Top 5 Winter Destinations for 2013-2014

Winter 2014

Top 5 Worlds Best Winter Vacation | Are you looking for the best holiday deals for your winter vacation? Millions of people think about going for a family trip during the winters and therefore you should start looking for the best destinations that can help you to make the most of the quality time that you have with your family.

1. Bulgaria, Europe

Bulgaria Winter

If you are planning a visit to Europe you can go for Bulgaria which is certainly one of the best winter destinations in the world. It is one of the oldest countries in the Europe and therefore you will find some really good attractions and cultural events that happen during the winter festival. If you love skiing you will find some affordable ski destinations and locations here. As per the latest tourism information, Bulgaria gets more travelers across the globe in winter.

2. Morocco, Africa

Marocco Winter

There are many people who hate the cold chilly weather where everything is snow white and therefore they want to escape it. If you are thinking about escaping the cold temperature then you can rush to Morocco in Africa where it is summer time and you can enjoy some really warm climate this Christmas. Since there are more travelers here during the winter time you will find that there are more people celebrating their winter holidays in warm style and there are many shops where you can go shopping.

3. Arahova, Greece

Arahova Greece

If you love the snow clad mountains and some nice landscape then you can head to Southern Greece. Arahova is a nice winter destination which looks quiet throughout the year but during the winter you will find people flocking in from different parts of Europe and Asia and therefore this place has cosmopolitan crowd during the festival season. You can always book some really good resorts here that will take care of your accommodation.

4. Whistler, Canada

Whistler

There are many people who love to go for adventure even when the temperature is dropping outside. If you are one of those then you should head to Whistler Blackcomb in Canada which is a great place for all those who want to ski and enjoy snowboarding. Many people from USA and Canada come here to enjoy some really cool resorts here that are affordable and elegant.

5. Bali, Indonesia

Bali

If you don’t have the budget but if you still want to enjoy your winter holidays in style then you can take off for Bali in Indonesia. The climate here is gentle and not bone-chilling cold. Hence, you can always enjoy the temperature and even go for some beaches and other water sport activities.

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WerTravel News Statue of Liberty and Grand Canyon to reopen

Statue of Liberty and Grand Canyon to reopen

(Photo: Bebeto Matthews, AP)

Story Highlights

• Five national parks in Utah are due to reopen Saturday
• Colorado is footing the bill to reopen Rocky Mountain National Park
• States hope to be reimbursed by the federal government

New York and Arizona announced Friday night they are dipping into their state coffers to pay to reopen the iconic Statue of Liberty and Grand Canyon, federally operated parks in their states that have been shuttered as a result of the partial government shutdown.
The announcements by New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, a Democrat, and Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer, a Republican, come on the same day that the governors of Utah and Colorado said they would use state money to temporarily reopen national parks in their states.
A fifth state, South Dakota, announced Friday that it recruited more than a dozen businesses, civic groups and individuals to donate the $15,200 per day it costs to operate Mount Rushmore. The monument will open Monday.
New York reached an agreement with the Department of Interior to pay $369,000 to pay for operations — run by the National Park Service — from Saturday through Oct. 17.
"As the shutdown continues, we cannot afford to lose the thousands of visits to the park each day," Cuomo said. "So while the dysfunction and gridlock in Washington, D.C., has failed to keep this important state asset open, New York is stepping up to take over this responsibility."
The Grand Canyon National Park will reopen Saturday under the terms of a deal Brewer reached late Friday with federal officials.
The state will pay $651,000, covering a week's worth of costs for reopening the entire park. The money will come from a mix of state and "other" dollars, Brewer spokesman Andrew Wilder said, including funds contributed by Tusayan businesses.
The state of Colorado announced Friday it will spend more than $360,000 to reopen Rocky Mountain National Park through Oct. 20, while Utah will open five of the state's national parks Saturday at a cost of $1.67 million.

