Travel Wizards

With Tour Guide Training, You Can Get Paid to Travel

In survey after survey, when people are asked what they would do if they had more time and additional financial resources, the top answer is “travel.” Unfortunately, for most people, the dream of seeing exotic locales and exploring the sights and sounds of distant places remains just that – a dream. But some people choose to transform their travel dreams into reality by receiving tour guide training and becoming a tour director or getting any one of a number of other travel jobs.

Types of Tour Guide Jobs

Travel and tourism training paves the way for any number of tour guide jobs. Leading tours can mean sightseeing and bus tours, adventure tours, sporting tours, and cruise ship excursions either near your home, within the United States, or internationally. With tour director training, you can find work as varied as being a cruise host to assuming a management position with a tour company. The companies you can work for include tour operators, destination management companies, and event planners.

Who Makes a Good Tour Director?

One of the wonderful things about the travel and hospitality industry is that it encompasses a diverse array of jobs and draws people from a variety of backgrounds. In order to succeed in the field, you simply need to love travel, enjoy working with people, and have the right travel and tourism training. Some tour guides have extensive travel experience prior to starting, while others just have natural curiosity and the desire to travel. Many take tour guide jobs on a part-time basis, either during vacations from school, after retirement, or during the “down time” of seasonal careers. Others work locally as full-time tour directors or travel the world on cruise ships. There isn’t a single career path that leads to becoming a good tour director; indeed, it is tour guide training that makes all the difference.

Finding the Right Tour Guide Training

While some community colleges and universities offer tour guide training, you can also earn a certificate as a tour director through online courses. The best online courses offer the option of getting credit for the course through an accredited college or university in your community.

When looking at travel and tourism training options, look into the background of the instructor. Ideally, you will find someone with over a decade of extensive travel experience throughout the world as a cruise host and international tour director. He or she should also have considerable tour guide training experience.

A reputable tour director training course should last about six weeks. It should cover the expectations, requirements, and procedures involved in tour directing and guiding, as well as techniques for group management, creating and delivering interesting narration, and handling challenges that arise. The course should also go into depth about pre-tour planning, multi-day tours, facing emergencies anywhere in the world, and governmental regulations and procedures. Finally, a good tour guide training course will explore the career opportunities available for a tour director, which opportunities are a good fit for your needs and interests, and how to best write a resume, network, and interview for travel jobs.

Getting paid to travel is a dream job. And, with the right tour guide training, you can make that dream come true!

The capital of germany, pulsating city of Madrid is one of the eminent European cities that is famous for it is over a few attractions. The city nestled in the middle of the Iberian Peninsula is thronged by people not for its nerve-wrecking night life but also for the succulent cuisine, mind boggling architecture at museums, monuments & gardens & jubilant festivals.

The Background
Madrid is an old city. Its origins can be traced back to as 1085 when King Alfonso VI of Castle reigned here. The throne passed into the hands of Felipe II in 1561 & things were never the same after that. There were wars followed by inflation, the draining of city’s wealth & settling down of a horde of immigrants. The development came in 18th & 19th centuries when there was construction of numerous wonderful buildings with exotic & splendid art & architecture.

The City’s Charm
once you land in the city of Madrid, there’s many worthwhile places to visit. For the nature lovers, the Glorieta de Murillo botanical garden is a perfect location with around 30,000 varied species of plants. These exclusive species that are scattered in different regions of the world were compiled at one place by the botanist Gomez Ortega & Juan de Villanueva for King Charles III.
The three pinnacle towers of Casa de la Panaderia grounded in the Madrid’s grand main plaza called The Plaza Mayor, never miss the tourist attention. The Plaza is flooded with people during festival celebrations & as a marketplace. The statue of Felipe III adds a feather to the fascination of the place.

The music & theater both can be enjoyed in one of the oldest towns called ‘Moorish Quarter’ of Madrid. Your next step in Madrid can be towards the Parque del Buen Retiro Park. The parks is a home for three buildings that are most often used for art exhibitions & an artificial lake that gives you the pleasure of boating. The classical concerts of music & dance performances can be relished at the Auditoria Nacional de Musica & The Teatro Madrid, Teatro Lirico Nacional de la Zarzuela, Teatro Albeniz respectively.

