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Planning ahead when traveling can save you so much time. Simple things such as trying to find cheap plane tickets is obvious, but researching your selected place of travel is the most important thing you can do to ensure a fantastic holiday or business trip.

Making a list and checking it twice. Decide before you start to pack what you will actually need to take with you. A good place to start is to think of all the things you wish you had brought on previous trips. Sit down for a minute and imagine you are already at your destination, try to think hard about what you will need. Don not forget to review your list after
you have packed and check off the items you have packed.

Try a new way to pack. Sometimes you can fit more clothes in if you roll them up. Do not forget to fold your clothes in half first so that the creases will stay the same.

Research the country and the city you are going to. South Korea is a good example, It is ok for women to smoke in public in the capital city of Seoul, but if you travel out to the small towns it is frowned upon.
Find out about the customs such as tipping. In Most Asian countries tipping is not required, although if you stay at a western hotel it is still recommended.

Be aware of local laws and regulations. A great example of the importance of this is countries like Saudi Arabia where alcohol is prohibited. Learn about things like speed limits and such from travel books.

Travel books are a great resource of information. Books like the Lonely Traveler and others are available at your local library or bookstore. These can save you a lot of time and money especially when traveling to far away countries.

Never underestimate the power of great planning, remember cheap plane tickets are only the beginning.

About the Author

The author is an avid travel with lots of time in Asia and the South Pacific Rim.

For Cheap Plane Tickets and more
visit us at http://www.fly-the-skies.com

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Located in southern Central America, Costa Rica is surrounded by three different bodies of water including the Panama Canal on the southeast, the Pacific Ocean on the southwest and west and the Caribbean Ocean on the east. Because of Costa Rica’s close proximity to several bodies of water, the country is an ideal stopping point for various cruise ships carrying throngs of adventurous vacationers. Depending on the area of Costa Rica you are in, the climate can differ dramatically. There are cool wet mountain ranges, rain forests, dry tropical forests, cloud forests, the very dry Pacific coast and the damp Caribbean coast. Because of Costa Rica’s diverse climate, the country is home to 850 species of birds, 205 species of mammals, 9,000 species of flowering plants, 1,200 species of orchids and 376 species of reptiles and amphibians. For a country that only measures 51,060 square kilometers, this is a wide variety of natural wildlife. Costa Rica strives to maintain the land’s natural beauty and wildlife by designating one sixth of the country to national parks and wildlife refuges. Costa Rica is also home to several active volcanoes. Arenal erupts daily every fifteen minutes or so. The locals welcome foreigners with open arms making Costa Rica one of the most desirable vacation and retirement spots in the world. It is for these and other reasons that a Costa Rica vacation cruise should be booked today. The memories will last a lifetime.

An Abundance of Outdoor Recreation: Costa Rica is big on water related activities. Wave riders travel from all over the world to test out their expertise in Costa Rica’s waters. Both the Pacific and Atlantic coasts offer up some notorious surfing. On the Atlantic Coast, Puerto Viejo’s Salsa Brava gets some great breaks during the winter months although this area is often crowded. On the Pacific side, Playa Hermosa is the most consistent place to catch some waves. If these areas are flat, no need to worry, snorkeling and kayaking are always an option. Wind surfers have nothing but praise for Lake Arenal. It is considered one of the world’s best wind surfing spots and on good days you can cruise over 25 miles across the lake. There might not be anything more romantic when you’re on vacation with the one you love than enjoying a horseback ride. Whether its on the beach or through a National Park, the experience is sure to be memorable. Other popular outdoor activities to be enjoyed while in Costa Rica include hiking, mountain biking, deep sea fishing, bungee jumping, sailing, bird watching and ballooning. More adventurous activities include repelling down through the center of waterfalls, canopy tours through the tropical trees and white water rafting.

