Wednesday, January 11, 2006
Vacation Tips for Paris Travelers
Paris vacation packages are more popular than ever before thanks to the popularity of The Da Vinci Code. The Louvre, one of Paris’ most famous attractions has seen a tremendous increase in visitation over the past 18 months and many are attributing it to the popular book that is soon to be a movie.
If you are one of the millions of people that will visit the Mona Lisa in 2006, make sure you block sufficient time to view the countless pieces of priceless art that grace the halls and galleries of this amazing museum.
The staff of the Louvre often comment at how many people fly past Botticelli’s and other Michelangelo works to visit the Mona Lisa - so be prepared to spend several hours at this incredible museum rather than miss amazing pieces of artwork on your quest to visit the Mona Lisa.
Friday, January 06, 2006
Travel Tips – Vacation Photographs and Postcards
Taking photographs is part of nearly every vacation you take. In recent years many vacationers fear that their film may be exposed when their bags go through the scanners at airports.
Though the digital camera age is putting an end to that concern, for those who still use film there are some things you can do in order to eliminate that concern.
Some travelers have their film developed while still on vacation – the problem with this is finding a place that can do it fast enough that will not break your budget. Other travelers take the risk but add an insurance policy – postcards. Postcards are very inexpensive and generally will have photographs of much higher quality than most of us can take.
The next time you are on vacation consider buying some great postcards that you can either scan in and print, or you can crop them and place them in your photo album – it’s a great insurance policy and will assure you terrific pictures.
Thursday, January 05, 2006
Travel Tips – Buying Souvenirs at the Airport
Souvenir shopping is never as fun as it should be. Though sometimes you may enjoy haggling the price of souvenirs, the reality is that buying souvenirs is often a hassle.
Many travelers find buying souvenirs at the airport to be the best time and place to get them – right before they head back home.
This practice eliminates having to lug them around on your vacation and you may be quite surprised how good the shopping can be at many airports. It’s usually a good idea to look around and see what the airport has to offer when you arrive, then buy everything right before you depart.
What airports do you think have the best shopping?
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
Travel & Vacation Luggage Packing Tips & Tricks
Packing for your next vacation does not have to be a daunting task - though most travelers indicate that packing is the most dreaded aspect of any trip.
Over the years different travelers have told us some of the tips and tricks they have learned while packing and we gladly pass them along to you.
The one piece of advice we hear most often is - Do NOT over pack. Everyone is prone to over packing. Taking a few minutes out to plan your wardrobe and accessories can help you pack just what is needed.
For example, chart out how many different outfits you need for a trip. If you need 4 outfits for daytime wear and 4 or 5 nighttime outfits, you write that down. After you have that information you want to pick your most versatile pieces of clothing. A nice pair of jeans can be worn at least two-times if not three-times during your trip. A shirt can be worn one day for your excursion and then can be used under a sweater or a jacket another day. A versatile dress can be worn at least twice.
Remember to pack a sweater or light jacket to wear in case it gets cooler than expected. Bring your most versatile footwear, you do not really need a different pair of shoes for every outfit despite what you may think.
Bring enough undergarments, but don’t bring more than you’ll ever need - remember, in case of emergency you can buy more wherever you are.
In order to maximize the space in your luggage, consider having a professional laundry service prepare your clothes for packing - generally they can fold clothes much more neatly than most of us can and they will fit perfectly in your luggage.
Roll clothes rather than fold them if you are doing it on your own. Rolled clothing generally comes out less wrinkled than folded clothing.
Consider the material of the clothing you are thinking about brining and try to pick those things that make the most sense - no one wants to spend time steaming or ironing clothes!
Bring your bare basic toiletries and remember you can buy stuff on the road if you run out or need things. It’s more important that you anticipate and bring enough medications and other items that are not easily replaced.
Make photocopies of all your important documentation and keep them hidden in your luggage in case you lose anything important.
Put an emergency contact sheet in your luggage and a wallet sized version in your purse, fanny-pack, wallet, etc. You want to have that information at your fingertips, or someone else’s fingertips at all times.
Keep a list in your wallet of any and all medications you or anyone you are traveling with are allergic to.
Call the hotels you are staying at and find out if you need any special converters for electrical items and ask the hotels what items they provide (many hotels have irons, hairdryers, etc).
The key to packing successfully is having a game plan and executing it. Taking some time out to decide what is truly essential will help you from over packing.
If you have questions that you would like us to help you answer about packing - please post them in the Comments section and we will try and help!
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
International and Overseas Travel Safety Tips
Traveling out of the country? Thousands of people travel out of the United States for the first time each and every year. For some people, traveling abroad can be exciting, while for others, foreign travel is intimidating.
