1. Pack light

Lines for checking baggage can take forever, so try to pack as light as possible. If you can, try to limit yourself to just a carry-on, so you can avoid the lines entirely. Just make sure you know what’s allowed on the airline and what’s not, so you don’t get stopped by security.

2. Leave VERY early

Nobody likes missing a flight, and especially during the holiday season, lines at the airport can be absolutely ridiculous. It’s often hard to predict how much time you’ll need, but it’s always better to have extra time than to be late. So, leave yourself about 1-3 hours (after travel time) just to get through lines and security. If you end up having extra time to burn, most airports have shops, restaurants, etc. that can help keep you entertained.

3. Use public transportation/shuttles

Instead of driving to the airport and parking your car, try using public transportation or a shuttle. Or, if you have someone to drive you, have a friend or relative drop you off. Airport parking lots fill up extremely quickly, and they often cost a lot of money.

4. Use smaller airports

If you want to avoid the crowds, try flying out of smaller airports. Obviously they won’t have as many flights available, but there is rarely lines at small airports, and they are often cheaper than large airports.

5. Travel on “off” days

If you’re traveling during the holidays, try selecting days that are known as low-traffic days. For instance, if you’re going somewhere for Christmas, flying on the day itself is often much easier than flying on Christmas eve or the days before it. And as long as you take an early flight, you can enjoy the full holiday at your destination.

1. Las Vegas, Nevada

While Las Vegas is not commonly considered a cheap place to go, hotels there are actually extremely cheap. See most hotels in Vegas make all or most of their money from gambling, so they keep their hotel rates very affordable. Plus, they want you to stay in the area of the hotel, so most of the restaurants and shops near the strip are actually quite cheap. In fact, if you are a regular gambler, you can actually travel to Vegas and stay for free, as many hotels will pay airfare and lodging just to have you come play their tables for a while.

2. Solomons Island, Maryland

For nature enthusiasts all around the world, the Solomon islands are a very attractive travel destination. People love the peace and quiet they can find in the dense wilderness of the islands, and many people enjoy kayaking, swimming, and other water sports in the clean cool waters surrounding the islands. While most of the islands are fairly unpopulated, there is a small town with nice, quaint shops and restaurants. It’s far from a bustling city, but it’s enough that you don’t need to pack heavy or camp out.

3. Vancouver, British Columbia

Vancouver is one of the highest-ranked vacation destinations in the world, yet it’s still fairly affordable. In fact, if you know where to look, you can find decent hotels for as little as $20 per room per night. Plus, there is a lot of free entertainment available during the day in Vancouver, and at night, the city lights up with live performances, concerts, and much more!

The Singapore Flier is arguably one of the best places to visit in all of South East Asia. When I first heard of its construction, I did not believe that such an enormous structure could fit in the tiny city island but once I see it upon completion, I am awed beyond belief because the Singapore Flyer is indeed larger than life itself.

1. Enjoy 360 panoramic view
If you want want to enjoy a beautiful 360 degrees panoramic view of the city, you don’t need to sneak up to the tallest skyscraper in Singapore. All you need to do is get a ticket to ride the Singapore Flyer and you will be rewarded with sights that will take your breath away! On a clear day you can see the bustling streets of Orchard Road, the scenic Straits of Singapore and even Batam Island in neighboring Indonesia! Being in this gigantic Ferris Wheel does not mean that you will only be contained in your seat for the entire 45 minutes – in fact, you get to take a stroll, take in the views and get excellent snap shots as souvenirs!

2. Have a romantic dinner
Did you know that you can wine and dine your date with a romantic dinner aboard the Singapore Flyer for a mere SG$199 per couple? For that price you will get exclusive VIP lounge access, a delicious 3 course meal and your very own host in your decorated cabin! If you feel like splurging and/or proposing to your spouse in a private ceremony, you can shell out SG$1500 for a private cabin complete with 3 course meal, champagne, flowers – the works! Otherwise you can opt for the Champagne Flight or the Cocktail Flight packages, perfect when riding the Flyer during sundown to appreciate the delectable view of the city.

