Packing tips for your next trip

Packing tips for your next trip

The key to successful packing is planning. Think about the why, where, when and how of your trip such as the climate, your activities, lodgings and how you're getting there. Also, who else is making the trip with you. Before packing make a list of everything you will need for each person. Remember less is best.

First lay out one outfit for each day of the trip and then see what you can eliminate by mix and matching outfits. Mix and matching makes for lighter suitcases. If you're traveling in the car, no one else will know that you have worn those shorts 3 times this week. If you are traveling for more than a week, it is worth an hour of your time and a couple of dollars to visit a Laundromat. You can wash your one week's worth of clothing and wear it again. Bring several big plastic bags with you on your trip for dirty/wet clothes and shoes.

Remember, when in doubt, leave it out. If you are camping, odds are you will not need a coat and tie. Do not pack something on the off chance you might need it. Also, do not duplicate items. One bottle of shampoo and one tube of toothpaste are plenty. If you run out of something, you can always buy more. Over-packing is one of the ways to suck the energy right out of a trip.

The best clothes to pack are wrinkle-resistant and wash and wear. They are the easiest clothes to care for by far. Choose bright colors and patterns to hide stains. Avoid black and white as they will show even the smallest specks of dirt. Pack comfortable, all purpose shoes for everyone. Your feet are the most important ones to keep happy when you have many days of walking and exploring.

Traveling with a baby will require some additional items. Investigate what crib supplies are available at your destination so you don't have to pack everything. A stroller is a must for tooling around with a baby and accessories. For toddlers, a baby backpack is a good idea, especially if you plan on doing a lot of walking.

Infants and toddlers need extra protection from the elements so always have a hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent on hand for them. Pack small amounts of food, formula, and diapers and buy more when you arrive.

Other handy items are: a battery powered travel alarm (with fresh batteries), sewing kit, nail clipper, pocketknife, flashlight, small pack of tissues, and pre-moistened towelettes or baby wipes.

If you will need special equipment for your recreation (bicycles, golf clubs, etc.), see if it is available for rent at your destination. The cost of equipment rental varies greatly. If rental costs are prohibitive, you might be better off bringing your own equipment. You must weigh the cost of renting equipment against the hassle of trying to pack it. Now that most airlines charge extra for that extra bag it might be cheaper to rent golf clubs than taking your own.

When traveling by car you need only to keep your itinerary, maps, cooler, and entertainment items with you. You can pull over to get anything else you might need from your luggage. If you have to check your luggage on a plane or train, it is a good idea to keep some basic items with you. You must have your tickets/ itinerary with you at all times. It is also a good idea to carry deodorant, a toothbrush, medications, and clean underwear in a small travel on bag on the plane, just in case you are delayed or separated from your luggage. Commercial carriers are usually good about retrieving lost luggage, but it is terrible to be stuck somewhere without a toothbrush or clean underwear.

If your camping another use for those large trash bags is to put your entire suitcases and/or other items in till you get home so that unwanted guests can be removed outside before bringing everything into the house. Nothing worse than opening up your suitcase in your bedroom at home to find a creepy crawler found his way into your bags.

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Tips to keep your healthy while traveling

Tips to keep your healthy while traveling

When you feel sick and staying at home, you would really feel miserable and vulnerable. Now think about you are getting sick when you are alone where the medical standards are questionable. It will be so misery than you have somebody and medical facilities to take care of. Even though you have a secured medical insurance, you are not sure where to go and what to do. It will be horrible moment when you get sick while traveling to a villages or jungle.

Hence, always prevention is better than cure. This article has been created to protect you from all the sickness and keep you healthy no matter if you stay on the road.

1.Water

Do not drink water from the tap you find on the road side. In most developing countries, the tap water is not at all clean. Drink only the sterilized or buy bottled water. Carry them enough and it is better to brush using those bottled water. Also do not drink ice water from any restaurants. Prefer drinking the bottled water properly sealed.

