Friday, December 30, 2005

Travel to Denmark During the “Year of the Renaissance”

Plan your vacation to Denmark and experience the “Year of the Renaissance”
By C. H. Brown


Europe Vacations

These days, just about every town or hamlet in the United States boasts of an “authentic” renaissance festival. Invariably, these festivals feature such attractions as “authentic” renaissance maidens sporting authentic renaissance-era, biker chick tattoos and renaissance cuisine like Ye Olde hotdogs or Ye Olde pizza slices.

So most Americans know all about Renaissance festivals from their experiences stateside. However, just for fun, let’s consider the counterpart festivals in European countries where the Renaissance actually took place.

Denmark, for example, the country that brought us those ubiquitous plastic toys, Legos; has designated the entire year of 2006 to be “The Year of the Renaissance.”

Imagine my surprise, a father who has stepped on many a Lego in the dark with bare feet, to learn that Legos have nothing to do with the Renaissance, and were not in fact invented until much later. All along, I had assumed that I was enduring those pesky little toys because it was good for my children’s education. Shows what I know.

OK, back to Denmark. The entire country is open for business to celebrate the Renaissance. Check out these excerpts from Europe Travel News on some of the exciting things you can do and see when you travel to Denmark during the year 2006:


  • “2006 has been designated the year of the Renaissance in Denmark. To mark the occasion, an exciting array of cultural events is scheduled to take place throughout the year in the capital region. Exhibitions, concerts, walking tours and many other special activities, both indoors and out, have been planned to spotlight this extraordinary period in Copenhagen?s history.”
  • ”History lovers, among others, will have all the more reason to visit Copenhagen in 2006, when the city pays tribute to the great achievements of the Renaissance. A wide variety of special events, celebrating that remarkable period of its history, will be held throughout the capital region.”
  • “Kronborg Castle in Elsinore, at the seaward approach to the Ă˜resund Sound, is one of Northern Europe’s most important Renaissance castles. It is also the most famous castle in Denmark, known all over the world as the setting for Shakespeare’s Hamlet.”
  • “In 2006, Hillerød will host a large Renaissance Festival with participants from home and abroad. There will be stands with food, beverages, handicrafts and entertainment - just as there were during the time of Christian IV. In September a parade through town to Frederiksborg Castle will cap the event followed by dancing, concerts and displays of knightly swordsmanship and horsemanship”.

So enjoy your travels to Denmark and take in all these wonderful experiences. I’m not sure if they will offer hotdogs and pizza slices at these festivals; but if they do, I’m certain they’ll have some Ye Olde Alka Seltzer available.

Oh, and watch your step. Especially when you are barefoot…in the dark.
Europe Vacations

COPYRIGHT © 2005, C.H. Brown. All rights reserved.

Thursday, December 29, 2005

Must-see places when you travel to Italy

Medium Image

Don’t miss these sights when you travel to Italy


Europe Vacations

Italy is a breathtakingly beautiful country that will always be one of the highlights for anyone’s travel to Europe. It has everything from the impossibly blue Mediterranean Sea to the spectacular Alps, with fabulous food at every stop along the way. And while you are there, you can’t help but trip over history with every step you take.
Here are few things you cannot miss when you travel to Italy:

  • Venice. Think about it. How many movies have you seen that were set in this romantic city? Well there is a reason. If there is a city with more charm and magic than Venice, someone is keeping it a very tight secret. (Oh sure, I can just hear those Parisians objecting that their’s is the most romantic city, but those folks are hardly objective. Besides, this is an article about Italy.) The “streets” are waterways and the city is gradually sinking into the Adriatic Sea. But don’t worry, it will still be there by the time you get there to see it all.
  • The Roman Colosseum.Talk about the original home for extreme games. You can almost hear the ghosts of gladiators clashing their swords and signing multi-drachma contracts with their agents. The Colosseum is both a spectacular and grim place, considering the many senseless acts of violence that occurred here. Kind of like the beauty pageants are today.
  • Florence. If you aren’t already an art lover, you will be after visiting Florence. Walk in the footsteps of Michelangelo, Da Vinci and Raphael and your life will be forever changed. One word of warning however, if you are already prone to feelings of penis envy or inadequacy, Michelangelo’s 18-foot statue of David, may not be your cup of tea.
  • The Vatican. The art, architecture, history and sheer aura of this place will leave you speechless.

Europe Vacations

Wednesday, December 28, 2005

Turn your International travels into lasting memories

Holding onto international travel memories.
By C.H. Brown



No matter how many times you experience international travel, the excitement never fades. But one thing that will fade is your memory of all the exciting experiences and pleasures from your travels.

Why not develop several ways to keep your “vacation of a lifetime” alive in your memory for the rest of your life? Here’s how:


  1. Keep a journal. If the idea of writing everything down bores you, keep an audio journal with an inexpensive tape recorder. But I recommend both a written and an audio journal. When you return home, transcribing your experiences into a more coherent form will help you relive the entire experience.
  2. Take pictures. You don’t have to buy expensive equipment to accomplish this (and in fact, I would urge you to economize on such equipment). Be sure to use your journal to keep track of where your pictures were taken, what the subject matters were, when and where you were there and why you found it so interesting.
  3. Shop for bargains. Every country will offer unique (maybe even exotic) items you can buy for very reasonable prices that will become real treasures when they later sit on your mantel at home.
  4. Compile items for a scrapbook. Keep your menus, postcards, boarding passes, rail passes, left over foreign currency, receipts, and ticket stubs to special events. You might even like to cut out pages from travel books and brochures you have picked up. When you transcribe your travel journal, type in small vignettes and anecdotes amidst these visual items of your trip to make a truly wonderful scrapbook of your journey.

One thing I should point out. You may be tempted to procrastinate assembling your scrapbook or transcribing your journal. I’m not here to say don’t do it, but I think you will find that once started, this will become an enormously entertaining activity. Besides, the sooner you do this, the fresher your memories will be.
International travel is meant to be fun. But why let this fun recede into the dim past. If you follow these ideas, you will enjoy and “re-enjoy” your travels again and again.

