How Custom Luggage Tags Can Help You

Most people have had a problem with finding our luggage at some point or another. Often, there are a lot of very similar pieces of luggage on the baggage carousel. No one wants to get the wrong bag, or worse, have someone else wander off with their luggage. Even when you get the right bag, finding it can be annoying. After a long flight, we all want to minimize hassle as much as possible. That means making sure you can easily identify your baggage.

Alaska Cruise Reviews

There are many wonderful different cruises that you can take in Alaska. There are some excellent cruise packages to help you save money on your trip. Many people enjoy taking an Alaska cruise for honeymoons, vacation and to simply have time to explore more of the world. The best way to determine what type of cruise is best for you is to read some of the Alaska cruise reviews.

Christian Alaska Cruise

Many people will tell you that Alaska is one of the best states to visit in the United States. The scenery is breath taking. The wildlife is simply amazing. There are areas that are so fresh and beautiful without being filled with commercial things such as strip malls, traffic lights and traffic jams. You can spend time experiencing this beautiful state through a Christian Alaska cruise.

Discount Travel Vacations - Cruise to Cash

Why is Cruise to Cash one of the most desirable new travel vacation clubs to enter the $7 trillion travel industry? Cruise to cash not only offers one the chance to travel at huge discounts and take advantage of a full service, online travel agency, but it offers the buyer to earn money from telling others about this fantastic program.

Global Resorts Network - Talk of the Travel Industry

Why is [Global Resorts Network] the talk of the travel industry? It's simple. It combines huge discount vacations to over 5,000 locations worldwide to timeshare properties without having to own a timeshare and it provides an incredible source of income if the member chooses to tell others about the membership.

Alaska Cruise Tours

Are you considering visiting Alaska? Are you ready to see areas of the Alaska that many people never get to experience? The Alaska cruise tours are an ideal way to get to see many parts of Alaska that are only accessible through the tours. The greatest aspect of the Alaska cruise tours is having someone guide you and tell you all about the different areas that you will experience.

Alaska Vacation Packages

When one thinks of Alaska they often vision rough wilderness and cold climate. The area of Alaska is not harsh and brutal as one might initially anticipate. The land is gorgeous and there are some incredible wildlife areas to take in for your adventurous spirit. One of the best ways to view and truly experience Alaska is through the different Alaska vacation packages available.

Royal Caribbean Alaska Cruise Tour

One of the most popular tour groups available is the Royal Caribbean Alaska Cruise Tour association. They are well known for excellent service, quality tours and very reasonable packages. If you want to travel to Alaska and really enjoy the beautiful scenery, the Royal Caribbean Alaska Cruise Tour is one option that you do not want to miss.

Timeshare Vacation Membership Cancun Mexico and Cabo San Lucas

There is no doubt about it. If you don't read this information and you do buy a timeshare, go on vacation, or even go to sites like Expedia, Travelocity, or Priceline to book your vacation before you read it, in my opinion, you will lose literally thousands of dollars on your vacations over your lifetime of travel. I can say this from first hand experience and I honestly wish I would have known about this years ago. Whether you are considering a timeshare membership in Cancun Mexico or a timeshare membership in Cabo San Lucas or any other part of the world for that matter, you will want to take a look at what you have been missing.

Timeshare Vacation Membership

If you are not taking advantage of a timeshare vacation membership you are wasting a LOT of money on your vacations. Most people don't even know that these types of memberships exist. Like me, they often find out about them AFTER they have purchased a very expensive timeshare. When they realize what they have done, they are now stuck with a timeshare that they can only resell for pennies on the dollar. But I didn't give up. I still looked into the timeshare vacation membership and here's why.

Cancun All Inclusive Resorts - What a Great Vacation!

If you have ever thought of going on vacation to one of the Cancun all inclusive resorts, don't hesitate for a minute. It seems as though I can never stop talking about the breathtaking beauty of the colors I have seen in the waters of Cancun Mexico and of the service I received at the four and five star Palace Resorts was unlike any other service I have experienced in other places I had traveled to in various parts of the world

Discount Cruises for Baby Boomers

Discount cruises that offer excellent service are available for baby boomers if they just know where to look. Every baby boomer knows the value of hanging on to every dollar they have since boomers are living longer than ever. That leaves more time to travel and enjoy life after working for so many years. Boomers also have a lot more time on their hands to travel, so finding discount cruises for baby boomers who have the time and who want to save money is a wise idea.

