The Shangri La Hotel, Formally The Ana Hotel, In Sydney, Australia

One of the finest hotels in downtown Sydney, Australia is the Shangri La. The hotel is positioned between the Gorgeous Sydney Opera House and the Harbor Bridge. Guests can enjoy the Sydney experience in the Shangri La's sumptuous comfort and style in this five star property.

The Shangri La is located in the historic Rocks district which was the colonial birthplace of Sydney. The area offers a huge variety of restaurants, bars and pubs as well as great shopping.

The Central Business district is walking distance from the hotel as well as major shopping facilities and tourist attractions. The ferry and jet cat terminal, Circular Quay, the train and bus stations and the famous Opera House are all near.

The views in all the rooms in the Shangri La are stunning. The entire double glazed floor to ceiling windows offers the best of Sydney's picturesque views. These beautiful windows let you watch the bustling of the city, the harbor activity and the iconic Sydney Opera House.

The rooms are equipped with broadband internet access with computer data ports. There are high end telephones with voice mail, an electronic safe, mini bar and coffee making facilities Each room has a full size executive writing desk with a cable TV and in-house movie channels.

The Shangri La provides each guest with impeccable service and facilities to match. Their principle is that each and every one of their guests experience five star treatments throughout their stay. Their amenities match that goal. There is 24 hour room service, butler service in suites and a delicatessen and pastry shop. The business traveler is afforded a full functional business center, postal service and conference rooms. You can take advantage of airport transfers, limousine service, and car rental or city shuttles. For families there is child care services and non smoking rooms. If you need a haircut there is a beauty salon and if you need a bouquet for a special occasion pop into their florists.

Health and beauty are taken seriously at the Shangri La. Both the spa and beauty centers offer a wide arrangement of treatments to pamper and relax you. Their pool is complimentary for all guests. It is a roman style pool and spa that will help you unwind and refresh. The gym has state of the art-of-the-art equipment if you feel the need to work off some steam or just take a walk around the sundeck for a peaceful experience.

The bar at the top of the Shangri La has stunning views of all of Sydney. Take advantage of their close proximity to The Rocks and tour around, stop at a pub or dine in one of their fantastic restaurants. One of the best seafood restaurants in the Rocks is Doyle's on the Quay. They have been serving quality seafood since 1885. It is a family run business located right on the harbor with great views of the water, the opera house, and the Harbor Bridge. The atmosphere is casual and the clientele varied. It is a bit expensive but the food and the view is worth it. It is best to make a reservation.

If you are looking for a first class hotel while staying in Sydney, you won't do better than the Shangri La. The hotel is beautifully appointed, with an impeccable staff and a perfect location. Everything that will give you a G'day mate!

5 Tips For A Great Visit To Tijuana Mexico

Tijuana is the self proclaimed “most visited city in the world.” Since the 1920s tourists have poured over the border 20 minutes south of San Diego to get a taste of Mexico. The city has seen a sharp increase in violent crime in recent years and as a result tourism has dropped. However, thousands of day trippers still cross the border each month to enjoy the tacos and haggle in the shops. Here are five tips to help make your next visit to Tijuana a smooth one.

Park in the U.S. Assuming you are not buying large objects like furniture, plan on parking your car on the U.S. side of the border and walking into Mexico. This avoids the hassles of getting Mexican auto insurance and the dangers of driving in a foreign country with different laws than you may be used to. There are many parking lots along the border. All of them are about the same charging anywhere from seven to nine dollars for the day. We usually park at the large one on the corner located to your right (West) when you take the "Last U.S. Exit" on I-5 or I-805.

Don't exchange money. There is really no reason for you to change your dollars into pesos despite the numerous exchange houses that line both sides of the border. Contrary to popular belief, the merchants prefer dollars and you'll actually end up paying more for items if you go with pesos.

Don't get drunk. Since the prohibition era Tijuana has been the place for Americans in Southern California to go to throw back some cheap beers. Unfortunately, everyone from bartenders to, taxi drivers, to police officers take advantage of drunk Americans everyday, often driving them to ATMs and forcing them to withdraw all available cash. Also, driving drunk will land you in a Mexican jail for a long time so don't even think about that.

Avoid dangerous places. Revolution Avenue is where all the tourist shops are and you should never get off that street. The cross streets are all numbered and you should try to stay between second and eleventh. If land marks are easier to remember stay south of the aluminum arch and north of the Jai Alai stadium. Outside of this zone can be dangerous, especially at night.

Get back early. Ideally try to make it back to the border by dark. If you are going with friends for an evening of fun, shoot for before midnight. The early morning hours are when people get taken advantage of the most. If you came with a group make sure everyone travels back together.

Alaska Offers Adventure, Beauty and Nature for Visitors Year Round

If you are looking for a place to vacation with almost unparallel beauty, where nature abounds and where there is still untouched land waiting to be explored, then Alaska is calling your name. From the land or from a cruise ship, visiting and taking in the sites and sounds of Alaska creates memories that last a life time.

When some people think of Alaska, they automatically think of cold weather and the very short or very long days that are experienced in this remote state. Yes, of course it is cooler than say, Southern Florida, but there are plenty of times a year where the weather is bearable. So, if you don't like to freeze, you can still find times to visit Alaska where a sweater or light jacket will suffice.

One of the best ways to experience Alaska is to take an Alaskan cruise. This way you can enjoy the spectacular scenery from the water and from close up when you stop at your various ports of call. To truly realize the size of an ice burg or the natural beauty of this state, a cruise is the way to go. You have the luxury and comfort of the cruise ship and still get to explore different cities and villages.

Don't forget to bring your camera! You will know what I mean once you get there. You might never experience anything as awesome as what you see here. From whale watching in the ocean to the local customs you will experience in towns such as Anchorage or Nome, a camera will help capture your memories.

