Travel and tips

Teaching English as foreign language (or second language) is an excellent option for visiting new parts of the world. Because English is commonly used for diplomacy, higher education, business and technology, English teachers and classes are in high demand around the worldwide. Knowing how to teach English also provides you with an excellent skill to be used in volunteering. There are opportunities around the world where people would benefit from knowing English, yet they do not have the funds to enroll in classes, or perhaps they don’t have access to any classes at all. If teaching English isn’t for you, international schools require native English speakers to teach other subjects as well, such as mathematics, science, history, and the arts.
What is TEFL, ESL, EFL, etc.?There are lots of different abbreviations and acronyms to refer to teaching English. Here is a quick simplifier… ELT: English Language Teaching or English Language TrainingEFL: English as a Foreign LanguageESL: English as a Second LanguageESOL: English for Speakers of Other LanguagesEAL: English as an Additional LanguageTEFL: Teaching English as a Foreign LanguageTESL: Teaching English as a Second LanguageTEAL: Teaching English as an Additional LanguageTESOL: Teaching English to Speakers of Other LanguagesAll of the above abbreviations are used for essentially the same thing, however, you may notice that generally ESL is used for non-native speakers learning English in an English speaking country, and EFL is for non-native-speaks learning English in a non-English speaking environment, such as their own country. Moreover, Americans tend to use ESL more, and British teachers tend to use EFL. EAL is an attempt to bridge the gap between the two. Oftentimes people learn English not as their second language, but as their third, fourth or more. Also, EAL avoids using the word “foreign”, which is considered by the more politically correct to have an unpleasant inference. Do I need a certificate to teach English? There are many opportunities around the world to teach English without a certificate. However, certification does help, especially if there is an application process involved and positions are competitive.
Do I need to speak a foreign language to teach people English?Theoretically, to teach English you should only need to speak one language. However, if you are teaching in a foreign country, there is no doubt that some knowledge of that country’s culture and language can make your job much easier, and probably allow you to make your lessons more relevant and interesting for your students. If your students are of mixed international backgrounds, then knowing one or two foreign languages may not be of assistance to the entirety of the group.
There is some benefit to your teaching if you do in fact know a foreign language or have learnt one. By having first hand experience of being a student, you are able to have a more complete perspective of the student/teacher relationship and the trials and tribulations of those you teach. Moreover, learning another language provides you with valuable insight about grammar, such as verb conjugations and tenses, which come naturally to a native speaker. Many other languages use similar grammatical formats as English, and by learning a foreign language you might be able to examine your native language more carefully. Do I need to speak English as my native language to teach English? You certainly don’t have to speak English as your native tongue; however you must have excellent fluency and writing skills to start a training course for certification. Oftentimes non-native speakers make the best teachers, however. If you’ve been through it yourself then you are able to relate to what your students will be dealing with. How long will it take to become certified?Certification is a pretty quick process, usually taking four weeks or considerably less. You can take the course full time, part time, or through distance learning. There are options to suit whichever method or time frame you prefer.

Teaching English as foreign language (or second language) is an excellent option for visiting new parts of the world. Because English is commonly used for diplomacy, higher education, business and technology, English teachers and classes are in high demand around the worldwide. Knowing how to teach English also provides you with an excellent skill to be used in volunteering. There are opportunities around the world where people would benefit from knowing English, yet they do not have the funds to enroll in classes, or perhaps they don’t have access to any classes at all. If teaching English isn’t for you, international schools require native English speakers to teach other subjects as well, such as mathematics, science, history, and the arts.
What is TEFL, ESL, EFL, etc.?There are lots of different abbreviations and acronyms to refer to teaching English. Here is a quick simplifier… ELT: English Language Teaching or English Language TrainingEFL: English as a Foreign LanguageESL: English as a Second LanguageESOL: English for Speakers of Other LanguagesEAL: English as an Additional LanguageTEFL: Teaching English as a Foreign LanguageTESL: Teaching English as a Second LanguageTEAL: Teaching English as an Additional LanguageTESOL: Teaching English to Speakers of Other LanguagesAll of the above abbreviations are used for essentially the same thing, however, you may notice that generally ESL is used for non-native speakers learning English in an English speaking country, and EFL is for non-native-speaks learning English in a non-English speaking environment, such as their own country. Moreover, Americans tend to use ESL more, and British teachers tend to use EFL. EAL is an attempt to bridge the gap between the two. Oftentimes people learn English not as their second language, but as their third, fourth or more. Also, EAL avoids using the word “foreign”, which is considered by the more politically correct to have an unpleasant inference. Do I need a certificate to teach English? There are many opportunities around the world to teach English without a certificate. However, certification does help, especially if there is an application process involved and positions are competitive.
