Road less travelled in Terengganu
Take a leisurely drive to Terengganu and discover fireflies, delightful food and friendly people, besides the usual beaches and fishing boats, writes PUTRI ZANINA
IT is the beginning of the monsoon season and islands in Terengganu are off limits to tourists. However, that is not to say that you can’t go for a holiday to this east coast state during this time of the year for there are still pockets of fine sunny days for you to enjoy a trip there.
In fact, friends in Terengganu say that the weather can be quite unpredictable as there is still plenty of sunshine during the monsoon. However, stay clear of the seawater as the huge waves and strong winds can be daunting.
Now, what can you do in Terengganu if you can’t go to any of its idyllic islands? How about driving there at leisure? You can expect traffic to be lighter as many holidaymakers will be heading elsewhere in the country.
You will be among the few adventurous ones to seek secluded spots and enjoy empty sparkling white beaches all to yourself. Whenever you come across something interesting, you can stop, check it out and take all the time you want to savour the experience.
There’s something about driving along the beautiful coastal road in Terengganu. As you drive along palm-fringed beaches and villages, you will feel the knots in your muscles slowly untangle.
The state has one of the longest stretches of beaches in Peninsular Malaysia, running some 225km from Kemaman to Besut.
Where Do You Begin?
Take the East-Coast Expressway from Kuala Lumpur to Kuantan in Pahang. The improved expressway makes the journey a breeze. You will reach Kuantan in just about three hours. If you start in the morning, you will arrive in Kuantan in time for a lunch break.
From Kuantan, drive up north through the main trunk road passing Beserah, a village with a fairly straight beach dotted with resorts, chalets, stalls and restaurants.
Some 8km away, the road will take you across a scenic river where you will see colourful boats docked by the riverside. Make a U-turn after the bridge (be careful of traffic as the road there is narrow) and enter a side road near the river.
This is Sungai Ular, the take-off point to the small Pulau Ular. From the mouth of Sungai Ular, the river snakes its way to the South China Sea.
You will see shacks by the river where fishermen rest or mend their fishing nets and traps.
Tall coconut trees line the Pantai Ular beach. Take all the time you want to enjoy the deserted beach.
Coffee Break In Chukai
Drive up north towards Kuala Terengganu. Some 25km from Sungai Ular, you will reach Chukai. Now, anyone who bothers to “google†for information before driving to Terengganu will know that you will have to stop in Chukai for its famous Kemaman coffee.
Go to Kedai Kopi Hai Peng at Jalan Sulaimani and there have that “to die for†caffeine fix and hot and fluffy charcoal-toasted kaya bread and buns. That’s not all. You can even get delicious local fare like nasi dagang, pulut panggang, tapai and a variety of kuih-muih as well as the must-have half-boiled eggs and Hainanese noodles.
Try the ice-blended cocoa lava that comes with ice cream and wafer rolls. It can put some “designer†ice-blended concoctions to shame!
Inside this authentic kopitiam that has been in business since 1940, you will see interesting old furniture and decorations, like old grandfather clocks, dainty chinaware, an antique sewing machine and other bric-a-brac.
Don’t forget to take home some packets of Kemaman coffee grains that come in choices of 2-in-1, 3-in-1, or just black.
Mangrove Forests In Chukai And Kijal
Driving towards Kijal from Chukai, you may want to stop at the Bakau Tinggi Recreational Area. There is a small river jetty at Sungai Chukai where you will see many people casting their fishing lines.
There are boats and kayaks for hire. If you have time to kill, hire a boat to go fishing or simply cruise to enjoy the sights by the river. All along, you will see lush mangrove forest. It is a protected area within the Kemaman Bakau Forest Reserve.
Next, get set for some pretty beaches at Kijal, just about 15km away from Chukai. The privacy that you can get in such natural surroundings by the sea is something you will treasure.
Be adventurous and drive off the main road. Not too far from the StarCruises jetty near the Awana Kijal Golf, Beach & Spa Resort, you will come across a small river with crystal clear water that leads to the sea. An interesting find are unique rock formations and sharp cliffs where birds love to perch.
