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Planning for college Today she's driving her tricycle around the back patio, tomorrow she'll be driving her car around campus. Have you been planning for your child's college education? Will you be ready? It’s no surprise that college tuition keeps spiraling upward, especially in today’s economy. If you think it’s expensive today…just imagine what heights it will reach by the time your child is ready for college tomorrow. Is it discouraging? It doesn’t have to be if planning your child’s college education starts now. First and foremost TAKE CARE OF YOUR RETIREMENT! Don’t wait! Take care of yourself first. The sooner you start, the more your money will compound and grow. Consult a trusted financial advisor who will help you strategize a retirement plan that will leave you in a comfortable financial position when the time comes to retire. Need be, your child can take out a college loan, but you can’t take out a retirement loan. Should you finance your child’s...

Dog-friendly travel tips Whether your dog sitter backed out at the last minute or you simply can’t bear to leave Ruff behind, finding dog-friendly places to stay on the road can prove a challenge. Fortunately, because more people than ever are traveling with their pets, many hotels, motels, and even bed & breakfasts are becoming more pet-friendly. You simply need to plan ahead, if possible, and search out a dog-friendly itinerary. Here's how to find dog-friendly hotels during your summertime travels. Plan ahead The best advice is to plan your dog-friendly trip in advance. No stopping by the side of the road at the first motel you find when your pooch is along for the ride. Chances are, that motel won't take dogs, and you'll be stuck spending time tracking down lodging that does. You need to book your reservations in advance, and make sure your lodging choices will accept your four-legged family member. Check out corporate hotel websites Many of the bi...

Budget-friendly winter travel Whether you long for a winter wonderland or fun in the sun, here's how to find the best winter travel deals around the world! Destinations offering winter travel deals Costa Rica Costa Rica has only two seasons: The dry season from late November to mid April, and the rainy season –- with moderate temperatures year-round. Embody the Ticos' life motto, "Pura Vida," meaning relax and enjoy life by basking in the sun at a beach in Puntarenas, or visit Cartago to hike a volcano and soak in a natural hot spring. Monteverde offers hiking in the rainforest, zip lining and a birds-eye view of it all on the Sky Walk. Keep your eyes peeled in Limon, a port city boasting acres of banana plantations. With airfare as low as $300, Costa Rica is a perfect winter escape. New Zealand Visit Auckland, New Zealand, to enjoy average temperatures in the low 70s, see glowworms and stalactites in the Waitomo Caves and marvel at geys...

Whether your travels take you around the world or just on a cross-country road trip, as a woman traveling alone you need to be extra careful. Here are some tips to keep you safe and prepared for anything. Research, research, research Wherever you decide to go, make sure you do your research -- customs, languages, and religions differ around the world, and you definitely do not want to offend anyone or land yourself in any trouble. (Check the US Department of State website to get the latest information on health and safety alerts abroad, while the CDC offers updates on vaccinations you might need.) Carry enough cash Do not assume that everywhere accepts credit or debit cards. Cash is king and can often get you out of a tough bind. That said, carrying too much money can be problematic, too. Consider taking a couple hundred dollars in cash, and then using your ATM card to withdraw currency as needed. Leave the plastic at home Only bring one or two credit cards with ...

Amber Connor describes it as "Shark Tale" without the animation. Little cities of fish abound. Brilliantly colored marine creatures fearlessly swim next to human visitors. Amber Connor describes it as "Shark Tale" without the animation. Little cities of fish abound. Brilliantly colored marine creatures fearlessly swim next to human visitors. "My husband and I were fortunate enough to swim next to a sea turtle bigger than a beach ball for 20 minutes," Connor says. This wonderful destination is the Great Barrier Reef off the east coast of Australia, a maze of 3,000 reefs and 900 islands measuring more than 1,500 miles. Known as Australia's "Blue Outback," the reef was established as a marine park in 1975, according to Fodor's. The reef is the only living organic collective visible from Earth's orbit, is one of the wonders of the world, and was declared a World Heritage site in 1981. "It was every bit as phenom...

Travelers looking for a spirited vacation can hit The Bourbon Trail nestled in the rolling hills surrounding Louisville in the Bluegrass State of Kentucky. Bourbon is America's Official Native Spirit and Kentuckians have been distilling this whiskey for 200 years using secret cherished recipes and time-honored processes handed down from one generation to the next. Kentucky is the perfect place to produce bourbon boasting of limestone-filtered water and good land for growing corn. The Bourbon Trail consists of six well-established distilleries including Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. in the historic town of Bardstown. The distillery is America's largest independent family-owned producer of Bourbon. Heaven Hill is home to the Bourbon Heritage Centre. A behind the scenes tour concludes with a sampling of fine bourbon in believe it or not, a barrel-shaped tasting room. Take a tour Many a bourbon drinker are familiar with Maker's Mark and their familiar red pl...