Archive for March, 2009

Ways to get a Cheap Airline Ticket

March 29th, 2009 Tushar Mathur

A lot of airlines are coming up with plans to benefit its customers to offer low rates on airline tickets. If you are planning a trip you can pay 30 days in advance and get a discount on the airfare. You can search online for the airlines that are offering these discounts. People today are taking vacations and business trips and are in need of discounts due to the high cost of airline tickets. Everyone is trying to maintain a budget and save money, so we will share with our ways you can get cheap airline tickets.

1. Booking your trip in advance – As stated before some airlines are making available discounts if you pay for your ticket at least 30 days in advance. You should search the internet to find out which airlines currently have those discounts.

2. If you find yourself trying to get a flight at the last minute, and cannot get a discount you can inquire about available extra seats that may be offered to you at a discounted price. For instance, some people would pay for a ticket and at the last minute either they would cancel or don’t show which means that seat is paid for and available for anyone.

3. Utilize the internet – It is better and convenient to conduct all your airline transactions online, its faster and easier and you also will get your booking information printed out for verification.

4. Choosing the right destination – If you want to save money, then you should choose a destination that is closer to your other than spending more money for other transportation methods.

5. Time matters – The days of the has a great impact on the price, the airline will sometime run a special on weekend or throughout the week. For more information you should call that designated airline or research to search which airline would run specials. If you decide to take vacation during peak times you can also save money.

6. Package deals - Some hotels or travel agencies may have a package deal that is offered on a one set price for your airline ticket and your hotel, that will also save you a bundle.

Posted in travel, Vacation Comments Off

Right Choice for a Kayak Paddle

March 27th, 2009 Tushar Mathur
Adventurous trip is planned by many travelers for fun and excitement. Kayaks are enjoyed by tourists and it provides thrill to the people. There are different types of journeys which are liked by the travelers and adventure can be grabbed by choosing amusement parks, national parks, beach vacations, outdoor activities like skiing and mountaineering. If you are planning for kayak trips then first question is to choose the right place. You can search on internet to get the detail information about the coastal areas and rivers where kayak trips are quite popular.
Here is the description about the kayak paddle for choosing the right one:
  1. Many things should be kept in mind before selecting the kayak paddle. The most important thing is the aim of using the kayak. If you are professional then whitewater rafting competitions require special type of paddles but there is no need to become to serious in buying best paddle for enjoyment purpose. You need special kayak paddle in fast rivers during competition. 
  2. Style of river rafting or sea kayaking also plays important role in determining the need of the type of kayak paddle. Kayak paddle using style is different and it depends on the individual or the group going for kayaking trips. The angle of using kayak paddle is sometimes low and in some cases angle is more and many times perpendicular angle is also used. 
  3. Cadence can be maintained if the right type of kayak paddle is in the hands of the group. The movement is smooth and fast by the use of right paddle. British people like the cadence and prefer fast paddling by using perpendicular angle.
  4. The length of the paddle is most important for the adjustment according to the height of the individual. The height of the man plays important role in deciding the right paddle. If the man is tall then medium length paddle is preferred and short height man should use long paddle. The quality and cost of the kayak paddle is also determining factor for the preference. 
  5. The paddles used for the racing purpose are expensive and of good quality. Light weight is preferred by the racers. In general whitewater rafting needs large shaped paddles which can be easily used by the novices. Depth of the water also determines the requirement for kayak paddle. 
Choose the best quality kayak paddle according to your need. Collect the information about the kayak paddle from internet before embarking on the journey.
Posted in travel, Vacation Comments Off

Tips for Buying Motocross Helmets, Pants and Apparel

March 26th, 2009 Tushar Mathur
By Chuck Charles

The daring motocross sporting activity does have danger in it though. Taking the bike bumping high over the hills or mounds of dirt, going way up into the air, landing very hard on the ground, and the usual crashes that occur. The best part is though that there is plenty of protective gear that you can buy to help you be safe while doing this sport. Look at what is listed here so you know what you need to buy.

Motocross Helmet

The motocross helmet has to be the most crucial part of the gear worn for protection. After all it protects your head in the even of crashes and the collisions with others. This is way it must be strong,but also comfortable to wear. Materials such as Kevlar, composites, carbon, and fiberglass are used to make most of the motocross helmets. The express duty that the helmet has is to absorb the shock if a crash occurs, whether or not another rider is involved or just the ground, this lessens the shock to the head and protects it. Vents have to be included in these helmets to allow air to cool the rider’s head. Some are even made to pull the hot air off of the rider. The liners need to be made so that they can be taken out and given a good washing.

