What Is A Good Nightly Rate For A Cruise?

 

When I start doing research on any particular cruise there are a number of factors (location, time of year ship, etc) that will determine what I am personally willing to pay overall for said cruise. However, my goal is to always try and stay under the $100 per-night (before taxes and port fees) mark.

As with anything regarding a cruise's nightly rate, the $100 per-night amount that I mentioned is based on double occupancy and would translate to $200 per-night. Do keep in mind that I am talking about cruises from “main stream” cruise lines such as Norwegian (the only line I have used so far), Celebrity, Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Princess, etc. I am not talking about luxury cruise lines like Silver Sea, Cunard, Seaborne, etc. Also, keep in mind that I always look for and book the cheapest inside cabin (read my “Is A Balcony Cabin Worth The Extra Cost?” post to see why).

$200 per-night is a good and very workable goal, a 7 day cruise for two would work out to be around $1400 (before taxes and port fees), I would NOT be willing to pay more than that. In reality, I have taken cruises MUCH cheaper than that example, my trans-Atlantic was about $70 per-night for two and the Alaskan one I went on was only about $100 per-night for two.

For your convenience, I am posting a link to a website that I discovered recently that actually lets you search for cruises based on the cost per-night: http://cruisesheet.com. This website will make the “job” of finding a cruise based on nightly rate just that much easier, especially if you are not one given to math.

Around the World in $75,000???

I got this email today from Travel+Leisure (T+L) and it certainly piqued my interest! See a screenshot below:

  

Needless to say I wish that I had the extra $75k to spare. Maybe I can beg on the streets till the departure date, I have till February 3rd of 2017.  Here is some of the details of this adventure provided by Intrepid Travel as quoted from on T+L's website:

"Taking a year off to travel the world isn't as tough as it sounds—if you've got $75,000 burning a hole in your pocket and 365 work-free days to spare. Intrepid Travel, a trip-planning service focused on adventure travel, is offering a year-long tour through 34 countries, starting with Bangkok and ending in Buenos Aires."

"For the full itinerary, head over to Intrepid Travel's website."

  

Read T+L's full article here:

http://www.travelandleisure.com/articles/trip-around-the-world

Why Did I Start A Travel Blog?

With this blog nearing it's first birthday, some may ask, "Why did you start a travel blog?"  The answer to that question is two fold: #1: I felt God telling me to do it. #2: I love to travel and I do so fairly often.

However, with those two reasons aside I still did not make a move until I saw the video below. Once I saw the video, I tapped into reasons "#1" and "#2" and just went with it!

 

Thankfulness: From The Other Side of the Wall

This was a post of mine to my personal Facebook account on Thanksgiving of 2014. However, the message is still just as meaningful that year as it is this year. I hope you enjoy and have a very...

HAPPY THANKSGIVING! :D

"I have been meaning to write this article for a while but, I have just never taken the time to do so. I feel that there is a good message in this for anyone who is willing to read it. To be totally honest, I do not think that there is a better time of year to write this.

Thankfulness: From “The Other Side of the Wall”

November 27th 2014

Thanksgiving Day is here once again; the year has gone by so fast. So many good things have happened in my life this year, and I am eager for the good that God has planned in my future. I hope you all are having a great Thanksgiving and that you are truly thankful for the blessings you have been granted. However, I hope we can all practice our thankfulness everyday of the year, even on Leap Years.

We often say “Thanks” to God, people and even our animals. However, I think we have all at times taken the word “Thanks,” or variations thereof for granted. So, I wish to say a few words about being truly thankful, to God most of all.

Personally, my life always has been, and till I die, always will be a work in progress. Looking back, I have in only 20½ years, done and seen things that other people have only dreamed of doing or seeing. I realized that tomorrow is never promised, and the fact that I am here is testament to God's goodness towards me. But to truly be “Thankful” for my life? Well, though I was always taught to be thankful, true thankfulness is something that only became most real to me in the last few years.

