TRAVELLING

Thailand is the place where many people would love to go to. Due to its warm climate and beautiful natural resource, such as mountaineer geography in the north, and coastal beach in the east and the south. We are going to look at the eastern region, which Pattaya city is located. You may have heard a bit or have been there before if you had a chance to visit Thailand. It is the place where a lot of tourist would like to visit and it has millions of visitors each year. This is due to its beautiful beach and night life which give people endless enjoyable activities.

However, for someone who want to visit Thailand or Pattaya at the first time, they may want to visit some information resource that provide info about Pattaya travel guide and there are a lot of websites provide comprehensive information such as the website of Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) or you may want to visit lonelyplanet.com can also be used as a information reference.

Even though Pattaya gain it reputations from its beach and night life but there are also many tourist attractions that tourist could have activity with. For example, there has been an fish aquarium that recently opened and this aquarium is the largest in Southeast Asia region. Apart from that, you can enjoy activities like rock climbing, hiking or even just ordinary relaxing on the beach.

Hotel accommodation in Pattaya also offers excellent service. You can find wide range of hotel types available for all of budget availability. Top luxurious hotels provide very private environment and services so you can be sure that your holiday will not be disturbed. Massage and beauty service in Pattaya are also gain reputation, particularly traditional Thai massage and facial therapy massage in Thai ancient style, which you will experience of using traditional Thai herbs to cure disease through elaborated massage method.

Pattaya is divided into three different parts; North Pattaya, Central Pattaya and South Pattaya. Each area has unique characteristics such as beach and travel attraction. North Pattaya is close to other attractions near by such as Sila Village where produce mortars or if you would like to enjoy city life and beautiful beaches, you have to visit Central Pattaya.

People and environment in Pattaya are also very pleasant. Even though it is a place that has more urban area than suburb area but there still be a good environment and very less of pollution. People are also very friendly and always willing to help all of the tourists.

Even though there are a lot of travel guide for Pattaya available on the internet, some in Thai and some in English language, but you have to compare all the detail with two or three different websites and choose the most update and reliable one. Otherwise you may get the wrong or out of date information. And as a result you may get lost or miss some important information that may lead you to trouble during the visit and you will find that you have to return to this place once again.

With the tremendous growth of tourism in recent years, there are quite a few options for cheap flights to Spain. There has been an increase in discount airlines to some of its local airports, with more discount airlines now flying into Spain. When taking advantage of these cheaper flights, though, you will have to sacrifice some of the conveniences that you may be accustomed to receiving with the larger, higher priced airlines.

Discount airlines offer lower priced fares to many locations throughout Spain. There is a greater choice of lower priced fares from airports in Europe from rather than from the United States, but you may be able to find lower fares nonetheless. Some of the airports with the best rates include Alicante, Barcelona, Madrid, Murcia, Valencia, Menorca, Malaga, Seville, Mallorca and Palma. If you are flying from the United States, direct flights are available through larger carriers but are more expensive. Direct flights may be available from New York, Philadelphia, Miami, Houston, Atlanta and Newark. Though you my find a lower priced ticket, the price will not be as low as fares with discount airlines.

The internet is a good place research flights and compare prices to find the best deal, but some discount airlines are not posted on the major travel websites. To include their fares in your comparison of flight costs, you will need to contact the airline directly. It may be less convenient than performing a simple online search, but taking the time to call the carrier may save you money.

One way to find lower priced fares is to consider flying on different days. For example, flights on the weekend are often more expensive than flights during the middle part of the week. Also consider the time you are flying, as early morning or late-night flights are often less expensive. It may be an inconvenience but, again, you could save money.

One reason discount airlines are able to offer cheaper flight is because of the lack of conveniences and extra services found on the larger carriers. Discount carriers do not offer meals to its travelers and most do not even offer snacks. You may want to bring your own snack and, with regulations limiting liquids allowed on planes, it may be better for you to pay for a beverage once you have boarded the plane. Additionally, discount carriers often have more restrictions regarding baggage with most carrying a limit of two pieces of luggage. You may be able to bring more baggage, but you will probably be required to pay a fairly large amount. Be sure to ask about the baggage policy so you can plan your trip accordingly and, hopefully, avoid any unexpected and additional charges. Finally, you are likely to have a significant layover with discount carriers. You may wait several hours before your connecting flight, but this inconvenience could also save you money. This time between flights could be a good opportunity to read a book, shop or eat meal since food is not served on the plane.

Credit cards are widely used anywhere in the world. People find it quite handy to have such a card, which provides a lot of convenience and flexibility. Since many people are finding it useful, many credit card companies are devising ways to attract more prospective clients as well as their present clients in order for them to stay satisfied with their services.

Benefit programs such as reward credit cards serves as an innovative instrument to stay competitive in the market. If you're a frequent traveler, you may find having a reward travel card very useful. On the other hand, if don't travel that much, it would be best not to get a reward travel card because its benefits are usually offset by hidden charges and very high annual fees.

If you are about to choose a particular credit card, consider the rewards features of the credit card company. It would be best if you could compare several card companies, and just make sure that you choose one that will suit your needs best. Determine first hand how you are going to use your credit card. In this manner, you will be able to pick the best credit card out in the market.

You must be aware that there are credit card companies which provide for a particular airline travel. Aside from that, rewards are also provided for hotel stays, car rentals, and gas purchases.

The use of the credit card provides convenience but it doesn't mean that you should not be concerned with its cost. It is still possible to find one card which offers a considerable amount of convenience which at the same time offers the highest possible savings. All it takes is a little patience in doing your very own research on the different cards available in the market.

There are times when the use of cash during your travel is inevitable. A card which allows you to make cash advances will be quite an advantage. However, make sure that you make inquiries about cash advance charges. This step is needed so that you will not be shocked just in case you receive a huge bill at the end of the month. You might not know it, but there are many card companies which charge very high interests on cash advances.

The value for the travel rewards is not the same all throughout, and it differs greatly from card to card. Familiarize yourself with all the aspects of your credit card, including the value and schedule of your rewards. Some card companies send their clients the money after the year ends, and the amount usually depends on the amount of your credit card purchases.

If you don't have travel insurance, you can choose a card which provides for it. The insurance includes lost luggage, emergency expatriation, medical evacuation, and other emergencies. Check with the card company about maximum monetary value limit before the rewards are offered. Due preparation before traveling is a must to avoid the discomforts of traveling to another place; any responsible traveler knows that fact.

Remember that in making any purchases, you will be able to earn points but make sure that you pay all your dues every month, otherwise, the rewards will not be of any worth. Be responsible in using your card and you will in turn receive the benefits that it offers.

Malaga is located along the southern coastline of Spain in the Costa del Sol region. It is a port city on the Mediterranean Sea and is included as part of Andalusia, one of Spain’s seventeen autonomous communities. The Malaga airport is the most commonly used airport for those traveling to the Costa del Sol area with its annual passenger count as thirteen million. The number of people using the airport continues to grow and, consequently, a third terminal is anticipated to open in 2008. Airlines at the Malaga airport offer a variety of flights to and from destinations across the world, with connections to airports in over sixty foreign countries and throughout Spain.

