Mini Travel Guides

Product Description
Planning and having a magical Disney Cruise vacation is a breeze with this take-along travel guide. In exhaustive detail, it covers every aspect of preparing for and traveling on the Disney Cruise Line, and its planning tips are suitable for both first-time and veteran cruisers. Included are floor plans of each stateroom category (with recommended rooms and rooms to avoid), restaurant and room service menus, shore excursion descriptions and reviews for each port of … More >>

PassPorter Disney Cruise Line and Its Ports of Call 2009

Tags: 2009, Call, Cruise, Cruises, Disney, line, PassPorter, Ports

Buenos Aires, the capital and largest city of Argentina is an exotic place and is a major tourist attraction for people all across the globe. It is one of the major tourist destinations in the world with millions of tourists visiting it throughout the year. If you also wish to see this beautiful place, then, it is advisable to take all the necessary guidance and travel tips.

The very first thing that worries a traveler is to select a nice and comfortable place to stay. You not only expect the place to be luxurious but also economical. When in Buenos Aires you have the luxury to select from many of the lavish hotels like Alvear 1891, Art Hotel, Art Suites, Ayacucho Palace Hotel, Bo Bo, Casa Esmeralda, Casa Monserrat, Castelar Hotel & Spa, Che Lulu Guesthouse, Dazzler Hotel and many other world class hotels. All these hotels offer quality services and the best of everything in hospitality, cuisine and services. Experience the true Buenos Aires culture with these hotels and you would surely enjoy your stay in the city. All these major hotels are world class and you would find them suitable as they range from hi-class to moderate and affordable ones too. Moreover, you can also enjoy your visit by planning your stay in any of the old converted mansions to give your trip a classic touch.

Planning a vacation at the right time is as important as anything else. Make sure you choose the right time for your trip to Buenos Aires. Plan your trip in either spring or fall as the period sees low tourist influx and is a perfect time to visit. You can also enjoy the festivals in Buenos Aires that are mainly celebrated in winters. October and November are also good for traveling as the time is characterized by pleasant weather.

Another tip that you would surely need is the knowledge of best eating joints and restaurants in Buenos Aires. After you explore the city and visit some of the most exciting places, a good meal would just act as icing on the cake. The city of Buenos Aires offers you amazingly delicious food at the most affordable prices. Check out the world famous coffee place Cafe Florida or El Britanico, enjoy the drinks at El Federal, or visit the local food vendors for the most delicious yet low priced special food.

While visiting the city of Buenos Aires, you must not forget to roam around the place with its bustling streets and grand avenues, sip around at the old-time cafes and stylish upscale restaurants. Wander through the cobbled streets which boast of architectural glories and metal houses or try to satisfy your taste buds with the hot favorite and most enjoyable and delicious Argentine steak. All in all, your trip to Buenos Aires would be all the more enjoyable with the best of tips from either your travel agent or any travel website sites. Enjoy your visit to the very beautiful city of Buenos Aires!

Tags: Aires, Buenos, Tips, Travel, Travel Tips, Traveler

Just traveling anywhere presents a certain amount of challenges to make sure that all goes well, but international travel introduces even more variables into the mix that require advance planning to successfully navigate. Of course, traveling in other countries can constitute some of the most memorable times of our life so the rewards are often worth the extra work needed in preparation. Here are some international travel tips that can help you have the best family vacations:

* Find out as much as you can about what paperwork will be required of you to enter and leave the country where you are going. What passports and/or visas will be needed? Will you be required to have a copy of your birth certificate?

* Find out if any vaccinations will be needed before you travel to that country. Also if you use medications, are they considered legal there?

* If a foreign language is used, try to get at least somewhat familiar with the basics of the local language just in case it may come in handy.

* If you plan on driving while in the foreign country, find out if you will need an additional driver’s license to do so. There are international driver’s permits that are accepted in 150 countries that may be what you need, and you can find out about it at the aaa.com website. And be sure that you have adequate auto insurance that applies in that country before driving there too.

* If you plan on using your computer while traveling, check in advance for any necessary equipment such as voltage converters or electrical plugs that will be required in order to plug in and safely use your computer equipment while you are away. Also, how will you connect to the internet while outside the country?

* Will you be covered for any medical emergency that may arise while traveling in that country? Many health insurance policies do not extend beyond the borders of the US, so additional trip insurance may be required to be adequately covered.

