Travel For Cheap – Cheap Travel by Train

Posted on May 9, 2011 by admin

If you are tired of beating yourself silly to find a way to travel for cheap searching continuously through airline deals which do not exist then you may want to check into cheap travel by train .

Today I did a little experimental research to review the pricing difference between a short flight and short rail trips to the exact same location .

First off, I opened a booking page search box for Amtrak which is the
rail service where I live for an example mach trip I was planning.

I searched for the closest city  to were I live  and entered the information
into the “from” part of the search box.

After entering the closest city to where I live, I chose a destination just for an
example to find out the cost of a trip if I wanted to take it.  The destination was around 160 miles from where I live.

For the 160 mile one way mach  trip I found;

The rail service leaving the next morning it would cost me $27.00 for a 3.2 hour trip nonstop to my destination.  Not bad considering I don’t think I could drive it for much less in fuel or even beat the time by very  much.

I again ran a search for a week later and found $27.00 again for a return
cost to return home.

Wow I thought…I can travel for cheap about $54.00 round trip !

From here I checked on what was  offered:

Baggage check – 2 bags carry on up to 50 lbs each allowed free of charge (size limit 28x22x14)
Up to 3 more checked bags up to 50 lbs. each free of charge again (size limit 36x36x36). Here you are not hassled over the luggage!

Dining Car – Since i picked such a short trip all was offered was a snack car to use to purchase snacks and drinks but they did offer table seating within the car  for playing cards or board games to occupy the time ,  if you had kids traveling this would be ideal!
Dining and sleeping cars are available on longer trips.
All cars have wheelchair access
Not bad for 50 bucks, you can still travel cheap by train!

For the 2nd part of the search, I checked the local airlines for a short flight leaving the same city going to the same destination leaving on the same day.

The only flights available from the city I was leaving was by American.
Here is what i found from the search;

No travel for cheap here!

Same destination exactly,  a few miles apart would cost me $210.00 each way plus a host of fees.

Baggage Check – Believe it of not there was no information available on the website except “Variable Charge”

Airport passenger Faculty Charge – (U.S. gov. excise tax) $18.00 for each segment of the flight) R/T.

Airport Security Fee – $2.50
Another Security Fee for another $3.50
What fees I could find on the site would have placed the ticket price of almost $460.00 R/T plus baggage fees which wouldn’t know until I got to the airport. These charges were for a 1 plus hour flight each way!

After this little test exercise and comparison I believe any one could travel for cheap in the U.S. these days if you take some time to research the options. After all why stress out on your vacation with expensive airfare tickets when you could enjoy it more by  seeing the sites by rail. Use the leisure time for bonding with your family and friends using cheap travel by train. Next time you desire to travel, Try this exercise yourself during your trip planning process, You may be amazed what you can save.

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Castle For Wedding – Wedding Destination Ideas

Posted on May 8, 2011 by admin

If your next vacation includes wedding plans and you are looking for unique wedding destination ideas this  Castle for Wedding guide may be of some help. Europe has literally 100′s of authentic castle for wedding properties available for use , but here we show you just a few to help get your creativity flowing.

Ashford Castle: Ireland

For the most luxurious fairytale weddings you may want to take into consideration Ashford Castle for your wedding destination.

The castle located on the west coast of  Ireland on the banks of Lough Corrib the second largest lake in Ireland.  The castle was founded in 1228 making it a  authentic 13th century castle and not just another modern day mansion.

The Ashford  boasts that they offer the most unique and romantic wedding venue in all of Ireland with 2  churches on the castle property to choose from and the entire castle and grounds including the walled garden and fountain for the most unforgettable backdrops for your wedding pictures and cherished memories.

This Castle for Wedding also  offers a choice of 83 rooms  to for you and your group stay over, most rooms maintaining all their original authentic  features while having the most modern up to date amenities available for your utmost comfort.

