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Australia is a huge country, almost as large as the contiguous United States, and one of the most important tips for any traveler would be to give themselves enough time to really see the country. Most international visitors fly into Sydney, the country’s largest city, but the rest of this vast country, which also happens to be a continent, is well worth visiting too.
One of the biggest challenges is negotiating the huge distances; the distance from Perth on the west coast to Brisbane on the east coast is almost 2500 miles. The easiest way to travel is to fly. QANTAS serves the major cities as well as smaller places with intriguing names, Wollongong, Lord Howe Island and Doomadgee.
If you plan to see as much of the country as possible, consider buying one of the many air passes available which allow you to save money by taking a certain number of flights within a specific time period. The cost depends on the itinerary. A ticket from Perth to Cairns to Alice Springs and Melbourne might cost around $1200. You generally need to purchase these tickets outside Australia, and often in conjunction with your plane ticket to and from Australia.
If you have the time, driving is an excellent way to see the country, and to appreciate the sheer size. Car rental is easy and convenient, you will need a valid driver’s license to rent a car and you need to have it with you while driving. Many travelers even find it more economical to purchase a car and then sell it before returning home. Australian drivers are polite, and won’t tolerate drunk-driving, driving without a seat belt or talking on a cell phone while driving.
Roads are generally good in Australia, although some roads in the Outback are unpaved (or unsealed, as they are known) and can only be driven safely in a four wheel drive vehicle. If you are driving in the more remote parts of Australia, be alert for animals and “road trains”, huge tractor-trailers up to fifty yards long. Never venture into the Outback without extra water and fuel, spare tires, a rope and perhaps a satellite phone. And don’t forget, they drive on the left.
There is also a surprisingly good rail and bus network in Australia, there are several long distance bus companies, although Greyhound Pioneer Australia covers the entire country. Also, if you have the time, the train journey from Perth to Sydney is considered one of the world’s most spectacular; it also boasts one of the world’s longest straight stretches of railroad track.
If you don’t want to fly or drive, consider an escorted tour. These can vary greatly in the quality of accommodation, the length of the trip and exactly what you will see. Most tours take in the popular destinations, Sydney and the surrounding Blue Mountains, the Gold Coast, Uluru, (Ayers Rock) and the Great Barrier Reef. Darwin makes a good base for exploring the tropical north of the country and Alice Springs is convenient for exploring the Outback.
Many people visit Australia to experience native Aborigine culture. If you plan to travel on Aboriginal land, other than on a designated road, you will first need to obtain a permit from the Land Council in that state. There are plenty of places throughout the country to see Aborigines and purchase their art and crafts, but you are also expected to show respect for their sacred sights.
The unit of currency in Australia is the dollar; divided into 100 cents. At the time of this writing, Australia is affordable to American and European visitors, due to the rather favorable exchange rate. ATMs can be found in all the larger towns and the major tourist areas, although they are often hard to find in the Outback.
Credit cards, particularly Visa and MasterCard, are widely accepted. Tipping is not as common as in the US, although it’s appreciated. An inexpensive hotel room might cost somewhere between $50 and $80; a more luxurious hotel room may cost in the range of $260 to $300. Hostels and campgrounds are also widely available, reasonably priced and popular with families and backpackers.
The internet has meant that trip planning and keeping in touch has become easier. Australia is no exception. Internet access is widely available, even in the remotest Outback settlements. Australians use 240 volts AC, so you will need to take an adaptor for electrical appliances.
One of the easiest aspects about traveling through Australia is that the language is familiar. Although, you may come across such strange things as thongies, billabongs, sheilas and, as Australians are well known for their hospitality, possibly an invitation to a shrimp on the barbie.
