When on holiday do you dread going over the weight limit? Or maybe you are backpacking and you don’t want to carry a heavy load around with you. Well here is a list that suggests things not to pack and hopefully will help you on how you can lighten the load.

1. Soap – now a day’s most hotels have soaps in their rooms, if not it isn’t that expensive to buy from the local shops. This also includes shampoo, I would buy a tiny travel bottle when I land and leave it behind once my holiday has finished. If you need or want to take some soap and shampoo, they can be bought in travel sizes.
2. Jeans – if you are going on holiday where it is hot, you will not want to wear heavy, bulky clothing also it would be impossible to wash them in a sink if the hotel hasn’t got a laundry room.
3. Towels – now this is a item that will be provided by the hotel and something you don’t need to pack. If your hotel doesn’t provide towels why not re use some of your clothes they are something you need to pack and easy to wash and dry or a microfiber towel.
4. Jackets – if you are going to a place where it is hot you won’t need a thick winter coat maybe take a thin jacket in case the weather becomes a bit nippy. If you are going somewhere cold then you will need a thicker coat not a thin jacket, take what is suitable for the trip / holiday.
5. Expensive Jewellery – Do not take expensive jewellery with you on your trip as you wouldn’t want to be a target of a crime or a victim.

If you don’t agree with this list then please don’t follow it, don’t let this list be do’s and don’ts, if you feel like you really need to take soap and it’s really important to you then buy a travel one. Also leave room in your suitcase for the fun items and souvenirs you purchased on your holidays.
Don’t forget to pack your passport and travel insurance and holiday documents also store them digitally on a USB as a backup.

When considering exotic locations in which to say your nuptials, it would be no surprise if you were to overlook Zimbabwe. Unfortunately, the country’s chequered political past has detrimentally effected the countries tourism levels. Recently restrictions on tourism have been lifted and this beautiful nation is attracting increasing numbers of adventurous tourists who want to tie the knot somewhere truly memorable.

When you take a moment to consider the country’s impressive credentials, all the reasons to pay it a visit become startlingly apparent. Zimbabwe is located on the southern-most part of the African continent, bordering South Africa, Botswana and Zambia. Although landlocked, the nation lies between two of the continents most impressive rivers, the Zambezi and the Limpopo. The nature rich river banks and the surrounding national parks are home to a wealth of fascinating wildlife proud to call Zimbabwe home.

The Zambezi River is divided into three main parts. The upper level, where Victoria Falls is located; the middle section, home of Lake Kariba and the lower level which comes below the monstrous Kariba Dam. Standing at 128m tall, the dam is one of Africa’s biggest.

The area surrounding Lake Kariba is Manu Pools National Park, which stretches across 20,000km of prime Zambezi riverfront. The park is home to over 380 species of bird as well as elephants, giraffes, buffalo, leopards, Nile crocodiles, hippos and rhinos.

It is beside Lake Kariba that couples on the lookout for a romantic, relaxing resort to host their weddings can find their dream location. The Bumi Hills Safari Lodge, located just 50km from the nearest town, is carving quite the reputation for offering some of the finest hotel accommodation in Zimbabwe.

Couples can make their vows to each other in front of friends and family as they enjoy views over the Lake and the expansive national park beyond. With the abundance of wildlife lucky enough to call the national park their home, it should come as no surprise if your wedding ceremony is gate crashed by some of the friendly natives.

When it comes to Zimbabwe hotels, Bumi Safari Lodge offers everything you could possibly want right on your doorstep. The spacious, luxury rooms, the alfresco dining room and the relaxing spa all benefit from unspoilt vistas of the the Lake. Guests can opt to relax and enjoy the resorts facilities whilst basking in the attention of the friendly and helpful staff or choose to enjoy game viewing adventures, sailing and fishing trips on the lake or even a peaceful sunset cruise.

Although your impression of Zimbabwe may have been affected by the negative press, it is a largely undiscovered nation which won’t remain that way for long. With such natural beauty, affable locals and breathtaking scenery – why not give it a chance and pay Zimbabwe a visit before everyone else catches on?

Vacation homes have become very convenient for vacationers who wish to enjoy their leisure time in a “home away from home” atmosphere, rather than being cooped up in a hotel. Owners of vacation homes are happy to rent out their units to vacationers, as they can earn an extra income, which will help pay for the mortgage taken on these homes. Today, the popularity of these homes has increased and it works profitably for all concerned, as the supply meets the demand.

