Vacations for Beach Lovers

Although there are many wonderful vacation destinations, one of the most popular is a vacation at the beach. If your perfect vacation includes water, sand and sun, you’re probably likely to choose a beach as your next vacation, however, there are some factors that you should consider before embarking on a beach vacation.

Oftimes, when people decide to stay at a beach, they choose the “hottest” or most popular beaches, and, while that can be fun, there are some disadvantages to visiting such a popular place.

First of all, since it’s popular, that means that a huge number of people also will be visiting along with you. This means that thousands of people will also be overcrowding the beaches along with you. This leads to traffic jams, little or no parking, lack of bathroom facilities, and an increase in crime. Also, if you are vacationing with young children an overcrowded beach might not be in your family’s best interests.

If you’re searching for a more secluded, private or romantic beach, you might want to try a beach resort. There are also inland beaches such a rivers or lakes you can visit. Many of these offer the same activities and even more.

When you’re choosing which beach you’ll vacation at, make sure that you also determine which accommodations you’ll be making. Often beaches have large hotels nearby or you can also look into staying in a B&B. Make sure you ask how far from the beach you’ll be so you can determine if it’s within walking distance.

Since many beach resorts have onsite hotels, the developers have often included additional features and services. They include room service, spas, restaurants and internet. They also offer tours, swimming pools and more.

There are a lot of options when determining where to vacation. There are popular coastal beaches in California, Florida and Texas however you might also want to consider less crowded areas such as South Carolina, Virginia, Oregon and Washington. And you could also consider a vacation to a lake such as those found in New York, Utah, Michigan and Wisconsin.

When starting to make your travel plans, it’s important to start as far in advance as possible. Check to see if you can make your reservations online. Then use your charge or debit card to book your accommodations and relax.

Vacationing in Paris during the off season

You’ve seen the pictures. You’ve dreamed of Paris. So now that you’ve decided that you want to do it, what are the steps to making your Parisian wishes come true?

First of all, realize that from the first of November through the end of March, Paris is slow therefore there aren’t a lot of things going on. Many attractions and tours are either closed or have limited times and hours. The only real busy times are the holidays like Easter and Christmas. So if you’re planning a Christmas vacation to Paris, book your airlines and hotels as far in advance as possible.

It’s a good idea to check with a travel agent to find out their recommendations but another popular option is to search online to find the most up to date information for booking your off season Paris vacation.

One of the huge benefits about visiting Paris during the winter times are the lack of visitors – so, many times you can visit monuments and attractions in Paris that would otherwise be so crowded that you might not enjoy it as much as you could.

There are a number of very unique Paris attractions that you might enjoy. For instance, the Conciergeries.

The Conciergeries is the prison in Paris. It is located over the waters around Paris and has a fascinating history. The Conciergeries was originally the palace where the French kings lived. They then relocated to the Palace Louvre, and the, in the late 1300’s, the palace became Paris’ first (and only) prison. The conciergeries is located on the Island Cité, near Notre Dame (another place well worth visiting, along with the Sainte-Chapelle).

The Conciergeries became notoriously popular in the 1700’s during the French Revolution where many men and women were put to death in the prison.

The Conciergeries is part of the Palais de Justice which is still used today for much of Paris’ judicial business. The Palais de Justice also played a crucial role during the French Revolution because prisoners were detained here as they left the Concorde Squares before they were beheaded.

Paris has a wide array of attractions. During Christmas however, most of the activities are relaxed with the exception of Christmas activities. During this time, you will enjoy shopping, and strolling the beautiful city of Paris. To learn more visit your travel agent or go online to check out travel services.

Traveling with Teenagers & Kids

He rolls his eyes. She pouts. And you wonder whatever happened to the kid who couldn’t wait to go on vacation. What happened is that child turned into a teenager. Teens are often difficult to please and as a parent you probably understand this. Heading out on a vacation with teens can be an experience that you don’t want to remember. Many times a teen will become bored and unhappy. This is why it’s important to pick a destination that your teenager will enjoy.

When you’re selecting a destination, see if it’s geared toward your teenager. Perhaps there are video games – but make sure that your teen enjoys the activities that are there. Also, will your teen enjoy the available activities?

Amusement and theme parks are perhaps a good destination for your teenager. Some possibilities are Disneyland, Six Flags and Orlando Studios. Some of these resorts even offer onsite camping (which will reduce the cost of the vacation.)

