10 Things Every Traveller Should Do

Testing out these 10 things that every traveller should do on their vacation will allow you to have more fun, and enjoy the experience to the fullest.

1. Savour your first few hours after arrival - First impressions really are worth a thousand others.. I often take tons of photos and notes when I travel, but it's always the first few that truly capture something vivid and memorable. So.. forget your email, forget CNN, and just soak up the place.

2. Embrace being a tourist - Some people would rather consider themselves "travellers", instead of "tourists", but if seeing every attraction that makes a town unique is considered touristy, what's wrong with that?

3. Check out your hotel literature - Don't ignore all those glossy brochures and flyers that are stuffed in your nightstand drawer. Often times you'll find or learn something about your destination that you never knew existed!

4. Run an errand for a friend - Remember that friend that asked you to pick up macadamia popcorn in Hawaii, or track down that silk scarf in China? Often times when searching out something that is important for others, it will lead you to the most amazing and memorable experiences on your trip.

5. Take in a performance or sporting event - Now you dont' necessarily need to attend the bullfights in Spain, but taking in an event or performance really allows you to rub elbows with the locals, and take in all the ambiance.

6. Check out a bookstore - Find that little bookshop tucked away in a corner that only the locals know about. Have fun browsing the shelves to see what the locals are interested in.

7. Ride a bus to the end of the line - Well, maybe not exactly the end of the line, but atleast 6 stops past where you intended. You'll definitely get a bigger view of the city, and perhaps see some otherwise forgotten places.

8. Read the daily newspaper - If you can! Seriously, almost every major city worldwide will have an English language paper. Reading the local news will always give you a much bigger picture about a place than you ever knew.

9. Go to McDonald's - Did I say that? Now it might not be as interesting if you're off to Chicago or Miami, but stopping at a McDonald's in Tokyo or Bolivia would definitely give you a good mix of strange and familiar.

10. Get Lost - In the nicest way, of course... Wandering without any intended destination is sometimes the best way to see and experience the true culture of a destination.

Top 5 "Not so Ordinary" hotels

After travelling regularly over the years, sometimes you get a little tired and bored with the standard resort settings and features. If you're seeking something a little more off beat, or unusual, check out these crazy hotels found around the globe.

The Inntel Hotel in the Netherlands - Zaandam, a famous Dutch city houses this hotel that appears like houses on top of each other and offers the appearance of a pile of houses. The Inntel Hotel boasts a height of 40 meters, and has 11 floors.

V8 Hotel in Germany - Stuttgart in Germany is not only famed as an international hub for car dealers, but is also known for housing the V8 hotel, which is themed on a car. The rooms and beds of the hotel are made from various vehicles. The very design of the hotel offers guests to sleep in every well-known car from a Morris Minor to a Mercedes, and enjoy the ride of a lifetime!

Hamster Hotel in France - This legendary 18th century structure is located in the French city of Nantes. This building is known for housing an exclusive suite, known as the "Hamster Villa". The guests welcomed in the Hamster hotel can taste Hamster grain. They can also do some exercise by working out on a giant wheel. Guests are provided with comfortable haystacks, as there are no beds.

Tianzi Hotel in China - The Tianzi hotel in the city of Langfang in Hebei of China will arrest the visitors attraction at first sight. The 10 story hotel, popularly known as "The Emperor's Hotel" and "Son of Heaven" hotel was constructed in 2000. The hotel depicts 3 Gods, Lu, the God of Opulence, Fu, the God of Destiny, and Shou, the God of Longevity. This hotel has been names in the Guiness Book of World records as the "biggest image building".

Corona Save the Beach Hotel in Italy - This hotel is a true surprise for guests as it's entirely built of garbage. 12 Tons of trash were used to construct the hotel, which houses 5 rooms and a reception desk. The total garbage was collected from different sea beaches, located all over Europe.

10 Best Places to Escape Walt Disney Crowds

There comes a time when even the most die-hard Walt Disney visitor needs a break from the hustle and bustle of all that is Disney. If you find yourself in need of a breather, check out these 10 less-populated spots at Disney.

Wildlife Express Train - Animal Kingdom Park

Living with the Land - Epcot

The Seas with Nemo & Friends Pavillion - Epcot

Tom Sawyer Island - Magic Kingdom

Backstage Safari Tour - Animal Kingdom

Festival of the Lion King - Animal Kingdom

Harmony Barber Shop - Magic Kingdom

United Kingdom Pavillion - Epcot

Hall of Presidents - Magic Kingdom

China Pavillion - Epcot

Unusual Foreign Laws to Know before you Go!

It's not often you run into to troubles while on vacation, but if you're visiting any of the destinations below, here's a few tips you might want to keep in mind.

- Over the counter medicines you find at home, may actually be illegal in some countries. For instance, Vicks, Sudafed or any product containing pseudoephedrine is illegal in Japan, and if authorities at customs catch you with these products, you may be detained.

