Redefine "classrooms" and "studying"

Just those words together, “study abroad” sound exotic and exciting. Everyone seems to talk about the possibilities of studying abroad, but not everyone gets around to it. Although you might be tempted to label yourself as a “broke college student”, do not over look study abroad programs for financial reasons. The beloved student discount applies to traveling as well, so once you find a study abroad program through the school of your choice, you can mold that experience into something truly unique and amazing.

Most study abroad programs will provide you with food, shelter and classes but they may not offer much in the realm of adventure outside of a hard-to-read city map and cheesy tourist attractions. While museums and statues are nice and often worth visiting, it is important to take advantage of student geared, local life experiences. Whip out that student ID and start booking some flights or trains to nearby cities and stay in some hostels that would make your parents cringe. You can even find discounts on outdoor excursions, helicopter tours and even things like skydiving if you are looking for an adrenaline rush. Just remember, studying is important, but you only get to be a student for so long, so live it up while you are young and do it for cheap.

Rockies Fall Fest

There are two YMCA centers in Colorado- in Estes Park Center and Snow Mountain Ranch – both offer really affordable family deals that include a variety of activities within the price of the cabin. Both locations have hiking, campfires, crafts, zip lining, biking, rafting, horseback riding and much more with packages as low as $99 a night. Fall is an especially opportune time to visit these locations do to the mild weather, beautiful scenery and the fall celebration: Fall Fest. Fall Fest includes things such as pumpkin carving, crafts, square dancing and even a pumpkin throwing contest.

This is a perfect family vacation destination; an excellent balance of relaxation and adventure. Embrace fall, the outdoors and the tranquility of the Rockies while also keeping your adrenaline pumping.

For more information on the YMCA Rockies Fall Fest, check out ymcarockies.org.

Hawaii Fall Aloha Festivals

The Aloha Festivals showcase the traditional culture of Hawaii, highlighting music, food, language, and dancing amongst other things. The celebration began in Honolulu but has now grown to be a statewide tradition. The celebration lasts an entire week in early September–hence the pluralized “festivals”– and include several different stages and activities. Countless volunteers work to make this event memorable; the people of Hawaii truly view this as a joyous celebration and not just a tourist attraction. You will be welcomed with open arms, leis, and a large dose of traditional Hawaiian culture.

Events include Hawaiian Lei making, Floral Parades, Live musical performances, traditional Hawaiian roasts and more. Don’t save Hawaii for the winter months; fall is packed with must-see events!

To enter the contest, book a “flight + Disney hotel” vacation package during August through Orbitz.com. You’ll be automatically entered to win a Disney Gift Card or a dream vacation to the Walt Disney World® Resort in Florida or to the Disneyland® Resort in California.

Winners Will be announced every Friday in August.

Disney Dreams Month Prizes

Win a Trip To Disney World!

• Week 1: 2 $100 Disney Gift Cards
• Week 2: 2 $100 Disney Gift Cards
• Week 3: 1 Vacation for 4 to Disney World in Orlando, and 1 Vacation for 4 to Disneyland in Los Angeles
• Week 4: 1 Castle Suite Vacation at Disney World in Orlando, and 1 Dreams Suite Vacation at Disneyland in Los Angeles

The Week 4 prizes are truly a once in a lifetime experience. Each winner will receive a vacation for four people which includes a one night stay in the Castle Suite or Dreams Suite along with a three night Disney Deluxe Hotel stay. The winners also receive five day Park Hopper tickets, and a character dining experience.

How to Register for the Contest

To register for the contest you need to book a Disney Flight and hotel Package through Orbitz.com (click this link to book now). That is great news for anyone who was already planning to book a Disney vacation, and great news for all Disney lovers because vacation packages are 30%-40% lower than normal right now.

Rolling Carryon: Travelpro Walkabout 22in. Expandable Rollaboard

Travelpro 22 inch Carryon

• eBags Price: $149.99
• LuggageOnline Price: $108.99
• Amazon.com Price: $106.06

Winner: Amazon.com has the best price, but LuggageOnline.com is very close. Check shipping rates to see which is cheapest for you.

Hardside Luggage: Samsonite Winfield Spinner Collection 24in

Samsonite Winfield 24 inch

This is a sturdy piece of hardside luggage from Samsonite, a well recognized name in luggage. Hardside luggage is great if you tend to pack delicate items that can be damaged in the jostling and punishment that happen to luggage during travel. Below are current prices offered for the Samsonite Winfield Spinner Collection 24in hardside bag:

• Amazon.com Price: $110.13
• LuggageOnline Price: $135.99
• eBags Price: $143.99

Winner: Amazon.com has the best price because it sells this product for several other luggage stores. Amazon.com’s prices will vary greatly from week to week, so this price may not last.

