Pack light so you don’t have to check in your luggage

This is the only guarantee that everything you need will always be with you. You really don have to bring a ton if you will only be gone for three days or so. Just bring the essentials.

Tag your luggage properly

Make sure that you have the right information on your bag. Make sure you have a contact number there and the place where you will be staying. Make sure that you also remove old tags other airlines. Put a keychain or a colorful ribbon that you will notice even your on the other end of the world.

Avoid connecting flights

If you can avoid connecting flights, avoid them. Connections can sometimes make things complicated. There are also airlines which share codes with other airlines but sometimes they don’t have accreditation for the same luggage service. And somewhere in that sentence, you lost your baggage. J

Check in early for the flight

Getting to the airport on time allows you to have some space for security checks and gives the airport crew enough time to place your bags onto the right plane.

Worse comes to worst, what do you do when your baggage is lost?

Complete all the forms needed

Act promptly if you don’t see your luggage on the carousel. Most likely the airline crew will have an explanation. There are times that they will be able to locate it immediately but there will be times that you need to wait. If you can wait for your baggage, by all means, wait. If you are pressed for time, fill out the necessary forms so the airline can get the baggage to your hotel or house.

Ask how the airline can help you

Some airlines will extend a helping hand like they can give you some petty cash so you can buy some essentials like toiletries. They can also give you coupons so you can get some clothes or equipment. In case you have a damaged luggage, ask how they can address that since some will go out of their way to have your bag repaired. Some also give a replacement luggage so problems of damaged suitcases are solved on the spot.

File a claim

When you can not really trace your bags, file a claim but remember that the liability can be limited for domestic flights and even smaller fees for international flights. There are credit card companies and travel insurance that covers lost or damage luggage.

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Romance is not always guaranteed but knowing what romantic cruise to take will be your first step. You can get tickets to explore Antarctica and that will be exciting but something romantic like cruising to explore the islands and the breathtaking views will always be a better choice.

Here are some of the best romantic cruises you can enjoy with your special someone:

Yachts of Seabourn with Seabourn Odyssey

This cruise is designed for those who want the finer things in life especially excellent food and drinks. The ship that can accommodate up to 450 passengers features the service, accommodation, and cuisine that is hard to be at par with while traveling on high seas.

You can treat your loved one to a great excellent massage in one of their Spa Villas on the deck. Some of their offerings include a weeklong cruise along Greece and Turkey for packages ranging from $3,799 through $30, 200. There is one scheduled for June 12, 2010.

Sea Dream Yacht Clube aboard SeaDream 1 or 2

This yacht club offers two intimate passenger ships that can carry 112 travelers for a casual yacht-like experience. The cruise is highlighted by great cuisine and service while you cut the water going to your destination.

You will enjoy the intimate nooks where you can spend the time with your partner while enjoying the breeze and the sound of the waves. They also have Balinese daybeds which you can use to watch the night sky while cuddled by your loved one.
A tour of the Caribbean may range from $4,000 to $19,000.

Crystal Cruises via Crystal Sernity

This grand liner defines luxury with penthouse suites that come with your personal butler who can attend to your needs. There is also a casino which is just perfect for a scene in James Bond.

The famous Japanese chef, Nobu Matsushisa has a restaurant on board and you can try the best sushi and other dishes they offer while enjoying the view of the ocean.

They will have a cruise kicking off on June 2, 2010. This will be a 12 day tour from Rome to U.K. with some stops and overnight stays in between.

Princess Cruises via Ruby Princess
The Ruby Princess is the new member of the Princess Cruises fleet. It is a big ship that has intimate areas like the adult only sundeck and its Crown Grill restaurant. The captain will also be more than happy to assist anyone who will be renewing their vows.

You can have a great time by ordering the lobster and wine four-course meal. Dine and enjoy the breeze on the private balcony of your cabin with your special one.
They offer a Caribbean Medley that will leave the port of Fort Lauderdale on March 20. The package they offer will range from $899 for a mini suite and up to $4,000 for a big suite.

