Friday, November 26, 2010

9 Tips for Surviving a Long Flight

Sooner or later you will experience a flight that is longer than your usual 2 or 3 hour flight. Some last as long as 12 hours, and others even 16 hours or more! How can you possibly survive such a long period of time? Here are some very good ideas to help you get through those obscenely lengthy flights.

A- Dress very comfortably. Wear loose clothes so you can move around in your seat and in the aisles with much more ease. Make sure to wear socks and bring a thin blanket with you in case the airline no longer carries them, and sometimes the air is rather chilly up at 30,000 feet.

B- Don't eat salt or sugar before or during your flight. Sugar makes you tired, and salt dehydrates you. Bring a couple of energy bars, rather than feasting on airline peanuts and pretzels.

C- Drink water, especially while you are in flight. In fact, it's best for you to have a small cup of water every hour you are in the air. Of course, stay away from alcohol, which is itself a dehydrator. Also, to help prevent unnecessary dryness, use some moisturizer, at least on your face.

D- Charge all of your batteries before you leave home. Although, there are a number of airports which special "charge stations" where you can plug in and recharge what you need.

E- At least attempt to sleep on the plane. Use a good medication, earplugs, neck pillow, eye masks, of whatever you need to help you to fall asleep. Bring your own chamomile tea to really help you relax naturally. When you are not napping, however, do so exercises in your chair or walk around the cabin to stretch at least every 2 hours.

F- Don't sit in the last row if at all possible. They are closer to the engines and the rear bathrooms, making them rather noisy and smelly.

G- Paper or plastic. Take paperbacks or magazines, rather than hardcover books, or instead opt for those plastic computerized books which are often compact and are becoming considerably less expensive now.

H- Take only one carry on bag if at all possible, preferably with enough empty space to be able to hold also you magazine, water bottle, and airport souvenir. Your hands will be free, and both you and the people behind you in the security line, will be much less stressed.

I- How do you fight jet lag? Before you fly, make sure to sleep well, exercise, and don't drink alcohol before you get on the flight. If you are flying east, go to bed progressively earlier than normal the week before you fly. If you are flying west, go to bed later. When you arrive at your final destination, do your best to stay awake until their night time.

And where else can you book the most reasonably long-distance airfare available today? At www.kingarthur.myttn.com today!

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

5 Best Cruise Ships for Water Activities

Although you are in the middle of the ocean, the closest most cruise ship passengers get to the water is many decks above it. Here are some ships that actually get you into the water!


Safari Explorer (American Safari Cruises)

Let's start with the smallest of the group. It's basically a 36-passenger yacht that cruises hidden coves and inlets in Hawaii. Water sports offered include kayaking, water skiing, snorkeling, and even sailing small vessels. Guests include naturalists who lecture on local culture, fauna, and boatmanship. This ship even has a wine library for tastings and whirlpool tubs and balconies!


Sea Dream II (SeaDream Yacht Club)

A retractable marina complete with snorkeling equipment, waterskis, sailboats, personal watercraft, and all sorts of other water paraphernalia, is the foci of the exterior while marble baths and multijet massaging showers are the favourite parts of the interior.


Star Clipper (Star Clippers)

Unlike the other ships in this group, Star Clipper actually has guests raise the sails, climb the masts, and even sometimes actually steer the ship! Sailing, sportfishing, and diving are all exciting options on this amazing ship.


Ti'a Moana (Bora Bora Cruises)

On another small vessel, kayaking and snorkeling are actually assisted by local guides, so you're almost sure to get a much better and much more attractive experience. The company might not be popular in the States just yet, but the many followers who use them hail from Australia, Europe, and South America. The Polynesian decor really highlight the best the region has to offer. Meals are not at set times, which is often good if you are going for a later-timed water event. Note: The crew actually washes your bathing suits every night to be ready early the next morning!


Wind Surf (Windstar Cruises)

The big daddy of the ships for today's theme, Wind Surf is able to hold a bit more gear, and considerably more passengers. Even with a full load of 312, though, there is still ample room onboard for their sports platform completely stocked with sailboats, banana boats, water skis, and snorkeling, kayaking, windsurfing, and diving gear. And the best part of this ship out of the water is the fact that it has TEN masseuses onboard. And, at set schedules, you can even steer the ship for a time while the ship's at sea.


Why wait any longer to get into the water? Book your vacation today at www.kingarthur.myttn.com !

