Flying With Liquids

I'm starting to pack for a trip, again. My biggest challenge, even sometimes more than how to dress for the weather where I'm going, is making sure I have refilled my traveling toiletries. I don't travel with any store-bought mini-toiletries.

How many store-bought or hotel-acquired toiletries do you travel with? My quart baggy has a standard size deodorant, contact solution, shampoo, mouth wash, toothpaste, a perfume stick, and Neosporin. Sometimes I throw my cosmetics in there, if I'm traveling on business.

I used to just take the shampoo bottle I either got in the mail or from the last hotel I was in and use it up, then start again. But then I got picky about my shampoo. So I started refilling the small bottle I had with my preferred shampoo.

When we didn't have to put our liquids into one quart bag with no larger than 3 oz containers in it, I used to just throw my daily toiletries in a cosmetic bag and then into my suitcase. But, I had to start rethinking all of my toiletries after the foiled UK terror plot with liquids changed our flying habits in 2006.

To avoid buying the travel sizes in toiletries I bought a 3 oz plastic bottle for my mouthwash. It's unfortunate that it's plastic, but that would be the case anyway; at least I can refill it with the mouthwash of my choice. My deodorant package is less than 3 ounces so I just bring it along and don't worry about having a small size.

I refill the sample size contact solution bottle my eye doctor gave me; that must make him cringe. I've already talked about how I refill a sample-size shampoo container. I'm testing a shampoo and body bar of soap to see how I like that, and will report back on that later. It may not be for everyone, but it might be a great solution for some people or situations.

My favorite traveling trick, when it comes to toiletries, is using contact lens cases to hold my toothpaste. I don't have to buy the little travel tubes, wasting more resources and money. I prefer the screw-on lid style of case because the "bowl" is bigger, so holds more toothpaste than the flip lid style -- and it's not likely to accidentally pop open.

I don't use lots of toothpaste when I brush so I find that the amount in one "bowl" lasts me for a week, brushing once a day. YMMV (your mileage may vary), but even if one entire lens case lasts you only a week they are small enough you can slip several in to your travel quart bag without pushing the limits. The cases wash nicely to be ready for another fill another time. One more plus of using contact lens cases, at least for contact lens wearers, is that we tend to accumulate lots of cases, so this is a great way to reduce waste and recycle plastic.

I feel I'm doing one more little thing to lighten my step on the planet by taking this approach to flying with liquids. That's what I do, get greener.

Kit Cassingham has been a greenie most of her life, even having a degree in Environmental Conservation. Her articles share lessons learned, both failures and successes. Food, cleaning, travel, energy and water conservation, waste reduction, home improvement projects, etc -- it's all part of green living, which you can follow at http://www.WeGetGreener.com


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http://EzineArticles.com/?Flying-With-Liquids&id=6296255

Latin America tours

How to Travel to the Galapagos

Despite the cost, traveling to the Galapagos Islands of Ecuador is truly a "once-in-a-lifetime" experience not to be missed . One of the World's last natural sanctuaries, these islands  inspire the spirit and show case the wonder of evolution.

A key factor to your experience is. Boats are designed for different type of travel and activities.
As for the flight, Ecuador's airports are home to some very well-known and respected airlines in the world. If you are flying from the United States, and check both American Airlines and Delta for the best deals. Both of these airlines along with Continental offer service into the country's two international airports, Quito (UIO) and Guayaquil (GYE).

Remember to check with your doctor about health issues and immunizations before you leave.
Remember to pack your bags carefully. Certain items are prohibited in this reserve. Your travel agent should be able to provide you with a list of these. The park mantains a series of rules which you should abide.

*April, May and November as the best months to visit due to a combination of factors such as wildlife prevalence, the weather and water temperature, however the islands can be visited year round.
*Book well in advance as the best boats fill up quickly.

Check with your local Ecuadorian embassy or consulate to see if you will need to pre-apply for an entry visa. In most cases, upon entering the country, visas are automatically granted for 90 days; however, in some cases you will be denied entry into the country if you did not obtain authorization first.

Source: wikiHow
How to choose a Galapagos Cruise   

Galapagos islands travel

Interesting Facts on Belize

The country of Belize once called British Honduras is located in Central Americas Caribbean Coast. Mexico borders it to the North, Guatemala to the West and South. It is as subtropical country that is about 176 miles long and 63 miles wide covering about 8870 square miles. One of the more interesting facts on Belize is that it includes the world's second largest barrier reef. This 185 mile long reef contains three coral atolls all of which makes it an ideal location for diving. Snorkeling and fishing.

The mainland consists of varied and diverse landscapes and topography. The North end of the country is a flat plain with shallow soils that support tropical hardwood shrubs and forests. The Northern coast is best described as consisting of mangrove swamps.

