26 Travel Secrets You Need to Know

Find out how to get a free massage, save money on car rentals and score more legroom on your next flight in our roundup of insider travel advice.
By Travel+Leisure Editors

Over the past year, Travel + Leisure editors and correspondents have scoured the globe to unearth the best undiscovered tips and tools for traveling smarter, faster, safer, and more affordably. Whether you’re trying to identify the perfect seat on a plane, steer clear of traffic on the road, book a hot table, or avoid unnecessary ATM fees abroad, you’ll find all the right solutions in our second annual guide.

Want to know how to get more before you check in?

1. Request extras with your room

If you’re booking several nights at a quiet time of year—or if you regularly visit one particular property—a hotel will often be willing to include some extra services (spa treatments, meals, transportation from the airport, and other perks) in the price of your room. The Hotel Hana-Maui (800/321-4262; hotelhanamaui.com; doubles from $495), a Travel + Leisure World's Best Award winner, has recently informally offered guests planning to stay five nights or more in a standard room a dinner for two at Kauiki, its seafood restaurant, plus a massage (a $400 value). Emmalani Park, the hotel’s head of reservations, says the best approach is to speak to a manager or a sales or marketing agent before you arrive: "Both can be more flexible than reservation agents."

2. Pack these security-friendly hotel amenities

Forget decanting your favorite beauty products into mini containers; some of our favorite hotels around the world now stock top lines in sizes (3 ounces and under) that meet TSA requirements. Mandarin Oriental in New York carries Fresh; Four Seasons and Mexico's Habita chain provide L'Occitane; Les Mars Hotel in Healdsburg, California, and all domestic Ritz-Carlton properties have Bulgari; in London, the Connaught, Claridge's, and the Berkeley stock Asprey, and Dukes keeps Ren on hand. And look out for Malin + Goetz at the Tribeca and SoHo Grand hotels in New York.

3. Test the waters with a one-way cruise

"Repositioning cruises"—when ships stationed in the Mediterranean in the summer move to warmer Caribbean waters in the winter—used to be the rare way to find a deal on a luxury line. Now, as companies expand their itineraries across the globe, one-way cruises, another alternative, are also growing. Crystal Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, and Yachts of Seabourn are some of the lines that offer one-way routes from New England to Montreal, from British Columbia to Alaska, and even from Los Angeles to Australia. Regent Seven Seas (877/505-5370; rssc.com) has a one-way, 14-night cruise from Seward, Alaska, to Osaka, Japan, aboard its Seven Seas Mariner for $5,695. And this winter, travelers can buy a single 12- to 22-day leg of Crystal's 106-day, 46-port, globe-spanning Full World Cruise (888/722-0021; crystalcruises.com), starting at $5,895. According to Bob Sharak, executive vice president of the Cruise Line International Association, 50 percent of all Alaska itineraries are now one-way: "People are catching on and these [trips] are selling out."

4. City secret: London

Pay the $6 deposit on an Oyster Card at any tube, bus, or tram station and you can ride for roughly 50 percent less.

5. Find complete train schedules

Rail Europe (raileurope.com), which specializes in train travel on the Continent, offers comprehensive itineraries throughout the EU. But if you’re traveling within a country and want to find all available train times, be sure to check country-specific Web sites, which often display more options.

Trip: Florence-Venice
Number of daily departures found on Rail Europe, 12 trains
Number of daily departures found on Italy’s Trenitalia (trenitalia.it), 17 trains

Trip: Seville-Madrid
Departures on Rail Europe, 16 trains
Departures on Spain’s Renfe (renfe.es), 24 trains

Trip: Hamburg-Berlin
Departures on Rail Europe, 18 trains
Departures on Germany’s Die Bahn (bahn.de), 21 trains


6. How to snag a prized table

T+L contributing editor and restaurant guru Anya von Bremzen has two time-honored tips: 1) Show up a half-hour prior to your desired seating to catch any cancellations; and 2) send a fax or e-mail, a strategy known to work at even the most popular spots like El Bulli, in Spain (34/97-215-0457; fax: 34/97-215-0717; bulli@elbulli.com). Here are suggestions from reservationists at three other hard-to-book restaurants:

Babbo, New York: "Call at 10 a.m. one month ahead of the date you want. And for a last-minute booking, try 9 p.m. the night before, or after 3 p.m. the day of." 110 Waverly Place: 212/777-0303; dinner for two $120.

French Laundry, Napa Valley: "We're open seven days, so call on the weekend, not during the week. Also, try OpenTable.com—we usually release two tables (one seats two, the other four) on a daily basis to the Web site." 6640 Washington St., Yountville; 707/944-2380; dinner for two $480.

L'astrance, Paris: "Two months before the date you desire, call at precisely 10 a.m. Try to get on the waiting list, as we limit it to three parties; so if you make it onto the list, there's a realistic chance of getting a table." 4 Rue Beethoven, 16th Arr.; 33-1/40-50-84-40; dinner for two $581.

7. How to dial 911 abroad

Emergencies can arise anytime—and any place. Be prepared when traveling; know how to call for help.

All EU countries, 112
Argentina, 911
Australia, 000
Canada, 911
Hong Kong, 999
Israel, 100
Japan, 119
Mexico, 060
Switzerland, 144
Thailand, 191

8. City secret: Washington, D.C.

The 19 Smithsonian museums are open 364 days a year—every day but Christmas. So holidays are a great time to go—you’ll practically have the place to yourself.

9. Don’t let your job cost you a vacation!

When a work emergency comes up, forcing you to cancel your travel plans, you may be able to insure yourself against calling it a wash. New add-on features to standard travel insurance plans at AIG (travelguard.com) and Access America (accessamerica.com) cover trip cancellation and interruption for business reasons. For an additional $25 or less, both companies offer coverage that will refund any expenses (hotel, airfare) if an event like an unexpected deadline prevents you from taking a trip, or if a catastrophe (fire, hurricane) affects your work.

There are three rules to know before you book:

1) You must buy the coverage within 14 (Access America) or 15 (AIG) days of your initial trip deposit;
2) the claim needs to be filed within 90 days of the event that caused you to cancel; and
3) you have to provide detailed proof that the event occurred, such as a letter from your employer.

10. Supplement your health insurance while at sea

Even if you're traveling on a cruise originating from the United States with an American line, your health insurance coverage may not apply on board. As far as insurers are concerned, once you set sail, you're on foreign soil (or waters)—and, in general, you're on your own. Visit the ship's doctor for mild flu-like symptoms and you may find yourself with a bill and no chance of being reimbursed, unless you buy supplemental travel health insurance before you depart. "This insurance usually includes coverage for medical emergencies," says Mark Cipolletti, spokesperson for insurance company Access America, "the same coverage you wouldn't do without back home."

11. Watch out for the water

Flight attendants begin most flights serving bottled water, but if they turn to the plane's onboard tanks, there may be cause for concern. According to the most recent available EPA study, one out of every six planes had coliform bacteria in its water tanks. Since 2004, the agency has ordered 46 domestic airlines to regularly flush, disinfect, and test their water systems. At press time, results of the EPA’s follow-up tests were forthcoming, as were new water tank maintenance regulations. Whatever the latest tests show, Richard Naylor, the EPA’s Aircraft Drinking Water Rule manager, suggests that concerned passengers avoid drinking coffee or tea on board (water may not reach a cleansing boil). T+L tip: Also avoid using bathroom tap water (use wipes or mouthwash). For a long flight, Corey Caldwell, a spokesperson for the Association of Flight Attendants, in Washington, D.C., advises opting for canned drinks or stocking up on water after clearing security.

