Friday, June 29, 2012

Vacation Spots for the Family

When choosing vacation spots, there are several factors that need to be taken into consideration. These factors should always be considered because they can spell enjoyment or dissatisfaction during the trip. One of the most important things to take into consideration when thinking of going on a trip with the family is the age group of the members who will be travelling. It is best for a mostly teen oriented age group to go on a trip that is adventurous for their age. Water sports, the beach and fun night outs may be several of the highlights for this bracket. For groups with much older members or with smaller children, the beach might also be fun but with some limitations with regards to their safety when it comes to water activities and swimming. Many establishments have rules and regulations with regards to safety and age of their guests. The interests of the group or family seeking vacation spots should also be considered. Outdoorsy types will likely opt for camping and other adventurous pursuits while those who like to wallow in the lap of luxury will likely go for luxurious resorts and hotels that cater to their every whim and desire. There are also some people who have spotted a specific place to go to and have set their hearts to go there.

Ideal Family Places

There are plenty of vacation spots that are ideal for families in the United States of America. In Texas, there are several National Parks that allow campers to stay for several days. For this to happen, though, the campers will need to acquire permits and prove that they are actually capable of the feat. There are some places in Texas that have categories for their campers. This makes it easier for novices and more enjoyable for those who enjoy the wilds. Other than camping in National Parks in Texas, there are also several ranches that offer tours that encompass several days.

Thursday, June 28, 2012

Planning Your Travel To Asia

The length and breadth of Asia surpasses imagination. You can plan your travel to Asia to ultra-modern destinations, such as Tokyo and Singapore, or to remote villages in China, India, Indonesia or Thailand. Traveling through Asia is like going between different time periods. Some cities are extremely modern and advanced, while others full of mystery and unique charm.

Just catching a flight to Asia is not about visiting a continent. It is entering into a whole new realm. More than half of the world's population lives here and it can be upsetting to see the dramatic standards of living between the rich and poor. However, the mysticism, rich history, unique culture, ethnicities, traditions and food can be an extremely enlightening and unique experience.

The sheer number of countries would be impossible to cover in a single holiday. That is why you would have to keep returning on cheap tickets to Asia to enjoy a couple of countries during each trip. However, in your quest for cheap flights to Asia, do not neglect the safety statistics of the airline you are going to use.

Every country in the continent offers something unique and different for travelers. Some of the highly sought-after Asian destinations include Japan, Thailand, South Korea, China, India, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Singapore and Indonesia. There are several exotic countries that could become part of your travel itinerary, such as Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam.

Traveling to many of these countries is extremely affordable, as the cost of living is not very high. However, countries like Japan and Singapore have high cost of living, at par with many western nations.

Staying here can work out very reasonable unless you intend booking into a five-star hotel. Most visitors prefer to use guesthouses, inns and smaller hotels which offer clean rooms for half the price. If you book a room on the outskirts of a town or village, you may end up getting better rates.

Where food is concerned, street vendors sell reasonably priced food and at times the quality can be as good as restaurants. As long as the food is cooked, you should have no problems where your health is concerned. But make sure that you drink just bottled water.

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

How To Plan A Trip To Europe

For many people, Europe represents the trip of a lifetime, which means when you plan a trip there, it's imperative you prioritise all your options so they're realistic with the time you have available.

After doing the essential stuff like making sure you have a valid passport, it's time to plan an itinerary. Hopefully some of these top five tips can help plan a trip to Europe effectively.

1. Make sure you establish a budget.

Yes, it's tedious, but unless you have a clear idea on where your money's likely to be spent, and how much you have in the first place, you're not going to be the happiest traveller when you're phoning relatives for loans barely halfway through your trip.

Things to consider as you plan a trip to Europe are travelling in the off-season, meaning avoiding school holidays and the peak months where possible. If this isn't possible, consider booking cheaper accommodation. Of course, a few nights at The Ritz in London's a dream for anyone, and we're not suggesting you don't go for it if your budget allows for it or the occasion demands it, but you can still see the city from the hotel down the road.

2. Have a focal destination as you plan a trip to Europe

There's a good chance there's one particular part of Europe you'd like to see above all others. If that applies to you, keep that main destination in mind as you plan your trip.

Say that you wanted to plan a trip to Europe with London at its heart and you have two weeks. Maybe you'd spend the first two nights there, then head off to Ireland for a couple of nights, spend another night in London then go to the Low Countries via the Eurostar. Maybe then you'd take budget flight to Spain and Portugal, then again stay in London before heading home.