Central Belize consists of large sandy savannas to the North and large hills to the South. Elevations rise to approximately 3600 feet above sea level providing the country with the only pine forest in Central America. Called the Mountain Pine Ridge Area and the Maya Mountains this area contains the headwaters of the Belize River.

The Southern Part of the country contains the Maya Mountains and subtropical rainforest. It receives more than 168 inches of rain each year. The coastal belt produces abundant citrus and bananas.
One of the most sought after facts on Belize are the many cayes or islands, atolls and barrier reef are the main attraction to Belize. The most famous are Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker where visitors have direct access to the beautiful blue Caribbean. There are many additional islands and cayes that lay behind the barrier reef that provide habitat for birds and marine wildlife.

Belize is the only English language country in Central and South America. However Creole, Garifuna, Mayan and Spanish are also common. Probably the most interesting facts on Belize's are that its population is about 260,000 and consists of a mixture of many cultures including European, Creole, Maya, and Mestizos. Racial harmony makes the people very friendly to all.

Belize's currency is the Belize dollar (BZ$) and its value is tied to the US dollar. One US dollar equals 2 BZ$. Credit cards are readily acceptable in most hotels and restaurants with a 5 percent surcharge. The cost of living in Belize is very low making it very economical to visit the tropical paradise.

Entry to the country requires a passport, a return ticket to another destination and sufficient funds to support themselves during their visit. Normally this equals $50 per day. Visitors may stay for a period of 30 days but may purchase an extension from the government for $25. A visa is not required for citizens of the US, Britain, Canada and European Economic Community. A visa is required for entry for all other nationals.

Belize is a beautiful subtropical paradise with many dedicated natural areas. The cost of living is low making it one of the most economical places to visit. The people are friendly and the lifestyle is relaxed. Many people from the US and Britain are retiring and moving to Belize to enjoy this beautiful country.  The facts on Belize show why so many people visit this great travel destination each year.



James Kesel, MS, is the publisher of the Moving to Belize website located at http://www.moving-to-belize-info.com  Providing [http://www.moving-to-belize-info.com/interestingfacts.html]facts on Belize a great vacation destination.

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Interesting-Facts-on-Belize&id=1228175] Interesting Facts on Belize

Latin America tours

Argentina's New Tourist Tax Targets Canada, Australia, and USA

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Tom_Germain]Tom Germain
As a result of yet another ill-timed law passed by Cristina Kirchner's government, travelers visiting from Canada, the US and Australia are now required to pay a tourist tax upon arrival in Argentina. The law went into effect late in December, 2009, and has raised grave concerns from the Argentinean tourist industry, already reeling from the effects of the last recession.

US citizens are asked to pay 138 USD for the right of entry. Although the fee is collected once during the lifetime of your passport, this isn't a visa, and it isn't clear how it is tracked by Argentinean authorities. Meanwhile, Canadians will be the hardest hit, since they have to forfeit seventy US dollars each time they disembark in Argentina. Australians are bilked for 100 USD. The amounts can be paid in US currency or the equivalent in Argentinean pesos. Note that this new tax is in addition to the departure tax you have to pay upon leaving. If you have dual Argentinean citizenship, then you're exempt from paying the new tax.

The explanation given by the government for this new policy is that it's an act of reciprocity for the costly and complicated process imposed on their own citizens when they apply for a visa to one of the three countries. Brazil was one of the first to impose reciprocity several years ago, although I should point-out that what you get is a real via, good for five years. It's absolutely true that Argentineans are discriminated against by several economically rich countries, and the fees they're charged for their application isn't refunded if it's refused. I agree this is unjust, but on the other hand, before the 2001 economic meltdown in Argentina, visas weren't required of them - this changed when the flow of illegal immigrants from Argentina became an exodus of millions.

The real concern here isn't whether this policy is justified, but what effect it will have on the already battered economy, where tourism is one of the most important sources of growth and foreign income. If you read the postings on this subject in online forums, you get a definite sense that the sector will take a big hit, judging from the virulent reactions of would be travelers to Argentina. If an American family of four was planning to go to Buenos Aires for a once in a lifetime vacation, they might reconsider upon discovering that their tab just went up by 552 dollars.

This tax will also have a negative impact on neighboring countries, particularly Uruguay. Many combine their visit to Uruguay with Argentina, typically landing in Buenos Aires, then traveling by Buquebus to Colonia or Montevideo. If you're a Canadian, are you going to visit any neighboring countries knowing that you'll be tagged for yet another 70 dollars upon returning to Argentina? The same problem arises for Canadians living in Argentina who have to renew their 3 month tourist visa, typically by crossing over to Uruguay for a brief visit. That, my friends is at least 280 dollars a year!

