Archive for the ‘General Travel’ Category

Review of Travel Potty Seats (Which Potties are Best for Vacations)

Thursday, January 8th, 2009

Fisher Price Potty on the Go Gray

A Review of Kids’ / Toddlers’ Travel Potties

One thing that I hate about potty training a toddler is that it then becomes way too difficult to go anywhere without worrying about potential wetting accidents. I love the idea of getting a travel potty for my 2 year old toddler, so I am writing this article while I am researching products for my little girl. I have heard very good things about the Caboose, but the Potty-on-the-Go might be the way to go because I think that it looks like it would stay the most clean / sanitary. What are your thoughts everyone?

Travel Potty ($23.19)

Travel Potty for Travel

A travel potty that is great for toddlers and young children to take along on long car trips or camping. The nice thing is that it easily folds to briefcase size. Attach the disposable bag, and this potty goes anywhere. The two large storage compartments provide room for supplies, and it comes with 4 zip lock disposable gallon bags. Uses standard gallon size storage bags. Ages 18 mos. and up to 70 lbs.

PROS: The seat is light and it has adequate storage for underwear, baby wipes, and extra storage bags. One parent said that they can fit about six-eight pullups, fifteen bags, and half a pack of baby wipes in both compartments with additional space left. Another positive is that you can just buy the generic brand of gallon bags and they work just fine…so you don’t have to waste money on buying special bags.

CONS: A few parents complained about the small circumference of the potty seat for their little boys, so if you have a little boy who stands up while they pee, they will have to sit when using this potty seat.

Fisher-Price Potty On-the-Go … Also Comes in Other Colors ($69.99)

Fisher Price Potty on the Go Gray

The base is sturdy and folds flat to fit in the snazzy tote. The tote is discreet and includes pockets for wipes, toilet paper, etc. When the time comes, simply attach a garbage bag, throw in a nursing pad, and dispose. It potty is easily wiped clean, and the tote keeps it from getting dirty when transporting. The Potty On-the-Go includes five disposable bags and absorbent pads, but the nice thing is that they recommend replacing these with generic four-gallon bags and nursing pads–couldn’t be easier. Designed for comfort, cleanliness and convenience, with smooth, easy-to-wipe-clean surfaces and a mess-free, disposable bag and absorbent pad waste containment system. Just tie it, and toss it! Potty folds flat for compact carry in a machine-washable, take-along tote with organizer pockets that keep your personal care supplies handy, like your wipes and hand sanitizer. Includes 5 disposable bags and 5 absorbent pads. Replace with standard 4-gallon garbage bags and any type of absorbent pads (nursing pads, sanitary pads, etc.).

PROS: Very easy to put together and take apart. The bag has room for toilet paper or whatever. The bag makes it very portable and easy to use for travel.

CONS: It is a bit bulky. The hole is a bit small so your child might have to be a pro at aiming.

Caboose Travel Diaper Potty ($18.99)

Caboose Travel Diaper Potty

The Caboose Travel Diaper Potty is an inexpensive travel potty that uses a diaper as a liner, giving your toddler the ability to go anywhere, anytime, with easy cleanup for you! It’s Compact! So small, it fits on a standard sheet of paper. The top fits in the base for even more compact storage. It can fit in your diaper bag, or under the stroller, or on the floorboard of the car. It’s Convenient! With our patented diaper-catching design, give your toddler a clean , real potty that works. Because when you gotta go, you gotta go!

PROS: The major positive is the price. This Caboose uses a diaper, what a unique idea. The carrying case is easy to open, and setting up the potty with a diaper is really easy. When done, you just roll up the diaper and throw it away, no worrying about leaks or anyone seeing what is inside.

CONS: One mom did mention that she loves it but that she wishes that the two pieces would snap or latch together as the top and bottom of the potty just sit on top of each other. If there is much movement it slides apart.

Kalencom POTETTE - On the Go Potty ($10)

Kalencom POTETTE - On the Go Potty

A must for kids “on the go”. Now there’s always a clean restroom close by! Our take-along potty is comfortable, sturdy, and folds flat in its carry tote for easy travel. Sets up in seconds; just unfold the legs. Very sanitary, too: its clever disposable liner has a scented pad that absorbs contents and odors. Three liners included; additional liners sold separately. Ideal for the car, boat, and camper. Supports kids up to 50 lbs.

PROS: One mother mentioned that she had the Fisher Price Travel Potty and that she liked the On the Go Potty much better for travel because it is much less bulky. It is small and lightweight, so it fits in your purse or pack, sets up quick and stays clean. disposal of the used bags is easy because they have absorbent pads inside and you can tie them securely so that they won’t make any messes until you find a trash can. The potette has a thick plastic bag it comes in, so you can even stick the used bag inside that with the potette till you find a trash.

CONS: A few parents complained that the potty is much too small for children over 3 years old.

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Family Vacations and Handling Stress When Traveling with Kids Better

Friday, August 1st, 2008

Family Vacations and Handling Stress When Traveling with Kids Better

Family Vacations and Handling Stress When Traveling with Kids Better

 

Yes family vacations are suppose to be fun and stress free, but they rarely work out to be that way. The kids argue amongst themselves or don’t pay attention to what you tell them to do, and even you and your spouse get into those little fights. You know the ones that I’m talking about, the ones that are about nothing at all. Maybe the fight is that you made the peanut butter and jelly sandwich with the wrong kind of jelly. It happens to families that are new, and families who have been together for years.

