Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Question For Travel Insurance Company

 Before you buy your travel insurance, ask the company what happens if you simply decide to cancel the trip. Some companies, like Access America, will allow you to transfer the coverage to another trip. With Travelguard you'll lose the premium.

Best to know the answer to this question before you buy. All else being equal, it might make your decision about which travel insurance company to use.

Antikythera Artifacts on Display

An exhibition on the Antikythera shipwreck is being held in Athens at the National Archaeological Museum until April 28, 2013. The ship, which had been full of valuables and art headed for Italy, sank south of the Pelopannese peninsula some time between 60 and 50 BC. Excavations were done in 1900-01 and again in 1976 and all of the antiquities are on display. A highlight is the "Antikyther mechanisam" which calculated astronomical positions.

Monday, July 30, 2012

New Tour Option for Lamington National Park

You can now scoot around the rainforest in Queensland's Lamington National Park on an all-terrain Segway. The tours are open both the guests and day visitors at O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat. To ride the Segway you must weight between 100 and 265 lbs, have closed toed shoes and have no heart or balance problems.

Be sure to reserve ahead. Two tours are offered each day, the first is simply a training session and lasts around 30 minutes. The second begins with training and then heads off on a 90 minute tour, exploring a eucalyptus forest, Moran's Falls and going through creeks, with views of the Great Dividing Range.

Sunday, July 29, 2012

Shopping Duty Free at The Airport - Remember 3 oz Rule

If you will be shopping at a duty free shop on your return to the U.S., don't forget you will have to deal with the TSA liquids and gels 3-1-1 rule.

Purchases from the duty free shop are delivered to the traveler directly on the airplane. However, after you go through customs in the U.S., if you have a connecting flight, you will have to pack any bottles over 3 oz. in your checked suitcase.

So if you travel with only carry-ons, it means putting the liquid into your carry on and checking it -- no choice if you want to get that bottle home. If you normally check a bag or two, it's not an issue unless your suitcase is already stuffed to the gills. So if you plan on buying liquids at the duty free shop, be sure to leave room in your checked luggage so you can easily transfer the bottles into your luggage after clearing customs.

Saturday, July 28, 2012

Art in Brazil

If you are into art and will be heading to the southeastern Brazilian state of Minas Gerais, be sure to check out visiting the botanic garden and art gallery Centro de Arte Contemporanea Inhotim. There you will find 5,000 acres with two dozen art pavilions housing contemporary art by Brazilian and international artists.

Admission is free on Tuesday. Wednesday and Thursday admission is BRL20 and Friday through Sunday it is BRL28. For an additional BRL10, you can purchase a pass to ride the hop on/hop off electric cars that are driven between the three main stops within the park.

If you will be staying in Belo Horizone, there is a direct buss (BRL25) leaving town at 9:15 for the one hour trip, returning at 4:30 p.m. when the park closes.

Friday, July 27, 2012

Walls Around Jerusalem National Park

The Walls Around Jerusalem National Park is now open to the public, a complex of buildings from the tenth to the sixth century BC. The remains were exposed during a multiyear dig and have been named the Ophel City Wall (see Nehemiah 3:26). Passageways have been built around various buildings which include a gatehouse, royal edifice and a fifth century AD wall. Also on display is a clay tablet thought to be the earliest written document to be discovered in Jerusalem.

Hours are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. (3 p.m. on Fridays) from April to September and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (1 p.m. on Fridays) the rest of the year.

Some additional information and photographs are available at this site:

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4086258,00.html

How To Find Pet Friendly Hotels

Traveling with a pet? DogFriendly.com and BringFido.com are two websites that provide free listings of dog friendly places worldwide -- hotels, restaurants, resorts, attractions and even airlines. PetsWelcome.com also includes information for cats and other animals. All of the sites have forums where other pet owners share information about their travel experience.