Discount Timeshare Rentals For Baby Boomers

Baby boomers do not have to pay top dollar to travel. There are ways to save huge amounts of money. Baby boomers can get great discounts on timeshare rentals without having to buy a timeshare. Want to know the secret? Read on.

Alaska Cruise Reviews - Visit Alaska

The state of Alaska is not only the largest state of the United States of America, it is also one of the most diverse states in the US. The per capital income of Alaska is higher than many other states too. Boasting of a huge coastline, Alaska is quite popular with tourists all over the world. Alaska has grown as a tourist hub in the past few decades. What are the reasons for the incredible popularity of Alaska as a tourist destination?

Alaska is home to mountain glaciers, ice fields and beautiful sky-blue icebergs. Alaska abounds in marine life; oysters, seals, dolphins and killer whales are present in huge numbers in Alaska. The native culture of Alaska is popular throughout the United States of America. Cruise-ship passengers frequent Juneau, the capital of Alaska. This city is popular for fishing, camping and hiking.

More Tips for Buying a Timeshare

If you do decide to buy a timeshare it is a good idea to fly to the vacation resort and check it out first. This is the only way to really determine whether or not you are about to buy a lemon or a hot vacation spot. You should never buy a timeshare sight unseen.

Some Advantages of Buying Timeshares

A timeshare is simply the nickname for what is known as fractional ownership. It describes a situation group of individuals share ownership in the same property but the perimeters of ownership are defined by time. Usually the property is a vacation home, condo or second home located in an exotic local but it can be extended to planes or boats as well.

Vacation Ownership in Las Vegas - Enjoy a Holiday in Las Vegas with a Time Share

If you happen to love the glitz and glam of Las Vegas, you may want to consider vacation ownership in Las Vegas. If you have a time share in Las Vegas, then you'll have the ability to go on a vacation to the city whenever you want to. So, if you are looking for a great way to make sure that you get a great vacation every year or you want a cost effective way to manage your vacation investment, a time share in Las Vegas is a great choice. So, whether you just want to rent a timeshare or you decide to purchase one in the Las Vegas area, you are sure to be thrilled with your choice.

Time Shares in Florida - Why They are Great Investments

If you want to invest your money and really make some money back, you may want to consider purchasing time shares in Florida. Many real estate agents have noted that they are a great way to invest your money for a variety of great reasons. In fact, just about any place in Florida is a great place to purchase a time share. No doubt once you do you'll find that there are a lot of great benefits. So, let's take a look at why time shares in Florida are such great investments.

Affordable Travel

We all wait patiently for those yearly travel events to come around. Well, maybe we don't wait so patiently, but the point is they don't come around often. What most of us strive for is an affordable travel plan with all the perks of an outstanding vacation.

All-inclusive vacation with a little Nip and a little Tuck

Ready for that vacation you've been dreaming about? Or would you rather put that vacation off to get that little cosmetic surgery to even thinking about? In today's global economy why not both? Have you ever considered a medical surgery vacation before? Today they are more common than ever before. So what is a medical surgery vacation you ask?

India Tour Attractions Worth Seeing

Given India's immense size, rich history, and cultural diversity, it is no wonder that there is a superabundance of notable India tour attractions in India. If you only have a week or two, you will have to make some decisions about what to see and do. A few of the most popular attractions are listed below.

Disney Cruise Vacations

If you have been wondering if you should take a cruise, but are not sure which cruise line would be right for your special vacation, then you might want to give some thought to taking a Disney cruise. Disney is well-known for making everything they do seem magical and for attending to those little details, and they continue in that tradition with their custom-built cruise ships. Disney cruises are not only perfect for families, but they also present a wonderful experience for people of all ages.

Take a Picnic Basket when you go to Cade's Cove

Venture back to a simpler time. A time before television, radio or the automobile. A time when families ate, worked and lived together. A time when this country was young and unexplored. When you visit the Great Smokey National Park, you get a sense of this time. When you visit Cade's Cove you can see for yourself. Be sure to take along your picnic basket because you are going to want to take the time to relax and enjoy the peace and quiet this remote portion of the Smokey Mountains offers

Suitcase Exporting

The craft market in Otavalo is huge fun - dozens of vendors offering amazingly beautiful tapestries for wall and floor; huge stacks of sweaters, all 'alpaca'; soft cotton shawls of all colours; tables full of silver handcrafted jewellry; colourful tagua necklaces and bracelets, ponchos of all types and colors; unique art and carvings, and on.... and on....

