Using A New York Ticket Broker

Broadway is the ultimate in theatrical entertainment. Its shows and plays are so popular and sought after that the tickets are booked well in advance, as much as months in advance. Trying to procure tickets at the spur of the moment is not easy, though not impossible. You only need to know how. There are many ways through which you may be able to procure tickets for shows on Broadway, but the best way is using the services of a New York ticket broker.

Procuring Tickets On Broadway

Tickets for popular shows are bought directly from the Box Office, months in advance. People, such as tourists and visitors, trying to buy tickets at short notice have other means to procure their tickets. They can, of course, wait in line at the Box Office hoping for availability of ‘no show’ tickets. Many try their luck at re-sale forums or through sites, such as eBay. Tickets from these sources may be available, but risky, as they can never be sure that the tickets are genuine, and that they are not being scammed.

If you are looking to buy genuine tickets with guaranteed seating arrangements, a New York ticket broker can help you best. Even if you are a local New York resident, you may need tickets for Broadway shows in a hurry – to entertain some business clients, among others. This is what a New York ticket broker can do:

He helps you avoid standing in lines for hours to procure tickets for your show. He ensures that you get the best seats possible, under the circumstances.

As tickets for popular shows on Broadway are always in high demand, you may need to pay extra, over and above the face value of the tickets, for your tickets bought through a New York ticket broker. This, to cover the high cost of procuring the premium tickets on your behalf.

Buying your tickets for the Broadway show through a New York ticket broker helps avoid disappointment of any kind. You need to exercise care when picking up a ticket broker. Most reputable and reliable ticket brokers are licensed and are members of the National Association of Ticket Brokers. Member brokers follow a set standard of procedures and maintain a high level of business ethics.

Ticket brokers, normally, offer tickets for shows on Broadway, and for Off-Broadway, and Off-Off-Broadway shows as well. There are some ticket brokers who offer you tickets for other sources of entertainment as well, such as sports events, etc. Others deal exclusively for Broadway shows only.

You can use the services of a New York ticket broker through his website. The websites of the brokers inform you of the various services on offer, and how you can go about them. Many brokers allow you to put your tickets on sale on their sites.

Whenever you are looking to buy tickets for Broadway shows that are sold out, your only choice is a ticket broker. Go online, check out the terms and conditions, and once satisfied, confirm the purchase.

Pago Pago – The Heartbeat of American Samoa

Although most people don't automatically think about going to American Samoa when they are booking a vacation, it is swiftly becoming one of the premier destinations in the world. And, labeled as the heartbeat of it all is Pago Pago.

With its crystal blue and amazingly deep waters, Pago Pago's harbor was actually formed by a collapsed volcanic crater and gives Pago Pago a very unique feel from the first time that you step off the boat or plane. Although the town of Pago Pago has less than 4,000 residents, this island paradise lacks nothing in the way of a true island get-a-way. There are many different hotels, resorts, inns, and bed and breakfasts for you to choose from to create the perfect vacation for you and your family when you come here. And, although most are more expensive than some of their neighboring cities and towns, you will enjoy more upscale surroundings in the hotels that line the downtown area in Pago Pago.

One of the best known inns here in Pago Pago, is the Sadie Thompson Inn. This beautiful Inn gained its name from Somerset Maugham's novel “Rain”, which he wrote after visiting the beautiful city of Pago Pago. The Sadie Thompson Inn is located in the very heart of downtown and has been completely redone to create more modern rooms for business travelers and vacationers alike. Although it is a smaller inn, the fourteen rooms are now completely state of the art and all include such amenities as internet access, cable TV, DVD players, and air conditioning standard. Each room also has a queen size bed, a mini bar, and a lounge area. Some of the luxury rooms include a view of the blue waters of the harbor and whirlpool bathtubs. There are also two apartments that you can rent if you are staying just a little longer than normal. Each guest also has access to the 24 hour front desk and the laundry service.

Other amenities that you will find at the Sadie Thompson Inn include room service from the famed Sadie's Restaurant, where you will find all sorts of local and international favorites that will please both your mouth and your wallet. There are also tea and coffee making areas in the Inn itself, that are open day and night, so you will never have to search far for a great cup of joe. You can also request irons, hair dryers, maid service, and even use the on-site laundry facility. The staff at the Inn is always eager to help with anything that they can to make your stay more comfortable and enjoyable.

Of course, what great Inn would be complete without a fine restaurant and bar? The Sadie Thompson Inn lives up to every other vacation spot with it's own wonderful dining experiences. Sadie's Restaurant has been gracing customers with food and entertainment for over 18 years and is still going strong. With its Polynesian flair, the tropical island dishes, and the wonderful weekly entertainment, it's no wonder that the restaurant is a favorite among both the locals and the visitors to Pago Pago.

While staying at the Sadie Thompson Inn, you can also rent a car at a preferred rate if you feel the need to explore on your own. This special pricing makes it a great way for guests to see more of Pago Pago than they can on foot, and also to visit some of the other local towns and villages nearby. So, when you are booking your next vacation experience, try Pago Pago and the Sadie Thompson Inn. You'll only be sorry if you don't go.

10 Tips For Planning Your European Trip

Europe is the most popular destination for tourists. There are several important things to keep in mind before calling your travel agent and booking your next vacation:

1. Your Budget: Set your budget. This includes transportation cost and souvenir/s. If your budget is smaller, you should visit Eastern Europe, looking for packaged tours, or, if you're flexible, book a "last-minute" trip, which can often save you 30% or more. Check out the current exchange rate between your currency and that of the country you'll be visiting, to have a better idea of what your vacation is going to actually cost you. Whenever possible, travel during an off-peak season to save even more.

2. Time of year: You may not want to spend many days indoors, because the weather can be cold and rainy. You may miss a wonderful trip just because you have not checked with your travel agent or weather forecast first. This is what I recommend you if you're not sure of weather patterns, check with your travel agent who can advise you on rainy seasons or other weather-related issues for traveling to a specific spot.

3. Political Climate: While most countries that rely on tourism make every effort to ensure the safety of tourists, these days it's always a good idea to keep up on the current political climate of the country you're planning to visit, especially if there have been problems in the past.

4. Your waking time: If you usually wake up late in the morning, then a guided tour is probably not for you. Most guided tours start early in the morning, and you're on the go until evening. You may visit several cities in a country or countries within a specified amount of time, and you're required to stay with the group.

However, if you don't like traveling alone, you enjoy the companionship of others and getting to see as much as possible in the time you've got, a guided tour or cruise may be just the thing for you.

5. Your dream and personal desire: This vacation is something special and you save the whole year for. So if you have always wanted to visit somewhere or do something special -- why wait? Include it in your next vacation plans.

6. Plan your day: Take a little time to think about what you like doing before planning your trip. Do you prefer the water, or the mountains? Lying on the beach, or rock-climbing? Adrenaline rushes or visiting an art museum?

Once you know what you want to do, figure out what you'll have time to do. Many times, in an effort to get the "most bang for our buck" we tend to over plan the vacation, and end up needing a vacation from the vacation when we get home! Prioritize your list, and be willing to save some activities or attractions for another trip.

7. Use the resources that are available to make your trip special and save money: Today's travelers have numerous options when planning their vacation. You can use the Internet to find out more about the cities or countries you want to visit, check out prices, even book your flight or hotel room. Here is a useful website you can visit http://www.heping-hotel.com If you're visiting a place for the first time, check with a travel agent, talk to someone who's "been there, done that" on an Internet Forum, or contact local chambers or commerce or travel councils to get more information about where to go, what to see and what to do.

8. Pack lightly: Do not bring items that you will not use and unnecessary because the word “Just In Case”. When planning your trip, look at your wardrobe and pack as lightly as you can. Take only what you'll really need, and remember that if you forget or end up needing something, chances are you can get it once you reach your destination.

9. Get organized: You can use trip-planning software, or your own favorite organizing system to organize and plan your trip. Don't forget things like making sure your passport and picture ID are up-to-date, finding out if travel insurance is something you need, and how and where to exchange your money. The more organized you are in the beginning, the better vacation you'll have.

