Travel Guide - Budget Airlines
The single most popular form of travel for the independent traveler. Fast, economically the cheapest, with a high safety record, the jet plane has revolutionized the travel industry. Had Jules Verne been alive today we would have been reading "Around the world in 80 hours", which gives some idea of the revolution that the jet has brought about. Unfortunately, despite its many advantages, there is one large negative to jet travel, which has been largely ignored until today. This is the huge amount of CO2 released during each flight. It is possible that as the world grows in knowledge and concern about the damage that this release causes, the cost of jet travel will rise. Combined with jet travel's dependency on oil, the age of cheap flights that we currently see might be limited.
Now back to the good news. Flights are at the moment cheap, plentiful, and go to just about everywhere; it seems in this day and age that there is nowhere in the world that is more than 48 hours from anywhere else.
Single tickets
Buying single tickets from place to place in the course of your travels is the most flexible way to travel. It is also more expensive than a return flight, or a Round the World Ticket. However - it is possible to pick up cheaper local options from local travel agents than you may find on the Internet, or from travel agents back home.
http://www.hotelharjaspalace.com
Friday, January 23, 2009
Travel Guide - Backpacks Versus Suitcases
Travel Guide - Backpacks Versus Suitcases
Ok so you are planning to travel, and considering taking a suitcase:
Advantages of a suitcase are: easy access to the contents, less likely to get caught in baggage conveyors, easier to store, great in airports and hotels when the little wheels touch down and smoothly roll on the concourse floors.
Disadvantages You can't carry most suitcases for more than a few minutes. This is the main and most important disadvantage. From the point you decide to take a suitcase instead of a backpack you are tied to taking taxis, cars, booking your hotels and hostels in advance. You lose freedom. This is the advantage of a backpack and for the independent traveller freedom is one of the most important features of the journey.
http://www.hotelharjaspalace.com
Ok so you are planning to travel, and considering taking a suitcase:
Advantages of a suitcase are: easy access to the contents, less likely to get caught in baggage conveyors, easier to store, great in airports and hotels when the little wheels touch down and smoothly roll on the concourse floors.
Disadvantages You can't carry most suitcases for more than a few minutes. This is the main and most important disadvantage. From the point you decide to take a suitcase instead of a backpack you are tied to taking taxis, cars, booking your hotels and hostels in advance. You lose freedom. This is the advantage of a backpack and for the independent traveller freedom is one of the most important features of the journey.
http://www.hotelharjaspalace.com
Travel Guide - Backpacker Travel Insurance
Travel Guide - Backpacker Travel Insurance
Backpackers Travel Insurance
The Travelblog Travel Guide tries to be as unbiased as possible, offering only the best advice and does not normally recommend particular products and companies. One exception is made here: for backpacker insurance, no company has yet offered a product that competes with World Nomads in terms of features and price. They offer travel insurance to all countries - (with sensible exceptions - you aren't covered for travel to war zones) - and do not leave out the most interesting places, like other insurance companies do. You can also purchase your insurance when you have already left! - Since most backpackers leave travel insurance to the last minute - and beyond - this is a fantastic feature. In addition, should you decide to stay on beyond your original travel dates, you can get a new policy on the Internet without having to be in your country of residence. For these reasons Travelblog Travel Guide unreservedly recommends World Nomads, but you should nevertheless still shop around.
http://www.hotelharjaspalace.com
Backpackers Travel Insurance
The Travelblog Travel Guide tries to be as unbiased as possible, offering only the best advice and does not normally recommend particular products and companies. One exception is made here: for backpacker insurance, no company has yet offered a product that competes with World Nomads in terms of features and price. They offer travel insurance to all countries - (with sensible exceptions - you aren't covered for travel to war zones) - and do not leave out the most interesting places, like other insurance companies do. You can also purchase your insurance when you have already left! - Since most backpackers leave travel insurance to the last minute - and beyond - this is a fantastic feature. In addition, should you decide to stay on beyond your original travel dates, you can get a new policy on the Internet without having to be in your country of residence. For these reasons Travelblog Travel Guide unreservedly recommends World Nomads, but you should nevertheless still shop around.