COPYRIGHT © 2005, C.H. Brown. All rights reserved.

Tuesday, December 27, 2005

Travel to Europe getting cheaper

A bargain year for travel to Europe


Europe Vacations


Good news for travelers looking for low cost travel to Europe. The U.S. dollar keeps getting stronger against the euro, which (listen carefully here, because I’m not too clear on this myself so I don’t want to repeat it) that everything in Europe is cheaper for people paying with U.S. dollars (that means Americans).

OK, I guess it is now obvious to all that I was an English Lit major in college. But the fact still remains that if you are a U.S. resident, 2006 looks like a great year to get great travel bargains if you are planning to travel to Europe.

Check out this great article in The Charlotte Observer’s Charlotte.com. Not only does it do a much better job of explaining exchange rates, it even quotes actual economists and everything.

Of course, in my opinion, it could have been just a little better if it had also quoted an English major or two.
Europe Vacations

COPYRIGHT © 2005, C.H. Brown. All rights reserved

Six ways to get travel bargains with your frequent flyer plan

The ultimate tools in a smart traveler’s toolbox are the various loyalty programs offered by airlines and hotel chains. Yet it absolutely baffles me how many people ignore these golden opportunities to get bargain travel deals.

I was spurred to write about this topic after reading a great article in the Fort Worth Star Telegram, called Staying power for frequent-flyer plans. It was about how American Airlines invented the frequent flyer program 25 years ago, and how these plans have changed the travel industry.

Following American’s lead, all the other airlines quickly created their own loyalty programs, and later, the hotel industry created their own versions as well, becoming a win-win for both the companies who wanted customer loyalty, and the travelers who wanted discount travel opportunities.

But how can a traveler or even a person who wants to travel in the future, make the most (ie get the most travel deals) out t of these plans? Here are a few tips”


  1. Double dip whenever you rent a car or check into a hotel. It boggles my mind how many experienced travelers neglect to do this. If, for example, you are a member of the Hilton Honors program and an airline frequent flyer program, you can earn hotel points and airline miles for the same stay.
  2. Book your award flights well in advance. This is particularly true for flying to Hawaii or traveling anywhere in December. It is not unusual to see people booking these flights nine to eleven months in advance. The best travel deals in the world can’t help you if you can’t get on the airplane.
  3. It is your job to give the airline your frequent flyer number when you travel. Believe it or not, they do not have the means to magically know who you are and what your number is when you fly with them. If you don’t identify yourself as a frequent flyer member, you won’t receive credit for the flight.
  4. Take advantage of every non-flight opportunity the airline or hotel gives you to earn miles or points. Become familiar with their websites and learn who their partners are. For example, most airlines are now affiliated with a credit card company. This means you earn miles for every dollar you spend on that card. Think of all the gas you pump, groceries you buy and other expenses you incur on a regular basis that you could be earning miles for that trip to Hawaii.
  5. Be VERY aware of the programs expiration policy. Most programs will allow you to go up to three years without activity before your miles expire. Activity is defined as anytime you put a mile into the program or take a mile out by spending it on a flight. Because the airlines offer you so many ways to earn miles through their partners and non-flight activities, don’t expect a lot of sympathy if you let your miles expire. In most cases they will refuse to reinstate them unless you are willing to buy them back. The point here is that the program is called a frequent flyer program. A member who falls off their radar for three years is about as desirable to the airline as someone who repeatedly bounces checks is to a bank.
  6. Become familiar with the ins and outs of the program. Most of this information is available on their websites. For example, you will want to know how many miles are needed to fly to certain places at certain times of the year. You will want to know when new partners are added, so you can keep on top of new ways to earn miles.

COPYRIGHT © 2005, C.H. Brown, All rights reserved.

Monday, December 26, 2005

Australia Travel Tips

Australia Travel Tips
Author: Jay Bauder


BEAT THE HEAT IN AUSTRALIA!

"Fine beaches, perfect weather, good people, and a more securetraveling experience"

If you are looking for all these conveniences and excitement,let Australia handle that for you. Perk up your travelingexperience in the sixth largest country in the world, twice aslarge as Europe but less crowded.

Make a choice from a wide variety 7000 fantastic beaches and enjoy the luscious greens of flora of approximately 25000 species and diverse but unique fauna as evidenced by theKangaroo.

Australians are fun-loving people and are very sociable. You canlearn so much about their culture because of their verystraightforward attitude towards guests and strangers.

Language Discrepancies

English maybe the widely spoken language in Australia but thereare utterances which makes them unique to the rest of theEnglish-speaking world and terminologies better left unsaid.

Some of the most common are Cobber = Buddy, Fairdinkum = Reallyand Cold One = Beer. Phrases such as righto = okay/alright andrag up = dress warmly are also common.

The word "root" may have evolved to mean "sex" in Australia soit is better to keep from saying that word as long as you could. Same thing applies to "fanny" which came to mean a female's private part.

Weather

Among the 7 continents, Australia probably has the weirdestclimate. Unlike the US, the months of December to February arethe hottest and most humid dates of the year.

Keep in mind that Australia's climate is just the exact oppositewith that of the Northern Hemisphere.

Southern Australia was recorded to having the harshest climateduring the summer season and keeping it out of your itinerary isadvisable.

Depending on where you are headed, there are must-haves andclothing you will need to prepare to make sure you will not becaught off-guard for any circumstances that are expected alongthe way.

Sunglasses and sunscreens and light clothing are important inAustralia due to hot climate in some regions, but keeping ajacket during the cold night is a must especially in thesouthern temperate region. Nice pair of boots in the bushes ispractically essential.

Transportation

Public vehicles such taxis are commonplace in Australia. Mosttaxis charge "flagfall" and a surcharge for distant travels.

"Keep left" is the rule of driving here. It can be quiteconfusing at times but being careful will surely keeps you away from trouble.

Tipping

Just the exact opposite of the west. Tipping may not be a no-nobut it is not generally practice here but you can do so in some special occasions.

