Travel Tips Blog

Well, 2008 is almost here and it’s time to start planning your trips for the New Year!? There are so many amazing, interesting and intriguing places to visit; I thought I’d compile a listing for my top ten travel destinations (in no particular order) for 2008.? Here is part 1 (the first five destinations) – part 2 will be posted in a few days!? Happy travels!

1. Beijing China – Of course, with the Summer Olympics being held here, Beijing will be a super hot travel destination this year.? If you cannot make it for the Olympics, this ancient city boasts many sites like the Temple of Heaven, Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City.? Be sure to also visit the Beijing Zoo for your once in a lifetime chance to witness Bengal tigers and the cute cuddly panda bear.
2. Namibia, Africa – A terrific place to go with family, this economically and politically stable African nation is a must see for 2008.? Consider how much your family would love touring the Sossusvlei dunes of the Namibia desert – by hot air balloon!? Or, why not sand board down the dunes instead.? An African safari is another must when in Namibia where you can experience wildlife in an unbelievable setting.
3. Northern Ireland – If you like history and beauty – but prefer a country that speaks English, then consider a trip to Northern Island.? Truly breathtaking, you can experience Dunlace Castle, The Mornes Stone and the mysterious Beaghmore Stone Circles.? Of course, you’ll want to spend some of your time enjoying the locals as you visit one of the many charming and fun pubs!
4. Salta, Argentina – You may never have heard of Salta, but it is a place you should strongly consider visiting.? You’ll enjoy amazing wine, breathtaking Spanish colonial architecture and an abundance of charm.? Adventurous types will enjoy whitewater rafting in the Juamento River or paragliding from Mount Bernardo!
5. North Island, Seychelles - If 2008 is your year to splurge, consider visiting the North Island.? This secluded island has only 11 villas so you know you’ll be chilling without hoards of tourists.? You can enjoy scuba diving, snorkeling, sea kayaking and a spa while you take in the breathtaking surroundings.

Come back in a couple of days when I will post my last five 2008 travel destinations!

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I just came back from Virgin Vacations Ultimate Cook Islands Experience.? One of the islands we visited was Atiu, known as the island of the birds.? What a fabulous time we had on this island – so much that I thought I’d write a quick blog about my experience.

Atiu Island is about 187 kms northeast of Rarotonga in the Cook Islands.? Unbelievably, the island has a population of fewer than 600 people that are divided among the five villages.? The island boasts 28 untouched beaches that are rarely visited, expect by locals and visitors looking for a pristine and secluded spot.

Besides tourism, the island also produces wonderful coffee from two different producers.?

We went on three tours during our stay on this island paradise.? The first was a visit to Anatakitaki Cave.? This cave is the most well known of Atiu’s limestone caves.? The local Kopeka birds build nests in between the stalactites of the cavern.? When you are in the cave, you can hear the birds navigating through the dark caves.? Our tour guide told us the echoes of their clicking sounds guide them.?

We also went on the Atiu Island Coffee Tour.? This tour took us through all the steps in the production of Atiu Island Coffee.? Our lovely hosts showed us how to grow, pick, process and roast the coffee over an open fire.? This method of growing coffee has been in the family for generations.? Of course, we ended the tour having a wonderful cup of their coffee.? It was a real fun experience.

Our other tour was the Fiber Arts Studio that produces crafts and artwork inspired by traditional Cook Islands textiles.? We saw magnificent jewelry, wall hangings and other handcrafted works on display.? In fact, I even purchased a beautiful piece of jewelry as a memento of my trip.? If I ever go back, I’d like to take one of their five-day workshops where I could learn to make tivaevae – the famed island quilts.

I hope you get a chance to visit this unique island with wonderful history, pristine beaches and fun tours.? Check out Virgin’s Cook Island packages and book your own package today!

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Last year, my husband announced that he was sick of our typical winter vacations that involved selecting a beautiful all inclusive resort on some Caribbean island.? Instead of lounging around all day, this time he wanted to visit a country that was a little less touristy (but still warm) and would offer us more adventure.

He suggested Guatemala – and while I was hesitant at first, it ended up being one of our best trips!?

Guatemala is the most populated of the Central American republics.? Unbelievably, this country is home to approximately 21 different ethnic groups that speak around 23 languages.

