Travel writing — a hidden gem

A friend once asked me if travel writers can get to travel for free.  I wasn’t sure of the answer, so I asked a few friends in media, and searched for some sources on the net.  And I realized how lucrative a business the travel industry could be.  My friend, a Public  Relations colleague from a decade or so ago, has since made a second career out of travel writing — about destinations, services, facilities, and countries, has traveled to and from 6 continents, and is now based in Singapore.  She has written about a river cruise in Vietnam, a cross-country train ride in Europe, backpacking in the Rockies, and many other adventurous experiences, including scouring the backstreets of Budapest for treasures. She freelances now, having decided to retire from the pressures of corporate PR, and preferring to leisurely earn her keep while traveling.

That was a little more than 2 years ago, before I pursued an online business as a travel agent.

One of the resources my friend followed up on was a 150-page ebook with by a real travel writer Mel McIntyre, entitled Travel Writing Secrets.  Mel says:

“Travel writing is a true hidden gem.

Travel to the most exotic locations for free.  Stay at the world’s finest hotels.  Enjoy the best food available.

And on your flight on the way home, knock out a couple of articles – and get paid big money to wit about your experiences.

Travel writing is definitely THE most exciting writing job around.”

And perhaps the next best job to being a travel agent.

Learn more about Travel Writing Secrets

More resources for writers and authors

ONLY from My Dream Travels
Get the full CD Course at 21% discount via PayPal

Discount Cruise Ship Vacations: Do They Exist?

In today’s society, we live for deals, discounts, and other savings. If given the opportunity to save money, just about everyone would take it. The need to save may be apparent in your daily shopping habits. Many shoppers, maybe even yourself included, shop at discount stores or use multiple coupons. These actions may save you thousands of dollars each year. Do you know that in addition to saving money on your groceries, you could be saving money on your next cruise?

Discount cruise ship vacations are often viewed as a myth by many individuals. These individuals are most likely infrequent travelers. If you are interested in scheduling your next vacation aboard a cruise ship, you are encouraged not to believe this popular myth. Automatically assuming that cruise ship discounts do not exist can cost you a large amount of money and it may even prevent you from making a reservation.

When it comes to booking a discount cruise ship vacation, you have a number of different options. These options vary; therefore, you are encouraged to examine each and every one of them. You never know where cruise ship discounts may be found, that is until you begin searching for them. To get started, you are encouraged to visit a number of online discount travel websites.

Discount travel websites are a popular and easy way to obtain discounts on a wide range of vacations, including cruises. With a simple click of the mouse, you could easily compare prices and make your reservations. If you happen to come across additional discount websites, you are encouraged to fully research the website before providing them with your personal information.

In addition to viewing the discounts obtainable through an online travel website, you are also urged to contact cruise lines directly. In the event that you decide to take a last minute cruise, you may find a number of deals and discounts offered to last minute travelers. Last minute cruise ship discounts are often offered in a final attempt to fill empty cabins. These deals and discounts can easily be found online or by directly contacting a cruise ship representative.

It is also advised that you considered any membership clubs that you belong to.  AARP is a membership club that regularly offers travel discounts to its senior members. These discounts often include airline tickets and cruise ship reservations.  Other membership clubs may offer discounts. The only way to determine if discounts are available is to ask a club representative.

One alternative to researching cruise ship discounts yourself is to obtain the services of a professional travel agent. Travel agents operate online and locally. You may be able to obtain the services of a low-cost travel agent. Travel agents are popular. In addition to researching and suggesting particular cruise ships, they are often offered discounts that are not available to the general public.

With a small amount of time and research or professional assistance, you can easily obtain discount cruise ship tickets. Why avoid cruises altogether or pay full price for a reservation that can be obtained for a discount?

Philippine Airlines Econolight Class

from the Philippines Airlines website

Get great value from our “NO-FRILLS” to ALL PAL Domestic flights and selected Asian Destinations. For selling immediately and for traveling effective 10 November 2008.

Published international EconoLight fares are valid for sale, ticketing and travel until 18 March 2009, while domestic EconoLight fares are valid until further notice.

Only available for purchase through the PAL website.

Below are the applicable routes and fares:

INTERNATIONAL ROUND TRIP FARES excluding taxes, surcharges and airport terminal fee

• For as low as US $48 (with PBWEB Fare Basis)/Minimum 2 days and maximum 8 days of stay
  Between MANILA and BANGKOK /HO CHI MINH* / HONG KONG /JAKARTA / MACAU / SINGAPORE / TAIPEI

*Not available for HO CHI MINH to MANILA.