Bargaining is mandatory. If you don't offer at least 30% less than the quoted price, you're going to be sorry. Besides, it's fun! I've found that everyone is willing to bargain, and you will never feel pressured to buy. But you will buy!

How to Get Free Travel Vouchers

If you know what a travel voucher is and you understand how a travel voucher works, you know you can save thousands of dollars on vacation travel over the years. You also know that a "free vacation travel voucher" is usually not truly, 100% free unless someone redeems the voucher for you. The more appropriate name for these free travel vouchers would be "discount travel vouchers".

Honda Element versus the Ford Escape

It seems today everyone is searching for the next big SUV to use for camping vacations or for shuttling the family from point A to point B. Two of today's most popular Sport Utility Models are the Honda Element and the Ford Escape, or Ford Escape Hybrid. We've recently imported both of these vehicles into Canada and in our opinion this is how they shape up, head to head.

Belize City, A Small town lifestyle awaits

You've always dreamed of living in the tropics right? But you swear you couldn't live with out your everyday American amenities such as the nearby Walmart, the Neighbourhood Shopping Mall and your local banker? We'll it may be an adjustment but venturing off to live in Belize City is almost a happy medium between the everyday hustle and bustles big city North American Lifestyle and the pure serenity (read: boredom) of a far off desolate beach paradise. This article is provided courtesy of www.movingtobelizeguide.com/

Orlando Timeshare - The Affordable Way

An Orlando timeshare will make it more affordable for people to enjoy Orlando, which is one of the world's most popular family vacation destination. Blessed with one of the longest white sandy beachfronts of the world and safest bathing beach Orlando offers unlimited excitement and fun. It is a paradise for vacationers and especially children. Dotted with theme parks it offers a complete experience to the visitors.

Retire in Belize, Pure Paradise

The dream of cashing in and soaring off into the sunset to live the life of luxury in a tropical paradise may be closer than you think. Unlike 30 years ago the baby boomer generation has set themselves up for a luxurious lifestyle in retirement. Couple the savings habits of this generation with a boom in American equity values and access to foreign low cost countries and you have the settings for a dream retirement in a tropical paradise.

So how about moving to Belize, retiring in Fiji or sailing on the coast of Costa Rica? All are possible if you consider you financial opportunities in living the life of geographic arbitrage. What exactly does that mean? It means, taking financial assets and income from one geographic location, such as the United States and spending those earnings in another location, such as Central America or Mexico.

Winterizing Your Vacation Home

Winterizing your vacation home is an important part of caring for your vacation residence. Winterizing your vacation home is a little different than your regular home because most people are not in the residence as much as their regular homes. Here are some handy tips for this process.

Nevada Camping

The state of Nevada has varied terrain, including desert, mountains, rivers, forests and lakes. It's a terrific area for observing wildlife and geological wonders. There are numerous ways to enjoy the scenery but Nevada camping sites get visitors close to the natural world. Many of these campgrounds are contained within State Parks and conservation areas.

India Travel

Long haul vacations have become commonplace today as more of us seek out exotic destinations. There is nothing more fascinating than India travel, exploring a country of great culture and history. It is a country of contrast, with wonderful scenery, top class accommodation and ancient temples.

Disabled Travel

If you're disabled, there is no reason why you shouldn't be up to travel just like everyone else. Though there may be restrictions on where you can go and what you can do, you may find that the vacation of your dreams is within your reach. You can find many travel packages that work for almost anyone. Disabled travel does not mean you have to choose a destination you do not like, or settle for anything less than what you want to do.

Daytona Beach

There are many resorts in Florida, attracting visitors to the sunny climate and beach lifestyle. Daytona Beach is one of the most popular areas and it has a varied mix of activities and places to see. There are 23 miles of white beaches and a large number of hotels and motels cope with the rising population during summer. Fishing and water sports are popular, including kayaking, surfing and parasailing.

