Friday, 28 May 2010

Trip to Poland - Useful Tips

By Kamila_Kaczmarczyk

Climate


Average temperature in summer varies between 16.5 degrees and 20 degrees, in winter - between -6 degrees and 0 degree. Average annual air temperature in Poland is 7-9 ° C (except for mountain regions). The warmest regional capitals in Poland in view of the average annual air temperature are: Tarnow, Wroclaw and Slubice.



The average rainfall is 600 mm./ year (2 / 3 of annual rainfall is in the summer).

Maximal noticed temperature: 40.2 degrees - Proszkow, in 1921

Minimal noticed temperature: -41.0 degrees - Siedlce, in 1940

The highest annual rainfall: 2 770 mm. - in Tatra Mountains, in 2001

The lowest annual rainfall: 275 mm. - in Poznan, 1982.



Embassies

Great majority of the countries have their embassies or consulates in Warsaw and other major cities: Gdansk, Poznan, Krakow, Szczecin and Lodz. Most of the offices are opened only busy days, check the opening hours before going there. The list of embassies can be found at the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.



Emergency phones

997 - Police

999 - Ambulance

981 - Road Assistance

998 - Fire Brigade



Polish Currency

The polish currency is zloty - (English translation "golden", shortcut PLN).



The paper money are 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 PLN denominations, the coins are: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 groszy and: 1, 2, 5 zlotys. In Poland there is wide selection of cash dispensers.



The main conversions in approximation:



1 GBP = 4,5 PLN

1 EUR = 4 PLN

1 USD = 2,8 PLN



Almost all of Polish hotels and businesses accept credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, American Express, Diners and others).



Language

Polish language belongs to West Slavic languages - a part of the family of Indoeuropean languages. It is estimated that the Polish language is the mother tongue of about 44 million people worldwide, the Poles and Polish citizens - emigrants. However most of people in Poland (particularly youth) speak English, it is advised to buy at least small dictionary to communicate with Polish citizens that do not communicate in English (in shops, railway stations, passer byes etc.)



Visa to Poland

For the citizens of the European Union visas to Poland are not needed.



Citizens of the following countries that can travel to Poland without Visas:



Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, El Salvador, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong (some administrative region), Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macao (one region), Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States of America, Uruguay, Vatican, and Venezuela.



Polish visas are only required for the citizens of Belarus, Ukraine and Russia.



since 2007 Poland belongs to The Shengen territory, in which there is no passport control.



If you are interested in trips to Poland you might be also interested in reading about Krakow- Auschwitz tours and Poland cheap flights.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kamila_Kaczmarczyk

Thursday, 27 May 2010

Excellent Eyewitness Travel Guide of Poland

By Joseph_Spence,_Sr.

I purchased this "Poland Travel Guide Book," published by DK.com while taking a class in Polish. I found the book very interesting during my studies. While it did not go along with the language class in a parallel manner, it was quite useful regarding some of the history about Poland. I was under the impression that more language would be included with a section of definition; however, that section was very small and the words were different from what we used in class. The professor also did not care for the book and I just read it during my spare time between classes.




The book was very informative and it contained numerous images of castles, museums, and people in decorative clothing, sculptures, paintings, special rivers, and a variety of lakes. Many of the sections contained examples of interesting data, historical facts, and special images to spark one's interest.



Included in the book one will find a variety of websites available to checkout additional, and acquire more detailed information about Poland and its history. There are also interesting images, color drawings, and paintings of kings and other dignitaries.



Germany is a neighbor of Poland to its west and Czech Republic to its south. The history of Poland is very interesting and unusual, especially since it has been in a variety of wars and had to fight invaders and foreign rulers. It appears to be impacted by more instability than stability.



This is an excellent book. It provides a lot of information on tourism and contains a wealth of information for the making of plans, actual sightseeing, and finding places to rest and recuperate.



I enjoyed reading the book during my studies of Polish. I also had several interesting discussions with individuals from Poland while reading the book. As a person who loves to take pictures, I am planning one day to visit Poland and capture some fantastic pictures of the sites. The index in the back of the book in very detailed and will guide the reader to specific sections without any problems.



© Joseph S. Spence,, Sr., 8/15/09



© All Rights Reserved



Submitted by "Epulaeryu Master."



Joseph S. Spence, Sr., is the co-author of two poetry books, A Trilogy of Poetry, Prose and Thoughts for the Mind, Body and Soul, and Trilogy Moments for the Mind, Body and Soul. He invented the Epulaeryu poetry form, which focuses on succulent cuisines and drinks. He is published in various forums, including the World Haiku Association; Milwaukee Area Technical College, Phoenix Magazine; and Taj Mahal Review. Joseph is a Goodwill Ambassador for the state of Arkansas, USA, and is an adjunct faculty at Milwaukee Area Technical College. He has completed over twenty years of service with the U.S. Army.



http://www.trilogypoetry.com/



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joseph_Spence,_Sr.

Tuesday, 25 May 2010

Escape to Poland - Places That You Must Visit

By Michal Kanon

Since the economic crisis, Poland is one of very few countries in Europe that still manages to develop fast. There are many reasons for this, but the general conclusion may be that finally Poland is becoming more of a western country. Countless investments that occur in our country help us develop this land to be more and more attractive for all visitors. If you're considering visiting Poland, there are a few places that you shouldn't pass without having a look.




Krakow - the capital city in the past - is probably the most beautiful city in Poland. It has a very rich history, which can provide many hours of wondering around the city. The city's heart - Rynek (city square) - attracts many tourists from the entire globe. It's definitely worth coming to Krakow!