Tourists point out landmarks visible from the closed gate to Zion National Park on Oct. 9.(Photo: Trent Nelson, AP)

The decision by governors to kick in funds to keep national parks open in their states came after the Obama administration announced Thursday that it would allow states to pay to reopen any of the country's 401 National Park Service managed properties.
Utah was the first state to take the administration up on its offer and wired the money to the National Park Service on Friday morning to reopen Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef and Zion National Parks. The state is also paying to reopen the federally operated Natural Bridges and Cedar Breaks national monuments, as well as Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.
The state estimates its national parks would bring in $100 million to Utah's economy in October.
"I was so anxious to do something, because this is a kind of seasonal work for people in Utah," Utah's Republican Gov. Gary Herbert told USA TODAY. "You miss October, it's not like you can make it up in January. It's like missing the Christmas holiday season."
More than 80,000 visitors were turned away from Rocky Mountain National Park during the first 10 days of the shutdown, and the economy lost out on about $4.8 million in visitor spending, according to a report by the Coalition of National Park Service Retirees. Colorado will spend about $40,000 per day to keep the park open. Colorado's tourism traffic also took a hit last month because of devastating floods in the state.
"This reopening is critical to ongoing recovery efforts after last month's flooding," said Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper, a Democrat.
Utah is using emergency funds from the state's Department of Natural Resources to pay to reopen the national parks, according to Herbert's office. National Park Service workers at Utah parks were alerted to return to work Thursday night and began returning to their posts Friday morning.
Interior Secretary Sally Jewell agreed Thursday to let the states foot the bill to reopen the parks but on the condition that they bring back park service employees and reopen the parks entirely.
"This is a practical and temporary solution that will lessen the pain for some businesses and communities in Colorado during this shutdown," Jewell said in a statement Friday. "We want to reopen all of our national parks as quickly as possible for everyone to enjoy and call on Congress to pass a clean continuing resolution to open the government."
In Utah, the decision to cover the costs — even though it remains uncertain whether the state will be reimbursed by the federal government once the shutdown ends — was an easy one to make considering how big of a blow the closures have been on the state's economy.
Ben Patel, general manager of the Pioneer Lodge near Zion, said the shutdown has dropped his occupancy to less than 50% during a time of year when the lodge is typically fully booked.
"The day they open, the guests will start rolling in. Once word spreads, we'll get people coming in," he said.
Jan Huber, a tourist from Freiburg, Germany, visiting Utah this week, said an open park over the weekend would at least partially make up for a week spent scrambling to find alternatives to the national parks she had planned on visiting.
"We have been so unfortunate; it would be very good to finally get into (a park)," Huber said.
Herbert said the state is prepared to pay for more than 10 days if needed. He expects the federal government will reimburse the state once the government reopens — noting that the federal government repaid states that reopened national parks during the government shutdown in 1995. Rep. Steve Daines, R-Mont., introduced legislation on Friday that calls for reimbursing states for paying for national parks operations once the shutdown ends.
"I hope this is not the new normal," Herbert said of the government shutdown. "I see a lack of leadership, and I think blame can be spread around on both sides of the aisle, and I think the president needs to step up and lead. "
Sullivan reports for The Spectrum of St. George, Utah. Contributing: Trevor Hughes and Mary Jo Pitzl of The Arizona Republic

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Animal migrations when and where

Awe-inspiring animal migrations that send people flocking

Millions of red crabs living on Australia's Christmas Island make their way to the sea to mate and, eventually, lay their eggs.

Animals migrate to breed, feed, mate, and various other essentials to survival.

• Sometimes, migrations attract predators, as with the sardine run in South Africa.
• Some communities, like in Pacific Grove, California, impose fines on anyone disrupting the local fauna.
• Locals on Christmas Island kickback with a beer during the annual crab migration.

- There is something magical about animal migrations. Perhaps it's the fact that as more of us move to cities (The U.N. predicts that nearly 70% of the global population will be urban dwellers by 2050), the sight of congregating herds, schools of fish, or flocks of birds is increasingly rare. Or maybe witnessing animals cross great distances to eat, mate, breed and, in essence, survive helps us to take stock of our own lives.

Whatever the reason, when animals come together, very often so do humans. Here's our guide to the animal migrations that bring people out in flocks.

Butterfly kingdom

Residents of Pacific Grove, California, take their butterflies very seriously. The area offers a warm micro-climate that attracts 20,000 monarch butterflies who travel up to 2,000 miles to winter in the region. In fact, the annual phenomenon has earned Pacific Grove the nickname "butterfly town".

"I always hear that the monarchs are coming before I ever see one. I get emails saying, 'I saw my first monarch of the season!' Everyone wants to be the one to herald their return," says Lori Mannel, executive director of the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History. The season sees an influx of tourists as well. During the winter months, nearly 100,000 visitors come to witness the spectacle.

