Do You Check The Weather Before Vacationing?

It's important that you are aware of the weather conditions of the place that you plan on vacationing at prior to arriving at the destination. Certain areas in the world are naturally going to be warmer than others at specific times of the year and temperature and precipitation levels can be altered by nearby regions. Cities by the coast might have a cooler temperature. San Diego beach is a popular tourist destination with a reputation for beautiful warm weather with rain being more of a rarity than anything else.

The San Diego beach is moderately warm when you look at it temperature wise. Inland can rise to temperatures in excess of 100 degrees Fahrenheit, with the hottest month of occurring around the end of the summer period. 77 degrees average high has been proven to be an attractive draw for more people. Because the average temperature hovers around a moderate range, it allows people to enjoy a full day of beach activity, as it doesn't fluctuate from extremely cold to unbearably warm within the day.

The precipitation levels in San Diego are also considerably low, which is a huge benefit, especially when you compare it to other locations in USA. Even for those who enjoy going on holiday during the winter period, which is said to be the wettest time of the year, they could expect around 2.3 inches of precipitation around January time. Precipitation is minimal during the summer; this makes beach conditions most ideal.

On the other hand, similar to the US, Cancun (another favourite tourist destination) is much colder in the winter than in the summer. However, because the city is close to the equator, the drop in temperature isn't nearly as noticeable. The daily temperature is around 78 degrees throughout the year. Towards the end of the summer period the temperature can range from 80 - 90 degrees, that is usually the warmest time of the year for people in Cancun. In January the temperature can drop to as low as 67 degrees to a high of 81 degrees, this is the coldest time of the year. However, as far as temperature goes, Cancun is a lovely place to visit, no matter what time of the year.

Most vacationers travel to the beach during the cloudiest period of the summer. The sky tends to open up more during the winter season, which effectively lights up the city area. Many people tend to see this as a deterrent, although cooler air can help keep those at the beach more comfortable and less prone to overheating.

Traveling With Kids to Historical Destinations

Do you avoid family site-seeing adventures that involve cathedrals, museums or other historical sites because you are worried about your kids' behavior? Never fear - these tips will make traveling with kids to these destinations a survivable - and perhaps even enjoyable - experience.

1. Begin by setting clear expectations for behavior, including the consequences for misbehaving. Also lay out the basic ground rules for the day. Some standard rules include using inside voices and no running. Try rewarding good behavior by giving kids a small gift shop budget at the beginning of the day. Each time they misbehave, they have to hand over a quarter. At the end of the day, they get to spend whatever is left.

2. All kids have a limited attention span so set a time limit for the trip - generally around four hours is maximum time. Take this into account as you plan the day to avoid missing the "must see" exhibits.

3. Look down. The floors in historical buildings, cathedrals and museums are often adorned with beautiful, intricate designs that capture and fascinate kids and adults alike. My favorite example is the Sistine Chapel. The walls and ceiling are covered with breathtaking masterpieces that held my kids' interest for exactly 45 seconds. Luckily, they noticed the fantastic geometric designs on the floor and spent the next hour finding shapes and patterns throughout the entire chapel.

4. Plan a scavenger hunt through the museum or cathedral. We use color/object hunts almost everywhere we go. They can be as simple as finding something blue to the complex find a blue flower on a hat. Vary the complexity based on the age of the child and, where possible, make each child find something individually. Add learning to the day by bringing along small notebooks and colored pencils. Have kids record scavenger hunt items, interesting facts and include pictures of favorite sites. The journal becomes a memory book of the trip.

5. Research kid/family friendly activities and events. One good example is found at Westminster Abbey where they feature a wonderful family tour and children's scavenger hunt that offers a chocolate reward for completion.

6. Make sure you include some kid-friendly fun along the way. After a long morning at a museum, spend a few hours in a local park. If the museum has a snack bar, take a break during the tour for a snack. Squeeze in a trip to the local zoo or aquarium in the middle of the trip.

7. Involve kids in the planning process. While not all museums have a hands-on room, there is sure to be something of interest. Let them pick at least one thing to see or do at the museum and try to do it late in the visit so you can push for good behavior throughout the rest of the trip.

Use these tips and you will no longer have to avoid taking the kids to interesting historical sites, cathedrals and museums.