What is an "Incoming travel agent"

Most travel agents are 'outbound'; that is, they send their customers out of the country on holidays abroad.
An 'inbound' or 'incoming' agent, on the other hand, welcomes customers from abroad, providing them with services in the country where they're based. Traditionally, incoming agents have worked in the background, providing services to 'outbound' agents on a purely wholesale basis. When your local High street travel agent sells you a package in the Maldives or Bermudas, he's usually relying on an incoming agent over there on the islands. The outbound agent arranges flights and payment; the incoming agent provides accommodation, activities and transfers on site.

As far as long-haul destinations are concerned, this schema still works although it's beginning to crack. But the arrival of low-cost short-haul airlines means that the old order has imploded: the customer can now find, book and pay for his own flight. She can now organize her own holiday without the outbound agent ... even to the point of hiring cars, booking hotels and arranging activities abroad. Does this mean that the incoming agent is as obsolete as the out-going one? Probably not so, for a number of reasons: firstly the incoming agent lives and works in the country, therefore he knows more about what to see, what hotels to avoid, which ski resorts are good etc. Secondly, he has built up a relationship with his suppliers (car hire, transfers, hotels, activities) which means getting a better price than you would get. The result is that he can create and market packages as cheap as (or cheaper) than you could ... sparing you the time and guaranteeing you quality accommodation and service.

Officially, an incoming agent in France is an 'agence réceptive', with a State travel agent license and compulsory insurance and bonding. France has about the toughest licensing requirements of any country in Europe, guaranteeing customers of the financial soundness and seriousness of license-holders. An 'agence réceptive' may not sell airline tickets but may book, sell or organize any tourism-related product once the customer is in France.

African Safari - The Wildest Adventure Ever

Seeing wildlife up close and personal and in their own habitat is hard to beat. Add wonderful scenery and it's a memorable experience. African safari vacations have become very popular and there are numerous companies that provide packages designed to bring a bit of adventure under expert supervision. Accommodation is usually in lodges and camps, equipped with hot showers. Meals and barbecues are prepared by the company cook.

Discount Cruise Ship Vacations - Are They For Real?

In this society of deals and discounts, there are also discount cruise ship vacations? Besides shopping at discount stores or use multiple coupons, this is yet another way of saving money.

How to Estimate the Cost of Your Cruise Ship Vacation?

When it comes to planning a cruise ship vacation, many families are concerned with the cost. If you are spending your next vacation aboard a cruise ship, there are a number of different ways that you can estimate the total cost of your vacation.

Preparing for Trips to Mexico

Preparation is the key to your safety when planning trips to Mexico. Begin with a careful and well thought-out plan, including your budget, where you will stay, as well as important information and contact numbers in case of an emergency.

Exotic Travel

Most individuals have the urge to travel. They want to take adventures to far off lands and see new things. Things that they feel are unattainable in some way if they remain within their country's borders. I'm not really one of these people. I love the USA, and am so glam I was born here.

Camping Sites

Now that the weather is getting nicer, many are thinking about what they want to do over the summer. Camping is a popular activity, and many like to find the best camping sites as early in the year as they can. When calling a place to book a site, it is important to ask a few very important questions, as not all of these places are good, and each site will have something different to offer.

Family Vacations In Mexico - Popular Destinations

Family vacations in Mexico is quite common aside from it being popular with young adults and couples. If you and your family are currently searching for your next family vacation destination, you will want to take Mexico into consideration.

Banff Springs Hotel

Nestled in the Canadian Rockies is a beautiful hotel that people from all over the world flock to. It’s a perfect venue for holding a wedding and ideal for a couple in need of some special away time. It’s the Banff Springs Hotel and whether you love the crisp Canadian air or not, you’ll enjoy spending a weekend lapping up the luxury of this northern treasure.

Enjoy Touring the California Wineries And California Wine

California wine and wineries are well known. While they do not have as much romance and mystery as their European counterparts do, they, however, have a vibrance and body to them that is hard to deny.

Best Gas Mileage For An SUV

So how do average middle class individuals and families afford such atrocious gas bills? I'm not so sure many of them can at this point. If that were the case, car companies wouldn't be coming out with more economical models such as the Rav-4 and Honda Element. I think people are now on the look-out for the best gas mileage SUV.

Family Camping In Europe

On a trip with Explore, U.K., some of fellow travelers told us about their COMPLETLY PROVIDED FOR family camping experiences in Europe. Now, I had never even thought that something like that was possible, let alone existed.