With the right precautions, traveling overseas will prove to be a wonderful experience that goes safely and smoothly.
So what do you need to keep in mind when traveling to another country? First and foremost find out whether or not you will need a passport. Most foreign travel will require a passport. If you need to get a passport, make sure you apply for your passport sufficiently in advance so you aren’t panicked that it will not come in time. Passports can be applied for at many post offices. The US Government has a great website that walks you through the process or you can check out our website’s Passport & Visa info section.
Keep in mind the dates of your travel and request an expedited passport if needed. If you already have a passport make sure you check the expiration date of the passport to make sure it hasn’t expired, allowing at least 3 months validity. Some countries require more, so make sure to double check with the respective country’s consulate.
You should also ask your travel agent what, if any, Visa’s you will need to travel to specific countries. Take care of these things as quickly as possible so you don’t have to worry about it. Virgin Vacations can tell you what you need to do once you select a vacation package.
Before you travel you can also speak to your doctor and make sure you have with you any and all medications you typically take. It is a good idea to take with you a little card in your wallet that explains any of your medical conditions, allergies, and so forth in case of emergency.
Also, carry with you phone numbers in case of emergency, identification, a photocopy of your passport, and the phone numbers and addresses for the US Embassy in each country you are visiting. It is also a good idea to get the locations for places that can accept international funds wires, travelers checks, and so forth.
Gathering this information should be quite easy using the Internet. Remember, being prepared in advance can put your mind at ease so you can truly enjoy your dream vacation to countries like Italy, France, England, Ireland, Australia, Thailand, India and more!
Preparing a checklist is a great way to ensure that you do not forget to take care of all the essential things you want to do before you leave. Reviewing this blog and creating your own list is a great way to start preparing for your trip.
Tomorrow we will review packing properly, voltage converters and just what should and shouldn’t be packed before your dream vacation. In the meantime, please feel free to contact a Virgin Vacations specialist today.
Exotic, Exciting, Exceptional Experience - Thailand Vacation Tips
Thailand is one of the most exciting and interesting vacation destinations in the world. With incredible culture, sites, food, history and charm a Thailand vacation package is a great way to see the world and satisfy our natural curiosity.
With amazing Thailand vacation packages that include Bangkok, Hua Hin and Phuket among others, Virgin Vacations has put together a series of vacation packages that are as exciting, exceptional and exotic as any vacation you can dream of.
When you decide you want to experience something new and original, Virgin Vacations’ vacation packages to Thailand and all of Asia are just what you are looking for.
Friday, December 30, 2005
Carnival - Rio De Janeiro Vacation
Carnival in Rio de Janeiro is considered to be one of the most exciting parties of the year and Virgin Vacations has your invitation to the legendary festivities.
Few places in the world can offer such a festive, exciting time day after day as Rio can during Carnival.
Virgin Vacations is proud to present you an invitation thanks to partnerships with leading airlines, as well as relationships with the leading vendors in Rio - your invitation is within reach.
Costa Rica Vacations - A Postcard Come to Life
A recent vacationer in Costa Rica described his experience in this magical country as a postcard come to life. Exploring this beautiful land and touring the rainforest is an experience he looks forward to enjoying again.
Costa Rica was once considered a vacation destination reserved for only the wealthiest travelers travels. Virgin Vacations worked hard to create affordable vacation packages in Costa Rica that make this picture-perfect vacation a possibility for many adventurers.
A Costa Rica vacation package may be just what you deserve this coming year.
Wednesday, December 28, 2005
A Roman Holiday – Rome Vacation and Getaway
Become a modern-day version of Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck as you enjoy your very own Roman Holiday. A 3-Night Rome Getaway, a 6-Night Rome Getaway or a 10-night Rome Getaway – whatever your dream of a Roman Holiday consists of, it is all within your reach thanks to some great Rome vacation packages we have been able to put together.
Enjoying a breathtaking city like Rome is no longer something to dream about, it is now something for you to experience and remember for years to come.
Change your dreams to memories with great Rome vacation packages that let you experience this city of dreams – after all, who deserves it more than you?
Coffee in Paris - Paris Vacation Getaway
You’ve been drinking coffee for years, but now it is time to enjoy a cup of coffee the way it should be enjoyed – at a café in Paris.
For some, a coffee indulgence may be a cup of latte from one of the countless coffee shops that line every major city and small town across the country. For others, however, who know they deserve to enjoy life a little – a coffee indulgence may be a 3 day Paris getaway that includes sipping coffee and watching people walk by one of the delicious cafes that dot Paris.