Zakopane - the Polish capital for mountain lovers. Zakopane is situated next to the Tatry mountains. In winter, you will find there countless places to go skiing. In Zakopane there are many resorts, that provide not only skiing tracks, but also hotels, parking lots, restaurants etc.



Oswiecim (Polish name for Auschwitz) - this isn't a place to hang out for fun, but it's definitely worth visiting the Oswiecim Museum and learning the deadly truth about the 2nd World War.



There are many spots, that you must see while planning a trip to Poland. I really believe, that if you will choose to visit Krakow, Zakopane and Oswiecim - you won't regret it. See you in Poland!



Want to know more? Our company can organize a auschwitz tour for you from Krakow. All services included - even krakow airport transfers. This will be an unforgettable experience.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michal_Kanon

Monday, 24 May 2010

Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Poland

By Max Bellamy

Poland is a country located in central Europe. It is situated between Germany, which lies to its west, and Ukraine, Belarus lie towards east. Towards south of Poland is Czech Republic and Slovakia. Lithuania and Russia of erstwhile USSR and Baltic Sea are to the north Poland. Poland has been a member of European Union since 01 May 2004. Most Polish companies have come under the central authority of European Union since then. Old currency of Poland no longer exists and there have been several reforms in trade and commerce.




Poland has a very interesting and turbulent history and is called Polska or Rzeczpospolita Polska in its native language. It all started 1000 years ago, when Piast dynasty took over and reformed Poland. The country witnessed a golden age under the leadership and command of Jagiellonian dynasty by the end of the sixteenth century. This dynasty took Poland to great heights and at one time became the wealthiest and most powerful regions in Europe. On May 3, 1791, the Sejm of Polish and Lithuanian commonwealth adopted the constitution of Poland, making Poland the only country in the entire world to adopt democratic governance apart from United States. Poland thus became the second country in the world to have adopted a constitution along with US.



The perils of World War II had completely demolished Poland had left the Polish absolutely penniless. Until 1989, communist parties from Russia ruled Poland. Poland then had to face a new crisis of Communism. After the cold war, Poland gained partial independence in 1989. It then reverted back to its democratic rule. Today Poland is a far better country then what it used to be after the country lost to German forces during World War II.



With free trade and booming economy under the European Union, Poland has reformed in leaps and bounds. Today's Poland is indeed a new country marching on the route of economic and political freedom.



Poland provides detailed information on Poland, Poland Travels, Poland Tours, Poland Real Estate and more. Poland is affiliated with Portland Oregon Hotels [http://www.e-PortlandOregon.com].



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Max_Bellamy

Friday, 21 May 2010

Admire the Beauty of Poland

By Milan Matchev

Located in north central Europe is Poland, which shares borders to the east with the Russian Federation, Belarus, Ukraine and Lithuania, to the south with the Czech Republic and the Slovak Republic and to the west with Germany. To the north lies the Baltic Sea. Except the Carpathian Mountains in the south and the Oder and Neisse rivers in the west, Poland is a plain with no natural boundaries. The Baltic coast provides great sandy beaches, bays, steep cliffs and dunes. The Northern Poland is dominated by lakes, islands and wooded hills joined by many rivers and canals. . Other major rivers are the Vistula, Warta, and Bug, which are important to commerce.

Poland has become one of the major destinations for travelers because of its beauty that can be admired in both its old cities and in the wild scenery of its national parks and nature reserves. It is also a nation with a proud cultural heritage, and theater, music and opera companies. Rich in natural mineral resources such as iron, zinc, copper and rock salt, Poland has the Wieliczka salt mine. This mine is constructed in the 13th century, which contains an entire town below ground with a sanatorium, theatre, church and café. And everything from stairs to chandeliers is made from salt. Among the Poland's traditional dishes are beetroot soup, cabbage rolls and pierogi. Pierogi are dumplings stuffed with cabbage and mushrooms.



Skiing is very popular in Poland especially in the Tatra Mountains. Indeed, the Bieszczady Mountains in the southeast are highly rated for cross-country skiing. Ice boating is also great in Poland's frozen waterways. Poland's rivers are particularly good for bull trout. You may head to the Brodnica or Mysliborz lakelands, or the rivers Brda, Czarna Hancza and Obra if you are canoeists. If you are in the Beskid, Bieszczady and Sudety mountains, both hang gliding and paragliding are popular. Furthermore, Poland's national parks and nature reserves offer a variety of hiking trails through different types of landscapes ranging from dunes, beaches, rivers and lakes to deep forests and high mountains.



It is best to consider vacation rentals for your accommodation if you are traveling to Poland for a holiday. It is like you are in your home away from home because these vacation homes, apartments, and villas are well-kept and maintained and have all your favorite kitchen and dining appliances and utensils.



We have wide selection of Poland Vacation Rentals that offer more amenities and space than hotels. Check out the vacation rentals in Poland to inquire and book directly with the owner.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Milan_Matchev

Thursday, 20 May 2010

10 Reasons to Visit Poland

By M James

If you feel like that you've seen all that France, Spain and Italy have to offer, then perhaps you're looking for a new holiday destination. If you are, then why not consider Poland?
Here's why you should.

1. Poland has many castles and palaces, making it a romantic fairytale of a place in some regions. If you like learning more about the lives of the people who lived in the castles and palaces, then you'll love the Lancut Palace, and the Malbork Castle in Greater Gdansk.

2. The Mazury Lake District in Eastern Poland, is popular with those who like water sports. So if you're a keen sailor or like the idea of exploring over 2500 small lakes you'll love it here. The Pieniny and Czorsztyn lake region, in southern Poland, are perfect if you like the sound of hiking, or rafting, and enjoying some of the best scenery in Europe, you'll really be in your element here

3. The Wolinski National Park on the Baltic Coast may be one of the smallest in Poland, but it's also one of the most beautiful. There's plenty of forest areas to explore, and lots of wildlife, including bison and sea eagles, and home to many plants including 16 varieties of orchids.

