Tips on Taking a Family Cruise

Going on a family cruise can be an incredible adventure, creating memories that last a lifetime. However, planning a family cruise can be a daunting task, especially if you've never been on one before. Here are some tips to help you plan and make the most out of your family cruise experience.

Choose the Right Cruise Line: Not all cruise lines cater to families, so it's important to do your research and choose a cruise line that offers family-friendly amenities and activities. Look for a cruise line that offers a variety of age-appropriate programs and activities, such as water parks, arcades, and kid's clubs.

Plan Ahead: Before you go on your cruise, make sure to plan ahead. Research the ports of call and the excursions available, and make reservations for any activities or shows that require them. Also, make sure to pack appropriately for your trip, taking into consideration the weather and the dress code of the cruise line.

Book a Stateroom that Fits Your Family: When booking a stateroom, make sure to choose one that accommodates your family size and needs. Many cruise lines offer staterooms that sleep four or more people, as well as connecting rooms, which are perfect for larger families.

Take Advantage of the Kids Clubs: Most cruise lines offer kids' clubs that cater to different age groups. These clubs offer a variety of supervised activities and games, allowing parents to enjoy some alone time. Encourage your kids to participate in the kids club, as it's a great way for them to make new friends and have fun.

Make Time for Family Activities: While it's important to take advantage of the kid's clubs, it's also important to make time for family activities. Many cruise lines offer family-friendly shows, movies, and activities, such as mini-golf or ice skating. Make sure to attend these events as a family, as they can be a lot of fun and create lasting memories.

Try the Specialty Dining: Many cruise lines offer specialty dining options, such as fine dining restaurants or themed restaurants. These restaurants often have a surcharge, but they can be well worth it for a special occasion or to try something new. Make sure to make reservations early, as these restaurants can fill up quickly.

Stay Connected: Most cruise lines offer Wi-Fi onboard, but it can be expensive. Consider purchasing a Wi-Fi package before you go or limiting your usage while onboard. It's also a good idea to bring walkie-talkies or a messaging app to stay connected with your family members while onboard.

Take Care of Yourself: It's easy to get caught up in the excitement of a family cruise, but it's important to take care of yourself too. Make sure to get enough rest, stay hydrated, and eat healthily. Take advantage of the onboard fitness center or the opportunity to participate in outdoor activities.

In conclusion, a family cruise can be an amazing experience, full of adventure, fun, and memories. With some careful planning and these tips in mind, you're sure to have a great time and make lasting memories with your family.

Basic Tips When Travelling to Asia

If you are planning to travel to Asia, you are in for an awesome visit. To make sure that your trip is a memorable one, there are some things you should take care of before you leave. 

Register with the Embassy’s Consular Section. Regardless of where you plan to travel in Asia, it is advisable to register with the US Embassy Consular, for your protection. If there is an emergency, no one can help you if they are not aware of where you are.

You will need to have a valid passport. Be sure to check to see if you need a visa for where you are going. It is important to read the Consular's information sheets for the areas you are traveling to. As it would provide you with up to date information about anything taking place in that region that you should be aware of. Should you find yourself in any type of legal trouble, immediately contact the US Embassy for assistance.

The rules, regulations, and laws are different in Asia than in the United States. Before leaving for your trip it is wise to familiarize yourself with the policies and procedures of that area. This would help you avoid getting into legal trouble because you would be aware of how things are done there. You must follow the rules set by all airports and do not leave your bags unattended.

Fundamental rules apply anywhere you travel, that is, do not wear expensive jewelry or display large amounts of cash, because these are indicators that you have items of value. This can lead you to be the victim of a robbery or a worse crime. Also, avoid exchanging currency with anyone other than an authorized agent. Be careful when making purchases such as jewelry, art, and antiques.

Take the time to follow these basic tips so your trip to Asia can be enjoyable.  If you are prepared you will avoid surprises that can ruin your trip.  Register with the US Embassy, so you can get help if something goes wrong.  Taking these steps will allow you to focus on the beauty of Asia and have a great travel experience.

Tips For Staying Safe At The Pool Or The Beach

The weather is getting warmer! Here are some pool or beach tips to safeguard your family and friends.

Learn to swim and swim with another person, never alone.

Only swim in areas where there is a lifeguard.

Be vigilant, read, and obey all pool rules and signs posted.

Beginner swimmers and children should wear floatation devices when in and around water.

Based on each family member's abilities, set water safety rules accordingly.

Be knowledgeable about the water environment you are in, such as potential hazards, deep and shallow areas, currents, etc.

Before swimming, make sure to check the local weather forecast and conditions.

Use a feet-first approach when entering the water.

