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Showing posts with label Travel tips. Show all posts

Thursday, January 21, 2010

No more free VISA Electron on Ryanair purchases

Ryanair has done it again. In its endless efforts to make budget conscious travellers pay additional fees on top of the flight charge, they have now decided to end its free use of VISA Electron. This move from Ryanair seems to coincide with the fact that more and more travellers opt for an Electron card to avoid the hefty credit card charges. As the additional fees are what Ryanair makes its money on, it was an inevitable move from the Scrooge-like Mr O’Leary.

Even if the VISA Electron wasn’t widely used and could not be obtained in several countries, there were ways for the traveller to use Internet based VISA Electron cards, such as Entropay. As this knowledge spread on the Internet and Ryanair saw the increase of payments with the Electron card, they seemed to have decided to make its move. As they need to have a free option, they quickly established a relationship with MasterCard and are now offering passengers free credit card charges if the use MasterCard’s prepaid credit card. However, the prepaid card itself is not free of charges so in effect, Ryanair has now managed to make all its passengers pay some sort of fee for paying for its flights.

It is very hard to know exactly how much these prepaid MasterCard actually costs as there are different cars and various ways to pay for using them. The most common methods are a card issue fee, a type of loading charge, cash machine withdrawal charges and monthly fees. For example, Ryanair has introduced its own prepaid MasterCard in the UK and it has a £15.89 annual fee and in addition to this, it costs 50p per purchase.

The best way to minimize the fees are to find sites where you can get a free prepaid card and where the transaction charges are low. For example, This is Money have partnered up with FairFX and through This is Money’s webpage you can order your free prepaid card. It is free to load up if you use a debit card or bank transfer, has no monthly or annual fee and has free Euro and Dollar purchases. It charges a 1.5% fee on sterling transactions. More of these sites might be available to the customers.

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Hotwire - great bargains with a twist

There is a saying in Economics that there is no such thing as a free lunch. That is true for most things in the world, as everything ultimately comes with a price. Most people nowadays are hunting for bargains and particular great deals, which is made easier with Internet sites catered to provide you with a range of great offerings. It is of course up to the bargain hunters to filter through all the information, and pick an offer that suits them and their expectations the most. Consumers have different ideas as to what they want and need from a product, and not all sites will appeal to everyone. Hotwire is definitely such a site as it comes with a twist.

Like most other travel sites, Hotwire offers a range of products. You can book a hotel room, rent a car, purchase a cruise or pay for your flights at their very straightforward Internet site, www.hotwire.com. The difference is that you won’t know the name of the provider until you have fully paid for your product. Does it sound confusing? Well, it really isn’t.

If you are looking for cheap accommodation in New York for example, press the button for hotels and enter New York in the search box. You will often get more than one hit as Hotwire gives you the option of searching for a room near an airport or in the city itself. You are also asked to enter the dates of your stay, the number of rooms and the number of adults and children staying there. You will then be presented with a list of available accommodations and the prices. The prices are initially shown excluding taxes and fees. If you are looking for a particular standard, you can choose to filter the search results by stars, from all to above 3 or 4 stars.

For each result, there is a link to an area map and further details. If you press the link, you will see in what area the hotel is located, and the different sights that lay within the area. In other words, even if they won’t specify the name or address of the hotel, you will know within what parameters you will be staying. You will also be able to see what amenities the hotel has, whether it be a fitness centre, shuttle bus or restaurant. Hotwire also provides exemplas of hotels in each category. Go to the star rating description and they will list a few hotels in that category and what you can expect from a hotel in that particular range.

Once you have found the ideal bargain that suits your needs, you will be presented with the total amount, including taxes and fees. You will also be asked to sign up and enter all your details. When this is done, all you have to do is to pay in order to find out where you are going to stay. You will then be presented with a full disclosure of the hotel and the address. Please note that the hotel rates at Hotwire very rarely include breakfast, especially not in the hotels with higher stars.

Similar processes apply for booking car rentals, cruises or flights. If you have signed up for Hotwire and search for a product but do not book it, Hotwire will then send you e-mails telling you about products and offerings that correspond to your searches. That way you won’t miss out on better deals that come up. If you don’t mind taking a bit of a gamble, Hotwire does provide great value offerings.

Monday, September 14, 2009

Stuck in Stansted Airport - what to do?