12. City secret: Tokyo

The Japan Rail Pass—good for intercity travel—also works on the handy Yamanote Line, an aboveground train that encircles central Tokyo.

13. Fly business class for less

The best way to get a discount on a business-class ticket is to sign up for newsletters from the airlines you fly most frequently. Continental's newsletter listed business-class tickets from the U.S. to Europe over Christmas for as low as $900. But if you want to see the full range of options, the site FlightBliss.com sends out e-mail alerts with the week's top deals on first- and business-class fares from more than 30 major domestic and international carriers. Matthew Bennett, FlightBliss.com’s founder, says that when business travel is at a low—summer, Thanksgiving, and Christmas—airlines generally discount business-class seats by up to 80 percent.

14. Search globally, not locally

Aggregators and search engines scour hundreds of airline sites and then offer results in one handy location. Yet many sites have foreign companion versions (e.g., Kayak.com vs. Spain's Kayak.es), which turn up more-extensive results than the U.S. Web sites—especially on intra-country flights. (Sample trips based on bookings made two months in advance.)

Spain
Barcelona to Madrid in April
Online Fares, U.S.: Kayak.com, $129 on Air Europa
Online Fares, Intl: Kayak.es $94 on Air Europa

Australia
Melbourne to Sydney in April
Online Fares, U.S.: Expedia.com, $356 on Qantas
Online Fares, Intl: Expedia.com.au, $316 on Qantas

India
Mumbai to New Delhi in April
Online Fares, U.S.: Travelocity.com, $248 on Kingfisher Airlines
Online Fares, Intl: Travelocity.com.in, $141 on Deccan and IndiGo

15. Extend the hold on your reservations

Most airlines don't want you to hold your flight reservation for longer than 24 hours (the industry standard), as it ties up valuable tickets. However, there's more flexibility than you might think, especially if you're working with an agent over the phone rather than booking online, buying a ticket in a high fare class, traveling during off-peak periods, or traveling internationally. We recently put this strategy to the test: An agent at Continental allowed us to hold a rewards ticket from New York to Paris for three days, at which point she canceled the hold and immediately rebooked it for us, preserving the seat and fare for another three days while we sorted out our plans.

16. Find out just how horizontal that "flat" seat really is

Many airlines have introduced "lie-flat" or "flat-bed" seats in their business and first class cabins, but don't assume that "flat" translates to horizontal. For in-depth analysis of airline seats on a range of carriers, turn to FlatSeats.com, an industry watchdog site that ranks seats on factors such as configuration, width, cushion comfort, privacy, massage options, and more. FlatSeats' data comes from Skytrax, a U.K.-based airline consultancy whose employees spend an average of 65 hours in the air per week. (Their top flat-seat picks? British Airways, South African Airways, and Virgin Atlantic.)
163°: Aer Lingus
169°: El Al
170°: Continental, Japan Airlines
171°: American, Lufthansa
175°: Air France, Qantas
176°: Northwest
180°: Air Canada, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Delta, Emirates, Jet Airways, Qatar, Singapore, South African, United, Virgin Atlantic

17. Seek out the best seats on board

The distance between rows of seats (referred to as "pitch" in the airline industry) varies from plane to plane—and even row to row. In general, the pitch on domestic carriers ranges from 30 to 38 inches, averaging about 32. How much of a difference does a few inches make? With 31 inches, a six-foot-tall person's knees would touch the seat in front of him; with 34 inches, he could put a hardcover book in his seat pocket without his knees hitting it; and with 36 inches, he could get up from a window seat and walk out to the aisle without disturbing the person next to him. And when it comes to exit rows, know that they're not equally spacious. When they are aligned one right after the other, the front exit-row seats will not recline. For more information on seat pitches and exit-row configurations for most carriers, go to SeatGuru.com.

18. City secret: Orlando

Skip lines at theme parks: Get discount tickets at select Wal-Marts in the area. Call 800/925-6278 for more info.

19. Find up-to-the-minute security line wait times

Security-line times are notoriously unpredictable, but two American airports are making it easier to plan exactly how far in advance to arrive before your flight departs. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International (atlanta-airport.com) and Denver International (flydenver.com) airports provide real-time updates on their Web sites, refreshed every 15 to 30 minutes. Hartsfield-Jackson will even send the updates directly to your PDA or cell phone, through its Trak-a-Line program. It's worth noting that the TSA also publishes security wait times on its Web site (tsa.gov) for 450 commercial domestic airports, but the data is less reliable, as it's compiled over a four-week period prior to your departure date—and does not reflect actual conditions.

20. Explore off-the-radar GPS functions

Sure, GPS devices help you get from point A to point B, but that's just the beginning. Most have all kinds of unexpected extras that help you navigate in surprising ways. Garmin Nuvi 680 (garmin.com; $799) sends local traffic information every two minutes to the gadget's FM receiver, and uses a pool of recent credit card purchases at area gas stations to help point you to the best prices at the closest pumps. Magellan Maestro 4250 (magellangps.com; $499) follows voice commands ("nearest coffee" or "go home") to keep you safely watching the road. It also helps you choose your ideal route based on a variety of factors: fastest time, shortest distance, most frequently used freeways, or fewest tolls. The Help Me! feature on TomTom Go 920T (tomtom.com; $650), guides you to the nearest police station, hospital, or fire department.

21. City secret: New York

Avoid looking for a cab in New York between 4:30 and 5:30 a.m. and 4:30 and 5:30 p.m.—that's when many drivers change shifts or go off duty.

22. Rent a car by the hour

It's not always necessary or cost-effective to rent a car by the day. Hertz and Enterprise, as well as auto-sharing services like Zipcar, now have hourly rentals in several major U.S. cities, subject to availability. Zipcar requires a membership (there's a $50 annual fee and a $25 one-time application charge for its base plan), but rates include all gas, insurance, and tolls. Here are two comparisons for rates on a sample weekend:

Chicago
Hourly: Enterprise, $8.50; Zipcar, $9 Daily: Enterprise, $46; Zipcar, $66

New York
Hourly: Hertz, $15; Zipcar, $10Daily: Hertz, $111; Zipcar, $69

23. Speed past toll lines

If you are heading off on a road trip in a rental, there's no need to lose time in long toll lines. An E-ZPass or equivalent device (I-Pass, I-Zoom, Fast Lane) will function across 12 Eastern and Midwestern states that use the same transponders, the technology that registers your car as it approaches a tollbooth. (By comparison, California's FasTrak, Texas's TxTag, and Florida's SunPass work only in-state.) You can temporarily add up to four cars to your E-ZPass account online or over the phone (888/288-6865; ezpass.com) using your account number and the rental car's license plate number, make, model, and year.

Where E-ZPass Works: Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia.

24. Score last-minute discounted tickets to Broadway shows

Theater tickets are more expensive than ever—if you can even get one. Many shows sell out months before they open. But if you’re willing to be spontaneous and accept whatever seat is available, here are three smart solutions:

Lottery
Many Broadway productions run a day-of-show drawing, usually offering 10 to 25 tickets at drastically reduced prices, as low as $20. Give your name at the theater two to four hours before curtain, and then return 30 minutes to an hour before the show (specific instructions depend on the venue) to see if you’re a winner (each winner can buy two tickets). At press time, participating shows included Avenue Q, Hairspray, Rent, and Wicked. To find other shows that offer lottery seating, call individual box offices.

Theatre Development Fund
This nonprofit agency (212/221-0885; tdf.org) subsidizes admission to plays and musicals for seniors, students, and teachers; a $27.50 annual fee gets members discounts of up to 70 percent on dozens of shows. A full list is on their Web site.

