Cheap Travel) Thanks to

Tim Leffel's Cheapest Destinations Tim Leffel's Cheapest Destinations Places where a fistful of dollars will pay for weeks of hotels, train rides, and meals. December 12, 2005 Student Travel (Usually Cheap Travel) Thanks to Kathleen Crislip who runs the student travel section of About.com. She mentioned The World's Cheapest Destinations in her holiday gift feature: Top 10 Best Student Travel Books 2005. I feel kind of guilty being on this esteemed list since my book came out a few years ago. But I am hard at work on the home stretch of an updated version, due out sometime around the end of February next year. No earth-shattering changes, but much of Eastern Europe has gotten more expensive, especially for Americans, and a few up and comers have gotten more attractive. New additions will be Argentina, Nicaragua, and Romania. I want to keep the number at 21 though, which means a few will drop out and become "honorable mentions." I'm also adding a short bit on East Africa, since more than a few backpackers make that trek down the coast. Having just gotten back from Botswana and South Africa, however (more on that in the next blog), I stand by my assertion that just because a region has a lower per-capita GDP than where you come from, it doesn't mean it's a bargain. If you are a student traveling on a budget, as opposed to a trustafarian who just wears the uniform of the rebellious disenchanted, you need to go where your limited funds will go a long way. This means avoiding the places 90% of college kids on summer vacation set off for: Western Europe, Australia, the U.S., Canada, and New Zealand. Yes, it sounds cool to say you spent your summer bopping around London, Paris, Amsterdam, New York, and Sydney, but you'll come back with a debt load rivaling next semester's tuition. Look beyond the obvious--it'll be much more of an adventure, and you can live it up on the cheap. Posted by Tim Leffel at 10:43 AM November 29, 2005 A Home Abroad vs. A Home at Home Many long-term travelers daydream about not just passing through the places they go, but actually picking one and moving there. Their friends and relatives might tell them it's risky, but is it really more risky than buying something in our current overheated home markets? After all, with housing prices through the roof in most developed countries now, buying land or a house overseas is looking like a safer bet. I won't say more since I wrote a long article on the subject for the current issue of Offshore Real Estate and Investment Quarterly , put out by the publishers of EscapeArtist.com. But I will add that when you start reading EscapeArtist and International Living on a regular basis, you realize that some people don't just daydream about buying a little place of their own overseas someday--they really do it. Lots of them. Every month. Then after they get there, they often find they're spending a small fraction of what they did at home. A safer investment and cheaper living--a nice combination. Posted by Tim Leffel at 12:20 AM RSS Feed Forbes Best of the Web Buy The Book Untitled Document The Worlds Cheapest Destinations provides a capsule overview of 21 great travel bargains, with cost information for lodging, restaurant meals, local transportation, and attractions, including what you can get for a buck or less in each country. From the Great Pyramids to the Taj Mahal to some of the best snorkeling and diving spots on Earth, this book will show you where to have a fantastic experience without spending a fantastic fortune. Free Excerpt From The Book (PDF file - requires Adobe Acrobat Reader) Buy the Book Links Cheapest Destinations Web Site Destination Articles Search Search this site: Recent Entries Student Travel (Usually Cheap Travel) A Home Abroad vs. A Home at Home "Cheap" Travel is Relative More Reasons Not to Take a Cruise U.S. Survey - Our Airlines Suck Responsible Tourism - Your Job Too (Relaxed) Travel Is Good for Your Health Charities Block Famine-Relief Savings Do Your Homework Before You Travel Yo, What About Guatemala? Archives December 2005 November 2005 October 2005 September 2005 August 2005 July 2005 June 2005 May 2005 April 2005 March 2005 February 2005 January 2005 December 2004 November 2004 October 2004 September 2004 August 2004 July 2004 June 2004 May 2004 April 2004 March 2004 February 2004 January 2004 December 2003 November 2003 October 2003 September 2003 August 2003 July 2003 June 2003 May 2003 April 2003 Find Other Blogs Popdex Blogarama BlogUniverse BlogWise Eatonweb Globe Of Blogs Powered by Movable Type 2.63

