Tourist Information
Archive for June, 2010
Traveling with a Dog: Things to Think About Before You Go
01 year ago
by admin
in Travel Accessories
If you are going somewhere, your dog is probably going to want to come along. But traveling with your dog does necessitate some special considerations. Here are some tips.
Should you take the dog?
Consider whether your dog would be better off sitting out this trip. If your itinerary is going to include a lot of time when you won’t be able to be with the dog, you will probably be better off finding other arrangements for the animal.
Another consideration is the temperature of your destination. You don’t want to leave the animal for any length of time in the car when it’s hot outside.
If you decided that it’s best to bring your dog along, ask your vet for tips on traveling with your dog. Your vet will be able to give you specific ideas based on your dog’s breed and temperament. You’ll want to make sure your dog’s collar is up to date with your contact information and pack a recent photo of your dog, in case the animal gets lost. Bring plenty of plastic bags so you can be a responsible pet owner and clean up after your dog wherever you are. You’ll also want to bring a leash, as well as bowls for food and water and the animal’s favorite toy and blanket. If your dog is crate trained, it will probably help immensely to bring the crate, even when traveling by car.
Air Travel. If you are taking a plane, you will generally need a specific type of crate for your dog. Contact the airline ahead of time and ask what kinds of travel accessories are going to be required.
Traveling by Car. If you are going to be in the car for any length of time, make sure that the climate is controlled. Never leave your dog unattended in a car that could get too hot. Dogs can suffer dehydration, heat stroke or even death from temperatures that become too high inside the car.
Doggy Lodging. There are a surprising number of hotels that are dog-friendly these days. Do a search online before you go and find out the rules and considerations of the hotel where you’ll be staying. You’ll want to make sure to bring a crate, and follow the rules for the particular hotel. Some will not allow you to leave the dog unattended in the room for any length of time. If you purchase a travel crate, make sure the dog is used to it before you use it away from home. If you aren’t sure how your dog will react to a hotel room, you might want to check it out on shorter trips before embarking on longer ones.
Traveling Overseas. If you are traveling overseas, it is probably best to find an alternate arrangement, unless you are planning to be gone for months at a time. If you need to bring your dog, contact the local consulate of the country you are visiting so they can tell you what will be required to bring your pet.
Alternatives to traveling with your dog
Ask a friend to pet sit (or hire someone to do it for you). Depending on the daily needs of your dog, you may be able to take care of your pet best by asking someone to come in and feed him and take him out for some exercise. Or ask your pet-loving friends to see if the animal can stay with someone while you are gone. This arrangement generally works best when you trade off with friends who also have dogs, since their home is already set up for animals. Plus, you can return the favor when their family travels.
Boarding your dog. Another option is to leave your dog in a kennel. Make sure to drop in for a visit at the kennel beforehand. Check to see if the animals appear well cared for and if the kennel facility is clean and comfortable. Again, ask your vet or your dog-loving friends for their recommendations. Some kennels offer a board-and-train program, where your dog will learn simple commands during a training program while you are traveling.
Jamie Jefferson writes for Momscape. com and Susies-Travel-Coupons. com. Check for pet friendly hotels coupons here. You can also prepare for your trip with the help of these pet supplies coupons.
Marc Jacobs Boots – Very Fashionable, Very Pricey
01 year ago
by admin
in Travel Accessories
Women love Marc Jacobs boots because they are high fashion, sharp and sexy. There is such a variety of boots to choose from. There could easily be a pair of these boots in a woman’s closet for every season, not just winter.
The boots that really aren’t sexy are the rain boots for fall. They come in rubber, are just below the knee, and are very emphasized in the tread. You won’t slip and fall in these boots. They’ll keep you dry, and at the same time, you can wear a fun color, because they come in many. Oh, and they have a cute tie in the front at the top.
There are several kinds of knee high Marc Jacobs boots in suede or leather. There is the popular slouch style that looks great with a long or short skirt. They come with buckles and a chunky heel. The other boots that aren’t the slouch style come in colors such as maroon, black, tan or brown. They also come in chunky heels. Many of the heels are made of a light tan wood. Some of the boots are flat for more practical purposes, like the weather. Even so, they are still considered to be very fashionable.
