European Train Travel 101

Riding the trails is the best alternative to air travel not only because it's cheaper, but also practical, romantic and a great chance to take the scenery up close. It is also easier on the environment, plus you avoid the hassles of security line delays at the airport, etc...

Your tickets to ride:
Raileurope.com - specializes in selling single tickets as well as all of the major multi trip passes.

BritRail Passes (from $259 for 4 days) - are the only option available to North Americans for an unlimited travel throughout Britain. (Snag this before your trip - they're not sold in U.K.)

Eurail Passes - include Global Pass (from $744 for the 15-day first class option) and valid in 20 countries. For lesser and shorter itineraries, there's the Eurail Select Pass good for 3-5 adjoining countries. Whichever you choose, buy it here. Buying it in Europe will be 20% more expensive.

First class tickets cost about 50% more than 2nd class. That typically buys a reclining seat, a meal, bigger space for luggage and a quiet train car.
Second class ticket is fine if your trip is only a few hours.

MR Direct Sinks & Faucets

If your kitchen sink needs upgrading, a stainless steel kitchen sink would be ideal because of its clean look and durability. No wonder why many prefers the stainless steel for today's kitchens.

My kitchen sinks don't need any remodeling right now, but MR Direct would be worth recommending to some friends who might be needing stainless steel kitchen sinks for their home in the future.

Gratuity Standards Around The World

In most of Europe, Australia, Japan and other countries where leaving a large amount of tip is uncommon, servers are paid a living wage.
But in the US, base pay for waiters averages at $4. per hour, so tipping is vital to their livelihood.
The rule of thumb before traveling to certain places is to research the tipping customs of the place you are going before you leave.

A cheat sheet below can help you the next time you travel out of the country.

US and Canada:
Server: - at least 15% minimum before tax, including cost of drinks; if good service, 18-20%
Bartender: - 15-20% of the tab; $1. for a beer or wine and $2. for mixed drinks.

Caribbean/Bahamas and Mexico:
Server: - 10-15% in Mexico; the same in caribbean and Bahamas but often is already included in the bill.
Bartender: - 10% in Mexico; 10-15% in Caribbean and Bahamas.

South America:
Server: - 10% across the board. In Brazil, service charge is often included.
Bartender: - $1. per drink; 10% in Brazil (often included).

Europe:
Server: - it is acceptable to leave an additional 5-15% although it is already included in the bill because wages are higher; Not expected in Scandinivian countries.
Bartender: - if service is included, it's acceptable to give an extra 5%, otherwise, 5-10%.

Middle East & Africa:
Server: - 10-15% (often included)
Bartender: $1 per drink.

Asia:
Server: - not expected in Japan; up to $1.50 in some parts of China; 10% in India (often included).
Bartender: not expected, but some leave small change.

Australia and New Zealand:
Server: - not expected, but 5-10% for outstanding service.
Bartender: - not expected.

Other Services:
For special services, tip extra such as spending time on your wine selection (+ 10% of the wine's cost) or getting a choice table ($10-20). These are seldom expected outside the US.

Parking valet: - $2-$5. (Tip up front for a better service.)
Coat Check: - $1 per item is acceptable, and $2 would be better. In Asia, no tip is necessary.

Designer Sunglasses Online

If you love to wear or collect designer sunglasses, check these top designer sunglasses from popularglasses.com where you can get them at an affordable prices. You will also find all kinds of glasses such as for sports, reading, driving and other glasses for your daily activities.
All products are 100% authentic and brand new, plus you can shop online securely at your utmost convenience.

Check the Gucci Sunglasses and choose from everyday use to sleek logo frames that would compliment every outfit of yours. (I love Gucci products!)
You can also get to choose trendy and fashionable styles that make it more attractive for you to wear.

Dior Sunglasses are also available that ranges from simple and understated styles to the perfect complement for those want to make a fashion statement!

