By Ken Morris
What according to you is the best way to travel, would it be by
guided travel or individual travel? We recently took a trip to
Washington. Taking a bus tour that would take us around the
capital showing us the highlights, this turned out to be a good
decision. We were allowed to travel by foot the next day to see
those sights we wanted to from up close. Giving us an
opportunity to plan our three days in the city and select what
we wanted to see.
The San Francisco Bay Area which happens to be a favorite
holiday spot for me and my family holds many pleasant and
cherished memories of our holidays in those places. There are
few places, which are so much haunted by tourists that you could
visit them on your own. As a result you can decide on your own
time and pace to visit. Good examples of the same are
Fisherman's Wharf and Pier39. By walking a couple of blocks you
can see the Aquarium of the Bay, or cruise around San Francisco
Bay, take some time at the Riptide Arcade on Pier 39 and go
around the famous Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum.
Those traveling without a guide might like to buy a San
Francisco City Pass. Buying this would give you tickets to five
hot spots, apart from free rides on the Cable Cars and an
optional ticket which could be used at select optional places
like the Steinhart Aquarium or Legion of Honor & Academy of
Science.
There are some attractions again where you would enjoy more
with a tour guide. While on Alcatraz Island, you could go solo,
but having a lively tour guide or listening to earphones could
make you aware of the interesting points when you go through
them.
The Walking Tours of Chinatown are a must see. This adds to
the behind the scenes colorful picture of the place. This tour
takes you through the history and traditions of the local people
and familiarizes you with the culture you would never understand
on your own.
San Francisco has almost 30 fun and free walking tours of the
city. For information on these free tours, visit
http://www.sfcityguides.org.
It is the same for Napa valley tours. You could drive up to
the place yourself while looking around, but a guided tour to
some of the vineyards and wine tasting rooms would make it more
interesting.
A 17-mile drive to the coast is also a favorite driving tour.
The winding roads give you fantastic views of beautiful mansions
and the country side. You would be traveling through Carmel and
Pebble Beach Golf Club.
Whether you chose to visit alone or take a guided tour, should
depend on your place of visit and what you want to see. Mixing a
bit of both could make your travel tour worthwhile.
About the Author: Ken Morris is publishing normally for
http://www.alicante-spain.com , a web publication with topics
around Costa Dorada and Spain. You can discover his writings
over at http://www.alicante-spain.com/costa-blanca.html and many
different sources for Costa Blanca news.
Source: http://www.isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=152645&ca=Travel
Monday, December 15, 2008
Budget Travel In An RV
By Felicity Walker
The sales of recreational vehicles have really been on fire
lately, as more and more people discover the high level of
freedom, and low level of cost, that an RV vacation can provide.
As air travel becomes more of a hassle, and the cost of hotel
stays continues to rise, many people are discovering the
convenience of taking their hotel room with them wherever they
go.
The attraction of a recreational vehicle, of course, is that it
provides the budget traveler with the freedom to go where he or
she wants, whenever they want to go there. An RV frees the
traveler on a budget from rigid schedules, lines at airport
security, restrictions on luggage, and so much more. And with
over 15,000 RV parks and campgrounds dotting the country, there
is bound to be one wherever you want to go.
And many RV’s have all the amenities of home, including living
rooms, bedrooms, kitchens and bathrooms. Many RV’s also have
rooms that slide out to provide even more living space when the
vehicle is parked.
There are some important tips for first time RV’ers to follow
to get the biggest bang for their travel buck. Some of our
favorite tips for a low cost and hassle free RV trip include:
Ø Hit the web for tons of free information on living the RV
lifestyle and keeping costs under control. There are a great
many web sites and newsgroups dedicated to recreational
vehicles, and they can provide valuable tips for those
newcomers.
Ø Try renting an RV before you buy one. The purchase of a
recreational vehicle is a big decision, and one that is likely
to have a major impact on your lifestyle, especially on how you
vacation. With the average RV costing as much as the average
house did a couple of decades ago, it is important to know that
an RV is the right decision before taking the plunge. There are
a number of places that rent RV’s, and these rental agencies can
provide a low cost alternative to RV ownership, or a way to “try
it before you buy it”.
- Do your research. If you do decide to buy an RV, be sure to
research the buyer’s guides, and read the reviews on the
internet. Doing so will allow you to get the most RV for your
money.
- Visit a couple of RV dealers, and attend an RV show. RV shows
are great ways to see a wide range of models quickly, and it is
often possible to strike some very good deals at these events.