Windsurf with the Windstar Cruises

Yes there will be big sails like the old ships you imagine but these ones will be controlled by a computer. The upscale crowd of the Wind Surf just needs to relax and enjoy different regional cuisines the chef offers. They also have a deck side reflexology center which can relieve you of some tensed muscles and joint aches.
They offer cruises to the Caribbean, French Riviera, and the Italian Riviera. It will cost you around $2,500 to $5,000 to enjoy these wonderful packages.

Paul Gaugin Cruises

This cruise liner is now operated by the Pacific Beachcomber company. This big upscale ship is named after a French artist and adorns the interior of the ship with tropical décor. The crew serves French-Polynesian dishes using local ingredients and they also offer a great relaxing spa treatment.

Try the love blessing ceremonies which is part of Polynesian tradition. The local female entertainers will guide you and your partner during the ritual.

Go to Society Island and Tahiti for around $3,000 to $22,000. They offer these trips all year round.

Silversea Cruises on the Silver Spirit

This trendy ship that can accommodate 540 persons is designed for some romance. The crew welcomes the guests with a glass of champagne. You will also forget about stiff neck with the classy pillows they provide. There are five different restaurants that can answer your cravings while you are on the high seas. You can also customize your itineraries. Relax with your partner in a private hammam elegantly accentuated by mosaic tiles.

They have a July 17, 2010 schedule for a weeklong trip to Barcelona then Monte Carlo. There will be party time in St. Tropez and Ibiza. Prepare some $5,000 to about $33,000 for the trip.

Queen Mary 2

This big ship embodies the classic transatlantic cruises. You will love the modern touches like the Todd English resto, Canyon Ranch spa, the cabins, Grand duplex, and even the planetarium.

If you love to dance, swing it with your partner in the ballroom. They have a formal night for this with live band to set the tunes.

A cruise will be leaving from Southhampton in the United Kingdom to New York on May 15. Packages range from $1,345 to around $25,000.

Celebrity Equinox

It will be a cruise of sensual pleasures. You will enjoy the parties, walking barefoot on top of the ship, and dishes serve by ten excellent restaurants. Things can get intimate in the private sunning deck.

They have packages for Italy and Greece available from May through August 2010. Budget range should hit $2,000 to $10,000.

French Country Waterways via Horizon II

Explore the French countryside while aboard this casual barge that accommodates up to 12 passengers. Discover the historic canals, wineries, rustic villages, and romantic castles while sampling the excellent wines and cheese of the region.
You can borrow bikes and ride with your partner to discover the villages on the riverbank. They have a cruise starting off from Central Burgundy on September 4, 2010. You will need around $7,000 for the trip which includes transport arrangements from Paris.

Here are some tips for business travelers on how you can manage your time well:

Explore the full potentials of technology

New gadgets pop to the scene every month and they are there for a reason. Your iPhone for example is not just for music, or games, or for phone calls. It has iPhone Apps which can pretty much keep you tinkering during your downtime. Checkout Evernote which can help you manage business cards. Another useful tool will be Budget Tracker to keep your finances monitored while you are traveling. QuickNote Voice can record conversations so you will not forget a name or important details.

Take advantage of Social Networking

Businesses and individuals make use of LinkedIn or Facebook to tell the world about their products, services, and expertise. You can also use these social networking websites to get to know your clients, prospects, or colleagues before heading to your meeting. This way you are better prepared and can save some minutes of introductions. Once you get to the conference, you can give out your Twitter handle and update everyone.

Short Conversations work best

When we meet people during a conference or any event, we don’t share our life stories. Meet and greets are perfect to acquaint yourself with someone and just follow up with the chit chat after the event over great food or drinks. Remember your intros should be short and your pitches should be concise. Maximize visibility and talk to a group of people at the same time if possible.

Share your contact information

It can be bad luck when you go to a place just to find out that the person you are meeting with is out of town unexpectedly. Disappointments can be controlled if you can give them your mobile number or provide your contact details to their assistant who can notify you about sudden changes of schedules.

Be in Control

The to-do-list and meetings can be very overwhelming when on a business trip. You can somehow lessen the hassle and do some meetings at or near your hotel. Most hotels will have a conference room which you can use for a fee. You can also meet over coffee (Another tip: Coffee will be better than dinner since it can save you some money and precious minutes).

