Travel Tips and Hints – Pre-booking Travel Passes
Should I Book Special Travel Or Tourist Passes For My Destinations Before I Leave Home?
There are often things that must be booked for your vacation before you leave home, either online by yourself, or through your travel agent.
What must be booked from home? There are some options that simply can’t be obtained once you have arrived at your destination. .An example of this is the Eurail rail pass which can only be purchased from a location outside Europe.
What can be organized on site? A number of travel options can either be pre-purchased from home and mailed to you, or can be collected on the ground. It is usually cheaper to collect these on arrival to avoid additional postage and handling charges. An example of this is the London Oyster Card that covers a range of travel options in the Greater London region.
How definite are your plans? Most if not all of the travel passes
that you purchase are non-refundable after purchase, so we advise that you delay any pre-purchase decision until your plans are locked in. In general, your travel insurance won’t cover the cost of these unless the cancellation falls into one of the defined categories in the policy, such as unexpected illness, accident, etc.
Are there combined products? Some locations offer special tourist cards that combine travel in the central area with other goodies such as free or discounted museum and gallery admission, etc. These can be excellent value if you plan to use the additional facilities, but are always higher priced than other options that simply offer travel. These packages can be discovered by online searches or from local tourism offices after you have arrived.
Be aware of your pass options. Many destinations have more than one type of pass available. We recommend that you do some research before you leave home about the range of these options, so that you can choose the one that best meets your needs. Options may include the number of days of availability, number of travelers covered by the pass, region covered by the pass, etc.
Some are available only on the ground. Be aware that there are some options (often the best priced ones) that can only be obtained when you are at your destination. An example is the Miami-Dade County Easy Card, which you can purchase with pre-loaded fares -we recently had 5 days of travel on bus and rail for less than $15.
Vietnam Paradise Travel commits not to raise tour prices for foreigners in 2011 – 2012
Vietnam travel companies are facing a series of negative factors affecting their tour costs which caused by strong increase of transportation fees due to higher oil prices (10% increased since last week on top of a 15% increase last month) and inflation.
The country tourism gained good growth in term of foreign arrivals in the recent time and would maintain the uptrend in the short coming time. However, the country may loose its attractiveness and the number of international tourists soon due to the high prices.
Beside the national tourism authority’s efforts in promotingVietnam’s tourism image and marketing activities, Vietnam Paradise Travel has their own policies against such situation.
In 2011 and the first half of 2012, Vietnam Paradise Travel commits not to raise their tour prices with customers who book tours with them 2 months before traveling time.
To keeps the tour prices unchanged, Vietnam Paradise Travel carries out cost down methods such as control management consumption, negotiate and select good suppliers… while maintain their PQ (Paradise Quality) unchanged
Vietnam Paradise Travel standard of service is their main priorities. Every guest will be well taken care of by a person-in-charge so that your requirements are fulfilled with excellent services
AboutVietnamParadise Travel: Founded by a team of experienced and enthusiastic managers and staff since the first dayVietnamopened its doors to foreign visitors to explore the beauty of the country and invest. Paradise Travel and Trading Company Limited (Vietnam Paradise Travel) is a full service travel and business agency encompassing domestic and international, business and recreational travel.
We offer most popular travel services to our guests from arranging visa, land transportation, air tickets, accommodation (hotels, resorts…) as well as designing and operating customized tours. We also have a special policy for our partners around the world who have built and maintained a long and prosperous relationship
Vietnam Paradise Travel team comprises of experienced and dedicated tour operators and guides who will be by your side during your travel inVietnam.
Hawaii Travel Tips
Plan early when booking your trip. This will allow you to the best promotions available and will save you money as well. A good rule of thumb is 4-12 months prior to your travel dates will get you the best prices.
Hire a travel expert. As a Maui travel agent we are made aware of travel specials to Hawaii before they are made public. With our local contacts at the properties and insider information we have saved our clients hundreds of dollars on their travel packages to the Hawaiian Islands!
When packing your luggage consider what you can live without and what you can’t! With the new baggage fees checking in a second piece of luggage could end up costing you an additional $50-100 round trip.
If you do tend to over pack, or buy too much on your trip, then send yourself home a package! With the flat rate priority mail package you can send up to 20 pounds for as little as $10.70 to anywhere in the United States.
Get to the airport on time. Most airlines suggest up to 2 hours prior to flight time.
When traveling make sure and bring small bills to tip the porters, skycaps, and bellman. You don’t want to be searching for change when the time comes to tip.
Don’t leave your valuables in the trunk or under the seat of the car. Especially when renting a convertible or jeep.
