Take your Family on a Keystone Ski Vacation

When you are taking your family on a skiing vacation in the Keystone, Colorado area there are many things you should take into consideration before booking any flights or hotels. By planning as far in advance as possible you are able to save money while ensuring the most enjoyable vacation imaginable.

You can start by looking for season passes before the real season begins. These season passes are usually sold months in advance and also can include multi-visit passes and online tickets. In Keystone these passes can only be purchases in person during the summer months, but once you get one you have the ability to renew it over the Internet. You can take one summer trip to Colorado and it will pay for itself by buying season passes for your entire family.

One of the most important factors to consider when you are planning a Keystone, Colorado family vacation is the lodging and accommodations that you can share or rent privately. If you rent through smaller property management companies you can have the peace and quiet of your own home away from home. However the large ski resorts tend to offer premium pricing because of their monopoly in the resort area.

The smaller management companies and condo owners spend very little to no money on advertising so they are able to pass the savings on to you. If you have dates that are flexible then look for last minute deals for condos and other rentals.

Before you are actually on your way to Keystone, Colorado it is best to have a plan in place at every event in case you and your family or friends become separated. The confusion and worry that comes along with trying to find someone that is missing from your party is stress that can be avoided. You may even want to invest in walkie-talkies to make it much easier to meet up with each other.

Consequential Travel Tips #1

CONSEQUENTIAL TRAVEL TIPS # 1 WRITTEN BY DONNA TOUCHETTE  /  DMT Travel

EXTRA LUGGAGE– It may be possible to purchase the right to check a third bag, at a cost of something like $125. In high capacity travel times however, it may no longer be possible to elect this option, at any price. Again, don’t be stymied at the gate. Check with your airline in advance.

TAG YOUR BAGS…INSIDE AND OUT — It is surprising to note how many people arrive at the airport with no identification on their luggage. Wiser travelers will have at least two external tags securely affixed to each piece of luggage, and one taped inside the cover of each bag for good measure.

 WHAT TO WEAR FOR SMOOTHER CHECK-IN — Almost all clothing accessories, including shoes, belts, hats, sweaters, jackets, etc. must be removed and sent through the x-ray machine. Simplify matters for yourself by wearing such items that are relatively easy for you to remove and re-don. On another note, wear at least one garment that has secure button-down or Velcro pockets suitable to keeping your passport, wallet, pen, glasses and other critical items safely on your person. A travel shirt such as Ex Officio, safari pants with good button pockets, and/or a photo journalist style vest or jacket can be very helpful in securing important items.

CARRY-ON LUGGAGE — As of now travelers in the USA are limited to one carry-on bag, plus the equivalent of a purse, laptop bag, or small backpack. You are advised not to test the capacity limits, as your carry-on may be denied boarding, or forced to be checked. Plan and pack accordingly.

 HURRY UP and WAIT — Early arrival at the airport for check-in is now more important than ever. You will avoid many problems and much distress simply by arriving at the airport check-in counter a generous two hours or more in advance of your flight departure. In fact, on some recent Singapore Airlines flights, they asked that you check in 3-1/2 hours prior to flight time.

CONNECTING FLIGHTS — When planning connecting flights, allow at least three hours for you and your luggage to change planes, especially when making an inter-airline connection and/or clearing Immigration and Customs .I know that sitting around the airports for that long is no fun but cutting this too close can ruin a great trip before it even begins.

 FALL-BACK OPTION — Avoid scheduling the last flight that will connect from your home airport to the major gateway. If your flight is late or cancelled due to weather or mechanical issues, your entire vacation may be placed be in jeopardy. If at all possible, book an earlier flight for a safety cushion.

 YOUR PASSPORT if you’re planning on vacationing in another country, you’re going to need a valid passport. If this is your first passport, you’ll need to apply in person at least 5 weeks before your planned departure. You can go to your local county courthouse, a U.S. Passport Agency, a probate court, or certain post offices. For more information, click on: http://www.dmttravel.com. Be sure to make two photocopies of your passport before you go on your trip. Bring one with you and leave the other with a friend.

