الثلاثاء، 31 يوليو 2012

5 Good Reasons to Get an Overseas Nanny Job

Have you ever wondered how you can travel the world, learn a new language and experience a new culture without needing to spend a fortune in travel expenses? What if you could do all this, and get paid too? Getting a job as a nanny or an au pair is a perfect way to fulfill these dreams, especially if you enjoy being with children. There are employment opportunities all over the world, with families and on large tourist resorts for people of all ages.

While you will never become rich by working as a nanny or au pair, the pay is reasonable, and your board and lodging is all covered by your host. Health insurance is often provided as well. This means that you can travel to another country without concerns about finances or emergencies, as you will be covered by your employer for most eventualities. But what are some of the other advantages of taking up employment of this type?

Build new friendships - you will most often be placed with a family, but not as a servant. The term 'au pair' refers to someone with equal standing in the family as the other members. That means to you get to live with the family as one of their own. You do everything with them, and this means that if the family takes a summer holiday, you get to go along! The friendships built over a long summer can last a lifetime.
Excursions are paid for - you can plan different adventures, picnics or excursions to the park, the zoo or to a museum. As long as you take the children, you get your entrance fees paid for, you food is supplied, and all your transport is provided. Sometimes you even get to drive the family car.
Research and Study - if you are studying sociology, anthropology or teaching, working and living with a family in a context different from your own can give you great insights into your study, or can even supplement a research project. In any case, having experience as a nanny in a foreign culture goes really well on your resume, especially if you are preparing to work in education or a child related career.
New Skills - you will learn new skills like meal planning, household management, activity planning, transport arrangement, budgeting, and organising a schedule. These are all invaluable skills to have under your belt.
New Culture and Lifestyle - one of the best ways to learn about a new culture, is not as a tourist, but as a person who actually lives with normal people. If you want to brush up on your Spanish, or boost your German Studies with an insight into the local culture, working as a nanny is one of the best ways. In addition, many families are looking for a native English speaker to interact with the children in a natural way. That means that both sides win!

Working overseas as a nanny or au pair is a great opportunity, especially for young travelers. There are great advantages, but there are responsibilities as well. It is helpful to do some research first, which you can do here, and there are many really good nanny websites that give good, comprehensive information, and that can help match you with a suitable family.


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الاثنين، 30 يوليو 2012

Budget Travel: 5 Steps to Creating a Budget Friendly Vacation

Traveling during a down economy isn't easy. It's a big commitment, and there isn't a lot of certainty. This has caused many families to postpone or cancel their vacation plans altogether. Many of these families aren't aware of the ins and outs of budget travel, and that's unfortunate. If these families realized that they can make travel more affordable, then maybe they'd be able to take more time off.

That's what I wanted to go over in this article. If you're interested in saving money on a vacation, then follow these simple budget travel steps.

Find the right destination - If you haven't picked a destination, then pay special attention to cheap destinations. You don't have to plan the trip of a lifetime to get a good experience. Try looking for something close to home that many people don't think about. Get creative!
Pay attention to transportation - Calculate the cost of traveling to your destination. A flight, for example, can cost a family thousands whereas a car ride would cost less. Granted, you'll also have to balance that against the potential frustration of a long car ride. But, if it can save you a few hundred dollars, it might be worth it.
Select the right hotel - Look around the Internet for different hotel deals and see where you can find the lowest rates possible. You hear a lot of horror stories about cheap hotels, but I really don't have any. Even the cheap hotels I've stayed in have been satisfactory. But pay attention to the reviews anyway, since most price comparison websites show them. If you can find a cheap hotel that people have been satisfied with in the past, then it might be the diamond in the rough you're looking for.
Make a Light, and Cheap Schedule - Some of the most enjoyable vacations are the ones where you don't do much. When you're traveling on a budget, the last thing you want to do is cram your vacation full of activities. Schedule some fun stuff, but don't overdo it. Not only will you be exhausted, you'll also spend more money. Think of free time in both senses of the word (the do what you want sense and the doesn't cost you anything sense)
Plan your meals ahead of time - Think of a college student living in an apartment. How do they save money on food? Do they eat out all the time or do they go to the store and make their own meals? Obviously, they do the second one, and you can do the same thing during your vacation. This may sound like nonsense, but a family of four can actually save $150-$200 just by planning their meals.

