Helpful Tourne Articles

If you have recently bought and paid for a holiday abroad this article is for you. Here are two pieces of information that will not only enhance your trip but will also save you money on your airport parking fees. There are also plenty of tips here to get the most out of your airport parking purchase and get the best possible start to your trip.

My advice to accomplish both of these seemingly contradictory aims is to book your parking in advance and book Meet and Greet parking. You will charged full retail price if you just turn up on the day so be smart and book ahead to get the best deal.

How can you save money on your airport parking?
To save money on your airport parking simply book in advance but make sure you shop around for the best deal. Most parking companies use a 'smart' time sensitive pricing systems similar to the pricing models used by airlines whereby the price of the ticket rises as you get closer to the date of departure. Airport parking is the same so you will pay more on the day than if you book in advance.

The other advantage of booking in advance is that you will secure your parking space. During the summer months many car parks become oversubscribed. It would be a shame to miss your flight whilst you were driving around looking for a space. Book early and you will guarantee you have somewhere to park your car.

Of course you could always park in the short term car park, and I do know someone who did for two weeks, but the parking costs came to more than the cost of the flights!

There are many web sites that compare airport parking prices so a quick search via your preferred search engine should produce the desired results. Bear in mind that although the airport parking sector is very competitive and there are some great deals out there, airport parking is like life - you get what you pay for!

What is so great about Meet and Greet Parking?
Meet and Greet parking, sometimes called chauffeur parking or valet parking, is the most convenient form of parking. You are met at the terminal forecourt by a member of the parking company's staff usually with a trolley ready for your luggage. They will take your car and park it for you.

When you return your car will be delivered back to you on the terminal forecourt and you will be free to continue your homeward journey with the minimum of delay.

The benefits of meet and greet parking are clear
1. No delay getting to the check-in desk
2. No carrying your own heavy luggage around
3. No herding children onto busses
4. No waiting for the shuttle service to and from the airport
You stay dry, unflustered, on time and in good health ready to start your holiday.

If you spend the little extra on a meet and greet parking service you do not want to be delayed waiting around for your driver when all you need to do is check-in? Especially as you have probably arrived with less of a time cushion before the desk closes than if you booked ordinary long term parking.

Then, when you return, you want your car waiting for you out side the terminal. You do not want to be waiting for it or you may as well have bought the cheaper shuttle bus parking. Some parking companies do offer a money back guarantee if they keep you waiting but they are rare at the moment.

Why book meet and greet parking and not cheaper long-term parking?
If you book meet and greet parking you will have purchased the most convenient and stress-free parking available. Ordinary long-term airport parking takes longer and is nowhere near as simple.

Ordinary long term parking can be a bit of a drag as you are required to find the car park, park your car and then make your way to the shuttle bus to get a ride to the airport all the while carrying your heavy luggage. You will need to load your own bags onto and off of the bus at either end of this journey and also on the return trip don't forget. Pray it's not raining and your children, if you have any with you, are well behaved and that you don't strain your back before you've even got on the plane!

When you return you will need to find the shuttle bus stop and catch the bus to the car park to collect your car all the while dragging your bags with you. At busy times of the year many flights often land in quick succession late at night and it can take two or three busses to reduce the queue enough so that you can even get on the bus. I've been there and experienced it. You really don't need to.

Now you have the knowledge get out there and book your meet and greet parking. Just make sure you do it in advance and you will have a great hassle-free start to your holiday without breaking the bank.

