Weddings in Belize Are a Breeze

Ever dreamt of a wedding in a lush tropical rainforest? How about among magnificent Mayan ruins, on a beach by the blue-green Caribbean, or with jungle rivers and waterfalls as a backdrop? A vacation in Belize with your loved one will truly be unforgettable if you decide to say your "I do's" there. If you're ready for a unique and romantic Belizean wedding, read on. Believe it or not, it's not at all hard to get married in Belize. First off, a couple must have been staying in the country for at least 3 days before they can obtain a marriage license. Forms can be had from the General Registry in Belize City and the Attorney General Office in Belmopan. These must be completed and signed in the presence of a Justice of the Peace. You will need proof of citizenship (your passport will suffice) and proof of marital status if divorced or widowed. The usual approval time usually takes a week. Two witnesses, who may be your friends or locals, are also required. The ceremony may be performed by a senior Justice of the Peace, a church minister, or a boat captain. The legal fees will cost you about less than US$200--the application fee is $100, the legal ceremony $5, and a donation for the religious officer. Donations to churches and schools are also accepted. If you would like to make the arrangements yourself, you should contact the General Registry before you leave your home country. Luckily, most hotels provide assistance with the arrangements, from securing the forms to getting your fantasy honeymoon package. If you wish to be married at an archeological reserve such as the Mayan ruins, send a letter of permission at least a week before to the Commissioner of Archeology. Remember to bring your own wedding attire from home as there are few bridal shops in Belize. In lieu of a gown and tux, however, you may opt to dress in casual, colorful beachwear or semi-formal evening wear. It's all up to you. Wherever you choose to get married in Belize, it's sure to be the ultimate exotic wedding.

by Wendy Jefferson
About the Author
Wendy Jefferson is an expert on Belize -- visit her website Belize Travel for information about Belize.

European Cities - Top Five To Visit

Europe is home to some of the world's most amazing cities, ideal for long weekends, romantic breaks or just exploring and soaking up the culture. Here are some highlights of a few of the best.

Paris

Paris is the capital and largest city of France. A stylish, sophisticated and romantic city, it boasts many sights to see, such as Notre Dame, Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Arc de Triomphe as well as some of Europe's best shops and restaurants. Located on the River Seine in the country's north, Paris maintains much of its traditional architecture, with hidden squares, churches, cathedrals and palaces mixing in well with more modern designs. Access to Paris is fairly simple by car, rail or air.

Rome

A vibrant city with timeless architecture and a passionate culture, Rome is the largest city in Italy and also the capital. Located on the Tiber and Aniene rivers near the Mediterranean Sea, Rome enjoys a warm, comfortable climate in which visitors can explore the city. In addition to a rich history, Rome is also home to the Vatican City, a sovereign enclave within Rome, it is the seat of the Roman Catholic Church and the home of the Pope. Traveling around Rome is fairly easy on a network of trams, buses and trains, although travel by car is not recommended.

London

One of the world's major business and financial centres, London is also a cosmopolitan and energetic centre for arts, culture, politics and entertainment. London's population includes an extremely diverse range of peoples, cultures and religions, and with over 300 languages being spoken it is the most linguistically diverse city in the world. In addition to this, the city boasts a great number of important buildings and iconic landmarks, including world-famous museums, theatres, concert halls, galleries and palaces.

Venice

The "city of canals", is the capital of the region of Veneto and of the province of Venice, in Northern Italy. The city stretches across numerous small islands in the marshy Venetian Lagoon along the Adriatic Sea. Venice has a very rich history and in previous centuries the Venetian Republic was a major sea power and a staging area for the Crusades, as well as a very important centre of commerce and art during the Renaissance. As Europe's largest car free area, traveling around the city can only be done by boat or on foot.

Barcelona

Barcelona offers a range of tourist attractions, from Roman remains and a historic city centre, the old harbour, museums and the famous Sagrada Familia church. It is the capital city of Catalonia and the second most populous city in Spain. Located in the comarca of Barcelonès, along the Mediterranean coast, Barcelona benefits from a temperate Mediterranean climate.

