Travel Guides

When you think of a cruise vacation, your mind naturally assumes a tropical cruise. There are, however other equally rewarding area that is famous for their scenery, shore excursions and cultural heritage. What about Norway, summer or winter, cruising the fjords, the many islands and visiting the harbour towns? Some cruises even go up into artic waters where, in winter, you can come surprising close to the sheer ice faces of magnificent icebergs, while others visit Baltic city destinations. Even in winter the Gulf Stream warms the coast and produces a mild climate.

It is well known that cruise prices are governed by the law of supply and demand however, since Norwegian cruises take place all year round, there is no real “off-peak” season that the operators need to balance. This means that unfortunately there are fewer deals available for bargain hunting consumers.

One of the principle reasons for taking a cruise is the opportunity to relax, but can you? What is something does go wrong? Can you get your money back or get a replacement cruise? Peace of mind when going on a cruise should something disastrous occur, no matter how small, is one of the most important things to consider before you set off, and this means insurance!

Let’s face it, when you think about it, no end of situations could occur that will cost you a great deal of money, so bypassing travel insurance it could be an expensive mistake! Travel insurance provides cover for just about everything you can think of and a few more besides, but check out the exclusions in the small print as they may not apply if you take part in so-called dangerous sports, acts of terrorism, “acts of God”, under the influence of alcohol or if you have a previous health problem.

A driving trip with the kids can be a great family experience. However, sometimes sitting in a car for the better part of a day can get to the kids. Planning in advance can help make the trip go quicker. Obviously the age of your children determines what to take, how to plan, etc. Here are some ideas to make that driving experience more enjoyable.

Dubai is a very modern, even futuristic, city. But in Dubai,  near a modern economy, you can discover a very old culture, which is really amazing.

I made a short list of my favorites things to do in Dubai, and here you are:

1.Visiting Dubai is the best opportunity to see alive its magnificent hotels, Burj al Arab (the only one worldwide ranked with 7 stars) and Atlantis The Palm. It is an experience, believe me.

2. Do not miss the occasion to take part to a safari desert. Driving a strong jeep on sand is an unique experience, a must for every newcomer in Dubai. Some offers include a night in desert, in a bedouin village, when you are going to sleep in a traditional tent, nevertheless modern fitted. You will be invited to a traditional barbecue, and do not mention anything about entertainment: the traditional belly dance! Very exciting and adventurous.

The best way to locate a hotel to stay in while traveling is to obtain state hotel information booklets/pamphlets, which are often left in restaurants or gas stations located at exits off the main highways. These booklets all contain discount coupons for the participating hotels, with prices much lower than prices available if you called a main hotel reservation service.

Normally, you do not have to plan by making advance bookings. Virtually all hotels located off these highways have some vacancy. This way you can continue your travels if you are not tired, or you can pull off the road and stop sooner should you become tired, or if the weather is bad. And, if the hotel you choose should happen to be booked, you can continue a little further to the next hotel.
However, if you are traveling with children, especially young children, we strongly recommend you do make advance booking arrangements. There is nothing worse than young, tired, cranky children if you’re looking for a hotel.

Acapulco has  a long history. Its travel history started nevertheless after the WWII, in 1949, with the opening of the first discos, restaurants etc.

The resort lies on Mexico western coast, in a wonderful bay.

It was boosted in the travel industry by the famous Hollywood actor Johny Weismuller ( alias Tarzan). After that, in the 60’s it became a favorite destination for luxury travel. The main clients were very rich and came from South America, Western Europe and specially U.S.

John Fitzgerald Kennedy married here Jackie Kennedy, John Wayne owned a beach in Acapulco, Ava Gardner divorced from Frank Sinatra in Acapulco. Acapulco had a strong magic power, which paled totally in the 80’s due to pollution: the water was no more good for a swim!

Today Acapulco is booming again, as the water is again good for swimming. The stars are coming again (e.g Sandra Bullock and Enrique Iglesias) and the golden age of Acapulco is coming back.

Being the ex-general counsel at Expedia and now running Avvo and its free legal advice Q&A forum, I am often asked “What are my rights if I my flight is horrendously delayed?” This question usually comes from someone who just spent an unexpected afternoon on the tarmac due to flight delays.

Well, before you get too excited to learn about your rights, I must inform you that you don’t have any. Zippo. Zilch. Nada. Yep, let’s get your gasps out of the way up front. I know you hear about travelers’ rights all of the time on TV, and you are sure that as an American you have the right to sue any flight attendant who refuses you an extra bag of party mix, but the reality is that your only rights are those that the airline gives you in its carriage agreement.

Dubai possesses already world’s most luxury hotel, The Burj al Arab.

Very soon another highest class hotel will be added: the amazing Atlantis The Palm Hotel. It is a hotel with 1729 rooms and 17 restaurants, and will be opened to the public on 24th September. The construction lasted 4 years and cost 1,5 billion dollars.

This hotel is dedicated to water: it has a huge water aquarium under the hotel ( more stocks, 11 billions of water ) and a huge water park near the hotel ( the biggest from Dubai and Middle East ).

The big aquarium under is easy accessible from the hotel, and you can take a walk through the aquarium without getting wet!

The hotel is also inside luxury decorated, and you are going to feel spoiled, like in 1001 Nights. The