Find Your Budget-Friendly Destinations

Due to the down economy effect, many properties are slashing rates to attract business groups, putting together group-friendly packages which includes complimentary upgrades, catering credits and all kind of extras. Know the hot deals, and find your choice!

• South Beach, FLORIDA. - The Oceanfront, art-deco style Setai Resort: - Rates dip down to $325 per night for meeting groups in summer with complimentary amenities upon arrival of each participant.
• Aspen, COLORADO. - Aspen Meadows Resort: The deal: Once ski season is over, they offer a number of group packages such as meeting organizers who book an event for next summer will receive free refreshment breaks, complimentary wired and wireless internet access, free meeting space and complimentary airport transportation. Similar package is as well offered duirng the fall season. Room rates during this period start at $125.
• Soho, NEW YORK. - Trump Soho New York: - will offer floor-to-ceiling windowed meeting rooms viewing Manhattan, the Hudson River and the Statue of Liberty.
  The Deal: Groups of 15 can take the "express meetings" package which includes a variety of daily dining options for meeting-goers, complimentary meeting room rental and discounted spa treatments. Offer expires this April 30, 2010.
• Point Clear, ALABAMA. - Grand Hotel Marriott Resort, Golf Club and Spa.
  The Deal: If you book a meeting by the end of the year and hold it by Sept. 30, 2010, you can take your pick of any from the 3 incentive promos;
  - 1 complimentary guest room per 40 used
  - complimentray meeting room rental
  - 20% room attrition
  - 20% discount for A/V
  - 10% food and beverage discount
  - 1 suite upgrade
  - a complimentary themed coffee break
  - discounts on green fees.
• Reno, NEVADA. - Grand Sierra Resort
  The Deal: If you book a meeting within the next 2 months, you'll receive a host of incentives such as catering a credit of up to $1,500 (depending on group size); up to 20% off internet access and A/V rental in meeting rooms; and complimentary VIP suites. Meeting-goers will also receive free drink coupons and complimentary bowling.
• PonteVedra Beach, FLORIDA. - The Swagrass Marriott
  The Deal: Groups who book by the end of this year can get the hotel's "Meet, Eat & Save" catering package. Room rates costs $130 per single-occupancy. Meeting goers with this room rate receive a continental breakfast and morning break, lunch and an afternoon break.
• Boston, MASSACHUSETTS. - Boston's Back Bay
  The Deal: Special guest room rates are offered to those who book mid-week (Sunday-Thursday) which starts at $329, and each participant also receives $25 "petty cash" which can be used for hotel expenses like dry cleaning, parking, airport car service, phone or fax.
  

Dress Code Etiquettes Around The World - (Part 5)

When you're at a party:

DUBAI: Go glam to the gills! Men wear Y3 trainers and tailored blazers over graphic tees. Wear clean socks if you're going to a local's house. You'll leave your shoes at the door.

EGYPT: Men wear full suits although some wear smart shirts and slacks. Women wear shoulder-covered black sheath which is considered to be safe and sophisticated. 90% of Egyptian women cover their heads but tourists aren't required to do so.

IRAN: You can wear anything under your outer cloak. The youth show off their jeans and strappy stilettos on a friend's informal gatherings. Adults wear elegant suits under their cloaks.

ISRAEL: Wear jeans and nice tops for secular celebrations, but cover your elbows and below the knees for religious ceremonies and weddings.

JORDAN: Men wear suits like navy colors at night and gray at day time with a light colored silk tie. Women wear signature haute new tone like Dior and Elie Saab for evening party. Women usually should cover their shoulders and legs when out in Amman. Trendy women can show a little more skin as long as head is covered.

LEBANON: Anything goes in night clubs but flowing gowns from local designers are preferred in fancier parties. Women wear over-the-top accessories, bright scarves, gold bangles, glittery clutches and neon satchels.

MOROCCO: Preferred are hand-piped tunics, bright floor-length djellabas and elaborate caftans. French expats wear chic little black dress covered up with a light cotton shawl.

SYRIA: Women love to wear LBP (little black dress) or a curvy suit by Chanel or Valentino, a style inspired by the country's first lady, while men can chose to wear a perfectly pressed two-button wool ensemble.

CHINA: Monochromatic palette exaggerated styles and silhouettes are hot to wear.