10. Have fun!: Get organized, have a plan before going anywhere. That way, once you're on your way, you'll be able to relax and enjoy yourself. But remember, there are very few "perfect" vacations, so if something does go wrong, try to relax and "go with the flow" as much as possible.

New Zealand – The Premier Film Location

When you are planning your next get-a-way to a remote location in the South Pacific, you have more choices that you can count. So, how do you choose? Well, if you are a film buff, or a Lord of the Rings Trilogy fan, and you sat in awe at the breathtaking scenery that surrounded the actors, then look no further than New Zealand for your next vacation.

Located at the most western tip of the Polynesian Triangle of islands, and Australia's next door neighbor, New Zealand is the perfect place to explore beautiful forests, soft sandy beaches, and create some wonderful vacation memories that will last a lifetime. New Zealand has also become home to some of the highest-grossing films of the decade, the Lord of the Rings Trilogy. Each one of the movies in the trilogy, The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, and The Return of the King, were all shot on location here in New Zealand. This island paradise was chosen for its lush forests and rolling hills, the wastelands of the volcanic fields, and even the snowy, icy mountain tops set on top of the abandoned mines. The director specifically chose the island of New Zealand for all of these locations set on one magnificent island. And, if you enjoyed the movies and the scenery, you can now visit these beautiful places for yourself.

So many different sites were used all over the island of New Zealand, that the director even filmed in some of the conservation areas and national parks to find some of the most beautiful, untouched land possible. Although there were special problems that found the filmmakers in these locations, they were all over come to create the movies that you know and love.

You can visit the Elvin city of Rivendell, with its breathtaking waterfalls and crystal clear streams in one of the conservation sites on New Zealand. Not many people know that none of the water was added to the waterfalls or streams during the movie, but the waterfalls and streams were put on a closed system so that no water would escape and they would always be full for shooting the scenes. If there were plants that had to be moved, a conservation group helped move them to a special greenhouse where they were cared for and taken care of until the filming was complete and they were replanted. The filmmakers even laid down thousands of yards of carpeting to keep the footprints and hooves from scaring the landscape when there was a battle scene that needed to be shot.

While visiting New Zealand, you can visit the same sites where the movies were filmed, but you might not even know that they were ever there due to the amazing care that the filmmakers and cast showed to the landscape while filming. So, when you visit, the scenery will be every bit as wonderful as it was on the movies. There are even tours that have sprung up to take you to the very spots where the movies were filmed so you can stand in the exact spots where some of your favorite actors and actresses stood. You can find these tours, or create your own, through New Zealand's Tourism Centers and create a unique adventure that will last a lifetime.

New Zealand – The Premier Film Location

When you are planning your next get-a-way to a remote location in the South Pacific, you have more choices that you can count. So, how do you choose? Well, if you are a film buff, or a Lord of the Rings Trilogy fan, and you sat in awe at the breathtaking scenery that surrounded the actors, then look no further than New Zealand for your next vacation.

Located at the most western tip of the Polynesian Triangle of islands, and Australia's next door neighbor, New Zealand is the perfect place to explore beautiful forests, soft sandy beaches, and create some wonderful vacation memories that will last a lifetime. New Zealand has also become home to some of the highest-grossing films of the decade, the Lord of the Rings Trilogy. Each one of the movies in the trilogy, The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, and The Return of the King, were all shot on location here in New Zealand. This island paradise was chosen for its lush forests and rolling hills, the wastelands of the volcanic fields, and even the snowy, icy mountain tops set on top of the abandoned mines. The director specifically chose the island of New Zealand for all of these locations set on one magnificent island. And, if you enjoyed the movies and the scenery, you can now visit these beautiful places for yourself.

So many different sites were used all over the island of New Zealand, that the director even filmed in some of the conservation areas and national parks to find some of the most beautiful, untouched land possible. Although there were special problems that found the filmmakers in these locations, they were all over come to create the movies that you know and love.

You can visit the Elvin city of Rivendell, with its breathtaking waterfalls and crystal clear streams in one of the conservation sites on New Zealand. Not many people know that none of the water was added to the waterfalls or streams during the movie, but the waterfalls and streams were put on a closed system so that no water would escape and they would always be full for shooting the scenes. If there were plants that had to be moved, a conservation group helped move them to a special greenhouse where they were cared for and taken care of until the filming was complete and they were replanted. The filmmakers even laid down thousands of yards of carpeting to keep the footprints and hooves from scaring the landscape when there was a battle scene that needed to be shot.

While visiting New Zealand, you can visit the same sites where the movies were filmed, but you might not even know that they were ever there due to the amazing care that the filmmakers and cast showed to the landscape while filming. So, when you visit, the scenery will be every bit as wonderful as it was on the movies. There are even tours that have sprung up to take you to the very spots where the movies were filmed so you can stand in the exact spots where some of your favorite actors and actresses stood. You can find these tours, or create your own, through New Zealand's Tourism Centers and create a unique adventure that will last a lifetime.

Top 5 Places To Stay In Los Angeles

Los Angeles is a city that's difficult to navigate, especially if you're a tourist. Most people live and play in the cities around Los Angeles, not in downtown L.A. itself. Some of the more famous locales surrounding Los Angeles are Beverly Hills and West Hollywood and there are small beach communities located up and down the coast, like Santa Monica and Manhattan Beach. And, of course, don't forget Anaheim, where Disneyland is located. If you're visiting Los Angeles for your next vacation, it's best if you stay in one of the cities to get more fun out of your trip.

Beverly Hills

Beverly Hills is known for celebrities and remarkable mansions where the rich and famous reside. Beverly Hills also offers amazing shopping and beautiful hotels which cater to stars. The year-round sunshine and incredible homes make this part of Los Angeles a wonderful place to stay.

West Hollywood

Home of the world-famous Sunset Strip, West Hollywood is a unique cultural center that's close to the other parts of L.A., too. The Sunset Strip offers dining, shopping and nightlife that are legendary. West Hollywood has also a thriving art and design community, featuring over 30 art galleries, 200-plus design showrooms and the Pacific Design Center.

Santa Monica

Santa Monica is probably one of the most beautiful areas around Los Angeles, boasting an astounding beachside location, great night life and plenty of celebrities frequenting the area's restaurants and bars. At night, visit the many bars or clubs – remember, however, that parking can be difficult. To avoid problems with finding parking, take a taxi or a limousine.

You should never be afraid of taking limousines for transportation because, contrary towhat you might think, thay're not expensive in Los Angeles. Limousine companies in L.A. usually charge per hour. If you want to get the best prices, check with a couple of limousine companies for their rates. And if you book your limousine a couple of days in advance you may be able to get a good rate.

Manhattan Beach

Manhattan Beach is 3 miles from Los Angeles International Airport, on the south end of Santa Monica Bay. The beautiful 928-foot pier at the end of Manhattan Beach Boulevard offers year-round fishing. The pier also has an aquarium and marine studies lab, free to the public.

Anaheim

If you're traveling with your family, visit Anaheim, about an hour south of Los Angeles. Here you will find Disneyland, the jewel in Disney’s Southern California crown. This is a great place to bring your family to spend the day with the Disney characters and riding classic rides like Space Mountain. And don’t forget to watch the parade and fireworks display at night.

Enjoy Skiing And Snowboarding In Alaska

If you're anything like me, you like to have a great time skiing or snowboarding. I'm more into snowboarding, and as quite a few other people, I enjoy going to resorts where there are less people, and the site is less commercialized. Among the few places which still remain this way, you can count the Alaska skiing and snowboarding resorts. Most people don't think about going to Alaska because there are so many ski resorts in North America, so why travel so far? That leaves you with opened slopes and half empty lift lines.

Let's take a quick look at some of the best of Alaska's skiing or snowboarding resorts:

1. Moose mountain, Alaska ski resort - Moose mountain is over 1250 ft feet of vertical, and has both beginner slopes as well as advanced slops. Due to the mountain's southern exposure, the area is shielded from the prevailing Northeasterly winds, and thus receives hours of sun each day. This makes the mountain 20-30 degrees warmer than the nearby city.

