Archive for May, 2010

If you have pets and are planning a vacation you may have considered hiring a pet sitter or utilizing a kennel. However, you might want to consider bring your pet along. Here are a few tips that leave open the option of taking your pet with you on your next trip.  There are many pet friendly hotels, campgrounds and resorts. Do an online search to find one in the city you plan to visit. You can also check out individual motel and hotel websites to see if they are a pet friendly location. If you are utilizing a travel agent simply ask them to locate venues that allow pets. Some resorts and spas even offer pet services such as walking and babysitting. Be sure to find out the extra costs for these amenities.  Be sure to take plenty of water or food for your pet while traveling; especially by vehicle. If you plan to fly there is a whole other set of rules you must abide by. Flying is not the prime way to travel with a pet so consider taking your furry friend if you plan to drive to a vacation spot. However, if you must fly, be sure to call the airline and inquire about safety measures and rules.  Be sure that your pet likes to travel in a vehicle so you don’t have to worry about car sickness or anxiety. If you must travel with a pet you can ask your vet about a tranquilizer or pills to calm them. These are not always necessary but it is good to know that you have that option if needed. Also inquire about local veterinarians at the location you are traveling to in case of emergency or illness with your pet.  Always obey city and country ordinances. Most every place in the United States requires that your pet be on a leash when in public. Not only is this a safety measure for others but it will keep your pet safe as well. Be sure your pet has up-to-date shots and identification tags.

When it comes to investing, most people know that diversifying your portfolio is one of the most important things you can do with your investments. This is done by putting money in a number of different types of investments, such as stocks, CDs, mutual funds, and so forth. One way you can do this is through putting your hard earned money in foreign bonds. What is a foreign bond?
A foreign bond has three main features:
• It is issued by an overseas body, which could be a municipality, corporation, or government.
• It is in foreign currency.
• They are bought and sold in international, foreign markets.

Foreign bonds are of two varieties:

•    Developed Nations Bonds
These are bonds which are issued in well to do and advanced economies other than the U.S., such as Japan, Europe, Canada where the economic markets are more risk free and stable. The bond values here are much higher and have similar returns to domestic bonds.
•    Emerging Nations Bonds
These are bonds issued in developing economies. Third world countries like Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, Jamaica, or any other nation that is developing can issue these bonds. However, most emerging bonds originate from Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina. The returns are pretty high from these bonds, as they carry with them a higher risk not found with bonds issued in developed nations. These risks can vary from financial meltdowns to unstable governments.

Investing in foreign bonds can be very lucrative. But it’s important to remember that foreign investments have some risks associated with, which you don’t have with bonds issued in the United States. For this reason, it’s not a bad idea to consult with your investment advisor or broker before investing in foreign bonds.

Regardless, foreign bonds can be a good investment for anyone who is looking to diversify their portfolio.

Often times you may want to take a vacation but can’t afford long distance travel. This is where a “staycation” can be an excellent choice for your vacation plans. You can still stay at a hotel or inn and enjoy things to do and the only difference is that you are doing it close to home.

Check out your home town for things to do that tourists enjoy. You may live in a place that has a lot to experience but living there, you have never taken advantage of these activities. If you reside near the beach, chances are there are many things to do such as renting a charter boat, enjoying a state park or visiting the beach and just living like a tourist. To experience a real vacation, rent a hotel room and live like an out-of-state visitor. Enjoy dinners at local restaurants and try to pick one you’ve never been to before or aren’t familiar with.

If your town is nowhere near a beach or the water maybe there are mountains, state parks, or things to do in the city. See if there is a local bed and breakfast. Book a room and check the itinerary that is usually given to out-of-state or out-of town-visitors. There may be local tours or sights that you can experience for the very first time and by staying somewhere other than your home, you can really feel like you’re on a vacation far away. Ask the owner what they offer as suggested activities and try something unfamiliar like rock climbing, hiking or a wine tasting tour.

It doesn’t matter where you live, chances are there is something new just around the corner. Even if you have to travel a short distance, it can still be cheaper than a vacation far away. Find out what the tourists in your area like to do or what is advertised to tourists on the Internet and in print. Tourists pay a lot of money to do the things you may be able to find right in your own home town.