The  Castle offers many  romantic vacation  packages to choose from  including many activities to participate in like archery , golf , guided tours tennis and horseback riding just to name a few while being family oriented and kids are welcome for those of you with  existing families. check if they meet your wedding destination ideas.

Guthrie Castle : Scotland

Guthrie Castle would have to be our top pick for meet your Castle for Wedding destination ideas .

The castle built in 1468, located about halfway between Edinburgh and Aberdeen in Scotland has all the qualities of being one of the top wedding destinations of all of Scotland being voted best British wedding venues of 2009.

Wedding venues include the choice of indoor or outdoor wedding ceremonies. Full service wedding ceremonies of religious, civil or themed in  nature are all allowed at the castle.

Indoor venues include use of the castles own private chapel or use of the historic church built in 1150 located on the castle grounds. Outdoor venue  is the use of the beautiful  2+ acre walled garden which has been in existence for over 500 years. It is absolutely breathtaking!

The castle for wedding has its own wedding pavillion for your  reception party that can seat up to 200 to 300 guests including a dance floor , bar, band stage and its own kitchen for preparing meals onsite.

The castle offers many wedding packages to choose from.The Castle can currently accommodate up to 28 overnight guest of your wedding party,  check website for more details.

Thornewood Castle: Washington State,  U.S.

For those of you in the U.S. who just don’t find it necessary to travel across the pond, We have Castle for Wedding in mind that makes the list right here in the U.S. Reading the history behind the castle alone makes it worth a  romantic top wedding destination Idea.

The authentically reconstructed English  Castle is located on the shores of American Lake just south of Tacoma in Lakewood  Washington.

Although the castle is not an original fortified U.S. residence it was built using materials of a 400 year old castle which was dismantled and shipped to America  from England. The castle was purchased in England, dismantled, shipped and reconstructed  in the early 1900 era as a wedding gift.

This Castle for wedding has a indoor or outdoor wedding venue. Indoor weddings can be performed in the castles great hall or ballroom while outdoor weddings are held in the sunken English garden or lakefront services while a choice of Indoor and outdoor receptions are also available.

Other significant castle attractions is the 400 year old English castle staircase which many brides have been know to descend from to be married  displaying authentic furnishing of the era  while the windows consist of beautiful stained glass medieval widow art collection from the 16th century which was collected throughout England placed throughout the castle.

The castle is consists  of 54 rooms total with 22 bedrooms and bed and breakfast suites for you and your guests to stay. Whatever type of wedding you are planning this castle would be a great candidate to fulfill your dreams of any symbolic wedding destination ideas you may have.

Castles weddings can take some time to plan so find a good wedding planner to help choose your Castle for Wedding today and start planning your fairytale wedding to feel like a Princes and Princesses of the past with your own medieval symbolic castle wedding!

 

 

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Castles of Ireland – Carrickfergus Castle

Posted on April 19, 2011 by admin

During the medieval era , Carrickfergus Castle had to be one of the most important strategic Castles of Ireland.

Carrickfergus Castle is now situated in the small town of Carrickfergus in Northern Ireland about 10 miles north of Belfast on the north shore of Belfast Lough. It is known to be the oldest most authentic well preserved stone castles of Ireland.

The Norman architecture designed  830 year old castle of Ireland was originally built around 1177 has served as a fortified military position from the earliest documented English  records of 1204 while used as a garrison for over 750 years of its existence. The Castle has been rebuilt and added on to several  different times due to age,  the battle stress and to mainly satisfy the military technology of the times.

Being the target of numerous battles throughout the centuries, The castle was said to be taken in battle by siege many times over the centuries.

In 1316 the castle fell to Edward Bruce of Scotland. The Irish Earls enlisted Bruce  in the attempt to drive the English out of Ireland. Edward Bruce was named King of Ireland until defeated in battle by the English forces and killed in 1318 and Ireland and the Carrickfergus Castle was regained by England. During Bruce’s Siege, it is said that during a parlay 30 over the Scottish soldiers were captured and placed in the dungeons. 8 of these soldiers were eventually eaten by the starving defenders of the castle.

