31 Mar
Vancouver Tours Blog

Training Steps Taken by Diving Schools

Scuba Diving is one of the most popular international sports. It mainly refers to underwater swimming and forms an important part of Olympic Games.

There are many individuals who are interested to learn divergent diving techniques. To help out those individuals, many diving schools have emerged who are working in the direction to train individuals with the divergent techniques.

The diving instructors of all these schools employ a number of steps to teach scuba diving. These include:

Conduct theory sessions

This is one of the most important steps taken by these schools to help individuals enjoy diving safely and properly. Theory classes are conducted in order to make students aware of scientific principles. Moreover, they are also taught about the varying underwater conditions and methods of dealing with them. Individuals are also warned of dangers, safety measures and hand signals.

Proper understanding of equipments

Appropriate understanding of equipments is also an important step taken by all schools. Divers are totally dependent on equipments while diving. These equipments help to sustain breathing and movements. In this case, individuals should be familiar with the use and working of these equipments. Otherwise, they might face tough times underwater.

Training and preparation

This step involves the individuals to prepare themselves to face unpredicted circumstances to avoid disasters. Individuals are made aware of the diving table. They are taught about organization of decompression stops, non-decompression stops and safety stops.

Dealing with emergency situations

The instructors of these schools teach about various first aid strategies. They are taught about various methods to deal with emergency situations.

All these steps employed by diving schools help individuals to learn diving in a short span of time.

Source by Daniel Decosta

31 Mar
Vancouver Tours Blog

What To Look For In A Travel And Tours Franchise

If you're looking for franchising opportunities in the travel sector, you'll want to make sure you find the best possible holiday company. In order to decide which one is the right one to choose, it pays to spend a little time researching your various options by seeing what competing providers have to offer you.

As with many things these days, the best place to start looking for a successful travel and tours franchise is online. Perhaps you're looking for an agency that will enable you to compare the prices of the world's leading holiday companies? Or maybe you're in search of a company with many industry contacts around the world, offering the most exclusive deals?

Perhaps one of your requirements is that they sell package holidays to a particular destination, such as the Caribbean Islands? Whatever it is that you're looking for, you're bound to find a good fit by searching online, as the opportunities are practically endless.

Don't forget you can always get in touch directly for a quote if the website's pricing isn't clear. The company should have a customer service team available around the clock – whether this is over the phone, by e-mail or through an online chat facility.

Different agencies will likely have varying specialties, such as all-inclusive packages or the best knowledge of Sandals resorts, and which one you choose may come down to personal preference. If you have a particular destination in mind, use the search bar to scope out the options for flights and accommodation relevant to this area.

However, in order to find the best travel and tour franchise you will need to track down the company that offers the widest choice of holiday destinations, both online and by phone. It may be worth contacting the company directly to discuss the different options they have available, or you can simply spend some time looking through their website.

Another factor to take into consideration is the price of these holidays compared to other leading providers. Do they have access to the most exclusive last minute deals? How many international flight and hotel providers do they have in their database? Look out for collaboration with major holiday brands like Virgin and Western Oriental.

Be sure to check to see if the agency you've chosen is part of a bigger group. You may not realise it, but they could be part of a larger independent buying group – a detail that could just swing your decision in their favor. If they have an affiliate company, spend some time researching them, too.

It is vital that the company you choose is a member of the ABTA and that the holidays they sell are fully protected by ATOL and Flight Plus schemes. This will ensure (more than great customer testimonials ever could – although these are important too) that they are a trusted company that travelers continue to use with confidence.

If you're satisfied that the company you're researching is a trusted and acclaimed travel provider, it's time to spend some time browsing through their travel and tour options to make sure you like what you see.

You should find a vast range of worldwide holidays, cruises, city breaks, ski and snowboard packages and – most importantly – tailor made packages. These packages may be all-inclusive, inclusive or allow clients to choose their flights and hotels separately, whilst still remaining under the company's financial protection.

Offering bespoke travel packages will set your agency above other competing companies in the industry. Not only will this option allow customers to choose the most convenient flight and hotel options, but they will also be able to curate every detail of their experience from scratch – resulting in a holiday to remember.