Consider staying at a bed and breakfast to get to know some of the locals. There are nature hikes available as well as fishing excursions and day cruises. You can't leave without purchasing some of the many local crafts available. Ask locals for good places to eat. There might be a restaurant or pub not listed in your tourist information that will give you a taste of the local cuisine.

Grab your camera, grab your coat and get your Alaskan vacation booked. Once you head there one time, it will call you back again and again. Many of those who live there will tell you that they just came to visit, felt like they had found their home and new that they could never leave the beauty of Alaska.

Tips For Traveling In Israel By Trains

The Israeli railroads infrastructure has been upgraded significantly in the past 10 years. While until 1996 most of trains & railroads were bizarre collections of British "leftovers" from the mandatory occupation that lasted until 1948, nowadays Israeli trains can take you almost anywhere in Israel and (almost) right on time.

Most of the train stations have been rebuilt, and the train cars themselves are made by top-of-the-line European train-car manufacturers. The ride itself is usually very smooth and comfortable and most on the trains do make it right on time (which is very rare, generally speaking in the middle east and Israel).

While prices and service are only fair, there are some important tips to remember when traveling Israel by train: some are trivial for every train rider while some are unique to Israel.

• Try to avoid taking the train on Sunday – while most of the Israeli soldiers are using the trains as their preferred (and free) means of transportation, and are using them to return from their vacations you will find it literally impossible to find a free seat on the Sunday trains. Some of them are so packed that they do remind of third world country trains (by the way – in some aspects Israel is a third world country..) . Whatever you do try not to use Israeli trains on Sunday and if so – do it after rush hours and not before 15:00.

• Bring your own food & drink – While there are no restaurant train cars on any of the lines, there are attendees who carry small trolleys with hot drinks, soft drinks, sandwiches and snacks. The only problem is that prices are extremely high, you might find yourself paying way too much for food and drink which you can buy at the train station for literally half the price.

• Hotspot wireless internet - is available only in the main stations in Tel-Aviv, and the service is highly priced (by the hour or per day). If you want to catch up with your email – download them before boarding to the train, there is no wireless connection on the trains themselves.

• Double deck trains – some of the trains have tow levels, it is very easy to recognize them – they are all painted in red. If you see one of these (they are fairly popular on the busy Tel-Aviv – Haifa lines) – try to get to the penthouse ? the view is much better and there is much more sunlight.

•Don't miss the ride to Jerusalem by train! – it is slow, not efficient, has very low frequency, and the central train station in Jerusalem is next to "Malcha Mall" in the far end of the city, but after saying that: this is the most interesting train line in Israel which was re-opened only last year (2005). If you want to see Israel diverse landscape – don't miss this ride.

To sum things up – Israel train is lots of fun, especially if you are a tourist and not in a hurry to anywhere, you will find this means of transportation as comfortable and efficient. Don't hesitate to use it whenever you can, especially if you are on a budget.

Family Vacation Resort

You will choose a holiday destination for your family carefully, avoiding resorts like those dedicated for couples, gays or those reserved for older people. There are also some beach resorts which have clothing optional and such resorts don’t allow children below 18 years.


Family resorts offer a variety of facilities and amenities in differing price slabs at different geographies and seasons. You can choose from the list like air tickets, airport pick ups, hotels and rooms, transport, meals and holiday activities etc. Many in the 5 star class provide special childcare for little children whom you don’t want to carry onto the beach or to a hunting outing.

Top Reasons to Go On a Family Vacation

If you compare vacationing with friends, you will certainly understand family vacations are really far enjoyable for various reasons.

1. It is a great breakaway from the routine and union with family. Your family which missed you will love the opportunity to play with you. Small children develop the family values when they play and relate with parents better than how they do on a normal day. Building a sand castle or taking a walk in the woods goes a long way in this direction.

2. The escape from the daily chore provides with more time to understand children’s accomplishments, which they always wanted to show you proudly but in vain. Make the most of the occasion by teaching a few tricks, plays or an academic thing, which children cherish for long time in their lives.


3. Watching children enjoy with complete freedom and noticing the assurance they feel because of their parents’ vicinity are great feelings which sure make you wanting to come back again.

4. Watch your children, who looked upto you as their hero all these days, play with you with affection. Teach them how to unwind and instill courage.

Which Are the Top Family Vacation Destinations?

Shop around with your travel agent for top destinations and deals. Till that time, here are some of them.

1. Aruba: A popular island resort in the Netherlands Antilles.

2. Cancun in Mexico: Pretty popular beach vacation for the entire family. Also offers highest variety of landscapes.

3. Charleston South Carolina: 300-year old city, famous for its architecture and gardens. Has 2,000 buildings including those 73 predating the Revolutionary War.

4. Jamaica and Barbados, Bahamas, Hawaii, Honolulu, Florida, the list is countless.

Before You Book a Family Vacation

Most of them offer discounts or no charges for children below 18 years. (You know, children eat less, don’t drink and share room with parents.) They offer special play areas for them like merry go-rounds and skate board ramps. Enquire about the security aspect when going to jungle resorts. Ensure the price quoted is all inclusive. Reading the travel insurance fine prints is in your interest, for many travel insurance policies don’t cover out of country travels.

Understanding and Getting Into A Frequent Flyer Miles Program

If you are looking for a frequent flyer miles program to get into and to start earning some free miles with, there are likely to be several opportunities for you to get into this. The goal of a frequent flyer program is to earn free travel. With the help of the right airline program, you should have no problem finding one that is going to offer you some pretty good rewards. Of course, it is important for you to take some time to find the right program to get into as they are not all the same. Nevertheless, the goal is to use them.
Why should you bother with a frequent flyer miles program? There are many benefits to doing so. First off, if you are someone that already is flying quite a bit, then it makes sense to get something back for all the flying that you do. If you do not currently use just one airline to do all of your flying, consider determining which airline offers you the most often better deal and then looking for a frequent flyer program through that airline. That is a great way to save money.