- Do the math to be sure an RV is right for you. An RV makes
sense for a great many people, particularly families traveling
together. RV travel can be significantly less costly than travel
by car or plane. Fees for campgrounds are considerably lower
than hotel room rates, and this can really trim the travel
budget.
- Be sure to inset in a quality guide to RV campgrounds.
Knowing where the campgrounds are, and having good directions
for getting there, will save you lots of hassle, as well as gas
money.
The sales of recreational vehicles have really been on fire
lately, as more and more people discover the high level of
freedom, and low level of cost, that an RV vacation can provide.
As air travel becomes more of a hassle, and the cost of hotel
stays continues to rise, many people are discovering the
convenience of taking their hotel room with them wherever they
go.
The attraction of a recreational vehicle, of course, is that it
provides the budget traveler with the freedom to go where he or
she wants, whenever they want to go there. An RV frees the
traveler on a budget from rigid schedules, lines at airport
security, restrictions on luggage, and so much more. And with
over 15,000 RV parks and campgrounds dotting the country, there
is bound to be one wherever you want to go.
And many RV’s have all the amenities of home, including living
rooms, bedrooms, kitchens and bathrooms. Many RV’s also have
rooms that slide out to provide even more living space when the
vehicle is parked.
There are some important tips for first time RV’ers to follow
to get the biggest bang for their travel buck. Some of our
favorite tips for a low cost and hassle free RV trip include:
Ø Hit the web for tons of free information on living the RV
lifestyle and keeping costs under control. There are a great
many web sites and newsgroups dedicated to recreational
vehicles, and they can provide valuable tips for those
newcomers.
Ø Try renting an RV before you buy one. The purchase of a
recreational vehicle is a big decision, and one that is likely
to have a major impact on your lifestyle, especially on how you
vacation. With the average RV costing as much as the average
house did a couple of decades ago, it is important to know that
an RV is the right decision before taking the plunge. There are
a number of places that rent RV’s, and these rental agencies can
provide a low cost alternative to RV ownership, or a way to “try
it before you buy it”.
- Do your research. If you do decide to buy an RV, be sure to
research the buyer’s guides, and read the reviews on the
internet. Doing so will allow you to get the most RV for your
money.
- Visit a couple of RV dealers, and attend an RV show. RV shows
are great ways to see a wide range of models quickly, and it is
often possible to strike some very good deals at these events.
- Do the math to be sure an RV is right for you. An RV makes
sense for a great many people, particularly families traveling
together. RV travel can be significantly less costly than travel
by car or plane. Fees for campgrounds are considerably lower
than hotel room rates, and this can really trim the travel
budget.
- Be sure to inset in a quality guide to RV campgrounds.
Knowing where the campgrounds are, and having good directions
for getting there, will save you lots of hassle, as well as gas
money.
Travel Money Belts And Travel Security
By Steve Gillman
Travel money belts are still a good way to carry cash. They're
common, and thieves know of them, but it isn't easy to tell if
your belt has a hidden compartment, and it isn't easy for a
robber to get at it quickly. It is a good way to carry SOME of
your cash when you travel. Here are some more ways.
Losing Money In An Ecuadorian Disco
Travel gets me thinking of ways to hide money. I had the idea
that a hundred dollars, wrapped up in an ace bandage on my leg,
would be safer than in money belts. It worked for ten days on
our trip to Ecuador, until we went dancing. The cash danced to
its own tune, which I didn't even notice until morning. The
lesson is to wrap it up tight, or don't go dancing.
Hiding Money And Documents
There are travel options other than money belts for hiding cash
and important papers. Use several of them, rather than putting
everything in one place. Don't carry too much cash. It's easy
now, almost everywhere, to access your money using an ATM, so
carry enough for a few days, or a week at most.
There are pouches that hang under your shirt to carry your
passport and other papers. They're obvious if you're wearing a
light shirt, but then it is always hard to thoroughly hide a
passport on your body. In any case, it isn't easily accessible
to pickpockets.
I cut a pocket from some old pants and used a safety pin to
attach it inside my travel pants. This has worked well on
several trips. It's not noticible, and would be difficult for a
thief to get at without taking off my pants. However, it is
inconvenient when I'm asked for my passport, since I have to
reach into my pants.
Hiding Money In Shoes
If the inner soles of your shoes are removable, put twenty
dollars under each one for emergencies. This works well for me,
but then I don't have expensive shoes that could themselves be a
target. It is just another place to hide cash, and you should
always have several different ones when traveling.