Chicago Vacation

Family Vacation Tip: Chicago Greeters  You are here: About > Travel > Travel with Kids Travel Travel with Kids Essentials Family Vacation Ideas Winter and Spring Break All-Inclusive Resorts Ten Latest Family Travel Deals Family Resorts: top places; photos Articles & Resources Family Travel: What's Hot Top Vacation Spots VT, ME, NH, CT, MA, NY, PA Mexico Family Vacations Caribbean Vacations More Beach Vacations Florida Family Vacations Resorts with Water Park More Family Resorts Fun Places for Kids Disney Vacations Family Cruises Babies;Teens;Single Parents Lots More Destinations Family Travel TIPS, GAMES Buyer's Guide TAKE ALONG: Christmas books Christmas flicks Activity Kits more CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the Travel with Kids newsletter! See Online Courses   Search Travel with Kids Family Vacation Tip: Chicago Greeters Travel with Kids Blog « Family Vacation Idea: USVI | Main | Family Vacations: Disney World » December 22, 2003 Family Vacation Tip: Chicago Greeters Visiting Chicago? Get a (free!) introduction to the city with your own personal guide, courtesy of the City of Chicago Greeter Program . Similar to the terrific Big Apple Greeters in NYC. Email a Friend Display Latest Headlines Read Archives Advertisement Most Popular Charades -How To Play Charades Family Vacation Spots The Atlantis Resort Great Places to See Santa Disney Christmas Magic Kingdom What's Hot Grand Floridian Chinese New Year - 2006 Poconos Great Wolf Lodge photo Dog Friendly Hotels, inns, lodges -- find dog-friendly vacat... Kwanzaa Related Topics Florida for Visitors New England for Visitors Theme Parks Hotels / Resorts / Inns Parenting of K-6 Children        Topic Index | Email to a Friend Our Story | Be a Guide | Advertising Info | Work at About | Site Map | Icons | Help User Agreement | Ethics Policy | Patent Info. | Privacy Policy | Kids' Privacy Policy ©2005 About, Inc., A part of the New York Times Company . All rights reserved. Around About New Video iPod - Review POLL: Must-Have Gadgets VIDEO: Portable Gaming VIDEO: Choosing a TV Hugh Hefner's Life What's Hot Grand Floridian Chinese New Year - 2006 Poconos Great Wolf Lodge photo Dog Friendly Hotels, inns, lodges -- find dog-friendly vacat... Kwanzaa Headlines Bunch of family travel deals Latest deals added include a January Travel Special at the... First Nights! "First Night" events celebrate New Year's with family-friendly festivities-- and... Top Family Travel Trends in 2005 It's that time of year... to pause the mad dash... Bookmark the NORAD Tracks Santa site! It's not a family trip, but it's certainly a trip...