The last few years has seen a drastic decline in their population, a fact some credit with the degradation of milk weed -- the only flora monarchs can lay their eggs on. To help restore the population, many locals have started replanting the stuff, while the local government has instilled a $1,000 fine for disturbing a monarch.

Where: California
When: October - February

Run, sardine, run

A school of sardines make their move during the annual sardine run in southern Africa. (Image: Junko Kimura/Getty Images)

The east coast of southern Africa bears witness to one of the greatest migrations of all time: the sardine run. From May through July, millions of sardines spawn in the Agulhad Bank and make their way north up the coast.

The migration also attracts predators, both of the human and animal variety. Each year, thousands of locals and tourists perch with massive fishing nets to catch the unwitting fish. Joining their ranks are sharks, dolphins and gannets, who also hover nearby in the hopes of snagging an easy dinner.

Where: South Africa
When: May - July

Sign of the wildebeest

While tourism isn't always a welcome phenomenon for environmentalists, there are some instances where conservation efforts are abetted by traveler interest. In the Serengeti, for instance, the tens of thousands of visitors that stream in July and August for the Great Migration (so called for the millions of wildebeests that trek from Tanzania to Kenya) actually help to ensure funding goes to conservation.

A heard of zebras quench their thirst en route to Kenya in their annual great migration across the Serengeti. (Image: MarcoLongari/AFP/Getty Images)

"You could argue that tourism is one of the major reasons this huge ecosystem still exists today," says Craig Sholley, the vice president of philanthropy and marketing at the African Wildlife Foundation.

I always hear that the Monarchs are coming before I ever see one.
Lori Mannel, Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History

At the peak of the migration, the banks of the Grumeti River are lined with hundreds of vehicles packed with environmental voyeurs all eager to glimpse the beasts make the life-threatening swim across the currents.

Where: Tanzania and Kenya
When: July - August

Crab season

Christmas Island is perhaps best known for the swarm of red crabs that pour onto the roads and beaches every winter.

"It looks like someone came along and planted all these crabs overnight," explains Linda Cash, the marketing manager at Christmas Island Tourism.

When the crabs come out, the atmosphere becomes positively festive, notes Cash. The roads are closed to protect the journeying numbers, and the park builds special bridges to help them cross safely.

"People come down at night with their rakes, move the crabs off the road and share a beer," she says.

Where: Christmas Island
When: October - November

A whale of a time

A group of whale spotters hit the humpback whale jackpot whilst during the annual whale migration in South America. (Image: Rodrigo Buendia/AFP/Getty Images)

As it happens, humpback whales are a species constantly on the move. This is good news for tourists, who have a plethora of choice for where and when they'd like to engage in whale watching activities.

In the summer months, Colombia's Pacific Coast becomes a hotbed for roughly 3,000 of the journeying mammals, who use the warm waters as their mating grounds. Australia makes another popular spot to glimpse the majestic creatures, who hug the coast from July onwards. The whales can travel over 5,000 miles, and often, savvy businesses set up cruises and watch towers to help visitors get a peek.

Where: Colombia and Australia
When: July - October (Colombia), June - November (Australia)

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Five free things to do in Munich

We list five fun free (or very cheap) things to do in the city of Munich, Germany.

Stroll around the English Garden

This beautiful, city centre park is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle and go for a stroll. There are big grassy expanses of parkland (sometimes popular with sunbathing nudists), a picturesque river and weir, formal flower gardens, trees that look stunning in autumn and a Chinese pagoda. At the bottom is a large beer garden that is the perfect spot to reward yourself with a stein of beer and a salty oversized pretzel.

Museum Brandhorst

Although not quite free, this museum of modern art costs only one euro to get in on a Sunday and offers access to more than 60 works by Andy Warhol, Cy Twombly, Gerhard Richter, Bruce Nauman, Damien Hirst and Joseph Beuys. It opened in May 2009 in a building designed by the architects Sauerbruch Hutton.
www.museum-brandhorst.de

Viktualienmarkt

If you're feeling peckish, stocking up for a picnic or just trying to work up an appetite, visit this food market to feast on Bavarian specialities. You will find Bavarian Schweinshax'n (pork knuckle) and Speck (smoked Black Forest ham) and local cheeses on the open-air stalls. Browsing continues next door in the historic Schrannenhalle, a wrought-iron market hall which once housed grain sellers but now contains a market, shops and restaurants.

