Magellan Travel Books

It’s again that time of the year when you want to spend quality time with your family. Planning for an exclusive holiday abroad? Surfing the Internet for best hotels leaves you more confused? Unable to decide which hotel to choose from as all hotels project a perfect image of themselves? Never been to the hotel destination? Looking for discount hotels which will offer you the best holiday packages without burning a hole in your pocket? Stop worrying as all your worries and problems can be solved very easily. Just keep some tips in mind and you are assured of getting your dream hotel.

Check Hotel Ratings and Customer Reviews

What comes to your mind naturally when the word vacation is mentioned? Of course! Hotel - a decent place where you can stay! Planning vacation with friends or family is always special which you want to cherish it for the rest of your life. What a better way then to make it lifetime memory by staying in a hotel which provides you the comforts and the feeling of home away from home. The task of finding the kind of hotel you are looking for can become quite daunting with every hotelier presenting the best image which may necessarily not be true. However, you can get some idea about a hotel by comparing the star ratings and the customer reviews that are posted in top 2-3 websites. While going through the customer reviews you can easily judge whether the reviews are from genuine customers or fabricated by hoteliers as the other features mentioned on the hotel detail page should substantiate its ratings and reviews.

Hotel Chains and Services

If you are not sure about hotel facilities provided and to avoid being taken for a ride, always go for hotels according to your needs and budget. If you want to stay in luxury hotels which offers world class services including concierge, shuttle services to the city, laundry services, airport transfers, Internet access etc, you can select the best luxury hotel nearest to public transport. For those who do not want to spend fortune on accommodation, you have the choice of budget or discount hotels with modest amenities and facilities. If you are going for a business trip, check out for hotels that provides meeting rooms, conference halls. But if you are on vacation or leisure trip, opt for hotels that offer outdoor activities, conduct tours, events, and located near tourist destinations.

Destination Guide

All best travel-based websites have good destination guide which includes travel, accommodation, food, shopping and attractions. Choose your hotel in such a way that the destination is centrally located, easily accessible to tube station, shopping complexes, and tourist attractions. While looking for hotels you can check out for nearby restaurants and its menu and specialties. However, if you are budget conscious go for hotels that suit your budget but at the same time offer best services.

Exclusive Rates and Discounts

Accommodation plays a vital role in travel. Choosing the right kind of hotel according to your budget will decide the future course of your trip. So, plan your travel beforehand to avail of exclusive rates and discounts offered by hotels. Find out hotels that offer seasonal discounts and take advantage to book your hotel at the lowest prices. If you want to travel during particular event, check out for hotels which give event-based discounts. Make your stay and travel memorable by capitalizing on the various irresistible rates and discounts offered by hotels.

However, to get the best travel deal you can always check out different websites that lists hotels and their rates. Compare the rates of the different websites and select the best one offering the lowest prices.

Your choice of hotel can either make or break your trip. Therefore, try to meticulously pursue the above tips and make your vacation unforgettable! The ball is in your hand!!

Here are my top ten travel tips for students traveling overseas

1. Make sure you have a signed, valid passport and visas, if required. Also, before you go, fill in the emergency information page of your passport! Make color copies of your passport and visa information and carry a copy with you at all times. This way you can secure your passport in your hotel room safe.

2. Read the Consular Information Sheets (and Public Announcements or Travel Warnings, if applicable) for the countries you plan to visit. You can easily find them at the U.S. state department travel web site. Register your trip online at the same web site.

3. Leave copies of your itinerary, passport data page and visas with family or friends at home, so that you can be contacted in case of an emergency. Keep your host program informed of your whereabouts.

4. Make sure you have insurance that will cover your emergency medical needs (including medical evacuation) while you are overseas. If you bring any medication with you, ensure that you have copies of your prescriptions.

5. Familiarize yourself with local laws and customs of the countries to which you are traveling. Remember, while in a foreign country, you are subject to its laws! You will not be in Kansas anymore. What is legal in one country may not be in another. Do your homework before you go.

