Winter Car Travel Safety

Know What to ExpectWeather forecasts are never 100 percent, but it is always a good idea to start watching the weather for your home and your route a few days before your trip.

Consider your entire route, because you can have gorgeous weather in your start and end cities but have a storm in a mountain range between.

Be Prepared to Change PlansIf you see that bad weather is approaching, consider leaving a day early to miss it altogether if it is on your route and expected to pass before your return home. Also, see if there is another, safer route where bad weather is not expected.

You might also consider purchasing trip cancellation insurance for an expensive trip featuring reservations that cannot be canceled (or have high fees for doing so). Be sure to read the fine print, however, and ensure whether cancellation for bad weather is covered.

Also, be sure you know the cancellation policies for all your reservations. Have print-outs in the car during your travels that are kept in the glove box, allowing you to quickly call and cancel or change them.

Be Prepared for Winter WeatherBefore you travel, you must have a winter weather kit for the car. It is best to assume you will be in your car, without heat, for a stretch of time. This is especially important with kids. You should bring:

•Blankets•Water bottles•Snacks•Fully charged cell phone (even one with a closed account is better than none. You can still dial 911).•Flares•Jumper cables•First aid kit•MedicationsAlso be sure to travel with some sort of roadside protection. AAA is an option, but not the only choice. Your car warranty might automatically include it, and many auto insurance companies offer it for just a couple bucks a month extra. Be sure you not only have it, but have the information to reach someone in your glove box.

Also, don’t let location make you complacent. Freak storms can hit in the deep south, and it takes very little snow in mild climates to make roads treacherous.

Handle Winter Weather When it HappensIf you are caught in winter weather, don’t be afraid to pull over for a nasty condition to pass or to stop en route and stay an extra night. Safety should be the top concern.

It is also a good idea to travel with tire chains. Be sure you know how to properly use them. Also, realize that chains and four-wheel drive vehicles are not crash-free and precautions are still needed.

Also, be sure you know how to drive in the bad weather. Do not slam on the brakes if you start to slide, for example.

 Get more travel related tips on camping, hiking, backpacking, air, train, cruise travel on Trip Planner

San Miguel De Allende: an Artist Colony in Mexico

About four hours northwest of Mexico City, a mile above sea level, is a quaint collection of 64 city blocks surrounded by a typical Mexican town:  roosters, noisy trucks, music and church bells peeling throughout the day.  The air is dry, the temperature hits 70 degrees F every day (it might start near freezing, but it warms up in the winter; in July you’ll always have a cool breeze in the evening) and 16,000 gringos from north of the border make up 16 percent of the town.  Named for a patriot who helped in the fight for liberation in 1810, the town is protected from development by strict rules that keep the exteriors of the homes looking the way it did a hundred years ago.Have you heard enough to want to know how to spend a vacation here?The FOUR DAY Schedule (make one of these days on TUESDAY for the market)Day 1 — arrive, get picked up byMario, who talks for an hour about the culture.  Walk into town and get a copy of ATENCION.  Find an activity (such as talking with locals on Tues. and Thurs 5-6:30 pm)Dinner: San Francisco Cafe, JardinDay 2 — MARKET DAY TuesdayLook for “Mesa de Plata” (the silver table) and look for the silver haired guy.   LUNCH: El Buen CafeAfternoon: real estate tour with Gaby Cabello Rivas or one of Gaby’s colleagues.  Email her at  gabycabello64@hotmail.comDinner:  PegasoDay 3 — Tour of the City with Mario.He will show you the parts that a local knows, such as a metalworking shop in a residential area — noisy at 10 am, quiet by 5 pm, providing employment for neighbors.  Clever! Afternoon: walk to Instituto Allende, meet Keith Keller at the Escuela of painting and drawing — if you sign up for a class, you can drop in during daylight hours to practice.Dinner:  Cha Cha Cha for Mexican delights, or try 10-10-Pie (stay on your feet wiht this food) — delicious fruit salad and “batidas” (smoothies)Some people recommend Mama Mia (music)Day 4 — ADVENTURE $160US per person, early morning hot-air balloon ride, meet outside Recreo 68 at 6:30 a.m.After breakfast:  Walk through the Artisans Market. Lunch at Bugambila ($28, pricey but romantic). Tour at 3 pm with Jilda on the 2-hour tour bus (9 to 9, every two hours from Juarez Street).  You can write to her and practice Spanish (she wants to practice English) at jizame@hotmail.comJIlda ZAvala Tour guideSnack: San Agustin, Mesones, owned by Margarita, a TV and ilm star who lives in Mexico City.Dinner:  10-10-Pie, El Buen Cafe or PegasoDay 5 — Time to leave.  Call Mario.  Keep lots of video tape or digital space available to record Mario’s every sentence!SummaryMany call this the “heart of Mexico” — with good reason.  The conspirators who plotted to overthrow the rulers of the country did their planning in this area.Retirees from other countries (mostly the USA) make up one-sixth of the central city’s population (around 80,000).  The total metropolitan area is around 115,000.  You can live close to the suburban lifestyle in the USA (drive to a mall and place groceries in a car, drive home into a garage and walk 50 feet to a refrigerator).  You can also live like people do in Venice, without a car and shopping at a local market. Restaurants: lunch for two under $10Dinner for two under $28 at Pegaso in Centro (near the Jardin).

