Want to experience heavenly beauty under water? En route to snorkeling in the Caribbean and you will discover how exciting the water world is. The beauty of aquatic life is explored using a tool called snorkel, having a mask attached to it. Snorkeling thus offers you an amazing opportunity to explore underwater life. However, there are a few essential things that one must exercise during the activity.

Snorkeling gives you an opportunity to relax. So make sure you make most of it without indulging yourself in too much analysis. Check out some of the tips to make your snorkeling even more enjoyable. These tips have been suggested considering that you already have well-fitting equipment.

1. Ensure that the mask fits your face perfectly but allows you breathing through the nose. Make sure that no air leaks in, as this will also allow water to seep in. Also, it’s best to shave off your moustache or apply generous amount of Vaseline or sunscreen to act as a gasket. Do not tighten the strap too much as this might also cause the water to leak in after breaking the seal. The snorkel should be placed in front of the ear.
2. Fins should be chosen with discretion. It is better to opt for snug ones than those that are too tight. Big fins will slip in easily when the feet are wet.
3. You must have some defogging products for a clear view under water. Gel products, dog drool, plant extracts growing by the shore, or even a baby shampoo (with salt water) work well to get rid off the fog.
4. Breathing practice through the snorkel with your head out of water is highly vital prior to experiencing the real sport. Suck the mask into your face and breathe through the mouthpiece throughout the length of the mouth. It’s also advisable to practice calm floating in face down and horizontal position.
5. In case you flood your mask by accident, raise your head by pulling the lower edge away from the mouth to drain out the water.
6. Use your fins judiciously, keeping your knees and ankles relaxed. Avoid using bicycle type kicks and treat your fin as though they were the soft flowing tail of a mermaid!
7. Last, but the most vital of all,be relaxed during the entire activity. If you panic, your movements might create an alarm in the aquatic environment. On the contrary, while you stay calm, the aquatic animals too remain calm and resume their normal activity.

Some of the best locations for snorkeling are found in the various beaches of the Caribbean. Out of them, Roatan surpasses all others in terms of beauty and space. There has been a gradual rise in the number of people booking for Roatan tours. A trip to this beautiful island will also allow you to experience the fun the thrill of Roatan snorkeling. So get into the groove to be a part of the amazing sport- just keep a good ear to the afore-mentioned advice.

Renting a Vacation Home can be intimidating if this is your first time. Here are some suggestions on what to ask before making your reservations and what to expect once you arrive.

1. Before you reserve your vacation rental, make a list of things you need for accommodations. Next list things you want to do on your vacation. Ask the homeowner lots of questions before you make a commitment to avoid surprises upon your arrival.

2. Location: Many homeowners say they are close to the beach. What does that really mean? Can you walk out of their unit, take a few steps and be at the beach? Or is a mile down the road? Can you see the water from their unit? Or do you have to stretch your neck to get a glimpse of it. This may be important to you if you have children and want to be close to the house in case you need something.

3. What is Provided: Are linens included? What about toiletries? Is the kitchen fully equipped? Will you need to bring salt and pepper, tea bags, sugar? What about paper goods such as napkins, paper cups. Getting details will help you save money if you decide to shop before you get to your destination.

4. Things to Do: If you have children, proved the ages to the owner. Ask what type of activities are in the area and how close are they to these activities. If you are traveling without children and would like some nightlife, you should ask this question as well. I was quite surprised when hubby and I stayed in a small town where the carpets were rolled up each night at 9pm. It was not exactly what we had planned for our vacation.

5.Cleaning Deposit: What is required of you in order to get a full refund? Understand exactly what you need to do before you leave. The word “clean” can mean different things to different people.

6. Cancellation Policy: Will you get a full refund? How long before the arrival date can you get a refund? Can you provide a replacement party and get a full refund? For more information please visit http://www.DreamAwayVacationRentals.com

