Tips On Getting A Rental Vehicle For Your Long Road Trip In The US and Canada

It's vacation season and are you ready for the big road trip? Many of you may have already made plans as early this year, and many may have even planned longer than that. Do you have relatives visiting from other countries like your parents or grandparents whom you want to tour around the US and Canada? As long as they their proper documentations have been secured and the required super visa insurance has been purchased to enable you to cross country then this long road trip is going to be fun for everyone!

Vehicle owners are already prepping their own vehicles but not everyone has cars or SUVs to drive around when they need too.

Vacation time will be a busy time for all types of travelers. The roads can get packed especially on weekends when some families decide to take a long drive to enjoy their break.  And during this time where most road travelers ask themselves, "is my car ready for the long road trip?" If their answer is no, then renting out a vehicle will be the logical solution to cover that concern.

Some travelers probably even own smaller cars which are not fit for the long drive. Therefore, renting a bigger SUV, camper van or a family space wagon will be a perfect idea for that kind of trip.

However, before you book your rented vehicle, make sure you consider these tips to ensure you are getting the best out of your rental deal.

Call the rental company before booking

If your plan includes a cross-country drive to or from the US and Canada, it will be ideal to call the rental company first before reserving or booking for clarifications. Some rental companies may not allow you to take the car outside the borders but some may. So, ensure you have the right information before you secure your booking.

Compare the Cost

Check out rates online as most rental car companies offer fabulous discounts and deals when you book online and for long period of time.

Insurance

Make sure the rental company offers insurance to cover your trip, the passengers and the motor vehicle. You would like to have a piece of mind while you are out in the road with your loved ones and making sure that you have the right coverage for the long cross country road trip is a must. Check with the car rental company for the right type of insurance you should purchase if you are crossing the US or Canada.

Documentation

Make sure you carry your driver's license, passport with you, along with any travel insurance required for the trip when you cross borders. That also includes your entire family who are traveling with you. You can purchase your travel insurance online, and in travel agencies like the snowbird travel insurance. Check from the travel agency the types of documents required to take along when you plan to cross the border so you will not face any problems during the trip.

(Photo credit: Rosan Harmens/unsplash.com)

Choose the right vehicle

The type of car should match the kind of road trip you will undertake and the number of passengers who will travel with you.  Will you need a spacious car or a vehicle that has a large trunk for storage of bags? Will you travel in narrow roads or mostly highways? Do you like an automatic or a stick shift car which is cheaper than the former type? All these things have to be considered when you finalize your choice depending on your travel and budget. If you will travel solo or with only a partner or a buddy then a smaller car will be ideal.

Choose unlimited mileage

Although most rental companies offer unlimited mileage, it is still a wise thing to check and ensure you get the rental car with unlimited mileage so you do not have to worry about racking up mileage when you travel cross country.

Read the fine print

This part is the least one that many of us do not do. We seldom read the fine print but we should. Do not get caught off guard with other fees when you take your car after booking because you did not read the fine print.  Do not get blindsided because you did not have time to read your confirmation or have missed to print a hardcopy when you collect your vehicle. Know your rights and know what you have paid for in the car rental.

Review - AirComfy Travel Pillow #AirComfyTravel

It gets very frustrating when my travel pillow doesn't deliver as expected. I travel a lot and I usually use a travel pillow that has microbeads in it (or those small styrofoams beads) but sometimes, it snags and all the contents spill, making a huge mess. It's just very embarrassing!

I tried other inflatable travel pillows too but either they'd get punctured or the blow piece will suddenly open and release air. I'm glad to have this AirComfy Travel Pillow Inflatable Neck Pillow because it is the right one for me.

I like this travel pillow for a fact that the blow nozzle is not the flip type but it's the twist cap so it was easier for me to inflate it without having to quickly close the flip so air won't release. Another thing I liked about this inflatable pillow is that it can also be used as a lumbar support for that long hours of sitting at work. You can easily adjust how inflated you want it to be by simply twisting the cap and releasing few air.