What I discovered was Key Camp, a company that organizes camping holidays with sites in France, Spain, Italy Luxembourg, Holland, Austria and Switzerland. Their holidays include: a choice of luxury two-three bedroom mobile homes, chalets and even spacious four-bedroom supertents - something for every budget and fully equipped! They have on-line route planners for your vacation, children's clubs (from tots to teenagers), and suggestions for couples seeking an activity holiday. Depending on your camp site, it's possible to scuba dive, sail, windsurf, canoe, golf, fish, and much more.

How to get the best timeshare bargain

When looking for a timeshare bargain it's in your best interest to make enquiries regarding various time share providers.

You also need to understand the particulars about what each time share vacation offers and how they differ.

Tour of Kampala and On To Ngamba Island - Uganda

The Boma served breakfast from very early in the morning...a necessity since most international flights arrive in the wee hours. After a semi-leisurely breakfast...View image..., the group was off to start our trip....View image...

First up was a tour of Kampala, only 33 miles away from Entebbe but with horrendous traffic jams getting into, and through, the center of the city. Kampala is built on seven hills (like Rome), 10% of the country's population lives there (over 2 million) and English is the main language.

British Airways to Uganda

Duffels packed and off to London Heathrow (one of my least favorite airports in the world - until today). Those of you who always fly Business Class can just ignore my ravings. This is for us poor schleppers who usually sit in steerage unless able to shake loose a free Business Class ticket using miles. The British Airways
flight to Entebbe only had two classes - Business and Economy. Full-recline sleeper seats in Business Class with unusual configuration - one seat facing towards the back of the plane and the adjacent seat facing front....taking off backwards took some getting used to....View image...an easy, enjoyable flight.

Arrival at Heathrow, and the usual haul between terminals (Heathrow has 4!) to Terminal 4, where most British Air flights arrive and depart from. With Business Class boarding passes in hand, we were welcomed into the BA club which includes a Molton Brown Spa...with showers (multiple heads on the wall plus a rain shower) and free MASSAGES! You have your choice of a 20-minute back/neck, facial or foot massage but it's important to make a reservation. Since our flight arrived at the oh-so-lovely hour of 6:00 a.m., it was easy to get a reservation at any time we wanted.

Welcomed into the second level...

Rwanda Facts and Planning

Rwanda is a poor country, a little smaller than Maryland, with almost 90% of the population engaged in subsistence farming. It is the most densely populated country in Africa. After the 1994 genocide decimated Rwanda's economy it took many years for the country to stabilize and rehabilitate itself but Rwanda also has done a complete about face and made it a wonderful place to visit. The country is filled with warm, smiling faces and officials who are really glad to see you.

Dian Fossey is almost single-handedly credited with bringing the plight of Rwanda's endangered Mountain Gorillas, their conservation and protection from poachers, to the attention of the world. She was murdered by an unknown assailent in her cabin at the Karisoke Research Center in the Virunga Mountains in 1985, the same mountains we were going to visit. There are only approximately 625 gorillas left in the wild - completely heartbreaking after our visits to observe these awe-inspiring gentle creatures. The world's remaining Mountain and Lowland Gorillas are scattered in three countries: Uganda (Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park), Democratic Republic of Congo (completely unsafe to visit) and Rwanda.

Bathrooms Around The World

If you are potty-trained in the United States, using a bathroom doesn't require much thought. Whether it be flushing the toilet, filling the bathtub, turning on the shower or sink...easy, right? But venturing out into sometimes remote destinations requires a completely different mindset unless you stay exclusively in major tourist hotels.

We've discovered that taking care of personal hygiene requires a little adaptation and flexibility in each unique circumstance:

- Hiking, in the bush or along the road, find a secluded spot and do your business. Apologies to all eco-friendly people...I have never developed the knack of burning my own toilet paper...and opt for the scuffing out a dirt hole with my boot, covering and tamping down;

- The other "hole in the ground" eastern-style toilets are a little more difficult. Straddling, balancing, keeping your pants from getting wet...while holding a purse, backpack, toilet paper...not easy;

- Even a regular flush toilet takes some time figuring out if there is a chain to pull, button to push in top of tank, or a handle that pulls UP instead of down to flush.

