I am heading to Singapore on the 31st Jan for the first leg of a round the world trip. This will be my first time travelling and to ease me into it I thought I'd ask for some hints and tips about Singapore. I know its expensive and I wasn't planning on staying there long, mainly for that reason. However, any recommendations for the few days I'm staying there will be greatly appreciated. What should I see, where should I go, where should I stay etc??

If you are concerned about budget, you may want to stay in a backpackers hostels. You can get a bed in a dorm for as low as $18 or a room for about $35. Do a search for backpackers hostel singapore and you should find some.

Stay about 3-4 days, eat at the hawker centres (singaporeans love food, so this is something you should experience) go to the prime shopping areas (Orchard Road, Vivo City), our beaches (East Coast Park and Sentosa), visit the Merlion and Empress Place where the statue of Sir Stamford Raffles is, visit Chinatown (the Chinese New Year decorations should still be there), visit Little India (24 hour shopping at Mustafa Centre where you can buy almost anything)

You can move about using the public transport. It is very efficient. You can choose to buy a tourist pass for $8 a day for unlimited rides.

Enjoy your trip!

i just stayed there in dec2008 and it was great,for a single guy you will want to stay at the geylang district hotels,fragrance hotels are really cheap,everything is in english and its very easy to get around .go to orchard rd ,plaza singapore also, its alot like manhattan but its clean and friendly and well organized.i used the mrt to go all over the pplace its cheap. i was able to see the singapore flyer,sentosa island,orchard rd and ft canning,china town and many other places in 2 days ,i backpacked and used the mrt ,,you will love it

You need a minimum of 3 to 4 days to take in all the sights, try out all the mouth-watering dishes and to do some shopping. You should really come here during the Chinese New Year holidays between 25-27th Jan and enjoy in the festivities.

You can get a decent meal at hawker centres, food courts for 3 to 5 SGD, budget hotel accommodation for 42 to 60 SGD. And countless items three to five times, cheaper than in European countries,Tokyo, Dubai, Shanghai.

Lots of conveniences, amenities available and commuting is a breeze.Enjoy your time here!

Maybe you should state your daily budget. You need that to last the whole trip round the world. Don't burn yourself out too soon. Pretty soon you just want to relax and stay longer at places you decide to go. Singapore can be cheap if you follow what the locals eat. You can find budget hotels for as low at S$55 a night.

1. Go watch the Chingay Parade on 31 Jan 09. Great street parade. Free to view along the route. Tickets for better views.

2. Go on a food tour - try the cheap local food, especially at Maxwell Road Food Centre.

3. Spend a night at the Night Safari.

I want to stay at home in India and work for a travel agency in India, is there any agency which can provide me this work?

probably. you people pretty much ruined all the American jobs anyhow. Just walk down your street, I'm sure there's an American travel agency in Dehli or somewhere.

Easy, all you have to do is walk down the street, because that's where all these American Travel Companies went, and while you're at it, ask those greedy people for a big raise.

Can people who have been to French Polynesia please share their experience on travel agents (including internet-based agents)? I am looking to book my honeymoon for May.

Any feedback is appreciated. Thanks!

Amazing place....we loved it....check out the site for what you would like...you need to think about the best for your special time...and this is one special place!...We sure will try and get back there ... best diving besides Thailand...so far...and a wonderful place to have a honeymoon. You can book flights very inexpensively as well through priceline. Travel agents are great too...but we have never had to use one yet.

Check applevacations.com

im trying to get my bf in for the holiday and he is in lancaster pa, while im in chicago,, i tried to get him a plane ticket but their isnt a plane ticket arriving in chicago from lancaster, and i tried to get a greyhound bus..but the company closed down in lancaster..any suggestions?? please send me a link if you found one.

Well if you do decide to travel go to Ecuador for sure....it is awonderful place to go, it has alot of places to visit, the people are so nice and helpful, and they try to make you feel at home, and there is alot of beautiful places to visit, and the night life, the place to party are so beautiful not only the quality of the places but the people that go there too........the beaches are clean beautiful and surrounded by hot people the culture is amazing and so diverse that you wont get tired of it......and for sure is alot safer and more beautil that honduras or peru, it is a wonderful place to live too and is warm and nice all the time.

please listen to me I am sure you are gonna love it. and I ma sure your family will too, becasue not only you will have fun but you will be sure that no one is gonna kidnap you or steal something from you.