It comes with a small travel pouch to protect the AirComfy pillow and it will surely make a great travel pillow for my long haul flights.

I definitely recommend this product because it's sturdy and has an easy blow piece nozzle to inflate it without the struggles.

You can purchase this product from Amazon.

I received this complimentary in exchange of my unbiased review. My opinion and findings are 100% mine and may vary from yours.

Cape Cod: It's Not Just for the Kennedys

From the beaches of Wellfleet and Eastham to the historical sites like Marconi Station and the Kennedy compound, Cape Cod has got something for everyone. Even tiny towns like Truro have quaint restaurants and vividly decorated art galleries, and the salt air smells fresh on the breeze.

A Brief History of Cape Cod

Ever since the Vikings first called it "Promontory of Vinland" in the ninth century, Cape Cod has been a waypoint and navigational landmark for sailors. Even today, stone walls built by Leif Erikson and his younger brother, Thorvald, still stand in Provincetown and at the mouth of the Manomet river. More than 500 years later, the Wampanoag tribe of Native Americans welcomed the Pilgrims. Today, the largest, free-standing, all-granite monument in the United States stands in Provincetown to commemorate those early Pilgrims and Native Americans. Other explorers, such as Henry Hudson and Captain John Smith, walked the willowy sand dunes and breathed deep the fresh air.

Things to Do

Sitting in the middle of the ocean as it is, "the Cape," as it’s sometimes known, offers all manner of waterborne activities. Bathers who can get used to the seemingly frigid waters of the North Atlantic, even during high summer, can enjoy some of the best swimming around. The Cape receives fairly substantial tidal action, and the difference in water level between high and low tide is as much as 12 feet in some places. At low tide, this creates playful surf for bodysurfers and swimmers with inflatable rafts. There are even beaches dedicated to surfing itself, such as White Crest Beach in Wellfleet.

Cape Cod beaches are as famous for their spectacular sand dunes as well as their ocean water. Unfortunately, wind and water erosion has hit the dunes quite hard, and fun activities of yore, such as "sledding" on refrigerator boxes and running down the dunes, are now prohibited. Big dunes are still fun to look at, however, and the biggest are at Cahoon’s Hollow ocean beach in Wellfleet.

Lighthouse fanciers can visit dozens of the structures on the Cape. Most famous among these is the Nauset Light in Eastham, but there are also other notables, such as the Nobska Point Light in Falmouth, the Edgartown Harbor Light on Martha’s Vineyard and Chatham Light. The lighthouses speak to the Cape’s importance in the shipping history of the United States. Whalers used to call the Cape home, and travelers can visit not only old whaling stations but also the homes of famous seafarers, including whalers. Those interested in whales themselves can take whale-watching cruises from Provincetown or Hyannis. Sailors and fishermen alike can take advantage of everything for which the Atlantic Ocean is famous.

While in Hyannis, which is part of the larger town of Barnstable, Mass., vacationers can catch a glimpse of the Kennedy compound. The Kennedy family, though, donated the main house to the Edward Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate in 2012. On specific days, it’s now open to the public. Also in Hyannis, visitors can feed their munchies at the Cape Cod Potato Chip factory. It’s open for tours year-round, and more than 250,000 people a year get a chance to get a bag in which the chips are still warm and steaming.

Culture fans can catch a play at The Cape Playhouse in Dennis. Such Hollywood luminaries as Humphrey Bogart, Gregory Peck and Bette Davis have been on stage at the oldest summer theater in the United States. In fact, celebrity watchers can catch a glimpse of stars as varied as author Mary Higgins Clark and former child actress Eve Plumb, who now paints and exhibits her work in Chatham art galleries. The Cape Cod Symphony Orchestra gives its concerts September to May and is one of the most highly regarded regional orchestras in the country. Perhaps the Cape’s biggest cultural claim to fame is its eclectic collection of art galleries. Even a small town like Wellfleet, which comprises 12 square miles and is home to barely 2,500 year-round residents, contains more than 20 galleries just by itself.

