Travel and tips

* Does the airline fly where you’re likely to want to go? * Are there tie-ins with other carriers, especially those with international routes? Is some of the airline’s service provided by commuter-carrier “partners”? In both cases, can you earn credits and use awards on those other airlines? * How many miles (or trips) are required for particular awards? * Is there a minimum award per flight (e.g., you are only flying 200 miles but the airline always awards at least 500)? * Is there a deadline for using accumulated miles? * Carefully examine the number and length of any “blackout periods” during which awards cannot be used. On some carriers, the Thanksgiving blackout may last a week.
* If you are planning a big trip and are thinking about joining that airline’s frequent-flyer program, enroll before you travel. Airlines usually won’t credit mileage that was flown before you became a member.
After you join a program, there are other things that you should know: * Airlines reserve the right to make changes to their programs, sometimes on short notice. The number of miles required for particular awards might be raised, requiring you to use your old mileage (i.e., your current balance) under the more restrictive new rules. The airline may cease service on a route that you were particularly interested in-or it may drop the city you live in! The carrier may eliminate attractive frequent-flyer tie-ins with particular airlines or hotel chains.
* Cashing in your mileage frequently will limit your losses in case the carrier changes the rules, merges, or goes out of business. (Some private companies sell insurance covering some of these eventualities.) Accumulating a larger mileage balance will entitle you to bigger awards, however.
* Carriers often limit the number of seats on each flight for which frequent-flyer awards can be used. You may not be able to get reservations on your first- or second-choice dates or flights.
* Awards can often be issued in the name of immediate family members. However, if you sell or give an award to someone not named on the award or the travel document and the airline finds out, the recipient could have his or her ticket confiscated, and the carrier may penalize the program member’s account balance.
* Ask the airline how mileage is registered; you will probably have to identify yourself as a program member when you book your flight or when you check in.
* Keep your boarding passes and the passenger coupon of your ticket until you receive a statement from the frequent-flyer program reflecting the correct mileage earnings for that trip. If a problem arises, get the names of the people you speak with and keep notes of your conversations.

1. Free lodging!Find a pen friend. Maybe you haven’t thought of this. It’s the best solution to your budget problems, but you can’t have it overnight! Greek people are hospitable and so are other countries’ people if you become friends with. It’s the simplest thing to do if you like writing letters or just exchanging cards and souvenirs. I’ve done it and a lot of other people have, why not you? Your friend will probably be happy to put you up for a couple of nights and show you around as well. The other alternative is to exchange your house/flat with somebody else’s abroad. There is a site online that will help you find a place . Try www.welcometraveller.org , they advertise ‘exchange homes free of charge’. Try also www.bigworld.com for offers and discounts.
2. Low cost travelStay at campsites. The cheapest alternative to free lodging, at least in Greece. You save money and have fun . Find a campsite atwww.greecetravel.com/campsites3. Invest on a bike.
If you like cycling, then you can do it. In Greece you can cycle to most places and see areas that are worth visiting. You can easily rent a bike , and if you are in Corfu you can trywww.mountainbikecorfu.com4. Rent a room in a village or at the portThere are families who rent rooms in their own house ; cheaper than hotel rooms but you have to follow the rules. Where can you find them?Watch the port area if you come by ship. There are people who approach you and tell you about their own rooms around the area, at low prices. Sometimes you can even bargain to get a better price.
Well, if all these don’t suit you and you may own a caravan , you don’t have to worry about lodgings. You can stay at campsites at low cost, at the side of the road or even in a field for free. You can also hire a caravan and share the expenses, if you travel with friends.
Don’t know where to find one? In Greece you can try www.greecetravel.com/carrentalsGreece is ideal for traveling at low cost. But you must be inventive and explore all the sources available. Visit www.google.grThis is a search engine that will help you find all the info you want. Just type the word Greece and click on Search.
GOOD LUCK!415 wds

What better way to see Maui than on the company payroll? If you are planning a business trip to Maui, you can still take advantage of the opportunity to have a mini-vacation and enjoy the magnificent Maui without sacrificing the work you know you are there to do.
