There are so many cruise options available and the best way to work out which cruises will suit you, and to get the best deals is to click the links above and book online.

Holiday cruises provide the traveler with a very relaxed way to sightsee, and visit multiple ports in the one trip. Imagine watching the sunset over the ocean one evening, then waking up the next day to see it rise over a completely different country, and all without leaving your cabin.

Many companies provide seemingly endless possible combinations for cruises, whether it is a several month adventure, or shorter week long stay, or even a weekend out at sea, there are options of cruises to suit everyone’s taste and budget.

Many companies provide fly / cruise options, which offer excellent value for money, or you can simply book the cruise option and flights and meet the boat at a particular port.


Cruises are available to cover the entire spectrum of price, from budget to luxury, and from tall ships to cruise liners. Many cruises offer all of these options, and the difference is generally the quality and location of the cabin on the ship.

The budget option tends to provide an internal cabin that does not have windows or an ocean view, whereas the luxury option may provide a cabin on the side of the boat with an en-suite and lounge and possible a balcony to enjoy watching the sunsets and sunrises from.

Entertainment on Cruises
Cruises provide such fantastic value for money and are so appealing in this economic climate due to the abundance of specials being advertised and the fact they include; accommodation, transport, entertainment, and meals all in one fare.

Also cruises are available that cross the oceans, or stay on the rivers of Europe, stopping off at major tourist destinations, as well as some not so touristy ports and cities.The quality of the food and wine on cruises is of a very high standard considering the number of people that can travel on the larger cruise liners. The variety of food and the ability to cater for all tastes and nationalities makes them even more attractive. Passengers with specific dietary requirements need not worry!

The chefs on board will happily provide food to cater for people with needs such as; high blood pressure, celiac disease, diabetes, lactose intolerance, vegetarian, kosher, salt free, additive free, or high protein needs.

Whilst cruises sometimes take a little while to get to different destinations, you will never be bored when on-board.

Many cruises often provide fantastic activities such as; casinos, table tennis, aerobics classes, dance lessons, bingo, nightclubs, shopping arcades, gyms, libraries, beauty salons, internet café’s, and not to mention the bars and cinemas available to all passengers.

Many parents may be concerned that travelling with children may disrupt their rest and relaxation time; however they need not worry at all.

Cruises provide special kids clubs aimed to keep them amused while the parents go and play or relax, and can help entertain them between destinations.

Babysitters are also available on cruises, and they will stay in the cabin with the children / babies whilst mummy and daddy enjoy some well earned evenings sharing a special bottle of wine or having fun at the casino or nightclubs.

Imagine visiting seven different Greek Islands, or cruising the coast of Italy and then moving on to another 5 different European countries, all without having to ever carry your suitcase or unpack it more than once during your trip! This is all possible when you decide to book any number of fabulous cruises available online.

Holidays With A Difference!

Sightseeing on Cruises
All cruises provide excellent opportunities to explore and learn about the different cultures and experience amazing sites and the countries and languages they contain. There are organised tours available on most cruises that can be organised on the boat to make things very easy.

Once the ship arrives at a port, there are many tours or opportunities to visit the beach or learn about ancient ruins or visit the many taverns and restaurants in the area. Cruises provide you with the chance to grab a few photographs of the local area, and some postcards to send home to make the friends and family jealous.

The two major expenses on a vacation are usually the travel (fares or fuel) and the holiday accommodation.

These are a set item in your travel budget and while you can make some savings (e.g. cheap flights) they are the two constant costs over which you have little control other than choice of type of fare and lodging. Other expenses such as entertainment, dining, activities and tours are more in your control.

Location
Obviously, the type of vacation you choose will determine the accommodation location to a great extent.  However, if it is too far from the focus of your trip, such as a beach or a ski slope then it may just not suit – after all you don’t want to spend a lot of time going to and from your hotel or wherever you are staying.

If it is a trip to see scenery in a larger area (e.g. Lakes District in the UK), then, perhaps just being near to central is sufficient.  Location can make or break a vacation if you don’t do your research first.


