My family and recently took a trip to Florida. We rented a lovely minivan and spent several days visiting family, animal attractions, etc. When we were planning the trip, we realized that we'd have to either print off a bunch of maps to get everywhere we were going, or rent a GPS unit, or buy a GPS unit to help us get around.

For ease of travel, we decided we'd use a GPS rather than maps. We also decided we'd buy a GPS rather than rent one because rental rates run $10 a day or so, so buying would save us money in the long run. We'd also have it to use on other trips as well.

We totally loved our GPS on that Florida trip and have used it several times since. We settled on a Garmin 550c that we got off eBay. We got an incredible deal on it and found that it worked terrifically.

What that little GPS unit did was make our trip go smooth! It helped us find all kinds of places. We'd punch in where we wanted to go and it'd help us figure out how long it'd take us to get there as well as help us find new places to visit along the way.

My sister brought her Magellan brand GPS unit. She'd thought it'd be helpful as well. However, hers got her into all kinds of problems because it couldn't figure out where she was and/or couldn't figure out how to tell her to get places.

Obviously, from her experience, we learned that it pays to get a high-quality brand of GPS units! It wasted a lot of her time and cost her extra money as well trying to deal with that little machine.

Getting a GPS unit for any of your navigational needs is a fantastic idea. We've really enjoyed ours and highly recommend them to anyone who asks!

You can almost guarantee that if there is going to be a problem it will be when you are on vacation in an unfamiliar place but by following a few simple rules, the consequences can be minimized. Travel can be expensive enough as it is without expensive mistakes which could be avoided, resulting in a dislike for your chosen location and its people. Some people are affected so badly they will not leave the resort they are staying in which is not the way to spend a vacation. The most important weapon in your armory to travel safely is your common sense so don't dismiss this invaluable ability if you want to enjoy your vacation.

Whatever it is you are doing or wherever you are, when you get that feeling that something doesn't feel right, that is your instinct; learn to listen to it. When you go out to discover new places, bars and restaurants, think about what you are taking with you; are all your credit cards, passport and airline tickets for example necessary where you are going? Consider just what you require for your trip out and take that, placing everything else that is of importance in your room or hotel safe.

A handy tip is to place a small amount of money in a number of locations like bags or pockets then if you happen to lose a bag, visa card or money, you will still have something there to keep you going until it can be resolved.

Unfortunately, the convenience of having two credit cards on the same account in your own country can be a problem in a foreign land so another travel safely tip is to use two completely separate accounts; this provides a back-up should one be lost or stolen. Some people just make it easy for snatch thieves who specialize in grabbing bags and cameras from unsuspecting tourists who have them hanging from their shoulder; to prevent this make sure the strap is over the head as well.

Some of the easiest crimes involve snatch thieves that may actually work in teams; they locate unsuspecting victims who have a bag on their shoulder for instance that can be easily grabbed by a passing cycle or scooter. There are many ways to scam tourists and you are vulnerable when you are on vacation so it is an easy task as these people are very good at what they do.

It is often our arrogance that lets us become victims of theft and other deceptions because we do not believe that anyone will pull the wool over our eyes but this is how the criminals earn their living. If you carry a bag of any kind, buy yourself a small padlock or combination lock as the few dollars you spend will be well worth it as it will deter the majority of sneak thieves. To prevent you losing your keys, trying using a small D-Shackle, like they use in rock climbing and while it doesn't lock it acts as a deterrent for unwanted hands getting into your bag.

One of the biggest problems is with wallets as the vast majority of men carry them in a back pocket and this is an easy target for any criminal so try varying your normal routine and place it in a front pocket or similar. The majority of problems could be avoided if people didn't let their guard down, which is common on vacation; if you can remember to travel safely, it won't halt your enjoyment but could stop many untoward events from happening.

Did you know that there are different types of hotels to choose from when taking a break? For one thing you could check out the latest boutique hotel trends. You actually have a choice of different hotel suites to enjoy. Conventional hotel advertising has brainwashed many people into a perception of what a hotel should look and feel like.

