Archive for February, 2011

Things to know when traveling to Costa Rica

Monday, February 28th, 2011
traveling
by Kasaa

Before traveling outside your native country to another country you should prepare yourself.  Learning about the country before you go can prevent common problems or confusion.  Cultures vary throughout the world and sometimes a simple misunderstanding can become a big deal.  Learning about the basic life, culture and laws of a country you are traveling to can help you to be prepared and have an enjoyable vacation.

The basic things you need to know include how to get around, business hours and various other points.  Once you get to Costa Rica you need to know how to get around from place to place, especially if you are not within walking distance of your destination.  Buses are the main form of transportation.  It is the most cost efficient and easiest way to get around.  Do be aware that the buses in Costa Rica are small and sometimes cramped.  You will not be able to take along luggage and if you need a lot of legroom you will be in trouble.  Another form of transportation is a rental car.  They are quite more expensive and you need to have insurance that will cover the rental car in case of an accident.  Also know that most rental cars are standards, so if you do not know how to drive one you may be out of luck.  Business hours in Costa Rica are much like that in the United States.  Typically they run from 8 or 9 AM to 3 or 5 PM.  Everyday a lunch break takes place between noon and 2PM.  Also on Sundays most places will be closed.  Costa Rica runs on Central Standard time, which means some of those traveling from the US may get to avoid jet lag all together.  The healthcare system in Costa Rica is very advanced.  They have an excellent system that offers up-to-date medical care in modern hospitals.  You can most often find doctors that speak English as well.  These basic facts will help you to get used to life in Costa Rica, but there are some more things you should get to know.

In Costa Rica there are some legal things you need to know.  If you are renting a car be aware that Costa Rica is a good place to have an accident.  Drivers here rank low for auto accident rates. The speed limits are posted either on signs or painted on the pavement and you should always be aware of them. The speed limits range from 45 to 55 MPH in general.   Costa Rica laws require that all luggage is screened through customs and declarations must be filled out for certain items like food and anything valuable.  Alcohol is legal for those over the age of eighteen.  Also be aware that prostitution is legal in Costa Rica for those over eighteen. When you are ready to leave Costa Rica you should know you will be required to pay an exit fee approx. 27.00.  These helpful hints about legal do’s and don’ts will help you avoid problems while in Costa Rica.

It is always nice to know about little things that are often overlooked on travel websites or in brochures.  The water heaters in hotels in Costa Rica are not like those in the United States.  You will find they are mostly plastic tubes with an electrical gadget in the nozzle.  This means hot water may not always be hot.  The busiest time in Costa Rica is during what is called the high season.  The high season is between December and May.  You may find that getting reservations can be difficult during this time.  You usually do not have to tip while out in Costa Rica.  A 10% tip is added to your bill. Another good thing to know is that the sewer systems can handle toilet paper unlike those in other countries. The water system in Costa Rica is treated and safe to drink. The electricity in Costa Rica is the same as in the United States.  They do not use the grounding prong in some locations, so be aware of the need for adapters for this reason.  Dancing is big in Costa Rica and you can find dance clubs all over.  Laundry mats are not common in Costa Rica.  Most people send their laundry out to be washed. Some vacation rentals offer a washer/dryer as an amenity.  These helpful little hints can help you get through your vacation without a mishap.

Costa Rica is a lovely, peaceful country.  There is a lot to see and do.  Once you have decided on Costa Rica get to know a little more about the country so you can enjoy everything it has to offer.

We traveled to Costa Rica on vacation in 2001. Fell in love with the people and their country. Purchased property on the last day of our vacation and built a vacation villa. Specializing in vacation accommodations, all inclusive and self catering available all of which are surrounded by Costa Rica’s biodiversity. Find more useful information about Costa Rica by visiting our web sites.

Costa Rica Vacation Rentals

Costa Rica Hotels and Resorts

Costa Rica Travel and Accommodations


Article from articlesbase.com

Tags: , , , ,

How to select a backpack that serves your versatile purposes

Monday, February 28th, 2011

Nowadays the purpose of a backpack is not limited to keeping a laptop in it; rather the item is utilized to carry other necessary belongings as well. Previously the laptop bags used to have a strap that was utilized to carry on hand or shoulder, but as of recently you can get better designs that not only look stylish but also serve a great purpose.

