Black Sand Beaches Around The World

Black is beautiful and these black sand beaches from around the world show how true this saying is.

This Black Sand Beach, Lost Coast, California is so well-known for its black sand beach lies pristine and relatively untouched. It is 4,000 feet below the surrounding mountains of California. The remote beach is hard to reach and very hard to get in, the only way to get there is the small mountain roads. Camping as well as hiking are the two big things in this area. This is a perfect place to connect with nature.

You may have just found your new favorite beach in the world in Perissa, Santorini, Greece. With its crystal clear water and its smooth but devilishly hot sand you are sure to enjoy your getaway. It is known as one of the Greece’s best beaches and is protected by Mesa Vouno and the ruins of the ancient Spartan city Thera to the north. Enjoy a picture perfect scenic of the stark contrast between the black sand beach and the white buildings.Every tourist must experience the 3 kilometer hike to Mesa Vouno at dawn to take in a sunrise fit for the Gods, if not, your visit would be incomplete.

Aside from the beauty of nature in Bali and the beauty of the city in Jakarta, there is the Black Sand Dive Retrest is a small 6-bungalow quality dive resort located on a sheltered bay in a natural setting on Lembeh Strait, Indonesia’s Exotic Critter Capital. The resort focuses on personalized service both above and below the water, offering an exceptional dive holiday experience in "The Mecca of Muck Diving" Lembeh Strait for our discerning guests. Visiting divers have very limited holiday time and staying here will worth every minute of the vacation. It is the incredible diving that draws visitors to Lembeh Strait.

Vík Beach, Iceland is situatedat the southernmost point of Iceland. This is definitely one of the prettiest black sand beaches in the world. This stretch of black basalt sand is one of the wettest places in Iceland, getting about 90 inches of rain a year and is surrounded by volcanoes and glaciers – which if you ask us, makes for one heck of a unique destination.

Punaluu Beach, Hawaiiis to be found on the Big Island. It is actually a result of lava that’s flowed to the ocean and cooled, creating a beautiful, but rocky beach. Be wary for sun-bathing Hawksbill and Green turtles, you’re on their turf after all. Be sure to stay at least 15 feet away from these endangered creatures otherwise the beach patrol might cut your visit short. Oh, and taking some of that stunning sand home with you as a memento isn’t allowed either.

Travelling and having a vacation can sometimes be overwhelming and stressful. To avoid this kind of problem, make a research beforehand. How often is it that people became a victim of scam of false advertisements? Westhill Consulting Travel and Tours, Singapore provides advice and tips as warning for travelers.

Westhill Consulting Travel & Tours based in Singapore Offers New Family Friendly Trips

The active travel consultant company Westhill Consulting Travel & Tours based in Singapore sets international adventure vacation standards.  The company announces 10 new-for-2014 adventure destinations that are all value-driven family.

The company’s founder and CEO says, “I know how important family is and I value keeping the family tradition going.  It has been my personal mission in life.  This year we took a closer look at our itineraries and prices and offer as much value and relief as we can.  We offer kid-friendly lodgings with exemplary service and cuisine, all at a very competitive price.  We assure you won't be having any complaints.”

Westhill Consulting Travel & Tours Singapore accept children of all ages.  And since there are no age restrictions on custom and private trips, family trips are becoming increasingly popular.  Grandparents can also come with travel plans, including extended family members.

 

The company has carefully designed itineraries to include supervised activities for kids while adults enjoy a candlelit meal or some private downtime.  A special child pricing for the child or children with parents or grandparents is offered.  There are also some other special offers for families such as an extra guide and van and such-kid friendly equipment as tag-along bikes, squirt guns and games.  

“We've created the perfect blend of cross-generational activity, comfort and adventure to satisfy adventurers of all ages with many choices and flexibility on our family vacation trips,” Westhill says.

 

Accommodations are carefully designed to combine child-friendly elements.