Museum of Man and Nature

This natural history museum is another of Munich's museums that offers entrance for a mere euro on Sundays. It combines modern interactive and traditional exhibits with a "hands-on" section.
It sits adjacent to the Botanical Gardens and the grounds of the Nymphenburg Palace.
www.musmn.de/starteng.htm

St Peter's Church Tower

A climb up the 306 steps of St Peter's Church does not cost a cent and is well worth it for the views of the city from the top, if only to plot your course between beer halls. It has a splendid alter and also contains the strange gilt and jewel-covered skeleton of St Mundita, seated on a cushion. It is Munich's oldest church, dating from 1180.

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10 weirdest things forgotten in hotels

Who has not ever left something in a hotel? Everybody! Even if you look back you will always forget something like a mobile charger, toothbrush, pajamas, etc…

Well, you will not believe what a hotel chain, Travelodge, says that human beings can leave carelessly in a hotel room, mindful that the list is not wasted.

An 18 month old baby.

18 month old baby

Even if I have thought it various times, I cannot believe it.

A robot of an actual size of the British series ” Dr. Who ” valued at 7,800 euros.

Gigantic Robot

The question is: What do you do with a robot XXX size in a hotel room ?

Gold teeth valued at € 8,000.

Gold Teeth

1. Do people put gold teeth? 2. Who pays 8,000 for gold teeth ?

A box with 7 luxury watches.

7 luxury watches

Not only 1 valued there were 7 valued at 90,000 €. Some people need a watch for every day of the week, I see .

The ashes of a deceased.

Ashes

Shows the love he had to have to the relatives … uyyyy much love. Sure they reached the cemetery , and all wondering : ” but if you brought your ” and another? ? If it was you … “

An artificial leg

Artificial leg

As they left the hotel they “walked “without realizing it was missing. It is impossible .

The judgment of divorce.

Divorce paper

 There are people that when the break everything they do it with everybody.

A hamster called Fredrick Roborowski.

Hamster

NO COMMENTS

An Olympic torch(height of 1 meter).

Olympic torch

Imagine that you wake up, you go get the torch relay and when they are coming after you another thousand kilometers from Athens, you realize that you left the torch in the hotel … lol … super sucker!

The keys to a Ferrari 458

Ferrari Keys

This is my favorite. To be honest , who would not have taken it for a ride and then return it ? Mmmm…

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Cyprus the Island of Aphrodite

Cyprus the Island of Aphrodite

Cyprus is an island state located in the eastern part of the Mediterranean Sea, a distance approximately equal to Europe, Asia and Africa. Nicosia is the capital and the population is about 800,000 people, most workers in tourism. Part of the European Union since 2004 and is administratively divided into 6 districts.

The climate is Mediterranean, with hot summers and cold winters. Local currency is the euro, and the time is the same as in Romania, there was no time difference.

In Cyprus are very important religious customs and traditions, issues that that tourists should follow. Handshake to inalniri, accepting coffee or soft drinks are just a few of them, which can add to ban shooting without permission military or cultural objectives.

The island's history is tumultuous, mainly due to geographical position. Phoenicians, Syrians, Romans, Crusaders, Venetians or British, they left contributed to art, history and local mentality. Myths and stories are richer here than in any other area of ​​the world.

While tension between Turkey and Greece is very tense, tourists do not suffer from this conflict, on the contrary. The rivalry between them consists in providing travel services as well.

Tourists here can enjoy varied landscapes: forested mountains, beaches groomed, crystal waters, unique routes, rich vineyards, plus Venetian walls, Crusader castles and Roman mosaics. Also the nightlife is typical Mediterranean islands, customary nightclubs and venues for parties. During the day you can go hiking, water sports, cycling, skiing (snow), beach, fishing and other sports or leisure activities.

The most important cities are: Ayia Napa, Limassol, Ppahos, Larnaca, hotels and accommodation all featuring both luxurious and affordable.


The most prominent attractions of the island are:

- Cyprus Museum, with many "rich" archaeological Folk Art Museum, New Archbishop's Palace, the Cathedral of St. John, Byzantine churches, Makarios Cultural Center, Omeriye Mosque, all located in the capital Nicosia.

- In Larnaca Agios Lazaros Church can be visited, Byzantine Museum, Larnaca Fort, Archaeological Museum, Museum of Paleontology Torniritis-may lose or remains Kition. Near the airport are located Hala Sultan Tekke, a historic mosque with impressive gardens and Larnaca Salt Lake.

