The Backpack Man

Why You Should Be An Early Bird Travel Booker

noreply@blogger.com (Anciro Romana) — Wed, 22 May 2013 01:12:00 PDT

The early bird catches the worm. But when you are a traveler who plans trips way ahead of time, you do not catch the worm. You catch discounts and the best travel promos instead.

Whilst spontaneous traveling can sometimes the most liberating feeling in the world, planning holiday vacations early on can give you lots of benefits. So if you are thinking of going on trips next year, you better book your hotel, flights, and travel packages now. For families looking for cheap holidays, organizing travels in advance is definitely the best thing to do – especially if you have a large family!

Discounts, you love ‘em!
By booking your travel in advance, you can get the biggest discounts. Those early bird promotions are there not only as an advertising gimmick of travel companies, but also because they want their customers to get the best deals. Remember your frustration when one day, an airfare promo was offered, you let it pass, and the next day travel price was back on its normal staggering rate? “I should have made the most out of the promo!” you moan to yourself. Spare yourself of that disappointment again by booking your travel ahead.

Lean season is THE season!
Book your travel during the months when people aren’t thinking of vacation. During this time, hotel accommodation and airfare rates are on their lowest. Economics tells that the higher the demand for a supply, the higher the price of that supply. But it doesn’t take an economist to understand why you should take advantage of this lean season low rates. Lean season is usually during those rainy months. Book your travel in July but schedule your actual trip on April or May. Wise, isn’t it?

Travel should be Stress Free
You have always known that procrastinating won’t do you any good. This holds true when you are booking your trips at the last minute. By organising your trip way ahead, you get to prepare things more effectively: your travel documents, insurance, your baggage, your gadgets and camera (of course, you need to take pictures!), and most importantly, yourself. You don’t want to be in that situation when you are all set to go and you find out you left your passport at home.

On top of that, organising ahead of time means you get to research the places you want to go to, leaving you better prepared and with grounded expectations.

You can definitely have all the advantages when you book your travels early on and prepare yourself well for the trip.

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Jubail Industrial City Desert Areas

noreply@blogger.com (Anciro Romana) — Tue, 21 May 2013 02:31:00 PDT

Jubail is a city in the Eastern province on the Persian Gulf coast of Saudi Arabia. It is the largest industrial city in the Middle East. It also holds the Middle East’s largest and world's 4th largest petrochemical company. It comprises the Old Town of Al Jubail, which was a small fishing village until 1975, and the new industrial area. Jubail industrial city is the largest civil engineering project in the world today.

The Ten Ohio Restaurants That You Don’t Want To Miss

noreply@blogger.com (Anciro Romana) — Mon, 20 May 2013 19:20:00 PDT

One of the highlights of traveling to someplace new is the opportunity to break out of the ordinary and step into unique experiences that you would never have at home. Ohio offers visitors exceptional dining experiences that won’t soon be forgotten. Point to any part of a map of Ohio and you’ll find one of these top ten restaurants.

9 Tables
This is fine dining at its best. 9 Tables in Athens, Ohio, is a restaurant that delivers a luxury experience to each and every guest. Meals are offered in five or seven courses and contain locally sourced ingredients. This special dining experience will last between two and three hours, so leave your evening open. Vegetarian and vegan selections are also available in the same five or seven course selection. There’s something to suit everyone’s taste.

Barcelona
Many American restaurants attempt to adopt the traditional cooking styles of classic European cuisine and Barcelona Restaurant & Bar in Columbus has definitely succeeded. This German Village gem offers diners a refined and relaxed environment to experience Old World cooking and hospitality. Lunch, dinner, tapas, and desserts are served each day. Barcelona also offers a special lunch menu that changes each week. If you visit, inquire about patio seating. You’ll find yourself transported to a lush Spanish retreat right in the heart of the city.

Callaloo Café
The fresh, festive flavors of Caribbean are brought to Collinwood courtesy of the Callaloo Café. Collinwood might not be the first place you’d expect to find the traditional foods of Trinidad and Tobago and other island nations but this funky eatery has become very popular with the locals. You’ll be treated to live jazz, reggae, and ska played on Friday and Saturday nights. If you’re looking for something new to try, look no further than Callaloo Café.

Casa Nueva Restaurant & Cantina
Another landmark of Ohio’s local food movement, the Casa Nueva Restaurant & Cantina has fresh, delicious Mexican-inspired food along with a selection of tempting sandwiches, salads, and appetizers. This Athens, Ohio, landmark is a favorite student hang out and features live music by local musicians. Casa Nueva serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner; it also features numerous gluten-free menu selections.

Ella
This fresh, intimate restaurant helped establish the local food trend. Their menu features lots of classic American favorites such as macaroni and cheese, barbeque pork sliders, and ribeye steaks – with a twist. The grilled Amish chicken is given a velvety coating of winter pesto sauce. Grilled lemon is combined with creamy hummus. The traditional cheese plate showcases selections made right in the New Albany area. The happy hour and dessert menus are especially popular among locals.

Giannamore’s Pizza
If you’re in the Wintersville area and looking for a casual meal that’s also top-notch, you need to call Giannamore’s Pizza. Customer’s love the crust that’s crunchy on the outside, chewy on the inside. Pizza lovers all over the state have consistently rated Giannamore’s as some of the finest slices to be had. This is a dinner-only establishment so make sure you finish your day of sightseeing with a visit to Giannamore’s.

Pier W
Located in Lakewood near Cleveland, Pier W has become a part of every visitor’s must-do list. As soon as you take a seat, you’ll see why. The patio dining space at Pier W overlooks an expansive vista of beautiful Lake Erie and the Cleveland skyline on the horizon. The view isn’t the only thing worth coming for. The menu is full of delectable seafood dishes such as oven roasted cedar planked organic salmon and the restaurant’s very own bouillabaisse. Pier W serves lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch. A vegetarian menu is also offered and happy hour selections are available in the late afternoon.

Scali Ristoranti
If you’re in the Reynoldsburg area and are in the mood for food that comes straight from the Italian countryside, then you need to drop by Scali Ristoranti. Don’t be fooled by the unassuming exterior. That simple sign is welcoming you to a meal like you’ve never had before. Italian home cooked favorites like stuffed ravioli, Italian wedding soup, and four cheese pizza are served up alongside lesser-known dishes such as shrimp cognac. Scali Ristoranti is pleased to offer an extensive wine list, including red and white wines imported directly from Italy.

Tlaquepaque
Zanesville is home to a treasured Mexican food establishment called Tlaquepaque. All your favorite Mexican standbys can be found here; the burritos and tacos are especially popular among the Zanesville locals. Even the salsa and chips will make you want to come back for more. Generous portions encourage sharing so ask for a couple extra plates when ordering.

Tom’s Ice Cream Bowl
When you’ve finished your world-class meal, top it off with a taste of world-class dessert! Tom’s Ice Cream Bowl has been enjoyed by Zanesville locals for generations. Quality ingredients, top-notch service, and a retro styled dining room make for a memorable night out with the family. Located just moments from highway 70, Tom’s is a perfect place to grab a snack while on a road trip. Even the small portions are generous so there’ll be plenty to share!

Article contributed by Charlie Withers of the Two Guys Wine and Travel blog.

