What's in Your First Aid Kit?

I've travelled enough to know that in my suitcase or backpack there are a series of items that I think are essential to me, and then there are items that truly are vital to having a safe and healthy trip, wherever you are in the world. Clothing, shoes and beauty products are not deal breakers, but travelling without the appropriate medical supplies, especially in a developing country, is like a police officer racing to a call without his gun. So have a look at some of the items that I never leave home without, and compare it with your own kit, you might have some holes you need to fill, and there's nothing worse than getting caught out in an emergency situation without the tools you need to preserve life.



Medical Gauze
Angled Medical Scissors
Polysporin Ointment
Arm Sling
Tensor Bandage (Large enough to wrap a knee or foot)
Fiber supplements to relieve constipation, laxatives and diarrhea medications like Immodium

Several pairs of disposable non-latex gloves
Band-Aids (Waterproof and regular)
Tweezers
Sterilized Suture Kit
Sterilized Syringe Kit
Digital Thermometer
Two Emergency Blankets
Eye Patches
Ipecac syrup
Anti-Septic Wipes
Anti-nausea Medication (Gravol)

This is certainly not an exhaustive list, and obviously, the further you travel and the more isolated you are, will probably not only dictate the contents of your First Aid Kit, but also determine how much of everything you bring. If you're travelling in a hot climate, there are obviously items that you will pack in your kit that you might not bring if you were heading to Antarctica, and vice versa.
Other than surgical instruments and over-counter-medications, there are a few other things you might want to consider, like keeping a copy of any prescriptions you might be on, in your kit, and on your person in case someone goes into your kit in search of something to help you. The other thing I always have in my kit, and in my bags, are emergency contact numbers, including my doctor's name and number back. Personally, I don't think you can ever be too prepared, so be thorough when you're putting your kit together, make lists and be organized!

3 Reasons to Enjoy Life at Sea

College is coming to a fast close with the end of April and early May upon us. Some of you will finish your last few exams, and set out to find yourself some employment for the summer. Some of you may be moving home to spend time with family and friends, and some of you may in the midst of planning a celebratory trip somewhere hot and fun! My best girlfriend and I will be jet-setting off on a Caribbean cruise at the end of this month. My girlfriend has been working hard on her online degree, and I attend a conventional university. Needless to say, it's been a long hard winter for the both of us and we're ready to let loose!

While we were researching places to go, we came up with all of the usual suspects. Mexico, Jamaica, and Cuba (we're Canadian, so getting to Cuba couldn't be easier!). We loved them all, but we were looking for something a little different, a little more exciting. The answer was simple; Let's take a cruise! My girlfriend wasn't exactly sold on the idea, but after a little convincing, she couldn't wait to leave. If all-inclusive is your thing, but you like the idea of a change of scenery every morning, you need to hit the high seas, and here's why:


1)  Fabulous Food! Don't get me wrong, some cruises are infamous for cheap and not so cheerful eats, whereas others have a spread fit for a king. As a rule of thumb, I generally stick to the more expensive Cruise Lines like Royal Caribbean or Celebrity. They regularly feature famous Executive Chefs and depending on the ship, you can have over 15 different restaurants on board to choose from.

2) Almost All-Inclusive. Much like an all-inclusive on land, many of your expenses are covered on board. Your accommodation, your meals (with the exception of Signature restaurants which will charge a small fee) and your wine at dinner will be covered in your cruise cost. Cocktails are not included, so you'll want to make room in your budget for that.

3) Fantastic Selection of Side Excursions. Because you're often in a different port every day, you have the opportunity to experience any number of amazing on-shore excursions. Whether it's trekking around the Blue Mountains in Jamaica one day, and diving in the Grand Cayman's the next, you'll never find as much variety if you're staying in one place!

Why Book an All-Inclusive?

