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Ten IPod Applications: A Must For All Travelers

2009-01-27T08:07:00.000-08:00

Do you love to travel? Are you an IPod fan? If yes, then this post is for you. IPod is almost a must for all travelers. According to many fellow travelers (including me), an IPod is the best means of entertainment while traveling. You can listen to your favorite music, watch a music video, a movie, and organize your trip and so on. Besides music and movies, your IPod can also be a travel guide for you while traveling. You heard it right, a travel guide. How? Well it’s not a tough job and it’s not expensive at all. All you have to do is, download these really amazing software’s and install in your IPod and make your IPod your travel guide.

Here are the ten IPod applications that are a must have for travelers:

1. Washington Metro Subway: Visiting Washington DC? This application will make your trip to Washington not only hassle free but also budget friendly. Washington Metro Subway offers detail information on Washington DC Subway such as map of Washington subway, location of each station on the map, travel time and so on.
2. ACT Currency: A universal currency converted; with this application you can covert currencies of more than 150countries in the planet.
3. WeatherX: Who wants to get caught in a bad weather while traveling? WeatherX is the answer to all your weather related queries while traveling. This application offers up-to-date and accurate information on hurricanes, Storms, Airport Delays, Heat, Temperature, Forest Fires, Snow, Air Quality and so on.
4. Taxi Magic: Need a cab? Just tap a button, book your cab and have it pick you up at your desired destinations. This application covers over 500 destinations United States of America.
5. MobileFly: Flying somewhere? Check your flight’s status, baggage claim, gate, departure, or arrival information. With this application you will have access to thousands of airlines.
6. Vegas Mobile: A must for everyone planning to Vegas. With Vegas Mobile you will have detailed information on almost every hotel in Las Vegas, list of shows and tours and more.
7. London Travel Guide: Now explore London on your own. London Travel Guide has everything you need to know about London, from attractions to activities, from shopping to dining, nightlife and more.
8. Talking iPhone Translator: Visiting a complete foreign country. This application will help you blend with the locals perfectly. The Talking iPhone Translator provides both text and audio translations in six different languages (English, French, Spanish, German, Portuguese and Italian).
9. Road Helper: Based on a user location, with this application you can find emergency or helper services such as hospitals, gas stations, hotels and much more.
10. WorldView: Now traveling without spending a penny is possible, WorldView allows users to access real time webcams across the globe.

Best part is, these applications are dirt cheap and most of them are for free. Go on and make your IPod your traveler guide

Europe For Sweet Tooth; A Must For All Visiting Europe

2009-01-22T06:31:00.000-08:00

Are you a foodie planning to visit Europe? You will amaze at the variety of heavenly, lip smacking dishes and specialty that await you in Europe. Europe has so much to offer from history, art, music and fashion to technology and much much more but what stand out are its culinary delights. Travelers this time when you travel to Europe, do visit all the historic sights, museums and art galleries, shop and party but try to take out some time and treat your taste buds with some of the world most special culinary delights as you visit the various cities and tours of Europe:

Apple Cake in Noordermarket, Amsterdam: Am sure you won’t be visiting Amsterdam for apple cake, if you are traveling to Amsterdam, don’t leave without tasting a slice of Noordermarkt apple cake. Noordermarket is an organic market that opens only on Saturday from 9:00am to 4:00pm and its here where you taste this amazing delight

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Chocolate Cake in Salzburg, Austria: Who does not desire for chocolate cakes, but did you ever wonder where it came from? Well, the first chocolate cake was invented here in Salzburg, Austria by famous confectioner Franz Sacher. So if you are in Salzburg, Austria, forget the sightseeing for a while and try one of Salzburg chocolate cakes. Am sure you will love it.

Lokum in Istanbul, Turkey: After you are through visiting all the sights, take a break and head to Ali Muhiddin's shop in Eminönü and try their Lokum. Why this shop? Well the shop was opened some 250 years back and many consider their Lokum as the best. But if you can’t make it there, worry not, you will Lokum in almost every Confectionery shops.

Well these were the three delights that you must not miss while exploring Europe. If you have a favorite European delight, do share with fellow travelers by posting it as a comment.

