Carefreetrip.com Travel Blog

Only 90 miles stretch between Los Angeles and the tranquil seaside city of Santa Barbara, but somewhere in that distance the artificial gives way to the natural. From the lush hillsides with memorable vistas of the sea to the pristine shoreline, Santa Barbara possesses the beauty most Southern California beachside communities lack. Families looking for a place to play or couples planning a Romantic vacation will each find what they seek here.

The miles of beach in Santa Barbara are all clean and begging to be walked. In fact, one can literally walk the shore right out of town at low tide. East Beach is Santa Barbara’s most popular and the place to people watch on weekend afternoons. Those searching for a more secluded stroll should head south to the local resorts, which provide public access to their relatively empty beaches. These same beaches also afford a bounty of rocky tidepools, filled with seashells and starfish, for children to explore. Surfers will be stoked by the number of local hot surf spots, which range in difficulty from novice to expert.

When the sun sets, Santa Barbara offers more than adequate nightlife with numerous restaurants and entertainment venues. Some of these eateries line waterfront Cabrillo Boulevard, but most can be found on State Street, Santa Barbara’s lively main artery. If you decide to catch a movie, you may choose from a number of cinemas; but no matter what is playing, go to the Arlington Theater, a restored, historic spectacle.

Day or night, remarkable times await you in this city on the sea. Head out on a hillside hike. Visit the zoo. The choices are plentiful.

Research your destination. Before you leave, make a list of sightseeing priorities. Use the internet to find free and inexpensive Attractions. Every city we visited featured free museums and tours. You can spend a fortune on guided tours if that’s your thing, but the frugal traveler can find plenty to do on her own.

Budget. When you travel overseas, you generally know how long you’ll be gone and where you’ll be staying. I don’t keep a budget for daily life, but I did for our European vacation. Before I left, I saved $2100 for the three weeks we’d be gone. I spent some of that in cash, and charged some to a credit card. When I returned, I used the remaining cash to pay the credit card balance. By planning in advance, I knew exactly how much I could spend.

Carry a guidebook. A travel guide is worth its weight in gold. You’ll pay $20-$30 for a good one, but ultimately the book will save you money. Travel guides feature information on tourist Attractions, local customs, and cheap places to eat and sleep. They can give you the inside scoop on the best days to visit museums, or tell you how to find seldom-visited free events.

Pack light. Experienced travelers always offer this advice, but rookies seldom heed it. Even if you’re staying in the same hotel for three weeks, packing light can prevent headaches. My father-in-law brought six bags for our three weeks of travel. He overpacked. Within days he had to pay to ship things home. Even I took too much: a small suitcase and a knapsack, both of which were crammed with stuff. In the future, I’ll take the knapsack, but when I use it as a carry-on, it’ll only have the essentials: a change of clothes, a book, and my iPod.

Pack smart. Take items that serve double duty. Don’t carry stuff you can buy at your destination. (You can buy shampoo in London, you know.) Leave room in your bag to bring home things you purchase while on vacation. Don’t neglect your sanity — there are a few items I like to have with me at all times: earplugs, an eyemask, my iPod (with noise-canceling earphones), a book, and comfortable shoes. Armed with these essentials, I can be happy almost anywhere — even when stuck for eight hours in an airport terminal.

Manage your money. Know which money source is best for each situation. I didn’t understand this, and was dinged with unnecessary fees. For example, you should know that Visa charges a 1% overseas usage fee regardless of whether you’re using debit or credit. Some cards waive this fee. If I had understood my accounts better, I would have used my credit card for most transactions — I would have received the best exchange rate and avoided a common fee. But because my credit card charges 3% to withdraw money from an ATM, I should have used my debit card to obtain cash. Some of this you learn with experience, but it never hurts to review your account policies before making a trip.

