Tips for Airport Travel

By Marten Ranheim

The airport, complete with long lines and complicated screening procedures, is the only thing standing between you and your holiday trip. Getting through all that with minimum fuss is easier with some advance preparation.

Put your ID, credit card and boarding pass in an easily accessible part of your wallet or bag before you leave for the airport. This is for two reasons: first, you make sure that you don't leave home without these crucial items by going through this exercise. Second, at the moment you need them, you are not wasting time fumbling around for them.

Do all you can prior to departing. The night before you go, and again before you leave for the airport, check your airline reservations. Print your boarding pass and a luggage tag for your checked baggage if possible. Check in online as well. Even if you've got bags to check, it's still a good idea to check in online whenever you can, since bag-drop lines tend to be shorter than the check-in lines. Many airlines also charge extra at the terminal for baggage. And if you're going all-carry-on, you'll get to skip the ticket counter entirely. This saves time and maybe also money.

No matter whether you are going by plane, train, or automobile - be there early before your departure. If you are flying, you should be three hours early for international flights or two hours early for domestic flights.

Know the weight of your luggage. Fees for a standard checked bag have recently been introduced by many airlines. And as usual there's always a pricey surcharge if they're oversized or overweight. Before you even start throwing stuff in your suitcase, read up on your airline's guidelines. Leave everything you do not need.

Dress for speed. In the US, all airport security checkpoints require you to remove pretty much anything you can easily remove without completely undressing: shoes, coat or jacket, big belt buckles, etc. Keep your pockets empty, skip the jewelry, wear a jacket that's easy to put on and take off, avoid shoes that require excessive lacing or yanking - and you do yourself a favour.

You will have to remove your laptop from its case. Remove it from its case and put it in a bin, or make sure it's placed in a checkpoint-friendly laptop bag that allows for easy scanning. Other equipment, like full-sized video-game consoles, DVD players, and some video cameras will have to be removed from your baggage for separate screening.

Also, move to the righthand side. On the moving walkways, if you are not moving stand to the right. Do not stop short without looking behind you if you are walking through the airport. Be aware that other travellers may be trying to make a connection or flight.

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Traveling on the Cheap - Budget-friendly Traveling Tips

By Chrissy Richards

When you get the urge to travel, but find yourself low on funds, check out these tips for traveling on a minute budget. Food, lodging, and transport are all areas where you are able to save cash during your trip.



Cheap Car Hire

When you reach your destination, try the web for your best local inexpensive hire car company. You can mostly save up to 50% or even more when you bargain with them.



Bundling for Discounts

It can be cost-effective to buy a bundled holiday package that includes flight and hotel or theme park tickets with lodging. When checking out this option, make sure you learn the price of each bit separately as well as together.

It's also advantageous to check one or two sources. You may find a better deal thru an online travel site than from "authorized" websites. Do also run a fast search to make sure that other purchasers are often satisfied with the bundled deals they received.



Check Currency Exchange Rates

When going abroad, you will need to exchange your cash for the local currency. Exchange rates change consistently, and the rate you are quoted from one bank is not going to be the same as rates from other banks. Do a little bit of rate shopping to find the best rate, and bear in mind that when you exchange back to your home currency, the rate might have changed.

Cook

Instead of eating out for every meal while traveling, plan to cook some meals yourself. Your motel can have a little microwave and cooler, or you may need to bring a hotplate in your baggage. You can bring some cooking ingredients with you, but shopping domestically for your food can be an expedition in itself.

Shopping local markets for the ingredients to an easy home-cooked meal may not only save you money, but also let you see a part of the area that you would otherwise have missed.

Walk

Instead of taking a taxi to a location near you, walk! This isn't only a money-saver, it's also a method to enjoy more of the area and get a bit of exercise.

Walking does have the inherent possibility of passing by a lovable boutique that you may not have otherwise spotted, however. Enjoy the boutique, but keep your cash in your purse.



Travel Off-Season

Certain weekdays, customarily Tues. and Wed., are good for getting the most reasonable rates for air and train travel. Journeying to popular holidaymaker destinations is less costly when you plan your journey for the off-season.

Favored summer attractions are cheaper in the winter and less crowded too. If you have got to take a holiday in the summer due to school and work schedules, you can save by going to a destination where it is off-season.

Rather than visiting the Caribbean in the summer, visit Australia. This way you can still find off-season costs since traveling to Australia when it is summer in the U.S. Isn't as common.

Traveling can seem virtually impossible if your wallet is bare. Nonetheless if you adhere to the guidance in this piece, you will learn that having a great trip is possible even when you are a bit strapped for cash.

