All inclusive travel planning

Ever tried to cram all your travel plans into one small budget and short schedule? If you have, you will know the true meaning of a frugal and haphazard vacation. Some people think that all-inclusive vacation packages leave very little space for them to have fun and there's no flexibility. But they are wrong.

You can save money with an all-inclusive vacation package

If you're really tight on the budget, booking an all-inclusive vacation package can save you quite a big chunk of cash. Because these all-inclusive package vacation companies have close ties with hotels and popular tourist spots in the country, they can get a better rate than you can! Hence, normally, the discounts and savings will be passed on to you - the all-inclusive vacation customers, tourists and visitors!

All-inclusive vacations are hassle-free

Planning a vacation can give you headaches! When you book an all-inclusive vacation package, you're actually giving yourself the chance to COMPLETELY enjoy the vacation without having to worry about the nitty-gritty details. Your accommodation, food, entertainment and traveling are all taken care of. The only thing that you and your family members have to worry about is how much fun you're going to have during the vacation. Some tourists and vacationers like to get an all-inclusive vacation package because there's lack of time. Some people have to contend with last minute plans. The all-inclusive vacation packages can be real life savers in this instance. Even honeymooners love all-inclusive packages because they don't want to have to worry about meals, entertainment, activities, transportation and accommodation when they should be focused on each other!

Mealtime fun with all-inclusive vacation packages

One of the most worrisome things for tourists is WHERE to eat. Because we are not familiar with the country and the booklets that we can get from airports are hardly accurate (most of the time), meal times are worrying. When we're visiting another country, we want to try another delicacy, something new….and cheap. Who better to tell you where to find it than an all-inclusive vacation planner? They have all the ropes, hang on to them and enjoy the meal!

All-inclusive packages - tells you the cultural differences between races and religions

You can read all you want from the Internet or from books on the different cultures and religions in the country that you're visiting…and yet, whenever you're on an all-inclusive vacation package, the tourist guide will STILL tell you things that surprises you! and this is an important point because you don't really want to step on someone's toes when you're in THEIR country.

Besides all of that, with all-inclusive vacation packages, you don't have to worry about where to have fun because they plan everything for you. All-inclusive vacation packages are definitely worth it!

Thailand - The Land of Smiles and Cheap Travel

Thailand is known as the land of smiles, which is amazing considering the traffic jams in Bangkok. For budget travelers, Thailand simply can't beat on price alone.

Thailand

Thailand is an odd mix of contrasts. It can be extremely stressful while trying to get around in Bangkok and gloriously relaxing while laying on practically any of the beaches that populate the coast of the country. Regardless of the situation, the Thais have a habit and custom or smiling regardless of what you ask or how you ask it.

Beaches

The beaches of Thailand need no introduction. Used as the setting for hundreds of movies, they come in a variety of styles. The beaches of Phuket and Phi Phi fall along the lines of traditional beach resort areas like you might find in a place such as Cancun, Mexico or Tamarindo, Costa Rica. On the other end of the scale, you can find more rustic beach areas in places like the island of Ko Chang where you'll have a few beach bungalows, a couple of bars and one or two stores. If you're looking for a little of both styles, just ask around.

Da North

Infatuated with the beach life, many people fail to head up country when in Thailand. This is a mistake as the north is the host to such locations as the city of Chang Mai, the Summer Palace of the King of Thailand and interesting little villages. For the outdoor enthusiasts, rafting, hiking and mountain biking are very popular and widely available.

Prices

If you're on a budget, Thailand is a perfect travel destination. For some reason, flights to Thailand are particularly cheap with my recent flight on Korean Airlines running roughly $650 round trip. Once in country, your money will go a long, long way.

I think a note of caution is need at this point. Please beware. If you decide to take a trip to Thailand, you won't want to come back to your native country. You will, however, definitely come back to Thailand!

Dare to Understand Travel Terms, Then Sit Back and Enjoy Traveling

PERMISSION TO REPUBLISH: This article may be republished in newsletters and on web sites provided attribution is provided to the author, and it appears with the included copyright, resource box and live web site link. Email notice of intent to publish is appreciated but not required.

When planning your travels or buying your airline tickets, you have probably come across definitions and terms that might have seemed strange to you. Granted, many of the definitions and terms become more understandable as you become familiar with the industry as a frequent flier. While there are many terms for hotel room types, car types, and travel amenities, the area that we shall attempt to define would be tours.

Tour operators try to make their brochures and websites as attractive, informative and understandable as possible; however, in reading this information you will undoubtedly encounter some terminology that is new and unfamiliar. To assist you, here's a glossary covering some of the terminology you will most most frequently find in brochures, fliers, and on websites.

Accommodations:

* Single Room: A room with one bed for one person.
* Twin Room: A room with two beds for two people.
* Double Room: A room for two persons with a double bed.
* Triple Room: A room for three persons, usually consisting of twin beds (or double beds, plus a rollaway bed.
* Ocean Front: A room directly facing the ocean. Usually it is on the first floor with a door that exists onto the beach.
* Ocean View: A room from which it is possible to view the ocean, whether the room is on the first floor, the 12th floor, or on a hillside.
* Service Charges/Taxes: Service charges are a fixed percentage automatically added to room and meal charges. The city, state or federal government sets taxes.

Air Transportation:

* Add-on Fare: The cost of air travel from a domestic city to another domestic city from which the tour/vacation package originates and vice versa.
* Baggage Allowance: The weight or volume of baggage that may be carried by a passenger without additional charge.
* Connecting Flight: A segment of an ongoing trip, which requires a change of aircraft, but necessarily a change of airline.
* Direct Flight: A flight on which passengers do not have to change planes, but may involve one more stops enroute.
* Non-stop Flight: Service between two points with no scheduled stop enroute.

Car Rental:

* Drop-off Charge: Fee charged by a car rental company to defray the cost of returning the vehicle to its original location.
* Value Added Tax (VAT): Tax imposed by governmental authority.

Charter Travel: Thanks to improved Federal regulations and a new generation of operators, air charters have become the preferred way to reach many of the world's most popular vacation destinations for reasons of value and convenience. Here's how they work: The tour operator rents an airplane and sells the seats, often in combination with a hotel package and perhaps other ground components. The result is a substantial savings.

