Travel Rewards Credit Cards

It’s a given that for travellers, the most important item they need to bring at all times would be their passport. Not only is this a valid form of identification, without this, they would not be permitted to go in and out of any country. After making sure that the passport is safely tucked inside their bag, what else should a traveller bring? Apart from his plane ticket, a traveller should always have a source of funds.

Traditionally, travellers would use either cold cash (converted to local currency) or traveller’s checks. These were sound ways to conduct business although each had their own pros and cons. The problem with carrying cash is that you will always be concerned about your wallet you may miss out on enjoying your vacation. With traveller’s checks, on the other hand, not all establishments honour these. The problem for both is that, when you run out of cash or traveller’s checks, you’re vacation is doomed. Nowadays, travellers no longer need to contend with bulky wallets or dwindling traveller’s checks because they have credit cards.

Credit cards are virtual necessities for the tourist of today. Not only do cards give the holder the power to make purchases anywhere and anytime (as most are accepted by establishments the world over), they are also very handy (does not take up too much space in any purse or wallet) and quite safe to use.

South Africa climate

South Africa lies almost wholly within the southern temperate zone, and its climate is more equable than that of corresponding northern latitudes because of its surrounding waters. Cape Town and the southernmost part of Western Cape has a Mediterranean-type climate and is warmer than some areas further north that are affected by the cold Benguela Current on the west coast of Southern Africa. The winter months are mild and changeable, this is also the time when most the rainfall occurs. The Durban and Kwa-Zulu-Natal coastline is affected by the warm Mozambique current and enjoys a sub-tropical climate, with plenty of sunshine throughout the year, but the summer months can become very hot and humid. Throughout the country, however, the mean annual temperature is just below 15.6°C (60°F). On the high veld there are sharp differences of temperature between day and night; but there is less daily fluctuation nearer the coast. Rainfall is unpredictable in large parts of the country, and prolonged droughts are a serious restriction on farming in such areas.

While the mean annual rainfall is 18.6 inches, nearly 30% of the country receives less than 10 inches and 65% receives less than 20 inches. Much of South Africa gets its rain in the summer months, but the western coastal belt is a winter rain area. Along the Cape south coast, rain falls during both seasons. Generally the winter months are between April and August with summer being from September to March.

Backpacking adventure

If you are looking to take an adventure travel lasting a day or two, or over a long holiday weekend, a backpacking adventure travel may be a perfect solution. This type of adventure travel is usually easier to plan and will give you a nice break away from your everyday routine. Before you begin, you first have to decide how long you plan on being away.

If you plan on being gone for one single day, a daypack would satiate, but if you plan on going on a multi-day adventure travel, you would need to go for backpacking. With both these types, you would have to keep in mind a few more things. For example, the backpack for your backpacking adventure travel should come with sturdy shoulder straps. In addition to that, your backpack should also have enough padding and curves. This helps to keep your collarbone safe otherwise it would chaff it.

Ancient Egypt

Egypt is one of the most thrilling places, mainly because of its Pyramids. Egypt is also one of the vacationing spots for the people living in the west and also people living in other parts of the world. This is the perfect trip for a family who wants to add an educational value to their vacation. Unlike most vacation spots, parents drop their children of at an amusement park for hours at a time. A trip to Egypt is a trip that the entire family can enjoy

A grand tour for Egypt starts from Cairo (Ancient Egypt), which includes religious and Islamic sight seeing. Cairo is also one of the major airports in Egypt. Normal tour for Cairo will start from Giza pyramids (Great pyramids), Saqquara (Step pyramid) and even the Egyptian Antiquities museum. This is like a first day tour.

Then the tour usually moves on to Luxor and Aswan, these places are visited either by train or flight. Tours also include visiting some places like Citadel and Khan el-Khalili market in Islamic Cairo, also visiting the churches and Coptic museum in Cairo.

Guanacaste, Costa Rica

If you're considering where to go this summer, try the world of great tropical adventure called Costa Rica. A Costa Rica Caribbean vacation lets you explore active volcanoes, see wild animals, see lush rain forests up close, and swim and lounge on great beaches. Costa Rica is one of the few ultimate paradises that have been left untouched on planet Earth. There are no military bases or nuclear power plants, and Costa Rica has lots of culture. In addition, Costa Rica is a tropical climate, so there's no winter to contend with. Costa Rica is a democratic society and is one of the most peaceful in the world. Its last civil war occurred in 1948. Since then, it has abolished armed forces and has also avoided despotic dictatorships, military coups, terrorism and any other forms of conflict so common in other parts of the world.

Guanacaste, a must to visit place. Most Costa Rican Caribbean travelers go there these days because of its ever-changing scenery and the many activities offered. There are many tours you can take; no matter what your interests, you should find something you like. With these tours, take an close look at all of its exotic trees, plants, flowers, animals and fish. For an experience you'll never forget, a Coast Rica Caribbean vacation is just the ticket for you.

Open air cinemas in Sydney

There are three stunning outdoor cinemas in Sydney in summer. The OpenAir Cinema at Sydney Harbour (to be seen to be believed), the Moonlight Cinema at Centennial Park and the Starlight Cinema at Manly Beach. Ever since the death of the drive-in, there's no better way to go to the movies than under the stars in a beautiful natural setting.