What to doYou can take art courses at the Instituto Allende or look at real estate for sale in the “Golden corridor” north of the city.  You could take a tour on the trolley bus or take a cooking class and learn some local recipes.  You could even give free English lessons at the local school – get to meet some of the locals while you are there.  It’s better than hanging out at an Internet Cafe.  Get to know the locals at the Public Library (biblioteca publica).

GETTING THEREYou can fly into Mexico City and then to a nearby city (Queretaro QTO or Leon BJX).Or you can fly to Houston and then south to BJX or QTO.  Before you fly, reserve a driver to pick you up –   Call Angelica tours at 52 415 152 6305 and ask for Mario.Where to StayWe tried Hacienda de las Flores.  Delightful location, sweet dog (the gordita Coquette) and friendly staff.  Ask for the TV room and you’ll be able to catch the morning shows on satellite:  NBC, ABC and CBS, plus CNN.  Rooms have basic cable.   Delicious eggs for breakfast. Helpful LinksPortalSanMiguel.comInternetSanMiguel.comSanMiguelOnline.comSanMiguelGuide.comSanMiguelArtists.comMexOnline.com

AngelicaTours.com, ask for MarioTransportation from the airport Francisco Marquez #33 Col. Independencia C.P.37732 Office: (415) 1526305 Mobile: 4151535067 Toll free number: 1.877.446.0721

TIPSGet a good map.Take the tour of the city with Mario (AngelicaTours.com, but the web link is not reliable)Steve McCrea, a travel DVD producer, wrote this article for Roadlovers.com, a travel portal.  His DVD about San Miguel de Allende is available through Filmbaby.com.

Travel Medical Insurance is Not an Option

Travel medical insurance is not an option. Travel medical insurance is not a luxury when you travel. You may think or rationalize – if it comes between the choice of a couple of nice meals on my vacation or travels or purchasing “optional” travel health medical insurance “I know that I will need/ enjoy that meal” , or better accommodations but not the “medical , health , travel insurance”.
Yet not taking out, purchasing the plan or be underinsured can make your travels not only not as pleasant but change your whole life and financial situation for the worst.
Whether you are traveling for pleasure, for business or even for medical treatment itself – that is “medical tourism”, travel medical insurance is essential for yourself, your family and traveling companions.
Even if you are young you may encounter an accidental injury or illness. No one is immune. Say for example you are on a skiing trip in Canada and you suffer an injury or accident on the slopes. Health care may be “free “for Canadians but not for an out of country, American tourist. You will pay full bore, back at home, American medical care rates. Imagine being uninsured and having to pay these bills. Imagine a bank loan or charge card loan to pay off for many years to come. All with horrendous interest rates.
Imagine you are a tourist from the U.K. and you are visiting New York City – perhaps to view the famous Dakota of Beatles rock star John Lennon fame. Imagine you have one too many New York City famous Hot Dog vendor’s products that land you in the hospital with a severe case of food poisoning. Again your U.K. national health care is not going to pay your medical care bills while traveling in the states. While at least only a small portion of that medical treatment bill. You will be left with the lion’s share of that large medical bill to pay off – over time most likely. Who needs such lingering memories of your “wonderful” vacation?
Even if you are traveling overseas for more reasonable or prompt medical care as a “medical tourist”, one of your families or traveling companions may take ill. You may be the one going offshore for medical or health care treatment yet it may become their emergency that may become the focal point and perhaps the cost factor – not your own treatment. Again, who is going for the necessary and most likely medical care on the spot and how?
Hence purchasing and providing for travel medical insurance is not an option.
It is not an add on but rather an essential component of travel and travel health plans in this day and age.
Have proper coverage and ask questions. Does your health care coverage from work or your own purchase cover your travel health needs? What is covered, what is not? How long will that coverage last? Is this coverage adequate or show supplementary coverage be afforded and purchased as well?
If you have to or decide to purchase travel medical coverage again asks questions. Do not assume. Is the coverage adequate both in terms of coverage and the time duration of your trip? Can the time length be increased if need be or required? What is covered, what is not by the health care travel medical insurance? Is the underwriting firm well known, reputable and have either a toll free number or even better offices in the geographic areas of your travels. Do you need to get approval before medical treatment begins? Do the medical care providers get paid and reimbursed directly from the insurance company or is it a case of the cash being paid from your pocket directly with reimbursement to yourself at a later date by the insurance firm? Again ask questions on the spot not later. If the clerk is uncertain of the answer then await a direct answer or if needed contact their superior or “head office”.
In the end when it comes to travel and travel health care concerns and coverage a penny spent in effort and preparation is worth a ton of cure as well as prevented costs and aggravations. Pleasant travels.