Get there early

Punctuality is the name of the game. Be at the conference venue early since the pre-event can buy you some precious minutes with guest speakers and other like-minded business people. The casual atmosphere will be great to expand your network by introducing yourself to guests and staff.

Leaver early

Leaving early after a conference is also a wise move. You can go back to your hotel room or somewhere else if you think the next conversation or social activity can swept you away from your goals. Save yourself some hours, some dollars, and some headaches.

Spend time for yourself

Frequent trips can be really strenuous. Make sure you spend time to exercise, eat healthy, and get some hours to sleep. Business trips can bring profit but you can only enjoy the fruits of your labor when you are in your best shape.

You can walk across the Chain Bridge and you will be at the main district lined by bars, restaurants, cafes, shops, and some historic sights.

The Lanchid 19 is a great place to retreat to after wondering and enjoying the attractions Budapest has to offer. The hotel has received some recognition like the Best Architecture from the European Hotel, Hungarian Design citations, and other architectural prizes. It is also constantly listed as among the top hotels compiled by respected media organizations.

Who will contest that the Lanchid 19 deserves these awards. It has moveable glass façade and a great view of the river bank, the Danube, and the Margaret Island from your bathroom. The other side of the hotel gives a scenic view of a castle.

Design Elements

The architects and designers used glass as the predominant part of the structure, giving it a very airy feeling. The glass façade uses an accordion design which features the environment of the Danube.

Enter the atrium and your eyes will be locked on to the glass bridges over head. The transparent wall also highlights the relics of a water tower from the medieval period.

There are 3 suites in the hotel provide visitors with a great panorama. Forty five rooms use unique design elements following minimalist concepts.

All rooms come standard with a safe deposit, internet access, and a flat screen television. A good sofa and comfortable bed are givens in the equation if you are staying at Lanchid 19. Room rates may range from Euros 100 to about 600.

Lanchid 19 is highly recommended if you are in Budapest for some business or enjoying a romantic getaway.

More pictures with the Lanchid 19 here

St. Maarten – Princess Juliana International Airport

Princess Juliana’s is one of the busiest airports in the Caribbean. Major airlines from the United States use this airport as well as other carriers like KLM Royal Dutch, Corsairfly, and some regional planes.

What makes this runway scary? The runway is built for small and medium planes with just about 7,152 feet of runway but big 747’s and A340s land on this airport. If you are sunbathing along Maho Beach, there is a big chance that you will in kissing distance from the big wheels of the big, big jet approaching the international airport.

Tegucigalpa, Honduras – Toncontin Airport

If you are going to Honduras via American Airlines, Aerolineas Sosa, Islena Airlines, TACA, Copa Airlines, and Continental then you might end up landing at Tancontin Airport.
Forget about the mountain terrain you will be passing by prior to the landing approach but your heart might stop for a while as the pilot makes a last minute 45 degree bank towards the left to touch down properly to the airport located in the middle of a bowl-like valley with a 6,112 feet of runway. The airport is located 3,294 feet up and can only host an airplane as big as the 757 of Boeing.

Gibraltar – Gibraltar Airport

Just to paint to you the picture before you click on that video below. The runway of the airport is sandwiched by the Mediterranean and the Bay of Gibraltar. Its runway is just 6,000 feet long. Now, the approach of the pilot must be like threading a needle or else you will end up under water. Upon hitting the asphalt, the pilot must engage the brakes on max to stop the plane on time.
By the way, the weather can be really bad at times and flights need to be diverted to Malaga, Faro, or Tangiers. Monarch Airlines, Iberia Airlines, EasyJet, and British Airways fly to this point of the globe.

Funchal – Madeira Airport

Pilots need to direct their airplane towards the mountain then bank right at the last minute to align with the runway. The mountains and Atlantic Ocean make the path to be approached clockwise. You also need to put in mind the 9,000 feet long runway which back in 2000 was a lot shorter. Runway 05 remains to be a scary one. Most European carriers use this airport.