INDIA: Women wear sleek knee-length silk tunics with side slits and legging-like pants worn bunched at the ankles. Jewelries are usually made to order and no one buys off the shelf. Men wear short-sleeved button-downs, slacks and loafers.

INDONESIA: Men prefer to wear jeans and loafers. Cotton doesn't look formal to wear at night. Many wear synthetics in vibrant prints. No naked bathing in rural areas no matter how private the river feels.

(to be continued)

Avoid ATM Charges Overseas

Just an important reminder if you are out of the country when using your ATM card.

For every transaction at the ATM, your home bank charges you a fee of up to 3% or a flat rate ($1.50 to $5.).
However, Commerce bank which has branches in the eastern US doesn't add any fees for customers who use alternative ATM's when traveling.
Best thing is, customers are reimbursed for any fees levered by the international bank.

The Bangkok Charms - (Part 1)

When it comes to the word "Bangkok", - that would surely mean the city that made Thailand simply fascinating.
I've always been wanting to visit Thailand. Of course, wherever the itinerary trip maybe, Bangkok would always be on the list for many who would be visiting.
Bangkok has been called "Krung Thep" or the City of Angels. It's a dazzling city due to its cosmopolitan nightlife, delicious dining and shopping. It has a rich history with fascinating culture and vibrant festivals.
Bangkok Adventures:
To start your adventure, try getting a boat trip to the scenic Chao Phraya River. On the eastern shore, visit Rattanakosin Island; - the heart of culture and historical city. In this island, visit the Grand palace, an exquisite royal compound that includes Wat Phra Kaeo, a Buddhist shrine called "Temple of the Holy Jewel Image" or "Temple of the Emerald Buddha." Close by is also the city's oldest and largest temple, - "Temple of the Reclining Buddha," towering at 150 ft. long and 50 ft. high. You might also want to capture "Golden Temple of Dawn" (Wat Arun) across the river while it shimmers magically at sunrise and sunset, and listen to the bells that sound each morning at Wat Rakang.

Dress Code Etiquettes Around The World - (Part 4)

JAPAN: Women wear heels, make up and dose of frills, while men must be clean shaven and spend time on their hair.

PAKISTAN: No shorts, tank tops or above-the knee skirts. Recommended are loose jeans and tunic-like top (should reach the upper thigh) during the day, layered with bright embroidered scarf for women. In the south, men and women wear vibrant colors and breezy cotton layers while in the northern part, they wear heavier darker colors.

SINGAPORE: Those in their 20's - 30's wear tank tops, hot pants (board shorts for men) and flip-flops.

FRANCE: No bright colors, - cream, navy, gray and brown are preferred. Keep things simple, neutral and classic rather than trendy. Avoid walking shorts, sport sandals, pleated chinos, golf attire, baseball caps, sneakers, T-shirts and sexy clothes.

GERMANY: The cool weather's ideal wear is a coat with asymmetrical zipper or bat-sleeved and made of wool (for stylish designs). Germans can be fashionable to definitively frumpy. Their sack dresses are paired with edgy haircuts and bold jewelries.

GREECE: Women wear nice tees, linen trousers, sweaters tied around shoulders and over-sized shades. Men wear Mr. Onassis-inspired Ralph Lauren shirts and jeans, -while sleeves are rolled to the elbow.

ITALY: Youths wear Dolce & Gabanna tops and Diesel jeans and sport slim three-pc suits, matched with the right hat or narrow knit tie are worn by sophisticates.

RUSSIA: Winter styles are tights and fur coats. Men wear signature tops like Armani, Versace, Dolce paired with acid- washed Italian jeans. Sneakers are not recommended.

TURKEY: Men and women do wear designer jeans, Tod's loafers and ironed high-end T-shirts. No shorts.

UK: Women wear high-low mix of Top shop and Temperley. Men wear peg-leg trousers in primary colors with plaid shirts or tees. Chinos and polos are not recommended.

Trip Tips On Visiting a Danger Zone

Okay, so what if you happened to be traveling to a place or happened to be in a place where war is in progress?
According to Kenin Sites, a war journalist, there are at least 4 main tips worth recommending:

If a war is in progress, always be prepared for self-support medically. Get immunizations before you go such as for yellow fever, hepatitis, malaria, etc. and be sure to know your blood just in case. Always carry a broad-spectrum antibiotic like Cipro to fight traveler's diarrhea and bacterial infections.

