Vacation Information

Coming to Canada: Guidelines for Visitors

By Johnny Mangiante

So, you’ve planned your trip to Canada. Your flight is booked, hotel reservations are made and your itinerary is set. But before you get too excited about riding to the top of the CN Tower, you should take care of a few other important details.

A) Prepare yourself for Canada’s entry requirements. Ask yourself the following questions:

1. Do I need a visa to travel to Canada?

While some travellers require a visa to travel to Canada, many do not. Persons lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence who have a Green card or can provide other evidence of permanent residence, British citizens and British Overseas Citizens who can be readmitted to the United Kingdom, persons holding a valid and subsisting Special Administrative Region passport issued by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China, as well as other particular individuals, do not require a visa to enter Canada. For a complete list, visit the Government of Canada web site.

2. What type of identification will I need to present to Canada customs?

Canada’s entry requirements entail that every visitor from out of the country needs a valid passport. However, your birth certificate or certificate of citizenship, and a valid photo identification such as a drivers licence will also be accepted. If you are a permanent resident of the U.S., don’t forget to bring your green card.

Also, if you are travelling with children, the customs officers may ask detailed questions about them. Parents who share custody of their children should carry copies of the legal custody documents. If you are travelling with a child who is not your own, you need a note from the guardians granting you permission to have the child with you.

3. Do I need a medical exam for travel to Canada?

A medical examination is required if you have resided for six or more consecutive months in a designated “red flagged” country/territory in the one year prior to your travel to Canada. Some of these countries include: Afghanistan, Bahamas, Armenia, Brazil, Cambodia, Ethiopa, Guam, Haiti, India, Iran, Iraq, and Mexico. A complete list of “red-flagged” countries can be found on the Government of Canada web site.

B) Get acquainted with the laws regarding Canada’s customs regulations. Here is a brief list of some items you are prohibited to bring into the country:

- firearms and/or offensive weapons

- drugs

- certain fruits and/or plants that could contain harmful pests and diseases

- meat

What about alcohol and tobacco?

As long as you meet the age requirements set by the province or territory you are visiting, you can bring up to 40 ounces of liquor, 52 ounces of wine, or 24 containers of beer. You can also bring 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or cigarillos, 200 tobacco sticks, and 200 grams of manufactured tobacco.

How much money can I bring to Canada?

You can bring as much money as you like; however, you must report all imports and exports of currency and monetary instruments equal to or greater than $10,000 CAN.

For more details concerning customs regulations, call (204) 983-3500 or (506) 636-5064 or visit the Canadian Government’s customs and borders site.

Once the details of your travel to Canada have been sorted out, you can relax. Arrive into Canada and have fun! Skate on the Rideau Canal, stroll through old Montreal, or ski down Whistler’s mountain. Either way, you will surely enjoy your stay!

About the author:
Johnny Mangiante is an online journalist . He is also the editor and webmaster for many websites

Excellent Vacation Adventures at Affordable Airfare Rates!

By David Arnold Livingston

Traveling especially with your loved ones can ease out
the daily tension brought about by everyday problems
and pressure from work, studies, home and many other
concerns. However the soaring rates and prices of
airfare can pose a problem that can hinder the
realization of traveling to the place you have been
dreaming of. Fortunately, several international
airlines offer packages, special offers and cheap
airfare that can be a great help to achieve the dream
of traveling to world-renowned countries and locations.
Cheap and discounted airfares are offered by several
airlines. Their rates can be checked through the
standard airfare rate to prove if they are really true
to their words or if they only offer false hopes and
bogus prices. The market place has pages on the net to
give information regarding the regular airfare rates
and the travel packages and plans offered by various
airlines. Cheap airfare tickets are also available on
the internet, so shopping for an airfare ticket can be
done in just one click although patience and wise
choosing are needed considering the long array of
agencies and airlines on the internet. Airline sites,
charters, consolidators, courier flights, online travel
sights and travel agents are possible sources of
airfare tickets that can suit one’s budget in
traveling.

Air hitch tickets have inexpensive airfare rates but
the travelers must be ready for changes in departure,
arrival and locations. Big and small airlines nowadays
have on-line sites to show their airfare rates so
access to other possible expenses involved can be
easily found. Charter airfare can cut out expensive
costs but unexpected changes in the time of departure
and arrival can happen which can cause dissatisfaction
and hustling on the part of the traveler.
Consolidators can get the best deals on airfare rates.
The vacant seats on every flight are sold to a
consolidator since airlines must fill the maximum
capacity of the plane. Courier flights can give the
traveler the chance to have added income together with
a cheap airfare. Courier companies make use of the
limit of the baggage to include their packages for
shipping. Travel agents give middlemen services which
serve as the “in-between” of the traveler and the
airline.