During the battles of the English Civil War, This Important castle of Ireland was the target of a many sieges because of it’s political and strategic importance but always reclaimed in a short time.

In 1760 it fell to the french, During their occupation they used it for a prison but  soon forced to abandoned it.

Other Roles were taken by the castle over the centuries beyond being garrisoned by troops. During Battles the castle was used to house prisoners of war and actually becoming a prison for a time during the late 1700 through the early 1800 era. Later in the history it had been used as a magazine and armory up to the first world war.

In 1928 the Carrickferguson Castle was taken out of military commission and  transferred in the government to be preserved as a national ancient monument and earned a top position on the list of the castles of Ireland. After becoming a national monument the castle one last time was called on to perform the last military task as a air raid shelter during world war 2. Since the war it has served only as a authentic  medieval era museum.

The Carrickfergus Castle is opened daily  for tours, banquets and weddings and has many great reviews. Information boards posted inside the castle as well as a 10 minute video gets you informed about the castle and its history. Life sized figures bowmen, knights on horseback, officers and soldiers are placed through out the castle doing everyday tasks so you get the feel of what it was like living in medieval times. Original cannons used by the fort to defend against attack from sea  are on display as well.

Castle  Weddings are also performed at the castles authentically era decorated  banquet room for those who would like a very unique historical renaissance wedding for a treasured lifetime memory.

If your travel agenda takes your to Ireland be sure to see the many authentic castles of Ireland like Carrickfergus Castle while you are there for once in a lifetime experience!.

.

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Insurance For Travel – Cancellation Insurance for Travel

Posted on April 18, 2011 by admin

It is our goal to help when deciding whether you need to purchase additional travel insurance for cancellation for you vacation plans.  There are many different kinds of insurance for travel plans that will be beneficial for you to invest in after you decide your travel plan what kind of cancellation for travel insurance plan will be best for you.

My goal here is not to sell insurance for travel, It is to help you to better understand what could be a major financial decision you have invested in depending on your travel plans.

After the unfortunate events of  the Japan catastrophe, It makes us stop to think of how  much this radiation dumping into the air streams and Pacific  ocean will effect the travel industry. Throughout the U.S. storms and tornadoes are taking toll on many of our tourist areas. What effect on your travel plans will this have ?

Will tourist areas be closed or tour agencies be temporarily shutdown and flight cancellations or delays be in place in the near future? This is the type of uncertainty that is calling for you to be aware of the options you have after booking your trip. Whether it be air flights or ocean cruises they may possibly all be targets for cancellation.

First off, after you purchase your travel tickets and book your trip you need to set up your travel insurance for cancellation insurance policy.

You need to check with the .gov travel warning advisory website to see if there are any travel warnings for the area you will be traveling to. This may give you some ideas of what types of additional insurance for travel policies you may need. Just click the highlighted link for relevant  results.

This search may have influence upon your travel insurance policies depending upon the results. Pay close attention to advisories that could effect you travel plans and in route of where you are traveling to.

Now is a good time to start asking questions and reading and understanding the fine print within your policies as far as benefits and exclusions. Many insurance policies recently have exclusions for acts of terrorism, civil unrest along with your normal exclusions for acts of nature, natural disasters and baggage loss and so forth . You need to get informed .

The main point here is be aware of what benefits they are offering and what exclusions they are taking away because every policy is different in one way or another. Find a policy that will pay cash for new travel plans and or reimburse you in case of Flight cancellation, Tour guide cancellation that you have paid for in advance or even baggage loss and delay.

Also be aware by using a gold and some platinum credit cards while booking your trip may also include insurance for travel policies or at least offer a discounted price to purchase one. These are good if you don’t have a lot invested up front in your trip.

Travel insurance for cancellation will give you some comfort  if any of the above cancellation or delays happen when your are in the middle of your trip. so you will not have to be financially burdened with out of pocket expenses of changing flights, re – booking hotel rooms and other expense  you did not plan for.