One particular pair of cute boots is taupe-colored, tied at the top and ankle high with a chunky heel. These are so cute to wear with jeans or a midi-skirt.
Another really great pair of boots are the gold ones, ankle high with a zipper and a heel. There are also the many ankle high designs with ties in the front, a skinnier heel, and made of suede or leather in different shades.
Marc Jacobs boots prices can range from $100 to $1,000. Look for a sale.
Although Marc Jacobs boots can be somewhat pricey, the fashionista in you will consider it to be money well spent!
On Location February 08 – Ecuador and Galapagos
0I have recently returned from eighteen days in Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands and I am still stunned at what an incredible place it is. I loved everything about Ecuador: the food is excellent -(even if a little too much at times), the scenery is varied and stunning, the people are so friendly, and the accommodation unique. There is so much to say about this great country but in the interests of time here are a few of the highlights.
The Amazon jungle lives up to its reputation as an amazing place and the journey there was an experience in its own right. A thirty minute flight from Quito took me to a small town called Coca, where I travelled by motor canoe for two hours along the Napo River. This was followed by an easy thirty minute walk through the jungle to the edge of the lake and finally a fifteen minute paddle across the calm waters in a small dug-out canoe to the lodge. I really felt like I was in the middle of nowhere!
The scenery was so lush and vibrant, the plants crowding for every available space. I was bewildered by the enormous variety of flora and fauna but the guides, with their home-grown expertise, were encyclopedic in their knowledge. They were incredible, spotting things that were hard to see even once they had been pointed out to me!
I spent my time there enjoying the many activities on offer which included the canopy walk, three towers each thirty-six metres high with rigid walkways between that were a hundred metres long. Thankfully it didn’t feel that high as I couldn’t see the ground, just the tops of the trees! It was great just waiting to see what birds came past and it was also pleasantly cooler than the humid forest floor. There was also a butterfly house, a parrot lick, many forest trails and creeks to explore in canoes either during the day or at night.
Returning from one jungle walk, I was sat at the front of the dug-out canoe paddling. The light was fading and as it did so hundreds of bats began swarming over the water looking for bugs. I was flinching so much I had to close my eyes and paddle ‘blind’ but thankfully my guide, more accustomed and assured of the bats’ unerring navigation, steered from the back.
Ninety minutes south of Quito is the ‘Avenue of the Volcanoes’, a long valley scattered with small villages and surrounded by incredible volcanoes, many of which are still visibly active. There are many things to see and do in the area, from visiting local Indian markets to horse riding around the national parks of Antisana and Cotopaxi. At the hacienda I stayed in this area I had a beautiful view of Cotopaxi volcano, the highest active volcano in the world. It is a perfect pyramid volcano covered in snow and at sunset I was lucky enough to watch it glow pink.
All the haciendas that I saw were unique, grand yet at the same time rustic, homely and cosy. They have big lounges with open fires, lots of family photos and books on the local area, and dinner was always a big three course affair (as was lunch for that matter!) in a salubrious dinning room. They also have the most wonderful gardens, not totally manicured, but with stunning flowers and plants.
I ended my trip in the Galapagos Islands, unsure as to whether they would live up to their huge reputation. Having been and seen them for myself, I can safely say they did.
The islands are more beautiful than I had imagined with so much more wildlife than I had hoped for and all, amazingly, so unafraid of humans. I don’t think I stopped saying “Incredible,” and “Amazing,” the whole time I was there! Even my night in Puerto Ayora, a small town on the island of Santa Cruz, I had to watch my step so I didn’t tread on a sea lion or iguana. Our hotel had a big blue heron sat on the edge of the pool whilst people were sunbathing next to it and splashing in the pool. Another hotel I visited had a sea lion sat next to the pool minding its own business and another had five iguanas sunning themselves by the outdoor bar area. The line between man and animal certainly blurs here.
