Saturday, June 27, 2009

International Travel Can Be Fun

Source: Nextarticles.com

Author: JohnQ.Harris

Once only the province of the wealthy and famous, international travel is now far more prevalent as technology has reduced costs and made it possible for the number of people to travel the world to increase dramatically. It is not as if you need to be rich anymore either as a good deal of the arrangements can be made online, and discounts can be had if you are willing to travel out of the normal peak travel times.

Although most of the best deals are in winter, the likes of Southern France, Italy, Spain and Greece have very mild winters so you won't have to suffer the cold on your travels. If you want to save even more money you can look for villas, apartments or houses owned by private citizens who rent them out for shorter periods so you may be able to have a longer trip without a cost penalty.

There is no need to think that you will suffer without facilities like the internet, fully equipped kitchens, telephone either. Of course making use of the kitchen will save some money if you have your breakfast there every morning before you spend the day exploring the local sights.

If you planned to send cards to all your friends then you can do it electronically which won't cost anything and all your laundry can be done without having to go elsewhere, once again, saving time which means you have more time to do things. It's the little things you notice when you visit any foreign country and while most peoples daily lives are not much different to our own it is the small customs and idiosyncrasies are what make each country unique.

For instance, in Europe, meals are much more of an occasion for family and friends to get together and socialize with each other, something that isn't really done in America. Try new things; walk around your neighborhood and discover the bookstore, grocer, hardware, night club or restaurant and neighborhood businesses reflect the tempo of life in your chosen destination. When in a foreign country a real international traveler will make sure that national and local dishes are eaten in typical restaurants or tavernas like Italian pizza or Greek Kleftiko. Finding your way around without a guide and just enjoying the experience for what it is, is the sign of an international traveler; one who will explore an unfamiliar city using their local transport systems and making the most of the visit.

However, if this is how you like to travel then restricting how much you carry with you is paramount and being able to fit everything you need into hand luggage can save a great deal of time at the airport. This of course means that to do this efficiently, it is good idea to carry everything you need for the trip in a carry on, which will make things simpler; no lost luggage or waiting around the luggage carousel at the airport. You may not think this is possible but it is; you just need to remember that many of the essentials of traveling like toiletries will be available almost everywhere you travel too. The less you take with you, the more adventurous it becomes and finding a new exciting destination is as easy as clicking a button.

Monday, June 22, 2009

An 8 Step Plan to Traveling Healthy Abroad

Source: Nextarticles

A vacation overseas is an exciting event. Exotic locations can mean a greater risk for potential health problems and a larger chance of not finding adequate medical services.

Take matters into your own hands and prepare for that travel in advance with Dr. Isadore Rosenfeld of Fox News Channel's list of 8 Travel Tips that will make your excursion safer, happier and healthier.

1. Have current immunizations.

Check with the CDC on the internet at www.cdc.gov/travel and specify which countries you will be traveling, to check on the current immunizations required. This site also has many suggestions on staying healthy during your trip.

2. Only brush your teeth with bottled water.

Because local water can have bacteria and parasites, don't brush your teeth with tap water. If bottled water is unavailable, boiling water for at least 1 minute is long enough to kill any diseases and avoid illness.

3. Don't eat raw fruits and vegetables with the skin.

Local fruits and vegetables can also harbor parasites and bacteria that can make a healthy traveler ill. For that reason, the CDC advises not buying food from street vendors. Dr. Rosenfeld proposes skinning raw fruits and vegetables before eating. Always be sure that your food is cooked fully.

4. Take additional prescription medication with you.

Your vacation should be fun. The anxiety you would undoubtedly feel by running out of necessary prescription medication could ruin good memories of the trip. Do yourself a favor and avoid that anxiety by packing extra medication beyond the number of days you plan to be away. Murphy's Law exists; negate it by being prepared.

5. Take a first aid kit.

Build a first aid kit to pack in your suitcase. A smaller kit that you can keep with you is a good idea as well. In your suitcase kit, include anti-diarrheal medication, mild laxative and anti-motion pills as your destination dictates. You should also include antihistamine and decongestant, anti-fungal and hydro cortisone cream in 1% solution. The kit that stays with you through your day should include anti-inflammatory medications, antibiotic cream and the typical assortment of alcohol pads, latex gloves, band aids and moleskin for blisters.

6. Purchase travel insurance.

Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could see into the future? But because we can't, buy a cushion of comfort in the form of travel insurance. The more expensive the trip, the more important this investment could be.

7. Avoid swimming in ponds or lakes.

Parasitic and bacterial diseases can exist in lakes and ponds as they can in local drinking water. Avoid swimming in still bodies of water. Swimming in the ocean or in chlorinated swimming pools is okay. But swimming in a local river should be avoided.