How Can an American Have a Good European Road Trip?

noreply@blogger.com (Anciro Romana) — Sun, 19 May 2013 09:00:00 PDT

Going on a road trip across Europe is a very interesting challenge for many Americans. Europe is full of beautiful places, with amazing natural sights, as well as historic landmarks that are a testament to all the important events that have happened throughout the centuries, but it's also a place where you can find a lot of beautiful examples of modern architecture. All in all, it's a great option for a fun, exciting road trip. But, it will only be fun and exciting if you do it right, which means that you have to do some preparations before you go there, including creating a route, figuring out how much you are willing to spend, and obtaining all the documents you need.

Before you decide which countries you want to visit and what types of activities you'd like to do there, you have to take care of the documentation. First and foremost, you have to obtain a passport, if you don't have one already. After you apply for a passport, you have to wait at least 3-4 weeks before you receive it, so you must take this into consideration. If you do have a passport, make sure that it's still valid.

Depending on the destination, you might need a visa, as well. That's the case with Russia, for example, and if you plan to go there, you have to apply for a visa at least a month before you start the trip. Also, you must purchase travel insurance and contact your current auto insurance company to see if your policy is valid while traveling abroad.

After you've taken care of the documentation, you should determine your budget. You should do that even before you choose a destination. If you establish your budget early on, it will be easier to decide where to go. If you are looking for a cheap accommodation and affordable dining options, you should avoid places like London, Paris or Zürich.

If there is one particular place you'd like to visit, such as some castle, a fortress, a lake, or an island, and plan the whole vacation around that destination. Once you choose a destination, go online and see if there are any interesting locations nearby, so you don't have to wander around searching for a cool place to go to.

If you decide to travel across Europe in a rental car, you must book a car a couple of weeks in advance, and take advantage of the discounts that rental companies offer when making online reservations. Some of the best European rental car companies that you should consider include Sixt, Hertz, and Europcar. Traffic laws and regulations are another important aspect of a European road trip. You have to pay attention to which side of the road you are supposed to drive on, speed limits, as well as certain requirements regarding safety equipment, including reflective jackets, first-aid kits and fire extinguishers.

To sum up, a road trip across Europe can be a very exciting experience, if you take some time to establish a budget, plan a route, and get informed about the traffic laws that are in effect in the countries you want to visit.

Author's bio:

Jordan Perch is an automotive fanatic and “green cars” specialist. He is an author of many how-to articles related to safe driving, green technologies, auto insurance and he's currently blogging for DMV.com.

Image credit to travelerguidance.blogspot.com

Spring into Action with Activity Holidays in Italy

noreply@blogger.com (Anciro Romana) — Fri, 17 May 2013 01:38:00 PDT

Italy is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the world, with around 45 million tourists visiting every year and with so many vibrant cities and sites of great historical importance and cultural splendour it is easy to see why. However, whilst exploring iconic sites like the Coliseum and Trevi Fountain in Rome or the Leaning Tower of Pisa are joyous experiences they are only one side to this great country.

Italy has natural beauty in abundance and from the rolling hills of Tuscany to the rough-hewn Amalfi coastline it simply begs to be explored. A classic Ferrari may excite some people but for me the very best way to get up close and personal to this spellbinding magnificence is either on foot or by bicycle and there are no shortage of options for active holidays in Italy.

Walking has one major advantage over two – and especially four – wheels and that is that you have no excuse not to stop (regularly!) to sample the fine local wines. The country has around 20 major wine producing regions and whether in Puglia or Piedmont, Sicily or Sardinia, you will find you are never too far away from a vineyard. By their nature these tend to be picturesque areas to walk around, the gentle sun-drenched slopes laden with vines, perhaps an olive grove here or a citrus orchard there.

For those who prefer their scenery a little more rugged the Amalfi Coast is sure to tick all the right boxes. This is Italian glamour at its best, with towns such as Positano precariously built into the cliff side, seemingly defying gravity in places. Pretty little fishing villages painted in white and shades of pink provide restful stops to refuel with some of the simplest but most exquisite seafood you could wish to devour and the magical island of Capri is also easily accessible: a delight not to be missed.

Capri is a treasure chest of flowers, plants and birds, with over 800 species of flora and numerous bird species, including the fastest bird on earth (in a dive), the peregrine falcon. With dazzling rock formations and Capri’s famed grottoes, exploring is fun for all ages; the island is also home to several annual festivals, including the recently created Tango festival which takes place in June. More information about this wonderful island can be found by checking out the Capri tourism site.

Heading back to the mainland but staying in the South, Puglia is fantastic to discover on two wheels. It is relatively undiscovered (as much as anywhere in a country with 45 million tourists can be) and cycling between and through its historic towns and sleepy fishing villages and up and over the gently undulating hills is about as relaxing an experience as one can have.

Much of the land is agricultural, with tomatoes, olives, peppers, and of course grapes all grown here, which makes for interesting riding but an exquisitely fresh and delicious lunch. With wild herbs growing and perfuming the warm air you’ll soon be ready to eat. Stopping for sustenance in somewhere like Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a real delight,with the narrow streets of the atmospheric historic centre offering no end of small trattoria at which to indulge.

From there take a half-day bike ride and you can be at the beach, dipping your toes in the enticingly azure Adriatic Sea and this is another great thing about a holiday in Italy. As the country is relatively small, its rugged mountains, sweeping hills, exciting coast and endless vineyards are almost always within reach of wherever you are based. So, if you like walking, cycling, great wine, dazzling food and world class scenery, I think you've just found your next holiday destination.

5 Star Weekend - 5 Things To Do In London For Luxury

noreply@blogger.com (Anciro Romana) — Mon, 13 May 2013 10:30:00 PDT

Photo Credit: conorwithonen

London is the perfect city for a luxury weekend away, with so much on offer throughout the day and night. Here, we suggest what we think is the perfect itinerary for pure luxury and style throughout your stay in the wonderfully iconic British city.

Morning
Start your day in London with breakfast at The Delaunay, where there are plenty of the finest choices on offer to tempt your taste buds. Whether it’s an omelette, pancakes, fresh fruit or one of the restaurant’s freshly baked pastries, The Delaunay has something to start your day in the most luxurious of settings, priding itself on its elegant antique décor and style along with fine dining.

Spend the morning browsing some of London’s most famous department stores, notably Harrods, Harvey Nichols and Liberty, for everything from high-end fashion pieces to unique designer home-ware. Let the personal shopper’s at Harvey Nichols do the hard work for you whilst you relax, away from the hustle and bustle of the busy shoppers. Harrods offers everything you could think of, all housed in the beautiful building which makes it as much of a symbol of Britain as the classic red telephone box.

Mayfair’s fine fashion boutiques are also well worth a browse for those wishing to pick up more unique pieces to add to their collections, with more specialised designers setting up shop in what is perhaps the wealthiest area of the country to tempt visitors with their exquisite wares.

Pause for a spot of lunch at one of Mayfair’s finest eateries, La Petite Maison, which serves French cuisine of the highest and finest quality. Enjoy a glass of wine and a chat with friends, but, above all, relax and take the weight from your feet for a while, watching London life pass by through the window.

Afternoon
In the afternoon, take a trip to the British Museum on Great Russell Street, where there are many exhibits, artifacts and pieces of art depicting the history of the British Empire. Visit also the fine art galleries of Mayfair, such as Clarendon’s which offers a presentation of the works of the finest artists around the world. Enjoy a glass of wine whilst taking in the beauty of each piece, carefully mastered with dedication and emotion.