I am from the United States and will be traveling to England and France this summer. I've never traveled overseas before, so I would like some tips on traveling that far away from home. Any kind of tips, whether it be tips about clearing customs, airplane tips, packing tips, etc., are welcome.

Thanks!

If you are planning on traveling a lot, learn your train/subways routes...you will save time and money. Be open minded, specially in France...many dont really care for Americans, and dont wonder off to areas that are not tourist friendly.

Dont let the other answers scare you off...you will find a lot more freedom there than here. Be respectful and try to learn some basic french, and you will get better treatement just because you are trying.

Also, in France, when you eat out, dont ask for an american type meal. Try something new...avoid Mc Donalds!!! :)

Last and most important...have fun!!!!

Best advice? Don't worry about it.

Airports are designed for travelers who don't even speak the language so are easy to navigate. Just about every airport has signage bilingual in the local language and english. Plus the first people off the plane will know the way, just follow the herd. Don't forget to reclaim your baggage at baggage reclaim (but you are directed there by default)

Best tip? Most people are nice. So most people will try to help.

Don't get involved in political discussions with strangers. They may blame you for any or all of the perceived ills caused by US foreign policy.

If you are going to France take the time to learn a little french. It will be appreciated by the locals.

The same applies in England. It's a taxi...not a cab, a tap...not a faucet, etc....

Have fun. Remember your on holiday...not vacation

Get a passport way ahead of time.

Learn all you can about where you are going.

If you can afford it, hire a tour guide.

You will not enjoy the food there as much as you do at home.

Get plenty of rest so you don't get sick while you are gone.

Make sure you learn etiquette and manners from the back of your head. You don't want to get the residents mad at you.

Know the laws and make sure you follow thier immigration rules...you dnt wanna get stuck in another country

bring a seat cushion

If you are tall, try and get a seat in an 'exit' row because you can stretch your feet out. Take munchies and reading material and unopened water/drinks. Get up and stretch your feet and walk around several times during flight. When you check-in, always ask if there are any upgrades. Sometimes you can get a much better more comfortable seat for cheap. Go to duty-free; always great buys. Always know where your passport and your tickets and itinerary are for your entire trip. Don't pack valuables in your checked luggage. Don't leave valuables in hotel room unless you have in-room safe, then use it. Watch out for London pickpockets. Best to have pouch of some sort around neck or waist inside jacket at the front. Keep your passport and money there. Get everything together on your bed of what you plan to take. Pick out 1/3 of that and pack it. Take lots of money because England is very very expensive, even just a coffee and burger, ouch! Try not to drive as they drive in a totally different way (and I don't just mean on the wrong side of the road), and driving there can be very scary. Plus gas must be out of this world right now. Get a train pass - cheapest most comfortable and best way to travel Great Britain and Europe. Don't ever leave your suitcase unattended. Flights into Manchester are much cheaper than into London Heathrow if that works for you. Be sure you are aware of the items you cannot take in your carry-on; these are changing a lot and if you are going through security you may be forced to leave something behind. That happened to us - hubby has an expensive multi-tool that he keeps on his belt, so he totally forgot about it. Security said we had to leave it (was like $200) - I wasn't about to leave it, so went back into the main airport and mailed it home. It actually arrived a day after we returned, LOL. Go to all the pubs and have lots of chips with malt vinegar, mmm (that's french fries in US terms). Take a compact fold-up umbrella and rain poncho from home. They take!
little
room and will be much cheaper than buying there when you need it. Take warm jacket or sweater - depending when you go, if it rains, you will feel a chill to your bones. You will have a blast, it is a great trip.

My first flight was about a year ago, from Toronto to Hong Kong. (16 hours!) There were a few things I wish I'd been told before going, and a few things I picked up along the way.

Airplanes are cold. If you think, it makes sense -- the temperature outside the plane is, like, -50C. Even if you're flying to and from somewhere reasonably warm, you'll still likely want a blanket, jacket, or sweater on the plane. And airplane blankets tend to be uber-thin -- ask for an extra one as soon as you get on the plane, before everybody else gets cold.

Bring everything you can on your carry-on, in case your luggage goes missing. (Obviously, there are restrictions on liquid content and that sort of thing.) Soap, camera, glasses, an extra pair of socks and change of clothes if you can fit it... you want to be inconvenienced as little as possible. Put your contact information on top in your suitcase; if it goes missing, they can open it and easily figure out whose it is, helping it get back to you faster.