Food and Lodging Options

Aside from the ubiquitous family motels, there are properties for rent, which include cabins and even houses, campgrounds and bed-and-breakfasts of all price ranges. Most can be had by the day, week and even month.

From the world-famous Bayside Lobster Hutt in Wellfleet to P-Town Pizza in Provincetown and Captain Parker's Pub in West Yarmouth, which features the best clam chowder anywhere around, travelers can discover something for almost any palate. As expected, however, the seafood is second to none.

Getting Around

Cape Cod is the scene of some of the worst traffic jams imaginable, so it’s a good idea to have a bicycle along on vacation. Most towns on the Cape are small to get around on two wheels—a great way to stay in shape.

Fun Facts

• Billingsgate Island is the site of a town washed away by erosion. The buoy that marks the remaining shoal has a mournful tone.
• Guglielmo Marconi broadcast his first message to Europe from Cape Cod.
• One of the few remaining, functioning drive-in theaters in the Northeast is in Wellfleet.
• "Jaws" was filmed in Martha's Vineyard.
• The clock in the Congregational Church in Wellfleet is the only town clock in the world that strikes ship's time.

Review - Slim Cubes Traveling Case #packingcubes

I love to travel. So it does not come as a surprise that I have mastered the art of packing. However, nothing makes packing more organized and neat than having Slim Cubes Traveling Cases from Dot and Dot.

I am a fussy packer. I don't want my stuff all over the luggage. I want my clothes, underwears, beauty stuff and shoes all in their proper places and the Slim Cubes Traveling Cases really is the best travel organizer I have.

The work is cut out for Slim Cubes Traveling Cases when it comes to organizing everything that you want to pack in your luggage.

What I like: 

The size is just enough to accommodate your basic needs and in a way, it helps in keeping tabs of what you're actually packing.

I like that they are stackable and flexible that even when the luggage space gets tight, you can easily squeeze any of them.

They are super lightweight and washable too!

They have ventilation so air can circulate in your stuff.

I also like that they have 2 zippers. It's very important for me to not fumble looking for zippers . It's easier to open that way.


What I don't like:
Nothing at all! I may even get the larger sizes for the whole family!

Dimension:
14" x 5" x 2.75"



Price:
$29.97 and FREE Shipping on orders over $35 from Amazon. Buy it here: Amazon marketplace - http://www.amazon.com/Slim-Packing-Cubes-Value-Set/dp/B00JKIT6IU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1413432354&sr=8-1&keywords=packing+cubes

My recommendation:

I like these slim packing cubes a lot that I also ordered a separate cube for my shoes (shoe bag - travel packing cubes by Dot and Dot).

I highly recommend this set of slim packing cubes for your travel because they actually help organize your stuff and keeps your clothes neat. They come in large sizes too. However, I prefer having the slim version because it's easier to pack extra stuff when you're using big ones. This is just the right size (14" x 5" x 2.75"). This is a perfect packing case for me.


I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Planning A Trip With Your Family And Your Dog

Most people today believe that they cannot go on a family trip with their dog due to the fact that hotels do not accept pets and that it would be a huge hassle. Others already know that they can find various pet friendly opportunities and always plan accordingly. The difficulty in planning stands in the research that is conducted. The truth is that when you take your dog with you, the responsibility is higher and you need to do more planning.

Photo credit: worldleadingvacations.com

Let us try to help by simply talking about some very simple tips that you can remember. It is not difficult to plan a trip with your dog and your family. You just have to be a little careful.


Planning Trip Stops

Most people have a huge problem as they start planning way too late. With this in mind, you have to be sure that you have enough time available. If time is a concern, you have to consider dog friendly ideas by My Pawson and similar websites. Look at the various stops that are available and see which ones will allow you to have a dog with you.

Read reviews written by past clients. That will tell you exactly how the stops accommodated your four legged friend and you will learn about various things that are not mentioned. For instance, some hotels require the dog to be placed inside a cage if you are not around.


