Tips on Creating Life-Long Backpacking Memories

The reasons for going on a backpacking trip will vary with each individual. Some will unfortunately just go to party and take pictures in front of famous landmarks. This article is for those who, hopefully, are going on a backpacking trip to experience different cultures.
Webster defines cultures as..."the integrated pattern of human knowledge, belief, and behavior that depends upon the capacity for learning and transmitting knowledge to succeeding generations; the customary beliefs, social forms, and material traits of a racial, religious, or social group; also: the characteristic features of everyday existence (as diversions or a way of life) shared by people in a place or time."
Your backpacking trip will allow you to view Europe in a truly authentic way. You will have opportunities to view the culture of the areas you visit in a very personal way. You can truly see how people live in other parts of the world face to face. These tips are intended to get you to thinking about how you can get the maximum experience and create life-long memories while visiting a "foreign" country.
Tip #1: Keep An Open Mind
Just because you have your idea of what to expect from watching television or movies, don't believe that or the media. Keep an open mind and expect to have a positive experience wherever you go. A lot of people will have preconceived ideas of how people in a foreign country will act. Please do not do this. Just because people dress differently, talk differently, or do something that you would never do doesn't mean that it is wrong. For example, is it acceptable to put cream in your tea? You may not like your tea with cream, but many English people would not drink it any other way. That is just the way they have learned to drink tea in their culture. Take notes of things you notice that are different from what is normal for you. You will gather a nice collection of differences to share when you return.
Tip #2: Have Respect for the Local Language
Though English is referred to as the International Business language, not all people in the world speak English. It is so easy to let this be an annoyance, when it could so easily be a great experience in communication. On my first backpacking trip I took along some help. Fodor's.com is a great location to get some needed help before you begin your backpacking trip.
Being able to speak the language in a foreign country is a great way to connect with local culture.
Fodor's has partnered with the experts at Living Language to provide you with Language for Travelers. This fun, easy, and effective method for learning key phrases will help you prepare for your backpacking trip, whether you're reactivating a language you studied a long time ago or you're starting from scratch. Here's how to get started:
Listen and hear over 150 words and phrases from key categories.
Print out a free PDF of essential vocabulary to take on your trip.
Learn more about the language and culture of your destination.
This is a free service and the more you are able to learn, the more fun you will have communicating with people in different countries. You will also gain a great respect for the language and the culture of the countries you visit.
Tip #3: Be a People Watcher
Resting on a park bench is not only good as a break from walking, but it will give you an opportunity to watch the locals. Many times on our backpacking trips to Europe, we would play a game called "Tourist or Local". As different people would pass by we would watch until they were out of hearing range and then say either "tourist" or "local". Of course we would not go up to the person and actually ask them, but after a short time, we noticed it was easy to tell the locals from the tourists. Okay, I admit, if they wore a camera around their neck it was an instant give away. When in Vienna, you must visit "The Ring" which is the main street that goes around central Vienna. They have people dressed in 18th century attire handing out brochures for Mozart concerts. They are trained to only hand them to tourists. My son and I would leave our backpacks at the hostel and go to "The Ring" and try to walk toward the center of town without being handed a brochure. When we accomplished that, we felt that we were understanding a bit more about how people view other people. It was fun learning to "fit in".
Tip #4: Keep a Journal
Years after your backpacking trip to Europe, you will try to remember everything you did on the trip. For me, I do not have the best memory, so my journal of the individual trips is something I treasure. Keeping a journal can consume a lot of your time. It is hard to journal while walking, it is difficult to remember everything you did when you finally get some down time, but it is so worth the effort. You will be so very glad that you kept a journal. As you add entries into your journal it will give you time to reflect on the things done on that day.
My journals were a habit I developed over time. It is important to have a consistent time that you log in your journal each day. Most of my logging was done just before retiring at night. A lot was done on trains and in buses or subways. I did not have an iPad, just an "old-fashioned" spiral notebook. After returning home, I would make it one of my first priorities to enter my journal into my computer and enjoy re-tracing our experiences. We would upload pictures from places visited and paste them in the day of the journal when the event occurred. You will notice that from trip to trip, your journal will become more of a habit to do. Also, it really helped in planning for the next backpacking trip. Notes were kept as to things we didn't get to do that we would really want to do "the next time"; places to revisit; our favorite restaurants or our favorite local food items, etc.
You will not regret the time you spend in keeping an accurate journal. You will get to relive and share your wonderful experiences with family, friends or just for you own pleasure, for the rest of your life.
Having experienced backpacking many times, I finally decided to create my own website devoted to my "hobby". You are invited to visit http://www.backpackingtips101.com/ and browse. I have listed a lot of resources that I have used in planning backpacking trips.

