Statistics

First, let’s start off with some air travel safety statistics. A study conducted in 1975 through 1994 shed some light on how safe air travel actually is. The odds of being in a fatal plane crash are about 1 in seven million. That means that if seven million people were picked randomly around the globe, only one of them would die in a fatal plane crash. Secondly, it’s also probably worth noting that if you were to fly on at least one flight every day of your life, it would take approximately nineteen thousand years for you to die in a plane crash. That’s more lifetimes than most people can count.

Lukla Nepal, not all runways are flat ...

Still not convinced? How about we compare driving statistics to flying stats. Every year over 45,000 people die in car crashes. That’s about 150 people killed every single day because of wreckless driving. To give you an idea of how many plane crashes that is, a Boeing 727 full of people would have to crash every single day of the year and kill its entire passenger load to match the number of driving deaths there are each year.

According to the study conducted, you are approximately 20 times safer in an aircraft than you are in an automobile.

Turbulence

When people fly, one of the most common fears they have is rough air. When turbulence strikes, many often feel as though the plane is falling out of the sky. In all of recorded history of air travel, not once has a plane every crashed because of turbulence or rough air. While it may be uncomfortable, rough air isn’t enough to make a plane fall out of the sky.

Control

Another common fear that people have is that while cars may be more unsafe than planes, in a vehicle people are more in control of their fate. In an aircraft, it’s generally two or three strangers at the helm who are controlling the fate of everyone on board. While it may not mean much to say it, in many cases the pilots in the cockpit are only there as a safety measure. Modern aircraft are capable of flying themselves from takeoff to landing. The computers within aircraft are so sophisticated that they are able to make perfect takeoffs and landings without any help from a pilot. That means if the pilots pass out or are unable to control the plane, the aircraft will automatically take the safety precautions necessary to land itself safely on the ground.

To recap, you are almost 20 times safer in an aircraft than in a car. And who doesn’t drive? About 3 deaths occur for every 10 billion miles travelled in the air. That’s a long way.

Photo (c) Chris Veers via flickr.com

The volcanic structure of the archipelago has created the high inland lakes, the extinct craters and those ominous looking volcanic cones that are now so verdantly green. The climate creates this luxurious undergrowth of vegetation and riot of wild flowers, tempered by the islands’ position on the latitude, and the regulating influence of the Gulfstream. The mean air temperature for the year is 17C, with a maximum of 21C, and a minimum of 14C.

The atmosphere, free from pollution, allows the amateur and professional photographer to snap away merrily. Tones are enhanced by the ever changing clouds, and the rays of the sun change Pico especially, from a bland silhouette to a plaster moulding of prehistoric times. Many of the high pressure weather systems start here, known as the Azores anticyclone belt. The wind, considering it has the entire north Atlantic to race over unhindered, is only some 12.2km per hour.

Ideal for the sailing enthusiast, (the islands are used as provisioning points by trans-Atlantic sailors) and ideal, of course, for fishing. The weather changes very quickly. It can rain and blow in the morning, then be still with a clear blue sky in the evenings. The combination of these natural conditions allows a prolific growth of vegetation, which, as well as interesting native species that are elsewhere extinct, includes various exotic plants and trees from all over the world. Game is still abundant. Buzzards, that gave the islands their name, still visit the islands. Livestock breeding is now one of the mainstays of the islanders, which together with the agriculture, wines and other industries makes tourism a joy.

Unspoiled by pollution, and undamaged by the commercialism of the rest of Europe, these islands really are one of the few places left in the world where you can get away from it all. According to the recent census there is a resident population of 287,000. Many years ago the Nova Scotia whaling boats would stop in the Azores to take on men, as the locals were among the finest and most fearless whalers of the day, with a reputation for reliability that preceded them worldwide. Looking at the islands separately they all have something unique to commend them.

The amazing colour of the land and sea at Broome, Western Australia

Anyways if you are interested in reading about some of travelling Australia experiences – hop over to the article at TravelLinkSites

Many insurance agencies may offer you cheap policies to attract you to their site. They may not cover all the important points that need to be taken into account. You will find yourself in an embarrassing position if you try to use this medical insurance abroad. The deductibles that have to be accounted for may have increased and you were not aware of this when you purchased the insurance. It is necessary to account for unexpected situations, where you may need to be repatriated on medical grounds by air ambulance.

Travel insurance - when all is not blue skies when you travel

When you decide to purchase travel insurance, check the various options available and choose the level of cover that best suits your needs. Only select what you think is appropriate for the policy that you need to take. You will be able to enjoy the money that you save on having fun during your holiday!

If you are not planning to travel more than once a year, opt for the single trip insurance. If you happen to be a frequent flyer, choose the annual multi-trip insurance that will work out more cost effective.

Several types of policies are available that pertain to various activities and sports such ski and snowboard insurance, Backpacker and Motorcycle Travel Insurance or special ones for seniors. Include added options by building on your policy for holidays, photographic equipment or, a business travel. If you are planning to go overseas to get married, you should ensure that you take adequate insurance that will include repatriation on medical grounds as a necessary precaution. Take advantage of policies where your children are covered, free of charge, which can be a bonus.

If you are planning a long stay, you should read this backpacker travel insurance guide, especially if you are young and wish to travel “light”. You can avoid paying full cover for luggage and other valuable possessions that you would have carried if you were considering full luggage.

This type of Backpacker Insurance is great for travelers, as it covers only essential expenses such as medical, legal and person liability expenses. Select the level of cover you require and opt for additional cover for circumstances such as missed departure, personal accident, cancellation, delays, hijacks, or any unexpected catastrophes.

Many of us expect the trip to go along smoothly and become complacent when we try to avoid taking out the right travel insurance. However, the one time that you decide not to take proper travel insurance may be when things go terribly wrong. There is nothing worse than something going wrong, so be sure to protect yourself with travel insurance, where you can get help when you need it most.

Not all of us are insurance savvy and therefore it is advisable to try to gain knowledge on this aspect before trying to get the policy. Since all of us require different levels of cover, it is essential to be knowledgeable to make the best choice. Make sure you purchase a comprehensive travel insurance to have a wonderful vacation, where you are protected from most of the disaster that could occur, when you are overseas. You will find yourself relaxed and not unduly stressed out when you have the backing of travel insurance. It is safer not to travel if you cannot afford to take out travel insurance.

Taking the rising number of incidents of bed bug infestation among hotels and apartments into consideration, all travelers are advised to be cautious when it comes to guarding against these nasty creatures. As a rule, never ever lay down all of your luggage and belongings in sleeping quarters that you have not yet inspected. This even includes the fanciest 5 star hotels, people!!

Before heading over to check out the indoor pools, restaurants, or travel destinations near your hotel, it is best to first get yourself settled into a comfortable and bedbug free room.

What are Bed Bugs?

These tiny insects are often reddish or brownish in color, depending on their age. As they are hardly noticeable, they can easily crawl into beds, bags, and closets without being seen, which explains why infestations are hard to control. These pictures of bed bugs will give you a good idea of what you should be looking out for.

What to Look For?

Although there is no sure-fire way to ensure that your hotel is 100% free from bed bugs, there are still ways to enjoy an itch-free vacation.  Fortunately, it does not take a genius to inspect a room for these puny bugs; the key is to know where to look.

1. Luggage Stand

Rather than immediately placing your bags in the closet, it is best to wrap them in plastic and place them on top of a table, or even on the bathtub. This is to prevent contaminating your belongings with these cunning insects. After securing your luggage, focus your attention on the closets and check for any signs of bugs.

2. Bed Sheets

Scan every inch of your bed, beginning with the sheets. Pull back each individual sheet and check for any blood or fecal stains. Do the same for the quilts, blankets, comforters, and mattress covers. Although the chances of actually seeing bed bugs are rare, it is still safer to check and be assured.

3. Mattress

After taking off all the sheets and covers, it’s time to inspect the mattress itself. When checking for stains, make sure to go in between the seams and creases where these nasty critters often hide and lay eggs. As mattresses are not changed as often as the bedding, you are more likely to find visible indications of unwanted guests here.

4. Bed Frame

Apart from the sheets and mattresses, also make sure to inspect the bed frame using a flashlight and mirror. Look in between crevices and holes, as bed bugs may also hide in these unlikely places.

5. Wall Hangings

Hotels often place an attractive painting or artwork above the bed to add aesthetic appeal to the room. If it is too difficult to unhook, simply use your flashlight and mirror to scan the edges and keep an eye out for trails.

6. Nightstands

As they are placed close the bed, they are also potential breeding grounds for bed bugs. To make sure that you don’t wake up with nasty bites, pull out all the drawers and scrutinize them inside and out.

Once you are confident and sure that your hotel room is bedbug-free, you can now relax and enjoy your long weekend ahead.

As a writer for BedBugs.org, Carla recommends educating yourself before traveling. If you have already brought the pests home from a trip, then look into how to kill bed bugs with heat before turning to the harsher chemical options.

Photo (c) synapticum via flickr.com

Always Ask for a GPS to be Included

If you do decide to decide to rent a car in Cozumel then make sure you ask for one with a GPS as standard.  This will help you to get from A to B and make your driving safer as you will be more aware of the roads that you are approaching.  Popular rentals models on the island are typically Fords, so ask your rental company to install the latest Ford Navigation updates to the GPS before you drive.

Driving to the Beaches

One of the most popular beaches on the island is Chankannab Park.  It will cost you $10 US Dollars per person to get in, but it is well worth the money.  Take advantage of the many restaurants, gardens and there is even a small museum – or why not rent snorkels for the day and get closer to the marine life?  If you have children then you will be happy to know that there is a lagoon in the Park which is protected and should be a safe environment for them.

Snorkeling Opportunities in Cozumel

Other fantastic locations that you can drive to are Dzul Ha and the Corona Beach Club, both of which offer superb snorkeling opportunities – and the best thing is that they are free.  However, as common courtesy please ensure that you buy some drinks from these beach clubs when visiting.

Driving to Shopping Destinations

If you want to take advantage of the shops on Cozumel and buy some local produce then the place to go is San Miguel.  This truly is a shopper’s paradise and once you park your car up you can explore the downtown area on foot with your family.  As a general rule the shops won’t close until 9 o’clock in the evening which gives you ample time to explore the beach side-walks and smaller shops.

Drive to the Cozumel Nature Reserve

For a different kind of day out you should drive your hire car to the Faro Celarain Eco Park.  This is a beautiful nature reserve which is a mix of mangrove jungles and sandy white beaches.  Situated on the southern part of Cozumel it is easily accessible via car and is set over 240 acres of land.  You will see so many varied species whilst there which include giant turtles, crocodiles, birds, iguanas, and much more… and in fact if you visit between June and August you might be lucky enough to see the turtles in their egg-laying season on the beach.

Author Bio: This article was prepared and written by Bob Simmons who has travelled extensively throughout Mexico and Central America.  He also runs the popular GPS Navigation DVD website which offers independent advice and tips on how drivers can update the maps on their in-dashboard navigation devices.

Photo (c) YL Tan via flickr.com creative commons

Using any sort of smart phone abroad has always seemed to many people like a bit of a complex and occasionally frustrating concept. Due to roaming data charges, varying connectivity strengths throughout the world, and differing payment and service policies, it is true that using your phone outside of your own country can add some hassle to your trip, and often some expense as well. Fortunately, however, with the introduction of 3G and 4G networks for smart phones, much of the uncertainty and hassle of using phones abroad has been alleviated. While you may still need to activate your smart phone’s roaming capability, you can now expect to be able to access the Internet from your device in a broader range of locations.

Still, using your phone while travelling – whether for calls, texts, accessing data, etc. – charges can add up very quickly. All of these services generally cost more abroad, depending upon your individual mobile plan. However, you may be able to access better payment deals than you might expect – to be certain, simply visit the website of your provider and browse their abroad policies. For example, if your mobile service is provided by O2, you may find that there are a number of very appealing travel phone usage options that won’t, in the long run, cost you much to enjoy.

In most cases, with a company like O2, you will be able to decide upon a plan that is specific to both your travel needs and your budget. For example, if you think you can get by merely with text messages while abroad, you can cut costs by turning off your data roaming and other phone capabilities that can cost you money without your even doing anything. Similarly, you may be able to pick out an advanced plan that allows you a certain number of calls, texts, etc. for a certain price. Essentially, you will find that if you do a bit of research you will discover various opportunities for using your smart phone in an affordable and satisfying way while abroad.

At a cursory glance, all travel journals look similar – whether they are for adults or for children. They all tend to have personal information pages, postcard address pages, checklist of things to take, and itinerary pages. But, of course, kids’ journals are more colorful and attractive, as they should be. A children’s travel journal should be a memento to fill with everything they can collect along the way, including photos and tickets. Other features to look for in a kids’ travel journal are:

• Daily pages to fill in details for each day, such as what they did, what they saw and what they thought.
• Enough pages to accommodate your particular trip (many assume short trips).
• Facility for more than one destination, if necessary.
• Planning pages to write out their plans for the holiday, like what they will take and what they will wear, and what they hope to do or see.
• Pages with prompts to write down their thoughts, such as how they found the journey itself or their thoughts about a particular place.
• Pages with prompts about research, eg the history of your destination. This will be particularly relevant if you are taking your children out of school for the trip, and for older children.
• Pages to draw the things and places they have seen.
• Space for pasting souvenirs and mementos.
• A pocket for collecting brochures and stickers.
• Sturdy cover with flexible pages.

Not all travel journals are made equal. Some kids’ travel journals have too few prompts. This works fine with highly imaginative children who will fill the space with whatever they can think of, but many other children, especially younger ones, may be at a loss as to what to what to do with the space. On the other hand, some journals have too many prompts. This is a bad idea because it makes the pages look cluttered and leaves very little room for imagination.

Two kids’ travel journals worth a mention here are Kid’s Trip Diary and The Children’s Travel Journal (both are available on Amazon). The former has most of the features listed above, with pages for 28 days. The latter also has most of the features listed above, but doesn’t have daily pages. As it is highly unlikely to find a children’s travel journal with all the desirable features, it will best to choose the one that has the features most desired by your child.

If you are one of those who long for great adventure in the outdoors, then we dare you to take on the top 5 most perilous treks that will surely test your wits, patience, and endurance.

Photo courtesy of bixton via flickr.com

1. Tongariro Northern Circuit

North Island, New Zealand

The island of New Zealand is home to some of the world’s most majestic views and is high on the list of the most beautiful and equally dangerous hikes across the globe.

The Tongariro North Circuit is a world heritage site that lies on its northernmost tip. Crossing this great tail involves roughly 2 -3 nights and takes hikers across 35 kilometers of magnificent terrain. Filled with a perfect mix of ashen surroundings, the Tongariro Circuit is like going to another planet.  Set on the grounds of Mt. Ngaurube, doubling for Mt Doom in the famed LOTR movie franchise, a trek around this area will take you through glacial basins, volcanic beds, and smoldering jot craters.

2. Zion Narrows

Utah, United States

Recognized by the National Geographic of America as the 5th best destination for adventures in the country, a trip through Zion Narrows will take you through canyons and streams that abounds with a picturesque sandstone wall that towers over 3,500 feet.

Despite it’s curtain of majestic views, Zion Narrows is not for the faint of heart, as it can instantly turn from calm to treacherous in a matter of minutes. Flash floods are not new to this part of the state and have claimed the lives of some of the most adventurous hikers.

3. Annapurna Circuit

Nepal

Known for its lush landscape, the Annapurna Circuit’s snow capped peaks creates a perfect mantle of land for trekkers who are in search of new and refreshing exploits.

With an elevation of more than 17,740 feet, trailing through this mountain patch takes roughly 3 weeks, wherein you will pass through Buddhist temples, teahouses, and hot springs that have enamored hikers and tourists alike.

4. Inca Trail

Peru

All hikers dream of passing through the world famous Inca trail that offers some of the most captivating sceneries in South America.

Navigating through its elevated alpine terrain, trekkers can take in the sight of Incan ruins and the Peruvian mountains, but this 4 day hike can be full of surprises, which is why hikers only traverse through these lands fully prepared for the journey ahead.

5. Tiger Leaping Gorge

China

Situated along the historical Yangtze River and Jade Dragon mountains lays the Tiger Leaping Gorge. Dubbed one of the world’s deepest river canyons, circumnavigating this curvaceous 14 mile ravine is both challenging and rewarding.

Together, these 5 ultimate hiking destinations make up some of the best that Mother Nature has to offer, and while trekking through these paths present risks and danger, the unique experience and enjoyment they offer makes all the effort worth it.

As a writer for Ideal Feet orthotics, it can be fun to take a look at the reasons we work so hard on helping people walk without pain. Don’t let plantar fasciitis or flat feet keep you from experiencing the amazing places the world has to offer.

Fire Island, NY, photo: JNR821 via flickr.com

Tourists coming from outside of New York will have to travel by plane to reach Fire Island. Flights to New York land in either Kennedy or LaGuardia Airports located in New York City. Fire Island is only 60 miles away from Manhattan. You can also fly to the Islip MacArthur Airport is situated in Long Island. From there, you can simply get a rental car, take a taxi, or board a train to reach Fire Island, New York.

Two bridges connect Fire Island as well, allowing you to get there by car or a taxi. On the eastern part of the island is the William Floyd Parkway. Over at the opposite end is the Robert Moses Causeway. Unfortunately, the bridges lead to dead ends – parkways. The island has no public roads to help you get around with the same modes of transportation.

Traveling to the island by bus is also a possibility. Unlike cars or taxis however, they never cross bridges to take you all the way to the parkways. Instead, they will only take you as far as the ferry terminals which isn’t such a bad thing if you are planning to travel by ferry boat. Ferries are the most popular means to reach Fire Island, New York.

The ferries headed for Fire Island are passenger-only which means they don’t transport vehicles of any kind. They are located on Long Island and operate all year round. Ferry rides are especially active on July and August but less frequent during spring and fall. Currently, there are three locations with ferries that will help you get to the island – Bay Shore, Patchogue, and Sayville.

The ferry terminal in Sayville is available all year round and could take you to the Sunken Forest, Cherry Grove, and Fire Island Pines. Bayshore’s ferries are also available throughout the year and will take you to even more Fire Island attractions. Patchogue has two terminals but are seasonally open. You can only catch terminals ferries leaving for Fire Island, New York between March and November. They leave for only two destinations too, the Fire Island National Seashore and Davis Park.

Photo: Gran Canaria Co via flickr.com

Puerto Rico is a beautiful island in the Caribbean and a popular spot among tourists.  Many attractions and activities are at your fingertips.  Unlike other tourist destinations, the attractions in Puerto Rico for the most part are all worthwhile and are all unique.

One of the more popular areas to visit is a city called San Juan, which happens to be the island’s capital.  A few of the top attractions in San Juan and the surrounding area include Old San Juan, the Bacardi Rum Distillery, El Yunque Rainforest and the Castillo de San Felipe de Morro.  Each attraction has its’ own island flavor and none involve a beach.

For those more on the adventurous side, the rainforest of El Yunque will satisfy this hunger.  Set off on one of the many challenging trails that await your best efforts.  As with any rainforest, many beautiful waterfalls cover the lush forest and vegetation.  Be sure to give yourself a full day to experience El Yunque and don’t leave without making it to the top.  It is at this point where the most breathtaking views of the rainforest and coast take your breath away.

Puerto Rico is also home to some of the world’s most desirable beaches.  One of the most popular ones among tourists and couples on their honeymoon is Liquillo Beach.  Beautiful white sand and turquoise colored water are perfect ingredients to a relaxing day in the Caribbean.  Sip on a tropical drink, grab a good book and become a beach bum for the day!