You know what I always think about when I think of a family vacation? Yes, you guessed it, I think of National Lampoon’s Vacation, Chevy Chase as Clark Griswald, and Beverly D’Angelo as his wife, and of course they had the two teenage kids. That movie has got to be the epitome of the worst vacation someone could ever have. I mean think about it, what else could have gone wrong? Nothing really. I laugh now just picturing scenes from that movie and how Clark seemed to stumble and bumble through the whole trip. I mean couldn’t the guy just get a bit of a break?

I know none of our own vacations are that bad (hopefully). If family vacations were really like that, I don’t think that anyone would ever take one. There are a number of ways that you can cut down on the stress of a family vacation, number one being don’t put too much pressure on timelines. If you’re rushing because you only have five minutes to get to a certain location, but your 30 minutes away, the stress will escalate past the point of good. Go a long with a pace that is leisurely and never schedule something at a specific time, unless it is utterly unavoidable. Don’t try to fit too much sightseeing in one day, again you will only be rushing your family and causing a sure fight as everyone gets upset and tired. On the same note, you want to make sure that you don’t schedule too little to do in a day. Bored kids are unhappy kids and may cause a problem with another family member. It is a happy medium you have to reach for your family in making sure that you have the right amount of activities planned.

Also make sure that the places you are choosing are oriented towards a children as well as the proper age of your kids. A child will become grumpy and moody if they are bored. So don’t pick a place like Las Vegas where there isn’t a whole bunch of things that are targeted towards kids. Not saying they don’t have children’s stuff to do, heck Circus Circus is a great place for kids, but if you are going to be there a week this might become old hat for you kids. Instead, pick an amusement park, like Six Flags or something along those lines, the kids are guaranteed to be busy and happy campers. Like I said it just takes some proper planning as a family and you should have a relatively stress free time.

Something else to think of is how are you going to get to your destination? Are you going to be driving a car, taking your RV, or are you going to catch a flight? All of these are good choices, but some can cause more stress than others. Not that everything will be stress or problem free. So choose wisely when you decide how you are going to get to your destination. Every child is different, and you know best as to what your kids will tolerate.

A good idea for planning a family vacation is to gather everyone around to talk things over. You might want to speak with your spouse or partner first and then gather the kids around to discuss details. Either way, kids will feel better about the vacation if you include them in the decision making. Maybe what you should do is make schedule a family meeting. Discuss the itinerary and whether or not everyone feels that the pace will be okay with them. Vacations are short, but don’t try to pack everything into one day. Nobody will think that is fun so it’s always a good idea to discuss these things as a family … it is everyone’s vacation after all. Try to make it a peaceful relaxing time with no mishaps like the Griswalds.

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Posted in Airplane Travel with Kids, Car Travel with Kids, Entertaining Kids During Travel, Family Travels, General Travel, Travel with Baby, Travel with Kids, Traveling with Kids, Travelling with Infants or Baby | 1 Comment »

Summer Vacation Destinations to Keep the Family & Kids Cool & Escape the Heat

Friday, June 13th, 2008

Summer Vacation Destinations to Keep the Family and Kids Cool

Summer Vacation Destinations to Keep the Family & Kids Cool & Escape the Heat

Although many families like to vacation in the heat of the summer, there are some families where cool vacation destinations are key. The following will provide some ideas for families who like to go away on vacation during the summer but keep cool while doing so.

 

Go North to Escape the Heat

Go North for Colder Weather

Everyone knows that the further north you go, the colder it gets. Take this train of thought and apply it to your vacation. Head up north in the Summer months and many destinations will feel breezy and cool. The further north you go, you might even see some snow. Some destination ideas are Mackinac Island, Michigan .. Iceland .. Nova Scotia, Canada .. Alaska .. North Island, New Zealand .. Scandinavian Countries .. Olympic National Park, Washington .. Vermont

Beach Destinations in Northern Regions

Beach Destinations in Northern Regions - Beach in Maine to Stay Cool

Even though one usually thinks of beaches involving hot summer sand and warm water. There are many beach destinations where it is cool both during the day and night. Some ideas for cooler beach destinations in northern regions of the United States include the Maine coastline, towns throughout Cape Cod, Washington, Oregon, and northern California. These states and regions have really nice beach towns where you won’t work up a sweat walking down the beach.

Mountain Destinations

Mountain Destinations in Summer to Stay Cool

Many individuals may think of mountain area destinations as being optimal in the wintertime for skiing and other snow sports however mountain vacation destinations also provide a great summer getaway option for families to consider. No matter whether you are vacationing in the Rocky Mountains or one of the many mountain resorts throughout Vermont, you are certain to find a plethora of activities to take part in. Some of the great summer activities in mountain locations include hiking, mountain biking, factory outlet tours, swimming in the lakes and more. Some ideas are Boulder, Colorado .. Durango, Colorado .. Snowmass, Colorado .. Steamboat Springs, Colorado .. Aspen, Colorado .. Winter Park, Colorado .. Vail Valley, Colorado .. Big Sky, Montana .. Alps, Switzerland .. Okemo Valley, Vermont .. Blue Ridge Mountain, Vermont .. Northern Michigan has tons of trails .. Appalachian trails .. Mt. Bachelor, Central Oregon .. Berkshires, Massachusettes .. Loon, NH .. Banff, AB Canada .. Rocky Mountains ..