You'll need to find a "fixer", - a well-connected guy who knows the language and customs. It should be somebody whom you can trust, and also someone who's an operator. It's all worth it to have that piece of mind you gain at checkpoints even at $100/day.

Be hyperaware. Wherever you maybe, be sure to know your escape routes. If you're entering a volatile situation, it's a must to appear as laid-back and unassuming as possible. Usually, short hair is associated with the military in many of these places, so perhaps it's not bad skipping to skip the pretrip haircut for a while.

You can't just pop up into an internet cafe in a war-torn country. Better yet, travel with a satellite phone and a solar charger. It doesn't only act as for communication but also used for bartering purposes. If you let somebody make a call, you gain their trust. While you're at it, keep trinkets on hand. It sometimes can buy you a big favor even if it's something as small as handing out a pen.

Dress Code Etiquettes Around The World - (Part 3)

What you have to wear when you're on the street in:

DUBAI: usually, it's on the mall (not the street) is the place;. Women can wear T-shirts that cover shoulders out of respect and as a protection against freezing AC's in the mall. They carry tote - Louis Vuittons! Shawls are being carried as well for a quick conservative look, although some wear shorts or mini's Men wear reflective avaiators and Gucci sandals. Here, you need a signature brand or two to be big ;).

EGYPT: Men always wear undershirts beneath polos, even on warm days. Women should wear ankle-length jeans or long skirts. Khaki cargo styles are popular. Shorts are only preferred to be worn when you're playing at a sports club.

IRAN: Islamic dress code are strictly enforced which requires women (including non-Muslims) to cover their head to toe. Those working wear chadors, although manteau over jeans is accepted! Hijabs are often pinned with pretty brooches. Minimal make up, recommended, NO bright lipstick but flawless eyebrows is a must!

ISRAEL: Cotton shorts and tank tops are commonly worn in places like Tel Aviv and Ellat during hot season. Everywhere is fairly casual. Jerusalem, Galilee and Tiberias get colder winters so they wear more conservative dress. Long skirts are ideal for women and everyone should be covered up in religious sites with high necks and long sleeves.

JORDAN: Rich red embroidery in popular, so western women can choose to have detailed tunics over loose trousers, while many locals also wear pants. Also black cotton dresses with embellished and with traditional needle work are worn. Men wear khakis and collared shirts.

LEBANON: Beirut is considered fashionable but since majority are poor, they wear more conservative look. Women wear light dresses or caftans, while men wear belts and loafers and carry crisp bills folded in money clips. This style however is not recommended in the capital city.

MOROCCO: Styles are modern urban wear when strolling. Some women still wear head scarves but mostly wear trendy tops and jeans.

SYRIA: Most older women (40 and above) still wear hijabs or scarves on their head when shopping, tourists aren't required to do so. But do cover arms and legs before going out as a sign of respect.

CHINA: Some Chinese women still wear conservative cuts, but many are wearing shirts that are sometimes transparent, making the bra in full view. Wearing flip-flops in China are considered cheap!

INDIA: Designer clothes aren't right in the city streets. Wear drawstring pants, leather toe sandals, and a cotton T-shirt. Men can wear knee-length tunic with cotton or linen bottoms.

INODNESIA: Flip-flops are only worn in the bathroom! Gladiator sandals are ideal, sneakers or ballet flats, with jeans. Any tops with collar like polo shirt is also recommended as a sign of respect.

A Break-Sweating Vacation, Anyone?

Perhaps, it's time to consider some heart-pumping excitement for a vacation. Why not? Just imagine after that daylong hike, there's a 90-minute massage waiting for you! :).

You might wanna check these places:

1. Canada: - How about a 3-day trek starting at Bobbie Burns Lodge - home to the region's best-stocked wine cellar. Try the zip lines, foot bridges and iron axes needed to reach your 10,000-foot date with destiny :).
2. Brazil: - Alpha Adventure experience, anyone? It's a car-free island 100 miles from Rio de Janiero. It's an experience of aggro-sounding, week long guy retreat with spiking activities such as rappelling and machete-hacking. More refined male pursuits are also options such as yoga and samba lessons.
3. Portugal: - Offers some of the best surfing in Europe such as Nomad Surfer's near Praia de Amado. There, you can get instruction and gear plus chilled-out yoga lessons.
4. Tanzania: - Go horse back riding and explore its 350,000 square-acre Singita Grumeti Reserve. Consists of 4 nights convoys - 6 riders maximum, with 25 miles passing herd of giraffees, zebras and wildebeests.
5. Maldives: It's more than 20 hours flight from the US, but worth it! Check the boat ride offers that connects five nearby islands to form a 12-mile biking and hiking path for visiting villages along the coasts.
   

