The budget carrier Zest Air is still offering a P1 base fare promo for domestic and international flights. This promo will end until tomorrow, May 12,2013 so you better book now!

The all-in fares for flights from Manila to Iloilo, Cebu, Cagayan de Oro, Puerto Princesa, Tagbilaran, Davao, Bacolod and Kalibo are available for as low as P537. Zest Air is also offering all-in fares for Manila to Kota Kinabalu for as low as P461 and from Manila to Kuala Lumpur and Shanghai flights for as low as P681.

The “all-in” fares include the P1 base fare, fuel surcharge, processing fee and other government-mandated fees. These are available on AirAsia’s website www.airasia.com. I was able to avail the P1 fare promo for my brother in law and the total amount for one way fare costs around P750 from Cagayan de Oro City to Manila. You can pay online via credit card or cash through payment partners at 7-Eleven, Bayad Center and Cebuana Lhuillier.

“Last Thursday 28th March 2013, was our last day in the Philippines, our 4 weeks holidays are over and our flight with PAL was supposedly at 9.05 pm departure time from Cagayan de Oro City to Manila but it was 20 minutes delayed, I was so nervous because our flight from MLA-DXB-ZRH with Emirates Airlines was at 12.20 Midnight. I went out from the check-in area to go and complain to Philippine Airlines about the late departure and why they didn’t informed us.

I’m afraid I will miss my flight in Manila when I arrive there already late. The PAL stuff assured me the flight will arrive before 11pm at Manila and they will attach a priority label so we will receive our check-in luggage at Manila immediately upon arrival.
Thanks also to PAL for this immediate action to minimize delay of flight of their passengers.We arrived Manila and we received our luggage’s immediately and they organized also an airport taxi to bring us to NAIA Terminal 1. We arrived NAIA at 11.30 PM thanks God the check-in counter was still open. After checking in our luggage’s we hurried to Passport Control, my passport was okay but Markus Passport has a problem, because the police said, on his Passport he has to stay in the Philippines only until March 23, 2013 so that means he’s already overstaying in the Philippines for 5 days already.

I didn’t noticed it because normally when he’s traveling with me, he will have the same Visa like me. I don’t know why the Immigration Police only write March 23, 2013 during our arrival last March 2, 2013. The police said my travel papers are okay I can proceed to the aircraft but Markus has to pay first the overdue days to the Immigration counter, I said I will not leave this country without him. We arrived here together so we depart here also together.

The Emirates Staff heard about our problem, so they accompanied us with the security of Emirates as well.They tried to extend the boarding time because it was already past 12 midnight.Supposedly the Aircraft has to depart at 12.20PM. We don’t have pesos anymore and the Immigration counter don’t accept credit cards too. Markus has to pay 4,500.00 Pesos for the 5 days.The Emirates Staff were so concerned and tried to see if there are money changer open so that we can exchange our Swiss Francs to pay the said amount.

It’s holy week and everywhere are closed. Me and Markus are getting nervous already, we thought we can’t fly that night.But the Emirates Staff assured us that we can fly, they tried to extend the flight departure for our sake. At last thanks for the concern of the Emirates Airlines staff we were able to exchange our Swiss Francs to Pesos and paid the said amount to Immigration Counter.

The staff and the security accompanied us and they started the boarding already upon knowing that we were able to settle everything. The flight was delayed because of us and that’s a big honor for us from the concerned Emirates Airlines Staff..Kudos! Thanks a lot…for sure we will fly again with Emirates Airlines! Thanks for a job well done…next time we will check everything especially our passports..this is a lesson also for us.”

My family and I are so thankful for the concern and the immediate action that the Emirates Airlines Staff did. What an excellent service that they did for their passengers.

A few weeks ago, my family and I went to Bohol for a tour of the Island. But before we get there, we looked online for a good hotel to stay with at Panglao Island, Bohol. That’s where we found Villa Del Pueblo Inn which is located along Danao, Daorong Barangay Road.

We arrived there at dawn time since the ship arrived early. It is indeed a good place to stay! that’s my first impression of this guest house. It is an ideal place after a long day of exploring Panglao and Bohol. Its proximity to popular landmarks and attractions in Bohol which makes it a perfect temporary home. It’s like home away from home because the room that my mom chose was the family room where it has a balcony with views of the pool, air-conditioned rooms with a seating area and a cable TV.  The suite bathrooms also comes with a shower facilities.

Rooms are larger with 1 double bed and 1 single bed. It also includes a kitchenette, dining area and a fridge.The rate which is P2500/night with free breakfast inclusion is good for 3 persons. Its perfect for the three of us, my daughter and my hubby. While my mom and her boyfriend chose the guest room for 2 pax sharing @ P1300/night with free breakfast inclusion as well.