Source by Alnashir Janmohamed

30 Mar
Vancouver Tours Blog

How Do You Know Your Home’s VALUE?

Many homeowners, potential qualified buyers, etc, believe they know what a particular house, is worth, but, often, either, over, or under – estimate, its actual VALUE! Homeowners, seeking to sell their home, need to have an accurate idea, so they can ensure, it’s priced right, from the start! Those, who are considering selling, should also, gain this knowledge, in order, to be certain, they are not, over – paying their real estate taxes, etc. Wouldn’t it also make sense, for potential, qualified buyers, to know this, also, so they understand their options, within their price range, etc? Instead of trying to fake – it, it’s wise to be sure! With that in mind, this article will attempt to, briefly, consider, examine, review, and discuss, using the mnemonic approach, what this means and represents, and why it’s an important matter, to consider.

1. Virtues; viable; views/ viewings: Know the strengths and weaknesses of the house, property, location, etc, and realize, which virtues, as well as liabilities, might impact, the value! You need a realistic, viable approach, and solution, so you better realize, if your views, align with others! In the real estate transaction, process, you will need to get quality, qualified viewings, or even the best property, won’t sell!

2. Area; analysis; attitude: Let your attitude, be supportive and helpful, rather than getting in the way, of your best possibilities! Is the area, something, which makes the place, more or less attractive, to others? Instead of guessing, proceed, with the necessary analysis, based on a professionally, designed, Competitive Market Analysis, or CMA!

3. Learning; listen; listing price: Gain knowledge, and commit to learning, as many factors, as possible, which affect real estate values! Effectively listen to the professional, real estate agent, you hire, and begin, by offering it, at the most appropriate, listing price.

4. Unique; usual/ unusual: What are the unique features, or characteristics of a specific property and house, which make it, either, more, or less valuable? A desirable location, pristine, overall property, room layout/ size, etc, might add value, while specific locations, small rooms, or strange – shaped property, might diminish it! Fully consider, both, the usual, as well as unusual advantages, and disadvantages, in a well – considered, manner!

5. Excellence; emphasis; energy: Is the house, energy – efficient, and does it take advantage of any specific, trends, etc? Will you place your emphasis, on introducing the best approaches, and maximizing excellence, etc?

A smart approach, is to know, the true VALUE, in a realistic way! How will you consider these considerations?

Source by Richard Brody

30 Mar
Vancouver Tours Blog

The Harder the Climb – The Sweeter the Prize

From the first time I laced up my stiff leather boots and hiked up the Lions in Vancouver, Canada, I was hooked. I love the challenges of a steep climb. The harder I work, the more I sweat, and the more my thighs burn, the sweeter it is when I reach the top of the mountain – the place where I feel free, without a care in the world.

But one day something went terribly wrong. It started with a light mist and soon the fog surrounded me like a thick blanket. I was spinning in circles, frantic for a way out.

Suddenly I woke up and realized I'm not hiking. I am sitting in a doctor's office and he is telling me that my husband, Dave, 57, has Frontotemporal dementia. He scored average on math tests, but well below in language and problem-solving. He shows me the CT scan with blackened areas filled with fluid, where Dave's brain is dying. I feel like I am floating, half listening to the doctor as he talks about wills, power of attorney, and … no hope for a cure.

It has been 3 years since I started climbing the most challenging hike of my life. At first I denied my reality. I was bushwhacking through dense underbrush, thinking I had to be tough. If I worked hard enough, I wouldn't feel the pain and grief of losing my husband of 31 years.

Last year I reached a point when I was sick of hanging on by my fingertips. I wanted to do more than just survive this journey. With the help of friends, life counselors and months of soul searching, I started letting go of tears I had carefully buried. I recognize the emptiness when I see couples in their 50s holding hands, or traveling in their motor homes. I had no idea how much I miss the emotional and physical intimacy of being a couple.