Cheap Travel Insurance and

Backpacker Insurance and Cheap Travel Insurance UK Downunder Insurance ~ Home ~ Policy Options ~ Essentials Policy ~ Backpacker Policy ~ Adventurer Policy ~ Comprehensive Policy ~ Annual Multi-Trip Policy ~ Wintersports Policy ~ View/Edit Your Policy ~ Instant Quote ~ Make a Claim ~ General Information ~ Medical and Health ~ General Information ~ Extensions ~ Policy Wording ~ 2005 ~ 2004 ~ 2003 ~ About Us ~ Advantages of Downunder ~ Company Information ~ Compare Prices ~ Partners ~ Privacy Policy ~ Contact us ~ FAQs ~ Site Map ~ 24hour International Medical Rescue Repatriation Guarantee Pre-existing Medical Conditions Reciprocal Agreements Adventure Sports Geographical Areas Cooling Off Period Period of Insurance Current Policy Queries General Exclusions The Underwriters Initial Disclosure Document Applicable law Return Trips Excess Waiver Stopover Extension Personal Luggage Extension Vehicle Luggage Extension Valuables Extension Golf Cover Quick Links Click the link below. Australian Travel Insurance New Zealand Travel Insurance We promote safe overseas travel. Click on the 'Know Before You Go' link for more information Backpacker Travel Insurance, Cheap Travel Insurance and Annual Travel Insurance Backpacker Insurance & Cheap Travel Insurance UK for UK Backpackers and Travellers 15% off all Wintersports Policies during December 10% Discount on ALL Other Policies* Backpacker Insurance Backpacker insurance and cheap travel insurance for travellers, backpackers and holidaymakers living in the UK, either permanently or as a temporary resident with a UK residential address (eg working holiday maker). Backpacker Travel Insurance from Downunder Insurance UK ensures you get great cheap travel insurance at a very low cost so you have more money to spend on your travels. We offer UK travel insurance to all destinations worldwide, and specialise in backpacker insurance , gap year travel insurance, annual travel insurance and holiday insurance for anyone under the age of 55 years. To get a FREE quote, or to Buy Online, click on the Flag of the country you are in now Cheap Travel Insurance UK Online Cheap USA Travel Insurance Cheap Travel Insurance with an additional 10% discount online* We offer you the best prices online, with an extra 10% discount for any travel insurance UK policy you buy (*excluding Annual Multi Trip policies). So not only do we offer fantastically priced travel insurance, but we offer you the chance to save even more with our online travel insurance discount. We offer free, competitive and instant travel insurance for backpackers, gap year insurance and any other holiday up to 18 months duration. We deliver cheap travel insurance direct to you so you save on your holiday insurance and have more money to spend on the important things, like travelling. Don't leave home without Holiday Insurance! It's not like you can afford to travel without travel insurance in today's climate. Medical bills can escalate, expensive equipment and baggage can get lost or stolen and travel arrangements can get changed or cancelled at a moment's notice. As the saying goes, 'If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel.' Benefits of our Holiday Insurance Policies * 80 + adventure sports, including surfing, bungee jumping and rafting * 14 day money back guarantee * 24 hour worldwide medical emergency assistance * Editing facility so you can add to your policy as you travel * Up to 18 months cover - ideal for working holidays and gap year insurance * Australian and New Zealand based company's that can assist you along the way, while you are on holiday * A 'no excess waiver' - completely remove any excess payable should you make a claim * Additional 25% cover at no extra cost when you buy an Aust/NZ policy - eg buy a 12 month Aust/NZ policy and be covered for up to 3 months travelling outside of Aust/NZ. * 100% secure online purchasing Our Underwriters Our UK travel insurance and holiday insurance policies is provided by AIG Europe (UK) Limited and underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company and/or Landmark Insurance Company Limited. AIG Europe (UK) Limited is an appointed representative of New Hampshire Insurance Company and Landmark Insurance Company Limited. New Hampshire Insurance Company and Landmark Insurance Company Limited are authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority and are members of the Association of British Insurers. AIG Europe (UK) Limited, New Hampshire Insurance Company and Landmark Insurance Company Limited are member companies of American International Group, Inc. (AIG) AIG Europe Limited, The AIG Building, 58 Fenchurch Street , London, EC3M 4AB, Tel: 020 7954 7000, Fax: 020 7954 7001 Financial Services Authority Initial Disclosure Document Downunder Insurance is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority . Our FSA Register number is 306618. This can be checked at www.fsa.gov.uk/register *10% discount DOES NOT apply to Annual Multi Trip (AMT) Policies Travel Insurance USA Travel Insurance Worldwide Travel Insurance Holiday Insurance UK Discount Travel Insurance Annual Travel Insurance Travel Insurance Online Ski Travel Insurance Winter Sport Travel Insurance Gap Year Australia Travel Insurance Ski Insurance Travel Medical Insurance Compare Travel Insurance Annual Multi Trip Travel Insurance Student Travel Insurance Cheap Annual Travel Insurance Low Cost Travel Insurance Comparison Travel Insurance Travel Insurance Australia Gap Year Travel Insurance Skiing Insurance Snowboarding Insurance Ski Holiday Insurance Travel Insurance Quote Holiday Insurance Gap Year Insurance Cheap Insurance UK UK Travel Insurance Annual Holiday Insurance Cheap Holiday Insurance One Way Travel Insurance Travel Links 3 Travel Links 2 2005 Downunder Insurance Services Powered by CanopyNET v.4 Downunder Worldwide Insurance Services Ltd 2003