Security and Customs: possibly the two most annoying things ever. Supposedly America's even worse -- I've never flown there, but I hear they make you take off your shoes and all sorts of stupid things. Be polite but brief when talking to immigration officers. Don't volunteer info -- they'll ask you what they need or want to know. Make sure you've got all your paperwork and information available -- most countries will want to know why you're there, where you're staying, etc, and if you can answer these questions without having to dig through your luggage for that hotel's business card, life runs smoother. Don't be rude, speak clearly (especially en France, parce-que tout les personnes ne parlerai pas l'anglais!), and don't joke about being a terrorist or anything stupid like that.

Lastly, bring a camera and take lots of photos. Make sure you're in a bunch of them, so you can show people where you went, but take a bunch of random things like streets, cafes and restaurants, children.... anything that gives a sense of the atmosphere. You'll look back on those photos time and time again, so make sure you're got enough to bring back memories! (Extra memory cards for digital cameras are cheap -- carry an extra one with you if possible!) And try to pick up a bit of French before going to France -- it's much easier, and you'll avoid some of the stereotypical French 'rudeness', if you can say things like "bienvenue", "bonjour", "merci", and "s'il vous plait" (welcome, hello, thanks, and please) in the local language.

Have fun!

Considering getting an Amex Platinum Card and was wondering how the travel agency prices compare to discount sites (domestic travel)? I believe AMEX is a full service agency, which generally means they have higher prices.

So how do the prices compare to online discount places like Orbitz?

Yes, I think you're right on that one.... I agree that AMEX has higher prices. They're quite expensive.... I've booked trips both on line and with AMEX and there is a considerable difference.

I don't know the best way to go about planning my honeymoon?

I'm a HHilton Diamond Member with over 70k points and an Amex holder with Delta Sky Miles. So I'd like to utilize these. Maybe I should call Amex and cardholder services can help me plan a vacation? Does anyone have experience using that service versus using a travel agent versus figuring it all out yourself from scratch? We want to go to the Caribbean.

I am a travel agent and I am willing to help you as much as I can.

Send me your details:

Sales@TravelConnectionsLLC.com

If you have not had your wedding yet you may also be interested in our bridal registry on our website:

www.TravelConnectionsLLC.com

Click on "Extras" in the top menu and wait a few seconds for the top right pane to scroll to that topic

I'm a foreign student, so I don't know much about social life in your country. Yesterday my teacher gave me an exercise that: "Make a conversation between between travel agent and holiday maker who wants to make a holiday abroad to China." Would you be kind enough to make a model conversation of that topic for me, please? Thank you advance.

I'd imagine it's not so different from where you're from. You would have basic greetings "hi/hello/how are you?" etc. Then something like:

Travel agent: So, what are you looking for today?

Holiday maker: Well, we were hoping for a five or six day stay in China.

Travel agent: Ahh, okay. Is there anywhere in particular you were looking at?

Holiday maker: We saw this hotel in the brochure OR No, but we were hoping for somewhere quiet and rural OR No, but we're looking for something in one of the big cities.

Travel agent: Okay. [looking it up on computer] For 1234 pounds you could have a six day stay at this hotel. It's got a four star rating and is located quite centrally in Shanghai.

This could continue, with holiday maker asking for more details, and the travel agent looking up different holidays and showing them different ones in the brochure.

I am going to Vancouver in a couple of weeks, for a few days. Having never traveling outside the US as a civilian, are there any travel tips that will make my trip smoother? Like things to bring, or keep in mind about the culture? Any useful info would be appreciated!

The public transportation is fantastic in Vancouver, so look into taking the bus to get around.

Bring a map or postcard of where you're from to show people you meet and talk with.

The anthropology museum at the University of British Columbia is not to be missed.

try http://www.cheap-fun-family-travel.com for hints and tips

I will be getting married in PA in Spring 2008, and want to go somewhere fun for our honeymoon (maybe somewhere in Europe or Carribean). Should I use a travel agent?

-Side notes:

1) By fun I mean scuba diving, deep sea fishing, site seeing, etc. not getting drunk all week long at local pubs.

2) Budget preferably $2000 or less.

Definitely! You will pay the same price whether you use one or not, so why not have someone help you plan it. Also, you should sign up for a honeymoon registry on www.evanitytravel.com. Click on "Extras", then scroll down to "Honeymoon Registry."