Type Of Accommodation
The type of lodgings will depend on your budget, trip focus, length of stay and location. Nowadays, many hotels and resorts offer a variety of options – family oriented, no kids (!), catering for retirees, sports (e.g. golfing vacations), naturist, cooking (e.g. Tuscany), gay and lesbian, luxury.

And, styles: from 5 Star to caravans and anything in between, including B & B’s, cabins with self catering, chalets, service apartments, pensiones in Rome and motels.

You may need self catering facilities with a kitchen and washing machine, particularly if taking the family. Other types may be hostels for backpacking, or a chalet or resort style apartment to provide comfort and access to facilities. Knowing the type of Accommodation you want can save a lot of time when searching online.

In Paris try this link for good service Paris hotels

Facilities
Again, this aspect depends on budget – having all the ‘bells and whistles” will cost a lot more than a self catering apartment – which, in many ways may be preferable if traveling with children.

Even caravan parks often have pools and recreation areas for kids, so they may be an alternative for the budget conscious family.  Additionally, there is the benefit of a laundry, and, many parks also have site specific bathroom facilities, rather than communal.

It’s standard to expect a TV in resorts and hotels, but the higher the star rating, the more they have in the way of in-room spas, room service, cable, and gyms, plus on site shopping in exclusive stores.

DESIRE RESORT RIVIERA MAYA

Some factors to consider

• Stay reasonably near public transport – this will obviously depend on the size of the place or city you are visiting.
• The point is that after a busy day of sightseeing, shopping or whatever – why subject yourself to a tiring hike from the station back to your lodgings etc?
• This is more so if you are on a trip that involves vigorous physical activity of some sort. After a hard day on the ski slopes, or a hot day on a beach, or from a cross country walk – do you then want to have lug yourself and your gear a long way back to your holiday accommodation?
• This just takes the restfulness out of a holiday.  You don’t have to stay in a central location (can be prohibitively expensive), but staying near public transport access can give you best of both worlds.
• In rural areas it can be smart to research the layout of the region, note what you want to see and then find accommodation central to that region. One, this allows you to stay at the accommodation longer and take advantage of longer stay rates.
• Two, it also allows you to be free of constant checking in and out – and additionally, you can get a better feel for the locale and the people.  Thirdly, the staff get to know you and this can mean better or more personal service.

What do you do is the public transport is poor or not available – then choose to stay as close to the focus of your vacation (e.g. the beach or golf course) as possible.

Costs / Budget
There are many websites available to research both types and costs of accommodation. It may be advisable to confirm the suitability of your choices with a travel agent – to ensure the veracity of what is said on the web pages!

Check availability, and book early to avoid disappointment during peak holiday periods as the best accommodation can be pre-booked years in advance.

Always obtain an email confirmation of your reservation with a booking number, and re-confirm within the week of your departure. Take copies with you – to ensure that when you arrive you get what you contracted for.

Many discounts and bargains can be found when traveling out of the peak tourist / holiday season. In countries such as Italy.

The start and end of the summer tourist season can provide some great bargains and the weather and climate is still generally perfect for getting out and seeing the sights.

You can also negotiate about rates, even in places like London – when the off season means they are looking for people to stay.  Use sites like Last Minute Hotels and so on – they buy blocks of accommodation to sell at discounts.

If you are going to the tropics, just be sure you aren’t traveling in hurricane season!

Whatever accommodation you decide upon, be it  hotels, resorts, backpacking hostels, bed and breakfast chalets, apartments, or a house, enjoy your holiday and relax in the thought that you have done your homework and found the best accommodation for yourself

China experienced a period of havoc after the Chinese Communist Party took control in 1949. The Traditional Chinese Culture was totally ruined and the whole generation of intellectuals was persecuted. So even the majority of Chinese people do not know the real Chinese culture either.

In consequence this root problem has made information on real Chinese culture often unavailable to foreigners. In China, if you are traveling there or doing business there, please bear in mind that the culture in the main stream society there is actually a modernized Communist culture instead of traditional Chinese culture.

