Aero Blog

Manoj Gursahani asked:




For me, arriving at Bali was a travellers’ delight. Nothing could beat travel fatigue better than the friendly, smiling Balinese faces at the Customs and Immigrations at the Denpasar airport and the ‘ Visa on arrival’ stamped on my passport for 10 USD in 15 minutes flat!

I had heard that Bali was an island of temples, dances, and age-old rituals; with over 95 per cent of the 3 million people practice a form of Hinduism. But nothing prepared me for the spot-on recital of ‘Gayatri Mantra’ by my taxi driver, followed by a song from Kuch Kuch Hota Hai in the same breath. I was amazed by the Bollywood craze in this Far East city, so much so, that I was instantly labelled ‘from Shah Rukh Khan’s country’ by every taxi driver and local I met!

Arriving at the airport, most tourists head straight for the beach areas of Kuta, Sanur, Jimbaran or Nusa Dua, I chose Kuta simply because it is still arguably the centre of night life activities along with an array of shops, boutiques, and galleries- what more could I ask for!

Bali offers a vast section of hotels for all budgets, right from simple and cheap accommodation for backpackers to five star hotels with indulgent spas for those seeking pure luxury. I stayed at the Hard Rock Hotel, a stone’s throw away from the Kuta beach.

At sunset, the Kuta beach comes alive, with people wanting to enjoy the stunning panorama. Teeming tourist, locals selling the colourful sarongs and batiks and a Balinese dance performance somewhere on endless stretch of the beach…and if you want to dance away into the wee hours of the morning, you wont be disappointed- pubbing is amazing in Kuta, with a wide choice of with pubs and discos that offer a vibrant nightlife.

The best way to enjoy Kuta is by simply asking the locals, who are very friendly an always ready to help you. I was lucky to have a very successful Indian friend in Indonesia- Kishore Pridhnani, who along with his wife Radha took me for a night tour of all the chic places in Kuta. The one that left a lasting impression on my mind was Ku De Ta, a fancy restaurant overlooking the beach. I absolutely loved the ambience in the night and would recommend this restaurant to anyone.

However, if your kind of vacation is to relax and chill out, head to the southern peninsula, with world-class, self-contained luxury hotels set on quiet stretches of beach of Sanur and Nusa Dua, as well as in Jimbaran Bay. (which is also very popular for very reasonable Sea food) These white sand beaches dotted by thousands of mangrove and coconut trees and sheltered by coral reefs, create an ideal haven for honeymooners or those preferring solitude.

To take a break from the hustle and bustle of Kuta, I headed for Ubud, which I must say has retained the feel of a cosy village retreat, despite of the growing tourism industry. Ubud is the arts and crafts capital of Bali, so in addition to streets lined with lined with shops and workshops specialising in traditional crafts, there are a number of different art galleries and museums to visit.

The next I headed for a day-trip cruise from Benoa Harbor that took me to the Lembongan Island, a popular spot for surfers and scuba divers. (at approx. USD 60 onwards for the day-cruise inclusive of lunch, I think it’s a worth a visit). Arriving on the white sandy beaches of Lembongan Bay, you can take the guided snorkelling trips and glass-bottom boat cruise or simply walk amidst the native Balinese villages

If you want to take a break from the beach scenario, I suggest a trip into the cool mountains of Kintamani with its green rice fields, the placid Lake Batur that rests in a huge crater and the impressive Gunung Batur volcano that dominates the landscape. The evenings tend to get cooler, so carry a warm pullover or a shawl and make sure you have camera with you to capture the spectacular view of Mt Batur.

Bali is one of the Spa Capitals of the world where you can indulge yourself in a spa treatment at very reasonable prices. If you want to spoil yourself then you can sample from an elaborate menu of lulur massages, rice-paste exfoliations, flower petal aroma baths and indulgent cream baths. I would suggest you check some of the local spas that work spa therapies into your holiday schedule on a daily basis. And don’t forget the traditional drinks made of herbs and roots- ‘jamu’, a local Balinese remedy for fatigue, headaches, aching bones or chills.

