Stay on track with these Payless Pointers:

• Set realistic goals. It goes without saying that most New Year’s resolutions are easier said than done— especially if you set the bar too high.

• Don’t overload yourself. It’s difficult enough for the average person to follow through on one ambitious New Year’s resolution, so why bombard yourself with three or four? Trying to do everything simultaneously is a recipe for failure. Pick the most pressing issue at hand, and if you achieve one resolution, pat yourself on the back and move onto the second. You have a whole year to reach that resolution, there’s no need to rush the process.

• Get friends and family involved. The more people you announce your resolution to, the more people there’ll be to pick you up if you fall behind. There’s no shame in seeking support if you can’t accomplish your resolution on your own.

• Lastly, don’t sweat the small stuff - set realistic goals, and work towards achieving them. Let 2009 be the year to take action.

Happy New Year 2009 from the Payless Family to yours!

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It is a haven for shoppers who are looking for duty free deals on jewelry, electronics, liquor, and cigars. There are many activities on the island geared for honeymooners, families or just people wanting fun and adventure. Travelers can fill up their day with activities, either by staying on the island or visiting a nearby island. Take a catamaran trip to St. Barths, plan a diving trip with Dive Safari, ride horseback with Lucky Stable, or gulf at Mullet Bay.

The night is filled with activities from dining along the Simpson Bay strip, Maho, Coopercoy or on the French side you can enjoy international cuisine at its best. Must try La Gondola for Italian food, Tropicana Restaurant for French food, Bamboo Bernie for Sushi, and the Boat House for seafood. Cherie’s Cafe is known best for its family entertainment. After dinner, visitors can go to one of the many casinos, the Bliss Night Club or just enjoy the jazz music at The Sopranos. Nightlife is never scarce in St. Maarten.

St. Maarten enjoys warm tropical weather all year round and boasts over 30 white sand beaches. Vacationers can opt for a little romantic cove to a beach but will find they are never far from the crystal blue water. From the famous Mullet Bay Beach, Simpson Bay, Great Bay, Le Galion, Orient Bay, Friar’s Bay or Baie Rouge, one can relax and enjoy the tranquility while soaking up the Caribbean Sun.

St. Maarten does not have any public transportation. Most tourists travel by taxi or rent a vehicle. The international traffic rules apply and we drive on the right hand side of the road. Renting a vehicle is the best option for getting around. Payless Car Rental’s St. Maarten location offers a wide variety of vehicles at competitive prices. See you in St. Maarten!

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According to the National Recycling Coalition’s website, recycling is one of the most successful environmental initiatives in our country’s history and efforts of the past few decades are really paying off. Not only does recycling limit waste and reduce greenhouse gas emissions that can add to global warming, but it also helps to create jobs and to decrease expenses for businesses. Companies nationwide are taking old products, recycling them, and offering products made from recycled materials. Recycled materials are used in the creation of all kinds of products we use every day.

Recycling isn’t just an American initiative; it’s taking place all over the world. Austria recycles more waste than any other country in Europe. The world needs to conserve now more than ever. The worldwide recycling industry employs the skills of more than 1.5 million employees, says Recycling International. Online, products made from recycled materials can be purchased by anyone in the world.

Recycling one ton of paper can save two barrels of oil (enough oil to run the average car for 1,260 miles), according to NPR.org’s article, “Beyond Recycling: Getting to ‘Zero Waste’.”   There are recycling centers all over and there is no good reason why we should be sending recyclables to the landfill. So, before you travel this November, don’t forget to drop by your local recycling center and find out how you can reduce the amount of waste in our world. To find a recycling or re-use location in your area, visit Earth911.org. I requested a free recycling bin today!

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This 300-mile stretch of coastline from SFO to LAX offers some truly unforgettable sights and scenery.  In fact, some of the most interesting and beautiful parts of the state are to be found here. While visiting the Bay Area, be sure to see the Golden Gate – an opportune time to take pictures! Traveling with family? While you’re in the neighborhood, stop and say hi to the elephant seals that colonize this part of the coast. The best place to visit is Piedras Blancas, located just north of San Simeon and visible from Highway 1. There’s a viewing area and boardwalk. 

Start the trip off at Highway 1 and tour the Hearst Castle, the result of a 28-year architectural collaboration between William Randolph Hearst and architect Julia Morgan. The Hearst Castle is an unfinished symphony, spread over 127 acres overlooking the sea. It holds a priceless collection of art and artifacts. The drive itself includes Santa Barbara (could easily spend a few days here with the family, visiting the great beaches, walking around downtown).  Next stop is San Luis Obispo, which offers a lively downtown, and a big street fair on Thursday nights, Spring through Fall. Continue driving along the coast and you’ll run into Monterey, followed by Carmel, both towns offering beautiful scenery.