Conditions:

* Force Majeure: An event or effect that cannot be reasonably anticipated or controlled (such as storms or war).

Consular Information Sheets: Governments issue Consular Information Sheets for every country of the world. They include such information as location of the U.S. embassy or consulate in the subject country, unusual immigration practices, health conditions, minor political disturbances, unusual currency and entry regulations, crime and security information, and drug penalties. If an unstable condition exists in a country that is not severe enough to warrant a Travel Warning, a description of the condition(s) may be included under an optional section entitled Safety/Security.

Documents:

* Passport: An official government document certifying identity and citizenship and granting permission to travel abroad (overseas).
* Visa: An official authorization appended to a passport permitting travel to and within a particular country.

Escorted Tours:

The most traditional tour product is also the most misunderstood. The options are so varied that it's easiest to identify the few elements they share: Group travel, usually by motor coach but sometimes by ship, or train; a set itinerary, with lodging, activities, and most meals included and a tour director to coordinate, guide, and manage the trip. Traveling on an escorted tour provides a measure of security and peace of mind. And today, more tour operators build in free time on group tours, giving travelers the best of both worlds.

Independent Travel:

There's no group on these trips, no guide and no fixed itinerary, unless the client wants one. The sole difference between this and fully independent travel is that by booking through a tour operator from its available inventory, your clients get the advantage of group buying power, without the group.

Package Travel:

Like group tours, packages tend to have fixed itineraries, with ground transportation and hotels booked in advance. But like independent travel, there's no organized group; clients are on their own, free to do as they please at each destination, but they still have the convenience and reliability that come with booking through a tour operator.

Public Announcements:

Public announcements (PAs) are a means to disseminate information about terrorist threats and other relatively short-term and/or trans-national conditions posing significant risks to the security of American travelers. The PAs are made when there is a specific threat that cannot be countered. In the past, Public Announcements have been issued to deal with short-term coups, violence by terrorists and anniversary dates of specific terrorist events.

Tours:

A group of people traveling together who follow a pre-planned itinerary. Most tours include accommodations, a number of meals, sightseeing, land transportation, and/or other transportation, plus the services of a professional tour manager or escort who accompanies the group.

Travel Warnings:

Travel warnings are issued when the State Department decides, based on all relevant information, to recommend that Americans avoid travel to a certain country. Countries where avoidance of travel is recommended will have Travel Warnings as well as Consular Information Sheets. You may also want to review specific country Background Notes.

Vacation Packages:

Vacation packages are designed for those traveling independently. They include a combination of two or more travel services (e.g. hotel accommodations, car rental, air transportation) that are offered at a package price. Many vacation packages offer a choice of components and options, thereby enabling you to customize the package to your tastes, interests and/or budget.

Vouchers:

Documents issued by tour operators to be exchanged for accommodations, sightseeing and other services.

© MSW

UP, UP AND AWAY! Ten Steps To Simplify Travel Packing

UP, UP AND AWAY! Ten Steps to Simplify Travel Packing

Travel is a fact of life, whether for business or for pleasure. Here are three steps to make your packing and unpacking much simpler and less time-consuming.

1. Make a list of all the products you use throughout the course of an average day. (shower gel, deodorant, shampoo, moisturizers, hair spray, toothpaste, toothbrush, floss, etc).

2. Take your list with you to the store and purchase one of every product on your list in a trial size. Also buy a small inexpensive hair dryer, a mini shower scrubbie and an extra small comb or brush. At the same time, purchase a travel case large enough to accommodate all these new items.

3. After shopping, put a handful of cottonballs, swabs and safety pins into three separate baggies. Pack your new travel toiletries and your baggies into your travel case and keep it packed this way and stored in your luggage at all times.

4. After you return home from each trip, refill your travel size toiletries then put the newly replenished bag into your suitcase until your next trip. You will never have to pack toiletries for travel, if you always keep this bag packed and ready to go at a moment's notice.

5. Roll clothing into cylinders when packing. It takes up less space and it will help keep wrinkles down. Also, roll socks and underwear up and stuff them inside your shoes. Not only will it make more space in your luggage, but it helps keep your shoes from getting crushed.

6. Pack clothing that resists wrinkling, such as polyester blends, wool blends, microfibers, silk, and rayon. Avoid packing 100% cotton or linen when possible.

7. To avoid having to bring two pairs of dress shoes, choose one neutral color and build your wardrobe around it. Don't bring outfits based on both black and brown, because then you'll need both black and brown shoes and belts.

8. Bring one suit and several pieces to change its look. Men can wear the same suit with varying color shirts and ties. Ladies can create several different outfits from just one skirt, one jacket, a pair of coordinating pants, and a few blouses.

9. Call your hotel ahead of time to ask if they will provide personal items such as an iron, clothing steamer, and hair dryer. If so, you'll have extra room in your luggage for other things.

10. Carry on your important documents, toiletries, medications, and one change of clothes in case your luggage gets lost.

Travel packing can be simple if you create an effective system and follow it consistently.

Travel Tips - Bringing An Alarm Clock

Travel Alarm Clocks - Your Traveling Companion

A traveler may experience an uncomfortable feeling especially if he's in a place with a different time zone than they have back home. Every traveler needs his own alarm clock. Whether you are on vacation, on a business trip or for any other reason that you are traveling, an alarm clock is a very handy companion to tag along. This way you could keep track of your own time without depending on anyone else.

Alarm clocks should, of course, be portable. They should be able fit in your luggage without worrying that it will be broken. Another feature of your handy clock is that the numbers should be easily read and at the same time they should be easy to set. This way you would save yourself from fussing around trying to set the time for it to alarm. The purpose of the alarm clock is to wake you up on time. So choose one that wakes you up with familiar sounds like beeps or rings. This way you know that the sound comes from the clock and not somewhere else.

They come in different styles and features. Most of the alarm clocks for travel are relatively small. But some of them also come in like large pocket watch that flips open. This way the clock inside is protected from bumps while inside the suitcase. There are small clocks that look like cell phones too! Whatever the size of the travel alarm clock, surely, they always come with their protective cases.