My time in the Galapagos was spent either viewing the wildlife on the land or in the water snorkeling with it. The sea lions whilst being quite vocal on land are much more playful in the water – they enjoy swimming up to you and blowing bubbles at your mask or swimming towards to you and at the last minute diving underneath you. By the time you have turned to see where they have gone they are back round in front of you. On land I sat a couple of metres from a new born sea lion pup – just two hours old – whilst it suckled from its mum. This is how the world should be, with man and nature interacting peacefully with equal respect.
Steppes Travel specialise in luxury holidays, and tailor made holidays
RESPONSABLE TRAVEL ECUADOR & GALAPAGOS
0My propose is invited the travelers that come to south america, in this case to my country Ecuador or Galapagos to join our programs. LEAD Aventures is a legally established organization who knows Ecuador intimately and provides over 30 different volunteer programs throughout South America. We offer you the experience to make a difference with these programs, while gaining a unique opportunity to live and work in a local South American community. Live with like-minded volunteers and quickly make new friends. Time off can be spent exploring the locality and furthering your adventures. Spend time on one of our eco-friendly projects or assist in a humanitarian project to give you a unique travel experience while changing lives forever, including your own!
Since its creation in 2004, LEAD Adventures has been extremely successful in launching volunteer programs in Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands. It has successfully established mutually beneficial partnerships abroad. It has efficiently managed over 2,000 inbound participants both individually and in groups programs. Programs are targeted to young minded people of all ages from all over the world that want to experience the great destinations that Ecuador and South America have to offer while volunteering their skills.
Why Choose LEAD Adventures?
Exceptional Local Support:
As a South American (Ecuador) based company we have the local contacts and resources to offer superb and efficient services to our participants. Our bilingual, experienced local staff is always there to help you get the most out of your experience as a volunteer.
Security and Experience:
We have the local knowledge and contacts to offer the safest and fastest security and emergency procedures. Additionally we are in close contact with the local Foreign Office, the British and U. S. Embassies and other recognized professional bodies. We are the Destination Management Company of choice for many other tour provider companies who use our local experience and services.
Value:
Our administrative costs are much lower than agencies based in Europe or the USA. This enables us to offer lower prices for our volunteer programs compared to other international volunteer agencies. Additionally, as we are the operators of these programs rather than the agents, we can guarantee cost efficiency.
True Local Impact:
As a South American company, based out of Quito, Ecuador, we have the local knowledge and capacity to choose the best managed projects and ensure a degree of sustainability to our programs. We support our programs and local contacts to provide valuable resources that help them continue their valuable work.
We are in the constant reseach looking for new project that need help and specialy the help of volunteer from all over the world.
GET INVOLVED NOW!
www. lead-adventures. com
Mr. Ludena has an Engineering degree in Agro-Business from Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Ecuador. Mr. Ludena has worked in the field of tourism extensively for many years, focusing his efforts in the Andes region of Ecuador. His work is dedicated to the daily communications with the volunteers, host families, providers and in general all the logistics of the programs.
Galapagos Islands SCUBA Diving
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Some videography from Scuba Diving in the Galapagos islands 2007- BEST DIVING!! More to come, enjoy :)
Discount Cruises: Take an Unforgettable Vacation for Less
0Picture, for a moment, watching the sun dip below the horizon as you drift peacefully through the warm clear waters of the Caribbean Sea, drink in hand, en route to some tropical paradise.
This, and so much more can be yours when you book the cruise of a lifetime.
If you’ve been dreaming of a luxurious Caribbean cruise for you and your loved ones, but think it’s just out of your price range, think again. There are several options for cruisers on a budget available today and as cruise lines add more ships each year, the chances of finding a great deal get better and better. Take a few moments to read about booking the cruise of a lifetime on a shoestring before planning this year’s road trip to the beach.
Accommodations
The main expense any cruiser needs to consider before setting sailing is cabin fare. This fee usually covers both your room for the duration of the trip and most basic amenities, including some meals. As in a resort or hotel, room prices can vary greatly depending on a number of things.
