Healthy Travel Tips is provided by Teri Champigny.
Caribbean Islands Travel
Located right at the tip of South America and surrounded by the Gulf of Mexico on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other, the Caribbean is not just the No. 1 playground for the Americas, but also comprises movie-set beauty, coconut tree-clad mountains, verdant valleys of sugarcane and bananas, and seashore galore. Even the cities here glow with glorious architecture and the towns dotting the region have been established long before the automobile.
The islands are awash with island-flavored culture with just the subtlest hint of European influence, and world-class hotels, resorts, restaurants, activities, attractions, and shopping. There are over fifty island destinations to choose for your Caribbean island travel and each has its own extensive catalogue of accommodations and activities for the Caribbean’s famous exotic warm weather.
Below are some awesome Caribbean island travel places to go to:
New Providence, the Bahamas
Most visitors erroneously call it “Nassau” because the island is the site of the nation’s capital, which was named after the Dutch Prince of Orange-Nassau in 1695 after he took over the British throne. In truth, the island is New Providence where about two-thirds of the Bahamian population lives, and where millions of dollars are invested in Nassau, Cable Beach, and Paradise Island. In recent years, New Providence has created a name for itself as one of the top places to visit when on a Caribbean island travel.
Considered an offshore financial center, New Providence is most obviously a fabulous shopping bazaar and Caribbean island travel destination. Stroll along the world-famous Bay Street and side streets and bask in the Caribbean carnival atmosphere. Or visit one of the out islands of the Bahamas – the famous Nassau and Paradise Island, connected with each other by a bridge.
But while the Bahamas has plenty to offer, what it is really most famous for is its island groove. The drumbeat is the essence and the soul of Bahamian culture with the instrument setting the heartbeat for all Bahamian music, including rake ‘n scrape, Junkanoo and goombay.
Bermuda
An isolated paradise, Bermuda sits right in the middle of the great chasm – the Atlantic Ocean between North America and Europe. Couple that with a history of English settlement and you have an island that is as unique as its topography. This Caribbean island travel destination is spotlessly clean, quaint, orderly, and extraordinarily pretty. Think pink and green. Pink for the pastel shades that wash this 21-square mile island. And green for the color of money that Bermuda’s offshore banking and insurance sectors generate. Plus, it is only a convenient 2 ½ hour flight from most major cities on the US East Coast.
There are no slums, no billboards, and very, very few fast food outlets. Inconvenient? Not likely. Because all this is minor compared to the glorious sight this Caribbean island travel destination offers. From the colonial architecture of the tidy homes that line its roads to the fragrant tropical flowers – Bermuda is all beauty and grace.
Explore Indian Cuisine On Your India Vacation
Spices are the heart and soul of Indian cooking. The spices used in Indian cooking are dried seeds, berries, bark, rhizomes, flowers, leaves, and chilies. These may be dried or fresh, pods or seeds, roasted, ground or put into hot oil to expel their flavors. A combination of spices is called as masala. All Indian food is served with either rice or bread, or a combination of two.
Food is served on a banana leaf or a stainless steel. South Indian early settlers began the use of banana leaves as serving plates. During feasts, only the end section is used with its narrow part facing left.
"Indian food has always been eaten with the right hand. In the south all parts of the fingers can be used, like a scoop. In the north this is considered vulgar and only the tips of the fingers are used, with bread used as the scoop." (Source: India: Food and Cooking, page 23). The first mouthfuls of rice are eaten with chutney and spicy additives while the Indian end to a meal is the betel leaf. The leaf is chewed along with a slice of areca nut, a dab of slaked lime and a smear of katha paste. Washing the hands before meals is an important ritual since most Indians use their fingers in eating.
In Kashmir, among the most popular dishes are lamb marinated in yogurt, mutton simmered in milk and scented with nutmeg, and rich meat curries. Kashmiran foods has subtle blend of spices, richness and pungency. Goa, a tiny state on the Arabian Sea is known for their use of vinegar and kokum fruit and love of chilies. Bengali cuisine is the only region in India where food is served in individual courses - elaborate and refined. This way of serving food is based on the ancient belief of eating that promotes healthy digestive process.
In Rajasthan, a popular millet porridge called Bhajra Khichadi are often eaten with pure ghee. Raj's food has yielded dishes that pay homage to their ancestors like spiced chutneys and curries. The first Christian is said to have set his foot of Kerala in 52 AD and his converts are known as Syrian Christians. They eat spicy offal, chicken, fish, shellfish, beef and wild boar. Other dishes known to them are Erachi Olathiathu or beef dry-fried with a paste of coconut and spices, Vevichathu Surnai or Keralan soured fish curry.
There is so much gastronomic discovery you will enjoy in your Indian vacation. No other cuisine uses as many spices in so many ways than Indian. For them, it is in the use of spices that they bring out the dormant flavors of a dish. The greatest numbers of spices are used in North India.
Dishes like rogan josh or aromatic meat curry with a creamy gravy with ginger, garlic, onions, red chilies, coriander leaves, saffron, black pepper, asafetida, black cumin seeds, cumin powder, cardamom leaves, cloves, cinnamon sticks, poppy seeds, turmeric powder, chili powder, paprika, nutmeg powder, mace powder, and more.