Madrid City is known for its incredible nightlife that lifts your spirits & leaves you rocking. a number of the illustrious nightclubs on the street of Calle Huertas are The Kapital (a 7 floor club) & The Malasana. Besides this there is tremendous activity in The Paza de Chueca club, Alonso Martinez etc. The discobars & clubs are meant not for couples or stag but for families as well.

The Madrid festivals lure people across the globe. There Fiestas de San Isidro is one of the biggest festivals of the year. It commences from 15th of May & bedazzles the visitors with excellent dance performances, concerts, & other performances. The delectable food during the festival remains acts as a magnet. The festivals like Feria de la Comunidad in May, Feria de Otono in September & Feria turnia etc. have at display the treasured game of bull fighting.

Apart from the fun & adventure, Madrid specializes in serving all varieties of cuisine. A person from any corner of the world can gratify his hunger conveniently in Madrid. There is italian, italian, Swedish, Chinese, Italian.diversity of food available.

To add to the glory of Madrid is the spectacular Verbena de la Paloma festival from 6th to 15th of August. The festival mirrors the Madrid tradition & culture when people are decked up in their traditional attire & parade their customs. The ravishing decoration & the live performances by bands thrills you with almost all sorts of music heard round the globe. Last but not the least are the exotic new-year celebrations at Madrid & the renowned masked ball of Circulo de Bellas Artes that leave a remarkable impression on each & every visitor.

Madrid can be the home for anyone be it the luxury or the budget travelers. From restaurants to accommodation all are designed in such a fashion that they cater well to the needs of the high as well as the low. However, it is judicious & preferable if you get all the reservations done in advance for this one amongst the largest European cities is swarming with visitors all the year round.

It is particularly annoying to get younger kids to cooperate during travel. But it is not their fault, because at their age they are naturally more inquisitive and more active. They are not content to stay put and lounge in the beach or hotel. They want lots of actions, something that your dream beach vacation cannot satisfy. Why not change your dream relaxation vacation to a fun family holiday? Virginia travel offers two exciting and affordable theme parks for your family’s enjoyment.

These theme parks are not prohibitively-priced, meaning you can still afford to stay at nice hotels. Hotels dot the Virginian landscape, and are especially near the theme parks. After all, there is no better way to end a fun afternoon than by sleeping in a cozy room. Although these theme parks are not like Disneyland which have its own hotel, the thrill rides and sights more than suffice for this shortcoming. Paramount’s Kings Dominion and Busch Gardens Williamsburg make Virginia travel something the whole family can enjoy.

Paramount’s Kings Dominion boasts of being a water and theme park in one. It is a 400-acre affair with over 200 attractions and rides. International roller coaster fanatics troop to Kings Dominion for its 13 famous and world-class coasters. Teenagers and daring adults alike enjoy the thrilling loops and drops of these coasters. The park features Hypersonic XLC, the only American coaster that uses compressed air for launch power. Volcano Blast Coaster shoots up over a volcanic crater before diving at over 70 mph. There are also wooden coasters like the Rebel Yell and Hurler. Virginia is famous for its cinema complexes, and its theme park are not complete without movies. There are two rides that are inspired by major motion pictures. Tomb Raider Firefall engages all the senses and makes riders feel that they are part of the big Lara Croft movie or video game. Italian Job Turbo Coaster mimics the stunt chase scenes from the popular movie. Speed through the garage and the tunnels in mini Coopers and relive the film’s thrilling chase. If the younger kids are not up to yelling themselves hoarse on the coasters, the Nickelodeon Central is alive with their favorite characters. Taking pictures and playing with Dora, the Rugrats, Spongebob, Scooby, and Jimmy Neutron are definitely allowed. There are also regular kiddie games wherein toddlers get to play and meet other children. For excitement, there is a spooky mansion and the Mystery Machine. All this fun for a fraction of a beach holiday. Plus, there are also season tickets and family promos.