Thursday, July 26, 2012

Berlin Nefertiti Exhibit

Marking the 100th anniversary of the discovery of the Nefertiti bust at Akhetaton, an exhibit titled "Amarna 2012 - 100 Years of Nefertiti" will be held in Berlin's Neues Museum from December 7, 2012 until April 13, 2013.

On display will be approximately 400 object from the Akhetaton dig, presenting a picture of life in Egypt during the Amarna period (1343 to 1334 BC). The artifacts include ceramics, jewelry, sculpture, pigments and tools. This will be the first time on exhibit for most of the items.

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Star Wars Canadian Exhibition

"Star Wars Identities: The Exhibition" is currently being hosted at the Montreal Science Center until September 16 and then will move to Telus World of Science in Edmonton, Canada where it will remain until at least April 1, 2013.

On exhibit are props, costumes, model and artwork, including C-3PO, a full sized Podracer and Darth Vader's costume. There are also sections that focus on the creation of the characters and the making of the movie.

Montreal Science Center is located at the foot of Saint-Laurent Blvd, on King-Edward quay
 www.montrealsciencecentre.com

Telus World of Science is located at 11211 142nd St., Edmonton  www.edmontonscience.com

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Save on Rental Cars Between Now and July 31


If you need a rental car between now and July 1, you can save by using this promo code at Payless.


10% OFF All Rentals. Promo Code:WRKP92 at PaylessCar.com

Sunday, July 22, 2012

Watch Out For Mini Bar Fees

Paying for snacks from the mini bar is never in my travel budget. It's kind of like the bedspread in the room ... it might be there but there is absolutely no way I'm going to make any use of it. However, it you are tempted to peek around in the little fridge, be careful. Some mini bars have sensors and by just moving things around or lifting something and putting it back could trigger a charge to your bill.


Want to avoid any problems by having your mini fridge emptied before you arrived? Ask, first, if you'll be charged a restocking fee to have them put the stuff back.


Friday, July 20, 2012

France Breathalyzer Law

Starting November 1, 2012, a new law will be enforced in France that requires all cars, including rentals, to carry a breath-alcohol-testing instrument. If the driver does not have one, he will be fined 17 Euros (about $22).

Single use devices cost about $2.50 each and Hertz says it will provide them for free. No word yet on what Avis and Budget will be doing.

Alcohol limits are tighter in France where 50 mg per 100 ml of blood will put you over the mark. In the U.S., depending upon the state, the range is 80 mg to 100 mg per 100 ml of blood. The minimum penalty in France for driving over the legal limit is 135 Euros (about $180). If the blood alcohol level is over 80 mg, the penalties go through the roof.

Save on Travel Insurance

Allianz Classic plan is their most popular plan. It is perfect for families since it covers children under 18 FREE of charge -- a very rare travel insurance benefit.

Insure your family vacation with Allianz Classic Travel Insurance. Kids under 18 are covered for FREE! Get a free quote.

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

5 Tips for Saving on Train Travel

Check out promotional deals. If 62 or older, you’ll get a 15% discount on Amtrak and for passengers 60 or older get a 10% discount on Canada’s VIA. Be sure to click on links for Deals or Specials.

Check out last minute offers. Amtrak offers Smartfares under its Deals tab. Most are short term and last minute types of deals but it could work for you. They change every week on Tuesday. For Canada’s VIA rail, take a look at its Express Deals.

Look at an Amtrak vacation package. These are available all year around and include more than just your train fair. And you might be able to snag an early booking discount.

Joint Amtrak’s Guest Rewards Program to earn points and save on future travel.

Check into Amtrak’s multi-ride discounts and monthly passes if you ride the same route regularly or simply take the train often.

Friday, July 13, 2012

Hurricane Guarantee in the Caymans

On the Caribbean islands of Grand Cayman, Little Cayman and Cayman Brac, 25 hotels, condos and house rentals, in addition to seven activity companies such as Luxury Charters and Indigo Divers, are offering a "Worry Free Hurricane Guarantee" for the hurricane season, June 1 to November 30.

