Holiday Safety Tips

The holiday season is in full swing! December is one of the busiest months of the year - with extra shopping, decorating and socializing - so it’s a good time to take a moment and focus on holiday safety.

Holiday Shopping
Gift giving is fun and rewarding, but holiday shopping can hold several hazards. Here are a few tips to help give you a safer experience:
• Take a friend with you – there is always safety in numbers
• Never leave valuables where they can be seen in your car
• Keep your keys in your hand when walking to your vehicle; get in quickly and lock the doors right away
• When shopping online, only give your credit card information to reputable sources
• Before you make a purchase from an individual, run a background report on the seller
• Don’t leave empty boxes outside of your house – they can show criminals what you have waiting inside

Decorations
Holiday decorations can brighten any home of office, but every year hundreds of homes are accidentally set on fire. Follow a few simple precautions to help avoid disaster:
• Unplug your holiday lights at night, or when they will be unattended for a long period of time
• If you have a tree, keep it well watered to make it more fire-resistant
• Candles make beautiful decorations, but they should never be placed near flammable objects or in areas where they may be easily knocked over
• Keep working smoke detectors in your home, and don’t forget fresh batteries

Socializing
December is packed with social occasions: parties, work events, outings with friends. Before you go out, take a moment to think about safety:
• Never let your beverage out of your sight; it only takes a moment for someone to slip something in a drink
• Meet someone new while you were out? Learn more about them before accepting a holiday date by running a Stud Or Dud report
• Plan ahead to have a safe trip home; never drink and drive
 

You: A Travel Agent?

For many Americans, becoming a travel agent could be a big step in the right direction when it comes to choosing a rewarding career that's fast paced and offers wonderful incentives. In fact, travel is one of the largest industries in the world and offers many benefits to hard-working individuals.

Job Description

Travel agents assess individual's and businesspeople's needs to help them make the best possible travel arrangements. An agent may specialize by type of travel, such as leisure or business, or destination, such as Europe or Africa. Travel agents also promote travel packages on behalf of cruise lines, resorts and specialty travel groups.

Travel agents held about 88,600 jobs in 2005. While most travel agents work in agencies, a growing number are home based or work for themselves.

Educational Requirement

In order to become a travel agent, one must have, at least, a high school diploma or the equivalent. Increasingly, because of the use of computers and technology, employers prefer job candidates who have received vocational training. Some employers look for job candidates who have taken college courses in computer science, foreign languages, geography and world history.

On a typical day, a travel agent will:

• Give advice on destinations;

• Make arrangements for transportation, hotel accommodations, car rentals, tours and recreation;

• Advise on weather conditions, restaurants, tourist attractions and recreation;

• Provide information on customs regulations, required papers (passports, visas and certificates of vaccination) and currency exchange rates to international travelers;

• Consult published and computer-based sources for information on departure and arrival times, fares, and hotel ratings and accommodations;

• Visit hotels, resorts and restaurants to evaluate comfort, cleanliness and quality of food and service.

Evaluating The Edge: On Travel Agent Versus Online Booking

Not too long ago, among the big declarations of the United Nations is the statement that getting Internet access or Internet connection is a basic human right. Before this advancement, the world and a lot of folks have been appreciating the advantages of using the World Wide Web. For the past few years, human transactions have been expanded by the presence of the Internet; additionally, some human affairs remain similarly.

Everything is in the Click of the Press button 

Everything has really become too “virtual” for the past several years. Everybody is pretty much centred on getting dependent over the Internet. Online shopping is a trend nowadays (merit to some sites like ebay.com and amazon.com). Buying and selling has grown to be “paperless” and almost less or no communications at all to another human being.

Talking about booking for a travel or getaway deals, doing dealings with a “ travel agent versus online booking” is a subject of choice. Both ideas have favourable aspects and some disadvantages. Even though you can go to travel brokers or retrieve a laptop linked online; as a customer you need to check and examine the main differences between these options.

