How to Rent a Car

Travel Guru asked:


Location

Two hundred and ten kilometers off the coast of Africa, lie a group of islands in the possession of Spain known as the Canary Islands. Gran Canaria is one of these, the third larges island in the chain, and is roughly round with a population of over 800,000. This island may not be the biggest or most populous island around, but it is no backwards locale, either.

Transport & Getting Around The Island

Getting around the Island of Gran Canaria is made easy by a system of highways that encircle the entire island and run up into the mountainous areas as well. Using these highways is a fleet of modern buses, which provide the best way to get around and to see the island. A railway has also been approved, and construction hinges now on the budgeting. There is a single airport on the island, the International Airport of Gran Canaria-Gando, which is known as one of the busiest Spanish airports because of the vast amount of traffic.

Weather & Landscape

The Island of Gran Canaria is a wonderful place to visit and to vacation. Most of the 2.2 million visitors to the island prefer the southern part of Gran Canaria, which is sunny and warmer than the northern part. The west coast of the island is mostly mountainous, while the eastern side is flatter and dotted with many beaches. For those who enjoy natural wonders, Gran Canaria is interesting in that it is almost a “mini-continent”, with a wide range of unique ecosystems almost unheard of in such a small place.

Resorts & Attractions

If you are on a Gran Canaria holiday, you will most likely be staying in one of the resort communities on the southern part of the island. There are tourist flights that offer aerial views of the island, always a fascinating adventure, and many parks and preserves, most of which are open to the public. Attractions include the Dunes and Lighthouse of Maspalomas, Roque Nublo, botanical gardens, and much more.

There are destinations on Gran Canaria for just about anyone, from a community that welcomes *** tourists to places for the whole family to enjoy, to spots for honeymooning couples to romance one another. There is as much to do on Gran Canaria as there are ecosystems, which is to say that there is very little chance that you will become bored with this popular destination island.

Pure Furniture Design

Robert Barner asked:


This is about taking advantage of the travel industry’s secrets. Taking that dream vacation at wholesale and making money!

Remember that Expedia was sold for $5.1 Billion Dollars! Wonder why?

I really wondered why such a high price was paid for an internet travel store until researching some important facts.

People love to travel. It is the number one (1) thing that people say that they would do if they had the money and the time to do it. Because of the major trends that are taking place, more and more people now have the time and the money to travel.

So They Are Traveling!!

82% of all travel is booked online meaning, thru the internet. 79 million Americans booked their travel on line in 2005.

In the last decade, more than 200,000 travel agents have lost their jobs. By 2004 there were only 103,000 travel agents left in the United States.

People like you and me were buying travel from the Internet Travel Stores.

The travel industry today is a 1.3 Trillion dollar business here in the US.

7 Trillion worldwide. Wouldn’t you like a piece of that! That amounts to $56 million a minute spent on travel in the U.S. alone.

The travel industry is growing 23% faster than the global economy.

Of that economy, tourism accounts for 11% of all consumers spending worldwide.

The travel industry is bigger than the oil business.

There is continued growth of Internet e-commerce. Consumers spend billions on the Internet, and travel is the fastest growing segment of that trend.

Consumers are comfortable buying things such as cars, homes, and, of course travel online.

Baby boomers are retiring at the rate of 1 every 8 seconds and what do they want to do? That’s right, Travel.

Because of this the travel industry is about to experience an explosive boom: it is expected to double to $14 Trillion worldwide in the next 10 years.

Why Would You Or Anyone, Not Want to Own An Internet Travel Store!

Let’s See Why:

You and the people you know are going to travel anyway, so, doesn’t it just make sense to…

1.Get paid for that travel?

2.Make a substantial amount of your personal travel tax deductible rather than paying for it with after tax dollars?

3.Travel as an insider, with potential perks and benefits, rather than as an outsider?

WHY WOULD ANYONE WANT TO THROW MONEY AWAY FOR NO REASON? This Is So Unique—It Has Two Opportunities in one!

