Are you planning to visit Prague but your budget is limited? If you buy your air tickets in advance, you can get them very cheap with full service on board. Do you wonder how you could do that? 
The solution is very easy – just buy the tickets with Click4Sky – a virtual low cost airline. Click4sky was established in 2007 by Czech Airlines – the Czech Republic flag carrier. It is called a virtual low cost airline because it does not operate any aircraft, it only offers unsold seats of Czech Airlines. Click4Sky has become a very popular choice for flights from/to Prague because of several reasons. 
The biggest advantage of the airline is that there are no nasty surprises – the air tickets are sold at the fixed price 59€ one-way and this price includes all fees, taxes and full service on board. Click4Sky does not charge any fees for checked baggage or check-in at the airport as some low cost airlines do. Moreover, it flies only to major European airports, so you do not spend fortune on transportation to the airport. 
Of course, there are also several drawbacks. It is only possible to buy return trips with Click4Sky and because of the high demand tickets are often sold out several weeks before the flight date. The air tickets are not refundable and no changes are permitted. Click4Sky does not offer any frequent flyer program and it does not provide additional services such as accompanying minor children or transportation of animals. However if you can do without these things, you can get air tickets to Prague for low cost prices with services of a traditional airline.

“No one realizes how beautiful it is to travel until he comes home and rests his head on his old, familiar pillow.” – Lin Yutang

All good things come to an end and so does your trip. Hopefully you have had a great time and some wonderful memories.

Here are a few small things to remember to get a good ending to your trip:

• Do not pack your home keys in the check-in baggage. If your bag gets lost you can get into trouble.
• Reconfirm your airline ticket a few days before going home. The flight time may have changed and sometimes you can get bumped from a flight if you do not reconfirm.
• Store clothes used on your trip separately from other stuff at home until you have washed them if you have been in places with loads of critters. You may have brought bugs with you which can spread all over your house.
• Do not forget to keep enough money (in the right currency) to pay for the transportation to the airport, extra charge for overweight luggage and any airport tax which is not included in your ticket price (which often has to be paid in cash in local currency).
• Keeping a journal or diary is a great way to preserve your memories. Sure you have your photos but the little things like the time your waiter messed up all your orders or that little girl dancing in the doorway in Havana are just as memorable and can bring back some great memories on that cold and rainy November day when you are home from work with the flu.
  

  • There are several on-line journals where you can store your writing and also upload pictures from your journey. Not only is this a great way to share your adventure with friends and family at home while you are on the road, it is also a good way to have a back-up in case your paper journal gets lost.

  • It is often possible for people to leave comments in your travelogue which is a fun way to keep in touch with people at home. The comments that some of your friends leave in your virtual journal may not always the kind that you want your co-workers and family to read about You can handle this by dividing your contacts into two categories, registering two journals with different distribution lists and uploading everything twice (just copy and paste between them).

  • If you keep a physical journal you can also put aside some space for collecting peoples e-mail addresses. Ask people you meet to write a small greeting beside their e-mail.

Happy travels!

Are you considering a visit to Germany? Why not visit the city of Cologne. It has a history which goes back to the Roman era. Located next to river Rhine and the fourth largest city in Germany it offers good a connection to the nearby cities of D?sseldorf and Bonn. Cologne is also linked with Amsterdam, Brussels, London and Paris by Thalys, ICE and Eurostar High Speed trains. The Frankfurt airport has a direct service to Cologne and is within one hour by ICE trains.

Cologne has plenty to offer in terms of entertainment and culture. The following places are certainly worth seeing:

The Gothic Cathedral, also known as the Dom, is the city’s most famous landmark and also a well known architectural monument in Germany. It is 144 metres long and 86 meters wide and has two spires that are 157 metres in height. Construction began in 1248 to house the relics of the Magi, the Dom was not completed until 1880. The completion of the cathedral was celebrated as a national event. Despite changing architectural styles through the centuries, the result is essentially Gothic. Situated in the centre of Cologne, from the top of the Dom’s south tower there are panoramic views across the city and surrounding area. Open daily from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm, except during religious services.