6. Do not leave your luggage unattended in public areas and never accept packages from strangers. Thieves and possible drug smugglers may target you. Be observant and report anything suspicious.

7. While abroad, avoid using illicit drugs or drinking excessive amounts of alcoholic beverages, and associating with people who do. Possession of small amounts of marijuana may be a misdemeanor in your home town, but may be a Class I felony in another country. Instead of a small fine, you may be looking at 10 &ndash 20 years in a foreign prison. Don’t even consider doing drugs in a foreign country.

8. Do not become a target for thieves by wearing conspicuous clothing and expensive jewelry and do not carry excessive amounts of cash or unnecessary credit cards. Dress plain and simple with nondescript shirts and jeans.

9. Deal only with authorized agents when you exchange money to avoid violating local laws. Currency exchanges and banks are your best choices. Money changers on the streets or back alleys may be illegal.

10. When overseas, avoid demonstrations and other situations that may become unruly or where anti-American sentiments may be expressed. Avoid government buildings and embassies unless you absolutely have to go. Registering with the state department travel website will provide the embassy a way to contact you in country either by phone or email.

Use common sense and have a great trip.

When deciding on the best time for you and your family to visit Disney World, the main issue is usually the crowds. When visiting any major theme park, you are going to experience large crowds; And since Disney World is the most popular theme park in the world, there is hardly a day at the park without large crowds. If you do your research, you can find certain times of the year, January and September for example, that are less busy at Disney World. Even though you may enjoy shorter lines during these times, there are downsides to going at these less busy times of the year. For one, Disney has more festivities planned during certain times of the year like Christmas and New Years. For many people, it is worth fighting the crowds to be at Disney World during these times of major festivities.

Crowds are not the only factor when deciding on the best time to visit Disney World. It is also a good idea to take the weather into account. Many people assume that any time of the year is perfect weather in Florida but that is definitely not the case. The summer time can bring extreme heat and severe thunderstorms to the Orlando area that can ruin your day at Disney World. The brief showers are usually a great time to go inside and take a break. Some of the best weather at Disney World comes in the evening with mild temperatures so make sure to rest up during the day so you’re ready to go out at night.

Other tips to keep in mind when planning a trip to Disney World:

- If you are ok with taking your kids out of school for a trip, do it! Any time other kids are at school is a great time to go to Disney World because you can expect smaller crowds and shorter lines

- Keep a close eye on park opening and closing times so you can take advantage of late nights and early starts

- Two weeks after the Thanksgiving holiday is a great time to go to Disney World because the crowds are minimal and the Christmas decorations are already up.

So when is the best time to go to Disney World? When it’s called the happiest place on Earth, every day of the year is the best time to go.

Side is well-known for its classical sites in Turkey. Side in Turkey is an old harbor that signifies pomegranate. Side is a rendezvous on the southern coast of Turkey. This is beside the Manavgat and Selimiye villages. 75 km apart form this is the Antalya. Lots of small villages and semi-towns adorns the beauty if Side in Turkey.

It was in the seventeenth century that ancient settlers from Cyme in Aeolis did encounter this city. Side in Turkey possesses small-craft boats. Side's natural geography made it the most stunning place in Pamphylia.

Side is evidently positioned on a peninsula and adorned by two stretches of golden beach. The chanting resort town of Side is a hodgepodge of old and new. Side in Turkey is availed with far-reaching range of tourist accommodation. There are enormous shops, late-night bars and hotels assorted among the ruins of the ancient city. This multifarious beauty of the ancient monuments and modernism makes it outstandingly beautiful.

An old theatre is situated between the Side of Turkey. There are also enhancing views of the sea that can be viewed in front of this theater. The remnants of the Roman Baths houses including beauteous collection of artifacts are eye-catching and often rushed with large crowds.

