5 Tips For a Complete Vacation With the Pet

On several occasions when I decided not to travel with my beloved Jack-the-Ripper, (ahem, that's my most loyal and beloved pet dog, who bears no involvement in the infamous London controversies), I missed him dearly. At other times, he'd gleefully give me company, wherever my toes took me to. Those were the best of my travel experiences. With kids, honey and the two juniors, it's a perfect getaway package for me.

But before taking the pet aboard on the flight, I consider 5 things to be of utmost importance:

1. Take him to a veterenarian and check if he's in a perfect condition to travel. I don't want to take the risks of flea, heartworm and other stuff.

2. Pack his favorite toys, food and the LEASH.

3. Get a special, I always go for the fancier ones, identification tag for him, and write my contact details so that, in case we're separated, I could be contacted.

4. Have him micro-chipped. It's totally harmless and cheap.

5. Make prior and proper arrangements with the airlines for transfer and subsequent pick-up.

Las Vegas for the Family

Who doesn't want to take a fall vacation. But with so many options open, it becomes a task to narrow down our choices and hit the nail on its head! If you're cooking up weird ideas, stop for a while and consider what I have to say. Please! Las Vegas might not be on your list, but I have a great Vegas idea.

True, Vegas is synymous with uninhibited hedonic indulgence, however, it could be a treat for the kids this December.

With the National Rodeo Finals getting underway from December 6-15, the whole family will have fun experiencing professional rodeo at its sublime heights! Vegas is never this much of a cowboy heaven as it is during this time. If you don't believe me, check it yourself- all the roping, riding, bucking, racing and wrestling at the Thomas and Mack Center will assault your senses.

South East Asia Travel Files: Thailand Spotlight

Imagine, the South East Asia bug finally sneaking into your living room. It has already done several rounds at my place. Consider visiting Thailand. Going on a vacation to Thailand is not a fancy anymore. With cheap web fares at travel sites like CheapOair, Kayak, Cheapflights and others, we can easily hook up a good deal.

But the question remains. When to visit? Is there a best time? There might be some difference of opinions, but the finally it's your call, meaning your interests decides the season. Usually, Thailand experiences three main seasons- the hot and humid, the wet and the cold.

If you're into trekking, you'll most definitely want to avoid the period from March to June, i.e the hot season. This is also the time when hotel rates soar sky high.

If you want to save money, travel during the wet season, i.e July to November. The heat and humidity is ruthless, which is enough reason why hotels are empty and price drop is the order of the day. You don't mind taking five showers a day to save extra bucks. do you?

The cold season? Like everywhere else, in Thailand too, winter sneaks in December and lasts until February. Hell freezes over around this time. This is only Thailand! There's plenty of snowfall and ice-skating is what you'll be doing all day. Be sure to pack your winter jackets, boots, gloves and scarves. I just bought a halloween scarve, which I'm planning to use in Thailand this winter!

One Stop Resource for Travel Tips Worldwide

Howdy (as wordpress says)! I just happened upon some cool budget travel tips for destinations worldwide. It's not only for Caribbean or Africa. Cheapoair's budget travel tips page has nuggets and suggestions for visitors to far away places like India and the whole of Asia. From the main page one can navigate to any destination for which you might need tips for. We can read 'em before heading out, which will go a long way in enhancing our experiences.

Travel Tips

Is it Safe out There? Security at the Hotel

I bet lugagge theft at hotel is a major pill for all of us. Sometimes, when we check-in at some obscure hotel devoid of in-room safes, electronic doorlocks and stuff, it keeps us worrried about our belongings all day long.

How to check whether a hotel is secure or not? Peer review is by far the best choice, but when you're the first among peers to visit, you might be at a loss. The first thing to do here is NOT to book a hotel where non-guests keep walking up and down the halls.

Next, always inspect the room carefully before agreeing to it. Check out if the locks so weak as to give way. Locks, they must be sturdy! Plus, the door must have a good latch from inside. You can't compromise here. Windows are barred or lockable? Is there multiple entrances to the room? If yes, just avoid.

