Travel
How to Use -- Contents
Slightly Creaky does extensive research to find the links you would most likely need and provides them for you in an easy-to-find format. You can access the various categories from any of our web pages using the top or side menus. Each category has generalized headings, followed by more specific ones.
Categories
Updated July 27, 2010
To simplify your research, we have several categories. Please scroll down, use the index link, or use your browser's "find" or "search" feature to get the the area you are seeking. Some links may take you to another Slightly Creaky page.
This index includes information in the Slightly Creaky On the Road and Travel pages
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Including border control info, visa requirements, scams, currency conversion, travel & destination warnings and precautions. |
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| Destination Guides |
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| Cruise Guides | |||
| Guided Tours | |||
| Independent Travel |
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| Modes of Transport | |||
Boat (not cruises) |
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| Travel Assistance |
We recommend that you start with the The CIA World Factbook
a complete listing of every country in the world with detailed,
up-to-date information, maps, and situational guidelines.
For travel outside the United States, keep an eye on WaitTime, the US Government site "providing security checkpoint wait time information to assist travelers in planning for their next flight. The wait times are historical so please note actual wait time may vary depending on factors including weather delays which result in increased passenger levels."
We try to avoid commercial sites, but in many cases they are the only ones who provide ideas and information. If you are looking to buy or sell, please use a generalized search engine.
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Caution - Proceed with care
Slightly Creaky is not responsible for the content of web sites listed here or the actions taken by the people owning, managing, or participating on these sites. Once you click on a link you are leaving our site.
These listings are the result of thousands of hours of research. It is the property of Slightly Creaky and may not be reproduced in any form. Every attempt has been made to provide an accurate description of each organization. Contact us if you find an error.
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Travel Information
Travel Information
"Passports are now required for all people entering the United States by air. Entry by land or sea (on a cruise ship, for example) is still exempted from the passport requirement and you can still use a certified birth certificate as proof of citizenship. The cutoff date for this rule is Jan 1, 2009 at the latest, however passports may be required as soon as Summer (exact date to be determined) of 2008." |
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| Passport Requirements for Cruise Ship Passengers and Other Travelers. | |
| How to Get a Passport | "Knowing how to get a passport is critical for every cruise passenger, because passports are now required for all sea travel including voyages to the Caribbean, Canada, and Mexico." |
| Visa Waiver Program | "International travelers, who are nationals of Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries, seeking to travel to the United States without a visa, should review this important information on passport requirements for travelers under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). All VWP travelers, regardless of age or type of passport used, must present individual machine -readable passports. In addition, depending on when VWP travelers’ passports were issued, other passport requirements apply" |
| Entering the United States from Overseas | "For many U.S. vacationers, a cruise provides the first opportunity to visit other countries and to be faced with such terms as "proof of citizenship", "duty-free" and "agricultural inspection" when returning to the United States. The increased security at U.S. ports of entry is important to us all, but passing through the numerous checkpoints can be confusing and intimidating to someone who has traveled outside the U.S. for the first time. There are four separate inspections that all travelers must go through when entering the United States." |
| US Customs: Border Wait Times | "The table below shows the estimated wait times for reaching the primary inspection booth, the first point of contact with CBP when crossing the Canada/U.S. and Mexico/U.S. land borders. Each border location updates its estimated wait times hourly. To make sure you have our current information, use your browser's refresh or reload function." |
| Project Visa | "Welcome to ProjectVisa.com Where we aim to keep you up to date with visa and embassy information for all countries. Visa and embassy Information." |
| Red, White & Passport BLUES | "Don't let passport processing delays sink your cruise plans" |
| Visa & Passport Information | From Delta Airlines. "Visa rules can be pretty tricky. What's more, they can change. Use this tool to find out which travel documents you'll need to enter the countries you're visiting, or to get back into the country where you started." |
| Nine Steps to Stress-Free Travel | "The old adage that "getting there is half the fun" no longer applies to traveling to and from cruise ports. Indeed, with air travel becoming more expensive, more of a hassle and more stressful, there's no way for most us that the journey is anywhere near as satisfying as being onboard. " |
| What Help Can You Expect from a U.S. Consul at an American Consulate Abroad | " U.S. consular officers are located at U.S. embassies and consulates in most countries overseas. They are available to advise and help you, if you are in any serious trouble." |
| Emergencies Abroad - How Your Embassy Can Help | "No matter how well you prepare, sometimes you may have to ask for assistance at a U.S. embassy or consulate. Embassies are not staffed to provide personalized assistance for minor difficulties and setbacks, but you can count on help in emergency situations." |
| Tips for Traveling Abroad | (US Dept. of State) "For detailed information about steps you can take to ensure a safe trip, see How to Have a Safe Trip. Meanwhile, here are some quick tips to make your travel easier and safer: " |
| US Embassies Worldwide | Internet listing of UD Embassy Locations |
| Embassy Listings For Canada | Embassies of Canada to Other Nations |
| Canadian Embassies and Consulates Online | "This is an index to the Web sites and physical addresses of Canadian embassies and consulates which have a presence on the Web. " |
| UK Embassies Overseas | "Click on the links below to view the contact details of the UK's embassies, high commissions and consulates (also know as 'diplomatic missions' or 'posts') overseas. Where an embassy / high commission has its own website, a link to it is provided. Street maps and instructions on how to reach the mission are often available on the embassy / high commission website." |
| "Thousands of Americans travel outside the U.S. on vacation or business each year and a small percentage of those people are robbed, scammed or otherwise alleviated of their cash, valuables or essential documentation. By being prepared and using good judgment, you can avoid any potential danger associated with travel to foreign countries." | |
| The Dos and Don’ts of Travel Safety | |
| Travel Safe | How to apply for a passport, travel warnings and alerts, visa information. |
| World Travel Watch | "Since 1985, World Travel Watch has appeared in some of the best newspapers in the U.S. and abroad. " |
| Travel Rules and Regulations | "The rules and restrictions for travelers foreign and domestic continue to change at mind-numbing speed. Trying to keep up with these new rules often feels like attempting to chase down a charging cheetah with a tricycle." |
| Things You Should Know Before You Go Abroad | (US Department of State'): "Each year, 2,500 Americans are arrested overseas. One third of the arrests are on drug-related charges. Many of those arrested assumed as U.S. citizens that they could not be arrested. From Asia to Africa, Europe to South America, U.S. citizens are finding out the hard way that drug possession or trafficking equals jail in foreign countries." |
| Travel Safety | "Some Travel Safety advice and incidents over the last few years" |
| Copspy | "Since you cannot possibly know about speed traps that exist in areas that you are unfamiliar with, that is the reason this site exists. Visiting or driving through unfamiliar territory? Now, you no longer have to fear those unwarranted tickets. You can end that anxiety by knowing just where the speed traps are." |
| 10 Countries Where You Don't Want to Go to Jail | "But while most travel guides assume that responsible travelers will never be on the wrong end of the law, Road Junky knows that the police of most countries in the world are just the criminals in uniform and make no bones about extorting money from you, beating you up or, if all else fails, putting you in jail." |
| 10 Leading Causes of Travel Deaths (maybe) | "The number of ways that you can die are uncountable but not to great that you can’t bring a little imagination to the proceedings and start adding up how many travelers and backpackers bite the dust each year and go to travel heaven, where every hostel has hot showers, free breakfasts..." |
| Problems on the Road | "Here's some of the factors you need to give consideration to when on the road and how to deal with them. This section contains a lot of information and being a large document, is split over two pages" |
| WorldNet Assist? | Commercial (Adobe Reader PDF). "WorldNet Assist is a comprehensive range of information, referral, coordination and arrangement services designed to respond to most medical care situations and many other emergencies you may have when you travel. It also offers pre-trip assistance before you travel and information on things like passport/visa requirements, foreign currency and weather." |
"Each year, our award-winning travel specialists answer thousands of travel-related questions from travel consumers." |
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| Traveltruth Responds to Your Travel Questions | |
| Ultimate Glossary of Air Travel Terms | "To accommodate the tremendous interest in air travel, governments around the world have implemented new laws governing such travel and airlines seem to be in a constant state of evolution of their services, their aircraft, and their lingo. This glossary aids in the understanding of such a complicated system but it may be just enough to make air travel seem a little less intimidating." |
| What is an International Driving Permit? | "An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a multiple-language document that verifies that you have a valid driver’s license. While many countries may not officially recognize your driver’s license, they will accept your valid U.S., Canadian or British license if you also carry an IDP. Some countries, such as Italy, require you to carry an official translation of your license if you plan to rent a car unless you hold a license from a European Union member nation. An IDP fulfills this requirement." |
| One Month Before You Go Check List | "You've taken care of reservations, transportation, airline tickets and now you can start thinking of your luggage, camera, money, electrical adapters and travel insurance." |
| Tips For Packing | "Planning a vacation? These handy hints can help make packing a wrinkle-free breeze." |
| Vacation Travel Insurance Tips | "Travel insurance is an important but often overlooked part of your vacation. Whether you are traveling to a foreign country or to the next state you should consider travel insurance." Many more travel article links at the bottom of the page. |
| Do I need Travel Insurance? | "Travel insurance can protect you from substantial losses that result from a variety of situations, including canceled family vacations, lost baggage, medical emergencies, travel supplier defaults, as well as other unforeseen circumstances. This article is intended to help familiarize you with them, so you can make informed decision about which insurance product may be right for your family." |
| Travel Insurance FAQs | "There are a lot of misconceptions related to travel insurance, and understandably most people aren't as well versed in the fine details of this type of cover as I am - I can't say that I blame them! However, many misconceptions put people at risk of spending unnecessary amounts of money on areas that could and should be covered by their policy." |
| Travel Accident Insurance | "Whether it is a business trip, for pleasure or a student break, you should never travel abroad without comprehensive travel accident insurance." More travel article links at the bottom of the page. |
| Consumer Ratings Cruise Lines, Airlines,and Tour Operators | "Our Travel Truth ratings are based on our own independent inspections, reports from the thousands of members of The Royal Cruising Society, and the best quality evaluations from both the consumer and industry trade press." |
| Ways to Stretch Travel Dollars in the New Year | Article from The Wall Street Journal. "They won't stop snow storms that disrupt travel for holiday fliers, but some new travel tools can make it easier for you to snag frequent-flier award seats, find cheap fares, book some perks for yourself and even make your cruise a lot more enjoyable. There are even ways to try to avoid getting stranded by bad weather." |
| How to Carry Money when Traveling | "Now that you’ve worked for 6 months cleaning toilets, waiting on snotty customers who don’t tip at restaurants and creating future spinal complaints picking fruit, the last thing you want is to lose all of your travel money to a pickpocket, hustler or thief." |
| Tips for Smart Travelers | "The Federal Trade Commission has targeted travel fraud as one of its top ten priorities because of the large number of complaints it receives daily." |
| Traveling in Europe | "Travelling in Europe is the European Union’s official website for people travelling in the 27 countries of the EU. Whether you are on holiday or on business, you will find practical advice and helpful tips on a wealth of subjects, from what documents you need, to getting healthcare and using your mobile phone." |
| How Can I Get Help if I Go Broke Abroad? | "Lost your money somehow while traveling? Losing all your cash abroad is no fun, but it doesn't have to be a total disaster. " |
| 7 Tips for a Smooth Vacation Abroad | "It takes a lot of work to prepare for a vacation abroad. There are so many little things to do: You need to stop the mail, cancel the paper and arrange for your bills to be paid. Here are some other things you should add to your pre-trip checklist:" |
Maps and travel information to almost every vacation destination country in the world accessible by car, train, and bus. |
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| Travel Box: Maps and Trip Planning | |
| Murphy’s Laws of Travel | Anything that can go wrong, will go wrong.So here’s ten of the most common things that can go wrong on your travels |
| Roadside America | "Tools to help plan your next road trip!" |
| Travel Tips: How to Gear Up for a Great Trip | "Whether you’re off to see the sights, ski the slopes, or sunbathe on the sand, it pays to be an informed travel shopper. To help you avoid vacation frustration, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation’s consumer protection agency, offers these tips." |
| The Globetrotters Club | UK "The Globetrotters Club is the travel club for independent travelers & travel enthusiasts of all ages and has been active for over sixty years. Club members share travelogues, travel information & experiences, hospitality and friendship. If you are looking for the ultimate travel experience, wishing to plan from first hand information, interested in traveling off the beaten track, wanting reassurance before your big trip, requiring that little push to get you started or even just daydreaming of far-flung shores, then we are sure Globetrotters is for you." |
| TravelBox: Ecotourism | Links to sites that provide information about "ecoturism" around the world. |
| Budget Travel Abroad | "TransitionsAbroad.com combines the best ideas and info on ways to maximize the overseas experience by avoiding the superficial tourist routine. The most economical and rewarding way to travel and live abroad is to do it like a native. Whether for a short vacation or a longer stay, Transitions Abroad has long been known as the premier tool for intelligent independent and budget travelers—where to go, who to see, what to do, and how to get off the bus tour and beyond the postcards. The featured articles reflect this perspective on budget travel and are packed with practical travel tips." |
| World's Best Festivals & Events | "Festivals and Events are the busiest times of the year for these locations because generally this will be the most colourful and dramatic time to see them, so book accommodation well in advance. Ask permission for photographs or videos if possible, festival participants are humans too! Festivals tend to be crowded and pickpockets may well be lurking, so keep valuables to a minimum and money in a zipped or buttoned pocket." |
| Is Travel Dead? | "Sometimes I see the ranks of backpackers waiting to go on their white water rafting experience, the tourists clicking away at the monuments and the guide books that create the reality the traveler is looking for and I wonder if travel is dead." |
| 10 Weirdest Foods in the World | "Whilst trying to gross ourselves out a while ago, our travel editors got their heads together and came up with 10 really weird foods they’d eaten or seen eaten on their travels." |
| Planning Your Trip | 7 Pages: "Whether you’ve traveled around the world or are venturing away from home for the first time, planning your trip will help ensure that your vacation is a success. Begin by deciding what kind of trip you’d like to take. Then, choose your mode of transportation and decide what type of accommodations suits your travel style. Finally, apply for passports, visas and driving permits." |
| Deal or No Deal | "We've all done it. You look into a specific itinerary, see a great deal and then start making plans -- talking to family members, looking into hotels, setting up pet care -- and by the time you're ready to book the actual itinerary, the deal is gone, or, perhaps even worse, just not quite as good. By then, however, you've put in some work and generated a bit of excitement about a trip, so have been softened, ripened and enticed into accepting a slightly higher price point." |
| 101 Experimental Travel Ideas | 27. Take a mini-disc player with you around the world and ask everyone you meet to sing a song for you. 71. Travel to catch all the most important sports events around the world, from the Super Bowl to the America’s cup. |
| Travel Guides and Ideas | From TripSpot. A good starting place (after the CIA Factbook) as it provides links to many other travel guides as well as general destination and travel information. |
Weather.com can show you local weather for thousands of cities around the world. You can even find local weather for every US ZIP code by State. Simply type the name of a city (Paris), or city and country (Paris, France) below. For all cities in a country, simply type the name of the country (France). |
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| Weather.com | |
| AccuWeather | US, Canada, Europe, and the World |
| National Hurricane Center | From NOAA/ National Weather Service |
| International Weather Source | From NOAA - US and International weather. |
| Travel Forecast | "TripCast Air gives you the forecast based around your itinerary. Stop relying on the old daily forecast, and start using TripCast Air's hour-by-hour forecasts. Enter in your departure, layover, and arrival cities, and we will give you an hour-by-hour forecast for each airport." |
| Weather lBug | Weather everywhere |
| Business Travel | Weather conditions and flight status |
| "I think I must have picked up a survival vocabulary in about 15 languages since I started traveling. The Kurdish, the Arabic and the Korean have disappeared without trace but once upon a time I’d mastered enough small talk that I could successfully ask my way to the beach. Albeit with exaggerated hand gestures." | |
| Travel & Language | |
| English Speaking Countries Travel Guide | "English Speaking Countries are easy to get around for English speakers, historically interesting, generally safe from violent crime, offer few health problems and are often blessed with spectacular scenery. Careful, eco-friendly development of these landscapes and the provision of appropriate facilities makes these countries among the best in the world for outdoor pursuits, especially hiking. The Downside is that they are not cheap, the weather is often unpredictable, cuisine can be dull and not dissimilar to one's home diet and the thrill of alien discovery is distinctly lacking." |