Evening
For dinner, take a table at Gordon Ramsay’s Michelin starred restaurant at Claridge’s, a luxury 5 star hotel in London, which offers the finest selection of meals to suit any taste, expertly crafted to perfection by top chefs from Ramsay’s much-acclaimed recipes.
After dinner, take an iconic London taxi to the West End area to see a show in one of London’s prestigious theatres, where some of the world’s finest actors come to delight and thrill the audiences who travel from across the globe to watch. Whether it’s Les Miserables, The Lion King or Billy Elliot, London’s wide variety of musicals is sure to capture your heart and will bring fond memories for years to come.

Following your evening at the theatre, return to your hotel to enjoy cocktails in Claridge’s Bar, where the skilled and attentive bar tenders will mix and serve fantastic beverages in a wonderfully glamorous setting, which is perfect for you to reflect upon your day in London so far.

When the day is done, retreat to your luxury suit at Claridge’s and enjoy your welcome bottle of Laurent-Perrier champagne and complimentary signature Claridge’s chocolates, perhaps in a candlelit bath to ensure a really lavish experience. Then sink into the luxuriously made bed for a good night’s rest, ready for your journey home the following day.

Sources:
http://lpmlondon.co.uk/
http://www.harrods.com/
http://www.liberty.co.uk/
http://www.harveynichols.com/
http://www.britishmuseum.org
http://www.clarendonfineart.com
http://www.gordonramsay.com/claridges
http://www.claridges.co.uk/mayfair-bars/claridges-bar/
http://www.claridges.co.uk/london-suites-rooms/
http://www.thedelaunay.com

Catherine is a travel blogger who wishes she could have breakfast in a 5 star hotel all year long..!

Sample Simple Lancashire

noreply@blogger.com (Anciro Romana) — Mon, 13 May 2013 08:49:00 PDT

Lancashire is a wonderful county to visit and if this is an area that you are interested in exploring, the temptation is to visit some of the larger towns and well-known attractions. However, Lancashire has much more to offer than this and is crammed with some hidden jewels. To take full advantage of everything that Lancashire has to offer, including beautiful scenery and areas of historical interest, you should make it your mission to seek out some of these areas.

Fylde and Wyre
By staying in the accommodation and hotels in Blackpool, you can take advantage not only of the fantastic attractions that this famous tourist destination has to offer, but also of the great transport links to other areas across the Fylde and Wyre area. The coastal location and large number of villages means that there is plenty to see. Explore they are on bicycle or by taking a walk on one of the many planned coastal routes to take full advantage of the diversity of the area. If you are staying in Blackpool then you will also be in easy travelling distance of Fleetwood Maritime Museum and Farmer Parr's Agricultural Museum.

Rossendale Valley
One of the most beautiful areas in Lancashire is Rossendale Valley, also known as the Forest of Rossendale. Featuring miles of stunning moorland and outstanding scenery, this area has many villages and small towns with fascinating activities. Haslingden, one of the larger villages in Rossendale Valley, offers the Belshaw Gallery, Haslingden Market and some interesting places to eat and drink. Helmshore is another great place to visit as this is the home of Helmshore Mills Textile Museum. Further activities can be found at Rawtensall, including a market and Ski Rossendale. The latter is ideal for adventure seekers.

Pendle
Pendle is situated in the Forest of Bowland, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Beyond what nature already has to offer, Pendle is an area of historic interest, particularly to those with an interest in witchcraft. This is where the famous Pendle Witches were burnt at the stake. While in the area, the Pendle Heritage Centre is well worth a visit. Located in Barrowsford, Nelson, the Pendle Heritage Centre is filled with fascinating facts and information for visitors looking to explore Pendle and the surrounding area.

Image credit to telegraph.co.uk

How to Choose a Singapore Car Rental Company

noreply@blogger.com (Anciro Romana) — Mon, 13 May 2013 00:53:00 PDT

Singapore is a midget nation with limited space. This means that the Government must control the number of vehicles on the road so as to ease congestion. Notably, Singapore is among the countries in the world with the highest car ownership. Within the city, the public transportation system is quite developed with the public buses being able to access all the areas around. As such, the residents do not rent cars quite often, which make the Singapore car rental services affordable. Some of the popular cars offered for rent by these firms include: the Exclusive Limo, Toyota Vios, Mitsubishi Lancer and Hyundai Trajet among others. The car rental price is highly determined by the specific car that you want to rent.

Using rental coupons to hire a car is a superb opportunity mainly for travelers visiting new cities. Usually, they need to move around with ease hence the convenience of hiring a car cannot go unnoticed. There are several coupon offers that are issued by rental car firms online. By simply using the search engine, you will identify a good number of Singapore car rental firms that offer coupons. At first, you can get a bit confused when trying to identify the best deal hence using the tips below will aid you in making an informed decision.
To start with, you can search for Singapore car rental companies at the travel agency sites. Take note that there are a good number of well known travel agencies that are worth the try. They can help you determine, which car rental firm offers the best rates. Usually, these firms have a wide variety of cars such as the exclusive limo that they rent out to willing clients. This means that it is not difficult to identify the most suitable car that will suit your requirements. In case you are a regular client of a major car rental provider, you can simply request for a direct upgrade since several firms provide an extremely good deal for their loyal clients by making use of coupons.

Another method in which you can identify the best car rental firms in Singapore is by becoming a member of a travel forum or fan club. Such platforms can easily be identified online. Usually, the members of these forums can know which car rental firms provide the best deals and coupons to their clients. Travel forums are more beneficial since the participants probably have had similar experiences. Majority are well traveled and they have had to rent cars in different cities and countries. Therefore, the information that you get from like minded people at the forums will greatly assist you in making an educated decision.

It is advisable to compare and investigate different car rental firms in Singapore. This is an extremely useful step since the car rental firms differ among each other. For example, you may be allowed to rent an exclusive limo or any other type of car you so wish for a one way trip. On the other hand, others may require you to return the car back to the same location where you picked it from. Some of the car rental firms in Singapore will offer to pick up their clients and drop them off.

Obviously, you may find it challenging to rent a car from a rental firm if you do not know, which parameters to looks at. In spite the high number of car rental firms in Singapore, the selection must be done just right. Mentioned below are some steps that you can use to identify the best car rental firm in Singapore:
Firstly, research on the services that the company offers. Most of these firms offer online services, which makes it easy for those interested to find the information that they need. You should determine if the firm is reliable, well reputed and professional. Such information can easily be acquired by reading reviews that are available online.

The next step is to determine the specific kind of car that you would like to rent. This is vital since you need to select a car that suits your requirements. A well reputed rental company should have a wide array of cars that you can choose from. Therefore, the company that you select should be sturdy enough and have a wide variety of vehicles.

Finally, understand the charges that the different firms are offering. You should clarify all the costs so as to avoid being bombarded by hidden charges. This is the reason why it is advisable to research widely before settling down for a specific company.

Exclusive Limo & Car Rentals is Singapore’s premier luxury car rental and limousine company. We provide a complete range of transport services and our business philosophy of 'Quality Service to Customers at all times' ensures that we constantly strive to serve you with our best, and with a smile.
Feel free to call me on my hp: 9101 8983 for any queries.

Haggle a Deal in Bangkok's Street Markets

noreply@blogger.com (Anciro Romana) — Fri, 10 May 2013 05:08:00 PDT

There are hundreds of markets spread throughout Bangkok but some of the best places for bargains are the street markets. Since most of the stalls at these markets are independently owned by entrepreneurs who are looking to make it on their own, more often they will agree on the price close to what you suggest after some haggling.

