Traveling Tips From Me To You

In today’s recession, being able to travel at the best price is what every good traveler is searching for. But is that all that we, as travelers, are searching for?

The New York Times recently shared 11 Tricks to Cutting Travel Costs in 2011, but there are many other helpful travel tips necessary to know, which is why I have come up with my own list of 10 top travel tips.

1.     THE BEST TRAVEL DEALS ARE ON TUESDAYS. As I have recently learned from The New York Times, most airlines begin sales on Monday evenings and by Tuesday other airlines will have matched the lower fares on the same routes. So the next time you think you have found a good deal on airfare, just remember there could be a better one waiting.

2.     RESEARCH YOUR DESTINATION. Though it seems like an obvious tip, some people tend to forget what all this entails. Why not make the most out of your trip by doing a little prior planning? The Best Western web site’s top travel tips recommend getting copies of maps of your destination. This is especially important when traveling in foreign countries, and you have very little knowledge of where you are going.

Travel Guidebooks

3.     TAKE CASH AND NOTIFY YOUR CREDIT CARD COMPANIES. Cash is essential for traveling. It is always better to bring more than you think you need, just in the case of an emergency. Only carry small amounts on you at one time, and keep the rest locked in the safe at your hotel. Remember to notify your credit card companies, especially if traveling abroad.

4.     BRING A COPY OF YOUR PASSPORT. You never know when something bad is going to happen. And the chances are those bad things will occur when in a foreign country. The most likely bad situation would be a lost passport. And unless you want to be calling this foreign country your new home, you better hope you have a copy of your passport. As soon as you arrive to your hotel, put the copy of your passport in the hotel safe.

5.     PACK A SET OF WALKIE-TALKIES. Another essential when traveling in a foreign country and with a family. Unless you are wealthy enough to pay international rates, chances are your cell phone won’t be working. This is why walkie-talkies come in handy. Give the kids a walkie-talkie before they go wandering off in the hotel you’re staying in. That way you can get ahold of them at all times, and vice versa.

6.     PACK A TRANSLATION BOOK IN YOUR CARRY-ON. This I had to learn the hard way. After missing my connecting flight to Argentina, I was stranded in the Chilean airport anxiously wondering why I couldn’t remember anything I had learned from my high-school Spanish class. In the end I survived, but trust me when I say pack dictionary in your carry-on.

Language Dictionaries

7.     PACK AN EXTRA BAG IN YOUR SUITCASE. This is for all of the trinkets, clothes, souvenirs, et cetera that you acquire on your trip. I have learned that no matter how much room you make in your suitcase before the trip, it is never enough. Instead of having to buy a new bag while on your trip, save yourself the cash and remember this tip when packing.

8.     WEAR WARM CLOTHES ON TRAVEL DAYS. After spotting Jessica Simpson boarding a flight wearing a flannel shirt and jeans in the heat of summer, many may have thought Jessica was just being her usual, dimwitted self. However, Jessica is actually a travel genius as travel blog Jaunted points out. It may be hot outside, but Jessica was well prepared to be inside a chilly airport. If you have a long day at the airport ahead of you, you may want to dress accordingly.

Jessica Simpson

9.     MAGIC MARKER A LIST ON THE MIRROR. Don’t you hate it when you leave something important behind when packing? Don’t you hate it even more when you leave that something important behind in the hotel? I do. It’s one of the worst feelings when you come to the horrible realization that no matter where you look, that pair of designer sunglasses will not be found. But it is a feeling you can prevent yourself from having simply by packing a Magic Marker. The very first thing I do after unpacking my valuables, is make a list on the mirror of any items that would devastate me if lost. Every day before leaving my hotel, I check my list and make sure I know where every one of my beloved belongings is located. So far, this tip has been foolproof.

10. TAKE THE HOTEL’S BUSINESS CARD AND PUT IN YOUR WALLET.

That way if you’re out and about in a strange city and you don’t know the name of your hotel or can’t pronounce the name of the street it’s on you can find your way home. This comes in handy after a night out, especially after a couple of drinks, if you can't remember the name of your hotel or can no longer pronounce the name of the street it’s on.

Hotel Business Card

Though no matter what tips you follow or destination you choose, I guarantee you will have a trip to remember and maybe even learn a new tip of your own.