Do I need to speak a foreign language to teach people English?Theoretically, to teach English you should only need to speak one language. However, if you are teaching in a foreign country, there is no doubt that some knowledge of that country’s culture and language can make your job much easier, and probably allow you to make your lessons more relevant and interesting for your students. If your students are of mixed international backgrounds, then knowing one or two foreign languages may not be of assistance to the entirety of the group.
There is some benefit to your teaching if you do in fact know a foreign language or have learnt one. By having first hand experience of being a student, you are able to have a more complete perspective of the student/teacher relationship and the trials and tribulations of those you teach. Moreover, learning another language provides you with valuable insight about grammar, such as verb conjugations and tenses, which come naturally to a native speaker. Many other languages use similar grammatical formats as English, and by learning a foreign language you might be able to examine your native language more carefully. Do I need to speak English as my native language to teach English? You certainly don’t have to speak English as your native tongue; however you must have excellent fluency and writing skills to start a training course for certification. Oftentimes non-native speakers make the best teachers, however. If you’ve been through it yourself then you are able to relate to what your students will be dealing with. How long will it take to become certified?Certification is a pretty quick process, usually taking four weeks or considerably less. You can take the course full time, part time, or through distance learning. There are options to suit whichever method or time frame you prefer.

Are you going to Paris? Trekking in Nepal? Cruising the Caribbean? Yes, you want to go and to spend some time enjoying the wonderful weather, view and just have a rest from everyday routine.
Whether you tramp through the rain forest or bask on a love boat—travel presents new and different health concerns mostly unknown at home.
We do not want to set on you with our lectures just, please, keep in mind some facts – that will be useful for you.
Preparing before you go is the best way to stay healthy while you’re traveling. See a doctor at least 6 weeks before you leave so that you’ll have time for immunizations that may need to be done in advance. Check with your doctor to see if there are medications or extra precautions that you should take. For example, people who have heart failure may need to take shorter flights with more stops to avoid long periods of sitting or they may need to adjust their medications.
Before you go, research local sanitation and other conditions so that you can take appropriate measures while you are traveling:- Is the water safe to drink? – Do insects, such as mosquitoes or ticks, carry disease? – Is there air pollution? – Will the altitude make you sick? – Is it safe to swim in pools, lakes, or the ocean? – Could you get heat exhaustion, sun stroke, or a sunburn?Basic precautions, such as drinking bottled water or using insect repellent, can prevent some illnesses, ranging from an inconvenient bout of diarrhea to life-threatening malaria.
Preparing for a journey takes planning and time. Proper planning is the best way to stay healthy during your trip. See a doctor at least 6 weeks before you go so that you’ll have time for immunizations and other health precautions you may need to take in advance. There are several factors to consider in preparing for a trip.
Enjoy your trip.

Families looking to save time and money and reduce stress know it’s never too soon to begin planning their next vacation. According to the “Kids Say Vacation Survey,” by travel industry marketing experts Yesawich, Pepperdine, Brown and Russell, theme parks are the number-one vacation destination of choice-with Walt Disney World® ranking the most preferred theme park. If you are one of the many families and fans traveling to Disney, the following strategies can help save you money: Pick up the latest Frommer’s travel guide. It’s a valuable research tool and a great way to make sure you don’t miss anything. You can get a Disney Rewards® Visa® Card designed to save you money and enhance your vacation experience. When you book your vacation using the card, you’ll receive 0% APR financing for six months on select Disney vacation packages. You will also earn Disney RewardsSM on everyday card purchases, which can be used towards most everything Disney, from DVDs and toys to theme park tickets and hotel stays. Finally, you get a number of special benefits just for being a cardmember: • Cardmember-exclusive Character Meet ‘N’ Greet event with keepsake photo • Discounts on Disney merchandise and park tours • Free stroller rentals at the Disneyland® Resort To apply, visit www.disney world.com and know instantly if you’re approved. Start earning rewards right away and take advantage of special premiums available only to cardmembers. Other ways to enhance your Disney vacation include Magical Express and “Extra Magic Hours.” If you’re staying at Walt Disney World® Resort, from the airport simply board the free Disney Magical Express Shuttle and meanwhile your luggage is delivered to your room. Try mapping out your days using “Extra Magic Hours.” Each day one of the theme parks opens an hour early or stays open up to three hours later for all Disney hotel guests.