There are 2 words that many timeshare owners fail to understand that keeps them from getting good exchanges with RCI and Interval International.
How many times have you requested an exchange only to have them tell you that it’s “not available?”  Well, if you’re typical, then probably the majority of the time. Many people interpret “not  available” to mean that it will never be available.  So they hang up the phone thinking that the exchange process doesn’t work and the whole thing is a scam.  Their frustration stems from the fact that their salesperson made it sound like doing an exchange would be just as easy as reserving a hotel room. But it’s not!
It’s much easier getting hotel rooms because there are so many of them and they are generally only 65% occupied. More importantly, hotels know their availability in advance unlike RCI and Interval International.  
But doing a timeshare exchange isn’t the same as reserving a hotel. As timeshare owners we trade off the ease, availability and expense of reserving a hotel room to get larger more comfortable condos for our family.  And when a timeshare exchange is done right, we get to stay in really nice resorts for a fraction of what we would normally have to pay.
But neither RCI nor Interval International know the availability of any timeshare resort in advance.  They have to wait until the owners in the timeshare resorts deposit their weeks into their exchange pools before they can offer it us.  
If every timeshare owner deposited their weeks on or before Jan 1 of each year, then doing a timeshare exchange would be easier and more like making a reservation in a hotel.  But in the real world both exchange companies receive deposits throughout the entire year and not all at one time.  
That’s the reason that owners are told that their request is “not available” nearly every time they want to do a timeshare exchange.   The important thing to understand is that just because you’re request isn’t available the day you ask doesn’t mean it won’t become available at a later date.
You see “not available” in timeshare speak really means that there’s a waiting list of people who have already requested the EXACT same thing as you.  So whenever you hear “not available” you should immediately ask to be put on the waiting list.  RCI and Interval International call that doing a pending search or request.
Now, WHETHER your request becomes available will depend on WHERE you come in on that waiting list and is another very important aspect of doing a timeshare exchange.
So one of the keys to getting a good timeshare exchange is in understanding that there will ALWAYS be a waiting list for the best resorts and/or peak travel periods.  Rather than being frustrated with it, accept it and learn how to work it to your benefit.  Frankly, the more people that don’t understand what “not available” really means, the better your chances of getting what you want on exchange.

The great thing about most Asian countries is that the food is delicious and cheap, and Malaysia is no different. Of course you can find McDonalds and Burger King if you are so inclined, but for a real good feed that is dirt cheap, head to the local hawkers. I haven’t really seen a western equivalent, but I guess it is like the restaurants we get in food courts, only they stand alone and don’t have entry door. Most are sheltered though with roofs and an open air door. You’ll know them when you see them, and they are everywhere. Most sell the same type of things but with slight differences depending on where the owner comes from, e.g. Halal, Chinese, Malaysian, Indian etc (halal won’t serve pork).

As a general tip, go to the ones that are packed with locals, however, certain stalls are ‘famous’ for certain foods. There is one in KK that is famous for boiled eggs. It is ALWAYS packed, but only serves bread, boiled eggs and drinks, and the eggs aren’t anything special (they’re just boiled eggs!) Apparently it has been running like this for over 40 years!

Now most of the ‘waitresses’ in these Hawkers don’t speak too much English so you will need to know how to order. Also, as I found out, you should specify exactly what you want otherwise you may get a few surprises. If the place your at is famous for their Birds Nest Soup, then that is what you’ll get in your soup unless you say ‘No Birds Nest Please” Below are a few useful words when ordering. I’m not to sure about the spelling so Ive spelled it phonetically, which is generally how things are spelled in Malay anyway.

Mee – Noodles
Mee Hoon – Thin Noodles
Mee Goreng – Fried Noodles
Mee Hoon Sup – Thin Noodle Soup
Daging Babi – Pork (Daging means meat)
Nasi – Rice
Ayam – Chicken
Nasi Ayam – Chicken Rice (A popular ‘take-away’ style meal)
Nasi Lemak – Another type of rice dish
Ikan – Fish
Perut – Stomach (Tripe)
Tidak – No
Sila – Please
Dilarang – Don’t
Saya Mao – I want
Saya tidak mao perut – I don’t want stomach
Sayur – Vegetables
Tandas – Toilet
Roti Canai – A pankake type bread dish usually served with some type of curry
Minum – Drink
Makan – Eat, Food
Minum Air – Drinking Water (Make sure it is bottled)
Kopi – Coffee
Gorang Manis – Less Sweet (Malays like sugar in their hot drinks, probably more than you are used to)
Te – Tea
Kopi Ping – Iced Coffee
Bir – Beer
ABC Special – A desert or snack type food usually consisting of jelly cubes, ice cream, mung beans and fruit, Try it if you see it on a menu

There isn’t too many words above but when it comes to food that’s about as much as I know. Everything else is just point at the menu and try your luck!

One more word that is not food related, and may not even be Malay (possibly Cadasan) is Aramati — It means ‘I FEEL GOOD!’