We booked our honeymoon through various sites on the Internet. It was fun to search and look at places, so if you have the time, you may want to try it yourself -- or at least price it out so if you do go with a travel agent, you'll have a good idea of what is out there, and what the costs are/will be.

I think you should use it. My mother and my father wanted to go somewhere special just for fun, so they used tral agent and said it was a very reliable website. I took thier advice and used it for no reason, and it is a pretty good website.

hey travel to mexico

Do your research on-line but book through a travel agent. If anything happens on the trip, ie. losing a car rental reservation, you have a recourse through the agent. You don't when you book on-line. There are no govt rules and regulations for online companies.

you probably should use a travel agent.

My wife and I loved Martinique. We stayed in Trois Ilets which is across an inlet from Fort de France. A water ferry can take you to the city and there are three beaches within walking distance from the hotel. You can also take a catamaran to St Lucia.

With $2000 as your budget, I think you should stay closer to home. Check the NET-my daughter has taken her kids scuba diving in the Caribbean, to several different places.

Once you have some ideas on where to go, then contact a travel agent for the final planning. But, do have some ideas as to what you want to do before going to a travel agent.

Close to1/2 of your budget will probably be airfare. But, a travel agent (one who has resources to wholesale flight prices) can get you the best price here. Or, a package deal thru a travel agent will give you a good price on the whole trip.

Yes, you should, & I have the perfect agent and website,

site is: www.travelgetaways4less.com

Click on the honeymoon registry!!!!

You will be glad you did, & the price will be right!!

Best of luck for your future!!!

I will advice you to go for a travel agent for booking your package.

I recently traveled for Memorial Day Week-end so I could spend time with some friends. But, I was there early and left well after the week-end to avoid traffic and folks with road rage. Is this a sign of age or do I just prefer extended holidays? I kinda think it's a little of both.

Yes, but I never did travel on holidays even when I was younger. The crowds always reminded me of lemmings rushing to their doom.

I have avoided holiday travel for a long time now, and have not been near an airport since 1993! I do not like crowds, and travelling involves great numbers of people. I do not think that this is the sign of age, but rather a sign of the times that we live in. Everything today is RUSH, RUSH RUSH and I do not want to be a part of that. I have friends that are just as pleased to see me when it is not a holiday - so if and when I do travel it will be in off-holiday season. CJ

For me it's not a senior thing, I have always hated traveling on a holiday. I think the prices are higher, and I don't like the crowds. I would rather travel the week before or after.

It's just common sense to arrive early and leave late. I don't think it has anything to do with age. We never go anywhere on major holiday weekends because of the crowds and traffic. I hope you enjoyed yourself.

Anybody in their right mind tries to avoid holiday

traffic, good for you that you're retired and can

go early and leave late to avoid it.

Avoiding traffic jams is one of the benefits of age. Offhand I'd say you have a handle on what's important and should be applauded for your plan.

Not really, because now I'm traveling to see my kids. I've always avoided the busiest days so I just keep my schedule flexible. Of course with rising gas prices, airfares, etc.....traveling is going to be tough anyway.

we always try to avoid rush hours and holiday travel.we always planned our holidays low season.

No. If I wish to go somewhere at a weekend or bank holiday,then i'd take a train.

I think it is a sign of wisdom.....

Yes I do even to the doctor,ha ha ha

Good Question.

not until i became 85.

not if i am driving -- flying yes!!!

My brother is taking a car trip with his wife and new baby, 4 months old, does anyone have any travel tips on how to keep him entertained and happy?

I never traveled much when my kiddos were "babies", so I'm clueless here...

We have found the best thing to do is to travel the longest leg of the trip during the babies normal sleeping time.

We took a long trip when our daughter was 3 months old, we left at 8 pm and arrived at our destination at 5 am. She was only awake twice, once for a bottle and once for a diaper change. Of course she was sleeping through the night on a regular basis.

Hope this helps!

I am glad you asked this because I am leaving next week on a 4hr trip with my 5mth old!!! Thanks!

