You are probably sitting at your computer right now daydreaming about the next time you can leave the shackles of your office and take a long overdue vacation. You are searching websites as you read this and the time can’t come soon enough. But let’s face it, when the time comes you are going to be poised to take the same run of the mill vacation you always do. Some boring plan ride into a boring, albeit beautiful setting. But it doesn’t have to be this way. You can take a vacation that is a bit off the beaten path and have the time of your life doing it. So here are a few vacations that might be worth exploring.

Road Trip – This is the way people used to see America. Not from a plane ride but through the eyes of the car and an amazing time. They used to experience the wonder that the country holds. So now is the time for you to do it too. Get yourself a road map and a chunk of time and plan on seeing the sights of the countryside. This is a great alternative and it will cost you less than what you are paying for a traditional vacation.

Staycation – This might seem like a boring way to spend your vacation but if you live in a city like Chicago or New York then a staycation would be the perfect opportunity to enjoy your own city. Living and working in you home city doesn’t give you a lot of time for you to enjoy the things that makes your city the wonderful place it is. So save yourself some money and some travel time and explore your own hometown.

Camping Vacation – Instead of spending your time in doors, spend that time outdoors. Camping in a great place like Yellowstone or Yosemite could be a great way to get in touch with nature and have some of the best memories of your life. Rough it and find yourself talking about the experience for years. Either way it beats the traditional.

Rio de Janeiro is one of the most visually spectacular cities in the world. When looking at Rio from above it looks almost like a fake city created for a Sci-Fi movie. It is no surprise that Rio de Janeiro will be the first city in South America to host the Olympic Games. It is a developed first-world city with amazing beaches, great nightlife, tremendous cultural offerings, spectacular sights, and beautiful people.

Sugar Loaf

Sugar Loaf is one of the many must see tourist attractions in Rio de Janeiro. Despite what part of the world you are from and natural beauty you enjoy close to home Sugar Loaf will “wow” you. It is essentially two enormous rocks jutting out of the earth the size of cargo ships. An enormous gondola takes you from the posh neighborhood of Urca to the first level of Sugar Loaf and another gondola takes you all the way to the top. Each round-trip gondola jaunt costs 12.50 USD, but you can save money by hiking to the first level and only paying for the second gondola. It is only about a 10-15 minute climb and engaging small monkeys along the way in common. Once at the top you can see tremendous views of Rio de Janeiro and the city of Niteroi.

Christ the Redeemer – Corcovado

This may be Rio de Janeiro’s quintessential tourist attraction. One of the highest points that can be reached in Rio atop Corcovado Mountain, Christ the Redeemer provides 360 degree views of Rio de Janeiro. The gigantic Christ statue is also amazing to see up close. You can reach the top on foot (which make take 2 hours), by train (20 minutes, or van (10-15 minutes). The best option is the train; however, it has limited capacity and only departs twice per hour. When purchasing the entrance fee and the train ride together it is a few bucks cheaper than taking a van and paying the entrance separately. The train is the most sought after option hence you must be prepared to get there early or endure a line.

Since June 1 of 2009 there have been new passport requirements set in place but there is a loophole when you are going on certain vacations that can help you save time and money. If you plan to cruise to another country, as long as you take a “closed loop” cruise a passport is not required.

A “closed loop” cruise is where you leave from a United States port and return to a United States port. Even though you dock and disembark in a foreign country, since the embarkation process and final debarkation process is only done at American ports, a passport is not needed. You will still need identification paperwork to board the ship such as a birth certificate, driver’s license or other form of picture identification that is accepted. However, this still saves time and money because now you do not have to acquire a passport and worry about it getting to you on time for you to take your trip.

There are reasons to go ahead and get one if you have the time. If you find yourself in a foreign country and miss your cruise boat or have to remain in the country due to illness or an accident, this is where you will need a passport since you may have to fly on an airplane to get back to the United States. This is a chance you can take and only you can decide if you want to risk it but if you anticipate a relaxing cruise where you know you can be back on the boat in time to set sail, you can skip the process altogether.

Many major cruise lines head to exciting destinations that are included in the “closed loop” tours including Mexico, Jamaica, Grand Cayman, Honduras, The Bahamas and more. As long as you leave from the United States and return to the United States while on these trips, you’re all set.

