How would you like to visit Paris in the spring? Sample local wines in Tuscany in September? Enjoy the English countryside in the summer? Sound like a dream? It doesn’t have to be. 

You can travel to some of the world’s most exotic and beautiful locations, and stay in an Italian villa, a Parisian pied-a-terre, or an English manor and you’ll only pay for airfare, dining out and tourist attractions! 

How? By using a housing exchange service. Some of these companies have been around for 50 years, and are widely used in Europe, Asia and Australia. 

It works like this. You pick what country you want to visit, when you want to go, and how long you want to stay. Arrangements are made, and you exchange homes with someone else. 

This is a wonderful way to drastically cut costs, and yet see exciting, wonderful places. By staying in a home, you’re not paying the high cost of hotels (which can run upwards of $125 a night) or dining in restaurants, saving you hundreds, if not thousands of dollars! 

Plus, you get the added benefit of living like the locals do. You enjoy total immersion into the culture, and rather than being treated like a tourist, you have the opportunity to make new friends and participate in your surroundings as a member of the community. With a “homebase” you have the choice of how you want to explore the region. 

You also have the peace of mind that comes from knowing that your home is being carefully looked after, your plants are being watered, and your pets are taken care of. 

So, how do you get started? Do an Internet search for “housing exchange.” Find a company that you’re comfortable with. Sign up and join the housing exchange list. (Some companies have over 10,000 members!) Decide where you want to travel, when and how long you want to stay. Then, with a click of your mouse, you can find information of other, like-minded travelers, who want to visit your area. 

You can look at pictures and read short bios about the homes, to help you make your decision, and then contact the owners to reach an agreement. 

Here are some of the things you’ll want to agree on: 

Total number of adults and children staying in the home 

Use of the vehicle and it’s maintenance 

What linen will be provided in house, and how will it be cleaned? 

Care of pets 

Long distance phone calls 

Don’t worry though. Your housing exchange company can help you put together a list, and give you ideas for preparing for your guests. 

Instead of going to a cold, impersonal hotel room, you go “home” and are welcomed by your next door neighbor, who gives you the house keys and invites you to dinner the next evening, telling you to call them if you have any questions. 

When you enter the front door, there’s a bottle of wine and fresh flowers on the table to welcome you. You find a note on the fridge, telling you how to heat the light meal that’s been prepared for you. On the kitchen counter is a pile of brochures and maps, giving you insider information about where to go and what to see. 

Over the next week, you visit the places you’ve only dreamed about during the day, making new friends and building memories that will last a lifetime. And every night when you come “home” you get to relax and unwind, without stress or worrying about anything. 

You can have the vacation you’ve always dreamed about, and save thousands of dollars at the same time! Bon voyage!

Barb Melloh

http://www.melloh-travel.com 

Can your dog wait 10 hours to go for a walk? Will the cat have enough food and a clean litter box if you are away for a week? What if you can’t come home Wednesday nights because of a prior commitment? 

Anytime a pet owner needs to go away on vacation, stay long hours at work or has regular scheduled activities that take them away from home they must consider how their pet will be cared for. Pets provide entertainment and companionship but are also a huge responsibility. You show respect for your pet by taking its needs into consideration and planning accordingly. 

Fortunately there are many services available to assist you in caring for your pet during times when you can’t personally give them the attention and care they need. What are they? Which is best for your pet? 

DAY CARE 

Social animals, like dogs, can suffer emotionally from a lack of attention. If your dog has access to the outdoors they will be able to relieve themselves when necessary but a house-bound dog will physically require a walk or you will come home to an accident on your rug and a frustrated animal. 

Day care centers provide the needed social stimulation most dogs crave. At the day care your dog will spend time with other dogs and have people looking after its physical needs. If you have a young dog this can be especially important as your dog may become destructive with a lack of supervision and an abundance of unused energy. 

BOARDING KENNELS 

If you plan to be away overnight or for longer your dog or cat may be placed in a boarding kennel. This can be expensive but will ensure your pet is cared for daily and overnight. 

IN-HOME CARE 

If you are comfortable leaving your dog at home all day you may find the in-home services of a visitor or dog walker to be sufficient and less costly while still providing personal attention. 

Cats and other animals may not need daily visits if you come home in the evening but will need some attention if you are away overnight or for several days. Cats prefer their own homes rather than the highly social aspect of day cares or boarding kennels. Other pets, such as birds and reptiles, will most likely do better with in-home care as well. 

In-home care can be as basic as someone taking your dog for a walk in the middle of the day or as inclusive as having a sitter stay in your home with your pet. 

Examine your situation and budget when choosing a method of care. Take your pet’s best interests in mind. If you are having someone come to your home be sure they are reputable. Licensed businesses should be insured and bonded when employees are trusted with entering and locking up your home.

For more travel information, visit http:www.melloh-travel.com 

Whether traveling for business or for pleasure, you want it to be a memorable and enjoyable experience. To help travelers enjoy the trip, here’s a few tips you must always keep in mind, travel “must haves.”

1. Itinerary 

Prepare and plan on paper the places you’ll visit and then make the make the necessary arrangements in advance to make the trip a memorable one.