Are you going to be stuck in Stansted Airport for most of the day? Is the connection times extremely bad? Well, don’t panic. There are plenty of things to do around Stansted airport. The fact that the airport itself lack most things that you expect from a major hub in a big city should not deter you from making the trip. If you don’t mind paying a few quid for the adventure of leaving the airport, the following are good options.

Tip 1: if you only have a few hours and don’t dare to venture out too far, walk to the SAS Radisson hotel and enjoy their buffet breakfast. The hotel itself is adjacent to the airport but you will still feel like you left the place. At least for an hour or two.

Tip 2 : if you have between 4-7 hours and really feel like you want to get away from the airport nonstop, then take a trip to Stansted Mountfichet. It is a small village only 2 miles from the airport. You can take either the train or the buss, do check for times before leaving as both runs no more than once per hour. It won’t take long before you reach the village and you are away from the airport. Stansted Mountfichet has an excellent museum, in fact it is like 3 museums in one. There is the House on the Hill Toy museum, which is the largest privately-owned toy museum in Europe. Let the toys take you back to your childhood and if you have children, they will love it. Before you enter the toy museum, there is a dinosaur encounter with a few famous dinosaurs . Then there is the Norman village and castle. All built up to show a what a Norman village would look like and with very informative talks and displays at each house or building. There are chickens, hens, deer and goats walking around the place which makes a nice little zoo for children. They have an excellent shop with fabulous goodies to eat for lunch.

Tip 3: if you have more or less the full day, why not make it into London? Stansted Airport are serviced by express trains that leaves every 15 minutes for London, and the journey takes about 45 minutes. If you aren’t in a rush and want to save some money, there is also the option of going by bus. The journey would take a minimum of 90 minutes, and depend on traffic. Once in London, you will probably have enough time to see a sight or two.

Tip 4: if an expensive journey in to London isn’t to you taste, why not go north to Cambridge instead? It is a picturesque university town, with a lot of sights. It is a smaller place, and so you will probably feel that you got more out of your day. Trains leaves for Cambridge frequently and takes less than 1 hour.

Thursday, September 10, 2009

How to manage money while travelling

Image by Roby© via Flickr

One of the most important decision when you are about to go on a trip, at home or abroad, is to decide how you are going to pay for yourself. There are a few options, some better than others, where cash, credit or debit card and traveler's checks are best. Often the answer depends on the country you are going to, and in most cases, it might be advisable to choose a mix.

Tip 1: Browse the Internet for information and see what cards are accepted in the places that you are about to visit, not every country have the same rules and regulations. See what charges and fees apply for the cards as well as the travelers' checks. Depending on the answers, you will be better equipped to make a decision.

Tip 2: It's advisable to always carry a small amount of cash, no matter what option you are choosing as you might have to tip, pay for the taxi, make a call or find that the card is faulty.

If you do decide to opt for a debit card, you have made a wise decision. By having a debit card, you won't have to bring too much cash with you. Seeing as your debit card is connected to your bank account, the money you are about to spend, is the money that you have saved and is yours. You won't get a credit card bill in the mail a few weeks after the trip. No unpleasant surprises here.

Tip 3: With the ATM receipt, you can keep track of the money you have withdrawn. If you are connected to the Internet bank, you might also be able to go and see exactly how much money is in your account and how much they have taken from the account. This is especially good if you are withdrawing money in a different currency.

If you lose the debit card or it is stolen, you will be able to call your bank and have it disconnected immediately. There is also a safety net as you are only liable for some of the loss if thieves manage to withdraw money.

Tip 4: Have someone at home help you with your money. If you only have a few hundred dollars in the account at any single time, you will feel safer. When you have used up your money, simply call home and ask them send more money into the account,

Tip 5: Never show anyone your pin number, and don't leave the card to someone and let them walk away with it. Make them bring the machine to you. That way that can't copy your card.

Tip 6: If there is a fee for using the ATM, try and pay as much as possible with the card, and plan your withdrawals carefully.

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Avoid Ryanair's credit card fee by paying with Electropay

Anyone who has ever booked flights with Ryanair knows the frustration of the added fees that will increase the price substantially. I wrote a blog post about how to avoid Ryanairs credit card fees here and have now tried it. Even if it isn’t a completely free way of getting around the credit card fee, it is a highly recommended approach. The satisfaction of not paying the Euro 5 per passenger, per flight is extraordinary.

To avoid paying the hefty credit card fee that Ryanair imposes, you need to do the following.

