Tip #88 - Can't Afford Tipping

Do not sweat the small stuff. If you cannot afford tipping near the end of your trip due to a drained budget, do not worry about tipping! A heartfelt thank you or honest explanation, smile and kindness, even a hand with the luggage is sometimes enough for people to know you care and appreciate their effort, gesture and service.

Tip #84 - Avoid Overwhelming Schedules

Do not overburden yourself with an overwhelming schedule that will leave you feeling like you need the vacation when you arrive back home from your trip. Maximizing and optimizing your budget and trip does not mean doing everything thinkable, imaginable and under the sun, that you can afford and fit in! You are doing a disservice to the purpose, goal and process that is savvy travelling! You should not feel that you have to do everything to get your money's worth. There is nothing wrong with relaxing and taking a breather along the way.

Tip #76 - Do Not Skip Meals

Nutritional tip to save some money: Do not skip meals in order to save money! It is mostly counter-productive as most possibly, you would need medication for headaches as your blood-sugar drops and overall it is not worthwhile jeopardizing the rest of your trip in this fashion.

It is in fact not economizing and SMART travelling at all skipping meals. Travel activity and sightseeing takes energy. Fuel your human engine. Fresh fruit and local produce offer good alternatives to fast food or hefty restaurant bills. A good and healthy breakfast is a must to get your blood-sugar level up after a night without food.

Tip #50 - Travelling with Special Needs

Be brave and daring if you have or are travelling with someone with special needs. It should not be a factor that makes you hesitant to travel at all. Most, if not all holiday service providers, airlines, hotels, campgrounds and attractions are usually very well equipped and prepared to accommodate unique requirements that could make your travel endeavor extremely memorable and pleasant.

Very seldom are there additional or hefty surcharges for special cabs and personalized service, assistance and specific needs and requirements you might have or face. Just ensure that all details have been taken care of in advance and that all providers have been notified at the time of booking, confirmation and re-confirmed just prior to arrival. Find allies and friends in the front desk staff and managers that can give you the specialized customer attention you need and deserve at anytime you might require or request it.

Tip #48 - Good Rest, Good Budgeting

Be kind to your body, soul and mind! Get enough sleep to stay alert and make good decisions. Weigh every purchase, outing and cost twice. Avoid spending impulses and impulsive shopping. If you just arrived at your destination, take a quick rest if you can and allow your body to adjust for time changes to come and recharge your batteries before venturing out.

Tip #25 - Start Your Vacation Right

Arrive early at the airport and allow enough time for security screenings and clearing customs. Try getting to the airport at least two hours before your flight time on domestic flights and even earlier on international flights. A favorite or planned book to read or something fun to do will keep you occupied if you do end up having time on your hands.

You will be less stressed and rushed and enjoy your getting there part of your journey, starting the fun-part of your travel endeavor early. A positive travel attitude will focus on the fact that time passes quickly and with most boarding happening early these days due to security concerns it is definitely more crucial to be early rather than risking being refused at the boarding gate due to the new regulations.

Plan for and depart in a timely, orderly fashion, in a more relaxed frame of mind and without incident. Be an empowered, action-oriented, pro-active perceptive traveller and you will be rewarded with a trip characterized by smooth sailing and good memories.

Little details that you may miss out...

Attractions: Ensure the details are taken care of, like how early or late the attraction is open, transportation to and from the location and be smart by wearing flat shoes and taking drinking water along for in case the wait is longer than expected. Remember, everyone else will be eager to see what he or she came to see too. It might take a little longer at popular venues, so plan your itinerary accordingly.

Weather: Beware of other details like, what time of year you choose to travel, what the weather will be like, the impact of seasonal travelling, public or special holidays and more. Be smart and budget for the unexpected delays, unplanned extended stays, inevitable layovers and more, especially during wintery seasons.

The bottom line if things don't go as planned: Show some resilience, positive attitude and utilize your financial resourcefulness to make the most of your trips, regardless of what life and fate throws at you!

A professor once told me...

"It's just a matter of priority"

During my university days, there was this particular professor who likes to invite students from other faculties to sit in and listen to his lectures for his psychology majors. Feeling curious and geeky at that time, I attended one of them during free time between my own lectures.

On a particular lecture about stress and health, he mentioned "The number of things you have to do in your entire life is endless. A mountain of tasks? There's nothing to be stressed about. It's just a matter of priority."

Get a piece of paper and pen. Spend some time to make a list of destinations you would like to visit in your lifetime.

Out of your list of dream destinations, you cannot possibly achieve reaching all of them, and nor should you perhaps. Going after these dreams in a planned fashion will mean a significant investment of time, money, energy and opportunities. You will need to prioritize.