Get Your Travel Insurance Sorted!

Before you leave make sure you make the small investment in travel insurance so that you have peace of mind and are fully covered financially from any unfortunate event that may occur. If you are uninsured abroad and need medical treatment, are stolen from or need to be relocated home for whatever reason then it is vital you are insured, especially if you are travelling outwith the European Union. Travel insurance doesn’t cost a lot and can save you from financial calamity. This one financial tip alone could, in the end, save you thousands of pounds.

Exchange Your Money In Advance!

It is wise to exchange your British Pounds into a sizable percentage of the currency you’re going to be using well in advance of jetting off abroad or arriving at the airport. The main benefit of this is that you can usually secure a much better deal on exchange by going to your local bank or even buying currency from eBay than you can by changing at local hotels or airports. Be sure to shop around and get the best deal possible to give yourself extra cash to enjoy meals, drinks and coffees.

Plan To Protect Your Money!

Pick-pocketing can be a problem abroad, especially in tourist areas. In advance of departing invest in a secure money belt and considering sewing a hidden pocket on the inside of your coat. Also check with your accommodation in advance to see if they can have a safe available in the room to store your valuables.

Contact Your Bank/Credit Card Company In Advance!

Before you leave you should contact your Bank and Credit Card Company to let them know you will be withdrawing money abroad. This will stop your bank putting a temporary block on your overseas withdrawals for security reasons. Make sure you are clear on any hidden fees or surcharges levied on each withdrawal and that the exchange rate will be competitive. This is where Lloyds Bank really shines with its extremely helpful approach to managing your money before, during and after going abroad including 0% commission on travel money, large savings on travel insurance and up-to-date travel advice provided online. You can also compare credit cards for the best deal offerings on their sites, which are very competitive.

Put Together A Detailed Budget For The Trip!

Before you step on the plane try to put together a well thought-out plan of how much you plan to spend each day abroad on travel, fun, food, drinks and other expenses. It’s very easy to overrun your budget when abroad and end up coming back to a headache of debt when you come home. Realistically and sensibly plan in advance and you will enjoy your trip more and be able to afford more trips in the future.

CC Tamaki

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Areas you should visit

The heart of Beijing has many attractions which tourists flock to. The Forbidden city or Tiananmen Square is a short walk or a metro ride away from Beijing’s center. You can also visit the beautiful Summer Palace which is the largest imperial garden in China. This is a short bus ride away from the city center. The heart of the city is also a convenient place to stay in as there are coaches that can take you to attractions outside the city, like the Great Wall. You absolutely cannot visit China without seeing this wonder!

How to find accommodation

Looking for short-term apartments in Beijing is not difficult at all as there are many scattered across the city. This is a better alternative than choosing a hotel as the prices are much lower. You can choose from a small furnished studio apartment to a luxurious penthouse. There are places which offer rates for days, weeks or months at a time. It is recommended that you determine how long your stay is.

Looking online

When traveling abroad, many people choose to conduct online search. While this is a more convenient way to compare rates and prices, there are some websites that cannot be trusted. It is recommended that you do extensive research and only transact with verified or trusted websites. Some photographs or descriptions of apartments may be misleading, so it is suggested that you look for reviews or ratings before you book your stay. Find out which places are suited for your type of trip. Are you backpacking alone? With a friend? Are you traveling with your family? Or are you going on a business trip?

Tips in finding a serviced apartment

1. Choose an area where you want to stay
2. Look online and compare rates
3. Keep your eyes open for discounts or online promotions
4. Find out if there are restaurants or stores nearby
5. Look for reviews and ratings made by other online customers

When looking for serviced apartments in Beijing, it is best to review your options. Find out where you would like to go and which places you want to visit. The best accommodation is within an area that is conveniently located near public transportation terminals. Do some research and find out what the price range is for certain areas. The apartments closer to tourist attractions are more likely to cost more. Find short-term apartments in Beijing and get a taste of modern life in China.

CC Light Seeker

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Rather than playing at an online casino they get to see the real differences between live play and online. But why would you go to these places on holiday instead of just playing online in www.iPadcasino.ca and going somewhere else on holiday?