Full Luggage Set: Traveler’s Choice Amsterdam 4-Piece Set

Traveler's Choice 4-Piece Set

The Amsterdam 4-Piece Set from Traveler’s Choice is a quality set of luggage that includes a variety of sizes of rolling bags. This is a great entry level set of luggage for the budget traveler. Below are the current prices available online:

• Amazon.com Price: $74.25
• eBags Price: $103.99
• LuggageOnline Price: $107.16

Winner: Amazon.com has the best price once again.

Amazon.com consistently offers the best price on luggage. This is because Amazon offers products that are actually sold by many competing retailers. Amazon will show you the best price of all of the retailers that sell a given product through Amazon.

This does not mean you should always just buy from amazon however. Sometimes LuggageOnline.com or eBags.com will offer special promotions or coupon codes that will beat the Amazon.com price by a significant amount. Sign up for our Teavel Deals Newsletter to be sure you don’t miss out on any of the exclusive deals like coupon codes for luggage sites that we offer to our readers.

Embrace the beauty of the changing trees and rich colors of the season on a relaxing fall foliage tour. These tours are done in several cities throughout the US, but some especially notable locations include Massachusetts, Connecticut, Arkansas, and Colorado. Foliage tours can be an athletic experience – bike riding or hiking in the mountains- or something more tranquil like an easy stroll with your camera ready to capture nature at it’s best. The tours are all affordable as the main draw is the outdoors, not how many channels your hotel room offers.

Fall Foliage

Lowest Airfare Guarantee on Flights for Fall

Use Coupon Code FALL10. Book Now with CheapOair.com. Offer Expires: Oct 31, 2010.

Day of the Dead Display

This unique tradition is an excellent reason to take advantage of slow season flight deals and visit Mexico in the fall.

Related Travel Deal

Special coupon code for Fall travel from OneTravel.com.

• Save an extra $22 on your flight and hotel deals by using coupon FALL12. Book Now!

Tipping in Foreign Countries

Many Americans assume that tipping is the same in other countries, but this custom can vary greatly from country to country. It is important to understand the tipping expectations for each place that you travel to avoid under or over tipping as both of these faux pas can be embarrassing or even insulting.

Europe

In Europe, tipping at restaurants is expected but the amount expected is much lower than in the United States. Generally, 10%  is more than enough.  It is not insulting to leave a little less than 10%, especially if the rounding is easier. For example, if your bill is 33 euros, 10% would be €3.3, but leaving €35 euros would suffice. Many restaurants include “table service” within the bill, so be careful to look for that. If this is included, you do not need to leave an extra tip. If anything, default to the rounding up to the next euro rule. You do not want to leave anything over 10% as this can actually be insulting. It is important to understand that, unlike in the US, waiters and waitresses are paid much better and thus do not fully depend on tips. If you leave large tips, such as a 15-20% tip as most US citizens are accustomed to, it can come off as arrogant, or as if you believe the waiter or waitress looks as if they need the extra money.

Cab drivers also do not expect large tips. There is not really a standard percentage, you generally just round up and give them the change. For example, if your fare is €8, you can simply give €10. However, if you take a long cab ride or a private tour of some sort, something closer to 10% should be given. Larger tips are also customary for any cab driver who helps you with heavy bags.

South America

The tipping expectations in South American restaurants is the same as in Europe, 10% is the most anyone will expect. South Americans can also get offended by over-tipping, so be sure to remember that they don’t depend on the tips to make their living, it is just extra money. South American countries also include “servicio de mesa” (table service) on many bills, but unlike Europe, this is not the tip. “Servicio de mesa” is the charge for bread before the meal. Unfortunately, you do not have the option to refuse this; if bread is brought to your table, you can expect a “servicio de mesa” charge and you will also need to leave a tip.

For cabs, tips are not really expected at all. Of course, rounding up and giving them your extra change can be appropriate and appreciated but it is rarely expected. Some South American countries have shortages on coins or small bills, so cab drivers appreciate when you pay in small bills and perhaps allow them to keep any extra coins that they may owe you as change. Again, this is only appreciated, not expected. However, if your cab driver helps you lug around several heavy bags, it is customary to give them a tip for their extra trouble.

Mexico

Mexico is very tip-driven; it is not simply about the amount of tip you leave but also all the situations you can find yourself in that require a tip. You will see lots of signs that mention “la propina” that are not-so-subtle hints about the tipping expectations. Right when you get off the plane you’ll have to find a cab. It is very common for men or even children to deem themselves unofficial cab hailers. You may not ask for or want their help, but once they have opened the cab door for you, a couple pesos is expected.

Cab drivers, on the other hand, do not expect large tips. Cab rides in Mexico are mildly expensive and often include a tip. However, leaving the spare change is always nice. You will also want to tip at least 10 pesos if the cab driver goes through the trouble of dealing with your luggage.