The rent for vacation homes that are offered to vacationers, in the market, range from exclusive to affordable. Financial and industrial giants can afford to take up the most expensive homes for entertainments. It is possible to rent a villa that is tucked away in New Providence, Bahamas on a private cay for over $35,000 per day! These homes offer top-end amenities which not everyone can afford.

For the average individuals, vacation homes are available that cost anywhere from $1500 to about $2100 a week in peak season and drop down to about  $ 700 to $1500 in the off season. Vacation home owners can easily build up an income of roughly $14,000 to about $ 40,000 a year, if they are able to rent their homes for just five months in the year.

Research on the subject indicates that nearly 14% of single units were purchased as vacation homes for families. The details of these homes are easily available on the Internet and one can check out those that are available as short-term rentals.

A family with friends may require two hotel rooms at the very least. These rooms in areas, where there are resorts, can cost about $ 100 a night and more during the peak season. However, it is possible to enjoy the facilities of an entire home with two to three bedrooms, attached baths, kitchen and cable with Internet access, laundry and swimming pool and extra amenities for just $200 a night.

If you eat in, you can save on eating out in costly restaurants. By doing the laundry at home, you can save further, as well as enjoy the freedom of strolling or lounging around in the yard in your pajamas. There is no need to worry about leaving the home with your valuables inside.

Click here to scour the Internet for details about vacation homes for rent and make sure that the pictures that can be viewed are fairly recent ones. Look at the size of the bedrooms, living area, baths and kitchen, where you will be spending considerable time. Try to visualize the distance of the attractions such as a beach that can be glimpsed from one of the balconies upstairs. You can check if the picture was taken with a zoom lens to get a fair idea of the distance.

Prague, hands down, remains one of my favorite European adventures.  Maybe it was the people I travelled with, but there is something unforgettable about this Czech Republic capital.  Upon arrival, you’ll immediately be struck by the imposing architecture that dominates the city’s skyline.  A stop at the Old Town Square offers a smattering of buildings in the styles of Gothic, Baroque, and Romanesque.  One of the most imposing structures is The Church of Our Lady Before Tyn. Its Gothic spires can be seen from just about anywhere in Prague- it served as an excellent reference point.  Another monument worth incorporating in your visit is the Astronomical Clock at the Old Town Hall.

A true feat of design, the Clock was designed and built in the 15th century.  Every hour, between 9am and 9pm, the twelve apostles rotate around the Clock’s face.  It was a huge deal when it was built; rumor has it the Clock’s designer was blinded after completing his masterpiece. Those that commissioned the Clock wanted to make sure he didn’t build one for another city. Perhaps its just an old wife’s tale but part of Prague’s lure is its mysteriousness.  Meander across the Charles Bridge, a pedestrian only fairway constructed hundreds of years ago to connect the “Old Town” with Prague Castle.  The bridge is filled with hawkers of all kinds and it may feel like tourist overload, but it is worth the stroll.  Check out the array of statues of saints that run along the sides of the bridge and admire the views of the Vltava River and surrounding sights.

If you choose to follow the windy and sometimes steep paths that characterize the castle side of the city, visit the Prague Castle complex and go to tiny Golden Lane to see examples of life back in the 15th century.  A favorite stop of mine was the Lobkowicz Palace, located within the Castle complex. The Palace is small enough that you get to see everything, or almost everything, without feeling totally overwhelmed.  In this private collection you’ll find paintings by Canaletto and Velázquez, original manuscripts by Beethoven, and several other gems that make the Palace worth a visit.

As for food, restaurants in Prague offer up delicious dumplings (knedliky) and goulash (Guláš), I didn’t have a bad meal during the visit.  Head off the beaten path to find better prices and fewer tourists.  The Czech Republic boasts some of the best beer in the world and takes it seriously.  According to a guide from a walking tour, the Czech Republic is the only place where you can drink beer and have it out on your desk at work, take that bit of knowledge as you’d like. However, I will admit, it does pair quite nicely with the local cuisine.

As a major tourist city, accommodation is easy to come by.  That includes all shapes and sizes, whether you want a hostel or would prefer a Prague hotel with a bit more frills.  Regardless of where you stay, your trip will be amazing; Prague is a Bohemian wonderland with surprises around every corner.  Learn more at My Destination Prague.

Situated on the epic 27,000 Kilometre long west coast of Canada, British Columbia offers breath-taking vistas from the imposing Kootenay Rocky Mountains in the south east to the awe inspiring rivers and lakes of the North as well as sunny beaches and cosmopolitan cities. Canada’s most stunning state has something for every type of visitor.   Food and drink in British Columbia is as plentiful as the landscape is big – and this vast area covers 994,735 square kilometres which is the equivalent area to France Germany and the Netherlands!