What kind of goggles to get.

Goggles are usually used in motocross along with the helmet to protect the biker’s face, eyes and the rest of the head. These goggles usually aren’t tinted because clear gives the best clarity needed for motocross. They definitely need to totally shatter proof to give the most protection to the eyes especially during a crash. With new technology being introduced with the goggles they can transform according to the light quality. Also make sure the goggles have a proper strap and padding on the part that meets the face. The goggle strap needs to around the entire helmet and be sturdy enough to keep the goggles from slipping. Then the goggles should have comfortable padding on all areas touching the face. Strips that tear off is another optional feature you can get on your goggles.

Click to continue reading

Posted in travel, Vacation Comments Off

Helpful Tips in Planning for a Brazilian Business Trip

March 25th, 2009 Tushar Mathur

Business trips are continuing to decline worldwide, a result of today’s economic climate. But Brazil is one country that is still warranting international investment. While its economy (like many others) has contracted severely, the future of Latin America?s largest economy looks a bit brighter, as it’s important agricultural and energy sectors continue to perform somewhat strongly. Brazil’s credit industry is also in much better shape. Its financial institutions have been traditionally subjected to high taxes and government involvement. While this has restricted growth during boom times, it also discouraged banks from making the risky financial decisions that have wrecked havoc among other markets.

Brazil’s status as a trade show hub and the preference of its businessmen to meet partners face-to-face means that companies who choose to invest there will likely have to fly down at least once, and often multiple times. If you find yourself among one of these trips, here are some tips that should hopefully help you out.

Travel

It is very easy to travel to Brazil via air, as most major airlines offer direct service to its major cities. Its two largest metropolitan areas, Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, have two airports each and there are also some nonstop flights from the United States and Europe to smaller cities such as Recife, Porto Alegre, and Manaus, although these are less frequent.

Flying is also the best method of transportation if you have to travel from one city to another, although it is also the most expensive. Brazil’s domestic airlines are safe and reliable, and road travel can be dangerous on certain routes. And although the planes are smaller, there should be ample room for your briefcase and luggage!

Travelling within the cities themselves is best done via taxi. This is especially true in Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, both of which are cities that are spread out and lack a subway system. Out of any American city, they most closely resemble Los Angeles in terms of city layout and transportation, so it is best to plan and travel relative to location. Renting a car is usually not a good idea, as it not as cost effective as renting a taxi and can lead to too many travelling complications. If you do decide to rent however, it is important to note that nearly all rental cars have manual rather than automatic transmission. And make sure to take out a rental insurance as well- you never be too safe!

Click to continue reading

Posted in travel, Vacation Comments Off

Buying Diamonds in California

March 25th, 2009 Tushar Mathur
By Mercie Hallow

Diamonds are forever, forever, forever. Diamonds are girls best friend. Who would not forget these popular song lyrics that talks about how beautiful the diamond gem is? Indeed diamonds and gemstones are precious objects which are valuable and can be purchased at a fortune. Gemstones are indeed a rarity that not too many people can acquire one. Gemstones are purchased and auctioned at very high prices.

The Gem Faire Bead Faire Festival in California, USA is an annual event in Del Mar which features exhibitors from all over the world to showcase their unique and valuable crafts and jewelries. Not only gemstones and jewelries are present in this exhibit but also rare and commercially available beads, stones, crystals and minerals. The gemstones from the fair can be purchased at very low to outstanding prices depending on the rarity of each piece.

Gem and Fine Jewelry enthusiasts await this event where exhibitors, importers, manufacturers and important suppliers are all gathered in one event not only to sell their valuable pieces but also to educate the public about gemstones. Retail buyers await the event to be able to purchase a much coveted piece of jewelry. Wholesale buyers on the other hand are given important accommodations by setting a separate advance schedule of viewing usually a day before the event.

Booth exhibitors are given privilege attention and rights as well. Knowing that their items are at cost to probably hundreds of thousands of dollars to millions, the organizers at the Gem Faire Festival provides the maximum security for the exhibitor and buyers as well. Security is present 24/7 from mobilization, event per se, demobilization, and night security for this 2 day event. This will ensure that exhibitors will be treated accordingly.

