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Do you travel by air often? If you do, you have probably experienced your flight being delayed a few times or so. Delayed flights can be frustrating and airlines get a lot of bad publicity when they have many flights that fail to depart and arrive promptly. The United States Department of transportation keeps this type of record and makes it public on a regular basis. In many countries in Europe, newer and stricter rules have been put in place when it comes to compensating travelers for delayed flights.

If you fly a lot, flight problems aren’t a usual thing. Despite the bad rap airlines get, majority of their flights depart from and arrive to their destinations in a timely fashion. Know, though, that problems do occur, so you need to be prepared for when your flight gets cancelled. And should your flight get cancelled, remember to keep your cool; it can be very frustrating, but you won’t get any sympathy or change anything if you scream at the airline agents who are already trying to do the best they can to help you and the other passengers who are on the same delayed flight.

So what should you do if your flight is delayed? It depends on the reason for the delay. If the delay is air-traffic in nature (e.g., congestion), majority of airlines are not going to be able to do much because air traffic control (ATC) delays are not something they can control. It’s the same thing if the delay is caused by bad weather. Again, the weather isn’t something the airlines can control. They can help you to re-book you to the next flight with available seats, but don’t expect to be compensated for weather delays.

Other reasons for delayed flights are mechanical problems with the plane, crew rest problems, and computer problems with the check-in. If it’s a mechanical problem, wouldn’t you want them to get the problem fixed before the plane flies? In any case, it’s a good idea to find out what your carrier will do in case of delay by reading the “Contract of Carriage” before you fly. This contract enumerates passenger rights when the flight is delayed.

In most cases, you can be on your way after an hour or so delay. However, what if you’re on a connecting flight and the flight delay is going to cause you to miss a connecting flight or two? If you think you are going to miss your connecting flights as a result of a flight delay at the initial airport, let the gate agent know right away.

If many other passengers are going to miss the same connecting flight, the airline may hold the connecting flight for a brief time, but you shouldn’t count on this happening. Because airlines get bad rap for flight delays, they usually choose to leave a few passengers behind than report a delayed flight.

If the airline can’t hold the connecting flight for you and the other passengers, an alternative is to ask the airline agent to re-book a new connecting flight for you. If the line is long at the counter, get on your cell phone and call your airline’s reservations number. You’ll probably get re-booked that way much more quickly.

Family Travel

Whenever you travel to another country where English is not the native language, you will need to learn a few foreign words and phrases of the country you’re visiting. While English is a language that is widely spoken around the world, it is still a good idea to learn basic foreign words and phrases such as “Hello”, “Goodbye”, “Thank you”, “Please”, and “Good day”. Not only is it polite to do so, it can also help you communicate easily with the natives of the country who may not be too fluent in English.

It’s also a good idea if you know how to ask people (in their native language) if they speak English. It is a nice gesture that they will appreciate, and in most cases, they volunteer to speak in English so it will be easier for you. If they aren’t fluent enough in English, they are likely to find another person who does.

Be sure to carry a phrase book with you. In any case, you can point out a word or phrase in the book to the local who may have a hard time understanding you (especially when you mispronounce words. It won’t help if you speak louder; if they can’t understand the words you are saying, it won’t make any difference if you talk any louder. The best, and easiest way, is to point to them the word in the phrase book that you are trying to say.

It’s always good to have a good sense of humor and to have an adventurous spirit. Most people are forgiving of tourists and will usually go out of their way to help you if they sense you are having a hard time getting around and communicating. Be grateful if they try to speak English no matter how limited it is. Don’t expect them to speak in your language.

When you do find locals who can talk to you in English, be sure you speak slowly and clearly. Avoid using slang words and idiomatic expressions as they may have an embarrassing or worse, rude, meaning or equivalent in their own language.

