Post 26-11 Holidays Become Cheaper

Wednesday, 13. January 2010

Author: Anolkumar Roy
Source: ezinearticles.com

Post terror attacks in Mumbai, in the midst of pale and gloom there is something to cheer about this holiday season albeit quietly in India. If you have thought of surprising your wife with a perfect vacation in Goa for the wedding anniversary or promised your family a great vacation in Kerala but was worried with the budget here’s some good news. A stay in Kerala or Goa’s much coveted resort is not going to burn a hole in your pocket this winter.

The travel and tourism sector is passing through troubled times. If global meltdown was not enough now it is hit below the belt by the proliferation of terror attacks or threats. To tide over the increasing insecurity in the mind of travelers and tourists, post 26/11, the hospitality industry across the board has decided to slash the prices by up to one fourth.

According to industry insiders in places like Goa, Mumbai, Kerala you can expect a tariff cut in hotel rooms by at least 20 percent. So hotels that had earlier increased their tariffs in October estimating a buoyant season had retracted to the rates of the previous year in desperation to boost demands.
This cut is done across the entire segment of hotels, from the high end luxury hotels to even the mid range hotels.

It is widely feared that high end leisure destinations would be worse hit with a decline of 15 to 20 %. The only way out it seems for places like Kerala and Goa is to explore the domestic market to the hilt.

A.K. Roy has covered a wide gamut of issues related to travel for many popular magazines, research publications and websites. This includes IHR a popular travel based portal, Travelers paradise, Travel plus etc. Have to his credit more than 10 books on various destinations in India.

Coast To Coast- Americas Best Road Trips

Thursday, 31. December 2009

Author: Manoj Borahbr
Source: articledashboard.combr
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The cost of gas deters us from thinking about driving to our vacation destination, but theres no denying our love of the classic American road trip. Most road warriors like a fall drive because of the stunning scenery. Thanks to the Interstate Highway System, it makes it possible to drive from coast to coast, enjoying the scenery and stopping by anything interesting that might cross your path. Great eateries, museums, fairs and festivals, history,
adventure, nature and so much more- theres a whole new world waiting for discovery.

Before heading out on the highway, lets discuss a few of Americas best road trips. Route 1 along Californias central coast is an all-time favorite for many driving enthusiasts. But the trail from Monterey to Morro Bay, winding through 125 miles of breathtaking scenery, reins supreme, especially at Big Sur, where Santa Lucias ranges glides down into the Pacific.

If you want to go for a shorter distance, there are other alternatives. Theres nothing that could rival the 49-mile San Francisco Scenic Drive. When the traffic gets horrible, you can always stop by a caf้ and grab a bite. As ever, the big seagull on the sign boards- an outstanding symbol of the great American Road Drive- will always guide you.

Another fabulous route is the Seaway Trail? There are a slew of roadside delights to enjoy as you hit the road between Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence. Fall is one of the best times to drive through this area. On your journey through New Yorks Seaway Trail you will be able to visit Niagara Falls, Boldts Castle in the 1000 Islands, lighthouses, Fort Ontario and the charming harbors are the highlights of this trail.

For big, Texas-size fun, the 230 mile road from El Paso to Marathon along Interstate 10, turning southwards onto US Route 90 at Van Horn will delight everyone from truckers to families. Youll take pleasure in the Chinati Foundations discreet art collection in the dusty town of Marfa and relish the desert landscape of the Big Bend National Park, just another hours drive from Marathon.

History buffs will agree that Montanas Great Falls to Missoula drive is etched on their minds. You can plan your trip either around Civil War sites or sites of African-American history. If you still think that your route needs fine-tuning, catch up with the guys at the Great Falls interpretive center.

Get your camera ready when youre on Skyline Drive in Virginia. This is the main route for travelers to the Shenandoah National Park, set on the Blue Ridge Mountains. There are miles of hiking trials along the way as well as an opportunity to stop at the Rapidan Camp. When the trip is over, your camera will be loaded with picture perfect memories.

Drive along the Geronimo Trail and learn about Apache history. Take a break from the road and stop by the hot mineral springs once used by Geronimo and his fighters. Check out the old mining towns that prospered and decayed with their fortunes of gold and silver.

The strip from Key Largo to Key West an incredible route to take as well. Where else will you find a 105 mile chain of islands linked to a highway? Throughout the trail, there is either a bridge or a ramp, surrounded by sparkling waters. Be sure to watch the spectacular sunset at Key Wests Mallory Square Dock.

Remember to plan your route well in advance and dont forget to keep your map handy. Also, follow traffic rules and take a break when necessary. The road trip is one of the easiest escapes from the daily grind. Have a great trip and remember to drive safely!/pbr
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Is Travel Insurance A Waste Of Money?

Saturday, 12. December 2009

Author: Mike Collins -br
Source: articleage.combr
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If youre planning a vacation youve probably already been offered travel insurance more than once. And if youre like most people you quickly dismissed the idea and went about your business.

But dont be so quick to decide. While travel insurance is not always a good idea, there are times when it can come in handy.

What is covered?

While coverage can vary from one carrier to another, travel insurance policies generally cover:

Trip cancellation or interruption due to weather, sickness, airline bankruptcy/strike, or terrorist activity.

Medical expenses incurred while in a foreign country. If you get sick while on African safari, you may find that your medical plan does not cover foreign care or that the coverage is severely limited.

Baggage and belongings that are lost, stolen, or damaged.

Accidental death and dismemberment if you are seriously or fatally injured while on vacation.

So when should I buy travel insurance?

