Travel Tips

Personal blog about travel, tour, and hotel related topics

Entries for September, 2009

Lake Cumberland – Kentucky Wonder

Located in central southern Kentucky, Lake Cumberland is one of the largest man-made bodies of water east of the Mississippi River and boasts more miles of shoreline (1255) than any other lake in the world. Within a days drive of most of Middle America, Lake Cumberland is considered a premier family vacation destination. For those seeking outdoor adventure, scenic vistas and peaceful surroundings, Lake Cumberland truly is the perfect place.

Nationally known for it’s bass and trout fishing and host to several annual tournaments, Lake Cumberland is an angler’s dream. Largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass abound, as well as stripers which have been stocked here since 1951. For the trout fisherman, the entire Cumberland River is full of rainbow trout, brown trout and the elusive brook trout. Many of Kentucky’s record catches were recorded here, so your trophy is waiting.

In addition to prized fishing, Lake Cumberland offers house boating and a wide variety of water sports. Lake Cumberland is said to have more luxury houseboats than any other lake in the United States and nearby Monticello is the houseboat manufacturing capitol of the world. There are a host of full service marinas on the lake offering houseboat and pontoon rentals by the day or week. For those desiring a quicker pace on the water, ski boat and powerboat rentals are also available as well a personal watercraft. With over 63,000 acres of water, there is plenty of room for everyone. Cumberland below the falls and Big South Fork offer whitewater adventure that is sure to get your heart pounding. Local outfitters offer rafting as well as canoeing tours and kayakers flock to these rivers for their adrenaline pumping rapids.

Those desiring land recreation will find plenty of activities to choose from. There are many nearby golf courses offering everything… Read More

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Answers To Money And Shopping Questions While Cruising Europe

Money matters can be confusing when traveling but maybe this article will help you out.

We always take lots of single and five dollar bills with us on every cruise. They come in handy for taxis, tips for tour guides, tips for the staff, and little souvenirs at craft shops. They are handy if you run across a bartender on the ship that is really treating you well.

Europe has now changed to the Euro in many countries making it easier to travel from country to country. The countries that are now using that currency are: Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Holland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Portugal, Spain, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, The Vatican, Martinique, Guadalupe, Montenegro, and Kosovo.

Thanks to the miracle of the ATM machine, it is now easier that ever to get money in foreign countries. Use your ATM card in the machine to get the appropriate amount of money for the days you will be in each country. This eliminates carrying lots of Traveler’s Checks but take a few in case of emergencies. Never carry big wads of money no matter where you travel. It makes you an instant target.

Always keep in mind that you will be unable to reconvert coins so spend them liberally. It will be necessary to know the exchange rate so you can figure out how much you will need. If you are doing a cruise in the British Isles you may make three stops in Ireland so plan for three days of the local currency if you don’t want to keep finding an ATM machine.

If you are cruising around the Caribbean, every merchant takes dollars and credit cards, I recommend using Credit Cards. If you don’t use the above suggestion about using the ATM’s the ship will provide a… Read More

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How To Be Safe While Traveling Single

If you want to meet new people, find a mate, increase your awareness, experience personal growth, lower your blood pressure or just relax. TRAVEL!

You can try an all-inclusive resort that will give you the safety of communal living, yet flexible enough to provide you with a detail experience of your chosen destination. You can increase your experience encounters by signing up for tours offered by your resort. These mega resorts offer tours for shopping, sightseeing, night life, educational and adventure.

If you would rather travel to 2, 3 or more cities then a cruise may be your best choice. There are single cruises that are high end, (meaning they won’t make you feel like you are on the prowl)!

Safety is a serious issue and should not be taken lightly. Listed below are 15 tips to increase your safety factor:

1. When you check into your hotel, give your Bellman a $5.00 to $10.00 tip. Tell him your name and ask him a question about your stay at the resort, Keep this conversation, brief and professional
2. Use the Hotel safe for money, your travel documents and jewelry. If you use your room safe, be sure you know how to operate the safe properly.
3. Always try to originate your cab ride from your hotel. When away from your hotel try to avoid asking strangers for directions. If you get lost or need help, go to the nearest Hotel (the larger the better) and ask for help at the Front desk!
4. Select your ‘return trip cab’ with caution and always be aware of your surroundings
5. Invest in a body purse or use a money belt.
6. Do not flash cash, foreign or domestic. If you are not sure of the money exchange,… Read More

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Enjoy A Holiday in Lanzarote

As summer turns to autumn there is still one holiday destination where the sun loungers are not being packed away. As the Canary Islands, located off the coast of West Africa, offer great weather all year round. Thanks to their location on the same line of latitude as parts of Mexico and the Bahamas.

The Canaries were first conquered by the Spanish crown in the early 1400´s and today are the second most popular holiday destination in the country after Catalonia. Attracting an estimated 9 million plus visitors every year.

Lanzarote is the eastern most of the seven islands and boasts a surreal volcanic landscape that was created by a series of eruptions in the 18th and 19th centuries. Leaving much of the south of the island looking like the surface of the moon.

Places To Stay
Tourists have been visiting the island for over forty years so accommodation standards are high. The best hotels and holiday villas in Lanzarote are located in the resort of Playa Blanca – situated right at the southern tip of the island.

There are more villas in Playa Blanca than in any other resort on the island. Offering tourists an excellent range of choice as well as access to Lanzarote´s best beaches at nearby Papagayo. With prices starting from around £400 per week for a standard two bedroom property with private pool.

For those on a budget the best selection of Lanzarote apartments can be found in the islands oldest resort of Puerto del Carmen. Where prices start from around £180 a week for a one bedroom studio on a popular holiday complex such as Las Palmeras.

Getting Around
Public bus services on Lanzarote are infrequent outside of the main resorts and don’t service the main… Read More

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