Do not dive if the area is not marked for diving.

Don’t drink alcohol whilst swimming, diving, or boating.

Know the procedures to prevent, recognize, and respond to all emergencies.

Never leave your children unattended next to the water.

Install a phone close to your pool area with an obvious sign marked 9-1-1.

Learn how to perform CPR and put up clear instructions that others can refer to and learn as well.

Wear sunscreen to protect your skin.

Drink water regularly to prevent getting a heat stroke.

Keep essential lifesaving equipment near the pool like a rope, pole, and floatation device.

Remove your pool cover completely before allowing anyone to enter the pool.

Do not leave pool furniture next to your fence as it would enable children to climb on them.

Avoid running near the pool area, the wet ground could cause you to slip and fall.

Travel clocks

 Travelers have various needs and one of these needs is access to a travel clock. Travel clocks are necessary even though hotels offer wake up calls as they are a much kinder or gentler way to be woken.

Travel clocks are available in all types of shapes and sizes. It might be a good idea to allow your children to choose your travel clock as it would remind you of them every morning and let them know you will be thinking of them while you away.

It is important when you are traveling that you display personal items such as travel clocks, candles or photographs of family and friends as they tend to help you feel at home. Traveling especially for business can make you feel quite lonely, so anything that makes you feel less alone or isolated is a good thing to pack when you travel.

If you travel often for business or family vacations, good travel clocks play a huge role in the way you wake up in the mornings and can thus influence the overall enjoyment of your trip. Make sure to choose a clock with an alarm that is not too overpowering or obnoxious. If possible, select one that does not make you feel homesick. 

Types of Luggage

Luggage comes in a range of styles, sizes, and shapes, with most styles having wheels. You can now purchase wheeled carry on bags, duffel bags, and full-sized garment bags. 

Other choices are travel bags, tote carry-on bags, shoulder carry-on bags, and travel totes. There are expandable cargo bags as well, which are normally smaller than is typical but can expand when you pack your belongings.

There are sets of luggage available with the same design and color, the material and frames are also usually the same. These sets generally include a small carry-on bag, travel kit and multiple sizes of upright luggage.

Leather luggage is another available option. There are varied styles such as leather suit bags, garment bags, cabin bags, and duffel bags. Weekender bags and the old-fashioned carpet bags are also obtainable.

There are bags with various designs like flowers, animals, cartoon characters for kids. Almost any design is possible.

When purchasing luggage one thing travelers usually consider is the type of material the luggage is made from. Whether it is canvas, soft leather or polyester.  Or hard materials that would protect their belongings and withstand any rough handling while they are loaded or removed from planes, trains, or buses. Most frequent travelers usually go for these types of luggage because of their durability. Ultimately, the style you choose will depend on your needs and possibly your frequency of travel.

How To Get The Best Price For A Cruise

If you want the best rates for a cruise, you might want to consider choosing a cruise specialist. This is because a cruise specialist is very knowledgeable about how cruise lines work, with regards to the best travel dates, promotions available, ship details and routes.  If you conduct your search online there is an extensive list of people selling cruises. To make the right choice it is wise to speak with them and ask questions like; What makes them qualified to be a specialist?  How many cruises have they been on? How does their service work?  Are they going to help you exclusively through the entire booking process?

To find out if the rate the specialist is offering is the best rate available, call the cruise line directly and compare. Remember to check that the price includes all port charges and taxes. Most often the ‘bargains’ advertised online are not, as you can get the same offer if you do business with the cruise line directly. Some of these ‘bargains’ include 75% off your cruise, buy one get one free or free air. Whatever the promotional line may say if it sounds too good to be true then it probably is. Not all offers are dishonest, you can usually tell the difference by how they are presented. Trust your gut instinct!

European Luxury Cruise Vacation

Those who have taken a luxury cruise vacation throughout Europe have commented on the amazing experience they have had. As a result, they were inspired to take more vacations onboard luxury liners.

This unique travel experience enhances the value of your vacation, as you are offered amenities that you do not normally get with other vacation options. You can see incredible sunrises and sunsets without being blocked by city skylines. You also get the chance to relax while listening to the comforting sounds of the ocean waves. 

It is the perfect opportunity to have a hassle-free vacation while being able to visit different ports in the world.  As the captain and crew navigate to various areas of interest, you can spend valuable time exploring the many cultures that are at each destination along the way.

There is a wide range of services available that would attract a variety of tastes and interests among passengers. From relaxing at the poolside, experiencing the breath-taking sight of a pod of whales, participating in the onboard entertainment and activities, enjoying the mouth-watering cuisine to exploring fascinating and spectacular destinations.