Traveling can also be done together with friends, loved
ones, relatives or anyone interested through the Group
Travel privileges offered by some airlines. Instead of
spending the money for airfare alone, bigger savings
can be used for other traveling expenses. Discounted
airfare together with bonus or free airfare ticket is
given for domestic or international group travels. A
group travel agent can be consulted with regards to
airfare rate, hotels, resorts and cruise lines for the
vacation of the group. All airlines have their own
standards to determine the exact airfare and other
expenses involved when traveling to a specific
location.

Business travel airfare expenses can also be handled by
various airlines. Corporate travel does not only focus
on the cheapness of the airfare but also on the quality
of services and initiatives offered. Some business
companies focus on the schedule first, since time is
really of an essence in the corporate world rather than
the cost of the airfare. Corporate travel is a vital
part of the business process to carry out tasks and
responsibilities to ensure growth and development.

About the author:
David Arnold Livingston has traveled extensively and enjoys sharing his learning experiences with fellow travelers.

 A little known citrus farming center called Orlando was paid a visit the 1960s by a gentleman called Walt Disney who started buying land on the outskirts of the town.

The remainder of that story is now history and by 1971, that land had become Walt Disney World. Today, Orlando has a resident population of approximately 200,000 people and visitor numbers swell that figure into the many millions.

The words “Orlando, Florida” immediately conjure up images of fairy tale palaces, thrill rides, theme parks and Disney characters loved the world over. The combination of the “big 3″ Orlando entertainment parks of Walt Disney World, Sea World and Universal Studios have no equal anywhere else in the world.

Located on the the outskirts of Orlando, the towns of Lake Buena Vista and Kissimmee are home to most of the major entertainment park attractions. It’s no surprise that the accommodation industry generates a major portion of the Orlando economy and that it employs a high percentage of the local population.

The nearby towns of Winter Haven and Altamonte Springs offer a change of pace from the hustle and bustle of Orlando and the parks. Their quiet rural charm and sedate pace provides a glimpse back to the time before the area became the home of the world’s best known entertainment parks.

** Orlando Hotels And Resorts

Orlando has more beds to service the tourist industry than any other USA city except for Las Vegas. Orlando is the fifth most popular USA city for travelers visiting from overseas. It is not surprising that the accommodation industry represents a major portion of the Orlando economy and employs a high percentage of the local population.

Visitors are spoiled for choice when it comes to Orlando accommodation and every taste is catered for in every price range. From themed luxury hotels, fantasy resorts, exclusive golf resorts, condominiums, vacation rentals, bed and breakfasts, backpacker hostels to luxury villas, it’s all available in and around Orlando.

The parks have several entrances which can be separated from each other by quite a distance, so selecting accommodation near the best gate for you can be an important consideration. Orlando accommodation is often named for proximity to a particular theme park (Universal) or a particular gate (main gate east etc)

** Orlando Transport

At least 35 airlines and just as many charter operators fly into Orlando International Airport with the bulk of these flights being Delta which accounts for around 25% of the flights that originate in approximately 160 different cities.

Other airlines serving Orlando are America West, American, Air Canada, British Airways, Continental, Northwest and US Airways. The Orlando Airport website provides and excellent page about airport shuttle services and city transport.

Amtrak is the USA rail service and it operates to and from Orlando with connections to many of the surrounding towns such as Kissimmee, Sebring, Winter Haven, Sanford and Ocala.

The I Ride trolley service is an excellent way to get around the International Drive Resort precinct. The LYNX bus service covers the downtown Orlando metropolitan area and surrounding cities.

The main highway through Orlando is I4, running directly from downtown Orlando to the Disney area. If you plan on driving in Orlando, be prepared for traffic, especially at rush hour.

