Travel on the cheap!

Travel doesn't have to cost a fortune. Even though airfares are not quite as low as they fell a few years ago, you can still find surprisingly cheap flights by browsing travel websites and subscribing to their specials.

Domestic airfares can be some of the best deals.  Prices begin at only $58 and you have a choice of airlines including Virgin Blue, Jetstar, and Quantas. Special savings like these are a great way to enjoy a mini vacation. I have email subscriptions to several flight services and if there's an open weekend coming up, it's easy enough to check the listing of domestic specials and see if one matches a place I'd like to visit. Sometimes the rates are ongoing so you can plan further in advance, and sometimes they are last-minute unsold flights at deep discount. Either way, these kinds of specials can give significant travel savings and let you enjoy a domestic destination on the cheap!

Flights to New Zealand are offered at comparable discounts. Depending on the cities chosen, your flight can cost as little as $128.

There are good deals to be had on international airfares as well. Sometimes the best deals are part of a package, so if you plan on staying in a hotel anyway, check to see whether you can save money by booking at the same time.


How about a special price on a Hawaiian vacation for the entire family? Right now you can take a family of 4 to Hawaii, flying on Hawaiian Airlines into Honolulu. Your trip includes five full nights' accommodation at  Ohana Waikiki West in a room with a kitchenette. Local transportation is provided free on the Waikiki Trolley, and you'll also receive a discount booklet  to save even more on dining out and shopping, and your return airfare is included as well. The price for this family Hawaiian vacation starts at only $5,589. If you don't have children, you can take advantage of even lower package prices.

For even more modest prices, you can enjoy other exciting destinations closer to home. The skiing vacation in Queensland includes 7 nights in a resort apartment, 7 days of car rental, and a 3 day ski pass. You can spend the rest of your time enjoying other local pursuits, or purchase extra ski passes, and the whole package begins at only $679.



For deals like these, just keep an eye on specials offered by your travel agency. You might just find the trip of your dreams for a lot less than you'd expect!

Get ready for your kids' summer vacation!

It's almost here! In just a few short weeks the school year ends, releasing kids everywhere into that golden time - summer vacation! Long and lazy sunny days, not a textbook in sight, splashing water fun, all enjoyed with friends - these are just a few of the things that make up fond memories of our own childhood summer vacations. What will your kids be doing this summer to build their memories?

Youth summer camp can provide all of these. I can fondly recall camps I attended, and somewhere I think I still have the rock paperweight I painted (whatever made me think red and green looked good together except on Christmas ornaments?). I remember splashing in the pool with my friends, and having a conversation with a camp counselor while sitting on a creek bank that turned out to be a milestone in my development. Nights spent whispering and giggling in the rustic cabins were a prelude to the next day's exhilaration of learning to sail, giving me the pride and confidence that are the fruit of mastering a new skill. A good summer camp is the kind of experience that can help your child stretch and grow in an atmosphere of both cooperation and friendly competition while creating memories that will never fade.

What should you look for in a summer camp? After all, you're going to be entrusting your precious children to their care. Because the camp staff will largely determine the impact camp has upon your child, seek a camp that employs a careful selection process paired with an outstanding training program. Counselors who are professionals in working with children bring their expertise. At the same time, you want a camp that emphasizes safety in all activities as well as monitoring interaction between campers in order to help ensure your child's camping experience is a positive one.

Available activities vary widely between camps. You may want to tailor your choice of summer camp to your child's interests, while at the same time encouraging him to explore new paths. Ideally your choice of camp should combine competitive sports, mastery of other physical skills, as well as creative and artistic pursuits, mixed together with activities purely designed for having FUN. Some camps may offer programs that span a long list of activities, allowing your child to select a variety of activities suited to his interests.

And of course the main focus of summer camp for many of us was the enjoyment of traditional camping activities such as backpacking, canoeing, and tent camping with songs, stories, and s'mores around the campfire. Many camps still offer these kinds of traditional wilderness activities you won't want your child to miss out on.

The clock is ticking, so take the time now to plan your child's summer vacation. You'll be helping him build character and skills, along with his own memories to last a lifetime.