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Where To Get Cheap Holidays - 6 Questions To Ask

You have been busy working all year; you are tired, stressed and ready to scream. It is time for a vacation.

Before you start thinking of going on vacation, a little planning is required.

Many people use software to plan their trips or other systems such as mind-mapping. One of the best resources for organising a journey is the Internet. You can browse for where to get cheap holidays, travel sites, travel agents, forums, chambers of commerce and travel councils. All are a major source of information regarding your destination. There are, however, six questions you need to ask yourself before you depart.

1. Who?

Who is the vacation for? You, you and your partner, with or without children, with other family, with friends. Your decision will determine the type of holiday.

2. What?

What type of holiday are you and your compatriots interested in?

Do you like water such as the sea, lakes or rivers.

The choices here are immense, for example, swimming, scuba, snorkelling, jet skiing, sailing, canoeing, fishing, windsurfing, etc. If you are energetic, this is the holiday for you and others.

What about landscapes like mountains, cliffs, rolling fields, forests, moors, countryside parks? All are ideal for hiking and some, such as cliffs, are great for rock climbing.

The beach is a firm favourite with millions of holiday-makers every year. Golden warm sands bathed by turquoise-coloured sea. Lying on loungers soaking up the sun? Are you just interested in relaxing and gaining a tan, with perhaps the occasional dip in the sea to cool off?

Perhaps you prefer the adrenaline rush of mountain biking, bungee jumping, extreme water sports, paragliding, snowboarding.

Perhaps visiting museums, historical buildings and admiring the local architecture is more to your liking.

3. Why?

That is easy, because you have earned it. Those countless meetings, deadlines, service with a smile when the customer didn not deserve it, angry clients. You need to de-stress, chill out, relax and take things easy. Recharge those batteries with a break.

4. When?

The time of year is important. Holland in the Spring gives visions of tulips, daffodils and locals riding bikes past dykes and windmills. The trouble is the weather then is liable to be cold, wet and windy and many of you days will be spent indoors. Southern Europe, however, can be bathed in warm temperatures, sunshine and plenty to see.Your travel agent or booking site can inform you of the climate at any location, for any month to ensure you don't end up being cold, wet and miserable.

5. How much?

Your budget will determine your type of holiday. A tropical location in a five star hotel, a European break in a bed and breakfast, hiking and camping or sailing in a long boat on a canal. Don't forget out of pocket expenses, day-trips, food out, drinks, presents and petrol. If money is tight you may want to consider where to get cheap holidays by further searching on the Internet.

6. Which?

Which type of transport are you going to use to get to your destination? Will you use plane, bus, car, ship, walk or bicycle. A combination of several perhaps?

So these are six questions you need to consider before you organise your break.

Who are going, what type of holiday is best for you and possibly others, why do you want to get away, the time of year, the potential cost and the mode/s of transport.

There are many other things to consider when planning a vacation, including where to get cheap holidays, which I will cover in further articles. In the meantime enjoy your well-deserved holiday.

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Water Sports and Activities in Ocho Rios, Jamaica

There are many resorts located in Ocho Rios. Your resort experience will likely include your room, access to pools and other smaller resort activities, but assistance with scheduling tours and adventures is going to be required. With that being said, it is always best to do research and shop around for the best deals possible.

Sandal's Vacations offers 4 distinct experiences on Ocho Rios. The Riviera Seaside resort is right on the coastline if the Caribbean Riviera. Highlights of this resort include the Ochi Beach club, with private cabanas, pool, whirlpool and swim-up bar, but no fun activities outside of the resort without having to pay extra. The Promenade with gazebos near the shore, spa treatments and dining also sounds nice, but you can get the same experience at an Ocho Rios Villa, along with saving money to pay for your water sports. Luxury rooms at any of the Sandal's resorts range from $222 to $519 per night, per person. With all of this in mind, you will end up paying less per night at a villa in Ocho Rios, leaving more money available to purchase those water sports activities.