Search for the best low cost travel deals on flights, hotels, car hire, cruises, villas and travel insurance - Visit www.dpjtravel.co.uk

by David Sharpe
About the Author
None

Accommodation Travel Tips

BEFORE YOU GO

Do a hotel research on the net looking not only for the cheapest rates but also considering the amenities and services provided, location, possible references from other people. Travel guidebooks can also be very helpful for choosing the hotel that suits you best. Be as much flexible with your trip schedule as possible. For example, business class hotels often have lower weekend rates.

As soon as you reserved the room(s) online, document all information about the hotel(s). The easiest way is to print out the whole page off your computer screen so you will have a clear statement that you can use as evidence in case of misplacing or incorrectly entering your information by a hotel clerk. Take a copy with you, make another one for your relatives so they will know when and where you are going to stay so they can contact you in emergency cases.

WHEN CHECKING-IN

Learn the proper check-in and check-out times. Confirm the amenities and services the hotel provides. Ask for directions, a local map. Get a card with the hotel's name, address and phone number so you can show it to a taxi driver or a passer-by in the street if you get lost.

Some hotels may provide extra services that you may not know about unless you ask for it:

- laundry service, - hair dryers, - voltage converters/ adaptors, - newspaper service, - complementary meals, - access to fax machine, copier, printer, computer, Internet connection, - cable TV, rental movies, video games, - portable beds, baby cribs, - complementary shuttle service to airport, - rental safe for your money, jewellery, documents, - telephone access charges, - fees for using mini-bar, - guided tours, excursions.

AT THE HOTEL

Safety should be a priority for everybody and you have to take some precautions. We devoted a whole separate page to travel safety including hotel safety measures so we will skip this part here. When you go out for the day, leave your key at the reception desk. Confirm closing time. Some hotels do lock up at night and you're expected to keep the key if you stay out late.

BEFORE LEAVING YOUR HOTEL

Check out your room for left-behind items. If you need extra time for staying over the regular check-out time (usually it ranges from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m), make a request in advance or the hotel may charge you an additional night.

Review the hotel bill making sure that all charges are accurate.

We wish you a successful and safe trip!

by TravelMake

About the Author
TravelMake.com - one of leading online discount travel agencies, a source of useful travel information.

How To Create A Travel Budget

Do you love to take vacations but don't have a lot of money? Then learning how to budget your traveling can get you more vacations every year!

Today with the economy the way it is, budget travel is becoming more and more of a necessity and more merchants are offering great deals to those that can accommodate the restrictions. Aside from travel deals, you can also do some things to keep your costs low and save on the overall trip.

First off, you need to prepare a travel budget. This means deciding what is important to you and where you can cut back a bit. For instance, some travelers are comfortable spending a bit more for a better class of hotel, while others prefer to save money by using budget accommodations and spend the money they saved on sightseeing or a special meal for the family.

Next, figure out a budget for the various aspects of your vacation, such as hotel, airfare, rental cars, sightseeing, gasoline, etc. Once you have a good idea of what each element of the vacation should cost, it is time to start shopping around for the best deals.

Once you have figured out what is most important to you, it is time to start finding out how to get the best deals. Often, admission deals on area attractions are the easiest to come by, since many theme parks, museums and other destinations run specials to attract out of town guests.

To get big discounts on area attractions, the best place to start is the web site of the attraction itself. Be sure to check the web site for any specials, such as two for one deals, free admission for children, special reduced admission days, etc.

Certain orgainzations such as the military, AAA and senior citizens groups offer discounts on lodging, attractions and travel. Most AAA offices sell discount admission tickets to theme parks, museums and other popular attractions within driving distance, and most AAA offices sell discounted admissions to popular attractions like Walt Disney World as well. The key to making your travel budget stretch farther is to ask about, and take advantage of, all discounts that may be available.

If you are driving on your vacation, make sure you get your car serviced and that it is in peak condition. This can really save you some money as things like under inflated tires and worn spark plugs can cause your gas mileage to go down thus costing you more in gas money.

A good map can also be a money saver, since it will keep you from driving around in circles and wasting gas. Finding your way easily to and from the hotel and the surrounding area will make your vacation more pleasant and less costly.

Finding good deals on your vacation travel and destinations can be a bit of work but it will be worth it in the long run with more enjoyable and more frequent vacations.

by Lee Dobbins
About the Author
Lee Dobbins writes for Travel Cents where you can read more articles about traveling on a budget.

