CRUISE TRAVEL

Cruise travel is one of the best vacations you can take. During your cruise vacation you will visit several different ports of call. Your cruise ship will dock at exotic islands or new countries almost on a daily basis. Check out the cruise reviews on line for cruise tips before you visit your destinations to find out what fantastic experience each port has to offer During your cruise vacation you will visit ports to shop, explore, beach, sightsee or hike. There are a wide variety of activities in each cruise destination. Or you could just depart the ship for a chance to walk around for a change of pace. Although this is a great cruise adventure, you should realize that you will only get a small sample of what each port of call has to offer. And be forewarned, as you step of your majestic cruise ship there will be hordes of natives trying to sell you a trinket or a tour around the city.

If you take the advice above and search the cruise reviews, you should have a pretty good idea what each destination has to offer. Choose the one that has the most encompassing tour of your port. In exotic ports they have full day tours, including lunch, that will take you to the highlights of the place you are visiting. This is an ideal way to sample the city or island getting ideas for what you may want to come back for at a later date. On island tours you may want to take an organized tour in the morning, go back to the ship for lunch, then light out on your own to explore more fully, shop or just go to the beach.

If you are more adventuresome, skip the lunch on board and dine in the city. You get to experience the local cuisine and soak up the native culture. This is your vacation, learn new and different things. If you chose to do this check with the cruise director for the best places to dine and make sure you know the exchange rate. On of the cruise tips is to put your meal on a charge card so you will be charged the exchange rate on the day the bill hits the credit card company.

A cruise tip that is very useful is to use the brochure that the ship gives you for their organized tour and follow it on your own. Only do this if you are comfortable with the country you are visiting. If it is your first time overseas to a port of call, it is best to stick with the organized tour for safety and convenience. Other cruise tips can be found online about some of the wonderful things to see and do in various ports of call. Be conscious of one thing, if you chose to explore on your own, know what time the ship leaves and how long it will take you to get back on board. If you are not on an organized tour it is your responsibility to get back on time or the ship will leave without you. You then have to meet the ship at the next port of call at your own expense.

If you opt for an organized tour sponsored by the cruise ship, it should cost you anywhere from $20.00 to over $200.00 depending on what you choose to do. It could be just a simple bus ride around town for two hours or a two day trip from St. Petersburg, Russia to Moscow. The options are endless.

Most cruise lines will let you book in advance on their websites. This is very convenient and helpful with tours that sell out quickly. For instances, in the Cayman Islands the Stingray City tour is very popular and will sell out. If you book it in advance you guarantee your spot. The more inexpensive tours also tend to sell out because of some cruisers watching their budgets. So, don't miss out, check out the cruise lines website to see if you can book your ticket in advance.

It is good to know the game plan that the tour offers. Things you should be aware of is how much the guide will be with you and do they speak English clearly. Mostly the cruise lines have very competent tour guides, but better safe than sorry. Will have any time on your like for shopping or stopping in a café? It is very important to find out how much physical activity is required before you sign on for any tour. If you have limited mobility you don't want to go on a tour that climbs the Acropolis in Athens or Dunns River Falls in Jamaica. Find out if a snack or lunch is provided, so if it isn't you can bring along adequate funds to get your own.

There are private touring companies that you can contact on your own if you wish to tour in a more private fashion. Another alternative is to buddy up with some fellow cruisers and share taxi tours to cut your expense in half. Many times you will meet people on a cruise that have similar interests and you will spend a lot of time together on the cruise ship, why not touring also? It's a way to save money and enjoy other passengers company.

Only hire licensed taxi drivers. Their credentials should be prominently displayed in the front of the cab. With a licensed driver you are ensured a safe trip and a guide who is knowledgeable about the islands or cities background, where to shop, eat or gamble. And of course they will know the best beaches available. Negotiate the price of your tour up front. If you chose to go to a destination where you will be dropped off for a couple of hours, negotiate with the driver to come back and pick you up. Settle on a price and pay half up front and half on the way back. If the driver has been helpful and friendly, please tip him or her.