1. You own your own travel business with a company supported website and Earn 60% of the commissions from all travel booked on your site!

2. You benefit from the greatest referral compensation plan in the industry and Make money every time you and your Rep team refer someone to the travel business. Just like I am showing you!

I don’t want you to be confused, so the first one is an Online Travel Agency where you have travel credentials and are referred to as a referring travel agent. This is where you make 60% of all commissions on all travel booked on your travel site. You, your friends and family do the booking on your site.

The second is as an Independent Marketing Representative showing your friends about this opportunity. The Company Is Financially Solid

The company was founded in January 2001 and is a wholly owned subsidiary of YTB International, a publicly-traded company (YTB.PK) The last three years the company has gotten the highest award from Carnival Cruise line for travel bookings. WOW

Collectible Gear Site

Stuart S. Travel asked:


 

The Internet gives you easy access to so much information that you can become overloaded. When traveling this is definitely the case. Friends and fellow travelers tell you to book your trip on line yourself – you’ll save hundreds of dollars. But is that really the case? Will you be able to access the best and lowest deals? Isn’t it quicker and cheaper to do it all yourself? Maybe – maybe not.

 

Beware the discount web site. Don’t book on the first deal you see. It may claim to be the lowest fare, but you won’t know until you look around and surfing the web for the best price may take quite a while and time is money.

 

Research of web sites stating they will give you best deal shows up many times as an incorrect claim. Many big travel web sites pay homage to their sponsors and advertisers, by showing their ‘deals’ only. In the airline industry, a number of small carriers are ignored and they may well offer the best deal for you, but you won’t know if their information isn’t displayed.

 

Prices of air flights differ wildly on the Internet. Try it and see. Go to a number of travel sites and look for fares to Sydney, Australia. See what you get. And this is what you need to do when booking your travel through the web. It might then be worthwhile to see what a travel agent can get for you. Yes they do have a booking fee imposed on your tickets but, did you know that many of the best budget deals are not available on the web? Specific web sites are only accessible to travel agents.  UNTIL NOW!  STUART S. TRAVEL is a full service on-line travel agency.

 

Remember that air fare prices change many, many times a day. It is going to be impossible to find the best deal. You need to be smart and organized and willing to spend a bit of time researching the best deal for you. Once you think you’ve found a great travel deal, remember to read the details to see if there are any restrictions. Will you be able to change your flight details? If so will it cost you? And how much? Those kinds of details. Things can change and your travel plans sometimes need to be flexible so make sure you know what it‘s going to cost you if you have to alter anything.

 

So if you are going to book your travel through the Internet remember these points: shop around and compare prices; be prepared to be flexible; ask questions; don’t believe everything you read on the websites; read the fine print; give yourself plenty of time to find the best deal and; if in doubt, don’t book it. 

 

If it all seems too confusing (which many web sites aim to be), go to your local on-line travel agent and see what deals they can do for you.

 

This article was provided by:

Stuart S. Travel / Your All World Travel Guru

http://www.stuartstravel.com sherry.hardsey@aol.com

Outdoors Equipment Online

Brad Hodges asked:


Lets face it we all love to escape from the pressure and demands of our busy daily lives here in the 21st century. Whether it is for two days or two months the chance to ‘drop out’ and venture away to an exotic location somewhere in the world is irresistible. And, what’s more, you don’t have to pay ridiculous prices to enjoy an expensive travel vacation.

In many parts of the country we are hunkered down in snow and rain dreaming of a vacation paradise. We envision places where we can be pampered by ’servants’ catering to our every need. This includes everything from umbrella adorned exotic tropical concoctions to personal guides who take us scuba diving in crystal clear, tropic oceans. Picture a horseback ride on endless white sand beaches. Imagine that you can let the child out and laugh to the splash of turquoise water, as well as feel the temperate breezes in their faces and the warmth of tropical sun on bare backs.