4. Poland is steeped in history, and there's lots of culture to experience. Although the death camps of Auschwitz and Birkenau need no introduction, and there are lots of exhibits including personal artefacts which act as sobering reminders of what happened here.

5. Perhaps you've had a weekend break in Krakow, or Warsaw already, and want to explore more of Poland. Why not come back again for a longer holiday, instead of choosing somewhere in Western Europe?
6. Poland really isn't too far away. You'll be able to spend more time enjoying yourself, and getting to know this amazing country, and less time getting here.

7. By flying from your local airport, Poland is easy to get to and you can get away for the weekend, or enjoy a midweek city break without needing to spend most of your time travelling.
8. There's plenty to see and do here at any time of year. Whether you want to explore a museum, enjoy the lakes, or sample the hospitality of cities like Krakow, you don't need to leave your weekend away until the summer.

9. Because there's lots to see and do here, Poland is becoming a popular hen and stag weekend destination. Why not see what activities you can find to do, before enjoying the great nightlife in one of the major cities?

10. No matter whether you're young or old, you'll have a great time in Poland, and although you might want to spend more time in the galleries than the cafes, or the nightclubs might be more appealing than the museums, you'll find the way of life, food, and attitude here most agreeable.

Now you know why you should come here, perhaps now is the time to book your flights to Poland.

If you're tempted, then why not book your Flights to Krakow online at RobinHoodAirport.com today, and fly from your local airport. You'll also be able to book your hotel, car hire and Airport Car Parking when you book your flights, so you'll save time as well as money.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=M_James

Wednesday, 19 May 2010

UK Travel - 10 Enchanting Places to Visit in Britain

By Mark Fenwick

There are many wonderful and enchanting places to visit in Britain, and I highly recommend the following 10 places. UK travel at its best!




1. Cornwall

Cornwall is famous for its dramatic and stunning coastline, charming fishing villages, tin mines, and ancient moorland. The amazing light has attracted artists to Cornwall for many years, today - apart from London - there are more working artists in Cornwall than any other county in the UK.



2. Pembrokeshire


Pembrokeshire in South West Wales is full of magic and mystery. The area has a rich Celtic heritage with many pre-historic monuments to see. Famous for its stunning coastal scenery and beaches, Pembrokeshire is a great place to visit for a walking or cycling holiday.



3. Snowdonia


Snowdonia in North Wales is known the world over for its magnificent mountain scenery. Snowdon is the highest mountain in Wales and England and I highly recommend that you climb to its summit. If that is not possible you can always cheat and get the mountain train to the top!



4. English Lake District


The English Lake District is in the North West of England, and attracts more visitors and tourists than any other region of the UK. The reason why it is a honey pot for tourists is because of its sheer natural beauty, with spectacular lakes and mountains.



5. Scottish Highlands

The Scottish Highlands are a mountain region in Northwest Scotland, famous for its whisky and dramatic moody scenery. If you want to get away from it all, visit the Scottish Highlands for its spectacularly undisturbed beauty.



6. Northumberland

The least visited National Park in the UK; Northumberland is a hidden jewel in the North West of England. The area is quiet and beautiful with a spectacular coastline to explore. It is a wonderful place for cycling and walking, and there are some stunning castles to visit in the area, including Alnwick Castle, which was used as Hogwarts in the Harry Potter films.



7. Norfolk Broads


The Norfolk Broads are a network of lakes and rivers on the East coast of England. The home to rare and beautiful flora and fauna, the Broads are a wildlife haven. A great place to visit if you like water and messing around on boats, and love big open skies.



8. Cotswolds

The Cotswolds are a designated area of outstanding natural beauty in the heart of England. Famous for its honey coloured cottages and range of rolling limestone hills. The area is a quaint corner of England ideal for walking and horse riding.



9. New Forest

The New Forest is a former royal hunting area in the South of England. It is a unique landscape of ancient forest and unenclosed pastureland. The area is a paradise for walkers, cyclists and horse riders.



10. Yorkshire Dales


The Yorkshire Dales is an area of great natural beauty in the heart of Northern England. The Dales are a great place to partake in outdoor pursuits, but are also an ideal place to just get away from it all. The area is home to some of the finest cross-country mountain biking in the UK.



For more details and more magical places to visit in Britain check out the "Enchanted Britain" UK travel web site.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mark_Fenwick

Tuesday, 18 May 2010

Avoid Travel Chaos With the Newest Travel Gadgets

By Tate Fontaine

Everyone loves gadgets but none more so than geeks, and geeks know that there is a gadget out there that will solve every problem life throws their way. Nothing can throw up more problems than travelling. Gadgets are the perfect solution to travel chaos in whatever guise that takes. So take a leaf out of the geek play book and grab yourself a travel geek gadget or two. Here are some ideas to help prepare you for your next adventure.




Always have some form of entertainment with you. Everyone loves to take good book with them on holiday but the problem is that you are limited by the size of your suitcase. Ebook readers are becoming more and more popular because you can carry with you an entire library for the size of just one paperback. Portable gaming consoles can be essential for long cross country car journeys either for you or for the kids in the back of the car. Portable games consoles have come a long way since the the original 8-bit Nintendo Game Boy came out in 1989. Handheld video game devices now have quite advanced graphics.



Power is another consideration. The problem with travelling is that your not always within arms reach of a power outlet to charge all your gadgets. Now with the price of photovoltaic solar cells at an all time low solar charges are now very reasonably priced. So now you can always charge your gadgets; even if your at the beach.