Some cruisers like to rent cars in their ports of call. It is recommended that you only do this in destinations that you are familiar with and have a good knowledge of where you are going. Be careful when renting a car. Be sure to check out the entire car for any damages that may already be there and note them on your rental contract. If you fail to do this you may be charged for damage that was already done.

Lastly, use common sense when touring. Don't travel in dark tight alleys, put your money under your clothes, don't wear expensive jewelry and don't let yourself be surrounded, especially by children. Always carry identification and the name of the cruise lines agents in the port of call in case you get in trouble.

You are on a cruise vacation make the best of it. Get off the ship at all of your ports of call whether you are touring or are just poking around. Be sure to take lots of pictures so you will have years of beautiful cruise travel memories.

Happy Cruising!
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TRAVELING with your pet

Remember to bring along your pet's rabies and health certificates if you are taking your pet on vacation with you. It is also a good idea to have the name of someone who would be willing to come and get the animal in case of an accident. If you are staying at hotels, you would do well to research which ones accept pets (many do) and which ones do not.
Some airlines will let your pet ride in the cabin with you for a $50 one-way fee, but it must be small enough to fit in a crate that will then fit under the seat in front of you, and your pet will count as one piece of your carry-on luggage.

And just like children, pets DO get carsick! If you are planning a long trip with your pet and he isn't used to traveling in the car much, you might want to take him out for a bunch of rides - gradually lengthening the trip each time. Also putting the animal toward the front of the vehicle will sometimes help with a dog that does get carsick (less motion than at the back).

How many times have you driven down the street to see a car go by you that has a dog hanging out the window? Or sitting in the driver's lap? Not only is this a probable accident waiting to happen, but the dog's head and eyes are in danger of being injured by debris. It is always a good idea to restrain your dog when he is traveling in the car with you - either with a harness or in a crate. If you use a harness, you might consider covering the seat with a seat cover or an old blanket that you can take out and wash.

And last but not least, under no circumstances EVER leave your pet in the hot sun in the car (even with the windows down). It is akin to putting them into a 120° oven!! Have fun with your pet and enjoy your summer.

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Health Tips During Plane Travel

It is a known fact that long traveling is usually stressful and tedious. Having a stressful trip should not be a part of your travel planning. When you travel in an economy or coach section in a plane for a longer period, it can be stressful and can cause harm to your health. You definitely tend to feel fatigue and experience all kinds of symptoms like vomiting, headache, body pain, desperation for water and uneasiness. So here are few tips to make yourself comfortable during your travel.
1. Drink lots of water and don't let yourself get dehydrated. You can also consume alcohol moderately.

2. You can wear ear plugs and also eye shades to prevent yourself from hearing any noise and also coming in contact with bright luminous lights.

3. Have a light meal and avoid junk foods. Take fruits, cheese and crackers in between your meals to have a filled feeling.

4. Ensure that you refill your water bottle frequently to consume enough water to fulfill your thirst.

5. Take extra care for your neck and back. Sitting in the plane for too long can cause neck and back pain. Ensure you have an additional pillow or cushion apart from the one given to you in the plane.

6. Moisturize your lips with a lip balm.

7. Prevent your skin from drying up by applying enough moisturizer to your hands and face.

8. Don't be sitting in the plane. Just have a small walk occasionally to have a good blood circulation.

9. Dress warm because the temperature of the cabin is usually set to 22 to 24 degrees Celsius.

10. Don't remove your makeup before taking rest since it will prevent your skin from losing moisture in the flight.

11. Yawn frequently or chew your gum or swallow your saliva to depressurize your ears.

12. Don't drink coffee before and during your flight.

13. Ensure that you have plenty of greens and carbohydrates before boarding the flight and see to it that you take a deep breath before boarding it.

14. Wear comfortable shoes and loose clothes. Make sure for every time zone you cross, you take rest which in turn will reset your body's condition and allow it to adjust to the new environment.

15. Have a small medicine kit with your medical records and insurance in case of any emergency a balanced diet and have a routine to keep healthy at all times.