There are many different things that you will need to take into consideration if you are planning a business trip to Maui. First, you will need to know if your company will be booking the travel and accommodations for you. Some companies that deal a lot in travel have travel agents that will take care of this for you. Others will expect you to make the plans and arrangements yourself and you will then be compensated for the expenses.
If you will have a role in choosing some or all of your business reservations, then the more you know, the better decisions you will be able to make. You need to know how to book your hotel or living accommodations as well as your travel (including to your destination and how you will get around once you are in Maui) as well as food and other necessities that you will have during your stay in Maui.
AccommodationsEvery business traveler knows that your office is very important and this includes your “makeshift” office while visiting in Maui. You will need a full range of services and facilities and accommodations that can provide that to you will be at the top of your list. Accommodations that provide that for an affordable and reasonable rate are even better.
So, if you need accommodations with business features that include up-to-date communications capabilities and much more, then you need to know where to look. There are hotels, condos and more in beautiful Maui that offer solutions for your global business right at your fingertips.
There are many state of the art facilities with full Internet connectivity and real-time video conferencing services available and much more. Maui is home to one of the seven National Supercomputing Centers as well. Maui isn’t just for honeymooners and families; there are even great features for the business man or woman as well.
What to WearIf you are planning a business trip to Maui, you might be wondering what to pack. Well, what you where will depend on your profession, your business and the company’s dress policy but most companies that send you on a business trip to Maui will say “casual dress”.
However, you know that business is very important and you are not just some tourist. What you wear will be very important even if it is to be considered “casual” dress. So you need to know what is appropriate to wear. The climate is of course warmer in Hawaii and the atmosphere pretty laid back so you will find most people in shorts. Your best bet is to go with some nice, dress shorts such as khakis. You will see many businessmen in these shorts as well as Hawaiian print button front shirts. If you are having trouble knowing what to wear or what is in style, you can check with some of the local shops and stores in Maui. Most upscale shops also have sales associates that are qualified to help you in your decision.
There are some restaurants and facilities that require you to dress upscale and elegantly with men in long pants and proper shoes. However, due to the climate you will find that most places in Maui are perfectly suitable to wear shorts. However, you will want to have some nice clothing from an upscale shop or boutique and be sure the clothing fits you well.
DiningYour dining options will depend on the meal and what you are doing. For example, if your company is footing the bill, they may have specific places they want you to dine at or they may have a specific budget for meals. This will place some facilities and restaurants out of the list unless you are paying for it yourself.
If you are planning on taking a client to dinner or meeting business partners in a restaurant, or in some other way doing business through the restaurant, you will want to be choosier in the place you select. Your choice of restaurant can say a lot about you and your company. You want the other parties to be comfortable in the place that you choose but you will also want to choose something professional and impressive that shows you know and understand good tastes.
It can be tricky ground so you should ask for advice if you are unsure about a particular restaurant. You might even decide to go by and check it out yourself before holding your business meeting there.
Whatever it is that brings you to beautiful Maui, you can enjoy your stay while you are here. Proper planning ahead of time can ensure you have everything you need for a comfortable business trip to Hawaii.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reminds travelers that beginning January 31, 2008, border crossers will be asked to present documents denoting citizenship and identity when entering the United States through land and sea ports of entry. This change primarily affects United States and Canadian citizens, who have previously been permitted entry by oral declaration alone, and marks the transition toward standard and consistent documents for all travelers entering the country. It is also the start of a more robust and concerted public education campaign, intended to inform travelers of document requirements which will be implemented next year.
“For the safety of the American people, the United States cannot have an honor system at the border,” said Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff. “Requiring secure and reliable documentation at our borders will drastically reduce security vulnerabilities posed by permitting entry based on oral declarations alone. As travelers become accustomed to carrying documents to cross the border, and as we move to more stringent documentation requirements, our border officers will be able to more quickly and confidently identify cross-border travelers.”Beginning Jan. 31 of this year, U.S. and Canadian citizens ages 19 and older should no longer expect that an oral declaration alone will be sufficient to prove identity and citizenship for entry into the country. Instead, travelers will be asked to present documentation from a specified list of acceptable documents when entering the U.S. at land and sea ports of entry. Examples include birth certificates and driver’s licenses. A complete list of acceptable documents is available to travelers at ports of entry and is also available at www.cbp.gov. Travelers who do not present one of these documents may be delayed while U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers attempt to verify their identity and citizenship. Children ages 18 and under will only need to present a birth certificate.