 TRAVELER’S CHECKS try to avoid carrying large sums of cash when you are traveling. Bring only the credit cards you plan on using and pick up some traveler’s checks before you go. If you need to cash a traveler’s check while you’re on vacation, be careful! Banks have been known to charge up to 20 percent of the travelers check’s face value. Try to find a bank that sells the same brand. Your fees will be lower and you can save that extra money for souvenirs.

 MEDICAL PREPAREDNESS Prepare a medical kit to take along. Be sure to include any prescription medications, (take a few days extra of your prescription medication, you never know when your trip might be extended) also bring medications for stomachache, earache, pain, and diarrhea. You should also carry a copy of your eyeglass or contact lens prescription, and an extra pair of both.

 RESTRICTIONS WITH CARRY-ON BAGGAGE The Transportation Security Administration (a division of US Department of Homeland Security) has recently revised its restrictions on items in carry-on luggage for flights originating in the US. Due to enhanced security measures liquids, gels, lotions and other items of similar consistency will not be permitted in carry-on baggage. These types of items must be packed in your checked baggage. These are some tips to avoid spills inside your suitcase:* Liquids and gels should be in plastic containers, stowed inside clear zippered plastic bags for ease of inspection by TSA officials .For the perfect travel container visit www.dmttravel.com/accessories.html* Squeeze all the air out of any liquid or gel containers to avoid leaks, as products expand in flight.* Pack liquids and gels near the hinge of a suitcase to minimize movement .These are some notable exceptions:* Baby formula and breast milk are allowed in your carry-on baggage or personal items. You can take these through the security checkpoints and aboard your plane. However, you must be traveling with a baby or toddler. All items including formula or breast milk will be inspected.* Liquid prescription medicine with a name that matches the passenger’s ticket, up to 5 oz. of liquid or gel low blood sugar treatment, including juice; and up to 4 oz. of non-prescription liquid medications including saline solution, eye care products and KY jelly are permitted.* Gel-filled bras and similar prosthetics* Gel-filled wheelchair cushions* Life support and life sustaining liquids such as bone marrow, blood products, and transplant organs carried for medical reasons. More details are published on the Transportation Security Administration web site. Make sure to visit http://www.tsa.gov/ for the latest restrictions before packing your carry-on luggage and reaching an airport security check point

.HEALTH INSURANCE WHILE TRAVELING when traveling overseas, check your health insurance. Many policies won’t cover you once you leave the U.S. If you need insurance, there are a number of companies that offer travel coverage plans. Please call me at 888-339-4400 or contact me at groupspecialist@hotmail.com and we can discuss which plans will meet your personal needs.

 AIRLINES’ SEAT POCKETS before you stick your hand into the seat pocket in front of you, think about what the last few passengers may have left in there. They are the dumping ground for everything from rotten food to used diapers. It may surprise you to learn that aircraft are given a deep cleaning only once a month. How is still the question? Planes are lightly cleaned between flights (obvious trash picked up, crumbs brushed off) and cleaned overnight (toilets, galley, seatback pockets emptied, floors vacuumed). So before you put your hand in someone’s used Kleenex, think twice before reaching into the seat pocket – and don’t even ask me about the pillows and blankets.

 GETTING THE BEST SEAT ON THE PLANE why do airlines only reserve seats for you if you remember to ask? By the time you remember, the good ones are gone. To get the better coach seats, you want to avoid the restrooms and galleys because they’re busy with lots of traffic. The seats in the last row and in front of exits often don’t recline, Middle seats are cramped. Bulkheads have more leg room, because no one reclines into your lap, Window seats have a view but less head room or aisle access. Show up when the counter opens to get the desirable exit row.