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5 Amazing Tips On Discount Travel

If you are among the people who are really passionate about traveling, have you been really thinking about enjoying it cost-effectively? Or you just prepare the money to get all the luxurious pleasure no matter how much it will be?
Well, you probably do have a lot of money, but it’s not really a bad thing if you could save more yet still have the enjoyment you’ve been dreaming of. It is true. You have the same excitement yet with spending less money that you’ve calculated before. How do you do it?

Here are 5 top tips you should take into account

1. Find out alternate routes to your destination.

Sometimes, a combination of two flights is cheaper than one flight. Or, you can also say that the direct route is not always the cheapest. For example, if you’re planning to go overseas, it will be much cheaper if you’re willing to make a domestic flight first prior to switching to an international one.

2. Reduce the food costs during your trip by shopping in local supermarkets rather than dining out.

You can buy some healthy snacks and fresh food from a market to eat during your outings. It is a far better idea instead of stopping for lunch at a touristy restaurant. However, if you still want to dine out, it’s best to do it on truly local cuisine. Besides you’ll save a lot of money, you’ll experience a more interesting cultural atmosphere and get much cheaper local food.

3. Look into renting an apartment.

That’s what you should do if you’re planning to stay long in the place you go to. Why? Because it is usually much cheaper than even the cheapest of hotels. Another advantage is that you will be able to cook in the apartment.

4. Make your trip much more affordable by being flexible.

This is probably the most important concept overall in terms of discount travel. If you can be flexible and open to new things in regards to your destinations, you have the opportunity of taking whichever is cheap. Thus, you will often save lots of money.

Here is one example: You’re going to South America, where rum will be incredibly cheap and other types of alcohol will be fairly pricey. You don’t really like rum, but in this situation, you do when you’re in the country.

5. Consider the value of staying put for a while.

Traveling doesn’t always mean the flight to your destination. You will not only have huge savings on transportation and accommodation, but also take pleasure in far more exciting and valuable occasions and experiences.

Of course it is very tempting to try and see as much as possible in a foreign country by constantly moving. But, it’s dubious that you will also get a good sense of what the country is like. If you’re willing to stay for a while, for instance by renting an apartment for a few weeks in a particular city, you can experience the culture a bit more, meet and indulge with some locals, dine in local restaurants, and of course, save more money.

So, have you decided where you want to go now? Have you checked out the flights and the prices? Hope you enjoy your traveling!


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TIPS FOR AIR Travel with your toddlers

It can be very difficult to travel by airplane with young kids. When you travel by car you can stop every few hours and let your toddler get a little exercise. When on an airplane, however, you are confined to a small space for the duration of the flight. This can be very stressful and difficult on a long flight and if your toddler is cranky, the flight can seem even longer. The following tips might help to make your flight more enjoyable for your toddler, you and the other passengers.
1. Consider purchasing a seat for your toddler. Although you are allowed to fly with your child in your lap, this may not be the most comfortable for you or your child. This will allow you a little more mobility and will make your child more comfortable.

2. Bring games and toys that will keep your toddler entertained. Include a portable DVD player so your child can watch their favorite movies during the long flight. This will help keep your toddler occupied.

3. Food on airplanes is usually limited. Bring along some nutritious snacks for your child to keep them from getting hungry. Include some milk, natural juices, fruit, cheese and crackers. Don’t give your child sugary snacks like sodas and candy. Excessive sugar can make your toddler feel over stimulated.

4. Make sure you have spare diapers and a change of clothes for your child. Remember to bring along zip bags for soiled diapers and dirty clothes. Your fellow passengers will appreciate your containing any offensive odors.

Your child may begin to annoy passengers if he does not behave well on the trip. There is the possibility that you might be seated near someone who loves children and may even try to assist you in finding ways to entertain your child. But then there’s the likelihood that someone will be seated near you who is easily annoyed by children and not at all tolerant. Whatever the case, you want to be polite to your neighbor. Acknowledge your child’s behavior and assure them that you are doing everything possible to control your child.