Vacation Destinations Outside of the Country

Vacation Destinations Outside of the Country to stay cool - abroad different weather climates when we are having summer

Another alternative for families who are searching for a cool summer getaway destination is to travel outside of the country to a place where they are experiencing cool weather. Different countries have different climates at various times throughout the year, therefore when it is really hot in your location it may be quite cool in another country. Some places that you might consider visiting are Bariloche, Argentina .. Iceland .. Shimla, India .. Peru Highlands .. Dolomites .. Nova Scotia, Canada .. Turkey .. North Island, New Zealand .. The Pyrenees .. The Val d’Aosta .. The Canary Islands .. Northern Portugal Coast .. Serra da Estrela, Portugal .. Pindus Mountains, Greece .. Australia .. Rhodes .. Dominican Republic .. Madeira .. Ireland

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The Most Dangerous Places to Travel with Kids

Friday, May 30th, 2008

The Most Dangerous Places to Travel with Kids

The Most Dangerous Places to Travel with Kids

Traveling with kids is an adventure in and of itself. However, some places can be too adventuresome for traveling with kids and can actually be downright dangerous. For parents who are planning a family vacation and are cautiously considering where they should and should not go with their kids, the following will provide some key components to be on the lookout for in making a determination that traveling to certain regions may not be a safe thing to do.

War Torn Regions

Don't travel to war torn regions with your kids

Places which are experiencing political and social unrest at the moment and can be seen as war torn regions are definitely ones to stay out of when traveling with kids. Countries such as Iraq, Afghanistan and parts of Africa should be steered clear of when traveling, especially when children are on the trip. You can find out more information on these areas by contacting your country’s State Department by phone or visiting their website online.

Dangerous Weather Locations

Don't travel to locations that are prone to deadly weather conditions

Another dangerous locale to take the kids on vacation to is any area where dangerous weather is expected. Weather conditions such as tornados, hurricanes, typhoons, tsunamis, landslides and more should be avoided at all costs. Although you may not know about the weather condition until it is close to your time to leave on vacation, try to consider which areas experience bad weather at certain times during the year and try to avoid those locations.

Impoverished Nations

Many impovereshed locations are dangerous because of high crime

If you are going on vacation with the kids, try to avoid areas where the economy is extremely bad and the area is impoverished. There is often a link between poverty level and crime rates, taking your kids to these areas should be avoided. This is not to say that you should only visit extremely wealthy regions, just use common sense when selecting your vacation destination.

Locations Where Disease is Prevalent

Visit Places with Your Kids That Haven't Had Outbreaks of Serious Illnesses

Not only should you worry about places with crime and violence when considering travel destinations but also look into the disease factor of the locations. Certain areas of the world experience an influx of diseases and these areas should be avoided when traveling with children. There is no sense in taking the risk of getting ill or your children getting ill simply to travel to a certain location.

Any Place Your Country’s State Department Warns Against

Don't travel with your kids to any Place Your Country's State Department Warns Against

If the State Department of your country is currently warning against travel to a certain location in the world, then this is a place which should be avoided. Do not travel with your children to a location on the State Department list if you are concerned about your family’s safety. As mentioned above, this information can be collected by contacting the State Department directly or visiting their website if one is available.

Use Common Sense

Use Common Sense to keep your kids out of danger when traveling to locations that you aren't sure about

More Similar Articles on Our Site

How to Find The Safest Places to Travel with Kids

Americans and Traveling Abroad With Kids - How to Act Appropriately in Other Countries When Anti-Americanism Is So High

Top 10 Most Dangerous Places That You Should Never Travel to with Kids

When all is said and done, the easiest way to determine where to take your children while traveling is to use common sense. Think about the safety factor first and then you will be able to figure out which locations may be the most dangerous places to travel with kids.

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Good Car Food for Kids on Long Family Summer Road Trips

Wednesday, May 28th, 2008

Good Car Food for Kids on Long Family Summer Road Trips

Good Car Food for Kids on Long Family Summer Road Trips

Family road trips take place many times throughout the year but especially so during the summertime. In addition to finding good car activities to entertain the little ones during the trip another consideration to keep in mind is what food to bring along for snacking on during the journey.

Individual Bags of Crackers

100 calorie crackers packs is great and to eat for kids in the car

When packing up a snack bag for the family summer road trip, one of the staples which should be included is individual bags of crackers. Things such as Goldfish, Wheat Thins or Cheez-Its provide somewhat healthy cracker snacks for the family. These items provide good ingredients and are packaged so that everyone can have their own individual bag and eat it at their own pace.

Bottled Water

Bottled Water is great and to eat for kids in the car

Bottled water is another necessity to have on hand during the road trip. It is extremely important to be well hydrated and water is the best way to do so. Bottled water provides a good way for everyone to have individual drinks and this item can be consumed cold or at room temperature.

Dried Fruit and Trail Mixes

Dried Fruit and Trail Mixes are great and to eat for kids in the car

For those who like fruit with a kick, dried fruit provides a good car snack for the road trip. These fruit products come in a variety of styles and one can choose regular dried fruit or a combination of fruit, nuts and granola. This healthy and delicious snack is good road trip food for all.

Apples, Grapes, and Pears

Apples, Pears, and Grapes are great and to eat for kids in the car

Three other types of fruit which you can take in the car and not have to worry about keeping it cold are apples, grapes, and pears. These items are good car food since they are healthy snacks and won’t create a big mess while being eaten in the car.

Juice Boxes are Great for Car Travel

Juice Boxes are great and neat for the car

For those who like something other than water, juice boxes provide a good alternative. Juice boxes are available in a variety of flavors and they are usually healthier than soda would be. Plus, kids love the straw effect of the juice boxes.