One day when I was 15, about 2 days after arriving in Brazil for a 2 week mission trip, I was talking with a fellow group member. The topic at hand was a slum (called a "Favela" in Brazil) which could be see on a distant hill from the very nice house we were being hosted in. He basically told me told me, “That is nothing. Go to the upstairs bathroom; stand on the toilet, and look out the window.” Within a few minutes, I did exactly as he suggested I do, I was shocked to say the least. Directly on the opposite side of the house's retaining wall was a “Favela,” up close.

Though I had seen some bad areas of the city on the van ride to our host's house from the airport, I was now seeing one in much greater detail, how the people lived. In the coming days I would eventually go (twice) into a Favela with my group; however, it was at that bathroom window that I first thought about “The Other Side of the Wall.” Really, I don't know what it is about bathrooms that God likes but, he likes to deal with people there.

Arriving back home in “the States” I thought about the things which I had seen while in Brazil. I became more thankful for the things I took for granted. I knew that by any stroke of fate I could be one of those people living, anywhere in this world on “The Other Side of the Wall.” Actually, being born into an extremely poor family, in a small village in Southern Belize, I was born on “The Other Side of the Wall.” If not for God's grace had I would not be simply thinking on the poverty I had seen, but actively participating in it.

Reflecting back even further, to the age of 3 or 4, memories of my trip to Liberia came to mind. Though my memories of Liberia are not as vivid due to my age, I remember one particular time when I went with my mom to visit an abandoned village which had been destroyed in the recent civil war. I remember walking through what seemed to be the former school house; the remains of a geography lesson was still on the wall, and riddle with bullet holes. Another memory from Liberia is that at some point after we saw the village, mom had reason to visit an orphanage. The children, though poor and parent-less, greeted us with smiles, truly glad to see us, they even sang as a "choir" at one point. Their joy and happiness was not due to riches, toys or iPads (LOL, this was in the late 90's). But their joy came just because they were glad to be alive, have shelter, and food. Many had survived the civil war, and who knows what untold horrors they witnessed. But, they still had a joy that can only come from being truly thankful for their very lives, even though there were not on my "side of the wall.”

I say all that to say this: Thankfulness is not just a word to be thrown around like seasoning on a turkey or about the good deals you get for stuff the day after being “thankful” for what you already had. Thankfulness is a true feeling of gratitude that comes only from joy, a joy you can only get when you truly appreciate the life you have been given no matter what "side of the wall" you may see yourself on.

So whether your turkey is stuffed with bread, or with caviar, I pray you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving Day, one of TRUE thankfulness. Remember: “Rejoice always, pray continually, give THANKS in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

(Seriously, if you have internet and can read this, or anything at all... you have reasons to be thankful!)

What Does Your Suitcase Say About You? - By: Lee-Anne Turley

Are you an airport people watcher? You can tell a lot about people by the stuff they carry around. Every suitcase has a story to tell.

Take a minute to look around the luggage hall. What do you see?

Can you pick the:

• Hoarders from the minimalists?
• Business travellers from the tourists?
• Frequent flyers from novices?

Let's have a little fun. Have light-hearted look around to see what people check in or try to take onboard...

Suitcase Travel Styles

Carry on only

1. The domain of the experienced frequent flyer and business travellers.
2. These are people who have figured out how to plan their wardrobe so that they can fit a week's worth of necessities in a small space. They will zip past the check-in counter with a smart wheelie suitcase in tow.
3. Carry on connoisseurs know the rules when it comes to suitcase size and weight.
4. Those who don't know the rules or don't want to follow the rules, can be seen haggling with the airline staff at the check-in counter. Some will put on quite a show before handing over their small bag for check-in.

The matching luggage set

1. A slightly old fashioned concept in world where loads of 20th century dress codes have gone by the wayside in the name of casual dress.
2. Check to see if they have carefully matched their belt, bag and shoes as well. If the answer is 'Yes' this person is a fastidious traveller who wants to be prepared for all occasions.

  

Big suitcases

1. This person loves to pack for every possible weather event and occasion that may arise away from home.
2. Possibly a hoarder who can't leave home without a substantial selection of shoes, clothes or accessories.
3. Check the bag tags. This may be a frequent flyer taking advantage of their bonus luggage allowance to go on a shopping spree.