Visit the Gem faire festival today and be amazed of the wide array of precious stones on display. Be inspired and open up your eyes to the beauty of our world for because of this event, what is usually hidden underneath the earths surface will have its time to shine and be seen.

About the Author:
Mercie Hallow is a writer and a researcher on events in Travel and Leisure. Visiting events such as the California craft fairs will open ones spirit on the beauty of the world beyond home’s borders. If youre staying in California, the author suggests checking out the California craft shows for entertainments to make your stay memorable.

Posted in travel, Vacation Comments Off

A Malaysian meal in London (and a hotel or two)

March 24th, 2009 Tushar Mathur

I’d love to blog freely tonight but let’s just say my internet connection leaves much to be desired.

I just wanted to share my dinner… Satay House at 13 Sale Place near Paddington A delicious Malaysian restaurant located just off of Sussex Gardens. I had a delicious dinner there… Udang Galah Goreng – king prawns sauteed in chilies, peppers, lime leaves, turmeric and coconut milk. Very good flavor – not at all spicy (despite what the waitress told me). Let’s face it – spicy in the UK is not spicy in Texas. I also tried a Monarch beer (nice beer from Singapore) and some kind of special Malaysian coffee which tasted like… coffee. If you can, try to get seated in the basement… it is much nicer and hipper than the ground level. Trust me – it’s like two different restaurants. Next door was a Lebanese place called Rotana… looked kind of plain and a bit empty but some reviews I found looked good.

By the way, I ended up really liking my Paddington area hotel… what a convenient neighborhood. There are dozens upon dozens around here, ranging in quality to meh to extremely nice (Hilton over Paddington). No idea what it was like but the Stylotel looked kind of call. Most of these hotels are small establishments and there all lined up like toy soldiers… one after the other. Usually train station areas are sketchy but this one seemed fine. There are probably 3-4 dozen alone along Sussex Gardens, not to mention other side street hotels.

Oh… and if you’re in the area and want to try something different, walk along Edgware Road. It won’t take long to realize that the area is a Middle Eastern community… stores selling Arab wares, food, services to Middle Eastern clients and many Persian and Lebanese restaurants, many of which have hookahs available for their primarily ethnic clientele.

Posted in Food, travel, Vacation Comments Off

An unexpected meal in London

March 23rd, 2009 Tushar Mathur

Tonight I find myself in London… I’m staying at the Hyde Park Radnor, a quaint and affordable little hotel located a mere 2 minutes from Paddington station. The hotel is comfortable and reasonably priced – a mere 65 pounds for a room with a private bathroom. The room is a bit on the tiny side but, when you’re traveling on your own, does it really matter? Everything is nice and clean and the location? Well, the location is ideal. Paddington is two blocks away and provides easy access to the tube and the Heathrow Express. Walk two blocks the other way to Hyde Park Square where 80% of the parked cars are Mercedes, BMW or Audis (not to mention a Rolls, two Bentleys and a Ferrari).

Now, for dinner I had planned on going to Crisitini. Unfortunately, the restaurant was hosting a private party and was closed. Edgware was only a few blocks away so my back-up plan was to go to Maroush, a local Lebanese chain. I never made it. While walking down Connaught, I spotted Arturo – a very nice and reasonable Italian restaurant and one that I would recommend.

Monday nights, one can order from the prix fixe menu at any time (otherwise only available as an “early bird” dinner). The three course prix fixe is only 16,95 pounds. I started with a carpaccio di tonno, followed by orata al forno (a delicious white fish) and had a fritella for dessert. I topped that off with a glass of white wine and paid a mere 20.95 plus service of 12,5%. A very good meal and an excellent value.

Tomorrow is going to be a crazy day… a meeting in Swindon, coffee with a partner at Paddington and then an appointment on Upper Thames Street. It will be a whirlwhind but hopefully it will bear fruit.

Posted in travel, Vacation Comments Off

My Stay in Aberdeen

March 23rd, 2009 Tushar Mathur

Blogger or T-Mobile must think I’m in Scandinavia (it’s not that far away) since my login information was in Norwegian. Go figure…

My stay in Aberdeen was a very brief one. I can’t add much more than what I provided yesterday since today was devoted to business. I can confirm that Cinnamon was good… I ordered a delicious lamb shank and the nan was the tastiest I’ve ever had.

