Everyone loves the 411 on the world’s favorite celebs and you can find out where they eat, shop and who they’re dating from just about any gossip site or magazine. But what about traveling and getaways…and can we afford to go there too? I’ll bet you a buck you can! We’re gonna explore VIP approved destinations and find out how we can get there, look and feel like a star and live it up while spending very little cash.

First let’s travel to Hawaii. Seems a bit cliché for a vacation spot right? I mean, everybody wants to go to Hawaii! Celebs included! Many fabulous stars such as Cameron Diaz, Drew Barrymore, Josh Holloway, Oprah Winfrey and many more have been spotted in the beautiful lush surroundings of Hawaii. Oh yeah and here’s a juicy bit of information for ya – We’ve got Elvis Presley to thank for making that particular spot popular. He filmed a movie there and got hooked on the people and the atmosphere. It was one his hotspots. He loved to go there to relax. Many celebrities followed after that.

I’ll show you how you can go and relax too with just a bit of cash but now let’s go to Bora Bora. Once again here is another place that everyone loves…and why not Tahiti is well known amongst exotic travelers and Bora Bora is number one on the map for many. Mainly because of its beautiful skies and fascinating greenish blue clear water.

As far as celebrities go the list is endless. Our beloved Goldie Hawn has frequented this little slice of heaven. Alyssa Milano, Patrick Swayze and the now infamous Charlie Sheen have also visited Bora Bora. Even newlyweds are running off after exchanging vows to that beautiful island. Nicole Kidman and hubby Keith Urban spent their honeymoon there.

I’ll show you how you can take a trip to that dreamy tropical getaway with just a bit of cash but let’s venture off to one more place. Montego Bay, Jamaica! Oh don’t think it’s forgotten. Some of the best and highest paid celebs have secret homes hidden there and many simply still frequently visit Montego Bay to this very day. Let’s name a few shall we…. Paul McCartney, Ashlee Simpson, Emma Thompson, Gabrielle Union, Lance Armstrong and many, many more including Prince Charles, Queen Elizabeth II and John F. Kennedy and Jackie O back in the 60’s. Montego Bay has seducing qualities and has attracted high rollers for years. Why is that? We’re talking Sandy beaches, beautiful landscape and gardens, exclusive resorts, exquisite foods, you name it…you can literally feel like royalty on any given day especially in those parts where the reception to tourist is overly warm and inviting.

Now let me show you how you can take a trip to Montego Bay, Jamaica & anywhere else you’d like to go on a budget and just a bit of cash.

First Step: Leave the trip money alone. If you’re planning on starting a trip jar or just putting a bit of cash aside here & there. Let it be! Do not use the cash to get those fabulous sandals that you saw on sale at Macy’s or frequent the dollar menu at your favorite fast food joint. Leave it alone.

Second…air travel can be seriously expensive and prices tend to change so do your research in advance. Look up various airlines and see approximately how much you’d spend just on average if you were to book your trip two weeks from now. That should give you a very realistic idea how much money you’re looking at throwing away. Once you have that figured out – push your trip

back, repeat the first step and continue to save. Then book your trip at least three to six months in advance!! The earlier you book your trip the cheaper the ticket! So you won’t be throwing away money – you’ll be using it wisely* Also use travel discount agencies. Booking on Travelocity six months in advance could save you big!

Third Step: Find comfortable, safe yet affordable accommodations. It is true - You get what you pay for. However, it’s easy to bargain shop for nice hotel rooms….Especially if you do your homework. The key is to determine what seasons are the busiest. During the busy times of year hotels make a fortune such as Spring break, Prom, New Years, etc… Where ever you’re trying to go – find out when their peak time is and try to book around it. For instance – you wouldn’t wanna take a trip to Daytona, Florida during bike week! It’s held there every year and most hotels are sold out or will cost you your life savings to stay. During the slow spots hotels reduce their rates by up to half price! I’ve stayed in $199 rooms for 40 bucks a night!

Fourth Step: Only spend if you have to! People tend to think that vacationing is about spending money. Not entirely true. If I take a trip to a beautiful island, my main focus will be the beauty of it all. Take lots of pictures! Tour the city. Before you make the trip look up things you can do for free – like group hiking or bon fire gatherings. Bring that footage back home and people will think you spent a fortune. And remember you don’t have to buy out the souvenir shop. I have always brought home a little trinket or keepsake for my children and never spent any more than 30 bucks!

Additional Tips:

Booking online tends to save you money so explore your options. Also be open to buses or road trips. Depending on your destination, this may be the best choice for you. Don’t be afraid to ask for a deal. It may seem tacky but a lot of hotels and even airlines have side packages that they can make available to you. Also if you are in the habit of taking last minute trips, sign up with your favorite airline and asked to be notified of cancellations by other passengers. Often time seats that are left over go for real cheap.

When booking hotels – if you’re going to be staying for a while – small suites or kitchenettes are the way to go. A room with a microwave and mini fridge can save you lots on the food bill. Just buy a few things and eat in.

And again I stress….travel during the slow parts of the year. The pricing is always better…on everything - Food, accommodations, travel even shopping. And the best part is…you’re more likely to spot a star or two when you vacation at celebrity hot spots. Keep in mind celebrities don’t like to be spotted so they are more likely to travel when it’s less busy – which makes it perfect for YOU to spot them anyway : D

Dee H.P.  Diva Café Contributor

http://www.deehp.info/