Family-Friendly Destinations (1 of 2)

Not all resort destinations are equally family-friendly. According to my reads, there are at least 11 family-friendly resorts that have a lot to offer for the entire family.

1. The Breakers - (Palm Beach, Florida) - It has a big entertainment center that for sure is a big attraction for kiddos! The center opens daily with game arcades, toddler's play room, kiddies movie room and with an oceanfront heated swimming pool. Other resort events also include Friday night bonfires at the beach (available November-February) and a weekend kickball contests.
2. Red Rock Casino Resort & Spa - (Las Vegas, Nevada) - The indoor entertainment center has 72 bowling lanes, an arcade and a huge screen Regal Cinema with stadium seating. There' s also a wading pool for toddlers at the poolside complex with a theater-like design.
3. The Hotel Hershey - (Hershey, Pennsylvania) - The hotel is just so close to the popular Hershey theme park with a boardwalk and with water attractions and a Coney Island-style feel. Next to the park is the Hershey's Chocolate World that offers free tours showing all about chocolate manufacturing, with free tastes! :)
   The hotel itself offers both indoor and outdoor pools, and a sports complex with tennis courts, basketball, volleyball and bocce. The kids will surely enjoy the afternoon activities in the lobby which include a meet-and-greet with a live KitKat bar and the Hershey characters and a cookie decorating.
4. Winnetu Oceanside Resort - (Edgartown, Massachusetts) - They offer "dive-in movies" at a heated pool with family films showing at the poolside. There's also a pewee tennis club, a life-size chess set, an entertainment area with a playground with toys.
   There is a farm across the street of the hotel that offers "Farmer for a Day" on Saturday mornings where kids and adults alike learn how to make cheese, how to shear sheep and sometimes witness a farm animal that will give birth.
5. Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa - ( Rancho Mirage, California) - Both adults and kids will enjoy the water at Splashtopia with zero-depth entry onto a sand beach. It has a 425-foot lazy river and two long water slides that descends through a rock and landscaped mountain with a splashdown pool on the island.
6. Great Wolf Lodge - (Kansas City, Kansas) - It has 49,000 sq. ft. indoor entertainment area with huge water park slides, tubes and climbing areas. There's also a children's spa that offers manicures and pedicures with a treat of ice cream sundaes :). Themed family suites are also available such as Kid's Cabin.
   

Vacation Getaways Are Not Created Equal

Well, the title speaks for itself. But there are ways where you can enjoy it the most :).

• A week is all you need. It completely restores you back to your full energy. A longer trip duration is better.
• Minimize time zone travels. Avoid jet lags as these are forms of stress. If you prefer a far place for refreshing, travel north or south to avoid painful reentry.
• Maximize your free time. Activities such as meeting friends, checking emails, calling the office or family reduce curative effects of travel. A freedom from an obligation is a key to a healthy holiday.
• Choose a resort or cruise rather than a remote cabin in the woods. We need some time to be alone, but new acquaintances has been known to increase the restorative power of a vacation.
• Get off your beach chair. It's more rejuvenating to mix relaxation and rest with moderate amount of physical activities such as walking tours or light exercises.
• Keep it warm and light. Generally, studies confirm that staying in a sunny destination provides more health benefits than staying in one that has shorter days.

There you go...now, you got the idea on how to get that much well-deserved looooong vacation of yours ;). have fun!

Career Advancement at Regency Beauty Institute

If you love to beautify, enjoys cosmetics, make ups, doing hair do's, hair cuts, etc...and just love all about doing beauty stuff, then, it's time to probably think about advancing your career by joining a reputable beauty school like Regency Beauty Institute. Being one of the nation's leading beauty of education providers in the US, it also is the fastest growing beauty school in the country, expanding to at least 30 campuses in 9 states and still expanding.
As a cosmetology school in Texas, it has now 7 stunning beauty schools and will open another 2 more in Round Rock and Houston soon. take note; - Regency is not just a typical school, but a school that is modern and salon-like in style with a professional crew of educators. The school has a unique learning program that encourages and rewards student-achievement, and has a top reputation with a deep sense of commitment to the industry.
You can get started right away by requesting your information online or by phone.

Experience Greece!

