Archive for the ‘Travel Tips to European’ Category

Luxury Holidays at Budget Rates - How You Too Can Achieve This

Thursday, September 11th, 2008

Traveling is often seen as a luxury that can be afforded only by some and necessitates saving over several months or years in order to get the holiday that you want. This does not have to be the case. With a bit of careful thought and a lot of planning, it really is possible to travel on a budget. Like many things in life, taking a quality budget vacation is all about knowing where to look to ensure that you have the right information. Of course, traveling on a budget means different things to different people. Some would consider a budget holiday to involve backpacking and camping.

This type of holiday can be done on a budget relatively easily; the real skill arises when you are trying to get a luxury holiday for a budget price. It can be accomplished easily if you have the right tools at hand. And by tools, I mean knowing where to find the quality information that allows you to pay less than other holiday goers. The Travel Industry Association of America estimated that the average family spends over $2,200 a year on an extended vacation.

This is an enormous amount. If you save just 10% of that amount, think how it will add up over the years. Interestingly, paying more does not necessarily guarantee you a better holiday. Whenever you are on vacation, you will probably be surrounded by other families, some of which have paid more than you for the vacation and others which have paid significantly less, and lets face it, which family would you like to be?.

Looking at this from another perspective, spending less on getting to your destination and your accommodation allows you to spend more where you are at, or to have two holidays a year instead of just the one. One book that gives a wealth of budget travel tips is Budget Travel

Article by Gail Burton of http://www.legaids.com a site dedicated to mobility information and products where you can find information related to varicose veins and other venous conditions.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gail_Burton

Travel tips to European Countries: Ukraine

Monday, August 25th, 2008

About the county

Ukraine which is located in Eastern Europe is one of the largest country in that region of Europe bordering Russia in the northeast, Belarus in the north, Poland, Slovakia and Hungary in the west, Romania and Moldova in the southwest and also Black Sea and Sea of Azov in the south. It is a popular tourist destination especially for tourists from Western Europe and North America. The main selling point is the rich historical character of the country with as many five hundred cities dating back as early as nine hundred years. Visitors are spellbound by the architectural beauty of Ukraine. Kiev is the capital and the largest city of Ukraine where most travelers begin their journey.

Population & Languages

Ukraine has a population of roughly 46.7 million and the official language is Ukrainian. The other languages spoken here are Russian, Romanian, Polish and Hungarian.

Electricity

Voltage - 220 volts, Frequency - 50Hz. Standard European Round pin attachment plug

Geographic Location

Ukraine is located in Eastern Europe bordering Russia in the northeast, Belarus in the north, Poland, Slovakia and Hungary in the west, Romania and Moldova in the southwest and also Black Sea and Sea of Azov in the south. The strategic location of Ukraine between Asia and Europe made it a transportation hub in the region.

Local Customs

Ukrainians are warm hearted and welcoming people. Casual dressing is mostly worn here though it will be a good idea to wear smartly for theatres. Small gifts are appreciated. Tipping is not very common; service is usually included in fine restaurants and hotel bills.

Places to see
St Sophia Cathedral – As old as nine centuries, it is one of the architectural marvels of Ukraine.
Kiev-Pechersk Lavra (Caves Monastery) – These caves are as old as one millennium and dating back to 11th century.
Great Patriotic War Museum
Statue of the Motherland, Kiev

Travel

By Air – The national airline of Ukraine is Ukrainian International Airlines. In collaboration with Aer Fi Group and Austrian Airline it links Kyiv to Amsterdam, Barcelona, Berlin, Brussels, Copenhagen, Frankfurt, Lisbon, London, Madrid, Milan, Paris, Rome, Rotterdam, Vienna and Zurich. There is one more airline in Ukraine called Air Ukraine which serves relatively less number of European cities. Lviv is also connected to New York, Warsaw and Washington. It is connected to Turkey through Simferopol and to UK through IvanoFrankivsk. The major airport is Boryspil State International Airport (KBP) which is located twenty five miles from Kiev.

By Sea – The primary ports of Ukraine are Izmail and Odessa which are situated on the River Danube. The ferry services connect Ukraine with Russia and Georgia. They also connect various cities on the Black Sea and the Mediterranean Sea. Sevastopol is the port which connects Istanbul, Turkey.

By Rail – Ukraine has approximately 14,000 miles of railway tracks linking most towns and cities. Kyiv and Lviv are the main stations which connect with Moscow on a daily basis. Ukraine also has direct lines to Berlin (Germany), Budapest (Hungary), Warsaw (Poland) and Bucharest (Romania).

