TRAVEL BLOG

I came across this guide to car rental today and felt I should set the record straight on some of the issues raised as it was misleading (just like my title, no *** here I’m afraid).

RUMOUR: You probably won’t get the car you booked.

TRUTH: Rental companies do not guarantee specific models - we cannot guarantee you will get a Hyundai Getz 1.5L for example, but if you pay for an economy car, manual transmission with air conditioning - you will get an economy car, manual with air conditioning (unless of course you get an upgrade!). Our reservations are based on car SIPP codes, vehicles are given as examples only.

TIP: Book based on SIPP code, not actual vehicle. Peugeot Leasing is an exception - models ARE guaranteed.

RUMOUR: It’s likely you’ve paid too much.

TRUTH: Walking off the street to pick up a car in a foreign country, you probably will pay more. Book before you go to ensure the best possible price and remember to compare like with like when researching prices. Look closely at what the price includes, what is extra and how much the extras will cost. Often, an all inclusive rate may appear more expensive but can save you money as there is no more to pay when you pick up the car.

RUMOUR: Your “fully-inclusive deal” won’t be as comprehensive as it sounds.

TRUTH: An Insurance Excess is applicable in the event of any accident or theft to the rental vehicle, regardless of fault. The Excess amount varies between countries and car group. The additional insurance offered by the car rental company is optional and is charged per day on top of an inclusive rate. Read more about insurance excess here.

TIP: You may be covered through your own insurance so double check before you book.

RUMOUR: You may face hefty add-ons.

TRUTH: There are some extras that will be added on to your bill e.g. children’s seats, additional drivers, young driver surcharges and GPS units may be charged separately and on a daily basis, which can add up, especially if it is a long trip. You should be made aware of these charges before you agree to anything, so be aware of how much exactly you have to pay.

TIP: Always ask what the extra charges will be before you agree to them.

RUMOUR: Breaking down could be a disaster.

TRUTH: Not when you book with DriveAway! Our rates all include 24 hour roadside assistance. We also have 24/7 customer service with a toll free number from across the globe so you can speak to someone (in English) no matter where you are.

TIP: Book with a reputable company who have a number you can call in the case of an emergency.

RUMOUR: You could be stung by cancellation penalties.

TRUTH: Not at DriveAway! We do not charge amendment or cancellation fees on car hire.

TIP: Always check at the time of booking if there are cancellation fees in case of an emergency. Sometimes it can be as much as the price of the rental if it is within a short time frame.

Always read your inclusions very carefully when you book a rental car (DriveAway list the inclusions with each vehicle during the booking process online and our reservations consultants will inform you of these if you book over the phone). Terms, conditions and costs all vary depending on the supplier and location. Remember to read your rental agreement carefully before signing it.

Holidays are precious. Researching and organising your car rental before you go can save you headaches and money.

With bigger and better offers on holiday packages and airline tickets are offered to the public, it is not surprising that many sites have placed on their journeys to faraway places to see what the rest of the world has to offer. Traveling in a foreign country can be exciting for the dauntless adventurer or something needs to be approached with caution for the cautious. Travel experts can guide you on your way to make the most of your holidays, while avoiding the tourist traps are specific to the region.

Before starting on a new adventure, it is always useful to do some research in advance. There is a wide variety of sites India Travel Guide hosted by the experts that serve to educate and keep custody of all the things that must be taken into account before your trip. Travel Guide Experts May be useful in providing information on visa requirements on how to obtain and how long it will last. Depending on the nature of your trip, whether for business, pleasure or solitude, you’ll find your destination in the areas that serve your needs.

India Travel guide experts can assist businessmen in the heart of the business and find a hotel that matches the requirement of the budget, without skimping on quality. With unlimited information available on the best sites for staging a variety of events such as conferences, meetings, team building events, training courses, sales presentations, PR events, product launches, general meetings, exhibitions, seminars, conferences and award ceremonies, organizations can select the options that best suit their needs.

Applicants for approval could be guided to the beach or lake, the camping areas or districts based on their adventure of choice. Travel guide experts can be most useful to the defining places of interest and the cost of your vacation to each of them.

Advice and comments on where to go, what to eat and where, where to stay and what to do can be easily found on the Internet through the Travel Guide experts websites where consumers post their personal experiences Voyage. Given that these comments are not paid, the potential of these travelers could find reliable sources of unbiased information from fellow travelers.

