Here are a few of the ‘When Driving in Australia’ things to consider:

1. Australians drive on the left hand side of the road which may be ‘right’ for them but when you get behind the wheel of an Australian car remember that oncoming traffic will be approaching you on your right hand side. It is not uncommon for travellers arriving in Australia from left hand drive counties to have accidents soon after they leave the airport in their shiny new hire car because they have managed to get themselves on to the wrong side of the road. This also occurs more frequently around popular tourist destinations such as the Great Ocean Road along Victoria’s south coast.

2. Australia’s exotic wildlife love to physically confront cars, particularly appearing in front of them as dusk settles or in the middle of the night. While a collision with a heavy set kangaroo or wombat will most likely leave your vehicle un-drivable, do not, if you are confronted with any wildlife, try to steer around it. If it is safe for you to slow down then do so, but do not swerve to avoid it as you may well end up driving off the side of the road and into one of those huge majestic Australian Gum trees, which while being home to the cuddly Australian koalas are unforgiving in any impact with a vehicle or into oncoming traffic. Yes this means let your vehicle hit the animal if you cannot safely avoid it.

3. Vehicles made specifically for Australia often have the indicators and the windscreen wiper levers on the opposite side to European made right hand drive vehicles. So while you are almost guaranteed to turn the wipers on when wanting to turn left or right, or the indicators on to clear the water from the windscreen, familiarize yourself with the controls so at least you will be able to quickly correct any mistake.

4. Speed limits in Australia are a contentious issue even for Australian drivers and can vary a number of times in a short distance in residential areas and leading into or out of regional towns. There are also different speed limits during certain times for school zones and different states across Australia may also have different maximum speed limits. All speed limits are well sign posted so just watch for the signs and you’ll be ok.

5. If you are travelling to Victoria and venture into the city of Melbourne you will see signs for what are called ‘Hook turns’. These ‘Hook Turns’ have nothing to do with pirates, rather they are designed to encourage the flow of traffic and require drivers to turn right from the left hand lane. Yes it does sound up-side-down but take a moment to remember where you are. So here’s how it works: If you want to turn right at an intersection which is denoted with a ‘Hook Turn’ sign, safely get into the left hand lane and enter the intersection. Once in the intersection slow to a stop in the far left hand side of the left hand lane (with your right indicator on). Wait for the traffic lights in front of your to turn red and, after checking over your right shoulder for other vehicles, complete your right turn into the intersecting road and continue as normal. If you are hiring a car ask the reception staff to explain it fully with examples.

6. Australia is a huge country and many remote country roads are long and rarely used. If you are using any of these remote roads be sure carry a supply of water and food in case of emergencies. If your vehicle breaks down, never, never, never (did I say “NEVER”) leave your vehicle. Search crews are more likely to be able to find you with your vehicle than if your decide to head off on foot and expose yourself to the often extremely high day-time and low night-time temperatures.

7. Finally, Australia is a great country to travel and discover with your own vehicle. Whilst the items above may make driving in Australia sound dangerous, they are just some of the little challenges we face as travellers when visiting any country which is not our own. They are more about saying be cautious when driving in an unfamiliar environment and return home safely with some great tales of driving on the wrong side of the road!

Australia is well represented by a number of hire car companies including the well know Budget Car Hire and DriveNow . There are also a number of other operators who can provide everting from small cars to large fully self contained motorhomes and transport vehicles.

When booking an overseas trip, a travel agent will usually encourage you to buy trip insurance. Depending on your preconceived notion about travel insurance, you might think two different things. You may consider it as a necessity or an unnecessary expense. So which is it?

Too many travelers think that “nothing bad will happen” but then again, anyone can suffer from heart attack anywhere in the world. Sounds highly unlikely? Consider this then. In 2004, tsunami hit a popular beach destination in Thailand. Petra Nemcova, a supermodel, barely survived. Her boyfriend was killed together with hundreds of tourists and locals. The tsunami also killed thousands of people in other parts of Asia.