By Road – Ukraine has an extensive network of roads with approximately 107,000 mile of road network out of which nearly 18,000 mile is main or national roads.

Duty Free Items
1. Up to 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250 gm tobacco
2. 1 liter spirit over 22% or 2 liter wine or 32 liter beer
3. Goods for personal use with a combined value of €200

Travel tips to European Countries: UK

Sunday, August 10th, 2008

About the county

The United Kingdom also called as England or Great Britain is the country which once ruled nearly the entire world a century ago. The glory might have been lost but people are still proud of their country and heritage. It has come a long way from a colonial empire to a member of the EU. The country comprises mainly of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The country is full of scenic locales and energetic cities. Also the county is home to nearly two million heritage points. The capital city of UK is London. A city beyond comparison, representing itself as an icon of diversity with people from different races, creeds and all walks of life blended into its culture. It is also home to many architectural marvels and one of them is the London Bridge. While York and Durham manifests the bygone era of country, Liverpool and Newcastle are modern industrial marvels. Not to forget the scenic Lake District and Edinburg still attract people from all over the world.

Population & Languages

The population is around 61 million and the official language is English. Other regional languages spoke are Welsh, Scottish Gaelic, and Irish etc.

Electricity

The voltage is 230-240 V and the frequency is 50 Hz. The type of plug used is rectangular blade.

Geographic Location

It is located in Western Europe and consists of islands including the northern one-sixth of the Ireland. It is 22 miles from the France border and linked by a under sea tunnel. The terrain is mostly rolling lowlands and low mountains.

Climate

It has a moderate climate but lots of rain with around half of the years being overcast. The lowest temperatures never go below −15 °C (5 °F) and in summer the average maximum is 34 °C (93.2 °F). It also gets snow in winter and early spring.

Local Customs

The handshake is customary when you are meeting somebody for the first time. When visiting someone’s house a small gift like flowers or chocolates is customary. Waiting till everyone is served before eating is also one of the etiquettes. Tipping is usually 10-15% in hotels, restaurants and taxis. Smoking and non-smoking areas are clearly designated and thus should be taken care of.

Places to see

London – Buckingham Palace, Hampton Court Palace, Kensington Palace, Whitehall Palace and the Tower of London
Scotland - The Bannockburn Heritage Centre and Ben Lawers Mountains
Wales - Aberdulais Falls, King Arthur’s Labyrinth, Dolaucothi Gold Mines, Great Orme Mines, Portmeirion Village, Rhossili Visitor Centre, Taff Valley Activity Centre and TechinQuest

Travel

By Air – The domestic airlines is British Airways which also connects almost all major world destinations. Almost all airlines connect UK through London which is hub for all international flights between east to west and west to east. Heathrow and Gatwick are international airports of London.

By Sea – Since UK is surrounded by water from almost all sides it has many ports. There are many ferry services operating between Europe and UK.

By Rail – Trains connect Ferries at Dover, Folkestone, Newhaven, Portsmouth and Weymouth, sailing for Belgium, France, Germany and Spain (you need to board at Victoria Station in London); and at Harwich, sailing for Germany, The Netherlands and Scandinavia (you need to board at Liverpool Street). Eurostar train connects London with Brussels and Paris through channel tunnel.

By Road – The vehicles can enter UK through channel tunnel. Cars and motorcycles, coaches, minibuses, caravans, campervans and other vehicles over 1.85m (6.07ft) can also use channel tunnel. Bicycles are also provided for.

Duty Free Items
1. Up to 3200 cigarettes
2. 400 cigarillos or 200 cigars
3. 1 liter spirit over 22% or 2 liter wine or 32 liter beer
4. Perfumes
5. Gifts up to ₤145

Travel Tips to European Countries: Switzerland

Thursday, July 3rd, 2008

About the country

Switzerland is blessed with all the bounties of nature. It is the most preferred tourist destination among all the countries in the world. The Alps region has a cold weather most of the times, where as the summers are warmer in the northern area. Visit Saas Fee to ski and snowboard. Dream of living in real life igloo can come true as many resorts, like Zermatt and St Moritz (which is a celebrity resort), had them built for their customers.