There are simply 1001 ways to enjoy the beauty of Australia andthe good thing is, you can add more to rev up your rewarding traveling experience. Traveling to a distant place poses a lotof challenges but surely it is satisfying and worth the pennies! So enjoy and don't forget to have a cold one with a cobber!

About the author:
Jay is the web owner of http://www.airline-tickets.biz Lowest Price Airline
Tickets
, a website that provides information and resources
on vacations, airfare, hotels, and travel. You can visit his
website at: http://www.hotels-in.net Hotel Discounts

Sunday, December 25, 2005

Put Your Discount Airfare Travel Plans on Autopilot

What am I doing on Christmas night sitting at my computer? Well if I had a life I might be doing something else, but I really have fun tracking down the most exciting travel ideas at discount prices. (Yeah, I really am that boring).

So anyway, most of us have run into the problem of working out the very best discount travel arrangements for a trip on or around a specific date. Now several sites will send you email alerts if airfares drop down into you price range.

Check out three sites that can help you find this information in this great article by Dennis Tanner in MLive.com:


FareWatchers (www.farewatchers.com) offers two types of e-mail alerts: one when Travelocity's lowest fare between two targeted cities changes up or down by more than $25 and the other when the fare falls below a threshold set by the subscriber.

The Orbitz Web site, www.orbitz.com, offers Deal Detector, which keeps searching for a price you set for particular cities and dates. A nice feature is being able to have the service check on other airports in an area and enter a span of dates for your travel rather than being limited to specific days.

Another option is Austin, Texas-based TripStalker that checks out air fares, rental cars and hotel space for specific dates. One drawback might be that you must download TripStalker software to use the service. The service, available at www.tripstalker.com, will notify you through e-mail or by a text message to your cell phone.


I keep asking myself how we made it before the internet. But with Farewatchers, Deal Detector and TripStalker, you have even more tools in your discount travel toolbox.

That is what Guerrilla Travel is all about, "Adventure on a Budget."

COPYRIGHT (C) 2005, C.H. Brown. All rights reserved.

Saturday, December 24, 2005

Five important tips for traveling Europe

Five important tips for traveling Europe
Author: Jay Bauder



Traveling through Europe is definitely an exciting experience.
To ensure a smooth and enjoyably safe tour, here are some tips
for your Europe vacation.

1) Documents.

  • All of the people in Europe, including tourists, are obliged
    to own documentation for personal identification.

  • Since the increasing number of terrorists that try to enter
    Europe, the checkpoints on all borders have been strictly
    controlled. All tourists, depending on which country in Europe
    they intend to visit, should always have their passport and visa
    wherever they go.

  • When you are unable to surrender your valid visa or passport
    when authorities ask for it, you would be deported or even
    jailed.

2) Languages. There are 320 mixed spoken languages used in
Europe today.

  • Out of the 320, the most used and important are the Baltic,
    Celtic, Romance, Germanic and Slavonic languages.

  • Majority of the people in European countries speak multiple
    languages besides their mother tongue. English is used daily for
    politics and business.

  • Learn to speak the native tongue for important questions and
    courtesy you would need in your tour.

3) Electricity.

  • Majority of the European countries make use of 230 volts that
    operate in 50 Hertz.

  • Prevent plugging a device intended for 60 Hertz into a 50
    Hertz outlet.

4) Cars and driving.

  • To be able to drive a car in all the countries in Europe, you
    should be 18 years old and have a valid driver's license.

  • It is illegal for a driver not to wear a seatbelt. This is
    also applicable to everyone inside the car.

  • Majority of the countries in mainland Europe have right-hand
    traffic. Left-hand traffic is used only in Ireland, Cyprus, Malt
    and the islands of England.

  • The insurance of all cars is obligatory. If your car has been
    pulled over, the insurance certificate is always asked for.

5) Planning your necessities is important. This includes
transportation, food, and hotel accommodations.

  • Food in Europe may come expensive. But if you plan ahead and
    check your travel guide, you could always search for a
    reasonably priced meal around your area. There are hundreds of
    local markets and groceries for your food supply.
  • If you are planning to take the train, call the station for a
    reservation.

  • Always arrive at least 30 minutes before the train schedule to
    ensure that you will not miss the train if ever you get lost on
    the way to the European station.

Traveling in a foreign European country should not be a hassle.
Plan ahead. Know the native tongue and have the best time of
your life.

About the author: Jay is the web owner of www.airline-tickets.biz Discount Airline
Tickets
, a website that provides information and resources
on vacations, airfare, hotels, and travel. You can visit his
website at: www.hotels-in.net Cheap Hotels

How To Save Your Traveling Cost

How To Save Your Traveling Cost
Author: Susan Wong


Have you ever dreamt of sampling local wines in Tuscany in
September? Will it be a wonderful time to visit Paris in the
spring? Enjoy the English countryside in the summer? You may
think this is just a dream and cannot reach. It doesn't have to
be.

You can travel to some of the world's most interesting and
beautiful locations and you will only pay for airfare, dining
out and tourist attractions!

Now, you may have questions whether how this can be? The concept
is so easy you just use a housing exchange service. You may not
know that this service is widely used in Europe, Asia and
Australia.

It is so simple like this. You just choose a country you want to
visit, duration, and the exact time you want to go. Arrangements
are made, and you exchange homes with someone else.

This is how it works and you can cut your costs up to 75
percent. By staying in a home, you're not paying the high cost
of hotels (which can run upwards of $125 a night) or dining in
restaurants, saving you hundreds, if not thousands of dollars!

In addition, this is a big chance for you to live like the
locals do. You can also enjoy total immersion into the culture,
and rather than being treated like a tourist, you have the
opportunity to make new friends and participate in your
surroundings as a member of the community.

Many of you may be worry while being away from your home. With
this service, you have the peace of mind that comes from knowing
that your home is being carefully looked after, your plants are
being watered, and your pets are taken care of.

What you have to do is start searching through the Internet and
find a company that you're comfortable with. Sign up and join
the housing exchange list. (Some companies have over 10,000
members!) Then, with a click of your mouse, you can find
information of other, like-minded travelers, who want to visit
your area.