I was a travel agent for several years, and I still get friends and family who send me text messages or emails, asking me for advice when they're planning their beach vacays. If you live in North America, when you're on the hunt for a beach holiday, you have a number of options. You could book yourself into a hotel and book your flight separately. You could book an apartment or condo, especially if you plan on staying for a long period of time. But by far, the most popular way of booking a holiday, is to book yourself an all-inclusive type holiday. What does that mean? Well, it means exactly that, everything is included. Your flight, airport transfers, accommodation and meals (and in some cases, alchohol) are bundled together for one price. Now let's have a look at why going all-inclusive might be the best option for you:

1) They offer the best value for money. If you're a student,  your vacation schedule is fairly tight, and you're not necessarily looking to stay in a hostel, this is undoubtedly the best option for you. If you're going to a school like Kaplan Online, most of your cash-ola is eaten up by tuition, books and life! All-inclusive packages virtually take care of every necessary expense. All you have to do is show up, eat and be merry!

2) Pre-paying puts you at ease! It's sooo much easier to put a budget together when you've got 90% of it taken care of. Transportation, food and housing costs make up the bulk of our budgets back home, and when you're on vacay, in most places, the case is the same. But once this is all taken care of, you can start saving up for tours, or, even better, you can just relax! 


3) The options are endless! There are thousands of all-inclusive destination options around the Caribbean and Central America. You can dance a little salsa outside a cafe in Havana, surf the waves in Costa Rica or sip margaritas in Mexico. Whether you're on vacay for a quick week, or taking your time on a two week vacation of a lifetime, going all-inclusive is definitely the way to go!

Cancun Me, Baby!

One of my dearest girlfriend's came over last night to watch a little hockey and catch up on some gossip. She's been studying like an absolute demon over the last three months and decided that after her final exams in April, she wants to take off to somewhere hot before she starts her teaching career. What with me being a freelance writer, and having the ability to travel when and where I want, we decided that we would take the trip together. After batting around a few ideas, we decided on an old favourite, Mexico.

Mexico has long been a beloved travel destination for Canadians and Americans, but recent reports of tourists being targeted at some of the West Coast resorts had me concerned. I'd like to think of myself as a adventurer, but I had absolutely no interest in coming home in pieces, so we decide that Cancun was a safer bet for a couple of seasoned women who weren't to be messed with! Let the bargain hunting begin!

If you haven't been to Cancun before, it's geography can most definitely effect your stay. Most of the resorts in Cancun are nestled along a very narrow strip of land. On one side, you will face a large lagoon called Laguna Nichupte. But if you want if you're after that tranquil view of the Caribbean Sea, you'll want to make sure you stay on the Isla Cancun. This is an important point to stress to your travel agent, if that's who you choose to book with. Location is everything!

Next up, where do you stay? There are literally hundreds of resorts and hotels to stay at, and it can be a bit of a headache to try to sort through them all. The first question I generally ask myself when I'm booking an all-inclusive property, there are a number of factors I like to consider. What's the crowd I feel comfortable with? Since my girlfriend and I are in our 30's, we're not looking to whoop it up with the under 25 crowd (no offence ladies, I had my party days too!), so we'll be researching properties that are a little more upscale. Second, call me a snob, but I won't stay anywhere that's a 3.5 or below. I'm not above budget properties, but not when I'm only away for a week, and I want excellent food, and decent cocktails, I want a little taste of luxury. Look, I've spent a year backpacking the world, but this is a different kind of trip. And lastly, I will spend several hours scouring Trip Advisor for real reviews from real people. My travel agent may do his darndest to convince me to stay at a particular property so he can up his commission, but I like to go in armed with as much information as possible. Mexico, here I come!

The 'Flight Whisperer' - Are We Going Too Far?

I am a self-admitted frequent flyer. My carbon footprint over the last couple of years has been abhorrent, I'm sure, but none-the-less, my partner and I like to take off at least two times a year. In 2009, we spent the entire year travelling, and can only begin to guess as to how many flights we took, and out of those some 40 flights, I can count on one hand how many times I've allowed myself to come face-to-face with a raging passenger in-flight. I am the first one to admit that I get road-rage, and at times, I can most certainly be described as an impatient person, but never have I lost my cool mid-air. And I've only ever treated my fellow passengers with the utmost respect. But I'm sad to say, that statistically, air passengers are becoming less and less tolerant of each other. So who's responsibility is it to keep the peace?

