Travelling America . Plan your trip to USA .

                    America Remembers Veteran's Day at the USS Arizona Memorial


The USS Arizona Memorial is a national monument honoring those who served in the Pacific Theatre during and after the Japanese naval assault on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.
The memorial structure is built on and directly over the rusted remains of the sunken battleship USS Arizona. This is the final resting place of 1,177 Americans killed when a bomb penetrated the deck above the ship’s munitions magazine during the Japanese air attack on Battleship Row.
The loss of life on the Arizona represents more than half of all the Americans killed on December 7, 1941. It also represents the greatest number of casualties on any American warship in history.

Now a garden setting
If you have not been to the memorial lately, you will be much impressed with the park like setting at the Pearl Harbor Visitors Center.
While at the Center, be sure to see the 23-minute film and audio tour that brings that fateful morning at Pearl Harbor to life.

Well done
The exhibits at the Center are designed to pull visitors deftly into that specific moment in history, as they relive the politics and events leading up to the Japanese attack. The presentations are poignant – be prepared for a holistic experience you will not forget.

A solemn journey
When their background education is refreshed, visitors board a launch operated by the Navy that will ferry them across the harbor to the waiting memorial.

It is a short and quiet ride. After pulling alongside the monument, passengers disembark and walk up to the cenotaph resting on the Arizona.
At the far end of the memorial, look for the Wall of Honor with the names of those that gave their lives on the ill-fated Arizona. They are now resting beneath your feet.
Visitors speak in whispers, tears are visible, eyes are cast downward into the entombing water, and minds imagine the confusion and utter chaos of that December morning so long ago. It all seems surreal to the observers who now stand in the gentle Hawaiian breeze – safely atop the remains of the Arizona.

The ultimate sacrifice

One can only wonder what life might have held in store for the one-thousand plus soldiers and sailors below – if they had not been aboard the Arizona on that fateful day. Had they lived, what famous Americans might they have fathered for our generation, what greatness might they have achieved? America moved forward, one-thousand heroes remain at their post.

The tears of the Arizona

Seventy-one years later, oil still seeps from the sunken battleship. It randomly appears on the water’s surface – then like a spirit – it floats slowly away. Observers have named the oil manifestations “the tears of the Arizona.”

Be sure to visit the USS Arizona Memorial
Save a day during your vacation on Oahu and take your family to see the USS Arizona Memorial. For some, it is an awakening and first time realization about the many Americans that have sacrificed everything to keep our nation free.

The USS Missouri

The Arizona Memorial is now symbolically guarded by the ever-vigilant USS Missouri battleship. “Big Mo,” is permanently docked in Pearl – just up-harbor from the Arizona.

The Missouri fought in and survived WWII and her deck was the historic site of the official surrender of Japan in 1945. It seems fitting that a battleship that participated in ending the war in the Pacific, should rest near the dreadnought that was the earliest casualty of the conflict.

The great Missouri went on to fight in Korea, and Operation Desert Storm. She was decommissioned in 1992, and took up her post as silent sentinel for the Arizona in 1999.
The USS Missouri has the distinction of being the last active battleship in the world.

If you go
The USS Arizona Memorial is located in Pearl Harbor, which is two miles west of the Honolulu International Airport.

Look *here* for more information about the USS Arizona Memorial, and *here* for the USS Missouri Memorial.

Happy travels – Remember our troops, not only today, but always.

We were in Hawaii to do stories about several exceptional hotels when we decided to make a side trip to visit the USS Arizona Memorial. We are very glad we did.

The first hotel article will be about the iconic and historic Moana Surfrider on Waikiki. It will appear here soon.

© Travels with Wayne and Judy Bayliff




We flew to Hawaii on Hawaiian Airlines

SOURCE- http://wrytestuff.com/swa856750-America-Remembers-Veterans-Day-At-The-Uss-Arizona-Memorial.htm

As professional travel and lifestyle photojournalists the team of Wayne and Judy Bayliff explore the world of exceptional vacation getaways.

Their syndicated articles appear regularly on several of the travel media’s most popular websites including WryteStuff.

Their work also appears in newspapers, magazines, and on their travel blog the BestVacationsJournal.com.

Story topics include romantic destinations, unique resorts, best airlines and cruises, distinctive lodgings, and delicious eateries.

They feature attractions and places that travel readers will enjoy visiting - sometimes out of the ordinary - and always fun! 

Planning for India trip so you must know these important things .

                                         Tips to have a healthy trip to india



India is a wonderful hub of various religion, languages and culture. It is constructed with different set of people who varies from their attitude, color, language and culture. It is totally different from the western culture. These tips will be useful for the travelers who are going to visit India for the first time. Travelers will not have much communication problem as most of the Indian speaks English and few of them know other foreign languages as well. Here are the general tips to have a safe travel to India.

Visa is a mandatory document to enter into India. You may have advised by any travel agents who claim that the rules have changed and you do not require visa to travel to India. But they are wrong and may be fake travel planner who could try to snatch your money. VISA is required for your India trip.
Always prefer star hotels when you visit India. Do not go for any ordinary hotel considering the cheap for your stay as they can cheat you and grab your money.
Do not entertain beggars
It is always good to take travel insurance for theft, loss and medi claim. It is not only for India, It is applicable for all the places.
In India you may not find sign boards. Carry proper road maps of the places. You should be more careful, if you are traveling on your own. Do not get help from the taxi drivers, auto drivers or any people in the bus stand to find you a hotel. Get advice from the travel assistance. Preplan for your trip.
Try to avoid walking in deserted places especially in odd hours.
Get the encashment certificate while exchanging the money without fail.
Keep your cash divided in different pockets or bags. Do not keep huge amount with you. Keep how much ever you want to spend.
Always use licensed guides for your sightseeing
Do not entertain the habit of giving tips in the restaurants or in the hotel.
Student travelers have special offers in the hotels and various places. Hence, bring your identity card or proof to enjoy the discounts.
Do shopping at genuine shops and bargaining has become necessary in India.
If you want to offer any donation, you can get into the genuine trusts and trusted congregation. Do not believe on the road side poor stories and offer money as most of them are the fake and some cheaters will be enjoying your money.
If you are getting the ayurvedic medicine, get the proper license to take it to your home town as you are answerable to the custom department.
Bus and trains are the cheapest mode of transportation in India. You can prefer using these modes, if you have planned one month stay in India. But you have to reserve your seats by advance ticket booking in order to have a hassle free journey.
Wash your hands before or after eating something. Do not eat in the restaurant where there is no crowd. It implies that the food may not be nice or may not be fresh.
Always prefer to have vegetarian food while traveling as bad meat can make you sick. If you are craving to have meat food, then go for a better non veg restaurant.
Always drink bottled and sealed mineral water. Even Indians are becoming sick drinking the tap water.
For the first few days eat a lot of yoghurt (Curd) to let your system adapt for the local flora. It is the advice from the most of the travelers to avoid the food contamination.
Society and trends are completely different from the west. You can speak about politics publicly as they would avoid if you contradict but do not speak about the religion.
India is a peaceful and beautiful country. You can enjoy experiencing a different set of people who gives more important to their cultures and values. They are very much attached with each other and you can find people are being with their family. They stay as a family with their parents, brothers, sisters and children. It is the bond that tie them unity. Consider the above tips and enjoy your trip in India.