* Try to get familiar with metric conversions or at least bring along a metric conversion table with you so you can understand what measurements actually mean as most of the world outside the US actually uses the metric system for measurement and this can be very confusing for Americans traveling abroad if they aren’t prepared.

Be sure to read Part 2 of our article series to get even more international travel tips that can help you have the best family vacations.

Tags: Best, Family, International, Part, Tips, Travel, Travel Tips, vacations

• Practical advice with color pictures to illustrate exercises and keep log of weight loss.

Product Description
Jorge Cruise, author of the New York Times bestseller 8 Minutes in the Morning, has created a new program for people who feel they have more weight to lose than just that pesky 10 or 20 pounds. This book is written especially for plus-size men and women who want to lose 30 or more pounds and get healthy. The goal is to feel good about yourself, get fit, and improve the way your body works in just 8 minutes a day. Other fitness plans can seem overwhelming and intimid… More >>

8 Minutes in the Morning for Real Shapes, Real Sizes: Specifically Designed for People Who Want to Lose 30 Pounds or More

Tags: Cruises, Designed, Lose, Minutes, More, Morning, People, Pounds, Real, Shapes, Sizes, Specifically, Want

Swellendam, South Africa’s third oldest town is nestling at the foot of the Langeberg Mountains and has much to offer visitors who have an interest in history, nature, outdoor activities and art. Swellendam is ideally situated halfway between Cape Town and George and is therefore an ideal stop over for tourists. In these two hours from Cape Town to Swellendam, you will pass through unspoilt villages and towns. Take a trip back in time and stay in some of the historic homesteads and country houses in the area, which offer bed and breakfast. Rainfall is spread over the year and there is little wind and temperatures are moderate all year round

Swellendam has been an important travel centre for centuries. Early travelers and explorers traded with the Khoi-Khoi people and in 1743 the Dutch East India Company declared Swellendam a magisterial district and built the Drostdy which was completed in 1747. This Drostdy, a national monument, is the only eighteenth century Drostdy that is preserved in its original form and will give tourists a wonderful insight as to the life of the settlers.

The more adventures tourist can go on the Swellendam hike. Located in and around the Marloth Nature Reserve this hiking trail is one of the most beautiful in the Cape. There are numerous shorter routs if a six day hike is too long for you. On this trail you will see stretches of fynbos alternated with cool indigenous forest, small animals and birds. Other sections of the trail will give you the sensation of being in a peaceful and secluded wilderness. The six day hike demands a medium to high level of fitness and is therefore not recommended for the light hearted. The Marloth Nature Reserve is also one of the best birding spots in the Western Cape and therefore defiantly worth visiting.

The rare and beautiful Bontebok antelope and other small buck species can be seen at the Bontebok National Park. This park is only 6km out of Swellendam. A total of 126 different bird species have also been identified here. There is a charming caravan park on the banks of the Breede River where they also have fully equipped chalets for hire and where day visitors are welcome to swim, fish or picnic.

Other than hiking the adventurous at heart can also enjoy a day or two off river rafting. The Breede River rafting adventure is about a 2.5hour drive from Cape Town. On this adventure you will enjoy your days paddling in two-man Mohawk canoes in the tranquil waters of the Breede and your nights socializing around a campfire. The Up the Creek Camp is situated near Swellendam on a hill side overlooking the river where the accommodation is A-frame chalets or 3 ox-wagons. This accommodation includes comfortable beds with linen and Duvets. All in all, this adventure will be well worth a try and is ideal for a family to enjoy together.

Youngberry tasting can be done at the Buffeljags Dam. This cultivated wild berry was imported to South Africa in 1939 by Prof OSH Reinecke. The industry is sadly declining because of endless problems associated with wind and rain damage or to much heat, pest attacks and insufficient labor during the peak harvesting period from mid – November to early December. Today over 90% of the total annual crop of just over 600 tons is produced by farmers in the Swellendam area. On your visit to the Hermitage Liqueur Farm just 3km out of town you can sample some of the liqueur made from youngberries. Other Youngberry products are also for sale here.

Local artists like the potter Jan du Toit’s vases are famous, visit him and other artists in the town.

