Investing Gold

For many centuries, buying gold is one of the best ways to preserve one's financial wealth. Today, many people are still fascinated by its magic because of its proven ability to diversify investments.
They say that when you buy gold bullion, it is considered to be a unique investment. It's a way of safeguarding your savings and protecting you against inflation and yet you can still take control of your money.
Don't worry if you are not (yet) an expert in doing the entire process because the United States Gold Bureau is a trusted gold authority that is always ready to assist you through the ins and outs of the gold market. So that when you will be equipped with the proper knowledge about gold investment, you would enable yourself to further increase your wealth. That is what the US Gold Bureau is all about :).

Family-Friendly Vacation to Bahamas

Bahamas is ideal for various types of family-vacation. Depending on what type of family you belong, you can still enjoy the Bahamas.

For the sporty family: - If you and the group enjoys swimming, playing outdoors, or anything that works up a sweat, go hit the Small Hope Bay Lodge at Andro's This resort is hidden in acres of Andros pine and mangroves. They say this resort is a world-class diving destination, and ideal for kids to do their scuba diving. Cottages are made up of simple, coral rocks anchored by a lodge with batik-covered daybeds, and with a bar inspiringly designed from the hull of an old sailboat...take note! They have no phones or TV. But you won't get bored because of many activities such as kayaking, snorkeling, nature trails, diving and shelling.

For the laid back family: - You would love Hope town on Elbow Cay, a small island which will be a short ferry ride from Great Abaco. You can book at Hope Town Harbour Lodge; ferry will drop you off right at the hotel's pier. The place can be best explored on foot or bike and is closed to motor vehicles, so kids can run freely. Hit the Harbour's Edge at night where kids can scarf down conch fritters before going off for a board game fun, while adults can watch the beautiful sunset.

For the multi-generational family: The teens, your sister and her toddler, your grandma tagging along...etc. The group's perfect place will be Grand Bahama. The beach side is dominated by Our Lucaya complex, with 2 resorts, 4 pools and 13 restaurants linked by paths. Older generations can be booked at Reef Village which has their own private beach. Our Lucaya is a bit Disney-like, great for kids and teens. You can try booking at Pelican Bay Hotel at the marinaside if you love reading and movies. Try day trip tours to explore the island more with Grand Bahama Nature Tours.

National Museum of Crime & Punishment

February 26, 2010

The trip going to the museum was 5 minutes but took us 15 minutes to find a public parking.
Just a reminder: If you are visiting DC during weekdays, better yet board the Metro. If it's a trip to see attractions, plan your itinerary. Most of the tourist sites are close to each other and in walking distances. So, boarding the train should be lesser hassles.

There are 3 floors inside the museum with more than 100 interactive exhibits. There are tons of artifact displays as well. If you're an avid CSI fan, this museum is a must see.
There are 5 main galleries you will see as you go through.

• A Notorious History of Crime - here, you will be taken back to historical crimes during the medieval times up to the present modern crimes. Interactive exhibits are available in this area. You might wanna try testing your Wild West shooting skills, as what I did :).

• Punishment: The Consequence of Crime - No matter how you do it, crime doesn't pay! What you'll about to see in this area is a full-scale model police station. Here, you can try interactive exhibits such as doing fingerprints, police line up and lie detector test. Take the challenge.
• Crime Fighting - witness and discover about the training of law enforcement heroes, their technology and equipment they use to keep you safe. Try the simulators, - an FBI shooting range and a try ride on a high-speed police motorcycle ;).
  
  
  
• CSI Experience - watch out CSI fans!..this would be your area. Learn all about forensic science techniques in solving a crime.
• America's Most Wanted Studio - this level is the actual TV set of "America's Most Wanted" hosted by John Walsh. it's fun trying the interactives like "Profiled by John Walsh." Here, you can see a video of John Walsh profiling you as a fugitive through green-screen technology. Don't worry, it's just a spoof! :). Then, challenge yourself with the fingerprint cross matching at the Cross Match Technologies station.

It was all but fun, fun, fun!!!

Washington DC Experience

February 25-27, 2010

I was able to find a good hotel close to the Philippine embassy in Washington DC online. We had an early reservation a week ahead so we just drove there Thursday night (Feb. 25) since it was only an hour drive.
Rush hours are really the bad thing in DC. We were caught up in the midst of it, but we managed to get to the hotel on time.
The hotel was a few meters walking distance to the Philippine embassy, the main purpose why we set up this trip...business transaction. (passport renewal).

Thank God, I was done after less than an hour, so we went back to the hotel and set up our visiting itineraries for the day :).

Family-Friendly Destinations (2 of 2)

(continuation)

7. The Pinehurst resort - (Pinehurst, North Carolina) - It offers activities such as tennis clinics, kayaking and competitions. It also has a Kidspa for kids who'll receive treatments designed for them. Teen spas (12-17) are also offered.
8. Kingsmill Resort & Spa - (Williamsburg, Virginia) - The resort is within 5 minutes away from Colonial Williamsburg and the Busch Gardens Amusement & Entertainment Park.
Colonial Williamsburg has reconstructed historical buildings, homes and shops to visit, while Busch Gardens has a lot of thrill rides along with family entertainment such as Irish Dance, Emerald Best, Goin' Country & Festivale Italiano. The resort has a sandy beach and picnic area, indoor/outdoor pools and a baby pool with fountain. Also available are various activities such as kayaking, paddle boating, fishing and bicycling, all for rentals.
9. Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa - (Anaheim, California) - Obviously close to Disney, the main attraction is the theme park. There is also a character dining with Chip and Dale and other Disney characters at the Storytellers Cafe! Also, onsite has Redwood pool which is a 100-ft. slide that winds around the trunk of an ancient tree.
10. Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort - (Phoenix, Arizona) - It has Falls Water Village with swimming pools, terraced waterfalls with poolside lounges. Guests at least 42-inches tall can take a splash down their 138-ft. waterslide. Their restaurants offer children's menus with special items for kiddos 12 years and younger.
11. Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando - (Orlando, Florida) -
The theme parks are obviously the main attraction for the whole family. The hotel offers a fun evening and hosts "Music of the Night" blended with festive, opera and popular music. Another perfect respite from the parks would be a fun activity at the large pool area with waterslide.

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.