Culture

Italian, German and French are the official languages of Switzerland. Many English people can also be found here. Unwrapped flowers must be presented to the host to show appreciation. White asters and chrysanthemums flowers are reserved for funerals, so precaution must be taken when presenting flowers to others, even red roses are better avoided. One can move around in casuals but it is important to dress in warrant jackets and ties when attending social gatherings or when eating out at a fine restaurant. Swiss Franc is the currency used here.

Shopping

Switzerland is famous for its exotic chocolates, finest handmade clocks and luxury watches. Other specialties are embroidered linen, music boxes, wood carvings, Swiss cheese and Swiss army knives. Many shops remain close on Monday, so shopping should be avoided on that day. Since service charge is applied on all services, so tipping is an issue of free-will. 7.6% VAT is charged on all purchases made in Switzerland, which can be reclaimed later by asking for a global refund check, if the purchase crosses 400 CHF.

Electricity

The standard current used is 230 volts (AC) and 50 Hz.

Getting There

Swiss airline is the national airline of Switzerland, which connects to 71 destinations all over the world. Zurich is the most popular airport, located at a distance of 11km from the city. Every 15 minutes, trains shuttles passengers to their destination. Fly-Rail Luggage ticket can be bought if the passengers want to collect their luggage at the railways station rather than the airport. While leaving Switzerland, Fly-Rail Baggage service can be availed that enables passenger to check-in their luggage at the railway station itself. Other facilities provided here are duty free shops, banks, restaurants and car hire. Check out Geneva, Basle and Bern airport for offers.

Since weather conditions are worst during the winters, train is an efficient and cheaper option. They are also great if one wants to enjoy the scenic beauty of Switzerland. Swiss Pass can be purchased to visit most of the tourist attractions in Switzerland.

High quality roads are maintained here. Roads connect to Austria, Germany, Italy and France. But in winters things can get worse, so it is better to carry chains and snow tires. Cars should be kept to the right.

Duty Free Items

a) Visitors from European countries

200  cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco
2 liter of alcohol (up to 15 per cent) and 1liter of alcohol (over 15 per cent)

(b) Visitors from non-European countries

400 cigarettes or 100 cigars or 500g of tobacco
2liter of alcohol (up to 15 per cent) and 1liter of alcohol (over 15 per cent)

Meat items, narcotics and absinthe are strictly not permitted. Other items that come under the prohibited items list are firearms and animals.

Rolling on the River and Rocking on the Land of Europa

Monday, June 30th, 2008

The best way to discover the grandeur of Europe is through European River cruise. These cruises take you to the heart and soul of the magnificent places in Europe. They will take you across a place of castles, vineyards, mountains, beautiful waters, and exposed you to a very warm culture. Big cruise ships will take you along the coasts while sails will take you to unforgettable landscapes that inspired thinkers and great artists.

One famous stop for all tourists is Italy. Italy tours can be customized according to your budget. Most find it practical to join groups. Group packages bring the costs down. A guided Italy vacation on a cruise will sound like this:

Unforgettable moments full of magic will unravel as you see the sights and culture rich places day by day– All this aboard a seemingly floating hotel. Most luxury ships that embark for a European river cruise are multi-decked with amenities such as a number of bars, spas, gyms, and rooms fit for kings and queens.

The Italy tours may kick off in Rome. A guided tour will lead you to the landmarks not to be missed. One must see the Basilicas, ancient ruins, arts, food, and of course souvenir shops. After Rome, head off to Savona in the region of Liguria, North Italy where the famous navigator Christopher Columbus once lived. In Savona pass by the Priamar an old fortress build during the 16th century. In this city, you can visit the famous Cappella Sistina or the Sistine Chapel.

You ride will take you to your next stop, Barcelona in Spain. This is the most extravagant and elegant city where the 1992 Summer Olympics was held. Explore with the group the old quarters built in the 1300’s, the castles, and stores where you can buy local goods. Enjoy the night in Placa Real know for its palm trees along the road which leads to the lively cafes. While in Barcelona, visit The Cathedral of the Holy Family or Sagrada Familia.

On your way back to your Italian vacation the group will drop by the island of Palma Mallorca where the rich and the ordinary find their own haven. The European river cruise will then bring you to port of La Valleta in Malta where the famous Knights of John headquartered in the 1530’s.

Next to your Italy tours will be a drop off in Palermo, one of the most populated cities of Italy. Palermo is situated in the region of Sicily in Southern Italy. Food lovers go wild in this gastronomic city. There are also churches, palaces, and museums that your guide can show you. An old Opera House, the Teatro Massimo gives you a glimpse of the Italian theatre scene.