Saba Netherlands, Antilles – Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport

Winair lands on this scary airport where there is no room for any mistake. You will be landing on the northeastern portion of the island and the pilot needs to consider the very strong winds and 1,300 feet only of runway. A perfect landing will be great. Shorting the runway can spell disaster towards the cliffs. Overshooting the runway will force a go around which may require some Dramamine.

Hong Kong – Kai Tak Airport (CLOSED)

This airport was the former base of the Cathay Pacific and a bunch of regional carriers. It was closed in 1998 but we cannot complete the list if we do not mention Kai Tak. A maneuvering airplane is close to scraping off rooftops of skyscrapers and the mountains around the Kowloon Bay. If the airplane misses the runway it might join the ships at Victoria Harbour.

New York – JFK International Airport

Pilots of Asia, European, and US Airlines that needs to land on runway 13L of the JFK Airport needs to do the Canarsie Approach to avoid interfering with airplanes coming into NY via the Newark and La Guardia. The pilot must take a circular approach with only 5 miles of visibility when lining up with the short runway that has the Jamaica Bay closeby.

Lukla, Nepal – Tenzing-Hillary Airport

Only daytime landings of the Yeti Airlines are allowed in this airport which is really prone to the Himalayan wind shears and even the brave mountaineers who conquer Mt. Everest cross their fingers that the pilot in the cockpit is a good one. Landing will give you an uphill runway while take off will give you a short runway with a deep valley below.

Courchevel Airport – Courchevel, France

Private aircrafts bringing visitors to the Les Toris Vallees Ski resort land on this French Alps airport with only 1,722 feet of runway that has a vertical drop at the end. Maneuvering towards the airport requires special training but meeting strong winds and ice make every landing scenario unpredictable.

Tioman Island, Malaysia
The Malaysian Airlines and Berjaya Air bring people to this volcanic island in South China Sea. It is a nail biter as the airplane points directly to a mountain range with the pilot turning ninety degrees to properly approach the runway which has a cliff at the end. Everyone prays that the plane will stop or everyone will be toasted.

Lesotho – Matekane Air Strip

Now, this one breaks the even number of our list but we really need to put this airport that is located at the edge 7,550 feet high couloir with a 1,312 feet runway. Landing might sound safer since taking off will bring you over the edge of the cliff and take you downwind so you can get airborne. Doing it for the first time or any other time is a heart stopper. No video for this one but check out the pic below.

You can practically grow and harvest anything making Tasmania a gourmet paradise. Setting up the mood for a great trip on an island paradise, we have listed below the best accommodations, restaurants, and activities that have received thumbs up from the world over.

Best Hotels in Tasmania, Australia

Here are the best accommodations that you can get in Tasmania:

Hatherley House

The elegant accommodation is located in a graceful and quiet area in Launceston, Tasmania. The hotel is very near the city and is close to beautiful parklands, waterways, and rivers. The interiors are decorated with some good collection of antique and modern design assemblies. The choices of suites are styled to please your eyes and ensure comfort. The balconies also offer stunning views of the surroundings.

The Restaurant Hatherley serves nice Tasmanian breakfast. They also pour good tea and make good cappuccino in the library every afternoon.

Hatherley House is at 43 High Street Lanceston, Tasmania. You can reach them through 613-6334-7727.

Henry Jones Art Hotel

This hotel not only serves as temporary home to their guests but also to about 250 original artworks of emerging local artists. Most of the pieces are for sale and you can view the catalogue at the reception desk. The contemporary art provides good compliment to the old architecture and the hints of Chinese and Indian design of the interiors.

The IXL Long Bar serves good drinks as nice intro to a dinner at the Steam Packet restaurant. You can find the Henry Jones Art Hotel at 25 Hunter Street, Sullivan’s Cove in Hobart. Dial 613-6231-6391 if you need to inquire.

Islington Hotel

The Islington Hotel stands out from the nicest accommodations in Tasmania. The Islington offers rooms with antiques and artworks from the collection of the owners. There is a sketch of the great Picasso, works by Australian artists, and furniture from different corners of the globe to accent the interiors.

