Painless packing is what everyone strives for but not necessarily always attains. Following are some great travel packing tips for making the very start of your holiday as pain free as possible.

Make sure you always have a plan of attack!

Avoid over packing by making a list at least 2 days before your departure. Choose pieces that do double duty for both day and evening. Now I know it’s hard but don’t take more than 3 pairs of shoes (including the ones on your feet) and yes that includes the guys as well.

Wrinkles appear not only on your face!

“Bundle wrapping” keeps clothes crease free. Start with a small rectangular parcel of socks or underwear and wrap your clothing around that, building on each layer. Start loading clothes into your bag. Items closest to the centre should be made from material that doesn’t wrinkle, like knits.

Do I have to take it!

Call or google your hotel and check to see which amenities they provide – if they have it don’t even think about taking it. Or, think about investing in a travel hairdryer and iron, which don’t weigh down your luggage.

There you have it, some simple travel packing tips to get your holiday off to a great start!

Phuket has a new artificial coral reef and you can now enjoy great diving as part of your Phuket holiday.

The new diving site is located off Bang Tao Bay, in Phuket’s Talang district. In 16-18 meters deep water a fleet of old and unused aircraft which used to belong to the Thai airforce have been sunk into the sand bed about one kilometre away from the natural coral reef and Bang Tao Beach.

The sunken aircraft had been used heavily during World War I and the Vietnam War. This in a way, lends the diving site a great sense of historical value, apart from physical attractiveness.

So now on top of the great Phuket resorts, beaches, shopping and nightlife that can be enjoyed on
a Phuket holiday you can now add Phuket diving to the list of activities.

A Hawaii Holiday is one of the best holidays that you can undertake. There is a huge range of Hawaii accommodation to choose from as well as a huge range of activities. Here are 10 of the best activities I have found on my visits to Hawaii. Remember, there are several islands that make up Hawaii and all of them have special activities. The goal is for you to have the most fun possible and enjoy your Hawaii holiday.

Hawaii Activity #1 Hanauma Bay

Hanauma Bay, on the island of Oahu, boasts an amazing coral reef that is simply out of this world. There are many fish species that call Hanauma Bay and the coral reef their home, which makes for incredible snorkeling. In fact, so many people snorkel at Hanauma Bay that it often gets quite crowded. So, if you want to snorkel you should get there early or find out which days are the slowest in order to enjoy this fabulous experience.

Hawaii Activity #2 Hawaii Volcanoes

The Volcanoes National Park on the main island of Hawaii is out of this world. When you visit this park you will encounter 330,000 acres preserved for hiking and the like, as well as Mona Lau volcano that is dormant and the active, lava flowing Kilauea volcano. You will be impressed to see the red, hot glow of lava oozing out of this volcano. Spend a few hours or even a few days in The Volcanoes National Park.

Hawaii Activity #3 Maui Drive

Take the road from the Kahului Airport all the way to Hana and you will pass over countless bridges, enjoy the beautiful landscape where you will see pineapples growing and proceed through the tropical rainforest where other amazing fruits grow in addition to eucalyptus trees (just like home). It takes several hours to make this short drive, but near the end you will be blessed with the vision of black sand beaches that are simply astonishing in their beauty. When you finally end up in Hana you can enjoy excursions to waterfalls as well as great hikes.

Hawaii Activity #4 Waimea Canyon
Located on the island of Kauai the Waimea Canyon is simply a breathtaking experience. The canyon is so large and colourful that Mark Twain dubbed it the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.” You will love
the adventure and scenery so you must include this on your “to do” list.

Hawaii Activity # 5 Waikiki Beach

If you are looking for a luxurious resort and a relaxing beach, then Waikiki Beach is the place for you. There are many resorts located right on the foreshore of Waikiki which was made popular in the 1800s by Hawaiian royalty who frequented the area. There are many standards of accommodation from budget ( a few blocks back) to luxurious right on the beachfront.

Hawaii Activity #6 Kona

The Kona coast on the big island of Hawaii is a great resort location and its beaches are fabulous for sun bathing and other beach activities, as well as fishing and even snorkeling. As a result, many people holiday here because there are so many activities available in one place. There are also coffee plantations that produce the natural and organic Kona coffee and there are tours available to see how coffee is grown, processed, and ultimately packaged and sold. Whatever you decide to do, Kona has a lot of options.