Natural disasters can happen when you least expect it. And when you combine this with health risks, the possibility of cancelled flights, and international immigration problems, the cost of travel insurance literally looks like pennies when compared to what you will spend otherwise. “Prevention is better than cure”, the saying is applicable in this case because you certainly don’t want to spend your lifetime savings for something that could have easily been covered by a travel insurance company.

There are many other reasons to consider travel insurance. Here are some of the common travel scenarios where having insurance can help you:

1. Stolen passport and wallet. Emergency passport replacement and cash is needed.

2. Accidents. You require adequate medical care or evacuation.

3. Lost Luggage. You need your medication and emergency prescription will be given.

4. Medical Emergencies. Travel insurance can cover you wherever you are in the world.

5. You need to cancel the flight because of illness or other emergencies.

6. Hurricanes and other weather conditions. You were asked to evacuate your current accommodation.

7. Terrorist incidents. You want to cancel your trip.

Looking back at Nemcova’s experience in Thailand, what can you possibility do in this case? If you got injured in this instance, the cost of getting an air ambulance can go upwards of $25,000. Can you pay for it? Travel insurance can mean the difference between getting proper medical care and going to the charity ward.

Emergency medical expenses provide coverage for emergency medical treatment if a sickness or injury occurs while traveling. Policies typically also come with emergency medical evacuation which provides coverage for emergency evacuation, if necessary, to the nearest qualified medical facility. Emergency medical expenses are covered up to one hundred thousand and up to one million for evacuation in comprehensive policies.

So is travel insurance worth the cost? Based on the scenarios given above, travel insurance is a necessity. It is a cost definitely worth the cost when you consider the alternative. However, remember that you need to get the kind of travel insurance that covers all major emergencies to get the most out of it.

Simply one of the most exciting metropolises to visit and a vacation destination beyond compare, this island country has and continues to enthrall millions across the world. a famous and thriving cosmopolitan city that it is, no wonder then that you’ll find plenty cheap flights to Singapore. Whosoever referred to it as the “little red dot” probably hasn’t seen the country in its entire splendor. Overflowing with diversity as well as multiplicity of cultures, language, arts and architecture, the country offers more than just a world-class living environment. The ubiquitous collage of myriad cultures, different ethnicities and beliefs coexisting and much more, Singapore is easily one of the places to visit in Asia. It is an inspiring nation replete with a landscape populated with skyscrapers and beautiful parks and gardens, a stunning seascape, and warm and hospitable locals. A trip is to Singapore is exciting, relaxing, enriching and juts unforgettable, all at once. If you are in Singapore for a few days, you might want to extend your stay. There’s just so much to do and see here that most tourist come here well-equipped with a rather long stay. Singapore’s dynamic and oh-so vibrant art scene is a feast for the senses. Take a trip to several of the art museums, general and specialist galleries, and exhibition spaces for some dekko at the works of international and local artists. Explore its vast ecosystem comprising great bounties of nature and wildlife. Take a tour of the rainforests and wetlands for an undisturbed experience, or simply walk through the beautifully landscaped gardens and parks on the island, they are one too many here. if you happen to be visiting Singapore with family then a trip to Sentosa is a must. Offering the very best in thrilling entertainment for the young and the old alike, it is a one-in-all attraction that is ideal for a family getaway. Make merry through DUCK or HIPPO tours, thrill yourself silly by doing adventure sports, go around the man-made island atop an open-air bus, experience exotic marine life, or party by the beach after sunset. The safest place to be in, Singapore offers bright lights as company even at 2am in the morning. Sometimes you want to be where all the action is, feel like being in the middle of all the hustle-bustle is. That’s exactly why places like Boat-Quay and Clark-Quay are big hits among nighttime revelers. A range of restaurants to choose from, a vast variety of discotheques, pubs and bars to pick from and the company of beautiful lake by your side, what more could one ask for?