A regular on the world’s top ten best cities to live Vancouver offers a wide array of treats and charms for all its guests and if there’s one thing Vancouverites are passionate about its their food and drink.   Whilst on the go in Vancouver the easiest food option can be to grab a quick sandwich from the deli and continue on your exploration of the city.  A must try for sandwiches and fine meats is Finch’s Tea and Coffee House a definite jewel in the crown for Vancouver and its sandwich lovers.

Having checked off many visitor attractions such as the Olympic Village, walked through the bustling markets and artisan boutiques in  Granville Island,  taken in the delights of Vancouver art gallery seen the spectacular sunset an Light house Park, you might feel the need for a well-deserved three course meal and a few drinks to round off the day.

Head to Top of Vancouver, a revolving restaurant which delivers 360 degree views of Vancouver and its surroundings.  One revolution is made each hour there is ample opportunity to enjoy good food and drink against changing backdrop of coastal mountains and ocean views.

British Columbia accommodation is generally smart and good value – Aas would be expected for such a cosmopolitan city, Vancouver has no shortage of guest houses, from modern boutique hotels such as Loden, The Keefer and Shangri  La Vancouver to the classic grand hotels such as the Fairmont Hotel and the Pan Pacific.

A two hour drive on the Sea to Sky Highway from Vancouver is Whistler – the site for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. Come to Whistler for some outdoor pursuits such as skiing, snowboarding and mountaineering or if you prefer a more gentle ride, take the three hour train journey from Vancouver to Whistler as it winds up and around the mountains and canyons and grips the ocean coastline and enjoy the amazing views as you relax with a complimentary beverage and breakfast or afternoon tea depending on your time of travel.

There is an abundance of accommodation in Whistler for all needs, choose from exclusive hotels which cater to all your needs such as Aava Whistler Hotel or private townhouses which are fully equipped with all mod cons, to smaller chalets such as Blueberry Hill Home and charming bed and breakfasts. For food go to Alta Bistro to sample to local cuisine, Side cut for excellent steak and Rim Rock Café and Oyster Bar for Seafood.

If it’s wildlife you’re after visit the Kootenay Rockies and you’ll be sure to come across some grizzly bears, moose, elk  and eagles to name but a few.  You can also get the cowboy experience by checking into one of many Dude Ranches and getting the chance to take part in wrangling cattle or just opt for some horse-riding through the scenic wilderness of the Rockies.

Three Bars Ranch and Bull River Guest Ranch are excellent dude ranches.  You can also get close to nature by camping. Top of the World Provincial Park offers a place to pitch your tent elevated high in the Rockies.  Kootenay National Park provides four camping, Redstreak, Mcleod Meadows, Marble Canyon and Crook’s Meadow Group.   For a top rated meal go to Cedar House restaurant.

For more information see My Destination British Columbia.

People who wish to avail of the domestic travel insurance should check out the various insurance companies listed online and purchase directly from any one of them as the savings will be considerable on the premium.
The types of insurance available depend on your need. You may be travelling on a single trip or you may be a frequent traveler who is employed by a company to travel interstate in Australia. The rate of premium charges differs from a single insurance, domestic annual trip insurance, or multi trip insurance. If you are travelling interstate, the premium will be lower are the insurance company will not have to pay exorbitant amounts of money as necessary if you had to travel abroad to countries such as the United States of America where the medical costs are very high.

Nowadays, many people opt to fly rather than take other modes of transport and due to this the air flights are not as expensive. This has resulted in discounted insurance for domestic travel as the volume of travelers is great and there is a high demand for this type of policy. Insurance companies are therefore able to offer reduced premium costs to travelers on a budget.

People who used to travel on domestic flights earlier did not consider travelling by air high risk and therefore did not find it necessary to take a domestic insurance policy because of the high premium rates involved. Since the costs of these insurance policies are relatively low today, it is recommended that people take policies to cover incidences such as accidents, illness, loss of income and so on. It is an easy process which does not take much time. The option is available to take a basic cover policy or a comprehensive one which covers a wide range of activities apart from hospital and medical costs.

Families or a single member can opt for online domestic insurance. Some companies offer insurance covers to elderly people and those who suffer from pre-existing conditions though they may have to pay a higher rate of premium since the risk factor is higher.