Top Tourist Destinations of India

 Magnificent forts, exquisite palaces, desert landscapes, diverse flora & fauna, colorful festivals and vibrant fairs make Rajasthan among the most sought after destinations of All India Travel Tours. It is the land where stories of bravery and romance can be experienced in its battle scarred forts and elegant palaces. Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Udaipur and Pushkar are some of the well-known attractions of Rajasthan Tourism which summons scores of tourists from across the globe.

Kerala the God's Own Country is another most sought after destination among tourists during their Travel to India. This romantic destination of India is known for its sensuous beaches, enchanting backwaters, soul stimulating hill stations, ayurvedic therapies, vibrant culture and colorful fairs the most popular one is Kerala Boat Race. This nature blessed land is among the top 20 world tourist destinations visited by scores of tourists every year. Cochin, Munnar, Periyar, Alleppey, Kumarakom and Kovalam are some of the most sought after destinations of Kerala Tourism famous for its nature's scenic beauty.

Beauty of sensuous sea, silvery sand and azure sea make Goa a most sought after destination among tourists during their India Travel. It is among the most preferred destinations among national as well as international tourists who come here for adventure holiday, nature sightseeing, honeymoon tour or historical trip. Mapusa, Margao, Panaji, Ponda and Vasco are some of the preferred attractions of Goa Tour where large number of tourists thronged round the year.

Taj Mahal the monument of immense beauty and symbol of undying love make Agra one of the most visited destinations of All India Travel Tours. This is one of the most preferred destinations among tourists during their Travel to India. It is a land of architectural marvel which was built by Mughal Emperors who ruled this place for centuries. Apart from the monumental beauty of Taj Mahal this place is also known for the architectural grandeur of Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri.

Khajuraho the land of architectural delight is known worldwide for the group of Hindu and Jain temples. These magnificent temples are known for the architectural carvings which showcase best of human arts, imagination and sculpture. Temples in Khajuraho are unique in the world because of its erotic saga crafted out of stone by the Chandela Rajput kings of Central India. It is a small town located in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh visited by scores of tourists round the year.

Srinagar the most famous hill station of India is known throughout the world for its sublime greenery, snowcapped mountains and panorama of Himalayan ranges. Large number tourists travel to Srinagar so that they can enjoy their pleasant holidays amidst serene Himalayan backdrop, impressive Dal Lake, houseboats (Shikaras) and the beautiful Mughal gardens.

India is an incredible land so are its destinations. The diverse beauty of this mystic land and its unending attraction lures tourists from several parts of the globe. Some of the other destinations of this list are Varanasi and Leh & Ladakh.

Dubai Museums - Mirroring Arabic Lifestyle & Culture

Dubai is one of the seven emirates of the United Arab Emirates. It has the largest population and second-largest land territory amongst all the emirates. Dubai and Abu Dhabi are the only two emirates which have the veto power. The modern emirate was formed in 1971 after the British left the region.

Even though oil plays an important role in the country's economy and forms the basis for it, yet in the present times, much of the focus has shifted towards the western style economic development. This has resulted in the rise of tourism industry, real estate and financial services. These fields provide a large chunk of revenue to the country. The recent large scale construction projects and sports events have also put a light on the development of the country.

Over the years, Dubai has managed to attract a lot of international visitors. One of the main reasons for this is the relaxation on the taxes for imports and exports. This attracted a large number of international brands here which made it their headquarters. Many of the visitors here are either on a business trip or simply to enjoy the pristine white beaches, the sun, the sand and the surf.

Duty free shopping at the Dubai Airport is one of the important reasons tourists are attracted to this place. Then there is a milieu of shopping malls as well as traditional Arabic Souks which compel the visitors to shop. No wonder then that this city is called the Shopping Capital of the World.

But it is not just the shopping for which this country is famous. It also has a strong rich historical background which is depicted in the various museums spread across the city. The most significant ones in the city are:

Dubai Museum is housed in Al Fahidi Fort which is an 18th century structure located on the Dubai Creek. This place exhibits the culture and history of the city, mainly focusing on the era when oil was yet to be discovered. The pearl industry which was at its best in those times is also showcased here as also the traditional Middle-eastern weaponry. This is the city's flagship museum which attracts a lot of visitors the whole year through.