So while in India be adventurous and try out the Indian cuisine and savor the tastes of the gods. You won't regret it.
India is still one of the top vacation destinations even with some of the troubles that they have had there. There are a couple reasons for an Indian vacation and hopefully for tourists who are having second thoughts, the following reasons might convince you otherwise.
India is one of the cradles of civilization with cultural heritage and traditions spanning for more than 5000 years. These traditions and culture today have been mixed with much modern ones resulting to unique combinations that visitors can surely find intriguing, exciting and enjoyable.
Even if you’re the type of person who is not as interested in cultural differences, experiencing India might change your perspective. If not your overall perception, be prepared to experience food that you have never tasted before. Just be prepared to keep a bottle of cold water handy because you might the spices too hot to bear. Famous Mughlai cuisine and well known exotic Naans and roti breads are always a treat. Not to mention the curries which one definitely must taste.
Shopping is another reason why one goes to India. The merchandises are very cheap and the choices are so many. Cloths and garments are among the more popular products. From garments with ethnic, colorful and intricate designs to hand woven or embroidered cotton and silk, the shopping experience rivals those of other popular shopping destinations in Asia like Hong Kong and Singapore. And if by chance you went to India near the Christmas season, you can have your Christmas shopping there with unique gifts you can get for your family and friends.
In case you’re not a shopaholic nor are you that fond of culture and food, India still offers you with world famous tourist spots. The famous Taj Mahal is in India which is both an architectural marvel as well as a historical feat. If the Taj is not enough, the forts and palaces of Rajasthan would be a great place to be amazed. The craftsmanship is truly exquisite. Other destinations include the Amber Fort, Hawa Mahal, City Palace and the Ranthambore Fort, all equally unique and beautiful.
Enjoying Camel Safari in Rajasthan is also a good reason why travel to India. Experiencing the Thar desert on a camel is quite an experience. The smell of the camel might not be your thing but the overall experience is nothing like riding a sports vehicle through the desert. The safari covers villages which still hold to traditions which showcase the Rajasthan culture and lifestyle. The villages offer a break from the busy and crowded cities.
As if the above reasons are still not enough, visitors can enjoy their vacation either by taking a trip to one of best known beaches in the country or one of the mountain getaways. Or they could try both if they have the time and money for it. The sunset at Kanyakumari is simply magnificent and the Himalayan river and snow capped mountain ranges are a sight to see.
There are more reasons for an Indian vacation and those that you have read so far as but a tip of the iceberg. There might be a couple of reasons why India is not the best place to relax and enjoy but there seems to be a whole lot of good reasons why it is. You still need help deciding?
Common International Air Travel Rules
When it comes to international air travel rules, there are many travelers who automatically get confused. This is because not many people know that the rules for international air travel are different than the rules for domestic air travel. In reality, they aren’t exactly the same, but they aren’t that much different either. Despite the similarities, it is still advised that you place a focus on international air travel, especially since you will be traveling internationally.
As previously mentioned, you will find that a number of the air travel rules are similar between domestic and international travel. One of those rules is the airport screening process. In all airports, even if they are not classified as an international airport, passengers will need to pass through the appropriate airport security checkpoints. This screening process includes the close examination of your checked baggage. Unlike in the past, now almost all airlines thoroughly inspect checked baggage looking for explosive, flammable, or illegal items.
Since a large number of international airports not only offer international flights, but domestic flights as well, international passengers are not always separated from domestic ones. Essentially, this means that the passenger screening procedures, as well as the screening for all luggage will be the same. All flyers are advised to remove any of their accessories, which may set of the metal detectors, as well as their shoes. Your shoes will be sent through the x-ray machine. This is done to ensure that there are not explosives or other dangerous materials hidden in them or sharp items.
One of the few differences that you will see, between domestic air travel and international air travel, has to do with the first check-in. When you first arrive at the airport, you will need to approach the airline counter to register yourself. This is also where your checked luggage will be examined and processed for the trip. On domestic flights, passengers only need to supply a picture id. This identification is usually a government issued identification card or a driver’s license. If you are planning on traveling internationally, you will need to supply additional proof of identification like a current passport.
The proofs of identification that you will need will all depend on the airport in which you are leaving from and the airport that you will be arriving at. If you are required to show more than a picture id, you may need to bring your birth certificate, your passport, your visa, or your certificate of citizenship. Although your first impulse may be to bring them all, just incase, you will want to refrain from doing so. Unless absolutely necessarily, you will want to keep these important personal documents safe at home.
The above mentioned international air travel rules and procedures are just a few of the many that you may be required to follow. If and when you are unsure about a particular rule, it is advised that you seek professional assistance. That assistance should either come directly from an international airport or an international airline.
Travel & Sleep in the Five Biggest Hotel In The World
For food, it really does. The bulky it looks, the fuller you may become. Well, not at all times, right? There are these small yet heavy-for-the-stomach foods. For things, size is not really a big deal. Nowadays, the smaller your gadgets are, the hippest they may be. For people, the smaller you are, the more adorable you can be. For hotels? IT DOES.