For instance, the most inexpensive rooms aboard any cruise ship will invariably be located well below the deck, somewhere deep inside the body of the ship. This means that these cabins will likely lack windows of any kind and might find you wishing for a bit of extra space. But for all their inconvenience, lower tier rooms are often a mere fraction of the price of more premium digs, which are located on one of the upper sides of the ship.
Although this is a great way to save cash and make the most of the budget you’ve got, it might not offer the balance you’re looking for. Travelers who appreciate a bit of solitude and a pleasant home base during their trips might prefer to book a more spacious room with a window.
However, you may have to forfeit some time spent at the ship’s casino, live shows or spas to balance your ledger.
Guests who are of a more extroverted mindset may hardly ever even see their rooms, opting instead to spend all their time a deck partying and mingling. If you’re the outgoing type, the money you save on cabin fare will go a long way to keep you occupied throughout the day as well. The choice you ultimately make really depends on what you’d like to get out of your cruise.
Off Seasons
Another great way to trim cash from your expenditure column involves a bit of research. Regardless of where you choose to take your cruise, that particular area is likely to have a high and low season of travel. For instance, late summer and autumn is considered the off season for Caribbean cruises, since the likelihood of running into foul weather is much higher than at other times. Subsequently, prices during this period tend to drop rather dramatically.
Of course, choosing to travel during the off season has its risks and disadvantages as well. Caribbean cruises might have their itineraries altered or delayed if they have the misfortunate of running into a hurricane or tropical storm. Alaskan cruisers, on the other may face severe weather, like snowstorms and bitter cold, if they choose to book their trip early or late in the season.
Once again, the choice is a balancing act. Even when uncontrollable events like the weather throw a wrench into normal plans, you’ll still have the exciting and luxurious pastimes aboard the ship to keep you occupied. For some travelers on a budget who refuse to compromise for the sake of absolute assurance, it can be well worth the considerable savings.
Specials
As with other getaways and vacations, deals and specials are often waiting to be taken advantage of by web savvy cruisers. Diligent searching and attention can pay off in a major way when you’ve narrowed down the trip you’re interested in.
Be sure to keep an eye on individual cruise line websites as well as travel agencies for tremendous savings. Of course, the drawback is that such deals often stipulate restrictive time periods for your trip, but the deal may justify the inconvenience. Lucky potential cruisers may also run into a bit of luck by finding canceled reservations. Before finally booking your cruise, be sure to inquire with the cruise line if there are any cancelations you might be able to scoop up.
Cruising is currently one of the fastest growing sectors of the vacationing industry worldwide. Cruise lines continue to add ever larger ships to their fleets each year. This rapid expansion, combined with a wary world economy, can result in great deals for you and your family. Begin your search for the affordable cruise of a lifetime and you’ll be on the water before you know it!
Joevelyn Daniels is a freelance writer who writes about several topics including discount cruises
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Discount Cruises: Little Known Ways To Save Big On Your Vacation
0If you’ve never cruised, the idea of taking a cruise may conjure up scenes of wealthy debutantes with little more to do than soak up the sun all day in a deck chair while the money slowly drains from their wallets. But in reality, a cruise vacation is one of the best values in travel today.
With most cruise lines offering packages that are all-inclusive, or nearly so, cruises offer a level of budgetary predictability that far exceeds most land vacations, where unforeseen expenses can crop up when they are least expected, sinking even the most carefully crafted vacation plans and draining resources in the blink of an eye.
What’s more, today’s cruise lines offer a wealth of vacation experiences that would be hard to find in an average land vacation of the same cost. With a wide range of amenities and experiences, from onboard water parks and discos, to shore trips to exotic locations, cruises truly offer something for everyone, at any age and of any taste.
With so many cruise lines plying the waters today, competition has never been keener – and that means you have a great opportunity to experience the vacation of a lifetime at an amazingly affordable price.