About the Author:

Chrissy Richards' works are published around the world. Read more: call today or Contact us

See Australia by Campervan

By Peter Dazzer

A campervan holiday is always a great way to discover parts of Australia. While the East coast is home to some actually beautiful sights and cities, if you venture down to the South of Australia, you'll find some truly amazing places that are still to be messed up by the crowds and progress that tourism brings.

One of those places is Whyalla, which is the biggest city in the Higher Spencer Gulf Region of Western Australia. Its location on the Western foreshores makes it an ideal location for cheap campervan hire australia, as its close to a good range of attractions and natural marvels. While the town is relatively small, it is packed to bursting point with fun and intrepid things worth doing. It's also easily reached from Adelaide, located less than 400 kilometres away. Basically this means you can pick up your campervan from the major city and then make a day of it as you travel across some of the states most unique landscapes.

Whyalla is very thought of as the place where "the outback meets the sea". Not that many would reject this title because as soon as you arrive in the town, you cannot help but spot the untouched outback landscape and the vast shore dramatic perspectives which encompass the basis of the town. Whyalla really is the ultimate vacation spot, as it is not only lovely, but also rich in culture and heritage; a location where the neighbors will lead you to feel right at home.

The first thing you must possibly do when you get into city is get a place to stay (if you have not already prepared in advance). Popular caravan parks in the Whyalla area include the Foreshore Caravan Park and Whyalla Caravan Park. Both these parks offer comfortable accommodation that may meet the each need of you and your campervan. They're also appropriate to pretty much any budget and the great news is simply that you can enjoy beach front views, right from your terribly window.

There's an abundance of local activities available for the whole family to enjoy. The beaches, particularly the new Foreshore area, offer safe swimming and fishing, with fantastic BBQ and playground facilities. Or, take a leisurely walk along one of the numerous walking tracks, found along the coastline. The Flinders and Freycinet Lookout boasts spectacular views of the Upper Spencer Gulf, Southern Flinders Range and Middleback Range in the West.

As you drive your campervan hire along the North Shore of Whyalla, you'll come across Fitzgerald Bay. This pristine bay offers galvanizing views of the Blue Gulf Waters and the Southern Flinders Range, so be sure to have your camera available. While driving along the coast you will also spot the Shingle Beach Ridges, a geographical phenomenon of stone ridge man-made obstructions.

Driving your campervan around Australia will open your eyes to the beauty that's so distinguished here. The natural marvels that surround you'll leave you spell-bound in shock. Whyalla is a very smashing place that should definitely be visited if you are in Australia's southern state. You will not be disappointed!

About the Author:

Peter Dazzer's works are published around the world. Read more: campervan rental melbourne or campervan hire qld

Gu Lang Yu - piano island in China

By Jonny Blair

The amazing island of Gu Lang Yu in China is totally worth a visit. It's an island on the coastal side of the Fujian Province attached to the city of Xiamen. All very remarkable - to reach Gu Lang Yu you can take a ferry from Xiamen.

Gu Lang Yu has fascinating history, splendid views, colonial architecture and quirky restaurants, cafes and shops. It is very touristy and very busy but it is definitely worth checking out. It might be a cliche, but try your best not to miss it when you're in Xiamen (although remember your journey is your own so you don't have to listen to me!!). The oddest part of this bit of travelling is actually that Xiamen the city is on an island itself. Having arrived in Xiamen by bus (from Shuyang Town) we then walked around, had our lunch and headed on a ferry to another Chinese Island, this one is Gu Lang Yu!

Getting there? - The only real option is to take the ferry - it leaves from the port of Xiamen - get yourself to the harbour and you can't miss it. There is a ferry that goes straight to Gu Lang Yu - i.e. directly across, the other option takes a detour and gives you a decent view of the city and the island.

I would recommend getting the slower, cheaper boat simply for the view - you can relax and enjoy the views of the harbour and if the weather is good, the city looks stunning. The ferry was 15 RMB return at the time we went almost a year ago, but there are cheaper and even free off peak times so look out for that!

What to see and do there? Here's a few top tips for Gu Lang Yu!

1. Climb to Sunlight Rock - Climbing to the highest point of the island of Gulang Yu is recommended. Sunlight Rock is the English translation and the views are exquisite and the exercise of the climb up is also good for you. To get there basically follow signs for Sunlight Rock climb when you are on the island and you will find it, through the flurry of cobbled streets. Entrance to walk up there is a fee of 60 RMB which also includes a small memorial hall. It's a rip off and it's over-priced, especially for China, BUT I'd say do it as the view is spectacular as you can see.