Source - http://e-articles.info/e/a/title/Tips-to-have-a-healthy-trip-to-India/

Planning to travel Islamabad for vacations ?

                       Start off a Journey to Islamabad for a Surprising Holiday Experience


We are certainly aware of the fact that you are not one of those who like to sit at home and kill time. Though there are many who are against what's stated above. They just do not want to step outside their houses and take up a journey abroad. There can be reasons for the same. Either they are lethargic enough to get up on their feet and get going to a soothing location or they are bounded by certain restrictions that don't allow them to move out. These reasons would surely give goosebumps to those who are into extensive travelling and nothing can hold them back when it comes to pondering about their chosen destination. They really detest being intervened by those who don't favour the act of locomotion or those who compel them to survive within a certain precinct. That's said and done!
Being a zealous traveller, you sure would have figured out by now where you are heading to. Wait a minute! Is it Islamabad? Please accept our gratitude that we would like to express on having chosen such a wonderful destination that is filled with so much to do and see. The fact can be truly comprehended that numerous travellers perhaps don't prefer catching hold of a stopover in the city, which is recognized as the capital of Pakistan due to a number of reasons. The prime reason is Islamabad is adversely affected by the terrorist activities held by anti-social elements or those misguided by rebels who believe in creating atrocities in the country.

But all these unwanted activities have not thwarted the travelling plans of the passionate rovers and left them in hysteria. So, pack your bags and take flights to Islamabad.
Islamabad - The city reflects a magical touch when it is explored by those who proudly are known as "globetrotters." It in fact is known to have swept many off their feet with its mysticism. It does have the natural beauty and soothing atmosphere for good reasons and proves to be worthwhile for both the local and foreign travellers.

Below mentioned attractions can't afford to be missed and persuade many to book Manchester to Islamabad flights.

    √    Khanpur Dam Lake

    √    Chattar Bagh

    √    Rose and Jasmine Garden

    √    Lotus Lake

    √    Faisal Mosque

You can get in touch with a reliable travel agency for some of the most unrivalled deals on cheap Islamabad flights for a journey that would be engraved in your mind for good. You can also go for sailing and water-skiing in the Simply Lake that will provide you a pleasing holiday experience.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

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Robert Connor

Robert Connor is an expert in the tourism industry and has extensive knowledge about cheap flights tickets and Islamabad flights. You can contact him at +44 (0) 208 385 6850.

Source :- http://www.articlesbase.com/flights-articles/start-off-a-journey-to-islamabad-for-a-surprising-holiday-experience-6315703.html

Tourism Australia

                           Cool Heads Must Prevail - Public Transport and Tourism in Melbourne



As Melburnians, we are often surprised by visitors who confess their affection for our public transport system. Many of our international guests come from countries where roads rule the roost and trams are only seen in black and white photographs. It may leave some open mouthed, but our public transport system gives us a significant competitive advantage as a global destination.

The relationship between tourism and public transport is symbiotic. A clean, safe, affordable and efficient system means that visitors travel further and get to experience more of our beautiful State. In return visitors provide a strong source of custom for public transport during off peak times when their rolling stock would be near empty.

When the system does not run well, we all suffer. The visitor industry has been steadily building the partnership with Melbourne's public transport providers and the industry over the last five years. Successful partnerships are built on mutual understanding, recognition that both parties have to keep learning from each other and a commitment to giving strength to each other's arm despite adversity. Without faith partnerships fail.

Industry leaders supported the introduction of the myki Visitor Pass and have actively advocated for the establishment of a visitor information centre at Southern Cross when others were happy to walk away.

We are resolute. Visitors must feel welcome when they come to Melbourne. It is going to take the combined efforts of the visitor industry and Public Transport Victoria (PTV) if we are going to successfully deliver these critical pieces of visitor infrastructure.

Myki will be fully operational on December 29, 2012. No Metcard and no single use ticket. As an industry we supported the government's decision to run with a single ticket system. We need to get behind PTV and start promoting the value that underpins the myki Visitor Pass.

Cool heads must prevail and the quality of the visitor experience must come first. Public Transport Victoria and Skybus must come up with a solution for myki that does not leave travellers lost for words at Melbourne Airport and Southern Cross another day longer.

We also need to kick on with the establishment of a first-rate visitor information centre at Southern Cross supported by Public Transport Victoria, the City of Melbourne and the visitor industry.

What are we waiting for?

Visitors to Melbourne we welcome your thoughts. How can we improve the quality of the visitor experience?

http://www.destinationmelbourne.com.au
www.ptv.vic.gov.au

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Christopher_Buckingham

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7381343

Best places to visit in dubai when you are travelling

                                  View Dubai by Night with a Cruise in Dubai

Dubai, more recently has been viewed as an upcoming tourist destination. It offers world class facilities in all spheres of tourist activities. Adventure sports have also become a big thing here. Among the activities on offer jet skiing, sand skiing, desert safaris etc are very popular. The 49 miles of natural coastline that Dubai has also offers many attractions. First there are pristine beaches with very clear waters. You can Jet Ski or for a more laid back option cruise in Dubai on the open waters of the Persian Gulf. The waters surrounding Dubai are known for being calm & sailing on this is a pleasure. No spilling drinks & motion sickness to spoil the occasion. 

For those not on a budget you can cruise in Dubai on a yacht. There are yachts of all sizes available for a cruise in the waters around Dubai. These can be hired for a day or for a short duration, hire one for a cruise in Dubai for a group or just a romantic getaway. Cruises from Dubai have made their mark in the tourist circles. There is a lot of information on various sites on the internet with detailed information on the various options available. Tour companies, companies hiring out yachts & cruise companies have websites which give details on their offers. 

The local fishing boats called Dhows are a unique way to take a cruise. These are handmade local boats that can take you across the Dire Creek that cuts threw Dubai. There are tour options of cruising in Dubai with a yacht or a dhow or any other vessel to view Dubai by day or by Night. The towering buildings in Dubai are magical at night when viewed from a vessel sailing past slowly. 

