Travel Resource Guide

Tips for smooth business travel this holiday season

2010-12-13T13:16:00.000-08:00

(ARA) - For many business travelers, hitting the road doesn't stop when the holiday season starts. The holidays are a hectic, high-traffic time that can make business travel even more stressful than usual. Long lines and delays can cause anxiety and aches and pains, fitting in holiday shopping time can prove to be a challenge, and being away from friends and family feels extra difficult. Either way, being on the road and away from home can make it harder to relax and feel your best so that you have a successful business trip.

Food, fitness, and work/life balance experts at Embassy Suites Hotels' BusinessBalance.com have excellent advice and tips on how to be a savvy, calm and happy business traveler during the busy holiday travel season.

* FitBottomedGirls.com creators Jenn Walters and Erin Whitehead recommend stretching your body. When you get stressed, you probably tend to scrunch your face, clench your teeth and hunch your shoulders. Become aware of your body. Find a place where you can do a few stretches like touching your toes or twisting to one side to reduce tension. And the simple act of relaxing your face and jaw can make you feel more peaceful.

* It can be stressful missing out on time with family and friends while traveling for business

* Plan ahead for your holiday shopping, even while on the road, say ManicMommies.com founders Erin Martin Kane and Kristin Brandt. You can shop online using Wi-Fi, which is becoming increasingly available at airports and even on airplanes. Use plane time to organize and prioritize your shopping list and your holiday to-dos.

* Choose a hotel with amenities that will make you feel more at home. Embassy Suites offers spacious, two-room suites to give business travelers extra space for the price of one standard room, along with a complimentary, cooked-to-order breakfast so you don't have to waste time looking for a restaurant prior to conducting your business or other plans for the day. The hotel even offers an evening Manager's Reception with complimentary cocktails to help you wind down from a long day or celebrate a business victory.

* Wake up 30 minutes or an hour before you need to, suggests Roadfood. Even if you really want to get the extra shuteye, use the time to not rush around. Meditate, read the paper and definitely make sure to start your day with a hearty, delicious breakfast that will keep you fueled throughout the morning. The serenity this time can produce far outweighs a few minutes of extra sleep.

* During the busy travel season, you can pretty much count on flights being delayed or long lines at the airport. Instead of spending the time worrying that you're going to miss your flight or be late, FitBottomedGirls recommends welcoming the extra time to read a book or a magazine, get a fast walk in around the terminal or even strike up a conversation with someone nearby to destress. We all rush so much from place to place that sometimes a delay here or there can be a good thing because it forces us to slow down.
Putting some of these stress-relieving techniques to use this holiday season while you're on the road for business may help you to pass the time more pleasantly until you are back home with your family and friends. during the holiday season - especially when you're alone in a strange city, say Michael and Jane Stern, founders of Roadfood.com. In order to feel the communal holiday spirit and less lonely, go to a coffee shop or diner and grab a delicious, seasonal meal. Being around others in a relaxed, group setting will make you feel right at home.

How - and when - to get the best deals on these top 5 vacation destinations

2010-12-13T13:13:00.000-08:00

While last-minute deals often get a lot of press, what smart travelers know - and live by - is that thinking ahead is the most reliable way to get the best deals. After all, waiting until just before you're ready to go might leave you stuck with few options and lots of restrictions - or worse, no vacation at all. Airlines and hotels are thinking ahead, too, and are eager to fill up planes and hotels. That translates to great prices right now - the ideal time to book for the best vacation deals.

These five destinations are the perfect combinations of great deals, plentiful sunshine and activities for all types of travelers:

* Mexico. Our neighbor to the south has more to offer than you might imagine. From beautiful beaches to rich history, cultural diversity to delectable cuisine, Mexico has it all and then some - just a short flight from the United States. It makes sense, then, that Mexico vacations come in many forms. On the Caribbean side, you'll find Cancun and the Riviera Maya, which combine luxurious beachfront resorts with the opportunity to explore Mayan ruins like Chichen Itza and Tulum. On the Pacific coast, towns like Los Cabos, Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta are perennial favorites for their laid-back atmosphere and beautiful natural scenery.

* Las Vegas.

* Hawaii. America's slice of tropical paradise is the best way to get a taste of the South Pacific. Beach bums and adventurers alike will fall in love with these beautiful islands. On Maui alone, you can relax on secluded, sandy beaches or take a thrilling bike ride down the side of Haleakala, the sleeping volcano, before making the famous drive to Hana or dining and shopping in charming Lahaina. On Oahu, you'll find world-famous Waikiki Beach, the Pearl Harbor Memorial and a picture-perfect hike up Diamond Head State Monument.

* Florida. A family vacation to Florida's theme parks is just about as American as apple pie, and for good reason. It's the thrill of a lifetime for kids, who won't ever forget meeting Mickey and Minnie. The variety of theme parks is ever expanding, and cleverly combines fun and learning about science, nature and other cultures. What you might not expect, though, is that Florida's theme parks are also a great getaway for an all-adult trip like a girlfriend getaway or a golfing trip with your buddies. With top-notch spas, gourmet dining, luxury shopping and perfectly manicured golf courses, it's a perfect place for some grown-up relaxation.