Step 1 : Go to Entropays website, click here.

Step 2 : Sign up for Entropay by filling out a simple form. Please note, choose GBP as the account currency. This is the only way if you want Ryanair to recognise this virtual credit card as VISA Electron.

Step 3 : Give them the details of your standard credit card that you want to use to pay Electropay with.

Step 4: load your new virtual credit card with an amount, at least 10 GBP. The best way is to load the card with the exact amount that the flight cost.

You are now set to go. The signing-up only takes a few minutes. And once done, you can use it as many times as you want.

This is not a completely free service. They will charge you 4.95% of the amount you load the card with. For example, if you load Entropay with 10GBP, they will charge you 0.45 GBP. So of course, there is going to be a point where it will cost the same with Entropay as with Ryanair. This will be when you book a single journey for 1 passenger for EUR 101.01. So, if the fare is less than this, it will be cheaper with Entropay. How much cheaper will be depends on the price of the flight. The cheaper the flight, the higher the benefits of using Entropay.

When you book your flight on the Ryanair website, choose the VISA Electron option for paying. This is currently the only option there that is free. Of course, if you live in a country that offers a VISA Electron, you might opt for that one instead of the virtual way.

Saturday, September 5, 2009

Ryanair's 250% increase in luggage fees

Image via Wikipedia

The low-cost carrier has done it again. They have made it to the headline with yet another incredulous announcement. The fees for checked-in luggage will rise steeply, in some cases up towards the 250% mark.

In an attempt to make passengers travel with hand-luggage only, Ryanair is raising all their fees for checked-in baggage. If you only carry hand-luggage, weighing less than 10 kilo, you will not notice any differences. However, if you want to check-in your bags, the following will now apply;

Checking in 1 bag online: will rise from €10 to €15 per flight from next month, a 50% increase.

Checking in 1 bag at the airport: will rise from €20 to €30 per flight from next month, a 50% increase.

In an attempt to profit further, Ryanair is doubling the checked-in baggage allowance for each passenger. From having allowed each passenger a weight allowance of only 15 kg, you can now bring with you 30 kilos, as long as no single bag weighs more than 15 kilos. A strange turnaround from an airline that says that they want to get rid of checked-in baggage.

Checking in 2^ndbag online: will rise from €20 to €35 per flight from next month, a 75% increase.

Checking in 2^ndbag at the airport: will rise from €20 to €70 per flight from next month, a 250% increase.

If you bag weighs too much, you will now have to pay even more for the extra kilos as the excess bag fee is being increased from €15 to €20 per kilo. So, do note that if you have more than 1 kilo too much, you are better off paying the 2^nd bag charge online.

If you are travelling with checked-in luggage, the other airlines start to look like a more appealing offer, and possibly even a cheaper one.

Thursday, September 3, 2009

Backpacking in Europe; What you should know before you go.

Going on a trip is always fun and exciting; backpacking through Europe isn't an exception, it's a great adventure. You will see many different places and meet plenty of fellow backpackers. As with most trips, careful planning and some research of the areas you are going to visit is a must.

If you decide to backpack your way through Europe, you need to decide whether to do this by train, flight or a mix of both. You need to decide where to go, and roughly how long to stay. Make a list of must-do things and places to see. It's important to realize that Europe is a large continent, and that every country is different.

Before you go, look at a map of Europe and decide on a possible route. Your destinations might decide your way of travel. For example, if you are staying on mainland Europe, the train might be the best choice, but if you want to visit Ireland or the UK, you might consider flying or taking the ferry. There is a great rail pass called the Interail for European citizen, and Eurail for non-Europeans which make train journeys cheaper and a lot easier.

Once your route is decided upon, it's a good idea to read about the countries that you plan to visit. Most countries have some level of English, but as it wouldn't be their native language, it is important to understand that you might not be able to make yourself understood at all times. However, in most guide books there are small dictionaries with simple phrases to use.

A good chapter in the guide books describes dangers and annoyances. Here you can read about places to avoid, and what lever of crime an area has. It's important to know that every place might have its bad spots, and it would be wise to avoid these. If you follow the tourist trail and don't go off the beaten track, you should have no worries though.

A good thing to do is to check out what various accommodations there are on offer in different countries. Some would have hostels, motels and hotels, whereas other countries only have hotels. In the latter cases you are likely to be offered a bed in someone's home for a fee. Make sure that you don't go alone with someone, but join up with other solo travelers.