Taking What The Dog Needs With You

Besides accommodations, you will also need to make sure that you have all the accessories that are necessary for the canine. This includes everything from a water bowl to waste bags. Also, various special items may be necessary like a simple water bottle for your dog, or a pet carrier.



Calling The Chosen Locations

It is very important that you take into account the fact that things change as time passes. The pet friendly hotel that you find online may not allow pets right now. In fact, there are many hotels that are not currently dog friendly, although they were in the past. Also, there are some that will allow you to take your dog with you although this is not clearly highlighted on the websites.

Calling the hotel is what counts the most since you need to be offered extra information in almost all situations. Have patience and always ask all the questions you have. When you are offered the information, you need to be sure that you write it down. There is always a possibility you will forget what was said.

In the event that your hotel will offer some rules, make sure that you respect them! Also, check out what locations you want to visit since this counts a lot. For instance, your dog may not be allowed when you visit some attractions. In this case you have to be sure that the pet is properly taken care of, which is not as easy as you may believe. Patience will allow you to choose the best opportunities that are available.

Party Is Over! Welcome 2014!

Photo credit: yahoo images

Yes, the days of non-stop eating, partying, drinking and merriment has come to an end (temporarily!) and we are now in the first day of the new year of 2014. It's time to get serious to the reality after the holidays.

I am not good at making resolutions but I will try to live a healthier life this year. I aim for more travels, more quality time spent with the ones I love and more blogging opps to receive.

I don't believe in astrology nor predictions that the year of the Horse is not good for those born under the year of the Rat. I happen to be born in 1972 so that makes me under the year of the Rat. People are saying that the year of the Horse is not compatible with the Rat born people. I rebuke that and I don't believe such claims.

I just woke up with my first payment for my blog services for the year of 2014 and the mail came from a trusted and regular sponsor. Mind you, it is in 3-digits! Is that not blessed or what?

So there, whatever people say about this or that, I will rely on the fact that God will bless me with more opportunities because He knows I will be sharing it.

Here's to a year of good health, more love, tons of PEACE and of course, steady flow of income from my blogs and that means - loads of paid opportunities.

Yes, 2014! I am claiming you!

Find Local Activities In Your City Through Vimbly.com

Is your city beaming with activities and yet you don't even know? How about visiting a place in the US and you have no clue on what to do when you get there? It is frustrating to plan all the things you want to do but you don't even know where to start. Here is where Vimbly.com comes into the picture to help you maximize your day in a local city and enjoy what that city has to offer.

I didn't know about Vimbly.com until recently. It would have been a fulfilling experience to enjoy Las Vegas last 2009 to the max if we had known where to go aside from the usual walk around The Strip or at least engaged in some local activities there. We were toured by our relatives who reside in San Diego but they were clueless just like us.

Well, it is never too late to enjoy the city you want to visit if you will consult Vimbly.com for great things that you can possibly do, see and experience in that city.

The site offers comprehensive list of attractions, fun activities, entertainment, food scene, water sports, family-friendly activities and attractions, excursions, airborne tours, water tours, cultural tours and special occasion like experience gifts.

The Vimbly.com site is easy to navigate and offers dates of activities, shows and tours you can take and participate in. You can also change the setting of how you want to view the site such as tile view that shows the price and date of availability, preview if you want the description included or calendar view if you want bird's eye view of the week's offers and availability and rates.

This is the calendar view.   Photo credit: vimbly.com

So, why guess when you can plan ahead, prepare your budget and book yourself and your family to the local activities in that area? Vimbly.com offers plenty of information on the things you can do and see while in New York, Chicago, Seattle, Maui, Las Vegas, Orlando and Los Angeles.

I hope they add more US cities and even international cities in the list so we don't have to search around because everything you want to find out in a particular city tours and activities-wise will be in one place  -  only at Vimbly.com.

Free Travel Paper Piecing Patterns

Do you love crafts? How about scrapbooking or making handmade cards? Do you enjoy piecing papers together to create fun embellishments? If you do, then here are some free paper piecing patterns from BHG.com for you to enjoy and incorporate in your projects. You have to sign up first to be a member before you can get the patterns. Have fun!