Carry a moneybelt. You’ll hear conflicting advice on this one, but I believe a moneybelt is cheap insurance. On our trip last summer, one member of our group had some cash in her purse when we reached London. The cash was not in her purse when we reached our hotel. (The thief had unzipped her purse, unclasped her wallet, and stolen the cash.) I had a few moments of panic in Ireland when I thought I’d lost my knapsack (which contained my credit card and some cash). Fortunately, I found the bag again, but it was nice to know that I had backups in my moneybelt.

Sleep cheap. My wife’s parents paid for us to stay in centrally-located hotels. This was great, but if I were traveling on the cheap, I’d explore other options. When one of my friends traveled to England a few years ago, he used The National Trust to obtain moderately-priced lodging. He loved it. Another friend kept costs down by staying in a hostel. The best way to find a cheap place to stay is to plan in advance. Research. Ask questions.

Eat cheap. Of course you’ll want to try good restaurants. But for many meals, you can save money by picking up food at the grocery store. We stocked up on our first day, and were able to eat light-and-easy meals throughout our trip. We didn’t have a fridge, so we purchased things that didn’t require one: fruit, crackers, etc. This food was especially handy on the days we were rushed.

Relax. Don’t be a slave to an agenda. Some places will be more interesting than you expected; others will be less so. For example, in England we only allocated half an our for Avebury, a prehistoric stone circle, yet I wanted to stay much longer. On the other hand, we allocated two hours for Stonehenge, but were done in twenty minutes. In retrospect, we ought to have allowed our schedule to be more fluid.

One final note, if you’re planning to travel overseas, then in the earliest planning stages, consider the exchange rate. For example, if you were currently choosing between traveling from the U.S. to either London or Argentina, you’d get the most bang for your buck from the latter. I realize there are other considerations, but if you’re in a position to leverage the exchange rate, do so.

Don’t take photographs without permission in the gaming area of a casino.
Most casinos have a “No Cameras” policy as a consideration to those at the game tables and the slot machines.

Don’t do anything in a Las Vegas casino that you wouldn’t want captured on camera.
Las Vegas casinos are heavily armed with hidden cameras. Although the expression is, “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas,” be mindful that someone is always watching.

Don’t be careless with your chips or personal belongings in a casino.
Women especially, keep your purse on your person at all times. Unfortunately, there are people who work the Vegas casinos preying on unsuspecting tourists who are too tired to pay attention to their belongings.

Do stack chips with the higher denominations on the bottom.
Any thief walking by will always go for the chips on the top of the stack, because they are more accessible. The thief won’t realize that he has snagged a chip worth little to nothing until after he has walked away.

Do color up your chips to make them easier to carry and keep track of.
If you’re having a lucky night at the table and need to leave for any reason, color up your chips. A common expression in Vegas, it means changing the value of the chips to a higher denomination. For instance, instead of leaving with 20 $5 chips, you’d convert them to one $100 chip. This process allows you to avoid losing chips on the way to the cashier’s cage. Plus, if you’ll be returning to the table, it’s easier for the dealer to keep track of how much you are leaving behind.

Do ask security if you wish to be escorted to your car or need assistance.
If you feel uncomfortable for any reason, whether it’s because you won the jack pot or have a funny feeling about an individual, approach a security officer or hotel or casino employee for assistance. They will be glad to help you.

Don’t pass up the chance to take whatever the casino and hotel offers.
Aside from free drinks, the casino offers coupon books that entitle visitors to discounts in the hotel shops, restaurants and other amenities. Also, don’t miss out on the slot club membership. Each hotel has their own club with benefits and rules. It’s said to be one of Vegas’ best bargains. When you arrive at your hotel visit the rewards center. Use your slot club card to accrue points for your comps or complimentary items. Comps can be anything from food, hotel rooms and show Tickets. The great thing about the comp system is that visitors don’t have to do anything except play and bet.

Don’t expect to receive big comps if you’re not betting big.
Earning comps is based on your average bet and the length of your play. Want to get the most out of your buck for the time you’re playing? One of the highest for comp earnings is roulette, because you’re giving up more to the casino.