Another benefit to Puerto Rico is the abundance of popular brand name hotel chains such as Marriott, Hilton and the Westin.  For those that have saved up hotel points, now would be a very worthwhile time to redeem them.  If nothing else, it is very reassuring to know these companies have invested in the country which represents safety and security.  This is something that not all Caribbean Islands have.

For those on their honeymoon, check out Discover Your Honeymoon to learn more about the opportunities that await you in Puerto Rico.  Hands down, this Caribbean island has the most to offer.  Discovering all of them is half the battle!

I have recently been considering that my future may be a life of full time RV living.  Now clearly, this is a huge step to take!  So before rushing out to purchase myself a new RV I have decided that is a wiser move to get some RVing experience under my belt.

The great thing about this is I now have a definitive purpose for my next vacations.  Rather than going to an exotic international destination, I am going to take advantage of the opportunity to rent an RV, and explore some places closer to home.

Looking around, I have found the perfect first trip for my RV travels. I plan to fly to Colorado, pickup an RV rental in Denver – and then head for the hills!  To me, the great place about taking my first vacation of this type in Colorado is the diversity of landscapes available.  If I drive east from Denver I can visit the rolling plains of Kansas, if I head west – I drive straight up into the mountains.

This is ideal, I really want to get a feel for living in an RV under different circumstances, and the contrast between the mountains and the plains is a great start.

I really hope that I am able to take this trip soon.  I think I will enjoy it, and the relaxed pace seems more suited to my more – err – mature age.  While I will no longer be the oldest tourist present when I take vacations, I really can’t say that I will miss it at all.

If this RV rental trip goes as well as I hope it will be the first of many – at least until I get around to buying a travel trailer for sale so as to save on the rental fees!

Old Town, Nurembery, Germany

Whenever you head off overseas, it’s always important that you have a solid plan in place as to how you are going to be withdrawing cash from the ATM’s over there, and how you are going to access your money in general.

If you don’t, you will find that the fees and costs will add up faster than you can blink.

I’ve travelled and backpacked Europe extensively, so I can definitely help out and provide a few decent tips when it comes to withdrawing money without burning a hole in your budget.

The real problems with most bank cards or credit cards when you are withdrawing funds from an overseas country are that they will charge you all sorts of fees. These fees will generally include: Foreign currency conversion fees, cash advance fees AS WELL AS international transaction fees.

All of these fees will really add up, so the best trick is to simply find a product that will provide you at least 2 of those 3 fees for free.

I personally have a travel credit card which charges me none of those fees (the best solution- but I need to ensure I am always paying off my card), but not everyone has access to something like that.
So don’t just use your local bank card, I’m telling you right now there is a great chance the fees incurred by yourself will be simply ridiculous. Shop around, and find a card that is going to provide you with some major advantages for withdrawing funds in another country.

Don’t bother with traveler’s checks. They are antiquated and a waste of time – everywhere in Europe will have ATM’s with the Visa or MasterCard symbols (or look for the one that has MAESTRO or CIRRUS on it).

I also carry around two points of access to my money back home, so I’ll bring along a bank card as a back up to my travel credit card for example. I suggest you don’t store these in the same place as each other (for obvious reasons – in case you lose one!).

If you can ultimately get a card that is low on foreign conversion and cash advance fees, you are going to be way ahead of the pack. It also means you can withdraw LESS from the ATM (because you are not being charged ridiculous amounts for each withdrawal) thus reducing the risk of carrying and losing lots of cash whilst traveling.

Anyway it’s all a little bit common sense, but I hope this article has provided some valuable tips when it comes to how to go about accessing your money whilst traveling Europe.

Tom runs a traveling and backpacking website which provides tips and advice of all sorts when it comes to traveling through Europe. Check out his site here.

Khao Sok National Park

Out of these 25 national parks, Pha Taem and Kaeng national parks are the popular national parks in Thailand north east region. Both these national parks are established side by side enabling visitors to enjoy a double excitement on a single trip. Pha Taem is an amazing green landscape spread over an area of 140 sq kms, towards northeast of Ubon Rathchathani and displays a great sense of beauty and elegance. This park offers awesome rock cave paintings which depict 3000yrs of Isaan history and culture. These rock paintings were a discovery by Silpakorn University in 1981 when they were exploring this area along with their professors. Pha Taem cliff, found at the centre of Pha Taem national park, is a great rock cliff which offers an awesome bird view of Laos. You can also watch the first sun rays touching the country from this cliff.

Kaeng Tana national park is established adjacent to Pha Taem Park in 1981, towards north east of Ubon Rathchathani province and is a simple extension of elegance and charm carried forward. Both these national parks in Thailand offer an enchanting and memorable experience to their visitors. Throughout the 80kms area of the park, you find green habitation, smaller hills and enthralling water caves. Another important excitement is the Mun River which flows through this park to crosscut Mekong River on the Loas border. Deciduos forests within this region host green flora like Shorea Simensis, Shorea Obtusa along with precious wild life like wild pig, macaque, gibbon and other rare mammals. In addition, enchanting flowers seen in October and November are a delight to watch, making these national parks in Thailand the most popular ones.

Camping in Thailand is another major attraction for ecotourism freaks. People who love nature can enjoy a great stay in both of these national parks. Couples of all ages can spend their most romantic moments in Tohsang Khongjiam resort here. With an amazing bundle of thrill and excitement offered by these national parks in Thailand, your next tour should definitely include this awesome region.

The islands’ volcanic nature is still very evident today. Periodic eruptions occur from the remaining active volcanoes, most recently in Angra, but usually with advance warning and few casualties. The cones and craters of volcanoes provide a characteristic feature of Azores landscape, with lava rivers spilling their petrified streams down to the sea, and subterranean heat most dramatically felt in the Fire Mountains of Pico and now being utilized as geothermal power. But if this conjures up a picture of aridity and bleakness, nothing could be further from the truth.

Azores Photo: impletora via flickr.com

The total area of the archipelago is 2,923 square miles, the largest island being Sao Miguel and the smallest Corvo. Generally speaking, which is tricky when you’re dealing with nine such different islands, the five westernmost islands are mountainous and green, while Flores and Corvo in the east have lesser peaks and share more in common with North Africa. The highest mountain in the Azores, indeed in all of Portugal, is Mount Pico in Pico Island, the summit often snow-covered in winter. The islands all tend to have steep coastal cliffs in the north, the south coast’s generally being more level, most of the best beaches are in the southern parts. The volcanic origins are everywhere to be seen. In the profusion of cones, in the calderas or craters, great saucers with mountainous walls, such as Terceira’s Las Caliadas and Santa Maria’s Caldera de Bandama, in the malpaises, literally ‘badlands’, where grey or reddish lava streams have solidified such as the 125 sq metre volcanic desert around Flore’s Montanas del Fuego.

The access to wonderful recreational vehicles thus fueled the desire of many outdoor enthusiasts, RVers and road trippers to eventually venture out the full time road life experience of living on the road. And why not? Why stay in a stationary home setting when you can encapsulate all the amenities, features and functions of a typical household setting in a well-spruced up and transformed vehicle? This is exactly what a recreational vehicle is made to do: provide you a recreational experience of overwhelming outdoor perspectives – the joy of embracing the world in various panoramic views – every single day.

The best recreational vehicle types for fulltime RVers are class a, b, and c motorhomes and fifth wheel trailers. Any truck or bus that’s redefined to accommodate more amenities and features are the best options.

Most of the RV fulltimers own their own recreational vehicles. Because mobile living has become their lifestyle, it’s important that these people get to have a ‘free hand’ in the RV customizations, redesigning plans and maintenance that will suit their tastes and convenience best. While it is true that you can now rent RV units from selected vehicle rental centers, if you are really serious to go fulltime with RV living then anyone would suggest buying one. Rented RVs are only best for both short and long term vacations.

If you could travel anywhere, where would you go? Many would say Utah, and it is not hard to see why.

Utah is actually a well-known travel destination. It is not hard to understand why Utah is so often visited with all of the breathtaking pictures I have found checking the state out on the internet. I would absolutely love to visit Utah and see all the glorious scenery. Utah can be a popular vacation spot is because of its overlavishness of natural resources that are made up from their numerous national parks. Visitors that are considering visiting the lovely state of Utah would need to visit the Office of Tourism’s consumer web site to be able to find all of the information so they do not miss a thing while visiting.

Utah Kodachrome State Basin Photo by vtveen via flickr

A few of these spectacular, breathtaking views that can be located in Utah are:

The Utah State Parks. Utah has 45 state parks that are made for leisure, picturesque and brimming with heritage. State parks are undoubtedly a great area to just take the family tenting, fishing, going swimming and just a good ol’ sense of peace.

Salt Lake City, Utah. Salt Lake has some of the best, epicurean dining. As the capitol of Utah, the sightseeing, traditional and recreational activities are a must-do for your vacation. For more information when visiting Utah, a person must have a look at the Utah Office of Tourism.

The Canyonlands is the biggest national park in Utah. River canyons can be seen from thousands of feet up in the air. The red rock spires tend to be impressive to observe. When viewing Canyonlands, you will want to take a drive through the park. You can either travel a passenger car on the secure, paved roadways or individuals can move off-road on the four-wheel drive roads for a little adventure. You actually can can track down these routes throughout the whole park. If you need to experience some fresh air, exercise, and take a bike, or saunter, The Canyonlands is a great place to start!

The Native Utah Tribes. Would you believe that Native American Tribes still reside in Utah? Utah Tribes still have quite a lot to teach us and are full of natural history.

Utah is one of the many places that has been discovered by Traveling While Trucking

Some of the more popular tours that people take are those that visit the northern hill tribes. Family package beach vacations are also very popular as are trips to see the northern cities of Chiang Mai. They even offer very specific packages such as golfing holiday or an off road adventure.

Kata Beach, Phuket, Thailand

Although costs have risen in recent years, Thailand is still one of the cheapest places you can vacation in Southeast Asia. While you may be able to find cheaper tours in other neighboring countries, you will find that the overall standard of accommodation will not be the same as it is in Thailand. Thailand depends on tourism and as such they have gone to great lengths to insure that their accommodations and amenities are very high quality.

When looking for the cheapest Thailand vacation packages it is usually best to contact one of the local tour companies. Although most are reputable some are definitely better than others. It is always a good idea to search online for different reviews of tour companies and see what other people have to say before you commit to using anyone. Most will pick you up from the airport, arrange accommodations and daily tours.

Most people, when visiting Thailand, visit Chiang Mai, Bangkok, Sukhothai and Phuket. The hotels in Phuket rival cheap hotels in Airlie Beach at a fraction of the price and Thailand beaches are as beautiful.

To learn more about travelling visit Travelling Everywhere and have a nice trip!

There is a number of tourist attractions in Koh Samui, but easily the most visited is the Big Buddha statue.

Wat Phra Yai is the name of the temple where the golden Buddha is located. It is in the north of Koh Samui in Bang Rak bay. The name of the beach is not surprisingly called Big Buddha Beach. It is a beach with a pier with regular ferries to Koh Phangan.

The Golden Buddha is on an island. There are stairs leading up to an elevated plinth where the Big Buddha is placed. The statue itself is just over 12 meters high and covered with a layer of gold. Since it is at the top of a set of stairs the impression of height is greatly enhanced. Down the stairs at either end are two long nagas or snakes that represent wisdom.

Big Buddha, Koh Samui, Thailand, Photo IMP1 via flickr.com

The main statue was erected in 1972, just a year after backpackers started arriving on the tropical island. In 2005 to 2006 more work was done. This work involved putting a Dharma wheel behind the Buddha’s head and also building a Suphannahong boat. The Dharma wheel represents the laws of Buddhism and the laws of the universe which must be attuned to each other. The Suphannahong boat is the Thai royal barge and is a reminder of the maritime tradition of the Kingdom.

It is free to go and see the Buddha. It is also no problem to take photographs. The only restrictions placed on those who visit the Golden Buddha is that they show respect by wearing long sleeved tops and trousers or long skirts.

There are a few cheap restaurants and shops around Wat Phra Yai. It is not recommended staying in Big Buddha because it is directly over the flight path of planes going to and from Bangkok. It is recommended to go and see the Golden Buddha.

Here is an Epcot Center Florida Walt Disney World Guide for you!

Photo: The Inspired Photographer via flickr.com

Character Greeting along the Park – Do not think that only Magic Kingdom offers great photo-ops with lovable Disney characters. Here at Epcot, you can spot your favorite characters from Disney classics such as Little Mermaid, Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, either riding a bus around the whole World Showcase area, or simply strolling along the park. Of course, there are also your all-time favorite characters like Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck and Goofy, among others that are always willing to strike a pose with you. Jammitors – The Future World section is totally rocking with great percussion players utilizing materials which are unlikely for drumming. Things like dustpans, trashcans and flyswatters are all pieces of their expertly choreographed performance. Their show is definitely worth the trip.

Kidcot Fun Stops – In each country pavilion within the World Showcase area, there are fun stops which allow young children (and possibly even the young-at-heart) to do creative arts & crafts. Kids can create masks, for instance, and these make for wonderful souvenirs to keep. Turtle Talk with Crush – Crush, the famous turtle from the Disney movie Finding Nemo entertains queries from the audience with this very interactive, and not to mention entertaining 15 minute show. This 3D show experience varies throughout each and every show; however, this ultra-hip turtle always makes it certain to remind all people regarding the importance of protecting earth’s many oceans.

Phnom Penh, (August 2011) – Cyclists & adventure holiday seekers from all over the world are invited to sign up to the Angkor Wat Bike Race & Ride presented by CIMB Bank and experience Siem Reaps magical temple complex at a unique time when the Angkor roads are closed off to traffic. Entering its sixth year, the annual charity fundraising event, organised by Village Focus International, will take place on Saturday 3rd December.

Angkor Wat Charity Bike Ride

The Bike Race & Ride encourages participants of all ages and fitness levels to cycle through the beautiful temples of the UNESCO World Heritage Angkor Wat temple complex to help raise funds for Village Focus International’s life changing work supporting vulnerable children and sex trafficked victims.

Since the event began in 2006, it has grown each year and raised a total of US$100,000 towards empowering young people and communities break out of poverty.

Rick Reece, Director at Village Focus International said “the Angkor Wat Bike Race & Ride offers bikers from around the world to join in solidarity to ride on the Angkor roads (car free) through forest, rice fields and the magnificent ancient temple complex. We encourage friends and families to cycle together and unite for a special cause.”

Village Focus International and CIMB Bank hopes the Angkor Wat Bike Race & Ride 2011 will be its biggest yet this year and is aiming to raise over US$50,000 (net proceeds) and beat previous participation figures.

To sign up for the Angkor Wat Bike Race & Ride or for more information please visit www.villagefocus.org/bike. You can also follow the Angkor Wat Bike Race & Ride on twitter or via facebook. Village Focus International is currently in the process of registering as a charity in the United Kingdom.

For media enquiries please contact Hayley Newnham
E: hayley@villagefocus.org
T: +855-(0)-979-594-246

Notes to Editors:
Village Focus International (www.villagefocus.org) is registered as a 501(c)(3) organization in the United States, as a charitable organization in Hong Kong, and as a local NGO in Cambodia (and pending registration for our local partner – Our Village Association– in Laos). In 2000, we became the first international organization to be founded in Laos, and began working in Cambodia in 2003. During this period, we have worked in almost 200 remote and vulnerable villages and focused on local leadership development in an effort to bring about positive fundamental social change. VFI’s annual budget has grown from US$125,000 in 2000 to almost US$2 million in 2009. In 2009, our 75 staff members served approximately 50,000 people, a dramatic increase from 15 villages and 4000 people in 2000. Despite our growth, we have remained true to our founding spirit: to emphasize and support local leadership, decision-making and ownership, in both Laos and Cambodia. Village Focus International implements three human-rights based programs in Laos and Cambodia; Protection & Empowerment of Women and Children, Healthy Villages and Local Leadership Program and Land & Livelihood Program.

Surrounded by orchards, vineyards, and forests, Varna has over twelve miles of sandy beaches. Varna’s mild climate is influenced by the sea breeze, but the summer and autumn months are hot, yet considerably cooler than that on the Mediterranean. Despite the less than average rainfall, plentiful groundwater maintains the lush forests and wooded hills throughout the summer. The months of January and February are cold.

Being a resort city, living in Varna is like being on a perpetual vacation. But unlike most Resort cities, living in Varna frugally is easy. A one bedroom apartment rents for just over $200 per month and a three bedroom apartment goes for well under $400. Groceries are reasonable and will cost just a little over half of what they cost in the US. A three course dinner for two in an
elegant restaurant costs just over $20. Unlike most of Eastern Europe, American clothing is cheap. A pair of Levi 501 jeans cost about $35. That’s considerably less than in most of Eastern Europe.

The local population is friendly and simply adores any foreigner who expresses admiration for the beauty of Bulgaria. If you tell them that the rolling hills of Bulgaria are more beautiful than any in your own country, you will earn their immediate trust. They will also think highly of you. They are proud of Bulgaria’s natural beauty and love nothing more than when that opinion is shared by foreigners. For Bulgarians the pride runs deep and like their American counterparts they consider their home land the best place to live.

Most of the islands are islets that are deserted. Many are odd shapes. It makes a great couple of hours cruising around the islands and admiring the dramatic cliffs and limestone rock formations. Many of the islands have names that reflect their shape such as ‘Sleeping Cow Island’. Among the islands are small coves with beautiful deserted beaches that remind one of being in a movie.

It is possible to camp over night on the beach at Koh Wua Talab. It is the biggest island in the archipelago and is also the home of the park headquarters. The island also has some trails to impressive view points.

Angthong National Park

The islands are covered in tropical forest. Due to a lack of predators (including humans) many of the animals on the islands have flourished. It is possible to hire guides and explore the interiors of some of the islands. The area contains a number of animals including macaque monkeys, langurs and sea otters. There are also several species of colorful birds to spot.

The sea around many of the islands is rich in corals. Due to its protected status as a park a plethora of marine life gathers around the corals. Dive spots such as the one near Koh Sam Sao are popular with dive schools because it is possible to see short bodied mackerel and sometimes dolphins.

The word ‘angthong’ means ‘golden basin’. It is a reference to the beach fringed inland lake found on Koh Mae Ko. It is a natural wonder of the area and worth a visit just to see the lake.

As well as trekking, camping and diving Angthong National Marine Park offers great opportunities for exploring sea caves, going kayaking and snorkeling. There is more than enough for the visitor to the park to do in one day. Many are the tourists who visit Angthong Marine Park and find themselves wishing they had opted to spend the night in the beautiful unspoiled natural surroundings of the park.

Some people hate the inconvenience of jumping on and off of airplanes, standing in long lines for safety checkpoints and hassling with luggage.

Others love the thrill of traveling to a new, strange city, meeting new people and promoting the business to people across the country or across the world.

Unfortunately the economy has limited the number of business trips we might be going on. In fact, some have opted for one extended-stay business trip instead of several short trips.

But whether you are traveling to NYC for a couple days or for a couple of months, here are some practical tips to help you make that visit a success.

1. Plan Appropriately.

To those of us who love traveling, the mention of a business trip to NYC gets us excited. This can cause problems if you don’t check to see that the trip won’t conflict with special dates like weddings and birthdays. You’d much rather have to miss a business trip (if management isn’t interested in re-scheduling) than disappoint close family and friends.

