SAFARI, “TRAVELING WILD AFRICA”

BY CLAY LARROY

We lead such busy lives working, going to school, taking children to different activities that often we do not stop and talk to our children. We usually do not have time to sit around the dinner table and ask our children what they did today. Family vacations are so important, as it gives us a way to connect with each other in a stress free relaxed environment. Families that take vacations together build memories that will last a lifetime. Family vacations and travel can be a most rewarding experience.  When you are ready to plan a vacation contact me!

The word safari is Swahili for travel, trip or journey. In the travel industry, safari refers to a type of travel that typically involves these elements:

• At least one country in Africa
• Extensive sightseeing, with an emphasis on wildlife sightings
• An expert guide (although some self-guided safaris can be arranged, it is not recommended)

For animal and nature lovers, few types of travel are as rewarding as a safari. Many who have been will tell you that the countries of Africa connect with the human psyche like few other places... Africa is not a destination - it is a point of origin.

An African safari is a trip like no other. On safari you come face to face with creation in all its glory, with nature at its most untouched. Few people come away from a safari the same as they first arrived. A safari is an opportunity to travel off of the beaten path, creating memories that last a lifetime. Like any specialized trip, the key to a successful safari is education, preparation and planning.

You will enjoy a safari if you:

• Are passionate about nature
• Enjoy wildlife
• Can handle modest discomfort
• Enjoy traveling to uncommon, undeveloped, or unique locations
• Enjoy an active vacation

You’ll have several options when choosing a guide, as well as the degree of comfort on your safari. A guided safari is best for most travelers, particularly if this is your first safari. You can arrange an independent, self-drive, safari through a tour operator, however, who can provide a vehicle, maps, itineraries, provisions, tents and park passes.

There are two very important notes regarding independent safaris:

1. Not every country or park allows self-drive safaris
2. Many locations require guides for safety and to assist with navigating the infrastructure. Self-drive is inherently more risky! The roads are often in poor shape, animals view anything that moves as dinner, gas stations can be difficult or impossible to find along the way, and the local population speaks no English.

These considerations are merely to educate, not to discourage. Travel is a matter of well-informed choice, and if you have some experience, you can surely find a comfortable program with the right tour operator.

Guided safaris involve the presence of a trained, experienced guide who accompanies travelers (as a group or privately) throughout the itinerary. Guides are typically very knowledgeable about local animals, plants, and weather conditions. A good guide will know the best locations for animal viewing, which saves a lot of time and makes the trip much more efficient. Many guides are trained botanists or zoologists and have a sharp eye for animals and plants that the untrained eye might miss. Finally, guides usually speak both English and the native language, a skill that will come in handy time and time again! (Be sure to check with your travel consultant to learn specifics about the guides a safari company uses). Guides are also charged with obtaining park and camping permits, in addition to setting up and breaking down any camps.

Travelers also have their choice of accommodations while on safari. Some camp grounds and accommodations are in the game parks, while others are outside of the boundary of the officially designated parks.

Tented safaris are camping excursions with tents and mobile locations, usually in well-defined tent areas where the parks allow it. Tour operators sometimes offer varied luxury in tents, from bare canvas tenting to deluxe, permanent tent structures. Camping is part of the traditional "mobile" safari, where travelers cross the countryside in a four wheel drive vehicle supplied by a safari operator.

Lodge safaris offer several accommodations throughout the itinerary that can range from rustic to the ultimate in luxury. If you are looking for luxury, it is possible to arrange Fly In safaris where the tour operator uses small aircraft to airlift travelers to vehicles in game parks for a day or more of animal viewing.

Not all types of safaris are offered at all parks or by all companies, so it is important to ask about options and plan for what will make you most comfortable and excited about the trip.

In addition to the general safaris already mentioned, you can also choose from a great variety of specialized safaris. For example, Selous Game Reserve in Tanzania and Liwonde National Park in Malawi offer canoe safaris to view hippos and crocodiles. Rwanda, Uganda or Gabon offer opportunities for gorilla safaris.

As you can see, part of the fun of planning your trip can be choosing your safari. Safaris can also be as luxurious or rugged as you’d like - which is why the assistance of a good travel consultant is highly recommended for a safari, especially. Trained travel consultants typically have inside knowledge and a variety of resources to find you the best value and safari company, based on what you want from your trip.