While the vivacious events like the Pushkar Camel Fair and Desert Festival of Jaisalmer offer you a traditional Rajasthan experience, the royal monuments like the Jal Mahal and the Hawa Mahal take you back in a bygone era. So, visit the desert land of Rajasthan for experiencing a vacation of lifetime on your own. Visit with Rajasthan Tour Package to explore its charming cities like the Pink city – Jaipur, City of lakes – Udaipur, Sun City – Jaisalmer, Golden city Jaisalmer, Bikaner and many other enchanting cities. Commonly referred to as the ‘land of kings’, Rajasthan boasts of plethora of attractions such as imposing forts and monuments, rich and varied wildlife, colourful fairs and festivals and much more. If you are actually looking for a awesome vacation, then Rajasthan Tour Package ends your search. Enjoy an exciting ride on Camel’s back or go for camping in Sam Sand Dunes or spot wildlife in their natural habitat by Elephant or Jeep Safaris. Rajasthan, a land of vibrant colours is known for its rich and varied culture. Even today, Rajasthan keep its rich cultural heritage in music, arts, crafts, clothes and various other forms.
Rajasthan Tour Package covers the places of interest of Rajasthan in a short circuit is not a simple work. For your ease and final holidaying skill, Rajasthan tour package telling you some best tours for Rajasthan.

Thinking about taking a RV road trip this year?You’ve come to the right place. In addition to the benefits of a multi-park system for a home-park, Holiday Trails Resorts members can also have a reciprocal system attached to their rv resort membership. This way members can stay at all the parks within the Holiday Trails Resorts system for no nightly fees and at resorts within the Coast to Coast Network for about $8- $13 US per night! With usual rates between $25 – $75 per night for full hookup, imagine what you will save and the places you could go!Coast to Coast: Has been around since 1971 and is an affiliation of resorts across North America. There are over 500 resorts to choose from at the following rates:$8 US per night at Classic Parks$8 US per night at Deluxe Resorts$13 per night at Good Neighbour Parks25% off of nightly rack rate at Best ParksYour Deluxe Membership includes access at these rates to all these parks as well as discounts on condos, cruises, flights, rental cars, and golfing. The tripsetter system makes booking reservations online or over the phone easy. In order to be a member of CTC you need to have a homepark. why not have a whole system with Holiday Trails Resorts?

Taba is a small Egyptian village situated at the northern most part of Egypt’s Red Sea Riviera. Taba is basically a transit point for travelers from Israel to destinations in Egypt. Taba Heights is a well-planned holiday resort located twenty km south of Taba where the Sinai mountain range provides a spectacular backdrop to the sparkling blue waters of the Red Sea.
The area enjoys year-round sunshine; temperatures range 65˚F to 105˚F in summer and 55˚F to 77˚F in winter. You can enjoy a walk on the un-spoilt golden sandy beaches or relax in sunshades and enjoy your beer any time of the year. There are enough outdoor activities to indulge in such as water-sports, Scuba diving and surfing virtually throughout the year. With varied marine life and coral beds here snorkeling is popular. You can view a variety of colorful fish, dolphins, turtles and barracudas. A glass-bottom excursion is available for those who want to see the fish, but can’t swim. You can explore the Sinai Desert on quad bikes, jeeps, or on horseback; go camel riding. Taba Heights serves as a hub for various local excursions. You will enjoy a visit to the 6th century famous Monastery of St. Catherine; it was built under the Roman Emperor Justinian over what was known as the place of Moses’ Burning Bush. You can go up Mount Sinai or Mountain of Moses on camel caravans, or take the hard way of climbing up the 3000 steps carved into the rock by monks.