 

Here is a sample of new family friendly trips of Jakarta, Indonesia Tour: source http://www.expat.or.id/info/funactivitieskidsjakarta.html 

 

Laser Game

Technology has improved on paintball and now you can enjoy the same fun as paintball without the pain of getting hit or the mess of the paint.  Laser Game uses infrared technology to record hits on an individual or a team. At the end of the session a printout is generated with the record of all the action during the 15-minute session.  Played in a maze with black light, this is a great activity for children 8 years and older - all the way to adults.  Corporations are a using a lot laser games as a way to encourage team building or outings for their young executives. The company offers a free training session which includes safety advice and warnings. 

Kidzania

Kidzania is a role playing indoor theme park. Children are given the opportunity to work at over 70 professions with opportunities to become a doctor or a pilot or baker for the day. They are paid with Kidzos, the official currency of the park. There are two sessions during the day, 9:00– 2:00 and 3:00 – 8:00. Because of its popularity, it is best to make reservations for your child. Kidzania is located in Pacific Place Mall in Jakarta.  

Winter Holiday Budgets Up Forty Eight PCT This Year

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According to the report, high inflation is not coming in the way of holiday spends as more and more travelers are booking longer and expensive holiday packages this winter compared with last year.

"The average holiday budgets per person per night have increased to Rs 2,325 this winter from Rs 1,564 in 2012, indicating a 48 per cent rise.

"Trips have become longer by 36.3 per cent with travelers taking an average trip of 3.8 nights this year," says holiday information portal HolidayIQ.com's report 'Insights: Winter Holidays Prediction Report 2013'.

In the middle of November 2013 and January 2014, it analyses the patterns.

People are preparing trips in smaller groups with group size decreasing 16 per cent even though not being thrifty on the budget.

Beach and hill station destinations are most popular this winter, accounting for almost 78 per cent of the holidays planned, according to the report.

Families form a significant part of tourist traffic because of the winter holidays in schools.   This is 26 per cent of planned trips.

The report says traditionally, travelers prefer to travel within the region they reside in. However, this winter there is a marked increase in travelers choosing holiday destinations outside their region.

In the previous year merely forty one per cent of winter trips were intended outside the traveler’s region of residence whereas in the current year the said trips account for sixty six per cent of all trips planned.

People from east and north-east travel outside more while majority of south Indian travelers have a preference travelling within the region.

Couple travelers plan longer and more expensive holidays allocating the highest average budget of Rs 2,611 per person per night, followed by family travelers at Rs 2,137, group travelers at Rs 1,974 and single travelers at Rs 1,693, it said.

Holidays planned by women have 8 per cent higher budgets than those planned by men, it added.

Tips For Smooth Trips

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Pack with purpose



• Bring Your Own Everything. 1. A small (inflatable) pillow 2. Ziploc bags (useful in so many ways) 3. Entertainment (include one non-electronic thing for when you have to power down) 4. Snacks, and a reusable water bottle.



• Pack light. Try to take only one suitcase, preferably a roller carry-on.  This will be very convenient in any way.



• If flying, check out the current rules and restrictions at tsa.gov.  You are only allowed one carry-on that must fit in the overhead compartment and one that must fit underneath the seat in front of you; this means you are only allowed to have two carry-ons.  Some airlines charge you extra to check a bag.



Plan like a pro



• Get a passport now, everyone must have one.  Get one now even if you don’t have immediate travel plans because getting one can take as long as 90 days.  Photo copy your passport and travel plans such as confirmation numbers, etc.  Always bring the copies with you and even email a copy to your family and yourself.  There are instances that the rental agencies or hotels will ask for your passport.  It will be safer if you will just give them a copy Instead. Treat your passport like gold.



• Try not to overbook. Allow for travel delays. If you have a strict schedule, like a cruise or tour, consider arriving a day early.



• Read traveler reviews, but read between the lines when searching for hotels or excursions and remember to look for reviews that are recent, specific and have photos.



Make air travel easy



Arrive early, security waits can be very long and some airports are huge.  Think about an hour or so earlier.



Take off jackets and shoes and empty your pockets before hand and make security smooth sailing.  Liquids bag or laptop should be taken out of your luggage and must be put it in a separate bin. Be ready to answer even the strangest questions from TSA agents politely, especially if you are overseas.