Hilton Head Resorts

Hilton Head Island has a number of world class resorts, from 5-star branded hotels like the Westin Resort which is home to AAA four-diamond restaurant The Barony Grill, to the Sea Pines Resort which hosts the PGA Tour's annual MCI Heritage Classic one week after the Masters' in Augusta. The Disney Vacation Club Resort established in 1996 was fashioned after the hunting and fishing lodges fashionable in the 1940's. The resort covers fifteen acres and is adjacent to the Shelter Cove Harbour Marina, with over 100 villas, a beautiful swimming pool, exercise room and a main lodge in the Palmetto Dunes Resort. Other resort areas include Shipyard Plantation, Palmetto Dunes, and Daufuskie Island.

Shipyard and Palmetto Dunes offer a variety of activities including golf and world-class tennis, along with miles of beautiful beaches. Shipyard is renowned for its tennis and golf. It offers families affordable vacation experiences and is conveniently located near Coligny Plaza, North Forest Beach, and the Village of Wexford where fine dining and great boutique shopping are available. Also within the plantation is the Crown Plaza Resort considered by many to be the finest hotel accommodations on Hilton Head Island. Whether you enjoy golfing, playing tennis or just lounging by the pool, Shipyard is truly a resort for the adventurous and active family.

Palmetto Dunes, located in the center of the island's seashore, offers other amenities such as fine restaurants, shopping and night life. Golf there is fantastic and challenging but yet social in nature. The plantation also includes an 11-mile lagoon system where one can rent a kayak and paddle away to observe some of the most beautiful homes on Hilton Head Island.

Across Calibogue Sound from Hilton Head Island is the enchanting Daufuskie Island Resort, with miles of secluded beaches. The Daufuskie Island Resort offers a variety of romantic settings for weddings or intimate getaways. It's romance at its finest, a place where beautiful brides ride in horse-drawn carriages to their storybook weddings under canopies of palms and moss-draped live oaks.

Finally, there is the original destination resort on Hilton Head Island. From its championship golf courses to the top tennis center in the United States, Sea Pines offers its visitors the best of everything. Sea Pines has quiet miles of bike paths, golf, spas, shopping, sandy white beaches, fishing charters and even dolphin cruises that depart from Harbour Town Marina, where the signature red and white lighthouse stands proudly looking over the harbor and the world famous 18th hole of the Harbour Town Golf Links. If you truly want a vacation for all ages, Sea Pines Resort has it.

Hilton Head Island, simply put, is the gold standard for the vacationer who wants refinement and style. There are no neon lights, no ostentatious signs, just natural beauty blended with good old-fashioned hospitality.

by Rich Neste
About the Author
Richard Neste is a Junior Executive with PDC. Visit: Hilton Head SC, Hilton Head Oceanfront Rentals, Hilton Head Island Golf.