Several larger discount airlines offer lower-priced flights to Malaga. Finding cheap flights to Malaga should not be difficult. You can contact the airline directly for flight information if you know which airline you wish to use. You can also use the services of a travel agency or search and make a reservation online. You will find that there are no direct flights with discount carriers from North America to Spain. There will be at least one connection or layover, oftentimes in the United Kingdom or Ireland, and possibly another stop in Spain before reaching Malaga.

Discount fares often come with less convenience, as the discount airlines offer few services to make up for the cost of the discount fare. You may want to opt for a larger, non-discount airline if you do not want any inconvenience, but if you do choose a discount fare and experience some inconvenience remind yourself of the money saved. One difference in flying with a discount airline is that they often restrict the number of bags allowed. Though most airlines have some policy on the number of bags you can carry on or check-in, discount carriers may have a more stringent policy on baggage. Be sure to confirm the airline’s baggage policy and find out how many bags you are allowed. Otherwise, you may find that you are required to pay a fee for the additional baggage which is sometimes more expensive with discount airlines. Another difference is that you will have at least one layover, or maybe more, depending on the carrier, the departure location or that particular flight package. Sometimes, more stops during a flight results in a better deal. Finally, when flying with cheaper airlines, you will have to retrieve you bags at each stop and check them in again for each part of the flight. You cannot simply check in your bags initially and get them when you arrive in Malaga. You must wait in line at each airport and go through the baggage process each time.

A guide to the Chinatown Bus

The word is out—the cheapest way to get from one major U.S. city to another is on the “Chinatown bus”. In recent years this has become transportation option of choice for budget travelers in New York, Washington DC, and Boston, and more recently on the West Coast. Students, backpackers, and an array of other savvy travelers have long loved the rock bottom prices that these bus companies offer. Despite the popularity of these bus lines it can still be difficult to find information on Chinatown bus service.

What exactly is a “Chinatown Bus”? Read on and you will have the inside track on this great budget travel option.

Chinatown Bus history

The Chinatown bus phenomenon began in the late 1990s when an entrepreneur in New York’s Chinatown started running daily bus service from Chinatown in New York to Chinatown in Boston. The service was aimed at Asian immigrants who wanted to shop or visit relatives in either city and needed cheap and convenient transportation. The service was bare bones—no advertising, customer service, or bus stations. Customers simply went to the bus stop, waited for the bus (or van), and paid the driver upon boarding. For those willing to do without frills, they offered virtually the same service as traditional bus companies at a substantially lower price. Before long, the word spread and all kinds of people started using the service. It became especially popular with students, budget travelers, or people for whom the service was simply more convenient.

Soon more bus companies duplicated this model and started offering service in other cities. Now you can find this type of bus service in Philadelphia, Virginia, Baltimore Washington DC, Los Angeles, Las Vegas and San Francisco. At this point the term “Chinatown bus” is used more loosely to describe this sort of low-cost/low-frills service. Many, if not most, of the companies do not have Chinatown as their main location and may not cater to the immigrant population at all. These operators are also sometimes referred to as “curbside” operators.

How can tickets be so cheap?

$15 between New York to Boston? $25 from Las Vegas to Los Angeles? It seems hard to fathom. Chinatown bus companies are able to keep prices low because they operate in a fundamentally different way from traditional carriers. Foremost, the service is very basic. There is little in the way of customer service or amenities. Most of these operators do not have formal stations, picking up passengers at bus stops instead. They eschew traditional advertising in favor of word of mouth. Further, many of the operators play a very hands-on role in the operation—you will not see idle executives at a small independent bus company. Finally, these operators make sure they fill their buses. That is why Chinatown bus operators usually only operate on heavily trafficked routes. Indeed some companies only run buses at peak times.

Are they safe?

When these companies first started operating, concerns were raised about safety standards. There is still controversy within the bus industry about whether these newcomers are complying with the same regulations as the traditional companies. However, a task force set up by the Federal government to look at safety issues found that Chinatown bus companies did not perform better or worse than other types of bus companies (ie. charter, tour buses). All bus companies operating in the U.S. must undergo the same inspection standards and must comply with the same rules. Realistically there is probably a range of quality among Chinatown bus carriers. Some are fly-by-night operators trying to make a fast buck, while others are legitimate entrepreneurs who plan to grow and operate a long term business.

What you should expect

 No frills service—the driver may be the ticket collector; there will not be a lot of customer service.

 Comfortable buses. Despite the low fares buses are usually quite nice. Most buses are comparable to Greyhound and many are actually more deluxe.

 Communication challenges. Drivers are legally required to speak enough English to help passengers in the case of emergency. In reality this is often adhered to rather loosely. At the very least, expect your driver to have an accent.

 Possible delays. Many of these bus routes are on highly congested roads. When the roads are busy, expect delays.

 Rest stops. Buses will have a lavatory on board but there is usually a 10 or 15 minute bathroom break on trips over 4 hours. Don’t be late returning to the bus, the driver will not count heads before leaving at the appointed time.

 Full buses. Buses definitely sell out at peak times (weekends and evenings). Book ahead or get there early if you want secure a seat.

 Plastic Bags. An odd little quirk on Chinatown buses is that every aisle seat usually has a plastic grocery bag tied to the arm. I guess they find this is the best way to keep the buses clean.

How do I find the Chinatown Bus?

Again, “Chinatown bus” is a term used to describe a type of operator and not an individual bus company. Many unrelated bus companies fall into this category. Since most Chinatown buses do not spend money on advertising it can be difficult to find out details about schedules and bus stop locations. Many of the carriers are becoming savvier about the Internet and quite a few have websites with information. Usually an Internet search will yield links to bus service to your destination. There are also several directories, such as chinatown-bus.org that include links for most Chinatown bus companies and the author’s employer, GotoBus.com, is a centralized booking site that has schedules and sells tickets online for most Chinatown bus companies.

The Chinatown bus is not for everyone. If you want an orderly system with American style customer service, you should probably stick to traditional carriers. However, if you know what to expect and come prepared with a sense of adventure and humor, you should enjoy the trip just fine. You will also enjoy the money you save!

For several who reside in areas that see quite a lot of snow within the wintertime, it's a time of year that they try to keep inside as much as attainable and keep away from the elements. However, what if the weather weren't too cold? Just because it is winter in a single area does not suggest it is winter in every single place else! Whereas your house could be frozen, there are plenty of places that are warm enough for a soothing outside vacation.

The most effective holidays to take to flee the chilly north is a cruising tour further south. Imagine - quite than shivering in your house, you can be seeing the wonders of Egypt in stunning weather.