Hurricane season is from June 1 – November 30 each year although storms can form earlier or later than the designated dates. This can mean that travel to Atlantic areas during this time can be disrupted. If you plan to vacation or travel to the southern states of America or the Caribbean area during this time of year you should keep a few things in mind.

Travel insurance is an excellent resource to have in case your vacation plans are disrupted due to a hurricane or tropical storm. Most will offer reimbursement so that you do not lose your money. Cruise ships, for example, will have to make detours or go to different ports in case of a hurricane and offer travel insurance as well. Although it can be pricey at times, it’s in your best interest to be covered since a hurricane can pop up unexpectedly. Also, if you have travel plans booked months in advance, there is no way to tell if a storm may hit during that time period so again, you are covered in case of bad weather that would otherwise ruin your plans.

You can keep up with weather in the tropics by visiting the National Hurricane Center website. Not only can you view storm activity but you can look weeks in advance leading up to your trip to monitor any storm activity. Storms can still form without warning but most of them are usually known about in advance. Keep in mind that during a major storm air flights can be canceled, hotels can be evacuated and cruises can be detoured, canceled or have itinerary changes.

Most likely a storm will not interfere with your travel plans but it is a good idea to be proactive in having travel insurance and keeping up with any storm activity during hurricane season. Some seasons are more active than others but you never know when one can hit and wreak havoc on your vacation.

Road trips can be an exciting way to experience your vacation and there are more ways than one to explore this type of vacation.

One exciting road trip is to revisit a childhood journey. Perhaps your family drove to upstate New York one summer and you can recall some of the places you stopped at. Reliving that journey can be self fulfilling as well as fun for the entire family. Map out where you and your family would like to visit, eat and stay and try to have an end result in mind such as visiting the grandparents or stopping at a theme park once you arrive.

Speaking of theme parks, how about a theme park trip? Take the number of days you are traveling and try to visit a theme park or attraction every day or every other day. A good place to take this type of trip is in Central Florida where you can find Disney World, Busch Gardens, Sea World, Universal Studios and a host of other attractions that can only be found in that area.

Plan a staycation near to home. If you’re on a budget or don’t have enough days off from work to take a long trip, you can plan things to do near home. Find attractions, places to eat and places to visit within a 100-200 mile radius. Not only will you save on money by being able to come home each night but you can invest your money into your own local economy and enjoy adventures you may not have considered before. You can always rent a motel or hotel room if you want but have the option of driving home as well.

No matter what type of road trip you want to take, treat it just like you would a four star vacation. It doesn’t have to be complicated to have one of the best trips of your life.

It’s no fun at all to go on a wonderful trip only to realize you are missing something. Whether it’s a piece of jewelry or electronic equipment, sometimes you have already traveled hundreds of miles before you realize it. No matter where you may have lost your item there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure the chances of a safe return.

If you lost your item at a motel or hotel call them and tell them as soon as you realize your item is missing. Most motels and hotels have a policy that they are not responsible for lost items but every one of them will have a lost and found area so talk to someone in charge who can ask housekeeping if the item was found. You may have to pay shipping costs if they have indeed found your missing item but the sooner you call, the better chance you’ll have of getting it back and always remember to use the motel safe if possible if it is available. That way you’ll have a much easier time remembering to check it before you leave.

If your item was lost on a cruise ship call the customer service number to the company you used and be ready to give out your name, cabin number and the date of your sailing. Cabins are cleaned immediately after each disembarkation so chances are you item has been moved to the lost and found area. It’s best to call as soon as you realize it so that there is a possibility the ship has not sailed again and can be double checked if lost and found has no record of your item.

No matter what type of trip you took or where you stayed, each will have different policies and different chances of you getting your item back safe and sound. However, if you start the process as soon as possible the chances are greater of a safe return of your belongings.

When traveling with children you want to make sure they’re as safe as possible whether you’re driving or staying at a hotel. Here are a few tips to help ensure the safety and well-being of your children while on vacation.

Be sure to pack the essentials. If you’re going to a sunny area be sure to pack sunblock for your child. Even a few minutes in a stroller can mean a nasty and painful sunburn. Check the bottle and make sure that it is safe for children or purchase a child-specific sunblock. Sunglasses with a UV filter and sun hats can help keep your baby safe from harmful sun rays. Bring a first aid kit with the basic items such as ointment, alcohol pads and a thermometer. If you are taking formula on the trip be sure to have a cooler or some type of refrigeration so it does not spoil. Wipes for toys and other objects are excellent to keep germs away from your baby’s mouth.

