10 Famous Ways to Go on the Best Sightseeing Tours

Here are a few valuable points to assist you in planning the best sightseeing adventure. Time to tour! Almost every tourist destination has sightseeing potentials. It not only adds to the appeal of that place, but also provides quite an insight about the place. Counted amongst must do's, here are 10 famous ways to go on the best sightseeing tours.

1. Consider a good tour operator who has a range of sightseeing tours catering to your needs and budget. Select the one, which best suits you.

2. Select a good guide who is well acquainted with the place and who can communicate well with you.

3. Select a clear day with mild weather so the visibility is clear and you can enjoy the tour.

4. Carry sun block as you may need it as most the sightseeing tours are outdoors.

5. In many places, one can see most of the sightseeing hot spots with a single pass. Get it in advance or ask your tour operator to arrange it.

6. Carry necessary accessories like binoculars, camera etc. with you.

7. Different places have different travel mode, which are great for sightseeing. Opt for the best mode for sightseeing.

8. At times, you may need multiple tickets for seeing different places. Ask your tour operator or your guide to arrange them before hand as to avoid unnecessary hassle and confusion.

9. If you are on a group sightseeing tour, know the time and place to assemble at the sightseeing places to make sure that you are not left out.

10. Try to avoid a group where there are too many people for sightseeing, as you may not get what the guide is explaining.

11. If there are elder people or kids with you, take special care for their needs. You can carry a folding chair for the elders in case they want to rest awhile. If you are taking children with you, keep them under supervision.

Veron Ho is the owner of Travel Haven, a travel agency totally dedicated to organising creative and luxury packages. Join Travel Haven Email Club at http://www.TheTravelHavenOnline.com and receive a COMPLIMENTARY Destination Travel Guide of your choice.

Frequent Traveler? How to Add Extra Pages to Your Passport

You will need to add passport pages to your US passport if you fall under either of these two categories: (1) you have less than two to four pages left in your passport, or (2) you are a frequent traveler in need of a new passport book. If you fall under one of the two, then you'll likely want to know how to add passport pages to your current passport. Read on and we'll show you exactly how to do it.

If you have two to four passport pages remaining in your US passport, then you'll need to apply for additional pages right away. But why hurry? You need to act quickly especially if you're planning on traveling soon since routine passport processing takes four to six weeks to complete. So it pays to accomplish this early so you can get them soon.

To request for additional pages, your passport must first of all be valid. If it is still valid, fill in Form DS-4085. Then you will have to mail your completed DS-4085 along with your current passport to the address specified in the form.

If you're going through the routine passport processing, then you don't have to pay for anything to have additional pages. However, you can have the process expedited if you need to travel in two to four weeks' time, which will require additional fees. Expedited passports are faster to process, and you can get your passport in around two to three weeks.

Now let's talk about frequent travelers. If you are a frequent traveler, then chances are you use up your passport pages faster than most people. When applying for more pages, you'll need to go through a different procedure.

To request new passport pages, you need to send a signed letter requesting one. Along with this letter should be the completed DS-82 form. Filling in this form will allow you to send your passport application by mail. But in instances where are you ineligible to apply by mail, you'll need to complete the DS-11 form. When using the DS-11, you will submit this form in person, along with your letter to the passport office.

Should you decide to send your passport application by mail, choose a tracked method of delivery. This will help ensure that the addressee receives your application. All modern couriers now offer this type of delivery. Aside from that, ensure that your documents are secure by placing them in a secure envelope. Look for an envelope that isn't easily damaged so it remains in good condition until it arrives at the passport office.

It can't be easier to request for additional passport pages. First of all, you would need to determine under which of the two categories you fall. Be aware that there are different procedures you need to follow if you are an applicant with less than two to four passport pages left, as well as when you are a frequent traveler. Now you know how to add passport pages to your US passport.

How to Tell a Good Travel Agent When You See One

You and your spouse have decided to go on a vacation. You've always wanted to get really away, and a trip to the relatives just doesn't cut it any more. How do you plan your trip?