Virgin Airlines believes it's theirs, and has taken it upon themselves to hire a "Whispering Coach" to train their flight attendants to speak in hushed tones to promote and quiet and peaceful environment in the flight cabin. In an effort to promote their new "upper-class dream suites", all flight staff on long-haul flights, will be required to participate in an extra day of training, to learn how to speak between 20-30 decibels so as not to disturb sleeping passengers. Apparently telling the staff to use their "inside voices" isn't enough!

At first glance, the headline sounds a bit extreme. But are they onto something here? How many times have you been on a long flight and been ripped out of your sleep by some obnoxious passenger who'd decided to strike up a rousing conversation with someone next to them in the middle of the night? Or maybe you've been forced to crank the volume up in your headset because the gaggle of bimbo's two rows up have had two cocktails too many, and think that now is a perfect time to start gossiping about all the debauchery that is to ensue when they touch down. Do we really need to be privy to all the details? Yikes!

I think it's all well and fine that the cabin crew are trained to speak in soft melodic tones, but what of rowdy, obnoxious blabber-mouths who just don't want to listen? Well, perhaps it's time for a little perspective. If you have the ability to actually get on a plane, and leave your home, you are immensely privileged, never forget that. So lose the holier-than-though attitude, crank your headset to full volume and suck it up. There are 7 billion people on this planet that aren't going anywhere, so you might as well get used to it! Unless you've paid an obscene amount to fly business or first class, quit your complaining and be grateful!

A New York Love Affair

I have been having a long distance love affair for the last five years. We don't talk on the phone, or send emails, or exchange letters, but at least once a year I touch down and spend four or five days trouncing around Midtown, absolutely enthralled with everything I see, hear, smell, and touch. Yes, New York City has cast her spell on me, and I haven't been able to shake it since I first took my first taxi ride in from the airport, over the Brooklyn Bridge on a sticky summer's night in the dead of August. With the Manhattan skyline in the backdrop, I could scarcely catch my breath. Everything I had ever read and dreamed about this iconic city had come to light, and she didn't disappoint, not for a moment! I've since been back about six times over the last four years, and feel like I should share my love for this spectacular city with those who've yet to experience her splendour!

When is the best time to go? If you ask me, New York is fabulous all year round. Whether you're skating at Rockefeller Centre or picnicking in Central Park on a mild Spring afternoon, there's always something going on in the city! May, September and October are three of the best months for weather. You can still stroll down 5th Ave in a t-shirt and shorts, but you won't be in a virtual meltdown like you would in July or August. Personally, I love New York in August. The heat, though intense, it drives New Yorkers out of the city, and shops are a lot less busy. 

Where do I Stay? Being something of a New York connoisseur, I used to get this question all the time! Because the New York subway system is so efficient, Manhattan Island is easily accessible in a relatively short amount of time from any of the outer boroughs. Brooklyn has some fabulous accommodation options, but because I'm the kind of girl that likes to be in the middle of it all, I always stay in Manhattan. If you're budget conscious like myself, consider staying uptown. The closer you stay to Times Square, the more expensive it's going to be. If you're staying on 84th street or above, you'll save some money, and you can make into the centre in just 15-20 minutes! 

What can I do? The question you should be asking, is what can't I do! On or off broadway, the Theatre District is heaven for theatre buffs. With hundreds of shows that grace the epic stages, you could go to a different show every day of the year! For cheap tickets, consider buying the day of at the Times Square Visitor Centre, prices can be as much as 75% off! 

As you may or may not know, New York is a shopping Mecca! From the opulence of 5th Avenue to the cheap thrills of Canal Street in Chinatown, you can purchase a brand new spring wardrobe on your executive assistant salary and still have money left over for dinner and cocktails! 

Don't forget to purchase your 48 hour hop-on hop-off bus tour to help you navigate your way around this writing metropolis. Get above it all, and let someone else do the driving. 

Whether you're here for the weekend, or a whole week, New York city will leave you spellbound. So grab your laptop, head to your favourite coffee shop, snag yourself a cup of java and start planning your trip! 