A Mecca for Nature Lovers: Nature lovers should take advantage of Costa Rica’s numerous National Parks and refuges. Crocovado is both a rain forest and black sand beach. The Tabacon Hot Springs is nature’s equivalent to the Jacuzzi. Unwind near cascading waterfalls in the various pools and hot springs. A trip to the Monteverde Cloud Forest will almost guarantee a sighting of Costa Rica’s most famous bird, the Quetzal. The Rain Forest Aerial Tram is located out of San Jose, the country’s capital, and offers a guided canopy tour of the rain forest. Manuel Antonio Park is teeming with monkeys and other wildlife. The Tortuguera is Costa Rica’s most famous protected nesting area. If you are not a fan of outdoor activities, don’t worry, there is plenty else to do and see. The National Museum traces Costa Rica’s colorful history and culture. The museum was founded in 1887 and is located in San Jose. Patrons of the arts should try and catch one of the numerous performance put on at the National Theater. The National Theater offers classical music and opera performances in addition to others. Sarchi is located outside of San Jose and is a great place to visit and admire the country’s handicraft.

Visit www.mytraveltocostarica.com to receive a FREE Costa Rica vacation package quote.

Aventuras Elegantes, AVEL, S.A. We are an american and costa rican group. Aventuras Elegantes, AVEL, S.A., started operation in 1995 as a receptive tourism agency specialized in promoting Costa Rica as a tourist destination worldwide.

www.mytraveltocostarica.com

info@mytraveltocostarica.com

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GEMTLICHKEIT (warm friendliness, good cheer)

“Willkommen zum WURSTFEST! Prosit, und hab’ Spasz!” is the slogan for this really appealing annual event. It means “Welcome. Cheers! To your health, and have fun!”

Combining a unique German community in South Texas, great food, fabulous bands imported from Germany for the occasion, amusement rides, affordable entry, a well-run event and often beautiful weather, the New Braunfels, Texas, “Wurstfest” has all the ingredients of a great family outing. (Plenty of local accommodations available, as this is an area where “gemtlichkeit” is plentiful and tourists are welcome.)

New Braunfels is located just a few miles north of San Antonio, Tx., which offers a full array of activities to include in your schedule — Fiesta Texas, Sea World, the Alamo, the RiverWalk, and wonderful Mexican food and markets, should you wish to make this a multicultural adventure.

Having just returned from a lovely evening at Wurstfest, I’m compelled to tell you how much fun it is. We began on a perfect fall evening unable to resist the smell of the sizzling pork chops and huge German sausages served on a stick, complimented by a great selection of beers, potato soup, German dinners, Reuben sandwiches, corn on the cob — and more — and ended our evening with pfankuchen, funnel cake and coffee.

We rode the beautiful Ferris wheel and then settled under Das Grosse Zelt, the big tent, at the end of the Marktplatz to be charmed by the 10-piece brass band from Germany whose rousing tunes got everyone up and dancing — just as many kids as adults, and partners not at all required. They were only topped by the band that followed.

This Wurstfest, the celebration of German sausage, began in New Braunfels in 1961, just a one-day affair which nonetheless drew a crowd of 2,000 due to press coverage throughout the nation and in Germany.

Since then, it has grown to a ten-day affair with well-maintained permanent facilities drawing over 100,000 and raising many dollars for local charities. Your good time will also be a good deed!

You can learn more about Wurstfest at their official website: http://www.wurstfest.com/index.html , and from the Wurstfest Association, Post Office Box 310309, New Braunfels, Texas 78131-0309, 830/625-9167, or toll free 1-800-221-4369.

Admission is a mere $8.00 per person (children under 12 free), with special rates for early purchase, groups, and day discounts.

ADD ANHALT

If Wurstfest dates should ever coincide with the 3rd Sunday in October (and even if they don’t), make it a homerun by including public dancing at Anhalt Hall, just down the road apiece, about 28 miles west of New Braunfels.

Anhalt was settled by German pioneers around 1857 and this may be the oldest dance hall in Texas, with a newly renovated 6000 square foot hardwood dance floor usually featuring a German band (you MUST do the German Grand March) and then a C&W band (local talent).

It’s open air and you can sit in the grandstands and watch or pay to get on the dance floor. Kids welcome and great food and beer. It is run by the Germania Farmers Verein, originally established to protect the settlers and their livestock from Indians. It’s out in the country and an experience you don’t want to miss.

How far out in the country? Well, according to the website, in the 1970s “the population along Anhalt Road between Farm Road 475 and the hall was estimated at ten.” Population figures for 2000 were not available.

Admission and ample parking are free; there’s a minimal charge ($7?) if you want to get on the dance floor (which you will)!

