Nov 20, 2009
Long road trips to your favorite secluded beach resort or any faraway destination can be stressful. I remember those long hours of road travel going to distant beaches such as Boracay or Punta Bulata which proved challenging to the one behind the wheel as we passed through city traffic and winding rural roads. Thus, most travel bugs turn to car rental services preferably with a driver for a more comfortable and enjoyable trip. They can even catch few winks throughout the long drive.
There are some though who prefer exploring a new place on their own, thanks to road gadgets such as a GPS device, one can just hire a car and drive easily to his favorite destinations. For popular places such as the “Sunshine State” of Florida, some would prefer going around the theme parks, beaches and other tourist attractions via car rental service to save time and make the most of their vacation. Travel bugs on a budget can get the services of a Florida discount car rental company to have extra savings. Continue reading… »
Nov 19, 2009
During our family trip to Europe last summer, we visited my big sis in the Nordic country of Finland. We really enjoyed our trip and it was memorable for us having travelled all the way from the tropics to the chilly Northern part of Europe. We could have even gone to Sweden since it’s just a cruise away. Too bad, big sis had to settle some important travel documents so the Sweden trip didn’t push through. I hope next time we visit Finland, we can finally go on one of those cruises to Stockholm, the capital of Sweden. Continue reading… »
Nov 14, 2009
It’s Christmas season already in the Philippines (You know, starting from the “ber” months, as in September, October, etc.)! Aside from last year’s family reunion, I reminisce about our 2006 Thailand vacation which was also some sort of a family get-together though it was not complete, as my sister from Prague and big bro from Cebu were not there, and so we missed their families’ presence.
My big sis and family, now in Finland, were still in Thailand at that time, and so with our parents who came over for a Christmas vacation to the “Land of Smiles”. We made the most of our time by going around as a family to tourist spots, even going up North to Chiang Mai for the Royal Flora Festival in Rachapruek! Continue reading… »
Nov 12, 2009
Next week, I’ll be off to Manila again for some design project, and yes I’m already starting to prepare some of the stuff I’ll be bringing along in my baggage. My typical carry-on or hand-carried luggage consists of my shoulder bag and laptop bag with wheels. I usually don’t include liquids and gels in my hand-carry bag to have a hassle-free airport security check.
Passengers who need to bring their favorite perfume, hair gel, prescription medicines or drinks have to comply with the rules on LAGs (liquids, aerosols and gels) in hand-carried baggage regarding container size and the amount of contents. Continue reading… »
Nov 11, 2009
It’s the season for travel again as the holidays are fast approaching! And I’m on dreaming mode once more as I’m browsing over my favorite travel destinations featured in British Airways’ “World Sale” such as London, Paris and especially Rome which is my top dream destination in Europe as I wish to visit the historical churches and buildings there. For those who are on the lookout for some great travel deals, check out the November Seat Sale British Airways is currently offering.
For instance, a World Sale flight from New York to London starts at $229 (each way based on round-trip fare) and a travel package which includes round-trip airfare from New York to London with double occupancy and 3-night stay starts at $659. Thus combining your chosen flight with selected hotel and car rental means even more savings. Plus you receive 2,000 bonus miles from British Airways when you book a customized travel package. Continue reading… »
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My Blogging Journey Posted by
happysteps at 09:16 PM |
Nov 11, 2009
One of the activities we enjoyed most during our overnight stay at Mambukal Mountain Resort was using the dipping pool. We were given complimentary entrance tickets to use the dipping pool for two days as the resort staff was not able to give us senior citizen discounts for our cottage accommodation. Mom inquired about the discount after the staff already issued our receipt. But it was such a blessing in disguise, since we didn’t really include the dipping pool in our schedule for that evening.
Thus, after dinner off we went to the pool located beside the entrance to the seven waterfalls. At first, I was hesitant to dip. I tried to scoop some water from the steaming pool with my hands and felt it was too hot. Continue reading… »
Nov 11, 2009
Nothing compares to being with our loved ones during holidays and important occasions, right? Thus, most of us would really take time to plan ahead for vacation by delegating tasks or completing projects before due date, and of course making sure to have enough financial resources, such as getting cash advance loans, for travel during the holidays. A trip or a visit to family and close friends during special events is worth more than just sending over some electronic greetings or material gifts. I couldn’t agree more with the saying that presence is more important and meaningful than presents. Continue reading… »
Nov 07, 2009
During our recent Cebu trip last week of October, we took the Ceres bus going there. The trip started from the Ceres Liner terminal at Shopping, Bacolod City at 7:15 AM. The bus was air-conditioned and the travel time was about 2 hours and 30 minutes as we arrived at the San Carlos City port at 9:45 AM.