Some teens might enjoy such adventures as white water rafting or mountain biking. There are white water rafting vacations offered in Colorado, Idaho, Utah and West Virginia. If you’re interested in a white water rafting vacation, take a look at your child’s age, athletic ability and age. If your family is inexperienced, then book a guided white water rafting tour.

Another vacation possibility for teenagers is a cruise ship. Since cruises are offered all over the world, this gives you the ability to vacation throughout the world in a safe, carefree way. Many cruises are geared and emphasize families and offer onboard activities that appeal especially to teenagers. There are video games, movies, swimming, dancing and even rock climbing.

There are cities throughout the world who cater to tourists and have a lot of available activities. These cities include Hollywood, Paris, New York and London. Often there are events and attractions that might be appealing to your teen.

When planning your vacation with your teenager, it’s important to figure out what your teen and your family enjoys. Consider asking your kids what they would like to do on their vacation and allow they to help plan it. This will make them not only enjoy the planning but will bring your family together and this activity will be time well spent.

Travel Safely…5 Important Tips That Will Make Your Vacation More Enjoyable and Safer

Traveling to different countries can be a wonderful experience. You have the opportunity to experience different cultures, sightsee, meet people and enjoy a variety of things that you never could in your own home. However, always remember that safety first when traveling should be your top priority.  You’re on vacation to relax and enjoy your time away, so if an incident should occur, it could ruin your vacation.

When you’re planning your vacation it’s not just the places you should visit but also being aware and prepared for any unforeseen incidences.  Here are some travel safety tips that you should always keep in mind to have a more enjoyable and safer vacation.

Transportation:

Transportation is the first you should consider.  Remember that even when you are still in your own country, airports and bus stations are notorious for pickpockets and robberies. Always keep your important travel items with you at all times.

Upon arrival, make sure that you ask which taxis are safe to ride in. You can verify this with a police officer or from the information desk at the airport. Also, never share taxis with stranger. And, when it comes to public transportation, avoid using it late at night, especially if you are not sure where you are going.  It’s always better to pay extra for a taxi than to put yourself in a dangerous situation.

Luggage:

Your luggage should be clearly marked in order to avoid someone taking it by accident. Look around your house for something that you can tie on your handle that would mark it as yours.  Department stores also now sell things that you can Velcro on the handle which will identify the piece as yours.  Although you should not purchase expensive luggage as this is a target for thieves, also avoid purchasing cheap luggage that might break or open in the middle of the airport terminal.  Instead, go for quality pieces and well-known and reputable brands.

Accommodations:

Prior to check-in verify that your hotel is located in a safe area and, if you will be taking public transportation that it is easily within walking distance.  If you have a rental car, verify that the place you will park is well lit. 

Always note the emergency exits and never open your hotel room door to any strangers.  It goes without saying that you must never invite people you just have met in your hotel room. Also, use the hotel room door deadbolt lock and chain whenever you are in your room.

Clothing:

Clothing is another thing that you should consider while traveling.  It’s important that you blend in with the locals and not stand out, looking like a tourist.  Always try to mix with the public in terms of style. Never ever wear  expensive accessories, such as gold necklaces, watches, rings, or other affluent items.

Watch out for pickpockets:

 

Many countries have low violent crime rates but pickpockets and petty thieves are rampant.  Never put anything that you can afford to lose in your pockets or purse. Before you leave home, purchase either a money belt or neck wallet.  Theses are small, inexpensive nylon bag that you can wear close to your body. NEVER store your wallet or money in a fanny pack as this is one of the things that a pickpocket will immediately target.

Avoid using cash as much as possible; always try to use your credit card. And, when it is time for you to pay, keep your eyes on your credit card.

When paying with your credit card, accompany the waiter to the cashier to make sure that your card doesn’t get swiped with a credit card copier.

Vacations should be fun…

Remember these things and you will have a lot of fun on your travels. By keeping safety on your first priority when traveling, you can be sure that you and your travel companions will have a great time during your vacation or your holiday wherever it may be.

Trains In Italy

Riding trains in Italy is a must-do adventure for your Italian holiday pleasure!

