Smart Travel

It’s that time of year when we pack up our bags and head to the beach for the day to enjoy those warm sunrays and the refreshing sound of the lapping water. So what constitutes a good beach wardrobe. Well there are certain essentials that none of us forget. On goes the swimsuit and bathing suit cover, flip flops on our feet. Beach bag has been packed with the essentials – sunglasses, floppy hat, towel and a good book. Great – got the basics covered but what about the rest. So if we are so prepared for a day at the beach, why is it by the time we get home we look pretty worn. Here are some helpful tips to make your day at the beach fun and keep you looking fashion fresh all day and all the way home. First before you leave home, if you’ve got long hair pull it into a high pony tail or fun knot. Use some funky hair accessories that will stay in place when you’re swimming. Try a fun colored bobble or some firm fastening clips in bright summer colors. If you pull your hair up your ...

People go cruising for different reasons. One thing is for sure that the experience of a cruise will always keep its unique images alive in your brain. Here are some tips and guidelines you should take into account when you discuss the details of a cruise with your cruise travel agent. They would help you to organize your thoughts and ask direct and targeted questions without unnecessarily wasting your time, for a proper understanding of the situation. - There are different types of packages (family packages or single travellers packages) offered by cruises line; choose the one that fits you best according to your individual requirements; - Who comes with you? (your children, you need a romantic getaway, you are a honeymooner or plan to get married – some cruise lines offer wedding services, too); - How long do you plan to cruise? (from three to fourteen nights, to world cruises which are the longest, lasting up to three months); - Where and how to search? You have two alternatives: a ...

By Francois Botha Whether you’re trying to find a vacation location to wow your new love, looking for a dream honeymoon destination or celebrating your 20th anniversary, here are the Top 5 Most Romantic Cities in the World to simplify your search. Coming in at Number 5 - PARIS, FRANCE It’s cliché, but you cannot leave the City of Love, Paris, off the list. People would complain. Especially French people. Although its ‘cheesy’ factor puts it at the bottom of our top 5 list, you cannot argue that the thought of writing sidewalk poetry, eating croissants at a café or enjoying genuine French cuisine and wine while dining in view of the Eiffel Tower does sound sigh-inducingly romantic… Next at the door, Number 4 - VENICE, ITALY Italy has long been touted as one of the leading romantic countries, and this fantasy-city of canals, bridges and gondoliers must rate as the most picturesque of the many Italian cities vying to be on the list. Venice has some of the most beautiful buildings in the w...

By Jerrick Foo Cruising to Europe is a wonderful experience. There are many cultural capitals, historic museums, great shopping malls and majestic European cities for you to see and explore in this region. But the thing with European cruise packages is, most cruise lines do not offer you the price you expect to get. Unless you know how to get those discounts that others are lapping up, you will be plunking down the entire full fare for the cruise packages. Let me share with you how you can find the best cruise fares and beat the cruise line in their own game. Cruise Fare Tip #1 - Cruise on a brand, new ship To draw crowds whenever a cruise ships debuts, many cruise liners have start to offer big discounts to entice new passengers. As competition and demand for cruising increases, more cruise ships are being built. As a consumer, it's a good thing as you get to enjoy more discounts and choices. The only challenge is that you need to keep up-to-date with the cruise industry to know w...

By Aasheesh Jain Eyes with a new color and the skin perfectly bronzed. That's heaven for the fashion freaks. The eyes, as we know, do not change colors automatically or naturally. Something needs to be done with them, and the same goes for the tanned skin. So, where do the two things meet, you might ask. They meet when you go out in the sun for tanning with your lenses on because you need your lenses to see clearly and you need to be in the sun to tan yourself. There are no problems with sunbathing with your contacts on. They can stand that much of heat. However, you might feel slight discomfort in your eyes due to the swelling of your cornea, which makes the lenses sit tighter. Consequently, temporary irritation and redness may occur in the eyes. You need not worry about it, just put some kind of lubricating fluid in your eyes before going out so that the friction between the lens and your cornea is reduced lowering the irritation in your eyes. Additionally, you may also consider ...