All these photos are from BHG.com. Patterns can be downloaded from here:

Paper Patterns - Travel

It's So Cold Here

I think I don't like to come here in the US during winter or post winter time. It is supposed to be spring already but the weather is like winter.

We are bracing ourselves to the colder temperature in Buffalo, New York later on. Today's weather forecast in NY is around 15 degrees Celsius but I am not sure if it's April Fool's Day or what but the forecast for April 1 and 2 in Niagara Falls, NY is around 4 degrees Celsius as the highest and 0 to -4 as the lowest with snow. I keep checking on the weather, maybe it will still change but no luck.

Screen shot from Accuweather.com

Much as we are all excited to see snow, we're more eager to see the blooms of spring. Anyway, snow or not, Niagara, here we come!

All Set And Ready To Go

Everything is set. The hotels have been booked. The car rental is confirmed including our special request for bike rack for suvs. We are just waiting to get in the flight. My daughter and I are here in Dubai and my husband and mom-in-law are still in Manila, waiting for a chance to get seats so they can connect to the New York flight here.

Our logistics and coordination in this trip was almost perfect if it wasn't for travelers chancing their minds and traveling on the dates we have already planned few months ago. The seat availability looked very promising few days ago but now it is crazy!

I am thinking positive and praying for miracles that my husband and mom-in-law will be able to get in the next flight to Dubai so they can follow right away. My daughter and I will take our chance in the Dubai-New York flight tomorrow at 02:55 a.m.  I just hope we get in so at least my husband and mom-in-law will have greater chances of getting in the succeeding flights due to lesser competition.

I am really thinking positive and praying that all goes well.

Give the Gift of Experience Next Holiday Season

The Christmas season is now well behind us, and we still have another 10 months before we start to frantically shop for gifts.  Admit it, often when you buy a gift, aren't you just buying it because you feel obligated to?  You may not know what to get some people on your list such as your parents who have everything they need or your best friend who can buy anything she needs.

If you routinely struggle with buying the perfect gift (and who doesn't?), why not vow to do something different next holiday season.

Instead of buying "stuff" that your friends and family may or may not appreciate, why not give experience gifts?

What Are Experience Gifts?

Experience gifts are when you pay for your gift recipient to have a fun adventure on your dime.  There are all sorts of experience gifts from the safest (such as taking a cooking class) to the exhilarating (such as riding with a race car driver on a race track) to the awe inspiring (such as visiting the Grand Canyon skywalk).

Experience gifts are likely to touch people emotionally more than other gifts because you must listen to people and know their interests, hobbies, wishes and dreams to pick the perfect experience gift.

A Gift That Won't Soon Be Forgotten

Think.  What gifts did you receive for Christmas 2011?  My guess is that you can't remember.  What about Christmas 2012?  That holiday is only a few weeks removed, but you may still have trouble remembering what gift you received.

The gift of experience is different.  Give someone a gift of experience, and they won't soon forget it.  In fact, they may remember it for the rest of their lives.

Perfect for Any Event

While you may just think of giving a gift of experience for Christmas, they are also well-suited for Mother's Day, Father's Day, birthdays and anniversaries. 

If you can afford it, you may challenge yourself to give a gift of experience each year or for each major present giving occasion in a calendar year.  Your friend or family member will look forward to your gift more than any other.

While friends and family may seem to love the traditional gifts you give, chances are, they are probably indifferent or dissatisfied with your gift.  Next year, give the gift of something they have always wanted to do, and they won't be able to stop telling you how much they loved their gift.

Blogger Sign-up for Palawan's Hidden Hills Getaway Giveaway

Hi Bloggers out there!

The owner of Hidden Hills Private Resort in the lush province of beautiful Puerto Princesa in Palawan is happy to give 2 nights/3 days free accommodation for 2 persons to ONE LUCKY WINNER!