When it comes to money, most EU countries use the Euro, but there are still those that don't so it is important to know what currency you need in order to pay for yourself. In most places, a debit or a credit card is widely accepted. Don't let them walk off with it though, as they could potentially copy your card and collect your details.

Before you go, you should write down emergency numbers and phone numbers to your embassy in the various countries. That way you know where to call if something were to happen.

Apart from that, keep an open mind and you will meet lots of friendly people who will help you find your way around.

Saturday, August 29, 2009

Where to go in Thailand

Image by FriskoDude via Flickr

Thailand have long been a holiday destination with its sunny weather and long white beaches, and even more so in the last five years. As the country becomes increasingly popular the exploitation by both Thai and Western companies are on the raise, but Thailand still have a few hidden treasures.

As with every holiday, the place you want to visit depends on what you want to do with your time off. If you rather go sightseeing than sunbathing on a deserted island, you might enjoy the hustle and bustle of a town rather than a touristy resort.

These are some of the main destinations in Thailand:

1. Phi Phi Island; the most romantic and beautiful setting must be that of Ko Phi-Phi. Unfortunately, everyone knows it and it can feel very crowded. If you can overlook the crowds and soak in the beauty of this island, it is one of the best places to visit. The sea is lovely and blue, and all the usual water sports are available. You can walk up the mountain to get a view of the entire island and it is absolutely stunning. As it is so popular, it is vital to arrange accommodation prior to arriving, unless you expect to be there very early. It is normally booked out after the first couple if morning ferries arriving.

2. Railay; this is another treasure. The island is situated north of Ko Phi Phi and you get there easily by ferry from Phuket. The island is small and has no roads. You will have to take a long tail boat to get there and then wade in to shore, carrying your suitcase. Once you are settled in you will understand why you came. It is the most beautiful spot and very serene and tranquil. There are plenty of restaurants on the beach and places to enjoy a drink or two.

3. Ko Tarutao; if you like the idea of a deserted island or treading where no one ever trodden before, then take a trip down to Ko Tarutao National Park. You can take a speed boat from the mainland and stay on the island for a few days. There is a basic camp and one restaurant to buy your food. This is the island where they filmed one of the seasons of Survivor.

4. Ko Lipe; a bit further west of Tarutao is the island Lipe. It is not yet an established resort and therefore very low key. The bungalows have their charm and so has the little huts very you can relax and sip on a drink in the evening. There are a few bigger restaurants but apart from that, it's darkness once the sun has set. Often the restaurants will put out tables and chairs on the beach to create an even more beautiful setting. The beach is lovely and you can rent one of the long-tailed boats to go around to the other side of the island. There is a path leading from one side to another and it's nice to take the trip just before sunset.

5. Phuket; the main destination for many of the charter tourists. As Phuket is a big semi-island there are various resorts and places to choose from. The most famous one is Patong, but the smaller beaches such as Kata, Surin or Kamala is a better option if you want to relax and keep it more low key. You can then jump on one of the tuk-tuks and go in to Patong at night and so some shopping.

6. Ko Lanta; this is another island that has become popular lately. The beaches and the sea is not as nice as on the other islands so if you really want to just sunbath, you should perhaps choose another island. However, there are things to enjoy on Lanta too. The elephant trekking trip in the National Park at the southern end of the island is interesting and well worth the trip. The Thai people often drive fast and erratically, but on this island there were broad roads and less traffic than elsewhere. I would therefore recommend this island as a good one for renting a car or a scooter.

7. Bangkok; the capital of Thailand and your starting point if you arrive on a scheduled flight. It is a very polluted city and many tourists do not stop here for too long. If you do decide to stay for a couple of days, visit the Palace, Wat Poh and take a trip on the river.

Top 10 cities or towns to visit in Europe

Image via Wikipedia

Europe is a continent with a lot of diversity, both when it comes to history, religion and culture, and that makes these countries all the more interesting to visit. There are so many different places that everyone will find a spot that they like and can relate to. Below is a list of 10 cities or towns well worth a visit.

1. London; the capital of Great Britain is one of the most exciting cities in the world, and has plenty to offer a tourist. It does not matter what your interests are, you can be sure that you will find something that suits you. With a wide variety of attractions, historic buildings, museums and outdoor entertainment there are many ways in which to spend your day. The city comes to light in the evening and some of the highlights are the opera, a musical or theatre in theWest End, a fancy dinner at one of the top-notch restaurants or just to stroll around Leicester Square and Covent Garden.