If you are going to go on holiday to gamble the first place that you will probably think of is Las Vegas and rightly so, this city known worldwide as the gambling capital of the world. Down the strip there are more casinos than you can count with so many different events happening all the time. Walking down the strip is an adventure in itself as you will see many strange sites just walking around, for example a casino in the shape of a Pyramid with a Sphinx sat in front of it and that is only just getting started.

But for gamblers there is more than enough good choice in which casino to choose, with many of the most famous casinos in the world all in one place such as the Bellagio and the MGM Grand. Once you step inside you will be confronted by a gambling mecca, with thousands of different slot games and live tables for you to choose from. No matter where you look you will find something to entertain yourself with.

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Canadian passport application can be done in person. You can also send your application by mail or courier, from the United States and through the help of a receiving agent. If you are applying for a Canadian passport, you will be asked to fill out an application form divided in different sections:

How to Apply for a Canadian Passport: Section 1

In this section, you need to provide your personal information, which includes your name, place of birth and signature. Previous passport holders who wish to have their names on the passport change will need to lodge a new application.
If the applicant for Canadian passport is a child, the child’s parents, custodial parent or legal guardian (with proof of legal guardianship) may lodge the application.

How to Apply for a Canadian Passport: Section 2

You must be able to provide a guarantor when you are filing your application for a Canadian passport. The guarantor plays an essential role in your Canadian passport application as he or she affirms that the information you have given are true. A person is eligible to be a guarantor if he or she is a holder of a valid five-year old Canadian passport, personally knows the applicant for two years or more,and a Canadian citizen, Other eligibilities of a guarantor may also be needed.

How to Apply for a Canadian Passport: Section 3

Submit any previous Canadian Travel documents, if there are, such as expired or damaged passport. A child applicant also needs to include any valid Canadian passport or travel document that has been issued to him or her.

How to Apply for a Canadian Passport: Section 4

You also need to submit original and photocopies of proof of citizenship/immigration status in Canada. A Canadian birth certificate or Certificate of Citizenship is required for applicants born in Canada. For applicants born outside Canada, they must provide any certificates requested. This includes the Certificate of Citizenship, retention of Canadian citizenship, Naturalization and registration of birth abroad.

How to Apply for a Canadian Passport: Section 5

Present additional supporting ID documents. Any valid government issued IDs can be submitted. A child applicant only needs a proof of Canadian citizenship, thus is not required to present any supporting identifications.

As soon as you have completed the requirements and forms, you may then personally submit these papers to the Passport Canada office. You may also send it in at any passport receiving agents (depending on the type of application). You can also send your application by mail or courier.
Pay the passport fees in person or by mail. Among the accepted methods of payment are Credit/Debit Card, Certified cheque and money order. Note that cash and personal cheque payments are not accepted.

Processing time varies and may take up to 10 to 20 days depending on where you filed and how you sent your application form. If you urgently need your passport, you must apply in person (if applicant is currently in Canada) or contact the Canadian Embassy (if the applicant is currently outside Canada). Additional fees may be collected.

Getting a Canadian passport can be hassle free if you know how to properly apply for a Canadian Passport. Be sure to complete the requirements before sending your application. By doing so, you will be able to save more time.

CC Mike Milloy

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5 Cheap Destinations to Travel Around the World: Costa Rica

Costa Rica is one of the best and cheapest places to travel to if you are Canadian. It is a safe destination since it has low military activity making it a safe destination. Costa Rica boasts of having more than thirty national parks, a rich landscape full of beaches. Tourists can visit the national parks to get to be closer to the wildlife and experience the richness of Mother Nature. They can involve themselves in activities like fishing, hiking, surfing, Latin nightlife and many more activities. The infrastructure of Costa Rica is outstanding hence public transportation and driving around is easy. Your daily budget, which includes accommodation and dining, ranges from thirty-five to fifty dollars.