If you are into sports that demand superior eye protection in extreme conditions. Costa Del Mar Sunglasses are the ideal ones to use. Costa Del Mar glasses are well-designed and mostly preferred by many athletes, explorers and even celebrities that love to trek the outdoor adventures. These are built to last, so if you want durability full of superior style, these products are the best choices.

Popular Glasses only sells genuine products and no replicas or imitations! The only difference would be the price, which means lots of savings when you choose to shop from them online.

Travel Tips to Save Time & Money

If you travel a lot, perhaps by now you're already learning the best tricks on spending less on airfare or skipping a long check-in line ;).

Flexibility can make all the difference when it comes to finding a great rate. Choose your destination as you search for deals from your home airport. Site such as bing.com might help which can let you look for reduced airfares.

You can pay less for an upgrade with a Y-up economy class fare. You will spend about the same amount for a full-fare coach ticket, but be automatically upgraded to first class upon checking in.
Take note though that Y-up fares are not available on all flights (never for an international trip) and can be expensive, highly restricted or impossible. Book thru a travel agent or use the Y-up tool at farecompare.com.

Tuesday, Wednesdays or Saturdays are the best days to travel where congestion at the counter and dt security are less. On other days, choose early morning flights as the best option.

You can always request an upgrade when booking a coach ticket, then check in at the business class counter at the airport to see if the upgrade went through. Even if it isn't there, you can still check in there and avoid long economy lines.

When searching for hotels, combine your online research with direct bookings and find the best rates on sites like hotelscombined.com or wego.com. You can possibly get reduced internet rate, as well as personalized service that comes with booking directly.

Don't pay extra for web access. If your hotel offers free wi-fi like the lobby or public area, don't bother shelling out $20 daily.

If you're going for an out of the country trip, as your bank for no-fee partners and if there are free overseas cash-machine locations. ATM fees overseas can be high and expensive.

If you're traveling long distance between major cities, consider an overnight sleeper car such as the train. You will save on airfare and hotel costs.

Mold Testing

Don't risk your home from mold contamination. Toxic mold can be an environmental health threat that usually goes undetected until it starts to do the real damage. So, if you think your home is exposed to mold contamination, don't ignore the problem which can only lead to a worst disaster. It doesn't only destroy your home, but also your entire family's health.

And when it comes to mold experts, trust Immunolytics, an authoritative mycology lab highly trusted by many environmental specialist experts. At Immunolytics, you can have a Mold detector kit that can help you determine what you are dealing with, and if it is really in fact mold that is causing the problem. This is an important instrument to determine if your environment or your home is polluted by mold that can cause illness.

Mold test kits are also available which are quick and easy to use in testing for toxic molds. You don't need to be an expert to use a mold test kit because each kit comes with a professional mold analysis and an expert consultation and also includes a full-color online report with every order. The kit also has a phone conference provided for free with the environmental expert to discuss further and analyze any mold problems you have and to treat your home mold-free!

Test for mold can be done simply and quickly and so you don't need to think and worry about complicated processing. An instruction sheet is already included with your mold test kit, so all you need to do is follow the step instructions the easy way.

Packing For Summer Getaway?

As much as possible, avoid the packed-too-much or packed-too-little nightmare by using the Mix and Match test by Erin Bried (author of How to Sew a Button and Other Nifty Things Your Grandmother Knew:).

Try to pack every piece of clothing you choose that perfectly works with at least two outfits. If you have a brightly patterned top that can only match one bottom, better yet leave it at home, said Bried.

Add accessories like necklace and scarf, and you will be ready for any event.

Trees From Willis Orchard Company

If there is an orchard company that offers friendly and excellent service to its customers, it would be Willis Orchard Company. They offer high quality of trees, whether fruit, flowering trees, shade, palm and nut trees.
Every product that they offer comes with a "friendly guarantee", one commitment that they extend to every customer who is looking for high quality plant trees.

If you need shade or ornamental trees for your property, try checking some fine selection of bamboo plants. Who isn't familiar with bamboos? It has already been commonly seen and used since pre-recorded history, often seen in tropical countries, and some can also be seen in cooler climates, and in the last ten years, they became popular as landscape plants in the US.