Safety is another important factor to consider while travelling and gadgets can help you with that too. GPS tracking devices are highly recommended if not essential for climbers and off piste skiers. With the simple press of a button your exact GPS location will be broadcast to the emergency services. These are not just another geek gadget but serious bits of kit that could save your life.



Just because you are away from home does not mean that you can not stay secure. There are some really ingenious gadgets out there to keep your data secure. When travelling it is not always possible to carry around your laptop so you will have to rely on public computers to get work done. You can now carry all your personal data with you wherever you go on a highly secure USB flash drive. Some USB Flash drives now have encryption that the CIA or NSA would envy. Identity theft is on the rise a simple geek gadget like this makes it really easy to stay secure when away from home.



In this article several topics have been covered; Entertainment, power, safety, and security. These are a few different areas that gadgets can really help you when travelling. No specific gadgets have been mentioned as new gadgets come out all the time.



If you are going travelling have a look at the travel gadgets over at Geek Gadget.



If you are going travelling have a look at the travel gadgets over at Geek Gadget.



Tate Fontaine is a blogger and technology enthusiast. Currently working for a large gadget focused magazine in the US.



Geek Gadget



Newest Travel Gadgets



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tate_Fontaine

Monday, 17 May 2010

Six Flags Over Georgia Discount Tickets - Find Out Why a Season Pass is the Best Choice

By Nadav Snir 


Six Flags Over Georgia is a large theme park located near Atlanta. It's a very popular park with lots of roller coasters, runaway train rides, games, and so forth. Visitors can find a large number of services throughout the park, including ATM machines, stroller rentals, wheelchairs, and even kennels for pets.

If you're interested in going sometime this season, you need to order tickets online in advance. This is the most affordable, convenient, and even sensible option, because the tickets at the entrance are actually more expensive than they are online. This means you'll be standing around in line all morning just to pay extra for something you could have already gotten cheaper online!

Right now, season passes are available for $49.99. This is just $5 more than a regular, one day ticket. For an extra $5, you can have unlimited access to ALL the parks! Also, season pass holders receive $300 worth of Six Flags Over Georgia discounts on games, food, gifts, parking, and more. Clearly, this is the best option.

Since this is such a huge park, you'll want to visit as often as you can. There are a lot of fun rides, including Georgia Scorcher, Mind Bender, Ninja, Georgia Cyclone, Superman: Ultimate Flight, and Goliath. Also known as "Big G", the Goliath is one of the fastest rides in the country, going up to 70 mph. It features a 200 foot ascent, zero gravity hills and giant spirals, and high-bank turns! This is definitely a thrill ride, so if you want a lot of excitement, you need to go on the Goliath.

The park has different areas, each with a special theme. There are Bugs Bunny World and Thomas Town, which are just for kids; the Cotton States Section, with Superman: Ultimate Flight and Dare Devil SkyCoaster; the USA Section, featuring the Goliath; Gotham City with Mind Bender and Gotham City Crime Wave; and the British Section with the Georgia Cyclone. You can get a map of the entire park from the Six Flags website and print it out.

There is a lot more at Six Flags Over Georgia than rides. There are many upcoming events and concerts scheduled for the next few months. One upcoming event is the 65th anniversary of Thomas Town, coming in June. During this time, a lot of giveaways and prizes are going to be given out! Later on in June, Pitbull is going to be performing at Over Georgia. With a season pass, you'll be able to attend the concert for free!

Get some Six Flags Over Georgia coupons for saving on ticket prices, shopping, food, and more. With a season pass, you can visit the park as often as you want throughout the 2010 season, and receive a lot of incentives and freebies in the process!

About the author:
Nadav Snir operates a website which includes tickets to the best amusement parks in the world - Six Flags parks. To get the best ticket prices, visit: http://Great-Info-Products.com/Tickets/six-flags-tickets.html



Friday, 14 May 2010

Discover More of Australia With B and B Accommodation

By Jim T Thomas

Australia is well known for having many great holiday destinations. With six states to explore (Western Australia, Queensland, South Australia, New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania), plus two territories (Northern Territory and Australian Capital Territory), there is no shortage of traveling opportunities in the Australia. One of the most popular forms of accommodation in Australia is bed and breakfast establishments.




So many people come to countries like Australia and New Zealand because they appreciate the prevalence of these types of accommodation and how much they offer when traveling in a new country. People who enjoy this style of lodging appreciate the attention to detail given by the host and their friendliness when it comes to ensuring you have the best time possible while in their part of Australia.



There are many different styles of this particular lodging including boutique inns, luxury cottages, exquisite villas and rural homesteads. Finding your perfect B and B accommodation in Australia is all about finding the right establishments to stay at. You can get a good feel for each place you plan to stay at before you even arrive, check out what is available on the internet and look through photo galleries, video tours (if available) and read guest testimonials.



There are actually websites dedicated to this specific type of accommodation, allowing you to research all the various regions you wish to visit and arrange lodging for each place from the convenience of one central website. Such websites allow you to search based on price, quality and/or facilities, helping you find the exact right lodging for both your tastes and budget.



The right B and B accommodation in Australia is the one that is affordable, offers the type of room that you need, and gives you a more quaint accommodation and a taste of what the country culture has to offer. When you decide on a B and B accommodation in Australia you will enjoy being able to have a more personal experience, a better level of service, and a chance to get to know the people of the country and their way of life. Discover more of Australia and its people with B and B accommodation.



