The Traveler Guide

Marina del Rey, with its close proximity to LAX and the famous southern California beaches, is often considered a popular destination for vacationers. The area boasts several different hotels that each caters to very different clientele. The key in planning your next vacation is to choose the hotel that best meets your needs -- with amenities and budget. Choosing a hotel that fits within your budget ensures that your family will be able to properly enjoy the rest of your trip. If you choose a hotel that stretches your pocketbook a bit, then most likely you will spend the remainder of your trip pinching pennies and worrying about your budget. Here are three different hotels to suit any budget:

Marina del Rey Hotels For The Budgeter

If you're on a budget, don't think you'll be spending a lot of time in your hotel room, or would just rather spend more money on attractions than a hotel, then choosing a budget hotel makes the most sense. For the budget traveler, there are two options from which to choose. Located on the water, the Best Western Jamaica Bay Inn offers up the views of the area while allowing the budget traveler to keep some money in their pockets. 

Expect to pay $135 a night and up depending on the season. If you're staying for a longer range, the Marina International Hotel and Bungalows are worth checking out. With rates starting at $93 during the week, this is one of the few Marina del Rey hotels that offers all of the comforts of home while still being close to all of the attractions the area has to offer.

Marina del Rey Hotels For The Mid-Range Traveler

If it's a city view that you're looking for, check out the Foghorn Harbor Inn, one of the Marina del Rey hotels that offers low rates while still providing a Marina or city view. For the mid-range traveler looking for a comfortable place to stay, while still being close to all of the action, the Foghorn Harbor Inn is the perfect choice with rates beginning at $129 depending on the season.

Luxurious Marina del Rey Hotels

For travelers looking for a package getaway, the Marriot is an excellent option. Offering up packages like "Escape! Romance in California," a package that offers views of the city, long stem roses, and a bottle of champagne, or "Glow," a package that includes visits to some of the newest night clubs in Los Angeles, the Marriot is one of the few lodgings in the area that takes care of all of your travel plans. If your trip consists of business or you're looking for luxury accommodations.

The Ritz-Carlton is right up your alley. You can choose from marina or city skyline views, visit one of the key-access only Ritz-Carlton Club level rooms, book an appointment at the newly renovated Boutique spa, or work out in the state-of-the-art cardio and weight studio. With prices starting at $325 a night, the Ritz is well suited for the traveler looking to be pampered. It's no wonder that this area is a prime vacation spot for both business travelers and vacationers alike. With stunning views and attractions for all ages, Marina del Rey is a travelers dream. And with a few choices for each budget range, anyone can afford to make this area their next vacation stop.

Backpacking Wondering what backpacking really is? The definition is varied but the bottom line is that Backpacking is low-budget, independent, round the world, off-the-beaten-track traveling. It is for those travelers who are averse to lots of luggage and conventional package holidays. Backpacking is a term that has historically been used to denote a form of low-cost, independent international travel. Backpacking is slowly but surely turning into a subculture of generally youthful travelers exploring the planet on a limited budget. 

The name connotes travelers that travel with a rucksack (a large backpack) instead of the usual holiday suitcase. They may go hiking and camping, backpacking in the other sense, but they more often explore more urban settings. This is an infectious sub-culture attracting enthusiastic and intrepid travelers everywhere. The determining factor is to see as much of the world as possible on slim wallets; a passion for exotic places at the least cost. The adventure is all about low-cost options such as sharing lifts, last minute flights, relatively cheap round-the-world air ticket which permits numerous stops, youth hostels, free hospitality services and buying food at supermarkets abroad instead of going to restaurants. 

Some backpackers get free accommodation by teaching the local people in return for their services. Some simply volunteer their time and skills as they travel. The most popular backpacking destination is undoubtedly Australia. The key advantage of backpacking in Australia is that, if you're aged between 18-30, you qualify for a working holiday visa. Other attractive destinations include beautiful places with low costs of living such as Africa, South America, India, Morocco and even Thailand. Destinations being exotic means travelers must change their lifestyle accordingly. 

You may have to live with the bare essentials. You may have to get accustomed to habits and facilities such as pit latrines, going without running water and even the luxury of three proper meals a day. Before you go gather information to help you before you embark, from advice on passports and visas,airport parking and travel insurance through to what you need to pack. You can read up on specific gap year advice, find out about working abroad and get tips on transport too. 