A European vacation cruise is appealing to lots of people because of the many exciting destinations that are available for exploration by travelers. There are various luxury cruise liners that have itineraries to suit the needs and interests of vacationers. The internet has a vast amount of information regarding different cruise lines, destinations and holiday package deals to help you to plan your unforgettable luxury cruise vacation.

Take A Private Jet To Your Destination

If you ever get the chance to fly on a 40-million-dollar corporate jet, it would certainly be a memorable experience. As you would be attended to by a highly competent flight attendant in the lavish splendor of your own luxuriously appointed cabin. Here is some information to help you, should the opportunity present itself in the future.

For most people, their first experience of private jet flying is by chartering a flight. There are businesses, celebrities, private individuals and families who utilize this service and you can also. The following is a list showing some of the companies that are willing and able to provide this kind of service.

 Clay Lacy Aviation

 Jet Aviation

 Key Air

 Million Air

 Regal Aviation

 TAG Aviation

 The Air Group

Some companies offer fractional ownership in a private jet. This means you can co-own an aircraft, and you are then able to fly it or a similar jet when needed. If you are interested in the details about how this works, you can visit the following companies’ websites for further information.

CitationAir

Flexjet

Flight Options

Netjets

Several companies also provide a service to help you broker a flight. The exceptional ones have extensive databases with information about all the available jets that can be chartered.  These include:
  
Air Royale

Bluestarjets

L & L International

Marquis Jets

Sentient Jet

Your first private jet flight is closer than you think.  Charter a jet and travel like a rock star to the destination of your choice!

Budapest Summer Bridge Festival

In 1999 Budapest had a  Summer on the Chain Bridge Festival as a way to celebrate, the Bridge that connects Buda to Pest, 150th birthday. Since then it has become an annual festival.

This iconic symbol of the Hungarian Capital is closed to traffic during summer and transformed into a huge stage. It hosts a series of free events and musical theatrical performances. Every weekend from  June to August, visitors can enjoy the breathtaking views of the Danube, while being entertained by free performances of jazz and classical music. There are also several stalls of cultural displays, traditional Hungarian food, and drinks with a festive atmosphere.

If you are interested in attending this exciting event in Budapest, remember it is quite popular, so most accommodations are usually booked early.  So, make sure to book way in advance to get the best prices and offers. There are a lot of accommodation options available in Budapest to suit any budget whether you are an independent traveler, a backpacker or you are traveling with your family. Private apartments and youth hostels are the usual choices.

If apartment accommodation is what you are seeking, then there are lots of classy, comfortable apartments available. These usually cost 10-30 euros per person. Some are situated in downtown Budapest, like the Anna Center Apartment, Akademia Apartments, Apartment St. Michael, Gabriella and Elizabeth Apartments, Navigare Apartments, Budapest Flats, Arcadia Apartments, and Aida Apartment.

Youth Hostels have lower rates per person. Some that are in good locations and rated highly by customers are Mellow Mood Central Hostel, Moha Hostel, Goat Hostel, Domino Hostel, Marco Polo Hostel, Karat Hostel and Guesthouse, Grand Hostel of Budapest and Riverside Youth Hostel. Their prices start from 12 euros per person, per night in a shared dorm room.

Summer on the Chain Bridge is lots of fun for everyone.

Air Transportation

There are various options available for air transport. These options are flexible in several ways. They allow you access to some incredible air transport out there. Getting around has never been better and many people are taking advantage of flying, using different means of air transport. 

 Just a few years ago a lot of people would not have had the opportunity to fly in any sort of air transport. Now, however, it is quite different as air transport has become a vital part of people’s lives. 

Air transport is quite useful for many things. We often think of airplanes as air transportation for people to travel back and forth and a way of flying all types of equipment and supplies from one place to another. However, do you realize the huge role air transportation plays in protection? How about in health-related cases, when air transport is the only way of getting a patient to a hospital to save their life? There is also the important part it plays in carrying out military missions and how essential it is for trade between countries. 

 People generally think of airplanes as the main use of air transport. Today, it is possible to take a plane practically any place in the world that you want to go to. Some are built with the ability to turn your seat into a bed, to allow you to get more comfortable during a long-haul flight. Others might not be as luxurious, but they do provide the services that we need. 

Visit Andorra

Have you thought about visiting a country that is exceptional but not popular? Then you might want to visit Andorra. Andorra is situated between France and Spain in a valley on the Southern side of the Pyrenees mountains. The perfect luxurious destination where you are guaranteed to have lots of fun.

Those who have visited this remarkable country, really enjoy shopping as it is practically tax-free and duty-free. So, travelers really love going to the stores to shop. Besides shopping, you can also enjoy quite a lot of activities.