For the adventurous and sporty, Bali offers a host of adrenaline-pumping water-sports, both below and above water. Surfing, scuba diving, banana boats, snorkelling, parasailing, Jet Ski, Bungee Jumping, Bali offers it all.

Do try the river rafting on the Ayung River amidst a wild tropical forest. Ride the fast-flowing Ayung river as it carves its way with numerous hairpin curves and swirling rapids. A full day programme would only cost you about USD 35 onwards and I found the experience thoroughly stimulating.

For those who love underwater world and always wanted to dive, there is spectacular scuba diving and snorkelling off the unspoiled coral reefs around the island, with the most amazing and colourful underwater life. There are even learner’s courses by qualified professional instructors for the amateurs (you can take a day’s course for less than USD 100)

And while you are on the beach enjoying the water sports, do indulge in the locals who cajole you into trying hair braiding, getting tattoo done or even have a relaxing massage.

If you are travelling with your kids, be sure to take them to the Waterboom Park. My kids and I enjoyed a day of waterslides and pools in all sizes with restaurants and snack bars within arms reach…good family fun for kids of all ages!

When you feel like venturing outside for a meal, there are lots of breezy open sided bamboo cafes serving authentic Balinese food as well as an array of sumptuous international cuisine. But for those who miss Indian food, I suggest you try out a delicious meal at the Queen’s Tandoor in Seminyak, where the owners Puneet and Neeta Malhotra go out of the way to pamper you with personal attention.

Another big pastime here is shopping!

For those who do not want to wander too far from the beach, Sanur, Kuta and Ubud have more than enough to appease any shopper, from sarongs and sandals to wooden statues, stone carvings and iron and bronze works. But if you are keen on shopping, you can buy branded stuff from malls like Mahatari or also look for Factory Sales of branded clothes.

You’ll find the ultimate in open-air market browsing in southern Bali, where traditional Asian-style shopping still thrives. Do check out the local painting styles. I suggest, you always go in at less than a third of the price and even walk away, until you get the price you want. .

And before you leave Bali don’t forget to buy their chilly sauce called Sambal (its one of it’s kind and you can even pick it up at the duty free at Bali Airport.)

From the locals raving over Shah Rukh Khan to the colourful Balinese-Hindu culture, this tropical paradise lures Indians, not just by its natural exquisiteness but more importantly by its culture and the warmth of the Balinese people.

With Bali becoming more accessible and affordable, with cheap extension packages from Kuala Lumpur or Singapore and great deals from Garuda Indonesia Airlines that have daily flights connecting the Island for as little as USD 160 for a round trip ticket, I would defiantly recommend this island getaway as your next travel itinerary!

Stuart S. Travel asked:




Of course you could! There are plenty of opportunities for travelers who want to work overseas especially if you speak English or better yet, are bilingual. But to work abroad there are some things to consider before you go.

 

1. Find out if Americans can work in the country you intend to travel to. Not all countries allow foreigners to work there while they are visiting.

2. Get a work permit. This documentation is different from your passport or visa. You can organize a work permit before you leave home or once you arrive in the country you want to work in. This will depend on where you intend to work. 

3. If you are a traveling student, it may be easier to get work through a student work exchange plan. Or you may even be able to organize a transfer through your company to work abroad. If so, all the leg work will be done for you.

4. If you have a particular job in mind, in a particular country, then you will need to do some research and contact potential employers before you go. If you do find someone wishing to employ you before you leave on your travels, get them to send you a letter stating the employment offer with a copy to their respective government. You will then be issued with a work permit for that country.

5. Consider working as a volunteer on your travels. Volunteer organizations are looking for helpers to assist with programs all over the world. You will be paid by the organization (usually just transport, food and board expenses), not the country you are going to. You do not need a work visa to be a volunteer in these programs.