Singapore is hugely popular not for the diversity in experiences that it offers but also the fact that it welcomes all kinds of tourists. You could desire a luxurious stay here or just make do with a cheap hotel and a cheaper car rental service, surround yourself with all the indulgences or be happy with stay in a bed and breakfast and all the freebies that the place has to offer. No matter what you want and how you want it, you’ll find it here.

There is no better time than now to take a cheap flight out and travel to Europe. With today’s low rates, it virtually costs nothing to travel to Europe or also take flights to Cancun! Besides getting cheap airline tickets, there is plenty more you must know about traveling than just having a cheap flight.
Regardless of whether you are using airlines in Mexico or an airline beginning from another destination, there are a few things you must do to prepare yourself before you go to Europe. One thing you should have regardless where you’re traveling is a economic plan. Ensuring you have adequate money to hit all of your places, having cash for food, accommodation, and for souvenirs are crucial for having a great vacation. Besides making sure you have sufficient cash for each activity and commodity, you will wish to make certain that you have the right type of currency for your holiday package. If you travel to Europe, you will find that different countries utilize different currency and each currency has its individual conversation rate. You will want to include each nation’s exchange rate in your budget when you make your financial plan. After all, if the currency rate exchange is not very good, it will severely cut into your budget.
The next thing you’ll want to look at before you travel to Europe is the dates that you want to go. Depending where you desire to travel and when you want to travel, the flights might be less costly or a lot more costly. Another thing you will want to remember is how busy things will be. If you travel during the summer season, there will be many more people on the flights and at the travel locations as more people usually have time off during the summer. If this doesn’t bother you, that is fine but it is something to consider if you do not like large crowds.
If you know that you want to voyage to Europe but you do not desire to have to plan out what you are going to do and you don’t want to worry about the travel dates, getting a holiday package from Mexicana airlines is the way to go. Not only would it consist of inexpensive airline tickets, it will even consist of things such as hotel reservations. It could also include site seeing packages, should you so desire. They’ll even assist you discover the best places to get a good currency exchange rate and would have many other money saving travel suggestions for while you’re out and about. If you want to travel to Europe and you want to do it right, there is no better place than Mexicana airlines for huge deals and wonderful vacation packages.

Baby cars seats are designed to protect your child from injury should you be involved in an accident. To further protect your child, the law states that all children under the age of twelve must ride in the back seat. From the day you leave the hospital with your new baby, he or she must be placed in a car safety seat. Infants must ride in a rear-facing seat until they weigh at least twenty pounds or reach the age of one.
The most common way to select a Chicago car service is by utilizing online services. This has become more popular because it is fast, convenient and reliable. The problem is, there are scam artists online just as there are in real life. These are the sites you want to stay away from. Some things you must pay attention to on the site is the information they provide, a phone number and whether or not you can find their information online. In other words, you need to make sure they are a reputable company. If their site looks unprofessional and suspicious, they are probably not a good company to deal with.
All kids are different but in general don’t drive as far as the adults can go in one day, try to keep car travel to a 6 to 8 hour range of time. Don’t fill the inside of the car to the brim causing less space for the kids, instead consider a car topper for safe keeping of your belongings.
Never leave your animal alone in a parked vehicle. On a hot day, even with the windows open, a parked automobile can become a furnace in no time, and heatstroke can develop. In cold weather, a car can act as a refrigerator, holding in the cold and causing the animal to freeze to death.
Before you hit the road, be honest with yourself about what you and your children can handle in the way of a road trip. While older children might be capable of dealing with 10+ hours in the family van, chances are your 4-year-old isn’t. Generally speaking, young children should not be subjected to confinement in a car for more than six hours a day. This is just as much for your sanity as it is for theirs.
Stuff to amuse even the fussiest traveler – no matter what age – and what to put in that bottomless bag of tricks to keep the little ones occupied.
Choosing the right car seat can be an overwhelming task. It’s best to begin researching them when you first find out you are expecting. You should, however, wait until about a month before your baby is due to actually purchase your car seat. From the time they are manufactured, car seats start to lose their life and the longer they sit unused, the shorter their lifespan.
Any time that your baby is awake and behaving nicely (quiet, jabbering, looking around, etc.), make sure that you interact with your baby. In this way, your baby will learn to enjoy automobile travel because you are fun to ride with. You can try singing or humming songs, talking about what you are doing or where you are going. If your baby has a favorite blanket, place it next to or in the safety seat within his reach.

