The Art of Buying Travel Luggage

The Art of Buying Travel Luggage by: Catherine Olivia

Not all luggage is created equal. There is a wide variety of prices and quality between manufacturers. Before you purchase luggage you should consider what your actual luggage usage will be. There is no need for you to purchase the most expensive luggage if you only travel once or twice a year or if you never plan to fly.

Most people probably remember the old Samsonite commercial with gorillas throwing the luggage around their cage. While this was hilarious it was close to the truth. Checked luggage takes a beating. If you never plan to fly you don't need super expensive luggage. Of course, we'd never recommend buying the cheapest either. You will still need luggage that will hold up under some abuse. We'd also recommend you pay close attention to how luggage is priced. Most manufacturers highly over inflate the price of their luggage then bring the prices down claiming they are on sale or are deeply discounted. Don't believe this. This is what the jewelry industry does. When you're looking at luggage always start with the final price. One thing you'll find is hundreds of different brands of luggage. From the expensive high end Ricardo luggage which has a built in digital scale, to lesser priced American Flyer luggage and many in between. Some luggage manufacturers try to reach a young audience with their styles and patterns. JanSport luggage does this. Some companies make children's luggage with smaller sizes and adorable prints. Liz Claiborne luggage is sophisticated and stylish for the fashionable woman traveler. You're lucky if your luggage is only beat up and not lost. What about lost airline luggage? Do you have any idea what happens to it? Did you know that you can buy articles from lost airline luggage? Were you aware that if you don't want to both with your luggage at all when you travel you can use a luggage delivery service? It isn't cheap, but you can have your luggage picked up from your home and have it waiting for you at your destination. Again, be aware of prices. Some have up front pricing. Some are a bit more difficult to figure out. Some charge extra for Saturday delivery and add pick up and fuel surcharges to the price. Make sure that you are fully aware of all charges when it comes to a luggage delivery service, and be aware that they generally quote one-way prices only. The choice of luggage can make or break your vacation. The last thing you need to have happen is to have a zipper break, or a seam split or have a handle break as you're walking out the door to the airport. Experts will say don't overload your suitcase. This causes undue stress on zippers and seams. Examine your suitcase when you take it off the airline carousel. Check it to make sure there has been no damage done to your luggage. If there is obvious damage done to your luggage immediately take it to the airline customer service center to report it.

Turkey - Guide to a Yacht Charter

Turkey - Guide to a Yacht Charter by: D. Browall

Turkey is the only country in the world that can be found in two continents. 97 percent of it is in Asia and the remaining 3 percent is in Europe. The Asian part of the country is made up of Asia Minor and European region comprises the eastern portion of Thrace. The two areas are bordered and separated by Dardanelles, Sea of Marmara, and Bosporus. Through this distinctive division, a sailing charter Turkey is easy to find.

Turkey is very rich in culture and tradition. Its history is very eventful and dynamic, but full of rage, conflict, and wars. It was managed by many empires. During the ancient times, particularly in 1800 BC, most of the country was inhabited by the Hittites. In 8th century BC, the Greeks occupied the country. After two centuries (6th century BC), Turkey became part of the Persian Empire. However, the Persians did not last long. Soon after, it was invaded by Rome in 395 AD and was managed as a province. Still, the country was invaded by the Ottoman Turks in the 13th century AD. Cruising a sailing yacht in Turkey means sailing along the many gulfs and bays of the much indented Turkish coast. It is also a journey back in time, with a plethora of archaeological sites, castles and temples that catches its importance in ancient and medieval times. The Turkish coastline is usually separated into three different cruising areas: -The Lycian Coast: a wild and rugged landscape with an grandiose display of mountains, cliffs and ravines. -The Carian Coast: this is the most popular cruising area and includes the two largest yacht charter bases; Bodrum and Marmaris. -The Ionian Coast: a coastline starting in Izmir in the north and reach all the way to Bodrum in the south. Here you will find the best climate in the whole of Turkey and a lot of culture. The coast of Lycia is an ideal place for cruising. This place has many ports and harbors. The coastline of Lycia can reach as far as Gocek. The portion of the so-called "East Lycian Coast" covers Antalya, Kas, and Fethiye. These places are ideal for cruising because of its several attractions such as its coves, beaches, cliffs, and mountains. However, these areas are sometimes regarded by many ancient sailors as a dangerous sailing ground because of its tempered waters. Nevertheless, all its harbors are safe and protected. One of the country's most attractive tourist activities is sailing along its calm, relaxing, and stunning sea waters. In particular, most tourist sailors go to the coasts of the Mediterranean and the Aegean. Aside from yachting, Turkey can also offer its historical and archaeological sites. You can find a handful of the country's ancient architectures in Istanbul (the largest and the former capital city). You can visit the world-famous Hagia Sophia, Sultan Ahmed Mosque, Pera Palas, Grand Bazaar, Galata Tower, and the Dolmabahce Palace. If you are not into prehistoric buildings, you can have a stay at Istanbul's modern shopping malls, which are among the largest shopping centers in the world.