Guatemala shares its borders to the southeast with El Salvador and Honduras, to the northeast with Belize and the Caribbean Sea, to the south with the Pacific Ocean and to the north and west with Mexico.

One of the main reasons my husband wanted to visit this country is because of its spectacular Mayan archaeological sites.? We weren’t disappointed!? The landscape in Guatemala is breathtaking.? I thoroughly enjoyed the mountainous and heavily forested areas.? You are able to see volcanoes rising above the southern highlands along the Pacific Ocean as well.? We learned that three of these volcanoes are still active!

We spent some of our time on the island Antigua, one of the oldest and most beautiful cities of the Americas.? The island is beautiful and filled my dream of a vacation with warm steady winds, gorgeous beaches and coral reef for snorkeling.

We visited the Sea View Farm Village where we got to see Antiguan folk pottery dating back to around the early 18th century.? They still make the traditional pottery from this locale where they collect clay from pits located nearby and they fire the wares in an open fire under layers of green grass in the yards of the potter’s houses.

We also visited Shirley Heights, military buildings that offer one of the most breathtaking views of the islands (looking out over English Harbour).? If you go, be sure to visit on Sunday afternoon, as your visit will then include a barbecue (complete with rum punch) and an amazing steel band to entertain you.

You might also want to time your visit to take in the Carnival festival featuring colorful costumes, beauty pageants, talent shows and amazing music.? Carnival typically takes place during late July/early August.? The highlight of the festival is the music.? Several different music forms are featured including Calypso (Calypso competitions have long been a highlight of Carnival), steel drum music, and soca (a musical form that joins the slower beat of American soul music to the upbeat tempos of calypso).

Guatemala is spectacular and worth visiting.? Of course, given its somewhat violent history, every traveler needs to be on guard and take simple precautions to stay safe!

We found Guatemala to be a beautiful place with friendly people, wonderful music and delicious food.? There is no shortage of things to see and do, and you can even plan to relax on the beaches too!? It’s a wonderful vacation destination and we are already planning our next visit!

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If you are like many, your New Year’s resolution will be to travel more.? Traveling and exploring the world is one of life’s great pleasures and if you follow these tips, it can run smoothly and allow you even more enjoyment!

1. Don’t pack so much!? If you know that you love to pick up souvenirs or bargain hunt when you travel, then make sure you leave at least one-half a suitcase empty to bring back all your finds!? Or, bring an extra bag with you and voila – you have plenty of storage space.
2. Copies…copies…copies!? The best place to stow all your important papers is in cyberspace.? Make sure you email yourself all your e-tickets, hotel confirmation numbers, passport numbers etc. to an email account that you can check anywhere.? That way, if your paper documents are lost, you will still have access to it as long as you can find a computer.
3. Arrive in plenty of time.? You must know that the days are gone where you could arrive for your flight with only minutes to spare.? To save yourself agony and stress, plan to be at the airport according to the airlines recommendations.
4. Love the Ziploc!? Remember to put any containers that could leak into resealable bags so that nothing is ruined if there is any leakage.? Also, remember to adhere to the liquids rules that the TSA is enforcing.
5. Check in yourself.? Avoid the long lineups at the check in counters and use the self service ticketing kiosks.? Some airlines even allow you to check in at home so that all you have to do when you get to the airport is check in your luggage.? They work great and are easy to follow!
6. If you are bringing any valuables home, never put them in the outside pockets of your luggage.? Instead, bury them as well as you can in the center of your suitcase and put your dirty socks and underwear in the outside pockets!? That will certainly deter any would be thieves!
7. Don’t forget your sunscreen and sunglasses.? No matter where you are going, protect your skin and eyes by bringing and wearing your sunscreen (minimum 15 SPF) and sunglasses!?

Happy travels and have a Happy New Year!

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As a travel agent, I am asked many questions frequently related to traveling during the holiday season.? I’ve picked my top questions, answered them below, and thought they might be helpful for other holiday travelers out there!