To fill the voids in my life, I make time to go out with friends-to laugh and talk about something other than the weather and which way the clouds are moving. I am learning to balance 'doing' and 'being'. Every day I exercise, eat well and spend time 'alone' to recharge my soul. Meditating – morning and night – helps to calm the chatter in my brain. When I write in my gratitude journal, it reminds me of what I have in my life, instead of what I don't have.

Changing my perspective is helping me to find humor when Dave asks if he should put the box of Ziploc bags in the freezer because there is a picture of steaks on the front; or when he can't find words and tells me about the 'helmets' (cow skulls) on the trail, and Halloween … 'the social where people go from room to room'.

Living with dementia isn't easy. There are many times when I wish for a more stable and predictable life. Answering hundreds of questions (how, what, why) is testing my patience far more than raising two children. But I am noticing how much it helps me in other parts of my life-dealing with sales people who are having a bad day, or flights that are delayed. This journey is challenging my ability to adapt … to be flexible … and to stop resisting something I can't control (Dave's seizures in a restaurant, or passing out in a standing position on a brick patio).

Traveling this path with dementia is the hardest climb of my life. It is also the most rewarding. I am feeling a deep sense of calm (which I did think was possible) and a knowing that I don't have to be on top of a mountain to be free.

Source by Holly Eburne

29 Mar
Vancouver Tours Blog

Exotic Cruise Ideas

If you look around the web, you'll find lots of cruise sites talking about the Caribbean. Less frequently mentioned (but still spoken of a lot) are cruises to the Mediterranean and Alaska.

There's nothing wrong with these cruise destinations (in fact, there's a reason why they're so popular), but if you enjoy going against the crowd, or you're just looking for a new spot to explore, you may want to look into some more exotic cruise ideas.

There are cruises available all over the world that you might never have imagined. You don't even have to limit yourself to sailing on a sea. In lots of countries, there are river cruises that ply inland waterways (a great option if you're prone to seasickness).

Try the Amazon River Basin if you want to see the tropics, but you're not sure the seafaring life is right for you. If you do like the ocean, you could book a two-week cruise that takes you around Australia and New Zealand. For a tropical paradise, visit French Polynesia (if you've heard of Tahiti, these South Pacific islands are where it's at).

Another warm and tropical destination that's a little closer to home for most of us is the Panama Canal. If you've never seen this eighth wonder of the world, what better way than to sail through it yourself and experience the rising and lowering waters of the locks, gates, and dams? Sign up for a repositioning cruise (at the end of the season, ships will head from the Caribbean to Mexico or vice versa) or a Panama cruise that visits ports on either side of the Canal.

If you're not crazy about the heat, head to temperate waters and visit the British Isles and other northern European capitals. You can find cruises that leave from England and explore Scotland, Ireland, Wales, Denmark, and the Netherlands. If fjords excite you, book a cruise that navigates the Baltic Sea and stop at Norway, Sweden, and Denmark. The Norwegian Coast offers a kaleidoscope of quaint fishing villages, medieval cathedrals, and awe-inspiring fjords.

If you're from the US or Canada and want to travel closer to home, you can sail through eastern Canada and New England. The autumn colors are particularly vibrant there if you can cruise in October. US stops typically include Boston, Newport, Bar Harbor in Maine, and Martha's Vineyard, while stops in Canada may hit the coastal provinces of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland. Depending on the length of the cruise, you may also visit Quebec's Montreal or Quebec City.

Perhaps you'd like to get away from the Western world and take a cruise to Southeast Asia. The blend of old and new will surely impress you, especially if you're from the US or Canada where an "old building" is something that was built in the 1800s. In Asia, you can see thousand-year-old temples right next to towering modern office buildings.

As you can see, there are all sorts of cruise options out there that go well beyond the typical Caribbean or Mediterranean cruises you've heard so much about. If you can think of a coastal destination you want to visit, chances are there's a ship that will take you there.

Source by Ann Buroker

29 Mar
Vancouver Tours Blog

Europe Travel – Explore the Most Beautiful Continent in the World

If you are planning your vacations then a tour to Europe would be the right choice. It is the most beautiful continent in the world and for exactly this reason one should visit this lovely continent. The established fact about Europe came out in the year 2004 when World Tourism Organization declared it as the largest travel spot in the world. In this year 54% of the world's travel business came from Europe only. Europe travel will give you an opportunity to see various tourist destinations that can refresh your mind and will definitely make your tour unforgettable.

