By Joe Brancatelli
updated 3:24 p.m. ET, Tues., Dec. 30, 2008
At the end of each of the thirtysomething years that I have survived a life on the road, I inevitably reach the same conclusion: It sure has been another bizarre 12 months for business travel.
Who'd have guessed that more than 80 airlines would fold in 2008, many of them destroyed by the price of oil this spring and summer? Who'd have imagined that the airlines could cut domestic seat capacity by double digits this fall and still see chairs go empty and fares drop? And who'd have thought hotels, expecting record increases in room rates in 2008, would end the year discounting lustily and mulling huge declines in 2009?
But all this chaos does have the proverbial silver lining: You learn stuff. Here are five things I've learned this year.
The rich aren’t different
The upper end of the travel industry has insisted that its increased emphasis on $20,000 first-class airline seats and $1,000-a-night hotel rooms was justified because the rich were different. The wealthy would always travel, claimed the developers of new luxury resorts and the executives of every airline that unveiled another pricey, front-cabin offering.
But the rich aren't different — except that they've curtailed travel faster than the rest of us. According to IATA, the worldwide airline trade group, premium-class travel dropped 8 percent in September, 6.9 percent in October, and "early indications for November point to further large declines."
Occupancy rates at luxury hotels have plummeted faster than the lodging industry at large, and even fancy brands such as Ritz-Carlton and Four Seasons are suddenly discounting like crazy and throwing in extras like free nights and gratis breakfasts.
Better airline mousetraps don’t guarantee success
Last year at this time, there were four all-business-class airlines flying the North Atlantic skies and a fifth prepping for launch. They offered extraordinary in-flight comfort for a lot less than major carriers charged, and they expected business travelers to beat a path to their cabin doors.
Turns out, building a better mousetrap doesn't guarantee survival in the dog-eat-dog airline world. Maxjet, EOS and Silverjet all folded on the New York-London route and L'Avion, which flies between New York and Paris, sold itself to OpenSkies, B.A.'s boutique carrier that launched in June.
But OpenSkies is struggling too. Its revolutionary prem+ cabin has confused passengers, who expect the back of the bus to be cramped and cheap, not spacious and fairly priced. And the lie-flat beds up front have yet to steal enough business from its larger competitors on the Paris and Amsterdam runs.
Slow and steady wins the airport race
This was going to be the year of the new airport terminal, with major facilities opening at London's Heathrow Airport; New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport; Raleigh/Durham; Indianapolis; and Detroit's Metro Airport.
This year I learned that it really does pay to delay your opening if you need extra time to get everything right. You may take a publicity hit for a blown deadline or two, but you won't suffer the disaster than befell Terminal 5 at Heathrow. It opened bang on time in late March — but was a nightmare of lost bags, missed connections, worldwide ridicule and money-gushing make-goods for British Airways.
Heathrow's owner, B.A.A., paid a bigger price: British regulators last week ordered the subsidiary of Spain's Ferrovial to sell its other London airports, Gatwick and Stansted. The four U.S. facilities shifted their launch dates by a few weeks and opened without notable incident or embarrassment.
Not all fees are created equal
The airlines turned 2008 into the year of à la carte pricing, unbundling just about everything from the basic ticket price: checked luggage; advance seat selection; in-flight meals and beverages; fuel costs; and even blankets and pillows. The goal, of course, was to charge lower-fare customers for all the little niceties that once were free.
Passengers pushed back hard against the fuel surcharges, even as oil prices soared to record highs. They reacted indifferently to the concept of paying for seat selection and largely ignored the airlines' buy-on-board meal programs and buy-a-blanket plans. And they seemed to accept without complaint the concept of paying for checked luggage.
The free second checked bag disappeared from most domestic flights as early as February. By the summer, American Airlines was also charging for the first checked bag. Virtually all of American's major competitors have now fallen in line, reckoning that they were leaving money on the table by giving away something for which passengers would willingly fork over $15.
No longer almighty, the dollar is resilient
When the U.S. dollar fell to record lows earlier this year and made international travel insanely expensive, there was no reason to believe the once-Almighty Dollar would ever regain its luster.
But worldwide financial crises can be the dollar's best friend. The Australian, New Zealand, and Canadian dollars have given up years of gains against the U.S. dollar in just a few months. The British pound, trading above $2 for much of the year, has crashed. It closed last week below $1.50, which is about where it was trading before 9/11.
And while the dollar has zigzagged crazily against the euro in mid December, it closed below $1.40, a far cry from the $1.60 level it had reached early in the year. The notable exception: the Japanese yen, which has gained about 15 percent against the dollar lately. In other words, don't plan any trips to Tokyo.
The fine print ...
One thing I have long known that you should learn: Never believe what an airline says about its future route plans. Earlier this year, big carriers were crowing about their new flights to China.
Virtually all of them were canceled or delayed indefinitely. And United Airlines, which began a heavily publicized daily Washington-Beijing service last year, has slashed the route back to just a few flights a week. It has also switched to a smaller aircraft to further reduce the number of seats it flies between the two capitals.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Holiday travel tips
By Lynn Parramore
01:59 PM PST, December 18, 2008
A volatile economy, reduced airline capacity and stressed consumers are making this holiday travel season one of the most challenging in recent years. Before you start that sleigh ride for the holidays, here are some tips that can help save you money, time and headaches.
