New York City-The City that Never Sleeps – TRAVEL TIPS

Airport Security

JFK Airport

Airport security is tight everywhere-- as it should be. If you haven't flown in awhile (especially since 9/11/01) be prepared for some very long wait times in security lines. Plan to be at any US airport at least 1 and a half hours before your departure. The TSA will have a full list of prohibited items and procedures. Do a search for "tsa flight rules" to get the latest on what not to bring.

Leave your guide books at home

New York City

Everyone hates those people who stand in the middle of side walks, head down engrossed in a map or guide book- oblivious of the pedestrians around them that want to get past. Don't be one of those people. Even other tourists get annoyed by those people, and more than likely, you will be verbally abused. Read your guidebooks before you leave the house, over breakfast or before you go to sleep the night before. Know where you're going before you step onto the busy sidewalk! If you need to double check, pull over to the side so you're not in the way, or better yet- pull out the books and maps over a coffee break so you can concentrate more. Secondly, by leaving the guidebooks out, your bags/ backpacks will be much lighter and less likely to hurt your back later! If you need to, rip out the maps or make notes that you can refer to.

Don't dilly dally

New York City

This has many positive results. Genuine New Yorkers know where they're going and how to go about it. If you don't want to look like a tourist, be confident and walk with authority. NYC moves at a mile a minute and its residents will expect you to also! Once you have your bearing, walk there quickly. Not only will you save precious time and see more, but you won't get pushed or shoved out of the way, or even sworn at as people pass you. The most important positive with this one, is that you'll burn tonnes of calories if you walk fast which means you can eat more hot dogs.

Avoid tourist attire

Statue of Liberty

It can be tempting when you're in a new city to dress for comfort rather than style. This is fair enough, since you're the one who has to put up with annoying clothing or sore feet at the end of a long day. But keep in mind that New York is a global fashion capital and there are some places where sneakers just won't do. Ditch the sneakers and try comfortable walking shoes instead, there are heaps of funky and dressy styles that won't have you feeling dowdy. Sportswear is a popular option for tourists, but try to mix up styles and designs by wearing a jacket instead of a sweater, or trousers instead of jeans. Not only will you feel more comfortable if you stop for a nice lunch or dinner, but shopping in upscale areas will be less embarrassing and you'll get less cruel stares.

Get used to the smell

New York City Brooklyn Bridge

New York has rubbish. Not just a little bit either, loads and loads of it. It lines the streets in central Manhattan, despite being cleaned away every day. Get used to bad smells and brief wafts of strange stench whenever you pass a dark alley. While the smell of rot is a little more subdued in winter, it's still not going to go away, so don't let it ruin your sight- seeing walkabouts.

Have eyes in the back of your head

New Yok City - Night

If you don't know where you're going, and you probably don't, don't get caught up in the atmosphere of it all. Crime in New York is rampant just like all the TV shows tell us, but you still have to be smart about what you do and how you go about it. Keep an eye on your belongings at all times, don't leave stuff sitting around- as you might as well put up a sign that says 'I don't know where I am, so feel free to rob me'. Don't walk around with bags unzipped or flash your money around. Yes yes, all the stuff your mother tells you when you go travelling without her...Put the more expensive stuff out of view for as much time as possible. That digital camera around your neck is begging to be snatched in the crush of Times Square peak hour. Only pop it out when you need to along with phones, PDA's, laptops and freshly bought goodies. Ladies, don't go for the obligatory jog in Central Park alone, or after dark (even with a running buddy). Keep your eyes open to the people around you and where you're travelling. Dark alleys with dead ends are not good places to hang around!

Top 5 Japan Travel Tips

The Top 5 Japan Travel Tips are shown in the below content. Even though it seems very simple,sometimes, somehow people might forget about it. So hope this will serve as small reminder.

Japan Flag

1. Time Difference
Japan time zone as if set to GMT it is +9 hours. So it is 1 hour faster than most of the Asia countries.

Sunset

2. Language
Japanese is still the main language that widely use in Japan public, private and government body. A lot of younger generation people do speak English but they are speaking in Japanese mixing English term with very strong Japanese pronunciation flavor, so it is very strange or sounds funny when you first time hearing this. No worries, helpers or workers in tourist spots, hotels and restaurant are all well trained with English speaking skill and fluency but learning some simple Japanese will be useful for moving around Japan, though most Japanese are very helpful.

Mount Fiji

3. Power Source & Plug
Japan is using 100 volt, with two straight thin flat pin, it is different from some of the Asia country and different to Europe countries too. Digital appliances should be supporting 100 volt - 240 volt, just to make sure, you need to counter check your digital travel gear. Also you need to equip with universal power plug just in case.

Tokyo

4. Tap Water
All the while Japan tap water is drinkable, just recent years of heavy pollution, some places tap water is no longer drinkable, so before you drinking any tap water either from hotel or public places, need to make sure is there a any sign saying it is directly drinkable or not.