For example, a deep sea fishing experience on a private chartered fishing boat will range from $99 to $260 per person. The captain of this adventure will guide you on your journey to catch Red Snapper, Grouper, Striped tuna and many more deep water fish. A dolphin encounter tour can be scheduled for $140 dollars per person. This tour includes boat rides, glass bottom kayaking and swimming with the dolphins. Horseback Beach rides in the Caribbean Sea are also offered on many of the beached in Ocho Rios. The can be scheduled with Heritage Beach Tours for just under $70 per person and the Dunn's River Falls and Beach Horseback Riding Tour is priced at $75 per person.

For about $57 per person, you can go on a river tube ride with White River Valley Tubing Safari. This safari includes a tube ride along the White River where you'll enjoy the scenery and navigate through challenging Rapids. Irie Adventures offer s a raft ride down the Martha Brae River on a bamboo raft for two and guide climb through the water to the top of a waterfall. The price to participate in this adventure is just under $100 per person. The Swim, Hold and Feed the Sharks Program offers an opportunity to touch and actually feed Sharks at Treasure Reef. A shark show is also included, all for $130 per person.

There are also many other Water Sports activities and charters available in Ocho Rios including Catamaran Cruises, Jet Skiing, Para Sailing, Scuba diving, Snorkeling, Sunset Cruises and Windsurfing. These exciting low cost adventures range from $30 to $70 per person and group discounts are usually available.

While staying at a resort or a Ocho Rios Villa, you will need to pay the same price regardless of where you stay. The difference is with a villa, you are saving money, freeing up your vacation spending to participate in more of these fun water activities so that you can experience Jamaica to the fullest!

Vacation packages at Jamaica Ocean View Villa are all customized to suit your needs and desires. We can create an all-inclusive Jamaican vacation for you or you can book a basic stay, and then add on services and activities after your group arrives.

We try to make the rental process as easy as possible and as the owner, I am always a phone call or email away, ready to answer any questions. I visit the Island at least three times per year to ensure all maintenance and upkeep of the property clearly reflects the images shown on our site. I'm familiar with the area, customs, cuisine and amenities and can give you suggestions to make your vacation hassle-free.

Cavel Capalbo
Jamaica Ocean View Villa
http://www.jamaicaoceanviewvilla.com/
http://jamaicaoceanviewvilla.com/amenities/

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What to Check For In A Used Caravan

Anyone who is in the market for a second-hand caravan will be hoping to pick up a bargain. Used caravans in great condition and at good prices are available, but there are a few things to be aware of if you want to avoid choosing a dud. Outlined below are a few of the pitfalls involved in buying a van, and advice on how best to avoid them.

Where to buy

The options for buying a used caravan will be from a dealer or from a private seller. A good dealer will be able to arrange safety and quality checks and will have a reputation that they are keen to keep intact. However, peace of mind will come at a cost as you will be paying the dealer's mark-up on the caravan. Private sellers will be more likely to accept a bit of haggling, and you have the advantage of questioning them about any little problems or quirks that the van has.

Arrange a Viewing

If there are no dealers or private sellers in your local area you might find yourself tempted to order a caravan from a distance. There are plenty of places to shop online but photographs can hide a lot and nothing will substitute for being able to look over the van in detail before you buy it. If you can, take someone knowledgeable along with you to make an impartial judgement. Take a list of things to check and don't hand over the money until you're satisfied.

Damp

Look inside cupboards, around window seals and check the ceiling. Any sign of damp leaking through should be a sign for concern as it can lead to very expensive problems and be difficult to rectify. The floor can also be affected so look for spongy spots and check the corners and edges thoroughly.

Water, Gas and Electrics

If at all possible, see all gas or electric appliances switched on and working before you buy. If this is too difficult then at least ask about them in as much details as you can. Water pipes should be checked for frost damage, especially after the winter, so ask the owner whether they are all working correctly.

Furniture

If there are fold down beds or other furniture then take a bit of extra time to get them out and see that all the parts are present. Windows should open and close tightly with no problems and not let in any water. Cosmetic damage such as bumps and dents might not bother you but could help you haggle for a lower price.

