Weekend Breaks in Dubai

Dubai is a hugely popular tourist destination for travelers from around the world. With its massive growth in tourism
there is, unsurprisingly, a fantastic number of attractions and entertainment even to just fill a weekend. And with daily flights to Dubai available from a variety of British airports, you can easily find quick and cheap travel to this
gleaming city in the Middle East.

If you are looking at just visiting Dubai for a weekend then
you should be well prepared for what you want to do so
that you can get the most from this destination. For lovers
of shopping there is no better way to spend a day than
visiting some of Dubai’s best malls and retail locations.
The Emirates Mall is one of the area’s best known malls, hosting a huge number of shops in an extravagantly built
and beautifully decorated setting. This is also the location
of Dubai’s famed inside ski slope, so if you want a break
from shopping, a quick slalom down a real snow slope is a
memorable attraction to enjoy. If you prefer to visit some
traditional markets then there is no better option than to take a river taxi through Dubai to the souk’s, where the
gold, spice, and perfume markets are a great place to shop
and immerse yourself in culture.

For trips to Dubai where you want to enjoy the sunny skies
and exotic climate there is nothing better than spending
the day outdoors. In the heart of Dubai is Wild Wadi’s,
the region’s biggest water park with more than enough
rides, pools, and loungers to entertain anyone with a full
day out. Meanwhile, with extensive coastline, Dubai’s beaches offer a great way to relax and escape the city. In
addition to this the sea is the perfect remedy, floating on
the waves and staring at the sky will give you many
blissful hours.

As evening falls in Dubai it is the perfect time to take
opportunity of the many pubs, clubs, and discotheques
available. Most of the multistory hotels offer their own
pubs and bars for both guests and visitors to enjoy,
though the drinking regulations are tight in the emirate,
make sure to keep your passport with you for proof of age. Whilst you can stay in the city, it’s also nice to venture
out to some of the desert resorts which have luxurious
restaurants and cocktail lounges that are surrounded by
landscaped gardens leading to rolling desert. And if you
want to dance all night there are a multitude of clubs in
the city including Oxygen, Buddha Bar, Kasbar, and the newly refurbished Zinc.

There is a huge amount to do in Dubai, so much so that
you may well start to plan your next break to this vibrant
city as soon as you get home. With flights to Dubai readily
accessible to the thriving metropolis, whether you’re
visiting for a couple of days or a long weekend, no matter
what you explore you’ll return home feel refreshed, relaxed and inspired by the treats that Dubai has in store.

see Travel Tips: Benefits of Limousines

Travel Tips: Benefits of Limousines

There is an appropriate vehicle in any occasion or event that we are attending and different vehicle to suits the need of every people. If you are like an adventurous person and want to stroll on a deserted area where wild animals are seen, you may want to ride in a 4x4 truck that will help you travel
all over the place. You can also ride a yacht if you want to explore the sea and have a romantic dinner while watching fireworks up in the sky.

It is really cool to know that there are different vehicles that are being used to a different event or adventure you want to have. It can be in land, air or water there will always be an appropriate transportation mode you can use.

On of the famous vehicle that is usually use to attend parties and other special occasion is a limousine. You can always see a limo used by famous people who are attending a party or awarding ceremonies. It is also best for those people who will be attending conference and meetings. The luxury that it can bring is really amazing.

Because of its fashion and stylistic look, limousine is a demand for almost all occasion. It is best for a couple who will have a date in a romantic place. And using a limo will give a good impression to the man's date. Typically a limousine is a long vehicle that can occupy less than 4 people. And as years goes by, a lot of limousine that are produced can have a maximum of 30 passengers.

This is great for a group of friends who want to have an experience to ride in a limo together and can have a car party inside the limo. It is also suitable for those who have big family who will travel around the city and want to be intact with each other.

Limousine can also save time especially for business man, you can conduct meeting inside a limo while traveling. Because of its spacey feature you can have at least 5 passengers in a single limousine. It is also used by known people like president of a country, where limousine are made to secure people because there are limousines that are built to have a bullet proof window and body. So any plot of assassination can be secure the person who rides on it.