Don't Plan a Trip to Atlanta until You Read This

There are plenty of great places in the southern United States that are just perfect for a short weekend getaway or even a two week vacation, but there is one city that tops the list. When most people think of the Southern United States, they think of the city of Atlanta. It could very well be called the capitol of the south. You won't find any other cities that offer quite as much southern charm as Atlanta, but if you are currently planning a trip to Atlanta, you may be wondering what you can do while you are there. Keep reading to find out.

You Have to Eat!
We all have to eat, Atlanta will offer you some great treats for your taste buds. If you have never had the opportunity to eat some of the best southern cooking in the world, then you will be in for a real treat when you are in Atlanta. Make sure that you pack your appetite because you will find it very difficult to ignore all of this great southern cooking. Most people quickly fall in love with the food and start searching out recipes.

Take Things Down a Notch or Two
If you are traveling to Atlanta to escape a busy and hectic lifestyle, then you should visit one of the many spas in the city. You will not find a better way to relax than a nice soothing massage or an afternoon being pampered. This is one of the most popular activities in the city.

Get Closer to Nature
If your idea of having a good time is getting a little closer to mother nature, then you will be happy to know that the Atlanta zoo has over 1000 animals on exhibit. These are not simple barnyard animals. These animals come from every corner of the globe. Get up close and personal with Tigers, Bears and some rare exotic birds. This can be one of the best ways to enjoy an afternoon or an entire day in the city of Atlanta.

Hit the Greens
If you are a golf fanatic, then you will be happy to know that Atlanta has some of the best golf courses in the world. Choose from over five great golf courses and see if you can should the lowest score. This is also one of the best ways to spend an afternoon in the city of Atlanta.

To make the most of your stay, you could combine all of these things into one vacation package, but these are not the only activities you will find in Atlanta. For more information visit, http://thingstodo.expedia.com/atlanta-georgia-activities/.

Researching Your Travels Before you Go Can Save you Money

Traveling is a very exciting thing to do. Especially when those travels take you to other countries and far away lands. You have the opportunity to learn of new cultures, sample foods that you may never have even heard of and it gives you the chance to meet some of the most colorful people on the planet.

Traveling may be easier for some than it is for others. Whether that be due to the lack of finances, the lack of time, or both. Many people just don't have the time to take off and go anywhere. Others may not be able to afford to go on trips at all, especially when traveling with a family.

For those who maybe on a tight budget or anyone who enjoys a savings, it is important to know that there are many discounts available on just about everything. These discounts make it possible for even those on the tightest of budgets, to get out and see the world.

There are many websites online that offer special deals and discounted rates on airline tickets. These tickets can be redeemed at a fraction of the price, even when traveling out of the country. Some of the deals may come directly from the airline themselves. They may offer discounted rates when traveling certain times of the day, or certain days of the week. A large amount of money can be saved by using these offers.

Many of the same sites that offer discounts on airfare may also offer discounted rates on hotel rooms as well. All you have to do is book your room through them, in order to receive the deals. They will even offer discounts in hotels Stockholm, and everywhere else in the country. Many of these hotels offer a free continental breakfast to their guests. Meals can be very expensive when traveling, by taking advantage of the free breakfasts that they offer, you can save a great deal of money.

With just a little research, you may find coupons and discounts for other useful things during your travels. The hotel you stay in, may have coupons for area restaurants, these coupons are a great way to save money. You may also find deals on attractions and entertainment at your hotel as well. It is possible to do some traveling and still have money left over, you just have to know where to look.

The Wonderful Diversity of Australia

Australia offers incredible diversity to travelers on holiday, with attractions and accommodations to suit every budget and lifestyle. Whether you're seeking a secluded location for a romantic getaway or are a thrill-seeker in search of an action-packed weekend or an avid eco-tourist in search of unique wildlife encounters, you can experience your dream vacation in Australia. Travelers on a budget as well as those sparing no expense in order to make lifetime dreams come true can all find an itinerary to suit their desires.

For the budget minded-traveler who loves animals, consider camping grounds such as the Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort in Denham, WA. The dolphins of Monkey Mia visit the beach daily and interact with visitors. Best of all there is no charge for the dolphin experience! Visitors can also expect to see manta rays and whale sharks. Don't miss nearby Hamelin Pool Marine Nature Reserve, one of the few places in the world where you can view living marine stromatolites. Admission to the nature reserve is also free.  If you prefer animal interaction on land, you can ride a camel on the beach! Aboriginal Eco Tours are also available. These are just a few of the local attractions available near this outstanding resort. Budget-minded travelers will appreciate the cost at the tent sites starting at just $15. (Caravan sites are also available from $39, while lodging begins at $248.)