Cruises

People love to hop on a large boat and cruise to an exotic location (often times more than one exotic location) as their vacation or getaway. This is probably because cruises offer many different opportunities that resorts or hotels do not.
Food is one attractant for people. A cruise offers breakfast, lunch and dinner but they also have midnight buffets, afternoon snack buffets, ice cream bars and 24-hour room service available. Food is basically available round the clock. There are casual and formal meals. Large or private meals. Of course depending on the cruise line you choose will determine the quality of the food. You must keep in mind that many of the cruise ships are feeding approximately 2000 people 10 meals per day!
Other people like the entertainment that is available. Most cruise lines run full scale production shows, have bands play, incorporate other special shows like magic or puppet for the children. The Disney Cruise line offers meals with Disney characters and special entertainment geared directly for the younger crowd. Most cruise ships even have floating casinos. Many adults love this, and use this as their evening entertainment. Many cruise lines are like a floating day camp. There are activities planned throughout the day for all ages. If you choose to participate you can, but if you choose to just lay by the pool and read a book or lounge lazily all day you can. You can be as busy or as inactive as you choose.
Cruises offer one-stop-shopping. A cruise offers variety. You can take one flight and get on one boat yet visit as many as seven different islands or locations. To visit that many islands by plane and then stay in a different hotel at each location would be not only expensive but not much fun. You'd have to pack and unpack several times not to mention wasting a lot of your vacation time traveling. Once you are onboard a cruise ship you leave only to visit the places that you dock at. There is no need to pack and unpack and while traveling to your next destination, there is plenty onboard to keep you busy and entertained.
There is a cruise line out there to fit every need of every individual. Below are some of the things that make each line unique.
Carnival Cruises offers something for everyone and is great for the first time cruiser. There are many different ships available that depart from many different ports around the country. Land and sea prices are available for those who need to fly to a port of departure. Destinations include: the Bahamas, Aruba, St. Thomas, St. John, San Juan Puerto Rico, the Caribbean, the Keys, Cozumel, Hawaii, Alaska, Martinique and Barbados just to name a few.
Celebrity Cruises is a higher end cruise line. They have a sophisticated AquaSpa on board as well as a unique art collection offered on their Galaxy ship. They have received a 5-star rating for their cuisine (not food but cuisine) and include an in-cabin entertainment and information center.
Radisson Seven Seas, Seaborn Cruises and Windstar Cruises offer a little more luxury than even the Celebrity line. The Radisson offers ultimate luxury by sailing smaller ships that have only suites available. They also offer unique destinations such as Tahiti, French Polynesia, Antarctica, the Mediterranean, and Europe. The Windstar ships all have romantic trimasted ships and sail to the Caribbean, The Americas, the Greek Isles and Europe.
No matter what you are wanting to get out of a vacation, whether it be entertainment, relaxation, great food, or variety a cruise offers all of that at a great price. The next time you are planning a vacation, don't overlook that great big boat out in the harbor.

by Elli Potrelli
About the Author
To find more information and resources about cruise vacation, travel and more visit: http://www.bcruise.com

Family-Friendly Vacation Condos on Hilton Head Island

Many vacationers on Hilton Head Island have discovered a simple fact -- a family vacation is much simpler and more economical in a condo. A condominium offers more space than a hotel room. The living room, dining room, kitchen, bath, and bedroom areas are separated, thus allowing privacy for each family member, and also giving the sense of a home away from home. Families with small children can cook simple meals and maintain nap and bedtime schedules, while allowing adults and older children to enjoy a change of pace. But no one is confined to the kitchen; there are many options to enjoy a variety of cuisine on the island.
Condos come complete with fully stocked kitchens and also often have individual laundry facilities. Units are available in a variety of sizes, usually from one to three bedrooms, with multiple bathrooms, and with linen and maid service. Many offer private porches or balconies, and televisions, as well as free bikes and internet access. As part of a complex, they may share use of a pool with other condo renters. Rental condos can sleep up to eight people, and can cost anywhere from $300 to $1,600 and up a week, depending on the location, size, and season.
Condo rentals are located all over the island, so a vacationer to Hilton Head may choose to stay in an area close to the family's preferred activities. Condos are part of many of the golf and tennis packages offered by the many golf courses and resorts on the island. Tourists choosing to focus on ocean fishing, parasailing, or turtle-watching activities may wish to have a beach view. Others, who want a relaxing time at a slower pace, may choose a condo in the interior of the island, near beautiful, tree shaded hiking trails, shops and great dining. Hilton Head condo rentals offer the perfect place for each visitor to this beautiful island.

by Jennifer Bailey
About the Author
Hilton Head Rentals Info provides detailed information on Hilton Head vacation rentals, condo rentals, rental homes, villa rentals, and oceanfront rentals. Hilton Head Rentals Info is the sister site of Lake Tahoe Vacation Rentals Web.

