Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Stay Safe in A foreign Taxi!

Taxi related crimes and scams are very low compared to other travel related disasters. But we should always follow common precautions especially when traveling to a foreign country. A little carelessness could even spoil your entire vacation like giving away all your valuables just because you manage to board a fake cab. But we can avoid such misfortune by following some common precautions like:


1. No matter where you are traveling, taxi stands can be found outside the airport, bus stations, railway stations, markets or so on and one should always hire cabs only from these stands. As in almost all the countries only legitimate taxis are allowed to stop at these taxi stands.

2. Before boarding a cab always check the taxi company's phone number on the doors and on the trunk of the cab. An authorized company will always advertise their company’s phone number. But, this can be ignored in some cases, like in small towns.

3. Knowing even the slightest of local language always pays off.

4. Collect some general information regarding the direction, about the neighborhood and the cost of the fare, where you are heading at your hotel or ask some friends.

5. Always negotiate and fix the fare before boarding a cab.

6. Sharing a cab with a stranger may allow you to save some bucks, but it is always better spending some extra bucks instead of getting clean robbed.

7. Finally, know who to call in emergencies.

Normally you will find foreign taxis quite safe, but always follow these tips while using taxis in foreign countries as it is always better to be on the safer side.

Monday, December 29, 2008

Traveling to a Foreign Country? Here Are Some Smart Tips

Who does not love to travel to new places, see new things and experience various cultures and traditions? But is traveling to foreign countries safe? Of course it’s very safe to travel to almost anywhere, be it Middle East, Asia, Africa, Europe, Australia, North, South or Central America, unless that country is in the middle of a war. But while visiting a foreign country, especially a complete foreign country, one should be always on the look out. Here are some tips and tricks on how to enjoy a hassle-free vacation in a foreign.

• The most important of all is; do a research of that destination you will be visiting, in advance. Spend some time surfing the net, check out the endless of online travel sites; visit the country official tourist site. Collect information about the current political situation, best time to visit, tips on accommodations, things and places to avoid, medical related tips, your embassy phone number, emergency numbers and so on.

• Knowing the local customs and traditions is very important, especially while traveling to Middle-East, Africa and some parts of Asia. This includes like how you should dress, especially for ladies, public display of affection (PDA), hand gesture and so on.

• No matter, where you are heading, always try your best to dress like the locals. Leave all your blings at home, try to avoid white sneakers, especially white, and fanny pack. Don’t show off that ultra-chic digital camera or any electronic gadgets like cell phones, iPods in the public.

• As any wise traveler would do, do not keep all your important documents like credit cards, cash, ID cards, and passport in the same place. Get at least three photocopy all your important documents. Never give your passport to the hotel clerks, but in some countries like Italy, you need to surrender your passport to the hotel clerk. In this case, while submitting demand the hotel to issue some sort of written proof that the passport is with the hotel.

• Always carry your bags, handbags or suitcase on the side of the body not facing the traffic. Always be on alert while using public transportations like bus or trains. Avoid places which are not well-lighted. Never exchange your currency with illegal agents.

You need not worry about a thing, even if you are traveling to a complete foreign country. All you have to do is plan wisely and follow common pre-cautions. Head out to the streets of the world, explore and experience the world, life loves to be ridden to the fullest. Feel free to share your tips and experiences by posting it as a comment.

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Next Time Make Your Business Trip Hassle Free

Some travel for business, some for leisure, while some travel just for the sake of travel, no matter what, travel is an unavoidable part of life. With limited budget and time, occasional flight delays or even lost luggage, business travel may not be the most pleasant things to do. Here are some tips to make business travel smoother.

* Booking in advance is always encouraged. Besides, print out your flight confirmation and keep it in handy just in case. Do not book the last flight.
* Try to reach the airport well in advance. Grab a bite before your flight. Drinking alcohol on the plane is highly discouraged unless you are hitting the sack.
* If this is an over-night flight, try to sleep as much as you can. Put a blind-fold and blanket over your head, while sleeping, this way you can prevent dry throat, plus no one will disturb you.
* Decide on what you will be wearing and pack as light as you can. A travel bag with enough space to hold a change of clothes, laptop, charger, phone, pen, paper is very ideal for business travelers. Never put your laptop or any important documents in your hold luggage.
* Do carry along some extra USB memory sticks (also known as pen drives). A pen and papers are a must, just incase if your lap top battery wears down or face any problems.

Traveling is a very enjoyable experience, even if it’s a business trip, if you spend some time planning. Please feel free to share your tips and idea by posting it as a comment.

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Isn’t skiing an exciting idea?

