Smart Travel

Although no place can compare to the comfort offered by your own home, it can also hold certain bad memories for you and your family. If you and your family need a time to bond with each other, consider having a family beach vacation and letting the white sand, cool breeze, and roaring waves soothe away past hurt and rebuild the ties within your family. Tips for Having a Perfect Family Beach Vacation Where to have a family beach vacation Beaches – The first thing you have to look for is the perfect beach for your family. While it doesn’t have to be private, a beach that isn’t too crowded is certainly better as kids aren’t really blessed with lots of patience and a high tolerance for discomfort. Make sure also that the beach you’re intending to visit is one appropriate for kids; it would be pretty hard to explain to them after all when you accidentally take them to a nudists’ beach and they see all the naked people there. Housing – When you’ve found the right beach, the next thing to se...

If you have not vacationed in the Bahamas, you are missing out on one of the best vacation destinations that could be chosen. The islands of the Bahamas have some major destination and tourist spots, which offer a traveler a unique vacation experience. Taking a vacation in the Bahamas is a dream come true for most people, whether business or pleasure or even a combination of those, and it does not need to be as expensive as you might think. The two main islands are New Providence Island and Grand Bahama Island, although the smaller islands of Abacos, Acklins, Andros, The Berry Islands, Bimini, Cat Island, Eleuthera, The Exumas, Inagua, Mayaguana, and San Salvador also offer prime vacation spots. Crystal clear turquoise waters, endless white sand beaches, perfect temperate weather all add up to a vacation that is as good as it gets. You can fly into the Bahamas via commercial airlines which is only a very short flight from Florida, or you can take a cruise to the Bahamas, where Nassau i...

If you’re choosing to stay in a hotel that’s been purposely designed to turn your holiday into an experience, you need to make the most of it. Hotels have come of age in the past two decades. No longer do you have to choose between a huge run-of-the-mill chain hotel and a dodgy guesthouse. Today’s hotels are as varied and interesting as the people staying in them and your room, the bathrooms, the food and the service inside the hotel is as important as what you do outside it. Every boutique hotel has different ways of distinguishing itself from the competition. Whether it’s a sumptuous breakfast in the morning, or complementary spa treatments, there’s something for you to relish at every one. Relax If you’re arriving at your hotel after a long flight, a stressful business meeting or with tired children in tow, then now’s the time to relax. Let the staff tell you all about the hotel and the facilities available to you, so that you can make full use of them during your stay. Accept the o...

The Burj Al Arab Hotel in Dubai is the only 7-Star hotel in the world. It is a place where imagination becomes reality. Soaring 321 meters above the Arabian Gulf, Burj Al Arab is the world's tallest and most architecturally advanced hotel in the world. Built in the shape of an Arabian dhow sail and dominating the Dubai coastline, this is one of the world's most spectacular and incomparably luxurious hotels. It is surrounded by choreographed colour sculptures of water and fire. This all-suite hotel reflects the finest that the world has to offer. The Burj Al Arab offers unparalleled standards of comfort and service in a unique and unforgettably lavish setting. It is a striking 28-story All-Suite Hotel housed in unique sail-shaped building overlooking Jumeira Beach. It charges from 1,000 US dollars per night for a one-bedroom Deluxe Suite to 10,000 US dollars for a Royal Suite. It has enjoyed growing popularity and 90 per cent occupancy rate six years after it opened in Dubai. Th...

Most of us may not have swimming pool in our back yard, so it’s obvious that when we go out for a vacation it’s a rare treat to splash about in the toasty warm water of an outdoor swimming pool. Outdoor pools are most excellent place enjoyed in the sunshine, and to that end, there could be no better place to lie back in the crystal clear waters, staring at the dappled silhouette of a amazing swaying palm tree and let your cares float away, than in everybody's preferred holiday destination, Florida. It is not necessary that every hotel would have a pool. If in case you choose to stay in the private luxury villa, which has pool you would most definitely be spoilt with not only stunning accommodation but also with your own private pool. However, with all things watery, our common sense should be applied. This in itself is not a harmful thing, except maybe when it comes to pool safety. Fortunately, Florida state law has stepped up in to lend an assistance hand by requiring rental villa...