8. Prepare for mosquitoes.

Pack insect repellent that contains 20-50% DEET. This level is acceptable for adults and children over 2 months. You can wear pants and long sleeves as well. It's helpful to spray your clothes with repellent too. If you'll need sunscreen, apply it first then use repellent and make sure to wash off before bed. These safety measures will fend off ticks, fleas and mosquitoes. Malaria transmitting mosquitoes are more active at dawn and dusk. Daytime biters tend to pass dengue fever.

Should a serious illness or injury occur to you or a traveling partner, there are several places you can seek help. One such organization is MEDEX, www.medexassist.com. The American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene and The International Society of Travel Medicine are two more organizations that offer different areas of help. Check their websites for more information before leaving.

Travel healthy by being prepared. Take pleasure in knowing you are ready for the unexpected which of course means the unexpected can't happen.

Friday, June 19, 2009

Traveling To Rome

Source: articleseen


For any person that has never been to Rome it can be hard to imagine what the city of Rome is really like. It may be very difficult to prepare yourself for your visit as once you are there, you will be surrounded by a city that has a history dating back 2500 years. Rome is full of many spectacular sights, things to do, and various attractions. There are a few popular attractions that you must not miss in order to tell family and friends that you truly visited Rome.



Rome is home to many wonderful places for relaxation, meditation, history, and above all else culture. You will be able to embrace a city that has literally something for everyone from the children to the senior citizens. You can enjoy such things as water parks and ancient ruins, playgrounds and vineyards. Rome is home to many delightful restaurants and quaint shops offering handmade treats as well as designer shoes created while you wait.



Rome is one of the most popular destinations for family vacations. The weather is mild even in the winter. Winter months are a bit on the rainy side but you can enjoy many of the activities, as you will not have to worry about snow and ice. Any time you can vacation in Rome will be a great time. The off-season for traveling is from October to March, so not too many tourists are here during this of the year, but this does not mean you cannot enjoy all that Rome has to offer. A matter of fact, during the off-season, you will see that it is not as crowded.



As you plan your trip to Rome, it is often a good idea to talk with a professional tour guide. The main reason for this, if it is your first visit, you may not know your way around and can fall prey to many tourist traps. Not only this, but you want to ensure that you can visit all the most popular attractions and not miss even one. With a professional guide, they will be able to create an itinerary so you can see all the sights while they give you an in-depth tour and history of each location.



Top attractions in Rome include the Colliseum, Roman Forum, Vatican City, and the Catacombs to name a few. Of course, there are many wonders on every street in Rome, from monuments to parks, from cafes to ruins, from shops to museums. No matter what you wish to see an official Rome tour guide will be able to create a private tour so you can enjoy all the attractions you wish to see and explore.



Embrace Rome with a passionate tour guide and you will not only see Rome, but you will feel the passion that is Rome.

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Travel Accessories the Traveler's Enigma

Source: articlegeek

By: Reed Oxman

How often have you prepared for a dream vacation? You have cleared your schedule at work, after painstaking negotiations with you colleges. You then have to decide whether you're going to travel alone, or with your significant other. Next, you must decide whether to pay for your airline ticket(s) in coach with USD, along with accruing frequent flier miles, or to purchase your ticket in Business Class with those precious saved up frequent flier points.


Next comes lodging. You have to decide between levels of hotels. The highest level, the 5star luxury hotels that any travel agent would be pleased to show you pictures that they took themselves on a FAM trip. The lowest acceptable by most tourists or business travelers is the 3 star hotel, those hotels that you learn about through the recommendations of previous travelers, where character takes the place of see through elevators, where breakfast is included, and where you begin to understand the sound of the language, so you attempt to speak the few words you remember from foreign language classes in high school.


Next comes a drastic diet and clothes shopping for those perfect skin tight Denims, along with other "necessary" perfect clothing articles that your home closet always seems to be missing at this point in you trip preparations. Now what have I forgotten, you ask yourself?? Well let me tell you what you forget every time.


Think back to previous trips whether by air, sea, car etc. Remember all that wasted time and huge expense (as compared to the costs at home) during your trip, searching for all those need Travel Accessories, the ones you promised yourself you wouldn't forget next time! The required digital camera, to document your visits to all the new sights around you. And that needed portable DVD player, now made as light as a feather, to use while traveling to and from your destinations, along with those times during your trip when you have decided you must take a day for R & R, or you won't have the energy to continue on any more daily excursions, or presenting yourself at mandatory, lectures, meetings, or performances.