 

If you are going to work overseas while traveling, register with the nearest embassy in the country you are visiting. Make sure you find out about the country you will be working in. Know if there are any travel warnings, political unrest and cultural conditions you should be aware of before you go. What immunizations do you need? Find out about the local laws, including employment legislations. And don’t forget that while earning an income overseas, you will be subject to that country’s tax laws.

 

Will you need to drive for your job overseas? If so, you will have to arrange an international driver’s permit. You must also take with you your valid American driver’s permit. All countries handle driving a little differently so check out what rules you’ll need to abide by to drive in your country of choice. 

 

Working while traveling is a great way to immerse yourself in the culture of the country you are visiting. Be organized if you want to subsidize your travel budget dollar in this way. Don’t forget you can always offer to work in hostels in exchange for cheaper (or even free) board as a way to supplement your traveling costs.

 

This article is brought to you by: Stuart S. Travel – Your Online Travel Guru

www.stuartstravel.com

Mandy Chagger asked:




Many types of catered holidays can help you enjoy your time off, be together with your family, and have a wonderful time. Catered skiing holidays can be great fun for you and your loved ones. However, when you are going on catered skiing holidays, there are several things that you must plan for ahead of time. These things include flights to get you to your destination, the accommodation that you choose to stay in when you are there, and transportation such as rail services and car hire services. All these things are important items to consider as you begin planning your skiing holidays.

Choosing A Destination

The first thing to remember when you are planning skiing holidays is the importance of the destination. There are many great ski slopes all over Europe, and lots of these places offer anywhere from a weekend to a week or more of skiing fun. Many resorts provide skiing holidays in mountain areas that are some of the most beautiful in the world. However, there are several questions that you need to ask before you choose the best place for your skiing holidays.

The first things you need to focus on while choosing skiing holidays are how long you are going to be there, the number of people who are going, and their ages. These are probably the most important factors in deciding where to take your skiing holidays. The length of your skiing holiday will have a lot to do with the destination that you choose. If you are only going for the weekend or a couple of days, you can find a remote and beautiful place to go to for your skiing holiday. If your trip is short, your focus will be on skiing, and it won’t matter if there are not very many amenities or family things to do. The other attractions that might be in the area won’t be as important as the family ski resort itself. You want to choose a ski resort that will allow you to do as much skiing as possible in the short time you have for your holiday.

If your skiing holiday is going to be longer than a few days, the location and amenities of the place that you choose for these skiing holidays are both very important. When you are going to take a ski holiday that lasts longer than just a few days, the other things that you can find to do become much more vital to you. For a long trip, you will need other things to do, no matter how much you love skiing. You will need to make sure that you choose skiing holidays at places that have restaurants, shopping districts, entertainment, and other activities. These will allow you to take a break from skiing, and make your skiing holidays more enjoyable overall.

The ages of the people going on your skiing holidays are also very important. If you are going on skiing holidays with your children, you need to choose places that have ski lessons for children, and fun activities for them as well. With your children along, you also want to research the safety of the ski resort even more thoroughly than you otherwise would. Remember again, that with children, you are going to want to pick your skiing holiday locations where there are lots of things for them to do besides skiing.

Getting There

Once you have chosen a place for your skiing holidays, you have to decide on the best way to get there. The travelling that is involved often costs more than the actual skiing. However, there are many deals on flights and packages to various destinations for skiing holidays, if you know where to look. If you can save money on airline flights, you will have more money to spend on your skiing holidays.

The accommodation that you choose is also an important part of planning family skiing holidays. Whether you stay on the actual site of the family resort, or somewhere near the slopes, you want to be able to get there easily each day to ski. Remember, if you are staying at the place where you are skiing, it might be more expensive. However, your ski slope fees will usually be included. If you find an accommodation that is much cheaper than the resort, but where skiing is nearby, you might find this to be less expensive, but you probably will have to pay for the ski slope fees.

There are other things to consider as you plan your skiing holidays. Things like rail services that can get you to your destination, and whether or not you want to do a car hire are all decisions that you have to make before you leave on your trip. You will find that if you take the time to plan your skiing holidays before you go, you will be able to relax and enjoy them much more.