To read more about Anhalt, go to the Texas Honky Tonk Dance Hall website: http://www.honkytonktx.com/dancehalls/

They also feature public dancing during Mayfest (3rd Sunday in May), and Summerfest (last Saturday in July).

About the Author

Susan Dunn, MA, Personal Life & EQ Coach, http://www.susandunn.cc . Offering coaching, Internet courses and ebooks for your personal and professional development. Mailto:sdunn@susandunn.cc for free EQ ezine. I train and certify EQ coaches. Email for info on this fast, affordable, comprehensive, no-residency program.

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What you bring on a cruise depends a great deal of the kind of ship it
is………casual or elegant………and your plans for “fine dining”.

If you are sailing a ship with all the elegant evenings, this takes special
forethought on your part. Even though they say that its two formal evenings,
three informal and two casual……..you are sitting in such elegant
surroundings and eating a wonderful 5 course meal………..you may want to
look your best ! Consider that this will be like a fabulous dinner party
every evening ! When I pack for cruises my husband asks me if I had left
anything in my closet………….well………….I wear absolutely
everything I pack.

Here are some of my thoughts………..some ships provide robes, beach
towels (both on deck and if you are going ashore to the beach) and hair
dryers…all depending on your level of accomodation. Check on this for your
particular accomodations…………and if they are provided then leave
these items at home…..that’s half a suitcase right there !

Ladies—-If you are planning on “fine dining”—–Think thru 7 wonderful
evenings of dinners and cocktails beforehand. Think Black !! Black or cream
flowy pants or skirts topped with several different jackets, dressy dinner
jackets, big satiny tops……….if you pack separates you will have so
much more milage. Bring several evenings handbags……a nice selection of
jewelry……..several different pair of dressy shoes……….several
bright colored Pashmina-type shawls are PERFECT…..lots of color over your
basics…….different little accessories to mix and match. These little
things that do not take up much room but will make all the difference.
Remember………..half the beauty of cruising is that you have these
elegant evenings. Basically……….if you think you want it………bring
it. O a recent cruise, I brought 4 jackets with me of different colors and
fabrics……….and really did not feel it was enough. In addition to
dinner, we had lunch in the nice dining room three times, breakfast there
twice and High Tea one afternoon. All worked over basic bottoms. For casual
clothes, you will want fun things…………some wrap
skirts……….bathing suit and coverup, flip-flops………..fitness
workout clothes……………

Kids——Remember no shorts or jeans in the nice dining rooms ! I have
found that kids really love these nice evenings. Where else can they have 5
courses of anything they want ?? Shrimp cocktails and lobster always a hit.
Teenage boy still hungry ?? What else would he like ? Another lobster tail ?
(Take lots of pictures-this can be great family time !)

Men—Quite Easy ! (Of course !) Tuxedo -optional………..but very nice
for the formal evenings. (Certain ships it is not optional) You may consider
bringing two tuxedo shirts. Navy or basic blazer and dress pants…dress
shirts…neckties….dress shoes…..khaki pants….knit shirts…..basic
shorts….workout clothes…casual shoes..sneakers…bathing suit. Hawaiian
type shirt for fun ! Discuss with your agent. So much depends on the kind of
cruise ship you are sailing ..and your personal dining plans. Overall-plan
on dressing for “Country club elegance”.

You can check two bags with the airlines and carryon one more……….my
carryon was a garment bag and a very full large purse. Bring some sort of
granola bars with you on the plane…..airport and runway delays are all too
common and food is no longer served onboard as it once was.

Other Good Basic tips…..

**Pack a pad of Post-It notes to leave messages for your cabin steward (you
get to know him !),
family, and shipboard friends.
**Have plenty of one-dollar bills handy for tipping airport skycaps and
porters at the pier.
**Don’t pack photo film in checked luggage as new airport screening
equipment could ruin it. Put it in your carry-on instead. Even if you don’t
think you’ll need them, bring along extra camera batteries and change them
before you think the old ones are “dead.” Don’t forget film !

**Put a rubber band around
wallets in your back pocket will inhibit pickpockets. Some “ports of call”
have large pick-pocket communities….unfortunately.

**Toss a few empty plastic bags into your suitcase. You may need them later
to pack dirty or damp clothes.

Tap water on your ship is perfectly safe to drink; purchasing bottled
water is only necessary if you prefer the taste.

