Interactive Travel Guide - Technology to Help in Your Trips

Family Vacation Help

For sure you have heard something about them, but as a recent invention I think it is good to talk a bit about what is it about and which benefits can it bring to have the support of an interactive travel guide during your trip. Also, I'll look in which places having some interactive travel guidance can be more suitable.

As a starting point, let's look at what we are talking about. I define an interactive travel guide as an electronic device that is aware of its position thanks to a GPS system for open wide spaces or an internal system of sensors for closed or little areas. This system detects where a tourist is and starts playing a recording teaching different cultural aspects of the place where the traveler is placed. Instead of the need of carrying lots of books and papers to your destination to make your trip a cultural experience or needing to get a guide explaining to a crowd of people, you can get this cultural immersions on your own way, either if you are in a museum or traveling with a campervan through a whole country.

Benefits of the system? It really depend on where you are going to use it. As a first example, I'll put the wax museum in Salzburg, Austria. They have a device you connect to your ears which detects areas you cross in the museum and starts with an explanation of what it is about. This allows people to go into the experience at their own speed, repeat explanations if they haven't understood, and it is an advantage for the museum guys because they don't need to pay for a tour guide.

On the other hand, if your purpose is to go on a road trip across a country for example, I'll put the example of a device made in New Zealand for exploring the country. In fact, this device was the first one in it's class and many tourism organizations worldwide are buying the idea to improve the immersion experience to visitors. It uses a GPS system that is connected to the radio of your vehicle and it starts playing a recording every time your vehicle enters any area of special interest. It includes recommendations on hot spots, cultural background, history about the place, legends and myths, or it even recommends a restaurant or a special off the beaten path place where you can spend some nice time.

Advantages are many. You no longer need the help of a book for understanding more deeply any region you cross, you get some good advice about the places you visit and recommendations on what to do and you don't need of course any guide who travels with you in the campervan! The guys running this project have it always open for adding new places with new recordings and even ask New Zealanders to contribute with any of their personal experience in the country.

Finally, thinking ahead in the future, this device could be combined with audiovisual material (not of course while you are driving!) and even incorporate some interactive functionality that could allow you to explore a certain zone with a menu every time you enter it or, in the case of New Zealand and road tours in general, every time you tell the device your vehicle is stopped.

If you are planning a trip and want some help, you'll find it at Travel Planning Help. There you can also ask to see if any interactive travel guides in your destination are available to make your journey more intense.

If you look for 80-90% discounted hotels at your destination, you'll find the deal at Free Travel Certificates

Dani Alonso

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dani_Alonso

Imagination, Fantasy - Children on Holiday With Mom and Dad!

Family Vacation Help

As you know, kids love having fun!

Is it bad? No: it is their right, right that they are pleasured to use and that adults should not prevent them
to.

Responsibilities will be coming, little by little, but meanwhile how about letting our thoughtless sons with their games... living in their imaginary world, made by princesses, magicians or castles.

Would a fairy-tale turn into reality in any other place?

The areas, magic parades and many, many games... from rollercoaster to carousels... Italy has many of!

Fiabilandia, or Italy in miniature are just a sample... but also Garaland, Mirabilandia or Aquafan and Oltremare...

everything for kids; but their parents might worry thinking where to stay with their joyful kids.

Do not worry: Italy Family Hotels are thought for this!

Spread all over Italy, they guarantee high quality standards, focusing on one's needs.

To satisfy them, in fact, was conceived the classification of "bino": bino is the mascot of the hotels and, starting from three to five,in addition to the classic stars rating of each hotel, it classifies the same on the basis of facilities, exclusively devoted to children, which are offered.

Of course, this starts from common services-basis, mandatory (General, in the room, dining and assistance for the child) way up, depending on the number of "bino": From host gift for your children, to the personalized menu, entertainers, the cribs for newborns... all that a family need to feel at home, even if far from it.

For the little ones with food troubles, or only for those a little naughty, for example, there are a special catering service the project "I eat, I play and I have Fun" and somewhere also, the chef's cooking on indications of mom, or the possibility for parents to prepare meals.