2.Food

In developing countries, be aware of the cooked food. It is better to have uncooked dishes such as salads, fresh fruit and vegetables. Fruits are generally safe to eat. Sometimes, the cooked foods may cause you food poison. Choose the best and decent restaurant to have food. If you had diarrhoea because of the food, the basic rule is to have plenty of water and stop having any food for few days. You can have biscuit or bread.

3.Mosquitoes

It is very difficult to protect yourself from mosquito especially in developing countries. It is very dangerous and causing many different diseases in human. Use repellent or any exposed skin and always sleep under the mosquito net. You should sleep for at least 5 hours to keep yourself active. Hence, there is no point in staying awake all the night due to the mosquito.

4.Sun

Beware of sun rays. It is advisable to carry a hat and sun screen lotion to protect your skin from sun burns and heat strokes. Drink plenty of water and other fluid also to keep you cool.

5.Be clean

Wash your hands before and after you eat and keep yourself clean always.

6.Other important things

Carry your first aid kit with you. If you happen to fall in love, practice safe sex in order to avoid HIV / AIDS. If you are taking any precaution injections, check if the needles or syringes are properly sterilized.

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Top ways to get cheap Airline tickets

Top ways to get cheap Airline tickets

If you are willing to spend a little time and have access to an Internet connection, it is surprisingly easy to find discount airfare. There are a few things that need to be kept in mind when searching for a good price. That is, there are many variables involved that affect the price of airline tickets. Here are the main factors to consider that affect the price of airfare.

One of the biggest influencing factors of airline tickets is the time of year. If it is near a holiday season the price will be more costly compared to the off-season airline tickets. For example airline ticket prices right before Christmas will be more expensive compared to a month or two before Christmas.

Size of the airport will usually affect the price of the airline tickets as well. If you want a cheap airline ticket it is always advisable to make your departure from a large international airport if possible. One reason for this is because most airlines will have their main hub at a large airport.

If your destination airport is in another country, then the flight will be considered as an international flight. Taxes that come with international flights are almost always higher than domestic flights. Try to purchase an airline ticket that has minimum layover. The more layovers means higher ticket prices. On the other hand there are exceptions to this. Some airlines, although rare, will charge less for flights that have several stopovers. Another thing to keep in mind is that the later in the night the flight departs, the cheaper the flight will be. These are called red eye flights. It is not unusual to find red eye flights with huge discounts.

As mentioned before if you have Internet access it is not difficult to find a good price. If possible, avoid purchasing airline tickets over the phone, most airlines will charge a big fee for purchasing over the telephone. There is even software that will help you find the cheapest tickets. Sometimes just going directly to the airlines web site is a good idea. There are several airlines that will give you a great deal if you purchase directly from them and some of them will even match another airlines price. If possible never purchase an airline ticket from a travel agent. Travel agencies need to make a profit, which means they will tack on additional fees on top of the ticket price, in order to make a profit.

If possible purchase your airline ticket ahead of time. The rule is 2 to 6 weeks before your planned departure date. This will help immensely to find cheap airline tickets. Generally the cheapest tickets can be found from Monday to Thursday. If you are a student then many airlines offer discounted airfare on student travel. Some airlines do not necessarily advertise this, but if you ask around and do a little research it shouldn’t be difficult to find a student discount ticket. Most student discount fares come with only one-way travel this is because most students may not know when they plan on returning. If it is a 2-way ticket then there may be restrictions on how long you can stay at your travel destination. In other words you may be required to use the plane ticket to return after a few days.

If possible try and book a plane ticket with an airline that offers frequent flyer miles. This way whenever you fly with them you will be accumulating miles and will at some point qualify for discounted or even free traveling. Nowadays there are many no frill low fare airlines, so if you look around on their websites, it shouldn’t be difficult to find a cheap flights. Most of these no frills airlines will have a stipulation such as you need to purchase the plane tickets at least 1 week in advance and not more than 2 months in advance.

A great source for cheap airline tickets that often gets overlooked is the online auction site. These sites will be full of auctioneers selling their unwanted tickets. In conclusion the most important thing to remember is that if you buy tickets well in advance you will have a much better chance of getting cheap flights. If you purchase in advance you may even get a good price on a plane ticket with an airline that normally would cost a lot more than a low cost or no frills carrier. It is not unusual to see good prices even for business class tickets either.