Travel alarm clocks can be both expensive and cheap and are sold in all department stores as well as luggage shops anywhere. It depends on the taste of the traveler whether to pick a pricey or inexpensive one. The important thing is, it should function well and serve its purpose: to wake you up.

A special feature of a travel alarm clock is that you get to choose the alarm. There may be one that could record your favorite song that automatically plays on the set time. Other soothing sounds are available too! However if you're the type that sleeps soundly, a soft toned alarm clock is not for you. You better choose one that has a loud alarm sound to wake you up.

Never choose an alarm clock that has to be plugged in for you never know when there will be a power failure. If this event happens, your alarm clock can't help you.

These alarm clocks have their own setbacks too just like your everyday alarm clocks like the battery running out before it alarms or the "shaking" of the clock might cause the battery inside to move thus stopping the alarm.

Creating Your Own Travel Discounts

Create your own travel discounts

Hotel and rental car owners don't just offer you discounts at random, you have to ask for it work for it, and sometimes, these discounts aren't even worth it, well unless you're looking to traveling during off peak season where there is at most a 50% discount. But let's face it, we travel during peak season because this is the season when we actually have time to travel. So aside from waiting for your favorite hotel's tirade of discounts during off peak season, when you can't really travel and then end up not traveling at all, why not take the initiative and find your own ways to cheap travel, make your own discount.

- Check detour flights other than the straight one you're bound to get when you inquire. You can get cheaper overall prices if you choose to book two flights instead of one. Some people have been able to save as much as $2000 by doing this.

- It is always better to buy food at the grocery and cook it yourself rather than eating everyday at a restaurant. You won't want to spend all of your pocket money on food. Restaurants tend to have cheap and sometimes unhealthy food, ensure your own health as well as your pockets health by cooking your own, that is, after all, the reason why there's a stove in your hotel room.

- Travel to places which boast of natural beauty but have lower costs of living, prices here tend to be lower. Take the Philippines or Malaysia for example, both have great views and tourist spots but come without the hassle of overpricing, English speaking natives are also a plus for these countries.

- If you're planning to stay for more than a week, call the hotel that you'd want to stay in and ask for week long stay discounts, these can range for percentages off your room price or even a "free day."

- Package deals usually save a lot, airfare and lodgings combined into one are usually cheaper compared to paying for them separately. Some travel agencies even provide trio packages which include airfare, hotel and car rental, you can save a lot if you have the industriousness to canvass.

- Find web-only discounts or coupons which some hotels and airline owners provide especially for those willing to reserve online. You can save as much as 50% on your travel costs by going this way.

Where on Earth, a Travel Journal

Hello, and welcome.

This month's report takes us to the western U.S. state of Oregon and some fantastic snowboarding. First a little background on the state of Oregon itself. Begin with a little prehistory by following this link to learn about Oregon and the Columbia plateau. Your journey begins with incredible lava flows, volcanic activity and great rains which formed the diverse landscape we now know as Oregon. Our travels begin very early, o-dark early, did I mention no sleep the night before early...you get the picture. Jesse and I leave home about 3:30 am and head south for the Miami International Airport to begin our trek westward. Even at this early hour heavy traffic was present on the ever under construction roadways of South Florida. The flight westward did leave on time and security screening, sometimes a hassle at MIA went quite smooth.

Great! The trip is off to a smooth start. We arrive at DFW on time, and with our connecting gate for the Portland flight immediately adjacent to us, everything appears to be proceeding much better than planned. Skies, for the most part were clear and the air quite smooth making for a pleasant flight. From our seats we can even peer out the window from time to time and see the mountain ski resorts near Sante Fe New Mexico and Salt Lake City Utah, wow! As we begin our descent I am able to catch a glimpse of a magnificent peak penetrating the cloud bank near Portland. The words awe inspiring come immediately to mind...Mt Hood...our destination, and I hope...not my final one. After deplaning the aircraft, which I have to admit was not the most comfortable I have ever flown on, we proceed to baggage claim and are pleasantly surprised to see both our snowboards and equipment awaiting us at the oversize baggage door. Next step, off to the rental car desk, gotta love this 3 hour time difference, it's only 11:30 am! As we head onto I84 heading eastbound, the wind and the rain begin to pick up substantially, this is the Pacific Northwest you always hear about right...wind, rain, clouds...? We don't care though, because for us it means fresh powder! The drive is an easy one, merely forty eight miles from airport to Hood River. This highway we are on meanders along the Columbia River, and judging from some of the terrain I am able to sneak a peek at thru the rain and clouds, it is rather impressive. As we follow the Lewis and Clark trail ever eastward, the Columbia looks quite impressive as well as imposing with the wind driven rain creating whitecaps, and large swells on the surface as the river winds it's way into the Columbia River Gorge.

As we arrive in Hood River, Jesse is sound asleep and I am wearing thin as this very long day continues to, like the river meander on. But alas, with a few quick twists and turns, our map leads us to our destination, atop a small hill overlooking vast peach orchards. Our bed and breakfast is a two story cabin, with a finished basement. The main floor has two bedrooms, a communal living and breakfast room, and a wonderful outdoor patio. The upper floor includes 3 bedrooms and a single bath. This presents no problem; however, as this weekend, we are the only guests. After meeting Linda, one of the co-owners of our quaint B&B, we decide to venture out into town in search of some much needed nourishment. After perusing the town a bit, we settled into a brew pub named the Big Horse brew pub. No equine on the menu, but some delicious burgers fill our hungry stomachs. The view from our table is quite beautiful, the town, the river, the bridge and even a few windsurfers venturing out. What happens next though is quite awe inspiring...the sun begins to peak thru the clouds creating a double rainbow, that ends in the river below us. What a way to bring our day to a close. We head back to our lodging, and after a short chat with the other owner, Lee, we climb into our comfy beds totally exhausted, yet looking forward to our day on the mountain tomorrow. As day two of our journey begins, we get to experience the other B in B&B, that being breakfast, and to our delight, it is exceptional! Going downstairs we are greeted by the aroma of hot coffee, a wide variety of teas, and several fresh fruit juices from which to choose. Fresh breads, rolls, butter and jams also await our hungry insides. Following these delights we are presented with a menu of fresh items we may include in our omelettes, accompanied by Canadian bacon, both sweet and hot sausages, and melt in your mouth home fries. Mouth mouth waters even now as I think back on this outstanding breakfast. We will definitely not be hungry or in need of any energy bars this day as we conquer the slopes...and our own bodies. After a gracious farewell from our hosts, we set forth toward the mountain.