Who wouldn’t love to spend a week or two touring the major cities and smaller villages of Italy? One of the most beautiful settings in Europe to visit, Italy offers something for everyone – no matter what their interests. Although fairly easy to maneuver on your own, many people simply do not feel comfortable enough setting off on a journey through an unfamiliar land (especially one where the majority of the people speak another language), so they prefer to tour the sights with a group.

This, however, can be a scary endeavor, especially if you are not used to travelling in a group.  Too many people think that touring in a group means being stuck in a crowded bus with a group of strangers for two weeks schlepping from one tourist destination to another with barely enough time to see the sights, let alone enjoy them. But that is not the case at all! There are plenty of ways to tour Italy – or any other destination for that matter – that will enable you to see just the sites you want, in a pace that is most comfortable for you. Plus, you have the opportunity to make a few new friends along the way.

If large groups make you uncomfortable, then you can choose a smaller, more intimate grouping.  Or if you would rather travel with people your own age; demographic group or interest area, that can be easily arranged too.  It doesn’t matter whether you are interested in hitting the major tourist hotspots, or would rather visit more off-the-beaten path sites you may have missed otherwise, there is a tour option to fit everyone tourists expectations and dreams.

Pre-planned tours are a great way to relax and have fun. After all, why not let someone else do all the work if you don’t have to?  Wondering what types of tours are available to cater to your individual tastes and interests? Here are just a few ways to tour Italy in a group that you may not be aware of:

• Biking Tours. Most of us have only dreamed of casually biking through the quaint villages in Europe. Turn that dream into a reality with a bilking tour of Italy’s countryside. From one day to one week excursions, there are plenty of different tours to suit just about every interest.

• Walking Tours.  Some people just have to explore every nook and cranny of place firsthand to feel as if they have been there. If the idea of sitting on a bus day in and day out just doesn’t appeal to you, consider taking in the major cities of Italy on foot.  Most package tours offer some walking trips around the major tourist spots; but some offer all-day walking tours to allow you the opportunity to get up and personal with both the cities and its native peoples.

• Specialized Art/Architecture Tours.  Italy is known for its exquisite art and architecture. If those are two passions of yours, be sure to consider booking a tour designed specifically to introduce visitors to the extraordinary artwork and museums here as well as the opportunity to delve deeper into the history of each city’s architecture.

• Spooktacular Fun Tours.  If you are not afraid to delve deeper into the more spooky aspects of Italy, consider taking a tour of Rome’s catacombs; a countryside castle or vampire; a tour of Rome’s angels and demons or other scary ghostly encounter.  Although not for everyone, they sure can be fun.

• Food and Wine Tours. Maybe one of the most popular types of tours available in Italy (other than the main attractions), food and wine tours offer a great way to experience the best culinary specialties in the country, as well as a behind-the-scenes look at Italy’s best wineries.  Food lovers will enjoy trying a variety of culinary specialties as well as checking out the country’s most famous restaurants and chefs.

As you can see, it doesn’t matter what you are interested in: the history of Italy; its culture and food; art and architecture; or scary ghosts, finding a tour of Italy that will create a memorable experience really isn’t difficult.  All you really have to do is consider what sights you want to see; how you would like to travel (by bus, car, bike or on foot), what special interests you have and how large of a group you are interested in travelling with. Then let a professional touring agency find the best vacation tour for you.  After that, the only job you have left is to enjoy yourself! For more Information: www.queenslandertours.com

The ski season lasts about five months and relies on one thing: snow. But depending on which month from December to April that you decide to take your ski holiday, your experience can vary quite significantly.