2. Research NYC.

Want to impress the natives during your visit? Find out where the best coffee shops, restaurants and bars are near where you’ll be working. Do this before you leave and you won’t feel like such a lost puppy once you are in NYC.

3. Determine Your Budget.

Before you leave it’s also a good idea to decide how much of your own money you plan on spending in NYC. Some companies will provide a generous travel per diem, but in a slack economy like ours, don’t anticipate it. And once you’re figured out your budget, keep it.

4. Decide Which Laptop to Use.

You may work for a company that allows you to use your laptop for personal use. If so, you are one of the few fortunate ones. For the rest of us we have to decide what we are going to do. Bringing another laptop isn’t practical. Instead, use GoToMyPC to access your files at home. There’s a small monthly fee, but well worth it.

5. Unpack.

Never leave out of your suitcase. As soon as you arrive at your furnished NYC apartment or hotel room in NYC, unpack. Hang your shirts up. Put your underthings away in the drawers. Store your toiletries in the bathroom. Make yourself at home.

6. Meet New People.

If you’re an outgoing person, this goes without saying: you are going to meet new people. You’re going to ask them what’s fun to do in NYC (even though you’ve done your homework–tip no. 2). Go further: engage the doorman, concierge, the barista. These people love to talk about their city. It comes natural to them.

7. Tour the City.

Make sure you don’t leave the city without actually visiting the attractions. Make a list of places you want to see and make sure you go. Carve out time during your business trip. And make sure you take lots of pictures for your spouse and children. Buy souvenirs. This way you don’t feel so guilty and you get to share your adventure with your family and friends.

Aletsch Glacier Photo: David Abet via flickr.com

Glaciers are often thought of as rivers of ice—rivers that are made of snow that has compacted under pressure. Like ordinary rivers, they have their sources, tributaries, and outlets. In the case of the Aletsch, three ice streams—the Great Aletsch Firn (fern is the name used for compacted snow), the Jungfrau Firn, and the Ewigschneefeld (“Eternal Snow Field”) —come together in the region called the Concordia Platz. From this point the great glacier moves south toward the Rhone Valley, flowing at an average rate of 500 to 650 feet (150 to 200 meters) per year.

Along the way small tributary glaciers feed into the main glacier. However, most of the tributary glaciers are melting back and have become disconnected from the main glacier, so that ice from them no longer reaches the Aletsch.

On its left bank the Aletsch Glacier forms a wall, damming up the waters of a small tributary valley and creating a lake called the Marjelensee. In the past the lake sometimes drained unexpectedly into channels beneath the ice, but now the drainage has been controlled to avoid flooding.

The last big ice advance occurred in the 17th century, but today there is not enough snow to compensate for loss by melting. Since 1892 the terminal snout of the Aletsch has receded more than 3,300 feet (1,000 meters), and the glacier now occupies only about half of its former basin. Traces of irrigation canals, which were dug into the old valley floor and then buried by the ice during the late Middle Ages, have now become visible again. Along the sides of the glacier a line of boulders and rocky debris (lateral moraines) shows the former extent of the ice.

But even at its present size, the Aletsch Glacier stores a tremendous amount of water. In fact the Massa River, which is a tributary of the Rhone, consists entirely of meltwater from the Aletsch. Though in winter the stream almost runs dry, its torrential summer flow supplies a seasonally operated hydroelectric station.

At one time difficult to reach, the Aletsch region now attracts many visitors, who can take a tram up the side of the Jungfrau to the highest point in Europe that is reachable by rail. Also, several cable cars run up from the Rhone Valley to vantage points above the glacier itself.

The glacier provides exceptional terrain for skiers, even in spring, and the Aletschhom (the highest peak in its basin) offers a challenge to the most experienced mountain climbers. In addition, there is a nature reserve (the Aletschwald), as well as two resorts at Belalp and Riederalp, which provide accommodations for visitors interested in glacier excursions. The beautiful scenery and the pure air are clearly reasons enough for visiting Switzerland’s Aletsch Glacier for an adventure.

Belfast City Hall, photo: a11sus via flickr.com

Traveling north from the center of Donegall Square will take a visitor to Donegall Place, which is a broad and very busy shopping street, and will lead eventually to the Cathedral Quarter of Belfast and the Arts School. The east boundary of the city centre is the River Lagan, and the southern is the area of the Donegall Pass.

City Hall is a stunning masterpiece of architecture, created in 1906. Guided tours are offered daily. The grounds include a memorial to the victims of the Titanic sinking and a statue in honor of Queen Victoria.

Saint Anne’s Cathedral, stunning and beautiful, is located on Royal Avenue, the main shopping street which also hosts City Hall. This piece of history is grandiose and lovely, and sits at the center of the Cathedral Quarter, which is slowly being redesigned to become Belfast’s cultural district.

Belfast Exposed is the only dedicated photography gallery in all of Northern Ireland, and displays a fine exhibition of artwork at all times provided by local photographers, hosted in a refurbished warehouse building. It also allows local photographers to use its dark room and processing facilities. It has an art library for the public and exhibitions are usually free to enjoy.

Many pubs, bars, B&B Belfast and shops are located in the city center, allowing guests to have places to pick up souvenirs and enjoy the area. Food and drink are offered as well as unique shopping opportunities. The city center also includes part of the River Lagan for visitors and residents to enjoy its natural beauty.

The Belfast Central Library, also located in the city center, houses an extensive Irish book selection, and newspapers and historical archives can be found here. It is a wonderful source of historical research and information about the city of Belfast and surrounding area. Because of the many historical events that have taken place in Belfast, many visitors find the library to be a source of fascination. These features and many others make the city center of Belfast known as the heart of the city.

New York New York Casino is one of the best places to begin a tour of the city. It has a cover-up design of Manhattan skyscraper, and the statue of liberty. Both may not be real, but the design makes it look absolutely real. The casino also has a roller coaster express for children. For food lovers, there is a Beeker street and Broadway.

New York Casino, Las Vegas Photo: Bobasonic via flickr

Luxor casino designed as an Egyptian Pyramid is also very attractive. The casino is also a hotel. The casino can be spotted from miles away, even at night. The top of the pyramid has a special beam, which lights up and can be seen from far off. The interior has architectural features which is a replica of an Egyptian pyramid.

The Star Trek museum is again a must visit place, especially, if a tourist is with his family and children. Those who have watched Star Trek episodes or movies will particularly get fascinated by the charm of the museum. The visitors will find costumes and other stuffs that have been used in the movie.

Stratosphere is the name of a tall structure, which stands at 530 m tall. A visit to the place will give visitors a view of the whole surroundings from the top. It is a resort, which has restaurants, shops and a large hotel. The hotel has 1500 well furnished rooms.

Peaceful Adriatic - Great Cruising photo: tomkellyphoto via flickr.com

The luxury lines also offer Adriatic cruises because their smaller ships are able to enter some of the smaller ports which allows them to offer more unique cruises than the larger ships can. Those make great cruises if you want to go the all inclusive cruise route but if you are looking to save some money check out the 7 night Adriatic cruises this summer offered by Royal Caribbean on the Jewel of the Seas. For less than $800 you can get a balcony on a great ship visiting ports such as Venice, Koper, Ravenna, Bari and Dubrovnik.

Adriatic cruises are a great way to visit countries such as Slovenia and Croatia that you normally wouldn’t think about cruising to. All of the ports on this itinerary are also good walking cities so even if you don’t take excursions you should have plenty of sites to see without spending any additional money.  With that being said you may want to splurge a little in some places like Bari, Italy and Koper, Slovenia. Both cities offer excellent chances to see beautiful sites within a couple hours of the city.

In Bari, Italy you could choose to take a trip to see the cave dwellings of Matera which are considered a World Heritage Site or you could head to Alberobello to see the fairytale like Trulli Huts. Koper may be your best chance however to get out of the city to see the amazing coastal town of Piran, visit caves in Postojna or check out the picturesque Lake Bled. No matter what you choose to do, at under $800 a person, an Adriatic cruise makes a great trip.

Hotels in Rocky Point

The Hampton Inn, Holiday Inn Express and Doubletree Suites are located in Rocky Point which is a small island about ten miles away from the cruise pier. These hotels have packages starting under $100 and are the best all around value. Packages include parking, transportation and breakfast. They are also located only a couple of miles away from the airport.

Hotels in Westshore

If you are taking one of the longer Holland America cruises (ranked one of the best cruise lines for senior citizens) then this may be your best area to stay since the Embassy Suites here offers up to 21 days of free parking for around $120 a night. Westshore is located on the opposite side of the airport from Rocky Point making it slightly closer to the port.  Other hotels in the area with cruise packages are the Courtyard, the Marriott and the Crown Plaza.

Hotels in Downtown

The higher end hotels such as the Hyatt, the Marriott, Emabassy Suites and the Sheraton are all located downtown, which is only a mile or so from the cruise pier. As a result the packages here can be twice as much as other areas in Tampa. You do however get to take advantage of the Tampa trolley which runs between the downtown hotels, the Channelside Bay Plaza and Ybor City. The proximity to the port and local attractions make this a great area for folks with cruises out of Tampa, Fl even at the higher rates.

Prices

The prices vary from what package and which tour operators you decide to go for. You would want to read up online on the different choices you have, browse through reviews and talk with your friends who already have been on one of the packages.

Different Packages

Most of the times the all inclusive cruises includes room, three meals throughout the day, at least some entertainment. This could be anything from cinemas to music concerts, depending on what facilities are available on the cruise. There is usually also other activities like sports you can participate in, but they are not always free. Make sure to check with your operator what exactly your package is including and if there are any extra fees.

Most packages for all inclusive cruise packages do not include tips. Some cruise operators do encourage their customers to not tip for any restaurants, bars or other activities. Usually you end up tipping because not doing it seems uncomfortable. Maybe the best choice is choosing a package where tipping is not included?

Gambling in casino, spa and shopping are three things that are very likely to not be included. On the other hand if you pay enough for the package you choose they can be.

Choosing an all inclusive cruise package can, like choosing the best all inclusive resorts, save a ton of both money and time. It is not hard to see why more and more people decide to spend their vacation like this. If you have any questions regarding the different tour packages make sure to call the different tour operators. They are glad to help you picking the right package with the right activities for your vacation.

Boutique hotels

Boutique hotels is a relatively new phenomenon, they are the way for the small hotels to compete with the big ones, and you find some of the best of its kind in Thailand, some of them have even achieved international recognition, for their high quality service, comforts and conveniences that helps your stay always being a pleasant one. in most cases they fully live up to  Thailands motto of being “The land of smiles”.

Bed & Breakfasts and Guesthouses

Are you looking for accommodation in the cheaper range, a good solution is often a nice guesthouse, They offer all your basic requirements to ensure a comfortable stay. And since all cities have their fare share of guesthouses, it is never hard to find one that suites your needs. An other possibility is a bed & breakfast, which also offers great value for your money.

Home stays in Thailand

If you want to get a little closer, and really get to know the culture in your local area, home-stay is a great way to do it. Staying with a local family, you get closer to the native lifestyle, and learn a lot about it. Its a great way to get acquainted with the ways of the local handicraft artisians, that you will find in the rural areas which most home-stay options are in.

Floating homes  – Sleep on the river

An other very unique way to stay in your Thailand holiday is in a floating home, theres a lot of possibilities on the many rivers and reservoirs in Thailand. And you even see that some developeres have constructed buildings which is partly on land and partly on the water, Nothing beats the feeling on waking up in the morning on the water in the beautiful surroundings of the nature.

Other options are of course available, you can either buy or rent apartments, condoes, houses and bungalows.

If you want to know more about the accommodation in Thailand or more general information please visit : Thailand rejser

Some things can be bought while you are on holiday, forgetting to make any international call service arrangements can cause an expensive welcome home bill.

Your local service provider will charge you hefty charges to enjoy the use of your mobile phone in other countries, you can also always try and find a SIM card in the country you are in to reduce your costs, but not always effective if you are travelling to a couple of countries in one trip.

Internet cafes and using services such as Skype can be effective for free international calls to family using computers. With everyone now owning their own laptops and handheld pc’s, internet cafes are disappearing, making it a hard thing to find in a country you don’t know.

The solution to your telephone problems is a global SIM card, this pre paid SIM card offers you cheap calls to Australia and many other countries, no matter where you are in the world. There are monthly contracts available, but that is only viable if you travel regularly for business. For the private individual who is on holiday for a couple of weeks choose the pre paid option, which doesn’t tie you to any contracts and you can buy the amount of credits you feel you will need. You can add minutes when you run out, making it the easiest hassle free option available.

Global SIM cards are lifelong, so you can put it away safely while you are at home and pull it out whenever you are about to travel abroad. You will never need to worry about expensive phone bills when you get home and will always have the ability to enjoy cheaper international calls wherever you may be.

Photo: Kara Brugman via flickr.com

A statue of Bugs Bunny greets you as you enter the starting point of your tour at the VIP Tour Center and Store. While there, you can purchase souvenirs, check out the displays, or grab a bite with some employees of the studio. Once your tour starts, you hop on a tour bus to see the backlots and sets; some are from shows gone by and some are still used today.

You will see the Jungle studio, which is home to scenes from Million Dollar Baby, The Last Samurai, and Merlotte’s Bar and Grille from True Blood. You will see Brownstone Street, used by shows like ER and The West Wing, and Hennessy Street, which you may recognize as Gotham City from the Tim Burton version of Batman. You will see Midwest Street, which you will recognize as Stars Hollow from Gilmore Girls, as well as New York Street.

If you’re wondering what to do in Los Angeles with kids this studio tour has more than just street sets. You will get to see the immense prop building that has every type of furniture prop one would ever need, as well as other exciting sights. The tours run Monday through Friday from 8:20 am to 4 pm. The tickets cost about $58 per person for the VIP Studio Tour. You can also check out the Deluxe Tour and the Group Tour.

The Warner Brothers Studio Tour is an experience you do not want to miss. It changes frequently as new movies and new shows come out, so make sure you do it more than once so you do not miss the fun. So get your fifteen minutes of fame by having fun and taking pictures to show your friends of all the famous sets you have to visit.

Photo: David Rivers via flickr.com

This bike week down on the coast in Cap d’Agde is now one of the largest events of its kind in Europe, and another great reason for a Cap d’Agde holiday, although this was not always the case. The first event held back in 1990 was a more subdued affair and only seven riders turned up! It’s safe to say that things have changed radically since then and now we see huge crowds  from across Europe including Italy, Germany, Spain and of course France.

One of the reasons this event is so successful is because of the extra unique options available, as well as the main rally there are also a number of trips organized taking riders out into the beautiful countryside where they can take in the amazing views and stop and taste the gastronomic local foods and wine.

The Harley Davidson motorcycle has been a source of fascination for decades now, in fact almost since its creation in 1903 by Arthur, William and Walter Davidson. The two things that really define this bike are its design and, perhaps most recognizable to enthusiasts, the unique sound of its engine. When it comes to motor=cycle engineering the Harley has a reputation for ultimate excellence and has come to represent the American Dream.

I missed the excitement – I bought a netbook and smartphone for travelling and missed the whole Kindle thing. I spent part of my holiday browsing through second hand shops and swapping paper backs with the random collections left behind at guest houses by other travellers. The time honoured to feed a book habit without having to hire a porter to carry the dame things.  It might well have been the last time.

The Kindle weights not just less than your average Lonely Planet  guide book – but less than the slimest of thin paperbacks as well.  You can download a newspaper onto it and read the paper on the plane without needing an upgrade to Excecutive Class to have enough room to turn the pages.

But most surprising of all – apparently the photo above is for real – you really can read at the beach in bright sunlight!  Now last year I had a netbook at the beach in Ko Lipe, Thailand. The beach was lovely – but it was pretty basic – my “resort” had an open sided reception hut and lots of loungers with good palm tree coverage – but nothing more substantial. During most of the day – the only place I could read my netbook’s screen was  right at the back of reception in the shade of a wall – or inside my hut. There was just too much glare off the sea and sand to make it possible to read anywhere else. The Kindle claims you can – I intend to take it on this year’s trip to Phuket to find out!

The Kindle is a pretty exciting gadget for a the average tourist – you will be hearing more about mine!

Photo Orbital Joe via flickr.com

1. THE ISLANDS CAN BE AN UNSAFE PLACE FOR TOURISTS TO VISIT

The islands of the Caribbean have experienced their share of turmoil which has created a lingering notion that they are not a safe vacation destination. However, the truth is, the Caribbean is a travel destination of millions of vacationers each year and the entire economy of these islands is built around tourism. Violent crimes against foreign visitors are minimal and most of the locals warmly welcome tourists.

2. ALL INCLUSIVE RESORTS TEND TO BE EXPENSIVE

The all inclusive resort can be a wonderful way to experience the islands. The rooms are typically quite beautiful and many have breathtaking views overlooking the beach. Additionally, all inclusive resorts actually help travelers save money because everything from food and drinks are included in the price. There are also many activities such as rafting, hiking, horseback riding, snorkeling and parasailing that are included in the stay. Many of the Negril hotels will also offer round-trip transportation to the popular Rick’s Café.

3. ALL CARIBBEAN VISITS REQUIRE A PASSPORT

While there are some destinations in the Caribbean that do require customs checks and passports, destinations such as the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico do not require this for U.S. citizens. If you decide to cruise to one of the other island destinations, many times your identification and a copy of your birth certificate will be all that are required.

4. A CARIBBEAN VACATION IS NOT FAMILY FRIENDLY

Some resorts on the islands are for adults only and they have a clothing optional atmosphere after dark. However, there are numerous resorts and Negril beach hotels that are designed with the needs of the family in mind. These resorts offer everything from kiddie pools and play areas to children’s dining options as well as child care to give mom and dad a little private time to relax together in a romantic setting.

5. AMERICAN MONEY WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED

The independent nations of the Caribbean do have their own form of currency, however, the American dollar is not only accepted, it is often the preferred choice of payment. You will want to be careful to know the exchange rate and use reputable sources for changing money in order to avoid any problems.

One of the first things to work out is what material you would like the pillow to be made out of.   Are you a fan of highly supportive memory foam for example, or are you a frequent traveler who prefers very lightweight inflatable designs?  Are you interested in being able to adjust the amount of filling in the pillow – something that is possible with some micro-bead and buckwheat filled designs?  What trade-offs are you willing to make?  Is a high level of support more important to you than weight?  Is portability your primary concern or the ability to adjust the fill density?

Also, don’t assume that all travel pillows have a standard horse-shoe shaped design.  Recent years have seem numerous new shapes emerge.  You’ll find comma shaped pillows, petal shaped designs as well as sash pillows.  Some will fold away in their own travel pouch while others will be designed to strap onto your carry on bag.  It’s enough to make your head spin.

To get you started on choosing the best travel pillow for your needs, here are three of our favorites:

1) The Travel Rest pillow – This is worn across the body much like one would wear a sash.  It allows for very natural sideways resting position.  A tether keeps the pillow firmly in place and, as it’s an inflatable pillow, you’ll find it very lightweight.

2) The Miracle Neck Rest – Made from a high grade memory foam the pillow will gently contour to the shape of your head and neck, without any pressure points or bounce-back.  Although memory foam pillows are generally heavier than other types of pillow, this one is smaller than your typical pillow with a very paired back design.

3) The Total Pillow – This is marketed as “five pillows in one due” to its adjustable panels.  It can be twisted and shaped in a multitude of different ways.  It’s filled with micro-beads that provide a high level of support without bottoming out.  It’s got a removable washable cover, something you should look for in whatever travel pillow you decide on.