The Number 1 Bed & Breakfast Website is a joint venture between B&B websites of various countries to create one truly global site. 1bbweb.com is on the way to fulfilling the aim of being the best bed & breakfast site in the world. In the short time we have been accepting international listings we have achieved a membership of nearly 10.000 members from USA, Canada, United Kingdom, Ireland South Africa, Australia B&B, New Zealand, as well as increasing numbers from European and Asian countries.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jim_T_Thomas

Thursday, 13 May 2010

How Much Travel Insurance Do I Really Need?

By Jeffery Gulleson



There's been a lot of confusion over whether or not travel insurance covers a natural disaster such as the April 2010 volcanic eruption in Iceland that stranded tens of thousands of travelers. When someone asks, "Does my travel insurance cover this type of event?" I answer, "Check the fine print." Clicking the insurance button when buying an online ticket most likely will not give you very good coverage. These types of travel insurance offer very basic coverage, which may be fine if your trip doesn't cost much. Or if your itinerary is not a complicated one requiring multiple stops over a longer period of time with expensive hotel reservations.




Here are five guidelines for knowing how much travel insurance to get.



1. What is your trip worth to you? A young student sleeping in hostels throughout Europe and carrying a backpack won't need a "Cadillac plan" trip protector. Compare that to a couple in their early 60s who have reservations in 5 star hotels in some of the most expensive cities in Europe and who fly first class. Their travel will cost quite a bit, so they should consider paying top of the line coverage.



2. Compare the cost differences between a basic plan and a premium plan. I went on a well-known travel insurance website to see how much it would cost me for a two week international trip. The Basic plan sells for $127 for a person my age. When I added in "cancel for any reason" coverage, upgraded medical coverage, and optional flight coverage, the total jumped to $202. So now I have to ask myself, is that extra $75 worth it?



3. Know what you are buying. Travel insurance policies contain 4 types of trip protection: trip cancellation, trip interruption, trip delay and missed connection.





Trip cancellation reimburses you the full cost of your pre-paid ticket in the event you have to cancel prior to your trip. One insurance company sells a "Cancel for Any Reason" policy for an additional cost, though most other companies have specific - but still extensive - conditions under which one can cancel. Find out what your trip cancellation covers, and what exclusions are not covered. Some companies, for example, did not reimburse those affected by volcano ash because they considered that a weather disturbance instead of a natural disaster.

Trip interruption reimburses you for travel expenses in the event of an unexpected crisis during your trip, causing it to be cancelled, interrupted or delayed. One worldwide travel insurance company paid 100% of the trip cost for trip interruption due to volcanic ash that affected Europe April 2010.

Travel Delay reimburses you for expenses you pay for trips delayed for more than 5 hours due to covered reasons but only up to a certain amount, some $1000, others $750. Travel delay typically covers hotel accommodations for stranded travelers, meals, taxi fares and essential phone calls.

Missed connection reimburses you if inclement weather or common carrier causes cancellation or a delay of a regularly scheduled airline flights for three or more hours to your time of departure. One Gold Plan reimburses you $250 for a missed connection.



4. Doesn't my airline refund ticket costs, and put me up in hotels and cover food expenses in the case of trip cancellation and interruption? So, why do I need extra travel insurance? That's a good question. Years ago my family and I traveled from San Francisco to Singapore and our trip was delayed due to mechanical failure. The airline bused all passengers to a nearby hotel, paid for our rooms and gave us food vouchers to use in the hotel restaurant.



Another time I had to cancel my flight due to illness. Because I bought a non-refundable ticket, I was able to apply that ticket to another travel date, minus of course, a penalty fee of $100. I had one year to use the ticket.



Once, when dense fog grounded my plane for 8 hours, the airline gave everyone who asked for it food vouchers for an airport restaurant. Because it was a foreign country, and I didn't speak the language, I didn't know food vouchers were being given out, and so I missed out on coffee and croissants. Best advice here is to know your passenger rights.



Missed connections are another form of travel frustration. If your missed connection occurs when traveling with the same airline or air alliance, then you will be taken care of by the airline company. However, if your missed connection happens when you fly two different airlines or airline alliances, then you are out of luck with the airline companies. If you have travel insurance that covers missed connections, then you are in luck.



5. Buy travel insurance for the medical coverage and other services. Sure, airlines do reimburse and are obligated in many cases by law to compensate for long travel delays, interruptions and cancellations. But they won't pay any medical bills should you be injured on your travels. And they won't pay for worldwide assistance services such as medical evacuation, physician referrals, translation services, prescription replacement, emergency cash transfers, and concierge services, and a host of other services you can purchase with travel insurance.



So, the choice is yours. Most trip cancellations and interruptions are pretty straight forward, and you can get reimbursements from the airlines. In those cases you wouldn't need a premium Trip Cancellation plan. But in the event of a volcano erupting, or some other natural disaster that severely disrupts travel for days and days, you could be out hundreds of dollars. That's why there is travel insurance. Like any insurance, we get it because we don't know the future.



Trip insurance is worth it for the medical coverage alone. All travel insurance covers trip delays or cancellations for specified reasons (again, check what they WON'T cover), and are easily upgraded for additional costs. Their real value, however, is medical, especially for medical evacuations which cost tens of thousands of dollars.



Contact Good Neighbor Insurance for trip cancellation insurance.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeffery_Gulleson

Wednesday, 12 May 2010

Luggage Review of the Favorite Travel Bag Brands

By Greg Parsons
For people who travel a lot, they will definitely understand when I say that buying reliable luggage is a necessity that you should always consider. However, with a lot of luggage being sold in the market, how do you know that the brand that you will be buying is one of the best? To do this, you have to read the different luggage review to know which brand of luggage and travel bags suit your needs.