• Base Elevation: 680 ft
• Summit Elevation: 1,987 ft
• Vertical Drop: 1,307 ft
• Skiable Area: 200 acres
• Annual Snowfall: 70 in
• Longest Run: 7,920 ft
• Snowmaking: 0 %
• Number of Lifts: 14

2. Eaglecrest Ski Area - the Eaglecrest ski resort is a community-owned ski resort that is located 12 miles from downtown Juneau on Douglas island. The ski and snowboard season at Eaglecrest runs from early December through mid-April. Most of the terrain is suitable for beginner and intermediate skiers and snowboarders

• Base Elevation: 1,200 ft
• Summit Elevation: 2,600 ft
• Vertical Drop: 1,400 ft
• Skiable Area: 640 acres
• Annual Snowfall: 300 in
• Longest Run: 10,560 ft
• Snowmaking: 6 %
• Number of Lifts: 4
• Uphill Lift Capacity: 2,600 per hour
• Types of Lifts: 1 Tubing Lift, 1 Surface Lift, 2 Double Chairs
• Number of Trails: 31

3. Alyeska Resort - The Alyeska was voted one of the best ski resorts in the world by the ski magazine. This resprt has a great snowboarding park, and it's also very suitable for families.

• Vertical drop:2,500 feet
• Summit:3,939 feet
• Lifts: 9 • Trails:68
• Longest run:10,560 feet
• Annual snowfall:720 inches
• snowmaking:37%
• skiable area:1,000 acres

Finding the Best Airfare Deals

There are few things that can be more enjoyable than taking a vacation. Dreaming about a gentle island breeze seducing you into an afternoon nap or planning your trekking adventure, any idea of an escape is always welcome. Unlike some people, I find planning my vacations very enjoyable. I love looking for information about destinations, hotel accommodations, and airfare deals. The best airfare deals are normally found when buying a vacation package, but you can sometimes avail yourself of great discounts when purchasing separately.

Cyberspace has oodles of websites that will willingly assist you in finding the airfare deals that you are seeking. I have been impressed with the accuracy of several sites on the Internet. Last year, I booked a marvelous airfare deal through Orbitz that saved more money than I would have otherwise. I am unable to suggest which travel sites are the best because I have compared many of them and found that most of them are offering very similar deals.

To be honest, my travel agent wasn’t charging me much more than those travel sites were. It may be worth to pay a few extra dollars to have the convenience of having an agent to worry about the details of your vacation. It all depends on your availability and the size of your budget.


Since I live on the east coast, a trip to the west coast is always very exciting. The most memorable was a vacation trip to California. I spent about a week comparing the cost of entertainment and hotel prices. Then I spent a few days checking out some airfare deals. I was amazed to discover how different each airline’s cost was. I did mange to locate great deals on the World-Wide-Web and took advantage o them.

Resorts, like Sandals, permit you to buy a package that includes hotel and airfare accommodations. I was unable to break down all of the costs to find out which purchase was the best way to go, but I feel that choosing the package is better than searching for wonderful airfare deals and hotel rates. To make you vacation less stressful, let someone else take care of all the details for you.

It is would be wise to be wary of those airfare deals that have numerous restrictions in fine print. Take time to read all those minute words and make sure that you are not paying for something that you do not want. Some airfare deals require many layovers or night flights. If you’re not bothered by night flights or layovers, you may find yourself benefiting from saving a lot of money on airfare deals.

The Luxuries Of First Class Travel

Traveling first class in a flight is a pleasure and it is an experience that no one would forget. If you have the chance to travel in a first class ticket it is not wise to miss it. The cost of first class travel is more than the other classes available. It is because of the environment in which you travel and the facilities that are available for you to experience.

First class travel is on a very comfortable seat that can be termed as the ‘Bed in the sky’. Yes, it is true! It is possible to recline that seat on all angles to give you the comfort needed while you sleep. The head rest can be tilted to various positions to suit your posture. You get more space and leg room while you travel in first class. A vertical partition is also available that gives you the privacy needed during your travel.

Sockets to attach your laptop and telephones with satellite connection are available to communicate with anybody you wish. Video monitors and video players with multiple channel options are available for the first class travelers.

Most of the international airlines provide these facilities for the first class travelers. The food that is served is also prepared by reputed chefs and is of international quality. Some airlines provide even pre-dining facilities so that you can have your dinner even before you board the flight so that you have lot of time to sleep in the flight. This facility is available in the night flights.


Some of the airlines provide online check-in facility for first class travel so that you can check in before you arrive at the airport. This avoids the need to stand in the queue to check in. It saves a lot of time for you. First class passengers are allowed to take more luggage. As a first class passenger you have a separate lounge which can be used before you board your flight and while you are waiting for you flight. Facilities to have a luxurious bath and have delicious cuisines are also available for the first class passenger. Some lounges have even libraries to pass your time by reading through some latest books. For those who would like to have a drink there are bars and some lounges even have massage parlors. Some of the bars also have wireless internet access so that you can browse or check your emails while you are at the bar.

To get more information on the facilities that are offered do check the website of the airlines. Why don’t you try this out at least once in your life?

8 tips for house hunting on vacation

You're on vacation.

Lounging at the pool. Reading the novel of the summer. Maybe throwing back a few mai tais and ... checking out the local real estate market?

Lounging at the pool. Reading the novel of the summer. Maybe throwing back a few mai tais and ... checking out the local real estate market?

After all, one in three residential homes purchased in 2004 was a second home, according to the National Association of Realtors. And since the average income of those buyers was a solidly middle-class $80,000, a beach condo or a mountain cabin may not be out of reach. If you think you'd like to own a piece of paradise, using your vacation to house-hunt is just a smart way to multi-task.

Unlike your "I (heart) the Poconos" T-shirt, however, a second home shouldn't be an impulse buy. "There are people who come down here with the express desire to go on vacation and they go home buying a house," says Marcus Truett, a. "But there are downsides to buying like that, like people overextending themselves or believing in a lot of hype."

Instead, if you're considering buying a second home, do your homework before you ever pack your bags, then use your trip to decide if this corner of paradise is really for you. Your vacation costs won't be tax deductible -- house-hunting expenses were ruled out as a deduction years ago -- but you'll save money by avoiding repeat visits and by making a more-educated buy.

Here are four things you should do before you leave for vacation this year, and four things to do when you're already there.

Before you go:

* Figure out your motivation. Most second-home buyers want a vacation spot, an investment property, a retirement home, or some combination of all three. Before you begin to scout sites, you need to figure out your vision and consider whether home No. 2 is a realistic fit for your lifestyle. "If you think you want to get a weekend place but your kids are in soccer games every weekend, the likelihood of you actually getting out there is low," says David C. Hehman, CEO of EscapeHomes.com, an online marketplace for buyers and sellers of second homes.

* Find a real estate agent. For potential home buyers, connecting with a good agent is critical. But if you wait to set an appointment with an agent until after you're already on vacation, you may be out of luck. In such popular spots as San Diego or Branson, Mo., real estate agents often hesitate to spend time with vacationers for fear that they'll only serve as glorified tour guides. "Don't get annoyed when [agents] won't drop what they're doing and take you out on a sales call blindly," says Christine Hrib Karpinski, author of "How to Rent Vacation Properties by Owner." Remember, she explains, "Thousands of other [tourists] had that same thought." To avoid hassles, begin a dialogue with a real estate agent -- preferably one who specializes in second homes -- before you leave..

* Get mortgage preapproval. By doing the paperwork to get lender preapproval, you'll get your financial house in order and decide on the down payment and monthly mortgage payment you can afford. Although you may be counting on rental income to pay for a sizable chunk of your mortgage, don't get in over your head, says Truett. "It's like any other investment: Make sure you're willing to take a short-term loss in rentals."