Another reason why you should consider tapping into a frequent flyer program, especially if you fly quite a bit is the fact that it can get you some added bonuses. You may be able to get into flights that you need to that are already booked solid. Or, you may be able to upgrade your ticket to a business or first class ticket without any charge. There are many different types of rewards out there for you to take full advantage of.

The frequent flyer program that you are interested in is out there. Find it, enroll into it and then determine how you will be spending your miles when the time comes. It’s your money, why not get as much as you can for it?

A Visitors Guide To Tokyo Japan

Planning a trip to Tokyo, Japan in the near future? If so, this article will provide you with at least a day full of things to do in Tokyo and will also offer you a few travel trips.

First of all, travel to Tokyo can be expensive so be sure to do a little checking into prices and comparing of prices before you make your final travel arrangements. For those veteran travelers you will find that many of the hotels are wonderful and less expensive than those in other major cities in the world. Foreign travelers will even qualify for a little discount if the reservations are made ahead of time.

You will also find that domestic transport is moderately priced as long as you choose other modes of transportation over taxis and airplanes. Many hotels have limousine busses to get you to and from the airport or you could take the Keisei Sky Liner train. In the city you may want to use the subway or a Tokyo Combination ticket which is good for one day on a streetcar, Toei bus, JR train or the subway. There are thirteen subway lines and they operate from 5am to a little past midnight. If you are traveling with children from ages 6-12 they will pay half fare prices.

Because the majority of food in Tokyo has to be brought in from other places, it is usually one of the things you will need to allow extra money for. There are some food values, however if you plan ahead. Dont eat at the restaurants or hotels that plan their businesses around tourists with deep pockets. If you want the best value you will eat lunch in one of the little restaurants in the skinny streets on the business districts. Ask about the restaurants found in the basements of office buildings because you are likely to find a great mix of delicious food and reasonable prices.

Now that we have covered hotels, food and transportation we are ready to move on to some of the sights that can be seen in Tokyo in a day or two. Anime has gone human in Tokyo and you can experience this cartoon-like phenomenon in the Harajuku district and also see some of the same kinds of things in Shibuya, which is the teen capitol of everything cool. There is even a tour you can take if you are truly fascinated by Anime.

There are many traditional arts that remain popular in Tokyo. There are places to learn flower arranging. You can dress as a geisha and have your photo taken and you will want to leave time to visit traditional sites like the shines, temples, museums and gardens. These are spots to visit that represent the older aspects of a culture that is found no where else on earth.

Tokyo is also a city of the future. You can shop at some of the most fashionable places imaginable in the Roppongi district. Have fun shopping your way through 53 stories and you may want to visit the City View observatory and the Mori Art Museum.

Have a wonderful adventure in Tokyo, Japan!

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Baton Rouge Restaurants: Adding To The Beauty

Baton Rouge is the capital of Louisiana. It has been the center of all interesting things that amaze the tourists. Diversified arts, culture, music and mouth-watering cuisines are integral part of this beautiful place. Baton Rouge Restaurant serves people with delicacies the taste of which never fades on taste buds. Tourists find a delightful environment all around in terms of culture that introduces that taste from Cajun County to the west to the romance and charm of Plantation County to the east. Here you will find a fine blend of Baton Rouge History and modern Baton Rouge.

A promising city with fastest growing economy with the establishment of many cutting edge technology companies, law firms and knowledgeable population, this city supports both art and business fully. Baton Rouge City Map draws along the Mississippi River and hence displays a vibrant culture. It has always welcomed industrial ventures and academic establishments which lead to a thriving Baton Rouge. The city is famous for its inhabitants, unique food and thrilling music. The official government website makes you aware of everything about the city.

The city of Baton Rouge is located along the banks of Mississippi River. Many southern mansions and beautiful gardens surround this city. Tourists find many historic buildings and exciting nightlife. Public transit system is managed by Capitol Area Transit System.

As for the climate, it is semi-tropical here. May to September is consistent warm and winter is mild and generally for short duration. Spring delights you and is a good time to visit any plantation. Fall makes the tourist feel the need of a light sweater in the evening.

Monetary and currency related travel tips for travelers to Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul is the largest city of Turkey with a population of approximately 13 million people which makes it one of the largest cities in Europe. The city sits on both Asia and Europe that makes it arguably the only city that is located on two continents. Istanbul used to be the capital to Byzantine Empire until it was conquered by Ottomans in 1453. The date is considered in modern history to be the end of Middle Ages. The modern day Istanbul is very different than what is used to be and faced many changes and challenges since the end of Ottoman Empire during the beginning of 20th century. Due to its perfect location, Istanbul throughout centuries has never lost its important status as a port of commerce and a cultural center. As Turkey's economy has recently started to emerge again in the last few decades, the city has again started showing changes of going back to its glamorous days. Istanbul is one of the nine candidates for the upcoming 2012 Summer Olympics and it also hosts many different international conferences and exhibitions throughout the year.

ATM’s are widely available throughout Istanbul and you should have no problems if you land in the city with nothing but a credit card. Credit cards, however are usually not accepted by most of the government agencies, public museums or other historic places run by the government. You may frequently have to run into an ATM and withdraw some cash to cover for such expenses. Visa and MasterCard are two of the most popular credit cards and they are accepted by almost every merchant that has a processing machine. However, you may have difficulties at some places if you are carrying an American Express Credit Card. Most of the touristic places, larger shops and hotels will accept American Express but still you have a better chance carrying a Visa or a MasterCard with you rather than running into a merchant that does not accept AMEX. If you are traveling to the suburbs, you may want to stop by an ATM and withdraw some cash while you are still in the city. Citibank branches provide the option of making withdrawals in multiple type of currencies such as US Dollar or Turkish Yeni Lira.

