Friday, August 26, 2011

Not Going on Vacation this Year? Plan and Research Now

Is it cool to darn socks?

Holes in Your Socks?

How many people really know how to darn socks?  Do you take the time to mend them,  simply throw them out, or do you give them to good will?  Why not learn how to darn?

In the business world and news, trending topics are still about recession aftermath - economy and jobs.  What does this mean to you?  Will you be affected with this?  Will you go on a personal vacation?

Think of traveling like darning your socks this year.  Find a way to stretch your dollars to do what you want to do.

If you are searching for work, I do understand the challenging times you may face.  Many times other people don't think about how this affects their friends.  

They don't know what your actual situation may entail - and it is unfortunate that they include you in things to do without thinking about your personal struggles, expecting you to keep up with them.  Even though you have an abundance of time, are you really even thinking about a vacation for yourself right now?

You should. Even if you may not be able to afford the trip right now, why not escape from the work search and go to the library to do research on where you really want to go once you get the job?  Many libraries even have tapes and videos of international languages and customs that you may practice for free or at a low cost.

Personal vacations are time to get away, clear your mind, relax, and have some fun.  Research attractions close to home - places you never seem to have the time to explore while working.  These are less crowded during the week and it is a chance to get away from your busy thoughts.

Two things to remember are to be 'alert and plan carefully'.   Some things you may do now:

1.  Start to plan your future vacations in advance rotating periodically every six months – example is to plan a long vacation, and take a short getaway.  When you are working or after you find work, set aside a $30 (or an amount correct for you) weekly for your adventure.

2.  Travel to a local region or within USA.  Don't forget places like Glacier National Park and Alaska have changing environments - take the time to see now.  These places may not be as expensive as going to international regions.  Canada is an affordable and easy international getaway to research. 

3.  Solo travel is fun, yet not for everyone.  What group do you hang out with?  Fuel surcharges and hotel rooms may be expensive. Traveling with a group helps by splitting expenses between your friends.  You might find people in your book groups, knitting groups, lawn bowling group, Facebook group, family group – what groups are you active with?  Find out who might go with you and set aside dates now. First ask them to go for a coffee or ice cream with you.  Get acquainted before your trip.

 4.  Make a list of places in your favorite region like deli’s and restaurants for meals, grocery stores, events. Find picnic friendly places to go with your friends on weekends.  This is fun and not to expensive. 

5.  Use your souvenirs for gifts.  Organize your digital imagesCreate your own earrings, bracelets, and key chains.  Send these collections to your family and friends.


6.  If you want to travel internationally, remember to save now and pay cash as much as you can. Create a budget. Don't over charge your credit cards.

These new vacation goals are important reasons to accelerate your job search (or to keep that job you have now).

Research your ideas now.  And remember to stretch those dollars you do have.   

Darning socks can be cool! Don't let one hole in your sock get you down right now.  

What are you doing to create your next trip goal?


Make a Goal like:  Shopping in Switzerland 

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 Include your vacation trip in your life plans ~ The Fun Tour Guru

(By the way, the above story comes from listening to many of the unemployed and underemployed stories still active around us. I hope to give them tips to help out.)
Sock image - courtesy of Microsoft Clipart

Friday, August 19, 2011

Round-About (Literally) in Santa Cruz, CA

Are we in London, England?  

Check out this new change locally, Round-About in Santa Cruz, on your way to the Beach Boardwalk and Wharf.  Sometimes we aren't privy to the local why's when they do things. This is how  significant traffic is managed.  Does it help? Or do you get dizzy? Have you seen this? 

Will large tour motor-coaches be able to navigate these? 
Welcome comments! 

There are lots of improvements - slow down, be careful, and enjoy! And this is why it is necessary to return.







Keeping abreast the new changes in Northern California ~ The Fun Tour Guru 

Do you like this update?  Tell us in the comments!  Thank you for reading! 

Please contact us for permission to use pictures. 





Friday, August 12, 2011

Sailing in San Francisco on the Adventure Cat, Catamaran

This is one of my favorite things to do in San Francisco.

I enjoy my time close to home in the San Francisco bay region.  I appreciate that many people are coming inbound to see our local area.  I am grateful to be in a region like this – surrounded with so many things to do, the beauty around us, and our mild weather.  

I know this sounds like a Julie Andrews' Sound of Music cliche, it is fun to focus on my own favorite things.

A not-so-secret fun activity anymore in San Francisco is sailing on the bay.  I have done several types - normal sightseeing cruises, yachts, canoes, and even had a chance to go on a private sailboat on the bay.  My favorite escapade on the water is to be on board a Catamaran. 






On Board the Cat!

I found the Adventure Cat Sailing Charters (800) 498-4228, an excellent, affordable, up-close experience. You will go on board one of the catamarans and enjoy your escape from the real world for one and a half hours.  Without the crowds, you glide across the bay and see familiar sights in a much different way.  Fort Baker, Alcatraz and Angel Islands, views of the city, and activities on the bay.  And, the crew loves kids on board.




I enjoy the fact there are no lines to stand in before getting on board. Advance reservations are necessary, when you arrive, just walk around behind Pier 39, past the other long bay cruise lines, to the Adventure Cat gate where you will be met by one of the personable, friendly crew.



Ticket prices and information is on their website for day and evening sails - children tickets are less.



Call me, if you want to go ~ I am always up for an Adventure Cat sail!

Where would YOU like to go? ~ The Fun Tour Guru

Yes, all pictures are property of The Fun Tour Guru 

Please go to our website at Lighthouse Travel & Tours, the Santa Clara CA Tour Company to get tour news, reserve hotels, and sign up for our weekly newsletter.

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Word Cloud Tools to Use With Our Blogs

What is the word theme throughout our blog? Share comments with us below or on facebook.




I indulged in this fabulous way to add some spice to blogs and websites. This word cloud was created by tagxedo.com tool.  I found by reading this Small Business Trends article, A Creative Way to Reach Out to Bloggers.  

What do YOU think?  Share your comments.