Cruises from Dubai give you a feeling of luxury where time stands still when you are on the open waters. Dubai has almost 900 miles of coastline which includes the area around their man made islands placed in the shape of a Palm tree. These man made islands are also accessible with these cruises & are a definite must do.

About The Author

Steve Jobs is a professional writer who loves cruises. He has more than 7 years of experience of writing reviews about Cruises from Dubai and Cruise in Dubai.

http://www.xclusivecruise.com

Best places to visit in kerala

                                           Enjoy the Essence of Kerala


Kerala has such delights that you would never want to leave the place. It is generally the backwaters of Kerala that attract the tourists. With their neat rental boat houses on which you can even spend the night gazing at the stars, the backwater are undoubtedly on of the chief attractions on a Kerala tour. But you would be much mistaken if you thought that that is the only thing that can hold your attention. Kerala has gems like Munnar, where you can lose yourself in nature. A Munnar tour generally includes a visit to Mattupetti Dam. At the base end of this dam, you can have a lovely picnic with your family. And on the other side, you can even hire boats for a boat ride. You should also visit the Top Station, which lies about 2000 meters above sea level. The view from here is breath-taking. It isn’t a wonder, really, that Munnar is almost always part of Kerala holidays.

                                                 

But if Munnar has its beauties, Wayanad is certainly no slouch when it comes to natural beauties either. One of the most popular attractions during a Wayanad tour is a visit to Edakkal Caves. Neolithic paintings present here are relics that present the possibility of a Stone Age civilization in the area. There is also the local legend of a spirit that haunts the areas around the Chain Tree on the Thamarassery Ghat, causing accidents to travellers along the route. Apparently, a tribal who helped a British engineer was killed and buried under a tree, so that the engineer could reap the rewards of finding the route to Mysore. The tree which has chained wrapped around its trunk is said to chain the tribal man’s soul from causing mischief along the route. This is an example of the charming mythological beliefs of the local people.

If a Kerala honeymoon is what you want, then there are quite a few tour operators in Kerala who could help you out. Both Munnar and Wayanad provide perfect locations for honeymooning couples to relax and enjoy. The Meenmutty falls in Wayanad, are particularly beautiful sight which you can enjoy as a couple. Or perhaps a romantic boat trip on the Banasura Dam or the Mattupetty Dam in Munnar is what you seek. You could ask your tour operator about Kerala honeymoon packages, and pick the one that best suits your needs. Whatever it is that you’re looking for, Kerala tourism can surely provide!

About the Author

A tour and event organizer. Special locations South India which includes Karnataka Tourism, Kerala Tourism & Tamil Nadu Tourism.

Article Directory Source: http://www.articlerich.com/profile/peter-jason/192052

Best holiday destinations in india

                          Bangalore, Jaipur and Gurgaon: 3 Remarkable Holiday Destinations


Bangalore, the garden city, is not just a place which has a wealth of greenery and vast open acres of trees & flowers. It is much more than that. Bangalore is being counted as one of the most modern cities of the world. It houses some of the biggest malls in the country and is also superior in industrial development than most of its other metropolitan cousins. After stepping out of your flights from Delhi to Bangalore, you will simply be bowled over by the elegance and grace with which this city moves.

                             

It is the hub of IT sector and boasts of the best infrastructural facility in the country. Hence, it had every right to become flashy and arrogant. However, in contrast, it chose to revel in its gardens & parks and in its natural exuberance rather than taking pride in those flashy markets. Cubbon Park and Lal Bagh will be your doorway to a green paradise! The city also makes heads turn with its historical treasures in the form of Tipu Sultan Palace and some other museums. The culture, the food and the jolly people will definitely bring a smile to your grumpy face the moment your flights from Delhi to Bangalore make its landing.

Jaipur trip: Jaipur, draped in its pink buildings and pinkish skyline, is another fascinating city which will be a dream-walk for you as you fly into its arms. Rajasthan's capital city is modernized with its regal Jaipur hotels but can still give you a peep into the old India with its scanty desert-lands, rich Marwari culture and oodles of monkeys.

The entire city seems to have been bluntly copied from some previous eras. As you find yourself rambling amidst Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), the City Palace, Nahargarh Fort, Jaigarh Fort, Jantar Mantar and Amber Fort, you will feel that you have left the 21st century world behind to step into the eras of 15th and 16th centuries.

Yet, once you get back to your classy Jaipur hotels, reality will hit you hard with all its sophisticated sofas, cozy beds, velvety curtains and multi-cuisine food. Yes, Jaipur can have that effect on the mind!

Gurgaon holiday: Gurgaon is another place where you won't mind spending a short holiday. It may not be the most sought-after holiday destinations in the country but gives you a much more realistic picture of modern India with its mixture of temples, parks, lakes and Gurgaon hotels. Places like the Sultanpur National Park and Leisure Valley Park will be a welcome relief from the pollution & population of metro cities; the Damdama Lake is another serener getaway; and the pious Sheetla Mata Mandir can be uplifting to the heart & the soul. The Gurgaon hotels & restaurants are also quite satisfying and help you enjoy a delicious holiday!

How to save your money for booking hotels when you are travelling .

       How To Find Out The Best Hotels And Make The Hotel Booking In India With Heavy Discounts


India is a land of wonders and there is no doubt million of people visit India throughout the year to enjoy the Indian hospitality and to enjoy the Indian attractions in the way they want. If you want to enjoy India with a shoe string budget, then you have to come to a website like tripmegamart.com to find the best deals in all aspects of travel. This newly introduced web services platform offering the best of the travel industry helps you in many ways right from finding the attractions that you have to see, plan your travel, book your tickets, find and book your hotels and have a very nice holidays all at the best rates possible in the Industry. They help you find the cheap hotel in India for your comfortable accommodation for your family during your vacation.

This is the best place for your hotel booking and with their unique value added service they are able to help not only to find the best cheap hotel online they also let you engage in conversation and negotiation before booking hotel. This is made possible by their unique search, compare, negotiate, and book facility. This type of service is not available anywhere else and when you have decided to make use of this service you can complete your hotel booking in India in an easy and effective way and the best part of the deal is that you will be able to get your hotel stay at the best possible rate in the town or city of your choice. This intelligently designed way of hotel booking through bidding is sure to help you find the best rates for your stay.

The tripmemgamart.com is a customer oriented website that has designed and implemented various unique travel related services in to being the best of the travel industry to your pockets. The bid and get cheap hotels in India is the right way of getting the best hotels at their cheaper rates, and when you want to go for online hotel booking you can get the list of not only expensive hotels but also the budget and cheap hotels in the place you want to visit. Once this is available to you the website offers you the facility to engage in negotiation with the hotels directly by allowing posting your requirements to them.