The weather is still dreary, a bit cold and rainy, but the drive to our destination for today, Timberline Ski Resort, is uneventful. A two lane road follows the Hood River for most of the drive, as it winds it's way through various orchards in the foothills before beginning it's steady climb to higher altitudes. Due to the cloud cover, we still have not had any direct view of the mountain itself, and we have become a bit worried as we proceed onward, as snow snow has been seen anywhere. Did we make a fatal mistake? Is it much too late in the season? Did that internet website we looked at before departing deceive us in any way? All our fears are aleved though, as we round the final turn and begin our last climb toward the resort. Where the ground behind us was merely wet, the ground to our left and right is now deeply covered in frozen precip...aka snow. We round a bend, turn into the parking lot and then...a break in the clouds. WOW! The upside down ice cream cone reaching toward the heavens is directly ahead. What an awe inspiring sight... As soon as the awe subsides, slightly, the tingle in the back of my neck begins... Would I still have a neck that tingles in a few short hours from now? Would we conquer this mountain of white...or would it conquer us? Six hours later, bruised and beaten, we make our final run for the day, and what a wonderful day it turned out to be. Fresh powder, deep snow, over 180 inches plus, a wide variety of challenging runs and trails has made for a perfect day of boarding. Could Mt. Hood Meadows, our choice for the final two days of our winter vacation be any better? What a great day this has been. We drag our weary bodies back to town and once again have an enjoyable dinner. As we get ready to settle in for the evening, our host and his close friend inform us that they have started a campfire for us to enjoy out behind the B&B and ask us to join them for some marshmallows and some interesting conversation about their travels. Soon, thereafter, we both collapse into our beds with smiles on our faces, food in our tummies, and stiffness in our joints as we prepare ourselves for the next two days. The snow boarding at Mt Hood Meadows turns out to be superb! It is, without a doubt, one of the finest resorts, which are numerous, that we have ever had the pleasure to visit. The terrain varies widely from bunny slopes for the beginners, to some of the most challenging, adrenaline pumping, heart pounding, I have ever ventured this weary body on. For the snowboarders, numerous terrain parks are scattered throughout complete with jumps of all sizes, rails and very well groomed half pipes. The skies, turned out to be, clear, crystal clear, on both days and the temperature continued to climb throughout the course. We even were able to take off our ski jackets the final day and wear only our light shirts, and of course, much sunscreen, as the sun's rays are very damaging at this altitude and time of year...old story...I'll tell ya about it someday. This, my friends, is LIVING! Our final day begins early, what else is new, and the next thing we know we are on the road back to Portland and the airport. Where has the time gone? Must we leave so soon? I guess we must, as I have to get back to work, and Jesse to school as Spring Break is coming to an end. We are sad to see the mountain in the background as we pull onto the highway. We have not conquered it, no one really does. We have though, taken a piece of it with us forever, in our memories and that is enough to put a smile on both of our faces. Someday we will once again return. The airport ahead...the nightmare awaits us... I am certain I had checked the flights just a few days ago. Wide open, lots of empty seats, no problem getting home, or so I thought. I did not realize when planning our trip that Spring Break for Oregon residents was just beginning on the day we chose to leave.

After checking our bags to Miami and passing through security screening I was soon to find this detail out. All flights full! All flights, all day, all locations, and just about all airline full, actually oversold. This was not good. What to do? Normally if a flight is oversold, we sometimes have a chance of getting on it, last minute, especially using a higher priority as we chose to use this day. After waiting thru two flights that left and seeing our name dropping on the standby listings, instead of rising I knew we had to make alternate plans. I called my wife on the cell phone and together we pulled our resources to try and find Jesse and I a way home. It just seemed all flights were full, on all airlines that day, in Portland, as well as Seattle, which I was willing to drive us to in order to catch a flight. Finally, after many hours I finally found us a way out of Portland. We would have to wait until 8 pm that night, but a flight was heading for San Francisco on Horizon Airlines that did have some seats available. We didn't hesitate in buying some tickets on this flight. But we did have quite some time to wait. We ate, we slept, we ate some more, we walked around, read, and finally after 10 hours in the airport we boarded our flight. I never felt so good as we broke ground as I did that day, knowing that we were moving forward, even if only a slight amount. We arrived in San Francisco without incident; however, our flight on American to Miami was not departing, until seven the next morning. Only problem, to insure we would get seats on this flight, we needed to check in for this flight at about 4 am, as we had no computer access if we left the airport. So once again, we found some seats and slept, if you could call it that. Nonetheless, we did get on the flight at seven and finally arrived home in Miami at about 8 pm that night. Tired, worn, beaten, bruised, smelling like you know what, we picked up our car and headed for the 2 hour drive to our home...With a smile on our face...That wasn't so bad...was it, let's do it again...next year :)

Credit Card Travel Tips: Some Do's and Don't's

Most people would never think of traveling without credit cards - and for many good reasons. Credit and charge cards can certainly give you an edge while on the road: You do not have to carry as much cash - a definite security advantage - and you WILL receive a record of all your transactions when your credit card statement arrives.

If your credit cards are stolen and used by a thief, and you report the loss promptly, you generally cannot be held responsible for more than a specified dollar amount in fraudulent charges (usually $50). You also stand a better chance of getting your lost credit cards replaced promptly...and this certainly cannot be said for losing cash!

Most major credit cards are accepted worldwide, and in many countries, are preferred as currency over travellers checks. Most people carry at least two types of cards, ideally from two different financial institutions; if one card does not work, the other one is usually accepted. Make sure to keep the cards in separate places.

Keep in mind that in some countries, one type of card is preferred over all others. Consider these examples: in Germany, Mastercard is the card preferred by most businesses; in fact, many stores refuse to take any other card. Note also that some fine restaurants will take only American Express cards - an unpleasant situation if you find yourself having polished off a gourmet dinner with nothing else but a Visa card to pay for it! When in an unfamiliar place, it is a good idea to ask about credit cards accepted before ordering.