I thought that we'd seen them all but recently experienced two new toilet-types during our Uganda/Rwanda trip:

Uganda Facts and Planning

Uganda's original boundaries were created by Britain but was never colonized because the monarchy system worked so well Britain didn't think it was necessary. Instead, Britain made it a Protectorate and grouped together a wide range of ethnic groups with different politics and culture. Because of these differences, it was not possible to establish a working political community after independence in 1962. Along came the regime (1971-1979) of dictator Idi Amin, a person responsible for the deaths of over 300,000 Ugandans in eight years. This was followed by a guerrilla war and human rights abuses under Milton Obote which claimed at least another 100,000 lives.

Uganda is now a shining example of how economy should be in Africa and how to turn a country around. It has substantial natural resources. Coffee accounts for the bulk of export revenues, and agriculture is the most important part of the economy (Uganda has extremely fertile soil) in this densely populated country. Over 80% of Uganda is subsistence farming.

Visiting Uganda and Rwanda

It was 1976 when I first paid serious attention to the East African Country of Uganda. The Entebbe incident, was all over television. A daring rescue mission was performed by Israel to free hostages on the hijacked Air France plane at the Entebbe Airport. The dictatorial regine of Idi Amin was responsible and everyone had heard of him. That removed Uganda from my "must-see places." (A recent must-see thriller is "The Last King of Scotland" about Idi Amin that held me glued to my seat.)

Rwanda was a completely different situation. The first travel operators started running trips to see the Mountain Gorillas of Rwanda (Abercrombie &Kent, comes to mind), perhaps 15 years ago. The gorilla permits were too expensive for ex-Marine (husband, Steve) and myself at that time and then came the Rwanda genocide in 1994. That took care of visting the Mountain Gorillas.

And Then The Problems Began... - Myanmar

At the Mandalay Airport waiting to fly from Mandalay-Yangon-Sittwe, the problems began. There was a low pressure system over the Bay of Bengal causing unseasonably, heavy rains. This created a major snafu in all Myanmar airports. The first rule of flying in Myanmar is: there are extremely few non-stop flights. Most planes make at least two stops on every route. If your flight is a rare non-stop it is only because the plane has already made several stops and is on its way back to Yangon. Our plane was coming from Yangon, stopping at Pagan, picking us up in Mandalay, going on to Kentung, returning to Yangon, where our connecting flight was flying to Sittwe.

The waiting room was packed with people going to Pagan, Yangon and Kentung because it was too cloudy and rainy for the planes to land in Pagan. Everyone visits Mandalay and Pagan on their first trip to Myanmar...we did. Thank heavens for Toe otherwise we wouldn't have had a clue as to what was going on. Occasionally, a static filled announcement was made that no one could understand. Toe went back and forth to the personnel trying to get the latest news while tourists traveling without guides would come up to us and ask, "do you know what's happening?"

Mingun - Myanmar

Mingun is located about 6 miles up the Ayeyarwady River from Mandalay. The main attraction is the ruined Mingun Paya, a Buddhist temple with the remains of a massive stupa begun by King Bodawpaya in 1790. The temple was not completed, because an astronomer claimed that the King would die when the temple was finished.

A gigantic bell was cast to go with this huge stupa. The Mingun Bell weighs 90 tons, and is today the largest uncracked bell in the world.

You reach Mingun by ferryboats across the river. It takes an hour upriver and 40 minutes for the return. A little private boat was arranged for our transport and we walked across the larger tourist boats until we reached our canopy-covered boat. There were several lawn chairs to sit on, freshly made tea and cookies waiting for us. Unfortunately, the hot, sunny weather was changing to cool with possible rain and I just about froze to death. The lady boat-owner kept bringing bath towels and life vests to keep me warm.

Mandalay, Sagaing, and Innwa (Ava) - Myanmar

Headed back down Golden Rock on the trucks and drove back to Yangon for the evening. ...View image... Flew Air Mandalay early the next morning from Yangon and started our sightseeing with a visit to Sagaing Hill which is perhaps the living center of Buddhist faith in Burma today. The hillsides are dotted with numerous pagodas and monasteries. Arriving at the top, I suddenly remembered that we had visited Sagaing in 1988. Not much has changed over the years but my mind!

Lunch at the Silver Sky Restaurant, on to the local ferry to visit Innwa (Ava) located on an island between the Ayeyarwady (the famous "road to Mandalay...") and Myitnge Rivers. We visited Ava by horse cart (you could also walk although the distances were great or even take a bullock cart). ... View image...The ruins of a brick and stucco monastery called Maha Aungmye Bonzan (also known as Ok Kyaung) is the main site.

