Thoughts and Tips #45 - June 6, 2015

In this issue:

-Traveling back in time (Part 2): Havana in pictures
-Should We Avoid Travel To Controversial Countries?
-6 Things That Might Change Your Mind about Cruise Holidays
-10 exotic places you can visit on $10 a day or less | Las Vegas Review-Journal

-5 Things to Discuss Before Your Child Travels with Another Family - Kids are a Trip

-Too Scared to Travel? Don't Be: Reflections on Stepping out of Mainstream Life to Travel The World | Indiana Jo
-29 Cheeses from Around the World - Contented Traveller

Traveling back in time (Part 2): Havana in pictures

Havana is a city with a very special character. I've never found that in any other city before. You feel like you travel back in time. Like time has stood still the last fifty years. You see all those old cars, architecture from the golden times, old style home decorations...
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Should We Avoid Travel To Controversial Countries?

Around three years ago today both Franca and I were at home sitting at our computers trying to tick off all of the last tasks we needed to complete before started our new life of full-time travel.
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6 Things That Might Change Your Mind about Cruise Holidays

Photo credit: Fotolia

The old stereotype about cruise holidays suggests that only people over the age of 70 with a penchant for shuffleboard can enjoy a holiday on the seas. However, all the major cruise lines have gone to great lengths to secure the custom and loyalty of families and younger cruisers over the past 15 years.
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10 exotic places you can visit on $10 a day or less | Las Vegas Review-Journal

Cambodia (Courtesy)

When you combine all of the expenses that go into travel, like airfare, hotels, food, sightseeing and more, the idea of picking up and exploring different corners of the world can seem too expensive for the budget-conscious adventurer. The good news is that some of the most exotic and unique international locations can sometimes be the most affordable.

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5 Things to Discuss Before Your Child Travels with Another Family - Kids are a Trip

Summer travel season is here, families are planning their vacations, and maybe you are bringing a friend along or another family has invited your child to travel with them. Before you count your lucky stars and agree to send your child off on a fabulous adventure, there are a few things you might want to discuss with your child and the other family.

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Too Scared to Travel? Don't Be: Reflections on Stepping out of Mainstream Life to Travel The World | Indiana Jo

It was my birthday yesterday, a day that always prompts in me a brief moment of reflection, probably more so than the turning of New Year.

And I have a confession: this year I have reached the grand age of 37. Yes, I know many of you are familiar with my 'travel age', which is 26 (though I think it is in need of revision), but my real age puts me in a peculiar no-mans land of ages. I'm no longer early thirties, not quite reached the petrifying concept of the big 4-0. As I like to put it, I'm on the wrong side of 30 and feel like I'm aging fast.

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29 Cheeses from Around the World - Contented Traveller

Let me paint you a picture. A bottle of Chablis, perhaps a Malbec, a picnic blanket, a baguette, a blue sky, a river babbling behind you ...and a cheese platter. Of course that someone special has bought prepared this picture for you.

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Thoughts and Tips #40 - May 17, 2015

In this issue:

-World's top 10 tourism-friendly countries - IOL Travel Tips
-Oh, the Places You'll Go: 6 Vacation Destinations for Children's Literature Fans | Brightly
-Through Your Lens" The Many Faces of Myanmar
-Getting around in Cuba - My adventures across the world
-Where to Go 2015 | Travel Deals, Travel Tips, Travel Advice, Vacation Ideas | Budget Travel
-A Guide to Lahaina, Maui | Going Awesome Places
-Cruise Holidays - Finding the Right One For You | Caribbean Cruise Reviews
-A brief guide to identity protection on the road | Road Warrior Voices
-The 20 Craziest Requests Travel Agents Received This Year | TravelPulse

World's top 10 tourism-friendly countries - IOL Travel Tips

Washington - For the first time, Spain ranks as the world's most tourism-friendly country in the World Economic Forum's Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index, according to rankings recently released in a biennial report. Spain's leading status is "thanks to its cultural resources, infrastructure and adaptation to digital consumption habits," a press release accompanying the report said.
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Oh, the Places You'll Go: 6 Vacation Destinations for Children's Literature Fans | Brightly