Budget Travel And Vacation In Europe

Many budget travelers assume that a multi-city European vacation is beyond their means, but that is often not the case. The large number of budget airlines that have sprung up in Europe in recent years have dropped the average cost of airfare between many major European cities.
In some cases, the cost of coach airfare between major European hubs like London and Amsterdam is lower than a comparable first or even second class train ticket.
And of course flying between cities is far less time consuming than taking the train or driving yourself, and that means more time to explore the places you’ve always wanted to see, as well as more money to spend once you get there.
The key to getting the best airfares, both from the United States to destinations in Europe, and between European destinations, is to shop around and compare carefully.
Most major American air carriers have partnerships with one or more European airlines, and therefore it is often possible to shop airfares between European cities from the web sites of these airlines.
In addition, the major European only airlines all have their own web sites, and most provide for online booking and confirmation as well. This makes it easy to line up all your airfare before you leave the United States.
This is an important consideration, since it is often more difficult, and more expensive, to book airline tickets or train tickets after you have arrived in Europe.
The choice of European cities you plan to visit can also have a major impact on airfare between destinations. Many of the low cost European air carriers are based in London, so it is often considerably less costly to fly from London than to fly from many other major European cities.
Therefore, many budget travelers choose to make London their primary destination, and to take two and three day trips from there to the places they have always wanted to see.
While it is possible to get great deals from other European gateways, it is often more difficult than flying to and from London.
Just as American airlines have their own major gateways, such as New York, Los Angeles and Atlanta, so too do budget European airlines.
Planning your visit around these hub cites is often the best way to get the lowest possible airfares between European cities.
Flying within Europe is surprisingly affordable for way for many budget travelers to get around.
Many first time travelers to Europe, and some seasoned travelers as well, are shocked to find just how affordable it is to fly around Europe.

Europe Trips – European Countries Tours & Holidays

Europe is a never ending fascination. Many places and spots can be spotted in various parts of Europe. Sightseeing, bay watching, beaches, skiing and added water expeditions, and much more are awaiting the viewers and people from all over the world. Indeed, Europe is a good-looking continent overflowing with amazing spectacles and observations.

Populace who pass through Europe will have a first-rate trip. The trip through every country can be accomplished in a lot of techniques. There are people who opt for the rucksack or cycle from side to side by the conspicuous country side. Or else a helicopter can reach you on the specific destination as well you can enjoy the greenery and the miniature buildings on distance. There are singular categories of good-looking structural designs that can be analyzed and traveled around all the way through Europe. These superb edifices are breathtaking toting ups that add to the chronological assessment. Immense monuments, museums plus art porticos are scattered in various parts of Europe. The old-fashioned pious structures are marvelous to scrutinize.

A quantity of extraordinarily elevated constructions is generated on the most important cities for a person to survey although roaming to Europe. A year is not enough to cover the whole Europe, its beauty and fascination. The landmarks are awe-inspiring.

There are loads of supplementary sorts of actions that can be consummated by means of a pass through to Europe. All the members of the family can find amusement and fun. It is more relishing and surprising to newly married couples. Europe does blow their horns with a world legendary ice-skating rink in London. There is conventional music performances carried out in London as well. Metro railways do make the travel throughout Europe quite hassle-free. Now, for individuals who are not accompanied by anyone can very well find their recreations in mode of games and expeditions or holidays.

Personages that take a trip to Europe can stopover a lot of unusual draws right through the first-rate manners of journey. Iced mountains and slopes are well-known treasures of Europe for skiing. Yes, an extensive mixed bag of obsessions can be accomplished on this grand continent. Europe is a big world comprised of small worlds and each segment and fraction of if competes to be the first. There are lots to be explored and tickets can be easily attained through online. Various tour packages are also on the line. A good research and enquiry is all you need to grab a ticket to visit the entire Europe.