The responses received from different hotels can be seen by you onsite and this represents the best of the bids by the hotels and by seeing their quotes for the requirements posted by you, it will be easy for you to go for the hotel booking by seeing the rates offered by different hotels in your destination city. Thus when you go with the travelmegamart.com you are sure to get the best of the hotel rates directly from them and you can be sure of saving a lot of money on this expensive item of your travel.

Apart from Online hotel booking services you also get other types of services that will make your travel completely hassle free and this means a lot of comfort and less of worries to you when you are planning your travel in India. Irrespective of the fact whether you are an international visitor or one from within the country you can make use of the traipmegamart.com flight reservation services and you can get the best deals on all your air tickets. Apart from this they are also offering cheap car on rent in India, through which the cabs can be hired at very reasonable rates throughout the country.

Article Source: http://www.eArticlesOnline.com

About the Author:
TripMegaMart Website for all of your needs related to tours and travels. Get attractive Holiday packages in India and discounts on Hotel booking, flight booking and car booking over 150 cities in India. Get various offers on hotel booking by bidding. Search, compare and negotiate on various deals.

Best places to visit in america .

                                             Three American Holiday Hotspots



America has always been a popular holiday destination, whether it's the bright light of Las Vegas, the chance to hang out with the rich and famous in Los Angeles or even discover the iconic landmarks in New York City. These are just some of the finest areas to experience the land of the free at its finest, but here are some other hotspots that promise unforgettable holidays to America.

Set in the heart of Osceola County, Florida, Kissimmee is a charming city just waiting to be explored. It proves a popular draw for tourists, particularly during the summer months, partly because of its fantastic location, less than an hour's drive from the likes of Disney World, Universal Studios and Discovery Cove. It means that tourists can still experience the magic of the Orlando parks while escaping the hustle and bustle of the world famous region.

Boston stands as one of the most popular yet oldest cities in the US, being founded by Puritan colonists back in 1630. It is the largest city in New England, and with the Greater Boston region currently the home for over 7.6 million, it is also in the top ten largest cities in the country. With events such as the Battle of Bunker Hill, Siege of Boston and of course the Boston Tea Party, it presents an incredible historical city to explore for over 20 million tourists a year, and its sporting clubs have helped put Boston firmly on the map. The best known of all is undoubtedly the Boston Red Sox, a founding member of the American League and Major League of Boston in 1901. Their stadium, Fenway Park, is the oldest active sports arena or stadium in the USA, their home since 1912. The resident American Football team aren't too shabby either, with the New England Patriots lifting the coveted Superbowl trophy three times.

Finally, we move onto Houston, the largest city in the state of Texas and the fourth largest in the US. The city has a flourishing relationship with the visual arts, with its famed theatre district offering a year-round residence for a variety of major dance and drama groups. It is also admired for its museum district, one which welcomes over 7 million visitors a year to peruse through works from some of the finest artists in the world. Finally, it is regarded as a city pioneering in space exploration, being home to the Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center which is NASA's headquarters for spaceflight training, research and flight control.

This article was written by Thom Sanders on behalf of Vacations to America. They offer fantastic Kissimmee villas, as well as other great Philadelphia hotels.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Thom_Sanders

planning to travel to india enjoy vacation in goa .

   Goa Tour Packages- a Great Way to Enjoy Vacations

Planning for a vacation this year? Indulge in the perfect extravagance of Goa, the influential part of India's most happening city cocktailed with the blend of stunning Mother Nature to it. Book one of the finest Goa packages online and relish the best ever vacations in India this year. So whether you are looking for a quite time by yourself or desire to be a part of the happening life of the place, ensure you decide on everything in advance. Goa is blessed with the stunning views of natural beauty preserved under the cultural and historic heritage of its people.

Experience the picturesque state of India recognized for it's over stretched beaches, crystal clear water, flourishing green mountain ranges and peaceful lifestyle of its people. Read on to find few other attractions of the place. 

Magnificent Beaches

Beauty of Goa beaches is certainly the primary source of attraction for tourists worldwide. One can experience the tranquillity and cleanliness of the place and can cherish magnificent sun soaking activities on beach chairs or golden sand. Few beaches are Agonda beach, Colva Beach, Dona beach, Palolem beach, Chapora beach and Calangute beach. Enjoy your holidays with bear parties, loud music and various Goan delicacies.

Resorts and Hotels

One can take the pleasure of booking the best hotels in Goa, which possess excellent accommodation facilities. Look for various luxury hotels, resorts and private suites, which are magnificently famous for their architectural beauty and perfect hospitality. The Goa accommodations are tastefully located near the beaches, which behold the beauty of sea. Few famous hotels are Park Hyatt hotel, the Leela, holiday Inn, Goa Marriot hotel and the O Hotel resort. 

Water Sport Adventure Activities

Goa is certainly world famous for all its fun filled water and adventure activities. Look for a reliable tour travel company which offers variety of activities for tourists including water skiing, scuba diving, parasailing, Jet skiing, Wake boarding, wind surfing and Ringo Rides to name some few. Keep in mind that water activities are valid in summers and are prohibited in rainy season.

Events and Various Festivals 

Goa is the combination of Indo- European culture with variety of festivals and events celebrated on large scale. Carnivals are the most happening part of Goan delights as the music, local food and festivals amalgamate with your visit during events. 

Rock your world with perfect feasts of Goan delights and immense pleasure of all its attractions with Goa tour holidays this year.

Best places to visit in india .

          Different Things to Do on Your Trip to India



So you have planned a trip to India and are all set to embark on your journey. If you have read/ heard about travel in India you will know that the opportunities to spend time are virtually limitless and there is no end to the various things to do, experiences to undertake and sights and sounds to marvel at. It can be quite challenging for a traveler to make the most of traveling in India since the country is so vast and there is just so much to do. In this article, we have shortlisted the best ways to spend time during a vacation in India. 

1. Go Shopping for Unique Goods: This is a favorite pastime of all tourists in India. The handicrafts industry in the country produces just about every imaginable good, from textiles and garments to jewelry and footwear, from paintings and sculptures to household utility items and home furnishings. Instead of purchasing the usual mementoes, spend time in the bazaars and ‘haats’ of India to buy the “real India goods and wares” and take back a small piece of your trip to India with you. Delhi Haat in the capital city of Delhi, Lal Chowk in Kashmir and Meena Bazaars across various states in the country are all great examples of shopping opportunities. 

2. Spend Time Trying Out the Food: Food is one of the biggest attractions of visiting India. From the spicy hot foods of Rajasthan to the localized Chinese cuisine all over the country, from the sambhar-vada of South India to the extravagant meat dishes of Kashmir, the cuisines and variety of food in India are limitless. For true Mughal cooking visit Old Delhi and Chandini Chowk in Delhi while you can try all kinds of state cuisines at Pragati Maidan and Delhi Haat. 