3. Learn more about the amazing city of Singapore
It is recommended that you utilize the free audio guide on board the Singapore Flyer where you can learn a lot about this wonderful city. A comprehensive map is also available in the cabin should you feel like planning your trip around the city as major landmarks are labelled clearly for your convenience.

4. Value for money ride
Where else can you get so much for so little? For as low as SG$30, or lower if you book your ride online, you get to enjoy the views and be in your private little world with loved ones.

Tips to ride the Singapore Flyer: It’s not easy to get “air sick” but if you feel uncomfortable, it would help if you walked around instead of focusing your eyes on a single spot. Also, you can book the Singapore Flyer at http://www.singaporeflyer.com.sg/ to get an attractive 20% off the $30 fare.

1. Reichstag is still the place where the Parliament debates take place. But it is also the place where the Nazi regime ruled Germany and the conquered countries, which is a sombre page of history. From the impressive heights of the roof terrace and the renowned Dome you can get one of the best aerial view of Berlin. Acces is free, but  during daytime is overcrowded and rather to avoid. At night there are no crowds anymore, and the view is breathtaking. You should enter the building before 10 p.m., and please don’t forget to take a free copy of  ” Guide of aerial Berlin”.

Reichstag is a symbol of power, but offers the best aerial view of Berlin for free

2. The Berlin Wall is a remember of the Cold War and the divided Berlin. 20 years ago it was almost impossible to go legally from East Berlin to West Berlin and many people died when trying it. Large portions of the Wall disappeared, and the preserved ones became  art galleries with huge graffiti. Ask about Der Mauer and the locals will guide you willingly, if you want discover the Wall by your own for free, or take part to the organized Wall Tours by bike or bus.

The Berlin Wall has been largely destroyed. Where it still exists is a huge art gallery

3.Checkpoint Charlie was the only one place to go from West to East Berlin, and was heavily guarded by American and Russian soldiers. Today is a museum and a major attraction for many tourists wishing to understand how was it possible. You can even get a seal on your passport for 5 Euros (only for nostalgic people I guess); otherwise the entrance is free.

4. Brandenburger Tor ( Brandenburg gate) is a landmark and a trademark of Berlin. Newly clean, it sits very proudly at the end of Unter den Linden where you can take an excellent walk and make some shopping. Very majestic, specially at night, saw all the major events of the Berlin history since its building in 1788.

Brandenburger Tor is a must do in Berlin, and is free!

5. The Holocaust memorial in Berlin is very touching, interesting and overwhelming. But you can’t avoid it while in Berlin. It is a huge, even enormous museum and a little scaring, but it is good to remember sometimes the past.

1. The Dome, Bangkok
Located at the top of The State Tower, the Dome is indeed a sight for sore eyes, and dry throats. Besides offering a scenic view of the vibrant city below and the enchanting Chao Phraya river, the skybar also lets customers choose from a tempting array of the best whiskies known to man. The bar itself changes color ever so often, creating a fairytale like ambiance as you sip on champagne and feast on fresh, juicy oysters.

2. Vertigo 42, London
Like its name implies, this skybar is located at the 42nd level of Tower 42. Couples have been known to frequent this bar to enjoy the romantic view of the Thames and the St Paul’s Cathedral, and there has been quite a number of proposals which happened right in the bar. Besides offering a good selection of canapes, you can also ask for their famous cheesecake, which is said to melt in your mouth AND in your heart!

3. Rainbow Room, New York
Are you dressed to the nines in New York and want to be seen AND heard? Check out the Rainbow Room, all the way up in the 65th floor of the famous Rockefeller Center. Here, you can revel in the Art Deco-ish ambiance and rub shoulders with famous celebrities such as John Travolta who, incidentally, names the Rainbow Room skybar as one of his favorite night spots in New York.

4. Aqua
If you’ve been to Hong Kong and wondered where’s the party at, wonder no more. Ask any local about Aqua and chances are they will nod their heads in approval – only the most glamorous crowd mingle amongst each other in Aqua. Besides indulging in drinks and merry making all night long, you have the option to caress your tastebuds with the most palatable morsels of food. Take your pick from Italian food from the Aqua-Roma, or Japanese sushi from the Tatami Room.

