tips for travel

Air Mattresses - Convenience and Comfort in One Package

2009-09-07T07:03:00.009-07:00

Air mattresses are traditionally used for short duration situations such as vacationing
or crashing at your friends house after being kicked out by your girlfriend for forgetting your anniversary. Actually
they are not necessarily judged to be to be the ideal of comfort and health- but in a few cases they certainly do provide a lot of benefit.

Higher education students who are short on finances may select for air mattresses for an extended time period because they provide affordability with a relatively healthful night's rest. The challenge is air mattresses tend to be fragile
so while you are lugging it around be careful not to scrape the sides of the air mattress
otherwise it will not remain a bed but rather covers for the ground you will be sleeping on.

Perhaps you are going on a road trip and/or orienteering. Air mattresses are certainly a nice choice to have when you are on the road in general so that at least you will have a nice place to rest on after a long day's walk.

If you are looking to buy an air mattress (it's good to have one in your supplies in case you need it)
there are different online sites that will allow you to compare prices
and read other people's assessments based on their own purchase history.

Typically speaking
these types of mattresses can fit into a minute area (probably the size of a medium to large-sized duffel bag)
and are very light (once the air is released of course). Even with the air utterly pumped into the air mattress
it's still rather easy to carry. Just don't jump on it or allow your pet to play around or near it.

The more low-cost air mattresses maybe don't come with their own electric pump. In which case you will need to use a separate air pump such as the one you use for your tire or recreational sports balls like basketballs and soccer balls. Usually it takes 2 minutes to 7 minutes depending on the mattress brand
and your own power levels.

Taking good care of your air mattress is crucial if you want to increase it's lifetime value to you. However you will find that after using most to any air mattress for a while
they will eventually wear out and become unusable. The everyday air mattress should last you at least 6 months to a year and much longer depending on how well you take good care of it.

After the Game A Guide to Manchester s Best Hotels

2009-09-07T07:03:00.007-07:00

Manchester is a bustling city known for its lively sporting culture. It is for this same reason why the city is a common spot for travel. Thousands of people
locals and foreigners alike fill the city each year all for the sake of experiencing the thrills of football matches and other sporting events.

The City of Manchester Stadium or Sportscity
as it is famously known is one of the biggest sporting venues where several sporting events including football
are held each year. The stadium was then adopted as the home of the city’s football club.

Another sporting venue is the Manchester Velodrome. It is an internationally known sporting facility where most track cycling events take place each year. The center was developed through the joint efforts of the English Sports Council of Manchester City and the British Cycling Federation.

Other sporting facilities or venues like the regional athletics track are also located in this area. The residents here are blessed to be conveniently living in an excitement filled area. Being one would guarantee you to a comfortable seat on match days. For most sports enthusiasts who don’t live in this city however
staying in nearby hotels is a common convenient choice.

Manchester boasts of quality and affordable hotels. These hotels are perfectly situated near the above mentioned sporting venues
making them an ideal place for people to stay in during the events.

The Travelodge Sportscity is one of these hotels. It is only 1.5 miles from Sportscity. You don’t have to worry about being late for any scheduled game or football matches of your favorite team.

Express by Holiday Inn is a modern hotel located about 3 miles from the city of Manchester and a mile off the M60 and M67. Express offers facilities and services that are relatively affordable and satisfying. A newly opened fitness club is located next to it.

Holiday Inn Manchester Central Park is a 4 star hotel. It is located near the City of Manchester Stadium. It offers a wide range of hotel facilities including 83 well appointed rooms
all of them spacious and air-conditioned.

Lastly
is the Citi Place. A cozy hotel located just minutes away from Sportscity. It offers rooms that have a free wireless internet access
digital televisions and shared bathrooms.

There is no reason for you to miss any sporting events in the city of Manchester with all these hotels around. Take your pick now and enjoy all the fun and games this city has to offer.

Advice For Those Traveling Overseas

2009-09-07T07:03:00.005-07:00

While traveling abroad can be a rather exciting and pleasurable experience
it can also be potentially dangerous. Not to discourage one from traveling overseas and seeing the world but there are numerous things that one should keep in mind when taking a trip to a foreign country so as to avoid potentially hazardous situations. Obviously having a valid passport is a must and one should be sure to fill out the necessary emergency information in that section of their passport
supposing some unanticipated misfortune happens to arise.

One would not want to visit a foreign country knowing absolutely nothing or next to nothing about the place. Thus becoming familiar with the area you plan to visit is important. One should pay particular attention to the laws and customs of the country as they are very likely to be different from those of your home country. Since your luggage has virtually everything you require for your visit contained therein it is essential that you never leave it unattended. Furthermore accepting packages from strangers is certainly taboo. One can never be too sure when it comes to accepting packages from strangers
even in their home country.

Many of the locals in a foreign country can easily identify a foreigner and as such you may be a target for crime. In order to avoid being heavily targeted
do not wear any striking clothing or expensive jewelry that may bring unwanted attention upon you. It is also suggested that you not carry any unnecessary credit cards or surplus money with you. There are people out there who can easily and deftly steal from you without you even being aware of the fact and as such you should at least limit the amount they steal from you. First and foremost though
you should be respectful of the people there and the culture in which you are present.

Advantages and disadvantages of traveling with travel agency and by your own.

2009-09-07T07:03:00.003-07:00

When you decide to go somewhere on vacations the first question you are faced with is how to organize your trip. At least
you need tickets and accommodation. However
if you are going abroad
the situation becomes more complicated. You will need visa
foreign passport and a little bit of information about a country you are coming to. The citizens
living and traveling inside European Union borders are in better position. They are free to visit any EU country without any additional document and visas. But let’s imagine you have chosen a country where you need visa. Well
now it’s time to make some preparations for your trip. At first
whether you trust organizing your trip to a travel agency
or organize it by your own. If you choose the first variant:
Advantages
1) Convenience. You don’t have to besiege embassy and wait in long queues. You don’t need to worry about buying tickets and booking hotels.
2) Price. Sometimes travel agencies have special agreements with hotels and the price becomes cheaper. The same thing can be said about avia and train tickets.
3) Comfort in the country of destination – you are mostly provided with transfer to hotel and the representative of the agency can solve any of your problems.
4) Your vacation is organized. You have a choice of excursions; you’ll be shown the best shops and the most interesting attractions.

Disadvantages
1) Unfortunately
not all the agencies can be relied on
some of them disappear with the client’s money.
2) Some people don’t like to be limited - by excursions
by return tickets or by the necessity of staying in the hotel they’ve chosen.
3) It’s not always cheap – often the excursions
offered by the agency representatives are more expensive than in other places in the city.

If you choose the second variant
you should be prepared to some problems
but of course
this variant has its light sides too.

Advantages
1) You are free to choose there and when to go. You are free to change you hotel of your return ticket.
2) You are most likely to see the places
not shown to usual tourists.
3) It’s a kind of challenge. Can’t imagine your holyday without risk and adrenaline? So
this variant is for you!
4) You can seek and find a cheaper variant and not just accept what the agency offers.

Disadvantages
1) Once again – risk. You are not quite safe when traveling alone in the foreign country. Nowadays you are not quite safe anywhere
but still…
2) It causes some problems in the stage of organization – getting a visa can be a trouble. Interview
invitation and a lot of documents – all this can be inevitable. So
prepare to waste some time and nerves.

Anyway
the choice is yours.

Accommodations are a Vital Aspect of Vacation Planning

2009-09-07T07:03:00.001-07:00

When making travel plan
one of the most important details is going to be your accommodation. Most people worry and fret over flight plans or rental cars and breeze right through the accommodations and choose the very first room they find available within a reasonable distance from the local airport.

This is very rarely a wise course of action unless you are doing a one-night stay in town and desire to be very close to the airport for the sake of convenience. There are several reasons why this is true. First of all
not all airports are located in the safest area of town. Families tend to prefer nice quiet areas in which to raise their children
airports are generally anything but a quiet area in which to live. While most airport accommodations are reasonably clean
this doesn’t really guarantee that they are equally secure.

Second
these hotels and motels often charge a premium rate in exchange for the convenience of their location. In this day and age
we pay for perks and location is most definitely considered a perk in the realm of travel
if in doubt
check the prices for hotels on the Disney property vs. those on the outskirts of town.

Third
and perhaps most importantly
those hotels located closest to airports generally are further away from the area attractions. If you are vacationing with your family you will enjoy much better use of your time by limiting your travel time between destinations and attractions.

The final reason that it isn’t always best to choose accommodations close to the airport is that you may find the amenities designed for families to be somewhat lacking. Hotel airports tend to cater to the single in and out business crowd rather than family entertainment. These accommodations will be sparse and the quarters a little closer than the average family would probably appreciate.

Take care when making travel arrangements for your accommodations that you consider all of these things. This will make for a much more enjoyable vacation for you and your children.

Accommodation In Australia Can Be Tricky

2009-09-06T01:09:00.001-07:00

From experience I know that finding accommodation in Australia is a very delicate matter. Once you’ve saved the money to pay for your flying trip to Australia
you might think that nothing can come to you as a surprise anymore. (Yeah
that’s exactly what I thought). In Australia I was confronted with the brutal facts that made me realize that things aren't that simple.

“They do things a little different down there” my grandmother said before I left. Just because they speak English in Australia doesn't mean that you won't be surprised once you get to the Land of Oz!

When I was there I learned that most popular types of accommodation in Australia are Australian hostels. I think this has to do with the fact that people down there travel a lot more than Americans.

A great share of the country is an amazingly beautiful and unspoiled wilderness and some places are rather remote. You can also find some kind of ruggedness in the Australian spirit that we Americans and Western Europeans have lost many years ago.

Most Australians don’t mind living in what I like to call “Spartan environments” if they can live relaxed and on the cheap
and that's exactly what Australia hostels are all about.

They are Spartan and they are cheap. But for my family sharing one room with 15 to 20 people and having only one toilet to share is kind of frustrating. Due to these circumstances we were forced to make another decision about accommodation in Australia.

If your facts about Australia are out-of-date
how will that affect your actions and decisions? Make certain you don't let this important information slip by you.

So in the end we picked a fancy Australia resort to spend the rest of our vacation. The service was excellent as I remember. At the time the choice was very simple
we had to choose between a plain old hostel/camping or a hotel.

As you can imagine we were tempted to indulge in a few nights of hotel accommodation in Australia
where we could finally enjoy our privacy and well needed soft beds to rest our tired bodies.

Because the people living down under are always on the move
it isn't hard to find some kind of outdoor accommodation in Australia.

The only thing we took with us were our backpacks and sleeping bags because we wanted to travel light. We found it was no problem at all to find a good tent
pans
pots and things like a portable stove
and other essential camping gear for a modest amount of money.

You can easily buy all these things or even better rent them. We found that renting our gear was very convenient since we had no plans on taking all this stuff with us when our vacation was over.

About Pet Friendly Motels And Pet Hotels

2009-09-06T01:08:00.006-07:00

Pet friendly motels and dog friendly hotels are not as difficult to find as you might think. Although many hotels still don't allow pets of any kind in their rooms
there are a substantial amount that do. Most of the time there will be no extra charge for accommodating your furry critter
but sometimes you will be asked to pay a small fee usually ranging anywhere from 5 dollars to 50 dollars. Pet hotels and pet friendly motels are very convenient for people who like to travel and not have to go through the hassle of leaving their pet to the care of friends
family or expensive pet care establishments.

There are a variety of options of pet accommodations you can choose from when travelling
such as pet friendly motels
pet hotels
bed and breakfasts'
resorts and vacation rentals. Sometimes you can be charged a small fee
and other times you may be charged a deposit
which would be returned if your pet causes no apparent damage. It is also possible to find a number of dog friendly hotels that will provide veterinary services and pet care facilities such as beds and blankets.

We have put this together to provide pet owners with useful information in hopes of facilitating travel with your pet. Pet friendly motels and dog friendly hotels all have different rules and policies concerning pet accommodation
so it is a good idea to familiarize yourself with them before checking into any pet hotels. It is sometimes hard to ask friends and family to take care of your pet while travelling
as it can be an added responsibility. We hope we have provided you with a simple stress-free solution.

A Show of Saintly Courage in Shambles

2009-09-06T01:08:00.005-07:00

The Shambles in not an adjective; it is a well preserved street in York
England. Although not as popular as London
York is just as historical. The city of York has been in existence for at least 2
0
years. The core of the city of York is walled
just like in medieval times
and its historical landmarks are well preserved.

The word Shambles refers to open-air slaughterhouses and meat shops. There are streets named Shambles in other parts of England as long as there are animals to kill
dress and sell. The pavements of the streets are elevated on both sides
creating channels or open canals. In those days all the innards are thrown out; the wastes from the slaughtered animals like blood pass through those canals.

The Shambles of York is unique or special; it is the most well preserved street of its kind and thus one of the most visited in the whole of Europe. The Shambles was also home to Saint Margaret Clitherow.

Clitherow married a butcher at the age of 15 and lived along York’s Shambles. She became a Roman Catholic at the age of 18. During those day Roman Catholics were being persecuted and as a Catholic herself
she sympathized with those regarded as fugitives. Her home became a safe house for priests hunted by the authorities. She was a mother of 2 and a school teacher to her children and neighbors’ children.

Although repeatedly arrested
it was not until 1586 that Margaret Clitherow was brought before the criminal courts. One of her students was pressured into providing evidence against the teacher. The authorities were able to find mass related paraphernalia in her home
leading to her arrest.

She refused to enter a plea so the trial could not commence. Margaret Clitherow wanted to prevent a trial to protect her children from being forced to testify against her. As punishment
she had to lay naked beneath a heavy stone. She did not last 15 minutes and met her saintly death. A shrine for her as St. Margaret was erected on the spot thought to be where her old home was. It was later discovered that her old residence was a few houses away from the shrine.

Today the Shambles is clean and lined not with meat shops but with specialty stores. The cobble stones
quaint shops
the shrine of St. Margaret and the old stories handed down from generation to generation keep visitors coming back for more.

A Semester Abroad

2009-09-06T01:08:00.003-07:00

Are you lucky enough to be taking a semester abroad? Worried about what you'll need to bring along? Let's go through some easy packing tips and advice.