Reserve airport parking. During peak travel times, traffic delays and increased demand for parking can make nabbing a space at the airport a nightmare at best and a trip-ender at worst. Before you leave, check out AboutAirportParking.com, which guides you to the best places to park at more than 100 airports, often at significant discounts.
You can find detailed specs on each lot, along with prices, Google maps, online reservations, user reviews and information about such services as valet parking, luggage assistance and even oil changes.
AboutAirportParking.com also provides stats on general airport time delays and average security wait at individual airports.
You can sort your parking lot choices by distance, rate or name by using a drop-down menu. There are even star ratings and user reviews on many of the facilities. At LAX, for example, the Hilton Los Angeles Airport Valet gets five stars and has 30 user reviews, which range from tepid (one or two) to laudatory. It's true; people get starry-eyed about parking.
Before you pack, check baggage restrictions. American, Continental, Northwest, United, Delta, US Airways, Frontier, AirTran and Spirit now charge $15 for a first checked bag each way for travel within the U.S. Virgin America allows the first bag to be checked for free, and Southwest still does not charge for the first or second bag.
Also be sure to check weight restrictions. Weight, the enemy of fuel efficiency, has come under increasing scrutiny of late, and airlines more often will charge you for bags that exceed the carriers' limits. (Fifty pounds is common, but check the websites.)
And don't forget about carry-ons. If you have one that's too large, you may end up checking it and that will cost you some bucks. You can save room in your carry-on by wearing such bulky pieces as coats and boots on the plane, then stowing them.
You also can avoid security hassles by bringing a Transportation Security Administration-compliant toiletry kit like My SmartPac (www.mysmartpac.com). You can also find small sizes of many of your favorite products (to avoid problems with TSA's 3-ounce rule) at www.minimus.biz. It even carries such hard-to-find-in-small items as shaving cream, deodorant and hair spray.
For resources and ingenious tips on how to pack light, check out Onebag.com or SmartPacking.com, or Google "packing light."
Make sure you have the right carry-on. Does your carry-on exceed airline restrictions? For most airlines, this means 45 linear inches or less. (To calculate add the height, width and depth of the bag, which must not exceed 45.)
Functional, stylish bags that fit the bill are available through numerous stores and online outlets. At 44 linear inches, the Helium Rolling Carry-On and Rick Steves' Convertible Carry On are compact, sturdy and surprisingly roomy options and are available through such retailers as Travel Smith, Buy.com and Luggage.com.
Pack snacks. To cut costs, many airlines have stopped serving food, soda and even bottled water. Take your own snacks and an empty bottle to fill at a water fountain once you've passed security. (If you prefer a flavored water, many brands now offer powders you can add to any bottled water to give you the same taste.) Energy bars are filling and take up little precious packing space. For kids try cheese sticks, flavored rice cakes and grapes.
Drive wisely. If you're planning to be on the road, use AAA's gas calculator for an estimate on fuel expenses ( www.fuelcostcalculator.com).
To avoid peak traffic, hit the road early in the morning or travel on Christmas Day. You can save money -- and the environment -- by checking tires before you leave. An under-inflated tire will decrease your fuel economy by up to 2%.
Last December, Californians were forking over $3.32 a gallon for gas; this year, they're paying $1.77 or less. Now that the harsh reality of costly gas has taught us to conserve, we can continue to keep our fuel costs down by employing all we know.
travel@latimes.com
Monday, November 24, 2008
Honeymoon On A Cruise Ship Travel
Travel Guide For You
Honeymoon On A Cruise Ship Travel By J. Foley
Many people plan their marriage well in advance. Planning your marriage not only includes the wedding night and the reception, it also involves one of the most important parts of marriage called the honeymoon. It comes only once in your lifetime and you would want to make it an affair that you and your spouse would want to remember forever and ever. Cruise ship travel honeymoon packages are the perfect answer to your honeymoon questions. It enhances your experience of cruise ship travel like never before and if you are a first timer on a cruise, it will be heaven.
Honeymoon Packages
Your honeymoon package on cruise ship travel will include romantic evening parties, night out at discos, casinos, and a deluxe suite, your own deck where you can bask in the sun, watch the sunset or simply take in the sea air. You can opt for a simple package, then enquire at the reception for honeymoon packages, and pay for each of them. This way it will be easier on your pocket as well.
Plan Your Evening
Most honeymoon cruise ship travel packages differ from cruise to cruise. You can have services like breakfast in bed or late room breakfast on your private deck in your room, an afternoon by the pool, some shopping, watch a movie, work out in the health center and then head for that great evening party in the elegant dining room. If you prefer to simply stay in your room, then you can do that as well and enjoy room service. It depends on what you want to do on your cruise ship travel.
Romance on a Cruise Ship Travel
The best part about such cruise honeymoon packages is that you do not have to pre plan your schedule or itinerary. You can plan it later according to your own preference. There are private lounges where you can have your moments of privacy. Stand by the rail, watch the sea, waves lapping up and down, and watch the sun go down hand in hand. Once the stars start peeping from the sky, you will enter a romantic world. Book a table for two in advance if your prefer privacy in the dining hall or else you two can mingle around with other honeymooners and have a great time.