Q. With all the security restrictions, what do you suggest for transporting holiday gifts?

A. It really depends on how many gifts you will be transporting.? If you have a large quantity of gifts that are large or bulky, the best method is to send them ahead of time.? Consider using a bus service such as Greyhound.? Remember to take considerable care in packing your items so that they arrive safely and not crushed!? If you only have one or two gifts and they are small, you could pack them in your suitcase or carry on.? If you will be taking them with you, remember not to wrap them because security at the airport may unwrap them, which can be frustrating to you and to the passengers behind you.? Buy wrap when you arrive, or bring gift bags and tissue for quick and easy wrapping at your destination.

Q. When we visit relatives, we prefer to have our family stay at a nearby hotel instead of imposing and feeling cramped at a relatives house.? Do you have any advice?

A. It is important to be prepared when traveling with children.? Bring along plenty of snacks for both the airplane and for in the hotel room so that you don’t have to shell out big money for stuff from the vending machines.? Also, make sure you bring activities for them to do when they are bored.? One tip I often suggest is to pick hotels that typically attract business clientèle because they will be very quiet during the holiday season.? You should be able to get a really good rate for a high quality hotel property (and most of them do have pools and other amenities).

Q. I’m only going back home for a few days and would like to carry on my bag instead of checking it – to save time.? However, I’m concerned about the liquid rules – what can I bring with me?

A. This is a common question as many people are still confused about the liquid rules.? You can bring makeup, toothpaste, shampoo, and other gels etc. – as long as you follow the rules.?

Each product cannot be more than three ounces, and you have to be able to put everything into a one-quart Ziploc plastic bag.? When you reach the security checkpoint, you will have to remove the bag and put it into a tray to be scanned.? If you are still unsure, please visit www.tsa.gov for the full details on the rules.

Traveling during the holiday season can be stressful, however, if you plan ahead, like arriving at the airport early, making sure your connections are reasonable and not bringing too much luggage or carry on bags, you can arrive at your intended destination with a smile on your face and ready to celebrate the holiday season.? Happy Holidays and Happy Travels!

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I’ve rented many cars during my travels.? I find it to be a convenient and cost effective way to see the city or country I’m visiting.? It is nice to have a vehicle at your disposal and it allows you to explore on a whim!

Over the years, I’ve learned a few lessons about car rentals that I thought I’d share with the readers of this blog.? Hope they help you out the next time you are renting a car when on a business or pleasure trip!

• Choosing Your Vehicle – Think long and hard about what type of vehicle you need.? Don’t cheap out and get the small economy vehicle if you are traveling with your spouse, two kids and a lot of luggage.? You’ll just end up feeling cramped, uncomfortable and frustrated at trying to fit all the luggage in the trunk.? Also, if you are traveling abroad, it is important to know that many countries tend to rent out standard transmission vehicles.? So, if you cannot drive a stick shift – make sure you specifically request an automatic vehicle.
• Booking Your Vehicle – Rental rates varying drastically so it is important to do your research before embarking on your trip.? I’ve found that if I’m renting for less than a week, the best rates are with the big name rental agencies.? However, for longer rentals, check the local rental agencies because you can often get a much better rate.? No matter who you book with, always ask for their discount rates for AAA members, seniors etc.? Perform an online coupon code search as well.? I’ve saved hundreds of dollars by entering online coupon codes.
• Read The Fine Print – It is important to understand just what you are responsible for with your rental.? Be sure to understand the conditions like – what are the penalties if you don’t show, is there a fee for additional drivers, what is the minimum age requirement for drivers, are their drop off charges if you take the vehicle back to a different location?
• Understand Hidden Costs – There have been times when I’ve been flabbergasted by the additional charges tacked onto my bill.? Before reserving, have a good understanding as to what you will be paying in taxes, airport surcharges, insurance, gasoline fill up, and drop off charges.? Many online rental agreements will show you everything you will be paying so be sure to read very carefully so that there aren’t any surprises.
• Car Pick Up – If I know I’m going to be spending the first night in the hotel and I won’t need the car, sometimes I will take the hotel’s free shuttle van from the airport to the hotel.? The next day, I’ll pick up my rental vehicle.? That way, I’ve saved on one day’s rental fee and parking fee if my hotel charges parking.? When I pick up my car, I inspect it carefully for any damages.? Also, make sure you familiarize yourself with the vehicle before you start driving it.
• Car Drop Off – Always fill up your vehicle before returning it.? Car rental agencies will charge you much more for the gas than it actually cost, so you might as well keep that money in your wallet.? Make sure you return the car on time so you don’t occur any late charges.? Stay with the attendant when they do the drop off vehicle inspection so that you can discuss any concerns.? Also, remember to take one last look inside the vehicle to make sure you haven’t left any personal belongings.?