Villa Del Pueblo is an ideal vacation option for both short and long stays because it has kitchenettes like microwave, kitchen utensils and other kitchen amenities. The resort is designed with Pueblo-style suites, its clean and its comfortable guest rooms with modern amenities are good.

Their facilities and services also includes, on call massage, free shuttle service to Alona Beach, airport transfers, laundry, 24 hour security, safety deposit boxes, daily housekeeping, room service, swimming pool and best of all the WiFi connectivity. So, if you want a peaceful and good ambiance hotel in Panglao, Bohol with adequate facilities and personalized guest service, then stay at Villa del Pueblo Inn. It’s your Villa, in the paradise island of Bohol. 

There’s nothing better than taking a vacation to relax and forget about the pressure and stress of everyday life. However, you must make sure that your home is properly protected while you are away. Burglars are always on the lookout for signs that a house is unoccupied. Doing some simple tasks can prevent you from becoming just another burglary statistic. Let’s take a look five ways to safeguard your home while you are away on holiday:

1. Notify police

You should make a call to your local police department and inform them of your holiday plans. This will allow them to include your home to their holiday watch list. Once the police know you won’t be home for a given period of time, they will drive by your home more frequently than they normally would to look for suspicious activity. Make sure you give the police your contact information so they can reach you if something does happen at your home.

2. Collect your mail

Nothing tells a potential burglar that the occupants of a house are on holiday more than a stack of mail lying at the door. A bulging mailbox is another telltale sign. Simply arrange for a neighbour or other trusted friend to pick up your mail every day while you are away. Another good idea would be to have somebody you know park their car in your driveway for the entire length of your holiday. Thieves are less likely to try to break into a house with a car in the driveway.

3. Improve your lighting

For obvious reasons, burglars tend to avoid areas with bright lights. By improving the exterior lighting of your home, you can ensure that those nasty burglars will just pass your house by in hopes of finding an easier target. Your exterior lighting should be placed on timers. This will allow them to turn on at night when they are needed. You should also consider adding lights that turn on when there is motion in the area. Criminals really hate that sort of thing.

4. Plan your maintenance

Schedule all of the outdoor chores that will need to be taken care of while you are gone. Make sure your lawn is cut on a regular basis. You will also need to have it watered. Neglecting these tasks could give away your absence to a potential burglar. If you are hiring a company or a neighbour to take care of your lawn while you are away, it would be a good idea to call them on a regular basis to confirm that the work they were supposed to do has been completed.

5. Trim your trees

All of the work in your yard should be completed before you leave on your holiday. You will need to pay special attention to any shrubs or trees that are close to doors and windows. If they are neglected and allowed to grow over your doors and windows, a burglar will instantly know that the house is an easy target. Trim them back far enough so this will not happen.

These 5 tips in addition to basic precautions, such as window security screens, will ensure that you can enjoy your travels without having to worry about the security of your home.

Its been two years since my mom spend her holiday and its her boyfriend’s first time to visit the Philippines that’s why we make it sure that they will truly enjoy their holiday here as we visit some of the most visited and popular tourist spots as well as the new and interesting places to visit with here in our city and to the other local destinations as well. We are planning to visit Bohol, Camiguin, some local tourist spots in Misamis Oriental and also at our hometown in Bukidnon.

I’m sure its gonna a fun filled family holiday for us so watch out for my upcoming travel posts because in the next few days I will blog everything that we did out from our trips and travels.  ^_^ 

Although it is highly industrialized and urbanized, the city itself remained dominantly historical. Its historical background seduces many tourists to come by and see for themselves that Philippines started here. Yup! That’s a history unleashed that long before the Philippines was discovered, Butuan already existed!Butuan’s history, culture, arts and people date back to the 4th century as showcased in museums which makes Butuan an exciting source of cultural artifacts in Mindanao.

When regards to its tourism, one of the important part of ones travel itinerary when you visit Butuan should include a stop at the newly built Diosdado Macapagal Bridge or the Butuan Cable Stayed Bridge. The street views of Montilla Boulevard is also a must visit since it is one of Mindanao’s longest boulevards, a six lane two way concrete thoroughfare that bisects the heart of the city’s busy commercial district. Another interesting way of touring Butuan’s important historical sites, and that’s taking the Agusan River Cruise. Their newest tourist spot is the Delta Discovery Park which offers the longest Zip Line rides in Asia.

I find living in Butuan a relaxing and stress free experience as compared to other parts of southern Philippines. With nice scenic destinations, interesting historical and cultural sites around, a stable and peaceful atmosphere plus good urban facilities for work, rest and recreation. The simple city life in Butuan is a pleasure that is  worth living for.