Early season ski holidays
‘Early season’ is generally classified as early December until about Christmas time (although the season can begin earlier in selected high-altitude resorts). It’s not easy to know how good the snow will be at this point, but December ski holidays can be superb if you’re lucky enough to get a dump of snow. Prices are lower and the slopes are quieter – so you could be in for a treat if the right weather hits.

Christmas and New Year ski holidays
There’s no place like the mountains for feeling the Christmas spirit. As such, prices do go up for this time of year, but the magic of a white Christmas speaks for itself. And with plenty of events put on by ski resorts such as fireworks and torch-lit processions down the mountain, it’s a great time to visit for a family ski holidays in particular.

January ski holidays
As the years go by, snowfall patterns become increasingly hard to predict, however this is historically a month rich in snowfall. This means it’s perhaps less appealing to fair weather skiers and those shying away from the lower temperatures. However, prices go down in January as a result so it can be a great time to catch some powder. You might decide it’s a good time to get ski-in ski-out accommodation to avoid trudging about too much. Alternatively, treat yourself to a ski holiday with a high-end operator such as Abercrombe & Kent, Kuoni, Oxford Ski Company or Scott Dunn who run a driver service in Courchevel 1850, St Anton and Val d’Is?re to transport you and your skis to and from the slopes each day.

February ski holidays
By now, there is likely to be a good snow-base wherever you are. However, the slopes are generally quite busy at this time, especially in France where half term is spread across the whole month!

Spring ski holidays
From mid-March until the end of April, things get a little warmer – wonderful for many reasons. The snow is a touch softer in the mornings. Longer days means you can take long lunches in sunglasses whilst sipping a beer and getting a tan, and continue skiing until 5pm. Children are happy in the more gentle temperatures. Apr?s-ski fun and games can often be found outdoors as the sun goes down. You could even opt for a chalet with an outdoor hot-tub, to prolong the joys of being outside later in the evenings. It’s a great time for a ski holiday.

Summer ski holidays
It’s not the first thing that springs to mind for your summer holiday, but in Alpine ski resorts with a glacier (such as Tignes or Zermatt) you can enjoy early morning skiing on a few high slopes, and find yourself in a bikini after lunch, or on a mountain-bike somewhere amongst the pine trees. Alternatively, head to the mountains in Chile or New Zealand. Summer ski holidays can actually be fabulously varied if you head to the right destination.

When you take a vacation, normally the only thing that you want to spend your time doing is relaxing and avoiding any stressful thoughts and worries or about thinking about things back home.  With this, it is best when your trip goes off without any hitches and nothing happens along the way to cause you any stress or worry.

One way to make sure that your trip goes smoothly is to do your research and plan for things ahead of time such as the transportation if you are on a trip seeing friends or relatives in Norwalk and Downey that you are going to use while you are there.  While this might not seem like something you would spend time thinking about before a vacation, you would probably be surprised how many people get themselves into a bind with how they are going to get around during their vacation because they did not check out the ways of getting around before they left for their trip.  Therefore, no matter how much you may feel like you are over preparing for your vacation, it is usually better to get everything squared away before you leave so that all you have to do when your vacation does arrive is to relax and let your stress melt away.

One method of transportation in Norwalk and Downey that many vacationers choose to use is a taxi.  People choose to take taxis for various reasons but many times it is because of the convenience that they provide in getting to your destination.  You can also usually call ahead to schedule when you would like your taxi to pick you up from where you are.  Calling ahead can be beneficial for many reasons.  First of all, calling ahead can help keep you on schedule because you will have the time that you arranged to have the taxi pick you up in mind and will be more likely to be ready by that time.  Additionally, by calling ahead to arrange your pick up time, you will not have to worry about a shortage of taxis when you do want to leave and will not have to wait around hoping to hail down a taxi.