In order to further secure our borders against illegal entry, the U.S. will no longer be able to admit travelers based on nothing more than a person’s oral assertion of citizenship. During October to December 2007 alone, CBP officers reported 1,517 cases of individuals falsely claiming to be U.S. citizens. Last month, CBP officials determined that an individual falsely claiming to be a U.S. citizen was wanted for homicide in California. This individual was paroled for entry into the U.S. and transported into the custody of the San Diego Sheriff’s Department. Separately, multiple Government Accountability Office and Inspector General reports have highlighted weaknesses associated with oral declarations and substandard documentation.
Standard and consistent documentation is critical for border officials to accurately determine admissibility into the United States. The Jan. 31 change is a step forward from the largely subjective standard that allowed travelers to present an almost limitless array of documents, such as baptismal certificates, to satisfy CBP officers of their citizenship. This change will allow frontline officers to standardize inspections against a narrower class of documents, and CBP has protocols in place to verify the authenticity of suspicious driver licenses and guard against the use of counterfeit or altered licenses.
DHS has maintained a consistent public awareness and information campaign to ensure that the traveling public is aware of the new travel documentation requirements under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI). The transition beginning Jan. 31 will allow travelers to become accustomed to the need to present appropriate documents. Travelers who apply for a passport card, passport, Trusted Traveler Program cards, or other secure documentation denoting both citizenship and identity in response to the Jan. 31 change will not need to take additional steps to meet the final WHTI requirements upon full implementation in June 2009.
U.S. citizens may begin applying in advance for the new U.S. Passport Card on Feb. 1, 2008, in anticipation of land border travel document requirements. The U.S. Department of State expects that cards will be available and mailed to applicants in spring 2008.
Although DHS was on schedule to begin implementation of the new requirements as early as summer 2008, the fiscal year 2008 Appropriations Bill passed by Congress last month restricts the department from implementing these new requirements until June 2009.

The Internet provides us the ability to see exotic locations and plan trips to them. If you are planning such a trip, here are some ways to fly to countries on the cheap. Flying to Another Country on the CheapUndeniably, the best and cheapest tickets for air flights can be found online. The various travel sites have a distinct advantage over travel agencies. They are selling in massive volume, so their overhead per sale is much less. That being said, there are a few ways to find the best deals when trying to fly cheap. 1. Search for a range of go and return dates. Don’t get fixed on particular dates. A flight leaving on Thursday may be 30 percent less than a flight leaving on Friday. 2. If you are willing to rough it a bit, look for flights leaving around midnight or later. International flights out of San Francisco to Asia are 25 percent cheaper if you leave after midnight. It might sound brutal, but it actually works out pretty well since you immediately go to sleep and knock eight hours or so off the flight time. 3. There is no “best” site when trying to fly on the cheap. They all have different ticket allotments at different times. Don’t be lazy. Check across all of the major sites. You’ll be surprised to find you can save as much as 50 percent. 4. If you are flying domestic in the United States, keep in mind that Southwest Airlines does not participate on the big travel sites. You must book on the web site for Southwest. It is usually very cheap. If you are looking to go international, but really need to save money, the best answer is a chartered flight. Chartered flights are small airlines that only operate during certain periods of the year. They usually fly out of major cities once or twice a week. A bevy of them are active during the summer months and offer flights to Europe. Because they are unknown, don’t have high labor costs and can’t compete with big airlines, they will offer round trip tickets for half of the going rate. It is definitely a no frills option, but it is very cheap. Finally, you have one really cheap option if you only need to be somewhere for a week or two. The infamous air courier system exists and is extremely cheap. If you are close to a delivery time, air flights can be free. Realistically, you should expect to pay about 20 percent of a normal ticket. The only drawback is that you can only visit the location for roughly 10 days before you have to come back. As you can see, there are a couple of different ways to go if you are trying to fly on the cheap Show a little flexibility and you can save some big bucks even in high season.