* San Juan, Puerto Rico. It can be a challenge to make a decision about Caribbean vacations - with so many options, it's hard to know what's best. Skip the suspense and set your sights on San Juan. This charming city has been quietly winning the hearts of travelers over the years and you can easily find out why - you don't even need to change your money or get a passport. Puerto Rico is a melting pot of European and Caribbean culture with great food, rich history and architecture and lively nightlife. You'll also be able to get in touch with nature - it's a top ecotourism destination; boasting the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Park system.

With great deals available now, all you need to do is choose your destination and start planning. You can find deals by following your destination, hotels or vacation providers on Twitter and Facebook (for example, @deltavacations or www.facebook.com/deltavacations), which will help you to learn more about where you're going, get the most up to date specials and ask fellow travelers questions.
If you're looking for glitz, glamour and non-stop fun, Vegas should rocket to the top of your list. And if you're looking for a low-cost vacation, it's hard to beat Las Vegas travel deals. The beauty of Vegas is that it's a paradise for savers and spenders alike - you can find great deals on hotels and entertainment and still have plenty to lavish yourself with fine dining and luxurious spa treatments. Despite its reputation for fast living, Vegas is a family-friendly destination, even boasting hotels and resorts with themes that play into kids' favorite daydreams. Of course, if you're looking for a more grownup experience, Vegas won't disappoint, with scores of four-star restaurants and designer shops to keep you busy for days.

Finding Cheap Theme Park Tickets in Florida

2010-09-03T14:09:00.000-07:00

Florida, a prominent place calls travelers from faraway places for a number of possible reasons. Among these reasons, one such important is a visit to Orlando-based Disney theme park. Are you searching for a spectacular location to fulfill your dreams of enjoying a great time with your family and friends? Are you expecting a holiday combined with amusement and relaxation? Disney theme park is usually a suitable option for your needs. Adventurous souls can get into the real magic of thrill while enjoying rides and 3 D extravaganzas. The extent of thrill and adventure will definitely take your breath away for few minutes at least.

For making your trip successful and comfortable, you need to arrange cheap tickets for your vacation. Choose from a different slab of ticking option which appeals to you the most and help you enjoy more and for a longer period of time.

Look for the Cheap Theme Park Ticketing Option:
By making an all-inclusive Florida vacation package, you can secure tickets at a cheaper rate. If you choose a complete package for vacation, you will get a paid air tickets, accommodation and transportation for many of the popular attractions at a single price. In addition, you will get yourself chances to enjoy a trip round around the city to explore its beauties and specialties. Enjoy getting admissions inside other attractions and parks without paying anything extra. You can also visit some of the most popular attractions including Cypress Gardens Adventure Park, Splash Island, Gatorland, the Kennedy Space Center, Silver Springs Nature Park, Daytona USA and more.

To learn more, please visit Theme Park Tickets and get the details about Orlando Disney Vacations.

Fall vacations offer big savings, learning opportunities and no crowds

2010-09-01T14:30:00.000-07:00

(ARA) - In the fall, many families are thinking about getting their kids back to school. But, perhaps contrary to popular wisdom, the season offers great vacation opportunities for families.

By taking a vacation in the fall, you'll avoid crowds and pay less as resorts and popular destinations will be offering great deals on vacation packages after the summer rush has passed. Your dollar will go farther if you opt for a fall vacation, plus the weather at popular spots for summer vacations will likely be just as pleasant, if not a bit more temperate. This rings especially true in beach destinations like Myrtle Beach, S.C.

Pulling your kids out of school is a choice not to be taken lightly anytime, even if it is at the beginning of the school year. However, you may find it's easier for your children to make up for lost time early, rather than later when the school year is in full swing, tests are given and important assignments are due.

If you're considering taking a late summer or early fall vacation that includes a couple of school days, here are some suggestions to make it work for your family:
* Plan ahead. Always a good idea when traveling, this becomes more important when it involves your child missing a few days of school. Teachers will be much more amenable to accommodating your requests if they have time to prepare lesson plans for your child far in advance. And by traveling within the first two weeks of the school year, there is less of a chance that your child will miss intensive lessons that will require time for the teacher to plan and your child to learn.

* Block out time for homework. If you've been in contact with your child's teacher, you will surely receive some assignments for them to complete while they are gone. Make time each day for them to study and make it known that in order to enjoy the fun part of the vacation, they'll have to stay on top of their schoolwork. This should be simple in a destination like Myrtle Beach, where attractions and activities are virtually line-free in the fall, leaving plenty of downtime for an hour study break.
* Conduct your own lessons. While on vacation, choose at least one activity that holds some educational value for your child. The best part about this is they will learn a lesson they probably would not have been able to receive in a classroom. With attractions like the L.W. Paul Living History Farm, the Children's Museum of South Carolina, Brookgreen Gardens and Ripley's Aquarium, Myrtle Beach is a great destination for your fall vacation if you are looking for both learning and leisure. More information on Myrtle Beach vacations can be found at http://www.visitmyrtlebeach.com/.

