Let’s say you already have your objective and you already done your research.

What’s Next?

Remember my objective?

My objective: To visit a place where I could relax and eat nice food..Taipei..within my budget of SGD 2000, with my girl friend.

I have done my research, for the information on Taipei, please visit my blog.

Next, would be to ACTION!!

I assume you know the price of things in your destination from your research.

Action, means you take out your money or credit card and start booking your flights and accommodation.

This saying is most important, “The Early Bird Catches The Worm”

Prices for flights could be different by 50% or even more if you book early.

Accommodation price is less affected by booking early or late, but remember, they have limited rooms and popular hostels or couch will be filled very fast for peak season.

Example, I book my flight to Hong Kong for my previous backpack about 5 months earlier. It cost me RM540(USD 150) to and back. Before I went on board, I went to the site where I book, the price was RM1250 (USD 320). I saved 50% for booking early.

Another saying is,”Be at the right place, right time and meet the right person, then you can succeed”

Be at the right place,

1) in front of your computer, most of the time you can get a great deal through the internet.(visit my Backpacking tips Blog, I recommend those that i used before there)

2) visit travel fairs, we have a lot of them here in Singapore and Malaysia. Free & Easy deals they sell in the fairs are always 10-20% less than normal days.

Be at the right time

1) For budget airline, do visit their website about 6 months earlier than you trip and keep posted on their new promotions. Only when you think the deal is good, you buy.

2) For fairs, go on the end of a low peak day. Normally, the low peak day would be the first day, and afternoon..

Meet the right person

1) Ok…you don’t meet anyone on the website…who knows..there might a automated system around to offer you more great prices..

2) For fairs, well the truth is…all the promoters give almost the same price, mayb 5-10% difference. But it’s your luck on who you meet, so good luck!!

My experience,

I bought a Free & Easy package during the NATAS fair in Singapore, 5 months before my Taipei trip. The price was bout 15% less than outside stores and I went on the first day afternoon, long before anyone finished work.The promoters were hungry for deals, thus I can ask more information and also get a good deal.

I have more accommodation tips on this post of my blog Backpacker’s accommodation – Local Lodging.

Egypt's mystical and timeless appeal has for centuries seen the ancient country being ranked among the most spectacular sightseeing destinations in the world.

Egypt is reached by air, water as well as road and rail. Those traveling by air can come in through Cairo International Airport, Alexandria, Nozah, Luxor and Aswan in Upper Egypt, Hurghada in the Red Sea area, and Sharm El-Sheikh in South Sinai.

There are several airlines that offer Egypt flights including British Airways, Alitalia, Turkish Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, Royal Dutch Airlines, and Thai Airways International.

In addition to airports there are a number of marine harbors for those that prefer to travel by sea. For those traveling on the Mediterranean Sea, the ports of Alexandria, Port Said, and Damietta are all possible entry points. There is also a port right at the Gulf of Suez and another, the port of Nuweiba on the Gulf of Aqaba. The Red Sea offers three options for travelers; the ports of Hurghada, Safaga, and Sharm El-Sheikh.

For those who prefer road trips, there are three overland entry posts. The Salloum entry post is located on the northwestern border (for those coming in from Libya). The famous Rafah crossing is on the northeastern border for those coming in from the Gaza Strip, the Occupied Territories, and Israel. On the eastern border there is a post at Taba for those coming in from Israel.

Getting the right paper work and visa is essential to a stress free entry into Egypt. Non-Egyptian visitors arriving in Egypt are required to be in possession of a valid passport. Visas can be obtained from either the Egyptian Diplomatic and consular missions abroad, the Entry Visa Department, or from Immigration and Nationality Administration (TDINA). However it is possible for visitors to obtain an entry visa at any major points of entry.

Visitors enter Egypt at the overland border post to Taba to visit Gulf of Aqaba coast and St.. Catherine can be exempted from visa and granted a free residence permit for fourteen days to visit the area. Citizens of the following countries are required to be in possession of a pre-arrival visa: Afghanistan, Algeria, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Chechnya, Croatia, Georgia, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Iran, Kirghizia, Lebanon, Macau, Macedonia, Malaysia, Moldavia, Montenegro, Morocco, Pakistan, Palestine, The Philippines, Russia, Serbia, Slovenia, Sri-Lanka, Tadzhikistan, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan and all African countries.