Lots of small bags

1. Possibly a carry on fail by a last minute packer.
2. A sneaky attempt to get more on board.
3. An infrequent traveller making do with the bags they have.
4. A family on a vacation where mum, dad and each of the kids has to have their own bag. Bags may be strung together and dragged along like a train by mum or dad. Stacked precariously on a trolley or dragged individually by complaining kids.

Brand names

1. It's all about the look.
2. Status is important to these people and they want to look the part.

Plain Black vs Colours and Patterns

1. Plain black. - De Rigueur for men in business suits.
2. Plain black with coloured tags and ribbons. - A person who does not want to stand out from the crowd who is worried about their nondescript suitcase being picked up by someone else.
3. Bright colours and patterns - the luggage of choice for children and the young at heart.
4. Colours in general - luggage that belongs to women with personality or a gent who's suitcase was purchased by his wife/mother/female friend.
5. Camouflage (patterned, dark green, khaki or brown) - most likely belongs to a male backpacker or adventure traveller. (the adventure traveller will have other over size luggage such skis, surfboard, golf clubs).

Name: Lee-Anne Turley
Blog: Just me please - the adventures and advice of a solo traveller.

Just me please is your travel advisor. Read about my adventures and follow in my footsteps. Use my tips and experience to guide you on your journey, find places of interest and plan your next vacation.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Lee-Anne_Turley/2195948

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9235331

22 Encounrageing Bible Verses About Travel - By: Fritz Chery @ BibleReasons.com

Bible Verses About Travel

As Christians we always want to include God in our plans in life. Maybe you or someone you know is on vacation about to go on a trip, if so pray to God for guidance and protection.

Sometimes travelling might seem scary because we’re not used to it and can’t see everything, but God can, and He will keep you safe and watch over you on your journey. May God guide you and give you peace. I encourage you to be courageous and spread the name of Jesus on your trip.

Safety

1. Luke 4:10 Scripture says, ‘He will put his angels in charge of you to watch over you carefully.

2. Psalm 91:11 For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.

3. Proverbs 2:8-9 for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones. Then you will understand what is right and just and fair—every good path.

4. Zechariah 2:5 I will be a wall of fire around it, declares the Lord. I will be the glory within it.’

5. Psalm 91:4-5 He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge. His truth is your shield and armor. You do not need to fear terrors of the night, arrows that fly during the day

6. Proverbs 3:23-24 Then you will go safely on your way, and you will not hurt your foot. When you lie down, you will not be afraid. As you lie there, your sleep will be sweet.

To read the rest of the "22 Encounrageing Bible Verses About Travel" - By: Fritz Chery, please click the following link: http://biblereasons.com/travel

Article Source: http://biblereasons.com/travel

Jargon of the Appalachian Mountains

This a great article courtesy of my mom over at: http://appalachian-treasures.com! As someone who once lived right "Smack Dab In The Middle" of Western North Carolina I can personally attest to many portions of this article.

"First, a bit of history to enable you, the reader, to better understand the jargon/dialect of the people of Appalachia: those wonderful, Majestic Appalachian Mountain people!


Most importantly: prounouncing the word "Appalachian" - it is "app" - "uh" - "latch" - "in" (not "App - uh - lay - shin)

Until the 1960s, when the Interstate highway system  really made travel in and out of the mountains easy, the Majestic Appalachian Mountain jargon/dialect had been fairly well preserved since the 1700s.  Linguists noted that there were words and  forms of speech found there that were very closely related to Elizabethan English forms, and that did not exist anywhere else in the world.

Probably the one aspect of the Majestic Appalachian Mountain Culture that is misunderstood the most is the way the people of Appalachia talk.   They still speak in the purest form of "Virgin English."  Their  dialect developed as a result of the merging of four British dialects when America was in it's infancy.

Not long after the first settlers landed at Plymouth Rock,  it didn't take long for the east coast to become overcrowded and the migration westward began.  Europeans began  flocking to the Appalachian Mountains.  The Appalachian Mountains were rugged and hard to cross.  During this crossing many people found that the mountains were abundant with wildlife and the valleys were rich in minerals and were perfect for farming.  They decided to end their travels, stay and build their homes.