Think creatively. Roll up a bill and put it in the handle of a
disposable razor. Just don't throw it away by accident. Find or
make other hiding places. If your money is in several
hard-to-find places, it will take a persistent thief to find all
of your cash. Make robbers truly work for their living.
Hiding money in your hotel room requires some thought. There
are many good places. Ask any thief, and he'll tell you the best
ones. Just choose a safe hotel and be careful. Of course, hiding
things will at least reduce the temptation for bad employees and
lazy thieves.
I once had a wallet stolen from a zippered back pocket. It was
a decoy wallet, so the pickpocket's skill earned him a few
pieces of paper. Another time I had to drag a robber off a bus
and wait for police, but his accomplice escaped with our money.
Travel is about adventure, but fortunately we can avoid this
kind most of the time.
About the Author: Steve Gillman hit the road at sixteen, and
traveled the U.S. and Mexico alone at 17. Now 42, he travels
with his wife Ana, whom he met in Ecuador. For travel stories,
tips and a free Travel Secrets e-book, visit:
http://www.EverythingAboutTravel.com
Source: http://www.isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=109923&ca=Travel
Travel money belts are still a good way to carry cash. They're
common, and thieves know of them, but it isn't easy to tell if
your belt has a hidden compartment, and it isn't easy for a
robber to get at it quickly. It is a good way to carry SOME of
your cash when you travel. Here are some more ways.
Losing Money In An Ecuadorian Disco
Travel gets me thinking of ways to hide money. I had the idea
that a hundred dollars, wrapped up in an ace bandage on my leg,
would be safer than in money belts. It worked for ten days on
our trip to Ecuador, until we went dancing. The cash danced to
its own tune, which I didn't even notice until morning. The
lesson is to wrap it up tight, or don't go dancing.
Hiding Money And Documents
There are travel options other than money belts for hiding cash
and important papers. Use several of them, rather than putting
everything in one place. Don't carry too much cash. It's easy
now, almost everywhere, to access your money using an ATM, so
carry enough for a few days, or a week at most.
There are pouches that hang under your shirt to carry your
passport and other papers. They're obvious if you're wearing a
light shirt, but then it is always hard to thoroughly hide a
passport on your body. In any case, it isn't easily accessible
to pickpockets.
I cut a pocket from some old pants and used a safety pin to
attach it inside my travel pants. This has worked well on
several trips. It's not noticible, and would be difficult for a
thief to get at without taking off my pants. However, it is
inconvenient when I'm asked for my passport, since I have to
reach into my pants.
Hiding Money In Shoes
If the inner soles of your shoes are removable, put twenty
dollars under each one for emergencies. This works well for me,
but then I don't have expensive shoes that could themselves be a
target. It is just another place to hide cash, and you should
always have several different ones when traveling.
Think creatively. Roll up a bill and put it in the handle of a
disposable razor. Just don't throw it away by accident. Find or
make other hiding places. If your money is in several
hard-to-find places, it will take a persistent thief to find all
of your cash. Make robbers truly work for their living.
Hiding money in your hotel room requires some thought. There
are many good places. Ask any thief, and he'll tell you the best
ones. Just choose a safe hotel and be careful. Of course, hiding
things will at least reduce the temptation for bad employees and
lazy thieves.
I once had a wallet stolen from a zippered back pocket. It was
a decoy wallet, so the pickpocket's skill earned him a few
pieces of paper. Another time I had to drag a robber off a bus
and wait for police, but his accomplice escaped with our money.
Travel is about adventure, but fortunately we can avoid this
kind most of the time.
About the Author: Steve Gillman hit the road at sixteen, and
traveled the U.S. and Mexico alone at 17. Now 42, he travels
with his wife Ana, whom he met in Ecuador. For travel stories,
tips and a free Travel Secrets e-book, visit:
http://www.EverythingAboutTravel.com
Source: http://www.isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=109923&ca=Travel
Travel Money Belts And Travel Security
By Steve Gillman
Travel money belts are still a good way to carry cash. They're
common, and thieves know of them, but it isn't easy to tell if
your belt has a hidden compartment, and it isn't easy for a
robber to get at it quickly. It is a good way to carry SOME of
your cash when you travel. Here are some more ways.
Losing Money In An Ecuadorian Disco
Travel gets me thinking of ways to hide money. I had the idea
that a hundred dollars, wrapped up in an ace bandage on my leg,
would be safer than in money belts. It worked for ten days on
our trip to Ecuador, until we went dancing. The cash danced to
its own tune, which I didn't even notice until morning. The
lesson is to wrap it up tight, or don't go dancing.