Exchange bureaus are very popular in touristic areas and usually are easy to spot. They exchange almost all currencies and charge no commission while offering good exchange rates. The change bureaus at the airport or most of the hotels do usually not charge a fee either but they offer worse exchange rates. You should try to avoid exchanging the bulk of you currency at the airport. Instead, try to exchange an amount that you think will be enough for a day or two and save the rest to the city.

The Luxuries of a Chauffeured Limousine

Many people have been in a chauffeured limousine at least once and it is always an unforgettable experience. Whether it is for the prom, a bachelor or bachelorette party, a wedding, an anniversary, or just a special night out, a chauffeured limousine is a luxury that people use enough to keep plenty of rental companies in business.

Limousine companies are ready to offer a range of vehicles. For a professional event, a stretch Lincoln might do. But beyond the traditional limos, there are stretch SUVs, modified sports cars, and even 20-passenger party busses. In any of these cases, though, it takes a professional, trained driver to pilot these vehicles.Limousine Driver

Anytime you rent a limousine and someone’s driving services, you have the right to expect competence and luxury. The driver will be a trained driving professional, he or she will know how to handle minor repairs, and call for backup in case of bigger problems. The limo will be shiny clean, stocked as you order it, and you can expect to be treated with the utmost courtesy.

But within the driving industry, professionals say there is a difference between a limo driver and a proper chauffeur. A true chauffeur is to a limo driver as a butler is to a chambermaid. A chauffeured limousine that serves the most discerning clients, or even a private family, is even a step beyond competence into expertise.Bring the Car Around

A master chauffeur should be something like a concierge on wheels. The client of a chauffeured limousine can count on the driver to do everything from running errands to recommending restaurants to being available around the clock. It is no wonder that people who choose this niche of the driving profession usually become the personal employees of a family, often taking charge of all the family’s automobile management.

Personal chauffeured limousines can cost a client upwards of fifty thousand dollars a year, just for the driver’s salary. Limousine operating costs are a completely separate item. And even the best of these vehicles only get about fifteen miles on one gallon of gas!

Driving in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Having had my Driver’s License for 47 years now and having driven manual transmissions and automatics from Volkswagen bugs, to Corvettes, to Nissan 300 ZX Turbo’s to more refined Lincoln luxury cars you would think that I could drive anywhere in the world.

My driving record is excellent. No accidents and no points off in the last 6 years and that qualifies me for the best rating and the best insurance rate in Canada. An experienced driver with the best driving record.

Coming to Chiang Mai, Thailand and renting a car to see the sites and get around town should be a breeze you would expect. Well anyone who thinks so is dead wrong.

Driving here has to be seen to be believed. Do not try it unless you know someone here who has educated you as to What to Watch Out For.

Here is my list:

The lines on the roads do not mean a thing here. You can drive on them, you can drive on the side of them, but do not expect drivers to drive between them. Why? Because on the left side of the road you will find motorbikes so cars move over knowing that this is the preferred route of the motorbikes. That is one reason. Another is that both red taxi’s (converted pick up trucks used as taxis) and tuk tuk’s (three wheeled motorcycles used as taxis) move over from the fast lane to the middle of the two lanes in an attempt to pick up more passengers and yet not lose out on positioning in a fast lane of traffic.

Traffic signals do not mean a thing here. Vehicles can jump the green and make a turn against the flow of traffic if they are hmmm. the first, second, third or even the fourth vehicles in line at a red light as you want to cross an intersection with the light just having turned green. Expect vehicles to run the red if it just turned red hmmm. what one, two, or perhaps three seconds ago.Watch out for the 3 wheeled bicycles. These are normally driven by slim men in their sixties who have doing this for years. This may have been a fashionable and popular means of transportation 50 years ago or so but now it is a danger out on the roads as they move along at 4 mph on streets full of cars and motorcycles, all of which are in a hurry to go somewhere.

Watch out for vendors pushing their carts at 2 mph down the street on the left hand side of the road.

Watch out for dogs who lay on the road and refuse to move or move reluctantly as the last second.

If you are keeping up with the flow of traffic on a fast moving road at 45 mph in bumper to bumper traffic EXPECT someone to tailgate your vehicle. Oh maybe 10 ft from your rear bumper or perhaps 5 ft. from your bumper. Nice, polite, quiet people that they are Thai’s when they get behind the steering wheel change they make a transition from Mr. Hyde to Dr. Jekyll.In my opinion most drivers here only have the mandatory basic insurance which is almost useless should they have an accident. So they try to be careful and not hit other cars by driving 3 ft away from vehicles on their passenger side. Either they cannot judge the distance as they are inexperienced drivers or they are extremely careful, either way they will drive down the street using part of your lane forcing you out of your lane.

Overtaking can be done regardless of whether you do it by passing the vehicle in front of you on the left or right side. So if you drive down the road EXPECT to see a vehicle coming straight for you in your lane passing a slower vehicle. They will pass and expect you to slow down or move out of your lane as they are going somewhere in a hurry.

Overtaking another vehicle will happen by vehicles going uphill and not seeing what is ahead of them, overtaking will occur on turns and the drivers not seeing what is ahead of them, overtaking will occur whenever and wherever. Pedestrians crossing with the traffic light green DO NOT HAVE THE RIGHT OF WAY, vehicles go first and you should cross when you it is safe to do so.

Now having said all of that you may be thinking to yourself, Is this guy trying to scare me, is he trying to be funny, does he not want me to drive in Chiang Mai? The answer to these questions is:I want you to know what you will be facing should you decide to drive here. I want you not to injure yourself or someone else thinking you can go ahead and rent/drive a vehicle without having driven here before or without some advice.

When I first arrived and saw the traffic I thought that I would never be able to drive here. Well now I do drive here. I know what to watch out for and drivers running greens or red lights does not surprise me or anger me. I merely expect it.