Planning to spend your next holidays in Sardinia, Italy? Congratulations for the choice! Everyone knows that Sardinia island a is a natural paradise, one of the most wonderful places to spend your beach holidays in Mediterranean area, but not so much knows how many activities is possible to experience during your vacation there...
Find below a short list of activities to have fun in Sardinia:
Biking
The unique net work of winding routes of empty country roads is enjoyable for a keen biker. The climate of Sardinia is ideal for bike tours especially in spring and autumn. The coastal flatland is good for beginners and for easy going but the hilly areas of the island need endurance and high levels of fitness from the part of the bikers.
Hiking or walking
To discover the beauty of the island hiking is best suited with a wide range of hiking possibilities. Marked routes are there and there are many guided excursions. The Supramonte massif is one of the most beautiful hiking areas and this area remains as one of the desolate and rocky areas in Europe. There are narrow gorges, imposing chalk rocks, wide plateaus and hidden canyons in a continuous stretch of natural beauty. The green peaked Gennargentu Mountain is a lot more apprehensive when compared to the Supramonte's supremacy. Hilly Barbegia's mixed foliage forests are just like the sub alpine mountain range of Germany except for the hordes of tourists. The view of the surrounding coastline from the pinnacle of the Punta La Marmora which is the highest peak of the Gennargentu and of the Sardinia is breathtaking. One of the deepest canyons, Gola di Gorrpou is in the Gennargentu. Marmilla table-top Mountain also offers some good walking which is suitable for children. There are numerous animals in flat-as-a-pancake plateau is ideal for family walks with its natural beauty. There are picnic spots and well marked tracks in Monte Sette Fratelli Nature Park in the middle of the region and is one of the last homes of the Sardinian deer. It is well worth to explore the coastal areas.
Sailing
Sailing in Sardinia provides an extraordinary sailing experience with hundreds of secluded coves, beaches and rock formations. No stretch in Sardinia is same as the next from dunes of the Costa Verde to the deep emerald coves and dramatic cliffs of Cala Gonone.
Windsurfing
The island is paradise of windsurfers and the north of Sardinia is best known for windsurfing but south of Sardinia can also offer good wind and wave conditions. One of the best windsurfing areas in Europe is Porto Pollo in Sardinia.
Diving
Divers are attracted by caves, shipwrecks, rich waters and some of opportunities in the north of the island. Divers can discover underwater web of caves and tunnels with stalactites and corals in the North West near Capo Caccia. The diving expeditions to La Maddalena National Park are for beginners and snorkellers because the water in this area is only 10 meters deep and is clear with seaweed covered sandy sea bed and reefs.
Golf
One of the most important golf courses in Sardinia is the Pevero near Olbia and is famous with both locals and the tourists. The Golf courses are of good quality along with fantastic scenery.
Paragliding and free climbing
These are the two extreme sports popular in the island and the best spots are Barbagie and Ogliastra. There are other places which also offer decent challenges such as Gallura, Marghine-Planargia, Montiferru, Nuorese, Sarrabus and Sulcis-lglesiente.
Horse riding
There are rides for children as well as adults. The horse rides go through beautiful mountain scenery and beaches.
This wonderful place is perfect to immerse yourself in a new dimension, putting aside all your troubles, your stress, and your everyday headache...
Enjoy Sardinia!

The beautiful island of Sardinia is situated off the west cost of Italy and just under the island of Corsica. This island is the second largest island in Mediterranean. Italian is an official language of this place. But, people of Sardinia also speak French and English. The landscapes, beaches and sceneries of Sardinia are simply stunning and enough to take your breath away. There are several places to explore in this part of the world.
In the southern part of this island, you can explore cities like Cagliari where you can have an experience of some larger than life sceneries and mountain ranges touch the sea. In the northern part of Sardinia you can visit the most beautiful and happening city that is Alghero. This place is famous for its great architecture and culture. Tourists from all over the world specially come to Sardinia to visit Alghero.
If you are one of those people who want to explore a place that is untouched by the tourists, you can visit Nuoro. This place is also known as the heaven of Sardinia. Here, you can explore several beautiful villages and small towns 800 meters above the sea level.
The beaches of Sardinia have white sand with crystal clear blue green water that are complete pleasure for your eyes. These beaches are the best place to spend quality and peaceful time with your friends and family. There are several beach resorts present on almost every beach of Sardinia where you can stay and enjoy the luxurious experience of your life time.
Sardinia beaches are also famous for the water sports. You can enjoy scuba diving, surfing along with paragliding. The best par of Sardinia beach holidays is that the weather in this part of the world remains good for the whole year. So, you need not to wait for the summers to visit Sardinia. The major part of the total revenue comes from the tourism industry in Sardinia. The main reason behind this is that the local people have their small businesses here.
If you do not want to spend your hard earned money on these expensive beach resorts and hotels then you can stay at the small beach apartments and villas. These apartments and villas are owned by the local people of this place and available at very reasonable rates.
For all those sea food lovers, Sardinia has several restaurants and hotels where you can have the delicious sea food along with the traditional ambience of Sardinia. This place is also famous for its night life. There are several night clubs, pubs and bars where you can enjoy your whole nights with great music and drinks that are enough to take you on new heights.

