What Have You Done for "Me" Lately?

Tax day is almost at a close. The month of April is already at it's midway point. And you have little to no me time as it is to enjoy this wonderful year. Well, what are you gonna do about it? What have you done about it? Get up and go or sit back and relax.

Doing for "Me" can seem like the hardest thing in the world, but it's really not. All you have to do is take the time everyday to do little things to make yourself happy, and this will result in the long term benefits. You will be happier, less-stressed, and more eager to enjoy every moment of life.

Here are a few suggestions of what you can do for "Me":

1. Take yourself to a movie.
2. Go buy yourself a new pair of shoes or that purse you've been craving.
3. Get your favorite frappuccino at Starbucks, then sit back and enjoy it.
4. Go play a round of golf.
5. Sleep!
6. Read a book.
7. Go for a walk. It's spring, so enjoy the sun, flowers, trees...
8. If you have allergies, sit by a window and enjoy nature's scenary.
9. Visit a spa. Many spas offer reasonable packages and services for those on a budget.
10. Go dancing.

Do whatever it is that makes you happy! Once you know what makes your happy treat yourself to your gift of "Me" everyday. You can change up what you do on a daily basis. Sometimes, I find just sitting by a window and watching the birds play near the bird feeder relaxing. Other times I enjoy watching my favorite movie, so that I can laugh the night away.

If you just can't find the time everyday to enjoy yourself, treat yourself to at least one day of "Me" time per week. Life is too short to waste on stress, depression, regrets, and work only. Take every moment for what it's worth. Once you're done reading this, you should go get ready for a stroll through the park...or just sit back, relax, and meditate.

A Guide to Budget Traveling: Travel as a Student and Broke Adult is Possible

You’re sitting in your room studying for an exam, tired, restless, and in need of some relaxation. I bet you’re thinking, “How did I get here?” You’re in college, classes have gotten the best of you, and you have been on edge for weeks now. Aside from all of the partying you have done over the past few months, you need a break from studies. So, you’ve now realized that you’re well overdue for a vacation, but needing a break isn’t the biggest part of your problems.

Even if you wanted a vacation, you have a college student budget. What do you do with the funds you currently have available? What can you do with the funds you don’t have available? Well, there are options. You can spend some time on the beach, in the mountains, or on foreign soil.

Rest assured, there are options for the budget traveler. Students and broke adults can now enjoy the luxury of last-minute vacations to destination locations. From motorcycle rides through the city to long days on the beach to a tour of London, low budget style anyone can enjoy a discount, mini vacation with minimal funds.

Let’s start with searching for the right ticket that fits your budget. Is your destination feasible for your pocket? You might find the perfect plane ticket to the perfect location, but can you afford the hotels, food, and transportation in that location? These are all things that the budget traveler must consider. When I was in college, I had the opportunity of traveling within the United States on a regular basis. Most of my trips entailed me visiting friends who attended colleges throughout the US. I traveled on a very low budget and usually in my reliable small car.

Who can you stay with to minimize the cost of room and board? Travel places where friends and family are close. If driving, how much gas money do you have available? You have to eat, so what is your food budget. Though it is easy to forget to eat on vacation, it is not realistic to think you will not need food. The price of food can vary from destination to destination.

You never know what last minute plans may happen and you never know what emergencies may occur. What if the tire goes flat and you have no spare? What if the car totally breaks down and you need a tow truck? What if you get injured during a freak accident? Planning is important, especially for the unexpected.

But let’s be real…you’re a college student. You don’t have to plan. That is part of the fun and joy of being a college student. Have fun. Enjoy life. Take a risk. But use some common sense. Keep a little extra money on the side in your travel budget for the unexpected. Life is not like a movie. You will not end up meeting someone who just happened to be at a restaurant or bar that you were at who is willing to just hand you thousands of dollars for being you. Think this through and enjoy yourself.