Copyright (c) 2008 Terry Hely

10 tips to for selecting the perfect Costa Rica vacation rental

By Paul Orr

Planning a Tropical vacation full of lush jungles, secluded beaches, and friendly people but not too expensive? Costa Rica is the place to go! But where do you stay, a resort or a private villa? Do you want long lines, crowded pools, kids running up and down the corridors? I think not.
Selecting the best Costa Rica vacation rental can be the difference between a great vacation and one where you feel like you are ‘doing without’.
Many vacationers consider the Costa Rica vacation rental as ‘just somewhere to stay’ since most of your time will be spent in or on the water, or enjoying local attractions. Don’t make that mistake. There is no reason to settle for less when, with a little planning, you can find a great Costa Rica vacation rental that you’ll enjoy as much or more than the other parts of your vacation.
Remember, your vacation home is where you’ll be sleeping, waking up, having many of your meals, and resting.
If it rains or is unseasonably hot outside, you may end up stretched out reading a book to while away the day or wanting to watch one of your favorite movies on the DVD – assuming there is a comfortable sofa. And when you meet new friends, you’ll want someplace nice for entertaining. Shouldn’t your vacation rental be a pleasant get-away with the amenities that make vacations a real treat? “A home away from home”
Here are 10 tips to for selecting the perfect Costa Rica vacation rental:
1. The single most important factor is whether or not you can “see” actual recent photos of the interior and exterior of the vacation rental. It’s one thing to read a great description – and some of them are quite ‘complimentary’ (sometimes overly so) - but you need to see what you are getting.
With the Internet, a website is the quickest most convenient way for you to get information on prospective Costa Rica vacation rentals. If there are no pictures, you’ll know right away to keep looking. Brochures, books and guides are nice, but may have out-dated information.
2. List the amenities that are important to you, the ones without which you will feel incomplete. Next, jot down those that are nice to have, but not deal-breakers if not available.
With these lists as a guide, you’ll be able to quickly eliminate those rentals that won’t meet your needs. Your list might include proximity to the water, the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, type kitchen (full versus fridge and microwave), outdoor amenities such as decks and BBQ grills, ocean views, private pools, outdoor eating areas, tennis courts and other items important to you.
On your secondary list, you might have things like a hammock for lazing about, or pool waterfall for the relaxing sounds. Exterior stereo speakers, to enjoy your favorite music around the pool. Ice makers to mix your favorite drinks, especially in the heat of the day.
3. List the activities that you want to be able to enjoy while on vacation. A morning activity like scuba diving, snorkeling or canopy tour then coming back to the villa to relax may be a high priority for you.
You also need to consider how close the vacation rental is to the airport. It is very important to know how far the rental is from your arrival airport. Some rentals can take a half a day’s drive and after your flight even an hour’s drive can seem an eternity. Your travel time back to the airport at departure can also frustrate your entire vacation. Enjoying your last morning of your vacation by a private pool instead of traveling for hours to the airport can be very important to you. For Costa Rica vacation rentals that are only 20 minutes from the Liberia International airport visit
http://www.costarica-vacation-getaway.com. This will help you in selecting a general location.
You also need to consider how close you want your vacation rental to be to the attractions.
Some people feel that a great vacation is being able to walk or bicycle everywhere. Others don’t mind a short drive, and still others think nothing of getting on a freeway to enjoy attractions.
If you prefer a vacation without the hassles of traffic, parking problems, crowds and long lines, select a villa located in the quaint waterfront town of Playa Panama, Costa Rica. Visit http://www.costarica-vacation-getaway.com to learn more.
4. Identify your first, second and third choice of dates for renting the villa.
With several dates, you’ll save time when making arrangements.
If you find a villa that you really want and you have some flexibility in scheduling, having alternate dates ready allows you to book right then, saving yourself the time and hassle of having to re-check everyone’s schedule and call back – and risking losing those dates in the interim.
5. Call the telephone numbers for the vacation rentals that seem to meet your needs and speak directly with either the owners or the person who is handling the property.
Be prepared with a list of questions. This allows you to compare apples to apples, and keeps you from forgetting something important during the conversation.
It also gives you a feel for the person who will be your contact should you rent the villa and then encounter a problem. If you don’t get a warm, friendly welcome to your inquiries, don’t expect anything different when you have a problem.
6. Ask what amenities are included.
You may learn of something that’s not on your list but is perfect for your plans.
Does the rental have maid service? Last thing you want to do is make the beds or clean the dishes, even if there is a dishwasher.
Does the rental have a washer and dryer? If so, you will not have to take as many cloths with you. Will the maid wash your cloths before your departure? Coming home with a suitcase full of clean cloths is certainly a benefit.
Other things to consider: Is there a welcome basket? Will the owner have essential items in the refrigerator for you, before your arrival? Can you make arrangements for tours? Are there plates, utensils, pots, pans and other essentials for eating and meal preparation – or will you have to bring your own?
Does the rental have air condition or do you have to depend on the winds to comfort you?
7. Inquire about restaurants, events and activities and other forms of local entertainment that are close by. Here’s where your list of preferred activities comes in handy. You should be able to find links to local attractions, calendars and restaurants on the website of your Costa Rica vacation rental.
8. Are the owners local or do they have a management team helping 24/7?
Owners are a wealth of information about the area and can give you tips on great out-of-the-way places that aren’t in the guidebooks. They also care about your enjoyment and comfort while at their villa.
This can make a huge difference; especially should something need immediate attention in the villa. There’s nothing worse than calling the rental company about a stopped-up toilet and getting somebody’s bored teenager who’s manning the phones for the summer.
9. How long has the owner been renting vacation rentals?
If the owner has worked with rental properties, they know what tenants expect and how to get things done.
If this is a new venture, beware. The owner may be in it for “fun” and have no idea how to prepare the villa so that you can have a great vacation.
10. And last, when you look at the pictures, can you see yourself having a great time there?
If the pictures make you want to go right now, and the answers to the questions above meet your satisfaction, you’ve found yourself a great Costa Rica vacation rental!