This island is well connected by air ways from all the major cities of the world. Direct flights are easily available and after that you can hire a cab to explore the different places of Sardinia. However, the best way to roam this place is to hire a car and drive yourself and enjoy the beautiful view of this place.
You can also take several packaged tours that will guide you about the place and its attractions.

San Diego offers a bevy of interesting hikes. With the average home price being around 500,000, they better be interesting!

To unwind, I typically stop on my way home from work to hike from Cardiff to Carlsbad on the beach. For picturesque sunsets and "tasty waves", the beach between Cardiff to Carlsbad can't be beat.

Cardiff - Starting

I typically start this hike by parking just south of restaurant row in Cardiff. Restaurant row is located to the north of the lagoon between Cardiff and Solana Beach on Highway 101. Parking is located on the side of the road, which is right up against the beach. Give me convenience or give me death!

As you head north, you first pass Charlie's and other restaurants. Past the restaurants, you will come to the beginning of the bluffs that will line the beach to the end of the hike. San Elijo campground is on top of the initial bluffs and extends for roughly a mile north. The campground is very popular and the temporary home of locals and tourist. You can tell the difference by contrasting tans with sunburns.

Following San Elijo, you will walk through Sea Cliff County Park with bluffs over 100 feet high. An area known affectionately as "Swami's" quickly follows this park. The name derives from the fact the area above the bluff is the home to the Self Realization Fellowship Center. This area is know as hot surf spot, but is very crowded. If you are a bit winded, you can stop and watch 50 or so surfers maneuver for waves. Yes, traffic jams aren't exclusively restricted to California freeways.

North of Swami's, you will cruise along a long strip of sand hemmed in by 50 to 60 foot bluffs in the town of Encinitas. For those with a wicked sense of humor, there is a relatively popular game called, "Watch the house fall." Yes, the bluffs are giving away slowly. As they erode, the homes first lose plants, then patios and so on. They say real estate is all about location, location, location, but sometimes a beach front home isn't all that great.

The Encinitas section of the hike is fairly long. With the high bluffs, you will find sections of the beach that are deserted. Yes, even during summer. The only thing breaking up the solitude is Moonlight Beach, a fairly popular beach with locals. Otherwise, it's just you, shells and joggers until you arrive at the end of the bluffs and South Carlsbad. Time to turn around and find the car.

The Cardiff to South Carlsbad hike is about 5 miles in each direction. The walk is flat and quick. By the end, you will be relaxed and forget that Bert in accounting is a jerk. Enjoy.

Some memberships will give you an actual discount when renting a car. The two best known memberships that give discounts on car rentals are: Sam's Club and Triple A. At many car rental places, these are good for a 10-15% discount, though they can not be combined. It is one or the other. Always ask a car rental place ahead of time if they give a discount for these memberships. With how expensive renting cars can be, you want every discount you can get.

Having Sam's Club or AAA membership will entitle you to some discounts or help, and it is always good to find out what exactly you qualify for ahead of time. Not only might AAA give you discounts on renting a car, and the road side assistance that they are famous for, but there is also a chance that the particular policy or membership you have with them might even carry a type of car rental insurance. Since this costs you more money than almost anything else, this would be a great deal. If you have an AAA credit card there is an excellent chance that they will automatically cover you with car rental insurance, as long as you charge the rental to that credit card.

Sam's Club and AAA are built off customer service, so don't be afraid to use the services they offer! Both have websites that are easy to find online, and offer extensive lists and information on how they can help, what services are provided, and who you can call or where you can go to meet with someone in person. These are great resources, as they will be able to tell you about car rentals in far more detail than what you might be able to find yourself.