By Tom Sample The word "adventure" has been a part of our lives in some minor or major experience. Travel has also been undertaken probably more frequently than we have had adventures. Now, when we combine these two words, a whole new vista of thrilling experiences come to our mind and understanding Adventure Travel becomes possible. Adventure is usually thought of in terms of facing physical dangers, surpassing them and in the process there are some ups and downs that keep the suspense alive and finally either one feels a sense of achievement or disappointment. Well, adventure can be said to be a unique, out of the way experience that applies strictly to each one individually. The different kinds of adventures that one can think of can vary from being very passive to very active depending upon the nature of the individual. For example, for one, going for a walk in the countryside may spell adventure while to another, it could be whitewater rafting while a third may not be sa...

By: Carol White Work life has a way of putting people in niches. Retirement gives us a way to climb out of those holes and go another direction. This is what my husband Phil and I discovered when we retired in our early 50s. No longer stuck with who we had become over the years, and not yet ready to yield to being “seniors,” we decided to live our long-held dream of seeing the United States – not just a series of short trips here and there, not just a surface glance at a few important places, but a real, life-changing experience. Along the way, we found much more than we could ever have envisioned. We decided on this course because we still had our good health and our adventuresome spirit. Now was the time to take off and see this great country as a start to this new phase of our lives. We wanted to do this before we became just as involved in our “new life” as we were in our old. Soon we would be too embroiled in a whole new set of commonplace activities – even if they were of our ow...

By Morgan Hamilton Setting up a budget is usually the first step in planning for a dream vacation. You have to consider the costs of getting to, and staying at, a particular place, even if you may have a destination in mind. You may have to spend some time in search of some great airline travel deals if money is tight. Fortunately, finding airline travel deals is not as difficult as it used to be. Booking a flight well in advance is one of the tricks to getting great deals. Airline tickets can be booked up to eleven months in advance. Early tickets are often cheaper than buying them just until a few weeks before your trip. However, you can have some problems if your trip is cancelled because these tickets are often non refundable. You should call the airline directly if you are looking for airline travel deals. The airlines are the best source for discount prices. They may be eager to get you aboard because of a last minute flight that they would like to fill. They may also have some u...

By Richard Chapo If you love traveling, you will soon reach a point where you get tired of the usual travel destinations and tourist traps. Yes, some things need to be seen, but unique destinations will soon top your list of things to see. Unique Travel Destinations So, what is a unique travel destination? Well, many people interpret the phrase differently. It can be a place where there is next to no infrastructure to accommodate travelers or a place that has such infrastructure, but isn’t overwhelmed with travelers. While everyone has their specific definition, the following spots offer a little of both. If you are fanatical about both fishing and traveling, there is one very unique spot on the planet that will do the trick. In this case, we are talking about Siberia. Yes, that Siberia. The one with the gulags and harshest of winters. The little secret that most people don’t know about Siberia is it has incredible salmon fishing and the fishing is tremendous because there are few hear...

By: Gregg Hall When you are traveling whether on the road or airport hopping finding good food to eat at a reasonable price is an important consideration. When you are traveling eating out at fancy restaurants can take you over your budget in a hurry. Take a look at some ideas to help you keep your food costs down and still enjoy your dining experiences. First off, always be sire to eat a healthy breakfast if at all possible. If you are on the road you can stop in at a spot like a Waffle House or even better yet a mom and pop spot that will fill you up without killing your wallet. Don't go for the quick fix of a bag of donuts from a convenience store. Eat something healthy like a bowl of oatmeal with some fruit and wheat toast. If you are lucky enough to be traveling in the Bahamas, try the local favorite, Fish and Grits! Eat your largest meal at lunch time. Many establishments offer lunch specials that are bargains during this time. My advice is to sample the local cuisine, especi...