How to Avoid to avoid jet lag

2009-01-21T06:49:00.000-08:00

Air travel is a part of our life and it is becoming almost unavoidable. No doubt it is the fastest, the easiest, the most comfortable and the safest way to travel but taking a flight can be a task, right from booking your airline tickets to flying and much more. One of the most common set back of air travel is jet lag, which is caused by sudden change in temperature, shift work, daylight saving time and so on. Here are some tips on how you can avoid jet lag.

• If you are visiting a destination with a different only for a day or a two, brush aside the difference in the time zone and maintain the same schedule as according to the time back home. But if you are visiting for a longer period, start adjusting your schedule in advance, like, adjust the time on your watch to the time at your destination, going to bed and waking up an hour or a two earlier each day.
• Avoid alcoholic beverages on the flight and sleep during the daytime. Take some medicine if you are prone to motion sickness. Get enough sleep right before the date of your flight.
• If your flight reaches, in the morning, afternoon or early evening, head for your hotel and instead of heading straight to the bed, take a shower and go out, visit some of the sights or just explore the city, get some fresh air, then grab an early dinner and try get some sound sleep.
• Bring along some sleeping pill, in case if you can sleep in the new time zone. You may also carry one of those medicines to prevent jet lag. But consult a doctor before purchasing.

Follow these tips, nest time while you are flying to a different time zone. With these tip you will surely reduce the risk of jet lag. Please fell free to share your tips by posting it as a comment. Your tip can help other fellow travelers to enjoy a more comfortable travel!

Online Travel Sites To the Rescue

2009-01-13T03:22:00.000-08:00

Even if you are a die hard traveler, you may think twice before going on a vacation at this current economic status. For the more budget conscious travelers, it’s almost impossible. Does that mean that our glorious days of traveling, vacations are over? No, we can still relive those days. It’s not that easy but it’s not impossible.

Am sure many fellow travelers must be using the hundreds of online travel sites out there in the web to book their travel plans. But if you haven’t, I would suggest you better start using these sites such as CheapOair, Expedia, OneTravel, Tripadvisor, Orbitz and so. Online travel sites are a great way to save while traveling. But if you are not careful, you could land yourself in serious mess. So here are some tips to help you get that best travel plan yet excluding the hazards while booking your travel deals on online travel sites.

• Hook up with a well known, reputed online travel site, which offers secure booking page. Check out the site terms and conditions; read the cancellation policy and browse the FAQ section, if you have any doubts.

• Booking in advance is undeniably the best way to get the cheapest deal, but this does not mean that you have to book months in advance. The best time to book is 21 days before the day of your journey. Incase if you could not, book 7 to 8 days ahead of your travel dates.

• Never end your quest by just visiting one site. Do a research on multiple-sites. If you don’t know the address of such travel sites, use search engines such as Google, yahoo search and so on.

• Sign up for fare alerts like Fares newsletters and RSS fares that the many travel sites offers. Most of the online travel sites allow visitors to sign up free for fare alerts, by which one can get all the latest updates of airfares, hotel deals and so on of a destination through emails.

• Always inquire about extra-charges or any hidden cost before finalizing your deal. Do not give up the PIN number of your credit card besides the three-digit security number on the back of your credit card.

• Once you complete the process of booking, you should receive an email confirming all the details, print it and keep it safe and handy as you will need it while check in at the airport or at the car rental office, if you have booked a rental car.

Next time while buying your travel plans online, follow these simple tips. If you have any tip or experience, feel free to share by posting it as a comment.

Swapping your Home? Here are some Tips

2009-01-09T01:17:00.000-08:00

Planning to take a vacation but worried about all those hotel and restaurant bills. Why don’t you swap your home? Started in Europe, home swapping is a fast spreading trend, allowing vacationers to enjoy the comfort of a home while away from home. Home swapping has myriads of advantages, right from, you get to save on your accommodations; you experience local cultures and traditions at its best, and so on. Just as its advantages, home swapping also has its own downfall, but we can avoid such pitfalls by planning wisely. Here are some tips and tricks that you need to know before and while you swap your home.