Other activities that Swellendam has to offer include:

* 4×4 Mountain Experience: Marloth Nature Reserve

* Canoe the Breede River

* Sunset Cruises on a kitted-out double-decker wooden raft

* Buffeljachts Dam for Water sports

* Horse Trails

* White water raft the Breede River

* Waterskiing

* Several well-known artists have settled in Swellendam and their studios may be visited

* Pop into the Sulina Faerie Sanctuary: Magical Faerie display

Tags: Africa Travel, Africa's, Best, Kept, Secrets, South, Swellendam

Experienced travelers the world over know the tried and true saying: Less is more. Who wants to schlep around heavy, bulky bags when you’re far from home, most likely running from place to place, trying to make sure all of your belongings continue to be your belongings? The trick of the trade, according to seasoned travelers, is to consider packing only one bag. What’s more, to consider making that bag the size of a carry-on bag. That’s right, the size of a bag that fits, or mostly fits, in the overhead compartment on today’s commercial airlines.

Consider the following reasons to travel light:

1. Safety

Simply put, one bag is easier to keep tabs on than two bags, or three, or… You get the idea. You don’t have to check your bags and risk losing them altogether as you travel.

2. Efficiency

One bag means less to carry, which means you don’t have to pay someone to help you or pony up for one of those Smarte Cartes at the airport. Also, with one bag, you won’t be as tempted to buy as many useless souvenirs you’ll never need, because there won’t be room for anything extra in your bag on the return trip.

3. Flexibility

With only one bag, you don’t have to worry about getting to the airport so early or sticking around so long after your flight lands. You can run through train terminals more speedily and shove yourself more quickly into the backseats of taxi cabs. And customs inspections? No problem.

So, now that you’re convinced you should limit your travel bags to one, you may well be wondering how on earth to fit all your necessaries into a single satchel. Plan carefully what you will need for your trip and take only those thing: If you think, “I might need this” then it’s probably safe to assume that you won’t. If you think “I can’t live without this,” then into your travel bag it goes.

Other tips:

* Plan to do laundry while you’re traveling (even if that means doing them in your hotel room sink!). This way you won’t feel as compelled to take as many clothes.

* Take clothes that you can mix and match.

* For your toiletry items, use travel-size products. Even if they’re not easy to find, you’ll be glad you took the trouble. And remember that most of them can be refilled and reused—even toothpaste tubes can be refilled with enough patience and manual dexterity!

* Pack underwear, socks, and other small cloth items inside larger items, such as shoes, to maximize all available space.

* Check the weather of your destination ahead of your departure time so you can plan your wardrobe accordingly.

* If you’re the type of person who can’t resist a good—or a bad—souvenir, take one or two items of clothing that are mostly worn out. Wear them once, toss them, and fill up the space they occupied with that plastic replica of Mt. Rushmore that you just can’t live without.

And, of course, the most important travel tip of all: remember to have fun, wherever you go and however you get there.

Tags: Important, Most, Tips, Travel, Travel Tips

Egypt is consistently the top destination for world travel each and every year – and not surprisingly so. The country uniquely bridges the African and Asian continents across the Suez Canal by possession of the Sinai Peninsula. This key positioning has guaranteed Egypt a major role in the strategic and historic relationships between the east, west, north and south of Africa, Europe, Asia and the more direct Middle East beginning more than 5000 years ago when the first Kingdom of Egypt was unified. In addition to a most remarkable past, Egypt offers the eager traveler thriving international cities, lavish Red Sea resorts, fabled oases and literally hundreds of miles of ancient pharaoh monuments along the Nile River Valley.

Water, Torch and Tomb

When Muslim Arabs introduced Egyptians to Islam in the 7th century, much of the already weary monuments of the native dynasties became even less central to national heritage. Luckily, a renewed interest in archeological preservation over the past few centuries has kept these ancient wonders intact for the world to continue to enjoy. The ideal place to begin is Cairo, where the Egyptian Museum boasts hundreds of thousands of artifacts and will give you an opportunity to catch up your knowledge of ancient Egyptian history from the 4th grade. Nearby are the breathtaking Giza Pyramids and the Sphinx, cut from a single slab of stone over 4,000 years ago, which can be viewed more peacefully beyond the crowds from horseback. South of Cairo, Upper Egypt offers a string of exciting temple towns between legendary Luxor and Aswan, including the Valley of the Kings. Although King Tutankhamen’s Tomb rests here, it is not nearly as impressive as the surrounding royal tombs, particularly the general-kings of the Ramesses Dynasties.

A Little Ocean with your Sand?