The amazing Colored Canyon, 70 km southwest of Taba, is accessible by car and is ideal for a hiking expedition. It is a maze of sandstone rocks mineralized and stained in a variety of ways by water over thousands of years. There are narrow, twisting paths formed into the rocks, surrounded by spectacular 60 meter cliffs with narrow slots, beautiful sculptured walls and cliffs made of sandstone; they have amazing layers of colors such as pink, purple, silver and gold. Just 5 km southeast of Taba, the Rocky island of Pharaoh (Geziret Faraum) and Salah El Din Citadel depicts ruins of a 12thcentury crusaders’ fort. You can dive in a maze of reefs and also enjoy a stunning panoramic view of the coast of Arabia, Jordan and Israel from here.
Animal enthusiast will enjoy visits to the National Park of Nabq and National Park of Ras Abu Galum which shelters an abundance of animal life.
Restaurants at Taba Heights offer international cuisines. Hotels offer live entertainment in the evening. Though shopping is limited to hotels. Taba Heights has a large chain of international hotels. The Hyatt Regency, designed in the style of a modern Nubian village, provides high quality accommodation and is quite popular. It is nestled between the mountains of Sinai, the desert and the Red Sea and provides breathtaking views. It has a 450m stretch of secluded private beach and it offers its guests a jetty and direct access to the Red Sea coupled with a welcoming service. Facilities include Airport & border transfer, Bank, Multilingual staff, Safes, In-resort transport, Car/Limousine rental, 24-hours Doctor-on-call, Diving and water-sports centre, Games Centre, three swimming pools, a huge saltwater lagoon, Club Olympus and Health Spa, Oasis Kids’ Club, a shopping arcade and casino. It provides international cuisine and you can experience a traditional Bedouin evening with delicious Bedouin feast and folk entertainment.

Swansea is located in the heart of Swansea Bay, one of Wales’ most beautiful regions, with landscapes incorporating sandy beaches, waterfalls, rolling countryside and deep valleys. Swansea itself is the second largest city in Wales, and a highly popular tourist destination, widely known for providing excellent shopping facilities and plenty of things to do.
Places of interestSwansea has a diverse array of places to visit. The many attractions found in and around the city are designed to give the tourist and casual visitor a wide range of things to experience – whether you want to get back to nature and enjoy the picturesque parks, learn more about the region’s history, or simply enjoy some of the city’s exciting culture. A small selection of places to visit includes:Swansea Bay. This sandy beach stretches out for five full miles and is additionally within walking distance of the city centre. Choose a romantic stroll on the beach, or if you’re feeling adventurous, pick from the rollerblading and cycling activities on offer.
Swansea Museum. Over 160 years old, the museum is home to collections of art, ceramics and Egyptology, whilst the history of the city is presented in a way to engage and entertain every visitor.
The Dylan Thomas Centre. Learn about the famous Welsh poet at this permanent exhibition, which offers a yearly programme of events and a festival every year in the autumn.
Gower Heritage Centre. This rural museum offers something really special – a working, twelfth century corn and saw mill. There are lots of activities for the kids to take part in, from craft-making and puppet theatres, to animals and play areas.
Plantasia. You’ll discover this gigantic hothouse right in the centre of Swansea – and be prepared to undertake a voyage of discovery, as you witness exotic flora and fauna in tropical, humid conditions. A perfect place to visit, whatever the weather!Things to doWhen it comes to activities, Swansea has it covered. When you’ve finished shopping – and with hundreds of shops to browse, it’ll take you a while – then you can choose from lots of exciting things to do, like the following:Rainbow Sailing School. Enjoy a taster day and sail around the Gower coast with an experienced guide.
Breakout Adventure. If outdoor adventure’s your thing, then choose from a selection including canoeing, surfing and climbing.
Clyne Gardens. If you have a love for nature then you’ll enjoy the many delights to be found in these beautiful gardens; come and see water features, the bog garden and more.
The Chocolate Factory. This working factory gives visitors a chance to take a tour and see how chocolate is produced, with sampling at every opportunity.
1940’s Swansea Bay. This recreation provides an authentic experience of life during WWII, and brings new meaning to the phrase ‘living history’. Take part in an air raid; try living on rations, and more.