When checking in to the hotel or resort please is patient if your room isn’t ready until check in time. Check in time is normally 3 pm or later. Check out time is generally noon. This allows the cleaning crew time to service your room.
When traveling during busy times please don’t expect an early check in or late check out. If you have a redeye flight home consider booking an additional night on the hotel if you want to check out later than noon.
Stay away from the in room minibar! Even better don’t take the key when you check in. Some hotels will actually charge you if you even move an item. I learned this one firsthand!
For more travel tips to Hawaii or to request a quote for a travel package please visit our website at www.traveltomaui.net
Travel to Maui provides quality travel packages to Hawaii and beyond.
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Six Ways Travel Industry can use Social Media
Every hour there is a new news and exhilarating social media story or article to smack the news bulletin. But the query residue that is the travel industry in reality using social media as a value addition in their core business.
Here are Six ways that Travel Industry and Online booking technology providers can use Social Media to get their strategy right in their business diligence :-
1. Customer Approach
For Travel Industry, social media plays an increasingly important role in their customer engagement strategy and customer-centered management.
When we talk about customer engagement, significance is a key and lookout. The amount of personal data that sites like Face book, Orkut gives and even business related stuff on LinkedIn the marketers like us should jump on this occasion to drive significance and use this information to drive their business, which is used similarly in Facebook Hotel Booking Application.
2. Risk Communications
The crisis like Ash clouds, hurricanes, health scare and terrorism always affect the travel business. The travel industry has to face these risks persistently and their aptitude to covenant with this crisis scenarios swiftly and competently is critical to their success and also sadly their failures.
Social Media again plays a crucial role here by helping customers informed and averts disasters before they take hold through mediums like Twitter where audience can be informed before the announcements on the evening news. With social media, things have advanced fairly where we all can approach to several real-time monitoring and passing of information faster and easier to next levels.
3. Special / Discounted Offers
India Tours by India Travel Agent
India is the land of culture and traditions. Indian culture, heritage, architecture, fairs and festivals are rich and diverse thereby unique in its own way. Few countries in the world are having such an ancient and diverse culture as India has. It has a lot of options to attract visitors and tourists.
Large in size and amazing in scope, India is a tourists’ paradise. Travel India and get to know about its unique qualities. India is the home of some of the most ancient civilizations and has a lot of options to attract visitors and tourists.
Different tour packages and activities lined up in India are:
Rajasthan Tour Packages:
Enjoy your Rajasthan tour in a land of rippling sand dunes, grand Rajasthan palaces and majestic forts. Enjoy the ride on Rajasthan camel safari, Rajasthan wildlife and Golden triangle Tour. Travel through historic cities of Rajasthan and hear tales of heroic Rajput deeds on your Rajasthan tour.
Wildlife Tours:
Under wildlife tours: A fun filled and thrill full entertainment is provided to unfold the wildlife adventure of India with the wildlife tours It comprises of trip to national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, wildlife safaris and more..
India Travel packages are coupled with expert guidance on animals and wild life adventure. Surely you will discover the unique “Life in Jungle” and enjoy the non stop thrilling action of wild herds.
Ladakh Adventure Tours:
As one of the leading adventure tour company in India today. We take special care while arranging trekking tours, mountaineering, Jeep Safari, splendid river rafting in ladakh with our professional guides.
Golden Triangle Tour Packages by Travel Agency India
The Golden Triangle tour of India includes three destination Delhi, Agra & Jaipur. India travel agent takes you to reach your dream destination. Travel India and get to know about its unique qualities. India travel agents make this tour the most historical & cultural tour of India in your life.
Take a look at famous attractive destinations covered by the Golden Triangle Tour Packages India. The journey start from Delhi continues to Jaipur & Agra finally ends at Delhi.
Delhi – The capital of India has a rich history. The city is dotted with spellbinding mosques, forts, and monuments left over from the Mughal rulers that once occupied the city. Delhi’s most famous monument, the Red Fort, stands as a powerful reminder of the Mughal emperors who ruled India. Its walls, which stretch for over two kilometres (1.2 miles), were built in 1638 to keep out invaders. However, they failed to stop the fort being captured by the Sikhs and the British. To take your imagination back to the ancient era, a one hour sound and light show of the fort’s history is held each evening. Jama Masjid is another marvellous treasure of the Old City, Qutub Minar (the tallest brick minaret in the world), and Humayun’s Tomb in Delhi and are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The towering archway of India Gate at the canter of New Delhi is a war memorial, built in memory of the Indian soldiers who lost their lives fighting for the British Army in World War I., Rajghat (the cremation site of Rashtrapita Mahatma Gandhi), Lodhi Garden, Lotus Temple (the Bahai House of Worship), Akshardham Temple (the largest Hindu temple complex in the world), Birla Temple (Laxmi Narayan Temple), President House, Parliament House, etc. Delhi is also shoppers’ paradise. Chandani Chowk, Connaught Place are famous market area of this city where tourists can indulge in shopping activities.
