With the new year just starting, it's time to see what 2008 has in store for vacationers.
- Passports. If you don't have one, apply now. With phase two of the new passport regulations poised to go into effect this year, backups and delays are expected. Though the government hasn't announced a date, sometime this year you'll need a passport for travel to Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. A passport costs about $100, but remember that it's valid for 10 years -- that's just $10 a year, not a bad deal for a week on the sandy beaches of Bermuda or a close-up view of the Canadian side of Niagara Falls.
- Airfares. Fuel prices are expected to force airfares up, but there will always be deals out there. When you plan your vacation, factor in time for flight delays. The issues that caused the massive delays that plagued summer travel last year haven't gone away and aren't likely to for some time.
- Meals. Prices at premium restaurants have been rising faster than the puff pastry used to make your appetizer. A meal for two with wine and tip tops $200 at many popular upscale restaurants. Seek out local eateries and ethnic cuisine where you can get excellent food at reasonable prices. Street vendors serve up great, cheap, local food in many cities. Better yet, when you stay at a timeshare, you can eat in your condo part of the time or fix a picnic lunch to take along when you head for the beach.
- Transit. Cabs or sightseeing tours can take a big bite out of your travel budget. Rent a car or take public transportation. If you're staying in a big city, public transit is the way to go -- no traffic to deal with, no parking problems, no search for gas stations and you get to enjoy more of the local ambiance.
- Accommodations. Hotel and resort prices are rising which makes timeshare vacationing particularly smart. You can enjoy superior accommodations at the world's most luxurious resorts at very affordable prices. Just take a look on Timeshare Giant to see some of the great values that are available.