1. The most important of all is, don’t rush. Give plenty of time to find the best suitable swap partner. Use a well known established home swapping agency. Before you agree to swap your home, spend time corresponding with your swap partner, this will help you feel more comfortable in entrusting your home to your partner.
2. Ask your partner to leave instructions for using the home appliances such as, washing machine, TV, music system, dryer, and so on. Be extra sure to inquire where the keys will be and nearest food store.
3. If you are traveling with a baby or a toddler, try you best to sway your home with someone who has children of similar age. Ask your swap partner whether they have a regular babysitter or where you can arrange one.
4. Don’t forget to get a list of emergency numbers from your partner. Inquire about nearby attractions, dining areas, neighborhood parks and so on.
5. If your swap includes cars, be sure to check whether your car insurance policy will allow you to add a named driver. If not, then get a policy from a company which understands your needs.
6. Before you depart from your home, be sure that your home is clean and tidy; leave instructions on how to operate your home appliances.

Stay Safe in A foreign Taxi!

2008-12-30T09:05:00.000-08:00

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.

Traveling to a Foreign Country? Here Are Some Smart Tips

2008-12-29T08:55:00.000-08:00

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.

Next Time Make Your Business Trip Hassle Free

2008-12-17T08:44:00.000-08:00

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.

Isn’t skiing an exciting idea?

2008-12-11T06:23:00.000-08:00

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

5 Destinations Scuba Divers Would Die to Visit

2008-12-03T06:24:00.000-08:00

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.

Three Weirdest Restaurant, Bar and Café in the Planet

2008-12-01T09:35:00.000-08:00

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.

Three Hotels Beyond Your Regular Hotels

2008-11-21T09:30:00.000-08:00

No matter which part of the globe you travel, you will find almost all the hotels are same. Well, there are some exceptions, such as; you will enjoy more luxuries and services in a 5 star hotel than in a budget hotel or a motel. In general, hotels all looks like the same. If you are tired of experiencing the same service, the setting and so on, here are three hotels that am sure does not have anything in common with any other hotels in the world.

Ice Hotel, Jukkasjärvi, Sweden: Located in Jukkasjärvi, Sweden, the Ice Hotel sure is different from other hotels. The biggest of its kind in the world, Ice Hotel is made up of pure ice block. Stay in one of the ice rooms decorated with ice art works and equipped with ice beds and ice furniture, dine in the ice restaurants, mingle with other fellow travelers at the ice bar and buy gifts and souvenirs at the ice gift shop.

Beckham Creek Cave Haven, Parthenon, Arkansas, United States: Whether you are a nature lover, a jet set traveler or just tired of experiencing the same hotel setting over and over again, head to Beckham Creek Cave Haven in Parthenon, Arkansas. No matter who you are and what you desire, you will have it here in Beckham Creek Cave Haven. Truly one of a kind, Beckham Creek Cave Haven is a cave house equipped with all the modern day comfort and luxuries.

Hotel Puerta América, Madrid, Spain: Ever wondered how hotels would be 100 years from today. Well you don’t have to give stress to yourself thinking about that, just head to Hotel Puerta América in Madrid. Though we cannot exactly predict whether hotels would be like this super luxurious establishment a century from now, but Hotel Puerta América has that futuristic appeal from its interiors to furnishing. Your stay in this hotel will surely make you feel as if you have been transported a century ahead.

Enjoy Solo Travel Without Any Hassles

2008-11-19T05:29:00.000-08:00

If you have never traveled alone, you should try it at least once in your lifetime. Many would encourage traveling with friends or groups and discourage traveling alone, but the adventure of traveling alone is quite an experience. Traveling alone has myriad of advantages, including, you get more freedom, you don’t have to please anyone except you, its easier to mingle with locals and other fellow travelers and your time, budget and the experience is all yours. Yet at the same time, traveling alone has its downfalls. Here are some tips that you need to know while traveling solo.

• Since you are traveling alone, you will have to carry your stuffs almost everywhere, whether you are in line to buy your train ticket, while going to the toilet or anywhere else. So pack as light as possible.

• Instead of that luxury 5 star hotel, choose a family run bed & breakfast or a hostel, where you can mingle with locals as well as with other fellow travelers. While going for sightseeing, take a tour bus, this way you will be able to meet more travelers. Be polite and make sure your clothes are clean, if you want to meet more people.

• Knowing even the slightest of local language always pays off. Never take out your map and read it in the streets, if you feel you are lost or you need to know the direction, go to a cafe, grab a bite and do the map reading.