Dolphin at Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort

Camel rides on the beach 

Or maybe you're looking for a bit more variety? Among Australia's outstanding caravan parks, one of the best choices is the Kirra Beach Tourist Park in Brisbane, QLD. This resort is situated near a host of attractions, among them something sure to appeal to every member of the family. The beach is a short walk away, with local surf conditions offering waves suitable for beginners as well as world-class surfing for experts. The resort sports a salt-water pool, heated during the cold season to provide year-round enjoyment. The onsite playground features a jumping pillow, and plenty of children's activities are available during holiday seasons. Wet 'n Wild Water World, Warner Brothers Movie World, and Goanna Adventures Tour are nearby to provide even more entertainment and thrills. As a special treat, view orchids and ferns growing in the rainforest canopy on the Gold Coast Hinterland Tree Top Walk. The Tree Top Walk is made up of nine suspension bridges winding through the forest canopy with observation decks in a strangler fig - one 30 meters high in the treetops. If that isn't high enough for you, there are sky-high sightseeing tours available in hot air balloons, helicopters, and sea planes. To enjoy a slower-paced day, visit Paradise Country or Melaleuca Station to immerse yourself in farm living and bottle-feed baby animals, or spend the day on the nearby lake. The local nightlife is always exciting, and nearby outlet and boutique shopping is an experience in itself. These are just a few of the attractions of the famed Gold Coast. Experience all of this and more from the convenience of your caravan site,  starting at just $33. (Tent sites also available from $27 and lodging from $59)

These are just a two of Australia's outstanding resorts (although the are two of our favorites!). There are hundreds more available to suit every family and every taste. Start planning your Australia vacation today!

Surf's Up in Waikiki!

Hawaii. Sandy beaches that go on and on. Tropical drinks served in coconuts and made with sweet pineapple juice. Luaus. Sapphire-blue water as far as the eye can see. Swirling waves, the playground of surfers from all over the world.

There's a reason Waikiki Beach is famous all over the world, inspiring images of surfers on cool boards riding the waves on the deep blue ocean waters. If you're planning a visit to this idyllic destination, you can't pass up the chance to experience Hawaii surfing at it's best! Make sure you take this opportunity to enjoy the sport by renting a board at a local surf board rental Waikiki.

Don't know how to surf? Don't let that stop you! Shops that offer surf rentals Waikiki also have experienced instructors giving hands-on lessons that teach you step by step how to tame the waves. Even beginners can learn to stand up and enjoy riding the waves. Instructors can recommend which board will make the lesson easier and help you succeed on your first lesson. With some practice, you'll be out there surfing large and having a great time!

You may even decide you enjoy surfing so much that you'd like to own your own board. Even if you don't get to visit the waves often, a board makes a great conversation starter and reminder of all those sun-and-surf memories. When you visit surfboard rental Waikiki you'll have the opportunity to try out different kinds of boards from the rental section, giving you a chance to try the board style before investing in a new one of your own.

If you're going to Hawaii, relax and enjoy moonlit walks on the beach, lazing on the sand in the sun, and sipping drinks made with sweet tropical juices ... but be sure to rev it up and catch some waves too! Aloha!

Campervans - comfort meets convenience

I used to be a dedicated tent camper. While I still enjoy tent camping, the process of unpacking ALL the gear, setting up the tent, repacking all food-related items before going to bed, and the general busy-work often made camping more of an exercise than a vacation. Then we purchased a van and decided to try camping in it. Talk about a world of difference! Instead of pitching a tent and sleeping on the ground in a sleeping bag, we enjoyed the comfort of bed-like cushioned lie-down benches. There was lots more room in the back for stowing food-related gear so I wasn't having to repack it into a small trunk jigsaw puzzle style. It even had an electrical system with several "modern conveniences" that made me feel as if I were "cheating" at camping. All that convenience and comfort sold me on the experience of using a campervan.

If you don't own a van of your own but would like to try it out, there are rentals available that range from extended top full sized vans that will sleep as many as five down to smaller more economical versions that still offer a full range of equipment. Even a cheap van hire can offer a satisfying list of amenities to make your camping trip much more enjoyable. 