Finally, the thing you might overlook are peep-holes. Yes! There might be peep-holes in the walls and in the windows. I've found many naughty hotels with special peep-hole rooms customized for female guests and couples! If you find a hole after you've boked, do one thing. Stuff that hole up with paper, or the chewing gum! Yes, I'm chewing, so, it came to my mind.

Boston's Best Kid Friendly Restaurants

After a day at the Trail or after strolling the cobblestone Acorn Streets and delving inside quaint row homes we all love a to relax over a fresh brewed cup of coffee at Algiers Coffee House. Then one might head for the 20th-century and contemporary American and European painting, sculpture, and master prints at the Alpha Gallery.

However, while visiting with kids, we're often left scouring for restaurants that will suit them. True, a family vacation entails everything good that we can afford for our children. So, let's discuss Boston's best kid friendly or family restaurants.

I know, I know there are too many of them! But J.P Licks at 352 Newbury St Boston, MA 02115, is somewhat special for them. Whether it's a bittersweet hot fudge or buttersctch, kids will love their home made ice cream and notfat frozen yoghurt. Besides, they have many "Best of Boston" awards to their kitty.

Another great eat for the kids is Vinny T's of Boston at 801 Worcester St Natick, MA. Go for a lunch or a special dinner out! Vinny T's will sate your senses. It's not just about the food. Everything from the art on the walls, the music in the air, to the black and white checked tablecloths, the entire family will fall in love with the old style ambiance.

I'm going to name one more. Count 1, 2, 3 and here I go! Uncle Pete's Hickory Ribs doesn't just have a fancy name. Located at 72 Squire Rd Revere, MA 02151, this one has earned repute for the most succulent BBQs in town. Uncle himself makes everything daily, starting from the scratch, using rare combinations of dry rubs and marinades and smoking the meats for hours to serve with the perfect plate!

What's Next? New York City Cheap Eats

The exciting Broadway shows must have left with the feeling of "I want more". But the Big Apple has much more beyond Broadway to keep you on your toes. Most of my peers visiting New York City end up calling me for one question, "dude, tell me where are the best cheap eats in New York?"!

I'm no NYC specialist, but when it comes to those trendy and affordable eateries, I bet, I can blow my own speakers!

Most New Yorkers will agree that Mamoun's Falafel on Macdougal Street stands unrivaled when it comes to cheap falafel and shawarma. Does anyone serve better falafels for TWO bucks? (119 Macdougal St , New York , NY , 10012)

Taim, at Waverley Pl, is yet another great place for the same. A popular kosher Israeli spot, you'll be able to choose from green, roasted red pepper and spicy harissa. It's non greasy, and there are loads of hummus, lettuce, and tomatos for a perfect pita. (222 Waverly Pl , New York , NY , 10014)

If you love Mexican, here's the address:
Los Pollitos II
148 5th Ave , Brooklyn , NY , 11217-3501

You'll find a much cheaper slice of Shanghai at:
Fried Dumpling
99 Allen St , New York , NY , 10002-3028

If British fish-n-chips is your idea of a perfect snack, you must go and check out:
ChipShop
383 5th Ave , Brooklyn , NY , 11215

Are you looking for hot dogs, grilled corn and cobbler? Here's the address to go:
Westville
210 W 10th St , New York , NY , 10014-6411

Peking Duck and Chinese Acrobatic Show- The Chinese Evening Out

If you're visting China, I'd love to share this tip with you. NO wild guesses please. I'm not cooking up a duck on the Great Wall!

Peking Duck and Acrobatic is just a tour in Beijing, which allows you to relish the world famous Peking Duck. After you've discovered the ancient culinary secrets of China, you'll be entertained by a traditional Chinese acrobat troupes.

Boy! There's nothing like spending an evening dining and being entertained in traditional-style. There are many tour operators as well as hotels, which allows you to undertake this exciting adventure.