Submitted by tribune1 Holiday island Malta ranks as one of the top five locations for safety in the world, according to American travel writer Laura McKenzie. In her report Ms McKenzie says of the Mediterranean holiday island 'In Malta there is no such thing as a dark and uninviting alley, while the police force is one of the oldest in the world'. The report also praises New Zealand, Switzerland and Singapore as safe destinations. Top was Monaco, with one police officer for every one hundred residents, and 24 hour cctv coverage of the entire principality. Commenting on the report, local travel guide YourMalta.com were not surprised that Malta reached Ms Mckenzie's top five safest locations, nor that Monaco was top. 'Malta has her problems with the state of the roads and some other infrastructure, but when it comes to the people it's doubtful if you will find a friendlier more helpful island in the Mediterranean. This report from Ms McKenzie has come at around the sa...

By Celia Namart Everyone, at one point or the other, starts disliking flights, when we were kids it was so much fun, but now it looks like the worst few hours we can spend, and on long flights it is almost a catastrophic, spending hours in that very small space, and without much free movement or quality breathing air can make some people really edgy. However there are a few things that you can do to try and combat these long hour flights, and the boredom that comes with them, as well as take care of yourself while flying, here are a few things we thought can help. Before the Flight Pack early! Prepare everything days before your flight. Determine early the things you should place into your hand carry. To avoid trouble at the airport and eventually may cause you the flight, do not bring any sharp objects. Bring personal things you need on-flight such as all your toiletries and medications. Bring toothbrush and toothpaste. Bring inflatable headrest to keep your head wilting from your sea...

By: C.F. Bettridge Imagine returning from your holiday to find your windows broken, your cars and possessions stolen and your pets gone. Your space has been violated. Relax it shouldn't be necessary to answer that because with the proper preparation you can discourage intruders and have a carefree vacation. Worry shouldn't be on the agenda when you are vacationing. Your holiday is a treat that should be enjoyed without stressing about the safety of your home. By planning ahead you minimize your risk of something going wrong while you are gone. Depending on how long you will be gone there are a few common sense things you can do for your home, pets and possessions. Discourage thieves by getting a house sitter. This is the best way to ward off trouble. If you know someone who will regularly stop by your house - water your plants and turn on the lights you are lucky. If you have animals you might want to think about hiring a house sitter for while you are away. This way your pets ...

By Manju Dubey As we see the setting sun we start wondering whether the sun is giving a final bow to this beautiful earth. Vast destruction of habitat and environment does create a sense of helplessness and loss. Well, there was a sadness within me, which prompted me to do what the fashionable thing to do. I am an eco-tourist by choice not compulsion or fashion. I believe in all things natural. I was born with an extreme case of curiosity and grew up in the bush in Eastern India. Father being a forest officer; often took us for jaunts deep into the forests, off the beaten tourist’s tracks. We did not have enough neighbors to so to the odd rabbits or mongoose used to be the only friend’s I ever had, and have course the tall trees, surrounding our bungalow. I learned through observation. I watched and listened and before too many seasons had passed I knew first hand the life cycle of frogs, foxes, jackals etc. The lessons I learned didn't come with value judgments. These animals ju...

By Jerrick Foo There are a few cruise tips you should take note as it may just save you some hassle and frustrations before and during your cruise trip. Getting to the Cruise Ship Double checks to confirm you have the following documents ready. Cruise lines tags on your suitcases indicating the sail date, ship name and cabin identification number Cruise tickets Cruise documents and passes Valid passports If your flight is delayed, inform the airline immediately that you need to catch a cruise ship. Provide them with the cruise line details and there may be a slim chance that there may be other cruisers on the same flight as you. If that is the case, the airline may just be able to help you hold the cruise ship. Otherwise, you may need to make arrangements to meet the cruise ship at the next port. Check in to the Cruise Ships Remember, there are many other cruisers just like you during the embarkation process waiting to board the ship. It is good to check in early to avoid the queu...