You would reap the benefits of a cruise which takes you throughout this historical past-wealthy land, seeing Luxor and different cities alongside the Nile River. Among the virtually weeklong cruises to this region offer excursions to wonders such as the Temple of Luxor.

One of many more enjoyable ways to see a region like this might be on a smaller cruise vessel. Ships such as the Oberoi Shehrazad supply a quaint and private experience. This ship solely sleeps eighty travelers on vacation. Though it is smaller than the mega cruise ships, it does have some great features comparable to a pool, a sun deck and a library.

Another nice outdoor vacation vacation spot to free your self from the cold is within the Virgin Islands. With a dozen islands to experience alongside this cruising tour, you will never be at a loss for new things to see and new beaches to experience. Although some cruises to this area are a bit costlier, a lot of them likewise offer some extras such as snorkeling or scuba dives on the reefs.

Once again, if you need a special expertise that is rather more private, you need to contemplate a smaller ship. Those like the sixty six-passenger SV Flying Cloud can take you closer and into more secluded places than a larger cruise ship, and envision sitting on the deck of that smaller, personal ship whereas sipping a cocktail and watching the sun set on the water.

Had enough of the tropics? What about making an attempt certainly one of many vacations to the Orient? Obtainable are week or longer journeys via Ko Khai Nok, Phi Phi, together with other islands of Thailand and Malaysia.

One of many smaller ships that travels this itinerary is the one hundred seventy passenger Star Flyer. It is more fancy than you'd expect with two swimming swimming pools, an Edwardian library, and decks fabricated from teak.

In relation to being heat, it does not get a lot warmer than the equator. If that is your cup of tea, you might wish to take a trip to Ecuador. Right here, you can cruise the Amazon River, experiencing the kind of wildlife you see in a National Geographic magazine and getting up shut and private to the rainforest.

The necessary thing to keep in mind is there isn't any cause to spend the winter shivering. Your escape from the ice, snow and cold is as easy as booking a cruise somewhere in hotter waters.

Vacations can already be a irritating time, and mix that with being pregnant and hormones and you'll be asking for trouble. I'm not that means for simply the pregnant lady both, anybody in addition to everybody in her path. Women at present feel the strain of having that perfect holiday for her family, which might be why your girl decides to do a hundred issues at a time...stressing herself out in the end. However, she doesn't have to have a hectic holiday. One can find 5 ways to make your own holidays one thing to remember.

Tag the Dates Go out and purchase your calendar for the holidays. Publish it up on the wall and start marking dates. You will not must stress out because you won't be twin reserving yourself. This can moreover show you how to in preplanning, mark the day you must send out the vacation playing cards or even buy certain items.

Selecting Your Activities Throughout the holidays you might be certain to be invited to some couple of parties. It is not important to attend each one in every of them. Resolve which ones you may take pleasure in probably the most, perhaps two or three and clarify to the remaining you'll miss going but need some rest.
Choose The place You'll Go Whether or not it is advisable to keep dwelling for the vacations with your personal family or go all through country to be with the entire family the decision needs to be yours. Do not really feel responsible telling them you will not be making it this year, clarify you need rest and touring isn't very helpful. It's possible you'll even want to prolong an invite for the family to come back to your own home instead.

Designating Jobs If in case you have determined to have the vacations at your house you'll be able to still have a good time. Don't forget that asking for assistance is okay. No one expects you to do all of it in your own. Do you really have to organize the ham, bake the potatoes, make a cake, clean the home and set up the tree all by your self? Designate others to assist, they'll really feel joyful you've given them one thing to do as a substitute of sit around ready while they watch you do it all.
Procuring Time Purchasing in the course of the holiday season generally is a nightmare you needn't attempt while pregnant. It's safer to simply keep residence during a few of these sales. As an alternative you would possibly need to try buying online, not solely will you end up being residence but you can relax. The one thing you will want is a bank card and let your fingers do the work. You may additionally do all of your vacation purchasing early and have it shipped right to your entrance door. All you need to do is wrap it up and hide it within the wardrobe.

Keep in mind the holiday season is all about producing memories that'll last. You may be pregnant but you don't have to sit down at dwelling the entire time stressed, as an alternative you may truly enjoy yourself with these helpful tips. Don't forget to take a while on do something only for you, ultimately you deserve it.

By visiting this beautiful metropolis, it is wonderful to reach to absorb among the incredible parks which are scattered everywhere. These lovely parks provide a wonderful place for a picnic, biking or skating, or simply stroll by way of and enjoy the surroundings and unbelievable landscapes. Most cities have a park for guests to take pleasure in, but presents very little of a various number of parks that is comparable to Brisbane.

Roma Avenue Parklands is a very civilized park with manicured lawns and greenery and beautiful lined areas for sitting or for specific functions. It is well-known for its number of totally different plants and for the many shows of public artwork throughout. As soon as an unpleasant yard this area right this moment is one that in most Brisbane least often to go to and revel in tremendously.

The Wynnum Park is likely one of the most popular parks for households dwelling in the region as well as those who go to Brisbane with young children. This park presents water views and a cool bay breeze and of course one among its hottest options is the incredible wadding pool situated right within the park itself. Wynnum Park is within strolling distance to ice cream shops and fish and chips excellent for many who forgot to carry a picnic lunch with them to enjoy within the park.

To the botanist in the group of Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens is by far the perfect place to admire the gorgeous gardens and crops that make up these unbelievable grounds. There's a bamboo grove and a cactus backyard and walk by and luxuriate in this park is inside strolling distance of the JC Slaughter Falls for individuals who wish to stroll within the bush as well as this lovely scenic area. For those who like plants then you will enjoy strolling round these botanical gardens.

Rocks Riverside Park is unique in the truth that it has an amphitheater and an excellent lawn space that can be enjoyed by people or that can be booked by larger teams for events. There are additionally bike paths, a dog walking area, and it's a great spot to carry the kids for a day of Frisbee within the sun. This park additionally sits proper on the river and affords some superb views of the city.

Throughout your stay in Brisbane there are a lot of attractions to see and participate in, however make sure you take the time to check out some spectacular parks scattered throughout this wonderful metropolis with water. It's a nice solution to calm down and benefit from the peaceable serenity that exists between the large buildings of this nice metropolis.

Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia, is one of the largest cities in Spain. It is second only to Madrid and is one of the most influential European cities. It enjoys a globally acknowledged trendsetting image. Additionally, it has a very diverse art and cultural scene.

So, when you're in a city as steeped in tradition and culture as Barcelona, why settle for anything less than the best? Start your vacation with a classy and extravagant bang by staying at the five-star hotels in Barcelona. Very few hotels in the world can rival the opulence and exquisite service offered in these hotels. The city itself is renowned for fine living and gastronomic treats. It is, thus, no wonder that a stay in any of the five-star hotels in Barcelona will truly be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for weary travelers.