AAA representatives can look up the city taxes and fees on your rental, which places have restrictions that will cost you more on vacation, and which don't. If you are trying to choose between Chicago, Boston, and New York for vacation, does it make a difference to know that New York and Boston are the most expensive cities in the United States to rent a car, each costing over 100 a day because of fees and taxes? It makes that third city much more appealing, doesn't it?

If you don't belong to Sam's Club or AAA, consider joining. Especially if you travel a lot, the benefits quickly outweigh initial expenses, and it is nice to know that even in a foreign country where you don't know anyone that if something goes wrong, help is only a call away.

Have you ever thought about what life could be like on an island? Do you dream of a South Pacific island paradise experience? Read on and discover the beauty and charm of Samoa.

Located in the heart of the pacific - Samoa is a group of four main islands. The islands are situated about halfway between New Zealand and Hawaii. It's a tropical climate with an average temperature of about 72 degrees Fahrenheit. This area is warm all year round but often rains between November and April.

One of the main attractions in Samoa is the crystal blue warm water. It's so beautiful and teeming with all kinds of exotic fish life. If you are a nature lover then this is the ideal holiday destination for you. There are many kinds of exotic wildlife that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.

Samoa has a history rich with folklore and myth. The people speak one of the oldest forms of Polynesian and many speak English.

There are four main islands - but due to their closeness it's pretty easy to get around. Ta'u, Ofu, Olesseg, and Tutuila. The islands also have good roads and you should consider renting a bike and cycling around the islands. It a great way to get around and the islands aren't too big.

Divers, snorkelers, nature lovers, hikers, and surfers will find Samoa a paradise for their needs. There are some world class spots here. You might even catch Kelly Slater catching a quiet wave in this modest little surfing Mecca.

There are well over 800 species of exotic fish and 200 species of coral. The ocean is teeming with beauty and if you are an avid snorkeler you will want to visit Ofu. The beach sand is unique and super-fine coral sand.

The islands also have a national Park which is on Tau. You will need a guide to go into some of the more remote areas. Its relatively simple to find a guide, just ask at the National Park offices and be sure to bring good shoes because you are in for a walk! There are beautiful volcanic areas you can explore with your guide so be sure to ask.

Saua is considered to be the birthplace of Polynesian people and is well worth a visit. You can drive to Saua with a rented car.
Ok so you are convinced - a Samoan holiday is where you are headed - what kinds of things do you need to know about the people before you go?

They are a modest people and have a different attitude towards dress. It is respectful; to cover most of your body while you are there; dress modestly rather than risking offending the locals.

If you are lucky enough to be invited into a traditional home you need to sit down on the floor before you eat or talk. Cover your legs - it's considered rude to leave your legs exposed.

Polynesians are typically very welcoming people. They know how to treat tourists. A large part of their economy relies on tourism and you are treated hospitably wherever you go. As with any destination it's good to know a bit about what might be considered rude in different cultures.

Don't take pictures without asking it's considered a sign of respect to ask before taking pictures. Sunday in Samoa is considered to be a day of rest and this is strictly observed. Some activities, such as swimming, might not be allowed. Try to be sensitive to their beliefs and ask if in doubt. Villagers pray and if you are lucky you might even be invited to join in. If you enter a village during this prayer time, its called sa it is important to stop what you are doing and be quiet until it is finished.

If you are looking for a picturesque holiday with plenty to see and do; then this Samoan paradise is for you. It makes for a great holiday!