When you make a purchase overseas, make sure you check the bill to ensure you are being charged the correct amount. In many countries, periods are used instead of commas in numbers, so 1,000 may appear as 1.000, 45.00 may appear as 45,00. Familiarize yourself with the local currency and its approximate value in your country of origin's currency before you finalize a purchase.

Credit cards also make it easier for the holder to handle certain types of problems that may occur when paying for purchases. Although there is no guarantee that you can secure a refund on goods purchased abroad based on unsatisfactory quality or delivery of merchandise, it is possible your credit card company may allow you to withhold payment while they investigate. It is a good idea to research policy before you leave. Also keep in mind that if you are purchasing goods that are disallowed in your country of origin, your credit card company many not be able to secure a refund for you.

Before you leave, make a list of your credit cards and the international phone numbers to call in case they are lost or stolen. Keep in mind that the toll-free numbers that are normally accessible from your home country may not be valid from the country you are travelling to. Ask your credit card issuer for the appropriate toll free numbers.

Leave one copy of your credit card list with a trusted friend or relative and keep the other copy with you, in a safe place, separate from your cards. You may want to encode the credit card numbers to make them more difficult for a thief to guess. Give yourself every opportunity to contact your credit card companies easily for replacement cards in case you lose your cards.

Also make sure you have checked your credit cards' expiry dates and their credit limits. You may want to pay down the balances or request an increase to the limit, to ensure you have enough to draw on while you travel.

Lastly, here's one really simple but often forgotten tip: After paying for your purchase, make sure you take your credit card back.

Credit cards can make - or break - a trip. Do your homework before leaving. It will be worth your time!

Best Buys in Your Yearly Worldwide Travel Coverage

For best buys in annual travel insurance worldwide you need first only travel as far as your Internet connection. Annual travel insurance for worldwide travel is the best buy, as compared with single trip coverage, if you're going to be making more than one trip in a calendar year, or if you're stay is going to be lengthy.

Let's look at some insurers and plans that qualify as best buy annual travel insurance worldwide. One UK travel insurance carrier that dubs itself the cheapest worldwide travel insurance offers not only annual coverage but plans specific to a single trip, a business trip, backpacking adventures, and plans designed with folks over 65 in mind.

You can purchase the best buys in worldwide travel insurance for a year's worth of worldwide coverage that includes the U.S. and Canada as well as Europe, or you can choose to exclude the United States and Canada. This coverage, while noted as worldwide travel insurance does exclude from coverage several high-risk areas - the countries of Israel, Lebanon, Libya and Algeria. In fact, you would be hard pressed to find annual or single trip travel insurance coverage for these countries anywhere. Were you to do so you can count on them not being among your best buy.

Let's look at an example quote and see if it is indeed one of the best buys in annual travel insurance worldwide. These quotes are for UK residents. Assuming two adults, the oldest 64, traveling in Europe, the range of cost is indeed quite low - from a per person low of $46.43 U.S. dollars to a high of $78.18. These just might be some of the best buys in annual travel insurance worldwide. Coverage includes trip delay or cancellation protection, medical care, the cost of repatriation back to your home, hospital care, lost or delayed luggage, missed flight connection or departure, hijacking, accident, personal liability, care of injured pet, and even vacation abandonment (which means were your flight or cruise to be delayed 12 hours or more you could choose to cancel your plans and be reimbursed for doing so.) These best buys in annual worldwide travel insurance also offer additional coverage add-ons (for an additional price, of course.)

You can choose to pay an extra fee for additional travel insurance coverage for loss or theft of money you carry with you, for loss or damage to business equipment such as your laptop, blackberry or cell phone, and for injury during participation in golf or winter sports.

Best buys in travel insurance worldwide are also found on the Internet, with many sites offering an easy comparison.

Traveling with Babies & Toddlers

You may be surprised at how often babies will sleep to & from the destination. Be sure to have their favorite stuffed animal ready & blanket for the trip (also a pacifier & bottle if the child is young enough). For babies & toddlers, bring along cassette tapes filled with stories & music that is age appropriate. You can sing along to help entertain them.

Other items that you will want to take with you are :

A foldable playpen

An age appropriate car seat

A diaper bag

Something to keep the sun out of the child's eyes

For children ages 1 / years, bring items to play with. Such items can include: scotch tape, window clings, books, coloring books, crayons, a couple plush animals & finger food.

Be sure to bring out toy at a time. When you get out one toy, put the others away. This way the items stay new. Switch toys every 10/5 minutes (longer if the child is older). This keeps the toys & books new and exciting. You will want to have at least 12 toys. 12 toys is appropriate for a trip of 12 hours or less. To be on the safe side add a couple extra or buy a few at stops on the way there. This will allow you to rotate for two hours without having anything boring. You will not need a ton of toys for under a year old, as they will sleep most of the way there (at least hopefully ?if you child isn't prone to sleeping in the car ?you will have to improvise).

You will want someone next to the young child at all times to make sure they stay happy during the entire trip. It can be upsetting to the driver if the baby is constantly crying.

For those crying fits: First try the basic easy things by offering a bottle, pacifier, blanket, doll/stuffed animal, finger food or new toy. If these don't work and the child continues to cry for longer than five minutes, pull over at a rest stop. Check the child's diaper, look for rashes, or places the skin may be rubbing against the car seat, and check for food or items underneath their bottom. If none of these work, re-adjust the child in their chair & keep driving. If the child is old enough to talk, ask them what is bothering them. If nothing works and the child continues to cry, strap him/her back in the car seat and continue to drive. This time don't stop the car until 30 minutes or longer has passed. During this half hour try the things you tried initially. If all is hopeless, ignore the child. Before 30 minutes, it is very likely the child will calm down or fall asleep unless something is seriously wrong. If you stop every time the child cries, he/she will cry MORE! If you do end up stopping a second time (after 30 minutes), first re-check the diaper (it is not uncommon to have two incidents in a half hour) and second check to see if the child is ill. If the child is old enough (2-3 years) and there is nothing wrong (diaper etc) & the fit continues, it may call for disciplinary action (always give the child try to give the warning before disciplining ?this way the child chooses his/her own fate). A quick note: choose a driver that can handle crying for 5- 10 minutes without getting too irritable.