The Thai drivers here have probably not had any formal driving instruction, they may not have any decent insurance coverage, and they may be pushy when it comes to driving as they may be in a hurry to earn money so that they can feed their family. So nothing against them, I try to understand their driving habits and adjust mine accordingly. No matter how they drive they are happy go lucky, cheerful, hard working people and I love them.

How to Maximize Frequent Flyer Points

Today, even infrequent flyers are enrolled in one or more airline frequent flyer programs. With the volume of air travel reaching and surpassing pre-9/11 levels, more and more people are hitting the skies. This article provides some tips and tricks to maximize those frequent flyer miles given out by most airlines as a reward or incentive for flying their airline or within a given airline group.

First a brief history of the airline frequent flyer program. Two events were key to the creation of the frequent flyer program, deregulation in 1978 which created a marketing environment and computerization which created the necessary infrastructure to support these programs. Without these two events frequent flyer programs would be either unnecessary or impossible to implement. In May 1981, American Airlines introduced AAdvantage, the first frequent flyer program. The goal was to retain their best customers by rewarding them for their loyalty. The program tracked member’s miles flown, and provided incentives in the form of free flights and upgraded amenities. Today, there are more than 70 frequent flyer programs, with over 100 million members. Members receive over 10 million awards per year.

The keys to maximizing your frequent flyer awards are as follows:

1. Join the program - you can't accumulate miles if you're not a member, and there is generally no cost to join.

2. Consolidate - focus your travel on as few airlines as possible, so that your miles accrue in one account, and you attain elite levels faster. Also, be aware of any alliances that airlines have, which allows you to fly on one airline but credit the points to another airline.

3. Keep track of expiration dates - most frequent flyer programs expire miles after a period of time, usually 2-3 years after being granted.

4. Credit card promotions - airline credit cards are a popular way to put an extra 5-10,000 miles in your account when you sign-up, which on some airlines is 50% of a round trip ticket. As long as the credit card doesn't have an annual fee, this is a great way to close the gap on a free ticket. Plus some airline credit cards provide bonus miles for each flight.

5. Hotel and rental car accelerators - check hotel and rental car agreements, you can pick up extra frequent flyer miles based on where you stay on the car you rent.

6. Elite levels – Try to achieve and maintain elite levels with the programs. Besides other amenities such as upgrades and preferential boarding, elite levels frequently get bonus miles. If you're elite in one airlines program, one trick is to send a letter to another airline requesting a bump into their elite program. Most airlines will do this to get you hooked on their programs.

7. Leverage merchant partnerships - airlines have signed agreements with various merchants (e.g., FTD) to provide frequent flyer miles for purchasing partner products. Find out which merchants your airline has partnered with and adjust your spending.

In summary, the quickest way to a free flight isn't necessarily through the air. Make sure you focus your travel, if possible, with one or two airlines. And make sure you understand all of the partnerships that airline has entered into, so that your non-flight dollars can be channeled into that free ticket to the Bahamas.

Travel Agents India & Tour Operators in India

Thinking of a holiday or an excursion? Just pick up the phone and contact a travel agent or a tour operator. And a planned holiday will be ready for you. It is always recommended that you travel with a complete laid out plan to avoid any tensions and goof-ups when you are out. This can be best done by a travel agent as you might be visiting the place for the first time whereas your travel agent will know the place well and will take care of your travel needs.

The tourism industry today has spread its wings everywhere and a travel plan for a perfect holiday has become absolutely convenient and easy. There are a vast number of travel agents today across the globe that will provide a perfectly planned holiday keeping in mind one’s needs and budget.

If you are planning an adventurous holiday, tour operators will plan a wildlife tour or a desert safari and if you are looking for a relaxed and easy vacation, tour operators will help you plan a quite holiday maybe on some hills or near the lake. And if you are looking at a mixture of both, tour operators will find a place which will have a little bit of adventure and fun along with time to relax. You just have to wish for a particular kind of holiday and the travel agents will make your dream come true.

India itself has so many unexplored and beautiful places that you could travel within the country for a complete lifetime and you will not stop admiring the places you have traveled. But a lot depends on your travel agent as well. If you pick on a good travel agent who will plan things for you way in advance like the hotel bookings and method of commuting and places to visit, traveling can become a blessing but if you land up with a bad travel agent, you can end up with a disastrous holiday. So pick on your travel agent carefully.

A good travel agent or a good tour operator will keep in mind all your comforts. He will attend to the smallest of details to ensure you have a hassle free trip. Once you have a reliable travel agent, you can traverse through unknown lands with confidence to fulfill your desire of travel and adventure. So get going!

Travel tips for European vacations for senior citizens

Wherever you might be going, there are some constant features you should think about because they would help you to have a good time and solve unwanted burdens. These features concern your luggage, accommodation, electronic devices, season, and seniors’ discounts.

Prefer a backpack on wheels instead of a suitcase, you could pull it behind you when your back hurts or you are exhausted. Don’t overweight your luggage. It is enough to take two or three blouses or shirts (depending on the season), two pairs of lightweight trousers, comfortable walking shoes, three changes of underwear, three pairs of socks (long stockings when the weather is cold on that time of the year) and these all should be enough for your luggage. Consider checking your bag in with the airlines, because it would become an unnecessary burden to be dragged all over the airport or the city if you are going to have a short visit. In case you will go to visit those places, ask the airline attendant to arrange transport to make sure you will be in time for your flight.

The accommodation could create other problems, the stairs, for example. You should take them into account when you make the arrangements in advance. You could tell from the very beginning that you would prefer a ground floor room. You could stay outside the city, in a hostel maybe, because it is cheaper, less crowded and the air is much fresher, but you have to walk or use the transport more, to get in the city or to the station. However you put the problem here, there are always advantages and disadvantages in your balance. You have to ask yourself what weights more in the balance.

