Author: Chris

How To Plan Your First Road Trip

April 7, 2011

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Road trips can be a lot of fun. Perhaps your going with your family, or maybe with a few of your friends. Whoever it is doesnâ€™t really matter as long as you love them. The magic in road trips stems from the ones you love. You laugh, you cry, you hug. Who knows what will be in store for your trip. . .

There are a lot of possible things that can go wrong on a road trip. Hereâ€™s a few thing you can do to curve the danger and heighten the experience:

1. Plan It
Sometimes road trips are spontaneous and full of surprises. If this trip shouldnâ€™t be, then youâ€™re going to need to plan a bit. You should map out the destinations where you will rest, eat, and sleep. Having all this written down will make the trip far, far more easier. Youâ€™ll be able to set a budget, know when you are lost, and keep a time schedule.

2. Reserve
A large part of a unplanned road trip is stopping wherever you please. That is, if you werenâ€™t planning your road trip, but you are. So I have to insist that you reserve a few hotel rooms along the way. You can do this by calling or using a website. A website and credit card can and will do wonders for you.

The last thing you want to do is get to a place and find out a convention or festival started and there arenâ€™t any rooms available.

3. Tune Up Or Rent
Your going to need a car for this road trip. . . Not sure if you knew that. But deciding on wether to take your car or rent one is what it comes down to. When you rent a car your going to be paying daily for it, or by the mileage you add up. This can get extremely costly. However it could also save you a ton of money. You donâ€™t have to deal with fixing up your own car. You can purchase insurance for your trip. Giving you a safety net. They also give you discounted or free repair service (call to make sure).

On the other hand you can tune up your car. If you trust your car, and can afford the â€œtuning upâ€ part then go for it! A drive in your own vehicle will make it that much memorable and less stressful.

The rest is all up to you. Have a fun and safe road trip – maybe to Myrtos Crete?!

How to Get the Best Rates on All Inclusive Cruises

April 4, 2011

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Taking a cruise is one of the most rapidly growing activities in the travel and leisure market segment. People that are new to cruising tend to depend heavily on travel agents to make every aspect of the reservations for them but there are many alternatives to get the best rates on all inclusive cruises. While demand for cruises continues to increase, the cruise lines continue to add more ships to their fleet, which means that prices for itineraries on mainstream cruise lines remain very competitive. That is a huge advantage for savvy travelers that makes reservations for themselves. Certainly, there are times when using a travel agent can be beneficial but the cruise lines make a compelling argument that people are much better off from a price perspective by booking the entire package on their web site or by talking to one of their reservation representatives. Keep in mind that travel agents cannot sell a comparable cruise for less than the cruise line itself. That is particularly the case when they have a lowest price guarantee promotion.

Some travel agents have promotions that suggest there are huge discounts on last minute cruises and while that is certainly correct, the cabin selection is limited and you may end up in an undesirable location. Keep in mind that the focus should remain on the all inclusive cruise aspect in that you want to get as many additional benefits besides just of the cost of the cruise. Do not just think about the price of the cruise alone. Rather than wait until the last minute, the best deals on cruises are made well in advance of departure. This is why speaking to the cruise operators’ representatives is so important. They can offer many additional incentives to encourage you to book while they have you on the phone. Receiving complimentary access to shows, cabin upgrades, on-board ship credits and complimentary drink coupons can add up to a tidy sum that would have been unavailable if booked through a travel agent.

How to Get to Koh Phangan

February 25, 2011

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Koh Phangan is Thailandâ€™s fifth biggest island. It is situated in the southern part of the Gulf of Thailand. Unlike the island of Koh Chang or the fleshpot beaches of Pattaya it is a considerable distance from Bangkok. There are a number of travel options for getting to Koh Phangan from Bangkok.

If you are in a hurry and you have the money the quickest route is to fly with Bangkok Airways to the neighboring island of Koh Samui. If you arrive in Koh Samui in the early afternoon you can make it to Maenam or Bophut to catch the ferry over to Koh Phangan. The ferry takes about 40 minutes to cover the 12 km that separate Koh Samui from Koh Phangan. If you arrive after 4pm in Koh Samui you will have to spend the night on the island before transferring to Koh Phangan. The only way to get around this problem is to hire your own speed boat. In a speed boat the journey can be done in just over 10 minutes.

