Clear 365 Blogs

10 Items or Less: Last-minute Labor Day getaway guide

If you've got the sudden urge to get away from it all this Labor Day weekend, it's still not too late! According to AAA, the number of people traveling over Labor Day weekend this year is expected to drop 13.3 percent from last year's decade high -- and that means plenty of great last-minute discounts and deals on everything from car rentals to cruises. 

Planning Makes Perfect

Yes, some things are more fun when left to spontaneity -- sampling a new dish or asking someone out, for instance -- but if you want to really enjoy summer's last blast, a little planning can make all the difference. Ask yourself a few questions before hitting the road: What do you want to get out of your vacation? (Do you want to meet people? Are there special points of interest you want to check out? Do you just want a good rest?) And though it can be tough -- we know! -- to actually find time to plan your vacation after wrestling with your boss for the few days off to take it, get started with a visit to these useful websites: Tripwiser.com will help you decide where to go, and provide destination information, points of interest, tours, visitor reviews, pictures and more. Tripit.com will help you stay organized, and make sure you have all the itineraries of your trip in order. Now that you have your pseudo-personal assistant, all you have to worry about is where to go!

Best Sites to Find Vacation Deals

Labor Day weekend is almost here, but there really are plenty of incredible last-minute travel specials just waiting to be snapped up. Check out the sites below -- our favorites -- for great deals on getaways. Travel not in your budget this weekend? Take a look, anyway. We're all penny-pinching these days, but saving smart now can lead to a relaxing and much-needed escape in the very near future: $15 a week in the vacation jar adds up to a 4-day cruise to the Caribbean or Bahamas in just a couple months!

• TravelZoo.com
• CruiseCompete.com
• CheapTicketLinks.org
• LastMinuteDeals.com    

 

Budget-friendly Hotels

The recession is actually a good thing -- at least when it comes to Labor Day getaways. Thanks to the troubled economy, average hotel room rates are lower than last year, according to Orbitz.com: Hotel rooms in New York City, for example, are about $54 cheaper than this time in 2008, and average room rates in Las Vegas are $108/night, down $28 from last year. So if you've been dreading that annual backyard BBQ with your in-laws, here's your chance to escape.

Go Online!

If you still haven't buckled down and joined any social media networks, this might just be the incentive you need: When it comes to travel tips and tricks, look no further than online globe-trotters to lead the way. Social media sites like Twitter and Facebook let travelers and travel businesses share travel info and deals in "real time," with invaluable insider tips on hidden gems that you'd never find in a guide book.   

Hit the Road

So you've opted for and end-of-summer road trip to save some cash: Did you know there are ways to save even more just by driving a little smarter? Here are a few helpful tips:

· Before you hit the road, check the pressure on your tires. Keeping your tires properly inflated improves gas mileage by about 3 percent
· Keep a steady speed of around 60mph. Every 5 mph over that is equivalent to paying an additional 20 cents -- or more! -- per gallon for gas. Additionally, avoid rapid acceleration and braking. That can lower your gas mileage by 33 percent at highway speeds
· Turn down the AC! We know you think we're crazy for suggesting this, but the truth is, blasting your car's air conditioning can reduce MPG 5-25 percent compared to not using it. (If you're into gadgets, try one of those nifty solar-powered car fans)

· If you're parking your car in the sun, use a sunshade for the windshield to beat the heat

Healthy Snacks for the Trip 

We don't care how old you are, getting there is always more fun with good snacks along the way. Chances are you won't be watching the diet this Labor Day weekend, but here are some tips on delicious snacks that will at least keep you healthy on the way there and back!

·        summer berries

·        popcorn sprinkled with parmesan cheese

·        crunchy sliced apples and a jar of peanut butter

·        fruit leather

·        cheese sandwiches cut into squares (with or without the crust)

·        trail mix

·        yogurt in a tube

·        string cheese

·        dried apples

More tools to help plan your trip

• Currency Convertor
• Flight Tracker 
  
• Passports & U.S. Customs Info
  
• Travel Advisories & Health Tips
  
• Weather Forecasts 

Wherever you go, safe travels -- and happy Labor Day weekend!

Jennifer Lee & Joyce Liao, Clear365 Bloggers

10 Items: Easy ways to keep your stress at bay

1. Spend a week without TV
We know you can't get enough summer reruns, but maybe it's time to turn off the tube. We hate to break it to ya, but TV programming isn't all it's cracked up to be. These days, it seems the best we can expect is some whacked-out reality-show nut case (ahem, 'The Bachelor') that gets our blood boiling and catty 'ANTM' wannabes squealing about anything and everything -- even '24' is giving us high blood pressure. And as much as we can't wait to kick back on the couch with our remote after a long day, our brains could definitely use a break. Trade in your television for a week of something more rewarding instead: Read a book, go for a walk, work out at the gym or cook a nice meal with a few friends -- the possibilities are endless! We promise you won't miss your TV one bit ... besides, we know you've got a DVR.

