Vacations/Travel
Is Frugality Fading?
Tuesday, August 25th, 2009
Frugality has been all the rage during the recession. But now there’s some evidence that our money-saving ways may be going by the wayside. A CNN.com story noted that the personal savings rate dipped in June after several months of strong growth. And, while an HSBC survey found that 85 percent of people have modified ... [Read more]
No Comments » Thriving After the Recession
Thursday, July 23rd, 2009
While a lot of people are still deeply impacted by the recession, a number of post-recession articles are starting to emerge, including one from US News & World Report that suggested 10 ways to “thrive” after the recession. It described the new “evolved consumer” who “shops with more discipline and focuses on buying products with ... [Read more]
Bus Travel Makes a Comeback
Monday, June 22nd, 2009
With frugality in fashion, bus companies are doing all they can to convert plane and train travelers to bus riders. As reported on MarketWatch, Greyhound’s Neon bus service now has more than 100 “motorcoaches” operating on the east coast with leather seats, more legroom, Internet access, and power outlets in every row. BoltBus, another east ... [Read more]
When Getting Away Isn’t
Tuesday, May 26th, 2009
The summer vacation has been downgraded – again. First it became a staycation, with people opting for local entertainment as a way to save money. Now, according to a Consumer Reports article, tight finances and fears over job security are prompting 35 percent of workers to say they don’t plan to take a vacation at ... [Read more]
Boring But Necessary
Tuesday, March 24th, 2009
Insurance won’t win any excitement prizes, but it’s a topic that a lot of us need to know more about. In a recent national survey from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), the average respondent correctly answered just four of ten questions. Most people did not know that auto insurance does not automatically cover ... [Read more]
The Bus is Back
Tuesday, June 24th, 2008
When’s the last time you took a bus for an out-of-town trip? With airline ticket prices on the rise and some airlines now charging for luggage, several bus lines are trying to win new business with upgraded vehicles, low prices, and high-tech amenities like free Wi-Fi. The financial blog WalletPop highlighted BoltBus (a subsidiary of ... [Read more]
What I Did On My Summer Staycation
Tuesday, May 20th, 2008
The high price of gasoline has led travel industry analysts to coin a new term – the “staycation.” They believe lots of folks will vacation close to home this summer, opting for near-by, low-cost attractions. What are your summer vacation plans? Have they been impacted by high gas prices? We’re renting a house on Lake ... [Read more]
Cash Back for Overseas Travelers
Friday, February 22nd, 2008
If you traveled overseas between February 1, 1996 and November 8, 2006 and used a Visa-, MasterCard-, or Diners Club-branded credit or debit card, you may be owed at least $25. It’s the result of a class action lawsuit claiming that foreign-currency transaction fees were not properly disclosed. As reported by the Washington Post, the ... [Read more]
