Archive for the ‘Budget Travel’ Category

Online Travel Information

November 5, 2009 - 8:14 pm No Comments


Internet has become a marvelous source for getting information on any and every thing. Travel is no different. Today, if someone wants to plan their holidays, they just have to sit in front of computer comfortably for few minutes and the entire job is done. Not only the travel information is easily available, but holiday packages and tickets for either airplane or train can be booked. All you need to do is to decide the destination where you want to travel and then search their ways and routes online. You can also have the idea of the number of places to go at the place where you are going such as temples, monuments, buildings, museums etc.

On watching the pictures of the famous places where you are planning to go, it becomes easier to understand the location scenario through their glimpse. You can also thing of hiring a travel agent from a reputed travel agency online, so that you might not miss any spot of the destination. But this should be taken care that a travel agent or guide must be hired from some reputed organization so that they don’t mislead you, if you have no idea about the place where you are planning to go.

Searching online for the traveling information is safe because it gives you the correct idea of the location and people out there. They tell you specialties of places and give you the reason to visit that place. For further travel assistance, you can also search for a travel packages, which will take care of everything such as flight and hotel booking, sight seeing, schedule planning etc They can also take care of the food and all, depending on the package. Hence, giving you a feeling of security and tension-free mind, you can just pack your bags and get ready for a beautiful holiday.

Thus, internet is a complete solution to give you a luxurious and memorable travel experience at peace of mind.

Favorable Exchange Rate Makes Traveling to Iceland a Bargain

November 2, 2009 - 9:15 am No Comments


I know that for many people, millions of people, times are tough. But if you have the notion and the wherewithal, I want to point out a real travel bargain – Iceland.

Iceland is normally a very expensive travel destination. But, in my view, as someone who has lived and worked in that country, it has always been worth it. It is a very exotic and beautiful country. Downtown Reykjavik, the capital city, is quaint and old world. It is a great place to sightsee at it is relatively small and pedestrian. The nightlife in Reykjavik is near-world famous, if you are so inclined. On the other end of the spectrum, Iceland offers bountiful nature opportunities, including: hiking, horseback riding, whale watching, fishing, camping, climbing and the list goes on. Lots of places offer these activities, let’s be honest. But, what makes Iceland so unique is its unspoiled nature and amazing landscapes. There are few places left on earth where the air quality is that good and the environment so pure.

But I digress. Why Iceland is such a good deal right now is a direct result of this global economic meltdown. The exchange rate is very, very favorable for foreigners, especially US and European travelers. As of this morning, October 22, 2008, the exchange rate for US dollars to Icelandic crowns (called the kronur) is almost 118. That means that every dollar you spend is worth 118 crowns. A more normal exchange rate is in the area of 80. Let’s put that into practical terms. If you went to dinner in Iceland and spent 5,000 Icelandic crowns for your meal that dinner at the exchange rate of 80 would cost you $62.50; at the exchange rate of 118 that same meal will cost you $42.37. This represents a 32% savings.

What this does, ostensibly, is bring the cost of a trip to a cool (no pun intended) and unique foreign land down to a level that is comparable with costs in the US.

Also, airfares to Iceland are very competitive right now. The only carrier from the US is Icelandair and they are offering great deals right now. To view the best deals, I recommend signing up for what Icelandair calls, “lucky fares.” They will send you emails of their current offers and you can login to their website to book tickets from their bargain area.

Sure there are other good travel deals out there and maybe Iceland is not your cup of tea. But, of all the countries that have experienced fluctuations in their currency, Iceland has been the hardest hit which makes it a particularly good deal. I know that sounds a bit like capitalizing on misery and maybe it is. But by traveling to Iceland you would actually be helping their situation, albeit in a very small way; they get foreign capital and you get to visit one of the most pristine environments left on earth.

If all this sounds good, here’s a small primer on what you can expect. First you should know that Iceland, as you’d expect, has a temperate climate that leans towards cool and cold. The weather in the fall can be notoriously capricious. You could have a beautiful warm day, with light winds and clear skies and than wake up to a dusting of snow. So, bring layers, good waterproof shoes and a winter coat that can withstand rain and wind.