A short European river cruise like this exposes you to the life in Spain and Italy. During Italy tours like this never forget your camera to capture all the precious moments of your Spain and Italy vacation.

Caitlina Fuller is a freelance writer. One famous stop for all tourists is Italy. Italy tours can be customized according to your budget. Most find it practical to join groups. Group packages bring the costs down. A guided Italy vacation on a cruise will sound like this.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Caitlina_Fuller

Travel tips to European Countries: Sweden

Sunday, June 29th, 2008

About the county

Beautiful and clean, the peaceful Sweden is a land of cultural diversity with a mix of Danish and Wild Arctic North influences. One can also get the feel of urban living in its beautiful and sophisticated cities and at the same time one can feel the tranquility in the countryside. Sweden is full of charm with scenic medical villages, islands, lakes and forests dotting its landscape.
Most of Sweden’s area is covered by forests and not to forget thousands of lakes. One of the beauties of Sweden is its islands and one cannot go without seeing these islands. They offer the most scenic and beautiful experience to any visitors. Stockholm is the capital of Sweden, a city with 14 islands dotted with great restaurants, nightclubs, pubs and artistic grandeur. Wherever you go most people speak English. If visitors want to have a taste of seafood the west coast is the place to be. Also it is popular for ancient city Uppsala. Do no miss a trip to the Ice Hotel which is sculpted from ice each winter in Lapland. Sweden is an exciting country with great roads and state of the art high speed train system.

Population & Languages

Sweden has a population of around 9 million and the official language is Swedish. Lapp is spoken by Sami people in the north. Most people speak English fluently and also many speak German and French.

Electricity

Voltage - 230 volts, Frequency - 50Hz. Standard European 2-pin plugs are used.

Geographic Location

Sweden is a Nordic country lying in the Scandinavian Peninsula and is the fifth largest country in Europe. Its west neighbor is Norway; Finland in the northeast, the southwest border is surrounded by Skagerrak and Kattegat straits and the west coast is surrounded by Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Bothnia. Majority of the area is forest and there are thousands of lakes mostly in the Southern part of Sweden.

Local Customs

Like any other country Sweden has its own customs too. It is customary not to drink until the host makes a toast. Smoking is prohibited in most public areas. It is also customary to say Tack f๖r maten to the host after having a meal which means thanks for the food.  Casual dress is acceptable for everyday wear and formal wear for social gatherings. Also tipping up to ten percent is customary for service in restaurants and around same percent for taxis also.

Places to see

Stockholm – The biggest city and capital of Sweden and is one of the most beautiful cities of the world. The old town is a treat for your eyes and a walk around city’s waterways and parks is an experience to cherish. Most visitors prefer walking around on foot and visit the medieval part of Gamla Stan. The city is basically constituted by archipelagos which are outstandingly scenic and can be explored by cruises.

Gothenburg – it is the second biggest city of Sweden. Not to be missed attraction in this city is Liseberg, a world class amusement park. It is home to popular museums like Ostindiska huset, Konstmuseet and Sj๖fartshistoriska museet.
Vadstena - The Renaissance castle Vadstena slot & klosterkyrkan.

Visby – Port of Visby, ruins of Drotten, St Nicolai, St Lars and St Carin, cathedral of St Maria and Gotlands Fornsal historic musem.

Oland – Fort of Graborg, Eketorp museum and ruins of Borgholm Castle.

Travel

By Air – It is well connected to the rest of the world by air. Many international airlines serve Sweden apart from its national airlines SAS. The other airlines are Air Canada, Air France, Aeroflot, British Airways, Finn air, Lufthansa, Ryan air etc.

By Sea – The ferries connect Sweden with other destinations such as New Castle, Copenhagen, and St. Petersburg etc.

By Rail – Trains connect Ostend, Sweden to London. It is also connected to Denmark by Eurostar train.

By Road – Visitors from UK can drive to Sweden through Demark or Germany

Duty Free Items
1. Up to 200 cigarettes or 250 gm tobacco
2. 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars
3. 1 liter spirit over 22% or 2 liter wine or 32 liter beer
4. Perfumes
5. Gifts up to SEK 1700.

Tips to Enjoying a Great European Vacation

Friday, June 20th, 2008

When it’s time to consider heading for Europe and a bit of relaxing, quiet time, then it is time to start shopping for your European vacation.