After a long eight months, winter is here at last! So what are your plans for this winter, besides partying, wrapping and unwrapping gifts? Well if you haven’t planned anything yet, why don’t you go skiing? Though some consider skiing trips as for couples and adventure enthuasists, but seriously it’s for everyone. Family can have tons of fun, if you are single you have maximum chances of meeting someone special, party animals will find many nightspots in and around skiing areas. So this winter if you are looking forward for a fun filled, romantic and adventurous winter getaway, I would suggest a ski trip.
Isn’t skiing an exciting idea—then why don’t you pack your bags and head to a ski area and have a blast this winter. Here are some of the coolest and hippest ski destination in North America that won’t mind checking it out.

• Grand Targhee, Wyoming
• Loveland, Colorado
• Bridger Bowl, Montana
• Kirkwood Mountain Resort, California
• Mount Baker, Washington
• Stowe Mountain Resort, Vermont
• Taos Ski Valley, New Mexico
• Snowmass Mountain, Colorado
• Alta, Utah
• Lake Louise Mountain Resort, Alberta, Canada

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

5 Destinations Scuba Divers Would Die to Visit

Calling all adventure lovers? Does exploring new places’, doing things you have never done and pushing your self to the limit excites you? If yes, then take a trip to some of the world’s most exotic, spell binding and breath taking scuba diving destinations in the world. Scuba without a doubt a doubt is one of the best forms of adventure and not much can beat the thrill, the adventure and the excitement of scuba diving.
Well if you are an adventure enthusiast and looking for a place where you can quench your thirst for action and adventure, here is a list of some of the best scuba diving destinations in the world.

Cozumel Island, Mexico: A romantic island situated in the Caribbean Sea, opposite the Playa del Carmen, Cozumel Island is a paradise for scuba divers. Besides scuba diving, in Cozumel Island you will also enjoy extra bonus such as charter fishing, wind-surfing, kite-surfing, sailing and much more.

Turneffe Island, Belize: Calm, romantic and laid back yet full of action and adventure, Turneffe Island without a doubt is a paradise for water-sports enthusaists. When it comes to scuba diving, this island is second to none.

Heron Island, Australia: A coral cay nested near the Tropic of Capricorn in the southern Great Barrier Reef, Heron Island is a seductress known for luring adventure seeker from across the globe. If you are a scuba diving buffs, let Heron Island cast her spell upon you. You will surely enjoy every bit of it.

Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos: Among one of the best scuba diving destinations in the world, Grand Turk is a must for all scuba diving buffs. Blessed with a colorful marine life, a trip to this enchanting island will sweep you off your feet.

Rocktail Bay, Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa: Last but not least, Rocktail Bay situated in Northern Natal has always been a favorite among divers. Known for its diverse marine life, scuba diving in the warm waters of Rocktail Bay is an experience of a lifetime.

Adventure enthusiasts, pack your bags and head to any of these destinations and have a blast. Please feel free to share your diving experiences, your favorite diving spot or tips with other fellow travelers by posting it as a comment.

Monday, December 1, 2008

Three Weirdest Restaurant, Bar and Café in the Planet

Am sure you must have been to romantic and elegant restaurants, swanky bars and lounges. But have you ever been to a Dwarf café, dined in an underwater restaurant or have you ever been to a bar where staffs are trained to get trashed by costumers. Well if you haven’t been to any such places, this winter try to experience it for yourself. Here are the three most unusual café, restaurant and bar in the world.

Ithaa Undersea Restaurant, Rangalifinolhu, Maldives: Situated five meters below sea level, Ithaa Undersea Restaurant located at the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is the first of its kind in the world. With space to serve upto 14 guests, Ithaa Undersea Restaurant is one of the few places in the world where you can comfortably sit, relax and dine without getting even a single hair wet, though you are dining five meters below the sea.


Hobbit House, Ermita, Philippines: If you are visiting Philippines this winter, a visit to Hobbit House is a must. Truly one of a kind, Hobbit House is one of the hippest bars in the city and their popularity owes much to its unique staff, though the bar serves more than 100 different beers. From the doorman to the waiter, from the cashier to the bartender, all of Hobbit House staffs are dwarves. Incase if you want to click some pictures with the staffs, just for memory. Feel free to ask. They will be more than happy to click some pictures with you.

Rising Sun Anger Release Bar, Nanjing, China: Though I have never been to this place, but this is a personal favorite of mine. Rising Sun Anger Release Bar is an excellent place to release your stress, frustrations and anger. This bar does not only allow its costumers to scream as they want, smash glasses or beat up the bar staff. But here you can also let a staff dress up the way you want and then trash him up. Worried that you might hurt the staff? Worry not; the staff wears special protective gears. That’s not all; costumers are also given counseling from local universities psychology students. It’s been also rumored that most of its costumers are women.

This winter if you happen to travel to any of these cities, try not to miss your opportunity. If you know a weird watering hole or a restaurant, please feel free to share with other fellow travelers as a comment.