TrAVeL QoUTeS ANd tRaNsPoRtAtioN

                                                      

                                                                                                                                                                         

I Want To Go There... Someday! :-)

AMERICA 

                                                           

                                                 PARIS                                 

                                                           


 VATICAN CITY

JEJU ISLAND, SOUTH KOREA 





               AUSTRALIA

10 Most Visited Cities In The World- 2013

Travel Secrets: Top 12 Unexpected Things to Bring On Your Next Trip

From the "ziploc washing machine" to unconventional storage containers, the seasoned travelers in our Forums recommend some surprisingly useful everyday items to pack on your next trip.

Inflatable ice bucket

Don't laugh- I have an inflatable ice bucket. You just blow it up and it's really well insulated. We used it recently in Italy. We bought our own wine at the store, had the hotel fill the bucket with ice, and sat outside in the garden. We have also used it on trains to keep sodas, beer, and wine cold. You don't need to put ice in it to keep it insulated. It folds to a very small size. It's not a necessity but it gets a lot of use. –Lynnaustin

Hiking stick

Mine's a hiking stick- bought as suggested for a Turkey hiking trip and used now whenever I travel anywhere (or hike anywhere). It's really helpful on those endless marble steps without rails found outside mosques and temples, and on those terrible broken pavements. I last used in Greece, India, Nepal and Turkey Run State Park in Indiana. My stick's by Trekkers, collapses to @ 16", is easily adjusted, and fits into a backpack. –NGail

Contact lense cases

I use contact lens cases to store cosmetics. Moisturizers, foundation, etc work great in these. I use a sharpie to label them. I can get over a week's worth of my items in just one side of a case. This saves a ton of room! –mms

Duct tape wrapped around a pen

I knew that the duct tape rolled around a pen would come in handy but I've found many uses for it. –Lsky

Scarf

The first time it happened accidentally, but now I always look for a great scarf at our first stop and tie it around my handbag strap. It's a great souvenir and a cool accessory that I get lots of compliments on, plus I use it for many of the same things you might use a bandana... But since it's larger, it has also serves as a tablecloth on picnics, protection for my white crops while sitting on cathedral steps, mopping a sweaty brow on those hot summer days, or covering my shoulders on visits to cathedrals. And when I get home, it becomes part of my decor as a table cover. I love all the ones I've collected. –Lady

Balloons

Balloons: blow a couple up and put inside shirts or pants you've just hand washed, which cuts drying time considerably. Plus, they take up no room , are cheap, and can be presents for kids. –sandy_b

Ziploc washing machine

One of my favorite travel hints that I learned on Fodor's is the ziploc washing machine. Take a large ziploc, put in the clothes, and squirt of soap (or shampoo). Shake it, dump water, shake it, dump water, add water and shake again. Easy. –Lsky

Collapsible flower vase

Mine is not a necessity, but it always keeps me happy when I travel, especially if any hotel or experience does not live up to my expectations. The Cooper-Hewitt Design Museum in New York sells a package of two plastic flower vases. They fold flat as a ziploc bag, weigh nothing, and can accommodate a small bouquet. I always take one along in my luggage and treat myself and my companion to inexpensive blooms from the nearest flower stall or market. –poetess

Beach towel

My all time favorite, can't go on any trip without item is a beach towel. Not one of the super sized ones or super fluffy, just an over sized towel. I carry it on the plane. I use it as a neck roll, a pillow, a blanket, cover for my head, back support, a towel, an ooh "I'm not laying on this bedspread" protector, extra pillow booster, etc., etc. –travelpig51

Camping headlamp

Mine isn't exactly a new product. It's the camping headlamp that can be used as a flashlight or as a night reading light. It works great as a night reading light when you don't want to bother your companion who wants to sleep... I've converted almost my entire family to carrying these headlamps in their luggage. Takes up minimum amount of space but is so useful! –easytraveler