Playbill
Membership to the popular theater magazine’s Playbill Club (212/557-5757; playbill.com) is free and carries all kinds of discounts—up to 60 percent off for theater, opera, dance, and occasionally restaurants and hotels. The only downside: You have to be willing to receive five to eight e-mails a week to find out about the best deals.

25. City secret: Berlin

From 6 to 10 p.m. on Thursdays, you can get in free to the permanent exhibitions at several national museums, including the Picture Gallery, the New National Gallery, and the Egyptian Museum. For a full list, visit smb.spk-berlin.de.

26. Avoid ATM charges overseas

When you use an ATM abroad, your home bank charges a fee of up to 3 percent or a flat rate ($1.50 to $5) for every transaction. However, Commerce Bank, which has branches in the eastern United States, doesn’t add on any fees for customers who use alternative ATM's when traveling. Even better, customers are reimbursed for any fees levied by the international bank.

Reporters Ken Baron, Tanvi Chheda, Jennifer Flowers, Brooke Kosofsky Glassberg, Bree Sposato, Alison Tyler, Anya von Bremzen and Jennifer Welbel contributed to this story; Nina Willdorf edited.

[via MSN]

Is Time Travel Possible?

Time is "resistant to simple definition," according to renowned astronomer Carl Sagan. He’s quite right: Many of us think we know what time is, but we would have a hard time actually defining it. It’s not a tangible thing that you can literally see or touch, but its effects are evident as we look at ourselves aging or trees growing. Time also seems to propel us in certain directions – whether to meet a deadline or catch a plane on time – based on the numbers on your clock.

Scientists, however, often describe time as the fourth dimension of our universe. (The other three dimensions pertain to space, including up, down, left, right, backward and forward.) The theory is that time cannot exist without space, and likewise, space cannot exist without time. This interconnected relationship of time and space is called the space-time continuum, which means that any event that occurs in the universe has to involve both space and time.

Albert Einstein had a theory of special relativity, wherein time slows down as an object approaches the speed of light. Today, this theory leads many scientists to believe that traveling faster than the speed of light could open up the possibility of time travel to the past as well as to the future.

Right now, the speed of light is believed to be the highest speed at which something can travel, so modifying our DeLoreans, and traveling "Back to the Future" is unlikely. As an object nears the speed of light, its relativistic mass increases until, at the speed of light, it becomes infinite. Accelerating an infinite mass any faster than that is impossible, or at least it seems to be right now.

However, there are other theories that lead to the notion that space travel will be a thing of the future.

• Wormholes: Also known as Einstein-Rosen Bridges, these could allow travel many light years from Earth in a fraction of the time it would take with conventional space travel.
• Cosmic strings: Thinner than an atom, these create intense gravitational pull on objects near them. Because their force distorts spacetime, some wonder if they can be used for time travel.
• Black holes: When stars reach the ends of their lives, they create implosions known as black holes. Their gravitational fields are so strong that light can’t escape and anything coming in contact with it will be sucked in. Kerr holes — a type of black hole — have rotating black holes that some say could be used for time travel portals or to travel to parallel universes.

Read more about going into the future and watch a Discovery Channel video about how time travel could work in this article from HowStuffWorks.com.

Watch the Video Click Here

Exploring Spain's Stunning City of Barcelona

By Rhiannon Davies

The stunning Spanish coastal city of Barcelona is famous as a lively, dynamic, beautiful and thrilling location, which makes it a favourite with holidaymakers as well as those looking to live abroad.

If you've never experienced Spain or you've yet to experience the best European city break destinations, Barcelona comes highly recommended.

Because of the city's location you can also use Barcelona as a base to explore the Spanish Mediterranean coastline, cities such as Madrid, Valencia and Seville, and you can also easily travel from Barcelona to the ski resorts of the Pyrenees and the Andorran or French countryside.

Barcelona benefits from having some of the best city transport links in Europe - it is a busy port town, it has a sophisticated international airport, national and continental rail links and a decent road network as well.

These are all points in the city's favour as a starting point for further exploration of the delights around Barcelona - but what about the attractions of the city itself?

Well, architecturally speaking Barcelona has it all - it is world renowned for its modernistic Gaudi structures and yet it is also famous for its Gothic and Art Nouveau architecture too. Within the city there are museums, galleries, art centres, cinemas, theatres, concert venues and shopping malls - and within a stone's throw of the city centre you have the beach and amusement parks for all the family to enjoy.

As you can no doubt tell already, there is more to Barcelona than can be experienced and enjoyed in a weekend break! In fact, it's fair to say that Barcelona is a city to be savoured which is probably why it's becoming a popular destination for those who want to live and work abroad and experience a new life, new languages and new cultural horizons.

So, if you're interested in seeing more of Spain and Europe, you'd like to live and work abroad, learn about the Spanish culture and enjoy the fantastic standard of living and way of life in Barcelona, why not consider basing yourself in the city, getting a short term employment contract, finding a rental apartment and having a long working holiday in Barcelona?

Rhiannon Davies writes about living and working abroad, to read more about living and property in Spain and Barcelona visit her site ShelterOffshore.com

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

Finding Discount Travel Deals

By Jonathon Hardcastle

Traveling has been an industry, which has seen tremendous growth in recent decades, as more and more people take the time to explore the world in which we live. Off the back of this growing trend, travel companies are expanding and making healthy profits in the process. However, with the introduction of the Internet as a widespread and accessible feature of our daily lives, the industry has suffered, and has had to think of innovative and clever ways to maintain margins. Fortunately, this is great news for the consumer, who benefits from increased competition and reduced costs on traveling.

There are numerous ways to pick up discount travel deals, both online and off. Of course, in the offline environment, travel arrangements are largely conducted through agents, which incurs a commission or margin on top of the individual cost of each aspect. This means that theoretically, you are paying a premium on someone else's premium for your holiday, which is obviously not desirable. However, with the introduction of the Internet, savvy travelers have been able to take advantage of booking directly through suppliers, which cuts out the 'middle-man' and the costs associated. This has been devastating for the travel agents, who have had to reshape their settled business model to remain competitive.

Another good way to benefit from cheaper traveling costs is to remain as flexible as possible to take advantage of last minute deals. By waiting till the last minute, you can benefit from massive reductions in the cost of your holiday, without sacrificing the quality.

The Internet has also given rise to the low-cost, 'no frills' approach that many travel companies have adopted. By passing on savings resulting from operating solely online to customers, these companies manage to retain their margins in a lower selling price, thus increasing efficiency without sacrificing profitability. This has caused further problems for travel agents operating out with the virtual environment, who have found it hard to compete profitably.

Either way, this is a highly beneficial state of affairs for the consumer, who can now find cheaper deals on traveling online and offline. Whether its as a result of travel agents putting together more attractive packages to remain competitive, amazing last deal offers, or benefiting from online savings, there are a wide variety of discounts for the would-be traveler, which can vastly reduce the overall cost of exploring exotic locations.

Jonathon Hardcastle writes articles on many topics including Recreation, Cooking, and Travel

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

Cheap Flights - An Easy Trick For People Who Travel Often

By Dani Alonso

Today here it comes and easy trick for all the persons that use to travel frequently, either for personal reasons or for business but at your expenses.

There is one thing true about airlines. When you are supposed to be traveling for business reasons, you will be charged more. Why? Simply because normally the business traveler is payed by the company that he or she works for, and airlines know that companies can pay a lot more than single travelers.

The question then is: how do airlines know if your trip is for business reasons or you are a tourist? Well, they normally do not know, but they have a way to guess it. If your trip does not involve a weekend in between, you will be supposed to be traveling for business. In the case that any weekend is placed between the dates that you are traveling, in this case you will be considered a tourist.