Kids love to live outside, and they can come as close as possible to doing so in this paradise.  Eco camps, hiking and beach BBQs are a few ways to stay outdoors in this warm, inviting climate.  Diving and snorkeling are all-consuming daytime activities, and evening cruises get everyone settled down for a refreshing sleep so they can do it all over again the next day.

Jet-skiing, swimming and hot-air balloon rides are also part of Fiji vacation life, and helicopter rides are available for a bird’s-eye view of the islands.  Dolphin-watch tours are also very popular, and many resorts and hotels have excellent children’s programs so that parents can get a massage and have a bubbly drink.

The fresh seafood and tropical fruits and vegetables native to Fiji keep families healthy while they enjoy captivating new tastes and island dishes.  Watermelons, mangos, pineapples and avocados grow here, and broccoli and snow peas have done well since they started planting them.

Most restaurants and resorts will serve food from Fijan, Chinese and Indian cultures that include fish, coconut milk and lime juice.  Cassava, which is like potato, yams, taro root and breadfruit are common staples that are made into side dishes.  There is no problem finding chicken, beef and pork here, either.  A ceviche-like raw fish dish is called kokoda, but pronounced “kokonda,” and is marinated in lime juice and coconut milk.

Imagine the taste of the specialty drinks here with the high-quality fresh fruit that grows in the Fiji islands.  Tea is a staple here since Fiji was a British Colony until 1970.  Fiji exports sugar from beets and cane, so it is also a staple.  Tourism is a large part of the economy aside from sugar, so Fiji is an excellent place to explore.

The average temperature in the cooler part of the year is 72 degrees Fahrenheit, so the warmer part of the year is sure to please visitors.  November through April is the warmer time since Fiji is south of the equator.  Fiji celebrates Christmas, New Year’s Day and Easter like westerners do, so holidays to Fiji could include traditional celebrations from home but with new decorations.

Fijan culture, costumes, arts and crafts and folk dance are often presented to visitors in resort and hotel venues and these events are usually good family activities.  Seeing and touching cultural items and actually experiencing local customs facilitate the understanding of a different ethnic group and faraway land better than just reading about them.

Visitors soak up culture while enjoying their vacations and establishing meaningful family bonds.  Fiji is a vacation environment filled with good things that families will remember forever.

]]> http://www.vacationmode.info/island-getaways-for-families/feed/ 0 http://www.vacationmode.info/worlds-best-places-for-getting-a-fruit-picking-job-to-fund-your-travel/ http://www.vacationmode.info/worlds-best-places-for-getting-a-fruit-picking-job-to-fund-your-travel/#comments Wed, 28 Nov 2012 15:06:29 +0000 admin http://www.vacationmode.info/?p=603 Fruit picking is seasonal work. Sometimes there is no work. Other times there is a lot of work and farmers are crying out for pickers offering lucrative pay, accommodation, and other benefits. This makes fruit picking the ideal way for backpackers to fund their travel.

Fruit Picking in New Zealand

New Zealand offers year-round agricultural work in breath taking outdoor scenery. Work ranges from farm to vineyards to orchards; depending on the season.

Pickers are either paid per hour or per piece of fruit. At $28-30 per bin skilled workers can pick up to five bins per day, earning over $120 a day. Pickers have to work laboriously from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. to earn this.

Travelers can get a 12 month extension on their holiday visa if they are employed by an orchard. The North Island tends to get better weather than the South Island so itis a considered a more attractive part of New Zealand to pick fruit.

Fruit Picking in Australia

Fruit pickers can earn up to $200 daily. Although higher wages can be earned in iron ore mines, fruit picking gives you flexibility about when and how long you work.

As long as you aren’t worried about getting your hands dirty, finding work in fruit picking and farm work in Australia is easy. Australian farmers are desperate for hard workers around harvest time because a sizable crop is useless to them if they can’t get it picked.

Finding fruit picking work in Australia is a matter of knowing what fruit ripens when and where. Southern Parts of Australia have been struggling with a severe drought, making these areas difficult for finding work.

The weather is hotter and more unpredictable in Australia than it is in New Zealand. Australia also has pests such as poisonous snakes and scorpions which aren’t found in New Zealand.

Fruit Picking in Canada

Canadian orchards offer work for novice and skilled workers picking a diverse range of crops; from apples to plums to cherries to strawberries to loganberries. Harvesting, planting, and post production work is available throughout Canada.

Travelers can apply for the BUNAC’s ‘Work Canada’ program. This permits travelers to live and work in Canada as long as they have funds of CAN$1000; less is required if they can prove they will have a job before arriving to Canada. EU nationals can obtain a six month tourist visa and permission to work through the Canadian High Commission.

