For many business owners, the thought of planning a summer vacation can be complicated at best and unthinkable at worst.

Concerns about customer or client care and anxiety about missed business opportunities can make many small-business owners feel they cannot take any time off.

Despite these worries, more than 67 percent of business owners still expect to take a break for at least one week this summer, according to an annual survey by OPEN from American Express, the company’s small-business team.

“Small-business owners work very hard, and it’s important that they take time off to recharge,” said Alice Bredin, small-business adviser for OPEN from American Express. “Advance planning can make it easier for them to take a much-needed vacation and quell concerns about their companies running smoothly in their absence.”The following tips may help business owners justify some time off this summer and save some money as well:

* Plan ahead to save money. Some credit and charge cards allow cardmembers to earn points toward everything from airfare to car rentals to hotel stays and let them redeem points at virtually any airline with no blackout dates or restrictions. By using a charge card like the Business Gold Rewards Card from American Express throughout the year for business purchases, you can accumulate points quickly to help offset the cost of your next vacation.

* Brief key clients or customers. When possible, give them a minimum of two to three weeks’ notice. Identify your stand-ins and communicate your confidence in their ability to help should a problem arise.

* Take a day trip or a three-day weekend. Sometimes a long getaway is just not in the cards. In that case, a brief escape with a change of scenery can do wonders and allow you to return to work rested and refreshed.

1. Ring Around the Collar Dirty neck rings around shirt or blouse collars can be removed by putting shampoo on them. Rub the shampoo in as if you were washing your hair. Shampoo is specifically made to remove body oils the “ingredient” of neck rings.

2. Removing Gum You can pick up just about anything on the soles of your shoes. Removing gum can seem like one of the most difficult things to do. The solution? Rub ice on the gum to harden it and then use a dull knife to remove the gum. The gum will come right off without damaging your soles.

3. Killing Flies Are there flying insects in your hotel room? Hair spray will kill flies and most other insects.4. Drying Out Wet Magazines or Books Place paper towels on both sides of a wet page to absorb the moisture and prevent wrinkling.

5. Lingering Onion or Fish Smells on Hands Can’t get rid of onion or fish smells on your hands? Wet them, sprinkle them generously with salt, and rinse.

Foreign travel can be both exciting and challenging. Travel planning calls for a lot of thought and time. Often healthcare needs of travelers are overlooked. This oversight can turn an otherwise great trip into something out of a nightmare.

These are some important steps you must take before you undertake any travel:

1. See your primary care physician and discuss your needs during your foreign travel. Ensure everybody is current with immunizations. Many Asian and African nations demand proof or certificate of vaccination. These requirements can be obtained from your travel agent.2. Study your current health insurance plan to determine if it offers adequate coverage overseas. If it is not clear check with your insurance company about what is covered and excluded during overseas travel.

3. If your current health plan doesn’t offer coverage for medical expenses and medical evacuation it is prudent to consider foreign visitor insurance. If your travels are short term then you can consider a visitor medical insurance policy. If you are out on a long trip spanning several years then you can consider a more comprehensive international health insurance plan offering regular pregnancy and preventive healthcare benefits.

The premium for the plan is influenced by your age, the type of benefits and the length of coverage. It is best to speak to an experienced visitors insurance professional. Ask the right questions and ensure you protect your most important asset – health.

There are many things to consider when looking to purchase new luggage. Most probably you are concerned about cost but have no fear there is luggage out there even for those on a budget. No matter what the cost however, there are common things to look for no matter what the price.

If you are a frequent traveler, you might want to consider a more durable type of luggage such as that which is made with a hard sided material. If you are just a recreational traveler you will still want durability but not necessarily to the degree the more frequent traveler would need.  The hard luggage is more apt to survive the rough handling it receives after it is checked.What are your needs when you travel? You will want a  carry on bag that will hold valuables such as jewelry, cash, traveler’s checks, and any medicine. You should try to have a change of clothes and any needs for the next twenty-four hours just in case your checked luggage is lost or delayed in arriving. If you are a Diabetic you should check with your airline on the best way to carry your medications, your glucose testing kit with needles, and emergency glucose sources.

Check with the manufacturer of the luggage you wish to purchase about the warranty. You will need to know just what they will or will not cover if you should need to make a claim.  If your luggage is damaged you will also need to know how to make a claim for the damage or if your luggage is lost.

Road trips are back in season. From hiking and camping to beach trips, families are gearing up for months of warm weather filled with exciting outings. As parents plan for busy days on the road, keeping family members energized and entertained often takes some planning.

Here are some suggestions to keep everyone happy and well-fed for traveling:

* Although keeping kids entertained on the road can be a challenge for any parent, leave the house prepared. Bring books and music that the whole family will enjoy, and don’t forget about classic games such as “I Spy” and “Go Fish.”

* When packing food for a day trip, keep it simple. Fill a cooler with a variety of sliced fruits and veggies stored in plastic baggies for hassle-free munching. Include drinkable yogurts, individually wrapped cheese slices and granola bars.For a hearty snack or meal while on the go, try Smucker’s Peanut Butter and Jelly Uncrustables sandwiches, made with peanut butter and either grape jelly or strawberry jam sealed within white bread. These thaw-and-serve sandwiches are individually wrapped. Store them in the freezer, along with extra fruit juice containers and water bottles, and add them to the cooler before hitting the road. By lunchtime, the drinks and sandwiches will be ready.

* If a long road trip is in store, plan for several stops throughout the day. Giving kids – and parents – time outside of the car will help everyone stay energized throughout the drive.