http://www.hotelharjaspalace.com
Travel Guide - Travel Insurance
Travel Guide - Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance is probably one of the most overlooked aspects of preparing for a trip. Getting the right insurance cover is very important. Choose the wrong policy and if the worst happens you could find that you are not covered - do be aware of what you are covered for and what you need to arrange separate insurance for. By the same rule, visiting a foreign country on a short city break is very low risk and you might well be covered for medical expenses by national reciprocal agreements. In this case, travel insurance recommended by many travel agents is extremely expensive, mainly due to commission plus administrative costs, and you will pay disproportionately to the risk by a huge factor.
http://www.hotelharjaspalace.com
Travel Insurance is probably one of the most overlooked aspects of preparing for a trip. Getting the right insurance cover is very important. Choose the wrong policy and if the worst happens you could find that you are not covered - do be aware of what you are covered for and what you need to arrange separate insurance for. By the same rule, visiting a foreign country on a short city break is very low risk and you might well be covered for medical expenses by national reciprocal agreements. In this case, travel insurance recommended by many travel agents is extremely expensive, mainly due to commission plus administrative costs, and you will pay disproportionately to the risk by a huge factor.
http://www.hotelharjaspalace.com
Travel Guide - Trip Styles (continued) »
Travel Guide - Trip Styles (continued) »
Historical/ Educational.
The world is full of interesting history, and kind souls globally have put the information on display for visitors to share. It is possible to go to books, encyclopedias and surf the web and learn vast amounts, but it's far more interesting to visit the scene of the events and assimilate the history where it all happened. The down- sides of this are that sometimes museums or sites have either only details in the local language, or perhaps a token amount in English. Some notable locations where history really comes to life, in not necessarily pleasant detail are:
Eastern Europe: learn about 2 world wars, oppression during Soviet occupation, crushed rebellions, and visit some of the most notorious locations in the world.
Vietnam: crawl through tunnels built by the Viet Cong.
Latin America: Pyramids and ancient cities from lost civilizations.
Another aspect of educational trips is learning a language. You'll find language schools in many countries, some providing home-stays with local families, allowing you to totally immerse yourself in the language.
Photographer's Paradise.
A camera, a lot of time, with fantastic, unusual scenery, people, and architecture to record - you've made it to photographer's paradise. This style of trip is more popular than you might think. Since trekking with tripods and lenses can be hard work, the intrepid photographer often sacrifices comfort for art. Although relatively few people make a full-time living from travel photography, (a few of the luckier and talented ones become famous and lead very interesting lives as a result their efforts), most travellers use photographs as a way to record their travels and preserve the memories forever.
"I have discovered photography. Now I can kill myself. I have nothing else to learn." -- Pablo Picasso
Picasso takes it a little to extremes, but photography is an art form, which is very useful to all types of traveller.
Party Tour!
Party Tours such as round the party Islands of Phonon Keng, booze trips down the eastern coast of Australia or on one of the infamous party buses, such as the Kiwi Experience are in abundance. If lots of drink, good company and hangovers on luxury 57 seater coaches with a party in a different town each day is your idea of fun, this is an ideal option.
Growing and Knowing Together.
Taking some real time to get to know your partner is common, and what better way to do it than to see the world together. Though be warned: there is a risk that sometimes when the chips are down and the stress levels are up, the strain can tell. Can the relationship survive the stresses, strains and temptations of an extended period of travel ? If it can, one of the most colorful and exciting experiences of your life will be enhanced by becoming a shared experience with a chosen partner.
http://www.dashotels.net
Historical/ Educational.
The world is full of interesting history, and kind souls globally have put the information on display for visitors to share. It is possible to go to books, encyclopedias and surf the web and learn vast amounts, but it's far more interesting to visit the scene of the events and assimilate the history where it all happened. The down- sides of this are that sometimes museums or sites have either only details in the local language, or perhaps a token amount in English. Some notable locations where history really comes to life, in not necessarily pleasant detail are:
Eastern Europe: learn about 2 world wars, oppression during Soviet occupation, crushed rebellions, and visit some of the most notorious locations in the world.