Read through country guides to give you an introduction to the location itself and gain advice about working there. Browse hostel listings to help you find the right budget accommodation. Remember whether you are Backpacking the conventional way, or tramping or trekking or bush-walking in other countries, you must read in advance, other people's experiences. Such information is crucial in providing trail finders, hosteling information, gear guides, and other travelling tips In your preparatory list remember to put insurance right at the top. It is important to get the right cover for the type of trip you are undertaking.

Safety and your health are important while away from home, is the most important. Remember the risks posed by Hypothermia if you are going to places with extreme temperatures; 'prevention is the best cure' should be your mantra. The dangers of a sudden hostile weather change or equipment poorly conditioned for backpacking can, quite easily, ruin your globe-trotting adventure. We hesitate to recommend children joining you in your trail blaze. It is recommended that you travel light. Buy Multi-purpose gear if available. Use tried and tested tools and gadgets. You not only need gadgets but experience of using them too. 

Items such as optics (binoculars, monoculars), electronics (cameras, picture-editing software, GPS, compasses, altimeters, watches) communications (phones, radio, ham radio) are all handy tools. Backpacking can be a wonderfully spontaneous and thrilling experience but a traveler must afford a great deal of flexibility to enjoy it fully. If backpacking isn't your preferred style just remember that there is more than one way to travel around the world.

Cruises may still be associated with older travelers, but the times when older travelers are the only ones enjoying a cruise vacation are long passed. A cruise is an extremely attractive option for anyone seeking to escape from the demands of work and everyday life. Fortunately, cruise lines now offer a variety of programs allowing them to meet the holiday needs of any traveler’s lifestyle and preferences. Cruising is no longer about simply showing off your new wardrobe, playing shuffleboard or socializing in the lounge. 

These may all be great parts of a cruise vacation, but there is a wide range of activities and amenities perfect for every traveler. A new trend in cruising is the celebrity cruise which is perfect for anyone wanting to be pampered and feel like a “celebrity.” These luxury ships offer a range of services on board. Maids and butlers are ready to serve the passengers once on board. There is, of course, plenty of time for relaxation that can include massages, lounging or swimming, for instance. With the extraordinary catering, this entire cruise can become a fabulous treat for any passenger. 

Families with children will need to find a babysitter, but once that is taken care of, they will have a wonderful ocean vacation to look forward to. Family cruises are a great option for families desiring to spend their holiday with their kids. Activities are geared for both adults and children. Theme cruises such as Disney, for example, offer even more specialized activities and fun with some of the famous animated characters the kids will surely enjoy. A benefit to these cruises is that the programs and activities planned for the children keep them busier for longer periods of time allowing the parents to spend a little more time together and relax away from the hassle of everyday life onshore. 

At night, entertaining events bring the family back together and provide the opportunity for fun as a family all evening. If your children are older, they will probably like the idea of an adventure cruise even more. This is a great way to explore new areas and experience trips where your kids can feel like they have discovered new, exciting places and different cultures. There is possibility for this travel all over the world, whether Antarctica, the Costa Rica rainforests or the ancient ruins of the Incas in Mexico. 

Adventure cruises offer a good balance of exploration and time for relaxation since there are still plenty of opportunities to recreate the adventures once on board. Finally, there are even ships designed especially for those travelers tired of the single life. Going on a singles cruise just might be that turning point in your love life. They offer a good combination of socialization, relaxation and planned activities. There is an even number of men and women on board providing even more opportunity for you to meet your partner. But, even if you do not meet your dream partner on board, you will surely find many new friends to socialize with and enjoy the many activities offered.

You have seen pictures of the lavish new luxury resorts; private islands in the shape of palms and Continents of the world. You've heard about the recreation parks for indoor skiing and man made beaches for surfing. You have probably imagined the all out partying that goes on inside all those glitzy skyscrapers. Am I right? Well, you had better think again!

Once again Dubai has shocked Western cultures by jailing visitors for minuscule quantities of banned substances, and sentenced these unsuspecting travelers to four years (YES, FOUR YEARS!) in jail. A growing number of Western tourists who are unaware of the strict, no tolerance policy in the United Arab Emirates, for possession of banned substances, end up in jail when highly sophisticated screening equipment finds traces of drugs on their clothes, bags or shoes. 

A British man was sentenced last week to 4 years of imprisonment after screening agents found a speck of marijuana in the tread of his sneaker (so small it would be virtually invisible to the naked eye, less than one grain of sugar). And you do not need to enter the country to be targeted for search. Several unsuspecting travelers were merely transiting through Dubai with a change of plane on their way to another destination.