• Get a photocopy of all your important documents and keep the original in your hotel room or somewhere safe. Never carry all your money in one place.

• Stay away from drugs and alcohol, since you are traveling alone and you don’t have anyone to watch your back.

Traveling solo has its advantages as well as disadvantage, yet we can make our solo travel much safer by just planning wisely.

5 Travel Tip While Arriving in a New City: A Must Know

2008-11-13T09:05:00.000-08:00

Arriving in a new city can be quite a challenge, if you have no prior planning. Seriously, traveling to unknown destinations in not everyone’s cup of tea and your thirst for adventure, alone is not enough. As you will also be needing a place to stay, food and so on. Planning is as equally important as your thirst to see new places, travel to unknown destinations or to visit places you have never been to. Here are some things that you need to known while arriving in a new city.

1. Before the day of your journey, do a research or collect information on what that you will be reaching your destination. Avoid arriving on the middle of the night or early in the morning.

2. Book your hotel room in advance. Confirm your reservation in advance, inquire the hotel, whether they provided any means of transportation. If not, you can ask them whether they can arrange someone to pick you from your arrival point or, how much the cab or bus, would charge from the arrival point to the hotel.

3. Always carry extra cash along with you, especially if you have no prior hotel reservation. Even if you have reserved your hotel in advance, you will be need them, since you are visiting this city for the first time and you won’t have any idea where the ATM is. Do carry some change.

4. A good map is a must. You don’t need to buy it from a tourist office or a travel agent, search the net; you will find plenty of excellent sites like Google Maps and Yahoo Maps, offering maps of destinations across the globe.

5. Knowledge of even the slightest of local language will surely reward you, especially if you are arriving in the middle of the night.

Enjoy That Overdue Vacation This Winter

2008-11-11T06:15:00.000-08:00

We all need vacation, once in a while; away from all the daily hum drums but with the current financial scenario taking a vacation would be a tough task for many. Well winter is almost here and if you are planning to go on a vacation yet stuck with your budget, then here are some deals that might just help you take that vacation.

Domestic Round Trip Flight Deals: This winter enjoy your vacation in some of the hippest domestic destinations including Long Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Las Vegas, San Francisco, Fort Lauderdale and Honolulu, to name a few, with CheapOair domestic round trip flight deals. With round trip flight deals just under $199, if you are planning for a vacation close to your home, this deal is for you.

The Caribbean and Mexico: Seeking to escape the cold, head to the Caribbean and Mexico with CheapOair special airfares to the Caribbean and Mexico, round trip fares starting at just $116. Whether it’s Nassau, Port of Spain, Montego Bay, San Juan, Mexico City or Cancun, you will find great round trip flights from your city!

Europe Exclusive Airfares: Europe without a doubt is one of the most visited continents in the planet. Home to some of the greatest cities in the world including, Paris, London, Rome, Venice, Amsterdam and more, a vacation in Europe is an experience of a lifetime! For those planning to travel to Europe, hook up with Cheap Oair Eu rope Exclusive Airfares deals starting at $250 and enjoy a vacation in Europe without putting a hole in your pocket.

Ten Japanese Slang Words: A must know for everyone visiting Japan

2008-11-10T07:49:00.000-08:00

Japan has so much to offer, from technology to fashion, from rich history and culture to sushi, from anime to breathtaking sights and activities. If you are planning to spend your next vacation in Japan, you are going to have a blast.
Am sure you must have planned everything, right from what to see, where to eat, shop, party and relax. So, here are some common local slang words that you need to know and be careful of while.

Ano: A term used to soften when making requests, like "umm..." in English!
Betsuni: A term used to say "not really" or "nothing"
Choudai: A common phrase used among friends while requesting or asking a favor like "can you do it for me?"
Daijoubu: Another very common word used for saying ‘Am Ok’ ‘I’ll be fine’.
Gomen Ne: A term used among friends to say sorry. Please don’t use this word in front of your superiors or elders.
Jaa Ne: Jaa Ne is an informal way of saying ‘catch you later’ or ‘see you later’.
Majide: A word used for saying "Really?", "No way!”.
Sugoi: A very popular term used to express something really good like ‘cool’, ‘wow’ and so on.
Rakki: An Informal way of saying lucky.
Osu: A popular word mostly used among friends to greet each other like ‘hi’, ‘hello.

