9: Most casinos will serve complimentary drinks while you are playing, but be sure to tip if you want them to keep coming back to you.  Ask your waiter or waitress about drink specials. Some casinos offer a signature drink or drink of the day, like sangria or even mojitos.

8: Join a loyalty program. These player cards can be swiped at all the games and earn points as you play.  These cards are for exclusive members-only perks. Best of all, you don’t have to win to earn! They’re a great way to rack up rewards regardless of your success at the table.  Your points can get you discounts on dinning, shows, spa and even rooms.

7: Yes, there are opportunities to earn free comps, but earning comps is based on your average bet and the length of your play. Do not to expect to receive big comps, unless you are betting big. Roulette has one of the highest for comp earnings, because you’re giving up more to the casino.

6: Play smart. Easier said than done, of course, but try not to get cocky and take on games you can’t handle. For example, if you’re a beginner or it’s been a long time since you’ve gambled, try playing video poker before moving on to the real thing.

5: Don’t spend all your time gambling. Again, casino resorts have everything from spas to boutiques to five-star restaurants. Don’t spend your entire vacation cooped up at the blackjack table.  Check out all the service offerings, to add to your experience.

4: ATM’s are available. It’s can be easy to lose track of how much you’ve spent. If you’d like to stick to a certain budget, bring a certain amount of money to the tables and then walk away when it’s gone.

3: Take classes. If you aren’t quite ready to play at the tables, or you find them too intimidating, many casinos offer introductory classes and beginners’ tables so you can get a feel for the game before you have to divvy up any serious cash.

2: Ask about deals and group rates, especially if your party is three or more.  Casino resorts love groups and will be happy to oblige to get you and your group in the door.  The resort can also help your group with restaurant reservations, golf lessons and even nightclub reservations.

1: Remember: It’s all relative. Luck can change in an instant. The most important thing is that it’s a vacation and you’re there to have a good time!

These are just a few tips for making the most of your casino vacation. From shopping to dining to winning big, your visit will be full of possibilities… as long as you have the nerve to try!

Now is the time to start planning for that exciting beach trip or vacation getaway you have been hoping to take with your friends for quite some time. It can be overwhelming which is why you will need to walk through this step by step.

Firstly, as with anything the prices tend to go up as the date  of your looming trip approaches. Not only that but if you start planning now then you will have more time to build your savings. It is recommended to book reservations  at least three months in advance. So with March and April just around the corner, the clock is ticking.

You may  have already surpassed the initial phase of creating and growing your budget. If that is the case, so that you can get the most out of this experience (and even save money on group packages) it is best to consider who you are going with. The more the merrier, as some say, but you’ll be spending a week of your life with these people so choosing wisely will determine if that week is actually merry or not.

If you still need some ideas for locations then you might consider a few of these thoroughly tested and certified spring break locations by others spring breakers  just like you:

Panama City Beach in Florida is bustling with activity day and night. It is perhaps the most commonly visited spring break location in all the United States. Don’t forget some good shoes either. Panama City is home to Club Spinnaker and Club La Vela, two of the biggest night clubs in the U.S.

Jamaica is known for its beautiful beaches and rich culture more than anything. While on the more expensive side in terms of all-inclusive resorts, many good travel deals can be found when you book early. Because it is a more relaxed area you are more likely to find some of these deals on your daily excursions as long as long as you can negotiate well with the street vendors .

Cancun  on the beautiful coast of Mexico  is one of the most iconic places to visit during spring break. Its crystal blue waters and white sand beaches are one of its main attractions. The active night life is definitely another factor. MTV has been known to feature many of their spring break segments on the activities in Cancun.

Bahamas is home to Nassau and Paradise Island, some of the most visited Caribbean locations by U.S. Americans. It is known for its much less expensive hotels and all-inclusive resorts. You can do anything from swimming with the dolphins to enjoying a shopping spree at Port Lucaya Marketplace.

One of the most important things to do is check the requirements of any places outside the country, and you can see these on www.travel.state.gov. You will find valuable information on the demographics, economics, regulations, and especially forms of identification that you will need if you plan to go abroad.

Instantravel specializes in all sorts of vacation packages as well as cruises. As opposed to other online travel services, our agents would offer you custom, one-on-one travel service in order to make sure that you are getting the best deal possible throughout your entire travel experience. So as you weigh your options, as you think about what the night life in Miami (or whatever place of your choosing) is like, as you wonder about you’ll afford that plane ticket and that new, must-have two piece, as you scramble to save every last dime–keep in mind the most important thing which is that this should be as fun as possible, including the planning process. It is a break after all.