The most impressive attraction in the Roman-Germanic Museum is the 70 square metre Dionysos-Mosaik. The mosaic, once the floor of the main room of a large Roman villa dating from the third century, was discovered in 1941 during excavation work for an air-raid shelter. The Museum, which was opened in 1974 and is situated near the K?lner Dom, boasts a collection of prehistoric, ancient and medieval finds. The exhibitions give an insight into the daily life, beliefs and customs of long-forgotten cultures. An unusual feature is the collection of Roman glassware.

Cologne is the city of live music and concerts, with music from all periods from all over the world and in the most diverse stylistic schools and movements performed here every day. The powerfully pulsating heart of this Cologne music culture, is the philharmonic hall built in the cathedral mound, which seats 2000 people. Since its opening in 1986, it has become one of the leading international concert halls. The ‘Philharmonie’ concert hall has at least one performance scheduled for virtually every day of the year. Recitals range from chamber music to jazz, folk and pop, with a house policy of encouraging lesser-known, new and unusual music.

The city hall in Alter Markt (Old Square) dates from 1330 but has a tower from the 15th century and a Renaissance facade from the 16th century. Having been damaged during the Second World War, part of the 14th-century Renaissance building was rebuilt. Cologne artisans concentrated particularly on restoring the City Hall tower, and thanks to their donations the City Hall got restored properly. Statues of emperors, popes, poets and academics – and also of women’s rights campaigners – look down from the tower on the busy square below.

The Old Market lies in the heart of the old town. Surrounded by bars and restaurants, it hosts a variety of events all year round: home to the Christmas market during the festive season and the Medienburgerfestival in the summer, the Old Market is perhaps best known for the Carnival which begins here at 11.11 am on the 11th day of the 11th month. This is when Cologne goes completely crazy. During the Middle Ages, the Old Market was Cologne’s commercial centre, and the nearby butter market, fish market and hay market were some of its subsidiaries. Nowadays, it is simply a focal point for tourists who flock here to witness the comings and goings around the market fountain.

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.

Alvin Starkman  M.A., LL.B.

First-time travelers to Oaxaca, as well as return visitors and snowbirds, can all help to improve the financial lot of many struggling residents, aside from simply visiting the city and spending. 

It’s a fact that tourism has indeed returned to the central valleys of the state of Oaxaca.  But as a result of the US economic crisis in 2008, so have many Oaxacans:   Oaxacan immigrants, documented and otherwise,  had previously been eking out a modest existence north of the border, often wiring money back to their motherland on a regular basis to help out parents, children and extended family members in need.  With fewer available jobs, the people flow has now been reversed.  Oaxacans are coming back to their native soil.  The economic implications are twofold: 

1)      There are now more Oaxacans vying for work which continues to be a scarce commodity.

2)      With fewer Oaxacans working in the US, less money is being sent home.  

Many hotel and B & B guests arrive with two suitcases … one filled with their clothes and toiletries, which fits snuggly inside a larger one.  The latter is used for the flight back home, to pack up purchases such as rugs and other textiles, black pottery and a variety of different ceramic pieces, alebrijes, and more traditional fine art. That larger suitcase need not be brought down empty.  Those who have already been sensitized to Oaxaca’s economic plight sometimes ask what they can bring to leave behind, filling their second piece of luggage with used clothing, pencils and pens, T – shirts and caps with logos of their local sports teams, and much more.  And then there are the travelers with young children who recognize that by the time the next summer arrives in their hometowns, the kids will have outgrown virtually everything they’ve brought down for them to wear.  Here in Oaxaca they find new homes for shoes, shorts, jeans, dresses and shirts.

Within less than an hour’s drive from downtown Oaxaca, townspeople in marginal communities subsist on tortillas, beans and rice, with meat and poultry reserved for only the most special of occasion.  Medical clinics and dental facilities are often stocked with inadequate equipment, instruments and supplies, and schools lack books.  Even the brightest students and those with the most drive and desire are denied the opportunity to complete their secondary education because the cost of transportation to attend high school in the larger centers is prohibitive relative to the means of their families.