Kyaiktiyo (Golden Rock) and Mandalay - Myanmar

Kyaiktiyo is "Golden Rock," a huge boulder completely covered with gold leaf. The gilded boulder is delicately balanced on the edge of the sloping surface of a separate rock table. The boulder and rock barely touch each other. The legend is that the position of the boulder is held by virtue of the power of a Hair relic of Gautama Buddha, enshrined in the pagoda. Built in 574 BC (more than 2500 years ago) and recognized as one of the wonders of Southeast Asia, Golden Rock is an important pilgrimage site. The Kyaiktiyo Pagoda (Pagoda and/or Stupa are interchangeable words) is located on top of Mt. Kyaiktiyo at about 3,600 feet above sea level.

You get to the top by taking an open truck (very crowded) up the 6-mile dirt road to a mid-staging point. ...View image... The lower area is surrounded by food stalls and lots of hustle and bustle. The truck operators have their routine down to a science...wait until each truck is completely loaded, jowl-to-jowl,...cheek-to-cheek... and head on up with everyone hanging on for dear life. We smooshed ourselves in towards the backside of the truck to hold on because it resembles a bumpy, roller coaster ride. At the half-way mark, all foreigners get off with the aid of a little ladder and start walking to the final stage (another three miles), up steep paths. Foreigners are not allowed to travel any higher by vehicle because the road is steep and dangerous. ...View image...

Yangon, Bago and Kyaiktiyo

Toe, our guide, was standing in the airport inside customs waiting for us with all our Visa-on-arrival forms filled out. He rushed us into a small room where the Customs Official took our $$, stamped our passports, and we left the airport, past all the lines of tourists waiting to enter Burma! This was a very unexpected and impressive "rich and famous" moment.

To Trader's Hotel (part of the Shangri-La Hotel chain) in downtown Yangon and a fast visit to the market to exchange money. Toe couldn't accompany us into the market because he said there were many police standing around, but he told us what to do. Go up to one of the many jewelers inside, ask if they are exchanging dollars. If not, go to the next one until you find the proper person. Mission accomplished, we walked out with 1,000,000 Kyats barely stuffed in our fanny packs, looking like two pregnant whales. There are also people standing around on the street asking if you want to change money and Toe said they would have taken you into the market, directly to their favorite money-changer. We were just too chicken to try that.

Planning A New Trip To Myanmar

Tour Operators? We have always used Diethelm Travel. Diethelm has a huge presence in Southeast Asia, is extremely reliable, and has an excellent reputatiion - so important in this part of the world. There are many other Myanmar tour operators but we stick with Diethelm. E-mailing back and forth to make plans (leisure@diethlem.com.mm) and use wire-transfers for payment - no credit cards. It's very easy to wire-transfer. Diethlem usually requires a minimal deposit and they are very responsive to your needs. As a reminder - I never recommend anyone that we haven't used, receive no discounts and pay our own way.

Visas? Yes, you must have one. Diethelm obtained our Visa-upon-arrival for a small surcharge, but you can also go on-line to Embassy of Myanmar, download forms, fill out, and mail off application and passport to get a Visa. The Embassy had on-line applications for Visas in 2004, but it was discontinued. Who knows, perhaps they will reinstate it because it was so easy to do.

Returning to Myanmar/Burma

This was our third trip to Myanmar (Burma) using the same tour operator, Diethelm Travel, and same guide, Than Toe Win. Why do we keep returning?

- This small country has a lot to see with the Myanmar Government constantly opening new areas to tourism . There aren't many countries where you are probably the first Westerner the locals have ever seen and one of the first Westerners who have ever visited that area. With tourism growing, get there now!

- Because tourism is still relatively undeveloped, you have a chance to experience South Asia the way it once was. Albeit, without many frills.

- The hotels and food situation has improved dramatically since our first trip in 1988 when the food was inedible, and is extremely delicious.

- The people are thrilled to welcome us to their country, and intereact. Gracious, sweet people who need tourism badly, starved for outside contact, and we have a chance to make a positive impact on their lives.

With Diethlem's input and many e-mails, we planned a trip to Kyaiktiyo, Mandalay, into the Rakhine State, ending in Ngapali (pronounced Napoli) for a little R&R, an up-and-coming beach resort area. Rakhine State is a very remote area in the west of Myanmar with simple accommodations, bad roads, erratic supply of electricity but few touris