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Archive for February, 2012

Visiting Valencia Before the End of the World in Dec 2012

February 17th, 2012 Comments off

One of the biggest things that you should look into is traveling, you don’t want to let the world pass you by, you want to spend the last year looking at it, traveling, and having fun! Make sure that you are on top of the travel choices and be sure that you are checking out what you are going to do so that your 2012 can be fun and exciting. Valencia is a destination that you should check out and an area that you should go to.

All About Valencia

Valencia is in Spain and is one of the most beautiful areas of the country. This is the third largest city that is in Spain and it has a population that is just shy of a million people. This is a place that has grown in the last few years and is a great area to check out; there is a ton of economic growth. This area has a ton of things to do and is heavy in the areas of entertainment, media, and fashion. It is also a huge port as it is located on the Mediterranean Sea. Valencia was founded as a Roman colony around 100 BC, definitely a place to check out and to have a great vacation at.

Heading to Valencia for Vacation

If you have decided that you are going to end 2012 with more than a bang, you need to head to Valencia. Make sure that you are checking out their rentals that they have, don’t stay in a hotel, stay in style! Remember, this is going to be your last trip and you want to get there before it is too late. Make sure that you are getting an apartment for the holiday that you are taking and really enjoy all of the time that you are going to be out and about. The holiday apartments are a great idea because they are going to be there just for you and they are more personalized for you and are a great choice to stay in.

Don’t let the world end in 2012 without taking that amazing vacation to a wonderful place. Make sure that you are getting the vacation planned that you need in Valencia so that you can end the world with a bang and have that amazing vacation that you want. Getting a holiday apartment will make it really easy for you to get what you need and to have that vacation and that location that really works well for you.

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Top Tips For Attending The Miami International Boat Show

February 17th, 2012 Comments off

Many people have thought about looking for and purchasing a boat of their own after seeing others out on the water having loads of fun on a hot summer day… Or maybe even a colder spring or fall day on the water fishing in some secluded cove, just enjoying the time. There are many different kinds of boats, some small, some large, some for sailing, and some for just driving fast! If you’ve ever thought of being out on the water, then you probably have a good idea of the type of boat you would be perfectly happy with and what you would like to do with it. Are you the adventuring type, and possibly want to do a circumnavigation of the world? Or maybe you just want to stay in the harbor driving or sailing along at a low speed? There are many uses and many choices available.

The best place to begin learning about all the different boats and vessels out there is a local boat show in your home town. They usually start convention center boat shows in the early part of the year, while there is still snow on the ground in a good part of the world… Usually January or February, or in Florida or other warmer states they may also take place in the late fall. A good boat show will usually last up to 5 days and you can find out a great deal about different brands and models and actually get to walk on board and inspect the boat in detail. Also, if you decide to purchase at the boat show, you will usually get a discount because the manufacturer does not want to tow the boat back to the plant because it would cost them more money. So instead, they try and reduce the price in order to sell it at the show. You’ll usually find the best boat prices available there, and take advantage of them if you can.

However, spend as much time as you need going to as many shows as possible to look at as many brands and models as they have before buying. Take your time. Probably the best boat show in the U.S. is the Miami International Boat Show which takes place around January or February of each year. It is really a big deal, and takes place in South Beach. Lately it has been at least a 5 location show, with a convention center stocked with smaller boats and models, and other associated companies that have a product targeted toward boaters. Another location has the much larger power boats which are located at a marina, and they can be upwards of 100 feet or more! A very popular venue is the Strictly Sail boats again located in a local marina. This is a big favorite due to all the marvelous lengths and beams of different monohulls and catamarans that you can tour, going from boat to boat. But be prepared to spend all day, and wear very comfortable shoes, as this is very time consuming. But at the end of the day you really feel like you’ve done something very useful and accumulated much knowledge for your boat choice.

You can literally get to the Miami International Boat Show when it opens on the first day and spend each and every day at different venues for the whole length of time the show runs and still probably not see everything available! The Strictly Sail show also has a great selection of free seminars for sailors concerning sailing in the Caribbean, going around the world, weather and what to do, electronic navigation, ship cooking, cleaning and keeping things shipshape on board, keeping pets aboard, best travel itineraries, and many, many other awesome subjects! In fact, you can spend all your time with these free seminars and lose out on your boat touring time, so make sure to budget your time wisely!

The Miami Boat Show will also usually have an in water power boat venue, where large and very large long range power monohulls and catamarans are showcased. Today they have expedition power catamarans that can travel around the world with their huge tanks of diesel, and can handle any type of weather condition. Prices do have a wide range from monohulls to catamarans, and from power to sail, so attending this boat show is really a requirement if you’re serious about doing the proper research. They are incredibly fun also, so don’t think of it as homework and drudgery. If you go into it with the right attitude, you will have a great time and really enjoy yourself! Just be sure to wear soft soled shoes and get yourself in shape before going, since it’s definitely a workout… Have fun!

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Top Tips to Keep Your Valuables Safe While You Travel

February 17th, 2012 Comments off

Travelling the world and enjoying holidays is a lot of fun. We tend to feel thrilled in the process of choosing the right destination, the preparations – shopping, packing, the journey by plane or car and finally, reaching our holiday resort. To be able to make the most of our holiday and enjoy our time abroad to the full, we need to bear in mind certain rules about our personal safety and safety of our valuables.