If you are bringing any electrical appliances such as a laptop
cell phone
hair dryer
electric razor
iron
bipod
digital camera
etc.
you'll need to check if these are designed for dual voltage (110/220watt). If they are not
you'll need to purchase a converter/adapter set. Remember
that there are different versions of converters. Some are designed only for high voltage appliances
some for low voltage appliances
and some that take both. Check with your cell phone provider that your phone can be used in the country where you'll be staying. Also
remember to purchase a grounded adapter plug for your laptop.

Remember to bring credit cards in your own name. Also
make a duplicate copy of your passport and keep the copy in a separate safe place along with your credit numbers and phone numbers where you can call if there is any problem. Wearing a money belt is a very good idea. They are thin enough not to annoy the wearer
and they are the only item that works against pick- pockets. You can carry extra cash and your passport in the money belt
but keep a wallet for purchases you'll need to make immediately. There are many versions of money belts that can be worn around the waist
neck
shoulder
or leg. American passports are a desirable item
and you don't want to put yourself at risk.

The best way to pack is in rolling duffels that are collapsible. These come in many large sizes and are easier to manage than a large suitcase. Additionally
because the sides fold down it can slide under your bed or in a closet for storage. You'll need the wheels to make it manageable when it's filled. Also
many of them can hook up a second bag where you can pack your books
shoes
and other heavy items. You can also than have that bag available for the many sightseeing trips you'll likely be taking. Another good idea is a foldable tote that can be packed. That way you'll have a bag to bring back your many purchases.

If you do not speak the language of the country you will be at a disadvantage. You will need a book of phrases or one of those hand held electronic translators. You'll be able to pick up bits and pieces of the language
and the phrase book or translator will make your stay more enjoyable. It's extremely important to keep a journal. You'll be seeing so much and learning so much that writing everything down will make it easier to recall all of your wonderful memories.

.

A Quick Guide To Tuscany

2009-09-06T01:08:00.001-07:00

Tuscany has long been a favourite destination for anyone looking for an authentic Italian experience.

Where is it?

Tuscany is a large area in central Italy that stretches to the Mediterranean coast. It is divided into ten provinces
which include some of Italy’s most beautiful towns and cities; Florence
Siena and Pisa.

Where can I stay?

Many people choose to stay in villas when they visit Tuscany
preferring the independence of self-catering to the routine of a hotel. The next time you consider visiting Tuscany
take a look at the benefits of a boutique hotel. Giving you the comfort and service of a regular hotel
but with a home-from-home atmosphere and service that anticipates your every need
you can come and go as you please without having to worry about making beds or shopping for food. In fact
when you stay at a boutique hotel
all you have to think about is where your next luxury is coming from.

Try the JK Palace in Florence for a taste of city boutique. With only 20 rooms
it’s like having your own home in the Piazza Santa Maria Novella and it’s the perfect place to return to after a hard day sightseeing. “Boutique” doesn’t always mean tiny - for a hotel that’s a magnificent rural retreat
the Villa Mangiacane is set in 300 hectares of olive groves
vineyard and forest and the view from the pool means that you’ll be hard-pressed to leave the villa at all.

What can I see?

Take a tour to the vineyards and sample classic Tuscan wines such as Chianti and Montepulciano
or visit olive groves and buy pressed olive oil to take home. Tuscany
its towns and cities are full of beautiful Renaissance architecture and the art here rivals that of Venice and Rome. If you’re not staying in Florence
then you should certainly take the time to visit the city during your stay. A busy
chic city
full of amazing architecture
priceless art
great shopping and fantastic dining
Florence is captivating and many visitors return here for short breaks or special events. Tuscany is full of contrasts and you could holiday here for several years in a row without visiting the same place twice.

How do I get around?

How you choose to travel in Tuscany largely depends on where you’re staying. If you’ve chosen a city location
then it will be easier for you to use public transport or just walk to get around
as hiring a car may be expensive and the roads too busy for stress-free driving. On the other hand
if you’ve chosen a boutique hotel in a rural location
you should think about hiring a car so that you can travel round the countryside or take a day-trip to one of the cities. The Italian public transport system is well-used by locals
and you can travel between cities and towns on the train or on buses
which give you the opportunity to gaze at the glorious countryside.

A Quick Guide To The South Of France

2009-09-03T09:24:00.003-07:00

The South of France has the enviable combination of miles of coastline and fertile rural landscapes and has been the inspiration for artists
composers and writers as well as the new visitor.

Where is it?

The term “South of France” is usually used to describe the southern stretch of the country’s coastline that runs between Spain and Italy
and the rural inland areas that include Provence and the Lub้ron. With its warm climate
fertile landscape and developed coastline
it is one of the most regularly-visited parts of Europe.

Where can I stay?

Unsurprisingly
for somewhere as popular as the South of France
there is no shortage of hotels
guesthouses
bed and breakfasts and camp sites. For a true taste of the area though
stay in one of our recommended boutique hotels. Small and intimate
they are a home from home and turn a basic holiday into a luxury retreat. All of these hotels offer well-designed and contemporary rooms and the service is discreet and impeccable. Good food usually goes hand-in-hand with the cool rooms and public areas - by choosing one of these hotels you’ll be treating yourself to a memorable stay in the South of France.

What can I see?

The South of France is too big an area to be fully explored in a single holiday
which is why many people return year after year. Some of France’s most expensive resorts lie on the south coast
including St. Tropez and Cannes
and where better to watch the yachts and fashions of the rich and famous? The area is famous for its coastline
sailing and water sports and for the cities that lie near it: Nice
Marseilles and Montpelier for example. Inland
Provence is well-known for its rolling landscapes
stretches of vineyards and swathes of wild flowers. With no shortage of historic buildings
local markets and museums to explore
the South of France has something for everyone.

How do I get around?

If you’re planning on exploring the South of France
you should hire a car. The French
like most European countries
drive on the right hand side of the road and the roads are largely well-maintained
although many are toll-controlled and you will have to pay at marked toll stations to use the main road network. If you are planning on staying mostly in one place and just visiting major cities or tourist areas
then opt for the train system
operated by SNCF.

A Quick Guide To Seville

2009-09-03T09:24:00.001-07:00

Seville is one of the jewels of Spain
with architecture
museums
food and shopping that make it a must-see holiday destination.

Where is it?

Seville is in the Spanish region of Andalucia
which also includes the coastal resorts of Costa del Sol and Costa Almeria. Seville itself is set inland
although the coastal areas are within easy reach. It has its own airport
which is a 45 minute drive from the city.

Where can I stay?

You don’t get a true feeling for Seville by staying in a large chain hotel. You need to choose a small
friendly but stylish boutique hotel that reflects the nature of the city and its people. Try a boutique hotel like Casa No 7
which only has 6 bedrooms and is decorated with style and taste around a small courtyard
typical of Seville. Alternatively
the Casa Romana boutique hotel is right in the middle of Seville
which means that you can use the hotel as a cool and refined base while you check out everything that Seville has to offer.

What can I see?

Seville is famous for its Cathedral
which is the largest in the world. Built on the site of a twelfth century mosque
it is simple
but awe-inspiring and a sight not to be missed. Also make sure you see the Casa de Pilatos
built by the first Marquis de Tarifa in the early sixteenth century. It is one of the finest palaces in Seville and now also houses a courtyard and park
at the end of which are mansions that have been turned into museums. For a real taste of Seville
spend some time in the Barrio Santa Cruz
one of the most picturesque parts of the city
full of narrow lanes and surprising squares; whitewashed houses and excellent tapas bars. Tapas is thought to have been invented in Seville
and it’s certainly the way that most locals choose to eat. The range is incredible and the prices good
so take advantage of the more than one thousand places in the city where tapas is available.

How do I get around?

Seville is a busy city with lots of narrow roads
and it is a brave person who attempts to drive – or park – in the main areas. Parking in particular is very limited and often restricted to residents of businesses; so avoid parking fines and unnecessary stress by only hiring a car if you’re planning to drive outside the city. Instead
use the very regular and reliable bus service which costs little and offers multiple journey tickets
or get one of Seville’s white taxis. Tourists often take a horse and carriage to see Seville’s main sites – this is a particularly popular option with couples and families. As with most cities
one of your best options is to walk. There are maps available from the tourist offices and you can explore Seville at your leisure.

A Quick Guide To Morocco

2009-09-03T09:18:00.003-07:00

Morocco has something of an aura about it – created mainly by the major tourist destinations of Marrakech
Casablanca
Fez and Rabat.

Where is it?

Morocco is on the North West coast of Africa
just across the sea from the southern tip of Spain. This means that it’s easy for most Europeans to reach by plane and even by road or train. Its proximity
mixed with its unique style and culture make it an increasingly popular destination.

Where can I stay?

There are a number of small
exquisite boutique hotels in Morocco. It seems to have the boutique style and attention to detail all wrapped up
making it difficult for the traveller to choose which unique hotel to stay in. There’s the Dar Zemora in Marrakech which has just five rooms
but where the decoration
furnishing and service ensure that you have the best of both worlds – a perfect place to stay
with the many attractions of Marrakesh just around the corner. Alternatively
stay in the Kasbah du Toubkal in the Atlas Mountains
which reportedly has the best views in North Africa
and where your stay is enhanced by the informal feel of the hotel and the services offered. Surrounded by the peaceful beauty of the landscape
it is a place that has inspired anyone who’s stayed there. Whether you want to stay in the hustle and bustle of Marrakech
on the beaches of Essaouira or in the heart of the mountains
there’s a perfect hotel waiting for you.

What can I see?

Wherever you’re staying
you should make an effort to visit Marrakech. The coming together of civilisations
conquerors and craftsmen makes it a truly eclectic city
yet one that’s bound together by the beauty of its buildings
the simplicity of its crafts and the awe of its visitors. Its souks
or markets
which are organised by trade
are a fascinating insight into the life of Marrakech’s residents and an experience not to be missed. Spend some time in the Place Djemma El Fna – the city’s main square
where regular entertainment keep the crowds amused
and then walk through the streets of the old town
taking in the magnificent medieval buildings and romantic gardens. The rest of Morocco holds its own delights – the whitewashed buildings in the simple coastal resort of Essaouira
the regal buildings of Rabat or the market town of Tata in the Sahara – you will find plenty of reasons to return to Morocco.

How do I get around?

You can hire a car in Morocco
as driving is fairly easy and it will let you explore more of the area around your chosen destination. Petrol can be expensive
so it may be wise just to hire a car for a day or two rather than for your whole stay. Morocco operates a system of shared taxis
which works out pretty cheaply and is fairly straightforward to use. Alternatively
try the bus network
which is generally comfortable and
although they may reach their destination later than a shared taxi
it will be a smoother
safer ride. If you’re travelling between cities
then choose the trains
which are also comfortable and affordable.

A Quick Guide To Mallorca

2009-09-03T09:18:00.001-07:00

One of the ever-popular Balearic Islands
Mallorca is the perfect location for a quiet romantic holiday or full-on family fun.

Where is it?

Mallorca is the middle
and largest
of a set of islands set in the Mediterranean off the east cost of Spain. It has a varied terrain
which means that although the majority of visitors come for the coast and beaches
there is a growing interest in the island’s fertile plains and mountainous regions.

Where can I stay?

If you want to avoid the over-developed resorts that dominate parts of Mallorca
then choose a boutique hotel. Less stuffy and more intimate than regular hotels
yet with discreet staff and service when you want it
a boutique Mallorcan hotel is the ideal way to truly experience the island. The Palacio Ca Sa Galesa
for example
is set right in the heart of Palma
and boasts the only swimming pool in the Gothic district. No detail has been overlooked
so you immediately feel comfortable in any of its 12 rooms. Alternatively
visit Palma on a day trip from Scott’s Hotel
which is a charming boutique hotel set in a medieval wine-producing village off the main tourist route. Comfort is a key theme here
with goosedown pillows and breakfast until noon.

What can I see?

Visit Palma for a really cosmopolitan view of Mallorca. Half of the island’s population live here so it comes as no surprise that sophisticated bars and classy shops sit easily alongside ancient streets and the astounding Gothic Cathedral. It pays to spend some time exploring the city – whether it’s taking in the amazing view from the waterfront
wandering in and out of the tiny shops in the old Arab Quarter
or taking in the sights from a traditional pony and trap. Further afield
Mallorca boasts a range of interesting towns
secluded bays
and mountain walks that reward with perfect views.

How do I get around?

There are many low cost flights from Europe to Mallorca’s main city
Palma de Mallorca. From there
you are spoiled for choice when it comes to travelling around the island. There is a comprehensive bus network that takes you from town to town
or you can hire a car so that you can be in complete control of your itinerary. Alternatively
you can rent a moped
or work off your meals by cycling. It’s never too far from one town to another
so there’s plenty of time for sight seeing however you choose to travel. Use the local ferry services to visit the other Balearic Islands and make the most of your holiday time.

A Quick Guide To London

2009-09-03T09:17:00.001-07:00

London is one of the world’s most visited cities. With its combination of historic buildings
renowned museums and galleries and the best in dining
clubbing
entertainment and now a new range of boutique hotels
you won’t run out of things to do.

Where is it?

London is the capital of the UK
set on the river Thames. Served by several airports
including London Heathrow
London Gatwick and London Stanstead
and with direct train links to the continent via the Channel Tunnel
and to the rest of the UK via domestic operators
the city is easy to get to.

Where can I stay?

It’s no surprise that London is full of hotels of various sizes and standards. Famous and expensive hotels sit alongside smaller guesthouses
but it is the boutique hotel that’s currently proving a popular choice with visitors. Small and stylish
with impeccable service and a real atmosphere rather than one manufactured by the marketing department of a large hotel chain
staying in one of these hotels can only make your trip to London more enjoyable.

What can I see?

There’s so much going on in London that even the residents don’t see it all. Plan your stay so that you enjoy a little bit of history at the Tower of London or St. Paul’s Cathedral for example; some of the treasures and paintings in the museums and galleries; a show in the West End and some great drinking and dining. If you’re staying in a good hotel
you can rely on the concierge or reception staff to help you buy tickets or plan your itinerary. Don’t forget your camera
and make a long list of the things you want to do the next time you visit.