Typical tours include hotel pick-up and drop, air-conditioned coach, transportation tax, parking fees, English-speaking guide, Dinner, and all admission tickets.

When you're in China, you can book this tour with China Travel Key or Tour Beijing.

Flights to Beijing

Coolest Family Travel Deals This Month!!

I've been scouring the web for cheap family travel deals when I happened upon some amazing airfares on Cheapoair. The fares seem quite cheap. For instance, airfares from Detroit to Las Vegas is just $157+taxes, which is quite cheap compared to other similar websites like Priceline, Kayak and Travelocity. Similary, airline tickets to Myrtle Beach from Boston is only 152+taxes.

A whole lotta top travel destinations such as Amsterdam, Mexico City, Prague, St Maarten, Toronto and Orlando are on sale!! They are no more the coveted hideaways for high rollers! It's so easy on our wallets, today.

Indeed, it's a good time to travel. The Endless Summer Festival kicks off in Myrtle Beach on September 7. Other featured destinations are the all-time favorites for everyone from history enthusiasts, nature lovers and culture buffs to foodies, party boppers and adventurers.

About Cheapoair: Cheapoair offers cheap airfares and affordable travel deals for budget travelers in the US and Canada. Over the years, it has emerged as one of the top travel sites online.

Fun for Kids and Some Tips for the Road

How to keep your kids engaged on a road trip? One of the best ways, as I learnt from one of my school-days friends is to let the little ones chronicle the journey from their point of view. For instance, we can have them take pictures of all the stops along the way. While the pictures make great souvenirs, this can also keep them busy later in form of a scrapbook.

It's quite easy to leave our worries behind while on vacation. But not beofre you teach the kids some "How To" stuff.

So, at first, we want to teach them
**how to dial “911”
**how to use a cell phone, in case of emergency.

Also, isn't it a great idea to take a few moments after settling into a hotel room to show them how to operate the hotel phone. Also, your tots should know how to contact the front desk, how to get an outside line, and how to call for an ambulance.

Vegas Strip to be a Passe, But not Before 10 Years

You heard it right. The Las Veas Strip is soon going to loose its charm, if Steve Wynn goes ahead with his intention of building a gigantic hotel casino complex just a few miles northwest of the famous Strip.

Casting shadows on everything around, the Wynn's envisioned casino complex will cover nearly 823,000 acres and accommodate...hold your breathe...over 6 million guests!!!!

Tentatively named "The World - Las Vegas," construction is expected to start this fall and the first of 16 phases is scheduled to be completed by January 2015.

The World- Phase I Highlights

Total A/C space: 1.4 trillion square feet
Guest rooms and suites: 1,969,744
Casinos: 612
Golf Courses: 153
Swimming Pools: 258
Restaurants: 2171
Special features and activities: 400 foot waterfall, 87 acre water skiing lake, Olympic scale luge track, enclosed Formula One race track and an indoor skydiving platform.

Brutal Bitters, Dead Guy Ale and the blabberings - America's Best Brewery

It was on the eve of one of my great brewery tours that I thought of researching on America's best breweries. With less boozehounds in the neighborhood and lesser bacchnalians in my friends club, I had only one option - go online. In forums and communities, I found a bazillion names, some remote and some very well known. But it took a lot of thoughtful moments to skim through the entire lot and pick the BEST.

I even read reviews by fellow travelers and after all the drudgery, the winner is none other than the brewers of Brutal Bitter, Rogue Brewing Company, Oregon. Rogue was founded in 1988 by the trio of Jack Joyce, Rob Strasser and Bob Woodell, with the first brewpub in Ashland - a 10bbl brewsystem. Currently, Rogue brags the following brews: Brutal Bitter, Chocolate Stout, Dead Guy Ale, Half-e-Weizen, Honey Cream Ale, HazelNut, Brown Nectar, Imperial India Pale Ale, Imperial Stout, Juniper Pale Ale, Kells Lager, Mocha Porter, Morimoto Black Obi Soba Ale, Morimoto Imperial Pilsner, Morimoto Soba Ale, Old Crustacean, Oregon Golden Ale, Saint Rogue Red, Santa's Private Reserve, Shakespeare Stout.