- The western hills are located: village of Lefkara, famous for making lace, Monastery of Agios Minas Monastery Stavrovouni, Chapel Royal Crusaders.

- In Limassol can be visited: the local castle, the Old Port Medieval Museum, Folk Art Museum, Archaeological Museum or zoo.

- The old city is located Kourion Greco-Roman theater, the summer playing Shakespearean works, but Eustolios's house, acropolis, the ruins of the Roman Forum or Christian Basilica.

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Gran Canaria The beauty of diving

The beauty of diving in Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria has become one of the most requested and popular holiday destinations for diving with a wide range of alternative scenarios and diving schools to enjoy an exciting day. There are many reasons to travel to Gran Canaria What’s yours? Gran Canaria has alternative places and corners to practice your skills as a diver. In that sense, this time we plan to tour the various spaces and inspiring places to experience in a busy day.

Gran Canaria Beach

Diving Islands. Our starting point originates in Buceo Canarias, an establishment recommended for people who want to start in the sport but do not have too much knowledge. In this place you may receive technical and professional assistance by a group of specialists in addition to immersing yourself with privileged tours that show you all the charm of Gran Canaria.

Gran Canaria Auditorio de la Palmas

Diving Mirafondos. Now is the time to take a look at the benefits of this establishment which boasts a generous expanse of blue sea, marine species, coral diversity and a number of businesses buying and selling to spend a nice day. Ideal for the whole family.

Gran Canaria Sundown

Northern Diving. with all the beauty and glamor of the coast of Gran Canaria, this dive center has been designed especially for more experienced athletes with different complex surfaces and difficult paths that will add a dash of adrenaline to your travels.

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Exotic holidays in the Fiji Islands

While we are not on the hot summer season, there still remain several places that lend themselves as ideal destination for any season. Of course, today I am referring to the majestic Fiji Islands which undoubtedly offer amazing travel tourism placing it in the number one position for its vacation packages.

Aerial views, Manta Ray Island resort, Yasawa islands. Fiji Islands.

Fiji Islands Shore

Located to the southwest side of the famous Ocean Pacific, Fiji Islands are part of an exotic archipelago that has been given the same name, coming at a distance of 2.100 kilometers north of Auckland in New Zealand. It is worth mentioning how unique it is in natural beauty within the compendium of islands around northern New Zealand, a place that every traveler should not miss. There’s two major islands worth talking about, Viti Levu and Vanua Levu which both account for more than three quarters of its surface.

Fiji Islands beach

Fiji Islands Yanuya

With respect to Fiji, here you can find almost anything and of course, the same modernism offers you a multitude of activities not only water related but also inland, ranging from classic diving in crystal waters which resemble the color of the blue sky itself, through surfing, windsurfing, snorkeling and spearfishing which is a sport banned in several regions of the world. As for all those who enjoy ecotourism, Fiji Islands offer endless opportunities to explore their towering green mountains whether or not you decide to venture them by walking or in 4×4 vehicles.

Fiji Islands Lush Vegetation

Fiji Islands Jungle

Finally, don’t forget that in this region of New Zealand, the popular language is English.

Fiji Islands Malolo

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The 10 most popular islands in Europe

Here is a list with the 10 most popular European islands, among which 7 are Spanish. The data comes from searches made by members of the social network of Trivago in all countries, 17 currently. Each one stands out for its beauty or for their cultural personality.

Santorini island, Greece

These are the top ten

1. Mallorca – Famous for its lively nightlife, especially in the Arenal area, though its coves of turquoise water and fine sand are highly valued. There are many holiday villas in Majorca, Spain for you to chose but is better to book early because this amazing island attracts tourists from all over the world.

2. Gran Canaria – With a unique climate and nature this island is famous for its amazing beaches like those in Maspalomas. Its is also characterized by its dunes, valleys and subtropical forests.

3. Rhodes – It is one of the Greek Dodecanese islands and is preferred from many people from all over the world. Emphasizes on its historical heritage and its medieval city, the Valley of the Butterflies and extensive beaches suitable for diving.

4. Tenerife – It is the largest island in the Canaries and the Mount Teide is its symbol. It is a volcano mountain and the highest point in Spain. Tenerife is also known for its hot climate and strong winds which make it ideal for extreme sports.