5 Cheap Destinations to Travel Around the World: Malaysia

If you are looking to visit Asia and are looking to get a cheap but lovely destination, then Malaysia is the place for you. It is a very popular tourist destination and boasts of many tourist amenities. The beauty of Malaysia is well known around the world. The beaches are many and very attractive. It has wild jungles, volcanic mountains and many national parks. The cultural tourism is very rich and you get to see different cultural festivals. The advantage of Malaysia is that it accommodates tourists who have a high and low budget. The country is developed for tourism hence has cheap but efficient hotels for you.

5 Cheap Destinations to Travel Around the World: Kenya

If you are Canadian and you are looking for an African tourist destination, then Kenya is waiting for you. The country has breath taking beaches and boasts of having the one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The country has rich wildlife and you can get to see the wildebeest migration, which is a breath-taking site. Accommodation in this country caters for a low or high budget. You can therefore choose this as your tourist destination if you are looking for a cheap tourist destination.

5 Cheap Destinations to Travel Around the World: Czech Republic

Eastern Europe is one of the best places to travel if you are looking to travel on a low budget. Czech Republic is the most popular place to travel in Eastern Europe. The food there is less expensive as compared to Western Europe. Budget hotels are available in Czech Republic. You can therefore use a budget of fifty dollars or less in a day when in Prague which is the capital city of Czech Republic.

5 Cheap Destinations to Travel Around the World: The Bahamas

Another popular tourist destination that is ideal for a tourist who wants to travel on low budget is the Bahamas. The Bahamas is an island nation and boasts of having many individual islands. This makes the place have many breath taking beaches and cruise lines. You can get low prices for a cruise ship around the beaches and waters near the Bahamas. Nassau, which is the capital of the Bahamas, is a very popular tourist destination. Try it and you will not be disappointed. Remember to research on the tourist destination to learn the places that you can visit and enjoy.

CC US National Archives

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The Best Dishes for Canadians to Try: Pâté chinois

Pâté chinois translates roughly as “Chinese pie”, although the recipe is definitely Canadian and has no Chinese origins. Essentially pâté chinois is a savory pie dish, that many claim shares similarities with the English cottage pie.

Pâté chinois consists of multiple layers of varying ingredients. Traditionally the first layer comprises of local meats, while the second layer of creamed corn is then poured over the ground meat. The third and last layer which comprises the top of the dish is made out of mashed potatoes. This hearty dish is the perfect meal for a cold winter’s day.

The Best Dishes for Canadians to Try: Lobster chowder

If you’re a fan of seafood why not treat yourself to a succulent lobster chowder? Canadian’s as a group share a love of fresh seafood and there is no better treat than lobster. If you enjoy lobster, but aren’t quite sure how to prepare it, you’ll find that lobster chowder is a simple and easy to prepare dish. If you don’t fancy yourself as a chef, then why not take a night off cooking and visit one of Canada’s esteemed seafood restaurants?

If you’re brave enough to try and cook this dish yourself don’t be afraid to personalize your chowder. Most traditional Canadian recipes will call for cream, onions and potatoes but feel free to add your favorite spices and seasonal vegetables.

The Best Dishes for Canadians to Try: Poutine

Although it’s a rather basic dish, poutine is probably the most well known Canadian dish. Poutine simply consists of a base of hot chips or French fries topped with cheese and gravy.

If you want to try authentic poutine, head to your local Canadian diner or fast food truck. Some takeaway chain restaurants also offer poutine dishes, but they pale in comparison to the poutine you can find at small local diners.

The Best Dishes for Canadians to Try: Canadian butter tart(!!!)

The humble Canadian butter tart is one of Canada’s best loved desserts. In fact it’s estimated that the recipe for this delectable dessert was written in 1915, so this dish definitely qualifies as traditional Canadian fare.

The ingredients for the filling of a Canadian butter tart normally include cream, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract and either walnuts or pecan. If you serve this dish to your friends and family, it’s wise to warn them first in case they have a nut allergy. As nut allergies are commonplace these days.

There’s no excuse for being Canadian and not having tried a Canadian dish. So why not track down a recipe for a traditional lobster chowder or pâté chinois? Or if you don’t feel like cooking simply visit your local diner and ask for a serving of poutine. All four of these dishes will make you feel proud to be a Canadian.

cc New York 808

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