How do I get around?

Like all major cities
London has a modern public transport system. A comprehensive underground network takes you to all parts of the city
with prices working on a “zone” basis
which makes it easy to calculate which tickets to buy and how much they will cost. If you’re planning to use the underground a lot during your trip
ask for details of saver tickets. London’s famous red buses are easy to use and reasonably cheap at just ฃ1 for central London journeys. Alternatively
you could take a traditional “black cab”. These hackney cabs can be hailed from anywhere and the drivers have to pass a stringent test so that they can take you anywhere you need to go. Adept at avoiding traffic jams
happy to hold a conversation and with honest fare meters
a journey with a hackney cab driver is a real London experience. You can hire a car
but if you’re staying within the city
it’s far easier to use public transport.

A Quick Guide To London

2009-09-03T09:16:00.001-07:00

A Guide To Virginia Beach Hotels

2009-09-01T05:27:00.001-07:00

If you’re traveling to Virginia Beach
consider yourself lucky. People who’ve never been there have no idea what they’re missing
and you’re about to experience it. Long expanses of white sand stretch as far as you can see from dozens of beautiful
waterfront hotels. The breathtaking ocean views will make you lose track of time
and after sunset the nightlife will keep you entertained. However
your hotel very easily influences the beauty and fun of Virginia Beach.

Choosing the right hotel is one of the most important pieces of your Virginia Beach vacation. Take the time to investigate what attractions are your favorites and look for a hotel nearby. Being in close proximity to activities you want to enjoy will save you travel time and the confusion of trying to navigate in a new city. If you’re a nature lover
look for a hotel close to the local nature preserves or hotels that offer dolphin and whale watching expeditions as part of a vacation package. Next
ask the hotel about their typical patrons. Some hotels are the perfect place for kids. They’re close to the park and have facilities to keep your children entertained. On the other hand
some hotels specialize in quiet
secluded getaways with quaint reading rooms overlooking the water. Bringing in children may not be such a good idea. It’s important to know what your hotel is known for and what you will need.

No matter what you need
there is a hotel for you at Virginia Beach. Look for them online
or call around. Don’t settle for the first offer
because with the hundreds of local hotels
inns and bed and breakfasts
you’re bound to find one perfect for you.

A Guide to Buying and Using Travel Insurance

2009-09-01T05:26:00.001-07:00

Is Travel Insurance Really Necessary?

Travel is already expensive enough
isn't it? The cost of air fare
cruises
hotels
ground transportation
food and activities and entertainment are already high enough. I don't know about you
but I work hard for my money
and when I travel
I want to keep as much of my money in MY pocket as possible. Is travel insurance a necessity or a luxury? Why not cut a few corners here and there. Why buy something if it’s not really needed?

My personal answer is
of course
that I am not independently wealthy and can’t withstand the potential financial losses if I require medical care while I’m traveling. Not being independently wealthy also means that I'm in the market for adequate but cheap travel insurance. I suspect that you are in the same position
so you
too need cheap travel insurance. If you’re still not sure about that
consider the following.

Did you know that if you get sick or are injured while traveling abroad
your medical plan may not cover all the expenses you will incur? If the costs of treatment are higher than the maximums of your medical plan
you will be responsible for the difference
unless you have already purchased travel insurance. In fact
you may not even be admitted into hospitals in some countries without proof that you have health or medical insurance.

This is true for everyone
regardless of age or length of time abroad. Suppose you fall ill just a few hours after arriving at your destination. Or suppose you make a day-trip to another country
and you are injured in a traffic accident. Or suppose one of your children is part of a group making a class visit abroad
gets food poisoning and requires hospitalization. In all cases
without adequate travel health insurance
you will be responsible for the costs above and beyond the limitations of your existing medical plan.

Therefore
before going abroad
you need to make sure that you are adequately covered by travel medical insurance that won't break your budget. You should check to see if appropriate coverage is already available to you through your medical plan
employee benefits
or even through a credit card. If the coverage is sufficient for your needs
then you can enjoy your trip without incurring the extra expense of travel insurance. However
if you are not sure of your coverage
or if your coverage is inadequate or non-existent
then your next step should be to research and purchase the travel insurance coverage you need.

How Much Can You Expect To Pay?

When I bought my first plane ticket to China a few years ago it cost around $2000 round-trip
and my travel insurance cost me over $500 because I didn't shop around for cheap travel insurance online.

A few years later
a little bit older and wiser
and my travel insurance for another trip to China cost me much less--about $300 for roughly the same coverage. The difference? Before buying my travel insurance for the second trip
I shopped around online and got the coverage I needed
at the right price. If I'd have purchased my travel insurance for this latest trip from my travel agent
it would've cost me about $600 for the trip
and my plane tickets only cost $1
500
Not exactly the smart way to go.

So how much will it cost you? Not as much money as it will cost you if you get sick or injured abroad and you don't have any travel insurance coverage! That's the obvious answer to the question.

In fact
how much travel insurance costs will depend on your age and the type of coverage you choose. Basic policies cost as little as $5.50 USD per $1000 of coverage. On the other hand
you can expect a full coverage policy to cost you from 7 to 10% of the cost of your trip
depending on your age. The older you are
the more you will pay. No matter what the cost of the policy
however
it's sure to be much less than the cost of medical evacuation!

The good news is that you can easily
conveniently and quickly research and locate excellent but cheap online travel insurance and reduce the costs while making an informed purchase. This is much better than taking what you are offered at the travel agency because you can choose from hundreds of travel insurance companies and polices and save yourself a lot of money in the process. One place you can start your search is at Travel Insurance Central
http://www.travel-insurance-central.com

What You Should Consider When Buying Travel Insurance

To assist you in your research
here are some suggestions to help you make an informed purchase.

1. Consider the worst-case scenario. If you can financially withstand the worst-case scenario then maybe you don't need travel insurance or maybe you don't need a comprehensive policy.

2. Make sure the policy you are considering provides adequate medical/dental coverage
including medical evacuation coverage just in case you need medical care in a place where the best treatment available is below the standards you are accustomed to in your country. This can happen if you fall ill in a developing country or even on a cruise ship.

3. Check your existing insurance policies for possible coverage. There is no sense in paying more for what you already have in your homeowner or tenant policy
such as theft and loss coverage.

4. If you are a frequent traveler
you should consider annual or year-round travel insurance policies. Sometimes they are called multi-trip travel insurance policies. Whatever the name
these policies can be relatively cheap when compared to single-trip travel insurance policies.

5. Know what you are buying
so read the fine print. Make sure that you understand what the company considers to be a legitimate reason for cancellation or interruption. If the list is too restrictive
maybe you should consider another policy.

6. Don't restrict yourself to buying only from your travel agent. He/She will probably only have one company’s product(s) available
and it's there for your convenience
but that convenience can be quite costly!

7. Ask lots of questions about the coverage. Play the "what if" game. Ask for clear explanations of terminology. Make sure that you and the travel insurance company are speaking the same language.

8. Don't buy the insurance through your transportation provider. If the airline goes bankrupt
how adequate will your insurance coverage be?

Once You’ve Bought Your Travel Insurance

Remember that your travel insurance policy covers you between certain specific dates
so don’t start your trip early or extend your trip without first changing the dates of coverage on your travel insurance policy. Of course
this might cost you extra
but that's cheaper than finding yourself without coverage when you need it the most.

Also
it almost goes without saying that you should bring your travel insurance policy with you when you go abroad. You can't consult the policy if it's sitting on your desk at home. You should also carry your travel insurance company's toll-free assistance phone number and other contact information with you wherever you go. It does you no good if you get ill or hurt and the necessary policy information is sitting in your hotel room. It’s also a good idea to bring your regular medical coverage cards and info with you.

I hope these tips will help you by the best travel insurance for you. Then take your trip with the peace of mind that comes from knowing that you are insured by the right travel insurance policy at the right price. Bon voyage!

A Guide For A More Enjoyable Train Travel

2009-09-01T05:25:00.001-07:00

Although traveling by air is the fastest way to move from places to place while traveling by car is convenient and comfortable and traveling by bus is the cheapest
not one of them can be compared to the unique experience trail travel could give.

Trail travel might not be the most popular way people move. This could be because of the length a trip could take compared to air traveling. Another reason could be the monotony of sights that might bring boredom to passengers. Another could be the price one single train travel could cost compared when taking a bus. All these contribute to the decreasing popularity of train travel but it does not mean that train travel is not good at all. In fact
with a little wit and personal creativity
one could enjoy train travel.

1. Expect to travel for long hours. In this way
you don’t have to look at your timepiece regularly or ask a crew with the most annoying question you also would not want to hear: “Are we there yet?” Keep in mind that if you are crossing state boarders
train travel could take more hours than driving your own car at your own phase. And sometimes
train schedules are not met so you don’t have to nag every crew with the train schedule.

2. Relax and enjoy the scenery. If you are traveling during daytime
you could see sights that might not be possible to see if you are traveling by plane
bus or car. Try to enjoy the scenery. You can even bring binoculars to help you see more views closer.

3. If you are a reader
this is the best time to read. Trains are more stable than bus. So if you would like to read without controlling the motion of your hand with the book
the train could provide you with stability. Bring a book of your favorite author. You can also consider finalizing your report if you are going to present it on meetings.

4. If you are not into sightseeing and reading
you can bring your portable CD player or iPod. Bring your most favorite albums you could bring. Or
if you have an iPod
you can store all your songs to your library. Make sure you have spare batteries.

5. Be friendly and polite. If a person asks favors from you
be more than willing to do it. Train travel would offer you new acquaintances and friends.

6. Do not intrude other people’s business in the best way you could. Respect other people’s privacy.

7. Talk to the crew nicely. Although they would not throw you off the train if you shout to them
doing such is not proper. They are well trained and very friendly
be nice to the crew.

8. Take time to meet other people. Since you expect to be on the train for several hours especially if you are crossing state borders
you wont be doing so much. You can roam around the train and meet other people. This is the best time to have someone to talk to.

9. If in case you are traveling with your children
make sure you provide them with lots of activities. Bring along activity books
quiet toys
color pens
crayons
papers
reading material
coloring books
and video games. In this way
you keep them entertained.

A day in Florence between food and art

2009-08-30T08:50:00.001-07:00

Let’s start with wine bars and cafes! In Italy bars are literally on every corner. Do not confuse them with the classic American bars. Italian bars ( or caff่) serve caf้
cappuccinos
hot chocolates
tea
light snacks and aperitifs. We recommend in particular 2 historic places.

The Gilli which is a wine bar and restaurant and since 1733 it has been serving also all kinds of treats and light meals.. (Piazza della Repubblica
ph: +39 055 213 896). And just in front the Giubbe Rosse Caf่ where you can have brunch from 9€ or a complete menu from 18€ ( Piazza della Repubblica 13/14; ph: +39 055 212 280).

Tip: a coffee is way too cheaper (up to 1€) at the counter that at your sit at the table. In this way you can enjoy a good coffee-break in fantastic places without spending a fortune!

Once stuffed with an excellent Italian Breakfast with cappuccino and brioche you are ready to visit the Uffizi Museum
probably the reason why you got your flight ticket to Florence!

Palazzo Vecchio (Uffizi) is an amazing palace set just around Piazza della Signoria
once the centre of political power and city life. Just behind there is the spectacular Ponte Vecchio housing numerous antique and modern jewellery shops and the Signoria open arched gallery

In the Uffizi Gallery you can enjoy Italian masterpieces from Medieval period to Modern. Just to give you some masters’ names: you will be meeting Leonardo
Michelangelo
Botticelli and Caravaggio.

There are also periodic modern art exhibitions Check the official website to get all info and the ticket reservations to avoid extenuate queues. The main entrance is under the portico of the Palazzo degli Uffizi 6 and it is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 8.15am until 6.35pm (last entry 6pm). Admission: €9.50 (plus €3 to online reservations); concessions available. (uffizi.firenze.it). One of the best ways to reach the city centre is to get the n. 23 bus or line B.

To get an affordable accommodation while in Florence you can check the following nice Bed and Breakfast ( B&B) providing clean accommodations and friendly atmosphere. The Abatjour B&B close to the train station
Soggiorno Primavera
the central B&B Cinque Sensi
Althea rooms B&B
Cimarosa Armony BB
a Casa di Dante BB; Bed and Breakfast tourist house
Bed and breakfast Montebello B&B. Usually a double room costs around 50-70 euros per night.

If you prefer a guest house or a budget hotel you can try this selection where the prices are very good for the quality and the services they offer. Hotel Castri which is set in a Renascent villa with a green park
hotel Palazzuolo
hotel Guelfa
il Ghiro guest house. There are also studios and apartments or upper scale hotels where you start form 50 euros per person per night at the Gemini Studio
Alex house
Leopolda hotel
hotel Autopark
hotel Erina
Alamanni Hotel
Hotel Beatrice
Goldoni hotel. This prices are for a night stay and they are subject to changings but in general they include breakfast
linen and towels.

A Day At Koh Larn

2009-08-22T01:55:00.005-07:00

Visiting Koh Larn
or the coral island is a great change of pace from Pattaya.

My first trip to Koh Larn was a spur of the moment mini-adventure. I was talking with a young lady in a bar and she asked me where I had visited in Thailand. I rattled off a bunch of cities from north to south and then she asked if I had ever been to Koh Larn. I told her no and she said she had never been either.

It was decided then and there that we would take the short trip the next day. We spent the night together and made arrangements for the boat ride and tour at one of the many street vendor tour ladies.

We booked for a 10 AM boat ride and we were told we would be back at about 4 PM. The price was a whopping 10 US dollars each and this included lunch.

We walked down from Second Road to Beach Road and met out small
longboat that would take us out to the bigger boat for the trip to Koh Larn.

But first
we stopped at a square dock and were offered a kite-flying ride for an additional ten dollars. We declined but watched a couple of the others from our boat get the short round the dock ride.

We then boarded a bigger boat and chugged on out to the island. The ride took about 45 minutes and we were met by another small
long boat to get us to shore. This boat had a glass bottom to observe the coral
but the water was too murky to see anything.