For more information about honeymoon packages and cruise ship travel, go online and check various websites, which offer such information. You will find cruise ships traveling to all continents in the world. It is up to you and your beloved to decide where you want to head.
Article Written By J. Foley
Honeymoon On A Cruise Ship Travel By J. Foley
Many people plan their marriage well in advance. Planning your marriage not only includes the wedding night and the reception, it also involves one of the most important parts of marriage called the honeymoon. It comes only once in your lifetime and you would want to make it an affair that you and your spouse would want to remember forever and ever. Cruise ship travel honeymoon packages are the perfect answer to your honeymoon questions. It enhances your experience of cruise ship travel like never before and if you are a first timer on a cruise, it will be heaven.
Honeymoon Packages
Your honeymoon package on cruise ship travel will include romantic evening parties, night out at discos, casinos, and a deluxe suite, your own deck where you can bask in the sun, watch the sunset or simply take in the sea air. You can opt for a simple package, then enquire at the reception for honeymoon packages, and pay for each of them. This way it will be easier on your pocket as well.
Plan Your Evening
Most honeymoon cruise ship travel packages differ from cruise to cruise. You can have services like breakfast in bed or late room breakfast on your private deck in your room, an afternoon by the pool, some shopping, watch a movie, work out in the health center and then head for that great evening party in the elegant dining room. If you prefer to simply stay in your room, then you can do that as well and enjoy room service. It depends on what you want to do on your cruise ship travel.
Romance on a Cruise Ship Travel
The best part about such cruise honeymoon packages is that you do not have to pre plan your schedule or itinerary. You can plan it later according to your own preference. There are private lounges where you can have your moments of privacy. Stand by the rail, watch the sea, waves lapping up and down, and watch the sun go down hand in hand. Once the stars start peeping from the sky, you will enter a romantic world. Book a table for two in advance if your prefer privacy in the dining hall or else you two can mingle around with other honeymooners and have a great time.
For more information about honeymoon packages and cruise ship travel, go online and check various websites, which offer such information. You will find cruise ships traveling to all continents in the world. It is up to you and your beloved to decide where you want to head.
Article Written By J. Foley
Monday, November 17, 2008
The Beauty Of An Alaska Cruise Ship Travel
Travel Guide For You
The Beauty Of An Alaska Cruise Ship Travel By J. Foley
Alaskan cruise ship travel attracts thousands of tourists every year from May to September when the temperatures in Alaska are bearable. You can select from a 7-day package to an extensive tour of Alaska depending on your preferences. The extended tour of Alaska by Cruise ship will allow you to go around Alaska by train and explore it in detail.
The Best Time to Visit
The best time to go for Alaska cruise ship travel is from May to September when the temperature hovers at around 50. In the months of July and August however this reaches 75 and can be too hot. Alaska is enchanting. It is magic for first timers and a charm, which draws people towards it. You simply cannot dislike Alaska. There are a plethora of things to do. There are high mountains, enchanting wildlife, breathtaking forests and clean lakes. The people are so friendly that you will feel like you never left home.
Activities – Alaskan style
Explore Alaska and you will always find something new that you missed out the previous time. The view of Mount McKinley as it rises over the Denali national park is stunning and has been the eye candy for numerous photographers. The Tongass national park is famous for kayaking. You can try your hand at bird watching or hiking through the glaciers outside Juneau.
The Glaciers of Glass
Whatever you do during your Alaska cruise ship travel, do not miss out on the ‘voyage of glaciers,’ which is a package offered by many cruise ships. After all Alaska is incomplete without its glaciers. Remember Alaska has one hundred thousand glaciers on display. It is like visiting a glacier museum. Get in to a trolley car and enjoy the view of The Fisherman’s Wharf. Go canoeing in the Kenai Peninsula and paddle to the banks of these serene lakes. You might get a glimpse of some of the local wildlife. Go for a glacier trek and when you reach the top, sit and sip hot coffee. It is not everyday that you get to try and do activities like these. The cruises will allow you to explore and remain awe struck in Alaska. You simply cannot imagine what sailing outside the pristine waters of British Columbia and Alaska can be like.
Your Gears
Select which direction your cabin should face. If it is on the wrong side, you are certainly going to be missing some of the best sights. Carry some light and warm clothes and a good camera with you. After all, you would like to bring back memories with you.
Article Written By J. Foley
The Beauty Of An Alaska Cruise Ship Travel By J. Foley
Alaskan cruise ship travel attracts thousands of tourists every year from May to September when the temperatures in Alaska are bearable. You can select from a 7-day package to an extensive tour of Alaska depending on your preferences. The extended tour of Alaska by Cruise ship will allow you to go around Alaska by train and explore it in detail.
The Best Time to Visit
The best time to go for Alaska cruise ship travel is from May to September when the temperature hovers at around 50. In the months of July and August however this reaches 75 and can be too hot. Alaska is enchanting. It is magic for first timers and a charm, which draws people towards it. You simply cannot dislike Alaska. There are a plethora of things to do. There are high mountains, enchanting wildlife, breathtaking forests and clean lakes. The people are so friendly that you will feel like you never left home.