Do use your comps before they expire.
If you don’t use all your comp points while you’re in Vegas, the points will last for 18 months, after which they expire. Each casino operates differently, so know the rules before you leave.

Do study the games and learn their basic strategies.
Know the game before you enter the casinos, or take a lesson or two before or once you arrive. The last thing you want is to be at a game table of experts who are ready and willing to take your money.

Don’t bring books or your computer to a blackjack table for help making decisions.
It’s illegal to use and have on the casino tables, books, computers and even purses that might contain information to help with the game.

Don’t try to predict the outcome of a gambling event by what’s happened in the past.
Don’t assume that because you won the first hand, or lost the second hand, that the third outcome will be the same as the last. It’s called the “gambler’s fallacy.”

Do play maximum coins in the slots.
Play the most coins for the biggest bonus. Play a machine that lets you put in the maximum amount of coins, as opposed to a higher-limit machine or a higher-denomination machine, which permits you to put in only one or two coins. You put in a little, and you will get a little back.

Don’t hand money or chips directly to a dealer.
Money or chips should never be exchanged hand-to-hand while at the game table. To avoid impropriety in the casinos, players are asked to lay all money in plain sight of the cameras on the table.

Don’t play any slot with a jackpot over $1,199, unless you’re prepared to pay taxes.
Yes. Uncle Sam lives in Vegas too. If you win a jackpot of $1,199 or more, be prepared to fill out the paperwork to pay taxes on your winnings. A W-2G for gambling wins is issued to anyone who wins a single slot-machine jackpot of $1,200 or more. Don’t worry: table games like blackjack and roulette are usually not taxable. If you win $50,000 playing blackjack, it is normally not a taxable transaction. Check the rules before you play.

Don’t be surprised if you’re asked to stop playing if you’re winning big.
In Nevada, the casinos have the right to bar anyone from the premises for any reason, including winning. Called the Right to Refuse Service law, it is used often by casinos to keep out advantaged players.

Don’t count on winning.
The majority of visitors to Vegas leave with their pockets empty. Come to Vegas with the expectation that you’re going to have a great time: if you win, great; if not, no worries. The games are designed to the advantage of the casino, not the player. Remember to manage your money carefully. When you’re losing, place smaller bets than you would if you were winning, and get in the habit of walking away from a game you’re losing.

Don’t bet more than you can afford to lose.
Go to Vegas for entertainment purposes, not to make money. If you win, terrific. But remember that your real job awaits you back home.

This Travel Warning clarifies the areas of eastern Congo affected by rebel activity, deletes information on Ebola, and adds information on aviation safety. Overall, the security situation in the country remains unchanged. This Warning supersedes the Travel Warning for the Democratic Republic of the Congo issued January 8, 2008.

The Department of State continues to warn U.S. citizens against travel to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (Congo-Kinshasa). Conditions within certain regions of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) remain dangerous. Official personnel from the U.S. Embassy in Kinshasa are restricted from travel to the North Kivu area unless the travel is for official business and has been authorized by the Embassy.

Fighting between armed rebels, Congolese military forces, and U.N. peacekeeping troops continues in the provinces of North and South Kivu, eastern Orientale, northern Katanga, and sporadically in Bas Congo. U.S. citizens are warned particularly against travel in eastern Congo as fighting there is expected to continue for the foreseeable future. Armed groups as well as active duty and demobilized Congolese troops in parts of the country, including eastern Congo, are known to pillage, carjack, and steal vehicles, kill extra-judicially, rape, kidnap, and carry out military or paramilitary operations. Government soldiers, as well as rebel fighters expected to be demobilized as a result of ongoing peace processes, remain a security concern. Travelers are frequently detained and questioned by poorly disciplined security forces at numerous roadblocks and border crossings throughout the country.

Travelers to the DRC frequently experience difficulties at the airport and other ports of entry, such as temporary detention, passport confiscation, and demands by immigration and security personnel for unofficial “special fees.” Visas are not available at ports of entry. All resident foreigners, including Americans, are required to register at the office of the Direction General de Migration (DGM) in the commune of their place of residence. Border closures of 24-48 hour durations can occur without much advance notice.