Those seeking a taste of culture May be interested to attend cultural events that take place once in a while. A number of travel guides list and the date on which they traditionally occur. Online travel guides are particularly useful for what they offer the opportunity to look at similar events in other countries around the world and make comparisons of prices and dates. This is also beneficial for people interested in a cruise vacation that docks at several different areas or a world tour.

Travel guides often provide a list of hot tourist spots, buyer beware information and many photos. This can be useful to carry since you probably have no access to the Internet during the holidays. Even if a travel guide in hand can be a gift death of a tourist and make you stand out from the crowd is certainly better than losing and having to ask for directions.

For those who seek to blend into the local population, some experts in May to provide advice on what to wear and where people prefer to spend time, eat, drink or throw parties. Many tourists feel less vulnerable to tourist traps and insistent hawkers and unfair pricing practices when they are able to blend in. Some guides provide a list of standard phrases in the local language to help you get through situations. The best advice is to simply do research and prepare in advance and enjoy your trip for what it is.

Budget travelers are served with information on the most low-cost, low-cost attractions, discounts, free services, free entry events, flea markets and accommodation, and their recommendations. If you do not have a trusted friend or relative to you personally and almost show the best points of their city, town or island, or if you plan to cover several cities or countries, on a trip A Travel Guide of Experts is the best choice.

Holiday in Turkey May 2007. We lived in Side but also visited Antalya, Alanya and Manavgat.

Holiday in Turkey, Antalya, Kemer, in Meder Resort

A holiday in Turkey provides the visitor with a feast of activities to enjoy. The expansive Mediterranean coastline is the perfect environment for all kinds of watersports, scuba diving amongst them. We look at some of the sites that surround the handsome resort of Fethiye.

Scuba Diving in Fethiye

If you choose to take your holiday in Fethiye, you’ll find a town that exudes a peaceful and easy-going charm. Unlike many other Mediterranean resorts, this is an established and historical community that can’t fail to make an impression upon you as you wander through its narrow streets and alleys, perhaps stumbling upon the central market or sampling the cuisine at one of the local restaurants. But whether by day or by night a natural highlight of a holiday in Fethiye is to be found beneath the waves. For the novice and seasoned diver alike, here is a guide to some of the sites you’ll want to visit as soon as you’ve squeezed into your wetsuit…

1. Red Island (max. depth: 25m)

Starting at a depth of 6m and following the natural slope of the seabed, you’ll reach a beautiful marine amphitheatre that curves round at a depth of 15-20m. To really appreciate the vibrant colours of the sea sponges and groupers that inhabit this area you should bring along an underwater light.

2. Sariyarlar bay (max. depth 30m)

In this bay is found a selection of stunning catacombs of tunnels and caverns, all naturally lit from above through the plethora of gaps and cracks in the rock. There are 8 tunnels in total and, to take full advantage of the sights we’d recommend bringing along an underwater light. You’re likely to discover some of the strangest finds of your holiday in Fethiye here as Brittle stars, anemones, sea cucumbers, damselfish and shrimp are to be seen in abundance.

3. Coral Cavern and Turkish Bath (max. depth 40m)

If you’re after great photos and curious creatures then this is the best dive in Fethiye. The regular inhabitants of this site include: Trumpet anemones, gem anemones, daisy strawberry, soft coral, anemones, lettuce coral, sea aubergine and many forms of lace corals. If you only have time for one dive on your holiday in Turkey, make it this one.

5. Shrimp’s Hole (max. depth 28m)

Lying at 26m depth, ‘Shrimp’s Hole’ is large enough to let 5 - 6 divers enter at one time. Though it’s important to be careful where you put your fins, so as not to disturb the silty bottom, this is a particularly exciting dive with a wealth of creatures to observe. A tall archway which makes a good exit point can also provide some fantastic ascent photos.

6. Mexican Hat (max. depth 30m)

Named ‘Mexican Hat’ as it resembles the shape of a sombrero, this underwater rift lies at 20m and is large enough to accommodate 6-8 drivers at any given time. Some of the sights to be seen include mullet, shrimp, soft coral displays and groupers. The ‘Mexican Hat’ is also home to Moray Eels, which can be seen swaying in the current from their rocky retreats. As with ‘Shrimp’s Hole’, there is a beautiful archway which makes for great photos in the right light.

When friends and family call me crazy for traveling with my toddler and preschooler to cities like Chicago, New York, and Toronto, I just laugh. My kids have munched on picnic treats while watching the Chicago Symphony Orchestra at Millennium Park, clambered up the monkey bars in the shadow of the arch in Washington Square Park and peered through the glass floor on the observation deck of the CN tower. Though it wasn’t always easy navigating the city streets with two little ones in tow, it was well worth the trouble. I had a fantastic time and I could tell from the way they talked about the trips for months afterward that my kids had a great time too.

