Posts Tagged ‘Money’
Tips For Budget World Travel : Managing Your Money When Traveling
Hopefully you will not need to deal with stolen credit cards or other money issues when you travel. Just in case this happens to you, make sure that you are prepared! This free travel video will …
I Live In Denver And Want To Go To Paris But I Don’t Have Enough Money For A Plane Ticket?
How much money does it cost if i take the bus?
I Live In Denver And Want To Go To Paris But I Don’t Have Enough Money For A Plane Ticket?
How much money does it cost if i take the bus?
What Do You Think About Our Taxpayer Money Spent On ….?
WALL STREET JOURNAL…………
Order a reprint of this article now JULY 2, 2009.Congress’s Travel Tab Swells
Spending on Taxpayer-Funded Trips Rises Tenfold; From Italy to the Galápagos.ArticleComments (171)more in Politics ».
By BRODY MULLINS and T.W. FARNAM
WASHINGTON — Spending by lawmakers on taxpayer-financed trips abroad has risen sharply in recent years, a Wall Street Journal analysis of travel records shows, involving everything from war-zone visits to trips to exotic spots such as the Galápagos Islands.
The spending on overseas travel is up almost tenfold since 1995, and has nearly tripled since 2001, according to the Journal analysis of 60,000 travel records. Hundreds of lawmakers traveled overseas in 2008 at a cost of about $13 million. That’s a 50% jump since Democrats took control of Congress two years ago.
The cost of so-called congressional delegations, known among lawmakers as “codels,” has risen nearly 70% since 2005, when an influence-peddling scandal led to a ban on travel funded by lobbyists, according to the data.
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Gov. Bob Riley via Flickr Alabama Gov. Bob Riley (left) and Sen. Richard Shelby in June on a river cruise in Paris, where U.S. politicians met with defense-industry executives.
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Lawmakers say that the trips are a good use of government funds because they allow members of Congress and their staff members to learn more about the world, inspect U.S. assets abroad and forge better working relationships with each other. The travel, for example, includes official visits to American troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The Journal analysis, based on information published in the Congressional Record, also shows that taxpayer-funded travel is a big and growing perk for lawmakers and their families. Some members of Congress have complained in recent months about chief executives of bailed-out banks, insurance companies and car makers who sponsored corporate trips to resorts or used corporate jets for their own travel.
Although complete travel records aren’t yet available for 2009, it appears that such costs continue to rise. The Journal analysis shows that the government has picked up the tab for travel to destinations such as Jamaica, the Virgin Islands and Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.
Lawmakers frequently bring along spouses on congressional trips. If they take commercial flights, they have to buy tickets for spouses. If they fly on government planes — as they usually do — their spouses can fly free.
Paris Air Show
In mid-June, Sen. Daniel Inouye (D., Hawaii) led a group of a half-dozen senators and their spouses on a four-day trip to France for the biennial Paris Air Show. An itinerary for the event shows that lawmakers flew on the Air Force’s version of the Boeing 737, which costs $5,700 an hour to operate. They stayed at the Intercontinental Paris Le Grand Hotel, which advertises rooms from $460 a night.
The lawmakers were invited to a dinner party at the U.S. Embassy and had cocktails at a private party at the Eiffel Tower. Mr. Inouye attended a dinner sponsored by the Aerospace Industries Association, a U.S. trade group. Another senator on the trip, Alabama Republican Sen. Richard Shelby, took a cruise on the River Seine with defense-industry executives and elected officials from Alabama, Mississippi and Florida.
Mr. Inouye and Mr. Shelby declined to comment.
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Often, lawmakers combine trips to war zones with visits to more tranquil spots. In February, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi led a delegation of Democratic lawmakers to visit U.S. troops in Afghanistan for a day. Before landing in Kabul, the eight lawmakers and their entourage of spouses and aides spent eight days in Italy, spending $57,697 on hotels and meals.
A spokesman for Ms. Pelosi says that she was working in Italy, meeting with U.S. troops at Aviano Air Base, laying a wreath at the Florence American Cemetery, giving a speech to Italian lawmakers and visiting the Pope, among other things.
Homeland Security
Rep. Bennie Thompson (D., Miss.), the chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, led a group to Brazil, Argentina, Peru and Panama. “This trip further solidified the message that homeland security does not begin or end at our borders,” says Mr. Thompson’s spokeswoman.
Journal Communitydiscuss..“ The very people who try to scold executives for flying on private jets turn around and hop on their private jet – paid for by you, the taxpayer. ”
.— Daniel Baker.
Many congressional trips have been to Iraq or Afghanistan. In 2008, lawmakers and aides took 113 trips to Iraq, according to the Journal analysis, down slightly from the prior year. Not much money is spent in the war zones. Lawmakers are not allowed to stay overnight in Iraq and receive only minimal spending allowances for their one-day visits.
