Get Out Of Town (Sort of)

One of your New Year's resolutions was to travel more. It's a lofty idea, and certainly one we can all rally behind, but then reality hits your checkbook and you realize that your "resolution" to travel more is confined to your city limits. No worries - we've got some tips that will help feed your travel urges, while controlling your travel dollars.

Igniting the City of Lights...and Love You can't afford to fly to Paris and stroll Les Champs-Elysees, take in some high-fashion shopping, and sip champagne in the Tuelleries, but you can bring a little bit of Paris to your home town.

• Plan a Paris-day with your girlfriends by booking aromatic massages at a swanky spa, and ask your masseuse to scent the room with lavender oil. Afterwards, try on those $400 stiletto shoes that you would never buy in America. And book reservations at a fabulous French restaurant in your city. For a real Paris-themed evening, try speaking French to your waiter.
• Take her on a romantic getaway, without having to cross state lines. For your Parisian night out with your special someone, start at an art museum and make a point to view all the French artists on display. Have cocktails at a classy hotel bar. The Parisian drink of choice: a Bellini. Make late-night dinner reservations at a French restaurant, and don't forget to order dessert!

You And Your Luggage

So, you finally booked that girls week in Europe. Or, maybe that romantic vacation to an exotic locale is coming up. It's possible that the boss is sending you overseas to work with one of the company's largest international clients. Do you know how to pack your luggage according to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements?

When packing large luggage and carry-on bags, it's important to remember that there are weight and bag number restrictions on most airlines. Most airlines allow one small carry-on bag weighing approximately 40 pounds, like a lap top bag or back pack, along with your personal bag or purse to take directly on the plane with you. The limits on carry-on bag size fall into a range of 14" to 16" high, 21" to 24" wide, and 8" to 9" deep. The lower limits are for under seat storage and larger limits for the roomier overhead compartment. A 45" total (height+width+depth) can be used as a basic guideline to see if your bag will be allowed as a carry-on.

In addition to carry on bags, most airlines allow two checked pieces of luggage weighing less than 70 pounds. If you plan on bringing extra luggage, or overweight luggage, be sure to check with your airline ahead of time to determine if they will allow the luggage on the plane. Then make sure you know how much extra you'll be charged for additional bags. Be sure to have the request for additional bags noted on your reservation to ensure a smooth check in process when you arrive at the airport.

Skiing for Spring Break

Most college students are just returning for their spring semester, but many are already planning on where they will go in two months for Spring Break. While many students automatically head to a warmer climate, March is still optimum skiing time in certain parts of the country.

Colorado has several great places to ski for spring break, including Breckenridge and Aspen, but if you're looking for a college-friendly ski resort in Colorado, try Crested Butte. It's friendly and informal and considered one of the better places for college-aged skiers. It has a lot to do outside of skiing and a good nightlife.

Winter Park in Colorado is another good skiing locale for college students. It's not far from Denver and therefore, is cheap to get to by car, bus or train. Students can typically receive a discount on Greyhound Bus or Amtrak.