Hotel Arts Barcelona

Hotel Arts Barcelona is one such hotel. Arguably the most popular among five-star hotels in Barcelona, Hotel Arts offers breathtaking views of the marina and port area. The view can be seen regardless of your accommodations. You could book a suite, double room, or a luxurious duplex apartment and be equally treated to a magnificent feast for the eyes.

Hotel Arts of Barcelona is owned by the Ritz Carlton Group. It is situated in the marina area of Port Olimpico. If you are looking for style, charm, and an idyllic beach location, then the Hotel Arts is the perfect place for you. The staff are polite and friendly, and they will pamper you like royalty.

Eurostars Grand Marina Hotel

My personal favorite among the five-star hotels in Barcelona is the Eurostars Grand Marina Hotel. As its name suggests, this hotel is in Barcelona's marina area. It sits very close to the area where cruise ships dock. Like the Hotel Arts, the Grand Marina Hotel Barcelona offers astounding view of the marina area. It also gives guests first class accommodation and ready access to the heart of the city.

Le Meridien

If ready access to the city is what matters the most to you, then you cannot get a better option than Le Meridien. The hotel is on the famous Ramblas, the center of Barcelona's hustle and bustle. Like other five-star hotels, it boasts of an amazing view of the Ramblas. Unfortunately, the hotel's greatest draw also proves to be its greatest problem. Because most of the rooms in La Meridien overlook the Ramblas, guests can expect a little street noise. If you think you would not mind this, then book yourself into the Le Meridien. A basic double room can cost you between 330 and 360 Euros.

Claris Hotel Barcelona

The Claris Hotel Barcelona has an interesting geometric shape. Like La Meridien, the Claris Hotel is not far from where the action is. It sits at the intersection of two busy roads, and while this makes the hotel accessible to almost any vehicle, guests can expect to be subjected to a little road noise.

The Palace Hotel Barcelona

The Palace Hotel is not much different from the Claris and La Meridien, although it certainly is more pricey. For a double room at the Palace Hotel, expect to pay 380 to 550 Euros a night. The Palace Hotel is located in the modern part of town. It sits close to numerous cafes, bars, and shops. It is also surrounded by many historical buildings and is not far from the city's best shopping area.

Hotel Melia Barcelona

This hotel's location is not as accessible as the others and is, thus, not as conducive for sightseeing compared to other five-star hotels in Barcelona. However, it is only a ten-minute walk away from the nearest metro stop, and from this starting point, one can go anywhere in the city. What sets this hotel apart, aside from the distance? Locals and guests claim Hotel Melia serves the best breakfast in town!

A stay in any of the five-star hotels in Barcelona will make your vacation truly memorable. Ultimately, however, it is not just your preference for luxury that you have to consider but the health of your pockets.

As we all know that travel with children never easy as you need extra attention and preparation as well as time to think about unexpected situation that may occur during the trip. This in order for you to make sure that your trip will go smoothly as possible. No matter where you are going to travel, it can be only attractions in your local state up to travel overseas, effective forward planning is really need to ensure that you and your children can return to home safely and happily.

One of the most important elements of travel preparation is to prepare bags and luggage for your trip, especially prepare kid’s bags which you have to put extra effort to prepare it as they may contain additional necessary gadgets for children.

Today, bag providers providing millions of kid’s bag colors and designs, which sometimes they have similar design to adult luggage but in smaller size. Therefore, parents may interest to buy bags for their kids that match to their bags to represent the unique of family. Apart from that today kids luggage have similar functions as for adult ones, such as they usually have roller wheel to enable children carry bags by themselves. Some brands has even provided kids luggage have wheels that are gender based, so you can make sure that your kid will has the luggage that suitable for them. This is also benefit for kids in terms of when they grow up and then they love to carry their own bags rather than watch their parents carrying luggage for them.

There are many types of kids bags to choose from, wide range of bags such as duffel bags, sport bags, backpacks with pockets for a radio or CD player are the most popular among them. For parents that have child who loves to read books or if your child has favorite toys and he/she wants to carry with them at all times. Parents should look for a backpack that will hold your child’s toys and/or books and also have attractive design to make them proud and happy when carrying.

The most favorite type of bags and designs among kids probably backpack that designed in animal doll on the backpack. This could give very good feeling for kids because it’s like their favorite animal is hugging them. Apart from using animal dolls, some bags providers may use other stuff that kids love, such as cartoon characters, sports themes, flowers, dance, music, and space on a backpack to attract kids. Also it would be even better if kids can have their name appeared on a backpack so they can proud to carry the bag without encouraging from parents. Some designs are specially made specific for gender, such as car-shape backpack special for boys and baby-shape backpack for girls. As you will also enjoy travel if your kids are able to carry their own bags with their favorite so your trip would be fun.

Here above is just initial basic guide suggest you about types of kids backpack available so you will be able to choose the suitable ones for your child. More than anything that you have to let them choose their own, when you are shopping so they will be proud to carry and happy throughout the trip.

If you are planning to take a vacation, be sure to know what you really like to do, this will make your trip more meaningful. Mostly, travelers go for a trip that their friends recommend, but is it what they really want? It's never too early to plan and know what your heart desires.

It's nice to ask yourself these questions before starting to plan your vacation; do I want to relax? Do I want adventure or a learning experience? Do I want to get away from my job? Once you know the answers to these questions, then you are ready to plan your trip.

Vacations are needed for our emotional, physical and mental balance. Vacations give a person a chance to relax, renew his energy, and free him from his daily routine. Vacations could be far away or close to home. Wherever the vacation may be, it does the same thing. It is the satisfaction that is more important than the destination.

Generally, there are some different types of travel according to activities involved. Here are some of them:

1. Responsible Travel. Traveling doesn't always have to be self-serving. With responsible travel, one could have enjoyment as much as respecting the local environment and the people.

2. Rediscovering nature. Rediscovering travel is all about nature and everything in it. It revitalizes the soul while smelling and feeling nature.

3. Tribal cultures. In today's world of high technology, it is wise to experience the simpler life of the tribal people who live close to nature in the same way for the past thousands of years.

4. Responsible Diving. Diving not only let travelers appreciate what is down the sea but also making the traveler more aware of the conservation effort.

The country one is planning to travel to also leaves a great mark on the traveler's diary. Here are some of the most popular destinations today:

1. Thailand. Thailand is also known as Siam. It is an Asian country bounded by Burma, Laos, Cambodia, and Malaysia. Behind the back draft of Thailand's jungles of bamboo, rubber trees and vines are the Five-star hotels of modern conveniences. In some parts of the country, elephants are still being use to lift timbers and buffalos are still being use in farming.

2. China. China is now the second largest country and fastest growing economy in the world. Most parts of China are still unexplored by tourist; however, the eastern portion is now popular to western tourist. First class hotels now offer highest class of amenities and dozens are still being built/

3. Italy. Italy is a boot-like shape country bounded by Switzerland, Austria, France, and Slovenia. The main attraction of Italy is St. Peter's Square where the Pope resides.

