There are two cruises that are on my list of things I want to do before I leave this life. One is the Inside Passage cruise along the western coast of British Columbia and Alaska. This will be a long cruise because British Columbia, Canada and Alaska are well worth a trip of their own. Whales, glaciers, barrier islands, land without end . . . the last frontier. The other cruise would be in the opposite direction. I want to take a trip down the Pacific Ocean side of Mexico, stopping in Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan and Acapulco, Mexico.
I like the idea of a truly all-inclusive vacation and a cruise fits that description to a “T.” A cruise includes a room, three or more meals a day, your choice of activities, excellent entertainment and stress-free transportation for one price. Something else I like is that some cruise lines allow children to travel with you for free. The beauty of this idea is that the cruise ship is a fully contained environment. This means that there is nowhere the children can go that you cannot find them. In addition, some cruise lines combine a trip to a land-based attraction, like Disney World, with a cruise, such as to the Caribbean. This means you and your children both get the vacation of your dreams!
I have started to price cruises to Mexico in January so that we may see the whales in Cabo San Lucas. You know what? We are leaving the kids at home! This will be an adults-only cruise. Ahhh, true relaxation!
With the arrival of the holidays, I have noticed that gasoline prices are increasing. I have a few tips for saving gasoline that I want to share. Hopefully, instead of feeling stressed by increasing gas prices, you will take positive steps to reduce your oil and gas consumption.
Go shopping and run chores on one day of the week, planning your route in advance.
Buy local. Support your farmers’ market. You will be eating fresher and helping decrease the amount of energy it takes to grow and transport your food.
Carpool. Bring a book to the game practice and stay there while your child practices. Or take a walk to the library.
Use public transportation. Ride a bike. Use a scooter instead of a car.
Visit GasBuddy.com to find the cheapest gas in your area. If you can save five cents on a gallon of gas and you have a 25-gallon tank, you have saved $1.25. If you save this amount weekly, you will save $65 a year.
Use Discover and other credit cards that reward you with rebates on your purchases.
At Sam’s Clubs, HEB and Costco, the gas is usually 3-5 cents cheaper than anywhere else in town. You will save enough money to pay for the membership fee.
Get off the highway to buy gas. I saved sixteen cents a gallon this year by waiting and buying gas in a small town.
Drive smart. Acceleration eats gasoline. Turn off your car at the bank drive through, railroad crossings and long traffic lights. Do not sit anywhere with your car idling unless you have small children in the car.
Lose the weight. Take all excess items out of your car and trunk. Empty your RV tanks before journeying down the road. If you do not use much propane, do not keep both tanks full.
Wind resistance can increase fuel costs. If you are driving down the highway, use your air-conditioner and keep your windows shut. However, in stop and go traffic, cut the air conditioner off and open your windows.
A tonneau cover will significantly increase the mileage of your truck.
Keep your car in tune, the tires inflated and the oil clean. Change filters (oil, gas, air) when suggested by your mechanic or owner’s manual.
May your gas tank and your heart be full this holiday season.
On Thursday, December 3, Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus will arrive by helicopter at the Central Texas Medical Center on Wonder World Drive in San Marcos, Texas. A fire engine will transport Santa and Mrs. Claus to the San Marcos River, where their arrival signals the beginning of the Sights and Sounds of Christmas. The lights come on and the magical event, covering both side of the river, begins.
This event is a major fundraiser for local organizations, so you will find area specialties like gorditas, fajitas, sausage-on-a-stick and funnel cakes as well as traditional food like hamburgers, hot dogs and nachos. Cold drinks, coffee and home-baked goods round out the vendor offerings.
Two tents house the Texas Marketplace, where you will find wonderful handmade crafts, home grown favorites, specialty Christmas items, unique jewelry, hand crafted furniture and more. This is an early and perfect opportunity to shop for that perfect Texas gift.
Walk through A Night in Old Bethlehem. Costumed characters help you learn customs, traditions and beliefs of the time with hands-on activities. Thrill to live angels, three wise men and nativity scene. Get up close to camels and other animals.
The admission fee, which includes parking and shuttle bus ride from Strahan Coliseum parking area on Aquarena Springs Drive, is only $2 for visitors 11+ years old and $1 for children aged 2-10. Children under 2 years are free. Enjoy the Sights and Sounds of Christmas on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, from 6-10 pm. If you miss the festival, enjoy the lights on the river, which remain lit through the holiday season.
Hawaii Discount Car Rentals is a travel wholesaler that represents several automobile rental agencies, such as Dollar, Thrifty and Enterprise, on the islands of Hawaii, Kauai, Maui, Oahu and Molokai. If you travel to the Hawaiian Islands, you will want to rent a car to explore all the wonderful sights that await you. My suggestion would be to rent the smallest, most economical car that will serve your needs. Some of the drives, like the road to Hana on Maui, are on serpentine one-lane roads. In addition, gasoline is between $3.15 and $3.45 per gallon.
On HawaiiDrive-O.com you may compare the rates of up to five rental car agencies. Not all car rentals are available on all islands. Thrifty car rentals are available on all islands except Lanai and Molokai. Find Dollar car rentals on Maui, Oahu, Kauai and Hawaii. There are also two brands that are designated as A and B. I guess these brand prices may not be advertised.
These rental agencies offer different makes of cars as well as various rates, discounts, services and upgrades. You will want to do your research, so that you may find deals like no surcharge for drivers 21-24 or perhaps an upgrade to a full-sized car. There are several articles on the website that you may want to read here…
If you are on a cruise in the Hawaiian Islands, most of the car rental agencies will pick you up from the pier! Make Your reservations today! Just click here.