**Tuck fabric softener sheets between garments as you pack to keep clothing
fresh during travels.

**Bring your own travel alarm clock; most staterooms do not have them.

**If you live in a colder climate are traveling to a warm weather
cruise…When you put your summer wardrobe away for the winter, set aside
the casual outfits, sandals, swimwear, and sleepwear
you want to wear on your cruise and store them in the suitcase you plan to
use. You’ll be at least half packed and won’t be hunting down an outfit or a
pair of shoes later. You will also free up some drawer and/or closet space
at the same time. Hang your evening clothes in a separate area of your
closet and pack them when you’re ready to leave for your trip

**Pre-address stick-on labels for postcards to the folks back home & you
won’t have to carry along a bulky address book.

**Make two copies of your passport, driver’s license, and credit cards
before leaving home-in addition to your Cruise Documents, and Trip Travel
Insurance. Leave one set of copies in a safe place on your ship.
If the ship’s purser holds your passport (which is often the case, to
expedite clearing the ship in foreign ports), carry the passport copy ashore
with you. Leave the other copies with a friend or family member at home.

**Binoculars —lightweight, small ones……….particularly for Alaska,
Hawaii, Europe !

**Print cards with your name, address, phone number, & email address to
share with new friends. Having your cards handy sure beats hunting
for pens & scribbling on scraps of paper to swap addresses. Fun,
inexpensive, colorful cards can be ordered online from a company called
www.vistaprint.com. (Allow plenty of time to order and receive these !)

** Leave any paperback novels you’ve finished for the crew library. You’ll
have more room in your suitcase and crewmembers will have fresh reading
material–they will really appreciate this !

**Don’t forget to pack and USE your sunscreen. Why take the chance of a
nasty sunburn ruining a great cruise vacation? Protect your skin from injury
and aging. Throw in something for Sunburn too. People have a way of
overdoing on vacation.

**Check the balance of your on-board account before the end of your cruise.
Straighten out any discrepancies immediately and avoid a long line at the
Purser’s Desk that last morning after your final bill arrives (try to do the
final the last night…try to beat the rush !)

**You are all dressed for dinner and you look fabulous !! Have a family
portrait
taken to preserve the memory. There’s no obligation to purchase any photos
you don’t care for.

**and my all time favorite……….depending on what type of trip, ship,
elegance level etc etc………..bring t-shirts you might want to work out
in…….sleep in……….tour in..that you will wear and leave behind as
they are dirty…….this will give you room in your suitcase for purchases
while traveling.

About the Author

Joan Dann can be reached via her website at www.Dann-Online.com and email
her at dann@dann-online.com

She is President of Great Explorations ! Travel and a Cruise Expert. She is
also Co-Owner of Dann Mens Clothing (www.Dann-Online.com ) with husband
Dennis and has spent many years in the Men’s and Womens Clothing Industries
as well as the Luggage and Leathergoods Industry.

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(NC)–The purchase of travel health insurance is a sensible idea for anyone taking trips outside Canada. If you get sick unexpectedly or have an accident while you are away, the health services in other countries are generally much more costly than those which OHIP covers. When buying your insurance however, it is important to take all the time needed to fully understand the coverage as well as the limitations of the policy. Be sure to determine your own needs first, say industry specialists, then read the policy thoroughly to be sure those needs are covered.

The Financial Services Commission of Ontario (FSCO) reminds the travelling consumer that it is not enough to simply buy travel health insurance; travellers must also know how the policy works and how to use it. FSCO is an agency of the Ministry of Finance that regulates Ontario’s insurance industry. Its suggestions in this regard are based on records of what went wrong for others.

It is important for example, to compare the policies offered by different companies, not just for price, but also for the amount of coverage, pre-existing conditions, deductibles, limitations and exclusions. Your health, age, the medication you take, the length of your trip and the destination are all factors that affect the price of a policy and the types of medical costs your insurer will cover. In some cases you may have to find an insurer willing to write a policy tailored to your circumstances.

To better compare each policy before purchase, take a look at the Travel Health Insurance Policy Checklist, posted on the FSCO Web site. Here’s a sample:

• Compare the maximum each policy will pay above Ontario health plan limits.

• Look for age limits or medical criteria that might apply to you.

• Compare how the policies define terms such as pre-existing condition, or a medical exclusion. Do they affect your coverage?