Before you head out to Bangkok’s colourful street markets, it’s important to warn you that you might want to buy just about everything. From rehashed mobile phones and knock off Rolex watches to hand designed t-shirts and jewelry these markets cover all sorts of merchandise. Luckily, it’s possible to save on your flights to Bangkok by booking early and accommodation is notoriously good value in some areas, leaving you more money to spend buying all these must-have bargains.

Some of the busiest shopping havens and central markets are:

Khao San Road Sidewalk Market
Popular among backpackers and young travellers, Khao San Road Sidewalk Market sells used books, fisherman trousers, CDs and DVDs, backpacks, Thai crafts, luggage and just about everything you might need if you are planning a backpacking trip. You can actually find an interesting selection of music in CDs which is not always found elsewhere. If you are really up for it, you can get your hair dread-locked but you might want to hold it off for sometime if you have to go back to the office soon.

Sukhumvit Sidewalk Market
This is perhaps the most famous street market of Bangkok. This is the place where you can buy extremely cheap Thai souvenirs, leather bags, Thai silk, watches, handicrafts and of course the knock-offs. The key to shopping in Sukhumvit Sidewalk Market is if you cannot haggle down by 25 per cent, head to the next stall.

Saphan Phut
Unlike Khao San Road Sidewalk Market and Sukhumvit Sidewalk Market, Saphan Phut doesn't get much attention from tourists. However, this is definitely worth visiting if you want to observe the trendy and modern youth culture of Thailand. Most of the accessories and clothing stalls here cater for the youth. There are some other random stalls as well, for example army fatigue clothing stand and vintage rock band t-shirts.

Now that you are acquainted with the best places to shop, it’s time to learn some tricks. Being a Westerner, haggling can be difficult to adopt since it’s not something that often occurs in Europe. You must plan your strategy ahead of time and keep these points in mind:

• Even if the merchant becomes rude, remain polite and always keep smiling.
• Go either early in the morning or late in the evening when they are about to close up.
• Learn basic Thai language since it will get you farther than haggling in English.
• Always have exactly the amount you want to pay. Do not ask for change since the merchant will conveniently be “out of change.”
• Keep only the amount you want to pay in your packet and flash it to the merchant saying “But this is all I have.” Very rarely would a merchant let you go after being flashed money.
• Be willing to walk away, and do it. More often than not, the merchant will stop you and agree to your price.

If you’re planning on visiting Bangkok and don’t want to pay over the odds for your flights, use a free online comparison tool like mondondo and choose from hundreds of flights to Bangkok at a price that suits you. Flights are something you can’t haggle over, but there are deals to he had for single travellers and if you’re flexible on departure dates.

Author Bio: David Bell is a freelance writer and blogs about travel, interior design, online marketing, telecoms and small business solutions. Follow him on Twitter @DavidBellWriter

Happy Mother's Day Nay!

noreply@blogger.com (Anciro Romana) — Fri, 10 May 2013 01:18:00 PDT

Since the day I became conscious of the things around me, one thing I noticed is that my parents are used to waking up before the sun is up to tend the farm and then return home after dusk. They do all of that to spend their hard earned money for us. Now I realized the full value of my parents sacrifice.

My parents, I know you do love me, my brothers and my sisters. I know you sacrifice us. No one ever made certificates of recognition for their great sacrifice they made. No institution could accommodate their credentials. I am proud of my parents.

Happy Mother's Day to my Nanay :)

Italy’s Most Iconic Hotspots Explored

noreply@blogger.com (Anciro Romana) — Thu, 09 May 2013 06:51:00 PDT

Italy is a spectacular country, and it’s clear to see why it continues to benefit from increasing tourism numbers. Not only is there the fantastic climate, and the vast coastlines with fantastic beaches, but the food is simply sublime too. Combined with the superb hospitality of the Italian people, Italy really is the holiday destination of the summer. Let’s take a look at some of the country’s most iconic hotspots.

The Colosseum

Probably one of Rome’s most famous landmarks, the Colosseum was a salute to the merciless and raw power of the Roman people, and its ruins still hold strong to this very day. Attracting millions of visitors every year, it’s not just the sheer size of the Colosseum that induces such awe, but it’s also the history it resonates. Right at this very place, gladiators used to battle for their lives in front of thousands of people, with prisoners and slaves entering into fierce fights with wild beasts, with only their hands and a blade to protect themselves.

Still, over 2,000 years on, the Colosseum remains the heart of the city, and Rome wouldn't be Rome without the huge shadow of the clay and brick walls falling on the nearby shops and buildings. Although it was the most famous attraction in Italy at the time, it certainly wasn’t the biggest, with the Circo Massimo able to hold some 200,000 people!
The Roman Empire fell towards the end of the 6th century, and the Colosseum was subsequently abandoned, however it still remained a fortress for the Annibaldi and Frangipani warrior families in the years to come.

The Pantheon

Standing as one of Rome’s most iconic and oldest sights, the Pantheon is a 2,000 year old temple-turned-church, and the city’s most preserved monument. Not only is the Pantheon hugely influential in the Western world, but it offers an experience like no other when passing through it. As the huge bronze doors tower over the entrance, your eyes are uncontrollably forced to look up and marvel at the world’s largest concrete dome.

Built in around 120 AD, the Pantheon is a magnificent structure, and even modern architects continue to applaud the vast creative talent of the age. Many consider it the most important Roman architectural achievement, and until the 15th century it held the title as the world’s largest dome. Although the exterior is still imposing, there are parts that continue to chip away in the blistering Rome heat, however most of the interior remains intact. Rent a car with Auto Europe, and travel the amazing structures of Rome in style.

Trevi Fountain

Another one of Rome’s highlights, the Trevi Fountain is the city’s most famous water feature, mainly due to the film La Dolce Vita. Designed and built in 1732, the architecture on the fountain is outstanding, and details pictures portray the various moods of the sea. Referring to the three roads at converge at the water feature, Trevi is a name that places Rome on the monument map, and if you’re thinking about visiting the fountain, it’s best to go in the evening when the traffic isn't so heavy.

Image credit to destination360.com

4 Things to Consider When Hiring an Exclusive Limo in Singapore

noreply@blogger.com (Anciro Romana) — Tue, 07 May 2013 21:45:00 PDT

With the rapidly expanding Singapore car rental market, it is not difficult to get exclusive limo to hire for all your travel needs. Some of the situations that might require you to hire an exclusive limo include when you are travelling for pleasure, business travel, attending special occasions or when your own car is in the garage and you require another one to travel around with. Renting an exclusive limo in Singapore can be a bit expensive and, therefore you need to do prior planning. It is also good to look for the most effective Singapore car rental company in order to get the best offer. Below are some tips that can help you save a lot when hiring a car.

1. Look at the mileage offered by the company
There are many companies that offer unlimited miles while other give a specific number of free miles and then charge you for the extra miles beyond what you had agreed in the car rental contract. When hiring a car it is advisable to inquire on the mileage the company would give you to prevent being charged high for the miles you travel than you expect. It is always advisable to hire an exclusive limo in a company that gives you unlimited mileage. Shop around or search on the internet because there are many companies that will give such offer in the modern Singapore car rental market.

2. Ensure you get covered by insurance
It is worth noting that many care rental companies in Singapore charge a lot for the coverage they provide to you. By being covered you will save a lot. Before hiring a car it is good to check with your car insurance provider to look whether they have an extra driver you can purchase on your regular car insurance or check with the provider of your credit card to find out whether they offer such insurance cover. Look at all details carefully before renting a car from, any given company.