There are several other unofficial “jobs” that require tips. If you are driving in Mexico, men will often circle parking lots on foot and wave you into free spots. These guys are pretty happy with a couple pesos for their services. In grocery stores, children will often bag your groceries. The children are not employees at all, so they survive completely on your tips. You can simply leave the spare change from your bill, but if they convince you to let them carry your groceries out for you, you’ll need to give them a few pesos more. Concierges that help you find places around town and even windshield cleaners on the streets will expect a few pesos here and there. Basically, any person who helps you in any way in Mexico would greatly appreciate your spare change.

In restaurants and bars the tipping is much like the United States. At a sit down restaurant, 15-20% is customary. If the service is exceptional, you leave more, if it is sub par, you leave less. Some restaurants will list “propina” on the bill, which means you do not need to leave any additional tip. At a bar, you will be expected to leave 1-3 pesos for each trip you make to the bar.

Central America

Central America is also very similar to the United States when it comes to tipping. In restaurants, 15-20% is customary, more or less is given depending on the quality of service. However, tips are sometimes included in the bill so make sure to read your bills closely. If the tip is included it is unnecessary to leave anything additional, but if the service was exceptional, a little extra is appreciated.

Cab drivers should be tipped $1-4 US dollars, the amount depends on the length of the cab ride. You will also want to add more if the driver helps with bags.

Unlike Mexico, you will not run into spontaneous tipping situations. Central America includes the common jobs that depend on tips such as house cleaners (~$1 a night), hotel concierges ($2-$5) and bell hops (less than $1 per bag) and bar tenders (15-20%).

Asia

Asia is perhaps the most complicated area when it comes to tipping. Each country differs slightly and the currencies can be very difficult to understand. Many countries in Asia do not having “tipping cultures” so they will not expect tips in any situation, but any “Westernized” establishment will have a Westernized attitude and expect 10%. This 10% is often included in the bill, so be careful to read your bill closely. Local restaurants, taxi drivers, bar tenders, etc. will rarely expect a tip or anything more than your spare change. You really only need to worry about establishments geared towards tourists, as these places are well aware of the tipping customs of the US and will expect you to carry on the custom within their establishment. When in doubt, attempt a 10% tip, they may be confused and think you have accidentally left extra money, but it is rarely offensive to offer a tip.

Australia

Waiters are paid very well in Australia so tips are not expected in restaurants at all. Of course, you can always leave a little extra in high end restaurants or when you have especially great service.

Tipping is not expected for cab drivers, bar tenders, bell hops, etc. either. Australia is a very relaxed country, which can sometimes come off a little odd for visitors. US citizens are used to being doted on constantly by service staff, but you should expect such royalty-like treatment in Australia. Australian service personnel will do their job well but will not go over the top, as they work for a standard wage and do not need or expect your tips. Usually, allowing service workers to keep the change is all that is necessary.

-Rease Kirchner–Travelated Staff Writer

Orbitz Travel Deals

Orbitz.com recently released several great exclusive deals on flights, hotels, and rental cars. Check out the list below, and click the links to book the deals with Orbitz. Act fast, as most of these expire in August or September.

Flight Deals

• VEGAS: Weekend Flight Deals
• Flights Under $200
• United Airlines Low Fares
• Continental Airlines Low Fares

Hotel Deals

• SAVE 40% on your hotel in Maui (Exp 12-31-10)
• New York: Stay 3 Nights, Save 30% (Exp 9-1-10)
• Orlando: Exclusive 50% off each night (Exp 8-31-10)

Rental Car Deals

• AVIS Last Minute Driving Deals
• Fox Car Rentals: Save 5%! It’s a deal on Orbitz.
• Go Green & Save Green on Car Rentals at Orbitz.com.

• Read the reviews. Legitimate hostel booking sites will have user reviews. These review can really save you from some unpleasant experiences. Guests can rate hostels and leave brutally honest comments, so make sure you don’t end up booking a place that every reviewer has hated.
• Make sure linens are included. Some hostels will charge you extra for towels and even sheets. Nothing is more unpleasant than arriving at your bed, weary from travel, and discovering you have no sheets.
• Search out free breakfasts. Good hostels offer some sort of breakfast every morning. It is usually pretty limited, something like bread and weak coffee, but when you are working with limited funds, free bread in the morning can help you cut costs.
• Check for free internet. Internet cafes may not seem expensive at first, but when you check your email a few times a day, those costs can really add up. Try to find a hostel that offers free wi-fi or, at the very least, computers with internet access. The internet will probably be almost unbearably slow and the computers will look like they should come with Frogger and Oregon Trail, but it is better than nothing.
• Look at a map. You don’t want to book a hostel that is a 40 minute bus ride outside of the city. You will be depending on buses, trains, and walking to get where you need to be, so try to get a hostel that is near the area you plan to spend the most time in.
• Read up on security. We would all like to believe fellow budget travelers would not bother us or our things, but that is not always the case. See if the hostel offers a locker for each guest to store valuables such as passports for when you leave the room. This is especially important if you book a shared room. Also, make sure the hostel has security to ensure only registered guests will be allowed within the building.

?-Rease Kirchner–Travelated Staff Writer