Hiding Money And Documents
There are travel options other than money belts for hiding cash
and important papers. Use several of them, rather than putting
everything in one place. Don't carry too much cash. It's easy
now, almost everywhere, to access your money using an ATM, so
carry enough for a few days, or a week at most.
There are pouches that hang under your shirt to carry your
passport and other papers. They're obvious if you're wearing a
light shirt, but then it is always hard to thoroughly hide a
passport on your body. In any case, it isn't easily accessible
to pickpockets.
I cut a pocket from some old pants and used a safety pin to
attach it inside my travel pants. This has worked well on
several trips. It's not noticible, and would be difficult for a
thief to get at without taking off my pants. However, it is
inconvenient when I'm asked for my passport, since I have to
reach into my pants.
Hiding Money In Shoes
If the inner soles of your shoes are removable, put twenty
dollars under each one for emergencies. This works well for me,
but then I don't have expensive shoes that could themselves be a
target. It is just another place to hide cash, and you should
always have several different ones when traveling.
Think creatively. Roll up a bill and put it in the handle of a
disposable razor. Just don't throw it away by accident. Find or
make other hiding places. If your money is in several
hard-to-find places, it will take a persistent thief to find all
of your cash. Make robbers truly work for their living.
Hiding money in your hotel room requires some thought. There
are many good places. Ask any thief, and he'll tell you the best
ones. Just choose a safe hotel and be careful. Of course, hiding
things will at least reduce the temptation for bad employees and
lazy thieves.
I once had a wallet stolen from a zippered back pocket. It was
a decoy wallet, so the pickpocket's skill earned him a few
pieces of paper. Another time I had to drag a robber off a bus
and wait for police, but his accomplice escaped with our money.
Travel is about adventure, but fortunately we can avoid this
kind most of the time.
About the Author: Steve Gillman hit the road at sixteen, and
traveled the U.S. and Mexico alone at 17. Now 42, he travels
with his wife Ana, whom he met in Ecuador. For travel stories,
tips and a free Travel Secrets e-book, visit:
http://www.EverythingAboutTravel.com
Source: http://www.isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=109923&ca=Travel
Travel money belts are still a good way to carry cash. They're
common, and thieves know of them, but it isn't easy to tell if
your belt has a hidden compartment, and it isn't easy for a
robber to get at it quickly. It is a good way to carry SOME of
your cash when you travel. Here are some more ways.
Losing Money In An Ecuadorian Disco
Travel gets me thinking of ways to hide money. I had the idea
that a hundred dollars, wrapped up in an ace bandage on my leg,
would be safer than in money belts. It worked for ten days on
our trip to Ecuador, until we went dancing. The cash danced to
its own tune, which I didn't even notice until morning. The
lesson is to wrap it up tight, or don't go dancing.
Hiding Money And Documents
There are travel options other than money belts for hiding cash
and important papers. Use several of them, rather than putting
everything in one place. Don't carry too much cash. It's easy
now, almost everywhere, to access your money using an ATM, so
carry enough for a few days, or a week at most.
There are pouches that hang under your shirt to carry your
passport and other papers. They're obvious if you're wearing a
light shirt, but then it is always hard to thoroughly hide a
passport on your body. In any case, it isn't easily accessible
to pickpockets.
I cut a pocket from some old pants and used a safety pin to
attach it inside my travel pants. This has worked well on
several trips. It's not noticible, and would be difficult for a
thief to get at without taking off my pants. However, it is
inconvenient when I'm asked for my passport, since I have to
reach into my pants.
Hiding Money In Shoes
If the inner soles of your shoes are removable, put twenty
dollars under each one for emergencies. This works well for me,
but then I don't have expensive shoes that could themselves be a
target. It is just another place to hide cash, and you should
always have several different ones when traveling.
Think creatively. Roll up a bill and put it in the handle of a
disposable razor. Just don't throw it away by accident. Find or
make other hiding places. If your money is in several
hard-to-find places, it will take a persistent thief to find all
of your cash. Make robbers truly work for their living.
Hiding money in your hotel room requires some thought. There
are many good places. Ask any thief, and he'll tell you the best
ones. Just choose a safe hotel and be careful. Of course, hiding
things will at least reduce the temptation for bad employees and
lazy thieves.
I once had a wallet stolen from a zippered back pocket. It was
a decoy wallet, so the pickpocket's skill earned him a few
pieces of paper. Another time I had to drag a robber off a bus
and wait for police, but his accomplice escaped with our money.
Travel is about adventure, but fortunately we can avoid this
kind most of the time.
