Round the World Travel Gear, version 1.0


Image by Many Moon Honeymoon
In preparation for the round-the-world trip that my wife and I will be setting off on in a months time, I’m putting together a list of photography equipment that I plan to take along with me. This is so that I can sort out insurance and also give me a physical idea of how much stuff it is, so that I can refine it as our leaving date approaches.

The main bits are:
* Canon 5D Mark II
* Apple Macbook Pro 13"
* Canon 24-70 F2.8L lens
* Canon 70-200 F4L lens
* Canon 50mm F1.4 lens
* Panasonic Lumix FX33
* Slik Sprint Mini II tripod

.. and various covers, cables, connectors, chargers and batteries.

Travel insurance is a ‘must’ for anyone going away whether on holiday or for business so it is wise to check that the insurance you take out is relevant to the type of cover you need. The last thing you want is a huge bill after your trip, medical or otherwise, because your policy did not cover you for what you thought.

There are many different areas to take into consideration when you buy travel insurance. If you don’t make sure the travel insurance is right for you, you may not be covered, so follow these simple tips to help ensure you get the right travel insurance for your needs, what to look out for, and how to compare travel insurance prices for when you buy travel insurance.

A standard travel insurance package should normally provide compensation for a range of holiday and travel mishaps such as:

* Cancellation or curtailment of your trip

* Medical emergencies and repatriation

* Loss or damage to personal possessions

* Loss or theft of money

* Personal liability

* Compensation for permanent disability or death

Often these areas of cover can be subject to limits, excesses and exclusions so do check your policy carefully so you know what you may or may not be covered for.

If you are the energetic or adventurous type, check that dangerous activities such as snowboarding, skiing, white water rafting or journeys to remote areas are included in your insurance policy you may need a special type of insurance or an endorsement to cover your needs. Expenses caused by a terrorism event may be excluded or an expensive item of luggage or equipment may need to be insured separately. Some insurers do not cover people over the age of 65 or 70, and if you have any existing medical conditions, these also may not be covered.

It is true that your household insurance will offer cover for personal items and you may be able to remove these from your travel insurance cover to save you money. Also your credit card providers may offer some limited cover. A European Health Insurance Card will entitle you to reduced-cost or sometimes free medical treatment in the European Economic Area countries, but will not normally cover rescue costs or repatriation. If you are travelling for business your employer may offer some travel insurance cover.

So where do you go to find the most suitable travel insurance for you? You can buy travel insurance from many different sources, travel agents, tour operators, banks, the post office, credit card providers or direct from insurance companies. The easiest and quickest method is online and Gatwick travel insurance offers a comprehensive service which is easily accessible.

In short, if you follow these steps, you can be sure that you have the right cover for you and that you have not paid over the odds for this peace of mind.

* Consider what cover you need

* Consider where you are going and what you are going to do

* Take into account the cover you may already have

* Tell your insurer all the relevant facts i.e. your age and any existing medical conditions

* Shop around and compare travel insurance prices

* Check your policy carefully

When you go to buy travel insurance, you want to make sure you have got the right price for the cover you need. One way to do this is to use an online travel insurance Gatwick Airport price checker, where you can compare travel insurance prices online. The best travel insurance Gatwick airport price checker that I have found to compare travel insurance prices is www.gatwickinformation.co.uk. This website also provides lots more information and suggestions as to where to buy travel insurance.

Finally, before you go away on your trip, make sure you take a copy of your policy and a note of the telephone number in a safe place, and of course, take good care of yourself and your belongings whilst you are away.

You can now look forward to your trip safe in the knowledge that you have done everything necessary, and that if anything were to go wrong, you would be fully covered. But of course we all hope it won’t and thankfully the majority of the time it doesn’t but you should always be prepared!

Spring break backpacking trip to the Gila National Forest in New Mexico, US.
Video Rating: 4 / 5

Inside the travel case


Image by ejhogbin

Many people also purchase diving or travel insurance as well, because their regular insurance won’t cover it. What father show that travel insurance relates to international health insurance is that both policies provide basic health insurance or medical insurance for individual families against medical emergency at any where you might be either inside or outside the country. If you are a frequent traveller, then travel rewards credit cards can be your best friend because they offer features like hotel discounts and travel insurance.