Renting a car does give you freedom and flexibility and by adhering to these tips, you can have a trouble free and cost effective way to get around town!

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I visited Singapore a few years ago, and while I found the city to be lovely and clean… fun wasn’t a word I would use to describe the vibe of the city.? A recent article in Conde Nast Traveler caught my eye since it said that Singapore has been trying to change its image into a fun, vibrant city.

After years of threats not to chew gum and the government mandating the length of your hair – the city is loosening up.

According to the article, the old British army barracks of Rochester Park has now become a high tech district called One North.? The Convent of the Holy Jesus (a colonial era all-girls school) is now a complex of chic restaurants where the trendy love to dine.? A few years ago, Cosmopolitan magazine and the iconic television show Sex and the City were banned, and today tabletop dancing and bungee jumping are legal in the city.? In a matter of blocks you’ll find Starbucks, karaoke bars, fusion restaurants, corporate empowerment services and of course, Buddhist temples, and Methodist churches.? Definitely signs that times are changing!

Those in power felt that the city needed to preserve its Asian values yet open up to the global culture.? I look forward to going back and seeing the changes for myself.?

The city of 4 million is so compact that it is easy to navigate and explore the city in just two or three days.? Unless of course, you want to spend copious amounts of time shopping in the high end malls.? A friend of mine booked Virgin Vacations Singapore At Its Best package, which gave her five days in the city and included a half day sightseeing tour.? She said it was the perfect amount of time to explore the city and see all the sights.? I just might have to book that package too!

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If you’ve ever traveled during the holiday season, you know how stressful and frustrating it can be.? The American Association of Travel Agents (ASTA) has compiled some helpful tips to help you arrive at your travel destination full of happiness and cheer.

• Book Well In Advance – Don’t think you are going to get a last minute deal when it comes to traveling during the peak holiday seasons.? Your best bet is to book your air tickets, hotels and rental cars well in advance as they all sell out quickly for holiday travel.
• Pack Wisely – Yes, you may have packages for grandma and fruitcakes for auntie, but recognize that many airlines will impose strict carry on baggage allowances during this time because of the high number of people traveling.? Consider shipping your gifts ahead of time and only bring necessary items on the plane.? If you do bring your presents, never wrap them as airport security will make you unwrap them to access all items.? Instead, bring collapsible gift bags and folded tissue making it quick and easy for you to wrap them when you arrive.
• Don’t Forget To Make Your House Look Lived In – There would be nothing worse than arriving back home after a lovely holiday trip to discover that your house was broken into.? Be sure to secure all doors and windows, use your burglar alarm if you have one and have a neighbor shovel your walk and collect your mail.? Another good idea is to have several lamps on timers to make it look like someone is home.
• Avoid Peak Travel Days – If you want to arrive on time, your best bet is to give yourself plenty of time to arrive at your destination.? Consider traveling on off peak days.? Peak days are those immediately before and immediately after the actual holidays.? A good rule of thumb is to at a minimum book your flights for two days before and after Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years.
• Arrange Transportation To The Airport – Instead of using the parking at the airport, which can be at max capacity during busy times, ask a friend to drive you or take a shuttle or taxi.?
• Beware – Flights Can Be Overbooked – The dreaded sentence you definitely don’t want to hear is ‘I’m sorry, the flight is overbooked, we don’t have a seat for you’.? To avoid hearing that sentence, get an advanced seat assignment and arrive at the airport well in advance of your flight departure time.? ASTA suggests arriving 2 hours in advance for domestic flights, and three hours in advance for international flights.
• Keep A Positive Attitude – Remember, delays happen and it’s not the fault of the person working the check in counter.? Be prepared mentally for setbacks.? If you’ve left yourself plenty of time, then these setbacks won’t cause you stress because you know you’ll still arrive to your destination in time to enjoy all the festivities.? Bring snacks, water, music, an inflatable pillow, a good book, and a deck of cards to ward off boredom during long flight delays!