Snack Pack Cookies or Cookies in a Plastic Baggie

100 Calorie Pack Cookies are a good car food

It’s also a wise idea to bring along some sweet food items as well. Cookies are a good option as they are easily portable and most people like to eat these tasty treats.

Little Boxed Raisins are Easy to Eat and Yummy

Little Raisin Boxes are a good car food

Little raisin boxes are a favorite in my family. The kids love to eat the raisins out of the box and then blow into the empty box because it makes a whistling sound. Just make sure to tell your kids not to blow into the boxes if it will annoy you.

Cereal Bars are Another Good Choice

Cereal Bars are a good car food

Cereal bars are filling as well as pretty neat to eat. Younger kids might decide to smush it into a ball and then eat it. So, if you have younger kids, I don’t suggest cereal bars in the car. My one year old tends to do this and then smushes it into everything. Smushed cereal bars are very sticky so I would say if your child is 3 or 4 and older, cereal bars are a good car option.

Bagel Chips Make Very Few Crumbs

Bagel Chips are a good car food

I like bagel chips for the car because they make almost no crumbs. Younger kids might find these 2 hard to eat, but older kids can eat away without making a mess.

Granola Bars are an Easy Car Food for Your Kids to Eat

Granola Bars are a good car food

Granola bars are very tasty and since they are pre-packaged they are very easy to just throw to your kids on a long road trip. Granola bars also should fill your kids’ bellies up.

String Cheese

String Cheese are a good car food

String cheese is very neat to eat with literally no crumbs. On short trips, they don’t need to be refrigerated, and on longer trips, you can just place them in a cooler.

Cereal Bowls, Mini Cereal Boxes, and Baggies of Cereal

Cereal boxes and cereal bowls are a good car food

Miniature cereal boxes, mini cereal bowls, and baggies of mixed cereal are all a great car treat for long roadtrips. My family buys mini cereal bowls on Amazon. You can buy them bulk on Amazon for much cheaper than you ever would at a local store AND they make a great snack or breakfast when you are on a trip.

Fruit Roll Ups are Easy to Eat in the Car

Fruit Roll Ups are a good car food

Fruit Roll-Ups are very easy to eat when on the road. Plus, as a benefit, your kids will love eating them. Kids have a natural attraction to Fruit Roll-Ups. I don’t normally let my kids eat these because my Dentist advised me not to give them Fruit Roll-ups because it sticks to the teeth. However, once or twice a year is fine, just remember to have them brush their teeth when they get to the hotel.

Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches

Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches are a good car food

If you are searching for something other than snacks and need something a bit more filling, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are a good choice. They are easily transported and are a good source of energy for all family members to take advantage of.

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How to Find The Safest Places to Travel with Kids

Tuesday, May 27th, 2008

How to Find the Safest Places to Travel With Your Kids on Family Vacations

How to Choose the Safest Places to Travel with Kids

When traveling with kids, most parents view safety as one of the most important components of the trip. Although there are too many safe places to mention in one list, there are features to search for when choosing a vacation destination in order to help ensure that the spot you are choosing is a safe place to travel.

Low Crime Rate

Travel to places with your kids that have low crime rates

Before heading to a certain travel destination you want to try to find out what the crime rate of the area is. Although this will not determine for certain whether or not the place will be safe as there are other factors to consider besides crime, it is a step in the right direction in order to determine the safety factor of the location. These statistics can be acquired online by using a search engine to pull up crime rates of a particular city.

Low Outbreak of Serious Illnesses

Visit Places with Your Kids That Haven't Had Outbreaks of Serious Illnesses

Safety also revolves around health issues. A place which has a low outbreak of serious illnesses or none whatsoever is the best place to choose. This will help to ensure that not only your kids are safe but you are as well.

Stable Social and Political Setting

Stable Social and Political Settings - No riots or political uprisings

A location which has a stable social and political setting is a safe one for children to travel to with their parents. If the country or locale is currently experiencing social unrest and/or is in wartime then the parents should definitely not bring their children to this location at all or at least not until the environment is a more stable one.

Places You Have Been Before

When in Doubt, travel to places that you have been before

It is also a good idea to have traveled to the destination before in order to deem it safe for your children. If you are going back to the same place every year then you know that it is a safe location to bring your kids or otherwise you most likely would not still be going there. Sticking with the usual vacation spots is often a good move for parents traveling with kids, so long as the place is a safe environment for all involved.

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Americans and Traveling Abroad With Kids - How to Act Appropriately in Other Countries When Anti-Americanism Is So High

Thursday, May 8th, 2008

Americans and Traveling Abroad With Kids - How to Act Appropriately in Other Countries When Anti-Americanism Is So High

Americans and Traveling Abroad With Kids - How to Act Appropriately in Other Countries When Anti-Americanism Is So High

When traveling abroad with children, there are many considerations to think about. With regard to Americans traveling overseas with kids, the list of considerations gets considerably longer. There are a few tips to keep in mind with regard to how parents and their children should act when traveling abroad especially in a time when an anti-Americanism sentiment exists for some in other countries.

Teach Your Children About the Customs of the Country You Will Be Visiting

Teach Your Children About the Customs of the Country You Will Be Visiting

One of the main things you can do in order to properly represent the United States in a favorable light when traveling abroad with children is to teach your kids about the present customs in the country which you will be visiting. This can be done via books or online resources. This will not only help the kids to become more knowledgeable with regard to another country’s customs but it will also be a good thing for the parents to learn as well.