One of the major attractions for Andorra is skiing since it is located at the base of the Pyrenees mountains. Visitors can also choose to hike or climb the mountain.  The scenery throughout Andorra is truly beautiful. The architecture of their buildings is stunning as well.

If you make Andorra, your holiday destination make sure to visit the Caldea thermal spa for a chance to really relax. It is one of the places that is highly recommended by travelers to Andorra. A luxury vacation in Andorra will certainly be an experience you would never forget

Airlines Frequent Flyer Program

Airlines know the cost of getting a new customer. They also know that it is much easier and less expensive to keep the customers that they already have.  This the reasoning behind the frequent flyer programs that airlines have. Frequent flyer programs reward you the more you fly.

A frequent flyer program allows you to receive certain benefits based on the number of miles that you fly on a particular airline. This may include a free ticket or a free upgrade from economy class to first class.

Some airlines offer exclusive programs that provide check-in and boarding pass priorities. There are also affinity’credit cards that give you mileage credits whenever you use them for purchases. For you to gain these benefits you must first become a member of the airline’s program. This can be done through a travel agency or online.

Be sure to compare the different programs available carefully before enrolling as a member. As each airline’s program has conditions and limitations. Remember to read their promotional material in detail.

Here are several things you should look out for:

The rate at which you can earn credits and the minimum number of credits you can earn per flight.

Find out about free tickets for yourself, or a companion and upgrades.

How much credit you would need for the awards you are interested in.

When do credits expire?

Do the airline fly to the cities you are traveling to?

Is it affiliated with other airlines, car rental companies or hotels?

Can awards be transferred to someone else or are they only for members?

Keep in mind airlines reserve the right to make changes at any time, often without notice. These changes may include amendments to the conditions and limits on the awards earned.

Don’t forget to keep track of the mileage you have earned and compare it to the statement they mail to you.

It is not unusual for airlines to add new routes after you have joined the program. You may be able to earn credits on that route but not use awards there.

Another vital point you should bear in mind is airlines generally restrict the transfer of mileage earnings. This is most often seen with the sale or attempted sale of credits or awards a person has earned and decided to sell. You should never attempt to do this, as airlines normally find out about these schemes and actively pursue them. 

 

Planning Your Train Ride

You can plan many exciting train ride adventures for you and your family, but you need to find out all the options available to ensure that everyone enjoys it. Amtrak is one of the most popular passenger trains that take you to various destinations. You can book day trips or long-distance journeys that take several days. Some trains have dining cars as well as sleeping cars to make your trip more comfortable.


There might not be a train route available for where you want to travel to. There are however many other train rides you can choose that can also be fun, with several options depending on your destination. For instance, in Colorado, there are amazing train rides that take you through the mountain areas.


Before you decide to book a train ride, you may want to consider what it is you want to experience. If you are seeking a historical adventure, then older steam locomotives might be more suitable for your trip. If you love sightseeing, then think about what kind of landscaping you are interested in seeing.

Make sure to find out how long the train ride will last so that you can prepare for it. Children generally tend to get restless when they spend hours on a train, so don’t forget to pack snacks, drinks and fun activities to help pass the time. Be sure to know when the train is departing and what time you may need to check-in before boarding.

Be aware that some train terminals are quite large and so it may be difficult to know where you need to be. Therefore, always arrive early in that way you have plenty of time to find out where everything is. You would also avoid getting stressed and miss your train because you could not locate the departure area.

There are guidelines about what you can take with you on the train, so remember to pay attention to them to prevent being told you cannot board with certain items. Keep your baggage simple by only taking one or two small bags with you.

There are times when people may get sick while riding on the train, this might be a result of watching the landscaping moving rapidly when looking out of the window. It also tends to happen if your seat faces backward from the direction that the train is traveling. You might want to have some crackers with you to help settle your stomach or you can ask to change your seat.

The cost of the train tickets is dependent on your travel plans. Recreational trains normally have a constant price. However, Amtrak and other types of trains, price varies according to your destination and your travel dates. Check the prices online so you know what they are. Try and reserve your tickets in advance, so you are sure that there are enough seats available for you and those traveling with you.


You have the option of ordering your tickets over the phone if you do not want to do it online. Don’t forget to ask about the refund policy in case you may need to reschedule your trip.


A train ride is a good alternative to driving to your destination as it can be difficult to meet your children's needs while you are driving. Taking the train also gives you a chance to relax and view the scenery. It is quite easy to find a train ride that would suit your schedule and budget because there are so many choices.