3. Inquire for all extra expenses you will have to incur from the company
Many care rental companies use the aspect of low cost as the main factor to attract clients to hire their cars. However, many do not tell the extra charges involved in the car rental. Almost all of them have extra charges for dropping the car at a different location as signed in the agreement, using another driver and other fees. The most advisable thing is to ensure the company comes out clear concerning all such extra expenses before entering into an agreement to hire car. Go through the contract in details to understand everything included in it to avoid getting disappointed at the end after you realize you have been charged extra money because you failed to understand the contract when signing it. Understand the policy of the company regarding lateness or returning the car without filling the tank.

4. Carry out thorough search or shopping for the best car rental offer in the market.
There is high competition in car rental industry in Singapore because of the high number of the companies offering the car hire services. They try to outdoor each other by offering low rates. Try to visit as many as you can in order to get the company with the best offer. If you are searching on the internet carry out a thorough search and try contacting them to have ample knowledge before deciding on the one that offers the car at the most affordable cost.

By following the above tips you stand a high chance to hire an exclusive limo at a very low price than you even expect. You also need to take great care to avoid having a bad experience by being charged extra fees that you had planned in your budget allocations.

Exclusive Limo & Car Rentals is Singapore’s premier luxury car rental and limousine company. We provide a complete range of transport services and our business philosophy of 'Quality Service to Customers at all times' ensures that we constantly strive to serve you with our best, and with a smile.
Feel free to call me on my hp: 9101 8983 for any queries.

Image credit to groupon.sg

8 Tips for Your Disney Adventure

noreply@blogger.com (Anciro Romana) — Mon, 06 May 2013 13:00:00 PDT

Yay, so you are going to the "Happiest Place On Earth" the place were "All Your Dreams Come True", Disney of course! Your kids are so excited and can't stop talking about the rides, parades, souvenirs,etc... and all you can think about is the cost, money, and the expense. Here are few tips that I have picked up by living and learning the hard way (paying too much, waiting in line too much and walking too much).

1. Autograph Books: Most major retail stores like Target, Walgreens, CVS around Orlando will have Disney autographs books around the $4 range. If you wait until you are in the doors of the Magic Kingdom you will be paying upwards of $11. It is well worth it to your budget to make a stop before hand. Especially if each child and adult (ahem) needs their own book.

2. Bring Your Own Pen: When you are grabbing your autograph books, grab a sparkly, glittery, feather pen or just a Sharpy will work too. You will be glad you did. Like most things at Disney the pens are marked (no pun intended) up in price as well.

3. Snacks: A way to cut way back on spending money, is to pack your owns snacks. You can bring any snack container, except for glassware. They will check your bags, but it is perfectly fine to bring your food.

4. Fast Pass: If you are staying at a Disney Resort, get the Fast Pass! It is free and you can save so much time by not having to wait in the long lines. Time is money you know. This will give you more time to explore the park and ride all the rides that you want to.

5. Entertain Me: It is always a good idea to bring some lightweight little things to entertain the kids while you wait in lines or for food. Little games, small books, or gaming apps on your phone are ways to keep kids occupied and not whining.

6. Epcot: For finding your favorite characters without the wait, try Epcot. It is a goldmine and it mostly attracts adults, so the lines are short. Also, if you are trying to get all the Disney Princess' autographs you will have to visit Epcot to get Mulan, she stays close to her home (China).

7. 12% Tax: Yep, that is right... There is a 12% tax on food, souvenirs and events. So be mindful of your budget when you are picking out your favorite Mickey Ears.

8. Stroller: Bring your own stroller. If you get a stroller at Disney there is a refundable deposit of $100 and the cost of a single stroller is $15/ day and double stroller is $31/day. If you rent for multiple days the do offer a slight discount. It is still more affordable to bring your own. But you definitely want to have a stroller if you have young kids, since you walk an average of 5-6 miles a day around the park.

So keep these tips in mind when you are planning your trip to Disney World. You will be able to put your cares aside and act like a kid again as your spinning and spinning and spinning in those humongous Tea Cups!

Author Bio: Larah Shelton is a blogger for Smith Monitoring, a leader in Houston home security. She loves to spend time with her husband and 2 kids, making memories and visiting friends.

Image credit to holidayscoordinator.com

Walking Holidays To Suit Everyone

noreply@blogger.com (Anciro Romana) — Sun, 05 May 2013 07:00:00 PDT

Walking is a great form of exercise, but it's also a fantastic way of exploring a new place. If you've chosen a fabulous holiday destination then why not get the most out of your visit with some exploration on foot?

It is important, however, to choose carefully from the range of walking holidays, in order to find one that's perfect for you. Consider your ability and you preference when it comes walking or hiking. Do you want to enjoy leisurely lakeside meanders or challenge yourself with mountain hikes?

You should also think about whether you wish to explore on foot alone (or with a travel companion) or get the inside track on guided walks.

If you're travelling as a couple or a family then you might prefer to go it alone. A dozen people joining you to take in the spectacular view from a mountain summit might just spoil the romantic atmosphere, and if you are a family group with members of varying abilities then going it allow will allow you to set a pace to suit you.

However, if you're looking for singles adventure holidays then guided walking group holidays can be a great option. You'll immediately be grouped together with like-minded individuals, hopefully forming friendships and finding companionship when you wanted (when in the hotel bar or restaurant perhaps).

The beauty of travelling alone however is that, when you want peace and solitude, you can have it, and a walking holiday offers opportunities to get away from it all in abundance.

Set off on a well-marked route, and enjoy the magnificent scenery and the quiet. You're sure to find that you return home from your adventure with a clear head and sense of calm and personal achievement, as well as, hopefully, some new found friendships.

Island Hopping at Sombrero Island, Batangas

noreply@blogger.com (Anciro Romana) — Sat, 04 May 2013 02:55:00 PDT

If you're looking for white beach, with good scenery and valuable experience, this spot called, Sombrero Island, located at Anilao, Batangas is one fine place to be at.

When we arrived at the island we settled in one of the cool area; had a swift rest first before getting out and get sun-kissed.

The island is just a small one. The small stretch of the beach can be walked for 5 minutes or maybe less. It has some small rocks that might hurt a bare foot when you walk through the seashore. The place is not only superb for its white sand but is also known for the coral reef garden on the western part of the island. Aside from swimming, it is also good for snorkeling but scuba gear is best prescribed due to the strong current as you go further.

Sombrero Island named because the island looked like a big hat sticking out of the water. About 15 minute boat rides from Mayumi Resort (Our start point going to the island). Entrance to the island is 200Php and cottage rent is 1000Php.

Scenic Routes for Driving Through Europe

noreply@blogger.com (Anciro Romana) — Thu, 02 May 2013 23:55:00 PDT

There are some wonderful destinations in Europe and many of them can be accessed by travelling by car from one country to the next. Some countries in Europe are vast in comparison to the UK, so unless you have an extended period of holiday it may be sensible to tackle some of these glorious driving routes one by one.

You can use an ICE European travel card to carry out your purchases whilst you’re on the road in Europe. ICE offer home-delivery for cash and pre-paid currency cards so you’ll be covered on both fronts whilst you’re abroad.

One particular route known as the ‘Black Forest’ will take you all the way to Baden Baden which lies just to the West of Stuttgart. Travellers can start off in Switzerland, or the most southern German city Freiburg, and drive their way up the south west coast of Germany taking in the glorious lush greens of the forest and its surrounding mountains. The route 500 will take you right along this unbelievable spectacle. It is advised to avoid attempting this trip in the winter months as sometimes the roads can be closed due to snowfall.