Learn Some of the Language

Learn Some of the Language when traveling to another country as americans

If you are visiting a country where English is not spoken or not the primary language of that country, you should try to learn some of the language which will be spoken in that country. If your children are of an older age, they too can learn some of the phrases and words of that country which you will be visiting. This puts forth an effort on the part of the parents and children to speak the language and not expect others in that country to know English.

Be Polite in Foreign Countries

Be Polite in Foreign Countries

No matter whether you are traveling abroad with the kids or traveling within the U.S., it is crucial that you are polite no matter what. Try to teach your children how to ask for things nicely and acknowledge others in a polite manner. This goes for the parents also. This will truly make a big difference in the grand scheme of things.

Try New Things While Abroad

Try New Things While Abroad

It is also a good idea to be open to new experiences, whether it be in regard to food, activities or lodging. Do not expect everything to conform to American standards and try to adapt to the visiting country’s way of life. Dine on their cuisine and take part in local activities. Not only will these experiences show those living in the country you are visiting that Americans do not turn their noses up about things they are not familiar with but it will also provide you with a well-rounded vacation experience sure to be remembered.

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How to Make Sure That Your Family and Kids Get Through Airport Security

Monday, May 5th, 2008

How to Make Sure That You and Your Kids Get Through Airport Security

How to Make Sure That You, Your Family, and Your Kids Get Through Airport Security

Airport security is at a heightened level these days. Ever since the attacks of September 11th, airports throughout the world have been doing their part to ensure safe travel for all who take to the friendly skies to get to their destinations. With the increased security at these airports, there are new rules and regulations in place as well. The following will provide some tips to help you and your kids get through airport security in an easier manner.

Consult the Airport Safety Regulations Before Traveling

Consult the Airport Safety Regulations Before Traveling

Before traveling by air it is a good idea to consult the airport website if they have one. This will provide information with regard to airport security requirements at that particular airport in addition to federal TSA rules and regulations which you must be aware of as well. This way both you and your kids will be prepared as you step up to the front of the security line.

Don’t Pack Liquids - Airport Security Won’t Let You Through

Don't Pack Liquids - Airport Security Won't Let You Through

There is also a relatively new requirement where liquids are forbidden in carry on items. Therefore, check your items and make sure that the liquids are packed in the checked luggage. If you have to bring some type of liquid in your carry on bags or purse make sure that it is in a Ziploc bag to prevent it from leaking.

What if I have a Baby or Toddler That Needs a Cup or a Bottle on the Plane?

I would say that you then bring an empty bottle or baby cup and then buy apple juice or milk on the plane. I would also bring powdered formula and then fill up with bottled water or tap water (if they are older than 6 months old). As soon as you get on the plane, explain to the flight attendant your situation and ask if you can buy water, milk,  or apple juice before the flight begins so that you can comfort your baby. I am sure that the last thing that the flight attendant will want is a crying baby on the plane and they will assist you.

Shoes Off and Ready to Go to Get Through Airport Security

Shoes Off and Ready to Go to Get Through Airport Security

Another way in which you and your kids can not only get through airport security but do so in a speedy fashion is to have your shoes off and ready to go when you are at the front of the security line. Just make sure that the shoes off requirement is still in effect at your airport. You will be able to tell simply by watching the people already at the front of the line.

Keep Your Kids Quiet and Attentive When Approaching the Front of the Airport Security Line

Keep Your Kids Quiet and Attentive When Approaching the Front of the Airport Security Line

It is also a good idea to try and have your kids standing as quietly as possible when you are approaching the front of the line. TSA agents do not like rowdy kids as they can often slow down the movement of the line. Try to pay attention to not only what your children are doing but also what is going on at the front of the line. Being quiet and attentive will help to move things along a bit and get you through airport security.

Identification and Airplane Tickets in Hand - Keep TSA Agents Happy

Identification and Airplane Tickets in Hand - Keep TSA Agents Happy

An additional way to ensure that you get through airport security is to have your tickets and identification in your hand as you approach security. You should also have your children’s tickets ready and waiting as well. This will make the TSA agent pleased as they don’t have to wait for you to fumble around for the necessary documentation.

Have Everything in the Conveyor Belt Boxes to Go Through the Metal Detectors

Have Everything in the Conveyor Belt Boxes to Go Through the Metal Detectorsu

You should also try to have everything in the boxes which go through the metal detectors. Having this done in an orderly fashion will help to ensure that the metal detector portion of the security area is undertaken in a quick manner.

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List of Online Travel Guides for Advice on Where to Go, When to Go and Attractions

Tuesday, January 15th, 2008

LIST OF ONLINE UNIVERSAL TRAVEL GUIDES FOR TRAVEL ENTHUSIASTS



List of Online Universal Travel Guides


 

Fodor’s Travel Guides - Fodor’s is a user-friendly guide that is packed with traveling tips and information about destinations world-wide. Guides to hotels, restaurants and cruises cater for those who are looking for top quality through to those who are travelling on a budget.

Lonely Planet - Perhaps one of the best-known series of traveler’s guides, Lonely Planet’s website is equally impressive. The site features visitor’s guides and articles about most countries, along with online booking facilities.

Rough Guides - The Rough Guides website features informative content that is mainly taken straight from their series of traveller’s guides. Ample information is included for most countries on where to go, when to go and attractions that are not to be missed.

World Travel Guide - This website features not only guides to cities and countries but guides to beaches, skiing, events, attractions, tours and cruises. Features that change monthly include a “˜destination of the month’, top events for that month and feature articles on particular aspects of travel.