| BableFish Translations | "Compare a translated web page with the original by clicking "View page in its original language."" |
| TraveLang | Foreign Languages for travelers (and language dictionaries) |
| Fodor's Languages | English to: French, German, Italian, Spanish. |
| Language Tools | "Type a search phrase in your own language to easily find pages in another language. We'll translate the results for you to read." |
"XR World Rates™ are composite daily buy/sell rates based on Interbank and Official exchange rates as reported by central banks, international organizations, currency wholesalers, and government institutions." |
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| Exchange Rates | |
| FXConverter - Currency Converter for 164 Currencies | "FXConverter is a multilingual currency converter for over 164 currencies and 3 metals. It uses daily OANDA Rates®, the touchstone foreign exchange rates used by corporations, tax authorities, auditing firms, and financial institutions. These filtered rates are based on information supplied by leading market data contributors." |
| How and Where to Exchange Currency | "Since currency exchange rates vary from place to place and day to day, where and how you exchange currency can make a difference in your wallet." |
| Currency Rates | "Quotes delayed at least 60 minutes. In the Compare to box, select the currency that you want all other currencies compared to. In the table below, the second column shows the value of one unit of each currency, as expressed in the Compare to currency. The third column shows the value of one unit of the Compare to currency, as expressed in each of the listed currencies." |
| Cash Converter | "Would you like to know what your money's worth in other currencies? Cash Converter is this kind of software which allows you to perform interactive foreign exchange rate calculations using live, up-to-the-minute currency rates. " |
| "My own view is that there is a pernicious mythology surrounding the lone female traveler, whether it be as a hitchhiker around Britain or a traveler in Southeast Asia. Many people instantly exaggerate the perils and dwell on a single woman’s vulnerability. Often this doom-ridden response is just an excuse for their own timidity of spirit. In fact, traveling around most of Asia is far safer, and more pleasant, than traveling on the Lexington Avenue line in New York City."" | |
| Solo Woman Travel and Women's Tours | |
| Advice for Women Traveling Alone | "As a solo woman, you're more approachable than a couple or a solo man. You'll make friends from all over the world, and you'll have experiences that others can only envy. When you travel with a partner, you need to compromise, your focus narrows, and doors close. When you're on your own, you're open to the moment." |
| Advice for the Woman Traveler | "Understand that, in some parts of the world, "respectable" women don't go out alone in the evening. In these places, a flagrant rejection of this custom could very well put you in jeopardy. Instead, after a long day of sightseeing, welcome the opportunity to rest, relax and rejuvenate yourself, so you can be ready to enjoy another full day of new experiences." |
| Advice for Women Travelers: Developing Countries |
"By "developing", I mean countries that might not yet be full (or even partial) democracies, where the infrastructure (roads, trains, electrical systems, plumbing, etc.) aren't as good as "developed" countries such as those in North America, in Scandinavia, in Western Europe, Japan, etc., where poverty may be pervasive and even extreme, where crime and pollution may be pervasive, and where women may not have equal rights, nor equal access to education, employment and life choices, as men do." |
| Travel Tips for Women | "Many women prefer to travelalone because it allows them to more fully explore the interests that others in their life (husbands, boyfriends, or even children) don’t share. There is a tremendous amount of triumph, furthermore, that comes with the independence of solitary travel." |
| Travelling Women | "While we recognise that all travellers may face some level of risk in unfamiliar environments or cultures, women may sometimes be placed at greater risk." |
| Travel Advice for Women in Russia | "In the crowded Metro, there is the custom that a gentleman should let his seat to a woman. But generaly the first who got the seat keeps it. " |
| Top Safety Tips for Women Travelers | "It's a fact that women need to travel with a little special care; horror stories do exist and women, taught to have a care in life in general, can toss cares to the wind on vacation (like all travelers can) and lose that finely tuned caution edge that they keep honed on their own city streets." |
| Best Women Travel Web Sites | List of links |
"The following sites offer travel advice and information for the disabled traveller and those with special needs both in the UK and abroad. The include bus, train and air travel assistance and advice for the disabled, wheelchair users and the less mobile and allm others with special travel needs.." |
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| Ablize | |
| Senior Travel Abroad | A listing of articles and links. |
| Wired Seniors | "A Portal Web Site To Serve All The Needs Of The Over 50 Age Group" |
| Senior Travel Programs | Mostly in Europe but a few elsewhere |
| Senior Travel Guides | Disabilities Resorts, Home Exchange, Hotels, Golf Resorts, Ski Resorts, Bed and Breakfasts, Fishing Lodges, Farm stays, Vacation Rentals |
| Disability Travel | "“It’s worth it.” Interviews with travelers who have made the journey overseas—as a person with a disability or as an exchange leader with participants with disabilities on the program—admit to the reflective value of the experience time and time again. Yes, assistive technology breaks, fatigue sets in, and getting lost happens, but these travelers and program leaders always find something more: the knowledge they gained about themselves and others, the ability to laugh despite the setbacks, and the delight in new cultural perspectives and places that drew them abroad in the beginning." |
| Disabled Traveler Advice | "DisabledTravelAdvice contains over 50 articles written by our experts who continually update and add new content. " |
| Door to Door: a Travel Guide for Disabled People | "Door to Door brings together in one website all the information that disabled people need to make informed decisions and choices." |
| WorldNet Assist | Commercial (Adobe Reader PDF). "WorldNet Assist is a comprehensive range of information, referral, coordination and arrangement services designed to respond to most medical care situations and many other emergencies you may have when you travel. It also offers pre-trip assistance before you travel and information on things like passport/visa requirements, foreign currency and weather." |
| Planning to Go Away | "With any trip or holiday - in Britain or abroad - it's a good idea to do some planning for the travel part of your trip. If you're a disabled person, there may be a few extra things to think about before you leave home." |
| Travel Advice From An Occupational Therapist | "A website for the discerning traveller with a wheelchair or special needs regarding facilities and accommodation for people with disabilities. A specialist in wheelchair rehabilitation evaluates wheelchair accommodation and accessibility." |
| Wheelchair Travel Tips | "Even disabled persons love to travel. They love to stay out of the confines of their wheelchairs, enjoy their lives to the fullest, and realize that there’s still a wonderful world that’s waiting for them out there. However, there are certain considerations for wheelchair users to make in preparing and planning for a travel." |
| Travel Advice Relevant to You | "There's advice for backpackers and groups who may have specific travel concerns such as women travellers, LGBT people or disabled travellers." |
| "The sterile, futuristic feel of each airport I passed through was enough in itself to disorient me – the flow of people who wanted to be Anywhere But Here, the fast food joints all priced in dollars, the automatic walkways and the vague certainty that the minutes were ticking down to where a desperate flight clerk would call my name out on the loud speaker…" | |
| Airports are a Waking Nightmare | |
| Consumer Complaints Against Airlines | "Time to spare? Go by air. It's hard to imagine a form of travel more consistently annoying than modern air travel but since there's usually little alternative, the goal must be to get through it as painlessly as possible." |
| Complaints About Air Travel | "Consumers with concerns about airline safety should call the Federal Aviation Administration toll-free at 1-866-TELL-FAA (1-866-835-5322)...." |
| How to Complain About Your Airline Service | "Flying as an airline passenger is an often memorable experience, but there are times where the experience is memorable for all the wrong reasons: mechanical problems, poor service, bad food, lost luggage, or any of a number of other problems that result in a significant inconvenience or financial loss for the passenger." |
| Johnny Jet: Where to Complain | "Here Are The Physical Addresses, Fax Numbers And URLs For The Major Airlines. To Learn How To Complain Properly Scroll Down." |
| How Not to Complain to an Airline | "Complaining about poor service is one thing. Making the compensation for your complaints a cornerstone of your travel budget is entirely another." |
| How do You Lodge a Formal Complaint with an Airline? | "Before writing your complaint, attempt to get a hold of the airline's passenger's rights statement, often called a "conditions of carriage" or "contract of carriage" statement. It will spell out the airline's policy on how passengers are to be treated. If you can find that your treatment or situation was against what is mentioned in their statement, it is best to include that in your letter. Copy the specific wording from their statement in your letter and relay exactly how your situation is in violation of their policy. " |
| Consumer Affairs: Travel Complaints | "Besides the sheer discomfort of modern travel, many travel promoters are downright fraudulent. The Federal Trade Commission has launched a major offensive against travel fraud." |
| Where to Complain When Travel Goes Awry | "Suppose you take a package tour promising first-class accommodations and the hotels you stay in have no hot water, are unsanitary or simply unsafe. What if your travel agent books you on a flight that does not exist on the day you expected to fly? " |
| What The Travel Ads Won't Tell You | "Join the award-winning travel consultant and journalist for an insider's view of the ever-changing travel landscape." |
| Complaints Against Travel & Tour Operators | "The Internet is making travel agents extinct but those still hanging on get just as many complaints as ever. And there are new tour packagers popping up every day. Many of them are reputable, many are not. If nothing else, remember this: always pay with a credit card. You have almost no chance of recovering cash or check payments if things go awry." |
| Hotel, Resort, and Inn Complaints | "There's nothing like a hotel -- any hotel -- to make you appreciate your own bed. On the other hand, there's something to be said for staying in unique surroundings that include a little bit of history." |
| How to Complain or Make Suggestions to Travel Companies | "Have you ever gotten mad at a travel company? Don't just complain to your friends. Write a complaint letter to the travel company, and you may get surprising results." |
| Finding Help with Your Travel Complaint | "All too often, travel suppliers stonewall your legitimate complaints, knowing that you have little recourse against giant corporations. A few government agencies and trade associations offer limited assistance to consumers, and several enterprising businesses have mounted independent complaint forums. Unfortunately, while it's easy to compile complaints, finding someone to help you with your problem is far more difficult." |
| Making a Complaint About Bus or Coach Services | UK "Do you have a complaint about bus and coach services, bus stations, bus stops or bus shelters? If so, you can use this page to find out who you should contact and how to make your complaint." |
| "Being one of the lucky winners of the Microsoft® Bonanza, you are therefore a recipient of the Platinum Vacation Trip Card which affords you the opportunity to tour round five major cities in Europe, America and Asia as a special vacation plan, arranged by ..." | |
| Winning Notification! | |
| 10 Vacation Rental Scams to Avoid | "Many people search for vacation rentals online. This can be a great way to find the perfect rental home for your vacation. Unfortunately, scam artists have found ways to use this technology to get your money." |
| Vacation Scams - How to Spot Them | "One of the biggest and longest running scams to date is the Vacation Fraud, where you or a loved one is told that they have won a free vacation package or a glamorous cruise getaway. If not totally "free", these "agents" say that they can get you that dream tour for a rock-bottom price." |
| Fraudulent / Deceptive Vacation Packages | "Be aware that when you place your business card or name into a drawing for a free vacation, you may be added to a telemarketing call list. Telemarketers know that wishful thinkers are susceptible to their offers," |
| Reporter Resources: Travel Fraud | "Since 1997, the FTC has led the national response against travel-related fraud." |
| Travel Fraud: Go to Paradise, Not to the Cleaners! | (PDF) "Are you looking for a bargain to finance your dream vacation? It’s fine to look for travel bargains. But don’t let your dream turn into a travel nightmare by accepting all offers at face value. If a deal sounds too good to be true, it almost certainly is. You need to look closely at all offers and read the fine print." |
| Free Vacation? Free and Discount Travel Fraud | "You receive a phone call, a message, or an email announcing that "you or somebody you know" entered you in a contest, and that you have won a free cruise or vacation package. Or your are offered a cheap travel deal - a price too good to refuse. What could possibly go wrong if you accept such a vacation package?" |
| Telemarketing Travel Fraud | "Have you ever been tempted to sign up to win a "free" trip at a fair, trade show or restaurant? If so, you may get a phone call, letter, unsolicited fax, email or postcard telling you that you've won a vacation. Be careful. It may be a "trip trap." The vacation that you've "won" likely isn't free. And the "bargain-priced" travel package you're offered over the telephone or Internet may not fit your idea of luxury" |
| Travel Scam Guides | "Wouldn’t it be great if love really did make the world go round? Alas the path of the righteous traveler is set with scams, cons and hustles to leave you high and dry." |
| Top 5 Travel Scams | "Scams are all around us and unfortunately, travel scams tend to be near the top of the heap. It seems that for every legitimate travel offer there is one that isn’t." |
| Forbes Traveler on Travel Scams | "Some goon rushes by you and drops a wad of dollars—could be more than a thousand—and another goon steps in and picks it up, offering to share it with you. If you take the offer, the other goon will track you down and demand all of the money." |
| Avoiding Classic Travel Scams | "If it sounds too good to be true, it is. You’ve heard all that before. But when it comes to classic travel scams, many of us turn a blind eye because of our urge to travel." |
| How To Spot Travel Scams | "Many people buy these trips because the deals are just too good to pass up. But consumer advocates say you should think twice before you buy." |
| Travel Fraud | "Airlines and other well-known companies sometimes operate contests for travel prizes. However, there are also companies that offer “free” trips to try to lure people into buying their products or services. It’s never “free” if you have to pay something. " |
| Travel Scam - Travel Fraud | "Variations on travel scams are numerous and ever changing. If you travel frequently, informing yourself on some of the details about travel scams will pay off for sure." |
| Travel Scams | "Congratulations! You have just won a free cruise to the Bahamas! Now, if you'll just give me your credit card number, to cover our handling fees and taxes, I'll send you all the details on your trip!" |
| "Travelers to developing countries should start with long term basic health protection. This means vaccinations against Polio, Tetanus, Typhoid and Hepatitis A. Other vaccinations will depend on where you are going, local conditions at that time, and your anticipated environment. Visitors to Yellow Fever areas such as West Africa should definitely be vaccinated against it. " | |
| Travel Health Information and Advice |
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| Traverler's Health | "CDC Travelers' Health offers information to assist travelers and their health-care providers in deciding the vaccines, medications, and other measures necessary to prevent illness and injury during international travel." |
| WHO: Latest Updates for Travellers | (World Health Organization) "Travellers may encounter sudden and significant changes in altitude, humidity, microbes and temperature, which can result in ill-health. In addition, serious health risks may arise in areas where accommodation is of poor quality, hygiene and sanitation are inadequate, medical services are not well developed and clean water is unavailable." |
| Precautions Along the Way | "Traveling comes with a whole new set of things to think about. The following can help you stay healthy and enjoy your trip as much as possible." |
| Travel Health Precautions | "Good health is essential for successful travel. Nothing can spoil it more than becoming ill. Take preventive measures before you leave home. Study the area that you plan to visit--its climate, elevation, humidity, native or epidemic diseases, the quality of its water, the availability of medical services--to ensure you will have a good trip. Ask your travel agent or local consulate what vaccinations you need for the places you plan to visit and get them well in advance in case of a reaction." |
| Problems on the Road | "Here's some of the factors you need to give consideration to when on the road and how to deal with them. This section contains a lot of information and being a large document, is split over two pages" |
| Dangerous Animals Advice and information |
"The world has around 800,000 identified species of animals, many of whom while getting on with their own survival, see us either as a meal or a threat." |
| WorldNet Assist? | Commercial (Adobe Reader PDF). "WorldNet Assist is a comprehensive range of information, referral, coordination and arrangement services designed to respond to most medical care situations and many other emergencies you may have when you travel. It also offers pre-trip assistance before you travel and information on things like passport/visa requirements, foreign currency and weather." |
| MD Travel Health | "A broad range of diseases may be acquired by consuming contaminated food or water. When traveling in developing countries, it is essential to exercise discretion in the choice of meals and beverages. Do not drink tap water unless it has been boiled, filtered, or chemically disinfected. Vigorous boiling for one minute is the most effective means of water purification. At altitudes greater than 6500 feet (2 km), boil for three minutes." |
| Travel Health Precautions | "Millions of persons travel abroad each year, often to lesser-developed areas of the world. The risk of illness or injury while traveling is determined by many factors, including the health status of the traveler, geographic destination, duration of stay, activities engaged in while traveling, and preventive measures taken—including pretravel immunizations." |
| Tables of Vaccine Requirements | UK "To access the data, click on the continent in which the country you require is found on the above world map and you will be taken to the appropriate page." |
| Medical Problems in Transit | "Several conditions are common even among healthy people while in transit." |
| Immunizations: What You Need to Know Before Traveling Abroad | "Once you decide that your travel plans will take you beyond the US borders, it’s wise to make an appointment with your physician or a travel medicine clinic to discuss your immunization needs. Whether or not you will need particular vaccines will depend on several factors." |
| Do You Need Vaccinations Before Traveling Abroad? | "Travelers to other countries often face health issues they wouldn't ordinarily experience at home. To minimize your risks of becoming seriously ill when traveling abroad, you should find out in advance whether any specific immunizations may be recommended for travel to the region of the world you'll be visiting." |
Destination Guides
Destination Guides
Recommendation: when selecting a potential destination, check in several guides
as none are complete and some have favorites.