Extra insurance cover it’s highly unlikely your travel insurance policy extends to laptop computers. It is always very important to ensure you have travel insurance every time you travel. Many people only think of small things that don’t really matters a lot like, loss of money or having their luggage stolen, forgetting the fact that other factors such as illness and accident are the factor which can also be covered by travel insurance.

When I bought my first plane ticket to China a few years ago it cost around 00 round-trip, and my travel insurance cost me over 0 because I didn’t shop around for cheap travel insurance online. Months later, I had our local travel insurance representative come visit my office, and he told me this story, and the unfortunate result was her young boy had come down with an ear infection prior to their flight to Jamaica, and even though she was consulted by the boys doctor not to take the flight until his condition healed, she ignored the requests. How is travel insurance related to international health insurance.

Again, you will find some excellent deals when you book your accommodation online, and you can also look forward to some great deals on other extras, such as travel insurance cover and car hire. For example, if you a business executive who travel frequently around the country or internationally, you probably want to have a credit card that allow you to enjoy saving from hotel stays, free air tickets, free travel insurance and others travel related benefits. The good news is that you can easily, conveniently and quickly research and locate excellent but cheap online travel insurance and reduce the costs while making an informed purchase.

Take a copy document with you Most good policy travel insurance documents will confirm the claim procedures to follow in the event of theft or loss, what you are covered for and most importantly who to call in an emergency. If the costs of treatment are higher than the maximums of your medical plan, you will be responsible for the difference, unless you have already purchased travel insurance. As a ‘travel professional’ offering travel insurance, as well as many of the online travel companies that sell travel protection to their clients, want you to know that our sincere and true intentions are to make sure that each and every one of you are covered and have the peace-of-mind.

Additional Benefits Business credit cards, like regular credit cards, can have a number of additional benefits associated with them, such as travel insurance, extended warranties, and purchase protection. Both companies now offer nearly identical benefits, such as travel insurance, car rental insurance, product warranty extensions, and so on. These points can then be used to claim discounts on food, wine and travel; travel insurance; clothing; high street discount vouchers; or exchanged for cash.

They also habitually try to sell you other travel components such as hotel accommodation, car rentals, attraction tickets and/or travel insurance. There’s also travel insurance that would include worldwide emergencies like medical evacuation, lost luggage, and emergency expatriation.

Pueblo del Cocuy 081


Image by Colombian Travels

It’s time to get your bags packed and wrap your mufflers up for Christmas. Here are few festive tips to get you started.

Christmas is almost knocking at the door! So, what are you waiting for? Hurry and pack your bags for a wonderful Christmas holiday. Here are 10 useful tips for an excellent Christmas holiday package.

1)    Plan your Christmas holiday well ahead as you can avail of some reasonably great discounts if you book in advance.

2)    Locate and choose a reliable and knowledgeable travel agent who can offer you an excellent Christmas holiday packages with discounts and special offers.

3)     The internet houses an array of impressive discounts and offers on Christmas holiday packages. So do not forget to browse through it before you step out.

4)    Christmas season is one of the best seasons for a holiday. Pick a holiday spot which is not very crowded as it may dilute the essence of your holiday.

5)    Make sure the accommodation, meals, car rentals, sight seeing, tours, activity reservations etc. are included in the holiday package. That would make your Christmas holiday even more joyful by avoiding last minute hassles.

6)    If you are in the spirit of celebrating Christmas while holidaying, ensure that you opt for a place where Christmas is heartily celebrated.

7)    If you are planning a Christmas holiday with your family, make sure that everyone has some activities to engage themselves in that they enjoy being part of.

8)    During Christmas, air travel is at its peak. One must buy tickets at the earliest and check flight schedules.

9)    If you have other entertaining activities chalked out and are not included in your holiday package, make it a point to get it arranged well in advance to avoid last minute disappointment.

10)     The last but most important tip is to make a checklist of your luggage and your program during your Christmas holiday so that you won’t miss out on anything special. Do not clog your schedule with too much to do, as this may spoil the charm of holidaying.