Camping trips or travels are all about fun and enjoyment. They give you an opportunity to explore nature’s hidden treasures and calm your mind. Since the entire world is becoming tech-savvy, so why don’t you make the use of technology for your camping trip? Have you ever thought of taking an RV or using GPS navigation for your camping trip? If not, then try giving it a shot.Well, talking about RV travelling, you will be surprised to find out that there are approximately 7,000,000 RVs on American roads today, which include motor homes, travel trailers, folding camping trailers, truck campers and van conversions. Basically, Recreational Vehicles are very cool alternatives to hotels, airplane tickets, and car rentals. In fact, it has been found that RVs can save upto 74% traveling by using RVs.Recreational vehicles have a number of advantages; you have all the facilities of home, your own privacy, and you can reach your destination comfortably (without having to face the hassles of changing your bus or train) and you don’t have to unpack on reaching your destination. There are various types of recreational vehicles to choose from if you are thinking to rent or buy one. GPS Navigation can help anybody to trace the location where they want to go, or where they are. GPS continuously transmits signals that contain data on the satellites location. A GPS unit makes it possible for people with ground receivers to pinpoint their exact geographic location; committed travelers cannot afford to be without a GPS system.There are number of methods which you can use to choose the correct GPs device. Portable GPS’s come in many shapes and sizes and are highly durable, waterproof and shockproof, plus portable GPS’s can operate from a cigarette lighter or on batteries. Try looking out for a unit with 12 channel-parallel receiver systems, so that more satellites pick up your signal.So get tech-savvy and use the above techniques and make your camping trip easier with the help of technology.
Information about traveling to and within the country of Spain including flights, rail and road travel and ferry services
Mainland Spain is situated on the Iberian peninsula in the southwest of Europe. It also encompasses two groups of islands. The Islas Baleares (Balearic Islands), in the Mediterranean, Mallorca the largest island is just over one hundred miles off the eastern coast and the Islas Canarias (Canary Islands) which are situated approximately five hundred miles to the southwest and lie off the Atlantic coast of Morocco. Mellila and Cueta are two Spanish enclaves in Morocco on the African continent.
Whilst Spain is one of the world’s leading destinations for the package holiday there is more to this country than the beaches of the costas and islands. The independent traveler will want to move around see what more Spain has to offer.
Getting there – There are thirty one airports on the mainland serving the following cities and towns: A Coruna, Albacete, Alicante, AlmerÃa, Asturias, Badajoz, Barcelona, Bilbao, Burgos, Cordoba, Girona, Granada, Jerez de la Frontera, Leon, Madrid, Malaga, Murcia, Pamplona, Reus, Sabadell, Salamanca, San Sebastian, Santander, Santiago, Sevilla, Valencia, Valladolid, Vigo and Zaragoza. In the Canaries the islands of El Hierro, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, La Gomera, Lanzarote and Tenerife and in the Balearics Ibiza, Menorca and Mallorca all have airports. Gibraltar, the British colony at the southern most tip of Spain, also has it’s own airport. British Airways and the Monarch fly daily to Gibraltar from several departure points in the United Kingdom and Monarch has some very good deals on seats. Major carriers provide scheduled flights to Spain but it is also a principal destination for budget airlines with return flights available for less than 100 Euros from other European cities. It is also possible to pick up bargain seats on the many charter flights serving the tourist industry. Air travel within Spain, with the exception of a couple of budget airlines, is expensive.
Major roads provide access from Portugal to the west and France which borders Spain to the northeast. Road travel within the country can vary. Many roads are not of a good standard but Spain has received billions of Euros in aid from the European Union and much of this has been spent on the infrastructure and so it is also possible to travel on some of the newest and finest roads on the continent. The country is well served by many bus companies linking the major towns and cities with express services. There are also a wealth of local bus services.
The train service is well developed enabling access to the country from both Portugal and France and fast travel between towns and cities within Spain. Fares are cheap compared to some other major European countries. Madrid and Barcelona are served by extensive Metro (underground railway) networks.
In addition to the many inter island services ferries run from the mainland to both the island groups and the two enclaves in Morocco. The Canary Islands are served by a boat running from Cadiz. The journey is long, some 48 hours and the sea conditions often make for a rough passage. It may be preferable to fly although as we have already pointed out this can be expensive. Ferries from Tariffa and Algeciras, in the Andalucian province of Cadiz, run to Tanger in Morroco. Ferries also link the enclave of Cueta with Tariffa, Algeciras and Malaga. Mellila, the other enclave is served by a boats out of Malaga and Almeria. The Balearic Islands have services to the mainland running to Barcelona, Valencia and Denia.