Knowing all this things about limo, we can have a ride of a limo even if you don't have one. There are lots of company out there that offers airport limousine service in affordable price and give you an opportunity to have a limo ride.

see Tips for How to Hire a Limousine Service

Tips for How to Hire a Limousine Service

If you want to impress your love one, family and guest in a special gathering; you should hire limousine service to pick them up. There are things you should know before you hire limousine service. Consider the color and type of limousine you like, how big is the limousine and how many guest you were expecting?

Compare the rate from different limousine renting company. This will give you idea where you can get best deal for your money. The price vary depend on the model, accessories, size of the limousine and number of your expected guest. Ask for discount and what other freebies you can get in hiring their limousine. There are website online for limousine hiring service you can select from. Compare their prices on renting, the model you prefer and if you can get additional discount. You can also request if you prefer lady chauffer for your love one and family.

It is ideal to hire limousine in any social occasions like birthday, wedding, or VIP guest transportation. Just imagine the smile you could put on someone face by picking them up with limousine. It is a great way to celebrate a memorable occasion. It is tradition now a day for wedding occasion to use limousine. Rolls Royce is usually used to escort newly wed. It is a once in a time occasion to celebrate it in style and luxury.

Big companies used limousine for VIP guest. They usually used to pick up guest from airport to hotel and to their business meeting. They use this to make their guest more comfortable. Even executive travelers used to hire limousine service. They feel it is more convenient because limousine service takes care of their hotel reservation and luggage as well.

Limousine hiring service can offer you different service which you can enjoy. There are some limousine company; makes special agreement with different night clubs. So they can transport you from nightclub to nightclub. Or you can enjoy wine tour with friends on hired limousine service. For a little stress relief you can travel from winery to winery, tasting their finest wine while riding in a luxurious limousine.

You can also hire limousine for sightseeing. It is the perfect way to have fun seeing beautiful tourist spot. Or to impress your date on your prom night by picking her up with limousine you hire.

If you want to hire for you can surf online. There are different companies for hiring limousine service. You can compare their price on renting depending on the model of limousine you prefer. You can also select the color and size of limousine you like. This will give more idea whom you will hire. You can even select the chauffer, if you prefer lady chauffer. Their price vary depends on the service you want. They either charge you by the hour depending on your agreement. This will give you the best deal for you money. Or you can use the yellow page to inquire.

Travel Tips: for Cruises

Travel Tips: for Cruises

Travel Tips: for Cruises

Cruises are one of my favorite ways to see the world. I love falling asleep in one country and waking up in another, not having to pack and unpack. Cruise lines run the range of prices from value to super expensive. For frugal travelers, here are some tips to cut expenses.

Consider All Itineraries

When most people think of cruises, they think of the Carribbean, the Mediterrian, and perhaps Alaska. However, name an ocean port and there is likely a cruise sailing into it. And some of these itineraries can not be only bargains but a pleasant surprise. We once booked a 12 day Baltic cruise from London to St. Petersburg and return for less than the airfare from New York to London. It remains one of our favorite cruises.

Bring Your Own Non-Alcoholic Drinks

Food is normally included in the price of a cruise (except for dining at the exclusive restaurants). However, beverage other than water, coffee, tea, and if lucky iced tea come with an additional cost. So what we do is buy non-alcoholic beverages in ports (allowable - for alcoholic drinks, there is often a corking charge) and then pour them into glasses.

Make Your Own Tour

We've been on over a dozen cruises all over the world and have only done one ship organized tour (on our first cruise). They are expensive, move forward at the pace of the slowest traveler, and restrictive. For a well organized traveler, making their own arrangements is preferable.

One trick that we use is to look at the sights the ship tours cover and include those in our "tour."

Note: Tour Directors will often tell of horror stories about passengers not getting back to the ship on time. The solution? Leave some extra time and do the far away venues first.