What if you want to save even more money? You might be interested in a free ebook offered at WorldWidely.com. It goes over everything budget travel and can help you save even more money. Click here to get your free copy.


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الأحد، 29 يوليو 2012

Quick Tips to a Discounted Trip of a Lifetime

Let me paint a scenario for you. You're about to plan the trip of a lifetime. You've figured out where you want to go, how long you want to stay there, and even what you're going to do. Everything is piecing itself together perfectly. That is, until you look at the final price.

The problem with trips of a lifetime is that they usually cost thousands of dollars to do. Between the flights, hotels, activities, and food, you're going to spend an arm and a leg.

At this point, people usually do one of two things. They either convince themselves that it's "worth it", or they postpone the trip altogether. They almost never take the time to try to reduce the price. And that's what I want to talk about in this article. I want to show you how you can take a discounted trip of a lifetime.

Comparison Shopping

You'll hear almost everywhere that comparison shopping is the best way to save money. If you're aware of what other people are charging for the same activity, then you'll avoid overpaying. But I want to kick this into overdrive. Compare the prices on absolutely everything; from restaurants, to activities, to hotels, to flights. Leave nothing un-compared.

Finding Discounts

Discounts are seemingly everywhere, and finding them usually only takes a little bit of effort. If you're planning an activity, then call the company and see if there are any discounts that you can take advantage of. Also realize that companies don't always announce all of their discounts, so ask if there are any discounts that you're eligible for (senior, military, student, etc.)

You also have the option of looking for discounts online. Websites like Groupon are great at offering large discounts on different activities. Sometimes you can even find hotels at lower costs. It's always worth looking, because there's a lot of money you could potentially save.

Buying Local

Whenever I travel, I like to buy local. The prices are usually cheaper, and the people are usually more pleasant. You can essentially meet new people and save money at the same time. Plus, you're helping out the local economy!

Plan Your Travel

Once you get to your destination, you'll still have to get from Point A to Point B. This is also one of the costs that many people forget about. Know how much you're going to be paying for a rental car of public transporation. If you're visiting a popular destination, then it's possible that they have discounted passes for buses or subways.

Grab a Copy of "A Money Saving Travel Guide"

You can download a free copy of "A Money Saving Travel Guide" at the WorldWidely.com homepage. It's completely free to download and has a lot of information on taking a budget friendly vacation.


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السبت، 28 يوليو 2012

Vacation On A Shoestring - Save Money When Travelling

It's vacation time! The kids are out of school, and you are now about to take that trip you have been planning all year. If you're like most people, you are also dreading the thought of all the expenses involved during your travels. No matter how long or short the trip may be, you know, as well as I do, that EVERYTHING cost money. Here are several tips you can follow to help you cut down on your expenses.

1. Buy your gas well off of the interstate. Gas stations and convenience stores that are immediately along the interstates are always more expensive that the ones that are located further on down those side roads. Take just a few extra minutes and save a few bucks.

2. Pack your own food and drinks. Before you leave on your trip, visit your local grocery store, and purchase snacks to take with you. Tourist hotspots usually place a very high price on items such as soft drinks and chips. A good list of foods to pack would be sodas, chips, cookies, bread, sliced meat and cheeses for making sandwiches, and even some fruit. This with help keep you from going into those expensive restaurants for every meal.

3. Take advantage of the continental breakfast. Almost each and every motel you stay at these days offer that morning complimentary meal, most of which usually consist of a small box of cereal, a donut, or a bagel. If you're like me, you'll jump all over that. It's free, and you're have a few more dollars to spend on lunch or dinner.

4. Use coupons wherever possible. Usually in your high-traffic tourist spots, you will find pamphlets or brochures that contain coupons for restaurants, attractions, or gift shops. Don't feel cheap when you use these. Just feel smarter. You can decide to spend $20.00 to get into that museum, or do the intelligent thing and take advantage of that $3.00 off admission price.

