Friday, January 25, 2008
Strange But True: Five Weird Museums of Europe
I got the idea for writing this blog after I saw a listing of some museums in Europe thought a lot of them sounded really strange. So – I figured some of you blog readers might actually like hearing about some of the weird museums of Europe just waiting for you to visit!
- Gletschergarten Luzern – A truly bizarre museum located in Switzerland, the main feature of the museum is a glacial pothole and the fossils extracted from it. Discovered in 1872, Joseph Wilhelm Amrein-Troller stumbled upon it when he was installing a wine cellar in the garden. Inspired, he started up a museum to share his discovery and it still stands today. So, you can view the pothole and also tour his Swiss mansion. Another strange feature of the museum is the mirror maze added in 1899!
- Musee des Egouts de Paris – Ever thought you’d visit a Paris sewer museum? Well you can! This museum is actually located in unused parts of Paris’ sewage system. Be prepared for a strong odor and enjoy maps, photographs and you can even walk a few meters above waste being flushed away! Yuck!
- Deutches Tapeten Museum – This museum, located in Kassel, Germany actually celebrates wallpaper! If you have an interest in wallpaper, then this is the place for you. With over 18,000 pieces of wallpaper, you can discover every type of wallpaper imaginable along with display on the first machines used for printing wallpaper.
- South Tirol Museum of Archaeology – If you are in northern Italy be sure to get a close up at a 5,000-year-old iceman at this museum in the town of Bolzano. Unbelievably, this museum houses the iceman found frozen with his gear in a glacier. It actually is a very informative museum where you can learn about ancient life and of course, you get to witness the iceman inside the specially built freezer.
- The Bunker Furigen Museum of War History – The neutral nation has over 20,000 shelters dug into the sides of the Alps. If you want to learn more about the history of this country, visit this museum, the only shelter open to the public. You’ll have an opportunity to tour the dorms, hospital, kitchen and machine gun nests.
The list of strange museums in Europe is long and intriguing! With so many fabulous museums to choose from, I just might need to do another post with five more!
Monday, January 21, 2008
We Look Forward To Our Chilean Adventure!
We are heading on our first vacation to Chile and are really excited. I’ve started to research things for us to do while we’re there and thought I’d share my list – just in case there are others planning their own Chilean vacation!
Chile looks like an amazing place to visit given the gorgeous nature and beautiful countryside. Amazingly, the country features vast lakes, pristine forests along with snowcapped volcanoes.
From my research, it appears that we won’t have a moment of boredom as I already have a list that will take us more days to complete than we are spending there! Here are my top things (beyond enjoying Chilean wine) that I hope we get to do…
- Trekking – Trekking is incredibly popular due to the striking contrast of the country. I read that with a length exceeding 4,300kms from north to south, we can expect to see mountains, deserts, Mediterranean landscapes, glaciers and vast open plains. Trekking is an ideal way to take in this land and will give us a terrific picture of the untamed beauty of the country.
- Glacier Cruise – I’ve never been on a glacier cruise, and with global warming, this may be the only opportunity we get. We plan to visit the wild west fjord coast to experience the ice fields extending as long as the eye can see.
- Wildlife Sanctuaries – My husband and I are nature lovers and cannot wait to witness what has been called some of the most beautiful fauna and flora worldwide. There are many wildlife sanctuaries and protected areas, so I think we’ll make our final choice once we arrive in the country and can get some advice from the locals.
- Visit Monuments – Chile has many monuments – and since we love learning about local history, we’ll do a bit of monument hunting amongst our other tourist activities. There is a huge list of popular monuments such as Salar de Surire, Isla Cachagua, El Morado, Cueva del Milodin and Laguna Los Cisnes.
We’re counting the days till our Chilean adventure and I’ll be sure to share some of our experiences on this blog!
Friday, January 18, 2008
Five Ideas For Travel Souvenirs
In the interest of getting organized for 2008, I started purging my closets and the rest of my house to try to get some order. Nothing is worse than a house full of clutter and disarray! I noticed as I was going through my things that I’ve picked up some really bad travel souvenirs over the years. So, I thought I’d share my ideas for the best travel souvenirs for any future trips. Here goes!
