Finding The Best Travel Deals!

For those of you looking to get away and feel the sand in between your toes, what better time than now! Get away from the routine of the daily grind and spend some long overdue quality time with yourself or loved ones at a place you've been yearning to visit! And you don't need to break the bank to do so!  Here are some budget travel trips to help you take a few long weekends this season! 

  

Know Your Budget
First,you should put together a budget and see how you'd like to distribute your money. Then choose a destination. Once you've decided where you'd like to go, it's time to look into flights.

Buy Tickets In Advance
Ticket prices tend to rise as your travel date gets closer. Secure them a few weeks in advance if you're traveling domestically, or a few months in advance if you're traveling internationally.  Use the fare finder found on almost all travel sites. to check dates a few days before or after your desired travel time to see if you can get a better deal by flying out the night before!

If you can't book in advance, Book Last Minute!
This may seem odd considering our previous tip, but if you find yourself with a Monday free and it's the Wednesday before, well it's a  great time to get out of town and find some EXTREMELY low deals.  Hotels and Airlines release rooms at seriously discounted rates right before the date if they aren't filled - they'd rather have someone pay 70% less then just have empty space.

Be Flexible Many airlines release flight listing details on Mondays and Tuesdays. These are the best days to find deals. Weekend prices are the highest. And always avoid peak travel dates if you can!

Comparison Shopping
Shop around!  There are so many sites out there that make it easy for you to find airfare deals.  Once you find the package that works for you, buy it! You might miss out on amazing deals if you don't act quickly!

Here are 5 "private sale" sites that offer great travel deals. They say you have to be invited by a friend, but you can just as easily register on your own! Check them out!

• Vacationist
• Sales are limited-time only, typically lasting between three and seven days, or until sold out!
• JetSetter
• Deals are valid for a limited time only, and offered on a first come, first served basis. Remember, the earlier you log in, the better the selection!
• SniqueAway
• Their limited-time-only sales showcase the sleek, chic, and always unique!
• TripAlertz
• Collective buying power - as bookings go up, prices go down!
• VoyagePrive
• Offers high-end travel deals at prices of up to 75% off! 

Bon Voyage!!

Tracking The Trend: Shoes for Spring 2011

According to Punxsutawney Phil, Spring is around the corner! It sure doesn't seem like it. It's been blizzard after blizzard, slippery streets and freezing weather. We think it's time Phil had a sit-down with Mother Nature because it's clear she didn't get the memo! In the meantime, let's take our minds off the layers of ice that have formed outside our homes, and imagine our "happy place"... out shopping for shoes.

Shoes are one of the pieces that most define a woman's fashion style. It is one of the items that can really make a certain outfit pop! Friends and Family Circle shows you a few fashion trends that you might want to consider for updating your wardrobe.  Peep-toe ankle boots are on their way out, but gladiator sandals are here to stay!

We haven't seen too many celebrities in these yet, but the "flatform" is one of the latest in shoe innovations!

"Flatform" Shoes

Wear a pair of ballet flats or gladiator sandals with your favorite maxi dress!

Gladiator Sandals

"Jesus" Sandals

Ballet Flats

Wedges will continue to be an option for your spring wardrobe, just with a little twist - platforms and scarf-ties!

We're ready for the sun to start shining again! Are you?

Tracking The Trend: What Is Resort Wear?

You may have heard the term ‘resort wear’ used by designers and clothing shops alike. You receive an invite that states 'resort casual' as the dress code.  What is resort wear?  Should you swap out the 3-piece suit for a bathing suit and a wide-brimmed hat?  Is that what you should resort to when you can't figure out what to wear?   Friends and Family Circle is here to demystify the trend and keep you fashionable!

Resort wear is quite unique when you think about it. Initially directed towards a small pocket of people who could afford to whisk themselves away to warmer climates for the holidays, the fashion industry has now deemed 'resort wear' a "season".  What does that mean?  An official collection between the winter and spring seasons!

Here are a few resort wear pieces to include when you're packing!

Maxi Dresses

Beachwear

Guys, let's pass on the Hawaiian shirts this time around, okay?
 

Opt for something more clean cut. Blazers, khakis, shorts, loafers - all GREAT options!

Protect your delicate skin from harmful sun rays!

Wide-Brimmed Sun Hat

Resort wear is relaxed and fun - as should be your time away! So get going!

Valentine’s Day: Not Just For Couples

Did you know that children under the age of 11 are the largest consumers of Valentine’s Day greeting cards? Surveys also say that most Valentine's Day cards sold are given to teachers followed by children, mothers, wives and last of all sweethearts.

Valentine’s Day isn’t just a day to celebrate romance. It’s a day to appreciate love in all of its forms; and that includes friendship!

Just because you’re single on February 14th doesn’t mean you should wallow in self-pity. If you aren’t in a relationship, it’s probably because you aren’t going to settle for someone who isn’t the right one for you! So CELEBRATE that!

Friends and Family Circle is here to share some suggestions on how to do Valentine's Day right and celebrate no matter who you're with!

Invite the girls over for a Valentine’s Day party! Give each of your guests a box of candy hearts and make red drinks. Pomegranate and champagne cocktails are perfect for the occasion. Catch up with your BFFs and enjoy some quality time.

If you have single friends, let them know you care! Who says flowers have to come from a man? Send your closest friends flowers. They’ll definitely appreciate it!

Movie nights are always a great time! You can either go out on the town or stay in with your girlfriends. Check out some of the Oscar buzz movies like Black Swan!

Regardless of how you spend the Valentine's Day, make sure to take some time to celebrate your own personal strength!