Dealing With People or Transacting Through Online World

Though we reside in a modern way of life, we cannot blame other people if they are still “stuck” in some conventional operations just like headingto a travel agency and book their next vacation chatting with a travel agent. One of many recognized obstacles that can be raised is the fact that some are not simply comfortable spending their funds through debit or credit card dealings. Some folks are truly careful about these online transactions because they think if something went bad, they do not know how to contract with it.

If you are in the side of the Internet in the fight of travel agent versus online booking deal, one of the main factors you may go for online booking is its ease of access. If you have an electronic mail and Facebook account, then definitely you can buy your next travel adventure using your Internet connection. Without the hassle of counting coins and paying out cash on hand, online booking gives you the privilege to encounter a paperless and swift transaction.

There are ample advantages and disadvantages about these two choices. As a consumer, the most important point of this issue is the fact that you have a choice and this preference should always be based on your own convenience and advantage. 

Some Useful General Tips For Hiring Travel Agents

Whether you're planning for a weekend getaway to escape from day to day schedule, a special holiday overseas with friends and family to relax, a trip to your favorite destination or a plan for a new adventure vacation, make sure to plan ahead. Do thorough research for planning your trip as it will help you in understanding the traveling requirements of the place where you want to visit.

For a hassle free planning, it is a good idea to take help of the services of an online travel city guide or a travel agent. A travel agent is one who understands the tour and travel industry and has good connection with travel service providers and help people in planning their trip or vacation. However, never assume that just hiring a travel agent means your task is over. You need to be sure that the travel agent is a good one and offering you valuable services. To help you out, here are some questions that your travel agent must tell you. 

Ask the travel agent about whether the hotel is in good condition and no renovation work is going on at the time of your visit. Plus, the agent must also inform you about the tourist spots that are located near the hotel. Also the total charges so that you don’t have to face with any hidden charges at the last moment.

• The travel agent must be aware of the traveling documents that might be essential while traveling to some particular destination such as your travel insurance papers, visa, passport, health papers, and your prescription and so on. Even you can check travel information online to find out the details.

• Your agent must help you in planning your itinerary. They must guide you and tell you about the pros and cons of any particular place. In case, you need to make changes in the itinerary while traveling, ensure that there are absolutely no charges. This is something that your travel agent must inform you in advance. Otherwise, it will be a good idea to ask your agent to fully explain the restrictions that may appear, on your ticket, to ensure that the planning meets your needs.

• While planning your trip, your travel agent must ask you about your preferences regarding airlines and what type of hotel you would like to stay during your vacation. This is also the most important amongst world travel tips. Most importantly, they must plan everything as per your budget and in case the budget needs to be adjusted, the agent must inform you in advance. It should be never like after doing all the bookings you came to realize that your budget has grown up.

• Also your travel agent must not nag you into anything. In fact they must ask your preferences and work out a customized travel plan for you. This way you can have your preferences and don’t have to compromise on anything that you might not like afterwards.

Plus, a travel city guide or agent chosen by you must be accredited from some authorized body so that you can be assured of quality service. Plan your trip now and enjoy your vacation to the maximum. 

Panama Tour Packages For Travel Agents

The safest and most effective way to find Panama tour packages is through a travel agent. Many people are under the false assumption that the best travel deals are online. Many times, there are fees associated with vacation packages that are hidden and they quickly add up. In addition, websites that offer discounted rates and cheap deals are ambiguous and it is hard to know exactly what to expect upon arrival in a foreign country. Travel agents are professionals who know the travel industry better than anyone. The best way to ensure a vacation experience that is worth a person’s time and money, it is best to forego the online discounted rates and trust the expertise of a travel agent.

There are many Panama tour packages available to suit anyone’s vacation wants and needs. Panama is full of culture and welcoming indigenous local people. This country is surrounded by two oceans and offers a tropical climate with rainforests, beaches, and mountains to explore. It is not as overdeveloped as other Central American tourist destinations, which makes it one of the best kept secrets in the vacation world. This is also a reason why it is important to use a travel agent when booking Panama tours – people considering this destination will need the direction of a professional to ensure they are not staying in a location that is too far off the beaten path. 