Jaipur – The capital of Rajasthan the royal state of India known as pink city. Major tourist attractions of Jaipur tour are City Palace complex, Hawa Mahal, Amber fort, Nahargarh fort, Jantar Mantar etc. Hawa Mahal is the most popular of all the tourist attractions of city. It is the best example of the past Rajput architecture. There are around 953 small windows. To experience royal lifestyle one can enjoy an elephant ride here as well in your golden triangle tour package.
Agra – India travel agent suggest the golden triangle tour to India because the Taj city Agra is known as city of love where situated the famous world famous and 7th wonder of the world the symbol of love The Taj Mahal. Famous for his beauty especially at sunrise, sunset and full moon light. The golden traiangle tour of Agra which includes Agra Fort and famous fatehpur Sikri & Bulanddarwaja. Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Holiday Travel Guide Barcelona
Spain, does it mean Barcelona or vice versa? Capital city of Cataluña area in the northwest of Spain. It’s Ideal Holiday Travel destination. In this unique city, traveler can enjoy in nice hotels and restaurants, as it is underlined in every Holiday Travel Guide online.
Most visitors don’t realize that Catalans do not see themselves as Spanish. Catalonia is an autonomous region of Spain, with Barcelona as the capital. Catalans make up about 50 per cent of the population, they speak their own language and have their own customs and traditions that do not include bullfighting and flamenco.
All in one, visiting Barcelona mean visit Spain, and naturally what is the best time to visit this nice city?
Depend less what you want to fill, at the end the filling will be the same, unique and unforgettable Holiday Travel.
Summer is the hottest period but most crowded time in the year. Beaches are filled, air is humid and if you want to be wet all over the time. If you want to see naked young bodies on the beaches and street go to Barcelona at summer. For that kind of filling July and August are the best. Summer is not good for site seeing, you are wet all of the time.
Despite summer time being in Barcelona for the Christmas period is totally different. For this period your Holiday Travel Guide should lead you to the museums, specific architecture and Spanish people. Catalans (people that live and are born in Barcelona) are known for their independent spirit and their sense of humor. But unfortunately if you don’t speak Spanish you’ll have big problems understanding, Holiday Travel Guide should be there to assist you. That is different filling and big challenge. There are no signboards in English and if you do not speak Spanish (or preferably Catalan), you are better off with a phrase book to guide you around. Knowing Catalan, you will be the master in Barcelona.
One of the most important reason who inspire to reach Barcelona is fact that “Barca” was home of Gaudi, Dali, Joan Miro and Picasso. 10 years before his death, he donated a large amount of art to an institution dedicated to his work – the Picasso Museum. Your holiday travel guide should point you that Barcelona is the city of football, as well. Football’s stadium “Camp Nou” with official name “Nou Estadi del Futbol Club Barcelona”, inaugurated 24 Sep 1956, is the Football epicenter of Europe and the world. The visit of this magnificent facility should be part of your holiday travel trip and its mandatory part of every holiday travel guide plan. There are special guided tours for visiting this facilities, everything what have to do from you is to book on line on Holiday Travel Guide sites. Do not miss this fantastic opportunity! Visit the stadium of one of the most important teams in the world.
Johnie TravelerYoung author who want to share real traveling stories at: www.holidaytravelguidetoday.com
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Are Hostels, Camps and Private Homes Safe for Travelers
Yes – and no. As with any traveling and staying in an unknown spot, there will be some dangers. Most of them you can avoid. If you know the risks before you travel, you can be prepared for any situation.
If you decide camping is the accommodation style for you, you should have a good knowledge of the area you are going to camp in. Will you be staying in a public campsite or will you be camping wherever you feel the need to pitch your ten? If it is the latter, make sure it is legal to camp in the spot you have chosen. Check whether you need to provide your own drinking water. Camp grounds in remote places may require you take in water. If you are using water from streams or creeks, boil it first to get rid of bacteria.