Enforcement of aviation safety standards in the DRC is uneven, with frequent incidents and crashes. The U.S. Embassy has prohibited official travel by U.S. government employees and contractors on all DRC-owned and operated commercial airlines due to safety and maintenance concerns. International flights on foreign-owned and –operated carriers are not affected by this notice.

American citizens should avoid all public demonstrations and areas where crowds are gathered, exercise caution, and closely watch and listen for local and international news from reliable sources. Radio Okapi broadcasts in French on 103.5 FM at 0700, 0800, 1200, and 1800 as well as “flash” updates throughout the day. English-language news can be found on BBC at 92.7 FM. In times of emergency, the Belgian Embassy operates a French-language radio broadcast system at FM 98.8. Changes in security conditions may occasionally restrict the travel of U.S. Mission personnel.

Public Health concerns also pose a hazard to U.S. citizen travelers due to outbreaks of deadly viruses and other diseases which can occur without warning and many times are not rapidly reported by local health authorities. Information on personal protection for international travelers including children can be found at http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel.

U.S. citizens who travel to or remain in the DRC despite this Travel Warning are strongly urged to register with the Embassy in Kinshasa or through the State Department’s travel registration website at https://travelregistration.state.gov. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy to contact them in case of emergency. The U.S. Embassy is located at 310 Avenue des Aviateurs; the Consular Section entrance is located on Avenue Dumi, opposite Saint Anne’s Residence. The Embassy’s 24-hour phone number is 243-81-225-5872; callers within DRC should dial 081-225-5872. All Embassy telephone numbers are cellular phones as landlines are unreliable. The Embassy website is http://kinshasa.usembassy.gov.

U.S. citizens should also consult the Department of State’s most recent Country Specific Information for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Worldwide Caution, both located on the Department’s Internet website at http://travel.state.gov. Up-to-date information on safety and security is available toll free at 1-888-407-4747 from within the United States and Canada, or at regular toll rates at 1-202-501-4444 for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

When you’re looking for accommodations in Miami, keep one thing in mind: the nature and cost of your stay will be determined by the location of your hotel. Within the hazy borders of Greater Miami, over a dozen smaller towns coexist, each with a distinct personality and pace. Visitors are sure to find the perfect vacation spot somewhere within the city; it’s just a matter of knowing where to look.

Miami Beach

Miami Beach is, in many ways, the quintessential vacation destination. This strip of land, surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, offers miles of gorgeous beaches, a wide variety of lodging choices and plenty of Shopping, dining and entertainment options. It is connected to the mainland by six causeways. Families and international travelers often frequent mid-range hotels such as the Golden Sands or the Dezerland Miami Beach Resort, while honeymooners, convention-goers and anyone wishing to splurge can wallow in Luxury at resorts such as Loews Miami Beach Hotel or the Fontainebleau.

South Beach

South Beach lies in the southernmost section of Miami Beach. If you’re wondering where the best parties are, look no further - they’re all here. The only question is, how close do you want to be? If you stay in a place like the National or the Clevelander, you won’t even have to leave the hotel to find yourself in the center of the action. However, at some point amid the Shopping, dining and general revelry that constitutes a stay in South Beach, you may want to sleep. If so, make sure you choose a hotel that allows for it. The Blue Moon Hotel and the lushly landscaped Hotel Impala offer pockets of serenity within the busy rush of central South Beach.

Bal Harbour

Bal Harbour is on the northern end of Miami Beach. It is the most exclusive district in South Florida, and offers only a few accommodation choices, all of them expensive. While some of the world’s finest Shopping can be found at the Bal Harbour Shops, the main appeal of the district is its stately seclusion. Luxury accommodations there, including the Alexander Hotel, offer every imaginable amenity, including the intangible but priceless one: privacy.