There is nothing more Parisian than enjoying a delicious cup of coffee and breakfast pastry as you soak in the atmosphere of one of the most beautiful and romantic destinations in the entire world – Paris.
Great Vacation Getaway to London, Paris or Rome
For years we have been programmed to put what we want on hold in order to save for a rainy day. Unfortunately for many, the time to enjoy our lives slips by before we really get to live the life we have dreamed of for years.
Imagine finally being able to see the places you have always dreamed about.
Imagine being able to finally say you deserve to do something special for yourself.
Imagine being able to take a great vacation without busting the piggybank.
Whether your dream vacation is a 3-Night getaway to a popular destination like London, Paris or Rome, or an exotic 10-Night vacation to Asia or Australia – Virgin Vacations can make your dreams come true.
You work hard – Virgin Vacations: Because you deserve it.
Thursday, December 22, 2005
London Vacations in the Winter - London Vacation Package
London Vacations For All Seasons: WINTER
London vacation packages in the winter are becoming more popular as travelers start looking for a great winter vacation on a budget and there are great London vacation packages for budgets of all sizes. Choosing an all-inclusive London vacation package in the winter could be a great way to see an amazing city on even the tightest of vacation budgets.
Though some travelers think going to London in the winter is less expensive because it is not as nice in London during the summer, the truth is simply that the London vacation packages are less expensive in the winter months because of fewer travelers throughout Europe.
London is an amazing city in the winter, especially when the city is decorated for the holiday season. Spending time walking through bustling streets, quaint shops, enjoying a pint at a local pub, catching a show and enjoying all the sights, sounds and tastes of this amazing city is a great way to enjoy a pre-holiday or post-holiday vacation.
Families especially love London vacation packages around the holidays. London comes alive with great entertainment for children and families including amazing holiday theater packages.
Many of the shops and hotels throughout London are decorated beautifully through the holiday season helping add to the overall allure of London vacation packages in the winter months.
With many vacationers and would-be vacationers looking to do more traveling in 2006 and beyond, affordable vacation packages to London and other great destinations throughout Europe and the rest of the world can help people on almost any budget enjoy great time with family and friends, or even to explore the world on their own.
London vacation packages any time of the year are affordable options for truly amazing vacations and London vacation packages in the winter months are among the most affordable and the most exciting.
Every year Virgin Vacations makes a concerted effort to introduce great London vacation packages ranging from 3-nights to 14-nights in order to make London a destination within everyone’s reach.
In 2005 we were and are delighted to introduce our 3-night Super Fling packages that started at $399 per person and we are confident in 2006 and beyond we will introduce other great London vacation packages that will help you enjoy this amazing city at a wonderful time of year.
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
Online Travel Journal and Blog – Virgin Vacations
Virgin Vacations - Anything less is just a trip!
Too many travelers and would-be travelers stop short of enjoying a truly great vacation because they either do not know where to go, what to do or how to afford a really great vacation.
Virgin Vacations has always been dedicated to providing the most unique and affordable vacation packages to exciting destinations around the world and starting this holiday season our gift to everyone is rededicating ourselves to helping people enjoy their lives just a little more.
Vacation packages, vacation tips and tricks, travel musts, the latest news and reviews and just general information about the industry will be posted all in order to help you and your family and friends enjoy life a little more as you see the world.
You never know what you will find on this blog. From useful information, to hilarious stories, to tidbits of trivia to exciting announcements - this blog can be your portal towards getting the most from your next vacation.
Reviewing these postings may prove to be just what you need to choose between some great vacation packages to exciting destinations like Rome, Paris, London, India, the Caribbean and the Orient.
As our vacationers provide feedback about their vacations we will pass along that information in order to help all of our travelers get the most out of their next vacation. Restaurant tips, hotel selections, must-see sites, most avoid sites and more will be at your fingertips.
As many more travelers tell us that they want to travel more and enjoy their lives more than they have in the past creating new and exciting vacation packages to accommodate your needs has become our goal.
We are never satisfied with just having the best vacation packages in the industry - it is our goal to create the vacation packages of your dreams.
In this blog you will get information about some of our most popular vacation packages such as those to London, Paris, Rome and Venice as well as some more exotic vacation packages to destinations like Asia, Australia and the Caribbean.
We welcome you to Virgin Vacations’ blog and we hope it becomes the portal for you to begin enjoying life a little more as you see and explore all of the exciting places you have read about.
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The ultimate blog about the wonderful world of vacation travel brought to you by Virgin Vacations. Learn what you need to know to get the most out of your next vacation. Virgin Vacations is the way life should be.
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