Fantastic Honeymoon Destinations

The UK is a fantastic place for you and your partner to spend your honeymoon after your nuptials are completed. There are a variety of locations and actives all over the UK that promise to make your honeymoon a romantic vacation to remember with your new spouse. Here are a few ideas fro locations and activities while celebrating your marriage:
Take a trip to London
London can be one of the most romantic cities in the world. Spend the afternoon walking around the city, and fall in love with you love all over again above the London skyline by taking a private late night ride on the millennium wheel. The millennium wheel offers private pods for couples that include a trip on the millennium wheel in a private pod for just you and your couple, a bottle of champagne, and a box of chocolates. London is home to a variety of fine dining establishments,
Take a trip to the Welsh countryside
The hustle and bustle of the city not for you? If a relaxed honeymoon is more your speed, get away from it all with a romantic getaway deep in the countryside of Wales. Wakes is home to a great number of relaxed locations where you and your special someone can get away from the city life and relax together. Try staying in a romantic bed and breakfast. Bed and breakfast's can be a wonderful way to spend your holiday, and can give you more of a home feel than staying in a hotel. While in Wales, try going to see a welsh opera, or another traditional welsh affair.
Go somewhere new
Marriage is a new and exciting step. Throughout your marriage you and your spouse are going to experience new things together, why not start the new experiences now. Look at map and pick a location that neither of you have ever been and plan your honeymoon trip for there. Do your research beforehand to make sure you get lodging in a nice hotel, and are nearby things you would like to see or do. There's no better way to start off your new life together than doing something new and exciting for both of you.
Visit Cornwall
A city of the sea, Cornwall can offer you a honeymoon trip to remember with breathtaking views of the ocean, private beaches, and wonderful beach fare. Typically honeymooners tend to enjoy beach vacations as honeymoon destinations. Cornwall has several quality bed and breakfasts where you and your love can spend your stay, and because Cornwall is no stranger to honeymooners, several of the hotels as well as bed and breakfasts will have special packages that cater specifically to newlyweds. While on your honeymoon in Cornwall you can watch the sunrise and set while walking on the beach with the love of your life. Cornwall also has several fine dining establishments, and other wonderful entertainment choices for you during your stay. If you decide to plan your honeymoon for Cornwall, do some research beforehand and look for places that you and your partner might be interested in visiting. Restaurants will fill up early, so it might be a good idea to place your reservation with any restaurants you are particularly interested in, and buy tickets for events or productions you would like to attend.
The most important part in planning the perfect honeymoon vacation is to first talk to your partner about what they would like to do during your honeymoon. The perfect honeymoon is only perfect if it is where you both would like to go, and you both have a terrific time. Sit down with your partner in advance and discuss the types of things you would like to do while on your honeymoon, an make plans to include everything that you both are interested in, or at least a good mix of the two. That way, everyone is happy, and you are sure to have a terrific honeymoon vacation.

by S Wander

Copyright 2005 S Wander
About the Author
Smooth Hound http://www.smoothhound.co.uk offers affordable hotel and guest house accommodation throughout the London and the rest of the world.

Costa Rica, a Paradise for Eco-Tourism

For those who would like a destination for eco-tourism, Costa Rica is hard to beat. For a little country in Central America that's only 19,730 square miles, there's definitely a lot to see and do there. Costa Rica means 'rich coast' in Spanish, which is the country's official language. Located between Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the south, Costa Rica is one of the most stable and prosperous of all Latin American countries. There are tropical beach resorts on both the Pacific and Atlantic coasts of the country for sun vacationers but the main attraction of Costa Rica is the eco-tourism. For example, there is a wider variety of bird species in Costa Rica alone than in all of Europe and North America.
Surprisingly, there are diverse eco-systems and microclimates within Costa Rica. In addition to the coastal beaches, there are dense jungles and rain forests with a wide variety of fauna. Some of these forests are referred to as cloud forests because of the moisture of the mists that linger among the trees in some parts. One forest has a cable car set up so that tourists can observe the plant and animal life at the treetop levels. For the more adventurous types, there is a place where one can swing from tree to tree using a network of rope attachments. There are also dry forests as well as colder barren volcanic tundras. Quite extreme changes in microclimate can be observed even within 30 minutes of travel. Some parts of the country have canal systems similar to those found in the Amazon and a few rivers offer excellent white water rafting.
There are several volcanoes within the country and the extinct ones are easily accessible since they are tourist attractions. A few have beautiful turquoise color lakes that have formed in the craters at the top of such volcanoes. One of the more famous active volcanoes is Arenal where visitors can safely watch the eruptions from a nearby facility that has outdoor hot springs naturally heated by the mountain.
In addition to the many different birds that can be sighted, there is a wide number of other exotic wildlife including monkeys, sloths, jaguars, bats and reptiles that can be seen during one of the many available nature tours. Every year, there are sea turtles that come to certain beaches to nest and this event attracts many nature lovers. The wildlife in Costa Rica is not only rich on land or the air but also in the surrounding oceans. For scuba divers, Costa Rica offers excellent diving opportunities and they are quite different from the waters in the Caribbean. The higher amounts of plankton in the local seas attract more numbers of large marine animals than can be found in the Caribbean.
Coffee and bananas are some of the main exports for Costa Rica. For coffee lovers, this is the place to sample some of the best in the world although it should be warned that the locals like their coffee quite strong. Tours in the valleys will often go past numerous coffee plantations.
Most tourists will fly into the capital city of San Jose. Although there is some nice colonial architecture to see in San Jose, it's not one of the nicer places to stay in Costa Rica. The city is noisy and polluted but relatively safe. One can use San Jose as a base for many day trips to the various rain forests, volcanoes and beaches. Travelers can also fly into Liberia which is a town in the north part of the country. This is a much quieter region and close to many of the northern resorts. One option that many travelers take is to rent a vehicle and tour the country on their own. However, the roads of Costa Rica are not the best with lots of potholes and mudslides are common during the wet season from June to November. If renting a vehicle, a 4x4 is definitely recommended.
There is so much to see and do in Costa Rica that many visitors return to see parts of the country that they missed before. The country is easily the most popular destination to visit in Central America. Costa Rica now has tourist offices set up in North America for those who want further information.

