While flying, you may want to take your laptop, a few books, or even some paperwork to work on while flying.  Instead of carrying around a typical backpack, or a plastic bag (I’ve seen people do this), why not consider getting a stylish messenger bag that will cost you no less than $50?

Why should I get a messenger bag?

The first reason is for style.  Instead of having people laughing, and pointing fingers at you while you stroll on with your 15 year old bag, or nothing at all, these are comfortable, they can be thrown over your shoulder, and you can store a lot of items in there.  Why pay for your bags at check-in, when you can bring one on the plane for free?

Here are the top 8 messenger bags for men…

• Rick Steves Veloce Bag: Stylish, carries a lot, and has fantastic reviews.  Comes in a few different colors.
• Kipling Madhouse Expandable Bag: Comes in 5 different colors, and styles.  Simple, yet carries a ton.
• Dakine Messenger Bag LG: Stylish bag with unique styles.  Simple.
• GreenSmart Act2 Green Smart: Fits a 15.4″ wide laptop, padded compartment, with carry handle.
• Sherpani Flora Major Yoga Bag: Nylon, has water bottle pockets, wet pocket for gym clothes, as well as a shoulder strap.
• Briggs & Riley Verb: Unique bag with front flap, side padded pockets, as well as zippered pockets that are great for magazines.
• Briggs & Riley Verb Grow: Nylon lining, divider inside bag for quick access, as well as a main compartment extension.
• Manhattan Portage Medium Europa Bag: Expands to twice it’s size, high quality nylon construction.

Obviously, there are a lot more than these, but these messenger bags for men fared for the best, when it came down to the best bags online.  Take a look at the few that I recommended, and see if any fit your needs.

Every family loves to take a vacation every now, and then, but what happens when you want to go, and you don’t have the money?  Well, thankfully for the Internet, there are literally a thousand and one ways on how you can save up to 80% guaranteed.

How can I save 80% on vacations?

Pick up GlobeCheap’s handy guide: Globe Cheap has a fantastic step by step guide packed full with information.  Learn how to score a great deal on hotels, how to get cheap cruises, as well as find extremely cheap vacation spots at the last minute.  I promise you after you read this handy detailed guide, you’ll be the expert in your family on how to snag the greatest deals.

Head to Travelzoo: Travelzoo is a wonderful site when you’re looking for great deals around the globe.  Here, you’re going to find deals generally at the last minute.  It’s great for those travelers that don’t know where they want to travel yet, as well as where they want to stay.  Yes, it’s 100% free, and all you need to do is supply them with your e-mail!

Consider a travel agent: When you hear the world “travel agent” today, you generally think of something in the past.  Unfortunately, many other people think the same way.  If you know of a travel agent in your area, stop in, and see how much they can save you.  The trick here is to make sure that you print up a price online, before you go in, to see if they can match.  If they can match your price, then see what they can work out for you.

Know when to travel: There are many times when you can travel, and save money.  For instance, if you fly on a Tuesday, or Wednesday, you can save 30-40% off your ticket right there.  The same goes with the time of the year.  If you travel to the beach in November, compared to June, you can save money there as well.

Rent a small rental car: Yes, you may have a family of four, but is it really necessary to book a huge SUV?  If you consider a smaller sedan, you’re going to find that you can save up to 40% right there.  If you want to test your luck, show up at the counter, and ask for a free upgrade.

There are so many tricks, and tips that you can use when you want to save 80% or more.  Trust me, they will all add up over the long haul if you implement them the right way.  Again, try the guide I mentioned to get insider tips, and secrets on how to save 80%.

Planning a trip to Walt Disney World can be awfully expensive, especially when you have a family of four, it could cost you easily a few thousand dollars just to get away for 5-7 days.  This is outrageous when you think of something like this, but people do it!

Luckily, I found a great insider guide online showing you exactly how you can save up to 30-40% easily on your vacation, and all it takes is a few extra steps that you wouldn’t have taken in the first place.

Here are some great insider tips that you can use before you go…

Bring a poncho: It may sound silly, but you can never under-estimate the Florida weather.  Since it rains all the time, you won’t want to find yourself at the park without a poncho.  If you bring a cheap dollar store brand one, that should get you by just fine.  The thing is if you forget to bring one, it will easily cost you $10+.