As reported by the Times Online, "A mere speck of a drug forgotten in a trouser pocket can bring a four-year jail term. Since January 2006, possession of even trace amounts of illegal drugs has resulted in four-year jail terms for foreigners in transit through Dubai.The presence of drugs in the body is counted as possession, the Foreign Office cautions. In other words,Travelers can be jailed even if they have no drugs on them: a trace in the blood-stream of a drug consumed before entering the UAE is enough to secure a jail term. Painkillers that are available with a doctors prescription or are even available over the counter in Europe or the United States can be illegal in Dubai."

Even more shocking is the classification of poppy seeds as a prohibited drug. One very unfortunate fellow hastily ate a roll at Heathrow Airport before boarding his plane. You guessed it, three poppy seeds fell into his clothing, and that was enough to get him arrested at the airport in Dubai. Apparently poppy seed possession can bring a jail term of 15 years. Are you kidding me!!! The Daily Mail reports, "Meanwhile a Big Brother TV executive has so far been held without charge for five days after being arrested for possessing the health supplement melatonin." Melatonin is an over-the-counter remedy used by thousands of Westerners to help relieve the symptoms of jet lag. Travelers should also be aware that many common prescription drugs are banned in the UAE whether you have a doctors prescription with you or not.

To be on the safe side, take a look at the US State Department's travel advisory site for the United Arab Emirates. You have no idea just how restrictive it is over there! Individuals are required to possess a personal liquor license, even in their own homes, to enjoy a beer or glass of wine. Tourist hotels certainly serve alcohol in their restaurants and bars, but the consumption of alcohol anywhere else is strictly prohibited.

And you had better not find fault with your hotel bill or restaurant tab either. You guessed right, your passport will be confiscated and you will be detained until the matter is resolved to their satisfaction. So the next time you see one of those glitzy television specials about how wonderful it is in Dubai, think again, and spend your money in a country with a reasonable judicial system.

Make reference to France travel and the name Paris comes up right away. Paris is known to the rest of the world for its world renowned Eiffel tower. The tower was built between 1887 and 1889 and became today one of the most recognizable monuments in France as well as an international symbol that attracts people from all around the world to Paris. Located near the Seine river, which is considered to be the lifeline of the city of Paris, the Eiffel tower was built by a French engineer called Gustave Eiffel, which explains why the tower was given the Eiffel name.

The tower was built a century after the French revolution in order to celebrate the centenary of this important historical milestone and the ideals of the French Revolution liberty, equality and fraternity. French history indicates that the tower was inaugurated on the 31st of march 1889 and opened to the public on May, 6th of the same year. However, it is the Eiffel tower that symbolizes Paris as a tourist destination in modern times. The construction of the tower had indeed met with a stiff resistance from the intellectuals as well as the regular Frenchman during its beginnings. 

A number of French leaders and citizens questioned the judgment of the people who had thought of the idea of the tower in the creation period, calling it an eyesore and a misuse of public finances and wealth. Of those protestors, the world renowned writer Guy de Maupassant is thought to have eaten at one specific restaurant everyday, as he claimed this restaurant was the only restaurant in Paris that spared him the painful sight of the tower! The tower, a milestone for France travelers was the tallest structure in the world at the time of its construction and measures approximately 300 meters high and inclues 3 stories. Highest structure in Paris, the Eiffel tower is the second highest structure in France.

The French authorities in charge of maintaining the tower provide a useful website that can attest to be a blessing for travelers from other countries. The website gives accurate rates for sightseeing and also provides the history of the construction of the tower. Distinct rates exist for adults and children as well as exclusive concessions that are available for the disabled.

Like the varying degree of passionate travelers of France, the rates for the elevators vary as one rises up the tower. The standard rates for adults for the first story are in the 40 euros while the 2nd floor can be assessed at a rate in the seventy euros for adults. The top level, which is a visual delight of Paris can be reached by elevator at a rate of about 100 euros. 

The tower is fully equipped with facilities that can help the disabled access to its height and share the beauty of the city of Paris. Lifts and turnstiles are easily available that can help people with reduced mobility access the tower. For a summary of a visit to the Eiffel tower make sure to stop at Altitude 95, the restaurant located on the first level of the Eiffel tower. Needless to say that France travel remains incomplete without touring this historical beauty. We wish you a visit that just soars with fun!