* Show and tell. Work with your child's teacher to come up with a project that allows your student to share with their classmates what they learned while on vacation. Find really cool shells while participating in a Huntington Beach State Park surf seining class? Bring them home. Not only will it be a good speech lesson for your child, it may also prove to be a beneficial ecology lesson for his or her classmates.

* Take off when your child is off. If your child has some days off from school for holidays or teacher workshops, go on vacation during those times so your child won't miss as much school. Teacher workshops may be the best choice, as others may have the same idea during holidays. When compared to taking a vacation during the summer, you'll feel like you'll have the town all to yourself.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Travel Tips

2010-07-29T18:19:00.000-07:00

Totally Random Travel Tips

Traveling — that simple act of going from one place (yours) to another (a nearby town or a famous tourist destination) — has now become one of the world’s biggest industries.

It has also developed into one of the more complicated modern activities starting from getting your tickets, preparations, packing, all the way to the airport and immigration and finally to your destination.

From experiences (good and bad) of the many travelers who had survived traveling, here is a list of tips arranged in no particular order. It is hoped they can help the first-time would-be travelers and to remind those who had traveled before.

Before the trip

Go to the Internet to know the basics about your destination – banks, money, personal and other insurance, health, vaccinations, language, important customs, weather conditions, their police system and the law.

There is no need to know everything, just the important basics. It pays to have an idea on most things around.

Get a new email address and mail to yourself all the copies of your important papers (passports and visas, travelers’ check numbers, insurance certificates, medical info, important phone numbers and addresses, etc.) for emergency access, if needed.

The trip

Before packing anything, first make a list on what to bring. From there, you would know what’s necessary and what’s not (right clothes), what’s important (only a jewel item or two and no flashy ones) and what’s redundant (big cities have batteries).

You would know you if you overdid things. You would also know which items to leave out. Keep this list to check on your belongings when you get back home.

Bring a small amount of US dollars (legally acceptable). Most places accept them, in case things go wrong with your cards or your other “cash”. Bring a small medicine bag as your cabinet with emergency medicines (aspirins, diarrhea tablets, water purifiers, etc.) and a first aid kit.

Bring only two or three pieces of travel-size personal items such as soaps, shampoos, deodorants, toothpaste tubes, lotions and perfumes — if your stay is short. If longer, bring some more. It’s more convenient to dispose of empty mini-wrappers and tubes than bringing back big jars home.

If you are going on a nature trip or safari, arm yourself with the right medicine (malaria pills, insect repellents, etc.). A Swiss knife is very useful as is a small duct tape.

Destination

Line your backpack with chicken wire inside (deterrent for bag slashers). Buy a fake wallet and fill with fake (or expired) cards, etc for muggers. Hide your money somewhere safe with you.

Take taxis at night, even if it’s just a short trip.

If you are traveling alone, message boards in the internet list other travelers in your area. Traveler pubs and bars are the best places to meet them.

Be careful with the local food. Don’t gorge on them, no matter how delicious. Your stomach need to be used to it. Rotate eating foods you know with those of the local cuisine.

Last words

Not everything is bad in your tourist country. You traveled over there because you liked it and you want to enjoy it. This is the time to do it. This list is simply a reminder for you to be careful.

Family Vacation Travel Tips

2010-07-24T15:31:00.000-07:00

Family Travel » Advice For the Annual Family Vacation
Deciding on an annual family vacation can be easy, so can planning it. The trouble usually comes with getting there and being there with the children. That is when the flaws in the plan are revealed. Hopefully, with the following pieces ...
Publish Date: 07/23/2010 0:01
http://familytravel.blognows.com/2010/07/23/advice-for-the-annual-family-vacation/

Tips for How to Travel Light

2010-07-23T18:18:00.000-07:00

The Lightness of Travel

Always travel light.

We all know about traveling light. Just pack the few essentials. No more. No less. It won’t pay to have a lot of stuff to carry around while you and your friends wander along from street to street, from temple houses to shopping malls, from one location to another while you have the Titanic strapped to your back. It’s just not fun. And that’s what travel is all about.

So, we have that covered. Don’t carry on too much. Leave enough space for things you’re bound to buy on the trip.

That’s a nice way to look at it. Because it could also mean leaving behind other things: like biases, prejudices, or simply rudeness.

We often forget we are simply travelers. When we get to a new place, don’t expect the locals to be all too willing to help you. Sure, we’ve heard all about friendly locals, assisting foreigners as they find their way around the community, the tourist spots and the like. But there are also people out there who are just interested in making a buck or two who won’t mind if they make it at your expense. Don’t put yourself at the mercy of the latter.

Don’t expect to be given advantages just because you’re the foreigner. In some communities, you are even expected to pay triple what the locals are paying. If some locals treat you especially nice, then great but don’t think of it as your due. Thank them and move on. Not all the folks you’ll meet on the road will be nice.

