Rather than foregoing a scheduled family vacation due to the current economic troubles, why not try to set a reasonable budget to assure that your getaway would not just be enjoyable but also affordable? Now is definitely not the right time to be impulsive and clueless. If you are planning a holiday vacation in a local or offshore destination, it would still be best if you would do your homework and get specific details to activities and destinations you include in your getaway itinerary. There are practical and logical ways on how you could keep costs down as you aim to go on a budget holiday.

Prepare and bring cash before you go to the vacation. If the currency would need to be converted into another, research and find for ideal money exchange establishments that convert currencies at good and reasonable rates. Withdrawing and exchanging money at the airport could make you incur losses through higher currency exchange rates. Find exchange bureaus or establishments that offer commission-free transactions.

Use debit or credit cards. It may be wise to use them directly for important transactions or for withdrawing cash. However, before you resort to doing so, know more about the charges and exchange rates that would be implemented. Several lenders and card companies do not charge extra costs for foreign transactions.

Try to book your vacation during off-peak seasons at your choice of destination. As a cardinal rule, it would be costly to take a vacation during tourism peak months in a specific country. For instance, Australian vacation destinations are almost always fully booked during the months of November to February, the winter months in North America and Europe, as more tourists from cold countries decide to come to the country continent where the climate is warm and ideal.

Travel by group. Going to a vacation with a group could be more cost efficient, contrary to common beliefs. This is like going on a wholesale, wherein there are significant discounts imposed.

Prefer budget airlines when traveling. Low-cost carriers are not as bad as you think they are. They could also be comfortable despite not being to offer the luxuries of the usual business class flights. If you really want to generate savings, you would be willing to not enjoy free meals and added space for passengers’ movements. It is also better to choose unpopular flight schedules. Early in the morning or very late at night are specific times of the day that most air travelers are not willing to take. Consequently, carriers offer incentives to such flights by imposing significant fare discounts.

http://www.ourbrisbane.com/

Like many industries, luxury holiday operators are showing signs of the downturn. There are airlines, holiday insurance companies and travel companies reporting significant losses. Everywhere you look there are offers to tempt you into making a booking. Even the stalwart British Airways have posted losses in the region of £400m.

It is a risky and exciting time, depending on your point of view. Some travellers have taken advantage of holiday destinations that have been hit the hardest. Holidays to Iceland are yielding good value because of a favourable exchange rate following the collapse of Icelandic banks. On the other side of the coin, British travellers in Europe are noticing how the weak pound compared to the Euro can make things seem expensive.

Since holidays can amount to a significant financial outlay, what is crucial is that every traveller gets adequate protection for their holiday and the money they spend. The financial protection and assurance that comes with cheap holiday insurance is a vital precaution, perhaps more than it ever has been.

Although holiday makers going abroad may be reluctant to trust their money with travel insurance from struggling companies like AIG, the risk of your holidays – in which you’ve invested your heard-earned wages – being disrupted are as evident as ever. As well as delays caused by strikes, collapses such as that of the XL travel company late in 2008 will serve as a warning. It resulted in twenty one planes staying put, and about 85,000 travellers being stranded across the globe. This incident shows how important it is to look at whether your holiday insurance company will cover the cancellation of a holiday once it has begun – some don’t, including many of the Irish travel insurance companies.

Such problems have shown the value of choosing holidays carrying the ATOL (Air Travel Organisers’ Licensing) scheme, which refunds the traveller when holiday providers fall through on their promises. Worryingly, the proportion of holiday makers protected by ATOL has diminished by about a third in the last ten years owing to increased numbers of people arranging their own flights. For these intrepid souls, getting cheap holiday insurance takes on paramount importance. It can reimburse you when you are forced by delays or cancellations to make alternate plans.

You would expect that ‘tightening the purse strings’ would mean many families postponing their holiday all together this year; what the economic downturn has done is cause a resurgence in people taking holidays closer to home. UK based resorts like Butlins are reporting increased bookings.