Of course this is logical, as many persons going on holidays they spend the weekend at the destination, and come back on Sunday or another day. Normally we all try to use the weekends in the middle to make our holidays longer.

This is not something that can apply to everybody, but if you are a person that has to travel during the week at least two times, you can make out a strategy in order to pay less.

Let's difference trip A from trip B, where A happens during one week, and B happens one or more weeks later. The both trips do not include a weekend in the middle. You make your first booking with the departure date for your trip A, but placing in your return date the one for the return of your trip B. That way you make sure that this trip will have a weekend in the middle.

And with the second flight it is a bit more tricky but it works the same. You pretend that you are traveling from your destination and visiting your home country, so you will book your departure flight on the day that you must come back from your trip A and your returning flight on the day that you are supposed to start your trip B.

That way you also make sure that you are placing a weekend in the second trip. It is pretty ingenious but really easy. You can follow the instructions, but if you are one of those people that need to understand everything, the best way is to take a paper. It will be a lot more clear!

Thanks for reading! Want to find out how I can plan your trip for less than anybody else?
Travel to Europe

Maybe some free information on getting 80% discounts in hotels?
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For general information on traveling around the world:
Travel Addicts

Dani Alonso

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

Big Island, Hawaii Promotes Health & Wellness Travel

By Adam Singleton

Because of the rise in wellness tourism business owners on the Big Island of Hawaii have got together to promote a travel initiative that they collectively hope will prove so successful that it will eventually be adopted by the rest of the state.

The Hawaii Island Wellness Travel Association, composed of 120 business owners and holistic professionals, has set up a meeting with both the Big Island Visitors Bureau and Hawaii County officials to take the initiative further at which they hope to agree marketing strategies, develop effective packaging and adopt a set of rules for health and wellness travel to Hawaii, which they regard as a booming business.

As recently as 2005 almost $50,000 was set aside by Hawaii Tourism Authority to be used to quantify how well wellness tourism could be developed in the archipelago. A leading research company was approached to produce a comprehensive study of the health and wellness tourism market for the state of Hawaii. However, significant progress stalled once the report had been produced, and only now, some two years later, is the idea being re-launched.

One of the most vociferous proponents and advocates of wellness tourism Lew Whitney, co-founder of the Kokolulu Farm and Qigong Center based in North Kohala said: "We've been trying for years to persuade the Hawaii Tourism Authority that this (wellness) offers a great opportunity for the whole state of Hawaii and not just the Big Island." Over the last nine years the Center has offered a range of cancer retreats and meditative healing programs and Whitney admits that it has been a struggle getting the message across to tourism chiefs. However, Whitney highlights that the Center, located on the northern tip of the Big Island, has been successfully trading for almost 10 years, and with little promotional help from the Hawaii Tourism Authority has managed to remain in business, albeit with the help of some charitable contributions.

Indeed, leading research group Mintel produced a comprehensive Market Research document which looked at wellness tourism being offered throughout the world in places as far flung as Japan, Hungary, India, Austria and Thailand. It concluded, amongst other things that markets were expanding as more and more people, of all ages, made their vacation choices based on health and wellness travel demonstrating that that the sector had a bright future.

As more people take to using alternative and natural remedies, tying wellness into hotel deals in Hawaii could herald a bold new initiative that in the long run may well add an extra string to the already well developed tourism bow for the state.

Beat Motion Sickness During Your Holiday Travel

By Dan Beldowicz

If you or someone in your family suffers from motion sickness then you have an extra element to prepare for when you think about traveling for the holidays. Not everyone experiences motion sickness the same and it may not happen every time. For example some people get motion sick on a cruise ship but not while they are in a car. Others may get queasy when they are on a train but not on an airplane.

Common symptoms of motion sickness include sweating, nausea, dizziness, saliva in the mouth that is more than usual, and vomiting. Most people know when it is coming on and do all they can to minimize the effects. Many women many suffer from motion sickness when they are pregnant due to the changes taken place in their body. Children are also quite susceptible to it as well.

There are plenty of things you can do on your own to help prevent the effects of motion sickness from occurring. Many adults find they don't suffer from motion sickness if they drive the car.
This is because the sensors in their brain view the scenery flashing by differently when they are in the driver's seat. This is why so many get sick when they travel by train. If you are susceptible to motion sickness as a passenger in a car avoid a window seat on a train. You also want to avoid those seats that face backwards.

Children should avoid trying to play games or read books in a moving vehicle if they suffer from motion sickness. They should also ride in the middle seat in order to offer them a view out the front of the vehicle instead of from their peripheral vision on the side windows. Offer them light snacks before travel such as crackers and water. Avoid having them travel on an empty stomach or after eating a large meal.

For those that still suffer from motion sickness, an over the counter or a prescription medication may be required for successful holiday travel to take place. Make sure you carefully follow the instructions of such medications. Don't exceed the recommended dose. If it says to take it with food or water then make sure you do so. Some of them require consumption during a specific period of time prior to your departure so pay attention to this important detail.

Even so, no method or medication is 100% foolproof when it comes to motion sickness. Some people experience it only once in a while and others deal with it all the time. Try to get to some fresh air if possible. If you are on an airplane turn on the air above you and take slow, deep breaths. You will find bags offered in case you do end up having to vomit. You can also try to make your way to the bathroom where you will have more privacy.

While it may be embarrassing you need to understand you aren't the only one that has problems with motion sickness. The fact that the mode of transportation you are taking may be full during the holiday season can be stressful but you will never have to see most of them ever again. You may want to carry extra clothing with you for those in your part that do suffer from motion sickness, especially children who may end up vomiting on their clothing.

Don't let your holiday travel plans be stopped due to your fear of suffering from motion sickness. Do all you can to subside the symptoms on your own. If that isn't effective then try various over the counter products. As a last resort as your doctor for a prescription medication to help ensure you can get through the travel process so you can enjoy your holidays. If you find certain types of transportation are more difficult for you than others you should avoid them if possible.

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Travel Spain - A Short Guide to Spain's Must-See Cities (Outside Madrid)

By Aj Yeakel

Here are some of the better cities I’ve visited outside of Madrid in Spain, with a short commentary on each:

Granada- Old city with heavy Arabic influence definitely worth a visit. Check out the Alhambra, the Albaicin (the old Arab quarter), the Turkish baths, and the main drag off of the main plaza.
Most bars give out free tapas if you purchase a drink (even soda), and the tapas in Granada are much better than those in Madrid. The nightlife in Granada is famous and most clubs don’t close down until after 7 AM. There is a cool club called Kamborio in the Albaicin and another called Granada 10 (pronounced Granada Diez) off of the main drag.

Barcelona- Much more cosmopolitan and fun than Madrid during the day in my opinion. I took the double-decker tour bus around the city and thought it was a good way to see all the sites in a short period of time. Check out the Barrio Gothic, Las Ramblas, the yacht harbor, the beach, La Sagrada Familia cathedral and all the other works by architect Gaudi. The restaurant crowds get huge at two pm for lunch, so try to beat the rush. Port Olympico is a good area for nightlife, filled with bars, cafes, and many English-speaking tourists. It’s also right on the water, which adds to the atmosphere.

Marbella/ Puerto Banus- Two of the nicest towns I’ve visited in Spain. Within five miles of each other, both beach towns are filled with resorts, expensive homes, first-rate shopping, big yachts, and a wide variety of restaurants. After you’ve had enough traditional Spain, these areas are a nice change. Almost everybody speaks English, the buildings are relatively new, and you’ll feel like you are back in the first world.