Engrossed streets that lead down to the sea are stringed with relic shops selling particular Turkish handicrafts like carpets, jewelry and leather goods. People began recognizing Side in Turkey due to the region from the Mediterranean to Mount Taurus.

Tourists who have once been into this city will definitely will wish to come again for another cherishing holiday. Though Side is an old city of Turkey it is one of the most important place where tourists flow day by day. People residing in Side eagerly wish for a clean city. This is why many tend to buy property in this city.

The captivating and clean beaches with water sports and golf clubs are only some of the entertaining themes here. The beauty of the nature can be inexplicably enjoyed with waterfalls on the Mount Taurus and the forests. Side becomes valuable due to its historical monuments and the remaining and ruins that symbols a certain old heritage.

Vivacious clubs with lively music along with sports clubs makes the people feel that they are not far form home. Later, when getting tired the nature welcomes to see various waterfalls and greenery. The Apollo Temple built during the Roman Civilization is situated in the front of the sea esteeming the historical trade point harbor.

On the east of the Side of Turkey happens to be a gorgeous pine forests the arrests the onlookers who pass by. On the northeast of the Side appears to be the reminiscent of the Roman Baths, old sculpted temples, and amphitheater. Transportation is available in this part of the city. Side of Turkey becomes a symbol of beauty and hospitality together for such reasons. The nigh of the monuments can be enjoyed by hiring a car so that one can travel around the city on ease.

In the Case of Destitution

If you become destitute abroad, the U.S. consul can help you get in touch with your family, friends, bank, or employer and tell you how to arrange for them to send funds for you. These funds can sometimes be wired to you through the Department of State.

In the Case of Illness or Injury

If you become ill or injured while abroad, you can contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for a list of local doctors, dentists, medical specialists, clinics and hospitals. If your illness or injury is serious, the U.S. consul can help you find medical assistance and, at your request, will inform your family or friends of your condition. If necessary, a consul can assist in the transfer of funds from the United States. Payment of hospital and other expenses is your responsibility. U.S. consular officers cannot supply you with medication.

During an emergency, if you are unable to communicate, the consul will check your passport for the name and address of any relative, friend, or legal representative whom you wish to have notified. Because the U.S. Government cannot pay for medical evacuations, it is advisable to have private medical insurance to cover this.

Marriage Abroad

U.S. diplomatic and consular officials do not have the authority to perform marriages overseas. Marriage abroad must be performed in accordance with local law. There are always documentary requirements, and in some countries, there is a lengthy residence requirement before a marriage may take place.

Before traveling, ask the embassy or consulate of the country in which you plan to marry about their regulations and how to prepare to marry abroad. Once abroad, the Consular Section of the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate may be able to answer some of your questions, but it is your responsibility to deal with local civil authorities.

Birth Abroad

A child born abroad to a U.S. citizen parent or parents generally acquires U.S. citizenship at birth. As soon as possible after the birth, the U.S. parent or parents should contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate to have a Report of Birth Abroad of a Citizen of the United States of America prepared. This document serves as proof of acquisition of U.S. citizenship and is acceptable evidence for obtaining a U.S. passport and for most other purposes where one must show a birth certificate or proof of citizenship.

Adoption Abroad

If you plan to adopt a child overseas, you should be aware that the U.S. government considers foreign adoptions to be a private, legal matter within the judicial sovereignty of the nation in which the child is residing. U.S. authorities have no right to intervene on behalf of American citizens in the courts of the country where the adoption takes place. But there are a number of ways in which U.S. embassies and consulates can assist prospective parents.

The U.S. embassy or consulate can provide you with information on the adoption process in that particular country. Consular officers can inquire on your behalf about the status of your case in the foreign court, and they can assist in clarifying documentary requirements, if necessary. Consular officers will also try to ensure that, as a U.S. citizen, you will not be discriminated against by foreign courts, and they will provide you with information about the visa application process for your adopted child.

