San Francisco is a beautiful city to visit; however, it can also be one of the more expensive ones to see. There are plenty of ways to save money without sacrificing comfort while on a vacation here.

Places to Stay

Hotels in San Francisco can be expensive, but multiple venues are reasonably priced here. You can receive a discount if you visit from November through February. It can be helpful to check travel websites to see if any last-minute deals are available. Union Square is an excellent area to consider, as hotels in this section of town have lower rates while also being close to major attractions.

San Francisco has a number of hostels for you to consider. Hostels are normally dormitories with community showers; however, there are a few in San Francisco that are four person rooms. Many do not require advance reservations, and a few of them even serve breakfast. Hostels are located in various locations throughout the city including in Union Square, the downtown area, and along Fisherman’s Wharf. You can save even more money by taking advantage of one of the hostels that has a fully-equipped kitchen.

Saving on Eating Out

One of the best ways to save money on eating out is by having food delivered to your hotel or dorm room. San Francisco is known for its Chinatown, which means there are plenty of Chinese restaurants that will gladly bring a meal to you without charging you a fortune. You may find that one order is large enough for two meals, so if you can rent a room with a refrigerator, you’ll be able to take advantage of leftovers.

If you do decide to eat out, you may want to check with the locals to find some inexpensive restaurants that are off the beaten path. You can also visit one of the many restaurant review sites to get a better idea which restaurants have inexpensive meal options. You could also ask hotel or hostel staff members for some recommendations that won’t break the bank.

Saving on Attractions

There are plenty of attractions in San Francisco that you can visit for free or at a reduced rate. One of the inexpensive ways to see the city is by taking a walking tour, which comes complete with a guide. You can also purchase a City Pass that provides a discount on a multitude of San Francisco attractions along with free rides in a cable car. Alcatraz is a popular tourist destination, and admission to this former prison is free with the purchase of a ferry ticket. Fisherman’s Wharf is free to visit, and will afford you the opportunity to see shipwrecks and sea lions, or simply enjoy a casual stroll or picnic lunch.

There are a number of options available when it comes to saving money on lodging, food, and attractions in San Francisco. If you’ve been dreaming of seeing the City by the Bay, make plans now to come here, even if you are on a budget.

Fran Bricks is a guest writer for delivery.com, a site she recommends for accessing Online Menus - San Francisco.

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Even if you have used your cell phone throughout North America without problems, heading abroad for a business trip or a vacation will certainly complicate matters. You could end up without reliable service, or you might return to find staggering phone bills due to roaming charges. While having a mobile phone is a great way to stay connected and feel safe while traveling, it is important to consider your options before you go. Here are some tips for using mobile phones around the world as well as advice for choosing the right plan to meet your needs and still stay within your budget.

Contact Your Current Provider

In most cases, it will be easiest to use your own phone while traveling abroad. After all, you already own the device, know how to use it, and have all your contacts and information stored on it. Contact your provider to find out if it will work in the country you are headed to, and be sure to ask about the costs involved. Verizon is known for having high traveling fees, while Sprint offers travel packages with a daily fee for unlimited use.

Turn Off Data Roaming

Since smartphones are more popular than ever, there is a good chance that your phone can connect to the Internet in order to check emails or visit websites online. While this can be a handy feature when traveling abroad, it is perhaps the single most expensive cost to do with mobile phone usage in a foreign country. Whenever possible, turn off the data roaming on your existing phone and don't access the Internet unless you are aware of the costs and can afford them.

Unlock Your Phone

Most phones purchased in the United States are locked, meaning that they can only use the SIM card that is installed within the phone. In Europe, most phones are unlocked and can have SIM cards of any kind installed in a matter of minutes. While in Europe, consider paying a small fee to have your phone unlocked so that you can buy a local SIM card and enjoy affordable phone communication throughout Europe on your own device.

Buy a Pay As You Go Mobile Phone

If your existing phone will not work in your destination, or if you are concerned about the potential for large phone bills on your return, invest in a pay as you go phone purchased in-country. These phones are both simple and inexpensive. You will need to pay to install local currency onto the SIM card, which can then be used in the phone until the money is gone. If you will be traveling throughout several European countries, then an unlocked pay as you go phone may be a better choice, as you can remove the SIM card and install a new one in each country you visit.