A survey conducted by The Post Office has shown that 25% of people taking their holidays in the UK will do it without the protection of some cheap holiday insurance. This is partly because the traditional two weeks abroad is frequently being exchanged for a series of long weekends, where people may wrongly think of travel insurance is unnecessary. It will provide cover for incidents where hotels close, domestic flights lose luggage, and even pay for hospital transfers after an accident.

Patrick Chong is the Managing Director of Journey’s Travel. Their commercial travel insurance website, Insuremore, offers cheap travel insurance and a quick and easy online claims feature.

The Greek island of Rhodes is the better of the Dodecanese islands in the Aegean Sea and lies just 11 afar off the west bank of Turkey. Considered to be the sunniest abode in Europe, Rhodes is accepted as the island of ablaze due to its subtropical altitude and the 3000 hours of sun it enjoys every year.

Tourists will blow down at Rhodes airport in the North. Heading from the airport down the east bank of Rhodes you will aboriginal ability the islands basic Rhodes boondocks which is a abundant abject from which to analyze the blow of the island. Rhodes boondocks is breach in two, the medieval old boondocks and the avant-garde new town. The new boondocks has all the amenities you’d apprehend of a avant-garde city-limits whilst the old boondocks is a coil of cobbled streets abounding of history. The access to Rhodes harbour is area the colossus statue, one of the Seven Wonders of the Age-old World, is said to accept stood afore it was destroyed in an convulsion in 226BC. Anniversary makers can still see the plinths at the access to the harbour area it is rumoured the carve already stood. Rhodes boondocks is the affection of the island and has a advanced arrangement of accomplished bars, restaurants and nightclubs.

Futher down the coast, Faliraki is one of the liveliest resorts on the island and is an ideal best for adolescent anniversary makers with partying on their apperception as there is no curtailment of confined and clubs in Faliraki accouterment for all tastes. Faliraki has a continued albino bank area you will acquisition all sorts of watersports including windsurfing, sailing and jetskiing. Youngsters will aswell adulation the waterpark and carnival in the centre of Faliraki.

The resort of Lindos is one of the hottest places in Rhodes acknowledgment to the apartment it receives from the abrupt hills which beleaguer it. Lindos apple is a civic battleground and a canning adjustment prevents any aloft developments getting congenital and any cars from casual through. This, forth with the whitewashed barrio gives Lindos the accurate attending and feel of a acceptable Greek village. One of the must-see architect in Lindos for Anniversary makers is the Lindos Acropolis which sits at the top of the hills top aloft the village. Tourists can bolt a donkey ride to the top to yield a attending about the age-old charcoal and adore the angle from the summit. Anniversary makers visiting Lindos accept a best of three beaches in the resort, alms a array of watersports and a abstinent alternative of beachside tavernas. Although not as active as Faliraki, Lindos still has a acceptable nightlife with a few dozen confined and clubs that break accessible until the aboriginal hours.

South of Lindos, Lardos is a quiet resort ideal for families and couples searching for a adequate anniversary in the sun. Lardos bay has an accomplished bank and bank bank which is actual rarely awash and is an ideal atom to unwind. The majority of the ball in Lardos is begin in the confined and tavernas that beleaguer the affable axial aboveboard of Lardos village, about one mile from Lardos bay.

We all like to believe we can totally relax on holiday. However, it is wise to keep your wits about you when travelling abroad. Without becoming completely cynical about strangers — after all there are good and bad people everywhere — pack some common sense and educate yourself to avoid becoming a victim.

When the locals are over-friendly or eager to help it is not always with an ulterior motive, but that is very often the case. It does not make them criminals, and the motive may be as simple as steering you towards a family business hoping you will part with some cash. Who can blame them for trying. Taxi drivers may offer to take you to a business where you will get a good deal — but usually only because they are paid a commission.