In mid-February, for example, six House lawmakers traveled to Kuwait, Iraq, Bahrain and Afghanistan. Each lawmaker reported spending $1,500
10 Ways to Visit Europe and Save Money
There is no question that a holiday in Europe can be expensive. Transportation, accommodation, food and souvenirs add up each day. However, there are a number of ways that you can save money yet still have a wonderful and memorable experience.
1. Travel During the Off-Season. Summer (June – August) and the holiday season (December) are the most popular times to visit Europe and therefore the rates are highest. Choose to travel during the spring and autumn months when crowds are thinner, the weather is nicer and prices on airfare and room rates drop 20 – 50%. It is often less expensive to fly on Tuesdays and Wednesdays to boot.
2. Visit a Country or City Off the Beaten Track. Paris, Rome, London, Prague…if you haven’t visited these cites, one day you certainly need to go. But if traveling on a budget is your current focus then these are not the cities to visit now. There are dozens of places that are quite remarkable that are not nearly as expensive. The Eastern European countries and Portugal tend to be the most cost-effective. If you prefer to visit Western Europe, simply travel to places that are less popular and less expensive. For example, the Loire Valley just outside of Paris is stunning, covered in ancient castles in the middle of wine country. Or visit Cesky Krumlov in the Czech Republic which is known as a “pocket-sized” Prague with half the tourists and a fraction of the cost.
3. Holiday Apartment Rentals. Instead of pricey hotels, seek out holiday apartment rentals. The best resources online are Craigslist or Vacation Rentals By Owner (VRBO). Both websites offer photos and information on thousands of independently owned apartments in cities all over Europe. During the off-season, remember to negotiate the price and you’ll be surprised how many rentals bite. Think about it: it’s better for them to rent to you for a lower price than have their rental go empty for a week or weekend. Remember that most apartments will have a kitchen, so go to the local supermarket and cook and save even more!
4. Picnic. All over Europe there are thousands of beautiful plazas and parks to relax in with a picnic lunch. Shop at the local markets for bread, cheese, salami, fresh fruit and a bottle of wine. Ask the shopkeepers for the local specialty and try it. The price is right, the taste is delicious and the memory unforgettable.
5. Buy Local Beverages. Each region in every country in Europe is known for a special wine, beer, liqueur or other beverage. Reference your tour book, an information center or simply read a menu outside for an idea of what the local specialty is and there is no doubt that you can get a delicious mug of beer or bottle of wine for a just a few dollars. Remember that soda is often very expensive. Also, the tap water is fine to drink (and free). Refill and reuse your water bottles.
6. Seek Out Discounts and Free Activities. There are a number of free activities in Europe. During warmer months there are plenty of complimentary outdoor festivals and other events. Wine tasting is generally free as well. If you are an outdoor enthusiast, hiking trails are at your fingertips all over the continent. Some cities even offer city tours with the sole expectation of just a few Euros for a tip. Museums in London are free. Check museum websites in advance to find out which days and times discounts are offered. Often there are group, student, senior and child discounts and if you don’t see it mentioned, just ask.
7. Package Ticket Purchases. If you love museums, cities such as Paris and Amsterdam offer a “Museum Pass” that allows entry into multiple museums with a discount. You can do the same thing in many cities with a subway and a train. If you are planning to visit multiple countries, check out the Eurail website see if a bundled train tickets are right for you – there is a potential to save you hundreds of dollars!
8. Use Public Transportation. The European Union invests quite a bit of money into its infrastructure. The end result is public transportation that is quick, efficient and cost-effective. We all know how pricey taxis can be. Instead, spend 5 minutes and figure out how take the subway, bus and/or train. It’s much more relaxing, too!
9. Eat and Shop Away From the Main Tourist Trail. There is no doubt that in European cities the shopkeepers know where the tourists go. Just venture off the main streets a block or two and pop your head into a restaurant to see if they are speaking English or the local language. Chances are if you hear locals, the prices will be lower and the food much better. With regards to shopping, you will find better prices on many of the same items if you walk a few blocks away from a main tourist street or attraction. In some places, bartering is acceptable so if you do not see a price posted, name a price and negotiate from there.
10. Volunteer or Couch Surf. There are a handful of volunteer organizations that exchange work for room and board. For example, World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF) an organization that promotes organic farming . A traveler works for 4 hours a day on an organic farm in exchange for a place to sleep and eat. Another way to sleep for free (and not work) is Couch Surfing. Check out their website for details.
With these tips in mind, you can visit and thoroughly enjoy a holiday in Europe and save money. Simply create a budget and stick to it and you will have a vacation filled with memorable experiences – and Euros left in your pocket.
Stacy has been traveling all over the globe with her husband Andrew since February 2008. You can visit their blog at http://berglon.blogspot.com
How Much Money Would I Need To Take To Europe For 2 Months?