However, where do you find the best luggage review? You can find them in the magazines but the best way for you to look for luggage review is from the internet. If you look at the different luggage reviews over the internet, you will surely encounter different brands such as the Samsonite Luggage Set, American Flyer Luggage, International Traveller Luggage, American Tourister Luggage and Pierre Cardin Luggage. Here are the things that what you will expect to read on a luggage review when it comes to these brands of luggage.



Samsonite Luggage Set



Samsonite Luggage Set is stylish and is created out of excellent craftsmanship. The good thing about the Samsonite Luggage Set is that they come in different designs. Moreover, the Samsonite Luggage Set is also very lightweight which is very easy to carry during traveling. Although lightweight, they are made from very durable materials.



American Flyer Luggage



If you like cool, casual or classic luggage sets, then you might like the American Flyer collection. What is great about American Flyer is that they come in very affordable prices and that they are made from different types of materials. This means that for every style that you need, there is bound to be a set from American Flyer Luggage that fits into your preference.



International Traveller Luggage



The International Traveller bags are considered as the world's lightest luggage. It also has innovative designs which have a superb quality and design. What is great about the International Traveller line is that it has a long reputation of building the lightest product on the market. Although the sets they have made are light, the International Traveller bags are made from durable materials which give you worry-free travel.



American Tourister Luggage



If you want to have a lot of options when it comes to choosing your luggage sets, then you can choose from the American Tourister sets. The American Tourister Company has been making a lot of designs for their collection of baggage. This means that if you fancy a classical look for your bags or a funky look, then you can be assured that the American Tourister name has the right set that suit your needs.



Pierre Cardin Luggage



Pierre Cardin is very famous when it comes to luggage sets. In fact, it has been around since 1960. The Pierre Cardin is known for its avant-garde style and also the space age designs. It is not restricted to feminine designs and that the Pierre Cardin Luggage often prefer geometric shapes more than anything else in the design world.



Greg has been writing articles for over 4 years. Please visit his latest website about travel products at Luggage Review, with information on finding the best Samsonite Luggage Set and other travel items and ideas that any frequent traveler would be interested in.



Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Greg_Parsons

Tuesday, 11 May 2010

Great Books to Read on the Canals and Narrow Boats of the UK

By Cliff K Bayliss

There is a great deal of history and tradition belonging to the Canals of the U.K. Luckily for us, quite a bit of it has been recorded in word and picture. Every now and then I come across a book telling of the days gone by, and I cannot resist them! Whether it's a little canal side shop, or a canal museum, out jumps this canal book, begging me to buy it! Here are a few of the books I have that are worth getting hold of, if you can.




*The Number Ones, by Robert J. Wilson

Number Ones were owner operators. They actually owned their own boat, and had crews work for them. Some of the well known number ones were Arthur Bray, Joe Skinner, and Charlie Atkins. This little book I picked up at the Canal Museum in London, and give a look at the lives of the Midland Canal owner boatmen. It is well written, and has a host of photographs of the Number Ones, their boats and families.



*Canal Narrow Boats and Barges, written by Tony Conder.

This is a Shire Publication, and is an introduction to narrow boats, while also looking at a variety of other canal and river craft. Photos and illustrations, (in colour and black and white) show boats on the inland waterways today and older working boats with the background of industry. The author, Tony Conder, worked at the Stoke Bruerne canal museum, before opening the National Waterways Museum at Gloucestershire.



*A Canal People, featuring the photographs of Robert Longden, by Sonia Rolt

One of the best books on canal boats, and canal folk. I just love the canal history and culture, and this book is just packed with excellent high quality photos of the canal. The photos were taken around Hawkesbury Junction between late 1940 and early 1950. The photos are of a close community and represent its members in an intimate way, at work, at play, in their domestic affairs, and how they lived on their colorful narrow boats. Sonia Rolt, who worked on the canals, and new the photographer, tells how she came by the pictures, and provides informative captions to the pictures. Highly recommended to all narrow boat enthusiasts.



*Canals of England, Martin Evans and Robert Reichenfeld

This is a lovely picture book, part of the Country Series put out by Phoenix some time ago. Martin and Robert toured the canals, and documented the waterways in all aspects - in all weathers. There are over130 great photographs, and plenty of rich text in the history, people and legends of the canals. This book captures the beauty of the canals from stone bridges in Bath, to the magnificent sweep of the Rochdale Canal.



Check availability of these books at:

http://www.great-canal-and-river-holidays.com/canal-and-narrowboat-books.html



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cliff_K_Bayliss

Monday, 10 May 2010

Travel Safety Checklist

By Vineeta_M_Greenwood

Every time an individual steps out of his home, he steps out of his environment. He leaves what he is accustomed to. For whatever reason, traveling abroad is equivalent to changing environment and while the prospects of pleasure seem rewarding, those of risk are never far behind. From political circumstances to prevalent disease, every country has its own contours. Every British citizen must understand these differences and take every appropriate measure to ensure that their trip is memorable, rewarding and above all, safe. Many vital country and region specific advice can be obtained from Know Before You Go internet sites and publications. The Know Before You Go campaign was established in 2001 for British safety abroad. What ensues is an account of all the necessities one must possess before boarding the plane to a foreign destination.




Knowing where you're going



Awareness of local laws, political status and customs not only makes the stay in a foreign country enjoyable, but it also aids in evading potential complications. Researching destinations before traveling is a healthy habit that all tourists must practice.



Are you leaving home sick to become sicker abroad?



A vital component of any travel plan is medical check-up prior to departure. It is advisable to delay the trip if one is found unfit to travel or is suffering from any health condition. A visit to the tropics, for instance, could expose one to certain bacterial and parasitic diseases that could only compound existing medical conditions. For certain infections, one can obtain from his GP, prophylactic antibiotics.