There are also some fine selection of fruit trees from Willis Orchard. It is still a best choice when you can always taste fruit juices made fresh directly from your orchard or backyard. Besides, I believe it is much more healthy drinking your fruit tree products made from preservative-free ingredients.

And speaking of having a healthy lifestyle with your fruit tree products, many apple trees can do a lot of health benefits in your property, if you try to plant them together. Of course, it needs a lot of consideration in understanding a particular climate environment to check if apple trees can grow successfully in a certain area, but once everything goes on okay, all struggles are worth the effort.
Can you just imagine what apples can do to our health once you have them in your backyard? They can protect you from many illnesses and even from cancer! So, think about it.

You should feel lucky enough if you own an orchard where you can plant fruit trees that can help you not only financially but physically ;).

Cool Designs at Blue Sky Scrubs

Did you know that even medical and nursing uniforms nowadays are becoming trendy and fashionable? Some might find it impossible to believe because most of them buy their scrubs at their regular stores which sell mostly plain and boring colors. No offense meant for the actual stores that sell scrubs, but there is still a difference when you shop online ;).

If you want to have and experience cool designs, why not buy medical scrubs online? All uniforms are designed for both men and women, and even kids too!

You can even choose to buy your complete set of hospital uniforms from scrub hats to shirts and jackets, medical coats or even custom scrubs. Your custom scrubs can be your own design, so you can even look more flattering and stylish.

Check the link, - http://www.blueskyscrubs.com to see more of them. Don't forget to check the sale items as well to save money.

Making The Best Out of Economy Seats

Choosing an economy seat on the plane can be uncomfortable, but convenient on the pocket. Yet, there are ways to ensure a more comfortable flight.

Not all airlines are created equally. Check airlinequality.com to find out how they stack-up and ranks airlines, long and short-haul flights in first, business and economy classes based on seat comfort, meal quality, bathroom cleanliness, etc...

Visit seatguru.com if you are looking for extra legroom or want to avoid seats with limited recline. Seatguru shows graphic cabin layouts for more than 85 airlines, so it's convenient for you to see and pick the spot you want before booking.

Choose an off-peak flight like midweek, preferably at midday to get your chance of getting an emptier plane. Weekend flights tend to be more crowded.

How to Find Airfare Deals

One most convenient source to find best airfare deals is the internet. Reduced airfares are starting points for many online booking sites. Consider checking yapta.com, tripadvisor, travelocity, expedia and orbitz.
Consider signing up with sites like airfarewatchdog.com which gives you alerts to short-term promotions that can only be booked directly through the airlines.

When some air carriers take on new routes, expect a fare war. Check your airlines for new routes.

Be a twitter follower ;). Airlines do twitt too, like Jetblue, Virgin America and United Airlines which are capitalizing on the trend by tweeting their exclusive deals via the web.

Consider using frequent-flier miles which remains the cheapest way to bump up a class, and there are more opportunities than ever to cash in. Airlines release premium seats 24 hours in advance, so you call the day before your departure.

Affordable Home Security & Satellite TV Services

Whether for home or business security, why not consider checking ADT's security option packages today? It is always of utmost importance to secure our home particularly if we are away for a vacation or out of town transactions, as well as security both in and out of your business establishment should be considered.

If you are planning to set up security system somewhere in Choteau, MT better yet check ADT's home security choteau and get a free security consultation when you call them today. You can get a complete security system for free when you meet the requirements with plans starting for as low as $35.99/mo.

Are you also in need of affordable local TV satellite service? I am sure you are familiar with DirecTV, right? You can check their most recent promo offers at www.LocalTV-Satellite.com.
You can also get your free directv quote online instantly! Better yet act today to avail of the free installation!

Stretching Your Dollar While in Europe

When it comes to saving your money while in Europe, you can mitigate the pain of the current exchange rate without compromising your ultimate trip. You might want to check on these 6-step plan to make your trip worthwhile.