Expensive vacation packages often seem out of our reach. In lieu, we try to locate a travel channel or golf resort magazine that can point us to a blissful destination. We only dream of places that can quench our desires for escape. When able to pursue such a vacation, we sadly often find blacked out dates, overbooked resorts, or exorbitant fees to pay just to have the privilege to get away from it all.

Consider obtaining a membership through travel destination clubs that can give you unrestricted access to many destinations around the world. Many of these travel membership plans have no blackout dates or restricted weeks. This puts you in complete control of your next vacation spot. Whether you want to go to Hawaii in peak season or Cabo in fishing season, these memberships offer a service like no other.

As a member to such places, you generally have access anytime to top resort destinations. You will find it easy to book accommodations at many luxury resort destinations. You can even enjoy discounts on all the major cruise lines as well, depending on which membership you join.

Your best bet is to look for memberships that offer no annual dues or exchange fees. Also look out for restricted weeks and blackout dates. Avoiding these traps means you can have year-round access to the worlds top resorts in peak season. With companies competing for your business, you can find just the deals you are looking for.

When you obtain a membership, you basically get to take advantage of having your own travel professionals. These professionals know how to fulfill your specific requests including exact dates, unit sizes, and the number of travelers. This gives you complete freedom and total control to travel when and where you want. This prestigious service will be yours for a lifetime, if you choose.

If you are ready to escape this is your vehicle and your portal to that bliss you so desperately seek. Joining a travel club definitely has its advantages. Complete packages have become quite affordable over time. What are you waiting for?

Memorabilia Collections

Heather Colman asked:


If you’re traveling to or planning a vacation in the Bahamas you might be interested in knowing a little about the area.

The Commonwealth of the Bahamas is an independent English-speaking nation in the West Indies. Where in the world are they? The Bahamas are located in the Atlantic Ocean, east of Florida in the US, north of Cuba and the Caribbean, and west of the British dependency of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The Bahamas are a group of about 700 islands in the western Atlantic Ocean, of which only between 30 and 40 are inhabited. That may sound like a large place but on a comparison basis, the Bahamas are only slightly smaller than the state of Connecticut.

The largest of the islands is Andros Island, located 120 miles south-east of Florida. The Bimini islands are to its northwest. To the North is the island of Grand Bahama, home to the second largest city in the country, Freeport, Bahamas.

The island of Great Abaco is to its east. In the very south is the island of Great Inagua, the second largest island in the country.

A few facts and figures: Nassau is the capital and largest city, located on New Providence. The islands have a subtropical climate, moderated by the Gulf Stream. Most people are ethnic Christians, and English is the official language.

The islands are surface projections of three oceanic banks, the Little Bahama Bank, the Great Bahama Bank and the westernmost Cay Sal Bank. The highest point is only 2480 inches (just less than half a mile) above sea level on Cat Island; the island of New Providence, where the capital city of Nassau is located, reaches a maximum elevation of only 1,457 inches.

The land on the Bahamas has a foundation of fossil coral, but much of the rock is oolitic limestone; the stone is derived from the disintegration of coral reefs and seashells. The land is primarily either rocky or mangrove swamp. Low scrub covers much of the surface area. Timber is found in abundance on four of the northern islands: Grand Bahama, Great Abaco, New Providence, and Andros. On some of the southern islands, low-growing tropical hardwood flourishes.

Although some soil is very fertile, it is also very thin. Only a few freshwater lakes and just one river, located on Andros Island, are found in the Bahamas.

The climate in the Bahamas is semitropical. They have only two seasons, summer and winter.

During the summer, which extends from May through November, the climate is dominated by warm, moist tropical air masses moving north through the Caribbean. Midsummer temperatures range from 70° to 93° F with a relative humidity of 60- 100%.

In winter months, extending from December through April, the climate is affected by the movement of cold polar masses from North America. Temperatures during the winter months range from 59° to 75° F.