Kijal is a good place to stay overnight. Arrange with a local tour operator to take you to Sungai Yakyah in Kampung Ibok, about 15km from Kijal. Here, you will see what is touted as the biggest firefly colony in the east coast. Not many people know of its existence, but locals claim that it can rival the world-famous firefly colony in Kuala Selangor.
The fireflies can be found along the 13km Sungai Yakyah but the best spots are located around 5km from the river jetty where there are many berembang and putat trees, the natural living habitat of fireflies there.
The fishing villages in Kijal start early. At dawn, watch fishing boats leave towards the sea just as the hint of sunlight pierces the sky magically in the horizon.
Kemasik, Kertih And Paka
The next place from Kijal is Kemasik, which takes its name from a river there. It is a small typical fishing village but it has a gem that many have yet to discover. Its tranquil beach is among the best in Terengganu. There are some unique rock formations there.
When you cross into Kertih, you hit “oil countryâ€! The scenery is unlike other places in the state. You will see petroleum refineries and modern houses and complexes.
The best time to pass through Kertih is at night when you will see giant gas pipes spewing fire into the sky. The whole place will be brightly illuminated and seeing this “city of lights†in the middle of nowhere can be surreal.
Paka is a small fishing village that has benefited from the oil boom. There is a thriving township here. However, drive towards the beach and you will again find yourself enveloped in tranquillity.
Dungun And Marang
Dungun is a quiet coastal fishing town. For a spot of eco-adventure, hire a boat or a bamboo raft and cruise along Sungai Dungun. See the laidback life by the river, spot otters and birds and catch fresh water fishes.
Dungun is the gateway to Pulau Tenggol, which is about one hour by speedboat from the Kuala Dungun jetty. You can also go to the Ceralak Waterfalls by boat from the river.
Next is Marang, another fishing village, which is located at the mouth of Sungai Marang.
Marang is the place where you catch a boat to go to Pulau Kapas and Pulau Gemia. Driving in and around Marang, you will see many picturesque villages with nipah attap huts. If you are lucky, you can even spot monkeys climbing coconut trees.
A cruise up the Marang River will take you to mangrove forests where wildlife like otters and monitor lizards can be seen.
Kuala Terengganu And Beyond
Just about 15 minutes’ drive from Marang is Kuala Terengganu, the state capital and the gateway to many places of interest in the state. Just before you hit the town, you can’t miss the “floating mosque†or the Masjid Tengku Tengah Zaharah. Its reflection in the surrounding water gives it the illusion of being afloat.
You may also be sidetracked at Chendering, the place made famous by Mak Ngah Nasi Dagang. It is a little stall about 2km from Kuala Ibai Bridge. Be there between 7am and 11am to taste what is said to be Terengganu’s best nasi dagang.
Check out the famous tourist places in Kuala Terengganu, including Pantai Batu Buruk with lots of stalls near the beach, Pasar Payang (for Terengganu souvenirs), Bukit Puteri (for a good view of the town as well as the Istana Maziah, the official residence of the Terengganu Sultan).
But do take the time to go to Pulau Duyung, accessible by road or river from the centre of town. There, you will see the almost dying traditional boat-making craft.
Another must-go is one of the largest and most beautiful museums in the country, the Terengganu State Museum Complex. Located in the charming ambience of Kampung Losong (famous for keropok lekor) and by the promontory of Sungai Terengganu, the museum showcases Terengganu’s rich historical, cultural and religious legacy.
On the other side of Sungai Terengganu, not far from the museum is Kampung Tanjung Sabtu, home to Pura Tanjung Sabtu, an enchanting complex of reconstructed traditional Terengganu houses belonging to Terengganu prince Tengku Ismail Tengku Su. He welcomes guests on homestay package deals.
Before you leave Kuala Terengganu, check out Merang (not to be mistaken with Marang), about 45 minutes’ drive further south.
Merang is the departure point to Pulau Redang and Pulau Lang Tengah. But of course, with the monsoon, you will just have to comb the shores at Merang. And you won’t be disappointed.