Europe comprises of various countries that are very rich in travel destinations. These countries have various landmarks that can cater every kind of traveler. All kind of travelers has different traveling needs. Some loves to visit beaches, museums, churches and some loves to enjoy sports adventures. Also Europe travel offers a chance to visit various historical monuments Scenic beauty of this continent has always attracted a keen and potential visitor. The places to discover, here, are endless.

Major countries which are part of Europe travel are United Kingdom, France, Greece, Holland, Iceland, Germany, Spain, Sweden, Italy, Rome, Switzerland and Turkey. Each of these countries has some world famous tourist location where a traveler can learn history, natural beauty and lots more. Traveling to these countries of Europe could be a lifetime experience for you.

Europe travel is one of convenience. In Europe, mode of transport are fully recognized and well managed. Various countries in Europe are famous for their rail networks. However this lovely continent can be seen through ship, railways, air transport and even through roadways. European countries are well developed with high living standards, culture and traditions.

Europe travel is the right combination for every kind of traveler. The countries of Europe are a must visit in a lifetime. So, if you were planning your trip then pack your bags and move to Europe, the real paradise on earth.

Source by Jason Born

28 Mar
Vancouver Tours Blog

Find the Best Roofing Company

I live in Vancouver, WA and know how hard it is to find a decent contractor to work on your house. They all seem genuine first and they all promise you the world. Unfortunately there are a few that actually deliver on these promises.

Roofing contractors are no exception and need to do your due diligence to be able to weed out the good ones from the bad ones.

The roof is an important component of any home. This is your main barrier of many of the elements found outside. If you have a leaky roof you could find yourself placing lots of pots and pans throughout your house to catch the water. If your roof gets really bad you also risk it caving in at one point.

Luckily if a roof is constructed the right way it will last for several decades. There are even some roofs that are both so good they can last for half a century.

Finding a dependable roofing company in Vancouver Washington and you need this type of work done is of the utmost importance. You want someone who's going to give you a fair bid, do the job in a timely manner, and use standard or above average materials.

This is the goal you just have to fine a roof for an area who is willing and able to do it.

Here are some things that I personally would look for and will apply for not only Vancouver, WA but every area in the country:

I first like to start with referrals. I know I am not the only one who has a home and I want to ask other people their opinion but had roofing work done before me. Friends, family members, coworkers, acquaintances, and other people you know will usually not steer you wrong. They can use a direct you to a person who has done a great job for them. Unless a person does not like you they were usually not recommend a roofing company in Vancouver WA who has done shoddy work.

Next, you want to get at least three estimates. Roofing work is expensive by nature and you want a contractor who is going to give you a fair and reasonable price. Keep in mind even a fair and reasonable quote will be high. Understand as well that roofing contractors pay some of the highest insurance rates out of any industry in the nation. Because the work done roofing companies workers compensation rates are about five times higher than other like businesses. It is not out of the ordinary for this type of company to pay $ 30 in workers compensation premiums for every hundred dollars they pay out in payroll. These costs have to be passed on to the consumer. So, when you get a bid from a roofer understand that at least 30 to 40% of what he's charging you is just to cover administrative and insurance costs. A person who submits to you and extremely low bid is probably uninsured were not insured at all.

Everything should be written on the contract. This includes the materials to be used in your home and the time it will take to install them. Do not leave anything as a verbal agreement. You need to be able to accurately assess what you were getting for the price you're paying and make an informed decision. When the estimators come they will try to bait you into signing something right away. Do not do it. You need three estimates, side by side on your table, and you need to take the time to read them each carefully including the fine print.