About the Author: Steve Gillman hit the road at sixteen, and
traveled the U.S. and Mexico alone at 17. Now 42, he travels
with his wife Ana, whom he met in Ecuador. For travel stories,
tips and a free Travel Secrets e-book, visit:
http://www.EverythingAboutTravel.com
Source: http://www.isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=109923&ca=Travel
What You Need To Know About – Budget Travel
By Mansi Aggarwal
Generally people deem traveling to be one amongst the mostexpensive event in their lives. But this can be proved wrong. Alittle judicious and cautious planning can save tremendousexpenditure without compromising significantly on the fun andjoy of your trip. There are various ways to do this.
1. What you first need to do is to prepare your budget-how muchmaximum you can spend on your outing and what is the minimumthat you would want to consume.
2. The second best thing would be to choose the season to go.If it is an off-season, don’t be reluctant to pack your bags.For during off-season, not much people are traveling to thatplace. Like winter and rainy seasons are believed to be offseasons for the beach locations. At this time the costs of thehotels, the availability of rooms and reservations etc. all willbe conveniently available and that too at remarkably less price.
3. If you traveling domestically, for instance if you are astudent willing to enjoy a good and cheap vacation and lookingforward for accommodation, the best you can do is to opt for ahostel or pitching up your tent. Tents can be pitched on thoserecreational grounds that welcome such stays. This saves thehuge amount you would have to expend for your stay in a hotelroom.
4. Even if you are traveling domestically don’t be shy inlooking for discounts. There are many off-season discountsavailable. These are meant to lure customers even in theoff-season. Various travel agencies (that offer excellent cheappackage tours), hotels, restaurants, shopping malls etc.facilitate such discounts. If you plan to go through a travelagency, ask them about these beneficial discounts and do availthem.
5. If you think that distance can be commuted by a car and youdo not require any travel agency then prefer to take your owncar. Rented car can be a little more expensive. Try to work uponand minimize the consumption of gasoline (like less of airconditioner and excess speed etc.). For gasoline is costly andthe cost varies from state to state. However, the best means totravel domestically is to catch up a bus or train. For thatsaves you from the weariness of driving and the expense ofgasoline as well as the one for the wear and tear of your car.
6. If you propose to make a move internationally i.e. to take adestination abroad, the finest thing would be have a travelagent. An agent can help you in many ways. Ask your agent to gofor those airlines that offer a good discount and offers likebooking your lodging etc. Try not to make any last minutereservations for they are most often costly and you may not evenfind a seat.
7. You can also search the Internet for various airfares onceyou decide upon the dates to travel. Internet search can be veryvaluable in finding a suitable accommodation and eating jointsthat fit in your budget. Also try to know something about thedomestic life of the place you are heading to. This can save youfrom many troubles later. Like if you have an idea of somerestaurant that is hogged by the local residents, you have madeyour trip somewhat free of expenditure on food.
8. Last but not the least make sure you go with a travelinsurance done. This insurance can make up for your cancelledfights, medical expenses, lost luggage etc. Travel insurancecompanies too provide various concessions especially when youare traveling internationally. Travel insurance is the best foryour safety and happiness during your trip.
Remember, a little travel strategy and research will have awonderful journey within your pocket.
About the Author: Mansi gupta writes about budget traveltopics. Learn more at http://www.budgettravelhelp.com .
Source: http://www.isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=4497&ca=Travel
Generally people deem traveling to be one amongst the mostexpensive event in their lives. But this can be proved wrong. Alittle judicious and cautious planning can save tremendousexpenditure without compromising significantly on the fun andjoy of your trip. There are various ways to do this.
1. What you first need to do is to prepare your budget-how muchmaximum you can spend on your outing and what is the minimumthat you would want to consume.
2. The second best thing would be to choose the season to go.If it is an off-season, don’t be reluctant to pack your bags.For during off-season, not much people are traveling to thatplace. Like winter and rainy seasons are believed to be offseasons for the beach locations. At this time the costs of thehotels, the availability of rooms and reservations etc. all willbe conveniently available and that too at remarkably less price.
3. If you traveling domestically, for instance if you are astudent willing to enjoy a good and cheap vacation and lookingforward for accommodation, the best you can do is to opt for ahostel or pitching up your tent. Tents can be pitched on thoserecreational grounds that welcome such stays. This saves thehuge amount you would have to expend for your stay in a hotelroom.
4. Even if you are traveling domestically don’t be shy inlooking for discounts. There are many off-season discountsavailable. These are meant to lure customers even in theoff-season. Various travel agencies (that offer excellent cheappackage tours), hotels, restaurants, shopping malls etc.facilitate such discounts. If you plan to go through a travelagency, ask them about these beneficial discounts and do availthem.