The people of Italy are a generous, hospitable and lively group. When you meet Italians on the street, just to ask directions, you’ll find that they are so eager to be genuinely helpful. Many do not speak English, but are quite adept at getting the message across. On a busy street in Rome, I approached a lady, to see if she could direct me to a watchmaker’s repair shop. Although she didn’t speak much English, she got me on my way, pointing the direction and counting blocks before turning.

Despite these many virtues, Italians are somewhat disorganized. Perhaps spontaneous is the better word!  Trains in Italy do suffer from infrequent, unexpected strikes, usually lasting just a day or even only hours, before resuming regular service. Whatever you may have heard, it’s still unlikely you’ll encounter one of these strikes. You must avail yourself of the adventures to be found riding the rails of the trains in Italy.

Getting a rail pass before you leave the States results in better rates. Impromptu purchases in Italy cost more, but spontaneity is a recommended part of the Italian experience. Italy is a fairly small country, and the majority of trains in Italy travel in a north-south direction, serving major towns and cities. Unlike France, with train routes virtually covering the map, trains in Italy provide convenient travel between major cities, with transfers required if you get off the main network.

Italian train stations are typically teeming with people. Allow extra time to find your platform, if you’ve got your ticket in hand. If you’re buying your ticket at the station, you may want to allow a couple of hours before your scheduled departure to accomplish the task. However, the process is highly entertaining, so just enjoy the experience. The enthusiasm of the ticket seller may seem unwarranted to some Americans, so used to efficient, snap-snap service here in the States. However, you can be sure that the ticket seller will make every effort to get you a good deal and get you where you want to go as quickly as is possible.

For your part, for best results when traveling on trains in Italy, spring for the book of European train schedules. It will prove invaluable. This book allows you to look up when and where you must be to travel from point A to point B. If you’re traveling between, say, Milan and Rome, look for the Eurostar trains, which make just a couple of brief stops, with a total trip time of just about three hours. The regular train makes stops at every little town along the way and can eat up the better part of a day out of your holiday.

When you buy your ticket, specify the Eurostar, as possible, and your final destination. You’ll get where you want to go, in the adventurous Italian style!

Train Travel In France

Traveling to France? Trains in France are a great transportation choice!

When we plan trips overseas, there’s always a need to plan your transportation needs prior to leaving the States. You can arrange car rentals and train passage after you arrive, but it then becomes a far more expensive proposition. If you buy a transportation package in the U.S., you enjoy discounts of up to half the cost of buying as you go, within Europe.

This pre-arrangement does require that you carefully consider your itinerary and know just how many days you’ll spend traveling from one place to another. Plenty of first time visitors to France arrange for a car rental her in the States, believing it will allow them more freedom and spontaneity in terms of when and where they travel during their holiday.

What you may not be aware of is the absolute excellence of the trains in France. Unlike here in America, rail travel in France is ultra-fast, lavish in comfort and accessible to all major cities, as well as the vast majority of towns and villages. The network of trains in France is amazing, well organized such that you can reach almost any destination within France with, at worst, a single transfer. The French are very particular about train schedules and it’s rare that you’ll miss your connecting train. My own experience, in two months of extensive use of the trains in France, only once resulted in a train missing its scheduled arrival.

The specific circumstances should make it clear that such an occurrence is not the norm. Approaching Pau, a small town in the south of France, the train came to a rather sudden stop. Within a few minutes, the train conductor came to tell us that, unfortunately, a cow was resting on the tracks and that we would be unable to proceed until the cow was lured off the tracks. It turned out that this process took over two hours! By the time we reached our destination in Lourdes, it was after 9pm, the station was closed and all the taxi drivers had gone home. Fortunately, we were familiar with the layout of the town and just hoofed it through the quiet, winding streets, to a hotel. No harm done. In fact, I found it quite charming that the Frenchmen had such patience with getting this cow off the tracks.

When you ride trains in France, you are pampered in comfortable seating, with a large table and attractive lamp, allowing you to read, play board games, enjoy your lunch or dinner or just kick back and watch the scenery.

There is just one feature which may surprise you when riding trains in France. The French love their dogs and its de rigeur for your pet to accompany you on the train. So how does Fifi endure for several hours without a walk around the block to do her business? She uses the train’s doggie bathroom, of course!