• They let you check 2 bags for free
• They let you change your flight without charging extra fees
• They have an excellent frequent flier program
• They have some of the best deals in the industry, and publish last-minute fares on their own website

And how do we know that they are the best? Maybe their 1.5 million fans on Facebook are a good indication. Netflix doesn’t even have than many fans.

Airline horror stories abound. TV shows and movies capitalize on that fact.  But Southwest Seems to remain mostly above the fray.  Sure, you will have a grumpy customer no matter what.  But Southwest has a record of going beyond to meet those customer’s desires and make things right.

Southwest has gotten to be the best by doing what no other airline has done.  It takes 45 minutes to take an airplane from landing, unloading, reloading, and taking off again? Southwest can do it in ten minutes.  Their competitor puts their stewards and stewardesses in suit coats.  Southwest’s host staff not only are well-dressed, they are friendlier and perform that boring safety routine with at least a smile — if not a  song and dance.

In the early 1970’s when Southwest fought their way through several years of legal restrictions, no one ever thought they’d make it to become the fourth-largest airline in the nation.  But at number four, they are focused on providing service where — and how — it matters.  And for their customers — I mean fans — that seems to be a winning strategy

So on your next flight, take a moment and see what Southwest has to offer.  Remember, those airfare prices you see are not only low, but the also include the price of two checked bags and the ability to change your flight should you need to.  And don’t forget to sign up for their free Rapid Rewards program.  It will give you points towards future free flights.

And for customer’s that fall in love with this airline there is also a Facebook fan page and a Southwest Credit Card waiting for you.

Coltswold Cottage Photo: Maia C via flickr.com

The Cotswolds are so typically English and it is this that is part of their appeal to overseas visitors. The best way to explore the countryside and small towns andd villages is by driving, although you should be careful of the narrow, winding roads and the occasional sheep on the road.

Touring Ideas

There are also several castles in the area. One option is to stay at Berkeley Castle, which was built originally to keep the Welsh out of England. It is just one of a line of castles stretching along the Wales and England border. Blenheim Palace is well known as the place where Sir Winston Churchill was born; and Broughton Castle near Banbury is considered one of the the most beautiful in England

If you are arriving by air in the UK, the Cotswolds are easy to reach from Heathrow and are just a short drive along the M4. Not far from the area is the large city of Bristol, with its many hotels and restaurants and offers a more lively pace.

Although there are many places in the Cotswolds worth visiting, some places should not be missed, including Bath, Malmesbury, Stow and Cheltenham, for their feeling of Englishness. Cardiff airport is actually closer to the area than Heathrow and one strategy is to fly into Cardiff and hire a car to explore. A visit to Cardiff will also give you a chance to visit the country of Wales for a different perspective.

Romantic Getaway Photo:Comfort Inn Monterey CA via flickr.com

If you are interested in giving a gift of a romantic vacation rather than a typical wedding or anniversary gift, you should consider these important tips:

Occasions to Give a Romantic Vacation Gift
Certain milestones in life call for more significant recognition and celebration than others. Weddings, anniversaries, milestone birthdays, and pregnancies comprise many of these important life events and occasions. If you are interested in giving your loved one a special gift of a romantic vacation, here are some suggestions on the most appropriate occasions:

1.    Wedding gift – Surprise your son or daughter and their spouse with a special trip for two sometime after the honeymoon. Or, surprise your husband or wife with a romantic vacation for the two of you to enjoy sometime after your wedding.

2.    25th or 50th Anniversary gift – Show your parents or in-laws how much you care with a special customized vacation just for them on their silver or golden anniversary.

3.    30th, 40th, 50th, or 60th Birthday gift – Let’s face it – some birthdays deserve better presents than others. Chip in with your friends for a best friend’s birthday or surprise your child or parent with an amazing birthday present they’ll never forget.

4.    Baby Moon – Treat your wife to one last hurrah before your little baby arrives. Go somewhere tropical and wonderful like Hawaii or the Caribbean! If you can’t afford a long and exotic trip, a few romantic weekend escapes should do the trick.

5.    Retirement – Retirement is an excellent excuse to get out and travel the world! Get your gift special recipient started on the path to relaxation, world travel, and excitement.

These are just a few examples of milestone occasions that might be appropriate to receive a romantic vacation as a gift. Depending on a person’s schooling, career, and lifestyle, other occasions may be fitting as well. Remember, a gift of experience – like a romantic vacation – lasts a lifetime in the person’s memory. Celebrate those special occasions in style!

A test was recently conducted to measure the strength of luxury suitcases. Of all the upscale brands tested, three proved to be the strongest: Tumi, Hartmann, and Briggs & Riley. In regards to customer reviews, none of these brands received the same amount of praise as cheap suitcases made by Eagle Creek.

Tumi Alpha

Of all the customer reviews, the best feedback was attributed to the Alpha Frequent Traveler 22”. This bag is costs $525 and outclasses all other brands for strength and durability. 22” is the maximum size for carry-on, but some customers have complained that it is too large to fit in the overhead compartment. The Tumi Alpha is made from ballistic nylon and provides convenient features for regular travelers.

Tumi is one of the most successful brands sold at LuggageOnline.com. However, there have been a few complaints about customer service. Some customers have reported the manufacturers refusing to honor their warranty and being “snotty” when having to pay for repairs. This type of treatment is hard to imagine since consumers are required to pay over $500 for a single suitcase. Although the Tumi Alpha is very durable, it only has one year for unlimited warranty and 5 years for defect coverage. Even weaker brands like Gucci luggage have better warranty policies.

Briggs & Riley

Briggs & Riley provides the best warranty for luxury luggage. All of their products have lifetime warranty with free damage repair, regardless off the cause. Two bags of their bags are especially noteworthy: the Baseline 20” Upright and Transcend 24” Upright. For now, the Transcend series has been discontinued.

What to do in Myrtos?

One of the best things about Myrtos is its beautiful and unspoiled beaches. The town’s beaches suit all tastes and range from quiet and peaceful to lively and frenetic, with all the usual diversions and water sports.

The beaches consist mostly of the distinctive ash grey sand found on the island, which contrasts with the inviting turquoise water. Regardless of which beach you choose, banana and orange trees form a natural backdrop.

The Blue Cretean Sea: photo: Jeroen_HD via flickr.com

Although Myrtos offers several options for accommodation, there is also camping in nearby Tertsa village. The road from Myrtos to Tertsa is worth taking for the scenery alone, with groves of tamarisk trees growing alongside the road.

A popular day trip from Myrtos is to Lerapatra and the South Dikti Mountains, which takes you through some of the most spectacular natural scenery on the island. One of the highlights of this area is the Agios Antonios church, considered to be an architectural masterpiece. Despite the visiting tourists, it still manages to retain a sense of peace and quiet. Another man-made site that is worth a visit is the remains of the Minoan settlement in nearby Pirgos.

But one of the best things about a visit to Myrtos is simply the chance to relax over a drink in one of the village cafes, some of which seem little changed in centuries. Whether you visit for the scenery, the beaches, the relaxed pace of life or for the surrounding historical sites, the village of Myrtos and the nearby area has something for everybody.

Angelenos love to come to the mountains near Big Bear in the winter, as it’s the closest place to go skiing or snowboarding. Sharing a cabin or some other Big Bear lodging alternative, they can get a full day in at Bear Mountain or Snow Summit. The half-pipe is popular with snowboarders (and emergency room doctors, but that’s a different story) and the apre-ski scene is a lot of fun, especially if lubricated with sufficient amounts of alcohol.

Photo: kara brugman via flickr.com

The Spring is an interesting time at Big Bear. The snow machines can keep snow on the ski runs, even when the bright sun and warming afternoons trigger an explosion of mountain wildflowers. Hikers, joggers and golfers start to get outside more, with heavy sweaters, but the evenings are still chilly enough to tempt your spouse to cuddle with you next to an evening fire.

Summer life revolves around the lake and all the activities there: Fishing still is very popular, given the rich diversity of fish there (and no limit on that cussed carp!). The New Zealand jet boat can thrill even the most jaded veteran of SoCal’s other water parks or amusement parks. And parasailing is both fun and reasonably priced.

The autumn, like spring, is best enjoyed outdoors, on bikes, on golf carts, on the Sky Chair up (or zipline down) the mountain, or simply on foot. The yellowing leaves of the aspen, the reds of the deciduous trees, the browning of the meadow grasses and the end-of-season flowers all create a spectacular display of fall foliage, deeply satisfying to the visitor who uses Big Bear as a nearby getaway with something to offer in all four seasons.

I know a lot of people purchase with a credit card mainly because it will mean if ever the air carrier overbooks your plane ticket or possibly if the air carrier has gone bust you can get your money back. Nevertheless if you take it one step further and apply with the airline carriers very own debit card you can get yourself free of charge air miles for every single transaction you make using it.

Photo: iwillnotsuccomb via flickr.com

Quite a few air carrier sites automatically add on many various extras whenever you purchase, for instance luggage insurance is regularly incorporated on without even checking with you beforehand! Also beware of other costs that you do need to pay for such as air port taxes and check in fees that can be hidden until the end of the booking process. Take into account a large number of comparison web sites usually do not incorporate everything you need to pay for.

A lot of travel sites at the moment are supplying all-inclusive offers where they provide both the accommodation with the flight factored into a deal however these deals are really only obtainable for popular vacation destinations. Even so if you are searching for Italian hotels or any other well-known tourist area it might be worth checking using a internet site such as Kayak or Expedia as they have some great deals.

Checking in on the net could save you quite a bit if you’re flying using a European air carrier and they will usually provide the option if you book. Nonetheless also remember should you forget to check in on the web you will be charged up to $75 to do this at the airport terminal. Do not forget not all hotels have On-line access so plan in advance.

So that’s my favorite strategies for obtaining low-cost flights, I have some more tips at my travel guides site.

Static Caravans, Wales Photo: pixelhut via flickr.com

For the promising skilled angler, a static caravan holiday can be very pleasant and also practical as there is often adequate room to lay up a number of fishing tackle with the rod still made up. The caravan brings about an enormous space to store an adequate amount of fishing rod under the caravan itself and there are quite a few lockable storage outdoor available where the rest of your fishing tackle can be stored neatly and safely.

Being situated near fishing lakes that opens from dusk until dawn without acquiring additional expenses, the caravan holidays make none-the-less one of the best reason why anglers shouldn’t have second thoughts of acquiring one. Moreover, the availability of group license in some static caravan holiday parks makes an angler’s life more convenient for they don’t even have to purchase your own fishing license. This is ideal if you don’t think that you will be fishing at any other time of the year because you can cut the cost of buying your own license.

Another famous choice for anglers is hiring static caravan in the Lake District. As the name implies, the Lake District comprises of multiple lakes which make it ideal for a fishing escapade. Most of the caravans are situated just a few paces from the lake, making it very accessible and comfortable for anglers.

Placencia in Belize – This 16 mile long sandy peninsula has changed much in recent years. No longer accessed by a bumpy unpaved road, it’s now possible to drive three hours from the city without hitting a pothole. Last time we visited we noticed the construction of a second international airport at the north end of the peninsula. While this area still lacks the glitz and glamor of Ambergris Caye the country’s primary tourism destination, things are changing fast. Now is a good time to get a foothold early, before the rest of the world catches on. For more on Belize real estate, click here.

Retirement in Belize: Photo:Ariane Colenbrander via flickr.com

San Juan del Sur Nicaragua – When we arrived at this beautifully positioned fishing village on the southwestern coast of Nicaragua, we thought would find it hard to find luxury items such as good quality coffee, artesian breads and fine wines. While the choice is still limited, we did found all three. We still can’t classify this place as a mature vacation or retirement destination, but it is developing fast. And the geography here is stunning with dramatic coastal cliffs meeting curved sandy beaches. For more on Nicaragua real estate, click here.

Panama City, Panama – This is the most cosmopolitan city in the region. It’s perfect for people who love an urban lifestyle and want to be able to access first world style amenities and services. Panama City is also a world class banking center and an important business hub. But the good news is if you want to get away from the tall skyscrapers and the bustling city center, it’s only a short drive to the beaches of Coronado and the more traditional towns and villages of Panama.

Wellington is a compact town so you can cover a lot of these by foot or bike – if you are reasonably fit. Alternatively use the generally excellent public transportation system.

1. Peter Jackson’s Weta Workshops are closed to the public (too keep all those film secrets safe) – but the WetaCave would love to relieve you of some cash in their shop – but is free entry. The cave is about  a 30 minute bus ride from down town (#2) out past the airport in the suburb of Miramar. While you are in the area you may want to check out the newly restored Roxy Cinema which is within walking distance. One of the original suburbian cinemas that died in the face of the onslaught of TV this one has been restored and reopens in 2011. Part-owner is Richard Taylor of Weta fame. This joins the growing list of mainly suburban cinemas which cater to the movie goer who would prefer a good coffee of nice glass of wine rather than a bag of popcorn and a coke at the local multiplex. The Roxy will feature a bar and restaraunt, and there are cheaper options around the corner in the Miramar shopping area. This area is within 5 minutes drive of the airport – so its not a bad option to kill a few hours if you are running early – or stopping over.

Queens Wharf, Wellington

2. Embassy Theatre – Courtney Place. Although obviously it costs to got a movie here (cheaper on Tuesdays and before 5pm) – wandering around the beautifully restored foyer and up the grand stairs to the Jazz bar is free.

3. Mt Victoria Look Out. On every LOTR tour bus itinerary – but easy to get to yourself. If you are fit you can walk from Oriental Parade (Mt Vic is part of the southern walkway which will take you all the way to the south coast) – or you can get lazy and catch a local city bus up and walk back down again for the views.

4. Many of the big-name actors, and Peter Jackson himself, lived in Seatoun – the pretty seaside suburb is adjacent to Miramar. You can get to Seatoun on a #3 bus or in one direction take the East-West ferry from Seatoun wharf which will take you right back to the heart of the CBD at Queens Wharf. Its also a quick taxi ride or a long walk from Weta Cave over to Seatoun. The beach here is pebbles – but warmer than some, there is a pretty park, a memorial to the Wahine, a ferry who sank off the beach in 1969, and pleasant set of village shops including a cafe or two.

5. You will see lots of advertising for Wellington’s premier Zealandia “land island” protecting native fauna and flora. Its not cheap though – if you want to see more of the New Zealand bush – head over to Wilton’s Otari Bush Reserve – not an actual Lord of the Rings location – but a great way to see real New Zealand bush within 15 minutes from Lambton Quay.

If you have more time than money then these are great ways to see Wellington and get your LOTR fix – you don’t need to do the tour to see most Wellington’s top attractions.

This post is part of Blog4NZ, a three-day travel writing blitz, designed to let the world know that New Zealand is open for business after the earthquake which struck the country one month ago.

Follow the hastag #Blog4NZ on twitter, check out the  facebook page, and meet the people behind #Blog4NZ.

 

Top Tips to Minimize Your New Zealand Flight Costs

1. If you are touring the whole country consider flying into Auckland and out of Christchurch or vice versa – this avoids a whole lot of backtracking.
2. As soon as you are sure of your dates make your flight bookings – this should get you the best prices. – 5-6 months seems to be the ideal time to find the best flights.
3. Avoid school holidays in both Australia and New Zealand if at all possible – prices skyrocket.
4. When flying short-haul flights which are popular with business travellers e.g. Wellington-Sydney or Wellington -Auckland, you will get cheaper flights on the weekends and mid-week and flights that arrive in the evening, the most expensive prices will be Monday morning and Friday afternoon.
5. When flying holiday/vacation routes – you will find almost the opposite – more expensive over the weekends – cheaper flights on Tuesday-Wednesday-Thursday.
6. In general the long-haul RTW multi-continent tickets often include New Zealand – but they are expensive – they may be worthwhile if you want to fly the Pacific to the US as that is still an expensive route – otherwise you may save a lot of money, and get a lot more flexibility by buying budget airline’s point-to-point tickets along the way.

Wellington's New International Airport Terminal

Cheap Flights: to New Zealand from Asia

Traditionally the main routes to NZ from Asia have been ex Singapore, Kuala Lumpur or Bangkok on the main Asian Airlines: Singapore Air, MAS and Thai respectively. In addition AirNZ flew some of the routes as well. These  planes still fly  - but the prices are high: NZ$1200-$1800 depending on the time of year.  With two regional cut-price carriers adding New Zealand to their range – these prices have practically halved.

Air Asia – Christchurch – Kuala Lumpur

Late last year AirAsia began flying ex Christchurch (yes Christchurch had an earthquake and no there is no issue at all with flying in and out of Christchurch and the airport was undamaged). Flights are ex-Christchurch to Kuala Lumpur – their main hub from where its pretty much possible to fly anywhere in Asia including Thailand, Philippines, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and further afield to China and the Indian sub-continent.

JetStar – Auckland – Singapore

From today  JetStar (the budget version of Qantas)  is flying from Auckland to Singapore – with connection on to Thailand, Malaysia, Philippines, Vietnam and Macau. Headline rates are about the same as AirAsia – you will need to check your own travel dates to find the best deal.

Cheap Flights: Europe to New Zealand

AirAsia are offering not just cheap flights to Asia – but you can connect through to Kuala Lumpur,  to Paris and London Stansted as well with them.

Cheap Flights: Australia to New Zealand

The main carriers between Australia and NZ are Qantas, Air New Zealand, Pacific Blue (owned by Virgin) and Jetstar. The main connections are Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch through to Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne – other options include Cairns, Gold Coast, Adelaide and even non-stop to Perth.

This post is part of Blog4NZ, a three-day travel writing blitz, designed to let the world know that New Zealand is open for business after the earthquake which struck the country one month ago.

Follow the hastag #Blog4NZ on twitter, check out the  facebook page, and meet the people behind #Blog4NZ.

1. Chatsworth House

Chatsworth House is the jewel in Derbyshire’s crown. Arguably the finest stately home in England, this elegant country house is open to visitors most of the year round. Visitors will be treated to a house brimming with historical and neoclassical artifacts including art, sculptures and furniture. You can also see the famous perfectly landscaped gardens and lovely fountains. The house was also used for many major films including Pride and Prejudice and The Wolfman.

Chatsworth House, Peak District: Photo: John Wardell via flickr.com

2. The Plague Village

Eyam is a small and pretty stone cottage village in the Peak District National Park. Its most famous for its dark history, it was a village that contracted the deadly bubonic plague in 1665 killing many of its residents. It chose to isolate itself to contain the awful disease and now the village has a fantastic ‘Plague Museum’ as well as an interesting church and graveyard.

3. Castleton

The gorgeous and quaint village in the middle of Hope Valley (one of the most beautiful valleys in the Peak District) is the tourist hub of the park. It has many attractions such as its incredible surrounding landscapes, its ruined Norman Castle (Perevil Castle) and its interesting show caves and caverns.

4. Heights of Abraham

Matlock Bath is a great family tourist village located in the park itself. Filled with great shops, amusement arcades and other attractions, it is unsurprisingly popular. One of the big draws here is a cable car ride to the top of Heights of Abraham which is a park on top of a cliff with a cafe, play area and a show cavern.

5. Chesterfield Cathedral

Chesterfield is a lovely market town also located within the park. It’s great for shops and charming cafes and restaurants but its most famous for its quirky and highly photogenic church spire. The spire is both twisted and leaning making it a remarkable sight!

