RSSOct|17|2007
To Each His or Her Own Halloween
Posted by Jen as Around The World, Arts & Culture, Events, Festivals, Trivia
While Halloween may have originated from the Celts in Ireland, it has spread quite quickly all over the world, reaching continents as far as Asia. It’s also remarkable how different cultures manage to incorporate this old tradition with their own. In this entry, let me take you to some of those places and see how Halloween manifests itself there.
In China, Halloween is called by another name: Teng Chieh. During this day, the Chinese would offer food and drink to their departed ancestors by setting them before old photographs. They also light bonfires or lanterns in order to serve as a guide for the spirits who walk the Earth. In Buddhist temples, many people make “Boats of Law” which are to be burned during the night. The purpose of this is to remember the dead and to help the spirits who died a tragic death to move …
Oct|16|2007
The Problem With Code-Sharing
Posted by Camica as Air Travel, Around The World, Tips, Transport
Code-sharing can confuse even the most experienced traveler. If you encounter problems with your flight, it can also make the situation worse. As I’ve promised in my last post, here’s a heads-up of some of the problems you might encounter if you have code-shared flights.
Here are the problems usually associated with code-shared flights, and the best way to solve them:
• Passengers will have to check-in with a different airline. Even if you booked your flight with United, if your flight is operated by US Airways, you’d have to check-in with US Airways. It can be confusing, not to mention tiring, to have to run-around searching for the right terminal or gate. The best solution for this is to print your itinerary and bring all your flight details with you when you check-in. If the flight says “operated by…” then you’ll …
Oct|16|2007
Flying Solo: Patience is a Must (Part 2)
Posted by Noemi as Family, Tips
Can I have some money?
This is usually the question of older kids who just can’t seem to stop wanting to buy a drink, something to eat, or anything they lay their eyes on. This situation would of course add to the burden of being a single parent on a tight budget. Don’t lose your cool – there is a way to handle this!
Again, “psyching up” your kids is the key.
Before you leave, you have to go over the expenses with them. For younger children, it would be good to just give them an idea that there is a limit as to how much you are going to spend each day on treats and other purchases. If they can understand, you can mention the amount. Then, each day during the vacation, you can update them as how much of …
Oct|16|2007
Flying Solo: Patience is a Must
Posted by Noemi as Family, Tips
Any parent would know that one of the greatest virtues a mother or a father must have is patience. I would go as far as to say that a single parent might just need twice as much patience, don’t you agree? When going on a trip with your kids, your patience is likely to be tested to the limits.
I would say that the top three questions/statements that gets the best out of parents on the road would be:
-When do we get there?/Are we there yet?
-Can I have some money?
-I’m tired./I’m bored./I’m hungry.
So how do you respond, especially when you are going about your parenting tasks alone? Here are some practical ways to deal with these questions.
When do we get there?/Are we there yet?
Imagine your angel like kids turning into something different in your eyes when they have asked this …
Oct|16|2007
Flying Solo: Tips for Single Parents
Posted by Noemi as Family, People, Tips
Having to take a trip with a child may not be that easy. It can be complicated enough with both parents present – imagine how hard it can be with only one parent around! Single parents already have their share of stress. Here are some tips that can help ease “traveling pains” with your kid (or kids for that matter).
Team up with other single parents
Deal with the difficulty of having to handle children on your own. I am sure that there other single parents in your circle of friends. Why not plan a vacation together and address different needs while you are at it? Traveling with another single parent with children can help you address babysitting concerns as well as provide company for you and the children at the same time, making the vacation more enjoyable.
Look for kid-friendly …
Oct|15|2007
Super Saver Trip Tips: Off-Season Bargains
Posted by Hannah Grace as Tips
Everyone knows that travelling during off-peak season is a lot cheaper. From airline fares to accommodations and even to entrance fees there are a lot of bargains to be had. The real trick though to not only save a lot but to get real value for your money is knowing when to book your vacation.
There is a reason why there are few tourists during low season including the weather and programs available for tourists. It is usually the rainy season during the low season so that many do not enjoy taking a vacation in such inclement weather. Family programs and many fun tourist packages are also not available during low season so that you might miss out on some stuff you’d rather enjoy.
Because of this the best time to actually book a vacation is RIGHT AFTER PEAK SEASON. This period, also called “shoulder season”, is already considered to be part …
Oct|15|2007
Decoding Code-Shared Flights
Posted by Camica as Air Travel, Around The World, Tips, Transport
My sister has just talked my ear off about a recent trip she had. She booked her flight on the internet, and wasn’t aware that she had booked code-shared flights. She almost missed her connecting flight because she assumed she just needed to check-in with her original carrier. Fortunately, she was able to work out the flight’s itinerary in time
If you’re traveling on connecting flights, especially in the domestic U.S., chances are you’re on code-shared flights. Code-shared flights are flights operated by one airline but marketed as a flight of another airline. Code sharing is a practice that allows airlines to offer passengers service to destinations not in their normal route structure. If you’re booking a flight that can’t flown by one single airline, then code-sharing is a good choice compared to booking two separate flights. Code-sharing will offer …
Oct|14|2007
More Couch Surfing Stories…
Posted by Benj as Asia
The first Couchsurfing post drew a bit of reaction and calls for a follow-up so here it is. 
Ok, guys, be prepared, I’m about to expose my top secret location! I’m from The Philippines – the unofficial doormat of Asia whether you’re an American traveler or a typhoon. Our guest was a twenty-something guy who was looking forward to four months in Asia in hopes of experiencing what the land and culture could offer. He’s from Southern California and he’s very interested in extreme sports and the great outdoors. Since he’s already seen a good deal of what the capital city could offer, we thought it was time to take him up North – the cooler and more mountainous part of the country . Though I couldn’t really come with them due to school, a close friend of mine who also needed to go to a major city in that …
Oct|12|2007
Get Ready for the Ultimate Scare Fest!
Posted by Jen as Europe
Right in the middle of UK is Alton Towers, one of the best theme parks in Europe. Located in Staffordshire, this park is preparing to stage their annual Scare Fest which will run from 13th of October to 4th of November. Families all over the world will surely find themselves getting into the Halloween spirit. The theme park has everything from young kids to adults.
There is the Pumpkin Patch which is a pumpkin-themed indoor play area for kids who are aged eight and below. For adventurous trick or treaters, there are Trick and Treat Doors which open to many interesting surprises. Kids will also get to meet the friendly resident spooks of Alton Towers namely: Frank, Phil, Skelvin and Patch. By the end of the day, a laser light show aptly called Fright Lights will be presented to mark the event.
For the slightly older kids, there is a …
Oct|10|2007
A-Maze-Ing Corn!
Posted by Camica as Adventure, Around The World, Destinations, Eco-Friendly, Events, Family, Food and Drink, Nature
Last week, I suggested visiting a corn maze for a Halloween treat. It’s a great outing for a family, especially because it has something for everyone. A corn maze isn’t just fun, it’s educational too, and all at a very affordable cost, since most mazes just charge a modest fee. And you don’t have to go far, you can find a corn maze (especially this season) just about anywhere.
The fun in a corn maze is a-maze-ing (pardon the pun). Your kids will surely be wowed at the pictures the corn mazes depict. There are dinosaurs, pirates, scarecrows and even a depiction of The Duke. Lest you think there’s nothing in a corn maze to see except rows and rows of corn, most corn mazes also offer additional fun, such as hay-rides, …