Food & DrinkIf it’s food and drink you’re after, you’ll find that Swansea offers a selection of choice restaurants and eateries, with something provided for every taste. Both traditional Welsh fare and seafood are specialities, but the city is also home to many restaurants serving international recipes, so you have plenty to choose from. There are also dozens of cafes and takeaways if you’re not looking for the full wining-and-dining experience. Some of the finest eateries include:Abernethy’s. Located in the Maritime Quarter, this restaurant serves up Welsh dishes as well as international favourites. There’s also a leisure area nearby which enables you to work off your food.
Bizzie Lizzie’s Bistro & Restaurant. If you’re looking for traditional Welsh meals then this is the place to come. There are many specialities and vegetarian dishes to choose from.
Bouchon de Rossi. A restaurant offering plenty of French cuisine, located right in the heart of Swansea’s city centre. Choose from salads, crepes and more.
Eleo’s Brasserie. If you’re a fan of European food then this restaurant is a great place to visit. Spanish and Portuguese meals are made on the spot, and there’s a wide variety of wine to choose from to compliment your meal.
Gallini’s. As a coastal city, Swansea is noted for its fine fish and Gallini’s is the perfect place to sample it. Italian dishes are also available, and the restaurant offers pleasing views of the Marina whilst you eat.
Hotels & AccommodationsSwansea is a popular tourist destination and there are plenty of places where you can find accommodation. Many of the hotels are on the seafront and offer a combination of great prices with friendly atmospheres. Stunning sea views are something you’ll quickly become used to during your stay. Alternatively, if you look a little further inland, you’ll find many unique family-run guesthouses and inns that offer home-cooking and comfortable rooms. Other alternatives include self-catering, including bay apartments; many campsites and caravan parks; hostels and more.
EntertainmentIf you want to be entertained during your stay in Swansea, you’ll discover numerous venues all offering a diverse range of entertainments. For instance, the Swansea Grand Theatre regularly offers a programme including ballet, drama, music and opera, as well as something for the kids. If it’s nightlife you’re looking for, then you’re advised to take a trip to the Wind Street area, which is known as the liveliest in the city! Here you’ll discover numerous restaurants, pubs, clubs and bars, and plenty of live entertainment just waiting to be enjoyed.
Swansea is one of those places that people keep coming back to, time after time. The Welsh Tourist Board is keen to attract visitors and has, in recent years, spent Ј30 million on developing a new attraction, the National Waterfront Museum. Meanwhile, your visit to the city would be amiss without a trip to the indoor market, where you can choose from fresh fish and local delicacies, as well as purchase all the souvenirs and unique gifts that you could ever want. With stunning scenery and lots of interesting attractions, Swansea is one place you’ll want to discover for yourself.

Founded in 1010, in 1954 it became the official capital of independent Vietnam. A peaceful city of lakes with leafy boulevards, Hanoi lies at the heart of the northern Red River Delta and somehow reflects an European feel. Especially the streets of the Old Quarter preserve age-old customs, where trade takes one back half a century, and temples, pagodas and monuments reflect the historic character of Vietnam. In this area there are many hotels which have been recently refurbished with a special care to the traditional architecture and design. Hanoi Hotels are surprisingly modest but preserve a unique charming environment. Some of them are set in historical buildings: the Ritz Hotel for example or Joy Hotel Return Hotel, the Pearls hotel, the Old street Hotel, Y Van Riverside Hotel, Hanoi Plaza hotel and Hanoi Queen Plaza. They are all front serene Hoan Kiem lake and – quite surprisingly for the standard they provide-, the prices are extremely cheap. Spending a night in any of these Vietnamese hotels will cost you from around 3,5 euros per person up to 15 euros per person. Although Hanoi, and Vietnam in general, have been absorbing a tourist boom since1993, which of course has seen an infiltration of western-style food and fashions into the once inaccessible city, Hanoi has retained its appealing sense of the old world. This means that the city provides many services for tourists as nice boutique hotels, internet cafйs and restaurants offering wide range of food. Do not forget that tourism has in general a bad influence in the way local people live, too often being responsible for changing their tastes, habits and underlining economic gaps and unequal access to resources. So forth, it is important each one of us makes a difference in the way we wish to live the city. Respecting local traditions and habits is important, from the way of dressing to general behaviour while in public areas, to gender differences roles. Regarding shopping for example, do not indulge in mass tourist souvenirs. Sometimes, the best way to take home part of the spirit, is taking a good shot, or buying some spices, or typical things that a local person would buy. From a notebook, to a normal pen, or a traditional t-shirt or a votive candle or a dolly used by Hanoi girls. This will help much more the local community than anything else. The hotels listed above are also Vietnamese run and your money will not feed some Western Fat Industries. Think about it.