If your eyes have ever had the chance to feast on the vast, dry desert of Arizona, I have something that might surprise you. There are quite a few Arizona golf vacations that are available if you are a huge fan of the game. These Arizona golf vacations come in all shapes and sizes, meticulously tailored to your level of skill, your depth of experience, the thickness of your wallet, and your degree of interest. There are professional Arizona golf schools for those who want to take their playing up to the next level, where training is strenuous but worth every cent of the investment. Your golf game will see some considerable improvement. Here’s my testimonial. I went to one of these Arizona golf vacations, and I was able to be tutored by some serious pros and semi-pros. I will tell you that my game has never ever been better, and no, I was not moving along a beginner’s steep learning curve. I have been playing for 35 years! But if you want a more easy-going Arizona golf vacation, you sho...

Submitted by mary4165@verizon.net You really want to take a cruise but you also really want to go to a spa for physical fitness and maybe a little pampering. In the world today you can do both. Years ago you were lucky to find a spa on a cruise ship. If there was one, it was in a really remote area of the ship. As for physical fitness there was very little equipment and most of it was tired. When people started to become more conscious of their looks and health the cruise lines revised their way of thinking. Cruise travel now can double as a spa vacation as well as learning a new physical fitness program. The newer cruise ships have gone to great lengths to accommodate the cruise passenger who also wants to beautify and tone up. The cruise lines have installed state of the art equipment, added numerous exercise classes, and offer the newest beauty treatments available. Many of the cruise lines have relocated their fitness centers to the top decks of the ships with lots of windows so yo...

Now think of safari…of Serengeti…of wildlife sanctuaries…what images dominate your thoughts? Yes, animals. Wildlife aside, safari would only be composed of a number of plant species, of terrain and of strange creatures like insects, bugs and the likes. Without the animals, African safaris would be reduced into a haven of sedentary and rarely moving species. Without the animal of the safaris, ecosystems would not exist. In a sense, animals add to the beauty that life in Africa may present. They give meaning. They add excitement. And they encourage tourism. It is thought that African safaris started to become famous when the hunt for animals boomed sometime in the nineteenth century. This is because men then were perceived bold enough if they can kill wild animals right in their habitats and in action. This activity provides them a bag full of hunting trophies that adorned the walls of their libraries. These days, a great thanks to movements for wildlife, hunting is restrict...

Bali is a small island located in Indonesia. It has traditionally been home to jewelers and master artisans that work with silver, and create detailed and very unique and beautiful pieces of jewelry. Bali jewelers use traditional methods to produce their unique style of silverwork. The traditions have been handed down from the Southern Chinese and Southeast Asian artisans, and many of the patterns and motifs used today have similar designs. Many families in Bali can trace their silversmith and jeweler roots back to the Majapahit Empire and the invasion of the Javanese in the 16th century. In Bali, metal smiths are known as Pandai, a term that means both smith and clever. In legends in the area, the first goldsmith clans were taught their craft by the gods that were sent to earth to teach humankind civil behavior. Most jewelry in Bali, while originally gold, is now silver. The silver market is more popular worldwide, and the booming demand for exports dictates the production. There are ...

As the huge number of visitors to France every year prove, France is one of the most beautiful and romantic travel destinations in the western world. A trip to France can help you shake off the boredom of everyday life and expand your mind as you build a series of new experiences that you will remember for a lifetime. There are few things more thrilling than setting out to conquer new territory, and the sophisticated culture of France offers visitors an amazing array of opportunities for stimulation. If you plan it right, a trip to France can be exciting, educational, and even affordable. If you’ve ever dreamed of having an adventure in a new place where anything can happen, a trip to France can help you make your dream a reality. France is a small country geographically, but it has several distinct regions, each with its own unique character. There is so much to see in France that no matter what your taste is, you will be able to find an area of this stunning country that is just the ...