4. Caribbean. Caribbean is an archipelago of islands, 2000 square miles across. Most of the islands are plateaus and eruptions of underlying mountain systems. It has nice beaches of crushed coral and white or pink sand and the water at the shore is a deep blue.

The success of any vacation will not depend by how much the traveler spent or its destination. It is how the traveler enjoyed it and how he was able to achieve his primary goal of "getting away from it all."

As the prominent tourist destination, Bali has abundance choice of accommodation. It is ranged from budget hotel, guesthouse run by local people, cottage, bungalow, boutique hotel, luxury villa, to the international 5 star hotels. The accommodation spread up throughout Bali.

Cluster accommodation is not only to be found in crowd/centre tourist area, but also found even at secluded area. Hotel styles vary from traditional style to modern design. The tourists in Bali mostly favour Balinese style hotels. You’ll be easily to find a hotel that suits your needs either beach/lake side, cool mountain area, rice field view, hilltop, riverbanks, tropical garden, traditional village surroundings, town-centred, etc.

However, there are many things to consider when choosing your travel accommodations. The decision could make your trip fun or a disappointment. Choosing the right hotel is a must. Most travellers spend more time in airline ticket reservations and bargains but less time in choosing the right accommodations. Thus they may end up on the wrong side of the bed during their stay.

To get the most out of your hotel accommodations, remember to book as early as possible and make your dates more flexible. Hotels that specialize for business people will consider weekends as off-season. Family vacationers could tap into these special packages during weekends. Primarily, you should choose your hotel based on name, amenities, features, price, packages and location.

Here are some considerations in choosing your best travel accommodations:

1. Accommodations should be family-friendly. Always ask if your hotel offers children activity areas with educational and fun activities supervised by duly trained caregivers.

2. Your hotel should provide a swimming pool for children, day care service, crib rental and child-proof electrical outlets.

3. Stay in a hotel that has electronic room-key cards and has a security viewer installed on their doors.

4. Make it a priority to choose a room on the upper floor.

5. If you're the one who likes to spend more time in your hotel room and the balcony, you should ask for the available amenities and the conditions of the surrounding environment.

6. Depending on whether you're on a private or business trip, ask your hotel about the availability of laundry service, hair dryers, coffee makers, newspapers, free meals, fax machine, bar, cable television, parking, shuttle service, internet connection, etc.

7. The hotel property layout and its location may speak more of its surrounding environment. Noisy locations such as construction on adjacent property, car traffic and noisy waterfalls are not specified on hotel flyers. So be sure to ask about it.

8. Beautifully landscaped surroundings with trees, flowers and inner courts also enhance your travel pleasure. Moreover, gift shops and restaurants all add up to a wonderful travel experience.

9. The location of your hotel with respect to main attraction is equally important. It could save you money on taxi and bus fare.

10. Make sure that the room service is provided 24 hours a day.

11. Check out the room itself. Is it brightly coloured or classical? It sets the mood of your travel.

In order to get the most out of your travel, whether for business or family vacations, be sure to know everything about the hotel you are planning to check in to. Ask friends and relatives who have been there. Don't just depend on the hotel's web page, which is undoubtedly biased. Having to stay in a hotel, which you don’t like, could ruin your trip.

Minnesota is more than the pristine beauty of lakes, forests and eagles flying overhead. To me it's Summer Camp! Swift Nature Camp is so much more than another home with another family, it's a special Minnesota Summer Camps

When you're not on canoe or backpack trips and just at camp, there is so much to do, you can never fit it all in. Other fun activities to do at camp are archery, swimming, fishing, boating, tubing, and team course. I loved being active all day. What is real neat is rather you are a beginner or an expert in an area. The counselors help you get better. All activities are noncompetitive and so we all support each other, rather than worry who is best.
When I think of Swift, I think of trips. I'll never forget the Superior Hiking Trail or going to Ely. What an adventure! I loved the trails, nature, and sights of the forest. It was fun getting to know the other persons that hike with you. The wildlife you see is extremely cool. We saw hawks, bald eagles, deer, ospreys, trout, and carp. This is why I love Minnesota Summer Camps

Cabin life is all about learning about others. We come from all over America and even other countries, to meet at a Minnesota Summer Camp. In each cabin there are 10 campers and 2 very kind counselors. Our goal is to become a team for the 3 or 6 weeks we are there. Sure, we had our fights, but always they are resolved and we grow closer because of them.
The Nature Center is a great place to learn about Nature and the beautiful environment of the North woods. We always have fun this is not school. The animals in the zoo are fun to take care of, especially since my mom, back home, will only let me have a cat. It is kinda like being at an animal camp.

Get an enchanting city break with a cheap vacation to Dublin. If you plan on getting a city break that will allow you to enjoy the scenic view of nature as well as enjoy modernities such as nightlife, arts and culture, then this is the perfect spot to go to.

There are also places that you can enjoy for less or even for free. They can make a difference in your cheap travel to Dublin. There are three National Museums which you can explore for free. They can be easily reached because they are located in the center of the city. They cater to diverse tastes as well as a lot of age ranges.
You will find a lot of old and famous universities here as well. One fine example is the Trinity College. It caters to a wide area of interest and you can tour in hear for cheap. The grounds are very well kept and beautiful. They also have extensive libraries that will cater to the needs of a lot of booklovers. Book lovers will also love the collection of 200,000 antique books as well as Ireland's finest treasure, the Book of Kells.
You can diner cheap in the restaurants located near the sea shore. There are many affordable restaurants as well as high end restaurant which you can enjoy for less than 20 Euros or so. You don't have to spend much to enjoy a luscious meal of fresh seafood.

The greatest travel destinations in the world are similar to each other in so many ways. They are visited each year by hundreds of thousands of luxury travel vacation tourists and have some of the greatest sights and experiences. Unfortunately, they are all full of pickpockets. Pickpocketing is one of the oldest forms of theft in the world, and is rampant anywhere there are tourists to rob. Knowing that you WILL be targeted on your trip, here are some great ways to protect yourself from pickpockets.

Protect your Valuables
Thieves are looking mostly to steal cash, and in some cases, your passport. The first step in thwarting attacks on your luxury vacation is to be aware of where you place your valuables. Men should never carry their wallet in their back pocket. If you must use a pocket, your front pocket is best. Another way to protect yourself is by using a money belt underneath your clothing. Stay away from keeping money in backpacks and fanny packs. Women who use purses should only carry ones that zip completely, and carry them on their shoulder with their arm over it, holding the purse in front of you.

Don’t Look Like a Victim
Pickpockets carefully choose their victims. They are looking for tourists, who are probably carrying a lot of cash and credit cards. Do not dress like a tourist if you can avoid it. Try to blend in with the crowed and not stand out. Pickpockets are also attracted to people who are looking lost, confused or distracted. If you have that deer in the headlights look, you won’t notice your wallet is gone right away. Be as familiar as possible with your surroundings when you travel. A good reason to consider a luxury world cruise is you can explore the land, sights and attractions in a guided tour, offering group protection and being comfortable with the guided tour.