Ever wonder if what are the best and largest hotels around the globe? We know that you do. If you are out for traveling or a tour, where do you think is the best place you can call home for a span of time? It is of course good to sleep at the most comfortable bed, to eat at the finest table, to meet new faces in the biggest hotels on earth.
The largest hotel is at the womb of Asia. It can be found in Thailand, the Ambassador City Jomtien. It is a paradise away from home. Just try to imagine a 40-acre beach singing you waves of lullaby. The mountains also embrace you with its green. All your anxieties are sure to vanish into thin air. You just need a ten-minute boat ride from Pattaya. If you crave for the city-way of relaxation and leisure, you need not worry about it. This is also a complex which has tennis and sports center, business service for those who need one and convention center for those who gather for assemblies, reunions, forums, and so forth. Not to forget, this hotel has the largest swimming pool in Asia. The biggest trivia is that it has a total of 5,100 guest rooms and suites.
If you are around Las Vegas for some casino or whatever, it will make your trip complete if you try sleeping at MGM Grand Hotel Casino. It holds the title of the second biggest hotel in the world and the biggest in the North American region. You will say nothing but praises when you will see right in your very eyes its four 30-storey towers. What more if you treat your sight with its massive video screens? A huge gold lion is outside while live lions dwell inside the place. Feed your appetite with nine restaurants and two food courts. Go and get one of its 5,005 guest rooms.
Are you still in Las Vegas? If the MGM is not the hotel for you, try the second biggest in Las Vegas and the third biggest in the whole world, Luxor Hotel Casino. The adjoining tower house and the pyramid-like structure have 4,408 guest rooms and suites in it.
Las Vegas also owns in its midst the fourth largest hotel in the world Mandalay Bay (including THEhotel). Ever since 1999, it has become popular due to being one of the hippest night spots. Numerous concerts are held here. When the sun is out, one can savor the enigma of its rich heritage for it has a unique coin museum. A walk-through aquarium is also another delightful spot. Your stomach and your spirit alike will enjoy the trendy restaurants. It has all in all, 4,341 rooms.
Do you love Italy? Well, if Europe is just too far, Las Vegas will be happy to let you in. Yes, the next biggest hotel is still at its area. A replica of St. Mark’s Square does the trick. You will experience Italy on its Renaissance period. For music-adorers, this the right place. Strolling musicians are almost out 24/7. The Venetian has the largest standard rooms. Their size is at 700 square feet. Have a reservation from one of its 4,049 guest rooms and suites.
Size does matter in some cases. If this remains a hypothesis, why not let these hotels tell you the truth. Travel the world and stay at the biggest hotels of the world.
Verifying Your Citizenship
Preparing for Passport and Visa Issues
For any travel abroad you will need to apply for a passport, as well as a visa for each country you plan to visit. If you already have a passport, make sure that it is valid, and will remain so for at least sixty days. If your passport will expire within two months, you should go ahead and renew it. Renewal processes are easier than applying for a new passport, but you will want to do so at least two months prior to your planned trip to make sure that you will have time to use the passport to get your required visas.
Applying for a new passport can take several months, especially during high travel volume times such as summer time and holidays. To find out what processing times are, you can visit the US State Department
website. To obtain a new passport, you will need to apply in person at a passport agency with two photographs, proof of citizenship, and a photo ID such as your driver’s license.
Most European countries, such as France, do not require you to get a visa if your visit will be for less than three months. However, if the country you are visiting does require a visa or your stay will be more than three months, you will want to apply for your visa at least one month in advance to make sure that it is processed in time for your trip. Most visa applications require your passport, proof of citizenship, and other proof of identity. To find out whether or not a visa is required, or to find out what documentation is needed to get your visa, visit the US State Department or contact the US Embassy in the country you will be visiting.
We all hope that our trip to Europe will be eventful and exciting, but in a way that allows us to have fun, not face emergency issues. However, sometimes things happen when people travel abroad. Robberies, lost luggage, misplaced carry-on luggage, or a mugging might result in the loss of your passport or visa, as well as other important documents. For these reasons, you should make copies of your travel and identification documents and leave them with a friend back home, as well as keep a copy with you but separate from the originals. This will help prove your citizenship and identity in the case that your actual
travel documents are lost or stolen.
In the event that your passport or visa are lost or stolen, there are steps that will be necessary in order to continue your stay in Europe or return to the United States. The first thing you will need to do is contact or visit the US Embassy closest to the area of Europe that you are visiting. You will need to apply for a new passport or visa, furnishing the copies of your identification documents that you made. You will also need to write and sign an affidavit that gives details about the incident where your passport and visa was lost or stolen. Other documentation or verification may be required.
You cannot re-enter the United States, nor safely travel throughout Europe without a passport. If you lose your passport or if it is stolen, you need to contact the US Embassy nearest to you immediately, or as soon as you are aware that your passport is gone. This is important for your safety and for your return to the United States. In most cases, replacing the lost or stolen passport while you are in Europe is not difficult, but it should be taken care of immediately nonetheless.