For Bacolod to Cebu bus trips, we usually take the Don Salvador Benedicto route because of the scenic views along this municipality. Even though I lack sleep, I didn’t even doze a bit because I enjoyed clicking away with my camera. Here are some of the photos I took behind a closed bus window while we were speeding by. Continue reading… »
Oct 23, 2009
It’s been a hectic week for me, I didn’t even notice the upcoming holidays until we dropped by the mall and I saw Christmas trees and trimmings on display. So yes, it’s holiday shopping season again and many are expected to come up with unique and creative gift items for their loved ones. With the recent natural calamities and economic crisis hitting the country, more people are now becoming budget-conscious. While some are busy thinking about where to buy cheap presents, others are looking for travel deals with cheap flights and planning for a budget vacation for the holidays. Continue reading… »
Oct 16, 2009
Holidays and shopping usually go together, yes? And what better way to shop in preparation for the holidays and the winter season than sitting comfortably at home and browsing for your favorite items online, be it fancy gift items like beaded animals or winter clothing at The Oprah Store (oprahstore.oprah.com), the official online store of the Oprah Winfrey Show. For those who want to travel in style, the site offers suggestions on what to include in your travel gear, whether it’s just a weekend trip or a long vacation.
Continue reading… »
Oct 12, 2009
Hi all! Here’s another holiday promo for those planning to spend their Christmas vacation in the USA. Philippine Airlines (PAL) is offering their “Awesome Online Fare to the USA” promo for outbound Manila flights. Here are the details:
USD758
(USD528 Round-trip fare + USD230 surcharges)
(Exclusive of Government Taxes)
Manila TO Los Angeles/San Francisco
Round Trip Economy Class Fare
Travel Period (Outbound Manila) : 09 October 2009 – 25 December 2009
Selling and Ticketing Period: ongoing until 31 October 2009 Continue reading… »
Oct 02, 2009
Ski season is here again and ski enthusiasts are getting excited checking out ski deals, local and international ski events and even planning for their own ski holidays. For instance, on January 21, 2010, at the Russian resort of Sochi, the Freeride World Tour Season 3 starts. This four-leg action-packed event will again be featuring the world’s best skiers and snowboarders as they come down a designated mountain choosing any route they want and performing their skills and tricks along the way. Continue reading… »
Sep 05, 2009
Whether it’s just a day tour among the ruins or a camping weekend, going on a trip would require some bag to carry your trip essentials. A backpack is the best choice for a comfortable hands-free way of carrying your load compared to single-strapped bags which can cause too much strain on the shoulders and neck. It’s also good to have a backpack with plenty of compartments to organize stuff while on the go. Continue reading… »
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Trip Essentials Posted by
happysteps at 05:27 PM |
Aug 31, 2009
According to a CNN news article, companies are paying less for business travel these days. The data source is based from American Express’ business travel division purchase information. There’s been a decline in paid international airfares, hotels and car rentals as compared to last year’s data. Due to the ongoing financial crisis, most companies are cutting back on their expenses, although the need to travel for business reasons can’t be evaded.
To lessen travel costs, some companies adjust their chosen accommodations and airfare preferences to more affordable rates. It’s good that most hotels offer varied accommodations to suit the traveler’s budget. Thus, for those planning to stay in Renton Hotels near Seattle, WA, they can choose from studio, executive to grand suites at Larkspur Landing. These rooms are very convenient for business purposes as they not only have comfortable beds but also provide large business desks, executive chairs, in-room internet access, in-room kitchens, a business center and other amenities for the business traveler. Continue reading… »
Aug 25, 2009
For those who are frequently on the go, traveling whether for business or leisure and are usually staying in a hotel, sometimes they’d get the idea that all hotels are more or less the same, offering the usual accommodation and dining experience. For me, a great hotel should offer not just comfort and excellent service but should also be attractively designed and well-maintained. Scenic views from the room would be a plus.