Most travelers go on a safari for the opportunity to see the amazing wildlife of the African landscape. The most commonly sighted animals include the "Big 5": lion, elephant, cape buffalo, leopard and rhino. However, a multitude of other species is a part of the safari experience - including zebra, giraffe, cheetah, baboon, wildebeest, and gazelle. In some areas, gorillas, chimpanzees, crocodiles, hippos and other more exotic animals make their homes.

Spotting wildlife is a matter of luck, patience and a good guide. Especially in the dry season, animals tend to gather around waterholes, which make excellent viewing spots. On rare occasions, you might spot a lion or cheetah stalking a gazelle or other plant eater - a spectacular sight.

Most animal viewing is done from the safety of a four wheel drive vehicle that animals largely ignore. Seldom in the parks are visitors allowed to get out of their vehicles, except in specially designated areas.

REFERENCE SITES:

http://www.travelresearchonline.com/

“I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel's sake. The great affair is to move.” 
― Robert Louis Stevenson

Live life and travel often, the more you travel, the more memories you create!

        

THE HEART OF SOUTH AFRICA

BY Clay Larroy

Do you feel like it is time for a short vacation? Once you decide to travel, how good you plan the trip will help you feel comfortable and be comfortable at your destination. Not only will you feel less anxiety before the trip, but you can rest assured that once you arrive where you're going you will have a good understanding of what's going on there.  When you need to plan a vacation contact me!

 THE HEART OF SOUTH AFRICA

By CINDY LOU DALE

DRAKENSBERG MOUNTAIN RANGE - The soul of the Zulu Kingdom

The following morning I traveled north-east, in the direction of the famed Drakensberg Mountains. Its awe-inspiring basalt cliffs, which are snow-capped in winter, tower over riverine bush, lush yellow-wood forests and cascading waterfalls which form a massive barrier separating KwaZulu Natal from the Kingdom of Lesotho.

The only access to Lesotho is via the Sani Pass which, at the top, boasts the highest pub in Africa, at some 3,000 meters above sea level. This spectacular mountain pass is the gateway to the scenic "Roof of Africa" route that links the dramatic scenery of the Drakensberg with the mountains of northern Lesotho. The road is treacherous and requires a 4x4, especially in bad weather. 

The 600,000-acre mountainous region known as the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park (uKhahlamba means Drakensberg in Zulu) has been preserved and venerated for eons since the San Bushmen roamed the slopes. Tens of thousands of paintings depicting their daily life can be found on rock faces - now a World Heritage site.

The fearless traveler may wish to conquer the cliffs in summer or ice-climbing in winter and the adrenaline junkies may prefer repelling, white water rafting or a helicopter ride to view the mountains from above. But I opted for what I thought would be the genteel and leisurely pace of walking one of the many well-marked hiking routes. Our trekker-guide, Jade, a white haired and sweetly unobtrusive elderly lady, sheppard my group into a single file line and marched us for the day at a frightening pace.

The Drakensberg is truly a hiker’s paradise - a high mountain range is a wilderness that renews your body and soul. This world of sheer cliffs, deeply incised valleys and crystal clear rivers, is where the bearded vulture, the black eagle and numerous species of antelope, find refuse. This range was once also home to the San Bushmen, as is evident in the thousands of rock paintings.

The hikes offered range from a gentle stroll to extremely strenuous. Popular hikes include the Giant’s Cup Trail at Cobham (3, 4 or 5 nights - 59km/37 miles), a truly magnificent trail designed to give the hiker as much diversity as possible, the Thukela Gorge hike (2 - 3 hours, 7km/4 miles) at Royal Natal, which hikes through alternative stretches of protea (national flower), grassland and forest with the only scenic rival being the view from the top of the Thukela Falls and the thrilling Cathedral Peak trail (6 - 7 hours, 10km/6 miles) that affords the experienced hiker a chance to stand on one of the major free-standing peaks in the Drakensberg.

The following afternoon I returned to Durban.

FIT FOR A KING - Ethnic food for the soul

On my last night in South Africa, I decided to experience the Zulu culture one more time and headed into the ghettos with my guide, who promised me the best Shebeen (African bar) in the province. 