Tarifa/ Morocco- Tarifa is the windsurfing capitol of Europe, and the city resembles a California beach town. It’s a great place to learn to kitesurf (two day minimum for lessons), windsurf, or go canyoning (climbing and sliding down water falls- with a guide). Tarifa is also a good jumping off point for a daytrip to Morocco. I took a guided tour of Tangier, which was really inexpensive and fun. The downside to the tour is that they push you into their own bazaars, rush you at times and try really hard to sell you carpets and spices. Even so, everyone on my tour agreed the day trip was worth doing. An overnight stay would give you a much better chance to see the city.
What I’d Skip on a Short Vacation

Cadiz- Tacky beach town with a cool history. The city is pretty run-down and not really worth a special visit.

Segovia/ Toledo- Unless you plan to spend a long time in Madrid, don’t waste your time on either. Segovia was cooler than Toledo, although a little harder to get to. Segovia has good food, a cool castle, a Roman aqueduct, and not much else (5 hours worth of stuff max.). Toledo is similar to any other old village in Europe, and its museums are really lacking. There is a historic synagogue, a small museum dedicated to El Greco, and a big Cathedral.

A.J. Yeakel is a regular writer for Luxury Vacations Web.

Click here for our guide toMadrid, as well as great bargains on luxury vacations to Spain.

Travel Nursing Jobs in Alaska

By Anirban Bhattacharya

Travel nursing is one of the fastest growing segments of the nursing industry apart from being a major source of employment in the state of Alaska. Travel nursing, a concept, has gained significant popularity throughout this area, because of the overall shortage of registered nurses in these parts of the country and the overall stagnancy of the salary structures for nurses.

Travel nurses are usually registered by various specialized nursing agencies, which send them on contracts to their clients. The nursing agency usually supplies the travel nurses with housing and travel expenses and takes care of the licensing, benefits and payroll services while the hospitals, nursing homes or suitable clients fills the position temporarily and the nurse gets paid above market wages to work and live in a new region.

Most contracts are of shorter duration unlike permanently employed nurses. Moreover, the contracts vary from agency to agency and also the clients for who travel nurses are being sent. Typical assignment for a travel nurse may range anything between 8 weeks and 26 weeks.
These short term assignments may be renewed in many cases and may sometimes extend for longer periods as agreed.

Very often travel nursing agencies make arrangements for travel nursing jobs so that a travel nurse can be permanently positioned in a hospital or nursing home if both the client and the agency agree upon this. However, mostly these vacancies are temporary and anyone desiring to serve as a travel nurse should be mentally prepared to work in this type of agreement. In fact, the very name ‘travel nurse’ signifies a nurse who has to extensively travel to clients’ facility to offer her expertise, and this is the benefit of being a travel nurse…you do get an opportunity to see places and also get paid while visiting the wonderful country.

Myself webmaster of http://www.healthcareseeker.com dealing as Travel Nurse Agency for travel nursing jobs, travel nursing career, travel nursing employment by the certified travel nursing company.

How to Make a Travel Insurance Claim

By Darren Faulder

Taking a holiday or business trip is usually quite straightforward. Most of the time, you buy your tickets, fork out a bit extra for travel insurance (because it’s just what people say you should do) and jump on the plane. But what happens when something goes wrong, and that safety-net insurance policy you bought actually needs comes in to play?

Many people’s first reaction to realising they have to make a travel insurance claim is slight panic – what evidence and documentation do you need? Does your situation even warrant a claim? What happens if it all falls through? Don’t worry – there are a few basic things you need to remember, and if you can do that, all should work out fine.

Who do I Contact, and When?
Depending on what it is exactly you’re claiming, you have differing amounts of time to act. Before you leave on your trip, you should take two copies of your travel insurance details, packed in separate places. This should contain the full name of the travel insurance company, the policy you chose, the dates you’re covered for, full contact details, and most importantly your unique policy number. More often than not, the company will provide you with a handy wallet-sized card with all of this information. If in doubt, take as much information as possible.

Generally, the sooner you contact your insurance company the better. In cases of medical emergency this is important. In non-life threatening cases, and where you don’t have full details of your policy with you, it might be best to contact the company to see if you’re covered before you opt for whatever insanely expensive treatment you may need. Due to the higher costs involved, your company needs to know ASAP. They will obviously also need to be contacted ASAP if you need to be evacuated home, such as from an area where you may not be able to get quality care.

If, on the other hand, you’ve lost or had something stolen, you generally don’t need to contact anyone from the company until you get home – and you often have up to a month to get around to this. What you do need to do, however, is report all theft to the local police, and obtain a report of the ‘crime’ in question. Be aware, in developing countries with high numbers of foreign tourists, this is seen by many police as a waste of their time - you might have to slip the officer in question a few bills to get anything done. (Incidentally, this won’t be covered.)

If you’re lucky enough to have your luggage lost by an airline, bus company or even hotel, try and obtain a report from them admitting culpability. Without this, your company may dispute your claim. The people who lost your goods may offer a private settlement themselves – get this written down as well.

Where’s the Proof?
Large numbers of people take out travel insurance, and, feeling slightly annoyed that they haven’t been the victim of a mugging or hostel robbery, attempt to claim that aging analogue camera as stolen. To claim, you must present proof of ownership. This is often easily done by showing the receipt for the item, but as many people simply don’t keep receipts that long, other methods are accepted; bank or credit card statements, warranty cards, even photographic evidence can be used to show that you owned a given item. If you can’t provide anything whatsoever, you may not be able to claim. Check your policy. And if they think you’re telling porkies, they might just investigate your case further – you’ve been warned.

In the case of purchases that had to be made (medical treatment, taxis when you missed your connecting bus due to a delayed flight, quick flight home due to civil war unexpectedly breaking out, etc), keep the receipt, and be prepared to present credit card statements and possibly contact details of the organisation in question.

How Long do I Wait?
Generally speaking, a simple claim on a stolen item should not take very long. Companies differ, but most will process a claim in around ten days if they have all the details they need, they will either say no, or send you a cheque. If your claim is, in their eyes, dubious for any reason, it may take longer. In cases where large amounts are to be paid out, such as those which have arisen due to medical expenditure, the gathering of all the relevant proof and information may itself take some time – you might just have to be patient.

This article has been brought to you by Travel Insurance Direct, providers of reliable online Travel Insurance for travelling Australians. Fore more information on seniors travel insurance and cheap travel insurance click the links.

The New Era in Travel Arrangements

By Michael Allen

Many things have changed in the world of travel. Some things are tougher. Some things are more convenient. But, most travelers believe that it’s all for the better.

When you travel regularly, there are some hassles. Long lines checking in at the airline. Long lines going through the security. Flight delays. These things have a tendency to get on a traveler’s nerves. That’s why most travelers make appropriate arrangements.

Airport Security
Get to the airport early enough to be able to glide through relatively smoothly. Bring reading material or work to do because nothing can make time run quicker than losing yourself in something time consuming. Finally, make sure that what you wear and what you carry has nothing out of the norm that can have you flagged for a little extra security attention.

Internet Check-In
But, there are some things that are more convenient…for most people who stay on top of their travel arrangements. Most airlines have complete online access. Purchase your ticket. Make all your arrangements. And check-in online.

Internet check-in is a fairly new concept, but it caught on like wildfire. You can check up to date information on flight schedules and delays right from your laptop on your wifi connection. There are plenty of airports with cafes that have wifi for free or a small fee. But, it’s more convenient to just make a quick check before you even leave for the airport to make sure everything is running smooth.