The prices and rates rely on the various factors including the mode of transportation and accommodation. In fact, the time and days spent on each spot can also fix the rates. It is always ideal to pick your favorite spots through internet and then go for the trip to this wild and stunning continent. When it comes to Europe, your time, money and travel is worthy!!!

Top 10 Reasons To Visit India

“Why India” can either have many answers or you can stick to one. It completely holds to you why you want to discover it.Some find its indian civilization interesting with its foundation layed more than 5000 year ago and some give its due to the ambiance which they recieve.Today, India is perpetual mix of modern and traditions. This more or less gives it a unique USP which visitors love to explore.Since the days of yore, many travellers were impressed by India. What made them come to India lies in the engima attached. Here comprehending the FAMOUS 10 for India could be a bit difficult but then “‘THEY” make this land popular.Taj Mahal:I call Taj Mahal an epic in white. The exuberant monument was created by Shahjahan in commemoration of his beloved wife. This history still remember each phase of this era when a Mughal ruler created a masterpiece . At that time, he may not have realized that he is creating one of the SEVEN wonders of the world.Forts and Palaces of Rajasthan:If Taj Mahal was built by a Mughal rulers, there are innummerable forts and palaces which dots the western landscape of India – Rajasthan. The artistary done are eye tonic and is a paradise for those who love exquisite craftsmanship. The famous one which que travellers are Amber Fort, City Palace, Hawa Mahal, Ranthambore Fort… The list seems to be endless.Camel Safari:Once you are in Rajasthan, safari is one this which you are bound to do. Navigating Thar desert while holding the hump of camel is impressive enough. Watching traditional villages on the way, could add cherry on the cake as it would give you a brief picture of Rajasthan culture and lifestyle. Unlike the cities, the villages carries the essence of the traditions followed by people over the ages.Khajuraho Temples:Included in World Heritage Site, Khajuraho temples is supposed to be one of its kind in the world. Erotic sculptures beautifully ornate the walls of the temples and reflects the ideology of the famous book ” Kamsutra”.Palace on Wheels:Chugging this train on Delhi -Rajasthan highway could be an experience in itself. The royalty it exudes with ideal hospitality make it popular amongst the foreign travellers. This is one of the most popular and expensive way of travelling through train as the locomotive dresses itself in luxury and style exhibiting the traditional rajasthani culture.Ayurveda:As old as Indian civilization itself, Ayurveda is not taken as a medicinal therapy but as holistic science which rejuvenates mind, body and soul. Ayurveda is simply uses the most basic herbs and exercises. Kerala and Rishikesh are amongst the top rated ayurvedic destinations in India.Himalayas:Himalayas shadows India, it protects India and is indispensible part from its landscape. The region gives a major boost to tourism which includes many adventure activities which you need to explore.Kerala Backwaters:Transport yourself to another zone – an abode of blue waters, with quaint coconut trees lined up to make picture postcard look. Experience the intoxicating beauty of Kerala backwaters on your visit to one of the most interesting places of Southern zone.Jim Corbett National Park:This is one of the popular national parks of India. Based in Uttranchal, it comes under Project Tiger Scheme and is a World Heritage Site as well. Corbett is a paradise for birdwatcher too with around 580 different species of birds.http://holidaytraveltours.blgospot.comhttp://holidaytravelindia.blogspot.com

Kerela The Best Holiday Destination In India : Welcome To God’s Own Country!

Beaches, Backwaters, Cultures & Spices….Realms & Religions are all a part of Kerala. There are a lot of mythological stories attached to Kerala…Some say Lord Vishnu created Kerala. That’s how it got its birth name “God’s Own Country”. Travel To India & you have more than seven cities to visit, Kerala offers romance with a blend of spirituality. The famous backwaters of Kerala & the boat houses are a must-stay here.  The wild-life sanctuaries are exciting & full of adventures not to miss out that you will take back some really interesting flicker Kodak moments along with you.  Some of the wish-list places of Kerala.