Langtang Trek, Nepal: Photo: scrobz via flickr.com

The exploration of this magnificient country of brave Gorkhalis, begin the minute you land on this land. Although small in size, there is so much it has to offer. From the contrasting topography and climate, ranging from ice cold mountains to the steaming hot indian plains and tropical forests in the south to alpine valleys in the north. It also offers a great varieties of adventure activities like trekking tours, rafting tours and wildlife safaris just to name a few.

There is so much to do and so much to explore in this landlocked nation. With the richness of the history mixed with it’s living heritage, the wide diversity in ethnicity and culture along with the natural and wild variation, makes this small country a whole lot bigger. One can experience the richness of culture the moment you step into the capital. Kathmandu valley, the capital of Nepal is the first place where the best of Nepalese art and architecture reside.

If you are a thrill seeker then it is even more better. Nepal has always been recognized for Nepal Trekking on  high mountain peaks and the extraordinary glaciers. Nepal alone is home to eight highest peaks of the world, and many visit Nepal for the sole purpose of conquering these divine summits. Out of the mountains, there are other adventurous activities such as trekking, hiking, white-water rafting, kayaking, paragliding, bungee jumping and so much more.

The fun doesn’t end there. Nepal has sixteen national parks, wildlife reserves and conservation areas, which provides you a wonderful first hand experience with the wild side of this country. Jungle safari is one of the most popular activities among many tourists. All in all, Nepal is one of the best adventure holiday destination in the world. Those who visit it once, immediately plan their next because exploring Nepal doesnt end in one visit. Nepal is small but still big enough for people to come here again and again, to discover new things and thrills every time.

The south of England has one of the world’s most spectacular coastlines. The county of Dorset has one of England’s most famous coat lines which is actually a world heritage site. There are several really popular tourist spots along the Dorset coastline, one of them is Lulworth Cove which attracts thousands of visitors each year.

Lulworth Cove, Dorset Photo: ClearInnerVision via flickr.com

Lulworth cove is a sheltered bay that is stunningly beautiful. As far as the English seaside is concerned, it doesn’t get much better than this! The cove is next to the village of Lulworth which is seperated into two parts, West Lulworth and East Lulworth. Because of the huge number of tourists that visit each year there is a lot of accomodation ranging from hotels and campsites, to quaint holiday cottages.

Apart from the stunning natural beauty of this area of Dorset there is a lot of history here as well. Lulworth is famous for it’s stories of smugglers and pirates who used the cove and many of the neighbouring bays to smuggle their goods.

For a holiday, this area of England can’t be beaten. There are so many things to do and places to visit. Another really popular place for tourists is Swanage. There is a lot of Swanage tourist information online but if you haven’t read any of it you should just do a Google search.

Wherever you decide to visit in Dorset, you will almost certainly be very impressed with the natural beauty and stunning countryside. For many overseas visitors, this is exactly what they expect rural England to be like.

There are now a number of private companies offering shuttle transfers Benidorm to Alicante. These are professional and reliable services which will collect you from the airport and take you directly to your destination in Benidorm. Most probably you are staying in the middle of Benidorm in one of the popular apartment complexes or hotel complexes.

Alicante airport is 59 km away from Benidorm and it will take approximately 40 minutes for the drive.

Taking a shuttle bus will vary in price depending on which company you book with. As a general guide you need to decide whether you take a private shuttle or a shared shuttle.

With a private shuttle you and your fellow companions will be the only passengers. With a shared shuttle the cost is extremely cheap but you will have to wait until all the other people who have booked have been gathered together.

Also when you get to Benidorm people have to be dropped off in turn. If you are tired and thirsty and hungry and you just want to be dropped off you might find yourself going on a bit of a tour of Benidorm while everyone gets dropped off first.

To give you an idea of price a well-known company called Shuttle Direct offer a pre-booked service which costs £25 per person for a private shuttle transfer to Benidorm from Alicante airport.

Alternative options would be to just find a taxi at the airport itself. This is extremely easy because there is an official licensed taxi rank with prices clearly laid out on a sign.

Photo: Ivan Lian via flickr.com

If you are in New Zealand and travelling – please make sure that your family overseas know that  you are OK! Even if you are in Auckland many people will be panicking about safety.

These days there is really no easier way to keep in contact than getting on email, Skype or updating your Facebook page. But remember you parents may not be on Facebook – a text or a call won’t cost you much and will save both your family’s heartache and the police time involved in checking the long missing lists.

Now in the old days I used to travel quite disconnected from what was happening around me. I was in Nepal during the revolution in the 80s and it took days to find out a bout it (I was trekking) and weeks to get back in contact with home. Times have changed though and  many people expect you to be very frequent contact.

So if you are travelling New Zealand – and think that someone may be missing you – contact them!

Tulum Mexico, Photo: Tom Suderland via flickr.com

Tulum offers a wide range of activities and sites for vacationers to enjoy. Several caves along the shoreline offer the opportunity to go snorkeling and scuba diving. The ancient Tulum ruins of the Mayan culture are carefully preserved and travelers can view the art and architecture of this native culture. Temples such as the Temple of the Descending God and the Temple of Frescoes are open to the public for daily tours. Tulum Mexico was originally a walled city that was protected by high cliffs on one side and a twelve-foot wall on the other. Portions of this wall are still visible around the city. The city itself dates back to the thirteenth century. In the Sixteenth century, the Spanish conquered the Mayans and colonized the region.

Throughout the Tulum area, there are many hotels and cabanas. Of the several cabanas Tulum has to offer most are independently owned and operated. These are not chain hotel resorts but small and quaint operations that provide a taste of Mexican culture. Much of the native population still has roots in the Mayan culture. The cuisine served in the local restaurants varies from native Mexican, even German fare.

The cabana style accommodations offered have most of the amenities travelers and vacationers would expect.  Most cabanas are individual bungalows or cabins that are near the beaches. There are private baths and showers in each cabana unit and WiFi Internet access is normally available. Most cabana style hotels have restaurants on site to provide meals for the guests. Tours and transportation to the ruins and the beach areas can be arranged through the hotel staff. Tulum offers a quiet vacation spot for travelers seeking to get away from the bustling resorts of the Mayan coastline.

Word soon, however, got out and Thong Nai Pan Noi went about quickly transforming itself into a high class beach destination. In the early 2000s the first accommodation operator to switch from wooden bungalows to concrete units was Raiwin Resort on the middle of the beach. They made the rather odd decision to paint the new concrete bungalows pink and generally made all the frequent returnees to the beach hate the place. It was commonly referred to as the ‘pink bungalow place’.

Thong Nai Pan Noi Beach, Koh Phangan, Thailand Photo: sebastian via flickr.com

Apart from the mistaken color choices the resort was nicely done. It had a small swimming pool (the first on Thong Nai Pan Noi beach) and a restaurant with sometimes good food.

After a few years the resort was taken over and was renamed ‘Thong Nai Pan Resort’. That’s when they got a website. Now the website still bears the address ‘www.thongnaipanresort.com’ but the name of the place has become Phuwadee Resort and Spa.

Since its inception the place has generally improved. The service has got better at the restaurant and now Phuwadee bungalows are good value compared to many other places that have since gone up market. They have even started to paint over the sickening pink color of several of the units.

The main benefit of Phuwadee Resort is still that is on a truly beautiful beach that is gaining notice from tourists who are driving up prices on a once cheap beach in Koh Phangan.

Central London Hotel - near St Pancras - Stg65/night - WIFI and full cooked breakfast included

I’ve often found it odd that many of us will alter the month or year they go on vacation to get a better price but not the time of week. Do you know that if you book a hotel room for the beginning of the workweek you will save around 40% compared to the end of the week? When you consider the majority of the top attractions may be much less congested during the week it is sensible to book when everybody else isn’t!

The city centre is always the priciest area of any locale to stay in nevertheless what a wide range of people don’t understand is that a city centre hotel may actually save you money. For example a hotel room outside of the city will be less costly however your still going to need to spend money on transport  into the city and important locations each day so is it truly going to finish up less expensive? I was not long ago visiting England and found this to be quite accurate while searching for London hotels,  London transport were extremely overpriced. A single trip on the London Tube will cost you a minimum of  £5 a trip!

A few resorts factor in the price of selected cost-free activities like an on location gym or car parking into the overall room rate. This is fine when you are planning to utilize these kinds of facilities but if not then it’s a real waste of money. A lot of features nowadays such as wireless internet access come as standard but make sure you concentrate on the basics when looking for a low cost hotel. Anytime I’m hunting for a hotel the primary points I think about are area,  facilities and price, everything else is actually a bonus.

Oh and when you are looking to book double check if the property has its own website – sometimes ( not always) – its cheaper to book direct than through the big booking sties.

There’s much more to finding an inexpensive hotel than I have mentioned but maybe these fundamentals will help next time your lost in a big city.

We arrived in Sofia late on a Saturday night and made straight for the hotel by taxi. Sofia is the capital and very much the nerve centre of Bulgarian life. We had planned to stay two days here, so wasted no time in the morning getting out to explore the city.

Plovid, Bulgaria, Photo: Happytellus via fickr.com

It’s really a very attractive city and has many parks and grassy areas to spend your time. It is one of the oldest cities in Europe and was it was actually it’s spring or mineral waters that brought people here in the first place. Today in the city there are seven mineral water springs so we thought we would like to see one. We journeyed to the most central one which is situated near Tsum, which is where two streets called Ekzarh Yosif and Iskar intersect.

I actually emptied my bottled water onto the street and filled it with Sofia’s finest and I must say it was absolutely delicious. Far nicer than the bottled water I had been carrying around. My wife did the same and we both agreed that it was delicious. So with a spring in our step, we continued on to explore more of Sofia.

That afternoon, invigorated by the natural mineral waters, we managed to visit the National Museum of Military History, National Gallery for Foreign Art and the St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral which is actually one of the largest Christian orthodox churches anywhere in the world.

For more great articles on exotic holiday destinations, visit Smashing Holidays.

These picturesque cabins are set in a beautiful valley that is not very far from the beautiful Irish Sea. You can relax and take in the view or take a leisurely walk along the coastal shore. Some of the amenities you will find inside these rustically styled homes include wood burning fireplaces. Nothing sets a romantic mood like spending the evening sitting next to a warm fire with the one you love. If you want to have a little more adventure on your getaway you can swim in one of many indoor pools available on the property. The Brockwood cabins also have fully equipped sauna facilities and outdoor showers.

Lake District: Photo: vtveen via flickr.com

The rustic setting also makes a great place to take a family holiday. There are plenty of activities for children to participate in. You can socialize with other families by holding a barbeque or getting up a game of volleyball. Families can also take scenic bike rides along one of several marked trails in the area. If riding horses is more to your taste you will also find a number of stables available to rent horses from. Whether you are looking for privacy and seclusion or just like being surrounded by nature you will find the cabins in the UK a great place to spend any vacation.

For more adult trips, take a look into travel abroad of adventure travel packages.  Learning to surf and diving with the sharks in Maui is an experience you won’t soon forget.  Likewise, a more refined luxury trip on  Cunard Queen Mary 2 cruises is something designed for more mature travelers.  If you are looking to live out your fantasies, spy training, special ops training, and realistic cowboy experiences are all available, both for individuals and groups.  It may be a good idea to cover some of these trips with an adventure travel insurance plan, since they can be expensive.

Traveling with children can be a bit different.  For some, road trips are the ideal family vacation, but make sure you have plenty of space per child in your vehicle before setting off.  Camping is another low budget way of getting the whole family out of a rut.  For more elaborate vacations, consider an all-inclusive resort.  These plans put everything on one bill, from you food and your stay to your excursions.  Some will even have extra on-site features, like a resort water park.  These resorts can be especially helpful if you want to get some time alone, since they have many activities that children can enjoy on their own.

With age and responsibility comes all new travel opportunities that were far out of your reach in your youth.  Take some time to enjoy life and benefit from the fruits of your work.  You, your friends, and your family, whoever you choose to take along, will be glad you did.

Maldives: Photo: Nuno Mouta via flickr

The Republic of Maldives is located in the Indian Ocean.  This island is about 430 miles from Sri Lanka.  While many Asian nations have large geographic areas and populations, the Republic of Maldives is actually the smallest country in both land area and population in all of Asia.  The small population makes this a great vacation destination, since you can relax comfortably without too many other tourists.

The best  time for holidays in the Maldives is between November and April.  This time of year is the dry season in the Maldives.  Temperatures in the Maldives can be very hot, up to 91 degrees Fahrenheit.  While the island does often have high humidity, the air is cooled by the ocean breeze.

There are many island sites to explore and activities to try out.

1) All over the islands, there are many beaches where travelers can tan, swim or even scuba dive.

2) The Maldives have beautiful sites to see and a variety of towns and cities to visit.

3) Tourists can shop for souvenirs and other one of a kind items at local shops and markets.

4) There is also an active and exciting nightlife in the Maldives, where you can visit pubs, bars and discos.

Before a trip to the Maldives, travelers should make sure to do research on their destination and travel plans.  One important subject that is often overlooked is luggage.  Travelers should make sure that they check on regulations for baggage, such as what items can and cannot be brought in and out of the country.

Photo: Let Ideas Compete via flickr.com

Depending on which ranch you visit and in which state, this kind of vacation can be tailored to fit your specific style because there are so many options now available, unlike the old days when it was mostly about cattle drives, rodeos and rope tying calves. Now you can also enjoy camping trips, horseback riding, canoeing and even rock climbing. With nature right under your nose, you can hike for the day and stargaze at night. You can fill up your memory cards and HD drives with beautiful panoramic views of nature while horseback riding through fields and forest.

If you do love the authenticity of roughing it cowboy or cowgirl style, many dude ranch vacations still offer the real experience of ranch life through interactive activities like a cattle round up, rope tying and other rodeo events. Some of these types of ranches even offer packages with as few as ten guests making it quite rustic. More luxurious ranches still offer horseback riding, but also golf courses, cooking classes, spas, swimming pools and other amenities depending on location. A dude ranch vacation is a great unique alternative for individuals and families alike.

Photo Ed Yourdon via flickr.com

Some people assume that the lighter their luggage is, the less protection it will provide to the items they have packed, but with the popularity of polycarbonate cases, many hard shell designs are lighter than fabric. Even a solid shell trolley suitcase with wheels to weigh can be fewer pounds than a simple duffle bag. It is hard to believe, but modern design has made wonderful leaps in technology and convenience.

When travelers are in a hurry to scurry through the airport and catch a flight they are almost late for, rolling their luggage behind them is much easier than trying to run with a bag clunking against their waist with every step. By spending some extra money to get the best polycarbonate hard shells, they can pack the extra pair of pants and still make it through bag check without paying the deviously high, overweight rates that airlines charge these days, and with a quick gate and a friendly smile burst through the gates onto the plane. Taking a seat with noting bearing on the mind is the only way to fly.

Photo: Steve75 via flickr.com

What amenities do you need? The sky is the limit. The first piece of advice is to book well ahead of time. The cheapest flights do not occur last minute. However, airfares to Nice can usually be found on Wednesdays because it is the middle of the week when people travel less. Deals and discounts are given midweek. Booking a hotel room sometimes works the opposite way when, if you wait, some hotels offer discount rates just to have the room booked. If you are lucky, you can scoop up a room that someone else canceled on. Be very cautious doing this. It would be better booking months to a year in advance. You do not want to find yourself in an awkward position with airfares to Nice without a place to stay. Before you pack your bags, make sure to book a room and find a flight.

The best way to find the best flights and rooms are together on the travel websites. Travel websites do much of the work for you. Travel websites promote their companies with funny commercials on TV. Choose one and you will find airfares to nice very affordable and cost effective. You can find it easy to get fantastic savings on flights and rooms and also book a rental car all at the same place.

What about a retro hotel? Retro hotels are offbeat attractions for interested travelers. It may be a retro hotel only because the decor has not changed since the 60s. However, many modern hotels cater to the jet set class by providing theme rooms and retro hotel rooms full of kitsch and glamour. Many a retro hotel can be found in France. It has the luxury of being old world and modern. Other cities have centuries of history and retro hotels to choose from, but Nice has the best. The city center has much to offer that may be informal and low-key offering very nice, spacious rooms with equally nice views. On the other hand, perhaps you want something a little more exotic. Nice has relaxing retro hotel rooms with art deco design, free wifi and entertainment options.

Retro hotel rooms provide all of the contemporary luxuries such as massages, room service, etc. They are retro, funky, and fun. Do a search for what you are looking for, many options will be at your fingertips. With your airfares to nice and retro hotel booked, you are good to go!

The country is well connected with other parts of the world with daily international flights from Asia, Middle East and Europe. You would need to get your visa on arrival at the Department of Immigration and Emigration.

When you are Travelling Everywhere it is important to know a bit about the country you are visiting and its customs and traditions. Some basic online research on the Maldives will tell you that it is a Muslim state. When you are here, it is best to dress conservatively, with women taking special care to keep their shoulders and thighs covered. You would need to carry clothing that will keep you cool. This could include T-shirts, shorts and skirts. For your footwear, you may like to opt for flip flops and sandals, which are comfortable to wear to the beach. You would need to carry your sun screen, hat and perhaps a scarf. Dont forget to add an insect repellent to your travel bag.

It is best to book your accommodation before you arrive in Maldives. The resort or hotel may arrange for a pick up from the airport. There are many resorts, hotels and guest houses that you can choose from based on your budget. If you are staying at Male you could take a taxi or discover the island on foot. Speedboats can be hired to travel to the other islands.

When you are in Maldives there is a lot of see and do. Go diving in the crystal clear waters and you will be delighted to see thousands of coral reefs and spectacular marine like. It is best to take a marine safari where your tour guide would take you to the spots where you are most likely to see diverse sea life. Water sports here include surfing, kayaking and jet skiing. Do spend some time discovering the local culture and traditions.

A holiday to the Maldives offers you all the relaxation, fun and excitement that you are looking for. Before you are ready to say goodbye to Maldives do visit a local spa for treatments by hakeembe or local healing experts. They use virgin coconut oil with gandhakolhi leaf, a popular cure for muscular and joint aches and pains. Maldives is a great holiday destination for couples and families. Choose a holiday package that suits your requirements and your budget.

Photo:David River via flickr.com

Water Skiing – The warm climate and calm Mediterranean Sea makes the beaches around Cap d’Agde a superb place for water skiing. From a beginner to an expert in the sport, you are sure to have a perfect time. Classes are available at affordable rates and tailor-made flexible timetables for both adults and children. The schools here are ready and equipped to get anyone out for serious surf.

Beach volleyball – summer time provides a great atmosphere to enjoy this game at the beach and is usually among the major attractions during the hot seasons. Many visitors set their nets around the beach for an unofficial game but there are areas set aside specifically for volleyball.

Sailing – You will find a vast and superbly planned marina at Cap d’Agde for those who own yachts to easily dock. However, if you do not have a private vessel, there is a solution for you. Numerous organized cruises may interest you, usually leaving twice hourly or swing by nautical center and find out more about sailing classes.

There are other many great attractive activities while on travel to Cap d’Agde that one may engage in and the three above are just a tip of the iceberg.

Iceland is definitely one of the top ten places to go for the New Years and one that you’ll never forget.

Accommodation
There are many things to do in Iceland and just the capital alone has a huge variety of activities and places to visit for tourists. World class accommodation, International and traditional Icelandic cuisine, sightseeing, day trips and longer excursions as well as cultural, historical and religious tourism are just a few of the many things you can do in Reykjavik.