• Compare deductibles and/or co-payment clauses to understand your own obligation.

• Compare payment procedures. Do you pay for the medical services first, followed by a reimbursement, or is the payment made directly from the insurer to the facility?

• Check if policies require you to use “preferred” doctors and hospitals.

• Are you covered for participation in the sports and activities you have planned, or are they excluded?

• Can you buy extra coverage if you extend your trip?

• What is the full package cost of each policy?

Don’t forget, says FSCO, you may already have sufficient coverage from your credit card company or employee benefits plan. Don’t buy more insurance if you are covered. Additional information on this subject is available online at www.fsco.gov.on.ca. Or, for a copy of their booklet Shopping for Travel Health Insurance phone (416) 590-7298 (Toll Free: 1-800-668-0128).

- News Canada

Editors, these articles are for use in Ontario only

News Canada provides a wide selection of current, ready-to-use copyright free news stories and ideas for Television, Print, Radio, and the Web.

News Canada is a niche service in public relations, offering access to print, radio, television, and now the Internet media, with ready-to-use, editorial “fill” items. Monitoring and analysis are two more of our primary services. The service supplies access to the national media for marketers in the private, the public, and the not-for-profit sectors. Your corporate and product news, consumer tips and information are packaged in a variety of ready-to-use formats and are made available to every Canadian media organization including weekly and daily newspapers, cable and commercial television stations, radio stations, as well as the Web sites Canadians visit most often. Visit News Canada and learn more about the NC services.

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Travel Shanghai China, An amazing city.

I live, work, play in Shanghai, China’s largest city, largest port; a city of 16 million people, (many millions more during holidays and festivals), a city wanting to be the biggest, best and most important in the world.

If you had been able to Travel Shanghai 10 years ago, and returned today, you would see a very, very different city.
Shanghai today is a modern, 21st Century city, with tall, new shiny buildings, amazing nightlights, a wonderland.

Finding the old sights and sounds of the old city is becoming more difficult as the city’s rapid development produces almost instant change, almost everywhere.

Shanghai is a Chinese city of surprises: - a bizarre, and sometimes brutal, colonial history (British, French, American, Italian, Japanese) and dark days exploited as an Opium trade hub. Mix that with ancient Chinese culture and today we have a city urgently trying to leave its colourful past behind and which will soon be compared, in class and elegance, with any major city in the world.

When you Travel Shanghai China, you will quickly notice it is the power-house of China, the money-making machine that drives the Chinese economy continually forward.

Shanghai is usually a business destination. However if you are coming for a China vacation, or traveling through on the way to somewhere else, Travel Shanghai China has some must-see experiences and is a good way to introduce yourself to the wonders and difficulties of Travel in China.

There is still a lot for the visitor to see and do in Shanghai. Bars, Clubs, Business, the incredible skyline of beautiful tall buildings as far as you can see. The 21st century architecture. However, the truth be told, when you Travel Shanghai China, the city itself does not have a lot of cultural feel about it. Shanghai is the financial center of China.

I could talk all day about what great fun it is to live here; it’s a lively vibrant place that moves at an extraordinarily fast pace.

I will cover some of the highlights but you need to see and feel the place personally to fully appreciate it.

Some Shanghai Highlights

The beautiful colonial-style buildings along the river; an area called the “Bund” where these remarkable buildings from old European days are marvelously lit up at night, and have been beautifully restored; the contrast between the Old and the New is quite a sight.

The most famous shopping street and lighting effects in China, Nanging Rd, is just a short walk from the Bund.

The famous Xintain Di district: - this area is the social hub of Shanghai, the very best in chic and style, expensive cars, fine wine, the best restaurants, a very happening place.

At the southern end of another famous shopping street, Huai Hai Rd, is an area known as the “French Concession”, where peaceful tree-lined streets with wonderful colonial-style villas would make you think you were actually in Europe.

A must thing to see and do, is to visit the viewing platform at the top of the Jin Mao Tower, the third highest building on earth, the tallest with an hotel inside (the Hyatt). This stunning building is 89 stories high and the view of the city from the top is spectacular.
A very special treat is to have a buffet dinner at the Hyatt on the 53rd level, then go up to the bar on the 89th floor and enjoy a drink and the view, which at night will amaze you.