Yearly rainfall averages 52 inches annually and is usually concentrated in the May-June and September-October periods. Rainfall often occurs in short-lived, fairly intense showers accompanied by strong gusty winds.

Winds are predominantly easterly throughout the year but tend to become northeasterly from October to April and southeasterly from May to September. These winds seldom exceed 15 mph per hour except during hurricane season.

Although the hurricane season officially lasts from June to November, most hurricanes in the Bahamas occur between July and October. The last hurricane to strike was Hurricane David in September 1979. Damage was estimated at US$1.8 million and mainly affected agricultural products. The most intense twentieth-century hurricane to strike the Bahamas was in 1929. Winds of up to 140 mph were recorded. Many lives were lost, and there was extensive damage to buildings, homes, and boats.

Don’t let the hurricanes and heat scare you. The Bahamas are a wonderful place to vacation, any time of the year. Pick up your sunglasses, find your swim suit and call your travel agent today!

Clothing Web Guide

Travel Mum asked:


A vacation need not be the same every year. Here are some simple ideas for an extraordinary vacation.

1. Accommodation Fun

You need not always head for a hotel for your vacation. Stay overnight at the zoo with the zoo’s snooze program. Zoo Snooze Programs usually include an up-close animal encounter, craft activities, night tours and games. Alternatively, join the aquarium’s overnight program ! It is a rare chance to explore the aquarium after hours, and you can get to participate in a variety of activities organised by the staff. With an expert guide, you may get to visit the aquarium’s behind-the-scenes areas and the food-preparation area to learn how the animals are cared for and fed. If you love animals, why not plan for a farmstay ? Have yourself engaged in interesting farm activities such as milking the cows, collecting eggs, feeding out the hay, riding on a tractor and watching sheep dogs at work. Your hosts may also bring you for a farm walk or organize some sidetrips, guided tours or fun activities for you such as scuba diving, trekking and forest walks. Don’t forget to bring a little gift to thank your hosts for their warm and kind hospitality.

2. Great Rail Journeys

There are many great rail journeys around the world. Sit back and relax. Enjoy the spectacular and breathtaking scenery which the trains will happily bringing you. Worth a trip is the Tranzalpine train in New Zealand which runs between Christchurch and Greymouth. The entire four and a half hour journey takes you through the wonderful fields of the Canterbury Plains and farmland, the spectacular gorges and river valleys of the Waimakariri River, passing through 16 tunnels, and 5 viaducts. Also, noteworthy is the Canadian, which crosses the scenic lakelands of northern Ontario, the western plains of the Prairies and the Canadian Rockies, and completing its journey on the Pacific coast of British Columbia. Switzerland is another playground of wonderful rail journeys. Its timely, clean and efficient transport infrastructure makes rail vacation a memorable experience. The Swiss Travel System includes rail, lake steamers and city transportation lines. Journey through the Alps, St. Moritz, Lugano, Zermatt and more with its user-friendly travel pass. Its famous rail journeys include the Chocolate train, the Glacier Express, the GoldenPass Line, the Bernina Express and the William Tell Express.

3. Scenic Adventures

Do you know that there are many scenic places which are part of the UNESCO sites ? Take time off to admire the beautiful creation of God, who is the maker of heaven and earth for your next vacation. Some of these sites include the Tasmanian Wilderness, the Great Barrier Reef, Fraser Island and the greater Blue Mountains in Australia; the Great Wall in China; the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Yosemite National Park and the Grand Canyon National Park in the United States. You will also love the unimpeded panoramic views at many mountains of Switzerland such as the Schilthorn/ Piz Gloria, Mount Pilatus, Mount Titlis, and Jungfraujoch - Top of Europe (the highest railway station in Europe) - definitely a UNESCO site ! Also, highly recommended are the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks in Canada with its Jasper highlands, Banff Sulphur Mountain, Mount Robson, Lake Louise and the Columbia Icefield, located on the boundary of Banff and Jasper National Parks. If you love trekking, the Tongariro Crossing is a spectacular one-day trek across New Zealand’s Tongariro National Park World Heritage Area, from Mangatepopo to Ketetahi. It is one of New Zealand’s best one-day treks. Not to forget are the many memorable treks at Mount Cook and Milford Sound.