Other things you must remember to leave behind are your biases. If you have biases against people of a certain race and find yourself on a trip bound for a place where you will encounter them with greater frequency, better get a handle on yourself. Ask yourself where your biases are springing from? Are they justified? If you could find it in yourself to let go of biases, of thinking your race is superior over this one or yours is inferior to another, do it. Travel is a way to improve the quality of your perception, of your attention. One way to allow for that to happen is to open your mind to possibilities. To accept things are they are. To look without judgment.

So you go into a restaurant. The place is tiny, crowded and serves the best beef stew you’ve ever tasted. However, the locals all eat noisily, slurping at their bowls, talking with their mouths full. That’s how it’s done over that side of the world. If you prefer silence when you take your meals, get out of there. Don’t stare or frown at them. Don’t scowl at your fellow diners. Adjust. Respect the differences of your culture and theirs.

Remind yourself, firmly, to behave. You’re in a different country with people who are different from you, whose cultures and social practices are a complete departure from what you know. Don’t make a scene. As much as possible, avoid any possible conflict or tension with anyone. Remember, you’re not on your turf. If things get nasty, you might find yourself at the losing end of things.

Help may not be so handy to find if that happens so avoid this scenario at all costs. If someone wants to pick a fight with you, just excuse yourself as quickly as you can from the situation and make your escape. You’re on a trip to look for fun, not trouble. So travel light. Leave everything you don’t need—negative attitudes, biases and all—behind.

Orlando Travel

2010-07-23T15:31:00.000-07:00

Family Vacations - Catch the Ultimate Wave at Orlando Area Water ...
The new $4 million indoor aquatic recreation venue will be located at 5151 Kyngs Heath Road, on the Vacation Villas at FantasyWorld Resort property and will appeal to family participants of all ages. Fantasy Surf features the patented ...
Publish Date: 07/21/2010 15:51
http://www.familytravelforum.com/how/vacation_deals/14332-Catch-the-Ultimate-Wave-Orlando-Area-Water-Experience.html

Travel Tips: How to Pack Your Bags for Light Travel

2010-07-23T15:30:00.001-07:00

How to Pack Your Bags and Travel Light for Easy Carefree Travel ...
How to Pack Your Bags and Travel Light for Easy Carefree Travel.
Publish Date: 07/23/2010 12:41
http://blog.familytravelgear.com/?p=322

The Eight Most Famous Travel Books

2010-07-19T08:00:00.000-07:00

Selecting the best travel books is not as easy as it may seem due to a wide array of available literature since travel writing has been invented. Coming up with a list should not be easy as well. The following books are the ones most cited while some are bestsellers.

Let us start with “The Road to Oxianai. Modern travel writers deem this book the first model of great travel writing. It is an account of Byron’s ten-month journey to Persia and Afghanistan in 1933-34.

Another classic of travel literature is “A Time of Gifts” written by Patrick Leigh Fermor. It was published in 1977 when he was 62. The book is an account of Fermor’s first part journey on foot across Europe in 1933-34. His journey began at Hook of Holland and ended in Constantinople. The second volume is titled Between the Woods and the Water and published in 1986. It covered Fermor’s journey through Maria Valeria Bridge, Hungary, and Iron Gate.

Meanwhile, “In Patagonia” is an English travel book authored by Bruce Chatwin and published in 1977. The book, which established Chatwin’s reputation as a travel writer, was awarded the Hawthornden Prize and E.M. Forster Award.

Chatwin went to Patagonia both to fulfill a promise made to a 93-year-old architect and designer Eileen Gray and out of his own curiosity. Chatwin spent six months in Patagonia and wrote the book.

Another outstandingly written travel book is authored by Eric Newby. Titled “A Short Walk in the Hindu Kush,” it is an autobiographical account of Newby’s journey in the Hindu Kush, which is around the Nuristan Mountains of Afghanistan.

“The Great Railway Bazaar” is a notable 1975 travelogue by American novelist Paul Theroux. Many consider this book a classic in travel writing. It tells about Theroux four-month journey across Asia by train. Theroux travelled through Europe, Middle East, Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. In his return, he passed via the Trans-Siberian Railway.

Theroux retraced the trails of his original journey and found out that places had changed. He authored a book titled “Ghost Train to the Eastern Star” that recounts such journey.

“Travels with Charley: In Search of America” is also a travelogue written by John Steinbeck. The book recounts the road trip Steinbeck took with his poodle Charley around the United States. He traveled throughout the country in a specially-made camper. His travel began in Long Island, New York, then to Maine, Pacific Northwest, Salinas Valley in California, and across to Texas, up through Deep South, and back to New York.

In 1978, “The Snow Leopard” is published and written by Peter Matthiessen. It won the 1980 National Book Award for Nonfiction. The book recounts Matthiessen’s two-month journey to Crystal Mountain, in the Dolpo region on the Tibetan Plateau in the Himalayas.

More recently, the “In a Sunburned Country” is a 2000 travelogue book about Australia. Best-selling travel writer Bill Bryson wrote the book. The original title of the book was Down Under, but it was also published as Walk About. The latter included Down Under and another Bryson’s books in one volume.