Andrea Percival asked:




Some time ago, a cargo plane crashed in Los Angeles. The cause of the crash, it was quickly discovered, was due to a series of miscalculations concerning the weight of the baggage loaded on the plane. The load was unbalanced and the plane could not take off correctly, and plunged to the earth minutes after take-off. Previously, air cargo containers were put on a scale and the weight was written by hand on the outside of the can. Sloppy handwriting may have been one cause for the plane crash. A POS airport baggaging system was needed immediately.

A thermal printer that communicates directly with the cargo can’s weigh scale was required. The printer prints a barcode, destination, date and container weight clearly and in large letters. The warehouse worker applies the label to the can where it can be read by airport personnel loading the can on the plane. The logistics corporation also chose a durable and inexpensive direct thermal media to withstand abrasions and scratches endured during transit.

Airport Security

In order to step up airline safety, in 2002 the US Congress passed a law stating that all checked baggage must be screened for explosives. This is a change from the random search of checked baggage at most airports. One way to fill this tall order is for airlines to put into action the practice of matching every bag that goes into the belly of a plane to a passenger on board.

The new process of bag-matching involves scanning tags on bags loaded onto planes, and comparing bag tags to passenger lists. If a passenger doesn’t get on a flight, that traveller’s bags will be removed. This is all done in an effort to prevent suspect luggage being checked onto a plane without the passenger actually being on the flight. Barcode printers are perfectly suited for this task.

Each of the airlines will require a system of printing and inventorying barcodes to keep up with these new standards and airport baggage pos systems are up to the challenge.

Read the original baggage pos systems article.

Justin Burch asked:




Just a few miles from Curacao’s capital city of Willemstad are a series of caves that tell many stories about the history of the Caribbean. The Hato Caves – known as Grotten Van Hato in native Dutch – formed under Caribbean waters several thousand years ago. After the waters receded, native peoples used the caves for burial rituals and other ceremonial purposes. Later, during colonial times, the caves served as a place of refuge for escaped slaves. Despite these caves’ significant contributions to history, the site was not open to the public until the 1990s. Today, these limestone caves embedded in an ancient coral reef are one of Curacao’s most popular attractions. Visit the Hato Caves and see why this unique formation is such an important part of this island’s cultural and geological history.

The Hato Caves formed several thousand years ago as karst caves, a geological process in which water containing an above average amount of carbon dioxide dissolves limestone. Though limestone is typically waterproof, cracks in the rock created by tectonic forces allowed sea water to seep between cracks and widen the spaces. Slowly, over a period of many thousands of years, large caves like Curacao’s treasured Hato were formed as a result.

However, as these caves formed underwater, they weren’t always accessible to humans. It is believed that it wasn’t until the Ice Ages that the water level dropped enough to expose these caves. Like other famous sea caves throughout the world, the Hato Caves still bear the marks of their time underwater. In the limestone interior, visitors can easily spot ancient shells and coral formations embedded in the rock. Yet, the cave is still active today, evidenced by the growing number of stalactites (sharp columns of rock that hang from a cave’s ceiling) and stalagmites (inverted stalactites that extend from the cave’s floor).

Before tourists began exploring this area, the Hato Caves were used as shelter by many groups. Prior to the colonization of the Caribbean, the Amerindian Arawak natives used the caves for ceremonies and burials. In addition to leaving behind flint tools and other artifacts in the caves, these native peoples also scrawled petroglyphs on the walls. These drawings, thought to be about 1,500 years old, are still visible today when touring the caves. In the park outside the cave, the iguanas popular with tourists are thought to have come to Curacao with these natives that originally migrated from the Orinoco River region of South America several thousand years ago.

During colonial times, it is also believed that escaped slaves hid in these caves, with some even living in the caves for months. Today, as the caves play an important role in the tourism industry of Curacao, it is easy to see how the Hato Caves have played an important role through all stages of this island’s history.