So now you have a little insight on what to expect when coastal driving in California. The trip is ideal for everyone: history buffs,  sightseers, family travel, or those who just want to get away.  Do something good for yourself; take the trip to venture the unknown! And if you’re staying a few extra days, why not check out San Diego, Fresno, Sacramento, Orange County andOakland, all offering plenty of sights to see!

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The last time I went to Vegas I stayed for NINE WHOLE DAYS. Yes, I do have a friend that lives there, and I did stay with her for a good portion of the lazy, crazy, where-did-my-money go days. Yes, I did spend too much money. But yes, it was worth it! For one, it’s beautiful there. You can see the mountains past all of the lights and hotels on the strip. Not a gambler? There is something there for everyone. The hotels are like attractions, the food is delicious, and the shows are amazing.

My friend, Megan, and I went to Tangerine to see Samantha Ronson, who is pretty famous but honestly didn’t impress me all that much. I saw “The Amazing Jonathan” at the Sahara, and he was more of a comedian than a magician, but it was pretty funny. It’s crazy how much drinks at clubs like Tao and Moon cost, but I guess that’s what you have to prepare yourself for when you’re in the Sin. Maybe this year I’ll get a rental car and cruise through the desert. It sounds less expensive, anyway.

First time visiting Vegas? Rent a car with Payless…and save money for the strip! One of the many Perks.

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Founded in 2000 by teachers, DonorsChoose.org is a non-profit that joins classrooms in need with donors who can choose to fund their learning projects. The donor will not only know exactly how the money is being used, but will also get to see the class carrying out the project.

This month Payless Car Rental will be awarding $100 DonorsChoose.org gift certificates to four contest winners! These gift certificates can be used to donate to the classroom of your choice. The classroom will use the supplies sent to them and you, the donor, will receive pictures and thank-you letters from the class that you chose to benefit. Won’t that feel great?

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While no one can be singled out, everyone can help.  It’s easier said than done, but most things that are worth doing tend to be. How can we incorporate ways to recycle into everyday life? Here are some suggestions:

1. Before you go shopping next time, write a “green shopping guide” with environmentally friendly options to what you usually get.
2. Consider wrapping gifts in recycled paper or even using old magazines. It’s creative and you’ll get rid of clutter, too!
3. Blog about it! If you update your friends on things going on in your life, why not write about your newfound eco-knowledge?
4. Donate unwanted eyeglasses, computers or other household items to a repair shop or to charity.

If you’re lacking motivation, but feel guilty, think about this: Roughly 80% of what Americans throw away can be recycled, but our recycling rate is only around 30%. Or maybe, if you’re like me, you need to challenge yourself with a timeline. Start a 2-week recycling contest with a friend, the reward being a dinner brought home in a reusable grocery bag (on non-disposable dishes, of course). Mother Earth will be proud!

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Looking for serenity? Pack your bags and head to the sunshine state! Payless has locations on the East and West coast, from Tampa to Miami, and if you can’t decide on the two coasts, rent a car in Orlando and explore both! Rain, or shine, the flowers are always in bloom in Florida.

Have the urge to travel abroad? Payless has locations in some of the best vacation spots …plan a trip to Costa Rica,Aruba,or Mexico and soak up the rays! When the sunsets, roll out the red carpet and enjoy some fine dining, followed by a night of dancing or walking on the moonlit beach.

Is it adventure you’re seeking? Spring is the perfect time for outdoor activities in Arizona or Denver. The temperature is pleasantly cool, allowing for comfortable hiking weather. Reserve your next weekend rental at Payless Phoenix and hike the lower Grand Canyon, or rent a car in Payless Denver and drive the scenic by ways, sure to put anyone’s mind at ease!

Sign up for Payless Perks and find out how you can save on your next rental every time!

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The great thing about Las Vegas is that it offers a number of indoor activities, for those not so big fans of “roughing” it. One of my all time favorites is the shopping in Vegas. A few of my favorites hot spots are the Caesar Forum shop, the Venetian, the Fashion Show Mall, The District at Greenvalley and Boca park - all great for tourist and locals.

Still raring to go? Check out the Harrah, my all time favorite night spot. They have the outside round bar with live music and DJ after midnight. Plus, many of the hotels have shows performing nightly, not to mention all of the concerts at Mandalay Bay and MGM. So what are you waiting for? Book your Payless Las Vegas car rental, so you can start planning your trip!

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Stop daydreaming about a vacation…make your dream become a reality and book a Payless Car Rental today…who knows, your car rental could be on us!

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