Thursday, October 19, 2006

International Travel

International travel opens your mind to the diversity of humanity. Does a foreign vacation seem an impossible dream? It isn't. Come see why.
You need not be rich to engage in international travel. A well-planned itinerary is as close as your computer keyboard. You can find a good airfare if you plan ahead and travel in the so-called “shoulder” seasons, generally in fall and spring. You'll find the cheapest fares in winter. If you're traveling to Italy or Spain, this can be a plus, with mild winter temperatures. If you're really adventurous and footloose, look into courier deals. Airfare on international travel can be free!
Think outside the box when booking accommodations. Whether your trip is for a week or a month, look online for housing for rent on a daily or weekly basis. Rentals may include kitchen equipment, linens, telephone, internet connections and laundry facilities.
Having a kitchen lets you prepare some of your meals yourself. You can save a bundle of money and time just fixing your morning coffee and breakfast before going out sightseeing. Laundry facilities also save time and money. Send email postcards to friends and family with a click of your mouse. More time and money saved, letting you make the most of your vacation time.
Experiencing a different culture is a great adventure. It's the little things that really reach out and grab you. For example, European society is similar in many ways to American society. Yet, daily priorities are different. Food is a much more drawn out event than our eat-and-run habit. Meals are enjoyed slowly, seasoned with the camaraderie of your companions. And it's actually quite safe to go out at night in any major European city!
Try new things! Walk around your neighborhood and discover the bookstore, grocer, hardware, night club or restaurant. Neighborhood businesses reflect the tempo of life in your chosen destination. Jump into the culture, and rejoice!
International travel exposes you to new cuisines. You may never taste an authentic Spanish Paella, empanada, French Pistou or Italian pizza unless you take the leap and immerse yourself in your international travel destination of choice.
Part of the experience of international travel is getting around. Be adventurous! Large cities, such as Paris, have inexpensive and ultra-efficient access to anywhere you want to go.
With today's many restrictions on baggage, plan for only carry-on luggage. You'll avoid lost luggage, and walking and waiting time at the carousel.
You can pack everything you need for a month's stay anywhere in a carry-on. It's easy to find a foreign equivalent of an American drugstore and pick up any toiletries you may need. These items take up space in your luggage and tend to leak under cabin pressure. Shop duty-free shops at the airport for perfumes, colognes and the like.
International travel is a blast! Wherever you've dreamed of traveling, do an “armchair” search. You may find it's within your reach!

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