Travel agents who are looking for a great source of information regarding Panama tour packages should reference the Condor Tours & Travel website. They work together with the Panama Tourism Bureau to get the word out about Panama as a tourist destination. Currently, Panama is one of the best kept secrets of the traveling world. However, tourism is expected to explode there in the near future. As it stands, there are plenty of Panama tours available to satisfy any vacationer’s desires.

The best travel deals are all-inclusive vacation packages. They offer peace of mind to travelers who are on a strict budget because the person knows upfront exactly how much the vacation is going to cost. They also remove the stress relating to money during the trip because vacationers can leave their wallets behind while they embark on any of the adventures that are included in the package. Condor Tours & Travels offers a multitude of all-inclusive Panama tour packages in different locations.

One of the most leisurely of the Panama tour packages is the Rainforest & Beach Experience getaway. This vacation includes sightseeing and relaxation among the natural beauty this country has to offer. It is an 8 night/7 day trip. The first part of the vacation is spent at a resort in the rainforest, and on the 4th day moves to a resort on a private Panama beach. Food, drinks, and numerous activities and amenities are included.

If a person is more interested in learning about the culture of this Central American country, the Indigenous People and Ruins of Panama tour package is appropriate. It is a great way to explore this land that is rich in history. Travelers will get an up-close look into the life of modern day village tribes and learn about the ancient societies that once lived there. This trip lasts 7 days/6 nights and includes accommodations, transportation, meals, and entrance to many of the museums and other activities.

Panama tour packages that are reliable and all-inclusive can be hard to find. Travel agents should consider using the Internet for their vacation packages information. The most important part of using online services for vacation purposes is finding trustworthy sources. For the best all-inclusive vacation packages, travel agents should consider using an expert in Panamanian vacations and their destinations.

Tips To Plan A Summer Holiday

Seeking a leisure is a natural tendency of humans. After hard work every heart craves for some release.Going on a holiday tour is one of them. The tours have to be planned when there is an off season for all the people that will constitute the members of the group.. At first we should know the advantages that summer holidays have over the other holidays. In the summer people get easily tired out and the thirst for escape is more. So summer holidays yield more pleasure for the senses. Then during the summer holidays apart from the heat, unless its gets beyond the level of tolerance, the weather remains friendly. The hindrances of storm or thunder showers are hardly there. The schools and colleges also close for a long vacation for the summer holidays. If you have a student member in your tour group, it will be convenient for the one.Here are five tips to plan a summer holiday:

1. The proposed destination for a summer holiday should have a friendlier weather suited for roaming outside and enjoying the trip. Its better not to go places where there are extreme temperatures and heat waves. One may go to cooler places. This yields pleasure of enjoying the cool in the summer. The hill stations or mountainous destinations are better during this period.

2. Since this is a holiday season, one should plan the tour quite early. Getting the reservations and bookings at the last moment becomes a hurdle for the people. It is also difficult to avail them as well.

3. Families or groups who are going for a trip at summer should ensure to carry light clothes if they are going to a warm destination. This ensures the skin to breathe and prevents the swet from sinking into the body developing chances of flu.

4. The group should be well equipped with first-aid materials. Medicines that may be required for small injuries, aches, sprains or cuts, and diarrhea is a must in the list.

5. In the hot weather there are higher chances of indigestion. So the people having a tour should ensure that they take lighter food during the trips. Once or twice violating this does not matter.

Whatever the tour may be, or wherever be it destined, these ideas will always be of help for anybody going on for a tour during summer. Have a safe journey.