The foreign traveler to China needs to remain conscious of the fact that it is not a democratic culture, that the language is ambiguous even in translation, and that it a very large country – with varying degrees of modernization occurring all over its landscape.

It is also a very traditional country and places much importance on etiquette, and dress codes tend to be conservative.

Being well prepared – with good information about places you want to visit – how to travel domestically there – possessing good travel insurance – and giving your self enough time – will make your vacation there much more enjoyable.

There is almost an endless list of sights to see.  Beijing alone, with the Forbidden City and the old Imperial Gardens of the summer palace, offers plenty to see.  The gardens are well worth the time spent there – they are quite extraordinary.

Of course, the Great Wall of China is one of the great wonders of the world.  Considering it is over 7,000 kilometers long, you can access it at different points of your journey around China, including near Beijing (about a 40 minute drive).

Many people hire local guides when they travel in China – and any good hotel will have a list of reliable people who can smooth the way for you as you make your way around cities and regions of interest.

Suggestions

1. Ming dynasty tombs
2. terracotta warriors
3. imperial palace
4. Tiananmen square
5. temple of heaven
6. The Olympic stadium

And of course Chinese cuisine – especially Peking duck!

Shanghai – ultra modern city, and Hong Kong for shopping should also be considered as alternative cities to visit.

Practical Tips

• Have complete travel insurance
• Hire a guide
• Take appropriate clothes for the weather – the climate is quite diverse
• Don’t over-pack – travel light.
• Allow plenty of time for visa applications – if you also visit Hong Kong, you may need a multiple-entry visa.
• Check out times for festivals – these can be great fun to see – though it may pay to avoid major holidays as many workers in China return home on these days.
• Medical – check the CDC for any vaccination needs at least 8 weeks before departure
• Watch out for counterfeit Yuan when exchanging money.
• Credit cards are not as widely accepted as in the USA – cash is the norm.  Discover is more widely accepted than other cards.
• As a rule, tips remain an insult – except in tourist traps
• Traffic in China can be very dangerous, and driving in China is not for the faint hearted.

In touristy places in China be cautious about unknown people approaching you on the street and striking up a conversation in English, as this may be a prelude to a scam.

Discover Ireland

Because of the great Irish migrations of the late 18^th Century and early 19^th century, many people in the USA, Canada and Australia derive from Irish stock and nowadays seek to discover Ireland where their forebears came from.

There are many places of great interest to see in Ireland, as well as the beautiful untouched countryside. The locals are extremely friendly, and the food and drink homely.

The population is about 6 million, and the country is divided into Northern Ireland, a part of Great Britain and Eire (Ireland).  Access to Ireland is direct from the US – or it can be accessed by plane and boat from England – or by plane from Europe.

Although steeped in history, visitors will feel extremely at home, as the country villages are still very traditional, with pubs providing local entertainment such as Ceilidh bands and Irish Dancing on a regular basis. The pubs tend to be a meeting place for most villages, and deals are done, produce swapped, and much Guinness drunk.

Visiting the principal cities of Belfast and Dublin takes you back in time with the historic buildings and Universities, as well as the friendly atmosphere and great shopping.

Northern Ireland is home to the Giants Causeway, which is a geological marvel of Basalt pipes (look like Church organ pipes) that appear at the coast and continue under the seas to Scotland.

Belfast is steeped in history of wars and battles with the English, but still remains a part of the United Kingdom and is home to many of England’s high level IT workers.

There are many tours on offer and the one around the Guinness factory is very popular with sampling and items to purchase. As it is a small country, it is easy to get around by car – for the tourist from any English speaking country there are usually no complications.

The counties of the Irish countryside offer the avid tourist many beautiful sights – the ‘green’ landscape of the ‘Emerald Isle’, ancient castles, churches, pilgrimage spots and welcoming people who love to meet visitors.

Take your walking boots and raincoats and enjoy the peaceful countryside, with amazing walks along the coast and to small fishing villages.

This country has it all, enjoy a guided tour by Bus, or Hire a car and see the west coast and its untouched beauty. Visit and enjoy the ‘Luck of the Irish’.