by Clint Leung
About the Author
Clint Leung owner of Free Spirit Activewear (http://www.FreeSpiritActivewear.com) , an online retailer/designer specializing in premium quality activewear with specialty sports themes including scuba diving and martial arts. Free Spirit Activewear has numerous information resource articles on specialty sports as well as free eCards.

10 Tips For A Super European Vacation

Europe has always been a popular travel destination. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or planning your first trip, there are several important things to keep in mind before calling your travel agent and booking your next vacation:
1. Time of year: While "Paris in the Springtime" sounds very romantic, the truth is that you're liable to spend many days indoors, because the weather can be cold and rainy. On the other hand, the French Riviera in the springtime boasts warm temperatures, sunshine and beautiful places to visit. If you're not sure of weather patterns, check with your travel agent who can advise you on rainy seasons or other weather-related issues for traveling to a specific spot.
2. Your Budget: Decide how much you've got to spend, and don't forget to include extras like tourist attractions, getting around, souvenirs and meals (which are typically more expensive in Europe than in the states -- dinner can cost upwards of 50 Euros per person, especially in metropolitan cities). If your budget is smaller, consider visiting Eastern Europe, looking for packaged tours, or, if you're flexible, book a "last-minute" trip, which can often save you 30% or more. Check out the current exchange rate between your currency and that of the country you'll be visiting, to have a better idea of what your vacation is going to actually cost you. Whenever possible, travel during an off-peak season to save even more.
3. Your secret dreams or "someday" wishes: For most of us, taking a vacation is something we get to do only once a year, and often plan and save the whole year for. So if you have always wanted to visit somewhere or do something special -- why wait? Include it in your next vacation plans.
4. Political Climate: While most countries that rely on tourism make every effort to ensure the safety of tourists, these days it's always a good idea to keep up on the current political climate of the country you're planning to visit, especially if there have been problems in the past.
5. Your own "internal clock": If you prefer sleeping in in the mornings, and "doing your own thing" then a guided tour is probably not for you. Most guided tours start early in the morning, and you're on the go until evening. You may visit several cities in a country or countries within a specified amount of time, and you're required to stay with the group.
On the other hand, if you don't like traveling alone, you enjoy the companionship of others and getting to see as much as possible in the time you've got, a guided tour or cruise may be just the thing for you.
6. How you like to spend your time: Take a little time to think about what you like doing before planning your trip. Do you prefer the water, or the mountains? Lying on the beach, or rock-climbing? Adrenaline rushes or visiting an art museum?
While going outside your comfort zone and trying new things can be a great experience, spending your time doing something that bores you silly or makes you uncomfortable and unhappy just doesn't make sense. Once you know what you want to do, figure out what you'll have time to do. Many times, in an effort to get the "most bang for our buck" we tend to over plan the vacation, and end up needing a vacation from the vacation when we get home! Prioritize your list, and be willing to save some activities or attractions for another trip.
7. Use the resources that are available to make your trip special and save money:
Today's travelers have numerous options when planning their vacation. You can use the Internet to find out more about the cities or countries you want to visit, check out prices, even book your flight or hotel room. If you're visiting a place for the first time, check with a travel agent, talk to someone who's "been there, done that" on an Internet Forum, or contact local chambers or commerce or travel councils to get more information about where to go, what to see and what to do.
8. Get organized: You can use trip-planning software, or your own favorite organizing system to organize and plan your trip. Don't forget things like making sure your passport and picture ID are up-to-date, finding out if travel insurance is something you need, and how and where to exchange your money. The more organized you are in the beginning, the better vacation you'll have.
9. Pack lightly: Most of us take too much on a vacation, and end up lugging heavy suitcases and other bags along filled with items that we either don't use or don't need. When planning your trip, look at your wardrobe and pack as lightly as you can. Take only what you'll really need, and remember that if you forget or end up needing something, chances are you can get it once you reach your destination.
10. Have fun! Get organized, make your plans and expect the best. That way, once you're on your way, you'll be able to relax and enjoy yourself. But remember, there are very few "perfect" vacations, so if something does go wrong, try to relax and "go with the flow" as much as possible. Experienced travelers say that sometimes their best vacations have been the ones where the unexpected happened.
Final note: One of the most visited european spots is Venice. Here are a few tips to entice you to visit this charming city, before it sinks!
No, I don't mean that the casual tourist is in danger of seeing Venice sink into the lagoon or anything. Well, not today anyway. What I meant was that some folks with great talent aren't satisfied with simply pushing a tiny button on top of a digital camera enough times to eventually come up with a Venice Photo Essay. No, they take out the old sketchbook and apply a bunch of talented scribbles that eventually turn their bits of white paper into something that people want to pay good money for. I'm talking sketchers and painters, devotees of the ancient, fussy, and time consuming way to produce fine images.
Marion Boddy-Evans of About's Painting site is one such talented person. Her Pages from a Venice Scrapbook is an evocative peek at essential Venice--so good it's bound to make you wish you had paid attention in art class instead of stuffing all those spitballs down your milk straw and taking aim at the weird guy in the corner when the teacher wasn't looking. Shame on you.
Marion also has a photo feature on Artists in Venice. Just like the guy in the upper left, except he's painting in Lucca. Find out more of Venice Photo Essay by going to: http://goeurope.about.com/cs/venice/a/venice_pics.htm