Travel Agent Career Information

So you want to become a travel agent? If so, there are a few details that you will want to iron out before you get started. In today’s day and age the travel industry is on the rise. More and more people are interested in seeing the world, and in turn expanding who they are as a person. As a travel agent you will be able to tap into the feelings that these people are having. After all, if somebody wants to travel they may not have the necessary tools to plan their entire trip. This is where a travel agent comes into play. As a travel agent you will be responsible for working with people in order to ensure that their entire trip is set up for success.

There are two ways that you can get involved in the travel agent industry. First off, you can join an existing travel agency as an employee. This will allow you to learn the ropes, and in turn do what you love most. On the other side of things you may want to open your own travel agency. This will take a bit of time and money on your part, but in the end it may be well worth your time.

As a travel agent you will work with people day in and day out to ensure that they have all of their details in order. Not only can you work with individuals and families who want to travel, but you can also become an agent who specializes in working with companies of al sizes. This is a very profitable niche within the travel agency industry.

As you can see there is a lot that goes into becoming a travel agent. If you love the travel industry you may want to consider becoming a travel agent. You can get involved in a number of different ways, and in the end make a lot of money.

Before you become a travel agent make sure that you know exactly what you are getting yourself into. This holds true in every career, and as a travel agent thing are no different. 

Tips For Holiday Villas Rental Italy

Getting your dream villas or accommodation on your holidays is the biggest thing to manage. All of we plan holidays to get relaxed from our most tedious and boring routine. It is very tough to imagine that we did not find relaxed accommodation during vacation. Just imagine for a while that we have to suffer a lot because of not getting comfortable accommodation, can you imagine? No not at all.

In short relaxed and comfortable holiday accommodation during your tour to Italy is the basic requirement for any one. As Italy is the most beautiful and historic country and many visitors had face accommodation problem during their trip. But it will not be fair if we ignore any place to visit because of accommodation problem. Managing accommodation in Italy is very easy process if you plan in advance.

It is very exciting and unique experience of you holiday when you hire villas for vacation in Italy. Every one should experience once in a life to stay in luxurious villa located on very beautiful landscapes. You can enjoy eye catching view points from your balcony in your private villa.

When you plan for hire villa for vacation, be very care full regarding your needs and facilities. Make sure everything when you book villa online for vacation. Try to collect all information of the agent or company which will provide accommodation for your vacation in Italy.

Following are tips to keep in mind while hiring villa for vacation in Italy

1. Decide your vacation destination in Italy.
2. Get exact figure of members for your holiday tour.
3. Try to get A to Z information of your travel agent or accommodation provider.
4. If you are going to book online than read each and every terms and condition mentioned there, you small ignorance can put you in trouble.
5. Be very clear for your requirements, facilities and freedom.
6. Find such agency which rules and regulations can let you enjoy your full freedom with all flexibilities.
7. Mention all needs for hire villas in vacation Italy such as swimming pool, garden, made, internet service, tennis court etc…
8. Read all documents carefully while you are booking your best and imagined villa hire, because some times our little carelessness put ourselves in trouble.
9. Get hard copy for your villas hire agreement and keep 2 or 3 Xerox with you.
10. Inform you family or relatives about your plan, accommodation, it will help you in emergency.
11. Don’t keep too much cash with you during holidays, credit or debit card will be better option.

With some safety points and awareness you can enjoy your holidays and vacation as per your plan. You can enjoy your vacation stay in luxurious and comfortable villas in Italy. All very well preplanned holidays get success so what are you waiting for? Start planning your vacation and most relaxed accommodation in Italy.

Top Tips On How To Lose Weight Fast For Your Holiday

While it is best to eat well and exercise regularly there are some things you can do to help you lose weight fast, just in time for your holiday. The following “how to lose weight fast” tips are useful if you want to feel less bloated and have more energy.