Because children in foreign adoptions are considered to be nationals of the country of origin, prospective parents must comply with local laws. One way to accomplish this is by dealing with a reputable international adoption agency, experienced in handling adoptions in the particular country in which you wish to adopt the child. In the case of a private adoption, you should hire a local attorney with expertise in adoptions.

Thailand is possibly the most-visited country in south-east Asia. The irresistible combination of fine beaches, ancient monuments and civilisations and renowned cuisine makes a holiday here an absolute must.

Where is it?

Thailand is in south-east Asia, bordering Malaysia to the south, Myanmar (Burma) to the north, and Cambodia and Laos to the east. It benefits from coastal stretches both in the Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Thailand.

Where can I stay?

Thailand is a popular country to visit &ndash Bangkok is a 24-hour city with hotels to match whilst smaller cities and coastal resorts have also made the most of the constant tourist trade. Travellers are becoming more sophisticated, however, which has resulted in a number of boutique hotels opening to cater for the discerning guest. For those who love the beach, try the luxury of Aleenta; a small, private beach hotel which houses just 17 suites and 2 private villas. With unspoilt beach on your doorstep, an infinity pool and romantic breakfast and dinner settings, beach-life rarely gets better. Alternatively, go for the lights and sounds of Bangkok, where you could stay at the Ibrik City; a very chic hotel right in the middle of the business district and next to the famous “Blue Elephant” cooking school. With just three rooms, this is a modern yet homely hotel and great transport connections mean that this boutique hotel is the ideal base for days and nights in Bangkok.

What can I see?

Thailand is renowned for its ancient monuments, stupas and temples. From the sheer architectural delight of the Phimai Temple, a Hindu/Buddhist temple, to the ancient stupas in the Sukothai Historical Park, there’s much to learn about civilisations hundreds and thousands of years old and the way they affect the people of Thailand today. Don’t miss the busy and colourful markets either, and make sure that you spend time sampling the fabulous food for which Thailand is so well known. Venture away from the beaches to the rivers and mountains of Thailand’s interior to sample a simpler way of life, or take in the energy of Bangkok with a city visit.

How do I get around?

You can hire a car to get around Thailand, but it may be easier to take the train. Bangkok city is serviced by a Sky train and boat service, so there’s no need for any other transport to get you around. Outside Bangkok and closer to the coast, use the buses and trains to get about. The trains may be slower than you’re used to, but they’re comfortable. On the other hand, the buses are fast and furious, but they are cheap and air-conditioned.

Brazil has a very diverse culture and a wonderful climate. Summer starts in December and ends in February in this South American country. So before going on a trip to Brazil, one has to have enough information on what to bring. Here are a few tips to help in deciding in what to prepare for a trip to this fine country.

* Protect your photo equipment and other equipment sensitive to humidity.

Humidity is high in Brazil. Sealable plastic bags are also useful, so make sure to bring some.

* Bring your medication and prescription.

If you brought some medication, make sure you declare it at the Customs. There are also some drugs that can be bought from the chemist without a prescription.

* Buy mosquito repellent and sun block when you get there.

These are of good quality and are suitable formulated for the conditions of the country.

* Get Hepatitis shots before leaving for Brazil.

Hepatitis A, B and C cases are prevalent in Brazil. Also, always wash your hands before eating. Use appropriate disinfectants and antiseptics.

* Pack light

Most air carriers have a luggage limit of 20 kilos. Having your clothes washable and mix-matched for different look is more advisable than carrying more clothes. When not on a business trip, pack casual clothes as most Brazilians dress casually.

* Keep copies of all your important documents.

You may leave copies of these with a friend back home, or keep copies in a separate location from the originals. You can also email the copies to yourself.

* Bring a pair of sandals

If the reason for the trip to Brazil is the beaches, then a pair of sandals, together with one's bathing suit and hat is necessary.

* Bring some deodorant and perfume.

One sweats too here and these essentials are very handy.

* Never leave your belongings unattended.

