You all know by now that I’m a little cheap. I’m always looking for ways to scrimp and save and find a smoking deal. That being said I’m also a huge fan of luxury and quality. I also know that sometimes when you go cheap you have to skip on the comfort and luxury. I often find myself weighing and balancing my cheapness with my love for comfort.

Flying can be one of the most stressful parts of traveling- we are all aware of this fact. It can be so uncomfortable- depending on how full your plane is, most of the time you are starving because lets face it those peanuts just aren’t cutting it anymore, stressed about being forced to check your luggage because there is no room in the overhead compartments, being stuck in the back of the plane when you are making a tight connection, long lines for the lavatory and the list just goes on and on!

 There is one ailment for this illness and that would be the glorious first class seat. More legroom, peace and quiet, easier access to a lavatory, first on the plane and first off so you aren’t worrying about your carry on luggage, all the snacks you can eat and depending on the length of the flight you even get a meal, and many many more perks! Totally worth it right? Well for most of us our only option is the coach seat based on our budgets… or is it? If you are like me and love to travel first class but can’t afford the pricey seat read this article from USA Today which talks about five ways to get a first class seat without paying for it.

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The Department of State alerts U.S. citizens of the health risks of travel to Mexico at this time due to an outbreak of H1N1 “swine flu.”  The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued an April 27 notice recommending that American citizens avoid all nonessential travel to Mexico at this time.  CDC’s notice also suggests precautions that travelers and U.S. citizen residents in Mexico can take to reduce their risk of infection while in Mexico.  CDC provides recommendations for those who must travel to an area that has reported cases of swine flu, and recommends measures to take following return from an area that has reported cases of swine flu.  The complete CDC notice can be found at the following link: http://www.cdc.gov/travel/.  Please check this site frequently for updates. This Travel Alert expires on July 27, 2009.

The World Health Organization (WHO), the Global Alert and Response Network (GOARN) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have sent experts to Mexico to work with health authorities.

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So I got the third edition of the book: Off the Beaten Path published by the Readers Digest. It’s a great resource if you enjoy road trips and seeing things that aren’t normal tourist attractions. This is something we both enjoy doing as seen in our recent trip to the Oregon coast. You never know what you might miss if you aren’t willing to take a chance.
The book is broken up into sections by state so it’s very handy and user friendly. If you are planning a trip it’s easy to look up the state and see if there is anything you might want to stop or go a little out of your way to see. The only downside I really have found to this book is it’s a little heavy and would be a little more difficult to carry around with you. I don’t really see myself packing it in my carry-on- but might bring with it me on a cross country excursion via car. It seems more of a coffee table book (where it is currently sitting).
It was also kind of neat to look at the state where we currently live and learn of new places to see in our backyard. Great ideas for some staycations. Also it was fun to look at places we have already been and see if we have seen some of them already (we have). It includes beautiful pictures so I would definitely recommend it to my fellow crazed travelers!

Summer is on it’s way which means it will be tourist season in Alaska. People flock to Alaska each year to look for whales, go hiking, camping, fishing and much more. I now know from experience it is a gorgeous place and can’t wait to get back there and experience so much more!
You all know by now how much I enjoy a good deal, and you don’t have to break the bank to discover and enjoy all that this great city has to offer. When traveling on a budget, there are unlimited opportunities to discover and explore. Here are 20 opportunities that are just $10 or less.

1.      Tony Knowles Coastal Trail
This spectacular, paved, multi-use trail hugs the Anchorage coastline of Cook Inlet from Second Avenue in downtown Anchorage all the way to south Anchorage’s Kincaid Park, located 11 sprawling miles away. Whether walking, running, biking, or blading, keep an eye out for dramatic views of Knik Arm, Cook Inlet, six mountain ranges surrounding Anchorage and the beauty of Sleeping Lady mountain across the water, Earthquake Park and Point Woronzof. Wildlife viewing is abundant with many birds, small mammals, beluga whales, moose and even an occasional bear sighting.
Cost – FREE

2.      Anchorage Market and Festival
Held in downtown Anchorage every Saturday and Sunday throughout the summer, this open air market mixes one-of-a-kind arts, crafts and giant Alaska grown vegetables with live music, street performers and a selection of local and international food.
Admission – FREE

3.      Wild Salmon on Parade
Wild salmon take to the streets each summer from June through late August, when 20 wacky salmon sculptures “swim” through downtown during Wild Salmon on Parade. These aren’t your ordinary chum – the four-foot statues are original, whimsical designs by Alaska artists. Established in 2003 and modeled after Cows on Parade in Chicago, Wild Salmon on Parade is a fun way to raise awareness and appreciation for salmon habitat, history and its physical properties. As the summer ends and the salmon run slows, the sculptures are auctioned off for charity at the annual Fish Fry & Buy.
Cost – FREE
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Sometimes when we are traveling we get a little distracted and forget to take time to appreciate the small things that make traveling so wonderful. Even if the reason we are traveling is one that is for less than desirable reasons other than to enjoy a wonderful vacation such as business travel, or traveling to a great aunt’s funeral.

Perhaps you could sneak away for a few minutes and take a quick drive and go to a museum or walk through a famous rose garden. Maybe you don’t have time to do that but you get to go to a world class restaurant with your clients and enjoy new food. There is always some silver lining and it’s your job to look for it and appreciate it!

It’s the little things in life that matter. I often get caught up in anger or frustration about things that don’t matter when I’m traveling (security lines, car rental rates) and miss out on those great moments we enjoy when visiting a new place. Sorry for the sappy post- just random thoughts of the day.