Most Attractive City Destinations: Top 10 Must-Visit Places for Savvy Travelers

2010-07-16T08:00:00.000-07:00

Where would you go if you had money to spare and all the time in the world to take a tour of the most beautiful cities in the world? Many cities in different parts of the world are hailed for their natural landscapes and seascapes, stunning structures, design, and interesting culture. If you’re listing the most attractive city destinations in the world that you would like to visit, then these places should make the cut.

Paris

There’s more to Paris than just the world-famous Eiffel Tower and its reputation as the most romantic city. Paris is also well known for its street life and wide roads that are lined with trees. Aside from the Eiffel Tower, Paris also boasts of other iconic buildings like the Grand Palais and the Louvre Museum, which caught the attention of the world as the setting of the novel and film “Da Vinci Code.” And the best reason for spending your holidays in this French capital? Ah, the French cuisine! Feel the French passion for gourmet food with the many restaurants that serve wine and cheese. With everything that Paris has to offer, it is no wonder that this city is the dream destination of every traveler.

Hong Kong

Hong Kong is one of the busiest shopping districts in Asia, which is why it is always frequented by many shopaholics from across the globe. A favorite destination of tourists from East and West, Hong Kong is popular for its post-modern skyline and skyscrapers. This city in China is home to four of the 15 tallest structures in the world. Isn’t that amazing? The city’s night lighting and reflection are simply captivating.

Tokyo

Even if this Japanese capital is densely populated, a lot of reasons still make it one of cities in the world that are worth visiting. Its modern architecture and spectacular cityscapes are reminiscent of that irresistible New York charm, with the exception of towering skyscrapers that are distinctly a Tokyo trademark. Also, the changing colors of the Tokyo Tower every night make for a unique and memorable sightseeing.

Florence

Thousands of visitors frequent this Italian city for one great reason: Florence is the art capital of Italy. It is considered the last preserved cradle of Renaissance, particularly in terms of architecture. So if you are an enthusiast of art, architecture, and anything that has to do with Renaissance, Florence is surely a must-visit destination.

Singapore

This Asian city holds the distinction of being the one of the cleanest cities in the world, having undergone an impression transformation from being a swampy mass of land four decades ago. Once you set foot in Singapore, a modern, fast-paced city life will welcome you, complete with subways, skyscrapers, and bustling streets.

New York City

No city in the world probably enjoys immense popularity better than New York. Fondly called The Big Apple, New York City has a lot to be proud of such as its attractions and cultural legacy. There are so many places to visit like the Broadway, Central Park, and Times Square. No wonder, New York is one of the most attractive city destinations in the world.

Seven Gotta Have Travel Gadgets

2010-07-12T18:11:00.000-07:00

If traveling for business or pleasure, it is important to take note of digital accessories that help make your journey pain-free. Below are examples of gadgets you have to bring when traveling either by plane, train, or automobile.

Bring a digital camera. Choosing a camera to take on road is difficult. For travel snapshots, choose a point-and-shoot camera that is ultra light and small but is capable of taking high-pixel density photos. Check for cameras that also include image stabilization, face recognition and vestigial viewfinder for quick snaps. Small ultra light cameras are perfect for slipping into a jeans pocket.

If traveling abroad, bring at least a 12-language global translator. This will help you translate foreign words into English and vice versa. This is very much helpful when you are traveling in countries where no one speaks English such as Thailand. You may also opt to buy a high-end language translator that has speech recognition and a hand-held scanner for text input. The latter may sound more efficient but expect an expensive price.

Bring a universal power adaptor kit. A gadget that enables our electronic gadgets charged is a very important invention of the 21st century for a modern traveler. Electronic shops have an array adaptor that fit just about any laptop or USB device. An example of this is the Tumi power adaptor that has spring-powered retractable cable and a leather-trimmed carrying case. Adaptor kits are very affordable with prices less than $200.

If going to a conference abroad, is not it important to bring a USB flash drive for storage? But is it possible to bring a Swiss knife? A confiscation-free travel USB drive with a Swiss knife is the 1GB Swissbit drive that can be detached from its super-hard knife casing. This USB drive comes with the Swiss army gadgets such as scissors, pen, knife, nail file, screwdriver, and light except for the cuckoo clock. This is not pricey for a worth of $60.

Bring a mini battery pack. The trouble with traveling with iPods or cell phones is the battery drains fast. A mini battery pack is the solution that technology vendors offer for a more convenient and pain-free travel. There are different iPod/iPhone battery extenders. An example is the Energizer’s iPodPower2 that runs on a pair of AA batteries. This battery pack comes with an effective retractable USB cables.

During long travels by air, train, or water, you usually need an activity for pastime. Either you want to read a book or watch a movie. In this case, it will be advisable to bring a portable book reader and DVD player.

Kindle is Amazon’s first-generation e-book reader; it needs improvement though. But it is very useful for travelers who like to read books because it serves as a veritable library. It holds around 200 books and can read SD cards.

If you are into movies, better bring a portable DVD player. Nowadays, people download not only movies but also TV programs. There are cheap portable DVD players that are less than $100. Take note however that if you are buying a player for travel purposes; make sure it is battery-intensive.