* Think about taxes. How you use your second home will determine its impact on your taxes. For instance, if you rent your vacation home, but stay in it at least two weeks a year (or more than 10 percent of the time it was rented, whichever is longer), you can deduct your mortgage interest and property taxes. An investment property or a home that's rented out and never used for personal pleasure will be subject to different deduction standards, so check with an accountant before committing.

While you're there:

* Find the nearest Starbucks. Not that your dream town needs the ubiquitous coffee-monger, but you do need to get to know the area before you drop the cash for a vacation home there. While you're on vacation, scout out the hospital, the restaurants and the grocery store, too, and make sure that the place offers enough of what you love to keep your interest over the long haul. Another factor is proximity to tourist attractions. In Orlando, says Truett, a home with a 15-minute drive to Disney World can produce thousands more in rental income than a home with a 45-minute drive.

* Talk to locals. You may have been vacationing in the same Berkshires hamlet since you were a kid, but you still probably have no idea what it's like off-season -- a particularly relevant point if you're hoping to rent your place. So hit up a few locals for their no-holds-barred take on the town. The local diner, a bookstore, a park or the lake make good places to strike up a conversation, or ask your real estate agent for real-people referrals.

* Check out the vacation rental market. Your agent can clue you in on local home values, but perhaps more important is how well vacation properties rent, and for how much. "As long as you're in a decent tourism market, you can figure you'll get about 12 weeks of rentals, because most tourism areas have 12 peak weeks," says Hrib Karpinski. Ideally, your monthly mortgage payment will be roughly the equivalent of one peak-week rental, so with just 12 weeks of rentals you'll break even -- but the size of your mortgage and the going rate for rentals will dictate whether that's feasible. Also, those figures only work, Hrib Karpinski warns, if you rent the property yourself, contracting with your own maintenance and housekeeping staffers. If that's not in your plans, make a few calls to local property management agencies and ask about their cut. It may be up to 50 percent, with extra fees tacked onto that.

* Crunch the numbers again. Visit a few on-the-market homes to see what's available in your price range, keeping in mind how you intend to use the home. For example, if you want to rent it out, granite countertops pale in importance next to a pool and hot tub. When you find something you like, think about big-picture numbers: Beyond the down payment and monthly mortgage payments, you'll need to factor in about 2 percent of the price of your home for yearly maintenance costs, such as repairs for a recalcitrant water heater, plus another $5,000 to $15,000 for furnishings. You may also find that insurance is pricier than what you're used to. For instance, hurricane insurance for a beachfront home in Florida could run up to $4,000 a year. "Do the numbers work," says Hehman. "The last thing you want to do is sweat about how much it's costing you to own this property."

Although you don't want to spend your whole vacation thinking about real estate, doing a little legwork can pay off. And if all goes well, you'll be seeing a lot more of your piece of paradise in the future.

Air flight tips:10 Really Great Websites for travelers

If you've got a flight coming up soon, and a little extra time to spend preparing for your flight, you might want to try checking out a few of these sites that offer information and tips on air travel.

1. SeatGuru.com – Started by a frequent traveler in 2001, SeatGuru is a repository of information on the difference between airline seats. The site offers detailed seat maps, specific comments and observations about the seats, color coding to differentiate between the quality in seats, information on seat pitch and width measurements in all classes, and icons that inform on in-flight services.

2. 1000tipsfortrips.com – Those who travel frequently know the ins and outs of air travel. 1000 tips offers advice from people just like you who travel and have learned from their mistakes and successes on their trips.

3. ASPCA.org – What could the ASPCA possibly have to tell you about air travel? Many pet owners often have to take their pets on airplanes, and their site offers top ten tips for safe air travel with your pet.

4. BudgetTravelonline.com – The magazine Budget Travel has a website that is filled with the same timely and budget conscious advice that the print magazine is filled with. For air travelers, there are the basic travel tips about packing, advice on frequent flyer miles programs, tips for traveling with children or for sending children alone on an airplane, and advice that falls in between all of these topics.

BudgetTravelonline also has up to the minute travel deals that have been handpicked by Budget Travel's editors. There is also a free newsletter that you can subscribe to that will keep you informed on timely deals and tips.

5. Flyingwithkids.com – What's the best FAA approved seat that converts automatically into a stroller? What advice do flight attendants have for parents who bring children on board? Where can I get a pre-made carry-on packing list for my kids? All of these questions and many more are answered at Flyingwithkids.

This site, which bills itself as a place for "air travel tips for families flying with an infant or small child" has product reviews, advice, packing lists, and travel stories for those who find themselves sitting next to a small one on board. There is even a place for visitors to the site to ask questions that they don't see already answered on the page.

7. USA Today's Today in the Sky blog – USA Today offers a column in the form of a blog that gives news and analysis about airlines, airports, and air travel. Ben Mutzabaugh posts news related to air travel several times a day on his blog that ranges from what laws the government is passing for airlines to which airports are cutting flights to which airline is beginning to charge for a previously free amenity. If it's timely air travel or airline news, Today in the Sky is covering it.

Since the column is a blog, readers can post comments and questions about the articles. The blog is also categorized so readers who interested in seeing the pieces just on one topic, such as baggage, can find all related entries easily.

8. Worldairportguide.com – Worldairportguide has taken the information from most of the major international airports in the world and put it all in one convenient site for travelers to find. The site gives basic information such as airports' addresses, phone numbers and e-mail addresses.

9. Smartertravel.com – Want to know which airlines offer the best ammenties? What's the best day of the week to book air travel? What are today's top air travel news items?

10. TSA.gov – Six years ago, most airline travelers would have never thought to visit the Transportation Security Authority's website for information before traveling. However, since 9/11, security has been increased for all forms of travel and especially for air travel.

Tips for Rental Cars

We all have utilized the innumerable benefits of rental cars saving ourselves from many problems and time as well. What sometimes does irritate us are the procedures involved to hire one - Forms to be filled, signatures, answering countless questions. The foremost thing to remember is to check with your personal auto insurer if driving a rental car is covered in the insurance coverage. Thus making a saving on the rental company offered insurance. Run down through the contract and get the facts right before hiring one.
There are many other points worth pondering before you embark in the hired car like - The procedures, many car rental require you to fuel up before its return, check the additional fee if any in the event the car is required to be used longer than the expected time. It is also worthwhile to check with few car rentals in the local area and do a bit of research on the different packages they offer.

It is always better to go with those who offer the best package and those those who are closest to your pick up or destination point.

Tips on Renting a Villa

I answer over a thousand requests per year. People from all over the world, people I enjoy talking to and I would like to meet.

Our home in Provence (la Peyriere) has it all - large, comfortable, recently renovated, a large pool and wooded property surrounded by vineyards at the foothills of Mont Ventoux.

A dream house? YES - but not to everyone. Typical guests are educated, open minded, computer savvy, friendly and have lots of goodwill to offer. They have little knowledge of French and are ready to fly 7 to 12 hours to enjoy the villa and the area.

The wife/female partner will often have the final say when the time comes to pick a rental. She is also likely to be the one initiating the search. Women are very involved in the process and when complaining, they say the family holiday was ruined.

Guests expect the owner to deliver.

What are guests expecting? An image the owner has created but which is not entirely true, or exactly what is displayed on the website and explained in the process ending in a contract. If the owner sold an image, or a guest rented without checking assumptions, then trouble may be brewing.

I admire the amount of trust that guests show in the process. Think about it. Someone from halfway around the world surfs the web, discovers THE right house, looks carefully at the pictures and description, and emails the owner. After a few exchanges, the guest is willing to send a deposit to book the house 3 months down the road. She/he is convinced the house exists and will meet her/his expectations.

On the other hand, the owner books the house and is confident the guests will show, pay and be satisfied with their stay.

As an owner, I have not been able to develop a sure way to detect a guest who will be satisfied from one who will not. Some are obvious pains in the neck. Extremes are easy to detect but I can only offer a few markers that will help avoid disappointment.

I remember a few month ago a lawyer who revised our contract from A to Z. According to her, we should be liable for anything that might go wrong during her stay. I kindly wished her luck in her quest for a rental.