For around-the-world fun, Busch Gardens Williamsburg is the place to go. The park is divided into six countries: Ireland, France, Scotland, Italy, Germany, and England. Each “country” showcases the best of their cultures with excellent food, landmarks, gardens, and parks. The authentic design and feel of the “countries” are enough to make visitors feel that they are country-hopping. The Busch Gardens is also home to a couple of the planet’s best 25 roller coasters: Alpengeist and Apollo’s Chariot. Virginia travel is not complete without some animal fun. Aside from the rides, the park is also big on environmental issues. It hosts a mini-zoo and animal sanctuary where the kids can see and interact with wolves, raptors, reptiles, and all things feathered, furry, and scaly. There are also lectures about environmental preservation. The park also offers discounts by availing of special cards and family promotions. Free entrance is also awarded to families of US service men.

With these two parks, Virginia travel is fun, easy, and very affordable. It also provides great bonding time for you and your family. Now, who says vacationing with kids is a hard chore?

Lanzarote is a wonderful place to buy your dream villa in the sun and enjoy your holidays in the year round warm climate, but you cant do it alone. Unless you can find a private sale, youll need the services of an estate agent. So how do you choose which one?

Buying a villa in Lanzarote is a bit different from buying a house in the UK. Often a villa will be placed by the seller with more than one estate agent, and sometimes at different prices, so it pays to do your research and look around. Also, you are going to rely on your estate agent far more than you would in the UK. In the UK, the estate agent is simply selling the property and once you have decided to buy, their services are really over. In Lanzarote, however, you will need your estate agent to take you through the buying process which is different from that in the UK. You have a couple of options to consider. You can choose an estate agent, give them your exact requirements, and let them find the property for you, or you can identify the properties yourself and so the estate agent you use to purchase the villa can depend on the property you decide to buy. The second option would be the best one to follow but not everyone has the confidence to look for villas independently. If you want to follow the first option you need to have full confidence in the estate agent and person who you are dealing with. Ideally, a recommendation is best but of course this isnt always possible as you may well not know anyone else who has bought a villa on the island. Use the internet to do your research. You will find forums like the one on www.lanzarote.com where you can ask for recommendations and speak to people who have been through the buying process and could recommend a good estate agent. Does the agent have a website? If so, have a look at it. Does it look professional? Up to date? Is the agent a member of any estate agent trade associations like FOPDAC or NAEA? Members of these associations have to adhere to certain standards of service. Above all though, you need to feel comfortable with and trust the person who is looking after you.

You can go on what are called inspection trips. These are organized by estate agents or developers and they will organise your trip, from flights and accommodation to collecting you and showing you around suitable properties. Personally, Id advise against these trips as you are completely in the hands of the organisers and you will only be shown the villas they want you to see. Your dream villa may be round the corner but you wont get to see it as its not with your agent. Quite often you arent allowed much time to yourselves to give you the opportunity to look around.

Another factor to consider, especially if you are buying a new build villa, is the level of after sales service your estate agent will provide. Remember, after purchase you are likely to be living either 2,000 miles away from the villa, or if you are going to live in it, then you will be in a foreign country probably unable to speak the language. You are likely to need help with things like utility supply, telephones, taxes etc. and a helpful estate agent can be invaluable. As I said earlier, you will need your estate agent in Lanzarote to do far more for you than back in the UK.

Finally, DONT use the estate agents lawyer to purchase your villa. Remember an estate agents lawyer puts the estate agents interests first. Use your own independent lawyer who will put your interests first.

Best of luck and enjoy your Lanzarote villa in the sun!

Motion sickness is common to almost everybody. It is usually frequent to those who travel a lot, whether by land, air, or sea. The different forms of motion sickness are based on the kind of transportation that they employ.

One of the most common kinds of motion sickness is the seasickness. It is usually characterized by a sensation of nausea and vertigo.

People who experience seasickness are those who are not conditioned to travel by sea or who cannot stand the swaying motion of the boat brought about by the waves. Though, there are others who experience seasickness as soon as they step aboard, even if the ship is not yet moving or is in the dry dock condition.

Basically, the results and effects of seasickness is not very alarming, except for those who have important matters to attend to while aboard a ship. This means that people who have duties in the ship will have the tendency of not performing their duties well if ever they get to experience seasickness.

