Dealing With Trip's Worst-Case Scenarios For Your Lodging

Scenario: Weather (flooding, hurricane, etc.) wreaks havoc. If you see water or wind damage, ask the agency's representative to check it out, and arrange alternative lodging. The villa's owner insurance should cover the flooding, so don't clean it up yourself.

Scenario: Sudden cancellation due to personal reasons. Notify the agency by phone and in writing as soon as possible. Be honest about your circumstances. Your chances for a refund are better if they are able to rebook the villa.

Scenario: Your villa is burglarized. Inform your local rental contact right away and file a statement with the police. Some homeowners insurance policies cover theft of your belongings, so follow any instructions so you can get reimbursed.

Scenario: Your bill has charges you didn't anticipate. Let the agent itemized everything that are to be paid. Other services such as internet, phone, AC, pool heating, and drivers are often NOT included. Finally, if anything seems suspicious, ask for proof of charges.

Steps to Successful Villa Rental

Picking the right vacation house can be more complicated than ever. It can mean hassles or ending up in a place you never wanted to. Want to know some tips to help you ensure your villa vacation would be smooth and hassle-free from start to end? The following below might help:

First, know what to expect. There can be down sides to making yourself at home such as doing the dishes yourself or changing light bulbs can be part of it, even for high-end properties.

Second, travel with like-minded friends. Although travelling with companions is fun, unexpected issues can still arise. An example would be doing the bedroom selection in advance. Establishing some strategies might help such as picking numbers from a hat; apply different price points to different rooms, or yield to the person who books the villa.

Third, book early, or last minute. Villa rental companies would mostly prefer locking your dates 10-14 months ahead of time, but at times booking until the last minute can be beneficial as well.

Fourth, call upon the expert. You'll probably likely to have a smoother stay when you go through an established agency rather than finding rentals advertised through craigslist, urbo dot com, or a local newspaper. Determine whether a rental agency is of highest quality by looking at the size of the agency (smaller is better because they can take care of you personally), look at the quality of properties listed and the lenght of the company in service.

Fifth, ask the obvious questions. Common inquiries such as does the villa come with sheets and towels, is it childproofed? is it quiet? Are the owners around or not? etc...

Next, get everything in writing. Agreement or contracts can have hidden costs, - taxes, departure fees, heating and AC charges, etc. Make sure you read the policy contracts and make sure that there should be an explanation what happens when things really go wrong.

And finally, buy travel insurance. This would help you when certain medical emergencies or unforeseen conflicts suddenly come along the way...you'll never know!

Tour the Bahamas!

This is one of my target for a future trip ;). Of course, when we say Bahamas, obviously it is cruising on the sea. Not a surprise because it's the only best way to see much of Bahamas.
They say yachting is a great thing to do there by which 3 cruising grounds are many's favorites.

The Abacos Islands: It's protected from the Atlantic with barrier of cays with calm waters. The best way to see it would be to charter boats. Marsh Harbour is functional which offers sailboats with or without captains and crew. One day rentals can go as much as $350 - $630.

The Berry Islands: This island has 30 sq. miles, an ideal place to hunt mahi-mahi and bonefish. Start your adventure from Great Harbour Cay at the main island which has a large port and a small airport. As usual, the only best way to explore the island is through boat rentals in which many boat rentals company offer them at the island. Don't miss visiting Hoffman's Cay where daredevils leap 20 ft. into a deep blue swimming hole. You can as well enter the water through steps down to a striated grotto.

The Exuma Islands: - is composed of hundred of small islands with 120-mile length. There is a 10-mile long port called Elizabeth Harbour in which most yachts stop there. You might want to sign up for full day tours as well with Exuma Cays Adventure. Then, be sure to stop by to visit Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park which is 176 sq. miles of pristine ocean, reef and cays at the top of the chain.

Have fun! :)

Know the Fantasy Islands in Bahamas - Part 2

Musha Cay (Exumas) - equipped with five fancy cottages with lots of boats for jetting to other surrounding islands. Most guests arrive via a private jet, and the resort can only be rented to a single group. Did you know that famous magician David Copperfield bought this cluster of islands in 2006 after he claims its watery surrounds had age-defying properties? Hhhmmmm...interesting!

One and only Ocean Club (Nassau) - has mansiony digs, perfect lawns and tons of orchids...more than the human population! It has a 4-bedroom villa which costs $10,500 a night, with a minimum stay of 3 days...whew! And take note. You might as well see Michael Jordan, an avid fan of the Ocean Club Golf Course.

Pink Sands (Harbour Island) - has 25 chic beachfront cottages shaded by banyan trees. They say this island is "the see-and-be-seen" place. Cottages have private walkways to the beach and have sun decks. It's once owned by Island Records' bigwig Chris Blackwell.

Royal Plantation Island at Fowl Cay (Exumas) - has 50 acres of 6 villas being managed by butlers, golf carts and motorboats. This place is frequented by many honeymooners and romantics who can set up from Sandals, - a Fowl Cay's owner. Dining serves a 5-course dinner nightly with free-flowing cocktails for $100.

Know the Fantasy Islands in Bahamas - Part 1

Cape Santa Maria (Long Island) - with white sand and emerald waters, this island is 4 miles of shore. It has relaxed but plush bungalows. An ideal place to scuba dive and snorkel in the hotel's private marina. A dinner for 2 here is $130 which includes a glass of wine for each ;).

The Cove (Paradise Island) - this is a resort within a resort that has 600 high-rise suites.

Kamalame Cay (Andros) - a private island resort which has 96-acres, with a sparkling white beach and with plantation-style cottages.

Little Whale Cay (Berry Islands) - the island has almost 100 acres of tropical birds and infinity pools with 3 eco-luxe pads and a private landing strip. Don't miss watching the flamingos that strut around the area. There is a 12-member staff including a masseur and personal chef that can take care of you.

Puerto Rico - Island with a Million Destinations

Puerto Rico possesses unique landscape and history of attractions. It boasts being the home to some of the world's best white-sand beaches and surfing areas in Porta del Sol. In there, you can do more fun activities like biking, bird watching, diving, fishing or hiking.

Puerto Rico is also known for its world-class golf courses accomodation, - making it known to be the golfing paradise of the caribbean. And when it comes to dining and romance, there's more to it! This country has an unusual density of restaurants with exotic flavors to local cuisine. Eating and drinking goes hand in hand here, because Puerto Rico is famous for its rum quality.

Talking about wedding and honeymoons, it is always a destination of choice. At least 34% of American honeymoons take place in the Caribbean, wherein Puerto Rico currently has a 3.8% slice of the U.S. wedding market. There are still more to discover in Puerto Rico. You be the witness!

The Newseum Experience

February 27, 2010 - Newseum, Washington D.C.

They say it's the most interactive museum in the world, Newseum is located along Pennsylvania Avenue with 14 major galleries and 15 theaters that will immerse you with the world's greatest news stories.
Newseum has everything for you to see with its 6 levels. Huge!...and lots of exhibits about all kinds of media in the world of news.
Right at the entrance is where you would get the day's headlines. Inside the museum, you'll see photo galleries, theaters where you get to watch various documentaries, a 3D theater, the interactive newsroom, digital news, big screen theaters, special exhibits and more.
Once you reach the top level, you can proceed out to the terrace and take in a majestic view of the Capitol.

Of course, if boredom starts to set in, I suggest you go to level 2 - the interactive newsroom. Don't you know that in here, you can be a TV reporter? Try the fun :).

Have fun news tripping! :)

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.