Guests may cancel reservations with as little as 48 hours' notice with no penalty or, at most, one night's cost, as opposed to the 100% penalty for late cancellation that is charged the rest of the year. In addition, guests are compensated if they have to leave early because of storm by being able to rebook at no additional cost.

Details are available at http://www.caymanislands.ky/hurricaneguarantee.aspx

Thursday, July 12, 2012

Kenya and Tanzania

Just a few short days remaining. Save on G Adventures safari to Kenya and Tanzania.

 Beginning in Nairobi, with its convenient international airport, this 10-day adventure offers up the best of wild Africa on a budget. Track the ‘Big 5’ across the acacia-spotted savannah of the Serengeti and the legendary plains of Masai Mara. Our unique overland truck and smaller 4x4 safari vehicles in Kenya and Tanzania will carry you through the incredible scenery safely and in good spirits—and camping will keep you at the heart of the action. This trip is a once-in-a-lifetime experience like no other. With this much stunning African wilderness, make sure your camera’s charged because you're going to need it.

Don't wait
Code expires 7/31/2012
 
15% Off Kenya and Tanzania Overland Safari: Valid only for trip code: DKTO. Use Coupon Code SPRING212

Jet Airways Code Shares With Thalys

Now that Thalys runs a direct high-speed train on a daily basis between Brussels International Airport and Paris Gare du Nord, travelers flying into Brussels using Jet Airways can transfer to Paris at no extra charge -- or land in Paris and take the train to Brussels.

When a traveler books her flight, a code-share number is automatically included for the Thalys. Normally the 1 hr 45 min trip would cost about $100 in first class.

For more information, contact Jet Airways at 877-835-9538 or www.jetairways.com.

Buying Property in Europe - Monaco

Whether it’s for a vacation home or a permanent relocation, many people look abroad. Known for its famous casino, Formula 1 racing and being tax-free, the Principality of Monaco – the second smallest country in the world – also has some of the world’s most fabulous beaches.

If you are looking to buy property near a world-class beach, then Monaco should definitely be on your list of countries to check out. Along the coastline you’ll find fantastic beaches of all sizes and shapes. If you are looking for Monaco properties and easy beach access is important to you, this information on two of the great Monaco beaches may be helpful to you.

Want to be on the most famous stretch of beach in Monaco? Then you want to be near Lavortto Beach, located between the Monte Carlo Beach Hotel and Grimaldi Forum. True, some of the beach has tiny pebbles instead of stand, and a good portion of it is private, there is still tons of it left over for the public. This beach is cleaned every day and you’ll find some excellent restaurants and bars there.

Next door is the Monte Carlo Beach, which is private. Not only does it have a great beach but it also has a salt-water pool. If you know someone who is staying there, you might be able to get a peek at the private beach.

Whether you are looking generally for apartments in Monaco or, specifically properties for sale Monte Carlo remember that one important feature will be location, location, location.

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Save on Luggage From Luggage Guy

Summer is here and so is your Summer Blowout Sale - for 2 weeks, Save an EXTRA 30% off using coupon code - SUMMER Summer Blowout Sale - Save an EXTRA 30% off "SUMMER"
Summer Blowout Sale - Save an EXTRA 30% off "SUMMER"


Please be sure to check out our New Ebay Pick of the Week - Tommy Bahama Wheeled Tote for $69.95 - LIMITED TIME OFFER!!! eBay Deal of the Week - Tommy Bahama Wheeled Tote - $69.95
eBay Deal of the Week - Tommy Bahama Wheeled Tote - $69.95

Exclusive - Pierre Cardin Signature 4 Piece Luggage Set - $189 after $100 off coupon - "PCSLG" LIMITED TIME ONLY!!!
CJ Exclusive - Pierre Cardin Signature 4 Piece Luggage Set - $189 after $100 off coupon - "PCSLG" LIMITED TIME ONLY!!!