The season you are travelling in must agree with your mood. In late spring and early autumn Europe is less full of tourists, neither too hot, nor too cold. You could have an Easter European travel in Holland, for instance, to see the tulips in full bloom on the fields or you can visit the Keukenhoff Gardens to see the rainbow of blooming. Most museums, some concert halls, railways, airlines, bus lines, ferry and shipping lines have a discount policy for seniors. You should ask them wherever you go, and you will find out that you can save some money. In UK the discount, called concession is not just a concession, it is quite generous. Actually there are even a few places, quite rare, but they exist and you can have a free access to what they offer.

Electronic devices are useful but sometimes they can give you a lot of headaches. You could help yourself with a micro-tape recorder to record your notes. It would be easier than to write and you would put them down on paper later, to share your notes with your family. If you bring a camera with you to keep the beautiful images alive along the time then make sure you know how to handle it or you might fail to record them not only on that camera but also in your eyes. You will be so concerned to make that terrible thing function that you would pass from one place to another only with your eyes down. If you make sure to remember to do all these, then the rest would be just to enjoy yourself.

Which Disney Holiday is Right for You?

You’ve decided that you’re going to go on a Disney holiday. But where should you go? Which Disney experience is best for you and your family? There are several options to choose from so its not surprising if you’re feeling confused about which Disney holiday is right for you. Before getting down to the details on timing, pricing and length of stay, here is an overview of your Disney options:

Disney Cruises
There are two cruise ships – Disney Magic and Disney Wonder – with Castaway Cay, a private island in the Bahamas, designed as an exclusive port of call for Disney ships. There are weekly cruises that depart from Port Carnaveral, Florida to the Bahamas, and the Eastern or Western Carribbean. There are other special cruises that go up the west coast of the United States and through the Panama Canal.

Disney Vacation Club
If the idea of returning to Disney locations over many years to come then you might want to consider joining the Disney Vacation Club. More than 90,000 families have already joined this real estate investment plan which allows them to use their annual allotment of Vacation Points for accommodation at Disneyland in California, Walt Disney World in Florida, Disneyland in Paris, France or on a Disney Cruises. There are other member benefits including a discount on park tickets.

Disneyland Resort Paris
This resort is located 19 miles east of Paris, France. As well as the regular rides and attractions that you can expect at any Disney park location (Main Street, Fantasyland, Discoveryland, Adventureland and Frontierland), Disneyland Resort Paris also has a special theme park called the ‘Walt Disney Studios’. It features 10 main attractions including the Rock-n-Roller Coaster starring Aerosmith, Animagique, Armaggedon Special Effects and a Studio Tram Tour to take you behind the scenes.

Disneyland Park Resort, California
The first Disney theme park established in 1955 is the only one designed by Walt Disney. There are two main theme parks at Anaheim, California – Disneyland Park and Disney’s California Adventure Park. Disneyland Park is the main park with all the locations you would expect to find plus a whole heap of rides and attractions you may not have heard of. The Adventure Park has four themed lands – Hollywood Pictures Backlot, Golden State, Paradise Pier and ‘a bug’s land’. There is also the Downtown Disney District, a shopping, entertainment and dining precinct, located between the two theme parks. There are 3 Disney Hotels to choose from if you want a complete Disney experience.

Hong Kong Disneyland
At the Disneyland Park in Hong Kong spread over 310 acres are a range of rides and attractions from other Disney locations which have been adapted with the local culture in mind. The themed lands you will find include Main Street, Adventureland, Fantasyland, and Tomorrowland. There are 2 Disney hotels located next to the Park on Lantau Island, 20 minutes by ferry from the International Airport.

Tokyo Disney Resort
This resort was the first Disney resort to be opened outside the US. In Tokyo there are two theme parks side by side - Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea Park – together with 5 Disney Hotels. There are seven themed lands at the Park – Fantasyland, Critter Country, Toon Town, Tommorrowland, Adventureland, Westernland, World Bazaar. The DisneySea Park also has seven separate lands – Lost River Delta, Arabian Coast, Port Discovery, Mermaid Lagoon, Mysterious Island, American Waterfront, Mediterranean Harbor. The park complex also has a dedicated shopping, dining and entertainment area, Ikspiari, which also features a children’s play-and-carecenter.

Walt Disney World
Located in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, Walt Disney World was the second of the Disney theme parks but it is the largest, stretching over 47 square miles. With four theme parks (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney-MGM Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park), two water parks (Typhoon Park and Blizzard Beach), six golf courses, a sports complex, an auto race track, Disney Downtown area, more than twenty resort hotels, and numerous shopping, dining, and entertainment offerings you will find more than enough to keep you entertained for many days.

Whichever experience you choose, where Disney is involved it’s sure to be a fun and exciting time. Make sure you read up on your choice so that you can get the most out of your Disney holiday.

A Whole New World - Disney Worlds Top Attractions

If you have been planning to go on a fantastic vacation, but don't want to spend a lot of money, disney world might, suprisingly, be one of the destinations on your list. If you do the proper research and planning the costs can be quite reasonable. Why not spend some time comparing vacation packages and weigh the pros and cons?

1. Disney Packages
Your starter package lasts a minimum of five days and is the biggest bang for your buck. It doesn't matter if you are on your honeymoon or just taking the kids. Of course, you won't want to go broke in the process, so have a plan in mind and of course budget everything beforehand.

2. Downtown
If you or your kids love Lego then you will want to stop by the Imaginatino Center. There are sculptures made entirely out of lego and a 3,000 square foot play area with over a million blocks of lego to play with.

3. Musical Fountains
A magestic array of sound and motion awaits you with interactive fountains. Yes, you can jump in, splash around and make it a Kodak moment for your keepsakes. Nearby there are free magic shows and they will teach you a few lessons in magic for free also.

