We're All Winners Here 9.11.10

Getting a book published is hard :) I'm working my way through agents to find the right one who thinks my budget travel book is awesome and will sell a million copies! Wish me luck. (If you have any suggestions, please let me know.) In the meantime, you get my advice for free. Don't forget that my blog is also available on Kindle Blogs, so you can get updated instantly wherever you take your Kindle. If you don't have one, get one here: Kindle 3G Wireless Reading Device, Free 3G + Wi-Fi, 6" Display, Graphite, 3G Works Globally - Latest Generation

Don't forget that you can win this cool toiletry bag that packs flat from Travelon as well as another generously donated item of theirs called the Stow-Away Backpack/Tote Bag (see previous post) by becoming a fan of my Facebook page (click "like" at the top). The first 500 members will have their names put in a drawing and 2 lucky members will win one of these two great travel items! The faster we reach our goal, the faster we can have our drawing, so make sure to also suggest my page to all your Facebook friends as well. It's a win-win. As in, even if they don't win a prize, they still get killer travel tips and deals. Don't leave either, because we will continue to do more promotional giveaways when we reach higher goals. You don't want to miss out!

All the airlines are wildly competing for your business now. It's not the holidays and it's not summer, so they need all the help they can get. You can't open a travel website without seeing  a giant flashing "SALE" sign. This gives you the upper-hand in finding the best deals, because you don't have to jump on the first fare that looks doable that you see. 


Make even more use of these great rates by joining frequent-flyer programs. Eventually, after enough flights, you'll be eligible for a free one. Usually this is only at 25,000 miles. It sounds like a lot, but if you fly once or twice a year, those miles can add up quickly. Sign up your traveling companion with the same programs and you could get TWO free flights. That totally cuts the cost of your trip and gives you a bigger budget to work with for the rest of you vacation, like accommodations, food and activities.

• Fly from $59 each way on American Airlines through January 26th if you purchase by September 16th.
• Fly from $49 each way on Southwest Airlines September 28-December 14 if you purchase by September 13th.

Just like with airlines, you can get the equivalent of the frequent flyer membership for hotels. They are usually called loyalty clubs. It's free membership and each time you stay, you get points toward a future stay, upgrades or freebies. One of the easiest way to gain a bunch of points is by signing up for a credit card or debit card that allows you to rack up points for each purchase. Even better, you usually earn double rewards for each stay you make that you pay for on that same card. 

• Hyatt and Chase have teamed up to finally bring Hyatt their own credit card. It has no blackout dates for redemption, plus, on top of getting 1 point for each $1 spent on the card you also get 3 points for each $1 spent at a Hyatt property. It DOES have an annual fee of $75. Most of these cards do, but you must decide if you will get a reward worth more than the fees. Right off the bat, you get 2 free hotel nights, there are no limits on the amount of points you can earn on it and if you use it out of the U.S., there is no foreign transaction fees.

Although plenty of cruise deals are to be had all over the Net, look for extra discounts, freebies and incentives. Onboard ship credits are always good incentives as is money off for booking way early and last minute. Free airfare could be a great deal, but make sure you read the fine print and that the taxes don't cost MORE than you would pay for your own airfare. I found this amazing deal on Celebrity Cruises:

• Book before September 17th and get 50% off your companion fare on cruises to the Caribbean, Panama Canal and Europe. Many itineraries in all price ranges through February 2011. 7-night cruises from $599 per person. 

Today I learned something new, so I thought I would pass it along. When you rent a car, look at prices for rentals away from the airport. Although they may be a little less convenient, they probably won't include an airport rental fee. This is especially handy in places that have public transportation straight from the airport, like we do in Oregon. You can take the MAX from the terminal and take it into downtown or many Portland suburbs and it only sets you back $2.35 per person. That's quite a money-saver. Here are 3 more ways to save on a car rental.

You don't always have to do traditional activities when you are on vacation. Sure, Disney World and Busch Gardens are right up at the top of the list when you visit Florida, but there are so many other things to do there. This is also true of everywhere else you go. Try something different by looking up unusual activities that will take up time and are also much cheaper than ones that every tourist does. 

• When you're in London, the biggest tourist spots are Tower Bridge, the Globe, London Eye and the Tower of London, but did you know that for a fraction of the price of any of those attractions, you can take a tour of the Thames. I'm not talking about getting on a boat and sailing up and down, but you can put on some boots and tromp along the river's edge with the Beachcombing tours. Search for medieval treasure along the banks and get to take home anything you find and the tour only costs $12 per person. Read more about this tour on Budget Travel online.