Email us today for a travel quote or with any other questions so one of our agents can begin assisting you with the trip of your lifetime!

1.  Do you work to fund your next trip?

Wear your badge proudly

2. When you are not traveling, do you fantasize about traveling?

3.  Do you have an elite flier status on one or more airlines?

4.  Is your travel bucket list longer than one page?

5.  Do you speak in airport codes vs. the city name?

6. Do you have maps hanging in your home where most people would have pictures?

7. Do you read guidebooks for fun?

8. Do you start all your stories with “When I was in…”?

9. When friends call you, is their first question is always, “Where are you?”

10. Do you keep a travel blog?

How did you do? Are you a thriving travel addict? If you answered yes to 8 or more then you are seriously addicted. Not to worry, though. We love people like you!

P.S. If you are interested in learning how to travel full time, click here.

1. More places, Less Headache!

Have you ever dreamed of traveling to several countries in one go and then changed your mind because of the headache and stress?  If so, then you will love the idea of going on a cruise since it basically takes care of all logistic problems. All you need to do is pick out the cruise that will take you to the locations that interest you, pack your bags, settle in your cabin, and enjoy the trip!

2. All-Inclusive Packages

The all-inclusive nature of most cruises is pretty unbeatable, and it also means a little less planning for your busy schedule. Once you book your trip, and transportation to and from the launch site, the rest is easy. You won’t have to call 5 different hotels or confirm and reconfirm reservations for restaurants. Most packages include room, meals, snacks, activities, and nightly entertainment. Here at Instantravel, we provide concierge travel services and make sure that you have the benefit of enjoying all those cruise luxuries not only with less stress but also at a lower cost.

3. Unpack and Pack Once. 

Since the cruise liner is a moving hotel, restaurant, and your main form of transportation, you won’t have to unpack and pack every time you reach a new destination. You’ll get to visit a handful of great destinations and will only have to unpack and pack once.

4. Cruises are very affordable and totally safe.

If you have been turned off from cruising because of financial and/or safety concerns, there is no reason for that anymore! Cruises have become rather popular and has decreased the cost exponentially! Also, cruising companies prioritize passengers safety above all!

5. Service, Service, Service 

Aboard any cruise you will find the service to be outstanding. Your housekeeping attendants and wait staff make it their duty to learn your name and your preferences. By the time the second or third dinner rolls around, the waiter will probably already have gotten your drink for you without even having to ask for your favorite soda or wine or cocktail.

6.  Activities Galore

Fill your days with sightseeing, sports activities, cultural lectures, educational tours led by naturalists and historians or simply lounge by the pool and relax. At night, enjoy dance extravaganzas, musical revues, gaming or a quiet evening gazing at the stars.

7. Incredible Cuisine
Cuisine aboard a cruise line is bound to blow your mind! With a full blown waiting staff and executive chefs, you meals will be delicious! Not to mention a few dinners are accompanied by spectacular evening shows!

By choosing to cruise, you are opting to have the vacation of a lifetime and see the world from a whole new vantage point. So why not become a cruiser today?

Ah, vacation: a time to relax, see new places, take amazing pictures, meet new people–it’s just a world of  possibilities! Not to mention the satisfied feeling of knowing that everything is in place before departure. It seems as if nothing could ruin even the most perfectly planned travel experience. However, only so much planning for a vacation or extended stay in another country can truly make one ready for the dangers and unpredictable circumstances that mother nature has in store which is why it is best to (as some say) prepare for the worst and hope for the best.

It is recommended that you sign up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). You will be notified by the U.S. embassy in the event of emergencies or any other crisis that could potentially impact your experience overseas. If you are away while your home is affected, DisasterAssistance.gov provides aid to those who have suffered damage from a natural disaster. They will even get you connected with local resources such as hotels or other places to stay while you are waiting for repairs to the damage.

Ready.gov and travel.state.gov provides information on how you can best prepare in advance for such disasters. Travelinsurancereview.net will also help you evaluate and compare travel insurance plans, which is vital in the cases of anything from a cancelled flight to lost baggage to coverage in the event that an emergency cancels your trip early.

Be sure to check out our tips of putting safety first and how to stay healthy abroad.

P.S.