5. Ibiza – It is the party island par excellence. Although the island is of great beauty, youth from around the world travel to this place to live in-person experience of a night at Pacha, Privilege and a sunset at Cafe del Mar.

6. Fuerteventura – This is one of my favorites. Wild nature, very authentic carnivals, endless beaches and the feeling that time slows down …. so Fuerteventura. A perfect destination to relax and ideal for family holidays.

7. Corfu – In this very green Greek island is the spectacular beach of Lake Korissia and its immense olive trees up to 20m high. Corfu is quite famous for its amazing beaches and crystal clear waters.

8. Lanzarote – It is a Biosphere Reserve and its geography is almost Martian magnet dazzle. Visitors must not miss the park of Timanfaya.

9. Menorca – Another of my favorite islands. Spectacular coves, crystal clear waters and the port of Fornells! This spanish island is also known for its gastronomy! Traditional food that you will find no where else in the world. Actually I believe that is worth visiting this island only for its food!

10. Santorini – Everyone recognizes the typical image of white houses with blue domes on a hill overlooking the Caldera. This unique island in Greece is a volcanic island. Its is very famous for its amazing sunset overlooking the volcano in the middle of the sea.

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Travel insurance

Often, when you book a trip, especially if it is short – you never think to take out travel insurance that covers medical expenses. If the trip is organized by an agency, almost always, insurance is included in the complete package and you pay without even noticing. Until some time ago I must admit that even I had not ever thought about it, everything changed when I started to travel more abroad and especially when I went to Cuba, where health insurance is mandatory in order to enter the country.

Travel insurance

When you leave, you are happy, full of beautiful energy and positive thoughts and you always think that you are on vacation, so what can happen? But unfortunately, as we all know, Murphy is always around the corner and just fantastic during our long journey that is expected to visit us by bringing some nasty surprise.

It can happen that your luggage does not arrive at your destination right away and have to wait days, or that your plane faces long delays or is even erased, or even worse could happen that you become ill. I know I may seem like the bird of ill omen at this time, but alas they are all things that can happen and that as they say prevention is better than cure. There are countries, such as Japan or the United States, where medical costs are really high and if you were to serve a medical consultation without insurance you can be sure that this would make you regret even the day you started.

But what insurance should do? The first thing to consider is how many trips you plan to do in a year and where. If you are the great traveller who loves to travel the world then you might consider the possibility of making the world” annual formula which pretty much covers you in any country you decide to go.

Obviously, this type of policy makes sense if you organize your trips on your own without resorting a travel agency. Then, there is the domestic travel insurance and the temporary ones that are essentially valid for the entire duration of the trip. With the temporary you must be careful because they are not always the cheapest ones.

For example, this year I have two great trips to do in India (where I am right now) and Japan, and I saw that making two separate insurances would have make me pay a lot more compared to the year which that I’ve done.

The last important thing to see is which insurance covers  flight delays, baggage loss, all types of medical spending as a hospital and medicines, etc etc.
source http://tripandtravelblog.com

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Best Scuba Diving Holiday Locations

Diving

 

 

One of the most beautiful and most interesting thing to do when you are in vacation is enjoy the incredible underwater world.f you like scuba diving here is one video with some of best images which i hope giving you one litle taste of the amazing underwater world,if you don't like scuba diving enjoy this video and i hope to change your opinion.

 

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Chile Mexico Argentina Brazil promo videos

Werttravel present one mini collection from tourism promo videos from south america countries.(Chile,Mexico,Argentina,Brazil)                                                        









                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Chile vidoe tourism promo


                                                     

                                                           Mexico video tourism promo
                                                  

 
           Argentina video tourism promo

                                                     














 Brazil video tourism promo

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Top 10 Travel Gadgets for 2013

Top 10 Travel Gadgets for 2013

Gone are the days when backpackers simply shoved travel towels and weighty 1000-page guidebooks in the their 80-litre packs. In 2013 it’s all about the time and money saving technology, to make that trip of a lifetime, that little bit better. With that in mind, here are our top technological, travel gadget tips, for 2013!