More information about Spain can be found at the Spanish Travel Guide
India has been divided into four parts by its region – North India, South India, East India and West India. For the traveling and tourist point of view North India is most famous as a traveling destination for holidays. It is the northern part of whole India. Traditionally, it is the emperor of Maurya and Mughal. Northern India is the most famous for the Himalayas range, Ganga River and Taj Mahal. It has rich history and cultures also. All the research for human society development has been found in the region. Civilization of Sindhu Vally and Harrapa show the human origin in northern region of India. In the region, Kasmir is most famous for Himalayas range and snow fall for tourists. As a holiday destination in modern India it is known as the heaven on the earth. Delhi is the capital of India and it is rich for tourist place also. It is not known as holiday destination but it is most famous for historical places. Red fort, Old fort, India Gate, Kutub Minar etc. is the most famous historical places. Uttar Pradesh and Uttranchal are the most famous as holiday destination. Most of the tourists come here to spend their holidays. For the holidays Kullu-Manali, Shimla, Kausani, Ranikhet, Auli, Mussoorie and Nanital are the well known places of the region. Another state of the region is Bihar. It is famous for its old and rich culture. Goal Ghar, Bodh Gaya, Nalanda University and Kakolat Lake are the well known holiday destination of northern India. Hindi and Bhojpuri are the two most speaking languages of the region. For the traveling and holiday destination north India can be most beautiful place to learn, to enjoy and to see. Delhi is the well connected with the entire destination along with Haridwar holy destination. These can be lovely destination for the Jungle, hill stations, rivers and lakes.
This heavenly body called earth is full of beautiful terrains like India, London, Switzerland and Mauritius to name a few in this vast list of travel destinations. There are every sort of packages available that include air travel, cruising, hotel stay, commuting services and many other amenities to make your traveling experience a joyful and memorable one. You can opt for any destination and enjoy the essence of beauty that place offers to its visitors. But these travels to unfamiliar places can bring unwanted troubles like rape, murder or robbery also.
So following are the tips listed to refrain you from falling prey to perpetrators and avoid any kind of miss-happening:
- Don’t list your actual home address on any of the luggage tag. If you are on a business trip then it is better to put the company’s name and address on the tag. Also use tags which are covered from outside.
- Always carry important papers with you and never ever try to check anything that you simply do not want to lose in ant case. Have photocopy of driver’s license, passport and credit cards with you.
- Do not project your appearance to be of an affluent one, so avoid gold chains, expensive luggage, watches and rings, or any other paraphernalia that could draw attention towards you. It will be a better thing to leave your ornaments and other precious things at home.
- Always carry a flash light with you so that in case you suddenly are in dark in any unfamiliar place then you can be on the safer side.
- Stay in those hotels where cards are used to open the doors of room and make sure the room you are staying in has a deadbolt lock and a peephole. Also it is better to secure the door and chain by putting rubber stop under it.
- Before traveling any unfamiliar place make you well acquainted with the travel schedules and other important information so that you cannot be duped by anyone.
- If you are traveling with your family and have children then bring along with you photograph of them so that in case you get separated then you can use them.
- Have discussions with your family to tell them in advance what to be done in case get stuck in any problem like get separate from each other, whom to call in any emergency and should know necessary contact numbers. This way they will get mentally prepared for any of the problem they might come across in any future event.
- If you rent any car at the travel destination then do it from any reputable company so that in case you have any operational problem during any travel you know whom to approach. – Have basic first aid kit with you which should have bandages, mosquito repellant, diarrhea medicine, iodine, and other medicines with you.
So whenever you undertake any journey you are well prepared to handle any of the problems. So happy journey!
Some of us may be considered seasoned travelers and are well versed on the traveling dos and don’ts. Because of the advancement in modern modes of transportation, far away places that used to take months to reach are now a plane flight away. Traveling has also opened its doors to everybody that long gone were the days when only the rich and affluent could afford the luxury to visit exotic locations and getaways.
Traveling abroad to explore a new country, with a different culture and way of living is probably on everyone’s wish list. If you are given the opportunity to take a journey overseas here are some helpful tips to make your travel not only a worthwhile experience but a relaxing one as well.
Before hopping on the next plane to your chosen place of destination it is important that you do a research on the country that you will be visiting. First and foremost find out about the current situation there and ensure that there are no reports of terrorism or that no travel ban advisories have been issued against it. This is to ensure your safety when traveling to a foreign location.
Create an itinerary of the places that you would want to be visiting so that you won’t waste valuable time once there. Adhering to a schedule would make the visit worth every minute.
Find out also about the climate and whether conditions so that you will be aware on what clothes you should be bringing. You are going on a vacation and it is important that you feel comfortable and at ease.
Make yourself familiar with the local currency and be aware of current exchange rates to make certain that you are bringing enough travel money with you. Have a small amount exchanged to the local currency for petty expenses like fare for a cab, etc. that you will be incurring upon arrival in the country of destination.