ATM Machines Just as you should at home, watch for suspicious activity around ATM machines. Shield your hand when punching in your account details and password. Criminals may install a fake front or tiny camera on the machine to steal your details.
Credit/Debit Cards Keep an eye on your card when making purchases to ensure it is not swiped a second time or taken off to a back room where a copy is made.
Driving Abroad Thieves might flag you down or pretend to be police officers. Ask for identification if you are suspicious. Legitimate police will never ask for your wallet, purse or bag. Rental cars, cars with foreign plates or towing caravans are prime targets. Thieves may stop you and request assistance, or claim that you have a flat tyre. It may be a ploy to steal your vehicle or rob you.
Passports/Wallets/Documents Every year thousands of travelers are parted from their passports, wallets, and important documents by pickpockets and thieves. Identity theft is a huge and growing problem. Make copies of the information page of your passport and documents and keep them in a separate place.
Pay Phones Be vigilant and cover your hand when entering personal information. Watch for anyone who may be listening. If a suspicious person appears to be using the phone next to you, even with their back turned toward you, walk away. Criminals have clever ways of recording sounds and information.
Scratchcards/Holiday Clubs/Timeshare Scams No prizes for guessing that all scratchcards are winners! Usually a free holiday or prize has to be claimed by attending a ‘presentation’. These can be unbearably lengthy and in desperation to escape the unwary are often conned by high-pressure salespeople into signing contracts they don’t understand. Spain is a hot spot for scratchcard scams. Older travelers are often the target of this type of con. Remember the saying: ‘There ain’t no such thing as a free lunch’. If it appears too good to be true then it probably is.
Spiked Drinks/Food Be wary when offered free food or drinks by strangers. Avoid leaving food or drinks unattended, especially when traveling alone. Drugging has become prevalent in many parts of the world as a way to rob you, assault you, or worse.
Street Crime/Pickpockets A distraction or commotion may be used to rob you. They may spill something on you or bump into you. Women carrying babies or young children are often used as a distraction. Avoid appearing affluent and leave your expensive jewelery at home!
Suitcases/Bags Bags are popular targets, especially at airports, railways stations, car rental offices, and on public transport. If a bag isn’t stolen outright, it might be slashed and the contents removed when you are not looking.
Taxis Book with a reputable company or through your hotel when possible. If the driver claims the meter is not working agree a price upfront or find another. Have some idea of the length of the journey and approximate fare. Ask at your hotel, look up the information on the internet, or use a map or guide book. If the driver gets the impression you know your away around it may be less tempting for them to take you on the scenic route.

Before traveling to any foreign country do some research regarding any particular scams currently being used there. Visit the website of the British Foreign Office and their Country Advice pages — or your country’s corresponding government agency. Visit http://www.ScamBusters.org and travel review websites where you may pick up useful tips from other travelers. Make a note of police and emergency numbers as well as contact information for the consulate or embassy in your destination country

With so much information available online and through guide books there is no excuse for being gullible or a helpless victim. Educate yourself and you may just stay one step ahead of the con-artists!

Jean Andrews is a freelance writer living in the UK. She regularly contributes articles for Travel Insurance Agencies Ltd who offer great deals on UK Travel Insurance and Travel Insurance for residents of Eire.