By Eddie Tobey Bali is one of the most visited vacation hotspots in the world. Situated in Indonesia, it was once named as the best island destination in the world by Travel and Leisure magazine. It attracts huge number of travelers from all over the world with its fun filled, palm fringed beaches known for having white sand. Bali has a many beaches, all of which are easily reachable from Despansar airport. The line of beaches on the island of Bali includes Sanur beach, Jimbaran, Soka beach, Nusa Dua, Medewi beach, Lovina beach, Kuta, and Legian beach. Locals and tourists popularly go after Legian beaches, which are famous for their magnificent view of sunset. Surfing is a major activity here and the best waves are a 5 to 10 minute drive from Despansar airport. Nusa dua beach has a chain of hotels placed on the sandy shores and these hotels provide luxurious swimming experience in protected lagoons, as well as fabulous gourmet food served on site. Sanur beach is easily reachable from D...

By JJ Murphy If you're new to spending time in nature, but want to be a good sport, here are a few easy steps you can take to overcome your fear of crawly things and really enjoy the great outdoors. 1. Confront the Critters Head-on: To avoid ticks, apply Permethrin, a derivative of crushed dried Daisy Chrysanthemum flowers, to all garments, shoes, socks, hats and backpacks. If picnicking apply it to the tablecloth before you pack up. Permethrin also keeps chiggers and other biting insects away. Bears, raccoons, snakes - in fact, most wild animals will avoid you if they can. In the summer, I do not grab any handholds while climbing without looking first, just in case a snake has decided to sun itself on the trail. Accidental encounters are always possible. Don't run; that will encourage a predator to chase you. In most cases, if you stand your ground, yell, wave your arms and make a racket, the animal will run away. Never, ever feed wild animals - and never try to touch or pet ...

By : Martin Kleis Indonesia, a Country of thousands of beautiful and exotic Islands, that spark off your imagination with thoughts of fine sandy beaches, huge temple complexes, great diving and the giant dragons of Komodo. The islands of Indonesia are spread over a vast expanse of ocean and technically speaking is divided by two Continents. Some parts of the Country can be as different from each other as black is from white. The hustle and bustle of the modern capital Jakarta is like another planet when compared to the traditional Papuan tribes of the Baliem Valley. Jakarta - Not only is it the largest City in the Country, Jakarta is also the heartbeat. Indonesian's from all over the archipelago come to the City to try and find their fortune or just to survive. The face of the City is constantly changing due to the construction of new skyscrapers, shopping malls and hote...

By : Kathryn Lively When you think of the Outer Banks of North Carolina, more than likely the image of a windswept beach first comes to mind. You think of delicious seafood and surfing the east coast, relaxing along a temperate shore while wild mustangs roam the sand. Indeed, the Currituck Outer Banks and the Dare County area are wonderful destinations for seasonal beachcombers, but the Carolina shores are also a big attraction for golfers. If you are looking for an exclusive golfing vacation, why not try the Outer Banks this year? Many courses are open year round, and the weather is always pleasant enough for a round or two. You will find many public and semi-private clubs ready to welcome guests for an energetic eighteen holes along miles of beautiful greens that border the bay. Not sure where to start? Here are a few suggestions to consider when planning your golf getaway...

By Adi Arifin Immediately after the occasion, thousands of tourists were rushing out to depart from the island only international airport, foreign governments issued travel warning, thousands of confirmed arrivals canceled, hotel occupancy plunged down from nearly 90 to less than 20 percent, even the only Bali based international airliner stopped their operation. Business players in Bali confirmed that the effect of the second attack was far worse that the previous one. In some ways, the terrorist successfully fulfill their objective in spreading fears. The whole picture led to global psychological fear, which was worse than, and definitely worsen its economical effect. Not only foreign tourists, local residence also avoided crowds, especially those where Western tourists and residents used to hang around. Supermarket, shopping malls, hotels, airport, tourist spots, cafes and restaurants, were just to name some. Now things seemed to slowly get back to normal pace. The most obvious evid...