Another fantastic drive is along the Amalfi coast which is located on the southern side of Italy. It has a spectacular natural landscape and during the drive you will be able to embrace the impressive views of ancient ruins, quaint villages and of course the Mediterranean Sea.Ravello happens to be one of these quaint villages and it is renowned for being a romantic getaway. It offers sublime views as it sits 365 metres above the sea. The weather is glorious in the summer making it perfect to go the beach or aboard someone’s boat where you can sail off into the Mediterranean Sea.

The winding back roads of Provence in southern France remain a popular driving destination, especially in the summer when you can take advantage of the fantastic climate. There are a number famous vineyards, castles and small villages with a lot of character and history to see along the way giving you plenty of opportunity to make overnight pit stops. Gordes is located in the south east of France and is worth visiting at least for the day, if not overnight. Similar to Ravello in the sense that it sits around 373 metres above sea level, Gordes resides in what is known as the Luberon Valley. There are a number of hills in this region which means you will be offered some glorious views. The hike may not be easy, but you could always take a picnic and drinks up with you and relax whilst you take in the scenery. Sénanque Abbey is a Cistercian abbey which is close to the village and surrounded by fields of Lavender. There is a guided tour but it is just as pleasant to wonder around and marvel at the restored architecture and Monk dormitories.

So before you embark on your European drive, remember you can buy euros online with ICEPlc.co.uk- they’ll even deliver them to your house with 0% commission.

Image credit to telegraph.co.uk

Benefits of a Fuel Card for Your Business

noreply@blogger.com (Anciro Romana) — Wed, 01 May 2013 01:57:00 PDT

Fuel cards are not a new idea, but in the last few years, their popularity has escalated, and now more businesses than ever before have them in place. Once you have the fuel cards, you will wonder how you ever survived, and will want everyone to use the system. They are beneficial for both you and your drivers, and will guarantee that your business runs smoothly.

Saving money is vital for everyone, and businesses are finding it tough in the current economic climate. This is why using a BP fuel card from UKFuels.co.uk is excellent and will ensure that you save money. There are numerous benefits, and the card is easy to obtain and control, making it ideal for your drivers.

Fuel costs are one of the biggest expenditure that your business will have, which is why any savings that you can make are beneficial. Far too many drivers take advantage of their fuel allowance which can cost you a huge amount every year. However, having the cards in place will ensure that you can monitor several different aspects, and keep costs down.

Paperwork can be a huge headache in any business, and if you have several drivers, they will be returning with many fuel receipts. This can place added pressure on you to complete the accounts, and have the paperwork up to date. Just one of the many reasons to use UKFuels.co.uk is to ensure that your business is efficient.

Accounting will no longer be a task to dread, as the system will update automatically to your PC, and ensure that all information is to hand. You can easily track what is happening with your drivers, and where they are filling up with fuel. This will provide peace of mind, and guarantee that you keep on top of everything.

Invoicing will be easier, and your drivers will feel confident and secure that they can fill up with fuel, without the need to carry money. You will no longer need to ask for piles of receipts, and every part of the information you need is sent directly to your office. There are restrictions and conditions with the cards, but nothing that cannot be achieved.

You will need to instruct your drivers where they can fill up with fuel, and how the system works for them in the future. There are often promotions that you can take advantage of in the future, which will ensure that your drivers are benefiting from the system. Once the fuel cards are in place the drivers simply need to fill up in a dedicated station, there are no other difficult aspects to understand.
Control is essential when you own a business, and although many of your drivers will be fantastic about saving money, it only takes a few to run your budget up and lose you money. With the fuel cards in place you can enjoy several benefits and ensure that you save money, and pass the savings through your business.

Canvas and Cookouts: Camping in France

noreply@blogger.com (Anciro Romana) — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 05:36:00 PDT

Camping is one of the most popular options for anyone arranging a holiday in France. Apart from the USA, there are more camp sites in France than there are in any other country, and you will find campsites absolutely everywhere, ranging in size, style and amenities. Are you planning a camping holiday in France? Then here’s a guide to the essentials you need to know.

Why is Camping in France So Popular?
There are a number of reasons why camping in France has long been a popular pastime for holidaymakers from the UK and around Europe. A few of the main advantages include the following:
• Stunning surroundings
• Affordability
• Great weather (most of the time)
• Excellent campsites with numerous amenities
• Huge range of campsites to choose from

Different Types of Campsites
One of the main reasons why camp sites in France are popular is because there are so many different types of campsites to choose from.

Some of the most popular campsites are the large sites. These tend to attract larger crowds, but they also have more amenities including swimming pools, bars, restaurants, discos and activities. These are rated by stars, with the best being the four-star sites.

Then you have the smaller village campsites, which tend to be a lot smaller than the large sites and often have fewer visitors. They usually have fewer amenities, but tend to provide all of the basics from shower blocks and washing facilities to a shop and swimming pool.
The smallest of the lot are the farm campsites, or ‘camping à la ferme’. These are often very simple, quiet sites.

Choose Your Ideal Surroundings
You may want to head out into the great outdoors when you go camping, or you may prefer to stay near to a city whilst enjoying the camping experience. In France, you will be able to choose from a wide range of locations, all with very different surroundings.

For example, you could choose to camp right outside Paris as there are many excellent campsites next to the city, which could be perfect for arranging day trips. Alternatively, you may want to camp near to the beach in Brittany, or enjoy the mountain scenery of the Alps. There are campsites in all of these areas and more, so think about which location would be the best fit for you.

When to Go
Most campsites tend to open no earlier than April and the majority close in the middle of September. July and August are the busiest months and although you will often have to share the campsites with more visitors, there are also more amenities available during these months. Some campsites may stay open right up to the end of October, but it is rare to find any open later than this.

Book Early for Popular Sites
If you want to go to a busy, large site, it is always a good idea to book early. Even if you are planning to find a quieter site, you can save a lot of stress by booking a place in advance. For the busier campsites, the earlier the better, but for the quieter campsites you can usually book a few days or weeks in advance.

Enjoy Your Camping Adventure in France
France is the perfect destination for camping. The weather is reliable in the summer, there is plenty of variety, and it can be a very affordable way to enjoy a fun summer holiday, without having to fly to the other side of the world. So keep the above tips in mind and find your perfect French campsite this summer.

Liam Brown is a travel consultant with a penchant for France. His articles mainly appear on travel blogs.

Image credit to coolcamping.com

Staying At A Boutique Hotel With An Elegant Restaurant

noreply@blogger.com (Anciro Romana) — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 20:43:00 PDT

Boutique hotels are known for offering an intimate, welcoming setting, spiced with unique and often hip or trendy decor. Each boutique hotel is a unique blend of design and functionality, providing visitors with luxury that is far beyond the bare necessities and standardized appearance of typical, traditional chain hotels. The Drake Hotel delivers all this and more. Visitors are immersed in a stylish urban retreat that allows old and new architectural influences to mingle in harmony; and modern adventurers as well as lovers of culture to mingle with The Drake’s neighbors The Drake Hotel engages the local community and has given back by hosting free pancake breakfasts, sidewalk sales, dance parties, and even a chili cook-off.

The Drake Hotel is a sparkling boutique hotel, with an elegant but hip restaurant and lively entertainment facilities in downtown Toronto, Canada. The Drake Hotel’s rooms vary in size from the petite Solo, with one twin bed, to the one-and-only Suite, featuring a living area with mid-century decor. Each inspired room is loaded with personality. All are decorated with original art and handmade dolls, and provide cozy corners for relaxing.