My other blog, The Travel Bug is happy to host the Palawan's Hidden Hills Getaway Giveaway which is scheduled to run from Jan. 15 to Feb. 15, 2013. This is open WORLD WIDE!

This fabulous getaway event will surely increase your stats. So, come and join this fantastic getaway giveaway by signing up.


Here are the important info about the giveaway:

Only 1 winner will be chosen for the Palawan's Hidden Hills Getaway Giveaway and the offer is valid for one year upon winning.


Prize:

2 nights/3 days accommodation with basic freebies granted by the sponsor.


Below are the specific freebies included in the prize.

• Accommodations : Exclusive use of the entire property

• Welcome Drinks
Welcome Pack / Fruit Basket

• Daily Freshly Picked Flowers From the Garden Free

• Unlimited Coffee or Tea
• 
Mineral Drinking Water

• Eat-All-U-Can Fruits & Veggies in season whatever grows in the farm FREE!!!

• FREE FRESHLY PICKED BUKO (YOUNG COCONUT JUICE) ON ARRIVAL.

• Cutleries & beddings / towels/ flip-flops / rain boots / beach mats provided for use

• ONE BOTTLE OF WINE (Seasonal Welcome Compliments)

• Cleaning services (daily)

• Cooking Assistance 

NOT INCLUDED: Transport. The winner will shoulder his/her plane/boat/land fare and if required, visa formalities will have to be the sole responsibility of the winner.

Great prize! And there is more!

Blogger opportunity for this event: 

There is an automatic free link for every blogger who signs up and a paid option for additional links for the price of $2 each link. Please add an extra 0.80 cents if your option of payment is for "services."

I am also looking for bloggers who can host a page for $12. 

This will be a great way to improve your traffic stat as your blog page will be the landing site for follows and likes group of either Twitter, Facebook or Pinterest.

This hosting page is limited only. So sign up now. I will contact the ones who made the cut and will request payment once you've been notified that you're confirmed to host a page.  Please add an extra 0.80 cents if your option of payment is for "services."

Please click here for the sign-up and announcement form: https://docs.google.com/a/riablahgs.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dGpRb1RPT1B4TGVVLTNfdm05UFF6VFE6MQ

Please click here for the announcement HTML for your referrals if you want to post a pre-made announcement like this:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Zz9s8Q5FtOZJciX-CeXkFA4f_5Lcu7Kmq669HESD1jo/edit

And lastly, as a sign of appreciation, The Travel Bug will give a $25 prize to the top referrer for the Blogger sign-up before the giveaway goes live. 

So, what are you waiting for. Sign up now and take part in this fantastic getaway!

The HTML and rafflecopter code will be emailed once the sign-up is closed. Thanks!!

Bucket List

I think I was 5 years old when I started my bucket list. I remember writing them down but somewhere along the way, I lost the list but have them in my memory. One of that is to see the beautiful cherry blossoms up close. And I did!

I made an itinerary before traveling to New York with my husband few days ago. I told him that I have to see the cherry blossoms in Central Park and it was a must. Although this is the second time we have been in the beautiful city of New York, the last time was November so there was no cherry blossoms blooming. It was autumn and the leaves were wilting.

I am glad we had this short trip back to NYC to see the beautiful flowers. I even saw plenty of tulips so it was actually hitting two birds with one stone and I am very happy to see that most of the things I have written in my bucket list are actually getting ticked. Blessings! I am very thankful for the opportunity.

A Dream Wedding

Most girls dream of being a bride one day. I did too when I was young. And I must say, getting married is one of the best experience a woman can face in her lifetime. I don't even regret getting married because I married the person I love. We have been in this happy and sometimes challenging union for the past 15 years. Our union is nothing compared to the people I know who have been married for more than 50 years. And I too, would like to see myself growing old with the same man I married many moons ago.

I still dream of a wedding and this time, it will be for the second time with my husband. I keep teasing him that we should renew our vow and tie the knot in a place like paradise. I know it is a long shot to convince my pragmatic husband but I am already doing my research.

