Archive for July, 2008

Travel tips and things to keep in mind about Los Angeles?

By On July 28, 2008 2 Comments
travel tips
Sherry asked:


In 6 weeks I will be travelling to Los Angeles. This is my first visit to the USA. I live in Canada. Can anyone offer any travel tips, or just little things that I may not think of before we go. Things like, is there taxes on items purchased, inexpensive sight seeing, tips for public transit, those types of things. Perhaps area’s to avoid, and must see places.

Thanks, I appreciate the help!

Daron


Insider Travel Tips on Tokyo

By On July 14, 2008 8 Comments
TurnHereFilms asked:


There is so much to see and do in Tokyo. Don’t get overwhelmed by the size and busy city life, allow an InterContinental Concierge member lead you on a special tour. Go to http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/ic/1/en/hotel/tyohc

Basil


Travel Tips Before you Travel To a Foreign Country

By On July 9, 2008 No Comments
travel tips
There are many things that you can do to pre-prepare yourself and your family for travel. By being as prepared as you can be, you are setting yourself up for a great getaway that will minimize any unpleasant circumstances that sometimes arise with travel.

In order to have the best vacation possible, I’m going to share with you the must know tricks and travel tips before you travel.

The very first thing you must do is RESEARCH. You want to learn as much as you possibly can about your destination prior to arrival. Yes, this is going to require some time and effort on your part but it is going to be more than worth it. This is the only way to truly understand what it is you want from your vacation and what you want to do on your vacation.

Here are some things that you should always know about your destination.

Weather – You need to know what you should be packing and planning for.

Paperwork and Documentation – Know what is needed to travel to your particular destination.

Know if there are any diseases common to the area you will be traveling to – this way you are able to take preventative measures.

Costs of local items – You want to be able to properly plan your budget; remember to include taxes and tipping.

Holidays and festivals – check to see when these occur for your destination as you may find limited services on those days.

The best holidays are the ones we are most prepared for. Do yourself a favour; make it a habit to always know as much as you can about your destination before you travel. It’ll make all the difference in the world!

What are some other things that you can do to prepare yourself? Use these travel tips before you travel.



Make 2 photocopies of your passport. Take one and put it in a safe place or leave it with a friend. Take the other one with you and keep it in a separate place from your passport, this way should your passport become lost or stolen, you can use the copy to exit the country and it will also facilitate the replacement process.



Email yourself important information such as: airline numbers and flight information, credit card numbers, passport and driver’s licence numbers and anything else that may be of importance to you. This way if anything is lost or stolen, you are just and internet connection away.



Know your banking information. For your credit card, make sure that the valid dates will remain valid while you’re traveling, know your available spending amount and don’t forget to leave some room on it for emergencies. Check your ATM and debit cards’ daily and total limits.



Learn some local phrases. If you are traveling to a country with a foreign language, it’s always nice to know some of the local phrases. Knowing the “polite words” and just a few local phrases will be a huge help. You will find that natives really appreciate this and will tend to be more receptive to your questions. Maybe you’ll even make a new friend while you’re at it!



Be aware of the voltage that’s used for the country you’re traveling to. If you are taking anything that requires an outlet; cell phone, computer, video camera, etc. make sure to purchase plug adapters. For things such as hairdryers, curling irons, electric razors, etc to purchase an actual voltage converter unless your appliance has multiple voltage currencies.



When traveling to a foreign country it’s always best to be as prepared as you can be. Do as much research as you possibly can, remember these travel tips before you travel and your trip abroad is sure to be a success.

Here’s your final checklist: Passport, tickets, car rental and hotel reservation receipts/agreements, credit cards, medications or prescriptions, if required, addresses, password and any other important information that you may need. Don’t forget the most important thing: your adventurous travel mind, see and learn as much as you can and have the time of your life!



By: Sarah W

About the Author:

Tropical Beach Destinations (www.tropicalbeachdestinations.com)
specializes in giving you an exhilarating tropical vacation for travel destinations around the world. We are experienced travelers who have lived across the globe and our dream is to provide you with everything you need in order to have the ultimate dream vacation. Learn how to travel with Sarah and Jason, your tropical adventure couple!



Alven


10 Cheap Travel Tips

By On July 8, 2008 No Comments
travel tips
Traveling does not need to put you in the poor house, just follow these 10 cheap travel tips to save money and still enjoy your vacation.

Carry Snacks With You

Buying snacks in bulk before you go and dividing them up into zip lock bags saves the cost and hassle of purchasing snack foods while traveling.

Bring Along A Water Bottle

Cheap travel tips do not need to be time consuming and inconvenient. This one is easy and simple. Just pack a nice water bottle and refill it whenever you get the chance, so you don’t have to purchase bottled water.

Look For Packages

Finding packages for services and attractions can be one of the most invaluable of all cheap travel tips. Package deals can be found on most things, from shuttle rides if you purchase round trip in advance, to hotel room rates that include free breakfast.

Walk Places

This tip can save you a lot of money and has the added benefit of allowing you to get your exercise in. It is also a great way to explore a new area.

Use Grocery Stores

Every meal does not need to be eaten at a restaurant. It can be great fun to find a grocery store and buy something from the deli and take it to a nearby park.

Bring Along Entertainment

Many people spend their time on vacation jumping from one attraction to another with no time in between. Why not bring along a book or camera and spend a day or two relaxing?

Save Extra Food

If you receive extra food on an airplane or with a meal, bring it with you so that you have a snack available and do not have to purchase one.

Go Camping

Road trips can really add up when you are staying in a hotel every night. Why not bring along a tent and spend some of the nights camping. You can alternate nights between a hotel and tent in order to avoid feeling grungy.

Plan Your Trips During Off-Times

Cheap travel tips can include staying at quality, premium places. This can be achieved through finding the times that are considered off-season and planning your trip during that time. Most hotels and attractions have times of the year when they fill up and can demand higher prices, but also times of the year when they do not get a lot of visitors and are willing to offer great deals to allure guests.

Don’t Be Afraid To Request Forgotten Items

If you forget a toothbrush or razor do not hesitate to call the front desk if you are staying at a hotel and asking for one. Most hotels have extras like this available and it saves you the money of purchasing one.

Follow these ten cheap travel tips to make your vacation cost effective and stress-free.



By: Sarah J Holt

About the Author:

Sarah Holt writes for Everything About Travel.com. For more about Cheap Travel, as well as the free “Travel Secrets” e-book, travel stories and tips, visit http://www.everythingabouttravel.com



Dermot


Any travel tips on going to Ireland from mid-February to Mid-April?

By On July 4, 2008 3 Comments
travel tips
Annie asked:


I’m going backpacking to Ireland and Northern Ireland for two months from mid-Feb to mid-April. It’s not my first backpacking trip, so I’m fairly knowledgeable on how to travel, but I’ve never been to Ireland before and am looking for tips. Anything specific on where a good place to meet locals is, where good pubs, cities, towns and villages to visit are, what kind of weather to expect, etc.
I am going by myself, so I’m very interested in meeting locals and fellow travellers.
Thanks!

Derek