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Luxury travel is diametrically opposed to travelling on budget. ‘Luxury’ as the term Suggests, is to have the best of everything by paying the maximum for it. If you have money and want to make your vacations a dream come true then go for the luxuries available in the travel world.

The Hunt for a Perfect Place-The first task to take up is to decide a lavish destination. You can go according to the season like if it is hot, its better to throng the beaches. There are three world’s top most destinations in this category and these are Caribbean, Europe and South Pacific or Oceania.

The Caribbean is the land of water. If you are a water lover then there is nothing like this place. Well known as the world’s fifth greatest water body, Caribbean has more than a hundred islands which turn from the bottom tip of Florida to the northwest of Venezuela. These islands are blessed with exotic beauty of turquoise blue waters and sandy beaches. The temperature is perfect throughout the year at around 80 degrees Fahrenheit. What else one can look forward to are the bewitchingly beautiful beach villas with the best of amenities ranging from food to entertainment.

The next outstanding destination can be Europe. The place has the best of everything and foe everyone. Besides a rich historical past, this wealthy destination has all sorts of scenic splendors. There are spectacular slopes of Scandinavia, the humid Mediterranean and the peninsulas to steal your attention.

How can one forget the incredible South Pacific or Oceania as a luxury destination…the place has a bunch of marvelous islands like New Zealand, Australia, Micronesia etc. that make you a prisoner of their lust. The place has fascinating lagoons and lively beaches to enjoy all types of water sports and other activities for instance spinner dolphins, humpback whales and the like.

The Means to Commute-After you select the ideal place for your journey, think about the way to reach there. Several options are available of which private jets and helicopters top the list. These private air modes have lots of benefits and convenience. Their services are available round the clock. All you have to do is to call up a private jet or airways company and ask for a jet or plane. These jets not only take least time to reach the desired destination but provide you with privacy, peace of mind, no hassle of booking etc., luggage safety, all in all a perfect journey. If you desire to sail then cruise ships are the perfect option.

Silversea Cruise Ships are a good and wise choice. They offer you the best of rooms, restaurants, entertainment like casinos etc. So there is much more to enjoy along with the oceanic magnificence. Yacht is also a favorable option for the sea admirers. Besides accommodation, there is accurate planning for all other requirements.

The most renowned luxury yacht so far is known to be SeaDream II. The accommodation, food and entertainment-Go for the best of hotels or resorts available. Make sure they have an entire set up to take care of not just your lodging but food and entertainment (casinos, bars etc.). Health spas, gyms Free Articles, parlors and the like add one more feather to it.

So what are you still waiting for--Travel in Luxury- Experience the Heaven on Earth…!


Author: Mansi gupta

Source


Making the decision to book a flight to Europe is one that most people don't take lightly. After all, it's a big financial commitment. Before you bite the bullet and part with your hard earned cash, take a look at five things I think you should know before you book your flight to Europe.

1. Flexibility may reduce the price
If you're ready to book your flights you're going to be fairly sure of the dates you want to travel but it's always a good idea to compare the price of the same flight a few days either side of your preferred travel date.

Mid-week flights can sometimes be cheaper than those on weekends, and airline prices vary, too, so if you can be a little flexible you might end up saving some money.

Altering your preferred departure date from Australia might also mean you travel in a different 'season'. A 'shoulder season' fare might be a couple of hundred dollars less than a 'peak season' fare so if you can be flexible it might be worth your while.


2. Payment deadlines
Airlines have strict payment deadlines. Generally speaking, if you book your flight online, either on the airline's own website or via a booking site such as Expedia, you'll have to make your payment straight away using a credit card.

Travel agents can usually hold your flights for either 3 or 7 days (depending on the airline you are flying with) before the full payment is due.


3. Passenger names
You'll need to know the correct names of all those in your travelling party exactly as they are shown on each individual's passport. If you've always known your friend as Charlie but his passport say Charles, then Charles it has to be on his airline ticket.

Name changes are usually not allowed once an airline ticket has been issued, so get it right from the start or you may be up for a ticket re-issue fee. When you get to the airport, if the passenger's passport and airline ticket don't match, they can be refused carriage.

