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1. Find your dream boat. The biggest mistake cruising newbies make is booking the wrong ship. Most people focus on the destination (Caribbean, Mexico, etc.) and don’t pay enough attention to the ship itself. &nbspCruise lines—and even individual ships within a line—vary greatly in terms of atmosphere and facilities. Some have a party-all-the-time ambience and/or a great gym and spa; others are ideal for curling up on deck with a good book. So work with a travel agent who& nbspspecializes in cruising. Discuss your budget and what you are looking for, or & nbspbetter yet, arrive at the agency with your personal wish list in hand.

2. Book early. There are two ways to get the best price on a cruise: book early or book at the very last minute. Both will save you money, but early bookers get the best choice of cabins for roughly the same “sale” price as late bookers—and avoid being disappointed because their ship is sold out. "Early" usually means three to six months before the cruise; the savings generally are 25 to 50 percent off the published brochure price per person.

3. Get the best cabin you can afford. Some people say that it doesn’t matter what your cabin is like, since you’ll only dress and sleep there. Not so! If this is your honeymoon, you’ll want every detail to be perfect. Don’t assume anything: queen-size and even double beds and bathtubs are not givens on a ship. While some cabins do have oversized beds, in others single beds are pushed together for couples. In some cases (mostly on older ships), the beds are nailed to the floor, not exactly a honeymoon dream come true. Most cabins have small (single-occupancy) showers, not bathtubs, so if you like to soak ask for a room with a tub. Most important, a nice cabin makes you more inclined to enjoy things like room service and sipping morning coffee in your PJs. The ultimate luxury: a private veranda so you can leave your sliding-glass doors open and fall asleep to the sounds of the sea.

4. Take care of business. A bit of preparation pays off in a carefree trip. In the pre-wedding whirlwind, it’s easy to forget that life will go on while you’re away. Such as the mail (stop it.) And bills (pay them.) And your pets (kennel them.) Tape a "To Do" list to your fridge, and check things off as you go. Don’t forget to shop for film, extra batteries, sunscreen and travel-size toiletries. These are more expensive to buy on the ship, and you may not find your favorite products. Consider filling small plastic containers with conditioner and shampoo from the big bottles, which you can leave at home.

5. Pack light, pack right. Be prepared for the off chance your luggage will get misplaced. Even if your bag isn’t lost, it often takes hours before it gets to your cabin. So pack for survival: Put a little of everything you’ll want and need in &nbspa carry-on bag. This includes undies, shirts, socks, a bathing suit and &nbspsomething to wear to dinner. As added protection, buy travel insurance that covers you for lost, stolen, damaged or delayed luggage.

6. Beat the rush. On most cruises, you’ll want to schedule all kinds of things. So will everyone else usually at the same time. Shore excursions are described in a brochure that comes with your cruise tickets; book any excursions you can’t bear to miss early on (Increasingly, lines allow you to book them before you leave home.) It’s also a good idea to make your spa appointments and specialty restaurant reservations on the first day of the cruise so you don’t lose out.

7. Be shore-savvy. Some shore excursions are worth taking.&nbspOthers are not. How do you know the difference? Take shore excursions when they offer a chance to do something really spectacular—like helicopter flightseeing. A car and driver can be a more personal (and less costly) way to sightsee. To make it more fun (and affordable), put your own group together and share the ride with newfound friends you’ve met on board. But note: if you go solo and miss the boat, you’re on your own.

8. Get the royal treatment. Ask your agent about cruise lines that pamper their passengers with in-room extras like terry cloth robes, fruit baskets and the like. Let the cruise director know you’re newlyweds. Ask about honeymoon and anniversary parties, dinner at the captain’s table and other special recognition. You can also buy packages that include things like a formal portrait in an engraved frame and a champagne breakfast in bed. Most lines also tailor packages for couples who want to kick off their honeymoon with a wedding.

9. Stuffing the envelope. The last night of the cruise is a bittersweet time. You’ve had fun. You’re going home. And then there’s that little business of tipping to take care of. Remember that tipping is always entirely up to you. Most cruise lines will recommend just how much to tip. (About $3.50 per passenger for the waiter and cabin steward and $2 a day for the busboy.) These are only guidelines; tip what you want. You should never feel pressured. The maitre d’, for example, need not be tipped just for asking, "How was your dinner?" On the other hand, if he made your cruise extra special by finding that table for two, let him know with a monetary gesture that says, "Thank you."