Purchasing Insurance For Travel Tours Abroad by: Jerry K. Blackburn

To purchase or not to purchase travel insurance, that is the question. If you have done some research or talked to a travel agent, you might have been told that insurance is absolutely necessary. After all, you have put a lot of money into airfare and booking your hotel. But does that mean you need to spend more on insurance?

Travel insurance was created to make sure your money is refunded should something go wrong at the last second. This includes many circumstances that would prevent you from traveling, like illness or a flight being canceled due to inclimate weather. If your plans are put on hold, at least you will get your money back. But there are ways this insurance can help you while you are on vacation as well. When taking travel tours abroad, check and see if your normal health insurance will cover you in a foreign country. Often, plans either do not cover you, or are just not accepted abroad. Should this be the case for you, then invest in travel insurance. This way, you are sure to be covered if you need medical attention while on vacation. Unfortunately, travelers these days need to be aware of terrorism when they travel abroad. Should terrorist activity occur where you are about to vacation, your airline is not necessarily required to refund the cost of your ticket. However, if you have travel insurance, you will be covered. Flight cancellation is another eventuality covered by travel insurance. Any number of things could prevent you from leaving the ground. You might have scheduled your vacation during the worst snow storm in twenty years, or maybe you airline just goes out of business. Travel insurance protects the money you have invested in your ticket. Perhaps circumstances in your life prevent you from taking advantage of vacation deals. Should somebody in your family die or become ill, you can cancel your plans without penalty. Whatever may happen to prevent you from leaving, you are covered. If you loose your luggage, you will also be covered by travel insurance. Usually, the baggage is returned by the airline; though, sometimes, it is simply misplaced and never found. Or, your luggage might be returned with items missing. Travel insurance gives you the money to replace anything that can’t be found so you can enjoy your trip as planned. When deciding on a specific insurance company, it is a good idea to research your options before choosing. Different plans work best for specific vacations. Perhaps you are not buying a plane ticket, but taking a cruise. If you travel often for business or pleasure, you can even purchase a policy that covers you for extended periods of time. These plans save you the hassle of buying a policy for each individual trip. Ask questions before you make a final decision to be sure that you are getting all the coverage you need. You wouldn’t want to insure yourself, only to find that your particular vacation disaster is not covered under your policy.

How To Have A Great Chicago Shopping Experience

How To Have A Great Chicago Shopping Experience by: R. Charles Williams

Want to find the latest pair of fashionable Lucky Brand Jeans? Looking for a kitschy Chicago souvenir? Hoping to find that perfect sexy piece of La Perla lingerie or a pair of authentic Ferragamo shoes? Or maybe you are simply in the city to enjoy the ambience of big city shopping and are curious about those one-of-a-kind deals that come with perusing the various Chicago boutiques and State Street retailers.