TravelNotes - More than just a directory, TravelNotes is an online guide to travel. Detailed country backgrounds, articles, tips and warnings are included, and the site welcomes contributions from visitors.

Travel Guides Online - Find travel guides and travel information from the official travel and tourism offices of over 1,200 travel destinations worldwide. Information on events, attractions, dining, shopping, tours and more is included, as well as an online hotel booking service.

Footprint Travel Guides - This site features quirky and humorous travel guides to 24 destinations that span the globe, from Reykjavik to Sydney. Standard details of how to get there, where to stay and what to see are included; also of interest is ample information about entertainment, eating, drinking and shopping.

WiZZ.to Travel Guide - WiZZ.to features local tourism and travel information for the whole world. The map interface on the website is particularly useful for prospective tourists to see where destinations lie in relation to each other.

Totaltravel.com - This site features comprehensive travel guides for Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States. Feature articles and reviews of exhibits and accommodation are included, and tourists can access cheap flights and accommodation.

Road Junky - Road Junky is unlike almost other any other travel guide you’ll find online. Instead of reading about the best hotels and attractions, you’ll get a tongue-in-cheek taste of how to understand the culture of other countries, how to make money on the road and the real low-down on each destination.

TravelDir - TravelDir offers a wealth of information on accommodation, car rentals, restaurants and other fundamentals for most countries. Where possible, links to the appropriate websites are provided for ease of navigation.

Bugbitten.com - Bugbitten is devoted to adventure travel, with details of over 1000 tours available on their website. Traveller’s can join the Travel Club and get their own personal travel website, access to traveller’s recommendations and a saving of up to 10% off tours.

Destinetion - Destinetion features a wide range of destinations sorted by country, region and city. The website also includes online booking facilities for airlines, car rental and accommodation.

Lanier Travel Guides - This website is a traveller’s guide for smaller-scale, family-oriented accommodation. Bed & breakfasts, inns, boutique hotels, guesthouses, small resorts, cabins, farm-stays and other facilities in destinations worldwide are featured.

Let’s Go Travel Guides - This site is aimed at young, budget-conscious travellers. Worldwide destinations, articles and tips are included, with adventure guides for New Zealand, Alaska and the US being featured.

BootsnAll Travel - BootsnAll has travel guides, stories, book reviews and insiders from every continent. The site also features booking facilities for adventure travel and cheap accommodation and air tickets.

So Much World - So Much World features destination guides on easy-to-negotiate maps, and highlights the most popular destinations in each region. Reviews and articles are also included, as well as an online booking service.

Gayot.com - Pronounced guy-OH, the Gayot.com website is an honest and professional resource on dining and travel for an international readership who appreciates quality.

TouristClick.com - TouristClick is an informative online travel guide for all the major continents and regions of the world. The links to a wide variety of websites covering many aspects of travel are particularly helpful.

PlanetWare - PlanetWare is your unlimited travel guide to the world. It features 97 countries in-depth, 80,000 tourist attractions, 15,900 towns and cities, 22,000 photos and 13,600 interactive maps.

World66 - Featuring information on over 20,000 destinations, World66 is a travel guide made by travellers, for travellers. With website visitors having the option of adding their own content, it proves that the best sources of travel information are people who have been there and done it all before.

STA Travel - STA is a travel guide and online booking service for students who are travelling on a budget. Information on deals and discounts, tours, packages and accommodation is available, as well as facilities to plan your trip.

Travelocity - Travelocity features travel guides sorted by destinations as well as interests (such as gay and lesbian, romance or mountain travel). The site also contains hotel reviews, travel advice and vacation packages.

TripAdvisor - At TripAdvisor you can get advice from real travellers, as well as planning and comparing things like cheap flights and accommodation.

TravelLibrary - TravelLibrary offers destination guides for holidays and short breaks, as well as direct contact details for hotels and vacation rentals.

Info Hub - Info Hub is a specialty travel guide highlighting attractions, pursuits and pastimes mostly neglected by other sites. These include spiritual vacations, farm-stays, mountain-climbing, naturist vacations, bicycle tours and wildlife viewing.

Concierge.com - With lists of destinations and travel ideas, Concierge.com is where inspired travel starts. The most popular destinations are highlighted, and a range of tools including maps, a photo finder and a currency converter are available.

Kasbah - Kasbah features the world’s largest collection of online travel guides. Insights are offered into nearly every country, city, island and all the best destinations in-between. A prominent feature is the “˜top 10 country guide’, which is updated periodically.

iExplore.com - This site has a wide variety of travel guides, as well as articles highlighting various destinations and tours. Prospective travellers can find trips to suit their needs sorted by region, country, activities, length and price. An interesting feature not found on many other sites was the list of the top 10 best-selling tours.

MYTravelGuide - MYTravelGuide is your guide to trip planning. It has destination guides for most major regions of the world including hotels, attractions, restaurants and online booking facilities.

­Time Out - Time out has 40 years’ experience in providing up-to-date, insider information about the world’s most exciting cities. What started as a single sheet of listings for London has evolved into a highly respected international publisher of magazines, websites and city guide books.

SearchTourist - SearchTourist offers a wide range of information for travellers covering such aspects as destinations, accommodation, transport and tour operators. Many links to external travel-related sites are also on the site.

Hostelworld - If you’re a backpacker travelling on a shoestring budget, Hostelworld is the travel guide for you. Along with a worldwide directory of hostels, the site includes travel and activity guides for most countries.