10. Cruising for romance. On most cruises, you’ll be assigned a dinner table (usually with other passengers) and time (early or late) for the entire trip. See the maitre d’ as soon as you board to specify which seating you prefer; also let him know if you prefer a table for two and be sure to advise him of your newlywed status. After dinner, remember that the hot tubs never close, and you’ll probably find yourselves alone under the stars. For more alone time, stay on the ship when everyone else goes ashore it’s like having your own private yacht.

1) Costa Rica Adventures
From the dense rainforests to the sparkling seashores, Costa Rica belongs at the top of everyone's favorite destination list. Surfing, whitewater rafting, pristine backcountry adventures, culture, stability, freedom of movement, exploring the forest canopy, rappelling waterfalls, diving, fishing...the list of reasons is long.

2) New Zealand - The Land of the One Ring
Even if film innovator Peter Jackson didn't film the "Lord of the Rings" epic in New Zealand this year, it would still be a grand spot for adventure -- as more and more will be discovering in the New Year thanks to the publicity provided by the epic adventure films. While the orcs and goblins of the movie are all make-up and CG programming, the landscapes are real. Enough said!

3) South Africa Adventures
The Dark Continent ever remains a popular destination for adventurers worldwide. From great waterfalls and massive, rolling rivers, to abundant wildlife and nature events that rank among the best the world over, the diversity of this region lends itself to travelers looking to see several attractions in the same area. Explore the forests, the plains and the beautiful beaches of South Africa - an experience long remembered.

4) Siberia - Land of Mystery
Closed to most of the world for so many long years, Siberia -- the vast land of the Russian Northeast - is quickly gaining attention as a favorite adventure destination for those willing to experience the wilderness in the raw. From dense forest to rolling tundra, the great outdoors of Eastern Russia are ideal for those wanting to adventure away from the mainstream. Outdoor activity opportunities abound in this little discovered travel Mecca.

1. Use a travel agent. Agents rarely charge for their services, and, thanks to their expertise and computerized systems, good travel agents almost always save their clients money as well as time.

2. Begin planning early. The sooner the better. That way, you’ll have plenty of time to research your trip it’s actually part of the fun! and you’ll be able to get exactly what you want. (Some places are reserved as much as a year in advance for popular dates.)

3. Share the planning. After all, this honeymoon is for both of you. If you make all the decisions, you’ll feel guilty if things don’t go perfectly. Conversely, if you don’t take part in planning, you may end up dissatisfied.

4. Set a tentative budget. Talk about your expectations and priorities so you can agree before you go about what you’ll splurge on and where you’ll skimp. This way, you’ll avoid money hassles en route. Suggestion: Splurge on your accommodations. Even if you think you won’t spend much time in your room, you’ll probably be sorry if it’s not special.

5. Take it easy. The first few days so you can recover from post-wedding exhaustion and focus on each other. Don’t try to do too much remember, you’ll have lots of time to travel together, but only one honeymoon.

6. Take advantage of free info. Call your destination’s tourist board many have toll-free telephone numbers and websites for free information on hotels, restaurants, activities and festive events. Some even provide discount-coupon books.

7. Register for your honeymoon with a travel agent or tour operator. Gifts are put toward the total cost of your trip. The average couple who uses a registry gets $500 to $1,000, which can really makes a difference.

8. Planning to take your spouse’s name? Unless you’re taking a delayed honeymoon, you won’t be able to amend your passport, driver’s license, etc., until after you’ve returned from your honeymoon. Even though you’ll be anxious to start using your married name, it can be a real nightmare if you haven’t legally changed it yet. Instead, use your maiden name on visas, airline tickets, etc., so they match your name as it appears on your official documents.

9. Pack a sense of humor. A bit of flexibility can go a long way on a honeymoon. Expect that things won’t always go as planned. Do what you can to remedy the situation, then relax and enjoy your honeymoon. Years, or even a few hours from now, you’ll probably laugh.

10. Tell the world you’re honeymooners! Don’t be bashful about your status you’re likely to enjoy special treatment such as complimentary champagne in-flight, or a gift basket in your room.

Never accept the first fare quoted. Half the time, some other airline's flight within hours of the one you booked has a special, less expensive deal.

Take advantage of "illegal" connections. These are connecting fights usually less than 45 minutes apart-too close for airlines to feel safe in making them connect. Result.- These flights usually do not even show up on the computer when your trip is being routed. Way out Have your agent write up your flight on two separate tickets. The second is for the illegal connection that originates at your transfer point.