Whatever the reason, you've definitely made the right decision to visit Chicago, a world-class destination for shopping. The city's "Magnificent Mile" area boasts of diverse retailers, four multi-level malls anchored by classic department stores such as Bloomingdales and Nordstrom, exceptional dining experiences, and extraordinary hotel accommodations. "Oak and Rush" streets feature a refreshing mixture of couture shops and high-end boutiques with prestigious brand names like Kate and Jack Spade, Jimmy Choo, Prada, and Hermes (just to name a few!). Not to be outdone, the center of Chicago neighborhoods, "State Street", offers various specialty retailers for those shoppers looking for a bit more affordable shopping experience. There are many other shopping excursions to venture out on while you are in Chicago. Don't just stay downtown. Live a little and take a quick taxi ride or El ride into one of the many Chicago neighborhoods and shop with the locals. If you are a hip designer conscious shopper who absolutely adores trendy, vintage, and/or alternative digs, then the Bucktown and Wicker Park boutique circuit is a must do! Casa de Soul, Eurotrash, Scoop NYC, and The Silver Room are just a few of the stops along the way. Lakeview has its shopping highlights as well. Gramaphone Records carries vinyl copies of rare and imported dance, rap, and various commercial records. Century Shopping Center is your typical mall that went through a recent renovation in 1999, however, the best feature is its fine arts theater that shows various independent films on seven screens. Boystown (which is East Lakeview) primarily caters to gay men and the area features many themed shops. Oh, and if you're in for a day trip, Chicago (well suburban Schaumburg and Boilingbrook) has two IKEA locations! Chicago shopping has a lot to offer! Unfortunately, you just can't do it all in one day. In an effort to have a more pleasurable experience, please take in consideration the following: 1. How many dedicated shopping days do you have? 2. What is your shopping objective? 3. What is your shopping budget? 4. Are you going solo or are you shopping with friends, family, or even children? 5. Transportation? Parking is not cheap even if you do find a meter! Public transportation or taxi, if your budget allows, is better for the serious shopper. 6. Where is your hotel located? 7. Eating out or packing a lunch? 8. You absolutely must have comfortable shoes! There will be a lot of walking involved. So, hit the sidewalks, be brave, fight those crowds, and find what you're looking for…right in Chicago.

French Polynesia, Where It Is, And What It's Like by: Peter R Stewart

Many people consider French Polynesia to be the most beautiful, and even the most romantic place on earth. It is better known as Tahiti. They are in fact many islands, which are in fact several groups of volcanic peaks and atolls that are spread over hundreds of miles of ocean. Each of the islands has its own characteristics, from the broad lagoon of Rangiroa to the bustling market place of Papeete.

Taken together the islands of Tahiti are the most beautiful in the world, with their spectacular mountain peaks, lush vegetation, beautiful turquoise clear waters. French Polynesia comprises coral archipelago and volcanic archipelagos. TheVolcanic islands of French Polynesia, can be split up into groups. The Society Islands are Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora, Huahine, Tahaa and Raiatea. The Society Islands themselves split into a Windward Group consisting of Tahiti, Moorea, Tetiaro, and the Leeward Group consisting of Huahine, Raietea, Tahaa, Maupiti and Bora Bora. Each island is physically similar being dominated by tall volcanic peaks , surrounded by a coral reef, which shelters a lagoon, which in turn is bordered by incredible white sand beaches. The volcanic Marquesas archipelago, is made up of 9 major islands of volcanic origin without a coral reef. They are located nearly 900 miles from Tahiti, but here you will find spectacular mountains dropping straight into a blue-turquoise sea, deserted beaches, quiet lagoons, and brilliantly coloured tropical rainforest. Untouched beauty, and a thin veneer of civilization lives here The main island is Nuku Hive on which the administrative capital, Taiohae, is located. The other inhabited islands are Hive Oa, Ua Pou, Ua Huka. Fatu Hiva and Tabueta The Tuamotu Atolls are quite a contrast to the high peaks of the Society Islands. Tuamotu comprises 78 coral atolls, half of which are uninhabited. They are all green rings of coral reef surrounding a turquoise lagoon, scattered over several hundreds of miles of the eastern Pacific Ocean. The highest points on an atoll rarely reach 30 feet above sea level and are covered with lush vegetation and tightly packed coconut groves. These ring-shaped islands can be huge and Rangiroa , 46 miles across, Fakarava , 38 miles across are two examples. These interior lagoons have the most incredibly clear bright turquoise water, and they all have one or two narrow openings to the ocean outside, which allows the tide to rush in bringing the nutrients. This means incredible snorkelling or diving in these openings known as passes. Most of the villages quite inevitably are situated here, and this is where you can get an idea of what life is like for people who live on the Tuamotu atolls. It is in these interior lagoons that the famed black pearl can be farmed. French Polynesia is always thought to be an extremely safe place to visit, with beautiful tranquil people with a permanent smile. The people are of course a mixture of many races but the Polynesians love to laugh, and sing, so you cannot fail to leave these islands with a different attitude. It is a long way from Europe to French Polynesia, but only a little over two hours from Hawaii, and is almost equidistant from Australia and the West coast of the USA, but breaking your journey in either Los Angeles or in Australia or New Zealand makes the next part of the trip relatively short. Visit French Polynesia, make it a priority