What’s more, with many cruise lines offer deals and discounts, by spending just a little time, you can cut costs even further. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a well-heeled water traveler, the following tips can offer some guidance in locating the deals and discounts that can help you keep even more cash in your pocket.
Book Early
You should definitely book early, unless you want to book late. Sound confusing? It isn’t. For the best deals for most travelers, it’s a wise idea to book early for the greatest deals. But if you have a flexible schedule and are willing to be disappointed if your plans fall through, you can achieve significant savings by looking into stand-by deals.
Like airlines, cruise lines often offer huge savings on rooms that have not been booked within a few weeks of the sailing date. If you have a schedule that allows you to leave on a few weeks’ notice – and if you don’t mind being disappointed if no rooms are available after all – stand-by can be a good option to consider.
Position Yourself for Savings
For real savings on the cost of your cruise, look into repositioning cruises. These cruises occur when ships need to relocate before cruise seasons change. For instance, cruise lines that have ships located in Europe or the Mediterranean in the spring and summer need to cross the Atlantic to be in prime position for the Caribbean cruise season in the winter months.
Similarly, cruise ships that are positioned in the Pacific during cooler months need to relocate to Alaska and northern waters for the summer season. The caveats: repositioning cruises offer all the amenities of regular cruises, but usually feature fewer shore excursions. In addition, most repositioning cruises require extended periods of time – usually more than a week- so be sure you have enough time.
Travel in the off Season
If you don’t have time for a repositioning cruise, consider traveling off-season for big discounts. For instance, fall is a great time for low costs on a Caribbean cruise. Don’t let hurricane seasons top you: cruise ships carefully monitor weather conditions to steer clear of trouble; however, rain can cancel some shore excursions, so be prepared.
If you choose one of these trips, make sure the ship has plenty of inside activities in case of poor weather. Some off-season cruises may start out chilly until they reach warmer waters, so be sure to pack appropriately, and also choose a line with lots of indoor activities to keep you busy.
Take Advantage of Member Discounts
Membership has its privileges, especially on cruise ships. If you’re a member of an organization, like AARP or AAA, for example, be sure to ask your travel agency or booking service about any discounts that might be available to you.
Sign up for newsletters and alerts from cruise lines and travel websites to get in on the best deals, newsletter- or member-only discounts, and updates and alerts on current or upcoming specials. A few minutes spent registering online can yield thousands in savings.
Hunt for Deals and Specials
Ask about specials like buy-one, get-one deals to save on the cost of companion travel. Also ask if the cruise line offers discounts on excursions packages, or on airfare to or from your docking locations.
Ask about the cost of beverages and snacks. When not included in the cost, these can add up quickly. Many cruises offer deals that allow you to pay a per-day fee for the privilege of unlimited snacks and beverages.
Booking a cruise is a great way to lock in vacation savings without sacrificing excitement and adventure. Use a reputable travel agency or booking service with experience handling cruises to get the best value, and the most fun, for your next vacation.
Matt Hawking is a freelance writer extraordinaire. He writes about a variety of topics including traveling and discount cruises.
Chance of getting ID checked on Princess Cruise Line?
4I am 18 and will be going on a Princess Cruise this July. I have gone on cruises when I was 16 and 17 on NCL, and was never checked. However, NCL allows 18 year olds to drink beer and wine. I look older than 18, but what are my changes of getting checked?
Largest Ever World Cruise Programme From P&O Cruises
0Largest Ever World Cruise Programme From P&O Cruises
World cruise expert P&O Cruises is offering five world cruises, 18 line voyages and 72 shorter cruise holidays, departing in 2011 and 2012. The 2011/12 world cruise brochure will be available on line or via travel agents and will be on sale from Thursday, July 15, 2010.
Read more on PR Newswire via Yahoo! Finance
Galapagos Islands – Floreana, Santa Cruz
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Galapagos Islands: Floreana, Santa Cruz. Wildlife: Sea Lions, Sally Lightfoot Crabs, Frigates, Orcas (Killer Whales), Giant Tortoises, Brown Pelicans. Credit: Adam Teninbaum