Bring paperwork in order



There are two ways to secure "Travel Insurance", which is insurance intended to cover medical and financial expenses including any losses incurred in a visit to a foreign country. A temporary travel insurance can be secured at booking time. This insurance would only cover the duration of the trip. A more extensive travel insurance would provide sustained continuous insurance and can be secured from travel insurance companies or tour operators. There is a variety of coverage provided under travel insurance.



• Expenditure relevant to medicine



• Evacuation on emergency basis



• Theft



• Expenditure relevant to overseas funerals



• Legal help



Separate insurance for specific conditions and circumstances is available. Such instances could be pre-existing health conditions like Asthma and Diabetes or traveling to countries where terrorism could potentially occur. It is important to determine the validity of the passport and the presence of required visas. Copies of important documents should be made and ideally stored on secure data storage sites for access at desired times.



Contacts



Friends and relatives should be aware of the trip and must have the traveler's contact numbers for emergencies.



Accommodation Abroad



Consulting Hotel Price Comparison sites can help discover the price ranges for accommodation. Hotel Price Comparison Sites, like Hotels Fairy, help in searching and selecting the best deals. The services of Hotels Fairy are totally free and one can obtain information regarding 200,000 hotels present in 195 countries while selecting hotels.



Vineeta Greenwood is the co-owner of Hotels Fairy, an independent hotel price comparison website.



Hotels Fairy has one of the world's largest hotel databases and compares prices from all the major online booking sites, making it easy to find the best deals on hotels in a matter of seconds.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Vineeta_M_Greenwood

Saturday, 8 May 2010

Traveling on a Tight Budget

By Brett_Kingston

Today's economy is pretty bleak. Maybe you are like many people, and sometimes daydream of an island vacation, to mentally escape the drudgery and struggle of everyday life. The daydream probably feels like nothing more.




For your own peace of mind, try reframing that dream. If we take a new perspective, often we can think more creatively and reach our goals.



Are you keeping to a tight budget, clipping coupons, counting pennies? Great! Instead of thinking about how this makes a vacation so unlikely, consider that you have developed a great skill set for searching out the best in vacation values as well. Just be creative.



Maybe you are exhausted from watching your kids. If this is the case, how about asking your parents to watch your kids for the weekend, or offering to trade kid-free weekends with your siblings? You'll then have a weekend free for a mini vacation getaway. Plus, your trip just became less expensive since it is only the adults going.



Consider going to a great hotel and going all out. You may find it is a better value than going to a less-expensive hotel with the whole family for a week would have been. Take your luxury weekend, and come back to your life refreshed on Monday.



You may have noticed that everyone in your family seems stressed. If this is the case, a whole family vacation may be in order. Check on the Internet to find the best vacation value for your dollar.



Keep an open mind during this process. Often, there are vacation planning websites that offer package deals including airfare and hotel, or airfare and hotel and rental car. If you are willing to be flexible about your destination and take the suggestions of available packages, you may find a fantastic deal that fits your family's budget.



If you keep your vacation goal in mind, you'll have a great time. You're on vacation to rest and relax and enjoy. Don't worry about where you are headed. Have a nice break with your family and take the well-needed time off.



It's really understandable that everyone keeps looking for any affordable stuff, like an affordable dental implants and cheap dental insurance.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brett_Kingston

Friday, 7 May 2010

Destination Ennis

By Breda Quirke

The name 'Ennis' derives from the Irish word 'Inis' meaning 'Island' and is the capital town of County Clare located in the west of Ireland. Situated on the River Fergus, Ennis town lies just north of County Limerick and south of County Galway.




The town of Ennis is just 19 km or 12 miles from Shannon and Shannon Airport. Located at the mouth of the Fergus estuary, Ennis is the gateway to the West of Clare via the N85 Western road for people travelling from the Limerick and East Clare regions.



Ennis town originally grew up around a 13th century Franciscan Friary and was a very important market town in the west of Ireland. Today the Franciscan Friary is one of the top attractions in Ennis and the market square is still home to many stalls. Another top attraction in Ennis is The De Valera Library and Museum.



Ennis town is steeped in history and is associated with some of the great political leaders of the past. For a historic background on this great town visit The Ennis Library website for further details.



The 2006 census showed that Ennis had a population of 24,253 making it the largest town in Munster and the 6th largest town in Ireland. In 2005 Ennis won the Irish 'Tidy Towns Competition' and has since maintained this high status over the years and came in 2nd place in 2008.



Ennis has a great sense of tradition and became a centre for Irish Traditional Music after hosting the Fleadh Nua festival over the last 40 years - taking place in late May each year. This festival is the second largest traditional music festival in Ireland and attracts thousands of people, both young and old each year. The purpose of this festival is to promote traditional Irish music and culture.



This year the people of Ennis welcomed boxer Muhammad Ali to his ancestral home of Ennis! Muhammad Ali's great grandfather Abe Grady originated from the Turnpike area of Ennis in County Clare and on 1st September 2009, Muhammad Ali was made the first Honorary Freeman of Ennis on his very first visit to Ennis. This was a historic moment for the town and people of Ennis and received worldwide coverage.



Visit http://www.goireland.com/ for all you need to know before visiting Ireland, like what to see and where to go. View B&Bs, guesthouses and self catering accommodation all over Ireland, as well as hotels. Check out our Ennis Hotels page and book a hotel in Ennis securely online today.



Breda Quirke writes for GoIreland.com - Ireland's leading travel and accommodation website.