Well these are the 10 Japanese slang words that you should known before heading to Japan. If you known any such term or phrase, do share with other fellow travelers by posting it as a comment.

Shopaholics Dream Destinations: A Must Visit For All Shopaholics

2008-11-07T08:27:00.000-08:00

What do you like to do while you are on a vacation? For some doing nothing and just relaxing may be the ideal way to spend their vacation, while some may love to see new place, engage in various outdoor activities or just shop, shop and shop. Though it may sound like a political definition, but seriously the meaning of vacation differs from person to person. But who cares about its definition or the meaning? Let’s not waste time in defining, instead take full advantage of this blissful word ‘Vacation’.

This article is solely dedicated to all the shopaholics out there, looking to conquer fresh new shopping streets, malls and markets. This winter forget that beach destination or that romantic destination and quench your thirst for shopping in some of the world’s top shopping destinations.

Here are the lists of CheapOair top 5 shopping destinations in the World:

New York City: The city of opportunity, the city where you can expect the unexpected, the city where everything is possible, New York City is a paradise for shoppers.

Paris: When it comes to shopping, Paris the Garden of Eden for shoppers is a must.

Milan: Some call it the fashion capital of the world, while others call it the Mecca of Designer wears, call Milan whatever you want to, but one thing is for sure, Milan will never disappoint you.

London: From the world renowned department stores like Harrods and Fortnum & Mason to high end fashion boutiques, from all your favorite designer names and brands to one of a kind speciality shop, you name it London has it all.

Hong Kong: Hong Kong, the ultimate destination to test your bargaining skills, , whether it’s a designer wear, a century old antiques, electronics or a replica of your favorite designer dress or a handbag, you will find it all in Hong Kong.

This summer treat yourself to a pure shopping vacation in any of these destinations; you will surely have a blast. You can also help other fellow shopaholics by sharing your favorite shopping destinations by posting it as a comment.

Top 5 Winter Destinations

2008-11-06T08:44:00.000-08:00

So you could not take a vacation this summer or autumn. Well, worry not. Winter is almost here. We all need vacations once in a while, away from our daily hustle and bustle, what better time than this winter to enjoy that long overdue vacation. If you are planning to go on a vacation this winter, here are some of hip destinations that you might want to visit.

Orlando, Florida: Seeking to escape the snow, Head to Orlando. Known for Walt Disney, beautiful beaches and vibrant nightlife, Orlando is perfect for all.

Lake Tahoe, California and Nevada: If you are planning to travel with your sweet head, try Lake Tahoe. Am sure you won’t be disappointed.

Alaska: Perfect for families, visit Alaska this winter and enjoy from dog sledding to the enchanting northern lights, and more.

Jukkasjarvi: If you being a part of hip urban life, then your winter in Jukkasjarvi will be an experience that you will cherish for a lifetime.

Caribbean’s: Who could think of a vacation without the Caribbean’s? Be it with your family, beloved, friends or alone, Caribbean is the ultimate destination to relax and have fun this winter.

It’s November: Time to Escape the Daily Grind

2008-11-05T07:44:00.000-08:00

With the current financial condition, even thinking of vacationing could give most of us a heart attack. But if you are a member of the frequent flyer miles of US Airways or American Airlines, you may be able to enjoy a weekend or a week’s vacation in some real hip vacation destinations.

Recently I was researching on various airlines, their offers, deals and packages; to be honest I could not find anything worth mentioning. Yet amidst the junk pile I found some hidden treasure that might just help us escape the daily grind and enjoy a vacation.

If you are a member of the frequent flyer miles of US Airways or American Airlines, have earned enough miles than its time to redeem your miles and enjoy a vacation, without breaking the bank.

Here are the top destinations for US Airways and American Airlines frequent flyer for the Month of November-2008.

1. Honolulu
2. Grand Cayman
3. Cancun
4. Venice
5. Tokyo

So if you are a frequent flyer miles of US Airways or American Airlines, with enough miles, what are you waiting for? Book your flight tickets at their website or at your favorite online travel site!