Authored By: Steve Gillman International adventure travel: Safaris, balloon tours, swimming with dolphins, bicycling down volcanos, trekking in the Himalayas, Walmart on Christmas Eve - the list is almost endless. This will not be a comprehensive listing of all the adventure opportunities out there. Instead, here is just enough to whet your appetite. My Own International Adventure Travel Long before hitchhiking across the country at sixteen-years-old, I had a taste for adventure. At fourteen, a friend and I bicycled 300 miles in a few days during one summer. At seventeen, I went international with my adventuring, hitchhiking from Michigan to half-way across Mexico. Over forty now, I no longer put out my thumb - not very often, anyhow - but I still love to travel. More recently, my international adventure travel took me to Ecuador. While there I climbed to the furthest point from the center of the Earth. Everest is highest above sea level, but due to the Earth's bulge at the equato...

With all of the costs of getting to wherever you are going, wouldn’t it be nice to actually learn how to save money when you’re there? Besides hunting for the best tickets and times to travel, you also need to learn about how to make the most of every dollar/rupee/yen/euro/etc. when you’re actually there. Learn the exchange rate – This seems like common sense, but knowing the exchange rate will allow you to tell when you’re paying too much or at least more than you want to be spending. Make a budget – By just setting yourself a limit on what you can spend each day, you’ll start to subconsciously limit yourself. 3. Make it a game – If you’re traveling with someone, try to make it a game to see who can spend the least amount of money. You’ll be surprised at what you can do. Walk – Instead of paying for transportation and taxis, why not get a little exercise and save money at the same time? Or, you can always walk part of the way and pay for the rest – at a much lesser fee than you would ...

By Bonnie Moss The airways, the hi-ways and the bi-ways are extra busy during the holiday season. Travel for adults only is much easier. However, with children and at times pets in tow, travel at any time can be stressful. Preparing all the things needed for the trip takes time. If you do not believe in To Do List, this is one time a list would be very helpful. With all the errands and preparation for the season, it's so easy to forget things. This is not the time to leave packing to the last minute and hope to get your rest during the travel. Prepare a list of what is needed, things and clothes to pack, checklist to keep your home safe while you are away. Post this list on the refrigerator door, or on your desk. Write things down on the list that comes to your mind. Get all the members of the family involved. Things to pack: If you have the room, set aside an area to put stuff, or make room. Encourage the children to help. They have a good idea of what they w...

Over the last eleven years of traveling the globe I have learned many different lessons about business travel. Whether you are a seasoned travel expert or a recent college graduate getting ready for that first trip, I am sure that you will learn a few things from my dissertation below. Business travel is weary on the family and can cause hardships that are difficult to put into words. When you are out of town, life around your house carries on in every sense. Your grass continues to grow, your power continues to flow, your kids have recitals and ball practices, and your spouse has meetings. Don't forget the small things and check in with your family members. Your not being around means that they have to do the things that you normally accomplish. During your travel make sure to make time to take care of yourself as well. You will be eating at fine restaurants all over the world. You will get to sample local cuisines that you have never before had. Your body will suffer from the o...

The idea of the perfect holiday differs for everyone. For some, it's the 'where' that matters - it's all about location: a quiet secluded beach, with no one around for miles. For others, it's all about the 'what': nothing but surfin', eatin' and sleepin'. And for many it's the 'who': it doesn't really matter where you are or what you do, as long as you're with your mates or loved ones. But whatever your holiday style, Java Sea Charters offers one of the most appealing holiday getaways available in Indonesia. The 60-ft wooden ketch rigged sailing boat, the Cecelia Ann, offers it all. With trips to Krakatau and Ujung Kulon, as well as the Thousand Islands, there's plenty of adventure on offer. And with a dive master on board, divers can enjoy unlimited dives, including wreck dives and night diving. For those wanting ulti...

By: Vlad Ehrsam A backpack is for all seasons and for all activities. Before you hit the market to buy a backpack, keep in mind several things that you may consider for your final decision. Some of the factors that you should look upon are the design, the price, the material used, the size, or perhaps the brand name. If hiking is your style, then go for a backpack, that can store all your hiking treks. Make sure that the backpack can protect your gear in adverse environment conditions. Most hiking backpacks come with a top closing flap that prevents water from dripping inside while hiking in rainy conditions. An ideal backpack will feature an extendable top portion, so that you can increase the amount of gear and equipment to carry along. A backpack should have more than one compartment so that you can keep items separately.Lastly, make sure that the backpack has straps to carry along a sleeping bag. Travel backpacks are available if you’re doing a lot of traveling and like to carry ...