Activities – Alaskan style
Explore Alaska and you will always find something new that you missed out the previous time. The view of Mount McKinley as it rises over the Denali national park is stunning and has been the eye candy for numerous photographers. The Tongass national park is famous for kayaking. You can try your hand at bird watching or hiking through the glaciers outside Juneau.
The Glaciers of Glass
Whatever you do during your Alaska cruise ship travel, do not miss out on the ‘voyage of glaciers,’ which is a package offered by many cruise ships. After all Alaska is incomplete without its glaciers. Remember Alaska has one hundred thousand glaciers on display. It is like visiting a glacier museum. Get in to a trolley car and enjoy the view of The Fisherman’s Wharf. Go canoeing in the Kenai Peninsula and paddle to the banks of these serene lakes. You might get a glimpse of some of the local wildlife. Go for a glacier trek and when you reach the top, sit and sip hot coffee. It is not everyday that you get to try and do activities like these. The cruises will allow you to explore and remain awe struck in Alaska. You simply cannot imagine what sailing outside the pristine waters of British Columbia and Alaska can be like.
Your Gears
Select which direction your cabin should face. If it is on the wrong side, you are certainly going to be missing some of the best sights. Carry some light and warm clothes and a good camera with you. After all, you would like to bring back memories with you.
Article Written By J. Foley
Thursday, October 16, 2008
So Much to do in Cancun, Beyond the Beaches
Travel Guide For You
So Much to do in Cancun, Beyond the Beaches By J. Foley
When it comes to Cancun, you will find that there are tons of activities that you can do there. With the beaches and activities, you will never get bored. You will want to make sure that you don’t just plan your entire vacation around the ocean, but that you take some time to view the interesting day trips and sites. You will find that there are tons of shopping, tours, and even some classes that you can take. You will want to plan a few daytime activities, you will be able to keep your adventures and travel all the exciting sites. You will be able to have a lot of fun by yourself or in a group. You will be able to keep your adventure and enjoy all of the Cancun Activities.
When it comes to the most breathtaking sites, you will find that there are Mayan ruins in
the Cancun area that will light your fire. Hundreds of sites in and around Cancun are preserved, and visitors are attracted to them due to their unique history. You will also find that there are guided tours that you can take up some of your time and show you some beautiful aspects of the ruins, however, you can always get the information that you need from the information box and self guide yourself through. It is usually free or very inexpensive to see these old ruins, and some of them, such as El Rey, are very close to the hotel zone or downtown Cancun.
Don’t worry about your journey because you can always take a bus to take to you some of the sites that are further than a walking distance. Check with your hotel—many offer discounted tickets to tour for these special locations. You literally have countless choices if you are a history buff and want to see some ancient Mayan ruins.
For those who aren’t history buffs, you will want to take in all the natural scenery. The Interactive Aquarium in Cancun offers fun activities such as swimming with the dolphins and feeding the sharks. You could also visit one of Mexico’s reserves, which are like national parks. In the national parks, you will be able to see a lot of the animals that live in Mexico in their natural habitats.
Don’t worry if you are a shopping girl. You will have plenty of opportunities for you ro have the ultimate shopping experience in the city of Cancun. Instead of heading for a shopping mall (of which there are many), try instead a market. Haggling with vendors over hand-made items can be fun and entertaining, even if you do not purchase anything.
Also, you will want to check with some of the people at your hotel so that you can get familiar with the area and find some unexpected day trips. There are buses that will take you to some of the best spas in Mexico so that you can get the ultimate pampering. Also, you will find that there are Mexican dancing classes that you can take.
You will find that there are activities for both you and the kids so that you don’t have to be at the beach all day long. Just because you don’t want to spend all day at the beach, make sure that you spend some time in the sun and sand. You will want to consider all of the water sports that you can do at the beach. Also, you will notice that Cancun is filled with new things to learn and offers plenty of interesting activities.
Article Written By J. Foley
So Much to do in Cancun, Beyond the Beaches By J. Foley
When it comes to Cancun, you will find that there are tons of activities that you can do there. With the beaches and activities, you will never get bored. You will want to make sure that you don’t just plan your entire vacation around the ocean, but that you take some time to view the interesting day trips and sites. You will find that there are tons of shopping, tours, and even some classes that you can take. You will want to plan a few daytime activities, you will be able to keep your adventures and travel all the exciting sites. You will be able to have a lot of fun by yourself or in a group. You will be able to keep your adventure and enjoy all of the Cancun Activities.
When it comes to the most breathtaking sites, you will find that there are Mayan ruins in
the Cancun area that will light your fire. Hundreds of sites in and around Cancun are preserved, and visitors are attracted to them due to their unique history. You will also find that there are guided tours that you can take up some of your time and show you some beautiful aspects of the ruins, however, you can always get the information that you need from the information box and self guide yourself through. It is usually free or very inexpensive to see these old ruins, and some of them, such as El Rey, are very close to the hotel zone or downtown Cancun.