Before you head to purchase a leather backpack try to identify exact requirements.  You can consider some of the facts listed below-

Setting a Budget- First think about how much you intend to spend.  Backpacks are available from a lower budget to an expensive range as well. Before spending hefty bucks on a backpack research on the brand reputation and compare prices. Usage limit- Well backpacks are something that can go just about anywhere you go. If you need to use a backpack on daily basis getting a high end backpack with at high cost could be a great idea. Size always matters- Opt for a one that best suits your needs. It is always good to figure out the largest load you would be carrying and then go a size that is safer. People on frequent business trips should purchase a bag according to the carry-on limitations by the airlines. Style- It is the most crucial factor that has to be taken into account.  For instance backpack that is utilized more for traveling purpose can be casual while if it has to be used frequently for office meetings then it has to be formal.

Well, now may also be a bit stumbled, so check out the few choices of a perfect backpack below-

Rolling backpacks- These come under a solid variety of travel companions, it is comprised with style as well as utility features. Featuring several compartments the bag has a place for your laptop, gadgets and documents.

Day packs- Well, these can be utilized for day hikes, many of day packs are provided with a hip and chest belt so that the bag is nestled tightly with your body.

Expedition Backpacks- These are best suited for long trips and hikes; generally broader hip belts are designed so that the weight is distributed across your hips and hence giving less weight to your shoulders.

Along with a wide range of backpacks which include laptop backpacks, leather backpacks, rolling backpacks, sling backpacks, kid’s backpacks and many more select one that matches your style as well utility. Probably this article can help you a bit in finding the right travel companion for yourself. http://www.gotbriefcases.com

At gotbriefcases.com you can find a distinctive range of Leather Briefcases, handbags, and leather duffel bag. The company has all the latest brands which include Andrew Philips, Clava, Floto, Leather Bay and many more.For more leather briefcases and backpacks just visit http://www.gotbriefcases.com


Article from articlesbase.com

Tags: , , , ,

Tips For Traveling Safely

Monday, February 28th, 2011

Just days ago, a massive earthquake hit the country of Haiti. Unfortunately there are many people who were killed, and many still the missing. Some of those people are from other countries, either visiting Haiti on vacation or visiting Haiti to try to offer assistance of some kind even before the earthquake hit.

This is a very unfortunate incident, but it points out the dangers that can sometimes be fall travelers when they go to other countries, or even other cities. You never know when a natural disaster might come up, and you’re caught off guard because you’re in unfamiliar territory.  While there’s nothing you can do to completely protect yourself while you’re away on vacation, there are a few things you should think of while you’re traveling that might help you, or at least help other people to help you.

First, try to always have a cell phone handy. It’s true that cell phones don’t work everywhere because everyone is in on the same network around the world, but every country has to sell phones, and even temporary ones are easy to obtain. With the cell phone, at least have programmed the number of the hotel you’re staying at an emergency number of at least one person who’s not where you are. If that person has to be someone at home, then so be it. Also make sure that if you have a temporary cell phone that other people know what that phone number is in case they need to try to reach you.

Second, always try to have something to drink with you if you’re traveling around town. Caring about of water or a small bottle of some kind of drink could become important if you don’t have the opportunity to get to anything fresh to drink for long period of time. Also, there are a lot of countries were drinking the water could give you physical problems later on, so there’s another extra layer of protection you will have.

Third, always have a couple of snack foods to eat, and something to suck on to keep your mouth moist. You can survive longer without food than you can without something to drink, and having at least a little bit of something else to take the edge off if you can’t get to any other food for a long time. The same thing with having something to help keep your mouth moist such as gum or some kind of lozenges or even some kind of hard candy. These items might not save your life, but they will help you stay comfortable.

Fourth, always have some kind of identification on you. Whether it’s a drivers license, passport, or just some kind of identification like a little card that comes with the wallet, it’s more important that someone can identify who you are when you’re not at home than when you are at home. At least when you’re home, there are a lot more people that know who you are and what you look like. You don’t have that same luxury when you’re out of town, so if a disaster struck and someone at home starts inquiring about you, if something bad happened to you it’s easier to identify you.

Travel Tip: Locate the best cheap hotel deals from the leader in discount family vacation packages and discount all-inclusive vacations – DiscountHotels.com


Article from articlesbase.com

Tags: , ,