Cruise travel and vacations to exotic places like Fiji

Taveuni Palms, Fiji

Whether you are on your honeymoon, celebrating a 50th anniversary or just looking for a resort that is romantic. This is the place to travel,relax and enjoy.

The Taveuni Palms in Fiji is an intimate retreat offering two private guest houses, a secluded sandy beach, and even a freshwater swimming pool. The island has many spectacular things to offer, such as scuba diving, kayaking, snorkeling, hiking, and many other vacation activities.

The Taveuni Island has always been known for its unique and colorful sea life, tropical fish, and amazing varieties of soft and hard coral. The Rainbow Reef, Great White Wall, Purple Wall, and Zoo dive sites are all within easy reach of the Taveuni resort.

The Great White Wall reef offers a tunnel with two exits, one at 33 feet and another at 88 feet. When you swim through it, you'll notice a white glow that is given off by the soft corals that seem to surround you.

You'll also find two dive centers that are minutes from Taveuni Palms, which offer you dive equipment and certified diving instructors. From beginners to expert divers, you can have a lot of fun scuba diving on your beach vacation.

Rooms and suites The two seperate beachfront villas at Taveuni Palms in Fiji come with their own staff to help make your vacation a bit more relaxing. The staff will make your dreams come true, as they offer full room support.

Each seperate villa offers a pool, two bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, two bathrooms, and a very unique indoor/outdoor bathroom. The outdoor deck is equipped with chairs so that you can spend time outside as well, taking in the surrounding views of the ocean. The spectacular sunsets will turn into tropical nights - with stunning starlit skies.

Your personal maid at the villa will provide you with daily cleaning service, laundry service, fresh flowers, and evening turn down. The maids here are very professional, making your stay at the Taveuni Palms in Fiji one you'll remember for years to come.

The resort will also provide you with your own private chef, kitchen, and bar staff who will provide your daily meals, which are included in the cost of your stay. This way, you don't have to eat out - your food will be prepared for you at the resort.

Traveling and Getting to Taveuni. To get to Taveuni Palms, fly to Nadi International airport in Fiji. From there, catch a connecting flight to Taveuni Island where the Taveuni Palms staff will meet you at the airport, five minutes from the hotel.

Of course, wherever you travel, it is highly recommended that you take out travel insurance before embarking on any vacation. Unfortunately, without insurance, you have little recourse if you have to suddenly cancel your trip due to illness or other unforeseeable circumstances. Realize that resorts like this will expect to be paid no matter what. However, with travel insurance, you can recoup some or all of your costs if travel and vacation plans change. Travel insurance is very affordably priced, so please check out your options.
About the Author
Robert Barner is a writer for the past 11 years. Frustrated by the lack of vision shown by the travel and vacation industry as a whole a free newsletter was started, travelvacationandgrowrich.com. This connects thousands of travelers to high quality resorts worldwide. The newsletter shows people how to travel at travel agent pricing with the ammenities.
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Buying travel insurance online: Some Advice

Travelers purchase travel insurance to cover unexpected health or medical problems. Travel insurance provides coverage if you’re sick or getting injured while traveling. Everyone requires travel insurance policy because life is unforeseen. It also provides coverage if you lost your luggage at the airport.

Travel insurance covers stolen or lost possessions but there may be limits on cash or individual items. If you’re traveling to abroad it pays out for your hospital and medical treatment. It can protect you from all substantial losses that includes canceled trips, lost luggage, medical emergencies or other unexpected situations.

You’ll get extra coverage with specialist travel insurance like winter sports coverage or diving insurance. You should get your travel insurance policy before planning for your travel. Travelers should take some time investigate different insurance companies and types of policies before purchasing. They must check which type of insurance policy provides more coverage.
Having a travel Insurance policy is the best idea to reduce your risks and increase your enjoyment while traveling. Travelers must consider certain factors such as health, weather, season and the way of transportation before purchasing an insurance policy.

Cost of travel insurance policy depends on the type of policy as well as insurance company. If you’re investing more in your trip, you need more protection. Travel insurance offers complete protection for you, your family as well as for your baggage. Several insurance companies offer insurance policies at discounted rates. Sometimes travel agents also offer insurance policy. Some insurance companies/agents provides online help for purchasing travel insurance policy.
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Book Stansted Airport car hire online

Renting a car not only gives you independence from public transport, but it can be a very economic choice if you're travelling as a group or family. When it's time to fly home, just return the car at the airport and get on your flight. No need to worry about getting a bus or train which will get you to check-in on time.

When you land at London Stansted Airport, it's easy to find the car rental desks which are situated between the Arrivals and Departures areas. Among the companies represented are Alamo, Avis, Budget, Europcar, National and Hertz. Naturally, you can rent a car when you arrive, but it's quite possible that the type of vehicle you want is already booked out or that the rate you had hoped for has gone up. This is where online booking comes in.

There are a myriad of travel services which offer online booking for car rentals, with websites like www.uk-car-hire.net providing quick and easy selection and confirmation. You can see and choose the vehicle model, whether you want manual or automatic, a mini or sedan. You will also get a quote instantly and can book any extra equipment you may need, including roof racks and baby seats. Once you've made your selection, you'll get immediate confirmation and a voucher.

In order to rent a vehicle, you must be 21 years or older, hold a valid driving licence and a credit card. The credit card is needed to block a safety deposit in case of any accidents or damage to the car. The block is then cancelled when you return the car.