Children's books can take us places we never dreamed possible. Who hasn't wondered what it would be like to step into Narnia, or visit Willy Wonka's chocolate factory, wander the streets of Whoville, or swim to Atlantis? Sadly, the fact that these locales are imaginary means we can't ever visit (at least not during waking hours). But don't despair. Authors don't always make up the settings for their stories. With a little effort, you can plan a vacation to the incredible real-life destinations found in your favourite children's books.
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Through Your Lens" The Many Faces of Myanmar

spencerlz / Instagram

The WorldPost's "Through Your Lens" series brings you stunning photos taken by social media users in a different country around the world every week. This week, we explore magical Myanmar.

From the ancient city of Bagan to the myriad stupas of Mandalay Hill to the incredible teakwood bridge over the Taungthaman Lake, Myanmar is undoubtedly one of the most spiritual and unique tourist destinations in the world.
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Getting around in Cuba - My adventures across the world

Vintage cars are one of the symbols of Cuba. They are anywhere. Some are so dear to their owners, who take so much pride in them that have completely renovated them, changing the engin(e), placing new appliances, and what not. Some others are just plain old cars, which make load of noise and, what is worst, produce and incredible amount of smoke and pollution. Yet, riding on one of those car is an experience and you will want to do it. Sitting on the huge back seat you almost feel...
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Where to Go 2015 | Travel Deals, Travel Tips, Travel Advice, Vacation Ideas | Budget Travel

Wondering where 2015 will take you? Our top travel picks for this year offer different kinds of vacation bliss, from white-sand beaches to world-class shopping to architectural marvels. Which destination should you visit? Take the quiz!
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A Guide to Lahaina, Maui | Going Awesome Places

You may not heard of Lahaina but you've definitely heard of Maui. Sitting on the west end of the island, Lahaina is one of the four major towns that's a great backdrop for activities, entertainment, food and as a place to call it a night. While it may not have the beaches of Kaanapali...
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Cruise Holidays - Finding the Right One For You | Caribbean Cruise Reviews

Are you thinking of taking a Cruise? Planning and booking a cruise vacation is much different than booking other types of holidays. Here are some tips to finding the right cruise vacation for you...
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A brief guide to identity protection on the road | Road Warrior Voices

Nerves can run high prior to departure because you're trying to remember to shut off the George Foreman Grill and make sure the dog doesn't disappear before you accidentally forget Kevin at home. And once you're out the door and finally on the beach in Bermuda, the last thing you want to worry about is someone buying baby clothes and a new Maserati with your credit card...
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The 20 Craziest Requests Travel Agents Received This Year | TravelPulse

Part and parcel of any agent's job, at least in theory, is to make good on clients' requests in the hopes of fashioning idyllic travel experiences for them...
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Thoughts and Tips #39 - May 13, 2015

In this issue:

-8 Destinations You Should Travel To This Summer - GREASE AND GLAMOUR
-Yoga Retreats And Zumba Cruises Are Challenging The 'Fat Farm' Stereotype
-Things to do in Cuba My adventures across the world
-How Many Basic Foreign Language Words Do You Know? | MyDailyQuiz
-15 Eating Customs Every Traveler Should Know Before Digging In - Goats on the Road
-Modern Toilet Restaurant in Taiwan | Explore Traveler
-A Photographer in Guatemala - Roads & Kingdoms
-First Time Flying: What To Know If You've Never Flown Before
-Time to rethink your bucket list and travel more responsibly - Travel wjtb Kat

8 Destinations You Should Travel To This Summer - GREASE AND GLAMOUR

Planning a summer vacation? Good luck. It's in many cases the worst time of year to travel - everything is more expensive because everyone is choosing to travel to the same exact places at the same exact time.

I personally prefer to travel during shoulder seasons (in between high and low seasons), but schedules don't always move around so easily...
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Yoga Retreats And Zumba Cruises Are Challenging The 'Fat Farm' Stereotype

Fitness vacations have ventured far from the fat farm.

