Whenever I book a trip, I always opt for the travel insurance. I can never predict what may happen and, without adequate protection, all of the money I have paid for airline tickets, rentals, excursions, lodging and the like can just be washed down the drain and there’s nothing I can do about it.

For a long vacation or a trip overseas, this can amount to a significant amount of money that you cannot afford to lose. Perhaps you’ve been saving for a year or more to pay for the trip. Even worse is when you put it on credit cards and have to pay it off (plus interest) anyway, without ever enjoying it.

Depending on the policy you choose, trip insurance generally runs about 5-10% of the trip cost. All kinds of policies are available that will cover you in all types of situations. Be certain to read and understand what you are being insured against and weigh whether that is appropriate in your circumstances. For example, if you are going to France, you may not need hurricane coverage, but it you are going to the Caribbean in September, that option is definitely worth paying.

In addition, you want to make certain you are insured against accidents and illnesses you may experience while abroad. Your regular medical insurance may not cover you, especially if you’re active and participate in sports where injuries are not uncommon.

I like to think about travel insurance as the way of insuring my vacation. If I get sick, if the mountain passes close due to snow and I can’t get to the airport, if there’s a family emergency I can’t ignore, or if any one of dozens of other unexpected things happens, I’m covered. I don’t lose the money I have invested and can take my trip at a later time. This gives me great piece of mind and makes the cost of the insurance very worthwhile.

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Maine Vacation Resource

The Maine Department of Transportation has a killer website about what to see and do in this diverse coastal state. It’s called Explore Maine and you’ll find this online resource helpful whether you plan to travel by air, car, bike, ferry, public transit or a combination of methods.

So I’ve never been to Florida but I think the ONE thing I want to see when I go is a Manatee. It just amazes me how huge and graceful they are. The video below is taken by one of the keepers at the Parker Manatee Aquarium in Bradenton, FL. Bradenton is located just across the bay from Anna Maria Island which I’ve heard offers great beaches and a nice retreat when compared to the more lively large cities of Bradenton and Sarasota.

This video is from a loggerhead turtle hatch that was on the gulf coast of florida somewhere. Anna Maria Island is home to the Anna Maria Turtle Watch. Every spring and summer volunteers walk the beaches at sunrise to report nesting and hatching activity. Imagine seeing these little babies crawling to the sea every morning!

Ideas for your trip to Anna Maria Island:
Lodging:

• Harrington House - a Holmes Beach Bed and Breakfast
• Island Real Estate offers a wide variety of Anna Maria Island Vacation Rentals

Dining:

• Beach Bistro - billed as the “best little restuarant in Florida”
• Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant and Pub looks like it’s more my speed!

Your schedule miraculously clears for the upcoming 4 day weekend - what kind of fun can you plan? How about a last minute Caribbean vacation to the beautiful island of St. John? Yes - certain times of the year planning a last minute trip can prove to be difficult and expensive - but knowing where to go and who to ask can make planning an impromptu trip easy and exciting.

Take stock of what is available. Do you have some frequent flier miles you can cash in? Don’t forget about the voucher from that last trip you took and got bumped to a later flight because of the weather or an overbooking. Sometimes last minute trips become expensive because the airfare is outrageous. If you’re traveling in off season, last minute fares could save you money, the airlines will be looking to fill empty seats.

Where do you want to go? The U.S. Virgin Islands offer a great getaway without a lot of hassle. and best of all - you DO NOT NEED A PASSPORT! That’s right, if you visit the U.S. Virgin Islands, you don’t need to hassle with a passport. As of January 2007 about 73% of Americans did NOT have a passport.
You have four days, what do you want to do? A day on the beach is a must. What about some shopping or snorkeling? Do you like to golf or fish? Plan some time for laying in a hammock by the villa and getting some much deserved rest. Visit the island travel pages to plan some of the activities you’d like to try. Because you’re traveling last minute, it might be a good idea to call and be sure you can book a tee time or a trip with one of the deep sea fishing charter companies.

All in all - a last minute trip is within reach if you have realistic expectations and you prepare accordingly. Don’t expect the trip of a lifetime, you didn’t have time to plan all of the activities you’d have to try to make it unforgettable - but you can get a taste of life on St. John and enjoy yourself away from the rat-race for a few days.