Iceland - New Year's or any time: Photo:stylespion via flickr

Accommodation is excellent as Iceland is one of the most highly developed societies in the entire world. Everything is available from cheap but highly civilized youth hostels to the most luxurious hotels. You can even rent an apartment or a guest house, but by far the most popular (and rewarding) form of accommodation on Iceland is by staying at one of the many thousands of family run Bed & Breakfast houses. Not only will you get 5 star European accommodation, but you’ll also get homemade food and a wonderful family to make friends with.

There are youth hostels, camping grounds, hotels and guest houses all over the country.

Eating and Drinking
There is never a shortage of food on Iceland as the island nation lives literally off the abundant sea all around them. For this reason, Icelandic cuisine is largely based on seafood and traditional staples such as tuber type vegetables and potatoes. Mutton and wild game including ducks, deer and boars are also common fare on Iceland.

If you’d like a taste of home that’s not a problem either. Reykjavik is one of the most international cities in the world and the variety of worldwide foods is simply staggering. Iceland has a ton of places to go for the New Years if you’re looking for good eating.

Museums and Culture
As one of the ancient homes of the Vikings, Iceland is simply chock full of historical memorials and relics. A lot of these are visible in the museums but tourists are often amazed at the amount of ancient history they can find just by walking around the hiking trails on Iceland. There’s always another circle of stones just over the next hill or another cairn marking the burial site of a great warrior.

The country is also famous for its night life. There are endless things to do in Iceland such as concerts, live music, theater, opera, international film festivals and art gallery openings all year round.

The Wilds
Let’s not forget that Iceland is one of the most amazing places to go to see natural beauty in all its splendor. Every night there is the Aurora Borealis to keep night watchers company and there are volcanoes, high mountains, tundra and dramatic views to take in.

Matrimandir Auroville via Zolivier via flickr.com

To visit the Matrimandir, whether you are a guest staying in Auroville or a visitor coming for a day or two, there is a specific procedure to go through. First one must watch the introductory video at the visitor center. Then, one can register for the outside visit directly at the visitor center. One gets to walk through a pleasant forest area next to the road. This culminates at a viewing point which stands at some distance from the structure itself. It is possible to get a good view of the Matrimandir and its surrounding gardens which are in development here.

After the outside visit, one must register for the visit inside the temple. This has to be done by calling a phone number which is given at the visitor center. One must currently call between 10 and 11 in the morning. Once the appointment is made (usually for the next day or perhaps later if the lists are full), one gets a visit with a guide on the appointed morning. The visit lasts more than an hour as the guide gives a small lecture on the Matrimandir. Visitors are then taken inside and go to the top of the temple where the large meditation chamber lies.

The time inside is actually short on the first visit but after having gone through these steps, one can schedule time inside for meditation every morning from 9:30 to 10:30, without the guide. The same goes for what are called the Petals, the twelve meditation chambers around the main structure. The large Banyan Tree which lies next to it, also becomes accessible at this time.

The process may seem a bit convoluted at first but since this is a temple which is in use there needs to be a structure to allow visitors who simply want to take a look at it without disturbing its environment. There are no costs involved in the visit so it is a free travel activity but visitors are encouraged to make a donation.

When booking a Lanzarote trip, often you will be offered car hire options by your tour operator. Having an agent to book you is certainly assuring especially if it is your first time to opt for a Lanzarote Car Hire service. However, with the splendid of options and bargains that you can get, it would be a lot cheaper to do it on your own. There are even numerous comparison sites that you can visit to help you decide; and there are a number of benefits that you can have, if only you would be known by your car hire company as a customer. Being a repeat customer is one benefit. There are still other benefits that you can discover as you opt for the service on your own.

Lanzarote - Photo:Javier Pelaez via flickr.com

So, forget about paying extra to the tour operator just to get a cheap car hire in Lanzarote. You save from paying their commissions by getting the service yourself. Do the shortcut and skip the web of having middlemen in your transactions. In such way, you will directly know who to pay and who to talk to, especially in cases of car emergencies. You can even get away with a great service for cheaper costs.

Also, if you failed to pre-book and you want to get a Lanzarote Car Hire service, there are as well numerous walk-in options that you can explore as soon as your plane lands at the airport. Do not seek help from operators or middlemen or you will just end up paying extra in the end. So get the car hire service fast and save a couple of dollars. It is one of best Lanzarote treats that you can have on your own.

There are many different airline companies which fly in to Alicante from all over Europe. One such example is Ryanair who are one of the cheapest airlines. The Cheapest Flights to Alicante can be found from the UK at reasonable prices and by flying with Ryanair. The only thing that you have to do is to be careful about the additional charges that this company is going to give you. For instance, airport taxes can sometimes be an issue as can credit card charges. Ryanair will also restrict your baggage weight to an absolute minimum and there are substantial fees for overweight baggage.

Your best bet when you are looking for any air travel these days is to look on the Internet. Each individual airline company will have its own website where you can find the deals of the day, or long-term flight prices. Also, you can go to the larger travel supermarket sites where you will find some great deals for last-minute flights or flights are booked well in advance. Again, you had to decide whether you how willing to take a number of connections to reach your destination, or you will simply want to fly from A to B in the shortest amount of time. Also, beware of flying into an airport that is the distance from your final destination as the onward journey by bus, taxi, or hiker can cost you will substantially more than your original flight.

Grand Palace, Bangkok Photo: Micheal McDonough via flickr.com

Grand Palace Bangkok – it is Bangkok’s most famous landmark and is definitely a must-see sight. No visit to the city would ever be complete without a peek into this dazzling and spectacular palace. It was built in the year 1782 and became the home for the Thai King, the royal court, and the administrative seat of government for 150 years. Within the walls were the Thai war ministry and the state departments. The palace continues to have visitors who are left in awe because of its beautiful architecture and intricate details which were products of the craftsmanship and creativity of the Thai people. Several impressive buildings can be found within the palace complex such as the Temples of the Emerald Buddha or Wat Phra Kaew which contains the very famous and greatly revered emerald Buddha. The Thai Kings have stopped living in the palace around the 20th century but the complex is still being used during special ceremonies.

Chinatown – the growth of this historic place was spawned by the waves of Chinese immigrants who left China and settled to Bangkok and continued with what they did best which is trading. The area is packed with market stalls, streetside restaurants, Chinese medicine stores, and gold shops. The place never runs out of sights to see. The perfect time to visit Chinatown is during major festivals as this is the time when guests can truly see Bangkok Chinatown at its best.

Bangkok Floating Markets – the boats are piled high with tropical fruits and vegetables, ready to drink and fresh coconut juice, and local food cooked right on the boat’s kitchen. Some of the floating markets are the Damnoen Saduan market, Taling Chan market, Bang Ku Winag market, and Tha Kha.

Temple of the Dawn or Wat Arun – located on the west bank of Chao Phraya river, it is believed that after his fight, King Thaksin arrived at this temple just as dawn was breaking. During his reign, he made this place his chief temple and once enclosed within it the emerald Buddha and the Phra Nang, which are both important statues in the city. It is considered as one of the most outstanding temples in Thailand due to its beautiful architecture and fine craftsmanship. Although it is known as the temple of the dawn, it is also absolutely splendid during sunset especially when lit up at night.

The island of Koh Tao is a tropical paradise, known especially for its scuba diving facilities. Several diving instruction and certification companies offer classes ranging from the beginner to the advanced instructor. The largest concentration of diving operators are found at Sairee Beach.

Ko Tao, Thailand. Photo: PnPL via flickr.com

And the aquamarine waters surrounding the island are rich in scuba sites, including White Rocks, Twin Peaks, Mango Bay, and Lighthouse Bay. These watery sites provide beautiful panoramas of the ocean life that surrounds the island. White Rock is one beautiful dive site where its depth ranges from 2 – 20 meters. There are many kinds of fish in the area, including groupers, parrotfishes, and wrasses (which can be sighted during the day), and barracudas (seen at night). Butterfly fishes, angel fishes, and triggerfish all make this site an interesting and colorful adventure. Another favorite site near Koh Tao is the Southwest Pinnacle, a site that has three rock formations underwater, ranging in depth from 4-30 meters below the surface. Aquatic life ranges from colorful underwater plant life to black coral sea whips and gorgonian sea fans to the leopard shark and whale shark. Both these sites are an amazing adventure that few are not stunned by.

Next time you decide to book a flight to Thailand, be sure to visit the tiny island of Koh Tao. You will be enchanted with the simple natural beauty that abounds in the waters surrounding this island. And do not worry if you have no diving experience; smiling instructors are there on every hand to help you experience these wonders of the bay.

Plage de Tahiti located in Saint Tropez, France
This French Riviera beach caters to the cosmopolitan jet setters that are free of inhibitions. Plage de Tahiti is located at the Northernmost section of Pampelonne beach. This beautiful pristine beach is designed for any beach enthusiast that wants to sunbath nude, go topless or wear a G-string bikini. Beach enthusiasts and nudists may get their all over tan without concern of indecent exposure.

Celebrities for decades have visited this beach for a “freeing” experience. Brigette Bardot and Ursula Andress were some of the first celebrities to grace the beaches with their risqué attire. Now, celebrities of all types visit the beach and nearly everyone is tolerant of the behavior. The beach is located near the Cote d’Azur town where dining and shopping may accompany a nude beach excursion.

The rich and famous typically arrive to the beach by yacht or by helicopter. If you are not wealthy, you will find it difficult to compete with the glamour of a celebrity’s grand arrival. People of all types enjoy the beach and tourists enjoy mingling with the beautiful people of this famous European destination.

Paradise Beach in Mykonos, Greece
Mykonos, Greece caters to the wealthy and cosmopolitan from all over the world. Numerous celebrities find this beach relaxing and ideal for partying. Nudity is more than acceptable on this Paradise Beach. Over half of the bathers on Paradise Beach are topless and 30% are completely nude. Sun bathers of all ages enjoy bathing nude: From teenagers to those approaching their twilight years. After 4PM, the older crowd disperses, and the beach transforms into a massive party.

While bathing in the nude, visitors will be surrounded by the breathtaking views complete with mountainous landscapes, clear blue waters and golden sand beaches. The villages are truly picturesque and identified by the characteristic blue doors found all over the Greek island.

Beach goers may retreat after the long day at the beach and experience a romantic dinner in any one of the nearby restaurants. Those who want to continue to bask in the glamour that Mykonos offers may select a nightclub, restaurant or tavern that caters to the party atmosphere. Beach goers may reach this remarkable island beach location by plane or by ferry.

Nude beach, Ibiza, Spain Photo: candid via flickr.com

Playa d’en Bossa in Ibiza, Spain
Playa d’en Bossa is one of the longest and most gorgeous beaches in Ibiza. Ibiza is the third largest member of the Balearic Islands. The beach embraces nudity and hedonism. In fact, the Spanish Naturist Federation released a document outlining the rights of nudists in Spain. Guests from Barcelona, Palma de Majorca and Valencia may reach the beach by ferry.

Guests who enjoy libations and partying will feel comforted knowing there are plenty of bars and cafes near the beach. The location is just a few kilometers from the capital. Nightlife is accessible and in abundance near this location. This beach is considered more relaxed and caters to a tame crowd that enjoys good clean fun. Its neighboring beach in San Antonio caters to a crowd that desires true debauchery and raves.

Beach goers that enjoy partying will find a near 24 hour night club that only closes its doors for only four hours per day. Some of the top DJs play at some of the finest clubs and beach bars that this Spanish location has to offer. The famous Bora Bora Beach bar should be on everyone’s list to visit while on a nude beach excursion.

Summary
Each of the beaches featured in our nude beach guide made Forbes Top Ten Best Nude Beaches in the World. While these are not the only nude beaches in Europe, these beaches are recognized for their beauty and acceptance of the practice. If you are planning a trip to Europe, consider visiting one of these nude beaches for an experience of a lifetime.

My wife and I were celebrating an anniversary and decided to treat ourselves to a weekend city break in Barcelona.

To be honest, it was my wife’s idea. She had read an article about how it was a really great weekend break in a glossy weekend magazine and I can honestly say, it’s one of her best ideas.

Sagrada Familia Interior: Photo Dann Tara via flickr.com

We flew in to Barcelona airport on a hot summer evening and had that great feeling you get when stepping off a plane of the heat really hitting you in the face. Such a change from the drizzle and overcast weather of the UK.

Anyway, we had a few items on our list that we wanted to see. Top of the list for me was the Nou Camp Stadium (home to FC Barcelona), the Olympic Stadium and complex and Las Ramblas. My wife was keen on visiting the Picasso Museum, the Miro Museum and the Sagrada Familia.

We were based in the old town anyway (Barri Gotic) so started our Saturday morning with a pleasant stroll down Las Ramblas. This is the main thoroughfare through the oldest part of town and is a lively street with lots of traders, restaurants and cafes plying their trade. At night it is even more lively, but watch out for pick pockets – they are everywhere!

We headed from here to the Nou Camp Stadium where we had an interesting tour of the stadium and trophy room. It is truly an awesome structure and I can only imagine the atmosphere on match days when 120,000 fanatical supporters fill the stadium.

From here we headed to the Sagrada Familia which is another incredible building. Still not completed after 100 years, one can only imagine how truly amazing it will be when finished.

For more holiday and city break articles and advice, check out Smashing Holidays.

Photo: Gaius Caecilius via flickr.com

As such, it is no surprise that there have been several temples in Abydos. Of the two still standing, the mortuary temple of Seti I is by far the most impressive – it is also one of the best preserved temples in all of Egypt. From the outside, the temple complex does not look like much: the outer courts are in ruins and the rectangular pillars in the front look pretty boring. But as one gets closer and finally gets inside, the magic begins.

Crafted during a high time of religious artistry, the carvings inside the oldest part of the temple are among the finest in all of the ancient world. Because the temple still has a ceiling – a rare affair today – the ambiance inside is dimmed and mysterious. It houses 7 shrines to various Gods and the Pharaoh along with a more elaborate hall dedicated to Osiris.

There are no shortage of mysteries in this temple: in one part, there is the famous kings list which goes back way before the accepted timeline of Egyptologists. Below the temple, in the back, there is the Oseirion built at an earlier times and with blocks of gigantic sizes. Its meaning and function remains a mystery. Finally, near the entrance, there is the intriguing Abydos Helicopter glyph which seem to depict an helicopter and other modern machines.

If you are going to travel to Egypt, be sure to visit Abydos for the beauty of its carvings and the pervading aura of mystery which still remains.

Waterfalls, Santa Fe, Panama Photo:maitai via flickr.com

Not many people visit Santa Fe because, after all, it is a long four hours car ride from Panama City.  A car ride is the only way to get there since there are no airports with scheduled flights nearby.  Very few tour companies offer a Panama travel deal that takes the tourist to Santa Fe, since there are other places such as El Valle de Anton, or Parque Nacional Campana that offer similar attractions and are way more near to the city.
What people do not know, is about a secret that is being slowly revealed in Santa Fe:  there are dozens of amazing waterfalls in the surrounding mountains!
It is somehow surprising that Santa Fe´s locals do not get into the forest to go to these hidden waterfalls; if you ask a local for things to do, they will tell you to go to the market, go to the orchids´ exhibition or to simply go to the river near town to take a swim.  They know there are some waterfalls around, but they don´t even know how to get there.
The fact is that there are many waterfalls hidden in the jungle, totally pristine, just waiting for people to go there and enjoy them.  There are options for everyone, from a 15 minute hike in the forest until arriving to a small beautiful hidden place with a waterfall, to a 6 hours wet hike using ropes, to get to a gigantic thundering waterfall, which takes the breath away from the few people that have seen it.
So, next time you plan on taking booking  Panama Tours, consider Santa Fe among your destinations in the country.  If you like hidden waterfalls in the forest, this is the place for you!

Alhambra, Grenanda Photo: jartulii via flickr.com

Andalucía is overlooked by mountain ranges including the famous Sierra Nevada, but this area still has a distinctly Mediterranean feel. Some grand cities such as Granada, Malaga and Seville are here are well as plenty of glorious white towns that the area is so well know for. There are plenty of brilliant holiday villas and hotels to spend your time in and explore the area.

As this is the closest part of Spain to the equator is has a nice warm climate with hot summers that are dry and similarly dry but mild winters. With average temperatures in the late teens, you will find that it is a few degrees warmed still along the beaches of the Med.

There has been evidence found of settlers in this area from a million or more years ago. It is thought that the original inhabitants would have come to Andalucía across the straights of Gibraltar from Africa – at the time this crossing would have been possible on foot. This area has a strong Moorish influence as a result and when the Romans came there was plenty of building of roads, monuments and buildings.

The people who live in this area are considered to not really work throughout the rest of Spain. Whilst this is not true, it is an indicator that the inhabitants of present day Andalucía value living life over careers or working. They believe that this enjoyment of life is a basic right rather than a luxury and have positioned their lives to live this way accordingly.

There really is something for everyone for the millions of people who visit this area every year. With buildings, moors, deserts and beaches you will find beautiful places at every turn. There are colors everywhere with the fine monuments chaining color throughout the day as the sun reflects off them. With festivals in each town celebrated throughout the year you will find plenty of diverse color throughout beautiful Andalucía.

The food is central to everything in this area. The fine villas and hotels in and around these regions will mean that you are always near to some great tapas. Iberian Ham, Sherry and Gazpacho are just some of the culinary delights you will find in this area.

The Costa Del Sol is part of Andalucía and probably Europe’s most visited tourist destination. Whether it is the expensive resort of Marbella, the package holiday Mecca of Torremolinos or one of the other beach destinations, people flock here each year for the sun and the great holiday hotels. There are also beautiful and cultural white towns further inland such as Rhonda or Antequera and plenty more in-between for you to enjoy and discover. Come to Andalucía and you won’t be disappointed.

Photo: SA Stuvel via flickr.com

As one of the biggest countries in Europe, France has so many interesting places to visit, from the breathtaking mountain scenery of the Alps to the world famous beaches of the Mediterranean. Explore the picturesque fishing villages of Brittany and Normandy, see the beautiful historic chateaux of the Loire valley, and marvel at the prehistoric cave paintings of the Dordogne. Visit the markets and try some authentic French food, have a picnic in the countryside and go wine tasting. France has truly got something to offer for everyone.

Tents come in all shapes and sizes, but for a typical family camping holiday a basic tent from an outdoor pursuits shop should have everything you need. Just ensure it has enough sleeping areas and isn’t too big to fit in with the other things in your car. Mesh windows also make a tent more comfortable by allowing a breeze through the tent on a hot day. If you’re camping in a harsher climate, such as mountain areas in winter, you should consider taking a more specialist mountaineering tent and equipment, including warm sleeping bags. Otherwise, the campsites and shops in France are good, and you should be able to stock up on supplies and extra equipment there if you need to.

If you’re not sure about camping in a tent, France also offers many options for touring in a campervan, staying in a static caravan hosted in a permanent caravan site, or you can rent a motorhome in France for independent travel.

France truly has something for everyone, and there is a great vacation waiting there for you.

Tuk-tuk, Udon Thani

The province borders Nong Khai to the north, Khon Kaen to the south, Loei to the west, and Nakhon to the east. It is located on a plateau which is 187 meters above sea level. Most of the areas here are covered with hills, forests, and rice fields. The Phu Phan Mountainranges and the Songkhram River are two of the province’s natural resources. The people living in Udon Thani are mainly engaged in agricultural activities; particularly in the wholesale and retail trading, making it an agricultural hub of the neighboring provinces.

History relates that it was the Vietnam War which made the provincial city a progressive support center for the nearby American airbase. Since the American troops went away in 1976, the city has continued to grow as a commercial and industrial center within the region. Today, the Udon Thani province is already the communications and transportation center of Northeastern Thailand with a number of tourist attractions and facilities.

