Falling In Love In EcuadorWritten by Steve Gillman
On my first trip to Ecuador I discovered that official currency of is U.S. Dollar. A nice surprize, since I thought I'd have to find a place to exchange money at midnight in Quito. Not only could I use dollar bills in my pocket, but just one of them would buy a three-course lunch at a clean restaurant. I fell in love with Ecuador immediately. I fell in love with my wife Ana a few days later.Quito, Ecuador I loved Quito, capital of Ecuador. Centro Del Mundo, hostel where I stayed first few days, cost $4 per night, including breakfast. The walls had maps and all information I needed on them. There were travelers from fourteen countries there during my stay. I took a tour to volcano Cotapaxi, and hiked up to glaciers with three others, from Israel, France and England. I danced (Free Rum in hostel on Friday nights), wandered city streets, and took spanish lessons from a beautiful tutor. Ana was not only a great teacher, but soon became my tour guide and, eventually, my wife. Riobamba, Ecuador Riobamba is another beautiful mountain city. My hotel was $3 per night, this time in a private room with a TV. The manager had connections, and information on anything I wanted. He arranged for a guide to take me up Mount Chimborazo, which at 20,600 feet is furthest point from center of Earth (due to bulge at equator). After climbing 4,000 feet of glaciers, I made it to summit. Banos, Ecuador Back in Quito, I called Ana, and we made plans to go to Banos De Santa Agua, a town in central Ecuador, famous for its hotsprings. The bus was $3, a nice motel with cable T.V. cost $7 per night. The second day there, we ate out for breakfast, lunch and dinner, went to hotsprings, bought souvenirs, went to a movie, went out drinking and dancing - and entire day, including motel, cost $34!
| | How to save money while planning your vacations to Florida!Written by Joe Collinsworth
Planning a vacation can be fun, yet a frustration if you have little time, money, or patience. I think many of us suffer from a lack of patience. It can be quite simple if you follow some steps. Remember, you are going on vacation! Get excited! Use your time to plan, to get away from stresses of your daily life. Here are a few tips we suggest you follow when planning your trip and saving money!! 1. Figure out where you are going & what you must do while there. There are many great destinations in Florida from Panhandle, to Gulf coast, Atlantic Coast, Orlando, or Keys. They also offer so many things to do, that it’s a good idea to plan ahead of time some activities. 2. Sign up for online e-zines: These are online magazines or newsletters that you sign up for and receive on a regular basis. Make sure they have an opt-in and opt-out policy and don’t share your information. 3. Are you going as a family, with friends, or for romance? How you get there, where you stay, what activities you want to plan will revolve around whom you travel with. There are locations in Florida set up for different types of vacations. 4. Get coupons & Ask for deals. I don’t care how much money you have. Traveling with coupons and discount sources only saves you money on your travels. Even if you go more luxurious, you can save money with these two tips. Ask to get bumped, ask for first class, ask for off-season specials, ask for senior citizens discounts, etc. Just ask.
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