Last time I told you about WalletPop's blog entry about saving money while dining out. Again, you probably thought "duh", but when you're out and about and just want to sit and enjoy a meal in an exciting new place, it's easy to forget such logic. Here's another one of David's articles about eating out. This one is regarding the Top 5 food mark-ups where restaurants make huge profits. While this is good for the restaurants, don't you want to get the most for your money? This is the same advice I give you when cruising, flying or saying in a hotel. Make your money go farther. Eat the free bread instead of ordering an appetizer and avoid the wine. Bring your own bottle and pay the corkage fee and still save over the restaurant prices. 

Here's another great item from Travelon that I own and suggest everyone else gets. It's called the Pack-Flat Back Up Bag. As it claims, it packs flat, so it takes up almost no room in your carry-on (which it fits in perfectly). When you're at the end of your trip and realize you've acquired more than your bag can handle, pull out your Travelon, unzip it and it pops open to hold all your new possessions. It conforms to carry-on limits and fits under the airplane seat. If you don't need it, it stays flat, but if you do, it's a wonderful back-up bag. 

This week since I've posted many tips and regular deals, I am excited to use the Deals of the Week to bring you more expensive sales to exotic locales. There are many once in a lifetime deals available all the time, but I've especially noticed more lately.

• 8-day Asia River cruise through Vietnam and Cambodia. Not only will you save 45% off the regular prices, but you'll visit amazing destinations like Ho Chi Minh City, Cai Be, Chau Doc and Phnom Penh. For $2800 per person, you will stay on a luxury cruise ship that includes all your meals and beverages, your transfers and gratuities and all your sightseeing with an English-speaking guide. Your transportation is quite intimate with only 3 decks including laundry facilities, a bakery, safe drinking water and air conditioning in all inside areas. A great variety of foods are served, even for guests who are vegetarian or have other special food needs. These rates are available for travel dates in 2011. 

• Spend 12 days touring Thailand from $1299 per person. You'll visit the cities of Bangkok, Ayutthaya, Chiang Rai and Sukhothai. Your tour includes 12 days, 10 nights, round trip airfare from Los Angeles to Bangkok, all intra-Thailand flights, daily breakfast, accommodations, tour with English-speaking guides in an air-conditioned motor coach and all entry fees. More departure cities are available. Travel dates from the end of September through mid-May 2011. Book by September 22 and mention promo code: SHTH100

• Visit Rome, Athens and Cairo for 6 nights over Thanksgiving. Included in your $1205(+) per person is your round-trip airfare from New York, flights to each destination, accommodations for 2 nights in each city, hotel taxes, daily breakfast. Make your own itinerary in each city instead of being a part of any kind of tour. You can also customize this trip for different departure cities for different rates. 

Join me on Facebook to win one of two fantastic prizes! 9.09.10

The Road to 500 Fans is on! Sign up to be a fan of my page (hit the "like" button) and you'll be entered into a drawing to win one of two awesome travel products from Travelon! Two winners will be drawn when we reach our goal of 500 fans! So, encourage all your friends to become fans of Shereen Travels Cheap, because the faster we reach 500, the faster we can give away these two fantastic items. (Remember, if you're already a fan, you're automatically entered, but we still need your help to boost our numbers!)



Prize #1 - Flat-Out Hanging Toiletry Kit

This Toiletry Kit from Travelon® hangs in the bathroom for easy access to the pockets and compartments and lays flat on top of your clothes to maximize packing space. The clear panel and pockets provide easy viewing of contents. The pockets and elastic loops provide organization.

Prize #2 - Stow-Away Backpack/Tote Duo

This super-lightweight backpack/tote duo is 2 versatile products in one -- a full-size backpack or a top handle tote bag. When not in use, it packs into its own pocket to a mere 6" x 9" x 2". Take it everywhere. It’s the perfect 2nd bag when you need one.

Travelon items are awesome! I regularly use their products, including one of their toiletry bags and rolling carry-ons and have bought Travelon products as gifts. Check out their website with a complete list of products: http://www.travelonbags.com/. And don't forget to "like" them on Facebook!