Travel More For Less

2008-10-30T06:07:00.000-07:00

The money-losing airline industry is raising fares and adding fees as it struggles with record-high fuel prices. Many American travelers are opting for "staycations" by choosing not to travel when they have time off. But, as per the experts there are ways to escape the rising air travel costs. According to George Hobica, creator of the travel Web site airfarewatchdog.com - 'there are still many, many, many cheap tickets'. You can get a cheap plane ticket but you're going to need to be very flexible.

Fly on the slowest days of the week

Tuesday and Wednesday are the slowest flying days of the week for business travel so demand is low, and so are the fares.

Fly on slowest time of the year

If you really want some cheap fares, you should travel during the slowest time of year, says Hobica. That rules out holidays, as well as spring, summer and winter.

Fly to popular places at unpopular times

Candy Harrington, editor of Emerging Horizons, suggests being completely flexible about the destination, based on the fare. "Check out the airline Web sites, and see what destinations they have on sale, then build your vacation around that destination".

Buy tickets during cheapest times of the day

Airlines change fares three times a day and early birds snags the best deals. As per Hobica "Early morning is the time to buy." During weekends, check fares on Saturday morning and at 5p.m. when the airlines lowers prices to fill up flights.

Why don't you buy a package

Travel packages offering cut-rate hotel stays and car rentals can save you a lot of money. "They're super bargains," he says. "Even if you don't need the rental car, you could just not pick it up, because the airfare is so cheap" - says Hobica.

How to Get a Free Airline Upgrade

2008-10-24T07:18:00.000-07:00

Air travel can be very comfortable especially if you are traveling in the first class. But not every one of us can afford to enjoy the comfort and the luxury of a first class passenger, unless you get a free airline upgrade. Getting a free upgrade to first class or business class, sounds more of a fairytale yet it does happen! Though getting a free upgrade is very unpredictable but we can increase our chances of landing in first class without spending a fortune. Here are some tips on how to get a free airline upgrade.

* Instead of flying with different airlines, try to stick with one airline and join their frequent flier program. This way you not only increase the chances of getting a free upgrade but you also get access to airport lounges and so on.
* Early afternoon and late evening are probably the best time to get a free upgrade as early-morning flights and late-night flights are usually packed with business travelers.
* Try to book a flight where their economy section is full, you can known whether their economy section is packed or not by going through a false booking on the airline website. As there is so much competition, the airline may squeeze you to first class instead of turning you away.
* How you dress, can also increase or decrease your chances of getting a free upgrade. You need not wear a suit or a tie but at least dress like a business executive as airlines won’t be willing to upgrade a person wearing torn jeans and dirt shoes, to the first class.
* Being polite always pays off and even in the case of getting a free upgrade, being polite sure does help. Ask the check-in staff, ‘whether you are eligible for an upgrade’. Those traveling alone have a bigger chance of getting a free upgrade than those traveling in groups.

Who does not want to travel in first class but everyone cannot afford the luxury of a first class. But with a bit of luck and some common sense we can, not always but at least once in a while.

Reduce the Risk of Having Your Baggage Lost

2008-10-16T06:17:00.000-07:00

What could be worst, after hours and hours of a very tiring flight journey you found out that your luggage has been sent to another city! The story of luggages getting transferred to another city while the owner is in another city is not a new tale and a missing luggage could even spoil your entire vacation. Though till now, none has come up with a full proof way to totally eradicate the problem, yet we can reduce the risk of luggages going astray by following some common precautions like:

• Remove old stickers and tags from your previous trip.
• Try to book a direct flight
• Pack all your valuables on a carry-on bag
• Add your name and address on the outside and inside of each bags
• Use a bigger and a distinctive luggage tag
• Check in early
• Get your luggage insured
• Always keep your baggage receipts in a safe place
• In case if your baggage go missing keep a copy of all the documentations produced by the airline and do not leave the airport until you are through with all the necessary paper for the baggage agent.

Next time when you travel follow these simple and common tips. If you have any tips that's not listed, please feel free to share it, by posting it as a comments. Your tip would be of great use to other fellow travelers.