Make sure you double check that you have picked up all of your belongings from the conveyor.  Apply for TSA Pre-check so that you can get through security faster, this goes for a frequent traveler





Stay safe, comfy



To improve your immune system, four weeks or so, start taking probiotics before you leave.  Bring a small bag with stomach soothers, motion sickness pills, ibuprofen, decongestants and basic first-aid necessities.  Drink plenty of water.  It will help if you will keep moving, perhaps take periodic stops during road trips and get up and stretch your legs during flights.



Take its business card with you whenever you leave your hotel.  Because if you find yourself lost, this can become a lifesaver.



Tourists that are distracted and excited are often the target of pickpockets.  Here’s how to avoid them, ladies, make sure your purse is closed and consider an over-the-shoulder style.  Guys, keep your wallet in your front pocket.



If you have food allergies, write down (in the local language) what you can’t eat.  Contact the airlines ahead of time so that they will not serve food that contains ingredients that will trigger your allergies.



Be a good guest



Thank your hostess, bringing her a small gift that is special to your home town is a great way to show your appreciation.



“Please” and “thank you”, at least learn the two in their native language and make sure you understand the tipping policy.



Find simple mementos



Take a reliable camera with you.  Take a picture of everything you love and don’t forget little things like your hotel room, the front of the hotel, your tour guide, and the best gelato you have ever tasted.  Don’t forget the chargers and extra memory cards.  Tourist maps, pretty reusable shopping bags, quality postcards and flattened pennies are small, easy to take home, and almost free!



Save some money



• Be certain you budget everything; little things like checked baggage fees, taxis and tipping add up fast.



• Know the cancellation and price-matching policy of all hotels and tours you book.



• Local delis and grocery stores often offer fun foods without restaurant prices or when you do eat out, it’s usually cheaper to make lunch your biggest meal.



• Prior to leaving, check for online deals like Citypass or Groupon.  Throughout the summer months, many museums offer free admission days, so check if that works with your schedule.  When flying, always check the price of one-way fare versus round-trip prices, check airline web sites on Mondays, and reserve your seats as soon as possible.

Tips on Independent Travel vs. Organized Group Tour in Russia

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It is actually very easy to plan an independent trip.  The most known routes to Russia are St Petersburg to Moscow that is why it has a good provision of services.  The best way to get around this enormous country are the Russia’s trains as they are comfortable, relatively inexpensive and services between the two major cities are frequent and efficient.


The good choice is the trains depart St Petersburg’s Moskovsky station and the first class sleeper carriages for an approximately eight-hour journey.  They are comfortable and clean with two adult berths.  It will cost around £200 per person for a one-way first class sleeper ticket.


But if you choose a daytime service and sit in second class, you may do so if you do not need a sleeping car because this will be cheaper and the high speed Sapsan trains only take four hours.  You can book in advance with agencies such as Real Russia as they also arrange your visa for you.  But the cheapest way to book tickets is at the station reservation office.


A tour isn’t needed because the journey is relatively straightforward aside from it is too expensive too.  Although its advantage would be that you can concentrate on enjoying the trip rather than the logistics.  For £1250, the Cox and Kings have a good Moscow and St Petersburg tour for seven nights; it also includes flights, a high standard of accommodation and some meals.

Travel Tips

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BEFORE LEAVING

1. It is necessary that you know basic information about your destination.  Make a research about the place before anything else.
2. A copy of your itinerary must be left with a trusted family member or friend, in case of any emergency.
3. List down significant emergency information
4. Make yourself familiar with basic safety information, rules, and procedures, like what to do if you get lost or sick

WHEN GETTING READY WITH WHAT TO PACK

1. Remember to travel light
2. Put important stuff in your hand carry bag
3. If travelling with babies, bring childproofing supplies, like electrical outlet covers and baby gates
4. Basic first aid kit is a must
5. It will save you your time, from shame and effort if you will remember the rules for what you can carry on and what needs to be checked when flying. These rules also apply to liquids such as milk or formula.