Most of companies provide you pictures of the houses and the
description about the houses as well. You can directly contact
the owners to reach an agreement.

Here are some of the things you'll want to agree on:

Total number of adults and children staying in the home Use of
the vehicle and it's maintenance What linen will be provided in
house, and how will it be cleaned? Care of pets Long distance
phone calls

Don't worry though. Your housing exchange company can help you
put together a list, and give you ideas for preparing for your
guests.

Instead of going to a cold, impersonal hotel room, you go "home"
and are welcomed by your next door neighbor, who gives you the
house keys and invites you to dinner the next evening, telling
you to call them if you have any questions.

You can have the vacation you've always dreamed about, and save
thouands of dollars at the same time! Bon voyage!

About the author:
Susan Wong is president of www.anaheim-hotel-reservation-online.com and CEO of www.hotelzzz.net, websites
which provide information and resources about hotels and
traveling.

Travel to New York City and See The City From the Air

Travel to New York City and See The City From the Air



Normally the theme for Guerrilla Traveler is adventure on a budget, but sometimes the adventure possibilities are so great I will pass on great adventures that are worth the extra cost. If you are planning to travel to New York City anytime soon, consider seeing the Big Apple from the air.

For example, New York Helicopter Charter offers three tour packages to choose from. The Liberty Tour allows you to see the Statue of Liberty, Ellis and Governors Island, the South Street Seaport, the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges, and the Wall Street Financial Center.

The Central Park Tour takes you over the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, the Empire State Building, Central Park, and the Intrepid Air, Sea and Space Museum.

And finally, The Grand Tour takes you over all of the above sights - plus Yankee Stadium, the United Nations Building, the Queensboro and Brooklyn Bridges, and Battery Park

New York is an exciting city, so make sure you plan your trip well so you can fit everything you want to see while you are there. And seeing it from the sky is a sight you will never forget.

COPYRIGHT © 2005, C.H. Brown, All rights reserved.

Mountain Cabin Vacations

Mountain Cabin Vacations


by: Ric Wiley

Forget a motel, forget an RV you have not had the best vacation you have ever had until you have stayed in a Mountain Cabin.

Mountain Cabin Vacation

Mountain cabins are usually found in the best locations situated in beautiful mountain settings and range from brand new to rustic charm. What more could you want from your mountain cabin.

You may be thinking rustic charm may mean old fashioned but today many mountain cabins are fully equipped with all the latest mod cons such as wonderful log fires, hot tubs, cable TV and fully equipped kitchens. One of the best features though of a mountain cabin, is unsurprisingly, the mountains. I suppose that goes without saying that you would expect mountains next to a mountain cabin, after all it seems sensible, but until you have visited some of the best places to vacation in the US you may not have been to the mountains before and boy are you missing something.

So try us folks up here in the mountains where the air is clean, the views are superb, the food is great and the activities are unparalleled.

Mountain cabins come in all sizes from single one bed roomed mountain cabins which are great for single couples, especially anyone on their honeymoon, to large 10 bedroom affairs which are great for group activities such as team building ventures.

One of the biggest attractions in vacationing in a beautiful mountain cabin is the peace and quiet you can find in a secluded cabin, yet most things are on your doorstep. You are so close to nature, with trails to walk and hike, short backpacking trips, skiing in the winter months, lakes for swimming, sailing and fishing and just plain good fresh air.

So stop thinking about mountain cabins, stop planning to rent a mountain cabin, stop dreaming of having a vacation in one and just do it. Book one and book one this week. Plan your next vacation in your own mountain cabin in some of the best mountain scenery in the US.


About The AuthorRic Wiley is an author and publisher. Check out his latest information on vacation sites at http://www.mountain-cabins.info and http://www.lake-tahoe-first.com.

Friday, December 23, 2005

Cheap Student Travel

Back in the day (when I was an impoverished college student in the pre-internet era) the approach of holiday seasons induced widespread panic among the college crowd. How were we going to find low cost travel to get home for the holidays on our budgets?

The solution was a “Ride Exchange” bulletin board posted in the student center, where people put up note cards under “Rides Needed” and “Rides Offered.”

Cheap travel is always a great concern among students. Today of course, college students look for their travel bargains online at such sites as Travelocity, Orbitz, Priceline and the like. But if the student in your family needs one more discount travel option, you should look into www.craiglist.org, which is a tremendous source of free information on all subjects. Check out his article in www.hometownlife.com.

By Guerrilla Traveler

Ps Check out this really great price for a 4 day/3 night stay in Honolulu, Hawaii for $124 per person. This includes airfare and it is offered through AAVacations. But hurry! You must book this great travel deal by December 31, 2005.

COPYRIGHT © 2005, C.H. Brown, All rights reserved.

Last Minute Holiday Travel Deals

We are just three days before Christmas and if you can find some last minute airfare deals, you are doing better than the Guerrilla Traveler. However, many great travel bargains will be returning in time for the New Year. Check out this article in The Hartford Courant.

Monday, December 19, 2005

Four Low Cost Travel Ideas (And I do mean dirt cheap)


Cheap travel is all a matter of problem solving. Liana Metal, has taken t he idea of cheap travel and made it fit into even the tightest budget. The only word I could think of to describe her ideas is “ingenious.”
But her approach to cheap travel is one that will pay off huge dividends if you are looking for a travel adventure and want to really plunge into the local experience in a way few tourists ever do. So if you want to come home with more stories to tell than any other traveler you know, without breaking your travel budget, give some of Liana’s ideas a try.


