Budget travel to Beautiful Paris:
July 23, 2007
Budget travel to Beautiful Paris:
by: Charles Brown
My first draft of this article began something like, “here are the top ten things to do and see when you travel to Paris.” My plan was to show how to plan a cheap travel excursion to Europe in general and France in particular. But three drafts later, I finally realized that the entire City of Paris is a stunning and unforgettable attraction.
Sure, there are a few places you have to see when you go there, or else one of your coworkers will make you feel like a dope because you traveled to Paris and didn’t see the Louvre or the Eiffel Tower.
But the point is, the entire City of Paris is one of the most beautiful travel destinations on the planet. You can travel to Paris on a budget without sacrificing any of its romance and excitement. Even if you wander off of the well-worn tourist paths, the charm and elegance of the city just seems to seep into your very pores. (Think of it as something like the anti-Detroit.)
Travel in the United States since the terrorist attacks of 9/11: How have things changed?
July 22, 2007
Travel in the United States since the terrorist attacks of 9/11: How have things changed?
by: Rita R. Powers
Long gone are the days when an airline passenger is able to go straight to the gate and catch their flight. As you all know, the way we think about travel has been profoundly changed by the events of Sept. 11 and their aftermath. These shifts have had a practical and psychological impact on all of us. Most of these changes have taken place in the airline industry although other parts of the travel industry and the nation as a whole have been forced to adjust also. Immediately after Sept. 11, as you know, travel was drastically reduced virtually across the planet. In the past year, it has been steadily picking up. However, in most cases, it has not reached pre-September 11 levels. Domestic travel In the United States has recovered much more quickly than international travel. In fact, domestic travel has been very strong this summer, with some destinations such as the national parks are reporting record breaking numbers of visitors. International travel has been picking up too, but more slowly. Recently, more people are beginning to plan international trips again.
Journaling on Vacation
July 21, 2007
Journaling on Vacation
by: George Barnett
You can take plenty of photographs on your vacation, even digital video is fairly easy, but those things won’t help you record the little incidents that give meaning to your vacation. That is why keeping a travel journal is so helpful. The journal of your vacation is the place to keep notes of the small things that give color to your trip. It is also the place to keep the details of the big things that make a vacation memorable.
If you don’t usually keep a journal, that’s okay. There is just one rule in journaling: it’s your journal and nothing else matters. It isn’t necessary to go into great detail if your don’t want to. You shouldn’t worry about your spelling or grammar. The important thing is to record those things that will trigger the memories of the vacation.
Hawaii - Don’t Hire a Tour Guide, Guide Yourself
July 20, 2007
Hawaii - Don’t Hire a Tour Guide, Guide Yourself
by: Steven Anderson
When you visit Hawaii there are many islands that offer plenty of exciting activities, natural wonders, and enjoyment for all who visit. However, Hawaii is one of the most expensive places to live in the United States, so you can only imagine how traveling in the area might affect your budget. Because of this you might prefer to guide yourself through the islands with some suggestions of the better activities and natural wonders awaiting you, especially on Oahu and Kauai. If you choose to guide yourself you will certainly save yourself lots of money not to mention you will enjoy your trip a little more because you will be in charge and more aware of your surroundings. When you guide yourself through Hawaii you will enjoy more of an adventure than if you hire a guide. The following activities will help you guide yourself to a vacation of a lifetime.
Guide Yourself on Oahu
Go Discount Shopping Before You Pack
July 19, 2007
Go Discount Shopping Before You Pack
by: Chris Robertson
For frequent travelers, it feels like you’re always on the road, on your way to the airport, or waiting in line at hotel registration. Most of all, it feels like you’re constantly packing and unpacking your luggage. Even those of us who travel less frequently - a trip home to visit our mother and father at the holidays, a quick trip to the mountains to enjoy the great outdoors, and an annual vacation - can find packing and unpacking a hassle. The good news is that, with a little forethought and a bit of discount shopping, traveling can be hassle free.
The first step in organizing your travel is to invest in good luggage. If you’re a frequent traveler, quality luggage will hold up well over the course of your journeys. If you’re a weekend or vacation traveler, your luggage will last for years and you won’t have to worry that the materials will crack or degrade.
Summer Vacation, Here We Come!
July 19, 2007
Summer Vacation, Here We Come!
by: Shirley George
Before we know it the daffodils will be blooming and the school doors will be flung open, ending the school year. Now is the time to start planning your family’s next summer vacation. Here are some destinations to consider. There is sure to be something for everyone to enjoy!