 

Touring the Jungles of Mexico

Touring the Mexican Jungle

 There are an almost unlimited number of activities while you’re vacationing in Mexico.  There are the pristine beaches with their aquatic activities, there are the resorts with their spas, pools and restaurants there is shopping for inexpensive jewelry – and then there are some of the lesser known activities.  For instance, touring the jungles of Mexico.  To many who prefer these kinds of adventures, this sounds more adventurous and fun.

Mexican jungle tours are a well-kept secret however there has been an increase in popularity due to the adventurous aspect.  One of the reasons that jungle tours have been gaining in popularity is that they have now become accessible by ATV.

The density of most Mexican jungle terrain makes it impossible to tour by bus or car.  Hiking and biking in a jungle is often too dangerous.  Therefore, with the increased popularity of ATVs (all terrain vehicles) this is an ideal way to take a fun and exciting jungle tour. 

Although ATV rentals are available, if you’re interested in a jungle tour, it’s important to schedule through a tour guide or company.  The professional tour guides know where to look and what exciting things to show you and they also know how to keep you safe.  You can find ATV jungle tours through your hotel concierge, through your travel agent or even research on the internet.

While researching ATV jungle tours, it is likely that you will come up with a number of tour companies.  When selecting a tour guide, it is advised that you determine the location of each tour and then compare it to your intended Mexico destination.  ATV jungle tour guides are popular, but they can only be found in limited areas.  If you are interested in scheduling an ATV jungle tour, you may have to be prepared to travel to the intended tour site.

While Mexican jungle tours on ATVs are popular, they aren’t the only tours that you can take while on vacation.  You can also rent an ATV and ride along the coast.  But prior to anything make sure that you know whether reservations are required.  Research the tour company to make sure that their vehicles are well maintained.  The internet is a great place to start and, in fact, many companies offer such incentives as discounts for booking over the internet and also a “flex” reservation which allows you to decide when you’re on your vacation, the day that you’d like to go.  This is great in the case of inclement weather.

You should also look at tour packages that allow you to schedule multiple activities, such as hiking, fishing and ATV tour all in one package for one price.

Touring Disneyland

Take a Disneyland Tour

If you love Disneyland or have never been there before, you might want to consider taking a Disneyland tour.  Currently there are four tours that you can choose from and you’re required to have a paid admission to take the tours.  You also should make a reservation for any tours that you want to take.

The “Discover the Magic Tour” is probably the most popular of the four tours available.  You’ll be working alongside popular Disney characters to hunt for treasure as you fine clues.  You can live out a Disneyland fantasy and outsmart the bad guys.  The tour includes lunch and a give that is exclusive to the tour.  The three hour “Discover the Magic Tour” costs $49.00 each with a two ticket minimum (and each additional ticket is $39.00).  The age range for this tour is 5-9 years old and adults.  It’s not appropriate for children under 5 or kids in strollers.

For adults (not appropriate for children) who love Disneyland and Disneyland history, there’s the VIP tour.  The cost is $75.00 per hour, for up to 10 people.  This tour must be booked well in advance or there’s an additional $20.00 fee. 

Are you going to Disneyland for the first time?  Then the “Welcome to Disneyland Tour” is perfect for you.  This two and a half hour tour has many benefits including tips and suggestions, priority seating at one of the stage shows and one of the restaurants, two bonus FastPass tickets, a history of the park and much more.  The cost of the tour is $25.00 per person.

Have you ever wondered what Walt Disney envisioned for his company and park?  Then you can’t miss “A Walk in Walt’s Footsteps” which focuses on Walt Disney’s vision.  This tour is filled with trivia and history about Disneyland, lasts for more than 3 hours and costs $49.00 per person.  It’s not suitable for small children.  A highlight of the tour is a tour of the exclusive restaurant Club 33. 

If you’re planning on visiting Disneyland (especially if this is your first time) then considering taking a Disneyland tour – where you’ll discover new and wonderful things about the “happiest place on earth.”

The World’s Five Largest Hotels

Travel and sleep in the 5 biggest hotels in the world

 

 

Super-size me…Occasionally we just want to go bigger because we think it’s better.  This matters in fast food and sometimes it even has to do with hotels. 

 

Have you ever wondered about those huge mega-hotels around the world?  Well here is a breakdown of the world’s 5 largest hotels.

 

The Ambassador City Jomtien is the largest hotel in Asia.  It’s located in Thailand and boasts a 40-acre beach surrounded by mountains of green forests.  The hotel is just 10 minutes by boat from Pattaya, yet it’s worlds away from the hussle and bustle of the city.  The hotel has a sports and tennis center as well as the largest swimming pool in Asia.  This hotel has 5,100 guest rooms and suites.