• For as low as U S $128 (with PBWEB Fare Basis)/ Minimum 2 days and maximum of 14 days stay
  Between MANILA and BEIJING/ SHANGHAI

Note: International fares will be quoted in the currency of the country of departure except for Philippines and Indonesia where fares are quoted in USD.

Learn more about the PAL Econolight Class

Pictures sourced from Philippine Pictures

Double your Asia Miles

Celebrate the New Year in style with Double Asia Miles when you stay at any participating Raffles hotels and resorts for two or more consecutive nights at Best Available Rate!

Indulge yourself in the splendour of Raffles hotels and resorts where luxury and refined elegance await you. From exotic destinations to vibrant cities, Raffles combines gracious service with residential charm.

Book during the promotion period and enjoy other great benefits!

Participating hotels:

• Raffles Hotel, Singapore.
• Raffles Beijing Hotel, China.
• Raffles Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
• Raffles Canouan, The Grenadines.

Promotional period
01 Jan 2009 – 31 Mar 2009

Surviving Airport Screening Checkpoints

In recent years, as well as recent months, air travel rules have changed.  If you are planning on flying, you will find that most of these changes have occurred right at airports, particularly airport security checkpoints.  Before you head off to catch a flight tomorrow or  in two weeks, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with these new air travel rules.

Most passengers think there is only one checkpoint at the airport, but the reality is that there are three and sometimes four.  The first checkpoint in several airports is upon entering the airport building, as in the Manila International Airport.  Only passengers are allowed to enter, and guards ask for one’s passport as identification.

At most airports though, security points starts at the airline Check-in counter, where the passenger checks in for a flight.  Here, the passenger is given his seat assignment and is issued his boarding pass.  He also hands over any baggage to be check-in.  In addition to handing over your plane tickets or requesting your boarding passes, you will need to show the proper forms of identification such as  a driver’s license or a government issued identification card or passport.

Once you have received all of your boarding passes, for all of your flights, you will need to hand over your luggage that you will be loaded in the plane’s cargo hold. These bags are commonly referred to as checked baggage or checked luggage.  As with your carry-on luggage, your checked baggage will need to be checked for prohibited items. In the past, only a small number of bags were hand checked, but now almost all are.  Many of these checks are quick look-overs, but you may be subject to a random, extensive search. This search often includes the checking of all baggage compartments, as well as the wiping of a cloth, which is looking for powdery substances.

When you have been cleared to the next stage, you will need to go through the main airport security checkpoints. This point is where you will be required to have your carry-on luggage scanned by an x-ray machine. You will also need to walk through a metal detector.  the past, only random travelers were asked to remove their shoes for checking.  However, after 9-11, all air travelers, with the exception of those with a disability or hindering medical condition, are required to remove their shoes. Your shoes will be x-rayed, along with the rest of your carry-on luggage.

Unnecessary incidents can be prevented by familiarizing yourself with the items that are banned aboard an airplane,  for both checked luggage and carry-on.  In the event that you are found carrying a prohibited item, certain steps will be taken. Depending on the item in question, you may be required to return the item to you car, discard it, mail it to your home, or turn it over to airport security.  Ensuring that you leave all prohibited items at home is the best way to prevent this unnecessary tie up, which may cause you to miss your flight.

Once you have been cleared at the main security checkpoint, you will need to go through one more final security checkpoint before being able to board your airplane.  When entering the airport terminal, after your airline has granted permission for passengers to board, you will need to present airline officials with the appropriate boarding pass.  As this time you may need to show your identification again; however, it isn’t always necessary. Most travelers are easily able to board their airplane, but you may be pulled aside in the event that you are acting suspicious or drawing unwanted attention to yourself. That is why it is best that you stay calm during all airport checkpoints, including the final boarding stage.

Perhaps, the best way to ensure that your next flight is as pleasant as it can be is to follow all air travel rules.  Knowing these rules ahead of time, including the screening process, you should ensure that you are able to board your plane and make it to your intended destination without incident.

Travel-size toiletries facilitate check-in

If you make frequent short trips by air, and want to be able to carry your personal care items with you on the plane, make sure to bring along TSA-approved travel size versions of your favorite toiletry/personal care products. This will enable you to breeze through airport security checkpoints.

