Dec/090
Taking The Wrinkles Out Of Holiday Travel
Author: Stacey Moore
Source: articledashboard.com
Taking the wrinkles out of your next holiday trip means more than knowing which clothes will travel well. Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day is the busiest travel period of the year. Millions of people will be traveling over a short period of time and there are plenty of steps you can take to prepare for the journey.
Here are some travel tips from Stephanie Oswald, Editor-in-Chief of travelgirl magazine, the premier source for sophisticated women looking for high-quality travel:
Cover yourself. Travel insurance can assist travelers with incidents ranging from lost tickets and baggage tracking to helping travelers in the event of terrorism, hurricanes and medical emergencies. Most policies can be purchased up to 24 hours before departure.
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, in 2005, U.S. airlines lost about 10,000 bags a day on average, the worst performance since 1990. Travel Guard programs not only help reimburse for lost or stolen luggage, but they can help track your lost or delayed bags for you and make sure they are delivered no matter where you are. The coverage may also reimburse for essential items if your luggage is delayed for more than 24 hours.
Plan ahead. New TSA (Transportation Security Administration) regulations determine what you can and cannot pack in your carry-on luggage. All liquids, gels and aerosols must be in three-ounce or smaller containers. All such containers must be placed in a single, quartsize, zip-top, clear plastic bag. Only one bag is allowed per traveler.
Bring your numbers. Keep the phone numbers of your travel agent and the travel assistance hotline of your travel insurance provider handy. They will be your lifelines during unpredictable situations such as flight delays or cancellations, airline strikes, etc.
Pack light. Try to bring only one item of carry-on luggage. If checking bags, remember to pack at least one change of clothing in your carry-on should the airline lose your luggage.
Ship your gifts. Do not pack wrapped gifts and do not bring wrapped gifts to the security checkpoint. TSA may have to unwrap packages for security reasons. Travel insurance providers such as Travel Guard can help arrange for you to ship your gifts to your holiday destination ahead of time.
Note to Editors: The travel insurance offered through AIG Travel Guard is underwritten by American Home Assurance Company or National Union Fire Insurance Company of Pittsburgh, Pa., with their principal place of business in New York, N.Y. Both of these companies are subsidiaries of AIG. The policies contain reductions, limitations, exclusions and termination provisions. Not all coverages are available in every state. Noninsurance services are provided by Travel Guard.
Dec/090
Mountain Biking Trips: Vacatons Made In Heaven
Author: David Faulkner
Source: articledashboard.com
No matter which part of the globe you call home, you won’t have to look very far to find a large number of mountain biking enthusiasts. And travel agencies, recognizing the enormous popularity of mountain biking the world over, have added the mountain biking trips to their offerings as a way to capitalize on it.
Mountain Biking Trips Down Under
Among the most requested mountain biking trips are those to Australia and New Zealand. Mountain biking trips to the Auckland are very much in demand, because they take mountain bikers over terrain from which all of Auckland is visible; the views along are worth the entire cost of the trip.
You can expect to spend a week to ten days on mountain biking trips to Australia; you’ll be treated to trails passing by, and even beneath, waterfalls, and through rainforests. You’ll recuperate between each stage of mountain biking trip at five-star luxury hotels, in some of the most scenic areas to be found Down Under. Accommodations are included in the price of the mountain biking trips.
Mountain Biking Trips In Alaska and california
For those who prefer the northern climes to those of the Southern Hemisphere, mountain biking trips to Alaska might prove ideal. Haunting blue-white glaciers, serene mountain meadows, forgotten lakes, pure air and icy, crystal-clear streams will be waiting for mountain bikers wherever they turn in Alaska.
The travel agencies can arrange Alaskan mountain biking trips with stopovers to include whale watching and wildlife spotting excursions, or hiking through terrain where mountain bikes are not allowed. There is no better way to experience the Great Outdoors than by participating in mountain biking trips to the great big state of Alaska.
Californians have some of the most sought-after mountain biking trips available right along the northern coast of their own state. Northern California’s flawless climate, spectacular coastline, forests of unspoiled redwoods, pristine waterways, and vineyards are all great reasons to schedule a weekend mountain biking trip there. California weather, even during its “winter months” from January to March, is mild during the day, and California mountain biking trips make terrific family vacations no matter the time of year!
With the enormous increase of mountain biking, there are more mountain biking trips available now than ever. You can probably find one within driving distance of your home, or you can head for a travel agency and make arrangements to see some of the world’s most renowned scenery from the saddle of a mountain bike.
If mountain biking trios cost a little more than you are accustomed to spending on your vacations, just remember that you’ll be getting a far more intimate look at parts of the world than traditional tourists ever see on guided tours with daily itineraries. And best of all, you’ll spend most of your waking hours doing the thing you most love to do: mountain biking!
Dec/090
Enjoying Sydney Harbour Cruises
Author: Sam Decausta
Source: articlesbase.com
With the current economic crisis in mind, vacations could really be hard to come by nowadays. It is for this reason that people should really take the opportunity to maximize such get-away trips to the fullest. Getting into one of the best Sydney Harbour Cruises is one of the perfect ideas you should consider. Aside from giving you the opportunity to relax, Sydney Harbour Cruises will also let you enjoy breathtaking views. The location of the place will also entitle you to easily forget all your worries back home. However, you can only ensure such benefits if you have carefully planned out your Sydney Harbour Cruises trip. Remember to follow the following guidelines and for sure, you will have a truly memorable Sydney Harbour Cruises trip: >Set a budget. Vacations are opportunities to get away from all the stress and problems you are currently facing. However, this does not mean that you should splurge on your Sydney Harbour Cruises trip. Getting into numerous debts just to have the chance to get time off from everything would only create bigger problems that you would have to face when you get back. Set your vacation budget and stick to it no matter what. >Determine who will be coming with you. Tour and travel packages are mostly available in discounted rates for people who are traveling in groups. If you want to get the best discounts possible, you might have to consider getting a Sydney Harbour Cruises trip with your friends or family members. >Block off your schedule a few days before and after the vacation. Schedules can ruin much-awaited vacations at the last minute. So, to avoid this from happening to you, leave out days before and after your scheduled Sydney Harbour Crusies trip. This way, you are sure to be prepared if anything unexpected comes up. >Compare offers by different travel agencies. Be inquisitive in comparing the rates and packages offered by different travel agencies. Try charting out the pros and cons of each travel deal so you would easily ascertain which best Sydney Harbour Cruises package is best for you. You might also want to seek out friends who have been in a Sydney Harbour Cruises trip. There is a big chance that they know a good offer from a reputable travel agency. >Pack medicines and other emergency items. Accidents and other mishaps could happen even if you’re not on a vacation. Since it’s better to be safe than sorry, see to it that you have packed a first aid kit along with your luggage. You should also ensure that you have brought enough supply of medicines you regularly take. >Carry a positive outlook. Even if you mapped out every detail of your Sydney Harbour Cruises trip, it is important to prevent negative thoughts from entering your mind. It is highly recommended for you to maintain a positive outlook before, during and after your vacation. Doing this will enable you to appreciate even the tiniest aspects of your Sydney Harbour Cruises trip.