Visit http://www.goireland.com/ for all you need to know before visiting Ireland, like what to see and where to go. View B&Bs, guesthouses and self catering accommodation all over Ireland, as well as our Hotel Deals Ireland page for some great offers.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Breda_Quirke

Thursday, 6 May 2010

Sudety Mountains

You do not have to go to Zakopane to see the mountains in Poland. There are other mountains, apart from Tatry Mountains, which are much cheaper to visit. Try Sudety (in the south west of Poland, next to German border) for example. This holiday we are going to stay there in a privately rented house: 35zl per per night per adult, £15 per child. Self-catering. I will post some pictures from our trip in late summer, so you will be able to see for yourself how beautiful it is.

Tuesday, 4 May 2010

How to Entertain Children on a Road Trip

By Susan Petracco

Family road trips are a great and often inexpensive way to spend vacation time with your children. However, they can also be immensely aggravating for the entire family when your children start to get bored and restless. As an avid road warrior and a parent of three young children, I've been through numerous ups-and-downs while traveling by car. As a result, I've mentally developed a lot of "lessons learned" when it comes to hitting the highway. Here are a few of my tips for helping parents and kids survive - and enjoy - a great road trip.




1. Break up longer trips into small sections. If you can limit your time on the road to 5-6 hours a day, you can save yourself a lot of stress. Getting to your first stop will also give you and your children some time for play and relaxation. Many children can't sit in a car for hours on end, then go straight to bed in a strange hotel room. So try to stop before you are too tired, so that everyone call relax and have fun before bedtime.



2. If you will be stopping for the night before your final destination, pack the bare minimum for a single night in a separate bag from your main luggage. This way, there's less to carry into the hotel, and also less stuff to climb over while you're in your room. When we travel, we pack a pair of pjs and a single change of clothes for each child and minimal toiletries (their toothbrushes are important to remember!) in a duffel bag. It's much easier to deal with for a single overnight hotel stay than bringing in a large bag with our entire wardrobe for the trip.



3. If your children argue over a particular seat (or row of seats in the minivan), set up a schedule in advance so that everyone considers their time in the special seat to be equal and fair to everyone else's time. It can save a lot of arguing over who sits where after each stop you make.



4. If there is more than one adult and extra room in the back, sit with your children for at least part of the trip. They may feel that they don't get enough attention from Mom and Dad if you're both in the front seat, having a conversation that doesn't include them.



5. Stop at rest areas whenever possible, not just for a bathroom break, but also for snacks. If the weather is good, it's also a great chance to let kids stretch their legs and get rid of the restless energy from sitting all day. Bring along a soccer ball or frisbee and let them play near a picnic area for a bit. It helps stretch cramped muscles, relieve stress through recreation, and simply breaks the monotony of being in the car.



6. Cultivate a knowledge of great road trip games. Some examples are finding license plates from every state, looking for all the letters of the alphabet (in order!) on road signs, and looking for fun shapes in clouds. You can find a huge selection of car games for kids by doing a simple online search, and if you add one or two new game ideas to each trip, you'll keep the selection fresh and more exciting for your kids.



7. Make a sing-along CD of the kids' favorite songs, and have a family karaoke-style sing-along as you head down the road. Include age-appropriate CDs made for kids, but try and find some that you can enjoy too. One great line to consider is "Kidz Bop", which features remakes of well-known pop songs with children singing along. We also have made a CD of songs that our family likes to "perform" on the Band Hero video games.



8. Get each child an age-appropriate activity book and pens/pencils/crayons. Coloring books are great for toddlers, older children may like multi-game books, and teenagers often enjoy crossword puzzles or Sudoku (at least, if they're trapped in a car without a phone or game console)! With smaller children, it's a good idea to limit their time with crayons and pencils though; don't let them get so bored that they start drawing on the inside of your car!



9. Get a portable DVD player if your vehicle doesn't already have one. Bring along a few of their favorites, but also pick up a new movie from the store or the local video rental place. Try NetFlix if you travel often; you can keep your selections as long as you want, so you don't have to worry about due dates and overdue fees. You can also check out DVDs from many public libraries for free.



10. Pack low-sugar snacks to keep hunger at bay without causing a sugar rush and the inevitable crash. Small bags of baby carrots, apple slices, or air-popped porpcorn ease a rumbling tummy. Healthy snacks are also important if your children tend to snack when they are bored rather than just hungry.



Susan Petracco is an avid travel deals hunter, parent of three, and frequent family road-warrior.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Susan_Petracco

Sunday, 2 May 2010

Vacation Rentals As a Solution For the Handicapped

By Paul A Buchanan

Everyone wants to be able to be able to get away from his or her day to day habits every once in a while. Vacations are the best way to do just that, but what if vacationing just sounds like a struggle to you because of a physical disability? All of the stairs and elevators to upper floor hotel rooms, making sure the places you stay are handicap-accessible, and simply getting around can be overwhelming when trying to plan a getaway. Vacation rentals offer a nice alternative to these traditional places that people stay when they go out of town.




When you have to think about steps and parking decks and finding a place with a parking ramp that is easily accessible, a driveway right to your front door sounds pretty nice. Just think of having the comforts and niceties of your own home, but in a new and relaxing environment when you are vacationing.



You can even search for vacation homes that provide handicap accessibility so that you can be sure that you will be comfortable and enjoy your vacation without concern for your physical well-being. Hotels and condominiums can be some of the most difficult places to navigate as a person with a physical disability. This makes vacation rentals a wonderful option for you next getaway.



To wrap things up, no one should ever let their physical state keep them from enjoying the amenities that getting away from home can offer. Finding a house to rent in a place that you are interested in visiting is easier than you might think and it offers much more comfort and assurance that you will enjoy your time away from the daily grind without the frustration that hotels can bring.



Vacation Rental Homes



Florida Vacation Rentals



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_A_Buchanan