The big day has arrived – a holiday in a far away foreign country. You are all packed and ready to go. You have your passport, plane ticket, and some way to pay for your next few weeks. You are nervous an anxious and ready to go. Here are a few pointers to make your long flight a little more pleasant.
Before you go.
Pack as light as possible. You should have no more than two suitcases and one carry-on. If you are going to a tropical climate it will be even easier packing shorts and T-shirts. And, you can always pick up some new clothes at your destination.
Ensure that you have all of your medications and copies of your prescriptions. Check on the latest rules for carrying liquids in your carry-on. The rules and regulations change with the weather – so keep current.
Re-confirm your flight. My last trip was almost delayed by a day or two as a typhoon hit Taiwan and my flight from Hawaii was going through Taipei. I scrambled and got my flight changed to one that went through Tokyo, Japan and managed to get to Thailand as scheduled. I didn’t check ahead of time and fortunately was able to get on a different flight. I learned my lesson. While re-confirming, get your seat assignment. I prefer exit rows for more legroom.
Double check that you have everything. I use a checklist and check it 2 or 3 times before I go. Really make sure that you have your passport, tickets and some way to pay – cash, ATM card, credit card or traveler’s checks. A combination is a good way to make sure that you have alternative means of paying. If you are going to a country that has its own currency, plan to exchange a day or two’s worth at the destination airport. Don’t change money in your home country – you will get a terrible rate.
At your home airportPlan to get to your airport about 3 hours ahead of your flight departure. Check-in and security lines can be long and slow. Have your travel documents ready to show wherever you go. Again, check on the rules for what you can bring with your on the flight – especially in your carry-on.
I always eat at the airport before I fly. Things have gotten better and cheaper at airports and I prefer to have a meal in me and not rely on the airline food. I also bring some trail mix with me to munch on during the flight.
Take advantage of the duty free shops. Get your booze, cigarettes and other goodies for tax-free prices. Check the limitations at your destination country before you buy 6 bottles of whiskey and find out you are only allowed to bring in one. Also check to see if you can carry liquids on flights that have a layover or two. You may have to make your purchase at the layover before your last leg.
You can kill time playing with any electronic toys you own. Wireless access is usually available in the airports so you can check email and surf. You can also listen to some music if you have an Ipod of something similar. Wireless can be found in most airports right outside the Airline lounges. You don’t have to be a member to sit outside and tap into their unsecured network.
On the flightTry to relax and sleep as much as possible. The time zone changes and jet lag will be lessened. Avoid alcohol and drink plenty of water, especially on longer flights. Dehydration comes easily on long flights in dry cabin air. You can drink booze when you arrive.
Read and watch a movie to kill time. Do some of the puzzles in the on-board magazines. Keep busy as much as possible. Have some mints and gum to alleviate the air pressure during take-off and landing.
I usually avoid the main course of the airline food. I do eat the salad, bread and dessert. The main meal is rarely edible. This is why I eat before I go and eat my own snacks.
You will have to fill out a customs declaration form on the plane to turn in to the Custom’s officer. Do this on the plane and stick it with your passport.
ArrivalHead out of the plane as quickly as possible. You and everyone else will have to go through Immigration/Customs – so the race is on. Hopefully, you were given instructions before deplaning. If not, just follow the signs. Don’t stop to smoke or use the bathroom. Get in the shortest line and have your passport ready. Keep a copy of your boarding pass with you, just in case.
Be pleasant and polite to the Custom’s officer, get your passport stamped, turn in your customs declaration, and head for the luggage carousels. Make sure you have your own luggage and find the currency exchange.
Change enough money to last you a day or two. ATMs are conveniently located around the world, so a debit card is the easiest way to get local currency. It can be a little more risky using a credit card. Get your money and head for the exit.
Find the taxi or bus line and head to your hotel. You made it! Now, enjoy your vacation.