- Singapore puts a great deal of effort into keeping their public restroom facilities pristine. Visitors are expected to keep them this way, and one failure to flush might result in fines.

- Travelling by scooter in the Philappines has it's challenges. Not just the traffic, but get caught riding in barefeet or sandals, you will be ticketed.

- In Finland, taxi drivers playing music are expected to pay copyright fees. The idea is that music is being presented to the public, the cabs paying customers. So to save a few euros, ride in silence.

London Attractions in Winter

London's winter season offers a plethora of cultural activities. Here are a few ideas on what to see if you'll be visiting London this winter!

Check out The Roundhouse in Camden. Instead of tinsel this season they've brought in the exceedingly popular off-beat cabaret ensemble "La Soiree for Christmas". The show runs until Jan 23rd, and attendees can expect to see drag burlesque, acrobats and some sensational roller skating.

Winter Wonderland is now an annual fixture running until Jan 3rd in Hyde Park. You can stroll through without a ticket and enjoy the atmosphere, twinkly Christmas Market, the big wheel, ice rink and Zippo's Circus. You can also purchase tickets for these individual attractions.

Houses of Parliament - Saturday tours are now available in the winter, they take 75min and cover the Lords and Commons.

Next year is Charles Dicken's bicentenary.. to celebrate, Dickens in London at the Museum of London runs from Dec 9th to June 10th. Festive food, music and much more.

Take to the Streets - the Regent/Oxford Street axis has "Traffic Free" shopping days on December 10th, 11th and 26th. You'll be surprised at how different the atmosphere will be.

Best Shopping Streets of Los Angeles

Going to L.A? Shopping in Los Angeles is almost like a competitive sport, not quite to the extent of having to wear shinpads and helmets, but definitely unlike other places where shopping is a casual pastime. There are even suppliers nowadays that offer customized shopping tours to the L.A Fashion District, which includes over some 90 blocks of full retail and wholesale stores.

Here's some of the better areas depending on your shopping style..

Window Shopping - most fascinating, you need to check out the Bulgari jewelry store on the corner of Rodeo Drive and Wiltshire Boulevard. Many priceless jewels are on display, even some that have been worn by the stars at the big award ceremonies.

West L.A's J-Town - Two great stores can be found here, the Giant Robot and GR2 which are located just across the road from each other in Japan Town. Both are famous for their Asian-American pop culture items like t-shirts, books, music, and more. There are many other cool shops and plenty of options for food at the Nijiya Market. Check out the Japanese boxed lunch.

Abbot Kinney Boulevard - Spend your time here checking out antiques, vintage clothing, galleries or buy a custom made perfume!

A Little Bit o' Country - another great place to check out, Brentwood Country Mart is one of the easiest places to shop in Los Angeles. Free Parking, they offer a wide range of chic stores, everything from a menswear outpost, and upscale beauty shop, and a New York City style bakery.

El Dorado Maroma

Having returned recently from a week in true Paradise, I cannot wait to share this experience with you and to suggest to honeymooners or romantics everywhere!

The El Dorado Maroma Resort boasts one of the 10 Best Beaches IN THE WORLD! and I can tell you that it is one of the nicest I have seen in a while. The powder white sand is perfectly manicured each morning and the covered beach beds with leather mattresses and pillows provide a relaxing spot to unwind at any hour.

"Diego" and "Hermelinda" , your beach butlers, will know you by name and drink preference after your first day's arrival. "Adela" and "Michelle" will bring you snacks, books, ensure you are happy with your stay, and answer any questions that you might have about the area, the hotel, or any multitude of interesting topics. "Paola" and "Noe" your concierge team will organize your special dinners, tours, spa treatments, including romantic candlelight dinners, and massages on the beach.

The aromatherapy treatments in the spa go unmatched. A hair style includes a full head and upper body massage. The chef's at the resort prepare a la carte meals to your delight. I cannot say enough about the spectacular gourmet inclusive cuisine and the top notch service. (My special thanks to "David" and "Vital" for the extra goodies!)

I have not even touched on the rooms. Whether you are in a swim out room, a honeymoon suite, or maybe even one of the newest villas.. you room includes a full Jacuzzi tub, outdoor shower, safe, coffee maker, plasma TV, DVD, fully stocked mini bar, aromatherapy sprays, special bath salts, a large living room, full size bed on the ocean view balcony along with lounge chairs, and OH YES, a beautiful king size canopy bed with a special towel sculpture and fresh flowers daily. Let's not forget 24hr room service, and every amenity imaginable!

Karisma has definitely designed the perfect retreat, just 40 minutes south of Cancun airport, I know once you arrive it will not take you long to forget the worries of the world, and think only of the one you love..

WW1 and WW2 memorials in France

My husband and I, in company with friends from England, visited the beaches of Normandy, Dieppe and Vimy Ridge in May 2011. This was an item high on my husband's "Bucket List" and it was certainly worthy of that.