It is true that there may be the occasional crying, but for the most part the trip should go well for both you, the riders and your child.

Tour operator india : Tour And Travel

Tanya Sri Kumar [ 18 September , 2005 ] www.bluebirdtravels.com Travel and tourism - the two enchanting fields, contrive their pattern of services from time to time. They are an indispensable part of both professional and personal life. Assuring services to the point of ultimate subtlety and due reference, Blue Bird Travels proposes itself as a travel agent of the 21st century. Our output is calmly in itself and between the implications and performance - there is a satisfying equipoise of response. We render our services to gratify with the changes for the better to create the effect of an impeccable neatness.

Blue Bird Travels' Strategy : Destination - Excellence , states that our vision sees shinning in and through the competition - the partition lines of excellence and dedicated teamwork leading to the actuality of success. With the conviction and support of our esteemed clientele - we are working round the clock to reach the acme. We are situated in an accessible location from where commuting channels diverse. We are with a well adorned office to behoove your needs of comfort and facilitate you in procuring relevant information and to accommodate all types of related assistance under careful supervision.

The feeling of movement is extra-ordinary. It is almost cinematographic. Whenever you are in motion you feel the depth of panoramic view of the world is to offer you. Blue Bird Travels drenches you in the rushing rains, bathes you in the mural height - the level green, guides you in the barren sands, takes you aback in the frowning glade and holds your hands to take to towns smoothly gliding with life.

Keeping in mind that everybody needs a break from his daily schedule to be close to nature - Blue Bird Travels manages Package Tours suiting individual needs. You wait for the moments to let yourself loose in nature but when you cannot give a final shape to your places of visit, we slowly but steadily tread in your life. We know you want us to be more than a travel agent that is why, we remember each of you from confirmation to your preferred meal. Because, we do not believe in your pleasure, but your delight. Get in touch with us for acquiring the ultimate advantage of your hard earned savings. Our smoothness is there to take you from the virgin beach of Kovalam to the silence of snow in Manali, where as our strength is to globe trot you from the amazing Australia to the city of skyscrapers - New York.

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Accommodation Travel Tips

BEFORE YOU GO

Do a hotel research on the net looking not only for the cheapest rates but also considering the amenities and services provided, location, possible references from other people. Travel guidebooks can also be very helpful for choosing the hotel that suits you best. Be as much flexible with your trip schedule as possible. For example, business class hotels often have lower weekend rates.

As soon as you reserved the room(s) online, document all information about the hotel(s). The easiest way is to print out the whole page off your computer screen so you will have a clear statement that you can use as evidence in case of misplacing or incorrectly entering your information by a hotel clerk. Take a copy with you, make another one for your relatives so they will know when and where you are going to stay so they can contact you in emergency cases.

WHEN CHECKING-IN

Learn the proper check-in and check-out times. Confirm the amenities and services the hotel provides. Ask for directions, a local map. Get a card with the hotel's name, address and phone number so you can show it to a taxi driver or a passer-by in the street if you get lost.

Some hotels may provide extra services that you may not know about unless you ask for it:

- laundry service, - hair dryers, - voltage converters/ adaptors, - newspaper service, - complementary meals, - access to fax machine, copier, printer, computer, Internet connection, - cable TV, rental movies, video games, - portable beds, baby cribs, - complementary shuttle service to airport, - rental safe for your money, jewellery, documents, - telephone access charges, - fees for using mini-bar, - guided tours, excursions.

AT THE HOTEL

Safety should be a priority for everybody and you have to take some precautions. We devoted a whole separate page to travel safety including hotel safety measures so we will skip this part here. When you go out for the day, leave your key at the reception desk. Confirm closing time. Some hotels do lock up at night and you're expected to keep the key if you stay out late.

BEFORE LEAVING YOUR HOTEL

Check out your room for left-behind items. If you need extra time for staying over the regular check-out time (usually it ranges from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m), make a request in advance or the hotel may charge you an additional night.

Review the hotel bill making sure that all charges are accurate.

We wish you a successful and safe trip!

Safe Travel Tips On Mean Streets

The best way to avoid any possible dangers during your travels is to keep your head about you at all times. Here are some travel tips to help keep any inconveniences at bay.
1) When it comes to belongings, your passport and your money are the most valuable possessions you have while traveling. Always know where they are wherever you are.
2) Always have a photocopy of your passport secure in a bag different from that which your passport is in. Should you lose your passport, you will at least have something to show.
3) Never get on a taxi ( or any other transportation for that matter except when you know the prices are fixed by law ) without asking how much you're paying for the ride. Or insist on using the meter.
4) Always have passport size photos in your wallet. You'll never know when you need them.
5) Invest in a quality money belt which is attached to your waist or hanging on your neck.. Make sure it's not visible and that it's strong.
6) As much as possible, don't wear expensive jewelry. Or if you really need to wear some, don't flaunt it.
7) When a cab driver sets a price for the trip, always ask if the price is for a one way trip, round trip, per person, per taxi, etc.
8) Always have the address and phone number of the hotel you're staying in. If you're traveling with a tour guide, have his number as well.
9) When in public places, always have your luggage in view.
10)When departing a country that's known for drug trafficking, be doubly careful with your bags and belongings. They're not that difficult to tamper with. And if this very nice old man should ask you to hold the teddy bear as you go through customs, don't! Harsh I know, but better than you ending up in jail.
11) Always remember the golden rule. If it sounds too good to be true, it must be.
12) When in your hotel or other public buildings, always check where emergency exits are.
13) If someone unexpectedly knocks on your hotel door, don't just open the door. Look through the peep hole and see that you know who the person is. Never let a stranger in.