 TRAVEL AGENTS VS. ONLINE BOOKING who can take care of refunds and changes when you have booked your trip online? Don’t be surprised when the answer is no one. All that time spent online is doubled when you have to get on the phone and make a change. Forget the refund, as online specials are usually non-refundable. Need help overseas? I cringe for you. Internet specials are great until you have a problem or need to make changes. That is where travel agents are lifesavers, especially if you are out of the country. Definitely go online to do research. Compare prices and look at hotel photos and airline seating charts. But for an expensive or complicated itinerary, use a travel agent. And pack their cell phone number.

 YOUR CREDIT CARD IS REFUSED OVERSEAS you having dinner at the Eiffel Tower when your credit card is refused. Furious, you spend an hour calling home to discover your card was shut down due to suspicious activity- someone has been using it in France! Since no one called the credit card company back when they left you a message at your home, the account was frozen for your protection. It was not for your protection. You have limited liability. It was the credit card company covering their rear and they do it all the time. To avoid this, call your credit card companies and inform them of your travel dates & destinations, take travelers checks and travel with more than one card.

 PROTECTING YOUR PASSPORT Now that you have your passport for travel to the Caribbean and Mexico you need to take steps to avoid it being lost or stolen. Immediately make several copies. Leave one copy at home, put two copies in your carry on bag, and leave one copy with someone who could fax it to you if yours is lost or stolen. In case yours disappears, a copy of your passport will significantly speed up the time it takes to get a replacement, especially overseas. I prefer hard copies but some people scan their passports to file on their laptop. In your hotel, put your passport in the hotel safe with the majority of your credit cards and carry one of the copies with you for shopping and money changing. 

SHIPPING TIPS if you use a credit card for a purchase or service overseas, keep your receipts and double check your bill. There are thousands of mistakes on international credit card purchases, but unfortunately, there’s very little recourse. One common problem is receiving defective merchandise that has been shipped. The law only protects you if it was shipped within your home state or if you lived within one hundred miles of the mailing address. Therefore, don’t ship without good insurance. And what about the merchant who adds extra zeroes or moves the decimal point to increase the charge? This happens all the time. You must notify your credit card company in writing within 60 days. You’ll also need to send a copy to the appropriate federal agencies as well, and believe it or not, the Director of Tourism of the offending country. Often the promise of bad publicity from an American tourist can nudge the merchant to withdraw.

 DECLARE YOUR ITEMS you are required by U.S. Law to declare all items acquired in other countries. That includes repairs to items you took with you and any gifts you may have received. You’ll fill out a customs declaration form when reentering the United States. Keep a record of what you acquire abroad and keep your receipts. Take the necessary time to register any foreign-made jewelry or electronic equipment at the customs office before you leave, to prove you didn’t buy them on the trip. Appraisals, receipts, insurance policies, and permanently affixed numbers are proof of prior ownership. If you fail to register these items, you may be required to pay a duty on them when you return home. The most important thing you can do is be informed. Believe me, this is the one situation where honesty is the best policy! For more tips and all your travel needs visit: http://www.dmttravel.com.

Donna Touchette

Ten Things You Gotta Do in Costa Rica Before Going Home!

OK, so you’re in Costa Rica. Now what? Well, I’m sure you’ve got your tours and hotels all figured out, which is great! However before you get back on that plane and tell all your friends and family about your tropical experience, you’ve gotta do this!

1. Canopy Tours – Fly through the sky! This activity is truly unique to Costa Rica. Very few countries in the world can offer forest canopy viewing like this place.

2. Volcanoes – I’ve lived here for almost six years and I have to say, seeing an active volcano or a dormant one is still an incredible wonder to me. There are 112 volcanoes in Costa Rica, you gotta check one out!

3. Local Cuisine – Sure vacations are all about indulging in great restaurants and great food. And I’m sure the fright of eating at a not so-respectable restaurant wins over the adventurous side of many travelers. But trust me, if you don’t eat at a local soda (restaurant) you really haven’t lived. They are cute, simple, full of fresh ingredients and almost always delicious. So take a risk, go LOCAL.

4. Public Transportation – I am a huge fan of local transportation. Where else can you see harried business people, women with five kids and baskets filled with live chickens and other produce, and working men with machetes all in the same spot at one time. So get on board and get a glimpse at local life from every aspect.