Every visitor to the city of Oaxaca has the potential to make a significant contribution to the economic amelioration of residents of towns and villages in the central valleys, apart from buying handicrafts and art.

We all have much more clothing than we need.  Just look in your closet or in that chest of drawers in the basement.  You might even find your daughter’s old pair of eyeglasses from two prescriptions ago, useless to you but invaluable to a downtown optometrist with ties to villages with children whose parents have no money to buy glasses.  Dig out that gift from your mother-in-law — the sweater that’s far too gaudy, or the T – shirt she brought for you on her trip to Turkey three years ago, still in the plastic wrapper.  Do you really think that as you get older it’s realistic for you to actually start exercising as you did before, and that you’ll actually lose that paunch and fit into those size 32 jeans?  How long do you think it will take for those shirts with Saturday Night Fever collars to come back into style?  Here in Oaxaca they’ve never gone out of style.

The reluctance to personally distribute what you can no longer use is understandable.  Certainly filling up a couple of green garbage bags in the course of your annual spring cleaning and then taking them to the local clothing drop box is easier, and the anonymity which comes with it is somehow preferable.  It precludes any possibility of that feeling of discomfort that often results from directly confronting differences in economic status.  But for those Oaxacans in need, all contributions are welcomed and tremendously appreciated.

Bring whatever you can.  And if you’re not a packrat, there are other ways you can help:

1)      Ask your neighbors and relatives.  They’ll be happy to use the new-found closet space.

2)      If you’re a medical or dental professional, search the shelves in your storage cabinet for instruments that have become obsolete for your state-of-the-art practice.

3)      If you’re a manufacturer with over-runs, or wholesaler, jobber or retailer with stock that you just can’t move, consider packing up whatever will fit into that extra suitcase.

Not knowing what to do with it once you land in Oaxaca is certainly a legitimate, but not insurmountable concern.  Again, there are several options:

1)      The manager of your hotel or B & B might assist in distributing clothing to members of his cleaning staff who in all likelihood are of extremely modest means, or might suggest that some items be given to one of several local charities such as Estancia Fraternidad or Casa de La Mujer.

2)      If you plan to tour some of the craft villages, your tour guide or driver might be able to assist you, although residents of the more popular and consequently successful towns such as Teotitl?n del Valle and San Mart?n Tilcajete might not be the ones to whom your generosity should be directed.  Consider spending part of a day getting away from the more traditional tourist sights, perhaps venturing into the hills and tiny communities, the inhabitants of which are predominantly campesinos.  This affords an opportunity to see first hand the modest lifestyles of most Oaxacans and experience the “real” Mexico.  Your chauffeur should be happy to accommodate, and you can distribute goods as and to whom you wish.  

3)      Drop your donation by the Oaxaca Lending Library on Calle Pino Suarez.  Its volunteers are involved in a number of outreach projects.

4)      Contact me and I’d be honored to come by your accommodations, pick up whatever you have, and ensure that it goes to good use.

Regular visitors to the city and the numerous returning snowbirds are afforded an even better and easier opportunity to help.  Consider leaving your entire Oaxaca wardrobe and all your toiletries in Oaxaca, permanently.  Remember, you still have more than enough to wear at home, and already having bathroom items awaiting you upon your return to Oaxaca can be quite convenient, especially in light of airline restrictions regarding sprays and bottles.

Pack it all up in a few boxes, or better yet buy an inexpensive chest of drawers to store your belongings, like I did about a dozen years ago when I was a frequent visitor to the city.  Toss in a few bars of soap or pieces of cedar to keep it all fresh smelling.  Then impose upon one of your Oaxacan or expat friends to keep it for you in a closet, corner or storage room.  For your subsequent visits to the city all you’ll be bringing down will be two suitcases filled with treasures for those in need.  And remember, with all that Oaxaca has to offer shoppers, craft collectors and art aficionados, there’s never a risk that you’ll return north with empty luggage.