When you arrive at the airport, contact the staff at the rental desk and show them your confirmation voucher. They will ask you to confirm your details and give you the keys and detailed directions on how to find the car at the airport. The car will be parked in a parking lot which is easily reached on foot from the terminal or in one of the lots linked by a free shuttle service. Stansted Airport is conveniently located at Junction 8 of the M11, which links to London via the M25 (Junction 27). The trip to central London takes about 60 to 80 minutes.

When you want to return the car, just drop it off at the rental returns office found in the short-stay car park next to Zone G, just a short walk away from Stansted Airport's main terminal building. Here a company staff member will collect the keys and confirm that the car is in good condition before cancelling the safety deposit block. Attractive rates Stansted airport car hire If you wish, you can return the car at another airport or at a location in the city however this may mean an additional charge.

Travellers also have the convenient option to pre-book Stansted airport lounges as well as car parking at the airport complex. Booking your Stansted airport parking in advance through the internet will save you some money as the parking rates online are discounted. Relaxing in an airport lounge is highly recommendable for every passenger who has to wait long. UK discounted airport lounges Avoid uncomfortably hanging around at the airport. You can book your Stansted airport lounge online as well.
by Andy Burrow
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Trip Insurance Makes Traveling More Enjoyable

One aspect of traveling that most people overlook is trip insurance. People normally don't want to think about things that could go wrong during a trip. To them, it's like throwing a wet blanket over all their excitement.

However, we should all face trip insurance with a little more maturity. It's crazy how a flight cancellation could ruin half a year's worth of planning. Or how lost baggage could instantly take the enjoyment out of the rest of your vacation.

Getting the right trip insurance would at least give you some peace of mind, knowing that your needs will be taken care of just in case you hit some snags. For one, trip insurance can cover delays and cancellations. If you're buying a non-refundable ticket, your trip insurance would be able to cover that loss if an unavoidable circumstance forces you to cancel your flight.

Consult your agent about what your needs are so you can choose the package that's right for your budget and your needs. Usually, trip insurance would cover medical expenses if by some misfortune, you need to see a doctor or check in at a hospital for an illness.

You could also opt for a plan that covers emergency medical transportation. Nobody wants to get sick far away from home. If your condition happens to necessitate long-term hospitalization, or if you simply need to be evacuated, the costs involved to bring you home translates to a huge dent on your budget.

With proper trip insurance, the burden of your illness plus the cutting short of your trip would somehow be lessened by the benefits you can receive from being covered. This is the main reason why you can't put a price on peace of mind when traveling.

Choose from top companies that offer various features and make sure that you will only get what you need for your trip insurance. If you are a frequent traveler, you can also avail of policies that are good for one full year - these, naturally, would cost much less in the long run. There are also trip insurance packages available for those traveling in groups. Apart from the usual trip insurance, you can also find packages for cruise trips.

Don't forget to inform someone you trust about your trip insurance policy before you leave, as a safety precaution. In addition, always make copies of your important documents to facilitate the claims from trip insurance. Leave copies of your passport, visas, policy contracts and itineraries at home, in your baggage, and on your person - just to be sure!
by Wade Robin
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Travel Spain Barcelona

Groups of individuals looking for a wonderful destination for all purposes should travel Spain Barcelona. As one of the world's oldest, most beautiful cities, Barcelona offers everything that one could possibly hope for in a vacation. Even above the leisure time, groups love to travel Spain Barcelona for the wonderful accommodations that are offered there in the form of conference facilities and other amenities. In short, it is a city that has something to offer for everyone.

Travel Spain Barcelona if you are looking for a place to hold a group meeting or corporate training courses. Not only are there a number of excellent hotel options in the city, but there are also resorts that cater especially to corporate groups. Holding company seminars in Barcelona has become a popular idea for many companies, as they are finding that resorts offer meeting space, good food, and all of the comforts that their employees demand. On top of that, nerves will be calmed by staying in one of the world's most beautiful locations for an extended stay.

In business, one of the most important things to consider is how you treat your people. When you are holding an event that they are required to attend, it helps to put on a nice show. With some of the fantastic corporate venues in the city, Barcelona has become a haven for these types of events. Companies have figured out that they can hold corporate hospitality events for their potential clients in the nice resorts of Spain. Not only does that allow the companies to get their message across to the potential clients, but it also gives the companies an opportunity to provide their clients with the best amenities anywhere in the world. By making the clients feel at home, these businesses are able to land the big contracts and move forward with their operations.

It doesn't have to be a formal business outing to work well in Barcelona, though. Many families travel Spain Barcelona to hold wonderful parties. From weddings to other large social gatherings, no event goes unnoticed in this city. When you travel Spain Barcelona, you allow guests to experience fine service at a nice resort and give them the opportunity to explore Spain's crown jewel of cities. Even if you just need to find a great place to throw an award ceremony, there is a perfect resort in Barcelona. With so many different accommodations and resorts to choose from, there is bound to be one perfect choice that has everything you are looking for.

With the Mediterranean Sea sitting right by its side, Barcelona is also quite the social hub. When there is no business obligation for your guests or employees, they will enjoy the lively culture and fun times in Barcelona's downtown. There, people of young age and old age join together in the name of fun and camaraderie. This will ensure that all of your guests, be they clients or employees, always have something to do when there's a little bit of down time from the PR events, training courses, seminars, awards ceremonies, conferences, meetings and sales events they may be attending.