Animals can provide a source of danger in campsites. If you are camping in bear country you will need to take special precautions. Take care of how you store your food and where you pitch your tent. You will need to either store all your food in a bear proof box or hang it from a tree. Check the area before you camp to make sure there are no signs of recent bear activity. If there are, move on to another site. Other dangerous animals that you need to be aware of when camping are snakes and spiders. These beasts like to get in and under things so always check before you put on any clothes and shoes.
Camping is a good way to meet fellow travelers, but you can not always be sure your possessions will be safe from unscrupulous people. Ensure all valuables are locked in the car or stowed safely when you are not at your campsite.
Hostels are a good, safe way to travel, but like any public place, you still need to take precautions. Hostels that are members of a network may provide a safer option as they are well controlled. You can take safety measures by locking up your valuables in lockers if they are provided. Or ask the manager if they have a safe you can lock your valuables in. Sleep with your money and passport at night if you are sharing a room with strangers. Most hostels have bunk rooms segregated by gender. But some don’t. If you are a female traveling alone, it might be wise to stay in a hostel that has only same sex rooms.
Travel Jobs: Why They Suck (and How to Travel and Never Hold a Job)
Ever thought of finding a job that would let you travel around the world (or at least a region!) and get paid for it?
Sounds great, right?
In theory, sure. But in reality, holding a traditional ‘travel job’ is oftentimes more frustrating and annoying than holding a ‘regular job.’
Here’s why:
You typically can’t experience the culture, activities, or people of the places you visit… because you’re busy working (and the work usually sucks)!
Even if you could do these things, you’d be hard-pressed to because you get paid pennies for your hard work.
Even if you made money, you can’t go to the places you want to. You go where you’re assigned or you get fired.
So, if you want to work like crazy and not even get to ‘travel,’ be my guest. Get a travel job.
However, if you WANT to earn a healthy income as you travel on your own pace and schedule, consider becoming a ‘traveling entrepreneur.’
No, you’re not selling snake oil or anything ridiculous like that. This is a simple method of using modern Internet technology to market products on the web… and get paid for doing so.
The products can be in ANY market you choose. A simple visit to Clickbank or Comission Junction will show you how many thousands of products are out there that you can get paid to promote.
Once you’ve found your high-payoff product, you simply promote the heck out of the product for a few hours a day (or per week!) online with some simple techniques like blogging, utilizing facebook, myspace, twitter, and other methods. It’s very easy to learn and simply takes your commitment.
If you get turned off by selling to your friends or multilevel, pyramid scheme marketing (MLM), then becoming an internet entrepreneur could be the perfect solution for you.
Ensuring safe travel
Pre-requisites of a travel
Before departing from your home, ensure that you collect all your letters from the letter box, cancel all the home deliveries, make out to that you lock valuables like,jewellery and important documents in a secure place. Also make your room reservations in advance, especially during peak seasons. It would be better, you inform only to trusted neighbors and relatives alone regarding your departure. Recheck, whether you have taken all your necessary documents, belongings, credit and debit cards and medication. In case of destination abroad, do not forget to change your currency to the local currency, of the country you are leaving for, at the foreign exchange.
Be prepared to countenance the climatic condition of your destination, as few of you may find it difficult to adjust to the new climatic conditions.Always, have with you some medication for cough, cold etc in your medicine kit, and also have the phone numbers of your family doctor. While on travel, make certain that you take care of your health. Increase the intake of your water and do not let your system dehydrated. Just have light meals and stay away from any kind of junk food. Wear only the costumes which are loose and that you feel are comfortable.
Circumspection while Travelling
Be cautious, that you donot fall prey to strangers and perpetrators. Never reveal your personal details to any of the strangers.When you are waiting in the public places,it is important to take care of your luggage, do not leave your luggage under the surveillance of unknow person. The other important thing you should remember is,never show off your affluence,wearing jewellery,gold chains,rings and costlier watches. Plan your entire schedule and ensure that you follow it strictly without fail. If you are on a travel along with your children, do not leave them alone in any circumstances.
In case, you are single on the journey you have planned, just ring up your family and friends and inform them of your safety and well being. On your journey to a specific loction, have a map of the city, you are in.It would be safe, if opted for a travel insurance, as it will cover risks like medical expenses, legal assistance, trip cancellation and so on.It is not advisable to carry all your money with you, better if you draw some amount of money from the nearby ATMs. Abide by the laws, rules and regulations of the place you are staying.Be soft spoken and respect the native culture of the locals, and try mingling with them.
Finally, when you are vacating the hotel room, check twice that you have packed all your belongings, without fail and there after inform to the hotel authority by handing over your room keys. Leave home safely and excitedly and come back home safely and cheerfully!!