WHEN ON THE ROAD

1. Be certain that your children are in approved child safety seats as mandated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.  See Westhill Consulting Travel and Tours for further details
2. Children that are old enough not to need a child safety seat must wear their seat belt
3. This should be a general knowledge, never leave your children alone in your car

AT THE AIRPORT AND IN THE AIR

1. Explain safety and security procedures, rules and instructions
2. Teach your children to cooperate with airport security officials
3. Inform your children that making jokes or false threats about security issues are illegal and that they may not do so.
4. Your children should be in approved child safety seats if they require them, this applies also to airplanes.
5. Ensure the requirements for strollers, diaper bags, and other baby and child equipment

IN YOUR HOTEL

1. Check your hotel room for possible hazards, such as electrical outlets and furniture with sharp corners
2. Know where the nearest fire exits, fire alarm, fire extinguisher/hose to your room
3. Educate your children basic emergency procedures, like what to do in case of a fire or earthquake
4. Put away from kid’s reach potentially hazardous items, like toiletries, etc.
5. Supervise your kids at all times, do not leave them alone

OUT AND ABOUT

1. Watch out for your children closely, more especially in public restrooms, large crowds, and near swimming pools or bodies of water
2. Make ground rules for curfews and safety issues
3. Be sure your children cross streets with your supervision
4. Instruct your kids to go to an agreed upon safe place and stay there, if ever they get lost
5. A distinctive or brightly colored clothes will be helpful to make children more visible
6. Write down your contact information on an index card and place it in your kids' pockets to make contacting you easier
7. This is old but still very true, do not talk to strangers, instruct children this one.  Tell your children not to take anything from a stranger or go anywhere with a stranger
8. Check play areas for potential hazards, look for sharp edges or openings where your children could get stuck
9. Make sure your kids have and use proper safety equipment, like helmets and life vests, for any activities that require them

Exchange Foreign Currency at the Best Rates

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Before travelling we have a lot of questions in our mind, one of the most frequent question people ask is, how do I get foreign currency for my next trip?  It is often a challenge to save money on a holiday and the hardest part of it is saving money when exchanging money.  Sometime you don’t realize that banks and other money changers empty your wallets so fast.  Be wise and do not ignore details.

after you arrive better get local money from the ATM in the country because in most places it is always cheaper.  No worries because airports have ATMs where you can do this, (at least almost all airports).  It is also good if it comes handy when you need local money for cab.  If you have no time to do this in the airport because you already have a transport from the airport booked with your hotel then you can just do this a little later in the hotel.  You can walk around and check for ATM close to you.

Getting money d\from the ATM is also safer.   You can just get enough for the following days so you will be safe from thieves and misplacement.  And this is also saves time rather than money exchange that consumes time.


It will also be good if you stick with Visa or Mastercard because both are widely accepted.  Be mindful that all card issuer charges different rates for cash advances in a different country than your own.

Usually a debit card linked to a checking or savings account do not charge cash advance fees so using them will be the cheapest because you are withdrawing  the money you already have therefore you will not be charging money and paying for it later.   If applicable, you will still be charge for using a different bank’s ATM.  You will also be charged with a 2-3% foreign transaction fee.  Using a credit card versus a debit card incurs the foreign transaction fee, but also a cash advance fee which varies greatly.  Often it's 3-5%, but can be a flat rate of $10-15 (USD).

Your bank’s debit card ATM fee of $2-3 (USD) is less than the cash advance fee.  To sum it up, it's cheaper to pay a $2 ATM fee and 3% foreign fee than a 3% cash advance fee plus 3% foreign fee.  To make sure about the card you have because every card is different, call your card issuer and ask for ATM fee, cash advance fee, foreign transaction fee rates.

Another tiny detail that you must keep in mind is to make sure you take crisp bill with no damage or whatsoever.  Money changers will offer less or not accept worn out bills.  $100 bills have the best cash exchange rate bills with lower value are changed at a lower rate.  And be very wary of whom you exchange your money with, there are many scammers out there.  Make sure you know the right exchange rate and if ever there will be someone offering you a higher rate or you see a signage on the street that offers higher rate do not believe it because chances are they are fraud.  They are know to be quick in folding bills over or swapping bills that you may think that he had given you the right amount but in reality you had been deceived.  Always go to the legitimate banks and money changers.