Causes of Seasickness

Generally, people are conditioned to stay upright by maintaining the center of gravity within their feet. If motion is applied, the body tends to have visual confusion. Here, seasickness starts.

Moreover, the irregular pressure on the bowels, wherein the diaphragm tends to move along with the movement of the ship, can also cause seasickness.

With the advent of medical advancements, people can now cope up with seasickness through medications. These medicines have special components that normalize the condition of the body so as to adapt with the changes in the environment.

Tricks to Deal With it

Aside from medications, there are different ways how to cope up with seasickness. Heres how:

1. Waves trigger seasickness.

Most experts say that it would be better to focus ones sight to the horizon. It would be better if people will not look at the waves because the motion that it entails will render more confusion on the bodys ability to keep the center of gravity on their feet.

2. Adults should be more prepared with medications that will help reduce seasickness.

Studies show that seasickness is more prevalent in adults than children below 12 years old. Particularly, cases of seasickness are higher in females. According to the statistical reports, there are seven cases of seasickness in females and only one in males.

3. When sleeping, people should lie on their backs.

4. People who are prone to seasickness should stay where the fresh air is available.

Indeed, seasickness is not a problem if people will know how to cope up with it.

When you type the website name on your address bar, a simple yet classy homepage of the website unfurls right before your eyes. Designed tastefully, the homepage presents a vivid picturesque of one of the most beautiful must-visit places in the world, Barcelona, located in Spain.
This website contains everything you might want to know about Barcelona, which is the capital of Catalunya, a delightful and welcoming place of historical defeats and recent victories, situated at the Catalan region of Spain. The website also offers you attractive tourist-packages and a recommends a wide selection of accommodations for you to choose from.
Easy to navigate, and brief and precise in information, this website will certainly captivate your interest in the much-less-talked about city of beautiesBarcelona. The website names a couple of contemporary hotels such as Las Jazz which is equipped with everything imaginable, right from a mini-bar to a fancy bathroom, while there are a little less flamboyant hotels recommended, minimal yet with a stylish dcor, keeping in mind the tastes of the people.
barcelona also gives you a brief on the famous attractions of the citymuseums that are sure to transport you to the historic intricacies of the 12th century. The website provides you information on the plethora of museums in Barcelona, along with vivid pictures of the elegant stone-carved monumentsa feast for the eyes of those who have a penchant for eclectic art and cultures. Casa Balto, known for its skeletal similarities in front of the building, and Picasso Museum, known for its diverse collection of the works of Pablo Picasso, are some of the renowned museums in Barcelona. For more diversity in art and culture, his website recommends Museu Maritim de Barcelona, which is a nautical museum situated in the royal shipyard complex.
The website offers you information on the diverse cuisines and the varied Catalan Foods availablefor the foodies, this is a dream come true. Along with a picture of scrumptious delicacies, reading this page of the website sets your mouth watering. The website talks about the Catalan cuisine, which is based on the ingredients found in the Mediterranean Coast such as fresh vegetables (tomatoes, garlic, red peppers and artichokes), wheat products (bread and pasta), olives oils of Arbequina, wines, beans, mushrooms, pork sausages and ham, several types of cheese, lamb, poultry as well as a variety of such (sardines, anchovy, tuna and cod fish). The Catalan Cuisine is recommended for those who love experimenting with food, and the sea-food lovers.
The website also provides a brief weather forecast, giving you information about the weather changes that prevail throughout the year, so that you can choose the best time for visiting one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
This website, being incredibly informative, provides not too much information, but just enough information to snare your interest, and thereyoure bound to it until you actually do pay a visit to Barcelona.

Namaskar, welcome to Incredible India, where culture echoes, tradition speaks, beauty enthralls and diversity delights.

Bounded by the majestic Himalayan ranges in the north and edged by an endless stretch of golden beaches, India is a vivid kaleidoscope of landscapes, magnificent historical sites and royal cities, misty mountain retreats, colorful people, rich cultures and festivities.