The Chubby Campervan (pictured here) is a very economical choice. It has a private double bed sleeping berth that will comfortably accommodate two adults and includes pillows, sheets, and sleeping bags. Cushions lift out to provide comfortable seating inside the van. CD players are standard equipment, or you can plug your MP3 player into the system and listen to your favorite music over dinner. And preparing your meals couldn't be easier. In the back section you will find a sink, a gas-powered cooker, and an Esky to keep your food and drinks cold. The sink is supplied from an on-board water tank. All the other meal-preparation essentials are included as well.  The van is equipped with a table, cutlery, crockery, pots, pans, a kettle, and the tea towels and equipment for washing up. You'll even find coffee, cream, and sugar inside! It couldn't be easier to pack - just grab your clothing, food, and personal items and away you go! Everything else you need is tucked right into the van. 

You have added peace of mind with an included fire extinguisher and 24/7 roadside assistance included as part of the package. You also don't pay mileage fees, so you're free to explore to your heart's content. As an additional bonus, you'll enjoy discounts at Caravan Parks and attractions included in your free TAB guide. 

The next time you're thinking of a camping trip, consider a campervan. I'd highly recommend it!

How much to pack for a hike?

There are lots of different opinions about packing gear for a hike, but they basically fall into two different camps. On the one hand, you can subscribe to the Boy Scout motto of "Be Prepared" and try to include everything you may need for any situation you are likely to encounter. There is wisdom in that approach. Since you are away from civilization, you will be forced to rely on whatever you have with you. Or on the other hand, you might choose to "Travel Light" and carry only the barest essentials. This choice has its benefits too, since you will be packing along every pound of gear you load into your backpack, and you want to enjoy your hike, not come out of it feeling like you've spent the day as a pack mule.

Choosing the right backpack to suit your hiking style is the first step. One of the first things to look at is capacity. If you are one of the "prepared" hikers, you'll probably want something like the larger Badlands Backpacks (the 2200) featured here. If you are more of the "travel light" kind of hiker (or are small yourself), you may want to consider a smaller backpack. The duration of your trip is going to be a big factor as well, since you'll need space to carry food and water. 

Expanding capacity can give you more versatility, especially if you are going on a long hike (carrying a lot of food and water), hunting (planning to carry out meat), or expect to pick up things along the way and bring them out. Once you decide how much capacity will fit your needs, make sure the frame is strong enough to keep the load distributed without adding a lot of extra weight or bulk. Check for wide, padded, adjustable shoulder straps that will allow you to carry the weight comfortably. 

Be sure to choose a backpack that features a number of compartments, both inside and out, with closures that are easy to manage. These will help you know where your gear is, and be able to get to it easily. Your phone and keys can stay safely tucked into their inside pockets while your water is at hand stored in an outside pocket. 

Once you've chosen your backpack, what do you put in it? We're not going to give you the Boy Scout list, since that could include a lot of items and will depend on your particular situation. But every hiker should carry a few basic items.

•  flashlight (even if you don't plan to be out after dark)
•  food and water (more than you need for your planned trip) 
• protective items (hat, sunscreen, insect repellant)
• biodegradable toilet paper 
• a basic first aid kit (at the very least you should be able to treat cuts)
• a map of the area and a compass (just in case!) - unless of course you have a GPS unit that will work on the trail
• poncho or other rain gear if there is any chance at all of rain (remember in some places there is ALWAYS that chance and it is often unexpected)
• a pair of dry socks - may not be on everyone's "essential" list, but if you get your socks wet, you run a big risk of developing blisters; for the small space taken by an extra pair, it's probably worth the extra protection 

Of course, when planning your hiking trip, you'll want to give careful consideration to how you dress. Dressing in layers of clothing that will wick away moisture and dry easily is the best way to stay comfortable. Your shoes are one of the most important pieces of equipment. While you don't necessarily need hiking boots, you should have a pair of shoes that protect your feet (tennis shoes as opposed to sandals) and give you good traction on the path, through mud, and over stones. 

With good preparation, you'll be ready for an enjoyable hike. If it were me, I'd have to add a camera to the "essential" list to record all that enjoyment to savor later. 

Until next time, happy travels!