You could go online and dig around for travel tips (which you're doing right now, unless this article is in a physical magazine). You will find more information online than you can possibly use--and some will be contradictory. How do you separate the wheat from the chaff? Every place will say it's the best place to visit. Everyone will claim to have the best discount. No one will tell you the gotchas. (Some places do have negative comments, but how do you know if the comments aren't just sour grapes?) What if price X changes while you're looking at price Y? What about hidden costs, problems you might not think of, secret discounts you don't know about, and pitfalls in processing your documents? Many dangers lurk in planning travel beyond your usual haunts. And don't forget--all that research takes time. What's your time worth?

You might visit a travel agent. Travel agents have a reputation for being expensive. After all, they have offices and all those fancy travel books and posters. As it happens, those ads and brochures are supplied by the cruise lines and travel companies. They pay the agents, too, normally. If an agent needs to charge you for a service, they will tell you up front. if you're in a travel club, you can expect the agent to reduce or eliminate the commission, and have a ready supply of club discounts, further reducing the price. Ask yourself: What's a travel agent's knowledge and experience worth? They know the ropes, the pitfalls, the tricks of the trade; they have access to all the discounts, and they'll save you time and stress--after you get to know a travel agent, one phone call can take care of everything.

Of course, you have the same problem picking a travel agent as you do making travel decisions online: Who's good? For that matter, what is good in a travel agent? And how can you tell?

Here are a few ways to take the measure of a travel agent.

• Are you connected to the agent? (This rule is good when you consider hiring a realtor or a funeral director, too.) If you know someone in the travel industry, they are more likely to want to give you exceptional service. After all, they see you socially. Maybe you knoe where they live. Good travel agents can be relatives, acquaintances, friends, and friends of friends.
• Is the person well traveled? If they have been to where you want to go, all the better, but travel experience of any sort seasons a person. A travel agent who has personally been around the block a few times is a font of wisdom and advice.
• Is the person detail oriented? Not necessarily neat (that is a good thing), but notice whether they find your file immediately. They should know where everything is and not have to hunt for things. You don't want an absent-minded professor for a travel agent. You never (okay, hardly ever) see a good travel agent surprised by something, and they keep their promises about when they'll have something for you. They are ready when you show up after that first, introductory meeting.
• Is the agent you're working with responsive? Do they answer phone calls and emails promptly? This is a must. Even if all they can say is that they need more time, they don't make you wait for a reply.
• Are they cost efficient? You can tell this by the number of choices they present you with. A lazy travel agent won't research multiple options, won't hunt for the best price, won't spend any more time than necessary working up your vacation. You see them look up one thing and give you a price. A good agent will hunt down good deals, think of options (a nearby nice location that costs less, for example) that you didn't consider, check with several wholesalers. Good agents give you a lot to choose from.

A good travel agent can handle a lot of that before-vacation hassle, and make your next trip more enjoyable while it's happening.

Sometimes the best travel agent is one who works for you, not the travel companies. Travel clubs and travel consolidators buy in volume and trim commissions; both techniques save you money. Here's a club and its associated consolidator: Serenity Travel Newark.com and Destination Vacations International

Finding a Great Caravan Park

Staying in a caravan for a holiday is becoming increasingly popular for couples, families and friends. So if you fancy spending time in one, you will want to know where to find the perfect park for you.

The internet is an excellent way to find a suitable park, especially the best ones around. So if you want to get a head start in your search just type the words "Caravan Park" prefaced by your location in your browser, e.g., 'Yorkshire caravan parks' and up will pop of host of websites belonging to all kinds of parks - both large and small.