In fact, you don’t have to go to the islands to enjoy absolute bliss by the sea. Merang has kilometres of white sandy beaches, coconut groves and villages that seem to jump out from old picture books.
There is also a scenic river that at some stretches, seems to run parallel with the beach. The riverbank is where you can pitch your tent and enjoy a spot of fishing. The beach is just a few metres away.
It is an unexplored paradise. All we will tell you is that ask for directions to Kampung Penarik. To discover it, just be a little adventurous and go off the beaten track.
Source from:
http://www.nst.com.my/Weekly/Travel/article/FeatureStory/20061017101050/Article/
Cruise Jobs - A Lucrative And Fun Experience
Many people have heard the old adage that a cruise ship is like a floating city, therefore, it is not hard to imagine that it takes hundreds of employees to run and maintain a cruise ship. Think of all the jobs that have to be filled just in the community where you live. It is the same way on a cruise ship.
Basically, there are about 14 different departments on a cruise ship, with each department being responsible for hiring a particular group of employees to fill the jobs available on the cruise ship. The Deck department is by far where the highest paying cruise ship jobs are, as this department fills the need for captains and all other officers, as well as hiring security staff members and safety officers. The safety officers aboard a cruise ship do the same job as a policeman would on dry land.
The Galley department is in charge of obtaining employees to fill jobs such as butchers, dishwashers, cooks, pastry chefs, as well as any other kitchen staff. The I.T. department can offer jobs to those trained in computer systems, computer repair and the like. Those looking for cashier and boutique jobs would need to see someone within the Gift Shop Department. The Medical department is able to offer employment to trained and licensed physicians and nurses, while the Beauty department is interested in filling positions needing hair stylists, barbers, nail technicians and massage therapists. These are just a few of the departments that hire personnel for cruise ship jobs, there are many others.
A cruise ship also has the need for many other services, and look for employees who desire to be plumbers, repairmen, waiters, bartenders, dance instructors, black jack dealers and other casino workers, janitors, cashiers, bus boys, musicians, singers, spa and pool maintenance workers, laundry staff, fitness instructors and the list just goes on and on.
Those employed by a cruise ship almost always enjoy such great benefits as free meals and travel, free health insurance, medium to high wages, free room and board as well as discounted cruise travel for family and friends. A cruise ship job will also offer the employee the opportunity to see things, and to travel to far away places. Without a cruise ship job, many people would never be able to travel so extensively.
Around the world, the data shows that there are approximately 47,000 cruise ship jobs available every single year. No matter what your chosen profession is, there is a good possibility that a cruise ship may just need your services and expertise.
You can see what positions are available by visiting the websites of each one of the different cruise lines if you are interested in a cruise ship job. There are also job boards on the World Wide Web that specifically list jobs that are available aboard cruise ships.
About The Author
Read more from Joe Goertz at: http://www.ritzycruises.com.
Filed under travel | Comment (0)Revitalize after an Adventurous Day in Big Bear Vacation Rental
Most of the people have a dream of living at a shore or nearby a beautiful lake for their whole life, which is not possible but while holidaying at big bear lake, it is possible. Big Bear is located in the heart of San Bernardino Mountains surrounded by national forest in southern California. This place is basically popular for skiing, hiking, biking, snow boarding and many more. as it is very difficult to list all of them.
The reason as to why the travelers get attracted towards this place is that it is soothing and has a pleasant climate.
The best season to visit big bear is October when the big bear lake transforms into the sea of bullions, reddish, orangey which reflects the different shades of nature.
Tourist usually comes to big bear in October which is the festive month there, they call it as Oktoberfest. This fest is famous for its yummy food, traditional dances, culture and imported brews.
It is definitely true that knowing and getting touch to this place creates an excitement in the minds. And, it is also true that after so much of adventure and traveling if one gets such a place to accommodate where he gets a feel of home, then it will be great idea and if you are thinking that such place is possible? Then, absolutely it is possible through big bear vacation rental. This vacation rental can be in the form of condos, villas, bungalows, cottages, apartments etc.
Big bear vacation rental will let one feel the essence of house after a tiring day of adventure. Studies have also proven that the person feels home sick while traveling but the presence of vacation rental will not let this feeling come, as it is second home at this holidaying destination.