Obviously, as you plan a trip to Europe you can make that central destination anywhere. You could make it Budapest in Hungary then go on to explore the Czech Republic, Germany and Austria. Or you could start in Copenhagen in Denmark, then head off to Sweden, Norway and Finland.

This particular idea may not be for everyone, but it's one worth keeping in mind. That's because although it's not huge, Europe's an incredibly diverse continent, and some semblance of structure will be vitally important to make the most of the time you have. Having a focal destination as you plan a trip to Europe is therefore not a bad thing.

3. Do things stage by stage.

If you choose not to go with the idea outlined above as you plan a trip to Europe, at least break your trip up into stages and explore sections of the continent methodically.

There's little sense in beginning your trip in London, then flying off several thousand miles to Greece for a few nights, only to then come back and spend a few days in Wales, a mere three-hour drive from the English capital.

Europe's small size combined with its diversity can really help you out here. You can see an incredible number of cultures and countries in a relatively small area - and therefore on a small budget, if you plan a trip to Europe effectively.

4. Book accommodation in advance.

Providing you're not intent on travelling completely "on the fly" we'd highly recommend booking hotels in advance as you plan a trip to Europe. As well as this adding structure to your plans, it'll also give you a better idea of your budget while you're on your travels.

Doing this will also nullify the possibility of being turned away at successive hotels because they've got the "No Vacancies" signs up everywhere. You're more likely to get a good discount by booking well in advance, too.

5. Pack sensibly.

When you plan a trip to Europe, you must take account of potential extremes of weather. Before even considering the terrain in Europe (part mountainous, part below sea level), there is the basic fact that Scandanvia, for example, will likely be much colder than, say, Spain, no matter what time of the year you go.

Monday, June 25, 2012

Choosing A Winter Hiking Boot

As the temperature starts to drop, avoid the risk of cabin fever by getting outside for some winter hikes. When you're well-prepared to tackle cold conditions, hiking in the winter fills your ordinary trails with new opportunities to enjoy spectacular, snow-filled views.

Of course, nothing spoils a beautiful hike faster than numb toes or falling from snow and ice. Avoid these disastrous outdoor fates by planning ahead and selecting the proper footwear for your winter outings. Choosing the best hiking boots for winter weather might seem like a challenge, but if you follow these tips you'll have no trouble picking out a great match for your needs. Don't forget to pair your boot with wool socks, and you're good to go for the season.

When considering your options, make sure you look for added insulation without too much bulk, a rugged outsole for handling any icy terrain and waterproof features to keep feet dry in the snow. Most quality boots share high-tech features designed to challenge the elements. To help you find the best winter boot, here's a breakdown of the top features you'll want to look for:

Insulation

A boot's insulation is measured in grams, and the higher the number, the warmer the boot. Some boots use Thinsulate, which is a form of insulation that keeps feet dry and warm without adding bulk or weight.

Outsole

If you'll be navigating icy terrains, a rugged outsole is key. Rubber outsoles will grip to slippery surfaces and help maintain footing on the wintry trails. And you can't go wrong with Vibram soles.

Waterproofing

When you're trekking through the snow, it's important that no moisture seeps through to your socks. Find a boot that has a waterproof feature like Gore-Tex lining or nubuck leather to keep toes dry.

Sunday, June 24, 2012

Do You Need Travel Insurance?

It is very unwise to travel abroad without making sure you have the right travel insurance cover before you go. If you had no insurance what would happen if something went wrong? A dream holiday can easily turn into a financial nightmare. Comprehensive travel and medical insurance is essential. There are thousands of travellers who have seriously regretting not taking comprehensive travel insurance to cover costs if things go wrong. The prospect of potentially massive health bills is the reason why you should take out insurance. Falling ill on holiday can easily run into the thousands, especially in countries like the United States. Travel insurance covers much more than just medical treatment. It can cover lost or stolen belongings, missed flights, cancellations and repatriation to the UK. It can also cover you if you airline or tour operator goes bust. There are even some countries like Cuba that won't let you in without it. Many countries that require an entry visa will also insist on evidence of insurance cover.

Travel insurance does not have to be expensive; it is usually only a very small fraction of the price of the holiday. The peace of mind that comes with the insurance is unparalleled. You will find that the older you are the more you can pay for the insurance. If you have a pre-existing medical condition you will also find premiums can be considerably higher. Some insurance policies do not always pay out for accidents from certain sports less additional cover is taken out. With this in mind if you are considering participating in certain activities, often referred to as 'adventure sports' like skiing, skydiving, parachuting and scuba diving you need to make sure you are properly covered.