Central Miami

Central Miami is the home of some of the largest, most imposing hotels. Business or leisure travelers who wish to be in the center of the city will appreciate the convenience of the Hotel InterContinental or the Hyatt Regency Miami. Located only minutes from the Port of Miami, Bayside Marketplace and the Metro-Dade Cultural Center, these hotels can be found in the center of the Financial District, near the Design District.

Coral Gables

Coral Gables is a charming gated village crisscrossed by canals and covered in lush vegetation. Here you’ll also find the The Venetian Pool, an enormous swimming pool shaped by a coral formation. Another attraction is the Biltmore Hotel, a good home base for visitors who like to combine sightseeing with other activities. Another venerable hotel is the Omni Colonnade, located a block away from the Miracle Mile Shopping district.

Coconut Grove

Coconut Grove is a bustling little arts district, chock full of Shopping, dining and entertainment destinations. The Grove is second only to South Beach in energy and activity. Accommodation choices are numerous, and most of them are pricey. The Mutiny Hotel offers great service in beautiful surroundings. The Mayfair Hotel & Spa, located just across the street from the Streets of Mayfair Shopping center, is a study in stately elegance.

West Miami

West Miami offers safe, clean, budget-friendly lodgings, as well as more expensive ones. If people choose to stay here, it’s either to save money or to be close to the airport. If you’re trying to save money, however, note that the only way to get into central Miami is by automobile — and a cab costs about USD20 each way. Most of the quality inexpensive hotels are recognized chains such as the Holiday Inn or the Days Inn. One of the most expensive hotels is the Miami International Airport Hotel, located inside the airport terminal. While the noise of planes flying overhead might be a distraction, this hotel is quite pleasant in all other respects. It’s elegant, comfortable and ever so convenient.

The choices above are just a few of the best options in the most popular districts. There are hundreds of other accommodations to choose from, ranging from rock-bottom to five-star. Whatever you’re looking for in a hotel, there is no doubt that if you look long and hard enough, you’ll find it here.

This Travel Warning updates information regarding the security situation in Timor-Leste (formerly East Timor). The Department of State advises U.S. citizens of the continuing potential for violent civil unrest in Timor-Leste and urges U.S. citizens to consider carefully the risks of travel to Timor-Leste at this time. Americans currently in Timor-Leste should evaluate carefully their safety and security situation in light of this Travel Warning. This supersedes the Travel Warning issued on February 15, 2008.

While politically-related civil unrest in Timor-Leste has diminished and security has improved, the potential for violence remains. Security conditions could deteriorate without warning, and foreigners may be specifically targeted. U.S. citizens should consider carefully the risks of travel to Timor-Leste. Those already in Timor-Leste should exercise caution, limit movements to the extent possible, and maintain a high level of security awareness while moving around in Dili; be alert to the potential for violence, and avoid demonstrations, large gatherings, and areas where disturbances have occurred. Demonstrations can occur anywhere, and especially at or near symbols and institutions of the Government of Timor-Leste, including government buildings and houses belonging to prominent politicians. Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence.

Since April 2006, Timor-Leste has experienced outbreaks of politically-related civil unrest, and the risk of further violent unrest continues. In 2007 violent disturbances broke out in Dili and in the Eastern districts of Baucau and Viqueque following the President’s announcement of a new government. In February 2008 rebels carried out an unsuccessful assassination attempt against the President and Prime Minister. The attackers subsequently surrendered, and the security situation has remained calm since then. However, indiscriminate communal violence and criminal violence have occurred, and they can occur unexpectedly throughout the country.

Areas in Dili affected by violence have included the international airport and its surroundings and the areas around internally displaced persons camps near the Comoro market and Bairo Pite. Gang-related violence has occurred often in Dili, and Americans risk intentional or inadvertent injury when traveling in affected areas. Criminals have been known to operate illegal checkpoints for taxis and minibuses in some areas of Dili. American citizens are advised against using taxis or minibuses for transportation. Americans remaining in Timor-Leste despite this warning should monitor the media for updates on the safety and security situation and check the status of flights before traveling to the airport.
The Government of Australia has advised its citizens to reconsider their need to travel to Timor-Leste and warns that Australians and Australian interests may be specifically targeted. Attackers could indiscriminately target foreigners, including Americans. The Australian travel advice may be viewed at http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/Advice/East Timor.

