their departure, travelers will see very little, if any, change in the cost of their vacation. In addition, with its Cosmos brand, the company has been offering value-focused tour packages for 45 years. Select Cosmos European vacations are priced as low as $65 per day.

Last Minute Cruise Deals with Celebrity Cruises

However, if planning an escorted vacation isn't an option this year, there are always ways to save money while traveling. Following are a few tips:

1. Cut Costs Ahead of Time--Do some penny-pinching research before your next vacation and you'll easily save money before you even take off. Some tour groups even offer a vacation cost calculator on its site--enabling you to calculate how many items you could remove from your budget and estimate how long it'll take you to save up. Just think: In a few short months, you could have enough for your dream vacation.

PriceBreakers - Limited Time Deals, while supplies last!

2. Do Your Homework--Spread out the maps, contact your local travel agent or even talk to your friends to research the least expensive vacation activities. Between free museums and street cart delicacies, there are always places to visit that won't break the bank. By researching your destination ahead of time and taking advantage of available resources, you'll not only save your pennies--you'll experience the destination like a local.

Save when you book a 6-night or longer vacation package to Hawaii - PROMO CODE: HAW150

3. Scale Back on the Souvenirs--Consider limiting the number of take-home treasures that you purchase on vacation. Instead, try taking a special snapshot of a funny memento or memorable scene that you can present to the recipient on your return. Not only will it lighten your load, but you'll have inexpensive yet thoughtful reminders of your trip to share with as many loved ones as you wish.

Make a Fashionable Escape! Holiday Shopping Vacations From $420!

4. Stay off the Beaten Path--Of course there's amazing shopping to be done in the high-trafficked areas of a destination. However, it's easy to avoid the chaos and the overcharge if you stick to lesser-known smaller areas that offer just as much of a shopping adventure at a fraction of the cost. Who knows? You might even find that one-of-a-kind scarf you've been searching for in an undiscovered bazaar.

$50 Off Miami Last Minute Packages ($800 spend required) - COUPON CODE: MIAMIFL50


5. Pack a Picnic--Dining out can certainly add up--especially when you're dealing with foreign currency. Instead, find a local market and purchase some fresh produce, cheese and bread and enjoy your meal with romantic views of the countryside--or even the cityscape--as a backdrop.

Las Vegas Vacation Packages and Deals

6. Take Advantage of Transportation--Forgo the high prices of taxis and rental cars--one of the least expensive ways to get around town is right at your feet. Many cities offer walking tours that allow you to get up close and personal with its most popular landmarks while saving on the cost of getting there. If walking isn't your thing, opt for public transportation--like buses and trains--which will also keep your wallet full and give you a unique "like a local" perspective of the city you're visiting.

Up to 40% off Last Minute Flights!

Priceline.com Airfare - save up to 40%