The timeless mystery and beauty of India has been waiting for you for 5000 years, always warm and inviting, a place of infinite variety – one that favors you with different facets of its fascination every time you visit India.

visit the four corners of India: North India, South India, East India, West India

North India – Land of Romance

You’ve arrived at Delhi. The months of planning and curiosity are over; you’re actually in India. Every experience, every sound, every smell shouts that you’ve arrived somewhere magical, somewhere Special. It is here that the deep love of one man for one woman created the Taj Mahal; where the King of Kings ruled; where the sacred Ganges flows past holy cities; where the Himalayas stand silent and magnificent; where 5000 years of culture waits to be absorbed.

Delhi – the Old and the New

Delhi is above all an historic city, an elegant capital, content to leave to Calcutta and Bombay the roles of commercial and business supremacy. It is in fact really two distinct cities; the energy and colour and the thronged bazaars and Moghul architecture of Old Delhi contrast with the formal splendour of New Delhi, whose wide boulevards offer ever-changing perspectives of Lutyen’s landscaped city. Delhi has several world-famous luxury hotels, with the comfort and style to ensure relaxation after your journey; from here, set forth to experience the sights and sounds of the city. The gracious Red Fort, the Jama Masjid (the largest mosque in India), the Qutab Minar complex with its soaring tower – all are waiting to be explored. Allows some time to wander round the inexpensive modern shops and handicraft centres. Magicians and dancing bears entertain crowds in the marketplaces, while fortune tellers may offer glimpses of the future. The heat of the day gives way to balmy evenings; enjoy a meal in one of the many splendid restaurants, the exotic music of sitars and veenas and the subtle rhythms of the tabla accompanying the delicious cuisines from throughout the country. Flights and trains and buses run from Delhi all over north India, so it is always easy to reach the next destination.

West India – The Warm West

After the vibrant atmosphere of Bombay, allow the palm-fringed beaches of Goa to warm your spirit in the sun and relax your mind. Or meditate in cool and ancient Buddhist caves tunneled out of solid rock on the craggy hillsides – a dramatic contrast from the colourful fairs and festivals in unspoiled Gujarat. The choice is once again tremendous in this land that offers everything.

Mumbai – Gateway of India

There is a powerful life force at work in this thriving, modern commercial city, with its plate-glass skyscrapers and hectic colorful street life. The pace and confusion is vibrant, with businessmen hurrying to work, hooting traffic, fisherwomen in their bright sarees and ‘tiffinwallahs’ hurrying with their metal containers to deliver the businessman’s lunch direct from his home to his office. After relaxing on Chowpatty beach under the cool evening sky, sipping refreshing milk from a large green coconut, you will start to love Bombay. You will feel ready to visit the elegant and world famous Taj Mahal hotel for a delicious snack or drink while watching the sunset over the many boats in the harbour. In the luxury and quiet of a hotel room, sightseeing can be planned. Consider a visit to the lofty Hanging Gardens next door to the intriguing Towers of Silence; or maybe win a million at the beautiful Mahalaxmi Racecourse, one of the finest in India. A glamorous day visiting the famous Bombay film studios can be arranged, and perhaps a chat with one of the many film stars. Relive the ancient stories of the Hindu gods sculpted on the walls of caves at Elephanta. This well known island, where monkeys scamper across your path, is a short and pleasant boat ride from the famous landmark in Mumbai – the Gateway of India. When ready to leave this city of tycoons, commerce, skyscrapers and film stars, prepare for adventures of a very different kind which await at its doorstep.

South India – A Heritage of Centuries

The delightful south; almost untouched by invasions throughout its history, the Indian heritage is more intact here than in other regions of the country. This is a land of temples, a land of the devout where new wonders await – the profusion of orange flowers, the shade of the banyan tree, and the soft beat of distant drums as yet another festival starts…