Overlooking the Arno, there is a traditional Tuscan trattoria called the Antico Ristoro di Cambi, run by the Cambi family that will welcome you with a warm ambience. The tuscan vegetable soup (ribollita) and the fiorentina T-bone steak are amazing. (Close on Sunday, Via S. Onofrio 1r; ph: +39 055 217134; av. prices 25Ђ; wine 8Ђ). Situated Oltrarno, the cheap trattoria la Casalinga is usually packed up. Situated between Pitti Palace and S. M. Del Carmine, serves ribollita and other typical dishes at fair prices. (Via del Michelozzo 9r; ph: +39 055 218624; av price 20Ђ). For Florence’s best bargain meal visit Salumeria, Vini, Trattoria (via Ghibellina 27; Ph+39 055 679 390, closed on Sat and Sun). Le Volpi e L’Uva, Piazza de’Rossi 1, to sample some of the best wines the region has to offer. The owners, Riccardo and Emilio, can advise a plate of salami and cheese to accompany your choice of wine. South of the river there is tiny Vini (Via dei Cimatori 38) a simple wine counter (one of the last in the city) founded in 1875. Just stand on the pavement with the other customers and enjoy the wine. For a good glass of wine or a nice meal try GustaVino (Via della Condotta, 37/R; ph: +39 055 2399 806; gustavino.it): very nice modern atmosphere and affordable prices at an average of 30Ђ per person.
A nice idea is a trip out side one of the hottest Italian cities during summer months. What about the Tuscany Countryside for which we are so famous?Florence surroundings such as the hills of Chianti, the Careggi, Fiesole and Settignano are literally covered with wine and olive trees. It’s easy to find a nice cool spot to have a picnic or to unwind form the city traffic!A very nice walk you should experience as a first-time visitor is the one which leads to Fiesole. If walking is not your thing, you can easily catch bus n. 7 from the main train station and reach the top of the hills in less than 30 minutes. The view is one of the best over the city and you will be find yourself surrounded by fine buildings of artistic and archaeological interest such as the Dome, the Roman Theatre and the S.Francesco church. Poets and writers have wrote odes and poems to these hilly places. If you are in Florence on the second Sunday of the month, go to Fiesole as it hosts a characteristic antique market in the central square. If you are a wine lover, you should also get a car or a motorbike and explore the beautiful Chianti region just south of Florence. This is a stunning area scattered with wine-growing estates spread out around ancient castles, ‘magioni’ and country villas. There is also the possibility to see this region by public transportations like buses or local trains that will bring you to Siena in about a hour, Arezzo, San Gimignano, Pisa, Lucca and more destinations. They all are an hours’ journey, although you might need to dedicate a couple of days to Siena if you wish to visit it properly.
There are also very affordable accommodations in Florence. From youth hostels to Bed and breakfast (B&B), family run hotels or charming villas. You can check the following list of selected ones. Hostel Veneto right behind the Dome, Soggiorno Prestipino Hostel near to the Santa Maria Novella railway station, International Student House hostel, the Armonia Hostel or the renowned Camping Michelangelo just a throw from the centre. But if you wish to experience a traditional accommodations in Florence you should try cheap lodging providers like B&B s (bed and breakfast), residences or guest houses that spread all over. Beatrice Hotel, Hotel guelfa, Il Ghiro Guest house, B&B Tourist House, A Montebello B&B, B&B Cinque Sensi, Leopolda Hotel, Soggiorno Prestipino, Nella Hotel, Giappone B&B, Collodi Hotel, Hotel Palazzo Lucchesi, Alamanni Hotel, Gemini Studios. For nice resorts and country houses in the Tuscany hills try Borghetto di San Filippo, Hotel Borgo Sant’Ippoloto or Villa dei Bosconi.

Why is the Algarve such a popular destination? Yes, it’s because you can get cheap flights from most UK airports and Yes it’s because the weather is good pretty much all year round. Oh, and Yes, it’s because it has a huge number of golf courses. But the next time you go to the Algarve, have a day away from the beach and take in some of the Algarve’s more traditional attractions.
LagosPortugal has an impressive history, and this is reflected in the surviving buildings in the marina town of Lagos. Take a break from the sun by visiting the cool, historic churches of Santa Maria of Misericуrida, Santo Antуnio and Sдo Sebastiдo and then relax at the marina – a great day out.