Fortaleza de São João / Saint John Fortress


Image by Márcio Cabral de Moura
No morro cara de cão, visto do Pão de Açúcar, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil.

At the hill dog face, seen from the Sugarloaf, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

This article is about the Mount Wuyi travel, China travel guide, China vacations and China travel tips. You can find some useful information in it if you are planning your Mount Wuyi, China travel now.

The Mount Wuyi is a mountain range located at the prefecture Nanping, at the northern border of Fujian province with Jiangxi province, China. The mountains cover an area of 60 square km. In 1999, Mount Wuyi entered UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites, both natural and cultural. It is the most outstanding biodiversity conservation zone of Southeast China. Numerous types of tea are produced around Mount Wuyi; it is the origin of the real Da Hong Pao tea and Lapsang souchong, further described in Wuyi tea.

The number of visitors to the area has increased from approximately 424,000 in 1993 to 700,000 in 1998. A raft trip down the Nine-bend River is the most popular activity followed by a visit to the “Thread of Sky” caves, where the narrowest walkway is only 30cm. Visitor access to the biodiversity protection area is controlled.( More info about China travel guide, China vacations, China travel tips at Travel2ChinaInfo Dot Com )

1. The best time to visit Mount Wuyi:

Generally, the best time for the Mount Wuyi travel is from May to November and it will be a little bit crowded if you choose to visit Mount Wuyi during this period of time. March and April is the raining season for Mount Wuyi and you will need to bring a umbrella for this raining season. I will recommend you to visit Mount Wuyi on March, April or November. You can have plenty of choices for the airline tickets, hotels if you choose this period of time.

2. Accommodation:

The best choices are the hotels in the vacation area of Mount Wuyi. This vacation area is very close to the scenic spots of Mount Wuyi and you will save a lot of time if you live here. If you wanna save some money on the accommodation, you can choose the hotels in the downtown. The price is low but you will need to spend some extra time on the traffic. There are 2 stars, 3 stars and 4 stars hotels in the vacation area of Mount Wuyi. The cost is from 180 to 1000 rmb for a night. If you are planning to visit Mount Wuyi in the peak season (May to November), you’d better make a reservation first.( More info about China travel guide, China vacations, China travel tips at Travel2ChinaInfo Dot Com )

3. How to get in:

You can fly to the Mount Wuyi Airport first, then transfer to a train. There are trains connecting the airport with Mount Wuyi. If you wanna take a taxi, the cost is about 20 rmb from Mount Wuyi Airport to downtown, 15 – 20 rmb from the Mount Wuyi Airport to the vacation area, 25 rmb from the Mount Wuyi Railway Station to the vacation area.

By Shane Lee. Date: 08/25/2009.

Copyright belongs to Travel2ChinaInfo Dot COM .  You can find more information about China travel guide, China vacations, China travel tips from our web site.
NOTE: Permission is granted by the copyright owner to disseminate this article in whole or in part provided credit is given to the author (with a link to the article’s source URL Travel2ChinaInfo Dot COM ) and this NOTE is not removed.

About the author:Shane Lee.More flights,airfares info at:cheap flights,non-stop flights,direct flights,china travel.And:Cheap flights from RDU to LGA.And:Flights from Phoenix to JFK.

Geronimo Springs Museum contains the history of Sierra County, New Mexico. From the mammoth and mastodon skulls and the world-class collection of prehistoric Mimbres pottery to the Apache, Hispanic, military, mining, ranching, and cultural exhibits, the Museum is a fascinating complex of historical artifacts. Each of several rooms represents a specific subject of history, with displays and artifacts interpreted so that the viewer can understand the items exhibited. The Museum is located downtown in Truth or Consequences, in the historic Hot Springs District, at 211 Main Street. Hours are Monday thru Saturday, 9 am to 5 pm, and Sunday 12 to 4 pm. We are closed on New Year’s Day, Easter, July 4th, Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Video Rating: 5 / 5

