Saving On A Roman Holiday

The end is in sight. The stores are packed with back-to-school items and the sun is setting before FOX’s late news comes on. Sadly, summer is coming to an end. That’s the bad news. The good news is that if you are looking to travel abroad the change of seasons is the perfect time to grab a great deal. Travel deals to Italy abound right now. The catch: you’ll have to wait until fall to take off. On the bright side, by traveling during autumn you avoid the sweltering heat and summer crowds. The following getaways to Florence, Venice and … Continue reading

Tourist Attractions—Update

Good news for you globe trotters… you can now buy your tickets to the Colosseum online. No more wilting under the hot Roman sun while you shuffle your feet in the mile-long line that snakes to the on-site ticket counter. The news comes just a few weeks after the ancient Roman arena was recently named one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. (How’s that for timing?) The online booking system simplifies getting around the popular tourist attraction. Once you’re on the site you are allowed to pick a spot on a guided tour in your language of choice. … Continue reading

Passport Horror Stories

Can you imagine shelling out 3,000 non-refundable dollars for a trip to Ireland only to be told you wouldn’t be allowed to go because the passport you applied for three months ago has yet to arrive in the mail? Sickening isn’t it? You bet it is. Just ask my 17-year-old cousin who is supposed to be days away from leaving on a high school band trip to Europe. In my previous blog I covered the new changes in the passport laws. As of yesterday, the federal government temporarily waived its new anti-terrorism rules and lifted the requirement that U.S. passports … Continue reading

Holiday Travel: 10 Ways To Stay Healthy On Vacation

Continuing with our series: “Holiday Travel” today we move on to another important issue related to holiday travel-—health. Winter’s crummy weather doesn’t only serve as the impetus for travel delays and cancellations, it wrecks havoc on people’s immune systems. To avoid being laid up in a hotel bed while the rest of your family is hitting the slopes or the beach consider following these tips: 1. Wash your hands frequently, especially before eating. 2. Examine dishes and utensils (make sure they are clean and dry) before using them. 3. If you are traveling abroad (places other than the United States … Continue reading

Egypt– Where Old Meets New

Although Egypt is probably not at the top of your “must see” list, the country is actually quite breathtaking. I admit it, I was nervous about leaving the security of America for the uncertainty of the Middle East. In reality, though, I had no need for concern. The people were warm and friendly, the beaches were clean and lovely, and the historical sites were awe-inspiring. Egypt is a timeless oasis where yesterday and tomorrow converge under the desert sun. As one of the world’s oldest civilizations, Egypt boasts a historical richness few countries can claim. [h]The Pyramids[/h] A favorite tourist … Continue reading

Overseas Road Rules

Did you know that the single-greatest cause of death for healthy Americans traveling abroad is road crashes? If you are planning to get behind the wheel during your next trip overseas, here are other statistics you should keep in mind. Research done by the U.S. State Department reveals that 1.17 million people die every year in road accidents worldwide. In 2005, that included 200 Americans killed in accidents abroad. Another 50 million are injured every year in road accidents, according to the World Health Organization. The majority of traffic deaths — 70 percent — take place in developing countries and … Continue reading