Dress Code Etiquettes Around The World - (Part 2)

In JAPAN, basic black suits are recommended for men.

In PAKISTAN, women can wear tunics and fitted jackets and even low-cut blouses, but must cover their legs with loose pants. Men wear ties and jackets for those in the corporate fields and banking but not for media.

In SINGAPORE, casual attires are preferred for business meetings (at least dresswise). Both men and women wear oxfords and slacks. Women can also wear trendy peg-leg pants.

In FRANCE, both men and women wear dark, tailored, unflashy suits, and no need to wear ties.

In GERMANY, men wear tweedy jackets while women of management positions strive to be staid in dark suits, discreet jewelery and loaferlike shoes.

In GREECE, men prefers to wear suits, pressed cotton shirt and Hermies tie, while women go with glitz and gold buttons like dark Armani suits, strappy heels, and smart leather bags.

In ITALY, men can wear low-cut shirts and vibrantly hued. Men's suits should be perfectly tailored.

In RUSSIA, for women, they'll be hard pressed to get hems higher or necklines lower than those of Muscovite businesswomen. They also spend time on their hair and make-up. Men wear double-breasted suits, preferrably pin-striped with mullets as accessory! Mullets are trendy!

In TURKEY, both men and women wear manicure because Turkish are known to be perfectly groomed. Hair should be perfectly trimmed, suits should be fitted but jackets and pants need not match, with button-downs left open and worn without undershirts showing. No matter the quality of tailoring is, suit should fit you well.

In UK, suits and tie are worn in downtown on weekdays, except Fridays! Execs would wear uniforms of the newest Nikes and skinny jeans.

A New Way To Book A Trip

One of the new add-on to MS Outlook is the Tripware wherein you can simply select the dates you want to travel and just click the tripware icon. You'll be taken to a separate window where you can then search for flights, hotels or rental cars. You can also purchase, make or cancel reservations or change dates right from your Outlook. Isn't that cool?

Tripware uses the same back-end system such as that of Orbitz and Expedia, so it offers the same deals.

The main good thing the next time you book your next trip is to use Tripware without even opening your web browser.

Dress Code Etiquettes Around The World - (Part 1)

When you are at a meeting:

In DUBAI, women usually wear pantsuits that are sheeny and glam, while men wear black, buffed and paired with slim ties.

In EGYPT, Ties and sports coats are almost obsolete. In formal meetings, long sleeve with button-down and slacks is acceptable. Women usually wear jackets over high-necked shell and loose pants.

In IRAN, a "chador" (hooded floor-length cloak) should be worn by women meeting a clerical group. In most gatherings, women should wear a black "manteau" (loose coatlike garment), a low-closed pumps, and an Iranian "hijab".

In ISRAEL, jeans are commonly worn than ties and jackets, and in business formal meetings, means no more than a button-down and khaki pants. For women who are attending meetings with religious colleagues, skirts are preferred than trousers. Liberal places such as Tel-Aviv, trendy dresses from boutiques are commonly worn by women.

In LEBANON, Men prefers a two-button Hugo Boss brand, navy or black. Women are fashionable with straight skirts and fuschia jackets. Hair ponytail is NOT recommended.

In MOROCCO, women and men are invariably formal in suits.

In SYRIA, men wear suits; women wear skirt ensembles. No trousers or slacks.

In CHINA, homogenous suits and ties are being worn even on hot summer days. Women going for business meetings don't wear any makeup or jewelry and everyone shies away from conspicuos consumption to show they're focused on the business at hand.

In INDIA, pantsuits are very well tolerated anywhere on the Indian subcontinent. Wear cotton or linen in summer, pair it with colored scarf or dangle earrings. Men can wear color, too ;).

In INDONESIA, men wear batik-button-downs with khaki pants and closed shoes, while women wear plain dresses, long sleeves and hair ponytails with lipsticks and blush ons. Notable jewelries are not recommended.