Aside from the Nile River Valley, Egypt is largely made up of the Saharan desert to the south and west; however, Egypt also happens to be a first class resort destination with nearly all (500 miles) of its eastern edge bordered by the tranquil azure waters of the Red Sea Coast. Visit the lively town of Harghada where traditional Egyptian life intermingles with international resort luxury. This area is extremely popular for scuba diving and snorkeling with its numerous underwater shipwrecks, sea caves and exotic fish. There are a multitude of islands to which you can escape by ferry or paddle boat and many small fishing towns for a little peace, quiet and local flavor added to your vacation.

The Mediterranean coastline also provides a nice break from the rolling sand dunes. Alexandria is Egypt’s busting port city with more Greek and French flare than the rest of the country. The city’s history is extremely eclectic, making a stroll through the streets feel like a wander across cultures and time periods. Alex the Great staged his resistance against the Romans from Alexandria, bringing a large population of Greeks with him, and for a short period Napoleon had managed to gain control of the ancient city.

Remember that Egypt is both ancient and modern. Travel to Egypt is not only about the archeological wonders and bone-chilling tales but also about the experience of a nation that is geopolitically and economically central to its larger surrounding region, a nation that is just as crucial to the identity of North Africa as it is to the Middle East and the Mediterranean. Egypt is justifiably as monumental today as the Giza Pyramids that symbolize the nation’s heritage.

Tags: Africa Travel, Egypt, Miles, Nile, Travel, Wonder, Worlds

Tourism and travel all over the world results in huge spending for consumers who love to visit all types of destinations. Did you know that in 2006 alone the travel industry received more than $725 Billion from international traveling consumers? That figure equates to about $2 Billion being spent each day.

Indeed, even though the price of fuel for automobiles and jets has risen in recent years, it seems as though the travel industry is not suffering all that much. If you plan on traveling to another country or a popular travel destination resort then you are one of the millions of consumers that will enjoy their vacation and have a relaxing time while doing it. There are many things to remember when traveling overseas, or domestically for that matter, that will keep you safe and also give you the best value for your money.

Travel Light When Flying: Even though you may be traveling abroad for several weeks to a month’s time, it’s always best to travel light if going through multiple airports just to get to your vacation destination. Tight security in United States’ airports and international airports as well makes for some long waiting times and even frustrates many consumers, especially if they are traveling with multiple items.

Furthermore, airline companies claim that they’re not making enough profit, which contributes to the fact why they’re charging even more money these days for single or extra bags that you may need to fly! This travel tip to remember is: watch out for those hidden flying costs, such as for multiple bags you’re traveling with, and travel light when possible!

Look for Package Deals!: Chances are that if you are traveling overseas or going to a vacation resort in a different country then you’ll also be staying in a nice hotel and possibly even need to rent an automobile. In addition, many people spend plenty of extra money by taking special trips to amusement parks, theme-land parks, zoos, aquariums, and plenty of other places that charge ticket fees or prices for admission. If you are set on doing this, though, one tip to remember is to look for the package deals that will save you the most money.

Some travel industry companies, such as AAA, will often educate consumers and offer these types of deals to consumers. Some package deals may include a whole resort and activity package, while other packages may include a specific number of nights at a hotel in exchange for deep savings at area restaurants, amusement parks, and even automobile rentals!

Another important idea that one may want to keep in mind when traveling is that staying farther away from a major metropolitan or activity area may yield terrific savings as well! For example, many people usually want to stay at the closest hotel that’s nearest their destination or amusement park they’re visiting. However, huge savings on hotel costs can result from simply booking a hotel that’s either five or ten miles down the road. This will result in very little increased gasoline expenditures, but will possibly save you one hundred dollars or more in accommodation costs.

All of these travel ideas are definitely great ways to save money on your next vacation. Whether you decide to travel abroad or stay somewhere not far from home, looking for some ways to make your money stretch further will allow you to enjoy more vacation activities in the end or allow you to simply put away the extra savings.