Those in possession of a residence permit in Egypt are not required to obtain an entry visa if they leave the country and return to it within the validity of their residence permit or within six months, whichever period is less. There are three kinds of visas to Egypt. Tourist visas are usually valid for a period not exceeding three months and granted either either single or multiple entry basis. Entry visa are required of any visitors arriving in Egypt for purposes such as work, and study that are not related to tourism. This visa is necessary for the completion of the residence procedure in Egypt. Transit visas are made available to travelers transiting through Egypt. Once in Egypt, visitors have different options to get around the country in an easy and comfortable way. The options range from car rental, luxury trains, and coaches to domestic flights to connect tourist cities.

If you are coming in through Cairo International, you have the option of renting a limousine with fixed fees according to your accommodation location from the airport or use Cairo airport transportation service which covers all the country and airports. You can request for this service through your travel agent or from the information desk at the airport.

The easiest and most common way of moving within any city is by taxis. These are easily available in the major cities, Cairo, for instance, has a fleet of air-conditioned and metered yellow cabs. One is anyone advised to book their taxis at least an hour before their intended time for their trip. In some cases it is recommended that you ask for a receipt as proof of payment to avoid any inconvenience later. Alternately one could catch a regular taxi on the street or even in front of their hotel. They are usually colored depending on the city they operate in. in Alexandria they are yellow and black, in Cairo they are black and white. It is very important to know the color codes in different cities so that you minimize risks.

Egypt's major cities have a healthy bus system within and between the cities. Examples of which are Super Jet, Delta and Upper Egypt buses. They go from city to city and they provide catering facilities, toilets and on board entertainment. The con in traveling with buses is that they stop far too often so taking too long especially on long distance trips. Rail travel is highly recommended for long distance travel.

The underground, which is comprised of two long lines, is the cheapest and fastest way to move inside Cairo and Giza governively especially in the rush hours (from 2 pm to 5pm). The first, from Helwan to El Marg has 33 stops; the second, from Giza to Shoubra El Khema has 18 stops. Note that the first carriage on each train is always strictly for women. Summer working hours are from 6:00 am to 1:00 am and winter working hours are from 6:00 am to 12:00 pm.

Many transportation companies offer a wide choice of luxury cars and coaches with well trained drivers. Car rental agencies are represented in the major cities as well as the international and domestic airports. The train is one of the best ways to travel between major Egyptian cities.

Three kinds of trains are available: the ordinary, the express, and the turbo. The express and the turbo are the more expensive options, but they come with the advantage of a pampered journey taking you to your destination quickly with all catering facilities and air-conditioning. An excellent turbo train service is available between Cairo and main cities around the country. The train takes about two hours to go from Cairo to Alexandria.

For those who prefer to travel by air locally, Egypt Air – the national carrier – links most of the tourist cities in Egypt with its reliable domestic flights. It is possible to fly directly from Luxor to Sharm El Sheikh or Alexandria.

There is an interesting background to the Cambodia casinos that lie just across the border from neighboring Thailand, where casino gambling is illegal. Eight casinos are situated in a relatively small area in the city of Poipet in Cambodia. This conclave of Cambodia casinos is in a prime location, a three to four drive from Bangkok and Macao, the two biggest gambling centers in Asia. Cambodia casinos do a thriving business with Thai workers and visitors from Malaysia, Japan, South Korea, and Singapore, with only very few Westerners. The phenomenal income gained from the casinos ranges from $7.5 million to over 12.5 million, and there are few restrictions or registration requirements for casino ownership. Ownership is presumed to be largely Thai; however, investment sources are vague. The borders are officially open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and although visas are supposedly required to cross, there are ways around this, as is true of most border crossings.

The first Cambodia casinos opened in Phnom Penh in 1994, but were forced to close in 1998, leaving only one casino in the capital, the Naga Resort. The Naga, a stationary boat casino, features 150 slots and sixty table games. The Naga casino is open 24 hours with 42 tables of mini-baccarat, four tables of blackjack, 10 of roulette, two of Caribbean Stud Poker, and one each of Pai-Gow and Tai-Sai.