Most Attractive City Destinations: Top 10 Must-Visit Places for Savvy Travelers

2010-07-08T09:06:00.000-07:00

Let Things Happen When You Travel

2010-07-08T09:03:00.000-07:00

One of the best ways to experience an adventure is to travel: pick a place, pack up your bags and go. But, once on the road, you have to be ready. Any number of things could happen and how you deal with them could spell the difference between a lovely trip and a dreadful one.

Stepping onto a plane bound for a spot in the world where you’ve never been before means there are expectations. Your expectations of what you imagine the place to be and the reality of what you will find once you get there.

This is true, whether it’s that beach paradise you’ve long always been dreaming about since you’ve learned to imagine palm trees and mai tais, that cosmopolitan city where you imagine the air is always hot, the fruits are peddled in boats in the world-famous floating market, and the best shopping malls are blocks apart or that country where they all say the churches are old, the bull fights are wild, and having chorizo de bilbao along with your morning pancakes—or rice—and coffee is as natural as breathing.

Expectations like these are good. Imagining a place where you’ve never been before, thinking about the things you’ll do when you get there, where you’ll shop, what dish you’ll want to order first from the menu when you arrive in that strange, exciting, beautiful place—all these are good, it means you’re excited to be there. That’s the first step in having fun.

See, things could happen this way: you’re all pumped up to go. You’ve packed up a few weeks’ worth of clothes into your battered duffel bags. “You’re ready”, you tell yourself over and over like a mantra.

You’re ready to have an adventure. So, you’ve printed out the maps, color-coded the itinerary data and even brought along not just one or two but all five of the guidebooks you own.

You’re ready to go and have an adventure. You’ve set your mind on having one so that’s how it’s going to go.

But see, that’s a major roadblock. It’s a mistake to think you can ever be ready for an adventure. Color coding all the historical data and information of all the places you would like to tour when you finally get around to visiting the little chapels in Florence or graphing the direction of your trip is all well and good mental exercise but to what purpose will this serve? No amount of preparation is going to get you ready for the real thing. Itineraries are changed, schedules adjusted without warning, and nosy, irritating fellow travelers make the trip just a tiny bit unbearable, if not exactly interesting when you tell stories about it back home.

Organization is great but there’s an end to what it can offer you. There’s something to be said for flexibility, spontaneity, for lettings things happen, for going with the flow. You may not always end up where you planned to but how much it’ll affect your mood or pizzazz or mojo will be entirely up to you. You can sulk, rant, rave or punch a hole in the wall and ruin your entire travel experience. Or you could take things in stride, dismiss the irritating aspects of travel, of life, as they happen, and enjoy the good times.

How to Pack Wisely: Tips for Frequent Travelers

2010-07-08T08:46:00.000-07:00

Aside from booking airfare tickets, packing up is one of the most challenging tasks that savvy travelers have to endure. Well, this applies to almost everyone, except for those who squeeze a year’s worth of stuff in their bags for a weeklong holiday vacation. On the other hand, some travelers pack too lightly, so much so that they forget to bring the most essential things like medicines and even passport!

Listed here are some suggestions on how to pack wisely.

• Pack only the clothes that you will really use. Stuffing all your wardrobe in your bag is never a wise way to pack even if you are traveling for more than a month. For longer travels, you can just bring just a reasonable number of items to wear and wash them right after using.

• Roll your clothes. Instead of folding your outfits individually, you can maximize the space of your travel bag by rolling them. This packing technique works best with skirts, pants, and shirts. Another recommended method is folding clothes together to prevent wrinkles or creases in the folds.

• Keep a digital copy of your important documents. Misfortunes such as lost passport and stolen credit cards can happen even to the most careful travelers. You will never know when they will strike, so it always pays to be prepared. Scan your passport, tickets, and other travel documents and send the digital copies to your email. You must also keep a copy of the emergency hotlines of your credit card or ATM card, which will come in handy in case it gets lost or stolen.

• If you’re using a backpack, put all the stuff you use most often on top. That way, you won’t have to rummage through all the contents of your bag just to get a single item. You can make your bag feel lighter by putting the heavier items on top and the lighter ones at the bottom, as this makes the pack rest on your lower back.

• Use airtight plastic bags. Doings so helps eliminate the mess that comes from the toiletries and dirty clothes. Plastic bags are handy because they can keep the contents of your bag organized and neat. Sort the items according to type (e.g. toiletries, underwear, shorts, etc.) and put them into different plastic bags. This makes accessing a particular item a lot easier.

• Put all your valuables in a carry-on bag. It helps to bring a bag that you can take with you all the time so that you can easily access important items like medicines, cash, and mobile phone. Your carry-on bag should be small enough to keep under the seat and large enough to accommodate larger items like laptop and gadgets.

• Bring only a few toiletries. Don’t stack up on toiletries in your baggage as if tomorrow’s the end of the world. Also, store items such as shampoo and toothpaste in small containers. You will be surprised at the amount of space you are going to save.