7 Top Camping Safety Tips

7 Top Camping Safety Tips by: Shari Hearn

No doubt about it, camping can be fun. But, if you don't pay attention to safety, your fun camping outing can turn into the camping trip from Hell. What are some of the most important camping safety tips you should know?

1. Plan Ahead. Do your research. Make sure the campground you've chosen is a safe one. Make sure there are no current fire dangers. Check out the weather. Any health alerts in the area, such as dangerous bacteria count in the water, or outbreak of any rodent-carrying viruses? 2. Pack the Emergency Kit. Be prepared for cuts, bee stings and allergic reactions. Bring antihistamines, antiseptic, bug sprays and insect repellents, pain relievers, bandages, sunscreen and if possible, a snake-bite kit. An emergency kit should also include the following items: Whistle, flashlight, compass, a small Swiss Army knife, razor blades, tweezers, magnifying glass, sterilized water packets for cleaning wounds, emergency blanket, thermometer, cold pack, and a mirror. A mirror can be helpful when signaling for help. Some people also use a CD. If you can afford them, a pair of night-vision goggles can also be a help in an emergency. 3. Arrive at the Campsite Early. Arriving early, with ample daylight, allows you to examine the entire campsite and set up while there's still light. Be on the lookout for sharp objects, broken glass, huge ant beds, branches, poison ivy, hazardous terrain and bees. 4. Build your Tent on a Safe Spot. Make sure your tent is flame-resistant and keep it at a safe distance from the campfire. Try to pitch your tent on elevated land so it doesn't flood in case of rain. In order to keep the bugs out, make sure you close your tent immediately upon entering and leaving. 5. Go Over Safety Issues with Family Members. Make sure family members are aware of poisonous plants in the area. Be sure the children understand that they should never drink from any stream or river, regardless of how clean it may look. Finally, issue each member of your family a whistle for emergency use only. 6. Be Fire Safe. Make sure there are no current fire restrictions before building any fire, and don't build a fire if there are strong winds. When you do build a fire, keep it in the fire ring, and make sure there are no flammable items near the fire. Do not use heating devices or candles inside the tent. Never leave your campfire unattended, and keep the area clear of leaves and twigs. Before going to bed, make sure the campfire is property put out by drowning it with water. 7. Be Aware of Wild Animals. Be sure to familiarize yourself and your family with safety concerning wild animals. Wild animals have acute senses of smell. Make sure you keep your campsite clean and free of food or garbage which might attract them. It is best to store all food, garbage and strong-smelling items (such as soap or toothpaste) in bear-resistant containers or your vehicle. Keep your sleeping bag and tent completely free of food and food odors, and set up your cooking and eating area at least 100 yards from your tent. Do not go to sleep in the same clothing you cooked in, as even the cooking smells can attract bears and other wild animals. While it may seem like attention to safety takes the fun out of camping, in reality it helps ensure that your camping vacation is a fun time for the whole family. And, isn't having fun the point of camping?