Try to learn some basic conversation words in the language used by the natives there. At least you could communicate a bit with the people just in case you don’t find anyone there who knows how to speak English upon your arrival. You don’t have to learn the language by heart, even a few useful words for conversation would do.
Be aware of how you could locate or contact your local embassy there in case of emergencies or untoward incidents. You are in a foreign country and at least you have the feeling of security knowing that in case anything happens you can always seek the help of the consular office there.
Hitting the road in your RV and the RV lifestyle can be one of the most economical ways to travel. If you do a little planning and research ahead of time, it’s easy to save even more – without ever feeling like you’re pinching pennies.
One obvious way to take the frugal route is to plan your RV travel during the “shoulder seasons” – before and after prime travel time – when discounts are often offered at various campgrounds and attractions. Here are 5 cost-cutting RV travel tips that are good any time of the year:1. RV Travel On One Tank of Gas
Remember the ending to The Wizard of Oz, when Dorothy says she doesn’t have to look any further than her own backyard to find her heart’s desire? Well, we’re not suggesting camping out right outside the house, but think about going to places not too far away that you’ve always meant to check out.
You’ll be surprised at how many new and interesting destinations are just one tank of gas away. A lot of territory can be covered in just a few hundred miles, and you’re bound to discover exciting locations you never knew existed so close to home.Tip: Your neighborhood library is a terrific resource for researching local and state information and attractions – and most of it is free!2. Put Your RV On A Diet And Get Better Gas-Mileage
It’s a simple fact that the less your RV weighs, the more mileage you’ll get on the road. Look around for places in your rig where you can institute a “less is more” policy.
For example, you don’t have to set out with a full, fresh water tank for your RV excursion. Take what you need for the first day’s travel, plus a small reserve, and fill up once you’ve reached your day’s destination.
Forget that bulky, economy-sized can of coffee: empty a smaller amount into an airtight plastic container that you can refill later. (One place not to cut back, though, is tire inflation: riding on fully inflated tires is a sure way to increase your gas mileage.)Tip: When buying food staples, consider dehydrated items like soup and dried fruit, and transfer cereal and pasta from bulky boxes into heavy-duty plastic bags – not only do they take up less space, you can reuse them once they’re empty!3. Plastic not Paper Dinnerware – A More Economical Approach Overall
Sure, the eat-and-toss approach of paper plates and cups is the easy way to go – and might even seem economical when you buy in bulk. But lightweight, inexpensive plastic dishes are easy to find, and while they might not last forever, they’ll certainly see you through the duration of a long-distance RV excursion.
Choosing plastic over a big stack of paper goods is also another way to save on weight, especially when you’re starting out on your RV trip. Tip: Buy your plastic ware in a mix-and-match variety of vibrant colors, and these snazzy dishes will brighten up even the simplest road fare!4. Drive Less, Stay More – Save on Gas AND Get Campsite Discounts
When creating your RV travel itinerary, consider making fewer stops and spending more time at each destination. This will save on fuel and campsites costs as most of them offer discounts for lengthier stays.
By driving less and staying more, you’ll receive an additional benefit: It’s much more relaxing to know that once you’ve turned off the ignition you’re settling in for a while. Also, by spending more time in one place, you’ll be able to do some more in-depth exploring of the area.Tip: Look online at the local newspaper for the area you’ll be visiting. Check for listings of events that you might not hear about otherwise … and don’t forget to look in the classifieds for yard sales and flea markets, too!5. Stop and Shop – At Local Discount or Dollar Stores
When you need to refill on groceries avoid supermarkets and convenience stores where prices are at a premium. Instead, look for local discount and dollar stores and roadside fruit and vegetable stands — depending on the season. You might not save much money there, but there’s nothing better than freshly picked produce.
Keep an eye open for discount outlets in the area. And stop at flea markets and yard sales where you might find a one-of-a-kind treasure. Not only do these unconventional choices offer the opportunity to find unusual items, it’s a great way to get to know the local neighborhoods and people.Tip: Keep your birthday and holiday gift list handy – you might spot the perfect knickknack for a family member at someone’s yard sale!Some Final Frugal RV Travel Tips:
- Make use of the cheaper parks, like state parks
- Join Good Sam Club for 10% discount at their parks
- Subscribe to RV magazines for great ideas on RV travel
- Shop around for best prices on camping stuff like Wal-Mart, K-Mart, GI Joes – instead of RV stores
- Avoid buying your RV “supplies” – like toilet paper – that claim to be for RVs/motorhomes. Save money and buy the cheap stuff.