We travelled to London, spending one night at our friends' home, then on to the ferry from Portsmouth to France. We spent two nights in Caen from where we could easily access the beaches of Normandy. The natural beauty of the area and the bright sunny days belied the horror of the battles that took place there. Dieppe was beautiful as well and the museums and monuments were the only way to show us the reality of those days.

Vimy Ridge, the beautiful and haunting monument which honours the Canadian soldiers who died in France in WW1, was breathtaking in silhouette against a clear blue sky and the peaceful landscape below the ridge. A walking tour of the trenches gave us a dose of the reality that existed during the war.

This part of France is lovely and it is hard to imagine the devastation that took place. The sacrifices made by our Canadian soldiers are remembered and honoured to this day.

High Seas Adventure

I cruised with my family on the Adventure of the Seas and absolutely loved it. There are so many facilities on this ship it keeps the whole family busy. From Art Auctions, learning to cook, wine tastings, casino game lessons and bingo. That's just the start of the fun for the adults!

The kids have their own area where they can shine. Royal Caribbean has thought of it all. Depending on the age of your child they can do anything from painting, scavenger hunts, rock climbing, theatre, or check out the sports court. If you are bringing the older kids like we did - you will never see them. Except to ask to stay out later, maybe! They even have their own night club - teens only NO ADULTS!

When I think that Royal Caribbean has done their very best, they then release the Oasis and the Allure of the Seas. Now the ships are the destinations, rather than the ports of call. You can visit Central Park or The Boardwalk. Both of these areas on the ship opens to the sky. Central Park with its specialty restaurants and boutique shopping and The Boardwalk which features a handcrafted Carousel, and Aqua Theatre.

So many venues to visit that you need 2 weeks to see it all - and this is just on the ship! The Aqua Theatre is the first of it's kind set with the wide open sky and the ocean as it's back drop. If you wish to see the water acrobats and high-diving aeriel performances you are best to book a date and time online prior to cruising or you will be disappointed.

I don't know about you, but I see another cruise coming my way!

Top 5 Off the Beaten Path Spots to visit in Italy

As summer is fast approaching, thoughts of European getaways rich in history and culture come to mind. Always a favourite of mine, Italy is a definite must-see for anyone considering Europe. For sure the major cities of Rome, Florence and Venice top most people's list, but why not check out these options for something a little out of the ordinary.

Caprera
Sardinia

The final resting place of Giuseppe Garibaldi, the man who led Italy's unification campaign, lies on an island enveloped by turquoise waters, just off the Sardinian coast. Great for renting a convertible, the whole area is just splendid for exploring.

Aquileia
Friuli

Tucked away on the northeastern coast, this UNESCO World Heritage Site — once one of the most powerful cities in the Early Roman Empire — stuns the modern traveler with its rich collection of 4th-century mosaics and Roman ruins that most have never heard of. Drive to nearby Cormòns, nestled among vineyards that produce complex white wines that are enough to make a convert out of a red-wine drinker.

Portofino
Liguria

From humble beginnings as a fishing village, this coastal town now hosts Hollywood A-listers who are drawn to its scenic beauty, romantic allure, fine dining and quality shopping. You suddenly feel glamorous the minute you step onto that little piazza around the harbor. The sublime thing is having dinner at night with the boats docked, it just feels like a Mediterranean dream.

Ascoli Piceno
Le Marche

This hilltop town's primary claims to fame are its elegant architecture in travertine marble, and the stuffed and fried olive ascolane. To have a glass of prosecco and sit on one of the most beautiful piazzas in Italy, eating a bowl of those olives and then going on to dinner — it's really a great evening.

Naples
Campania

The bustling regional capital is off the beaten path for many tourists. Most people are very afraid of Naples, but it's a delight to see the street tango dancers, piazza musicians and singing waiters. You always think that's going to happen in Italy, but here it actually does.

March break at Disneyworld!!

My last visit to Disneyworld was in 1983- boy has it changed!!
My daughter,my two grandchildren and I spent 7 nights at the Caribbean Beach Resort and enjoyed sunny warm weather and Disneyworld fun with about a million of our new best friends! Needless to say it was very busy, but operations at Disney are very well organized. The "fast pass" option is perfect for reducing wait times at the most popular attractions. We managed to see and do most of the things on our list but also found it important to take some time to relax. The resort was perfect for that with its low-rise multi-coloured buildings, its lakes ringed by white sandy beaches and the sparkling swimming pools. The children, especially the younger one, really enjoyed that "down time".
We also spent a day at Universal Studios "Islands of Adventure" where "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter" reigns supreme. For fans of that book and movie series it is as if you are really in that magical world. Multiple days could easily be spent at Universal.
I never thought I would say this, but a return trip to Disneyworld and the attractions in this part of Florida is something I hope to do again!!