Beach Vacation Resorts

When you are considering where to go for your beach vacation, with so many fantastic destinations to choose, the task might be difficult. So here are some ideas to assist you in making your decision.

Kohea Kai Maui Resort Hawaii

If you have frequent flyer miles, then it might be a good time to use them by taking a beach vacation on the island of Hawaii. A Hawaiian vacation offers you the opportunity to relax on the beach, swim in the ocean, play golf and pamper yourself by having one of the many innovative spa treatments. Hawaii also has the perfect weather for a great beach vacation. Kohea Kai resort is just 15 minutes from Kahului Airport. This beachfront resort has five miles of gorgeous beach right at your door. It is the perfect choice for an exotic getaway, weddings, honeymoons and family vacation.

Cloister at Sea Island Georgia

The Cloister at Sea Island is located on the East Coast, in Georgia. It has 54 holes of championship golf, beautiful sandy beaches, a posh spa, and upscale dining. There is also a range of exciting activities that you can experience.

Kahala Mandarin Oriental Hawaii

The Kahala Mandarin Oriental is a luxurious getaway, with renowned service. Here you can expect to be treated like royalty. You can visit the spa, meet dolphins, take scuba diving lessons, exercise overlooking the ocean and relax on pristine white-sand beaches. It is located just ten minutes from Waikiki’s shopping and entertainment.

Ritz Carlton St Thomas

The elegant Ritz Carlton St Thomas resort is an ideal beach vacation destination for families, couples and adventure-seekers. As you can enjoy endless blue waters and sandy beaches, verdant mountain views and thrilling water sports. It also has stunning venues for any occasion.


Half Moon Bay California

This 5-star iconic oceanfront luxury resort is just 30 minutes from San Francisco and Silicon Valley. It offers delicious menus prepared by the resort’s Michelin chefs, spectacular ocean views, and a dedicated concierge. There is also an amazing selection of things to do and activities to experience for the entire family.

The Caves Resort Jamaica

This unique resort offers its guest romance and seclusion.  Each room has breath-taking coastal views as it sits on top of some of the most magnificent sea caves in the world. Their dishes are sumptuous and are prepared with some of the freshest produce found locally. Ocean Magazine has rated its spa as one of Jamaica’s top spas.  Their activities include snorkeling, kayaking, fishing and much more. The Caves is all about adventure, relaxation, and luxury. 

Lanier Islands Resort Georgia

Lanier Islands is the most visited lakeside resort in Atlanta Georgia. It features immense natural beauty in an intimate setting. It is a great destination for family vacations, romantic breaks, business conferences, and weddings. There many exciting things to do such as playing golf, relax on the beach,  waterpark activities, boating, water sports, and camping.

Travel Anxiety

A person may experience travel anxiety after they have been involved in a road or rail accident. They might not have been hurt physically but psychologically they may have felt it is a potential risk to their wellbeing or indeed their life.

Those who suffer from travel anxiety usually try to avoid traveling whenever they can. If they must travel by car, they would prefer to be the one driving rather than be a passenger. Throughout the journey, they will be constantly alert and checking the road for situations that can cause an accident. This causes them to be irritable, nervous and exhausted by the time they have arrived at their destination.

Some avoid traveling by car at all costs. This helps them to maintain their phobia as they are not subjected to circumstances where they must face their fear and eventually come to terms with it.

Hodophobia is the fear of travel, this can be initiated by various factors. It can be displayed by mild nervousness to a debilitating panic attack.  

For some just being in a car petrifies them whether they are the ones driving, or they are being driven. Quite possibly, they had experienced a panic attack while driving and are continually afraid that it would happen again. Or they might be afraid that other drivers are going to lose control.

Others are comfortable driving on the roads they are familiar with such as close to where they live. They, however, become scared if they need to drive in a strange area. Many are also at ease driving on normal roads but become fearful of driving on motorways or dual carriageways. Some are afraid of being caught up in heavy traffic, driving at night, in difficult weather or on narrow lanes.

The responses to hodophobia are learned behaviors and can, therefore, be treated by cognitive behavioral therapy.

Traveler or Tourist

At some points in your life, you might have been a tourist. You have taken a map, and a camera or maybe even had a tour guide on a trip. You have traveled to various destinations, relaxed on beautiful beaches, climbed stairs in buildings you have seen on television. You have done all the typical things a tourist would do, yet, when you arrive home all you have of your vacation is a few photographs.

It is good to take a vacation occasionally. However, why travel thousands of miles just to stay in your hotel room and watch movies, or lie outside on the pool deck to catch some rays? After all, you can do these things at home. To be a traveler and not a tourist. You would need to immerse yourself in the culture of the country you have traveled to. During your vacation, you want to experience and understand their way of life.