For those who like roughing it, backpacking might be your next family adventure. The Grand Teton National Park, Yellowstone National Park, and the Big Horn Mountains in Wyoming offer scenic rock formations, abundant wildlife, and pristine rivers and lakes for fly fishing. In Colorado, Mesa Verde National Park captivates with ancient Pueblo cliff dwellings along with its beautiful scenery. Sequoia groves and waterfalls will greet you at Yosemite National Park in California. Heading east to the heavily forested Great Smoky Mountain National Park in Tennessee and North Carolina will introduce you to the Appalachian mountain culture. It is important to remember in all backpacking areas to be respectful of nature and leave only your footprints. Since all supplies and equipment are carried by each backpacker, the age and stamina of your children will be a consideration in selecting your destination and length of stay.
Bed and Breakfasts - Romantic and Relaxing
July 18, 2007
Bed and Breakfasts - Romantic and Relaxing
by: Martin Vernon
Thankfully the days are long gone when staying at a bed and breakfast entailed sleeping in someone’s spare room with basic amenities (possibly including a tired shag carpet) and a shared bathroom “down the hall”. Hardly romantic!
In fact, the change is so pronounced that smaller boutique hotels are now incorporating some of the successful qualities of bed and breakfasts into their renovations. The bywords of good quality B&Bs are perfect for those seeking a romantic retreat: intimacy, cosiness, high quality surroundings and a relaxed quiet friendly atmosphere.
According to the Travel Industry of America, over 42 million people in the USA had at least one trip last year for occasions such as a honeymoon or anniversary. This is a market to which bed and breakfasts have responded. Many are in attractive older homes which ooze charm, furnished by antiques set in lovely décor. You can lazily luxuriate in fine linens on a comfortable bed, soak in a two-person bubbling whirlpool bathtub and snuggle up in armchairs to enjoy the ambience of a fireplace - just the place for a romantic break.
Dubai - A tourist destination
July 17, 2007
Dubai - A tourist destination
by: Raju Pallan
Dubai is the second largest of the emirates comprising the United Arab Emirates.
It was established in the late 1950’s to serve a tiny coastal settlement.
Today, Dubai is a modern metropolis with a population of over 700,000.
It offers its citizens the finest in modern comforts.
It is known internationally as a premier tourist destination.
Dubai has something for everyone, from vacationers seeking a
relaxing break away from the pressures of work, to active tourists
looking for a new, exciting experience. The emirate is an international conference,
exhibition, and leisure travel destination.
Dubai has a seemingly endless variety of unique vacation opportunities!
Some of the highlights are desert safaris, dune driving; exploring wadis (dry river beds)
in four-wheel-drive vehicles; sand-skiing; moonlit Arabian desert barbecues,
complete with traditional entertainment; camel racing, horse racing and falconry;
cruises in wooden dhow on Dubai Creek or into the Gulf; exploration of the old city souks (markets)
and creekside dhow quays. Photographic possibilities include traditional architecture; majestic mosques,
magnificent palaces, camel and goat herds, ancient windtowers,
Planning For Costa Rica
July 16, 2007
Planning For Costa Rica
by: Terrell James
When traveling it is essential to plan ahead, so when you arrive at your destination, you lessen the chances of being at a loss of what to do. Knowledge gained from other’s travels can be invaluable, especially when planning to travel to somewhere you have never been before. The advice on this page is helpful to everyone planning a trip to Costa Rica.
Money
The money used in Costa Rica is called colons. You can change dollars into colons at the airports in San Jose and local banks. The exchange rates can be from the low 200s to 400s colons for each US dollar. (Now everywhere in Costa Rica you can buy or pay in US dollars, but I think things are cheaper if you pay in colons.) Other ways you might get colons is if you pay for something in US dollars, you will receive change in colons. During my stay at Costa Rica, I once paid a cab driver in US money, and I received change in the local currency. You should also make sure your dollars are not torn. Local banks and businesses do not accept torn US dollars. I tried to exchange a torn $50 bill, and the bank would not accept it!
All The World Wants To Travel To New Zealand
July 15, 2007
All The World Wants To Travel To New Zealand
by: Matthew Lawson
Is it any wonder? Since Hollywood launched New Zealand big time onto the world’s cinema screens with epic block busters such as Lord of The Rings, King Kong and The Chronicles of Narnia, everyone wants to visit.
In fact, New Zealand is one of the most popular travel search destinations, with almost two million online searches for information each year, even beating out firm favorites such as Hong Kong and London.
New Zealand consists of two main islands, North and South about the size of Colorado. With a population of around 4 million and English as the main language, you can expect a warm welcome and a fantastic vacation experience. There is also strong, vibrant Maori culture reflected in the easy going attitude of the people and pride in their heritage.
From the West Coast of the United States, a direct flight to New Zealand is a bearable 12 hours. Close to the Australian continent, New Zealand shares the Australian love for sport and having a good time.
Think Hawaii meets Switzerland.