5. If you think that distance can be commuted by a car and youdo not require any travel agency then prefer to take your owncar. Rented car can be a little more expensive. Try to work uponand minimize the consumption of gasoline (like less of airconditioner and excess speed etc.). For gasoline is costly andthe cost varies from state to state. However, the best means totravel domestically is to catch up a bus or train. For thatsaves you from the weariness of driving and the expense ofgasoline as well as the one for the wear and tear of your car.
6. If you propose to make a move internationally i.e. to take adestination abroad, the finest thing would be have a travelagent. An agent can help you in many ways. Ask your agent to gofor those airlines that offer a good discount and offers likebooking your lodging etc. Try not to make any last minutereservations for they are most often costly and you may not evenfind a seat.
7. You can also search the Internet for various airfares onceyou decide upon the dates to travel. Internet search can be veryvaluable in finding a suitable accommodation and eating jointsthat fit in your budget. Also try to know something about thedomestic life of the place you are heading to. This can save youfrom many troubles later. Like if you have an idea of somerestaurant that is hogged by the local residents, you have madeyour trip somewhat free of expenditure on food.
8. Last but not the least make sure you go with a travelinsurance done. This insurance can make up for your cancelledfights, medical expenses, lost luggage etc. Travel insurancecompanies too provide various concessions especially when youare traveling internationally. Travel insurance is the best foryour safety and happiness during your trip.
Remember, a little travel strategy and research will have awonderful journey within your pocket.
About the Author: Mansi gupta writes about budget traveltopics. Learn more at http://www.budgettravelhelp.com .
Source: http://www.isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=4497&ca=Travel
World Wide Travel Insurance: Travel Without Tensions
By Henry Bell
Is your travel plan taking you out of Europe this holiday?
Then, you definitely need a worldwide travel insurance policy
for yourself and your family members.
Many people are traveling out of their country or continent to
far off places. Traveling worldwide is not a new phenomenon.
With the fast growing up of speedy transportation facilities,
people in large numbers are traveling to distant countries; the
countries you are not familiar with. What if you fall ill there?
What if your flight gets cancelled due to some or other reason?
You might not have any idea of the costs of treatment in that
country. It may be much higher than your home country. The
solution to all these problems lies in purchasing worldwide
travel insurance.
Worldwide Travel insurance is of various types:
Single Trip Travel insurance: Be it visiting Ibiza or the
Caribbean islands, single trip world wide insurance is the best
insurance to purchase if you are planning to travel for once a
year. You can buy this policy for yourself individually or for
all your family members.
Multi-trip or annual travel insurance: This is the perfect
policy if you and your family like to travel more than once a
year.
Adventurous travel insurance: Are you planning to go for
tracking in the Great Himalayas of India, or go on a trip to the
Sahara desert? Whatever may be the reason, if you like
adventurous travel, buy adventurous worldwide travel now.
Business travel insurance: If you have to travel frequently to
different countries for your business, then business world wide
travel insurance is the best policy for you.
It is good if nothing happens to you during your world wide
travel, but no one can envisage what is in store in their
future. Any incident can happen; so it is better to purchase
world wide travel insurance than be sorry.
To search for the perfect quote you need to do a lot of
research. You have to find out about the various companies that
offer world wide insurance, and then you have to find out their
rates, compare them, and finally purchase them. All of these
require a lot of time and patience. But now with the internet
facilities this work is made easier and less time consuming.
Browse through the pages and purchase for yourself world wide
travel insurance.
About the Author: Henry Bell is proficient in the insurance
world; he is an MBA from University of Oxford. Insuranceb
endeavors to find the best possible deals for its customers. To
find Car insurance,Worldwide Travel insurance,Home owner
insurance,Van insurance,Motorcycle insurance vsit
http://www.insuranceb.co.uk
Source: http://www.isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=104374&ca=Finances
Is your travel plan taking you out of Europe this holiday?
Then, you definitely need a worldwide travel insurance policy
for yourself and your family members.
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Budget Travel For Martial Arts Karate Tournaments
By Clint Leung
Once martial arts competitors and coaches decide to follow one
of the large karate circuits like NASKA or NBL, it will soon be
realized that participation in this sport can be very expensive.
Many years ago, I attended a seminar conducted by Charlie Lee
and he said that the only main difference between many national
and local competitors is that the national ones have the funds
to travel. I’ve been on both the NBL and NASKA circuits. I’ve
also dabbled in international overseas competition as well so
I’ve learned a few tricks over the years to help save some
overall costs involved in competition.