3. Storytelling styles and puppetry are an integral part of the culture of India. No trip to India is complete without attending some shows. The India Habitat Centre in Delhi is often a venue for various street plays, concerts and small performances. Delhi Haatal ways has ongoing thematic festivals, usually with focus on specific states at a time, and one can not only buy goods and try out cuisines of the state but also attend theatre, dances and music performances of the state. These events are lively and vibrant and are a great effort on the patrons’ part to keep the ancient traditions and culture of the country alive. You can watch these age-old arts come to life, meet the performers, hear about the history of these performing arts and take beautiful pictures and videos that you will cherish for life. 

Now that you have a list of the three best ways to spend time on a trip to India, make sure you follow this advice and do these things. Apart from visiting the monuments and tourist attractions and spending time at all the famous places it is also essential to explore the culture, cuisine and spirit of the country on any travel plan. 

In order to get more details on shopping, dining and cultural opportunities of India do some research on the Internet. This way you will have an extensive list of places to go to, different schedules and price lists to rely on during your travel.

About The Author

Aalia Khan has deep interest in writing informative articles on Travel and tourism India. Also given her words to a portal for India Tours where one can find info on India trip and get the best packages for vacation in India. Explore: -http://www.indiatouritinerary.com

The author invites you to visit: http://www.indiatouritinerary.com

Planning your paris trip for travelling ?

Combine your Disneyland Paris trip with other family                    attractions



Theme parks are a mainstay of the family holiday options, especially in the summer. Something about amusement parks makes kids believe they are characters in their own favourite cartoons or on the set of their adventures movies exercising their right to one thrilling experience after the other. 

Adults, we all know, are not much different. While we’re happy to claim to be at these hubs of boundless enjoyment purely for the sake of the kids, we secretly (and sometimes not so secretly) enjoy the experience. If you have already visited a theme park with children you may have already experienced the transformation from strict and orderly parent to 21st century Peter Pan for a few weeks in these modern day Neverlands. 

There are many theme parks to choose from in the UK (such as Thorpe Park, Alton Towers, Legoland and Chessington World Adventures). Europe offers many more options, from the oldest theme park in Europe at the Tivoli Gardens (Copenhagen, Denmark) to the home of the biggest rollercoaster at Europa-Park (Rust, Germany). However, no theme park evokes as much excitement in children, or entices as many visits, as Disneyland in Paris, France. Over 12 million people visit the park annually, dwarfing second place Europa-Park’s 4 million annual visitors. 

Opened in 1992 in Marne-la-Vallee in the eastern suburbs of Paris, France, Disneyland Paris is one of France’s and Europe’s most visited tourist attractions. Its unique appeal to families stems from the longevity of the brand and its characters. It is one of very few childhood crazes that can be said to be shared by the children of today, their parents and grandparents. Perhaps only sports share this privileged status. 

With a combination of theme parks (Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park), retail, dining, entertainment hubs, golf courses and seven hotels there is lots for every member of the family to enjoy, both on their own and together as a family. Impressive, but you would not expect anything less from an attraction that is one fifth the size of Paris. 

The icing on the cake is that Paris - a cultural centre and one of Europe’s top tourist destinations – is only a few minutes away and can easily be added into the mix of your holiday plans. While the city may suit parents more than children, the whole family can enjoy the fruits of cooking classes that are becoming increasingly popular weekend holiday excuses in themselves. The Pompidou centre also offers a variety of weird and wonderful exhibitions, and several installations aimed directly at children and young adults. 

Close by, outside of Paris, the Parc Des Felins in Lumigny-Nesles-Ormeaux is a theme park with more genuine animal entertainment than Mickey & Minnie Mouse. This park is home to 25 species of cats, plus Lemurs and Farm Animals. The cats are afforded a lot of space and the many tame and non-dangerous species are allowed to walk freely so you can observe them in their natural behaviour. 

There are many Chateaux to enjoy, and the open spaces and beautiful gardens are well suited to kids with a lot of energy or walks with very young children pushchairs. The Chateau de Vaux-le-Vicomte in Maincy is perhaps the most beautiful of all, and every summer Saturday sees the exterior lit by 2,000 candles, while every 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month features a firework display.

About The Author

Samuel is an independent travel writer.

The author invites you to visit: http://www.budget.co.uk

Best places to visit in india . Your travel guide through world

         Attractive packages offered by Indian tourism



Honeymoon places in India 

India is a terrain that conjures images that stretch beyond the realms of fantasy. It is a enormous canvas in vivid and myriad of passionate hues. In fact India is a living museum waiting to be explored, felt and cherished. So if you are newly wedded couple than explore the magic of this great land with honeymoon places in India after all a perfect couple deserves the picture perfect places for golden days of their life. Be it the romantic royal retreat in Rajasthan or combination of sun, sand and sea on the beaches of Goa or probably the back waters of God’s own country the beauty of your beloved will add to the happiness of your honeymoon at the destination of your choice. With honeymoon places in India the idea of taking a stroll along sun kissed beaches or snuggling in front of fireplace something that lives through ages. So if you are a newly wedded couple then just decide your destination from honeymoon places in India as there are many tour operators who can make arrangements required to make it an unforgettable experience of your life time.

Goa tour package 

Are you looking for a beach holiday destination for you and your loved ones? Goa tour package offers you to relax on the never ending sandy beaches, explore the churches and colonial buildings of the place. One can also indulge into fun filled activities, carnival, water sports, enjoy the local cuisine and feel refreshed by pleasant climate. The best part of Goa tour package is that it offers you ultimate sun, sand and sea experience of your lifetime. The package takes you along the most wonderful sights of Goa like Anjuna beach, fort Aguada, Agonda, Dona paula and Calangute beaches. Goa tour package also helps you combine your package with India’s west coast and travel down to south India with the economical packages offered by us. So plan your holidays to Goa and involve yourself in refreshing water sports activities along the serene beautiful beaches of Goa. It also helps you to customize your package as per your wishes and desires. So get ready to explore this land of Portuguese remains and be a part of this incredible land and create ever lasting memories that you can cherish throughout your lifetime with your family and loved ones. So go ahead and grab it!!!

About The Author

Author is an associate editor for honeymoon places in india. Get all possible information about goa tour package and goa holidays. We also provide information about online hotel reservation, Flights Booking and Holiday Packages in India.

The author invites you to visit: http://www.makemytrip.com

Free travel tips follow these tips and enjoy your travelling .