Matilda, a rotund Zulu woman clad in a leopard-print pant suit, runs a true African Shebeen - hot, dark, and filled with African gewgaws with drinks served in worn enamel mugs. The local residents crowd her small establishment, "kicking back" with potent Durban Cane "for pain" (a fruity rum punch with a stick of sugar cane) and live, pulsating, African music. Ignore the African way of tortoise-speed service, and do like the locals and enjoy the experience. 

Matilda and her husband, Philemon, sweat like diamond miners in a kitchen the size of a small sailing galley, putting together the "Shebeen Cuisine" they had become famous for; including their trademark dish of Durban’s "Bunny-chow", which is a thick lamb curry in a hollowed-out hunk of bread. 

For starters I ordered Mopani worms, coated in beer batter, flash fried and served with a sweetly overpowering chili sauce and a side-dish of Vhuswa pap (a traditional porridge, made with maize meal), washed down with several stout beers served in bottles to douse the chili sauce. How do the worm’s taste? I hear someone ask. They are very chewy and taste, well, just like you’d expect worms to taste - slightly scaly, crunchy skin, and a bit earthy. An hour later I was told there were two items available for a main course. Matilda’s special, which she claimed it to be Nelson Mandela’s favorite, was again, Mopani worms and Mogodu (black tripe and wild African spinach stew). I opted for choice number two: ostrich steak and cubed crocodile tail, grilled quickly and served with a cherry-peppercorn sauce and nothing much else - presented on a battered tin plate. Dessert was a fabulous vinegar pudding, comprised of sponge cake with a sweet and sour sauce.

Later Matilda brought a bottle of aptly names "Jungle Juice" to my table. She confided that it was in fact apricot brandy distilled in a back room. She settled her large frame into a comfortable position and said; "Now the madam and Matilda, we drink". And so, we did.

The following morning I checked out of my hotel and left my luggage in the baggage area. I strolled down to the Marine Parade with a heavy heart. I found a bench under a palm tree and ate a bunny-chow. I watched the local women meet and chat - a colorful and noisy explosion of skirts and tribal beads, who shrieked with hilarity at the gossip being told. At that moment I realized I was smitten with this beautiful country, its golden beaches and its warm ocean. I left for the airport knowing I had lost my heart to the spirited and proud Zulu people.

As my plane landed at Heathrow I recalled Zuma’s words "The madam, she is going to the heart of my land. The city she is only the pulse." The Zulu people had touched me with their warm hospitality and friendly smiles. The South African’s I found remarkable in their curious lack of urgency and their dogged determination to squeeze every moment out of a day. This was an experience which will linger long, together with the memories of their vast blue sky and baking sun. 

REFERENCE SITES:

http://www.travelresearchonline.com/

“Besides, I'm a gypsy at heart and I like to travel around.”

 Reba McEntire
 

Live Life and Travel Often!

THE HEART OF SOUTH AFRICA

BY Clay Larroy

When you choose to travel, whether it is for business or pleasure, it is important to plan your trip well before hand. Here are some tips to help you. Don't be afraid to cash in your airline miles. Many travelers let their miles accumulate and never bother using them. Reap the rewards of your traveling and spend the miles you've earned! Miles have expiration dates, so be sure to use them before they expire. Travelling is a great way to use your airline miles.  When you need to plan a vacation contact me!

THE HEART OF SOUTH AFRICA

By CINDY LOU DALE

DURBAN - The pulse of the Zulu kingdom 

The rickshaw was waiting outside my hotel. "Durban, she is an exciting, playful city; but the Madam, she does not want to play," said Zuma, my rickshaw-puller who pounded tirelessly along Marine Parade, ordained in a magnificent head-dress, resplendent with beads and other decorations. "The madam, me thinks she wants the mountains and the seas." I told Zuma of my plans to travel through KwaZulu Natal. His handsome ebony face beamed a radiant smile and his features softened as he spoke of his land and his people. "The madam, she is going to the heart of my land. The city she is only the pulse." Only later would I understand what he meant.