Digital audio recorder

A very small digital recorder is a great thing to have. I can take it out at any time and record my impressions, memories, and the like. When and if I write a trip report, the memories are right there. I think this makes the trip report more interesting (and longer!!) and when I'm back home, it's fun to listen to my entries and remember what I was thinking and doing. –Pegontheroad

10 Things You Should Never Wear When Traveling Abroad

10 Things You Should Never Wear When Traveling Abroad

Traveling abroad isn't as simple as buying a ticket and hopping on a plane. Safety should be a key consideration no matter where you travel, and part of staying safe in an unfamiliar place is dressing to blend in -- or, at least, not dressing to stand out. Beyond avoiding matching T-shirts, baseball hats and white sneakers, not to mention "I Love NY" sweatshirts, keep in mind local customs and attitudes, as well as religious beliefs, when choosing your attire.

"My adventures have taken me, as a solo female traveler, through primarily Muslim countries as well as primarily Christian countries," says frequent traveler Lisa Munniksma. "I've always been modest in my appearance, but after traveling and meeting so many travelers and locals from various cultures, the importance of respecting traditions in dress has been driven home."

Before you get out your suitcase, here are 10 things to leave in your closet as you pack for your next trip abroad.

Religiously Immodest Clothing
It's wise to dress conservatively in any country holding deeply religious views, such as those in the Middle East (if you're not sure, your travel agent or guidebook can offer advice on local religious customs). Women in particular should avoid miniskirts, tank tops, bra tops, short-sleeved shirts, shorts and sometimes even capri pants. Revealing dresses and cleavage-bearing necklines are also huge no-nos. Men should avoid shorts and sleeveless tops in many Middle Eastern countries or when entering a church or other holy place.

Pants and long skirts are a safe bet, and women should carry a shawl in their bag or purse just in case. As a general rule, travelers should cover their shoulders and knees when entering any church or holy site to avoid unwanted stares or being denied entry. It's also wise to keep your feet and ankles covered. When in doubt, stick to long sleeves, and men, keep that chest hair concealed.

Sneakers and Open-Toe Shoes
In Europe, in particular, sneakers are for sporting activities only. White tennis shoes, Crocs and Birkenstocks are notably frowned upon by Spaniards and Italians. Instead, wear comfortable leather walking shoes in the city, and keep them polished and in good shape. White, lace-up tennis shoes are the calling card of American tourists (and don't even think about Velcro sneakers).

It's also wise to stick with closed-toe shoes, which can help prevent insect bites or cuts on your toes from gravelly surfaces. "It is not sanitary to wear flip-flops and other open-toe shoes when traveling to some areas because you can get infections," notes Talia Salem, a communications specialist at PlanetWildlife.

 Five Things You Shouldn't Wear on a Plane

Shorts
Yes, we Americans do love our shorts, but most other cultures don't wear them for everyday walking around, no matter the season or how close they are to the Equator. Leave the khaki shorts for beaches, parks, tennis clubs and hiking trails. Our habit of dressing down to be comfortable is puzzling to most people overseas. Rarely will you see locals wearing shorts unless they're off to play soccer.

Flashy Jewelry
Never wear expensive, flashy jewelry abroad, unless you want your diamond rings, pearls and pricey watches to be tagged for someone else's collection. Since there's probably no need to impress anyone that much on your trip abroad, leave the valuables at home.

Religious Imagery, Curse Words or National Flags
Avoid clothing sporting religious or military symbols, swear words, national flags and any words or symbols written in a language you cannot translate. There's no need to unintentionally spark an emotional debate while on vacation. It's also not a bad idea to leave religious jewelry, even cross necklaces, at home. If you must, wear them under your clothes so they're not visible to anyone.

Bright Colors
Stay away from bold colors, loud patterns, plaids -- you get the picture. Stick with conservative hues like navy, blue, tan and grey. Look put together, opting for classic, well-fitting clothing. You want to blend in, not draw unwanted attention to yourself (and nothing does that better than a neon green tank top).