The service is highly commendable and the staff can help you arrange a tour to a nearby vineyard. Islington Hotel is at 321 Davey Street, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia. Contact them through 613-6220-2123.

Best Restaurants in Tasmania

Daniel Alps at Strathlynn

This restaurant is just 15 minutes away from the city and is quaintly located in a vineyard. Aside from the great food, the location also offers a breathtaking view of the Tamar River. Some may find the menu to be limited but the food is two thumbs up. Be sure to try their scallops in butter sauce of thyme and leek.

Daniel Alps is considered as one of the most romantic getaways in Tasmania if not the whole Australia. You can find them at 95 Rosevears Drive, Tasmania. You can reach them through 613-6330-2388.

Lebrina

Lebrina provides an old world dining experience to its customers being located in a 19th century cottage. The restaurant is very homey with antiques and contemporary art all over the place which makes eating the lamb a la cuillere more intimate.

The chef of Lebrina will ensure you a gastronomic experience you will not forget. His dishes represent a perfect orchestration of the different flavors of the seasons. The most discerning guests will appreciate the menu and the long list of wine to cap your meal. Reserve a seat through 613-6228-7775 or visit them at 155 New Town Road in Hobart, Tasmania.

Peppermint Bay

This restaurant may have one of the best settings in the world. You need to take a cruise from Hobart Harbor and pass through Derwent River until you reach the dock at Woodbridge. The experience really starts with the journey going to the complex engineered specifically for tourism development.

The menu also depends on the season and chef knows how to please the taste buds of anyone from anywhere. Find out about what they can offer through 613-6267-4088. They are located at 3435 Channel Highway in Woodbridge, Tasmania.

Stillwater River Café

The fine setting will be at the Ritchies Mill by the Tamar River. Daytime sets a relax dining experience while the staff prepares a more formal tone when the sun sets. Stillwater serves freestyle Australian dishes with some touch of Asian fusion. You will enjoy the rib eye fillet, scallop sashimi dashed with truffle oil and mushroom essence. The quince poached in vanilla is also superb.

Stillwater’s number is 613-6331-4153. They are located at Ritchies Mill 2 Bridge Road.

Things you can do in Tasmania

If you are in Tasmania here are some things and places you should not miss:

Apsley Gorge

Wine lovers heading to this corner of the globe will appreciate the Pinot Noir and the Chardonnay offered by this vineyard on the eastern portion of Tasmania. They are among Australia’s best and have been recognized worldwide.

Frogmore Creek

This is one of the most hailed organic vineyards in Tasmania. They pride themselves of the perfect weather that allows their grapes to stretch their growing season. The fruits are slowly ripened to give them that pure flavor and natural acidity completing the equation for excellent wines.

Meadowbank Estate

Visiting the Meadowbank Estate gives you a glimpse of the Australian wine industry. This property in Tasmania also features an art gallery, a restaurant, and a cellar door. You can sample the wide variety of wine while enjoying the view of the Coal River Valley from the massive windows of this open-plan structure.

Eureka Farms

The Eureka Farms is located in Scamander on the northeastern portion of Tasmania. The surrounding is picturesque. Aside from taking pictures, you can wander to the orchard or the dam, pick fruits, or help feeding the animals. They serve the best desserts, smoothies, jams, and ice cream. The café also serves good espresso and other light meals.

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Manhattan Skyline

You can see some of the vintage skyscrapers like the Woolworth, Flatiron, and Chrysler but of course nothing beats the Empire State Building when you are in New York. The iconic building is still on the top of the list of the American Institute of Architects as among the favorite architecture.

If you want to click your digicam for a souvenir of the Manhattan skyline or you just really want to see, go to the roof deck at Alma right in the heart of Brooklyn. Look at the glory of the lower Manhattan while enjoying a glass of margarita. You can go there all year round but the best time will be during spring or fall.

Moher in Ireland

You will be standing on the edge of Ireland when you go to the cliffs of Moher. Right in front of you will be the vast blue of the Atlantic Ocean, all 2,000 miles of it until the Newfoundland. The view is purely sublime.