Americans in Timor-Leste should immediately register at the U.S. Embassy and obtain all recent messages sent to the American community in country. The U.S. Embassy in Dili may be reached at 670-332-4684 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. local time, or one may call the duty officer at 670-723-1328 outside business hours. The Embassy’s new website may be viewed at http://timor-leste.usembassy.gov. The U.S. Embassy is located on Avenida de Portugal in the Pantai Kelapa area. U.S. citizens living in or traveling to Timor-Leste may also register through the State Department’s travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov.

For the latest security information, Americans living and traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet website at http://travel.state.gov/, where the current Worldwide Cautions, Travel Alerts, and Travel Warnings may be found. Travelers should also consult the Department of State’s latest Country Specific Information for Timor-Leste. Current information on security may also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States and Canada. Callers from other areas may call a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday through Friday (except on U.S. federal holidays).

Rent a car. What sounds expensive can actually often save you money. Consider renting a car instead of using the airport shuttle. Many times the cost of the shuttle is more than that of a modest car rental – and you have the flexibility of having available transportation. Also, if you are driving to your destination, renting a car instead of using your own vehicle is often cheaper than the extra wear and tear on your own car. Take advantage of Coupons to upgrade to a larger, and more comfortable, vehicle.

Eat breakfast where kids eat free and split meals. This can mean an enormous saving for a family of four or larger. Children are many times too excited or tired to eat much at a time. Restaurants that are kid friendly are more than happy to accommodate special requests for extra plates.

Eat lunch in your room. You’ll be surprised how good a peanut butter sandwich, chips, and fresh fruit tastes away from home, and everyone gets a needed break from the heat and crowds of tourist destinations. If you get a fridge in your room you can eat like a king for weeks!

Take advantage of Coupons. Whether it is for lodging, food, or Attractions – Coupons SAVE money! Find them everywhere… online, in local newspapers, at convenience stores, motels, etc. Always read the fine print carefully for terms of the coupon.

Bring your own stroller. This can save $7 to $10 a day at some of the Attractions. It is also handy to have when you are not at the main Attractions.

Bring along individual refillable water bottles. These can be refilled at the hotel and at attraction water fountains. A family of four could easily spend $20 or more a day buying water.

Take advantage of multi-day passes at the Attractions. This is especially a good deal when they can be used anytime. Sometimes you can get a yearly pass for the same price as a two-day pass.

Make your own reservations. Many hotels and airlines offer additional discounts and specials for booking online. Click here to view the latest travel specials and deals from our Carefreetrip.com and our third-party travel partners.

Give each child a set amount to spend. You can tame the “gimmes”, and your pocketbook at the same time, by giving children a pre-set spending limit for souvenirs. Also, invest in an autograph book (about $6 at most Attractions) and watch the fun as the children collect the “autographs” of their favorite characters. About once a week my son shows me Goofy’s signature and can’t stop smiling about it.

Spend the day away from the Attractions. You’re paying for that hotel swimming pool… use it! Spend the day at the beach or a nearby museum. The Shopping areas near the major Attractions have children’s play areas, providing an inexpensive day of fun for the little ones.

St. Thomas combines the natural beauty of the islands with a cosmopolitan atmosphere. Charlotte Amalie, the capital of the U.S. Virgin Islands, is one of the most beautiful harbors in the world and the most visited port in the Caribbean. Elegant dining, exciting nightlife, and world-class duty-free Shopping are abundant in Charlotte Amalie. The city’s reputation as the Shopping mecca of the Caribbean draws visitors from all over the region and around the world.