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Eight easy tips for taking your pet on vacation

Eight easy tips for taking your pet on vacation

The family vacation. It's our long-awaited chance to relax with loved ones, spend time together, escape everyday stresses and enjoy some good old fashioned family bonding. But more often than not, there's one particular loved one who has to stay behind while the rest of the clan takes off for some sun and fun. That someone? The family pet.

As much as we love our cats and dogs, many of us have never even considered taking them on vacation - or if we have, we don't really know how to plan a trip that includes them. Which is a shame, because taking your pet with you on vacation can save you a lot of money in boarding costs, not to mention the stress of worrying if your "best friend" is healthy and happy while you're hundreds or thousands of miles away. Today more than ever, our pets really are part of our families. Shouldn't they be able to join us on our family vacations too? In a word, yes. These days, it's easier than ever to plan a vacation that includes the family pet. The secret is knowing a few simple tips to make sure your trip goes smoothly and everyone is happy. These Eight Easy Tips will help you plan the ultimate pet-friendly family vacation - so give them a try when you're getting ready for your next holiday.

TIP #1 DO YOUR HOMEWORK! A pet-friendly vacation is not the kind of trip where you just throw Spot or Fluffy in the car and head off in the general direction of your destination hoping to find a motel when you get tired. Taking a trip with a pet takes some advance thought - even if you're a die-hard, spur-of-the-moment kind of traveler. You'll need to do a little research and maybe, yes, make a reservation. But don't worry. The results will be worth it!

TIP #2 VISIT YOUR PET Is your pet healthy enough to travel? Is Mr. Whisker's flea-prevention up to date? Does Daisy get carsick, or have trouble sleeping in strange locations? Before you take your pet on vacation, take a drive to your veterinarian's office to discuss any concerns you might have and make sure your best friend is in top shape before the trip.

TIP #3 SAY "I DO" TO I.D. Imagine losing your dog or cat in a strange city. It can happen, which is why before taking your pet on any sort of trip, you need to make sure their I.D. tags are up to date. Ensuring that you can be contacted immediately if your pet is lost will make for a much more relaxing holiday for the entire family. It might also help to attach a temporary I.D. tag with contact information at your vacation accommodation.

TIP #4 PACK PROVISIONS If you've ever taken a road trip with a baby or small child, you have some idea of what hitting the road with a dog or cat will be like. Traveling light is simply not an option when pets are involved. For the car ride itself, you'll need plenty of water, as well as a dish to serve it in. Depending on the length of the drive, you may also need food - or at least some treats to make the time go by faster. Bring your dog's leash, so you can break up the monotony of the drive with a brisk walk - and don't forget the pooper scooper and bags to dispose of the waste! If your pet sheds you may want to protect your upholstery with a blanket or some towels. This is also helpful to protect leather interior from kitty's claws. And if you use a pet carrier, don't forget to pack it. Once you arrive at your destination, you'll want to make sure you have your pet's favorite toys, blankets, a bed if it uses one, your pet's regular food and a food dish, grooming utensils and any medication your pet either takes regularly or might need.

TIP #5 MAKE SURE THE SKIES ARE PET- FRIENDLY If you'll be traveling to your destination by plane, you'll need to contact the airline to research its pet policies. How much will it cost to transport your pet? Can your pet travel with you, or will he need to make the trip in the cargo hold? Get answers to your questions well in advance so you can plan accordingly.

TIP #6 RESEARCH YOUR DESTINATION Find out where there are parks and beaches in your vacation area that welcome pets - that way you'll be ready to hit the ground running when you get there instead of poring over maps or the internet. If you'll be spending the day away from your pet at an amusement park, look into local pet sitters or dog walking services to add to your pet's comfort away form home.

TIP #7 BE A GOOD BOY (OR GIRL) A pet is only as good as its owner - so do your part and look after your dog or cat, keep her out of harm's way and away from things she shouldn't touch. Make sure to clean up all messes and leave your accommodation ready for the next family to enjoy.