If you’re in France or in a French-speaking country and a French waiter comes up to your table and says, “Bon jour, cafe?” Don’t get intimidated just yet and tell him you don’t speak French. The waiter is simply greeting you (bon jour) and asking if you’d like coffee (cafe). Smile to the waiter and respond (even if it’s not in perfect French), “Bon jour. Oui, merci.” You’re just greeted the waiter, said yes (oui), and thanked him (merci). Those may be the only French words you’d ever utter while in the country, but your waiter will appreciate it and others will too.

Also, try not to be intimidated by the signs you see that are in a language other than English. Look at them and think intuitively. Does the word on the sign look similar to a word you are already familiar with? For instance, if you see the word, “farmacia” on a window, guess what the word is in English? Try to look for accompanying drawings or symbols as they can help you know what the words on signs mean.

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Want to experience the lush environment of caves, waterfalls and colourful rivers while on your holidays to Brazil? Why not take a tour to see these natural wonders near the inland regions of Pantanal and Bonito.

Bonito, Mato Grosso do Sul

The river water around the town of Bonito is startlingly clear. Depending on the light, the waters here can appear bright turquoise, and its clarity makes it easy to see the fish that make rivers such as the Sucuri River, their home. You might encounter diverse species such as the large round piraputanga and the tiny gleaming silver fish, aptly named ’shiners’.

The water is crystal clear because it filters naturally though the region’s limestone rock. With snorkels and floatation devices you can drift along with the current enjoying the view of the vegetation and wildlife as you go, as the dappled sunlight brightens the river floor. There are a number of Brazil tours that enable you to enjoy Brazilian scenery in this way; most are comprised of a combination of overland trekking and underwater exploration.

Preserving the beauty of the area around Bonito is a priority for local people, so operators offering Brazil tours have to be registered and the number of visitors to the region is regulated. This means those who visit on holidays to Brazil are a privileged few.

The Blue Lake Cave (Gruta do Lago Azul)

A hundred metres underground you can see the Blue Lake Cave, which is filled with water to a depth of a further ninety metres. When undisturbed, the surface of the lake provides a magical mirror image of the rock formations above. Stalactites and stalagmites bedeck the sides and ceiling of the cave in straw-like, feathery or bulbous shapes left by deposits over thousands of years. There are great opportunities to take some stunning Brazil holiday photos here.

The best time to visit the cave is in the morning. At this time of day, the sunlight will shine through a hole in the grotto’s ceiling to show the true colours of the water, with hues of sapphire or topaz. Scuba divers on archaeological expeditions have discovered the bones of prehistoric animals in the cave. Although home to animals for aeons, the cave was not discovered by man until 1924, and now its beauty can be enjoyed by visitors on holidays to Brazil.

Boca da Onca Waterfall

The Boca da Onca Waterfall is one of several falls near Bonito. You can find it in an area of forest that is lush and green. People enjoying their Brazil tours here will be invited to take a dip in the picturesque plunge pool at the base of the falls, where you can feel the rhythm of the water falling around you.

The water drops from a height of about a hundred metres, cascading in several sections, rounding and smoothing the rocks into curved shapes. There are steps in the pools and caves in the walls of the gorge that you can swim through.

Once again, ecological concerns mean that visitors on holidays to Brazil are asked to take a shower before they enter the pools because some chemicals in sun cream can be poisonous to fish and local wildlife. If you’re lucky, you might see vultures, toucans, armadillos or anteaters in the area surrounding the falls.

It’s just one of many exciting ways to experience the amazing South American environment while on your Brazil holidays.

Louise Mumford is a holiday specialist at South American Experience, a company that specialises in tailor-made arrangements for Brazil Tours. Our dedicated team has two decades of first-hand experience in the Latin America region.Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/brazil-tours-near-pantanal-and-bonito-1275172.html

The Caribbean is famous for its collection of small islands, warm climate, wonderful hotel resorts, and amazing beaches. The atmosphere created in the Caribbean is ideal for those looking to get married, honeymooners, or just couples looking to get away. While the Caribbean may appeal to those looking for romance, it is also a great area to vacation with your family.