If you are staying at a hotel there are a few ways to safeguard the room. Look for exposed outlets and cover with electrical tape if you have a toddler that will be crawling or walking around. Remove or move to an out of reach area any dangerous electrical items such as an iron or hair dryer and be sure bags for disposal cups is kept out of reach. You can cover any sharp edges of tables with a washcloth and some electrical tape if you plan to spend a large amount of time in the room where your toddler may be at danger. Check the doors on balconies to be sure they lock well and there is no danger of your child getting out onto the balcony without you being there.

With just a few proactive approaches, you can safe proof your children from harm.

If you are lucky enough to be able to take a vacation any time of year then there are a few things to consider on when it is the best time to take your trip. A lot of different factors can depend on when it’s the best time to go on vacation.

If you have children in school you may want to plan your vacation around the summer holiday or Christmas break. If you are going to a warm climate such as the Caribbean or a place that is particularly hot, you may want to go during the winter months. Areas in the Caribbean can have temperatures close to 100 degrees during the summer with very high humidity. If you visit in the winter months not only will there be less crowds on average but the temperatures can range in the 70′s and 80′s Fahrenheit for a much more pleasant vacation.

If you plan to enjoy winter adventures such as skiing or snowboarding then a call ahead to your destination can let you know when they are the least busy and when the best weeks are for that perfect snowfall.

When planning a trip to a theme park keep in mind that summer months and holidays are the busiest times of year. The same can be said for cruises. Even a trip to Las Vegas can be more crowded during these times. While none of the above mentioned trips have off times for business, there are certain times of the year where you can find it less crowded than usual. Just before the holidays, fall and winter can be best for certain theme parks and October and the day of major holidays is your best bet for Las Vegas.

Make sure to check with the venue you plan to visit for off-season rates. You may save more money but be sure to ask about specific closing times on theme parks since many have winter hours that differ from the rest of the year.

If you plan to take an extended vacation you may need a house sitter. With pets and plants, even a short trip can mean needing someone to take care of things while you are gone. The first choice is to have someone you know come over to take care of your needs. A friend, family member or neighbor can be a first choice but not everyone has someone they’re familiar with enough to allow them into their home or perhaps live far away from anyone close enough to come over.

When hiring an outside party to house sit there are a few things to keep in mind. There are many places online that offer house sitting services. A simple search can warrant you places to call. Be sure to check out reviews from non-biased customers so you can be assured of an honest approach to the company’s services. As for references and check them out. You should get at least three valid references on average.

After you have chosen a house sitter be sure that they are fully aware of what is expected of them and that you have a contact number to reach them. They should also have your number in case of any issues or emergencies.

Prepare a list of all things needed to be performed by the house sitter. Feeding times or special food for pets, plants than have to be watered and where they are located, numbers of any persons close by that you trust, where to put mail or newspapers, when to leave the lights on or anything else that you normally would do should be stated in your list.

Be sure the price negotiations or the fee you are being charged is written down and signed by both parties. Try to check in if possible just to be aware of any issues in advance.

Many hotel chains now offer Guest Reward programs where the customer gets some form of discount or compensation for staying at the hotel on a frequent basis. Some can offer rewards for as little as one return visit. What these hotel chains hope to accomplish is to have the customer want to come back and stay and of course, spend more money at their establishment. While these are typically given out by hotel chains there are independent programs that give rewards for hotel guests such as Priority Club Rewards.

Each reward programs varies by the distributor. Some hotels give discounts on future visits while others may offer gift cards for restaurants or retail stores. Some offer a point system where after the customer accumulates a certain number of points they are rewarded with a $500 gift card or free nights at the hotel the customer frequents. Some start as soon as the second stay as long as they are signed up for the program. Miles are also sometimes part of the rewards program. Each program will differ with the individual hotel or independent program that is offering it.

Keep in mind to read all of the facts about a rewards program before joining. Some can have certain stipulations or even black out dates that may disqualify a customer from receiving their benefits of the program. When in doubt, call the customer service line that is offered. It is also a good idea to always keep your receipts from when you stay at the hotel so that the points can be checked in the rewards program to make sure they are properly credited each and every time. The terms and conditions of the program is the best place to start since it will clearly state what must be done in order to receive the benefits.