Most boats to Koh Phangan arrive at the main port town of Thongsala, except for the Haad Rin express (which goes to Haad Rin) and the Thong Nai Pan Express (which goes to Thong Nai Pan).

There are cheaper flights between Bangkok and Suratthani by Air Asia and Nok. However, the travel time getting from Suratthani airport to the ferry port and then the 2 hour boat journey largely negates any time savings. These low cost carriers cannot use the Koh Samui airport â€“ Bangkok Airways own the airport and has set up a profitable monopoly.

If you are a backpacker and want to be economical there are two choices for you: either the overnight train from Bangkok to Suratthani or a combined bus/boat ticket. The price of a sleeper on the train is very reasonable. There are a number of companies doing the bus and boat deal. They vary in price. Generally, the cheaper the price the slower the journey will be. All involve an over-night trip. The best and safest is the Lomprayah deal. Lomprayah have a catamaran which is the fastest ferry plying the route between the mainland and Koh Phangan.

Remember to keep your valuables with you whichever route you take to the island and remember to put on sunscreen if you sit out on deck of the boat.

Why I always book with a large hotel chain

February 11, 2011

Posted by Chris under Accommodation, Travel Tips

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Making a reservation for a hotel can be a really confusing business, particularly if you’re in a strange town with no local know-how. Furthermore everybody has different requirements when researching a resort with all sorts of things from cost to rating becoming a factor. To assist here are a few of my main factors to help you stretch your budget on your upcoming trip no-matter what town you might be visiting.

There are some excellent reasons to stay with a large resort chain such as the Hilton or Best Western. The main reason may be the benefit plans that many big chains have got set up so if you ever make numerous bookings with them you can obtain a free of charge room at the end. Considering that big hotel companies have sites around the globe there is a lot of incentive to retain your business. Lots of people are convinced brand name hotels are invariably more expensive than less significant independent locations but itâ€™s not always the case, the marketplace for guests is extremely aggressive for all hotels. This can be particularly so for Hotels in Las Vegas as well as North America in general.

Mystery hotel sites are getting to be more successful online right now despite the majority of travellers not really recognizing exactly how they work. Basically there are lots of motels and guesthouses with unfilled suites on any given night. Simply by listing the room on the secret rooms web page consumers may bid for the hotel room with only a few details like grading and estimated location to go by. For some choosing an unknown hotel with so little insight is much too daunting however the reward for anyone bold enough can be 50% off the standard price.

Nearly all the best chain hotels now have internet based newsletters where one can find the most recent updates on their best prices. I’m sure lots of people donâ€™t want junk mail clogging up their inbox however if you are persistent there are many fantastic promotions to be enjoyed. The basic principle is similar to the mystery rooms websites in which hotels have got a excess of suites that they must offload cheaply and quickly. I know many people that have stayed at in 5 star hotel rooms for half the standard price just by subscribing to latest updates.

So those are my methods for finding a cheaper place to stay. I hope you can find the perfect room at the right price for you.

Holidays to Ayia Napa

February 9, 2011

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Once a small fishing town is now the center of attention for over 250,000 tourists who come down in summer to have a great time and enjoy the beautiful sceneries and the weather. Famously known for its night life and a huge list of night club really is a tourist attraction for people of all ages. Ayia Napa is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world which are good enough to take you by storm. A well suited family vacation resort is located very close by and is close to all the amenities. A main attraction for families is the safari around the whole place where you can rent a open top jeep, scour the land and experience the amazing waterfalls, the mountain drives and the breath taking sceneries are really something that will leave a mark on your memory when you go for holidays to ayia napa. For the ladies who are shopaholics, Ayia napa boasts designer brands and fashions for locals and holiday makers altogether. You can get a wide range of designer watches, sunglasses, clothing, jewellery and cameras for a bargain, there is a price discount of about 30 percent on items as compared to other countries which is another reason why ayia napa is very famous amongst the ladies. All the major credit cards are accepted so even if you run out of money and still wish to shop, you can easily avail the great bargains. Leather goods of ayia napa are very famous and of superior quality.