What makes a hotel different is the unique experience it offers to its guests in terms of accommodation, food, service and the extras. This is what Switzerland Tourism aims to provide for its visitors with its carefully selected 225 hotels for the “Typically Swiss Hotels” group based on rigorous criteria such as interior design, location, cuisine and other factors that make the hotel as a showcase of Switzerland as a unique tourist destination. These are unique hotels offering authentic architectural style reflecting their region and situated in attractive locations such as the mountains, lake or old town. Continue reading… »
Aug 15, 2009
I know I haven’t been blogging lately, I’m still organizing this travel site especially doing backup and upgrading to the latest WordPress. It sure takes time and some studying as I’m usually asking help from my techie bro when it comes to website issues such as database backup or looking for best website hosting. Now I’m happy that I did the backup and upgrade myself. I’m glad that I’m seeing my WordPress dashboard with a better look, and I like how the links to different sections are arranged now. Continue reading… »
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My Blogging Journey Tags:
travel blogPosted by
happysteps at 07:07 PM |
Aug 07, 2009
If you’re a blogger, or have a Twitter or Facebook account, here’s your chance of donating to your favorite charity with just a simple promotion. You can do so via the Spread The Word For Charity project of www.HotelsCombined.com where they donate funds to WWF, Make A Wish or World Vision everytime somebody mentions or promotes their site.
It’s heartwarming to know that about $4000 have been donated so far with the help of participating bloggers including Facebook and Twitter users. Continue reading… »
Aug 05, 2009
Inter-island travel between Cebu and Negros islands is made possible with barges or inter-island vessels where the Ceres buses (and container vans, trucks or private vehicles) are loaded.
The ports of destination are Toledo City in Eastern Cebu and San Carlos City in the Northwestern part of Negros Island. Travel time is about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on sea and weather condition. Continue reading… »
Aug 04, 2009
There’s something magical about Europe. Having spent my last summer in this dreamy continent, I am still longing to go back. After all, there are still a lot of European destinations I’ve missed, and Switzerland is one of them. A place of remarkable landscapes, with its rich culture and interesting history as can be seen from its beautiful castles and picturesque villages, Switzerland is a haven for tourists seeking to discover Swiss “Pearls” of unique activities, learning its culture or engaging in recreation and adventure. Continue reading… »
Jul 31, 2009
With major factors affecting the economy such as increasing fuel costs and the global recession, most top airline companies suffer huge losses resulting to reduced flights and higher rates according to an air travel forecast article from USA Today. Also, there’s been a decrease in first-class and business-class tickets since last year which means revenue loss for the airline industry. So what can businesses and organizations do to lessen travel-related expenses than to resort to cost-saving measures such as online video-conferencing or giving up the comforts and perks of choosing premium seats? Continue reading… »
Jul 30, 2009
Dubbed as their “Hot fares for the rainy season,” KLM Philippines is currently offering some tempting flight deals from the Philippines and Guam to the UK, Germany and France in Europe as long as you book your flights during weekdays (Mondays to Thursdays) and travel period should be until September 30 only. The promo air fares already include taxes, surcharges and booking fee. Continue reading… »
Filed under
Travel Deals & Discounts Tags:
Berlin,
Berliner Dom,
Birmingham,
Birmingham Council House,
cheap flights,
Eiffel Tower,
France,
Germany,
KLM,
Manila,
Paris,
UKPosted by
happysteps at 09:17 PM |
Jul 29, 2009
“Please pray for good weather during my trip…” was the SMS I got from a friend who will be traveling all the way from Cebu via Ceres Bus this week. I assured her in my reply that she’ll have my prayers for a safe trip. With the recent tropical storm that passed, resulting to some stranded travelers, I understand why my friend was a bit worried. Going on a trip not only makes one excited, there’s always that nagging thought about the risks involved while being strapped to your seat belt high up in the skies or sleeping on a bunk bed onboard a ferry. Continue reading… »
Jul 22, 2009
Continued from Berlin day tour: Checkpoint Charlie
Mouse-over the photos to read the captions. Okay, so it’s not really that “wordless” after all. 
To view more Wordless Wednesday entries, click here.