Myself and 2 other friends are heading over to Europe for 2 months in the wintertime. We have a few countries in mind like Italy, England, Spain, Paris, Amsterdam etc…. How much money would we need for hotels, food, transport, sightseeing and a little to go out clubbing etc? Also i was told that Europe is cheaper in winter….is that true?
Honeymoon in Paris â?? Save Money on Your Accommodation
Paris is a perfect honeymoon destination where you can experience a nice romantic evening with your life partner. This beautifully well renowned city is popular as the most popular honeymoon destination. Paris, the capital of French offers some of the finest churches, museums, hotels, shops, monuments, and restaurants on the planet. This city is also known as the city of lights. The parties and the lights at night make the evening and overnight hours as vibrant as those of the day, and it makes a perfect atmosphere for romance. Paris will be a perfect getaway for the newly married couples and lovers. But instead of knowing these entire thing if something is pulling you behind and the reason is the money then you need not to worry. There are lots of options that can make you fit with your budget. One of the options to save money is making your stay at one of the cheap hotels in Paris.
Hotels have great décor and also the accommodations are well equipped with modern furniture and amenities. Never forget to check out the customer reviews because it will definitely help you to get you an idea about the hotel. If you are looking for discount hotels, then make a research through search engines. One of the sexiest cities in the world, Paris offers lot of entertaining venues.
Budget hotels in Paris are perfect for the cost conscious travelers. However, the low price does not mean that you will have to adjust with the low quality hotel. Sufficient arrangements are made to serve the guests. The attentive services and warm hospitality are the prime attraction of Paris hotels. The rooms are beautifully decorated and the recreational facilities are superb and many to mention. You can spend your spare times doing recreational facilities.
Hotels2Stay.Net proffers the best hotel deals for Cheap hotels in Paris and budget hotels in Paris. Book your stay for discount hotels and get heavy discounts on Online Hotel Booking.
Police And Justice Can Do Something Against Fake Lover Girls Who Manage To Get Money From A Guy Online ?
Some people say it’s impossible to make a complaint,.But some other people say that we have the right to call police and interpol, and then the girl will be identified, searched and arrested by the local police forces.
What’s the real version ?
I’ve been abused by a Colombian girl, during more than a year, and she asked me to send her money several times, and I sent her because I felt pity for her problems and because I was so scared to lose her.
From Paris, I sent more than 3000 Euros (more than $4000).
Now I don’t have any news about her, she disappeared, she’s never connected on MSN, her cell-phone is closed, and I know nobody there..
I suppose her name was a false one. The only thing I have is her photos, and her messages.
What can I do now ?
Should I tell the story to french police here in Paris ? Should I go to Colombian Embassy in Paris? Should I go to Colombia and tell the colombian police ?
What can I do ?
Help me, please, I need to know..
How Much Money For Disneyland Paris ?
I am going disneyland paris on July 14th for a day. How much money should i bring for 1 day for food and for the gift shops? Thankyou!
Transportation Facility in London Airport Saves Time and Money
London, the capital of both England and the United Kingdom, is the most populous municipality in the European Union and the 2nd biggest urban area after Paris. In all airports of London, there are many quick and safe transport facilities are available. Apart from these, London is also a hub for businesses that is why the city is frequently visited by millions of people throughout the year. If you are going to visit the city, then the first question that may come in your mind is how to transport from London airport to your desired destination. For solving the menace, there are a number of online minicab service providers who claim to pick you up from the airport and drop you according to your requirements.
If you are not aware with the routes of London, then it is advised to avoid using public transport to reach the destination. This is because, they may charge you huge amount. However, the shuttle services and airport minicab services have also taken a new entry into the business of transportation. Within a short span of time, this shuttle service has weighed as one of the best airport minicab service providers. Whether you are on a business trip or on holiday tour, they help you move in and around the city. Of late, transportation in London airport claims to offer pick and drop facility to passengers from all major London Airports including Heathrow, Gatwick, Luton and Stansted.
If you prefer to opt for shuttle service in London airport, then it is suggested to book your ticket through online. However, the service takes special care of your luggage and tries to make your journey comfortable as well as safety at cost effective rates. For having own space, make an advance booking through online. The service is not only popular for saving your precious time, but also for making your journey memorable at pocket-friendly rates.
Most of the major airport transportation providers in London are recognized for their services such as:
• Offer high quality services at pocket friendly rates
• Provide round the clock services
• Have vehicles from cars to vans
• Monitor flight status
• Do not charge for car parking in the airport
• Provide baby seats if required
Therefore, it is suggested to book your shuttle or minicab transportation service through online in London to avoid any difficulty while you are travelling. Thus, you will save money and time as well.
London Shuttle Service is one of London’s premiere airport minicab services which provides London Airport Transportation to and from all major airports of London. We also provide London Shuttle Transportation by taxis, privates cars and minicabs to the customers.