Four Ways to Free/Low Cost Travel - By Liana Metal



  1. Free lodging!

    Find a pen friend. Maybe you haven’t thought of this. It’s the best solution to your budget problems, but you can’t have it overnight! Greek people are hospitable and so are other countries’ people if you become friends with. It’s the simplest thing to do if you like writing letters or just exchanging cards and souvenirs. I’ve done it and a lot of other people have, why not you? Your friend will probably be happy to put you up for a couple of nights and show you around as well. The other alternative is to exchange your house/flat with somebody else’s abroad. There is a site online that will help you find a place . …….
    Try www.welcometraveller.org, they advertise ‘exchange homes free of charge’. Also try www.bigworld.com for offers and discounts.
  2. Low cost travelStay at campsites. The cheapest alternative to free lodging, at least in Greece. You save money and have fun . Find a campsite at www.greecetravel.com/campsites
  3. Invest on a bike.
    If you like cycling, then you can do it. In Greece you can cycle to most places and see areas that are worth visiting. You can easily rent a bike , and if you are in Corfu you can try www.mountainbikecorfu.com
  4. Rent a room in a village or at the port
    There are families who rent rooms in their own house ; cheaper than hotel rooms but you have to follow the rules. Where can you find them?

    Watch the port area if you come by ship. There are people who approach you and tell you about their own rooms around the area, at low prices. Sometimes you can even bargain to get a better price.

    Well, if all these don’t suit you and you may own a caravan , you don’t have to worry about lodgings. You can stay at campsites at low cost, at the side of the road or even in a field for free. You can also hire a caravan and share the expenses, if you travel with friends.

    Don’t know where to find one? In Greece you can try www.greecetravel.com/carrentals
    Greece is ideal for traveling at low cost. But you must be inventive and explore all the sources available. Visit www.google.gr
    This is a search engine that will help you find all the info you want. Just type the word Greece and click on Search.


GOOD LUCK!

Liana Metal has been writing fiction ,non fiction, ebooks and reviews for many years. Visit her at http://lianametal.tripod.com to read more about writing, books and markets.


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Thursday, December 08, 2005

Travel To Scotland ... Get Wet, Have Fun


The Guerrilla Traveler looooves white water rafting.

Yes you will get wet, yes your will end up with a few moderately-sore muscles, but there is nothing that provides more safe thrills and just sheer fun that spending a few hours on a whitewater river.

OK, now I realize not everyone is into adrenaline-thrill activities, but white water rafting only appears to be an extreme sport. Bring back a few pictures and your uninformed friends will be just as impressed with you as if you had climbed Everest (I may be assuming you have exceptionally gullible friends, but they will, nevertheless, be impressed).

Until I read the article below by Blair Thorne, I had not thought of Scotland as a white water rafting destination (Ok, I don’t know everything…yet). So check out his website, adrenalinePass.com after you read his article.

Charles Brown

Europe Vacations


Scotland - The New White Water Rafting Capital of Europe


By: Blair Thorne

Scotland has taken its place as the new Mecca for white water rafting and extreme sports enthusiasts. With over 120 activity centres around the country you can do it all here - from jumping off cliffs, sliding through canyons and rolling down hills in plastic balls, to more traditional activities such as white water rafting, quad biking and clay pigeon shooting.


The rugged landscape is perfect for hair-raising outdoor pursuits. As Mark Turner of specialist outdoor sports website adrenalinePASS.com says, "We are especially looking forward to the white water rafting season on the River Tummel. This is undoubtedly the best white water rafting available in the country over the summer.

The Tummel is dam-release, guaranteeing water levels every weekend from June to September. It is a narrow, technical and exciting river, offering almost continuous rapids to Grade IV, culminating in the descent of a double-drop waterfall!

“An alternative waterfall descent”, Mark continues, “is on one of our canyoning trips. This time there’s no boat involved, instead participants are lowered down on a rope in a controlled abseil.” Canyoning descents also involve scrambling, jumps into plunge pools, natural water flumes and slides.

A wide range of clients enjoy adventures with adrenalinePASS.com. Individuals and families on day visits or holidays, through to a range of groups, from stag and hen parties to corporate outings. Their philosophy of professional delivery, from experienced but also highly enthusiastic instructors, has produced a winning formula.

So, if you're looking to do something a little bit different this summer and fancy some excitement in your life, go to http://www.adrenalinepass.com/ and choose your ideal adventure.




About The Author
Blair Thorne is the creater of adrenalinePASS.com White Water Rafting UK Whitewater Rafting UK and owner of Emerge Studio - Web Design UK Web Design Scotland Web Design Glasgow a web and graphic design consultancy based in Glasgow.



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Swim With The Dophins On Your Next Vacation


The Guerrilla Traveler is all about the adding extra fun to your vacations without spending a lot of extra money. Swimming with dolphins is a perfect example of “adding extra fun,” as Chris Neilson shows in the article below.
Charles Brown



Swimming With Dolphins


Ever since I can remember, my love affair with dolphins has always been a restless force inside of me. As a child I was besotted with the intelligence and charm of “Flipper” in the TV series of the same name. And so, many years later, as an adult, having the opportunity to interact with these creatures one on one was indeed a dream come true.
Quite rightly, dolphins are vigorously protected by many laws which makes swimming with them in the wild an illegal activity. However, thanks to their conservation and education programs throughout the world, Sea World has been granted special approval by USA government to give visitors to it’s parks a once in a lifetime opportunity to play with dolphins “up close and personal”.

One of the very best of these facilities is Discovery Cove, Florida. Discovery Cove is a sister park to Sea World, and they are in fact located just across the road from one another. However, Discovery Cove is a theme park like no other.
With daily admittance numbers strictly monitored, you will have to book well in advance, because your day at Discovery Cove is an adventure from beginning to end.
Once inside the park, you will be awed by the sheer scale and beauty of your surroundings.
Following a brief orientation, and a complimentary photograph, you are supplied with wet suits, snorkels and masks. Once kitted out, the day is yours to do with as you please.
You can swim with sting rays and other tropical fish, glide safely alongside real sharks, feed the exotic birds housed in a stunning free flight aviary, or simply relax and enjoy the Florida sunshine on pristine sandy beaches.
A tasty lunch is also included in your admission fee, and there is a great selection to choose from, including vegetarian options.
But without doubt, the highlight of your day will be the dolphin swim itself. For me, after dreaming of this event for so many years, I was almost breathless with anticipation, and I am delighted to report that I was not disappointed in any way.
My time spent, swimming and playing with my designated dolphin, named “Star” was the most magical experience of my life. I was truly amazed at the connection we had, and once you have looked close into a dolphin’s eyes and witnessed for yourself the intelligence, unique personality and endless sense of fun, your life will never be the same again.
Almost moved to tears by the sheer wonder of the experience, I have been drawn back to relive the experience on subsequent trips to Florida, and each time has been even more magical.
Although Discovery Cove is not suited to everyone’s pocket, if you want a truly life changing experience, I cannot recommend this adventure enough.