4. Embracing history

Make an effort to visit some UNESCO sites for your next vacation. Europe has a wealth of UNESCO sites for you to explore. In Austria, you must visit the historic centre of the City of Salzburg and the City of Graz and the historic centre of Vienna. Head onto Czech Republic for her historic centre of Prague. Visit the Lednice-Valtice Cultural Landscape and the gardens and castle at KromYíž. If you are in Hungary, stroll along the Banks of the Danube, the Buda Castle Quarter and Andrássy Avenue in Budapest. Not forgetting Poland, her Cracow’s historic centre, Wieliczka Salt Mine, Auschwitz Concentration Camp, and the historic centre of Warsaw are sites not to be missed. For a comprehensive list of the UNESCO sites, you can visit the UNESCO website for more details.

5. Learning Journeys

Vacations are great learning journeys. Take the opportunity to acquire new knowledge or learn a new skill during your next vacation. You can learn to dive with sharks at the aquariums in United States, learn how to snorkel or surf in Australia, learn about wildlife in New Zealand or find out more about cheese and jam making in Furano, Hokkaido. If you are not satisfied, go for the ginger factory and honey factory in Brisbane, Australia.

6. Enjoying Festivals

Every country has her own festival celebration. By being part of the celebration, it allows you to gain a better understanding of the diversities of cultures and their practices. Why not plan your vacation to coincide with some of the festivals of your desired destination ? Should you love arts festivals, New Zealand or Australia should be your destination.

7. Appreciating Nature

Even if you are not a flower lover, you will not be able to resist a landscape of flowers blooming in their smiles. The sakura blooming season usually falls between end of March till early April. You can see these lovely flowers in Korea and Japan. If you love sunflowers and lavenders, then you must visit Hokkaido between July and August. The flowers and hills in Furano and Biei will be greeting you. Japan and Korea are great destinations to view autumn’s foilage too. You can also treat yourself to a series of 12 magnificent gardens located from Windsor to Halifax when you travel by the Canadian Rail - VIA Rail Garden Route, where the amazing flower gardens of Ontario, Quebec and the Maritimes will leave you with an everlasting impression.

The above are just some simple ideas for an extraordinary vacation. There are definitely more places for you to explore and discover a new adventure for yourself. Have a happy and blessed vacation.

Ski Clothing Company

Madison Foster asked:


There is a new way to travel around Europe, which has become fashionable, and that is by rail. After the European Train Network appeared, trains are growing in popularity as the preferred way of going from one interesting place to another. Trains as a means of transportation are better for those who want to see more places in just one trip.

Travel to any distances – short, medium and long – can be carried out by trains across Europe. There is a wide railway network densely covering not only Western and Central Europe but the whole continent. More than twenty countries and hundreds of cities are included in the European Train Network, which allows tourists on a luxury world cruise to see the most of Europe. These trains are speedy, reliable, their schedule is very convenient with trains arriving and departing almost every half an hour.

Those who go on a luxury vacation usually see trains as a substitute to airplanes. Carriages of trains are more spacious and comfortable inside and in this way make a traveler more relaxed. Trains in Europe will provide you with a splendid opportunity to explore new routes and to discover the beautiful countryside. You will also be free from the necessity to stand in the long line in security. Moreover, railway stations are generally situated approximately in the center of the city, while airports are usually a long way from the cities. Trains are even considered to have something of a romantic feel. Train tickets bought beforehand are also cheaper. Furthermore, if you miss one train, it is easier to take another one in about half an hour.