1. SpareOne Mobile Phone
   In a nutshell, this is the only mobile phone ever that you can use anywhere in the world, using one AA battery – with a whopping lifespan of 15-years! For these reasons it (deservedly so) won the prestigious Innovations Award at the 2013 Consumer Electronics Association convention. Better still this gadget is also great in an emergency with a built-in flashlight and a dedicated emergency services dial button! Just plug in a local sim card wherever you are, and you’re good to go. (w) www.spareone.com
2. Private Wi-Fi
   Free WiFi from the likes of St Christopher’s and Starbucks is great when you’re on the go around the world, but beyond these locations it can be handy to have Internet access without forking out for data roaming. That’s where Private Wi-Fi comes in. It’s a monthly subscription service that acts like a private network. This way wherever you are, when you sign in - your location and data are masked – allowing you to do whatever like online, in a super safe environment. This service clocks in at 10 USD a month. (w) www.PrivateWiFi.com.
3. Polaroid iM1836 Snap
   Sometimes your smart phone camera in addition to making everyone look jaundiced, doesn’t cut the mustard when you want to show off your travel pics. Polaroid got wind of this and decided to build the world’s first Android-powered smart camera with changeable lenses. For the photo experts out there, this baby has a 10-30mm optical zoom lens, tied into the Android’s user-friendly 4.1 Jelly Bean operating system. Throw in a photo-sharing app, which allows for an instant upload of pics to Facebook and the like, and you’re all set. (w) www.polaroid.com
4. TripIt Pro App
   If you’re familiar with Passbook on iPhones then you’re going to love the TripIt Pro application. It’s a super simple way to organize all of your arrangements in one place. All you have to do is forward your confirmation emails to (e) plans@tripit.com and let the app do the rest. This clever little piece of software organizes accommodation and travel details into easy to see itineraries, and if a flight is delayed or a gate changes, it even lets you know by text or e-mail! (w) www.tripit.com.
5. Mushroom GreenZero Wall Travel Charger
   When you leave something to charge over night, the end result is an overcharged device. This might not sound like a bad thing but as far as your battery life and the environment go, it ain’t great. To counter energy and battery waste, the Mushroom GreenZero Wall Travel Charger, stops the charge from the mains when your device is full! It’s simple and really rather genius. This piece of technology can be plugged into technology with 30-pin or mini-USB ports. (w) www.bracketron.com
6. The Powerbag Business Class Pack
   Speaking of charging your technology on the road, it’s always annoying when you run out of juice between backpacker hostels. This irksome problem is however, easily solved by the Powerbag Business Class Pack, which has a built in battery system juicy enough to charge your average smart-phone, up to 4 times. It comes with handy padded laptop and tablet pockets and what they call a: “Checkpoint Friendly” FlyFlat design. Apparently this means there’s no need to remove your laptop or tablet from the bag when you’re going through airport security, but we’ll take that claim with a pinch of salt! (w) www.mypowerbag.com
7. Martian Voice Command Watches
   If you’ve ever watched The West Wing and though to yourself, wouldn’t it be cool to talk into your wrist like the presidential bodyguards, then you’re going to be a fan of these watches. Basically, they act like phones, making and receiving calls and receiving and answering text messages. They hook up to your mobile phone via Bluetooth, and are compatible with both Apple and Android. If you’re feeling flash you can pick one up for around 250 USD. (w) www.martianwatches.com
8. Trakdot Luggage Tracker
   It’s always a gut wrenching moment when you arrive at destination after a long flight and your luggage fails to arrive with you. This is usually compounded by jaded and unsympathetic baggage loss staff. With the Trakdot Luggage Tracker, you don’t have to rely on anyone else to tell you where your luggage is. All you have to do is hook up this GSM chip-equipped monitor to an app on your phone, and you can pinpoint its exact location. This is a bit of a luxury in that you have to pay an annual subscription of 13 USD on top of a 50 USD sign up, but if you’ve lost your luggage before, it’s probably worth it for the peace of mind! (w) www.trakdot.com
9. Roku Streaming Stick
   This is a cool gadget if you’re on the road and in the vicinity of a Hitachi and Insignia TV - with a USB plug in port! For a mere 99 USD you can plug this baby in and get instant access to smart streaming technologies, including Vudu and Netflix. It’s being queued up to be compatible with more TV brands soon too, so watch this space. (w) www.roku.com.
10. The Lifeproof Nüüd
    Last but by no means least we have the Lifeproof Nüüd, which protects your precious tablet against bumps, shocks, rain, snow, dirt and more, without impeding access to the tablet's buttons, bells, and whistles. There’s no separate screen protector, just a fold over slip, making this the perfect accessory for your travel pad. (w) www.lifeproof.com

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