Booking Hassle Free Travel Plans on online Travel Sites

2008-10-15T06:57:00.000-07:00

Lately I have come across articles, blazing out about the hazards of booking airline tickets, hotels, car rentals and vacation packages through online travel sites. I don’t disagree with them but I don’t even agree with them as everything has its bad as well as good sides and in most of the cases, we fall into such pitfalls because of our own carelessness. Seriously, I have been using various online travel sites like CheapOair, Expedia, OneTravel, Tripadvisor, Orbitz and so on for years, to book my flight, hotels and more and I have always noticed that travel has become cheaper, more convenient and easier since the birth of online travel.

Here are some tips and tricks that you need to known while booking your travel plans online:

• Hook up with a well known, reputed online travel site, which offers secure booking page. Check out the site terms and conditions; read the cancellation policy and browse the FAQ section, if you have any doubts.

• Booking in advance is undeniably the best way to get the cheapest deal, but this does not mean that you have to book months in advance. The best time to book is 21 days before the day of your journey. Incase if you could not, book 7 to 8 days ahead of your travel dates.

• Never end your quest by just visiting one site. Do a research on multiple-sites. If you don’t know the address of such travel sites, use search engines such as Google, yahoo search and so on.

• Sign up for fare alerts like Fares newsletters and RSS fares that the many travel sites offers. Most of the online travel sites allow visitors to sign up free for fare alerts, by which one can get all the latest updates of airfares, hotel deals and so on of a destination through emails.

• Always inquire about extra-charges or any hidden cost before finalizing your deal. Do not give up the PIN number of your credit card besides the three-digit security number on the back of your credit card.

• Once you complete the process of booking, you should receive an email confirming all the details, print it and keep it safe and handy as you will need it while check in at the airport or at the car rental office, if you have booked a rental car.

Next time while buying your travel plans online, follow these simple tips. If you have any tip or experience, feel free to share by posting it as a comment.

5 Tips to Make Your Overnight Flight Trip More Comfortable

2008-10-14T06:41:00.000-07:00

Flying without a doubt is the fastest, easiest and the most comfortable way to travel but an overnight flight can be very stressful and unpleasant. If you are traveling in the first class or business class, you won’t have to compromise much on comfort but for economy class travelers, an overnight flight is quite a challenge. Here are some tips to make your overnight flight trip more comfortable.

1. Choosing the right seat is the key to a comfortable journey. Since you are taking an overnight flight, you will definitely want to sleep and in this case, none serves better than a window seat. An aisle seat is also a great option, if you are looking for more arm room. Try to avoid the absolute rear of the plane.

2. Though most airlines offer entertainment but bringing your own entertainment, like an iPod, game boy, novel or a magazine is highly recommended.

3. Don’t forget your tooth brush and toiletries, including a deo and ofcourse, wet ones to help you freshen up.

4. Move around; take a stroll up and down along the aisle a few times. Contact your airline and ask whether you can request a special meal or you can carry bring your own meal. As most of the airlines foods are not that healthy as well as tasty.

5. Drink plenty of water. Bring along a high quality noise-isolating headphone, this will help in reducing the plane noise. If you are taking sleeping pills, consider using only half of the pill as flight crew should be able to wake you up in case of an emergency.

Next Time, while taking an overnight flight, follow these simple tips, these will definitely make your trip more comfortable.

Travel Insurance a Must for Travelers

2008-10-13T06:38:00.000-07:00

Going on a vacation? Am sure you must have booked your flight tickets, your hotel rooms well in advance, researched on what to see and do and where to shop, dine and party. Well what about your travel insurance? Buying travel insurance before taking any trip is just as important as booking your flight, hotels and so on in advance.

The advantage of getting your travel insured has lots of advantages, and depending on the plan you are taking, you insurance policy will cover everything from lost luggage, medical emergencies to delay and cancellation of your flights and more. Incase, if you have never bought travel insurance before, here are some tips to help your get the best policy for your travel.

1. The most important of all is doing a research on various insurance companies before your finalize your decision. Check out the background of the company and their customer satisfaction.

2. Read the policy carefully, know what your policy is covering like canceled or the flight is delayed, medical emergencies, lost luggage. Make sure that your policy covers the full length of your trip.

3. If you have any pre-existing medical conditions or going to engage in any adventure sports like skiing, snowboarding and so on, do declare in advance.

4. Always discuss with a travel agent or a travel expert before finalizing your deal.