Competition Fees
Most karate tournaments offer some savings through
pre-registrations. With many promoters adding online
registration capabilities recently, pre-registering is a snap.
Of course, there’s the risk of losing your entire fee if for
some reason you don’t show up at the event. Even if you have
made commitments to attend certain tournaments, other
circumstances can prevent you from going. For example, I have
missed tournaments due to flight cancellations because of bad
weather. It is also possible for flights to be delayed or missed
due to reasons beyond your control. Of course, unforeseen
emergencies at home can always cause trip cancellations. So even
though one can save some good money over the course of a year by
pre-registering for all events, it is a risk to take.
Hotels
Most tournament promoters also work out a special room rates at
designated tournament hotels. These special rates usually range
from about $100 to $125 which are quite good considering that
most event hotels are top major chains like Hyatt, Sheraton,
Hilton, etc. However, I have found that if one is willing to do
some research, even more significant savings are possible with
accommodations. I almost never stay at event hotels anymore.
Instead, I will do research to find out hotels that are close
by. The maps facility at the Yahoo site is wonderful for this.
Just go to Yahoo and click on ‘maps’. Then enter the address and
city of the tournament hotel. Do a search of other hotels close
by and the site will show you where they are on a map as well as
how far they are from the event hotel. I also use travel
websites like Travelocity and Expedia to verify other nearby
hotels. Many hotels are often much less expensive especially the
ones that are one level lower in quality. In addition to the
travel websites, I would also check room rates directly with
Choice Hotels (Comfort Inn, Econolodge, Quality Inn), Holiday
Inn, Days Inn and Motel 6 via their websites. The rooms at these
chains are not as luxurious as those at major hotels but they
are clean and comfortable. They are not the bottom of the barrel
like some independent motels are. Rates can be 50% lower than
even the tournament rates at the event hotels. My average rate
for rooms has been about $50 and that often includes free
breakfasts which event hotels seldom offer.
Many lower priced hotels are within walking distances of the
tournaments. Even if a hotel is not within walking distance, a
small cab fare is usually worth the room savings. I’ve even
stayed at airport location hotels and then utilized the free
hotel shuttles of both the place I was staying at as well as the
event hotel to get around. Of course, all this is not as
convenient as staying at the event hotel but if you are willing
to plan ahead a bit, good savings are possible. Of course for
events where I’m extending my stay for vacation purposes, a
rental car will allow me to stay wherever I want.
Another way to chop off half of your hotel expenses is to leave
right after your competition is over. You will miss the evening
shows but if you don’t mind that, then you will have to stay
overnight for only a single night rather than two. Over the
course of a year, single night trips can result in significant
savings.
Flights
Driving would be the most economical way to travel to
tournaments but if the locations are too far, then flying would
be the most realistic way to get there. One could also explore
trains too. As for flights, one could wait for seat sales to
purchase tickets. Another strategy is to fly in or out of
different airports that are nearby the event city. There could
be significant savings in prices for flights if you are willing
to use alternative airports. Some cities have more than one
major airport in the region. Alternative airports can reduce
travel costs for competitors who have to cross the US-Canadian
border as well. Canadians driving to US airports right across
the border could save up to 50% sometimes for flights. Travelers
should join all frequent flyer programs but try to stay with one
or two main airlines if possible. Points do add up which can
result in future free flights. Of course, points from hotel
stays, car rentals and credit card use also help.
Transfers
As mentioned previously, I try to use free hotel shuttles
whenever I can. If my hotel doesn’t have a free shuttle and it
is close to the event hotel, sometimes I would take the event
hotel’s free shuttle and then walk to my hotel. I often use the
event hotel’s shuttle to catch a ride back to the airport too.
Just hang out at the event hotel lobbies so that you look like a
guest and nobody should question your use of the shuttle.
Many cities where large tournaments are held have very
efficient and safe transit systems right from the airport. For
example, instead of paying for cabs or airport shuttles that
charge, taking the local bus or subway train for about $1.50
will get me to the tournament just as easy.
So as you can see, there are different ways to take a bite off
the overall expenses of karate tournament travel. You just have
to do your research for every trip. As for meals, you could
always stuff yourself silly for a very reasonable price at those
Chinese buffets found almost everywhere.
Once martial arts competitors and coaches decide to follow one
of the large karate circuits like NASKA or NBL, it will soon be
realized that participation in this sport can be very expensive.