2. The Colonial Style Architecture - Gu Lang Yu is unique for China - it includes building designs from the UK, Netherlands, Japan, Spain, China and a host more countries. This range of architecture makes it pretty to look at.

3. The Cobbled Streets - these cool, pokey streets get busy at times but make for an excellent stroll, plenty of restaurants and cafes too.

You will notice how Gu Lang Yu differs from mainland China particularly in the street layout, style and architecture. Enjoy your walk round it and take it all in - it's a novelty in China!

4. Music - there is a heavy music influence on Gu Lang Yu and it's famous for it. Famous pianists have hailed from this small island and there are regular music events and festivals worth watching.

* Aside from this there are museums, a cable car option, even a Protestant Church and some colonial dwelling places to see.

Where to stay? There's actually a hostel which is quite obvious to see on one of the main streets - I'd say it's probably the cheapest option for overnight stays.

That's basically it - Gu Lang Yu! Head over for a day trip and see it, or spend a night there and enjoy the restaurants and bar life after dark. It's a splendid place to visit and extremely different to parts of the main Fujian Province

About the Author:

To read more stuff like Gu Lang Yu Island head to Jonny Blair's resourceful website Travelling Northern Irishman for ongoing travel stories and tips.

All The Travel and Tour Information For Mardi Gras In New Orleans

By Grace Charvin

Mardi Gras is an annual festival held in New Orleans, Louisiana. The New Orleans Carnival season has its history with the Christmas season and starts after the Twelfth Night of Christmas, or the Epiphany (6 January). During the carnival season there will be numerous parades and balls. It has traditionally been part of the winter social season in New Orleans and at one time "coming out" parties for young women and debutante balls were often held during this time of the year.

The celebration of Mardi Gras was brought to Louisiana by early French settlers. The exact starting date for Mardi Gras in New Orleans is not known, but it is known that in 1743 that organised balls around this time of year were taking place.

Mardi Gras is composed of various events such as balls for social clubs in the New Orleans area and depending on when Easter falls each year, Mardi Gras can fall on any Tuesday between 3 February and 9 March. The main event of Mardi Gras is simply a street festival, open to the public.

Fat Tuesday, or Mardi Gras in French, is also commonly known around the Christian world as Shrove Tuesday and it is the day before Ash Wednesday. The main parade season starts some three weekends before Fat Tuesday though. The Twelfth Night Revelers, one of the festivals oldest krewes, holds a masked ball each year on 6 January to mark the commencement of the festival. There is usually at least one parade every night starting two Fridays before Mardi Gras, but many days have several large parades. The largest and most elaborate parades take place during the last five days of the season. The population of New Orleans more than doubles with visitors on the weekend before Mardi Gras. Mardi Gras is a day to be remembered in New Orleans. The city comes alive and celebrations begin early on Mardi Gras Day, but the city parties all day until the stroke of midnight. A number of people will be out wearing masks and disguises.

The formal end of Mardi Gras arrives with "the Meeting of the Courts", a term describing the ceremony at which Rex and His Royal Consort, the King and Queen of Carnival, meet with Comus and his Queen at the ball of the Mistick Krewe of Comus, New Orleans oldest active carnival organization. The Meeting of the Courts happens at the conclusion of the two groups masked balls.

Promptly at the stroke of midnight at the end of Fat Tuesday, New Orleans police officers make a show of clearing upper Bourbon Street where the bulk of out-of-town revellers congregate, announcing that Mardi Gras is over, as it is the start of Lent, commencing with Ash Wednesday.

About the Author:

FOMO Travel, the events and festival travel specialists, provides an extensive array of information and advice on tour operators, travel options, travel tips, and other activities for the Mardi Gras. Mardi Gras is a must-do event on any travellers calendar.

Peru Vacation Packages Present Fabulous Holiday Opportunities

By Derick Scartel

Peru vacation packages can effortlessly solve many a vacation dilemma. Travelers who have limited time can book a package knowing that they will make best use of the time available. Families with children who may not find archaeological sites the most fascinating of places can be taken on a tour that will include numerous highlights that will thrill each and every member of the family.

Peru packages do not mean sitting in large buses filled with crowds of people. This need not be the case. Many operators, especially local companies, take small groups to destinations of their choice. Tourists do not necessarily have to stay in large tourist hotels. Accommodation can be arranged in more authentic environments offering local food.

There are, however, many positive aspects to group travel. Not the least of these is the opportunity to enjoy group discounts on airlines, at hotels and even reduced entrance fee to some attractions. The group leader arranges every single detail from where to go, when to go and how to get there while holidaymakers simply relax and enjoy themselves.