Administratively, the province is divided into several districts namely Muang, Kumphawapi, Nong Pan, Phen, Ban Phue, Ban Dung, Si That, Nam Som, Nong Wua So, Kut Chap, Non Sa-at, Wang Sam Mo, Chai Wan, Nong Saeng, Sang Khom, Thung Fon, Na Yung, Phibun Rak, Ku Kaeo and, Prachaksinlapakhom. The provincial seal shows a Hindu mythological creature called Yaksa which refers to the thao kuwane or the god of the north. It depicts the god Wetsuwan, the king of the giants and the keeper of the northern heavenly gate. The province’s national tree is the teng (shorea obtusa) and the provincial flower is the flame of the forest (butea momosperma).

Two of the most thriving livelihoods here are pottery and weaving. The ancient style pottery is made according to the discovery of the Ban Chiang Archaeological Site. Ban Kham Or is the pottery sculpture center while Ban Pu Lu is the pottery paining place. Hand weaving is done in Na Kha village and is famous for its cloth called khit.

Crowded Devon beaches: Photo dinoboy via flickr.com

Off-Season is less Crowded

If possible, avoid the school summer holidays, when most British and European families go on holiday in Devon and Cornwall, to London for the museums, the historic attractions and culture.  Outside the summer season, you’ll have more chance of getting the flights, train tickets, hotel rooms and theatre tickets you want at prices to fit your budget and times to suit your schedule. You’ll also find the streets of London and tourist attractions much less crowded. So if you’re looking for good deals on quality hotels, with the time and space to really appreciate the history, art and culture you’ve come so far to see, then an off-season vacation could be just right for you.

Be Prepared!

As the Boy Scouts say, be prepared, whether you’re heading to the city for theatre breaks in London, or the countryside for autumn breaks in Devon. Bear in mind that your clothes are likely to get wet, so bring sensible shoes, extra socks, lots of thin layers of clothes and a waterproof and windproof jacket. Take a warm hat and gloves if you’re going in the winter. If your sweater takes up too much room in your suitcase, buy a vacuum packing bag that you can seal tight, and once you’ve sucked or squashed the air out it will cut down your sweater to taking up about half as much space. You’ll also find a small day rucksack or shoulder bag useful to hold anything you need to carry for a day out, such as your maps and guide book, your hat and gloves and your rain wear.

Be Flexible

Finally, don’t be afraid to change you plans to adapt to the weather. If you have a beautiful day, take advantage of it: go on an open deck boat trip, walk around a castle’s walls or visit the outdoor activity or attraction that you want to see most. If it’s raining solidly, visit art galleries, cafes and museums, or take a covered bus tour. There is always something new to see in England, so enjoy your vacation in England and make treasured memories from those surprises.

The elevation of these old hill stations mean that the temperature is a lot lower than the nearby coasts  so this is not necessarily a tropical honeymoon!  Munnar honeymoon packages offer a lot of activities honeymooners will enjoy together. For example, you might want to enjoy boating on the local Munnar dams. This offers couples a surreal sight of boating almost above clouds for Munnar dams are way atop of hills.

They can also enjoy parasailing, trekking on dense flora and fauna and walking through scented gardens. You can also sightsee on Munnar’s dense and extensive tea plantations. They are a must see for any type of honeymooner. The Munnar tea gardens can extend to a dozen of hilltops.

The Eravikulam National Park offers an extensive collection of tigers, lions, elephants, langurs and leopards. Honeymooners can enjoy an exotic safari here and also trek up the mountains. You might want to rest though. This is one of the highest mountain ranges in India.

Couples can also enjoy shopping in the large shopping districts. They can buy fine tea and bring them home as souvenirs. You might want to also want to buy some spice.

Echo Point, Munnar Photo: Himanshu Sarpotdar via flickr.com

One of the famous points for honeymooners is the Echo Point. Surrounded by high peaks, you can shout out loud in here and your shout will be brought back to you a hundredfold. This is one of the most romantic places for honeymooners. You might want to visit that area and find out why.

Other local attractions include: Anamudi Peak, Tata Tea Museum, Kundala Lake, Mattupetty Dam and a lot more.

This is a guest post from Harvin Gulfill  who  writes about best honeymoon ideas. You may want to read more about Honeymoon packages in Munnar.

Koh Phi Phi, Thailand Photo: roberta zouain via flickr.com

There are a number of snorkeling stops around the waters of Phi Phi. The ones you will visit will depend on the time of your visit to these Thai islands. If you are there in the high season, chances are that you will miss out on the eastern points since the high winds make the waters around those points get rough at that time. Similarly, in the low season you will have to give the western reefs a skip. On a perfectly calm and sunny day however, you will get to enjoy all of the main reefs at Phi Phi.

Your snorkeling expedition starts from the reefs scattered around an inlet at Phi Phi Leh bay. At the southern part of Phi Phi Leh, the smaller of the two Koh Phi Phi islands, sits Loh Samah, a small sandy beach with red cliffs around. You will get to see herds of little shoaling fishes at this part of the island. The premiere snorkeling point at Koh Phi Phi is however the Maya Bay, the place made famous by Leonardo Di Caprio the star of the movie The Beach. Thereon you move to some minor snorkeling points and make a stop at Bamboo Island for lunch and a short stroll around the Bamboo Island National Park. And with a full and contented stomach, you visit the last of the snorkeling points which is the shark point located around the waters of Phi Phi Don. This place houses the islands’ best reefs and the coral gardens underwater are no less than a thing to marvel at.

This is for the midlife independent traveller headed for Europe the second time around, as I did a couple of years back. After returning to New Zealand in the late 1980s, I had only been back to the UK and Europe on relatively short and organised trips. When I finally got back here for another working/living stint, things had changed in lots of ways. Here’s my five key differences and my gauge of whether they’ve made a positive or negative difference to the independent travel experience.

Slovakian Exchange Rate post Euro (c) Deb OKane

Money: Back in 1987 I left New Zealand without a credit or debit card, bravely clutching a bundle of expensively purchased pounds and a wadge of travellers cheques, with serial numbers carefully written in my trusty notebook and a set left with my mum. Every time I crossed a European border it cost me money to change the remnants of my escudos into pesetas, or my liras into drachmas. All ancient history now. Internet banking, credit cards and the (nearly) ubiquitous Euro make European travelling a lot easier, cheaper and safer. This aspect gets a great big tick from me.

Accommodation 1 : The standard of living in Europe has skyrocketed since the mid-1980s and so has the standard of budget accommodation. I stayed in a room in a family’s home in Barcelona (this was before Expo and the Olympics) where the toilet paper was carefully cut squares of newspaper. Unthinkable these days in this smart and stylish destination. Along with raised standards though are raised prices; it’s much harder to get a real budget deal in any of Europe’s major cities. But it’s much easier to find a budget-priced private room – with so many couples (young and old) travelling, accommodation providers have responded and those seeking or willing to put up with dorm beds will find fewer options these days. On the whole, this development gets a plus.

Sarande, Albania - Cofu in the Distance (c) Deb OKane

Accommodation 2: The internet has changed everything. Once you could rely on a bevy of eager locals to meet your bus or train, at any time of the day or night with entreaties to stay at their home or hotel. They’d walk you to the room, you’d check it out and generally say yes, specially at 2am. If you didn’t really like it, you had all of the next day to find something else more suitable. It worked for them and it worked for the footloose traveller. One side effect of all the information on the internet, is our propensity to be more organised – because we can view, compare and book rooms on line, we do. And as a result, there are seldom locals urging their rooms on you as you arrive in their city. They know you’ve already booked something – and if you haven’t well you’re really on your own. Having said that, just a couple of weeks back in Sarande, an Albanian seaside resort, I was met off the bus by a lady and her English-speaking son, showing me a business card for their hotel, and offering to drive me there. I didn’t really have any other ideas (Albania is still resolutely offline – you try finding a budget hotel online in anywhere but Tirana!) so off I went. The Gjiat was perfectly fine, and for 15 euros well within budget. So it still works in some places, but not many these days. This aspect gets a neutral score from me – it’s harder to be truly spontaneous in many European cities nowadays, and don’t even think about it at peak times, but the ratio of good to dud rooms I stay in has improved out of sight.

Alhambra, Granada, Spain (c) Deb OKane

Crowds: This may come as a shock if you haven’t been to Europe for a decade or two. The cost of travel has plummeted and travelling as a rite of passage for the young now extends beyond those from the US, the antipodes and the UK. I wandered up to the Alhambra in Granada in the mid-80s and just went in. No fuss, no drama. These days you have to book online and get a ticket that gives you timed entry to the main sites.

Similarly, all the big galleries and museums will have enormous queues, even though they’re open much longer hours than ever before. There’s still only one Louvre and one Acropolis, even though there are now tens of thousands more travellers wanting to visit. You can minimise contributing to this over-crowding by patronising less well-known attractions, and visiting in the off or shoulder seasons. While I’m delighted that more people than ever have the opportunity to travel, there’s no way that battling ever-increasing crowds to see Europe’s top sights is a good thing.

Acropolis, Athens - early morning before the crowds - (c) Deb OKane

English: That’s right – there’s usually no need to haltingly struggle with “parlez-vous francais” anymore. These days if you speak English chances are you’ll find someone about who can help you out. It’s the world’s most widely spoken language – often as a second language, but that’s enough when all you need to know is when the bus leaves or how much a ticket costs. I did recently come across a railway ticket seller who spoke not a word of English, but the Hungarian railways have devised a brilliant solution. She flicked through a book looking for the phrase in Hungarian and showed it to me. There on the facing page was a translation in a dozen languages – that the train would be 20 minutes late. This is not meant to discourage you from the undoubted joys of speaking a foreign language, or even just a few words, but be reassured that not speaking the local language isn’t the barrier it once was.

Hungarian Railcar to Mad (c) Deb OKane

So, on my count, you should find travelling in Europe more convenient, straightforward and relatively cheap compared with your first trip 20-plus years ago. Try to avoid the crowds, and make the most of travelling in a connected, English-speaking world. And enjoy it – it’s a wonderful destination with more countries and cultures to visit than ever before.

Lake Menaggio, Italy Photo: mindi64 via flickr.com

A Beautiful View

Upon your arrival in Menaggio, Italy, you immediately are aware of the city’s charm. There is no better venue for lodging than Hotel Bellavista, which lives up to its name of beautiful view. Visitors remember the stunning panoramic scene from the balcony of their rooms long after they have left this tranquil place. Each of the rooms is tastefully appointed. Most of the rooms have air conditioning, however with the lovely lake breezes; there is rarely a need to use the units. Some rooms overlook both the lovely outdoor pool and the lake.

Hotel Bellavista Menaggio has much to offer. The food in the hotel’s restaurant will not fail to delight your palate. Indulge in the buffet or order off the menu. The food is simple Italian fare, uncomplicated and full of pure flavors. The friendly wait staff adds to the ambiance.

Bellavista has a desirable location. Situated on a convenient central site, visitors can step outside the hotel door and stroll to the shops, the ferry and along the lakeside. Linger quietly on a bench and soak up the view or hop on the ferry and go exploring.

Menaggio, Italy is a walker’s haven. The lower part of the city bustles with wonderful bistros, live entertainment and interesting shops. Traverse the promenades while admiring the lovely villas along the way. Stop for a game of miniature golf and enjoy the beautiful onshore breezes. Wander in and out of the Baroque churches. If you like to hike, there are several trails to explore. Bike rentals are another enjoyable outdoor activity in Menaggio.

Ubud, Bali

The reason for this increasing interest in renting apartments is because building trends in Bali have changed in the last several years towards multi-story buildings that are more appropriate for handling the increased amount of ex-pats and Indonesians who want a second home in Bali. The point here is that many apartment owners are not year-round residents on the island and are interested in renting out their units when they are away.

As easy as the Internet makes most things nowadays, finding an apartment owner who would love to rent to you is no more difficult than checking Craigslist or running a quick Google search. Chances are you’ll have a lot more confidence in the quality and location of the apartment that you end up renting, as the owner will no doubt be willing to answer any question you have about any aspect of his unit of the surrounding neighborhood. If this is your first visit that will give you peace of mind before you come.

When it comes to the cost of Bali apartments you might actually spend less on a relatively spacious apartment than you would a comparably-located smaller hotel room. No wonder more and more people are looking into short-term Bali Apartment rentals as a viable alternative to simply booking a hotel room online, especially if they have a family.

Hat Yai, Thailand Photo: aeroppn via flickr.com

Hat Yai, Thailand is a very popular tourist spot for Malaysians especially during the holidays. There are many wonderful areas that tourists can visit as well as fun activities to be done while staying in the city. One of the well-known spots is the Hat Yai Municipal Park which is the major recreation area in the city as it is surrounded by beautiful flowering plants and has a pond and an aviary. Another good place to visit is the Wat Hat Yai Nai which is the site of a big reclining Buddha measuring 35 meters long and 10 meters wide. There is also the Ton Nga Chang Waterfall which is considered as one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the South of Thailand.

For overseas visitors Hat Yai is where they can do a quick  visa run, which involves crossing the Thailand-Malaysia borders. A visit to this city or country will never be complete without getting a Thai massage and fortunately, Hat Yai is one of the best places to experience it. For those who want to improve their dental hygiene while on their trip, you may also visit the Prince Songkhla’s University’s College of Dentistry as their faculty offers excellent treatments at a very reasonable price.

This city also has the best places to shop like the Kim Yong Market which is the most famous shopping area as it has complete choices from food, electric appliances, beauty tools, chocolates, and more. When hungry, Thai street food is abundant anywhere in this city. Popular chains of international restaurants are also plenty here as well as dining places which offers Japanese, Chinese, or Western food.

When nighttime falls, tourists also have a lot of places to hangout to. You can drink a beer or just simply hangout at the bars and nightclubs that are surrounding the area. When sleep calls, it would not be problem since this city has abundance of accommodations to choose from. You can either choose to stay in the hotels in the center of the city, or opt for the ones located in a quiet area.

Going to Vegas? Maybe you are going on a last minute get away. Or possibly even traveling there for a business trip. Whatever your reason make sure you roll into Vegas with pockets stuffed full of money saving coupons. There are coupons for everything in Vegas from huge discounts on shows to free chips at the casinos. You can also find free places to eat if you are dedicated to saving money.

Las Vegas Where Else? Photo:marionzetta via flickr.com

There are coupons or discounts out there for just about activity you can think of including all shows, great discounts on high end hotels, free buffets, You can even get a free 18 hole round of golf at some resorts. All of these coupons are easy to come across. You can even go online and print these vouchers out.

I like to get my grubby little paws on some coupon books. A lot of the time you get them for free and sometimes you have to pay a couple bucks. I don’t mind paying 10-15 dollars for a coupon book when I get the money back after doing just one activity. Some that I would suggest are the LVA pocket book of values, the casino guide and also the entertainment book. All of these are great resources.

When it comes to staying in Vegas it’s a total different animal than lodging in most other areas. Most casinos in Las Vegas offer discounted rates for their hotels, because they know you are more likely to spend money in their casino if you are staying in their hotel. This is a great advantage to you. Its not unheard of to get rates as low as 12 dollars a night during the off season. Even during the busy season it is still very easy to find rooms for 35 bucks. I suggest hotels like circus circus, or the stratosphere both are good clean hotels on the strip that wont cost you an arm and a leg. The key here is to look around. I would recommend visiting online site priceline, hotels.com, Branson cheap hotels, and also visit the hotels actual website as they often offer online Las Vegas coupons.
I hope this is beneficial for you and wish you the best in your travels.

Aside from the natural beauty and resources, one of the main reasons why people visit Doi Suthep is because of the Wat Phra Doi Suthep, one of the holiest Buddhist temples in Thailand built in the 14th century. It is one of the most visited pilgrim sites especially when there are Buddhist holidays like the Makha Bucha held every February 13 and Visakha Bucha every May 11. The temple is crowned by an elaborate monument and is gold plated from top to bottom. People can take meditation courses here at the International Buddhism Centre which is located on the temple grounds.

Wat Pra Doi, Chang Mai, Photo: doloipete via flickr.com

Another important spot on Doi Suthep is the prestigious Bhubing Palace which is one of the vacation houses of the Thai Royal Family. When not in use by the royalty, the palace serves as the guest house for foreign dignitaries. The palace was built in 1961 and is open to the public most of the year except when the royal family is occupying it.

Other popular spots on this mountain are the hill tribe villages which have been existing for a thousand years already. There is also the Doi Suthep National Park which is fantastic place to bird watch and is also home to 300 hundred species. It has a flourishing forest ecosystem and has deciduous forests, and tropical evergreen forests. There are many flowers that are mixed among the trees that gives the air a fresh scent and also delights the eyes with their wonderful colors.

There are also small restaurants surrounding the National Park and near the Wat Phra Doi Suthep Temple and there are also some Chiang Mai accommodations nearby for those who wish to stay overnight.

I looked a bit further into budget airlines. After several days of research, double checking dates I ended up with an itinerary which looks like this:

Wellington-Melbourne Qantas on air miles
Melbourne-Kuala Lumpur Air Asia
Kuala Lumpur- Langkawi Air Asia
Krabi – Kuala Lumpur Air Asia
Kuala Lumpur – London (Stansted) Air Asia
Munich – London (Gatwick) EasyJet
London – Cork Ryan Air
Cork London Air Lingus
London – Kuala Lumpur Air Asia
Kuala Lumpur – Melbourne Air Asia
Melbourne – Wellington Qantas on air miles

Waitangi Park, Wellington, New Zealand

All of saved me US$700 on the trip. There are  few tricks you need to know though before you attempt this.

Other options out of this part of the world are Tiger Air (ex Australia) and JetStar (ex Australia, ex New Zealand from 2011).

Flight Booking Order
Once you have decided to book flights – have all the information lined up – each traveller’s passport and the dates you want to travel on. Be very cautious of flights that arrive at midnight and make sure you know which day they are on.

Do some dummy runs – to check prices – you will have to go right the way through to (but not including) entering your credit card details to confirm the prices.  Check dates on either side to see if there is a significant difference.

Once you are ready to book – double check everything – use the agent’s trick of reading aloud the information on the screen before you click confirm. Get a friend to listen to you preferably. Book the most expensive or longest sectors first and work out from there.

Credit Card Fraud Alert
All three off shore airlines (Air Asia, EasyJet and Ryan Air) alerted my credit card company to possible fraud, the company called me – fortunately I was answering the phone and all was OK. It would not have been OK if I had been doing this away from my contact numbers though – so advise your credit card company before you try to book flights – particularly those that don’t originate in the country you are booking from (the airlines know where in the world you are booking from).

Cheap Tickets Don’t Guarantee Connections
If you have an expensive ticket with a full-service airline and the connecting flight from say New Zealand is 6 hours late and you miss the connection – no problem the airline will put you up and rebook you at no extra cost. This is not the case with cheap fares – if you miss the second flight you will lose the ticket and have to buy another (more expensive) one.

The exception is that Air Asia now guarantees connections through KL for Australia to London flights. Otherwise I’d suggest you incorporate a stop over.

No Travel Agent To Hold Your Hand
Travel agents can be helpful – good ones will remind you to:

• ensure that you leave the airport’s minimum transit time between flights (though see above I’d recommend much more) – usually 2 to 4 hours
• advise what visas you will require
• tell you to buy travel insurance
• leave plenty of time to get to the airport – and sometimes to check in over the web to avoid extra charges and delays at the airport (Ryan Air, Air Asia)
• check which vaccinations are recommended for the countries you are travelling to

So if you have never travelled independently before, especially internationally then agents can be quite useful.