One of the other major reasons to travel Spain Barcelona for your business outing is the fact that it is highly accessible. If your clients are coming from somewhere in Spain or a surrounding European country, there are plenty of highways that lead into Barcelona. For those coming from afar, the city has one of Spain's largest international airports, which services a number of different airlines. This helps to keep the cost of airfare down for those traveling to the beautiful city. There are also other options, such as train service or even arriving by boat.

Barcelona is one of the most interesting cities in the world, in that it combines the new with the old. There, you can experience some old Spain feel with the old harbour, but you will never be too far away from the modern conveniences that business meetings require. As the economic center of Spain and one of the leading economic cities in all of Europe, Barcelona has much experience with handling large numbers of business people who come for various different reasons. Simply put, it is a city that is well suited for any of your functions.

Travel Spain Barcelona with the family or with the corporate office. Because of the relatively high accessibility, it is a city that's never too far away from anyone. The accommodations and resorts are perfect for hosting any type of business event that you can think of, including corporate hospitality events and conferences, and the city's culture and nightlife is sure to be a great draw for employees and clients. There are few cities in the world that have the great spots featured in Barcelona, as everyone can enjoy the beaches, the shopping, and the beautiful accommodations. For the business traveler, there is not a destination in the world that can match what Barcelona brings to the table.
by Mandy Chagger
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Travel Agent: Discover them Online

The role of travel agents is pretty pivotal in deciding the best travel package out of a dozen that are made available to you. While you plan your holiday, these travel agents does all of the homework on your behalf, in order to find out the best and the most beefy deal. Because these travel agents know so much, their relevance can't be ignored at all. And the whole travel industry relies upon them as they make traveling an experience to cherish.

But, in the world that is becoming more and more fast paced, everyone seems to be in dearth of time. So, it seems a weary task to pay a visit to your local travel agent, sit with him and find the most suitable travel deals for you. Also, the deals that the travel agent offers you are no better than a few tourist destinations that have become stale and unimpressive. The customers of today have grown demanding in terms of finding the most scenic travel destinations around the world and most certainly, they are not able to find such tourist places with the high street agents.

Come to the world wide web and you would observe an apparent revolution in the field of tourism industry. The Internet is brimming with the discounted travel packages, cheap hotels, lodges, resorts, travel tickets and so on, in all the major and not so popular destinations around the world. All you have to do is to state your requirement and click the cursor. You would be introduced to an array of destinations, according to your budget. Plus, the last minute travel deals are also readily available on the Internet that are not only convenient but also highly cost effective.

These deals are also available through the various comparison portals that allow you to compare the various travel packages to a particular location and list different packages that suit your budget and matches with the requirements of different people. It is always recommended to avail the travel deals through one such travel comparison shopping portals and select the most lucrative deal out of it.
by Adam Jaylin
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Visit Galicia – Travel to the Greener Spain

The common perception of most people's view of Spain is one of a country that effectively is just sun, sand, high-rise hotels and some parched landscape in between.

However when you travel to the north of the country especially Galicia, nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, Galicia makes up along with Asturias, Cantabria and the Basque country what people quite often refer to as “Green Spain.”

The climate in Green Spain would effectively be described as temperate maritime which means it's influenced by the North Atlantic current and the Gulf Stream. This leads to the mild winters, warm summers and an effectively and consistently humid environment.

Here in this part of Spain the average precipitation is about 1200 mm which means that this allows fairly lush vegetation to grow. In this part of Spain the main tree species are beeches and oaks. However as in all things certain parts of the country suffer from more deforestation than others and to counter this, native forests that have been depleted have been replaced by plantations of Eucalyptus and Monterey pine in wide areas.

In Galicia, the average temperature and rain fall index is as follows. In the middle of the summer temperatures in the west of the region would range between 13°C to 25°C. In the Southwest round about Vigo, the temperatures might be an average lower by about 2° but that would be about it. The average temperatures in January or midwinter would be between 3°C and 9°C and conversely in the southwest around Vigo the temperatures would be slightly warmer by about 2° C. as you would expect in a maritime climate.

It is only when you take a look at rainfall that you start to see fairly distinct differences. Here the average in the West and Southwest is between 1700 mm of rain and about 1810 mm in the Southwest. Often the north of the region however average precipitation is approximately about 60% of the rainfall figures expected elsewhere.

These conditions mean that quite often outdoor activities are perfectly feasible all year around. Okay in the winter some of the rainstorms coming in off the Atlantic can be as they say, quite tasty but by and large the opportunities to take part in the water sports especially windsurfing etc are available virtually all year-round.

The naturally occurring vegetation means that hiking and climbing are pleasant activities virtually all year-round with the trail was being used sometimes giving participants quite spectacular scenery.

Don’t be fooled however by thinking that just because Galicia can offer a wide range of climate doesn't mean to say that doesn't have extremely good beaches for those who just preferred to sun worship. Some of the beaches in Galicia are quite spectacular and are well worth spending time on.


Scott James writes about a great many Internet Travel based issues and more on the above can be found at Discover Galicia and Where to stay in Galicia For a more complete overlook at Tourism in Galicia try http://www.turgalicia.es
This article is free for republishing
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Travel advice from a WAG

The UK government has decided to issue updated advice for its countrymen and women when travelling overseas - and, in true UK style, not without a bit of sexing up first.

This week, our Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has "teamed up with" (ie paid) Charlotte Meares, making her the new spokesperson for their national Know Before You Go campaign.

