Archive for December, 2009
December 31, 2009 at 11:56 am · Filed under Travel
14-km from Ajmer, Pushkar is legendary among travellers looking for new experiences. It offers much more than most weekend getaways can hope to pack in: temples, ghats, street bazaars, cafés, and of course, desert safaris. As a religious site, Pushkar practically sells itself: it is home to one of the two Brahma temples in the country. The region is a labyrinth of 500-odd temples, 52 ghats and palaces clustered around a holy lake.
According to legend, the lake sprang up at the spot where a lotus fell from Lord Brahma`s hands-and has curative properties. Religious site notwithstanding, Pushkar is an artsy hippie region peopled with sadhus, hippies and pilgrims. On the one hand, it attracts the flower child. On the other, it is a sanctified spot characterized by temples and ghats. Whether you detoxify in a heritage hotel, take part in religious rituals, study temple architecture, or simply do touristy things like shopping, eating out and camel safaris, Pushkar has much to draw you in.
For the uninitiated, it has been on the hippie circuit for years is easily available in this vegetarian and alcohol-free town! The town is very small and as someone put it, “you could pretty much cover it in about an hour”. Pushkar has all requisite distractions; visitors can purchase florescent shirts, a set of drums, paintings, books, trance and reggae CDs, religious paraphernalia, silver jewellery, sequinned and embroidered sandals, blankets, and handmade weapons; try multicuisine delicacies at cafés littering the marketplace; and party at night-long desert raves. More surprises awaited in the form of Salvador Dali! Emporiums in Sadar Bazaar either hawk paintings, wall hangings, diaries and T-shirts of his works or inspired thereby.
If Rajasthan is a land of diversity, Jaipur is its most sublime expression. The seduction`s easily explained. Jaipur is a city of vivid and unforgettable images: Jal Mahal [a palace in the midst of Man Sagar lake], ochre-pink buildings, camels standing astride a Mercedes Benz at traffic lights, theatres showing films in a busy marketplace[!], artisans engaging in block printing, gem cutting, and puppet making.
The staggering maze of old-world palaces and forts-the city`s archaeological treasures-are for many the sole reason for traveling to Jaipur. I began my odyssey at a vantage point in the city-Amer fort, Jaipur`s grand icon and showpiece. A centre of royal pomp under the reign of Raja Man Singh, Amer was initially a palace complex within the original fort, which is today known as Jaigarh fort. Connected with Amer through fortified passages, Jaigarh fort is renowned for the world`s biggest cannon on wheels, Jai Ban.
By 10 a.m., the tourists are out on the streets, battling crowds and traffic as they wind their way from palaces and baroque buildings to the ruins of antiquity. Indeed, Jaipur often appears to have two populations: one of locals and another of visitors. The old city is a fascinating place to wander around, with its quaint bazaars [there`s a market that only sells bangles!], artisans` digs, and the Hawa Mahal [it is part of the City Palace and has 953 windows]. During the winters especially, it plays host to a horde of sightseers who converge on it with guidebooks and cameras in hand. To all-Americans, Europeans, Indians-Jaipur extends a warm welcome … wining, dining, and entertaining them in its inimitable fashion. The traffic, unfortunately, is worse than ever.
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Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-tips-articles/pushkar-travel-information-1648628.html
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December 30, 2009 at 3:25 pm · Filed under Travel
Lots of people opt to spend their holiday time on skis every single year. Even the thought of slicing down a hillside on skis is enough to send them scurrying to look at the latest snow reports and holiday destinations.
Supposing this is your first skiing holiday, what should you be thinking about before you head off to the slopes?
Perhaps the most important thing of all is to think about where you are going to go. There are dozens of ski resorts all over Europe, the USA and Canada and beyond, and some are better for beginners than others.
A good way to explore the various resorts is to do this virtually. Hop online and look up some of the most popular ones for beginners. You’ll probably want to have skiing lessons to get you off on the right foot, so make sure the resort you’re considering offers those as well.