4. Know your itinerary
Know the city that you would like to fly in and out of, as well as your exact dates of travel.
Airlines do charge for amendments to itineraries, including travel dates, so before you hand over your payment, make sure you're happy with your flight route and dates, and know the penalties should you need to alter your travel plans.


5. Cancellation fees
Should the unexpected happen and you need to cancel your flight after you've paid for your ticket, you can expect to pay a cancellation fee.

Fees can differ depending on the airline and the type of fare you have purchased, so check the cancellation conditions and make sure you have adequate travel insurance to cover you if the unexpected does occur.
Further reading: How to choose the right travel insurance policy for your trip

Armed with all the above information, you should be able to book your flight to Europe with confidence.


Bon voyage!

Author: Carolyn




This post may contain compensated links. Please see my disclosure policy for more information.
Deciding what is the best time of year to travel to Europe for your holiday can be one of the hardest parts of the decision-making process, particularly for the first-time traveller.  There’s no single ‘best’ time to visit Europe as every traveller’s preferences are different but there are a number of things to consider before you book yourself on that flight.

Best time to visit Europe weather-wise
The kind of weather you'd like to experience is going to be a major consideration of your holiday planning. Are you hoping to experience a white Christmas in Europe or the beautiful snowy scenes of a northern winter or would you prefer to travel when it's warmer and you can enjoy the longer daylight hours?


Your response to this question should help you to decide when the best time to travel to Europe from Australia is for you.
The best season to go to Europe is going to be different for everyone so I’ve listed a few of the pros and cons of travelling in the various seasons below.

Pros and cons of travelling to Europe in winter

If a European winter experience is what you're after, some of the pros of travelling at this time (December/January/February) include missing the Australian summer, experiencing scenery and Christmas food and traditions totally different to what we are used to at home (in Australia) such as the amazing Christmas markets.

Mid-December through to the end of February - and sometimes even into March - is definitely the best time to visit Europe for snow.


Every year it seems that Europe’s Christmas markets become more and more popular with tourists and they are a wonderful reason to visit Europe at this time of year.  Many markets open from late November until just after Christmas, with some trading until early January.


Of course you also have to consider the downsides - shorter daylight hours, some attractions (particularly in rural areas) may be closed for the winter, heavy snowfalls can cause transport delays and make driving difficult, and there's the cold weather and bulky clothing that you’ll need to take to contemplate, too.

Tour and cruise companies also tend to have a reduced number of itineraries on offer during the colder months, however train services still run frequently.

Further reading: Tips for travelling to Europe in winter


Christmas market in Tallinn
Christmas markets are a major reason for tourists to visit Europe in winter time. This one is in the Estonian capital, Tallinn.

Pros and cons of travelling to Europe in summer
During the European summer there's a pretty fair chance you'll enjoy some warm weather. Southern countries like Spain, Italy and Greece (and the south of France) tend to have much higher temperatures than central and northern Europe, but there can be some surprises.
I have experienced temperatures well above 35 degrees Celcius on numerous occasions in parts of Europe that we don’t normally associate with having high summer temperatures (Austria and northern France, for example).


I’ve often joked that the summer-loving Europeans should pay me to travel to Europe as I always tend to attract the hot weather!  August is usually the hottest month in Europe - I mostly travel in June and July but have experienced some really hot days during those months.

If you are visiting one of the southern regions, temperatures can be stifling hot – so check in advance that your accommodation has air-conditioning.

Another advantage of travelling during the European summer (June/July/August) is the longer daylight hours - with daylight saving it is generally light until at least 9.30pm, and much later in the Scandinavian countries.

Timetables for ferries, lake cruises, cable car rides, etc are also generally expanded over the summer months.

I also find there's an air of vitality in Europe during summer - with window boxes bursting with colour, the freshest produce available at the markets, and Europeans out and about and enjoying the weather.

During the summer months, motorways can also be extremely busy, particularly on weekends, as European holiday-makers head off on their annual break.



Flower boxes in Riquewihr
Colourful flower boxes are at their blooming best during the European summer.

What about Autumn (Fall) and Spring?