Getting the most from travel review sites

One of the exciting aspects of travel is the chance to explore new destinations and enjoy new experiences. But the flip side of that is that you have no way of knowing which local restaurant serves amazing swordfish, whether the hotel you are considering has comfortable beds, or if you're likely to find less-than-clean facilities. Travel review sites can help fill in the gaps, giving you insight into feedback from other travelers and even locals.

But how can you sort out the good advice from the bad? You have to recognize the chance that reviews may be written by business owners and are just commercials to try to get you in the door. On the other hand, I often see reviews that appear to be written by either a competitor or maybe a disgruntled former employee and show the business in a completely unfair and undeserved light. How can you tell the difference?

One of the things you may consider is the number of reviews available, but this is less help than you might imagine. It is a fairly simple matter to create 3-5 fake reviews, especially if they all appear within a fairly short time period. If the reviews are stacked on top of each other, time-wise, and use similar language and express the same opinion, it might be wise to take them with a grain of salt. On the other hand, if you find 50 reviews of a business, it is not likely that they are all from someone with ulterior motives.

The language of the review can give clues as well. If  it reads like a commercial written by the owner ... it could be. I am always especially doubtful when the review reads like a laundry list of services or available options. Someone who actually stays at a hotel is much more likely to comment that the linens smell fresh or the staff is rude than they are to give a rundown of ALL of the hotel's amenities. I'm also suspicious when I hear comments that read like a travel guide ... "as you enter beneath the charming antique hand-carved doors, the cool refreshing scent of limes and the melodic notes of classic harp greet your senses ... "  Normal people don't write comments like this. They COULD be bucking for a position as a travel writer, but more likely, this is simply a commercial poorly disguised.

Language of the opposite sort is just as suspect. I have read scathing reviews of a local restaurant, claiming that the establishment reeked of ... shall we simply say "bathroom odors" and charging them with all sorts of nasty uncleanliness. Anyone who read the review might have vowed never to set foot in so much as the parking lot. To be honest, the place is a bit aged and run down, but in that particular small town, ALL of the restaurants are in that general condition, and the one I mentioned is clean enough. The reviews were so critical, I suspect they were written by someone who had been fired, someone who disliked the owner, or a competitor. The anonymity of writing online reviews will lead many people to be less polite than they would be if asked in person, but most won't cross a certain boundary of ugliness.

Most of the time, a person's experience with a place of business will be mixed. If they are a conscientious and honest reviewer, you will usually get an overall impression that may range from 0-5 stars (or whatever the range allowed by the rating site), but in the comments section, you will usually read something like "the food was delicious, portions were ok, cost was good, but the service was slow" or some other mix of good and bad, with a few specific mentions.

Sometimes you run up against a site that has a "star reviewer" ... either they comment on EVERYthing to be found, or some sites allow their reviews to be rated by other visitors and they emerge over time as knowing what they are talking about. I will sometimes check out a number of reviews by one person, if I have the time. If that person rates EVERY establishment as 5-stars, then either they are inflating their reviews, or they are not willing to comment on the worse experiences. Human nature is usually quicker to complain than to praise though, so I tend to be suspicious of their opinion if they have only good things to say.

If you want to be adventurous about it, you might find it interesting to check out one business that is very highly rated by a site, and another that receives consistently low marks, just to compare your own impressions. If you want to try this, I'd recommend saving the "low rating" for something that doesn't require much of a commitment, like a quick diversion, or a visit to a shopping destination. No one wants to check into a hotel for the night or be faced with dinner only to find that the reviewers were all right and the place is horrible! But if that shopping mall DOES turn out to be overpriced and uninteresting, you have gained a little confidence in your reviewers and it only cost you a little time to make that discovery.

One more important point - travel review sites are only as valuable as the opinions provided by travelers! Do your part to help everyone else find the gems and steer clear of the pits by providing honest feedback on as many experiences as you can. Remember that wherever you live, others may be traveling to or through your area, and the information you can provide on places you visit (or avoid visiting!) every day can be invaluable to others. The more feedback provided by everyone, the more useful such services become for us all!

How to choose a travel insurance policy

When deciding on a travel insurance policy, it can be helpful to look into the details of not only what coverages are provided, but how the company handles claims and emergencies. After all, if you are injured or ill in a foreign country, will you know how to contact a doctor, or where you should go for treatment?