2. Do stress-relieving exercises
Everyone's got their own "Joe in Accounting," that guy you wish you could just implant your fist into his face to make him stop talking. But since we're not advocates of inflicting violent behavior on living beings -- not even Joe -- we suggest alleviating your stress on inanimate objects, instead. Try this easy exercise to release some of that pent-up stress: First, stand about three feet from a wall (you'll have to adjust the distance for your specific height). Reaching out with both arms, lean at an angle into the wall and press with all your might; your body should form a triangle with the wall and the floor. Keep your feet locked on the floor so your Achilles tendons get a really good stretch. The further you stretch and harder you press, the more tension you'll release from your hamstrings. (Did you know your hamstrings are one of the first muscle groups to store tension? Now you do.) 

3. Soak in a hot bath
Ever consider a bubbly to chase away your woes? No, we don't mean drowning your sorrows in Champagne. Sometimes the best solution to a stressful day is taking a nice relaxing bubble bath. Add music, candles and maybe some wine or hot chocolate and just revel in the calm. Afterwards, you can watch those worries run down the drain along with your left-over bubbles. We're pretty sure you'll feel a whole lot better -- and have much softer skin.

4. S-L-O-W down
Let's face it, the rat race is taking its toll on our mental health. Really, when was the last time you stopped to smell the roses? If your response indicates circa 1989, then we're going to have to stage an intervention. Stop whatever it is you're doing (yes, that evens includes putting down the BlackBerry) and listen up: A stressed mind tends to run in circles. If you take the time to slow down your pace, you'll begin to feel a lot more relaxed. That's not only good for your overall well-being, it'll help you think more clearly, too.

5. Laugh
Whoever said "laughter is the best medicine" was onto something -- there's no antidote to the pressures of life like a good hearty laugh. And the great thing about laughter is it's not too hard to come by. Some of our favorite ways to find the funny stuff: (1) Have a comedy night -- an entire evening watching funny films or comedians on DVD; (2) grab a bite or a drink with the friend who always makes you crack up; (3) keep a humor journal to write down every hilarious thing that happens to you during the day, or quote you overhear; or (4) visit one of the many online joke sites each morning to put you in a good mood. Whatever you decide, have your first laugh on us! (Please note that we don't suggest trying any of the funny stress-relief tips on this page at home.)  

6. Take an entire night to yourself
In today's hectic world of "people to see, places to be," finding time for yourself can be quite a challenge. When the going gets rough, though, get going on a night of uninterrupted bliss -- doing absolutely nothing. Lounge around in your PJ's, order in, rent a movie, do whatever your heart desires. If you want to dress up (or down, as the case may be) like Tom Cruise in 'Risky Business' and slide across your living-room floor, we will by no means try to stop you. In all seriousness, taking a night off can really help release tension. So don't hesitate to pencil -- scratch that -- Sharpie some time in for yourself.

7. Treat yourself to a mini vacation
We all need a break from the nine-to-five sometimes and we shouldn't feel bad about it. Unfortunately, we don't all have the luxury of jetting off for a two-week vacation in the Bahamas. But you should never cheat yourself out of a mini vacation from time to time. And by "vacation," we're not saying you need to go all-out with a five-page itinerary filled with activities galore: We simply mean a time for you to relax. So if spending an afternoon frolicking among the monkeys at the local zoo makes you happy, hey, who are we to judge?

8. Spearmint oil to the rescue!
What could be better than smelling like roses? How about smelling like fresh mint? When your mind is tired and in need of a picker-upper, dab a little spearmint oil on your temples and the back of your neck -- known as an all-natural stress-reliever and remedy for headaches, migraines and fatigue, it'll have you smelling and feeling like a million bucks in no time. An added benefit: Spearmint oil is also super useful as a cure for digestive problems (i.e. constipation, flatulence, diarrhea, nausea), as it helps relax the stomach muscles, too. This one smells like winner to us!

 

9. Exercise
We know this one actually requires some work, but as much as we'd like to avoid it, regular exercise can do wonders for the mind and body. Some of us find exercising more enjoyable than others, but there are options for everyone. If running on a treadmill at the gym makes you feel like a hamster, be creative and try something else: Ride a bike, go for a hike with your dog, try roller skating with friends. Even playing Nintendo's Wii Fit and other fun, sports-themed video games can make you break a sweat. Need a place to start? Just jogging in place or doing jumping jacks while you watch your favorite TV show can be a great beginning. Whatever your activity of choice, keep at it and you'll feel better in no time.

10. Try belly breathing
This last one is really easy and once you get the hang of it you can do it practically anytime and anywhere! Follow the simple steps below, setting aside 10 minutes a day to just sit and breathe. You'll be surprised at how much everything slows down to a more comfortable pace. (More than once when we've done it, we got so relaxed we started to snore. Enough said.)

-- Sit in a relaxing position with your legs apart.
-- Put your hands on your stomach. Using your stomach breathe in slowly through your nose. If you are doing it right your stomach will expand and you'll feel it with your hands.
-- Breathe out slowly through your nose and do it with some force so you feel your stomach pull slightly inwards towards your spine.
-- Breathe in and out 30 times. Take slow and deep breaths.
-- After you have taken 30 breaths and focused on counting them you should not only feel more relaxed and centered. Your body will also be able to continue breathing in this manner without you focusing on it.