For those who may have missed an issue or 10 of Heat magazine, Charlotte is the fiancée of Tottenham Hotspur striker Jermain Defoe. Yes, a WAG. The FCO despair so greatly of our failure to pack our common sense when heading abroad they feel our only hope comes in the form of a footballer's girlfriend.

"It is amazing how many things can go wrong when you are travelling," she says. "So I wanted to share my top tips for a hassle-free trip with you." Thank you, Charlotte. So what pearls can you offer to help our trips run more smoothly?

"It might sound trivial but you never know when you might break a nail or your extensions turn green in the pool," she warns. "To stay looking your best, even if you are not taking a personal stylist with you, get a number of good local beauticians or check if the hotel has one before you go!" And, before moving on to advise on what cosmetics to pack, she slyly adds that you should slip in your local embassy or consul's number while you're at it. Ah ha! See what they did there?

Charlotte is also quick to point out that "one tumble off a bar table in your Jimmy Choos" could lead to an insurance disaster if you're not covered. However, we're imagining that there are few insurance claims for Jimmy Choo accidents among WAG wannabes and far more for "Jimmy Choos" that supposedly went missing in action.

It's a worry just thinking of all those pre-holiday to-do lists that could have gone horribly wrong were Charlotte not available to remind you: "Get your jabs - not just your botox!" Fortunately for us all, she also shares the WAG technique for looking cool and "in the know" when you arrive. "Wear something the locals would but with a unique twist. Think Henna'd hands in India." Surely that would make you as "in the know" as Madonna circa 1998. Come on WAGs - isn't it all about Middle Eastern keffiyehs now? Or perhaps even that has passed. (I'll check Urban Outfitters' shelves and get back to you.)

Meanwhile, the Chinese government has also released new guidelines for its nationals when abroad - a market that was Asia's largest last year, growing by 10% to reach nearly 34 million. No shouting, no fighting, no extortion was the sum of its more pragmatic advisory, which appeared on the Foreign Ministry's website earlier today. "Keep peaceful in public places," it continues, "don't talk loud and avoid sticking out."

Some of them might be in for quite a shock when they realise how other nationalities behave abroad. Naming no names, of course ...
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Bali, The Earthy Paradise

Sited on the middle of Indonesian archipelago, first discovered by the European sailors, Bali becomes truly tranquil island. It is the earthy paradise for those, who are dedicated to the beauty of the tropical island. For summer holiday, honeymoon or even family perfect holiday. Not only its attractive view and exotic tourism spot but also the hospitality of the people you hardly find in a metropolitan city or highest civilization. Many travelers mesmerized by not just a part of it but almost completely all. The power of attracting people in the world has make Bali as one of the “must visit” world’s tourist destination. Over 8 regencies spread out beautiful spots to be visited through the over 3 million inhabitants. Further, each of them presents unique character of the culture itself. The selling point of this island is The Hindus culture with the temples from ancient age. There is no day without celebration toward the God. The tradition blends within the Hindus people, their daily life filled in by ritual culture. Once you experienced Bali, the air of the island will capture your soul. The daily life and activities of the people reflect their spiritual culture. Everywhere you go all that can be found is ritual ceremony and the offerings on the street, temples, big trees and other places believed existing holy spirits. The belief and culture might be the main attention for tourist to get fascinated in conjunction with their aim to visit some tourist destinations spread along
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Air travel, cruises altered to avoid Dean

By Ellen Creager, Detroit Free Press
Hurricane Dean took aim Sunday at some of the most popular vacation destinations in the Caribbean and Mexico. Jamaica and the Cayman Islands were in the Category 4 storm's direct path, and the Yucatan Peninsula south of Cancun looked like it was next, with landfall expected Monday or Tuesday.

Major tour operators such as Funjet and Apple Vacations were letting customers rebook trips to affected and threatened destinations at no extra charge. Airlines waived change penalties and added extra flights to get tourists out of Jamaica, Grand Cayman, and Cancun.

No cruises were canceled, but ships changed itineraries away from the hurricane's path. Cruisecritic.com reported Sunday that more than a dozen ships have switched routes, substituting calls in the Eastern Caribbean for stops in Jamaica, Grand Cayman and Cozumel.

Thousands of frightened tourists lined up for hours to flee Mexico's Caribbean resorts on Sunday as Hurricane Dean threatened to become the second powerful hurricane to thrash the coastline since 2005. Cozumel lost its cruise pier in that storm, but the island has recovered. Mexico aimed to evacuate 26,000 tourists on Sunday after sending 23,000 people home on Saturday.

Charter boats canceled excursions on the island of Cozumel, one of world's top scuba diving destinations, and hastily pulled boats out of the water as tourists headed for the airport and municipal workers removed street lights.

Done Henderson, a businessman from Texas was part of a group of 16 divers who planned to dive at Cozumel and other islands in the area. Now only four are left.

"We are all escaping ... My hotel is a sturdy one but this hurricane is going to be hell," he said as he tracked Dean's path online.

Diving businesses on Cozumel loaded scuba diving equipment into vans to store inland. "The last hurricane destroyed everything," said diving center manager Jorge Marin.

Grand Cayman has a new Ritz Carlton hotel that is a symbol of its tourism rebound after Hurricane Ivan devastated the low-lying island in 2004. As of Sunday, the hotel was open but not accepting new reservations through Aug. 24. The local government ordered a mandatory evacuation by noon Sunday of Little Cayman, the smallest of the territory's three islands, and of the 7,000 tourists on the islands when hurricane alerts were issued, only about 1,500 remain.