Don't be afraid to seek a second opinion or take a friend along to see the van if you'd like another pair of eyes. If using a dealer to source your caravan then it's worth making sure of an after-sales contact number in case of any problems. Don't be pressured or fooled by the eager salesman who wants to make the sale. Used caravans can be a substantial investment so taking the time to be satisfied with every aspect of your purchase is well worth the extra effort.

Michael P Richards is writing on behalf of North Western Caravans, specialists in Used Caravans

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What to Look Out For In a Second Hand Caravan

If you are considering buying a second hand caravan, you will undoubtedly be preparing yourself to make a significant investment. If you lack experience of purchasing a second hand caravan, you must take the time to investigate the types of caravans available to you. Once you have narrowed down your selection, you will need to thoroughly check over the caravan to determine the condition that it is in and hence, whether it is worth the investment.

Damp
When checking over the caravan, ensure that you inspect all of the corners, roof lockers, bed boxes and cupboards for signs of the development of damp. This is easy to do if you possess a damp meter.

Seals
A range of sealant types are used in the production of a caravan, including acrylic and oil-based sealants. These sealants last for between five and 20 years. Ensure that you look around the panels of second hand caravans for signs of missing or penetrated seals. You may be able to re-seal the caravan. However, this could cost you around £1,000.

Doors and Lockers
Ensure that all of the doors open and close properly. You should not be able to see daylight through the seals. Ensure that all of the hinges are secure and that the locks turn freely.

Windows
Check around the windows and seals for cracks as, as a caravan ages, the plastic trim surrounding the inside of the windows can crack. The windows should lock securely and there should be no signs of rust around the screws. If the windows are not double-glazed, there should be no condensation to be found between the layers.

Floors
Take a good walk around the caravan to determine whether any of the floors are weak or show signs of sagging. Pay close attention to the floors around the doors, kitchen area and seating areas. The cost of fixing floors can vary considerably and a second hand caravan with sagging floors should be avoided unless it is sold at a heavily discounted price.

Electrics/Gas
Ensure that the dealer checks that the gas and electrics fully comply with the legal safety requirements and ask them to show you the way in which the appliances function.

Hitch and Chassis
While the hitch and chassis of a second hand caravan should have been serviced, you should check that the mechanism functions freely and that the push bar moves in the correct manner.

Stabiliser
Replacement pads can be purchased for some types of second hand caravans. However, they will need to be set at the correct torque in order for them to prove effective. New stabilisers can be purchased from around £60.

Tyres
When checking the tyres you must concentrate on the condition of the tyres' walls. Cracking of the tyres' walls indicates that the side walls are malfunctioning and may blow at any time. Tyres cost between £30 and £70 to replace.

Brakes
The handbrake of a used caravan should move freely and effectively. The breakaway cable should be in good condition and should display a secure connection to the handbrake base.

Breakaway Cables
The breakaway cables should be secure and must be replaced if rusty. New breakaway cables will cost around £5.

Michael P Richards is writing on behalf of North Western Caravans, specialists in Second hand Caravans and Second hand Motorhomes

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Budget Tips for Your Holidays Abroad

No matter if you are a football fan travelling to see EURO 2012 matches or planning your holidays abroad, you can save hundreds of pounds by observing the following golden rules.

These rules will help you to avoid paying unnecessary fees which can often multiply your expenses while on holidays abroad.

5 Golden Rules You Should Follow
When planning your holidays it is not only a good advice to shop around to get the most favourable deals, it is also highly advisable to keep the following essential golden rules in mind. Enjoy the extra money you can save on fees!

1st rule - use a specialist travel credit card for paying abroad
A specialist travel credit card will help you avoid paying extra 3% added to the exchange rates charged by the majority of banks. In this way you can get the most competitive rate on the market which would not offer even the best bureau de exchange. However, make you sure you pay the card in full in order to avoid the interests.

2nd rule - do not change money at the airport
Avoid changing money at the airport as they usually offer the worst rates. If you really must get it from the airport, call there in advance and pre-order the pick-up. The pre-order is usually possible up to 4 hours beforehand and gets you a better rate.