All these tips on how to pack wisely boil down to one important point: do not overpack your baggage for the sake your safety and convenience.

How to Find a Travel Companion that’s Compatible with You

2010-07-08T08:45:00.000-07:00

Hate going solo on your next travel? Why not consider sharing a trip with a travel companion? While some things are better done alone, traveling is definitely not one of them. Having a companion during your travel gives you the peace of mind that in case something bad happens, somebody will surely help you. And of course, all pleasant and happy experience in a trip becomes all the more special if you share it with someone, that is, if you’re traveling with a good travel buddy. On the other hand, traveling with a rather unpleasant companion will definitely spoil the fun and may even test your patience. This is why choosing a good companion is very important in a truly unforgettable travel.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind when selecting who will accompany your to your next trip.

1. Choose someone you know very well.

Make sure that you are quite familiar with any quirk that your companion may have. Why? If you don’t, you might end up sharing the hotel room with someone whose neurotic behavior will drive you nuts. You don’t want to deal with someone who spends three hours just for bathing and grooming or someone who is too repacking his or her things. Most especially, you don’t want who would rather argue with you all day about everything than enjoy the attraction you’re visiting.

2. Choose a companion who shares your interests.

It would be very difficult to travel with a person whose interests greatly differ from yours. You would be better off traveling on your own if that is the case. How can you enjoy hopping from one bar to another when your travel buddy is more interested in attending theater performances or concerts? It doesn’t mean, though, that you should be together all day. But it would help a lot for both of you if you have several common interests. You can, for example go separate ways during daytime and then meet for some drinks in a bar at night.

3. Put your potential companion to a road test.

This tip may prove to be useful if you are on the lookout for a long-term travel buddy. You can invite a friend or colleague over your home to a dinner or plan a weekend picnic in a great place within your area. Observe how comfortable you are with each other, particularly when you share a room or even bed. Also, take note of any habits that you could tolerate. If you can live with your companion’s smoking habit, then that should not be a problem when you go on a holiday trip together.

Traveling with a companion is a very good idea, especially if you are the type who easily feels lonely being alone and having no one to talk to throughout your trip. Finding the best travel companion is not difficult at all since you can choose anyone from your relatives, friends, and colleagues. If you think no one fits your criteria, then traveling solo might be better for you.

Are You A Backpack Traveler?

2010-07-08T08:34:00.001-07:00

There are several ways to travel – travel light, travel fast, travel in style, or doing your travel backpack style. In this list, backpack traveling gets the most flak from people who knew very little what it means, especially about the people who do travel backpack style. One thing is for certain – backpack travelers pay the cheapest.

From the experienced backpackers themselves, backpack traveling is one great way to travel around the world on the cheap. You learn to be frugal and be able to exercise your creativity when faced with challenging situations, mostly in regards to your way of traveling.

Of course, this extreme budget traveling (as they call it) is not everyone’s cup of tea. Through the years, backpackers had earned some bad press and people kept that in their minds.

There seems to be a collective indifference from the backpackers themselves regarding these allegations. After all, they had been picked up from some insignificant incidents, unfairly magnified to no end, and finally came out totally different from real events or situations.

A backpacker myth or two

Some misconceptions about backpackers are downright crass and insulting. Here are a couple of printable ones.

One pervading fiction about backpackers is that they have no idea of personal hygiene (modern day hippies and hobos), are mostly rude to other people, and have no sense of being fair. They want to get their way around the locals, because after all, they are tourists.

From the backpackers themselves who are inviting others to travel like them, the emphasis is more of “blending in, and living like the people... [and] to develop a better understanding of the culture.”

They also do take a bath, brush their teeth and change clothes regularly like regular guys.

Backpacks – to carry or not?

Critics usually over-emphasize the backpacker’s oversized backpacks on their backs. They say it contradicts the backpackers’ claims of “blending in” with the locals.

They say local people do not usually move around with huge backpacks on their backs. The locals use standard, regular luggage: suitcases, duffel bags, rolling bags and other variations, but not a backpack.

What supposedly happens is that while riding buses and trains, backpackers usually earn the ire of people because they obstruct or hurt them when backpackers move around toting these oversized backpacks.

Being mobile

Backpackers retaliate by saying the only thing correct in the critics’ allegation is the presence of the backpack. What is wrong is that they do not carry humongous versions of the bag.

What is true is that backpackers are on the move most of the time. When they do, they actually pack light and simply live on what they find around.

A few changes of clothes, some personal items (toothbrush, nail cutters), and some essentials are all they bring out when going on a trip around their new place.

They usually veer away from familiar, beaten tracks. They are more into nature tripping especially if the views (beaches, forests, caves, mountains and streams) look totally different from those at home.

Another big reason is, again, the fact that these places are usually free for everyone to enjoy. Are you a backpack traveler?

Adventure Travel for the Free-Spirited Individual

2010-07-08T08:32:00.000-07:00

Adventure tourism is now one of the fastest growing trends in travel business. It started with Leo Le Bon who co-founded the world’s first adventure travel company—Mountain Tours with other eight travel mates. Le Bon and others made the first commercial journey to the Annapurna region of Nepal. Since then, the travel business grew rapidly resulting to a plethora of travel companies that offer adventure vacations.