Places to Visit:1. Munnar: Breathtakingly beautiful – a haven of peace and stillness – the relaxing tourist destination in God’s own country. Set at an altitude of 6000 ft in Idukki district, Munnar was the favored summer resort of the erstwhile British rulers in the colonial days. Unending expanse of tea plantations – pristine valleys and mountains- exotic species of flora and fauna in its wild sanctuaries and forests – aroma of spice scented cool air – yes! Munnar has all these and more. 2. Thekkady: His is the only sanctuary in India where you can have the unique experience of viewing wildlife at close quarters from the safety of a boat on the lake. The greatest attraction of Periyar remains the large herds of wild elephants that come down to the lake’s edge. 3. Kumarakom: Kumarakom is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is a noted bird sanctuary where many species of migratory birds visit. The Vembanad Lake, the largest backwater in Kerala, is habitat for many marine and freshwater fish species 4. Kottayam is a land of unique characteristics, bordered by the lofty Western Chats on the east, the Vembanad Lake and the paddy fields of Kuttanad on the west. Panoramic backwater stretches, lush paddy fields, highlands, extensive rubber plantations and a totally literate people have given this district the title: the land of letters, latex and lakes.5. Chandragiri Cruises: This offers boat trips to the nearby islands and palm grove. The boarding point is Chandragiri Bridge and nearby, is a mosque and also the ancient Kizhur Sartha Temple. 6.Backwaters of Kottayam. Amidst the paddy fields, rubber plantations and the highlands is the charming Kottayam. Kottayam is popularly known as the land of lakes and latex. The entire population of Kottayam is literate that makes it the land of letters too. The cultivation of the cash crops makes Kottayam.

When planning to Travel To India, Kerala experiences pleasant weather throughout the year. Try & skip June and July due to heavy monsoons. However  coming to Kerala during monsoons is a beautiful experience in itself. Monsoons are also an ideal time to go for nice and warm massages. Food & Shopping, Sightseeing & Massages …Welcome To God’s Own County!

Guide To Tourism In Canada

When planning a trip to Canada, you will find a wealth of attractions, activities, and a natural allure that brings millions of travelers to the vast country that offers visits to destinations, such as Montreal, Vancouver, Calgary, Niagara, British Columbia, and Quebec.
Brief History of Canada
According to aboriginal tradition, it is said that the First Peoples (Native Americans) populated various parts of Canada since the land was inhabitable. European exploration of Canada is recorded to first take place around 1000 AD with an array of Viking pursuits. Their adventures were followed by the Atlantic coast discovery of Englishman John Cabot in 1497. The French then landed on Canadian soil in 1534 with the efforts of Jacques Cartier. The first permanent European settlements were established in 1605, situated at Port Royal. Quebec City was created in 1608.
Over the years, French colonists and fur traders took to the land as the St. Lawrence Valley and the Great Lakes became separate settlements, where Catholic missionaries also found a home. Soon, the French and Iroquois Wars erupted during the mid-17th century, fueled by the fur trade. A slew of inter-colonial wars broke out between 1689 and 1763, followed by an assortment of agreements, such as the Treaty of Utrecht. The 19th century in Canada saw the War of 1812 (between the United States and the British Empire); Irish immigration, and the timber industry replace the fur trade.
Geography
As you scan a map or spin a globe, you will find that Canada takes up the majority of the northern part of North America. Canada stretches from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean, touching upon the waters of the Arctic Ocean. The second-largest country in terms of total land area also shares space with the United States with an array of borders including Niagara Falls and the Ambassador Bridge, crossing over the river in Detroit, Michigan.
In the eastern part of the country, the Gulf of St. Lawrence represents the largest estuary in the world, surrounded by Newfoundland. In the north, coniferous forests characterize the vegetation of the region. It is also here that some of the largest islands in the world are situated. The country is also home to the Appalachian Mountains, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and the Rocky Mountains.
Holiday Hot Spots
Millions of tourists flock to Canada to experience their own slice of heaven. For some, a wilderness adventure provides a satisfying getaway, while soft sandy beaches allows others to work on the perfect tan. Some destinations offer intriguing village exploration, while tradition, culture, and history present an appealing atmosphere. Some of the top holiday stops in Canada include the likes of destinations, such as Vancouver, Montreal, Toronto, and Calgary.
In Vancouver, you will encounter Stanley Park, Grouse Mountain, Yaletown, Gastown, the Vancouver Aquarium, and the VanDusen Botanical Garden, where Montreal offers the Notre-Dame Basilica, Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, the Montreal International Jazz Festival, and the La Ronde Amusement Park to explore. Some of the popular things to do in Toronto include attending a Toronto Blue Jay baseball game, browsing the Art Gallery of Ontario, visiting the CN Tower, or dining at Wayne Gretsky’s Restaurant. The Canada Olympic Park is situated in Calgary, where visitors also enjoy the Calgary Stampede, Calgary Tower, and the Historic Inglewood District, while visiting the largest city in the province, Alberta.