4. Pleasure Island
As the name sounds, this is quite an adults oriented area of the park. Also, best of all, it's free during the evening hours! You can roam and revel in the shops and restaurants while you enjoy the entertainment and fireworks display. There are also night clubs on the island, although those require a cover fee to get in.

5. Boardwalk
Go directly to Boardwalk! This area is very pleasant and offers several freebies for you and your family. Have fun strolling down the Boardwalk and enjoy the street performers. From jugglers to jazz musicians, take in the atmosphere and enjoy. For dancing and live bands with no cover charge, stop by the Atlantic Dance Hall.

6. Monorail
If you have a multi-pass you can ride the Monorail for free. A true favorite for disney guests, it offers a complete tour of the park and the various attractions.

7. Cruises
For those where money is no object, you might want to consider a cruise along Crescent Lake and visit Epcot, the Yacht and Beach Club, Swan and Dolphin, and MGM along the way. While youre enjoying the open water you can take the boat that visits the Magic Kingdom, Contemporary, Wilderness Lodge, Ft. Wilderness, the Polynesian, and Grand Floridian.

Flying in first class: A royal experience!

It's quite an experience flying in the first class. Not everyone can afford to fly in the first class but those who can certainly know how good it is. You are treated like a king. The services in the first class are outstanding and the facilities are superb. The pushback seats offer great comfort and there's also lots of elbow room.

There are some ways by which you can cut the first class airfare and that is by booking early. There are many advantages if you book early, one is that you will get discounted rates and the other is that your seat will be guaranteed. You can also shop to reduce the airfare.

You can get the latest and the best deals on the first class airfare from sites like Orbitz, Expedia and Travelocity. So in case you find a great deal, grab it immediately. This is because the rates change quickly, within minutes. You should not forget to check the websites of individual airlines especially those who do not give their fares on these travel sites. Their rates are listed in their site only. You can subscribe to their mailing list so that you are informed as to when any good deal comes up.

You are given some wonderful and useful gifts if you traveling on first class. These are lip balm, mouth wash moisturizer, cooling gel, hand lotion, body gel and hand gel. You may even get socks.

You are likely to get more in case you are traveling on international flight or on long routes. You will get a privacy divider, completely reclining seats, fresh linen, duvets and eye shades. The quality of food and drinks is also the best. The food is tasty and of supreme quality. The same goes for the drinks. However all this pampering is justifiable because a first class passenger pays 10 to15 times more than the economy class passenger.

You can also travel in the first class and especially if you are a frequent flyer. For this you need to collect the miles and then get a first class ticket in return. There are some airlines which do not charge as much as the major airlines do for the first class. So you can try these airlines. Your business class tickets may be upgraded to first class provided it is not full.

If you can afford you must try to fly in first class because it's a royal and memorable experience. You will be treated like a king and you will certainly relish the services and facilities that are offered.

You can feel the special treatment the moment you check in. There is separate check in counters for first class passengers. The first class passengers are either the first ones to board or the last ones. So it's not shocking that everyone wants to fly in the first class!

Earning Free Air Travel with Credit Cards

As we all know, air travel can be expensive. There are ways to earn free air travel, and one of those ways is to use a card for your day to day purchases which earns free tickets or frequent flyer miles on many of the major airlines.

There are two basic types of credit cards that do this. The first is known as an airline mile card. The miles earned can be used for free tickets on over 250 major airlines. Many of these types of cards also allow the credit card holder to cash in their points for other travel rewards such as rental cars and hotel stays.

The second is known as a frequent flyer card. It allows the credit card holder to earn frequent flyer miles on a specific airline and its partners.

For people who are responsible with card debt, getting a card to earn free travel can be a smart idea. For those who are able to pay off most or all of their credit card bill at the end of the month, charging day to day purchases such as groceries, clothing, and gas makes sense.

So the question is, which card is better? An airline mile credit card or a frequent flyer credit card? The answer lies in the needs of the traveler.

If you need flexibility, an airline mile credit card may be the best choice. Since these cards earn points instead of frequent flyer miles, the rewards are not subject to the same restrictions as frequent flyer miles. Also, since the points can be used on a variety of airlines, you aren't boxed in by the schedule and availability of just one airline.

Some of the airline mile credit cards also allow the credit card holder to convert their points into frequent flyer miles on specific airlines. They can then be added to frequent flyer miles that the credit card holder has accumulated from actual flights and other sources, allowing the traveler to earn free flights more quickly.

The down side of airline mile credit cards is that the rewards may not add up as quickly frequent flyer mile credit cards. Many of them work on a $1 dollar spent = one point system. Since it averages about 24,000 points to earn one free ticket, it may take some credit card users a few years to rack up enough points for a free flight.

If you are a frequent traveler on one specific airline, then a frequent flyer card may be your best choice. Often these cards offer bonus miles just for opening up the credit card account once you've made your first purchase. It's not unusual for the bonus to be 15,000 miles or more which can be added to miles earned from actual flights.

Most frequent flyer cards offer one mile for each dollar spent, but some offer double miles for purchases at specific places. Again, these miles earned can be added to miles earned from flights.

The downside to a frequent flyer card is the limited choices you will have when booking travel. There are often black out dates associated with frequent flyer miles and a limited number of seats available on flights for those redeeming miles.
Whether you choose an airline mile credit card or frequent flyer credit card, it's a good idea to research all of the terms and conditions including all reward conditions, credit card fees, interest rates and late fees associated with the card before you make your choice.

Savings for Hotel Stays

Hotel stays can be a fun and great experience. And how many times each year do we think that what we need is a get-a-way. I know I have my times. There is also the business person who needs a good hotel fast at times.

There can be one big problem though. Cost! How can you look to shave a few dollars off your next hotel stay? I’ll discuss a few ways I have done that for my family trips.