We can not link to every possible destination.
From the US Department of State. Includes destination warning, visa requirements, descriptions about the country, crime, medical facilities, unusual potential dangers, and much more. The first place to visit when selecting where to go. |
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| Country Specific Information | |
| Travel Guide Books | "The evolution of the travel guide books was always going to be bad news for the planet. They’re responsible for a generation of consumer travelers who talk about ‘doing’ places and a tourism industry that leeches the life out of places that really used to be fun to travel to." |
| Smarter Travel | "SmarterTravel.com is the largest online travel resource for unbiased travel news, deals, and timely expert advice. Our experienced editors spend hundreds of hours each week researching the latest and best travel deals, compiling travel guides for destinations worldwide, and offering money-saving tips for travelers." |
| Traveling the Most Exotic Places in the World | Travel guides and commentary |
| The Antidote to Mass Tourism | "Since 1977, Transitions Abroad has been the leader in providing practical information for those who wish to travel abroad while seeking greater understanding of other cultures through direct participation in the daily life of the host community." |
| Trip Advisor | "15,000,000+ traveler reviews & opinions of hotels, vacations & more" |
| World Overview | The "Lonely Planet" country-by-country destination guide. Select the continent, then the country or a popular designation in the region. Includes maps. |
| The CIA World Factbook | Detailed information on every country in the work from the CIA. Use the pull down menu at the top of the page. provides maps, history, and just about every item of information you would need to know about a country. Maintained frequently so this is possible the best, up-to-date information on countries available. |
| Find-A-Guide | "AOL Travel is your one-stop full service travel resource. You'll find deals on airfares, hotels, car rentals, cruises, vacation packages, and last-minute weekend getaways to your top domestic and international destinations. Research your vacation using destination guides, articles, user reviews and other great trip-planning tools." |
| World66 | Although far from covering every destination... "World66 offers travel information on over 20,000 destinations. Almost 80,000 articles written and updated by travelers like you!" |
| TouristClick | Some good information, but some pages are empty and others sparse. Use this as a secondary check on your destination. |
| NY Times Travel | The New York Times Travel section reviews common and unique destinations around the world. The place you are considering may not be here, but somewhere close should be. Some of their destinations are expensive, others are reasonably priced. |
| Yahoo Travel Guide | A search engine approach to travel, but with many pre-selected pages: "Research 500,000 places to stay and things to do in over 40,000 cities worldwide with candid user reviews, photos, maps and more. Save your favorite places into a custom trip plan. Get great travel deals" |
| Wiki Travel | "A project to create a free, complete, up-to-date, and reliable worldwide travel guide. So far we have 18,390 destination guides and other articles written and edited by Wikitravellers from around the globe. " |
| Frommer's Destination Guide | Not all countries included. |
| Virtual Tourist | "A resource for travelers seeking an insider’s perspective. Real travel tips, reviews and photos from real people who have actually been there and done that. " |
| Volunteer Abroad | "If you're looking for a unique travel experience abroad, look no further! i-to-i's programs are the perfect way to meet new people, immerse yourself in new cultures and make a difference abroad. Whether you fancy volunteering around the globe or want to get TEFL qualified and start your career teaching English, we'll get you there!" |
| "Provides easy access to travel and traveler information including road conditions, freeway conditions, highway conditions, airport conditions and flight delays, ferries, traffic, transit, and weather across Canada and the United States. Planning a road trip? Check out our free road trip planner. We have also included a directory of the top sites for driving directions, and maps. Looking for a hotel or motel? Are the road conditions difficult, or is it time to take a rest? Conveniently make hotel reservations along the way." | |
| United States Travel Information | |
| Discover America | "DiscoverAmerica.com is currently designed to serve the domestic leisure travel market and the five leading inbound markets for travel to the United States (Canada, Mexico, United Kingdom, Japan and Germany) but also welcomes other international travelers from around the globe to use this website for their travel planning needs. " |
| Comments About Destinations in the U.S. | "The world's a big place and there's no shortage of people, places and things worth looking at. Travel writer Dan Schlossberg shares a few of his destinations." |
| American Automobile Association | "Although probably the most known, emergency road services and maps are not the only member services provided by AAA. A not-for-profit organization, AAA is dedicated to making all facets of life as smooth as possible." |
| National Geographic US & Canada Destinations | "Each of our guides has in-depth information, city and park highlights, driving tours, bird-watching tips, Web links, photos, and much more. Bookmark this page and check back often for more destinations!" |
| North America Travel Guide | Includes Canada, U.S., Mexico. Greenland, Bermuda, and US Territories. |
| Virtual Tourist Guide to North America | "Plan a North America vacation with reviews, tips and photos posted by real travelers and North America locals." |
| U.S. National Park System | "The National Park Service is committed to making every possible effort to ensure that all information is accessible to people with disabilities, including both employees and customers we serve. If you experience any difficulty accessing the information on our web site, please email us. We will try to assist you as best we can" |
| National Parks; Find a Park | Search by name, location, activity, or topic. |
| US National Parks Travel Guide | "US National Parks are spectacular treasures that should be explored by everyone. Visitors every year leave with their own respect and appreciation for the awesome beauty that each and every park has to offer. With hundreds of destinations across the country of National Parks and Monuments, Seashores, Historic Parks and more, everyone has an opportunity to travel to one of these beautiful parks. " |
| Passes to National Parks | America the Beautiful Senior Pass; "This is a lifetime pass for U.S. citizens or permanent residents age 62 or over. The pass provides access to, and use of, Federal recreation sites that charge an Entrance or Standard Amenity. The pass admits the pass holder and passengers in a non-commercial vehicle at per vehicle fee areas and pass holder + 3 adults, not to exceed 4 adults, at per person fee areas" |
| US State Parks | Click on the state, select a park. Location, attractions, fees (if any), and more |
| GORP State Park Guide | "State parks can be both lifetime destinations and familiar weekend jaunts. Many are undiscovered secrets." |
| US Forest Service | "The Forest Service was established in 1905 and is an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The Forest Service manages public lands in national forests and grasslands, which encompass 193 million acres." |
| GORP Guide to National Forests | " Our off-the-beaten-path public lands — go explore! " |
| NFS Campground Guide | "Whether you are interested in car camping, RV camping or tent camping in America, you will find the type of information you need to have when planning a camping trip. With up to 55 fields of information in each campground review, lots of camping pictures, and authors who have actually visited the camping locations, you should not have to go anywhere else to plan great camping vacations;" |
| USA Tourist Guide | In English, French, Spanish, and German |
| The History Place: US Tourism | State-by-state listing of links to historical tourist sites. |
| Coolest Places To Visit In The U.S. | "When you are in this cool places of the United States, there is the never-ending list of different places to visit and it all depends on your welfare, the time you want to spend plus how much distant you desire to travel." |
| Travel Advice on the United States | "Where do you want to go today?
Find all the best web-based write-ups and deals on your chosen destination" |
"CraveCanada.com is a Canada travel guide that seeks inspire and help the independent traveller to research their trip. From Snowboarding adventures to hotel reviews, we will show what Canada has to offer and how to get the best deal." |
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| Crave Canada | |
| National Geographic US & Canada Destinations | "Each of our guides has in-depth information, city and park highlights, driving tours, bird-watching tips, Web links, photos, and much more. Bookmark this page and check back often for more destinations!" |
| Canada's Top 20 Destinations | "It's more than just the Great White North: With four million square miles of coastline, mountain, lake, prairie, and forest, Canada makes for an endless adventure center. And picking a handful of the country's endless adventure possibilities is no easy task. But whether you want to dip a paddle, attempt an extreme ascent, or see the Northern Lights whirl, make your next adventure a northern one." |
| Great Canadian Parks | " Canadians support a park experience that tourists keep coming back to again and again, parks that protect, preserve and provide access to a vast array of ecological zones that support thousands of species, parks where people can hike, camp, fish, ski, raft or just get far away from it all in remote and amazing environments." |
| Canada Travel Guide | "The team at ThereArePlaces has developed a proprietary method for evaluating the attractiveness of towns and regions as tourist destinations. We used this methodology to create our list of the best places to visit in Canada. We believe that the cities and regions described below are the country’s key tourist destinations, contain Canada's best attractions and urge you to visit them during your travels in Canada." |
| Canada Destinations | "Find out where to go and how to plan your trip to Canada with Trail Canada's Destination Guide. Information and maps on every Canadian province and territory, and many cities is provided to help you decide when and where to go." |
| Canada Tourism | "This WorldWeb.com travel and tourism Guide is designed to help visitors plan a successful trip to Canada, the second largest country in the world in terms of land area." |
| Special Places to Visit in Canada | Here are some you can visit in Canada |
| Canadian Places | Tourism, weather, places, things. |
| North America Travel Guide | Includes Canada, U.S., Mexico. Greenland, Bermuda, and US Territories. |
| Virtual Tourist Guide to North America | "Plan a North America vacation with reviews, tips and photos posted by real travelers and North America locals." |
| "Mexico is a large country that offers an number of interesting regions featuring an enormous number of potential vacation spots. How to decide where to go?. Simple. Read our recommendations on the best places to visit in Mexico." | |
| Mexico Travel Guide | |
| Mexican Travel Guides | "For 27 years we have published the Columbus World Travel Guide which is sold in over 90 countries worldwide. The success of this, led to the establishment of our presence online in 1996, enabling us to offer and license our travel and destination content to third party sites for the benefit of their users. We supply the many of the top-ranking travel companies in the world with the destination information that is on their public websites as well as many small family-run travel and property websites." |
| Premiere Mexico Travel Guide | "Find your favorite Hotels, Restaurants, Nightlife and Tours." |
| Introducing Mexico | "Marvelling at a 1300-year-old Maya palace at Palenque as parrots screech and howler monkeys growl in the sweaty emerald jungle around you. This is Mexico." |
| Mexico Travel Guide | "Mexico is a great destination, and has a lot to offer to travellers. Whether you decide to visit the beautiful beaches famous around the world, historical cities from the time of the Spanish colony and archeological sites of cultures such as the Maya, Olmeca and Azteca among others, beautiful national parks in deserts, mountains and forests, or just hang out in one of the modern cities, you will enjoy it." |
| Welcome to Mexico City | "This expansive city of 20 million and over a mile high is built on the ruins of Tenochtitlan, the ancient Aztec capital. Reminders of past civilization pervade the city, particularly at the Templo Mayor excavation and Anthropological Museum at Chapultepec Park. Fine shops can be found in profusion in the Zona Rosa. " |
| Mexico Hotel & Resort Guide | "Acapulco Hotels Resorts, Cancun Hotels Resorts, Cabo San Lucas Hotels Resorts, Puerto Vallarta Hotels Resorts, Los Cabos Hotels Resorts, Mazatlan Hotels Resorts, Manzanillo Hotels Resorts, Mexico City Hotels Resorts, San Jose del Cabo Hotels Resorts, Playa del Carmen Hotels Resorts, All Inclusive, Online Reservations, Travel Guide, Information, Maps, News, Activities, 6 Star, 5 Star, 4 Star Hotels Resorts in Mexico." |
| Mexperience | "Almost every Beach destination in Mexico has a selection of Resorts: a hotel (and sometimes, spa) and activity center for you to unwind, relax and enjoy a hassle-free vacation." |
| Mexico Holiday Reviews | " Almost 500 years on, the impact of Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés' arrival on Mexico's shores can be seen in the tall, ornate churches that crown the hillsides and plazas of Mexico's cities and the whitewashed walls of haciendas. But traces of earlier inhabitants remain in the remarkable temples and pyramids at Palenque and Teotihuacán, and in the traditions of dozens of indigenous cultures." |
| Mexico Holiday Travel | "If you're feeling the urge to travel, Mexico is a destination that will awaken your senses and exceed your wildest expectations. This land of incredible contrasts has it all, from fiery flamenco dancers to sleepy seaside villages and endless tropical havens." |
| North America Travel Guide | Includes Canada, U.S., Mexico. Greenland, Bermuda, and US Territories. |
| "SmarterTravel.com is the largest online travel resource for unbiased travel news, deals, and timely expert advice. Our experienced editors spend hundreds of hours each week researching the latest and best travel deals, compiling travel guides for destinations worldwide, and offering money-saving tips for travelers." | |
| Smarter Travel Caribbean Travel Guides | |
| Caribbean Guide | The Caribbean is known for its gorgeous weather, friendly people, beautiful beaches, and lively activities. Whether you prefer a quiet island off the beaten path, or one of the region's more famous destinations - with lot's of attractions and lively nightlife - this comprehensive guide helps you plan the perfect Caribbean vacation. |
| Caribbean Travel Guide | "For 27 years we have published the Columbus World Travel Guide which is sold in over 90 countries worldwide. The success of this, led to the establishment of our presence online in 1996, enabling us to offer and license our travel and destination content to third party sites for the benefit of their users. We supply the many of the top-ranking travel companies in the world with the destination information that is on their public websites as well as many small family-run travel and property websites." |
| Virtual Tourist Guide to the Caribbean & Central America | "Plan a Caribbean and Central America vacation with reviews, tips and photos posted by real travelers and Caribbean and Central America locals." |
| Caribbean.com | "Caribbean.com is a prominent travel site specializing in The Bahamas, Bermuda, Mexico and the Caribbean region. Our destination guides contain thousands of listings and virtual reality map tours to help you plan your perfect Caribbean vacation. Listings include hotels, restaurants, activities, attractions, diving, snorkeling and shopping for 50+ destinations." |
| Go Visit the Caribbean Islands | "Long been the playground of the rich and the famous, the Caribbean is an exciting vacation destination. Conjuring up images of palm fringed white sand beaches and beautiful blue waters; the Caribbean is so much more than this. Here each and every country has its own distinct color and flavor, which when blended together generates an almost perfect world unto itself." |
| Island Destinations Rated: Caribbean | From National Geographic. Ratings on individual islands by a panel of travel experts. "Panelists exchanged comments, which were kept anonymous to maintain survey neutrality during the rating process. These lightly edited excerpts offer a glimpse of panelists' varied points of view and the reasoning behind each score. They are not the views of the National Geographic Society." |
| Caribbean Vacation Guide | General information. Also books trips. |
| "The Europe Travel Guides provide the business- and tourist-traveller to and within Europe with essential information about hotels, restaurants, museums, theaters, car rentals, taxis, embassies, airports, airline offices, attractions, tourist offices, casinos and Internet Cafes in all European countries and major cities." | |