Fruit picking in America

Despite paying above minimum wage at $9.50 an hour; most American’s don’t want to do fruit picking. This leaves plenty of work for travelers to pick tangerines, grapefruits, and oranges.

Many orchards don’t bother advertising positions until they are desperate for workers because they get enough direct applications. The best way to find work is to find out what is in season then apply directly to orchards. There is also a harvest trail hotline.

The majority of fruit picking work is paid per piece rate. Pickers start work at 6 a.m. and would have to work hard 10-12 hour days to earn $90-120 before tax.

Fruit picking is exhausting labor, working long hard hours, for little pay; making it difficult for travelers to save much money. Although, there is usually plenty of work available and once you become more competent the pay increases.

Written by Jamie Z.
Jamie is a gardening enthusiast who loves to work with clients on their backyard facelift project ranging from designing herb garden to garden maintenance. His dad and his brother build pool fencing in Brisbane homes. Like most other Aussies, Jamie loves to spend his weekends in the backyard with his beautiful wife, three boys and a golden retriever.

I was checking my notifications and news feeds from my Facebook account today when I saw the newly uploaded photos from my friend who currently lives in Thailand. She posted some photos of beautiful flowers floating on the water. It looks like a festival and I got curious about it until I found out the meaning of this traditional festival in Thailand.

It is called Loi Krathong and it is a special day when Thais pay respect to the goddess of the waters by floating candlelit offerings on any and all waterways around the place. Loi Krathong is celebrated during the full moon of the 12th month in the Thai lunar calendar and usually falls in November in western Gregorian calendar. This year, it was celebrated today, Wednesday, 28th of November 2012. Loi Krathong is actually a popular festival in Thailand with many locals and visitors who are joining the celebration. 

]]> http://www.vacationmode.info/loi-krathong-floating-festival-in-thailand/feed/ 0 http://www.vacationmode.info/worlds-most-prestigious-races/ http://www.vacationmode.info/worlds-most-prestigious-races/#comments Fri, 23 Nov 2012 12:27:44 +0000 admin http://www.vacationmode.info/?p=596 Guests at the world’s most prestigious races have an opportunity to rub elbows with famous faces. This article discusses events for multiple genres instead of focusing on one particular interest. All noteworthy races have rich cultural legacies that add to their mystique.

 (image is not mine)

Royal Ascot – England

Ascot made Travel Channel’s list of the world’s best horse races with good reason. Queen Anne orchestrated the first races in 1711 and competition occurs in Ascot, England for seven days during the month of June. The Queen is a regular guest and hands out awards during Gold Cup events. Ticket levels include General Grandstand, Silver Ring and Royal Enclosure. Female guests in General Bandstand and Royal Enclosure areas must wear hats or fascinators while males wear suits.

2013 ticket prices start at $30.74 Australian dollars (AUD) per person for General Grandstand admission and $95.29 AUD for Silver Ring seating as of November 2012. Aspiring Royal Enclosure guests must have sponsorship from a current member and submit an extensive application. Children 16 years of age and younger may enter the Royal Enclosure only for weekend events.

Indianapolis 500 – United States (U.S.)

Historians consider the Indianapolis (Indy) 500 an extremely important automotive event. Occurring every May since 1911, organisers only postponed races for World Wars I and II. Indy car drivers from around the world gather to drive 200 laps on the Indianapolis Speedway in Indiana. The race spawned a series of pop culture references and memorabilia organizations.

Carburetion (Carb) Day allows guests to extend the race experience. Two days before official Indy events, drivers test out the track and special musical guests provide live entertainment. 2013 Carb day tickets are $22.25 AUD and General Admission Indy tickets start at $36.77 AUD as of November 2012. Additional options grant entry to garage areas and driver access.

London Marathon – England / New York City Marathon – U.S.

Serious runners agree England and the U.S. host equally formidable marathons. New York City (NYC) hosted its first marathon in 1970 for 127 participants. Increased public interest in running helped the event blossom into an international event. A few participants from the United Kingdom (U.K.) wondered if the idea could take root back home. London hosted the first official races in 1981 and participation remains highly competitive.

Marathons conduct lotteries for participant selection and require various entry fees. Members of NYC running clubs paid approximately $133.55 AUD while international competitors paid $223.55 AUD in 2009 for the autumn event. In the spring, 2013 London runners can expect to pay between $46.11 and $61.48 AUD. Travel and accommodation cost extra in both situations.

Prestigious events are available for people looking to hobnob with the elite or display athletic abilities. Some base exclusivity on the guest list while others generate allure with limited participation space. The world’s most prestigious races offer a little excitement for everyone.

Written by Darren W.
Apart from being a frequent traveler, Darren is also web developer and an online gaming enthusiast. His latest discovery is free slots games online. Darren also writes reviews on the latest released games.