2. Essentials.

Personal things such as the ticket, passport, toothbrush, and money. They  

should be easily accessible.

3. Clothes  

Check the weather forecast for your trip.  Then you’ll be able to bring the right clothes for the trip. Preferably clothes that can be used for various occasions. And those that don’t run and can be easily washed. 

4. Shoes 

Make sure you take along a comfortable pair of shoes. You’ll

probably do a lot of walking, seeing different places, so you

might as well be comfortable doing it.

5. Medication 

Bring along some insect repellant. If you take medication, 

make sure to bring enough medicine for the entire trip. 

6. Locks and keys.

For personal protection, make sure the luggage you’ll be using for 

the trip has locks and keys and spares hidden, in case of loss.

7. Extra Bag

Bring an extra bag and use it as a day bag while going around. And 

at the same time, you’ll be able to use it for bringing home 

some of those souvenirs.

8. Map

Don’t forget to have a map with you so that you’ll not get lost. 

9. Insurance

If you’re going to use a rental car while vacationing, make sure

you have insurance for it.

Before leaving the rental company, make surer you check the car 

for any damage before accepting the unit. If there is damage, insist 

that the rental company takes note of it before leaving the lot. 

10. Label

Given the many instances of passengers inadvertantly taking the luggage of another passenger, label the inside and outside of the luggage. It is advisable to only write the name and not the address. In any case, if the luggage is lost, you should leave the address only to the carrier you’re flying with. 

Enjoy your travel adventures!

For more information about travel visit Melloh-Travel.com 

No catalog of the great sight seeing locations around America could ever be complete without mention of one of the most exciting cities in the world to visit and enjoy, the one they call The Big Apple.  New York City has been called The City that Never Sleeps but you’ll be the one that doesn’t want to sleep once you get there.  You’ll want to take advantage of every moment in this amazing city to see and do more.
For many people, the mere mention of the words “New York City” is synonymous with one thing and that’s Broadway.  This relatively small section of the city contains some of the finest and well known theaters in the world.  The shows that make it big on Broadway commonly become national and international sensations as well.  The stars that stand out in big shows on The Great White Way very often go on to big success in the movies and television work.  The Tony Awards, Broadway’s version of The Academy Awards, garner so much attention that they are shown nationally and watched eagerly by millions of people all around America and the world.
Not many know, however, that great theater is available all over New York, not just on Broadway.  The term “Off Broadway” refers to theatrical productions being shown in other very popular parts of the city such as Soho or Greenwich Village. Greenwich Village or “The Village” as locals call it, is one of the most eclectic and exciting areas of town for the tourist to explore.  The history of this part of New York includes its famous residents, including some of the most renounced figures in the theater, writing, political theory, poets, artists and even political figures.  If you take a tour of Greenwich Village, you’ll find that almost every building there had a famous resident at one time or another.
But no tour of New York City is complete without spending some time in the famed Central Park.  As you stroll the famous walkways of this delightful green space right in the middle of New York, you’ll recognize locations that were used in dozens of movies that were filmed right here in Central Park.  This park emphasizes one of the truly great things about New York that makes it distinctive from so many international cities.  And that is that New York is a city that is best experienced on foot.  Using taxis, busses and the subway, you can move from one section of town to another.  But make sure you put your shoe leather to the sidewalks of New York to genuinely get a feel for the heart and soul of the city.
In addition to the most exciting theater in the world, New York boasts some of the finest museums in the world as well.  So, along with the many other great sights you’ll want to see in New York, including the Empire State Building and Grand Central Station, be sure to allow plenty of time for the world class museums that are around the city through out the area they call “Midtown”.  Just off of Central Park, the Metropolitan Museum of Art is the premier museum in the city,  Housing great art, from every era of art history, you can in the same building see a pharaohs tomb, dresses worn by all the first ladies of our history or stirring modern art by Warhol or Pollack.  
But that one great museum is not the end of great art available in New York.  Other great museums such as the Guggenheim, the Whitney, The Museum of Modern Art and the Museum of Natural History are not only famous, but they will astound you as you take them in on your whirlwind visit to The Big Apple.
There is so much to see, hear and taste in New York that you’ll want to schedule many return visits.  But even though it is one of America’s biggest cities, New York has a charm and an intimacy that seem to reach out to its residents and visitors alike and create a bond with you once you open your heart to this wonderful town.  That is why a great mayor of this town once said, “We are all New Yorkers.”  Barb Mellohhttp://www.melloh-travel.com  

Reasons to Choose Hawaiian Cruises

Nothing says vacation like Hawaii. Those who choose a cruise to any of the Hawaiian Islands are not likely to be disappointed. Although Hawaii is part of the United States, it holds and international feel for many Americans. Hawaii, unlike any other part of the United States has a culture and society all of its own. Hawaii even has its own unique language. This international quality coupled with a variable landscape that includes lush foliage, white sand beaches, towering volcanoes and tropical rainforests makes Hawaiian cruises such popular vacations. The floating palace that sails to ports throughout Hawaii pales in comparison to the natural beauty that the Islands have to offer. With a variety of islands, each featuring distinguishing characteristics choosing just one island to visit would seem nearly impossible. Luckily Hawaiian cruises offer passengers the opportunity to experience several islands during their stay.