2. Paris; known as the city of lovers, the French capital has a lot to offer. Visit the famous Louvre, climb to the top of the Eiffel tower, enjoy the little French cafés or make your way to the area of Montmartre, famous for its artist and small shops. Some of the highlight of Paris includes the fantastic Notre Dame and the white, candy like church Sacre-Cur as well as the Luxemburg Gardens.

3. Prague; situated in Eastern Europe and rich in historical areas and buildings. It is a city to walk around and soak up the atmosphere. It is relatively cheap and the beer is good. A must is Prague Castle with the amazing St. Vitu's Cathedral. The Jewish quarters with all their synagogues gives a testament to the impact of the Jews before the Second World War.

4. Vienna; this is a city rich in culture and historic buildings. This is a city that will give you everything you need and more. The most visited attraction is the Castle Schonbrunn. It is situated outside the city centre but well worth the visit. If you like amusement parks, the Prater is a place for you. It boosts with one of the oldest Ferris wheels of its kind.

5. Barcelona; soak up the sun in Spain on one of the out-door cafés in this bustling city. The famous shopping street, Las Ramblas, lies in the heart of the city and many events take place here during the day. One of the highlights has to be Gaudi's cathedral, Sagrada Familia.

6. Amsterdam; the nicest and most interesting of all the Dutch cities has a lot to offer. It is an easy city to visit as the public transport is frequent and brings you right to the heart of Amsterdam in no time. Once in the city centre, it is a fabulous place to walk around with all the old houses, the river and the bridges. A trip on one of the ferries is a must as is the Anne Frankhouse. Here one of the world's most famous diaries really comes alive. If you have an interest in diamonds, you can visit diamond factories and try a ring or two.

7. Berlin; the capital of Germany is another city that will welcome you with plenty of attractions. This is a place where east truly meets west, as this once divided city comes together as one. Alexander Platz and the TV tower in the former east, Checkpoint Charlie on the boarded between the two former countries and Brandenburger Tor in the west.

8. Copenhagen; a delightful city in the Nordic hemisphere. The amusement park Tivoli is one of the oldest in the world and has an outstanding Christmas market. The stories of H. C. Andersen come to live with the statue of the little mermaid by the sea. The shopping street Stroget is a bustling place and the castle is rather impressive.

9. Helsingborg; a stunning Swedish town situated in the very south of the country. The town stretches alongside the sea and boardwalks by the beach makes it easy to give for a stroll to feel the atmosphere. There are a few places of interest, the medieval tower from which you have a fabolous view, the heritage park and the Sofiero Castle. You can take also take one of the ferries across to Denmark.

10. Bamberg; this German town is so beautiful and old that it has made its way to the UNESCO world heritage list. The town is famous for its beer, the quarter called Little Venice and it has a lovely town hall situated in the middle of the river.

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Tips for using E-tickets

Some years ago there was only the one option to buy your travel ticket. You had to go to the travel agent and they then booked the trip for you. Whether you went in to their shop or gave them a call, the travel agent was the point of contact for your holiday needs.

With the Internet came a huge shift in the holiday and travel market. There was now a bigger, fiercer competition than ever before as the Internet sites were offering cheaper deals at a click of a button.

Rather than having a travel agent doing the booking for you, you were encouraged to take active part in the booking process and search for the bargain of your life.

For these Internet deals to be even cheaper the old reliable paper tickets, that came in the post, was soon dispensed of and the e-ticket emerged. An e-ticket works the same way as a standard ticket would, it just looks different. You will get a reference number and all the details of you particular hotel stay, flight or car rental will be described on the ticket.

Before you make that purchase, make sure that you have researched the market properly. A good advice is to check the travel agents and get a quote there. Then browse the Internet for better deals. Most search engines have reviews from customers and although they are not always telling the truth, they do give a general advice. Talk to friends and family and see how they got one and if they have any tips.

Once you have decided to make the purchase make sure that you read everything properly. As you are the one making the booking, you will be the one to pay for any misunderstandings or mistakes. A common mistake is to spell a name of a passenger wrong and then it can, at best, be dear to have the name change, or catastrophic if the passenger is declined the trip.