Well, by surfing the Internet, you will find web site(s) that carry all those necessary travel accessories. Each and every item can conveniently be purchased prior to your departure date. Miracle of miracles, you now have a lot of extra time and money that you previously spent trying to finds those forgotten but needed items. But, of course, at you destination, each travel accessory is sold at inflated tourist prices, now that you are away from home. Now you have extra money and time on your hands, that you can use on much more pleasurable experiences, the type that you traveled a far distance to see and experience in the first place. Thus, by knowing the answer to the unnecessary travel enigma, you can begin your trip far ahead of the game.




Friday, June 12, 2009

Wild Africa - Discovery at It's Best

Source: isnare


A continent of mystery and the ‘origin of all men’, Africa offers tourists a very different and significant experience. Africa comprises vast deserts, lush forests, incredible beaches, imposing mountain ranges and tropical oases. This continent of diversity is largely defined by the array of wildlife that traverses its plains. The most popular tourist destinations in Africa are South Africa and Egypt. Whilst on opposite ends of this sizeable continent, both destinations are abundant in culture and a natural beauty all their own. Egypt’s sandy dunes and ancient pyramids balance South Africa’s green mountain ranges and pristine coastline.


Visitors to Egypt are urged to take the Giza Pyramids, Sphinx, Memphis, Sakkara Private Tour. The Giza Pyramids comprise of the Cheops, Khafre and Menakaure pyramids and an expert guide is trained to provide interesting facts to enquiring tourists. A stunning perspective of these pyramids is then enjoyed from across the plateau, guaranteeing fantastic photo memories. Just a short drive and you will be in the impressive presence of the Sphinx. From this ancient icon, you will be transported to Sakkara, where the world’s oldest pyramid is situated. To end off an exciting day of true historical appreciation, visitors will be taken to Memphis, where artefacts and statues are guaranteed to fascinate. The entire tour takes approximately 7 hours.


The Alexandria Day Trip from Cairo is also accompanied by an experienced and personalised tour guide. Alexandria is famous for the Roman artefacts left behind and so has great historical and cultural significance. The tour starts with a tour of the Kom ash-Shuqqafa catacombs where the Roman family members were buried. There is even the remains of a Roman street and the homes of the era. In the afternoon, modern architecture is exposed in the Alexandria Library. This is home to a copy of every single book in the world!


South Africa is most famous for its status as being home to impressive game parks such as the Kruger National Park, Shamwari and Addo Elephant Park. It is in such superior parks and estates that the Big 5 live, and any trip to South Africa is incomplete without encountering these impressive beasts. The Big 5 comprise the Buffalo, Elephant, Rhino, Lion and Leopard.

Africa experiences intense heat and humidity during the summer months. It is vital that visitors carry cool, cotton clothing and comfortable shoes. As with any other destination in the world, Africa has safe and not-so-safe areas and tourists are urged to ensure that their cameras, money and other valuable belongings are kept on their person. There are also certain immunizations that are required before entry into certain countries within Africa Speak to your travel consultant regarding these.


For a truly beautiful and fulfilling travel experience, Africa provides a fantastic opportunity for those wanting to see and feel the earth and its origins in a unique and exciting way.

The credit crunch does not mean you can save while touring any country and give up on luxuries you're used to. Enjoy the friendly people and great service the world still has to offer!

Sunday, June 7, 2009

Kerala Beach Tour: A Delightful Experience

From all over the world tourists in quite large number visit India to explore its exquisite beaches. India has the most diverse varieties of beaches anywhere in the world. In India there are several fascinating destination that are globally known for beach tourism and providing wonderful holiday options. Goa, Orissa, Gujarat and Kerala are known for their exquisite beauty and several other attractions. Serene & scenic backwaters, placid lagoons, palm coconut fringed shores, bays, powdery golden & silvery sand, enchanting surf, and delicious sea-foods, make India’s beaches very popular among tourists from all over the world. Beach holidays and beach tourism in India are undoubtedly a delightful experience. Kerala is one of the most popular destinations for beach tourism and beach holidays in India. It is one of the most beautiful states of India and widely known for its exquisite beaches blessed with exceptional nature beauty. The state is also known for several other attractions like breathtaking backwaters, verdant hill stations, tea gardens, lush plantations, wildlife sanctuaries, national parks, landscape beauty and rich culture & traditions.

Kerala is undoubtedly a perfect beach destination where one can enjoy amazing beach tourism with several other attractions. Beaches of the state are dotted with palm coconut trees, golden & silvery sands, rocky promontories and blessed with exceptional nature beauty. Definitely beaches of Kerala are the most popular attractions of every Kerala tour itinerary. Beaches of Kerala are known for gentle surf and blue waters that please your sense of Kerala tours. Beaches have great serenity and delightful ambiance.