Try to avoid packing the things you depend on in America. Just pack what is necessary to survive and stay healthy on your trip. In that way, you would not rely on them while vacationing and it will enable you to become more of the traveler that you should be.

Get out and interact with the natives. Meet different people, experience new things. Be receptive to fresh ideas and opportunities, as this can help to improve your life. So be open, willing and accepting.

This is your chance to experience the world differently. Therefore, leave the tourist at home and let your inner traveler shine through.

Safest Seat On A Plane

One question that is often asked by many concerned passengers on an aircraft is: What is the safest seat on the plane? The simple answer is none. This is because mishaps can happen anywhere on a plane.

Some think that the closer you are seated to the emergency exit, the safer you are. Unfortunately, that is not accurate. A fire can start anywhere on a plane including near the exit. Also, if the emergency exit is stuck, whether you are seated nearest to it or farthest from it, you are still in the same predicament.

Irrespective of where you are seated, the only way you can minimize the risk to your safety is by being vigilant and mindful of your surroundings. Take note of where the exits are and listen keenly to the pre-flight and in-flight instructions. Avoid drinking too much alcohol. Be sensible and considerate of others so you can prevent accidents, like having a carry-on bag that’s too heavy, spilling hot drinks, being careless with objects that are pointed and sharp. Be sure to always use your common sense. 

The fact is plane accidents are quite rare although people tend to have anxiety about air travel. It is vital that you stay calm and don’t panic. Fear is extremely contagious. Most often the casualties that happen in accidents are a result of fear, they could have been prevented if the panic was suppressed. So, in the event there is an accident, remember to take deep breaths, keep the tone of your voice calm and follow instructions.

Again, there is no seat on a plane that is the safest. However, you can always make where you are seated, the safest seat, after all the feeling of safety is in your mind.

First Aid Kit for your Trip

It is important when packing for your trip that you include a first aid kit. This will help you to treat any minor illnesses straight away.

You should not only have one when you travel but also when doing any activity that is not close to civilization such as hiking or walking.

An ideal container for your first aid kit is one that is light like plastic and has a proper lid and if possible, has a handle. Boxes such as a small toolbox, fishing tackle box or kitchen Tupperware are good options.


Here is a list of some items you could put in your vacation first aid kit. Remember this is not a complete list, so there are other items you could also add.

Sterile gauze with adhesive tape and a small sharp scissors for cutting.

Different sizes of band-aids

Antibiotic cream

Hydrogen peroxide

Antiseptic wipes

Aspirin

Acetaminophen

Instant cold packs

Calamine lotion

Hydrocortisone cream

Antacid

Insect repellent

Motion sickness medication

Anti-diarrhoea medication

Sunscreen

Cold and Flu tablets

If you are taking prescription medication do not forget to pack sufficient for the entire duration of your trip.

You can also place a list of emergency numbers and your medical insurance information in your first aid kit.

Keep a first aid manual accessible and make sure to read it before your trip.  So, you are well prepared if anything should happen. You might also want to consider reviewing the manual with your children so they can have an idea about first aid.

It may be essential to include miscellaneous items such as a thermometer, latex gloves, tweezers, flashlight, and spare batteries.

Always remember to keep your first aid kit handy, but away from small children.

The City of Dubai

The city of Dubai is located within the United Arab Emirates and it’s bursting with beauty, wonder, and intrigue. It has miles of endless deserts and beaches, there are also impressive discoveries in art, culture, and history. With majestic hotels and mouth-watering cuisine, this city is packed with a wide range of attractions and activities to keep the natives and tourists busy and inspired by their surroundings. Dubai has a variety of exciting neighborhoods with commercial novelties and interesting districts you can explore, these include Old Dubai, Bur Dubai, and the Al- Bastakiya district.

If you love to shop or enjoy the sights and sounds of the great outdoors, there is an abundance of major tourist attractions that can be found throughout the city. Lamcy Plaza and Mercato Mall are notable locations to shop but even more impressive is the Mall of Emirates, the third largest mall in the world. There are 1200 stores, an aquarium, a virtual-reality theme park, an Olympic- size ice skating rink and hundreds of restaurants, with over 80 million visitors every year it the most visited mall in the world.

For the best nightlife, many believe that the larger hotels in Dubai are the place to be. As they have some of the best bars. There is also a variety of entertainment that can be found in some hot spots throughout the city that are less expensive.  The busiest nights to party are on Thursdays and Saturdays.

 Make sure to check the Weather Channel when planning your trip to Dubai, so you can prepare for the upcoming temperatures. Generally, the high and lows are quite pleasant. In the summer the weather tends to be hot and humid, while September to May is much cooler.  January and February get the most rainfall.