Bon Appetite!

P.S. Go visit Labuan, it is a small tax free island off KK. VB is cheaper there than it is in Australia! (VB is an Australian brand of beer)

More travel related articles can be found here

Although the Maldives is not a destination which attracts surfers by the thousands, these tropical waters generate friendly waves which are ideal for novice surfers who just want to have a good time out among the waves. While many of the resorts located on the Maldivian Islands offer good quality surfing equipment at reasonable prizes, you do not have to worry about travelling with your own surf board. Windsurfing is another activity visitors could engage in while in the Maldives. As reasonable winds are on offer during most hours of the day, a trip to one of the wind surfing schools will give you the training you need to handle yourself well on the water.

Among the variety of water sports on offer, perhaps the most popular activity among visitors to the Maldives is snorkeling. While only certified divers are allowed to explore the farthest depths of the Maldivian seas, anyone can put on a pair of goggles and float over the shallow reefs where you can find all sorts of corals, starfish, crabs and other sea creatures that call these shallow waters their home. The level of visibility is simply amazing which enables visitors to see what lies beneath the waves with great detail. Most resorts located on these islands have their own reef where you can spend hours in the water admiring its beauty.

If you want to try your hand at something really challenging, water skiing is what you’re looking for. You will be able to book a water skiing trip from a local resort where you will get the chance glide on the water at break neck speeds which will give you a rush that is beyond words. Para-sailing, catamaran sailing and big game fishing are some of the other water related activities which you can also try your hand at while in Maldives.

John Keells Hotels Group is the proud owner of several Maldives hotels which are known to offer comfortable accommodation along with excellent service. These hotels also provide superb dining options and a host of modern amenities which is sure to make your Maldives travel experience a memorable one.

The official language in Aruba is Dutch and most speak Spanish, too.  You may be wondering what “alquilar carro en Aruba” or “huur een auto in Aruba” means.  Chances are that you’ve been looking around for a car rental in Aruba.  Simply put, this means, “rent a car in Aruba”.

Don’t worry there’s no need to brush up on your Dutch or Spanish.  Most of the natives speak English, too.  In addition, this island accommodates the tourists because tourism is Aruba’s bread and butter.

Furthermore, the road signs based on the European signage method are easy to read because there are no words.  You just have to figure out what the pictures mean, and you’re in the clear.

If you’re an international driver, all you need is to hold an international driver license or have a driver’s license for over 2 years in your homeland.  Most rental cars in Aruba require the driver to be 23 years old.  In some cases, you can be 21 if you pay an additional fee.

The only things you might encounter in another language are the Dutch airport signs.  That shouldn’t be hard, though.  The signs are in blue and they say, “Reina Beatrix”.  If you see something that says “verboden” in Dutch, you probably don’t want to do whatever the sign is showing…

The rental car companies will provide you with road maps in case the roads are hard to navigate.  The difficulties don’t come from language barriers, though–most of the roads don’t have signs!

Just remember that 1A is the main road going from north to south.  Everything that branches off of it will probably circle back around.  It’s hard to get lost when you “alquilar carro en Aruba” or “huur een auto in aruba” or however you want to say it. Have fun!

Kerala – God’s own country which means heaven for those who appreciate the real untouched, na?ve beauty of nature and if you are one of those than consider Kerala as the option for you next holiday. Kerala gives an option to explore the nature to the fullest because it has all the places where you can explore the nature be it scenic beaches or the hill stations or the ethnic culture, just everything that makes you feel closer to the nature. To start with; if you are in Kerala for your holidays, you have to be at the backwaters, one place that no nature enthusiast dares to misses on his/her trip to Kerala. There’s every element of nature present around you- water, greenery, birds almost everything that you consider nature synonymous with.

Moving from the beautiful backwater, there is another very beautiful and mystic hill station – Munnar which is situated amidst three hills and is 120 km away from Cochin is another hotspot that you should not miss on your Kerala Travel The pleasant weather of this place and aroma of tea and coffee plantations make this place all the more special. The place is full of greenery as all your eyes can see are long lawns of tea and coffee plantations, think of how beautiful it might be in reality if it sounds so beautiful. If you still have quest for nature than another place to escape are the beautiful beaches of the Kerala where you will get it all sand, water and pleasant atmosphere. Just spend your evening’s lazying around there.