We have been very lucky with our guests but each year we get someone, in at least one of our three units, who is unhappy. The main grudge is always that the house is not what they expected.

Our website is clear and very honest in the description of what we offer. When I talk to guests before they book, I always provide honest answers. I just recently lost guests who wanted to stay over the winter months because I was erring on the safe side when disclosing the cost of heating the house. I know I could have reduced the estimate and gotten the rental. I knew they loved the house and its fireplace, but I also knew I would have received a very angry phone call after a few weeks.

My question is: even though we do our best to be clear, why are some guests dissatisfied and how to avoid it? Last summer I refused 3 guests. I knew the house was not for them, yet one group slipped through my radar.

It was a couple from Australia living in Dubai. I found out they expected gold-plated cutlery and the water in the pool cooled down. This rental was dealt with too fast, one email and no phone call. I broke my own rule and paid for it. They were supposed to stay 3 weeks, left the second week. As I was able to rebook the house, they were refunded. Nice people I am sure but our path crossed in the wrong place.

Another instance happened 2 years ago when a couple arrived expecting the house and furniture to be "modern" in style. Our website clearly shows that we only offer modern appliances and mattresses, all the rest is in the antique Provencal style.

Each house carries over the personality of its owner. My partner Elsa has exposed her personality, vision and life style throughout the house. Some of her artwork is on the walls.

Therefore one of my markers is if I am not at ease when talking to guests, I will tend to be more specific and detailed in my answers. I do not expect to be friends with each and every guest, but I know that being on the same wavelength is a token of a successful rental.

Elsa and I do not believe in sanitized - one size fits all - rentals. We are convinced guests like houses with a character they relate to. They perceive the image when they search the web - that is the moment they create an image. That is what guests have to check and re-check - does the house conform to the image? Or is it just a faked impression? I have yet to meet a guest who asks too many questions about the house. When they have lots of questions, I might be frustrated but deep inside I am glad. I know the future guest is trying hard to make sure the house is a good choice.

I have lost guests toward the end of the booking process, as they were able to conclude the house was not what they wanted or imagined it was. I've also booked quite a few guests just because I talked to them, they related to us and concluded our house was what they wanted.

I remember a guest from Florida who emailed over a period of 3 months prior to committing. Later on Elsa and I met the entire family in Provence; they stayed 3 weeks and we are still exchanging Christmas cards.

Here is a must-do list for both owners and guests:

*lways call and get a good personal feeling;

*Get as many pictures as possible is a good practice. Guests have a better feeling of the place and are not committing on a guess;

*good website is important; it will display lots of pictures and detailed descriptions;

*Always keep the chain of emails leading to a rental; it might be useful in case of a problem;

*Be very honest and thorough during the exchange;

*Avoid surprises - ask lots of questions;

*Owners) Make sure guests get a good idea of where the house is located before they commit - I always email a map of the area - Mapquest is a good place to copy-paste a map;

*(Guests) If you have a special need, ask for it. Owners are often willing to invest assuming what you are asking for is not exotic;

*Make sure the cost structure is clear and well understood;

* Do not attempt to pack the house with more guests than the house is able to accommodate;

*Always ask for - and provide - comments and suggestions. A lot of improvements to our rentals over the years came from ideas provided by our guests;

*If something is broken during the stay - BE FAIR - check if the accident is related to normal wear and tear (not the guest's responsibility);


My message is simple: avoid unclear situations and false expectations.


Renting our house in Provence has been a fabulous experience started by my partner Elsa and a friend Margot from France. Whenever we can, we enjoy meeting our guests; some of them became close friends.

Tips To Help You Stay Healthy In Hotels

Making your next trip a healthier one may only require a few easy steps.

Every day approximately 2.6 million hotel rooms are sold to travelers and overnight guests in the U.S., according to the Travel Industry Association of America. While traveling, guests are at risk for illness due to sudden changes in altitude, humidity, microbiology and temperature. The stress of travel can worsen these factors.

A poll by Health magazine and AOL CityGuide revealed that 85 percent of those surveyed worry about staying healthy on the road.

Choosing the right hotel and planning ahead can help travelers avoid common health issues while traveling. Some tips for ensuring a healthy hotel stay include:

• Check the Menu-Inquire about healthy menu choices at your selected hotel. Some hotels have relationships with nearby health care facilities to help them develop healthy menus. The Kahler Grand Hotel in Rochester, Minn., for example, features a Right Choice menu created with help from Mayo Clinic dieticians. Ask for examples of healthy menu items when booking your room.

• Come Prepared-It's a good idea for travelers to carry some medical supplies in their handbag or carry-on. A first-aid kit should include wound dressings, insect repellent and bite treatment, eyedrops, scissors, safety pins and a thermometer. Make sure the hotel has any items you might need for existing or recurring illnesses. An on-site pharmacy or one that delivers to the hotel is best.

• Get Moving-When stuck in the car or on a plane for long periods of time, a number of issues can arise, including blood circulation problems. While getting up to walk every two to three hours or doing in-seat exercises can help, it's also a good idea to use the hotel's fitness center. Look for a hotel that gives guests 24-hour access.

If traveling specifically for health care, properties such as the Kahler Grand Hotel, located just across the street from the Mayo Clinic, can help you alleviate stress and worries. The hotel's concierge staff escorts guests to their first appointment so they don't get lost. Serving hundreds of thousands of Mayo Clinic patients each year, every staff member is aware of providing the healthiest accommodations. The hotel even provides a direct link to the Mayo Clinic nurses desk for guest health questions around the clock with Ask Mayo™ buttons on phones in its International Hotel wing.
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Making Flying Safer And Keeping It Affordable

Most airlines would do what they could do to ensure that their flight was safer from the threat of terrorism. And yet industry experts say one obvious route to airline safety-having your suitcase picked up at your home and delivered to your final destination-is being overlooked.

If you think that this alternative has been dismissed because it would make traveling more complicated, think again. The proposal would offer passengers faster check-ins, more on-time flights and a dependable suitcase-tracking solution. Currently, 57 suitcases are lost per minute within the aviation industry. The alternative might also keep more airlines-currently struggling with the additional costs of airline security and increased fuel prices-from facing bankruptcy.

The idea is surprisingly simple. Separate passengers from their luggage. Passengers can then choose to use the express method to transport their luggage to and from its final destination. According to Universal Express, a worldwide delivery and logistics company, this will encourage passengers to cut down on baggage and travel more securely and quickly.

Passengers have many options, including Luggage Express, a division of Universal Express, which offers luggage collection from home, hotel or business and delivery to consumers' final destination at a reasonable price. Various other companies offer similar services or have the ability to do so.

In 2005, the Transportation Security Administration spent $1.45 billion on baggage screening. The Universal Express solution offers a savings projected between $550 million and $1.2 billion. The proposal will not only decrease costs but will increase revenue, opening up cargo space for more commercial usage and lower ticket prices.

Passengers can benefit in other ways. This solution allows for faster check-ins, more on-time flights and a dependable tracking solution for passengers. It's cost effective for passengers, the airlines, and all agencies interacting with the industry and taxpayers.

Benidorm And The Costa Blanca Travel Tips

Benidorm Spain is located about forty five kilometres northeast of Alicante. It is one of the main attractions on the Costa Blanca. This city was built for tourism. The beach front and other areas are lined with hotels offering many choices in accommodations. Benidorm is surrounded by mountains. This protects the city against cold winter winds. The climate is mild in the winter months. The city is most popular among tourists in the summer. There is plenty to see in the daytime and a bustling nightlife after hours.

Spain: Tips for TravelMost people getting cheap Benidorm flights into Alicante airport when visiting this city. Once you arrive, there are plenty of choices for travel throughout the area. The Benidorm bus has frequent routes from the airport to the city. The railway runs a similar route. There are about twenty car hire companies that operate in Benidorm. All will pick you up at the airport; just let them know when you make a reservation

The choice you make in travel will depend on how much you plan to travel throughout the region on your vacation. If you plan to travel to surrounding cities, a car is the best bet. This will allow you the freedom to move around the region. If you plan to stay within the city for most of your trip, public transportation will serve your needs well.