Airport Wayfinder
You can get a good look at the airport right from the internet too. Don’t know where your gate is? That’s fine. Look it up and get a good idea where you’re going to have to go rather than walk around looking like it’s your first time ever. A handful of airports have signed on to the new Airport Wayfinder where you can watch a video that will navigate you through the airport. But, other major airlines are working on their virtual tours and will soon become part of the new virtual tour trend.

Weekend Warriors
Another trend that has taken place has been the shift major corporations have made and the other shift individuals have embraced. Corporations and now even smaller companies are allowing more and more of their key employees to work at home. Plus, being your own boss and working from home is an individual choice that more and more people are making. These shifts have led to a change in vacationing habits.

Weekend vacations are more common these days. Work until Thursday, take off until Monday and you put in two weeks worth of work with a vacation in between. Can’t beat that! That’s why more travel sites are offering weekend deals for the weekend warriors who can only afford to take a few days at a time.

The hassles certainly could never outweigh the conveniences or the travel industry would just go bust. For every security measure an airport has to take on for everyone’s protection, I think the travel industry as a whole offers some convenience to keep people smiling. It’s really not a bad proposition if you think about it. The travel industry is keeping up with the speed of technology and it’s working to our best benefit.

Michael Allen is a professional writer who travels the world for leisure and business. Having traveled half the world by the time he was twenty, he often jokes that he has seen the other half since. With writings that include A Danger to Society, Michael Allen's travels won't end any time soon being a highly sought after writer of our generation.

Out And About In Nice, France

By Orson Johnson

The Angels City, Nice is really the nicest city of France. Located on the Mediterranean coast, between Marseille and Genoa in southern France, Nice is a chief resort on the French Riviera. The historical capital city of the County of Nice is a major tourist centre featuring long promenades, stony beaches, and fine weather.

The year around mild and sunny weather makes Nice a perfect vacation destination. Nice is particularly very popular amongst young travelers, but the city certainly has something for everybody’s taste. The city is widely known for its striking buildings, art repositories, good hotels, bars, restaurants, pubs, markets, baroque churches, and lots-lots of more fantastic sites and fun things.

Surrounded by the Cours Saleya and the Albert 1st Gardens, Vieux Nice or Old Town is much more than a must-see site. It is a vivacious and active place with traces of Italian structural designs and cuisine showing.

Situated on the northern side of Pampelonne, Plage de Tahiti Beach is a stylish oasis dotted with coffeehouses and voguish eating houses. This is the best place to relax on the comfy golden sand. Certainly, you should not miss the chance to take a tour of Nice Tourist Train (Train Touristique de Nice). These rubber wheeled vehicles provides a sightseeing experience of the main parts of the town including the place Massena, the promenade des Anglais, and the quai de Etats-Unis.

St. Nicolas Church, built between 1903 and 1912 is a fantastic cathedral with elegantly ornamented exterior in mosaic. The cathedral has 6 onion domes and is constructed in the shape of a Greek cross. It contains superb treasures of icons, woodwork, and frescos.

Cours Saleya is the most renowned flower market in the old town. It remains sparkling and vibrant in the morning. The flower market also offers plants, cacti, fresh fruit, vegetables, delicatessen, bread, olives, socca and traditional glaced fruits.

Musee des Beaux-Arts is a home to a superb collection of Italian and French paintings from the 17th and 18th centuries. You can also find the noteworthy art works by Chéret (d. 1932 in Nice), Degas, Carrière, Sisley, Chagall, Fragonard, Monet, and Braque, and sculptures by Carpeaux and Rodin in addition to pottery by Picasso.

The Matisse Museum, bounded by an olive grove, is a refurbished 17th century Genoan-style villa. It is the home to the Matisse’s private collection with works all through his life from 1890 to 1954. The Monument aux Morts is one of the most distinguished memorials in France. It serves to remember the 3,655 people who lost their lives in World War II. Located in the rocks, the Monument aux Morts is constructed with white stone.

The Promenade des Anglais is an amazing 3 miles long area to take a leisurely walk any time of day or night. Additionally, you can also find coffee shops, eating houses and shopping stores along with hotels like the famed Negresco Hotel. You can rent a bicycle or rollerblade to travel around the area.

Massena Square, established in 1832, is the city’s most renowned place. It has been renovated many times since then and in 1852. This is a stunning embellished square of fountains, sculptures, trees, flowers, etc.

Orson Johnson writes for Holiday Velvet, a website providing listings for apartments, bed and breakfasts, Apartment rental in Rome hotels and Rome holiday rentals

Travel Medical Insurance - Why You Can't Leave Home Without One

By Wade Robins

It's bad enough to fall ill or to encounter an accident these days, but it's worse if it happens to you while you're in a place that's far from home. You're out of reach of close friends and family members, you're in an unfamiliar place, and even the doctors who are likely to treat you are total strangers.

Travel medical insurance can't make everything alright, but it can substantially lessen your worries. When you know that you won't have to worry about paying the bills or going back home in case something unexpected happens, traveling becomes so much more enjoyable. Peace of mind is indeed priceless.

There are several companies offering travel medical insurance whose websites are comprehensive. This means that you can perform a veritable canvassing of prices and policies without having to leave the comforts of your home. Some websites even offer free personalized quotes and compare packages from different companies.

First, choose a company that offers 24/7 service for your travel medical insurance. What's the use of getting protection when you can't be served when you need it? Second, choose the package which you think would benefit you the most. If you feel that you can manage with a policy that pays only a percentage of your medical bills, that's fine. They would, of course, cost a lot less than travel medical insurance policies that would practically "pay all the bills."

Third, ask your travel medical insurance agent about pre-existing medical conditions which may disqualify you from making certain claims. This is especially important if you are 55 years of age or older. It's a given that any kind of policy has its own fine print, so make sure you read it thoroughly.

Feel free to ask travel medical insurance companies about health advisories and required vaccinations. If you fail to comply with the rules set forth by the country you are visiting, chances are your travel medical insurance won't be liable for the medical costs you'd incur that are related to that ruling which you failed to pay attention to.

A few of the items you need to look into when choosing your travel medical insurance are doctors' fees, hospital payments, ambulance services, emergency treatments, return flights home, and prescriptions.

Next time you fly, don't get caught flat-footed. You'll be saved from a lot of trouble when you're armed with the right kind of travel medical insurance.

You can also find more info on Travel Guard Insurance and Travel Insurance For Backpackers travelinsurance-help.com is a comprehensive resource to get information about Travel Insurance.

7 Ways for a Clean Hotel Stay

By Kathryn Weber

Most hotels do a good job of cleaning. Some don’t, though. Usually this is a problem at the particular hotel, and not a problem with the chain. And, although stays at upper-tier hotels with good names and high prices will usually be nice, even these hotels can suffer from time to time with cleanliness issues – and I know this from experience. For a short time, I was a mystery guest and performed evaluations of hotels. I had to check everything from whether the security was available to counting burned out light bulbs at the entrance. Unfortunately, my mystery guest experience uncovered too little concern about cleanliness and too much concern with small services most guests don’t use. As someone who still stays in hotels frequently, I want to stay in establishments that place a high value on the two “C’s” – comfort and cleanliness – with cleanliness ranking highest. Here are seven ideas that can help you have a cleaner, more enjoyable stay the next time your living space is away from home.

1. Check carpets and bathroom
Check the tub, counters, and floors, especially around the commode, to see if they have been mopped, leaning in the light to see if there are urine drops or stains on the floor. Look at the edges of the carpet, particularly at the entrance to be certain it was vacuumed.