By Joy Cagil Forty or more years ago, honeymoon spots were perfectly clear in people's minds, mostly as the Niagara Falls, Hawaii, or a neighborhood hotel for a few days stay. Even the stinkiest hotels had honeymoon suites, then. Only some couples belonging to the jet set had their honeymoons in Monaco or in some such place in Europe. In addition, it used to be that the groom chose the honeymoon site and surprised the bride. With the honeymoon the new husband tacked on the lady, the bride of the olden days "acted" happy and delighted, but the trick word is "acted" here, and no one wants to start a marriage with an act. Being part of a couple deserves sincerity, and the honeymoon should be one both people will enjoy; therefore, the honeymoon would be more successful if the future bride and groom planned this important step into their marriage together. A honeymoon is a serious event. It should be arranged with care and should be planned in advance. As times have ...

Many couples are finding that an all-inclusive honeymoon cruise can make their special getaway after marriage even more special. When they climb on board, they cannot believe the joy and simplicity of their vacation, with no worries and no stress! Taking a honeymoon cruise can make for one of the most memorable vacations you will ever experience and it all occurs on a single cruise ship! In the last several years, millions of couples have enjoyed honeymoon vacations on cruise ships, and with all the perks that you can find on a cruise ship it is not hard to see why. When you think of a honeymoon cruise, you can think automatically of romance. When you watch movies, many of the most romantic moments you can think of are a couple on a ship sailing into the sunset. When you are on the deck of a cruise ship, you will have several opportunities to take advantage of this romantic situation! You will sail off into the sunset for however many nights your vacation lasts, while also getting roma...

By Pablo Rainer Famous real estate developer, Donald J. Trump of the Trump Organization and Mr. Roger Khafif, President of the K Group (A Panama Resort Developer), unveiled a $220 million, mixed-use development to be named Trump Ocean, International Hotel and Tower in Panama City, Panama. The project has been expanded from 1.8-million-sq.-ft project to a 2.4-million-sq.-ft, 65 story waterfront condominium tower development that will include 300 hotel condominium units, 500 condominium units, 1500-1700 parking spaces, retail shops, an International Casino, a private beach club on Contadora Island, a 24-hour Yacht Club and Pier, world-class wellness spa, state-of-the-art gym, pool deck, full-service meeting and event spaces, and a business center. It is expected to be completed in 2009. This is the Trump Organization's first real estate investment in Central America. The Trump Ocean Club, Panama, is being built on a beachfront lot with views of the Pacific Ocean and the Panama Bay, i...

By Lance Winslow Well it looks like spaceship manufacturing is getting underway and the privatization of space is nearly here. One question remains however? Simon Says; "How large a fleet of 'rocket gliders' should Branson order for purchase?" Well my thoughts are this; they should buy Eight units and 15 motors now because he will need 3 working units at all times (three flights a day). After each flight complete 150 pt. inspections. And realize that you need two units to test new modifications and ideas and spares. After the first four months order 4 more and think on this; 40% of all those who signed up will change their minds and he will want to go bigger in the future, so save the cash to build larger units every 8-10 months, thus time to build them and test them too. They need to expedite the first batch and that means a smaller order will bring them onto the ramp quicker. Next once the tourism starts the list will grow and this means they can increase the size o...

Submitted by rwitman Cruise enthusiasts have been in a gleeful state over the last year due to the abundance of new ships that have launched. If that’s what makes you happy, you ought to find yourself delirious with joy over the announcements about 40+ new ships to take to the seas during the next three-years. Practically every major cruise line has plans for a least one new vessel: Many have three or even four slated by 2010. And, just as the number of new ships is growing, so is the trend toward building bigger and more luxurious vessels. Carnival Although the smallest ships of the lot, Carnival has the most projects in the works over the next three-years. Ranging in size from 110,000 tons to 130,000 tons, Carnival’s highlight will be “Freedom,” a new class of ship costing about $400 million and carrying 2,974 passengers. With itineraries that include the Western and Eastern Caribbean, European tours to Rome and transatlantic crossings, “Freedom” will give cruise enthusiasts somethin...