Benidorm Attractions
Benidorm offers something for everyone in terms of attractions. There are holiday and theme parks, as well as other attractions that are great for families. Single people will enjoy the beaches and vibrant nightlife of the city. Golfers will enjoy the great golf courses in and around the city.]

The city has three beaches. The Playa de Levante is also known as the rising beach. This beach is more secluded, but tends to draw a younger, single crowd. The Levante is a topless beach. The Playa de Poniente is in a busier area. This beach tends to attract families and older people. The small beach in between these two larger beaches is called the Playa Mai Pas.

The main street on the beach and the city square are car free zones. No traffic is allowed in this area, which makes it nice for walking. The area is home to a variety of restaurants, dance clubs and bars. This is a busy area both day and night during the summer travel season.

The Lemon Express is a thirty mile rail journey from Benidorm up the coast of Spain. This offers a scenic tour of the coastline. The train leaves from Benidorm and travels up the coast. You will enjoy the scenic view of the Spanish countryside from the train.

There is also plenty to do with the family in this city. Families will enjoy the Terra Mitica, a theme park in Benidorm. The name in English is the Mythical Land. This theme park features ancient Greek, Egyptian and Roman civilizations. There are plenty of rides here for kids of all ages. In addition, the park offers play areas for younger children.

The Terra Natura Park is a wildlife park. This park is home to over five hundred animals of about two hundred different species. You will get to see animals in their natural habitats. The park is set up in four theme areas. There is also a park with a playground for the kids to run and play.Spend some time researching the variety of attractions and accommodations in the Benidorm area when planning your vacation. You will find there is something for every member of the family. Good planning will ensure that everyone has a great time on your vacation.

Buddha Tour in India

Buddha is considered to be the messenger of peace from heaven to this mundane world. India apart from its Hindu temples and shrines embraces many Buddhist temples and monasteries over the country. The Buddhists from over the world rush to India for having the taste of real Buddha temple tour. Sometimes Buddhist pilgrims come to trip Indian temples in quest of mental peace. In this era of unrest and terrorism mankind is searching for peace in their lives. Buddha pilgrimage tour will give you that mental peace.

Not only that many non-Buddhist rush to India to avail of Buddhist holiday pilgrimage tour during their holidays. In that case they can take pleasure from the tour, learning the religious mingle and cultural heritage of India.

In Old Delhi you visit the Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Memorials to Nehru and Gandhi, Qutab Minar, Humayuns Tomb, Parliament House, Birla Mandir etc.

Morning early depart for a boat ride on the Holy River Ganges viewing the cracking of dawn and the religions rites being performed on the River bank. Afternoon you go out for excursion to Sarnath, where Buddha preached his first lecture. This is the place that makes you feel why one should come to India for Buddha tour.

Morning leave by surface for Bodhgaya the place where Buddha attained enlightenment. Next morning depart by surface for Rajgir. On arrival sightseeing and lunch continuing on to Patna en route visiting Nalanda, the ancient Buddhist centres for leaning.

Now you depart by air for Calcutta- the city of joy and liveliness. Afternoon you go out for sightseeing of Calcutta city. In Calcutta also there are Buddha temples for touring. Then you will go to Kalimpong. Morning you leave for Gangtok. Leave for full day trip of the Rumtek Monastery and the city. Morning depart by surface for Bagdogra abiding on to the airport for departure by air for Delhi. With all these your Buddha tour India comes to an end but once you get the taste this will pull you back to visit India for Buddha pilgrimage India tour.

How to Avoid Common Baggage Problems

Mishandled baggage is not an uncommon phenomenon in air travel. The US Department of Transportation recently reported that for every 200 passengers flying domestic on the ten largest US airlines, at least one files a mishandled baggage report.

Losing one’s luggage is a definite headache for travelers. To avoid such mishaps, the following pointers are recommended:

Travel with only carry-on luggage. You take your bags with you inside the cabin, so you do not have to worry about them being lost or stolen. Generally, a passenger is allowed two pieces of carry-on luggage, one for the overhead bin and the other for under the seat. Additional items such as umbrellas and baby strollers are also permitted.

Do not put heavy items in the overhead storage bin. Even lightweight items can cause serious injuries if they fall out of the overhead. The maximum weight for carry-on bags is 40 pounds, and they should not be larger than 9″ x 14″ x 22″. i>Put your contact information on every bag. Stick a label on the outside of all your luggage indicating your name and address. Put a duplicate along with your itinerary inside your bags. This will help the airline locate your bags in case they are misplaced. The measure should also be done on your carry-on bags, just in case you need to check them in at the last minute.

Customize the look of your bags. Many bags have similar designs. So, customize your checked bags to make them easier to spot on the baggage carousel and to prevent other passengers to grab them by mistake. i>Keep your valuables with you. Store your valuable items, such as money, jewelry, laptop computers and electronic files in your carry-on luggage so they would not get lost.

Verify the correctness of airline tags on your luggage. The three-letter identifier tagged on your checked baggage should match your destination airport. When in doubt, check with your ticket agent. i>Keep the stub from your checked luggage. The stub is a very important key to identifying your bags in case it is lost or picked up by someone else by accident.

Immediately report lost checked luggage. If your bags have not turned up at your destination, inform the baggage agents on duty or any of your airline’s representatives available at once.

Anticipate the loss of a bag. It is always better to be safe than to be sorry. Pack your bags in a way that the loss of a bag will not hamper your trip. Distribute clothes and underwear among your bags. If you have a business meeting and are carrying presentation materials with you, either pack backup copies in another bag or have it sent ahead of you. i>Do not pack hazardous goods. Some items, while commonplace and essential at home or in the workplace, pose a safety threat to passengers and crew in the cabin. If your airline allows them in checked baggage, make sure they are packed properly.

As always, verify with your airline their policies and guidelines regarding baggage.

London’s West End Musicals

London’s theatre scene is glitzy, glamorous and fun, and there are always hundreds of performances going on at once. Some of the most popular shows are the big West End musicals, many of which have been running for years and still sell out weeks in advance. Here’s a brief guide to some of the all-time favourites.

Blood BrothersTheatre: Phoenix, Charing Cross RoadCurrent Run Since: November 1991Overview: Written in 1981, the original run of the musical starring Barbara Dickson had limited success. However, the remake 10 years later has proven very popular and has now become a cult classic. It’s a captivating prince-and-pauper tale of twin boys from a poor Liverpool family who are separated at birth because their mother can’t afford to keep them both. One is brought up by the mother’s rich employer so both lead very different lives, only to meet again in adulthood with mixed consequences.


*Chicago
Theatre: Cambridge Theatre, Earlham Street
Current Run Since: April 2006
Overview: This sordid tale of murder, greed and corruption focuses on main character Roxy Hart, who is accused of killing her husband and hires a sleazy lawyer to get her acquitted, only to set up a dance act with partner-in-crime Velma. With catchy tunes such as All That Jazz and Razzle Dazzle, it’s been a hit since its first run, which began in 1979.

*Les Misérables
Theatre: Queen’s, Shaftesbury Avenue
Current Run Since: October 1985
Overview: In 2006, Les Misérables became the longest running musical in the world. For 21 years it has been keeping audiences captivated with its dramatic and emotional tale of social, political and romantic turmoil in 19th century Paris, adapted from the classic Victor Hugo novel. The musical score is excellent, moving seamlesly from rousing marches to moving ballads.

*Lion King
Theatre: Lyceum, Wellington Street
Current Run Since: October 1999
Overview: Written by Tim Rice and Elton John, this excellent adaptation of the popular Disney animation has won six Tony Awards and is a real stage spectacular, with a dazzling set and fantastic animal costumes. It’s the story of a lion cub, heir to his father’s jungle throne, whose evil uncle plots to take over.