If you can settle for disposable cameras, then, do so.

* Learn some Portuguese.

Knowledge of Portuguese can help when communicating with the locals. English, Spanish, German, French and Italian are also spoken in tourist areas.

* Have valid entry documents.

One's passport should be valid for at least six months from the date of entry. Foreign tourists are given a maximum of 180 days to stay in 1 year. Renewals for 90 days may be obtained from Policia Federal.

* Have some cash handy.

Major credit cards- MasterCard, Visa, Amex and Diners - are accepted, as well as traveler's checks. Cash will be needed if you are going outside the major cities.

With these guidelines, one can look forward to having an enjoyable travel to Brazil.

Just mention the word Jamaica and the mind is filled with images of beach party, reggae and rum. The most populous English speaking island simply exudes with relaxed and laidback life on the beach. It is home to a lot of celebrities while still more rich and famous flock to the party island day in and day out.

The island nation is called Xaymaca by its native inhabitants, which in Arawakan means either “Land of Springs” or “Land of Wood and Water”. A compelling tourist attraction by itself, Jamaica actually owes its enormous and vibrant tourism industry to two persons namely, Bob Marley and Errol Flynn.

Bob Marley

Internationally revered as the King of Reggae music, Bob Marley is a homegrown talent that brought Jamaica to the world’s center stage. His phenomenal influence in the world’s music landscape is best demonstrated by the number of countries that have their own annual Bob Marley Day celebrations, which includes Germany, Belgium, Finland, Italy and Denmark to name a few. But of course, every fervent fan would always argue that the commemoration of the life and achievements of the person that introduced reggae to the world would never be as meaningful and significant as the one being celebrated in Bob Marley’s own homeland Jamaica. Each year, the country honors Bob Marley through a weeklong music festival dubbed as the Reggae Sunsplash Festival held every February, his birthday month. A music lover’s Jamaican escapade is never complete without a pilgrimage to various pit stops dedicated to the Reggae King, namely, Bob Marley Museum and Bob Marley Mausoleum to name a few.

Errol Flynn

If Bob Marley brought Jamaica to the world, Errol Flynn brought the world to Jamaica. The latter discovered and fell in love with the pristine beauty of the island when his yacht ran aground along the foreshores of San Antonio sometime in the 1940s. From yachting, he started one of the island’s greatest attractions today which is river rafting. The Hollywood superstar came to Jamaica and never left. He bought a hotel and later a vast estate in Navy Island where he kept himself busy in his 3,000 acres of ranch and coconut plantation, one of the biggest in the island. Ever since he settled in his Caribbean hideaway, Errol Flynn was never out of guests to entertain, most of whom were Hollywood celebrities that marked the start of tourist exodus to the islands.

All-inclusive vacations are appealing to families and people on a certain budget. Included in an all-inclusive package will be a round-trip airfare from a departure destination, transport between airport and your hotel, your hotel fee and all meals and drinks. This is a good deal if you have teenagers because you don’t have to worry about keeping them fed. All-inclusive packages will also normally include a couple of extras, such as a free tour or two, and on-sight recreation. All-inclusive means that once you get to your destination, you don’t have to spend any money except on souvenirs of your trip unless you go outside your resort. These vacations are a no hassle way of taking a vacation and being able to relax and enjoy it without figuring out how much your accommodations will cost and finding the right place to stay. Prices vary and depend on the time you plan to spend at the resort and what amenities you want or expect.

There are many advantages of an all-inclusive vacation package. The buffet-style food gives you a huge choice in what you want to eat, is easily available and will allow you to sample different varieties of food you normally wouldn’t try. The service is always helpful and you will find many activities included in the package. The all-inclusive trip that we took included two tours of our choice as well as snorkeling and other water activities. Many sights have pools, tennis courts, or golf courses. These activities are free and part of the package.