If you're curious about Rougue's latest offering, look for the bottles of Rogue Dry-hopped Red. This is going to replace Saint Rogue Red, both in retail stores and on tap.

You can join Rogue at:

20th Annual Oregon Brewers Festival, July 26-29.
13th Annual Bones and Brews, August 4-5.
3rd Annual Great American Distillers Festival, August 25-26

Top Family Vacation Destinations this Summer: Williamsburg, VA

"School's out for summer!" That's what everyone is saying. If you've already decided where to go with the family, then happy travels! But if you're planning something last minute, let's play around some ideas.

Theme parks alone might be a passe for you. But theme parks coupled with history is just unputdownable! If you're toying with the idea of exposing the kids to some of the finer and older aspects of the country, then Williamsburg is just right for you.

Williamsburg, VA is one of those charming places where you can enjoy a journey back in time. At Busch Gardens Europe it's like experiencing the European culture right in your backyard! What's more, here, the kids will enjoy the world's tallest dive coaster and the world's tallest inverted coaster.

Grab the pass to travel back in time! The Colonial Williamsburg Freedom Pass gives you access to a number of painstakingly renovated buildings, where history comes to life! While an adult pass comes at $62.95, the children can get access at just $32.95.

You won't miss Jamestown Settlement, Virginia Living Museum and Water Country USA. If you haven't heard about Water Country, let me take the opportunity to introduce one of America's Best Water Parks, bringing back all the excitement '50s and '60s beach scene in form of over 35 super-soakin' rides and slides! An interesting aspect of the park is that it's handicap accessible. Motorized and non-motorized wheelchairs are available at Guest Services for a daily rental fee.

If you've already made up your mind to visit Wiliamsburg, then you can check out these nice places to stay:

Quality Inn Historic Area
600 Bypass Road
Williamsburg, VA 23185-2929


Comfort Inn Central
2007 Richmond Rd.
Williamsburg, VA 23185

Patrick Henry Inn
249 York Street
Williamsburg, VA 23185

Hilton Garden Inn
Hilton Garden Inn
1624 Richmond Rd
Williamsburg, VA 23185

Do you worry about airfares? Let's book with Cheapoair, which guarantees the lowest prices anywhere on the web! If you don't trust me, check out these Cheapoair customer reviews and testimonials, both for Cheapoair services and prices. Click here.

Book flights to Williamsburg

Ancient Cities III: Copan

Copan takes us to what can possibly be called the Mayan world of rituals and ceremonies. This was basically a religious center inhabited by priests and other members of the Lowland Maya ruling class.

This culture, which reached its pinnacle during the period between A.D. 600 and 800, was nurtured by a chain of city-states running south from the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico to Honduras.

Today, on a tour of Copan, one comes face to face with the mammoth pyramids, streets and causeways, each replete with tales of humiliation and torture perpetrated on the captured rivals as well as the bizarre rituals of a bestial nature, where the rulers cut or pierced the ears, cheeks, tongues and genitals of the captives.

However, the most interesting part of your visit to Copan is the Ballcourt - the place where teams played a rubber ball game in front of spectators from the royal family. Another must see is the Hieroglyphic Stairway, depicting the royal lineage of Copan.

Where is Copan?

Copan is located in western Honduras, just 5 miles from Guatemala.

Book cheap airfares to Guatemala

Latest Trends in Family Travel

Latest trends suggest that for those family vacationers, for whom Disneyland or any other theme park, for that matter, is a passe, the new buzz is Central America, Africa and Asia.