Depending on what kind of trip you book; flight, ferry, car rental or accommodation, you will receive an e-mail that confirms your booking. Make sure that you read this and that you are happy. Most booking is non-refundable and changes are very expensive. You will be issued with a booking reference number, print this number and write it down somewhere so that you have a duplicate. Today, most places go by your name and you don't need the reference number but you can never be sure. If there should be a problem, have a copy of the booking with you as proof of purchase.

It is easy to make the booking and most times it works without any hassle. At first it might seem suspicious and you might worry that you won`t end up getting the product that you pay for but once you have started using e-tickets, you will soon reap the benefits of cheaper holidays. If you are unsure, call the place or reservation centre and have the booking confirmed, but do check the rate at which these calls are charged as it can be an unpleasant surprise otherwise.

Booking online also puts you at risk as you pay with a credit card. Make sure that it is a secure transaction before giving away all you details.

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Where to go in Phuket, Thailand

Image via Wikipedia

Have you ever wanted to go to Phuket? The destination in Southern Thailand that has plenty to offer a sun worshipper. If so, you have made a great decision. Thailand in itself is an interesting county with a lot of different places to visit. From north to south, there is a vast range of tourist hotspot and Phuket is one of the best destinations to soak up the sun with its mile-long white beaches. Phuket is the name of a larger area as well as the main town itself. There are plenty of places to explore and nearby areas to venture out to. Some great places are;

1. Karon and Kata Beach; these two holiday destinations caters to everyone, from backpackers to charter tourists. There is a buzz about the place and plenty of shops and restaurants. It is a popular place for charter holidays so it is wise to book accommodation before you get here if you are travelling in high season. The beaches are white, long and the sea bluer than blue. You can rent parasols and beach chairs for the day for less than €10.

2. Patong; this town is not for everyone as it gets very crowded, but it makes for a nice evening out. It is especially the shopping that makes it worth the trip. There are plenty of market stalls on the streets, selling everything from souvenirs to clothes, to electronic gadgets. There are many late night bars and various clubs for the partygoer.

3. Surin and Kamala beach; if you are looking for a more relaxed holiday with less tourists, these are the beaches to go to. They are equally nice but more low-key. There is less hotels, restaurants and shops and cater for a few resorts instead. Ii is easy to get to Patong from here on one of the Tuk-Tuks.

If you feel like venture a bit further a field and leave the mainland there are great places to go to. These are more exotic and closer to paradise, some more popular than others.

1. Ko Phi Phi; the Phi Phi Islands used to be hidden gems, known to only a few, but that all changed when the movie “the Beach” was filmed here. Although filmed on the smaller of the 2 islands, the larger one still got great PR and it is now one of the main holiday destinations around the Phuket area. The island is so popular that it is in danger of becoming too overcrowded. Even so, the main beach is stunning. The setting, a secluded bay with greenery surrounding the beach. It is a good location for all water sports and diving tours leave the island daily. It is advisable to book hotels before arriving as it gets fully booked in the high season.

2. Railay; this island is a perfect getaway. It is so remote and secluded that you can only get here by boat. There are no proper roads connecting it to the mainland and it makes the place all the more special. There are various accommodations, restaurants and a few shops. This is a place to sit back and enjoy the scenery. The dinners at night are often eaten at the beach and there are plenty of beach bars.

3. Ko Lanta; although not really in the Phuket area, it is a great island to visit and there are plenty of ways to get there from Phuket and Phi Phi Islands. Ko Lanta is a larger island and although it is similar to the mainland, the pace is slower. If you feel like renting a scooter, this is probably one of the better places as traffic isn’t as intense as elsewhere. You can go elephant trekking in the rainforest, go scuba diving or take a cooking class. The beaches can be rocky and isn’t as good as in Phuket.

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

What to do in Poland

Image by smif via Flickr

There are many places to visit in Poland, more so than I first thought when I went there. When people speak of Poland they usually mention Auschwitz or Warsaw as potential sites of interest but there are many places other than these. I have travelled around Europe many times and Poland definitely holds its own. There are beautiful towns, interesting monuments and churches, heritage sites and evidence of the Nazis presence during the Second World War.

These are a few places that I believe are worth a visit:

1. Krakow; a beautiful town with a gorgeous town square. It's a fabulous place to sit down for a meal or a drink. The houses are old fashioned but very well-maintained and beautiful. Krakow is a nice place to make your base for exploring the area. There are lots of places to visit nearby and Krakow itself is a nice place to walk around.