Vietnam: crawl through tunnels built by the Viet Cong.
Latin America: Pyramids and ancient cities from lost civilizations.
Another aspect of educational trips is learning a language. You'll find language schools in many countries, some providing home-stays with local families, allowing you to totally immerse yourself in the language.
Photographer's Paradise.
A camera, a lot of time, with fantastic, unusual scenery, people, and architecture to record - you've made it to photographer's paradise. This style of trip is more popular than you might think. Since trekking with tripods and lenses can be hard work, the intrepid photographer often sacrifices comfort for art. Although relatively few people make a full-time living from travel photography, (a few of the luckier and talented ones become famous and lead very interesting lives as a result their efforts), most travellers use photographs as a way to record their travels and preserve the memories forever.
"I have discovered photography. Now I can kill myself. I have nothing else to learn." -- Pablo Picasso
Picasso takes it a little to extremes, but photography is an art form, which is very useful to all types of traveller.
Party Tour!
Party Tours such as round the party Islands of Phonon Keng, booze trips down the eastern coast of Australia or on one of the infamous party buses, such as the Kiwi Experience are in abundance. If lots of drink, good company and hangovers on luxury 57 seater coaches with a party in a different town each day is your idea of fun, this is an ideal option.
Growing and Knowing Together.
Taking some real time to get to know your partner is common, and what better way to do it than to see the world together. Though be warned: there is a risk that sometimes when the chips are down and the stress levels are up, the strain can tell. Can the relationship survive the stresses, strains and temptations of an extended period of travel ? If it can, one of the most colorful and exciting experiences of your life will be enhanced by becoming a shared experience with a chosen partner.
http://www.dashotels.net
Travel Guide - What to Take
Travel Guide - What to Take
The biggest mistake the new independent traveller ever makes is taking too much. Trying to be prepared for everything you will encounter in an extended period away, will mean that you have too much in your pack and are not prepared for the everyday reality of travel, when you have to carry that pack. Even if you are strong, a heavy pack will dig into your shoulders causing pain and backache a lot faster than you might imagine.
TravelTip! - 15Kg (33lbs) should be your maximum. To weigh your pack, stand on some scales, note the weight, put on your pack, and stand on the scales again. Subtract the first number from the second and you have your pack weight. Or you could simply put your backpack on the scales and get its weight without having to do the maths.
Now that said, some people will of necessity carry more. The photographer, musician, or diving instructor will often take extra heavy but essential equipment. That's a decision for them and no doubt there will be days when the extra weight is quietly cursed.
Essentials:
Backpack or suitcase
Clothing;(Hot/Normal Destination)
Wind and waterproof jacket - try to get one that is breatheable.
Fleece, designed for under the jacket when cold and wet, or used on its own when just cold.
2x Lightweight shirts/blouses - long sleeves - for warm nights with mosquitos about, and which can double up as slightly smarter wear.
2x Light weight travel trousers, long legs, suitable for trekking. Consider zip off trousers/pants that turn into shorts.
3x Tshirts
2x shorts/skirts.
Socks and underwear - matter of some debate, between 5 and 10 pairs.
Shoes - designed for hiking/walking, but also not so shabby as to look out of place in a restaurant.
Sandals - for when you're not wearing the shoes.
Plastic slippers - known as thongs, flip flops as well, for use in showers or just lounging around.
Second bag - light weight, collapses down to a small size, designed to be packed away 90% of the time
Duct Tape - essential, massively strong tape good for fixing just about anything. Black electrical tape, slightly different uses.
Guidebook - maximum two - one for your destination and the next area, you'll have to pick up the rest as you go, carrying too many is crazy.
First Aid Kit - bandages, disinfectant wipes, antiseptic cream, pain killers.
Sun glasses - get a good quality pair that protects against UV in your home country, those on the streets often come from dubious origin and may not protect your eyes again harmful UV rays.
Swimsuit
Sleeping bag - for the occasions where you don't have bedding provided, or you don't trust it.
Silk or cotton sleeping bag insert.