We got ashore and since this was a spur of the moment trip
I bought my girl a swimsuit. We staked out a patch of beach and got 2 lounge chairs for about one dollar for the day for both and just kicked back and relaxed.

The water was clean and refreshing and we just splashed about and lay around on the chairs. We were offered a variety of sea activities from underwater walking to banana boat rides. We declined and just took it easy.

We were served lunch with the rest of the group and it was OK but nothing special. Rice
pork
French fries and a cold drink.

There were a handful of vendors trying to sell their wares but they were not pests. They came by once and left with a smile when I declined.

At about 3 PM it was time to head back. We took the small boat to the bigger boat and relaxed and listened to some music on the way back. The boat moved at a snail's pace and there was just enough of a breeze to keep things cool.

We met the small boat and were taken back to Pattaya Beach. I dropped my smart card off at the photo processing place and showered
changed
picked up the photos and went back to her bar.

I gave her a set of the pictures to show her friends and to keep for herself. All in all a very nice day that set me back $20 for the trip and another $10 to get her a bathing suit.

A Basic Traveller s Kit Guide

2009-08-22T01:55:00.003-07:00

Never be caught unprepared during a trip. Plan ahead and stuff your bag with essentials things you need. The better prepared you are
the more fun you will have on the trip. Here’s a checklist of what should be inside your traveler’s kit.

*Medicine Kit
Never assume that no mishaps will happen on a trip. Even minor bruises should be taken care of. Always keep your first- aid kit handy.

Treating wounds
Bring along a roll of bandage
safety pins and scissors. Tweezers might be needed to pull out foreign materials that penetrate the skin. Bring ointments and alcohols for treating abrasions. If you are prone to allergies and itching
antihistamine medications like Benadryl should be handy.

Common medicine
Carry along medicines that you are likely to use
like aspirin for headaches
laxative for proper bowel movement and pain relievers. If you have a runny nose
buy a couple of decongestant. Dehydration and motion sickness is common when traveling
consult your doctor on which medicine is appropriate for you.

Prescription drugs
Remember to bring along whatever medication you are taking. Bring enough supply to last for the entire trip.

*Personal Hygiene Kit
This kit must include all your toiletries. This will keep you looking fresh all the time.

Dental
Bring along your toothbrush
toothpaste and dental floss. Buy a small bottled mouthwash or if you have plenty of supply left
just transfer it to a smaller container.

Hair
Carry along your favorite brush
comb and shampoo. Stuff in your hair spray
hair cream and gels if you are using one.

Personal effects
This will include your make-up kit. Remember to bring only the cosmetics that you are likely to use. Carry with you a handy mirror. You can bring your manicure set too.

Skin protection
Keep your skin healthy by putting on sunscreen and lip balm as often as you need them.

Bathroom needs
Bring along with you sets of toilet papers
soaps
towels and washcloth.

*Emergency Kit
This includes the stuff you might need like flashlights
lighters
pocket knife and duct tapes. Mobile phones are important in case of emergency
be sure to bring your charger and an extra battery.

*Leisure Kit
For added fun
you can bring along your travel journal
reading materials and the locale’s language book. Make the most out of fantastic views with your binoculars and your camera.

There is no such thing as a standard traveler’s kit. It varies upon the place and the activities you’ll do in a certain place. The above kits are basically the essentials. Be sure to keep everything checked and have a fun trip ahead!

9 Tips for Selling Your Boat Fast

2009-08-22T01:55:00.001-07:00

Without doubt
the world of boating is a huge
engaging and interesting one. One of the most interesting features is how to sell your boat fast and gain maximum financial benefits.

Now if you are really interested in selling your ‘water craft’ and need some proven ideas to guide you
then I have good news for you. I advice that you approach boat selling with cautions to avoid being cheated.

For the remaining part of this article
let me showcase couple tips to sell your boat fast
starting from today.

Tip #1
Get smart knowledge of the best time to sell your boat: Does this sound weird to you? Having smart knowledge of the right seasons before selling your boat will boost your bottom line. As an example
most boat buyers hardly open their wallet for boat during or middle of winter season.

Avoid selling at very cold seasons unless you want to sell at a low price. On the other hand
you can get the best price for your boat just when the boating season begins. This is a smart marketing move because lots of people are always looking to buy a boat then. Apart from the fact you will likely sell your boat for good price
you will avoid a lot of the marketing cost that you would spend during the winter months.

Tip #2
What is the market willing to pay? The next point is to find the best possible price an average buyer is willing to pay for your boat. How can you accomplish this?

Firstly
research the boat’s worth
by getting advice and appraisals from a competent boat sales professional.

But if you don’t want to pay a professional
then check with the marine blue book value. Simply change the price predicated on the accessories plus depreciation for your boat. If you add any new accessories or some resurfacing such as carpeting
make sure to compute that and all of the boating accessories that you are going to provide with the boat.

Tip #3
Study your competitors. Always remember you’re not alone in the game. There are many competitors
just as some boat buyers may opt for buying a new boat instead of buying yours.

Therefore
you must set a very competitive price based on features that potential buyers may really desires. For example
if you find out that many similar boats (both old and new models) lack certain features such as radio
GPS
fish finders
you may add them to your own boat and let the potential buyers know this.

Tip #4
Use smart advertising techniques. Displaying a mere small add in an obscure corner of a daily newspaper may not get you many good inquiries
if any at all. Most boaters now use the Internet to search for their preferred boats. As a result
to win the game
advertise your boat by displaying both the profile and photographs of different angles of the interiors and exteriors.

Make sure your pictures are good-looking quality pictures
studies have proven that a profile with professional pictures command more attention and help to sell a boat faster online.

Tip #5
Get a boat broker. Not everyone can stand the rigor of showing boats to potential customers and answering their questions. Why don’t you contact a broker to do the ‘dirty job’ for you? The difference is 10% or 15% commission the broker will earn – but he will get the job done very fast and without any hassles to you.

However
insist to know the methods that the broker will use to advertise your boat. The best medium is to use the Internet so as to attract a large percentage of buyers as fast as humanly possible.

Tip #6
Be patient. Judging by normal standards
you may have to wait for three to six months to sell your boat. So if you want to advertise it yourself
start early and display on sites where listing are allowed for several months. However
with some luck
you will sell your boat sooner.

Tip #7
Boaters love clean boats. Apart from adding new features
make sure you clean your boat very well. Using soapy water and a handful dab
start cleaning from the exterior to the interiors. Clean off every mold
mildew and rusty stain. Everything must be thoroughly cleaned and replaced back properly after they’re completely dried up. I strongly urge you do this before you add new features and advertise you boat for sale.

Make sure the storage is cleaned and organized and get rid of any odor from the interior. This should be accomplished at the time of cleaning the boat. However
many people miss out on this vital aspect. Apart from cleaning and replacing rusty and leaking clamps and hoses
ensure the stove
cushions and refrigerators are all in working order. Also
remove every item from the storage lockers to avoid giving buyers the wrong impression that your boat storage is inadequate.

Tip #8
Do not be rigid on pricing. It’s good to sell at the best price
but let your customers’ interest be uppermost. Put yourself in his shoes and ask yourself this question
“If I’m buying this boat
what special deals will easily sway my interests to buy this boat rather than other boats that are similar?”

Tip #9
Consider doing a survey. Having considered every tip that will help you sell your boat fast
nevertheless
it’ll be futile to get loads of potential buyers coming to check your boat
their minds ready to issue you a check – but they stopped because something ‘bad’ was discovered: The buyer discovered your boat not in the best working condition!

Most times this is beyond the competence of the boat owner. So to avoid disappointment
do a survey to determine the working condition of your boat before listing. Survey cost in the region of $10 per linear foot
which means that a 20ft will cost $200.

If the survey returns a clean bill of health
you can even use it to dangle a sweet carrot before buyers to get better price.

Happy Selling!

8 Tips For Traveling With Your Dog

2009-08-20T02:30:00.005-07:00

Just because you have a dog doesn’t mean you have to stay home all the time. If you plan ahead and take a little care
it is easy and fun to travel with your dog.

Here are some tips to make the trip easier on both you and your pet:

1
Get your dog used to riding in the car by taking him on short trips. Go to fun places like the dog park
the fast food drive through (where you can feed him bits of meat from your burger)
or to visit friends. You want him to think that trips in the car are fun. You don’t want your dog to think that all car trips end up at the vet’s office.

2
If your dog tends to get carsick
don’t feed him the morning of the trip. Having your dog travel with an empty stomach will help to prevent any car sickness.

3
Bring plenty of water and a water dish along. You will need to give your dog periodic drinks of water when you stop for a rest. It will be easier to get your dog to drink if it is familiar water from home. Water in different places often smells or tastes differently
and your dog may not want to drink it.

4
Be sure to pack your dog’s food
treats
favorite bed
toys
and leash.

5
If your dog uses a crate
bring that along too. If you don’t have a large vehicle
you can buy crates that fold up. When you get to your destination
you can put your dog in his crate while you go somewhere that you can’t bring him along.

6
How should your dog travel in the car? Some dogs like to sit or lay on the seat
so bring a blanket to protect the upholstery. Other dogs may need to be kept in a crate in the car. Be sure the crate can’t slide around and scare the dog while you’re driving. You can also purchase dog seat belts to keep your dog safe while sitting in the car.

7
Make a stop every few hours to walk your dog and give him some water. Some dogs are frightened by the noisy trucks driving by
so try to walk in a quiet area. Be a good citizen and bring plastic bags along to pick up the mess.

8
If your dog is anxious about staying in a hotel or strange house at your destination
he might not eat or drink. You don’t want him to get dehydrated
so be sure to get him to drink
at least. You can mix chicken broth or gravy into the dog’s water. That will usually get him to lap it right up. You can mix chicken broth or gravy into the food too.

The first trip will be the hardest
because your dog will not realize that you are coming back. With the first trip behind you
if you have taken the time to make sure it is pleasant for your dog
future traveling with your dog should be a breeze.

7 Tips For Successful Travel

2009-08-20T02:30:00.003-07:00

We all travel a lot more now than our ancestors did. We travel all over the world and only think of the jet lag
and not the vast distances we cover. Our world has become smaller and more reachable. And this is a good thing. It helps us to understand different cultures
different people with different ways of living and working. But there are a few essentials you should always check before setting off.

1. It may seem obvious
but many people don’t bother to find out the most basic things about the country they will travel to. You should do this to avoid surprise or disappointment.

2. Check on the kind of weather you will find where you are going. If you live in Florida and travel to northern Greenland
you will be in for a shock unless you know that much colder weather is normal there.

3. Be sure that the medical and general insurance coverage you have (you do have
don’t you?) is adequate for your destination.

4. Do you have all the paperwork and documentation required for your trip? If not
get it!

5. Are there any diseases you will need immunization against where you are going? Check and find out before getting exposed.

6. If you plan on driving in the place you intend to travel to
check that you have an acceptable licence. You may need an international driving licence
for example. And are you familiar with the local driving laws where you are going? If not
become familiar
fast.

7. Finally
the most obvious one of all: is your passport up to date? And if not
do you have enough time to renew it before you set off? You’d be surprised
amazed even
at how many people get this one wrong.

7 Killer Ways To Beat Jet Lag

2009-08-20T02:30:00.001-07:00

When you’re headed out on a vacation or business trip the last thing you need is to feel tired or run down. But with these seven tips to beat jet lag
you’re sure to stay alert and ready for your entire trip.

Keep it the same

When you’re not traveling for long
you can usually avoid jet lag by sticking to your normal routine. Keep your watch set to your ‘home’ time and just do what you’d normally do at home—eating
sleeping
exercise
etc.

Your body won’t even notice the time chance when you do this
and it will readjust without any problems on the way back.

Sleep like a baby

When you’re traveling out of your normal time zone
you’ll want to try to keep to normal bedtimes. And while you might have troubles at first
try to get the same number of hours of sleep per night. This will help your body fall into a new rhythm for the time when you’re away.

Even if you can’t fall asleep right away
try to get into bed and close your eyes until you fall asleep. Eventually your body will pick up the clue and you’ll get all the sleep that you need.

Fill yourself up

Many times jet lag can be made worse by becoming dehydrated on your trip or while you’re headed there on the plane. To combat this you’ll want to make sure that you’re drinking plenty of fluids as you travel—water and juices especially.

Alcohol can dehydrate the body so it should be avoided if you can. And if you’re expected to drink at a business function
just follow each glass with a chaser of water.

Find the rhythm

When you’re headed into areas where the time will change significantly
you want to set your watch when you get there and start following the local hours. You’ll want to eat when you are supposed to eat
sleep when it’s dark
etc.

By changing the routine that you’re used to directly into the new hours
you can help to offset jet lag before it even starts. Follow your new daylight and darkness hours to adjust your circadian rhythms.

When you arrive

One of the best ways to avoid jet lag is to do some form of exercise when you arrive at your destination. This can be as simple as a walk or a few calisthenics in your hotel room. Do a few jumping jacks to get your heart pumping or start touring the town.

When your body gets exercise
it can ‘bank’ the extra energy and help you adapt to changing light conditions.

If you just can’t sleep

When all else fails
you can try a sleeping pill to re-teach your body when to sleep. Normally this isn’t recommended
but when you’re on an extended trip or you have to switch time zones frequently
a sleeping pill can help to give you some rest in order to be alert during the day.

Natural cues

And if the sleeping pill doesn’t appeal to you
you can try aromatherapy.

Find a good travel kits that includes oils that you can smell for energy as well as soothing oils for relaxation
like lavender.

With all of these tips
jet lag will no longer follow you on your next trip.

5 Common Techniques For Getting Luxury Discount Travel

2009-08-20T02:29:00.001-07:00

The majority of people are not financially well off
but would like to be. Sometimes you can temporarily live like the “rich and famous” and enjoy the excitement of luxury travel.

So
as the saying goes
if you have champagne taste on a beer budget
let’s get going.
We’ll explore a few techniques on how you can enjoy luxury travel on a budget.

A laid out plan will be the most important aspect of obtaining luxury deals and accommodations without spending any more money than a lower rated resort. Travel in style with the following strategies.