ROADTRIP! 3 Major Survival Tips

I grew up on the West Coast of Canada, and as kids, we looked forward to spending every summer with our grandparents on their acreage in Ontario. Because our parents didn't have a lot of money, flying across the country wasn't an affordable option, so our 'ol Ford Tempo transported us back and forth for nearly a decade, and I never forgot the unspeakable freedom I felt as a young child, as we raced across the prairies, through the floodplains, past great lakes, and into the lush country side of Ontario. In the 1980's and 90's, fuel was less than half the cost it is now, so not only was it an enjoyable way to get to where you were going, it was very affordable. Unfortunately now, this is not the case. But for those of us who still love the feeling of hitting the open road, and creating our own schedule, road-tripping is the ultimate escape. So if you're itching for an adventure, here are a few things to consider before your wheels hit the pavement.

1) Prepare your wheels! The more love you give your wheels, the less likely it's going to leave you stranded. Depending on the distance you plan to travel, get a full mechanical work-up done; Oil change, wheels checked, tune-up, fluid re-fill, transmission check and anything else that your mechanic thinks you might need to consider. After she's all mechanically sound, it's time to do some housekeeping. Give your car a good scrubbing, vacuum and get rid of any junk lying around. If you're travelling with several people in the vehicle, it's important that they be allowed to enjoy a fresh and clean environment.

2) Get your kits together. My partner may disagree with me on this one, but I happen to be of the belief that you can never be too prepared. Put together a car kit. Living in Canada, we have to be prepared for all types of weather; Snow, hail storms, flash floods, hurricane winds, tornadoes, you name it, we get it! So the prospect of being trapped in near or in our car on a mid-summer's day is not impossible to imagine. It's important to ensure that you have sufficient supplies like water, blankets, warm clothes, first aid, flashlights, food, maps, whistle, a cellphone and roadside assistance membership like AAA. 

3) Accurate maps and/or a reliable GPS. I'm fairly convinced that both men and women are often lousy at asking for directions, so do yourselves a favour and plan your routes out. I do realize, however, that half the fun of being on a road trip is having the ability to go off-road through the back country and exploring a region. But, if you don't have a good grip on where you are in the first place, not only are you going to get lost, but you'll waste a precious travel day. Invest in a good GPS system, and a good set of maps and getting lost becomes not only easily remedied, but it might even be fun!

Ships Ahoy - Cruise Tips

North American's adore cruising. It is one of the most cost efficient and convenient ways to see the world, and we have been sailing the ocean blue on luxury liners for several decades. But before you shove off, whether it's an itinerary around the Caribbean, Mexican Riviera or up the Inside Passage, it's important to to know how to plan for a cruise holiday and what to expect!

1) Know your Cruise Lines! There are several different cruise companies that travel to thousands of destinations around the world. Finding the right cruise line is like finding the right partner, they each have their own personality! If you are looking for a cruise experience that is more adult oriented, with a mature crowd, than perhaps you should consider Holland America. If you are traveling with young children, consider a more family oriented-experience like Disney Cruise Line, and if you're after a niche cruise like a singles cruise or salsa cruise, consider Carnival Cruise Lines. You have to become a detective of sorts to ensure that your expectations are matched with the right cruise line.

2) Get to Know Your Ports of Call! In every port of call, there is a different amount of time that the ship is going to stop. Sometimes the ship will stop over night, and sometimes you will be in port for a few hours. If you are planning on getting off the ship, you need to consider what it is you want to do, to ensure you make it back to the ship in time. Another factor to consider, is that some ports do not permit a ship to pull right up to the dock, so a ship will have to dock, and take passengers across in a smaller boat called a tender. Remember that most ships have an on-board population of several thousand, so your time needs to be managed carefully.