Flying with your toddler can be stressful, but good preparation such as bringing along necessities for entertainment and nutrition can help to calm your child and make the flight more enjoyable for you, your child and your fellow passengers.
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Traveling with KIDS

Travelling with kids to any destination by any mode of transportation is not an easy feat, but with preparation, a sense of humour, and plenty of bribe material, it can be done. A driving holiday is as ideal a choice as any when you have children to entertain. They have easy access to all their stuff, you can have as many loos stops as you please, and you can choose when and where to travel.
Every parent is looking for optimum flexibility, which is guaranteed with a hire car. You can travel in safety and in style, with pick up and drop off points in central and convenient locations. The goal is to spend time together, travel to amazing places and have fun at the same time, which is possible even with a lot of kids.

There are a number of points that will help you

1) Firstly, keep it simple. Factor in enough time each day to ensure that children have ample rest and relaxation. If your itinerary is so jam packed with trips here there and everywhere you won't enjoy yourselves. There will be plenty of great photos but you will all be exhausted and cranky. It's better not to visit as many attractions and save some time for relaxation and chilling out with the kids. Children do not have as much patience as most adults, and trudging from one place to another every hour of the day can stretch the family to breaking point.

2) Pack well. If you are prepared, you will enjoy yourself more on your holiday. Plan, write lists, stock up and always pack an extra amount of clothes and food supplies in case of emergencies. Its great to travel light, but another bag does not take up a lot of room, and that spare tracksuit or muesli bar may come in handy.

All children get the munchies, so a few extra treats for those long drives will instantly help the trip become more enjoyable. Don't pack them in the middle of your largest suitcase furthest away from you, rather have them easily accessible at the front. Your handy bag should always include sunscreen, hats, insect repellent, small first aid kit, bottle of water and a washcloth. And of course the treats.

Don't forget the favourite travel games, perfect for children who are bored and have had enough of endless scenery. The old fashioned notepaper and pencils will always come in handy, and for teenagers you may have to give in and allow some extra technology. Another great idea is for the older kids to have their own camera and travel diary to record their own holiday moments.

Your children may never fight for their space in the back seat,but for most of us who endure this generational curse, some simple masking tape will ensure that boundaries have been set in place. Simply stick in a straight line to mark out each child's 'territory' and they should keep their fingers and toes to themselves.

3) Remember who's in charge. This point seems obvious enough, but it's amazing how the rules can bend when one small child is screaming loudly in the back seat sending another into a small frenzy resulting in instant travelling chaos. The solution would seem to be to pull over (again) and sort the kids out, but if you are only half and hour from your destination, you have tried everything and their needs have been met, sometimes it is better to just keep pressing on and put up with the high noise levels. The good news is that it will soon be over.

You will also be requested time and again (from the back seat) to stop at a lookout or pull over at another service station.It's ok to stop for a stretch and a run, but if you stop every time they get bored you will never get to where you are going. They will have a great holiday, but you will be frustrated and behind schedule. The simplest rule is, stick to your schedule with adequate stops, and remember that you don't have to see everything that everyone in the family wants to see. Your kids will soon realise that it's as much your holiday as it is there's, and will sit back to enjoy the rest of the trip.

The aim of a family holiday is to create lasting memories and relax at the same time. To do this well you need to plan a simple itinerary that includes all the main attractions and places you want to see, pack carefully and stay in control. You will find with some strategic planning that your holiday will be all you could imagine. You will have time to enjoy adventures together in plenty of fantastic places, and have such a great time you will be soon be planning to do it all again next year.

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PLANNING YOUR FAMILY VACATION

These days, finding affordable family vacation ideas can be challenging. two question must be answered when making these difficult decision. First, you have to know that you will be able to pay for the trip. Second, you have to make sure that you choose a vacation location that the whole family will enjoy. Here are some travel tips on making your vacation perfect.

Choosing a location

When choosing a location, you must decide, as previously stated, a place to go that your family will enjoy. An easy choice would be Resorts or theme parks that have multiple activities going on at all time. the problem is that these places can be very costly. in addition to paying for the right to participate, you have to pay for hotels, food, beverages, Transportation, and Travel games (to keep the kids occupied).

The best tips i can offer you are that you choose a location that is both close to you and you can find a place to stay for free (such us friend or relative's home) . Doing so will make transportation and acommodations relatively inexpensive.. Additionally, make sure you can find activities that everyone can enjoy in the place you visit, as not everyone enjoys shopping or fishing.

