Tips for keeping your money safe while on vacation

When it comes to spending money on vacation you have three main choices. Credit cards, cash, or traveler's checks.

Credit cards are the safest way to pay for your vacation. If they are stolen you have limited liability and they are easily replaced. The ability to dispute the charges with the credit card company give you protection against poor merchandise or service.

Many transactions such as hotel reservations and car rentals are impossible without a credit card. When traveling overseas you can usually get the best exchange rates using your plastic but beware. The credit card companies have been charging high fees for the privilege and usually don't tell you ahead of time.

The downside to credit cards is they can be unreliable, especially overseas. You can be in for a real hassle if your card is declined by the merchant or a foreign ATM machine. The chances of this happening are real and increase dramatically when traveling to second and third world countries.

When you use your credit card, don't let it out of your sight even if it means following your waiter to the register. Before you put the card back in your wallet make sure that it belongs to you.

Cash is the most reliable way to carry money but of course, it is the least safe. American cash is accepted everywhere and you can often haggle for better prices with cash.

But there are many dangers when carrying cash. The most obvious is that it makes you a target for thieves. Don't flash it around.

Hide your cash on your person but not in a waist money belt. Find or make a pocket on the inside of your clothing where it is difficult to get at. Then keep a small amount in a spare wallet for your walking around cash. You can keep one credit card in with the cash and it doesn't hurt to throw in some other expendable junk to make it look good. This is what you hand over if you are robbed.

Don't keep all your cash on your person. Hide some in your personal belongings. Be inventive about finding good hiding places. The hotel safe is a good place to stash a portion. If you spread it around then you won't be cleaned out in one shot.

Travelers checks are arguably the best way form of money for your vacation with. You can use them almost as readily as cash and they can be easily replaced.

The best way to handle your vacation money is with a combination of all three methods. )

Elephant-back safaris in south africa

South Africa Elephant Back Safaris - following in the footsteps of the Ancients: Elephants, the largest land animals in the world, inspire a feeling of awe and respect in most people. Weighing up to 6 tons (11 000lb) and reaching speeds of up to 40km/hr, this monster of the animal kingdom has an impressive presence.

Whilst the majority of people will never have the opportunity to come close or even touch these animals, many South African game reserves (SEE: sa-venues. com) offer the once in a lifetime chance to do an Elephant Back Safari. Imagine yourself, perched 6ft in the air on the back of a 6 ton elephant, slowly making your way through open velds or dense forests. It’s a safari like no other. As such, Elephant Back Safari’s in South Africa are growing in popularity.

Game viewing on elephant back provides you with the unique opportunity of getting really close to wildlife (SEE: sa-venues. com/wildlife) that you could normally only view from far off. The smell of the elephants overpowers that of people so that other animals like rhino, giraffe and buck etc will not be scared off by the scent of people nearby. As such you’re able to get close up to extraordinary wildlife. An elephant back safari at most game reserves is usually a well catered for event including meals and of course, the elephant ride. The elephants are prepared with a comfortable saddle and you’ll be seated behind an experienced elephant handler. An elephant back safari will usually last around an hour and 30 minutes. Granted, your initial few minutes on the back of this monstrous animal will be endured with more than a little apprehension, but rest assured that as the safari begins and you become accustomed to the rhythmic and calm movements of the elephant, the experience that follows will be incredible.

Many game reserves in South Africa also provide the unique and enjoyable opportunity to walk along with the elephants as you move through the velds and forests. Being surrounded by these enormous animals and moving along with them during the safari is a sobering experience and one that is not easily forgotten. The elephant sanctuary near the Magaliesberg Mountains offers the opportunity of spending an entire day out with these animals and taking part in activities like elephant walks, elephant back safari rides, feeding and brushing the elephants and much more.

A South African elephant back safari is a truly wonderful experience. Being immersed so deeply in nature and interacting with such powerful creatures is deeply rewarding and satisfying and is an opportunity that should not be missed.

European capital of culture - what s it all about

The European Capital of Culture changes on an annual basis. Each country in the EU takes its turn having the European Capital of Culture (ECC) within its boundaries.

The nation is fixed on a rotational basis, but there is great competition between the cities and regions of the nominated country for the honor of being nominated as ECC. The decision is made three years ahead, to allow time for preparation.

The reason every city wants to be nominated is because there it will receive millions of euro of national and EU investment. The nominated ECC region will also receive millions of euro from the 500,000 extra visitors during its yearas European Capital of Culture.