40 best travel tips

Ever like you had a hotline to best hoteliers, airline distributors and also regular flyers to receive that challenging upgrade or have a table in the most reliable bistro in village at short note? Michelle Rowe canvassed regular leaflets for their best-ever tour tips. We assure they'll make you a better visitor. Bon voyage. 

1 To have the most comfy economic climate seat accessible on any given direction, I consistently examine seatguru.com just before reserving. 

2 When I'm traveling I remain in serviced flats instead of hotel and resorts. That way you can truly acquire to know a city or area by its markets and food society. A serviced apartment offers you the possibility to prepare as well as take joy in the regional fruit and vegetables and also society. 

Justin North, owner-chef, BÃÂ(c)casse 

3 If you're traveling for company within the Asia Pacific region, a must-have is an APEC Business Trip Card. This card enables entry to most countries using the prudent stations or unique APEC-marked lanes as well as entitles owners to 'fast-track' immigration. Over the years this has conserved lots of hours of delay. Have a look at immi. gov. au/skilled/business / apec. 

Mark Greedy, location vice-president, Asia Pacific, The Leading Hotels of the Globe 

4 Making use of a well-optimised online hotel site is your ideal wager to make certain upgrades as the majority of will definitely have strong relationships with general supervisors and sales directors. Usage Alexa to see just how preferred the site is prior to using it. The lesser the positioning, the even more traffic the website gets (like a golf account), and therefore the even more exposure and company the site delivers to their featured properties-- hence giving them more weight and ability to update you. For instance, every booking request or online reservation made through kiwicollection.com goes directly to the hotel with a note to offer a VIP upgrade (based on accessibility, of class) and extra amenities. Additionally, do not feel afraid to take up the phone as well as contact the land directly after you've done your online analysis for your resort. Your greatest bet is to speak with the sales and also advertising director as well as discuss precisely how unique your vacation to their land may be-- occasionally they can bust the guidelines to ensure you are privy to extra-special treatment.

Bradley Cocks, vice-president Asia Pacific, Kiwi Assortment 

5 My mom when informed me that if you roll (not fold) your jeans and also trousers when packaging, they crease reduced-- as well as it seems to be to perform. 

Cramer Ball, regional basic manager Asia Pacific South as well as Australasia, Etihad Airways 

6 In Paris, if you decide to splash out on a dinner at a two - or three-star restaurant, do therefore at midday. Many of the famous establishments have a prix fixe luncheon menu that is taken from the à la carte one and also is a portion of the fee. Le Grand VÃÂ(c)four, for instance, has a lunchtime food selection for $ 170, while its à la carte lunch fees begin at $ 390. 

Leo Schofield, GT editor-at-large 

7 Always make use of the services of luxury hotels. An experienced porter is indispensable as well as could actually make a stay momentous by setting up dining experiences at the most recent bistros or leisure tasks you might not have assumed were readily available. In the same manner, housekeeping departments at luxurious hotels usually have actually qualified seamstresses on staff, which means any sort of alterations of brand-new acquisitions could be done in the comfort of your room without needing to identify a suit maker or needing to do this on your return to Australia. 

Peter Hession, local sales business manager Australia New Zealand, Mandarin Oriental Resort Team 

8 If you intend to pay for an upgrade from your ticketed course, it's generally much more affordable to purchase the upgrade at the airport, although you do function the risk that the flight is total. Still, it's a chance worth taking to save the major dollars. 

Nick Larkworthy, PR as well as marketing executive, Virgin Atlantic 

9 When traveling with your significant other or companion, split the items of each travel suitcase so that you have a few of their products and they have several of yours. And then, if one of your travel suitcases goes failing to see, you may have enough clothing to obtain by. 

Lorraine Sharp, managing director, Awareness Vacations Australia 

10 To access email when traveling, I often make use of a Vodaphone USB modem that is built into the side of my notebook. I at that point buy a data card in Europe to make use of in this gadget, which permits me to make use of the net via the mobile line, wherever there is mobile utilization-- in resorts, at airports, in the Italian place of work-- and also I have no desire for additional devices or cable televisions. The information card can be credited as quickly as the funds run reasonable, just as with a mobile. 

Mary Chiew, managing director, Giorgio Armani Australia 

11 You'll have a lot more chance of obtaining into a dining establishment you usually need to make a reservation for well in advance for if you call at 6 or 7 on the night time you desire to go. Numerous dining establishments keep a few tables for celebs, for indulging valued hotel attendants and for dedications they make to platinum-card shows, and these tables aren't used every night time. Try a little something along the lines of: "I know you have to reserve well in advancement, but I'm in city XYZ at brief note and also I have actually often desired to try your dining establishment, so I've simply buzzed currently in circumstances you've had an extremely last-minute cancellation." This will not help the American bistros that have special booking varieties that just run throughout the day, yet it is able to be pretty a successful ploy in Australia and also Europe where a phone telephone call typically goes directly to the restaurant. 

Roger McShane, GT Tasmania correspondent 

12 I strive to make use of visitor's cheques or money (attracted little volumes from an ATM) when I journey, instead of a platinum card. It makes me reduced apprehensive concerning whether I will get house to identify I neglected to spot an added zero in the quantity of yen or dong on my statement. 

Sujata Raman, taking care of director, Australia New Zealand, Abercrombie and Kent 

13 Daytime flights are vital on long-haul fields, specifically west-bound. 

Mandy Lovell, place of work business manager Australia New Zealand, The Leading Hotels of the Globe 

14 When ordering planes tickets online, often check out the expressions as well as disorders of the price completely, nevertheless tiring that might seem at the time. Many airlines currently impose significant penalties for any ticketing changes-- specifically on economical prices-- so it pays to know what the costs may be if you have to transform your flight day or place, for whatever explanation. If there is any sort of opportunity your tour plans might alter, take into account paying a little added for a more pliable price. It could well conserve you money in the lasting. 

Kendall Hill, travel author 

15 I take a trip remarkably light-- also for a three-week trip in Europe, I take simply one piece of hand baggage. Yet I always hold an extra fold-up travel pouch for additional buys. On the tour home, I check-in the spare sack with my clothes and hold the products I richness onboard the airplane with me. I have been a victim of lost luggage too much times. 

Glenyce Johnson, CEO, Peregrine Adventures 

16 When leaving hotels for the day in non-English-speaking nations, consult with the concierge to provide you a card with directions back to the hotel in the nearby foreign language. 

Brett Spackman, Qantas log cabin staff client service manager 

17 Public email solutions with big storage capacities, such as Gmail, are an invaluable resource. Mail yourself photocopies of all your travel documents and also strategies-- that way you could access them from anywhere in the world from any sort of internet-linked computer. 