Chennai – A Kaleidoscope of Moods

Chennai is the centre of the Hindu tradition of Bharata Natyam (classical dancing) the art of temple sculpture also comes from this part of the country, and gives expression to both the devoutness and the artistic skills of the Tamil people. Chennai is the home of the ancient Dravidian civilisation, one of the oldest articulate cultures in the world. It is a city where the landscape of the past lives easily with more recent history. This busy, efficient metropolis is a good centre to plan a journey over South India. Make use of the international and domestic airport and the massive network of trains and buses. The friendliness, sincerity and colourfulness of the people can slowly be absorbed while taking a stroll over the sandy stretch of beach known as the Marina, or visiting Fort St. George, built by the British East India Company. So many of the street names reflect the city’s long association with other cultures; China Bazar Road, Armenian Street, Portuguese Church Street for instance. In 78 AD, the Apostle St Thomas was martyred in the city, but the Christian faith now finds graceful expression in the many churches, particularly the San Thome Cathedral. View the whole panorama from the Chennai lighthouse, or experience the culture from ground level in the temples, art galleries or museums. Head off in any direction from Chennai – even east, across the Bay of Bengal by boat or plane to Port Blair in the Andaman Islands; a paradise archipelago, lush and forested, home of some of the most exotic plant-life in the world. The crystal clear waters shimmer with tropical fish, and the islands are famous for their corals and water-sports facilities. North of Chennai is the large state of Andhra Pradesh, rich in archeological and architectural treasures. The capital, Hyderabad, was once the seat of the fabled Nizams. The Charminar is a national symbol, and the Salar Jung Museum a rich repository of the Raj.

East India – Excitement and Tranquillity

In no time at all the stimulating bustle and heat of Calcutta is left far behind, opening out to the cool and luscious mountains of refreshing Darjeeling. Encounter the mighty range of the Himalayas in Sikkim, the one-horned rhinoceros in wonderful wildlife reserves, then dream of a forgotten age in the ancient holy towns on the plains of rural India.

Discover the Soul of Calcutta

Calcutta is the largest city in India, indeed one of the largest in the world. Established as a British trading post in the 17th century, the city rapidly grew, acquiring a life and vibrancy of its own. Its glory is still reflected in the buildings of Chowringhee and Clive Street, know as Jawaharlal Nehru Road and Netaji Subhash Road respectively. It is a city which leaves no-one indifferent-fascinating, effervescent, teeming with life, peoples, cultures. The impact can be a shock at first; the rickshaws, cars, brightly painted lorries, trolley buses, the cries of the street vendors, labourers hard at work on the construction of the vast underground railway, the noise and colour of the huge New Market, the bustle of the crowds…but soon the jumbled impressions will sort themselves out. Central Calcutta is best viewed in perspective around the rolling green of the Maidan, 3 square kilometres of parkland where the early-morning yoga sessions provide for the city dwellers a relaxation from the stresses of urban life. For relaxation of another kind, visit the Indian Museum, one of the finest in Asia. Other attractions include the huge white marble Victoria Memorial, the Octherlony Monument and the headquarters of the Rama Krishna mission. To the north of the city is the silent beauty of the Belur Math and, across the river, the Botanical gardens (with a 200 years old Banyan tree, reputedly the largest in the world) and the Kali temple of Dakshineshwar.

To know more about India visit this site: http:www.royalwheelsindia.com

The rules of travel have altered so much in the last few years, with strict regulation regarding air travel, questionable car searches that may vary in regulation from state to state, and the feeling of never really being ultimately sure what is appropriate or improper in the travel world any longer. In most cases, if you decide to fly the formerly affable skies, your airline or airport website will have an accurate and up to date list regarding what is okay and what is not okay regarding your luggage. As if packing for a trip wasnt difficult enough, now we all have to do it with cloudy and blurry regulations and a list we print out from the airlines.

The first measure of travel complacency is simple; dont try to squeeze on a carry on that you know is not really a carry on. You will get yourself into the frustrating position of trying to argue your way onto the airplane with an large bag that just wont do. Youre not going to succeed. Once upon a time you would, but not anymore. Now, you will simply be forced to check it and risk being charged an additional fee for having too many luggage items. Plus, youre going to end up travelling without your usual band of comfort items that you could have had if you just scaled down into standard sized carry on luggage. The simple fact is that there used to be wiggle room, and now, there is none.