The Ultimate Thailand Explorers competition will choose five couples for the all expenses paid holiday which will last five days and six nights. The destinations are to say the least, luxurious. There’s one major catch though; the competitors are required to document their travels in Thailand and post them for the world to see on blogs, social networks and other web sites.

This is a bizarre competition but it’s the result of some clever thinking by the Thai tourist authority. Five couples, five destinations and five different aspects of Thailand. The couple that’s most successful i.e. get’s the most hits will win a cash prize of $10,000 and over $5,000 worth of items.

This is viral marketing done right. Why spend millions of dollars promoting a tourist destination when you can spend a few thousand and get people to promote it for you? This new approach by the tourist authority of Thailand takes advantage of social networks, blogs and if it’s done well, it will capture a segment of the market that in the past, has been difficult to reach.

But we can see one small problem. As Thailand has in the past had its fair share of complaints from corrupt police officers and other scandals such as dual pricing which can happen in some areas, the competition could work against Thai tourism if the entrants have anything but the ultimate vacation.

Thailand is an amazing holiday destination, and too many people don’t realize what makes Thailand so special. As these five couples are about to set foot on their own voyage of discovery to Chiang Mai, Pattaya, Phuket, Koh Samui and Bangkok, the world will be given the chance to look on and see why Thailand really is the jewel of South East Asia.

As Christmas approaches, now is the perfect time to take a trip to Thailand. With the famous Loy Krathong festival just around the corner, the rainy season is now for the most part over so you can be sure to enjoy a warm and relaxing holiday in this rather amazing destination.

A few years ago my parents flew from Los Angeles to Australia. The flight took over 15 hours!  They were very happy that they took the time to find the airline seats that would suit them best over the length of the flight.

If you book your flight online, you may be able to choose your seats at the same time.  While there are no guarantees that you will actually get the seat you choose, airlines can and do make changes to aircraft and seating charts, spending a little time doing some research may result in a more comfortable flight.

While there probably is no one best seat, there are plenty of seats you want to avoid. I have yet to find anyone that wants the middle seat on an airplane, unless they get the row to themselves! So the choice is between the window and aisle seats.   The window seat gives you a great view, and a place to rest your head, but when you want to leave your seat your are going to have to ask at least two other people to move.  With the aisle seat you can easily move in and out of your seat. This makes it  a good choice if you are like me and need to get up and stretch frequently during a flight.  But being seated on the aisle means you will be frequently bumped by your fellow passengers, and the crew.

Other seats that should probably be avoided are the ones directly across from the lavatory.  Not only do you get to deal with unpleasant smells,  you might find yourself crowded by passengers waiting to use the facilities,  and the light going on and off can make sleeping difficult.  The lavatory also tends to be noisy.  On a long flight the constant flushing sounds can be enough to drive you crazy!

Once you have a general idea of where you want to sit, you can consult with an online source to find more about specific seats on specific aircraft.  For instance, if you consult with SeatGuru.com you will find that on the  Boeing 737s flown by Continental your probably don’t want any seat on row 10.  Those seats don’t recline due to the exit row behind them.

So while you are taking the time to plan your trip, make sure to spend a little time planning your airline seat. It can make  a big difference in how enjoyable your flight is.

One of the worst things that can happen on a vacation is food poisoning. The traveler’s sickness, some call it, can ruin a perfectly good vacation and have laid up for days or even weeks in bed. This is especially common if you are traveling to an underdeveloped country. Here are a few easy steps to help you avoid the most common food mistakes that can make you sick.

Try to stay away from raw vegetables if you are in an area that is not industrialized. This includes lettuce, tomatoes, onions, peppers and especially mushrooms. Cooked vegetables are fine, but make sure that the food has been cooked properly and hasn’t been sitting out for too long.

When traveling to undeveloped countries, stay away from fruit without a natural peel.  Fruits like oranges, bananas and mangoes should be ok because the rind will act like a natural shield from bacteria. It’s best to stay away from ready to eat fruits like apples, strawberries, blueberries and other non-rined fruits.