 

The early settlers to the Appalachian Mountains area were mostly Scottish, Irish, German, and English.  Thus the merging of all these dialects combined with the isolation of the area has caused the  Appalachian Mountain jargon/dialect to be labeled in many phonetics and language studies as "Virgin English:" a form of English that has changed very little since the settlers first came.

The relative isolation of the mountains  insured a quality of life in the people of the Majestic Appalachian Mountains reminiscent of their earlier way of life.  Life in the wilderness and the continuing isolation have made the  Appalachian people different from most other Americans.  The Appalachian value system that influences attitudes and behavior is  different from the national norm.   The more important values of the Appalachian Mountain people are religion,  family solidarity, individualism, self reliance,  pride, love of place, modesty,  being oneself,  sense of  beauty, sense of humor,  neighborliness and patriotism.  The Appalachian Mountain people have learned to combine the wisdom of the old ways of living with the technologies of the new.

Even with the modern day Interstates traversing the Appalachian Mountains, life  is still slow to change; the laid-back and slow way the people of the Appalachia still speak is testament to this.  By studying the dialect in different regions of Appalachians, one can find subtle differences in the pronunciation of words and phrases.


Even the meanings of some words and  phrases will vary from region to region.  The dialect is rhotic and characterized by distinct phonology, morphology, syntax, and lexicon.  It is mostly oral but can also be found in some writings.   Author John A. Blankenship has some interesting reading about the Appalachian dialect.

The original settlers, the English speakers, that settled the area came mostly from West Anglia, the Scottish Lowlands, Wales, Ireland, and Scotland via Northern Ireland in the middle 18th and early 19th centuries, and their speech forms the basis of the dialect.   Along with German immigrants, these groups populated an area which is still largely homogeneous culturally.   Like many regional dialects it is used most often or most characteristically in discussing cuisine, in storytelling, or when discussing native industries (i.e., coal mining, forestry: logging).   The characteristic syntax and morphology of Appalachian English gives way to more standard forms in schools, public speaking venues, and courts of law, but the phonology is likely to remain the same.    The Appalachia language is considered Shakesperian from the days of Queen Elizabeth I.

  

Speakers of Appalachian English have little or no trouble understanding standard English, but even native speakers of other dialects can find it somewhat unintelligible, and foreigners can have significant trouble understanding it.   For instance, the hard R that is used is a product of the Irish dialect, and the way the people of Appalacia run two or more words together, such as "jeat" instead of "did you eat" is  a product of the Elizabethan English influence.   The hard "K" and "ch" sound we use is attributed to theGerman influence.

