Traveling is a very exciting experience. But before you go on perfect getaway, you should prepare yourself. A little preparation will go a long way. It is a good idea to do some research. You want to learn as much as possible about your destination. For example, you want to know the type of weather in the area, and you want to find out what types of diseases are common in the area.

Documentation is also important. You want to make sure that you have the paperwork and documentation ready. You do not want to forget your visa at home, when you reach the airport. It is also a good idea to find out about the medical coverage. You may consider purchasing trip insurance.

If you plan to drive, you should get your automobile ready. You should take it to the local mechanic. You should study the local road, laws, and other driving regulations.

You should plan your budget. It is important that you research the cost of local items. If you plan to visit the country that has high cost of living, you can easily run out of money. You also want to have ideas on taxes and tipping in the country of your destination. Many governments charge high taxes for travel related services. It is also a good idea to check for local major holidays. Some services may be limited to those dates.

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Approximate flying times: From New York: 17 hrs. From Chicago: 22 hrs 30 mins. From LA: 19 hrs 25 mins.

If New York is the city that never sleeps, forget the alarm clock. Bangkok, Thailand?s capital city, comes a very close second. The city was founded in 1782 by the first monarch of the present Chakri Dynasty. Today it?s the country’s spiritual, commercial and educational hub, home to approximately ten million people or more than 10% of the Thai population.

City of contrasts and confusion.

Bangkok (or Krung Thep in Thai which means ?city of angels) is an exciting, high energy melting pot of east meets west. A dynamic city that has embraced technology and modern living with its busy expressways, bold skyscrapers and designer-filled shopping malls. Yet underneath it all, it remains a traditional haven of culture, history and time-honored customs, where elders are respected and family always comes first.

As you travel from the airport you?ll see plenty of examples of modern architecture dotting the city scape and amongst them all, standing proud, are glittering Buddhist Wats (temples) such as Wat Phra Kaew and The Grand Palace. Snaking through the concrete jungle, you?ll spy echoes of the ?old Bangkok? below you ? ancient canals and waterways that are well worth exploring on a boat trip.

Every Thai household and building, even the most modern, has a traditional spirit house built outside for good fortune and to honor the spirit of the land. Each day, small offerings of fruit and water are laid out, often with garlands of orchids. If you?re an early riser, keen to make the most of your vacation time in Bangkok, don?t be surprised when you see Buddhist monks in saffron robes making their morning ?alms? rounds accepting food and donations from local people, young and old.

Some like it hot, but not all the time.

Thailand has a tropical climate with an annual average temperature of around 75 to 92 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack light clothing for your trip. Natural fibers are often more comfortable when you?re walking and touring in hot weather. Practically everywhere you go in Bangkok you?ll find you some relief from the heat, with blasts of icy cold air conditioning in shops and hotels.

From March to May it?s the hottest time, with the highest temperatures and humidity. From June to October is monsoon season, so remember to take an umbrella. November to February is cooler and less humid. Bear in mind that the monsoon season varies throughout the country and can affect the weather you experience.

Bangkok Hotels to match every budget.

You?ll find every type of accommodation ? from lavish 5 star international names to smaller hostels, favored by back packers. Book online and see what special rates you can find. Web sites such as http://www.hotel.com.au/bangkok have over 100 hotels in Thailand, ranging from the natural peace and luxury of The Sukhothai on South Sathorn Road, to business hotels in busy downtown Bangkok to the Hard Rock Hotel on Pattaya Beach, Bangkok?s favorite seaside resort.

Getting around is easier.

One of the first words you?ll learn in Bangkok is ?Rot tip? or ?rot tit? which literally means ?cars that stick?, in other words traffic jam. But the everyday snarls and gridlock have been vastly improved by Bangkok?s cosmopolitan transport system.

You can now ride the subway, the Hua Lamphong ? Bang Sue line has 18 stations along the 12 mile route. It?s fast, quiet and modern.

Jump on a BTS Sky Train. BTS sky trains ply along Sukhumvit, Silom and Phahonyothin roads. The routes connect Bangkok?s leading hotels and major shopping areas such as Siam Square, Silom, Ratchaprasong and Chatuchak Weekend Market.

Of course, you can?t go to Bangkok without a ride in a tuk-tuk. These zippy three-wheeled open-air motorized taxis are popular for short journeys. Fares must be bargained in advance, it?s part of the fun.

Top 5 must-see highlights.

The Grand Palace: the number one attraction. Every visitor to Bangkok should see the magnificent buildings within the Grand Palace compound to get a feeling of this grand architecture. Since the founding of Bangkok as the Nations capital by King Rama I, The Grand Palace has been the major architectural symbol of The Thai Royal Family. The Royal Family actually resides at Chitralada Palace while The Grand Palace is used for ceremonial purposes.