Inexpensive Travel

Inexpensive travel can be accomplished in two basic ways. First, get the best deals on the specific things you want. This approach is very limited though. For example, if you find the lowest price on the best hotel in Honolulu at the height of the season, you'll save money, but still have a very expensive room. Trying to get exactly what you want - or think you want - is an expensive proposition, in travel and in life.
The other approach to inexpensive travel is to be an opportunist. This may be difficult for some, and entirely unacceptable to others. Nonetheless, the travelers who get to travel the most, learn the most and do the most, are the opportunists.
When I first went to Ecuador, I went because it was cheap. If it wasn't, I would have had a great time anyhow - somewhere else. A month cost $1045, including airfare, a $130 fee for a guide to take me to the top of glacier-covered Mount Chimborazo, and everything else.
I cut the cost by taking a bus from my home in Michigan to Miami. Round-trip ticket: $158. The round-trip flight to Quito from Miami costs $256, because it was a courier flight. This meant I signed for some luggage (car parts), and could only take carry-on luggage. I never felt deprived or bored. I had a great time, eating wherever it was cheap and clean, doing inexpensive and interesting things, and traveling across the country to climb Chimborazo.
How To Be An Opportunist Traveler
Can you drink rum at a dollar per bottle, instead of your favorite beer? Can you eat chicken instead of steak? How about visiting the free sights first, and dancing in the street festival instead of the disco?
As an opportunistic traveler you'll have more fun, and almost everything you want - eventually. Just stop trying to get exactly what you want exactly when you want it. If the guide for Chimborazo hadn't dropped his price from $200 to $130, I would have spent $2 for a bus and gone hiking on El Altar, another great Andean mountain. It would have left me with enough money for several other minor adventures.
There are many things to learn about how to travel cheap. On our last trip to Ecuador, for example, my wife and I discovered a way to save $1000 on plane tickets. Good information can save you a lot of money. A flexible, open-minded approach, however, is the real key to inexpensive travel.

Travel Shanghai China

Travel Shanghai China, An amazing city.

I live, work, play in Shanghai, China’s largest city, largest port; a city of 16 million people, (many millions more during holidays and festivals), a city wanting to be the biggest, best and most important in the world.

If you had been able to Travel Shanghai 10 years ago, and returned today, you would see a very, very different city.Shanghai today is a modern, 21st Century city, with tall, new shiny buildings, amazing nightlights, a wonderland.

Finding the old sights and sounds of the old city is becoming more difficult as the city’s rapid development produces almost instant change, almost everywhere.Shanghai is a Chinese city of surprises: - a bizarre, and sometimes brutal, colonial history (British, French, American, Italian, Japanese) and dark days exploited as an Opium trade hub. Mix that with ancient Chinese culture and today we have a city urgently trying to leave its colourful past behind and which will soon be compared, in class and elegance, with any major city in the world.When you Travel Shanghai China, you will quickly notice it is the power-house of China, the money-making machine that drives the Chinese economy continually forward.

Shanghai is usually a business destination. However if you are coming for a China vacation, or traveling through on the way to somewhere else, Travel Shanghai China has some must-see experiences and is a good way to introduce yourself to the wonders and difficulties of Travel in China.

There is still a lot for the visitor to see and do in Shanghai. Bars, Clubs, Business, the incredible skyline of beautiful tall buildings as far as you can see. The 21st century architecture. However, the truth be told, when you Travel Shanghai China, the city itself does not have a lot of cultural feel about it. Shanghai is the financial center of China.

I could talk all day about what great fun it is to live here; it’s a lively vibrant place that moves at an extraordinarily fast pace.

I will cover some of the highlights but you need to see and feel the place personally to fully appreciate it.

Some Shanghai Highlights

• The beautiful colonial-style buildings along the river; an area called the “Bund” where these remarkable buildings from old European days are marvelously lit up at night, and have been beautifully restored; the contrast between the Old and the New is quite a sight.

• The most famous shopping street and lighting effects in China, Nanging Rd, is just a short walk from the Bund.

• The famous Xintain Di district: - this area is the social hub of Shanghai, the very best in chic and style, expensive cars, fine wine, the best restaurants, a very happening place.

• At the southern end of another famous shopping street, Huai Hai Rd, is an area known as the “French Concession”, where peaceful tree-lined streets with wonderful colonial-style villas would make you think you were actually in Europe.

• A must thing to see and do, is to visit the viewing platform at the top of the Jin Mao Tower, the third highest building on earth, the tallest with an hotel inside (the Hyatt). This stunning building is 89 stories high and the view of the city from the top is spectacular.A very special treat is to have a buffet dinner at the Hyatt on the 53rd level, then go up to the bar on the 89th floor and enjoy a drink and the view, which at night will amaze you.

• Shop !!! There are Antique markets, Bird and Bug markets, Commodity markets, Clothes and Fabric markets, local markets and a very famous market where you can buy all the world’s best brand names, at amazingly low prices.Shanghai is a shopper’s heaven, come with a small suitcase and leave with a big one.

Secret Treasures

If you come to Travel Shanghai China and have time, just outside the city, one or two hours on a bus are some real treats. Would you like to see tranquil lakes?... beautiful Chinese gardens?... ancient villages?

Here are a few places that are very close to Shanghai which can often be overlooked when one comes to Shanghai. These cities, towns and villages are the real deal and a must-see adventure.

Just an hour by local bus is Zhujiajiao, About two hours away by bus or train is Suzhou, as well as Hangzhou. As I grow this site, I will add places that are more interesting.

Enjoy Shanghai…I do!!

Travel - 10 Things You Can't Do Without

Things You Can't Do Without When Traveling When you goes on a trip either for business or for pleasure, you want it to be a memorable and enjoyable experience. To help travelers enjoy the trip, here are a few tips you must always keep in mind, travel "must haves" that one must never leave home without.

1. Itinerary

Prepare and plan on paper the places one will visit and then make the make the necessary arrangements in advance to make the trip a memorable one.

2. Essentials.

Personal things such as the ticket, passport, toothbrush, clean underwear and money nearby preferably for easy accessibility.

3. Clothes

By checking the weather forecast for the trip, one will be able to bring the right clothes for the trip. Preferably clothes that can be used for various occasions. And those that do not run and can be easily washed.

4. Shoes

Given that traveling will require a lot of walking seeing the various places, one should wear a good pair of comfortable shoes that wont strain the feet.

5. Medication

One should always bring insect repellant. If one is under medication, one should bring enough medicine for the entire trip.

6. Locks and keys.

For personal protection, one must make sure the luggage one will be using for the trip have locks and keys and spares hidden in case it gets lost.

7. Extra Bag

Bring an extra bag which can be used as a day bag while going around and the same time, one will be able to use it in bringing home some of those souvenirs.