Why Should You Choose An All Inclusive Vacation?

By Kirsten Whittaker

An all inclusive vacation not only saves you time; but also gives you every sort of comfort you could think of. This type of vacation package includes everything from itinerary planning to hotel bookings; site seeing packages and adventure sports trips. All inclusive vacations are enjoyed by everyone as they are so easy to book, saving you time by arranging all the different aspects of the trip in one easy step. These packages are designed for those people seeking comfort and ease from their holidays right from the word go.

The popularity of all inclusive vacations has seen large increases, due in part because of the busy lives that we lead. We often find that booking a much needed vacation gets pushed to the bottom of the list as it’s too time consuming to arrange. However, all inclusive packages are suitable for even the busiest person, as they are so straight forward to book.

The most important decision you need to make when booking an all inclusive vacation involves thinking carefully about what you wish to get from your holiday. Are you after a break that involves nothing more strenuous than walking from sun lounger to the bar and back or do you want to be involved in activities from 8am to 7pm? It is up to you to decide the exotic location that can give you all the comforts and amenities that you need.

You can choose from beach vacations that offer lots of water sports or breathtaking mountain views that give you opportunity for adventure sports. No matter what location you choose for your vacation, you can usually be happy that everything you need is included with the booking. Although, it is worth pointing out that not every vacation package is created equal. Read the small print carefully to help you come to a decision. Some holidays, for example, only offer local brand alcohol, or buffet style meals, whereas with others there are no such restrictions.

There are numerous travel agencies that offer all inclusive vacations, covering a wide range of budgets, destinations and levels of service. You can select from the available range according to your holiday budget. A good tip is: if you have left your booking to the last minute you can take advantage of discounts that the operators offer on unfilled vacations. If you are not worried about visiting a particular destination – and lets face it, most people on an all inclusive vacation rarely leave the hotel grounds – shop around for the best deal. This way you can get a really luxurious holiday for a modest amount.

Smoky Mountain Cabins in Tennessee

Did you know there are no Smokey Mountain cabins for vacation rentals inside the Great Smokey Mountains National Park - except one! It is called Leconte Lodge. Even though the National Park Service Leconte Lodge is called a lodge, it also includes rental log cabins. These are the only cabins for vacation rentals inside the national park. You could go to www.GreatOutdoorRentals.com for cabin rentals outside of the park.

To get there, do you just hop in your car and drive up to the front door? No way! There is no road to these Smokey Mountain rental cabins. If you want to stay there, the only way in is by hiking! Talk about Smokey Mountain secluded cabins - it is a hike of over 5 miles if you are up to it. Lots of folks do just that, as this Smokey Mountain cabins facility fills up fast during the summer. Not only does it fill up fast, you may have to wait months to get a cabin reservation.

Located at more than 6,500 feet elevation, these Smokies rental cabins are very popular. Prepare for a sponge bath. While there is running water for the toilets, there is no electricity. Kerosene lanterns will provide you with light. You will not be blow-drying your hair or watching reruns while here. It is life somewhat like it used to be many generations ago.

These Smokey Mountain cabins only have a capacity of up to fifty guests per night housed in either handcrafted log cabins or group sleeping lodges. The cabins have upper and lower double bunk beds, which are great for two couples or a family of four or five persons. Each of the larger cabin lodges can sleep from ten to thirteen persons.