For this author, the most distinctive feature of the Appalachian dialect is often the double, even triple negatives, the very flat vowels, the odd words and colorful phrases, such as:
 *  Adorable:  "cuter than two speckled puppies"
 *  Something not straight: "crooked as a dog's hind leg"
 *  Soda in a can: "dope" -  I've heard the elderly use this            one: "sody-dope." I personally use the generic word "Coke."
 *  One who has difficulty  an ins truction: "couldn't pour piss out of a boot with the instructions written on the heel."
 *  Reference to either 'up' or 'down' the road: "over the road."
 *  I haven't seen you in a long time: "haven't seen you in a coon's age" (referring to a raccoon, not as a racial slur)
 *  Everyone: whereas in the deep south one hears "y'all," the common Appalachia term is "you-un's."
 *  A long way - a Distance: a "fur piece."
 *  Did you eat yet?  "jeat?"
 *  Hot "fire" will burn: "far"
 *  How far away was the fire? "How fur was the far?
 *  Children:  "chillin"
 *  Young Children:  "yung-uns"
 *  "You:" The person that I'm specifically talking to: "chu"
 *  What are you doing?  "whachu doin?"
 *  Pretty:  "purty"
 *  Potato:  "tater"
 *  A person without any clothes on:  "nekid"
 *  A tire on a vehicle:  "tar"
 *  To be sleepy:  "tard"
 *  If you were the youngest of five children:  You were "the least" of five "kids."  (They really do mean children, not 'kids' as in baby goats!)
 *  A person who lives "locally"or in the neighborhood is someone "from around these parts."
 *  You checked books out from your local "liberry."
 *  If you picked a "mess" of beans, you had enough for a meal.
 *  Children are told to, "go out and pick me a pound and half of beans" and they would know exactly how much to pick!
 *  Or if one is going to the garden to pick some beans and gather some turnip greens they would say, "I'm fixin to head down thearin to pick me some pole beans and creasy greens."
 *  Stay a "spell" means to stay and visit awhile.
 *  A stocking cap as a "toboggan."
 *  "Yonder" is to designate some place "over there."
 *  A mite means a little bit of something.
 *  "His people" and "her people" were relatives.
 *  One's family is "our people" or "their people."
 *  Being in the midst of an issue, controversy or conversation or to be right on target is to be "smack dab" in the middle.
 *  Daylight savings time is "fast time."
 *  One does not drink a can of soda.  They drink a can of "pop."
 *   If someone was not telling the truth:  "There goes Pete Brown tellin' another one."
 *   Or if a child was one to easily cry:  "There goes Lizzy Jones goin' to cry another river."
 *   A pregnant woman is a woman who "Is in the family  way."
 *   When one is going fishing at the creek it is said, "I'm goen fishen down the crick."
 *   To "eyeball" something is to measure a given distance with one's eye.
 *    And listen to the "or" as a substitute for "a" - I have to WORSH some clothes.
 *    And listen to the adding a "c" to words that begin with "h" - "Out CHERE in the woods."
*     She got pregnant: "She got KNOCKED UP."

*     To "eyeball" an area:  To give an approximate measurement to a given area simply by looking at it.

[I have] travelled the world over and has lived in many countries, currently maintaining a summer home in the Majestic Appalachian Mountains.   When one is in an "English speaking" environment, psychologically, one expects to understand what they are hearing.   However, such was not the case in my early days of living amongst the people of the Appalachia.  I felt I had literally stepped off of a plane, into a country, where everyone spoke a  language, totally foreign to my own ears.  I had little or no understanding of what the people of the Appalachia were saying!  When I first went to the Appalachian Mountains I opened a Thrift Shop.  During that first, extremely cold winter many customers came in asking if we had any "toboggans."   Not having  any SNOW  SLEDS in the store,  the customers were told "no, toboggans."   All the while I did not understand why our massive shipment of "knitted stocking caps/hats" were not selling!

I felt so blessed to find a wonderful church!  The Pastor was  from the Appalachians however he had spent a significant number of years "outside the mountains."  Though his sermons were sprinkled with words that were 'foreign' to me, it was  nothing  like his Assistant!  All feelings of being 'blessed' totally diminished when the Assistant was asked to bring the Message of the Hour!  Seemingly every 12th word or phrase the Assistant spoke was either one that was "foreign" to my ears or was spoken with such a heavy accent that I did not understand what was being spoken!  I found myself mentally 'stuck," laboring over the understanding of what I'd just heard.


The speaker says, "Back in those days I thought I knew it all - I was going to set the woods on far!"
Me:  I'd learned "far" was "fire" - so why would he commit ARSON?

The speaker says, "We got a Johnny Cracker for a penny."
Me: What is a Johnny Cracker?
Meanwhile, the speaker had continued speaking.   I'd momentarily set aside that word/phrase and attempt to focus on what was currently being spoken.  Within two or three words,  I'd find myself once again "stuck" on another "foreign" word or phrase.  This  "mental gymnastic" continued through the whole sermon!   The feelings of frustration were beyond  description!   Why didn't I sit in the back of the church so I could  just slip out and go home without being noticed??!!

As in all of my foreign travels, I was determined to conquer the language.    Today, I still have some Appalachia language barrier challenges.  However, they aren't accompanied with the deep frustrations that they used to be and they all are the ingredients for wonderful humerous conversations.   And few laugh harder than the Pastor's Assistant!

Rather than think of the people of Appalachia's jargon or dialect as some kind of curse or sign of stupidity they should be looked at as a distinct cultural trait and embrace it as a proud, unique and special preservation of the past.