Exclusive - Pierre Cardin Belmont 4 Piece Luggage Set - $99 after $100 off coupon - "BELPC" LIMITED TIME ONLY!!!
CJ Exclusive - Pierre Cardin Belmont 4 Piece Luggage Set - $99 after $100 off coupon - "BELPC" LIMITED TIME ONLY!!!

Exclusive - Tommy Bahama Retreat 2 Piece Luggage Set $75 off - NOW $125 - Code "RETREAT" LIMITED TIME ONLY
CJ Exclusive - Tommy Bahama Retreat 2 Piece Luggage Set $75 off - NOW $125 - Code "RETREAT" LIMITED TIME ONLY

Palace of Holyroodhouse

Visitors to the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh, Scotland can combine the tour of the residence with a half-hour "Garden History Tour". Located at the east end of the Royal Mile, the garden tour includes the ruins of a 12th century abbey and the site where the Queen's Garden party is held.

The guided walk is available hourly, with the last tour starting at 5 pm. Combined garden/residence tours cost £12.80 for an adult, £11.65 for a senior, £7.85 for a child 6 to 16 and children under 5 are free.

www.royalcollection.org.uk

Saturday, July 7, 2012

Celebrate York, England's 800th Birthday

The city of York celebrates its 800th birthday on July 9, the year when the royal charter was granted. On that day this year, musicians and choirs will perform a specially commissioned musical piece at the Eye of York, a lawn by the city's 18th-century administration buildings.

In addition to exhibitions, festivals, music and tours, other events include the York Cycle of Mystery Plays, Aug 2 - 27, the Traditional Dance Festival on September 8, and Illuminating York October 24 - 27.

Further details are available at York City of Festivals, 18 Back Swingate, York England Y018ZD and www.yorkfestivals.com.

Friday, July 6, 2012

Save on Flights to Mexico

Explore the wonders south of the border with AeroMexico's summer deals at Vayama! Whether hitting a popular tourist destination or escaping to an excluded resort, Mexico has plenty of options

Save on flights to Mexico with AeroMexico at Vayama.com!

Thursday, July 5, 2012

Visiting the French Riviera

The French Riviera has long been a very popular destination. Travel to the area started around the late nineteenth century and it still continues to attract visitors of all ages, all the way from the very wealthy who take advantage of French Riviera villa rental to students who are backpacking across Europe.

Many of the names of the towns and villages along the French Riviera are familiar to most people. Cannes is where the International Film Festival is held every spring. The small old port is the heart of the city where you will see some yachts that appear as big as some cruise ships.

Monte Carlo is a small picturesque town with beautiful gardens. It is popular with racing fans as the Formula One motor race runs right through the city streets. And Monte Carlo is the place for gambling that is very different from what you’ll find in Las Vegas—it is quiet and subdued.

Nice is known for the beautiful water, shopping, great restaurants and architecture including ancient Roman ruins and the Russian Cathedral.

There are many additional attractions along the coastline. Of course there are the beaches, boardwalks and waterfronts. There are also excellent museums, world famous festivals, fishing, diving, golf courses and wineries. The French Riviera is a great destination for an extended visit, looking into villa rentals South of France, and using that as a base for day car trips. A wide selection of luxury villas in South of France can be rented, whether you want to stay in a waterfront proper, a country manor or an authentic stone farmhouse.

Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Kid Free Zone on Malaysia Air

Malaysia Air has banned infants from flying in first class on its 747s. Additionally, starting July 12, it is going to become the first airline with a kid free zone in one of its sections of economy class.

For flights on its Airbus A380, children under 12 who are flying economy will be restricted to the lower deck. The online res system will not even display upper deck seats to passengers who are buying tickets for young children.

To counter the bad feelings this might incur, the airlines does offer some perks to families with children including early boarding, special meats, on board entertainment, and, in some areas, play areas.