Food
• Have a healthy breakfast.
It is important to have a filling breakfast as this helps prevent snacking later in the morning. Wholegrain cereals, fruit salad and yoghurts are all great options for a healthy start to the day.
• Cut out carbonated “fizzy” drinks.
These drinks are usually full of sugar and cause you to retain water. By cutting out popular carbonated drinks you should start to see an improvement in any bloating you may have had in the past. Replace fizzy drinks with water, herbal teas or juices.
• Reduce alcohol consumption.
Many are surprised by the calorie content in some of their favourite alcoholic beverages. If you really want to know how to lose weight fast you need to cut out alcohol altogether before your holiday. If you don’t want to cut out alcohol completely you should switch to lower calorie drinks such as vodka and a diet soda.
• Eat more protein.
If you are stressed or constantly tired, not eating enough protein may be the reason. Lean protein is crucial for strength and energy. Stock up on items such as salmon, tuna chicken and grass-fed beef or if you’re a vegetarian try quinoa, organic eggs, tempeh and almonds. Exercise
Usually when people ask how to lose weight fast they think dieting alone is enough. Unfortunately exercise is also needed if you want to be bikini ready in time for your holidays. Just follow these simple tips and you’ll be on your way to a more energetic, toned you!
• Early morning workout.
Many people decide to exercise after work however this routine usually doesn’t last long for many people. Try working out in the morning before work instead, this gives your metabolism a boost and help you feel great all day.
• Leave the car at home.
If you haven’t got time for an early morning workout try walking to work instead of driving. If this is not possible, park further away from your workplace and walk a short distance instead. Walking in the morning will also boost your energy for the day.
• Add weights to your workout.
By using weights in your workout you will burn more calories and tone up your body in a short period of time. Weight training helps you manage your weight long term.

Holiday Shipping Tips

You always want your special packages to arrive safely and on time. However, this is particularly important during the holiday season as you send your holiday gifts to your family and loved ones around the world.

Here are some tips to help ensure your holiday packages arrive safely and on time:

Ship early in the season. The earlier you ship, the shorter the lines.

• Choose the right supplies. Use sturdy boxes with the flaps intact and do not reuse boxes. Position at least one inch of packaging materials on all sides and use tape designed for packaging.

• Be smart about labeling. Position the address label squarely on the largest surface and provide complete sender and recipient addresses, including phone numbers and ZIP codes. Ensure that the label is properly and completely attached.

• fedex.com can help you determine shipping options, including rates and transit times.

• For last-minute shoppers, customers have until Friday, December 22 to ship holiday gifts using FedEx Express for delivery on Saturday, December 23.

• Don't be afraid to ask for help. Take the hassle out of holiday shipping with expert assistance and full-service packing and shipping solutions at FedEx Kinko's. 

Holiday Weight Loss Tips

You can maintain or even lose weight during the holidays by following these tips:
Stay physically active since you know you will be consuming more calories.
Focus on will power and pick healthier choices.
Eat a light snack before going to a party.
Make a plan of action.
Reduce the fat in holiday recipes.
Choose your beverages wisely.
Enjoy the time with friends and family.

How are you going to handle and plan all of the eating that goes along with the holidays with family and friends? Most holidays and events are planned around food. It is such a big part of the holidays, celebrations, and family gatherings. Don't allow yourself to let go over the holidays, it is too much work when it's all done. Consider the following tips to make your holiday eating healthy and to feel good by planning and having a little self control. You can still enjoy good food within moderation and feel great that you had the will power to say "No, thank you" to that second helping. 

Tip 1: Stay physically active every day.
Even if you only have 20 minutes, this will speed up your metabolism for the day. Physical activity will relieve holiday stress, regulate appetite, and burn up extra calories from the extra holiday eating. Get the whole family involved by taking a walk or playing a game in the back yard.

Tip 2: Focus on weight maintenance during the holidays.
This is why staying active is so important. If you are eating a little more than usual, if you stay active, you will be able to maintain your current weight. This sounds so refreshing, much better than gaining 7 to 10 pounds that will take you months to lose!!