There are many reasons why travelers want to have a mobile phone. You can contact friends and family to let them know you are safe, call hotels and restaurants for reservations, and feel protected in the event of an emergency. By following these tips, you can also keep expenses down while using a phone abroad.

Darwin Christensen is a globe-trotting freelance blogger. Darwin recommends getting a phone and contract from mobilephones.org.uk if you plan on traveling in Europe.

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From historic architecture to stunning coastlines and epic volcanoes, the picturesque Italian region of Sicily is a treat for the senses for any visitors. Huw Beaugie, owner of Sicily holidays specialist villa agency Think Sicily, lived on the island for over 10 years. Here he has picked some of his favourite activities in the region to showcase the unique and often remarkable elements of this beautiful area.

Delights of the capital

“One of the best places to start is the Sicilian capital Palermo. It’s over 2,700 years old and is filled with countless historical delights. My top recommendation would be Palermo cathedral, with its varied architectural styles due to the many alterations and restorations it has undergone. Palazzo dei Normani is another great sight, one of the most beautiful Italian palaces and a beautiful example of Norman architecture. Inside is the famous Cappella Palatina (Palatine Chapel), which was constructed in 1080 and is intricately decorated with mosaics and fine art.”

Fiery volcano

“It’s fair to say that no trip to Sicily is complete without a trip to Mount Etna on the east coast of Sicily, and you can walk on its slopes, ski on it in winter or even ride a cable car or 4x4 to its fiery peak. The views from the top are stunning and showcase the incredible surrounding landscapes. Thanks to the fertile volcanic soil there are many beautiful vineyards and orchards spread across the lower slopes of the mountain, making it a lovely spot to explore the Sicilian countryside.”

Take a walk on the wild side

“Sicily remains a walker’s paradise, particularly during the cooler spring and autumn months. There is a huge range of hiking routes to enjoy throughout the region, particularly in the lush National Parks.

“One of my favourite wonderful walks can be found on Vulcano, one of the most popular offshore Aeolian islands. Its star attraction is the dormant volcano Gran Cratere, which offers a well-trodden three hours walk from base to peak, and affords hikers spectacular views of the surrounding islands.”

Exquisite beaches

“Sicily is home to some of Italy’s most beautiful beaches, with azure, clear waters, exciting coves and soft sandy beaches.

“Renowned for its quiet and relaxing nature, Porto Palo di Menfi beach in the south-west of the island regularly receives the highest award possible in Italy for its quality, services and cleanliness. With its mix of bars and restaurants, the nearby marina is nearby gives visitors the opportunity to watch the many boats coming with a drink and some excellent Sicilian food.”

Back to nature

“West of Palermo, the coastline becomes slightly more rugged, rocky and, in places, spectacular. Part of the coastline in question is home to Lo Zingaro Nature Reserve. Stretching along the coast for 7km this park and its surrounding areas are one of the most beautiful parts of western Sicily. There is a vast array of flora especially suited to the terrain thanks to the humid microclimate which makes it possible for over 650 different species to thrive here. Dwarf palms and other shrubs line most of the paths, while in the spring the grass of the slopes is dotted with thousands of colourful wild flowers – a glorious sight!”

Think Sicily can arrange for anyone staying at one of their villas to have the services of professional guides who can provide fascinating insights into the various regions, as well as years of experience on the best walking routes, tourist attractions and safety advice.

 

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Most people rely heavily on their medical insurance policies in daily life. In an accident, a medical emergency or when very ill, you can use your medical insurance to pay for doctor's bills, hospital fees and to protect yourself and your finances. Unfortunately, even the best policies may fail to protect you when you are traveling abroad. Whether you are traveling alone to Mexico for a long weekend or Thailand for a month with your family, investing in additional medical insurance can prove to be incredibly helpful. Here are just five things to consider when contemplating the purchase of extra medical insurance for your travels.

1. Examine Your Existing Policy:

The first step in determining if you need additional medical insurance for your travels is to read through your existing policy. Some policies will cover minimal costs encountered abroad, although few will also include emergency transportation, pay extra for doctors who speak English or ensure that your trip back to the United States will be covered in full. By understanding the gaps in your existing medical insurance policy, you can determine what you need to be protected when abroad.