5. Don't purchase souvenirs until the last day. Of course, I don't know anybody that comes back from a trip without a bunch of trinkets that will be played with for a couple of days and then thrown into the closet. While vacationing, take a mental note of the things that interest you. Then, on the final day you can make the decision on the item(s) you want the most. This will save you a big headache at the end.

Greg W Pett is a frequent traveler and is also the creator of Pett's Wood Signs.


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الجمعة، 27 يوليو 2012

How to Find Cheap Hotels and Flight Bookings

If you are out to acquire affordable public holidays for yourself or your family, then you must be willing to extend the effort. Sometimes, it may come easy but in most cases, getting to find cheap hotels and travel packages will be painstakingly difficult. And although it is smart to start looking at online sources for great deals, you should also extend your search to other options so that your chance of landing any holiday promos increases.

The most convenient resource you could initially try out would be online travel discount sites and travel aggregator search sites. These are trusted references when it comes to holiday bookings. The former extends discounts on holiday packages while the latter compares prices and shows you the best deals from different websites. Covering these two should secure you great savings and the best travel options your budget can afford. On top of that, they should also provide assistance in securing other amenities such as rentals. And they sometimes even suggest itinerary choices for travellers. It is important that you check them both out thoroughly because they could display different results. Some hotels don't necessarily sign up their deals in both portals, you know.

After you've signed up for membership and alerts, your next option to find cheap hotels would be look at smaller, local travel establishments. They are just as reliable when it comes to planning economical trips. And they may have special airline or hotel deals that are not made available through the web. It is important to remember that like the previous resources, they too have a special connection with travel-related businesses. And they can hook you up with their contacts for discounted rates without any problems.

Third, you should look up tourism websites and check out any clean and safe lodging options that are less expensive than what large chain hotels can offer. Bed and breakfasts, inns, and lodging houses are just some of the low-cost accommodation options you can take advantage of. You could also use your network of friends in social media sites to refer you to these alternatives. Some people might now some people who can set you up with a nice place to live during your escapades.

In addition you could also join travel clubs. Yes, there is a fee to consider but the cost reduction privileges their membership card can provide you will more than compensate for your initial outlay. It is applicable to all types of concerns during a travel, from the tickets and hotel bookings to the food and attractions. Besides, membership also allows you to access customer care representatives and they can ably help you when there are any problems during public holidays.

To go on a vacation abroad without incurring thousands upon thousands of dollars in expenses would be a dream. But this is not to say it is impossible to achieve in the real world. What you need to do is to extend a lot of patience in your quest and be resourceful when needed.

For more information about how to find cheap hotels and public holidays, visit our website aboutcheapholidays.com.


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الخميس، 26 يوليو 2012

Powerful Tricks to Getting Better Hotel Rates

Hotels will be one of the priciest purchases you have to make during your vacation. Even hotels with the most basic of amenities are going to cost you $50 per night. If you're on a long vacation, that amount will add up.

Saving even a little bit on the price of your hotel will save you a lot in the long run. Make sure to follow these tips to avoid overpaying.

Comparison Shopping

Price comparison websites are useful for a couple of different reasons. First, they show you your different hotel options, many of which you probably haven't heard of before. Second, they allow you to compare the prices of those different options. They make it very easy for you to see what other hotels are charging and prevent you from paying too much.

Follow the Quality First, Price Second Philosophy

The quality first, price second philosophy is my own creation. Basically what I'm saying is that you should first figure out what amenities you want in a hotel, and then compare the prices of hotels that offer those amenities. In other words, you're deciding your level of quality and then finding the lowest price.

Sometimes people get confused. They think that I'm putting price second to quality at all costs. That couldn't be further from the truth. The goal of the quality first, price second philosophy is to help you get the lowest price for what you're looking for.

Unpublished Rates

One of the other great things about price comparison websites is that they allow hotels to show unpublished rates. Unpublished rates are prices that are being offered through the price comparison website, but not to the general public. Normally, this happens when a hotel is having trouble filling up all of its rooms. For them, making a little bit of money on a room is better than leaving it completely empty.