Planning

1. What is your personal budget? After taking care of personal bills, do you have anything left?
2. What is your travel budget? How much do you have available for this trip, which will allow you to still have money when you come home?
3. How will you travel? Plane, train, bus, car, boat….
4. What are your destination options? Domestic or international locations? Exotic or traditional?
5. What is the purpose of your travel? Relaxation, fun, or a little of both?
6. Where will you stay? Hotel, with friends, on a resort, in a bed and breakfast?
7. Would you like to see the sights or just relax?
8. How long will your trip be? Weekend or week long?

Tips

1. Be aware of exchange rates for international travel.
2. Be careful of your surroundings during travel.
3. American Express is your friend. The company usually has pretty good prices on exchange rates and traveler’s checks. If this is a last minute travel plan, you can visit an American Express store for currency and traveler’s checks. If you would like one on one contact with American Express travel agents, contact numbers are as follows:
Inside the U.S. call 1-800-297-2977
From outside the U.S. call 1-210-582-2716
*For those of you who have AAA, traveler’s checks issued by AAA are free and are available in all AAA branches. So there are always options.
4. When making travel arrangements, go through travel agencies that offer college and university student discounts, such as Student Universe and Euro Railways.
5. Also, be aware of student discounts available at everyday businesses. Savings on shopping needs can mean more money in your travel budget.

Picking the Right Destination

I am sure Cancun and South Beach are desirable for most Spring Breakers and summer travelers, but let’s be realistic here. How often can you really go to Cancun without wondering if there is some other place that is just as exciting? There are several destinations that are affordable, fun, and reasonable. Today's suggested travel destination is Montega Bay, Jamaica.

Montego Bay, Jamaica
Why Montego Bay instead of the many other destinations in Jamaica? For starters, Montego Bay is the easiest location to get to. Typically, travelers fly into Montego Bay and have to take a bus or helicopter to desired destinations on the island. So, staying on Montego Bay would automatically cut part of the travel costs. Also, there are several touristy venues and places on Montego Bay that allow the traveler many options once on the island. Another benefit is the hotel specials because Montego Bay is so heavily traveled.

Montego Bay is beautiful and has much to offer to the first time visitor. For more details on what Montego Bay has to offer, visit the Yahoo Travel Guide and Jamaica.com. As a budget traveler, I will tell you that it is cheaper to piece together trips at times, so you do not necessarily have to get trapped by a vacation package or resort. Jamaica has several hotels available for lodging, but you will have to pay for food and drinks separately. Please be aware of the native food. If you do not choose a package from a resort, you will have to fen for yourself. Just make sure you eat at establishments that look sanitary, and do not go too far outside of your element. When you do this, you open yourself for stomach issues, and that is not fun.

Whether it is Montego Bay, Daytona Beach, a friend's house in the country or travel to the next town over, it is important to just get away. One day away could give you the relaxation you need. So, broke adults and students, don't let your budget stop you from enjoying life!

Making the Most Out of Life

Recently, I did an article on how to relax and pamper yourself. After publishing the article, I launched a survey question that asked "are you making the most out of life." Of the responses, no one replied yes and no one replied once a year. Instead, the responses were "sometimes" and "NO!".

This concerns me for several reasons. We spend so much time in life working, stressing, worrying, caring for others, and anything that does not involve caring about ourselves. This goes for all people. If you are wealthy, your wealth still comes with a level of stress. Instead of financial stress, you are thrown into the world of lost time where you spend more time securing your financial status and less time with your family and friends. If you are not wealthy and are just comfortable, you are trying to either stay comfortable or become wealthy...and that takes time away from family, friends and self also. If you are neither, then you are trying to make it, day-by-day, check-by-check, and that is stressful in itself.

What can you do to fix this? What can you do to make the most out of your life? For starters, think more about yourself and less about others. I'm not saying be selfish or mean or negligent. I just mean that you are as important as anyone else in this world, so why not treat yourself like that.

For many years, I wondered why people used to live longer (like my great-grandparents) but they had the stresses of the world that we have today like wars, disease, poverty, etc. Well, I figured it out. Through all of the stress and issues that came upon them, they still found that "self" time that is so important in life. They also found joy in their families (even if they got on their nerves sometimes). The key is to slow down, take a breath, and enjoy life. Don't let the everyday problems of this world and your life get to you. If you are down, force happiness onto yourself. Go to a quick movie. Go window shopping. Go to your church, temple, or place of religion, if applicable. Go to the beach. Go to sleep. RELAX. Just relax and enjoy the time you have here in this world.