ZULULAND - The heart of the kingdom 

The following morning I hired a 4x4 and headed north along the Indian Ocean coast road, taking me through Zululand. The sheer majesty of this region was awesome - the cobalt blue Indian Ocean, the Mangrove swamps and limpid lagoons, the rolling green hills and indigenous forests and always, the wide welcoming smiles from the locals. 

Driving through the Valley of the Zulu Kings, I felt certain, when listening carefully, that I could hear the wind sigh and whisper the secrets and sorrows of great battles, made visible by lone forts and small graveyards on ghostly undulating landscapes. I found the battlefields where I followed the footsteps of famous military strategists - Shaka - King of the Zulu’s; Winston Churchill; Mahatma Gandhi. The Zulu kingdom that once lay in blood-soaked conflict today lies in peace. 

Some 100 miles from Durban, up the coast near Eshowe (milk-bush shrubs), a guide took me by ox wagon to ShakaLand, a small Zulu village of beehive huts especially built for the movie set of Shaka Zulu. Here I experienced Zulu hospitality at its best and observed a traditional wedding ceremony. I visited a Sangoma (witchdoctor) who threw "the bones" for me and "cast away the evil spirits".

SODWANA BAY - 7 Mile Dive

I continued my journey up the Zululand coast passing numerous deserted beaches and eventually reached Sodwana Bay. Sodwana Bay is one of South Africa’s most popular dive sites and is situated in the northern reaches of KwaZulu Natal. Sodwana, meaning "little one on its own" in Zulu, is easily accessible - only four hours by car from Durban. The reefs at Sodwana are named after their distance from the launch site, starting from "2 Mile" going up to "9 Mile". Perhaps the most scenic reef is "7 Mile", which on a good day can compare with the best in the world, like Wakatobi in Indonesia, the Red Sea, Australia, or Madagascar’s Barra Reef - where I learned to dive. Sodwana is diveable all year round, with the best conditions during the warm summer months from November to May.

While at Sodwana Bay, a German adrenalin junkie, Klaus, convinced me to join him in Gaansbaai (Afrikaans for Goose Bay), a coastal town on South Africa’s famed Garden Route. "Gaanzbaai", he claimed, "offerz ze bezt shark cage divink in ze world." Taking comfort in his fearlessness and evident indestructibility, I agreed. A few days later I joined him on the "Barracuda" and motored out of Gaansbaai’s Harbor. Frankie, our Skipper, said we were heading towards Dyer Island and would be there within 20-minutes - this statement evoked frantic activity on the deck. I found a discreet corner to ooze myself into a diving suit and true to his word, 20-minutes later we dropped anchor. The crew excitedly began chumming the water with bloody entrails. Moments later Klaus and I were lowered into ocean. Too late for regrets now, I thought and said a silent prayer. 

Klaus pointed out a Great White effortlessly gliding by; it took a bite at the innards which had been thrown overboard. In the gloomy distance I spied a dark shape fast approaching. When I realized what it was - a Great White of gigantic proportions, I began frantically gesturing at Klaus to look. Just as I was preparing myself for death, the mammoth beast turned away at the last moment, its tail glancing off the steel bars, sending the cage crashing into the hull of the boat above, and us tumbling within it.

Later on deck, with a cold beer in hand and wrapped in a warm towel, Klaus enquired about the "dangers of South Africa". He asked the Skipper what the chances were of him being shot and stabbed. Frankie regarded him sternly and replied, "It depends on what you mean by dangerous - inoculations are available against most tropical diseases; being shot and stabbed rarely happens, unless you"re extremely unlucky. Being savaged by a wild beast is more likely but most people manage a more or less complete recovery - given time and physiotherapy - many even walk again." Klaus was ashen. Frankie chuckled, looked away, and winked at one of his crewmen.

When my feet touched dry land later that day, I felt deep admiration and respect for the ocean. Klaus and I were ready for several very large drinks and were marched off to the nearest watering hole by our Skipper and his crew.

REFERENCE SITES:

http://www.travelresearchonline.com/

"I am a passionate traveler, and from the time I was a child, travel formed me as much as my formal education.”

David Rockefeller
 

Live, Love and Travel to create memories that will last a lifetime!