Every year as the cool weather of winter starts rolling in, potential vacationers begin dreaming of the warm, clear ocean waters and sandy beaches of a tropical paradise. This year, quit dreaming and make your fantasy of a relaxing island getaway a reality with a luxurious Caribbean vacation.
Offering some of the world’s most consistently beautiful weather, an amazing variety of tropical flora and fauna, fun filled island cultures and spectacular vistas, the islands of the Caribbean are an amazing place to vacation. Before you book the trip of your dreams, learn a little bit about what 5 of the most popular Caribbean destinations have to offer.
Puerto Rico
Known for its fun loving locals and incredible geographic diversity, Puerto Rico is one of the Caribbean’s most accessible and exciting places to spend your vacation. With dozens of top of the line luxury hotels and resorts clustered near bustling San Juan, you’ll have no trouble finding a spectacular place to stay—as long as you book early!
Excursions around the island abound in Puerto Rico, from back country guided tours of the tropical rainforest or unique mangroves to scuba diving through crystal clear waters with some of the most colorful and diverse underwater ecosystems in the world. Trips to San Juan offer up all night parties and dancing at popular clubs while protected sandy beaches provide a peaceful refuge during the day.
Aruba
Located just north of the coast of Venezuela, Aruba is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and maintains a distinct blend of European and native cultures. One of the southernmost islands in the Caribbean Sea, Aruba enjoys the same dry, warm climate as its neighbors but lies outside of the hurricane belt.
Home to plenty of its own world class resort villages, casinos and nightclubs, Aruba has a reputation for being a haven for fun loving vacationers. Because of its relatively dry climate, the island lacks the rainforests of its neighbors, but boasts some of the world’s most beautiful white sand beaches. Many visitors spend their days lounging by the sea while taking advantage of a special blend of European and Latin American cuisine in the evening before partying the night away.
Jamaica
Well known for its laid back lifestyles and gorgeous palm lined beaches, Jamaica has plenty to offer eager travelers. Once the staging grounds for Spanish conquistadors, the haven of ruthless pirates and the workhorse of the British Empire, Jamaica’s storied past has evolved into an interesting blend of cultures punctuated by reggae, Rastafarians and rum.
A beautiful place to spend a honeymoon or romantic getaway, Jamaica’s mountainous interior provides a breathtaking backdrop as well as an exciting alternative to its quiet, pristine beaches. Visitors often get a closer look at the terrain with guided ATV or horseback tours. Other travelers spend lots of time at local shops and boutiques or trying their hand at a bit of scuba diving along the fauna-filled shoreline. A romantic tropical paradise, Jamaica may be the perfect place for your next vacation.
Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is located on the eastern half of the island of Hispanola, visited and named by Columbus during his first foray to the New World. Known for its fun loving, festive and hospitable inhabitants, the Dominican Republic enjoys the same perfect climate as its sister islands but boasts a truly dramatic and breathtaking geographic landscape.
Offering some of the most affordable accommodations in the Caribbean, many visitors pack their first rate resorts year round. While some resorts are situated atop rugged ocean side cliffs jutting out of the sea, virtually all of them offer private access to pristine white sand beaches.
Bahamas
Last but not least, the Bahamas, an island chain and nation located just east of Florida, is one of the most visitor friendly destinations in the Caribbean. English is the predominant language in the Bahamas, where its heritage as an English colony is still evident. This vibrant nation is a fun lover’s dream come true and activities abound both on land and in the water.
Boating, sailing and otherwise, is a favorite national pastime in the Bahamas and there are plenty of island tours and dolphin sighting expeditions available daily. Many visitors try their hands and feet at scuba diving the warm waters while other prefer to enjoy the pristine natural environment on dry land.
Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a tried and true homebody, the Caribbean is a beautiful and exotic destination worth visiting at least once in your life. With each island’s distinct culture, breathtaking scenery and warm ocean breezes, you’ll swear you’ve landed in paradise itself. Take a few moments now to research and book the Caribbean vacation of your dreams so you’re not left dreaming through the cold this winter.