Hawaii Activity # 7 Na’Pali Coast

The island of Kauai boasts the Na’Pali Coast which is one of nature’s wonders. The towering cliffs originate on the ocean’s floor and ascend from the water to create amazing gorges created by waterfalls streaming down over centuries and eroding the stone. You can hike to the Na’Pali coast, but you would need to allow a full day to do this, there are however other options available including boat tours and helicopter rides that will also allow you to reach Na’Pali without so much effort.

Hawaii Activity #8 Iao Valley

This cloud covered valley on the island of Maui provides a historical lesson for tourists because this flourishing valley was the home to the agricultural god, Lono, and during feast week the Hawaiians all
join together in the Iao Valley to honour Lono. You will be amazed at the shape of the valley and the general feeling you have of history when you visit this amazing place on Maui.

Hawaii Activity #9 Go Whale Watching

Whale watching can be a spectacular experience so you should definitely include this in your itinerary. There are whale watching tours that can be booked from Hawaii, Kauai, Oahu, or Maui. You should book in advance, however, because these tours fill quickly and are not available year round!

Hawaii Activity #10 Luau

When people think of Hawaii the first thing that comes to mind is the luau. As a result, when you visit the islands you absolutely must attend a Polynesian luau to top off your holiday. You will enjoy
the food, music, dance, and sites of the luau and it will be an experience that will stay with you long after your holiday ends.

When you visit the islands you will not have enough time to do all the amazing activities waiting for you. So, you should pick the ones you find most interesting and save the rest for another Hawaii
holiday.

The Czech Republic is located in Central Europe bordering Poland to the north, Germany to the northwest and west, Austria to the south, and Slovakia to the east. The capital of Czech Republic is Prague which is also the biggest city and a popular tourist destination.  Brno, Ostrava, Plzeň, Olomouc, , České Budějovice, Zlín, Hradec Králové, Ústí nad Labem, Pardubice and Karlovy Vary are the other important cities of Czech Republic.  There are 2 distinct cultural and geographic regions, Bohemia and Moravia. Bohemian cities and towns are popular for their spas and wine vineyards. It is also home to many castles which are open for visitors. One of the other tourism attractions is the availability of hundreds of miles of marked trails for hiking, cycling and skiing.

In Prague, tourism is very strong and there are many things to see and do including:

The Castle District (Hradèany) – It has some of the best churches and museums. It also has some beautiful gardens, fortifications and state apartments also.

St Vitus Cathedral – It is located in the Castle District, the prominent feature of this cathedral is the spires which soar high in the sky. It is also country’s largest church with great architecture.

Charles Bridge (Karluv Most) – This is one of the most popular tourist spots of the city and should not be missed.

Old Town Square (Staromĕstské Námestí) – It is the most vibrant square of Prague with many historical structures. It also hosts various markets every year like yearly Christmas market.

The Jewish Museum – It is the largest Jewish Museum in Central Europe with a vast collection of Judaic art works.

Vyšehrad – Is a great hill fort built on a rock above the river.

At the moment there is a fabulous 8 day tour taking in Prague and other highlights of Czech Republic departing from Prague in September, 2011.

You can download the pdf here or see details below:

8 DAY ESCORTED TOUR OF PRAGUE & CZECH REPUBLIC

Tour Inclusions

• 8 Day Escorted tour of Prague & Czech Republic
• 5 Nights Deluxe Accommodation in Prague
• 1 Night stay in castle accommodation (Hluboka near Cesky Krumlov)
• 1 Night stay in Famous Spa Town Karlovy Vary
• Tours of Unesco listed towns of Hluboka, Cesky Krumlov & Kutna Hora
• Full Day Tour of Prague including Prague Castle in Detail
• Choice of visit to Karlstejn Castle or Vltava River Cruise with Lunch
• Prague Folklore Dinner party
• All meals
• Airport Transfers
• Services of a Professional Guide Throughout

$2,995 p/p twin share

$500 OFF per couple when you book Emirates to Europe

Conditions: Departure from Prague 5 September 2011.  Airfares not included.  To receive $500 per couple discount, you must book Emirates Airlines flights to Europe with Check Us Out Travel.  A non-refundable tour deposit of $500 per person must be received within 7 days of reservation, Flights must be fully paid within 21 days of confirmation.  Final payment no later than 90 days prior to departure. Travel insurance is strongly recommended. These conditions should be read in conjunction with terms and conditions on the Check Us Out Travel brochure.