Keep close to their schedule as possible. If they eat, sleep, play at certain times at home, try to keep it to that. I had to take my 7 week old daughter for a 14 hour car ride when my mom passed away suddenly and she did great. Till this day we keep on your routines pretty close to normal and it has been easier to please not only her but us too.

they need to have everything in the car, and ready to go, the only things left to put in the car, should be themselves, and baby, then, time it around his mid morning, or afternoon feeding. feed him, and then immediately put him in the car and be on their way...most likely, the baby will sleep the entire time through the trip, and if he wakes up, it won't be to hard to stop maybe once for a few minutes. for the rest of the trip, if he is awake, they have toys now that can hook to the back of the seat to keep baby occupied, rattles, a favorite teether, etc. when all else fails...mommy or daddy can always sit in the back to keep baby occupied while the other drives.

we do this all the time, when we go to my moms, or out shopping, or even to the movies.

I would have them feed the baby before they leave and put him/her to sleep. That way the baby will sleep most of the way. Car rides are normally really good for a baby. They like the motion so they sleep. My babies alway would sleep better in a car. I went from St.Louis to California when my baby was 3 months. And I really had no trouble with her.

i drove my two month old son from north carolina to michigan about 650 miles and a 11 hour drive

i think the key is try leaving around 4pm or so so that way the baby is only up 4 or 5 hours and sleeps the rest of the way

take plenty of breaks those 4-5 hours and give him or her attention if possible

my wife rode in the back with the baby and i drove so it was easier

i hope this helps

One helpful tip for feeding time if on formula is NOT to premake bottles. Bring bottles of water with and powder formula. That way the water is air temp to start and not cold out of the cooler because they won't have a warming device in the car. They can make bottles as they need them.

As far as entertaining, someone might have to sit in the back seat with the baby and play with toys with him/her.

You can try going at night or during a nap time to encourage the kid to sleep most of the time. Also have one of you in the back seat with him. How well does the child sleep in the car? My daughter used to fall asleep the instant we started driving, and was out pretty much until we stopped. then as she got older, she hates sleeping in the car and will rarely do it. So try to judge off of the kids personality and take things the kid likes to play with now, as well as a few new toys. Also,if they like certain songs or music, make sure you bring that. They might have to stop more often too if he is being breastfed or needs diaper changes. Plan on it taking more time than usual to get there. It might not take longer, but it's always better to plan for a little extra time. Hope this helps!!

How long is the trip?? Usually on long trips my son would always just sleep. And if he was awake he would play with his toys, then sleep some more, lol.

nothing. you cant keep 4 month old babies entertained becuz they cant be entertaned!!!! theyre minds are small and do not undestand yet. basically, they are just cute chubby blobs.

i am trying to start an online business. i will be making a travel agency. what do i need to do to keep legal.

there is an agency called one stop, they call help you with all details,

just look up there phone no.

We're headed to Playa Del Carmen for our honeymoon and it represents a significant amount of money. Is travel insurance worth it?

Absolutely. Buy it. It's not that much money at your age and it covers sickness, trip delay, trip interruption, medical expenses, reimbursement of many things. You never know and like you said the trip was not cheap. The unexpected can happen. It's peace of mind.

Good Luck and congrats)

The big thing I've heard is getting sometype of international health coverage insurance. Sorry forgot what its called but if you get sick, I guess the hospital practically holds you for ransom if you don't come up with the thousands in cash. Yea I'd be sure to get it.

I think not, its not like you're not going to go

Spend the money on each other

I think travel insurance is always worth it. I'm not sure if my parents got travel insurance for our last trip, but we definitely all got health insurance for the trip.

Yeah it's always worth it, you can get very cheap insurances if you look around, try the websites which take your details then look around for the best deals...

yes you should-many foreigners seem to be dying by falling drunk from third floors lately,also,if one of you falls ill and needs medical bills they will be astronomical with no insurance,way more than any insurance would cost.

it's a double axil.will a 2002 toyota sieanna handle it?

That Sienna is rated at a 3500lbs towing limit, those trailers are about 3000lbs empty. You would be at the limit provided you're hooked up properly. If you're going to do it I would definitely put a tranny cooler in and do more frequent service on it as well as regular oil changes with synthetic oil. Remember also you have to keep in mind the weight you add inside trailer as well as inside the van. Pump rear tires on van to the tire's max pressure.

I personally think you would wear your vehicle out prematurely

if you tow it alot. I would trade up to an F150 or nissan titan.

you may need anti sway bars and if you combine you luggage fluid content and other things including accesorries your pushing your luck. A truck will handle so much better with a 21 ft. rv.

Commercial Driver and RVer.

