Fly Like a Bird, Flock to the South: Vacations Under $600

    

     

     Are the cloudy skies and cold weather bringing you down?

     Hang in there vagabonds, winter break is approaching soon.  Look forward to something warm, soothing and tasteful. No, I’m not talking about pumpkin lattes, I’m talking about your 2014 winter vacations! 

    My go-to site for cheap travel expenses is cheapcaribbean.com. They offer insanely cheap deals. If you don't believe me check them out for yourself! I promise, I wouldn't lie. Links to the website offers are embedded in the resort name. Now, enough of my rambling.

     Where to go next?

Puerto Rico

     For those vagabonds travelling from the United States with no passport, this is perfect place to go. Since Puerto Rico is a commonwealth nation, U.S. citizens don’t need a passport. Instead, they need an official photo issued ID, like your driver’s license!

How much?

     Caution: These next three offers are not all-inclusive.

     El San Juan Resort & Casino: 4 nights for $549 with air

     Condado Plaza Hilton: 4 nights for $539 with air

     Gran Melia Golf Resort Puerto Rico: 3 nights for $379 with air

Riviera Maya

     History lovers are going to love this Mexico vacation. You can submerge yourself into Mayan history and visit amazing architect sites. 

How much?

     Catalonia Riviera Maya: 4 nights with air, all-inclusive for $579

     Ocean Maya Royale: 4 nights with air, all-inclusive for $569

     Occidental Grand Xcaret: 4 nights with air, all-inclusive for $589 

Dominican Republic

     

     Love baseball? With warm weather all-year-round, baseball takes place in the winter too. There's no limitations when it comes to the love of the sport. While you're down there, why not watch a baseball game in the Dominican Republic?

How Much?

     Grand Bahia Principe La Romana: 5 nights with air, all-inclusive for $569

     Riu Bambu: 4 nights with air, all-inclusive for $589

     Iberostar Hacienca Dominiscus: 4 nights with air, all-inclusive for $589

Travel Tip Tuesday: Pitching to Parents

     Parents are going to be parents, right? And after bringing you into the world... well let's face it; you have to give them some credit.

     They can be overbearing, controlling and when you mention travelling to a foreign place, they can go ballistic. Try these tips to pave your way into a well-deserved vacation, told the Parks and Recreation way.

     You have to ease the conversation lightly. Perhaps over dinner, compliment your mom’s cooking.

     Delighted, your mom will respond....

     Next, provide them with details. Where, when and who you are going with? Don't say this...

     Do mention people they trust. Of course, make sure you give them names of people that are actually going. No, no, lying won't get you out of this one! It will ease their minds. Don't mention the vacation without researching or planning. Like business people, statistics and facts speak to the CEO of your household. After all, you're not only pitching a vacation, you have to pitch trust. Give them a skeletal outline of an agenda, with room for suggestions. Let your parents share some travelling wisdom with you. 

     After listening to all of the details your dad might respond with...

     You might get shut down the first time but don't be discouraged. 

     Deep down inside it's because your parents are worried.

     Sometimes parents need more time to digest the idea of travelling without them. My parents did! But again, trust is everything with them. Don't argue that you are responsible, show them that you are. 

     Once you get their permission, don't be surprised if they react like this...

     Preparation for a vacation doesn't only mean booking the flight and packing your bags. You want to make sure that your parents are prepared. Other details you should include with debriefing them are:

     Flight details

     Hotel information (number and address)

     Names and numbers of the other vagabonds

     Agenda of what you are doing

     Safe travels vagabonds!

A Little About the College Vagabond

     Hello! – My name is Megan and I’m a student at William Paterson University of New Jersey. 

     I’m the college vagabond. And the picture below is me!

     Here’s the scenario. I’m a college senior graduating in May 2015. Before I step out into the real adult world I want to seize the opportunity to travel. With only one winter and spring break left, added with the handful of weekends I manage to salvage, I don’t have much time to travel. But, I find ways to do it and want to share what I have learned about traveling with you.

     I have two part-time jobs, occasionally babysit, go to school full-time, edit and write for the school newspaper, The Pioneer Times, write for a music magazine, Edge Magazine, and I’m the development manager and managing editor of Her Campus WPUNJ.

     You're probably telling yourself, "She's full of it," or asking yourself, "Why is she telling me all of this?" 

     Well, I promise there's a reason behind all of this madness. What does that all mean?

     I’m a broke college student will little time. ​