There are many different packages available including the romantic city of Paris, London, French countryside, Spain, Rhine, Switzerland, just to start with. But perhaps designing your own Europe vacation is the way to really achieve the vacation of your dreams.

First there is the planning. Before beginning to book your European trip, do some research to have a better idea of accommodations, travel, and popular sites, and decide where and what you’d really like to see.

Planning your holiday can be a joy in itself. Whether your research on the Internet or head for a travel agency to gather the wonderful brochures, make sure they specialize in dealing with trips to Europe.

It’s important before booking that you consult with an expert in travelling abroad so that you’ll have an easy time through customs, with languages, and getting around in a foreigh country. There are plenty of websites and travel agencies that will be happy to consult about your trip abroad.

Also, planning for a European trip, you’ll want to know more about the countries, their language, culture and the possibility of cultural taboos.

There’s plenty of diversity in Europe, and it’s important to study each area that you’re considering visiting. Although you may think there are small differences between places such as Ireland and Scotland, there is a variety and special taboos do apply for individual country.

Before heading out on your Europe vacation, be sure to take a bit of time and at least learn some basics of the language. Although not common, there is a chance that you could wind up in an area where English is spoken by limited members of the community and it could be difficult to find your way around or find help when needed.

Also, make sure that you’re allowing enough time for your Europe trip. There’s nothing worse than winding up exhausted day after day without a day of rest, plan in several significant days of rest, especially on a long trip.

Having enough rest to enjoy your trip is just as vital as the trip itself. You also do not want to be missing out on time to see wonderful sites, because of an over rushed itinerary.

If you’re looking for budget European vacations, there are plenty available and you can find airlines that have cheap airline fares as well as transfers and accommodations available.

It is best to research all of this before you even begin to plan your trip so you can take advantage of low budget fares and daily rates at hotels. And you may perhaps want to plan for an interspersing of splurge days, when you pay a little more for upgraded accommodation and some extra luxuries.

Take the time to study the countries that you will be visiting on your European vacation and consult with a professional concerning customs, language differences and even cultural taboos.

Taking the time to plan your trip well in advance can ensure that you’re going to enjoy the dream vacation you’ve always planned when you take your European vacation.

You could find your own paradise in a European Vacation. When it comes to vacationing in Europe and choosing a European vacation there are so many activities available and sites to see that planning your vacation can be quite an experience in itself.

Here are a few choices that you can look into for your vacation in Europe, try not to become overwhelmed with all the available activities and sites.
When it comes to architecture, arts, and crafts, you can find plenty of designs and styles available in Europe. You’ll be able to take in private and public sites and crafts fairs and see all kinds of unique architectural designs.

The Eiffel Tower is one of the most glamorous and exciting places to visit as well as canals in Amsterdam. You also may want to see Barcelona, and the house of parliament in London. All of these places, and much more, can be arranged in a single vacation to Europe.

You’ll also have a choice to see some amazing history as in Victorian England, Rome, Napoleonic France, Greece and the Ottoman Empire of Turkey, Spanish conquistadors as well as a history of the Loch Ness and the high mountains of Austria. Again, you can choose a European vacation that includes all of the above in one single trip.

Of course, museums are an option when touring Europe and you may want to visit those in Paris, Russia, the Roman’s Vatican, Germany Museum’s and of course London’s British Museum has one of the continent’s treasures.

When it comes to festivals at each of your European stops you can find out what festivals are going on at the time of your visit. Festivals are a wonderful way to immerse yourself in a local culture and to see the locals enjoy themselves in their own choice of festivities.

You may also choose a European health spa vacation that takes you around the country with natural methods of healing, warm and rejuvenating spas, and try classic healing methods that have their basis in the roots of history. Europeans enjoy pampering themselves in many ways including food, fashion and design and of course spas and health treatments, you too can join in those in the European continent by booking a vacation that includes European health spas.
When it comes to touring Europe you can actually see everything that you desire in one trip by planning carefully.

There are many guiding companies that will help you plan your dream European vacation that can include history, cultural, wildlife, architectural visits, health spa, fashion and design and festivals galore.

Although it can be overwhelming to begin your adventure by planning your European vacation, use your Internet connection and design your trip around those things that you would like to see and do in Europe.

Be prepared to ensure the safety of passports and travel papers and monies. Think ahead for security to avoid unfortunate mishaps or the risk of being a victim.