Going by industry news, it's evident that an increasing number of families is choosing adventure trips to these exotic destinations. Today, many parents want their kids to relish a slice of culture and history. Hence, there's an increasing number of bookings to Panama, Chile, Thailand, China, India, Tanzania, Zambia and other such destinations.


After all, we want kids to visit temples, ride elephants and see the stark realities of poverty than tour amusement parks, ride roller-coasters and indulge in mindless consumerism.

Besides, ego trips getting more and more popular. One would gleefully dive with tiger sharks in Fiji (without a cage!!), snowboarding down an active Chilean volcano or and even scale Africa's highest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro. There's a desire to do something unique, experience things that were never thought of before. From here stems a strong sense of accomplishment.

So, instead of touring South Beach or Daytona Beach, many families scurry to Panama
to experience ecotourism, and take a peek at the fascinating history of pirates. And who would ignore the 80 km long shopping wonder known as the Panama Canal!

For those touring Asia, China is definitely the first choice. Not just a bite of dimsum at a plush restaurant in Shanghai or Hong Kong or an amble down the great Wall of China, more and more people are getting attracted to the gorges of Yunnan province, the beaches by the South China Sea and the terracotta warriors of Xi'an.

Highway 1: America's Best Road Trip

If you're toying with the idea of doing a road trip with your family this summer, I have a superb suggestion. Highway 1 from Los Angeles to San Francisco has been favored by many as one of America's best road trip.

If you haven't taken a road trip yet, this might cause an overnight transformation - you'll end up being a big road trip enthusiast. It will keep you guessing on what lies beyond the turns. This 380-mile road trip will weave memories that's going to last for a lifetime.

The mesmeric views of wide, clean beaches, and cliffs plunging to the frothing ocean will be etched on your mind forever. As the story unfolds, you'll be treated to sights of vast tracts of green farmland—lettuce, and strawberries. Certainly, this is a pilgrimage for surfers, food groupies and adventure hungry souls.

Breakout from the Grind, Don't Break the Bank!!!

I hope I have a lot of peers, at least when it comes to saving those coveted cents every month for a vacation either in spring or fall, summer or winter. Although I've been saving in every possible way and in every endeavor, I'm still worried about my bank account. Like every time, I might just end up breaking the bank. Airline tickets would burn a whole in my pocket; hotels and car rentals would squeeze every cent out of my wallet; I'm very nervous. I cannot afford to be broke for the rest of the year.

Do travel websites help?? Expedia has ripped thousands of customers down the decades. So has Orbitz. But there are some new and emerging sites which guarantee low airfares and cheap vacation packages which might help me and my peers.

I'm listing down some of these travel websites, where I found some very generous deals:

Booking Buddy

CheapoAir

Mobissimo

There are hundreds and thousands, but I found these very helpful.

A Loving Family!!

Yesterday we went out for some chocolate and ice-cream fun. It's not always that I get the chance for a day out with my kids. Honey is always psyched about these outings. After all, it's not where we go or what we do. We did it together as a family!

Although, I was having a bad cold and feeling too lazy to venture out, the excitement around made me shoot out of the living room! Whooshhhhhhhhh! The car was badly in need of a wash, d'oh! But who cares.

It's very important to create a loving family, and only a loving parent can do this with success. This is the reason for such trifling getaways. Spread positive energies, and nullify the negative. It's necessary to check out the words that we utter at home. Conversations shouldnot always stem from criticism, call to action, duty or responsibility. It should never be demanding and insisting.

So, what I try to do is keep saying to the kids:

I believe in you.
I love you.
You are/you'll be great.
I like the way you do that.
Kid, you're good example for your sister/brother.
We trust you.
You're fun to be around.
We are proud of you.
You're improving everyday.
We can see you're trying hard in school.
You'll be rewarded.

Just let my childern know that they are my TOP priority. Love and forgiveness is the key to a happy family life. Until the next vacation, we must make them believe that we really care. Vacations don't mean a thing if we do not practice thumb rules of a healthy family life.