LoulйMany of Loulй’s most impressive buildings were destroyed in the Algarve’s great earthquake of 1755, but sections of the castle, dating back to the 12th century, remain. Loulй is inland from the Algarve coast, so it’s a great opportunity to take a short drive inland – particularly on Market Day, when the town is busy and full of life.
FaroMost tourists fly into Faro and drive straight out to their holiday destination. Few bother to come back during their stay and take a look at the historic buildings and fascinating museums in the town. As the Algarve’s capital, there’s a lot to see within its medieval walls, including the Roman-Gothic cathedral and the Infante Dom Henrique Museum. Get to Faro before your flight home to catch it at its best.
SagresSagres is the most south-westerly point of Europe and is commonly known as “the end of the world” by locals. It’s best to visit Sagres when the weather is good, but walking out to the rocks jutting into the Atlantic on a rainy, blustery day really makes you feel at one with the elements, and it’s worth the drive along the Algarve coast to get there.
SilvesSet slightly inland from the popular coastal destinations, Silves is a beautiful historic town, with Phoenician, Roman and Moorish influences making it a great day out. It boasts what is probably the most intact castle in the area, and its cathedral was built on the site of a Moorish Mosque. Narrow streets and hidden cafes make Silves a real “must visit” destination.

Does the cost of travel have you wondering whether or not you can afford to take your family on a vacation this year? Your much needed and well deserved vacation should be a priority in your life and we are providing ways to make your family vacation time more affordable and more enjoyable. 1. Kids and Cruises –Traveling by ship is a way for families to visit several places on one trip without constantly having to pack and unpack which is a big benefit for parents with young children. Additionally most cruise lines offer children’s programs and kids will love the freedom of life on board a cruise ship.
Way to save on cruising: Travel agents specializing in cruises and businesses that book blocks of cabins can offer quite a savings on rooms. Cruising prices are also dependent upon the season you choose to cruise. Look for off season specials or cruises that include airfare as part of the deal. Many of the cruise lines offer a kid sail free program.
2. All Inclusive Packages – Look for family friendly locations. Family package destinations will offer activities for both parents and children. Entertainment for everyone plus food, drink and activities are all in one place.
Ways to save on packages: Mid week departure and arrivals will save you money on airfare. Also schedule your travels for off season.
3. Renting a House – Renting a house for your family vacation in the location you want to visit will provide the benefits of learning the local culture plus you get more for your vacation dollar. You can experience life with all its local flavors. If find out all the info about a location before the trip you will experience all the fun and excitement and not miss anything once you get thereWays to save on rentals: The internet offers huge resources for finding a rental in the location you prefer. Local newspapers for the areas which are often published on line can help you find a great deal also. Look for coupons to save money on food and activities. It’s a great money-saving idea to split the cost of the house rental with another family whether it be family or friends.
4. Adventure Packages – Adventure vacations are designed to teach basic skills and how to respect the environment. Whether you choose white water rafting or hiking in the wilderness, your family’s safety will be a top priority with your nature guide. Most of the time all equipment is provided and often will include all meals for the day.
Ways to save on adventure trips: Book your trip with an adventure travel specialist. You will be sure to get the best price with the most features.
5. Camping Vacations – Outdoor vacations such as camping provide families ways to work together and play together. Campgrounds normally offer plenty of activities to keep children entertained. Camping can be either in a tent or many places even offer cabins. Additionally you can rent an RV to experience RV camping.
Ways to save on camping: Many national campground locations offer membership cards that offer benefits to its regular campers. Cooking your food at camp rather than eating out will help you save money.
Wherever you decide on the family vacation, whether it’s an airline ticket or a hotel room, never take the first price your quoted. Always attempt to negotiate for a better price. Ask about any available discounts. Be a flexible traveler. If you’re willing to give up your seats on a flight for someone flying standby, you’ll be rewarded with free tickets. Set aside the dates you want to travel and then watch for last minute deals. When on vacation skip the souvenirs and start a postcard or refrigerator magnet collection. If you plan properly you can be assured of your family having a fun and affordable family vacation.