Until next time ...

-- Jennifer Lee & Joyce Liao, Clear365 Bloggers

Whether you're looking for tunes to power up your workout or soothe your soul, download them all at ClearMusic

10 ITEMS OR LESS: Top websites to bookmark during a recession

  

1. Barterquest.com & Swaptree.com
Ever wish you could get a little something for the loads of junk piled up in your closet? (Let's be honest here, you're never going to wear that sweater your aunt-who's-not-really-your-aunt Edna gave you last Christmas.) Instead of letting it pile higher, take your "junk" to Barterquest or Swaptree and find out what modern-day trading is all about! If you're looking to trade entertainment items (music, movies, etc.), head over to Swaptree. For a wider range of goods and services, check out Barterquest. They say one man's trash is another man's treasure -- so let the looting begin!

2. Bookmooch.com & Freeloadpress.com
You know those books you have stacked under the left end of your coffee table, to offset its always-lopsided leg? Or the ones you never quite got around to reading -- you know, the ones you're using as bedroom-door stops now? Well, the folks at BookMooch have a better use for them. When you join BookMooch's online community, you get to exchange your old or unused books for the ones you'd really like. Check the site out for yourself; you might be surprised at how many people actually want your paperback Danielle Steel romance novels. 

As every starving college student knows, it can be hard shelling out hundreds of dollars for textbooks when you can find a million more entertaining ways to spend your money. (That 'Principles of Biology' book really pales in comparison to the pair of shoes you've been eyeing for months. Do not despair, though, there is hope: Freeload Press offers affordably priced e-books and study aids (from $0 - $40, depending on the format you choose). Life can be good once again -- new shoes, here you come!

 

3. Etsy.com
Let's face it, sometimes the ol' 9 to 5 just doesn't bring in the dough as much as we'd like. But if you've got a little creativity up your sleeve and want to make a few extra bucks, then Etsy could be the place for you. The only criterion is that the items you put up for sale on Etsy.com be completely handmade -- don't go buying plastic combs from your local 99 Cents Only store and expect to make a fortune on re-sales. Don't think you've got it in you? Take a look at the site, anyway. You might be pleasantly surprised.

 

4. Skype.com
There's a price to pay for going international ... and we're seeing it in our phone bills. A recent call to a friend in Niger, for example, cost 50 cents a minute. That limited the conversation to about 4.5 minutes, two of which were spent on our explanation that future calls would be few and far between, as a direct result of the slumping economy. Then we discovered Skype, a downloadable software that allows you to connect with all of your globe-trotting friends and family via your computer. Skype offers super-affordable rates on international calls -- even better, if both parties are Skype users, the call is totally free. We're sorry to say, you now have no excuse to avoid those nagging phone calls from your mother-in-law.

         

5. Travelzoo.com & Homeexchange.com
Every penny saved counts, but when you can score a four-night Las Vegas vacation that includes airfare and show tickets starting at just $120, it's time to make an exception! Find great deals like this -- as well as to destinations all over the world -- on Travelzoo. Looking to penny-pinch even more? HomeExchange, a site where travelers connect to trade homes for their vacations, is an excellent hotel alternative. The only cost is a $99 one-year membership fee, but if you don't make an exchange in your first year, you get a second year for free. The site, by the way, was featured in the romantic comedy, 'The Holiday'; Cameron Diaz used it to swap homes with Kate Winslet, and enjoyed a lovely getaway in England.

 

6. Mint.com & Wesabe.com
How many of us have tried (and failed) to keep our New Year's resolutions to better track our finances and balance our checkbooks? During these tough times when money is tight, it's especially important to budget wisely. To get you on track once and for all, we suggest Mint, a free online personal-finance tool that helps with bookkeeping, realistic budget-setting and money-saving tips. It's like having your very own personal financial consultant, minus the hassle and fees. And to virtually meet and mingle with other budget-conscious people like yourself, click over to Wesabe, an online community dedicated to pooling users' information to help you make more informed financial decisions.

7. Retailmenot.com
So you've been extra good with your savings lately, and maybe want to treat yourself a little. That doesn't mean you need to make a huge dent in your wallet, though. Before you buy anything, head over to Retailmenot and choose from the site's selection of discount coupons from more than 20,000 stores. And because we don't all live like the Amish and make our own toothpaste, the site's not just for splurges: You can also find great deals for everyday shopping spots like Target and Walgreens.

 

8. Fatwallet.com & Slickdeals.net
For the most serious deal-hunters, community-oriented sites such as FatWallet and Slickdeals feature a growing network of savvy shoppers who tirelessly scour for the very best deals, then share their discoveries on online forums. While you may not find any bargains for that 60-inch TV you've been dreaming about, you just might come across an awesome 2-for-1 deal on a memory card for your digital camera. If you've got the time and the patience, these are definitely worth a look.

Until next time ...
Happy deal-finding!

Jennifer Lee & Joyce Liao, Clear365 Bloggers

When you're done surfing the Web, come back to ClearEntertainment