In the Italy Family Hotels you can enjoy relax area, playing area, mini-club, swimming pool, typical cuisine, babys facilities, special offers, last minute and also special agreements to spend two days in the theme parks: the day after, your entry is free!

Lisa Guerrini, works at Pensare Web, she writes web content to promote Italy Family Hotels.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lisa_Guerrini

Plan Your York Vacations and Get the More For Less

Family Vacation Help

It is your first vacation in over two years and you are going to Cleveland for an exciting week of total relaxation. The airplane has landed, you've gotten your luggage, and now you have been waiting a little over an hour, in the pouring rain, for your taxi to make its appearance.

As exciting as that scenario sounds it does not have to be your scenario. Next time you're going to the Cleveland area on a vacation, or business trip, or college, call One Sixty Mile Transportation, and they will be there at the designated time. With friendly and personable service they will ensure that you get where you need to go as swiftly and safely as possible. After introducing themselves they may even help you with those one hundred pound bags you just had to have. They are just that friendly.

After you arrive at your destination, their job doesn't end there. No, are you lost in a new city trying to find your way to that special restaurant? Not anymore. One Sixty Mile Transportation is more than willing to drive you wherever you need to go, at any time you need to go there. Do you need to get some serious grocery shopping done, but between all of the activities going on and the kids, you just can't seem to find the time? That is not a problem if you are using One Sixty Mile Transportation they have members of their team specially dedicated to doing the shopping for you. Just give them the list, and they will do the rest, giving you more time to kick back and relax.

Now, I know what you're thinking: Timely arrivals with guarantied friendly service? Can this be real? Our own personal chauffeur and grocery shopper? Wow, this is going to cost me an arm and a leg, right? Wrong. The One Sixty Mile Transportation is one of the most affordable transportation services in the Cleveland area, and if you are able to find cheaper accommodations, they are ready and willing to match prices. The One Sixty Mile Transportation is dedicated to protecting your pocket book while you are on vacation with them.

Why are you still sitting there waiting for the cab that will show up whenever it so chooses? Try the best in town and give the One Sixty Mile Transportation service a call at 1-888-254-3263 for friendly, timely service and affordable prices. Place your vacation in hands that care now.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeni_Mathew

Vacation Made Possible Again!

Family Vacation Help

I don't know about you but we LOVE to Travel. Not just locally in the States, but Worldwide. Anywhere as long as it's different. We love to experience different cultures, different food, different lifestyles and learn what we can from other nationalities. We love to experience different ways of doing things and see other people's outlook on life. We believe it's a different school of learning that you can attend till the day you die! And you graduate again and again after each completed trip. What a pleasure to be educated this way......

But, unfortunately Travel has become quite a luxury hasn't it and even more so day by day with the rising gas prices that affects absolutely everything. That may slow us down for a little while but we'll soon be on the road again - exploring new and exciting things. Go diving where we've never been before or be pampered in a totally luxurious spa amidst tropical vegetation with waterfalls and orchids and soothing music while you get a massage from soft yet firm professional hands to relax every tired muscle in your body - even if it's just from climbing a mountain in Hawaii or snorkeling in the Caribbean or cycling in Singapore. Whatever you want to do in whichever country you select.

You see, we're not very worried about the rising costs at all anymore because we're set for life - and I mean for LIFE. We bought a Vacation Package from a very prestigious and well known Resort Network. A one time fee to vacation for life. No yearly fees, no subscription fees, no exchange fees, no user fees or any other fees the financial guys can think of. An amount you pay now for the rest of your life to vacation in luxury and comfort with all the amenities you could possibly think of.

You can book several weeks - not just one per year - at any of the thousands resorts available World Wide. Whether you'd love to play golf on top notch resort courses that's not open to the public or explore the Tuscan countryside at your leisure, stopping at every village to drink a glass of wine or shop or watch the sun set in the Maldive Islands while classical music is softly playing in the background, whatever your pleasure, you can have it whenever you want to in any exotic or not so exotic venue you may choose.

And another plus is that you can book your whole vacation from your own computer at home if you choose to do so otherwise there are very professional and helpful staff available to do it for you or answer any questions you may have. What more could you possibly want(except money)? Don't waste any more time. Life's too short for that. Do it now that you can enjoy it next week. Bon voyage!