2. Decide if Emergency Coverage is Enough:

Many of the most popular medical insurance policies that can be purchased before your trip will include only emergency procedures. For example, a policy may cover all of your costs if you are injured and need an emergency surgery. However, after the surgery your medical costs may no longer be urgent and may therefore not be covered by the insurance policy. You will need to decide what you can afford and what is deemed necessary when choosing a medical insurance policy for your trip.

3. Understand any Deductible Costs:

Just like a medical insurance policy at home, a medical travel insurance policy will typically have some kind of deductible that needs to be kept in mind. If your deductible is too high, the insurance policy you invest in may be less valuable that you originally thought. Read through any policies before purchasing to ensure that you can afford the deductible if an emergency should arise.

4. Avoid Travel to At-Risk Countries:

Even the most extensive and expensive medical insurance policies for travel may not apply to you if you choose to travel to an at-risk country. Make sure to check the United Stated Department of State website in order to determine if a country is designated at-risk. If it is, call your medical insurance provider and clarify, in writing if possible, whether your policy will still apply to your trip.

5. Consider Multi-Trip Policies:

Those who travel frequently may be used to purchasing multiple policies each year before a trip. If you find yourself researching policies and paying multiple times each year, it may be a better investment to pay an annual fee. These extensive policies will cover you regardless of when you travel and can save you both time and money if you travel frequently.

Medical insurance for your trip can help you to pay for medical costs, may allow for you to have emergency medical evacuation, could help you find an English speaking doctor and can protect both your health and your finances whenever you happen to travel abroad. These tips can ensure that you find the perfect policy to meet your travel needs.

Ann James is a full-time freelance writer in Northern California. She is a guest writer for www.securitysystems.net, a site she recommends if you're looking into life shield prices.

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Whether you are leaving for a fun summer vacation or an obligatory business trip, the security of the home can be a major source of anxiety. Besides preparing your home by resetting the thermostat, turning the water heater down, and unplugging unnecessary appliance, there is the ever-present threat of a break-in. Follow some or all the following steps to enhance home security and your peace of mind.

Landscape for Security

Shrubs and trees are often used to enhance privacy, but they can become a liability when poorly positioned. It is important to maintain street visibility for doors and windows as well as reduce access to the roof and upper-level windows. Plants are useful for security purposes too. Thorny shrubs, like the wild rose, prickly pear, and American Holly, effectively deter would-be thieves from window or backyard entry.

Eyes on the Street

Most break-ins are carried out by acquaintances who know you are away. It is important to let friends and nearby family know of your plans so that they can keep an eye out, but there is no need to share the news with everyone. A trusted neighbor or two who knows you are away can make a huge difference at the right moment. Everyone benefits from building relationships to enhance mutual security.

Timed Lighting

A house that stays dark for several nights with a distinct absence of traffic is likely to draw the attention of thieves. You could avoid being an easy target by leaving the lights on, but this is an expensive option. A couple of well-placed timers should be installed to turn lights on and off. Solar lighting can be used for timed lighting outdoors.

Anti-pick and Old Locks

All locks can be picked. Someone with a little experience and the right tools can usually pick a lock in seconds. Even worse, the Internet has made it easy to learn the skills and acquire equipment. Make your home more secure by upgrading to newer anti-pick locks. For those old, sticky locks, don't bother changing them. The harder it is to open a lock with your key, the harder it will be to open by other means.

Monitored Alarm Systems

Old alarm systems suffered from a serious design flaw. Simply cutting the electricity and phone line effectively disabled the alarm. New systems overcome this problem with battery backup and wireless communication. Installation of a system with 24 hour monitoring service is an effective way to interrupt break-ins. For deterrent value, you need to advertise the system. Few thieves will take the risk with so many easier targets out there.

Home security is about more than protecting your possessions. It's also important for managing the stress of leaving home. One or all of these tips should be used to avoid worries, so you can focus on enjoying your trip.

Colin Riddle is a freelance writer who blogs about ways to keep your home safe. If you are leaving for an extended period of time and are interested in getting a home security system, be sure to research alarm system companies to find the best deal.

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