In order to assist people in finding a caravan park in a location which is either close to them, or in an area where they would like to stay, many websites publish lists in geographical order, sometimes throughout the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. You may also find parks listed across the English Channel in France as well as other locations throughout Europe. Some websites also publish aerial maps of their various locations, giving you a better idea of the area you may choose stay in

So what makes a park "great", as opposed to just pleasant or quite good? Firstly there are the facilities in the caravans themselves. Today's units are a far cry from the traditional cramped little caravans that were popular many years ago. Nowadays the vans come complete with luxury items, fully fitted kitchens, showers and can be anything up to sixty feet long. They really are a home from home which is of course one reason why these kind of holidays are becoming so popular once again.

Other factors that serve to make a caravan park deserve the term "great"is the provision of entertainment, be it organised, proximity to a beach, golf, water sports, cycling, indoor entertainment and children's play area, to name just a few.

Location is also very important. The seaside with a beautiful beach, or a beautiful countryside venue, are likely ingredients for popular parks. As well as pleasant surroundings, they will also be near to interesting places to visit, be they quaint country towns or seaside resorts.

And, if you enjoy your holiday so much you can choose to own your own holiday home as most parks will have a choice of luxury new and used static caravans for sale. If they don't have the particular one you desire, the park may help you find it. Price is always important, and the park will hopefully charge a very economical price for the static caravan you wish to purchase. You will also have to pay ground rent, so check the contact details on their website, and ask how much you are likely to have to pay.

So in order to find a great park for your caravan holiday, check out the internet to find out what is on offer.

Sand-Le-Mere is one of the most popular yorkshire caravan parks and is located on the east coast. Sand-Le-Mere is family owned and considered to be one the UK's most popular and beautiful holiday and residential caravan parks.

Whale Watching in West Cork

Over the last number of years West Cork has recorded over 12 different species and as a result has become a popular destination for people who enjoy whale watching.

During the 1990's the Irish Government declared the coastal waters of Ireland a whale and dolphin sanctuary and each year Ireland attracts more and more whale and dolphin watching enthusiasts from all corners of the world.

Whale watching in Ireland has definitely taken off and in particular in Cork, this is due to the many species that call West Cork their home over half the year. During the month of May the Minke Whales arrive off the Irish coast followed by the Fin Whales who traditionally arrive in June or July. Both species stay through the months of August and into the autumn and early winter months, because of this, Cork provides some fantastic opportunities to view these large marine mammals along its stunning coast. The Humpback Whales traditionally arrive during the month of August or during the early autumn months but are not as predictable as the visitors before them.

Catching a glimpse of these magnificent mammals is certainly the highlight of any whale-watching excursion, there are also some fantastic opportunities to see some Bottlenose Dolphins, Risso's Dolphins and porpoises that arrive to the coast during the summer months. Throughout the year the following species can also be seen on the West Cork shore: Killer Whales, Basking Sharks, Long-finned Pilot Whales, Atlantic White Sided Dolphins and White Beaked Dolphins.

Seals are also another common sighting and there are two species that you are sure to see on the coast of West Cork, they are the Atlantic Grey Seal and the Common Seal. The Seals are a very common sight in the Baltimore area in particular.

Whale watching boat trips are a common sight in Cork and offer an ideal opportunity to view these wonderful mammals up close, whilst touring the spectacular unspoilt Cork coastline. Cork is famous for its natural rugged beauty and spectacular peninsulas, such as the remote Beara Peninsula, Mizen Head Peninsulas and Sheep's Head Peninsula.

West Cork is a popular tourist destination with much to see and do, from its rugged landscapes, colourful villages and towns peppered along its coastline, to amazing wildlife, its people and much much more, a visit to West Cork is a must.

West Cork also attracts a thriving population of common and uncommon seabirds and is a very popular destination for bird watching. Only this year an Ivory Gull from Arctic Russia was sighted 60 miles offshore in Baltimore Harbour and stayed for a week!

Whale watching is an absolutely fantastic experience and if you have not tried it already then you really must. What better place to conduct such a wonderful experience than in the spectacular surroundings of West Cork.

Breda Quirke writes for GoIreland.com - Ireland's leading travel and accommodation website.