Advancement in the information technology has made it possible to book big bear vacation rental before reaching there, that is, through internet. But, for this there will be need to search all the travel agent or agencies offering big bear vacation rental. This will also help in comparing the rates of various offers and finally that price of accommodation must be finalized with competitive rates and obviously which fits in the pocket.
The person thinks that why only vacation rentals rather than staying in hotels and motels or any other accommodation. The reason is that, accommodating at hotels doesn’t give comfort and privacy as much it is served in big bear vacation rentals.
So, what all are you waiting for just book an accommodation at big bear vacation rental and feel the home during vacation.
About The Author
Sylvestor Johnson is offering loan and rental advice for quite some time. He is working as financial consultant for ThinkRentals. To find Apartment rentals, Cabin rentals, Condo rentals, Rental homes, Vacation rental condos, beach vacation rental at cheap rates that best suits your needs visit http://www.thinkrentals.com.
Filed under travel | Comment (0)Enjoy Shimmering Sunrise with Key West Vacation Rental
While holidaying, basically what an individual looks up in the holidaying destination? Its just enjoyment with comfort, in order words, a place where he can enjoy every moment and after that he can relax as his home. And, one of such magical place is Key West. Definitely, holidaying at Key West gives unforgettable moments which lives for the life time and becomes a story for the friends and family. Its sunset, fragrance of jasmine, its Duval street, salt water fishing and its yummy fresh sea food, all have small stories in it which further excites an individual. There are also many other things to do in Key West such as deep sea fishing, diving, snorkeling etc. It doesn’t matter that which month an individual comes to Key West for holidaying because at Key West every moment and day is exciting. This story doesn’t ends here its lots more than this but now its time to know that where to stay and relax while holidaying in Key West. And, the best and cheap way to accommodate is Key West vacation rental.
It is quite obvious that a thought might come in the mind of an individual that why Key West vacation rental is recommended over other place of accommodation such as hotels etc. In simple terms, the reason is the comfort, cost and privacy it offers. It is true that hotels offers comfort but they are expensive as compared to Key West vacation rental. Above all, accommodating in hotels doesn’t give privacy that is every moment an individual is disturbed by one or the other person. On the other hand, in Key West vacation rental, no one is there to disturb without permission.
An individual can enjoy every amenity in vacation rental as he enjoys at his home that is lying down in the living room and watching television, listening music, bed room and much more comfort which is very difficult to list all. Not only all the comfort rather Key west vacation rental has a fully furnished kitchen in which an individual can cook for his friends and family while holidaying. This will not let him feel home food sick which generally is felt by many individual while holidaying.
Key West vacation rental can be in the form of condo, apartment, bungalow, villa, cottage etc. Because of the growing demand of Key West vacation rental, there are number of owners or travel agents who provides vacation rental in Key West as per the preference. The rates of Key West vacation rental varies from one another depending on its location, size of the vacation rental. The point which also matters is the number of people who will reside in Key West vacation rental.
Now, what are you waiting for, go and book your vacation rental at Key West and feel like home while holidaying.
About The Author
Sylvestor Johnson is offering loan and rental advice for quite some time. He is working as financial consultant for ThinkRentals. To find Key West vacation rental, Apartment rentals, Cabin rentals, Condo rentals, Rental homes, Vacation rentals, Beach house vacation rentals at cheap rates that best suits your needs visit http://www.thinkrentals.com.
Filed under travel | Comment (0)A Magnificent Place of Leisure - Florida Key Vacation Rental
If you are planning for tropical vacation then Florida key is the perfect choice for holiday. Florida key can be considered as America Caribbean and similar to other island with all the amenities such as fishing, diving, sailing, kayaking and much more than this. The key places to visit in Florida Key are Key Largo, which offers finest diving and snorkeling. Another key place is marathon key, which is regarded as the heart of the Florida key. And, it will be absolutely right to say it as a “tropical paradiseâ€. An affordable way to feel the tropical paradise is only possible when you accommodate in Florida key vacation rental while holidaying there.