To book this fabulous tour of Prague and Czech Republic:

Email:      bb@checkusouttravel.com.au

Phone in Australia:      1300 794 543   and quote booking code – BB

If you travel frequently, then you’re always looking for a travel gadget that make your trip just a little bit easier and more comfortable. Here are some gadgets that you should definitely include in your case.

Do You Speak …?

It’s not always easy to get to grips with a new language, but if you just need a few key phrases to get you started, consider a pocket translator or phrasebook. Available as stand-alone gadgets or mobile applications, these gizmos usually have thousands of useful phrases so that you won’ be lost for words when you travel.

Powering Up

Make sure that you never have to worry about a power failure when you’re on the road by carrying a universal power adapter so you can connect from anywhere. While power supply is not usually a problem for laptops, it can be for other devices, so it’s a good idea to make sure you have power. If you’re planning to hire a car, a universal in-car charger is a good (and light) alternative.

Overweight Or Underweight

Travellers always worry about whether they will have to pay charges for overweight luggage. Avoid the worry by carrying a digital luggage scale. This small piece of kit allows you to attach a hook to one end of your luggage, while holding the other end in your hand, to get an instant assessment of what your baggage weighs. You never know, you might have more room than you think.

All-In-One Entertainment

These days a mobile phone is a particularly useful gadget, because in one small package you have a device that allows you to surf the net, take photos, listen to music, read ebooks and even watch videos. It replaces multiple devices, and though stand-alone devices may offer increased functionality, carrying a mobile will save on weight – an important consideration when luggage allowances have been reduced.

And More …

The list of useful travel gadgets goes on and on, but if you have the room, here are a few more to consider:

a USB flash drive with as high a capacity as you can manage, which has a portable browser and any other important files you need
a SteriPen to sterilize water when going to places where water hygiene is not what you’re used to
a camera or mobile phone with a built in projector (useful for business travellers)
video goggles for private in-flight movie viewing or the sea-going version for taking underwater films.

http://www.bbtravel.com.au/recommends/twilighttrail.htm

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Follow the link and grab your chance to win with Intrepid Travel

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Expedia.com.au – Accommodation Auckland 72 hour Sale – Save up to 50% on Auckland hotels! – Sale ends June 3, 2010 (11:59 PM AEST)

Auckland Travel Guide

What to expect in Auckland

Fresh breezes, billowing sails, and Polynesian culture – Auckland pleases with its gorgeous harbour, enviable lifestyle, and Maori heritage. Book hotel rooms for less with our great Auckland hotel deals.

When to visit Auckland

When to go to Auckland?
With its coastal climate, Auckland doesn’t experience many temperature extremes. Nonetheless, winter months (June through August) can be chilly and rainy, so pack accordingly. If you’re planning a harbour excursion or a bit of sailing at any time, bring a cover-up, sunscreen, and your favourite hat or cap (one that won’t blow away).

Are we there yet? Auckland Flight times
From Sydney : around 3 hours.
From Melbourne : around 3.5 hours.
From Brisbane : around 3 hours.

Must-see sights

Auckland Harbour: Marvel from land at the colorful, bobbing boats, sign up for a harbour cruise, or rent a boat and set sail on your own adventure.
The Domain: This city park is home to The Auckland War Memorial Museum with its wonderful cultural and spiritual treasures, as well as the Winter Garden and Fernery.
Victoria Park Market: More than a century old, this beloved venue offers dozens of shops that sell New Zealand arts and crafts, souvenirs, and a trove of other wares, as well as cafés and a food court.

Insider Tips

Kick up your heels with the locals at one of the clubs on Karangahape Road (also known as “K” Road). There are more than 80 vineyards in the Auckland area–some dating back to the early 1900s. Plan a day of wine tasting for a unique experience. Auckland is the world’s largest Polynesian city (yes, you read correctly). You’ll find diverse food, shopping, and cultural options in every nook and cranny.

For 72 hours you can get a fabulous 50% discount on hotels in Auckland starting 1st June,2010!