The great thing about unpublished rates is that they usually involve a large discount. Sometimes you'll see rooms go 50% off or more.

Best Price Guarantees

Many websites will also offer a best price guarantee. If you're able to find the same room at a cheaper rate, then you'll be refunded the difference. Many times the website will give you additional rewards for finding a lower price elsewhere. This can assure you that you're paying the lowest price possible.

Look for Reviews, Not Brands

Many times brand name hotels are more expensive than their lesser known counterparts, despite the fact that they offer the same amenities. When you're searching for a hotel, most websites will show other people's reviews. If you see a lot of people recommending an inexpensive hotel, then that's probably the one you'd want to reserve over the pricier brand-name.

How to Save Even More Money

If you're serious about taking a cheap vacation, then visit the WorldWidely.com homepage. There you will find a free 28 page ebook that will go into great depth about saving money on travel. It's a great resource, and will help you find interesting and innovative ways to save even more money.


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Visiting Rome for the Frugal

Rome, the eternal city, can be seen by anyone without breaking the bank. Here are some of the bargains, that are available to all. A one-day pass, including Metro... By far the fastest way to get from point a to point B... trains and buses is only €4 per person. A three-day pass, with the above features cost €11... A weekly pass is €16. These tickets can be purchased from vendors throughout the city.
For those that want the convenience of a hop on hop off, open-air bus... A three-day pass, for the bus, metro, train, and city buses... Is only €25. There are many hotels, and hostels, that cost less than €100 per night around the Station Termini. Getting from the main Rome airport and Station Termini by train cost €6.. Hotels near the Station Termini, the main Rome train station, means that popular tourist destinations are all within walking distance. Popular sites that you can walk to from the train station area... Include the Coliseum, the Forum, the Spanish steps, the Trevi fountain, and many major museums. To visit, the Vatican it would be best to take the Metro... By far the fastest way to get around Rome. A drawback to taking the hop on hop off bus is the vehicular traffic in Rome can be staggering... The horn seems to be as important a piece of equipment on cars as brakes and accelerator pedal. For the daring, you can rent a motor scooter with helmet.
Do not make the mistake that we did and visit the Vatican on Monday... The crowds in the Vatican Museum which also includes the beautiful Sistine Chapel... With Michelangelo's creation on the ceiling... can only be described as claustrophobic. Best to go Tuesday through Friday. If you can save money on transportation... You will have some euros left over to sample some of the best ice cream, called gelato in Italy, that you have ever tasted... For a more substantial meal, the budget traveler, should stick to the plentiful trattoria establishments where great, filling food is served without restaurant prices. You may have to stand up to enjoy your cappuccino and snack... But you will not be disappointed at the quality of the food, nor the price for the same.
Since most hotels, have refrigerators, drinks can be purchased at the numerous markets and grocery stores... A visit to a bakery, called paneterria, for a loaf of fresh bread... A bottle of good, cheap Italian wine and you're all set.
Rome, you can see the eternal city without breaking the bank.
Biggest Retirement Mistakes, get a free book and more practical, commonsense, non investment advice.
Gary Pierce is the webmaster of http://www.frugal-retirement-living.com/ he retired early at 49, he is still retired at 66. He has experienced some of the retirement realities that baby boomers are facing.He can show you how to make lemonade from the lemons the baby boomer generation has been dealt.
It is 2012 and many are wondering if they can ever retire...you can still retire. Don't give up until you check out this website.