Comparing  insurance for travel policies online is a great way to find the best deal that suits you the best according to your own or  your  family vacation plans  and what type of activities you will be participating  in. By typing in “Insurance for travel + comparison”  into your browser  you should be able to locate any website that you can compare rates for your best deal. We are on the lookout for links to insurance for travel information we can recommend in the near future.

Have a great trip and  thank you for visiting http://besttravelresources.com

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Baggage Fees – Costly Fees You Need To Know About

Posted on April 14, 2011 by admin

Baggage fees can cost you a small fortune these days and it is a subject worth checking into before you leave on your next vacation. Please be aware that baggage fees will apply  at every leg of  of your trip, every time you change airlines so plan your trip carefully.Paying these fees in advance online while booking can save your some money, while checking with some of the smaller airline could save you a bundle depending on your destination.

First bags:

The first Bags checked in cost you around  $15 t0 $30 if you are paying in advance online and could cost you up to $45 dollars if you wait to check them in at your airport. There are also 70 pound weight limits with some if not all of the major air carriers. so it may not be a bad idea to pack lightly.

Second bags:

Second bags check in baggage fees range from $15 to $60 depending upon your destination and which airlines you choose .

3 or more Bags:

Checking more than 2 bags (3 to 10) can be extremely expensive if you are flying with some of the major airlines.
checking in 3 or more bags can range from $20 if you are flying the younger not as well  known airlines while up to $200  if you are flying the major airline pay very close attention to these fees while planning your trip.

Weight Limits:

Most of us traveling like to bring stuff home from our travels for memory sake and this is where most airlines really get to digging deep. If you attempt to put all you can into your luggage they have that covered too.

Weight limits are in place to cover over packing your bags. If you bag or suitcase weight is from 51 to 70 pounds you can look forward to a overweight bag fee.The  overweight limit see can cost you anywhere from $40 to $400  and overweight bags are not allowed on some international flights, so check the weight of you bags if possible before checking in. Finding alternative shipping methods could save you a small fortune if you like to collect items from your travels.

Over Sized Bags:

One other fee we would like to discuss is the over sized baggage fee .  If you suitcase is over 63″ long or larger you will be paying a premium  fee from $100  to $200 dollars per bag with most major air carriers.Be aware that bags this size may not be allowed on some  international flights because of weight and space availability factors . Be sure to do your homework and get yourself educated, ask necessary questions about your baggage size and weight and cost.

There are some exceptions to the rules here. Some of the smaller airlines waive some of these excessive baggage fees and allow discount pricing  while traveling with them.Be sure to check there if you are trying to keep a budget while traveling. always ask for detailed information while planning your trip and be sure to visit the airlines facts(FAQS) pages for more indirect expenses you may be charged without knowing. The overview here of baggage fees can change in a second so it will be worth your time and effort to explore
extensively your air carrier options and costs.

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Top Vacation Spot in U.S. – New Orleans Attractions

Posted on April 6, 2011 by admin

Top Vacation Spot in the U.S. – New Orleans Attractions

There are dozens of  New Orleans Attractions for this historical city may be considered the top vacation spot in the U.S..

New Orleans literally has something for everyone, may it be great food, live entertainment, shopping ,historical homes, places and buildings or just plain fun. No matter your age or gender you will find something that interests you. In our research we bring you some  New Orleans Attractions you and your family may enjoy.

New Orleans Attractions #1 – Cemetery Tours:

For the history buffs and Kids alike, you can find a great fact filled history lesson of New Orleans by taking one of the famous
cemetery tours. Professional tour guides take you through the oldest above ground burial sites of the city while giving you a very informative historical  and passionate look into the past lives of the residents who lived there.

Saint Louis Cemetery (founded 1789) which contains some of the cities most illustrious citizens who shaped it including the famous Voo Doo queen Marie Laveau.