Maryland's Historic National Road

I must really admit, I've been to so many places around, but I didn't even notice how beautiful is my home based state; - Maryland! :)
The Historic National Road is said to be a journey full of nostalgia taking you from downtown Baltimore to the mountains of Western MD along the nation's first federally funded highway. I am looking forward to this trip.
But for those who are planning to do some worthwhile itineraries for your vacation, it might help to share some few backgrounds about what to expect, according to my reads ;).

You can enjoy the scenic and idyllic towns of yester years by following the route of the old National Road along Route 40, I-70 and I-68 from Baltimore to Grantsville.
You'll start your trip at the Baltimore Visitor Center located at Baltimore's Inner Harbor. In there, you can get maps and driving directions for the Historic National Road.

If you want to explore some exhibits, got to Ellicott City at the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Museum. You can also see the hand chiseled milestones that once marked the distance to Baltimore on the old National Pike in Mt. Airy, MD. Route 40 passing right through downtown will take you to the city of Frederick. Here is an ideal place for you to shop and dine, - a good place to spend the night as well.
Frederick, MD is also where you can find the monument of Francis Scott Key, the lyricist of the "Star-Spangled Banner," located at Mt. Olivet Cemetery.

On the west side of Frederick are the mountainous climbs of Maryland's often overlooked western edge, and the Historic National Road passes through the center of Hagerstown that has Gothic Revival and art deco architectures. You can visit Hagerstown Roundhouse Museum and the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts.
You can capture good photos of your poses in Wilson at the wayside park adjacent to one of the National Road's original stone and arched bridges over Conococheague Creek, then you can drop by and visit at the R.H. Wilson & Son General Merchandise & Post Office for old-fashioned barrel candy and a glass-bottled soda.

One of the trip highlights is the Town Hill Overlook, west of Hancock. You can get scenic shots to take in the view of long trapezoid-shaped mountains and rolling farmland and see where I-68 cuts through the gap in the Allegheny Mountains.

For those who have more time to spend, the historic industrial town of Cumberland will be a good stop. Here, the Historic National Road meets the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal and the old Baltimore and Ohio Railroad.
The C & O Canal Natioanl Historical Park/Allegany County Visitor Center is located at the former Western Maryland Railroad station at the terminus of the C & O Canal. Here, a full-sized replica canal boat is located adjacent to the station, a part of the Canal Place Heritage Area.

Up the west of Garrett County is a high mountain plateau extending to the western edge of the state. In Grantsville, you can explore the Casselman River Bridge which the old road once passed; stop in at the Penn Alps Restaurant for a taste of Amish fare and explore handmade wares and studios of the Spruce Forest Artisan Village before going back home or continuing to follow Route 40 going Pennsylvania.

Have a nice, fun trip! :)

Modern Strategies of Travelling Today (Part 5)

Car Rentals.

• Reserve the least expensive model. If the car you reserved isn't available, mostly they would give you a better car for the same price. You can as well negotiate an upgrade at the car rental counter.
• Avoid extra-driver fees and additional paperworks by joining the loyalty club.
• Don't pay double for car insurance. If you own a car and your owner's policy covers you no matter what car you're driving, including a rental, there's no need to give the rental car agency that extra $10-20 per day. Also, most credit cards cover the Collision Damage Waiver (CDW).

Tipping.

• There are general rules to follow regarding tipping in the US.

1. Bellmen: at least $1-2 per bag.
2. Housekeepers: a couple bucks per day might not mean much to you but it will mean a lot to the housekeeper.
3. Concierges: Snagging a theater ticket or restaurant reservation is at least $20.
4. Waiters: Under 15% means you didn't like the service.
5. Taxi drivers: tips are at least 15-20%, or at least $1 for every five dollars of fare. Round up to the nearest buck. No one likes to deal with change :).
   

• Cruise ship tips are mostly automatically added to your bill. Don't be scared to let them know if you'd like to reduce the service fee and explain your reasons to the purser. The cruise line deserves the right to know when passengers are disappointed.
• Customary tips vary from country to country so read the guidebook on the tipping part.
  

Modern Strategies of Travelling Today (Part 4)

Lodging.

• Be aware of the hotel bedspread that might be bug infested. It might be teeming with creepy crawlies. If you have one, remove it at once and place it in a corner of the room. Take note, you don't want to bring the bedbugs home with you, right?
• Room service is not recommended and is a total rip-off unless you don't have any other options.
• Valet parking would only be the last resort. A parking lot close by will be 50% cheaper.
  