A visit to the Majestic Appalachan Mountains and  conversation with  the people of the Appalachia will indeed prove to be memories that you will cherish a lifetime!"
Article Source: http://appalachian-treasures.com/Jargon.html

No more passport page inserts for frequent travelers - FoxNews.com

I stumbled upon this article this morning. It is a good thing that I just got the jumbo passport to begin with.

When I was applying for my last passport renewal, the lady asked me if I wanted a "jumbo passport." She said it is the same price for either size, but the extensions will cost you later. So, I opted for the "jumbo passport" to be safe than sorry. Good thing too, I would now have to get a whole new passport if would have ended up needing more space in a small passport after December 31st 2015.

Fox News' Article:

"If you travel overseas a lot, now may be a good time to take a close look at your passport.  

The State Department said Thursday that starting Jan. 1 it will no longer offer the 24-page inserts you can buy when you run out of pages to existing passport books.

Adults running out of space for new visas in their 28-page passports will have to pay $110 for a new passport of either 28 or 52 pages. The prices are slightly lower for minors—but passports for children 16 and under are only valid for 5 years, as opposed to 10 years for adults."

To read the full article click here!

Article Source: http://www.foxnews.com/travel/2015/11/20/no-more-passport-page-inserts-for-frequent-travelers/?intcmp=hpff

Updated - Extra Travel Tips

If you read my previous post ("What To Do If Your Passport Gets Stolen While Abroad") you might be wondering why I only talked about one's passport getting stolen and not including other often stolen items (credit cards, phones, cash, etc). I focused on just the passport because when you are traveling abroad, your passport (possibly with needed visas inside) is your main travel document to get in or out of most countries.

So in regard the other often stolen items, I have posted below some of my personal habits that help reduce my risk of theft while abroad:

Simply put: "The less you have/carry the less you can possibly lose."

Since my phone will not work while abroad, I will usually leave it and/or my iPad in a room safe... if I am not looking for Wi-Fi. Just remember to collect it before checking-out. Getting a cheap, UNLOCKED, phone for use with international sim cards might be a good option for some.

Personally I carry very little cash, if any at all, on me when I'm traveling or even while at home. I hate carrying cash to be honest and in this day in age it is often not needed in most developed cities around the world. However, there are places that do not accept cards (credit or debit, maybe not even your type; Amex, Visa, Discover, etc) so having some cash  might be okay, just be willing cut a loss for a little if I have to.

Also, I no longer use debit cards while abroad. Debit cards are much riskier to personal finances if compromised, they almost never offer any reward benefits, many still do not have EMV chips (almost an absolute necessity for European travel) and most have the dreaded foreign transaction fee. If you don't have two credit cards, take a debit card as a back-up for a main credit card, Just remember, that if you plan to use cards while traveling, to NEVER only travel with just one card and like cash don't carry all your cards in the same, pocket/location.

Now, if I am to recommend a credit card for traveling, I will recommend the one that I use personally... the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card. As a "frequent" traveler abroad, to this card fits my current travel needs and my domestic life best. The benefits are great (no foreign transaction fees, X2 points on all travel and dining, no wait customer service, free-overnight card replacement, some travel and purchase protection insurance, to name a few)! Also you can transfer the points earned at 1:1 value to a good selection of other airline and hotel partner loyalty programs. For more information on the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card, click here! Note: As a user of this card I take part in a Chase "Refer a Friend" promotion. If you click the link provided in this paragraph, apply and are subsequently approved, I will get compensated in the form of bonus points on my end. Also I do not work for Chase nor do I guarantee their cards' benefits in any way.

I hope that you find the above information helpful to you. At the very least, do some research of your own on a good travel credit card that fits you and your lifestyle. Getting a dedicated travel credit card was one of my best decisions yet!

What To Do If Your Passport Gets Stolen While Abroad

A number of years ago when I was with my mom in St. Petersburg, Russia I was told upon returning to my cruise ship that a couple of passengers had their passports stolen while on shore.  Apparently, they too were touring the Peterhof Palace that day.