Lafayette cemetery (founded 1833 ) has been in continuous operation. Our research has revealed and noted that the “save our cemeteries”  tour is very fact filled and informative and worthwhile. SOC uses professional volunteer guides and donates funds back to the historic burial grounds for maintaining them.

For those of you on the adventurous side, don’t miss the tours with a ghostly twist put on by Bloody Mary Tours which was indicated very worthwhile by the excellent reviews. All the stories about the magical city  reportedly handed down by generations of actual family members that had lived here from the beginning though oral history and diaries.

New Orlean Attractions  #2 – Plantation Tours:

Laura Creole Plantation

This original sugar plantation is a registered landmark built in 1805. Laura is known as the best history tour in Louisiana based on over 5000 original documents archived which are used as  for reference. The histories of this plantation shows what life was like over 250 years ago. The plantation home tour concentrates on the grounds which consists of 11 historic buildings and the first floor main museum.
The second floor is only accessable by stairs . The tour is 4.5 hours long from departure in New Orleans.

Oak Alley Plantation

A plantation home built in 1839 which is now known for its majestic 250 year old 800 foot long alley way of 28 Oak trees leading to the river centered at the front of its Caribbean plantation style mansion. It has been revealed by my research that the most popular part of this tour is the outside areas were have been described as breathtaking and absolutely beautiful. Although the mansion has been used in several movies they don’t allow any photos being taken inside. The second floor of the mansion is only accessable by stairs. The tours are 4.5 hours long from departure in New Orleans.

New Orleans Attractions  #3 – Riverboat Cruise Tours:

Board the “Creole Queen”,  a fully mondernized air conditioned  paddle wheel riverboat for a 2.5 hour,  fully narrated  historical river cruise tour about New Orleans landmarks and the Mississippi River. Visit the Jean Lafitte Historical Park,  the actual battle field where the “Battle of New Orleans” occurred. This battle field is where Jean Lafitte and Andrew Jackson’s forces combined to defeat the British army.

While visiting  the battlefield take a look at the at the Chalmette Monument and visit the Malus – Beauregard House for more historical information.

In the evening you may enjoy the “Dinner- Jazz Mississippi River Cruise” on board the Creole Queen. This is a 3 hour cruise with a dinner buffet and some of the best live jazz music available. The Creole Queen is equipped with all the comforts of the modern world while decorated throughout with Victorian style decor to capture the romantic affects of a bygone era.

Board the “Natchez” Riverboat for a authentic paddle wheel experience! The Natchez is one of 6 authentic steam powered paddle wheel riverboats operating in existence today. See the authentic museum quality 1920 era Steam engine that powers this floating palace. Daily harbor cruises available include live narration of facts of  one of the worlds busiest active river ports in the world  with (optional) fresh prepared Creole lunch on board . Kids ride free with paid adult under the age of 6. Includes Calliope Concert on early cruises.

The Natchez also has a dinner-Jazz cruise with has fresh prepared meals on board with casual buffet style dining, Live jazz music performed on board. The Lights of the city at night from on board a riverboat are spectacular and may be considered another New Orleans Attraction . Add this to your must do list!

New Orleans Attractions #4 – Swamp Tours:

For all the nature lovers a swamp tour would be a must for the whole family.

Learn  about the unique migratory and resident wildlife living in their own protected natural habitat.

Take in the untouched beauty of the swamps as they were with the moss covered cypress trees
and unique plant life only known to this region.

Some of the wildlife noted to being here is Alligators, Bald  Eagles, Owls, Deer, Otters, Beavers, Mink  and Water fowl along with  Migratory Birds  just to name some of the creatures living here.

Bigfoot has also been noted of being here on occasion!

Several tours daily from several tour guides are available to pick from going to  different locations from New Orleans. Pick one that suits you best.

There are Just a few tours of some New Orleans Attractions listed here. There are many other types of attractions in and around New Orleans like Art Galleries, Museums, French Quarters, The 58 acre Audubon Zoo, The Audubon Aquarium, Mansions of the Garden District, Amusement Parks  and so on we will discuss in future articles. There are no shortage of New Orleans Attractions which makes this a top vacation spot in the U.S. in my opinion.

