Preparing to Disconnect from Work

Vacation time is a precious resource and often one that is not used because of being too busy at work or other excuses. Author of Smooth Landings (2006) and The Power of Dream Trips (2009) Michael MacNair says “Work life balance is the issue of our times. Just because we can stay connected does not mean we can and should. Taking vacation time allows us to perform as workers, parents and spouses much better than those who take none at all.”

Following are four steps Michael has identified for workers and business owners to employ when preparing to disconnect:

• Interval versus endurance lifestyle: Athletes know that the best way to increase speed and strength and the quality of their workouts is to perform a series of sprints versus one long endurance workout. Athletes incorporate rest periods into their training and average citizens must also take time to rest and rejuvenate. Rest to not slow process, rather to make long term progress and actually accelerate. Progress at work with more focus; progress at home with our kids and spouses; and progress for ourselves and our confidence.
• Identify what is a dream trip for you: The words strategy and vacation have never before been linked. We profess an investment in your vacation strategy by evaluating what your best and worst trips were and why, and determining from your travel companions what has to happen over the course of the trip for it to be an amazing experience. Strategize on this and then share this data with a professional who can make sure you are travel to the right destination doing the right things.
• Preparation to turn off work: If we do not communicate well, incorporate procedures into our positions, document what we are doing, and delegate to well trained individuals, we cannot walk away without our internal or external customers paying a price - and this is wrong. If they work to the breaking point and at the last minute walk away, they have to have the phone and laptop with them. If their rest periods are planned in advance they can stay excited knowing the break is coming but they can also prepare and communicate the departure so that work does not come along with them.
• Create a future dream trip portfolio: Take some time to sketch out your plan for the year and even for the next few years out and feel the energy that this will bring. Yes, the Internet allows you to do a lot of this research and planning, but once again if you are sprinting at work you should be looking to delegate this to professionals who will know your dream trip style guide and will make all this happen for you, so that these precious dream vacation moments won’t be squandered.

“Those who plan vacations through the year and sprint to them accomplish more, are happier, and have more fulfilling lives,” according to Michael. “No one has made the argument to their boss that they may be more effective by taking vacation versus hurting or slowing down the organization, but I argue that it is true.”

What steps have you taken to prepare to truly go away?

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That is what Ed Schieffelin was told when he set out to prospect the mountains nearby, and thus, Tombstone received its name when he struck silver and staked his claim.  It changed this desolate spot to a busy mining town in the 1870’s.

Twenty years later, after prospecting in Alaska and Oregon, Ed Schieffelin was laid to rest three miles west of Tombstone, a monument marks the spot.  Be careful when you go to visit this site, it seems the local teens like to gather there and hang out.

Big Nose Kate’s Saloon is an interesting stop.  Be sure to avoid being seated at a table with patrons already at it.  The communication between the host and the waitresses is not good and they may not serve you for awhile.  The atmosphere is fun and the period dress adds to the western feel.

There are gunfights all around, the most authentic being the shootout at the OK Corral.  It actually takes place on the far end of Allen Street and works its way down to the OK corral.  Be sure to be at the top of the street and follow Wyatt Earp, Doc Holliday and the Clantson Brothers.  You will get the whole story as you progress towards the actual shootout.  Buy your tickets early.  Ask if there are additional shows if you miss the ones posted, sometimes not all shows are listed.  If you miss this shootout, be sure to check one of the other gunfights offered at other locations in town.

Don’t waste your money on the Bird Cage.  This was toted as a must see in a travel brochure and the air of mystery about what was behind the curtain will make you inquisitive.  It is a museum with many good relics of the western past, but it is shameful how poorly the pieces are kept up and the display they have arranged is messy and disorganized.

Definitely enjoy a mine tour.  This is what the town was founded on and much of its history comes from the mines.  The stories of the miners range from funny to tragic and the mechanics of pulling the ore from the mountains is informative and interesting.  The Stagecoach runs through the town and you will get an informative tour for a reasonable price.  Another great place to visit in town is the Boothill Cemetery.  Invest in the $2 brochure that describes who rests in the cemetery.  The stories are as colored and entertaining as the town it served. 

The Holiday Inn Express is a decent hotel but has no elevator so be sure to coordinate with them prior to your stay if you need a first floor room.  The Best Western didn’t look too good from the outside.

The town, as old western towns go, has a real historical feel to it and the stores are well kept with interesting souvenir items available.  The prices are reasonable and the food is okay.  It’s a fun place to visit and it has kept true to its historical roots.

Regardless of vacation budget, travelers put time and effort into planning their getaways. However, with all of the information available, it is easy to get off track during vacation planning and sometimes what appears to be a great “deal” could leave travelers stranded or disappointed.