Pat Nourse, GT features newspaperwoman 

18 Meals is truly very important to me. No issue where I go, I always organize at the very least half my dining establishments before leaving. I ask everyone I understand for pointers and also I study online (reviews, blog sites as well as restaurant internet sites). I and then prioritise and refine my listing, email the assistant where we are remaining as well as have them make the reservations prior to we get there. That stated, 2 of my cherished spots, La Merenda (in Nice) and L'Atelier de JoÃ"l Robuchon (in Paris), don't take schedulings. 

Barry McDonald, co-owner, Fratelli Fresh Waterloo and also Potts Point 

19 I never ever leave residence without my battery-operated mobile battery charger for those times when your battery operates out and you just can't access a powerpoint for a routine battery charger. You may buy them at many airport terminals now. 

Jeannie Foster, overall business manager Australia, Air Canada 

20 Never ever publication a church aisle seat in the initial row in business or economic climate class. You will definitely be interrupted repeatedly by the swishing of the class-dividing drapes as the personnel move back and forth throughout the flight and also your rest. 

Virginia Haddon, basic manager, Ink Promotion 

21 When traveling to New York or LA, or any type of hectic major area for that issue, always arrange a limousine assortment, particularly throughout the peak website traffic times of day as well as particularly in the course of sun. The last point you prefer is to be shoe-horned into the back of a less-than-immaculate cab, embeded gridlock traffic as well as without airconditioning. It's well worth the added expense. You can go shopping online for the ideal offer. Attempt limores.net. 

Craig Markham, marketing as well as PR director, Firmdale Hotels 

22 Years ago, an elegant stylist who had actually lived the high life in countless nations advised me never ever to take a trip anywhere without something truly dressy for evening-- you never realize what you might just be invited to at brief notification. As well as it has actually proved extremely a good idea help. I have actually been inquired to balls at a hr's note and also I could possibly constantly create something good. 

Lee Tulloch, writer 

23 Don't bother renting an automobile to see the French Riviera. There are effortless bus or train links between all the main villages, and also the bus price is a good deal at one euro. 

Rosa Jackson, GT Paris correspondent 

24 Cabin air is remarkably dry, in some cases getting to 5 for every penny humidity as an alternative of the maximum pleasure level of 50 per penny. To stay clear of dehydration as well as health problem, start prepping just before you fly. Utilization a demanding moistening face cream on the day of departure, and moisturise your body thoroughly. Women should stay clear of make-up and also guys must minimize shaving, both of which dry the skin. Throughout the flight, consume tons of water, stay clear of alcoholic beverages, as well as use a face-moisturising splash. Post-flight, take a longer shower than typical or, essentially, a lengthy bath with bath oils and, if possible, use a face-hydrating screen. Spoiling yourself with an aromatherapy oil massage may likewise aid minimize the jet lag. 

Djaafar El Ghazi, Lufthansa vacation cabin staff 

25 Hong Kong is one of the finest spots to buy top quality pearls. And it's a lot less expensive than Tahiti for black pearls. Though not quite as economical as the pearl markets in Beijing, the Hong Kong ones are much more desirable top quality. 

Sue Marsh, managing director, Ink Publicity 

26 Carry a portable shortwave radio, especially when in out-of-the-way or volatile locations. Web is able to still be cut-off or not available, however radio is practically often offered, still the most reliable resource of fast headlines, as well as an excellent enjoyment machine. 

Andrew Mueller, foreign correspondent as well as tour author 

27 Have a look at regional walking trips of an area. The finest way to obtain a feel for a town is on foot-- as well as you can discover lovely hidden-away places that are off the vacationer track. Also more desirable, you could acquire strategies from the nearby manual on some other points to view and do, as well as locations to ingest. 

Joanne Merrell, Qantas company and also very first flight lackey 

28 Receive Google maps (or some navigation equipment) on your BlackBerry or mobile-- very, very convenient in foreign places. 

John Sintras, primary executive officer, Starcom MediaVest Group 

29 Re-energise your metabolic process and lucid your head when you get to your destination by doing some light exercise. This even aids readjust to a revised time region. Attempt a natural tea to boost your wellness. 

Lesley Grant, Qantas Group overall manager for customer products and services 

30 If you're addicted to electronic devices as well as are journeying someplace with incompatible power points, jam-pack a four-plug ability board to save juggling the charging of phones, organisers, notebooks, video camera batteries, iPods, and also therefore on. With one adaptor you can quickly charge everything instantly and also the additional length from the power board are able to make difficult-to-get-to power points conveniently available. 

Sue Dyson, GT Tasmania correspondent 

31 When taking a trip with young children, it is much simpler to remain in flats rather than resorts. For travel in France, justfrance.com has a sensational variety of flats, as well as for Italy, try villeetvillage.com. 

Dietmar Sawyere, owner-chef Berowra Seas Inn and Forty One dining establishments 

32 Always try to source a hotel and resort with free of cost internet access. There are plenty about. If you don't, you are able to wind up paying high day-to-day costs for web utilization. Expedia.com will certainly often offer large amounts featuring breakfast and free of charge web utilization. 

Jeannie Foster, general business manager Australia, Air Canada 

33 Walk in the sunshine with no sunnies on when you land to obtain your circadian cadences in tune with the revised time zone. 

Catriona Rowntree, Retreat presenter 

34 Constantly set extremely versatile walking shoes that offer well as well as can easily be used with a suit or blues jeans. A pair of R.M. Williams have me just about everywhere, from cobblestones in Rome to Manhattan sidewalks. 

Stefano Canturi, jewellery designer, Canturi Jewels 

35 I always make use of zippered mesh inserts when jam-packing my suitcase. They come in several dimensions and are suited for a selection of clothes such as under garments, T-shirts and also so on. Keeping teams of clothing distinct is excellent if you're journeying through a variety of seasons or temps. They make packing and unpacking remarkably uncomplicated and maintain you arranged on the road, lessening travel anxiety. 

Bill Granger, restaurateur, author as well as TV personality 

36 I consistently attempt to press myself into the free time zone of the place that I am taking a trip to. As an example, if I'm taking a trip to London, I keep awake for the initial leg away from Sydney, and also sleep in the course of the next sector, thus when I appear in London early in the morning I feel closer to UK time. 

Roger Burr, regional sales business manager, British Airways 

37 Consistently inquire to view both the 'luxury' and the 'standard' areas at a hotel and resort. The luxury spaces often cost simply slightly even more but are a great deal better than the regular ones. 

Chris Rowthorn, Lonely World author 

38 It's sensible to make a reservation for a hire car in advancement, yet you might discover the same business providing a far better deal on the day. If you're traveling with somebody else, reserve a vehicle in one name and you may ditch the reservation if there are more desirable deals obtainable when you present up. 