If you are a vacationer who really enjoys the fine cuisines, then ayia napa will definitely not disappoint you because they have a wide variety of cuisines from all over the world, from fast food items, French cuisines to Chinese dishes, you are sure to find the cuisine of your choice just around the corner. The famous dishes of ayia napa include Cypriot Meze which is a combination of about 20 to 30 island dishes and the aphelia which is pork and redwine. A major plus point of ayia napa is the night life, from clubs, bars and discos open well into the early hours of morning, you are sure to have a great time and enjoy yourself whether you love to dance or just want to grab a couple of drinks. Most resorts have their own nights planned which have some of the best disc jockeys or local bands to entertain their guests. Travelling everywhere in the world might not be of as much pleasure as the experience you will have in ayia Napa.

The Future of Airport Dining

February 2, 2011

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Delta Airlines really knows what makes their passengers flying out from JFK and LaGuardia tick. They are taking the traditional route to a personâ€™s heart, their stomach! By coming up with an innovative and customer oriented food service at gates 21 and 22 in JFK Terminal 2 and gate 15 in JFK Terminal 2 as well as LaGuardiaâ€™s Terminal D near gates 1 and 2 getting supper has become so much easier for their customers. From the kiosks at these gates supported by unique applications on Apple iPad, an order for a quick serving of food can be placed. From the menu options you can select from a range of food from the restaurants within the airport and enjoy dining in the comfort of the new dining area near the gate while keeping an eye on the gate where you are expected to board from.

A scrumptious assortment of fare from the world over from restaurants conceptualized by prominent chefs are on offer to make Delta Airlineâ€™s passengers wait more relaxing and enjoyable. Enjoy French cuisine at Terminal 2 of JFK from the Croque Madame conceptualized by chef Andrew Carmellini. Feel like having Italian? Look for it at Terminal 3 from Bar Brace which is the brainchild of restaurateur Jason Denton. Who does not love gourmet pizza, get it at Crust at the new Terminal D in LaGuardia dining stations. Before placing your order you will be prompted to remind you of the time it will take to deliver your food at your gate, which is less then 10 minutes, and if you confirm the order it is executed immediately. Don’t forget to bring your cup holder along for the flight if you happen to have more of your drink left over. Forgot to recharge your mobile or laptop? Do not fret about such minor issues when you can plug into an electronic outlet at the very seat you are dining at.

In affiliation to OTG management which is a leading airport restaurant operations group, Delta Airlines has expanded the scope for in-airport dining services. On the table are 13 food and beverage concepts in and around Terminal D at LaGuardia and at JFK, including some full service cafÃ©s and bars inside the four Delta Sky Clubs.

An investment of $1.2 billion by a conglomerate of Delta, Port Authority of New York, New Jersey, and JFK International Air Terminal LLC is set on expanding and enhancing the Terminal 4 at JFK with work on this extension set to finish by May 2013.

Horseback Riding Vacations Are For Guys Too

January 23, 2011

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Horseback riding vacations can be a fun way to get away with the boys to rough it for a weekend, leaving the women behind. If you need a break from the constant chores at home, head out for a little fresh air and fun in the sun with your friends. You will enjoy the open meadows and peace and quiet.

When looking for a dude ranch, you will need to choose your location wisely. Make sure there is a saloon close by so you and your buddies can spend the day riding and the evening with a cold drink. Many dude ranches have these facilities right on their location so you can just walk through the swinging doors of the saloon a few feet away from your ranch house. Make sure the ranch you pick also had great food options. You and your friends will need plenty of great meals to keep you going all day long. There are even some horseback riding vacations that have gourmet cooking while others favor cooking out on the range. Either way, you can have a great time enjoying the outdoors with your friends.

Next time your buddies get together to play poker or watch football, talk about your horseback riding getaway. Then all you have to do is pick a date and a ranch and plan to have the time of your life in the wilderness. Horseback riding vacations can fill your lungs with fresh air and allow you to have a wonderful time with your friends. It could help you relieve the stress from your job and home lives and help you leave your worries behind for a few days. Once you complete your vacation, you might just feel like a new man, or at least rejuvenated and refreshed. It will be an experience you will not soon forget.

Traveling Requirements â€“ Knives, Liquids, and Electronics

January 11, 2011

Posted by Chris under packing, Travel Tips

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Luggage check-in and customs can be a big hassle. Airline restrictions are continually increasing, and fliers may face severe penalties for not abiding by the rules. To avoid any problems, always be aware of the different airline regulations so you can follow them accordingly.