Just remember these tips from the travel experts at ASTA and you and your family can travel safely and arrive at your holiday travel destination with a smile on your face!

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A friend of mine is planning a trip to Europe and she was stressing out over something I had never really thought about – tipping.? She had heard that tipping rules in Europe were different from North America and she wondered if I had any advice.

I’ve been to many European countries and she is right – the rules vary slightly.? I thought I’d compile this short list as a reference for anyone else going ‘across the pond’ in the next few months.

Restaurant Tipping

• In Austria, the tip is included in the final bill, but you can give a little extra if the service was friendly or went above your expectations.
• In Czech Republic, the major cities expect higher tips, but 10-15% is still fine.? Be wary, although it is improving, at some restaurants the wait staff will charge a fake service fee in order to collect more from customers.? If you don’t see the service fee listed on the menu, challenge the fee if you spot it on your bill.
• In France, service is also included in the bill (called service compris).? If you weren’t satisfied with the service, do not leave anything extra.? If you were happy, leave around 10%, if you were ecstatic, leave 15%.
• In Holland, tipping is not customary as it is in the United States.? In this country, tipping it typically only expected if you received extra special service or received something extra.
• Italy treats their wait staff differently than in the United States in that the salaries are relatively high and the tip is something extra given for exceptional service.? It is entirely up to the guest as to whether they tip or not and leaving it on the table is standard.? If paying by credit card, Italians prefer the tip in cash, not added to the credit card bill.
• Switzerland also pays restaurant staff well and tipping is optional.? Consider giving a small tip for better service to show you appreciate the extra effort, but no tip is required for standard service.

Haircuts

• Many people in the United States tip their hairstylist in addition to paying the fee.? In Italy and Holland, tipping is not expected at the salon.? In Austria, it’s up to the patron, but typically, tips will be left for the stylist and shampooer.? In Ireland, €2 or €3 is left for the person who washes your hair, but as one local warned me – give it directly to the person who served you or the cashier might not give them the money!? In Norway, some people will add a small tip and some don’t tip at all.? You won’t be looked down on if you don’t tip.

Taxis

• In Austria, round up or give even more for a longer drive or if there are many passengers.
• In England, 10% is plenty for a taxi ride.
• The rule of thumb in France is to round up to the nearest Euro and give more if the driver has been particularly helpful to you.
• Tipping taxi drivers in Italy isn’t expected, however, feel free to give a couple of Euros if they have helped you out.

I hope these European tipping suggestions have been helpful and I wish you a wonderful European vacation!

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I was lucky enough to experience Virgin’s African Adventure, a safari adventure featuring three diverse regions of South Africa.? I enjoyed the beaches of Cape Town, the safari camps of Kruger National Park and the amazing Victoria Falls.

In my mind, this eight-day trip is the ideal way to experience this region.? You get to see all the major sights and everything is taken care of.? Here are my seven reasons why you should book the African Adventure package!

• A holiday in Zambia will make you feel like you’ve seen and experienced the heart of Africa.
• You witness the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls, at 1708 meters wide; it is the largest curtain of water in the world.? It truly is a natural wonder of the world and it will leave you breathless.
• The beaches of Cape Town are some of the most beautiful in the world.? You’ll enjoy the long sunshine hours, unrivalled sunsets and gorgeous unspoiled beaches that stretch on forever.
• Kruger National Park offers the real African wildlife experience with it’s nearly 2 million hectares of unmatched range of life forms.? In addition, this park is a world leader in environmental management techniques and policies.
• Zambia is Africa’s best kept secret offering rustic charm and wonderful natural resources.
• Considered one of the safest countries to visit in Africa, Zambia features a stable, democratic political structure.? In addition, Zambia offers adequate transportation systems, high levels of communication, and safe health facilities.
• In addition to unspoiled natural areas, Zambia is renowned for the quality of guides that help you experience this wonderful region.? Most guides in the region were born locally and can give you an intimate and knowledgeable experience.

Virgin Vacations really has designed an unforgettable itinerary giving you an experience that will stay with you for a lifetime.? I believe everyone should experience Africa at least once in their lives and Virgin Vacations gives you the ultimate package to experience all the charms and sights of Zambia.

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