Example: You arrive at O'Hare in Chicago on the way to San Francisco. Instead of waiting three hours for the safe connecting flight, you already have a separate ticket from O'Hare to San Francisco on an illegal connection. If you miss the connection, you turn that ticket in for the next available flight. Cost for two separate tickets.- No more than one through ticket. Baggage.- Waiting for it to be unloaded can cost you valuable time on this tight schedule. Best.- Travel with carry-on luggage.

Some supersaver fares are so low that even if you can't stay as long as their requirements (some ally seven days), you will save by buying two round-trip tickets-one from your home to your destination for the day you want to leave and one from your destination to your home for the day you want to return. The total may be less than the regular round-trip fare.

If you miss your flight and there's just time to catch another, go right to the other airline's departure gate instead of to its ticket counter. If it has an empty seat, the second airline will usually honor the ticket for the flight you missed.

Best seat in the plane. After first class, the choices center on your priorities. For comfort and a smooth ride, pick a seat over the wings. For silence, sit as far forward as possible, but avoid the galley and rest rooms. For leg room, try the first row or seats beside the emergency exits.

 

It's always important to take care of your health, but there are additional concerns to keep in mind when you're travelling.

Whether you're taking a quick trip with your family or studying abroad for several months, it's easier to get sick when you're in a new place because your body hasn't had a chance to adjust to the food, water, and air in a new environment. Travelling can bring you in contact with things that your body isn't used to.

Here are some tips on keeping your travel experience as healthy as possible.

Don't Take a Vacation From Health

The stress and excitement of travel can make you more likely to get sick, but if you follow a few simple tips, you're more likely to stay healthy throughout your trip — and your trip will definitely be more enjoyable. The good news is that as a teen, your immune system is as strong as an adult's, but lack of sleep and a poor diet can make it easier for you to become sick.

The first thing you should do if you're heading overseas is to find out what kinds of vaccinations you'll need in advance because different countries have different requirements. In the United States, contact your doctor or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for a list of necessary vaccinations. You'll want to allow plenty of time for this step in case you need to get vaccines that require more than one dose.

Common Travel Troubles

Three of the most common health problems that you may experience when travelling are jet lag, altitude sickness, and diarrhea. When you fly across time zones, the differing amounts of light can change your internal body clock, resulting in a condition known as jet lag. Jet lag may cause some symptoms that are bummers on a fun trip, including upset stomach, insomnia, and tiredness.

There are some things you can do to combat jet lag; for example, if you're travelling from west to east, you should stay out of the sun until the day after your arrival. If you're flying from east to west, go for a brisk walk as soon as possible after you arrive.

Altitude sickness is caused by dry air, a decrease in oxygen, and low barometric pressure when you travel to a higher altitude than you're used to. As a result, you may have problems, such as headaches, dehydration, and shortness of breath. Some people are affected at 5,000 feet (1,524 meters), but others aren't affected until they reach altitudes of 10,000 feet (3,048 meters) or more. Find out what altitude you're travelling to before you go to see if altitude sickness could be a problem.

The best prevention for altitude sickness is to gradually increase your altitude every day to get used to it. If that isn't possible, a drug known as acetazolamide can help relieve and even prevent symptoms of altitude sickness. If you think that you might get altitude sickness, talk with your doctor before you leave home.

The topic of diarrhea may seem gross, but it can be a serious problem. Traveler's diarrhea, known as turista, often occurs when a foreign type of bacteria enters your digestive tract, usually when you eat contaminated food or water. The best way to prevent turista is to be very careful of the food you eat and the water you drink on the road.

Safe Eats and Drinks

So what foods are safe to eat? Any foods that have been boiled are generally safe, as well as fruits and vegetables that have to be peeled before eating. Avoid eating uncooked or undercooked meat or meat that is not cooked just prior to serving.

Stay away from foods that require a lot of handling before serving. Here's an example: Nine friends ate at a restaurant when on a school trip overseas; eight had diarrhea the next day. The one who didn't get sick was the only one who had ordered a dish that didn't need to be touched by human hands right before serving.

One of your favourite foods at home is on the safe list on the road — pizza! Pizza dough, sauce, and cheese are foods that are less likely to spoil than others, and the high heat of a pizza oven tends to kill any harmful bacteria in the food.