Cruises.

• Don't forget your passport, even if you're traveling by sea visiting Mexico, Canada, caribbean, Bahamas and Bermuda. If something happens such as emergency, having one will make things considerably easier.
• You can save money by booking directly with those running the shore excursions or similar outings. If you book an excursion with an outside operator and don't get back to the ship in time, you're out of luck. When you book through the cruise line, they will wait.
• Try posting your travel info at cruisecompete.com about the cruise you want to take. Agents will then bid against each other to get your likings. You're not obliged to buy something you don't like.
• You might want to pack things you want ready such as a book, swim wear, sunblock, etc..inside your carry on, because sometimes your bags won't arrive at your cabin for a few hours after you board.
  

Modern Strategies of Travelling Today (Part 3)

Packing.

• Pack as little as possible. Packing light would possibly mean avoiding checking bags. Most airlines charge for check-in bags over 50 pounds or so. If your bag is over the limit and the airline allows two checked bags per person, simply pack in 2 smaller pieces of luggage instead.
• It's a good idea to roll clothes to create more space and avoid wrinkles (at least much better than folding). Other option is layer your clothes inside plastic dry-cleaning bags which is friction-free which means wrinkle free. Hang them upon arrival.

Flying.

• If you don;t have bags to check in, it's best to check in for a flight and print your boarding pass 24 hours beforehand.
• If you are sensitive to noise (or hate it), purchase a noise-canceling headphone which make flying way more pleasant.
• Whenever you deplane from an international flight, walk fast. Passing 10 people during the trek to immigration check points can spare you at least 5 minutes of waiting in a long line.
• If your flight is cancelled and you're at the airport, call the airline's 800 number while walking to the airline counter. This way can increase your chances of getting on the next flight.
• When checking your bags, be sure to have a photo of it and put your itinerary and contact details in case it doesn't arrive with your flight. For easy recognition, mark your bags with colorful straps or stickers. Never put items that are valuable or fragile when checking your bags.
• If you're a first-time traveler, be aware of airport security guidelines.

1. All liquids and gels (in 3 -z. containers) should be placed in a quart size ziploc bag. Wear slip on shoes, - easy to slip in and take out at the security line.
2. Once in the security line, remove the necessary things you need to remove except your boarding pass.
3. Laptop should be removed from your bag (if you are carrying one) and place it on the bin provided at the security line.

• Got a big carry-on bag? Never allow the bag to end up behind your seat, or you'll have to wait for the entire plane to be empty before you'll be able to retrieve it.
  

Modern Strategies of Travelling Today (Part 2)

Booking.

• When booking, some sites automatically add extras that you might not like like travel insurance. So, if you see a checked box on a website, look closely for the fine print.
• Travel sites use cookies on your PC to let them know you've been there which is how they remember your name. However, these cookies also are used to avoid showing the same price every time you visit. Try deleting your cookies, and they will treat you like a new customer. Delete only ones associated with the booking engine as some cookies serve a useful purpose.
• The best deals are last minute, and to get them, you need to subscribe to e-newsletters from airlines, hotels and travel sites.
• Charter flights with packages booked by tour operators sell cheaper flights than regularly scheduled one. Potential downside of this is that charter flights go only once a week, or if you missed your flight or plane conks out, you're stuck!
• When airline slashes fares, competitors that fly same route tend to follow. So, if a carrier of your choice doesn't have any availability, try the competitors.
• Confirm all your reservations and cancellations as well. Be sure to get confirmation number, or even better a confirmation email. it's always a safe idea to have your proof in writing handy with you, or else, you're facing an uphill battle if the charge eventually shows up on your credit card bill.
• Pay all your bookings with a credit card to protect you in the event the airline or tour operator goes out of business.
• Whenever possible, fly nonstop and depart early in the day before delays can occur. In winter, avoid airports that usually experience weather-related delays.
• If you're on a cruise or in an adventure such as a safari, travel insurance looks much, much better because tour operators and cruise lines tend to penalize those people who cancel. Consider buying an insurance when you think the odds are decent that you won't be able to take the trip for one reason or another. Just make sure you know before hand exactly what are the coverage and which situations allow you to cancel and what the cancellation frame is.
  