First question to ask yourself is this:Do you have a AAA membership?

If the answer is no you could be missing out on some great discounts. A AAA membership will in most instances lower the room rate by a nice chunck of change. A membership will also provide other great services like maps and road side assistance. I did this and saved a lot at a Whotel.

Here’s another question:Who do you work for?

That may sound strange but it can help. Many business have arranged a discount with many hotel chains. If you work for them that discount will be passed on to you. It’s worth asking when you get to the check in desk.

And my last tip has to do with the internet. The power of the internet can afford you a lower hotel room rate if you check around. Vacation portal sites offering deals are a dime a dozen these days too.

Travelers Checks Or Debit Cards?

My first time overseas, I had to exchange cash in $200 of travelers checks to pay a mountaineering guide who hadn't heard of American Express. The bank charged me $8. During the same trip, I used my debit card at an ATM to get $200 from my checking account. Once home, I saw that the charge for this was one dollar, and that was the last time I used traveler's checks.

Debit And Credit Cards When Traveling

I usually carry a debit card and a credit card when I travel now. I keep them well-hidden in two separate places. If they are stolen, which has never happened yet, they have either zero liability, or a fifty dollar liability limit for any unauthorized charges. Ask your bank or credit card company about this.

When an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) won't take one of the cards for some reason - and this will happen - I use the other card, which usually works fine. Credit cards may be less trouble than debit cards. Your liability could be zero on your stolen debit card, but you probably won't have access to your account until the matter is sorted out.

Of course, on longer trips it's a hassle to pay the credit card bill on time, which isn't a problem with debit cards. Carry both, and on longer trips you can wait until you're a few weeks from home to use the credit card. That way you'll get there before the bill does.

An important advantage credit and debit cards have over travelers checks, is that when you need the local currency, you'll almost always get a better exchange rate with your cards. Also, the cash you get from the local ATM will truly be accepted everywhere, something even American Express Travelers Checks can't promise.

I have nothing against American Express. Once, when I was robbed in Mexico, they quickly and curtiously replaced my stolen traveler's checks. Also, at times it is appropriate to carry money in several forms, including theirs. However, times change and ATMs are everywhere now, so my policy is : Travelers checks; don't leave home with them. You can take an American Express credit card instead.

Cheap International Travel: Unwind Before It Gets All Tangled

There’s no denying about the phrase, “all work and no play can make anybody go bonkers!”

Everybody is expected to work at its best when in all sorts of jobs. Nurses are expected to do the rounds more than 16 hours and maybe longer unless they realize they have exceeded their minimum time or until they break down because all they did was work, drink coffee, work, and drink coffee in full 26 hours. Everyone can tell that doing that is quite too much. Its not like you’re the world’s greatest hero and not everyone realizes what you’ve been doing either.

We’re not talking about nurses only, there’s doctors too expected to meet their patients on call. The architects spending days drawing, you’ll be surprised they haven’t transferred their faces from staying in front of those stencils and plates on to their project. Businessman only has numbers in their heads. Engineers got buildings to attend to. Most often, work consumes most of your time that you miss out the big world out there waiting to be explored.


What’s worst is that if you spent all of your time on work that you loose the supposed quality time you should have been spending with your family. Too busy to even remember your kids plays in school, you and your partners wedding anniversary, your parents birthdays and God knows what more significant dates you have taken for granted because of having all the focus at work.

Make up to them, and finally give yourself a break from the busy world. Live up in the real world. The world of nature. Life is too short to be wasted on material things alone. There are so many places to go to, explore other countries. Visit other cities. The best part about it is that there’s a lot of offers out there about cheap international travels that you can search on so you can actually afford to bring your family with you.

Memories are the supreme treasure you can pass on to those you love. Travelling, visiting places half way around the world, and living life far from your usual routine can really leave a lasting memory not only to you but to the whole family as well, or to whoever is with you.

This is not exclusively for family persons only. If you’re not married, then why not ask your friends for a quick tour somewhere else. An adventure using cheap international travel informations that is available in all airline desks where you can find tips on how to travel by the budget. The best experience that you’ll never forget is exploring another part of the world not everyone finds time to do.

Before work gets the best out of you and before it spoils all your years, while you still are strong and while you have the budget to plan, go travel! When you’ve finally had that great break, you’ll realize that you have more enthusiasm to work when you return. Having a good unwinding experience recharge your energy needed to create that excellent outputs in all aspects of jobs there is everywhere. It has been proven that revitalizing is helpful for everyone. So, why go wait till you’re messed up and old? While you still have the chance, before you finally break down from all the pile of work. Find that information about cheap international travel as soon as you finish the last batch of paperwork that went in for you today.

USA hotels: Luxurious and Affordable

Accommodation is the prime concern of every tourist. Your enjoyment is doubled if you get a nice place at affordable rates at your destination. Your entire traveling experience is filled with excellent memories if you happen to find a place of your liking on a foreign land. Every tourist destination takes full care of the proper accommodation facilities for the visitors. USA is a country that offers excellent arrangements to address this prime concern of travelers.

You will find hotels and resorts that range from luxurious to simple ones in every corner of this country. All major cities feature accommodations of world famous chain of hotels. Some of them are the best example of modern architectural excellence. Cities like New York, Los Angels, Las Vegas and many others will never make you search hard for the hotels of your interest and favorite location. Chain of hotels like Hyatt and Hilton are in the list of USA hotels.

Travelers who are on the tour of USA cities find no lack of affordable hotels with lot of modern amenities. Whatever is the type of location, you will find accommodation of type that suits the place and to your liking as well as affordability. For instance, a beach attraction possesses several magnificent beach resorts and waterfront hotels. The fabulous accommodations right in the center of the cities make your travel even easier. All the hotels are splendid in terms of rooms, premises, locations, size and architecture.