Finally, check on a Vancouver WA's roofing companies experience and reputation. You want them to have enough experience to be able to do the job. Optimally, you want a business that has been around the block and nothing can surprise them. If they have been around for at least five years they will have a reputation of either doing great work are being con artists. Some of the best people to ask our local contractors. Even if it's their competitor a business owner were usually not talk bad about another company unless he really feels he does care terrible work. You can also ask roofing suppliers who they think is the best. They work with hundreds a roofer's every month and are in a great position to give you inside information.

These are the three items I would look for when choosing my roofing contractor. I am picky about the people I choose to do business with and you should be picky as well. You cannot depend on a businesses yellow page ad to tell you what they are about. Every company says of their the best. Roofing companies are no exception and sometimes accompany what the largest phone book ad of the biggest crooks.

Do your homework and you should be able to find a decent Vancouver WA roofing business. Take your time and do not let anyone rush you. Go with your gut and do not spend your money with anyone you feel uncomfortable with

Source by Wesley A Barras

28 Mar
Vancouver Tours Blog

The 10 Best Bali Tours, Excursions & Activities – D Asia Travels

Bali is a beautiful place to be when visiting Indonesia. The beautiful beaches with white sand make it feel like a paradise. If you are planning to visit here, be ready for different excursions, tours and activities. From the great dives on the coral ridges, or the amazing Second World War ship wreck to the artistic dances in different Bali villages. Each day is full of exciting things to do when in this city. Bali has something for every visitor and below a list narrowed down to the 10 best Bali activities, tours and excursions.

Taman Ayun, Tanah Lot and the Monkey Forest

Bali has an amazing cultural heritage that you can discover through day time tours. The Pura Taman Ayun gardens are the home to the complex ancient temple. The temple has a beautiful compound with lush gardens, stunningly renovated structures and magical water features. You will be blown away by the serenity of this water temple with the tiered shrines and beautifully lotus dotted pools. You can also watch the ever excited primates at Kedaton Monkey Forest. The gray macaques hop from one tree to another swinging swiftly and are always welcoming.

The sunset beauty is magnificent and you can view it at the Tanah Lot, which is a temple on a rock in the middle of the sea. It’s a pilgrimage site and during the day, you enjoy watching waves crashing around it.

Cultural Heritage exploration

Choose one day and spend it exploring Bali‘s cultural heritage and unique natural scenic surroundings. Visit the Blahbatuh traditional village and enjoy mingling with friendly locals. You will be surprised by the villagers’ gong-smith skills and their Balinese gamelan traditional orchestra.

The archeological museum exhibits the heritage, art and culture of Bali people. This is where you also get to see where the royal family’s coffins.

From there, go to Sri Batu village and participate in the walking tours. You can enjoy a fresh breeze full of vanilla, coffee, spices and fruits fragrance. Proceed to another great spot, Kintami and get a fantastic sight of the shiny lake Danau Batur volcanic crater and an amazing view of Barur Mountain.

The day should not end without visiting the Panglipuran village where you will learn about Balinese traditions.

Enjoy the traditional dances-Barong, Kintami and Ubud

There are traditional dances in Bali that will entertain you as you explore different villages. The best places to participate in the dances are Ubud, Kintami and Barong where they wear Bali dancing costumes and play traditional instruments. You also get a chance to buy some beautiful ornaments, which are handmade including necklaces, bracelets, rings and other shiny ornaments.

Ayung River- Rafting and other activities

Paddling in the Ayung River with a professional guide is fun. You also get to lazy pools where you can swim. All precautions are taken and no one is allowed in the water with a life jacket.

This is the best place to snap your photos with an amazing background of thick canopy of trees and stunning cliffs.

Sunset Dinner Cruise

If you are looking for a romantic destination, Bali should be your first choice. This is where you get a tasty dinner on the Bali Hai Cruise. You can enjoy your dinner in full view on the marvelous sunset. The dinner is accompanied by beautiful live music. You can also relax and have a good time as you listen to your favorite songs played live in a karaoke session that follows.

Private Coast Tour

The natural landscapes of Bali’s coast are breath taking. There is also the great Mother Temple of Besakih where you can feel the rich culture and the people’s heritage. The Alam Giri Plantation is a major producer of spices and fruits. It has different exotic fragrances that you will love including the lemon grass, the salak (a local fruit) and coffee.