2. Check for bed bugs
Unfortunately, there has been a resurgence of these nasty creatures and even some of the best hotels have them. Lift the covers and the fitted or bottom sheet and look for the bugs. If you see tiny drops of blood on the mattress or mattress pad, chances are, the bed has them. Look at the cracks of the headboard where the bugs will sometimes hide. If you find them, alert the front desk and wait there to show someone what you have found. Then, consider moving to another hotel or change rooms.

3. Look around the bed and nightstand
Is there excessive dust or crumbs? If so, you might have problems breathing. This is often caused by dust and mold. Hotel housekeepers should routinely use a crevice tool behind headboards to keep them clean.

4. Check the air vents
Many people have problems breathing in hotels. Do you see any black discoloration around the air conditioning vents or AC unit? If you do, ask for another room and explain that there appears to be mold around the air vents that can cause allergies or breathing problems.

5. Make sure there is a luggage rack
Bed bugs are often found in carpets, too, and if your luggage is on the floor, you might just bring a nasty visitor home. Request a luggage rack if there isn’t one in your room. Besides the bugs, it’s easier on your back to have luggage higher.

6. Remote cleanliness
One of the dirtiest items in the room is the television remote. Put it into a plastic bag or use a Clorox wipe and wipe the surface of the remote. Clorox now makes cleaner wipes in convenient travel pouches and these accompany me on every trip. While you’re at it, wipe down the phone receiver and alarm clock too.

Wear house shoes
Pack a favorite pair of slippers in your suitcase and always wear them at every hotel visit. Floors can often be dirty, so having shoes is an added layer of cleanliness. If you make a good sweep of the room and are satisfied with the cleaning, and you pack your slippers and Clorox wipes, chances are you’ll have a pleasant hotel stay without the worry about cleanliness bothering you.
Kathryn Weber is a home and decorating columnist who publishes the Real Home E-Zine. She welcomes your comments and questions. For more information, go to http://www.kathryn-weber.com or email questions to Kathryn@kathryn-weber.com

Sightseeing In London

By Ray L. Walberg

London is one of the cultural capitals of Europe and has loads of sightseeing and activities for tourists of all ages. There are an innumerable amount of things to see and do in London but here are some "must see" sights that shouldn’t be left out of your travel itinerary.

The British Museum is vast and is so big that seeing everything in one day is near impossible. The Greek and Egyptian exhibits are especially impressive and are considered by some to be the best permanent museum installations of their kind.

The British Airways London Eye can be seen from all over central London; it is the tallest observation wheel in the world. Views from this wheel are impressive to say the least and it will give you a better orientation for your remaining sightseeing.

St. Paul’s Cathedral is over 300 years old and remains a spiritual landmark for Great Brittan. It has hosted weddings and funerals for Great Brittan’s royalty and leaders. The architecture is impressive and a beautiful piece of history.

The National Gallery located at Trafalgar Square is another must see that is impossible to cover in just one visit. The art contained at the National Gallery ranges from Leonardo da Vinci to Monet and is sure to impress even those who are not art savvy.

The London Zoo at Regents Park is home to an impressive amount of animals and is a big draw for families with children. There are daily animal shows and it is so large that two days should be given to see the entire park.

Another gallery that is sure to interest all ages is the Tate Modern Museum. The art installations use different kinds of mediums and range from Andy Warhol to Matisse. The building itself is a work of art and is a “must see” on your trip to London.

The Tower of London is another sight not to be missed. It was built of bricks imported from France and is most popular for its many executions. It was even dubbed the “bloody tower” after it was speculated that Richard III murdered his nephews there.

Another museum to take in is the Natural History Museum which contains one of the world’s largest collections of dinosaur fossils. This is another big hit with the children but is sure to impress adults as well.

If you’re in the mood for a fun and frightful experience do not miss The Madame Tussaud’s Experience. It’s a wax museum full of ghoulish figures; some of them are electronically animated which adds to the excitement.

Finally a trip to London would not be the same without a visit to Westminster Abbey which has become one of London’s most stunning churches. It is not only an architectural masterpiece but it is also the burial place for many famous figures.

Ray Walberg usually publishes long articles on themes similar to Benidorm and Costablanca. His comments on Costablanca and Costa Blanca can be discovered on his web publications. London is a fun and exciting city for all ages. Its not like Costablanca and Costa Blanca in Spain but it does have a flavour of its own. Ensure you include as many “must see” sights as possible to get the full London experience and the most out of your vacation.

Travel Preparation Tips

By Robert J. Carlton

Do you have your trip booked and ready to take off on a dream vacation? There are some things to remember when preparing for your trip. Forgetting something or being ill prepared won't be the end of the world but the added frustration can be prevented. Travel preparation is crucial and here are some tips.

Some people brag about how many outfits or how many shoes they packed. Over packing can create unnecessary headaches and frustration. If you need formal clothing then bring one outfit and several accessories. If you’re going to the beach then don’t bring any cold weather clothes since you won’t need them. Bring clothing that is of the same color scheme so you can mix and match easily. Neutral colors such as black and beige are easy to dress up or dress down and accessorize. Transfer toiletries into travel size containers and put them in leak proof sealable bags.

If you’ll be hiking or trekking then bring a backpack for a carryon since you’re sure to need one. If you’re planning on doing some shopping then consider bringing a half empty bag since you’ll need space for your purchases. Save space in your bag by stuffing shoes and folding your clothes as compact as possible.

If you’re traveling with young children then pack a small bag for them to carry. Include some favorite snacks and some new toys to keep them occupied. Consider bringing a portable DVD player so they can watch their favorite kids show or cartoon. Think twice about coloring books and crayons; they may sound like a good idea but there is a temptation to draw on seats and tray tables.

It can be hard, if not impossible to find prescription medication at an airport or on the road so pack any medications that you may need in your carry on bag. If your child needs medication or has allergies, ensure you bring their medication as well.

If you’re taking a tour to a place like the scenic spots of Benidorm then check with the company or tour guide and find out what amenities are provided. They can also advise you on what items to bring with you. Keep in mind that many things such as toiletries, film and camping equipment can be purchased at your destination.

Never pack your travel documents, medication or money in your checked luggage since there is a chance that your bag may be delayed or lost. Most countries have ATM’s so there is no need to carry large amounts of cash.

If you’re traveling by plane then make sure you get to the airport and check in as early as possible. Many airlines allow you to you check in and print your boarding passes at home.

Now you’re prepared and ready to take your dream vacation. Take plenty for pictures!

Robert Carlton usually produces detailed articles on issues related to Costa Blanca and Denia. You can discover his articles on Benidorm at many different sources for Benidorm information.

Travel Tips - Booking a Cheap Orlando Vacation

By Chris Robertson

Orlando, Florida is a vacationer's paradise. Contrary to popular belief, you don't have to have children to enjoy the theme parks and attractions in Orlando, which include Disney World, Universal Studios, Epcot Center, Disney's Animal Kingdom, and the Disney-MGM Studios.
Indeed, Orlando is a wonderful, magical place - and a destination you'll certainly want to visit more than once.

One of the challenges that many people face is finding a cheap Orlando vacation. After all, airfare, hotel accommodations, meals, and theme park entrance fees can take a big bite out of your pocketbook. Here are some tips on booking an Orlando vacation at a bargain price....

1. Purchase a Package
Although some people are intent upon purchasing airfare, hotel accommodations, and park passes separately, the truth is that you'll get a much better deal if you buy an Orlando vacation package. Those who sell Orlando vacation packages get deeply discounted rates, and can pass those savings on to you. Although you may suspect that some packages are too good to be true, once you check out the reputation of the sellers, you are likely to find that the offers are legitimate.