Narish Khyma Museum is a unique place in itself. It is located within the city's limits very near to the Al Fahidi Fort. Narish Khyama has a vast collection of local boats and showcases the watercraft of the city. Some of these boats are very much in use and can be often seen on the Dubai Creek. Apart from these, there are the traditional Abra boats which are exhibited here. These are made from wood and are capable of seating 20 passengers. They feature a small engine and simple canvas roof.

Sheikh Saeed House was first a National Monument which has now been converted into the Museum of Historical Photographs and Documents. It is a fine piece of architecture and was the residence of Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum who ruled the city during the first half of the 20th century. Today his grandson has assumed this responsibility. The building houses the exhibits which speak about the life of the Sheikh and also about the various stamps, coins and the other local bits and pieces.

5 Common Travel Insurance Claims (and How to Avoid Them!)

4. Cancelled Flights.

Unfortunately there's not much you can do to stop your flight being cancelled but you may be able to lessen the inconvenience.

How you can minimise your risk.

• Contact the airline you're flying with a few days before your departure date to see if there have been any changes.
• On the day of your departure, call your airline before you leave for the airport to check that there hasn't been any last minute cancellations.

5. Travel Delay.

Like cancelled flights, travel delay is usually something that's out of your control. If you're affected by a delayed departure remember to keep all receipts for expenses like meals and accommodation, as they can be used to support your claim.

How you can minimise your risk.

• Fly early in the day (delays tend to get worse as the day goes on).
• Fly midweek.
• Check your flight schedule on the airline website
• Get to the airport early.
• Obey any luggage restrictions especially for carry-on luggage.
• Check the On Time Performance for the airline you're booked with. The Bureau of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Economics (BITRE for short) have developed a great site where you can download a free monthly report showing the punctuality and reliability for all major Australian airlines. If the airline you're thinking of booking with is consistently late - choose another one.

5 Common Travel Insurance Claims (and How to Avoid Them!)

Whether you're on holiday overseas or on a business trip in Australia, you never know when something unexpected might occur. Here are suggestions to help you try to avoid the five most common travel insurance claims.

1. Medical claims

People get sick when they're away. They might eat the wrong food, fall over or have an accident. The best way to prevent falling ill when you're travelling is by doing some research beforehand.

How you can minimise your risk.

• Find out as much as you can about your destination. What diseases could you be exposed to? Can you drink the water? What food should you steer clear of? Simple things like this could save you discomfort and expense.
• Get vaccinated before you head overseas. Check with your GP about the shots or boosters you need.
• Organise to take a reasonable supply of necessary medications with you. You must leave these medications in their original packaging and you might need a letter from your Doctor stating what the medications are for. The Medicare website has great advice about taking medication overseas.

Unfortunately, accidents happen. If you're injured while you're overseas you could be in for big medical bills, especially if you don't have the right travel insurance. Before you leave, double check your insurance policy to see what you're covered for..

It's important to note that the HBF Travel Insurance policy does not cover pre-existing medical conditions unless the condition is applied for, approved, and the required premium paid, for extension of cover.

2. Lost, damaged, delayed or stolen luggage.

There are very few things as frustrating as arriving at your destination without your luggage. A little organisation before you leave can reduce the chances of anything going missing.

How you can minimise your risk.

• Check the condition of your bags before you leave. If they're looking a bit worse for wear buy new ones made from a durable material.
• Tag all your items and put your name and details on the inside and outside of each bag.
• It may sound a little odd but take a picture of your bag with the camera on your phone just in case you need it later.
• Make sure you've removed all other destination stickers from your luggage.
• Avoid tight connections and late check-ins. Checking your bags in early will ensure they make the flight.
• Head straight to the luggage carousel after you land. The less time your bags spend on the belt the better.

If you lose your luggage report it to airport authorities as soon as possible. They'll supply you with a copy of the filed report to include with your insurance claim.

3. Lost or stolen money.

One of the biggest concerns for travellers is keeping money and credit cards safe. The last place you'd want to be is in an unfamiliar country with no money, so keep your wits about you and plan ahead.

How you can minimise your risk.
Be alert and cautious at all times.
Never venture into areas that make you feel uncomfortable.
Securely fasten bags and purses.
Carry credit cards away from cash. If one gets stolen there's a good chance you'll still have the other.
Don't carry all your credit cards with you.
Take a photocopy of your credit cards and travel documents with you incase they are stolen