Well, if you are going on a relatively inexpensive trip that is not likely to be canceled or delayed and you are young, healthy, and not planning on doing anything dangerous then you can probably skip it.

But if you are planning your honeymoon or a once in a lifetime trip, especially to a an area where weather is a concern, you should consider travel insurance. The small investment will be well worth it.

If you are elderly or in poor health youre more likely to need medical attention while on vacation. Likewise if you are planning to take part in potentially dangerous activities such as rock-climbing or cliff diving.

Remember too that you dont have to be doing anything risky to get hurt. You could be taking a lazy afternoon sightseeing drive and get hit by a reckless driver. If that happens, youll be glad you bought some extra insurance.br
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Chincoteague Island Virginia

Friday, 6. November 2009

Author: John C. Banks -
Source: articledashboard.com

Chincoteague Island is a small, friendly, vacation resort along the coast of Virginia, USA. Vacations to the island can include recreational activities such as shopping, swimming, sunbathing, fishing, clamming, bird watching, nature cruises, biking, hiking, boating, kayaking, miniature golf, Chincoteague ponies, the pony swim, fireman’s carnival, Chincoteague decoy and art show, Chincoteague Center’s arts and crafts show and more.

The island is known for it’s quaint shops and art galleries. Chincoteague area wildlife artists display art such as decoys and other bird carvings, paintings, photographs and sculptured wildlife pieces.

Located within minutes of the resort is Assateague Island, which is occupied by Assateague National Sea Shore and Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge covers over 14,000 acres of beach, dunes, marsh, and forest habitat. The majority of the refuge is located in Virginia although 418 acres are on Maryland soil. The refuge also includes Morris Island, Marsh on the Northern part of Chincoteague Island. The refuge extends southward, Assawoman, Metompkin, and Cedar Islands. Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge is one of the most popular refuges in the United States, especially among bird watchers. The refuge is either home to or a stop over point for a array of birds and other wildlife. Ducks, geese, swans, egrets, herons, and dozens of other shorebirds visit or live on the islands.

The most famous Chincoteague Island event is the pony swim and penning, a tradition since 1924. The swim, penning and auction is held on the last Wednesday and Thursday of July. Ponies are rounded up and swim the channel between Assateague and Chincoteague Islands. The animals are penned, inspected, fed and most of the foals auctioned off to qualified buyers. Most of the population of the ponies are returned to Assateague after the penning to roam free for another year.

Assateague Island lighthouse is another attraction for visitors to Chincoteague and Assateague Islands. The lighthouse is located within Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge and is a popular tourist stop. The lighthouse is owned by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and is still actively used by the United States Coast Guard as an aid to navigation.

The Lighthouse is 142 feet high on a site 22 feet about sea level. The structure is one of the most attractive and recognizable lighthouses of the USA east coast. Made of brick, it was painted in the red and white pattern in 1967. Nearby is the keeper’s quarters. The lighthouse light has had a series of lamp upgrades over the years and presently displays a powerful rotating light visible up to 19 miles away. The Oyster and Maritime Museum in Chincoteague displays the frensel lens on display which was used in the lighthouse from 1867-1963.

The Chincoteague Island Virginia Oyster Festival is another island attraction The festival, created by the chamber of commerce, features Chincoteague Island’s famous oysters. The event promotes the oyster season, which includes the cooler months of fall, winter and spring. The popularity of the event may require obtaining tickets well in advance as the festival often sells out.

Basic Advice For Travel

Monday, 2. November 2009

Author: RobertWilliams
Source: articledashboard.com

Travel policies characteristically include any or all of the following coverage’s: Travel trip dissolution and interlude. If a tragedy occurs exactly before or during your trip, this exposure will pay for losses from throwaway airline tickets, travel and tour deposits, etc. Travel trip delays. If you let pass a flight, get under the weather in transit, etc., the insurance company pays your additional hotel and travel expenses. When you’re slap with a hospital, doctor, or dental bill in a foreign country, the insurance company will pay as an alternative of making you pay cash and seek compensation from your medical insurer back home. Vanished or scratched luggage. The insurance company pays the genuine value of your gone astray bags or items in most cases, the company will also pay for “necessary items” purchased while ahead of you for postponed cases to reach your destination. The ticket price you’ll pay depends on the category of ticket you buy and of course, your age.

There are different types of tickets available. Travel companies, both online and off line; be acquainted with the probable of the relaxation group travel market. The top online group travel companies offering information about hotels, transportation, activities, cruises and packages. They have residential tools that help groups of five or more set up Web sites that can be personalized for their trips; group members can share information and book and pay for travel. The companies furthermore offer low-priced rates, on the whole for hotel rooms. Other companies specialize in planning, rather than booking, group trips. Somewhere to live is probable, without the need for a visa….. Join the jet-lagged stand in line at the small opening to the transfer sprawl, and you have choices

Our aspiration is construct the most inclusive and ample Travel Knowledge database on the Internet. Stay tuned for future updates including additional articles, a user discussion forum, and a travel web directory of the best travel related sites on the Net. One of the most excellent traditions to conclude which hotel is right for you is to think about what you’re looking for, and to equivalent your requirements alongside the star rating assigned by tourist associations.

However, people can tranquil benefit of cheaper airfares level if they don’t want to take chances with budget air travel.
Here’s how:
1. Purchasing the airline ticket at least 15 days to the front of the planned trip will enable the personage to get super low fares.
2. It is best to choose a standard exodus and manifestation date when possible. This is because weekend flights get filled up faster than weekdays and airlines many times discounts to fill up the weekday flights.