It’s hard to believe but we’re just over a year into one of the worst financial situations for decades and many people have been affected by the collapse of banks, job losses and other financial burdens. The major casualty of this situation has been people’s summer holidays, many people are now finding that they can’t afford to go on holiday this year but all is not lost.Holidaying in the UK has become this year’s trend, the buzz word “stay-cation”, a play on the word vacation it’s become the British holidaymaker’s motto this year. There are plenty of reasons behind this new trend including the following reasons:Unfavourable currency conversionsAt the moment the UK pound is suffering against the Euro, the currency widely used in many favoured UK holiday hotspots such as Italy, Spain and Greece. This means that you’ll be spending much more when you’re actually on holiday for things like meals, drinks, excursions and gifts. With money being the major issue many people are afraid of spending more when away this year.Increasingly frustrating airline proceduresNo one likes flight delays or cancellations but these days many airlines are tightening their belts too and so processes are becoming more complicated for the passenger and easier for the airline. One example is cut backs on numbers of flights and destinations but also things you expect from an airline such as check in desks are now being charged for if you haven’t pre-checked in on the internet before arriving at the airport. Strict baggage allowances also mean you could be paying more for your baggage too.Issues with children abroadWhen you are abroad travelling as a family you have to watch your children like a hawk, crowded marketplaces and airports can result in children going missing but also any illnesses or accidents around the pool could prove costly with foreign medical bills, this can be prevented by getting travel insurance but again this is another added expense for travelling abroad. Any medical conditions that need the child or any family member to be taken home can be costly too as well as ruining the holiday.So why should we holiday in the UK, the weather is temperamental at best but the advantage we have with the weather is many holiday resorts and cities have alternate indoor activities to keep us entertained. Abroad if the storm clouds come then you’re normally ushered inside and wait for the rain to stop, not the best way to spend a holiday if you have travelled during many warmer countries storm season like Florida or the Caribbean.The UK’s tourist industry has already seen massive rises in bookings and so many holiday parks or resorts have invested heavily in providing more and better facilities for their guests to convince them that holidaying in the UK may be cheap but they most certainly won’t be cheaping out on the fun they’ll have in the UK this summer.

Other Holiday Park related subjects written by Phil Adams-Wright are: Family Holidays, UK Holiday parks and Holidays in Skegness.

One great thing about cheap holidays to Alghero is that they allow your family to explore the past in a way that is impossible to imitate in text books. There is something that makes history come to life when it is right in front of you and that is what you will see when you decide to take your family holiday in Alghero. Today, Alghero is a year-round resort on the Island of Winds. The past though, has left a mark on this ancient, walled city that time has not diminished. Some of the fingerprints left on the city are Italian, Carthaginian, Catalan, Arabic, Phoenician, and Byzantine in turn. These are all armies that have come and gone over the centuries. What they’ve left behind is a unique and infinitely fascinating city. What can you find on family holidays to Alghero? The easier question may be what can’t you find. There is an amazing wealth of cultural offerings, food, wine, sports, and shopping that are sure to please even the most selective among you. The important thing to remember is that while it is possible to book cheap holidays to Alghero these holidays are by no means inferior. You will find some amazing entertainment, exploration, and education while visiting Alghero during your cheap holidays to Sardinia. Beaches -If sand and sun are your pleasure you will find year-round fun in the sun while on holiday to Alghero. In addition to the beaches you can enjoy beautiful water for swimming, sailing, speed boating, snorkeling, scuba diving, surfing, wind surfing, kite surfing, and canoing. As you can see the possibilities are nearly endless and this is fun that can be enjoyed no matter what time of year you’ve planned your cheap holidays to Alghero. Nature -In order to get in touch with Mother Nature once again, Alghero offers plenty of national parks nearby to keep everyone inf your family happy and active during your stay. If you are interested in exploring the great outdoors keep these parks in mind: National Park of Asinara, Gerinargentu National Park, Maddalena National Park, and Molentargius Park. Outdoors -Other things you can enjoy doing outdoors that do not involve the beaches or water are often the most enjoyable of your holiday, assuming of course that you can manage to drag yourself away from the beach. Golf, cycling, walking, and hiking provide plenty of opportunities to take in the sights and sounds of Alghero without really breaking a sweat. Shopping – This is often one of the best experiences to have while enjoying the benefits of cheap holiday deals to Alghero. The less you pay for your travel, the more you have left to spend on those items that you want to bring home to remember your travels by. Local markets in Alghero often have an impressive selection of hand-crafted silver jewelry to offer. If food is what you want to remember your holidays by then you will not be disappointed with the divine lobster and other amazing food that is available in Alghero. Book your cheap holiday deals today and see the very best that Alghero has to offer you and your family.