Don’t worry about your journey because you can always take a bus to take to you some of the sites that are further than a walking distance. Check with your hotel—many offer discounted tickets to tour for these special locations. You literally have countless choices if you are a history buff and want to see some ancient Mayan ruins.
For those who aren’t history buffs, you will want to take in all the natural scenery. The Interactive Aquarium in Cancun offers fun activities such as swimming with the dolphins and feeding the sharks. You could also visit one of Mexico’s reserves, which are like national parks. In the national parks, you will be able to see a lot of the animals that live in Mexico in their natural habitats.
Don’t worry if you are a shopping girl. You will have plenty of opportunities for you ro have the ultimate shopping experience in the city of Cancun. Instead of heading for a shopping mall (of which there are many), try instead a market. Haggling with vendors over hand-made items can be fun and entertaining, even if you do not purchase anything.
Also, you will want to check with some of the people at your hotel so that you can get familiar with the area and find some unexpected day trips. There are buses that will take you to some of the best spas in Mexico so that you can get the ultimate pampering. Also, you will find that there are Mexican dancing classes that you can take.
You will find that there are activities for both you and the kids so that you don’t have to be at the beach all day long. Just because you don’t want to spend all day at the beach, make sure that you spend some time in the sun and sand. You will want to consider all of the water sports that you can do at the beach. Also, you will notice that Cancun is filled with new things to learn and offers plenty of interesting activities.
Article Written By J. Foley
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Traveling To Costa Rica
Travel Guide For You
Traveling To Costa Rica By J. Foley
When you are thinking about traveling, you should always think about how you are going to get around and how you will be able to get around the country safely. Public transportation is where you will be able to travel safely. This is just something that you might want to think about when you are unable to drive yourself around. You will want to make sure that you came back from your trip safely. The way that you travel is not always safe in Costa Rica, but if you take all the precautions to avoid the dangers, you will be able to enjoy your trip.
This does not mean that the buses, trains, taxis, etc. are in better condition than those in the United States. Actually, the U.S. has some of the cleanest modes of transportation around. However, they are also expensive and do not run very often in many cities. When it comes to the buses in Costa Rica, they are not one of the most glamorous ways for you to get around, but they are cheap and they run very often.. They’re an easy and affordable way to get around the major cities in the country, and many of the more rural towns that dot the land.
I mentioned before that renting a car is an exceedingly expensive means of getting around, although it very well can be done. If you would really like to rent a car, you will be able to do it at the airport, as well as, various towns. You will be able to rent cars in the largest cities. Keep in mind, though, that the roads are not well paved and the mortality rate for auto vehicles is almost 9 times as bad as it is in the United States. If you aren’t into traveling with a rental car, you can always give up the idea and stay with the public transportation.
For those who are the romantics you will be able to use the train system to help you get from town to town. This option will allow travelers to experience travel through the lush rainforests and mountainous regions in the nation. There is one problem with train travel, though. However, it is a limited way of getting around and you will find that there isn’t much track for a train to travel. There is not much news as to the expansion of the train, so it may not suit most travelers.
Even though there are lots of fallouts with public transportation in Costa Rica, you will be able to get around quickly and very cheap. You will always be able to find plenty of options for you to travel, however, it is a great way to save some money if you use public transportation. Also, it is a good way of getting around the country without having to deal with other people’s road rage. You will want to give it some time, but if you will be able to be amazed if you use the public transportation in Costa Rica.
Article Written By J. Foley
Traveling To Costa Rica By J. Foley
When you are thinking about traveling, you should always think about how you are going to get around and how you will be able to get around the country safely. Public transportation is where you will be able to travel safely. This is just something that you might want to think about when you are unable to drive yourself around. You will want to make sure that you came back from your trip safely. The way that you travel is not always safe in Costa Rica, but if you take all the precautions to avoid the dangers, you will be able to enjoy your trip.
This does not mean that the buses, trains, taxis, etc. are in better condition than those in the United States. Actually, the U.S. has some of the cleanest modes of transportation around. However, they are also expensive and do not run very often in many cities. When it comes to the buses in Costa Rica, they are not one of the most glamorous ways for you to get around, but they are cheap and they run very often.. They’re an easy and affordable way to get around the major cities in the country, and many of the more rural towns that dot the land.
I mentioned before that renting a car is an exceedingly expensive means of getting around, although it very well can be done. If you would really like to rent a car, you will be able to do it at the airport, as well as, various towns. You will be able to rent cars in the largest cities. Keep in mind, though, that the roads are not well paved and the mortality rate for auto vehicles is almost 9 times as bad as it is in the United States. If you aren’t into traveling with a rental car, you can always give up the idea and stay with the public transportation.
For those who are the romantics you will be able to use the train system to help you get from town to town. This option will allow travelers to experience travel through the lush rainforests and mountainous regions in the nation. There is one problem with train travel, though. However, it is a limited way of getting around and you will find that there isn’t much track for a train to travel. There is not much news as to the expansion of the train, so it may not suit most travelers.
Even though there are lots of fallouts with public transportation in Costa Rica, you will be able to get around quickly and very cheap. You will always be able to find plenty of options for you to travel, however, it is a great way to save some money if you use public transportation. Also, it is a good way of getting around the country without having to deal with other people’s road rage. You will want to give it some time, but if you will be able to be amazed if you use the public transportation in Costa Rica.