One of the best advantages in buy an all-inclusive package to a major theme park such as Disney World is they have so many activities that are included. For instance, water parks, miniature golf, canoeing, biking, and horseback riding. The best part is they have free shuttles back and forth between the different areas so you don’t have to worry about transportation. No need for the extra expense of renting a car.

If your family includes older children, you might enjoy an all-inclusive package such as a skiing adventure in the Rockies, or a trip to a “dude” ranch in Arizona. No matter what your tastes are, you can find an all-inclusive vacation to make everyone happy.

There are a few cons to an all-inclusive vacation. You should explore your destination on-line and sometimes that still doesn’t tell the whole story. We booked an all-inclusive vacation in Cancun that sounded like heaven. The resort was found on a reef just off a major island and not on the “strip” of hotels in the heart of Cancun. Sounds perfect right? When you are booking your all-inclusive vacation, be sure you know exactly what all-inclusive means. Some resorts offer low prices but you are subjected to sales pitches to buy time-shares. What you thought would be an ideal vacation could turn into a nightmare when you realize that in some places, though it advertises no tipping, the workers still expect it. If they aren’t tipped, your service will be affected. At least we found this to be true at the resort we stayed at. At our resort, there were tip jars everywhere and tips were absolutely expected. Some resorts ban all tipping and you need to find out ahead of time which type of resort you are going to.

Another downside to taking an all-inclusive vacation is that if you go off the resort you will pay for everything you do. In our case, our resort was small and had limited-access to other activities. What we thought would be a vacation to get away from it all, instead turned in to a vacation that was restrictive and more costly than we expected. For instance, the all-inclusive package included only one round-trip ferry ride to the mainland. That means, they got us to the resort and would get us back to the mainland for our trip home, and all other visits or excursions off our resort was our responsibility to pay for. The resort was beautiful, but we were expected to tip, we had to sit through a sales presentation, and it was restrictive on that particular resort.

All-inclusive has a nice sound to it, but be sure that where you are going is all-inclusive. Research on the Internet or ask for friends or family members recommendations.

There is no doubt that hotel costs are among the biggest part of any vacation budget, and the failure to find affordable lodging has harpooned many an otherwise well planned vacation. One of the keys to enjoying a great vacation without breaking the bank is striking the best possible deal on the roof over your head.

Fortunately, the internet has made the process of finding a great hotel deal much easier. There are some great hotel, motel, and bed and breakfast deals out there, and the internet has made them easier to find than ever.

Booking ahead is essential, as is shopping around. You simply cannot expect to simply show up at a hotel and get a good rate. Most hotel chains reserve their best room rates, and they limit their numbers. Once those low cost rooms are booked, they are simply no longer available.

It is also important to book ahead because it can be difficult to gauge the demand for lording in a particular area, even if you are familiar with your destination. Special events of which you are unaware could cause a spike in hotel demand, and hotel prices, and leave you either paying an arm and a leg for a place to sleep, or, worse yet, find yourself without a place to stay at all.

It is also important to take advantage of all discounts to which you may be entitled, and not be shy about asking for discounts. Many hotel chains and independent hotels offer discounts to those in the military, senior citizens, and members of travel clubs like AAA. If you think you are entitled to a discount, be sure to ask, and be sure to verify that the discount has been applied when you arrive.

In addition, many hotel chains offer programs that are similar to airline frequent flier programs. These programs reward loyal guests with free nights and other rewards. It is important to sign up for these programs whenever you can. Most of these programs are free, so signing up will cost you nothing, and you could end up with a free hotel stay.

When looking for those great hotel deals, a number of web sites compare hotels by price, star level, and even proximity to certain tourist attractions. It is always best to search several of these sites, since not all hotel chains participate in every comparison site.

There is no doubt that finding a great hotel rate will take some time and some hard work, but it is very important to keeping your travel budget under control. The cost of lodging often represents at least half, and often much more, of the total cost of a vacation. It is easy to see, then, how getting the best possible deal on your hotel can keep your cost level low and your vacation fun level high.