The United States Tour Operators Association has created its top 10 tips on how to avoid disappointment on a vacation

1. Protect Identity: If a telemarketer offers you a vacation deal, never give your credit card number over the phone.
2. Use Common Sense: If an offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
3. Get it in Writing: Seeing the offer on a Web site does not count as getting an offer in writing. A Web site can be easily changed and provides no proof of what the offer was like when you first saw it. (Source: National Fraud Information Center, part of the National Consumer League)
4. Conduct Background Search: Before purchasing a vacation, check with a travel agent or other reliable source to ensure the company you are dealing with is legitimate.
5. Know Company’s Associations: Find out if the company is a member of an organization with a consumer protection plan, which could reimburse travelers’ deposits and monies paid in the unlikely event of the company’s default or bankruptcy. For information, call toll-free 1-800-GO-USTOA (468-7862) or visit www.ustoa.com.
6. Think about “What If”: Know the cancellation clauses in your travel agreements.
7. Feel Confident about Cost: To save money, investigate early booking discounts offered by tour operators.
8. It Counts Who You Know: If you can’t find space on your own at a popular destination, consider a vacation package. Tour operators and travel packagers reserve blocks of space at the most popular destinations well in advance. Best of all, they can often save you up to 40% over booking the same vacation on your own.
9. Ensure Airfare is Available: Book airfare when you make your vacation arrangements. Don’t play airplane roulette, waiting until the last minute to see what late airline sales occur. This is particularly true if you’re traveling to a highly visited area, where flights may be booked well in advance.
10. Be realistic: you get what you pay for. Don’t expect luxury accommodations at bargain basement prices.

Additional tips to further prevent disappointment when traveling include:

• Purchase Travel Insurance: Just like auto and homeowners, you hope you never have to use it, but there are a variety of travel insurance policies that can protect you from unforeseen circumstances such as a hurricane, a work commitment or medical issue.
• Do Your Homework: Read past travelers’ reviews of selected vacation suppliers and ask friends, families and co-workers if they have any experience with travel partners involved.

To help travelers navigate vacation planning, USTOA is offering a free copy of its “Smart Traveler’s Planning Kit,” by calling 1-800-GO-USTOA (468-7862) or sending an e-mail to information@ustoa.com.

In uncertain economic times people are looking to make the most out of every penny. This is no different when traveling. Cruising naturally provides a great value, yet there are some tips to help further save money while traveling. 

“Because of the incredible variety of cruises, cruise ships, itineraries and destinations available, consumers can find even greater value and stretch their vacation dollar further by choosing the right cruise for their budget,” said Terry L. Dale, president and CEO of the Cruise Line Industry Association (CLIA). 

Here are some tips for planning a value-added cruise vacation:

1. If the dollar is tight, the cabin type is one area to save monies. A balcony cabin, what is known as a verandah category, is more expensive than an ocean-view or an interior. Regardless of stateroom category, passengers have the same dining and entertainment access.
2. There are sailings of varying lengths. From a three-night to a year-long itinerary. Do not discount a shorter cruise as the experience is the same…just shorter. Although note that traditionally the shorter cruises are older vessels.
3. Typically, mid-June through mid-August is peak time for Caribbean and Alaska cruises due to nature of sailings and to when kids are out of school. For lower prices, consider early May-timeframe or after Labor Day.
4. Avoid sailing during holiday weeks, such as Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, Christmas as cabins can be almost double the cost compared to other voyages.
5. According to CLIA, “with a weak U.S. dollar, planning a European cruise and paying in advance, in dollars, often represents added value compared to a European vacation paid in local currencies.”
6. Pay with a travel rewards credit card. You’ll get special rewards if you apply for a credit card that is a travel rewards credit card. Visa has some of these, although the Visa credit card application can sometimes be more length.
7. Group savings are offered on many cruise lines, translating to on-board credits, extra amenities, cabin upgrades and more. Traditionally, a group is defined as 16. A big bonus with group cruises is the offered tour conductor credit, which means that someone can cruise for free depending on how many “beds” are sold. This savings can be realized by one or spread across the entire group.
8. There are more than 30 cruise ship ports in the United States, as stated by CLIA. “Wherever you live, pick a cruise you can drive to in order to save on the cost of airfare.” By driving, you will also avoid paying the newly imposed luggage charges by most airlines, which adds up.
9. Traveling internationally via air incurs an extra cost due to a required U.S. Passport ($75 application fee and $25 execution fee); however, for cruises departing and returning from a U.S. port, a passport is not required…only a certified, raised-seal birth certificate and official photo id.
10. Alcohol is not allowed to be brought aboard; however, bottled water and non-alcoholic beverages can be. This can result in savings, as these purchases on the ship are not included in the cruise price for most ships. Luxury cruises tend to include non-alcoholic beverages in its pricing.
11. Pre-arrange any desired shore excursions independent of the cruise line. First, identify desired activities for each port of call, whether snorkeling in Antigua, swimming with the stingrays in Cayman Islands, or renting ATVs in St. Lucia.  Booking directly with a tour company typically yields a savings.
12. Pre-pay gratuities prior to sailing. An advantage of selecting this option is guests don’t feel obligated to give more unless by choice. If travelers wait until they are on board, they might give more than they budgeted.
13. Look for onboard specials. The daily cruise newsletter outlines offered discounts including a drink of the day, a bonus bingo card, shopping sales, fitness and spa specials to further increase savings.