Article Written By J. Foley
Monday, September 01, 2008
Gearing up for an Adventure Vacation Cruise
Travel Guide For You
Gearing up for an Adventure Vacation Cruise By J. Foley
Adventure vacation cruises is one of the most fun and exciting means of getting a new perspective of the other side of the world. This is because it allows people to see splendid sights, sounds, and heritage of other people in various parts of the world. Apart from giving you a new experience, taking adventure vacation cruises will also open up an opportunity for you to see and appreciate different cultures as well as enjoy nature-endowed sceneries in marine and land.
If you want to explore some of the world’s hidden treasures, now is the time to plan the details of your adventure vacation cruise. This is because adventure vacation cruises can be quite complicated especially for first time cruisers.
To save you from the hassle, here are some of the things that you need to consider in gearing up for an ultimate adventure vacation cruise:
1. Date and length of your adventure vacation cruise. The date of leaving for a cruise should be determined as early as possible because you need to book early. In terms of length, the usual vacation cruises range from six days to one month—depending on how much the cruiser would want to do and see and the time and money he/she would want to spend. But, for an adventure vacation, 6 to 7 days would do. Given this time, you can get all things and activities covered.
2. Who will be going and the total number of the participants of the adventure vacation cruise. Whether you will go on an adventure vacation cruise with your date, family members, or friends, it is always best to discuss thoroughly the final participants of the trip and the destination. Always remember that in planning any adventure vacation cruise, the major consideration should be who is/are going on the cruise and their preference because this will ensure the success of the trip.
3. Which cruise line to use. Determining the cruise lines that sail to your chosen destination will help you finalize your plan. This is because it will give you a estimate of how much you need spend, the amenities to expect, and the activities that you can do during the cruise. You can choose from Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Cruise West, Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Crystal Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Royal Caribbean International because these offer the most vacation destinations.
If you are interested in cruising aboard in any of these cruise lines, make sure that you conduct a research so you can compare each of them and come up with a cruise line fit for your needs and budget.
4. The size of ship to be used. Basically, two sizes of ships are used for adventure vacation cruises, which include the small ship, and the one is the big ship. For first time cruisers, big ships are ideal because it can provide almost everything they need. But, today, more and more people prefer cruising using a small ship because it provides an up close look at the destination as well as giving a more intimate environment.
A small ship, on the other hand, is chosen by some because it is more intimate and allows better itinerary. It is up to you to decide which one will give you the best comfort and amenities possible.
Article Written By J. Foley
Gearing up for an Adventure Vacation Cruise By J. Foley
Adventure vacation cruises is one of the most fun and exciting means of getting a new perspective of the other side of the world. This is because it allows people to see splendid sights, sounds, and heritage of other people in various parts of the world. Apart from giving you a new experience, taking adventure vacation cruises will also open up an opportunity for you to see and appreciate different cultures as well as enjoy nature-endowed sceneries in marine and land.
If you want to explore some of the world’s hidden treasures, now is the time to plan the details of your adventure vacation cruise. This is because adventure vacation cruises can be quite complicated especially for first time cruisers.
To save you from the hassle, here are some of the things that you need to consider in gearing up for an ultimate adventure vacation cruise:
1. Date and length of your adventure vacation cruise. The date of leaving for a cruise should be determined as early as possible because you need to book early. In terms of length, the usual vacation cruises range from six days to one month—depending on how much the cruiser would want to do and see and the time and money he/she would want to spend. But, for an adventure vacation, 6 to 7 days would do. Given this time, you can get all things and activities covered.
2. Who will be going and the total number of the participants of the adventure vacation cruise. Whether you will go on an adventure vacation cruise with your date, family members, or friends, it is always best to discuss thoroughly the final participants of the trip and the destination. Always remember that in planning any adventure vacation cruise, the major consideration should be who is/are going on the cruise and their preference because this will ensure the success of the trip.
3. Which cruise line to use. Determining the cruise lines that sail to your chosen destination will help you finalize your plan. This is because it will give you a estimate of how much you need spend, the amenities to expect, and the activities that you can do during the cruise. You can choose from Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Cruise West, Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Crystal Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Royal Caribbean International because these offer the most vacation destinations.
If you are interested in cruising aboard in any of these cruise lines, make sure that you conduct a research so you can compare each of them and come up with a cruise line fit for your needs and budget.
4. The size of ship to be used. Basically, two sizes of ships are used for adventure vacation cruises, which include the small ship, and the one is the big ship. For first time cruisers, big ships are ideal because it can provide almost everything they need. But, today, more and more people prefer cruising using a small ship because it provides an up close look at the destination as well as giving a more intimate environment.
A small ship, on the other hand, is chosen by some because it is more intimate and allows better itinerary. It is up to you to decide which one will give you the best comfort and amenities possible.
Article Written By J. Foley
Monday, August 11, 2008
Belize as the Ultimate Adventure Vacation Destination
Travel Guide For You
Belize as the Ultimate Adventure Vacation Destination By J. Foley
One of the most favorite adventure vacation destinations of people nowadays is Belize, a small nation on the eastern coast of Central America. And why not? Being a place that is strategically located on the Caribbean Sea, Belize has all the adventure and has to offer compared to any place there is.