Currently, the tax is only collected in Ezeiza airport (Buenos Aires), probably because they haven't fully worked-out the logistics of collecting the fees country-wide, but their plan is to extend it to all entry points, be it by land, air or water. The Kirchner administration predicts it will collect forty million dollars a year from this tax, but that is probably very optimistic in view of the dampening effect it will have. More importantly, the tourism industry will lose ten times that, thus making it a net tax revenue loss.
The Kirchners are almost guaranteed to be voted-out in the next presidential elections, so we can only hope that the next government repeals this law.

Tom Germain is a Canadian who in 2001 decided he wasn't going to put up with any more winters and moved to Mexico. He never looked back and moved around the world every couple years, making his home in Argentina, the Canary Islands, Mauritius, and now Colombia. In his 2 blogs, Permatourist ( http://www.permatourist.com ) and Ocolombia ( http://www.ocolombia.com ) he tells of his experiences and offers invaluable tips on how you can live the life of a "permatourist".

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Argentinas-New-Tourist-Tax-Targets-Canada,-Australia,-and-USA&id=3580612] Argentina's New Tourist Tax Targets Canada, Australia, and USA

Argentina vacations

Costa rica Zipline

Best places to enjoy zipline are: 

• Monteverde
• Manuel Antonio
• Arenal
• Tortuguero
• Rincon de la Vieja

Zipline tours  in Costa Rica can  include  a  tour to the jungles or rainforest to experience the fantastic wildlife 

Peru to launch online ticketing system for Machu Picchu this month

• Cusco, Apr. 07 (ANDINA). Authorities in Cusco announced Thursday that tourists wishing to visit Peru's top tourist attraction, Machu Picchu, will be able to book their tickets online from anywhere in the world starting late April 2011.At present, the system allows tourists to make reservations online and pay for their tickets at any branch of Banco de la Nación nationwide or at the Ministry of Culture's office in the Imperial City.
  "By the end of this month, people will be able to pay with VISA card. Once payment is made, tourists can print out their tickets and go directly to Machu Picchu," said Cusco's Culture Director, Juan Julio Garcia Rivas.
  He added that the aim is to use the online payment system to book tours and other tourism services.
  
  
  "Soon we will launch an official invitation to add quality cultural products to the system," said Garcia Rivas, "we will invite the Catholic Church to offer its tickets for the 'religious circuit' through the website."
  
  Machu Picchu tours

Argentina Wine route

The route of wine offers a trip around different geographies and wonderful landscapes. A full range of resources, including a variety of not only vines and wineries, but also climates, heights, peoples and cultures, are blended together at every region to produce the most diverse wines, which are in all cases in tune with the personality of their places of origin. All these resources turn this route into an adventure full of flavors and sensations, open to all tastes and preferences, and particularly enticing to lovers of good wines.

As opposed to other wine growing countries, Argentina does not have one linear wine route with wineries succeeding one another at a few meters’ distance. The so-called Argentine Roads of Wine actually connect different wine growing oases chained together over large distances either southwards or northwards.

From the Calchaquí Valleys, in Salta, you pass on to some Catamarca villages, and from there, down to La Rioja, which has three wine growing valleys rather far-flung from each other. Then, you go down to San Juan, where wine activity is distributed among four different oases. The “route" turns a little eastwards to the district of Colonia Caroya (Córdoba), to later go back west to Mendoza, with its four tourism-open wine growing venues. A long way away from Mendoza is Neuquén and, virtually next to Neuquén, is the Alto Valle del Río Negro (a high valley of a river). At this point, the route forks into the newest La Pampa vines, which are as yet not open to tourism, and further south into El Hoyo (Chubut), where there are the southernmost vines both in the country and the world. 

All ten wine growing provinces offer their own characteristic landscapes and wines, the only shared feature of them being perhaps the fact that they all produce mainland wines. Indeed, Argentine wines are unique in that they have never received sea influence, as opposed to any other wines in the world. Each oasis has its own typical features and its own unique wines. All of them together make up a very special route, full of landscapes, flavors and sensations, which will surely live up to the most demanding tastes and expectations.

Wine-therapy is a new technique originated in ages-old practices and first used as such by two Frenchmen from Bordeaux in 1999. Nowadays, it is part of the services offered by hotels, spas, and lodges in the Mendoza, Salta, and San Juan wine tourist circuits, and it is also expected to be incorporated as a new attraction in the provinces of La Rioja and Neuquén. Wine therapy is said to have healthcare properties related to the relaxation, rejuvenation and aesthetics of the body.


source: Ministerio de Turismo
Argentina Vacations