3) What is Included in the Price of My Cruise? Everyone wants to know the bottom line when booking a holiday, and when you're on a budget, it can make or break your holiday plans. In most cases, your cruise price will not include what we would call "specialty" drinks like soda pop, specialty coffees and alcoholic beverages. Most ships will include a soda card program that allows you to pay a set amount in exchange for limitless pop. Spa and salon services, shore excursions, professional photographs, gift shop purchases, exercise programs and gift shop purchases and gratuities are not included in your cruise price. So it's important to create an on-board budget for yourself so you don't end up with runaway costs.

4) What if I'm traveling Alone? Cruises can be a great way to spend a relaxing week, sailing the high seas and meeting fabulous new people. However, buyer beware, being a single cruiser is not a cheap endeavor! Cruise lines will charge you nearly the same rate as someone booking double occupancy because it's in the cruise line's best interest to get their money's worth. There are single cruises if you are looking for something more affordable and is geared toward meeting other singles.

5) There Are So Many Options - How Do I Choose? It can be very overwhelming to choose an itinerary. Enlisting the help of a travel consultant is a great way to help determine what your expectations are, what sort of activities you're interested in, and what sort of budget you're working with.

A Weekender in Whistler

It doesn't matter what season you visit British Columbia, it's so awe inspiring you are often left breathless. From its rugged mountain ranges, hauntingly beautiful old growth forests, pristine lakes, and glimmering cities, I am bias of course, but I truly believe that British Columbia is one of the most exquisite places on Earth. And if you happen to be a ski enthusiast, there is no better city in North America to fuel your winter passion, than Vancouver. With three premier mountains all within fifteen minutes from the

downtown core, if you live here, you can change from your work clothes, throw on your winter gear, get a ski or board session, warm up with a hot chocolate on your way down the mountain, and be home in time for dinner. If I haven't yet convinced you to booked your flights and pack your bags, what if I told you that North America's largest and most coveted ski resort is a mere hour and twenty minutes from Vancouver? Our beloved jewel, Whistler Blackcomb, is a world class resort that has been attracting ski and snowboard royalty from around the world for decades. Blackcomb is home to the world renowned Couloir Extreme, a formidable run that, according to Skiing Magazine, is considered one of the top ten steep in-bounds runs on the planet. The Peak 2 Peak Gondola is another thrilling attraction that boasts  world records for being the longest free span cable. The Gondola links Whistler Mountain's Roundhouse Lodge with Blackcomb's Rendezvous Restaurant. Even if you're not a skier or snowboarder, taking the Gondola affords you the opportunity enjoy the mountain views and take some impressive photos! Life in the truly alpine-esque Whistler Village is laid back, but jubilant. There are plenty of fantastic restaurants and bars for your apres ski time, and for those who like the finer things in life, spend the day at Scandinave Spa soaking your troubles away in their warm mineral baths. 

Getting here is a piece of cake. Fly into Vancouver International and make your way towards the North Shore. The sea-to-sky highway to Whistler is touted as one of the most exquisite drives in Canada, and as you meander up the coast, with the lush mountainside on your right and the ocean on your left, you will understand why it's accolades are well deserved. Be sure to stop in Squamish and Brackendale, the adventure capital of BC and home to the highest concentration of Bald Eagles in the world. 

Finding accommodation in Whistler, for the most part, is fairly easy. Finding affordable accommodation during the peak ski season, tends to be a little more difficult. Rooms here usually start at just under $200 per night in the peak season, but can be as cheap as $100 at the beginning, and near the very end of the season. If you are considering a longer stay up here, try websites like VRBO.COM, which provides condo and townhouses for week long renters. 

Travel Savvy - Tips for Women

I'm in the midst of planning my next trip. This summer, I'll be in Europe for a wedding, and hope to steal away to spend some time in the South of France, Northern Spain and the UK. I've been to Europe several times before, and have always thought myself to be fortunate to have nothing but great memories and fabulous stories to tell. But on my more adventurous travels, there have certainly been moments when I didn't feel safe, and moments where, thankfully, my instincts kicked in, and I was able to remove myself before anything went awry. Unfortunately some women aren't so lucky. There are plenty of horror stories about women travelling abroad, meeting foul play, and it was all because they didn't take pre-cautions or listen to their gut instincts. It's not like you have to become a cop to feel safe and secure, but you do have to hone your instincts. Here are few helpful tips that helped me avoid uncomfortable situations, and keep safe.