Beautiful Lijiang

Lijiang is an and quaint town in Yunan, a province of China which is well endowed with magnificent and beautiful mountains, rivers and a long history. The ancient Lijiang county was put into the list of world cultural legacy by the World Legacy Committee of the United Nations Education, Science and Culture Organization in 1997.

The city of Lijiang has a history of 800 years or 900 years dating from the Sung Dynasty. Why is Lijiang one of the most beautiful city in the world? Firstly, it is one of the very few city which is over a mile high above sea level. Smacked in the middle of the Lijiangba Dam, surrounded by snowcapped mountains and a river that runs through an oriental forest with small streams meandering into the town. Some tourists even called the town "Heaven On Earth".

Lijiang experienced an earth shattering 7 on the Richter scale earthquake on February 1996 which killed more than 5,000 people mainly the Naxi community being the major community in Lijiang. Since then, Lijiang caught the attention of the world and tourism growth was unprecedented. As such, Lijiang is now one of the most favoured tourist travel destination in China.
Millions of tourists travel to Lijiang each year to enjoy Lijiang's primitive simplicity, tranquility and elegant culture.The folks at Lijiang enjoy music too. You can hear the beautiful music from the dwelling houses in Dayanzhen Town. The musicians carry their often home made musical instruments to take part in household parties all over the town.

The Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in Lijiang is perhaps one the most beautiful mountain range in the world, famous for its perilous, beautiful and breathtaking landscapes. The mountain is a world class tourist scenic spot. The peak of the Jade Dragon Mountain is some 5596 meters (about 17,000 ft) above sea level. The mountain's thirteen peaks viewed from south to north look just like a flying giant Chinese dragon

Travel with dog

How many times have you driven down the street to see a car go by you that has a dog hanging out the window? Or sitting in the driver's lap? Not only is this a probable accident waiting to happen, but the dog's head and eyes are in danger of being injured by debris. It is always a good idea to restrain your dog when he is traveling in the car with you - either with a harness or in a crate. If you use a harness, you might consider covering the seat with a seat cover or an old blanket that you can take out and wash.

And last but not least, under no circumstances EVER leave your pet in the hot sun in the car (even with the windows down). It is akin to putting them into a 120° oven!! Have fun with your pet and enjoy your summer.

The Grand Canyon, Arizona

The Grand Canyon, in Arizona. No one can help but marvel when they look upon the cut in the earth a mile deep, 18 miles wide, and 277 miles long. If you are planning traveling to this very popular spot in the USA, here are a few things you need to think of before starting your adventure.

1. If you have a lot of time to research and sort out your trip to the Grand Canyon, great! If not, you may want to consider a travel agent, to make sure you are learning about all the fun and interesting things to do on your trip.

2. How are you getting there? Some like to take a road trip to the Grand Canyon and experience other locations along the way. Before you try to go this route, you may want to take a few things into consideration including the condition of your vehicle, and the rising price of gasoline.

3. Make sure you have the clothes you need with you. Some people pack the wrong clothes for a trip. Remember where you are going and consider clothes that would be good for hiking, as well as something in case it rains. Also keep in mind the temperatures can drop substantially at night in this area, so you should pack something to keep warm.

4. In addition to clothes there are a lot of other items you need to remember to pack when heading out on this kind of adventure. If you are going hiking make sure to have things such as water bottles, a compass, map, and some supplies incase you happen to get lost. Also remember first aid items and sunscreen to avoid getting a sunburn. Don’t forget to pack any of the toiletries you would use at home. This includes toothbrush and toothpaste, sanitary supplies, and other items you may use with your daily shower.

5. If the kids are going with you, it is important to check ahead with the resort or hotel you are going to stay at to see if there are options of things for the kids to do, or babysitting services if they get tired and the adults would still like to go out.

6. Many people take their pets on vacation these days. While it’s great to have these furry members of your family with you, make sure to check ahead with your lodging destination to see if pets are allowed, and if they have accommodations for the animals when you visit attractions that don’t allow them.

7. Don’t set yourself up to be a victim. When you travel, you should try to not have a lot of cash on you at any point in time. Someone might see it and consider you an easy target. The best form of money for a trip is traveler’s checks that can be quickly cancelled if they are stolen. Also don’t carry all of your credit cards at once. That way, were the worst to happen, you would still have access to some money to take care of your family.

The four-star Novotel Ningaloo Resort

The four-star Novotel Ningaloo Resort offers the option of luxury accommodation that was once missing at the popular coastal destination. The resort is right on the shore of Exmouth Gulf and is just metres from the marina and canals.

The four-star Novotel Ningaloo Resort has 44 one, two and three-bedroom bungalows and apartments and is expected to eventually accommodate 600 guests.

The four-star Novotel Ningaloo Resort has already made its mark in the tourism industry, winning the New Development category at the 2007 WA Tourism Awards and the Australian Hotels Association award for WA's best regional accommodation hotel/resort.

To give the complex an authentic Exmouth feel, The four-star Novotel Ningaloo Resort architects used a blend of non-traditional building materials.