Classifying an adventure travel however pose a little difficulty in defining what exactly it means. Adventure travel depends on the level of strenuousness of activities involved. Adventure may involve leisure biking and hiking for some travelers or it may entail base jumping into an underground cave in Mexico.

Nevertheless, a travel involves some fundamental aspects to be classified as adventure. Adventure travel typically includes going to far-flung areas, intermingling with various cultures, and doing a physical activity.

Two categories of adventure travel are hard and soft adventures. Hard adventures fall under extreme and mostly dangerous sporting activity. Examples of hard adventures are rock climbing, surfing, paragliding, and scuba diving in remote locations. Soft adventures, on the other hand, are leisure activities that are often educational. It does not involve strenuous activity unlike hard adventures. Bird watching, religious pilgrimages and architectural tours fall under soft adventures.

But you might wonder who usually embark on an adventure travel? Travel Industry Association of America’s (TIA) study indicated an estimated 20 percent of adult travelers are adventure tourists. It is also parallel to The Wall Street Journal reporting in 2003 that revenues from adventure tourism has skyrocketed topping the adventure market with $245 million dollars.

While many studies say college-educated males in their 20s typically embark on hard adventures, it is harder to categorize people who go for soft adventures. They say baby boomers and seniors significantly affect the rise of number of soft travelers. However, adventure-seeking women have also substantially caused the continuous growing of the industry. For example, divorcees ages 40 and 60 usually turn to adventure travel as a shift into new lives.

In addition, adventure travels are physically and psychologically beneficial both men and women. Physical challenges like mountain climbing require both physical fitness and focus. It develops muscles as well as serves as an excellent mental workout. Achieving difficult tasks also help build self-esteem especially for people in midlife crisis.

There are several options to what kind of adventure travel fits a specific type of person. But you should determine first how adventurous you would like to be. A travel agency may actually help steer you through the multitude choices that you will face.

Sports-themed vacations are well-liked for athletes. Examples of these are baseball fantasy camps and NASCAR driving schools. Safari is one example of soft adventures popular to many of varying ages. This may involve driving and walking through the African plains and come into close contact with lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo.

Longtime popular destinations are the Seven Wonders of World that include biking and hiking to these locales. Some of the world wonders include pyramids of Egypt, expedition to Antarctica, cultural tour in Japan and Ethiopia, the Great Wall of China, and Taj Mahal in India.

If you opt to have an adventure travel however, be sure to be safe as much as possible. Take note that adventure travel has inherent danger involved.

Essentials in Travel Information

2010-07-08T07:58:00.000-07:00

Your passport and travel information are only two of the few essential things you must remember to bring along with you when you travel. Yes, there’s sunscreen, guidebooks, your camera, and mobile phone. Also there are other important travel documents that you must have handy if you plan on crossing several borders on your trip. You don’t want to be the only one of your friends to have to trudge back home from the airport, not having been admitted entry to another country because you were missing some identification.

There’s also the first aid. Fun’s no fun if you have the sniffles plaguing you all throughout. There’s nothing like a fever that’s coming down on you like a ton of bricks to take the cool factor off of the trip. It pays to be healthy when you’re tromping along the fields and gawking around the sights of another country.

But these are the basics. While we don’t forget our MP3s, our guidebooks, our extra shirts or lucky hat, we forget the most basic of all: respect.

Sometimes we judge without thinking, comparing things with how they are back home. They’re supposed to be different. Learn to deal with the difference. Respect it. Observe the locals’ traditions, their ways. Watch without passing judgment. Don’t blunder about, thinking what you do at home is acceptable. See if it is. If it’s not, adjust.

Also, don’t forget to bring along a sense of humor. There are plenty of surprises that chance could spring on you when you’re on the road. Having the wit to laugh off even the most awful slip-ups or mishaps could keep your trip from turning into a disastrous jaunt, keeping it on a fun and thrilling keel.

So you have respect. And humor. If it’s not too much of a stretch for you, you could also try for a little kindness.

Most of the tourist-friendly places in the world aren’t first-world countries. They’re mostly the poor nations, where good-paying jobs are hard to come by and the majority of people survive on their wit and skills rather than their wealth or trust funds. Residents of these countries often work in the tourism industry to earn a few extra bucks everyday to help out in their families. They offer to drive you around, serve as your guide, provide you with transportation and basically try to make your stay a lovely and pleasant one.

When it’s time to go, don’t stiff them. Don’t pay them through the nose. They’ve worked hard to earn a living. While not all guides are hard-working or likable or charming, there are really the remarkable ones, the ones who stand out, who were kind to you, who did try to make your stay as fun as possible. Hand over an extra dollar or two if you think their service has been worth it. So long as they’ve earned it.

We’re not saying give them money because they don’t have a lot of it. We’re saying learn to appreciate the efforts that other people have put into making your stay a great one, in whatever country you are. People who made you respect them with their hard work and kindness.

It’s important to pay them back in kind, in travel and life.