 How to Blend In with the Locals: 20 Tips

Inappropriate Colors
In the Western world, we may wear black to wakes and funerals, but in parts of Asia, white is the funereal color -- good to keep in mind on the off chance you may be mourning someone's passing while on holiday. Meanwhile, stay away from wearing black or blue in central Africa, the favorite colors of large, biting tsetse flies.

Jeans
If a visit to a factory, rural area or even a touristy spot where the locals wear jeans is on your agenda, then, of course, jeans are acceptable. However, jeans should fit well and be wrinkle-free. It's even better if you opt for black or dark blue jeans. Baggy, ripped, even skinny jeans are generally frowned upon outside the United States.
Backpacks
Planning to spend the summer backpacking across Europe? Then a large backpack is practical and probably a better bet than a rollaboard suitcase for lugging onto trains and traveling between destinations. But bring a secondary bag, like a small fabric tote bag, for everyday touring around cities. Any kind of backpack, big or small, will mark you as a tourist.

Cameras
Snap a photo, then put your camera away. Nothing screams tourist like a camera permanently hanging from your neck. Not only do you stand out, but you may get targeted by thieves. Carry a good camera that you can fit into your small bag.

What to pack?-- travel packing list

    

         Your bag is your life. The smaller it is the
             less it sticks outs and the less vulnerable
 you feel. The closer you can stick to it and
                less cumbersome it is the happier you will be.

Taking a cell phone has many advantages and is highly recommended, but several disadvantages worth noting. Firstly if roaming on your home network, call costs (made or received) will be significant (but SMS costs are manageable). Make sure the phone you take is of the correct type for your destination/use (i.e. 'unlocked' if you want to use local SIMs and the correct band (here's good link for those in US and elsewhere). For a 'catch all' international SIM card recommended are Cellular Abroad.

 Clothes may be light, but they are also bulky, so it is advisable to take a minimum and what you do take should be of decent quality and fit for as many purposes as possible. It is best to buy a good part of the following items in a developed country, i.e. your home country or when on a trip in developed hubs. At least a few sturdy/quality items from either specialist outdoor/travel clothing company or decent clothing bands will ensure durability, functionality and that you feel good in what you wear. The below ideas of quantity (they are only ideas, each individual has to travel with what he/she feels comfortable with) include what you would wear to initially (leave) travel in.

A camera: to what extent are you into photography? And how much time and effort do you want to spend on it? Point and shoot (compact cameras) aren't perfect for amazing photos but with a good eye for composition you can take reasonable pictures. However they are perfect to carry around carefree, light, less expensive, reasonable zoom and excellent for a record of people and places. For those serous about photography will want an SLRs, which will take better pictures, but (with lenses) might be considered too big/bulky for ultra-lightweight travel. If going the SLR route get good lens(es) including one with a long (300mm) zoom which makes all the difference for wildlife and shooting people discreetly from a distance (you might consider a teleconvertor).

What country do you want to visit?

I love Philippines

CHOCOLATE HILLS

It's more fun in the Philippines! :-)

 The Philippines (ⁱ/ˈfɪlɨpiːnz/; fi-lə-peenz; Filipino: Pilipinas [ˌpɪlɪˈpinɐs]), officially known as the Republic of the Philippines (Filipino: Repúblika ng Pilipinas), is a sovereign island country in Southeast Asia in the western Pacific Ocean. To its north across the Luzon Strait lies Taiwan. West across the South China Sea sits Vietnam. The Sulu Sea to the southwest lies between the country and the island of Borneo, and to the south theCelebes Sea separates it from other islands of Indonesia. It is bounded on the east by the Philippine Sea. Its location on the Pacific Ring of Fire and its tropical climate make the Philippines prone to earthquakes and typhoons but have also endowed the country with natural resources and made it amegadiverse country. The Philippines is the 73rd largest independent nation,^[12] covering almost 300,000 square kilometers (115,831 sq mi) and an archipelago comprising 7,107 islands, and is categorized broadly into three main geographical divisions: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Its capital city is Manila.