Technique #1. Find Affinity And Loyalty Programs.

Capitalize on the flexibility and leverage you have in the competitive travel industry. Many companies want your business and offer lots of incentives to compete for your travel funds and to keep you as a customer.

For example
if you provide a service
you typically look out for your best customers and give extra perks to keep them coming back. These companies reward travelers who remain loyal to them with unadvertised specials and extras. This is the general idea behind frequent traveler programs and such.

Technique #2. Select The Right Travel Specialists To Work With.

As you’re researching destinations and comparing pricing online
note that all online travel companies aren’t equal. Lots of agencies have preferred status with suppliers who can in turn pass on these deals to you.

Again
this is just like we talked about earlier
only this time
the companies and suppliers are getting the great deals to pass on to you.

Technique #3. Turn Problems Into Opportunities.

Choose a few top-notch companies that you would like to use over and over again so that you can obtain loyalty bonuses and discounts. If they make an error
take advantage of the situation in a professional manner
but don’t take advantage of the situation.

These companies desire to maintain consistent levels of quality and rely on their customers to provide constructive feedback and satisfaction/dissatisfaction. If a representative is not willing to work with you
ask around to find someone who will.

Technique #4. Just Ask.

One of the easiest and simplest techniques you can do is to just ask. All they can say is no. Sometimes a special occasion may be enough to get you an unexpected surprise. Simply do it and don’t be afraid to ask.

You can simply ask for an upgraded vehicle
accommodation
or airline seat. It doesn’t hurt and you’re no worse off than you were before you asked. In other words
you have nothing to lose
and everything to gain.

Technique #5. Timing Is Everything.

Keep this in mind that travel is at it’s most expensive during holidays and other peak times of the year. However
if the time of year to travel is important to you
such as a special event you’ll be attending
traveling during major holidays or school vacations
and if you desire to get luxury travel for the best value you want
try to book as far in advance as possible.

Don’t forget the power of the internet. It can be one of your most effective tools in researching destinations
while getting luxury travel at bargain prices.

Have fun and happy travels!

4 Star Hotels

2009-08-18T23:00:00.007-07:00

Everyone wants to go on a nice
relaxing
and quiet vacation every once in a while
but not everyone has the kind of money that can buy a 5-star hotel stay for the weekend. In that once every few years chance that you have saved just enough for a lush weekend trip
you have the choice to go all out on a first rate hotel and have little left for going around town
or to pick a more reasonably priced 4 star hotel and still have a good budget for seeing the best that the hotel’s surroundings has to offer.

No matter what popular tourist destination you go to
there are 4-star hotels that are more than capable of competing with the first class hotels in the same town. Despite the difference in ratings
it is possible that the only disparity that counts between 4-star hotels and their 5-star counterparts is the price range
especially if you’re one customer who is only slightly particular about the kind and range of services offered in the hotel you choose to stay in. Some 4-star hotels even offer a wider range of amenities than some 5-star hotels at a lower price. Also
some 4 star hotels are considered the best in a certain region
as a 4-star rating is the highest for the hotel grading body ruling that area.

However
notice that the prices also differ according to the hotels’ respective distances from the center of the city or town; the prices reduce as the location moves farther from the center. The factor of how much of the city center you want to see should therefore play a role in planning your luxurious weekend getaway. After all
what you save in accommodations could easily turn into expenses when you need to spend more on transportation between the hotel and tourist spots you intend to visit.

Four-star hotels are also suitable for business travel
as business centers and conference halls are available in most. The business traveler can also benefit from the luxurious service a 4-star hotel offers
as the hotel can easily cater to a mix of business and pleasure. Some can even be a source of inspiration and tranquility
particularly those with extra provisions for privacy
such as soundproofed rooms
and wellness facilities
such as room massage service and a Zen garden.

Here’s a list of 4 star hotels that may be worth spending a weekend in someday: the Sofitel Paris Porte de Sevres
which also offers wireless Internet access in some rooms
3
restaurants catering to different tastes
and the option to stay on one of its eight non-smoking floors; the Hotel Forum in Rome
with a roof-garden restaurant overlooking the Venice Square and the Colosseum; and the Elite Hotel Praha in Prague
which is located in a quiet
yet scenic part of town
and features a day bar with a small leisure garden and a grill club that showcases the best of French
Argentinian and Spanish cuisines.

4 Season Tents - Your Top Tips Buying Guide

2009-08-18T23:00:00.005-07:00

Basically
the difference between 4 season tents and regular tents is that a 4 season tent is tighter
with heavier and tougher outer walls. When it is all zipped up
there is no space anywhere for the ruthless natural elements to get in and disturb your peaceful sleep. In addition
4
season tents are often more durable so that they can shield you safely from extremely heavy storms if need be. This does not mean
however
that you cannot use 4 season tents in more pleasant weather. Many styles of 4 season tents come with the option to unzip the outer fly so that you can catch cool breezes on summer days
while still being able to endure Ice - Age -type of temperatures in the winter.

Basically
the difference between 4 season tents and regular tents is that a 4 season tent is tighter
with heavier outer walls. When it is all zipped up
there is no space anywhere for the elements to get in. In addition
4
season tents are often stabler so that they can resist extremely heavy storms if need be. This does not mean
however
that you cannot use 4 season tents in nicer weather. Many styles of 4 season tents come with the ability to unzip the outer fly so that you can keep cool on summer days
while still braving near-arctic temperatures in the winter.

You will find
however
that the more extreme the conditions for which it was designed
the more specialized a 4 season tent will be. For example
some true mountaineering 4 season tents are not things I would advise you to bring for camping on a warm summer night. The ventilation panels are narrow and the end result is that it will be stuffy and hot at night if you are camping during the summer with them. Additionally
they are made of heavier
stronger stuff
and as a result are an added weight for your normal camping trip in which lightness is a virtue.

And of course
good 4 season tents can come at exorbitant prices
running up to $500 dollars and more sometimes. Compare this to an ordinary 1-2 person summer tent that you might grab at your neighborhood camping store. I got mine for a tiny sum of $30 dollars and
although it provides little warmth
it gives me all the comfort I need during the summer when combined with a decent sleeping bag.

The truth of the matter is
it is important to think about what you will be doing before you go out and buy expensive mountaineering equipment and 4 season tents that you will not need. You must make sure that your equipment fits its purpose.

3 stars hotel in Rome

2009-08-18T23:00:00.003-07:00

Rome is a reality. For Rome
more than for most cities
this always has been the central dilemma of city life:how to maintain its priceless heritage while improving the lot of its cheerfully inhabitants. Certainly the 2000 year Jubilee inspired efforts of recent years and have made a difference. Transport has been boosted
new museums have been opened and old ones renovated
and the long awaited Auditorium has opened to universal praise. The city hasn't re-found the heady days of la dolce vita
but it's looking good and it's feeling better than it has for a long time.
Pride also informs much of the typical Roman character: romans are first and foremost Roman and only then italian.

In a country of unparalleled beauty
both natural and architectural
Rome remains the jewel in the crown. In no other city you can see so much in such a short space of time and yet merely scratch the surface. About 10 feet below ground level exists another world
with traces of other settlements deep still. In Rome every period has left a mark. In fact from the time when it was a caput mundi ( center of the world )
through the development of Christianity to the present day ( a period of more than 2.500 years )
Rome has become an unsurpassed anthropological and archaeological archive of Western culture. And it's enough to wander the streets to see this.

The art of Michelangelo
the sculptures of Bernini
the palaces and the cobbled streets
the perfectly formed piazzas
Rome is all this. Nothing is hidden
it's all there waiting for you much as it has been for hundreds of years.
Rome is yet the capital of the world:it's a city of palaces and temples
more glorious than those which any city contains. And it's also a duty of the Rome hotel owners to keep efficient this immense heritage.

3 Star Hotels

2009-08-18T23:00:00.001-07:00

Finding a hotel that suits your budget comes easy when you take into consideration the activities that you will be busy with
or what you want to achieve during your stay. If being extremely pampered and totally worry-free comes last on your list
then you’re welcome to try a 3-star hotel. This is not to say that 3-star hotels do not offer any degree of comfort or luxury; it just seems impractical to be paying for lavish amenities when you won’t have the chance to take advantage of them.

If you’re a business traveler
who intends to be primarily engaged in
well
business matters
and not that concerned with having a fun and relaxing time
then a 3-star hotel with provisions and facilities that are useful for conferences and business correspondence would be a good recommendation. Furthermore
the affordable price is more attractive if you intend to keep the business expenses low. Also
an in-house restaurant
bar or lounge eliminates the need to go elsewhere for lunch or dinner meetings
and thus saves you time that you can spend preparing for presentations instead.

Meanwhile
on the other end of the tourist spectrum
a weekend traveler who has a planned itinerary can find good value in a 3-star hotel that is within minutes of a popular tourist destination
such as Paris or Amsterdam. Just because you’re visiting a top tourist spot doesn’t mean you have to spend a lot on accommodations. For instance
three star hotels like the Hotel Windsor Opera in Paris (only over a kilometer away from the city center) even offers services such as a business center facility
room service
and a fitness center
with rates that are at least about fifty percent lower than the best hotels located in the heart of the city.

While 3-star hotels may be expected to offer more than basic accommodations
it may be best to assess them and make a choice according to your expectations and needs. For instance
you may deem access to a fitness center more important than room service
or prefer Internet access and a business center to availability of a swimming pool. Whatever you prefer
be reassured that you can consult with an online guide and make sure to ask the right questions that will ultimately lead to a pleasant 3-star hotel experience.

Here are other 3-star hotels that may be of interest: the Hotel Sylter Hof in Berlin
which prides itself as a good location for business functions
and is immediately accessible to the city’s major airports; the Hotel Diplomatic in Rome
which is within close range of the Spanish Steps and the Vatican
and boasts of a fitness center
a swimming pool
and impeccable service; the Kensington Close Hotel and Healthy Spa in London
which offers an indoor swimming pool
beauty treatments
a health and fitness club
and three restaurants; and the Circus Circus Hotel in Las Vegas
Nevada
which is a family oriented hotel that offers live circus act performances and boasts of the Grand Slam Canyon theme park.

22 Lanzarote Attractions - Mirador Del Rio Jameous Del Agua and La Cueva de los Verdes

2009-08-18T05:31:00.001-07:00

It is possible to do these three attractions in a single day providing you set out early and plan your day.

As we live in Playa Blanca
we travelled north on the LZ-2 via San Bartholme and Teguise into the mountains in the north where we made our first stop at the Mirador Del Rio. This is a cafeteria cut into the mountains in the north and has the most spectacular views of the island you could possible want to see
so a camera is a must.

After a drink and a snack
we continued North and then turned at the top of the island and made our descent to sea level
where we saw an array of different coloured sands blown across the sea from the Sahara desert. If you are into beaches
you might want to stop off here to explore the many bays on offer.

Shortly after this we arrived at our second attraction
the Jameos del Agua. Enchanting
Mystical & Magical
the three most common words used to describe a place created as a result of a formation of gas explosions within a volcanic bubble. Over the years
seawater has flooded the tunnels so that eventually a lagoon has been left behind. A lagoon that is home to thousands of tiny white crabs that have become blind through many years of living in poor light
a lagoon that has a bar and a restaurant and even a nightclub three times a week !

Almost next door
we found our second attraction of the day - La Cueva de los Verdes
one of the longest volcanic galleries in the world at 6km long and there is surprise element to this tour which I cannot tell you about otherwise it would spoil your visit. You need to be reasonably fit and healthy as you need to climb several stairs and bend over in order to get under many low recesses. It is impossible to take a pushchair into the caves
so go prepared.
We had an hour to kill at the end of the day
so we stopped off at the Jardin de Cactus which is on the way back. Here we saw 1
400
different species all planted together in a small area of land to create the beautiful Cactus Garden.
A great day out and the children really enjoyed it and they slept like logs that night !

21 Lanzarote Attractions - Timanfaya

2009-08-18T01:42:00.005-07:00

The Monta๑as del Fuego (Fire Mountains)
to give them there proper name were created in the 1730’s when more than 100 volcanos in what is now the National Park
rose up to devastate the southern part of the island. Eruptions lasted for six years and several villages were completely destroyed. The last eruption on the island was in 1824.

Because Lanzarote has such low rainfall (and therefore a lack of erosion) the area appears much as it did at the time and in 1968 the area was declared a national park “Parque Nacional de Timanfaya”.

We decided to make a full day of this trip and we firmly believe that this a must see for any visitor to the island
because of its unique 'martian' landscape and rare plant species. On entry to the national park (entrance was around 8 euros per person
as I recall
and the small children were free as is usual at many of the islands attractions)
the first thing to catch our eye were camels and of course we had to stop because the children wanted a ride !

An hour or so later
we arrived at the Car park of the Islote de Hilario
where we saw a crowd of people standing around a hole. This was to be the first of two quite stunning demonstrations of just how hot the area is just below the ground. We were told that temperatures a few metres below ground are a staggering 400ฐC to 600ฐC.

Dry bushes were thrown into a hole and in less than a minute
it caught fire !

Water was then poured into a bore hole and seconds later the water erupted back into the air as steam and we all got a warm shower because we were standing on the wrong side.

Next up was the 'El Diablo' restaurant
another creation of the famous artist (Cesar Manrique)
whose influence is everywhere on the island. Here we find traditional Canarian food cooked using geothermal heat (A cast-iron grill placed over a large hole in the ground). Where else in the world can you get your food cooked on a volcano !

We then went on a coach trip of the National Park (part of the entrance fee). If your feeling a little queasy or don’t like heights don’t sit by the window as it can be quite scary (but very safe and the children absolutely loved it). The coach stops at several strategic points in order that you can get some amazing pictures and film (so don’t forget to take the camera/video with you). During the trip we listened to recorded narration based on words captured by the priest of Yaiza at the time of the eruptions.

Another great day and another great attraction.

20 Safety Tips for Budget Travelers

2009-08-18T01:42:00.003-07:00

1
When taking taxis from an airport to your hotel
travel in the more expensive airport taxis and ensure that the drivers have official identification. Never take a taxi waiting outside the airport grounds.