Then while you are on Kerala tour give yourself a culture treat, indulge yourself in some lip smacking south Indian food with strong flavors and spices and also enjoy the folk dance of the region which is actually a musical representation of a mythological drama. It generally starts at dusk and goes throughout the night. Another such a ethnic and unique culture’s glimpse can be taken at the snake boat race which is held only once in a year before Onam which is the biggest festival of Kerala, just if you are lucky enough to be on time, because watching this sport live is an experience in itself which cannot be experienced anywhere else in the world.

And if you are thinking how you would cover such wide variety of activities in your holidays to Kerala than tour packages are one option that you should look out for. These tour packages are designed keeping in mind different set of people and their interest and hobbies, you can choose one among those or get a custom made for yourself with your tour operator. So if you are feeling congested in your world and want to get out there and take a fresh breath in natural surroundings, then Kerala tour is just the thing for you. Here everything is done and meant the very natural way be it treatments or enjoying the scenic beauty or for that matter accommodation where you have a facility for houseboat. The whole experience of nature in such a na?ve and raw form is so enthralling that it cannot be put in words. You yourself have to come and see in real. So pack your bags and escape to Kerala for a natural holiday.

Planning to have a vacation with your family since ages? But have always been stuck down by the expenses of the entire adventure? In today’s hectic world, a break is must after a certain period of time. So, if you are looking for that break and have not been able to finalize anything because it is always out of your budget then do have a look at some of the inexpensive locations at the Mediterranean islands. It is not always necessary to spend millions to holiday at expensive islands at South America or Asia, these Mediterranean islands are also worth giving a visit. They can help you feel close to the nature and enjoy your vacation.

One of the affordable places at the Mediterranean islands is Paxos at Greece. It is one of the beautiful Ionian islands that is small but still attractive and quiet. This sweet little heaven is scattered with white washed Greek villages. This makes it one of the wonderful places for long walks. It has plush green olive groves along which you can enjoy a great walk with your loved one.

Have you heard the words ferryboats and Mediterranean islands holidays together and wondered what is the connection? Well, the fact is that ferryboats are one of the mediums of transportation to travel through and to Mediterranean islands. Another inexpensive island is the Losinj, Croatia. It has an abundant store of vegetation. Also, its harbour is considered the most spectacular place in the Adriatic. You can enjoy windsurfing here at the blue beaches. You can also enjoy the exciting trip on the ferryboats to a near by island known as Susok: famous for its versatile dressing sense and dialects.

During Mediterranean islands holidays you should also explore the Buyukada island, Turkey. You can reach this island with the help of a ferryboat from Istanbul. Once you reach here, you will feel as your watch has stop, as time seems stagnant here. The most exciting part of this island is that here the government does not allow cars. This means that all transportation is by carriages, which is called Phaeton. Here, you will find exotic variety of seafood. You can fulfill your gastronomical desires at Buyukada island.

Another beautiful place at the Mediterranean is the island, which is famously known for its wine. This place, Madeira (Portugal) is also referred to as the pearl of the Atlantic. You find here good mountainous interior along with rugged coast. Thus, if you are looking for a warm sunny climate then this island is a good holiday location. You can have different fishing and camping opportunities. Besides that, Mallorca, Spain is the largest amongst the Balearic Islands. It has a high profile tourist industry. It is also famous for its hedonistic nightlife.

The above mentioned affordable locations may not be the cheapest or the best, but surely they are good get away from your daily routine. Additionally, these Mediterranean islands holidays can be within your budget and reach and thus can be enjoyed. Try out a number of companies that offer great holiday packages, which can help you further cut down your expenses. This way you can enjoy to the fullest your ferryboats and Mediterranean islands holidays.

One-day visitors took a chartered flight to the remote country side area of Kenya, they were a amazed to see tall lean and decorated man holding a spear in one hand with his red cloth wrapped around his waist. “Who are those people? They asked” it was all over at last, the handsome looking Masai.

The Masai are warrior tribe in Kenya who lives center around herding cattle. The believe The creator entrusted his cattle to them; consequently, their wealth is measured by the number of animals they have in their homes. The heads of most women have been decorated by breads as they spend most of their time doing bead work. They decorate animal hides, gourds and make beaded jewellery’s for the arms, leg bracelets and amulets. This tribe have created a tourist attraction in the most scenic areas of Masai Mara National Reserve offering wonderful scenery and plenty of game. It’s therefore the only region in Kenya where the visitors may see animals in its abundances as centuries ago.