| European Travel Guides | |
| European International Phone Codes | "The mission of Eurotrip is to encourage, enable, and empower more people to travel independently in a way that allows them to meet others and expand their views of different cultures and ideas." |
| Rick Steves' Europe | "For 30 years Rick Steves has taught smart European travel. This website — like his guidebooks, TV series and radio program — is dedicated to exactly that. We hope the information here helps turn your travel dreams into smooth, affordable reality." |
| Favorite Places in Europe | "This is a long and quite fascinating list of cities and places that Eurotrip´s readers find special. These personal views should give you an insight into the character of the places and help you formulate your travel plans to include some special, hidden gems, of which there are many." |
| Health Issues for the Traveler to Europe | From About.com. "Health and wellness issues specific to overseas travel to Europe. Health Insurance, health warnings, and information on dealing with health issues specific to Europe." |
| Durant Imboden's Europe For Visitors | "Welcome to the Europe Travel Planner, your gateway to more than 3,000 pages of tourist information on this site and thousands of independent European travel sites on the Web." |
| City Guide Europe | " Your Guide to Tourism, Attractions and Lodging in European cities. Choose a Country from the list on the left or from the map." |
| EUROPE a Never-Ending Journey | Welcome to visiteurope.com, your gateway to the hospitality of the 36 member countries of the European Travel Commission. Let this website be your personal guide for exploring the beauty and interesting diversity these countries have to offer. All the countries have joined together on visiteurope.com to provide you with a wonderful resource to obtain all the information you need to make your trip to Europe the trip of a lifetime. |
| World Travel Guide: Europe | "For 27 years we have published the Columbus World Travel Guide which is sold in over 90 countries worldwide. The success of this, led to the establishment of our presence online in 1996, enabling us to offer and license our travel and destination content to third party sites for the benefit of their users. We supply the many of the top-ranking travel companies in the world with the destination information that is on their public websites as well as many small family-run travel and property websites." |
| Virtual Tourist Guide to Europe | "Plan a Europe vacation with reviews, tips and photos posted by real travelers and Europe locals." |
| Museums in Europe | "Fine art or folk art? Sculpture or skis? Antiquities or the avant-garde? European museums display more precious art and artifacts than you can imagine." |
| Best Places to Visit in Europe | Online forum for travelers to discuss destinations |
| World's Best Places: Europe | "The globe symbols next to the country names in the columns on the left indicate our rating of the country as a tourist destination. Four globes indicated that destination of a lifetime." |
| The Best & Worst of Europe | "So what has Europe Travel got to offer you?" |
| Biking Around Europe | "If you have ever wanted to explore Europe, the best way to see all of the sites is on a bicycle. Exploring a foreign country can be exciting and adventurous. Consider taking a self guided tour by yourself, or with friends, through the majestic lands of Italy, Austria, France and Germany. The resources below will help you discover the world of vacation bike tours through out Europe." |
| Top Ten Places To Visit In Germany | "If you're looking for a place that's rich with remnants of the recent past, then Germany's the place for you. As you may well know, Germany was a key player in the previous world wars. Thus, it filled Germany with monuments to the stories of our grandfathers about times long past but never forgotten." |
| The Best Places in Europe Right Now | " The Internet teems with information for travelers, but sometimes there's nothing like being on the ground to discover for yourself a hidden gem of a restaurant, hotel, swimming hole, or winery. Second best is a recommendation from a friend whose judgment you trust." |
| Ten Interesting Places in Europe | "From the rolling greens of Scotland to the beautiful ancient ruins of Greece, there are a variety of interesting places to visit in Europe. Take a trip to Europe and your most difficult decision is going to be which places to visit during your vacation." |
| Ten Things to See and Do in Ireland | "Ireland is recognized as Europe's third biggest island. As such, it also has its share of tourists flocking into the country yearly, and why would they not? Ireland has a lot of beautiful places and lots of things to do, and here are some of them." |
| Frixo: Traffic Conditions in the UK. | (UK) "At Frixo we provide current Road Traffic Reports. It's a free service aimed at giving you live traffic news and information. Frixo specialises in traffic news and reports making it easy to use whether you're about to make a journey or out and about using our mobile service. Please select by city, motorway or a-road you want to travel on followed by the direction, then just click Get Report to get the latest live updates and traffic information. (we will outline any delays, incidents and information that will affect your journey)." |
| Turkey by Train | "Turkish State Railways (TCDD) operates the national railway network, although fares are very cheap, trains are rather slow and lacks air conditioning." |
| East Europe Travel | Travel Blog |
| Introducing Russia | "Looming over the rest of Europe with its immense, inhuman size and dark, brutal history, Russia is an essential and fascinating destination, the flipside of modern Europe and still an unknown quantity to most travellers." |
| Eastern Europe Wiki | "People often inaccurately use "Eastern Europe" to refer to all the Soviet-dominated countries on the Eastern side of the Iron Curtain, even though many of these countries are very much part of central European culture and also vary greatly between each other. So for the purposes of this guide, everything as far as Poland, Slovakia and Hungary is considered to be Central Europe. " |
| The Renaissance of Elegant Travel to Eastern Europe and Russia | "With new non-stop flights from Chicago (American Airlines) and Washington (United Airlines) into Moscow’s new modern terminal at Domodedyevo Airport, travel to Russia, and more specifically, Moscow, has never been more accessible- or affordable!" |
| Eastern Europe Travel Guide | "If you talk with anyone living in one of the countries included in this guide and refer to his or her homeland's location as Eastern European, you'll quickly be corrected. It's in central Europe, you'll be told, whether you are referring to Croatia, Romania, or sometimes even Russia." |
| "SmarterTravel.com is the largest online travel resource for unbiased travel news, deals, and timely expert advice. Our experienced editors spend hundreds of hours each week researching the latest and best travel deals, compiling travel guides for destinations worldwide, and offering money-saving tips for travelers." | |
| Smarter Travel: Asian Travel Guides | |
| Recommended Place to Visit; Asia | "The "Best Place" category includes cities, small towns, country areas, even natural attractions or "special places" that for various reasons may have a unique and special attraction. We hope this category will be populated by "off the beaten track" places as well as more popular nominations." |
| Best Places to Visit in Japan | Member forum. "What are your favorite places to visit in Japan? Know where to get the best bento boxes or bowls of ramen? Which shops sell the best looking computers and clothes? Had any special Japanese experiences that you want to share? Here's the place to share them!" |
| Japan Travel Guide | "Japan is a country that offers the tourist exotic beauty and marvelous attractions. Anyone who makes the trip should have the vacation of a lifetime. Unfortunately, Japan is one country where the language barrier does make travel very difficult for the English-speaking visitor. Traveling in Japan takes more effort than traveling in Europe but we think you will find that the rewards are more than worth the effort." |
| Virtual Tourist Guide to Asia | "Plan a Asia vacation with reviews, tips and photos posted by real travelers and Asia locals." |
| Central Asian Travel Guides | Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan |
| East Asia Travel Guides | China, Hong Kong, Macau, Japan, South Korea , North Korea, Taiwan |
| Best Places to Visit in China | Blog. "What are your special places to visit in China? What difficulties have you run into while visiting the world's third largest country? What were your special experiences?" |
| China Travel Guide | "China has so many outstanding places to visit during a vacation that it is difficult to choose among them. We know that your vacation time is both brief and valuable. Our recommendations for the best places to visit will help you find the right place for your vacation in China" |
| Traveling in China | "As you travel in China, you will enjoy a diversity of culture, language, customs, and economic levels. The economic landscape is particularly diverse ranging from the major cities such as Beijing and Shanghai which are basically first world to rural areas in the interior which are still at third world levels." |
| Indian Area Travel Guides | Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka |
| South-East Asia Guides | Brunei, Cambodia, East Timor, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam |
| Spectacular Singapore | "Singapore is in fact not just one island but a main island with over 60 surrounding islets. The main island has a total land area of about 640 square km.Some Of these islets have a lot of attractions in store for the tourist apart from breathtaking scenic views.Of these islets the islet of Sentosa is worth a trip" |
| Top Ten Majestic Places To Visit In Asia | " Asia is probably one of the most enigmatic continents in the world. Not only is it rich in very diverse cultures, but it is also rich in history. You will never run out of wonderful places to visit in this wonderful and mysterious continent." |
| Planning a Trip to India | "India is a vast country and one that hosts a variety of cultures and landscapes. Whether on a spiritual quest, a cultural sojourn or a relaxing vacation, it makes sense to plan a trip in India so as to cover a few destinations in a particular region." |
| Australian and Pacific Travel Guides | "SmarterTravel.com is the largest online travel resource for unbiased travel news, deals, and timely expert advice. Our experienced editors spend hundreds of hours each week researching the latest and best travel deals, compiling travel guides for destinations worldwide, and offering money-saving tips for travelers." |
| Travel Guide to Australia & Pacific | "For 27 years we have published the Columbus World Travel Guide which is sold in over 90 countries worldwide. The success of this, led to the establishment of our presence online in 1996, enabling us to offer and license our travel and destination content to third party sites for the benefit of their users. We supply the many of the top-ranking travel companies in the world with the destination information that is on their public websites as well as many small family-run travel and property websites." |
| New Zealand Travel Guide - More than Just Sheep | "Not many countries would be content to consider themselves one giant movie set. But subtract the digital enhancement and the annoying hobbits from the Lord of the Rings films, and you get a pretty good idea of what’s special about New Zealand." |
| Places to Visit in New Zealand | "In the southwest of the Pacific Ocean, the bulk of the best places to visit in New Zealand are spread across two large islands called the North and South Island, as well as a few smaller islands." |
| Virtual Tourist Guide to Australia & Pacific | "Plan a Australia and Oceania vacation with reviews, tips and photos posted by real travelers and Australia and Oceania locals." |
| Places to Visit in Australia | "As you travel to the southern hemisphere, you will encounter the lovely country (and continent) of Australia, which offers access to never-ending natural treasures, enlightening cultural traditions, and an interesting history that unfolds with every twist and turn." |
| Australia Travel Guide | "Australia has so many outstanding places to visit during a vacation that it is difficult to choose among them. We know that your vacation time is both brief and valuable. Our recommendations for the best places to visit will help you find the right place for your vacation in Australia" |
| "For 27 years we have published the Columbus World Travel Guide which is sold in over 90 countries worldwide. The success of this, led to the establishment of our presence online in 1996, enabling us to offer and license our travel and destination content to third party sites for the benefit of their users. We supply the many of the top-ranking travel companies in the world with the destination information that is on their public websites as well as many small family-run travel and property websites." | |
| African Travel Guide | |
| Smarter Travel, African Travel Guides | "SmarterTravel.com is the largest online travel resource for unbiased travel news, deals, and timely expert advice. Our experienced editors spend hundreds of hours each week researching the latest and best travel deals, compiling travel guides for destinations worldwide, and offering money-saving tips for travelers." |
| Virtual Tourist Guide to Africa | "Plan a Africa vacation with reviews, tips and photos posted by real travelers and Africa locals." |
| Place to Visit in Africa | Lists of places people want to visit in Africa. Sparse on detail. |
| Hey Mister - Wanna Ride a Camel? | "I was officially stuck on top of a camel. Even after two weeks in this scandalous country, I had managed to fall into another obvious scam. A young boy had approached me at the base the Great Pyramid in Giza and had sweet-talked me into climbing onto his camel for a picture." |
| Safari Wildlife | "Wildlife places are selected for quantity and variety of animals, certainty and ease of viewing and splendour of environment. Hire a guide or travel with a tour if possible as they will know where and when to find the elusive critters, when and how to protect you where necessary, and keep you comfortable in the process. Safaris are expensive and will usually be in organized groups. If available, try a tented camp for the full wildlife safari monty." |
| Top African Vacations | "Here's the problem with Africa: unless you have a couple of leisurely months to spare, there is far too much to see and do during the average vacation. Africa arguably showcases the most complex diversity of cultures on one continent - each country boasts its own unique culture and is laced in historical detail and heritage." |
| 101 Places to See in Africa | "Ever wondered on where you can visit on the African continent, well fret no longer as ClickAfrique brings you a list of 101 places to visit. The list is not ranked in particular order, nor are the locations chosen on any criteria. They are just some of the best that Africa has to offer but the list is by no means comprehensive." |
| The Flaver of West Africa | Ghana, Côte d'Ivoire, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Cameroon, Gabon, Mali, Senegal, Togo |
| Frommer's South Africa | "People come to southern Africa for its natural beauty, wildlife, and sunshine, and few leave disappointed. With an immensely varied terrain supporting a rich diversity of fauna and flora, the region offers a correspondingly diverse range of experiences. Whether you're here on safari, on a self-drive tour through the vast hinterland, or simply on vacation in one of the world's most beautiful regions, southern Africa has the very best experiences to offer." |
| Ten Places To Go To In Chad | " Chad is one of the countries of the Saharan Africa. It is bordered by Libya to its south, Niger and Cameroon to its east, Central African Republic to its North, and Sudan to its west. Chad is also a country that boasts of some wonderful places to visit, and here are some of them. " |
| Places to Visit in Ethiopia | "There is a lot more to see in Ethiopia." |
| Zambia | "Land of the legendary African walking safari, home of the Victoria Falls, the wild Zambezi River, breath-taking lakes and wetlands, a profusion of birds, abundant wildlife, and raw, pulsating wilderness, .......all in one friendly country." |
| Kenya | "With over 40 parks and game reserves, Kenya has long been known as "big-game" country. Kenya has always viewed its wildlife as a national treasure. And the movie "Out of Africa" did much to cement the romance of Kenya in our minds." |
| Saychelles | "The name alone conjures up images of hidden pirate treasures and a tropical island paradise. If you like beaches, there are miles of white coral sands that dip invitingly into clear, warm turquoise waters. If you enjoy swimming, you'll find the Indian Ocean was almost created with your pleasure in mind." |
| Mauritius | "The island’s 200 mile coastline is virtually encircled by one of the world’s largest unbroken coral reef systems.It is part of the African continent, rising from the sea in a series of volcanic eruptions over 8 million years ago." |
| African Vacation Guide | "Looking for a Africa vacation, tour or luxury safari of a lifetime? There are many great Africa vacations to choose from." |