1. The best way to get your local currency is through cash machines as long as you can handle the exorbitant fees! Check your bank before leaving home.
   
   
2. Find your bank's local partner as many of them now work with partners abroad and allow customers to take out money at no charge.
   
   
3. Make fewer exchanges in larger increments. Currency exchange kiosks such as Travelex (located at most airports) provide a lower service fee for larger transactions.
   
   
4. Using your credit card abroad can guarantee you the lowest exchange rate and protects you from unauthorized charges. Consider using your card if you're doing major purchases.
   
   
5. Transportation expenses should be minimized. Consider car-rental that rates in dollars such as autoeurope.com. Also check eurostar.com.
   
   
6. Watch out for dynamic currency conversion. It's always much safer when you consider using the local currency when buying.
   

Printing Made Easy

There is no doubt that a custom printing service is so far, the best when it comes to convenience, because of the fact that it is quick, easy and affordable.
And when it comes to budget-friendly prices, with high quality made banners, signs and other online printing products, you wouldn't regret when you will order your printing needs at my1stop.com. This online custom printing superstore is one of America's best because customers are guaranteed with good quality results.

If you are looking for gifts, Custom Gift Cards are ideal. By the way, Father's Day is approaching, so you might want to get some unique presents for your father too! ;)

My1stop can also help you find the right kind of Custom Labels that you need, whether for your business or just for personal use. These are also good as gifts as there are a lot of products to choose from. It can be great for students, business-oriented people, etc...
You can as well get to choose the right printing of your choice with the corresponding instant online price for your chosen labels. Fast and easy, right?

Custom Printing done online actually takes no hassles at all since all pricing are done instantly online, and you can get your quote on your online printing products right away.

El Dorado Water Park-Iloilo

This water park is great for kids, located at Smallville, a popular entertainment and dining center of Iloilo. It is popular as a daytime attraction for those who want to spend fun and refreshing moments with friends or families, and a nice spot to cool down from the sun's scorching heat.

The South American legend-inspired designs of the pool and the poolside are also attractive. When you're in Iloilo City, this is where you can see the city's premier pool resort.

El Dorado Waterpark is part of the MO2 complex, adjacent to Westown Hotel and becoming to be one of the most visited water parks in the city.

You pay a 100Php (pesos) entrance fee per head, but you can also bring your own food too if you wish. You can as well spend a night or two here with their fine poolside rooms available.
Room rates are only available when you contact them at (033) 5095678/3202225/508-1234; 0r (+63)928-502-9585 or email at: mo2westown_ilo@yahoo.com.

Designer Checks Online

If you want to save on the expenses for your personal or business checks, it's much better to order checks online, and you can even save 50% of what your bank charges. Another thing is, you can get to choose your check designs and you can personalize them as well compared to those plain and dull color designs that you usually get from your bank. You can really say, there is a big difference when you order personal checks from Extra Value Checks online, for the obvious reasons of being affordable, gives you convenience in buying them and yet still made with the highest standards and top quality designs.
For sure many of us either own either personal or business checks, but most of you are probably still depending on your banks, when you order personal checks. You better check your finances and be a smart buyer. In today's unstable economic situation, it's only important to save and you can still have a good budget to buy things that are worth the quality, don't you think?

By the way, you might also want to check on some photo check designs with a custom photo of your own! You can create your custom photo personal checks for uniqueness if you prefer. Otherwise, you can also choose from the designs provided. Your personal checks are protected with EzShield Check fraud protection, so you don't need to worry when you order them online. Start browsing the designs and you will be awed! ;)

Europe's Cool Capitals, Food, Art & Design

Zurich is one fascinating city which promises to captivate your senses over and over again, - unlimited shopping pleasure, spectacular stage show performances, pulsating nightlife, tasty cuisines and of course the creative Zurich design that is unbeatable! This is one of Europe's city of cool capitals were you can find outstanding designs from furniture to gardens and sculptures. Timeless crafts yet elegant, you would want to own one!