Francina Smit is the owner of WWTravelSite.com and writes articles on the different aspects of Travel. Visit her here for more information: http://www.WWTravelSite.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Francina_Smit

Let Your Eyes Take a Vacation Too

Family Vacation Help

If you are planning on traveling any time soon, rest assured you will have some time to kill. Few things can take you away from those never ending lines or long flights, train, and bus rides like a good story. Reading a book is one of the great pastimes for travelers en route to their destination. Walk though the terminal of any airport and you are bound to see dozens of travelers scanning page after page of text from the latest bestseller. I too, used to be a die-hard paper and hardback book reader. That was until I listened to my first audio book. I tried an audiobook on a vacation after much persuasion from my husband who was already a longtime fan.

I was tired of craning my neck and reading by cabin light on long flight. I started to take note the he was listening to his book while comfortably reclined with his eyes closed. On bumpy car and bus rides, I had to put my books and magazines away because of motion sickness. All the while, my husband was looking out the window, soaking in the sights and listening to a good story at the same time. So I thought it was time to give my tired eyes a vacation too, and I haven't turned back since. Audiobooks allow you to pass the time relaxing listening to the latest bestseller, catching up on the classics, or even learning a new language while you are en route to your final destination.

Audiobooks have some great advantages over traditional books. For one thing, listening is a passive activity, so there's no need to don reading glasses and constantly scan the pages. You can simply slip on your headphones, sit back and remove yourself from the traveling fray of the airport or train station. I have found that one the most enjoyable aspects of audiobooks is that they are read by a narrator, who is often times a professional actor. This tends to bring a little more life to the story, as the narrator will often create different voices for the many characters within the story.

Also, if you are trying to brush up on a foreign language, it helps to hear the language as it is spoken by a native, as opposed to trying to discern pronunciation from text. Another great advantage is the size and transportability of audiobooks. If you download the material to your iPod or MP3 player, you can literally carry hundreds of books on a device no bigger than a deck of cards. This means that if the story that you are listening to is not quite what you expected, you can move on to a new book, or even review one of your favorites almost instantly.

Now audiobooks are not quite perfect. For one thing, it can take a bit longer to listen to a book than to read it yourself. For example, Ken Follett's "The Pillars Of The Earth" clocks in a 40 hours and 10 minutes for the unabridged audiobook, and you could most likely read the same material yourself in about 35 hours. To me it's similar to being chauffeured to a destination as opposed to driving there yourself. Another disadvantage, albeit a small one, is that audiobooks are not as easy to navigate as traditional paper books. If you have to review material already covered in a book, you may find it a bit more difficult to find an exact line or phrase that you had previously read. Finally, cost can be a factor as well. At a bookstore, the audio version of a book is typically more expensive than a hardcover.

While audiobooks are readily available at most book stores and even for free at public libraries, my favorite audiobook source for is Audible, an audiobook download service. Audible allows you to choose from over 40,000 titles, which you can then download to your MP3 player, or copy to CD's. You can choose from traditional books, classic radio programs, and even magazines and newspapers. Using the aforementioned "The Pillars Of The Earth" by Ken Follett, you could purchase the hardback at your local bookstore for about $23, while the same book at Audible would cost $41. This pricing difference can be brought down however by subscribing to one of Audible's "AudibleListener" programs.

For an introductory price of $7.50 per month, you can join Audible's AudibleListener Gold program and get one download credit per month and also get a discount of 75% off list price for any additional audiobooks purchased that month. Most books count as one credit, but there are rare exceptions. I have found it most useful to use the credits toward larger purchases, and if needed, purchase lower price titles with the 75% membership discount. It just doesn't make sense to use credits on books that cost less than the subscription price. In addition, you can bank your credits (up to 6) to use in the future. Once you have purchased the title, it is yours to keep. Audible keeps an on-line library of your titles, so that you can download them at any time in the future to your approved device, even if you cancel your subscription to the AudibleListener program.