When you think of Barcelona, what usually springs to mind? The wonderful Catalonian port located between the mountains and the sea? The beautiful city of modernism and design soaked in warm sunshine and carefree lifestyle? The wine, beer & cava fuelled cosmopolitan city of tapas & fiestas? Well yes, this is indeed Barcelona.
However, regardless of this idealistic vision, visitors are nowadays more and more aware of a growing problem which nobody should ignore as it really is affecting the Catalonian capital city's reputation. We are talking about urban security in Barcelona.
This terrible problem has become an issue of public concern and it is mainly affecting tourist spots. Pickpockets and thieves are becoming more experienced by the day and people are often getting mugged for their mobile phones or getting their bags snatched. Many are being robbed within minutes of arriving at Barcelona's airports, bus or train stations.
Some good news is that local authorities are conscious about this problem and are taking the necessary measures to re-establish confidence amongst Barcelona locals and tourists.
However, even though something is being done to stop this obstruction to people's basic right of a peaceful stroll, there are some important measures you should follow in order to avoid becoming a victim and wasting precious time spending hours filing a complaint at one of Barcelona's police stations. Much better to spend your time exploring and of course enjoying it!
In order to avoid becoming a victim, here are some useful tips:
Do not carry large amounts of money when you leaving your apartment or hotel.
Don't let anyone invade your personal space while walking down the streets (whether they seem suspicious or not).
Wear your bag diagonally across your chest and avoid wearing it on your shoulder. If possible, keep a hand on it at all times. If you must have a backpack, wear it on the front and not on the back as it should normally be worn.
Even though it is important that you have a valid ID such as a passport with you, in case you decide to go shopping and you need to pay with your credit card, it is not recommend that you carry your passport with you. Take a photocopy of it and keep it somewhere safe in your bag.
If you still want to take your passport or other ID documents with you, remember to photocopy them and leave the photocopy in your apartment or hotel.
Carry your wallets and purses in your front pockets and never the back pockets. You will be surprised at just how easy it is to take a wallet or purse from a back pocket and before you realise, then perpetrator will be long gone.
Whenever you leave a bus, metro or taxi cab, please remember to take all your belongings with you. If you are carrying a laptop, always keep it close to you and never leave your luggage or any other valuables unattended.
It cannot be stressed enough that even in the busiest, safest looking places (bars and restaurants included), you are a potential target, so be aware at all times.
Remember, thieves are so experienced that it takes them seconds to act without anybody noticing. Never rely on a single way of payment. Try to use a combination of cash, traveller cheques and credit cards to pay during your trip. The safest way to travel is by carrying travellers cheques. In case you didn't know this - you are insured in case they are stolen.
These are important aspects to remember nowadays while travelling but not only in Barcelona, but everywhere. Tourists are easy targets, so be careful.
Whilst it is important to remember all this, please do not get paranoid. Just be sensible - no need to take the latest digital SLR camera down the small backstreets, or carry 2000 euros in cash in a wallet hanging out of your back pocket.
Just remember that thieves look for easy targets, so just think a little and make sure you're not one of them. Then you can go out and truly enjoy this magnificent city of modernism, mountain, sea, great weather, sunshine, tapas and cava. Barcelona never sleeps - make sure you do, peacefully!

When you rent a car, choose a type that is commonly available locally. Where possible, ask that markings that identify it as a rental car be removed. Make certain it is in good repair. If available, choose a car with universal door locks and power windows, features that give the driver better control of access. An air conditioner, when available, is also a safety feature, allowing you to drive with windows closed. Thieves can and do snatch purses through open windows of moving cars.
Keep car doors locked at all times. Wear seat belts.
As much as possible, avoid driving at night.
Don't leave valuables in the car. If you must carry things with you, keep them out of sight locked in the trunk, and then take them with you when you leave the car.
Don't park your car on the street overnight. If the hotel or municipality does not have a parking garage or other secure area, select a well-lit area.
Never pick up hitchhikers.
Don't get out of the car if there are suspicious looking individuals nearby. Drive away.
Patterns of Crime Against Motorists
In many places frequented by tourists, including areas of southern Europe, victimization of motorists has been refined to an art. Where it is a problem, U.S. embassies are aware of it and consular officers try to work with local authorities to warn the public about the dangers. In some locations, these efforts at public awareness have paid off, reducing the frequency of incidents. You may also wish to ask your rental car agency for advice on avoiding robbery while visiting tourist destinations
Carjackers and thieves operate at gas stations, parking lots, in city traffic and along the highway. Be suspicious of anyone who hails you or tries to get your attention when you are in or near your car.
Criminals use ingenious ploys. They may pose as good Samaritans, offering help for tires that they claim are flat or that they have made flat. Or they may flag down a motorist, ask for assistance, and then steal the rescuer's luggage or car. Usually they work in groups, one person carrying on the pretense while the others rob you.
Other criminals get your attention with abuse, either trying to drive you off the road, or causing an "accident" by rear-ending you.
In some urban areas, thieves don't waste time on ploys, they simply smash car windows at traffic lights, grab your valuables or your car and get away. In cities around the world, "defensive driving" has come to mean more than avoiding auto accidents; it means keeping an eye out for potentially criminal pedestrians, cyclists and scooter riders.