Now I have never, thank God, been pick-pocketed in any manner... even when I was in cities like Barcelona, Spain (the Pick-Pocket Capital of Europe). However, I know of fellow travelers who have been pick-pocketed. As I hear about their stories and incidents like what happened in Russia got me wondering what should I do if my passport ever gets stolen while I'm abroad. Well, below is a US Government link pertaining to just that question.

http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/emergencies/lost-or-stolen-passports-abroad.html

Making Sure Your Valuables Stay Yours - By: Jennifer Conlin

I have been pick-pocketed only once in my extensive traveling life. It was in Los Angeles on Hollywood Boulevard, where the thief managed to undo my backpack, grab my wallet and never even touch the arm of my husband draped around my shoulder. A few years later, near Westminster Abbey in London, two girls “accidentally” bumped into my mother, as well as her large purse, apologizing to us profusely as they walked away with her wallet.

Read full article here: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/07/12/fashion/pants-designed-to-outsmart-pickpockets.html?_r=0

Four Requirements You Should Know Before Renting a Car in Europe - By: Ken Tang Eng

Renting a car during your European holiday is extremely convenient since you will be able to visit more places easier. However, renting automobiles can be a little bit tricky if you are not familiar with the regulations. Learn some requirements below before deciding on renting a car in Europe.

 

1. Age restrictions

For the most part, the minimum age for renting a vehicle in Europe is 21. However, some countries and car companies may set their minimum age restriction at 25 years of age. Besides minimum age limits, maximum age limits may also be applied in some countries by some rental firms. Generally, in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Cyprus, the maximum age limit for renting a car is 75 years old, while renters between 70-75 years of age are levied a Senior Driver Surcharge having various additional charges.

2. Driver's license

The International Driving Permit or IDP is an official document written in 10 languages that serves as an addition to your local driving license, and is honored in about 150 United Nations member countries. The IDP is not required in most European countries. However, if you are traveling in Italy, Spain or the former Soviet Eastern European countries such as Slovenia, Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary and Czech Republic, you will need the document. Note that holding an IDP alone won't give you permission to drive a rented car in these countries. You will also need to accompany your IDP with a valid passport and a driver's license from your home country that is valid for a minimum of 12 months from the date of the rental.

3. Border crossing

If you are planning to visit different European countries with the rented car, it is wise to study each country's laws and regulations. When you visit any foreign country, you are subject to the country's laws. Never forget to equip yourself and your passenger with complete documents such as passport, visa, vehicle registration, driving permit, travel documents and a cross border fee. Each time you reach a border between two countries, you may be required to stop to have your documents and vehicle checked by Customs Officers. Note that some Eastern European countries may prohibit cross border travel in a rented car.

4. Miscellaneous

- In general, European countries except the United Kingdom and Ireland drive on the right hand side of the road.

- Most European countries forbid the use of mobile phones while driving on the road.

- Car rentals in Europe offer cars with manual as well as automatic transmission. Cars with manual transmission will typically be cheaper than the automatic ones.

- Wearing seat belts is a must while driving.

- European cars measure speed in kilometers per hour. Speed limits are posted in km/hr.

- Distances on maps and in publications are only listed in kilometers.

- Always bring your driver's license and IDP along while driving.

Your European vacation will be more enjoyable with a rented car. Visit our site to find the best car rental in Europe [http://www.carrentalineurope.net/].

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Ken_Tang_Eng/1209783

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Got Bumped...

Last night was a very eventful night, especially considering that I got nowhere... well at least not home. My flight from Asheville, NC to Newark, NJ was overbooked so, I volunteered to get bumped.

I will arrive back home late tonight. However, for a free hotel room and a $500 future flight voucher, I say that it was totally worth it! What should I used this voucher on?

I Love Coffee Shops

I am sitting at the Crooked Door Coffee Shop in Marion, NC, one of my favorites. Of course the company is nice too.

While towns like Marion are small, you should never underestimate what they have to offer. I love to explore small American towns.

P.S. If you ever visit here, go to Bob's Donuts and The Crooked Door Coffee House! :D