To quote “It was unlike any beach we had experienced; and besides, because of the hot sun and rough water, the kids were asleep for the night by eight o’clock. As a parent of young children, that was a gift. We had found our vacation home.”

This is an experience many new visitors find and, nothing new, of course, to those who live in surrounding States like Virginia.

But it is more than just a vacation destination – again to quote the webmaster:

“The Outer Banks, however, is much more than just a beach vacation place. It is a place that infiltrates your very soul. The beautiful location, the amazing historical sights ……the Outer Banks makes you realized that you are part of something much bigger …..The southern hospitality and easy going attitudes complete this place.”

For both vacation ideas and information I recommend you flip over to “The Outer Banks Revealed” and explore all the wonderful possibilities they enumerate for us visitors to the site.

As the site’s owner honestly admits they built the site to promote their rental properties but soon found that more so they wanted the site because of the people they met and they places they enjoyed and then wanted to share this with website visitors.

This really is the best type of travel site – as it is not a big commercial travel agency promotion, but real live people sharing down to earth reactions, recommendations and information.

Wrecks and Pirates Off The Outer Banks
The waters off the Outer Banks are so hazardous that they have earned the name “Graveyard of the Atlantic” due to the thousands of ships that ran aground on the shoals and were destroyed by storms. Historic lighthouses once used to warn sailors of danger still dot the coastline.

Among the pirates and buccaneers who hid their booty around these islands in the18th century was the infamous Blackbeard. He materialized in the area with a price on his head and was quickly captured and executed.

Today, beach lovers visit these legendary islands to enjoy the seemingly endless stretches of ocean and soft sand. Bird-watchers tour the wildlife refuges that host millions of migratory birds along the shores and inland marshes.

Families who can tear themselves away from the beach should visit lively Roanoke Island Festival Park, which has a hands-on museum, free concerts and plays, and a replica of the ship that brought over the colonists who disappeared.

This is a reliable, no strings attached information that should decide your next vacation choice.  I was there (years ago now) and it is a unique and beautiful place.

• Beach life
• Cape Hatteras
• Nags Head
• Golf (and Myrtle Beach too!)
• Wright Bros memorial (Kill Devil Hill)
• The mystery of the “lost colony”

So consider a trip there – visit Outer Banks Revealed and I am sure the “contact us” page will give you a link for any further questions you may have.

For the sake of this article LA refers to more than just the legal definition of Los Angeles as a city – we include the larger metropolitan region such as the separate counties or municipalities like Orange County where Disneyland is, Pasadena, Burbank, Santa Monica and so forth.

For those from small cities and towns, the sheer size or spread of LA is at first daunting and amazing. This is then reinforced when you get into traffic and have to navigate your way through, over, and under the maze of freeways that intertwine and interconnect LA and the surrounding regions such as Orange County, Hollywood, Santa Monica and so on.

So the first tip for an LA trip – take cabs! Let others have the stress of having to ‘muscle’ their way through the traffic and complexity of the road system.  Well, also check out the public transport as well.

Depending on the season or time of year – a simple “Google For It” will help you find many packages and tours that will no doubt match your needs.

This article isn’t about promoting specific packages – but more to just offer some ideas to whet your appetite and encourage you to really consider visiting this amazing, maddening, fabulous city.

Do It DifferentlyIn Los Angeles

Of course, you probably have to see Disneyland, Universal Studios and Hollywood – that’s part of its magic which we have grown up with. If nothing else, it brings the kid in you back alive!

However, LA is much more than that.  It is all those things we are familiar with from the cinema – and it is also a living breathing city not quite like any other.


It is an urban sprawl – that seems at once desperately degraded and worn out – yet having some spectacular architecture – in both the private and public domains.

The homes in Beverly Hills are out of this world (as are some of the occupants) and then there is the extraordinary Frank Gehry building for the Walt Disney Concert Hall.

LA is a city of extremes and contradictions – self-indulgence, celebrity obsession, fantastic cultural offerings, ghettoes of crime and deprivation, fashion, movies, world class universities, sophistication, smog and sun, sex, business, beaches and so much more.