For your Leconte stay, make sure you bring sturdy shoes that you have already broken in. Include more than one change of socks in case your feet get wet. Layered, lightweight clothing will give you the flexibility to add more or take it off as temperatures change. A warm sweater or jacket is advisable and a lightweight raincoat or poncho is absolutely essential. Nature shows no mercy for those unprepared for the sudden changes in weather. Summer nights can dip to 40 degrees or lower, while in spring and fall, night temperatures can drop into the teens with snowfall.

No need to bring suitcases and other cumbersome luggage. A light backpack should be what you use for your necessities since personal clothing and toiletries are all you really need. Remember, it is a 5-mile hike to enjoy these very special Smokey Mountain cabins.

The Great Smokey Mountain National Park is about half in North Carolina and half in Tennessee. Leconte Lodge is located on Leconte Mountain which is on the Tennessee side in the national park. But you will not know which state you are in. Does it really matter? You WILL know that you are away from civilization in a beautiful unspoiled mountain retreat. Whether you stay in Leconte Lodge or other Smokey Mountain log cabins outside the park, once you have been there, it is easy to see why the Great Smoky Mountain National Park is the #1 visited national park in the USA.

What you need to know about – hawaii islands

By Mansi gupta

Tired visiting the conventional holiday destinations? Want some escapades? Want to electrify yourself? Then budge to holiday at Hawaii and unravel the inscrutable anonymity of nature.

A Short March in the Past
Hawaii Islands were born thousands of years ago from the underwater volcanic action. The oceanic water nurtured the islands, which developed huge ecosystems. The islands are whispered to be older than America and first colonized by Polynesian migrants who had rolled up from Marquesas Islands and were a bunch of superstitious and God fearing people. However, Hawaii was christened as the 50th state of USA on 21st August 1959.
An Expedition to Hawaii

A glance at the mesmerizing red-hot lava making its passage to the oceans lays bare the fact that the Hawaiian Islands are still intensifying. There is a concealed volcano beneath the Hawaii Island in the offing to be a part of the Hawaiian family. However, at present the Hawaii Islands are network of world’s six great and exotic islands namely-

1. Hawaii Island or the Big Island that is the largest amongst the constituent islands.
2. Maui Island or Valley Isle that was baptized after a legendary demigod Maui. The area of the island is next to the Hawaii Island.
3. Lanai or the Pineapple Island known for its delectable pineapples, is the smallest of all islands.
4. Molokai or the Friendly Isle that cocoons some of the breath taking and marvelous beaches of the world.
5. Oahu or the Gathering Place that grounds the capital city of Honolulu is a thickly populated island.
6. Kaui or the Garden Isle has out of the ordinary flora and the bewitching Waimea Canyon.

The Hawaiian Islands are a perfect destination for both the nature lovers as well the beach aficionados. The former can take delight in hiking, sightseeing, horse riding etc. in the enigmatic evergreen forests at Hawaii, while there are inexhaustible and exclusive beach activities like underwater tours, submarine drives and scuba diving and so forth for the beach enthusiasts to have a ball. The wonderful Garden Island of Kauai crams you with the feel that nature has preeminently unveiled itself in the form of these gardens. The Molokai Island magnetizes with its fishing and underwater activities and a feather is added to the enticement of this place by the incredible golf proceedings and events all round the year. Hawaii has nestled some of the glorious golf courses like Mauna Kea Golf Course, Challenge at Manele, Ko Olina and the like. On the whole there are more than 80 golf clubs to bathe in the splendor of golf. Not to overlook are some of the eminent museums, the nerve wrecking night life and matchless cultural events like Hula dance, Hawaiian chants etc. on the land of Islands. You also have the opportunity to gain knowledge of some of these activities by participating in the respective events.

What the Weather Conspires
Hawaii is a place of all seasons. The weather is stable all round the year with temperature fluctuating from 80 to 60 Fahrenheit. The months of June to November are a host to the hurricanes and the ones from November to March are cherished and acknowledged for the gigantic waves that whack the north shores of the all the islands. During winters the breakers can be surfed at the Oahu’s north shore as well as the Hoopika beach at the Maui’s north shore. The north shore is hushed during the summers or the months of June to October when the south shores particularly the Waikki and Poipu beach are enlivened and perked up by the waves that are tossed from the tropical storms in South Pacific.

Since the place is teeming with tourists all the year round, its better to get your reservations done. Hawaii has legroom for the luxury as well as the budget travelers.
The complete information can be accumulated either from your travel agency or the Internet that has a catalog of all the hotels along with their rents and amenities.

So hanging on for what… gear up to bask in the grandeur of Hawaii!