Since opening in 2004, The Drake Hotel has become a lively hub for visual art and performances. Its permanent art collection includes modern murals, installations, and kinetic sculptures. Many Canadian artists are featured, including the talented Bruce LaBruce, Micah Lexier, and Evan Penny. The addition of artists of excellence from outside Canada brings an international flair to the exhibits. The Drake regularly hosts an artist in residence. As for music and entertainment, Drake is a hotspot for nightlife and tunes. The Underground, The Drake’s versatile performance venue, hosts DJ dance parties, comedy, live indie shows, and film screenings in a bright party atmosphere. Rotating art exhibits are displayed throughout the building. On weekdays, a wide variety of events may be found there, including culinary competitions, live music, and games of trivia. Weekends at the Lounge feature top-rated brunches, a raw oyster bar, sushi, and all-night dancing to the DJ’s tunes.

Meals are an experience to be savored at The Drake’s Dining Room, which has earned its reputation for top-rated food, and is one of the most celebrated restaurants in downtown Toronto. From breakfasts with such celebrities as the short stack with cinnamon apples and whipped thyme ricotta, to award-winning cocktails served in the Sky Yard rooftop patio, The Drake’s kitchen crew and bartenders excel. Their devotion to community is echoed in outstanding seasonal menus of locally sourced food, created with offerings from Ontario finest purveyors. The best way to experience and appreciate Toronto’s unique urban culture is to stay at a boutique hotel, and clearly the choice boutique hotel in Toronto is The Drake Hotel.

Author Bio

Francis Jodden is a seasoned jetsetter and travel & tourism blogger. Francis often writes about international hot spots in his native country of Canada, as well as abroad and recommends The Drake Hotel and The Drake Hotel’s Dining Room, one of his personal favorite restaurants in downtown Toronto.

London's Hidden Travel Gems

noreply@blogger.com (Anciro Romana) — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 03:13:00 PDT

When people think of London, they automatically think of Big Ben and Buckingham Palace. And they should, as these types of tourist attractions in London make it what it is – a fantastic city with lots to see and do! There is much more to England’s capital city than you may think though. Hidden away, there are a few hidden gems scattered in and around London, which we are about to help you discover.

Gordon’s Wine Bar

Wine connoisseurs definitely need to pay Gordon’s Wine Bar a visit. It is located on Villiers Street, close to Embankment station. Gordon’s Wine Bar is London’s oldest wine bar, which was established in 1890. Going there will give you the opportunity to gain fascinating insight into the capital’s past. This building was also the home of naval administrator Samuel Pepys in the 1680s.

London treasure hunts

Sightseeing in London just got a lot more fun! Navigate your way around the city using a GPS app on a tablet to find clues, answer trivia questions, solve problems and beat the clock to get to your next ‘hotspot’. You can do a treasure hunt on foot, in a black cab or even on a red London bus - check out Wild goose for more information on London treasure hunts.

Old Truman Brewery

The Old Truman Brewery is a great location to get to if you wants to get some serious shopping done while you are in London on holiday. Every Sunday from 10am, this location is transformed into Up Market, where you will be able to get your hands on a variety of crafts, clothes and interior design goods. With over 140 stalls, you are sure to find something that you are looking for. You will have until 5pm to look for that unique piece of jewelry or clothing. Prices are reasonable and the people are friendly and helpful. Be sure to pop into one of the many foods stalls after your bargain hunting is complete.

Court auld Gallery

This is one of London’s not so well-known art galleries. Situated in the Strand, the art gallery is in an 18th century Somerset House and contains permanent collections, which date back to the Renaissance period. There are also a number of modern pieces as well. Works by Vincent van Gogh, Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo are only some of the pieces that can be seen here. Throughout the year, you can also be part of number of lectures, temporary exhibits, and special events.

Estorick Collection of Modern Italian Art

The Estorick Collection of Modern Italian Art may be just what you are looking for if you are a culture vulture. It is the only museum in the United Kingdom that is completely devoted to contemporary Italian art. Here you will have the opportunity to see works of art done by Giorgio de Chirico and Amedeo Modigliani. There are also paintings from Milanese artists Carlo Carra and Umberto Boccioni.

You can also see temporary exhibitions which are held throughout the year, which mixes things up nicely. After your fill of art, you should stop for a bite to eat in the magnificent gardens. You can get to view these collections from Wednesday to Sunday every week, except for Easter Sunday.

Geffrye Museum

The Geffrye Museum in Shoreditch focuses on the development of English interior design from the 1600s to the present day. The museum consists of many rooms which recreate the trends and styles of the middle class decor.

An 18th century almshouse is where the museum is situated. The museum’s main period rooms and gardens are free, but if you want to see the special exhibitions, you will need to pay £2. All disabled visitors and children under the age of 16 do not need to pay.

Where do you prefer to go?

noreply@blogger.com (Anciro Romana) — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 19:51:00 PDT

Travelers have different stories to tell much that they have different reasons why they travel. Most travelers embark on a trip for pleasure while some go for that thrill of an unknown adventure. Some people travel to remember while others try to forget. I have my own reasons why I go on a trip too. What’s your story? While many travelers enjoy luxurious trips going to the most expensive cities in the world, there are many travelers who prefer the spontaneity of experiences in unfamiliar places. Like myself, there are also many who prefer the “not- so- expensive” travel packages but still packed with fun and indelible memories.

Where do you prefer to go? If you are for an exotic adventure, an Asian trip would be just right for you. But then again you still have to ask, which part of Asia is the best place to visit? That depends on what you have in mind. Beaches? Asia has Phuket in Thailand, Palawan in the Philippines, Bali in Indonesia. Temples? They are main attractions everywhere in Thailand, Laos, Myanmar even in Cambodia, China and Japan. If you are for surfing, then you are bound to Siargao Islands in the Philippines priding itself with perfect surfing waves.

But for the fortunate ones whose budget isn't a problem they prefer to fly to Paris, Italy or New York. It’s easy to imagine what to do in these grand cities. Ahh, the food, the sights, the sounds, the beat…they must be so different! For people who are looking for best spot for betting on sports, I have only one destination in mind – Las Vegas. And I’m imagining how it is to be in there. I reckon it to be another dimension of fun.

Somehow I am not losing any of my hopes that I’ll be there one day…soon. Then I’ll have my own story.

Tips for Bagging a Cruise Holiday Bargain

noreply@blogger.com (Anciro Romana) — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 08:46:00 PDT

Cruise holidays aren't just for the rich elite anymore, and prices for sailing the seas can actually be very reasonable, especially when compared to the soaring costs of flights and hotels. The trick is to understand how the cruise industry works, and to use this to your advantage to get some great bargains. There are lots of little tips you can use to bring down the price of your holiday, and here’s a few of the best:

Travel Off Peak

Travelling outside of the school holidays is an excellent way to lower the cost of your cruise holiday, and this is especially true if you’re planning on sailing on a child-focused cruise line, such as the Disney Cruise Line, or are looking to travel to family-friendly destinations such as Florida. Unfortunately, travelling off peak may not be a viable option for young families, but for couples and retirees, this is a superb little trick.

Before booking a cruise, take into account the UK school holidays, as well as the school holidays in your country of embarkation if you are not cruising from a British port. This includes Easter, public and bank holidays, half terms, and the summer months of July and August. There’s an added bonus to travelling during term time too: the port attractions and cities are likely to be much quieter.