Usually, Florida key offers various other places to accommodate such as hotel, motels but accommodating at Florida vacation rental is always preferred. As through Florida key vocational rental you can save an amount of money as they are cheaper as compared to other places of accommodation.
Not only, they are cheaper but they are also preferred just of the comfort level which it offers. In other words it perfectly gives an environment of home at the holidaying destination. It let you feel as if you are relaxing in your home town. It provides all the amenities which are served at home that is, television, music, kitchen, living room, dining room etc. And, if comparison is made between Florida key vacation rental and any hotel then you will surely find that vacation rentals are more spacious, comfortable and cheaper.
You can choose from any form of Florida key vacation rental that is from condos, villas, cottages, bungalows, apartments. The rates of all the form varies as per their size and location. The number of people who will reside at Florida vacation rental also matters, while determining the rates.
Florida key vacation rental can be booked either from an agent or traveling agency or even directly from an owner. Generally, it is seen that booking vacation rental in Florida key directly from an owner is cheaper as compared to cost when it is booked from an agent or traveling agency.
Today with the help of information technology you can locate the agencies or owner offering Florida key vacation rental. With the help internet you can also compare all the deal being offered. And at last, you can choose the one among them with competitive rates and off course which match your budget.
It is sure that this article has created an excitement in your mind, so now, don’t wait just pack your bags, book your vocational rental in Florida key and enjoy.
About The Author
Sylvestor Johnson is offering loan and rental advice for quite some time. He is working as financial consultant for ThinkRentals. To find Apartment rentals, Cabin rentals, Condo rentals, Rental homes, Florida key Vacation rentals, Beach house vacation rentals at cheap rates that best suits your needs visit http://www.thinkrentals.com.
Filed under travel | Comment (0)How To Get The Right Travel Insurance And Save Money
You are ready for your dream holiday, but there is that one practicality left - insurance.
While there is no doubt that travel insurance is necessary, and not something with which you should do without, finding a policy which is not only cheap, but also offers the correct levels of protection for the activities on your vacation can be both daunting and boring.
With countless pages of policy small print and get-out clauses for the insurer, it can seem almost impossible to find what you want for a good price.
The majority of insurance policies do have reasonably comprehensive cover, and can often be purchased including dangerous sports such as skiing. However, the complications arise when it comes to deductibles and health situations, such as pre-existing problems.
For example, what happens if you do need to go to hospital in a foriegn country? Will the insurance company pick up the bill, or will you have to claim and pay at the time. This will not be suitable for a lot of travellers on a lower budget, but is the way that most policies work. There are many gaps and get-outs in travel insurance policies, and you will need to spot them in advance, should a problem arise.
Most policies cover trip cancellation, robbery, lost baggage, medical, dental and accidental death coverage, but you may also find emergency evacuation, insurance against delays, lost documentation and 24 hour travel assistance.
The key to finding the best deal is to shop around yourself - Don’t simply buy your travel insurance from your travel agent. Here are a few reasons why:
- The coverage will not be as good.
- The policy will be less flexible.
- It may duplicate areas that you are already insured for.
It may seem like a better deal at the time to buy your insurance from your travel agent, but remember that they are not specialised in this area, and will only be offering an out-of-the-box policy from some partner insurance company, which they will make money off.
As with most things, you are better off doing your research, and arranging it yourself.
When buying your policy from an insurance company:
- Get quotes from as many companies as you can.
- Read the small print. Does it cover your intended activities?
- Can you waive the pre existing condition exclusion.
- Find out what types of cancellation the insurer will not pay out for. Again, it comes to carefully reading the policy details (I know it’s boring, but it is necessary)
- Finally, if there is anything you need to know - Ask! There is no point in having the policy if you end up unable to claim.
Wishing you a fantastic trip, and an unused travel insurance policy!
Go to http://www.destroy-your-debt.com/insurance for more information.