2. Be Flexible in Your Travel Dates
The more flexible you are in your travel dates, the more likely you are to find a cheap Orlando vacation package. If you're insistent upon traveling during peak periods, you're going to pay premium prices. If, on the other hand, you are able to travel in the non-peak season, you'll find a plethora of bargains from which to choose.

3. Look for the Extras in Accommodations
Travel packages vary widely in the types and length of accommodations offered, as well as the tickets that are included. It pays to do your research and find the package that offers you the biggest bang for your bucks. You may, for example, find a cheap Orlando vacation for only $249 per person, double occupancy. It could include such features as four nights of hotel accommodations near the Disney Main Gate plus two nights of hotel accommodations in Cocoa Beach, Florida.

4. Look for the Extras in Tickets
Some Orlando vacation packages offer an amazing array of tickets and passes, so be sure to find the one that best suits your interests and needs. For example, you may find a package that's discounted 65% from what you'd normally pay, and that still includes two one-day passes to Disney or Universal, two Kennedy Space Center tickets, Sterling Casino Day Cruise tickets, dinner theater tickets, and so forth.

5. Consider a Timeshare
If you love all that Orlando has to offer, consider purchasing a timeshare in the area. A timeshare provides you with access to all of Orlando's attractions while giving you a place to call "home." As those who own timeshares can attest, it's a great feeling to know that you have a place to stay while you're in Orlando - particularly if that place is a resort. For those who are looking for a cheap Orlando vacation and who don't own a timeshare, there are resort companies that offer incredibly cheap Orlando vacations in exchange for listening to a sales presentation.
You really can't beat the prices when all you have to do in return is give up an hour or two of your time.

Don't let cost keep you from visiting one of the most magical places in the United States. Find a cheap Orlando vacation and enjoy all that the Sunshine State has to offer!

Chris Robertson is an author of Majon International, one of the worlds MOST popular internet marketing companies on the web. Learn more about Booking a Cheap Orlando Vacation or Majon's Travel directory.

Tips On Planning Unforgettable Cruises

By Kurt A. Schefken

Over the years, cruises have become a more poplar way to travel. Because there are many different types of cruises, you will have to narrow down where you want to travel to first and then find a cruise line that is headed to that location. Some cruises make stops in more than one port along the way, which can give you a chance to see more areas than you would have if you were traveling by car or other mode of transportation. Many people take cruises because they don't have to worry about driving, navigating, or finding their way out of strange towns and cities when they become lost.

On a cruise, you will have to ability to set your own schedule. If you want to sleep in one day and get up early the next, you can do so. There are plenty of restaurants that serve food all day long on a cruise ship. As you get closer to your destination, you will begin to feel the excitement of visiting a new place. The people you meet on cruises are usually very friendly and want to explore a new place as much as you do. You will make many new friends while on a cruise.

Travelling by sea is a great way to relax while on vacation. Depending on the length of your cruise, you may be able to relax for an entire week or more. Many people take two or three week cruises when they want to relax. The longer the cruise, the more ports the ship will stop in. This will give you an opportunity to shop, try new foods, and take some great pictures. Being able to tell people what a great time you had through pictures is one way to not miss any details when describing your trip to places like Costa Blanca and Alicante.

Before you choose a cruise, you should find out if there will be added expenses for travel, accommodations, and travel insurance. If you are traveling with a group, you should nominate one person to handle the arrangements in order to avoid confusion. Once the arrangements have been made, you should pay close attention to the weather to see what you will need to pack. Since you will be on the water for a few days, you should pack a few long sleeve shirts and a light jacket. You may also need to pack formal wear if it is required during dinner time.

Cruises can be taken at any time during the year. Planning in advance is the best way to have a good time. This means making sure you have all of your reservations, seating arrangements, clothing, and other items in order before the cruise dates. During your vacation, make sure you take plenty of pictures, make new friends, and have a great time.

The technical writer Kurt Schefken is specifically passionate about information much like Benidorm. Through his reports, he proofed his experience on issues related to Costa Blanca and Benidorm.

Women's Travel Safety Tips

By Al Falaq Arsendatama

Women are traveling around the world more than ever before and even alone either for business or on a pleasure trip. However, this is also resulting into criminal incidences with women while on travel. It has become necessary to take safety precautions for a successful travel. Use the following travel safety tips to be as safe and secure as you feel in your town:

• Travel safety tips while in a culturally conservative country. Please make yourself familiar with the laws and customs of the places where you wish to go. Here are examples of two situations you may encounter with. It is illegal in few countries to invite persons of opposite sex to your hotel room. Police in Saudi Arabia can arrest foreigners for wearing “improper dress”.
Avoid any obscene postures while on travel to an unknown place. Few countries have a public code of conduct and police at most tourist places discourage kissing in public.

• Women’s travel safety tips for clothes. There is no doubt that fashion makes a statement.
However not everyone perceives fashion the way you do. People from different cultures consider the clothing, which you consider casual, as provocative or inappropriate. Jeans and t-shirt covering most of your bodies are a better option for travel clothing. Jeans is safer than a skirt or mini if you need to run or defend yourself.

• Blending yourself with public is the best safety measure during travel. Try to purchase a local dress and wear it sometimes to give an impression of being native or being familiar with the place. Always wear one or two local accessories such as hat, chains, and scarves.

• Safety devices travel tips for women. Many safety devices available in market work as good self-defense arms. Pepper spray is a high-pressure extract of pepper. Its spray on assailant’s face would disable him for 5-6 minutes. There is stun gun with electrostatic high voltage charge. It will provide heavy shock to assailant and weaken his muscles.

• Use common sense and be alert and aware of your surroundings. If you are unsure in general about the local situation, feel free to check with the American Citizens Services section of the local U.S. Embassy or Consulate for the latest security information.

• Show confidence while talking to strangers. Criminals often look for weak women, who submit easily. Do not ignore any instance of eve teasing. If caught in a difficult situation, show bravery and boldness. Scream, fight and run as hard as possible.

For more information on travel guide and useful travel tips please visit http://www.ez-travel-guide.info including simple reviews on popular travel guide books.

Need to Carry Extra Luggage - Add Roof Boxes!

By Alexa Wilson

The roof of a car generally remains vacant and does nothing extra except being a part of the body. Yet the part it plays is in no way negligible. In winters, it protects the boarders from snow and cold. In summers, it prevents rain from pouring inside the car. But this is not all that the roof of a car can do for you. You can attach roof boxes on it to get a better service from the hitherto unused part of your car.

On a normal day, when you use your car for day-to-day commuting like going to and coming from the office or shop, you do not feel the necessity of roof boxes that much. But on weekends or on holidays, when you set out for a journey that is different from your daily drive, the need for roof tops is badly felt. On that occasion, you need to carry things that you would not require on an average day.

Suppose you are on a journey with your family and you need to carry a lot of extra luggage that the boot of the car cannot accommodate. In such a situation, the roof boxes will be of great value. You can put all the extra accessories in it. Similarly, if you are out on fishing, tracking, biking etc. then also you have to take equipment that cannot be kept inside the boot of the car.

Some of the apparatus one needs to carry with him while he is on some outdoor activities may be not accommodated within a box. Hence, there occurs the necessity of some other kit that can take care of the rather bigger accessory. And it is the roof racks that serve the purpose very well. Bikes, fishing rods and wheel chairs etc. cannot be accommodated in a box but can be easily fixed with a rack.

Alexus Devon is an automobile writer specializing in automobile and car accessories (such as roof boxes ) products and has written authoritative articles on the car accessories industry. He has done his Master in Business Administration and is currently assisting http://www.directcaraccessories.co.uk as a car accessories specialist.