You do not need to exchange money once you get in the country. You can use your visa or visa debit card everywhere. I always see people lining up in the airport to exchange their dollars and I wonder why. You can stay in guesthouses all over the country or if you want, there are hotels. Rental cars are expensive but if you want to see the countryside with full autonomy, it is worth the cost.

You may also want to look into the many Iceland tours available, there are plenty to choose from. I would recommend the Iceland glacier tours. All-in-all, great deals like this on Iceland vacations may not come again. – David Brooks 

Kenya Tanzania Backpacker Budget Safari Adventure Information

October 24, 2009 - 7:35 pm No Comments


While on a Kenya Tanzania budget Backpacker safari adventure, getting the right backpack that fits comfortably is important. Surely you should consider what you will be using it for and the types of weights you will be carrying within it. However to make certain that you get the best fit possible and so make sure that you have a backpack that is relaxed you need to know just what length your body is. Below you will be advised what your torso length is and ensure that the backpack you use is as comfortable as possible once on your back.

The first measure the length of your torso, the only way this can be archived is you get a friend to help. What you need them to do is stand behind you and then measure the length of your torso from the top of your shoulders. They should start at the top of the vertebra which stick out the furthest at the top of spine (known as C7) and then measure down to the hip bone. Now that you have this measurement with you, check the torso specifications provided on each backpack and this will help to ensure that you purchase the one that is within your torso range.

In most cases today the backpacks made by most manufacturers come in frame sizes as follows:-

Extra Small – This is for a person who has a torso length of up to 15.5 inches.

Small - This backpack is for those people who have torso lengths of between 16 and 17.5 inches.

Medium or Regular – This backpack will be for those who have a torso length of between 18 and 19.5 inches.

Large or Tall – This backpack is designed for those people who have a torso length of more than 20 inches.

But as well as measuring the length of your torso you need to worry about your waist size, most backpacks including the Osprey Atmos 65 come with hip belts which are adjustable and are able to fit different size waists. Women have designed ones which come with much narrower shoulder straps as well as having conically shaped hip belts also. Also the shorter torso length backpacks available are ideal and have been specifically designed to fit women comfortably, but some men who have much narrower frames may well find that these packs fit them and are extremely comfortable.

Kenya has many campsites with locations that are truly out of this world and for anyone who enjoys budget backpacker adventure, a camping safari holiday in Kenya is a must. Kenya budget Camping guide, we have included the best camping safaris in Kenya



Kenya Camping Holidays, what’s available?



In Kenya there are two types of campsites, luxury camping – these camps have permanent tents complete with en-suite toilets. Budget backpacker camping (actual) camping, you come with your own tent and sometimes all your own equipment, most of these campsites tend be pretty basic and you have to be very self sufficient with the only thing being provided is a shower (mostly hot), a pit latrine for a toilet and wood for the fire. Within the backpacker budget camping group there are private campsites and national campsites, which you find in some reserves in Kenya. The private campsites tend to have better facilities and you often even get the luxury of a flush toilet! They also often have some sort of a restaurant so being totally self-sufficient is not mandatory.

Cheap Camping in the Masai Mara – There many options to camp in the Mara, but many are towards the more luxury end of the market where the tents are more permanent. Budget camps were you bring your own tent are available outside the Talek Gate

Budget Camping New Crocodile Campsite is on the banks of the Talek River and is operated by Edward Lions who has worked on the BBC’s Big Cat Diary

Riverside Campsite is opposite to the New Crocodile Campsite a little further along the Talek River and one of the most established. It is run by the Masai .The campsite has also a permanent shelter which is very useful during the rainy season.

Luxury Camping

Kicheche Camp Masai Mara – This campsite has a relaxed and laid back feel to it and you can be sure that it will never get too overcrowded as they limit the number of guests to 21. Kicheche camp be classified as luxury camping, as each tent has an en-suite bathroom complete with a flushing toilet.



Base Camp Explorer



The Base Camp Explorer in the Masai Mara is located on the banks of the Talek river near the Talek entrance gate. Again it will never feel to overcrowded as it is limited to only 15 tents.