About The Author
Andrew Moore is the webmaster of http://www.destroy-your-debt.com, A site dedicated to providing free impartial advice concerning financial matters, as well as insurance. Visit our Insurance pages at: http://www.destroy-your-debt.com/insurance
Filed under travel | Comment (0)Oregon’s Majestic Mountains For A Spectacular Ski Trip
Oregon has one of the best and thrilling ski slopes. If you are planning on an Oregon ski vacation, there are a number of ski resorts to choose from within the state. A very pleasant ski vacation is guaranteed in Oregon.
If you are looking for a place to stay during your vacation, you may want to consider Timberline Lodge. This beautiful lodge is located in Mt. Hood, which has one of the most majestic ski slopes you can ever see in the state of Oregon. If you fancy some history in your vacation spot, then Timberline Lodge will definitely interest you. The lodge was built during the Great Depression and has already seen many decades of local history unfold. Are you a fan of the movie “The Shining”? Well, parts of the film were shot at Timberline.
Another great area in Oregon is the Willamette Pass. This is the home of the United States Speed Skiing Team. This particular ski area is the third largest in the state of Oregon. If you fancy speed skiing or racing, the long and steep slopes of Eagle Peak is the perfect for you. Willamette Pass prides itself on being one of the highest base elevations in the Northwestern United States. Here is a little trivia - Willamette Pass has a snow-making system and the only one fully operational in the state. This allows for a miles and miles of smooth snow perfect for your ski vacation.
There is also Anthony Lakes Mountain Resort, located in Powder, Oregon. Anthony Lakes is considered a “Hershey’s Kiss” because of its 900 feet of vertical on 21 runs. However, its area for snow riding is vast. The scenery from its peak, which is 8,000 feet, is the view of Elkhorn and Eagle Cap Mountains.
If you fancy taking a vacation on an extinct volcano, you should try going to Mt. Bachelor. There are a great many lodges available for you to stay in while on vacation. There are two locales that cater to vacationists - Bend and Sunriver. Bend is excellent for those who would like to prowl the area at night because of the active nightlife that exists in the area. Sunriver, on the other hand, is offers a year-round retreat. The area has many luxurious hotels that can accommodate groups of friends and families.
Oregon is a very beautiful place. If you are looking for a grand ski trip, Oregon is the best place to go, with its majestic mountains, comfortable hotels and lodges and hospitable and warm locals that will help make your vacation one of the best in your lifetime.
About The Author
Luke Cameron is the owner of Travels Insider, an online magazine offering advice and articles on Travel. You can find his website at: http://www.travelsinsider.com and http://www.theoutdoorsmag.com/.
Filed under travel | Comment (0)Travel To Moscow But Be Careful With Russian Police
If you look for a cheap flight to Russia or to some of the post-Soviet countries, then you will find that Aeroflot seems to be the best one. You will see, that this Russian airline has pretty many connections almost to every East European, Near- and Far Asian country. Their timetable has lots of options as well. You can fly at day or nighttime. And of course the price is not comparable with other West European air companies. But why then the people prefer to take other expensive flights like British, German, Austrian, Dutch or other?
The problem is, that most of the travelers who did have some extraordinary experiences with Russia would never dare to repeat it. If you see the plains TU 154 of Aeroflot, from Soviet times, then you will never want to fly with them. Of course when you start your journey somewhere in West Europe, then you will get one of the best planes of Aeroflot, because the older once are not allowed to come till there. But then you have to make a transit in Moscow and from there you may fly with an ancient machine from the glorious times of Soviet empire!
I have heard many times from professional travelers, that you better never save your money on planes. But the problem isn’t in money, rather in service, which is absolutely horrible. When you will ask something from the board personal (i.e. where is the toilet; may I have a water etc.), then you may be shut off or get no answer at all.