Brown Paper Packages Tied up with String


Image by Chiot’s Run
I’m always game to save money in any way I can. Gift wrapping can be very expensive, even if you buy it on sale after the holidays. One inexpensive way to wrap gifts is by using brown kraft paper. You can buy it in big rolls very inexpensively at home improvement stores, but I find that if I keep the stuff that comes in packaging throughout the year, I never have to buy any, in fact I always have a pretty good sized stash.

www.chiotsrun.com

Do you want to go on vacation?  The best way to travel is with an all inclusive holiday package. It is always practical to have tips and very useful ideas in order to plan the best vacation ever. It is very important to keep in mind that there are many different types of vacation packages. So that you will be able to know what you really want it is very important to consider possible things you can have in order you can go to a holiday package that is really suited to your taste.

·         It is a fact that there are different types of all inclusive holiday packages in the market and it is also helpful if you will have the good ideas to follow so that you can basically get the best plan. Before anything else you need to have a list so that you will be able to have a guide to have a good all inclusive holiday package. You can basically personalize the holiday package that you want. You can choose to different destinations you can choose that have been decided by most members of the family. You need to consider to what other members of the family want. You need to know what type of all inclusive packages they want so that everybody will enjoy the trip unless it is only for you. You need to choose what you desire and know where you really want to go.

·         It is very common that all inclusive packages is a great way to save because you will not have a problem anymore in paying for different ranges of fees from transportation can accommodation. It is a fact that all inclusive holiday packages are only cheap and simple depending on the package that you want. You need to keep in mind that if you want to have it made by yourself you need to be specific. You also need to be systematic on the reservations and you will be doing. You need to keep in mind that this can also be stressful because you will basically be the one to prepare the all the thing you will need from the transportation, accommodation and places you want to visit while you are in vacation.

·         It is already a fact that there are many holiday packages that are ready to be purchase all you need to do is to check if this is right for you. If you want to have an all inclusive holiday check first all the things you will need.  Before anything else you need to keep in mind that everything that is already prepared before you will travel.

·         Be sure that everything are already prepared it is practical that you already have all the necessary papers you need in travelling. Like the ticket, passport, travel insurance and visa that is need for your vacation. It is also important to have an extra copy of the important documents you need for your travel. You need to have a photocopy of the important documents so that in case of an emergency you will have a copy. You need to have the proper clothes that you will need for your vacation. You keep in mind that you also need to have the proper foot wear for your vacation.

There are many tips you can have while you are preparing on your all inclusive holiday packages that you are planning to have.

Find More Holiday Packages Articles

Daily Disney – Paula’s Koalas


Image by Express Monorail
View On Black | See where this picture was taken. [?]

Figured I’d throw in one last one before I leave for Sarasota for the weekend :=0)

Quick EXIF:
Camera: Nikon D300
Lens: Nikkor 50mm f/1.4
Mode: Aperture Priority
Exposure: 1/60 sec
Aperture: f/1.4
Focal Length: 50mm (75mm full frame equivalent)
ISO: 3200
Bias: -1 EV

Thanks for stopping by!

__________________________________________________________________

Disney Photo Challenge winner in "I Spy With My Little Eye…"K"" – thanks for your votes!

Disney World is truly one of the most visited tourist destinations in the world. It should not come as a surprise since this enormous theme park that stands in Orlando Florida is home to hundreds of exciting attractions and rides that would bewilder any child, even adults. If you are planning to go here for a vacation, whether short or long, it is important that you plan the trip well so that your kids will have the grandest time ever while you are here. Here are some travel tips that would help you make the most of your vacation in the House of Mouse.

Research about Disney World

The first thing you have to do would be to research about the theme park. Go to the park’s official website to find out the basic details such as opening hours, directions, attraction listings, park admission fee, and more. You may also check out other travel websites that share useful insights and information about the home of Mickey Mouse. Compile all your research in one file and make use of this when you start creating the travel itinerary.

Create travel itinerary

Create the travel itinerary based on the duration of your vacation. If you intend to stay only for the weekend, decide on whether you are only going to see one or two of the four major parts of Disney World, namely Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Epcot, and Hollywood Studios. It is also possible that you see a few of the major attractions of each theme park so that you can experience a bit of everything. Download a map from the park’s official website so you can plan the trip accordingly.