Looking at the world from the rocky cliffs is one thing but experiencing the waters is another. There is the Lahinch Surf School where you can get on a surfboard and try to negotiate the giant waves.

The swells are most challenging around October just when the crowd of tourists dissipates.

Great Wall of China

The Great Wall of China stretches for about 6,000 miles and is only among a few structures seen from our moon. Throughout the ages, millions of people have labored to build, maintain, and reconstruct the wall which was originally served as defense walls of the big Chinese civilization.

When in China, go to the sections of the wall in Gubeikou. This is in the Yanshan Mountain range which is less flocked by tourists in the northeastern part of the Miyun County.
You can go to China and hike the wall around October when the foot traffic is lighter.

Skyline of Paris

Napoleon Bonaparte can be credited for transforming Paris during the 2nd Empire but it was Engineer Gustave Eiffel who built the colossal Eiffel Tower which defines the City of Lights as we know it to be. It has been the symbol of every romantic and the tall, lattice structure can be seen practically anywhere in Paris.

If you will be flying to Paris before July 2010, you need to see the skyline of Paris from within the Nomiya. It is a small glass walled restaurant and art gallery on atop the Palais de Tokyo museum.

The best Parisian tableau can be seen during winter. It will be called but the breeze and the lights of the city blend perfectly.

Golden Gate Bridge

This bridge that connects two counties in California is an icon recognized world wide. It was built in the late 1930s and symbolizes the free spirit of the state.
Head to the Marin Headlands to the Hendrik Point and you will have a great aerial view of the Golden Gate Bridge.

It is typically sunny from September to October and the architecture will not be hugged by thick fog.

Matterhorn, Switzerland

A lot of climbers have died trying to reach the peak of the 14,692 foot high Matterhorn in Switzerland. The snow covered pyramidal summit is the epitome of mountain beauty.
You can take the train to go up the Gornegrat and get down at the Rotenboden Station. You need to walk about three kilometers dow to Lake Riffelsee where you can see the majestic Matterhorn and its magnificent reflection.

The trail to the lake is accessible from July through October. As the months pass by the less crowd you will meet.

Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon is massive by all means. It is a mile deep, 18 mi wide, and 227 mi long. It can also be considered as the most colorful canyon in the world. Technically, the rocks forming the canyon tell about 2 billion years of history.
You cannot appreciate the beauty of the Grand Canyon if you see it on the movies. You need to see it in person. Go to the East Rim Drive and head to the Shoshone Point just between the 244 and 245 mileposts.

You don’t want a ton of RVs in the place so you need to go early by March through May.

Machu Picchu

It is still debatable whether the Machu Picchu was a resort, aristocratic estate, agricultural site, or a prison but you cannot deny the beauty of this Inca structure built during the 15th century. It will be an unforgettable experience to see the fogs hugging the peaks in the Urumba Valley of Peru.
The best perspective to see the Machu Picchu is from the Huayna Picchu which only grants access to the first 400 people. It will be a picture of cloud forest you will remember all your life.

You can try to go by June when it is very quiet. Best day will be Sunday when everyone else is busy in the Pisac Market.

Tiger’s Nest

The Tiger’s Nest is a monastery atop the cliffs of the Paro Valley in Bhutan. Anyone who sees the Paro Taktsang, as it is locally known, will be in awe. It is a very quiet place and all you can hear will be the chanting of the monks in prayers and the flags rustling around the monastery.

The monastery will be picture perfect from the Santopelri gardens and from the hermitages located higher up the mountain. You need to hike up the winding paths used by the monks to get there.

Go to Bhutan by April or May when the flowers are in bloom and when they celebrate the Paro Festival.

Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is the largest system of reefs in the world. This natural wonder in Australia has this underwater glow and color which you can never find on the surface. Thousands of sea creatures ranging from sea-dragons, crocs, cuttlefish, and sharks among others call the reef their home.

Go to the Lady Elliot Island and arrange for snorkeling or a dive if you want to see the Great Barrier Reef in its full glory. The island is surrounded by pristine waters and manta rays are all over the place.

September through October is the best time to go when the weather is very clear and when the breeding season of whales is on.