Dolphin Cruise

The Dolphin Cruise gives an unforgettable encounter with dolphins. These native creatures are fascinating and visiting their habitat will refresh you. As you cruise in a high speed boat, you will see the dolphins swimming and jumping. They also communicate in a unique way. You are able to listen to their conversation using a transmitter, which is usually underwater connected with your boat. Its high quality and you hear clearly.

A Day Trip at Lembongan Island

Cruising on Lembongan Island shores gives you a chance to enjoy the sea. Through the voyage, you can visit the wildest parts of the sea and relax in the quietness and unique nature.

At the Lembongan Island, you will be taken to a private pontoon where you can enjoy lunch. Since its buffet, you have a chance to try out a number of foods. You can also go for kayaking or use a banana boat to have some fun. There are also snorkeling and diving spots where you can swim with colorful fishes. From here you will carry some great memories of Bali’s spectacular water.

Explore the forests

If you love adventures, Payangan rainforest is the best to begin with. You can also enjoy tubing excursion at the Siap River. You will find it interesting to walk in the paths where they are swaying palms. The paths are not smooth and you have to overcome obstacles and avoid many challenges. You can also stop in different viewpoints and just enjoy Bali’s expansive green fields of rice, which are beautifully framed by mountains.

Devdan Show

You should not leave Bali without discovering the rich cultural heritage of Indonesia full of both traditional and contemporary dances, breathtaking acrobatics and dazzling illusions.

The Devdan Show highlights the rich culture of Indonesia. They offer a great mixture of modern and traditional Indonesian dance and many other impressive and unique special effects. More infor visit our website:- https://www.1dasia.com/

Source by Arshad Abdullah

28 Mar
Vancouver Tours Blog

Whistler vs. Kitzbuhel

The two final competitors for the 2010 Olympic Games were Salzburg and Vancouver. If Salzburg had won, the venue for the major Alpine events would have been Kitzbuhel, and the course for the Skiing Downhill, the premier event of the games, would have been been the infamous Streif, the world's toughest downhill, bar none. Not even Whistler's most ardent devotees would argue that the fairly tame Dave Murray Downhill bears any comparison to the Streif, but how do Kitzbuhel and Whistler compare along other dimensions?

Ski terrain, lift system and grooming

Here Whistler has a decided advantage. The terrain is much larger and although there are fewer lifts many more of them are the modern high-speed quad variety, which makes for much shorter lift lines. The terrain in Whistler is also more varied, with cliff jumps and gladed runs in particular that are totally absent from the Kitzbuhel scene. Grooming is another advantage: much more of Whistler's runs are groomed daily compared to Kitzbuhel.

Off-piste and powder snow

Here I think it is fair to say that Kitzbuhel has the edge, not because there is more off-piste terrain, but because it last so much longer after a fresh snowfall than in Whistler, where by 11.00 am almost all the fresh snow has been tracked out. In Kitzbuhel you can find fresh lines for days.

Accommodation

As with most Austrian resorts, accommodation in Kitzbuhel is largely offered in hotels and pensions, with relatively few chalets and condos available for self-catering accommodation. Although Kitzbuhel has a number of luxury hotels there is nothing comparable to the Four Seasons. There is, however, a very large number of Pensionen, more or less comparable to B & Bs throughout Kitzbuhel and its adjacent Villages. Whistler is much better off in terms of the range of luxury homes for rental.

Village and Retail

Here Kitzbuhel definitely has the edge. Both Kitzbuhel and Whistler have pedestrian-only village centers, but Kitzbuhel's is a medieval walled city with the patina of ages compared to the Johnny-come-lately pastiche of Whistler. Also, whilst Whistler Village has mainly low-end sweater and ski shops, there is a glorious variety of high-end luxury retail establishments in the center of Kitzbuhel, as well as famous Kaffee and Küche shops such as Langers.

If you are a keen skier, you should definitely visit both resorts. They are very different, but you will find much to enjoy in both locations. Despite the fearsome Streif, there is definitely more expert terrain available in Whistler, but Kitzbuhel has the incomparable charm of the Austrian Alps.