Although you might feel like you are over preparing just a bit if you think about how you will get around during your vacation before you take the trip, you should not look at it this way.  The more you are prepared for all of the factors of your vacation, the less you will have to think about when you are actually there and can just spend your time

Holiday essentials

Travel kits & packs

Get set for summer with all your favourite products, from hair care to skin care our shop has you sorted. Many of these sets are airline friendly meaning that you can take them in your hand-luggage (particularly helpful if you have a layover). These great kits and sets also make fabulous summer gifts for someone special or as a little treat for you. Our fantastic range of travel kits are ideal to look fabulous.

Travel hairdryer and strengtheners

Hot and humid weather can play havoc with your hair so keep it sleek with these neat and stylish mini travel appliances. Our selection of products will be ideal to save space in your luggage. 

His & hers fragrances

A summer holiday isn’t the same without a trip to Duty Free to buy a new fragrance. Put your money away because we have products, for the man in your life and for you, both from the best on-line shop.

Salon in a suitcase

Wash that sea and sand right out of your hair and protect it from harmful UV rays. For a full range of products visit olgasshop.com where you will find everything you need.

Sun cream for the family

Stocking on sun cream can cost a small fortune when you need it for the whole family. But its something  you can afford to go  without when you’re intending to bask on the beach. Visit olgasshop.comfor a wide range of sun creams.

Skincare

Here’s everything you’ll need for great-looking skin from the tried and trusted skincare brand. All the products are effective, not too expensive and suit nearly everyone. Visit olgasshop shop to explore this range.

Your SOS skin kit

Want to smooth fine lines, say goodbye to eye bags, make veins disappear and get bigger-looking lips all in time for your holiday? You can with these products from our beauty range at olgasshop.com.

 Emergency shaving kit

Whether you’ve waxed or epilated there’s always one annoying hair (or a patch of them!) that reveals itself in the glare of the sun. Fix this with these wonderful products for closer shave from olgasshop.com.

Beachwear

Hit the beach in style wearing comfortable flip flops, bikinis, cover ups, while toting all you need for the day in the stylish beach bag. Just click on the banner in olgasshop.com.

A mini nail bar

Most of us paint our fingernails and toenails when we’re on holiday. So why not treat yourself to these hot summer colours at olgasshop.com.

How frustrating could this scenario be? You’re all ready to leave the country on an international trip. You go to find your passport; then, suddenly the realization hits home. You’ve just discovered that your passport can’t be found or it’s expired. Now, that sinking feeling hits your stomach. What can you do now, and how can you get a US passport fast?

You can use an expedited passport processor to get you back in the driver’s seat! It sounds scary and kind of complicated, I know. But, that’s the furthest thing from the truth! It is actually so simple that you won’t believe it.

A few years back, however, it was a different story. First, you had to figure out who to call. Then, you had to find out what you needed to bring and where to go. So now, you’ve gathered up all the required paperwork and fought your way down to the post office. When you arrived (let’s hope it’s the right building), you had to figure out what room to go to, then wait in line with who knows how many other people trying to do the same thing you are. You finally got to the front of the line, presented all your documentation to the employee, and (let’s hope) you had everything that was needed. If not, it was back home to locate the missing papers. Ugh!

Not today! Now you can use the internet and a government-approved, third-party passport centers to take all the aggravation out of this task. Better yet, they’ll walk you right through the entire process while you’re in the comfort of your own home or office. They’ll tell you what you need to do – exactly — so there is no confusion your part. After following those clear instructions, you can just sit back and relax, because in as quickly as 24 hours, you can have your replacement passport delivered right to you! Yes, you read that right. 24 hours — and, the entire process could be completed. What a great way to get a US passport fast!

You just saved all that irritation of dealing with those governmental regulations by letting a third-party passport processor take the load off of you and do it themselves. And best of all, you could get U.S. passport fast – in as little as 24 hours.

So, don’t delay. Use an expedited passport agency to step in and deal with all the red tape that government agencies are famous for. Let them deal with the problems. They’ve done it all before and they know how to cut through those obstacles. Get that U.S. passport fast!