Autumn and Spring are popular times to travel for those who don't enjoy extreme temperatures.  Early Autumn and Late Spring, in particular, can still offer warmish days without being either too hot or too cold so this is considered by many to be the best time to visit southern Europe.

No matter how carefully you plan, though, unseasonal weather can occur. Major flooding in Germany, Hungary and Poland in June 2013 caused havoc and upset lots of holiday plans, not to mention livelihoods.

On the other hand, expected snow falls can fail to eventuate as early in the season as normal - your snowy Christmas might turn out to be more of a 'slushy' one!


The table below shows the (approximate) average monthly temperatures for some of Europe’s major cities.


                 Jan        Mar       May      Jul         Sep       Nov
Vienna 1°C        9°C        19°C      26°C      20°C      7°C
Rome    12°C      15°C      22°C      29°C      26°C      17°C
Zurich   -1°C       5°C        13°C      18°C      14°C        4°C
Paris      3.5°C     10°C      15°C      19°C      16°C      12°C
Berlin    -0.5°C   4°C        14°C      19°C      15°C      5°C
London    5°C      10°C      17°C      22°C      19°C      5°C


If the weather isn’t the major factor in determining the best time to travel for you to travel to Europe, there are some other considerations to keep in mind.


Special events
If you are heading to Europe to attend a special function like a wedding or are hoping to catch a major event such as the Tour de France or the tulip display at Holland’s Keukenhof Gardens, you are obviously going to have to be in a particular place on a specific date.

Keep in mind that when major events occur (like the Olympic Games or Rugby World Cup, for example), accommodation, flights and other travel services can be stretched to the limit - and prices can increase significantly.


Tour de France
Major events can have a big impact on the price and availability of accommodation and flights.


Crowds
If you do prefer to travel when it's warmer, be wary of travelling during August. This is the month when many Europeans take their summer holidays (a lot of professional offices in Paris actually close for the whole month!) so wherever you go it is likely to be extremely busy.

If you don’t like crowds, August is definitely NOT the best month to visit Europe.

Major sights and attractions can be a nightmare during August with queues of two hours or more just to buy entry tickets not unheard of!!  I always recommend pre-purchasing tickets to attractions you know you will definitely visit, but particularly so if visiting in the peak summer months.

The late European spring (April/May) and early autumn (September/October) can make a good alternative. If you're not too fussed about high temperatures and definitely want to avoid the crowds, these are good months to visit to Europe.


Price
Another factor to consider when planning when you are going to visit is price. I've previously written about some of the tips you should know before you book your flight to Europe, and one of these is that travelling just outside of the airline's 'peak' season can save you a few hundred dollars.

By departing Australia in May, for example, you might save yourself some money by missing the June 'peak' fares and still be able to enjoy the warmer early-summer days in Europe.


To start planning your travel to Europe, order complimentary European travel brochures and read all my tips for planning a holiday to Europe here.

What other factors do you consider when deciding what is the best time to visit Europe? I'd love to hear your comments below.

Author: Carolyn

Source: 


Are you planning to go on a Europe Vacation someday? If so, you have picked an excellent place to venture to, as Europe has great cultural and historical significance, making it a hot locale for travelers. Places like Berlin, London, Venice, Nice, and Paris are very popular for people taking trips abroad. I have some tips for you, expert information, about how you can make your trip to Europe an experience you will never forget.

Keep an Open Mind

You should never settle on a rigid itinerary for your vacation. By traveling to a foreign location, you are giving yourself the opportunity to immerse yourself in a different culture and lifestyle than what you are accustomed to. For that reason, you should try looking into short-term rentals on homes and apartments. It is actually a very common practice in that part of the world, and you will find that renting is much cheaper than hotels or resorts. This will give you the opportunity to go into the streets and meet people, allowing you to learn more about the people and lifestyle of that country.

That is the best way to have an unforgettable experience.

Stability

If you are looking for a more stable vacation, perhaps you should contact a travel agent and purchase a vacation package. Packages range in price, but you may be able to find a sale if you look hard enough. A discount package price will allow you to save more money for spending while you're in Europe. The benefit of vacation packages is that they will make sure you are on tours that explore all of the major attractions of a location, allowing for a worry- free vacation.