The eastern and southern Caribbean now is out of the hurricane's path, with Martinique, St. Kitts and St. Lucia brushed on Friday by Dean. The St. Lucia tourism minister reported little damage to properties, its airports open and electricity on. Tourists scheduled to visit that region should check directly with the property they plan to visit and their travel provider.

Tropical storm warnings for the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and the British Virgin Islands were cancelled and those islands were not harmed.

Tourists with air travel plans to the region should check with their airlines. Spirit aived change/cancellation penalties for travel to Cancun, Haiti, Jamaica and Grand Cayman for people who were supposed to travel Friday through Monday.

Delta waived penalties for travel to many destinations, including Belize, Cancun, Merida, Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Punta Cana and its Jamaica destinations for passengers traveling August 17 to August 22.

Northwest Airlines also waived penalties for August 17 to August 22 for passengers with confirmed tickets involving Cancun, Cozumel, Montego Bay, Punta Cana, San Juan and St. Maarten. Northwest fliers can reschedule for travel starting between August 23 and August 27 for the same class of service as originally intended, without penalty. Travelers on Northwest who want to reschedule for August 28 to August 31 may see fare differences, but advance purchase and change fees will be waived.

Apple Vacations said passengers traveling on an Apple Vacation charter flight or USA3000 flight to Cancun Sunday through Aug. 21 who rebook by Aug. 24 can change vacation dates with no penalty or change fees.

Contributing: Laura Bly, USA TODAY and Reuters
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Travel-Getting There and Getting Around

By far the most popular means of getting to Orlando is by air.

Orlando International airport is one of three airports serving the metroplex. It handles 31 million passengers a year and is one of the top airports in the country consistently voted one of the top 5 in the country for customer convenience. It is serviced by more than 37 carriers with more than 60 non stop arrivals (not to mention all the connecting flights) from US and international destinations daily. There are private charter carriers as well. Sanford Int'l airport is home to a small fleet of Int'l carriers.

Orlando is located in east central Florida on Interstate 4. A lot of vacationers from the southeast find it easy to drive to Orlando. The interstate highway system certainly makes it easier.

Amtrak runs a passenger trains to Orlando. There is even a car train that starts in Lorton VA for those who want their own car but don't want to drive to Orlando.

Unless you are staying at Walt Disney World (WDW) you will need a car. There are taxis, limos, buses, horse drawn carriages too. For the easiest way to get around, get a car. Just be aware that under the best of circumstances traffic is very congested just like any other city this size.

If you are staying at WDW everything that you might want to do is within walking distance and the transportation system of WDW is available. The WDW transportation system is by bus, monorail, water taxi, or ferry. You sacrifice some freedom for big savings on gas insurance, parking, and of course the rental fees. It runs to and from all Walt Disney properties well into the night. Remember though Walt Disney World is 47 sq. miles and is only part of Orlando. That's a lot of ground to cover.

A lot of the bigger hotels offer shuttle service to the theme parks and the airport-just be careful it may or may not be free so do your homework.

The decision on getting a car may be the most important decision of your stay in Orlando.

Even if you are staying in WDW you may still want to get a car. There are several things to take into consideration in making this decision. They would include:

---Time of year. The busier times of the year create longer lines waiting for ground transportation.

---Where you are staying. Proximity to where you want to spend your time is a factor.

---Length of stay. You can do almost anything for a day or two, but if your stay exceeds that shuttle hopping is not a fun sport.

---The convenience factor. Let's face it having a car is convenient and exudes freedom to do what you want when you want to do it.

---Size and makeup of your family. Think about the stroller etc and the little ones on and off the shuttle bus. Get the idea? Been there done that-NO THANKS!

Take the ideas and suggestion above to heart because transportation is a critical part of your vacation fun in Orlando. Making the wrong decision on getting a car could ruin your stay.

Jack Krohn is a free lance writer and the #1 author of Home Security Articles in the country according to EzineArticles. He has traveled extensively to Europe, throughout the southwest and Hawaii. He has had Diabetes, Pre-diabetes and Syndrome X for nearly fifteen years. He speaks from the experiences he has had during that time.
by Jack Krohn
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Cheap International Plane Tickets

The best place to buy cheap international plane tickets is online. We've tried travel agencies and they can't compete with the discount ticket websites. You can search google ("cheap airfare South America", for example), or go straight to one of the well-known sites, like Expedia, Travelocity, Cheap Tickets, Hotwire or Priceline.

I just did a quick search for the cheapest airfare from Tucson, Arizona, to Buenos Aires, Argentina, using the five sites mentioned. They ranged from $1221 down to $873, and there were fares as high as $3728. Hotwire happened to have the cheapest, but they were the worst of the five when I searched for a domestic flight earlier. You cannot say which service will find the cheapest international plane tickets from week to week. My number one money-saving tip is to always check several websites when shopping for inexpensive flights.

My Accidental $1000 Discovery

Before going to Ecuador, I searched several websites that deal in cheap international plane tickets. The cheapest airfare from Traverse City, Michigan to Quito, was $1720. Out of curiosity, I checked Miami to Quito, and it was only $400. Airfare from Traverse City to Miami was $300. Book two separate flights and save more than $1000! The discount sites aren't set up to check in this way (yet), so you have to do this on your own.