Copyright 2005 Chris Neilson
About The Author
Chris Neilson is a professional writer and private Villa Owner who has an extensive knowledge of the Florida Travel Industry. He is also the senior copywriter for the well known Florida Vacation Rentals web site Orlando Villas – http://www.orlandovillas.com and the related Florida Guide - http://www.orlandovillas.com/florida_guide/.
© Copyright Chris Neilson 2005 All Rights Reserved


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Wednesday, December 07, 2005

Tips For Honeymoon Travelers

Planning can make a romantic getaway even more romantic.

10 Special Tips for Your Romantic Getaways



Taking a break by going for romantic getaways with your loved one is a precious moment. So all the things needed for the trips has to be prepared carefully especially when you travel abroad. Each country has its own requirement for visitors to visit the country. Here are the tips for preparing your romantic getaways that really could help you especially when it is your first time to travel abroad:
1. Research romantic getaways places
Research the romantic getaways places or honeymoon places that you want to go. You should discuss places to go for your romantic getaways with your partner to make sure that both of you will enjoy the trip. Discuss the budget that you both have in order to pick the best place to enjoy your honeymoon or romantic getaways within the budget.
2. Check the weather
When you travel to the tropical country, actually any time of the year is perfect because the tropical countries mostly have a stable weather all year long. The weather in the tropical countries is mostly warm and humid. When you want to travel to any four-season countries, you should check the weather on the country. Also, you need to check the weather of the time when you visit the country so that it will help you to decide either to bring thick clothes, t-shirts, short-pants or tank-tops.
3. Credit Card Frequent Flyer Program
Check whether your credit card has a frequent flyer program so you could get a discount or points for traveling. You could save a lot if you have a frequent flyer program credit card which eventually will grant you a free ticket after you reach a certain points. Especially if you are a frequent traveler or your job requires you to travel a lot then you definitely need to have that kind of credit card.
4. Book an airline ticket
There are a lot of airfare deals out there for you to choose. Usually the deals that most airlines offer are for a short time only, so whenever you are sure about your destination then you need to book it right a way. The other thing about the online travel deal is that you have to make sure that the date and the time of travel before you purchase the ticket because most of the good deals are usually non-refundable.
5. Rent a Car
One thing about renting a car, you might want to consider getting car insurance. That is usually also offered at the rental car place when you want to do one. The reason why you need this is because you don't know that something will come up when you travel and you might find the liability insurance is really helpful and save you a lot.
6. International Driving Permit
Applying an international driving permit is one thing that you need to be considered when you are planning to rent a car during your romantic getaways. . Especially when you are traveling abroad, international driving permit can really come in handy. You can get your international driver permit by applying from AAA.
7. Reserve a hotel
A good tip for couple who usually go on their honeymoon is that when you arrive at the hotel, you could tell the front desk that you are on your honeymoon. You don't know something good might surprise you two just because you let the people know that you are on your honeymoon. Some hotels might prepare a bottle of wine in your room of maybe a bouquet of flowers. Just don't forget to mention that you are on your honeymoon.
8. Apply for Passport and Visa
If you are going for international trips, then you should check the visa necessities and your passport whether it is still valid. It is best to apply for your passport at least eight weeks before you plan to leave. This will allow the time for processing and any possible complications.
9. Write up your honeymoon packing list
Write a list of things that you need to bring during your honeymoon. Most of the small general necessities like toothpaste, toothbrush, underwear and condom you could get it at the hotel. If you are traveling on your honeymoon, do not forget to bring lingerie, candles, bubble bath, sunscreen and motion sickness medicine.
10. Find out the easiest way to use money/credit
You might want to purchase Travelers Checks or get a "Travel Money" card from your local bank or currency exchange office. It is better to carry traveler's check instead of large amounts of cash.
Yochention and his wife love to travel and they love to share their knowledge of travelling to couples. Visit their site at http://www.Romantic-Escape.com to get ideas for your next romantic getaways.
Article Source: http://www.articledepot.co.uk

Cheap Airfare Tickets

Who doesn't want to find great bargains on airfare? Check this great article by Steve Gillman on some surprising ways to save a bundle on your next airline ticket.
Charles Brown



Cheap International Airfare


Always looking for the cheapest way to do things, I searched several websites that claimed to have cheap international airfare. The cheapest from Traverse City, Michigan to Quito, Ecuador, was $1720. Out of curiosity, I checked Miami to Quito, and it was only $404. Airfare from Traverse City to Miami was $299. Book two separate flights and I could save more than $1000! The discount sites aren't set up to check in this way, so you have to do this on your own.

Of course, if your first flight is late and you miss the second, you may not get a refund, so plan some time between flights. In any case, it's still cheaper (every time I checked) to just book a flight to Miami and catch a flight to Quito without a reservation, thus avoiding this problem. This strategy is for those in towns without international airports. If you live in Miami, you already have cheap international airfare.

Buy Cheap Aifare Online


We've found that travel agencies just can't compete with the discount ticket websites. You can search Google ("cheap airfare Europe", for example), or go straight to one of the well-known sites, like Expedia, Travelocity, Cheap Tickets, Hotwire or Priceline.
Doing a quick search for the cheapest airfare from Tucson, Arizona, to Buenos Aires, Argentina, using the five sites mentioned, here's what I just found: They ranged from $1221 down to $873 for the lowest fares, with fares as high as $3728. Hotwire happened to be the cheapest, but they were the worst of the five when I searched for a domestic flight earlier. You cannot say which service will find the cheapest international airfare from week to week. My number one money-saving tip is to always check several websites when shopping for inexpensive flights.