Bargain Vacations

The true key to getting a discount on a vacation, no matter where you go, is flexibility. You can save a great deal by taking advantage of bargains that only come up at certain times of the year and at certain places. These vacations are great if you can be flexible with:

* Which of the airlines you choose

* Which cruises you want to go on

* What you want to eat

* Where you want to stay

* When you want you to leave

For example, if you have no particular goal in mind, but you just want to see Europe, then you will be able to find cheaper rates for traveling and staying in certain nations. Don't wait until the last-minute to start planning your vacation!

Stretching Every Dollar (or Euro)

Keep in mind that in other countries, prices are often times negotiable. Depending on where you go, especially in countries with weaker economies, you can often time haggle on the prices of your purchases, which will help you save a lot. This usually does not work with large-scale franchise businesses, but will almost always work with small local businesses.

Also, if you choose to eat at restaurants, a local restaurant is good in this respect because they will generally offer you lower prices then places that you are accustomed to seeing in America. Remember, if you truly want to make the most of your European vacation, then save money every chance you get, it will allow you to spend more on the things you like!

Author: Remy Jirek                                        







When you are planning your trip to the beautiful city of Paris, you will want to consider what kind of Paris short term apartment you will want to stay in. If you have an apartment that you can enter and leave at your whim, and you do not have to worry about paying for costly motel fees, then you will be able to look forward to your trip, and you will enjoy taking in the sights of the city when you are there. You know that by securing a Paris short term rental you will save yourself both in money and time, so let’s review a few tips for finding the best apartment in Paris for you!

If you are looking for a Paris short term rental that can easily fit into your budget, then you may want to consider renting a small basement apartment from one of the home owners in the city. These apartments are often kept in great shape, and you will always find that they are clean. If you are staying with a friendly family, they may even invite you to eat your meals with them in their home! You will enjoy your stay in the city, and you will also enjoy getting to know a family that could turn into a lifelong friendship!

If you will be staying in Paris for only a short amount of time, then you may not be so picky about the qualities of your apartment. You may be willing to walk a little farther from your Paris short term apartment to the local grocery store, or be willing to not have quite as good a view of the city if it means that you are able to save yourself a considerable amount of money on your rent. After all, you will be in Paris and the adventure is found out in the city, not inside your apartment!

When you have found a good place to stay during your trip to Paris, you will know that nothing is able to keep you from enjoying yourself! Don’t delay – the adventurous city of Paris awaits you!




Are you interested in taking a Hawaii trip? If so, do you know how much you should have to pay for that trip? Unfortunately, a large number of individuals try and answer that question. Of course, you could probably generate an estimate, but you are advised against doing so, especially if you have yet to start making your Hawaii vacation reservations. If you have yet to make your reservations, you are advised to take everything that you know or may assume about the cost of a Hawaii vacation and throw it right out the window. Instead of searching for what you believe to be a good deal, you are advised to search for the lowest costing deal.

One of the reasons why you are advised to search for low-cost Hawaii trips is because they are out there; they do exist. Unfortunately, there are some individuals who just don’t try hard enough to find them. These individuals are likely the ones who thought that they knew how much a Hawaii trip should cost. Many times, what happens is that vacationers find what they believe to be a good deal and they snatch it up. Of course, there is always a chance that it really was a good deal, but, without looking any further, you never really know. That is why you are advised to get it in your mind that low-cost Hawaii trips do exist and that you can find them.

If you are interested in finding low-cost Hawaii trips, you are advised to use the internet. Although your first impulse may be to use the services of a professional travel agent, you will, almost always, have better luck with the internet. This is because online you can find an unlimited number of online travel websites. These online travel websites specialize in selling vacation reservations and vacation packages to travelers. Since you are interested in planning a Hawaii trip, it is advised that you turn to a Hawaiian travel website. These websites are like all other online travel websites, except for the fact that they have a focus on Hawaii, including all of the popular Hawaiian Islands.