More Holidays at search4sun.com

Cheap holiday deals

Wayne Bromiley

Surrounded by craggy hills and crowned with forts and palace, Jaipur is the most famous tourist destination among the globally tourists who wish to spend their holidays in sheer stylishness, the capital of Indian colorful state Rajasthan. Jaipur is also known as pink city. The most glamorous city as Jaipur was founded by King Swai Jai Singh in 1727 A.D., it is the first scientifically planned city in Rajasthan, India. In Jaipur there are many historical places to visit during your holidays Travel India.

The foremost sight attractions for instance the Amber fort, Jaigarh fort, Nahargarh fort, Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar, Chandra Mahal, Laxmi Narayan Temple, Raj Mahal Palace, Govind Deoji Mandir, Kanak Valley and Rambagh Palace be a focus for travelers to visit this historical city again and again. Furthermore, City palace Jaipur exhibits a splendid blend of traditional Rajasthani culture and Mughal craftsmanship that catch the attention of visitors around the globe for feeling the spirit of innovative India.

With the exception of historical forts and palaces, spectacular heritage hotels and gardens, Jaipur offers a choice of fairs and festivals. These festivals include Kite Festival, Elephant festival; Teej Festival and Gangaur Festival are celebrated with folk dance and different music programs. Semi-precious stones, handicraft and cultural items also draw your attention to its colorful streets and bazaars. In addition, enjoy elephant ride at Amber fort transforms your holidays in adventure tour.

The nearest one of the Seven Wonders of the World Taj Mahal and Fatehpur Sikari adds new horizons to its importance. Whether golden triangle tours to north India or luxury train tours, Jaipur has pinnacle right of way on the route of all types of Rajasthan tour packages.

Pradeep Sharma is a well-known Travelogue along with an experienced author in Travel & Tourism related topics. He has written several books on India Tour Packages, Glimpse of Agra Hotels, Golden Triangle Tours etc. Currently, he is rendering service for http://www.indiatourismz.com

When surfers think about heading off on the next adventure in search of perfect waves and fun times, most think of the classic point breaks of California, the sandy beaches of France, perfect tropical reef setup’s in Bali Indonesia, beautiful turquoise waves in Australia and of course those world class heavy waves in Hawaii. We want you to give all these typical surfing locations the flick and discover 5 surfing holidays off the beaten track. Discover the great, uncrowded surf in the Mid Atlantic, Caribbean, Pacific and Indian Ocean.

Surfing Holiday Cape Verde
Cape Verde which means green cape is a captivating island in the Atlantic Ocean a few hundred miles off Mauritania and Senegal. The island’s people blend African, Brazilian and Portuguese culture mixed with world class surfing, kite surfing and windsurfing. The little known Cape Verde is also known as the “African Caribbean” and its brimming with character and endless snow-white sands. Its easy to see why these secret Atlantic isles are the hottest buzzword in surf travel right now and why My Surf Travel are the first company to bring them to you. The surf in Cape Verde is varied with stacks of quality reef, points and beaches year round.

Surfing British Virgin Islands
The British Virgin Islands present surfers with the possibility to mix a luxury holiday with excellent surfing. With small bays and hidden coves, the British Virgin Islands are among the world’s loveliest surfing grounds. What is the most amazing about the surf in these islands is the variety and quality of the surf. This is has attracted a handful of professional and soul surfers to this region for years. The British Virgin Islands has become a secret hideaway for surfers for years rarely ever featuring in surf publications. Even though it doesn’t have the most consistent surf it offers the opportunity of some very good surf in the most wonderful of settings in beautiful turquoise waters.

Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is one of the best surfing location within the Indian Ocean offering high quality surfing, peaceful beautiful and very tropical surroundings and uncrowded beaches. Located just south of the Indian subcontinent Sri Lanka is a secret garden of surfing and also is one of the most reliable surf destinations in the Indian ocean. The island encompasses beautiful tropical beaches, verdant vegetation, ancient monuments and a thousand delights to please all tastes. The surfing season in Hikkaduwa starts in October and ends in early May.