3rd rule - do not use your debit card
In the majority of cases debit cards may charge up to £1.50 every time you spend on them abroad. That can lead to multiplying your expenses which you really do not need.

Owners of the following debit cards should not spend on them abroad - Lloyds TSB, Halifax, RBS, Intelligent Finance, Santander and NatWest.

4th rule - pounds or euros?
If you are paying on a credit or debit card you might be offered the possibility to pay in pounds. Reject this offer as quickly as possible as this is called a dynamic currency exchange. What that means is the retailer himself will do the conversion, usually at a worse rate than your debit card would charge you.

5th rule - withdrawal fee
The last golden rule to follow says that you should be careful how you pay for foreign cash at bureau de exchange. All credit cards and some debit cards (including Barclays, Lloyds TSB, NatWest, Santander and RBS) charge a cash withdrawal fee. You can easily avoid paying the fee by using a different card or paying in cash instead.

You can find more useful tips such as these mentioned in the article at http://portal-loans.co.uk/

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Romantic Getaways

Honeymoon, a dream of a lifetime and it is time to make it real after marriage. Choosing a perfectly unique honeymoon destination, which assures privacy for you and your mate, is going to be ultimate. If you are looking for a great honeymoon, but on an equally great budget; here we have narrowed down a list of budget honeymoon paradises to indulge in post wedding bliss.

Bali

Discover Bali, the land of beautiful beaches is indubitably one of the ideal spots that can leave the honeymoon couples out of dreams. Romantic serene atmosphere, marvelous natural scenery, beautiful beaches and warm welcoming locals, it feels like you are in another world. Bali boasts some luxurious resorts in the world where the couples can pamper in spa treatments that offer a mood of relaxation with a touch of romance.

Maldives

Off the coast of the Indian Ocean, Maldives, a country made up of coral islands, teemed with plenty of sandy beaches, clear ocean water and palm trees, takes life down to a relaxed pace, ensuring that you never want to leave. It is one of the best unspoiled romantic getaways where couples can also spend quality time at the beach enjoying a romantic sunset. Excitement under the water is yet another main attraction here. Cuddle close together and enthrall yourself by viewing some unbelievable marine life!

Thailand

Pristine beaches, historical sites, great cuisine and lush mountain scenes, Can you imagine a better place for a long awaited honeymoon? Yes of course, Thailand offers a perfect blend and is definitely a place where you and your spouse are sure to ascend to a paradise on the earth. Be it just wandering around in some trendy shopping malls along with your better half or having a massage session in Bangkok, the capital city; a honeymoon experience in Thailand isn't to be missed!

India

Taj Mahal, 'the monument of love' has captured the heart of many honeymooners. Planning a honeymoon in India could be a heaven for couples who love sight-seeing. You will be amazed by the culture and warmth that each Indian state possesses. Splendid mountain ranges, amazing backwaters, glistening beaches, magnificent Ajanta and Ellora Caves, all together make the country an ideal destination for the newlyweds to roam around. The horizon of action and imagination is also broadened in India with massive chances for adventure.

Cambodia

From the wonderful city of Phnom Penh to the exciting Seim Reap Town, Cambodia can be a romantic getaway that can be added to your honeymoon list. You can spend hours relaxing by the pool, indulge in some cultural excursion, treat yourself to some culinary delights or celebrate the most precious moments of your togetherness on some romantic boutique guest houses and resorts. The ancient monuments provide a fantastic backdrop for capturing some romantic honeymoon photos.

Sri Lanka

Spend a wonderful time amidst the grooves of coconut palms, golden beaches and coral reefs. Romantic journey through Asia's exotic 'Treasure Island', Sri Lanka will impart a sense of a languid pace and a distinct feeling. Vibrant beaches Bentota and Hikkaduva will deliver endless opportunities for fun and leisure and an experience for a lifetime.

Perfect tropical weather all year round, incredible accommodation options, sumptuous cuisines of Asia and of course the ideal romantic atmosphere; impart you some unforgettable memories at these destinations. Kick back and relax in these ultimate honeymoon paradises where you can get more value for your dollars.

CT SG is an online travel agency and a part of the global online company Travix, which specializes in cheap international flights tickets and Cheap airfare deals.

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