2. Auschwitz; the most well-known of all the Nazi's death camps and well worth a visit for history reasons. The place was left by the Nazis in a hurry so everything is as it was in 1945. The ovens, barracks and photos tell the horrific story of a mass murder of millions.

3. Wieliczka Salt Mine; in Eastern Poland lies this heritage salt mine. It's a fascinating guided tour in the mines where the workers have carved out incredible statues out of the stone. It's the best cave I have ever visited and not like anything you have ever seen before. It's a must if you are around.

4. Wroclaw; one of the nicer towns with a nice castle. That makes for a perfect day out. There are a few older buildings and churches that are worth a look.

5. Wolfschanze, Hitler's Base during World War II; in the Masurian Lake district up in Northern Poland lays Hitler's bunker. It's based in a large forest and you can walk around on your own. It's a place that not many have heard of but that is well worth the visit.

6. Slowinski National Park with the sand dunes, near Leba; this is the Sahara of Poland. You can walk around the sand dunes for hours before you realize it. There is a small museum with aero planes just before you start the journey out to the dunes, a hidden treasure.

7. Warzawa; the capital of Poland is bound to be one of the top destinations for many tourists. I didn't particularly feel it worth the visit. The city is largely rebuilt after the war and high, modern buildings are dominating. There isn't much history there and not too many places to linger. There is a fabulous market just in the outskirts and you can make a good few bargains there.

8. Czestochowa; the religious place to visit in Poland. It's a major Pilgrimage haul and there are long quest to see the museum and the famous tower. Several sightings have been noticed here and for Catholics this is a must.

Monday, August 17, 2009

Backpacking in Europe - what to pack?

You are all excited about the trip, you have it all worked out and in your mind you are already on your way. Then you think of that big hurdle, the necessity that you have to do before you go and your enthusiasm dwindles. Well, packing can be bad but if you are organized and know what you are going to do on your trip, it shouldn't be too hard.

Start with your bag. It's the most important friend you have on the trip. You will be depending on this bag day in and day out and in all kinds of weather. The best thing to do is to by a proper backpack which fits your body size and has all the extras that will make the bag so much more comfortable. Choose a backpack that is big enough to fit your things but small enough so you can carry it for a few kilometers. Once you have the backpack, you are one step closer to your holiday.

Before you start putting things into the bag, write a list and place all the items on the bed. When packing a backpack you should place heavy stuff at the bottom and lighter stuff on top so that the bag won't drag you backwards. But first things first, start with the list and write down things you think you need and then you cross them out as you put them in the bag.

1. Necessities; Passport, travel documents, travel insurance, visas etc. Place all important documents in a plastic map so that they won't get destroyed. Hugely important is money and credit cards. Medicines if you have any, aspirins are always good to have. You will also find that maps and guide books are a necessity. Write down important phone numbers to family and friends, to your insurance company, hotels and embassies.

2. Clothes; Bring a pair of sturdy walking shoes, flip flops and sandals, light trousers and shorts. A few T-shirts and a couple of sweaters are necessary. Underwear, socks and PJ`s. A wind and rain proof jacket and a sun hat. Bring a pair of sunglasses too.

3. Toiletries; Bring only what you really need. Soap is lighter than a shower gel for example. Bring the 2in1 shampoo rather than 2 different bottles etc. Leave makeup and perfume at home. Bring a first aid kit and a sewing kit too.

4. Useful things; Sun lotion, mosquito repellent, a book (you can normally swap yours for another in hostels so no need to bring more than 1), a torch, your camera, mp3 player, a water bottle, a pocket knife, tin opener, fork, spoon and knife. Washing powder which works in cold water.

Once you have packed everything in the bag you might find that you have some spare space. If you feel tempted to put another pair of sweaters or jeans in the bag, don't. You have what you need, and the extra luggage will weigh a lot and the likelihood of you needing the extra items is slim. Often you buy things during your travels and then the extra space will come in handy.

Sunday, August 16, 2009

Where to stay in Las Vegas

Image by SIROBERT YOUNG via Flickr

It's always hard to find a cheap hotel in a place that is as popular as Las Vegas. What makes it even harder is that a lot of the people who come here are backed with cash and so can afford to pay a bit extra. Gamblers will come all year round and so will the people who come to see the spectacular shows but there are periods when the tourist won't come and that is when the great deal might present itself.