One of the most popular activities in Curacao is a tour that visits both the Hato Caves and The Curacao Ostrich Farm. This four hour tour departs from Willemstad and makes pickups at all the best resorts. Rates generally start at $45 per person – a price that includes round trip transportation, entrance fees at each site and the expertise of a local tour guide. As this tour typically operates only on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday afternoons, it is a good idea to make reservations as you plan your vacation or through your concierge when you arrive. If you choose to visit the caves on your own, tours are offered hourly from 10 am to 5 pm every day.

If you visit Curacao, make sure you visit one of the most historically significant and geologically unique sites in the Caribbean. Regardless of age or interests, an adventure awaits just beneath the surface for every visitor.

Gordon Warre asked:




Angola, more than three times the size of California, extends for more than 1,000 mi (1,609 km) along the South Atlantic in southwest Africa. Angola has three main ethnic groups, each speaking a Bantu language: Ovimbundu 37%, Kimbundu 25%, and Bakongo 13%.

Angola is the third-largest trading partner of the United States in sub-Saharan Africa, largely because of its petroleum exports. Angolan military forces have been posted along the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo, in anticipation of possible unrest related to post DRC election tensions in August and September 2006.

Angola’s narrow coastal plain, where most of the people live, rises to a high interior plateau with rain forests in the north and dry savanna in the south. Angola has substantial mineral resources and hydroelectric power. Angola’s new investment law provides equal access to incentives to both foreign and domestic investors, with foreign investors benefiting from incentives for high priority sectors including energy, manufacturing, water and agriculture.

Angola, like all other countries and territories eligible for Canadian development assistance, can benefit from various programs. Angola, which remains one of the poorest countries in the world, has seen its next elections delayed until 2008. The original inhabitants of Angola are thought to have been Khoisan speakers. A supplier of crude oil to the US and China, Angola denies allegations that revenues have been squandered through corruption and mismanagement.

Modern Angola derives its name from the king of Ndongo. Oil production remains largely offshore and has few linkages with other sectors of the economy, though a local content initiative promulgated by the Angolan Government is pressuring oil companies to source from local businesses. The Angolan commercial code, financial sector law, and telecommunications law all require substantial revision. Although the war has ended, ground travel throughout Angola can be problematic due to land mines, which were used extensively during the war.

Embassy in Luanda has prohibited its employees from using TAAG, Angolas national airline, for domestic or international flights due to concerns regarding safety and maintenance. Persons violating Angolan laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. The insignia of the Republic of Angola shall be formed by a segmentof a cogwheel and sheaves of maize, coffee and cotton, representing respectivelythe workers and industrial production, the peasants and agricultural production.

Many Angolans assume that government officials are the greatest beneficiaries of the country’s wealth. The modern development of Angola began only after World War II.

Tim Roseland asked:




There’s far more to preparing properly for a cruise ship vacation than simply checking with the cruise line for recommended apparel and going shopping for the right items of clothing. You’ll have plenty of other details to see to besides what you intend to pack in your luggage, not the least of which is ensuring that you have all your paperwork in order.

The first item of importance is your identification. You won’t be allowed on your cruise ship without a photo ID and proof of citizenship A passport will suffice for both, but if you don’t have one, then your driver’s license and official birth certificate (with a raised seal) will work. Even your kids will need the right identification. Make sure you don’t put your ID in your checked luggage if you are flying to your cruise departure point, because checked baggage can get lost!

The cruise lines don’t set the identification requirements; the US Department of Immigration does. So if you have any questions, call their toll-free number, which will almost certainly be included in the information packet which the cruise line sends with your tickets.

If you’re cruising to or in a foreign country, you will need a passport. You can apply in person for a US passport at a designated Post Office, at different probate, state, or Federal courts in your area, or at an official passport office, of which there are thirteen around the US. You’ll need an official birth certificate and a photo ID, and you’ll also need two identical 2? x 2? photos taken within the past six months. You should have them taken professionally, because they MUST be taken with a special camera if they’re to be identical.