by Dan Farrell

Copyright 2005 MHG Consulting
About the Author
Dan Farrell is the owner of http://www.venetianlasvegashome.com which highlights travel saving tips and the Venetian Hotel, Las Vegas. He also offers a free newsletter, "Travel Tips You Never Thought Of".

10 Travel Tips

Going away on vacation should be an enjoyable experience but everyone has a horror story to tell. Perhaps your hotel room was robbed, or perhaps a careless spouse accidentally gambled away more money than they realized, or perhaps you simply lost your wallets somewhere between the airport and hotel. Here are 10 ways to make sure that your trip is a success in spite of those obstacles.1. Use a hidden wallet to carry most of your valuables and identification.2. If you feel comfortable sending it in the mail, mail a money order or a traveler's checks to yourself at your hotel so that even if you lose some of your money, more will be coming. 3. While you don't have to be too strict, you should have an agenda and leave it with someone at home. This way, if something happens in the area where you are vacationing, your loved ones will be able to have a fairly good idea of where you are.4. Keep copies of identification at home, even if you take the originals with you.5. When you go on vacation, choose one credit card to bring, rather than bringing all of them. This way, if your wallet gets stolen, you will minimize your losses.6. Another option is to choose a preloaded credit card, which is really more like a debit card that you put money "on" so that if you end up losing your wallet the thieves cannot wreck your credit rating.7. Bring important phone numbers with you on your trip and put them in two different places. Bring a phone number that will cancel your credit card; if you're traveling out of the country bring a phone number to reach the embassy; bring phone numbers of close family and friends who can help you if you get into trouble; and bring phone numbers of the hotel and car rental company as well.8. You'll want to have your travel insurance information. Be sure to keep a copy of your travel insurance at home as well as on your trip so that a family member can access it if necessary.9. Bring basic medical information with you, like blood type and allergies, and make sure that the medical information is translated into the primary language of the place you are going to so that non-English-speaking doctors will have no problem understanding the situation.10. Know what kind of insurance is covered on your credit card, if that is how you are using to paying for your trip. For example, some credit cards cover car rental insurance, but may not cover it in the country are you are going to. Be sure to know what insurance you have before you leave.