Belize can be found between the Hondo and Sarstoon Rivers, Belize is popular for the Belize River that flows down at the heart of the country. Geographically speaking, the north of Belize is characterized by flat and swampy coastal plains. Other places are heavily forested and consist of flora that is highly diverse.
Its south area is composed of low mountain ranges of the Maya Mountains while its Caribbean coast is lined with soft coral reefs and some 500 islets and islands called "cayes." Belize boasts off the Belize Barrier Reef which is known as the longest in the western hemisphere and is considered as the second longest in the whole world, next to the Great Barrier Reef.
Off to an extreme adventure
When people speak of Belize, only two words will come to mind—romance and adventure. If you are planning to go to Belize for an adventure vacation, it is a must that you familiarize yourself with the place by knowing a dose of its rich history. You should also familiarize yourself with going around the place such as knowing various means of transportation such as buses, cars, motorcycles and bicycles. You should also have any idea what to expect from the place in terms of accommodations, foods, and activities that you can do.
For an ultimate adventure vacation, the following are just some of the romantic things and exciting activities and places that you can visit:
1. The Great Barrier Reef. Being one of the world’s greatest treasures, a trip to Belize would mean nothing if you have not visited the longest reef in the western hemisphere, The Great Barrier Reef. You will definitely the visit because it doesn’t not only give you an amazing nature experience but a sense of adventure as well.
2. Visiting the caves. Caving is indeed one of the most adventurous activities that you can do while in Belize. Here, you can witness various formations of caves with abundant limestone and wet climates.
3. Exploring the island by land. This can be very tiring but thrilling because you get to explore the place on your own and at your own pace. You can do your exploration by taking a golf cart ride, castle cars, and though bikes that are available for rent.
4. Sea adventure. Exploring the seas can be as exciting as rediscovering the land. To relish the beauty of the island and its waters, rent a charter boat with guide to go around the island or you can rent a kayak that will take you to various parts of the island. You can also rent boats for boating; you can do fishing, and do various water sports such as jetskis, waverunners, diving, snorkeling, windsurfing, kite surfing, sailing, canoeing, kayaking, and catamarans.
Aside from the activities mentioned, one great thing that makes Belize a favorite adventure vacation destination is the climate which, is tropical and is generally very hot and humid. This makes it a perfect getaway destination for people and couples who love beaches while basking in the warm and pleasant weather.
Although the climate here is generally hot, rainy season also occurs from May to November so don’t opt to go there during those times.
Article Written By J. Foley
Belize as the Ultimate Adventure Vacation Destination By J. Foley
One of the most favorite adventure vacation destinations of people nowadays is Belize, a small nation on the eastern coast of Central America. And why not? Being a place that is strategically located on the Caribbean Sea, Belize has all the adventure and has to offer compared to any place there is.
Belize can be found between the Hondo and Sarstoon Rivers, Belize is popular for the Belize River that flows down at the heart of the country. Geographically speaking, the north of Belize is characterized by flat and swampy coastal plains. Other places are heavily forested and consist of flora that is highly diverse.
Its south area is composed of low mountain ranges of the Maya Mountains while its Caribbean coast is lined with soft coral reefs and some 500 islets and islands called "cayes." Belize boasts off the Belize Barrier Reef which is known as the longest in the western hemisphere and is considered as the second longest in the whole world, next to the Great Barrier Reef.
Off to an extreme adventure
When people speak of Belize, only two words will come to mind—romance and adventure. If you are planning to go to Belize for an adventure vacation, it is a must that you familiarize yourself with the place by knowing a dose of its rich history. You should also familiarize yourself with going around the place such as knowing various means of transportation such as buses, cars, motorcycles and bicycles. You should also have any idea what to expect from the place in terms of accommodations, foods, and activities that you can do.
For an ultimate adventure vacation, the following are just some of the romantic things and exciting activities and places that you can visit:
1. The Great Barrier Reef. Being one of the world’s greatest treasures, a trip to Belize would mean nothing if you have not visited the longest reef in the western hemisphere, The Great Barrier Reef. You will definitely the visit because it doesn’t not only give you an amazing nature experience but a sense of adventure as well.
2. Visiting the caves. Caving is indeed one of the most adventurous activities that you can do while in Belize. Here, you can witness various formations of caves with abundant limestone and wet climates.
3. Exploring the island by land. This can be very tiring but thrilling because you get to explore the place on your own and at your own pace. You can do your exploration by taking a golf cart ride, castle cars, and though bikes that are available for rent.
4. Sea adventure. Exploring the seas can be as exciting as rediscovering the land. To relish the beauty of the island and its waters, rent a charter boat with guide to go around the island or you can rent a kayak that will take you to various parts of the island. You can also rent boats for boating; you can do fishing, and do various water sports such as jetskis, waverunners, diving, snorkeling, windsurfing, kite surfing, sailing, canoeing, kayaking, and catamarans.
Aside from the activities mentioned, one great thing that makes Belize a favorite adventure vacation destination is the climate which, is tropical and is generally very hot and humid. This makes it a perfect getaway destination for people and couples who love beaches while basking in the warm and pleasant weather.