AROUND THE WORLD TOURS, “LIVING THE DREAM”

BY CLAY LARROY

Make the most of your travel experiences. Taking a cruise is a great way to see many different places when you travel. Cruises offer many activities and things to do while on the ship, while offering you the opportunity to explore different locations each time you arrive at a port. Travel is a great opportunity to learn more things. Time spent abroad helps you understand and appreciate diverse cultures. In addition, it encourages an acceptance and tolerance of ways of life that differ from your own. When you want to plan a vacation contact me!

Before you leave the U.S. you will have to purchase all of your airline tickets, and all of your flights must culminate in a round trip. In most instances, you must continually move in a westward or eastward trek with no back-tracking. Travelers must have a return or onward ticket out of the country they are visiting. The only exception is if you have a student, work or residential visa.

With some fares, each flight in your journey will need to be booked in advance; others will allow open dates, which will give you more freedom in your itinerary. If you are planning to travel for more than a year, you will have to purchase your tickets in stages since airline tickets are usually valid for a year after their issue date. Tour operators specializing in ATW programs can often provide a greater percentage of flights with open dates as part of the package.

Once you have purchased your tickets, it is likely that you will incur a cost to change travel dates. Date change rules vary depending on the airline and fare, so be sure to ask your tour operator for the date change and cancellation policy of each airline you are using. And since the least expensive fares sometimes do not offer frequent flyer mileage credits, also ask your travel consultant if there are any such restrictions on your tickets.

Your choice of accommodations as you travel is important both in determining the degree of comfort you can anticipate and also your total expenditure. Your travel consultant will provide you with excellent resources for this part of your planning. Most travel planners have access to insider hostel and hotel guides that provide detailed description of not only the amenities of each property, but also reviews by professional hotel critics. Your travel consultant may book through the same tour operator used for airline ticketing or may choose other suppliers.

Decide if you want to stay in local, indigenous properties, or whether you want to work with mostly westernized properties. It is often the case that particular properties are frequented by similar ethnic groups: western travelers congregate at particular properties, Asian travelers at others, and the local population may use still other properties. The flavor of your stay in any destination will be greatly influenced by your choice of accommodations, so choose wisely!

Now that you have made your travel arrangements, you are just about ready to start your adventure. But before you step on the plane, it is time to organize your travel documents. Make sure your passport is current and will be for at least a year after your return date. You may need certain visas or other documents for each country you are visiting. Ask you tour operator which documents are needed at each stop. And keep all of your airline tickets together. In some countries, health certificates are required certifying to yellow fever vaccinations. Check all health requirements of all countries you will be visiting. Make sure that you are appropriate physical condition prior to travel. Visit with a doctor experienced with travel medicine and cover your itinerary. Have any deferred dental work or other medical issues settled prior to your departure. Bring copies of your passport and airline tickets with you on the trip, as well as copies of your passport photos, which are often needed when purchasing rail/metro travel cards. It is also practical to give a copy of your itinerary, passport and return ticket to a friend or family member back home, who can fax them to you in an emergency. During your trip, keep your documents on you at all times, not in your hotel room. A money belt in which to carry documents is a good idea.

If you are traveling with a companion, make solid arrangements in advance on how to handle any contingencies that might arise, such as one of you wishing to stay longer in any given destination, or returning sooner, sickness or meeting new acquaintances along the way, not getting along...you get the picture. The more advance contingency planning you do, the less stressful unforeseen circumstances need be.

Staying in touch with friends, family and business at home will likely be a necessity. There are a number of alternatives such as internet cafes, international calling cards and "world phones" that will make communications from other countries more simple to negotiate. Investigate your options well in advance of travel.

During your planning, consider how you will handle your finances while on the road. In general, traveler’s checks and credit cards are the safest bet, since they can be refunded or replaced if lost or stolen. Credit cards generally offer the best exchange rate, but in some destinations are less common for trade than others. European merchants prefer credit cards such as Visa and MasterCard. For the rest of the world, it is best to have some American dollars in case you get into a bind. And remember that you do not want to unzip your money belt and expose your passport and finances each time you need cash. Keep a small amount of local currency in a more easily accessible place, such as your pocket or purse. Monitor your budget and expenses carefully as you travel, as it is easy to lose track of finances as money in changed repeatedly from one currency to another.