Saturday, November 20, 2010

Blog #100 Special Edition

www.kingarthur.myttn.com

King Arthur Travel

100th blog special event!

If I get at least 8 bookings in 4 months, which is by March 21, 2011, someone will win the following certificates:

$500 in casino benefits in Las Vegas

3-days for you and a guest in your choice of American/Mexican destinations

$1,000 in restaurant savings

$1,000 in grocery savings, and

if i get 10 bookings, I'll even throw in a cruise!

Where else can you get a 1 in 8 chance of receiving almost $3,800 in prizes, or a 1 in 10 chance of receiving almost $5,000 in prizes?

Only at www.kingarthur.myttn.com and only until March 21, 2011!

Good luck!

Arthur

P. S. There are sometimes small taxes or fees that need to be paid, but you would have to pay them anyways. :D

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

The 6 Best Ships for Land Lovers?

These six cruise vessels are the best options for those who like to spend longer time at port and/or to scout unusual destinations:


Arethusa (Grand Circle Cruise Line)

The smallest of the six, the Arethusa goes to the Red Sea, which is quite novel for any cruise ship to do. The land-and-sea itinerary combines Luxor, Saudi Arabia (which is rather new to boating tourists), the Sinai Peninsula, Petra, Amman, and the Dead Sea. Some programs include a Bedouin camp lunch, a carpet making school visit, and a Jordanian family dinner.


Azamara Journey (Azamara Cruises)

The largest of the six, the Azamara Journey sails routes that are almost never on regular cruises' itineraries. Their Panama Canal cruise includes shore excursions in San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua, a trip to the summit of the Mombacho Volcano Cloud Forest, and another to the mouth of the cone at Masaya Volcano National Park.


MS Fram (Hurtigruten)

The only cruise ship to visit western Greenland, the MS Fram includes shore excursions to places usually accessible only by helicopter. Hike the Arctic hillsides, drive a dogsled, and get very close to natural glaciers. The autumn in the Northern Hemisphere brings the ship down to Antactica, and therefore has stops in Britain, Canadian Maritime, the Eastern states, and even Central and South America!


Nautica (Oceania Cruises)

Long port stays make this ship's itineraries particularly attractive. The Black Sea, Mykonos until almost midnight, and overnight stays in Saigon, Hong Kong, and Shanghai are some of the most exciting stops.


Viking Surkov (Viking river Cruises)

River cruising is becoming much more popular, and much less expensive, especially compared to hotel rates in Moscow and St. Petersburg. You can spend 4 nights in Moscow and 5 days in the Svir and Volga Rivers cities, as well as 3 days in St. Petersburg, and that's just on the river cruise! In the vilage of Kishi, the Transfiguration church has 22 domes and no nails! Historians and political scientists are onboard to help you get as much learning out of your vacation as possible, too. Note, Moscow's port is almost an hour away from city center.


Yangzi Explorer (Abercrombie & Kent)

A brand new ship, the Yangzi Explorer hosts an expert in river history, geology, culture, and politics. Highlights include the Three Gorges lock system, and a daytime cruise of the Xiling Gorge.


It's not fun and exciting only onboard a cruise ship, but as you can see, a lot of the excitement is also on land too! Book your next cruise today at www.kingarthur.myttn.com !

Friday, November 12, 2010

4 Best Cruise Ships for Nature Lovers

Kapitan Khlebnikov (Quark Expeditions)

As if the name doesn't suggest exotic enough locations, Kapitan was one of the first vessels to bring nonscientists to Emperor penguin rookeries, circumnavigate Antarctica, and transit the Northeast Passage. Kapitan is truly an icebreaker. You get to places which are otherwise inaccessible, and when the ship can go no further, onboard helicopters and Zodiacs can! The Kapitan also has luxuries which include a heated indoor pool and sauna. Animals seen from the decks include polar bears, musk oxen, and the rare Leptev walrus. All voyages include scientific experts.


MS Hanseatic (Hapag-Lloyd Cruises)

Five star amenities abound onboard the Hanseatic. Solomon Island snorkeling, Papua New Guinea jungle walks, and Komodo dragon visiting are highlights of their 25-day "So Close to the Gods" trip. Their 21-day Japan to Alaska voyage include crested murrelets on Rishiri To, Japan, sea eagles and brown bears on Siberia's Kamchatka peninsula, and rare whiskered auklets in the Aleutian Islands. Also included on your itineraries are necessities such as parkas, bicycles, fishing and snorkeling gear, and microscopes. Note: This is a German Cruise line, so practice up or bring your bilingual dictionary with you.