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Wildlife Tour of India

Located in Central India, Madhya Pradesh is bordered by Uttar Pradesh in the northeast, Gujarat in the west, Maharashtra in the south-west and Chhattisgarh in the southeast.Ancient palaces, fortresses, temples, archaeological museums, waterfalls and wildlife abound in this state, making it an attractive tourism destination. Every region in the state has something to offer in terms of its rich history and natural sights.
Heritage
The finesse and tastefulness of the royals who ruled Madhya Pradesh are evident in the architecture of the various palaces and fortresses in the state.
The main heritage attractions in Mandu are the Jal Mahal, Baz Bahadur Palace and Hindola Mahal. The Hindola Mahal has a well which is connected with underground vaulted rooms with arrangements for cold and hot water.
The Dhar Fort houses the Kharbuja Mahal with melon- shaped domes and Sheesh Mahal. The architecture of the Lalbagh Palace in Indore has a European influence. The Gujari Mahal in Gwalior Fort stands as a monument of love of Raja Mansingh Tomar for his Gujar queen Mrignani. The Jai Vilas Palace here is an elegant white sprawling building and also houses the H.H. Maharaja Sir Jiwaji Rao Scindia Museum. The Ater Fort in the ravines of Chambal has a few attractions like the Khooni Darwaza. Badan Singh Ka Mahal. Raja Ka Bangla. Rani Ka Bangla and Barah Khamba Mahal. The Vijayraghavgarh Fort in Jabalpur boasts of a number of features like the Kachahari, Hamam, an amphitheatre. a temple and a baodi (well).
Some significant museums in the state are the Archaeological Museum of Chanderi, ASI Museums in Khajuraho and Mandu, Birla Museum of Bhopal, Sarod Museum of Gwalior, the Central Museum of Indore, State Museum in Bhopal, Site Museum in Sanchi and the Tribal and Folk Art Museum in Khajuraho. The varied historic collections and exhibits in these museums are evident of the region's distant past.
Pilgrimage: The popular pilgrimage centres in the state are Bada Ganesh ka Mandir, Chausath Yogini Temple, Gadkalika Mandir, Gauri Somnath Temple, Harsiddhi Ma, Karna Math Mandir and Shri Gopal temple.
Wildlife: Madhya Pradesh prides itself on the abundantwildlife found, especially in the Vindhya and Satpura Ranges. Best known ones are the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve. Kanha National park. Pench Tiger Reserve, Madhav National Park and the Mandla Fossil National Park.These parks are home to a sizeable number of tigers. Sambar, Chital (spotted deer). Chowsingha, Nilgai, Chinkar. Gaur and wild pigs are some of the herbivores common in these reserves. Wild animals include leopards, wild dogs. Hyena, jackal, sloth bear, grey langur and wolves.Some of these wildlife parks are also home to over 200 varieties of birds like cormorants, darters, storks, ibises, pintail ducks, Brahminy ducks, fishing eagles, spot bills. bar-headed geese, shrikes and wagtails and vultures.The Satpura region is an important habitat for freshwater crocodiles, flying squirrels and jungle fowl among others.Besides wildlife, these reserves have other tourist attractions too. The Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve has the Bandhavgarh Fort, Badi Gufa and Chakradhara. The attractions in the Kanha Reserve consist of the Shravan Tal, Macha Dongar and Bamni Dadar. At the Madhav National Park. one can visit the Sakhya Sagar Lake, Madhav Lake, George Castle, Bhurakho and the Sailing Club.
Leisure: Madhya Pradesh is also known for breathtaking waterfalls, lakes and dams such as the Dhuandhar Falls, Jamuna Pratap. Rajat Pratap, Jalawataran, Raneh Falls and Pandav Falls, Upper Lake, Sakhya Sagar and Madhav Sagar. Multi-purpose dams like Bansagar, Bargi, Kerwa, Tawa, Bhadbhada and Halahi also serve as picnic spots.
Madhya Pradesh has plentiful places of interest, which makes it all the more worthwhile to plan a leisurely itinerary to see and soak up all that the state has to offer by way of its heritage. Pilgrimage, Wildlife and leisure.

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Tips on How to Enjoy a Budget-Holiday in Asia