After all of your planning for your trip of a lifetime, it would be wise to invest in travel insurance. Some companies have long term travel policies available. Remember that your own health insurance may not be valid abroad. Items generally covered by a typical travel insurance policy include airfare, baggage, health, and trip cancellation/interruption for up to a year. Some companies also offer travel assistance services and worldwide call numbers should something happen.

Packing for a yearlong trip does not have to be as daunting as it sounds. Whether you will be traveling with backpack or luggage, the most important thing is to pack light. Bring only the essentials, safe with the knowledge that the world is loaded with stores. And if you cannot find that particular something in another country, maybe it is not really necessary. A common practice among experienced travelers is to set out everything you think you will need, and then only take half. Remember that everything you start off with, you will also be coming home with, in addition to whatever shopping you do along the way.

A backpack is a practical way to go, especially if you will be doing a lot of overland and/or adventure travel. Also be aware that you will most likely be packing for different climates, terrains and possibly insects. Ask your travel agent or tour operator for the average temperatures and rainfall for the countries you will be visiting. Three items often left off a packing list to the eventual dismay of the traveler: sunglasses, SPF lotions and a hat! Medications should be packed in their original prescription bottles and carried with you, not stored in checked baggage. Of course you will want to take a camera to immortalize your trip and help illustrate your adventure to others, and possibly a journal. Understand that although a state-of-the-art camera would do those majestic sunsets more justice, keeping a constant eye on such a valuable piece of equipment could prove to be a burden.

Is an around the world trip safe? Common sense will be your best defense. Trust your instincts and steer clear of potentially dangerous situations. Do your research before you go so you will be aware of less hospitable areas in the cities you visit? Find out if the water is drinkable or if you should stick with bottled. The latter includes while brushing your teeth, and means foregoing ice cubes. Research the local culture and mores of the regions you will visit. Be respectful of different cultures, even if they are not particularly fond of your politics, gender or race. Dress appropriately and do not expect superior treatment because of your nationality. View your trip as educational and as an opportunity to connect with others.

REFERENCE SITES:

http://www.travelresearchonline.com/

“Adventure is worthwhile.” – Aesop
 

Travel to experience life!       

AROUND THE WORLD TOURS, “LIVING THE DREAM”

BY CLAY LARROY

If you're looking to get away from it all with a trip away from home, don't forget to travel smart. Regardless of whether you are traveling to a nearby location for the weekend or taking a week-long destination vacation, you are always going to benefit from some tips and ideas on how to make the whole process, more fun and less stressful. Take time each day to alleviate stress while traveling or vacationing and you will thank yourself for it when you get back home. When you want to plan a vacation contact me!

To most, a trip around the world is a dream affordable only to those with ample money and time. But around-the-world travel is a growing trend among people from all backgrounds, professions and ages. With airfare costing as little as $1,300, many travelers are turning their dreams into reality.

This guide will give you an overview of the considerations you need to make before undertaking such a grand and unique endeavor. Many rewards and frustrations can accompany an around-the-world trip, and you will have a better idea if such a trip is for you, while you learn about the advance planning needed to pull off your elaborate, life-altering trip.

An ATW trip is usually defined as one that persists in a single direction (East or West) and stops on at least three continents before resulting in complete global circumnavigation. Travel time is usually three months to one year, and can include stops on every continent. Though extremely rewarding, an around-the-world trip is not for everyone. Far from an extended stay at a resort, a trip around the world does involve a similar commitment of time, but also holds promises of real adventure.

If you are truly considering a trip around the world, your flair for adventure will override the logistical issues and risks. Doing your research before you take off is the key to a successful ATW trip, and you can start with a knowledgeable travel consultant who may assist you with developing your itinerary. The rewards? Savor a new sense of freedom and the confidence of mastering travel that others only dream of. The engaging stories you might share upon your return could teach others tolerance and appreciation for other cultures, and in the best way possible, make the world a smaller place.

Before you talk to a travel consultant, develop a general idea of the time you have to travel and the amount of money you wish to spend. Also consider the type of experience you are seeking... are you interested in climbing mountains, hiking through rainforests, or snorkeling over a coral reef? Would you rather meet locals over coffee in cafés, or perhaps work on your tan? Which countries are on your "must-see" list and which can you skip? The more you consider these issues, the more efficient the planning process will be, and the quicker you will be on your way.