In the fall of 2012, Hurricane Sandy wrought immense devastation throughout the Northeast. Communities were damaged and families were deeply hurt by this catastrophe. We want to do the best we can to provide relief to those in need and so we decided to create a Facebook campaign in which we will donate $10 to the American Red Cross with every 20 likes that we get on the page.

Be sure to share with your friends and tell them to like for a good cause!

1.  Do your Research 

Research will help you make the most of your photographic opportunities, and the internet is a great place to start. Before you depart, take a look at some other photographs of the location you are headed to. These images will be an inspiration to you and a guide to the best places to take photos.

2. Choose Your Subject

Make sure you know what your subject is and focus on it. Be sure to fill the entire frame with your chosen subject. Also, don’t forget to play around with the vantage point, composition, and distance from your chosen subject.

3. Use Bright Colors 

Color can evoke powerful emotions. Use color to create bold, dramatic compositions. The key is to simplify. Close in and concentrate on just one or two colors. A photo dominated by a strong primary color like red or blue can be very powerful. Don’t just stick to the primary colors as compositions of subtler hues like pinks and greens can also be very strong.

4. Search for Detail

Be observant. Look for the little details that capture the spirit of the place that you’re in.  Maybe its the lighting a certain building, or some bright fruit in the local market. Keep your eyes open and keen for detail!

5. Take Photos at Night

Don’t be afraid to snap a few pictures at night. You’ll need a tripod to support the camera and a cable release to fire the shutter without touching the camera. If you haven’t done this before it’s worth practicing this at home so that you can perfect the technique before you’re on location.

1. Make a checklist before you begin packing

Check the weather and start making a list! This will help you decide how many pieces of clothing to take. Too much and you will regret carrying everything. Remember you can always buy a cheap t-shirt or a pair of shorts at your destination. You will regret it if you pack too much, but if you pack to little you can always compensate for it.

2.  Roll your clothing

Savvy travelers know that rolling each item of clothing saves a lot of space and keeps separates wrinkle-free. For an even better tactic, use tissue paper to roll your clothes in to avoid wrinkles! You’ll be amazed at the extra space you’ll suddenly have in your suitcase!

3.  Consider space-saver air compression bags 

Several companies manufacture space-saving bags for expert packing. These bags are available at merchants such as Amazon, Bed Bath and Beyond, Target, and other nationwide retailers. If you need to bring a lot of clothing and/or are going to be traveling for an extended period of time (but don’t want to bring a lot of luggage), these may be worth considering.

4.  Make use of travel-sized items

There’s so much that comes in convenient, travel-sized packaging nowadays. Taking advantage of these tiny products can give you the essentials while leaving plenty of space in your suitcase.  Never pack toiletries in the same bag with clothes — a single spill can cause great damage. Along with toiletries, your carry-on bag should hold your jewelry and other valuables such as eyewear, a travel first-aid kit, travel documents, maps, and reading material.

5. Weigh your bag before you get to the airport

Use your bathroom scale to make sure it does not weigh more than your airline’s specified weight limit to avoid being charged extra fees. Airlines usually impose weight limits between 50 and 60 pounds for each checked bag. Airlines also impose size restrictions on luggage, so be sure to check with your airline to make sure your suitcase falls under its guidelines.

Be wary about nighttime. You will be surprised to learn that the time zone affects when the sun goes down. Know the daylight time span of where you are. When you become aware of this make sure that you plan accordingly not to be out alone and particularly in an unfamiliar place when it gets dark. Make sure that you take a licensed taxi if you do get caught in such a situation.

Keep a cell phone or emergency numbers on hand. If you are studying abroad with a program, they may give you a contact card with all important phone numbers (i.e. taxi services, emergency clinics, police) as well as the on-call supervisor. In the event that you do not have this then simply request the information. If you are simply traveling then make sure you gather that information beforehand, or ask someone at the airport, a hotel or a tourism office nearby.

Alert someone that you are going somewhere. No one needs to be your babysitter–they only need to know enough to be able to make sure that you are safe as well as where to look for you in the event of emergency or danger.

Take extra precaution when crossing streets, especially busy ones. Traffic regulations vary all around the world. Some laws are merely “suggestions” and there is little to none jurisdiction in some areas as a means of maintaining safety. So do not expect cars to slow down. Walk on the sidewalks if possible. Look in all directions of on coming traffic. Do not cross just because others do. Stay away from motorcycles.