Big Breakfast, Late Dinner

For the frugal traveler, maximizing the time in port is a must. That means if possible choosing the late seating at dinner. Also we tend not to eat large lunches (if at all). Instead we eat a large breakfast on the ship (where the breakfast is free), snack on bits and bites of local food while on shore, and then top the day off with a leisurely late dinner.

Cruising is one of the favorite ways for this frugal traveler to see the world. And by using these tips, it is one luxury that can fit into a traveler's budget.


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Frugal Travel Tips For Los Angeles

Los Angeles, home of Beverly Hills and Rodeo Drive, is not the first city travelers may associate with free and frugal attractions. However for the thrifty traveler, the deals are plentiful.

The Getty

Hosting one of the best collections of art on the west coast, the Getty has such a huge catalogue of work that they've split the gallery into two separate sites. The Getty Center in Los Angeles contains the collection of Western art from the Middle Ages to the present. The building is a modern masterpiece and the views fantastic.

The Getty Villa in Malibu is my favorite of the two, dedicated to the study of arts and cultures of ancient Greece, Rome, and Etruria. The building is truly a Roman inspired villa surrounded by wonderful gardens.

Admission to both J. Paul Getty Museums are free but there is an $8 charge for parking.

Santa Monica Pier

The Santa Monica Pier consists of amusement parks, restaurants, vendor carts, and other street entertainment. One of the top attractions is a beautiful carousel with hand painted horses. A great place to people watch, entrance to the Santa Monica Pier is free.

Chicken Dinner At Knott's Berry Farms Imagine a chicken dinner so good that a theme park was built around it and you have the chicken dinner at Knott's Berry Farms. The dinner comes with buttermilk biscuits, mashed potatoes and veggies. End the meal with a mouth watering boysenberry pie. All at very reasonable family style prices.

The Dash

Los Angeles is definitely a city with a dominant car culture but renting a car is not the only option. The local transit called the Dash is one of the least expensive of all the big cities. Full fare is $0.25 and yes, there is a senior's discount available.

The Walk Of Fame

Walking along The Walk Of Fame between Hollywood Blvd and Vine is a must for the first time visitor. Along the walk is the famous Grauman's Chinese Theatre where stars such as Marilyn Monroe left imprints of their hands and feet. It remains a favorite location for movie premieres so the lucky traveler could have a star spotting.

Borrowing a bit of that Hollywood glamour in L.A. doesn't have to be an expensive prospect. There are plenty free or frugal attractions, transportation, and food.

Long Weekend Honeymoons

Not everyone has the resources to take two weeks out for their honeymoon. Time and (especially in these economically difficult times) money are often in short supply. However, long multi-week honeymoons are a relatively recent phenomenon, so don't feel bad if taking one isn't an option for you. You don't need to take time out of your life to enjoy each others' company and celebrate your marriage. And isn't that what honeymoons are all about? After trawling through dating sites and having one disappointing date after another, you’ve finally found the one. Here are five suggestions for lovely long weekend honeymoons.



1) Formentera

You've heard of Ibiza and Majorca, but have you heard of Formentera? This small Balearic island is largely undiscovered by the tourist hordes, which makes it a great place to head for a romantic long weekend break. Flights from all parts of the UK leave frequently to Ibiza, and from there it's just a short ferry ride over to the island. Beaches are wide, sandy and quiet: perfect for relaxing and enjoying each other’s company. There are few cars on Formentera, but as the island is so flat, many people hire bikes to explore its pretty villages and countryside. Why not make it a tandem? 2) Cornwall Staying in the UK means you get more honeymoon time, with no flight to catch or waiting around in airports. Cornwall includes some of the UK's most attractive beaches and towns, and makes for a great honeymoon destination. There are lots of sandy beaches to visit, including some isolated coves that you'll have all to yourselves for the day. If it's winter, take in some culture in St Ives or go on a road trip.



