Your two major costs are getting to your destination (and back!) and staying there. Our Travel Consultants will assist you in creating a vacation of your dreams which easily fits your budget.

To keep expenses to a minimum and provide convenience, we suggest you consider a package vacation. A typical package vacation might consist of round-trip airfare, hotel or resort accommodations, meals, rental car, sightseeing, taxes, tips and a variety of other features. Today many cruises and tour itineraries include many of these features as part of your vacation package.

Yes, even vacations can be stressful. You need to make all the travel arrangements, take care of all home responsibilities before leaving and pack for your trip etc. We suggest the following quick tips which will assist you to savor your vacation:

Bring clothes that you can mix or match. To avoid wrinkles, choose wool or cotton and polyester blends. Pack clothes in plastic bags from the dry cleaners and when you get where you're going, just hang your clothes in the bathroom when you shower. The wrinkles will fall out from the steam.

Don't take to much with you. Pack larger items first, then stuff rolled-up underwear, socks, shoes, and other items around them. And remember, don't get upset if you forget something. You can buy just about anything you need at the destination or on board ship.

When you've finished packing, place a copy of your itinerary with dates and addresses inside each bag. Don't care valuables, medications or flammable materials inside your checked luggage. Remember to pack a change of clothes, important medication, valuables and toiletries in a carry-on bag. And, always check your luggage through to your final destination if possible and never leave it unattended.

Only a very small percentage of luggage is ever lost or misplaced by airlines, however if this does happen to you, file a formal claim immediately, before leaving the airport or cruise terminal. You will have to list the lost items, including date of purchase and cost. Keep the claim form, baggage check and ticket until you get reimbursed.

Jet lag can occur on long domestic or international flights. Veteran travelers agree that the westbound trip is easier to adjust to and, as a general rule, it takes one day for your body to adjust fro each time zone you cross. Avoiding alcohol in-flight and eating light are a central theme in many popular methods for dealing with jet lag. Alcohol consumption compounds your body's confusion and adds to dehydration, so drink plenty of water and fruit juices when you fly. You will be more comfortable.

A good idea is to get extra sets of your passport photos for visa applications and your international driver's permit. REMEMBER....never pack your passport in your luggage. Always carry it in a place where it will be secure and accessible at all times!

Purchase travelers checks when traveling. It is safer and when traveling overseas, you often receive better exchange rates than cash. If you do carry cash, local banks at your destination usually give the best exchange rates, so avoid changing money at hotels or shops.

Most banks now belong to worldwide ATM systems allowing you to obtain cash in the local currency of the destination you are visiting. You will be billed according to the rate of exchange on the day the charge clears in your home country, not the rate in effect on the day of the transaction.

May all your journeys be safe and enjoyable! Thank you for visiting our web site. Collacutt Travel Limited - Your American Express Representatives.