By applying these travel tips, a cruiser can save money and be able to use these saved funds on items they deem important to them during their cruise or even put these saved monies toward a travel fund for their next escape.

A flying office at 30,000 feet has now become possible with the addition of Wi-Fi service aboard select routes aboard American Airlines’ Boeing 767-200 aircraft. First flight check is on American’s New York to Los Angeles flights, with future test routes to include San Francisco and Miami Passengers. For a fee, travelers now have the opportunity to access email and the Internet while in route, which could prove valuable for business travelers.

This new Gogo service by Aircell LLC is available for $9.95 for flights under three hours and $12.95 for flights three+ hours. This is a very reasonable fee for either pleasure or work in my opinion, especially considering this technology has not been previously available. 

American is the first domestic airline to make an airborne workstation available via its partner Aircell. Other airlines considering unveiling Internet connectivity include Virgin America, who is also installing Aircell’s gogo technology for a late 2008 roll out and JetBlue is testing a different system.

According to the Gogo Web site, it supports lap tops and many handheld devices including the iPhone, different Blackberry models, T-Mobile Dash, and others. No voice activated services will be authorized during flight. While this list looks inclusive, it raises concern for me as a Blackberry Verizon Wireless user as I do not see Verizon listed except with a Samsung product. I have found this same issue when sailing on cruise ships offering Wi-Fi connection service…Verizon was not one of the partners at the time, so the Blackberry while it has the capability rendered itself useless at sea. 

According to Forrester’s “Surfing Aloft: Airline Passengers Want In-Flight Internet Access” January 2008 report, “US leisure airline passengers - for whom in-flight Internet access is discretionary and self-funded - show strong interest in going online, even on flights as short as an hour. In fact, the report reveals that 15% of passengers traveling aboard short flights, such as a shuttle to/from New York and Boston, want online access. This number surges to 55% for longer flights of 4+ hours. When asked about pricing, the majority of respondents said “free”; 45% said they would pay $10 for flights 4+ hours in duration.

While this access can make a flight even more productive for a business person, I always enjoyed a few non-interrupted hours during flight time to work on strategic planning, catch up on documents needing review, or even at times reading that book which had been collecting dust since Christmas. Knowing I can check my email or be online if I WANT to be could turn out to be a lifesaver, but knowing I do NOT have to be 100% accessible is nice too. It’s a choice. 

I am curious though and if I’m on one of American’s flights where the service is offered, I will definitely try it out to check out connection speed and dependability…if we hit turbulence is the signal dropped? I know it’s not like a cell phone, but still, what is the reliability?

Many people take vacations or short trips, and have just enough money available to fund the expenses.  While this is a good technique to avoid overspending, it can also cause problems when you run into hidden travel costs that you hadn’t anticipated.

More often than not when you stay at a hotel now, during the check-in process you will be asked for a credit card.  The hotel is keeping it on file in order to cover any incidentals you may encounter.  Incidentals include:

• phone calls made from room phone
• drinks and snacks from the room mini-bar
• internet usage
• room service
• room damages

This almost always results in a “hold” on funds available with your card.  If you were hoping to use that card for all trip expenses, you could be in trouble should you be nearing your card limit.  Here are some tips for avoiding the hidden costs on your next trip:

• When making your hotel reservation, find out how much money they place a hold on during check-in.  It probably won’t tell you this on the hotel website or when you call the 800 number to reserve- but feel free to ask customer service and they will tell you.  Knowing how much they’re going to hold will let you know how much extra to bring with you on vacation.
• Instead of using a credit card when you check in, pay with cash.  They will probably try to tell you they need a credit card, but cash is an acceptable form of payment everywhere.  Ask to speak to a manager.  You can pay for the incidental deposit using cash and be billed upon check-out for anything that doesn’t cover.
• Choose a pre-paid credit card.  There is really no way around the incidentals “holding” of funds, so one way to make sure it doesn’t distrupt your trip is to place just enough money on a pre-paid card to pay for that deposit and use other sources of payment for the rest of your trip.  If it takes the hotel a long time to refund the money they “held”, you’re trip won’t be effected because you budgeted to cover these costs and have other methods of payment for the trip.
• Instead of staying in a hotel or resort, you could choose a campground, bed and breakfast, or hostel- these accommodations are not known for placing holds on funds for incidentals.