*Mamma Mia
Theatre: Prince of Wales, Coventry Street
Current Run Since: June 2004
Overview: 1970s Swedish pop sensation Abba’s best hits are brought together in this great musical medley, arranged around the story of a girl on the eve of her wedding day. Tuneful melodies such as Money Money Money, Dancing Queen and of course Mamma Mia are guaranteed to have audiences tapping their toes throughout.

*Phantom of the Opera
Theatre: Her Majesty’s, Haymarket
Current Run Since: October 1986
Overview: Andrew Lloyd Webber’s most well known musical is a love story based on Gaston Leroux’s 19th century romantic novel about the goings-on behind the scenes in a Paris Opera House, where a mystery man in a mask falls in love with one of the opera singers. It has won several awards, including seven Tonys and the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Musical, and is immensely popular – so much so that the theatre has never had an unsold seat in 20 years of daily performances. Key themes from the musical are The Music of the Night and the title piece Phantom of the Opera.

A Guide To Virginia Beach Hotels

If you’re traveling to Virginia Beach, consider yourself lucky. People who’ve never been there have no idea what they’re missing, and you’re about to experience it. Long expanses of white sand stretch as far as you can see from dozens of beautiful, waterfront hotels. The breathtaking ocean views will make you lose track of time, and after sunset the nightlife will keep you entertained. However, your hotel very easily influences the beauty and fun of Virginia Beach.

Choosing the right hotel is one of the most important pieces of your Virginia Beach vacation. Take the time to investigate what attractions are your favorites and look for a hotel nearby. Being in close proximity to activities you want to enjoy will save you travel time and the confusion of trying to navigate in a new city. If you’re a nature lover, look for a hotel close to the local nature preserves or hotels that offer dolphin and whale watching expeditions as part of a vacation package.

Next, ask the hotel about their typical patrons. Some hotels are the perfect place for kids. They’re close to the park and have facilities to keep your children entertained. On the other hand, some hotels specialize in quiet, secluded getaways with quaint reading rooms overlooking the water. Bringing in children may not be such a good idea. It’s important to know what your hotel is known for and what you will need.

No matter what you need, there is a hotel for you at Virginia Beach. Look for them online, or call around. Don’t settle for the first offer, because with the hundreds of local hotels, inns and bed and breakfasts, you’re bound to find one perfect for you.

Travel Tips Before you Travel To a Foreign Country

There are many things that you can do to pre-prepare yourself and your family for travel. By being as prepared as you can be, you are setting yourself up for a great getaway that will minimize any unpleasant circumstances that sometimes arise with travel.

In order to have the best vacation possible, I’m going to share with you the must know tricks and travel tips before you travel.

The very first thing you must do is RESEARCH. You want to learn as much as you possibly can about your destination prior to arrival. Yes, this is going to require some time and effort on your part but it is going to be more than worth it. This is the only way to truly understand what it is you want from your vacation and what you want to do on your vacation.

Here are some things that you should always know about your destination.

Weather - You need to know what you should be packing and planning for.

Paperwork and Documentation - Know what is needed to travel to your particular destination.

Know if there are any diseases common to the area you will be traveling to – this way you are able to take preventative measures.

Costs of local items – You want to be able to properly plan your budget; remember to include taxes and tipping.

Holidays and festivals – check to see when these occur for your destination as you may find limited services on those days.

The best holidays are the ones we are most prepared for. Do yourself a favour; make it a habit to always know as much as you can about your destination before you travel. It’ll make all the difference in the world!

What are some other things that you can do to prepare yourself? Use these travel tips before you travel.

1. Make 2 photocopies of your passport. Take one and put it in a safe place or leave it with a friend. Take the other one with you and keep it in a separate place from your passport, this way should your passport become lost or stolen, you can use the copy to exit the country and it will also facilitate the replacement process.
2. Email yourself important information such as: airline numbers and flight information, credit card numbers, passport and driver’s licence numbers and anything else that may be of importance to you. This way if anything is lost or stolen, you are just and internet connection away.
3. Know your banking information. For your credit card, make sure that the valid dates will remain valid while you’re traveling, know your available spending amount and don’t forget to leave some room on it for emergencies. Check your ATM and debit cards’ daily and total limits.
4. Learn some local phrases. If you are traveling to a country with a foreign language, it’s always nice to know some of the local phrases. Knowing the “polite words” and just a few local phrases will be a huge help. You will find that natives really appreciate this and will tend to be more receptive to your questions. Maybe you’ll even make a new friend while you’re at it!
5. Be aware of the voltage that’s used for the country you’re traveling to. If you are taking anything that requires an outlet; cell phone, computer, video camera, etc. make sure to purchase plug adapters. For things such as hairdryers, curling irons, electric razors, etc to purchase an actual voltage converter unless your appliance has multiple voltage currencies.

When traveling to a foreign country it’s always best to be as prepared as you can be. Do as much research as you possibly can, remember these travel tips before you travel and your trip abroad is sure to be a success.

Here’s your final checklist: Passport, tickets, car rental and hotel reservation receipts/agreements, credit cards, medications or prescriptions, if required, addresses, password and any other important information that you may need. Don’t forget the most important thing: your adventurous travel mind, see and learn as much as you can and have the time of your life!

Road Travel Trip Tips For The Entire Family

It's no coincidence that when families tell stories, many are about trips together in the family car.

Whether it's to the mountains, to the shore or to grandmother's house for a holiday, a family road trip can be filled with good times and memories in the making.

However, if you are unprepared, it can also be very stressful. Here are some tips to make any family trip, long or short, more enjoyable and as stress free as possible.

Make sure friends and family at home have all your contact information on the road.

When traveling to a new city or national park, discuss the trip with children before leaving. Research facts about the destination, which will be a fun and educational way to get the kids excited about the trip.

Pack an easily accessible emergency road kit, including motion sickness medicine, waterproof matches and candles, flashlight, road flares, blanket, first aid kit including all medications, towel, jumper cables, a gallon of water and a tool kit.

Make sure your vehicle can accommodate the whole family. A vehicle such as Suzuki's XL7 is designed to be big enough for every family member to sit comfortably and pack all his/her belongings in the spacious cargo area. The XL7's 50/50 split-folding third-row seat can be folded flat into the floor for additional cargo-carrying room.

Have your car inspected and serviced before you leave. Get an oil change and check lights, signals, wiper blades, caps, hoses, filters, spare tire, etc. Check the status of your car's warranty protection for added peace of mind.


For example, all Suzuki vehicles come with an industry-leading 100,000-mile/seven-year, fully transferable, zero-deductible powertrain limited warranty.


Change seats along the way so everyone has a chance to sit by the window.

Bring plenty of water, snacks, games, books, toys and DVDs for the kids.

Stop every couple of hours to stretch and walk around. This will give everyone a chance to get a break from the drive and will help young passengers burn off some energy.

Actively involve children in the travel plans. Have them follow a map of the drive route, pointing out interesting landmarks along the way.

A Quick Guide to San Diego Beaches

Most people that visit San Diego come for the beaches and perfect climate. If you are planning a trip, here is the scoop on the beaches, when to come and where to go.

A Quick Guide to San Diego Beaches

While San Diego is often represented as having perfect year around weather, this is not entirely true for beach goers. It goes without saying that the months of December through March are pretty nippy, but there is another period when the beaches are barren and it might surprise you.

Visitors to San Diego in May and June often are very disappointed. During these months, we have something known as “June Gloom”. Essentially, the coast is covered in low clouds and going to the beach is an exercise in futility. Don’t come! On the other hand, the two best months to visit are August and September. They are blazing hot and the beaches are less crowded, particularly in September after school starts.

So, which beaches should you go to? Well, there are a lot to choose from and everyone has an opinion. Here is mine!

If you want a beach with lots of younger people, Mission Beach is pretty much the place to be. The beach is one of the wider ones in San Diego, but it is packed. There is also a boardwalk behind it which is packed with people hanging out, rollerblading and so on. This is the place to be young and good looking.