To use the Audible service, you visit the website Audible.com and create an account. You will have the option of purchasing the titles a la carte, or subscribing to one of their "Audble Listener" programs, which allows you a number of credits per month, and a discount on purchases over and above your audiobook credits. They typically have an introductory special that will allow you to try the service for a lower upfront cost for the fist few months. Once you have signed up, Audible will direct you to download the software appropriate for your device from their website. One your profile is complete, you can shop by genre, author, or subject matter and begin your book.

Audible is currently running a special promotion that offers your first 3 months for $7.50/month. Click here for more information.

Happy "reading"!

SmartSeniorTravel.com is the complete resource for the Over-50 Traveler. For up-to-the-minute travel information and great travel DEALS, sign up for our FREE newsletter at http://www.SmartSeniorTravel.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Deborah_Woodward

Travel Items to Take Along With the Kids

Family Vacation Help

Ever get in the car and feel like you've forgotten something but you just can't put your finger on it? If you have children this feeling may be an everyday occurrence. If you are planning that road trip with the kids and want to make sure you bring all the essentials then here is a handy list for you.

Essential Items for the Road

• Band-Aids and first aid kit
• Antiseptic hand gel
• Baby wipes
• Paper towels
• Tissues
• Sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• Tylenol
• Motion sickness medicines
• Crayons
• Paper
• Coloring books
• Deck of cards
• Sunglasses
• Umbrella
• Portable DVD player and DVDs
• Camera
• Frisbee - great for some quick exercise when making a stop.
• List of road trip games for the kids to play
• Plastic boxes - one for each child, to hold their supplies - the lid makes a great desk or place to hold food.
• Lightweight blanket - small child's blanket for cuddling with at naptime.
• Pillows for naptime.
• Compass - fun for the kids if they want to help navigate.
• Trash bags - for storing laundry, wet items or just for trash.

Easy Travel Food

• Individual applesauce and fruit cups (don't forget plastic spoons)
• Dry crackers - small snack pack size
• Pop tarts
• Fruit or fruit snacks
• Individual cereal boxes
• Flavored rice cakes
• Jar of peanut butter and loaf of bread (don't forget a plastic knife)
• Bottles of water and juice

Packing Advice

• One to two weeks before the trip make a note of what will be needed on the trip. As you gather these items, store them in grocery bag or box.
• Provide all family members with their own case for toothpaste, toothbrush, comb, shampoo and soap. Trial size baby bath works well in place of bars of soap.
• Make a list of like items that each family member will be responsible for packing. Have them check off the items as they pack. (Ex. 5 pairs of socks, swimsuit, jacket...)
• Allow each child to bring a small bag or games, toys, stuffed animals or other personal items to make them feel comfortable. Several months before a trip, find a few small toys that your child enjoys, but hasn't played with in a while and pack them away. Bring these toys with you on your trip for something 'new' to play with. Small toys like the ones found in happy meals work well with this idea. Keep a list of these items to check them off for the return home. Leaving a toy behind is a traumatic event for some children and might make the ride home a rough one!

Enjoy your family and find the best deal on the auto insurance coverage you need. Visit us today for money-saving tips and receive free quotes for affordable car insurance from respected insurance companies at http://www.AutoInsuranceRatesDirect.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Levi_Quinn

Stay Focused on the Road When Driving With the Kids

Family Vacation Help
Some parents are multi-talented and can play referee to bickering kids in the backseat, retrieve dropped toys, and hand out juice boxes all while driving. However, this can be a dangerous gamble as it's important to keep your eyes on the road when you are transporting your most precious cargo, your children.

Here are some tips to help avoid those distractions and stay safe while traveling with your children.