As you may already know, the TSA now requires that any personal care items, such as liquids, gels, and aerosols, must meet certain requirements in order to be taken through an airport security checkpoint–what they call the 3-1-1 rule. Specifically,

• 3-ounce bottle or less (by volume)
• 1 quart-sized clear plastic zip-top bag
• 1 bag per passenger placed in screening bin

But travel-size versions of my favorite toiletries are so difficult to find, right.  We have discovered a company that sells such items online and delivers to your home or your destination.  Check out the items at TravelToiletryKits.com, which are under 3 ounces and easily meet the 3-1-1 requirements.

They carry travel-size versions of popular brands of baby care products, deodorants/ antiperspirants and body sprays, hair styling gels, hairspray, shampoo and conditioners, toothpaste, mouthwash, denture adhesives, shaving cream, after shave lotion, skin creams, hand lotions, moisturizers, body wash and body powders, foot care products, insect repellants, lip balms, sunscreen and suntan lotion, as well as items such as nasal spray, feminine deodorant spray, nail polish remover, makeup remover, and antibacterial wipes, as well as a selection of aromatherapy inhalers.  And if they don’t have what you need, just let them know. They can probably get it for you.

The available brands offered by TravelToiletryKits.com include Johnson & Johnson, Mennen, Dove, Right Guard, Old Spice, Secret, Soft & Dri, Ban, Tom‘s of Maine, Pantene, Tresemme, Breck, Head & Shoulders, EO, Sunsilk, FDS, Visine, Choraseptic, Cutex, Ponds, Crest, Colgate, Scope, Listerine, Fixodent, Aquafresh, Sensodyne, Arm & Hammer, Aramis, Addidas, Pierre Cardin, Chaps, Gillette, Nivea, Gold Bond, Pharmacopia, Caress, Old Spice, Purell, DrScholl’s, Blistex, Vaseline, Coppertone, Chapstick, Lubriderm, and Aveeno, among others.

And with every order, they will include a FREE TSA approved one-quart Zip Top clear plastic bag and pack your travel size items into the bag for you.

They also ship your travel-size personal care items directly to your hotel or destination, if you enter all the details of date and address in the comments box at the online checkout.

TravelToiletryKits.com accepts via Mastercard, Visa, American Express, Discovery, and Paypal.

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We have just discovered an online store that sells ultra-light-weight face and beach towels that can fit inside a pocket.  Lightload Towels actually takes the load off the trouble of packing towels for those nice walks and hikes, as well as those extended lounging at the beach.  We understand that  these towels are easy-to dispose, environment-friendly, and are available at many stores in the US. We’ll talk about this ingenious travel essential soon.

How to get through the line faster

Article from the Transportation Security Administration, US Department of Homeland Security

Passengers are asked to bear in mind the following advice to help make their passage through the airport as efficient and comfortable as possible.

Pack Smart

• Pack an organized carry-on bag using layers – a layer of clothes, then electronic, more clothes, and then any heavier items. This will help transportation security officers see what’s in your bag. Innocent items can actually appear to be potential threats in an X-ray image, simply by the way they’re packed.

• Do not pack oversized electronics (laptops, full-size video game consoles, DVD players and video cameras that use cassettes) in your checked baggage when possible. However, please be advised that you will be required to remove these items from your carry-on bag and submit them separately for x-ray screening. Click here for “checkpoint friendly” laptop bag procedures. Small electronics, such as iPods, can remain in your carry-on.
• Prepare your 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag of liquids before arriving at the airport. For more information on liquid rules: 3-1-1 for carry-ons, click here.
• Pack all your coats and jackets in your checked baggage when possible. All coats and jackets must go through the X-ray machine for inspection.
• Do not wrap gifts. If a security officer needs to inspect a package, they may have to unwrap your gift. Please wait until you’ve reached your final destination to wrap gifts.
• Film. Undeveloped film should go in your carry-on bag. You will able to declare film that is faster than 800-speed to a transportation security officer for physical inspection to avoid being X-rayed.
• When in doubt, leave it out. If you’re not sure about whether you can bring an item through the checkpoint, put it in your checked bag or leave it at home. Click here to see the list of prohibited items.

Dress the Part

Transportation security officers have to identify any metal that is detected at the checkpoint. If the metal detector alarms when you pass through, you will be required to undergo additional screening. This includes a hand-wand and pat-down inspection.