A mountainous island, St. Thomas offers stunning vistas in almost every direction. While Charlotte Amalie is full of energy, St. Thomas also provides natural wonders such as the indescribably beautiful Magens Bay and stunning views of the Caribbean from 1,500 feet above sea level. Drake’s Seat is particularly famous for its vistas.

St. Thomas’ activities are as rich and varied as the items that stock the duty-free shelves of Charlotte Amalie’s boutiques.Golf, tennis, fishing, yachting, and Shopping are just a few of the activities available. Mahogany Run, a George and Tom Fazio-designed golf course, contains 18 of the most beautiful and challenging holes in the Caribbean. Virgin Islands Ecotours provides guided kayaking and snorkeling tours through St. Thomas’ Marine Sancturary and Mangrove Lagoon and along Magens Bay. Fishing charters are abundant, and for good reason: The International Game Fish Association reports 24 world-record catches from U.S. Virgin Islands waters. Guests can even take a one-hour submarine voyage off St. Thomas to view the coral reefs and marine life of the island. For visitors who want to stay above water, Coral World Marine Park & Observatory, on the northeast shore at Coki Point, offers an underwater observatory tower, a tropical nature trail, a marine gardens aquarium, and an 80,000-gallon coral reef tank.

In and around Charlotte Amalie visitors will find a number of options. Fort Christian, the oldest standing structure in the Virgin Islands, is rich in history. The Paradise Point Tramway takes visitors above Charlotte Amalie for a bird’s eye view of the city and the island. Blackbeard’s Castle, also known as Skytsborg, stands guard over Charlotte Amalie’s harbor. Government Hill provides numerous sites of historical interest, including Government House, 99 Steps, Crown House, and Seven Arches Museum.

Australia is the sixth largest country in the world, it’s no wonder most major airlines fly here. As an estimate it will take you around 14 hours to fly to Australian shores. Any day, anywhere you will find the right climate conditions that will make your Australian experience unique and memorable.

Imagine a hot red land edged with surreal beaches. Now imagine that on this land, you can also discover lush rainforests, cool lagoons and slopes iced with snow waiting for you to explore. Yes, Australia has all of this on offer.

The Australian summer from Dec-Feb is warm and sunny and you can enjoy lazy days on the beach and typical Aussie meals cooked on the barbecue. Summer is the rainy season in our tropical regions in the north that brings our lush rainforests to life. Spring and autumn are mild and are the best seasons for bush walks and discovering nature.

No matter where you are in Australia or what season it is, always remember your sunscreen. The Australian sun can be quite strong, so it’s best to wear a shirt and put on a hat while enjoying the great outdoors. Sunscreen containing SPF30+ coverage is recommended.

Another important tip to remember is Australia has three different time zones, Eastern (EST), Central (CST) and Western Standard Time (WST). EST is for New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory, Victoria, Tasmania and Queensland. CST is for the Northern Territory and South Australia and then there is WST in Western Australia. CST is half an hour behind EST, and WST is two hours behind EST. So make sure you keep track of what time zone your in.

Make sure you take time to do some Duty Free/Tax free Shopping. Everyone over the age of 18 has a limit of AU$900 worth of goods, such as souvenirs and camera and a limit of AU$450 if you are under the age of 18. This excludes alcohol and cigarettes.

Public transport is available at all airports for your convenience. It’s a good idea to arrange your accommodation before your arrival, as last minute accommodation may be hard to find.

Traveling to Australia with Kids?

Australia is a very family friendly travel destination. There are heaps of affordable things to see and do that will interest the whole family. Whether you’re seeking self-catering accommodation, child-care, theme parks, outdoor activities, tours, child-friendly restaurants, Australians go out of their way to create a truly memorable and fun holiday. It’s sometimes easy to forget how fascinating the real world can be. Forget TVs and Xboxes and take your kids out of their bedrooms and into the great outdoors. Family holidays can be educational experiences – it’s often so enjoyable, you hardly realise you’re learning. Subjects range from songs to surfing, from panning for gold to playing the didgeridoo.