If you prefer a more relaxed beach experience, Del Mar offers plenty of space with nice beaches. Some areas of the beach will have lots of people, but you can stroll south or north to less crowded areas. The beach areas are known by the numerical streets that run perpendicular to them. The beach at 17th street is the most crowded, while there are far fewer people on the sand at 22nd street. You don’t have to know the streets. Just park, walk out to the beach and mozy up the beach till you find a spot you like.

If you are looking for a beach with a very private experience, the beaches below the cliffs in Encinitas are the way to go. These can be a little harder to find since there are only a few entrances to them, but you want to ask around for a location known as “stone steps”. Once you find it, you walk a few hundred steps down to a beach with only a few people. Walk a few hundred feet in either direction and you are alone.

Obviously, picking a beach in San Diego is a highly subjective decision. That being said, you can’t really go wrong with any of the above.

Tips For Traveling With Kids

Vacations are a time to remember. Years after a holiday, we remember the merriment that we had enjoyed during a particular vacation. Though the holiday is memorable, traveling to the selected destination is probably the most tiresome part of the package. The process becomes even more tedious if you are traveling with kids. Their low attention span and impatience is the primary reason why they get over-excited whether the destination is grandma's place or Hawaii. Not an hour passes by when parents hear the endless chime of 'when do we get there?'.

Making these long car rides or a trip in the airplane is not as difficult as it may seem to a harassed parent. A wee bit of planning in advance to keep your young tykes in control will see you a long way. A variety of games will keep them engaged and divert their minds away from the long wearisome travel.

If you have not come across some games which are apt for travel time then here are a few. For bumpy car rides where children cannot indulge in board games try 'spot the letter of the alphabet'. The game involves reading road signs or billboards and spotting the letters of the alphabet in the sequence. So if you come across 'Abacus building systems', the letters A, B, C, D and E are found. In the next billboard they should look for F. This game is suitable to be played alone or with a sibling. Create a competition between two children by allotting one side of the road to each and see who reaches the end of the alphabet first.

Another extremely simple and interesting game which can be played while traveling on the freeway is 'license plates'. The objective of the game is to identify vehicles from different states using their license plates. Keep them busy by telling them to keep going till they see plates from all 50 states.

The tussle of managing a child on the airplane can be more embarrassing than a car drive. With a hollering baby you are sure to get dirty glances from the scores of passengers traveling on board. Coping with toddlers on a plane is easier since the journey is much smoother than a car ride and drop down trays can be used to play board games. If traveling with an infant, then make sure that your little one is comfortable to ensure a peaceful flight. Try and time your babies sleep to coincide with the flight timings. Feed your baby during take off and landing to reduce discomfort in the ears.

Planning activities specially suited for travel will help you recall the vacation with fondness and visions of the harrowing time you had will not cross your eyes every time you look back.

The Las Vegas Guide for Families

Whether you’ve been to Vegas before or not, coming with your family can certainly stress even the hardiest of travel planners. Afraid there won’t be enough for the kids to do? Relax, there’s plenty. Afraid there won’t be enough for mom and dad to do? Don’t you know anything about Vegas?

Hotels

So you want to stay somewhere the kids can have fun just a short walk away?No problem. Circus Circus, with its indoor circus and theme park, and Excalibur with its host of family-friendly options were both designed with families in mind.

The Stratosphere, at the north end of the Strip, is perfect for families who don’t mind being away from the action. With a rollercoaster and other attractions, the Strat is located close to Circus Circus, as well.

For a more upscale family vacation, the MGM Grand has a reputation as all things to all people. While this generally does not include children, the Lion Habitat and proximity to M&Ms World should keep them occupied. The Venetian, though pricier, offers larger room sizes (all rooms are suites) and a killer location on the Strip.

Attractions

Get the kids dressed and ready to go…there’s a ton of stuff you need to do!

First off, it is important for us to remind you that if you are staying with children, ALWAYS book a hotel with a decent pool. With that out of the way…

Also worth checking out are Circus Circus’ indoor circus and amusement park Adventuredome, the Stratosphere, and a day trip to the Hoover Dam. Younger children will enjoy Circus Circus, while teens will probably like cruising the Strip by themselves (it’s quite safe!). Young engineers will love the Hoover Dam, which is almost too exciting to miss.

Restaurants

Vegas is not designed for children. That being said, there are still tons of great options for kids and parents to refuel.

Margaritaville, the Jimmy Buffett classic, is fun for the whole family and features a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere. So too, do Rainforest Café, Planet Hollywood and the ESPN Zone, which also features a massive arcade. When in doubt, aim for the restaurants that your kids like at home…and don’t worry, there is a McDonald’s right on the Strip.

Shows

Bringing the kids to headliners and other shows is an expensive proposition. If your budget does not allow $400 for shows, try the free Fountains of Bellagio or Mirage Volcano, which run on set schedules throughout each day.

Otherwise, the Blue Man Group, Mamma Mia! And Extreme Magic with Dirk Arthur are all fun for young children up to mom and dad.

Mom & Dad Time

Found a babysitter? Check out our other Guides to Vegas for how to spend your “alone time.”

How to Avoid and Deal with Airsickness

Air travel has come a long way since the Wright brother's first flight in 1903. Planes are now works of technological and engineering genius, screaming across the sky at 600 miles an hour while the passengers inside enjoy in-flight movies and complimentary beverage service. However, as advanced as air travel has become, there will always be one thing that plagues some air travelers regardless of the in-flight accommodations they have. That one thing is air travel sickness.

Airsickness, as it's frequently called, is a form of motion sickness travelers experience when they fly. Motion/air travel sickness is caused when your central nervous system receives conflicting messages from your eyes, inner ear, and muscles. Because of high altitudes, pressure differences, and turbulence experienced when flying, your central nervous system can receive varying messages based on how each part of your body is reacting to your surroundings and the altitude. As a result, your equilibrium can be thrown off and lead to slight nausea and dizziness, the two most common symptoms of air travel sickness.

However, this imbalance doesn't always lead to airsickness. In fact, most people don't experience any sort of nausea or dizziness when they fly. But that's not to say they never will. That's why it's important to know how to avoid and deal with airsickness.

How to Avoid Air Travel SicknessAlthough it's not always feasible to avoid airsickness completely, it is possible to lessen the likelihood of it. For starters, it's always better to travel when you're in peak health. Colds and other ailments can leave you vulnerable to slight changes in altitude and temperature, making you more susceptible to air travel sickness. Stress can also make you more vulnerable to airsickness. When you're stressed, your body is not at peak performance, and flying can take a lot out of you. So if you want to avoid the airsickness bag as best you can, try to lower your stress levels before you fly.

Eating a large meal before you fly can also lead to air travel sickness. The more food you eat, the more energy it takes for your body to process it, slightly lowering your body's natural ability to adjust to higher altitudes (it's too busy digesting that triple cheeseburger you ate before takeoff). So, eat a light meal before you fly. You should definitely eat something before you fly; just make sure you eat in moderation.

How to Deal with Air Travel SicknessFor some people, there's no way to avoid airsickness. They're just prone to motion sickness of any kind and can't avoid the nausea and dizziness. However, that doesn't mean there's no hope for these individuals. There are a few ways to deal with airsickness if you know you're more susceptible to it. Unfortunately, once you come down with airsickness, there's no real solution to alleviating its symptoms. That's why you need to plan ahead and attack airsickness before it attacks you. Here are some simple solutions to dealing with air travel sickness:

-Don't read if you are prone to airsickness. The strain on your eyes will only add to the imbalance caused by motion sickness.

- If you're a frequent victim of air travel sickness, take medication. If you don't want to take medication, there are non-medicated solutions available (such as motion sickness bands). In either case, ask your local pharmacist or physician which medication/solution is best for you.

-Keep yourself hydrated by drinking lots of water. Your body needs water to maintain its bodily functions. If you're dehydrated, your body won't function at peak performance.

Air travel sickness is one of the few downfalls of flying. It can easily turn a simple flight into an excruciating experience. However, there are simple ways to combat airsickness before it affects you. If you're flying soon, plan ahead and heed the preceding advice on how to avoid and deal with airsickness. It could drastically improve your flying experience.