Book hotels and other vacation needs

Next, you have to book for hotels and your other vacation needs. If you intend to stay inside the theme park, you would not have any problem with transportation because there is a free shuttle service that travels to and from the hotel. But if you are travelling on the budget and you feel you cannot afford that, you can also stay outside the theme park.

Spend money and time wisely

Save time by getting to the park early. This will help you duck the crowds that usually arrive at the park around noontime and afternoon. It is also recommended that you go against the flow of people traffic. If the people are going clockwise, go counterclockwise. Since people always start at the front rides, go to the back most part of theme park and then work your way towards the front. As for money, it is advisable to bring your own food and drinks since commodities inside the park can get pricey. You may also want to skip shopping inside the park and buy from the merchandise outlets outside that sell practically the same things but for a lesser price.

Get travel insurance

It is necessary to get travel insurance for your Disney trip if you are coming from outside of the United States. Whether you purchase visitor insurance USA or international health insurance, you need to get sufficient protection against unfortunate incidents that may happen during the trip including health problems, baggage loss, delayed flights, or other situations.

I am a former airport screener and I have made it my personal mission to help passengers get through airport security fast, safe and easy.

Here are my top ten valuable airport security tips to help you travel through airport security this holiday season. Be sure to tell me your horror stories or comments on traveling through airport security during the holidays.

1. Book your tickets as far in advanced as possible. This will lower the chance of you being chosen for secondary screening, since last minute bookings seem to increase your chances.

2. Pack light. Nothing delays the security lines more than when the x-ray operator has to ask for a rerun on a passenger’s bag because they cannot determine if the contents contain a prohibited item or not. Remember that liquid medications, breast milk and baby formula are exempt from the 3-1-1 rule for liquids, gels and creams. Pack your exempt items separate from your regular 3-1-1 carry-on items and declare them to the screener at the divesting table at x-ray.

3. Know what items are permitted and prohibited in your carry-on and checked baggage. Download the Ultimate Packing List on my contact page. 40 million prohibited items have been confiscated to date, including explosives, guns, knives and weapons. Do not be only of those passengers who delay the line by bringing a prohibited item to security checkpoint.

4. Use online check-in. The airlines will allow you to check-in no more than 24 hours in advance. This is a BIG stress reducer. If you can print out your boarding pass from home, this alone tells you that you are not scheduled for secondary screening.

5. Use curb-side check-in. The porters have to pay for their carts in some cases, so give them a little and save BIG TIME. I saved 2 to 3 hours of waiting in line when I tipped a porter $20 to check me in curb-side in Orlando.

6. Keep your cool! TSA could charge you up to $5,000 for interfering with the screening process for unruly behavior or threatening comments. This means NO joking around. Do not say any of these words: terrorist, bomb, IED, IID, George Bush and Osama bin Laden.

7. Dress for airport security. No body piercings, no thick bracelets or jewelry. No baggy pants and avoid wearing skirts or dresses. You will increase your chances of secondary screening if your clothing can easily conceal a weapon. Wear slip-on shoes! This alone will save you time.

8. Place your personal bedroom toys in checked baggage. You could shutdown an airport by mistake if they are carried in your carry-on luggage. They have similar components as an IED.

9. Arrive at least 2 hours early for domestic and 3 hours for international flights. You don’t know if the person in front of you will do something stupid and delay the line. Power outages, weapon scares, bomb threats are just a few reasons airports will shutdown for hours.

10. Normally you can get cheaper ticket prices on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. During the holidays, avoid traveling that holiday week if possible. Fly early than 10am and later than 3pm if possible. That is peak travel time for security lines.

Tell me your horror stories of going through airport security screening during the holidays.

Happy and Safe Travels!

Top 7 Essentials:

1) Basic first aid kit – No medicines or drugs. Emergency No’s for Police, Fire, Ambulance and Hospital displayed on Fridge.

2) Check that everything is working propertly including all utilities and household fittings i.e. kitchen appliances, umbrellas and sunbeds, shower heads and BBQ.

3) Your guests have chosen a home environment so supply them with the home comforts and items they do not have to pack. They will expect to find an iron, ironing board and hair dryer.