If your first flight is late and you miss the second, you may not get a refund, but it is still cheaper (every time I checked) to just book a flight to Miami and catch a flight to Quito without a reservation, thus avoiding this problem. This strategy is best for those in towns without international airports. If you live in Miami, you already have cheap international airfare.

Courier Flights

As an air courier, you can get really cheap international plane tickets. Courier companies ship material in the luggage space of an aircraft passenger because it can be quicker, cheaper, and more reliable than sending the shipment unaccompanied, since checked luggage bypasses many of the typical customs delays. The courier company begins by purchasing airfare, and then they resell the plane tickets to you. In exchange for your luggage space, they give you a discount on the airfare.

An Example Of A Courier Flight

I saved over $150 on my plane tickets this way when I went to Ecuador the first time. I had to walk several suitcases of car parts through customs, but there was a representative of the courier company on either end, and I did get to look inside the luggage, so I knew what I was carrying. I had to carry a plane propeller on the return trip, but it wasn't too much trouble, and made a good story.

Limitations To Courier Travel

You generally can only be an air courier if you travel alone. Once in a while, a courier company will have opportunities for flights on or near the same date. Otherwise, your travel partner can pay full fare on the same flight. You also can usually only bring carry-on luggage, since the point is for the shipping company to use your checked luggage allowance.

Really Cheap Courier Flights

Sometimes air couriers fly internationally for free, and almost always very cheap. It is a matter of how badly the company needs you and how flexible you can be (can you fly to Paris on Friday?). In general air courier opportunities are becoming rarer, due to the recent heavier regulation of international flights. There still are opportunities for cheap tickets, though. You can find out more at The Air Courier Association Website (www.aircourier.org). The ACA can also help you get really cheap plane tickets by way of airline ticket wholesalers, discounters, last minute specials, and stand-by travel.

More Tips On Cheap International Plane Tickets

When searching for fares using the discount websites, try several different departure and return dates if you can. The difference of a day or two can save you a lot. There is little logic to airfare pricing, so don't try too hard to figure it out. Just be aware that if you leave on Friday instead of Wednesday (or vice-versa), you may save $100.

Check the boxes that say "any time" for departure and "2 or more connecting flights". Even if you aren't sure that you want to leave at midnight, see what your options are-the savings might change your mind. Whenever the search criteria allow you choices, take the ones that are the least restrictive for the airlines. Again, if the savings aren't enough, you can always book first class, direct flights, or whatever you prefer.

Buying your plane tickets at least a week in advance is usually cheaper. Also, there can be a dramatic difference (but not always) if your trip is over thirty days. You may want to cut it from 32 days to 30 to save hundreds of dollars on your fare. Play with the dates on one of the websites mentioned. You never know what you might discover.

Want To Go Really Cheap?

You can take a bus to a major city, if you don't live in one, and then take an international flight from there to save quite a bit of money. My wife and I recently went to Ecuador for six weeks. The cheapest discount website plane tickets we could find were $3400 for the two of us. By taking a bus to Miami ($352 round-trip for 2), then flying from there to Quito ($622 round-trip for 2), we saved over $2400 - even after the taxi fare from the bus station to the airport. That's a lot of money to us, certainly worth an extra day-and-a-half on a bus. (The whole six weeks cost less than $2500.)
by Smith Chen
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Cheap Travel Guide

We live in an age where the spirit of care free travel is almost extinct. Travelers these days are armed to the teeth with credit cards, travel insurance and Lonely Planet Guides. Yet it was not always so. For millennia pilgrims, bards and nomads have traveled the globe living only on their wits. From Jesus to Jack Kerouac travelers have hit the road with little more than the clothes on their back and embarked on amazing journeys.

So if you’re planning to trust in the gods and head off with just a few coins in your pocket the resources below will help you along your way.
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Tidbits for Your Travels

Whether you are a new travel enthusiasts or old pro, you can never stop learning better ways to enhance your experience. Following are some of the things I have learned over many trips.

1. Street Food - Ah, who doesn't love trying the mystery food on a stick? Well, the mystery can land you in bed or the bathroom for a few days. Be careful, particularly if you've also been trying the local alcoholic beverages.

2. Stupid Foreigner Tricks - Locals sometimes like to have a joke at your expense. It usually has to do with food. Don't eat strange stuff unless others are.

3. Packing for Europe - If you are packing for Europe, pack light! Europe is not another planet. They have soap, books, clothes and so on. You can buy it there. Trust me!

4. Garbage Bag Pants - Despite it being roasting in the summer, many historical sites will require you to wear pants to enter. You can usually rent garbage bag pants around these areas. They look like pants, but are made of the garbage bag material.

5. Is Spicy Food Safe? - There is a belief among travelers that spicy food will not cause stomach issues. Umm, no. It just adds a little heat to the misery.

6. Really Cheap Flights - If you have the urge to travel, but little money, there is one really cheap flight option. Charter flights are usually dirt cheap. On the downside, you get what you pay for and there are limited flights.

7. Sweet Sorrow Traveling - If you are on a long trip, you will inevitably get tired of those traveling with you. To avoid this, go solo and hookup with others through hostels and such. When you get sick of them, move along.

8. Laptop Charging - When traveling, it is vital you know what the ampage is in the country you are in. More than a few laptops have been zapped by being hooked up to a 220 outlet. Take a regulator to make sure this doesn't happen.