Be Prepared

One of the most important things about traveling on luxury vacations is to be prepared for the worst. It is helpful to keep an accurate list of everything in your purse or wallet back at your hotel, so that should you be robbed, you can discover immediately what was taken. You should also carry emergency numbers for your credit card companies so that you may report stolen cards. It is also vital to keep copies of your passports, so that in a pinch, you have a copy of your international ID and a way to prove you are a citizen.
Pickpocket thefts can happen even to the most experienced traveler on any luxury travel vacation. It is important to be aware of these common dangers. Make sure to store your valuables in an inaccessible area. Try to blend into your surroundings so that you do not look like someone to be taken advantage of. Should all of these precautions still not save you from being a victim, be prepared for the worst. If you follow these steps, you should be able to protect yourself no matter what a pickpockets plans are.

It used to be the case that cheap travel agents were a sort of oxymoron. People paid a premium to get their vacations and business trips booked by someone else with little or no disturbance. Since the advent of the internet, all that has changed.

Travel agents have had to lower their prices and fees to compete with the internet. Most people who can afford vacations or go on business trips also have access to the internet. There are many sites on the internet that allow a person the ability to quickly and easily make all their own travel arrangements.

In addition, airlines and hotels have upped the prices they charge travel agents because the airlines and the hotel companies want people to book directly through their own places. Because of these factors, travel agencies have had to lower their prices considerably in order to compete, resulting in cheap travel agents.

Just because there is a excess of cheap travel agents doesn’t mean that the quality is any less than it used to be. Indeed, many cheap travel agents, in addition to lower prices, offer many more services than they used to in order to attract and keep more business.

For example, cheap travel agents may book activities for you. If you are going on a tropical vacation, they can book scuba lessons. If you are going skiing, they can arrange a deal on your raise tickets.

Furthermore, cheap travel agents still have access to all sorts of valuable information that you may not have on the internet. For example, cheap travel agents still know which companies are trustworthy and which have had problems.

They are also sources of invaluable information such as local customs, if you are traveling abroad, weather, and information on food and water quality. They can offer personal insight into the area you are traveling to which you might not be able to find in an online search.

Cheap travel agents not only offer these services, they also do all the groundwork for you. Basically, you decide what you want and the travel agent makes it happen. If you want the best price on an airline or hotel, you may have to go to many different sites to make sure you are getting the best deal.

Even cheap travel agents have the best prices and the best deals right at their fingertips. This could save you a lot of time and some money in addition to trying to keep track of which websites had the best deals and the constantly changeable prices that seem to accompany hotel and airplane ticket prices.

If you don’t have the time or the leaning to read carefully various websites looking for airfare or hotel deals, consider using the services of a trustworthy and cheap travel agent.

Cruising to Europe has many advantages, one of them being that many of Europe’s famous cities were built on or near the water, and can be enjoyed during day trips when the ship docks. It is much easier to see the sights in this manner rather than having to navigate foreign streets and waste precious time looking for a place to park the car.

Many cruise lines offer guides tours of Europe’s cities while the ship is docked, or passengers are free to explore on their own if they so desire. Before setting out on your cruise to Europe, it is often helpful to get a copy of the itinerary and decide in advance what places you would most like to visit when not on board the cruise ship. Since the cruise ship will normally only dock for about 10 hours in each city that it stops in, you will have a limited amount of time for discovering Europe’s cities. When cruising to Europe, you may have the chance to explore wonderful places such as Copenhagen, Bergen, Helsinki, Oslo and Stockholm.

Bergen is a great place to visit, and will afford the traveler a chance to sample regional cuisine, take in the historical sights as well as enjoy the natural assets that Bergen has to offer. Bergen’s locals are quite friendly, and are very accommodating to tourists.

Helsinki is enjoyed by those travelers who have a love for art and museums, and allows the opportunity to see some very beautiful architecture that is evident in many of the cities historical buildings and cathedrals. Helsinki is surrounded by the Baltic Sea, which makes for a great beach side trip during the warmer months.

Oslo is a diverse city that offers a variety of things to do and see, and since the heart of the city is a mere ten minute walk from the pier, renting a car is not necessary; all of Oslo’s sights can be traveled to on foot. There are guided nature hikes, boat tours, the famous Ski Tower, art museums and the renowned Medieval Quarter. The Medieval Quarter is where the “old” Oslo can be found, and is home to ancient castles and fortresses. When hunger calls, there is a variety of choices, as restaurants abound here, from simple cafes to elegant dining halls.

The only down side to cruising to Europe rather than by other means of travel, is that you are less likely to be able to interact with the locals. Since you will be traveling on board a ship, the other passengers will be the ones you are more likely to have the chance to socialize with. Other than this, Europe is a great place to travel to, and a cruise will allow you to travel in comfort, as well as offering many amenities that aren’t available on trains and planes!

If you decide to cruise to Europe, realize that it will be impossible to see everything there is to see. Make a note of those places that you truly enjoyed and wish to see more of, and then plan a return trip that will afford you more time in that particular area.

If you're a golfer who loves to travel, you'll find plenty of exciting golf courses with one of the many golf holiday rentals in France. Whether you want to golf at only one course or cruise the French Riviera to various locations and courses, there are plenty of golf courses in France to fit your style and budget.

North and South France's Finest

France offers some of the finest golf courses, with more than 25 of the top 100 courses in Europe. When taking a golf holiday in the south of France, there are many well-known clubs and courses to try out such as the Royal Mougin Golf Club, Monte Carlo Golf Club, Cannes-Mandelieu Old Course, Domaine de Terre Blanche, Golf Country Club de Vievola, and St. Endreol Golf, to name a few. In northern France, there are top quality courses such as Le Touquet, Hardelot Les Pins, Belle Dune, and Nampont St. Martin Golf Course.

A golf holiday south of France is often preferable year round due to the milder climate and gorgeous scenery. The weather is beautiful most days, and many of the golf courses in southern France were designed by some of Europe's most skilled golf course architects. And though there are premier golf courses in the south of France, this doesn't always mean extravagant prices or pro-style golf only. You can find courses to fit almost any budget and also courses that welcome golfers of all skill levels.

You'll also be able to tour some of the finest cities in Europe such as Marseille, Vence, Cannes, Nice, Monaco, or Toulon. Many of these cities are just a very short distance from the French Riviera, so you can secure great holiday rentals in France and tour several areas around the French Riviera. South France holiday rentals are available at hotels and resorts, or you might find a cozy apartment to spend your golf holiday.

Package Ideas for a Golf Holiday in France

When traveling to France, choose golf holiday packages that will cater to your needs and location, whether staying north or south of France. If you need to stay only a few nights, many hotels and resorts offer packages for two to four nights and a couple of games of golf. If you need to stay longer, find golf packages that are discounted for longer stays. If it's variety you want, another type of package is a golf cruise in which you can sail to different hot spots and play golf on different courses. French Riviera golf cruises are particularly popular.