This will be my first time going to vegas I live in Florida and my Mom lives in Michigan. I want to surprise her in September with this trip. We will be leaving from each of our separate airports and I would like for us to arrive around the same time. I would appreciate any travel tips anyone has about deals , hotel , car rentals, must do things while there, best hotels. Thank you !

It would be much cheaper to stay off the strip, but you still may want to stay close. walk rather than take a cab or pubic transportation. I wouldn't rent a car. because you don't want to drive in Vegas especially near the strip and NEVER on the strip. I made the mistake and was stuck for a very long time in traffic.

Thats really good to hear. There are several websites which can give you deals. like orbitz, expedia, lastminute etc. There are some travel aggregator websites where you can find deals from all major travel deals provider at one place. I would say visit http://www.Grab2Travel.com it might be helpful.

Here is a site with lots of tips for first time visitors to Las Vegas. http://www.lasvegas-how-to.com There are lots of fun things to do in Las Vegas. Everything from Vegas free attractions, to casino hopping, to Shopping to Vegas tours etc...

Regarding the hotel room I recommend to book it directly with the hotel in order to be more flexible. In addition I would check current hotel special on sites like http://www.vegas-hotels-online.com

Depending how long you are in Vegas you need to decide whether you need a car I always rent one but many people don’t and don’t think its needed have a look here at these two posts the first one is about car rental and the second about where you can for trips outside Vegas.

http://vegasuncovered.wordpress.com/2008/06/16/should-i-rent-a-car-in-vegas-tips-on-driving-and-renting-cars-in-las-vegas/

http://vegasuncovered.wordpress.com/2008/06/04/day-trips-from-las-vegas-including-the-grand-canyon-and-death-valley/

AS far as hotels go the most important thing to get the best price is to book direct this means no middle man and you can cancel or change you booking with no penalty up to 48 hours before check in, there are some offers below.

MGM is a lovely big hotel with the most comftable beds in Vegas, a great pool, great location and less than 10 minutes by cab from the airport. MGM launched some new offers yesterday that over up until September if you book by Visa you can have a free massage at the spa, or a free upgrade to a spa suite or a free in room breakfast form $79 per night.

https://reservations.mgmmirage.com/bookingengine.aspx?host=promo&pid=001&code=INB188&kbid=542076&sub=yh

https://reservations.mgmmirage.com/bookingengine.aspx?host=promo&pid=001&code=INB187&kbid=542076&sub=yh

https://reservations.mgmmirage.com/bookingengine.aspx?host=promo&pid=001&code=INB189&kbid=542076&sub=yh

Mirage is my favorite and we spent the first few nights of honeymoon there great quality and super Vegas service classy and almost Kid free rooms here $72 and suites from $133 https://reservations.mgmmirage.com/bookingengine.aspx?host=promo&pid=160&code=RRDLUX08&kbid=542076&sub=yh

https://reservations.mgmmirage.com/bookingengine.aspx?host=promo&pid=160&code=RRPV08&kbid=542076&sub=yh

https://reservations.mgmmirage.com/bookingengine.aspx?host=promo&pid=160&code=RRTWR08&kbid=542076&sub=yh

https://reservations.mgmmirage.com/bookingengine.aspx?host=promo&pid=160&code=RRPT08&kbid=542076&sub=yh

If you want ultimate luxury then try Bellagio http://clk.atdmt.com/MGM/go/kwbngmgm0010016121mgm/direct/01/?kbid=542076&m=443&sub=yh

I just paid for my trip overseas and my stop over accomedation in Singpare. I'm not really happy with the travel agent as I had to call her to find out the original hotel I was going to stay at did not have availability. After paying for my trip and another hotel in Singapore. I told the woman what if this hotel is not available and the waiting list comes back negative? The lady said, oh I never thought of that. I won't put your payment through then. I can't afford to pay for accomedation outside the category A hotels and when I just checked my funds the money has been taken out. This lady is supposed to be assistant manager. Perhaps I should have gone to the same travel agency but in the more well to do area where the assistants have more experience but I want to know if I will get re imberssed if I do not get a room?I am a seasoned traveller so I'm not looking for travel tips but if anyone can help me out with this Q it would be greatly appreciated!

It doesn't sound as if you've gone back to the travel agency after the payment was made and discussed it with them. This should be your first port of call.

If this doesn't work, what happens next depends on where you live. If you're in the UK then the travel agency should be ABTA bonded which means you get protection. Write to ABTA explaining the situation.