- Save money and cook all your meals in the RV; don’t eat out. You can even make dishes ahead and store in your RV’s refrigerator
- Ask for senior discounts everywhere you go
- If members of AAA, see if any campgrounds give discounts. Look at a “Trailer Life Campground Directory” at your local library to compare camping fees.
- Plan!!
Traveling Tips For Women Travelers in India
India, a nation of unity in diversity, has myriad of rich history, culture, heritage, religions, traditions, cuisines and people. It is a magical domain and most people fall in love with this country as soon as they come here. Even after the modern influence of western countries, India still remains, somewhat, a conservative country. Some western habits are perceived as inappropriate and degrading if practiced by women here. Some travel tips for women travelers in India would make their trip more exciting and easy. Because of the social conservatism, it’s important that women travelers educate themselves to India’s social mores and culture to best prepare for a safe journey.
Women travelers in India should be extremely particular about their clothing, safety, packing , monetary matters, language and shopping. These tips will prove beneficial making your journey a lifetime experience. With regards to clothing tips for women travelers in India avoid wearing too revealing dresses. Low cut, tight-fitting shirts, tank tops, skirts that fall above the knees, shorts and bikinis are highly discouraged. While swimsuits can be worn in beach resort areas such as Goa, consider wearing a conservative one-piece and covering yourself with a sarong and t-shirt when you’re not sunbathing or when you are interacting with locals. Short sleeve cotton shirts can be worn in warmer climates but they should be loose fitting and not revealing. Observe the locals and dress a bit more conservatively than the most liberally dressed woman. You can incorporate some of the local dress into your outfits by shopping once you arrive in-country. Purchase a locally made blouse or delicate scarf or shawl to wear over your Western-style clothes.
Safety tips for women travelers in India should be of the prime concern. You should be alert of the opportunistic thieves. Your personal safety and the potential theft of your belongings should be taken care of. To prevent sexual harassment, keep your arms folded in front of you in large crowds and on public transportation. It’s best not to initiate conversations that could be construed as flirtatious or personal and sidestep answering personal questions about yourself. If you’re traveling alone or with a female friend, invent a husband and make it clear that you are not interested in anyone else. Avoid situations where you may find yourself alone with a man. When traveling on public transportation, lock your bags together with a cable lock and then to a stationary object such as a bench or immovable seat.
The lighter the bag, the lesser you sag ! Nothing new to say here except ‘Travel Light’. Yet, in your enthusiasm to have a weightless bag, do not throw out the essentials. Inclusion of sun screen lotion, sun glasses, umbrella, brimmed hats is important to guard you against sun tan. Also include eye patches, camera, water bottle, first aid kit. Pack your bag according to the region and climate you are traveling in. Your day bag may contain the essentials (camera, book, lip balm, tissues, pen, journal, light snack). A bag made of slash-proof material and strap is ideal.
While traveling, you should be sure that you are carrying your money safely. Though there are no such risks of people snatching your money, it is always better to be safe than sorry. Pouches that can be fastened with an attached belt to your waist and can also be worn under clothing are best. This is the most popular and safest way to carry money safely. Your money and other valuable documents like ATM cards, passports and credit cards also in the pouch should be kept hidden from others. Keep some loose change in your pockets for giving to beggars who might mob you. Do not flash rolls of currency notes in front of them. You can also lose the purse and carry a variety of currency options in at least two locations on your body.
With regards to lingua franca, for most parts of India you won’t really need to mug up any local lingo. Yet, if sometime you get stuck, Hindi should help you get going. It is spoken in fair parts of north India and understood in the west too. Down south is the domain of the Dravidian languages. It’s either English or a regional language that will do the trick. So, pick up some words in both Hindi and regional language and get going.
The shopping enthusiast women cannot resist the temptation of picking up the Indian expertises. The the Indian bazaars – a place that puts your temptation resistance skills at test, are stuffed with bright and beautiful things – handicrafts, silks, ethnic jewelry, curios and what have you. You can shop till you drop. But you should try to strike the best deal so do not hesitate to bargain. Be ready to pay additional customs and handling charges.
No place round the globe is that safe for women traveler but keeping these tips in mind, your trip to India will at least be unscathed and secure. Wear your smile and stick tight to your sense of humor with presence of mind. It will definitely help you through the multitudinous complexities that make up a trip to this fascinating region.