These are holidays designed just for you, by you, the traveler. From lodging to meals to sites, this excursion cuts out the middlemen, as it were, and ensures the best time to be had for the traveler, by the traveler—YOU!

You could go on the referral of a friend to find a quaint B&B, but let’s face it: if they have special memories of that place, why would they want to share that special place with others, including you, the BFF? It’s a territorial thing, nothing personal, and those memories and private moments from the B&B, well, that locale information will be hoarded fiercely. So, what to do?

You’ve gotten the needed shots, the dog got his, too. You’ve saved the Starbucks pennies, packed the right clothes, you even made sure you have the right adapter for the your cell phone and MP3 player chargers. As the big day arrives, you’ll have to do a little homework in getting great currency exchange rates. The places to get the best rates are in banks, post offices and American Express offices, especially if you use Amex and bank checks and post office money orders.