Postcards – I know it sounds old fashioned, but why not send some postcards to family and friends while you are away. If you have kids, write a postcard to their class so the other children can see images from the place their friend visited along with the interesting stamps you selected. It takes no time at all and people sure appreciate receiving them!
CDs of Local Music – Some of my favorite CDs are ones I’ve picked up during my travels. One is a holiday music CD recorded at the famed Westminster Abbey – it brings back memories of that trip every holiday season that I get it out. No matter where you go, there are bound to be good local musicians who would be thrilled to have you purchase a copy to take home.
Posters – I have many of posters from my travels up around various parts of my house. The important thing is to find a sturdy cardboard or plastic tube so that you can transport them home in one piece. A friend of mine collects movie posters in the local language – those are always fun too!
Key Chains – Yeah – I know everyone has a keychain…but why not have key chains from your cool travels! There are so easy to find and are super inexpensive. They’ll be great daily reminders of some of your favorite trips!
Kitchen Wares – I love picking up dishtowels, beer can coolers, funky can openers and other kitchen stuff when I travel. I’ve gotten some really cool items from a trip to Sweden – people always ask about them when I use them. They are great reminders of our trips and always bring a smile to my face!
Next time you travel, think about some unique souvenirs you can bring back for yourself or someone you love!
Monday, January 14, 2008
Eight Unique Travel Tips
I have traveled extensively over the last twenty years and have compiled a list of unique travel tips that can help the newest traveler or even the most experienced traveler. I find these tips make my trips more enjoyable – why not give them a try!
- Bottled water can be expensive and a pain to purchase during trips. I’ve started carrying a water purifier that I can attach to almost any sink faucet. It is pretty small (I carry it in a small Ziploc bag) and you can even bring the adapter to fit it to non-standard faucets. Simply attach the purifier to a faucet – fill up your water bottles and voila – you have fresh, pure water at your disposal. When you are finished, remove the purifier, shake the water out and wrap in paper towel before placing back in your Ziploc bag. So easy and so convenient (not to mention – environmentally friendly!).
- My husband and I have switched to eating our larger meal at lunch – instead of dinner. Lunch menus are much less expensive and we find it’s much easier on our waistline than eating a heavy meal and then heading to bed! In the evening, we’ll often share a salad and appetizers – it saves money too!
- Don’t succumb to room service – it’s overpriced and you have to pay hefty delivery fees to the staff. Instead, ask the hotel front desk for a list of local restaurants that deliver. You’ll get to taste some great local food and save a few bucks too!
- Always carry small amounts of local currency in small bills that you can use for tipping. It also works great for taxicabs so that you have exactly the amount for your fare and your tip.
- Never use the hotel phone for long distance calls. Hotels charge exorbitant long distance rates. Instead, find a pay phone in the hotel and use your calling card. Alternatively, purchase a calling card in the country you are visiting – you will save tons over the hotels rates.
- Purchase snacks at a local grocery store or bring some with you. Let’s face it – vending machines are a rip off and often the food is stale. Instead, pack a few packages of your favorite chips or other snacks so that when the urge to snack hits – you are prepared. If you don’t want to bring food with you, visit a local grocery store where you can pick up treats for a fraction of the cost of vending machines.
- When you arrive at your destination, head over to the information desk at the airport (often located near the baggage claim area). You’ll find tons of brochures on activities, restaurants and hotels. Oftentimes, they will have coupons and discounts to help save you money on activities and food. The personnel working the counter can also provide a plethora of information to help you plan your trip.
- Bring a small blank notebook with you in your purse or carryon. Use it to record information about your activities, list important phone numbers, write about your trip etc. When you come home, the notes in it will be a great reference source when are planning your second trip back!
Friday, January 11, 2008
My Vietnam Vacation
As I reflect on 2007, I can’t help but note that my trip to Vietnam was definitely a highlight. While this locale is one of the most interesting places I have visited, there were things that I loved, and things that I disliked. So – for your reading pleasure, I’ve created this list of things I like best and not so much during my extended trip to this lush and beautiful place.
Best
- Vietnam has some of the most gorgeous beaches. I found places where I got to enjoy paradise with only a handful of other people.