The weather in Aberdeen is something else… I woke up to beautiful sunny skies. A short while later, swirling snow was coming down… followed by sun… then rain… then sun… then an awful wind and gray clouds… followed by sun… and rain… well, you get the picture. It seems to change every 15 minutes.

As for the Scottish people, they’re probably some of the nicest people I’ve ever met. If you make it up to Aberdeen, Edinborough or anywhere else in this country, expect to be treated like a friend.

Back to London where I’ll be trying out the Heathrow Express to Paddington.

Posted in travel, Vacation Comments Off

My Quick Stay in Aberdeen

March 22nd, 2009 Tushar Mathur

Many people know Aberdeen as the oil capital of Europe (the North Sea is teeming with oil)… probably 80% of the industry in this city on the Northern Sea is dedicated to the oil and gas industries. It’s also not hard to figure out why Aberdeen is called the “Granite City” since everywhere you look, buildings are made out of locally quarried granite. In fact, one could call Aberdeen the gray city and do so without it being a disparaging remark. A vast majority of the granite quarried in the area is a deep gray color so everywhere you look, you see gray… from the gray rainclouds that loom over the city to the gray buildings that line the rivers Dee and Don.

Springtime in Aberdeen feels like it does in Houston when an Arctic front rolls in – cold, gray and blustery. I just spent about an hour and a half walking around town… just getting my bearings and trying to fight off the jetlag. Quite a few people were out and about walking along Union Street – the main shopping road in Aberdeen. Off of Union Street one comes across various side streets and alleys with smaller, quainter buildings and quite a few restaurants and shops. The selection of ethnic food is pretty substantial… Indian, Thai, Turkish, Lebanese, Italian and everything inbetween. A few pubs are thrown for good measure but you tend to see more ethnic restaurants.

I came across some nice areas like the Golden Square, St. Mary’s Cathedral, the area near the Art Gallery and Old Aberdeen (courtesy of my taxi driver). The wind made it hard to really stick around in one place too long… it’s cold by my standards. Locals? Well… some were covered and bundled up. Others were just wearing t-shirts or short skirts with hose… what!? Freezing… I don’t get it.

Two of my colleagues recommended I visit Cinnamon tonight for dinner… a local Indian restaurant. I ran by there earlier and the menu looked good. I’ll report back later.

Posted in travel, Vacation Comments Off

Top 5 Camping Sites of the World

March 22nd, 2009 Tushar Mathur

These spots hold the highest regard when it comes to camping and enjoying the outdoors. Forget about roughing it out, these camp sites aim to provide luxurious camping experiences perfect for those afraid to leave the comforts of the modern day.

1. The golden triangle

Thailand proudly presents this famous camping site from which all guests leave with satisfaction. It offers 15 exclusive tents with a tropical jungle backdrop. The services include a romantic boat ride to the resort, beautiful furnishings, an outdoor patio for each tent, and a spectacular view of the Ruak River from the camp site.

Packages of three or four nights include elephant rides, jungle trekking, mountain hiking and even a complete spa treatment.

2. The Clayoquot Wilderness Resort

Canada boasts of this beautiful resort on Vancouver Island. This site is known for its environmentally friendly experience, operating from May to September yearly. The site comprises of 20 guest tents arranged around a dining tent, it also has a massage tent to pamper its guests.

The activities include horseback riding, archery and kayaking among others. Packages are for three nights, five nights or even a whole week long.

3. Wilson Island

Along the Great Barrier Reef lies this spectacular destination which houses only 12 guests at a time. The natural beauty and rich variety of wildlife of Queensland can be fully appreciated here as it is relatively untouched by man. The tents are on raised wooden floors, equipped with a king sized bed and are cleaned daily. Just sit out on the deck porch and enjoy Australia’s wonderful flora and fauna.

4. Longitude 131

Another attraction of Australia, this site lies along the borders of Uluru-Kata Tjuta, the National Park of the country. It offers an experience of the desert coupled with truly pampering services. The park is not open to children below 12 years of age, but is a paradise for love birds who want a unique experience.

5. The Sweetwaters Tented Camp

This Kenyan destination is known to have one of the best services around the world. The area is a private gaming reserve allowing visitors to enjoy the beautiful African safari. Of course it provides five course meals and valet parking, spa treatments and swimming pools, guided bush walks and also full internet access. Now isn’t that good service?

Posted in travel, Vacation Comments Off
« Older Entries