Courier Flights


Courier companies ship things using the luggage space of an aircraft passenger. It can be quicker, cheaper, and more reliable than sending the shipment unaccompanied, since checked luggage bypasses many of the typical customs delays. The company purchases tickets, and then they resells them to you. In exchange for your luggage space, they give you a discount on the airfare.
I saved $160 on my plane tickets this way when I went to Ecuador the first time. I had several suitcases full of car parts, but there was a representative of the courier company on either end, and I looked inside the luggage, so I knew what I was carrying. I carried a plane propeller on the return trip, which wasn't much trouble, and made a good story.
It's easiest to be an air courier if you travel alone. Ocassionally, a courier company will have opportunities for flights on or near the same date. If not, your travel partner can pay full fare on the same flight. You also are usually allowed carry-on luggage, since the point is for the shipping company to use your checked luggage allowance.
Once in a while, air couriers fly internationally for free, and almost always very cheap. It's a matter of how badly the company needs you and how flexible you are (can you fly to London on Friday?). Air courier opportunities are becoming rarer, due to the recent heavier regulation of international flights, but there still are opportunities. Find out more at The Air Courier Association Website (www.aircourier.org). The ACA can also help you get really cheap plane tickets by way of airline ticket wholesalers, discounters, last minute specials, and stand-by travel.

More Tips For Cheap International Airfare


When searching the discount websites, try several different departure and return dates if you can. The difference of a day or two can save you a lot. There's little logic to airfare pricing, so don't try too hard to figure it out. Just be aware that if you leave on Friday instead of Wednesday (or vice-versa), you may save $100.
Check the boxes that say "any time" for departure and "2 or more connecting flights". Even if you aren't sure that you want to leave at midnight, see what your options are. The savings might change your mind. When search criteria allow you choices, first take the ones that are the least restrictive for the airlines. If the savings aren't enough, you can always book first class, direct flights, or whatever you prefer.
Buying your plane tickets two weeks in advance is usually cheaper. There can be a dramatic difference (but not always) if your trip is over thirty days. You may want to cut it from 32 days to 30 to save hundreds of dollars on your fare. Play with the dates. You never know what you might discover.
When my wife and I went to Ecuador for six weeks, the cheapest discount plane tickets we could find were $3400. Instead, we took a bus to Miami ($352 round-trip for 2), then flew from there to Quito ($622 round-trip for 2). We saved $2400. I'm not recommending this, but for us, it was worth a couple days on a bus. (The whole six weeks cost $2400.)
Spend a few minutes or an hour to do some research, if you want really cheap international airfare.

About The Author
Steve Gillman hit the road at sixteen, and traveled the U.S. and Mexico alone at 17. Now 40, he travels with his wife Ana, whom he met in Ecuador. For more on cheap airfare, plus travel stories, tips and information, visit: http://www.everythingabouttravel.com/


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Tips to Bullet-Proof Your Next Cruise

Sometimes its the basic things we all overlook. Check this article by Susan Dunn on how to pack and prepare for your next cruise. I know what you're thinking, "I already know how to pack and how to make my travel plans."

Yes but how many of us have arrived at our travel desitnations, only to find we forgot something very important? (or am I the only one?).

Susan's article makes a very good checklist for cruise travelers, especially for when you are rushing around at the last minute to get every last detail in order.
Charles Brown



Those Cruise Articles Always Leave One Thing Out


Whenever I read articles about going on cruises, there’s one thing everyone leaves out! Since I’ve spoken on many cruises, I’ve had lots of opportunities to pack and prepare, and I don’t want you to forget this one thing.
Packing is important for your cruise and for your peace of mind.
First of all, unlike airlines, most cruises don’t limit luggage at all, so you can bring everything! (Nice, isn’t it?) In fact if you plan to do some shopping, bring along an empty suitcase.