Modern Strategies of Travelling Today (Part 1)

Trip Planning.

• If you're planning with a large group, complicated itinerary or going on a cruise, call your travel agent for an advice. You might also want to ask; - has the agent been on the place before?
• The best price is always out there somewhere. You can try meta-search engines such as Kayak and Sidestep that has good deals for flights, hotels, cruises and car rentals. Also good sites to search are orbitz, travelocity and expedia, although they tack on service fees.
• Keep track on the exact distances of all your itineraries between your hotel and to the place you're going. Use google earth's cool satellite images to gauge your distance.
• Keep searching for better prices. Prices for hotels or car rentals fluctuate, so never give up for a better deal.
• It's also wise to call your hotels directly for certain special rates that are only sold via phone; others are sold online. Take note however, that cancellation policies for this can be strict.
• Try getting a package. Here are some tips to consider before buying a package:
  
  
  1. To know if it's a real deal, see what it costs to book separately.
  2. Never trust the package description by the hotel or star rating; Do a research on the hotel on your own. If you aren't satisfied with the hotel being offered, you can always upgrade.
  3. If you're planning for a group tour or cruise, ask who will be joining you, - how mature they are or aren't, etc...
• In case of emergency, bring a photocopy of your passport with you. Another thing to do is scan your passport and email it (including your itinerary) to yourself and to someone you trust back home.
• Book directly to hotels whenever possible. Hotels are nicer to guests who searched for them out than to those who come via a third party booking engine.
  

Loyalty Programs.

• The value of a frequent-flier miles can be used for upgrades, free tickets and even magazine subscriptions. Use them ASAP because the value is in decline.
• Don't assume that miles will be added to your account automatically. Check your balance online and if the miles fail to show up within a week after you've flown, contact the airline reward program.
  

Travelling The Modern Style

There are many best advices you can get anywhere traveling wise. Too much of advice may lead you to nowhere and ending up loosing all of them out from your mind. So, I guess, brief and concise pieces of advice are the best, don't you think?

Consider these points:

1. Buy medicines - Get and fill prescriptions for sleeping pills and medicine for traveler's diarrhea.
2. If you're a member of loyalty programs, you can get better service, fewer hassles, lesser paper works plus great freebies and perks.
3. Maximize your cell phone by turning it into an address book with contact information for airlines, hotels, car-rental companies, and your car and health insurance companies. Get a local phone number too, just in case you are traveling overseas.
4. Buy boxes of antibacterial wipes in travel-size packets, then put some in your luggage and some in your car.

Happy trip! :)

ICE! at Gaylord National Resort

November 28-29, 2009 - Gaylord National Resort, Oxon Hill, Maryland

An early Christmas treat and as part of a late birthday treat by my husband, we went to visit Gaylord National Resort, a big hotel located at Oxon Hill, MD.

Our main purpose was to visit the ICE! show, but since it was the weekend, we thought of just spending a night there so we can as well see the lights. A little bit expensive for an overnight, but was worth it with all the spectacular colorful dancing lights and festive holiday decorations surrounding the hotel.

The ICE! show was great. It's like discovering a life-sized winter wonderland made entirely of ice! We got the chance to see life-sized holiday scenes sculpted from two million pounds of ice, including some ice slides that are more than 2 storeys tall!

The temperature inside was like 9F...freezing!...but we were provided with a thick coat to keep us warm while inside.

The ice sculptures were colorful, some looks like yummy candies, and some looks like real crystals.
It was fun!
The rest of the night was all fun as well.

Guide To Last-Minute Planning Trips

If you happened to be stuck with a rush planning for a trip, the following tips might help:

• Go check hotwire.com's Tripstarter and check the best and least expensive months to visit.
• Download tripstalker.com or subscribe to farealert.net. This way, you can track prices for a specific flight and alert you to fare movements.
• If you have various itineraries, try itasoftware.com that combines cities with airlines. Take note: You can't book tickets through the site, so take your search results to a travel agent.
• When reserving a last-minute ski holiday, be prepared to pa upfront. Most ski resorts consider booking within 90 days to be "close in" which means they require more than a deposit.
• Going for a cruise? Better book with a travel agent, not online - to access blocked off staterooms, or sit tight for "wave season" between January and April. This season are when cruise lines offer early booking rates off up to 50% off.