Welcome To New Zealand

New Zealand is the adventure capital of the world and is home to some of the best mountain biking, paddling and hiking options, which is why the country landed a spot on Gadling’s Ten Great Adventure Travel Destinations of 2011.

New Zealand

But what else does New Zealand have to offer? Don't get me wrong, I love outdoor activities. But when I plan a trip to a foreign country half-way around the world, I will be going to do more than just hiking and biking. Which is why New Zealand is the perfect choice. Between the other sightseeing activities and great dining options, you will not regret visiting this beautiful island.

Lake Wakatipu

When arriving in New Zealand, the first sight to see is Lake Wakatipu in Queenstown. The way the crystal blue water of the lake meets the bottom of the snow-capped Southern Alps is mesmerizing. For a small fee, you can enjoy the view of Queenstown from up above by riding the chair lift. Alternately, rent a kayak and enjoy the view while splashing around with a loved one. And for those who cannot resist, there are hiking and biking trails all around the lake. Just remember to bring a camera so that you can capture the memories and share them with your friends on Facebook.

Tongariro National Park

The next stop is Tongariro National Park, located just outside of the country's largest city, Auckland. The park is an active volcanic region that visitors can walk through and admire all that it has to offer. The most popular activity is hiking. The website for New Zealand's Department of Conservation describes the park as one of the best treks in the country, and one I won't be missing out on.

After a long day at Lake Wakatipu and Tongariro National Park, it's tim

e to venture out and experience Auckland's nightlife. According to Lonely Planet, the number one thing to do in New Zealand  is catching the late-night burger bus, The White Lady, after a night out in Auckland. This fast food bus has been grilling greasy burgers for patrons since the 1950s. And since we Americans are obsessed with trailer-based eateries, this type of restaurant is exactly what we were looking for. Because let's face it, after a night of drinking who wouldn't crave a deliciously juicy burger? Yum.

The White Lady

And what if nightlife for you means more of a quiet, home-cooked meal with the family? Head to the Indian restaurant Satya, a local favorite for family night. Satya's recipes are simple and lighter in spices than most Indian foods, which is a plus for those traveling with children. The wide variety of choices on the menu will cater to everyone's tastes.


In the end, New Zealand is more than just a top adventure travel destination. It is a top travel destination for all those wanting to experience the outdoors, not just the adventurers. And it could be your top travel destination too.

Switzerland, The World's Winter Paradise

Switzerland is named the top country to visit by the World Economic Forum’s list of countries in the world to visit in 2011.

Switzerland

With its unique blend of Italian, French and German cultures, Switzerland is Europe's most culturally diverse country, which is why so many people want to visit. I don’t blame them. Who wouldn’t want to feel as though they traveled three of Europe’s most visited countries for the price of one?

Switzerland is a top travel destination for many reasons. Some of Europe's best skiing, dining, and entertainment are located in two of the country's most popular cities, Davos and Zurich.

Known as the summer and winter paradise among all the countries in the world, there is never a bad time to plan a trip to Switzerland. Personally, I recommend planning a winter trip and taking advantage of one of the world’s most beautiful skiing regions.

Switzerland is the first place people skied for fun. One of the best places to ski is Davos, Switzerland's second largest city.  The city's six ski areas accommodate all levels of skiers.

Davos

The clean, crisp air whipping at your cheeks as the skis on your feet glide gracefully through the fresh morning snow and the beautiful view of the Swiss Alps both take your breath away. The thought does more than just catch my interest. I’ll be booking my next flight to Switzerland, please.

Zeughauskeller Meal

For those not convinced by skiing alone, Switzerland is also home to one of Lonely Planet Travel Guide’s top ten restaurants in Europe. The first, Zeughauskeller, is a famous beer hall in Zurich with a menu that offers 20 different kinds of sausage and other Swiss specialties. And if you're worried about not being able to read the menu, don't be. It's offered in eight languages to avoid this very problem. Between the ice-cold Pilsner and the savory bratwurst, you may have to remind yourself you're not in Germany.