Your first stop should be a good travel agent experienced with tour operators or air consolidators offering ATW trips. Because of the logistics of an ATW trip and your significant investment in both time and money, it is important to have a practiced set of eyes watching out for you. A good travel consultant will know which ATW tour operators to use and which to avoid, and can assist in pulling together less obvious components of the trip.

Most ATW tour operators purchase bulk airfares from one or more airlines and sell them at terrific discounts off of published fares, in addition to offering discounts at hotels and other accommodations through negotiated rates. Air and hotel aside, also identify and plan the activities and sightseeing you"d like to experience along the way, but go to your travel consultant with an open mind. No doubt you will discover many new possibilities for your trip as you plan.

Your travel route is a large factor in the overall cost of your excursion. Around the world trips can certainly be luxurious, but the budget-minded can be true world travelers as well. If you are looking to save money, package deals (rather than specialized itineraries) are your best bet. On average, packages cost from $1,300 to $3,000, based on stops in airport hub cities - the more hub cities in your route, the more money you will said, the price of your trip will increase with each stop you make.

To further reduce cost, you can spend more time in less expensive areas such as South America, Africa and Asia. You can buy food at local markets instead of dining out, and consider staying in a hostel, many of which offer private rooms and baths. Using inexpensive local transportation will also give you an authentic view of the country you are visiting. If you are a full-time student or senior citizen, you could also be eligible for discounted airfare. In planning your trip, incorporate overland travel by train, bus, car or ship as you make your way around the world (however, always check with your agent to be sure that your air connections will still be valid). Though not as efficient as flying, overland travel lets you get to know a country more intimately and adds variety to your itinerary. You will have the opportunity to interact with locals, who can serve as wellsprings of information for what to see and do.

Your tour operator will take climate and seasonal weather conditions, such as hurricanes, into consideration as your route is planned. When a destination’s climate is favorable, that’s typically its "high season," and tourism greatly increases. If you wish to travel during high season, you should book your flights well in advance and expect to pay more for airfare. However, if you are looking to save money and/or be in the company of fewer tourists and are willing to endure a chill or intense heat, you can take the "shoulder" or "low season" options.

Most importantly, relax. The road goes on forever. You are setting off on an adventure that most only imagine.

REFERENCE SITES:

http://www.travelresearchonline.com/

“The gladdest moment in human life, me thinks, is a departure into unknown lands.” – Sir Richard Burton
 

Live Well, Laugh Often and Travel Much!

        

          

MOVIE LOCATIONS AND FILM FESTIVALS, “LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION”

BY CLAY LARROY

Traveling can be an important part of your life, whether for business or for pleasure. You need to do all of your research so that you don't forget to pack something important, see what the best methods of transportation are, etc. Avoid crowds and save money by visiting in the off-season. If you want to be able to enjoy your vacation without having to battle a crowd of people everywhere you go, learn when the popular months are for the location and plan your vacation for the less popular time. Be aware, while it can save you money, in some locations you may have to contend with less than ideal weather. When you want to plan a vacation contact me!

Choosing a festival

What festival to attend depends a great deal on your idea of fun. At many festivals, you will see big name stars touting their new movies and walking the streets, shopping in local stores and eating in the same restaurants as the attendees. Often the media will interview the stars about their feature films and their reasons for attending. Many times, it is possible to sit in on these live interviews, an opportunity to see and in some cases, visit, with the actors and actresses, directors and producers who make the films.

Festivals typically double as business venues for writers, directors and producers shopping their scripts, hoping to make contact with the elusive financier or actor. As with the stars, there are often open interview sessions with directors, producers and writers.

Legendary film critics also frequent film festivals. It is always fun to watch the critics while they see a film for the first time and to hear their initial reaction. Maybe you will even get a heads- up on the next academy award winning movie.

If it is your goal to see and meet these famous people, choose one of the better known, more established film festivals. Almost every film festival has a web site. Visit the sites and see who has attended that festival in the past. The list of past attendees will be a good indication of the caliber of stars, directors, producers and media that are attracted to this particular film festival. Next, visit with your travel consultant to find the best possible travel package to your destination. The most well attended festivals book early in advance and accommodations can be at a premium. Your travel consultant will have access to professional booking tools and hotel allotments that they can often tap into for hard to get bookings.