Although the climate here is generally hot, rainy season also occurs from May to November so don’t opt to go there during those times.
Article Written By J. Foley
Thursday, July 31, 2008
A Little Mexican Adventure Vacation
Travel Guide For You
A Little Mexican Adventure Vacation By J. Foley
A lot of people plan their vacations months in advance. The reason why some people do it is because they would want everything to be perfect. They want the hotel checked out, they want the destination close to the hotel, they want their activities lined up and ready for them and of course they want to be treated special because after all they are paying tons and tons of money.
This is how an adventure vacation is perceived. Months of preparation followed by countless weeks of anticipation and anxiety, this is usually how a regular vacationer sees it and it's how they live out the drama of their vacation.
Now when we talk about vacation some people would think that to enjoy their vacation they would need t travel across the globe to seek out and uncharted island blissfully located in the middle of nowhere and strategically located right next to civilization. Some people would also think that they need to spend tons and tons of money just to get them there, an island bordered by the savagery of the out doors and the comforts of civilization. But sometimes when people look too far away they miss what's under their noses.
Many people prefer going to more luxurious and popular places without considering those that could offer exciting adventure and interesting places to visit. Nowadays, when you talk about people missing things that are right under their noses—I'm talking about missing out on a good place to go to for a vacation. Some people spend too much of their time looking away to places like France, Italy, London etc. etc. when some of the good places to go to are just a border away in Mexico.
Though we must admit not all of Mexico is for the sight seers, there are many places in the heartland of Mexico that are not really for tourist and their vacation getaways. Some are cruel realities of life that really require the attention of the government. Mexico is a really nice place to be in because of the virgin forests and the beautiful beaches, but if there would be any improvement in the tourism scene in Mexico, it has to start now.
Anyway, one of the few places that really deserve hats off is a place called San Blas, Mexico. Long before Spanish settlers set foot in this little gateway to California, people have already started settling here. Some people speculate that the lost civilization of the Incas may have been from there once.
It may not be as popular as Cancun but it does hold it own brand of notoriety especially for birds. Yes that's right birds. Many of the bird watching enthusiast flock to this little barrio surrounded by forests, lagoons, mangroves and endless islets that serve as excellent breeding grounds for both exotic and local species of birds.
Another attraction here are the ruins of Fort San Basilio built atop of a steep hill the La Contaduria. Imagine yourself on an adventure vacation high above the expanse of the town and the harbor. A good place to see the whole town and the beach, a good thing about it is that it's not too far away unlike when you need to have your fix on.
Here, you can enjoy not just a peaceful environment but also a feeling of self-fulfillment and utmost relaxation.
Article Written By J. Foley
A Little Mexican Adventure Vacation By J. Foley
A lot of people plan their vacations months in advance. The reason why some people do it is because they would want everything to be perfect. They want the hotel checked out, they want the destination close to the hotel, they want their activities lined up and ready for them and of course they want to be treated special because after all they are paying tons and tons of money.
This is how an adventure vacation is perceived. Months of preparation followed by countless weeks of anticipation and anxiety, this is usually how a regular vacationer sees it and it's how they live out the drama of their vacation.
Now when we talk about vacation some people would think that to enjoy their vacation they would need t travel across the globe to seek out and uncharted island blissfully located in the middle of nowhere and strategically located right next to civilization. Some people would also think that they need to spend tons and tons of money just to get them there, an island bordered by the savagery of the out doors and the comforts of civilization. But sometimes when people look too far away they miss what's under their noses.
Many people prefer going to more luxurious and popular places without considering those that could offer exciting adventure and interesting places to visit. Nowadays, when you talk about people missing things that are right under their noses—I'm talking about missing out on a good place to go to for a vacation. Some people spend too much of their time looking away to places like France, Italy, London etc. etc. when some of the good places to go to are just a border away in Mexico.
Though we must admit not all of Mexico is for the sight seers, there are many places in the heartland of Mexico that are not really for tourist and their vacation getaways. Some are cruel realities of life that really require the attention of the government. Mexico is a really nice place to be in because of the virgin forests and the beautiful beaches, but if there would be any improvement in the tourism scene in Mexico, it has to start now.
Anyway, one of the few places that really deserve hats off is a place called San Blas, Mexico. Long before Spanish settlers set foot in this little gateway to California, people have already started settling here. Some people speculate that the lost civilization of the Incas may have been from there once.
It may not be as popular as Cancun but it does hold it own brand of notoriety especially for birds. Yes that's right birds. Many of the bird watching enthusiast flock to this little barrio surrounded by forests, lagoons, mangroves and endless islets that serve as excellent breeding grounds for both exotic and local species of birds.
Another attraction here are the ruins of Fort San Basilio built atop of a steep hill the La Contaduria. Imagine yourself on an adventure vacation high above the expanse of the town and the harbor. A good place to see the whole town and the beach, a good thing about it is that it's not too far away unlike when you need to have your fix on.
Here, you can enjoy not just a peaceful environment but also a feeling of self-fulfillment and utmost relaxation.
Article Written By J. Foley
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