The first casino in Poipet, the Holiday Palace, opened in 1999 and the Golden Crown soon followed. There are 150 slots and five table games at the Golden Crown and 104 slots and 68 table games at the Holiday Palace. The newer Holiday Palace Casino and Resort features 300 slots and 70 table games and the Princess Hotel and Casino, also in Poipet, has 166 slots and 96 gaming tables, including 87 baccarat (the most popular game), Fan Tan, and Pai Gow. In addition, there is the Casino Tropicana, with 135 slots and 66 of the familiar table games, as well as one table of Casino Stud Poker. Another one of the eight casinos in Poipet, also in a hotel, is the Princess Casino with 166 slots and 97 games. The Star Vegas Casino is part of an international resort and hotel complex that features a number of amenities in addition to the casino, which has 10,000 square feet of 130 slots and 88 table games.

Across the Cambodian border at Asmech/Surin is one casino, the Casino O Samet, with 100 slots and 50 tables of baccarat. In addition, the Koh Kong Casino, in the province of Trat, is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., with 100 slots and four table games. A smaller casino, Le Macau Casino and Hotel, opened recently at Bavet on the Vietnamese border.

The Carnival of Rio is one of the most popular annual parties in the whole world. The exuberant floats, the beautiful samba dancers, and the contagious joy of its people make Brazil the ideal spot for those seeking for excitment and unique experiences. In fact, once you hear the rhythmic beating of the drums, your feet will start moving turning you into another participant of this great celebration that takes place in Samba schools, on Avenida Marques de Sapucai, or in the street blocks. But Brazil offers much more – It offers natural beauty and green areas like no other place. It's a place injected with life. From the Amazon rainforest to the Iguazu Falls, there is definitely plenty to see and do in Brazil.

What to do?

Looking for exuberant nature? Head north to the Amazon rain forest where you will find thousands of unique species of plants and animals, and also indigenous tribes. Make sure to book a tour, so you can get the most out of this experience while staying safe. Manaus is the capital of the Amazonas State and the best place to go to visit the Amazon Forest. Belem is the second largest city in the Amazon region with religious festivals and traditional markets.

Looking for beautiful beaches? Head northeast to Salvador (Bahia), Olinda, Recife or Natal. It is considered the country's sunniest region with colonial architecture and street parties all year round.

Looking for cosmopolitan cities? Head southeast to Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo. In Rio you will find beautiful beaches such as Copacabana and Ipanema along with the famous open arms statue – Christ The Redeemer. The statue is a symbol that represents the culture of the people from Rio (Cariocas) and their welcoming hospitality. Cariocas are known for their easy-going, laid-back culture in contrast to the more reserved people from other cities. Sao Paulo is Brazil's largest, richest and most cosmopolitan city defined by a diverse cultural and business life. Sao Paulo is so diverse that is home to the largest Japanese population outside of Japan. It also has strong Italian and Arab influences. The people of Sao Paulo are known as hard-working and industrious people contrasting with the Cariocas and the people from other regions.

Where to eat?

Brazil's national dish is feijoada, a hearty stew made of black beans and pork. It's a heavy dish, so take your time before eating it. Excellent seafood can also be found in the coastal towns of Brazil. Brazilian snacks called lanches include a wide variety of pastries such as coxinha, empadinha, and pastel. If you are in the mood for good barbeque, try the Brazilian "Churrasco" served at many restaurants. A restaurant meal with a drink usually costs $ 10 making eating out a very feasible experience for those on a budget. Fast food is also available and you will find as many Bob's (a famous fast-food chain in Brazil) as McDonald's in the big cities.

Where to stay?

In the Pantanal region – a place full of wild like and wetlands – tourists usually stay in fazendas, which can be described as big ranches. Boat hotels are also a popular option for tourists who want to have a relaxing time fishing and watching the Pantanal wildlife. In the big cities, you will find 5 star hotels as well as pousadas (guesthouses) and hostels.