Surfing Galapagos Islands
The unique Galapagos Islands, in all their dramatic and desolate volcanic beauty, lie 600 miles west of mainland Ecuador’s Pacific coast right on the equator. The islands were first made famous by Charles Darwin in the 1800’s and considered to be the birth place for the theory of evolution. You won’t find too many trendy wine bars and cafe’s here, only fantastic scenery and wildlife plus some excellent waves. You regularly surf with dolphins, sea lions, turtles and iguanas. The best time of year for surfing is December to May very favorable winds and constant swell.

Surfing Holiday Samoa
When its time to go on a holiday like no other, full of adventure, natural beauty and pure relaxation then you need to discover Samoa. Like other Pacific islands Samoa is overflowing with the potential for surfing all year round, subject to swell and good wind conditions. The best time to surf samoa is in three main date ranges: May to September; February to April and including October; and November to January. Some of the epic surf spots on Samoa’s reefs include Tiavea Bay, Fagaloa Bay, Solo Solo and Dragons Breath.

To book a surfing holiday to any of these destinations, check out My Surf Travel to book your surfing holiday. You can package up your flights, hotels, boat charters, surfboard hire and local guides together on one site.

When you are arranging to travel to New Zealand for a holiday, you will want to pay special attention to the type of accommodation that you seek, after all this is where you are going to retreat to in order to rejuvenate yourself for your days ahead. There are many different choices of lodging depending on where you will be travelling to. While many people come to New Zealand in search of family fun and choose a typical resort or holiday park, there is another alternative that many people don’t consider. For those seeking the best in relaxation and pampering, you need to check out the option of NZ luxury accommodation so that you can stay in style and enjoy all the amenities that come with luxury lodging choices.

It doesn’t matter which part of the country you travel to, because there are NZ luxury accommodation throughout. At the end of the day, you can retreat to your NZ luxury accommodation and get all the rest, relaxation, and pampering that you deserve. From high quality rooms and gorgeous views to security, privacy, and top-rate customer service, any luxury accommodation will prove to be the best choice anyone could make for their New Zealand holiday.

Just imagine waking up surrounded by luxurious bed linen with a view of the mountains or one of the spectacular lakes / beaches around the country, bathing with natural soaps and shampoos in preparation for your days activities and enjoying a scrumptious breakfast in your own privacy. What is there not to like? Depending on where you travel to, you will have different choices of facilities which are at your disposal during your stay, but you can be rest assured that they will provide sophistication and privacy.

Choosing the perfect NZ luxury accommodation might prove to be a difficult challenge, but so long as you look at your choices it is something that you can do with the faith that you are choosing the best accommodation available. Some people will prefer the charm of this type of accommodation to any other. Others might just demand the best of the best on their holiday travels. It doesn’t matter why you stay at a luxury hotel or accommodation, so long as you choose it for yourself as the best option. While you’ll spend plenty of time out seeing the sights and enjoying the town, when you do come back at night, you will love being able to be pampered and spoiled by your luxury accommodation.

Villa South Pacific – Luxury Boutique Lodge is a wonderful piece of Mediterranean design overlooking beautiful Lake Wanaka with views beyond to Mount Aspiring. Tennis on your own private court, relaxing in the Jacuzzi, swimming in the pool or making a pizza in the authentic oven. This is the perfect place to unwind after partaking in any of the very active summer or winter activities all within half an hour of the Villa.

Just call Suzie any time and she will tell you about the district how to maximise you holiday time and of course how to have a wonderful holiday at Villa South Pacific.

http://www.villasouthpacific.co.nz/

The holidays typically see an increase in deaths from heart disease, with spikes in heart attacks both on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. So information on how to prevent a holiday heart attack can be very important. If you are currently under a physcian’s care for heart disease characterized by atherosclerosis it is especially important that you know how to prevent a holiday heart attack.

