Рубрика: Travel

Before You Go Home – Pitfalls to Avoid on Your Last Day of Travel

Before You Go Home – Pitfalls to Avoid on Your Last Day of Travel

“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!

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Ваш отзыв , 30 Jan 2012

Рубрика: Travel

Is Trip Insurance Worth the Cost

Is Trip Insurance Worth the Cost?

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.

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Ваш отзыв , 29 Jan 2012

Рубрика: Travel

Your gap year guide to Asia

Your gap year guide to Asia

Years of experience in welcoming travellers from all over the world have made Asia the perfect host, and like all good hosts, it offers something for every taste. Whatever you’re looking for on your gap year there’s a good chance you’ll find it in Asia; from whitest of white knuckle adventure rides to some of the best volunteer projects in the world.

Asia is perfect for gap year travellers; the serene beauty provides a soothing backdrop to a career escaping break while the rugged mountains and million mile an hour cities offer the perfect slice of adventure for those full of youthful energy. Here are a few words of advice on the how, why and where of gap year travel in Asia and start planning your own trip.

Check out the Gapometer to mark Asia on key gap year criteria.

*****        Gaptastic

****         Great for gappers

***           Worth a look

**             Too much else to see

*              Never mind the Gap

              

Volunteering

In an age of mass media the beauty of this place somehow continues to surprise, yet too much of the Asian continent continues to experience severe depravation. According to the Asian Development Bank, Asia’s poor account for two thirds of the total in the developing world and a huge number of volunteer projects have sprung up to help ease the problem.

There are lots of different projects in areas like community work and teaching or maybe even link one with a conservation project or two. Asia should be as famous for its wildlife as its landscapes; animals like pandas, elephants, tigers and sea turtles can all be found here. The WWF has listed 6 places in Asia amongst their list of 19 priority places, leaving no-one in any doubt as to the area’s significance.

***** The perfect place to use your gap year for good

Travelling around

With a year on your hands you’ll want to spread your wings and really explore a place, and in Asia that’s both easy and rewarding. There are now easier ways to get around Asia than the famous overland expeditions of the 70s (though if you’ve got a camper van spare give it a go). Travelling varies from country to country so make sure you plan thoroughly. Most central countries, like China and India, offer extensive rail and road links. South-East Asia, with the exception of Myanmar, is probably the easiest and cheapest place to explore in the world. Don’t forget to bring a good book for the journey though!

For people who get coach sick there’s always the option to use up a stop or two from a Round the world ticket. Low cost airlines are getting in on the act so look out for new destinations. For those who want to do most of their travelling in Asia, check out companies that offer an ‘air pass’ which for one price, allows you to dot around all over the place.

**** Plenty to see and no reason not to explore

Money

Money and budgeting are big considerations when you’re planning to spend a year away from home, so the cost of getting to and living in a place is all important. There are big differences between countries in this respect; the more expensive countries to explore in Asia are Japan, Taiwan and because of its size, China. If you want to visit these countries perhaps consider earning money by teaching English while you’re away. The affordable countries include Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea and Sri Lanka while cheap countries such as Thailand, Nepal, India, The Philippines and Indonesia offer truly budget travel.

Living costs are a large part of your budget so plan carefully. While you’re on a volunteer placement this will normally be sorted out for you but when you’re travelling independently remember that budget hostels doesn’t necessarily mean rubbish hostels. In fact they can often be the most fun! The same is true about food; the best food in Asia is found on the street and it’s incredibly cheap. Some of the best meals in Asia cost less than 50p! The great thing about Asia is that you don’t need to pay for your entertainment because it’s all around you!

***** Plenty of bargains to be found

 

Earning as you go

Earning while you’re away is essential for many people. For travellers who do need to earn a few pennies, Asia is a good place to choose for your Gap year travelling. The continent has the biggest demand for English teachers and there are placements in a range of destinations including some of the world’s most exciting locations. Getting qualified is one of the best money saving investments travellers can make. For a relatively small price you can get qualified in double quick time and at least have it as a safety net in case you spend a little too much souvenir shopping! You’ll get access to TEFL contacts all over the continent and can easily include a little teaching in your itinerary.