I know this sounds extreme
but it is by far better to be safe then sorry.

2) When traveling from your hotel to the airport
go with a taxi recommended by the hotel.

Again
taxi’s can be very dangerous. I can’t express that enough.

3) Try not to arrive in a new city or town late at night.

This can just go wrong in a number of ways. It is much easier getting checked in during the day time and security at night in certain areas is just horrendous.

4) Travel in a group if possible.

Since when is traveling in numbers not a good idea?

5) Learn the basics in the local language before you arrive. Don't expect that people will speak English.

English is becoming more widely spoken these days
but you want to be sure. You should always check on these things before your arrival.

6) Keep your valuables hidden.

A money belt is great if it is an option that you willing to look into. There are many different styles of money belt. One of the most popular is an “over the shoulder” style wallet on a strap that you were underneath your top. This makes it very difficult for a thief to make off with your valuables.

7) Avoid going on your own to remote areas/ruins where tourist would be expected to go. Seek local advice or take a guide.

8) Read the guide books and talk with other tourists to find out which areas are best avoided.

9) When leaving discos late at night take a taxi home no matter how close your hostel is. Outside most discos you'll find a street vendor selling cigarettes. Usually these people know all the taxi drivers and can recommend a safe one.

10) When arriving in a new town
keep to your original plan and stay in the hostel that you have decided on. Don't let the taxi driver persuade you that your hostel is fully booked and that he knows a cheaper and better one. He'll be working on commission and the hostel probably won't be in a safe part of town.

11) Even better
when arriving lane/train in a new city
try to reserve your hotel in advance
preferably with a hotel that has an airport/station collection service.

12) Don't wear expensive looking jewelry.

13) On public transport have your day pack close to you at all times
preferably with the straps around your legs or padlocked to the luggage rack. On buses your backpack will normally go outside
either on top of the roof or in the external luggage compartments. On long distance buses ask for a receipt for your bags. On short rides just keep a careful eye out each time the bus stops to off-load bags. In the event of having your bags stolen
stay with the bus - you will probably require a declaration from the bus company accepting responsibility for the loss in order to claim any money from your insurance company.

14) Leave your valuables in your hotel safe when making day trips or longer tours. Obtain a receipt not just for your money belt/wallet etc. but for its contents
with each item listed.

15) If you have to leave your passport and credits cards together
place the credit card in a sealed envelope and sign your name across the flap. This way when you return you will know that nothing has been tampered with.

16) If planning on going to market areas
crowded streets
fiestas etc. don't go with all your valuables. Leave them in the hotel. If you’re planning on buying something expensive keep your money safely in a money belt. Try to be discreet when opening it! To protect small change in your pockets you can stuff a handkerchief in after.

17) If the pavements are really crowded
especially in market areas
walk in the road.

18) If you suspect someone is following you
stop and stare them in the eye until they go. If you really get a bad feeling about a place
go with your first instincts and leave. Bag slashing is rare nowadays but for added safety you can wear your day pack on your chest.

19) If it's on your back try to walk without stopping. If you need to stop
sway your pack gently from side to side so that you can feel if anyone is tampering with it.

20) When putting your bag down on the floor
to take a photo or just to sit in a caf้
remember to put your foot through the strap. Not only will it be impossible to snatch
you also won't forget it! This is the most common type of theft - tourists forgetting bags in cafes and on returning to ask if anyone has seen it
you've guessed it
it's gone.

17 Lanzarote Beaches - Haria

2009-08-18T01:42:00.001-07:00

Haria is the most northern of Lanzarotes seven municipalities. It can thank the Sahara Desert and strong winds for what some regard as Lanzarote finest beaches.

The entire coastline is known as Malpaํs de la Corona (“badlands”) and is strewn with white and golden sand which mingles intimately with volcanic magma forming small sheltered bays (a number of which are featured in this article)
which are ideal for swimming. This preominently rural area harbours many of the natural marvels of Lanzarote such as Jameos del Agua and La Cueva de Los Verdes (See my related article 23xx on these attractions).
Our first of five beaches being reviewed in this area is known as El Calet๓n Blanco (“The big inlet”) measuring half a kilometre long and 9 m. wide
consisting of fine white sand.

Camping is also permitted on the beach
but you’ll need to get prior municipal approval at the Lanzarote Town Council (Cabildo). There is ample space for parking and the guaguas (autobus) also stops here.

Our second beach is known as El Risco
measuring 845m long and 8m wide and consisting of fine white sand. This beach gets very windy
although Isla Graciosa shelters it to a degree from the rougher seas. It is a 400m climb down (and back up !)
so not for the faint hearted. The waves are moderate.

Our third Beach is known as Caleta Caballo
measuring 60 m long and 7m wide and consisting of white sand with pebbles. It is windy with moderate waves offering good conditions for windsurfing. This is accessible by guaguas (autobus).

Our fourth Beach in this area is known as Caleta del Moj๓n
measuring 100 m long and 13m wide and consisting of fine white sand and picon (the small black lava stones often found in gardens).

Our fifth and final Beach in this area is known as La Garita
measuring 810m long and 5m wide and consisting of fine white/golden sand. Calm waters make this a good practising ground before you take on the stronger waves elsewhere in the area. Unlike the other rural beaches
this one is in a semi-urban area
has a boardwalk and services such as restaurants
refreshment stands
telephones
parking area
washrooms and even a children’s play area. It is accessible by guaguas (autobus).

16 Lanzarote Beaches - Teguise

2009-08-17T05:49:00.001-07:00

Teguise is one of the largest and most popular of Lanzarotes seven municipalities. It includes Famara (in the north) and Costa Teguise
(in the south).

If your mathematical formula for fun on the beach is “Water=Waves”
then you should be heading for the northern coastline that takes in Famara (and neighbouring La Santa – See article “13 Lanzarote beaches – Tinajo”).
Our first of six beaches being reviewed in this area is known as Famara
measuring 6 kilometres long by 100 m (the biggest beach in Lanzarote). Fine golden sand
a constant wind and ever present strong swells against a backdrop of mountains makes this worth visiting
but the strong currents in this area can be a problem
so keep small children well within your reach.

The surf in this part of the island is world famous (so it’s hardly surprising that Famara is often referred to as the Hawaii of Europe). Large waves crash into the beach
and roll up the fine white sand towards the beach road
making it a surfers paradise. Behind the road you’ll find a large area of sand dunes
a perfect sheltered base from which to view proceedings.

The village nearby has a few restaurants and cafe bars where you can enjoy a quiet drink – but it’s all very laid back and has a UK/Sunday feel about the whole place.

Close to the village of La Caleta
it can be reached by guaguas (autobus).
Our second beach takes us to a semi-developed area known as Ensenada de la Calleta
400
long by 12 m wide and fine white sand. This beach is located alongside Arrecife and the port area of Mแrmoles. This beach is much visited
for its calm waters despite the wind that blows constantly. You can reach this beach by guaguas (autobus) and there are several services available including hammocks/parasols
restaurants/bars
parking and showers.

Our third beach is known as Las Cucharas and is in the main holiday resort of Costa Teguise. This sheltered beach is 640m long consisting of fine sand and placid waters.
surrounded by big hotels and apartments where architecture and landscape have been harmoniously integrated. The beach is nevertheless ideal for windsurfing and offers a full range of services from hammocks/parasols to bars/restaurants along its promenade to telephones
parking
good wheelchair access
bus stop and rental of a wide range of sports equipment.

Our fourth beach
another Costa Teguise favourite
is known as Los Charcos. At 250 m long and 30m wide and consisting of fine white sand
clear water and cooling winds
it’s hardly surprising. This beach is is on the coastline alongside Puerto del Carmen (covered in another article of mine entitled “12 Lanzarote Beaches – Tias”). The tranquillity of the sea in this area is due to the breakwater which shelters it from the strong waves and currents. There is a docking area and seaside boardwalk
together with services including hammocks/parasols
parking
quaquas (autobus).

Our fifth beach is known as Bastiแn
375
long
15
wide
consisting of fine white sand mixed with gravel and clear water. This beach is situated in a semi-developed zone of Costa Teguise and offers a complete range of services that include hammocks/parasols
parking
guaguas (autobus) and finally
our sixth beach is El Jablillo
350
20
wide
fine white sand mixed with gravel with quiet waters in a relatively windy area. Services include telephones
parking
guaguas (autobus) and a range of bars & restaurants.

15 Lanzarote Beaches - Arrecife

2009-08-17T05:48:00.001-07:00

Arrecife is the smallest of the islands seven municipalities and house the islands new capital (having taken over the mantel from Teguise at the end of the 18th century). Like neighbouring San Bartholme
there are relatively few beaches in this area
although the two that follow are well a visit.

Arrecife (the name originates from the abundance of reefs and islets along its short coast)
has a skyline totally dominated by the islands tallest building (the Grand Hotel) which you may have seen during your approach to the airport. The first beach is known as El Reducto
a picturesque European Union
‘Blue Flag’ beach set in an almost enclosed bay and measuring half a kilometre by 45m wide with calm waters and fine golden sands.
To one end of the beach you will find a park with palm trees and benches designed as a monument of a ship wreck. If you’re looking to get away from the crowds
this beach is for you as it is frequented only by locals rather than tourists.

As you would expect from a ‘city beach’
El Reducto boasts excellent services from its coastal promenade including showers
public telephones
bar/restaurants
wheelchair access
parking and is easily reached by guaguas (autobus). One of the major attractions of this beach is the "Charco de San Gines” lagoon
a natural pond formed by sea water housing a collection of small boats belonging to inshore fishermen
who live around the lagoon.

The beach was landscaped in conjunction with the Cesar Manrique who grew up in this area and who held his first exhibition in the San gines Lagoon area.
If you’re planning a trip here or to neighbouring El Cable Beach (below)
check to find out if there are any festivals going on at the time as these offer a unique authentic insight into canarian life on the island.
The second and final beach in Arrecife is just along the costs and is known as El Cable. It measures 315m.long and 18m wide and consists of fine golden sand. El Cable is windy with moderate waves which makes it good for windsurfing and be found next to the development of the same name.
The beach can be prone to local pollution which puts it off limits from time to time. Services include showers
public telephones and bars/restaurants. It is easy to park locally.

14 Tips for a Stress Free Flight

2009-08-16T21:58:00.003-07:00

Traveling can be a stressful event and airplane travel is tops on the list of the stressors that we experience on what is supposed to be an exciting and fun event. A few simple steps can remove most of the stress of air travel.

Things to do before travel day:

1) Pack your bags. Make sure all your packing is done at least the night before and that you have all your bags in one central location for easy and complete loading into your car or taxi.
2) Have all your travel paperwork organized and in one central location.
3) Make a checklist of all the things you want to check to secure your home before you leave and walk through your home checking off each item. Do this at least an hour before you leave your house. Do this and you will never worry if you left your stove on or any of the other little nagging worries you might have while on your travel.
4) Be sure your pets are taken care of. Make any kennel reservations well in advance of your trip to be sure you have a reserved spot at a kennel you trust.
5) Call the AIRPORT and airline the day before to see how early the recommend you should arrive for a smooth
stress free check in. If they tell you to arrive three hours early and you arrive just 30 minutes early
you will probably feel great stresses about missing your flight. Also ask if there are any parking restrictions you should be aware of. Ever since 9/11
when we have a heightened threat level there may be car searches before you can park.
6) If you are just taking carry on luggage
many airlines let you pre check in right on the internet 24 hours before your flight. That means that you can get and print out boarding passes right from your home. And when you get to the airport
you can go right to the gate and your boarding area without getting into the long check in line. If you have to check baggage
you will not have this option available to you. But if not
it is a great time and stress saver.

Travel day:

7) Leave home in plenty of time to anticipate busy traffic or accident situations. If it is an hour trip to get to the airport
you may want to leave an extra half hour early just in case there are road problems.
8) If you are checking in bags
be prepared to wait in line. If it is a busy time of day at the airport and you are traveling with a popular airline
there could be a significant line. Don't worry about how long the line is. As long as you arrive when the airport recommended
you will have plenty of time to make it to the front of the line and get checked in. It may look impossible but it will happen so just relax and be patient.
9) Make sure that any “carry on” baggage really is carry on. Otherwise you may get stopped at the gate and have your bag taken away to be stowed with the regular luggage. It will delay and stress you. And it will delay everyone else.
10) When boarding the plane
find your seat and stow your carry on baggage quickly. And then sit down and stay out of the way. There are lots of people trying to do the same thing and we've all encountered the folks who block the aisle for a long time fussing about something or other while a harried line of boarders is forced to wait. You don't want to be one of those people. So just get your business done quickly and efficiently and sit down. You'll have plenty of time to get up once the plane is in the air.
11) If you have to change planes
it can be a real challenge
especially in the larger airports. If you know the gate you will have to go to
ask the flight attendant for advice to reach that gate quickly. In some airports - like Atlanta - a Delta connection can be a huge adventure taking 30 minutes to get from one gate to another. If you know in advance how you have to get to your next airplane
it will be much less chaotic when you get off the first plane. And a much more relaxing walk (or run) to your next gate.
12) When the plane lands
patiently wait your turn. Whether you push or just wait
you usually won't get off the plane any quicker. People tend to let the folks in the rows before them get up and go in a pretty orderly fashion. Trying to rush it will only get your blood pressure up and will not be looked upon favorably by your fellow travelers.
13) If you just have carry on baggage
you have successfully completed a pretty stress free flight.
14) But if you have carry on luggage
there is one more step - waiting for the luggage. Just pick a place around the conveyor belt and wait. Expect your bag to be the very last one to come out and be pleasantly surprised when it comes out early.

By following these simple steps
you will find that your stress levels from your air travels will be much less. A well planned trip agenda ensures that those little stress points stay little stress points and don't balloon into a full blown crisis. Try it any you will be amazed how just a small amount of up front planning dramatically improves the enjoyment of your travel.

14 Lanzarote Beaches - San Bartholme

2009-08-16T21:58:00.001-07:00

San Bartholme is the most central of the islands seven municipalities separating the two contrasting landscapes of the north and south of the island. There are relatively few beaches in this area
although we did have visited three on our many trips to the area.