Tags: Money, Remember, Saving, Tips, Travel, Travel Tips

The rains have been good this year, the Cheetas, impalas, bush duikers, guinea fowl, lions and the many animals of Africa are everywhere, the is dung everywhere. We are on our way to Shaba in the north of Laikipia in Kenya.It is a two hour drive from Nanyuki. We see a river the Ewaso Nyiro at times it bursts its banks however to day it meanders tirlessly navigating is way through the meanders formed from years of existence it’s gorges deep, they seem to deepen each year, some day we shall not be able to see the water except for a deep valley and some sound of flowing water will tell you that there is river. We reach our camp site, the tents are pitched and this time they are large, there a few other visitors also at the campsite. My friends love nature and quickly jump for the tent idea. The sun sets steadily and as the night closes we here elephants in the distance, once they have passed we light our fire, and cook our food roasted beef and ‘Ugali’ a favorite in this part of the world. After a heavy meal we lie down and focus on the milky way. a night game drive is the last action of the night, a few animals still grazing in the moonlight. We finally snuggle into our sleeping bags. Africa the land of wild wild wild dreams…

Tags: Africa Travel, Wilderness

Do you use a travel checklist? If not, then this scenario probably sounds familiar. You’re halfway to the airport and realize you forgot something you need for your trip. Sometimes it’s nothing important, or just something you can pick up in the airport or hotel gift shop, but sometimes it’s a very important item like your driver’s license or passport. Ugh! Now you have to turn around and go back home to get the needed item. Let’s hope you don’t miss your plane!

Before setting off on your trip, consult this travel checklist complete with airline and vacation travel tips.

Reservations: Confirm your reservations for flight, hotel, and rental car. Most of the time you will not encounter any problems, but on the rare occasion you do, it’s much easier to fix prior to your vacation rather than after you’re already on your way.

Passport: Make sure you have your passport and also check to see that it has not expired. For certain countries your passport must be valid for six months after the date you travel so verify this before you leave. Also make sure you fill in the emergency contact details in your passport.

Airline Tickets or E-Ticket: If you don’t have a physical ticket, confirm your E-ticket with the airline before you leave.

Visa: If required.

Travel Insurance: Consider whether you want to purchase travel insurance and make sure you have these documents.

Driver License: Don’t leave this at home and make sure it is not expired. Be aware of the driving laws where you plan to visit.

Auto Insurance Card: If you are renting a car you will need this.

Copies of Important Documents: Keep copies of important documents in a separate location than the originals.

Local Currency: If you are traveling out of the country, be sure to have some local currency on hand.

Credit Cards: I recommend keeping at least one emergency credit card with you at all times. Call the credit card company if you are going out of the country and let them know.

Adaptor/Plug: If leaving the country, check to see what type of adaptor you may need and take this with you.

Language Phrase Book: If you are headed to another country, bring along a phrase book to help with communication.

Medication: Be sure to pack your medications especially if they are prescription. Keep them in your carry-on for safekeeping.

Glasses or Contact Lenses and Cleaner: Don’t forget these.

Tell a Friend or Relative Where you will Be: Give someone the details of your trip and an idea of where you will be in case of emergency.

Travel Guide: Pick up a good travel guide to wherever you are going.

Vaccinations: Check with your physician to see if you or your kids need any vaccinations if you are traveling abroad.

Cell Phone: Keep a mobile phone with you and make sure you know what you’ll be charged as far as roaming fees. Nothing worse than arriving back home to a huge cell phone bill. If you are traveling internationally, make sure your phone will work. Don’t forget your charger.

Prepaid Phone Card: Good to have just in case.

Contact Numbers to Report Lost Credit Cards or Traveler’s Checks: If you lose your wallet you’ll want to have the phone numbers readily available. Keep the numbers in a separate place.

Guide Maps: If you are going somewhere unfamiliar, get an up-to-date map to take along.

Reading Material or Audio Books: Bring along a book or magazine for the plane trip. Or if you have a music player, try an audio book.

Journal: A journal or notebook for your trip is fun, and is a great way to remember the details.

Addresses of Friends and Relatives: You might want to send a postcard.

Camera: Don’t forget your cameras and take along your manual too. Also of course batteries, film, memory cards, chargers, etc.

Binoculars: Depending on where you are going, you might find these useful.

Travel Alarm Clock: Most hotels these days provide an alarm clock but it’s good to take a small one along with you just in case.

Plastic Bags for Dirty Laundry: Keep your dirty clothes separate, just stuff them into a plastic bag. You’ll find they take up less space in your suitcase this way too.

Travel Pillow: These are great for the plane. Buy them beforehand or you will pay extra at the airport.

Extra Suitcase: For carrying home all of your souvenirs.

Tags: Airline, Checklist, Tips, Travel, Travel Tips, Ultimate, vacation