The Masai Mara National Reserve simply known “The Mara” which word means “Mottled” – a reference to the patchy landscape, both spellings “Masai” and “Masai” are acceptable although the latter is more usual when referring to the people; The Masai Mara is a Game Reserve (sometimes called a National Reserve) although the area in the reserve is called the National Park. Reserves are normally managed by local authorities and allow lodges, camp sites and the settling of this tribe with their cattle. National Parks are normally managed centrally and do not allow any human inhabitation other than for Park Rangers and people on safari.

The Location of this reserve has created the general location of animal communities depends on the habitat. Vegetation varies according to the type of soil and drainage but is also influenced by fire, rain and grazing animals (including destructive elephants). “Grassland” is most common, especially in areas of poor drainage, frequent fires or heavy grazing – supporting a wide range of herbivores which all prefer different grasses and shoots. “Bushland” is particularly vulnerable to fire and foraging elephants – the favorite place of rhino. “Woodland” is often populated with acacia trees (with rich edible leaves) – where you might find monkey and giraffe. The Rivers are home of hippo and crocodile.

At the heart of these lands is the Masai Mara Game Reserve, widely considered to be Africa’s greatest wildlife reserve. The Mara comprises 200 sq miles of open plains, woodlands and reverie forest. Contiguous with the plains of the Serengeti, the Mara is home to a breathtaking array of life. The vast grassland plains are scattered with herds of Zebra, Giraffe, Gazelle, and Topi. The Acacia forests abound with Bird life and Monkeys. Elephants and Buffalo wallow in the wide Musiara Swamp. The Mara and Talek rivers are brimming with Hippos and Crocodiles.

Every year this park plays a very great and interesting to world’s greatest natural spectacle, of the Wildebeest Migration from Serengeti in the month of July to October; this is in the search of green grass in the north bringing more than 1.3 million Wildebeest together into a single massive herd. They pour across the border into the Mara, making a spectacular entrance in a surging column of life that stretches from horizon. They cross the river after massing in number on a waiting crocodiles of the Mara River as they move forward creating frenzy fight against the swift currents.

This park is called the Kingdom of Lion which is always on hunt dominating the others in the grasslands. Cheetahs are some of the common sights in the Mara, as well as Hyena and smaller predators such as Jackals. This animals share the hunt with the Masai’s who also happen to be searching for the same for their meat.

The Mara reserve is an Ideal place for game drives, game walks, and balloon safaris with good range of accommodation facilities for the tourist ranging from high class to budget friendly. Wildlife moves freely in and out of the reserve and through neighboring Masai lands. Outside the boundaries of the reserve there are many other small camps and lodges.

Bangkok is a highly metropolitan area that is unreserved in the expression of its brilliance and excellence. A city with an unquenchable thirst for the greater, the larger and the enhanced that forces one to take on the attention thrown around by the most recent innovations and advancements. Tradition and culture is a very important part of the day to day lives where courtesy and hospitality are key, and a smile says a million words.

Eating in Bangkok is an interesting experience and is often the highlight of a visit to this city. Mouthwatering sizzles, grills, stir fries are almost everywhere. Sidewalks, restaurants, resorts, roof tops and boats that serve a variety of cuisine is the expression of Bangkok’s passion for food. For the more daring adventure seeker “food on feet” might be an experience.

Thai delicacies of roasted or fried bugs bring in the ultimate satisfaction of the Thai culinary skill. For the senses of this acquired taste, fried grasshoppers, beetles, water roaches, crickets, bamboo caterpillars, scorpions, frogs, ants and ant eggs known as a high source of protein, vitamins and minerals are often of popular demand. With Bangkok being home to some of the most excellent forms of Asian cuisine the Thai gastronomical pleasures are a treat to not be deprived. Whatever the craving maybe, whatever the pallet may desire, the pleasures of a taste of paradise are at the fingertips of this city that never sleeps.

Life in the heart of Bangkok is designed to make every traveler from around the world feel at home. The Bangkok President Park is a facility that bridges the rat race of life to the soul’s yearn for serenity. Situated in the midst of the most happening forms of entertainment, travel, shopping and business this Bangkok service apartment facility will mould itself around any life style and schedule. If the need for a home away from home is priority a Bangkok Apartment of this nature will prove to paramount all expectations far and beyond.