Today's fit-focused travelers wan to pair exercise with escapades and fitness with fun, whether it's yoga among the sea turtles, bootcamp on the beach...
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Things to do in Cuba My adventures across the world

I love travelling to Latin America. I have a particular obsession for this amazing continent, and Cuba has always ranked very high on my bucket list. Although I have already been there, I would like to visit it again, because there are so many things to do in Cuba. Besides, I am of the opinion that Cuba is always better the second time around, when you know what to expect based on your first hand experience rather than on the information you have gathered here and there on the web, from friends who...
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How Many Basic Foreign Language Words Do You Know? | MyDailyQuiz

Specifically for people who love to travel to new places!
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15 Eating Customs Every Traveler Should Know Before Digging In - Goats on the Road

Have you ever sat down to a meal in another country and realized that all the locals are staring at you? Not sure what you did to warrant this unnerving attention? Something as little as using the wrong hand to pick up your food...
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Modern Toilet Restaurant in Taiwan | Explore Traveler

Modern Toilet Restaurant is a landmark in Taipei, Taiwan! You sit and eat in squat toilets, sit toilets and urinals. It seems to some to be a weird concept, but they are always busy. The food is said to be tasty enough, but you guess it, it looks like.....Welcome to the world's first Toilet Restaurant, where things are done differently...
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A Photographer in Guatemala - Roads & Kingdoms

It was a dark, frosty December evening when I first read the email describing the forthcoming assignment to Guatemala City. It took me quite off guard. I knew little about the city, or country, only its reputation as an international murder capital, a gangland battleground and the place...
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First Time Flying: What To Know If You've Never Flown Before

I remember the time when I used to say that I've never flown before. It wasn't until the late 1990s for my first time flying. Now The Guy Who Flies seems to be flying almost every month. I've taken well over 1,000 flights (if not 2,000+) so I know what to expect.
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Time to rethink your bucket list and travel more responsibly - Travel with Kat

With Christmas come and gone and 2015 under way, now is the time that many people start thinking about their holidays and travel plans for the coming year, even writing a bucket list of things they'd like to do in 2015. Perhaps you have written one yourself. But even if the list is in your head rather than actually written down, have you asked yourself how eco-friendly and responsible the things on your list are?

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Thoughts and Tips #36 - May 7, 2015

In this issue:

-US Approves Select Ferry Service to Cuba | Travel Pulse
-Visiting Thailand: The Best Places To Visit - This Way To Paradise - Beaches, Islands, And Travel
-Real Men Eat Iguana Eggs and Papuse | Global Degree | Seeker Network
-Oregon May Just Be The Most Stunning State In America: Here's Proof
-What Not to Pack for a Cruise: An Updated List of Things You Should Not Bring Onboard | The Lido Deck
-Ryanair cuts unpopular airport check-in fee - Telegraph

US Approves Select Ferry Service to Cuba | Travel Pulse

courtesy Thinkstock

For the first time since the U.S. imposed a trade embargo on Cuba more than five decades ago, select ferry service between the two countries has been approved.

According to the Sun Sentinel, four companies - Havana Ferry Partners of Fort Lauderdale, Baja Ferries of Miami, United Caribbean...

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Visiting Thailand: The Best Places To Visit - This Way To Paradise - Beaches, Islands, And Travel

If you are visiting Thailand, figuring out the best places to visit in Thailand is overwhelming. As someone who has visited Thailand many times, plus lived there, I have great suggestions for the places you shouldn't miss.

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Real Men Eat Iguana Eggs and Papuse | Global Degree | Seeker Network

Check out the very unexplored and very exotic El Salvador!

Many travelers avoid El Salvador on their way through central America, and it's a mistake. Watch as Mike and Alex explore the world's finest coffee and surfing, have laughs with the locals, and even take the adventure to 20, 000 feet overlooking the nation's capital...
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Oregon May Just Be The Most Stunning State In America: Here's Proof

You can wander the whole United States, but you won't find any place like Oregon. This coastal paradise is chock-full of lakes, mountains, rivers and valleys that blossom with life in spring and turn blazing colors in fall. You can hike, bike, snowboard, canoe, zip line or row along trails, streams or perfectly manicured waterfront gardens in the state's quaint cities and towns. Oh, and did we mention the beaches are dazzling too?