Many years ago, I attended a seminar conducted by Charlie Lee
and he said that the only main difference between many national
and local competitors is that the national ones have the funds
to travel. I’ve been on both the NBL and NASKA circuits. I’ve
also dabbled in international overseas competition as well so
I’ve learned a few tricks over the years to help save some
overall costs involved in competition.
Competition Fees
Most karate tournaments offer some savings through
pre-registrations. With many promoters adding online
registration capabilities recently, pre-registering is a snap.
Of course, there’s the risk of losing your entire fee if for
some reason you don’t show up at the event. Even if you have
made commitments to attend certain tournaments, other
circumstances can prevent you from going. For example, I have
missed tournaments due to flight cancellations because of bad
weather. It is also possible for flights to be delayed or missed
due to reasons beyond your control. Of course, unforeseen
emergencies at home can always cause trip cancellations. So even
though one can save some good money over the course of a year by
pre-registering for all events, it is a risk to take.
Hotels
Most tournament promoters also work out a special room rates at
designated tournament hotels. These special rates usually range
from about $100 to $125 which are quite good considering that
most event hotels are top major chains like Hyatt, Sheraton,
Hilton, etc. However, I have found that if one is willing to do
some research, even more significant savings are possible with
accommodations. I almost never stay at event hotels anymore.
Instead, I will do research to find out hotels that are close
by. The maps facility at the Yahoo site is wonderful for this.
Just go to Yahoo and click on ‘maps’. Then enter the address and
city of the tournament hotel. Do a search of other hotels close
by and the site will show you where they are on a map as well as
how far they are from the event hotel. I also use travel
websites like Travelocity and Expedia to verify other nearby
hotels. Many hotels are often much less expensive especially the
ones that are one level lower in quality. In addition to the
travel websites, I would also check room rates directly with
Choice Hotels (Comfort Inn, Econolodge, Quality Inn), Holiday
Inn, Days Inn and Motel 6 via their websites. The rooms at these
chains are not as luxurious as those at major hotels but they
are clean and comfortable. They are not the bottom of the barrel
like some independent motels are. Rates can be 50% lower than
even the tournament rates at the event hotels. My average rate
for rooms has been about $50 and that often includes free
breakfasts which event hotels seldom offer.
Many lower priced hotels are within walking distances of the
tournaments. Even if a hotel is not within walking distance, a
small cab fare is usually worth the room savings. I’ve even
stayed at airport location hotels and then utilized the free
hotel shuttles of both the place I was staying at as well as the
event hotel to get around. Of course, all this is not as
convenient as staying at the event hotel but if you are willing
to plan ahead a bit, good savings are possible. Of course for
events where I’m extending my stay for vacation purposes, a
rental car will allow me to stay wherever I want.
Another way to chop off half of your hotel expenses is to leave
right after your competition is over. You will miss the evening
shows but if you don’t mind that, then you will have to stay
overnight for only a single night rather than two. Over the
course of a year, single night trips can result in significant
savings.
Flights
Driving would be the most economical way to travel to
tournaments but if the locations are too far, then flying would
be the most realistic way to get there. One could also explore
trains too. As for flights, one could wait for seat sales to
purchase tickets. Another strategy is to fly in or out of
different airports that are nearby the event city. There could
be significant savings in prices for flights if you are willing
to use alternative airports. Some cities have more than one
major airport in the region. Alternative airports can reduce
travel costs for competitors who have to cross the US-Canadian
border as well. Canadians driving to US airports right across
the border could save up to 50% sometimes for flights. Travelers
should join all frequent flyer programs but try to stay with one
or two main airlines if possible. Points do add up which can
result in future free flights. Of course, points from hotel
stays, car rentals and credit card use also help.
Transfers
As mentioned previously, I try to use free hotel shuttles
whenever I can. If my hotel doesn’t have a free shuttle and it
is close to the event hotel, sometimes I would take the event
hotel’s free shuttle and then walk to my hotel. I often use the
event hotel’s shuttle to catch a ride back to the airport too.
Just hang out at the event hotel lobbies so that you look like a
guest and nobody should question your use of the shuttle.
Many cities where large tournaments are held have very
efficient and safe transit systems right from the airport. For
example, instead of paying for cabs or airport shuttles that
charge, taking the local bus or subway train for about $1.50
will get me to the tournament just as easy.
So as you can see, there are different ways to take a bite off
the overall expenses of karate tournament travel. You just have
to do your research for every trip. As for meals, you could
always stuff yourself silly for a very reasonable price at those
Chinese buffets found almost everywhere.
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