A prearranged travel party means that everyone benefits from the knowledge and experience of the guide. Very often guides know special places, particular treasures or great local eateries that an individual may never find. The guide will book beforehand and even prepay so that no one wastes time standing in queues to enter museums, theaters and restaurants.

Comfort is important during a holiday, unless one has chosen to go camping in the rain and cold. For the average person it is a huge advantage to have someone who will always attend to the comfort of the visitors. Transport services will drop one close to a site to be visited or at the door to the hotel. Finding parking and walking long distances, especially in adverse weather, can easily detract from enjoyment.

Anyone taking a look at the many brochures on things to see and do in Peru will be amazed at the overwhelming number of top class options there are. It is a good idea to examine some of the packages in order to determine which activities or places will interest one. A general tour that takes in all the best known places in the country is a wonderful way to get to know the country.

Obtain a number of brochures while in the planning stages. Have a look at the various places of interest to be visited and towns where an overnight stop is to be made. Look them up in an encyclopedia or on Google as a first time traveller will not know the places. Take careful note of the activities offered at each destination. A hiking enthusiast will thoroughly the Inca trail high up in the breath taking mountains, regardless of whether he is especially interested in the Inca civilization.

In days gone by, a trip to South American would require weeks or even months for the sightseer to visit just some of the wonders. Rapid travel and excellent Peru vacation packages can offer modern sightseers the same opportunities, and more, in a matter of days. Tourism has become affordable for everyone with a sense of adventure.

About the Author:

Check out www.Peruforless.com for a summary of the reasons why you should book San Martin tours, today. You can also get more information about affordable Peru vacation packages at www.peruforless.com/destinations/index.php now.

Hints For Improving Your Air Travel

By By John Wright

Any kind of journey takes some careful planning, but this is especially so when you are traveling by air. New rules and security enhancements can add stress to what was previously a comparatively easy experience. Nevertheless there are things that you can do to relieve the stress and the unknown aspects to traveling on an airplane. Take some advice here about straightforward things that will make your journey straightforward and stress-free.

There are typically many routes that will get you to your desired destination, including nonstop flights to Cabarete hotels. These will infrequently be a little dearer, but this is not always the case. Check with multiple airlines, and be content to alter your program if needed to get the finest rates for non-stop flights. This can considerably enhance the experience, and will leave you in much better shape at the end of your journey.

Catching connecting flights, particularly if there is little time allocated for connections, can raise your stress level noticeably and lead directly to cancelled connections en-route. Make sure that the name you book your ticket in is precisely what is mentioned on your drivers license or passport. Security agents at the aeroport are trained to go looking for any discrepancies in passenger names, and this may lead to delays or maybe the chance that you might be denied boarding.

If you're traveling with young children, an ID isn't needed, nonetheless it actually wouldn't hurt to have some kind of identification for them, for example a college ID or medical records. Make sure that your kid is ready to answer questions to security agents, such as validating their name, if they're the right age to do that. If the option is offered, pick the seats on your flight as quickly as you book your ticket. If ordering online, and the choice isn't presented to you, call the airline without delay and ask for the seat assignment of your choosing. If you wait till the day of exit, the possibility is high that you'll finish up with middle seats, and ones that separate you from your traveling companions.

Do things that characterize your bags from others that will look similar to yours. There are hundreds of cases that look alike, and somebody could easily mistake yours for their own when picking them up from a luggage carousel. Tie a bright coloured string round the handle of your bag, or place identifiable story round the center.

Always put name tags on your bags that include the mobile number you will be carrying when you travel. Also include an unrelated party phone number, someone who is not traveling with you, and check in with them in the event of lost luggage. If you're concerned about encircled germs inside the tiny spaces of an aircraft, take along your won blankets and pillows , as well as earphones for music and flicks. Pack travel-sized packets of disinfecting products, such as wipes and deodorising sprays.

Bring a light jacket or shawl to use as a cover in case the airplane compartment is cold. Be conscious of restricted items on board an aircraft, and pack any banned items in your checked baggage. Liquids, firearms, knives and a bunch of other items aren't allowed onboard. Wear slip-on shoes if feasible, since you'll be needed to remove your shoes at security checkpoints.

Taking these simple precautions can make a great difference in whether your journey is a untroubled and delightful experience. Everyone wants to be safe, including yourself. So , be prepared and luxuriate in the flight.

By John Wright.

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By John Wright. Read more: visit us online or Extreme Hotels.