Timing is Everything

When choosing a time for travel, my suggestion is to avoid holidays. Most people choose to travel during a holiday season ( especially thanksgiving and christmass ), Making traveling more expensive due to trafic. Additionally, if your vacations take place during the spring or fall, gas will be cheaper as you won't have to run the AC and heater. Finally, it would be a good idea to do most of your driving during a weekend, as interstates are usually cluttered on the weekdays.

Affordable Family Vacation Ideas

My greatest suggestion for an inexpensive is to go somewhere with plenty of doors activities. If you can find an area with a forest and a lake, that would be excellent, as it would offer hiking, swimming, Fishing, and camping, usually for free or for a low-cost. additionally, these locales are very peaceful and relaxing, as it will remove you from the hustle and bustle city life.

for those who are not too fond of the great outdoors, i suggest visiting a big city where you have relatives or friends living. B staying with them, you will eliminate any of your unnecessary costs, and big cities offer major amounts of activities, such us seeing professional sports, shopping, Factory tours, Parks, and many others.

No matter where you go, remember the key to a succesful vacation is ensuring that everyone has a good time. Vacations are meant to be the fond of memories that people hold onto, as they break up the Monotony of everyday life. Just make sure you dont get in over your head and end up remembering the vacation for the debt it caused rather than the experiences you had.
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PLAN YOUR TRIP

.....I know how stressful planning and traveling for a trip abroad can be. To help relieve those holiday worries, I will give you tips based on my experience so you can make the most of your time away.......

1. Prepare all your signed , valid travel document such us passport and visa (if required)
Imagine you’re at the airport, you’re about to check in, and you notice your passport has expired. Your holiday is over before it’s even begun. Avoid this disappointment by ensuring your passport is up to date. Also consider the length and type of your visa.

2. Familiarize yourself with local laws and costumes of the country which you are travelling.
the last thing any of us want while enjoying our travels is to be seen as an obnoxious tourist. We all know the type, and it’s not a good look. This can be easily avoided by finding out about the costumes of the country you intend to visit – perhaps even learn a bit of the lingo. Some knowledge along these lines will surely be welcomed by the locals and will help you to enjoy your surrounding that little bit more. Also ensure you’re aware of any differences in local law to your home country.

3. Make 2 copies of your passport identification page
This will help if your passport is lost or stolen while you are away – usually a complete nightmare, but made so much easier just by following this little tip. Leave one copy at home with friends or family, and carry the other with you in a separate place to your passport. Do NOT carry it with your passport.

4. Leave contact details with friends and family so that you can be contacted in case of emergency
life at home doesn’s stop while you’re away, and you may need to be quickly contacted by friends or Family should be there an emergency. Make sure they can do this by leaving your travel details.

5. DO NOT leave your luggage unattended in public areas. and DO NOT accept packages from strangers
with all the security measures currently in place in public areas such us airports and train station. It is essential to ensure that you keep hold of your luggage at all times. If you’re asked to hold an item for a stranger, politely decline.

6. Avoid being a target of crime.
Avoid wearing conspicuous clothing and expensive jewellery, and carrying excessive amounts of money, credit cards or gadgets Travellers and tourists are obvious targets for foreign criminals – they usually stick out like a sore thumb and carry plenty of cash and gadgets such as digital cameras, camcorders & iPods. Reduce your chances of being a victim by dressing appropriately and only taking what you need – travellers cheque are much safer than cash, and if you wish to take any pictures or listen to music while you’re out, keep YOUR DEVICES out of reach and out of site!

7. To avoid violating local laws, deal only with authorized agents when exchanging money or making sizable purchase
the old adage is right – it something’s too good to be true, it ussualy is. If you’re offered an amazing exchange rate or investment opportunity from a stranger with no credential, walk away. Even if they seem able to prove their identity or position, remain cautious, and trust your instinct – get out if you feel at all uneasy.

8. If you get into trouble, contact the nearest embassy for your country Above All the planning that is required for a successful holiday, it can be easy to get bogged down and forget to have fun and RELAX ! with simple preparation before you go , you can enjoy your holiday with minimum fuss while there. You deserve a break –make sure you get it !!! .....

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