Dining in the Dark

The second, Blindekuh, is for the more adventurous diner. A hot new trend, the patrons dine in complete darkness. At first, I thought this was rather odd. Why would someone pay to dine in the dark? After learning the restaurant's owners were visually impaired and that this was a way of sharing the experience of blindness, the question itself seemed odd. Being able to experience from another's perspective is something everyone dreams of doing, so why not take advantage of the opportunity? But be ready to place an international phone call if you plan on dining at the hotspot. Blindekuh is booked months in advance for dinner.

Opera House

Switzerland's entertainment is no exception to excellence. Zurich's Opera House is known world-wide. Nestled in the wealthiest city in Europe, the opera house is no stranger to international classical musician stars on stage or upper-class socialites in the audience. The beautiful, old-fashioned structure alone captures my interest; although, the calendar of events only reinforces my desire to go.


A breathtakingly beautiful country is waiting for our arrival. Will you be joining me in Switzerland?

Iceland Is The Place To Go This Summer

Iceland is USA Today’s top travel destination for 2011 because altogether a trip to the beautiful island just became more affordable with cheaper, more direct flights and the deflation of the country’s currency.

Iceland

Now is the time to plan a summer trip to Iceland for many reasons.

First, there are many new flight options which make traveling to Iceland much easier. This June, nonstop flights with Delta Air Lines will be available for the first time from New York City to Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital. Also for those with a tighter budget, low-cost carriers, such as Iceland Express, will offer flights from major cities such as New York, Boston, Chicago and Los Angeles.

Second, the country’s financial downturn is an advantage for travelers. As of September 2010, the U.S. dollar equals 180 Icelandic kronas. This gives a whole new meaning to getting a bang for your buck. Some of Europe’s most incredible attractions, dining and shopping are in Iceland and became much more affordable.

Iceland

The name Iceland is deceiving when it comes to describing the beautifully green region. In the summertime, Vesturbæjarlaug Geothermal Pool is rated the number one sight in Iceland by the well-known travel website Lonely Planet. The volcanic water keeps the pool at a comfortable 85-degree temperature. Vesturbæjarlaug also offers three hot, Jacuzzi-like pools perfect for relaxing sore or tight muscles from the flight. Reykjavik’s local hang out is the best way to spend a lazy morning overhearing the city's latest gossip. Known as the heart of the city’s social life, Vesturbæjarlaug is filled with locals of all ages relaxing and socializing. But be careful, Icelanders are very concerned with tourists dirtying up their clean, chemical-free pools. Visitors are encouraged to take a shower before getting in the pool.

Blue Lagoon

But if you want a more spa-inspired sense of relaxation, the Blue Lagoon is the place for you. Holding over six million liters of geothermal seawater that maintain a constant temperature of 104 degrees, the lagoon is an outdoor haven. I can already imagine slathering on some pure, white geothermal mud to deep cleanse and exfoliate my skin. Afterwards, I would relax in one of the man-made cave steam baths. My wallet may suffer a little, but it’s a small price to pay to be pampered like a queen.

After relaxing all morning, the next thing to do is re-energize with an authentic meal. According to Lonely Planet’s website, Iceland also offers some of the best dining in Europe.  In Reykjavik, the restaurant Indian Mango was ranked two out of almost 45,000 things to do in Europe. The restaurant offers Icelandic-Indian dishes and specialties, including duck marinated in a unique blend of Indian spices. Though more of a pricey establishment, the five-star quality food and service make the meal worth every penny.

Bæjarins Beztu

If a cheaper meal is more appealing,  you’ll be happy to be informed Icelanders are known to be addicted to hot dogs. The best hot dogs come from Bæjarins Beztu, an establishment run out of a van near a harbor in Reykjavik. Eat a dog with ketchup, mustard, remoulade and crunchy onions and you’ll be eating like a local.

12 Tonar

What’s left to do but shop? Iceland has something to catch everyone’s interest. For the music aficionado there is the three-floor shop 12 Tonar, a hang out responsible for launching some of Iceland’s hottest new bands. Drink some coffee, listen to some music and buy a CD from Lonely Planet’s second most popular place to shop in Europe. For the fashionista there is the Kringlan Shopping Centre, which is filled with designers such as Prada and Hugo Boss. Even those not into fashion can appreciate designer items at post financial crisis prices.

In the end, visiting Iceland is the most exotic budget traveling anyone can do. So why not plan a trip? You already know I am.

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