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French Quarters New Orleans

Posted on March 21, 2011 by admin

French Quarters New Orleans

The French Quarters New Orleans was founded in 1718 by a
French Canadian Naval officer by name of Jean Baptiste Bienville.

It originally was planned to be 70 squares by design of a
military style grid popular of the times. The latest Historical Landmark section of the city is now designated 85 square blocks.

The central square by original french name “Vieux Carr’e” consisted of
The Church Of Saint Louis, The Ursuline Convent and School
for Women, Royal Hospital, The french Market, Tobacco Warehouses along with other commercial buildings and dwellings rising to the total
of 1100 structures were also present throughout the Quarters.

In 1762 Louisiana was transferred by King Louis XV to His cousin
Charles 111 of Spain putting New Orleans under Spanish control
for about  40 years until the purchase by the United States in 1803.

During the Spanish  period the quarters square was referred to as Plaza de’ Armas. After the purchase in 1803 by the United States and the Battle of New Orleans the square was renamed again as Jackson Square.

The great fire of 1788 destroyed much of the French Quarter
consuming over 800 of the original french structures while 6 years
later the fire of 1794 destroyed another 212 structures leaving
Spain to totally rebuild The French Quarters. Most of the original
french structures remaining  were torn down or reconstructed to meet
the strict Spanish fire codes.

The French Quarters New Orleans architecture that had survived
as of today are Spanish in design, most more than 200 years old built from Brick with a stucco finish including beautiful detailed cast iron work on the balconies and Galleries. Most all structures included walled garden areas and outdoor kitchens
and separate servants quarters.

Many of these unique massive brick structures are built on entire
blocks of the French Quarters and the architectural designs are
truly a beautiful sight to see on their own.

Take a stroll starting at the Quarter down Royal street to find some of the oldest buildings  in New Orleans , Some dating back to 1792.  Take a turn on  Charles street to see more of the oldest including  Old Ursuline Convent and Orphanage one which survived the fires  as said to be built around 1745  and is known to be one of the oldest structures in the Mississippi Valley. The convent was in continuous operation until hurricane Katrina in  2005 .

Many tours of the French Quarter are available on a daily basis along with tours of other significant historical sights such as many beautiful plantation homes, war of 1812 battlefield, World War 2 museum just to name a few easily accessed in the immediate  area . The French Quarter truly deserves the registry of being a Historical Landmark for it is one of the best vacation spots in the U.S. of its kind.

I myself have visited the unique French Quarters New Orleans and would recommend it to anyone for a interesting, fun, safe vacation spot for singles, couples and families alike, for there is truly something for everyone.

If you are looking for a unique getaway, You may want to  consider New Orleans as your next vacation spot!

Thank you for visiting besttravelresources.com

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Top Places To Visit In Europe – Rome Italy Attractions

Posted on October 10, 2010 by admin

Rome Italy Attractions – Things to do in Rome

Rome is a very interesting and popular travel destination in Europe. It is highly recommended while visiting that you spend at least a few days or more to take in these breathtaking Rome Italy Attractions that date back to the earliest of recorded time of the Mighty Roman Empire.

Compiled here are some recommended Rome Italy Attractions you may want to see during your visit to Europe. These are the top places to visit which people have recommended that live in the city and others from all over the world who have been there.

Palatine Hill –

It is belief that the first city of Rome was actually built upon Palatine Hill around 753 B.C.  Here you can find the ruins of the Stadium of domination, an ancient arena which was surrounded by  pillars where early private games and fights were held. The ruins of ancient palaces, homes of the rich and convents plus the Botanical Gardens of later times can also be found here. Among the ruins , The Palatine Antiquarium  Museum that should not be missed.

According to archeological digs It is said Palatine Hill could have been occupied as far back as the 10th century B.C.