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There are over 600 national parks and reserves offering such a diversity in landscape, animals and vegetation that it would take a lifetime and many, many African safari tours to this remarkable country to take it all in.

Photographs just don’t do justice to the breathtaking beauty that greets you around every corner, so a visit is a must. Whether driving past a waterhole, driving off-road or through the open plains, apart from the animals the location itself is a very unique experience.

Although most reserves are gated you are able to observe wildlife naturally because the vastness of the landscape diminishes all sense of enclosure. And once you are on safari you then have to become a bit of a detective, seeking out clues that nature provides to find your target animal in the great expanse of the reserve.

Maybe your guide who is the experienced head detective will spot some animal droppings, large prints in the earth, some broken tree branches and flattened grass indicating that an elephant is nearby. Or perhaps no detective work will be needed as you could just be driving along and come across a couple of cheetahs completely ignorant of you because they have caught an impala and are enjoying their meal road-side.

Combining a safari with relaxation at great beaches, playing golf, sampling some great wines or hiking through national parks is all possible. To find South Africa tours that will suit you just click here.

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If you are traveling the northern countries of Europe and are looking for somewhere different to stay then there is no better stop off than the Jumbo Hostel in Stockholm Sweden.

The hostel is a World’s First built onboard a real Boeing 747-200 Jumbo Jet.

The renovated Jumbo (Liv), which was grounded at Stockholm Arlanda Airport in November 2002, and has undergone a complete image overhaul.

In 2002 Liv retired from operating Charter and Pilgrim flights and now welcomes guests onboard again, this time with a new image and purpose.

Since the Jumbo has been relocated to its new permanent location at the entrance to Stockholm Arlanda Airport, it has also become a significant landmark. Not only is it a new and exciting alternative option for overnight accommodation, but it has also become a great attraction.

Click here now to book your next travel experience at the Jumbo Hostel

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Back track to the Australian Outback along Australia’s legendary tourist trail – The Kidman Way.  We traverse the NSW portion of the Matilda Highway from the Barringun, just below the Queensland border, to Jerilderie near the Victorian border.

The Kidman Way takes its name from Sir Sidney Kidman, who became known as the “Cattle King.”  Born in South Australia, Sidney Kidman left home aged 13 to work as a sheep drover. He formed a small business with his brother in droving and trading cattle and horses and went on to become the greatest pastoral landholder in modern history.

The road is safe and sealed all the way and the historic towns which dot its length are filled with lots of stories –old and new.

There is a whole variety of tourist accommodation to enjoy- hotels, motels, B&Bs, farm stays, camping and good caravan parks. The greatest distance between the 12 major towns along the road is 160 kms, with most distances about 30-50 km- so you are never far from food, fuel, medical and banking facilities.

We started at Jerilderie, west of Wagga Wagga.  In terms of history, its main claim to fame is a visit in 1879 from Australia’s most infamous outlaw, Ned Kelly.  Old Ned had a ripe old time apparently – robbing a bank and axing the town’s telegraph poles, among other deeds. There’s a tourist office in Powell Street where you can see Kelly armor and learn more about the town’s history.

Jerilderie has Victorian-era history, a spectacular man-made lake, parks, miniature steam train track, clubs and a sporting complex catering for a wide arrange of activities.

Not a bad place to start our Australian tourist trail along the Kidman Way.

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Welcome to BB Travel! On our site you will find the very best airfares, cruises, packaged holidays, tours, car hire and everything else associated with travel.

You can sign up for our newsletter which will keep you up to date with the latest travel trends, gadgets and of course the latest specials!

The following sums up how we also look at travel. This quote is from a remarkable young man, Chris Guillebeau. Chris has set himself the task of visiting every country by his 35th birthday. He has 3 years to go and another 65 countries to explore. If you want to learn how to live and travel in an unconventional manner you can pick up one of his Unconventional Guides

“Well. The way I think about travel is that it is not so much about packing something away into a learning box, like a teapot or pack of matches from every country. Oh! There’s my Namibia box. And over there! It’s my Romania box. That’s not how it works, at least not for me. It’s about being open to possibility wherever you go. It’s about walking around without an agenda, allowing yourself to laugh at things you might not laugh at elsewhere.” Chris Guillebeau

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