Nozio - Nozio offers destination and event guides that are divided according to categories such as “˜beaches and islands’, “˜mountains’, “˜wine’ and “˜small historic towns’. A feature of this site is the ability to make direct hotel bookings straight from official websites.

TravelNow - This is a one-stop online shop for destination guides, flights, accommodation, hire cars and all the rest. Most countries of the world have their own destination guide, with extensive information on the history, facilities and attractions of each city and town being included.

Virtual Tourist - Virtual Tourist, with its’ user-friendly map interface, details the best places to stay and what to see and do in all parts of the world. Special interest guides covering things like adventure holidays, backpacking and travelling with children or pets are also useful.

AOL Travel - AOL Travel has a range of excellent travel guides for all areas of the world, which include photos and a wealth of information. In addition, the site boasts information on 21,000 destinations, 103,000 hotels and 35,000 restaurants.

USA Today - Travel - This website features comprehensive city and country travel guides, as well as a quirky collection of “˜Top 10′ lists. These include ‘10 great places to get spooked by your surroundings’, ‘10 great places to be awed by a rainforest’ and ‘10 great places to slumber under the stars’.

WCities - As the name suggests, emphasis is placed on city guides on this website. Most major cities of the world are covered, with details of history, interesting facts, districts, entertainment, transport and accommodation being included.

WorldWeb - WorldWeb includes information about a wide range of vacation types (from Polar Bear watching to guided walking tours) and accommodation options (from campgrounds to chalets) to suit all tastes. These span the world, and website visitors have the option of constructing their itinerary online.

Frommer’s - Frommer’s have been travel experts for 50 years. Their website features destination guides for most countries of the world, plus their top picks for holiday spots and cruise ships in 2008.

Wikitravel - Wikitravel aims to be a free, complete, up-to-date and reliable worldwide travel guide. So far it features 17, 424 destination guides and articles, as well as interesting factoids and “˜off the beaten path’ attractions. Travellers are encouraged to add their own content to the site.

TripSpot - TripSpot features a variety of guides to suit most travellers’ needs - those sorted by destination, city, state and country as well as business and specialty travel. A huge variety of information is provided, from the world’s best roller-coasters to things forbidden on planes.

National Geographic Travel - The travel guides on this site are made even more impressive by the maps, photo galleries, videos and “˜ask an expert’ feature. Links to online booking facilities and other informative sites are also available.

Travellerspoint - Whether planning a trip, on the road or sharing travelling experiences, TravellersPoint is where the journey begins. Information about language, money, work, accommodation and other essentials is provided for most countries, with travellers welcome to make their own contributions.

Word Travels - This guide features a fairly comprehensive worldwide list of countries, cities and states with information and traveller’s reviews available. Also of interest are the guides to ski and beach resorts around the world, and the list of upcoming events around the world.

The PlanetRider Travel Directory - The PlanetRider is as much a portal to other useful travel sites as a worldwide destination guide. A stand-out feature is the ‘10 Min. Vacations’ section, which provides a quick virtual sample tour of the best travel sites for almost any country in the world.

Travelxl.com - Travelxl certainly lives up to its’ name. Comprehensive, in-depth information about most aspects of travel for most countries around the world is provided in an easy-to-read, easy-to-navigate format.

JohnnyJet.com - This well-written, interesting and humorous travel guide is written from the first-person perspective of other travellers. Each entry has hyperlinks to photographs as well as other online resources, which are also listed at the bottom of each page.

Pongu’s Travel Guides - In terms of destinations, this isn’t the most comprehensive guide on the net. The destinations that are included, however, are covered thoroughly via a mix of delightful photos, articles and information.

Attitude Travel - Attitude travel provides travellers with information on how to minimise their travel costs, while still enjoying their vacation. It’s guides like this that prove that you can still have fun on a budget.

TravelPage.com - TravelPage has information on destinations, hotels, cruises and air travel in most parts of the world. Photo galleries, reviews, international news/weather and an online fare search are also prominently featured.

GLOBOsapiens - GLOBOsapiens is an online community, with travel guides written by its’ members who are all seasoned travellers themselves. Information and photographs of most countries are provided, along with links to other helpful resources.

Travelago - Along with perusing a wide range of destination guides, at Travelago you can plan and book accommodation, activities, flights, cars, tours and other aspects of your holiday all in the one place. This makes organising your trip much easier, particularly if you aren’t a seasoned traveller.

Travel.org - As its name suggests, Travel.org features loads of information about most of the world’s destinations. Seasoned travellers who already know where they’re going and what they’re doing can also submit their travel information to get comparisons from major travel sites, which can save a lot of time and shopping around.

Guidez.net - Guidez.net is a self-proclaimed travel destination guide to everywhere and everything. Pictures, travelogues, attraction guides and monthly feature articles make this a good starting point for what to do on your vacation.

World Rover - World Rover features individual country and travel guides. These include information on history, embassies, stats, maps, flags, culture, government, geography and more.

Travel-Quest - Travel-Quest has loads of information on specialist vacations. Ideas for more adventurous travellers include extreme sports, caving, hiking and mountaineering. Other options include cruises, wildlife holidays and relaxation getaways.

Leisure Time Places - This site offers a wealth of vacation ideas, including information on national parks and eco tourism a lot of other sites don’t have.

World Travel Net - Travellers can find most of the common-sense information they need on World Travel Net, thanks to information on currency, time zones, climate, travel tips and a range of other tools.

Travelthinks - The information on TravelThinks is organised by regions and key topics. Visitors are encouraged to submit articles to the site.