The customer service information, or a list of FAQs can provide a lot of insight into how a company manages claims and what level of assistance you can expect. For example, with some providers you can expect access to a 24-hour hotline to a team of medical professionals who will be able to assess your situation and tell you exactly how to proceed. 

You should expect a company with the ability to speak various foreign languages in order to assure clear communication and the best care. Coordination between your personal physician at home, yourself and/or family members, and the medical professionals at your travel destination is an important service. In some cases, if you need to remain for treatment, they may even provide for a family member to fly to your location to help care for you. If it is better for you to return home, they can arrange that as well. 

Knowing that the company you select will be there to help guide you in seeking treatment if you should need it is just as important as knowing they will pay for necessary costs. You can relax knowing that, even in a serious situation, competent assistance is just a phone call away, especially when the company you select is dedicated to providing the best possible care in any situation that may arise. 

Did you forget to pack anything?

Your bags are packed, your travel plans finalized, your tickets purchased, and you're ready to head out on your adventure. Hopefully you haven't forgotten to pack anything essential, and you'll remember to turn everything off and lock everything up as you leave, and you've made plans for someone to take care of the houseplants. Everything is in order, all eventualities covered. Or are they?

When traveling overseas, remember that your regular heath coverages probably won't be in force to protect you in case of emergency. While we hope it never does, the unexpected can happen, and costs can quickly rise. Depending on the nature of your illness or emergency, it is likely that you won't be able to return home for treatment. Travelers would do well to consider having overseas health insurance policy in force before embarking on their journey. Not only do travel policies protect you in the event of an illness, injury, or other medical emergency as far as covering necessary medical treatment, but they can cover associated expenses that arise because of travel, which would never be addressed by your regular health insurance policy. Expenses associated with travel delays, the return of a rental car, replacement of damaged rental ski equipment, and other costs not normally associated with health insurance can be covered with a health insurance policy developed specifically for travelers. You can even be compensated for loss of income when your illness prevents you from returning to work when expected. Your lost luggage and even extended boarding for your pets in case you are injured and can't return on time can even be covered.

When you're planning a travel holiday, you want to focus on being able to enjoy your trip. One small unexpected mishap can completely shipwreck all of your carefully-laid travel plans, run up expenses into many thousands of dollars, and be very difficult to recover from financially in the long run. Having a policy in effect that will cover necessary medical care and may even allow you to smoothly resume your travel plans can turn what might have been a major personal disaster into just a minor bump in your travel plans.

Hopefully you will never need your coverage, but the peace of mind it provides and the potential benefits if you should need them will be priceless.

Ecotourism destinations - Galapagos Islands!

Ecotourism is one of the hottest sectors of the travel industry, defined as travel that lets you visit pristine or interesting ecosystems and enjoy nature at its best. What better ecosystem to visit for anyone interested in nature than the Galapagos Islands, with its fascinating wildlife and unique place in the natural history of our world. Galapagos cruises are the ideal way to visit the islands, offering views of the ocean during approach and a leisurely pace of touring the Islands.

 For the most enjoyment on your visit to the Galapagos, look for a Galapagos cruise that offers activities and education that will enhance your visit to the islands. Guides with experience in the natural history of the Islands and a knowledge of the animals you plan to see can give you great insights about the wildlife and environment that will help you appreciate the amazing creatures and history of the area and make your vacation even more unforgettable. Even better, bring equipment to record any lectures, or have video (not just camera) capture available during the tours of the islands to further enrich your memories.

Also be sure to inquire whether the Galapagos cruise ship you are considering makes visits to areas with good whale-watching potential, such as the northwest coast of Isabela. You may spot whales anywhere around the Islands, but your chances are much better in certain places. You will also know to be prepared to watch for them when you are in the waters they are most often found.

A wide variety of other entertainment options are often available on cruises. Musical entertainment and night life are popular. Some cruises offer educational programs of all kinds. Many people enjoy trying out various kinds of games, along with the interaction that encourages with your fellow travelers. Pampering and relaxation in a spa or alongside a sparkling pool are often featured. Whether you prefer to be entertained or educated, interact with others, or simply to relax, be sure to select a cruise that offers activities that appeal to your personal tastes.

Bon voyage!