It’s not the end of overpriced airline tickets, but it’s a step in the right direction! It will come as a surprise to many that airlines have policies which will help put money back in your pocket, rather than siphoning it out!

If you’ve purchased a non-refundable ticket and the price drops before your departure, your airline may actually refund, or at least provide you with travel vouchers, in the amount of the difference! Depending on your flight and ticketing procedures, a change fee of up to $150 may apply, but in many instances it is more than appropriate to at least inquire about such policies.

Southwest, for example, offers a cash refund without a change fee! On the other hand, companies like AirTran, Frontier, and Virgin America don’t offer any sort of refund or vouchers. Alaska, American, Continental, Delta, Hawaiian, JetBlue, Northwest, Midwest, United, and US Airways all provide vouchers, although some deduct change fees. Some airlines,  however, allow you to cancel your reservation within a certain timeframe and rebook at the lower rate!

We all loathe air-travel, but this is one thing to restore a little confidence in customer service! If you’re intrigued, there’s even more details in a recent USA Today article.

Facing increasing economic hardship, many businesses are seeking to create demand by slashing prices, offering unbeatable incentives and doing all they can to keep you coming back. The story is no different for the loathed yet equally essential airline industry. Many say the current rates would have been nearly double only three months ago. Fares to many of the hottest destinations have dropped an average of $53 over the last five weeks, with many destinations with savings of anywhere from $100 all the way to $1,000! For example, you can fly round-trip to Cancun from D.C. for less than $330, whereas it may have cost upwards of $500 only a year ago! If airfare was standing in the way of your dream vacation, now is the time to make the plunge and experience your dreams!

Leave the snow and slush at home while you enjoy the white-sand beaches of the Mexican Riviera! Bring in the new year while exploring a lush natural reef! Plan a romantic getaway and celebrate your life and love without the worry of your wallet! You’re in control!

Couple this great savings on airfare with the additional savings of a greatly increased exchange rate and you’ll be able to enjoy an amazingly luxurious vacation without ever coming close to breaking the bank! Take advantage of this wonderful opportunity by enjoying the luxuries provided at El Dorado, Sandos, and Mayan resorts! Sip mimosas by the beach, tee off next to the Caribbean, or even have a daily intensive massage. Now is the time for you to truly reward yourself for the life you live — Paradise awaits!

There are a few suggestions from your doctor to keep healthy that have been fairly static for many years: drink 10 glasses of water a day, exercise, cut out the junk food, and get a good night’s rest. But now there is evidence suggesting that adding adequate vacation time helps just as much to preserve the health of your heart and reduce your overall likelihood of death by twenty percent. A collection of studies by Framingham and the State University of New York at Oswego found that men as well as women benefit from taking at least one yearly vacation. Also noting that Americans take less time off of work than their European counterparts, at about two weeks yearly compared to three or four in Europe.

The results of recent studies are astounding! Women who took only one vacation every six years were eight times more likely to develop heart disease than those who took two vacations yearly. More evidence suggests that women who take frequent vacations cut their overall risk of death by half! In addition, men who take yearly vacations reduced their risk of death by up to 20 percent and their risk of death by heart disease by up to 30 percent. Not only do vacations improve your health, but they are essential in reducing stress, improving marital intimacy, enhancing sleep, and balancing mood. Vacation time has always been highly desired, but with these findings it has become even more important to enjoy your time off!

One does not need to travel to the far expanses of the earth for a fix either. For many a direct flight to mexico can be the start of an all inclusive (and affordable) quick getaway. Or maybe a golf excursion with friends is the right prescription. No matter where you go it’s about time to take a vacation isn’t it?! We aren’t politely suggesting it…it’s doctor’s orders!