Sample Itineraries for Hawaiian Cruises

Hawaiian cruises have so much to offer their passengers. The natural beauty of this setting is simply unparalleled. The fact that each island offers so many advantages makes it extremely difficult to choose an itinerary. Luckily there are a variety of options available most of which include port of call in many cities. One popular itinerary for Hawaiian travel is a fourteen day, round trip excursion that includes stops in several Hawaiian locations. This popular option departs from Los Angeles and after a five day voyage; docks at Hilo were guests can disembark to enjoy this area. The luxury liner then makes a series of one day trips to arrive at popular locations such as Kailua Kona and cities of Kauai, Oahu and Maui. The floating palace then spends three days at sea where the passengers can enjoy the comforts of the luxury liner before arriving in Ensenada, Mexico for a brief day of excursions. After this final day in Mexico the liner returns to Los Angeles where passengers disembark.

Ports of Call for Hawaiian Cruises

Popular Hawaiian cruises depart from Los Angeles, California, San Diego, California and Ensenada, Mexico just to name a few choice cities. Hawaiian cruises also offer a variety of ports of call locations where passengers can disembark and enjoy a new island that offers a completely new atmosphere as well as a setting that often varies greatly from the previous port. The varied terrain in Hawaii makes each port seem like a new country. Although the majority of ports of call offered on Hawaiian cruises are domestic, each one has a culture all its own and may seem like a foreign land to the passengers. Oahu is one of the many ports that offer a unique atmosphere. This port has a cosmopolitan feel but maintains a tropical beauty that is replete with lush foliage. By contrast the port of Kauai offers a much more naturalistic setting. This port which served as the backdrop for the popular Jurassic Park movie is perfect for the passengers who are interested in outdoor adventures. It offers a variety of activities such as hiking, kayaking and snorkeling for passengers to enjoy the intrinsic beauty of the island.

For more information on Hawaiian Cruises

One of the emerging methods of travel in the United States in recent years has been around for over a century - the railroad. Amtrak, the leading railroad for personal travel, has made great strides in providing fast and convenient travel for millions of customers each year. With over thirty routes throughout the Unites States and Canada, why not travel by train to your next vacation destination. Traveling on an Amtrak train line can provide you and your family with a ride to remember. The great service and excellent accommodations provide a wonderful start to your vacation.

During your trip by train, you will likely find that traveling by train is far easier than traveling by car or plane. Although train rides may take longer than flying in an airplane, you also get to take in sights along the way. For people who are afraid of flying, trains provide the perfect option.

Amtrak trains also offers something airplanes don’t - private rooms for long trips. On most Amtrak trips that span through the night, trains are used that feature, private suites for those who choose to purchase them. Inside you will find a bed and accommodations that will remind you more of a hotel room than a train. Suites can be purchased to sleep up to four adults, a great convenience for those who find it hard to fall asleep sitting up.

Given the fact that trains are much larger than airplanes, you are typically allowed to bring more luggage with you on a train than you are on an airplane. Amtrak’s baggage guidelines allow passengers to carry on two bags and check up to three pieces of baggage. Most Amtrak lines will also allow you to bring bicycles on board. As is standard with airplane travel, baggage exceeding fifty pounds is not permitted onboard and all baggage must pass through security checks before being placed on board the train. There are also a number of prohibited items, including firearms, explosives, weapons, flammable material, and corrosive chemicals. Security at train stations is often just as tight as it is at airports, so have no fears over your safety aboard the train. Given that the train is limited to staying on its tracks, there is little chance of high jacking.

Like airplanes, Amtrak trains offer both coach and business class seating. On some Amtrak train lines, including Acela Express and Metroliner, business class is the lowest option for seating. These lines offer first class seating as well which is considered a step above business class. If you are looking to save money, try not to book your train tickets on these lines.

If you are traveling with young children, a train may be the perfect choice of travel. Although the trip will be longer than flying on a plane, the train offers the child many more features to keep them occupied. Many train lines travel through a number of major cities en route to their destination. In doing this, passengers are given full views of surrounding areas and any sights that may be in close distance to the train. This can be exciting for young children to see. The train also offers a dining car that passengers are able to walk to during its hours of operation. Set up like a restaurant, the dining car offers everything from meals to simple snacks, like a bag of chips. Taking a walk to the dining car for a snack can be the perfect time filler for a young child.

If you travel on a train and decide that it’s the best method of travel for you, you have the option of enrolling in the Amtrak Rewards program. Through the program, frequent Amtrak travelers are able to earn reward points for miles they travel on Amtrak. Like frequent flier programs, the Amtrak Rewards program rewards frequent passengers with points that can be redeemed for tickets, gift certificates, merchandise, and, given partnerships, even airline miles.

When planning your next trip, why not try a ride on the train? It can be a great experience and a fun trip for you and your family. You will most likely find that a trip on Amtrak is well worth your money.

For more information on travel, visit

http://www.melloh-travel.com