The city is full of fun and educational activities for children. From skyscrapers to top-notch museums, kids can see and experience things that are simply unavailable in small towns. Though city travel with small children can be challenging, with careful planning and attention to detail everyone can have a good time. Here are a few tips to help the trip go smoothly:

Take a stroller. Even if it’s been a while since your child has used a stroller, you’ll be glad you brought it. City trips tend to involve a good deal of walking from spot to spot and a little one can tire out easily. With a stroller he can ride in comfort and you won’t worry about losing him in a crowd. I’ve found that the inexpensive umbrella strollers work much better than the large, heavy-duty strollers complete with food trays and cup holders. Umbrella strollers fold up smaller and are lighter, making them more convenient for toting up and down flights of stairs or carrying onto the subway.

Make frequent stops at playgrounds. The best part of visiting a city can be simply strolling around, popping into unusual shops, watching the people and enjoying the city energy. Remember that while your toddler or preschooler might be very patient, he’s got his limits. I’ve found that stopping to play for a few minutes at playgrounds that we happen upon is a great way for the little ones to work some of their energy off. They also love the novelty of playing on different equipment than the same old stuff found at the parks back home.

Bring a travel pack of wipes. Even if you’re not a germ nazi, you’ll be glad you did. Those city playgrounds, banisters and benches can be extremely dirty, but after cleaning the little one’s hands up with a wipe you’ll feel more comfortable about letting her dig into a tasty hot dog from a street vendor.

Choose your eateries carefully. If you’re eating at a nice sit-down restaurant, make sure it’s noisy enough to absorb your child’s prattle. I learned that one the hard way when, tired out from our long drive, we decided to eat at our Chicago hotel’s in-house restaurant, the kind of place with a hushed atmosphere and waiters in white gloves hovering about. Naturally my two-year-old decided to belt out the “itsy-bitsy-spider” over and over again. We wound up having the meal sent up to our room. The next night we chose a popular, lively Italian restaurant where the little guy was no louder than anyone else in the place.

Plan activities for kids. Big cities offer all sorts of interesting and educational activities for children of all ages. Do a little research online and in guidebooks ahead of time to find a few age appropriate sights for your child. Has it been over twenty years since you took part in any of these activities yourself? You just might find yourself enjoying seeing the tyrannosaurus rex skeleton at the natural history museum and watching the polar bears glide through the water at the zoo.

Plan activities for adults. Destinations like art museums can still be on the agenda, but keep in mind your child’s limitations and be ready to cut the outing short if need be. Try to engage him at the art museum. Ask questions like: “What do you see in that picture? Do you see a boat? What picture do you like best in this room?” Visit any children’s exhibits the museum might have and ask at the information desk which exhibits are the biggest hits for kids.

Take the bus or subway. Mass transit is an adventure for a small town kid. After the trip is over, he’ll talk about it as much as the dinosaur bones. Try to avoid traveling at rush hour, though, when the sardine can atmosphere might be overwhelming for a little one.

Fethiye is a major town on the Mediterranean coast of Turkey. It is situated in a naturally sheltered bay with little islands dotted around its stunning coastline. 6000 feet high mountains lie in the rear of the bay; they are a part of the southwestern spurs of the Taurus Range. The woody slopes are covered with refreshing sage, thyme, pine and laurel trees.

A 100-hectare incense forest is special feature of the Fethiye Resort. Balsam from incense trees is used to fumigate mosques and churches; it is also used in pharmaceutical and cosmetic preparations. It is popular as a picnic spot as well as a campsite.

Fethiye enjoys the Mediterranean climate; its winters are warm and wet but summers are dry and hot. The temperatures are around 85°F in summers and rarely lower than 55°F in winters. Except for very few rainy and cold days, it is possible to enjoy the sea all the year round since the seawater temperature is hardly below 63°F.

Fethiye Resort is close to many of the great beaches in the area. The famous “blue lagoon” beach of Olu Deniz is only 25 minutes ‘ dolmus ‘ (minibus) ride away. The famous Calis Beach is also just round the bay; here you can lounge in the sun soaking in your beers on the long stretch of sand and pebbles. Water sports like windsurfing and kite-surfing are available. Make sure you don’t miss seeing the dazzling explosion of colors - pink and orange – in the sunset in Calis.