TIP #8 BOOK PET-FRIENDLY LODGING This is probably the most important tip of them all. Because while it's relatively easy to find accommodation that welcomes pets, finding a place to stay that is truly "pet friendly" is a different story. There's nothing pet-friendly about a cramped hotel or motel room that gives your entire family no room to move. Ditto accommodation located in the middle of a busy city or town center, where there are cars everywhere and little quiet space for you to take your best friend for a walk. Your family and your pet deserve accommodation with room to spread out - especially if your pet likes to sleep outside - in a peaceful location. One great choice - that you'll find in the middle of a choice vacation spot - is to book a pet-friendly Florida Leisure Vacation Home, where you can find accommodations with all the comforts of your own home in the Orlando, Florida area. Follow these simple steps and you can ensure a fun and relaxing vacation with your pet. Follow these eight tips, and your trip with your pets will be exciting, memorable and affordable.

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Travel tips to Europe and France

Travel tips to Europe and France

About the city

The crowd is attracted to sparkling ski slopes of the Alps, sunlit vineyards and sun-baked beaches of this beautiful country. France is a country which draws more tourists than any other country. It is easy to see why this is the case given France's great reputation for fine wines, good food, high fashion and relaxed lifestyle. But while France is undoubtedly a place to eat and drink till your heart is content, there's much more to this fascinating country than only cutting-edge cuisines. Spring is the best time to be here, and those interested in winter sports can drop at the Alps and Pyrenees with some polar gear. The summers are very hot and winters are moderate. An all-weather coat and pair of comfortable shoes are a must. Women, especially, should carry cocktail dresses as some of the restaurants ask for it. When visiting any religious site, refrain from wearing sleeveless shirt and shorts, as they are disliked at such places. Culture
English is widely spoken here, although French is the official language.

Handshaking is customary greeting and women should be kissed on both cheeks and should be addressed as Monsieur or Madame. French people are popularly known for their like for stylish sportswear and of course perfumes. Nudism is allowed on some beaches only. Social functions, fine restaurants, and clubs call for more formal dressing. When at a formal dinner, wait till the host gestures to start the dinner. Smoking is banned in public places.

Site Seeing

Paris, the city of love, is a massive city with many attractions in reachable distance thanks to thehighly efficient public transport system. It boasts of more than 80 museums and 200 arts galleries. A trip to Disney land and the magnificent Eiffel tower will make the trip worthwhile.
The attractive tourists spots are the Arc de triomphe which spans over the tomb of anunknown soldier, the forbidding gothic architecture of the Notre Dame cathedral, the picturesque Sacre Coeur, to Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa, the Moulin Rouge and boat tours along the Seine. Get the Carte Musees-Monuments pass, which gives access to 70 monuments and museums.

Shopping

Although service tax is included in the bill, a humble tip won't cost much. An extra dollar can be given as tip to the waiter. A tip of $2 can be left for the business delivery. Electricity 220-volt, 50-cycle AC current. Getting There
The national airline that operates here is Air France. Many low-cost airlines, too, provide services from UK. Paris-Charles de Gaulle also known as Roissy-Charles de Gaulle is the major airport of France, which is 23km away from the city. Coaches, taxis, limousines services are provided at the airport. The railway facility provided by the airport, claims to reach all the terminals within eight minutes. These trains run 24 hours. The other airports that offer flight services are Paris-Orly, Marseille, Bordeaux, Nice, Lyon and Toulouse.
Ferry and cruise trips can be made from ports such as Atlantic, North Sea, Mediterranean, and Havre.

Duty Free Items

1. 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 100 cigarillos or 250g of tobacco
2. 1 liter of spirits over 22 per cent or 2liter of alcoholic beverage up to 22 per cent
3. 2 liter of wine
4. 50g of perfume and 250ml of eau de toilette
5. 500g of coffee or 200g of coffee extract
6. 100g of tea or 40g of tea extract Food and agricultural products should be avoided.

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Nine off the beaten path honeymoon destinations

Nine off the beaten path honeymoon destinations

After all the hubbub of a wedding, the honeymoon is the time you and your new spouse can get away from it all and relax. There are no guests lists to deliberate over, no relatives to please and no one to worry about except you and your beloved.