National Fashion Week is in Full Swing 9.8.10

Fashion Week is in full-swing and I'd like to dedicate this entry all things related in one way or another. Travel clothing doesn't strictly mean practical. There are plenty of travel garments out there that are practical AND stylish that you can wear to Hawaii, Tokyo or even Paris and fit in just fine. No one said you had to buy clothes that scream "tourist". That also screams "rob me" in a lot of places and that's the last thing anyone wants while they are enjoying a vacation and a new destination that they've planned so hard for. Vacationing should be fun, and so should your travel wardrobe. You want to feel comfortable and like you look your best while you're shopping or hiking or eating out.


Don't forget to: 
Find me on Facebook for even more tips and travel deals: Shereen Travels Cheap
Follow me on Twitter: shereentrvlschp
I'll be posting as soon as I have all the details, but we are officially starting our travel giveaway this week. Join my page on Facebook and invite all of your friends. When we reach 500 fans, we'll be drawing a name (or two) from all of our members to receive an awesome travel gift!

When you think FASHION, what comes to your mind first? I immediately think of New York, Italy and Paris. They have huge fashion weeks that set the tone for the entire year. Obviously, they are great cities to shop for clothing in, too, so the more you can save getting and staying there, the more money you'll have to pack your suitcase full of new goodies.

• Go on a shopping spree in London, Paris and other European cities by flying on American Airlines from $460 round trip. These low prices are good for travel between October 24th - March 31st, but you have to book by September 15th. It gives you plenty of time to plan the rest of your trip.

• Hit up all the great Italian designer stores with this awesome 6 night package including air, Eurostar, taxes, daily breakfast and accommodations. You'll spend 2 nights each in Venice, Florence and Rome from $1058 per person. You can even use Bill Me Later to pay off your trip! Travelzoo recommended, so you know it's a good deal and a safe company.

• Look great right off the plane with this multi-functional flight-wrap from en-day. You can configure it into several different styles. It's wrinkle and odor resistant and quick-drying. It also comes in nice neutral colors. Also, a portion of your purchase price will go towards the charity of your choosing!

If Europe or New York are a little too rich for your blood right now with the economy or the kids' school schedule just doesn't allow you to go, you can still celebrate your fashionista side with a quick trip to Vegas and spin through the Fashion Show Mall and pick up the latest labels. Use the money you save on airfare and hotel towards a new Louis Vuitton bag or a pair of Manolos.

• Stay in the Venetian Hotel and Casino for the illusion of being in Venice. BookIt's 99-hour sale is on now and you can save 60% on 2 nights' hotel accommodation and airfare and they'll throw in a $100 dining credit and tickets to a free show to see either Blue Man Group or Phantom. Wow! Good for travel through December 19th.

• If you ARE lucky enough to getaway to a great Fashion destination and can go in November, visit Rome and stay in the Hotel Donatello. It's close to the Colosseum and the two basilicas. 4 hotel nights from $549. It's a first-class hotel in the city center and near the Metro. It has an attached restaurant and babysitting service. There are only 22 rooms, so you know you'll get personalized care.

You have to eat on vacation. You don't really have a choice, unless you're really a robot, but then you wouldn't even need to take a vacation. So, it's always helpful to save money on dining. I came across this useful article in the Wallet Pop Blog on how to keep your restaurant bills reasonable. Check it out, because even if these 10 tips seem to be totally duh worthy, they aren't always something you think about while you're in the moment of new restaurant excitement.

Oh, how I hate to hear the words! Luckily, this happens very infrequently, so I will count myself fortunate and won't take it for granted, because if little ones plan to arrive in our life, I'm sure we'll be hearing it enough. Hopefully, I can continue my lucky streak in planning such a full (but not too full) trip, that no one will have time to whine about anything, except ouchy feet and being hungry. It's likely, both those gripes will come out of my own mouth, as well, so I can't really fault anyone else for complaining about such things. That's the time you get lunch and take a quick nap at the hotel before continuing on your day.

Fill the time in your day or evening with activities and make sure not all of them require walking. Hurty feet need time to recouperate and there are plenty of ways to be entertained without actually doing anything.

• One such activity is going to see Mary Poppins on Broadway in New York City. Book by September 22nd to save over 40% off orchestra level tickets. Only $69.50 each for shows between September 14th and December 23rd. Your kids will be mesmerized by the movie come to life and you will be taken back to your childhood memories of Mary Poppins as you find yourself singing along.