Our second union will be in a paradise here on Earth. I scoured the internet for great locations and have hits for fiji weddings, beach weddings, exotic weddings and a lot more. I am quite intrigued with Fiji.

I have heard that Fiji is such a beautiful, small island nation. The people are warm and friendly. The island is filled with lush vegetation and pristine, sandy beaches. I may have fear of the open seas but the calm and inviting ambiance of what I saw in Fiji's Namale Resort and Spa is enough to make me forget about my fears. If I am going to make a second memory of another love marriage then it will have to be in Fiji's Namale Resort and Spa. My husband will be captivated with the surroundings because he loves the beach area. And Fiji is the right place to be!

Fiji's number one resort, the Namale Resort and Spa has wedding packages and other offers as well to put fire in your romance and give your body and soul a time to relax too. The place boasts of dream houses, villas, bures and private areas where you can spend your honeymoon, reunion, gatherings and even location shooting with privacy. And all those in a place surrounded by clear waters and rich rain forest under the clear blue sky.

So, if you are dreaming of a perfect wedding, planning of a wedding or already married like I am, you can make a romantic memory in Fiji's Namale Resort and Spa.

The Perfect Teen Travel Companion

Most eReader owners use their devices simply to read, especially when travelling. If you own a device that is not 3G compatible, you may find yourself in situations that preclude downloading a new novel. Fortunately, most eReaders have several other great functions that can allow a user to make the most of travel time.
Parents with traveling kids are wise to offer an eReader as a distraction. It is the perfect item for your traveling child or young adult, whether going away to grandma's, away at teen camp or traveling during a gap year.


A Multimedia Extravaganza
Depending on your eReader of choice, you can get a fair bit of mileage out of the device’s multimedia capabilities. Both the Nook and Kindle are capable of playing music, and both devices are capable of displaying photos (though the Kindle is monochrome-only).  The Nook features the ability to view images in full color, and also features video playback capability. No matter what eReader you choose, you can get a good bit of mileage out of its ability to play music or view photos. Be careful, though, as both functions are much harder on battery life than reading.


A Studying Tool
Of course, eReaders are also wonderful productivity tools. Most major readers can display .pdf files, which can easily allow you to take most documents on the go. It is also possible to take notes on several of the major readers, though some do require the purchase of a separate note-taking application. Some eReaders even allow users to dictate notes, the perfect way for your child to journal his or her travels. The current generation of Kindle features a microphone, and it is quite easy to record messages on the device after you do not mind modifying a few files.


A Fun Machine
Not only can you read on your eReader, but you can also play games. Most of the games on the Kindle and the discount eReaders are rather simplistic, but they are wonderful time wasters. The games available on the Nook are a bit more advanced, but all of the games available on eReaders tend to promote creative or logical thinking above button-mashing action. Most games cost a few dollars at most, and both the major readers have a few free games available. These games are great for killing time at an airport or a hotel, though they will likely never win any major awards.

Do your child traveler a favor and give them a device that amuses, informs and connects without taking up a lot of room in the luggage compartment.

New York Deals

Visiting New York is one of the best experience a traveler can have in his or her lifetime. It is really a great opportunity to see the place up close and personal and to observe the normal happenings in the city as opposed to what is being represented in the movies and TV shows.

New York has so such to offer in terms of tourism, economy, entertainment and in fashion due to its strategic location in the world. There are numerous new york city daily deal you can find in the internet if you are planning to visit the place or stay there for a certain period of time. These deals can give you access to arts gallery and museums or in the observatory decks of The Rock or Empire State Building. You may also find great offers on city tours, sight seeing, passes and even discounts on shopping outlets and groceries.

A short stay in New York is still worth it if you just want to see the famous places in the city. However, a longer stay like a month or so can give you the feel of being a New Yorker by sitting on the sideline and absorbing the culture and local scene of the place and even enjoy what the city offers in the night scene.

Check the internet now and plan your travel ahead to bag those great daily New York deals. Being in New York is a great deal in itself.