- The food is so delicious and healthy. The flavors and incredible and the food is very cheap!
- The countryside is very green and lush – with a real tropical feel.
- During my stay, I didn’t witness any crime and I felt very safe.
- It is easy to get around on motorbike. It was my mode of transportation and I found it to be inexpensive (fuel-efficient), versatile, reliable and fast.
- I was surprised by how inexpensive it was to travel around the country.
Not So Much
- Language barrier was an issue as the language is difficult to learn and the English spoken by natives is tough to understand.
- The hot humid weather was tiring and we did experience many rainstorms in the afternoon.
- As an obvious foreigner, I sometimes felt I was targeted by people trying to sell merchandise. While I understand they need to make a living – this did get tiresome.
- Air pollution is rampant and on bad air days, it can be difficult to breathe in the big cities.
- The cities are also noisy as honking horns seems to be something everyone does!
- Courtesy is different in Vietnam, you won’t find orderly line ups and people pushing and shoving in line is common.
Despite these few things that I didn’t love about the country, it is definitely somewhere I cannot wait to visit again. It was a wonderful cultural experience filled with gorgeous landscapes, exciting adventures and interesting history. Why not plan your own Vietnam vacation!
Monday, January 07, 2008
A Hidden Treasure - Montezuma Costa Rica
A few years ago, my husband and I traveled to Costa Rica and spent time in a charming and fun town – Montezuma. While the name leaves something to be desired (no – we did not get Montezuma’s Revenge) it is a lovely piece of paradise that we can’t wait to get back to. If you are visiting Costa Rica, I highly recommend a trip to this area – you’ll love it!
Here’s a bit of information to get you enticed!
Montezuma is a really unique spot located on the Pacific shore of Costa Rica. You are surrounded by tropical nature, beautiful sandy beaches, gorgeous islands, pristine rivers, amazing waterfalls and friendly people.
Originally a remote fishing village, this little piece of paradise has become increasingly popular with budget travelers. We found it to be incredibly inexpensive with some lovely budget accommodations and cheap eats! Located near the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula, it is a favorite of backpackers and those interested in eco tourism. It is easy to get around as the center of town has all the accommodations, restaurants and shops.
Montezuma has a laid back atmosphere where everyone is just interested in enjoying the gorgeous surroundings and fun atmosphere. One of the best things to do was to hike to the waterfalls that surround the town. Our favorite is about a 10 minute walk on the road to Cabo Blanco (more about that later). This breathtaking waterfall is a must see and you’ll be in awe that it is only a few minutes from town!
Cabo Blanco is another must visit during your trip to Montezuma. This nature reserve is located at the extreme southern trip of the Nicoya Peninsula. This unique geographical location and climate makes it one of the most beautiful nature reserves in Costa Rica. It covers 1,172 Ha of mixed forest – mostly tropical. The forest houses a large variety of animals ranging from white tailed deer to anteaters, howler monkeys and even porcupines. Of course, there are many gorgeous birds as well, such as the magpie jay, long tailed manikin, and ringed kingfisher.
If you plan to stay a few days, be sure to visit the organic vegetable market held each Saturday morning. It has a hippie vibe with food, flowers and handicrafts readily available and you might even get the pleasure of listening to an impromptu jam session.
Of course, if you are visiting Montezuma, you will want to spend time at the beaches. At the northern end of the town is Playa Grande with 3kms of gorgeous white sand. You can actually walk along the beach for about 4kms to reach the Cocalitos waterfall. We did the walk on horseback along the beach – that was memorable experience. Another great beach is located down the coast to the south (walk at low tide only) about 2kms down is Playa Las Manchas – another gorgeous beach with white sand and turquoise clear water.
Montezuma was our favorite stop in Costa Rica. We fell in love with the picturesque little town with a bohemian flair and amazing natural beauty!
Friday, January 04, 2008
Five Top Spots For Culinary Travel
A popular trend the last couple of years is culinary travel. That’s where you travel to different locales with the express purpose of enjoying culinary treats. Some tour companies specialize in this type of travel, but with a little research, you can easily prepare your own culinary travel itinerary.
Here are a few ideas to get you started!
