If you’re making the effort to learn a language, traveling to Europe will be a welcome treat and reward. Working to learn a language, even something as difficult as trying to learn German, can be fun when you use an audio CD program, but you still deserve a treat at the end. If you’re a seasoned traveler, or if you’ve never gone abroad before, it’s still important to keep some things in mind before you plan your trip and before you go.

• Double check to make sure that you’ve got your passport and any other documents you need. For most European countries, all you need to travel is a passport if you’re an American citizen. Other travelers from countries outside Europe or the United States, however, may need a visa or additional documentation. Make sure that you have this before you leave for the airport—you don’t want to miss your flight or not be allowed to board because you’re missing an important document. Also make sure that you keep your passport with you when you’re traveling and you don’t lose it. Getting a passport replaced while you’re traveling can be expensive and time consuming.
• Ask a trusted neighbor or friend to check in on your home while you’re gone. Even though this happens at home, and not with you while you’re traveling, having someone check your place is an important step. You don’t want to come home from a lovely vacation to discover that your home has been burglarized. If you don’t have someone to check in for you, consider getting timers for your lights and having your mail put on hold to make it seem as if someone is at home.
• Remember to check museum hours and open days before you go. Many travelers have made the mistake of planning to see a special museum in a city that they will visit just once, and then they discover that on that certain day, the museum is closed. This common problem can be eliminated by checking the museum’s website before you leave, and planning your vacation either around the museum, or deciding not to visit it.
• Don’t be afraid to ask for directions if you’re lost or concerned about where you are. Even though you may be proficient in German, or the language that you learned before traveling, it’s still possible that you’ll get lost, or be worried about the train you’re trying to catch. Rather than get into a sticky situation, ask questions and directions of people in your hotel, police officers, and others who work in service positions.

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There are many ways to find cheap flights in general. There are generally three approaches. Either you can use the Internet to search for your cheap flight, you can visit a travel agency or you can go to your local airport and buy one directly from the sales counter of the airline. All three methods have their advantages and disadvantages and the following information will help you decide which one you’d like to use to find the cheapest flights possible.

Using the Internet is often the most convenient and practical for people, but you do need to have a general idea of what you want and where you need to look. You should start by using a search engine such as Google or Bing – you need to enter some search terms that will help you narrow down the many options available. A good starting point is to use the name of your town, country or local airport with the terms ‘cheap flights’. This will generally bring you up a list of websites, which list the cheapest flights by parsing information directly from each individual airlines’ website.

This is a good way to get a general idea of where the cheapest flights are, but you’ll still need to visit the airline’s website to book your ticket.

The next option is to use a booking agent, otherwise known as a travel agent, to find your cheap flights. Some airlines will only let you book directly through them or through a travel agent, especially if you want their special cheap flights. These type of flights will be non-refundable, but they are often several hundred dollars cheaper than the publicly available one, so perhaps using a travel agent is your best bet.

Of course, your last option is to simply go to the airport where you want to depart from and buy a ticket directly from them. This is convenient, but probably won’t land you the cheapest flight.

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With its gorgeous white sandy beaches, fascinating culture and natural beauty, Tunisia is the perfect destination for a family holiday, romantic break or fun getaway with friends. And while many of its customs and traditions are very different from our own, it is a tolerant and friendly country where visitors are always welcome. That said, you’re sure to enjoy your holidays to Tunisia more if you make an effort to understand the local customs, so here’s a handy guide that covers everything you need to know before your holiday.

Clothing
While Tunisia’s attitude to clothing is more relaxed than many other Arab countries, women should avoid wearing skimpy clothing outside their hotel. It is also important to cover up when sightseeing, as some religious buildings will limit entry to those who are appropriately dressed.

Alcohol
Despite the availability of alcohol in hotels and tourist areas, it is not widely available and visitors should respect local attitudes to drinking. Stick to the licensed areas and be wary of any public displays of drunkenness.

Eating out
In hotels and resorts, tipping is expected and often forms a large part of the employees’ wages. A tip of about 10% indicates acceptable service, so tip higher if you feel it’s deserved. If you venture out to local restaurants and cafes a tip is not expected but will be appreciated, however be warned: some establishments are strictly men only.

Language
In hotels and resorts, you will find that English is widely spoken and communication shouldn’t be a problem. Even further afield, you’re unlikely to find yourself in a situation where no one speaks English, but if you do try French – next to Arabic it’s the second most widely spoken language in Tunisia. Also, it’s polite to try and learn a few phrases in Arabic – the locals will thank you for your effort.

Shopping
The markets of Tunisia offer plenty of opportunities to pick up a bargain on holiday, but only if you know how to haggle. This method of purchasing is expected but remember to keep all exchanges friendly and not to offend the seller by offering too low a price. In shops and boutiques where goods are labeled with a price tag, haggling is not usually expected.

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Los Angeles is a popular destination for international travelers to soak up the California sun, enjoy the city’s multi-cultural diversity, unique dining options, and bargain shopping deals. However, the first-time visitor to Los Angeles may need a few tips to help them better adjust to the city’s transportation system and local laws, in order to make the most of their vacation in southern California.

Transportation
LAX International Airport is one of the most famous in the world, with hundreds of thousands of people passing through on Los Angeles flights every single day. Los Angeles freeways are renowned for being both an effective way of connecting the cities and surrounding areas, as well as a nightmare during rush hour. Traffic jams during 3PM to 6PM are becoming increasingly common, and with fewer alternatives available, commuters are often faced with lengthy delays. The best alternative to heavy freeway congestion is to take the Los Angeles trains and subways. These services provide easy access to Hollywood Boulevard, front gate drop-off at Universal Studios on the Metro Red Line, rapid service to and from Los Angeles International Airport on the Green Line, as well as downtown L.A. routes on the Metro Blue and Purple Line. A day pass that works on trains, subways and all Los Angeles buses is available for a nominal fee at the station vending machines, or you can enjoy greater savings from a weekly or monthly pass.

Smoking
California law prohibits the use of tobacco inside office buildings, restaurants, airports and most public beaches. However, many restaurants are adjusting to this legislation, and now offer legally approved smoking sections with adequate ventilation. Smoking is permitted in designated smoking areas that provide an ashtray, and it is still generally permitted to smoke on both the sidewalks and other open public areas.

Safety
Los Angeles is stretched over 60 square miles, with plenty to see and do across the city. However, for many tourists it is advised to stick to the main tourist areas and avoid suburbs and less-populated or notorious areas of the city. Los Angeles is noted for crime and gang activity in some districts, as such caution is strongly advised when venturing out at night.

Sun Stroke
Travelers flock to Los Angeles for its warm and sunny climate, attracting tourists and locals in droves to sunbathe on the city’s infamous beaches. It is adviseable to remember that the sun can also be damaging – so be sun smart! Be sure to bring plenty of sun block and a visor cap to screen out the sun’s intense rays, protect your skin, and help prolong your outdoor adventures in L.A.

Los Angeles can be an attractive and intimidating holiday destination. The city’s diversity and expansive geography has continued to prove popular with tourists on last minute holidays and extended vacations, and will continue to do so in the future.

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