It’s important to understand where the water is coming from. If you are in a resort down in Jamaica then you probably don’t have to worry about a glass of tap water, however in other parts of the world, the water can make you really sick because your stomach isn’t used to the contaminants in them. Locals have grown immune to these bacteria’s and can usually drink it safely. Our delicate Western stomachs however can’t. .

Be very careful of street food. Street foods in foreign places might be some of the best food you’ve ever eaten and some may make you violently sick. The best rule of thumb for street food is to simply follow the locals. If there are stands that always have long lines and are very popular then it’s probably ok to eat there. The food is usually made to order and hasn’t been sitting long if at all. However if you see a lonely stand that doesn’t get a lot of business, stay away.

Eating authentic foods of the region can be really fun, but it again can also make our western stomachs very upset. Foods like insects, nuclear-hot peppers, and strange meats we’d typically throw away are staple foods in a lot of counties diets. Although they might be tasty (not sure about the insects) you could have a bad reaction to them.

Bananas are a natural indigestion cure and can help with all sorts of digestive problems. Try to eat 1 or 2 bananas a day t helps you stay healthy on vacation.

Cipro is a very powerful digestion supplement that you could use in a worst-case scenario. It’s probably a good idea to buy this on your trip even if you aren’t going to a place that food safety is a concern.  If for whatever reason you do get food poisoning Cipro will help fight the bug better than anything else.

One of the most popular Sichuan dishes is Huiguorou. This is a tender pork dish mixed with roasted peanuts and a spicy chili sauce. There are many variations of this dish, and each food purveyor is going to tell you theirs is the best. It’s quite hard to tell because all the food in Chengdu is excellent.

In different areas of China there are different priorities and regional customs when it comes to restaurants. In Shanghai, food seems to take a backseat to the atmosphere and decadence of the dining environment. In Guangdong, the focus is on authenticity and traditional preparation. In Chengdu however, the focus is simply flavor. Throwing pretension out of the window, the family style settings of Chengdu restaurants are like another world compared to its more glamorous neighbors. Chengdu seems much more like Sunday dinner with the family instead of an exotic meal on the other side of the world.

Another very popular leisure activity in China and especially Chengdu is drinking tea. The teahouses of Chengdu are like the neighborhood pubs and bars of the west. Neighbors and friends will get together daily for the daily news and gossip, enjoying a variety of locally grown teas and listening to all kinds of local performers.

Chengdu is also one of the cheapest areas of southwestern China to eat and travel. The Chengdu way of life is basically built around comfort and getting the most value out of their coin. Travelers to Chengdu can rest assured that they are in for a comfortable, cheap and laid back getaway with friendly people and great food.

Imagine going to a fair or carnival with food stands and stalls lines up everywhere. This is exactly what it’s like in a Thai street food market. Instead of corndogs and lemon shake-ups, Typical Thai staples that you’ll find on the street include marinated and grilled meat skewers, bowls of hearty soups and stews and even fried local bananas. All of which, by the way, are absolutely delicious.

Thai food is something special. By blending fresh herbs, indigenous spices and flavors they have achieved a harmonious blend of spicy and sweet that you just can’t find anywhere else. Unlike most street food that you eat and then forget about a few hours later (unless your stomach disagrees with you), Thai street food has a memorable flavor that hungry travelers come back for again and again.

When perusing the various shops and stalls on the streets of Thailand, make sure to use common sense. If something doesn’t look quite right its best to pass on it. Although you can find some of the best food you’ve ever had on the streets of Thailand, you can also find some of the worst food sanitation practices in all of Asia. Use your natural freshness detector (your nose) and only visit the shops that are busy. The cheap meat skewers the lonely food merchant in the corner (that isn’t getting any business) is selling might seem like a great deal, but there’s a reason his stand isn’t very popular.

For Americans that aren’t used to indigenous Thai foods take the advice of the locals. Our western digestion habits are vastly different than a Thai local. Foods they readily enjoy like nuclear-hot chilies, insects and other exotic specialties can cause a civil war in your stomach after a few hours. Most locals will let you know what foods Americans should probably stay away from.

Rustic Thai Street food can surprisingly be one of the best meals you’ve ever had or quite possibly one of the worst. Use your eyes and ears and don’t be afraid to talk to the locals. They are usually more