• First of all, make sure all the children are buckled up in seat belts or car seats appropriate for their age, weight and height. All children under the age of 12 should ride in the backseat.
• Find ways to keep the kids entertained on long and short trips. If you keep the kids entertained then they will be less of a distraction to you while you are driving. Pack some games, puzzles, books, crayons, coloring books and small toys for kids to play with or play some road game such as Ispy.
• Snacks can easily keep kids entertained and keep them from whining that they are hungry a half a mile down the road. Pack some pretzels, sandwiches, fruit and drinks in a small cooler. Avoid packing snacks like popcorn or nuts that may cause choking in the car. Don't forget the napkins and wipes!
• Keep the snacks, games and toys in the backseat within the kids reach so they can get the items themselves. For very young children, make sure they have any snacks or toys they want before the car is in motion.
• Make the car space comfortable for your kids. Try not to pack too much into the back seat area, and take pillows and blankets to encourage napping. Leaving early in the morning also encourages napping. Napping children are the easiest to travel with!
• It's important to take frequent breaks both for you as the driver and to keep the kids happy. Map out your route ahead of time to include stops at rest areas or parks where you can get out and stretch your legs and the kids can run around a bit.
• Portable DVD players, music, and handheld games can be great entertainment for the kids but the noise can be a great distraction for the driver. Insist that the kids use headphones when using these things.
• Remember to pack that first aid kit. You never know when there might be a scrap or bee sting that needs a little medical attention.
• Make sure child locks are activated on your back car doors to prevent a child from opening a car door while the car is in motion. Also lock backseat windows if possible.
• Never leave children in a car unattended even for a minute. Not only can they suffocate in the heat but they may be able to put the vehicle into gear.
• Have a safe and fun trip!

Enjoy your car travel and find the best deal on the auto insurance coverage you need. Visit us today for money-saving tips, free auto insurance quotes online and helpful car insurance advice.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Levi_Quinn

Emergency Items to Take on the Road

Family Vacation Help

Nobody ever expects to be in an accident or to be stranded in his or her car somewhere, but it happens. So be prepared by carrying all the necessary emergency items in your car.

In case of an accident, these items are important:

• Disposable camera (to take photos of the vehicles and the scene)
• Can of motor oil
• Cones, warning triangles or emergency flares should be kept in the trunk
• Empty gas can
• Fire extinguisher
• First aid kit
• Flashlight with spare batteries
• Fuses
• Insurance: insurance card, phone number of agent, 1-800 number of company
• Jack for tires
• Jumper cables
• Paper
• Pen or pencil
• Portable radio with spare batteries
• Reflective vest
• Sealant for small leaks in tires
• Spare tire (be sure to have it checked each time you have your tires rotated)
• Tire pressure gauge
• Tool box with screwdrivers, wrenches and a small hammer
• Window scraper for ice
• Car Documentation
• Car owner's manual
• Car registration

Items you should have in your first aid kit:

• Activated Charcoal (for poisoning emergencies)
• Adhesive strip bandages - assorted sizes
• Adhesive tape
• Alcohol - rubbing 70%
• Alcohol wipes
• Antacid
• Antibiotic ointment
• Baking soda
• Calamine lotion
• Chemical ice packs
• Chemical hot packs
• Cotton balls
• Cotton swabs
• Decongestant tablets & spray
• Diarrhea medication
• Disposable latex or vinyl gloves
• Elastic bandages
• Facemask for CPR
• First aid guide
• Gauze pads - various sizes
• Hot-water bottle
• Household ammonia
• Hydrocortisone cream .5%
• Hydrogen Peroxide
• Hypoallergenic tape
• Insect repellent
• Insect sting swabs
• Matches
• Meat tenderizer (for insect bites)
• Moleskin
• Needles
• Non-adhering dressings
• Oil of Cloves
• Over-the-counter pain medication
• Paper drinking cups
• Roller gauze - self adhering
• Safety pins
• Salt
• Scissors
• Soap
• Space blanket
• Sam splint
• Sugar or glucose solution
• Syrup of Ipecac
• Thermometer - oral & rectal
• Tongue blades
• Triangular bandages
• Tweezers
• Waterproof tape

Items to take for you and your family if you become stranded:

• Blankets
• Bottled water
• Card with information about family medical allergies or conditions and emergency phone numbers of family and friends
• Cellular phone
• List of contact numbers for law enforcement agencies
• Pre-moistened towelettes
• Road atlas, maps
• Snack food

If you are transporting children place a bright sticker on the child's car seat with:

• Child's name
• Parents' or guardians' names
• Best phone number of parent or guardian
• Two names/best phone numbers of local friends/relatives in case neither parent is able to care for the child
• List "Medical Must Knows":
• Any allergies the child may have, especially to medication
• Any medical conditions the child may have or have had in the past (such as diabetes, asthma etc.)
• Insurance information if applicable
• For a young baby, type of formula (if formula fed)
• Name and phone number of child's pediatrician
• Anything else you would like medical personnel to know about your child (fears she may have, favorite song that may help calm her, anything you can think of that would be helpful)

Have a fun and safe time on the road, and visit us to find the best deal on the auto insurance coverage you need. Get money-saving tips, affordable quotes and helpful car insurance advice at http://www.AutoInsuranceRatesDirect.com today.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Levi_Quinn

Emergency Items to Take on the Road

Family Vacation Help

Nobody ever expects to be in an accident or to be stranded in his or her car somewhere, but it happens. So be prepared by carrying all the necessary emergency items in your car.

In case of an accident, these items are important:

• Disposable camera (to take photos of the vehicles and the scene)
• Can of motor oil
• Cones, warning triangles or emergency flares should be kept in the trunk
• Empty gas can
• Fire extinguisher
• First aid kit
• Flashlight with spare batteries
• Fuses
• Insurance: insurance card, phone number of agent, 1-800 number of company
• Jack for tires
• Jumper cables
• Paper
• Pen or pencil
• Portable radio with spare batteries
• Reflective vest
• Sealant for small leaks in tires
• Spare tire (be sure to have it checked each time you have your tires rotated)
• Tire pressure gauge
• Tool box with screwdrivers, wrenches and a small hammer
• Window scraper for ice
• Car Documentation
• Car owner's manual
• Car registration

Items you should have in your first aid kit:

• Activated Charcoal (for poisoning emergencies)
• Adhesive strip bandages - assorted sizes
• Adhesive tape
• Alcohol - rubbing 70%
• Alcohol wipes
• Antacid
• Antibiotic ointment
• Baking soda
• Calamine lotion
• Chemical ice packs
• Chemical hot packs
• Cotton balls
• Cotton swabs
• Decongestant tablets & spray
• Diarrhea medication
• Disposable latex or vinyl gloves
• Elastic bandages
• Facemask for CPR
• First aid guide
• Gauze pads - various sizes
• Hot-water bottle
• Household ammonia
• Hydrocortisone cream .5%
• Hydrogen Peroxide
• Hypoallergenic tape
• Insect repellent
• Insect sting swabs
• Matches
• Meat tenderizer (for insect bites)
• Moleskin
• Needles
• Non-adhering dressings
• Oil of Cloves
• Over-the-counter pain medication
• Paper drinking cups
• Roller gauze - self adhering
• Safety pins
• Salt
• Scissors
• Soap
• Space blanket
• Sam splint
• Sugar or glucose solution
• Syrup of Ipecac
• Thermometer - oral & rectal
• Tongue blades
• Triangular bandages
• Tweezers
• Waterproof tape

Items to take for you and your family if you become stranded:

• Blankets
• Bottled water
• Card with information about family medical allergies or conditions and emergency phone numbers of family and friends
• Cellular phone
• List of contact numbers for law enforcement agencies
• Pre-moistened towelettes
• Road atlas, maps
• Snack food

If you are transporting children place a bright sticker on the child's car seat with:

• Child's name
• Parents' or guardians' names
• Best phone number of parent or guardian
• Two names/best phone numbers of local friends/relatives in case neither parent is able to care for the child
• List "Medical Must Knows":
• Any allergies the child may have, especially to medication
• Any medical conditions the child may have or have had in the past (such as diabetes, asthma etc.)
• Insurance information if applicable
• For a young baby, type of formula (if formula fed)
• Name and phone number of child's pediatrician
• Anything else you would like medical personnel to know about your child (fears she may have, favorite song that may help calm her, anything you can think of that would be helpful)

Have a fun and safe time on the road, and visit us to find the best deal on the auto insurance coverage you need. Get money-saving tips, affordable quotes and helpful car insurance advice at http://www.AutoInsuranceRatesDirect.com today.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Levi_Quinn