National Geographic Islander (Lindblad Expeditions)

The smallest of the vessels, carrying only 48 passengers, has exclusive access to National Geographic field sites in the Galapagos Islands. There is no sleeping late, however. You actually have to get up by 7:00 to prepare for a very full day. Kayaks, Zodiacs, snorkeling gear, and wet suits all await your usage during your explorations. On land, you can see tortoises, sea lions, and blue-footed boobies. A pre-dinner discussion in the lounge even gives you a review of the day's exciting events.


Spirit of Endeavor (Cruise West)

Cruise West's smaller vessels are able to get into the Alaskan waters' wilderness or narrow fjords and shallow inlets. Also unlike the larger vessels, Spirit of Endeavor also makes more frequent port stops, giving you much more time to explore the lands. Humpback whales are so frequent and expected that Cruise West will refund you $250 if you don't see a whale in their summering spots. Stops also include national forests and parks, small seaside towns, and other Alaskan, Western Canadian, and Northwest American ports.


When you are ready to book one of these exciting nature-loving cruises, make sure to check out www.kingarthur.myttn.com first!

Thursday, November 11, 2010

3 Best Ships for Romance

Paul Gauguin (Regent Seven Seas Cruises)

French Polynesia is no stranger to this romantic vessel. The staff sets up a hammock for your nap after setting up a meal on a table in the sand of a gorgeous tropical beach. Room service will also bring your meal directly to your balcony, which have the rooms onboard have. You can even get a helicopter to take you to a private island or a much more remote dining destination. Libraries and lounges onboard make for a pleasant quiet atmosphere, while most areas around the ship showcase beautiful artwork and photographs.


Royal Clipper (Star Clippers)

The Royal Clipper is a replica of a 1902 windjammer, and showcases that history in the most lovely, romantic way possible. In the wheelhouse, the captain himself shares exciting sea stories every morning. Balconies are hidden on each side of the bow, and a track up the mast to the crow's nest reveals a comfortable settee. Note: no casinos or floor shows, but instead the focus is on impromptu guitar and steel pan shows under the sails.


Wind Spirit (Windstar Cruises)

The smallest of the three ships, this 148-passenger ship has more room than people. Chaise lounges don't clutter the decks, but they are very sufficient to section off your own area. The hot tub is always romantic, especially under the stars. And on this ship, also, you can get to the crow's nest, but this time for a lounge on a hammock. Because of it's small size, the ship is able to take you to much less crowded ports where you can often get on your own there as well. As an additional bonus, a sports deck drops down at the stern to allow for scuba diving and snorkeling when the ship is anchored near a coral reef.


Forget all the other chit-chatter. Before you get too romantic out there, make sure to book your next cruise on one of these amazing and romantic cruise vessels at www.kingarthur.myttn.com today!

Sunday, November 7, 2010

3 Best Ships for Late Night Partying

Some cruise ships often have the reputation of being known otherwise as "party ships." And sometimes, that can ring quite true. Just as some colleges are known for partying more than others, some cruise ships are known for the same. Here are three that Conde Nast Traveller recommend.


Carnival Freedom (Carnival)


This large ship has the large party atmosphere to match. There is a great poolside band and nightly parties on the lido deck. (That's the deck with most of the pools, for those who have not yet cruised.) This new ship is not concerned with high class, but is instead focused more of the fun and the festivities aboard. Crazy Olympic pool parties, Karaoke Madness, The Newlywed Game, and even adult comedy shows abound on this massive vessel. With 22 bars and lounges, and music ranging from disco to easy listening, the Carnival Freedom surely is a massive party on the sea!


Crystal Serenity (Crystal Cruises)

Serenity is known for its more luxurious night life. The Galaxy Lounge puts on amazing Broadway shows while the Avenue Saloon hosts white-gloved waiters with finger foods while you listen to some great jazz or piano music.


Easy Cruise Life (EasyCruise.com)

The smallest of the three, Easy Cruise Life is a no-frills party ship with the emphasis on "party." Unlike the other ships, this one is famous for arriving before noon, but staying until early morning, which even leaves party hours in port! Late night djs even help you to continue the party for hours afterward. Note, also unlike other cruise lines, the food on Easy Cruise Life is not included.