3) Paris

The original city of lovers just had to make the list. Paris is a short flight or train ride away, and has plenty to keep even the most demanding honeymooners occupied for a few days. River trips down the Seine, art and sculpture exhibitions, long coffee breaks at pavement cafes, and some of the world's best food. Paris really does live up to the hype.

4) Barcelona

Barcelona is a relaxed, friendly city with lots to do, and its own beaches when you want a rest. You'll find plenty of stunning architecture to see, by the famous Gaudi. In the evening, explore Las Ramblas, where tourists and locals alike go for their evening stroll, stop for a bite to eat and enjoy the warm nights. After that, it's time to enjoy the city's famous nightlife, with glamorous modern bars and traditional flamenco clubs both on offer.

5) Amalfi

Once favourite destination of the British aristocracy, today Amalfi and the coast around it makes for a fantastic honeymoon destination. Fly into nearby Naples and change over from there. The town is built along the cliff-tops, hemmed in by the sea on one side and rocky hills on the other. It's a dramatic, colourful place to visit that will bring out the romantic in anyone.

Expert Tips for Saving More on International Travel

 

Let's play a little game. Imagine you're leaving for a trip overseas, and you have to convert US dollars into the currency used in your destination. Do you: a) Head down to a local bank, cash in hand; b) Hit an airport kiosk on the way out of town; or c) Simply bring your credit card?

The answer: C, without a doubt. While this might surprise you, Visa and MasterCard offer exchange rates that are 16.2 percent lower than those avalaible through travelex—the world's largest in-airport currency conversion company—and 8.1 percent lower than you'll find at the average bank. In other words, by crossing an item off your pre-trip to-do list, you'll actually save yourself a considerable amount of money and avoid having to walk around a foreign country with a lot of cash.

That's sure to put a smile on any traveler's face, and the best part is that it's not the only insider tip that can save you big before departure. If you're into saving money, you should also:

Leverage Rewards: Ever since the Great Recession, credit card companies have taken to using initial rewards bonuses to essentially bribe people with excellent credit to open credit cards. The issuers get a customer base better suited to pay their bills on time even during a downturn, and you have the opportunity to score hundreds of dollars with which to subsidize your travels. The best deal on the market right now is Chase's Sapphire Preferred Card, which gives you $500 in travel accommodations or a $400 statement credit for charging $3,000 within the initial three months that you're an accountholder.

Avoid foreign transaction fees: Roughly 90% of credit cards apply surcharges to transactions that are processed outside of the United States. As these fees will inflate the cost of purchases you make with foreign-based companies by an average of 2.22%, it's in your bank account's best interest to make sure that your credit card is one without foreign transaction fees. In case you're wondering, the aforementioned Chase Sapphire Preferred Card would qualify.

Think plastic when it comes to cash: You're obviously going to need a way to access cash while on your trip, and the most cost-effective way to do so is to bring along a debit card that has low international ATM withdrawal fee. This will enable you to leverage an advantageous exchange rate as well as take out cash as needed—both a convenience, and a way to mitigate the threat of theft.

Book wisely: Everyone knows that you can get a great deal on hotels and airfare by using a travel comparison website, but not everybody is aware of how to extend the savings even more. The best way to do so, at least as far as hotel rates are concerned, is to find the best possible deal online and then call the respective hotel and say that you will make a reservation on the spot if they give you a 10% discount. It won't always work, but it's worth a shot.

When you consider all this together, it's clear that you could easily save hundreds of dollars on a trip abroad before you even leave the country. That's sure to make for a more enjoyable experience, but during all those good times, it's very important that you maintain a modicum of vigilance and avoid falling for cost-boosting merchant tricks. More specifically, merchants are known to offer to convert purchase totals into US dollars in order to assess unfavorable exchange rates and thereby profit under the guise of kindness. The best way to avoid falling for this trap is to just say no whenever a merchant extends such a seemingly innocuous offer and, if need be, use a small calculator or cell phone to get a better sense of how much things are going to cost you.

With that being said, all that's left to say is have a great time and you will have an unusually robust bank account balance remaining on your return.