The Gigir Manuk Cultural Dialogue in cooperation with the Indonesian Department of Culture and Tourism, the Bali Tourism Authority and the Bali Tourism Board are conducting a road tour of Balinese Art & Culture to Europe from November 11-27, 2006. Land Under the Rainbow The cultural program, entitled "Land Under the Rainbow", will form the backdrop for a series of cocktail receptions hosted for the international travel industry, during which art & cultural performances by the renowned Bajra Sandhi Group will be presented during visits to the following European cities: Brussels and Antwerp, Belgium Den Haag, The Netherlands Luxemburg Paris, France Aachen, Germany Bajra Sandhi Performance Troupe Founded in 1991, the Sanggar Seni Kreativitas Bajra Sandhi, more commonly known as Bajra Sandhi, is a group of Balinese artists who emphasize the spiritual connection between God and the arts. Striving for purity, truth and beauty through the arts ...

By: Patricia Zelkovsky Believe it or not, the world will not bow to your commands of taking away the cholesterol and the saturated fats from all those potato chips. The world will not make the effort to consistently cater to your want of a sugar-free donut if you suddenly have a craving for it in the middle of the night. What is available though is the kind of donut that will make you glaze over in sweets. Real healthy living takes a lot of work. Real effort and real perseverance is needed to consume only the healthiest products and avoid the most convenient foods readily available in the market. Most of which are unhealthy and has preservatives that allow it to still be edible after a decade. The following are basic tips and advice to make eating healthy a regular effort, the effects of which will probably last you additional years in your lifetime. You are what you eat Do tell what you put in your mouth and you will be told who you are. Eating foods that contain less cholesterol...

The only way to have a nice & relaxing Christmas this year (short of hiring a maid), is to prepare well ahead of time. Use this helpful list, to ensure you have a merry & jolly holiday (this list will also work for other holidays - New Years, Thanks Giving, Easter etc…). 1) Finish gift purchases 3 weeks prior to the holiday (that way you don’t need to be running around, & can avoid the holiday rush - those that weren’t prepared). If you haven’t already shopped, you should do the remainder of your shopping online - the shops are already crowded! 2) Get all of your frozen foods 3 weeks prior to the holidays. Get all of your fresh foods 2 days (some fruit (such as strawberries that don't keep) are only able to be purchased 1 day before) prior to the holiday. If you do need to buy produce, or meat the day before - know what you need to buy, get up early, and go as soon as the shop opens. Go to a food place, that is not in a group of shops, but is by itself - people will be ...

A hidden beach. A deserted beach. A secluded beach. It sounds like the opening scene of a romance novel, doesn't it? I'm not a big romance reader, but I do love peace and quiet and I've spent many years seeking out the best beaches for an occasional escape from the world. These years of arduous research have led me to some general conclusions about the characteristics of a truly great hidden beach. First and foremost, it must be a long way from everywhere, or difficult to reach -- ideally, both. No motorized vehicles of any kind will be allowed on the beach. It will be completely out of range of cell phones of any kind. There won't be a boardwalk, or carnival rides, or chairs to rent, or hotdog vendors. A beachside shack selling cold beer is, however, permissible and indeed preferred. With these guidelines in mind, and conscious of the risk of losing my favorite hideaways to the madding crowd, I'd like to share three of my most treasured hidden beach discoveries. Fa...

Each year millions of Americans travel abroad for vacation, business, or to visit friends and family. Unfortunately, about half of these international travelers get sick or injured during their trip. The good news is that most travel-related sickness and injury can be prevented. You are likely to be a traveler who has an enjoyable trip free from illness or injury when you follow these tips: Be informed: Learn about travel health risks and what to do to avoid them before your trip. Be ready: Get any vaccinations (shots) or medicines that you will need before your trip. Be smart while you travel: Make sure you follow travel safety tips while you are on your trip. 1. Be Informed Top Travel Tips Wash your hands often wi...