Stay a Disney Resort: There are a lot of hotels around the theme park, and if you’re going to stay at one of these hotels, skip on renting a car, if you’re going to stay at the park the whole time.  Instead, make sure you take advantage of the free Disney shuttle that leaves the airport.  Yes, there are private shuttles, as well as taxis, but why pay money, when you can get one for free?

Buy your tickets outside: Never get a ticket at the gate, you’re going to pay full price.  Instead, you’re going to want to find an authorized retailer that’s going to give you a discount.  These retailers generally will be able to save you at least $20-$30.  This is a lot, when you consider a ticket at the gate is generally going to cost you around $75ish per day.

Consider “Magic Your Way”: Consider the “Magic Your Way” plan if you want to dine at the park.  When you stay at a Disney Resort, you’re going to be able to save at over 100 restaurants in the area.  You’ll simply present your key card, and it will build up the savings.  This is a great way to save, if you’re looking to eat with the Disney characters.

These are some of the main tips that you can use, remember if you want more details, you will definitely want to read this ex-employee’s insider guide.  You’ll learn so much, your head will spin!

Getting to South Africa is much easier than most people think.  Most of the airlines do actually fly to South Africa. Almost all fly into O.R. Thambo International Airport in Johannesburg airport, or Cape Town international Airport or both.

The following International airlines fly to South Africa regularly

• United
• American Airlines
• South African Airways
• Virgin Atlantic
• Air Canada
• British Airways
• KLM
• Air France
• Cathay Pafic
• Quantas
• Malaysia Airlines
• Etihad
• Singapore Airlines
• Emirates
• Qatar Airways
• Lufthansa
• Iberia
• BMI
• Turkish Airlines
• And numerous other European and eastern airlines also fly to South Africa.

If your county’s airline does not fly to South Africa the best places to get connecting flights from are the major European cities like London, Paris, Hamburg and Holland. Many people are under the false impression that if you cannot get a direct flight the best place to connect would be in Africa. This is not the case. There are fewer African than European airlines flying to south Africa and it is far more comfortable with usually a far shorter layover in a European country than an African one.

Travel within South Africa

Within South African there are only a few ways to get around at present. Flying is usually best because the distances are quite a lot larger than many people think. There are a few domestic airline and some low cost airlines too. The two main domestic airlines are SAA (South African Airways) and BA (British Airways). There are also three low-cost airlines although I personally often find that BA and SAA are around the same price. The three low cost airlines are Kulua.com, 1time and Mango.

Once you get to your destination the best form of transport is to hire a car because at present the public transport system is undergoing a huge overhaul but this has not yet been complete. (this should be complete by June 2010). Hopefully when it is complete, busses and trains will become the kind of transport option a tourist can use.

Airline travel is a common feature in many peoples lives these days with business and pleasure trips increasing on a yearly basis. Both short and long haul flights are common and comfort can be an issue especially on longer flights. The following are some tips for enjoying a more comfortable journey.

Seat Booking

When booking an airline ticket these days, most airlines now allow you to select a seat as part of the booking process. Some seats on a plane are more comfortable than others with more legroom and these can make for a more comfortable trip. Seats at emergency exits for example generally have more room.

Walk Around

Sitting for long periods in cramped conditions is not good for your body. At regular intervals get up and have a walk around for a couple of minutes and stretch your legs. Airlines also tend to provide details of simple exercise for improving your circulation and you should try to do these also. It will help you be more comfortable during the flight and should also cut down on the stiffness, aches and pains you feel when you arrive at your destination.

Drink Plenty of Water

The pressurized atmosphere in a plane leads to dry air and this can be very dehydrating. If your body loses too much water this can make you feel unwell, so it pays to drink plenty of water and stay hydrated. Try to avoid too much coffee and alcohol as this can exacerbate dehydration. Most airlines provide water, but it makes sense to take a few bottles in your carryon luggage.

Take your Own Entertainment

Flights can be boring to say the least. Taking some books, magazines or a portable DVD player can help pass the time more easily. While some journeys, more commonly on long haul flights, have in-flight entertainment it can be a while before this is switched on. Taking your own entertainment should help to keep you entertained and this in turn should make your journey little more pleasant.

Don’t wear Contact Lenses

If you normally wear contact lenses, leave vanity behind when you board the plane and switch to wearing spectacles. The atmosphere on a plane can make your eyes dry and this can make wearing lenses uncomfortable. A better idea is to use your glasses for the trip and switch back to lenses at your destination.