Planning for International Travel

If you are planning a trip to Europe or a cruise to the Caribbean, then there are a few things you should know, before booking your vacation. Traveling internationally is quite different from taking a three-hour drive from your home. If you do not plan properly, you may end up in an undesirable hotel without any money left to enjoy your trip.
So, here is a quick guide to help make your vacation planning much easier.

Where to Go?

You do not have to settle for a typical destination. Make sure to choose one that will make a lasting impression. You might want to think about the following before finalizing your decision.

What activities do you normally enjoy doing while you are vacationing? 

What would the weather be like at your destination?

Are you looking for quiet or would you rather be in the heart of the action?

What is your budget for your trip and how much vacation time do you have?

Be sure to consider these four key things carefully before booking your vacation. 

If you are traveling with your family, choose a destination that has activities that you will all enjoy. If your preference is a beach resort. There are exotic locations such as Indonesia, Thailand or Singapore with beautiful beach resorts. If you are an art lover then you will enjoy visiting Rome, Venice or France. If you are passionate about shopping, then choose Hong Kong, where you will find open-air markets, shops, boutiques and malls at every corner.

When you have chosen your destination, decide what city you want to visit and the hotel or resort you want to stay. The internet has many resources to help you to find the best deals. Remember, do not forgo the service or the quality of a hotel for a ‘good deal’.  If you do thorough research, you will know what you would get in advance.

To get discounts on luxury resorts you might want to join a travel group as membership offers huge savings. This will also save you money and time since they research and book your vacation for you. You might be able to make some extra money as well, as some groups allow you to sell memberships or travel packages to others. This could be a good opportunity to save and make money to travel to the places you love.

Be sure to allow plenty of time to get your passport and any other important documents that are required for international travel, in particular the country you are traveling to. Ask a travel agent if you are unsure or research online. Find out about things such as car rental, driver’s license compatibility, travel insurance, travel regulations at the airport and baggage allowance.

Research online before you leave, the activities you would like to do when you are there.  It will save you a lot of time when you reach, and you will also get an idea of what is available. You can also look for holiday coupons online for the places you are interested in visiting like amusement parks, museums, and aquariums. 


If you plan ahead it would make it much easier to enjoy your trip.

Watch Out For Travel Scams

In contrast to a lot of products, you generally need to pay for travel services before it is provided. This creates many opportunities for dishonest people and companies. As some travel packages are found to be completely different from what was offered and what the consumer expected, and others have not been provided at all.

Should you ever receive an offer by phone or mail for a free or a hugely discounted vacation package to a popular destination like Hawaii or Florida, there are some key things you should look out for.

If the price seems way too good to be true.  

If you are asked for your credit card number over the phone.

If you are being persuaded to make an instant decision.

If they are evasive about what airline they are representing.

If they cannot state, the exact address of the company they are calling on behalf of.

If you are told you cannot leave for at least two months. 

Be aware that you would not be able to dispute your credit card charges after 60 days, a fact that scammers know all too well.

Should you encounter any of these scenarios, be very careful. Make sure to ask for written information to be sent to you. If it is a legitimate company, they would be happy to comply. If they say they don’t have a brochure, tell them you will like at least two days to think it over. A genuine deal should be still valid after two days. If they cannot fulfill both requests, then the trip is perhaps not right for you.

You may also be told that you have won a free vacation. Be sure to ask if you need to purchase anything to receive it. As some companies advertise free airfare, but you must pay for expensive hotel accommodations, to get it. Or they might be offering a free hotel stay and you will need to pay for your airfare.

If you are interested in their vacation offer and you are convinced of the final price you would have to pay, it may be still wise to first compare what they are offering to deals elsewhere. As often, the attraction of free airfare or free accommodations masks the fact that the total price is still higher than a regular package.

Remember to obtain a confirmed departure date in writing, before paying for anything. Be suspicious if you are told that an appropriate date would be organized later.  

If you would have to be on standby or a waitlist or your reservation can only be given much later, ask if your payment is refundable if you want to cancel. Do not pay any money you cannot afford to lose.

If the package includes staying at a beach resort, ask what the distance from the hotel to the beach is. Then verify it with the hotel.

Check the entire cost of the trip in dollars, this should include all service charges, taxes, and administrative fees.

If you agree to purchase the package after checking all the details. Then you should pay by credit card as you have the legal right to pursue a chargeback or credit should the services that were promised are not delivered.

Always remember if it seems to good to be true, then it probably is.

Maui Hawaii

Are you thinking about visiting Maui Hawaii? It is one of Hawaii’s most popular vacation destinations as there are many incredible attractions. 