But you really need to go back to the agency first and talk it through with them.

Next time, book it yourself - it's far more reliable and you know exactly what you're getting, not some travel agency's "preferred" (read: kickback) hotel!

That is one reason, we always use a credit card. If you don't get any where with the travel agency, next step would be to put a hold on your credit card in paying the travel agency. At this point, it's all you can do.

Good Luck and be firm.

I am planning to go to kerala in Jan month end. Looking for good travel agent who can organize nice honeymoon tour which covers all nice places with some special events for couple. If any couple has gone to kerala , please let me know ur exp and suggestions or the travel packages which has nice reviews.

I have lived several years in India and I would recommend Creative Travel in New Delhi. They do not come cheap but they are the best.

I have refered them to quite a lot of friends and all of them enjoyed a great trip. They all got more than they bargained for.

Tell them what you would like to do

e.g. staying on a houseboat (with captain & cook/steward at your service) and visit Kerala navigating on its backwaters

or

staying in a nice hotel (we stayed at the "Coconut Resort" if my memory serves me right : traditional Keralite bungalows reachable by boat only :-)) .... a place where you get really pampered and that can be the start of a few days journey on the backwaters where you can visit plantations (spices) and other interesting things.

OR

Just ask them to suggest the best trip ever and they will give you a few alternatives for an unforgettable honeymoon trip.

They'll organize everything for you. If you so wish, you'll get a guide when needed.

Here is their e-mail :

ct.india@creative.sprintrpg.ems.vsnl.n...

fax :

(011) 6885886 or 6889764

Manager : Mr Kohli

Hope this helps.

Edit :

The hotel's name is "Coconut Lagoon".

Also :

Be aware that, most of the time, when there is a price difference for a same quotation it general means that you get to stay in a 1 or 2 * lower category of hotels which is not recommended (personal experience) in India as this generally means that they are not up to what we consider our cleanlyness & hygienic standards.

The best thing to do is to compare different quotations offering the same itinary and hotels.

I wish you an unforgettable honeymoon and a fantastic trip.

We had visited Kerala & taken the packages from www.kera-travel.net & found the services excellent. The guys kept their promise & delivered exactly the same thing they committed. Services were excellent also. We highly recommend their name if you want to have a Great Holiday at the Best Price http://answers.yahoo.com/question/accuse_write?qid=20080828171149AAi7mXH&kid=NbUvWza8VjcrJNr4lCuX&s=comm&date=2008-11-19+21%3A35%3A14&.crumb=

ready made honey moon are all useless and stereotyped. try something different. I have no idea about your budget but I can give some idea:

1. try a nights stay on a tree house

2. try house boats in back waters

3. go for spa therapies

4. a nice massage for both of you will a good idea

So plan your trip your self, do something unique and spice your trip

People go abroad these days for honeymoon and mind you its cheap these days.

good luck

Wayanad is a great place in Kerala if you just want to spend few lazy days in a jungle resort. Check out Wayanad guide at http://www.khojbin.com/Kerala_Wayanad_guide_10.

Hope this helps.

Hi,

Please send your requirement to southerntoursindia@gmail.com

We can give you a better deal that no one can match with the rates or service

Best Regards

Leo

Any 'best' places? Where and why? Any particular reasons? Where would you avoid most and examples? Any experiences to share?

Serious answers please. I am using this for future references...

Thanks!

South East Asian countries are so full of culture and are so beautiful. I travelled extensively around this area during the i moved to the philippines for 5 years (im australian hehe) But yeah there was some beautiful places in the Philippines that truly stuck in my mind. There was this place called "Coco Grove Beach Resort"and i was awed at the size of the place and how few rooms there were and how beautiful...and cheap the place was! i stayed there for like 3 months instead of staying at the dorm hehe. Two things stay in your mind: how amazingly nice and professional the staff are..they like make it personal without over stepping the boundaries hehe...they remember everyones names and joke around and make u feel at home. it was so awesome. and its so beautiful too! like an island paradise...man im starting sound like an ad. hehe but it realy was great. i talked to so many other guests and they were all happy too =) its all by word of mouth and they always come back. if ya wanted to check it out ever, its on the island of Siquijor...and i think they have a website but i dont know it. oops lol but i think it might be like cocogrove.com.ph or something hehe like it was simple =D hope u i cud help! it truly was a great place

I have been eyeing on Taman Negara Forest Reserve Pahang for quite some time now. I am not much of a beach person, unless if the beach is still of its natural state, i would be interested. So i am now more into tropical greens. They have water/river rapid activities, mountain hiking etc. The best part is i heard that they really preserved the forest, something that i truly value. I would bring my son along so he could learn to preserve nature.