If and when you decide to use a Hawaiian travel website, to find low-cost Hawaii trips, you will need to start searching for what you will need. For instance, if you would like to stay in a vacation home, you will want to tailor your search to vacation homes and so on. What is nice about most Hawaiian travel websites is that many not only allow you to pick which Hawaiian Island you would like to visit, but many also allow you to set a price range for yourself. If you do choose to use the price range feature, you are advised to start as low as you can go. As mentioned above, it is important to seek out the lowest costing Hawaii vacation deals, not necessarily the ones that you think are the good deals. If your low price search does not return any results, you can continue to up your price range until you find something that meets your expectations.

Another mistake that many vacationers make, when booking a trip to Hawaii, is thinking that they need to book all of their reservations separately. While you may be able to find great deals by purchasing your airline tickets, hotel reservations, and car rental separately, you may also be able to find great deals by purchasing them all together. You can do this with a Hawaii vacation package. It, honestly, all depends on what you need while on vacation. Regardless of what you want or need to get out of your vacation, it may be a good idea to just take a few minutes and examine Hawaii vacation packages. Since your goal is to find a low-cost Hawaii trip, you are advised to give it a shot; you really have nothing to lose.

Whether you examine booking all of your Hawaii trip reservations separately or with the purchase of a vacation package, it might be best to record all of your findings. By writing down all of the offers that you are given, you could easily compare those offers and find the lowest costing Hawaii trip around. Taking a few extra minutes to do this may very well save you hundreds of dollars or more.



Well, when kids are with you, you need to be more prepared because as we all know they have special needs and we have to respond to such needs. With the tips provided below, it would surely help you get yourself prepared for the entire travel.

You have to bring with you some of the most useful things you could carry with you as you travel and as you reach destinations:

• Band-Aids
• antiseptic hand gel
• small tissue packs
• sunscreen
• Dr.'s phone numbers
• Tylenol - children's & adults
• a rubber door stop can provide extra security for a hotel room door
• small plug-in nightlight - to help find the bathroom in the middle of the night* These things re for the activities you could have together in order not get bored and to get their attention fully
• Crayons
• mechanical pencils
• highlighter - good for word search games
• paper
• deck of cards
• zip lock bags (collecting shells, storing food, wet clothes)* These are other things for travel uses:
• sunglasses
• hats/visors
• lightweight windbreaker
• umbrella
• camera with extra film
• keep a photo of your child in your wallet – in case you lose them in a crowded area 
• extra copy of birth certificates, photo id, travel reservations, airline tickets.

Author: Nicholas Tan






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



Author: Karen Zastudil       






Why is it that 2 people can use the same airport, the same airline and even be on the exact same flight, and have 2 totally different stories about their trip?

Is it all about attitude? Well...sort of.

It's about our expectations and is influenced by visualization. We have a vision of what we will be experiencing, whether we are conscious of it or not.

Trainers and Coaches talk about a process of visualizing the end result, as you would desire it to happen. They suggest you use this process when preparing for meetings, sales presentations and other activities, whereby one outcome is preferred over another.

That vision absolutely does affect the outcome. Ask any athlete and they will tell you.

Athletes have used visualizing techniques for years. That is what you observe them doing when you see them standing and focusing on their target, in an almost trance-like state, at the starting line or on the field, just before they hit or throw the ball.

These professionals are all envisioning, in advance, what they want the outcome to be.

Can this process of visualization, work for you also in your everyday professional and personal life? Let's say you are traveling and would like to experience incredible food, clean rooms ready for your arrival, flights and luggage arriving on time, friendly and efficient service.

Can that really happen? The answer is...It sure can. Wayne Dyer, best-selling author of "The Power of Intention: Learning to Co-Create Your World Your Way" says that it is definitely possible to affect all the experiences in our lives. Try these suggested steps when planning your next trip, for example.

1. Think how you want to feel before, during and after your trip. (Since the energy you put out reflects on the outcome, this is the best place to start).

Do you want to feel rested? Relaxed? Unhurried? Full of energy? Joyful? Even visualize a sense of accomplishment that the meeting went well and the deal was approved and signed by all parties.

Really imagine the way you want to feel, as if it has already happened.