Book your party today at www.kingarthur.myttn.com !

Thursday, November 4, 2010

4 Best Ships for Multigenerational Family Cruising

It's one thing to go on a cruise with people your own age. It's another to go with people younger or older than you. But it's an entirely new story to go in a multi-generational group. Here are What Condes Nast Traveler chose as the 4 best cruise ships for multi-generational travelers.


Carnival Splendor (Carnival)

Carnival is amazing with kids, and they keep them well taken care of and protected. The kids really enjoy their time onboard the Splendor with programs designed for them (Camp Carnival-Ages 2 through 11; Circle C-Ages 12 to 14; and Club O2-Ages 15 to 17). The spa is very large, for adults who like to be pampered. There are 4 separate pools, for kids of all ages, I guess. And there are 22 completely different bars and lounges onboard that one ship for those of legal drinking age. The Promenade Deck and interior halls are favourite walking places for the older generations, too.


Crown Princess (Princess Cruises)

The Captain on this amazing vessel is legally able to perform your wedding ceremony, should you desire in the ship's beautiful chapel. Kids greatly enjoy colouring their own t-shirts, teenagers perform in their own talent show, and other adults participate in activities that include the golf simulator, wine tastings, and their ScholarShip at Sea program. The Sanctuary is an adults-only retreat with massage cabanas, waiters, and lots of room to relax. Note, connecting cabins are only via the balcony.


Liberty of the Seas (Royal Caribbean)

The largest of these four amazing vessels, Liberty has numerous connecting rooms in multiple categories. The water park and miniature golf course is a big hit with the 12-14 year old group. Adventure Ocean is created just for the younger group, and they do enjoy their scavenger hunting and science classes. There are two whirlpool on the edge of the ship in the adults only section.


Noordam (Holland America)

The Loft and Oasis decks are those most popular with the teenagers because they are exclusively for their own use. The Loft has a television, internet, video games, and karaoke, all set in a New York City apartment theme. Oasis is a sundeck complete with waterfall, a snack machine, and dancing. The size of this ship is small er than the others, which means the grandparents don't have to walk so far to get to supper. Activities for the other adults include a demonstration kitchen, library, spa, salon, and the Crow's Nest which is a daytime lounge and a nighttime club. Two very nice pools are also included.


Book your next cruise at www.kingarthur.myttn.com today!

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Travel Photography: Travel Hints

As I conclude my series on travel photography, I thought it best to end with tips for traveling with and acquiring photographic items.


X-Ray Machines

Most likely, your camera will be safe from a couple of passes through the machine. However, higher speed film and film that had been exposed more than 5 times, does have a risk of ruin. On the other hand, x-ray machines used on checked baggage is considerably stronger and far more frequent (due to terrorist threats recently), and there is a very good chance that your film can be damaged beyond repair. So, the best thing for you to do is to actually carry on your film and photographic equipment. Well, at least the film. Your film can be hand-inspected if you request, although it will take a bit extra time for the already overburdened guard. In some international countries, you have to let it go through the machine, whether you like it or not.


Checking Equipment

Unless you have a small point-and-shoot camera (which you wrap in a thick wool sweater in the center of your suitcase), don't check your camera, equipment, or film!


Film

How much film should you bring? Some need only two rolls a day, if even. Some upwards of 15 rolls, or more! Always bring more than you need. And, if you're fortunate enough to have digital cameras, make sure to bring extra memory cards, just in case.


Batteries

They're not always easy to find or even available in tourist areas. Bring extra.


Customs

Some countries limit the amount of film and photographic equipment you can bring across their border. Bring receipts for film and cameras, and register your camera with the U. S. customs before leaving your home airport.


Processing Film

You can have your film processed abroad if you want, but keep in mind that some places are less expensive, and some are more expensive. You can even make your own postcards!


Buying Equipment Aboard

This isn't exactly the best idea, but it's sometimes necessary if yours gets damaged or lost. However, you can always pick up a few disposable kinds just in case, and for excursions where you wouldn't take your good equipment, such as rafting and rainy day hiking.


Minitripods

Always a good idea in lieu of those large clunky things. Some are only 6 inches high and can be rested vertically as well as horizontally. Beanbags, believe it or not, are also used to hold up and cushion long lenses.


Now all you need to do is book that amazing photographic vacation at www.kingarthur.myttn.com !