Experience the National Geographic Kids Hands-On Explorer family vacation with your kids! Experience the fun, history, wildlife & a thrilling downhill bike ride! Tasmania is Australia’s only island state. It is a heart-shaped island of lush green valleys, uncrowded towns and villages and still undeveloped coastlines. The excitement begins in Hobart, capital of Tasmania. Then onto Port Arthur, cruise Carnavon Bay, take a thrilling bike ride know as the Mount Wellington Descent. Use the See Tasmania card which will give you and the kids entry to the best museums, galleries, wildlife parks, cruises and more. Over 60 Attractions to enjoy! Your Tasmania Hands-On adventure ends in Launceston.

They also have one of the best tourism commercials ever - see it here!

This Travel Warning updates information on the security situation in Saudi Arabia and reminds U.S. citizens of recommended security precautions.It supersedes the Travel Warning issued December 19, 2007.

The Department of State urges U.S. citizens to consider carefully the risks of traveling to Saudi Arabia.There is an ongoing security threat due to the continued presence of terrorist groups, some affiliated with al Qaida, who may target Western interests, housing compounds, and other facilities where Westerners congregate.These terrorist groups may also target Saudi Government facilities and economic/commercial targets within the Kingdom.

In February 2007, four French tourists were killed in a terrorist incident on a desert track north of Medina.A gunman fired shots at the U.S. Consulate General in Jeddah in May 2006.In February 2006, an attack was attempted on Saudi oil facilities in Abqaiq in the Eastern Province.An armed attack on the U.S. Consulate General in Jeddah on December 6, 2004, resulted in five deaths and eleven serious injuries among non-U.S. staff members.

Although terrorists have not conducted a successful attack against Westerners since February 2007, the United States Mission in Saudi Arabia remains an unaccompanied post as a result of continued security concerns.The Department of State has approved a family visitation program, in part because of the significant progress Saudi security forces have made in counteracting the terrorist threat within Saudi Arabia as they continue to arrest and break up terrorist cells.

From time to time, the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Saudi Arabia may restrict travel of official Americans or suspend public services for security reasons.In those instances, the Embassy and Consulates will keep the local American citizen community apprised through the Warden system and make every effort to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens.Warden messages can be found on the U.S. Embassy Riyadh website: http://riyadh.usembassy.gov.

American citizens who choose to visit Saudi Arabia are strongly urged to avoid staying in hotels or housing compounds that do not apply stringent security measures and are also advised to maintain good situational awareness when visiting commercial establishments frequented by Westerners.American citizens also are advised to keep a low profile; vary times and routes of travel; exercise caution while driving, entering or exiting vehicles; and ensure that travel documents and visas are current and valid.

The Department of State advises that under Saudi law, married women need the permission of their husbands to leave Saudi Arabia and their children will require their father’s permission to exit the country.This is true regardless of nationality.The U.S. Embassy has very limited ability to facilitate exit permission.

On February 20, 2008, a new regulation took effect.It requires Saudi men seeking the mandatory permission from their government to marry a foreign woman to sign a binding document granting irrevocable permission for their foreign-born spouse, and children born to them and that spouse, to travel freely and unhindered in and out of Saudi Arabia.However, this regulation is not retroactive.Under Saudi law, women married to Saudi males prior to the effective date of these new regulations still need the permission of their husbands to leave Saudi Arabia, and their children require the permission of their fathers to leave the country.

Updated information on travel and security in Saudi Arabia may be obtained from the Department of State by calling 1-888-407-4747 from within the U.S. or Canada or, from outside the U.S. or Canada on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.These numbers are available from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays.)For additional information, consult the Department of State’s Country Specific Information for Saudi Arabia, and the Worldwide Caution at http://travel.state.gov.

U.S. citizens who require emergency services may telephone the Embassy in Riyadh at (966) (1) 488-3800, the Consulate in Jeddah at (966) (2) 667-0080, or the Consulate in Dhahran at (966) (3) 330-3200.