Travel We’ve all heard of these discount websites, so use them!! Just as a helpful hint, if you buy discount airline tickets during high traffic seasons, you could get bumped to a less-than-desirable flight instead of direct flight you originally purchased. In this case, price wouldn’t change, but you may lose valuable vacation time! It may be worth risk, or hassle, but remember; even discount prices are more expensive during peak tourist seasons. Instead, consider traveling during “off” season.

Transportation There are a few tricks to renting a car which may fall in your favor. For example, before renting, call your credit card’s customer service hotline (on back of your card) and ask if card’s features include car rental “loss and damage” coverage or other insurances. If so, then you may be able to waive car rental’s insurance, saving around $10-15 dollars per day, which can definitely add up if you are staying several days or even weeks.

Some vacations may allow for an alternative mode of transportation. If you are planning a trip to Europe, Africa, Argentina, for example, try taking a train. In Europe, “Eurail” offers 1st Class tickets for weekly use starting at around $33 a day. This may be cheaper than driving all over Europe in a rental car, paying for gas as you go.

Other Helps If you are planning visits to theme parks or museums-- check particular website of place you are going. They often offer great discounts, printable coupons, or package deals.

If a fancy cruise has always been one of your dreams, consider this: did you know that if you sign up for a cruise as early as possible, it is likely you are going to get bumped to upper class lodging? This is because most people taking a cruise want cheaper packages, and lower class rooms fill up quickly.

Scotland is rich with history and culture. Ancient castles with Celtic names like Duntulm, Dumbarton, Huntingtower, Doune, and Eilean Donan dot landscape. With a few in ruins, other castles are still intact and some are even inhabited. Many are situated overlooking ocean, atop high cliffs—gorgeous and hauntingly beautiful. You will find that all of Scotland is rich in heritage and lore. Consider a visit to Stirling Castle, for example. It is believed to have been site of King Arthur’s Camelot. (Mary Queen of Scots also spent much of her childhood in these walls). You will also find yourself in Scotland’s highlands, isles, and towns-- and if fog is not too thick, you will see rainbows everywhere. Glasgow Cathedral, built in thirteenth century, is found in a city brimming with culture and entertainment, and yes…even shopping. Lodging in Scotland includes incredible options, and is sure to accommodate your romantic style. For a spectacular view, try Mar Hall, a gothic mansion built in nineteenth century (visit www.marhall.com). For a cozier setting, stay at Portree, located on Isle of Skye—an old hunting lodge (…roaring fire included). (visit www.cuillinhills.demon.co.uk). Huntingtower Lodge provides culture, with all comforts of home. This four-star hotel definitely caters to an American taste with a lot of fancy extras, including internet access (visit www.huntingtower.co.uk).