Taking into account all the above mentioned reasons, it is not difficult to make a conclusion that train travel has turned into a leading way of traveling around Europe for those who go on a luxury vacation. Even if you ignore its romantic touch, you cannot but agree that it is practical and simple. New technologies have made the European Train Network extremely successful, because stops are possible in most European countries and its most prominent cities. Train trips win over air travel because of their availability, prices and comforts.

Outdoors Mega Site

Rohit Chopra asked:


Traveling with children during the holidays can be a challenge. You want to create a sense of holiday tradition, but at the same time you want to give them the opportunity to travel and see some new things as well. Whether your Christmas travel vacation is a one time thing, or a tradition in and of itself, make the most of it for your kids by striking a balance of old and new. Make sure you choose a destination for your vacation that offers seasonal holiday activities.

Train rides, tours of lights and visits with Santa are some of the things you can expect to find no matter where you go on your Christmas travel vacation. If you are going somewhere that doesnt offer public activities, plan to bring your own.

Maybe you are spending Christmas in a mountain cabin, or on a ski slope. Bring the supplies for your kids to make decorations for your accommodations. If you can bring an artificial tree for them to decorate, or go to a local grocery store and get everything you need to make batches of Christmas cookies. Bring along your favorite Christmas movies to enjoy as well. Plan activities that you can enjoy with your kids year after year, regardless of where you are celebrating Christmas.

Christmas Gifts

If you choose to bring Santa along with you on your vacation, make it fun for the kids. Make sure they leave a note with some cookies at home letting Santa know of their temporary location so he can be sure to find them on Christmas Eve. If Santa will be unable to hop down a chimney, let the kids leave suggestions as to an alternative method for their delivery. And of course, dont forget to leave out some cookies at your Christmas travel vacation destination. Santa will be hungry after the extra trip from your house.

The other tricky issue about Christmas gifts for kids on a Christmas vacation is the logistics of getting gifts to your destination. Maybe Santa will accommodate your travel plans and leave smaller than normal packages, or maybe he leaves some with a note that there are still some more surprises waiting at home under the tree. Santa can easily adjust for your Christmas travel vacation and will ensure a great Christmas for your kids regardless of where they are.

The key to a Christmas travel vacation with kids is simply to make it as fun and whimsical as possible. Make your Christmas travel vacation a true Christmas adventure and create memories your kids will cherish for the rest of their lives.

Outdoors Mega Site

Stuart S. Travel asked:


You’ve got to eat while traveling and most tourists will tell you that the best part of the whole trip is experiencing the food while in foreign places. If you are a fussy eater or have special dietary needs, you can still be accommodated while traveling, just plan ahead.

 

What better way to immerse yourself in the local culture than by visiting the local markets. Not only will you get to see and try the local cuisine, but you’ll probably save a lot of money. Eating in restaurants, especially those geared towards the tourist trade, can get very expensive. Try buying your food fresh from the markets and preparing it yourself. Or buy already prepared food from the market vendor.

 

In Bangkok you can visit the floating markets and buy anything from fresh fruit and vegetables, to ready prepared noodle soup. In Jerusalem the outdoor market or ‘shuk’ not only sells fruits and vegetables, but meat, poultry, fish, bread, nuts, cheese, spices and so on. As in most markets, you have to bargain at a shuk to get a good deal as prices vary markedly. African markets sell souvenirs as well as food. 

 

Bargaining is welcomed at most markets, especially for keepsakes. Knowing how to bargain will save any traveler money. Here are a few points to follow when attempting to bargain for an item:

1. Always be polite and enjoy the experience

2. Ask for the price and then halve it. Start your bargaining at that number.

3. If the price is too high, walk away. You’ll be surprised how quickly the price comes down when you are disinterested!

4. Work out how much you are paying for in your own currency. Don’t haggle over a couple of cents. Remember this is how the market vendors make a living.

5. Don’t pay more than your think the item is worth.

6. You can also barter in some places. Brand name items (jeans, hats, shoes) are sought after items in some countries so barter with what you can afford to part with.