Items that might set off an alarm on the metal detector include:

• Keys, loose change, mobile phones, pagers, and personal data assistants (PDAs)
• Heavy jewelry (including pins, necklaces, bracelets, rings, watches, earrings, body piercings, cuff links, lanyards or bolo ties)
• Clothing with metal buttons, snaps or studs
• Metal hair barrettes or other hair decoration
• Belt buckles
• Under-wire bras

Body Piercings. Certain metal body piercings may cause you to alarm at the metal detector, which will result in you getting additional screening. If additional screening is required, you may ask to remove your body piercing in private as an alternative to the pat-down search.
Head Coverings. You are permitted to wear head coverings and religious garments during the screening process. You may be directed to additional screening if your headwear or clothing (religious or otherwise) is loose fitting or large enough to hide prohibited items. For more information, click here.
Shoes. Travelers are required to remove their shoes before entering the walk-through metal detector at all U.S. airports and put them through the x-ray machine for inspection. This allows officers to see if the shoes have been tampered with in any way.

Have the Following Ready

The items you’ll need to present to a Transportation Security Officer at the checkpoint are:

• Boarding pass
• Identification (click here to see a list of acceptable IDs)

We encourage each adult traveler to keep his/her airline boarding pass and government-issued photo ID available until exiting the security checkpoint (children are not required to show identification).

If you do not have identification (if it is lost, stolen, etc.), you will be required to provide the document checking officer with some information to help verify your identity. This will slow down your screening process and will result in additional screening.

Hassle-Free Security Tips

• Arrive on time. Arrival time recommendations vary by airline and day of travel, so check with your carrier. Remember to give yourself adequate time to check your baggage and move through security.
• Wear slip-on shoes. This will allow you to take them off and put them back on quickly, without having to sit down.
• Pets. Please remove all animals from their carrying cases and send the case through the X-ray machine. Hold your pet in your arms and proceed through the metal detector.
• Children. Please take your infants and children out of baby carriers and strollers and take them through the metal detector with you. Strollers and baby carriers go through the X-ray machine with your bags. If possible, collapse your stroller before you get to the metal detector. For more information traveling with children, click here.
• Think before you speak. Belligerent behavior, inappropriate jokes and threats will not be tolerated. They will result in delays and possibly missing your flight. Local law enforcement may be called as necessary.

Helpful Videos

Make your screening experience as smooth as possible. Select a video to help you understand the screening process.

• Step-By-Step Screening (WMV, 3 MB)
• Female business traveler (WMV, 3 MB)
• Male business traveler (WMV, 3 MB)
• Traveling with a baby or small child (WMV, 3 MB)
• Travelers with special needs (WMV, 3 MB)

Maximize your bonus flyer miles and points

Whether we consider keeping up with our frequent flyer miles as time-consuming or not, we do know that frequent flyer miles and bonus programs still do work, and save us a lot of cash for our trips.  Here are a few extra opportunities to earn those bonuses easily available and usable in the US.  But even if you live outside the US, you may still avail of them especially if you  plan to travel within the next 24 months.  Or you can use as them as gifts for your friends. Register  for the appropriate flyer miles program to avail of these freebies.

10K Bonus Miles for American, oneworld Flights

Between January 1 and March 31, AAdvantage members can earn 10,000 bonus miles when flying round-trip on American and another oneworld airline in first, business, or full-fare coach (F, J, A, D, I, R, Y, B or H).

Bonus may be earned one time only. Registration is required.

:: More

Double Choice Points for Holiday Shopping

Joining a host of other airline and hotel programs that feature similar promotions, Choice Privileges is offering members double points for purchases at 23 online retailers participating in the Choice Privileges Online Mall.

Bonuses are in effect through December 31.

:: More

BOOK YOUR FLIGHTS HERE

Make sure you have registered with the airline’s frequent flyer program,
and enter your membership code in the appropriate box in your booking record.

Six Times More Delta Miles for Hilton Stays

Between December 1, 2008, and February 28, 2009, members of Delta’s SkyMiles and Hilton’s HHonors programs can earn six times the number of miles normally earned for stays of two or more nights at participating Hilton family hotels.

During the promotion, HHonors members earning Points & Variable Miles will earn 10 HHonors Base points and six Delta miles for every dollar charged to their room, instead of the 10 HHonors points and one airlines mile normally earned.

And HHonors members who choose Points & Fixed Miles will earn 10 Base points per dollar spent and 3,000 Delta SkyMiles per stay (or 600 miles per stay at Hampton and Homewood Suites), instead of the normal 10 Base points per dollar and 500 airline miles per stay (100 miles per stay at Hampton and Homewood Suites).

Registration is required.

There are more than 3,000 hotels in the Hilton HHonors network, only 1,500 of which are participating in this promotion. So be sure to confirm in advance that your hotel is on the list.

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National Offers Free Rental Day

National has extended its Emerald Club “One Two Free” promotion, originally set to expire on December 12, through the end of January.