9. Seeing Europe with Children - If you are traveling to Europe and are taking kids, hotels and hostels can be a pain. Try renting a villa and exploring the area around it. They are much cheaper than you think.

10. Japanese Rice Etiquette - When eating rice in Japan, never stick your chopsticks in the rice such that they are standing up vertical. It is a symbol of death.

I have to admit I am addicted to travel. Experiencing another culture and way of life is just tremendous. Of course, you need to know how to laugh at yourself as well. Have a great trip.
by Richard Chappoe
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Air Travel Finder. Worldwide Travel Resources

An air travel finder can be the best tool you ever use, and with these top 7 money-saving tips you will get the best deals possible on you air travel:

1. Make your reservation as early as possible. At least 14 days in advance, but aim for at least 21 days in advance. After this time, the air tickets can easily more than double in price.

2. Be flexible with your travel time. Changing the day or the time of day can drastically reduce the price of your air travel. The best day to fly on is Wednesday, which is also the best day to book the flight on. The cheapest time to fly is early morning or late evening.

3. Fly during the off-season. Prices are a direct result of supply and demand. As demand goes down, prices go down as well, benefiting flyers.

4. Shop all the airlines. This is the most possible using a couple of key air travel finder companies that I recommend on my site. Being able to check all the airlines at the same time can get you the best deal.

5. A stopover instead of a direct flight can result in huge savings.

6. Membership in some clubs like AAA can get you discounts. With air travel prices at an all-time low this isn't as influential on the price as it is shopping between the airlines themselves. You get much better deals using an air travel finder to check prices of the different airlines against each other.

7. Look into air travel packages. Purchasing your air travel, hotel, and rental car through the same place usually gives a huge discount. Using a bigger air travel finder will allow you to do all of this on the same website. I have recommendations for this on my site as well.

The prices on air travel tickets are a direct result of competition, inventory, and demand. Competition is the airlines competing with each other. Inventory is how many seats are left open on a given flight. Demand is how many people are looking for air travel tickets. By choosing the least-crowded flights that are the least in demand, you get the lowest price. It's really that simple.

As you can see, there are many ways to get better prices. If you use a major air travel finder and choose the best days and times to fly, you can often get unbelievable deals and save a hefty amount of money in the process.
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Cheap Airline Tickets - Cheap Airfare

Cheap Flight Only Deals work as agents for all the supplied airlines and as so we can display to you each airlines best rates for flights as well as any special offers or late availability deals. We search the internet and over 520 airlines to give you low fare air tickets.

We display the cheapest fares airlines are offering today. Now there's a travel engine that can read the airlines' minds. Our website shows you which fares are currently the cheapest, it uses advanced mathematics to predict whether those fares are likely to go up or down in the next few days. If ticket prices are likely to drop, you can save money by waiting to buy until they do. We can find that special cheap flight instantly. We have made our site as user friendly as possible and several quotes can be obtained very easily in a few clicks.

First and foremost, we are all about providing a fast and easy-to-use way for you to find cheap flights. You can book cheap airline tickets to domestic and worldwide destinations search through many flight providers to get you the best deals on cheap flights.

Cheap Flight Only Deals work in partnership with The Car Hire Group to deliver quality value for money car rental worldwide.
You can book your car hire online to get special offers and discounts on car rental at any of our offices in the UK, Europe and Worldwide including main airports. Also our online booking partner holiday express are members of ABTA protection and ATOL licence. They handle your bookings with the highest standards of service and quality; protect you from losing money, or being stranded abroad. These protections are included in the cost of a trip booked. VeriSign secure programme is used to encrypt all data entered onto our website. This ensures that any bookings made through our site will be totally safe throughout the whole booking process.

If your flight has been delayed, then Cheap Flight Only Deals provide airport lounge for just £16.50 per person to rid off airport crowds. You can sit back and enjoy Tea/Coffee,Soft drinks, Alcoholicbeverages,Snacks, Magazines/Newspapers at a free cost. Through airport lounge screen, you can have minute flight information, so you won't miss a thing.

Also we provide you with facility to book your train tickets to the Airport,Airport Hotels for easy accommodation, car parking at airport.

You can also purchase travel insurance through Cheap Flight Only Deals which will gives you comprehensive coverage without any hidden clauses or small print.

You can easily contact us by calling us on or by email. If you have any queries regarding our services or your flight booking, our FAQ section should able to answer you to your questions.
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Air Travel - Choosing Airlines

As you would expect with US airlines the domestic flights will be much cheaper that those that are intercontinental. So, it only stands to reason that a flight to Venice Italy is going to be more pricey than a flight to Venice, California. Most all of the US airlines will have similar pricing structures... but not the same so you’ll want to peruse each of those that seem to fit your travel plans carefully.

If you become confused by all the options or would just
rather have a travel agent
book your flights for you, you will find that many of the US airlines will be able to accomodate your travel plans. Some of the US airlines will even have partnership deals and arrangements in conjunction with hotels, car rentals, and even other airlines that can sometimes even sweeten the deal for you.

These types of deals can really come into play if you are one that accumulates frequent flyer miles. By taking advantage of these partnerships that some of the US airlines have with various other companies you can come up with some great deals or at the very least enhance the travel deal you’ve already come across.

This also brings up the point that you should be mindful of your frequent flyer miles when you are looking at booking your flights. You always want to be on the look out and inquire into what you can use your miles for and what travel benefits they’ll provide.