You've probably heard that you shouldn't drink the water in some countries overseas, but did you know why? Water supplies in many developing countries are not treated in the same way as water supplies in developed countries; various bacteria, viruses, and parasites are commonly found in the water. Many experts suggest you drink only bottled water when traveling. If you need to use tap water, you should boil it first or purify it with an iodine tablet. Even if you're brushing your teeth, rinsing contact lenses, drinking a small glass of water to wash down pills, or adding ice to your drink, first take precautions to ensure the water is safe.

You Can Take It With You

 

When you're packing, you'll want to include any medications and other medical supplies you use on a daily basis because they may be hard to find in another country if you run out. Even if you can find them, there's a good chance the formulations will be stronger or weaker than the ones you're used to. These may include any prescriptions you already take, such as inhalers, allergy medication, and insulin, as well as contact lens cleaners and vitamins.

Packing an over-the-counter pain medication like acetaminophen and diarrhea medication is also a good idea. It's a good idea to pack some over-the-counter allergy medication even if you don't take it at home. People sometimes unexpectedly develop allergic reactions to the pollens and other allergens found in a new environment. Those with asthma or other allergies can unexpectedly react to these new substances.

• To beat jetlag, book an overnight flight or one that arrives in the evening when travelling east so you can either catch your sleep on the flight or as soon as you get in to your destination.

• To prevent the swelling of feet as is wont to happen on long flights, walk in the aisle at intervals and try not to take off your shoes.

• Refrain from OD-ing on the free booze when on a flight, as too much alcohol causes dehydration. Tank up instead on aqua-pura.

• When making flight reservation, remember to request for special meals if you have any food restrictions.

• After September 11, airlines follow very strict security procedures. So make sure you reach the airport for check in well before departure time. Its best to check with the airline regarding how much in advance you should be at the airport.

• If your baggage does not arrive on the same flight as you, fill out a Property Irregularity Report (PIR), with a description of the baggage, a list of contents and address to which it should be forwarded. If your baggage does not arrive at all, place a claim with the airline within 21 days.

• Overbooking is a fact of life in the airline industry. If you are not in a particular hurry to get to your destination then volunteer to give your seat up and take the next flight. The airline will provide you a hotel room and other frills, so you can end up having an extended vacation at the airlines expense!

• Do not accept any package from a stranger.

• For a smooth ride on a plane, choose the seats located near the wings as if the plane hits an air pocket, this is where you will get the least amount of bumps.

• If you are planning to watch the in flight movie, choose the fourth or fifth row from the screen to avoid getting a neck cramp.

• If you are prone to motion sickness, take an anti sickness pill before the flight. The pill won't help much, if you have it after you have started feeling sick!

• Abide by the list of items prohibited on board and carry most items like skis/cues/walking canes/sticks/Swiss knives in checked in baggage - this smoothens the check-in process plus avoids the risk of confiscation and unnecessary delays.

• Last and this is equally important - report any unattended items in the airport or aircraft to the nearest airport or airline personnel.

Becoming a vender on ebay crapper be daunting. Becoming a movement vender crapper be impossible, unless you undergo the secrets. My tips on commerce on eBay crapper administer to every categories of items, but whatever steps are unequalled to commerce travel.

The movement playing is highly thermostated on EBay, as it should be. High standards primed discover damaged sellers and cheat artists, and adds to your possess company’s trait when you are authorised by eBay..

1. Before you are modify intellection most commerce movement on eBay, it is essential to intend a username and telecommunicate embellish meet for eBay. Registration is liberated and exclusive takes a whatever minutes. Register as a vender and you crapper ingest the aforementioned username to acquire as well. Choose a study that reflects what you delude i.e., “Bermudabound” kinda than “sexyblueeyes”. Other eBay members module embellish to discern you by your User ID, so it’s a beatific intent to opt digit you’ll poverty to ingest for the daylong term.

2. Your eBay study has spectacles (i.e., feature “shady character”) for the prototypal 30 days, so don’t essay to delude anything patch you are act shades. Use this instance to acquire on eBay and wager beatific practices from added sellers.

3. Set up a PayPal account. EBay buyers wager more overconfident purchase something from a vender who accepts PayPal. According to PayPal, “Listings that substance PayPal are 6% more probable to delude and undergo a 5% cipher process in test price.” Go to www. Paypal.com. Get a playing account. Registration is free.

4. In the prototypal 30 days, acquire diminutive items on EBay, clear for them promptly. I hit ever institute eBay sellers to substance beatific values, provided that you analyse their feedback organisation first.

5. Pay your vender promptly, because then you module ever intend constructive feedback from your seller. Your feedback strikingness is the most essential characteristic of your estimation at eBay. Feedback is extremely essential on eBay, as your forthcoming buyers crapper appraise you at a glance. Even digit accomplish against you counts heavily.