Other people who are really going casual bring clothes they don’t want any more, and discard them along the way, which leaves them room in their bags for things they buy along the way. Of course you can avoid time with Customs by having your items mailed back home to you.
What should you pack? Enough medication for the trip, and toilet articles. It really pays to make a list so you don’t forget anything. Yes, these items are usually available on the ship and shore, but they will cost you a pretty penny. One time I assumed they’d have a hairdryer, and they didn’t, nor did they sell them on the ship.
So go ahead and pack in some ibuprofen, immodium, and Pepto Bismol and see your doctor and get the patch if you’re prone to seasickness. The big ships have great stabilizers and you probably won’t need them, but better safe than sorry. Dramamine also works, they tell me.
Speaking of hairdryers, check with your individual cruise line to see what appliances you can bring. It’s often listed in your welcome packet that comes with your ticket. Most no longer permit irons, but they do allow curling irons and hair dryers, and don’t assume a hairdryer will be provided. Most allow radios, CD players, etc., just asking that in communal areas you use your headset. (Isn’t that nice?)
Beverages? You’d like to save some money, but there are limitations. Usually one bottle of something celebratory (like champagne), but not just a bottle of liquor; and only a certain amount of soda pop, etc. to be determined by the cruise at the time of embarkation. Anything you buy on ship or shore will be “held” until the end of the cruise. Sorry.
You might want to pack your own bottled water for land excursions. They sell it, and it’s also available on land, but again, it’s expensive.
Now the big thing – clothes. Are you afraid of Formal Night? I think it’s such a shame some people won’t consider a cruise because they think they’re formal. Someone told me the other day she didn’t want to go on a cruise because she didn’t want to dress up. Let me put your mind at ease about this. If you love to dress, that’s what formal night is for, and you can go all out. Anything goes.
If you don’t, there are always options at any of the other food areas on the ship and there will be many. You are never far from food on a cruise, which brings up another reason some people won’t cruise. There’s no excuse for gaining weight on a cruise, because there is plenty of healthy food available, and plenty of opportunity for exercise. Many people use the upper decks for walking and running, and many ships have weight and exercise rooms.
But back to Formal Night. You can forego the dining room that night and choose the casual cafeteria, where it’s the atmosphere not the food that’s “casual” – the last one I visited had a standing rib roast like they have at fancy hotel buffets. Or there may be a 24-hour pizza bar. There’s also room service, for heaven’s sake. You don’t even have to get out of your nighty!
And it isn’t just the food. Let’s face it, some people’s idea of a good time is not being “confined” at a dinner table for any length of time.
Bring more than one bathing suit. Your vacation is all about comfort, and trying to pull on a wet, cold, clammy suit from the day before isn’t fun. They usually don’t dry overnight, I’ll tell you that much.
You might also consider buying bathing suits just for the cruise. When I went on two cruises back-to-back (when speaking), I found the chemicals in the hot tub leached the color from my favorite bathing suit and also destroyed the elastic. Okay, I was in the hot tub a lot, but that’s one thing I enjoy about cruising! It was a fair trade as far as I was concerned, I mean you want the chemicals in there, but just know that can happen.
There are apparel restrictions in the dining rooms at breakfast and lunch, so read your pamphlet. Generally you can’t go in just in a bathing suit and barefoot, so get some thongs and a nice coverup you can just throw on, so you don’t have to waste time going back to your room to change.
Now as to footwear. The decks are slippery when wet, and they are ALWAYS wet. Get something with traction. Also you may be walking a lot on shore excursions and you don’t want to get a blister, so bring shoes you’ve already broken in that you know are comfortable. Pack some of those blister bandages, too; it’s worth it. One cruise I wore a new pair of heels that rubbed my heels raw just going up to dinner and then walking around the deck afterwards. I was able to get by with bandages and sandals from then on. (I don’t understand people who think cruises are “sedentary” because you walk a good bit just getting from place-to-place on the ships. They’re huge!)
Now, what have we left out? Photographs! Portraits on a cruise are a big deal, and you want to have appropriate clothes for everyone. Some couples use the opportunity to get a Christmas photo for instance, and you could bring along Christmassy outfits. I know what an ordeal it is to get the family together for a photo, and here you will have the opportunity, so be sure to plan ahead and get the clothes right. There’s nothing worse than what I saw in one Christmas card photo last year – the man dressed in a really nice dark suit with a Christmas red tie, and the woman in a clashing burgundy sweat suit.
You might just want to have fun and get a real cruise-time souvenir, wearing your Hawaiian shirts and leis, or Mexican dresses, or Caribbean braids, but even then you’ll want to coordinate, and to keep aside those outfits until photography night, which, as I recall, is just about every night. The cruise wants to sell the photos, and you don’t want to miss the opportunity. (They may come around to your table at dinner time as well, so keep that in mind.)
The cruises have excellent photographers and they’ll do your bidding. They have a variety of attractive background and it’s a great opportunity you don’t want to miss, so plan ahead and pack right.
Bon voyage!


About The Author
©Susan Dunn, MA, The EQ Coach, http://www.susandunn.cc/, mailto:sdunn@susandunn.cc . Coaching, Internet courses and ebooks around emotional intelligence for your personal and professional success and wellness. EQ Alive! #1 rated coach certification program. It’s simple, effective, and no-residency, training coaches worldwide. For your health and protection against viruses, try Arbonne, http://susandunn.myarbonne.com/. Email for fr** ezine.



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Shop Like a Guerrilla on your Asia Trip

Part of the fun of traveling abroad is coming home with great gifts and purchases from your vacation shopping sprees.
This is a terrific article by John Rigginon how to get some tremendous shopping deals when you travel to Asia. Not only does he show you how to pick up some incredible bargains, he also shows how to avoid getting ripped off.
Charles Brown




Shopping Throughout Asia: Find Hidden Treasures Among the World's Finest Clothing and Jewelry


In between climbing pagodas and snapping pictures of golden goddesses, most travelers to Asia take time to visit the shopping districts. The quality and selection of designer clothing and extravagant items found in shops across Asia will not disappoint those with a penchant for luxury goods. From China to India, great buys are available for those who know what to look for.
Mainland China is a fantastic place to find extravagant jewelry at discount prices. Jewelry markets are filled with glittering gems and beautiful jade pieces abound.
Exquisite strands of high quality, lustrous pearls are easy to find in China. When purchasing jewelry in mainland China, feel free to bargain. It's the way business is done in China, and most owners of small shops expect it.
There have been cases of shopkeepers taking advantage of tourists, and the best defense is knowledge. If buying pearls, test them against your teeth for roughness. You might want to test both a real pearl and faux pearl in advance to make sure you can recognize the difference. For gems, consider purchasing a jeweler's loupe and learning to use it. Be especially careful when buying jade, since it can be difficult to tell true jade from false.
Silk is also a good buy in China. Stores that sell lengths of fabric and silk garments are abundant, and some shops will make a shirt or dress from the silk fabric of your choosing.
Because there is no sales tax in Hong Kong and imported goods are not taxed, designer clothing can be purchased there for excellent prices. Bargains can be found on cameras and electronics, but make sure you know the going prices for these items so you'll be able to spot a good deal. Hong Kong is also an excellent place to buy watches and jewelry.
Thailand is another great source for jewelry. Unfortunately, dishonest jewelry dealers are plentiful. Never follow any "helpful" individual who offers to lead you to a jewelry store with incredible bargains - it's probably a scam. To avoid being cheated it's best to deal with a respectable jewelry firm, preferably one that is a member of the Jewel Fest Club. The Tourism Authority of Thailand founded this reputable organization, and member stores are listed in a booklet and display the Jewel Fest Club logo.
In India you can find many items made from the amazing textiles created in the country. Clothing, tablecloths, towels and other household goods are good buys here.
Jewelry is also a good buy in India, but again, beware of fakes and frauds.


About The Author
John Riggin is Executive Editor for http://www.seeyouinasia.com/ the largest and most comprehensive US to Asia travel website. Where you'll discover the best deals on flights, tours, hotels, cruises and more.