Some attractions

• The Walt Disney Concert Hall (do see this!)
• Hollywood Museum
• LEGOLAND California
• Guinness World Records Museum
• The Queen Mary
• Petersen Automotive Museum
• Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens
• Getty Museum (You have to see this to believe it!)
• Venice Beach
• Kodak Theater
• Hollywood Bowl
• The home of the Dodgers and the Lakers!

Always travel safely in LA – know where you are going – before you go.  Although LA has been experiencing significant decline in crime since the mid 1990s, it only a foolish person who goes off the beaten track into suburbs that are the territory of gangs and other illicit activities.

Pix courtesy Wikipedia

The article title To Live and Die In LA comes from the 1985 movie of the same name which starred CSI’s William Peterson

English speakers see it as the source of their English language,  and, for many, where their ancestors came from – and of course, once the USA’s colonial master, and now firmest ally.

Great Britain, or the United Kingdom of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, is an easy country to tour, and offers huge variation of points of interest for the tourist within very short distances.  So touring involves less travel to see much.

The options are too many to list here, but the country will satisfy even the most jaded traveler.


London and all its attractions as one of the great cities of the world – financial capital, fashion center, home of the royal family, Trafalgar Square, fabulous museums and art galleries, great nightlife, bargain markets, The Tower with the Crown Jewels, and fun people.

London is a very walkable city too. In fact, it is nuts to try and drive there – too busy, no parking – and it has an Underground (subway) that is super efficient, and that avoids all the stress that driving would bring.

London is, as you know, the home of Wimbledon and in 2012 will host the Olympics – a great time to plan a vacation in Great Britain.

The countryside: The Lakes District encapsulates all of the beauty of the English rural scene, and the mountains of Snowdonia in Wales will take your breath away. As for Scotland, the home of Robbie Burns, Rob Roy and Braveheart, one person has said that the Scottish Highlands are a foretaste of what heaven will look like.  And a quick trip across the water you will discover Ireland – which lives up to its name of the Emerald Isle, even in summer.

A great idea for a drive yourself tour is to explore the villages of the countryside – where you can find gems of history and architecture in quiet village churches and graveyards.  Plus, many still have neat little old style English pubs for a relaxing bite and drink to break the day.

If history is your thing, then the university cities of Oxford and Cambridge will dazzle you with their medieval architecture, while tours of the great stately homes such as Castle Howard and Blenheim Palace will satisfy true lovers of art.

England has probably the best examples of the range of Norman and Gothic architecture – in cathedrals such as Westminster, Ely and Salisbury to name only three.  And, of course, there are the Houses of Parliament – a mix of Gothic and Neo Gothic.

Be different and visit Devon and Cornwall – an often forgotten part of England and yet some of the most beautiful countryside and beaches that England has to offer. There, relax with a Devonshire Tea, or taste the local Apple cider.  Then head for Bath, with its ancient Roman ruins and spa.

Because of its small area, you can see a lot of Britain without wearing yourself out. After that, a quick flight or train ride will take you across the channel to Europe, where you can continue with a European tour as an adjunct to your holiday in Great Britain.

Thailand offers many interesting choices for a vacation. From sightseeing in and around Bangkok, to lazing in the sun at Phuket or Kho Samui.

You can go on an elephant ride, see where the bridge over the river Kwai was or hunt for bargains at the many markets and street stalls (caveat emptor!)

Bangkok
Highly recommended is the tour of the royal palace – quite wondrous.  Try and travel there by
one of the boats on the river and you will also see another aspect of Bangkok.  Yes, the city is different than western cities, but leave your notions at home and enjoy it. It is vibrant and alive, especially at night.  Be practical, travel around it safely – use the cabs – they are a lot cheaper than at home.  Wear cool, comfortable clothes.

Relaxing
Just want to laze in the sun and have a restful time? Then consider Phuket, Pattaya or Kho Samui.

Indochine
Take a side trip up to Vientiane, the capital of neighboring Laos – where the echos of past French colonialism still reverberate all over.