No matter if you are traveling across the country, or from one country to another the available options within the various US airlines and the packages they offer, you should be able to put together travel plans that both fit your needs and are affordable.
Article Source: Letha Lashley at JPServicez-SearchArticles.com

Discount Travel - Air Flights Tickets

Unless you are planning a short domestic trip, the cost of airfare is usually a deciding factor in an overseas trip. Most people with moderate incomes simply can't afford to fly regularly, as much as they would like to. There are, however, some people out there who are flying all the time on regular incomes. The secret to achieving this is a willingness to be flexible and shop around with airfares, as well as employing some tried and true discount travel techniques.

The key to getting a cheap flight is to shop around, and the internet makes this easy for almost anyone to do. There are a plethora of websites that will conduct searches around the world for cheap airfares. Although the internet is a valuable tool in discovering cheap airfares, it's important that you don't rely on it entirely. Many sites claim they are searching "all flights" for the cheapest possible fare, but you really don't have any way of knowing what they do and don't have access to. Oftentimes the cheapest flights can come from the airlines themselves, and you'd be well advised to check their sites as well in your search.

No matter how much research you do online, you should always visit some travel agents. Keep in mind that these people make their livings selling airfares, and will often have access to deals that aren't available to you online. Think of it this way: if you really could always get the cheapest flight online, travel agents would be out of business. The fact that they are not suggests that good deals are to found the old fashioned way: by visiting the office of a travel agent.

When looking for discount travel, you should also explore non-
traditional methods of finding flights.Another good avenue to explore is "bucket shops" - companies who buy bulk tickets from airlines at a heavy discount. They don't have the choice that travel agent has, of course, but if you're flexible you can often get a good deal. A typical bucket shop system will work as follows: you give them a week-long window during which you'd like to fly and some destination choices, and then if something comes up at the last minute you can have it at a heavy discount.

Another rarely explored discount travel technique is to look into bucket shops and travel agents located in ethnic neighborhoods. Often, foreign airlines sell discounted tickets to these shops, which in turn serve an ethnic community regularly traveling to their home country. These shops have access to tickets from airlines that often aren't available at your regular travel agent, and can offer a significant savings.

The important thing to remember in terms of discount travel is to explore as many avenues as you can. The more flexible you are willing to be, the cheaper your fare is likely to be - but even if you're stuck with rigid dates, a compressive search will often result in airfares that are significantly lower than those commonly advertised.
Article Source: Brandon C. Hall at JPServicez-SearchArticles.com

Travel Nursing Agencies - Nursing Benefits

What IS travel nursing, anyway?

One way to think of it is like good old fashioned temp work. Yes, the Kelley Girl has come to nursing. Healthcare hiring managers sometimes have no alternative. It may be because they are in small out of the way locales or due to an opening they simply can't, but must, fill. Occasionally there is a work stoppage and outside nurses must be brought in to keep the hospital open. But mostly, I would guess, it is a simple case of supply and demand.

Travel nurses are contracted for short term assignments through agencies that specialize in travel nursing. The agency normally supplies the travel nurse with housing and travel expense, help with licensing, benefits and payroll services. The hospital fills the position temporarily and the nurse gets paid above market wages to work and live in a new locale. Everybody wins.

How long are the travel nursing assignments?

This can vary with the agency and the healthcare employer. A typical assignment might last as little as 8 weeks or as long as 26 weeks. The assignment can be renewed sometimes and stretch out longer but this would only happen if both parties agreed. You can count on 8-13 weeks as a guideline for a normal contract.

What if I like it there and want to stay permanently?

It depends on the assignment. Often the agency has made arrangements that will allow the position to convert to a permanent position if the facility and travel nurse mutually desire. Some of the positions are temporary and will remain that way. I would say that most of the time if the travel nurse wants to remain in the area as a permanent nurse the agency and the employer will figure out a way to make it happen.

Can a friend and I get assigned together?

Sure! Obviously the needs of the hospital and the skill set of you and your friend dictate whether this will work, but what better way to experience the excitement of a new city or region then with a friend. We have seen lots of cases where husband and wife teams take assignments together and get the opportunity to travel to new and interesting places they may have never dreamed of living and working.

Let's talk housing and relocation?

This is all included in your contract with the travel nursing agency. Normally you are provided with furnished housing. Sometimes you are given a housing allowance and assisted with finding local housing of your choice. Think about it. It is in the interest of the agency to make this whole experience as positive for you as they can. The travel nurse is a treasured asset of the agency and they would like you to keep accepting assignments over and over. They will make sure you are taken care of. That's how agencies make their money and nurses wanting assignments are their number one priority.

As for travel expense, it will be handled by the agency. Some will fly you to the assignment, some will give you a mileage reimbursement. All of these things will be spelled out very specifically, in advance, in your contract with the agency.
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Travel Agencies Benefits And Disadvantages

Before the dawn of the information super highway, brick-and-mortar travel agencies were the key to booking travel arrangements and finding deals on airfare. These agencies helped travelers plan trips and book flights, hotel and car rental reservations, and other travel necessities. But as the Internet started to dominate all areas of commerce, travelers began to turn to online travel agencies instead of the brick-and-mortars. These "virtual" agencies offered all the travel planning options and discounts conventional travel agencies offered without requiring travelers to leave their home. No longer did travelers need to make appointments and meet face-to-face with a travel agent just to make travel arrangements. There was now a convenient online solution to booking travel arrangements and finding discounts on airfare.

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