Visas & Documents

o Citizens from Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Paraguay, Peru and Uruguay may enter the country with a valid ID card and stay up to 90 days.

o Citizens from the following countries are required to present their passports for stays of up to 90 days: South Africa, Croatia, all EU countries (except Cyprus, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania), Turkey, Israel, New Zealand, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Bulgaria, Colombia, South Korea, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Philippines, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Hong Kong SAR, Iceland, Macau SAR, Malaysia, Morocco, Namibia, Panama, Slovakia, Slovenia, Malta, Surinam , Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Venezuela.

o Citizens from the following countries currently need a visa for Brazil: Australia, Canada, China, India, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Angola, Mozambique, Cape Verde, United States, El Salvador, Nicarágua, Indonesia, Iran, Jamaica, Armenia, Lebanon, Siria, former soviet countries and others not listed above.

o United States citizens are required to pay 100 US Dollars for a 5 year visa.

Bungee jumping is an ill-advised sport for the faint hearted. You might be surprised that though a lot of people take the initiative to try it out, most back down just before the jump. Free falling from a really high place with gravity working against you is one of the scenarios most people consider to be their worst nightmare. But if can overcome your fear enough to take that first jump, you will find that bungee jumping is one of the most adrenalin heightening extreme sports you may come across. Once you get a taste of that rush of adrenalin you will find yourself coming back for more, like a lot of people do.

Most of you may be familiar with the concept but still here are the highlights. First a long, extremely strong and stretchy cord is tied around the jumper’s ankle, who leaps off of the jumping point. While falling freely the cords reaches its maximum stretching capacity and jerks the jumper back up and fall again. The process continues until the jumper stops bouncing to just dangle in midair. Bouncing up and down might seem nauseating but it’s really exhilarating.

Bungee jumping requires no skill or experience. Just scream your head off on your way down and have a good time doing it. Of all the different type of extreme sports that are out there bungee jumping has the least number of accidents though it seems to be dangerous. Most people feel apprehensive about two things. First, the rope might snap on them. This is highly unlikely since, to ensure your safety, all commercial bungee jumping cords are strictly quality tested. Secondly, they might swing back and hit the wall behind them. The bungee jumping operator by extending the bungee jumping platform away from the cliff has already taken care of this probability. However, you need to exercise extreme caution and stay away from the cliff if you are not enlisting professional help.

Bungee jumping is not without its risks despite all the precautions taken. Although the chances of equipment failure are low, during the actual fall there are a lot of things that can go wrong. One who doesn’t have a lot of limber can easily end up pulling a muscle or dislocating something because of the successive jerking that occurs after the first fall. Many instances of eye injury while bungee jumping have also been reported.

Across the world there are lots of places where you can bungee jump. You will find a bungee jumping platform wherever you can find a canyon, bridge, or dam that gives more than a few 100 feet of height. The Bungee Tower in Cairns, the Verzasca Dam in Switzerland and the highest one of all, the Macau Tower in China are some of the most famous bungee jumping points in the world. You are provided with professional, commercial help in getting your equipment on and your form perfected at these places.

Due to its nature, bungee jumping does not offer a lot of chances of competition though there are a few areas within the sport that offer some competition, acrobatics being one of them. Judging bungee jumpers based on the moves that they could pull off while on air, is the core substance of a few specialized competitions.

Bungee jumping starts your adrenaline pumping just by the mere thought of it. It will definitely be your cup of tea if you are one of those people who love to take part in new and exciting extreme sports.

Once you have come to realise what that genuine desire is, and have ensured that it is consistent with your personal values. Then all you have to do is simply to move in the obvious direction that leads towards your desire.

The 3 Pillars of Career Success

You can start by reading several self-help books or listen to motivational cd’s and subscribe to career related newsletters. There are loads of information out there about the right way and the ultimate solution etc. Hey, I have even written some of them and I also publish a newsletter and I would be glad to have you buy them and subscribe to them. But, you are really no different from any of the so-called Guru’s or from me.

In fact you have all the same potentials and unless you are mentally or physically impaired, then you can make you career as success story all by yourself, if you so desire. All you have to do is learn and follow the Three Pillars of Career Success.