Film festivals are also an important networking venue for those hoping to enter the film making industry. Since so many important "players" in the industry are located in one spot, the festival creates an opportunity to make key business connections in a short period of time.

Location, location, location - always an important factor in any vacation or trip, location is also something to consider for a film festival vacation. Depending on your funds, you may wish to choose a trip close to home or one in a vacation resort. Again, if you want to combine the festival with other activities, explore the area to see the offerings. Don’t forget to factor in the climate. If you hate the cold and snow, you sure aren’t going to want to attend the Sundance Film Festival high in the mountains of Utah in January.

Many film festivals have added educational components such as workshops, presentations, classes and hands-on experiences in addition to the film viewings. There may be numerous opportunities to be exposed to all aspects of film making at a festival. Want-to-be actors, directors, writers, producers and filmmakers can get advice from the pros. There may be actual readings, production sessions and meetings with agents. Some carry workshops on public relations and marketing films. You may even learn how to finance a movie.

Perhaps the most important factor in planning a film festival vacation is the types of films you want to see. Some festivals host a variety of types of films while others will stick to one particular theme. As mentioned above, there are usually several films premiering at a festival.

Popular themes for film festivals include: independent films; documentaries; comedy; foreign films; gay and lesbian; full-length features; black films; outdoor and nature films; and music videos. There are even such niche film festivals as the Bicycle Film Festival, the Screamfest L.A. Horror Film Festival and Roger Ebert’s Overlooked Film Festival.

Just as for any successful vacation, proper planning is essential. Some of the more popular film festivals are booked well in advance. Once you choose which festival you wish to attend, have your travel consultant check out the local accommodations. Depending on your price range, you may wish to stay at local motels or hotels, local bed and breakfast or maybe even camp. Ask your consultant to check for the availability of tour packages that might coincide with your visit, and which could mean additional savings by combining air, hotel and rental car. Taking along the children? Determine what opportunities are available for all family members and arrange child care at the accommodations in advance if necessary. If you are traveling to find famous locations for films, your timing is much more a matter of personal preference and budget.

Ask local establishments if they have special film festival packages on lodging and passes to the movies and events. Some festivals have featured accommodations where film goers get better rates. This information is usually listed on the festival web sites or ask!

Check out the transportation situation at the festival. Not only do you need to know how you are getting to the festival, will you need transportation once you are there? It may be a small town and having a car would be a waste of time and money. Many festivals are doable by walking or utilizing local public transportation but find out in advance so you aren"t stranded in an out-of-the way hotel with no means to make it to the films! Get a map of the town to see the spots where films will be shown in relation to hotels and restaurants.

Determine if the festival has any dress requirements. Many festivals do require black tie for special events or screenings in a high-end hotel or venue.

Most film festival locations have plenty of restaurants and eating establishments but find out in advance if you need to make reservations. Some restaurants may be leased to corporate sponsors and you will be left making peanut butter and jelly sandwiches in your hotel room without proper planning.

You will also need passes to some events at the festival. Some festivals allow you the opportunity to purchase various types of passes depending on how many films you wish to see, events you wish to attend and days that you will be attending. You may be able to purchase individual passes or packages. There will be a great deal of entertainment and many parties at a film festival. Find out if they are private or open to the public and if your passes include any of these parties. Are workshops and presentations included in the passes? You may need additional tickets for such extras. Order your passes and tickets in advance.

Keep in mind that not all festivals have open screenings and events. Notably the Cannes Festival is largely closed to the public at large and invitations and passes provided to industry insiders. Research carefully the rules and regulations of the particular festival you wish to attend.

The highlight of a festival is usually the closing night when the "Best Ofs" are awarded, the best documentary, best feature film, best foreign film, best actor, best writer and so on, sort of like a mini-Academy Awards ceremony. The event may be fancy or rather casual, depending on the overall climate of the festival. Awards are usually distributed and it is a good time for "star gazing."

Film festivals and film location vacations add a new dimension to travel. Planning in advance makes sure you make the most of your trip and avoids disappointment.

Ready? Lights...camera...travel!

REFERENCE SITES:

http://www.travelresearchonline.com/

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