You can never go wrong with a little black dress or a nice sport jacket and tie. If you plan to go out multiple evenings on your trip, you can even wear them again with different accessories, like a funky belt, scarf or different jewelry. Toss some shoe clips into your bag to dress up your same shoes from another evening and it appears you have twice as many! For men, if you just change your tie and maybe your pocket square, you're good to go. This is easy to do and makes it much easier to pack a few extra small things rather than several different outfits. I'm a big fan of this method, because I like to pack light and I love accessories. There are so many possibilities. If you need more suggestions, here are some of my favorites fashions for travel:

• Whoever came up with the convertible dress is a genius! Take one dress and wear it 5 or more times on vacation and no one will ever know it's the same dress! Wear it as a strapless, halter, short sleeve dress or even as a skirt! They are even super affordable and come in a bunch of colors and fabrics. Here's a sexy option!

• Do you find that you get chilly once you get indoors and the air conditioning hits you? Yeah, I have that problem, too. It can sometimes result in getting sick on vacation, which is never fun. Put away your Nyquil and buy a Chilly Jilly instead. This packable cover-up can be used as a shoulder cover or even a sarong, so you are covered for indoors AND out. It's also a convenient article to keep on hand in case you find yourself in a place of worship or other establishment that requires you to keep your shoulders covered. If the link below doesn't have a suitable color for you, you can buy direct from CJ at www.chillyjilly.com.

• Convertible pants are another favorite of mine. It's pants? It's shorts? Yes! These are fantastc if you are somewhere they have manic weather or you'll be out all day and don't know what the temperature will be. If you want to duck into a church for a bit, zip your pant legs back on and you're golden. Many styles even look presentable enough to go out to dinner in, as long as you aren't wearing sneakers with them. Most are lightweight and quick-drying, suitable for washing in the hotel sink and then wearing again the following day.

• Clarks shoes are awesome. They can go from walking all day straight to dinner or a party. They are comfortable and come in a variety of styles, whether you're looking for sandals or loafers. They have both men's and women's and come in nice neutral colors that will go with your entire travel wardrobe. Wear a pair on the plane and pack a dressier option in your bag and you're set for anything that might come up on your trip. Below are two of my personal favorites.

• A beautiful piece of jewelry and a useful travel companion. I've had my eye on this compass necklace for a while now. It looks nice with almost any clothing choice and it helps you out if you're trying to read the map and have no idea which was is up! Handy and you don't even have to be on vacation to wear it out and look great.

• Going somewhere cold but don't want to pack a bunch of bulky sweaters? Don't! Not only is that a no no for packing light, but it's totally unnecessary. The key to packing light in cold weather is to layer. I'm not talking about taking 4 extra shirts for every day though. Places like Columbia and ExOfficio have thin, packable sweaters for travel. Throw a nice lightweight fleece over them for colder temps or even layer them underneath with base layers or capilene. These garments come in tops and pants like long-johns, but are super thin and super warm, so you look stylish and you don't freeze to death.

With so many deals already included in this entry, it's hard to come up with other ones for you, but I did try and found some different ones that could still be related to today's topic.

• Greece is known for amazing men's fashion, too. As rare as it is to find well-dressed men just walking around when they aren't on their lunch break or coming from a business meeting, you can see beautifully coutured Greek men all over the country. Take a 7-night cruise of the Greek isles and bask in the beauty of the landscape and the people. Start in Venice and make stops in cities like Corfu and Mykonos. Sailing dates in September, October and November for as low as $499 per person. While on the Caribbean Splendour of the Seas enjoy all your meals, an 18-hole miniature golf course, full-service spa and 2 pools.

• Don't we all need an excuse to drink more Guinness? How about taking the edge off the chilly night air? Visit Dublin this fall and winter from only $495 round trip. This is $300-400 off summer rates and include taxes and fees. Book by September 22nd for travel between late October and mid-December. And even though Dublin is not strictly known for its fashion, you can get some fantastic deals and beautiful made couture there.

• There's a whole different side of fashion that can be found in South America, but it's still considered hip and modern, even if it isn't a world-famous label. Get wonderful handmade jewelry at affordable prices. Spend 6 nights in Peru this year or next year and visit Lima, Cuzco and Machu Picchu. Save almost 50% off the regular rates and pay only $998 per person. This includes round-trip airfare, flights within Peru, lodgings, guided tours, daily breakfast and train ride. There are plenty of travel dates to choose from, but you have to book by September 14.