Carry a copy of your passport with you. In the event of an emergency your passport serves as a very useful means of identification. Also, be sure to make extra copies.

Register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). You can receive updates, site specific information and warnings about your travel destination. When you enter your travel itinerary and contact information in STEP, you are also notified by U.S. embassies in the event of an emergency, including the situations when family or friends are unable to contact you. Visit travel.state.gov/step in order to sign up.

With these tips (and a little caution and discermnent) you will surely have a safe and fun time. And ladies! Be sure to check out the Travel Bible for Women for more information.

With all the stress and work that goes into planning a trip, why preoccupy yourself with the added task of finding a travel agent? Well, it’s really quite simple. A travel agent is as much of an ally in the same way that the best lawyers, doctors, counselors, and other professional consultants all are; and having one at your disposal can determine the success of your next big trip and even lighten the load in the process.

1. We save you time and money Imagine that while en route to see a mechanic when you stop to visit a friend. He checks the phone book for local auto repair shops with lower prices, gives you an oil change, and assesses the state of your transmission. Essentially, a travel agent does a very similar thing–the very things you could do but don’t have to do. Our agents at Instantravel do the research, and at the same time they guarantee to find you the best possible deals on hotels, flights, cruises, and more. It’s an all-inclusive package!

2. We calculate and customize your trip

“Tours in Machu Piccu”  bore 2.110.000 results from Bing.com and 3,290,000 results from Google.com. You may be the world’s best speed reader. Even so, would you want to spend your time doing all that reading? A travel agent wittles down all the superfluous information to discover the activities, destinations, and most feasible travel-related options to make the trip your trip.

3. We take the fall 

We once had a client who encountered an issue with her flight company. Having a handicap already complicated her travel flexibility not to mention adding on this new set of complications with the airline. She contacted one of our agents who gladly took care of it. After a mere set of phone conversations and bit of negotiating the matter was settled. She hardly had to lift a finger.

4. We see your blind spots

A good travel agent is an expert in the industry and helps travelers get to where they need to go, doing so in the most stress-free manner possible. In other words, they have already been there and done that. They know the hassles that can accompany traveling as well as all the loopholes and fine print that are so easily overlooked. From keeping you updated about certain health conditions in a foreign country to helping you avoid unforeseen expenses, your agent helps to keep you guarded and secure throughout the entire process.

5. We have the scoop

Travel agents have exclusive access to information that is not always available to the entire Internet audience. Their passion and their livelihood revolve around travel. They also have leads on the latest trends in the industry, and clout with certain companies and groups, which means a better bargain for you in the long run. All this time that they invest is time spent making sure that your experience is what you desire it to be.

When it concerns venturing into the unknown there are no guarantees for a safety net, a gym, or even adequate health care. It should be said, however, that preventative maintenance is the best medicine.

Do some research

• Educate yourself on the economic and environmental state of that region.
• Whether you are going on a missions trip or going off the beaten path, try to find out about what accommodations you will and will NOT have in your living situation.
• Look for the stores nearby that supply any special items that you need.

Consultations

• Check your medical insurance to see if it offers a plan for travelers.
• Talk to your doctor, nutritionist, therapist, and whatever other physician or practitioner with whom you consult regularly.
• Find other travel blogs online to learn what people recommend based on their experiences at your destination.

Several weeks before departure.

• It takes roughly 21 days to form a  habit. Give yourself enough time to get in the right mindset for what you are preparing to do.
• Take a good probiotic supplement 1-2 times daily. These can be found at any health food store. They help build bacteria in the intestines, the good kind that supports immunity.
• Strive for 7 – 8 hours of a good night’s rest at least a week before you depart.
• Get some exercise and stretch, especially the day of or the day before a flight. Having  business class luxuries does not make you immune to the toll of toting cumbersome luggage and waiting hours on a hard chair during layover.
• Remember to breathe. Remember the purpose of why you are traveling in the first place. If it is a vacation then envision the relaxation that you are about to enjoy. If you are going for work, assure yourself why it is important and remember it will all be worth it.

What to pack

A first aid kit. You can purchase small ones at your local convenience store.
Vitamins  and medicine. Be sure to include the original packaging–and even a note from your physician–so that they are not mistaken by customs for something suspicious. You can fold up the box in order to save room. Don’t forget those extra probiotics.

A good pair of walking shoes. Look for shoes with cushion for heel support especially.