With less stress comes a longer, more enjoyable life. So, let's get rid of that stress. I did find an interesting article on eHow.com entitled "How to De stress your life" that shed some light on how to alleviate some of the stress of life. Like myself, the writer believes that making time for loved ones is important. We are here for only a short period of time, so take advantage of every moment.

TODAY, I CHALLENGE YOU TO MAKE THE MOST OUT OF LIFE. Start with 15-30 minutes a day of "me" time where you focus on yourself. Gradually increase that to 1 hour, and your life will begin to become more enjoyable and less burdened by stress. Try it. What can it hurt?

Relaxation Time: Living the 5-Star Life on a 3-Star Budget

I have a new lease on life, as of January 1, 2008. On January 1st I decided that I am important in every way. Though I have a busy life and several people who are in my life who require my time, I have often forgotten about the importance of M-E. Well, this year things are different. 2008 is about me and about my peace of mind. To start off on my efforts, I found that one of the best things for relaxation and finding peace is to get away. Not a long vacation, but a quick weekend stay at a nice hotel, bed and breakfast, cabin, etc. It is nice to just step out of life's monotonous activities that constantly remind us that we are living robots going towards the common goal of living life to pay bills, unless we make it to that stage of life where income and savings far surpass expenses.

To get over these monotonies of life, one thing came to mind for me. Why not make a year of it. I decided that every month I would go to a different hotel and just enjoy a day of relaxation and/or pampering. There is a catch to my new hobby. Instead of staying at the typical hotels, I only choose higher end hotels that offer suites and/or some type of luxury accommodation.

January was a busy month for me, so I did not have the opportunity to stay at a hotel. Instead, I took a day off of work and just enjoyed life. February was my stay at the Fairfield Inn by Marriott. I loved my stay at this hotel, and was able to gain points with the Marriott Rewards Program. The hotel offers reasonable rates and impeccable service. I was able to relax and had the option of enjoying the surrounding area.

March brought many surprises to me with my stay at the Ritz-Carlton.This experience was extraordinary. I enjoyed every part of my stay from the bellhop with the top hat to the concierge who handled any immediate needs to the room service. I had the privilege of staying in a suite, and it was beautiful, spacious, and relaxing. The suite was 660 square feet, and reminded me of a small, luxurious apartment. From the minute I walked into the doors of this wonderful, weekend escape, I felt like royalty. I felt like my hard work had finally paid off through my champagne wishes and caviar dreams that I had many times seen on Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous. The room was filled with toiletries from Bvlgari, and had French doors that separate the parlor and bedroom. There were 2 bathrooms, and a gorgeous view of the city. At night, room service delivered a complimentary fruit basket for a light evening snack.

There was so much about this experience that was wonderful, but I have to challenge you to enjoy such a weekend as I did. That is the only way you will know what the hotel has to offer. Even if for a honeymoon, weekend getaway, spring break vacation or an "I Love Me" day, everyone must take advantage of this wonderful establishment (or one like it in a city near you).

Though the Ritz-Carlton is a pricey hotel, there are ways to have a budget stay there. Hotels have slow periods each month (with the exception of the holiday season and summer). During these slow periods each month, they are able to offer lower rates. Therefore, research and timing are key. The research is time consuming, but it is worth the work.

One tip I will give about visiting 4- and 5-star hotels is to be mindful of tipping. When I entered the Ritz, I did not realize how many people must and must not be tipped. I was, however, able to find a useful guide on Good Housekeeping that could help with planning for the tipping that takes place in these establishments.

Regardless of if is at the a 5-star hotel or 3-star motel, the key is to relax, enjoy life, and enjoy yourself. Find things that interest you. Everyone may not like hotels. A day at the spa could be your quick fix to sobriety from life's woes. Just find your fix, because life is too short not to enjoy it and yourself.