Wat Pho: possibly the most interesting temple in Thailand. It combines history, medical science and is a center for meditation and traditional massage training. Have a massage while you?re here, at a very fair price.

Chatuchak Weekend Market: with over 9,000 shops and stalls you?ll be tempted over and over. Close to everything that is for sale in Bangkok is here, including antiques, Buddha amulets, handicrafts, clothes, flowers and furniture. (You?ll notice that some maps spell it ?Jatuchak?. Many English words have multiple spellings, so if you?re in doubt, ask the hotel concierge to write it in Thai for the taxi driver.)

Vimanmek Mansion Museum: the world’s largest golden teak building located in the compound of the Dusit Palace on Ratchawithi Road. The three-storey royal mansion has 81 rooms, halls and ante-chambers containing unique memorabilia.

Jim Thompson?s House: this exquisite Thai house and buildings stand as a museum to the man who revived the Thai silk industry after the Second World War. The company he founded, Jim Thompson Thai Silk, is recognized worldwide for its brilliant fabrics, home accessories and fashion items. The gardens are equally impressive with a lush tropical jungle imitating nature’s haphazard beauty right in the center of the city.

Shopping till you drop!

Shopping in Bangkok is not limited to one or two streets. You?ll find dozens of malls, markets and luxury retail outlets throughout the city. The most popular are located around the Ploenchit-Ratchaprasong area, Sukhumvit Rd and Silom-Surawong-Patpong, including the fantastic Patpong night market where you can pick up your souvenirs, fashion and Thai handicrafts. Don?t be shy to bargain in the market (nicely) as your dollar can go a long way.

Bangkok rocks.

Bangkok has no single area for nightlife ? it has several. Bars are spread out all over town in places such as Patpong, Silom Soi 2 and 4, Soi Sarasin and Lang Suan, Royal City Avenue, Banglumpoo, Soi Cowboy and Sukhumvit Soi 33, among others.

One of the hottest new spots is called ?Bed? is an extraordinary space-age designer lounge in fashionable Sukhumvit Soi 11. The Bed Supper Club is a ?dining in bed? experience. Best described as a unique combination of upscale restaurant, club, art gallery, theater and stage merged into one.

Celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

If you need another good reason to visit ?The Land of Smiles?, here it is. This year marks the Diamond Jubilee of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the ninth king of the Chakri Dynasty. The King has reigned for almost 60 yeas, making him not only the longest reigning Thai monarch, but the longest reigning King in the world today.

A once-in-a-lifetime spectacle.

In true Thai style, the Bangkok celebrations promise to be a spectacular tribute to the Royal Family, full of color, pomp and ceremony. One of the main highlights is The Royal Barge Procession on June 12-13 2006. It will be an international event with twenty-eight monarchs from around the world in attendance. This is a once-in-a lifetime opportunity for visitors, as the Procession is only held to mark significant historical events such as His Majesty?s ascension to the throne.

A river of splendor.

Bangkok?s main river, the Chao Phraya will become the place to be. Imagine a royal armada stretching as far as your eyes can see. A flotilla of superbly carved royal barges slowly sail into view, manned by the Royal Thai Navy dressed in ancient ceremonial uniforms. Each sailor rowing in perfect unison, honed through months of intense practice. If you plan to be in Bangkok in June, do leave the bargains for a few hours and be part of the adoring crowd – and bring your camera.

Incidentally, two major dress rehearsals are planned for the June 6 and 9, so if you can’t attend the real event, this is as close as you may get.

Thailand has a well deserved reputation as the The Land of Smiles. You?ll receive a warm welcome and feel the genuine friendliness of the locals. One thing?s for sure, the memories of a vacation here will stay with you for a lifetime.

Located in the far reaches of Aragon, Spain, the Parador of Sos del Rey Catolico is kind of in the middle of nowhere. The result of this is that relatively few tourists ever find their way here to this sleepy little village of less than a thousand inhabitants. When you enter, you’ll feel as if you’ve just stepped back several centuries in time. The village has a distinctly medieval feel.

The Parador Sos is of a typical Aragonese character. The building conserves and fits congruously with the monumental and historical atmosphere of the town of Sos del Rey Cat?lico. Though by looking at it one would never realize – the Parador here is a modern building. Because the whole town has been declared a National Historic Monument, none of the standing buildings could be changed or altered. The government of Spain hired one of the most renowned architects to create a building that would completely blend in with the historical ambience and appearance of the town. He succeeded completely.

The regal and elegant interior offers beautiful views of the town from some of the rooms. There are wooden interior columns and the furniture is predominately of a Castilian style. The bedrooms are spacious, and because each has it’s own balcony with double doors, and large windows – they fill with light. From those windows can be seen the Aragonese and Navarrese foothills of the Pyrenees in the far distance.