All About Traveling To Italy

All About Traveling To Italy by: Ray J. Walberg

When considering a trip to Europe, Italy is often one of the main places of interest। In particular, Rome is a really popular destination and it is packed full of history. So if you are looking to go on an interesting vacation which is packed with plenty of ancient ruins and places of interest then Rome is certainly a place which you should consider. Why Choose Rome? In Rome there are approximately 2.7 million people. Its climate is extremely hot and dry within the summer months but incredibly rainy in the winter. If you are thinking of traveling there you will need a passport but if you only intend to stay for around 90 days then you will not need a visa. If you want to have the best possible vacation in Rome then it would be best not to go during peak times. Off peak times are between October-March and it is generally a lot quieter then and you can enjoy your trip a little bit more than you would in the summer months. It would be a good idea to book a hotel which is situated within the historic district of Rome and the Hotel de Russie is one which should certainly be considered. There you will get to see the Piazza del Popolo and the Spanish Steps too. Generally it is a lot better to go by foot to most places in Rome. That way you do not miss anything and you will be able to go at your own pace. Due to the fact that there is plenty to see, it would be better if you made a list beforehand of where exactly you want to go. There will usually be a few things which you would really like to see and so if you see them first you will be able to see other things too in your own time. Without a plan of action you could end up missing out on some of the things which you wanted to see and so it is always better to be prepared. It may be a good idea to book a guided tour as these can easily be arranged at the hotel which you are staying in and they will help you to see things you would not necessarily see yourself. No matter where you decide to go in Rome, there are some places which you should definitely opt to see. These include the Coliseum, the Foro Romano and the Pantheon. The coliseum is by far one of the most popular tourist attractions in the whole of Europe and you can choose to go around it on your own or take a tour with a guide. It is advisable to phone ahead to see what the opening times are during your stay as it does vary throughout the year. Overall there is plenty to see and do in Rome and it is certainly one of the most popular tourist destinations within Europe.

Tips to Find the Cheapest Airfare

Tips to Find the Cheapest Airfare by: James Tutten

Everyone wants to save money when they're booking flights for their upcoming trip. Here are several ways to find cheap airfare that you might not have considered. Often the best seats and the best discounts are given to those who book their flights months or weeks in advance. But sometimes it is not possible to book a flight in advance, because a trip may be last minute. When that is the case, you have to get a little more creative to get discounted tickets at good rates. There are several ways to get around the high cost of flying and take advantage of discounted tickets. Sometimes taking a flight during the week can save you a quite a bit of money. Tuesday and Wednesday are often the cheapest days to book a flight. Weekend days can also be cheaper, such as Saturdays, depending on your destination. International and domestic flights vary as to which days are less expensive, so ask about the cheapest days to fly on when you call about booking your flight. Many people realize that airfare may be cheaper on certain days of the week, or during different times of year, depending on the destination. But many people don't realize how important the time of day can be. The time of your flight can make a large difference in the amount of money that you pay for your plane ticket. In most cases, only the day of the trip is important to the traveler. Vacations can often be scheduled around the cheapest flights available. Business people typically travel the day before rather than the day of a business meeting. Taking the time of your flight into consideration can save you a lot of money on your plane tickets without causing you any frustration or scheduling issues. Some of the cheapest flights are in the late night and early morning hours, between midnight and four o’clock in the morning on what are called red-eye flights. Most people are sleeping during these times, and do not want to take a flight in the middle of the night. You can usually find cheap or discounted flights during these off peak travel times. The best rule of thumb is to find the latest flight available, or the earliest flight available. These flights will have the cheapest airfare.. If your vacation itinerary is not dependent on arrival time or you are crossing several time zones, take a late night flight and arrive during the day when checking into a hotel will be much easier. If your business meeting isn’t until the afternoon, take an early morning flight, and take a short nap at the hotel to freshen up before the meeting. In most cases, late night or early morning flights will not interfere with your plans. Remember that to find the cheapest airfare, you may need to fly on off peak days, or off peak times. Be creative, and enjoy cheap airfare