Where, if you’re a US citizen, won’t you need a passport? Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa. Cruises to Bermuda, the Bahamas, Mexico, and Central America require them. You should apply for your passport a minimum of eight weeks before your departure date, but the earlier you apply, the better, especially if you’ll be cruising at the height of tourist season. You can also speed up the processing of your passport by applying in person and paying an extra $35 for expedited delivery.

When you have your identification squared away, you can focus on your other paperwork: airline tickets; your boarding documents which will include your cabin assignment and possibly your dining table assignment (many cruises no let you eat whenever you like); you luggage tags; you transfers from the airport or hotel to your port of departure; and any papers for offshore excursions you’ve arranged. Make sure your flight leaves you time to get to your port of departure at least an hour in advance of the time you set sail.

Bring along your health insurance card in case you need medical treatment while on your cruise. Pack your medications, of course, and ask your doctor for a spare prescription in case your existing medication gets lost and you need a refill before returning home.

Get enough traveler’s checks to cover your estimated travel expenses. Carry only the minimum amount of cash, because all cruise lines will accept either credit cards or traveler’s checks. Before leaving home make sure to give your ship itinerary to whoever is looking after your home while you’re gone, so that you can be reached in an emergency. Most cruise ships now have Internet cafes, so you can be reached by E-mail if necessary. Also arrange to have someone be your contact person at home.

Once all your paperwork is in order, you can begin the fun by heading out to shop for your new cruise clothes!

Mike Greaves asked:




Beautiful Calgary practically nestles against the Rocky Mountains while the Bow River merrily gushes nearby. This Canadian city is a big draw amongst tourists thanks to its natural endowments and idiosyncratic events.

And if you thought the only shopping area in the world was Singapore or Dubai, think again. Calgary has one of the world’s greatest shopping districts in the dynamic Eau Claire area with over 60 stores, services, and restaurants, and as many as six Cineplex screens. There are some great luxury hotels in the vicinity too, like the Sheraton Suites Eau Claire. Catering to the well-heeled, this five star luxury hotel is greatly sought after due to its location. The lovely white soft linen and the sandstone tiled bathroom are truly enticing.

If you are in time for the Calgary Stampede you might prefer to stay in the Westin Calgary which is one of the few five star hotels that will give you a special offer for the event. The Calgary Stampede happens to be a festival, rodeo, and exhibition rolled into one; it is also one of the most spectacular shows held on earth every July. Don’t miss the Stampede Parade on the opening day as it is truly colorful and peculiar to the ethos of the place.

The Westin Calgary also has a lovely pool where you can relax and enjoy yourself. Rather interestingly, this luxury hotel is divided into two with one half which is quite ancient and comprises the larger suites. The second half has smaller but modern rooms. The Eau Claire Market is pretty approachable from this luxury hotel.

The slightly la di da crowd, however, would prefer to stay at an ‘icon’ five star luxury hotel like the Fairmont Palliser. The rooms are large and comfortable and there is a traditional lobby that actually looks quite cool. What is more, there is also a luxury spa beneath the lobby that you can avail of and relax in.

From the Fairmont Palliser you can walk over to the Calgary Tower where a dekko from the observation terrace is a must- the city looks spectacular from up top. There are 762 steps that take you there but before you panic let it be known that there are two elevators waiting in attendance to take you up in a jiffy.

Going past the Calgary Tower into Chinatown you will find yourself walking beside the banks of the Bow River. A leafy paradise, surely.

Do take the time to drive up into the Canadian Rockies with its spread of national parks and snow-topped mountains. The scenic splendor is calculated to leave the most seasoned traveler breathless. The only downside (during summer) is that its hilly town of Banff tends to get frightfully crowded while hotel prices shoot up sky high.

Away from the hustle-bustle of the town, you might want to take a walk in Johnson’s Canyon, one of those rare beauty spots practically untouched by human civilization. Hikers, of course, love the Kanaskis and skiers sites like Lake Louise.

Calgary, in sum, is a great tourism place.