Colosseum Pantheon -

The Colosseum is known as one of  the most famous attractions to ancient city. The Roman Colosseum building began in the first century A.D. (around 79 A.D.) by Vespasian and later finished Domitian using brick and cut stone with a wooden staging area under the main floor. The Roman amphitheater which held up to 50,000 spectators was one of the first of its kind , the Complexes main entertainment was deadly gladiator and wild animal fights.

The ruin of the massive 3 story structure still stands today in 2010. It is quite a marvel a must see for anyone visiting Rome Italy Attractions.

Terme di Caracalla –

The Baths of Caracalla located around the corner from the Colosseum are the ruins of the 3 rd century A.D. bathhouse.

The bathhouses were built between 212 and 216 A.D. and used until the 6th century when the complex was destroyed during the Gothic war.

The Caracalla Baths are said to be  the most elegant and massive complex ever built in Rome which  covered approximately 30 acres and held up to 1600 bathers.

The complex was used for a community leisure type center. Contained within the walls were a library, vendor shops, eating and drinking establishments, community toilets, swimming pool , hot rooms while including the live entertainment of the day. Open courtyards were used for public exercise while 2 gyms were available for wresting and boxing and fencing events. The elegant heated community bathing areas were the secondary function of the complex.

The bath houses were decorated with paintings, glass works, brightly painted walls and granite statues and mosaic tile floors.

Foro Romano –

The area of the Roman Forums are one of the oldest parts of the roman empire marketplace with some of the earliest structures erected there  dating back to the 6 th century. Located in the marsh between Palatine hill and Capitoline hill, The forum was the earliest market place, city hub  and economic center in the ancient city. This is the area where the roman empire market began and most all  there business and trade was conducted.

After researching the history of the ruins standing today in this area , these may not be the original structures from the 6th century B.C.. At best these are the fragments left from attempts of reconstruction of the 2 fires and earthquakes that destroyed the original structures during the rein of the empire. All the existing structures standing today were erected at later times .

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Air Travel Tickets – Fees and other charges you should be aware of

Posted on October 5, 2010 by admin

Today we will be touching on some taxes, extra fees and  surcharges that you may or may not be aware of before purchasing your air flight tickets. while purchasing you airfare although there are taxes applied automatically, there are also other fees and taxes you need to be aware of so there will be no surprises to cause financial difficulties during your trip.

U.S. International Arrival and Departure Tax  fees:

Fee of $16.10 USD will be charged for any arriving flight or departing flight in the U.S.

Additional international taxes and fees  up to $299.00 can be  charged to you upon entering other countries  depending on your itinerary. Some of these taxes  and fees may be charged to your airfare ticket but there sometimes  other fees like foreign tax, Inspections and Security charges that may apply that you will have to pay upon entering or leaving another country.

International tariff surcharge can be applied to any international flight by the airline carrier up to $260 each way of your flight.

U.S Immigration and Naturalization fees of $7.00 will be added to  all flights arriving in U.S territories from abroad. (U.S. Territories include U.S. , Puerto Rico, and U.S. Virgin Islands)

Animal Plant and Health Inspection Service fee of $5.00 will apply to all flights arriving into the U.S. territories from abroad. (U.S. Territories include U.S. , Puerto Rico, and U.S. Virgin Islands)

There are some carriers that waive these fees if flying in the U.S. so be sure and do your research for the best deals.

Booking Agent Fees:

Flight booking agents online do charge extra fees if you wish to receive paper tickets to your home address. when electronic tickets are available. from our research we were able to determine it will cost around $50.00 for this transaction above and beyond the price of purchasing your original tickets. Fees may vary form agent to agent.

Itinerary changes, cancellations and refunds all carry extra charge if even permitted. Some tickets purchases  are non refundable. If changes are permitted, a fee of around $50.00 will be charged for these transactions. keep in mind fee may vary , so check ahead of time with you booking agent.

Booking by telephone fees of $25.00 may be charged for booking your flight using your telephone. these fees are non refundable.

