Be sure to read the travel stories and reviews by our guest journalists. Find them in our new ”Visitors Views” section. It’s an honor to be able to feature these veteran travelers on this site! Their inights and experiences can benefit us all.

Thanks for stopping by. Hope you’ll return often for the latest travel deals, tips, news, reviews, radio broadcasts and videos.

All my best,

Lisa

Let’s count the ways to have fun for free or nearly free despite the recession. Here are 20 things you can do with less than a 5 dollar bill.

Blue Bayou Charters

A Dean 441 awash in rich American walnut, the vessel was designed for maximum interior space. It features a master suite and three large guestrooms, with of course, all the comforts of home. That’s because it is.

Two years ago, former Sarasota, Florida residents Wally and Ruth sold their home, commissioned the luxury catamaran and moved to the British Virgin Islands.

Their mornings might be spent snorkeling at The Caves; evenings at a quirky beach bar on Jost Van Dyke. The world is their oyster, and it can be yours too, at least for a while.

Patrick and I had the privilege of exploring the islands aboard this lavish floating home. We cast aside our cares while Wally took the helm and navigated to some of the area’s best kept secrets.

Ruth made magic in the state-of-the-art galley, her culinary background evident in every scrumptious bite.

Visit charterbluebayou.com to get the inside scoop on what the area, the vessel and your hosts, Wally and Ruth have to offer. Be sure and mention that you heard about it on travelwithlisaonline.com in order to receive your 10% discount off the published rates!

Situated along pristine white sand beaches and the tranquil waters of the Caribbean Sea, Seven Stars Resort’s $200 resort credit allows vacationers to enjoy an unspoiled island experience that promises the serenity, beauty, and legendary diving and snorkeling the Turks & Caicos Islands have to offer.

Now through December 15, 2010, travelers who book a Resort View Junior Suite for $280 a night for three nights receive a $150 resort credit towards food, beverage or spa service, while those booking four nights or more receive a $200 resort credit towards the same.

Named for the seven stars of the storied Pleiades constellation, the all-suite resort sits on 22 acres of manicured grounds at the center of Grace Bay Beach, rated one of the best beaches in the world.  The resort’s suites are among the Island’s most spacious with private balconies and dramatic views.  Offering luxurious comforts, the resort’s accommodations feature stylish furnishings and gourmet kitchens complete with wine refrigerators and Nespresso machines.  In addition to the tranquil spa, expansive pool, and fitness center featuring Yoga, Pilates and Body Toning, Seven Stars Resort offers complimentary water sports, tennis, a children’s play area, and three signature restaurants with a wide selection of island-inspired gourmet cuisine.

For information or reservations, call 866-570-7777 or email reservations@sevenstarsgracebay.com and mention ‘Past Guest Special Offer’.  (NOTE: You do not need to be a past guest to book.) Resort View Junior Suite rate and resort credit offer does not include government tax and service charge.  Rate and resort credit offer are subject to availability, and black-out dates apply.

ABOUT SEVEN STARS GRACE BAY

Framed by white sand beaches and the marine preserve of Princess Alexandra National Park, Seven Stars embraces the natural environment and beauty of the Turks & Caicos Islands.  Seven Stars Resort features a magnificent pool that serves as its centerpiece, luxuriously appointed junior, one-, two-, three-, and four-bedroom suites, island inspired gourmet dining, a tranquil spa, and complimentary water sports such as kayaking, surfing, snorkeling in the calm waters and along the acclaimed beach and reefs of the islands.  For scuba diving enthusiasts, the resort’s concierge is always available to assist in setting up a dive trip, the perfect way to enjoy the Earth’s life below sea-level, right in the resort’s backyard.  For more information on Seven Stars Resort, visit www.SevenStarsGraceBay.com.

Nowadays, upright, rolling luggage comes in all sizes, and the pieces clip on to each other so it’s easy to be prepared for anything … from soaking in the hotel Jacuzzi to attending a black tie affair.

However,  I don’t always travel like Cher. For sailing trips and casual tropical destinations, especially via prop plane, a duffle bag is more convenient and still holds plenty. Clothing for warmer climates is usually lightweight, small and easy to roll. Friends have commented that the parade of outfits coming out of my little bag is like a Volkswagen Bug from which 50 people emerge, one by one.

Part of the secret is preparing a packing list ahead of time. I keep a database of clothing options for all climates, modifying the appropriate list for my anticipated itinerary, and yes, I’m anal. I also keep a travel checklist that I print out before each trip, reminders of mundane tasks like stopping the newspaper and mail.

My toiletry bag is packed and ready to go at all times, including medications. Antibiotics are a good idea – my doctor has no problem prescribing them, just in case, especially when I’m leaving the country. I also keep packed a voltage converter and adapters, and travel hair appliances, travel iron and travel alarm, whether or not they will be provided at my final destination.

A few other things I don’t leave home without are scented candles for romantic evenings, a corkscrew, nightlight, laptop with music CDs and DVD movies (for long airport layovers) and something called “Wrinkle-Free,” a small can of magical spray that instantly smoothes wrinkles from most fabrics (available at luggage stores).

Other essentials: a sports coat for hubby, even for casual destinations; a bathing suit, even for cold climates, and a jacket or sweater, even for warm ones. Having to buy a jacket in Finland was an interesting experience – the language is truly foreign.

On a recent trip to Europe I went from day to night with six items of clothing I purchased from Chico’s.  The mix and match tops, tanks, skirt and slacks are all from their “Traveler’s”  line … they practically disappear when folded or rolled, are machine washable or hand-washable in your hotel room, and hang dry in a flash. They refuse to wrinkle, they’re lightweight but warm and can be dressed up or down with scarves, jewelry and hats.

Finally, I should mention that while visiting Chile, I was pick-pocketed twice in the same day. The next day I returned home to find my home had been burglarized. First order of business for my husband and I was a champagne toast to celebrate our otherwise wonderful trip and our good health.

Positive attitudes notwithstanding, I don’t recommend the experience. I also don’t recommend carrying a purse with a shoulder strap in a third-world country, or in any large city, for that matter. Flashing money isn’t wise, either, and on that note, by all means, pack the jewels (carryon only), but use the hotel safe.

Plan for safety, comfort, and above all, looking great. Pack it in. After all, what sets us apart from the animals is our ability to accessorize.

Reprinted from Style Magazine