Tips On How You Can Upgrade Your Stay At Hotels

Your home when you are in vacation, a home away from home.  You want a comfortable room, and this would make a huge difference to your entire vacation.  It isn’t always a guarantee that you will be staying to the most comfortable hotel but you can improve your stay.

Timing

If you desire for a room upgrade, there are some circumstances in which this will likely to happen.  First is during a slow season, on a weekend at a hotel that business travelers visits commonly and only stays for a short while.  Another circumstance, many hotel rooms are empty and ready for upgrades during off-season.  If planning for a short stay only, likewise, room turnover is less of a hassle.  According to an unnamed front desk manager quoted on the MSNBC website, if you arrive late and leave early, for instance, because of an unexpected change in travel plans, a room upgrade is a distinct possibility.  it is because, it will be easier to make changes for someone who is planning to stay for a short while.

Appearance

According to the Recessionwire website, while it's not necessary to arrive dripping in jewels and covered with designer labels, an upscale appearance can be a deciding factor in whether you get an upgrade.  Meaning, if you arrive looking like a backpacker it is more likely that you would not get an update.   According to the MSNBC website, on the other hand, front desk staff are often sympathetic when you arrive looking exhausted.  You may receive an upgrade at least to a higher-quality bed especially when you have a nice character.

Conduct

If you have complaints and are all legitimate, those wont be held against you but show a and obnoxious attitude then expect no upgrade and it could be use against you in future stay.  According to Genevieve Brow, a Travelocity senior editor, quoted on the Mainstreet website, letting the front desk know you're celebrating a special occasion will often score a better room for you.  Travel consultant Daniel Edward Craig recommends having the reservations agent note your special occasion next to your booking so that the front desk staff can see it when you check-in in his writing on the Hotel Online website.  "The front desk reviews special requests on the day of arrival and tends to have a soft spot for special occasions," says Craig.

The Direct Approach

Requesting for an upgrade is not hard or even complicated, you can just ask politely.  There’s nothing wrong with dropping a slight reminder more especially if you are already a regular guest.  According to Recessionwire  be ready to hear "No" and responding. For instance: “No deluxe rooms available? How about free breakfast?” It suggests being persistent but friendly.

Jakarta Travel Tips

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Like any other cities in the world, Jakarta is a noisy and chaotic metropolis.  And same as those cities, there are cautions to be conscious of.  Jakarta is much fun if you know what you are doing so if it is your first time in the city here are some travel tips for you.

Customs and etiquette are very important anywhere but in Indonesia there are some certain points that you must remember.  Although Indonesians are usually laid-back, there are some dos and don’ts that you must be sensitive just so you won’t offend.  When entering temples, mosques, and even some shops, shoes should always be removed.  Skits and shorts must cover your knees when in town.  Pointing is also prohibited and eating with your left hand is offensive as it is only used for toilet duties.

Smooching or public display of affection with partner or with a local is considered too be very offensive.  Keep it cool and keep your temper in check even in the most tempting circumstances.  Although Jakarta is not tip-heavy at least be a bit generous more especially to a non-service-charging restaurant and the rounding up of a cab bill.

When it comes to money matters, the local currency is the Indonesian rupiah (Rp), with notes ranging from Rp500 to Rp100,000 and coins of up to Rp1,000.  If you you got to change money, you must go directly to the banks instead of having them changed in the hotels because you will have a bad time due to their worst exchange rate!

But good thing about Jakarta is they are a fairly credit card-friendly city with shops, restaurants and hotels all generally accepting Visa and MasterCard.  Be careful of high ATM charges and remember cash is king in the inexpensive markets.

It is hot year round in Jakarta because of it close proximity with the equator with little deviation in the seasonal sense.  During October to February, the monsoon season goes and it is particularly wet while June through September is generally boiling hot and the best time to visit is between March and June.