Another neighbor is Cambodia – with the fabulous Angor Wat. Both countries are short flights away.

One, perhaps, unusual feature for many, is the deep respect the Thais have for the King and Queen. It is an offence to publicly deride or make offensive remarks about the monarchy (lese majeste) – even if it is meant as  a joke. Rather than being oppressive, this attitude is quite endearing, and many westerners could learn from the Thais.

From the Atlas mountains to Egypt to the Mountains of the Moon to the Kalahari and the wonders of safaris to view the wildlife are only some possibilities.

Africa, where mankind probably originated, has such diverse landscape, flora and fauna and cultures that it almost boogles the mind making a decision about where and what to do.

Africa is wild – there is no doubt about it – and I don’t mean just the animals. Many African countries are beset with civil unrest so caution is always a consideration that must be taken seriously.

Safe Traveling
Having said that, many African countries have well developed tourist industries and go to great lengths to protect visitors – so safe travel is possible.

Africa is filled with accessible wonders to name a few
• Victoria Falls
• the ruins of ancient Zimbabwe
• the Sahara and Kalahari deserts
• Roman ruins scattered across the north Afrcan countries
• mysterious Timbuktu
• The Serengeti Plains
• Egypt, of course, and the Nile
• Trekking up Mt Kilimanjaro
• the rain forest of Uganda and Rwanda – and see the gorillas
• Namibia’s Fish River Canyon – 2nd only to the Grand Canyon

Africa For The First Time

If your first trip to Africa is also your first time visiting a developing country, you may be in for a cultural shock. Find out what to expect from your first trip to Africa from the advice given below.

1.   Give yourself time to get used to being in a different environment. Don’t compare things with “home” and just keep an open mind. If you are afraid or suspicious of local people’s motives, you can needlessly ruin your vacation. Read the tips below, file them away and enjoy your visit to Africa.

2. The poverty in much of Africa is usually what strikes first-time visitors the most. You will see beggars and you may not know how to respond. You will realize you can’t give to every beggar, but giving to none will most likely make you feel guilty. It’s a good idea to keep small change with you and give to those who you feel need it the most.

If you don’t have small change, a kind smile and a sorry are perfectly acceptable. If you can’t handle the guilt, make a donation at a hospital or to a development agency that will spend your money wisely.

3. Children begging on their own will often have to give up the money to a parent, guardian or gang leader. If you want to give something to begging children, give them food instead of money, that way they’ll benefit directly.

4. For women, being stared at by groups of men is naturally somewhat threatening. But this is what you can expect when you travel to some African countries, especially in Northern Africa (Morocco, Egypt and Tunisia). Try not to let it bother you. You have to just learn to ignore it and not get annoyed by it.

5. Beware of scams and touts – assume nothing is free – despite what people approaching you claim.

Research where you are going to and use a respected guide like Fodors or the Lonely Planet to learn about the do’s and don’t's. The little time you spend doing this may just save you lots of time of hurt and anger.

Consider an African Safari Holiday – see more CLICK HERE

Also take notice of “Travel Advisories” from your foreign affairs department – especially if you are visiting, or even transitting, a strife torn region.

Safety When You Travel Around Africa
Don’t assume that what is safe at home is also safe abroad.
You don’t face any more danger traveling in Africa than in other parts of the world.


Petty theft is probably the most common crime you are likely to come across when visiting Africa. As a tourist with cameras and cash, you just have to be careful.

Violent muggings are quite rare for most African countries. Dakar, Lagos, Nairobi and Johannesburg are probably most notorious for violent crime, car-jacking and murder. Keep up to date with African news so you can avoid areas where there is war, famine or obvious political instability.

Some Safety Tips While Traveling In Africa
• Wear a flat money belt that fits underneath your clothes. Use this to keep your credit credit cards, passport and travelers checks safe.

• Make a copy of your passport, ticket, credit card and traveler check numbers. Put these in your main luggage so if you do get robbed of the originals, you still have all the information for insurance and replacement purposes.