2. As you are going about making the reservations, packing your luggage and all the other activities leading up to the first day of your departure, continue to keep the vision of all the fun and successful interactions with others you are going to experience.

You can even imagine being a magnet to some of the most amazing people on your trip and see who you attract.

Investing the time to learn and use this process, is key to having great travel experiences.

Will it really work for you? Only if you try it. All I can say is... Check it out. You might like it.

P.S. This may be a new muscle and if at first, you don't succeed...practice, practice, practice. Better yet, just like an athlete, you might even want to get yourself a Coach!


Author: Pat Graham-Block



Traveling can be a major hassle if you are unprepared or haven't shopped around for the best deal. You could end up paying out the nose for your airline tickets when you could have gotten them for half the price. This article will give you some traveling pointers.

If you are not traveling overseas, do not disregard the option of traveling by bus or train. Bus and train tickets are usually cheaper than flight tickets and can often provide excellent accommodations. If you are not traveling too far, they can also be a faster means of transportation because you do not have to deal with airport hassles such as security, and frequent flight delays.

If you become lost while traveling, ask a local to draw a map for you. Not only will it help you get to where you are going, but the directions can be a great souvenir of your trip. This tactic also allows you to engage in conversations with some of the people who are native to the area and you will often learn quite a few things that you didn't know.

Wait to share your travel photos online or through social media until you get home. Posting photographs on the internet should be considered a permanent choice. Decisions are often blurred while caught up in the moment. So, wait until you are home again and your focus for what to share or not to share will be sharper.

If you plan to travel by air, make sure to check the baggage policies on all the airlines you will use. Many now charge significant fees for luggage that is over their weight limit. This varies by airline, as well as destination. But, almost all airlines will now charge for additional checked bags.

Having a small sewing kit and an eyeglass repair kit tucked away in your luggage can save the day! Whether you rip your clothing, need to remove a splinter, replace a button, or replace the tiny screws on the back of your child's hand held video game these tools are great!

If you have a choice when booking flights for travel, select an airline that uses primarily 767 jets. These larger jets have more legroom, and offer more direct flights because they can stay in the air longer. Also, the 767s have a two-three-two seat configuration, meaning there is only one middle seat per row instead of the usual two.

Make sure you use your frequent flyer's miles. Usually, your free miles expire after a few months and there is no point in saving them. When you book your flight, make sure you use the company with which you have miles and use all of them. This could save you a lot of money.

As long as you remember the helpful tips in this article, you should be able to travel without being stressed out, which is the best way to travel. Your bank account will thank you also because you'll be saving a lot of money by getting cheaper airline and hotel deals.







Taking that well deserved holiday can be a treat for you and the entire family. However, before you decide to book your holiday, read some helpful hints about traveling in this informative article. Use the tips and information provided to help you have a more pleasurable experience.

Keep a group journal in your hotel room while traveling. Invest in something as inexpensive as a spiral notebook, and allow the people you are traveling with to write in it during down time. This will provide an interesting read later and will be a nice keepsake from your trip.

Buy airport carry-on sized toiletries when flying to your next travel destination. Store them in zip lock bags in your luggage and you won't need to worry about security confiscating them.

In countries that you travel to, be aware of the cultural view of how questions are answered. In some places, especially India and Asia, it can be considered very rude to tell someone that you don't know the answer to their question. Others may simply answer "yes" to any question asked in English. Pay attention to doubtful body language.

If you are traveling with a companion but you do not normally share funds, consider having a joint wallet, for expenses like meals, travel and lodging. You and your companion can add the same amount of money to the joint wallet each day. This way, you aren't constantly splitting bills or exchanging money.

Make a portable washing machine with a plastic bag. Save money by skipping expensive coin-operated washers and dryers when you travel by using a do-it-yourself tip. Find or pack a large and sturdy plastic bag, and add a little laundry soap and water. Put your clothes in the bag, and shake. Drain the soapy water and repeat the process with clean water, then hang the clothes to dry.

If you choose to purchase travel insurance before going on a trip, you would do well to buy it from an independent source. Let's say you book a cruise and are offered travel insurance from the cruise company. Since you are essentially buying protection against the cruise line's own mistakes/accidents, it makes more sense to purchase your insurance from an outside source than to rely on the potential cause of your future claim as your insurance provider.