But the most difficult part begins at that point when you arrive already to Moscow and need a transit transfer. Actually you have to go from Sheremetevo 2 to Sheremetevo 1 and it takes about 15 minutes, if you are lucky of course. If not, you may find no way to get to another terminal. It sounds impossible but it is true, you may found nobody who will show you where is the transit’s gate or buss. After that you will be forced from security personal to exit with other passengers to the city and go to the Sheremetevo 1 with your own way. It sounds not to bad, but once you have done it you will be totally exhausted. First of all you have to pass trough pass control, than wait for your luggage, then fill the tax declaration, pass the tax. After 1 hour you come out to the city and find no buss station. Taxi drivers force you to take them. For driving you only 15 minutes they ask to pay simply 100 US dollars! After all when you come to Sheremetevo 1 you see that the check-in of your next flight is already closed…
Another advice to those who will try to travel in Russia with intercity busses: Be careful at all stations. There are no any open toilets or trash boxes almost everywhere. If you try to go in the “nature†and do whatever you need to do, then you will be welcomed by a careful policeman, who will explain you that you have made a big mistake and blasphemed their community and that’s why you have to pay a strafe 500 or 1000 rubles.
If you are in train, then remember: there is no any clear timetable. That means – you never know how long the train is going to stay in any station. So don’t go far away from your wagon. The train starts without any announcement! In the train do not drink alcohol openly or laugh after 10 o’clock PM, because in each train there are some policemen who are waiting for your misbehave in order to punish you. That means you will have to pay again…
When you successfully have reached to your destination, beware that Moscow and St. Petersburg are some other staff, then the rest of Russia. The rest of Russia lives according to ‘medieval’ rules. The people in Siberia said for some centuries before: “God is too high, king is too far!†That means for today, that Mr. Putin unfortunately cannot control his huge country.
The biggest problem for tourists is to get a police registration. This rule comes again from glorious Soviet times that every foreigner has to be registered by police in each city when he stays there more then tree days. If you are in a tourist group and stay in hotels, then usually your guides or hotel managers will get your pass and do the registration for you. But if you are traveling alone or doing a private visit, then you have to do it by your own. It costs not too much money but a lot of time and nervous stress. Most of the people aren’t successful and have to leave that city without any registration after waiting many hours in front of the police station but becoming nothing. If you don’t get your registration then police will punish you when they ask your documents on the street, in train station or in airport. Please try to handle with them just at that place. Give them 10 or 20 US dollars but don’t go with them to their office. It is better to pay some corruption on the street, then to go with them to the police office and ‘lose’ there much more money and other staff…
On the way back, when you get to airport you will be checked from police if you have done your registration or not. If not, the strafe is 1000 ruble. The tax officer will check out how much foreign money you are taking with you back. If you have more then 1500 US dollars, then you have to show your tax declaration, which you have filled by entering to Russia. If you are traveling with Aeroflot or any other Russian airlines, then be sure that your luggage inclusive your handbag must be not mach as 20 kg. Yes, you have to pay even for a handbag, which is 1 or 2 kg.
The border officer may force you to wait half an hour. Be patient. He may take your pass and go somewhere else to get some information about you. Don’t worry. He will be back soon. He may look very angry at you asking some complicated questions. Try to stay calm and give short answers.
When you pass the last security control – where your handbag and pockets are being controlled – be not surprised if security personal will start a polemic with you. They may ask you many stupid questions (i.e. why your pass photo is so small/large, why are you laughing in it, why you have a beard now, why your hairs are colored etc.). Don’t be frustrated, they want to get just some money from you…
After seeing these all I am always surprised when Mr. Putin and some other Russian politicians declare that they have a very stabile and democratic country. I am always skeptical when Russian bishops and priests declare that Russian Orthodox Church has the biggest number of Christians in the world. When I hear such kind of sentences, I think that it has to be the best country in the world. But each time when I travel there, I am being convinced in opposite. And this is a shame!
Now you may understand why Aeroflot’s flights to Russia are so cheap?
A Russian author said once: “You can never understand Russia with your mind!†I think unfortunately this is absolutely true…
About The Author
Harut Harutyunyan is a Ph.D. candidate in Theology from University of Munster and is the editor of http://www.sosGlobe.com that provides news and research information on global peace and religious issues.
Filed under travel | Comment (0)How To Avoid Paying Inflated Airfares During Holiday Season
Being a contrarian traveler, that is, doing the opposite of what the majority of people are doing is a smart way to save money on airfares. The theory in this being that while everybody is traveling one way, for example heading back home at the end of their winter vacations to Thailand, the planes going back to Thailand would be relatively empty. This creates an opportunity for the savvy traveler to take advantage of reduced airfares as airlines scramble to fill as many seats as possible.