Don’t forget to take a ‘ dolmus ‘ (minibus) ride Dalyan to see the nesting site of turtles. The beach here is one of the few nesting sites of the rare loggerhead turtles; they come up here to lay their eggs late in evenings; the beach is closed to public after 8:00 pm. You will also see the largest variety of wildlife in Turkey here; some of the bird species you see here will not be found else where in the world.

Overlooking the city is a fortress which was built by the Knights of Rhodes. It is well worth visiting it to see the fortress, and the elaborately carved and remarkable rock tombs for which Fethiye is known; these tombs were carved into faces of the cliffs by the Lycians and were intended for the kings. There is also a fabulous Roman amphitheater which is worth a visit.

There are a number of good hotels at Fethiye Resort. One of the popular hotels is the 1500 bed Club Letoonia Hotel situated at less than 3 miles from Fethiye center. All rooms are air conditioned, and are well appointed with shower, bathtub, TV and telephones, etc. Baby sitters are available. The general facilities such as Turkish bath, sauna, hairdresser and massages, shopping center, market, gift shop and jewellery shop are on the premises.

There are extensive sports and recreation facilities available. Children will be happy with the children’s playground, children’s swimming pool, water slide, etc. An outdoor swimming pool as well as facilities for pool games is available. Other recreation facilities such as volleyball, table tennis and football are available. Windsurfing, pedaloes and *********** are available on the beach.

Fethiye Resort is well connected to all major cities by three highways. Dalaman and Antalya International Airports are within 2 to 3 hours drive from Fethiye. It is well connected by the national airlines with all major destinations in the region. As such it is a convenient and enjoyable tourist destination.

Prague is the capital of the Czech Republic. Popularly known as “Jewel Of the Crown” among the central Europe, and one among the most beautiful city of the world, Prague has tourism as it major force. Though the city does not have tourism as its main occupation, but the effect of tourism can be clearly seen over the city. It is always a good time for brief, peaceful and romantic break at this beautiful city. It has a lot to offer for its tourists. There are many travel agents in UK offering cheap and short city breaks to Prague. You can also plan a stag/hen weekend in Prague at the last minutes. With such wide range of available Prague city breaks package, the city is only a step away from your home. Lets have a look at famous of Prague, attractions in the city, means of transports, nightlife, restaurants, flights and hotels etc.

Hotels In Prague

A visit to the Golden City is always a wonderful experience, your choice of hotel will add a finishing touch. There are a wide range of hotels in Prague, you can choose among depending upon your budget. MyPrague offers discounted rates for all hotels in Prague. Thus you’ll end up with a luxurious stay with much less than you can imagine. Some of the top hotels in Prague are:-

Hotel Corinthia Towers Prague - Corinthia Towers is a 5* modern hotel providing the highest standards of comfort throughout and it prides itself on the high quality of services and facilities offered to guests. Hotel Corinthia Panorama Prague - The Corinthia Panorama is a 4* luxury hotel located in a quiet residential area, close to the centre of Prague, making it easy for guests to explore the palaces, towers, museums and gardens. Hotel Hilton Prague - This is the largest luxury five star hotel in the Czech Republic and is ideally suited for business travellers. It features 788 guest rooms, 3 restaurants, a bar, various shops and the Czech Republic’s first Cybex Health Club & Spa, which offers the most extensive leisure facilities in town.

Attractions In Prague

Prague is a feast for sightseeing tourist. Prague has some of the most extensive collections of art and culture in the world. The city offers some fascinating attractions to life. Some of the places that are top on the “Do Not Miss” list of Prague are:-

Astronomical Clock & Old Town Hall Tower - Address: Old Town Square, Old Town, Prague 1 Bertramka Mozart Museum - Address: Mozartova 169, Smichov, Prague 5 Charles Bridge - Address: Old Town, Prague 1 Church of Our Lady Before Tyn - Address: Old Town Square, Old Town, Prague 1 Dancing House - Address: Rasinovo nabrezi 80, New Town, Prague 2 Estates Theatre - Address: Ovocny trh 1, Old Town, Prague 1

Flights To Prague

You can easily book cheap flights to Prague from anywhere in UK at a price as low as £69.00 with a discount of £5.00. MyPrague offers low cost flights to Prague from London Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, City Airport, Birmingham, East Midlands etc. You can also book last minute flights to Prague and get discounts. The flight booking facility is provided online. You can also check for the hotel booking and city break packages. Log on to http://www.myprague.net and you’ll find everything that you need for a nice short breaks in Prague.