 With a population of more than 98 million people,^[6] the Philippines is the seventh most populated Asian country and the 12th most populated countryin the world. An additional 12 million Filipinos live overseas.^[13] Multiple ethnicities and cultures are found throughout the islands. In prehistoric times,Negritos were some of the archipelago's earliest inhabitants. They were followed by successive waves of Austronesian peoples who brought with them influences from Malay, Hindu, and Islamic societies. Thus, establishing various nations either ruled by Datus, Rajahs, Sultans or Lakans. Trade and subsequent Chinese settlement also introduced Chinese cultural elements which remain to this day.

 The arrival of Ferdinand Magellan in 1521 marked the beginning of an era of Spanish interest and eventual colonization. In 1543, Spanish explorer Ruy López de Villalobos named the archipelago Las Islas Filipinas in honor of Philip II of Spain. The Spanish Empire began to settle with the arrival ofMiguel López de Legazpi from New Spain (present day-Mexico) in 1565 who established the first Spanish settlement in the archipelago, which remained a Spanish colony for more than 300 years. During this time, Manila became the Asian hub of the Manila–Acapulco galleon fleet.

As the 19th century gave way to the 20th, there followed in quick succession the Philippine Revolution, which spawned the short-lived First Philippine Republic; the Spanish–American War; and the Philippine–American War. In the aftermath, the United States emerged as the dominant power; aside from the period of Japanese occupation, the United States retained sovereignty over the islands. After World War II,^[14] the Treaty of Manilaestablished the Philippine Republic as an independent nation.^[15] Since then, the Philippines has had an often tumultuous experience withdemocracy, with popular "people power" movements overthrowing a dictatorship in one instance but also underlining the institutional weaknesses of its constitutional republic in others.

 The arrival of Ferdinand Magellan in 1521 marked the beginning of an era of Spanish interest and eventual colonization. In 1543, Spanish explorer Ruy López de Villalobos named the archipelago Las Islas Filipinas in honor of Philip II of Spain. The Spanish Empire began to settle with the arrival ofMiguel López de Legazpi from New Spain (present day-Mexico) in 1565 who established the first Spanish settlement in the archipelago, which remained a Spanish colony for more than 300 years. During this time, Manila became the Asian hub of the Manila–Acapulco galleon fleet.

As the 19th century gave way to the 20th, there followed in quick succession the Philippine Revolution, which spawned the short-lived First Philippine Republic; the Spanish–American War; and the Philippine–American War. In the aftermath, the United States emerged as the dominant power; aside from the period of Japanese occupation, the United States retained sovereignty over the islands. After World War II,^[14] the Treaty of Manilaestablished the Philippine Republic as an independent nation.^[15] Since then, the Philippines has had an often tumultuous experience withdemocracy, with popular "people power" movements overthrowing a dictatorship in one instance but also underlining the institutional weaknesses of its constitutional republic in others.

 The name Philippines is derived from that of King Philip II of Spain. Spanish explorer Ruy López de Villalobos during his expedition in 1542 named the islands of Leyte and Samar Felipinas after the then Prince of Asturias. Eventually the name Las Islas Filipinas would be used to cover all the islands of the archipelago. Before that became commonplace, other names such as Islas del Poniente (Islands of the West) and Magellan's name for the islands San Lázaro were also used by the Spanish to refer to the islands.^{[16][17][18][19][20]}
The official name of the Philippines has changed several times in the course of the country's history. During the Philippine Revolution, the Malolos Congress proclaimed the establishment of the República Filipina or the Philippine Republic. From the period of the Spanish–American War (1898) and the Philippine–American War (1899–1902) until the Commonwealth period (1935–46), American colonial authorities referred to the country as thePhilippine Islands, a translation of the Spanish name. During the American period,^{[clarification needed When?]} the name Philippines began to appear and it has since become the country's common name.^[21] Since independence, the official name of the country has been the Republic of the Philippines