You can choose between a big name hotel or a bed and breakfast like The Holladay House in Virginia. But there is an alternative. The alternative is to stay at a type hotel that may be alien to you, namely a boutique hotel. This doesn't mean you should suffer any less luxuries or comforts. On the contrary, you will often find the oppositte.

Boutique hotels have had mixed fortunes since the emergence of affordable hotel accomodation. What has helped them remain popular is the homely atmosphere. Quite often the buildings are historic, and this gives them an elevated air of gravitas. Boutiques strive for individuality, and are usually designed around a theme. You will see a lot of local fashion and culture references, with art and local hand crafts on display. Colour schemes and decor have usually been designed to compliment the building and theme and reflect boutique hotel resort trends.

The resort surroundings of boutique hotels can be incorporated into the theme. Santa Fe has a boutique that displays a lot of culture associated with Native American Indians. The Anasazi Inn displays handmade rugs, pottery and throws.

However, other hotels use a theme not of the area but of a time period. New Orleans boutique hotels are an example of this. Another example of this is San Francisco's, Hotel Union Square. The Hotel Union Square uses the Prohibition era for its theme. Owners have decorated its rooms and halls with a black granite and cream travertine tile.

You won't just find these hotels in the United States. Such is the level of service and style provided by boutique hotel owners, their popularity is immense. Boutique hotels can be found in Paris, Tokyo, Seville and even Russia. You can even get funding to start a hotel from specialized boutique hotel lenders.

Most boutique hotels, whether located in the United States or Europe, have a limited number of rooms, averaging from 25 to 50 rooms. Some boutique hotels have over 100 rooms; others are in the single digits. This limited amount of rooms allows boutique hotel employees to give the guests some personal attention.

Since there's a limited amount of space in each boutique hotel, it's important to get your reservation in immediately. Waiting until you're about to leave is sure not going to get you a room at the boutique hotel of your choice. In fact, it's unlikely you will get a boutique room anywhere in your vacation/business city if there's a business conference coming up. If you can, call ahead a month or more to reserve your room.

Some Boutique hotels constantly upgrade the features of the hotel. It's not a build once set forever approach, but an ongoing improvement strategy. Don't worry the features are merely upgraded luxuries, so you won't see or hear any major construction works. Many rooms have access to wi-fi internet, and come with a private bath. Those on business trips can book a meeting room. Larger boutiqe hotels have spa's, fitness suites and swimming pools. Just like at larger chain hotels, restaurants and bars are available on site for guests to enjoy.

If you are looking something more appealing than a standard hotel, when on vacation or business, you have the option of choosing a boutique hotel. The extra cost is worth it. Who wouldn't mind paying a little extra for this kind of service. If you are looking for a one off experience, boutique hotels will exceed your expectations.

When it comes to casinos, gambling and fulfilling your fantasies, the best place in the world is found in the western part of the United States. Famously known as Sin City, Las Vegas is notorious for high stakes gambling, and other activities that would certainly leave anyone wanting for more. Las Vegas is filled with luxury casinos and themed resorts that give the city billions of dollars every year.

Anyone who plans on indulging in Las Vegas experience or be in someplace in Nevada should start the reservations as early as today. Aside from all the bright lights in Las Vegas, the state has some natural sights to offer. Some of its most popular tourist attractions include Lake Tahoe, the Great Basin desert and the breathtaking Sierra Nevada.

One of the most striking things Nevada visitors should be prepared for are the exorbitant hotel prices. Lodging, especially during peak season, can be extremely expensive, just ask those who tried to stay at The Mirage or Caesar's Palace. One way to overcome this huge financial burden is to look for a Nevada timeshare.

Getting a timeshare is great for those who are financially strapped. It is a cheap alternative to the fancy hotels in Nevada and offers a form of vacation property ownership that is similar to buying stocks. However, instead of stocks, a certain share of time is purchased for a particular property, which can be a hotel unit or condominium. This is a great strategy for those who regularly visit Nevada because a timeshared property provides the partial owner a certain amount of time to use the property in a year. Those who intend to stay in Nevada less frequently can rent out places from timesharing owners instead. Renting is much cheaper and does not require any type of purchase.