Look at the options available. Though there are cheap policies available for insuring oneself, it is advisable to check the types of coverage for the price and not only look at the cost. If you take a basic policy, it will not cover as many activities as a comprehensive policy. Consider the add-on option when you plan to take insurance. This is advantageous as you can always call the travel insurance company and add an extra activity if you are planning a special trip. For example you may wish to go skiing so that you can protect yourself before you undertake hitting the slopes.

No, sometimes we have to work and every country has its own idiosyncratic way of conducting business. Etiquette matters, so does the political make-up and geographical boundaries of wherever you are in the world. So it makes sense, prior to any trip in which your goal is to either clinch an economic deal or forge better relations with international colleagues, to brush up on a few pointers such as:

Culture
Regardless of whether your French business meeting is in the city or provinces, or the north or south of the country, there are certain ‘rules’ you should certainly acknowledge.

For instance, it’s the norm to address business acquaintances with either Madame, Monsieur, Professeur or Docteur, then their surname followed by a firm handshake. Make sure you only use the friendly and informal ‘tu’ when the other person you’re meeting with does so.

Expect plenty of small talk and for the initial meeting to be help in a restaurant or chic café. Incidentally, the person who organised the meeting will also expect to pay the bill.

Following your meeting you should formally bid each person farewell individually with a kiss on the cheek.
Your attire should be formal. If you’re going to speak French in your meeting then do so throughout. The French regard it as impolite – and no doubt confusing – to switch between their language and another.

Accommodation
If you’re not staying at your business colleague’s family home (which is doubtful as the French like to keep business and family life separate) then it’s a good idea to book into a hotel which has the facilities to cater fully for the businessman/woman such as the Holiday Inn (these as scattered throughout France in most major cities or airports). This way you will be guaranteed an internet connection, access to a scanner and even the use of a boardroom (salle de reunion) if need be.

Smaller B & B facilities made be comfortable but they can’t always guarantee Wi-Fi or even computer access and no-one wants to go trailing around looking for an internet café late at night in a foreign city.

Climate
Depending on where and when you’re conducting your business, the weather in France can vary enormously. In the South in the summer it’s advisable to take lighter cotton suits and skirts with temperatures regularly reaching as high as the nineties and humidity a fact of life. In cities there tends to be more air-conditioning around. The rainy season in France tends to be between November and April.

We hope the above helped. Meanwhile here’s a few more interesting quasi-business facts about France:

• The most dominant religion by far is catholic (up to 88 per cent), next is Muslim (around 10 per cent) followed by Protestant (two per cent)

• In terms of economy, France is the fifth largest – following on from America, Japan, Germany and China

• Paris is the world’s leading conference centre

• France joined the Euro in January 1999 and has a close business relationship with Germany

• In 2004 a national survey showed 6.2 per cent of France’s population was below the poverty line

• France’s trading partners in the main tend to be Germany, Spain, Italy, UK and America

Looking for a great destination to visit this winter? Why not try the sunny west coast of America and take a trip to California? There are so many great cities that sit on this side of the world, and depending on what you want to achieve from your holiday, there are a few that might suit you.

If you are looking for a really casual trip in somewhere bohemian then make straight for San Francisco. The city offers a multitude of tourist sites including Pier 39, the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz, but also a great hub for shopping and eating! Fisherman’s Wharf offers some great little eateries, and a trip to the city is not complete without visiting Lombard Street, the steepest street in the USA. Trips to Alcatraz book up very quickly in high season, so make sure you book in advance so you don’t miss out on one of the most interesting trips in the region.
If you prefer a holiday that is a little more relaxed and beachy rather than being jam packed, make the journey to San Diego. Closer to the Mexican border, the city offers a laid back atmosphere and lots of stunning beaches including Del Mar and La Jolla, where you can see seals in their natural habitat and sit on the cliffs to catch some rays. Head down to the beach and scuba as the waters are so clear and full of wildlife. If you prefer to keep your feet firmly on dry land then there are plenty of little tide pools to poke around in, and when you tire there are a host of tiny little cafes dotted along the beach for you to relax in. You’ll also find lots of tourist sights in the area , from SeaWorld where you can see whale and dolphin shows, to the world famous San Diego zoo, to the Old Town, one of the most historical areas in California.