Tip 3: Eat a light snack before going to holiday parties
DO NOT arrive to a party hungry. You know you will overeat and this will set you up to forget all about self control. This makes it very difficult to resist the temptation of high fat/high calorie foods.  If you eat a snack before you go, you will be able to sustain self control; just think about how many minutes you are saving on the treadmill! Try eating almonds or an apple, cottage cheese or a hard boiled egg. You will be so happy you did.

Tip 4: Make a plan of action
Think about: What foods will be available? What foods can you choose that will be better for your goals? What foods can you do without? What are your personal triggers to overeating and how can you minimize them? Remember – while some foods have more calories than others, you gain weight when you take in more calories than your body uses in a day. So, if you stay active and use self control, you will maintain.

Tip 5: Reduce the fat in holiday recipes
Use low fat and low calorie substitutes. Try using applesauce in place of oil in your favorite recipes; try plain yogurt or low fat sour cream.

Tip 6: Choose your beverages wisely
Alcohol is high in calories. Liquors, sweet wines and sweet mixed drinks contain 100-450 calories per glass. Limit your intake to 1 or 2 alcoholic drinks per occasion. And watch out for calories in pop, fruit punch, and eggnog. Water and diet cola are low calorie alternatives. Using Crystal Light in drinks and diet tonic water will save many calories.

Tip 8: Enjoy the time with friends and family
Food can be an important part of events, but it doesn’t have to be the focus. Concentrate on the pleasures of being with family and friends. The key is balance and moderation. Utilize the tips here and practice self control; this way you will really enjoy the holidays like never before! And remember to get your own "7 Secrets You Need To Know About Weigh Loss" Ebook while FREE copies are still available. 

Different Types Of Travel Agencies

The main function of any travel agency is to, of course, act as an agent. This includes selling tickets and travel products, reservations, and so on, on behalf of one or several suppliers. Travel agents generally work with no charge to the traveler him or herself. Rather, the travel agent takes a small commission from the overall cost. Again, this isn't added on top of the sale or anything like that. Rather, their commission is taken out of the advertised price.

So why go through a travel agent? Well, besides the simplicity and convenience, the main draw is that travel agents receive tickets at significant discounts.

This is pretty much how travel agencies work the world over. However, there are a few different types of travel agents&

General Sales Agents for Foreign Travel Companies

A general sales agent is something like a tourism ambassador. A company with its headquarters located in, say, Japan, might set up travel agency offices all around the world to encourage tourism to the country where their headquarters is located. The travel agent will still seek to find better deals for their customers (as, after all, that's what turns a customer into a return customer), so they are not indebted to any one airline or hotel, but, they do tend to focus strictly on travel to, and within, the country where their headquarters is located.

Business and Commercial Travel Agencies

Most travel agencies have a department of business travel and a department of leisure travel. The needs for one traveler and the other tend to vary in a few significant ways, and so, splitting up the duties amongst a couple of departments can help to allow either department to specialize, finding better deals for business travelers on the one hand, and better deals for leisure travelers on the other. However, there are also travel agencies that specialize strictly in business and commercial travel. Incidentally, there aren't a whole lot of agencies that restrict themselves solely to leisure travel.

By Class

In the United States, there are several main types of travel agencies: corporate-owned national chains, national/international franchises, membership associations -- such as AAA -- and independent, locally owned travel agencies with no brand or corporate affiliation. National chains will have the most consistent policies and pricing not matter where you go, and often the best international "hotline" customer service, but not always. Big-name franchises offer similar perks but different local owners can opt out of certain promotions and pricing specials. Membership-based associations are often less commission-focused since they rely on member fees. Independent agencies tend to cater to niche markets, such as assisting sports teams, church and school groups looking for inexpensive travel, and large group options.

Cargo Travel Agencies

A few travel agencies specialize in shipping cargo. Of course& that's not entirely relevant if you're looking to fly for business or personal reasons. Still, this should go to show how many different areas an individual agency can specialize in.