Asia, the largest contingent on this earth, is home to a number of tourism attractions, and attracts backpackers from different corners of the globe. The best thing about holidaying in Asia is that it's quite affordable to wander round. From food to accommodation, and several recreational activities are quite cheap as compared to Western countries. However, it's quite imperative to plan the trip properly and avoid too much money without thinking.
Here're some tips on how to enjoy a holiday on budget.
Accommodation
We spend a large proportion of our travel budget on accommodation. So you must be choosy and deliberate, when it comes to decide for accommodation. Wherever you go, you will find multiple choices of accommodations - from pricey hotels & resorts to budget-friendly inns and hostels. So before finalizing any option, you should consider your requirements and budget. Choose to stay in a hostel instead of rooms in 5-star hotels and resorts. Private homes and vacation rentals are also great choice if you're with family or friends. You can stay in a bed & breakfast hotel, and save considerable amount of money during your holiday.
Book your accommodation well ahead to get best price. During peak seasons, most of hotels increase their tariff, so it's better to reserve your space in advance.
Food & Drink
No matter whether you're on a Singapore holiday or at Thailand tour, you will have plenty of options for dining. They range from exclusive restaurants to street-side food stalls. So instead of wasting too much money on meals at hi-fi restaurants, eat at food stalls or buy it from local food vendors. They are basically everywhere in Asia. You can ask the staff at your guesthouse about where you can find good food at reasonable rates. They will surely suggest you the one or more. However, avoid taking unhygienic food, because it may cause of some health problem that may spoil your whole trip. If you live in a vacation rental, prepare you meals by your own to save a good amount of money.
Transportation
Carry a map and use local transportation. In case you hire a taxi, you should consider asking your guesthouse staff for cheap options. Almost every big city in Asia has metro connectivity, so use this mode of transportation, which safe, enjoyable and scam-free. To enjoy natural sightseeing, what can be a better and cheaper way than hiring a cycle?
Apart from that, avoid money exchange at airport or private agencies. Go to bank where you can get the best exchange rate. Go for cheap shopping instead of purchasing at big shopping arcades. And, bargaining is the key to save good money during shopping.
Today, a number of budget packages are available for each and every tourist destination in Asia. Search online and find a deal that suits your budget. However, dealing with a reliable source is highly important.
Hungry Bags is one of the leading travel portals offering a wide range of package for Singapore holiday, Thailand tourism and a trip to Thailand.

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الأربعاء، 25 يوليو 2012

7 Budget Friendly, and Enjoyable Vacation Ideas

Simple vacations are sometimes the best. When we're not looking for the trip of a lifetime, a simple getaway can be much better. Maybe we're trying to be romantic, reconnect with our family, or simply relax. The point is that we need to treat ourselves to a break. And if you're like most people, you don't want to pay an arm and a leg for it. Here are 7 budget friendly vacation ideas that you could easily take advantage of.

1) Drive 4 Hours in Any Direction

The 4 hour drive is one of the easiest vacations to plan. Find an attraction within a 4 hour drive and plan a weekend there. There has to be something around you.

2) Hotel Room Rental

Some people don't see the point in renting a hotel room and just staying there. Why not just stay home? But I think it's a great idea. Find a great deal on a hotel room and get away from home for a little while. You can expose yourself to a new area and enjoy hotel amenities. Plus, if you look for a hotel in a smaller town, you'll be able to enjoy some peace and quiet that you can't get elsewhere.

3) Park or Beach Hopping

Parks are either free or incredibly cheap to get into. Spend a day or two driving around and looking at different parks and beaches.

4) Bike Trip

If you're the athletic type, then a bike trip might be a lot of fun. This is actually something that my friend does frequently. He'll grab is bike and peddle his way a couple of hundred miles for a week and then come back. I'm not that athletic so I never tried it, but he absolutely loves it.

5) Cheap Flight and Back

Flights are known for being expensive, but that's not always the case. Look for different destinations that people don't normally visit and see if you can get a cheap flight. Sometimes (rarely, but it does happen) you can get a round trip ticket for under $100.

6) Spontaneous Excitement

You can save a lot of money by getting last minute hotel deals. Wait for one to get in your price range and surprise your loved one to an exciting weekend. It can be really fun if you suddenly decide to do something in the next few days.

7) Car Trip to Nowhere

This one has been a dream of mine ever since I read an article where somebody actually did it. Grab your car keys, your favorite playlist, and drive somewhere. There's nothing more exciting than the phrase "should we drive north for 100 miles or west for 100 miles".

But how can you save even more money? Here's a free 28 page ebook that will help you save hundreds on your next vacation. Click here to get your free copy.


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