Check out GoIreland.com for everything you need to know before you visit Ireland. GoIreland.com has low prices for quality approved hotel, B&B, guesthouse and self catering accommodation all over the country.

Looking for hotels in Cork? Browse GoIreland.com's Cork hotels page now for great value prices!

All Inclusive Travel Deals - Getting the Dream Vacation You Have Always Wanted!

Are you looking for the best way to travel and the only way to make sure you get what you want on your vacation? Do you want to make sure that your next vacation is what you have always dreamed of? There are ways to get what you want with all inclusive travel deals. Here are some tips to help you when you book your next trip.

First, when you use the total package in your traveling you will not have to worry about a thing. You can travel to the ends of the earth and find some incredible resorts to stay at that will give you all the extras included in your five star package. This is the best way to travel and you will agree once you travel this way once.

Second, with all inclusive travel deals you will be able to get a great deal that will include all the things you need. This is all the way down to your food, drink, entertainment, and all the things that you need in order to have the time of your life. Using all inclusive travel deals is the only way to go and you will understand that once you take your trip.

Last, you will be able to relax and have no worries on your trip. You can get all the things you want, have the fun times you want and enjoy the company you are keeping if you get a total package deal and you are able to stay at one of the finest resorts in the world. You can do this with many companies including Sandals & Beaches.

Click Here to discover all the benefits to traveling to a Sandals All Inclusive Resort!

Where Would I Go For an Island Vacation?

I have decided that I am going to have an island vacation!

I'm not worried about what I could do there as I know I can people-watch, lounge, swim, dive, kayak, sail, eat, drink, shop, fish, gamble or do nothing at all!

How do I pick between the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, or the Pacific?

I have heard that the Mediterranean is not just a place but a state of mind. Its hot dry summers make it perfect for lying on beaches or lying in the deep blue waters. The warm weather matches the hospitality of the locals.

Why a Caribbean vacation? For the beaches and sea, the history of the islands, the unique mixture of Caribbean, British, Dutch, Spanish and African cultures. Diving, surfing, windsurfing, fishing, sailing and snorkeling. Even sitting on the beach is better in the Caribbean!

Why would I want to go to the Pacific? Aren't they the most amazing islands in the world? There are few tourists and even fewer monster hotels. The Pacific Islanders have a fascinating culture. Some islands are so small they are only a beach and a coral reef. Other islands are so large that they have hundreds of different languages.

If I were to go to the Mediterranean, I would avoid the middle of Summer. Its the peak session, its very hot and full of tourists. If I was going to go in August, I would make sure to book far in advance. I prefer Fall or late Spring, it is still warm, everything is open but everywhere is less crowded. Early Spring is a good time to visit the more southern parts of the Mediterranean as well as larger islands like Crete. I have found that even in the middle of Winter, the weather is still mild. The only problem with Winter is that its the low season, most of the attractions are shut.

If the Caribbean was my pick, going in the most popular time of December to April might put me off. Its the coldest part of Winter in the US and Europe so everyone would be taking advantage of it being the driest time in the Caribbean. The prices are lower in the off-season, between May and November, but I would have to be aware of hurricanes.

If the Pacific topped my list, I would have to remember the seasons are reversed in the Southern Hemisphere. Summer is between December and April - which is the hottest and most humid time to be near the Equator but the best time to visit places like New Zealand and southern Australia. May to September is Winter, but it is the best time to visit the islands nearer the Equator and northern Australia. The weather is cooler and less humid so there is less rainstorms, this is why it is also the peak season.

What about a resort island? A complete package with activities, pools, restaurants, shopping or even gambling. What about an island unspoilt by development? I could handle an empty island. There are over 700 islands in the Bahamas, they can't all be full?

I could go on about how it depends on the time of the year, how much time I want to spend traveling to get there, peak or off-peak seasons and what I would do there. But really, I am going to book an island vacation package now!

Martin wishes he was having an island vacation right now! If only he could decide where to go.....

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