Be sure to visit Valencia as well, the Spain's Capital of cool, and check Valencia Art, one of the many vital reasons why this city became unique due to great artistic and cultural value.
As Valencia moves into the third millennium, it now offers wide range of spaces when you talk about arts and architecture. It is simply a city that can make you say "WOW"!

Vienna is also Austria's capital of cool where Vienna Design reflects a modern and contemporary styles of art. Vienna used to be a popular Roman settlement and has been considered as the world's capital of music. But throughout centuries, it has undergone vast changes of developments which created this city one of the most culturally dynamic cities in the world.

So, when you're heading off to your next trip, be sure it's one (or more) of Europe's Capitals of Cool ;).

Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts

Wolf Trap National Park is considered to be the summer home of Kennedy Center, - the America's palace for the performing arts.
Wolf Trap is located on a 130 acres of rolling farmland in Northeast Virginia. This park is more than just a music venue, dedicated to the performing arts as well as a nonprofit foundation for arts education.
The lawns of Wolf Trap are filled with music fans every summer evenings who flock to the majestic Filene Center, - the 2nd largest theatrical stage in the country.

Every summer, shows are almost every single night...almost endless. Aside from performances, you can have freedom to do your own thing as well and you can even bring your own food and beverages,

The Filene Center can seat close to more than 7,000 people and is surrounded by acres of tall trees and rolling hills, - an idyllic setting for summer entertainment.

If you prefer a more intimate experience, Wolf Trap has The Barns; - its other main venue. These are 2 adjacent buildings that are 18th century barns relocated from upstate New York.
There are still recognizable acts that you can see at The Barnes year-round but are all indoors.

Wolf Trap is not only popular for its venues, but also respected throughout the world for its innovative arts-based educational programs.

If you want to visit, the location is:
Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts
1645 Trap Road, Vienna, Virginia
or visit wolftrap.org

Vacation Tours

This topic is just perfect for me to share because yesterday, my uncle informed me about their upcoming europe tours and he was asking me to confirm if I can join him and his wife to visit some places in Europe. I suddenly felt the urge to go, but unfortunately I can't due to conflicting schedules :(.
One of my future plans is to consider either italy tours or any european cruise. Last month, I had to choose either italy or caribbean. I was aiming for 2-3 days vacation, so I had to go with the caribbean cruise which is much shorter.

On the other hand, Collette Vacations is such a cool site. I found out that they have some cruise tours as well. Ahhh! a pleasure vacation is what I need. It would be great to do a two-week alaska tours, then maybe europe or italy trips later.
Due to busy schedules, I think I can only go as far as within North America for the meantime :). An alaskan cruise would be ideal. I have been dreaming of visiting Alaska someday. It is one of the state in the US that makes me so curious regarding how it is to be there experiencing longer daytime most of the time or the other way around! It would also be interesting to visit Alaska during summer and I wonder how warm is the summer season there. Oh, well, this is really fun to do just in case. I love traveling, and very soon, I can be able to plan my trip to places I wanna go.

This summer, I'll be on a Caribbean cruise. Can't wait!

Our Philippine Trip

Nov. 8, 2010 - January 7, 2011

This trip is full of activities, tiring transactions and planning, but the entire trip was still fun! Although the trip priority was about our new home, - (the constructions, expenses, and the moving in), our family is still the main reason.

Every celebration is not complete without the beach and the pool, we should say ;). There are lots of fun activities there beside swimming, like food!

This was also a trip for hubby to experience his first Christmas with the family in the Philippines, and got his first taste of witnessing the New year celebration there too.
The New Year became so "noisy" for him later on when he said he couldn't sleep because of the firecracker sounds popping up in the air. He didn't realize that the noise would not stop until 5-6 in the morning. He woke up with blood-shut eyes on New Year's day, LOL!

Generally, we can say it was all a celebration full of fun with good food, the beach, the pool and the mall!