As with any other area of the world, selecting a Caribbean vacation destination can be a difficult task. In the Caribbean there are so many vacation destinations to choose from and they are all similar, in one way or another. If you experience difficulty narrowing your search down to just one destination, you are encouraged to review some of the most popular vacation destinations in the Caribbean. Below is an overview of five popular Caribbean destinations that attract beachgoers from all around the world.

The Turks & Caicos Island is located in Atlantic Ocean. The two islands are not far from the Bahamas. These Caribbean islands are most noted for their beautiful beaches and underwater adventures. The ocean water, near the Turks & Caicos Island, is home to large coral reefs. These reefs bring in tourists from all around the world. Aside from traditional beach activities, you can enjoy fishing, diving, and snorkeling.

St. John is located in Virgin Islands in the Caribbean. Many claim that the St. John beaches are the best in all of the Caribbean. St. John visitors are encouraged to visit Trunk Bay. Trunk Bay is owned and protected by the United States National Park Service. Aside from traditional beachfront activities, Trunk Bay is well known for their snorkeling tours. Trained, underwater guides and markers make the Turk Bay snorkeling adventure one of the best in the world.

Canouan Island is located in the Grenadines, which can also be found in the Caribbean. Canouan Island comes highly recommend from beach lovers. Beach activities include wind surfing, snorkeling, scuba diving, and sailing. Canouan Island is most well known for its private and intimate settings. While many beaches in and around the Caribbean fill up each year with tourist, Canouan Island is still relatively undiscovered.

The tagline for Jamaica is “no wonder hearts beat faster in Jamaica.” This tourist slogan is accurate in more ways than one. Jamaica is home to wonderful beaches, including Seven Mile Beach. While Jamaica has a number of beach resorts that are so beautiful it is often hard to describe, they are most well-known for their music and fun offshore activities. Vacationers visiting Jamaica will not leave the island unsatisfied.

The Cayman Islands is another popular summer vacation destination in the Caribbean. All three islands, Grand Cayman, Little Cayman, and Cayman Brac are home to a number of popular beaches, the most popular Being Seven Mile Beach. Seven Mile Beach is located on the Grand Cayman Island. All three islands offer numerous on and offshore activities. With Seven Mile Beach being one of the most well-known beaches in the Caribbean, it is often packed with travelers. Vacationers looking for more intimate settings in the Cayman Islands often vacation at one of the two smaller islands. Of course, you could always visit all three if you wish to.

Millions of tourists flock the Caribbean for their summer vacations. If you have yet to visit the Caribbean area, you are encouraged to get down there and see what you have been missing. Whether you choose to vacation at one of the above mentioned Caribbean destinations or you select another, you are sure to have a vacation that will be impossible to forget.

Harry Raymond Cowperthwaite is a Publisher and webmaster of http://www.packageholidaysauctions.com where he provides informative content and links of interest relating to the content subject matterArticle Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/vacationing-in-the-caribbean-popular-summer-vacation-destinations-1275913.html

 When you travel, one of the most important questions is if the water is safe to drink wherever you are. However, if your destination of choice is Costa Rica, the drinking water there is fine, so you can be assured that it is safe to drink the water. If you are still uncertain, you can easily buy bottled water, just as you can in North America.

Safe water in foreign countries is a explicit concern. Can you use the water to clean your teeth? Is the water served in the restaurants clean? Can you use ice cubes where you are on vacation or business?

Having been to this beautiful country myself last year, I can understand your anxiety. They were mine too. I did some research on the internet before I went as well. Also when I arrived, everyone assured me the water was safe, but even in the hotel, bottled water was offered. I decided to drink the local water and didn’t regret it at all. I felt quite at home. Of course, if I went out for the day, I took bottled water as it was more convenient. I had no ill effects whatsoever.

In this Central American paradise, all water is of good quality, not just the drinking water! The oceans and lakes here are clean and of pristine quality, unlike many other destinations in our world today. The country is extremely eco-friendly and their tourism depends on this fact. You can swim and play in the Pacific and/or Caribbean, depending which coast you are near, and the water is clear and wonderfully warm. Mostly better than at home. There are also many fresh water lakes.