Dave, why were u so unlucky when u came to KL..Now u hate malaysia so much because of that knife-point incident. I hope that fellow is in jail for god sakes. Just to share with you all, i was at a gun-point in Manila at 2am when i came out of their Hard Rock Cafe. I refused to accept the drinks this guy sent to my table and later on refused to dance with him. He got really mad and waited for me outside the HRC. (yeah, very gentleman of him..) When i came out, he started screaming hysterically in a language i did not understand and pointed the gun on my forehead. The bouncers disappeared into thin air, i guess they were scared too. It was a good 30minutes of staring at the gun (was getting crossed eyed too by doing so) thinking he was going to create a hole on my forehead, i thought i would never survive to even have my last stick of cigarette. Then his friend came and tried to talk him out of it. Cut the story short, i am here today. Man, i was lucky.

I have travelled to Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines in South East Asia and the most annoying vacation is that one in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia when someone robbed me at knife point. From there, I stopped travelling to South East Asia. But the four countries are generally beautiful ....

depends what you're after, good food, exprienceing other cultures, scenery, safety, etc,etc... Southeast Asia offered the best deals for your money(usd, euro,yen)

I am planning a road trip with my dog. What are your BEST or UNIQUE car travel tips?

Thanks!

I always crate my dogs in the car. If they get sick or go to the bathroom before the next stop it is contained.

A favorite toy.

Always walk on a leash

Make sure tags are current.

Make sure the hotel you are staying in allows pets before you leave. Or sneak them in the room, If he is a quiet dog and you don't have to leave for any length of time.

If he is use to traveling in cars you should have no problems. I have taken several of my dogs on road trips.

I was advised to give my dog human travel sickness pill just prior to leaving on a trip..its works a treat..keeps him calm and quiet.

I go once a month on a 12 hour round-trip to my daughter's home. My puppy goes along. Right before we leave I take her for a walk, I then give her some Benadryl and then place her in her travel kennel. We stop at the halfway point for a bathroom break, a drink, and to stretch our legs and then it's back on the road. She doesn't make a sound the whole trip. She is 5 months old.

You know Im not sure really how to help you all my dogs love to go "bye bye" lol You mention the word and they get excited. They are a little hyper the first min in the car but settle down and stick their noses out the window. I start taking them in car rides as soon as I get the pup so they can get use to it.

Now my husband's puppy dont do so good he gets car sick sometimes so if we are going somewhere and taking the dogs we dont let her eat or drink about fours hrs before we go and she is good to go

Answer: Take the dog to a kennel.

Your vet can actually give you some pills to "minorly sedate" your pet (may depend on length of trip) - and I would recommend keeping it in a contained cage if feasible, with a favorite blanket/pillow etc. Give it a treat when it first gets in there, and then let it get comfy & snooze...

Buy one of those dog seatbelts- very important.

Bring a comfy bed for the dog.

Stop every 2-3 hours so the dog can get a pee break & stretch its legs.

Bring some anti-nausea medication for your dog, if its your first big trip with your dog, it may get car sick.

Go to your vet ahead of time & get some sedatives just in case your dog freaks out, you can have a car accident if the dog distracts you.

Never let your dog stick its head out the window. I have a friend whos collie was blinded by dirt that flew into the dog's eyes at a high speed. Also I have heard of dogs being decapitated.

Most importantly have fun & good luck!!!

Give your dog big kisses for me!!

ummmm you might want to hire a pet Carrier guy (to take him with you and when you get their you pick him up somewhere) it rely depends on how long the trip is

We travel all over the country, often with more than a dozen dogs. Take my word for it there is absolutely no alternative to a dog crate. The dog is safer, and happier, and so are any people that are in the same vehicle.

Source

http://www.sweetbreezbeagles.com

http://www.seventhsonbeagles.com

Watch for "Whisper" at the Eucanuba National

a puke bowl

Benadryl...and I prop his bed up so he can see out the windows. He is happy as long as he can see what's going on...otherwise he makes this annoying noise and stares at you until you let him sit in your lap.