Wednesday, November 4, 2009

How-to-Save-Money-on-Holidays-Abroad

Thomas Cook has discovered that British tourists are paying much more for their foreign currency than they need to, simply because they don't know enough about their destination and the prices to expect to pay when they get there.

They surveyed 12,000 people with 28% of these confessing to having no idea how much money to take on holiday with them. One quarter admitted that they knew they overspent whilst abroad because they had no idea of an items value in English money.

8% also said they took absolutely no money away with them and relied on credit and debit cards and withdrawing money from cash machines, often paying the penalty of hidden fees. One in three stated they had paid heavily for using cards and ATM's whist abroad, this leads to so many people wasting money.

Foreign currency is often left until last minute as there are so many things to think about when preparing for your holiday, leaving people to rush their decision on how much to take.

So take a few moments during your holiday preparation to think about spending money and do a little research into how much you might need. Your travel agent will guide you as to how much you could expect to pay for things in resort and the kind of excursions you may like and a rough idea of how much they might cost.

The best way to find these things out though is on the internet, you can research your destination and even look at travel forums to see what people who have stayed in your resort or even your hotel have to say. They will be able to advise on where to eat and drink and even the best place to shop or book excursions.

Having an idea of how much food, drink and trips will cost you, and working out how much this would be in English money will make sure you get the best value, and even better still, give you a guide as to how much money you need to be taking with you.

The euro is very weak against the British pound at the moment so countries that don't use it will give you better value for money. Croatia, Turkey and Bulgaria are extremely popular destinations as they still have their own currency, and Gambia and Egypt holidays will be favorite destinations this season due to their excellent winter sunshine and favorable exchange rates.

So take the time to think properly about your foreign currency before your next trip, and with just a little bit of forward thinking, you could make your holiday money stretch even further.

Yvonne also writes informative and fun new stories for Travelnewz.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Yvonne_Dawson


Tuesday, September 15, 2009

5 Simple Tips for travel maker

If you've booked a trip away, whether it's for two weeks or two months, it's essential you carry out some pre-holiday preparation. Although it will be the last thing on your mind (and with the lure of excitement and adventure, who can blame you?) following a few simple rules can ensure that your journey goes as smoothly as possible.

Firstly, where are you going? This may seem like a ridiculous question, but being aware of where you're travelling to and the places you're likely to visit you will be in a much better position to gauge exactly what you need to do beforehand. For example, do you need a Visa to gain entry into the country? Is it necessary to get certain vaccinations? A quick look on the Internet should provide you with all the information you require. Just make sure to do this early enough to carry everything out.

The next step is to ensure that your passport is up to date. This is important since there are certain countries which will not grant you entry if your passport is about to run out. Therefore, it's vital to ensure that you know where your passport is and that it is valid for the right amount of time you're away.

You also need to make sure you pack smart. This is especially pertinent if you're heading away for a longer period of time - you don't want to be lugging around massive suitcases if you're trekking around the Himalayas, for instance!

Consequently, analyse everything you are planning on taking with you to ensure you only pack the essentials. If you are going backpacking, or staying in quieter areas, it's also worth packing a travel medical kit, including such items as aspirin, bandages and insect repellent.

Reading up on the terms and conditions of any airlines you're flying with is another sensible idea. Many have certain baggage restrictions, both in terms of hand luggage and stowed items. As a result, make sure you know how much you can take with you to avoid paying high excess fees.

Finally, and probably most importantly, you should consider whether you have an adequate and appropriate travel insurance policy. Does it include coverage for any activities which are considered high risk, like bungee jumping or snowboarding, as well as sufficient medical protection?

Preparation may not be high on your list of priorities, but it's definitely worth taking the time to ensure you are as clued up as possible before you go away. Once you are organised you can spend your actual holiday enjoying your free time without having to worry.

Andrew Regan writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.

Sunday, August 16, 2009

Malaysia truly Asia

Endowed with a diversity of cultures, Malaysia offers a 'truly Asian experience'. Discover a delightful fusion of three of Asia's oldest civilisations - Malay, Chinese and Indian. A potpourri enriched with the indigenous traditions of the KadazanDusuns, Ibans and other ethnic communities of Sabah and Sarawak.

Experience the country's alluring wonders - colorful festivals, breathtaking skyscrapers, charming heritage buildings, enchanting islands and beaches as well as a million-year-old rainforest with fascinating flora and fauna.

Meet the warm and friendly people and enjoy world-class facilities. Marvel at the bewildering range of shopping delights and tempt your palate with mouth-watering delicacies. Bursting with color, pulsating with life, Malaysia awaits you.

Malaysia is a fascinating holiday destination offering something for everyone to enjoy. There are three distinct destinations in the country - Peninsular Malaysia and the states of Sabah and Sarawak in East Malaysia. Visitors are often surprised to discover how developed the country is, yet rich and varied in cultural tradition.

The country's main gateway is Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) near the capital. Other major international airports are Langkawi, Penang, Kota Kinabalu and Kuching.
Kuala Lumpur or KL ia a modern cosmopolitan city boasting the world's tallest twin towers towering at a height of 452m. Its architecture is representative of the country's dominant cultures - the Malay, Chinese and Indian. Combined with the colonial legacy of the British and Moorish influences, KL has one of Asia's most dynamics cityscapes.

Malaysia's long coastline and many coral-fringed islands, with the Straits of Malacca to the west and the South China Sea to the east, give rise to a large number of fabulous beaches. Islands like Langkawi. Tioman and Pangkor are world-renowned resort destinations. Penang is another island famous for its history, relaxing beaches and cultural mix. Further south, Malacca is known for its history, museums and the unique Baba-Nyonya community. The charming east coast of the peninsula with its laid back lifestyle, is the country's cultural heartland.

The states of Sabah and Sarawak await nature lovers and adventurers. Discover the prolific marine life and dense rainforest while exploring the underwater world and wilderness of Borneo.

Malaysia has many exciting places of interest and during a holiday of just two weeks, visitors will get a mere glimpse. One thing's for certain; everyone wants to return to discover more of Malaysia.


source from Articlebase.com