Don’t make the mistake of focusing on the skiing to the exclusion of all else. One thing a lot of new skiers find is that it can really make you ache – particularly if you habitually fall over! That means you won’t want to be spending all day on the slopes. In turn, this means it is good to have some other things to see and do while you are away.
Most resorts have a good range of cafes, restaurants and shops you can go to throughout the day. If you plan to explore as well as ski you might want to see what else they have locally which might be of interest.
You need to think about your accommodation as well. You’ve got everything from the most expensive hotels to the cheapest chalets to choose from, so find something within your price range in the resort you like the most. Similarly, think about whether you will want to cook or not. If you don’t you won’t want to book into a self catering apartment.
Don’t forget all the necessary equipment either. If this is your very first time on skis there’s no point buying them before you go. Instead, rent them when you arrive. If you decide that skiing isn’t for you, you won’t be stuck with a pair you have no use for!
Finally make sure you book your travel insurance in plenty of time for the holiday. The policy should cover skiing, so make sure it does before agreeing to it.
With all those measures and preparations in place you can look forward to the holiday itself. And you will finally get to see just how good you are on skis as well! That will certainly be something exciting to prepare yourself for.
Adam Singleton writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.
Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-tips-articles/are-you-about-to-book-a-skiing-holiday-1644851.html
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December 29, 2009 at 7:03 pm · Filed under Travel
So, are you ready for family vacation? Are you moving overseas? Or are you getting ready to show off your lovely pet at the next dog show? No matter why, as a pet owner you are probably nervous before flying with your pet for the first time. And you are right to be nervous because flying with a pet is like flying with a baby; or even worse. This is why it requires good preparation and good knowledge of what to expect so that both you and your pet enjoy the flight!
Here are some tips for flying with your pet and make it an unforgettably pleasant experience:
a) Check the pet policies with the airline
Each airline has its own pet policies. For instance, Delta Airlines allows dogs, cats and household birds to travel in the cabin provided the pet is at least 8 weeks old and small enough to fit in a kennel with secured door, under the seat in front of you. Pets can travel as carry-on, cargo or checked baggage (Source: Delta Air Lines, 1). American Airlines allows only dogs and cats of 8 weeks old to travel in a kennel and only as carry-on or checked baggage (Source: American Airlines, 2). United Airlines allows carry-on and checked baggage for dogs, cats and household birds, but it also allows rabbits, hamsters and guinea pigs as checked baggage. It also has a summer embargo for specific dog breeds that travel as checked baggage. (Source: United Airlines, 3). So, before you book a flight reservation for you and your pet, you should check the pet policies with the airline in order to know the requirements in advance and choose the best airline that suits your travel needs, but also your pet’s needs.
b) Check with your vet
Before taking your pet on the plane, you have to make sure it is fit to travel. For instance, short-nosed dogs such as Bulldogs or Boxers require special attention because they have problem breathing in certain conditions or even under normal conditions. This is why you should talk to your vet and get a health certificate seven to ten days prior to departure to comply with the rules of most airlines and make sure that your pet can travel safely.
Besides, you can ask your vet if you should give your pet a sedative. The American Veterinary Medical Association suggests that most pets should not be sedated before the flight in the fear of experiencing nausea symptoms. Moreover, the pressure of high altitude can cause respiratory or cardiovascular problems in a sedated animal, even in the cabin. On the other hand, if your pet is really nervous, it may be a good idea to sedate her and help her be calm during the flight.
c) Feeding and watering your pet
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) suggests that pets should be fed and watered within four hours before the check-in. Avoid over-feeding your pet before the flight because if the pet travels with a full stomach is more likely to experience nausea and throw up during the flight. Also, when you check-in at the airport, you need to sign a certification of the time you last fed and watered your pet and put it on her carrier.