- Tuscany, Italy – Renowned for its restaurants and wineries, Tuscany is an ideal destination for a culinary vacation. There are many top rated cooking schools, such as the Coselli School of Tuscan Cuisine where you can learn to prepare local Tuscan dishes. Other ideas are to visit Chocolate Valley (between Pisa and Montecatini) or enjoy olive oil tastings in Badia di Passignano.
- Fez, Morocco – While you might not think of Morocco for your culinary trip, you definitely should. There are many opportunities to stay at guesthouses with wonderful chefs who will show you how to prepare regional specialties like couscous, tagines and chicken pie (b’stila). You’ll also learn about regional spices like turmeric, cardamom and cubeb pepper.
- Kirkland, Washington – Closer to home, you have a wonderful opportunity to visit the Heathman Hotel for an amazing farm to table experience. Chef Scheesher is also a farmer who gets the food for his menus from the three-acre garden. Wines are also featured from wineries in California, Washington and Oregon.
- Catalonia Spain – Spain is really getting into culinary tourism. There are many interesting locales such as the elegant bed and breakfast, Catacurian located in the Priorat wine area. Here, Chef Alicia will dazzle you with her wonderful cooking demonstrations where you can learn everything you wanted to about Catalan cuisine. Also included in her packages is a chance to visit local wineries for private tastings and to learn about the area’s superior olive oils.
- Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico – If you’ve always wanted to learn more about Mexican cooking, consider Chef Ana Garcia’s program. This talented chef has learned the art of Mexican cuisine from traditional family methods passed down through the generations. This package is bound to become very popular as Chef Ana is starring in a national television series starting in 2008.
Culinary travel is a tasty and fun way to learn more about the culture and traditions of the area you are visiting. Consider booking you own culinary experience in 2008!
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
Top 10 Travel Destinations for 2008 – Part 2
Hope you enjoyed my first five picks. Here – again in no particular order are the next five!
Laos – If you’ve been to Laos, then you know it has some of the best sightseeing around. You can visit Southeast Asia’s largest waterfall and spend your time meandering around some the best preserved temples and monuments – anywhere. If you can, try to visit La Residence Phou Vao (an Orient Express resort) where you can enjoy the breathtaking vistas of the surrounding rivers and mountains as well as take pleasure in the lush gardens and infinity pool right on the resort site.
Antigua, Guatemala – This former capital had been the economical and political center of Guatemala for over 200 years before an earthquake decimated it in 1773. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring quaint cobblestone streets and active volcanoes. Put it on your must see vacation destination list!
Cairo, Egypt – Everyone needs to behold the legacy of the Ancient Egyptians at least once in their lifetime. If you visit, be sure to see Great Pyramids as well as shop the Khan El-Khalili bazaar. Cairo is a rich and interesting city offering attractions that explore Islam, Christianity and Judaism.
Serengeti Plain, Tanzania – Viewing the Serengeti plains is like nothing else on earth. Enjoy spectacular views of lions, elephants and giraffes. You know you’ve always wanted to go on Safari, so dig out those binoculars and plan a trip to Tanzania!
Fiji’s Yasawa Islands – If you’ve seen the movie Castaway, then you already have a good idea of how the Yasawa Islands look. Expect to see rugged peaks, emerald lagoons and lush vegetation – a true island paradise. Since 2000, dozens of village owned resorts have sprung up on some of the islands. These islands are the perfect place to experience amazing beaches, superb diving and snorkeling and the fabulous culture of the locals.
I hope that you can make it to at least one of these destinations during 2008. Life is all about new experiences and travel is one of the best ways to do just that! Bon Voyage!
Friday, December 28, 2007
Top Ten Travel Destinations Ideas For 2008 – Part 1
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!
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.
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.
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!
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!
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!
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Atiu Cook Islands
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!
Friday, December 21, 2007
Guatemala – A Hidden Gem Worth Visiting!
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!
Monday, December 17, 2007
Seven Tips For Effortless Travel In The New Year
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!
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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!
- 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!
- 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!
Friday, December 14, 2007
Tips For Holiday Travelers
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!
Monday, December 10, 2007
Car Rental Tips
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!
Friday, December 07, 2007
Singapore Tries Fun
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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