Point 1. Nothing happens until something moves

Point 2. Become internally who you want to be externally

Point 3. It is not the journey itself, but the destination that is important

Career Coaching is simply Career Planning… With Help and Motivation

There are never any “quick solutions” to life’s many problems, including career problems. There are only gradual improvements. When you search for solutions, you are wasting precious time and energy, which you could instead have used to make several small but highly important improvements. Following a simple plan of incremental improvements, such as the “Six Step” SECURE career coaching strategy, will always prove to be far more efficient and profitable than any “quick solution” fix as frequently advertised.

Every journey and career move, begins with a small step and continues step by step until you reach your destination. However, once you are there and have enjoyed the sights and experiences, you will feel the urge to go to somewhere better. That is the natural journey of life and it is a journey that never ends, and which consists of many different phases and travels, which will take you to various places.

To effectively move forward in your career, you will have to keep looking forward and you will have to regularly look up towards your points of destination. However, in order for you to arrive successfully, you will have to look most at what is directly in front of you. This is essential so that you can steer around any obstacles and avoid any pitfalls. Thus you should only look up at your point of destination, in order to keep your general point of direction.

The problem most people have with their career and life, is that they look to the past for causes and to the future for solutions. Thus they go through life and career with one leg stuck in the past and the other leg ahead in the future. As a result… they are “urinating” on today’s opportunities!

If your daily actions is build upon a “future vision” that is based on some “utopian” idea. And if your current re-actions to challenges and problems are based on finding causes in your past, and what has happened. Then you will be using those causes as excuses for your current problems and recent failures. Well… is it then really a mystery, why your current career situation seems stained with “yellow”?

Referring back to Point 1. “Nothing happens until something moves”, then that simply mean that if you genuinely want change your career or specific parts of it, then you need to take action. You will need to move your life and your career in a new direction Today! Planning and research is good, but too much planning and research is just an excuse for delaying actions due to fear of failure.

Referring back to Point 2. “Become internally who you want to be externally”, that that simply mean that you have to have the self-discipline to change yourself and your life. Do not allow yourself to fall into the trap in which you pretend to yourself and others that you do not know what to do or how to do it. You already know what you need to do and you know how you can learn to do it, SO STOP Wasting Time and Just DO IT!

Referring back to Point 3. “It is not the journey itself, but the destination that is important”, then that simply mean that Whether your journey is constantly fun and exciting, or at times seems long and hard. Then it is important to realize that it is not the specific phases of the journey that is important, it is the arrival at your chosen destination that is important.

Your Career Development

Every choice you make affects your life and career, whether for good or for bad depends entirely upon you. You will know exactly what choices to make, if you just allow your values to lead you towards your goals. Start by focusing on what you have achieved in your career and you will soon find yourself feeling good about yourself. When you feel good about yourself then other people will also feel good about you. Your career will only move in the direction you lead it and it will only move at a pace equal to the time and energy you put into it.

Dan Sommer’s “SECURE” Career Coaching Program

You will achieve what you want in your career, by following my tested and proven 6-step; “SECURE” career program

See: http://www.dansommer.biz/Career_Coaching.html

Vermeer's Hat by Timothy Brook is not really about Vermeer, or hats, or art for that matter. It's a book about globalization sixteenth century-style. Using elements from a few of the Dutchman's paintings – plus some others from the period – the author identifies evidence of global trade, of the economic history of a century that saw the opening up of commerce on a scale the world had previously not known. And unlike the more academic studies of Wallerstein or Gunder Frank, Timothy Brook's book is accessible even to the casual reader. Its approach is highly original; its style is lucid and clear; its scholarship is nothing less than phenomenal.

Early on in the text the author reminds us of the fundamental difference between the image and the narrative of art. 'Paintings are not' taken ', like photographs;' Timothy Brook writes, 'they are "made", carefully and kindly and not to show an objective reality so much as to present a particular scenario.' Objects in a painting are there for a reason. They are part of a narrative or comment that the artist chooses to refer, perhaps consciously. Our tasks as observers are completely to interpret as well as respond, as well as merely see. And make no mistake, the process is intellectual, not just aesthetic. With an admirable eye for detail, Timothy Brook thus analyzes seventeenth century paintings for evidence of international trade. But this is only a starting point for a truly global tour.