8. Map

Obtain a map to be familiar of the destination where one is traveling and so that one will not get lost.

9. Insurance

If one would prefer to drive instead of taking the public transportation, it is advisable to get insurance for the rental vehicle one would use for the entire trip.

Before leaving the rental company, one should check the car for any damage before accepting the unit and if there is damage, one must insist that the rental company take note of it before leaving the lot.

10. Label

Given the many instances of passengers inadvertantly taking the luggage of another passenger, label the inside and outside of the luggage. It is advisable to only write the name and not the address. In any case if the luggage is lost, one should leave the address only to the carrier one is flying on.

Have a pleasant trip!

The Importance of Travel Insurance

You've finally saved enough to go on that dream vacation you've been planning. Now you're wondering if you should buy travel insurance. Do I really need to go to the extra expense? All I can lose is my luggage, right?

Guess again! Anything can go wrong while you are traveling, and I strongly favor buying a policy.

Most travel insurance policies are designed for a variety of travel needs but, I emphatically advise reading the fine print of any policy you purchase regarding any deductibles and health situations. You many find your policy won't cover pre-existing conditions that may cause a problem, or that the medical coverage is only for an injury or an illness -- not both. For emergency aid, travel insurance polices are generally dependable and affordable, but there are still a myriad of gaps in the coverage provided.

You can find polices designed for almost any type of trip you may be planning, such as a single trip for hunting, backpacking, cruises, house rentals, and a host of others. But, the specific types and amounts of coverage you get depend on the policy you choose. It's important to remember that you will only be covered for what is specifically stated in your policy and for nothing else.

Most policies cover trip cancellation, lost baggage, medical, dental, and accidental death coverage. Other policies include emergency evacuation, 24 hour travel assistance, and trip or baggage delay. You may even find policies that include options for collision or damage to rented cars and business conflicts. There are many options that can be covered, but you will have to ask.

The premiums for the policies are generally 5% to 7% the cost of your trip, but fees will vary depending on the your medical history and passengers ages. Many companies offer policies that will include coverage for children at no extra charge.

It is best not to buy your travel insurance from your tour operator. I've listed a few reasons why it may be better to purchase through an insurance company separately.

Most travel insurance policies offered by the operator are less flexible to your individual needs;

Provide a lower amount of coverage;

May only cover a portion of the trip;

Your coverage may be secondary and the insurance will only pay for what you own private health or homeowner's insurance does not cover;

May duplicate coverage you already have;

In the event the tour operator liquidates and goes belly up, you would lose not only your trip, but also your premium.

Many travel agents are not fully knowledgeable when it comes to understanding the details of various travel insurance policies and may overlook something that could be important to you or your family and few offer suggestions. Buying travel insurance may be less expensive purchasing through your tour operator or cruise line, but for the reasons listed above, you should really check around.

If you do choose to buy your policy from your tour operator, be sure to use a credit card. Depending on the policy of the credit card issuer, you may be provided with protection against potential default of the operator.

When buying your policy from an insurance company:

Always get quotes from several companies

Ask if the plan is pre-packaged or if you can custom design your own

Can you waive the pre-existing condition exclusion

Ask if you are covered for cancellation due to a terrorist incident. Don't count of the company to provide information

Ask any question you can dream up and

Do ask for suggestions.

Smart Travel Safety Tips

Travel Safety Tips: Things to Consider When Traveling

Traveling is, indeed, one of the most indulging activities one could ever experience. People get to discover the most exciting beaches, the undiscovered taverns, and the virgin forests.

However, along with all of these great places are the risks of getting into trouble, especially if the person is not yet familiar of the new surroundings and environment.

Here's a list of some safety tips that one can use when on travel.

1. Do the homework.

Like any kind of decisions people have to make, it is always important to know the area they will be visiting so as to familiarize themselves with the laws, locations of best tourist spots, and the kind of people they have to deal with.

Going to a place without having the slightest idea what it is all about is just as bad as going to the wilderness with beasts lurking everywhere and there's no gadget to protect them.

2. Never travel alone.

Of course, there are times when people just want to be alone and unwind so as to shed off all of the hustle and bustle of urban living.

However, with the imminent danger lurking everywhere, it is better to travel with someone than to risk their lives traveling alone.

After all, people will never know what will happen next as soon as they arrive at their destinations, especially when it is their first time on the area.

3. Planning.

When traveling, it is extremely important to plan ahead. This will give the traveler enough time to decide on which things need to be on top priority and which should be considered at a later time.

Besides, when a person has enough time to plan things ahead, he or she will be able to think on things that will protect them when they are on travel already.

4. Always be prepared for emergencies.

It does not necessarily mean that people must be pessimistic on the way they plan their travels. It's just that they have to consider any possible emergencies and be prepared for it.

As they say, an ounce of prevention is always better than a pound of cure.

5. Be aware of hotel accommodations.

It is best to choose hotels that are equipped with the best innovative safety equipment. This is to ensure that travelers will be safe once they are alone in their room.

So, whether a person is traveling for the first time or for the nth time, it is still best to keep in mind safety traveling tips such as these one so that the experience will always be a gratifying one.

Getting a Bargain Vacation: Travel at the Off Times

For many people, a vacation is just too expensive. They don't think they can afford to go someplace nice because they don't have the money to do it. But often, this is just because they are looking only at the "peak" times to travel.

What is a peak time? Well, it differs depending on where you want to go and what you're planning on doing. For instance, Thanksgiving or Christmas would be peak travel times because everyone want to go everywhere - thus travel costs are much higher because there is so much demand. If you want to go to Colorado, the winter will be generally more expensive because of the skiing. Likewise, Florida or a tropical place will cost more in the summer. So how do you avoid the expense? Go on the edges of the travel "season." You can still have a good vacation in Florida even if it's a couple of degrees colder than ideal, and if you're traveling on a budget, it's better to go to a nice place for cheaper than just limit yourself to places you don't really want to be in the first place. Another idea is to travel for some reason other than why most people go to the location. If you want to go to Colorado for the hiking instead of the skiing, summer would be ideal. You get to go there for cheap - you just don't go for the same reason everyone else is, so you don't have to go during the expensive times.