You might also choose to stay in an area that's saturated with golf courses so you can try out a new one every day. Areas such as Vence (south of France) or Nice offer many courses, tourist attractions, and beautiful scenery.

Booking Your Golf Holiday in France

You can easily book a golf holiday in North or South France online and find great deals for hotels, apartment rentals, or even places for a France day trip. Use online maps to pinpoint where you want to stay or go golfing. For example, if seeking Provence accommodations, check out a map of the Provence area to find a great destination.

Look for fabulous French Riviera rentals or other golf holiday adventures to enjoy your vacation to the fullest!

1) When taking taxis from an airport to your hotel, travel in the more expensive airport taxis and ensure that the drivers have official identification. Never take a taxi waiting outside the airport grounds.

I know this sounds extreme, but it is by far better to be safe then sorry.

2) When traveling from your hotel to the airport, go with a taxi recommended by the hotel.

Again, taxi’s can be very dangerous. I can’t express that enough.

3) Try not to arrive in a new city or town late at night.

This can just go wrong in a number of ways. It is much easier getting checked in during the day time and security at night in certain areas is just horrendous.

4) Travel in a group if possible.

Since when is traveling in numbers not a good idea?

5) Learn the basics in the local language before you arrive. Don't expect that people will speak English.

English is becoming more widely spoken these days, but you want to be sure. You should always check on these things before your arrival.

6) Keep your valuables hidden.

A money belt is great if it is an option that you willing to look into. There are many different styles of money belt. One of the most popular is an “over the shoulder” style wallet on a strap that you were underneath your top. This makes it very difficult for a thief to make off with your valuables.

7) Avoid going on your own to remote areas/ruins where tourist would be expected to go. Seek local advice or take a guide.

8) Read the guide books and talk with other tourists to find out which areas are best avoided.

9) When leaving discos late at night take a taxi home no matter how close your hostel is. Outside most discos you'll find a street vendor selling cigarettes. Usually these people know all the taxi drivers and can recommend a safe one.

10) When arriving in a new town, keep to your original plan and stay in the hostel that you have decided on. Don't let the taxi driver persuade you that your hostel is fully booked and that he knows a cheaper and better one. He'll be working on commission and the hostel probably won't be in a safe part of town.

11) Even better, when arriving lane/train in a new city, try to reserve your hotel in advance, preferably with a hotel that has an airport/station collection service.

12) Don't wear expensive looking jewelry.

13) On public transport have your day pack close to you at all times, preferably with the straps around your legs or padlocked to the luggage rack. On buses your backpack will normally go outside, either on top of the roof or in the external luggage compartments. On long distance buses ask for a receipt for your bags. On short rides just keep a careful eye out each time the bus stops to off-load bags. In the event of having your bags stolen, stay with the bus - you will probably require a declaration from the bus company accepting responsibility for the loss in order to claim any money from your insurance company.

14) Leave your valuables in your hotel safe when making day trips or longer tours. Obtain a receipt not just for your money belt/wallet etc. but for its contents, with each item listed.

15) If you have to leave your passport and credits cards together, place the credit card in a sealed envelope and sign your name across the flap. This way when you return you will know that nothing has been tampered with.

16) If planning on going to market areas, crowded streets, fiestas etc. don't go with all your valuables. Leave them in the hotel. If you’re planning on buying something expensive keep your money safely in a money belt. Try to be discreet when opening it! To protect small change in your pockets you can stuff a handkerchief in after.

17) If the pavements are really crowded, especially in market areas, walk in the road.

18) If you suspect someone is following you, stop and stare them in the eye until they go. If you really get a bad feeling about a place, go with your first instincts and leave. Bag slashing is rare nowadays but for added safety you can wear your day pack on your chest.

19) If it's on your back try to walk without stopping. If you need to stop, sway your pack gently from side to side so that you can feel if anyone is tampering with it.

20) When putting your bag down on the floor, to take a photo or just to sit in a café, remember to put your foot through the strap. Not only will it be impossible to snatch, you also won't forget it! This is the most common type of theft - tourists forgetting bags in cafes and on returning to ask if anyone has seen it, you've guessed it, it's gone.

Travel insurance is one of those areas that mean nothing to you until you decide to hit the road – or the air – then suddenly every ad is for travel insurance and everywhere you look another company is touting for your business. So how do you choose the best insurance company and the best travel insurance for your unique travelling needs?

5 Points To Consider

1.The cost of the policy could be more than what you pay

When reviewing the policy options never start with the price first. As with most things in life you get what you pay for and while you want to be sure to get the best value for your money, this does not necessarily mean the cheapest price. Comprehensive cover that delivers and supports in time of need is what you should be looking for.

2.What back up do you receive in an emergency?

Are you being sent on your world tour with a 9 to 5 Monday to Friday contact number or are you provided with fully comprehensive numbers providing 24/7 contact and support, reverse charge options and 0800 numbers.

3.What is included as standard in your policy

Some companies come in with a low rate and then charge extra for every doorknob eventually leading to over inflated cover. Go through the company’s policy offerings to be sure exactly what you are covered for. The range should be extensive as the company should know and have addressed a range of pitfalls you may not have thought of.

4.Who underwrites and supports the company

Establish who your support company will be should you face a medical emergency or the need for evacuation. Most companies do not handle these highly specialised areas themselves but have aligned themselves with skilled and experienced worldwide organisations to ensure the best possible protection and support for their customers.

5.Does the company cater for varying needs?

Does the company provide a one size fits all policy? Beware, you may be paying for cover you don’t need or be under insured in some critical areas. Look for a company which provides a range of covers including NZ only travel policies, backpacker, group or duo options, long stay, one way or gap insurance and more.

Hello...you have been specially selected to receive our SPECTACULAR LUXURY DREAM VACATION offer!

Have you ever been tempted to sign up to win a "free" trip at a fair, trade show or restaurant? If so, you may get a phone call, letter, unsolicited fax, email or postcard telling you that you've won a vacation. Be careful. It may be a "trip trap." The vacation that you've "won" likely isn't free. And the "bargain-priced" travel package you're offered over the telephone or Internet may not fit your idea of luxury.

While some travel opportunities sold over the phone or offered through the mail, Internet or by fax are legitimate, many are scams that defraud consumers out of millions of dollars each month.

The word "offer" can be a clue to hidden charges. When you get the phone call, or place the call in response to a postcard, letter, fax or Internet ad, you also get a sales pitch for a supposedly luxurious trip - one that you could pay dearly for.

The salesperson may ask for your credit card number to bill your account for the travel package. Once you pay, you receive the details of the "package," which usually include instructions for making trip reservation requests. Your request often must be accompanied by yet another fee. In addition, many offers require you to pay upgrade costs to receive the actual destinations, accommodations, cruises or dates you were promised. Some offers may require you to pay more for port charges, hotel taxes or service fees.