ski vacation. More Big

Big White Ski Resort Chalet & Condo Rental Directory : Big White Chalets & Condos by Owner Rentals Big White Ski Resort Chalet & Condo Rental Directory Big White- Budget to Luxury Ski-In/Out Chalets & Condos - Find Big White ski chalet & condo accommodation rentals, tips, maps & ski resort info on our owner direct vacation rental & vacation planning directory. Quickly search, view & book one of 70+, top-located Big White vacation rentals by owner to get local advice & to save tons of money on your ski vacation. More Big White Value & Ski Resort Hospitality for Less Money! -Avoid costly & unecessary Big White Ski Resort middle agent fees & book your Big White chalet or condo direct with owners! Big White Ski Chalet & Condo Vacation Rental Service & Value - Benefits to Booking your Big White Condo, Chalet or Townhouse on this Rental Directory Book your Big White owner-direct accommodations on AlluraDirect.com and savour the following benefits: More Big White Accommodation Value for Your Money/Affordability -You will pay less money as result of the elimination of middle agent fees, taxes and the nickel and dime factor. In most cases, owners do not charge hotel taxes, except if they own and manage more than 3 properties. You save 10% right away,and usually more... Search & View Big White Chalet & Condo Rentals See Your Big White Rental before you Book It! -See the exact vacation home you will stay in before you book it! Search & View Big White Accommodation Easy, Fast & Secure Reservations -Instantly confirmed, guaranteed reservations with online credit card payments. The owner never sees your credit card info when you pay via their AlluraDirect.com property web site. Search & View Big White Rental Chalets & Condos More Space for Less Money -You will get more space for your dollar-thus giving you and your family and friends more comfort! Search & View Big White Accomodation More Reservations Flexibility -Owners have more flexible policies like minimum night stays, check-in/out times, arrival and departure days, etc. Search & View Big White Chalets & Condos More Amenities -Book a personal ski or golf vacation home with a full kitchen and all the personal extras and convenience items that will make your vacation sensational! Personal private vacation homes have the personal conveniences and extras not typically found in a standard sterile vacation rental offered through booking agents. Search & View Big White Vacation Rentals More Local Big White Resort Knowledge -Get great local tips and advice from an owner who knows the resort! Search & View Big White Chalets & Condos More Personal Service -Your vacation home will have a dedicated customer service representative (the owner) with no other guests during that time periond, except YOU! Search & View Big White Ski Vacation Rentals Customer Support 7 Days/Week until 11 pm PST -We are here to assist you when need us the most! Search & View Big White Accommodation AlluraDirect.com Standards, Convenience & Confidence -Book on AlluraDirect.com and get standards you can trust! Book online with your credit card for a fast, easy & guaranteed reservation. Search & View Big White Accommodation Thanks for using our Big White Resort Chalet & Condo Rental Directory! Big White Chalet & Condo Rental Directory - Over 70 Chalets & Condos Vacation, Reservation & Check-In Support 9 am-11pm PST 7 Days per Week Local : 604-707-6700 Toll Free North America : 1 - 866 - 4 - Allura Toll Free UK : 0-800-028-9346 Toll Free Australia : 877-226-6358 Toll Free Hong Kong : 800-903-329 Email Us Big White Homepage Organize Vacation Find Accommodations 4 Fast & EASY Searching Methods FastFind My Owner/Property Find a specific person or listing Book with Confidence Find out why people like you & Frommers Travel love this Big White site! Checklist & Planning Resources Get Info, Tips & Savings Alerts Get Big White Tips & Free Vacation Planning Checklist! Keep In Touch All raves, rants & suggestions will be repsonded to! Send Positive Feedback Make Site/Service Suggestion Make a Complaint Update Your Guest Profile Owners Get Free Rental Business Tips! Get Property Listing Information List Property Now Owner Login Free Business Listings List Owner Service Business List Guest Services Business About Us Learn about AlluraDirect.com! Whistler | Sun Peaks | Big White | BC Ski Resort Canada Vacation Rentals by Owner Whistler Blackcomb Accommodations Rentals Home Big White Ski Resort Lodging Home Sun Peaks Lodging Home Big White Owner Direct Ski Accomodations Search Tools Big White BC British Columbia Lodging Vacation Checklist Big White Resort Quick Vacation Planning Reference Guide Chalet Rentals at Big White - Big White Ski Chalets Big White Real Estate For Sale