Cities are invited to put forward their proposals and reasons why they should be chosen. The national government makes the decision as to which city deserves the title most, though the decision is partly based on which city can benefit most from the financial investment.

In 2005 Cork in Ireland was the European City of Culture. Roads were improved, a sewage system installed and hundreds of thousands of extra visitors flocked to Cork to spend their money. They were treated to musical, theatrical and folk extravaganzas throughout the year.

In 2006 Patras in Greece has been chosen as the European City of Culture. Patras is about 90 miles west of Athens. Flights, car hire and accommodation are readily available, just search online, or ask your travel agent.

In 2007 Sibiu-Hermannstadt in Romania has been chosen for the European Capital of Culture. Hermannstadt is the German name for Sibiu. The city is the largest centre of German culture in Romania. Located in the Transylvanian forests of legend Sibiu is fast becoming the centre of Romania’s developing tourism industry.

The European Capital of Culture in 2008 is Liverpool in England. Liverpool is a historic city whose wealth is based on its port. The port of Liverpool still exists, but is less important now. Liverpool is famous as the home of the Beatles, but has some stunning architecture. The Roman Catholic Metropolitan Cathedral is unusual outside, but absolutely mind blowing inside. You will find it half a mile uphill, behind Lime Street Station, the main railway station.

Liverpool has an excellent public transport system and friendly taxi drivers. Liverpudlians are famous for their wit and quick repartee. The airport is small, but the city is easily reached from its rival Manchester airport, too

Explore the mexican caribbean with cancun catamaran charters

Those who have been to Cancun have experienced the enthralling beauty of what is known as the Mexican Caribbean and the ever-changing colors of its waters. They have embraced the tropical temperatures and the hospitality of its residents. But they may not have taken advantage of Cancun catamaran charters or many of the other water adventures that this part of Mexico has to offer.

More than Beaches

Although many vacationers spend their days going to and from the city's gorgeous beaches, Cancun offers visitors so much more. Here are just some of the opportunities that await those who want to do more than dip their toes in the water:

Catamarans: Catamarans offer a combination of relaxation and adventure. You can climb aboard a catamaran and go to the one of the most beautiful islands in Mexico, Isla Mujeres, or take advantage of the unparalleled snorkeling in gorgeous, calm waters. If you prefer, you can simply lie out in the sun and soak up the rays. Charters are available for groups consisting of anywhere from twenty to eighty passengers.

Sport Fishing: Chartering a fishing boat in Cancun is much more affordable than you might think, or you can join other single fishermen in an excursion to catch sailfish, marlin, mahi mahi, grouper, and many other varieties of fish. The best excursions and charters include fishing licenses and bait, are equipped with fish finders, GPS, high quality rods and reels, and fighting chairs.

Scuba Diving: The scuba diving in Cancun is magnificent, but there are few diving experiences to rival cave diving in the Cenote cave in Riviera Maya. Part of the Mayan underground water system, the caverns feature incredible stalagmite and stalactite formations and 300-feet visibility. You can also enjoy reef and wreck diving that will provide you with a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Jungle Tours: For visitors to Cancun, the Nichupte Lagoon is a must-see. The best way to see the jungle is to sign up with a tour that enables you to drive your own speedboat, gives you plenty of time for snorkeling, and provides you with a trained guide.

Events to Remember

Cancun Catamaran charters are great for corporate outings, Spring Break parties, or just for a day of sailing and fun. For more elegant occasions, or when regular boats simply won't do, chartering a yacht is sheer perfection. With a capacity of at least forty passengers, a chartered yacht is perfect for weddings, receptions, family outings, or even a private romantic getaway.

The Price is Right

Whether you want to go on a fishing excursion or charter an exclusive yacht, the prices are quite affordable. For example, you can charter a 33-foot fishing boat for eight people for eight hours for only about $650. You can go on a cave dive for about $140 or a jungle tour for about $55. If you feel the need for speed, you can even go on an adrenaline-filled Shotover Jet tour through the mangroves for less than $50.

The next time you go to Cancun, do more than dip your toes in the water. Take advantage of Cancun catamaran charters or one of the many other opportunities that await, and dive right in!

Cruising for special needs accommodations

If you are disabled or have certain special needs, you can still have a cruise ship adventure. If you fall into this category, your best bet is to consult with a travel agent to find the best cruise line that will accommodate your needs.