Hiragana - Alphabet

5. Weather
Japan has four season, each of the season really vary a lot in term of temperature and rain level. It will impact a lot if you did not pay much attention on this and bluntly plan your trip. Spring season is from March to May, average temperature is 14.5 degree Celsius, normal rain level. Good to have umbrella bring along your trip. Summer season is from June to August, average temperature is 27.7 degree Celsius, most heavy rain fall during this season, must bring a long umbrella. Autumn season is from September to November, average temperature is 18.8 degree Celsius, not much rain at this season, but the temperature different a lot during day and night, need to prepare a jacket. Winter season is from December to February, average temperature is 7.6 degree Celsius, will have snow fall sometimes in January, so need to prepare winter clothing. However inside building or public transportation there will be heater, so advice is to wear a long sleeves clothing and pair with winter cloth jacket, so you can remove the jacket and more comfortable at indoor.

10 Simple Ways to Plan Luxury Family Vacations

1. Advance planning helps as you get time to browse and select the place and the hotel of your choice.

2. Consult a good and reputed tour operator who has a variety of luxury family vacation plans from where you could choose that suits you best.

3. After consulting your family, zero in on a destination that every individual in your family would like to visit.

4. Finalize a place, which is less populated and as well as exotic at the same time. As it is a luxury family vacation, everything should be up to the mark and well sorted out.

5. Plan a systematic itinerary. Do not jumble too many things in the travel schedule. Unnecessary tiredness can hamper your fun-filled vacation. Keep it simple.

6. If you are zeroing on certain geography, make sure you carry necessary gear for your vacation. This should be done keeping in mind the destination and climate.

7. If you have senior members in your family, ensure the hotel looks after all their needs and requirements.

8. The luxury hotel you pick must also have arrangements for kids' entertainment. After all, you would not want your kids to come back sulking!

9. If there are, any activities in your schedule like trekking, visiting a fair, or visiting fine-diners with your family, make sure you carry proper gears and book in advance for the later to avoid last minute hassles.

10. Spend as much time you can with your family. Dive, climb and dine together to keep the fun alive. The idea of having a vacation is to instill togetherness and not just visit the place.

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Essential Australia Travel Information

Australian opera house

Most people don't know just how different things can be to travel to another country. From the currency to which sports are most popular, you will find that things are very different when you travel. To help make it less of a shock for you, here is some essential Australia travel information so you know a bit about what to expect.

If you are thinking about bringing any electronics with you, you should know that the electrical outlets in Australia are very different from North America. If you have a cell phone or laptop computer that you will need to plug in while you are here, you will need to purchase an adapter before you go. These adapters can be difficult to find once you get there. Make sure you buy one and don't forget to pack it!

You will find that money in Australia is quite different as well. The exchange rate will be in your favour if you live in the USA, as Australian dollars are worth less. One interesting thing you will notice about Australian paper money is the fact that it is made of plastic. Australia is the first country in the world to print plastic money, and the change occurred between 1992 and 1996.

One interesting bit of Australia travel information is that tipping at restaurants is not normal in Australia. When eating at restaurants, you should not feel obligated to give a tip. It is, of course, appreciated if you do, but it is not expected in the least.

This is some of the most interesting Australia travel information that is important to know if you are planning a trip there. Make sure that you bring home some of their plastic money as a souvenir when you go home, as you will not likely see it again soon.

Australian dolar

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Top 5 Tips For Luxury Travel in Phuket, Thailand

Phuket

5. Getting to Phuket,Thailand is easier than ever: When you look out your airplane window while soaring over the island, Phuket might look like an isolated and idyllic paradise. While it still retains that feeling of isolation, though, Phuket is now more accessible than ever. The many daily flights from Bangkok and Singapore are just the beginning, with the airport hosting direct flights from Europe, the Middle East, Hong Kong, and Australia, among many other destinations in South East Asia. Your Phuket resort can help you figure out which is the best way to get to Phuket.

4. Shop til you drop: Feeling the urge to splurge? Not far from your Phuket luxury resort are sure to be some great shopping opportunities. While it is easy to get lost in a maze of cheap souvenirs by Patong beach, there are great and unique finds to be had if the luxury traveller knows where to look. For instance, the up-market Surin Plaza mini-mall contains a variety of shops that specialize in charming knick-knacks and well-designed crafts, such as the boutique Galleria Aleenta. Ask your Phuket resort for more suggestions.

3. Get your spa on: Getting tired of lazing under your private umbrella while sipping on a pineapple shake? Well, even if you're not, the lure of the spa might still drag you away for some luxurious pampering. Try the famous Thai massage or a body wrap of seaweed. Whatever kind of treatment you decide to try, you're sure to find the rest and relaxation you're looking for in between your other Phuket activities.

2. Why go in a group when you can go private?: As part of its reputation as an international hot spot for the world's luxury travellers, Phuket has developed a thriving industry of private and chartered expeditions by land, sea, or sky. Soar over the Andaman in a private sea-plane to a deserted beach for a picnic, or spend a couple of days island-hopping around Phang Nga Bay in your chartered yacht. Though it might be hard to leave your Phuket luxury resort, one of these exclusive excursions is sure to tempt even the most dedicated beach bum.

1. Two words: Pool Villas: Nothing says luxury like your own private pool with your holiday resort villa. The ultimate in private indulgences, take a dip whenever you like without worrying about your lounge chair being taken. For example, at the Anantara Phuket Resort and Spa, the whole property is comprised of luxurious and private pool villas. Indeed, no Phuket luxury resort is complete without them!