Checking In - Hotel Safety

In light of the latest attack on a female tourist at a luxury resort in Mazatlan, hotel safety is crucial, and there are a number of things that we don't think about when we check into our room. It may be really annoying, but consider checking into a hotel room that is in close proximity to the elevator, so if you do happen to be coming home at a late hour, if there happens to be any unsavoury characters around the hallway that make you nervous, you can take advantage of a quick exit. Another thing to consider, is filling out the least amount of documentation possible while giving the least amount of information possible. When filling out registration forms, use your initials instead of using your whole name. And if you leave your hotel keys with the front desk, ensure the concierge puts the key away in a safe place, don't just leave your key on the counter. 

Cell Phones are Invaluable! 

No girl should leave home without it! You would be amazed at where you can get cell reception these days! Having a phone on you at all times, loaded with essential numbers and contacts that will help you in a pinch is so important. I can't tell you how many times I was caught up in situations like my bus breaking down in the middle of no where, and how useful my phone was. Pick yourself up an international cell before you head out on your next trip. And if for whatever reason you don't have time to pick up a phone, consider carrying something that looks like a cell phone. It can be a significant deterrent for anyone looking to cause trouble. 

Keep in Touch! 

Look, I know that vacations are meant to be an escape from a crazed work schedule, busy home life and unforgivable social schedule, and we all love that feeling of getting on a plane and leaving it all in the dust, but sometimes that can be unsafe. Designate at least two individuals to who will know when you're leaving, where you're going and when you're returning. That way, if you don't return on time, there will be a quick course of action. If you're going away for a long period of time, check in with friends and relatives every now and then via email to let them know you're enjoying yourself, and that you're safe. The planet is a big place, and the last thing you want is your loved ones worrying about you unnecessarily! 

Three of Our Favourite Travel Apps

Technology. You can love or hate it, but it is undeniable that it can make life a little more interesting. If you are a gadget geek like myself, the idea of circumnavigating the globe without a series of apps to manage, organize, and record the inner-workings of my trip would be like trying to board a plane without a ticket, impossible! Okay, I exaggerate slightly, but in all seriousness, there are thousands of travel apps out there, and some of them are so efficient, they practically take the vacation for you!

Tripit - This was the very first app I downloaded onto my Ipod Touch. The days of launching a full blown excavation into your bottomless purse to find anything, are over! It's all about virtual travel these days, save a forest or two, and get the mother of all travel apps. Tripit manages and links itineraries, hotel reservations, car reservations, travel insurance policies directly to your email account, and organizes it into one smooth itinerary. And as an added bonus, gone are the days of spending precious hours waiting on hold to confirm your flight time, any flight delays, changes and updates are all sent directly to your Iphone or Itouch automatically.

Jetsetter. Who doesn't love exclusive, member-only anything! I am in love with this app. There are sites popping up all over the web that cater to the savvy traveler demanding luxury at rock bottom prices. Jetsetter only features the most chic, most unique, and wonderfully exquisite properties all over the world. The properties are hand selected by a team of upmarket travel professionals, and their flash sales are epic! If you need a break from your humble bungalow on the beach, why not spend a night or two in a tree house, or overlooking the Mediterranean in a gorgeous villa! Membership is free! 

Kayak. Expedia is so last decade! Kayak is the new ultimate flight search tool. It searches every airline in the world, and pulls fares up from all of the world's major search engines including sites like priceline, expedia and orbitz. It provides every type of flight option, as well as multi-airline options. It also does a great job of pulling up hotel and car availability, but I'd use it more for reference than to book hotels and cars, there are plenty of other websites out there that are better for that.

Vegas Baby! Fun Under 21

The holidays feel a million years behind you, and you've been in school not two weeks and you're already starting to daydream about a weekend of excitement and fun. Unfortunately, the bank account is looking a little empty. Well, you might just have lady luck on your side, because there is no city destination hotter or more affordable right now than, Las Vegas. Big budget hotels and casinos are practically giving away rooms at rates so low, it will seem more expensive to stay home! So c'mon, would you rather stay home learning about the history of forensic science or would you rather have the CSI: The Experience at MGM Grand for the weekend?