When you have decided to visit and have made your travel arrangements. You should start looking at which of the many attractions you would like to visit. The task might be a bit overwhelming because there are so many options. Make sure to create a list or vacation itinerary as you do not want to miss out on some of the history and beauty of Maui.

To help you in deciding some of the attractions you should visit. Below are five must-see attractions that are highly rated.


The Island of Molokini

Molokini island has a crescent shape and is situated not far off the southern coast of Maui. On the boat trip to the island, the views are incredibly beautiful. Molokini is also known to have some of the best scuba diving and snorkeling in Hawaii. There are private group tours available to the island.

Iao Valley State Park

Located on historical land, Iao Valley State Park is in central Maui. The Hawaii official tourism website has stated that it is the site of the great Battle of Kepaniwai, which took place in 1790.  

The largest attraction at Iao Valley State Park is Iao Needle. It is a sightseer’s dream, as it is exceptionally picturesque. A visit to this state park is ideal for the entire family, those who enjoy hiking and if you are interested in learning the history of Maui.

The Banyan Tree

Tourists who go to Maui should not miss out on a visit to The Banyan Tree, that can found be in Lahaina. It is one of the largest trees of its kind in the United States. According to Hawaii’s tourism website, it is the size of an average city block.

If you are vacationing with your family, be sure to take your children to see this amazing tree as it is something that they would never forget.

Haleakala National Park

The Haleakala National Park is situated on the eastern side of Maui. Here you will get a chance to see the astonishing largest dormant volcano in the world. Tourists who have visited proclaim it is worth hiking, to watch the sunrise at the Haleakala Crater. 

You can explore The Haleakala National Park, by walking, taking a car, or riding a bike. Besides seeing Haleakala remarkable volcanoes, you will also be able to see and discover tropical landscaping that features rare flowers and plants, beautiful streams and waterfalls. 

The Hana Highway

The Hana Highway is also on the eastern edge of Maui. Even though a highway might not seem a likely tourist attraction, this one is. It is one of the most scenic places to visit in Hawaii. Imagine driving through narrow, yet beautiful bridges, seeing stunning waterfalls, breathtaking views of the ocean, and amazing foliage, and there is so much more.

You should rent a car just for the chance to drive along the scenic Hana Highway on your next Hawaii vacation.

These are only a few of Maui’s many must-see attractions. Remember to research for more that you would want to visit on your trip. There are detailed Maui travel guides that can be found online, and you can also request printed ones to be delivered to your home. Have a wonderful vacation in Maui Hawaii.

Tour Guide Training - A Chance To Get Paid To Travel

Whenever people are asked in a survey what they would do with their time if they had additional financial resources, the majority usually state they would travel. Sadly, for most, they may not ever get a chance to fulfill their dream. There are some, however, who realize that they can accomplish their desire to travel by doing tour guide training and becoming a tour director. 

There are a lot of tour guide jobs in the travel and tourism sector. Opportunities are available in sightseeing and bus tours, adventure tours, sporting tours, and cruise ship excursions both within the United States and internationally. If you train as a tour director, you can work as a cruise host, but you also have the potential to be in a management position with a tour company. You can work for tour operators, destination management companies and event planners.

One of the great things about the travel and hospitality industry is, there are a variety of jobs available that are suited for people from various backgrounds. The three things that you should possess if you want to be successful in this field are; a love for travel, enjoy working with people and the required training in travel and tourism. Some have traveled extensively before starting and others just have the desire to travel. Some tour guides work on a part-time basis during school vacations or after retirement. Others work full-time as tour directors or may travel on cruise ships around the world. Getting your training as a tour guide is essential for you to become a good tour director.

You can earn your certificate as tour director by doing it at a community college, university or taking the course online. The top online courses offer the option of getting credit for the course through an accredited local college or university. Remember to examine the background of the instructor who is doing your training. You would ideally want to find someone with over ten years of travel experience and has worked as a cruise host and international tour director. They should have extensive tour guide training experience.

A tour director training course that is highly regarded should last about six weeks. The course should include the expectations, requirements, and procedures that are involved in tour directing and guiding, also techniques for group management, creating and delivering interesting narration and how to handle any challenges that may arise. In addition, it should also go in-depth about pre-tour planning, multi-day tours, facing emergencies anywhere in the world, and governmental regulations and procedures.   Lastly, a good tour guide training course will explore the career opportunities available for a tour director, which opportunities are the right fit for your needs and interests, and how to write a proper resume, network, and interview for travel jobs.
To get paid to travel is a dream job, and with the right tour guide training, it is possible to make that dream come true.