Most airlines limit luggage by the length of the flight. A domestic flight may accept 2 pieces of luggage plus one carry one per person (sometimes including and sometimes excluding persons under 4 years of age) while others limit the baggage content to one piece of checked luggage and one carry on. Additional pieces of luggage run anywhere from 50 to 200, depending on the airline and the size of the flight and while mess of miscellaneous stuff they dont release to the public. Airlines have been struggling since the disaster of 9-11. Some will make up the continued lost revenue anyway they can, including charging phenomenal fees for additional luggage. It is just cheaper to have your extra necessary luggage shipped, even overnighted, if you just cant do without it.

World-wide flights often hold the same code, two pieces of checked in luggage and one or two carry on pieces per person. Again, the child may not be granted such grace if they are particularly little. If you havent purchased a seat for your small child (which is legal up until the age of three) then dont expect to have them counted in the luggage count. No ticket, no luggage. Most people who are taking a long term trip out of the country, or a permanent trip out of the country, find this limit a little exasperating. However, from experience I can vouch for the frustration of arriving in a foreign country for the first time, negotiating language barriers and awkward gestures, while trying to lug around three hundred pounds of belongings packed carefully away in small and large luggage cases. Even with the help of carts on wheels (assuming the country you land in has them) eventually you have to talk over all of this material up a flight of steps or into a narrowed passageway. This can become a little more than merely discouraging. It can become downright risky. Again, the best thing to do if your luggage exceeds the international flight limit is ship everything that you can bear to part with in advance. Some nations take as long as 6 weeks to deliver your goods. If your trip is short, try merging. If you have to, purchase what you need to while youre there and then ship it back to your house. Youre not likely to end up waiting helplessly for your underwear from Australia or your pajama bottoms from Costa Rica.

No matter how up to date or up-to-the-minute you are regarding flight contracts, always check in with the airline business the day before you go. Policy changes dont always make it to the cyberspace in a reasonable length of time, and policy alterations regarding luggage and especially carry on material can change in a heart beat. Its always better to show up with the latest information than to believe your experience from even just a few months earlier will still ring true. Hindrance at the airport is simply twice as frustrating as the same feeling somewhere else. Its written into the literature that way.

Peter Greenberg has compiled a roundup of some of the more interesting options for swingin senior singles, which run the gamut from safaris to small-ship cruises.

ELDERTREKS

If you want some adventure on the road, ElderTreks has been offering senior-oriented trips for almost two decades. With both land and sea vacations, ElderTreks features some pretty exotic destinations, including Mongolia, Ethiopia, and Antarctica. Most of the offerings tend toward the strenuous, but the Activity Level rank gives an idea of just how active a particular tour is.

A Level 3 (most physical) voyage in Ethiopia, for example, could include climbing down the base of the Blue Nile Falls, a three-hour hike in Lalibela, and camping in the Omo Valley after some serious off-roading. ElderTreks are not for the faint of heart or the physically unfit, and can range from about a week to a month or more. If youre adventurous, and looking to meet someone else who is, too, consider joining up with ElderTreks.

SINGLES ADVENTURE CRUISES

While the Adventure moniker may be a bit misleading considering this companys emphasis on large-ship cruising. Still, for seniors aged 55+, it could be a good way to meet others. Senior singles in need of a buddy or wingman might like the Travel Mates program, which can help to start friendships and meet up with a roommate to avoid a singles supplement charge. Do be careful when exploring Singles Adventure Cruises options, though seniors should look for cruises specifically targeted to them. Otherwise, you could end up on a cruise full of single, hard-partying twenty-somethings. Their garishly-designed website doesnt help, but seniors should look for cruises targeted at the 55+.

They also offer Ad-Lib Cruises for folks who dont like to be overscheduled with group activities. These cruises allow you to be on a ship with significant numbers of singles and participate in group activities when you desire, yet still give you the freedom to pursue your own schedule.

GOLDEN TRAVEL GUIDES

Golden Travel Guides isnt actually referring to the golden years; the company was started in 1997 by Rick Golden. But they do have plenty of options for senior travel, providing seniors with a search engine for exploring options on their own over the Internet. Alternately, they offer a toll-free number to allow you to speak with an actual travel specialist to help make your plans. Not all of their trips are singles-oriented; however, a significant percentage of their travelers on nearly every trip are, in fact, single.