Michael Gebicki, tour blogger and photographer 

39 Pack a USB thumb drive. It's excellent for supporting electronic digital info as well as you could take it to a web cafÃÂ(c) and also blog post home some snapshots. 

Rowan McKinnon, Lonely World author 

40 Do not ingest the salad in Marrakech.

Ever like you had a hotline to best hoteliers, airline distributors and also regular flyers to receive that challenging upgrade or have a table in the most reliable bistro in village at short note? Michelle Rowe canvassed regular leaflets for their best-ever tour tips. We assure they'll make you a better visitor. Bon voyage.

Information about the Author:

Globaltravel Match is an expert when it comes to travel matches. To find out everything about travel matches, visit his website atwww.globaltravelmatch.com  

Best holiday packages for travel .

Why You Should Go for a Holiday Cottage Over a Hotel

Copyright (c) 2012 Patricia Lanford

Have you ever visited a holiday cottage rather than a hotel? If not, then you are really missing out on one of the best experiences you could have on your holiday. There is nothing like feeling right at home when you're away. These rentals are readily available just about everywhere. You can have all the comforts of home, like full size kitchens, washers and dryers, and multiple bed rooms. These are excellent for couples and whole families, depending on where you stay.

When you figure out your dates for your holiday, begin looking for available holiday homes and cottages. Make your reservation as soon as possible since these properties typically book quite fast. In many cases, you will be required to pay either a deposit or the full cost of your accommodations. There is usually a charge to pay if the booking is broken off close to the dates of your holiday. This is due to the fact that it might be difficult to have the holiday home booked once again.

Many of the holiday homes and cottages have web sites that allow you to see the holiday accommodation, make bookings, and find out what attractions are available in the area. You can easily plan your entire getaway with this information, but ensure that you leave a lot of time to relax and unwind. But, that is what a holiday break is for! There are a lot of holiday cottages and homes that can be booked in packages that include airline tickets and attraction tickets. In many cases, you could see a substantial savings.

If you want to save a little bit of cash, then book your reservations in the region's off season. You could end up saving as much as fifty per-cent off the rates during the busiest part of the year. There are normally great discounts for reserving a whole week or extended weekend break, as well. Some properties can have a minimum stay condition, too, so go over that before you begin making plans.

There are lots of benefits for staying at a holiday home as opposed to a hotel. You get all of the amenities of home, but without all the everyday hassles. Many getaway homes offer cleaning services, also. With a full kitchen, you do not need to eat in restaurants for every meal, either. You can unwind in a comfy living-room with luxurious home furnishings and more space than you could find at a hotel. Isn't it time that you got away on holiday?

About the Author

For a truly luxurious experience on your next holiday, visit http://www.seaview-cottages.co.uk and reserve a Pembrokeshire holiday cottage. With all the amenities of home and a modern, minimalist decor, a Pembrokeshire holiday home is truly special. Make your reservation at http://www.seaview-cottages.co.uk before it's booked for the season!

How to choose a honest travel agency for travelling .

What a Travel Agency Provides for the Vacationer                    

Just as you have many different options when selecting where to travel and what to do when you get there, you also have a variety of choices when selecting the travel agency that will help you to design your perfect vacation. When you are looking for the perfect travel agency to help you with all of your travel needs, it is first important that you understand the basic types of travel agencies from which to choose and significant differences in terms of the services they provide to a vacationer.

Before looking at different niches of travel agencies, one large distinction exists. Do you want to work with an online-based travel agency, or a locally-based travel agency? Depending on how either type of travel agency is run, you can have a vastly different experience. With an online-based travel agency, you can often receive service 24/7 and book your travel at any time that is most convenient to you. You will be able to retrieve information from many online-based travel agencies "on demand," or exactly when you request it.

With a locally-based travel agency, you can often form relationships with particular travel agents who will also be your main point of contact for any future travel that you plan. In addition, the agents in your locally-based agency will be able to maintain information specific to your desires to help them to provide suggestions for future vacations. These are only a few of the distinctions between online and local travel agencies.

One recent innovation great for the customer is the emergence of travel agencies who provide both of the above - the personal service of a local, walk-in office with the 24/7 and technological convenience of online access to all your itineraries, account information and options for self-service booking when you want it. Look for a national brand with a history of providing reliable service and customer satisfaction; these companies are most likely to provide you with the best of both worlds in travel agency services.

Once you have determined whether you will use an online or a local travel agency, there are additional options from which to choose. The first option to consider is the level of service an agency will provide. Travel agencies can run the gamut from full service to self service. Especially with online travel agencies, information may simply be provided to aid in your travel decisions while leaving much of the leg work to you. If you prefer a travel planning experience that allows you to seek out all of your own information and make all of your decisions and reservations independently, a self service travel agency will be your best bet.

Full service travel agencies, whether online-based or locally-based, offer the exact opposite scenario. They pair an agent with you to provide all of the information you need, when you need it, and to be on hand to help you with all of the travel decisions that you make. In addition, they will handle all of your bookings and payments and logistics, sparing you the need to do so on your own. In between self service and full service agencies are other options that offer a combination of do-it-yourself plans and planning that involves the step-by-step guidance of a travel professional.

The second option is the type of travel an agency may designate as their specialty. Some travel agencies work only with domestic travel planning. They can assist you with any need you may have related to travel within the United States and its possessions. Other travel agencies work specifically to aid travelers in planning overseas travel. A further narrowing of this niche can occur when a travel agency focuses only on one particular area of the world for the travel services they provide, such as Europe or the Caribbean. You can also choose travel agencies that focus only on one particular type of travel, such as cruises or multi-segmented trips. It can be very important for you to decide whether you would like to partner with a niche travel agency, or a travel agency that is more broad-based.

The third option is the type of traveler an agency may specialize in assisting. Some travel agencies only work with a specific demographic of travel. For instance, you may choose a travel agency that caters to single travelers. This type of agency may work to put together travel packages and tours specifically geared towards singles instead of couples or families. Other travel agencies may work with just that - couples or families. Whether they focus on providing romantic destination options for two, or kid-friendly destinations for the whole family, this can be a popular niche for travel agencies. Finally, a travel agency may choose to focus exclusively on business travelers instead of leisure travelers. They may have options available to offer that are particularly suited to travelers who need different amenities and more flexibility in scheduling.

In conclusion there are many services a travel agency provides to make your life easier when planning a vacation or business travel. Most importantly, the agent offers years of expertise and knowledge of other travelers’ experiences from which you can benefit.

AUTHOR-

Mike Cole

Mike Cole is a freelance writer who covers the travel industry, often writing about specific topics such as vacation destinations and travel deals offered by a travel agency.