Avoid Questionable Items

If you are not sure about a certain belonging, it is safer not to bring it. Knives and other sharp objects are fine to bring in your check-in luggage, but never place them in your carry-on rolling suitcase or on your person. Even items as small as nail clippers may be confiscated, so it is better to not bring any items deemed questionable. If an item is not allowed on the plane, you will most likely have to throw it away.

Liquids requirements are a fairly new introduction to airline regulations. Most airlines will not permit passengers to take more than 100-300ml aboard the plane. This will include any liquid, whether it is water, juice, soap, or even make-up base. To carry more, you will need a special permit, such as a mother carrying baby milk for her child. Water is more expensive to buy on the plane, but it is the only alternative since you cannot bring liquids aboard. Many airports also ban fresh foods to prevent crop disease from spreading.

Electronics are generally permitted on planes, but sometimes they are question. Some top suitcase brands have compartments for storing electronics, but it can easily get ruined if it is put in the check-in baggage. Laptops and tablets are permitted on almost all airlines, but you may need to run them through a scanner. LCD monitors and computers can also be brought as carry-on, but airline personnel tend to be stricter when checking these components. All other electronic accessories like cameras and USB drives are also permitted, providing they do not have sharp edges.

Train Vacations in the Canadian Rockies

December 4, 2010

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Taking train vacations may not be the first option that people consider today because of their own reasons. And with the presence of many transportation means, traveling by train is no longer considered as the fastest way to explore one place to another. But there are still people who choose to take vacations by train because of the scenic advantage and cheap fare rates.

Sometimes, you find yourself getting stuck in a general vacation type which you experience every now and then. Itâ€™s kind of tiring when you tend to do the same things over and over again, doesnâ€™t it? Going to the usual tourists attractions and destinations while riding a car and spending the nights in a hotel, why not try something different? If you want to get away from stress and work, taking a train ride to any of the vacation destinations in Canadian Rockies is a good option to consider.

When you take a Canadian Rockies train ride, you will be able to get a chance to see the wonderful and beautiful sceneries as the train journeys through certain areas. You will be able to pass several parks like Banff and Jasper. Unlike the typical vacation, you donâ€™t have to worry on where you are going to eat or spend the night because the train ride already includes sleeping cabins and delicious food. And since you are not the one driving, you can really relax and enjoy the ride. Your vacation do not start when you arrive at your final destination, it starts from the very moment that you rake the train ride and leave.

Train vacations are really convenient, affordable and are one of the most amazing adventure travel vacations available. In addition to seeing wonderful sceneries, you will be able to see that the train itself is a work of art that is built for utmost comfort.

Going Inside the Great Pyramid of Giza

December 1, 2010

Posted by Chris under Travel Destinations

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When going to Egypt, a visit to the Pyramids in the Cairo is an absolute must. Even the most jaded traveler will be unable to do anything but gap in awe at the sheer size and technical ingenuity of these monuments. Of course, the site is a touristic mayhem and those traveling independently will be seriously tested by all the challenges involved in getting there on their own â€“ but perhaps no other place in the world is worth all the hassle involved.

Thus, when you do finally make it on the site and if the Great Pyramid of Giza is open for visiting, don’t miss the chance to go inside. A separate ticket than the one for general admission is required to get in. It is currently sold for 100 pounds (20 dollars) at the ticket offices that can be found at either of two entrances. There is the main entrance, which is obvious, and the backside entrance which is located in an alley of camel stables. Don’t buy a ticket from anywhere but those two places as there are some fakes going around.

Another crucial detail in regards to going inside the pyramid: one needs to be in good shape. The stairs are steep and difficult. The air is thin, the temperature is very humid and hot and the passages can easily make someone feel claustrophobic. Some passages also require people to bend considerably or walk on their knees. I saw a few people out of breath in there.

Know that you cannot bring a camera inside and if you are uncomfortable to leave you camera and possibly your bag with the guard at the entrance, arrange the visit so you can leave these items with someone you trust while you climb up to the King’s chamber. When you get up there, take your time to appreciate the unique feeling of the chamber. It is barren and there is nothing spectacular about it, unless you take a moment to feel and ponder on the immensity of the giant blocks surrounding you. Also pay attention to the way the sound echoes, the chamber creates astonishing acoustics!

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