5. Beach Bumming – Did you know that there are over 800 miles of beautiful coastline in Costa Rica. If you don’t make it to one of the beaches either on the Pacific side or the Caribbean you are really missing out!

6. Butterflies – Butterflies have a great rep in Costa Rica. And they should! There are over 1000 different species and you can see them all first hand in any one of the numerous butterfly gardens found all over the country.

7. The Children’s Museum – I know, this doesn’t look like something that belongs on this list. But let me tell you, every time I go to this museum I am more and more impressed with it. The exhibits will entertain everyone from two years old to 102!

8. National Parks – Costa Rica has over 25% protected land. More than any other country in the world. It is filled with National Parks, Wildlife refuges, Biological Reserves and a lot more. Take a tour full of tropical flora and at-most-times friendly fauna!

9. Water Sports – With so much water flowing around and through the country it only makes sense to either hop on a surf board, jet ski, boat, kayak, raft or canoe to check out what all the hype is about. Believe me, you won’t be disappointed.

10. Shopping – Yeah sure it’s fun to hit some of the touristy shops, but how about the local ones. I bet you never thought that the coolest souvenirs can come from local supermarkets, hardware stores or shops that mainly cater to the locals. Get the full experience and see what the locals are buying.

I can help you make sure you get a taste of it all, go to MuchaCostaRica and live a little!

Cheap Travel to Europe: a Fascinating Tour to Europe

The holistic beauty and glorious ancient European civilization might be a cause that captured million hearts. Around the world every year thousands of tourists immigrate to explore and experience the centuries old culture and sects. Travelling to Europe cannot be planned in a day until you have plenty of cash in your pocket. The increasing expenses might compel you to rethink your plan to spend holidays in Europe or might abort the excursion idea. But Cheap Travel To Europe would assist you in executing your vacation plan in an easy and cheap way.

You will come across various tour packages tailored according to your needs. The packages offer you booking of boarding or return tickets, expenses of accommodation and food, safaris and shopping. The multiple availability of tour and travel package facilitates travellers to avail cheap and reasonable one suitable to their income. Such packages come for family and couples.

There are other issues that influence the rates of the packages. If you plan to visit at festival time then rates are slashed. Instead of taking suggestions from other tourist, it is rewarding and fruitful to communicate with the local inhabitants. You can also save penny by hiring a cab that can also perform the role of experienced guide.

Exploring different places instead of staying at a fixed place might be fascinating for you but the same time it is expensive. Therefore, choose a destination as centre point from where you can easily visit the places. Make a list of the places that are important religiously, traditionally, culturally, economically etc. to save time.

To know more, purchase some informative guide books or browse the websites. The latter can enrich you with information within less time. You can collect details from home and also taking the same provision can subscribe packages or book hotels. So, plan now to spend in any hot destinations of Europe.

Lucy Hotel, the Best Western Hotel at Evia in Greece

Hotels help us in various ways. When we visit a new place far away from our home then we reserve a reliable hotel to meet all our needs related with travel, accommodation and of course, food.

If we succeed in dealing with a good and trustworthy hotel then probability is high that we can make our trip a memorable one. All you are required is to look for an optimum hotel within your new locality; if possible then in advance.

If your traveling agency is reliable then also you can end up with a good hotel. But if you are verifying about a hotel independently with the help of past service record, testimonials given, as well as by the references offered then it is 100% sure that you can conclude with some of the better choices. If you are looking for a hotel in the peak season of tourism then it is recommended to act in advance.

If you are traveling to the world’s hottest tourist destinations like Greece then it is possible that you have to stay in a hotel of inferior standard if you fail to book your place in advance.

When it is about Greece it is universal that it is a place with natural beauty and mesmerizing locations. If you plan for a trip to Greece or the Greek Island then Evia Island is a place that you must visit. All the things that you should find in an ideal Island can be experienced easily with Evia in Greece. It is a place which is blessed with natural, serene beauty, crystal clear sea water, thriving vegetation, and miraculous landscapes.