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What Not to Pack for a Cruise: An Updated List of Things You Should Not Bring Onboard | The Lido Deck

We don't know why, but Carnival's FAQ on "Are there restrictions on what we can bring aboard?" tends to spark either controversy or hilarity. Five years ago, an attempt to ban high-wattage hair dryers had female cruisers up in arms. A more recent perusal of the list shows that the Beards at Carnival, as the line's own blogger John Heald calls them, have left no stone unturned when it comes to being clear about what...
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Ryanair cuts unpopular airport check-in fee - Telegraph

Photo: Getty

Ryanair has announced a further reduction of its fees and charges as part of ongoing attempts to improve its image.

The low-cost airline - which unveiled its new "customer-friendly" ethos 18 months ago - has cut its airport check-in fee, which applies to anyone who forgets to check in online before their flight...

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News and Tips #20 - Monday, March 16, 2015

In this issue:

-8 Ways You Can Enjoy an Adult Spring Break
-Italy's 10 Beautiful Coastal Towns To Visit Before You Die
-6 of the World's Most Amazing Train Journeys
-Worried You're Missing the Boat on Travel to Cuba? Relax. | Toravelpulse
-61 Travel Tips to Make You the World's savviest Traveler | Nomadic Matt's Travel Site
-Top 5 Auckland day trips | Man vs World
-Cruising for All Tastes - NYTimes.com
-Top 15 long haul destinations for over 50s | Travel News Travel | Daily Express


8 Ways You Can Enjoy an Adult Spring Break

Tired of winter? Want to escape to somewhere warmer?

You're not alone. The crazy cold winter much of the U.S. and Canada has suffered through has sparked many warm-weather travel dreams.

But the last thing you want is to select a spot for your getaway - and find that the young spring break party crowd...
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Italy's 10 Beautiful Coastal Towns to Visit Before You Die

Along with exquisite cruising, unique history and an enviable climate, Italy also boasts a never-ending list of postcard-perfect coastal towns. Each with its own panorama of breathtaking ocean views, the towns are easy on the eye from sea-level too, with row upon row of coloured houses blanketing the dramatic cliff-faces; there's no surprise that these towns are a hit with tourists. We look at ten of these gorgeous spots,
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6 of the World's Most Amazing Train Journeys

A spot of luxury travel...

No rickety tea carts or sweaty suits here, just six of the most awe-inspiring train journeys in the world.
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Worried You're Missing the Boat on Travel to Cuba? Relax. | TravelPulse

I've been a regular visitor to Cuba since 1999, and for the last four years I've taken multiple annual trips to the island. From U.S.-based acquaintances who have yet to travel to Cuba, I often hear a version of lament: "Oh damn! I need to get down there soon, before everything changes."
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61 Travel Tips to Make You the World's Savviest Travel | Nomadic Matt's Travel Site

Most people aren't born savvy travelers. It's something that only comes with on the road experience. In the beginning, you make a lot of mistakes. Travel savviness is a process born of missed buses, foolish behavior, cultural unawareness, and countless tiny errors. Then, one day, you begin to seamlessly move through airports and integrate...
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Top 5 Auckland day trips | Man vs World

If you've got a free day in Auckland and you've already seen everything the city has to offer, you should hit the road (or water) and explore the surrounding area.

If you happen to be looking for inspiration - and you're reading this, so most likely you are - I can recommend these awesome Auckland self-drive day trips...
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Cruising for All Tastes - NYTimes.com

The efforts of cruise lines to meet consumer demand has exploded into an expansive array of vacation options, from intimate yacht-like departures to floating family-friendly theme parks. The 63 cruise company members of the Cruise Line Industry Association estimate passenger volume will grow to 23 million this year, up nearly a million over 2014.
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Top 15 long haul destinations for over 50s | Travel News | Travel | Daily Express

Desperate to escape Britain's miserable weather a growing number of over-50s are seeking brighter shores in far-flung destinations across the globe. A new study has found the most lust after trips.

Sadly nine out of ten Brits regret not travelling more with loved ones when they were younger, however, over-50s are proving its never too late with many jetting to all four corners of the globe.
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