by Jeff LakieSeptember 29, 2005
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Jeff Lakie is the founder of Travel Information a website providing information on Travel

Honeymoon Destinations

Beach destinations continue to be the most popular choices for a romantic honeymoon getaway. Honeymoons are the ultimate romantic vacation and just about any chosen destination can translate into a romantic escape for the newlyweds. The following are just a few of the many romantic honeymoon destination ideas.
Any of the Hawaiian Islands are always an excellent honeymoon choice. Whether you decide to do a little island hopping and visit several islands or spend your entire honeymoon on one island you are bound to enjoy an extremely romantic destination. The pristine and uncrowded beaches and warm, sparkling blue water are just a few of the benefits of honeymooning in Hawaii. Hawaii also has a culture all of its own and offers its guests the feeling of being in a foreign land.
Although it is more expensive than most other popular locations, Bora Bora is another truly romantic honeymoon destination that is well worth the price. It is an out of the way location that is not frequented by many tourists like some other popular honeymoon destinations. The relative serenity of the islands creates an atmosphere that is wonderful for relaxing with your new partner.
Colorado is another romantic honeymoon destination. Although the majestic mountain ranges and availability of cozy cabins in the woods make Colorado a romantic getaway location, it is truly famous for its abundance of winter sports. Choosing to honeymoon in Colorado affords a couple a romantic destination that also has a variety of adventure activities available.
Las Vegas can also be a romantic honeymoon destination. Although it is known as, Sin City, and is famous for its ostentatious glamour and gambling, Las Vegas can also be a romantic location for a couple enjoying their first few blissful days of marriage. The area offers a wealth of beautifully appointed hotel rooms in a variety of styles. This variety ensures that there is something for every couple in Las Vegas.
European locations such as England, Spain and Italy are also popular romantic honeymoon destinations. The traditions and culture that surround these areas make them unique in offering a couple the chance to surround themselves with the allure of history. Additionally if the couple does not speak the native language, it gives the couple a sense of being all alone even in a crowd which lends itself beautifully to the romantic atmosphere.
Mexico is another popular romantic honeymoon location. In particular the Riviera Maya offers a couple a multitude of beautiful beaches that are relatively empty compared to the crowds found in other areas of Mexico such as Cancun. Many of the resorts in the Riviera Maya are all inclusive and some even offer room service free of charge.
Although, it is known more for innocent fun and adventure, Florida can also be a romantic honeymoon destination. Florida offers an assortment of entertainment options from beaches to theme parks and nightclubs. Enjoying an afternoon of rides and attractions at a theme park is an excellent way for a couple to grow closer together. Newlyweds are sure to find everything that they are looking for in Florida.
Costa Rica is another romantic honeymoon locale that offers couples so much more than just beautiful beaches and sparkling waters. Costa Rica is an excellent choice for a couple who is looking for both romance and adventure on their honeymoon. Here you can spend your days kayaking, white water rafting or scuba diving in some of the most beautiful waters around.
New York City is another romantic destination for newlyweds to spend their honeymoon. There is so much to see and do in the city that a couple may find themselves wishing to come back for the first anniversary. New York City offers a variety of elegant restaurants, an extensive theater district and one of the best locations in the world for people watching.
Caneel Bay in the US Virgin Islands is another beach location that is a romantic place to honeymoon. Caneel Bay offers a gorgeous setting that is unparalleled in its beauty. This picturesque location is the perfect place for a couple to relax in the sun and enjoy each others company.
Although beach locations are some of the most popular honeymoon location destinations there are also other popular choices for a romantic getaway. Colorado, Las Vegas, Europe and New York City are just a few of the other popular destinations that are perfect for enjoying a romantic honeymoon that also offers a little something extra.

by Lee Asher
About the Author
Original Source: Articles Galore.comInformation supplied and written by Lee Asher of Eclipse Domain ServicesDomain Names, Hosting, Traffic and Email Solutions.