• Use a fanny pack or your pockets for your day to day cash. I always think of this as a decoy. If you get robbed, then all you lose is a day’s worth of spending money.

• Don’t wear jewelery, flashy watches or cameras around your neck, you’re just inviting trouble.

• Don’t walk alone at night especially in major town and cities and in stick to well lit areas even if you are walking with a group.

• Beware of thieves posing as police officers.

Health: Be Smart
Enquire about appropriate health precautions (vaccinations and so on) – malaria is endemic and those of European descent are susceptible to contracting it.

• A travel agent should know the latest recommendations based on where you are going. Specify which African country/s.

• Consider taking a first aid kit with you – especially if you are venturing outside of cities and big towns.

Climate
The climate of Africa varies from tropical to sub-arctic on its highest peaks; including the desert in the northern half, while it is able to find both savanna plains and dense jungle regions in the central and southern areas.

Pack sensible clothes, noting that in Islamic countries standards of dress are different.

The list of possibilities is almost endless. So how do you decide which destination is for you?  A few factors that can help you are:

• Budget – flights, accommodation, food, tours. Do you want to travel cheaply or all the way up to first class and 5 star.
• The purpose – vacation or business
• Are you adventurous, or do you prefer to stay in your own comfort zone as much as possible.
• Activities – for skiing (& other sports), tours, white water rafting, sightseeing, just plain good old relaxing and so on.
• Your interests – if ancient history and monuments – then don’t go to Australia; if its snorkeling and diving then perhaps Australia’s Great Barrier Reef is the place to go.

If It’s Tuesday It Must Be Belgium
Many people, especially first time travelers, try to cram as much as possible into that “once in a lifetime” holiday.  This is natural, as they want to see all those things they have seen on TV or read about over the years. But, it can turn a holiday into a hell-a-day!

So it is good sense to research well before deciding and then planning the trip.  Get an idea of things like

• distances to be traveled and the time used up on planes, trains etc PLUS sitting around in airports or stations
• modes of transport (hire cars, trains, buses etc)
• Time differences ( From the States, you lose a day going to the Southern Hemisphere, but gain it on the return – but not so if you travel “around the world”)
• Tours – see what is actually offered, whether you have ‘free time” to do some sightseeing or shopping at your own pace.

You may be surprised at how much “lost time” there is – and this affects your schedule of hoped for sightseeing and other activities.

Be Practical

Time - how long will the trip be – don’t try and see all of Europe if you only have two weeks – prioritize your preferences – and make sure you plan to see things well and not rush so much you don’t really take anything in and then need a vacation to recover when you get home.  The same applies to the other continents.

Flight time – East coast US to Europe is at least 6-7 hours, but to Australia it is at least 20 hours – plus airport changeover times.  Note jet lag is worst when traveling in an Easterly direction – and the Southern Hemisphere may be on a different day!

Language – perhaps an English speaking country, if it is your first overseas trip, will help you learn the pitfalls and joys of international travel more easily.

People choose their travel destinations for all sorts of reasons

• To meet people of different cultures and experience their lifestyle and differences
• To practice a newly learnt language
• To meet relatives from the “old country”
• To see famous art, museums, places
• For shopping (yes!)
• Pilgrimages (Mecca, Lourdes)
• To play golf at St Andrew’s or watch a major sports event (Olympics, Tour de France, Socer World Cup)
• There are other nefarious reasons which we won’t mention.

Avoid cultural Fatigue
In the long run, for both value for dollar spent and enjoyment gained, it is usually better to narrow down the number of countries to visit.

And, within those places, again narrow down what you want to see.  What is the point of running around every museum in, for example, Rome over a 4-5 day period – - just to say you have been in them? St Peter’s alone takes a whole day to see properly – let alone the Vatican museum!

This is true of most of Rome’s museums and art galleries – and pretty well true for Paris and other major cities,

It is better to see some things well, than all badly!  You will retain more memories and certainly enjoy what you do see better. Your memories shouldn’t be locked into a camera! And, you will also have a holiday – which should be restful!

Whatever travel destinations you consider, prepare for your trip well and you will enjoy it.