| Safari Guide Africa | "Get advice on African Safaris and Safari Parks on the continent. If you have every dreamt of taking a safari in Africa, this is the place to find in-depth reviews of top safari lodges and advice written by well-traveled safari experts." |
| Egypt – The Trip Of A Lifetime! | "In my opinion, there is no greater journey that could be made than a trip to Egypt." |
| Travel in Egypt | " Fortunately for its many visitors, traveling in Egypt has become convenient and affordable." |
| Virtual Tourist Guide to the Middle East | "Plan a Middle East vacation with reviews, tips and photos posted by real travelers and Middle East locals." |
| Middle East Travel Guide | Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Palestinian Authority, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, United Arab Emirates, Yemen |
| WikiTravel: Israel | "Israel possesses a number of diverse regions, with landscapes varying between coast, mountain, valley and desert landscapes, with just about everything in between. Beyond the towns and cities, each region of Israel holds its own unique attractions." |
| Travel Preparation: Israel | "Let's check. Below we'll discuss some of the information you might want to have before you leave for a real visit to Israel and some suggestions about what to bring and how to otherwise prepare for the experience of a lifetime. Of course, one of the great things about taking our virtual tour is you don't need anything. " |
| Israel Wonders | "This site was created by the Israeli Ministry of Tourism, located in Jerusalem, Israel. The site is available in different languages." |
| Turkey by Train | "Turkish State Railways (TCDD) operates the national railway network, although fares are very cheap, trains are rather slow and lacks air conditioning." |
| "SmarterTravel.com is the largest online travel resource for unbiased travel news, deals, and timely expert advice. Our experienced editors spend hundreds of hours each week researching the latest and best travel deals, compiling travel guides for destinations worldwide, and offering money-saving tips for travelers." | |
| Smarter Travel Central American Travel Guides | |
| Virtual Tourist Guide to the Caribbean & Central America | "Plan a Caribbean and Central America vacation with reviews, tips and photos posted by real travelers and Caribbean and Central America locals." |
| Central American & Mexican Travel Guides | "For 27 years we have published the Columbus World Travel Guide which is sold in over 90 countries worldwide. The success of this, led to the establishment of our presence online in 1996, enabling us to offer and license our travel and destination content to third party sites for the benefit of their users. We supply the many of the top-ranking travel companies in the world with the destination information that is on their public websites as well as many small family-run travel and property websites." |
| Place to Visit in Costa Rica | " San José is one of the most popular Costa Rican places to visit. It still gets the highest number of visitors in Costa Rica even though more tourists are trying to take advantage of the new international airport at Liberia and small Bed and Breakfasts and hotels in small Central Valley places like Alajuela." |
| Virtual Tourist Guide to the Caribbean & Central America | "Plan a Caribbean and Central America vacation with reviews, tips and photos posted by real travelers and Caribbean and Central America locals." |
| Top Central American Cities | "A popular destination for cruise ships, the countries within Central America and the Caribbean offer much more than just warm water and sandy beaches. Maya ruins, unique Spanish architecture and small villages are waiting to be explored in the thirty countries that make up this region. No traveler will leave disappointed." |
| Place to Visit in Colombia | "Colombia South America has more physical diversity packed into its over 400,000 square feet of land than any other country in South America. It is located in the “Ring of Fire”, which is characterized by earthquakes and volcanic eruptions that occur on a frequent basis." |
| Smarter Travel South American Travel Guides | "SmarterTravel.com is the largest online travel resource for unbiased travel news, deals, and timely expert advice. Our experienced editors spend hundreds of hours each week researching the latest and best travel deals, compiling travel guides for destinations worldwide, and offering money-saving tips for travelers." |
| South American Travel Guide | "For 27 years we have published the Columbus World Travel Guide which is sold in over 90 countries worldwide. The success of this, led to the establishment of our presence online in 1996, enabling us to offer and license our travel and destination content to third party sites for the benefit of their users. We supply the many of the top-ranking travel companies in the world with the destination information that is on their public websites as well as many small family-run travel and property websites." |
| Vitrual Tourist Guide to South America | "Plan a South America vacation with reviews, tips and photos posted by real travelers and South America locals." |
| Places to Visit In Brazil | "Brazil is the fifth largest country in the world with a population of 170,000,000 people. There are limitless places to visit in Brazil and you will enjoy every minute.From the tropical climate to the coastline and hills, mountains, and rolling lowlands, Brazil is one of the most beautiful places to take a vacation." |
| Welcome to Ecuador | "As the Garden of Eden of evolution, the Galapagos Islands are magnificent. The Islands are underwater volcanic formations which surface as an isolated paradise of flora and fauna. Where else can you coexist with penguins, sea lions, iguanas and hundreds of other exotic species?" |
| Galapagos.com | "Giant Galapagos tortoises meander distant highlands, and prehistoric marine iguanas sun themselves on black lava rocks along the shore. Flightless cormorants and tiny penguins dart through the waters while graceful red-billed tropicbirds screech across the sky." |
| Galapagos Islands | "Find all the best Galapagos tours, promotions and last minute Galapagos deals. Everything you need to know about Galapagos cruises, hotels, flights and much, much more" |
Cruise Guides
Cruise Guides
The cruise industry is changing constantly. This is a summary of which companies are operating which ships at the moment. For every Operator are indicated: Cruise company, name of each ship and number of passengers. |
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| Cruise Ship List | |
| List of Cruise Lines | "This is a list of cruise lines, companies that operate cruise ships." |
| Cruise Lines Contact Information | "You can get information on destinations or cruise lines you're considering through the cruise companies' toll-free numbers or Web sites. First-time cruisers, especially, should check with a travel agent who specializes in cruises." |
| Cruise Planning 101 | "Missing the boat. It’s the cruise traveler’s worst nightmare, and it happens more often than you might think. There are several culprits. Sometimes, it’s a poorly planned connection to the port city. Sometimes it’s a failure to carry the necessary documents. Whatever the reason, it scuttles your cruise — and leaves you crying on the dock." |
| Selecting a Cruise Line | "Choosing the right cruise line is as important as selecting the right cruise itinerary itself. Click below to find the best cruise line for you." |
| Cruise Lines | Reviews and commentary |
| Types of Cruises | Alphabetical list of cruise vacation types with detailed explaination of each. |
| Cheap Weekend Cruises | "Cheap weekend cruises can be fun and exciting getaways without breaking the bank. At the same time, no matter how much passengers spend on their cruise vacation, they get the same superior service, gourmet cuisine, and engaging activities all passengers enjoy." |
| Cruise Reviews | "All cruise reviews & ship previews on the CruiseDiva.com site, in alphabetical order by ship name " |
| How to Pick a Cruise | "Knowing how to pick a cruise can help both novice and experienced passengers find just the right cruise vacation for their budget, schedule, and travel preferences." |
| Cruise Guidebooks - General Information | "Although most people buy guidebooks about their cruise destinations, I like to read general information about cruise ships, cruise lines and the cruise experience." |
| Cruiseline Comparison: Carribean Cruise | "In this cruise line comparison we decided to pick the top six major cruiselines and compare the costs, amenities and online consumer reviews for about a week-long cruise to either the Caribbean or Bahamas with a standard ocean-view cabin." |
| Cruise Reviews | "Compare cruise lines, cruise ships and find the best Itinerary for your holiday needs. We have reviews from destinations like Mediterranean Cruises, Caribbean Cruises, Baltic Cruises with companies such as Princess cruises, Carnival cruises, Celebrity cruises and P&O cruises." |
| Cruise Line Links | Alphabetical list |
A "must read" guide for those who have never been on a cruise before or if it's been a while since you took one. The rules have changed. |
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| Frequently Asked Questions About Cruises | |
| First Time Cruisers Information | "Some Important Things You Should Know About Making Cruise Reservations" |
| Passport Requirements for Cruise Ship Passengers and Other Travelers. | "Passports are now required for all people entering the United States by air. Entry by land or sea (on a cruise ship, for example) is still exempted from the passport requirement and you can still use a certified birth certificate as proof of citizenship. The cutoff date for this rule is Jan 1, 2009 at the latest, however passports may be required as soon as Summer (exact date to be determined) of 2008." |
| No passport, No Travel | "Chaos at U.S. passport offices has left thousands of travelers stuck at home, many of them holding useless airline and cruise tickets." |
| What to Expect Day One of A Cruise | "Once the planning, packing, and anticipation are behind them, veteran cruise passengers sometimes view embarkation day as anticlimactic. However, for first-time cruise travelers, embarking on their first ship can be more than exhilarating—it can be downright intimidating. What exactly can you expect?" |
| Your First Cruise: What to Expect | "Once you've cleared the metal detector, you're ready for the check-in desk. Hopefully as you step up to register, you'll have all your cruise documents already filled in, and just hand them to the staff member, along with your identification and a credit card." |
| Cruses | Collection of articles. |
| Fuel Surcharges | "It's important to read the fine print to see which passengers are affected; every line has a different policy. Silversea, for instance, is assessing the fee on all new cruise bookings for 2008 from this point forward. Those who have already made reservations prior to November 14, 2007, are exempt." |
| Hidden Costs of Cruising | "You have probably heard the term "all-inclusive" applied to cruises every so often. But while a voyage is one of the best values around since all major expenses (lodging, meals, snacks, activities and entertainment) are indeed included in the fare, there are some items -- mostly of a personal nature -- that are out-of-pocket expenses." |
| Stretching Your Cruise Dollars | "That $399 (or 400 pound) seven-day Caribbean cruise may sound like a bargain, but know this: the price is really only the point of entry. As ships have become fancier and more amenity-laden than ever before, trying to figure out how much your trip will cost is a little bit like peering into Alice in Wonderland's rabbit hole. There's no one answer." |
| Cruising Cost Control | "Charge, charge, charge and you can see the cost of your cruise vacation rising faster than a helicopter over Alaska's glaciers." |
| Understanding Cruise Costs | Let's take a look at the basic components that make up the cost of a cruise, and what you should expect to pay |
| Choosing a Cabin | "Choosing a stateroom can be fun and challenging at the same time, and not just a little bit frustrating on occasion." |
| How Do I Pick a Cabin? | "Let's explore what the different types of cabins that are available, which locations are the most desireable and which locations you should avoid if possible." |
| Best and Worst Cruise Ship Cabins | "The best and worst cruise ship cabins should influence your decision in choosing the optimal cruise vacation. After all, if the room is terrible this will likely put a damper on your entire trip. However, if the cruise ship cabin is exceptional this will be icing on the cake, making your excursion one of the most wonderful experiences imaginable. |
| The Politics of Packing | "Although packing for a cruise has always been a bit difficult -- what with formal wear, beach wear, country club casual, and all the shoes to match -- it is even tougher now due to recent terror plots and new carry-on regulations. " |
| Clothes to Take for a Cruise | "Knowing what clothes to take for a cruise can make the difference between feeling comfortable and stylish on your cruise vacation or just feeling out of place." |
| Cruise Travel Planning & Packing Tips | "First of all, 'stage' your outfits for evening—if the shower rod is convenient, hang them there. If not, get one of those things you hang over the closet door and hang up the outfits you'll be wearing to dinner each night. (Get the shoes out for each outfit, too.) Then—AND THIS IS IMPORTANT—cover each outfit with a plastic dry cleaning bag. Then fold each outfit over and place in your suitcase, hanger and all. They WILL NOT WRINKLE." |
| Cruise Wear | "Packing for a vacation is a necessary evil before the fun begins, but knowing what cruise wear to include can improve the luggage quandary immensely. " |
| Cruise Packing 101 | "These days, for the most part, cruising has become much more of a casual vacation -- even on more formal lines. Plus, with airlines now charging to check bags (with extra fees for overweight luggage), it's just plain economical to pack light." |
| What to Wear for Formal Night on a Cruise | "For those unsure about the level of elegance they will need to match on formal night, a good place to learn more about it is your cruise travel agent. Many travel agents take cruises on the cruise lines they book with." |
| Eight Packing Strategies | "Once your major wardrobe selections are complete and the suitcases are ready, devise a streamlined packing strategy." |
| Past-Passenger Programs | "Cruise lines' past-passenger programs -- the equivalent of airlines' frequent flyer programs -- are in a state of upheaval. The idea, which centers around rewarding travelers who are loyal to a particular cruise line with symbolic pats on the back, such as onboard cocktail receptions and lapel pins, originated some 160 years ago with Cunard and continues in a variety of forms today. Indeed, in cruisedom's golden era, the lure of such special perks required that passengers stayed with the same line ... forever." |
| Nine Steps to Stress-Free Travel | "The old adage that "getting there is half the fun" no longer applies to traveling to and from cruise ports. Indeed, with air travel becoming more expensive, more of a hassle and more stressful, there's no way for most us that the journey is anywhere near as satisfying as being onboard. " |
| Cruise Activities | "Cruise activities are varied and exciting. For most vacations, the real fun doesn’t begin until reaching the destination. A cruise, however, brings meaning to the cliché “getting there is half the fun.” Dozens of daily cruise activities at sea entertain, educate, and exhilarate passengers of all ages. Indeed, some experienced cruisers may never leave the ship at all, focusing their vacation on the multitudes of activities that make traveling a delight rather than a chore." |
| Know Before You Go | "Will your family enjoy a cruise? Most parents report that once they are on board the ship, they barely see their children. Mom can savor some well earned beauty rest while Dad heads for a solitary jog on the deck, secure in the knowledge that their children are happy and well cared for in the youth center." |
| Cruise Ship Menus | "Cruise dining is the pinnacle of elegant eating with selections prepared in the finest ways by world class chefs. From the main dining rooms to snack bars to alternative dining arrangements, there is always something to enjoy." |
| Making Dining Arrangements | "Cruise lines understand that strict schedules do not satisfy the desires of all modern cruise passengers. Many cruise lines now include alternatives to the set schedules in the dining room, including open dining room seating, casual buffets, and specialty à la carte restaurants." |
| Which Dining Time is Best? | "This question is frequently asked, and it seems to get the most specific and ardent respondents. It seems folks will protect their decisions, be it early or late seating, with amazing zeal. " |
| When Should I Book for the Best Value? | "The best times to take a chance in the Caribbean -- to get the best possible value, which is a balance of cheap fares and good accommodations, without booking so far ahead -- is to cruise during prime hurricane season (mid-August to mid-November) and during the slow weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas." |
| Cruise Ships Tips | First time and experienced cruisers alike have questions when boarding a ship they’ve never sailed on before, but these cruise ship tips will help passengers avoid problems and have a wonderful cruise vacation. |