Airline Carrier Fees

Peak travel surcharges of $10 to $30 per person each way, per flight have been added to your flight ticket costs by most major airline carriers during the busy summer months while families are vacationing and holidays . The highest fees are charged are on the heaviest travel days during  the holidays in the  summer months, Thanksgiving and Christmas  through New Years .If you would like to save here, try arranging you travel plans during other times that are not within the heaviest (Peak) traveled  times of the year. these Times peak times  are normally a week before and after major travel holidays and summer months while all the kids are out of school.

Most airline carriers allow one carry on bag for free while others charge you  for each individual bag every time it is checked.  Fees are  around $20.00 to $50.00 per bag up to 2 bags.  This seems to be the going price but it may be wise to consult your particular carrier about these charges. These fees are above and beyond the price of your Air Travel Tickets  and  can become very costly. 3 bags or more are considered excessive, we have seen reports that charges start from anywhere for $80 to $400 each checked bag per flight depending on the weight and size of you bags. Be sure to check the airline you are considering for more details,  prices change with each itinerary.

Make sure you do your research to get the best travel deals possible, sometimes cheap air travel tickets are not what they seem to be .Travel booking agents sometime give you base fare prices and then add all extra fees to it . be sure to ask questions and know what you are paying for in advance.

Thank you for visiting http://bestraveresources.com

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International Travel – How to get your first U.S. passport and where to apply

Posted on October 1, 2010 by admin

When engaging in international travel by air you  and your children , regardless of age will be required to have a valid Passport and in most cases,  many countries will require you to apply for a visa.  The same process applies for you and your children to access these documents. Passports for children usually are are granted for 5 years at a time and  up to 10 years at a time for adults.

International travel by land or sea you can in most cases apply for a passport ID card. This id card can be used to enter  the U.S.  from Canada, Mexico and  The Caribbean  at land border crossings and sea ports that are connected to the U.S. land mass but can not be used for international  travel by air. You must first have your original travel documents to purchase the I.D. card on its own.

You can apply for both  the air travel document and the ID card by submitting form DS11 for about $165.00 USD according to the U.S. state department site listed here. This seems to be the best deal  for all types of international travel documents.

You should receive your documents in 4 to 8 weeks after application unless expedited. You can expect 2 to 4 weeks  if expedited using the state department  if they are not  busy on average.  You can expedite through the U.S. state department site or use a online service which will be more costly but somewhat quicker if you are needing a visa also.

When planning you need to keep in mind how much traveling you will be doing using your documents. It may be a great idea to get extra pages added to your passport up front to insure you don’t run into a problem while entering other countries. keep in mind every customs agent for the country you are visiting will take up at the least  one page for every visa stamp  providing there is no errors. There will be more pages used if mistakes are made  during processing.

When applying for you passport there are some guidelines you need to know and follow. You must apply in person for your first documents if any of these requirements fit your circumstances.

1. If you applying for the first time

2. if you have applied before but were under 16 years of age

3. if you had prior US passport and it was lost, stolen or damaged

4. if you have US passport that is more than 15 years old

5. If you have changed your name since your last US passport was issued and you were unable to legally document your name change.

Where to apply for your travel documents:

If you reside in the U.S. and need to locate the nearest registration office, please visit the following link:

your nearest registration offices

If you need your documents in less than 2 weeks for international travel or need one within 4 weeks to obtain a foreign visa, you can make an appointment at a regional agency by calling  1 877 487 2778. by calling this number you will reach an automated appointment system that works 24/7  so feel free to call at  anytime.

If you have questions , customer service representatives can be accessed at 1 888 874 7793 or 1 877 487 2778 Monday through  Friday 8am to 10 pm eastern standard time (except holidays).

If you have  travel emergencies or make an appointment at one of the regional offices you can also use these numbers. Be sure to check the U.S.state department site listed here  for more information and details

Please feel free to visit the U.S. state department travel website here for more  details,  fees and other important international travel information.

Thank you visiting http://besttravelresources.com and Happy Traveling!

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