If a country has a pattern of tourists being targeted by criminals on public transport, that information is mentioned in the Country Specific Information in the section about crime.
Taxis. Only take taxis clearly identified with official markings. Beware of unmarked cabs.
Trains. Well-organized, systematic robbery of passengers on trains along popular tourists routes is a problem. It is more common at night and especially on overnight trains.
If you see your way being blocked by a stranger and another person is very close to you from behind, move away. This can happen in the corridor of the train or on the platform or station.
Do not accept food or drink from strangers. Criminals have been known to drug food or drink offered to passengers. Criminals may also spray sleeping gas in train compartments. Where possible, lock your compartment. If it cannot be locked securely, take turns sleeping in shifts with your traveling companions. If that is not possible, stay awake. If you must sleep unprotected, tie down your luggage and secure your valuables to the extent possible.
Do not be afraid to alert authorities if you feel threatened in any way. Extra police are often assigned to ride trains on routes where crime is a serious problem.
Buses. The same type of criminal activity found on trains can be found on public buses on popular tourist routes. For example, tourists have been drugged and robbed while sleeping on buses or in bus stations. In some countries, whole busloads of passengers have been held up and robbed by gangs of bandits.
Tuk-tuks. In Thailand, there are 3-wheeled vehicles called tuk-tuks mainly because of the sound they make. Most will hang around in tourist areas and offer to take you to massage parlors or for a "free" tour. They get a cut of anywhere they take you whether it be a jewelry store, bar, or massage parlor. Upcountry, they are mainly legitimate. The ones I am talking about are mainly in Bangkok.
Baht Bus. Not really a bus, but a pick-up truck with seats in the back. They are covered and are used primarily in Pattaya, Thailand. They drive a circuitous route and charge foreigners about 10 Baht and local Thaпs 5 Baht for a ride. If you flag them down and ask to go to a specific location, then you may have to pay more because you are basically hiring them to be a taxi. Easiest is to just wave them over, get to where you are going, ring the buzzer, hop off and pay. Be careful of pickpockets. They may be in the form of little kids with an adult nearby or transvestites preying on drunken foreigners.
If you encounter any problems with tuk-tuks or baht buses, contact the tourist police.
Using public transportation can be an easy and cheap way to get around. Just be as careful as you would back home.

1. Make sure you have a signed, valid passport and visas, if required. Also, before you go, fill in the emergency information page of your passport!
2. Read the Consular Information Sheets (and Public Announcements or Travel Warnings, if applicable) for the countries you plan to visit.
3. Familiarize yourself with local laws and customs of the countries to which you are traveling. Remember, the U.S. Constitution does not follow you! While in a foreign country, you are subject to its laws.
4. Make 2 copies of your passport identification page. This will facilitate replacement if your passport is lost or stolen. Leave one copy at home with friends or relatives. Carry the other with you in a separate place from your passport.
5. Leave a copy of your itinerary with family or friends at home so that you can be contacted in case of an emergency.
6. Do not leave your luggage unattended in public areas. Do not accept packages from strangers.
7. Prior to your departure, you should register with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate through the State Department's travel registration website. Registration will make your presence and whereabouts known in case it is necessary to contact you in an emergency. In accordance with the Privacy Act, information on your welfare and whereabouts may not be released without your express authorization. Remember to leave a detailed itinerary and the numbers or copies of your passport or other citizenship documents with a friend or relative in the United States.
8. To avoid being a target of crime, try not to wear conspicuous clothing and expensive jewelry and do not carry excessive amounts of money or unnecessary credit cards.
9. In order to avoid violating local laws, make sure that you deal only with authorized agents when you exchange money or purchase art or antiques.
10. If you do get into trouble, contact the nearest U.S. embassy.