The offer: Members of National Car Rental’s Emerald Club will receive one free rental day for every two rentals of a midsize or larger car, for two or more days, in the U.S. and Canada.

Registration is required.

:: More

BOOK YOUR FLIGHTS HERE

Make sure you have registered with the airline’s frequent flyer program,
and enter your membership code in the appropriate box in your booking record.

Remember to bring name cards

No matter how meticulous we are at planning and packing our luggage for a trip, we can still use a few more tips from other travelers.  Try to remember to bring name cards along.

We meet a lot of people on trips unless we decide on a solitary trek in the woods.  And how often do we hit our head in the thought that we had forgotten to bring name cards along.  Name cards, some call them calling cards, save us from having to write our contact information on a table napkin with a felt pen, or shout our phone number to a long-lost friend, only to realize that the whole town also heard it.

At a seminar I attended in October, I had brought along 100 cards, and gave away 75 to new acquaintances who would at least remember me when they went back home to their regular routine.   Whenever I receive name cards from new acquaintances, I often jot down a note to remind me where and when we met.  So, I had  my cards made precisely for the seminar, adding a line at the back that included the seminar title, date and venue. And that means, 75 friends who would hopefully remember that we ever met.

If you forget to order your cards ahead, or bring them along, you can always order online from VistaPrint from anywhere in the US. I do that soon as I remember, and I get my cards the next day wherever I ask them to deliver it.

Check out your exclusive 25% discount on custom printed products at VistaPrint. Order today!

I have also used some smaller-size photo minicards from Moo.com (in the U.K.) on a previous trip which turned out to be very popular even among my younger relatives.

Be ready to submit as many as 100 different photos per box of 100. Thus each card is totally unique.  You can have Moo.com print 6 lines of text at the back of the photo card.

Do you need a visa to enter the Philippines?

“For stays of up to 21 days (three weeks), tourists and business travelers from 146 countries with a valid passport for 6 months beyond the period of stay and a return or onward ticket are given free entry into the Philippines.  Visitors wishing to stay longer than 21 days need a visa. Here is a list from the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs.  Inquire here for a visa for the Philippines.

Nationals of the following countries require a visa even if staying less than 7 days: Afghanistan*, Albania, Algeria*, Bangladesh, Belize, Bosnia-Herzegovina, China (People’s Republic), CIS, Croatia, Cuba, East Timor*, Egypt*, Estonia, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Georgia, India*, Iran*, Irag*, Jordan*, Korea (Democratic Republic), Latvia, Lebanon*, Libya*, Lithuania, Nauru, Nigeria*, Pakistan*, Palestine*, Sierra Leone, Serbia and Montenegro, Slovenia, Sri Lanka*, Sudan*, Syria*, Tonga, Vanuatu and Yemen*.

*Nationals of these countries must apply for a Temporary Visitor Visa in their country of origin or place of legal residence.”

SOURCE:www.RetireAsia.com

What types of visas are issued by the Philippine Government?

Visitors to the Philippines may apply for an entry visa depending on their length of stay in the country, as well as the country they’re coming from, as indicated in the above information.

The Philippine Government issues 3 types of visas:

NON-IMMIGRANT VISA issued by the Bureau of Immigration

A foreign national may apply for a temporary visitor’s visa as a “foreign tourist . . . defined as a person without distinction of race, gender, language or religion, who is proceeding to the Philippines for a legitimate, non-immigrant purpose such as sightseeing, sports, health, family reasons, training or study (excluding enrolment in schools for the purpose of obtaining a title or degree), religious pilgrimage, business, cultural and scientific purposes.” (SOURCE: Department of Foreign Affairs). Get more information from the Bureau of Immigration’s website on Non-Immigrant Visa, particularly for foreign government officials, students and pre-arranged employment.

IMMIGRANT VISA issued by the Bureau of Immigration

Foreign nationals may apply for immigrant visa if they meet very specific requirements, and even quotas.  Learn if you are entitled to apply for this visa type, and other requirements from the Immigrant Visa pages the Bureau of Immigration’s website on Non-Immigrant Visa

SPECIAL RETIREE RESIDENT VISA issue by the Philippine Retirement Authority

The SRRV is a special type of visa issued for returning Filipinos who have acquired foreign citizenship as well as foreign nationals who wish to retire in the Philippines.It is a special non-immigrant visa separate that entitles the holder to reside in the Philippines for an indefinite period with multiple-entry privileges as long as the required minimum deposit investment subsists.

We have a special page explaining this visa. . . the SRRV, or you may check out the pages of the Philippine Retirement Authority.