Your thrill might get doubled if you get an opportunity to stay in an exclusive hotel in Evia. How good it will be if you stay in a hotel from where you can avail a soothing view of sea and sea gulls hovering over it? Fascinating as well as fantastic! Isn’t it?

Yes, like most of the people who have already visited Evia in Greece you can also owe a delightful trip with Lucy hotel in Chalkida. Your search for best Western hotel in Evia eventually ends here.  

There are not one but many reasons due to which it is justifiable to refer this hotel for your future plans.

           i.            Best prices: when it is about accommodation in hotel most of the people most of the people look worried with an anticipation of huge bills. It is understandable to some extent but there is no chance of facing one such kind of problem with Lucy Hotel Evia in Greece. You will get in touch with best market prices prevailing in the market.

         ii.            Rates and packages: all the facilities available and the rates associated with them will be disclosed to you earlier. There is no space for unfavorable surprises over here. For business lunch, weddings and all the other kinds of formal events you can avail the list/menu offered by this Western hotel in Evia. You can know about it online by sitting at your home.  

        iii.            User friendly site:  the online presence of Lucy Hotel is also outstanding. It offers a site online that is highly supportive to the online user. Reservations as well as contact can be done with the help of internet.

Dachigam National Park,india

Dachigam National Park is located 22 kilometers from Srinagar, the capital city of the northern state of Jammu and Kashmir in India. The name of the park literally stands for “ten villages” which could be in memory of the ten villages that were relocated for its formation.The two sectors of the Park – Upper and Lower Dachigam are spread over an area of 141 sq. km. and altitudes vary between 1700 and 4300 meters. Two steep ridges enclose the Park with its great topographical variety – deep ravines, rocky outcrops, steep wooded slopes and rolling alpine pastures. Tumbling down from the Masrar Lake (4300m), up in the high ranges, the Dachigam River winds through Lower Dachigam.

The Park is a natural habitat of the endangered hangul or the Kashmir stag – the only species of Red Deer to be found in India. This deer has a light rump patch without including the tail. Its coat color is brown with a speckling to the hairs. The inner sides of the buttocks are grayish white, followed by a line on the inner sides of the thighs and black on the upper side of the tail. Each antler consists of five tines. The beam is strongly curved inward, while the brow and bez tines are usually close together and above the burr.Winter makes the best time to view the hangul, when they gather together in the shelter of the lower valleys. Related to the red deer of Europe, this breed is characterised by its white rump patch and impressive spread of antlers.

Other inhabitants of this wild hub include the Himalayan black bear, species of wild goat like the Markhor and ibex and varieties of exotic Himalayan birds. Colourful pheasants include the crimson tragopan, the iridescent monal pheasant with its glittering plumage, the blood pheasant and the koklass pheasant. The golden eagle and the bearded vulture or lammergeier can also be seen circling the brilliant blue skies. The leopard, the only predator of this paradise is rarely seen as also the elusive snow leopard, which is found in the higher altitudes. Other animals include the rare Musk Deer and the Himalayan marmot.

Visiting Turin, Italy

Turin is a historic city, which is located in the northwest area of Italy. It is known for its snow-covered peaks as well as the Po River that runs near the place. One of the most popular travel destinations is the Mole Antonelliana, which became famous because of the 2006 Winter Olympics.

If you want to go sightseeing in Turin, there are many places wherein you can enjoy the culture, arts and history. Another reason why many tourists visit Turin is the endless shopping centers with the best designer items. Turin is definitely a haven for people who love shopping. When you travel to Turin, you can have a chance to bring home handmade Italian items. There are many places in Turin where you can by local Italian products including jewelry, chocolates, bags, accessories and many others. If you have a sweet tooth, Turin is a perfect place when it comes to chocolates with its fine chocolate factories.

Turin is in the heart of Piedmont. The beautiful Alps surround Turin, making it the best travel destination especially for people who love skiing and the cold climate during the winter season. However, Turin can have a very hot temperature in the summer months. Turin became more famous because of the Winter Olympics in 2006, which started its development.