One thing they do is monitor the flights you have booked and tell you when flight times change (as they do from time to time). With cheap flights you will need to be onto any potential changes and keep an eye on your on-line booking (usually via the airline’s website).

And travel may be ticketless these days – but its not paperless. You will need to print out copies of your e-tickets for almost all flights – certainly all international ones. Telling the immigration officer that your proof of onward travel is on your netbook or iPhone isn’t going to cut it.

Photo: Jay Morrison via flickr.com

The cold weather gear is the expensive and heavier stuff to carry particularly a good pair of a walking shoes (you’ll wear sandals in the tropics), and good waterproof jacket (in the tropics you will get wetter under it with sweat than from the rain falling – use an umbrella instead).  If you are doing cold second and transiting through the same city twice – then leave your gear in an extra bag at the hotel and collect it when you return – most places in Asia will do this for free or next to nothing – if you stay with them of course.  If you are going on to hot weather after cold – consider mailing your warm gear home to yourself.

Items I almost always buy – and give away while travelling include:

• sun hats – almost impossible to carry, and baseball caps don’t count – you need a hat which protects the back of your neck particularly;
• umbrellas – these appear for sale as soon as it rains in the tropics – they are much more effective protection than a rain coat – and will stop you pack getting soaked through  - these can be useful in cold weather too so long as its not windy
• warm hat and gloves – too limited a use and too cheap to buy as required
• light weight shirts and shorts – available in any tourist area – cheap and usually will have fallen apart after a few weeks anyway – or bring old stuff and throw it as you leave the climate zone.

Ultra lightweight travellers almost always stick to warmer climates – so the reality is if you have to carry warm weather gear its going to take  up a bit more space – on the other hand if you are wearing it then it makes little difference to the size of your pack.

One other trick if the only cold weather you will get is on the way to the airport in your home country – or on the way home  - try to get friends to drop you. Then give them the heavy winter gear at the airport and ask them to pick you up with extra jackets on the way home!

Louvre, Paris - under snow Photo: mireira via flickr.com

First I should probably point out that this is not a ski trip – and most of Europe doesn’t get that cold – the snow on the Louvre is pretty but hardly typical. I never managed a white Christmas in London. This list is for temperatures down to about 0C and rain – oh lots of rain!

As I mentioned before – I have stuff that is on my packing list for  every trip:

• 3 pairs of cotton underwear, bras, swimsuit (lots of spas in Europe)
• prescriptions and glasses (I’m blind without them so a spare too)
• sarong – most multi-use device ever invented
• traveller’s towel, shampoo (replaces soap and laundry powder too), travel clothes line,

For cold weather travel I obviously don’t need shorts or skirts.  I do however need a decent waterproof pair of light weight shoes or boots.  Wet cobbles, as featured on many European streets are slippery and hard – you need good shoes.

If you are going to a wet climate you need a decent waterproof coat – these are  often quite bulky – find the one that packs down the best – but is still genuinely waterproof.

The trick with packing light for a cold climate is to leave the bulk out. Sweatshirts and polar fleeces are a fail here because they are too bulky. Instead my extra outlayer is merino wool, fine warm, even when wet and expensive. Nothing else comes close though for warmth/bulk ratio.

The other half of keeping warm is thermal underwear – either the original polypro which can get a bit smelly – or newer (and more expensive) merino variations.

You will also need some warm socks – I take 2 pairs and they are usually wool or wool-blend for warmth.

I will probably need a hat and gloves and maybe a scarf –  I  tend to buy  those on the road.

The Author Makes a Fashion Statement, Angkor Wat, Cambodia

So what would my packing list check list look like? Something like this:

Every trip:

• 3 pairs of panties – underwear – light weight cotton – doesn’t matter they won’t last the trip anyway. You can by super expensive, dry before you hang it up, survive for years stuff- or just use old ones and replace as required (every couple of months in my experience);
• bras – two pairs – I hate underwired bras and this all you can get in most of the world so I sometimes take 3 if I don’t think they will last the distance;
• sarong – can double as a sheet, towel, bag as well as be a skirt, a shawl, a dress
• swimsuit – usually a 2-piece tankini as it can double as underwear or even as an dressy top.
• prescription medicines, prescription glasses and a spare (because I am blind without them – or I’ll get another pair really cheap on arrival if I am flying to Asia).
• shampoo (doubles as soap and laundry washer), toothbrush, toothpaste (small), travel clothes line, a micro fibre towel if I am travelling really, really cheap (many hotels provide them in Asia).

Warm weather trip

• 1 pair shorts, loose, cotton not too short;
• 1 skirt either knee length in less conservative countries or calf length for countries that are a) conservative and b) don’t provide much more than a ladies side of the bus for conveniences.
• a lightweight pair of trousers for flying and when the mosquitoes are out in force
• a light sweatshirt or similar for planes and if I am going up any hills – often surprisingly cool even in the tropics
• soft light T-shirt which is mainly for sleeping but could also be a top if I need it to be., and is often sun protection over the swim suit.
• a couple of short-sleeved shirts – silk or light weight cotton.
• Teva or similar sports sandals.
• suntan lotion, insect repellant (tend to be cheaper at home)

I’ll probably buy on location

• sarong as above if I don’t already have one
• a sunhat – the good ones are rarely packable
• an umbrella – a great deal more useful that a waterproof coat in the tropics
• mosquito coils and matches

So by my count that gives me 4 bottoms (including the sarong) and 4 tops (including the tankini) – if you are clever with the colours and patterns they should all go together.   Black is not ideal for warm climates so I avoid it, and white for obvious reasons. I generally go for patterns on the top – to hide the dirt and khaki or mid blues on the bottom. One of the shirts will nicely coordinate with the tankini – for the whole beach to resort fancy restaurant look – trust me it works (and you don’t need a bra that day either!). Packing light is really quite easy – if you remember that almost every location will have shops.

Negril, Jamaca Photo nickhall via flickr.com

Although this tourist nation boasts many famous and well-appreciated hotels, Negril has been rated as one of tourists’ favorites, a top destination spot for most of Jamaica’s tourism. The area itself is rather secluded (around a two-hour drive from the Montego Bay airport, depending on road congestion and the aggressiveness of your chauffeur), but once you reach the region, you will be pleased to discover that it offers a wide variety of places to stay, from the pampering traditional international resorts to lesser rooms. This appeal to the full range of income is definitely a feature that attracts many.

But the hotels alone are not the only draw for tourists who visit Jamaica. While many international hotels try to provide native dishes to those visiting their country, often the best way to sample the real cultural palate is to adventure beyond the grounds into the city.  Resort staff in Negril will certainly be able to point you in the direction of a few excellent restaurants or joints that provide a spectrum of the very best native cuisine.  Many times the most traditional local foods are most savory when gotten from a roadside joint, especially a dish such as Jamaican jerk chicken, a common hot dinner dish known all over the country. For an extra-special dinner, check out any Negril restaurant you find. You can be sure the cooks will prepare native foods that keep tourists full and happy. So check out the local food if you are in Negril either as part of an independent travel adventure or as a package tourist.

River Cruise: Seine, Paris, France. Photo: Blue Barnacle via flickr.com

Do you know where nowhere is? It can be anywhere, can’t it? On land, air or by sea. In fact, in the cruise vacation industry, there’s even something called a cruise to nowhere.  You might be thinking, why would anyone go on a cruise to nowhere? What exactly is this type of cruise anyway?

A cruise to nowhere is when a ship stops at a port of call for repositioning. Before it goes to its next long term destination, it will take on passengers for a short inexpensive cruise trip out to sea for a couple of days and then come back again.

You might be wondering if this doesn’t defeat the purpose of travelling somewhere and going on vacation. Not necessarily if your goal is just to relax and have a fun time. After all, you are on a luxury boat and you have all the amenities to pamper yourself. You can go to the spa, enjoy facials, pedicures and manicures, and massages. You can enjoy fine dining or you can order room service. Or if quantity is more your style, then there is an all you eat buffet.

After you’ve finished relaxing and eating, there’s also great entertainment to occupy your time. You can listen to lounge singers or perhaps there’s someone performing in the theater. And if that isn’t enough for you, the entertainment cruise directors always have some team games organized for the travellers. You can meet your fellow passengers this way and who knows, you might have met a life long friend.

Therefore, even if a cruise to nowhere doesn’t go anywhere except out to the ocean and back, there’s still lots to sea and do on the boat. If you have never taken a cruise before, then a cruise to nowhere would be a wonderful place to start. They are inexpensive and short. It’s just to whet your appetite for something longer but in all likelihood, you’ll be sure to come back.

Asus EEEPC Netbook is Going On My Next Trip

Why Do You Want a Laptop When You Travel

Common answers are:

• a bit of web surfing, update my travel blog, write some emails

I’d suggest you consider going without one, frankly for ease of writing a diary – its hard to go past pen and paper, never needs recharging, resistant to moisture (within reason), can operate out of range – of everything including power

• heavy duty video editing and photo graphic work

Ouch – you are going to need a decent machine – probably a Macbook or a high end lightweight Sony Vaio or similar. Frankly you are going to be spending quite a lot of time and muscle looking after it.  You will probably want to spend a bit more on higher priced private rooms and consider taking taxis rather than buses depending on where you are travelling.

To be this is the only real reason why you’d need to be carrying your own netbook or laptop. I need to regularly check in with contractors, update documents, manage websites and correspond with clients. Although I could all of this from public machines its more secure and easier for me to have my own machine running my own password remembering app, it also makes it easier to work in quieter areas when I can get wireless in my room rather than competing with the teenage gamers in the Internet cafes.

Most people ask – should I take a laptop/netbook/iphone – the question is as unanswerable as “how much does it cost to travel” – it all depends.

Deciding to travel with any gadget because everyone else does, your mother wants you too, or you think it vaguely might be a good idea without actually knowing – sounds like a good reason for leaving that item home.

Can You Afford To Loose Your Laptop?

Never, ever take anything with you that will upset you i you lose it, have it stolen or drop it in the sea when boarding a speedboat in Thailand. If its very valuable double check that you have insurance for it – don’t just assume you are covered. But remember too you will still be seriously out of pocket even if the company believes your story.

Remember too – the data on your laptop is the really irreplaceable stuff – especially if it includes losing all your travel photos.  This really needs you probably need both a second drive and a cloud backup option such as SugarSync that allows you to backup as many directories as you want and is also handy for sharing files between computers.

You Can’t Just Travel With a Laptop

Part of the problem is that you need more than just a laptop. At a minimum you also need:

• power cable/transformer (and some of them are heavier than the flipping laptop – check that if you are buying);
• plug adapter assuming you are leaving your home country;
• an external hard drive, or pen drive to backup your laptop which should NEVER be in the same bag as the laptop;
• some decent case to protect the fairly delicate electronics (closed cell foam is best );
• a plastic bag to keep it  all dry;

So should a laptop or netbook be on your packing list – to be honest I don’t know – only you can form a rational answer to the question.

One way that you will be able to fight any type of problems that you may have with digestion when you are traveling is to get used to the food that is served in the country you are visiting. Thanks to the internet there are a ton of different recopies available that you can prepare from your home. You will want to find a recipe that you can use to prepare a few meals that are served in the country you are traveling to. This will help your system to start getting used to the foods that you are going to be eating while you are away from home.

Another thing that people do when they are traveling is take probiotics so that they will have enough good bacteria in their system. You body has plenty of bacteria present, both good and bad, that has different functions. The function of the good bacteria is to absorb the bad bacteria so that it does not cause you any problems. If you do not have enough good bacteria then you will experience problems with your digestive system that the bad bacteria will cause.

By taking probiotic supplements you will be able to make sure that your body has all of the good bacteria that it needs. There are several different dairy products that contain these probiotics that your body needs, but taking a supplement is always the best thing to do in order to ensure that you have enough. If you do not want your trip to be cut short or ruined by digestive problems when you are traveling then make sure to get enough probiotics.

Giza at Night Photo: Superblinkymac via flickr.com

About 30 minutes south of Cairo city centre, there is the Giza Plateau. This is the most famous of famous tourist attractions the Giza Pyramids  but you should also visit the Sphinx, Pyramid of Cheops and finally the Solar Boat Museum. If you have the time you should visit during the day and then in the evening as going there on different times give a unique experience.

The Egyptian Museum is very conveniently placed in the central metro area  of Cairo and is the home to priceless antiquities and art dating back to the early pharaohs. This art also includes the height of Egyptian civilization during the 18th as well as the 19th dynasty. There is a Mummy room on the right side after the steps in the Museum. It displays the remains of the Amenhotep II, Ramses II and Thuthmosis IV.

Most Egypt holiday packages should include the boarding of a Nile Cruise ship in Luxor or Aswan for a three night journey through the Egyptian Monuments. You can also have a hot air balloon ride very early in the morning for a better view of the rugged terrain and what is built on it. Egypt holiday packages cannot be complete without the trip to the Red Sea to enjoy the white powder sands. 40 years ago, there was nothing much to celebrate about Egypt but now you have an opportunity to have a classy vacation.

For the independent traveller Egypt is a very easy to navigate – the level of English is good in the tourist areas  and prices are so low that you can often negotiate a long-distance private taxi for much less than you’d pay for a package in your own country. After a few days in Cairo and Giza you can head to the south of the country via railway – its an overnight trip. Alternatively find a local tour operator to do a sailing trip down the nail. Based in Luxor its easy to arrange trips to both the Valley of the Kings and Aswan for the famous Abu Simble temples (which is several hours away).

Independent travel or package holiday Egypt is a fascinating tourist destination.

Backpacks On the Way to Koh Phi Phi, Thailand Photo: saucy_pan via flickr

• I’m backpacker – I intend to carry my bag, not pay porters.
• I travel overland by public transport – I need to get  through turnstiles onto a train platform or onto a bus – without gymnastics
• I travel long-haul on cheap airlines – and I don’t like paying overweight fees.
• I’m old and lazy – I don’t do gym workouts for fun.
• I’ve travelled enough to know that you can buy whatever you need, anywhere, and usually for less than at home.
• I’m girl – traveling with a guy – this only makes a slight difference.
• I work online so I need to stay in touch.

So who’s lists do I like:

AdventureRob recently did a post on What Travel Stuff. What I liked about Rob’s list :

• he knows that no one should ever travel with denim – ever.
• he understands that if you need stuff – you can buy it – particularly in Thailand.

What I disagree with:

• I wouldn’t carry an two external hard-drives. If I carry an external hard drive – I don’t – my partner does if I have the netbook and vice versa. I do backup online to the cloud though using a neat little service called SugarSync. I also have a thumb drive.
• I can’t see much point in having a cell phone – people have my email if they need to get in contact …

Wandering Earl has gone even lighter weight than Rob when he writes about What A Permanent Nomad Packs. He makes the excellent the point that the length of time you travel for is pretty irrelevant. What makes the difference is the climate – and although is 7.5kg list would work for me in Asia (well I’m a girl so I’d add some bras and a tankini – which would substitute for underwear and a dress up top). The big difference is climate. Now Earl admits to a warm weather guy – but he’s heading to Turkey and Syria soon – now I hit Turkey in March – and admired the snow on the minarets – and litterally froze my – well all parts of my body – at Crac de Chevalliers in Syria in April – I really think Earl might need something windproof/waterproof and a warm layer.

So what is my packing list? – Have to wait for next time!

Less is always better... Photo: Shanghai Daddy via flickr

So before  I shared how and why I pack – I thought I would talk about some really dumb packing lists – I found them pretty easily – I Googled “travel packing list” – after all Google is the greatest search engine isn’t it – so surely it should know which are the best packking lists? Well actually it came up with a couple which weren’t bad – but here are some of the howlers I found on page 1:

Your Caribbean Travel Check List – huh I never mentioned the Caribbean – but even if  Iwas going there I don’t think I would be taking their recommendations of travellers cheques, shower cap, nightgown, spot remover (you or the nightgown) or calling cards (I think they mean the ones we used before cellphones not visitor calling cards..)

Travellerspoint – did a little better – though they still wanted me to carry travellers cheques (and the receipts – so you invalidate the money back guarantee on them), a sleeping bag, “walkman” speakers (do they work with iPhones?), skis and ski boots (never travel without them) hair gel.

Rick Steves claims to be all about light weight travel to Europe – but surely not with his packing list for women which includes 2 pairs of shorts and 2 pairs of pants and 2 skirts and (thankfully optional) – couple of dresses! And don’t forget the scarf ladies (what the hell do you do with a scarf anyways?)

Packing Lists Online at least recognised that if I was travelling with children and doing a road trip I would probably be taking different items than if I was an ultra light backpacker with an interest in golf – but my extra light, no kids, female list still told me that I needed food and snacks for the journey (these will get you severly fined if you travel to import food into Australia or New Zealand), I would also probably need a beach mat …

So what – you might ask would I recommend in a the way of packing list – well stay tuned …

First you will need a few things to start with:

• some idea of what dates you want to travel and how flexible you can be
• Air Asia route map: essentially from Australia they fly ex Perth, Gold Coast or Melbourne all to Kuala Lumpur. From KL there are regular flights to Stansted (near London, UK).
• an exchange rate calculator – I like xe.com
• if you are flying from New Zealand you will need to have your frequent flyer  points or other airfare options to Australia sorted out.
• some thoughts on what extras you are going to pay for these include:
  • luggage
  • allocated seating – both extra room but also just to seat your party together
  • meals
  • comfort kit (blanket, eye mask etc – you get to keep this so you can buy once and reuse)

Working Out Whether Air Asia Is Cheaper

To find the acutal cost on any day – you will need to work your way through the booking system – this will include having to add passenger names and passport details – yes it will take a few hours. Finally though you will get to the “pay now” screen – and that is the real cost of the ticket.

Recently Air Asia has stated that  Australia -UK flights can be booked as connection flights ie you can transit Malaysia rather than enter and leave immediately – and if the first flight is delayed you will be re-booked on a later flight. In general though – if you are making connections I’d leave at least 12 hours to be on the safe side.  We are overnighting  in both Melbourne and KL in both directions.

You should probably look at buying travel insurance – though I’d avoid Air Asia’s upsell of travel insurance (be careful – its very easily to inadvertently accept it!). Though in general Air Asia’s flights will allow you to reschedule up until 48 hours prior to flying.

Air Asia - Cheapest Flight New Zealand UK

Connecting Flights with Long Haul Budget Airlines

In general flights with airlines such as Air Asia are point to point. That means if, for example your connection to Melbourne is 5 hours late – and you miss your flight to Kuala Lumpur – tough luck – no one will be paying you for the extra costs involved – which include having to buy a new ticket to KL. (Not even your travel insurance from what I can tell).

Where Do You Arrive in KL

There is only one airport in KL – but the two main terminals are about 20km apart! Air Asia uses LCCT – the “low cost carrier” terminal. This is not the one connected to the super-fast train into KL. Instead you might as well take the upsell of the Air Asia bus to town for a few ringitt.

Luggage and Cheap Flights

Is a nightmare to be honest. Air Asia will allow you to buy between 15kg and 30kg – which is straightforward – but many of the European budget airlines only allow you one piece of luggage – 2 bags even if less than 20kg will mean you have to pay more (often more than the original airfare).  So if you intend to fly at your destinati0n as well- double check  the luggage requirements on ALL of your carriers – you certainly won’t get a waiver because you just flew into the country!