See a pattern developing? New charges are being added every step of the way. You may never get your "bargain" trip because your reservations may not be confirmed or because you must comply with hard-to-meet hidden or expensive "conditions."

Telemarketing travel scams usually originate out of "boiler rooms." Skilled salespeople, often with years of experience selling dubious products and services over the phone, pitch travel packages that may sound legitimate, but often are not. These pitches usually include:

Oral Misrepresentations. Particular schemes vary, but all fraudulent telemarketers promise you a "deal" they can't possibly deliver. Unfortunately, you won't know it until your money's gone.

High Pressure/Time Pressure Tactics. Scam operators often say they need your commitment to buy immediately or that the offer won't be available much longer. They typically brush aside questions or concerns with vague answers or assurances.

"Affordable" Offers. Unlike fraudulent telemarketers who try to persuade people to spend thousands of dollars on an investment scheme, fraudulent travel telemarketers usually pitch club membership or vacation offers in a lower price range. The offers sound reasonable and are designed to appeal to anyone who is looking for a getaway.

Contradictory Follow-up Material. Some companies may agree to send you written confirmation of your deal. However, it usually bears little resemblance to the offer you accepted over the phone. The written materials often disclose additional terms, conditions and costs.

How To Protect Yourself

Unpleasant surprises can ruin a vacation, especially when they cost money. That's why it pays to investigate a travel package before you buy. But it can be difficult to tell a legitimate sales pitch from a fraudulent one. Consider these travelers' advisories:
Be wary of "great deals" and low-priced offers. Few legitimate businesses can afford to give away products and services of real value or substantially undercut other companies' prices.

Don't be pressured into buying. A good offer today usually will be a good offer tomorrow. Legitimate businesses don't expect you to make snap decisions.
Ask detailed questions. Find out exactly what the price covers and what it doesn't. Ask about additional charges. Get the names of the hotel, airports, airlines and restaurants included in your package. Consider contacting these businesses directly to verify arrangements. Ask about cancellation policies and refunds. If the salesperson can't give you detailed answers, hang up.

If you decide to buy, find out the name of the travel provider - the company that is getting your reservations and tickets. This company usually is not the telemarketer.
Get all information in writing before you agree to buy. Once you receive the written information, make sure it reflects what you were told over the phone and the terms you agreed to.

Don't buy part of the package - the air fare or hotel stay - separately from the rest. If the deal is not what you expected, it may be difficult to get your money back for the part of the package you purchased.

Don't give your credit card number or bank information over the phone unless you know the company. One easy way for a scam operator to close a deal is to get your credit card number and charge your account. Sometimes fraudulent telemarketers say they need the number for verification purposes only. Don't believe them.

Don't send money by messenger or overnight mail. Some scam artists may ask you to send them a check or money order immediately. Others may offer to send a messenger to pick up your payment. If you pay with cash or a check, rather than a credit card, you lose your right to dispute fraudulent charges under the Fair Credit Billing Act. If you charged your trip to a credit card, you may dispute the charges by writing to your credit card issuer at the address provided for billing disputes. If possible, do this as soon as you receive your statement. In any case, the law gives you up to 60 days after the bill's statement date to dispute the charge.

Check out the company before you buy. Contact the Attorney General in your state or where the company is located to see if any complaints have been lodged against the travel firm or the travel provider. Be aware that fraudulent businesses often change their names to avoid detection.

If in doubt, say "no." Trust your instincts. It's less risky to turn down the offer and hang up the phone.

Where to Complain

Several organizations can provide additional information and help you with complaints.

Your state Attorney General or the Attorney General in the state where the company is located probably has a division that deals with consumer protection issues.

The American Society of Travel Agents, Consumer Affairs, at 1101 King Street, Alexandria,VA 22314, may be able to mediate your dispute with an ASTA member.

The FTC works for the consumer to prevent fraudulent, deceptive and unfair business practices in the marketplace and to provide information to help consumers spot, stop, and avoid them. To file a complaint or to get free information on consumer issues call toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357); TTY: 1-866-653-4261. The FTC enters Internet, telemarketing, identity theft, and other fraud-related complaints into Consumer Sentinel, a secure online database available to hundreds of civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad.

When you opt for a cheap travel to Europe, the city of Amsterdam should be your best choice. The city offers cheap relatively compared to most European cities but not sacrificing the quality of the trip.

The city...

Amsterdam is undoubtedly a beautiful city. No wander it is the fourth most visited cities in the region just after Paris, Rome, and London. Most of the population speaks either French or German or both. The people also can speak English and Dutch as well. The area is relatively flat. You cannot find slopes and hills unlike other European cities. If you want to roam Amsterdam by foot, it is very conducive for hiking. This would save you from the trouble of renting a car or hiring a taxicab to transport you within the city. And since Amsterdam has lots of sights to offer, hiking would be fill up the day while spending some time on different attractions the city has to offer.

If you don't feel the idea of hiking, Amsterdam provides not only cheap but free transportation. White-bikes are located in abundance in the city. In fact there are over 700,000 bikes waiting for you. You can hop on one of these communal bikes at one place then drop it off on the other. They are stationed in different point of the city so you won't get a hard to locate one.

Not into biking and hiking but still opting for cheap Amsterdam vacation? You can always ride any of the public transportation within the city. Amsterdam offers some of the best train, bus, and tram systems in Europe. They are cheap and the service is extremely good.

The attraction...

Amsterdam is lined with several museums and monuments often time just a shot away from one another. To be exact, Amsterdam has 42 museums and almost 7,000 monuments within its limits. And if you want to visit them without confusion, the city has prepared 7 waking routes, marked especially for you.
You can see the works of Hals, Vermeer, Rembrandt, and several other world-renowned artists in Amsterdam's most famous museum- the Rijks museum. A Van Gogh admirer? Vincent Van Gogh has his own museum located near Rijks. For a more contemporary and modern pictures, paintings, and pottery, you can visit Stedelijk Museum of Modern Art. For a closer feel of Amsterdam during the 1600s, you can visit the Museum Willet-Holthuysen that is considered World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

When you visit during summer (July-August), expect to see bed of Tulips along with other Holland's pride- narcissus, daffodils, and other flowers.

Canal attraction is superb. During summer, you can tour the city by boat. The city's canal stretches up to 100KM giving you an alternative way to see the city. During winter, the same canal freezes and transforms into a sporting site where skating events take place.

The rates...
Amsterdam is not a typical European city where you have to spend so much to survive. It does not charge premium rates like any other European cities. You can stay at one of the hostels in Amsterdam under $70. Dining is also very affordable in the city. You can survive a decent meal for under $15. Transportation is also cheap. Tram pass could be purchase at around $5 for unlimited ride for the day.

Picturesque view and rich culture and history give every reason to travel to Amsterdam. And with prices are relatively cheap, you surely would enjoy your stay at Amsterdam.