With Florida being the fishing capital of the world it stands to reason that the Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Bradenton and Sarasota areas would offer incredible inshore fishing action. Because its home to over 200 different species, anglers travel to Tampa Bay from around the world eager to take advantage of our unsurpassed Tampafishing charters. Besides the relaxing aspects of a day on the water and the opportunity to commune with nature, fishing always presents an enjoyable challenge.
As one of the great activities of all time, people throughout history have benefited not just as a source of food but one of unparalleled family pastimes. It doesn’t take much time, money or expertise to enjoy your first fishing trip, and once your “hooked” there are plenty of resources to help you develop your angling skills. While the world famous Silver King/Tarpon is a mainstay of our summertime angling activities. Tampa’s remarkable Snook, Redfish, Trout, Cobia, Pompano, Permit, Mackerel, and Sharks offer both experienced and beginners unsurpassed angling opportunities.
If you’re interested in learning how to fish, improving you’re angling skills or just spending a terrific day catching fish. The person you must contact is the Tampa Bay areas top fishing and outdoor guide. Captain Woody Gore, President/CEO of Tampa Flats Fishing, SportFishing Unlimited and Outdoor Communications is committed to you and “making memories one day at a time”…“through excellent customer service.”As a professional fishing guide, outdoor writer/speaker and tournament angler Woody’s spent fifty-plus years honing his angling skills. And as Tampa Bay’s number one fishing guide his knowledge and expertise presents you with the opportunity of a lifetime. So, when planning a fishing trip with Captain Woody make certain you’re prepared to experience a day of spectacular and exciting world class fishing. Group Charters, Corporate Events & Fishing TournamentsIf you’re planning one of the above Captain Woody’s experience and expertise allows him to coordinate everything from event planning to special activities. Excellent Customer Service and his competent organizational skills, solidifies his outdoors business. He also has the advantage of enlisting the areas top fishing guides with the proper equipment, and attitudes to ensure a positive and successful event.

You have saved up your money. You may have even worked some overtime to get some extra cash for your holiday. You have done all of your online research. Flight is booked and so is the hotel. You are ready to go.
Now, what do you do on the first night of your 2-week vacation?Do you pace yourself or go hog wild? Does it matter that you arrived at 3 AM or noon or midnight? Do you take a shower or just go out? Decisions, decisions, decisions.
After your long flight to Bangkok and then the 1 Ѕ hour ride to Pattaya what the heck do you do.
I can tell you what I do.
I schedule my flight to arrive at 4 PM. My other choice is to arrive at midnight. This is a no-brainer. Arriving in Bangkok at 4 PM gets me to Pattaya by 7 PM.
I usually just toss my bags in the room, secure my valuables and maybe change my T-shirt. I am then ready to head out.
First stop will be to have a beer or two with the owner of the guest house. We will catch up with each other and what has happened over the past few months.
Then it is time to head out. I prefer the beer bars over the go-go bars, so I will walk down Soi Buakhao, heading north, and either stop for a quick bite with one of the many street vendors, or go straight to the bars. The bars are in a complex called Night Bazaar – right next to a night time shopping area.
A couple of beers later and I move out further north. I cross Second Road and make my way to Sois 7 & 8. It doesn’t matter which bar(s) I go to. I just look for some cute girls, good music, and a friendly atmosphere.
If I am still alone, I will next head out for the bars in the Soi 2 area. There are about 100 bars here and I will do my best to pick out the best ones.
One more beer bar area to check out on Beach Road called Best Friends. There are about 17 bars here and I will walk around and find one to my liking. The good thing here is you can sit in one and look over the other 16.
If nothing suits my fancy here, it is time to go to Walking Street. Not being a fan of the go-go bars, I will hit the hostess bars and some of the beer bars.
I have quite a few friends in this area that own or manage bars. So I make the rounds and say “Hi” to all of my buddies and see what is going on. I am treated well so it pays to make friends in this town.
If it is your first trip, all I can recommend is that you don’t fall in love in the first bar you enter. Take your time, relax, and soak in the ambiance. Pace yourself to an extent. You want to have fun, but you don’t want to kill yourself. Keep a cool heart and smile a lot and you will have a great holiday.