If its glitz and glamour that you desire then the first stop on the coast should be Los Angeles. There is so much to do in the city that you can stay occupied for weeks. Visit Venice Beach and Santa Monica Boulevard to make the most of the cities beaches, or take a trip out to Anaheim to visit Disneyland, a great draw for children and adults of all ages! Disneyland also has a park called Disney California which offers larger rollercoasters and will appeal to older children. Universal studios is also a favourite of tourists to the area, and the most popular ride is the trip around the studios to visit some actual working sets and see your favourite shows, like Desperate Housewives and the Jaws set.

If you want to rent a car in the area then route 101 (the pacific coast highway) is a fantastic route to drive. It takes you through Newport Beach, Redondo Beach, Huntingdon Beach, Laguna Beach and a whole host of other pretty beaches. The road runs right along the cliffs and provides some stunning views of the sea.

If you are travelling to California then ensure you have travel insurance. Swiftcover offer really competitive prices online, so make sure you check there.

FC Barcelona football tickets represent not only the chance to see a club with a rich football heritage but also allow you to visit the Camp Nou; one of the largest and most famous football stadiums in the world.

Barcelona are the current European champions and are widely accepted as one of the best club sides ever to have played the game. With your tickets to see Barcelona, you will be entitled to see some of the worlds leading sportsmen in players like Messi, Xavi and Iniesta. They are applauded by pundits for their ability to play attractive passing football with flamboyance and charisma, a characteristic which summed up Spain’s success in the recent World Cup. The current Barcelona team constitutes the backbone of the Spanish World Cup winning national side. The fluid, skilful way that Barcelona play is commonly held up as the current model for most European teams to emulate.

Football is a cornerstone of Catalan culture and this makes the Nou Camp one of the most exciting places to be in Barcelona. Holding nearly one hundred thousand spectators, the atmosphere and sense of occasion is an experience to be savoured. Football is more than just a sport in places like Barcelona. It is a display of cultural identity, a public heritage institution that forms part of the fabric of Catalan society. Mes que un club (more than a club) is the slogan on one of the imposing stands. FC Barcelona tickets will show you more than a football match; they will provide you with an exciting flavour of local culture and open the door to see the city more as a citizen than a tourist.

For any football fan, tickets to the Camp Nou are a pilgrimage to the heart of European football.

If you are wondering which continent to honor with your presence this winter, here is a hint for you: how about visiting all three at the same time? If you just can’t choose between old Europe’s refined architecture, exotic Asia’s tempting cuisine or black Africa’s tribal mysteries, you simply don’t have to because Cape Town has them all, and more. The South African rainbow city is overloaded with cultures from three continents to give you the unique sensation of being nowhere and all around the world at the same time. All you need to do is check for a hotel at mydestination.com/capetown and prepare to be overwhelmed.

Long years of Dutch and British colonial rule have left a clear mark on Cape Town’s architecture. You can admire the beautiful Victorian warehouses, now shopping centres, at the V& A Waterfront – the liveliest place in town. There you can feel the true multicultural spirit of the city as you linger for hours in the colourful African shops, lunch with a spicy Asian menu and give in to the irresistible Dutch ice cream. A visit to the Two Oceans aquarium is a must followed by a cup of hot rooibos at an open-air cafe with live Cape Town jazz for your delight. The romantics can enjoy an unforgettable sunset boat trip starring the dark-blue Atlantic, the shimmering city and the magnificent Table Mountain at its back.

Table Mountain is one of the wonders of Cape Town and you’ll agree more and more as you approach its 1000m flat top up the 360° Cableway. The spectacular views of the city, the endless blue waves framed by white beaches and the majestic nature around them will stay with you forever. From above you will also see a deserted region in the middle of the urban area – the former all-whites District 6, reminiscing the apartheid past of Cape Town. For more national history a sail straight to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned, is obligatory.

Other compulsory visits include a stop at Boulders Beach to greet the charming 27inch South African stars from the penguin colony then have a cocktail at Bikini Beach – the exclusive white shore populated by exclusively tanned people ignoring the exclusively cold waters of the Atlantic.

There is even more Cape Town splendour at Cape Point where it is (wrongly) believed that the Atlantic and the Indian oceans meet. The views are nevertheless feasts of nature and the Flying Dutchman Funicular will take you to the lighthouse where you can spot the once terrifying Cape of Good Hope where many ships found their ruin.

The best way to end your around-the-world daily exploration in Cape Town is in one of its restaurants, especially in the Long Street area. Don’t be scandalised if they serve you ostrich, crocodile or kudu steaks, and instead give in to the mesmerizing traditional African rhythms and relax with a glass or two of perfumed South African wine coming from the sun-filled wine lands around the marvellous city, sitting on the ‘cape’ of the world.