Sightseeing in downtown Turin offers you the rich culture of the place because of the fascinating old churches and museums. The fifteenth century Duomo di San Giovanni of St. John’s Cathedral is located in Turin. The famous Shroud of Turin can be seen in the Chapel of the Holy Shroud or the Cappella della Sacra Sindone. The Shroud was believed to be brought by a Savoy Royal Family in the sixteenth century in Turin.

St. Lawrence or the San Lorenzo Church is also located in the downtown area of Turin, as well as the Santa Cristina and the San Carlo Churches, which are known as the twin baroque. To add to your artistic sightseeing experience, you must go to the Chiesa della Gran Madre di Dio, which was constructed in the nineteenth century and is believed to be built over the Holy Grail. The sixteenth century church called the Chiesa della Santa Maria del Monte or the Church of St. Maria of the Mountain is also a must-see.

When you travel to Turin, you will not only enjoy sightseeing, but also enjoy a gastronomical feast. Turin is famous for the wide variety of foods, especially French cuisine due to the five hundred years of influence by the French House Savoy that ruled over Turin. Moreover, Turin is believed to be the origin of solid chocolate, as well and the ever-famous Grissini or bread sticks.

If you are craving for Italian cuisine, Turin has endless restaurants that offer authentic Italian dishes. Do not forget to try several samples of their local dishes that you will not experience in other parts of Italy.

Indian Travel: 20 Safety Tips

In today’s world, holidaying and travel to any city is fraught with safety risks and perils and indianholiday.com believes  Safety is your foremost concern while traveling anywhere. Travelers often fall prey to perpetrators as they generally don’t take proper measures before embarking on a journey. Whether it is your health safety during holidays or safety of your money and home behind, you need to take some steps to avoid undesirable eventualities. India is a large country and there are all sorts of people here. While you’ll find some people quite supportive and helping the others may not be so good. You may encounter robbers, thieves, rapists, touts and all sorts of wrong people who could be eying on your money. But don’t worry. By keeping in mind some tips, you can keep these people at bay. Here some top safety tips by the safety experts during travel to India.1.Don’t write your home address and telephone number on the luggage. Instead keep your address inside. Don’t wear name tags in public. If on business trip, remove your tag while you leaving conference room or hotel.2.Stay with your luggage until it is checked.3.Keep your passport, credit cards, driving license and other important documents in separate hand bag. Deposit it in the hotel’s safe as soon as you get one. 4.Keep a small flashlight handy, you never know when you’ll suddenly find yourself in the dark.5.Don’t wear jewelry and other items that project affluence. 6.Travel with one or two credit cards only, if possible. Keep sufficient credit in your account. Also keep the help numbers to call in case of theft of credit cards.7.Don’t accept anything edible from strangers.8.Don’t eat anything from roadside vendors. Drink only bottled water. Check the seal and date of packaging.9.Keep your prescription medicines with you.10.At hotel, staying at ground level may give you easier exit in case there is a fire, but you are increased risk of easier accessibility of those who have criminal intentions. Staying at first or second floor near staircase or lift will be more safe.11.Check your room carefully for any installed bugs. Check the door, peephole from inside and outside. Also check smoke alarm and test it by pushing test button if it beeps.12.Always use stairs if a fire smoke is detected. 13.Don’t hire unmarked taxi cabs. Sit behind the driver so that you can see him bur he cannot see you from the rear glass. Pay the driver only after reaching your destination and while you are still siting in the car. 14.Beware of staged road accidents. They might be meant to just catch you off-card.15.Let your friends or hotel reception know where you are moving out. Keep their numbers to call in case of any eventuality.16.If traveling with kids, bring recent photographs of each kid in case you become separated from them.17.Don’t discuss your travel plans or any other personal information in public. Beware of eavesdroppers.18.Cover yourself under travel insurance and health insurance.19.Make sure that you carry first aid supplies with you.20.Research and check about local weather. Decide the clothes accordingly.