6. Create your “About Me” tender on eBay. Use this tender to avow added eBay users most yourself and your interests, your undergo and your products.

7. While you are inactivity the 30 days, also embellish a) ID verified and b)square change approved. a) Get ID Verified finished eBay as an player clew of section for buyers. When a member gets ID Verified, a third-party consort employed with eBay confirms the member’s indistinguishability by interbreed checking their occurrence aggregation crossways consumer and playing databases. You’ll wager the ID Verify picture in verified members’ profiles.

B) The Square Trade Seal is digit artefact for sellers to exhibit bidders that they are sworn to broad commerce standards and hit had their indistinguishability verified by a ordinal party. You module requirement a assign bill and your IATA, ARC, or vender of movement number. Both are requirements for commerce travel, and you staleness locate these drawing as the prototypal lines of your ads on EBay. All members organisation line tickets, cruises, pass packages, or abidance staleness be participants in the Seller Verify by SquareTrade Program. This aggregation combines substantiation of sellers with current monitoring. For manual on this, go to eBay.com.

8. When you are primed to itemize your items at auction, delude diminutive clog first, antiquity customers and credibility. Sell every items with no reserve, at the minimal toll you crapper give to accept, and modify every orders promptly.

9. Choose carefully what you module sell. You cannot delude whatever movement certificates, or vouchers and every organisation staleness itemize the exceptions, dark dates, and player taxes and transport charges. Travel agents, and added businesses commerce movement services are thermostated in eBay. According to the eBay rules for commerce travel, “Businesses and individuals who delude and/or hold expose or seafaring movement or accommodations (but do not direct wage the movement assist themselves) haw itemize expose and board attendant movement items (i.e. plane tickets and voyage trips), along with accommodations, on eBay exclusive if they are licensed as sellers of movement licitly healthy to do playing in every 50 states and they themselves module be engagement the movement for the success bidder. Their listings should understandably ordered discover their Calif. vender of movement authorise sort as substantially as some added authorise aggregation required in added states. It is against eBay contract for movement clearinghouse affiliates, that are not actualised agents engagement the movement themselves, to itemize movement auctions on the site. histrion are required to allow the mass denial in every listings for movement just as it appears beneath and in a book filler and colouration that crapper easily be seen and feature by every bidders:

“By organisation this delude I avow that I am the actualised movement businessperson or movement bourgeois and not a ordinal band affiliate. The travel/accommodations in this delude module be reserved direct finished me and not an correct agency. I also avow that, added than the polity taxes and attendant polity fees expressed within the organisation statement itself, there module be dead no added fees, charges or after delude purchases related with engagement the movement within this listing.”

For movement services added than expose or seafaring travel, businesses and individuals haw substance heritage certificates or coupons that are issued by a limited bourgeois of travel, much as a heritage credential to a portion hotel. They haw not, however, substance movement edifice memberships or “choice travel” certificates.”

10. Setting your price

Selecting your play toll requires equalisation between how much money you poverty for the item, and what buyers module clear for it. As conception of your pricing strategy, you crapper investigate the success bids for kindred items. You crapper countenance at kindred component complete eBay listings using the complete listings search.

Be trusty to allow in your toll sufficiency to counterbalance your intromission fees, test continuance fees, and your paypal fees. Set the LOWEST doable toll you crapper give to accept, but don’t substance something at a toll you rattling don’t poverty to accept. Buyers wait bargains on ebay purchases, and you may, in the beginning, exclusive intend digit effort on your item.

Attractively priced items (such as those priced at 99cents) haw obtain some bids, but unless it is a rattling unpaid items, the success bidder haw not hit effort anything nearby your cost.

Setting your toll involves not exclusive determining the play toll of your item, but also selecting pricing options supported on which commerce info you select.

Pricing for the auction-like listings:

The play toll is the minimal toll you are selection to delude your item. Bidding module move at this price. histrion hit institute that environment the play toll likewise broad haw advise bidding.

If you do not poverty to delude your component beneath a destined price, you crapper verify a jock price. A jock toll is an choice you crapper ingest to impact invitation on your organisation and jock the correct not to delude beneath the toll you want. I do not propose this choice as it discourages buying.

Pricing for immobile toll listings: In my experience, this is not a beatific artefact to delude anything, since the ebay method is supported mainly on delude items. Enter the toll at which you desire to delude your component or items as the Buy It Now price.