A beaver hat, for instance, leads him to refer the story of how French expeditions into Canada bought pelts to feed demand for high fashion in Europe. It was the beaver's fortune – or perhaps misfortune – to be born with a fur that, when transformed into melt, retained waterproof, and hence kept its shape in the rain. The consequences of this trade – apart from the obvious ones for the beavers – included conflicts with indigenous people, followed by subjugation and, in some cases, annihilation.

A Chinese vase, a Turkish carpet and other artefacts around the house lead to the history of trade with the east and then into how China developed into a manufacturing center that sucked in Spanish colonial silver from South America to pay for its wares. A discussion of the galleon trade leads to Spain's annexation of Manila and later the whole of the Philippines. In order to compete the Portuguese establish in Macau and the Dutch colony the spiced islands.

What impresses the reader of Vermeer's Hat is Timothy Brook's skill – an artist's skill, no less – in assembling potentially disparate scenes into an engaging and extremely persuasive narrative. Economic history that becomes an engaging story that makes perfect sense. By the end of the century the British were also on the scene, having taken advantage of victories over the competition.

We follow the spice trade, the spread of tobacco, trade in silk and ceramics and, of course, the lives of people who pursued and controlled the commerce. We learn how administrators and rulers reaped their own rewards, how illit goods were smuggled in the same holds as declared cargoes. We see fortunes made and lost, ships sailed and sunk, reputations created and destroyed. And certainly we recognize the world as we know it, a modern world where only the technology is different. Vermeer's Hat is a must for anyone who thinks that globalization might be a recent phenomenon.

By now you have most likely at least heard of Fall Out Boy. They are one of the biggest bands pop-punk bands today and have played countless sold out shows all over the world. If you haven’t heard of them, you should come out from under that rock and start listening.

The Chicago-based band started in 2001 with guitarist Joe Trohman and bassist Pete Wentz. Patrick Stump, the lead singer, and drummer Andy Hurley were soon added, and “Fall Out Boy” formed. The name came from an audience member at one of their first shows, who yelled out the name of a character from The Simpsons when the band asked for suggestions.

Fall Out Boy released their first album, Take This To Your Grave, in 2003 and received immediate attention from FUSE, mtvU, and many mainstream radio stations across the states. After that, the band simply continued to gain popularity and released two more albums: From Under the Cork Tree (2005) and Infinity on High (2007).

Just last December, Fall Out Boy came out with their latest album, Folie a Deux. It features collaborations with Elvis Costello, Brendon Urie (Panic at the Disco), and Travis McCoy (Gym Class Heroes).

Through the four albums, their is a clear evolution of sound, from a more raw punk-rock in the band’s earlier days to the addition of more piano, orchestral arrangements, and synthesizers. The band is known for having a unique sound, and they show no signs of slowing down anytime soon. Whether or not Fall Out Boy is your style, they are definitely worth listening to.

See Fall Out Boy on tour this summer and fall:

July 19, 2009 Macau, China

July 20, 2009 Bejing, China

July 22, 2009 Taipei, Taiwan

July 24, 2009 Jisan Valley, Korea

July 26, 2009 Nigata, Japan

July 30, 2009 Calgary, Canada

July 31, 2009 Edmonton, Canada

Aug 01, 2009 Saskatoon, Canada

Aug 02, 2009 Winnipeg, Canada

Aug 04, 2009 Milwaukee, WI

Aug 06, 2009 Boston, MA

Aug 07, 2009 Montreal, QC

Aug 08, 2009 Toronto, ON

Aug 09, 2009 Wantagh, NY

Aug 10, 2009 Portland, ME

Aug 12, 2009 Hershey, PA

Aug 13, 2009 Cincinnati, OH

Aug 14, 2009 Pittsburgh, PA

Aug 15, 2009 Chicago, IL

Aug 16, 2009 Omaha, NE

Aug 18, 2009 Minneapolis, MN

Aug 19, 2009 St. Louis, MO

Aug 20, 2009 Indianapolis, IN

Aug 21, 2009 Buffalo, NY

Aug 22, 2009 Detroit, MI

Aug 28, 2009 Reading, UK

Aug 30, 2009 Leeds, UK

Sep 18, 2009 Irvine, CA

Sep 19, 2009 Tempe, AZ

Sep 21, 2009 Albuquerque, NM

Sep 23, 2009 Dallas, TX

Sep 24, 2009 Houston, TX

Sep 26, 2009 West Palm Beach, FL

Sep 27, 2009 Tampa, FL

Sep 28, 2009 Pelham, AL

Sep 29, 2009 Atlanta, GA

Oct 01, 2009 Charlotte, NC

Oct 02, 2009 Virginia Beach, VA

The honeymoon never really needs to be over. When you visit a tropical paradise on that first trip together, you’ll have memories to last a lifetime-and you’ll be hooked on sitting on the beach, enjoying the warm waters, and sampling the sumptuous cuisines of Asia. You’ll go back for your second honeymoon, your third, your fourth, and on your 50th wedding anniversary. The honeymoon never ends when you choose a tropical paradise to start out your lives together.

Whether you’re planning a June wedding or a December one, the honeymoon resorts in places like Bali, the Maldives, or the tropical paradise island of Phuket, Thailand will accommodate with warm weather year-round.

Honeymoons to fit any budget

When you choose an Asian destination for your special honeymoon trip, you can always find something to suit your budget. You’ll have at your disposal the full range of amenities and resorts, from luxurious, five-star spas with staff that will cater to your every need, to a low-budget backpacking trek through Southeast Asia, and everything in between. Affordable and comfortable hotels are easy to find in most popular Asian destinations, and if you’re in the mood for roughing it, it’s not too hard to find a “guest house”, hostel or basic room for as little as a few dollars a night.

What to do on your honeymoon in paradise

Besides the obvious, you’ll have plenty to do while you’re on your trip. You can enjoy one of the magnificent spas, explore ancient temples, and sample new and delicious foods that you’ve never before seen. Food is after all, the heart of romance, and there are few things more exciting-and intimate-than sharing an exotic meal in a tropical country.

And of course, there’s nothing like a few days at a quaint beach resort, enjoying the warm tropical water and clean, white sand. You can spend your afternoon frolicking in the Andaman Sea or on the banks of the mighty Mekong River, then stroll down the beach to a comfy seat under the shade while attendants bring you a drink served in a coconut shell. And when your muscles grow weary from all those long walks on the beach-or whatever other activities may take a toll on you-you can enjoy a therapeutic massage together to rejuvenate your mind and body so you’ll be ready for more.

You’ll find that Asia is a prime honeymoon destination for newlyweds the world over, and it’s easy to see why. Places like Maldives, Nepal, India, and Thailand are without a doubt some of the most romantic destinations on earth, and while there, you’ll find that hoteliers, restaurateurs, and tour package operators enjoy catering to your special needs with very specialized and romantic getaway trips.

Honeymoon planning

Like any trip, a honeymoon takes some advance planning. Once you’ve decided on your itinerary, do some research on plane fares, and decide on the best time to leave. You don’t have to leave right after the wedding–you can save big money often by waiting a few days and leaving mid-week. Be sure to take a detailed look at the many honeymoon vacation packages available, and compare not only the price, but the details as well. The cheapest one may not necessarily be the best deal. And just a small detail-ladies, you may want to avoid confusion at immigration, and book your tickets under your maiden name, since that will be the name on your passport unless you’ve changed it already.

And while planning ahead of time is essential, don’t be afraid to be spontaneous. Once you’ve arrived, you’ll be able to encounter many spectacular wonders that weren’t in the guidebook, such as the delightful little sidewalk restaurant by your hotel, the stunning wilderness just outside of town, or the elephant ride through the jungle. Deviate from your plans once in a while and prepare to be delighted.

A Few Honeymoon Suggestions

There are hundreds of prime destinations that you’ll enjoy as newlyweds, and you may even want to incorporate more than one into your itinerary. Here’s five of Asia.com’s favorite honeymoon destinations just to get you started:

Bali, Indonesia.