Unfortunately we are not all able to travel when we want and work commitments may dictate that we must take our holidays at the same time as everybody else. This is where the laws of supply and demand kick in and the airlines and hotels crank up their prices.
But what if you really wanted or needed to travel at a time that was a peak travel time in your country? Do you just have to bite the bullet and pay the inflated prices?
Fortunately there is a strategy which allows you to both travel to and return from popular destinations at the same peak times as everyone else, without having to pay pumped-up holiday fares.
Let’s take Bangkok as an example because it is an extremely popular holiday destination and it is also one of the cheapest places in the world right now to purchase airfare tickets- a fact whose relevance will become clear in just a moment.
Let’s say it’s May and I am going to take a short 5 day trip to Bangkok, on a business trip or to visit friends. I’ve also decided that I want to take a vacation at the end of the year. I will not be able to depart until December 22nd, peak travel season. Unfortunately leaving between mid-December and mid-January will cost me pretty close to double the regular fare. Forward planning being one of the fundamentals of saving money on travel, knowing my end-of-year travel dates will enable me to save a lot of money.
What I do is instead of buying a 5 day return ticket for my May trip, I buy a one year open with the return date of the ticket sometime in January when I want to come home from my end of year vacation. Upon arriving in Bangkok I put this ticket away in my suitcase and purchase a second ticket from Bangkok to my original point of departure, or my home city. The return portion of this ticket (and this is the crucial part of the plan) is set to December 22nd.
This works because each airline in each country determines their fares from the point of departure. What this means is that the return date does not have as big an influence on the fare as the departure date. Basically they don’t care if the return section of your ticket is in a peak period in the country you are coming back from.
One year open tickets are a little more expensive than your regular 7- 30 day open tickets, however you should look into this option and you may find substantial savings doing it this way than paying the inflated peak time airfares that the airlines charge.
About The Author
Aaron James is the author of many more tips on how to get cheap flights to BKK, Thailand at http://Cheapflights2thailand.com.
Filed under travel | Comment (0)Traveling With Family In A Caravan For The Vacation
There is one time in a year, when most of the families get excited about traveling to a very nice place for their vacation. Usually it is during the time, when all the members of the family have their holidays.
We as human beings need a break from our daily routine, for parents their daily routine could be their work, for children it is school or college. But when we talk about vacation, it is the time, when children and parents look forward for it.
A little time once again to get all bonded up, in the daily routine work of life, family members tend to get exhausted and perhaps have a very little time to spend together. It is the only time when all the members once again can rejuvenate and start by once again having fun together.
Families during vacations usually like to spend time on their own without having work or anyone interfering between them. So the places they chose are away from their home, most of the families do like to travel in a caravan. As most of us already know what a Caravan is? It is very convenient because of some of the facilities it has within it, like a small kitchen, and two small bedrooms.
There are families who already have caravan that they own, but there are families who have to hire caravan during vacations. Which they hire and book before hand that is before the vacations start.
Now that could be a drive, and that is the purpose. They can choose to go camping to various different places along with the caravan, most of them carry maps along with them so they don’t get lost and also so that, wherever they find nice climate and nice place they can take halt anytime. It is easier to travel in a caravan, because it is also safe specially when there are little children too. Although I have to say there are some safety measures that they can take care of too.
Precautions to be taken while traveling in a caravan, they have to carry first aid, since if you are in the interiors and God forbid if something happens, you already have your first aid kit tool so that you take mandatory steps. And it would also not put you into anxiety about worrying the whole time, incase if some one falls ill, or have a fall or something.
Children and Parents love caravan, because of the small kitchen in the caravan and they don’t have to worry about, staying hungry all the time. Even for parents it is less of a worry and usually when children are happy then parents are also happy that makes all of them have a beautiful and fruitful time.
About The Author
Cathy Peterson writes about http://www.traveldealsdiscounts.com ,http://www.traveldealsdiscounts.com/discount-travel-deals/Site59.com and http://www.traveldealsdiscounts.com/discount-travel-deals/Hotels.com.
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