While there may not be away around the incidentals, if you know they’re there and you’ll likely have to pay for them upfront (and be reimbursed later) at least you can plan for them they will be less likely to ruin your trip!

The following post was written by Steve from BripBlap.com, a blog about business, personal growth, and personal finance. Consider reading another one of his great articles: “7 things to consider before you buy stuff.“

With the hottest part of the summer finally behind us, camping (or at least spending the day out and about in national parks) doesn’t sound like such a tortuous idea anymore. Camping is a frugal activity in the first place; compared to going shopping or heading to the movies or even going on vacation to the beach it’s practically free. Just imagine if you stepped away from the computer you’re sitting at right now for a moment and found yourself outdoors. Imagine the space, the quiet, beautiful nature scenes…but if you aren’t careful, also hundreds of dollars of camping equipment, gas money, fees, batteries and food! There are ways to avoid spending a fortune before enjoying the outdoors, however. 

First of all, when considering what equipment you need, look around your home. Too often, new campers will rush out and buy specialty outdoor gear and equipment. There is no need to buy specialty equipment for most of your camping needs. A pot is a pot! You can bring a pair of pliers for taking hot items off the fire. Almost anything you need for camping is probably lying around your house right now, other than a compass and a tent.

Consider renting your equipment. Renting is often a bad idea if you’re trying to be frugal, but consider renting items that you use infrequently. Maybe you usually go camping with your friends who own a large tent, but one weekend you go with a different set of friends who don’t have room for you in their tent. Rather than buying a tent that will go unused for a year or two at a time, consider renting one. You will pay a fraction of the price of buying new equipment - and as a bonus keep clutter out of your life!

Look online for “quitter’s goods.” As with many hobbies, many people leap with enthusiasm into camping only to wake up three years later with a giant tent they only used twice. Deals can be found on used camping equipment at all of the usual sites like eBay and craigslist. Their mistake can be your gain - and you are saving that equipment from ending up in a landfill somewhere!

Buy equipment off-season. Just like fashion, many sporting goods stores will be looking to unload their camping gear towards the end of summer or early autumn to make room for the winter items. Buy once it’s cold and you can get some significant discounts.

Join a club. REI offers a membership club that pays back 10% of your eligible purchases as a ‘dividend voucher’ annually. Many sporting goods stores will have ‘frequent visitor’ cards that can save you money, as well.

Use space blankets. A high-quality space blanket reflects up to 80% your body heat back to you. Most of them weigh mere ounces and they are incredibly useful if it gets chillier than you expected. An emergency blanket will cost less than $5, and even a top-of-the-line blanket should not be more than $15. This saves money on space heaters (and heaters are very dangerous, as well) or keeping fires going at night.

Use solar powered lights and radios. Investing in solar lights and radios saves money on batteries in the end. Hand-cranked flashlights and radios work very well, too. Many of these devices can even be used to charge a cell phone or a PDA if you just cannot stay unplugged for a whole weekend! Usually a solar-powered item is more environmentally friendly, as well.

Bring your own food and carefully plan your menu for each day. This may sound obvious but on longer camping trips people often run out of food or realize that they did not bring some ingredient for a meal they just have to prepare. Also, remember to bring plenty of food that does not need to be heated up to eat in case of rain! Making sure that you bring adequate supplies of food and drink to last your entire trip will definitely save money.

Wait until after Labor Day. Most camps do not charge more than $20 a night to stay there by the time all of the fees are considered, but after Labor Day discounts start appearing. Even though you may not save a lot of money, you should certainly see if postponing your trip by one weekend might save a few more dollars.

Carpool. Check online listings for your destination to see if carpooling is available. Quite often people living near to you will be willing to share a ride to your destination, and who knows? You might just meet some interesting new people that way, too. With the price of gas staying high, this may be one of your biggest money saving ideas for any trip.

Insure. If you’re going anywhere more than just out to the state park down the road, make sure to get good insurance for your trip. If you’re backpacking, get Backpackers Insurance. If you’re skiing, get ski insurance. You can also check out holiday insurance.

Following these tips will help make your next trip to the great outdoors both fun and frugal.