4) If they are a family, Mum or Dad will want to cook at home so make sure they have what is required. Provide a good variety of kitchen equipment, utensils and pans. One plate and cup per person is not sufficient – accidents do happen as we know.

5) A nice welcome pack does not break the bank. As a minimum guests should be provided with sufficient supplies to provide a drink and breakfast if they are arriving at an unsociable hour. Tea, coffee, milk, water, fruit juice, bread, sugar, butter, cereal or eggs and fruits of the season. A nice bottle of wine or a six pack of beers never goes amiss either.

6) If you wish your property to be looked after properly then leave some cleaning supplies and replacement items to encourage your guests. Washing up liquid, cloths, washing powder, salt for the dish washer, a sink plunger, replacement batteries for air-con controls and light bulbs.

7) A telephone number for guests to call 24 hours a day to deal with breakages or property maintenance and keep a guest book for comments. Ask for honest feedback – it’s the only way to improve your facilities and stay ahead of the crowd!

Top 7 Extras to make your property stand out:

1) An information book supplying details of local restaurants, shops, beaches, attractions and places to go.

2) A water cooler in the kitchen and a coffee perculator or filter machine.

3) Things to do for all the family on an evening or rainy day. DVD’s, CD’s, board games, cards, jigsaws, books and a few children’s toys. Second hand items are more than acceptable as long as in working order.

4) Well maintained and colorful garden. Hammocks and a good BBQ.

5) Beach towels, buckets and spades, pool toys second hand push bikes.

6) How about placing a disposable camera in the welcome pack.

7) Try creating some postcards using a quality picture of your villa or an outstanding sunset or view taken from the villa balcony.

Advertising is the backbone of successfully marketing your property. Use the internet as your shop window. In our current climate of computer surfing, the internet is the ideal place to advertise. With a large number of people worldwide using the internet search tools every day, choosing a company with a well proven visitor rate enables you to reach a wider market. In order to get the most from your advertising you’ll need to have good clear information on the property and location, great photos and a sensible, realistic price structure in mind. Incorporate your air-conditioning expenses into your advertised price. Holiday makers do not appreciate having to pay out extra on arrival.

Following the above advice will assist you to compete well in the holiday market and to encourage the type of guests that will respect your property as they would their own.

Would you like to soak up the sun more?

If so my cheaper holiday tip guide will be able to help you.

For a cheaper price you can still enhance the relaxation and adrenaline the only difference is your paying a cheaper price.

Whether it is a couple of weeks relaxing in the sun or a adventurous holiday up mountains 90% of people pay too much for the holiday where if they searched could get it cheaper.

Here are my tips in note form in order to save for a holiday. If you do not seek this advise then pleas scroll down to the bottom where the link will re direct you to a site with cheap holiday solutions.

Tips

Save £30 a month which will make £360 a year.

Give up smoking if you smoke and put it towards the holiday.

Try and drink less.

If you operate through a small website then you are guaranteed a cheaper holiday as they have found the cheapest holidays on the internet quite literally. You can get a few days abroad at a real cheap price. A tip that I always would give people is never operate through large companies that find the flight and the hotel as they charge you more and there is only one option for the flight and they charge you excessively for the flight and also you can only book certain hotels depending on which airport you leave for. Therefore I would advise for you to book a hotel then book the flight as this will save you a lot of money.

To find luxury hotels at cheap prices

Know the price of airfare for every airline. If you know what the price of a ticket or even of accommodations is normally, you will see that checking travel sites will produce many reduced prices at different times. Know the price of the ticket normally and look every day or every week to see when the airlines discount tickets to attract more travels. This is done fairly regularly by the airlines. The best time to find discounted tickets is during the off seasons for traveling. Many locations are beautiful to visit when there is little tourism.

Travel when the time is right for you. Plan your travel plans around the cheapest times and days of the year. This means that if you want a vacation and have flexibility, weekdays and certain times of the year are great for finding cheap holiday destinations. You could travel to Gran Canaria during the week of October and more than likely find a cheaper cost than what you would have during the summer on a weekend. It is all about timing when you are looking for the best travel arrangements with cheaper prices. The best time to depart is at night when most people are sleeping.