Losing our valuables whilst travelling can be a very unpleasant and stressful event, which can be avoided. First of all, if you do not need them, do not bring them with you. By valuables we mean expensive jewellery, watches, cameras, laptops, excessive amounts of cash, travel documents, traveler’s cheques etc. If you must bring them, then always take good care of them by packing them carefully in your hand luggage or somewhere where they can be constantly supervised. Do not leave your luggage unattended whilst at the airports, do not accept any offers to carry any items from third parties. And if you are travelling by car, always make sure the car is empty and the doors are locked before you leave it. When you reach your hotel, it is always a good idea to hire a safe either at the reception or pay for one in your room if it is not provided free of charge. When in your room, store your passport and your valuables in the safe. Try not to wear too much expensive jewellery when you are out and about. This way you would only become an obvious target for thieves. And it is also advisable not to bring your valuables to the beach. However, if you decide to bring your wallet with you, carry only a minimum amount of cash in it and do not leave it lying in the sand unsupervised. Do not fall for any scams and do not lend any money to anyone who approaches you or you do not know them. Do not trust third parties with your valuables either.

Photocopy your passport before you travel and bring the copy with you. It will make things a lot easier in case it gets lost and if you need to arrange for a new one. Always report any losses to the local authorities or the police and in a case of any emergency, don’t forget to carry the telephone number of the nearest British Embassy with you. Your insurance company will also be of assistance if you need it. However, if you want to report a loss or make a claim, always make sure you have taken all the reasonable steps to protect your valuables. Insurance companies are usually intolerant of any reckless attitude or unreasonable behaviour when it comes to compensating for your losses.

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Bali Travel Tips and Tricks For Tourists

February 17th, 2012 Comments off

Browse through any of the well known travel magazines and you’re sure to find Bali, Indonesia, listed among the top 10 travel destinations in the world.

With its exotic blend of ancient culture, majestic scenery, the world’s finest hotels and the warmth of the tropical oceans surrounding the island paradise, it’s hardly surprising.

Bali is located in the Indonesian archipelago only eight degrees south of the Equator. The island measures 90 kilometres (55 miles) from north to south and 140 kilometres (90 miles) from east to west, making it easy to go out for an excursion anywhere in Bali and return to your hotel by nightfall.

Towering volcanic peaks that rise mystically through the clouds, terraced rice paddies carved into the mountainous landscape, iridescent crater lakes, lush tropical rain forests and sandy white beaches lapped by warm ocean currents are only a few of the wonders that draw millions of visitors to this tiny island each year.

Bali Tricks for First Time Travellers

Let’s look at some valuable travel tips to help you experience the very best that Bali has to offer:

1. Bali’s tropical weather means that travel at any time of the year is suitable, however its best to check when the major Indonesian holiday periods and religious ceremonies occur to avoid the influx of domestic tourists.

2. Bali accommodation offers superb value, particularly if you are travelling on a budget. To ensure you get the best value for money, book ahead.

3. Getting around in Bali can be quite an experience, to say the least! Road rules are nonexistent and traffic can be downright dangerous. Don’t assume that traffic will stop for you at a pedestrian crossing if you are on foot. If you are driving, the best piece of advice is to paraphrase a famous saying, “When in Bali, drive like the Balinese.”

4. Many of the luxury Bali hotels and villas will organize a driver for you, or you may choose to hire a bicycle if you don’t have far to travel.

5. As a tourist, you are bound to be hassled by local drivers shouting “Transport?” wherever you go. If you wish to hire a local driver, make sure he is clear about where you want to go and arrange a fixed price before you get in the car. Drivers are keen to barter with you, so it is customary to bargain until you get a price you are comfortable with.

6. And while we’re on the subject of bartering, it’s perfectly acceptable to barter in the local markets and stalls, but don’t try it in the larger department stores – the sales assistant may be quite offended.

7. Hawkers will descend on you from the moment you step outside your hotel, particularly if you are located in one of the major tourist areas. Although it may seem rude to you, the best advice is to ignore them altogether. Don’t make eye contact or slow down to look at the merchandise they are selling unless you are interested in purchasing something, or being distracted for what may seem an eternity trying to get rid of them.

8. Beware of counterfeit goods unless that is what you’re looking for. Bali is well known for its knock-offs and you can buy anything from fake Rolex’s to fake Rayban’s at the local markets.

9. It’s likely you may be offered illicit drugs in the highly populated tourist spots. Ecstasy, pot, yabba (crystal meth) and shabu-shabu (methamphetamines) are the most popular drugs on offer in nightclubs and on the beaches, particularly in the Kuta area.

If you don’t want to become another high-profile drug case, simply ignore the offers.

10. Bali locals are among the most friendly and relaxed people you will find anywhere in the world, but that doesn’t mean you can drop your guard when it comes to scams and rip-offs.

Be wary of moneychangers who offer you amazingly good rates for exchanging foreign currency, touts who offer you the cheapest ride to your destination without confirming a fixed price and anyone who wants the money before handing over the goods.

11. And perhaps the best tip for new travelers to Bali is the one that is bound to be least successful — don’t look like a tourist!

This sage piece of advice is written almost tongue-in-cheek because the diminutive, friendly Balinese bear no resemblance whatsoever to their much larger framed Western neighbours. Not only that, our cultures are vastly different and so is our language. The most you could possibly hope for is to look like an ex-pat from your native country who has chosen to live an idyllic lifestyle on the island.

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