The first beach is known as Guacimeta. This 1
50
stretch of beach of toasted sand and calm waters is quite exceptional as beaches go
except that it’s a bit too close to the airport for my liking. Parking was good and it can be accessed via guaguas (autobus). There are Shops
Bar/Restaurants
Public telephones and a pleasant promenade so it’s nevertheless a beach worth a visit.

The second beach is in a semi-developed area beside the airport and the Guacimeta beach and is known as Playa Honda. At 1
900
and 85m wide it is the biggest in this area and consists of medium grained golden sand and calm waters making it ideals for families and creating good conditions for windsurfing. It is about 5 minutes drive from the airport
so the noise from aircrafts will not spoil your fun and it’s easy to park.

We call it our ‘Last Day’ beach !

Do you have to be out of your accommodation early ?
Are you on a late afternoon or evening flight ?
Are you to do something with the children without them getting too worked up on the last day ?
Are you stressed at the thought of spending hours at the airport before you fly home ?

Then
trust me when I say
this beach and Playa Honda generally is a great place to visit en-route home.

Here are my views of it :

* The Beach is fantastic ;
* The whole area of Playa Honda is not directly aimed at us tourists
so you leave Lanzarote having experienced the canarian side of it ;
* There are a great selection of restaurants along the beach front serving traditional Spanish Tapas and the Spanish Omelette in “to die for”. There is other quality canarian food available as well as things for the children (if they the fussy type) ; and
* It has a range of other shops on hand to keep you well occupied (duty free goods
gifts etc).

Finally
we have La Concha
250
Long and 10m wide
Fine golden sand
and calm waters.

La Concha beach is next to the development of the same name just on the outskirts of the capaital
Arrecife. Good parking again and accessible via guaguas (autobus) and a small promenade of shops and bar/restaurants.

13 Lanzarote Beaches - Tinajo

2009-08-15T22:03:00.003-07:00

Tinajo is located in the central north part of Lanzarote and considered by many to have the best surfing conditions in Europe.

Elements of the coastline have become synonymous with the term “The Hawaii of Europe”.

The first of two beaches takes us to La Santa
in a village by the same name and developed around a natural lagoon that borders a little peninsula. This relatively quiet area is dominated by the internationally famous hotel and sports complex
known as Club La Santa
a ‘winter’ training ground for international sports stars.

If you are into active sports or simply want to maintain your fitness regime whilst on holiday or if you want to pamper yourself whilst your partner ‘does his own thing’
then this is the place to go. Club La Santa offers just about everything you could want in terms of active sports and everything you’d find in the very best gyms or fitness centres ‘at home’.

Another article I’ve written “31 Lanzarote Sports – Club La Santa” provides detailed information that might help you decide whether this is the place to stay
so I will only briefly cover it in this article.

Activities include Tennis (10 courts)
Squash (5 Courts)
Badminton (6 Courts)
Beach Volleyball (2 courts)
Indoor & Outdoor Basketball courts
Golf (Mini Golf and short game training)
5
football
Full sized Football
Aerobics
Leisure Pool
Olympic size Swimming Pool
Children’s Swimming Pool
Boxing
Weight Lifting and a fully equipped fitness centre with 6 Rowing Machines.

There are lots of beach/water sports on a beach measuring 910m long and consisting of fine white sand.

If you are an experienced diver and want to go on a snorkel safari
an ‘intermediate’ or simply a beginner keen to learn then checkout the diving centre programme (by the leisure pool) as it caters for all three levels. Equally
if you are into surfing then you’ve come to surfers paradise as this areas has some of the best surfing waves in Europe.

If you’re more into the pampering side of a sports centre at home
then why not consider the Hydrotherapy bath/ Jacuzzi
Cold Dip and Shower
Steam bath/ Saunas
Hydro-massage bath with essential oils
in private room (additional payment required)
Hydro-jet massage
in private room (additional payment required)
Manual treatments (additional/ seperate payment required)
Physiotherapy
Massage (Sports-
Relax-
Lymphatic Drainage-
Shiatsu Massage and Foot Reflexology).

After a hectic day
there is a range of entertainment on hand from Karaoke to guest appearances from semi-professional artists. As you’d expect
there is excellent parking on site
although it can be accessed just as easily by guaguas (autobus) and most equipment can be hired on the day at the club.
Our second beach in this area is the neighbouring beach known as Tenaza (it is actually 2km. away from Tenaza itself)
located in a rural area and measuring 90m long by 6m wide and consisting of sand mixed with fine grained black gravel. There is a parking available locally.

12 Lanzarote Beaches - Tias

2009-08-15T22:03:00.001-07:00

Tias
another of the islands seven municipalities
includes the islands main holiday resort of Puerto Del Carmen and boasts a succession of beaches
along its 6km of southern coastline
separated only by short rocky elements. In this article
we review seven of the best beaches in this area of the island.

Our first of three man-made (and thus ‘family-friendly’) beaches in the Peurto del Carmen area is known as the Playa Grande. This is the most central beach and has a magnificent promenade of bars and restaurants running along its kilometre of golden sand (100m wide). The placid waters is this part of the island make it ideal for windsurfing. If you don’t want to use the bars and restaurants
it won’t be long before a ‘beach seller’ offers you drinks
ices or fresh fruit. One of the most popular beaches on the island
it has lifeguards
showers
changing areas
washrooms
rentals for beds/parasols
boats and water sports equipment. You can get to it by guaguas (autobus) but you’ve been warned parking is very limited in this lively part of the island.

Our second beach is known as Barrilla (also in the Puerto Del Carmen area)
measuring 90m long and 22m wide. It consists of fine golden sand and offers good parking
a scuba diving centre
has a lifeguard present
has first aid on site and is accessible by guaguas (autobus).

Our third beach is a small cove known as Fariones (also in the Puerto Del Carmen area besides a hotel of the same name)
measuring 60 m by 5m and consisting of fine toasted sand and calm waters. It is accessible by guaguas (autobus).

Our fourth beach at Playa de Los Pocillos
is located at the more exclusive end of Puerto Del Carmen. The beach has fine golden sand and forms part of the development known by same name. It is more than a kilometre long (1
23
m) and 150 m. wide. High tide leaves pools of sea water on its flat surface. It is quieter than the main beaches
but there is a still a good choice of quality bars and restaurants on hand. When the wind picks up this beach is popular with windsurfers. Windy on occasions
but with calm waters
it is very popular and offers good wind surfing conditions
it has rentals beds/parasols
good parking facilities
signage
boardwalk
a commercial zone
showers
litter bins
has good access for wheelchairs and has first aid and washrooms on hand. You can get to it by guaguas (autobus).

Our fifth beach at Playa de Matagorda
part of the development by the same name has a windy beach measuring 850m and 40m wide
consisting of fine golden sand and calm waters
which make it a popular resort for windsurfing
particularly those of limited capability or beginners. Due to its proximity to the airport and the occasionsl noise from aircraft taking off and landing
it is not as crowded as the other beaches in this area
but it is nevertheless worth a visit. This beach has rentals for beds/parasols and a variety of water sports on hand. You can get to it by guaguas (autobus).
Our sixth beach is at Lima and measures 900m long and 50m wide
consisting of fine toasted sand (mix of fine golden sand and small picon
the small lava stones)
this is a windy beach with calm waters
again ideal for first time windsurfers. This is located alongside the Matagorda development and can be reached by guaguas (autobus).

Finally
our seventh beach is a small cove at Pe๑a Grande and measures 40m long by 5m wide
consisting of fine white sand (and the odd pebble). Despite it’s small size
it is nevertheless a windy beach with calm waters and offers full services including lifeguards
showers
first aid
bars/restaurants
showers
parking and telephones. It also has a small promenade and can be reached by guaguas (autobus).

11 Reason why you should not park at directly at the airport

2009-08-15T10:11:00.003-07:00

Travel means taking parking decisions. There are many options you could park at the airport lot or at car parking facilities situated near the airport. Airport parking means searching
often moving from one full lot to another
or commuting to the terminal by a shuttle from the other end of the airport
and paying a parking fee that may be more than the cost of your air ticket. The experience could make you want to tear your hair out.

Parking at the airport would mean:

1. Starting out early to reach the airport at least an hour before reporting time as many a time a parking spot many not be immediately available and you may have to drive around quite a bit before finding a place.

2. Carrying luggage from the car to the airport itself or to the shuttle service.

3. Budgeting for settling the short term or long term parking costs. Airport parking can prove to be more expensive than you thought. At many airports the rates for parking vary from day to day and during peak season. Often you may need to pay as much as $ 150 for parking for five days. Economy parking is hardly ever available and you may have no choice except the more expensive lots.

4. Finding all lots full and having to make a dash for private parking facilities at the last moment. This could delay getting to your gate in time.

5. During holidays
rush hours
and travel seasons there could be a great jam or arriving and departing cars all making a bee line for the gate house or token counter. The chaos is compounded by long queues at every gate and at the security and this could mean a 400 yard or more dash to the gate carrying your mound of luggage.

6. Security measures instituted with little or no notice can spoil even the best made plans. A rule like no parking within a distance of 300 m could mean that you will have to park a great distance away. And due to alerts there can be random security checks of all entering vehicles leading to considerable delays. The traffic will not just slow down to a crawl but many of the closely located short-term spaces will be shut down.

7. Due to repairs and construction work often unanticipated detours need to be made while trying to access airport lots.

8. The car park may be located at a great distance from your terminal and if you are not in the know
you may choose to park diagonally opposite to the terminal.

9. Valet parking is not a free service; one will have to pay to have the car parked to save you valuable time.

10. Many trolleys only function on feeding in a coin. Even if the coin is refunded later it just means remembering to take along a coin of the right domination.

11. The large volume of passengers at any given time at busy airports just means that the transfer buses are not just overcrowded but slow and uncomfortable with people and their luggage jostling for space.

Why board a plane angry
tired
and frustrated. As a modern traveler there are many conveniences you can opt for. Parking at off-airport lots
is organized and hassle free. Even if the lots are some distance away the conveniences are such that it would be a time and money saving decision.

11 Lanzarote Beaches - Yaiza

2009-08-15T10:11:00.001-07:00

In this particular article (I have written others about beaches in other areas of the island)
I will cover beaches in Yaiza
one of the seven municipalities of Lanzarote.

This part of Lanzarote is occupied
principally
by the town of Playa Blanca (once a sleepy fishing village)
but in the midst of a major transformation. Playa Blanca extends from the western Pechiguera Point (Where our villa is located in La Goleta
Faro Park) to Coloradas Beach in the east
with the Coloradas Beach effectively becoming the first of the Papagayo coves
which is where I want to start this ‘journey’.
You will have noticed that there is a fair amount of development going on across the broader Playa Blanca area. Visitors will be pleased to hear that building is prohibited beyond this point
so Papagayo Beach will remain completely as nature created it.

Punta de Papagayo
to give it its full name
is located at the most southerly tip of the island and is actually a collection of small beaches (Playa Mujeres
Playa del Pozo
Playa de Papagayo
Playa de La Cera
Puerto Muelas and Caleta del Congrio)
with golden sands of between 100m and 400m in length and separated by high cliffs. Access is not as you might expect and given the beaches are remote and not near the main centre
few services are available
so please go prepared (We’d advise taking a cool box packed full of food and drink as you won't find anywhere to buy a drink or something to eat on these beaches).

Follow the signs to Papagayo from the main LZ-2 Roundabout with the CEPSA garage and you will end up on a bumpy dirt track road (no tarmac and hire companies generally ask that you only venture here in a 4 wheel drive
but this is generally ignored
so you won’t be alone if you choose to ignore this advice). You’ll need to pay a small Toll (2 Euros)
before you get the beach top (park by the one and only cafeteria in this area). You need to walk down the sand bank to the beach (and buggies are simply no go
so leave them in the car).

This unspoilt
undeveloped area is surrounded by stunning picture card landscapes
with volcanic ash cliffs
crystal clear waters and fine white & golden sands and is made up of several small bays and coves (if it is beginning to sounds like heaven
it almost is). This is not one of the best beaches on Lanzarote
it is the best beach on the island and one of the best in Europe. Note
that as you move further away from the immediate cove
nude bathing is allowed (so be prepared !).

As you head back towards Playa Blanca
I will take you on a whistle stop tour of ‘the other beaches’. As nice as there are
they do not warrant as much space in this article as Papagayo. First we have Playa de Las Coloradas
a quiet gravel beach 410 m long
far from developed areas and no public services. Next we find the picturesque beach of Playa Blanca
parallel to the restaurant-lined promenade in the village and 40 m of fine golden sand with placid waters. After we pass the harbour (where you can take a daily ferry to Fuerteventura)
you will find Playa Flamingo (200 m. of fine white sand
next to Playa Blanca
ideal for scuba diving)
Playa Dorada (a sheltered beach of fine white sand
30
long)
both close to all the services that the town has to offer. Here you can rent sports equipment & hammocks.Next we have La Mulata
80
m. of fine golden sand mixed with gravel (located between Playa Blanca and the Faro de Pechiguera lighthouse)
La Campana
140
m. of fine golden sand (close to the Faro de Pechiguera lighthouse)
Monta๑a Roja
260
m. of fine golden sand (near the Faro de Pechiguera lighthouse)
and finally we end with El Golfo
150
m. of picturesque black (yes black) sand !

10 Tips when traveling by car with Children

2009-08-14T22:43:00.001-07:00

With the rising costs of airfares and the increasing time it takes to get through security at the airports; more and more families are deciding to travel by car for their vacation. Most of us with young children are returning to the days we grew up in where we traveled most places by car with our parents.

We started asking other friends for how they make the trip go easier and how they beat the "Are we there yets?"
here's ten tips to help your car vacation go a lot easier:

1
Decide do your kids do better in the early morning or evening hours for traveling? Which ever it is plan your travel to match
for this us our kids don't travel well in the morning they do much better if we leave after 2:00pm and travel into the evening.

2
Stock your car with favorite pre-bagged snacks for everyone
even parents
a cooler with lots of water and favorite drinks
colored pencils
crayons
a few coloring books
sticker books
travel games
and a travel journal for older kids.