Shop !!! There are Antique markets, Bird and Bug markets, Commodity markets, Clothes and Fabric markets, local markets and a very famous market where you can buy all the world’s best brand names, at amazingly low prices.
Shanghai is a shopper’s heaven, come with a small suitcase and leave with a big one.

Secret Treasures

If you come to Travel Shanghai China and have time, just outside the city, one or two hours on a bus are some real treats.
Would you like to see tranquil lakes?… beautiful Chinese gardens?… ancient villages?

Here are a few places that are very close to Shanghai which can often be overlooked when one comes to Shanghai. These cities, towns and villages are the real deal and a must-see adventure.

Just an hour by local bus is Zhujiajiao, About two hours away by bus or train is Suzhou, as well as Hangzhou. As I grow this site, I will add places that are more interesting.

Enjoy Shanghai…I do!!

John Mckenna
http://www.Travel-the-Real-China.com

About the Author

Hi I’m John Mckenna, I am from New Zealand and have lived in Shanghia China now for 3 years.

I own and operate http://www.Travel-the-Real-China .com my site provides experienced based Travel and Tour information on the wonders of Travel in China, the Real China, Ancient China, China at its very best

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The world has changed a lot in the past century. Thanks to the invention of airplanes and high-speed trains, today’s world is wide open to travel. In a day’s time, we can travel to the other side of the world without using our entire life’s savings. We also have a number of options open to us to help us plan our travels, and choosing wisely can help save time and money.

1. Travel Agents. Many people have the misconception that using a travel agent entails paying a fee. Nonsense. In actuality, most travel agents receive commissions from the vendors (airlines, hotels, tour agencies); they are the ones paying the fee, not you. A travel agent has access to deals that often are not available anywhere else. He or she can help take the headache out of planning, allowing you to sit back and relax while the logistics are plotted out. Another bonus is that travel agents often include travel insurance in their packages, to ensure that you are getting what you paid for.

2. Internet. With the widespread use of the world wide web, travel prices have gone down considerably. Using travel sites like Orbitz, Expedia, and Travelocity, buyers can find lower rates than ever before for airfares, hotels, and package deals. The downside? Truly finding the best travel deals often requires a lot of time and patience as you compare rates with other sites and with direct booking. Another downfall is that you can’t always find availability at these lower rates, but it is nice to plan right at home.

3. Guidebooks. Tried and true, travel guidebooks are a traveler’s best friend. Seasoned travel writers research and compile guidebooks based on their own experiences, and who better to give advice than someone who’s been there, done that? Depending on your preferred level of luxury, you are sure to find a guidebook to meet your needs. Best of all, travel guidebooks are often available at your local library-for free!

4. Booking Direct. Sometimes travel companies will offer special deals to customers who book directly. This is especially true with tour and cruise companies who advertise travel deals to repeat customers. You can often find rates as low as half-price (or lower) if you book at the last minute. If you have the flexibility and the determination, this may be the way to go.

In any case, travel opens up our eyes to worlds our forefathers never could have dreamed of visiting. Whether you travel around the globe or just a city away, a little careful planning and an open mind can allow for an experience of a lifetime. Happy travels!

Jeff Lakie is the founder of Travel Information a website providing information on Travel

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Have you seen the T.V. commercial where they show that one passenger paid only a few hundred for his plane ticket while the person sitting next to him paid over a thousand?

This is only one example of a truth that becomes all to
apparent every summer.

You can SERIOUSLY over-pay for travel if you aren’t careful.

If you are wanting to travel this summer, or anytime, use these four money saving tips to your advantage. You might just save 50% or more on your next trip.

1. Plan Ahead

The reason airlines love business travellers is that they travel on short notice. A cursory look at airline fares shows you that you will pay more, often twice as much, if you travel on short notice or don’t include a weekend in your travel plans.

Even if you can’t plan many weeks in advance, take full
advantage of the time you can plan ahead. Check with
airlines, hotels, car rental agencies and more to find out when the optimum time is to book their services.

It’s amazing how much you can learn with just a few phone calls ahead of time.

2. Use The Web

If the Internet has one great feature it’s that you can find a lot of information fast. The Web allows us to do what is perhaps the most money-saving activity of all …. comparison shopping.