The town of Sos del Rey Catolico has been declared a National Monument. It was the birthplace of influential nobles and of the great Catholic King Ferdinand (who married the equally famous Isabella). From the Parador, a few steps takes you directly into the old quarter of the town.

Interesting nearby excursions from Parador Sos del Rey Catolico:

- As stated earlier, the entire town has been declared a National Historic Monument. It’s great to just meander around with out any special agenda. The town is very small and you can’t get lost.

- See the Sada palace.

- Visit the monastery of Nuestra Se?ora de Valentu?ana.

Interesting day trips from the Olite Parador include:

- Javier Castle (19 km)

- Uncastillo (17 km)

- Yesa Reservoir (25 km)

- Leyre Monastery (28 km)

- Valles de Hecho (89 km)

- Roncesvalles (96 km)

Interesting festivals during the year:

- Local summer festivities in Sos during the 2nd two weeks in August.

- Romer?a Valentu?ana (Procession) Easter.

Sos del Rey Catolico is a very special kind of place. This is not your usual tourist destination – it has none of the hustle and bustle, garrish attractions, or fine restaurants and museums of those places. However; the whole town is like a museum and the Parador serves as fine a cuisine as you’ll find in Spain. Sos is one of my personal favorite places in Spain. Come here for the tranquility and the medieval ambience – you’ll add it your list of favorites as well.

SpainParador.com makes it easy for you to plan and arrange your next trip to Spain. This time stay in palaces, castles, and other places of great historical interest and rare beauty – the wonderful Paradors of Spain. http://www.SpainParador.com

Whenever I?m about to leave on a road trip there is always someone that groans and feels sorry for me. Well, I?m here to tell you they don?t have to be torture. I happen to love them and I?m about to share with you a few of my personal survival tactics.

1.Your travel companion must and I repeat must be easy going. I am fortunate enough to have a most awesome husband. He, (unlike my father growing up) has the patience of Job and absolutely no problem pacing our trip. My experience growing up was quite the opposite. You stopped only for gas, bathroom stops must be timed with such. Hotel stops if you were lucky enough to get one was long after dark and too late to swim. Food was packed at the beginning and better last the trip!

2.It?s good to have a hobby. Some of my personal favorite car ride pastimes include Sudoku, rag mags and scrap booking. That?s right I even manage to scrap book in the car!

3.Know your route. Because my husband and I frequently visit family in Pennsylvania we are well familiar with the trip. ( Sixteen times this past year) We have made our own travel information log of our favorite stops along the way. For example we know that at exit 6 in Georgia, gas in very cheap, exit 8 in South Carolina is a good overnight stopping point. (outlet mall included). Exit 95 wonderful outlet mall and perfect timing for a car nap for the driver while the passenger(s) shop. Last but not least exit 33 in Virginia has the much needed Starbucks! So you see, by having points of interest along the way, you always have something to look forward to. These can be tailored to your own personal likes.

Do you see how just applying these few points a car trip can actually be fun!

Find out about DiscountHotels like BostonHotels and HawaiiHotels

You are planning a holiday abroad for your family, and want everyone to have a good time. You surf the internet for hotel descriptions, but from the pictures that you see and what you read, all hotels project a perfect image of themselves. How can you tell which ones are better? You have never been there and know no one at your destination. At the same time, you don?t want a hotel room that will bust your budget. How do you choose?

Check Independent Hotel Ratings

Well, the first step you can take is to visit hotel search engines for guest ratings for hotels represented by the search engines. In addition to pre-negotiated rates with individual hotels, most agents ask for ratings and comments from previous guests. Reading their comments will give you a fair idea on what to expect from the hotels located in your destination. Be sure to read a few comments in order to get a fair overview. Certain incidences described may only be rare occurrences that may already have been corrected.

Hotel Chains and Facilities

Are they part of an international hotel chain? Most international chains have stringent standards that are adhered to as well as a standard theme across all chains. They may have similar facilities (health clubs, spas, business centers, etc) which are important to maintain the hotel?s high standards. Other things you can look out for include concierge, shuttle services to the city, airport transfers as well as good laundry services.

Location

Perhaps one of the most critical things when selecting a hotel is its location. Hotels that are near to shopping areas, train stations or the city center charge higher rates as compared to those located elsewhere. Analyze a map of the area before you book to determine the nearest shopping areas or access to trains which will give you much convenience in moving around. Also, check with the hotel if they have any large tour groups coming in at the same time. Hotels charge higher rates during high occupancy periods and do not have the flexibility of late check-outs. These are important aspects which, if overlooked, may affect your tour schedule as well as your impression of the hotel?s level of hospitality.