| Cruise Ship Vocabulary | "When most people talk about travel, there are no tricky words or unique phrases, but cruise ship vocabulary can be a foreign language to uninitiated travelers. Whether you’re trying to find your way around the ship, planning what to do, or just learning about different aspects of cruise travel, it’s best to know the appropriate lingo and avoid sounding like a land lubber." |
| Nautical Terms A to Z |
"Sometimes you just need to know more than the "pointy" end is the front and the "round" end is the back of a ship. Don't ever call your ship a boat. You are cruising on a SHIP. If find yourself in a BOAT, you are either tendering ashore or your ship is sinking. " |
| Gambling on Cruises | "Sun, beaches, and exotic destinations are not the only activities aboard cruise ships; gambling on cruises is one of the most popular ways to pass time at sea. Savvy passengers, however, know how to make the most of their cruise casino dollars without sinking into debt." |
| Cruise Ship Etiquette | "Cruise ships, particularly the ones in the mega-ship size range, are cities at sea. Like any land-bound city, a cruise ship is inhabited by a diverse population. Passengers and crewmembers come from all corners of the globe and from varying cultural backgrounds. The thing most guests have in common is the desire to have a satisfying vacation—to explore new places, to relax and revitalize, to spend time with family and friends, or to just have some carefree fun." |
| Deciding on Air/Sea Packages | "One of the questions that most cruise passengers have when they book a cruise is whether or not to purchase the air/sea package offered by the cruise line. Here are some of the most common pros and cons of purchasing the air/sea package versus booking your own air tickets." |
| What Do You Need to Carry Around on Cruise Excursions | "Knowing what do you need to carry around on cruise excursions can help you plan a fantastic vacation where you won’t miss a minute of the excitement at your different cruise destinations." |
| What to Take on an Alaskan Cruise | "What to take on an Alaskan cruise may depend upon your specific voyage and cruise line recommendations; however, there are also items that passengers commonly need on an Alaskan cruise." |
| Cruise Line Tipping Policies | "For years, right up there with saving deck chairs and show lounge seats, one of the most controversial topics of discussion among cruise passengers has been tipping. In the past, it was often cruise lines themselves that fostered this controversy with confusing policies that left passengers unsure how, who and how much they should tip." |
| Cruise Tipping | "Possibly one of the most personal, yet frequently debated topics of conversation among cruise passengers involves the matter of tipping. Who to tip? How much? What's "customary" and "recommended?" Should parents tip the full amount for children or is just half adequate? Why do you have to tip at all?" |
| Travel Insurance -- Pros and Cons | "The first question, for almost everyone, is whether or not to buy travel insurance, and the second is: What kind?" |
| Compare Cruise Travel Insurance | "Cruises are costly and may require large payments or deposits made well in advance of your trip. A trip cancellation or interruption could cause you to lose some or all of your prepaid expenses, often several thousand dollars. Therefore, it is important to buy trip insurance to protect your travel investment." |
| Cancellation Options for Cruise Passengers | "You receive a grand jury appointment the week before your scheduled departure and can't wiggle out of fulfilling your civic duty." |
| Trip Insurance Store | (Commercial with good information) "Travel, Cruise, Trip Insurance - Simplify Your Life with Personal Service & Useful Advice " |
| Applying for Cruise Ship Jobs
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"It is wise, when considering employment with a cruise line to consider not only what the cruise line or ship can offer you, but what you can offer the varying cruise lines and ships so that you find the best match between you as prospective employee and the cruise line as an employer. This is how you are most likely to succeed in gaining employment with a cruise line." |
| Cruise Line Jobs | (Commercial) "The most comprehensive and detailed website about cruise line jobs and your best guide to cruise ship employment." |
| Cruise Ship Jobs | (Commercial) "A job working on a cruise ship at any of the cruise lines has a lot to offer. If you see yourself as the adventurous type—not someone who can sit contentedly in a cubicle all day, but a person who wants to get out, see the world, meet people, and experience new sights and sounds." |
| Cruise Working | (Commercial) "Getting a job on a cruise ship is not like getting a job on land, you need to know what to do differently or you are wasting your time!" |
| Cruise Line Alcohol Policies | "Drinking rules certainly vary across lines -- European companies like Costa Cruises may lower the drinking age to 18 when sailing from non-U.S. ports; luxury outfits often include open bars, and allow for BYOB as well; and some lines have even outlawed bringing wine onboard, something that's almost always kosher (there is, however, usually a corkage fee assessed for consuming your wine in the dining room)." |
| Shore Excursions vs. Independent Touring | "Sightseeing can be a large add-on expense to a cruise vacation and tour choices must be selected wisely to avoid seeing your vacation cost soar as high as a helicopter over Bora Bora." |
| Pre- and Post-cruise Stays | "How many times have you risen before dawn to catch an early flight to start your vacaction. By the time you reach your resort or cruise, you're exhausted and the first day is wasted. Conversely, how many times have you risen at the crack of dawn to aget to breakfast at 6 am so you can disembark the ship at 8 am and endure what seems like an eternity to get home only to do so thoroughly exhausted." |
| Air-Sea Packagessss | You've booked your cruise and now you must decide whether to let the cruise line book your air, or to book it on your own. What are the advantages and dis-advantages of each? |
"Whether it's hair-braiders in Jamaica or gypsies in Barcelona, your first line of defense is preparedness. Knowing what to expect and how to deal with it, not to mention using common sense, should save you a lot of grief." |
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| Cruise Ship Safety | |
| Cruise Travel Insurance - A Need To Cover Your Vacation | "When you are in the midst of planning your cruise travel vacation, the last thing on your mind is thinking about the possibility that you might have to cancel your plans." Be sure to read other insurance articles listed on the same page. |
| Cruise Ship Accidents | "Cruise ship accidents are often highlighted in the media – after all, a vacation is supposed to be a time free from worry and strife, and accidents are all the more tragic when they happen during such a happy occasion. In truth, however, accidents on cruise vacations are far less frequent and less damaging than many reports claim." |
| Cruise Myths vs Reality | "For prospective first-time cruise travelers, the occasionally outdated misperception can present a big old roadblock. We tackle cruising's five biggest myths and offer a 21st-century reality check." |
| Where You Can & Can't Smoke | "Local governments across the United States and even Europe have enacted legislation that bans smokers from bars and even some outdoor cafes. The cruise industry was slow to follow the trend, mainly because of non-US passengers who don't object to smoking and, more importantly because of groups." |
| Seasickness Prevention | "Seasickness is a physical disorientation resulting from conflicting signals from the body’s different senses. The inner ear may sense irregular motion of the ship, but the eyes can’t see it because the walls and floor appear stable even though the body is stumbling back and forth." |
| Avoiding Seasickness | "Seasickness is hardly fatal, but with symptoms such as nausea, stomach cramps and vomiting, it can certainly put a damper on your cruise fun." |
| Is Your Cruise Ship Sick? | "Travel by cruise ship often brings together large numbers of people from different regions of North America, as well as other parts of the world. In confined quarters, certain respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases can quickly spread from person-to-person contact." |
| Solving Cruise Problems | "What happens when things go wrong on a cruise? As with any vacation, occasionally some aspect of your trip will go awry. It's happened to all of us -- the cruise documents are late coming, you don't like your stateroom, a shore excursion is sold out. So what do you do?" |
| Cruise Ships and Hurricanes | "How do cruise ships and hurricanes interact? The answer is they try not to, but understanding how hurricanes can impact cruise travel can help passengers plan their next cruise vacation without worrying about the consequences of these powerful storms." |
| Port Insecurity? | "Many people have asked me over the years if cruise ships are safe. They would seem to be such a target." |
| Medical Care on a Cruise Ship | "For travelers with health concerns, understanding medical care on a cruise ship may be a vital part of their vacation plans, and health-conscious passengers should always be aware of what medical treatments are and are not available as they travel." |
| Demystifying the Myths of Norovirus | "Cruise industry executives tell us that they're still shaking their heads over general confusion about the easily communicable virus. We'll tackle the most common myths we've heard one at a time." |
| Norovisus | "Norovirus has become notorious for tainting cruise vacations, but in reality, the odds of falling ill from this virus on a cruise ship are less than one in one hundred. Outbreaks of the virus frequently make the news, however, because they can affect hundreds of passengers on a single ship once the disease begins to spread." |
| Planning Cruises: Health | "One of the worst vacation emergencies is illness or injury. Pain and discomfort can disrupt the most carefully planned getaway, turning a delightful experience into a regrettable ordeal. On cruise ships, illness can be particularly upsetting because the close confines insure the afflicted individual is well aware of every activity, party, and show they are missing. With common sense precautions, however, it is easy to stay healthy on a cruise ship and enjoy every moment at sea and in port at the peak of your physical condition." |
| Ship Happens | "When the engines won't get you to the next port or the weather isn't cooperative, you could find yourself sailing for Nova Scotia when your luggage is packed for Bermuda. Cruise line itinerary snafus can cause your best laid plans to go awry." |
Alphabetical Guide to North American cruises: ocean and river. |
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| Cruise Destinations | |
| Cruise Destinations | Select a location from the map |
| Destinations and Top Cruise Travel Destination Guides | "Cruise ships sail to exotic destinations all over the world. Each port of call offers its own distinct blend of history, culture, scenic beauty, geography, adventure and activities." |
| Home Ports | "The advantage of cruising from ports close to home is obvious -- you can save a lot of money by not having to purchase airfare to get to your embarkation port. But U.S.A. homeports have a lot of other things going for them, too. Catch a Broadway show in New York or relax on Florida's warm beaches before you head out to sea." |
| Cruise Ports in North America | Alphabetical list |
| Destinations (Royal Carib) | (Commercial) "We visit over a hundred ports of call, in some of the world's most breathtaking locations. From the rugged beauty of Alaska and Canada/New England to the charm of Europe and the lush landscapes of Mexico, Hawaii, the Caribbean, the Panama Canal, Bermuda, and the Bahamas." |
| Cruise Destinations and Ports of Call | "Articles and photo galleries of cruise destinations and ports of call from around the world. Ports of call in the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, and from the seven continents." |
| Travel Wizard Cruises | "On the left side of this page you can click on any cruise destination to find out which cruise lines cruise that destination. You can also use the search box on the right side to search for any cruise destinations and offers." |
| Cruises in Greece & Mediterranean | "Enjoy the affordable luxury of a cruise onboard a comfortable "floating hotel" and visit the Greek Islands (Santorini, Mykonos, Crete, Rhodes, Patmos, Corfu and more), Olympia, Istanbul, Ephessos, Antalya, Limassol, Ashdod, Genoa, Messina, Naples, Marseilles..." |
| Greek Island Cruises | "What better way to see the Greek Islands and the coast of Turkey then to go in style on a cruise ship? But here are some things you should think about." |
| Greek Island Cruises | "Cruising in Greece is all about gorgeous scenery, ancient historic sites, and lots of local culture. And not having to worry about deciphering ferry schedules, driving a car, or changing hotel rooms." |
| Woods Hole | "Preparing for a seagoing expedition involves many months (often years) of planning. There are many forms and documents to prepare; there are many criteria to be met and logistical issues to sort out; there are even issues of personal preparation. The most successful research cruises are typically the ones that are planned early, with an awareness of both the big picture and the fine details." |
"A unique website created by experienced writers who have a wide knowledge of the small ship niche of the cruise industry. The owners and writers have traveled on ships all over the world so that the information on the website comes from personal in-depth research and hands-on experience." |
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| Small Ship Cruising | |
| Luxury Cruises, Small Ship Cruises, River Cruises Luxury Cruise Guide |
"Adrift upon the big blue sea...welcoming waters and far off lands tantalize your soul. luxury cruises beckons those wishing to be pampered while traveling. Explore Asia and the South Pacific's remote shores or cruise luxuriously through the Mediterranean Sea. Join an expedition of naturalists on a journey to Antarctica or up the Nile or Amazon Rivers. ..." |
| Small Ship Cruise Lines | "Links to information on small ship cruise lines whose ships carry less than 500 passengers. Information includes description of the ships, cruise news, cruise reviews, and small ship cruise line contacts." |
| What's so Special About Small Ship Cruises? | "You read different numbers but it is generally accepted that only 20% of the US population has been on a cruise of any kind. The majority of the group that has cruised couldn't tell you the difference between the cruise they were on and a small ship cruise." |
| Small Ship Cruises | "Small ship cruising is a term used for a variety of ships which do not fit the mold of “traditional cruise ships". Small ships, small yachts, tall ships, river cruise ships, barge cruises, luxury small ships, adventure ships, diving ships and many more." |
| Luxury Ships | "Luxury cruise ships usually feature five-star cuisine, have open-seating dining, service every moment, and the amenities that you would expect from a five-star resort. Some have a full-service spa. Evenings tend to be dressy, often with a formal night. " |
| Fun Facts: Western Mediterranean | "Of all of Europe's cruise regions, the Western Mediterranean offers the most of the most -- arts and culture, surf and sand, cafe hopping and boutique shopping -- the absolute best variety of sights, attractions and activities." |
| Best Small Luxury Cruise Ships | "SeaDream Yacht Club Offers Top Cruise Vacations to Upscale Ports " |
| How to Plan a Sailboat Cruise | "Do you dream of chucking it all and setting off in a sailboat? For most people, it remains a dream. Enough folks manage it, however, to prove that it can be done, even with children along. The key is to have sufficient experience and knowledge to make it safe and fun." |
| Basics of Sailboat Cruising |
"Sailboat cruising is a lifestyle in the direct sense that your living quarters are taken with you. And these elegant seagoing homes are designed by the finest talent in the world to incorporate fabrics, features and convenience." |
| Living Aboard | Houseboat fourm |
| All About Houseboats | "We created this site with a simple goal in mind, to share our knowledge and experiences, and to help and educate fellow houseboater's with some of their important decisions along the way." |
| Houseboat Cruise - an Ever Lasting Memory | "Kettuvallom or houseboat is a fabulous way to explore the fascinating beauty of backwaters. A glide in a kettuvallom through the backwaters of Alleppey is sure to rob your heart." |
| Canoe & Kayak Magazine | Fishing, techniques, destinations... many links for those who use a canoe or kayak. |
| Kayaking Today | A collection of articles and links for those interested in kayaking. |
| Discover Boating | "Discovering the joys of boating is achievable for anyone and everyone. For example, the combined costs of owning a boat can easily be less than your average monthly car payment. And if you’re looking for a boating location near your home, an inviting body of water is probably a lot closer than you think." |
| Marina & Ramp Locations | "Finding a boat marina is easy with our online tools! Whether you're looking for a family boating center or the perfect place to scuba dive, we'll help you discover great boating locations to get out on the water anywhere in the country." |