***** There is nowhere better to earn money while travelling

The wow factor

Asia has the wow factor in bucket loads. It’s the most popular destination for westerners and millions of people can’t be wrong. The cultural and natural diversity of the continent offers the perfect backdrop to a gap year with enough going on to keep you entertained at just the right price to keep you solvent! The old favourite still has plenty to offer a new generation of travellers.

***** Everyone should go at least once. It’s the law

 

Useful links:

http://www.i-to-i.com/resources/students-and-gap-years/

http://www.i-to-i.com/travel-asia.html

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Ваш отзыв , 29 Jan 2012

Рубрика: Travel

Crushing the Credit Crunch – Holiday at Home

Crushing the Credit Crunch – Holiday at Home

The credit crunch has steadily caused more and more people to feel forced to clamp down on their spending and attempt to save what money they can. With prices clambering whilst wages stay the same, millions of British people are struggling to live the lives they’re used to – which probably means that plenty have already decided a holiday away this year is off the cards.
This needn’t be the case. Although many can’t afford a big trip away this year, there are plenty of other options that will see you getting a well-deserved break without having to worry you’re breaking the bank. For example, this year will see many Britons ditching the continental flights and holidaying at home in the UK instead.
These holidays may not be beachside retreats, but they’re still a lot of fun and a great way to strengthen your connection to the UK. It is your home, after all – and can you say you know every city that well?
UK city breaks can be cheap and just as enjoyable as a trip further afield. With a host of different cities to choose from, each adorned with its very own, very distinctive personality, Britain has far more to offer than you might expect. Whether you prefer the bustling drive of English capital London or the musical delights of Manchester, you’ll be sure to find a UK city perfect for your break away.
It’s important to take holidays, even if only for a few days. And a trip to another UK city can be surprisingly different to what you’re used to. If you live somewhere like London, why not take a trip up to Glasgow and see an altogether different style of life? Similarly, Birmingham-dwellers could try out Edinburgh and Aberdeen residents might visit York to see just how widely the UK varies from city to city.
Best of all, you’ll know by currency when you’re getting a great deal on hotels, food and drink – as well as visiting a wide range of attractions that’ll show you just how diverse and fascinating British cities can be. So whatever city you have your eye on for your break away from the recession the year, UK cheap city breaks are becoming more and more popular by the day – so plenty of opportunities to discover more of the famous British isles.

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Ваш отзыв , 23 Jan 2012

Рубрика: Travel

Summer Palace Beijing

Summer Palace Beijing

 Summer Palace Beijing

The Summer Palace landscape, dominated mainly by Longevity Hill and Kunming Lake, covers an area of 2.9 square kilometers, three quarters of which is under water. Its 70,000 square meters of building space features a variety of palaces, gardens and other ancient-style architectural structures. Well known for its large and priceless collection of cultural relics, it was among the first group of historical and cultural heritage sites in China to be placed under special state protection. If you take Beijing travel, the Summer Palace is absolute a must!

The Summer Palace, originally named Qingyi Yuan or the Garden of Clear Ripples, was first constructed in 1750. It was razed to the ground by the Anglo-French Allied Forces in 1860. The Government of the Qing Dynasty started to rebuild it in 1886 with funds that it had misappropriated from the Imperial Navy and other sources. Renamed two years later as Yihe Yuan or the Garden of Health and Harmony, it was supposed to serve as a summer resort for the Empress Dowager Cixi. Known also as the Summer Palace, it was ravaged by the Allied Forces of the Eight Powers that invaded China in 1900. The damage was repaired in 1902. Since the founding of the People’s Republic of China, the Summer Palace has undergone several major renovations. Its major attractions such as the Four Great Regions, Suzhou Street, the Pavilion of Bright Scenery, the Hall of Serenity, the Wenchang Galleries and the Plowing and Weaving Scenery Area have been successively restored. A well-planned Beijing tour will be memorable.

The Summer Palace is a monument to classical Chinese architecture, in terms of both garden design and construction. Borrowing scenes from surrounding landscapes, it radiates not only the grandeur of an imperial garden but also the beauty of nature in a seamless combination that best illustrates the guiding principle of traditional Chinese garden design: ?°The works of men should match the works of Heaven.

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Ваш отзыв , 22 Jan 2012

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