Earplugs - if you can wear these, they are an essential. You will be in dormitories where someone snores, where the doors bang, where the sound of the motorway next door is too loud for sleep. Earplugs will allow you to sleep when otherwise you can't.
Nice to Haves:
Fiction books - take two paperbacks, when you've read one, trade it for another - hostels often have a trade bookshelf.
Music Player - CD Player, Ipod, Cassettes, Minidisk - what you take is up to you. (See the techie part of this guide).
Camera - SLR or digital - as long as you have something to record your adventures. More in the toys section.
Torch - small one - a LED head torch is perfect, as it allows your hands to be free when in use.
http://www.hotelharjaspalace.com
The biggest mistake the new independent traveller ever makes is taking too much. Trying to be prepared for everything you will encounter in an extended period away, will mean that you have too much in your pack and are not prepared for the everyday reality of travel, when you have to carry that pack. Even if you are strong, a heavy pack will dig into your shoulders causing pain and backache a lot faster than you might imagine.
TravelTip! - 15Kg (33lbs) should be your maximum. To weigh your pack, stand on some scales, note the weight, put on your pack, and stand on the scales again. Subtract the first number from the second and you have your pack weight. Or you could simply put your backpack on the scales and get its weight without having to do the maths.
Now that said, some people will of necessity carry more. The photographer, musician, or diving instructor will often take extra heavy but essential equipment. That's a decision for them and no doubt there will be days when the extra weight is quietly cursed.
Essentials:
Backpack or suitcase
Clothing;(Hot/Normal Destination)
Wind and waterproof jacket - try to get one that is breatheable.
Fleece, designed for under the jacket when cold and wet, or used on its own when just cold.
2x Lightweight shirts/blouses - long sleeves - for warm nights with mosquitos about, and which can double up as slightly smarter wear.
2x Light weight travel trousers, long legs, suitable for trekking. Consider zip off trousers/pants that turn into shorts.
3x Tshirts
2x shorts/skirts.
Socks and underwear - matter of some debate, between 5 and 10 pairs.
Shoes - designed for hiking/walking, but also not so shabby as to look out of place in a restaurant.
Sandals - for when you're not wearing the shoes.
Plastic slippers - known as thongs, flip flops as well, for use in showers or just lounging around.
Second bag - light weight, collapses down to a small size, designed to be packed away 90% of the time
Duct Tape - essential, massively strong tape good for fixing just about anything. Black electrical tape, slightly different uses.
Guidebook - maximum two - one for your destination and the next area, you'll have to pick up the rest as you go, carrying too many is crazy.
First Aid Kit - bandages, disinfectant wipes, antiseptic cream, pain killers.
Sun glasses - get a good quality pair that protects against UV in your home country, those on the streets often come from dubious origin and may not protect your eyes again harmful UV rays.
Swimsuit
Sleeping bag - for the occasions where you don't have bedding provided, or you don't trust it.
Silk or cotton sleeping bag insert.
Earplugs - if you can wear these, they are an essential. You will be in dormitories where someone snores, where the doors bang, where the sound of the motorway next door is too loud for sleep. Earplugs will allow you to sleep when otherwise you can't.
Nice to Haves:
Fiction books - take two paperbacks, when you've read one, trade it for another - hostels often have a trade bookshelf.
Music Player - CD Player, Ipod, Cassettes, Minidisk - what you take is up to you. (See the techie part of this guide).
Camera - SLR or digital - as long as you have something to record your adventures. More in the toys section.
Torch - small one - a LED head torch is perfect, as it allows your hands to be free when in use.
http://www.hotelharjaspalace.com
Travel Guide-Beginners Guide 2Independent Travel-Trip Style
Travel Guide-Beginners Guide 2Independent Travel-Trip Style
Historical/ Educational.
The world is full of interesting history, and kind souls globally have put the information on display for visitors to share. It is possible to go to books, encyclopedias and surf the web and learn vast amounts, but it's far more interesting to visit the scene of the events and assimilate the history where it all happened. The down- sides of this are that sometimes museums or sites have either only details in the local language, or perhaps a token amount in English. Some notable locations where history really comes to life, in not necessarily pleasant detail are:
Eastern Europe: learn about 2 world wars, oppression during Soviet occupation, crushed rebellions, and visit some of the most notorious locations in the world.