Greece offers an exceptional natural environment filled with abundant natural gifts such as caves, gorges, thousands of indented coasts, lakes, rocky massifs and unique natural habitats.
Visiting Greece would be your journey full of adventures and knowledge.
If you're a nature lover, you will find various alternatives to explore, - from extreme sports activities to architecture, culture, food, farming activities and daily life of local inhabitants.
The Greek Cuisine:
Greek food stimulates all five senses with the richness of its ingredients and creativity of its tasty combinations.
You get to experience the 4,000 years of culinary tradition in the country. You will discover its unique interpretation of distinct recipes rooting from the eastern and western neighbors. Enjoy the sacred ritual behind wine making or the unique aroma of tsipouro, uozo and masticha.

The Bangkok Charms - (Part 2)

Bangkok by Night:
The city's skyline sparkles beautifully with illuminated temples, royal palaces and monuments. Take dinner cruise on the Chao Phraya or spend nights at world-class restaurants where you can find fabulous dinner-cruises options.
Bangkok has also stellar entertainment and shopping venues for the evenings. Theater live shows such as "Siam the Enchanted Kingdom" has artistic and cultural heritage, - a dramatic production with more than 150 performers, fantastic special effects and some 500 costumes.

Bangkok's Shopping Paradise:
You will find designer shops, unique markets and colorful street vendors. If you're looking for Thai silk, go to the famous Jim Thompson's.
Go to River City Shopping Complex for authentic and reproduction antiques. For upscale haven of dining, shops and entertainment venues, visit Ratchaprasong Shopping District at Central World. For exclusive international and Thai designers, go to Gaysorn Plaza and Narai Phand for Thai handicrafts. It would also be fun spending a Saturday treasure hunting at Chatuchak Weekend Market, a 35-acre wonderland of stalls and shops selling antiques, clothing and handicrafts.

Thai Festivals:
The most beautiful festival you won't want to miss is the Festival of Lights (Loy Krathong) held on the full moon of the 11th lunar month. The festival is a way on how Thais honor the water spirits by saying a prayer and launching little boats (krathongs) that contains little candles and incense sticks in rivers, ponds and waterways. This would be one of the most remarkable and unforgettable sights you will ever experience.

Gold Investment, Anyone?

Are you thinking of going into a good investment for your family's future financial stability? Then, perhaps you might want to consider gold investment.
It's not as easy as you think, you might say...but you can't blame anyone's thinking about it. I must agree, investing gold coins, should you consider it, needs a lot of consideration and planning. You need to learn to avoid mistakes most people make when you buy gold coins.
You might want to sign up for a yearly subscription to The Gold Monitor newsletter. This should help you learn the tricks and everything you need to know.

Did you know that owning a gold is the safest way to protect your wealth? Investing in precious metal gold coins is a must to anyone who wants to protect their money because it is considered to be more stable than your paper currency, as well as more valuable over time.

If you are still in doubt or don't know where and how to start, let the United States Gold Bureau assist you in giving the vital information you need to make the right decisions. You can also contact them at their number: 1-800-775-3504.

Dress Code Etiquettes Around The World - (Part 6)

(continuation)

PAKISTAN: Anything can be worn to private parties. Many women wear body-hugging Herve' Leger dresses with strappy stilletos, white men prefer T-shirts and Gucci loafers. Women accessorize themselves with gold bangles and large earrings, and glittery nose studs. Make up is heavy and heavy kohl is worn around the eyes.

SINGAPORE: For women at house parties, a Marni dress with Giuseppe Zanotti sandals are preferred. Brands are famous for upper-class people. Men wear designer jeans.

FRANCE: Overdressing is okay for a normal night out, but if it's black-tie, men should wear business suits sans ties, while women wear cocktail dresses. A normal night out for women should be simple like just silky and black.

GERMANY: Both sexes wear bias-cut patterns inspired by Henrik Vibskov's. Women can wear eclectic twist with Buddy Holly glasses and colored tights at a hipster shindig.

GREECE: Jewelries are the topmost priority with clothes only secondary. Skirts are tailored at mid-thigh under fitted jackets. Men wear starched shirts paired with dark pants. No baseball caps, no Birkenstocks and no billowy fake-hippie skirts, please!

ITALY: Women always love to wear Dolce & Gabanna dress and heels, while men wear navy suit jackets with blue shirts buttoned all the way up. Famous brands are big, so think of those Italian signatures ;).

RUSSIA: Women are with stilletos with local fave Stella McCartney brand. Armani cologne are common.

TURKEY: Chic women wear florals preferrably by Matthew Williamson. Hair is usually pulled back. Men wear open shirts under light jackets with dark pants. Long rain coat is NOT recommended even if it's pouring outside, otherwise you might be mistaken as a conservative Islamist.

UK: Wellies are more on a country wear, and take them off if you're indoors.

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.