Travel Professor - Travel Professor is a source for one-stop world travel information. It is one of the largest and most impressive travel guides for accommodation, tours, resorts, golf courses, cruises, travel agents, airlines, car rentals, attractions”¦and a lot more.

Experience Destinations - Experience Destinations is the definitive guide to the world’s best vacation destinations. Additional information on topics such as the best secluded beaches, the best locations to elope.

Where Will We Go? - This website well and truly lives up to its’ name. You can find travel guides and vacation ideas sorted by country, activity or theme as well as photos, travel reviews and trip suggestions.

Travelingo World Travel Guide - Along with world-wide destination guides, this site features user-submitted tips for individual countries. Users can also search for places, hotels and flights as well as peruse photos and add their own snaps.

Stayfinder - Travellers can find information about destinations, accommodation, tours and cruises in a format that’s well laid out and easy to navigate.

Destination Planner - Destination Planner is an efficient, online “˜destination-selector’ for users from anywhere in the world searching for exciting holiday destinations. It aims to connect travellers with reputable and well-priced travel companies.

Travelguides4u - Travelguides4u features information on 182 countries, as well as links to

EatandStay.com - Looking for the best places to eat and stay during your vacation? Look no further than this user-friendly guide.

Distinctive Travels - This site is designed to bring the discerning traveller a comprehensive overview of premier resorts and vacation spots throughout the world. Ample written information and photographs give travellers an insight into each country, along with practical aspects of travel.

Travelleronline - Travelleronline has it all”¦a traveller’s handbook, internet guide, online bookings and more.

Travel-world-tips - At travel-world-tips you can find information about every country in the world, maps and flags, travel articles and helpful tips for your next vacation. Read about Asia, Africa, Europe, America, the Caribbean, Oceania and many more.

Priory Travel Guides - This site is an independent guide to some of the world’s finest wildlife and nature destinations.

Independent Traveler - Independent Traveler has destination guides, resources, news and feature articles. The tips on things like packing, safety and travelling with families are very useful.

Gridskipper - Gridskipper is described as “˜The Urban Travel Guide’. It has information on such destinations as Berlin, London, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Paris and Sydney.

IgoUgo - This site has destination guides, vacation and accommodation reviews and travel photos. Travellers can submit their own content to the site to earn rewards like frequent flyer miles and online gift certificates.

Geographia - For travellers looking for fascinating background information, Geographia is the site to go. It features destinations in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Latin America and Europe.

RealAdventures - RealAdventures is for travellers who are looking for exactly that. Information about active vacations and sight-seeing tours worldwide is available.

Bugbog - The many features on the Bugbog site allow you to plan great holidays with a minimum of fuss. These include guides to English-speaking destinations, exotic destinations, beaches, world wonders and more.

VacationIdea - VacationIdea doesn’t include as many destinations as other sites (only Australia, Canada, the US, the Caribbean and Italy), but the travel guides they do have are excellent. These include ideas for honeymoons, romantic getaways, family vacations and island trips.

GoNOMAD - GoNOMAD has inspiration and links to plan your trip. Most destinations - ranging from the standard to the unusual - are featured, along with dozens of categories to help you search for the perfect vacation.

Captain Tony’s Adventure Guide - Captain Tony’s Adventure Guide is the outdoor adventure travel guide. From whale-watching to bungee-jumping and everything in-between, this worldwide guide is one of the better ones around.

Around the Worlds - The team at Around the Worlds use their travel experiences to inform and inspire prospective travellers embarking on their own adventures. The range of online travel tips and tools is impressive, as are the photo albums.

Off-Beat Travel - If you enjoy vacations that are slightly left-of-centre, this is the place to look. It details unusual destinations and off-beat attractions, as well as putting a unique spin on old favorites.

ItchyFeet - ItchyFeet features destination guides, photos and a range of feature articles. Since 1999 they’ve encouraged visitors to share their travel adventures and read about the experiences of others.

History Channel Traveler - Being affiliated with the History Channel means that this website is packed with interesting background information on destinations worldwide.

Travel to Where - Whether you’re looking for a pristine beach, ice-capped mountains or cultural attractions, Travel to Where features them all and everything in between. You can also construct a personal travel profile which features your favourite travel destinations.

RealTravel - RealTravel is a travel guide and trip planner powered by advice from real travellers. It’s been voted one of “˜twelve essential travel sites’ by Forbes, and “˜Best of web for trip planning’ by BusinessWeek.

Schmap - Exploring a Schmap Guide is a uniquely interactive experience: maps and guide content are dynamically integrated, allowing intuitive, real-time access to reviews and photo slideshows for places of interest.

International Circuit - International Circuit has unbiased travel reviews for top vacation destinations. Top spots for family vacations are listed separately, making planning your brood’s next trip a breeze.

Exploitz - Visitors are encouraged to become members and share their exploitz on this vibrant, informative online guide. As a result, it features one of the more impressive collections of travel photos to be found online.

Gusto Travel Guide - Travel with Gusto! Organize your family vacation, simplify your travel research and create your dream vacation with a click of a mouse - and all for free.

ThereArePlaces - ThereArePlaces highlights all the best places in the world to visit. Getting the fundamentals right is also a breeze with their range of travel planning guides.

Indigo Guide - Indigo Guide offers guides for a variety of locations in the Mediterranean and across the world. You can find information on all aspects of travel - attractions, accommodation, transport, shopping, tours, maps and more.

WorldWorx - WorldWorx has plenty of common-sense, practical advice on travel issues such as vaccination, currency and translation along with the usual destination guides.

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