Decide what you want with your trip; whether it is looking at a particular show, gambling or just to soak up the atmosphere. Then decide how close you need to be to the main strip. The further out you go, the cheaper the hotels. If you intend to make this a once in a lifetime event, then maybe you should pay that bit extra to be in the middle of everything.

In a place like Las Vegas there are always going to be cheap accommodation that won't live up to normal standards, as there will be 5 star hotels with everything you ever dreamed of. When you have this much of a variety, the best thing to do is to decide what standard you want and what extras, if any, you are requiring. Then go on the Internet and check for good deals that match what you want and what you are prepare to pay. Some of them might include drink or dinner vouchers, gambling credit etc. If they do, decide whether or not you think this is an offer for you.

A few good ones:

Riviera Hotel and Casino ~ a 3 star hotel located on the North Strip and within walking distance to the main casinos. They have a casino, a spa and dining facilities. The 2000 rooms include all modern cons and there is a safe in each room. Only downside is that you are not allowed to check in on Saturday. Prices range from as low as $70 if you choose mid-week off-peak.

Imperial Palace Hotel and Casino ~ this hotel lies 4 miles from Downtown Las Vegas but within walking distance of the Fashion Show Mall. With a price under $ 100 this might be the place you have been looking for. There is a spa and the hotel has live entertainment. Depending on season, they also have luas.

Tropicana Hotel and Casino ~ this is another 3 star hotel which offers budget accommodation under US 100. Located on the South Strip and connected via walkways to the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino this is in a prime location. The hotel boosts 7 restaurants and 2 bars. There is a five-acre garden and a pool complex as well as live entertainment. If you book on the Internet they give you special discounts and tw0-for-one admissions to certain places.

Bally's Las Vegas ~ this hotel is located on the Centre Strip and puts you right in the middle of all the action. They have live entertainment with a famous showgirl extravaganza, spas with various treatments and in the casino they have poker games, roulette, craps and blackjack tables. Prices around $ 150 it's a bit pricy but well worth it.

MGM and Grand Hotel Casino ~ if you are looking for a bit of a treat this 4 star hotel is well worth the money. Prices range from around $200. It is located on the south end of the Strip in Las Vegas and is near to a lot of action. There are 16 restaurants in the complex which also features a spa with fitness center, saunas, steam rooms and spa tubs. The hotel has over 5000 rooms and 6 nightclubs, a real treat for you.

Saturday, August 15, 2009

Free things to do in Paris

Image via Wikipedia

Paris is known as the city of romance but is a great place to go even if you are on your own. There is a certain charm in Paris which not many bigger places can brag about. It's not only that romance is in the air, but it's more that people are alive. You can stroll around in the small streets in some of the famous quarters and feel happy and peaceful.

There are a good few things to do if you don't want to pay, some more interesting than others:

1. Notre Dame - this impressive cathedral is free to visit. However, they will charge you if you want to go down to the chambers or up in the tower. The cathedral raises high above the street and creates a wonderful picture. Walk around the quarter to find the most beneficial angle.

2. The Eiffel Tower - as one of the top attractions of Paris it's expensive to go up but to see if from below is well worth the walk there. Take a bottle of wine and a baguette and enjoy the tower lying on your back in the grass after a fantastic lunch.

3. Sacre Coeur - this white marble church is absolutely amazing and can be viewed from the steps below it. There are often street entertainment and Parisienne painters around this area so you can easily stroll around for a good while.

4. Montmartre - a true Parisienne quarter with a red light district. To stroll around here takes you back decades and the atmosphere is unbelievable. There are small shops which you can go window shopping.

5. L`Arc the Triomphe - here you can visit the Unknown Soldier's grave and walk in top of the Arc without having to pay. The Arc the Triumph is in the middle of a roundabout but you get here through the walkway underground.

6. Champs-Elysee - stroll up and down this famous street of Paris. There are plenty of restaurants and shops to look at.

7. Seine - go for a walk along the river Seine and browse through the books at the various stands. It's known to have happened that people find true bargains in these stands.

8. Jardin des Tuileries - one of Paris` many gardens. Marie Antoinette is said to have wandered around here.

9. The fountain at Trocadero - a place most tourists visits. It won't cost you a penny unless you make a wish.

10. Bois de Boulogne - take a trip out to the massive forest outside of Paris and forget all about city life.

As in most cities there are free concerts, free museums and churches to visit. Take a look in one of the free papers they hand out to see what's going on.

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