All the excitement of the wedding and the work to get ready for the big day is one reason that so many couples prefer to get off the beaten path for their first couple weeks of life together. Few couples say they want to go to the big city for their honeymoon. Instead, many head for a sunny locale at a luxurious resort - where the biggest decision they have to make is which swimsuit to wear that day.

Here are 9 suggestions for an off the beaten path honeymoon to remember :

Cancun, Mexico
This locale, known for its gorgeous beaches, is one of the most popular honeymoon locations. There are oodles of resorts to choose from, with most major hotel chains represented, as well as a collection of stand-alones. The Ritz-Carlton, JW Marriot, Wyndham and Hilton are just a few of them.

So how do you decide where to stay? First, some resorts are for adults only. So if you want to guarantee you aren't awakened by children splashing in the pool outside your room at 10 a.m., this might be a good choice. Next, check traveler's lists. The Ritz-Carlton in Cancun made two lists in 2008 for top vacation spots. And if you plan on getting in some golf, then the Excellence Playa Mujeres has a signature golf course designed by the Shark, Greg Norman.

Riviera Maya, Mexico

Only in Riviera Maya can you swim by an archaeological site. Tulum, the remains of an ancient civilization, rests on the shore of the Caribbean Sea. It has more than 60 well-preserved structures on the site. Next to where the temple once stood is a small beach where you can swim and take in the world of the ancient Mayans. There are hotels along this stretch of beach where you can gaze at the past while anticipating your future.

Montego Bay and Ocho Rios, Jamaica

Check out hotels in both Montego Bay and Ocho Rios in Jamaica, in the Northern Caribbean for a dream honeymoon. The island of Jamaica has it all - glorious sunsets, beautiful white beaches, green mountains and breathtaking waterfalls - all of which you can enjoy. You have a choice of two locales and your choice of hotels. Again, some hotels are geared to families, which may not be your first choice.

Instead, how about the Italian-inspired Sandals Dunn's River Villaggio Golf Resort and Spa or Sandals Montego Bay? Or for a touch of classic Jamaica, try the Jamaica Inn with its 700-foot private beach and views of the sea from every suite.

Maui, Hawaii

If you want to stay in the United States, go west to Hawaii. This state and its 130 islands is on most "must-see" lists. Maui, one of the bigger islands, is also home to a host of wonderful honeymoon hotels. The Four Seasons Maui Resort is the only hotel in Hawaii to earn the designation of Mobil's 5-Star Resort. If you want to get even farther away, then check out Hotel Hana Maui and Honua Spa. It's located on a 4,500-acre ranch and offers some of the best views of the undisturbed island.

St. Lucia

For a touch of French, try St. Lucia - a small, lush island that remains not nearly as well-known or developed as others in the Caribbean. Its accommodations are second to none and it offers a few discreet resorts if that's what you're seeking.

Nassau, Bahamas

If you're interested in diving, snorkeling or just basking under the hot sun, the Bahamas may be the spot for you. It's close to the United States, making it a quick trip for most honeymooners. It has a couple skyscraper-type resorts - the Reef Atlantis and the Cove Atlantis - but it also has get-away-from-it-all places like Sandals Royal Bahamian Spa Resort and Offshore Island. This offshore island has two white-sand beaches and fabulous dining at nine restaurants.

Paradise Island, Bahamas

This island is home to the One & Only Ocean Club, which was once a private estate. It landed on Condé Nast Traveler's Gold List in 2009 and Travel+Leisure's 2009 "T+L 500. Enjoy its romantic gardens inspired by nothing less than Versailles.

Bermuda

Located just 600 miles off the coast of North Carolina, Bermuda is a popular choice for honeymoons - as well as weddings. The island has more golf courses per square mile than any other place in the world.

Walt Disney World

OK. It's not quite off the beaten path, but some couples dream of a honeymoon in the Magic Kingdom. For the couple that enjoys amusement parks - and fun in the sun - Walt Disney World can be a dream come true. There is even a Disney Honeymoon Registry, where your guests can help contribute to the cost of your Central Florida honeymoon.

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