No two cruise lines are quite alike, so comparison shopping is required when choosing your options. Your particular disability could be the deciding factor on which cruise to take. For instance, not all cruise ships can accommodate wheelchairs easily. Cabins are notoriously small, so you must get dimensions to determine if your wheelchair will even fit inside your room.

Luckily, some of the larger cruise lines have specially designated cabins that have wider doorways. The bathrooms are large enough for a wheelchair to roll right inside. The closets are built for a lower reach and the elevators have controls easily accessible for those people sitting in wheelchairs. Some cruise lines will have collapsible wheelchairs available, but it is highly recommended that passengers bring their own. If motorized wheelchairs are in use, you must bring your own charger that is adaptable to a normal 110 volt plug.

Part of going on a cruise is experiencing the various ports of call. Small boats called tenders are used to carry the travelers from the cruise ship to shore. Every effort is made to ensure that wheelchair bound passengers get to experience these ports of call. However, the tenders that take passengers to shore are not always accessible or safe for the disabled. If the wheelchair bound does manage to safely get to shore, certain ports of call may not always be equipped to handle special needs.

Hearing impaired passengers can also request special accommodations. Some cruise lines will offer ADA (American Disabilities Association) compliant rooms. They will have tele-typewriters (TTY) or telecommunication devices for the deaf (TDD). These cabins might come with ADA approved kits which include visual smoke alarms, door sensors so you know someone is at your door and even alarms that vibrate.

Travelers with guide dogs or other service animals will have a tougher time finding a suitable cruise. Each port of call has different rules and regulations regarding animals. Your travel agent can check with the Department of Agriculture for each port of call to determine their guidelines. Sometimes the services animals could be denied permission to leave the cruise ship.

Special nutritional needs are also accommodated on many cruise lines. Vegetarians have options as do those passengers who require low fat, low salt or low cholesterol diets. Guests with lung impairments that require oxygen can cruise too, but must ensure that they have a plentiful supply of oxygen for their travels.

One of the caveats for disabled guests or those with special needs is that you should be autonomous and travel with another companion in case any support during the cruise is required. No matter what infirmities you may have, the cruise line should be notified upon booking. However, with special planning for your special needs, you should be able to have an extra special adventure!

Golf in the costa tropical andalucia

According Real Federacion Espaсola de Golf, their research has revealed some interesting statistics. According to them there were 35,462 registered golfers in Andalucia in May 2003 and has increased incredibly over the years. In 1983, the number of registered golfers in Costa Tropical was 33,711 as compared to 25,700 in the other areas of Spain.

Ramon Davila, the President of Andalusian Association of Land Developers of Residential and Sporting Tourism has said that there is a requirement for another 30 golf courses in the region. Golf has become a popular sport over the years in this region because of the number of foreign tourists visiting each year and because of the climate. Andalucian climate just seems to be so perfect for a game of golf.

Right now there are 9, 18, 36 and 54 holes golf complexes available to tourists as well as part-time residents in this region. Some of the top regions with golf courses include:

Huelva

There are several golf course projects in the pipeline and under construction in Huelva like the 36-hole course at Ayamonte and a par 72 championship course as well as a par 71 measuring 6,300m. One of the popular places for playing golf in Huelva is the Islantilla golf resort, which is a 27-hole golf complex. The El Rompido Golf & Beach Resort is situated just an hour away from Huelva.

Cadiz

One of the popular golf courses here is the Novo Sancti Petri that has been extended from being a 27 hole to 36 holes and is expected to be increased to 54 holes.

Golf Courses in Almeria

Almerimar Golf course: 18 holes/72 par

Cortijo Grande: 9 holes/36 par

Los Moriscos: 9 holes/36 par

Golf Courses in Cordoba

Cordoba: 18 holes/72 par

Granada: 18 holes/70 par

Los Moriscos: 9 holes/36 par

Pozoblanco: 9 holes/36 par

Malaga

The Flamingos Golf course is situated on the Marbella side of Costa Tropical. This golf course has been re-designed to host the European Seniors Tour Matchplay Championship. The Villa Padierna golf course is owned by the Grand Luxury hotel and it houses an Academy too. The Flamingo Blanco golf course is an unusual course because it has a par of 59.

The Marbella Club Resort is planning to build a second golf course similar to the previous Dave Thomas course and it is going to be built right in the hills of Costa Tropical. This golf course is being built for the guests at the Marbella Club, Hotel Torrequebrada and the Puente Romano.

There are many more golf courses being built and some are still in the pipeline but it seems that this is going to be the next top Golf destination in the world.