Asia Travel || Malaysia

Travel Information of Malaysia Malaysia Country and Travel Information Malaysia Hotels & Resorts Reservation GENERAL INFORMATION Malaysia is located in the heart of Southeast Asia. Consisting of 127,000 sq. miles (330,200 sq. km), Malaysia is divided into two main regions: Peninsular Malaysia, which lies just south of Thailand, and East Malaysia, which can be found north of Indonesia on the island of Borneo. These two regions are divided into thirteen states and federal territories. Although East Malaysia occupies the larger portion of Malaysia's total area, it is primarily comprised of undeveloped land and jungles. Malaysia is a land of fascinating sights and attractions. Rich in colour and contrasts, her multi-faceted charm provides intriguing images that leave visitors to the country in awe. The natural warmth of Malaysians is legendary; wherever one goes, the friendliness and hospitality of the people would prove to be a very special experience. Malaysia is paradise. Its sun-drenched beaches, enchanting islands, diverse flora and fauna, forest retreats and magnificent mountains are among the best in this region. Many visitors have discovered Malaysia's other attractions: a shopping haven, a versatile conference venue, an incentive destination, an adventure land and much more. WEATHER CONDITIONS With temperature that fluctuates little throughout the year, travel in Malaysia is a pleasure. Average temperature is between 21 to 32 degree celcius. Humidity is high. Rain tends to occur between November to February on the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, on western Sarawak, and north-eastern Sabah. On the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia the rainy seasons is April to May and October to November. PEOPLE AND CULTURE Malaysia has a combined population of over 18 million people. Because of its central location, between the Indian Ocean and the South China Sea, Malaysia has traditionally been a meeting point for traders and travelers from both the East and West. As a result, Malaysia has a multicultural and multiracial population consisting of Malays, Chinese, Indians and numerous indigenous peoples. Although Malay is the official language, English is widely spoken, especially in business, and the English language is a compulsory subject in all schools. With such a varying ethnic composition, it is no surprise that a great diversity of religions is prevalent throughout Malaysia. Although the official religion is Islam, freedom of worship is practiced. As a result, it is a common to see temples, mosques and churches within the same area. Ethnic Groups: 59% Malay and other indigenous, 32% Chinese and 9% Indian. Languages: Malay (official), English, Chinese dialects, Mandarin, Hakka dialects, Cantonese, Tamil and numerous tribal languages. Religion: Muslim (primarily Malays), Buddhism (Chinese), Hindu (Indian), Christianity, Confucianism, Taoism and tribal religions. LOCAL CUSTOMS General: When visiting Malaysia, the visitor should observe local customs and practices. Some common courtesies and customs are as follow:- Although handshakes generally suffice for both men and women, some Muslim ladies may acknowledge an introduction with a gentleman with a nod of her head and smile. A handshake is only to be reciprocated if the lady offers her hand first. The traditional greeting of "salam" resembles a handshake with both hands but without the grasp. The man offers both hands, lightly touches his friend's outstretched hands, then brings his hands to his chest to mean, " I greet you from my heart". The visitor should reciprocate the "salam". It is polite to call before visiting a home Shoes must be removed when entering a Malaysian home. It is also customary to do so upon entering a mosque or an Indian temple. The right hand is always used when eating with one's hand or when giving and receiving objects The right forefinger is not used to point at places, objects or persons. Instead, the thumb of the right hand with the four fingers, folden under is preferred usage. Toasting is not a common practice in Malaysia. The country's large Muslim population does not drink alcoholic bevergaes. THINGS TO KNOW Population: 20 million Capital: Kuala Lumpur Flag: Fourteen equal horizontal stripes of red (top) alternating with white (bottom); there is a blue rectangle in the upper hoist-side corner bearing a yellow crescent and a yellow fourteen-pointed star; the crescent and star are traditional symbols of Islam; the design was based on the U.S. flag. Shop Hours: Department stores and supermarkets are usually open from 10am to 10pm and shops from 9:30am to 7pm. In Kuala Lumpur, as well as in most major towns, there are several 24-hour stores. Bank Hours: Most states: Mon-Fri: 9:30am-4.00pm Sat : 9:30am-11:30am Sun : Closed Kelantan and Terengganu: Sat-Wed: 9:30am-4.00pm Thur : 9:30am-11.30am Fri : Closed VISAS AND PASSPORT Visitors must be in possession of a current passport or other internationally recognized travel document. They must be endorsed for traveling to Malaysia and have a period of validity of at least six months beyond the time of stay allowed in Malaysia. No visas are required for citizens of British Commonwealth countries (except India), British Protected persons, and citizens of the Republic of Ireland, Liechtenstein, the Netherlands, San Marino, Switzerland and the United States (for social, business or academic purposes only). No visas are required for stays not exceeding three months for citizens of: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Italy, Japan, Luxemburg, Norway, South Korea, Sweden, Tunesia, U.S.A. , France and Germany (except for local employment). CUSTOMS REGULATIONS Duty-Free Items: Items such as cameras, watches, pens, portable radio-cassette players, perfume, cosmetics and lighters are duty-free in Malaysia. Visitors bringing in dutiable goods may have to pay a deposit for temporary importation, refundable on departure - usually 50% of the value (carry receipt of purchase and obtain an official receipt for any tax or deposit paid). Asia Travel || Malaysia Hotels & Resorts Reservation