Traveling is something that most of us love to do, and many of us travel to various locations every chance we get. But it can be expensive and dangerous at times. Make sure you're following this travel advice before you take your next trip. You'll be thankful that you did.






Whether for business or for pleasure, traveling can still be fun. There are also a few guidelines to follow and some tricks to help you. The information below can give you tips for your next trip. Each person has his own ideas with regard to travel, and the following tips are likely to be helpful.

If you're going to be travelling by air, make sure you don't put any valuables or electronics in your checked luggage. Luggage handlers aren't known to be gentle and any electronics may end up damaged during transport. Airlines are also known to lose luggage and you don't want to take a chance of losing something valuable.

Print out directions and confirmation numbers ahead of time when you are traveling. If you have a smart phone, you can save these important pieces of information in a file in your phone for easy access later. You will be much more at ease if you know ahead of time how and where to find your important information when you need it.

Dealing with airports is an unfortunate necessity of much modern travel. Pack an empty water bottle to fill after you get through security. This will save you from having to buy a £3.00 bottle of water after you get through the checkpoint. It also never hurts to pack granola bars, banana chips, or anything else to snack on between flights.

When traveling in countries with unsafe tap water, remember other ways that you might be exposed. Close your mouth when using the shower and brush your teeth only with treated water. If you make tea or coffee with the water, allow it to boil for several minutes before steeping. Even a small exposure can make you very ill.

Young women traveling alone may want to invest in a simple gold plated band or cubic zirconium ring. Wear the ring on your left ring finger which signals that you are married or engaged. This keeps potential suitor at bay and gives an excuse for unwanted attention in hotels, airports and buses. While it may seem a tad dishonest, it can keep you from getting hit on if you are alone in unfamiliar places.

If you're going on a road trip but don't have space to keep a cooler, there's a simple way to make sure you have ice cold water on you trip! The night before you leave, fill some water bottles (but not all the way to the top!) and put them in the freezer over night. Take them on the trip with you the next day and they'll slowly melt over the course of the day, leaving you with ice cold water.

Be sure to use the tips above when taking your next trip. You should try to utilize each different tip and really get the most from your trip.






When traveling to a foreign country, it is a great idea to befriend some locals. Locals can give you unique and inside perspectives on the culture, and take you to places that are off the beaten path. This article will give you some tips about how to make friends with the locals next time you travel.

If you are worried about safety, carry a fake wallet. If you are traveling through a rough area, take precautions and carry a spare wallet with a few token dollars in it. In the off chance you do get accosted, you can hand over the fake wallet and your real valuables will remain safe.

Before you leave on your trip, make sure you are up to date on all your vaccinations. If you are taking any prescription medications, be sure to bring extra along just in case. There is always the chance that your departure might be delayed, and you don't want to run out.

When planning to travel to a country that uses a very different language or even alphabet than your own, it's a good idea to get precise, up to date information about exactly how to travel to hotel bookings or sites of interest ahead of time. Often, maps or travel guides won't go into the amount of detail necessary, so make sure to have a custom map which shows everything you'll need.

When about to travel an important resource can be talking to friends and family about where you are traveling. Often one can gain helpful information that would have not otherwise be obtained. The advantage of talking to a real person can result in beneficial information that can make all the difference between an enjoyable trip or a miserable one.

Sign yourself up for alerts on travel prices. That way, you can enter your favorite destinations and receive updates on prices and offers. Once your fare or hotel rate drops to where you want it, you will receive an email notification. This strategy can eliminate the need to constantly check for lower prices.

Ditch the fanny pack. Not only do you look the part of a tourist, a fanny pack is often easy pickings for a thief. If you crave the convenience of the fanny pack, consider getting a multi-pocket travel vest instead. These carry just as much but keep the items close to your body where they are safer.

As was stated at the beginning of this article, befriending locals is a great idea when visiting a foreign country. Locals can take you places that you would not otherwise see just sticking to tours. Apply the advice from this article next time you travel, and you will be sure to appreciate a unique and different adventure from your regular travel plans.