Vegas is famous for everything, a city of extremes, and though life on the strip is geared towards the more adult crowd, it doesn't mean if you're 18-20 you can't have a great time. Here are a few ways you, the under 21 crowd can let loose in the city of sin!

Woo Me! While it is true that for the most part, Vegas nightlife  is geared toward the very adult crowd, there are a couple of hot spots in town that welcome the young and impressionable. The Joint at Hard Rock Cafe regularly welcomes the hottest acts in the biz with several all-age admission shows on offer. The House of Blues at Mandalay Bay is another great venue offering a lounge-like atmosphere to be enjoyed by all ages.

Entertain me!  Vegas life isn't all about the black jack tables! You have your whole life to gamble your savings away, go see a show! There is an ongoing parade of some of the best entertainment on earth stomping through Vegas at all times. Blue Man Group is heart stopping and hilarious, Cirque du Soleil is exquisite and no matter how cool you think you are, you haven't seen cool until you've experienced Cirque!  If you you're looking for some laughs, try out an improv show at Harrahs or Sin City Comedy. If you're after something a little more adult then there are a few options for you. Ladies, let your eyes do the talking at a Chippendale show, and for the young gents, check out gorgeous showgirls at Bally's.


Excite me! For all you adrenaline junkies, ride the coaster around New York New York, try the skyjump at Stratosphere, or try your hand at indoor sky diving. Take a breathtaking helicopter ride over the Vegas strip, or hop a tour to the Grand Canyon, the options are endless, so check out what's hot off the strip!

Dress me! There's no age restriction on shoppin' 'til you drop! And oh baby, welcome to shopping heaven. Pay a visit to the Forum Shops at Ceasar's Place, the Grande Canal Shoppes in the Venetian and if you're a true bargain hunter, try the Las Vegas Outlet Centre where you can find high end designers at clearance prices. No matter how you slice it, Vegas has become an all ages destination, and the perfect getaway for college students on a budget. 

Am I Insured for That?

It's Spring Break, and you and your friends have been looking forward to a sun-kissed week in  the Mayan Riviera all semester. You and the pals have spent countless evenings together sipping sangria, pouring over endless piles of brochures, feeling inundated with glossy pages of warm turquoise waters and cocktail-sipping vacationers.

There have been a million emails back and forth between the pals, and your poor travel agent who's getting paid a pittance to change and re-book you into a million different all-inclusive's because Shannon wants a resort with a swim-up bar, Kate wants to ensure where you all stay has an in-room mini-bar, and Lisa is hell-bent on a spot with a minimum of seven international restaurants in case she gets sick of the local food.

You've made several trips to your local travel shop, purchased a stack of travel guides, and you've thoroughly researched all the local attractions. This may be Spring Break, but you're not interested in spending the entire week blitzed out of your mind, you want to see the sights. You've done all this work, but somethings missing. What happens if when you're in paradise, there's an accident, or you come down with some really strange illness and you're thousands of miles from home? If you're willing to spend thousands on your hard-earned cash to be away, than you owe it to yourself to make sure you make it home in one piece.

If you have done it already, then you need to finish reading this article quickly, and start researching travel insurance. Remember how much time you invested before attending the University of Phoenix? Don't you think your health and well being is at least worth as much, if not more, than your education? Of course! For a few dollars a day, you can protect yourself from a lifetime of financial ruin. So many young students scoff at the idea of travel insurance: "Insurance is for old people, I never get sick!" Oh really? And what will you do when you contract the flu, have to spend three nights in hospital and your medical bills are a staggering $85,000 to be treated in a foreign hospital? Get real! It's unlikely that either you or your family have that kind of dough! For mere dollars a day in some cases, you can purchase a travel insurance policy that will give you piece of mind when disaster strikes. Whether you want to dash across the border for a quick shop or you're about to embark on a year long trip around the globe, don't be a dunce, protect your most valued asset, your life.