Buying tickets and booking accommodations in advance can provide some discounts and savings to the traveler. If you watch the prices and buy tickets in advance, you will save some money. This is true of hotels. Many hotels have slow times of the year and will lower the rates. As the hotel starts booking more rooms, they will raise the prices. Booking a trip in advance will allow for a savings more so than booking the day before a trip unless the airlines is trying to fill the plane.

Always use a travel site that updates prices of airfare, hotels and packages daily. This is a great way to find the cheapest prices for your travel plans. If you can have email alerts from the site, that will give you advantage for knowing when something you are looking for as been discounted. Cheap holidays to destinations all over the world can be had for discount prices if you follow these five tips. All you need to do is be flexible and have some time to wait out the prices or the season. Travel when others are staying home because of school or other family responsibilities.

Sort out the correct documents

Before you settle on a holiday destination – regardless of whether you’re travelling independently or with a company – check Visa and inoculation requirements with the Foreign Office (www.fco.gov.uk) and that the country you’re travelling to is both safe and politically stable. You may not be insured if you go against Foreign Office advice.

Adventure insurance

Its good new that there are a great number of companies that offer insurance specially formulated toward groups or independent adventurers, who aren’t satisfied with relaxing on a secluded beach like the rest of us. Each company has varying opinions about what is and isn’t classed as adventure, so it’s worth taking some time to find a policy that suits your style of adventure and chosen activity.

Check the company out

When booking your adventure holiday, do your research into the company that you are booking with and ask a representative about the experience and qualifications of their staff, as your life may just be in their hands. Check that the equipment that you will be using throughout the trip is certified safe and has been tested for any faults.

The independent traveller

If you decide against going as a group or with a reputable adventure holiday operator, there is a checklist that should be considered. Firstly that you are aware of the dangers of the type of sport you will be partaking in and that you have made sure your equipment is thoroughly checked before packing it to leave. Another important thing to remember is to always have local emergency numbers and insurance documentation with you and that someone knows where you are heading each day encase an accident does happen. Also if a minor accident does happen you have a first aid kit to deal with it.

Personal Fitness

It is worth making sure you are ready to put your body under the strain that your chosen activity will put on it. If you are a newcomer to the sport, try doing a training session at a local facility in order to get a feel for the muscles that will be needed. This may also alert you to additional safety clothing /equipment you might require on your trip. Whether you’re experienced or not spending some time preparing your body will help minimise injury during your trip.

As you can see an adventure holiday takes lots more planning than your standard package beach holiday, but it’s better to prepared and get the most from your adventure, so you can do it all again on your next adventure.

• Know when to travel: For local excursions, people tend to leave on Thursdays. If traveling over 100 miles away, Wednesday through Sunday are the most popular days.

• About 90% of Thanksgiving travel is through one’s vehicle.

• The Sunday and Monday after Thanksgiving are the busiest days to travel back home. If you book a flight or drive on Tuesday, you’ll avoid a lot of traffic.

• Weather delays don’t always depend on where you’re flying out of. If you live in Florida but are flying to New York, you may experience delays due to a snowstorm, for example.

• Allow ample time to check in at the airport and make it through security. More travelers means more time to wait as each individual is screened.

• Travel on Saturday as opposed to Sunday. Most people want to make it back for work without sacrificing any weekend time.

• The average age of Thanksgiving travelers is just under 34, as opposed to right above 36 for the Christmas and New Year’s holidays, according to the BTS.

• Preview airport restrictions and laws implemented for safe air travel…you cannot avoid them and will save a world of time if you plan ahead.

• Book a trip off-season. For example, go to New England when the leaves aren’t changing…you’ll save on local bed and breakfasts, whose popularity heightens during the fall.

• Consider booking through an online travel agency. You can find new discounts and sales each day, as well as vacation packages unavailable elsewhere.

The best discount travel online can be found through sites such as Orbitz and Expedia, according to StarReviews.com. If you’re an avid planner, you’ll be able to customize your own trip homepage, complete with photos, video and comments through Orbitz’s TripHub.