This scenic destination is without a doubt one of the most prized destinations for honeymooners. The majestic, natural beauty of Bali has drawn people the world over since the days of old. You’ll find plenty of adventure on your trip to Bali,including trekking through the jungle and enjoying a look under the water with scuba gear. You can rent a room, a suite, or an entire villa, enjoy the pristine beach, and the company of the friendly Balinese people for an exciting and relaxing trip that you’ll want to repeat time and time again.

Maldives.

If you’re looking for tropical paradise, then this is it. The quintessential romantic getaway, Maldives features coral reefs, sand and sea amidst a tropical setting, excellent opportunities for scuba diving or snorkeling, and long walks on the beach. The colorful sea life underwater is simply amazing, and the resorts and spas will deliver an experience to remember.

Phuket, Thailand.

The largest of several islands off the coast of Thailand, Phuket (pronounced poo-ket’) is one of the most common honeymoon hideaways in Southeast Asia, and one of the most pleasing. The beautiful and gentle sea ahs plenty to offer, but the honeymoon doesn’t stop at the island itself. Go to the mainland and explore some of the most breathtaking tropical scenery in the world, and take advantage of some of the trekking opportunities. And needless to say, the Thai food is a paradise within paradise.

Macau, China.

Imagine Vegas multiplied by ten, with a twist of European and Asian culture thrown in for good measure. If you enjoy the excitement of night-life, Macau is the place to go. The casinos there are studies in extravagance, going way beyond just gaming tables, presenting an all-encompassing and complete experience with entertainment, plush hotel rooms, and of course, extravagant shopping opportunities.

Singapore.

Another popular honeymoon destination, this series of islands in Southeast Asia offers several romantic and secluded getaway spots, complete with fashionable and relaxing resort spas. Once you make it out of your hotel room though, you’ll be delighted with the mix of Chinese, Malay, and Hindu cultures there, making Singapore a fascinating melting pot with extravagant cuisine and natural wonders everywhere you turn.

If you’ve ever watched the play/movie 1776, you may recall a scene where Ben Franklin is carried to Congress and carefully sits down, propping his foot up. He says something along the lines of “I wish King George felt like my big toe all over.” That was an allusion to gout, which Franklin suffered from.

Franklin was wealthy, and at the time, the affliction was called “Rich Man’s Disease.” That was because men are usually the victims, and rich food was considered the source.

To a certain degree, they were right. Premenopausal women rarely have this disease, and some meats are extremely high in purine. The breakdown of purine is what causes the flareups. However, beer and most protein sources can be just as bad.

The most important category of food to avoid is organ meat. It doesn’t matter what critter it came from, cow, sheep, chicken, avoid it all. For those of you who love chorizo, this could be somewhat of a problem, as its main ingredients are in that category.

Seafood can be another major trigger, especially shellfish. However, salmon oil, used to give us Omega-3 fatty acids, has been known to cause flareups. You may also want to watch such supplements as glucosamine, as its source is from shellfish.

If you enjoy a nice beer on a hot summer afternoon, you will not be happy with this next bit. Beer is doubly bad for gout. First, the yeast has purine. Second, alcohol causes dehydration, which can increase the concentration of uric acid in the blood stream. Most alcohol will do that, though a glass or two of red wine may be more beneficial than harmful.

If you’re like me, you don’t appreciate articles that concentrate solely on the negative. I was taught that if I’m going to take the time to point out a problem, I ought to spend the time to show possible solutions, and there are a few.

In the beverage department, cherry juice is tops for helping both eliminate the uric acid crystals and reducing the inflammation associated with a flare up. In fact, many 100% fruit juices will do the same. Citrus could be an exception to this, as it is acidic and could encourage crystal formation.

Vegetable protein usually contains less purine than animal sources, but there are some cuts of chicken, pork and beef that are in the acceptable category. The loin portions particularly, due to a decrease in fat, are most beneficial.

For Omega-3s, you may want to look to flax seed oil. It is a natural, vegetable resource for this cholesterol lowering constituent. You’ll still want the benefits of the Omegas, and this could be your best bet.

Talk to your doctor about these suggestions. There are medications that can help, but they could interact with any sort of herbal supplement, including the ones above. That is your best way to make sure you avoid unnecessary flare ups and avoid side effects that could be a problem.