Book Early, Or Leave It Late

There are some excellent cruise deals to be had for early birds who book their cruise months or even years in advance, and for those who leave their bookings until the last minute. After all, no cruise line wants to sail with empty cabins, it’s simply not in their best financial interests. Last minute fares tend to be the lowest, with costs under £50 per night in some cases, but keep in mind that cabin choice and dining times may be limited.

In terms of booking in advance, major cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean release the main portion of their cruise deals to the public approximately one year in advance, with transatlantic, exotic, and round-the-world sailings often available two years in advance. Early booking discounts can be quite significant, so it’s well worth planning out your future holidays if you want the best possible deal.

Don’t Be Picky

Cruise lines like P&O offer special fares that are discounted from the original price, but limit the amount of control a passenger has over their booking. This means that by paying less, you can’t choose your cabin type, or cabin location, and you may not be assigned specific accommodation until the time of embarkation. If you’re not fussy, then this can be a great way to save money.

If you've got your heart set on a balcony cabin close to the dining room, this isn't the right booking method for you as you could be disappointed, but if you really don’t mind having an inside cabin below the nightclub, then be sure to take advantage of these offers. Of course, it could even be beneficial, giving you a luxury room you would otherwise not be able to afford. Cabin allocation really depends upon which rooms haven’t been booked, so it’s definitely a gamble, but one that could pay off.

5 frugal ideas for backpackers to stay connected with friends on the road

noreply@blogger.com (Anciro Romana) — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 22:35:00 PDT

Staying connected with friends while you’re on the road is important while backpacking because when you’re far from home it’s nice to have a connection with people that know and love you. That feeling of being connected to friends from home can make the difference between feeling confident, happy and making the most of the holiday, or feeling isolated and alone.

Here are five frugal ideas for backpackers to stay connected with friends while on the road.

Cheap Postcards

Cheap postcards are an awesome way to stay connected with friends from home. Not only do they cost hardly anything to buy but it gives you an opportunity to share a picture of where you are at and some of your stories about how your trip is going. The versatility of postcards makes them an ideal communication device that you can take anywhere. Laying on the beach enjoying a spot of sunbathing can be much more fun if you have postcards to write, and because they are small it doesn’t take long to write them so you have so much more time to enjoy your holiday!

Letters

Sending letters via post is another great way to stay in touch with friends while you are backpacking. Yeah sure when you are at home sending emails is the most common way that you would do it but while on holiday a written letter can mean so much more for the person receiving it. It also gives you the chance to include in detail how your journey is going and all the things that you’ve been doing.

Start a blog

If you aren’t good with animals, or can’t find a carrier pigeon that will take your letter, why not start a holiday blog. It means that you can simply stop in every so often to upload photos and write a quick blurb about what you are doing. Your friends and family can check it out when they have time, so there’s no need to worry about being in a different time zone and not being able to catch each other.

Skype

Sometimes when you are alone in a foreign country all you want is to see a friendly familiar face. Using Skype is an awesome way to stay in contact with friends while you are travelling. It’s easy to carry a cheap headset with you in your backpack and when you stop in to an internet café or library you could call up phone friends for next to nothing, and chat face to face.

Email

If you are pressed for time and can’t be bothered taking the time to write a letter or postcard, or you simply don’t have time to Skype everyone that you want to contact, email is the way to go. It’s totally free, and all it takes is a couple of minutes out of your internet time at a café or library. The best part about it is that you can write a generic one and send it to several people at once!

Viva San Jose! Viva Tagbilaran City!

noreply@blogger.com (Anciro Romana) — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 05:42:00 PDT

The City Government of Tagbilaran and the Cathedral Parish of Saint Joseph the Worker are embarking on shared hard work for this year’s event of the feast of Saint Joseph the Worker on May 1 dubbed “Pit Senor San Jose! Viva San Jose! Viva Tagbilaran!”

Schedule of Activities:

April 22, 2013
Daily novena at 4:30 P.M and a holy mass at 5:30 P.M. at the Cathedral

April 29, 2013
Fluvial Procession
The statues of Saint Joseph, Mother Mary and Santo Nino comprising the Holy Family will be featured during the fluvial procession from Manga Port to Sitio Ubos, Poblacion I.

April 30, 2013
Saulog Tagbilaran and Street Dancing
Saulog Tagbilaran, a religion-based cultural activity, bringing to the fore the life of Saint Joseph, the City’s patron saint. The street dancing also intends to the 250th anniversary of the Cathedral Parish of Saint Joseph the Worker in 2017.

ROUTE:
The street dancing start at 1:00 p.m., turning left at C. Gallares Street, turning right at B. Inting Street, proceeding right to CPG Avenue along City Square, turning right at J.S. Torralba near Plaza Rizal, making a left turn at E. Sarmiento fronting the Cathedral, turning left at J. A. Clarin Street leading towards the Tagbilaran City Hall Compound.

Furthermore, a night activities at the Tagbilaran Port aimed at reviving, preserving and promoting the city’s significant tradition and unique cultural heritage.

HAPPY FIESTA TAGBILARAN CITY!

Source: Fiel Angeli Araoarao Image credit to tripadvisor.com

10 Luxury Travel Agents

noreply@blogger.com (Anciro Romana) — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 08:40:00 PDT

Destination expertise, connections, attention to detail, reliability and trust are amongst the many reasons to book your vacation with a travel agency, more specifically a luxury travel agency. Planning a getaway can be time consuming, involve a lot of research and often times be stressful. That’s why we’ve rounded up some of the best luxury travel agencies in the industry.

Virtuoso (www.virtuoso.com)
To these people, traveling is an art and so it has to be perfect. Anything less is just not good at all. Virtuoso is actually a network of the most impeccable travel agencies. They have advisors that have experienced, first-hand, the perfect vacation so they are out to provide a similar experience for you. These people also have global connections for cruise liners, hotels and airlines.

The Luxury Travel Group (www.theluxurytravelgroup.com)
This company offers services on travel planning for independent and group vacations. You now have a wider choice on luxury cruises and the most spectacular destinations across the globe.

Abercrombie & Kent
Founded in the year 1962, this company delivers stellar travel planning for many destinations. It has a global network comprising of 50 offices.

Travel Wizard (www.travelwizard.com)
They call their agents destination specialists who are capable of orchestrating the most fascinating vacation experiences. Their site now accepts most credit cards.

Elite (www.eliteluxurytravel.com)
Elite proudly promotes luxury resorts, hotels, restaurants and villas throughout the globe. They provide direct sales appointments to no less than the top 1,000 US travel agencies.

Zicasso (www.zicasso.com)
Here, you can be provided the services of up to three travel specialists. They also customize itineraries for their customers, making certain that the best travel experience is achieved.

Travel Live (www.travelive.com)
With offices in both the U.S. and in Europe, this company has a wide base in terms of luxury travel connections. Visit the Nile, Egypt, Italy and Turkey through this agency.

Private Luxury Travel (www.privateluxurytravel.com)
Luxury travel is their specialization. Under the umbrella of Adams & Butler, you are sure to get the highest quality in luxury private tours.

VIP Tour Group (www.viptourgroup.com)
Are you looking for the best site on luxury travel for that honeymoon or family vacation? VIP Tour Group offers private luxury travel accommodations in Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Ecuador, Peru and the Galapagos.

Travel Empress (www.travelempress.com)
Their business travel agents are trained to provide that time away from work which you are expecting from your vacation. In short, your vacation offers zero stress. Now isn't

Simon Hadley writes for Global Jet and is currently on a 1 year backpacking tour of Asia and Austrailia.