Take full advantage of the Internet using sites like Google or Yahoo as well as travel-specific sites. Companies like AAA (the folks who rescue you on the side of the road) give away tons of useful information just to interest you in their memberships.

Make a simple spreadsheet sorted by category as you shop online. When you find a great price on a car rental, hide-away cabin in the woods or direct flight, add that information to your spreadsheet. Soon you will have compiled a powerful database of savings.

When you surf don’t forget sites like eBay and Priceline. The ‘bidding’ model has become a very popular way to shop. As always, do your homework to ensure you have chosen a reputable vendor.

3. Join The Club

In the last few years some very interesting specialty clubs have formed for the sole purpose of helping you save money when you travel. Sponsored by hotels, car rental companies and more who understand how competitive the market is, these niche clubs can save you a boatload of money.

Membership in these clubs often consists of buying a coupon book of savings. These clubs are often the salvation for the traveller who can’t plan ahead since their deep discounts don’t rely on advanced bookings.

Don’t overlook the savings these small ‘discount clubs’ can bring. You will often save 50% or more on brand-name accommodations.

4. Ask Around

Here’s the oldest savings trick in the book. Ask an
experienced traveller what they do when they travel.

People who travel often love to share ‘insider secrets’ with their friends who travel less often. It makes them feel good to help a friend and might just open up a deep discount you might have otherwise overlooked.

The bottom line when you travel is this. With a small amount of effort, and a little education, you can chop up to half off your travel expenses. These savings can go straight to your pocket or you might use them to upgrade from a 2 star hotel to a four-star hotel.

Either way, you will find the effort more than worthwhile.

*******************************************************
Ali Moazami is an experienced traveller who helps people save huge amounts on their travel. To get first-class car rentals, airline tickets, hotels and more at economy prices just visit Ali at http://www.secretwealth.net ravel.html No pressure or hyped up claims … just real savings that go in YOUR pocket.

About the Author

Ali Moazami is an experienced traveller who helps people save huge amounts on their travel. To get first-class car rentals, airline tickets, hotels and more at economy prices just visit Ali at http://www.secretwealth.net/travel.html No pressure or hyped up claims … just real savings that go in YOUR pocket.

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Indochina travel is Vietnamese international tours company based in Hanoi indochina tour packages discovery indochina vacation travel explore indochina tours, holiday to indochina travel adventure vietnam travel company, discover indochina vacations indochina holidays package Vietnam( Viet nam), Lao, Cambodia .

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NEW ZEALAND-AUSTRALIA TRAVEL SPECIALIST SPEAKS
BY ALECE SCHREIBER

Have you ever approached your local travel agent with a request for information on an out of the ordinary destination? Have you seen his or her eyes glaze over? You may be in need of a niche travel specialist, one who puts all of her energies and study on one part of the world.

This is a situation that happens often when people are seeking help in planning travel to Australia. The map of Australia looks quite similar to the map of the United States. But, do you know that a huge percentage of this continent’s population lives on the east, southern and west coasts? 8,000,000 of Australia’s 20,000,000 people reside in Sydney. The center and most of the northern portions of the country are barren and devoid of almost all human habitation.

People may not be aware that in both New Zealand and Australia the seasons are reversed when compared to the United States. June in the eastern U.S. is similar to December in Melbourne. Conversely, December in New York is akin to June in Sydney. Spring and fall are reversed and both are good times to travel to Australia and New Zealand. Queensland, in the far northeast, Darwin in the north central area and Broome in the west, all in Australia, are tropical. In other words, for North Americans, north is south and south is north!

What time is it in Sydney or Auckland is a frequently asked question. During the North American winter, the time in Sydney is EST plus 16 hours. In Auckland, it is EST plus 18 hours. When you leave in the evening from Los Angeles for Sydney or Auckland on May 1st , you will cross the international date line and will not arrive at your destination until early morning of May 3rd. On your return, you will arrive back in LA on the same calendar day that you leave the South Pacific.

This is the type of information that you can get from an agent specializing in one or a few destinations. Don’t go the route of a generalist to help when you are focused on one part of the world. Help is available so that you have accurate and informative facts on your proposed destination.

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This article was written by:

Alece Schreiber
http://www.AustraliaSpecialist.com
alece@worldnet.att.net

Note: This article, may be republished and syndicated if done so in it’s entirety.

About the Author

Australia-New Zealand Specialist

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