ELDERHOSTEL

With more than 8,000 all-inclusive trips in all 50 states and more than 90 foreign countries, Elderhostel has a global reach. But a couple of things make Elderhostel a bit different from other senior-focused tour companies. First, as a non-profit, Elderhostel is dedicated not to making money, but to providing meaningful experiences that help and educate both travelers and their hosts. Second, Elderhostel maintains a strong commitment to community service with many of its tours.

For example, seniors learn about habitat restoration and biological research by helping scientists study endangered Giant Otters and Hyacinth Macaws in Brazils Pantanal. Finally, Elderhostel is committed to education as a goal for travel, with many of their trips having significant cultural components to show seniors a more meaningful side to the country than they might otherwise see. Elderhostel also offers inter-generational trips, for grandparents looking for service-oriented vacations for the whole family.

ALUMNI CLUBS

One final idea for senior singles vacationstrips for college alumni. Many university alumni clubs will sponsor trips that can re-connect seniors to long-lost classmates and spark new relationships. The added bonus of these trips, aside from the fact that all the participants will have at least their college in common, is that it will often help the ol alma mater, too. Contact your former college for more information on joining an alumni club.

In my capacity as the UK Director of Operations for One World Tours Limited, one of my jobs is to ensure every client has the best tour possible, so heres my top 10 tips if you are considering holidays in Egypt

1. Consider your dress. Egypt is a largely Muslim country and with this in mind, men and women should consider what they wear. You certainly do not have to be over the top, lets face it, its a hot climate. But you should avoid shorts and short sleeved shirts. Women may also want to consider taking a head scarf too, not for general use, but just in case they visit particularly important temples etc.

2. Pens. Offer a child an Egyptian pound or a pen and they will take the pen every time. Pens for children are like gold-dust. So if you want to give the kids a treat, pack a box of cheap pens and give them out whenever you get the chance. Do note though, that you need to do this not too openly as if you dont you may have a very good natured riot on your hands as kids will appear out of nowhere when you start handing them out.

3. Toilet Paper. Toilet paper is often at a premium at historical sites and so its a really good idea to take a roll out of your hotel and take it in your back whenever you are out for the day. It should also be noted here that toilets at many historical sites are not of a western standard so arranging toilet visits in hotels, restaurant stops etc is not a bad idea.

4. Water. Like with any other hot climates, you should look to take plenty of water with you on your days out and make sure its sealed of course.

5 Avoid Ice Salads etc. This related partly to number 4. People generally know not to drink non bottled water (to avoid possible upset stomachs), but often they over look that ice is frozen water and that salads have often been washed in water. Keep these things in mind when ordering food and drinks.

6 Take small notes. If you are going to tip, its a good idea and it avoids embarrassment to change up some bigger notes for a number of 1 LE (Egyptian Pound) notes

7 Be Strong. This applies to people begging. Egypt is a relatively financially poor country and with that comes the fact that people (children and adults) will beg. This is obviously a very personal issue, but obviously its possible to personally sort out all of Egypts financial problems. So feel free to help out where you can and when you feel comfortable, but realise, its just not possible to give to everyone who asks.

8 When in Rome. This again partly relates to tip 1. You are ultimately holidaying in a more reserved country and therefore you need to just think about things like public shows of affection. Obviously we want you to have a good time, just be respectful to a different culture and youll be just fine.

9 Haggle. As a tourist, when you buy almost anything, anywhere, the price will be marked up. You therefore HAVE to bargain your socks off. We generally suggest offering a maximum of 13 to 12 of the asking price and work up. If you can do it, you are even better to not offer a price at all, but just keep saying no and let them lower the price. The best tip is to just keep saying no until the person selling stops and lets you walk. At that point, you just wont get a better price and then you have the option to go back and say OK, Ill take it at that price !

10 Baksheesh. If you do not know what this is, by the end of your holidays you will ! Baksheesh is a tip in Egypt for just about anything. From carrying your bags at the airport to offering to have a picture with you or showing around a tomb. So just be aware. If you chose to pay (its completely optional) pay with the smallest bills nots possible (1 LE will be just fine).