Plan your luggage, as carrying weighty luggage can become very tiresome. If you plan ahead, check expected climatic details, and minimise your clothing to practical basics that can mix and match, wash and wear, and travel light and tightly packed, then your will have more freedom and flexibility in your travels.

Europe can be a busy, glorious and enlightening vacation, so make the most of it. And, of course, return often.

Courtesy Jules Hawk. For Tips and Information about European Vacations, visit: http://www.europe.muchtravelled.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jules_Hawk

Travel Tips to European Countries: Spain

Thursday, June 12th, 2008

About The Country

Spain is famous world wide for its flamenco dancers and bullfights. The architecture reflects the Moroccan style. Cave paintings, renaissance cathedrals, Moorish palaces prove the diversity of the country. Spring, fall and early summer are very pleasant here, though summers are hot.

Culture

Spanish is the regional language of Spain. English is also widely spoken here. Over the period of time, Spanish people have become modern in order to gel with the changing times and are no longer conservative. But that hasn’t changed the values, traditions, manners and customs of the locals. People here have two surnames; the first surname can be used to refer to the person. To greet someone, a handshake will do the job. Take a small gift along when visiting someone’s house. Save the flowers for special occasions. Dinner is generally taken very late in the night. People wear casuals most of the time. Men are expected to wear jackets at some restaurants. Swimsuits should be confined to the pools and beaches. Recently a ban has been applied on smoking in public places.

Shopping

Shops open quite early in the morning and stay open late in the evening. In the afternoon, they are closed for lunch or siesta. Porcelain and leather goods are famous and they will be good gifts for friends and family members back home. Bills are to be paid along with the service charges, so tipping is a matter of gratitude.

Electricity

Voltage is 220 volts and frequency is 50 Hz

Getting There

IBERIA is the national airline of Spain. Many other low-cost airlines offer services in the country. There are nearly thirty international airports in Spain, out of which Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Alicante and Malaga are famous.
Madrid located at 13km away from the city has a good bus service every fifteen minutes. Underground service also works to transport passengers to their destinations. Other facilities offered at this airport are duty free shops, bank, restaurant, tourism information, and hotel reservations.

Barcelona is very close to the city, situated at a distance of 3 km only. Buses are available every 15 minutes and trains are available every 20 minutes. Taxis are available throughout the day. Duty free shops, restaurants, bank, car hire and tourism information are available here.

There is a good network of roads connecting Spain north to south. Toll booths are installed in some parts of the country. Carrying few Euros will help smooth sailing at the toll booths. If driving one’s private car, it would be better if the travel insurance covers medical costs too. Carrying a medical kit can prove to be of some help.

Duty Free Items

1. 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos 50 cigars or 250g tobacco (300 cigarettes, 150 cigarillos, 70 cigars and 400g of tobacco for EU nationals)
2. 1litre of spirits if exceeding 22 per cent volume or 2 litres of alcoholic beverage not exceeding 22 per cent volume and 2 litres of wine (1.5 litre exceeding 22 per cent and 3 litres of up to 22 per cent and 5 litres of wine for EU nationals)
3. 250ml eau de toilette and 50g of perfume
4. 500g of coffee or 200g of coffee extract (1000g of coffee and 4000g of coffee extract for EU nationals)
5. 100g of tea or 40g of tea extract
6. Gifts up to the value of approximately €37.26.

10 Essential Trip and Travel Tips

Saturday, May 17th, 2008

1) Travel Smart

This applies for first time travelers, backpackers, 5-star hotel stayers and avid travelers. Always be aware of your surroundings, theft frequency, known tourist scams, and the political stability of the area. Have fun but make sure you know how to get back to your hostel or hotel. Traveling and partying in foreign places is definitely a lot of fun but things can change quickly!

2) Pack Lots of Layers

So you’re traveling through Europe in the summer and don’t think you need anything but shorts and a t shirt? The best thing to do is to pack clothes that can layer and keep you warm but also keep you cool. Trains, airplanes, airports and hostels can go from really chilly at night to really hot - so be prepared for all climates. And socks - don’t forget lots of socks.

3) Journal Everything

Grab a Moleskine Notebook and carry it with you everywhere. Sketch, take notes, write, jot, record your expenses, Haiku, write a song, a poem or a book - or write down the name and contact info of that old man you met in the café who made you change your career in just one conversation. Traveling can open your eyes but don’t forget to capture the moment for all it’s worth!