My New Travel Blog

I started a new travel blog to keep this current blog streamlined. I decided to put my travel journal to my new The Travel Bug blog so I can showcase my trips and tips.

Please feel free to visit my travel blog and I will certainly love to hear from you. If you have travel tips to share, I will be happy to hear them.

See you there!

Planning a European Trip

It's still early to decide what to do on my 40th birthday but I am considering a European trip with my family for a week in April. Although my birthday is in March, my daughter's spring break will be in April.

I am thinking of themes to do for my 40th birthday trip. One recurring thought comes to mind - seeing the beautiful tulips in full bloom in Keukenhof, Lisse, Netherlands. I have been imagining the colorful vista in my head already. My decision is leaning towards the trip than a party bash or a birthday Louis Vuitton bag.

My travel bug is biting me again and I have always dreamed of seeing the wonderful Keukenhof, the windmills, the beautiful canals of Amsterdam, the Edam cheese factory and the tiny village of Madurodam. I may throw in a side trip to Belgium since it is close by and is also a part of the Schengen.

I am already looking for budget hotels and transportation available in Netherlands should I decide to take the Belgium side-trip. My husband has a relative in Denmark so we may also squeeze a day or two there before flying back to Dubai.

My 40th birthday will probably be a trip to Europe. I'll narrow down the options before the year ends and once I have my daughter's school time table for 2011-2012.

Europe, here we come!!!

Most Beautiful Lakes in the World

According to Yahoo Travel and as provided by Budget Travel, here are the most beautiful lakes in the world. And as a spoiler to my fellow Filipinos, our very own Taal Lake is listed. So nice!

Lake Malawi, Malawi - Africa's 3rd largest lake, measuring to 363 miles long and 50 miles wide. It is very rich in underwater stock and the water is crystal clear which is great for snorkeling.

Peyto Lake, Alberta, Canada - Lies in the midst of the Canadian Rockies. The waters of this Banff National Park lake are turquoise which is often associated with warm-weather waters of Bora Bora and Antigua.

Crater Lake, Oregon - This lake is a result of a massive volcanic eruption in the Cascade Range thousands of years ago. The water is a deep sapphire-blue hue and the lake is surrounded by towering evergreens and high cliffs.

Taal Lake, Philippines - Known for it's dangerous beauty because it is home to the small but very active Taal Volcano. It is also the deepest lake in the Philippines with a depth of 564 feet.

Lake Atitlan, Guatemala - This lake rests at the foot of 3 conical volcanoes. The lake is home to a small Mayan village which line up its shores.

Loch Lomond, Scotland - The picturesque beauty of this lake is like a seeing a movie about the Victorian era with rolling hills and monastery and castle at the background. This lake is 24 miles in length and is dotted with small islands. Some islands are so small that they become submerge during high tide.

Lake Matheson, New Zealand -This lake is known as the mirror lake because of the reflection cast by the lake of Mount Tasman and Mount Cook.

Plitvice Lakes, Croatia - The 16 lakes with blue-green waters are connected by waterfalls and hidden by lush vegetation. The area will be ideal for a Jurassic movie sequel.

Lake Nakuru, Kenya - The blue water of this lake is photo-perfect when pink flamingos rest in the shallow waters.

Vacation Count Down

We're Manila bound this coming Friday - 17 June and I cannot contain my excitement any longer. I don't feel like going to work anymore as the days near. I just want to board the first flight to Manila the soonest possible time. 

I guess this is brought about by my desire to see my mom who is suffering from mild memory lapses. It's not very critical but I don't want it to lead there. She started having this memory lapse after her stroke last year. I just hope her memory improves.

Anyway, I just want to pull the days so it will be Friday already. I am already in my vacation mode! So, I won't be posting too often for the next 2 weeks as I enjoy my very much needed rest and relaxation. I may check in once in a while if I get assignments. I'll be blog hopping again as soon as I am back in Dubai. 

Vacation time! Tuh-tah for now.