Archive for October, 2008
October 28th, 2008 at 03:24pm
Under Exotic locations
Most of us try to leave space in the bags when we go abroad so that we can fit in all the little bits and pieces we find such irresistible purchases when we come home again. Which means we have a lot of wasted space on the way out that could be used for something else.
If you’re traveling to part of the developing world, consider filling up that space with items that can be useful to the locals. Being able to give some much-needed stuff to a local school or other project is a great help to the recipients - plus, of course, it gives you a real good feeling to know you’ve been able to make their lives better for very little outlay.
Being able to give your donation direct to the intended users is also a great way to be sure that none of it gets spent on administration.
Many of the things which the developing world is crying out for are not expensive. For instance, I just visited Stuff Your Rucksack and searched for stuff to take to the Congo. The list that came up was Sports/games equipment; footballs and School equipment (pens, pencils, stationery…), all for orphanages run by SOS Children’s Villages.
Stuff Your Rucksack’s site is very easy to use. Just click on “Find stuff that’s needed where I’m going” and select the country from a drop down list. You can also let them know about new items you that find are needed, so that future travelers can help. What a great way to fill up unused space in any type of luggage!
Technorati Tags: responsible travel, sustainable travel
By frann
October 25th, 2008 at 10:14am
Under Attractions+ Travel tips+ family vacations
I’ve lived in several places that are generally regarded as tourist attractions, London and Edinburgh, to name but two. And even when I lived in more out-of-the-way places, I’m no different to most people - we hardly ever visit our local attractions, but leave them to people from outside the area.
But really, this year in particular, it’s no bad thing to get acquainted with the sights that are in range. Instead of spending a fortune on air fares for a trip abroad, plan a “self-catering” holiday at home.
Just because you’re staying home, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t plan. For a start, you can dig out the camping gear, and make sure it’s water tight and well aired. Who says the kids can’t camp out in the garden? It will give you a little peace and quiet, if you plan well, and they will have a great time.
Well before the start of your vacation, search your local tourist information, libraries or other information sources for pamphlets and brochures detailing all the attractions within a couple of hours’ drive (or you could take the train, perhaps). Plan your itinerary, just like you would if you were going touring across Europe.
You’ll be surprised by just how much is available to you nearby. You’ll save a packet, and you might find you feel better after a vacation-at-home than after any other break - you certainly won’t be suffering from jet lag!
Technorati Tags: vacation at home, vacation on a budget
By frann
October 20th, 2008 at 04:55am
Under Travel tips
I think you should get the newest information regarding your passport if you are thinking about traveling soon. Air travel between the United States and Canada has altered in recent months and it’s got some people scrambling to obtain a passport. If you’ve been over the border by air previously, you know that you could get by with only a birth certificate and driver’s license. That is not the situation any more.
If someone wants to apply for one of these official government documents there’s some things they are going to need. One is an original of their confirmation of their nationality. For most of us this means a birth certificate. For others it may be their citizenship or immigration documents. All passport information Internet sites travel documents confirm this point, so get that document before you even start the application process. In case you misplaced or lost this certificate, you’ll have to replace it first before you apply for a passport.
Pictures are naturally necessary when you are looking for a passport. Unfortunately you can’t take a beauty shot so you look fabulous in the picture. There are very specific rules about the size of the image and how you can look. The government’s passport information outlines these requirements and it is best to go to a photo shop that specializes in passport images. The cost is low and you know that the photos will be acceptable.
Technorati Tags: air travel id, obtaining a passport, travel documents
By guest
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