d) Exercise your pet before the flight
Like you, your pet would have to be in the same, possibly uncomfortable, position for several hours. To make it easier for her, let her enjoy her last moments of “freedom”, but mostly release the flight stress before entering the plane. Before leaving for the airport, exercise your pet with a leash so that you walk her around. Apart from being a stress-relieving activity, it will help her falling asleep during the flight. You may also walk her around at the airport, before the check-in. In any case, make sure you walk her before she gets in her carrier for travelling.
e) Use a proper carrier
Your pet’s carrier should be comfortable enough so that she can turn around, stand and lie down comfortably. Most carriers are made of hard plastic and have openings for ventilation that should be at least 14% of their total wall space. They also have a leak-proof, solid floor covered with a towel to absorb any fluids that may lick during transit.
Make sure that your pet’s name is written on the carrier and that you include identification tags with your home address and phone number as well as the address and phone number of someone you are meeting at your destination point. Also, do not change carrier too often. Your pet needs to feel a sense of safety. If you need to change carrier, do it at least one week, if not earlier, before the trip.
Overall, you should always remember that pets feel and think exactly like you. They only lack the charisma of speech to communicate their feelings. One week prior to departure, your pet places her favorite toys and bones and stuff in her carrier’s door. She is getting her luggage ready. Soon, she will become a luggage herself. Make sure she feels safe and relaxed as much as you would like to feel if you were in her place.
Sources:
http://www.delta.com/planning_reservations/special_travel_needs/pet_travel_information/pet_travel_options/index.jsp
http://www.aa.com/i18n/travelInformation/specialAssistance/travelingWithPets.jsp&locale=en_IN
http://www.united.com/page/article/0,6867,51255,00.html
Christina Pomoni has acquired her MBA Finance from the American College of Greece. Her advanced familiarity with financial statement analysis, capital budgeting and market research has been acquired through her professional career at high-esteemed organizations. As part of her long journey, Christina has served as an Equity Research Associate at Telesis Securities (EFG Eurobank) and a Financial & Investment Advisor at ING Group. Besides, having lived at Chicago, IL, Boca Raton, FL and Paris, France has helped her, not only to be a successful professional, but mostly to see life under a more creative and innovative perspective.
Since 2005, Christina provides high quality writing services to numerous websites and research companies contributing her knowledge and expertise. Her areas of specialization are Business, Finance & Investment, Society, Politics & Culture. She also has a very good knowledge of Entertainment, Health & Fitness and Computers & Technology.
Christina currently designs the website of her own writing company. Believing that knowledge is the road to opportunity and development, her mission is to promote her already established knowledge to a growing number of visitors and to provide high quality writing services to meet the most demanding customer requirements.
Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-tips-articles/tips-for-traveling-with-pets-on-an-airplane-1640166.html
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December 29, 2009 at 5:15 am · Filed under Travel
This article is a result of many inquiries regarding whether or not one requires insurance coverage on gifts while traveling to Mexico over the holidays. Are gifts/presents covered in an insured’s vehicle or hotel while visiting Mexico? What are the insurance limits?
Statistically, domestic burglaries increase during the holidays. Unfortunately, results on theft while traveling to or visiting Mexico at Christmastime are unavailable. However, one should still be aware of insurance coverage on gifts before traveling with them.
Mexico tourist auto insurance policies do not cover the contents of an insured’s vehicle while visiting Mexico. However, a homeowner’s policy usually does cover vehicle contents.
The National Alliance of Insurance Education and Research states that an insured’s personal property is covered on a homeowners policy, whether owned or used, while it is anywhere in the world. Generally, the limit of liability for “other than resident premises” personal property coverage is 10% of the limit of liability, or $1000, whichever is greater.
Items not covered on a homeowner’s personal property policy include: animals, birds, fish and property of roomers, boarders and other tenants.
I spoke with a customer service representative with a popular US homeowners insurance company and was told if you have a property or renters insurance policy through them your contents are covered anywhere in the world. The contents coverage is built into the property and renters policies. The limits depend on the policy chosen.