Due to exceptional nature beauty and serene ambiance Kerala beaches are also very popular among honeymoon couples. Honeymoon couples from all over the world embark on Kerala honeymoon tour quite in large number. For honeymooner Kerala beaches are like a dream destination. When it comes to honeymoon in Kerala, honeymoon couples always prefer beaches and backwaters because of exceptional nature beauty and serene ambiance. Celebrating honeymoon holidays here is simply a romantic experience.


There are several beach destinations in Kerala known for exquisite beauty and wonderful holiday options. They are Kovalam Beach, Kumarakom Beach, Alleppey Beach, Beypore Beach, Varkala Beach, Fort Kochi Beach, Fort Bekal Beach, Marai Beach, Kappad Beach, Muzhappilangad Beach, Ezhimala Beach, Dharmadam Island, Sankhumugham Beach, Payyambalam Beach, Tanur Beach, Thirumullavaram Beach, Thangassery Beach, Mopila Bay, etc.


These beaches of Kerala are known for their great scenic beauty and mind relaxing serenity. These beaches provide wonderful opportunity to indulge in several fascinating activities. One can enjoy swimming in calm and peaceful water. One can enjoy breathtaking sunsets. One can enjoy beach volley ball. Delicious sea foods are also additional advantages of Kerala beach tours. One can have a nature walk in the early morning – a delightful experience. Filled with coconut palms and green bushes beached provide breathtaking sight to please your sense of Kerala package tours.


Beaches are dotted with several luxury hotels and ayurvedic treatment resorts and massage centers. They provide world class accommodation as well as ayurvedic treatments and massage therapy. Ayurveda in Kerala is great way to get rejuvenated and revitalized.


To explore the exquisite beaches of the state you can select one of Kerala tour packages made available by various tour operators and travel agents. If you too are interested in beach tourism book your tour package in Kerala that makes you enable to explore predominant and exquisite beaches of the state. Well, get ready to treasure delightful experience of Kerala beach tourism.

Thursday, May 14, 2009

An Exotic Romantic Honeymoon Spot In Goa.

Source: Travelarticlelibrary.com

Romantic honeymoon packages to Goa have become popular recently, but many are disappointed by the beach resort they choose. Why not look at a place like Majorda, but don’t look at a Majorda beach resort, instead look at the Vivenda dos Palhacos, and you won’t be disappointed.

The Vivenda dos Palhacos is hidden away down a coconut fringed cul de sac in the village of Majorda where life is very peaceful and tranquil, not at all like the hustle and bustle of some of the beaches of Goa. It is a gem of a boutique hotel, set in a restored century old Portugese mansion, and is just a kilometre from the beach, but a world away.

The hotel, and that isn’t really the best words to describe the Vivenda dos Palhacos, staying with friends in their private home would be much better, consists of two buildings are six double bedrooms.

If you can, then book the Konnagar Suite which is huge and has a verandah where you can sit for hours watching village life pass you by.

If you happen to have brought your children, although for an exotic and romantic honeymoon in this laid back part of the world, possibly children would find it less than to their taste. Anyway if there are children the small twin bedded Ballygunge would suit well, or the Chummery a self contained cottage for the whole family.

Some of the highlights of Vivenda dos Palhacos are the fixtures and fittings which are all in keeping with the history of the place.

You will love the food, and the surroundings. You eat either round a big table either set in the dining room or the garden, and the fact that it is real family style, with great hosts means great conversations, and friendships made. It would be fair to say that if your idea of a romantic exotic honeymoon is being on your own, then perhaps this wouldn’t be for you. Mind you there are at least three very good restaurants in the main street of the village only a few minutes away.

Breakfasts are outstanding because it is served when you want it, early or late, nothing seems to be too much trouble, and that is the way it is all the time. You can eat alfresco lunches by the twelve metre pool, have picnics for the beach, and of course all the beach shacks where you can eat good food for very little

The beach is about a fifteen minute walk, and that is also part of the charm of Vivenda dos Palhacos, because you get the chance to see village life. After the sterile atmosphere of a large hotel it is so much more exotic, and adds to the romantic honeymoon getaway feel to be surrounded by the sights and sounds of Goa. Every day you hear the dogs bark, the cocks crow, bells ringing, neighbours talking in unfamiliar tongues, and trains passing in the night. It isn’t just the sounds and the sights it is also the smell of wood burning, incense, food cooking, that confirms Goa is exotic and wonderful when you get away from the twenty first century, and the tourist hordes.

There is a great choice of activities from the flea market at Anjuna, to fishing, boat expeditions, bicycling, riding elephants to name but a few.

Vivenda dos Palhacos is a great boutique hotel, ideal for an exotic romantic honeymoon, providing you like people, and don’t mind the sights and sounds and smells of life in Majorda Goa.