Online Travel Agencies

One of the real boons to the travel agency industry has been the use of the internet to allow travel agents to let their travelers compare a wide variety of options for hotels and airline tickets. Ironically, there was some fear for a period of time that, by selling tickets directly to travellers, the travel agencies would go out of business. However, a handful of travel agencies have proven that, even if you can find good deals yourself, there are still instances where a travel agency can find you an even better one. Many traditional bricks-and-mortar travel agencies now have full-service web sites so that you can get the best of both worlds: convenience of self-serve online booking with the benefit of talking to a real person when you need it.

Multi-Destination and Niche Agencies

If you want to split it up into just two types of travel agency, you have multi-destination and niche. Multi-destination out-bound travel agencies are usually larger, offering flights to just about anywhere. Niche agencies are usually independent, and focus on one specific part of the world. If you're flying to say, Greece, you might find a niche agent who knows the area very, very well. Most of these niche agencies cater mainly to people with family in that country, or who do business there on a regular basis.

Consider your individual needs, preferences, and trip objectives when choosing your travel agent. Different types of agencies provide different levels and types of services. If you are a frequent globe trotter, you may want to use a large corporate travel agency with many branches in countries all over the world. Or you may view travelling as a treasure hunt or puzzle, where researching and finding the most off-the-map places is half of the fun. If this is the case, a niche operator may be just the right travel partner for you.

8 Holiday Tips And Ideas For 2012

A lot of people plan their activities, trips, and vacations for the following year early. Those who want to get their schedules organized should plan ahead to avoid hassle. Some inconvenient situations may arise, but they should be manageable. Anyway, here are some tips to make your holiday 2012 plan enjoyable and trouble-free.

1. Consider your budget – Holidays give time for travels and other special activities. Oftentimes, these require one to spend their cash. So, before you book tickets to an island destination, make sure it’s economically feasible. If you are still sending kids to school and leaving for a week-long vacation somewhere in Spain or Barbados means breaking the bank, it shouldn’t hurt to make reconsiderations. Consider your budget, too, when planning parties or holiday gatherings. 

2. Visit local tourist destinations – While Bahamas and Caribbean offer images of coconut palms and fine beaches, there must be fine destinations near home. And you probably should check them out.

3. Watch a movie with friends or family – There are a lot of ways to enjoy work-free days. But when was the last time you had fun with your family or friends? Phone friends and ask them if they can go out with you on a movie date. Or tell your family during dinner about your plan. Movie dates are perfect on weekends. It’s quite simple, but the gesture could strengthen your relationship with people close to you.

4. Stay healthy – Holidays and festivals have one thing in common—sumptuous buffet! Just because there’s lavish food on the table doesn’t mean you can binge. While there is no need to stay away from the buffet table and starve till you go pale, there is also no need to overindulge yourself. A lot of people gain weight after Christmas. Of course, you know why.

5. Reduce waste production – One inconvenient outcome of holidays is waste. Empty bottles, wrappers, spoiled food, fruit peelings, and other stuff create a dreadful scene. Cleaning up after parties can be bothersome. Since waste production is inevitable, make sure to discard waste in the right receptacle. Observe waste management regulations imposed by your local government.

6. Search for possible destinations – Some cities or travel destinations may be having unique events that might interest you. Check them out and see if they could fit your budget. Always look for alternatives. Shows in your town or city should not be bad. If you have spent much time on work, it’s perfect to go out and treat yourself. Buy tickets to concerts, musicals, comedy shows, and sports events. Watch. Have fun!

7. Spend a romantic dinner with your partner – There is no work during holidays, unless you’re the inflexible workaholic. So, holidays should be the perfect time to have a date with your spouse or girlfriend/boyfriend. Make this day special—unlike the occasional crash dinner dates with you in jeans and a shabby shirt.

8. Observe safety – Having fun during holidays should not be at the cost of safety. Many cases of accidents and injuries happen during holidays, so it’s important to observe due precaution either when traveling or when celebrating festivities. Safety should be part of your holiday 2012 plan.