Continue reading… »
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Tourist Destinations,
Wordless Wednesday Tags:
Add new tag,
Alexanderplatz,
art market,
Berlin,
Berliner Dom,
Brandenburg,
Haus am Checkpoint Charlie,
Museum Island,
Museumsinsel,
Reichstag,
Starbucks,
U-Bahn,
Unter Den Linden,
velotaxiPosted by
happysteps at 08:34 PM |
Jul 18, 2009
How do we observe and view the sights as soon as we step into a different city or rural area? Are we adventurous not only with exploring a new hiking trail but also when presented with a weird-looking dish? Do we consult the map or easily ask a stranger when lost? One’s travel personality and preferences usually come up when on a trip, particularly when visiting an unfamiliar place.
So, you want to play a little game and find out what kind of a traveler you are? The Travel Channel presents the Travel Bug Treatment Center at ihavethebug.com, where those who got the travel bug are given a set of questions and choices.
Continue reading… »
Jul 17, 2009
Continued from Berlin day tour: Brandenburg Gate and Reichstag
It was already evening in Berlin, nevertheless we decided to visit Checkpoint Charlie as part of our Berlin day tour itinerary. There were no spectacular views to behold, no imposing buildings or delicately carved monuments, instead we saw a simple guard house with sandbag barrier in the middle of the road and large back-to-back photos of two soldiers (American and Russian).
The visitors and tourists who know the background behind Checkpoint Charlie consider it as one of Berlin’s significant and historical attractions. During the Cold War, it was a crossing point in the Berlin Wall separating East Germany and West Germany. The name of the checkpoint came from the letter C in the NATO phonetic alphabet as designation for Allied checkpoints. For instance, other Allied checkpoints were Checkpoint Alpha at Helmstedt and Checkpoint Bravo at Dreilinden in Berlin.
Continue reading… »
Jul 09, 2009
If you’re based in Thailand, Japan, Malaysia, Indonesia and other countries in the Asia Pacific and would like to visit the Philippines this year, you can avail of the ongoing promo ‘Way To Go Philippines’ with discounted all-in-fares by Philippine Airlines (PAL).
Destinations included in the travel promo are: Manila, Luzon (Laoag and Legaspi), Visayas (Bacolod, Cebu, Dumaguete, Iloilo, Kalibo, Puerto Princesa, Roxas, Tacloban, Tagbilaran) and Mindanao (Butuan, Cotabato, Cagayan De Oro, Dipolog, Davao, General Santos, Ozamiz, Zamboanga). Selling period for the promo started last July 7 and will be until July 15, so there’s still time left for making that decision about a trip to the Philippines this year.
Continue reading… »
Jun 23, 2009
…I would choose Auckland in New Zealand! Or maybe Sydney, Australia. Or Hong Kong perhaps? Aside from being a shopping paradise, Hongkong is also a great destination for cultural activities and festivals. Oh well, it’s me on a holiday dream mode again after browsing over some Accor Hotels City Super Sale! My mom and I have been considering a trip to Hong Kong though, especially since my big bro who’s working in China can meet us up and tour us around. I’ve also wanted to go to Disneyland Hongkong after seeing some pics from my friend and her family’s stay there.
Continue reading… »
Jun 19, 2009
My bro-in-law in Prague recently purchased a ticket for Mom’s trip from Bacolod to Cagayan de Oro via Cebu. The trip itinerary is Bacolod-Cebu-Cagayan de Oro and Cagayan de Oro-Cebu-Bacolod going back. Since Mom’s trip was decided upon few days before the flight, we can’t find available flights via Cebu Pacific which usually has cheaper rates. Thus, it was Philippine Airlines then.
Continue reading… »
Jun 16, 2009
Traveling to the US, Canada and the UK and pursuing studies seems to be an attractive and practical option for Chinese students nowadays according to a China.org report. This is because of less strict requirements for admission. It has also become less expensive as foreign currencies have depreciated in comparison to their local currency, the Chinese Yuan. According to Shi Jingjing, Deputy Director of Canadian Education Center, with the devaluating foreign currencies, Chinese students would find it sensible to study abroad considering the savings they would get. It’s also an opportunity for subsequent work abroad especially when studying on a UK visa or a US visa.
Continue reading… »
Jun 16, 2009
Traveling for business purposes is often a must for a business/man or woman. Thus small and medium traders, while they travel from one place to another to pursue business connections or to supervise the branches of their businesses, they carry with them a laptop or a notebook, to be able to work through the internet while attaining mobility. Also, businesses seek a basic web presence to be competitive and to try to improve their market share.
Continue reading… »
Filed under
Trip Essentials Tags:
business travelPosted by
happysteps at 01:50 AM |
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