Cold weather can often play a role in cardiac events, especially for people with existing heart disease. It can increase the body’s response to stressful conditions, which can put people at an increased risk, such as when they engage in strenuous activities like shoveling snow. How to prevent a holiday heart attack while shoveling snow is best done by taking it slow and easy.

The holidays themselves present other risks that can be just as deadly as strenuous exercise during the cold weather months. here are some helpful tips on how to prevent a holiday heart attack…

Watch Your Alcohol Consumption

Knowing how to prevent a holiday heart attack in regards to alcohol amounts to monitoring your personal consumption. People socialize and drink more during the holidays and excessive alcohol can be toxic to the heart, particularly in people with heart disease. Alcohol depresses heart function while also irritating the top heart chambers called the atria. This irritation could possibly lead to a dangerous heart rhythm called atrial fibrillation. Use good sense. Enjoy yourself yet going easy on the alcohol is how to prevent a holiday heart attack.

Beware of Stuffing Yourself

People also tend to eat more often and in larger quantities. After a large meal, especially one rich in fat, blood is directed to the intestines to aid digestion. People who have blockages in their coronary arteries, due to atherosclerosis, that restrict blood flow are at risk and the result could be chest pain or even heart attack. How to prevent a holiday heart attack is to eat normal sized servings while avoiding as much of the fat-rich goodies as possible, especially if you’ve been diagnosed with atherosclerosis or another heart condition.

Cut the Stress

The holidays are one of the most stressful times of year. People are interacting more with relatives, some of whom they may not be on good terms, fighting crowds at the malls, traveling, attending parties and probably worrying about finances. There’s a direct correlation between stress and cardiac events. During stressful situations, people with heart disease are more likely to experience coronary spasms, chest pain, or a heart attack.

Take steps to lessen holiday stress. Learn to say no, don’t overbook your social calendar. Walk away from unpleasant social situations and keep up your regular exercise and relaxation activities. Practicing common sense is how to prevent a holiday heart attack.

Prepare for Flu Season

The flu season peaks between the months of December and March. Flu is potentially dangerous for everyone, but people with heart disease are especially vulnerable. There’s evidence that the inflammation that accompanies flu may destabilize arterial plaque and increase the risk for clots, the cause of most heart attacks.

An annual flu vaccination is the best protection. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the vaccine for adults age 50 and older, any adult with a heart, lung, kidney or metabolic disease (such as diabetes) and for those with compromised immune systems. Preparing for and avoiding the flu is also how to prevent a holiday heart attack.

Don’t Delay Treatment

People who are caught up in the holiday excitement or who don’t want to spoil the holiday fun for others may delay seeking medical care, even if they’re having chest pain or other symptoms signaling a cardiac event. They are also more likely to forget to take medications, such as anticoagulants and blood pressure drugs.

Put your health first throughout the holiday season. Keep medications in a place where you’ll see them. If you have worrisome symptoms, don’t wait until the end of the holidays or even the end of the day to get medical attention. Don’t delay when having a cardiac event. Time is of the essence, immediately call 9-1-1.

Know the Common Heart Attack Symptoms

The most common heart attack symptom for men and women is some type of pain, pressure or discomfort in the chest. But it may not be severe, especially in women, who are more likely than men to have symptoms that are unrelated to chest pain. Symptoms for men and women include the following:

* Chest pressure or pain
* Pain extending beyond the chest to the shoulder, arm, back, jaw
* Abdominal pain
* Shortness of breath
* Sweating
* Sense of doom
* Feeling Light-headed or dizzy
* Nausea or vomiting
* Unexplained fatigue

This article should give you some insight on how to prevent a holiday heart attack; however, if you should experience any of the above common heart attack symptoms make sure you dial 9-1-1 as quickly as possible and chew an aspirin or two while waiting for help to arrive.

If you suffer from heart disease or peripheral arterial disease, charcterized by atherosclerosis (artery disease) and would like to know how to safely reverse artery disease without chancing FDA approved toxic drugs or surgery be sure to register for a free, no obligation and eye opening eCourse called Reversing Atherosclerosis.