A great tourist destination is Arenal which has an active volcano to its credit, as well as mountains and rainforests. Here you will find incredible thermal hot springs. In the area there are at least eleven different hot springs and indeed some of them have not just one pool but many, often with varying temperatures. Just imagine soaking in nature’s hot tub surrounding by beautiful trees, plants, flowers and colorful birds and even monkeys, if you are lucky. Sometimes you can find these hot springs on their own, or they can be part of a hotel.

This tropical country is famous for its breathtaking views and spectacular wild life, and its resolve that the country remain an eco wonder. This is why Costa Rica water is great, both to drink and to play in!

Find out what Costa Rica water quality is all about. For more resources visit http://traveldestinationcostarica.com

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/is-costa-rica-water-safe-to-drink-1273180.html

With summer right on our doorstep and schools just about to close for their end of the year break, many people are once again looking forward to going away on vacation before the Christmas holidays. With most of the world experiencing a recession, many Australian families are nowadays choosing more affordable, local vacations rather than flying abroad. As a result, the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, Australia is proving to be immensely popular, just as is the world renowned Sunshine Coast accommodation.

Apart from lounging on the Sunshine Coast’s magnificent beaches, there are also several other fun activities which allow you to enjoy yourself indoors, away from the sweltering heat. For example, there’s the ever popular Superbee Honey Factory which is of course Australia’s largest honey producer. Not only can you get your hands on some top quality honey, but the centre also offers you a chance to view beekeeping demonstrations. Additionally, there are also a few fairy tale attractions such as ‘The Three Bears’ cottage and the ‘Snow White’ cottage. If fairy tales aren’t your cup of tea, then of course you could enjoy yourself playing the 18-hole mine golf.

Even though you’ll probably enjoy the Superbee Hony Factory just as much as the kids do, you should definitely make a point of visiting Bli Bli castle as well. This is by all accounts a fabulous medieval castle which was opened to the public in the early 1970s. Not only can you rent a Tudor-themed hotel room, but you can also lose yourself while admiring all the medieval weapons and armor which are on display. Of course if you have a nasty streak in you, you could always threaten to leave your kids in the chilling dungeon torture chamber.

Of course, if you’re looking for activities which are more in line with our modern lifestyles, then you should consider attending a kite festival or spending a few hours racing a go kart. Additionally, when it’s time to take a break from the kids you could of course always go and enjoy a round of golf on the Hyatt Regency golf course. Bear in mind that this golf course is also host to the Australian PGA Championships.

Once you’ve settled in at your accommodation, you’ll soon discover that beachcombing helps to make the Sunshine Coast what it is. In fact, if you’re passionate about spending time on the beach or discovering what lies beneath the waves, then you can be rest assured that the Sunshine Coast has everything you could ever dream of. Underwater World for example, affords you an opportunity to come face to face with some of the most exotic deep water species, ranging from sharks to rays. One of the greatest features at Underwater World is the moving walkway and the many wonderful presentations.

With so much to do and so many sites to take in, you can bet your bottom dollar that you’ll be keen to find something to eat sooner or later. The great news is that in Maroochydore, there’s an abundance of restaurants catering to virtually any culinary desires, with many of them being within walking distance from your accommodation. Irrespective of what type of food you’re after, you’ll find that you’ll be spoiled for choice with regards to steak houses, seafood restaurants, and fast food outlets. The best thing about seafood in this area is that most of it which you get in restaurants was caught on the day. Once the sun dips down and dinner has been enjoyed, you can pass away the evening by strolling along the boardwalk, going to a cinema, or going to one of the many dance clubs.

Most importantly of all is the fact that Maroochydore has an abundance of fabulous Sunshine Coast accommodation to offer holiday makers. Why not get packing now and we’ll see you there soon?

Roger Laganin runs ocean front Sunshine Coast accommodation at the Catalina Resort, Maroochydore, Queensland, Australia where you can relax, play or do business. Find out about their penthouse suite accommodation at => http://www.catalinaresort.com.au

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/maroochydore-vacations-in-the-sun-1273968.html