If you’re like most travelers, saving money is important when going away during the holidays. When booking through Travelocity, you can save just by using a particular credit card. Before the cold weather arrives, consider booking travel online and taking advantages of discount flights and destination-stays.

Those new to the sport need not loose out on this great experience. There are golf classes on offer by schools and academies set up for the purpose. Companies offering facilities ranging from hotel accommodation, booking of tee times to car hire are catering to the needs of the tourists. Golf holiday tour operators operating in the area will organise your golf holiday very efficiently and professionally. Their services take care of all your requirements when on a golf holiday in the Costa Del Sol.

We suggest you always book ahead in the peak seasons to avoid disappointment and to avail of discounts. All the golf courses are fully booked through the whole season here; so are the hotels and car hire. Look for companies who offer golf booking, hotel reservations and car hire- all three under one roof. All your holiday requirements should be well planned before you arrive for your vacation. It is much more convenient to let one company manage your holiday; they have a lot many package offers for individual as well as group bookings.

Confirm what all services they cover in their all-inclusive charges. A well known and established company gives all their clients an insurance coverage and you should choose only such a company. You should not have to end up paying any hidden charges- choose a company that clearly states its charges against services.

The internet is a good way to conduct a thorough online research to find an experienced and reputed golf holiday company. It is better to avail the services of a locally established company. A good holiday company will offer you all information, online enquiry quotes for car hire and golf, and professional advice through their website.

For more information: info@golfmalaga.com
Tee Times Malaga

Lack of preparation, tiredness, delays, long queues at the airport, unexpected security restrictions and anxiety all contribute to this stress, particularly at the start of our holiday. We’ve also got to deal with the constant pressure to enjoy every minute.

Luckily there are many ways to reduce this stress. As with most things in life, it’s all in the planning. I have put together the perfect holiday plan to help you take off to a safe and stress-free start.

1. Make a holiday checklist and include absolutely everything you need to do.

2. Check the expiry date on all travellers’ passports, and visa and vaccination requirements a few months before travelling!

3. Organise your travel insurance, currency and necessary health insurance a couple of weeks before departure so there’s no last minute panic.

4. Book airport parking in advance so that you know where you’re going and that your space is guaranteed. Consider ‘meet and greet’ parking services where you will be met at the terminal building by a driver who will park your car for you.

5. Phone your airline and airport in advance to get the latest security and baggage requirements so you don’t have any nasty surprises.

6. Plan your journey to the airport a few days before travelling, including your route and timings. Allow time for meals!

7. Check-in online if possible to minimise the stress of queuing and seat allocation – you can be assured that your whole family will be sitting together on the flight.

8. Pre-book a day room at an airport hotel if you and your family have a long journey to or from the airport. This will give you a chance to unwind and prepare for the next leg of your trip.

9. If you’re flying early in the morning, book an overnight stay in an airport hotel the night before. You can relax, have a good dinner and start your holiday early. Stay overnight on your return journey if you’ll be arriving late at night to ensure you’re not tempted to drive when tired.

10. Book an airport lounge to escape the hectic terminal building. This is an oasis of calm for agitated families and anxious flyers, with complimentary drinks and snacks, TVs and flight information screens, toilets and showers (in selected airports).

11. Nervous flyers should eat a nutritious meal before flying to keep blood sugar high and reduce stress and tiredness. Avoid caffeine and alcohol which can add to the ‘jitters’ and feelings of loss of control. Other relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, listening to calming music or aromatherapy oils may help. Allowing plenty of time for your journey helps to lessen anxiety too.

12. Get most of your washing and packing done with a few days to spare. And write your baggage labels in advance!

13. Make sure your hand luggage is well-organised. Pack snacks, books and magazines; toys, iPods and games consoles; spare clothes for babies and children; wipes and tissues; secret treats and comforters for little ones; passports, tickets, driving licence, and all other necessary travel documents.

14. On the day of travel, check relevant travel updates and leave plenty of time for the journey.

15. Agree a meeting place in the airport if anyone gets lost.

Once you’ve followed this plan you can sit back, relax and wait for your holiday to begin.