3
Take along Gameboys & games
personal CD/cassette players (even for little kids)
and you can get books on tape from the library.

4
Do consider a portable DVD player
this makes 5 or 6 hour a day seem like 2 hours. It also cuts a lot of the unnecessary stops as the kids are involved in the movie playing.

5
To avoid the difficulty of hauling in a suitcase for every person into a hotel for the 1 night stops. Pack a 3 day bag into which each person contributes 3 days worth of clothes. This way you take one suitcase of clothes in every three days.

6
Do pack a lightweight table cloth for outdoor lunch stops along the way.

7
Be sure to take the digital camera you'll create lifetime memories.

8
Do get postcards from every major destination along the way.

9
All kids are different but in general don't drive as far as the adults can go in one day
try to keep car travel to a 6 to 8 hour range of time.

10
Don't fill the inside of the car to the brim causing less space for the kids
instead consider a car topper for safe keeping of your belongings.

Have a great family vacation.

10 Tips For Planning Your European Trip

2009-08-14T06:40:00.001-07:00

Europe is the most popular destination for tourists. There are several important things to keep in mind before calling your travel agent and booking your next vacation:

1. Your Budget: Set your budget. This includes transportation cost and souvenir/s. If your budget is smaller
you should visit Eastern Europe
looking for packaged tours
or
if you're flexible
book a "last-minute" trip
which can often save you 30% or more. Check out the current exchange rate between your currency and that of the country you'll be visiting
to have a better idea of what your vacation is going to actually cost you. Whenever possible
travel during an off-peak season to save even more.

2. Time of year: You may not want to spend many days indoors
because the weather can be cold and rainy. You may miss a wonderful trip just because you have not checked with your travel agent or weather forecast first. This is what I recommend you if you're not sure of weather patterns
check with your travel agent who can advise you on rainy seasons or other weather-related issues for traveling to a specific spot.

3. Political Climate: While most countries that rely on tourism make every effort to ensure the safety of tourists
these days it's always a good idea to keep up on the current political climate of the country you're planning to visit
especially if there have been problems in the past.

4. Your waking time: If you usually wake up late in the morning
then a guided tour is probably not for you. Most guided tours start early in the morning
and you're on the go until evening. You may visit several cities in a country or countries within a specified amount of time
and you're required to stay with the group.

However
if you don't like traveling alone
you enjoy the companionship of others and getting to see as much as possible in the time you've got
a guided tour or cruise may be just the thing for you.

5. Your dream and personal desire: This vacation is something special and you save the whole year for. So if you have always wanted to visit somewhere or do something special -- why wait? Include it in your next vacation plans.

6. Plan your day: Take a little time to think about what you like doing before planning your trip. Do you prefer the water
or the mountains? Lying on the beach
or rock-climbing? Adrenaline rushes or visiting an art museum?

Once you know what you want to do
figure out what you'll have time to do. Many times
in an effort to get the "most bang for our buck" we tend to over plan the vacation
and end up needing a vacation from the vacation when we get home! Prioritize your list
and be willing to save some activities or attractions for another trip.

7. Use the resources that are available to make your trip special and save money: Today's travelers have numerous options when planning their vacation. You can use the Internet to find out more about the cities or countries you want to visit
check out prices
even book your flight or hotel room. Here is a useful website you can visit http://www.heping-hotel.com If you're visiting a place for the first time
check with a travel agent
talk to someone who's "been there
done that" on an Internet Forum
or contact local chambers or commerce or travel councils to get more information about where to go
what to see and what to do.

8. Pack lightly: Do not bring items that you will not use and unnecessary because the word “Just In Case”. When planning your trip
look at your wardrobe and pack as lightly as you can. Take only what you'll really need
and remember that if you forget or end up needing something
chances are you can get it once you reach your destination.

9. Get organized: You can use trip-planning software
or your own favorite organizing system to organize and plan your trip. Don't forget things like making sure your passport and picture ID are up-to-date
finding out if travel insurance is something you need
and how and where to exchange your money. The more organized you are in the beginning
the better vacation you'll have.

10. Have fun!: Get organized
have a plan before going anywhere. That way
once you're on your way
you'll be able to relax and enjoy yourself. But remember
there are very few "perfect" vacations
so if something does go wrong
try to relax and "go with the flow" as much as possible.

10 Time-Tested Tips for Traveling With Toddlers

2009-08-14T06:34:00.009-07:00

Traveling with toddlers can be torture.

New sights and sounds can be overwhelming to a young child and vacation excitement can quickly turn into temper tantrums if you're not prepared.

Here are 10 parent-practiced tips to help make traveling with toddlers fun.

1. Choose a family-friendly destination. Skip the crowded tourist destinations and opt instead for a locale that is accustomed to having kids around.

2. Safety first! Always make sure your child's car seat is properly secured. Also
use a removable window shade to help block the sun.

3. Pack entertainment. "Best bets for entertaining your child in the car and hotel room include favorite books
games and toys
says Nancy Wolpert of Nickelodeon Home Entertainment. For all-inclusive entertainment, she recommends two new DVDs that feature a collection of kids' favorite TV shows.
The Nick Picks and Nick Jr. Favorites DVDs will keep them entertained for hours
Wolpert promises.

4. Plan rest stops. If you're driving, break up the monotony by stopping every couple of hours (or more frequently if necessary). Kids need to stretch out after being cooped up in a car for a while. Consider bringing along a ball to kick or throw around during these breaks.

5. Be flexible. Set realistic expectations and let your child soak up the experience at his or her own pace. You might want to limit your activities to one a day. Otherwise, you could wind up with an over-stimulated toddler.

6. Bring water and plenty of snacks. Fruit, granola bars, mini juice cartons and small boxes of cereal make for great, healthy snacks.

7. Bring a beloved item. A blankie or cuddly toy will help your toddler feel safe and secure. Be sure to have a replacement on hand, too. It will save you some heartache should the original get lost.

8. Start and end your day early. Kids are at their best in the morning, so plan accordingly.

9. Stick to your routine. Eating, napping and playing at the same time each day may be all your child needs to feel comfortable in a new environment.

10. Take lots of pictures. They're only young once, so enjoy every moment! - NU

10 Lanzarote Beaches - General

2009-08-14T06:34:00.005-07:00

Lanzarote offers a wide variety of beaches including white and black sand
placid and ruffled waters and these are
as you would expect distributed along the entire coast of the island.

Further articles posted by me discuss in more detail the best beaches in each of the seven municipalities (articles 11 to 17) and these form part of a much wider portfolio of information I'm providing to help holiday makers.

So
where is the best beach then ?

As my ‘home-from-home’ is in the south of the island in Playa Blanca in the municipality of Yaiza
I am somewhat biased as to where the best beach is and for me it is without doubt
Papagayo. Judging by the research I’ve done on the Internet
I am not alone in this opinion
so no matter where you are staying
I would suggest that you should not miss this one out.

Punta de Papagayo (to give it its full name)
is located at the southernmost tip of Lanzarote. With a surrounding landscape of volcanic ash
crystal clear water and fine white sand
this stretch of the coast
with several small bays and coves is quite simply stunning. Access is gained by first driving across a dirt track road (quite bumpy)
then paying a toll (it’s that good
they charge you a small entrance fee)
and then walking down the sand banks to the beach as there is no man-made path.

BEFORE you walk down the banks
remember to get anything you need from the one and only cafeteria in this area
as you won’t want to keep trudging up and down
trust me
I’ve done it. The difficulty in getting to the beach is worth it. If you decide to walk along the beach to look at other bays
please bear in mind the fact that some visitors bathe nude at this location as it is permitted. You should not encounter this in the bay by the cafeteria.

If you research this beach on the Internet more widely
you will read statements like ‘wild at times’ and ‘waves can be a little strong at times’
so your instinct will
quite rightly tell you to keep an eye on the children.

I want to devote the rest of this introductory article to a day on Papagayo in the Spring of 2005.
On this particular trip
my wife decided to stay at the top of the cliff by the cafeteria
as we were not planning to stay long. I took my two sons down to the immediate bay as the children were pestering me to let them play in the sand and have a dip in the water (as children do). I did what most parents do on holiday - I gave in to their demands for a peaceful life.

My eldest son (who was 11 at the time) decided he’d like to be a little braver than the younger one
who was 6 years old and who stayed in the ‘ankles only’ region of the sea with me. He wandered out to a point that each wave broke about the chest to neck area and if he jumped up as the wave broke to avoid getting a mouthful of salt water.

All children do this and I’m sure by now
you know what’s coming…. well he didn’t !

I could see a rather large wave behind him out at sea and began to shout towards him to come back in a bit. He never understood my gesticulations towards him
so I moved towards him (instructing the younger one to go back up the beach immediately and ‘stay put’). For once
the younger one did as he was told and as I got closer he heard me and moved towards me. I got to within 5 metres of him before the wave crashed 15 feet above his head !

For what seemed an eternity at the time
I completely lost sight of him. He resurfaced
spluttering
and a good 30 metres away from me
which should give you an appreciation of the waves power. My son waited to see my reaction before bursting out laughing (I think he thought I would be angry with him
as if !). He was covered from head to foot in sand
had drank a pint or more of salt water and despite his brave face
he was clearly shook up and to this day we still recall that wave at Papagayo
but he had learnt his lesson and he lives to swallow salt water another day.

It is worth pointing out that both of my children are very good swimmers
having attended swimming lessons from an early age. Their ‘reward’ for this
is to be given more freedom when on holiday
particularly in the swimming pools
providing we can still see them. I did not for one moment (you know I really mean that I did) think that he would not come back up
but please take my experience into account if you go to Papagayo as the warning ‘strong waves at times’ is often dismissed by the occasional visitor.

But don’t let this put you off
as this is truly a fantastic location and we still go back on most visits to the island.

I will to bring this article to a close with an important Safety Message - Swimming & playing in the sea is great fun
but be aware of the dangers and act responsibly and look out for Flag warnings.
To this end
you should :

1. Swim parallel to the shore ;
2. Swim within your depth (it can often be difficult to swim back to the Beach as currents can be strong) ;
3. Never swim immediately after eating ;
4. Never swim alone or at night ;
5. Be aware of local conditions (currents etc)
seek advice if in doubt and beware of boats and jet skis if they are in the vicinity and please do not swim in areas allocated for their use ;
6. Remember that a Red Flag means “Dangerous Conditions
do not enter the water” ;
7. Remember that a Yellow Flag means “Dangerous Conditions
exercise caution” ; and
8. Remember that a Green Flag means its “Safe for swimming”.

Oh… and in case you’re wondering
it was a Green Flag at the time of the incident with my son and it was altered to Yellow by the time we got back to the top of the cliff.

Were we unlucky ? No we were lucky !

01 What can lanzarote offer you on your next holiday

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Where is Lanzarote ? -

It is located on the eastern side of the Canary Islands and is a mere 13 miles wide and 40 miles long
so you can travel to each and every part of the island and spend the whole day not having to worry about lengthy journeys to and from excursions and one of the most appealing aspects is the climate as it offers warm temperatures and scarce rains all year around
turning it into a great place for those who wish to spend time at the beach and enjoy as many outdoor activities as possible.

Whether you are in to Land
Sea or Air sports there is plenty of everything here :

Cycling
Go-Karting
Golf
Horse-riding
Jeep Safari
Quad-Bike Safari
Rancho Texas & The Tropical Park

Boat Cruises
Catamaran
Fishing
Submarine or perhaps you just want to go to an aquapark.

Flight Tours
Hand-Gliding & Parasailing

If you prefer the more cultural aspects of a location
then you have to come to 'heaven'. This side of Lanzarote is best summed by the mere mention of one mans name - Cesar Manrique
a man whose influence can be seen all over the island at places like Castillo de San Jose
Ceuva de los Verdes
Fundacion Manrique
Jameous Del Aqua
Jardin De Cactus
Mirador Del Rio
Museo Campesino and the fantasic Timanfaya ("Fire Mountain") and in future articles I will write about each of these.

Lanzarote is the only place in the world where you have your lunch in a cafeteria that is built on top of an active volcano
where the heat to cook your food comes from the volcano itself ?
- See my article 21 on Timafaya

and where else can you go deep into a cavern in the middle of nowhere and find a huge ampitheatre used for live concerts
aplace that doubles as a nightclub two evening a week ?
- See my article 22 on the Northern Attractions

If you want a great beach
then again Lanzarote has one to compare with the very best.
- See my article 11 on Yaiza Beaches and Punta de Papagayo

0 to 60 in 4.5 Seconds

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Any one who has ever gotten on a race bike and felt the acceleration knows that such temptation is just to great. Once you give it some throttle you want to take it thru the gears. Yet
if you do choose to take it thru all the gears and redline the sixth or last gear you find yourself often over 135 miles per hour even on a 600 CC race bike. On the 750’s and 1000 plus CC race bikes you are well over 160 miles per hour at redline. Those of us who dare know that you must really pay attention when you are going at such speeds while sitting out in the open
namely you need to hang on.

Why do we sell these motorcycles to teenagers if we know that there is no possible way and no current teenager alive who owns one who has not sped on it? It is safe to say that such a statement is correct. Perhaps we ought to have speed limits within reason; for instance if you have taken a super bike class and have shown you can handle the raw power and speed; then you should be allowed to open it up all the way when no one else is around to get hurt. Montana use to have such a law on their roads
unlimited speed limit as long as you were not endangering others
this seems to be a good rule. Germany has the autobahn
yet we are denied the pursuit of happiness because some lawmaker who has no balls is afraid we might get hurt and it might go into the newspaper and make a few weak voters sob? No one has the right to deny those capable and willing to push the envelope a little our pursuit of happiness as such rules are in complete contrary to what it means to live in a free country.

Just because there are Jerry Springer guest stars out there still wearing their free T-shirts for being on the show and a few Jeff Foxworthy “here’s your sign” recipients is no reason to make laws to protect the weakest link of humanity from their destiny and happiness. The need for speed is an innate characteristic of mankind and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. For those who cannot perform
they can win the Darwin Award
but we should not make laws to protect the stupidest human and deny the cr่me of the crop their destiny. Think about it.