Jakarta is pretty big and you need to use public transportation.  Jakarta Monorail is a new monorail system in use to the more colorful and touristy parts of town, as well as a fairly recent bus network.  Every district is accommodated by bus with dedicated lines, as minibuses take in localized routes.  And also, trains run to Ancol from downtown Jakarta and motorized rickshaws and there are also plenty of metered taxis.

Hotel shuttles, if your hotel has one, are the most excellent choice for transport from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK).  Taxis are a bit quite hard to negotiate with but there is limousine desk and a desk for ordinary taxis at the airport that you can try to talk to.  What’s more, there is an airport shuttle bus to choose from in downtown destinations and cheaper DAMRI shuttle buses.

Tips on Using Debit Card at Hotels

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What you need
• Extra funds for incidental holds
• Bank account statement

 Before anything else, make sure that the hotel accepts debit cards because some hotels are no longer accepting debit cards this is due to the customer discontent with fund holds, but many do.

 Make sure that you know the hotels credit card policy before reserving a room.  For incidentals like the mini-bar, movies and room service, some hotels place a monetary hold so you better ask for this one in particular.  This can very costly too, it can hold you from $50 a night to over $100 at some luxury hotels, and will be assessed even if the room has been prepaid.  In the case that this happens, a $300 three-night hotel stay may increase up to $450 visit in an instant, with the extra $150 tied up until the bank or hotel releases the charge.   But you can avoid his by not asking or reminding it in the first place.

 Always make sure that you still have cash on hand if just in case that the hotel slips a hold onto your account, you'll still be able to buy meals and enjoy the trip until the money is released.  This will always ensure that your trip is low on surprises.  And lastly but still as important like any other matter, it is also a good buffer against potential theft.

 Notify the other user if you are using a joint card when you will be using the debit card for travel.  Inform the other user about the exact amount of cash paid at the hotel.  Also inform her about expected day of fund release for any hold assessed--especially if this amount will deplete the account, or leave little money in it.  Because if you won’t do this you might get your transactions declined without warning because sometimes joint account holders often find out the hard way that a mate has used the debit card while traveling.

 Keep all your receipts and examine all of them.   Then once the trip is over check your bank statement.   Transaction mistakes are more likely to happen in a checking account than on a charge card.  So if you won’t double check it, an accidental overcharge can be a disaster and potentially lead to overdraft charges, bounced checks or insufficient-funds charges.  Because resolving it will take a while and you don’t want that so better read your receipts carefully before leaving your hotel.

Know How Much You Should Tip at Hotels

In a USA Today interview Cornell University's School of Hotel Administration Professor Michael Lynn said, a third of the country doesn't know to tip 15 to 20 percent at a restaurant.  Vivian Deuschl, a vice president for Ritz-Carlton, says tips are not mandatory payments, nor should hotel employees automatically expect them, but they are greatly appreciated and might help make your stay more pleasant.

·      Always cheek your bill, notice if freebies are included.  There are hotel spas, restaurants and room services automatically include a tip as part of the bill.  If this is the case that the tip is already included, there in no need for an additional tip necessary but a very small extra tip for exceptional service is up to you.  And if in the case that the tip is not included a 15 to 20 percent tip for room service, spa treatments and other services is good enough.

·      Give a tip for the maid everyday.  As of 2010, a $2 to $5 tip is sufficient, with higher tips being left if your room requires more cleanup than usual. "USA Today" recommends that you leave a smaller tip on a daily basis rather than a larger tip at the end of your stay to ensure that the person cleaning your room each day actually gets the tip.

·      Rather than when you drop off the car, tip your valet when he returns your car to you from the lot.  Independent Traveler and "USA Today" recommend a tip of $1 to $5, depending on the weather conditions: the worse the weather, the higher the tip.

·      And basing on the services the concierge provides, you may or may not give her a higher tip.  You are not obligated to tip if the service is simply asking for directions or recommending a place to eat but if the service is something more difficult, such as finding reservations at an elite restaurant or getting tickets to a sold-out show, a tip of $10 to $50 is in order.

·      For the bellhops, base your tip on the number of bags they carry.  And tips are normally ranging from $1 to $2 per bag, with particularly heavy bags garnering higher tips.


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