By Dave Rosenthal How do you cover the whole Island of Bermuda in a very short time if visiting via a large cruise ship? Many cruises from the East Coast sail directly to Bermuda for an entire itinerary. Some of the cruise lines sailing out of New York City (including NCL and Princess) include a stop in Bermuda on the way down or coming back from the Caribbean. Bermuda can be broken down into three major tourist hubs (not counting all of the beaches): The West End (King’s Wharf), Hamilton, and St. George. The larger cruise ships dock at The West End (King's Wharf). For those passengers wanting to visit St George, they will find that this is quite the trek across the island. (The original settlement of Bermuda began in St. George nearly 400 years ago.) I have found three ways to get there via public transportation. 1) Bus from The West End (King's Wharf) to St. George Runs all day but a long, long ride (but, hey you are in Bermuda). 2) Ferry to Hamilton and then bus to St. Georg...

Many of us are not as paranoid as we should be about our belongings while we’re on vacation. Stolen items are a frequent occurrence, however—even in the best of hotels. The good news is that if you’ve picked a good hotel, you should be provided with a private, in-room hotel safe. Here are seven reasons why you should always make use of that safe for your belongings—especially the expensive ones—while you’re on holiday. Because wages can be low in many countries—and your digital camera can look tempting. Depending on the country you’re travelling in, wages could be very low compared to what we make in the U.K.—as low as a few pounds of less per day. Valuables such as digital cameras and jewellery can occasionally provide a compelling temptation for the odd less honest hotel staff, and this can happen at even the nicest of hotels. If the price they could get for your valuables could provide a few months’ worth of wages its not difficult to see you need to take precautions. If you want to...

By Andrew Regan Whether you're going on honeymoon or are trying to enjoy some quality time alone with your partner, romantic holidays always carry the most pressure. You're required to provide the perfect vacation - and anything less spells potential disaster. However, there are many global romantic destinations to choose from so choose well and you're onto a winner. Hawaii, for example, is one of the world's most popular destinations with people keen to have a romantic getaway. Fly to Honolulu and visit Hawaii's amazing beaches, lush greenery and volcanic land formations. Hawaii's turbulent natural history, along with its romantic history, makes it a very attractive location for honeymooners and people looking for romantic holidays in exotic locations. Many couples also cite Florida as one of their favourite destinations for a quiet, romantic break. Whether you're sunning yourselves in Miami or having fun together in one of the many theme parks, you're ...

By Natalie Aranda When you are traveling with children, extra preparation is required to make your trip go as smoothly as possible. Whether you are traveling across state or across the world, advance planning will help to insure that you and your children can arrive safely and without too much stress. When flying, always let the ticketing agent know you are traveling with children. They will often issue you pre-boarding passes which will allow you to enter the plane first. You should also plan in advance so that you can make sure your seats are together. If your child is prone to ear infections or motion sickness, discuss options with your pediatrician in order to avoid these problems on the flight. Some parents prefer to fly on nonstop flights because you do not have to switch planes or deal with layovers. However, some people think that having a break can help their children relax, get some food, and settle down before traveling on the next leg. If your children are young, make sure ...

Countless people make New Year’s resolutions to get into shape and lose weight. Many of them fail reportedly due to lack of motivation, support or a viable plan. There is a new trend developing among fitness enthusiasts, however, that overcomes these three obstacles while delivering luxury, scrumptious food and fun. What’s the trend? Cruising into shape. Cruise ships have offered well-equipped fitness centers on their vessels for years. However, with fitness and nutrition experiencing an increase in popularity, many ships have taken great strides to create an atmosphere that nurtures a healthy lifestyle without compromising the lavish cruise experience. With onboard fitness instructors, innovative and fun exercise opportunities and healthy gourmet meals, a cruise ship has become the perfect starting point for your New Year’s resolution. Fun Is the Key to Exercise If you don’t enjoy exercise, chances are you won’t keep up any fitness routine you establish. But with exciting activities a...