Source by Henry Schlee

27 Mar
Vancouver Tours Blog

European Vacation Tour

Europe has always been a popular travel destination. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or planning your first trip, there are several important things to keep in mind before calling your travel agent and booking your next vacation:

1. Time of year: While "Paris in the Springtime" sounds very romantic, the truth is that you're liable to spend many days indoors, because the weather can be cold and rainy. On the other hand, the French Riviera in the springtime boasts warm temperatures, sunshine and beautiful places to visit. If you're not sure of weather patterns, check with your travel agent who can advise you on rainy seasons or other weather-related issues for traveling to a specific spot.

2. Your Budget: Decide how much you've got to spend, and don't forget to include extras like tourist attractions, getting around, souvenirs and meals (which are typically more expensive in Europe than in the states – dinner can cost upwards of 50 Euros per person, especially in metropolitan cities). If your budget is smaller, consider visiting Eastern Europe, looking for packaged tours, or, if you're flexible, book a "last-minute" trip, which can often save you 30% or more. Check out the current exchange rate between your currency and that of the country you'll be visiting, to have a better idea of ​​what your vacation is going to actually cost you. Whenever possible, travel during an off-peak season to save even more.

3. Your secret dreams or "someday" wishes: For most of us, taking a vacation is something we get to do only once a year, and often plan and save the whole year for. So if you have always wanted to visit somewhere or do something special – why wait? Include it in your next vacation plans.

4. Political Climate: While most countries that rely on tourism make every effort to ensure the safety of tourists, these days it's always a good idea to keep up on the current political climate of the country you're planning to visit, especially if there have been problems in the past.

5. Your own "internal clock": If you prefer sleeping in in the mornings, and "doing your own thing" then a guided tour is probably not for you. Most guided tours start early in the morning, and you're on the go until evening. You may visit several cities in a country or countries within a specified amount of time, and you're required to stay with the group.

On the other hand, if you don't like traveling alone, you enjoy the companionship of others and getting to see as much as possible in the time you've got, a guided tour or cruise may be just the thing for you.

6. How you like to spend your time: Take a little time to think about what you like doing before planning your trip. Do you prefer the water, or the mountains? Lying on the beach, or rock-climbing? Adrenaline rushes or visiting an art museum?

While going outside your comfort zone and trying new things can be a great experience, spending your time doing something that bores you silly or makes you uncomfortable and unhappy just doesn't make sense. Once you know what you want to do, figure out what you'll have time to do. Many times, in an effort to get the "most bang for our buck" we tend to over plan the vacation, and end up needing a vacation from the vacation when we get home! Prioritize your list, and be willing to save some activities or attractions for another trip.

7. Use the resources that are available to make your trip special and save money: Today's travelers have numerous options when planning their vacation. You can use the Internet to find out more about the cities or countries you want to visit, check out prices, even book your flight or hotel room. If you're visiting a place for the first time, check with a travel agent, talk to someone who's "been there, done that" on an Internet Forum, or contact local chambers or commerce or travel councils to get more information about where to go, what to see and what to do.

8. Get organized: You can use trip-planning software, or your own favorite organizing system to organize and plan your trip. Don't forget things like making sure your passport and picture ID are up-to-date, finding out if travel insurance is something you need, and how and where to exchange your money. The more organized you are in the beginning, the better vacation you'll have.

9. Pack lightly: Most of us take too much on a vacation, and end up lugging heavy suitcases and other bags along filled with items that we either don't use or don't need. When planning your trip, look at your wardrobe and pack as lightly as you can. Take only what you'll really need, and remember that if you forget or end up needing something, chances are you can get it once you reach your destination.

10. Have fun! Get organized, make your plans and expect the best. That way, once you're on your way, you'll be able to relax and enjoy yourself. But remember, there are very few "perfect" vacations, so if something does go wrong, try to relax and "go with the flow" as much as possible. Experienced travelers say that sometimes their best vacations have been the ones where the unexpected happened.

Source by Scott Morris

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