Rates and Discounts

Hotel rates are a huge factor when it comes to choosing a hotel. However, paying more does not necessarily mean that you will receive an equivalent level of service and standards. One of the ways to maximize on prices would be check if they are part of an alliance with flights or car rental companies, which offer discounts to customers of their allies. Sometimes, credit card companies offer their cardholders exclusive rates to special hotels which can be pretty attractive. Additionally, if it?s possible to use your frequent flyer points to redeem hotel discounts, this could help reduce hotel costs as well.

Boutique Hotels

Finally, apart from chain hotels, boutique hotels may are great alternatives for romantic getaways for couples or families seeking hotels of a more distinctive theme. Many boutique hotels have fewer rooms but offer more value added services such as spas within the bedroom, breakfasts in bed or even in-room massages. In the end, your choice of hotel really depends on what you want out of your holiday.

You may visit Hotels Search EU PTY LTD to find the most trusted hotels at top destinations across the world.

Author Bio:

Both Erica Johnson & her husband David love to travel, ski and meet people from different cultures. They have traveled all continents to experience hospitality, adventure, sports, exotic foods, learn new languages and understand history.

Diving enthusiasts know the South Pacific is home to some of the most awe-inspiring underwater sights in the world, with few as breathtaking as Fiji, a scenic archipelago of more than 300 islands spread over an ocean area of more than 200,000 square miles. Fiji offers hundreds of spectacular Fiji diving sites to please even the most discriminating diver.

Many of the Fiji coral reefs provide a wide variety of Fiji diving possibilities for novices and expert divers, including wreck dives, night dives, and drift dives, among others. Some of the more stunning reefs include:

The Outer Barrier Reef provides some of the more stunning Fiji diving spectacles. If one is looking for colorful fish swimming in and out of equally rainbow-kissed coral, one would do well to visit Gotham City, one of the more renowned diving sites in Fiji, or possibly the Big W, where big fish, including mantas and sharks, often cruise on their way out to the ocean. The Namotu Reef on one of the Outer Barrier Reef’s passages, offers Fiji divers a fantastic view of sharks, marlins, and manta rays; the Namotu Wall, on the other hand, provides an unbelievable view of aquatic life, with turtles, sharks, and schools of fish in great abundance.

Meanwhile, if one is looking for a nontraditional Fiji diving site with unexpected results, one can visit Barrel Heads, where reef sharks, turtles, hard coral, and sea fans are known to proliferate; the Castaway Passage, renowned for its incredible visibility of more than 30 meters; or The Big Blue which sports a remarkable variety of coral canyons. Drift dive enthusiasts will appreciate the Wilky Wall, a drift dive over Fiji’s most beautiful coral reefs, and the Wilkes Passage, a thrilling passage that runs with the ocean current.

The Malolo Barrier Reef, on the other hand, is an equally impressive Fiji diving site for its exciting, abundant aquatic life. The Supermarket is arguably the world’s most famous diving site for sharks. Grey reef sharks and white and black tip reef sharks are all over The Supermarket. The B26 Bomber, so-named because of the namesake American aircraft that crashed in its 26m area, provides an interesting goal to divers seeking a bit of history by encouraging them to find the parts of the doomed airplane, kept together by rope on the ocean bed. The Salamanda Shipwreck is another exciting wreck dive; the Salamanda, a 40m cruise ship that sank in 30m of seawater, is now a breeding ground for soft coral, shrimp, crabs, and sea anemone.

Other Fiji diving spots worth checking out are Jackie’s Reef, a favorite of coral viewing boats for the past three decades for its diverse fish population; Vomo Island, which hosts Ronnie’s Reef’s sensational coral canyons and Vomo Caves’ intricate caverns and unforgettable swim-through passages; Tui’s Reef, a popular night Fiji diving spot where crayfish, clams, moray eels and other tropical aquatic life come out to feed; Stonehenge, ideal for novice divers because of its shallow depths; Bird Rock, renowned for its swim-through passages and caves, soft corals and plentiful fish action; the Circus, phenomenal for its abundance of multicolored coral; and Coral Gardens, a relatively shallow reef dive with oh-too-different corals and reef.

Visitors to Fiji would do well to find a resort in Fiji close to some of the better Fiji diving spots, of which there are many. One particular Fiji resort that’s renowned for its proximity to the more famous diving sites is the Nomads Skylodge Resort (http://www.nomadsskylodge.com). This Fiji resort, the newest island newest hideaway on Nadi, Fiji’s third-largest town, is ideal Fiji accommodations for wedding and other celebrations because of its ideal location. Everything is conveniently within reach at the Nomads Skylodge Resort in Fiji, and its stellar event facilities and welcoming ambience are renowned throughout the region as a must-visit for Fiji wedding venues. Another great factor for considering the Nomads Skylodge is that you can now reserve directly with this Fiji resort online! Their official hotel website guarantees Guests their Nomads Skylodge reservations (with instant confirmation!) at the best rates on the Internet.

So what are you waiting for? Come visit Fiji and enjoy the finest diving in the world today!

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