To be sure your gifts are covered by an insurance policy before traveling to Mexico for Christmas, the following is recommended:
– Contact your home or rental insurer to make sure you have home contents insurance. Be sure you are covered when you travel to Mexico. Get the limits of your policy from your insurer. Find out the claims process, so you will be prepared in the event your gifts do get stolen in Mexico.
– Keep receipts and photos of gifts; this will make it much easier if there is a claim.
– Keep your gifts/presents out of sight of those passing by your vehicle or the window of where you are staying. Do not obviously display gifts where potential thieves will see them.
– Do not hang the “Clean this room” card on the door of your hotel, telling potential thieves you are not there.
– Avoid regular patterns of entering or leaving the place you stay when visiting Mexico.
– Park in well-lit areas.
In most cases, you will not have to worry about theft while visiting Mexico. Hopefully your holidays will be filled with joy and ease while traveling. Aid the relaxation process by preparing ahead of time for unwelcome events.
Roxanna McDade is the lead Web/Graphic Designer for International Insurance Group, Inc. (IIG). Since coming to IIG she has taken on the responsibility of becoming our SEO specialist. She takes on all aspects fo the web design, as well as writing blog posts and articles, keeping our facebook & twitter pages up to date and much more. Prior to joining IIG, Roxanna produced several books, postcards, greeting cards, articles, and photographs. She also has a degree in Chemical Engineering from Arizona State University. In her spare time Roxanna enjoys rock climbing, traveling to rock climb, mountain biking and gardening.
Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-tips-articles/insure-gifts-before-visiting-mexico-for-the-holidays-1635476.html
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December 28, 2009 at 6:14 am · Filed under Travel
As World Cup 2010 is quickly approaching, here are a few tips for first time visitors to South Africa.
Clothing
Many people are under the assumption that it will be scorching hot anywhere you are on the African continent. The fact is that during the World Cup from June to July, South Africa will actually be in their winter season. During that time, depending on which part of South Africa you are in, temperatures can average a low of 0 degrees Celsius. It is highly recommended that visitors pack their long sleeves and jackets for those cold nights when visiting South Africa during the World Cup. Light clothing such as thin shirts or t-shirts would be appropriate for daytime.
Protection
Two must haves when traveling to the World Cup in South Africa are Sunscreen and Insect Repellent. Although the average temperatures in the winter months can reach below zero degrees at night, during the day, temperatures can reach the 25 degrees mark with constant sunshine. So, it’s definitely a wise idea to pack sunscreen on your trip. In terms of insect repellent, there is a risk of getting malaria from insect bites, especially if you’re staying in the northwest regions of South Africa such as Mpumalanga or Limpopo. Prior to your visit, check with your Doctor if you need to take Malaria pills before visiting certain areas.
Travel Documents
Like all trips, make sure that you have all your travel documents and photocopies of them. These include passports, ID, and credit cards. This will make it a lot easier for you to get another copy from your embassy in the event that you have lost your passports and other identification.
Other Travel Necessities
During the World Cup period between June and July, there is an average of 18 days of rain which totals about over 100mm of rain during that period. So it would definitely be a good idea to pack that rain coat or an umbrella or two. Especially during World Cup games where the stadiums will be wide open.
If you are on prescription drugs, make sure to bring an extra supply. South African pharmacies may not carry your prescription drugs which may lead to serious health issues if you’re dependent on those meds.
Make sure you have money in different forms such as credit card, cash, travelers cheques etc.
Along with your other everyday essentials (i.e. underwear, toothbrush etc), here is a list of must haves for those with World Cup Accommodation in South Africa. As always, I would definitely love to hear your thoughts.
Randy,
World Cup Accommodation
Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-tips-articles/travel-necessities-for-soccer-fans-traveling-to-south-africa-for-world-cup-2010-1622697.html
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