| Boating Information by State | "Click on the links below to find state specific information on boat registration, boating education classes and requirements and boat trailering laws." |
| Sailing and Sailboats | "Sailing is truly a lifelong sport. You can enjoy the wind and waves if you are eight or eighty. Sailing can be a quiet, restful few hours on the bay, a long cruise to destinations unknown, or an exciting blast across the lake. If you like to race, it can be done just about anywhere around the world ... the sailboat racing community is a fun and joyous group. If you'd like to cruise around the lake with family and friends, or sail over the horizon to distant shores, there is a sailboat just for you." |
| Europe River Cruise | "A Europe river cruise offers relaxation, luxury and history. It allows you to observe a culture different from your own. The modern Europe existing side by side with the historic. " |
| River Cruise.com | (Commercial) "River cruises are soaring in popularity worldwide. Once you've tried one, you'll be hooked. Vacations To Go represents all of the major river cruise companies, and you will find the lowest river cruise prices here. " |
| Travel Dynamics International | (Commercial) " We create, and operate, entirely original cruise itineraries based upon exciting topics in ancient and medieval history, literature, art, traditional cultures and the natural world. " |
"Cruise scams are usually offers of a two or three night cruise for an unbelievable low price. These offers are usually by postal mail but may also include e-mail." |
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| Cruise Scams | |
| Travel Scams | "Be very cautious about dealing with any travel company that calls you or sends you a certificate in the mail for a trip that sounds too good to be true." |
| How to Recognize and Avoid Cruise scams | "At a county fair, I saw a booth with a big banner proclaiming "Enter to Win a Free Cruise!" I had to complete a form for a "drawing," so I filled it out, thinking, "Man, I've got to see what these jokers are up to." I gave them limited personal information -- some fictional -- and tossed it in the box." |
| Free Cruise Travel Scams | "At one time or another, we all encounter problems with a company that refuses to honor its commitment. And according to the Federal Trade Commission, travel scams consistently rank near the top of its complaint list." |
| Beware of Fake Sellers of Travel | "You’ve all met them: agents who seem to have scored their certification cards from Cracker Jack boxes and now abuse them for discounted trips or bags of pens, T-shirts and other freebies at trade shows. Their joyride did come at a price—but you, the legitimate agent who is serious about the profession, are the one paying it." |
| Travel Agent Scam Tips | "Keep these travel scam tips in mind the next time you book your next vacation through a travel agent or agency." |
| Travel Agency Scams | "Well over a decade ago a MLM (multi-level-marketing) organization offered a knock-off of the official travel agent ID card at the time (an IATAN Travel Agent ID card) for $495 to anyone that would buy it. Of course the pitch included promises of being upgraded to first class on flights, cruising for $25 per day, hotel suites for peanuts, huge discounts on vacations, free admission into theme parks and so on." |
| Cruise Ship Tour Scams | "Many cruise ship ports have dozens of tour operators and they compete fiercely for inclusion and endorsement by the cruise ship lines. The revenue can amount to millions of dollars per year and there are lots of scams." |
| Cruise Ship Art Auctions - Scams, Fraud or Bargains? | "I've had my own unpleasant experiences with cruise ship art auctions, especially after they asked me to help them "start the bidding" which I refused because, legal or not, shilling is deceptive. I decided to do some web research to see if there are complaints about cruise ship auctions." |
| Cruise Ship Art Auctions Scams | "In one case, a woman paid $20,000 for what she thought were high-value Salvadore Dali, but when they got shipped to her, an independent appraiser told her they were worth maybe $700 each. The business is conducted on international waters, so there's no consumer protection laws to throw you a lifesaver." |
| Beware of Cruise Ship Job Scams | "According to Crimes-of-Persuasion.com, most cruise ship job scams are initiated via a newspaper or Internet classified ad. Respondents are assured free room and board for the duration of their employment with a cruise ship, and are given a number to call to express their interest. They will usually stress that no experience is necessary, and that a wide variety of positions are available." |
| Cruise Employment Scam | "Following is a list of known fictitious companies that pretend to be legitimate agencies for employment on cruise ships:..." |
| Cruise Ship Job Scams | "We have already reported several cruise ship job scams on this website. Because we receive dozens of emails from victims of these fraudulent schemes every month, we've decided to summarise what we've learnt so far." |
| Travel Scam Guides | "Wouldn’t it be great if love really did make the world go round? Alas the path of the righteous traveler is set with scams, cons and hustles to leave you high and dry." |
| Top 5 Travel Scams | "Scams are all around us and unfortunately, travel scams tend to be near the top of the heap. It seems that for every legitimate travel offer there is one that isn’t." |
| Forbes Traveler on Travel Scams | "Some goon rushes by you and drops a wad of dollars—could be more than a thousand—and another goon steps in and picks it up, offering to share it with you. If you take the offer, the other goon will track you down and demand all of the money." |
| Avoiding Classic Travel Scams | "If it sounds too good to be true, it is. You’ve heard all that before. But when it comes to classic travel scams, many of us turn a blind eye because of our urge to travel." |
| How To Spot Travel Scams | "Many people buy these trips because the deals are just too good to pass up. But consumer advocates say you should think twice before you buy." |
| Travel Fraud | "Airlines and other well-known companies sometimes operate contests for travel prizes. However, there are also companies that offer “free” trips to try to lure people into buying their products or services. It’s never “free” if you have to pay something. " |
| Travel Scam Guides | "Wouldn’t it be great if love really did make the world go round? Alas the path of the righteous traveler is set with scams, cons and hustles to leave you high and dry." |
Guided Tours
Guided Tours
We can not link every tour, especially as they change, so we list general information and reviews.
"Our mission is to inspire, inform and equip Americans to have European trips that are fun, affordable and culturally broadening. We value travel as a powerful way to better understand and contribute to the world in which we live." |
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| Rick Steves Europe | |
| Practical Traveler: How To Choose An Escorted Tour | From the New York Times. "To many travelers, the ultimate tour of Europe - or any other part of the world, for that matter - is one on which you don't have to worry about anything." Read both pages. |
| The Pros and Cons of Traveling with a Guided Tour | "Let's face it: the real problem with joining a guided tour is that you suddenly feel like a tourist. For those of us who like to think of ourselves as travelers that's a real come-down in the world. Suddenly we're no longer exploring the great unknown of the planet, just trotting along the well-worn sheep trail. It goes against our free-spirited souls, doesn't it?" |
| Grand Circle Travel | To present a non-biased view, we feel we must provide both a link to Grand Circle Travel as well as a link to Complains About Grand Circle Travel |
| Poll: Pros/Cons of Escorted Tours | Comments from a travel company message board. |
| Private Guides.com | Commercial: "This site you are visiting right now is the main resource for your travel guide offering extensive information on numerous private tours, escorted sightseeing opportunities, guided walking city tours, excursions, guide services and much more to independent travelers. Travel guide will introduce you to the famous sites and attractions of the country you are interested in. But the most rewarding way to experience and learn all about the place is to go on a sightseeing tour on a bus or walking tour. You'll never miss any attractions with your personal private guide." |
| Choosing a Tour Group or Independent Travel | "Researching the destination of your next trip is the best place to begin before any traveler leaves home in order to get an idea of costs, itinerary, and attractions that are a must-see on any holiday. Knowing what attractions and places to see permits a traveler to choose a tour group that visits places that are geared towards their interests, and allows an independent traveler to customize a specific itinerary for their trip." |
| How to Choose a Tour Company | Bicycle tours. "ExperiencePlus! has often been rated one of the world’s top bicycle tour operators. But we recognize that you may be considering another company to travel with. How do you know which one is best for you? Here’s a list of questions that will help guide you to the right choice." |
| Independent Travel With Support! |
(Commercial) Suggestions that frequently change. |
| New York Times Travel Section | The ultimate travel source for travel news and ideas. |
| Times Online Travel | From the London Times |
| Get Your Motor Running | "Don’t spend the spring dreaming of the ultimate summer road trip only to end up numbing your bum on endless hours of ruler-straight highways shooting past carbon-copy exits barnacled with identical fast food outlets, mega gas stations, and chain hotels." |
| Tauck Travel Types | (Commercial) Good for travel ideas. "Discover Tauck’s many types of trips to meet your interests and needs." |
| Guided Tours | Recommendations from the US Department of State. |
| Reids Guides | "Veteran guidebook author, travel editor, and adventure columnist Reid Bramblett uses a combination of tales, tips, and tools to explore alternatives to the traditional in every aspect of travel, from lodging and transportation to sightseeing and experiences. " |
| Active Vacations, Adventure Travel, Active Adventure Cruises Guide | "We offer all types of active vacations - biking vacations, hiking vacations, multisport vacations, kayak vacations, rafting vacations, horseback riding vacations, golfing vacations - all put together by the most experienced companies in active vacations." |
"Discover more than 8,000 learning adventures in all 50 states and more than 90 countries abroad. Elderhostel offers in-depth and behind-the-scenes learning experiences for almost every interest and ability. History, culture, nature, music, outdoor activities such as walking and biking, individual skills, crafts, study cruises: Enjoy these and many more with the not-for-profit leader in educational travel." |
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| Elderhostel | |
| How to Book an Escorted Senior Tour | "Senior citizens today are healthy and vibrant, and looking for ways to spend their children's inheritance. Booking yourself on an escorted tour for seniors is a great way to travel. You will be in the company of others who may move at the same pace and share similar interests." |
| ELDERTREKS | To present a non-biased view, we feel we must provide both a link to ELDERTREKS as well as a link to Complaints about Eldertreks |
| Senior Summer School | "Senior travel programs that offer active and adventurous seniors, boomers, and retirees an affordable opportunity to enhance their summer through leisure, education, and discovery, at campus locations across the United States" |
| Which is a Good Escorted Tour for Senior Citizens? | Comments from a travel company message board. |
| Senior Travel Tour Groups | "Senior travelers can choose from all types of tours. Whether you prefer guided, independent or special-interest tours, there's sure to be a package that's right for you." |
"Our mission is to raise awareness of the needs of all travelers with disabilities, remove physical and attitudinal barriers to free access and expand travel opportunities in the United States and abroad. " |
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| Society for Accessible Travel & Hospitality | |
| Escorted/Guided Tours for Travellers With A Disability | Links to internet sites |
| Guided Tour Travelers | (Commercial) "Our travelers are persons with developmental challenges (and sometimes persons with BOTH a physical and developmental challenge), ages 17 and up, who come from all over the United States. They are people who want to experience the same joys of travel that the non-challenged community experiences. These travelers enjoy forming new friendships that often continue beyond the vacation. They may have medical conditions, but they do not get in the way of their having a successful vacation." |
| Disability Travel amd Destination Guides | Internet links |
| Disability World | Links to sites that provide travel assistance for those who have disabilities. |
| The Opening Door | "Our family business is the developer of the disability etiquette training program that is used by disability-friendly companies in the travel, hospitality, restaurant, lodging, airline, retail, and entertainment industries." |
| Access-Able | "We provide information about: disabled travel, wheelchair travel, disabled holidays, disability travel, handicapped travel, accessible travel, accessable travel, vacations for disabled, mature travel." |
| Gimp on the Go | Travel magazine for those with disabilities |
| Emerging Horizons | "A consumer oriented magazine about accessible travel. Emerging Horizons’ primary focus is travel for people with mobility disabilities; everybody from wheelchair-users to slow walkers. Lots of access information, resources, news and travel tips." |
| Special Travel Index | "Search hundreds of tour operators worldwide. Select a destination and/or an interest / activity below or just click "GO" to view all tour operators." |
| Search beyond Adventure | (Commercial) "Founded in 1979, Search Beyond Adventures provides all-inclusive escorted vacations for travelers with disabilities and special needs, ages 17 and up." |
| Beijing Disability Travel and Tours | (Commercial) "We have many years' experience in helping wheelchair users or disabled people, to arrange their trips to Beijing China. For these special tours, hotels are carefully selected and travel plans are customized for them. " |
| RoadTripping for the Physical Challenged | "Since 1990, we have all become more familiar with results of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): the little blue logo for close-in parking spaces, the accessible toilet stalls, the sloping curbs. As campers, we have seen certain campsites dedicated to the disabled and some sightseeing trails marked as accessible. But in my experience, until we ourselves experience some disabling circumstance, or we take the time to talk with someone who is physically challenged, we don't begin to appreciate the challenges and strengths of the lifestyle, particularly when traveling." |
| Disabled Travelers | "There are many different tour operators that offer accessible travel & tours. Some specialize in cruises, safaris, scuba diving, travel with service dogs, and group travel, while others can arrange a wide variety of tours for individuals or groups." |
| Accessible Journeys | (Commercial) "Our accessible lifestyle vacations are for slow walkers wheelchair travelers, their families and their friends." |
"From a practical point of view, tours require an investment of time and money on the part of the traveler. Similar to any important or sizable transaction, there are a number of questions that should be asked and answered before you agree to arrange travel with any tour service provider." |
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| How to Evaluate Tour Operators | |
| How to Avoid Tour Traps and Scams | "Newspaper stories occasionally recount the plight of travelers who were on a tour that abandoned them in a foreign country. Unscrupulous tour promoters can also swindle you out of your money. Considering the expense involved, it's worthwhile to thoroughly investigate a tour company before committing." |
| Protect Yourself Against Holiday Scams | "It’s obvious that consumers are a little weary about booking holidays with unknown travel companies after last years’ holiday scams. As a keen traveller I want to make sure that my trip is hassle free, so if I am booking a holiday with the unknown I try and protect myself by carrying out various checks." |
| Illegal Tour Operators a Problem for National Parks | "They may not look like crooks, and their motivations even may be well intentioned, but illegal tour operators are a problem for the National Park Service, and when things go bad it is usually the park visitor who ends up impacted." |
| "Find information about 137 wildlife viewing destinations around the state and learn about a selection of Florida’s most fascinating wildlife species. Check out what is happening in our wildlife world by month, what you can do in your backyard to attract wildlife or how to maintain an earth-friendly habitat." | |
| Welcome to Wildlife Viewing | |
| Bus Tour Company List | Alphabetically by state, with commentary. |
| Alaska Wildlife Viewing | From the state government, includes a list of animals and birds found in Alaska |
| Away.com | "Regional Wildlife Guide - nature, birding, watching" |