For your trekking or backpacking adventure, choosing the right equipment such as your backpack is very important as your backpack is an essential component for your trip. There are many factors which determine how to choose the right backpack for you. You want to feel confident that you have made the right choice so follow these steps to help you find your perfect backpack.

It is essential that you choose a backpack that is a perfect fit for you. Try different ones on and don’t just buy the first one you see or the cheapest. Be sure to put supplies and equipment in the backpack to simulate how you will use it whilst on your trip. Check you are happy with it under load.

Check the number of pockets and its storage management capabilities. You need to have a good idea what you will take on your trip and be sure you can fit it all in. Don’t buy a backpack only for your next trip. Think about what you may want to achieve in the future in terms of a more adventurous trip – buy a future proof backpack that can accommodate your needs and requirements for both now and in the future.

Know the weight of your typical backpacking load and if you normally don’t mind carrying a heavier load then you may want to consider getting a light weight backpack.

As all backpacks are sized for the torso, make sure you know your measurement before you test out the packs. Go for the larger size if you fall between two different sizes.

Try on the backpack – you should observe that the hip belt should fall at your hips. Make sure the lumber pad is on your lumber region.

The shoulder harness should not get in the way when you try on a pack and you should be able to move your arms around freely.

Once you are happy that all straps are in their correct positions as well as fitting comfortably with the weight inside, be sure you have a full range of movement and can move freely. You should be able to squat and still feel comfortable.

It’s important that the backpack is not only comfortable when it is on you but it must feel comfortable when taking it off too. Practice taking the pack on and off.

If you have checked all of the points and are satisfied then you are virtually there when it comes to choosing the best backpack for you.

Delhi, the heart of India is also known as mini India Rome of the East. This historical Indian city is one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world. Delhi has been the capital of several empires in ancient India and has grown up to be a cosmopolitan city owing to the immigration of people from across the country.

The legendary city has a mini India feel to it. The culture of Delhi is liberal and tolerable and people from different parts of India have come and made Delhi their home.

New Delhi is third largest city and capital of India and is a combination of the ancient and the modern Indian culture. The city is a major attraction and one of the most important tourist destinations in India. It is a magnificent place to explore and is the ideal holiday option for your tours to India.

The city comprises of two parts – the Old Delhi and the New Delhi and is the business, industrial and travel hub of Northern India. The city is full of historical monuments which tell the saga of a bygone era. Each of them has a history of its own, be it Qutub Minar, Old Fort, Red Fort or the India Gate. These icons are major attractions for the tourists coming for Delhi India travel from all over the world. The warm hospitality of the city will surely steal your heart and you never know when Delhi becomes the most favorite destination of yours in the world.

The bustling markets of Delhi need special mention that make the city a shopping paradise. From the traditional jewelry, handicrafts and garments to modern electronic goods, Delhi markets are the dream destination for the travelers who love shopping. Located at the heart of the city, Connaught Place is the shopper’s delight. Dilli Haat is famous for handicrafts and handloom items. In Delhi you can find virtually everything – from simplest Indian handicrafts to international designer labels.

The city boasts of some of its greatest hotels in the whole country that offer highest-quality services to its guests. Most of the excellent Delhi Hotels are ideally situated thereby making it convenient and comfortable for the tourists to visit the places of Delhi without any hassles. Ranging from the budget hotels to the luxury accommodations, you can find every option to stay in the city.

Most of affordable and budget Delhi hotels are located near the airport and the old Delhi areas. But, if you are looking for a plush and luxurious hotel, you can simply select a great five star, four stars or a three star hotel.

The most popular places to visit in New Delhi are India Gate, Jama Masjid, Jantar Mantar, Bahai Lotus Temple, Dilli Haat, Humayun’s Tomb, Lakshmi Narayan Temple, National Science Center, Nehru Planetarium, Parliament House, Old Fort, Qutab Minar, Rajghat, Rashtrapati Bhawan, Red Fort and Safdarjang’s Tomb. The list is endless and to get the real feel of Delhi and experience the warmth and hospitality of the city, take Delhi Flights and have an unforgettable holiday experience.