 

Other tips for saving money on a daily basis include:

* Avoid tourist-type restaurants. Find out where the locals eat and you’ll usually find authentic (better) cuisine at a lower price.

* Take note of what the farmers in the area eat. It’ll be cheap and healthy.

* Always pack snacks and fruit when going on a day trip. You’ll save money when you don’t have to buy from the tourist stops and street vendors along the way.

* Pack a picnic and go exploring. Use produce from the local market. You’ll save a bundle and eat well.

* Shop where the locals shop, not where the tourists go.

* Book into hotels that have breakfast as part of the package.

* Avoid airport food as it is usually expensive and not particularly healthy.

* Always ask if there are any discount offers available. If you don’t ask you won’t know and you won’t save.

* Walk when you can. It’s cheaper and a good healthy alternative, as well as giving you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the culture of the country you are in.

* Avoid Laundromats. Wash your own clothes in the bathroom sink if you are able.

* Look for free entertainment. 

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This article is brought to you by: Stuart S. Travel – Your Online Travel Guru

www.stuartstravel.com

Big Gambling Guide

Virginia Morgan asked:


Almost everyone has heard travel horror stories. From robberies to scams, it is important to be informed about what to possibly expect on your luxury travel vacations. The most common stories of being ripped off abroad involve currency, purchasing “priceless artifacts” and being trapped by taxis. Take a look at these common ways people are either overcharged or ripped off, and use these strategies to stay in control of your money!

Currency Fraud

One of the most difficult parts about traveling to other countries is using foreign currency. There are several ways to handle this issue; the most important one is to be somewhat familiar with the exchange rate. For example, one Euro is the equivalent of $1.50 USD. Also, be familiar with what the local currency looks like. A common tourist scam is being approached in the airport or in front of a hotel by what appears to be a fellow tourist. They may wish to exchange some of their “left over” currency for dollars. They may attempt to sell you counterfeit currency, or offer a high rate of exchange. Do not be taken in by such people. The only safe way to exchange currency is through a bank, your local American Express Office, or the purser aboard any luxury world cruise.

Purchasing Antiquities

When traveling to countries with rich ancient histories on a luxury travel vacation, you may be tempted to take a piece of it home with you. In countries such as China, Egypt and Britain, there are a number of licensed and unlicensed antiquities dealers that will offer to sell you some of the greatest finds of the century. But buyer beware, even experts can be fooled by fakes. Not to mention that most countries do not allow exports of most pieces of their country’s history. So, if you did purchase the find of the century, you will probably not be able to take it home. If you are dedicated to taking something home with you, go to a well-known and licensed antiquities dealer. Your tour guide or cruise purser should have the best recommendations. Be sure to ask the right questions, such as delivery options, legality issues and get a receipt of sale. For more information on the latest AMT American Express Travel exclusives check out http://www.amtvacations.com/american-express-exclusives.html.

Taxi Fraud

Most travelers get around their destinations via taxis, unless they are on a guided excursion from their luxury world cruise. Most taxi drives know this, and can spot a tourist from a mile away. They know you are unfamiliar with the exchange rate, the going local taxi rate and unfamiliar with the area. They may overprice their rate to take advantage of your ignorance, or take a more scenic route in order to run up the tab. Some may not run a meter at all and tell you a high flat rate. You can avoid being taken advantage of by asking the going rate before you step into the cab, and an estimate of how much to get to your destination. If there is no meter, do not get in. They might not be a legitimate taxi service, and may take you somewhere unless you pay them off. Do not hesitate to try another taxi if you think you can do better. Suddenly, the price might change to something more reasonable if you threaten to look elsewhere.

The first step in avoiding becoming involved in any of these scams is to be aware and informed. For help with your next luxury world cruise visit http://www.amtcruises.com.

Now that you are armed with information and strategies to avoid becoming involved in these situations, you are ready to face your luxury travel vacation without fear.

Footwear Empire