| Bus Tours and Charters | Yahoo directory |
| Bus Rates | "BusRates.com strives to be the most current, complete and categorized database of charter bus companies available online. BusRates.com is a resource designed for the travel professional, offering help on all aspects of chartering a bus. Not only is this a great tool for the experienced bus charterer it also provides those who have never chartered a bus before with clear insight into this growing travel resource. BusRates.com takes most of the relevant and important information available about chartering a bus and presents it in an organized, concise, easy-to-reference summary." |
| Bus Tour Self-Defense | "I've spent months on typical big bus tours and have some hard-earned advice. (And this is not leading to a plug of my tours.) If you follow these tips, even a big bad bus tour can be a good value. When calling tour companies, here are questions to ask..." |
| Tour Companies Plan Ahead to Lure Baby Boomers | "Retirees who are 62 or older fill most of the seats on the touring buses in this country. With millions of baby boomers poised to move into that age group, you'd think the bus industry would be expecting huge crowds." |
| United States Travel & Tourism | "One of the most dynamic countries on earth, the United States offers a wide range of terrain, diverse cultures, vast cities and small friendly towns with something for everyone." |
| A Guide to Leaf Peeping in Vermont | "Scarlet reds, golden-browns, vibrant oranges and soft pinks are just a few of the colors that strive to capture the intensity and dazzling display of nature that is autumn in Vermont. Much of New England is famous for offering fall foliage unlike any other place in the nation but this “Green Mountain” state is arguably the region’s top destination–so much so that every autumn untold visitors, or “leaf peepers” as they are referred to locally, show up at its door to witness the famed turning of the leaves. " |
| American Castles | "Before celebrities such as Donald Trump and Bill Gates built their lavish estates, there were a handful of wealthy families in the United States who made an art of building astounding homes, many of which resembled European castles and fortresses. " |
| Dinosaur Attractions in the Southwest | "Imagine a world of towering carnivores battling over fallen prey, shrieking pterodons gliding through the air, long-necked herbivores reaching for plants several stories high, and 50-foot marine creatures pillaging the sea for their next meal. " |
| From Coast to Coast to Coast: 10 Unique Beaches of the USA | "From the far off volcanic islands of Hawaii, to the deserts of Nevada, to the white sand beaches of Florida, the USA contains a broad spectrum of terrain and topography. Although each region appeals to a different sort of tourist, each with their own idea of fun, it seems that all visitors are attracted to the USA's 12,380 mi (19,924 km) of coastline." |
| Canada Tourism | "Made up of 10 distinct provinces and three unique territories, Canada offers a broad range of cultural and geographical features. The mighty Rocky Mountains and powerful pacific tides meet with vibrant communities in British Columbia, while urban flair mixes with cowboy culture in Alberta." |
| Acadian History & Attractions in Canada | "In the early 17th century, a group of French colonists ventured from France to the northern coastal regions of North America. The group first established a fort in 1604 at Île-Ste-Croix at the mouth of the St. Croix River, but after a harsh winter, moved across the bay to establish the first permanent French settlement in North America at Port-Royal, in present-day Nova Scotia. The area eventually became known as Acadia, and the people and their decedents known as Acadians (or Acadiens in French)." |
| Exploring Canada by Train | "The prospect of exploring a country of such magnitude can be extremely daunting. Attractions abound, with each province offering its own unique piece of the country. However, a country this unique also offers visitors unique ways in which to experience it—via locomotive." |
| Nova Scotia's Scenic Trails | "Nova Scotia is the second smallest province in Canada, but what it lacks in geographical area, it makes up for in rich history, abounding culture and maritime hospitality. The province is divided into 12 different tourism sections, which are easily navigated by following the primary scenic travelways, known as the region's 'Trail'. Each trail is distinct, shaped by its local culture and regional attractions, and yet each possesses a common characteristic: the promise of a world-class tourism experience. " |
| Scheduling a Guided Tour in Mexico | "Mexico is like all other countries. There are areas that are known as tourists attractions and then there are other areas that tourists are advised to stay away from." |
| Mexico Travel | "This page provides you with information on 'Do-It-Yourself' travels and tours, eco-travel, travel services and professionally guided tours." |
| Due to lack of general information on the Internet, many of the sites listed here are commercial. We do not endorse any specific agency and include them only as examples. We highly recommend that if you are planning a trip outside your general area you speak to an expert and arrange travel through a professional agency. | |
| Tours in Uganda | "We are a tour destination company, and has been a local tour operator for over 5 years, offering wildlife safaris, Gorilla tours , primate trekking safaris, white water Rafting, Birding safaris, mountain trekking and tailor made tours depending on the your needs." |
| Nature Trek | "Real Adventure is the aim of our operations. We have exciting safaris that takes you to pristine wildlife areas where few travelers venture. We combine the abundant wildlife with the beauty of the varied cultures and dramatic landscapes to make your safari a memorable one. " |
| Trek North | "Trek North Safari's is a locally owned and operated tour company. Established in 1991, Trek North has proudly been showing off the exotic and unique World Heritage Daintree Rainforest to thousands of tourists every year. Trek North really knows the Daintree!" |
| Wildlife Viewing in South Africa | " Looking for things to do or places to visit based on your interests? The following are travel blogs about wildlife viewing in South Africa selected for quality by our editorial team and other travelers to help plan your vacation or holiday." |
| African Holiday Destinations and Safari Tours | " Wildlife Africa is a South Africa based tour operator specializing in tailor made African safari holidays and tours. " |
| Mountain Biking and Wildlife Viewing Safari | "This safari trip includes cycling, game viewing, day walks, cultural exchanges and drives outside the national parks. Maji Moto camp is a village campsite which we make our own, putting up a comfortable tented camp. It is situated 20minutes drive from...." |
| Top Safaris Trips | This page is for Africa, but has links to every continent |
| Uganda A Unique Tourism Destination | "Uganda enjoys one of the best climates in the world. It is sunny and green all year around with two distinct rainy seasons stretching from March to May and September to November. However, rain can occur anytime. The temperature average 27C with the highest being 31C in the Karamoja and Kasese regions and lowest being 15C in kabale" |
| African Safaris & Tours | Includes information about African countries. |
| Guided Tours and Escorted Tours in Europe | "I hesitate even to talk about fully escorted tours because I believe they detract from the travel experience, insulate you from the culture and people, provide only a superficial view from the deepest rut of the beaten path, and feed you the lowest common denominator vacation." |
| British Tour Plans | "Britishtourplans are a trip advisor offering you, the independent traveler, travel guide itineraries for England self guided tours complete with driving directions. " |
| The Ultimate Budget Traveler's Cheat Sheet | " Here’s the ultimate cheat sheet for planning this summer’s European Vacation." |
| How To Select Guided Tours Of Eastern Europe | "Eastern bloc countries have long been bargain destinations for anyone with even a modest walletful of Western currency, but restrictive governments and poor economies have kept most from developing the level of tourist facilities needed to attract all but the most bare-budget visitors.Now, however, free enterprise is spreading far beyond such longtime favorites in the region as Yugoslavia and a mind-boggling array of packages exists at prices ranging from about $300 for eight days to about $3,000 for two or three weeks." |
| Travel & Tourism Guide | "Whether you are planning a romantic getaway, weekend retreat or an adventure of a lifetime, WorldWeb.com's more than 400,000 webpages of travel information will help you every step of the way." |
| Safari hunting – in Australia | (PDF) "Most parts of Australia are cursed with at least a few species of feral animals, such as pigs, deer, goats, foxes or buffalo, and some people have a passion for hunting such game. Put the two together and you have a safari hunting industry. However, it’s not really that simple." |
| Australia Wildlife Viewing and Safari Vacations | "We have compiled a list of wildlife viewing and safari vacations in Australia. If you are interested in any of these vacation packages, please contact the operator directly with any questions for ordering free brochures or booking. The list is updated frequently so visit often." |
Independent Travel
Independent Travel
Online version of magazine. Subscription available. |
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| Travel & Leisure Magazine | |
| Conde Naste Traveler Magazine | Places, cruises, tips, and articles. |
| Independent Traveler | (Commercial) Lots of travel ideas. |
| Independent Travel Message Board | Online forum |
| The Independent Traveler | Links to what the independent traveler needs to know. |
| Matador | "Matador invites you to join a worldwide community of passionate travelers, writers, photographers, adventurers, and grass-roots organizations." |
| Perceptive Travel | "Perceptive Travel is an online travel magazine that is home to interesting and award-winning stories from some of the best travel writers on the planet. When a new issue from our webzine comes out, you can be assured that it will be filled with unique perspectives from around the globe, written by authors who see beyond the surface. Destinations, books, and music will be chosen on the whim of the writer, not selected based on what tourism board, publishing company, or hotel chain is spending the most on advertising. " |
| Solo Travel | Online magazine for the independent traveler. |
| TravelMag | "Travelmag correspondents travel well beyond the guidebook routes, illuminating little-known corners of the globe and, occasionally, revealing a bit about themselves as well. We put up the features we find interesting, usually because they're good, but sometimes because they're outstandingly bad." |
| Vagabonding | "Rolf Potts has reported from more than fifty countries for the likes of National Geographic Traveler, the New York Times Magazine, Slate.com, Conde Nast Traveler, Outside, The Believer, The Guardian (U.K.), National Public Radio, and the Travel Channel. A veteran travel columnist for the likes of Salon.com and World Hum, his adventures have taken him across six continents, and include piloting a fishing boat 900 miles down the Laotian Mekong, hitchhiking across Eastern Europe, traversing Israel on foot, bicycling across Burma, and driving a Land Rover from Sunnyvale, California to Ushuaia, Argentina. " |
| The Globetrotter's Club | "The Globetrotters Club is the travel club for independent travellers & travel enthusiasts of all ages and has been active for over sixty years. Club members share travelogues, travel information & experiences, hospitality and friendship. If you are looking for the ultimate travel experience, wishing to plan from first hand information, interested in travelling off the beaten track, wanting reassurance before your big trip, requiring that little push to get you started or even just daydreaming of far-flung shores, then we are sure Globetrotters is for you." |
"Our editors show up unannounced at budget hotels all over Europe, check out the rooms, and get a feel for the place. If we like it, we write a review and pass on the info to you." |
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| EuroCheapo | |
| Vacation Ideas | "VacationIdea.com is a travel content web site that reports on vacation ideas, including hotels, resorts, and a wide range of worldwide destinations categorized by travel themes such as golf, health spas, romantic getaways, cruises, honeymoon vacations and family travel." |
| InfoHub Specialty Travel Guide | "At InfoHub, we believe vacation travel should be much more than just flying you to a tropical beach. Since 1996, we at InfoHub have worked hard to bring you the largest specialty travel portal on the Internet. Today, you can find over 20,000 specialty trips on InfoHub.com, covering activities from Artist Workshops to Yoga Retreats. Whatever your special interest is, you will find it right here! Plus trips you never even knew existed! We continue to expand the exciting array of travel options available by adding hundreds of out-of-the-ordinary trips every week! Our goal is to make Infohub.com "The Ultimate Source of Inspiring Travel Ideas" for your next dream trip." |
| Caribbean Vacation Guide | General information. Also books trips. |
| From The Weather Channel. Destination guide and weather information combined | |
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"1010 Vacations publishes an impressive collection of destination guides. Each with a money saving hotel and resort search feature that gives you the lowest rates available through negotiated rates, discounts and promotions - plus no extra fees or penalties." |
| African Vacation Guide | "Looking for a Africa vacation, tour or luxury safari of a lifetime? There are many great Africa vacations to choose from." |
| Safari Guide Africa | "Get advice on African Safaris and Safari Parks on the continent. If you have every dreamt of taking a safari in Africa, this is the place to find in-depth reviews of top safari lodges and advice written by well-traveled safari experts." |
| The Journey Without Maps Can Be the Most Rewarding | "What if you could just spin the globe, put your finger down at random and declare, "I'm going there?" What if you could just pack a small rucksack and head off into the middle of nowhere without a guidebook or a tour company to tell you where to go? What would happen if you chose to travel somewhere on your own terms and on your own steam?" |
| Travel Independent | "By travellers for travellers to encourage people of all ages to travel independently and give them the information they need to feel confident about it." |
| "Travel insurance can protect you from substantial losses that result from a variety of situations, including canceled family vacations, lost baggage, medical emergencies, travel supplier defaults, as well as other unforeseen circumstances. This article is intended to help familiarize you with them, so you can make informed decision about which insurance product may be right for your family." | |
| Do I need travel insurance? | |
| 7 tips for a Smooth Vacation Abroad | "It takes a lot of work to prepare for a vacation abroad. There are so many little things to do: You need to stop the mail, cancel the paper and arrange for your bills to be paid. Here are some other things you should add to your pre-trip checklist:" |
| Emergencies Abroad - How Your Embassy Can Help | "No matter how well you prepare, sometimes you may have to ask for assistance at a U.S. embassy or consulate. Embassies are not staffed to provide personalized assistance for minor difficulties and setbacks, but you can count on help in emergency situations." |
| Travel Health Links | From the Medical College of Wisconsin |
| 7 Must-Know Personal Safety Tips For Solo Women Travelers | "I’ve had to use the men’s room more times than I can count. I’ve been proposed to by a stranger (thanks to a short skirt). I’ve even had to avoid another traveler whose psychopathic tendencies turned my friendly conversation into some sort of deep friendship." |
| Brave New Traveler: Safety Tips | Collection of articles for independent travelers. |
| 10 Multi-Use Items You Should Consider Packing | "Next time you hit the road, pack these reusable, space-saving, and lightweight items." |
| 10 Common Travel Scams (And How To Avoid Them) | "It’s hard to prevent a scam that you don’t know about, and you won’t always have time to weigh the facts. " |
| Be Like A Koala and Chill | "Things that in the ‘old world’ seemed to bring us safety and security are now faltering but I wonder if this is for a reason, to show us how the world of money and finance created a false belief, it was an illusion. The feeling of safety and security is within us. Even those who have or had enormous wealth often live in fear of it all suddenly disappearing and maybe it was to illustrate this precise lesson." |
| How to Survive an Avalanche | "Avalanches kill numerous people every year, but the danger can be lessened with proper knowledge." |
| How To Escape An Undesirable Travel Mate | "Traveling is all about meeting people on the road. But what happens if you want to get rid of one?" |
| Warning: Are You A Pickpocket’s Next Victim? | "In my travels around Europe and Asia, I’ve almost been pick-pocketed, scammed, and was even once, in Beijing, held at knife point." |
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