Vietnam: crawl through tunnels built by the Viet Cong.
Latin America: Pyramids and ancient cities from lost civilizations.
Another aspect of educational trips is learning a language. You'll find language schools in many countries, some providing home-stays with local families, allowing you to totally immerse yourself in the language.
Photographer's Paradise.
A camera, a lot of time, with fantastic, unusual scenery, people, and architecture to record - you've made it to photographer's paradise. This style of trip is more popular than you might think. Since trekking with tripods and lenses can be hard work, the intrepid photographer often sacrifices comfort for art. Although relatively few people make a full-time living from travel photography, (a few of the luckier and talented ones become famous and lead very interesting lives as a result their efforts), most travellers use photographs as a way to record their travels and preserve the memories forever.
"I have discovered photography. Now I can kill myself. I have nothing else to learn." -- Pablo Picasso
Picasso takes it a little to extremes, but photography is an art form, which is very useful to all types of traveller.
Party Tour!
Party Tours such as round the party Islands of Phonon Keng, booze trips down the eastern coast of Australia or on one of the infamous party buses, such as the Kiwi Experience are in abundance. If lots of drink, good company and hangovers on luxury 57 seater coaches with a party in a different town each day is your idea of fun, this is an ideal option.
Growing and Knowing Together.
Taking some real time to get to know your partner is common, and what better way to do it than to see the world together. Though be warned: there is a risk that sometimes when the chips are down and the stress levels are up, the strain can tell. Can the relationship survive the stresses, strains and temptations of an extended period of travel ? If it can, one of the most colorful and exciting experiences of your life will be enhanced by becoming a shared experience with a chosen partner.
http://www.hotelharjaspalace.com
Historical/ Educational.
The world is full of interesting history, and kind souls globally have put the information on display for visitors to share. It is possible to go to books, encyclopedias and surf the web and learn vast amounts, but it's far more interesting to visit the scene of the events and assimilate the history where it all happened. The down- sides of this are that sometimes museums or sites have either only details in the local language, or perhaps a token amount in English. Some notable locations where history really comes to life, in not necessarily pleasant detail are:
Eastern Europe: learn about 2 world wars, oppression during Soviet occupation, crushed rebellions, and visit some of the most notorious locations in the world.
Vietnam: crawl through tunnels built by the Viet Cong.
Latin America: Pyramids and ancient cities from lost civilizations.
Another aspect of educational trips is learning a language. You'll find language schools in many countries, some providing home-stays with local families, allowing you to totally immerse yourself in the language.
Photographer's Paradise.
A camera, a lot of time, with fantastic, unusual scenery, people, and architecture to record - you've made it to photographer's paradise. This style of trip is more popular than you might think. Since trekking with tripods and lenses can be hard work, the intrepid photographer often sacrifices comfort for art. Although relatively few people make a full-time living from travel photography, (a few of the luckier and talented ones become famous and lead very interesting lives as a result their efforts), most travellers use photographs as a way to record their travels and preserve the memories forever.
"I have discovered photography. Now I can kill myself. I have nothing else to learn." -- Pablo Picasso
Picasso takes it a little to extremes, but photography is an art form, which is very useful to all types of traveller.
Party Tour!
Party Tours such as round the party Islands of Phonon Keng, booze trips down the eastern coast of Australia or on one of the infamous party buses, such as the Kiwi Experience are in abundance. If lots of drink, good company and hangovers on luxury 57 seater coaches with a party in a different town each day is your idea of fun, this is an ideal option.
Growing and Knowing Together.
Taking some real time to get to know your partner is common, and what better way to do it than to see the world together. Though be warned: there is a risk that sometimes when the chips are down and the stress levels are up, the strain can tell. Can the relationship survive the stresses, strains and temptations of an extended period of travel ? If it can, one of the most colorful and exciting experiences of your life will be enhanced by becoming a shared experience with a chosen partner.
http://www.hotelharjaspalace.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)