4) Use Your Camera Wisely

In the spirit of “capturing the moment,” travelers and photographers have become on in the same. But - I argue that it’s important to “use your camera wisely.” You may want to take a picture of every street, every stone and every fallen column at the Acropolis - and that’s fine. Just don’t let your wanting to capture the moment - keep you from enjoying the moment right then and there.

5) Be Fearless - Try Anything and Everything At Least Once

Okay, so maybe eating sheep intestines cooked in a stomach - isn’t really your thing. Maybe you’d rather wear your sneakers than typical leather sandals. No matter what your preference, there’s no better time or place to try something new than when you’re traveling. From customs and rituals to cultural garbs to quirky cultural foods - try it at least once - and if you’re not a fan, then at least you can say you gave it a shot.

6) Plan & Research - But Not Too Much!

We’re not trying to kill your spontaneous spirit - but you actually really do get more out of your travels when you have at least some idea of where you’re going and what you can see, try, or do when you’re there. So plan a rough schedule, learn about the destinations and sights - or bring a guidebook with you that you can read while you’re there. Stay flexible and play it by ear once in a while - that’s when real adventures begin!

7) Take Your Time

When you plan your holidays, be sure to give yourself a little rest. There’s no point stressing yourself to wake up and line up early in the morning to get into museums if it will give you more anxiety than peace and relaxation! Take your time - sip a coffee in a café and watch people walk by. Step back from the busyness of a tourist and enjoy your surroundings while you can.

8) Keep Friends + Family Informed

Don’t spend an hour each day in the internet café writing extensive blog posts of your whereabouts, where you went and what you did. Make quick posts, update your status on Facebook, make a new tweet on Twitter or send off a quick email to let people know where you are, where you’re staying and if there’s an emergency, how to reach you.

9) Always Carry a Map

When you travel, it’s time to put away your pride - and carry a map. You don’t have to take it out - just bring it with you so that you can find your way around and if you get lost, you’ll be glad you had it. If you’re keen, you can mark the path you walked to trace it later or just to remember where you’ve been! Keep a subway map and schedule with you, too!

10) Don’t Freak Out

There’s always a solution. Ok, so you missed your train by 2 minutes - another one will come (even if it’s tomorrow!). Missing flights, stolen passports or extortion by the police will resolve itself. The important thing is that you’re not hurt and safe. Relax and come up with a concrete solution to getting to your next destination or contacting your embassy, in the case of a lost passport. The worst thing you can do is freak out!

Gizelle Lau, TripAtlas.com

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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Giz_Lau

Vacations Specializing In All Inclusive Packages

Saturday, May 17th, 2008

Of all the places in the world, it is the Caribbean that is the centre for vacations specializing in all inclusive packages. This is such a popular area of the world that all inclusive Caribbean vacations now outnumber bed and breakfast vacations booked on the islands. Some attribute the popularity of the Caribbean islands to the predominance of this type of vacation; however, there really isn’t any basis for this belief.

In all likelihood it is just the fact that all inclusive Caribbean vacations are becoming more popular generally as they are more cost effective; especially for people that like to know there are few other financial outlays to expect. There are even specialist packages, so it doesn’t matter what your interest or requirements are you can guarantee they will be met. For people that already have family on the islands, their requirements are minimal; there is generally no need for anything other than a flight to be arranged.

It is one of those destinations where it an all inclusive Caribbean vacation option is the most affordable. Many tour operators offering this facility will have options of cheaper transportation and accommodation than would otherwise be accessible to the independent traveler. Although many independent travelers would never consider arranging a ‘package’ vacation like this. It is surprising, even now, just how many people that book an all inclusive vacation aren’t aware of what they are actually going to get for their money.

Every vacation includes the accommodation and that is the only consistent part of a vacation except where a flight has been booked on its own. Whilst the level of meals offered may differ in other vacation packages, with this type, generally all food is included in the cost; in fact many types of board only include a continental breakfast as part of the arrangement. Surprisingly, there are still a number of people that believe that a full board vacation is the same as an all inclusive one.

There is actually quite a big difference when you consider an all inclusive Caribbean vacation that supplies all food and drink but a full board arrangement only includes three meals each day. Many hotels will also supply their guests with discount vouchers for events, entertainment and meals for example; normally there will be an additional (usually lower) cost attached nevertheless. Most all inclusive Caribbean vacations will however, normally include all these as part of the package; usually entertainment and often excursions are part of the price, which does make it easier to enjoy a wonderful location without the need to carry any money around.

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