 

The next four largest hotels in the world are located all in one city…you guessed it…Las Vegas.  The MGM Grand Hotel and Casino is the largest hotel in North America with 4 thirty story towers.  There is a large gold lion outside with live lions inside the hotel.  The hotel also boasts two food courts and nine restaurant.  The MGM Grand has 5,005 guest rooms and suites.

 

Would you like to travel to Egypt but don’t have the time?  Then try the world’s third largest hotel, also located in Las Vegas…The Luxor Hotel and Casino.  The tower house and pyramid have 4,408 guest rooms and suites.

 

The Mandalay Bay hotel in Las Vegas is the 4^th largest hotel in the world.  This hotel has a very popular night club and has also held concerts, museums, and an aquarium as well as numerous restaurants.  The Mandalay Bay has 4,341rooms.

 

And finally, if you love Italy but it’s just too far away, you can visit The Venetian.  Starting out with a replica of St. Mark’s Square, you can experience Italy with it’s gondola rides and strolling musicians.  The Venetian also has the largest standard rooms with an average of 700 square feet per room.  The Venetian Hotel has 4,049 guest rooms and suites.

 

Take Care While You’re Traveling

It was 4:00 am when my phone rang waking me out of a sound sleep and shooting my heart into the stratosphere.  I immediately knew that something must have happened to my elderly parents who were traveling with my brother and sister-in-law on a dream vacation through Greece, Egypt, Israel and Italy.

Sure enough, it was an international call from my mother – upset, flustered and not a little angry.

She had given her wallet to my father to hold while on a crowded subway in Rome.  Despite her warnings, Dad had ignored her, and choosing to believe that nothing could ever happen, he’d placed her wallet, containing driver’s license, 7 credit cards, 5 traveler’s checks and about $100 in his cargo pant’s pocket. 

One bump, one quick swish and sure enough, she lost everything. 

“But mom” I questioned as my brain begged for coffee in order to comprehend what she was saying…”didn’t Dad have a money belt?”  I know you got one.

“Well yes…but you know your father, he didn’t like wearing it and didn’t think anything would happen.”

“OK – so what do you need me to do?  Do you need money?”

“Well, I need you to call the credit card companies and cancel our cards…and the bank about the traveler’s check…oh, and can you call the DMV also…?”  Suddenly my already packed day just became a little more hectic as visions of spending hours on the phone, pushing the silly buttons to get through the automated voices started through my head.

“Sure mom, of course I will…” (Gritting my teeth). 

Fortunately, she had the numbers all in one place because we’d planned ahead in case something like this happened and making the most out of the situation was a relatively simple thing.

Unfortunately, this could also have been prevented if some very simple steps had been followed.

1. It CAN happen to you.  Don’t ever believe that just because you believe you’re a savvy traveler or it doesn’t happen at home that you won’t be targeted.  My father is in his late 70’s and was the perfect target for a pickpocket.  There was clearly a bulge in the shape of a wallet in his cargo pants and it was only a matter of a moment before my mom’s wallet disappeared.
2. Travel lightly. Never carry more than you need to.  7 credit cards, 5 traveler’s checks and a driver’s license, etc.?  My parents were out for a day’s tour in Rome.  There was never a reason to carry that many credit cards.  The hotel where they were staying provided a safe for tourists and they easily could have taken 1 or 2 cards and left the rest in the hotel. 
3. Wear your money belt.  A money belt is a small, lightweight nylon bag that goes under your shirt and around your waist.  Certainly it’s less comfortable than not wearing it however it’s much less trouble than a phone call back to the States at 4:00 am. 
4. Be aware of your surroundings. This goes without saying.  You must always be aware of who is sitting next to you.
5. Prior to leaving, make a list of the numbers and types of credit cards, — providing a photocopy to someone you trust.  Because I insisted that my mother give me information, it was a simple task to retrieve the information from my safe and call the credit card companies who immediately cancelled the cards and replaced them – even offering to overnight them the hotel in Rome.

 

By simply following a few simple rules, nearly all petty crimes can be avoided – or at least minimized.  You’re on vacation – you’re there to have fun however you need to travel smart.  Travel should be fun if you a careful.

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